REVIEW: ‘Magikʼ #6 - Two Queens and One Hell of a Day

When it comes to complicated backstories in the X-Men universe, few characters can rival Illyana Rasputin. Both a mutant and a sorceress, she’s endured a traumatic past filled with kidnapping, demonic realms, corrupted childhood, and even death. That she’s still standing — strong, sharp, and self-aware — is a testament to her resilience. But no matter how far she’s come, going back is never easy.

Although Illyana has temporarily stopped the threat of Liminal, her problems are far from over. Her relationship with longtime friend and ally Dani Moonstar is strained after their last mission, and now she finds herself entangled once again with the politics of Limbo—specifically, with its current ruler: the Goblin Queen, Madelyne Pryor.

During the events of Dark Web, Illyana handed control of Limbo over to Madelyne, hoping both to give Pryor a fresh start and to distance herself from the trauma tied to her former realm. But now, Limbo’s demons are rebelling against their new queen, and Illyana is forced to step back into the chaos she tried to leave behind.

What follows is a surprisingly introspective and, at times, darkly funny adventure. Illyana and Madelyne, more alike than either would care to admit, are forced to confront how manipulation, trauma, and power have shaped their identities. Both have been twisted into darker versions of themselves—made to hurt the people they love. It’s a sobering truth, and one that lingers long in thought, even after the last panel.

Yet, they share more than pain. Both women are fiercely strong-willed. When the demons attempt to forge a “soul blade” to claim Limbo for themselves (a thread subtly teased back in Storm #9), Illyana and Madelyne join forces to stop them. The new blade, a potent artifact tied to Limbo’s essence, ultimately falls into Illyana’s hands, and together, the two dispatch the traitorous demons in a display of power and unity.

Magik #6 is a strong issue—both thematically and narratively. It reminds us just how far Illyana has come, while still acknowledging the deep scars of her past. It’s also a welcome reminder that the Goblin Queen and the world of Limbo remain rich, layered corners of the X-Men mythos. Ashley Allen clearly understands Illyana not just as a mutant or hero, but as a full, complex person.

The final-page cliffhanger, teasing Dani’s return, is especially exciting. Illyana and Dani have always been excellent foils—two warriors with very different kinds of strength—and I’m eager to see what happens when they’re reunited, for better or worse. If the start of this arc is any indication, we’re in for something special.

Release Date: June 11, 2025

Written by: Ashley Allen

Art by: Jesus Hervas

Cover by: Pablo Villalobos

Page Count: 26

Synopsis: Guest-starring Madelyne Pryor, the GOBLIN QUEEN! The Goblin Queen comes to Magik for help to retain control of Limbo. But what kind of threat requires two queens of Limbo to defeat it? And what kind of trouble can Magik and the Goblin Queen get into together?!