You’d have to be living under a rock if you have not come across any sort of Marvel Rivals content on your feeds lately. It’s arguably one of the biggest things in gaming right now, attracting anyone and everyone to join in on the fun. From big-time FPS streamers to hero shooter fans and MCU devotees, the game has hit a sweet spot in giving anyone plenty to enjoy.
For comic book fans, the game is a treasure trove of characters they’ve followed for years. One standout is Magik, a complex character whose unique abilities and dark backstory have captivated players. Whether you're a longtime X-Men fan or a new player curious about this Soulsword-wielding sorceress, this guide dives into Magik's history, powers, and role in Marvel Rivals. Let’s explore what makes her such a compelling character.
Image: Marvel Comics
Who is Magik?
Created by Chris Claremont, Len Wein, and Dave Cockrum, Illyana Rasputin made her debut in Giant-Size X-Men #1 as Colossus’ younger sister. Initially a minor character with no powers, Illyana was brought to Xavier’s School for protection under her brother’s watchful eye. Over the years, she has evolved into one of the Marvel Universe’s most iconic mutants. Her journey from an innocent child to a powerful, demonic sorceress tied to the mystical dimension of Limbo is a tale of loss, power, and redemption.
In Marvel Rivals, Magik is a standout Duelist, gaining attention from players eager to learn more about her story and abilities.
Character Lore
The Limbo Saga
Magik’s transformation began in Uncanny X-Men #160, where she was kidnapped by the demon Belasco and taken to Limbo. Subjected to years of torment, Illyana was infused with demonic magic. However, with help from an alternate-universe Storm, she learned to harness her dark powers, eventually unlocking her mutant ability to create portals and forging her iconic Soulsword. Using her newfound strength, she overthrew Belasco and escaped Limbo—but discovered that years in Limbo had passed as mere minutes in her home dimension. She returned as a much-changed teenager, scarred by her time in the hellish realm.
New Mutants and Beyond
Shortly after returning to her home dimension as a teenager, Illyana joins the New Mutants. This stint is what she is most known for, and it defined her character for generations to come. Her magical prowess and combat skills make her invaluable, but her inner darkness and Limbo's influence create constant tension. This duality is at the core of Magik's character, driving her stories for decades.
Image: Marvel Comics
Magik's Powers and Abilities in Marvel Rivals
Teleportation (Stepping Discs)
Magik’s iconic ability is to summon stepping discs that teleport herself and others across vast distances, including through time and dimensions. These portals are connected to Limbo, meaning she must briefly pass through the dimension during teleportation. But as dangerous as that may sound, Magik’s dominance over the realm ensures that she and whoever comes with her through the discs are protected from harm. If anything, it makes for a very metal touch to her incredible powers.
Soulsword
More than being the X-Men’s resident teleporter, Magik jumps into battle using her signature Soulsword. The name is more than just a fantasy flourish, as the weapon is made from a piece of Illyana’s soul, which is why she can form it seemingly out of thin air. While the design of the Soulsword has changed over the years, it has always been the primary element that makes Magik stick out on any page she’s on. After all, from Guts to Absolute Wonder Woman, characters wielding giant swords are always a winning combination, and Magik is the poster girl for that fact.
Darkchylde
When overwhelmed by dark magic, Magik transforms into her demonic Darkchylde form. Rivals players will recognize this immediately as it’s her ultimate in the game. With giant horns, a tail, and a more monstrous figure, this is Magik at her most terrifying. Just like in the game, it’s bad news every time she transforms into Darkchylde. But while the form used to mean she lost control over her darker half, she has since been able to harness it when she needs to. It’s not something she always relies on, but is an ace in the hole when situations get really desperate.
Image: Marvel Comics
Magik’s Story in Marvel Rivals
Magik’s journey in the game begins when Scarlet Witch arrives in Limbo looking to recruit allies for a multiversal battle that threatens reality itself. While Magik is initially skeptical, Wanda's revelation of a larger, unseen threat—and Doctor Strange's involvement—sets the stage for an uneasy alliance.
The tense meeting between Magik and Wanda only escalates when Wolverine barges into Limbo on a rescue mission for a young Mutant lost in the realm. Their shared history tempers the fiery queen’s suspicion, and the trio sets out to find the child. As Wanda’s chaos magic stabilizes the volatile timestream, Magik’s stepping discs rescue the frightened girl, while Logan’s resourcefulness provides safe passage back to the Mutant haven of Krakoa.
In the end, Magik hesitates to leave her realm but recognizes the opportunity to forge a greater alliance with her fellow X-Men. With Wanda’s magical ingenuity ensuring her passage into Krakoa, the trio steps forward into a new chapter that sees them clash against Doctor Doom’s plot to control time and dimensions.
Image: Marvel Comics
Essential Magik Comics
For those intrigued by Magik in Marvel Rivals and wanting to explore her character further, check out these fantastic comics throughout her storied history :
Magik: Storm and Illyana by Chris Claremont, John Buscema, and Ron Frenz (1983):
This limited series tells Illyana’s origin, from her abduction into Limbo to her transformation into Magik. It is essential for understanding her backstory and the foundation of her powers.
New Mutants by Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod (1983):
This is the era when Magik comes into her own. As part of a team with Cannonball, Sunspot, and Wolfsbane, Magik explores the tough balance of being a hero fueled by dark and dangerous energy.
X-Infernus by C. B. Cebulski and Giuseppe Camuncoli (2009):
This event had Magik play a major role in a story centered around Limbo. Her battle to contain the demonic invasion of Earth is a highlight of her character.
New Mutants by Zeb Wells and Diogenes Neves (2009):
A modern take on Magik and her classic teammates, and arguably some of Zeb Wells’ best work. This run hits a great mix of teenage hijinks and superhero spectacle. Apart from Magik, characters like Dani Moonstar, Cannonball, and Cypher shine through their fun dynamics together. This is a great read if you love team books but on a much smaller scale.
Uncanny X-Men by Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo (2013):
Magik’s role in Cyclops’ revolutionary team showcases her as a confident, powerful mutant with a more stable grasp on her identity. She was an invaluable asset to the team because her stepping discs allowed them to freely move in and out of Utopia and rescue other mutants. Her role in the team hits its peak when she becomes part of the Phoenix Five alongside Colossus, Cyclops, Namor, and Emma Frost.
Magik’s evolution from victim to hero makes her one of Marvel’s most fascinating characters. Her presence in Marvel Rivals not only adds depth to the game but also serves as an invitation for players to explore the rich tapestry of her comic book history. Whether you’re teleporting into battle or delving into her stories, Magik embodies the magic and complexity that make the Marvel Universe so captivating.