REVIEW: ‘Wiccan: Witches’ Road #1’ Is A Well-Crafted, Authentic Billy Kaplan Story That Shows Promise For The Future

© Marvel

After two decades of appearing in comic books, Wiccan is finally headlining a story of his own with Wiccan: Witches’ Road by writer Wyatt Kennedy and artist Andy Pereira. The pressure is on for this comic to deliver, as longtime fans have been asking for this for years, and many new fans are eager for a jumping-on point to start reading comics after Wiccan’s live-action debut in Marvel Studios’ Agatha All Along.

The basic premise of Wiccan: Witches’ Road #1 is that Wiccan, aka Billy Kaplan-Altman, and Hulkling aka Teddy Kaplan-Altman are injured and crash down from space after the events of Imperial. This signifies a larger status-quo shift for these two as Marvel is bringing them back to Earth after their time as the Kings of Space. Time is of the essence to heal Hulkling as our heroes fight to overcome their new dangerous environment.

More importantly, Wiccan and Hulkling are written extremely authentically. Wyatt Kennedy’s dialogue is the standout here as he builds on Billy and Teddy’s honest, playful, loving relationship that Allan Heinberg set the foundation for long ago in Young Avengers that writers like Kieron Gillen, Al Ewing, and Anthony Oliveira have shepherded forward. I particularly enjoy how Kennedy isn’t afraid to have Billy and Teddy verbally jab each other just a bit, in a way any longtime couple would. But there is no maliciousness or bitterness to be found, their love shines through as bright as ever. On top of that, this book has a few great jokes that made me actually laugh… or maybe groan with a smile –yes, one was the line about a tent, you’ll know when you see it.

Wiccan himself feels very familiar. He has his kindness, his confidence, a touch of arrogance, his talkativeness, and an eagerness that feels appropriate for a 20-something year old. Kennedy’s writing and Pereira’s drawing work in tandem here, always making it clear how Billy feels. Billy is definitely at a disadvantage in the story given his lack of magic, but his quickness to adapt to things like using a sword just feels right for an Avenger who has years of battle experience under his belt at this point. And, it’s just plain cool. However, this comic isn’t just for longtime fans; it works well as a jumping-on point for new readers too. Kennedy starts by quickly catching readers up on the background you need to know – with a creative way of explaining Wiccan’s complicated origin – and then drops you right into a new, fresh story. Sure, there are details that longtime fans will appreciate, but this story intentionally stands on its own and does not require any prior knowledge outside of what is told to you in the exposition.

Wiccan: Witches’ Road #1 is a strong Marvel Comics debut for artist Andy Pereira. Billy and Teddy are drawn in a visually pleasing way with detailed emotion and expression packed into each panel. The settings and environments are given lots of care too, successfully setting the mood for this witchy story. The action sequences in particular are top-notch and feel like a step up from a lot of the medium right now.

Bryan Valenza’s colors feel painterly, properly supporting a fairy tale-esque story. The way that he does warm, gradient skies and lighting that contrast with spooky environments feels especially unique here and helps this comic stand out. Ariana Maher’s letters are strong, giving appropriate emphasis and dramatizing lines where impactful. I am curious to see how she will depict Billy’s magic later in the story.

Note that the following sections contain heavy plot spoilers. The very initial setup of the plot does contradict the ending of Imperial, confirmed to be due to a communication error between the teams. Teddy is injured, not Billy, and they appear to have crashed rather than America Chavez portaling them as the ending of Imperial suggests. The plot also hinges on Wiccan and Hulkling being in a pretty weakened and injured state.

Reality warpers like Wiccan being limited is a common trope in comics. While this is narratively important for the story at hand and the arc Kennedy is crafting, I do hope this does not last the entire series, as I really felt the absence of Billy’s spellcasting and reality warping in this issue. When we only have five issues, visual and narrative real estate is limited. Kennedy still provides the magic both with the setting, and an intriguing antagonist at the end in Baba Yaga, who shows off some unique and exciting witchy action. Her words about Wiccan having a responsibility to Earth’s elements are perhaps the most relevant for Wiccan’s future. I suspect Kennedy may be weaving a throughline between Billy’s past elemental affinity in lightning and his overall reality warping and destiny as the Demiurge.

About Wiccan: Witchesʼ Road #1

Release Date: December 03, 2025

Written by: Wyatt Kennedy

Art by: Andy Pereira

Cover by: Lucas Werneck

Page Count: 28

Synopsis: SOMETHING WICCAN THIS WAY COMES! A dark, macabre adventure awaits down the Witches' Road that will reshape Wiccan- and the magical fabric of the Marvel Universe- forever… Wiccan and Hulkling arrive back on Earth…but nothing can ever be easy for Marvel's favorite (former) space emperors! With Hulkling grievously wounded, it's up to Wiccan to save the day - but what lengths will he be willing to go to do so?