Introduction

Magneto, the enigmatic leader of the Brotherhood of Mutants, has been one of the most complex characters in the Marvel Comics universe. Known for his extreme measures and often morally ambiguous actions, Magneto has been responsible for the deaths of numerous characters over the years. While there's no definitive count, estimates suggest that the number of people he has killed is in the tens, if not the hundreds. This article delves into some of Magneto's more notable instances of killing and the various storylines in which he has taken life.

Notable Instances of Magneto's Killings

Magneto's backstory includes his survival of the Holocaust, which deeply influenced his worldview and led him to take extreme measures against what he perceived as threats to mutants. His actions often resulted in the deaths of countless individuals, both heroes and villains, as well as innocent bystanders.

;

The Holocaust

Magneto's past as a survivor of the Holocaust played a significant role in shaping his persona and his later actions. This traumatic experience instilled in him a strong sense of protection and a desire to prevent similar atrocities from happening again.

The Ultimatum

During the The Ultimatum storyline, Magneto's actions led to many deaths due to his quest to ensure mutant survival. The consequences of his choices were dire, and the death toll was substantial.

The Onslaught Saga

In the The Onslaught Saga, Magneto was involved in a series of events that resulted in the deaths of numerous characters. The ensuing chaos and the actions taken by Magneto contributed to a significant death toll throughout the saga.

Various Conflicts

Across various comic arcs, Magneto has killed or indirectly caused the deaths of numerous characters. Many of these conflicts involved battles with the X-Men and other superhero teams, where his actions led to tragic outcomes.

Indirect Killings and the 'Fatal Attraction' Arc

When considering indirect killings, the death toll rises significantly. The 'Fatal Attraction' arc, where Magneto sent an electromagnetic pulse from his base in Avalon, affected the entire world. This event resulted in chaos and countless deaths, though the exact number is not definitively stated. The pulse brought planes down, caused widespread destruction, and sent the world into turmoil. While the numbers of directly killed individuals are not precisely documented, the indirect impacts of this event are staggering.

Direct Killings and the Marauders

Magneto has not been particularly prolific in directly killing characters. Many of the individuals he has killed were clones, such as the Marauders. The Marauders, formed by Mr. Sinister, have been repeatedly cloned and re-cloned. Magneto has killed several of these clone versions, leading to a significant toll when counting the different incarnations. One such incident is evident in his murder of Scalphunter, where he forcefully removed the supervillain's head, leaving him in a pool of blood. This act, along with other similar ones, contributed to the 'tens' in the direct killing count.

Other Significant Killings

Beyond the Marauders, Magneto has directly killed other notable characters. Zaladane, during the 'Fatal Attraction' arc, was one such victim. A significant killing is also the death of the Red Skull, which was executed through unconventional means. This act marked the beginning of the 'Axis' storyline, emphasizing the importance of Magneto's actions.

Conclusion

While there is no definitive number of people Magneto has killed, the death toll is certainly in the tens or, when including indirect killings, likely in the hundreds. His actions are often morally ambiguous, driven by his desire to protect mutants rather than pure malice. However, the significant number of deaths attributed to his actions underscores the complexity and dark aspects of Magneto's character in the Marvel Comics universe.