Magik has always been a fascinating character. She was out of the spotlight for decades until her revival in the 2000s, but since then, she has received a steady push from creators. Her popularity truly took off during Kieron Gillen’s Uncanny X-Men run and skyrocketed when Brian Michael Bendis took over and Chris Bachalo gave her a redesign. Fifteen years later, she’s a bonafide star, with appearances in video games and an entertaining solo comic by Ashley Allen.
Magik #9 picks up right where the previous issue left off, with Magik, Dani, and Liminal fighting the Society of the Eternal Dawn, who have suddenly betrayed them. Magik and Dani make quick work of the Exemplar and the demon hunters sent to neutralize them, all while their playful banter shines through. The previously strained relationship between them has finally thawed, giving way to the sisterly bond that defined earlier New Mutants runs.
It’s a treat to see Magik use more spells than just her sword, as she’s often pigeonholed into that one ability. She even takes out a magic serpent with a freezing spell. Dani also proves she’s a threat even without her new bow, Dawnpiercer. The trio quickly leaves Las Vegas and returns to the Society’s base in the Badlands of South Dakota.
Most of the issue focuses on the book’s surprise villain, the Embodiment, though astute readers likely sensed something was off with the Society from the start. We learn that the kindly, wise leader is actually a powerful, ancient mutant. A flashback sequence, illustrated by fill-in artist Matt Horak, reveals her tragic life with both magic and mutation. Blessed and cursed with precognition, the Embodiment is far more powerful and older than initially believed. Magik, Dani, and Liminal are soon put to the test, forced to fight their way out of the Society’s fortress. The Embodiment offers Dani a chance to join her, perhaps seeing her as an heir, but the offer is swiftly rejected.
German Peralta returns for the main art duties, with Arthur Hesli providing colors. This duo is reliable, doing effective work on the interior scenes of the base and the Las Vegas fight. However, guest artist Matt Horak, who worked on the previous issue, steals the show. He perfectly captures the time period of the flashback, and we can only hope to see him on more Marvel titles soon.
Magik #9 has several strengths, including strong character development for Dani Moonstar and a compelling villain with an interesting backstory in the Embodiment. The art and colors are also a highlight, especially in Matt Horak’s flashback sequence.
However, a weakness of the issue is that the heroes’ decision to infiltrate the Society’s base only to flee immediately feels a bit contrived. While it effectively sets up the finale, the logic behind their return and sudden departure doesn’t quite hold up to scrutiny. Despite this minor flaw, the issue is one of the best in the series and successfully builds anticipation for the final showdown.
‘Magik’ #9 Review: Delivers Swords, Sorcery, and Sisterhood
Magik #9 has several strengths, including strong character development for Dani Moonstar and a compelling villain with an interesting backstory in the Embodiment. The art and colors are also a highlight, especially in Matt Horak’s flashback sequence.
