Book Review: The Grimoire of Agatha Harkness – A Witch’s Guide to Marvel
The Grimoire of Agatha Harkness: A Magical History and Spellbook is a tangible piece of Marvel storytelling brought to life on the page. Curious about witch familiars? Interested in spells and incantations? Wondering which colors and crystals align with each element? This grimoire has you covered on all fronts. But more than just Agatha’s personal spellbook, the grimoire is layered with notes and insights from both Wanda Maximoff and Doctor Strange. Taken together, readers will find a history of magic, spells, magical tools, as well as a story wrapped around Agatha’s text. The book is beautifully illustrated with artwork pulled from Marvel Comics, making it as visually stunning as it is imaginative.
Throughout the grimoire, readers will discover references to Agatha’s longtime role in Marvel lore, with appearances dating as far back as Fantastic Four #94 in 1961. In many ways, this book serves as a compendium of Agatha’s journey through decades of Marvel comics. Even better, the back of the book includes a detailed credits section that lists the original source of each piece of artwork, including the comic title, issue number, and release date. For fans eager to explore the stories behind the images, this makes diving deeper into Marvel history incredibly easy.
For fans of WandaVision and Agatha All Along, it’s worth noting that this book centers on the comic-book versions of Agatha, Wanda, and Doctor Strange — not their Disney+ counterparts. That does not make the book any less intriguing, however. Beyond its comic book roots, the grimoire also includes intriguing magical concepts that can be applied to everyday practice if you wish. Agatha’s writings explore channeling magic through the four elements — earth, air, water, and fire — and explains how each one connects to specific types of spells and intentions. A helpful chart breaks down these elemental correspondences for easy reference.
Agatha also delves into magical tools, defining them as physical, tangible items that connect a witch to a greater magical source or entity. These tools may include minerals, objects, or even living beings. As she advises: “Follow your curiosity and explore those your spirit is calling to.” In the final Part IV, the narrative turns to the Darkhold — a legendary book of dark magic known throughout Marvel history for twisting the minds of those who seek its power. Will you read that section? As Agatha says, “choose wisely, dear witch.”
The Grimoire of Agatha Harkness, published by Insight Editions, is available now wherever books are sold. A Kindle edition is available, but the hardcover is highly recommended for the full immersive experience. The hardcover is matte black with embossed arcane symbols and glowing purple runes, and it comes with a removable title band. Without the band, the grimoire looks like an authentic, mysterious spell journal — perfect for display or cosplay inspiration. Any fan of Agatha Harkness would be thrilled to receive this as a gift. The text is written by Andrea Hannah and Danny Lore, with original artwork by Brittany Horn.
