This review contains minor spoilers for ‘Magik‘ #9

Illyana Rasputin has been through it all since issue one. Between confronting the Darkchilde, battling Liminal, and falling out with her best friend, there hasn’t been a moment of peace. Thankfully, the previous issue gave us a long-awaited resolution, as Illyana and Dani finally reconciled. The two are back on the same page—just in time, because the Society of the Eternal Dawn has decided to strike.

The fight between Illyana, Dani, and the Society’s Exemplars spills into the streets of Vegas in a dazzling display of mutant powers and sorcery. Watching Magik clash with magical dragons, cast powerful spells, and shatter wards is a highlight of the issue. Once again, her skill as both a mutant and a sorceress takes center stage. It would be fascinating to see Dani begin to explore magic herself, though I realize there may not be room for that in this arc. But maybe someone would be able to take her there in the future.

Determined to save Cal—whose body still contains Liminal—the group takes the battle to the Society’s base. To bring him back, they need his heart, which means facing Embodiment, the Society’s leader. In a twist that genuinely caught me off guard, Embodiment is revealed to be a mutant with powerful precognitive abilities. She sees Magik’s actions and claims she foresaw the fall of Krakoa and chose not to intervene. This would imply that she’s at least as powerful as notable precogs like Destiny, whose visions many relied on in the past.

This revelation adds a new layer to her character. Embodiment is not just a powerful mage, but a mutant who has lived a long, calculated life. The events of the Society and its success are all guided by her gift. She presents a serious threat, even after Magik unlocks Liminal’s full strength. In the end, Illyana, Dani, and Liminal are forced to retreat, cornered within the Society’s inner sanctum and outmatched.

This issue of Magik delivers on action, character growth, and narrative depth. The restored trust between Illyana and Dani gives emotional weight to the chaos, while Embodiment emerges as a compelling and dangerous villain. Once again, Allen and the creative team craft a strong installment. With the stakes higher than ever, I can’t wait to see how our heroes fight their way out.