Magik #7 is the latest offering by new Marvel Comics writer Ashley Allen, with art by German Peralta. Magik is a character who has experienced a meteoric rise since her return, and particularly since her turn in Brian Michael Bendis’ Uncanny X-Men (2013). Since then, her stardom has been on the rise, making this recent solo title a natural progression.
The journey so far has involved Magik’s attempts to stop a powerful demon known as Liminal, with the aid of a young demon hunter named Cal, as well as her fellow New Mutant Dani Moonstar. Things have only gotten more complicated since Magik #1, and now with Magik #7, the story has seemingly completed its set-up for the finale issues.
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Magik #7 is an exposition-heavy issue, focused primarily on establishing the organization Dani Moonstar has joined: the Society of the Eternal Dawn. With an admittedly cool slogan (“We cancel apocalypses”), the mysterious organization has been mentioned in several issues now. And it’s finally here. We’re introduced to three key members and field agents, as well as their leader. While their intentions seem good, Magik doesn’t trust them, and perhaps rightly so.
The rift between her and Dani, set up a few issues ago, feels somewhat contrived and weak in light of the things they have been through together, but it’s effective narratively in setting up both Magik and Dani’s dilemma in the coming issues. Do they trust the Society, who claim to be able to help Cal, or is there something more sinister at work? Allen’s writing is heavy on internal narration and exposition, and at times, it feels like little is actually being said in the dialogue between characters; they tend to talk in circles without approaching the heart of the matter. This serves to prolong the tension between Magik and Dani Moonstar, perhaps needlessly, but that will be for future issues to grapple with.
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Artist German Peralta is quite skilled at action sequences, but is given more talking and scenery building in this issue. The Society’s headquarters are well-designed, with some unique visual elements that help it stand out and feel more exciting than the average base. Colourist Arthur Helsi’s muddier colour palette suits the artwork and the tone of the book, and the Society’s base feels both mysterious and austere as a result.
Magik #7 may be light on plot, but it effectively introduces the final key players for the explosive concluding three issues. It sets the stage for the girls’ pivotal Vegas mission, which will either mend or break Dani and Magik’s friendship, and firmly establishes the long-looming threat of Liminal. While primarily an expository issue, it successfully serves its purpose by setting up a compelling finale.
‘Magik’ #7 Review: The Calm Before the Storm
Magik #7 may be light on plot, but it effectively introduces the final key players for the explosive concluding three issues. It sets the stage for the girls’ pivotal Vegas mission, which will either mend or break Dani and Magik’s friendship, and firmly establishes the long-looming threat of Liminal. While primarily an expository issue, it successfully serves its purpose by setting up a compelling finale.
