Marvel brings back a fan favorite mutant from the dead

Magneto returns in Marvel’s Scarlet Witch No. 5. But who brought the Master of Magnetism back against his wishes?

Back in Marvel’s X-Men Red No. 7 2023, written by Al Ewing, one of the most emotional moments of the year happened. Magneto was killed fighting with Storm against the great-uncle of Thanos, a force named Uranos (read AXE: Judgement Day for why that happened). After he died, Magneto asked Storm to make him a promise. He didn’t want to be resurrected. She reluctantly agreed and Erik Lensherr faded away. However, as comic book fans know, no one stays dead.

At the end of Scarlet Witch No. 5 by Steve Orlando, two civilians are attacked by their beer cans. They retreat after the cans turn into sharp objects because they believe the cave is haunted. Then readers see him: Erik Lensherr (looking better than he ever has in any comic book) is sitting in a black suit in a cave. He says, “Perhaps it is. Perhaps I am a ghost. What else do you call those who refuse to stay dead?”

Magneto didn’t have anything to do with that issue. However, considering that superstar artist Russell Dauterman was doing the art, fans should have known something big was going to happen. In this case, it was the return of the Master of Magnetism. If any of the Marvel Comics’ artists were going to draw the return of Erik Lensherr, it should be him. Now we have to wonder how Magneto returned from the dead. If this writer had to guess, one of three separate X-Men went against his wishes to rest in peace.

In Immortal X-Men No. 11, Storm confronts Charles Xavier about the death of his best friend. She wanted to comfort him. Xavier says it wasn’t the right time and that he’ll let her know when he’s ready to talk. Both Scarlet Witch and X-Men Red No. 11 were published the same week. That can’t be a coincidence. Could Xavier have put Magneto through the Resurrection Protocol in secret? He’s selfish enough to disobey his friend’s final wish. Xavier is also so arrogant that he’d think Magneto would be grateful.

Or, and here’s a couple of sleeper picks, maybe it was Hope or Storm. Both of them have a special bond with Erik. Storm looked at him differently during their time on Arrako (read X-Men Red for more on that). Their bond could have been so deep that she needed him to return. Hope had a similar experience during Trial of Magneto. They’d both bring him back because they felt as if it was the right thing to do.

No matter who brought him back, Magneto won’t be happy. He wanted his death to mean something. However, his return could be exactly what Krakoa needs.

Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow for more Marvel and X-Men news as it comes out.

Who do you think brought Magento back from the dead in Marvel Comics? Did he really die? Let us know in the comments below.