Stop everything you’re doing because it’s happening – Marvel is finally giving us a new solo series for Magik. And for the first time ever, it’s an ongoing!

Magik #1
Main cover: J. Scott Campbell
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Ashley Allen
Artist: Germán Peralta
Release date: January 8, 2025

If you read some X-Men, you likely got to meet Illyana Rasputin, aka Magik. She evolved into one of the most fascinating and complex mutants in the Marvel Universe, and she’s definitely my favorite mutant. She’s a badass, she looks amazing, and she uses a sword like no one else.

Who is Illyana?

Magik first made her debut in Giant-Size X-Men #1 in 1975, and she got her first solo series a few years after that. In Magik (1983-1984), Chris Claremont explored Illyana’s origin story, focusing on her transformation from a scared little girl to the sorceress wielding the Soulsword, and the way her time spent in the demonic realm of Limbo shaped her personality and powers. Right after this, she joined the New Mutants, and became a huge part of that team.

She got another shot at her own series in X-Men: Magik (2000-2001), written by Andy Lanning and Dan Abnett. This run gave us a mature Illyana struggling with her place in the world, but, like her previous series, this one was also a limited one with only four issues released.

In more recent years, Illyana’s role within the X-Men has been growing. As a leader, a sorceress, and a protector, she stands at the intersection of magic and mutantdom, constantly grappling with her dual identity. She’s part of the X-Men (I loved seeing her join the team officially during the Krakoan age), but always tied to the dark realms she commands. And this is what makes her such a great character (this, and her cynic sense of humour)!

New era of Magik

And now with the Krakoa era over, I was nervous to see what would happen to her. So when the news of her first ongoing series came out, I was simply ecstatic. Let’s start with some of my favorite covers from this first issue!

In addition to the main cover, since it’s a first issue and a beloved Marvel character, we got many incredible variants. It was tough to choose but above are my favorite covers.

Now let’s talk about this first issue! Magik #1 is written by Ashley Allen, a relatively new writer who previously wrote Magik in X-Men: Blood Hunt – Magik (June 2024). The issue is illustrated by Germán Peralta (known for Loki, Maestro, Black Panther, etc.), with colors by Arthur Hesli.

Since the fall of Krakoa, Magik and the X-Men have set up base in Alaska, and that’s where this story begins: with a mutant being hunted in the opening pages. Meanwhile, Magik is tormented by the Darkchild in her nightmares (the first full-page spread of this is stunning), a dark aspect of herself she’s struggled with since her time in Limbo. We quickly get a peek into Magik’s thoughts as she wakes up from another unsettling night. I loved reading her thoughts, it really gives us time to dive deeper into who Magik is and what’s going on in her mind, which is exactly what you want in a solo series.

When Magik learns about the mutant hunt, she heads to the source of the trouble and discovers that a mysterious villain needs mutants to break a seal and release a demonic entity into the world. Magik fights off demons while trying to stop him, all while the Darkchild fights for control of her body, adding tension to the already intense battles.

This issue was so good. The art was gorgeous, the colors suit perfectly to each scene, and the writing is top-notch. Ashley Allen did an amazing job delivering a great and accurante version of the character. Magik the badass, dealing with her darker side, always wanting to do her best to protect mutants that need it, kicking demons to the curb – isn’t it all we want in a Magik series?

The story is simple yet engaging, making it a great entry point for new readers, while still offering plenty for longtime Magik and mutant fans. I simply cannot wait for the rest of this series. May it last forever!