X-Men Forever #s 11 to 14: Black Magik

Writer: Chris Claremont; Pencils: Tom Grummett; Inks: Cory Hamscher

Rating 3 out of 5 stars

While I greatly enjoyed Chris Claremont's first two story arcs on X-Men Forever, he faltered somewhat with his third, "Black Magik."

This is a semi-sequel of sorts to the 1983 miniseries Magik, which detailed Illyana Rasputin's abduction by the demonic sorcerer Belasco, who sought to corrupt the young girl and turn her into his disciple. The miniseries took place over a period of years in Limbo, but when Illyana finally escaped to Earth, only a few moments had passed. She left a young girl, and returned a magic-wielding mutant teenager. Several years later, during the "Inferno" crossover, Illyana was restored to her younger, innocent state, with no memory of her time as Magik.

"Black Magik" sees the X-Men Shadowcat, Gambit, and Little 'Ro travel to Russia to seek out their long-time teammate, Illyana's older brother Colossus. The trio learn Colossus has been recruited by his homeland's official superhuman team, the Winter Guard.

Shadowcat, who in the past dated Colossus, is a bit disconcerted to learn that he is now romantically involved with his team leader, the femme fatale and former Avenger known as the Black Widow. Even though Kitty Pryde and Peter Rasputin haven't been a couple for several years, old feelings die hard. Kitty isn't exactly pleased to learn Colossus has hooked up with the Widow.

While this awkward reunion is taking place, young Illyana is abducted by Bhodan Shkuro, a.k.a. the Cossack, a former KGB operative who alludes to past dealings with Belasco. The Cossack apparently has some undefined magical powers, because he manages to, off-panel, age Illyana back to a teenager and restore her mystic abilities. Additionally, he has a squad of goons working for him who can turn into werewolves.

Honestly, I found the Cossack to be something of a bore. He's such a nondescript character that I was relieved when he was killed of at the end of the story arc.

The whole mind control / corruption of the soul theme has been done by Claremont several times in the past. I don't think he needed to retread it, especially as that ground was pretty well covered for Illyana in the Magik miniseries. And the transformation is too damn sudden. One minute she is the defiant little girl Illyana who refuses to be intimidated by Shkuro. The next she is the teenage Black Magik (yes, she actually calls herself that) reveling in her powers, eagerly serving at the side of the Cossack.

Magik seeks to likewise corrupt Shadowcat and Little 'Ro, turning them into creatures of evil. Magik's efforts to turn Kitty to the dark side are actually rather disconcerting. Perhaps it's my imagination, but I couldn't help picking up lesbian overtones in Magik's temptation of Shadowcat.

Both Shadowcat and Little 'Ro are able to muster the fortitude to resist Magik's efforts. Shadowcat actually attacks the Cossack, and is ready to kill him to save her friends, even if the action costs her soul. Fortunately, Kitty is spared making that choice by the Black Widow, who shoots the Cossack. The Widow tells her "A long time ago, Kitty, Logan saved me from this kind of evil. He's gone, but you're the child of his soul. So I figure this is a fair way to repay that debt."

The Widow's dialogue harks back to Uncanny X-Men #268. During World War II, Wolverine rescued a young Natasha Romanov from being turned into an assassin for the mystic ninja cult The Hand by killing their leader. This is a good use of continuity by Claremont. If you've read that story, you know exactly what the Widow is referring to. If you have not, you can easily figure out from the dialogue that Natasha is simply repaying an old debt to Wolverine by saving Kitty from a situation similar to one she once found herself in.

On the other hand, I don't know how clear other aspects of "Black Magik" would be to readers who are unfamiliar with the events of the Magik miniseries and "Inferno" storyline. The Black Widow summarizes part of Illyana's history in X-Men Forever #12. That probably helps somewhat. Maybe the editors should have included Magik's Handbook of the Marvel Universe entry in the back of the first chapter, just to be sure everyone was caught up!

The story felt padded at times, and I wonder if it could have been done in three parts. At least the final chapter speeds along at a breezy pace, ending "Black Magik" on a high note. I definitely enjoyed the concluding issue.

Meanwhile, back on the home front, in the land of subplots, Sabretooth and Agent Daisy Dugan learn that the Consortium has infiltrated SHIELD. Sabretooth, being who he is, brutally kills the traitor. This, as Nick Fury later points out, unfortunately precludes interrogating him. Fury and Dugan decide to enlist Sabretooth's aid in rooting out any other double agents. Which is an odd decision, as Sabretooth is a sadistic sociopath, i.e. not the most trustworthy of allies. Perhaps Fury simply rationalizes better the devil you know. That said, I hope Fury is watching his back, as far as Sabretooth is concerned.

Another somewhat odd development is the start of a relationship between Jean Grey and Hank McCoy. I don't recall any suggested attraction between the two since maybe the original X-Men stories from the 1960s. It does seem a bit abrupt, although Claremont does try to build it up over the four issues. I don't know. Maybe Jean, still in grief over Wolverine's death, and with Scott Summers off in Alaska, finds herself drawn to her other old friend & teammate, the Beast. As for McCoy, he could finally be expressing long-buried feelings for Jean. Guess we'll have to see where this heads.

As a side-note, I can't help recalling Neal Adams' idea, which never saw print, that the Beast would turn out to be Wolverine's son or grandson (based on the similar hair and physiques). That'd add another wrinkle to a Jean/Hank romance!

"Black Magic" sees the return of the art team of Tom Grummett & Cory Hamscher after a five issue absence. As always, they do fine work. Their rendering of the Black Widow is drop dead sexy. The action sequences are dramatic. I also like how they illustrate quieter moments, such as the scenes with Jean and Hank. The strong storytelling helps to sell the idea of a developing relationship. The moment in X-Men Forever #14 when the two finally kiss in a rainy alley has both a romantic and noir-ish feel to it.

The costume designs aren't really to my preference, though. Illyana's new outfit when she becomes Black Magik looks a bit like something Britney Spears would wear. Although I suppose that if you embrace the evil in your soul and join the forces of darkness, your wardrobe isn't going to end up being demure or austere!

More of a problem is the Cossack, clad in dull purple fur-tinged robes, matching his equally dull long purple hair. Not only is the character boring, but so is his appearance. When he finally gets killed in issue #14, I couldn't help thinking "Thank goodness for that!" God forbid Claremont brings Bhodan Shkuro back, I hope a resurrection would inspire the Cossack to get a serious makeover. Where's Tim Gunn when you really need him?

Ah, well, even though "Black Magik" is Claremont's weakest X-Men Forever arc so far, I'm looking forward to future issues. It is still one of the best titles Marvel Comics is currently publishing.