Strange Academy #2
Marvel Comics
Written by: Skottie Young
Art by: Humberto Ramos
Colors by: Edgar Delgado
Lettering by: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Strange Academy #1 released back in the beginning of March shortly before comic distribution was suspended. The first issue provided a fun, personable experience introducing new young characters and showing existing magic heroes as teachers and mentors. Four months later, the second issue releases with a smile and youthful excitement. Writer Skottie Young builds on the energy and charm created in the first issue to create a book that expands beyond super hero comics and is a welcomed read for fans of the magical fantasy genre.
The first issue setup up the characters and the premise of the school, and now the second issue gives readers the students’ first day. This issue introduces the students’ daily routine, the teachers and their classroom dynamics. There are expected moments of feeling equal parts wonder and overwhelmed from Emily, the new to the magic world student. And school aged defiance of authority is met with consequence when the teacher is Magik. Both the cocky student and his roommate are sent to hell for the remainder of the school day, literally.
The magical world is not safe from bullying as a loner student is picked on by a preppy, popular looking student. This typical genre interaction feels out of place in the world of magical wonder that writer Young and artists Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado created. But the realities of teenage social status and judgement are not banished from the magical world. Hopefully Young can build on the situation to speak meaningfully to readers who have experienced similar situations.
Artist Ramos and Delgado continue to build a visually creative and magically diverse setting for the students and their school. Ramos’ character models reflect the young adult characters and capture the various demons and magical races that populate the school grounds. Delgado’s colors create a storybook hue to the world that fits the setting and the story.
Strange Academy #2 provides the first hint of a larger plot, but mainly soaks in the joy and wonder of magic. The result is a fun read for fans across super hero and fantasy genres. The creative team is constructing a magical world that fits nicely in the Marvel universe, without getting bogged down in cannon or crossovers.