#ShadowhuntersPosterChallenge Part 4: Magnus Bane
Our fan art appreciation series continues!
Spoiler warning: This #ShadowhuntersPosterChallenge discusses events leading up to the newest season!
This installment of our #ShadowhuntersPosterChallenge appreciation series is dedicated to everybody’s favorite warlock, Magnus Bane. We live for the magic that Harry Shum Jr. brings to this iconic immortal character! Looking at the amount of posters focusing on Magnus, Harry’s in-depth portrayal has inspired the fandom to explore various themes relevant to Magnus’ personality.
VIEW NOW: #ShadowhuntersPosterChallenge Part 3
Magnus Bane: Easy to look at, difficult to grasp
Magnus may be many things, but one thing he is definitely not: Easy to capture. His character is complex and difficult to grasp. Considering his history, this comes as no surprise. With hundreds of years of life experience under his belt, the High Warlock of Brooklyn (because he will always be that, do you hear us, Lorenzo Rey?) has perfected hiding his vulnerabilities behind a thick wall of protective layers around his heart.
The outward persona: All powerful and flamboyant
The persona he presents to the outside (down)world radiates power and danger alike. While mixed with a certain playfulness and flamboyance, it would be a phenomenally bad idea to underestimate this guy.
Like father, like son?
Being the son of the influential Prince of Hell and greater demon Asmodeus makes Magnus infinitely more powerful than any other warlock. To say that his heritage is a sore spot is putting it lightly: There’s too much bad history between these two, resulting in more than just a strained father-son relationship. Magnus resents the ways of his father and wants to be nothing like him. Too bad that subconsciously, a son will always long for his father’s approval and love.
In a way, his father is an ever-present force looming over Magnus. That’s why we were so excited when we finally met Asmodeus (Jack Yang) during season 3’s mid-season finale. And what an epic encounter it was! It left us sobbing as Magnus sacrificed his magic to help Jace. Ultimately, he also did it for the love of his life, Alec Lightwood – the only man able to tear down the walls around Magnus’ heart. And that’s saying something, considering the 17000 lovers before him.
A protector of men and a born leader
Thinking of others first? Making sacrifices at great personal costs? Magnus certainly is a fierce protector of everyone he cherishes, making him a born leader. When he chooses to let people into his life, his relationships are always meaningful and committed.
The impact of losing his magic
One of the most exciting things about the upcoming season 3b is seeing how Magnus will cope without his powers. Being a warlock, his magic has always been an integral part of himself and casting spells has come to him as natural as breathing. With regard to this devastating loss, in an interview with TV Insider, showrunners Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer tease:
We don’t want to spoil exactly what’s up ahead but we definitely explore a Magnus Bane without magic, without immortality. His arc in 3B is one of the best things we’ve done on the show and Harry Shum commits in a deep way. Fans are going to freak.
Does the loss of Magnus’ magic indeed make him mortal? If so, the feeling that time is running out might be oppressive, leading to some serious contemplation of the meaning of life and love.
Perhaps Magnus will come to the conclusion that magic cannot simply be taken away, but that it runs in his blood. Moreover, it is love that makes you fight harder for what you want. In the end, things might work out and brighter days are sure to come. After all, marriages are per definition supposed to be bright and happy, right?
Anyway, we look forward to meeting a Magnus without his magic and delving even deeper into his character.
Side note: Magnus and the deep red coat
By the way: If you wonder about the sheer amount of posters featuring the magnificent deep red coat: They are based on a picture that Harry has just recently posted. As starved as fans are for new promotional material, they couldn’t help themselves but pay homage to it. How lucky we are that our favorite warlock is also such a huge fashion icon!
Coming up next in our #ShadowhuntersPosterChallenge appreciation series is artwork focusing on Izzy, Simon and Meliorn. As always, head over to Twitter to see all the amazing posters created by the talented artists out there.
Shadowhunters returns on 25 February on Freeform and Hulu.
Featured Image: Created by @elsbdm/Original picture posted by Harry Shum Jr.
