Illyana Rasputin is a cynical sorceress with power harnessed from the dark realm of Limbo. Piotr Rasputin is made of metal, but with a heart much softer than his exterior. But despite being family, blood does not run thicker than water! When they return to their mother country, they discover ancient monsters from Russian folklore preying on the innocent! Can these two mutant siblings set aside their differences to save their country?

Magik and Colossus #1 brings the brother and sister together for this “Shadows of Tomorrow” series that takes them home to deal with their past. Written by Ashley Allen, the comic feels a bit like a throwback to a miniseries that might have been released in the late 90s. There’s a lot of history for these two characters and the debut issue does its best to keep to the major details that are needed for the series.

It has the duo taking on an ancient evil teasing a bigger bad hiding in the shadows waiting to be revealed. It’s easy to guess who the character might be, the comic is all about foreshadowing what’s to come. But, the initial fight is interesting to see how these two deal with folklore terrorizing villages.

The comic dives into the relationship with the two and while it goes over a lot, it never quite clicks as to real emotion. There’s a coldness from both, but it’s nice to see Illyana in ways the adult between her and Peter. Where the comics I read it was clear that Peter was protecting her, things have shifted in many ways and the roles are reversed.

The comic takes place in Russia and features Russian folklore as the initial monsters to deal with. It doesn’t touch upon today’s reality and reading the comic it feels a little odd to be disconnected to that in some ways when the X-Men as a whole have had no issues touching upon real world issues. While it doesn’t distract, it does linger.

The art by German Peralta is good. With color by Arthur Hesli and lettering by Ariana Maher, the comic looks solid and the action is interesting. I can’t say anything about the setting but what stands out about the art is the sadness that’s clearly present between the two main characters. There’s a morose aspect to it that comes through.

Magik and Colossus #1 is for the hardcore fans of the characters. It doesn’t hit quite as emotionally as one might expect but feels like it can be a nice side adventure for these two who definitely don’t get enough time together.

Story: Ashley Allen Art: German Peralta
Color: Arthur Hesli Letterer: Ariana Maher
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle