The question of whether Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, truly cares about her twin sons, Billy Kaplan (Wiccan) and Tommy Maximoff (Speed), is a complex one, deeply rooted in the convoluted history of these characters within Marvel Comics. Understanding Wanda’s relationship with Billy and Tommy requires navigating a magical, and often contradictory, backstory that even fictional characters struggle to comprehend. While a definitive, simple answer is elusive, examining their comic book history reveals the depth of Wanda’s connection to her children, despite the numerous obstacles and narrative complexities.
The Magical Conception and Early Family Life
Billy and Tommy’s origins are anything but ordinary. As depicted in Vision & the Scarlet Witch Vol. 2, their conception was steeped in magic, a blend of Wanda’s inherent abilities and residual mystical energy from a coven of witches. Crucially, Wanda was unaware of the darker forces at play, specifically the involvement of Mephisto, a demonic entity in the Marvel Universe. This mystical beginning is essential to understanding the unique nature of their existence.
Vision & the Scarlet Witch Vol. 2 #3 by Steve Englehart & Richard Howell
Initially, Wanda and Vision embraced parenthood with joy, naming their sons William and Thomas, after figures significant to Vision’s own creation. This period highlighted a genuine family dynamic, showcasing Wanda’s initial happiness and maternal instincts. However, this idyllic family life was not destined to last.
The Mephisto Twist and Disappearance
The narrative took a dramatic turn when writer John Byrne introduced a retcon, revealing that Billy and Tommy were not simply magically conceived children. Instead, they were fragments of Mephisto’s soul, temporarily given form. This storyline led to the twins’ tragic disappearance, as Mephisto reabsorbed these soul shards, effectively erasing them from existence and causing immense pain for Wanda. This traumatic loss and the subsequent erasure of her memories further complicated Wanda’s understanding and acceptance of her children later on.
Reappearance as Young Avengers and Rediscovering Wanda
Years later, Billy and Tommy dramatically reappeared as teenagers in Young Avengers. Initially, their connection to Wanda was shrouded in mystery. It was a Skrull, surprisingly, who revealed their parentage, linking them to both Mar-Vell and the Scarlet Witch. While Billy quickly accepted this revelation, Tommy was more skeptical, highlighting the twins’ differing personalities and initial reactions to the idea of Wanda as their mother.
Young Avengers Vol. 1 #11 by Allan Heinberg & Jim Cheung
Billy’s immediate acceptance stemmed from his own developing magical abilities, mirroring Wanda’s, and a deep-seated feeling of connection. Tommy’s hesitation, however, reflected a more cautious nature and perhaps a fear of losing another potential family bond, given his less stable upbringing.
Young Avengers Vol. 1 #11 by Allan Heinberg & Jim Cheung
In Young Avengers Special #1 and later in the Children’s Crusade storyline, Billy actively sought out Wanda, who was suffering from amnesia. Through magical means, Wanda eventually regained her memories and confirmed that Billy and Tommy were indeed her children. Children’s Crusade concluded with Wanda expressing a desire to connect with her sons, signifying a renewed commitment to motherhood.
The Complicated Relationship and Current Status
Despite the emotional resolution in Children’s Crusade, the comics have not consistently focused on Wanda’s relationship with Billy and Tommy. This is partly due to the nature of shared comic book universes, where character storylines often diverge and intertwine based on various creative and editorial decisions. Writers have often prioritized other aspects of Wanda’s character, such as her mental health struggles, her relationship with Pietro, or her role in larger Marvel events.
Billy, now known as Wiccan, has consistently shown affection and protectiveness towards Wanda, even idolizing her as the Scarlet Witch before discovering their familial connection. However, he also has a loving adoptive family and maintains a degree of respectful distance, addressing Wanda by her first name rather than “Mom,” reflecting the complex dynamics of their relationship. Tommy, as Speed, while initially more hesitant, has also demonstrated a bond with Wanda, although his character development has sometimes been overshadowed by Billy’s.
In conclusion, while the comics portray a complicated and often under-explored relationship, the evidence suggests that Wanda does deeply care for Billy and Tommy. Her initial joy at their birth, the trauma of their loss, and her eventual reconnection and acceptance of them as her sons in Children’s Crusade all point to a profound maternal bond. The lack of consistent focus on their relationship in subsequent storylines is more a product of narrative choices within a shared universe than an indication of Wanda’s lack of care. The magical and convoluted nature of their origins, coupled with the ever-evolving dynamics of comic book storytelling, ensures that Wanda’s motherhood remains a fascinating and intricate aspect of her character.
