Fans of the X-Men know that Eric Lensherr, the man known as the evil mutant Magneto, was a German Jew who survived the concentration camps. Few know that his name was really named Max Eisenhardt. X-Men Origins told the story of Logan/Wolverine and was turned into a great movie. Magneto Testament was written for a different reason. Readers learn more about Magneto's youth and why he became Magneto, but the real story is the horror of the Holocaust.

The tale starts in 1935, Max is mistreated at school and in his community because he is a Jew, but it is just a minor precursor to the horrors he will see as the Nazi regime comes into full force. The Nazis invade Poland and increase there actions against the Jewish population. Before long, Max finds himself in Auschwitz.

Through it all, he finds strength in the strong men around him. His father and his Uncle Erich disagree about whether it is better to resist the Nazis or to "behave," and a former teacher does everything he can to protect Max once he is alone on the camp. In fact, the teacher does such a good job that Max finds ways to get some perks for himself.

He doesn't just use his connections to help himself, though. A gypsy girl named Magda, whom he has always had strong feelings for also turns up in the camp, and Max decides to do whatever he can to help her survive.

The story is incredibly moving and the story and the art really capture the grim reality of those being dehumanized and killed in the concentration camps and throughout the Holocaust. This is not a story about people with superpowers, but it is a story about people rising up and fighting to survive against the ultimate evil.

After the primary story is completed, there is also a brief comic that tells the tale of a woman who worked at Marvel who was a true hero of the Holocaust.

There is also a great set of classroom activities and curriculum support for teachers who would like to include this book and story as a part of the curriculum. It would be a really great way to reach reluctant readers. The suggestions are designed in a way that would support rubrics and curriculum requirements common in many states.