It's About Time: X-Men Admits an Underrated Mutant Is Really Wolverine's Equal

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Uncanny X-Men #8

Marvel Comics is finally acknowledging that one X-Men hero ranks as Wolverine's equal; though Wolverine is widely regarded as Marvel's most badass mutant, the franchise has admitted that the powerful mutant sorceress Magik is absolutely on his level – and, in fact, she can pull off stunts that Logan could never dream of.

Uncanny X-Men #8 – written by Gail Simone, with art by Javier Garrón – is the final chapter of the “Raid on Graymalkin” crossover event. As the two primary teams of X-Men go head-to-head, as they attempt to free old allies from Graymalkin Prison, including the war criminal Charles Xavier , both sides are forced to come together to face a greater threat.

When the battle on two fronts turns against both sides, Rogue and Cyclops dispatch their respective teams’ strongest powerhouse; while Rogue calls out the dependably fearsome Wolverine, Cyclops’s key player is Magik, who presents a combination threat unlike any other.

Magik Is Officially Declared Wolverine’s Equal, As Marvel Acknowledges Her As A Mutant Powerhouse

Uncanny X-Men #8 – Written By Gail Simone; Art By Javier Garrón; Color By Matthew Wilson; Lettering By VC’s Clayton Cowles; Cover Art By David Marquez & Matthew Wilson

Since her heroic debut in Magik #1 (1983) – written by Chris Claremont, with art by John Buscema – Illyana Rasputina has become one of the X-Men’s most dependable heroes over time. Her mutant powers alone make her a stand-out star. Capable of summoning “Stepping Discs,” Illyana can summon teleportation portals that reach across time, space, and the Multiverse itself. Her time-traveling capabilities alone make her a rarity among Marvel’s other heroes, a feat that most others must rely on specialized machines and powerful magic to accomplish. Of course, in addition to her mutant powers, Magik is the Sorceress Supreme of Limbo.

Besides power, what makes Magik as equally valuable as Wolverine is her personality. Magik is a pragmatist who carries a clear head wherever she goes. Having faced immeasurable levels of trauma from a young age, she has become hardened by her experiences, yet not so callous as to shut others out. The X-Men know that she is committed to completing the job, regardless of the cost to herself. When Wolverine and Magik finally cross paths in this issue, both are ready to take each other on as equals, even if it means a fight to the death.

The X-Men's Best Fighters

Illyana and Logan are kindred spirits from different backgrounds that arrive at the same destination. Both hardened from their pasts and forged into weapons by others’ evil machinations, the two X-Men are the living ideals of a warrior. When the X-Men are threatened with defeat, Cyclops and Rogue, who genuinely hate each other right now, equally recognize both teams’ principal powers. Most should be able to recognize Magik’s talent, but she, alongside many of her generation’s mutants, struggles to hold the same popularity as Wolverine, and the original X-characters.

That said, when put in a fight, Magik will almost always end up on top. She’s a well-rounded character with an expansive arsenal of tricks. When one powerset fails to complete the mission, she has an entirely different category of skills to lean on. Her calm, but cynical temperament gives her a keen eye both in battle and mutant politics. She has singlehandedly ruled an entire dimension of demons while fending off the unending barrage of threats that the X-Men face . When put to the test, Magik is as strong a fighter as Wolverine, and the X-Men know it.

Uncanny X-Men #8 is now available from Marvel Comics.