REVIEW: ‘Magik #4’ - Dani And Darkchild Battle For Control
- Keith M.
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
In the ever-expanding world of Marvel’s mutant stories, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of titles competing for attention. But let me make it simple for you: Magik is a series worth your time. Magik #4 continues the powerful arc of Illyana Rasputin, mutant, sorceress, and X-Man, and this chapter brings both heat and heart, with a much-welcome team-up alongside her longtime friend, Dani Moonstar.
We pick up right where issue #3 left off: Illyana and Dani reunited, racing to prevent the demonic villain Liminal from breaking free of his magical seal and unleashing chaos on Earth. The opening scene is a standout: A cinematic battle atop a cable car in Ecuador. Illyana, wielding her iconic Soulsword, slices through hordes of demons while Dani covers her with a new enchanted bow. For fans of the New Mutants, this isn’t just an action beat, it’s a reunion steeped in history, emotion, and trust.
Dani’s presence brings a refreshing emotional contrast to Illyana, who often walks a solitary path. Even after years with the X-Men, Magik remains guarded, her vulnerability rarely on display. But this issue reminds us that even the strongest warriors need allies. The back-and-forth between Illyana and Dani on whether this is a battle Magik must face alone or one they can fight together adds real emotional weight.
On one side, Illyana believes only she can bear this burden. After all, it's her Darkchild persona clawing at the edges of her mind, threatening to overtake her should she fail. On the other, Dani—now allied with the mystical Society of the Eternal Dawn—is determined not to let her friend face this war alone, now also bound by duty. Her loyalty is unwavering, even as Illyana tries to push her away for her own safety.
And this is where writer Ashley Allen’s storytelling shines. Her Dungeons & Dragons influence is loud and clear (and deeply appreciated), especially in the fantasy-style monster-slaying sequences, swords, spells, and high-stakes tension. It’s thrilling stuff that makes me wish I were at a table playing! Artist German Peralta elevates this even further, with imaginative spellwork visuals that make Magik’s sorcery feel dynamic, powerful, and long overdue for the spotlight.
By the end, Illyana and Dani survive, physically, at least. But emotionally, the cracks show. Dani’s relentless support may have saved the day, but it also risks driving a wedge between them. The looming threat of Liminal remains, and Illyana’s internal battle with the Darkchild is far from over.
As a fan of both these characters and stories that blend action with emotional stakes, Magik continues to deliver. With rich character development, compelling conflict, and killer visuals, Magik #4 proves this title deserves a permanent spot on your pull list. I can’t wait to see where Illyana’s journey takes us next.
About Magik #4
Release Date:Â April 23, 2025
Written by:Â Ashley Allen
Art by: German Peralta
Cover by: J. Scott Campbell & Tanya Lehoux
Page Count: 26
Synopsis:Â Magik is struggling to keep herself together! But will the return of her old friend, Dani Moonstar, help? Or will the confrontation bring out Illyana's Darkchild self?