Scarlet Witch
Chaos magic that warps reality mid-fight. No safety catch, no take-backs.
Wanda Maximoff — Scarlet Witch, if you're the type who walks into team meetings uninvited and unapologetic — made her first appearance in The X-Men #4 (March 1964). She stuck around long enough to earn her own series with Vision in November 1982. Unless a specific entry flags it, everything listed here is Marvel Comics under their standard imprint.
- Character
- Scarlet Witch
- Real Name
- Wanda Maximoff
- Powers
- Chaos Magic
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Wanda Maximoff's first solo series was Scarlet Witch #1–4 (November 1993 – February 1994). She later starred in Scarlet Witch (vol. 2) #1–15 (December 2015 – February 2017), which James Robinson viewed as an anthology following her evolution into an occult detective, distancing her from past complexities. The series emphasized witchcraft as a reflection of powerful women and incorporated authentic spells. Robinson aimed to deepen her character development through global adventures, leading to a stronger identity as a solitary heroine. In Scarlet Witch (vol. 3) #1–10 (January 2023 – November 2023), the first issue was the 3rd best-selling comic book in January 2023 according to ComicHub. Steve Orlando described Scarlet Witch (vol. 4) #1 (August 2024) as possessing a 'cataclysmic' atmosphere, with Wanda's actions leading to a confrontation with a cosmic force jeopardizing her existence and the planet. The Darkhold is a 2021 crossover centered on Scarlet Witch's attempts to prevent Doctor Doom from obtaining the Darkhold, unfolding through one-shots including The Darkhold Alpha #1 and The Darkhold Omega #1.
In Their Own Story
The air shimmered with violet heat as Wanda raised her hands, the battlefield dissolving into a kaleidoscope of fractured memories. Debris floated upward, defying gravity, while opponents found their movements sluggish within her hex field. With a whisper, she reshaped the terrain, turning solid ground into swirling mist before striking down the threat with a blast of pure chaos energy.
Reader's Guide
Wanda Maximoff stands as one of the most potent forces in the Marvel Rivals roster, defined by her mastery over chaos magic and reality warping abilities. Originally appearing in The X-Men #4 (March 1964), she evolved through multiple solo series. Her first solo series was Scarlet Witch #1–4 (November 1993 – February 1994). James Robinson's Scarlet Witch (vol. 2) #1–15 (December 2015 – February 2017) portrayed her as an occult detective, with Robinson emphasizing witchcraft as a reflection of powerful women and highlighting her relationship with her brother Pietro Maximoff. Steve Orlando's Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver #1–4 (February 2024 – May 2024) commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Maximoff siblings, pitting them against the Wizard and his Frightful Four Hundred, and delving into their complicated feelings toward their father Magneto. Orlando described Scarlet Witch (vol. 4) #1 as having a 'cataclysmic' atmosphere, with Wanda confronting a cosmic force. The Darkhold crossover (2021) centered on her attempts to prevent Doctor Doom from obtaining the Darkhold. In gameplay terms, she functions as a Duelist capable of dealing massive area-of-effect damage while manipulating the terrain around her opponents. Players channel her hex energy to create chaotic zones that hinder enemies and amplify their own survivability through magical shields or teleportation. Her ultimate ability typically signifies a reality shift, overwhelming foes with sheer mystical force.
Did You Know?
- Scarlet Witch first appeared in The X-Men #4 (March 1964).
- Her first solo series was Scarlet Witch #1–4 (November 1993 – February 1994).
- Scarlet Witch (vol. 2) #1 was the 29th best-selling comic book in December 2015 according to Diamond Comic Distributors.
- Scarlet Witch (vol. 3) #1 was the 3rd best-selling comic book in January 2023 according to ComicHub.
- The Darkhold is a 2021 crossover centered on Scarlet Witch's attempts to prevent Doctor Doom from obtaining the Darkhold.