X-Men Monday #335 – Ashley Allen Talks ‘Magik & Colossus’

Welcome, X-Fans, to another uncanny edition of X-Men Monday at AIPT!

Fans of Illyana Rasputin were understandably disappointed when they learned the beloved Magik series would conclude at its 10th issue. Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait long for more of writer Ashley Allen and artist Germán Peralta’s exploration of the character, as Magik & Colossus was announced as part of the X-Men: Shadows of Tomorrow line.

With two issues of Magik & Colossus already on sale, and the next scheduled to hit comic shop shelves on April 15, 2026, there’s no better time to check in with Ashley, discuss the limited series so far, and learn what comes next for the Rasputin siblings. Let’s see what she has to say.

AIPT: Welcome back to X-Men Monday, Ashley! 

Ashley Allen: Thanks for having me again! I always look forward to X-Men Monday and seeing all the fun questions fans bring!

AIPT: Before we dig into all things Magik & Colossus, I’m curious — how did you and the X-Office decide to follow the Magik solo series with a story focused on Illyana and her older brother?

Ashley: A key part of our Magik solo series was Illyana coming to terms with her past versus just pushing through and keeping herself busy. But I think we can all agree that a BIG part of her past is her very complicated history with her brother (yay family drama!) If we were going to do Illyana right, we needed to have an opportunity for her brother and her to have some heart-to-hearts.

And it isn’t like Colossus hasn’t been through it in the past few years. Magik came to terms with her own past, and now maybe she can help her brother do the same. 

AIPT: How has it been getting to continue working with artist Germán Peralta on Magik & Colossus, and was there anything you two wanted to do differently this time around?

Ashley: Germán’s work speaks for itself. Can I request that we insert some of Germán’s pages here? *insert amazing page here* *cue audience screaming in awe*

AIPT: X-Men Monday definitely takes requests…

Ashley: It is such a blessing to continue working with Germán. I grew up playing sports, and I feel like the best way to describe working with Germán is like hitting a flow state. He just gets what I’m trying to describe in my scripts, the emotions I’m trying to convey, and then dials it up to a thousand. It’s so fun to continue our work from the Magik solo series, and honestly, I would argue to elevate it. I can’t wait for fans to see the rest of his pages!!

AIPT: In my time running this column, I’ve found that Colossus is one of those X-characters that X-Fans — and X-Creators — can’t help but have pretty strong opinions about (both positive and negative). But before writing Piotr, what was your relationship with the character?

Ashley: Honestly, I’ve never really understood people’s negative thoughts on Colossus. But also, I think I’ve known a lot of Piotrs in my life. I grew up helping on my grandpa’s cattle farm, so I understand his desire for a quiet life, focused on growing and tending to the land, but also the dissonance his powers bring with that dream. He wants to protect others, protect his family, but has been thrust into this world.

The Piotrs in my life feel like they have a duty, and Piotr’s been told that his duty is to protect others with his powers. A big part of growth, of maturing, though, is developing your internal voice to tell you what your true purpose is versus what others tell you. I think it’s a relatable struggle, which is why I love Colossus.

AIPT: Our first X-Fan question comes from Eddie, who says the exact way the relationship between Colossus and Illyana is characterized has varied between different writers. What were your main inspirations for how to characterize their relationship in this series?

Ashley: I grew up with a small immediate family and then a large extended family that I wouldn’t see for years at a time. It was interesting to be thrust into this larger world every few years, not knowing anyone, not knowing this history, but them still having an idea of who I was when I was a little kid. I tapped into this feeling with Illyana and Piotr. Illyana had her youth stolen from her, but her family still knew her as a child, and I would argue Piotr still has this idea of her. This is the idea and feeling I keep in mind when writing the siblings (and tap into the childish bickering only family can produce). A key theme of our series is past vs present, confronting stories and narratives so our characters can grow and move forward. 

AIPT: X-Fan Phil wonders, what do you see as the key to writing Illyana and Piotr’s dynamic, and how do you approach it?

Ashley: Love is the center of their dynamic. I think of the Undertale quote that goes viral every few years, “Despite everything, it’s still you.” That sums up everything about these two characters. Despite everything (and EVERYTHING is an understatement when you think about these two characters’ pasts), Illyana and Piotr love each other and are desperately trying to close the distance that has arisen between them. 

But siblings have that key way of making you revert to childish norms. I would say the Rasputins are a little emotionally constipated, so the sibling bickering and teasing are really fun to write. 

AIPT: X-Fan Daniel is curious if you think a reason Piotr has trouble accepting Illyana’s Darkchild self is that he still pictures her as a little girl. Daniel says that most of Illyana’s friends only got to know the Illyana that came out of Limbo. They’re not really familiar with the child, the way Colossus is. Thoughts?

Ashley: Yes!! To add to this, Piotr brought Illyana to America to specifically protect her, and he failed. He blames himself for what Illyana went through. Even if you tell him otherwise, I’ve always felt that Colossus holds onto that guilt. After all, the mind isn’t rational. Colossus sees a clear before and after, with him being the catalyst of the change. 

AIPT: X-Fan ConcernaboutWraithsword has questions about… the Wraithsword! Could the Wraithsword be sentient and influence Illyana’s actions, or does Magik have complete control over the sword?

Ashley: Nooooooooooooooo. Why would you say that? She has complete control over it… for now hehehe. 

AIPT: Let’s talk about what comes next. The covers to Magik & Colossus #3 and 4 appear to show the siblings at odds with one another. What can readers expect from the rest of this limited series?

Ashley: Epic wizard battles with some long overdue heart-to-hearts. The Rasputins will be confronted by their darker halves – their darker impulses – and have to make decisions to figure out what they want their relationship to truly be. Will they walk away from it all or come away stronger from it? You’ll just have to read to find out :) 

AIPT: As we wrap up, X-Fan Andru says that you’ve explored Illyana’s relationships with Dani Moonstar, Cyclops, and now Colossus. If given the chance, what other Illyana relationships would you like to visit and develop?

Ashley: I would love to expand on Illyana’s relationship with Strange and Clea. Illyana deserves a cozy slice of life series… with magic thrown in to make it all go haywire. There’s also a story to be told with Witchfire and Pixie. 

Going to swing big here, but I think Illyana would get along great with Bucky Barnes. I think they could get up to some shenanigans. 

AIPT: Finally, it’s still a long way off, but you’re writing a What If…Cassandra Nova Killed Charles Xavier? One-shot that releases in August. What can you tease?

Ashley: I’m SO excited. Despite working in the X-Office for a few years now, surprisingly, I’ve never written a telepath. Now, I get to write my favorites… and explore the true horrors of what being a telepath can entail. 

AIPT: Can’t wait to read it! But on that note — Ashley, thanks for stopping by X-Men Monday! 

Remember, X-Fans, Magik & Colossus #3 goes on sale April 15, 2026. And lucky you, we’ve got the issue’s eXclusive, lettered preview, courtesy of Ashley, Germán, colorist Arthur Hesli, and letterer Ariana Maher.

But wait, there’s more! Here’s an eXclusive look at artist Benjamin Su’s variant cover to Magik & Colossus #5, courtesy of our friends at Marvel.

Next X-Men Monday – April 13, 2026

In the next edition of X-Men Monday, writer Jody Houser makes her column debut to discuss Generation X-23!

Until next time, X-Fans, stay eXceptional!