Magik and Colossus #5 – The Beauty Of Life

The Magik and Colossus finale is here! Colossus returned to the motherland only to find that ancient Russian folklore had come to life. As he rushed to the defense of innocent people, Magik joined his quest to rid the world of this dark force and discover who is behind it. Koschei the Immortal was revealed to be the culprit, draining magic from his victims, including Illyana. Rescued by Colossus, the two are taken by Count Kaoz to the place they would least expect, the Baba Yaga. There, Koschei’s plan to cut off all magic but his own is revealed. The ritual complete, Koschei is more powerful than ever, and Illyana’s magic is nowhere to be found.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Shawn!

Miss Magik and Colossus #4? Catch up with our joint review HERE!

Creative Team

Writer: Ashley Allen
Artist: Germán Peralta
Color Artist: Arthur Hesli
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Cover Artist: David Nakayama

Writing

Megan: To say Ashley Allen stuck the landing would be the understatement of the century. Magik and Colossus #5 is sadly the end of this run, but even with a run so small, this packed a HUGE punch. Throughout the run, Ashley Allen has put a spotlight on what makes the Rasputin siblings who they are. The bad, the good, and the unresolved. The siblings had things to work through regarding themselves and their relationship with each other, and we see that relationship between the two get tested again and again. This run was all about building and working through the traumas that haunt our pasts and our futures, and Allen was able to write something that showed us that progress in a beautiful way.

After so much buildup in this comic series, Allen brings it to a very satisfactory ending. As sad as I am that the series is over, I am very happy with how it ended. Also, I really, really would love to see Allen come back to write for Magik because if there’s a magic touch for a character, Ashley has it.

Shawn: Whew, Ashley Allen hits us right in the feels with this final issue. Magik and Colossus, at its core, has always been a series about family, and that is no more present than in Magik and Colossus #5. Ashley Allen proved time and time again throughout this series that she understood the complex dynamic between the Rasputin siblings. This issue was the cherry on top of a well-written, thoughtful, and delightfully complex story of family and trust.

Trust is at the heart of the climax of this story. Allen not only gives us a satisfying ending to this story, but the relationship between the siblings also shows real growth. When you stand back and look at it as an entire arc, the amount of character growth for both Illyana and Piotr that Allen managed to work into five issues is not only impressive, but a testament to Allen’s ability as a writer and vision-caster.

Art

Megan: I cannot say enough good things about the artwork of Magik and Colossus, and the fifth issue is no exception. Time and time again, Germán Peralta, Arthur Hesli, and Ariana Maher have proven how ridiculously talented they are, and I think no further proof is needed after reading Magik and Colossus.

Magik and Colossus #5 is wrapped in the mystical goodness that comes with Magik and the action-heavy excitement that comes with Colossus. Both personalities are on full display in the artwork, which was marvelous to see. The bright colors of the magic and the sheer strength of Colossus shown in the panels bring so much depth to the story and the characters themselves. The artists truly made this an issue to remember.

Shawn: Germán Peralta, Arthur Hesli, and Ariana Maher really did save the best for last. Whether it was the lines, the colors, or the lettering, everything about this issue felt magnificent. For Peralta, this issue really showcased his use of a variety of line work, with the images being crisp and clear when they fit the story, while jagged and unclear when they fit the scene. The panel with a highly detailed Colossus and a spectral Kayla is the best example of the quality of work Peralta has put into Magik and Colossus #5.

Hesli, not to be outdone, shines beautifully in this issue. With spectral images and magic users fighting, Hesli really gets the chance to show how good he is at colors in this issue. Even then, some of the best work Hesli does on this issue is something many would overlook in the form of beautifully lit backgrounds. Hesli’s colors set the tone for each panel, whether it’s drab or bright; you feel the darkness or hope. Maher perfectly navigates the complex story featuring interior monologues for both Colossus and Magik as well as the general narrative. The text is distinct, allowing readers to easily follow the story.

Final Thoughts

Megan: 10/10. I’m sad this miniseries has ended, but I am so happy with how it ended. Ashley Allen doesn’t miss when it comes to these characters!

Shawn:10/10. This series was everything I could want in a limited series. It was a beautiful story of family, trust, and redemption. The art is stunning, the writing spectacular, and the story perfect. The only issue with Magik and Colossus is that there weren’t enough issues for me.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Now that the Magik and Colossus series is over, how did you like it? Let us know in the comments!