REVIEW: ‘Magik’ #5 - Illyana And Darkchild’s Reckoning
- Keith M.
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
Since the first issue, Magik has chronicled Illyana Rasputin’s uphill battle against seemingly insurmountable odds. With the destruction of the first seal of Liminal’s prison and the loss of one of the few who understood how to prevent the demon’s rise, the threat of an apocalyptic future loomed large. On top of that, Illyana has had to confront her most dangerous enemy —herself — through the dark persona of the Darkchild. These past five issues have tested her deeply, but Magik #5 suggests the tide may finally be turning.
Illyana’s ally in this fight, Dani Moonstar (a.k.a. Mirage), continues to stand by her, but their partnership has been strained. The fear of Darkchild's re-emergence has driven a wedge between them, leading to frequent clashes. Despite their formidable powers, the pair can’t prevent the breaking of the fifth sea, and with it, the rising of their terrifying foe.
Liminal is no ordinary villain. Like Magik in her time as the Queen of Limbo, he commands a horde of demons and intends to unleash them upon Earth. But first, he seeks to force Illyana to surrender to Darkchild, hoping to bring her fully under its influence. This is where the story digs deep, evoking themes familiar to fans of characters like Jean Grey and Wanda Maximoff, heroes who have had to wrestle with the darker actions of their past to find strength and acceptance.
That same journey unfolds here. In a compelling twist, Illyana’s power comes not from rejecting Darkchild, as she once did with Limbo, but from embracing it. By accepting this part of herself, she gains a new level of control and clarity — an evolution that allows her to outmaneuver Liminal when he least expects it. This narrative choice is not only powerful but true to Illyana’s ongoing arc across various titles, including Vita Ayala’s New Mutants and the Labors of Magik storyline.
Yet, the final blow against Liminal doesn’t come from Magik herself, but from Cal, a young mage introduced in issue one, grieving the loss of his grandmother. His sacrifice resonates deeply with Illyana, who knows all too well the cost of lost childhood and premature responsibility. Dani’s reminder — that it was Cal’s choice — leads to a quiet but poignant reckoning, capped by her calling Illyana out on what it truly means to lead and protect others.
It's another emotional gut-punch that leaves Illyana subdued and introspective in the issue’s closing moments. But just when it seems she’s ready to collapse under the weight of it all, an unexpected cameo from Cyclops (Scott Summers) delivers some truth and compassion she may need. His heartfelt pep talk, rich with references to their shared history, feels earned and genuine. Writer Allen does a phenomenal job with these characters by balancing criticism with compassion and showing a deep understanding of each of their voices.
All in all, Magik #5 delivers a powerful and satisfying conclusion to the series’ first arc. It has everything fans could want: sorcery, demons, sword fights, New Mutants, and deep character growth. But rather than simply saying "this book has it all," I’ll just say this: I hope this creative team keeps going strong. I’m excited to see what the next chapter in Magik’s legacy brings.
About Magik #5
Release Date:Â March 28, 2025
Written by:Â Ashley Allen
Art by: German Peralta
Cover by: J. Scott Campbell
Page Count: 27
Synopsis:Â THE FIFTH SEAL IS OPENED! With Liminal's release on the horizon and Darkchild's power growing, Magik is out of time to save the world. Can Cal and Dani Moonstar turn the tide? Or did Magik know exactly how things would end when she surrounded herself with Demon Slayers?