Next January, Marvel’s enigmatic mutant sorcerer, Illyana Rasputina—better known as Magik—will take center stage in her very first solo ongoing series, which is being brought to life by the talented duo of Ashley Allen and Germán Peralta in Magick #1. We are excited to present a sneak peek at the comic’s various covers and captivating interior artwork.
Today, we’re thrilled to unveil striking interior artwork from the series, along with a selection of variant covers. Each of these features The Demon Crow, an intriguing new villain conceived by the acclaimed artist behind Ultimate X-Men, Peach Momoko, showcasing her distinctive style.
Other covers highlight contributions from renowned best-selling artists like Jeehyung Lee and David Nakayama. Both will be available in exclusive virgin variant editions. Additionally, a special foil variant cover, crafted by Dike Ruan, promises to catch the eye, along with an exquisite pinup shot of Magik by the talented Jay Anacleto. Furthermore, fans can look forward to an unveiling of Peralta’s updated design for Illyana’s iconic Darkchylde form.
“Illyana is such an interesting protagonist,” Allen remarked in a recent interview, emphasizing her rich character development. “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,” Allen added, showcasing the depth of her character.
“Since we are talking comics, I’d be remiss to not also discuss the visual elements of storytelling,” Allen continued, highlighting the artistic potential. “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?”
From her origins as Colossus’ kid sister to her rise within the New Mutants, Illyana Rasputina has ascended the ranks to become one of the fiercest X-Men. Her long-awaited solo adventures in Magick #1 will showcase her unleashing her Soulsword, formidable spells, and exploring her dark side like never before.
Check out an exclusive first look at Magik #1 below and stay tuned for more exciting updates on this comic in the coming weeks.
THE MYSTIC MUTANT GOES DEMON HUNTING IN HER OWN SERIES! The X-Man Illyanna 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!
How does Ashley Allen plan to showcase Magik’s duality in her ongoing struggles throughout the series?
Recent press release. ”Her complex history, struggles with her powers, and the duality of her character make her a fascinating lens through which to explore themes of identity and responsibility.”
### Interview with Ashley Allen, Writer of *Magick #1*
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Ashley. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding *Magick #1*. What inspired you to tell Magik’s story now?
**Ashley Allen**: Thank you for having me! Magik has been a fan favorite for a long time, and her unique blend of magic and personal turmoil is incredibly compelling. I felt that now is the perfect time to explore her evolution further—especially in an ongoing format where we can really dive deep into her character and challenges.
**Editor**: You mentioned exploring Magik’s duality. How do you plan to highlight that throughout the series?
**Ashley Allen**: Magik is both a powerful sorceress and a traumatized young woman, and that duality manifests in so many ways. We’ll see her tackle external threats while also confronting her inner demons. The introduction of The Demon Crow, our new villain, will be key in forcing her to confront aspects of her own identity and past.
**Editor**: The artwork looks incredible! Can you tell us a bit about your collaboration with Germán Peralta on the visuals?
**Ashley Allen**: Germán is phenomenal. His ability to capture the intensity of both action and emotional moments really brings Magik to life. We’ve worked closely to ensure that the art complements the narrative. His designs are rich and immersive, which is crucial for a magic-focused story.
**Editor**: There’s a lot of buzz about the variant covers, especially from artists like Peach Momoko and Dike Ruan. How do these variants complement the main story?
**Ashley Allen**: Each variant cover adds another layer to the narrative we’re telling. They encapsulate different aspects of Magik’s character and the world she inhabits. For instance, Peach Momoko’s portrayal of The Demon Crow is visually striking and adds a fresh angle to the storytelling. The foil cover by Dike Ruan is not only eye-catching but also symbolizes the complexity of the magic at play in Illyana’s life.
**Editor**: what do you hope readers take away from the series?
**Ashley Allen**: I hope readers come away feeling a deeper connection with Magik. Her journey is one of understanding, growth, and embracing her multifaceted identity. Ultimately, *Magick #1* is a celebration of resilience, and I can’t wait for fans to join us on this adventure.
**Editor**: Thank you, Ashley! We’re looking forward to the release in January.
**Ashley Allen**: Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to read it!
