Content warning for discussions of rape and abuse.
The fourth issue of X-Men: Age of Revelation Infinity dropped yesterday, and it quickly sparked a controversy that saw its writer shut down his social media accounts. X-Men: Age of Revelation Infinity #4 centers around Magik, and readers have accused the short story of using a sexist trope that the comics have often relied on in the past.
In particular, readers claim that the comic depicts Magic being sexually abused until he becomes a villain. This is considered a revival of the trend in which female characters are sexualized for moral value and receive a disproportionate amount of violence, which is no stranger to Marvel.
Magik fans are not happy with his latest comic appearance
The story opens with Magik on a mission. During which she loses control and kills Maria Hill, and is killed by Nick Fury. This sends her into limbo, with Belasco claiming her soul and trapping her. It is implied that she is tormented and abused by Belasco and the other demons of Limbo, who corrupt her and turn her into his servant.
This alone attracts controversy, due to the implied violence and the fact that it places Magik in a subordinate role. However, it is the sexual undertones that have provoked much of this reaction.
Although there is no depiction of rape in this case, it can be inferred from some of the panels. For example, the monsters Magic meets make crude, disparaging comments about her body, and two of her tormentors—Belasco and Syme—have previously abused her as a child. She spawns in limbo in only her underwear, as she is depicted invoking imagery of sexual abuse. Another panel shows her thanking her abuser for “sating” after she becomes a Darkchild [her] Miserable needs.” Some have taken this to refer to sexual abuse, but it is actually the abuser begging her for food, which, of course, is still a clear form of abuse that can be sexual in nature.
The story has been described as sexist, especially by those who interpret the abuse as rape. Many felt that the way abuse was portrayed corrupted the action, and diminished Magik's character when her backstory already revolved around abuse, making her an important character to the other survivors.
It's all worth putting in context; Sexual harassment and violence against women are often used without much thought in comic books. There's a reason the term “freezing” originated from the Green Lantern comics, as it's clear that female characters face a disproportionate amount of violence compared to their male counterparts.
But, amid the genuine criticism of this writing, abuse has been directed at those who have worked on the issue. Author Tim Seeley has deactivated his Twitter account and gone private on Instagram. Seeley has faced criticism for being dismissive of criticism, but some messages clearly cross the line into being offensive.
Overall, many are happy to see Marvel greenlight this story as Magic's character has seen a resurgence in popularity, thanks to his appearance in Marvel Rivals. It remains to be seen if anyone from Marvel will comment on this response.
