X-Men Unlimited Vol 1 #2 Page 59 Original Art - FIRST TIME MAGNETO REVEALED AS ERIK MAGNUS LENSHERR

15" x 10" image area. Ink over graphite on Bristol board. X-Men Unlimited Vol 1 #2 Page 59 Original Art (Marvel, 1993). Jan Duuresema and Joe Rubinstein. This is the first time Magneto's identity is revealed as Erik Magnus Lensherr. In later issues, readers would discover it was an alias.

In the story of this particular piece, "Point Blank", Adrian, a former East German soldier, remembers a night seven years ago when Magneto killed his brother for disturbing his wife’s grave. The soldier goes on a quest to kill him, gathering information on him while his government develops a specialized suit and gun to stop Magneto. When he sees Magneto again at his wife’s grave, he finally remembers what really happened the night of his brother’s death. His brother insulted Magneto and shot at him, only dying because Magneto erected a magnetic shield that reflected the bullet back to him. Adrian can’t bring himself to kill Magneto, realizing that Magneto has always fought for a cause while he only has hate.

This is one of the strongest stories from this era, although it’s held back a bit by the generic ‘90s artwork. It’s surprising that during a crossover intended to re-establish Magneto as an outright villain, a story highlighting his humanity and sympathetic motivations was published. The Magneto of this issue is ten times more interesting than the version Nicieza would soon be writing in X-Men #25.