Fan-favorite ultra-powerful, Marvel hero.
The latest installment of AIPT's X-Men Monday series was all about hyping this week's release of Magik #1 – written by Ashley Allen; art Germán Peralta – by doing a deep-dive interview with the author about what to expect from the series, and what makes Magik such a dynamic character.
Allen spoke about how the tangible elements of the character’s powers, along with her iconic Soulsword, made Magik appealing as a protagonist, summing up her point by noting: “Who doesn’t love a woman with a sword?”
Magik Takes Center Stage In New Solo Book; The Series' Author Explains What Makes Her A Great Character To Write & Read
Magik #1 – Written By Ashley Allen; Art By Germán Peralta; Main Cover By J. Scott Campell & Tanya Lehoux (Color)
Speaking with AIPT, Ashley Allen elaborated on the aspects of Magik's character that will come into focus in the early issues of her eponymous solo series, noting that in of both personality and weaponry, she offers a lot to enjoy. Allen stated:
Illyana is such an interesting protagonist. She’s a woman who’s gone through a dark past but refuses to let that stop her from doing good in the world. I believe the desire to leave the world a better place than before resonates with a lot of fans (myself included). While she’s snarky and has some walls up, she’s ultimately a sweetheart who loves her friends and family deeply.
Since we are talking comics, I’d be remiss to not also discuss the visual elements of storytelling. Illyana’s powerset has so many great opportunities for cool visual moments that we can really have shine in a solo series. Her spells, her mutant ability to teleport through space and time, and, of course, her Soulsword. Who doesn’t love a woman with a sword?
Throughout her history, Magik's character has most often been sidelined, or relegated to a ing role; now, Marvel's Magik will allow her to develop these attributes in much more detail. That makes the book exciting for Ashley Allen to write, and for long-time, patient fans of the character, it is an extremely gratifying move by Marvel.
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Operating at the intersection of Marvel's mutants and its mystical side, Magik offers a wide range of potential stories, and much of the anticipation for the series so far has revolved around what kind of journey the series will send her on. The synopsis for the debut issue teases "something ancient has awakened beneath the Alaskan ice," while also acknowledging Magik's incredible power level by adding, "unfortunately for it, that's Magik's territory now" setting the stage for an intriguing first arc.
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Magik #1 – Variant Covers By David Nakayama, Dike Ruan, JeeHyung Lee, & More; Available Now From Marvel Comics
As Ashley Allen further explained, the aspects of Magik's character that excite her most have all been established in her previous appearances, but a solo series affords an opportunity to expand on her character like never before. Allen said:
These aspects have all come through in the books she’s been in. However, with a solo series, we can explore this rich, internal landscape in a way that sometimes can’t be fully explored without a solo book.
This seems to be precisely the right mindset for going into this Magik series. The book will prosper by focusing on the character first; as much as she will be the protagonist, it is important the Magik, as a character, be the focus as well.
Magik has long held the potential to be the next break-out X-Men character, who thrives in the wider Marvel Universe, and this new solo series has the opportunity to kickstart that progression.
Of course, the character is an impressive fighter, and so fans can expect plenty of action, and visually-exciting battle scenes. That almost goes without saying. Yet what will be most intriguing to fans, especially those who have already invested in the character's journey, will be how this series represents the next steps in her path toward being a truly A-list Marvel hero. Magik has long held the potential to be the next break-out X-Men character, who thrives in the wider Marvel Universe, and this new solo series has the opportunity to kickstart that progression.
Source: AIPT, X-Men Monday #273
Magik #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.
X-Men
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
