X-Men: Return of Magik #1

 

She's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! If you're an existing Magik fan, or a newcomer to the X-Men universe, you'll want to pick up this one-shot, collecting three titles serving as the springboard for the return of Illyana Rasputin, also known as Magik. First, in “Dying Inside”, from X-Men Unlimited #13, Illyana struggles with the guilt of being unable to use her vast mystic knowledge to prevent the Morlock Massacre by the Marauders beneath the streets of New York City. An interesting character study, “Dying Inside” gives us a glimpse into the troubling and fascinating world of Magik, and the limitations she struggles with on Earth.

 

In “The Quest For Magik” from New X-Men #37, a night of spooky storytelling in front of the fireplace at the Xavier Institute For Higher Learning turns into a fight for the New X-Men’s lives as the mutant Blindfold actually foretells the coming of a certain blonde teenage sorceress who died several years before. This is a great origin piece that explains Magik’s history, without being too confusing. I recommend this title for readers looking for a summarized overview of Illyana’s past exploits.

 

Finally, in “Planting Seeds” from X-Men: Divided We Stand #2, a recently resurrected Darkchilde formulates a stratagem to retrieve her soul. Believing that love will aid her in her quest, Darkchilde visits the Institute, only to discover that it has been utterly destroyed. Infuriated, she decides that only by destroying those who have wronged her in the past will the Darkchilde be able to reclaim her soul, an ominous proclamation that will segue into the events of   “ X-Infernus”.This story is a tidy little one-shot by C.B. Cebulski, one of Magik's bigger  fans. 
 

Some people will tell you that “X-Men: The Return Of Magik” is merely a collection of existing titles meant to generate more $$$ for Marvel Entertainment, but as an Illyana fan, I can honestly say it is a good read. You won’t find anything specifically created for the one-shot itself, with the exception of the cover, but upon it’s initial release, the title sold out of it’s first printing within days. It just goes to show you the rabid interest in the return of one of the most beloved secondary characters in the X-Men realm, and I am giving it a 3 out of 5, just for continuity sake alone. After all, all knowledge is good knowledge, and some might even say it’s “Magik”!