Top 10 Magic Using Superheroes

Creature from Hell or not, this guy means business. While he’s no slouch with a sword, his pyrokinesis over hellfire makes him a spellbinding threat to be reckoned with. Thankfully, he’s bound to the mortal Jason Blood, so he has vested interest in humanity's survival, at least for now. That’s a good thing, since we have a feeling even the Justice League may struggle against his magical prowess. He isn’t all smoke and scales though, this demonic creature has a surprising knack for poetry, and he charmingly speaks in rhymes most of the time. We bet this guy kills at the Hall of Justice’s open mic night.

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#9: Doctor Fate

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Donning Nabu’s helmet does more than just deck you out in a sick golden costume, it also gives the wearer access to some of the most powerful sorcery in the DC universe. With abilities that manifest in the egyptian ankh symbol, his powers are more than just effective, they’re visually striking as well. But alongside teleportation, energy blasts, and dimensional hopping, the Helmet of Fate additionally bestows the wielder the Lord of Order’s vast knowledge. Overwhelming power and intelligence is only heroic with the right intentions, though, and the character has remained captivating over the years due to the constant tug-of-war between Nabu’s desires and Nelson’s commitment to the Justice Society of America.

Her older brother Colossus may seem like the clear favorite in a brawl, but you really don’t want to underestimate this Russian heroine. At first a mere background character, a brief stint in the Limbo dimension helped her mutant abilities bloom. While psionic shields and time-hopping portals are nothing to scoff at, her weapon of choice is actually the Soulsword, which, as its name implies, was created from Illyana’s own spirit. Whether it’s becoming the Sorcerer Supreme of Limbo or producing all-powerful weapons in the blink of an eye, Magik has more than earned her bed at the X-mansion.

As the son of all-powerful hex-witch Wanda Maximoff herself, this standout member of the Young Avengers had a big cape to fill. Impressively, his ability to rewrite matter rivals his mother’s, especially since he has the benefit of learning from her mistakes. However, Wiccan’s impact on comics goes far beyond his wizardry. His marriage to Hulkling only further emphasizes the two as some of the most notable LGBTQ+ heroes in comic history. What Wiccan brings to representation in superhero stories can’t be understated, but his distinguished lineage and aptitude for the arcane prevent him from falling into the trappings of a mere token character.

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#6: Kid Loki

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All the mischief for just half the size. Thor’s impish brother’s rebirth into a child may have blocked most of the memories from his previous life, but thankfully Loki’s charming quips and unpredictable nature remained. Since he isn’t as powerful as his adult self, having the once-mighty God join and befriend the Young Avengers was an inspired direction for the character. Even when his past actions eventually catch up with him, it’s in service of a greater redemption arc that firmly positions him as a more sympathetic anti-hero. He may not be as imposing anymore, but it’s hard to complain when this childlike resurrection gave us a deeper examination of Loki than we’d ever gotten before.

This hellblazer may have access to some gnarly occult abilities, but you won’t see him pulling out a spell unless he absolutely has to. Instead, this paranormal detective prefers to solve demonic issues through his cunning and wit - with the occasional exorcism, of course. His skills also extend to sleight of hand, including an ability to conjure his own luck, which makes gambling more of a day job than a risky hobby. Hey, they don’t call him the world’s greatest con man for nothing. However, the cynical attitude, effortlessly cool demeanor and occasional frowned-upon use of magic is all bravado to hide a genuine desire to do good with the powers he’s been given.

Being a teen hero is hard enough without the knowledge that one bad temper tantrum could cause your interdimensional demon father to destroy the world. With that kind of pressure, it’s a testament to Raven’s will that she’s proven to be one of the most instrumental heroes of her generation. The balancing act with her emotions is a great metaphor for entering adulthood, but mixed with badass dark magic and an exceptional dynamic with the Teen Titans, and it’s clear why she’s considered one of DC’s heavy hitters. After all, at this point, it’s basically impossible to resist chanting “Azarath Metrion Zinthos!” right alongside her.

Unless you’ve been living in a mind-controlled Westview, you know that Wanda’s contributions to the MCU have made her one of the brand’s most popular female characters. It’s for good reason; her onscreen feats are staggering, especially since most of them were before she fully awoke to the Scarlet Witch moniker. Her legacy in the comics is almost as impressive, since she fully flexed her ability to rewrite reality with the legendary “House of M” storyline that also featured the iconic “No More Mutants” line. As the daughter of Magneto - yes, that Magneto - and Wiccan’s mother, it’s safe to say talent runs in the family.

Don’t let her stage getup fool you, this showgirl has the magical prowess to do more than just pull rabbits out of hats. As a member of the naturally magic-wielding humans, this mistress of mystic arts has proven herself again and again as one of the most capable sorcerers on Earth, and as such has eclipsed even her own father in popularity. She’s served in the Justice League, Young Justice, and Justice League Dark, and been a standout on each thanks to her self-assured attitude and extraordinary powers. She usually casts spells by speaking backwards, making each utterance a goofy treat to behold. Basically, she’s the coolest.

He may have begun as a different kind of Doctor, but it’s safe to say by now he’s more than earned his title of Sorcerer Supreme. Sensible, wise, and not afraid to kick some ass when necessary, Strange boasts some of the coolest abilities in the entire Marvel Universe. I mean, his spat with Thanos in “Infinity War” pretty much speaks for itself. Strange’s grasp of the mystical side of Marvel paired with his egotistic background make him one of the most entertaining personalities in the Avengers, both in and out of combat. Even in a world of super soldiers, high tech gear, and mutants, it’s hard to picture Earth’s Mightiest without this wise sorcerer backing them up.