Bunn does a solid job of using this "Axis" tie-in issue not only to flesh out some of Magneto's past, but also to show how it affects his present behavior. I'm not collecting this series, but I'm inclined to do so based on this issue. Moreover, the art is really spectacular. It's suitably grim and realistic. I don't think I've seen work by Hernandez (art) and Bellaire (colors) before I hope to see more soon.
Magneto is in Genosha to look into the Red Skull's new mutant concentration-camps, and the sight not surprisingly reminds him of his time in the Nazi's camps. But, Bunn doesn't leave it at a simple metaphor; he actively uses the parallel to give us more insight into Magneto. Magneto reacts to disgust when two mutants refuse his offer to free them, in part because of the shame that he feels over not freeing himself from the Nazi camps when he was a child. It's a reminder of just how damaged Magneto is, so quick to anger over something that reminds him of his own (understandable) failings.
This self-delusion is clearly on display when the S-Men quickly overpower him in his failed attempt to assassinate the Red Skull. He realizes just how foolish he was to think that he could accomplish that goal in his under-powered state, making it clear that he still struggles to accept his current limitations. Honestly, I had never really thought about super-villains' self-defeating behavior in terms of an anger-induced rashness, but Bunn really gets into Magneto's head enough to convey that message. If Magneto was more at ease with himself, the events of this issue wouldn't have happened.
In terms of "Axis," Bunn seems to imply that Professor X is still active somewhere in Red Skull's brain and, if true, this event is going to be full of surprises.
**** (four of five stars)
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