There are a couple of things you expect from a book focused on Illyana Rasputin. There’s going to be X-Men stuff, of course. Limbo, where she grew up, is likely a major factor. And your choice of Belasco, the demon lord, and/or her Darkchylde personality emerging is definitely going to be an emotional hook. While Magik #1 from Marvel plays with some of these ideas, writer Ashley Allen and artist Germán Peralta smartly go in another direction entirely.
Spinning out of the current status quo over in X-Men, it’s Illyana’s 25th birthday and she’s feeling bummed out. Is it because of the dreams she’s having about the Darkchylde killing all of her friends? Yes, of course, it is, and so far, so good.
But after the reminder of who she was, and where she is, the issue takes her to where she’s going next… Which is a funeral in Alaska where something decidedly demonic, but not necessarily tied to Limbo is happening. Allen quickly establishes a supporting cast for the issue (not all of them make it out alive), a scary new enemy, and a challenge for Illyana that sets her apart from your run-of-the-mill “protect a mutant and teach them an important lesson about tolerance” storylines.
It also gives her a reason to pursue a mission separate from the X-Men that feels as palpable as the ones that Psylocke, Wolverine, Storm, etc are following in their own books, making for a great kick-off to this new, ongoing series.
Naturally, Peralta excels here with the action sequences and Magik’s use of — well — magic. But smaller moments like Magik getting slowly ready for the day or checking in with the characters after the main action is done are also clearly and emotionally drawn.
Overall, this is a strong start to this series. And while it might loop back around to “oop! It was Belasco the whole time,” for now this title is giving good reason to let Magik break out on her own.
Magik #1 Rating:
Magik #1 Official Synopsis:
THE MYSTIC MUTANT GOES DEMON HUNTING IN HER OWN NEW, ONGOING SERIES! The X-Man Ilyanna Rasputina strikes out on her own with new allies and dark powers arrayed against her. Something ancient has awakened beneath the Alaskan ice. Unfortunately for it, that’s Magik’s territory now! Written by rising star Ashley Allen (X-MEN: BLOOD HUNT – MAGIK, MARVEL ZOMBIES: BLACK, WHITE & BLOOD) and illustrated by the incomparable Germán Peralta (LOKI, BLACK PANTHER), this is a stylish, high-octane demon-hunting adventure starring the fiercest X-Man of them all!
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