Why Has Magneto Not Killed the Red Skull Being a Holocaust Survivor?

Motivations behind the persistent villainy of Red Skull

The question of why Marvel's Magneto has not killed Red Skull, despite both being survivors of the Holocaust, is multifaceted. In the real world, there is a concept known as Joker Immunity, which suggests that villains with a certain level of charisma and unsettling charm are granted an immunity from the general population's desire to see them eliminated. In the Marvel universe, this phenomenon is poignantly illustrated through the dialogue of well-known villains, indicating why Magneto has not opted to end the Red Skull's life.

Marvel Universe Perspective

Within the Marvel universe, it is plausible that Magneto believes that mere death might be too merciful of a punishment for Johann Schmidt, the Red Skull. Magneto seems to think that Schmidt's crimes against humanity require a much more harsh and lingering form of justice. He may also wish to justify his actions by following a semblance of the historical punishment given to the Red Skull and other Nazi antagonists during the Holocaust, such as imprisonment and starvation in pitch-black cells at Auschwitz, a place that would have felt familiar to light-starved Schmidt.

The idea of making Schmidt suffer unimaginably for his actions may also play a crucial role in Magneto's thought process. Simply making him bleed iron from his body might not be sufficient to exact the revenge and justice Magneto seeks.

Previous Attempts and Foiled Plans

Magneto has attempted to kill Red Skull on multiple occasions, but these attempts have failed. There are two primary reasons for this:

Inciting a prepared escape plan, where Red Skull might have anticipated and thwarted Magneto's actions. Designing worse punishments for the Red Skull, which may have prevented a simple death.

These failed attempts highlight the complexity of their relationship and the adherence to form and ceremony in their respective acts of vengeance.

Summary and Conclusion

In summary, the reluctance of Magneto to kill the Red Skull can be attributed to both Joker Immunity and the hero's desire for a more severe form of justice. While Magneto understands the importance of revenge and justice, the Red Skull's unique status as a Holocaust survivor and his cunning nature ensure that Magneto's ultimate goal remains elusive, leaving fans and characters in anticipation of a resolution that satisfies both their poetic and moral codes.