A new 12-issue comic series from Dark Horse Comics and Wizards of the Coast will delve into the formative years of Teferi Akosa, one of Magic: The Gathering's most prominent Planeswalkers. Titled "Magic: The Gathering: Mage of Zhalfir," the series launches on January 20, 2027, and will retail for $4.99 per issue.
The narrative follows a young Teferi as he departs his home plane of Zhalfir to study under the legendary Planeswalker Urza at the Tolarian Academy on Dominaria. Written by Ray Fawkes, known for his work on "Batman: Eternal" and "Black Hammer ’45," the comic will explore Teferi's burgeoning mastery over time and space, a pursuit fraught with potential peril.
The initial four issues will feature art by Rapha Lobosco, colors by Jão Canola, and lettering by AndWorld Design. The first issue's covers include a main variant by Paris Alleyne and a variant by Mateus Manhanini.
Mage of Zhalfir arrives at a significant point in Magic: The Gathering's lore. Zhalfir, a kingdom Teferi once phased out of existence to protect it from invasion, reappeared as its own plane in the Multiverse following the events of "March of the Machine." The upcoming "Zhalfir" set, scheduled for release on October 1, 2027, will explore the plane's return, while the comic series offers a glimpse into the origins of its celebrated time mage.
The first issue opens in the present day at Strixhaven, where the Planeswalker Quintorius Kand investigates Teferi's past within the Biblioplex. The story then flashes back to Teferi's youth, depicting his departure from Zhalfir to study under Urza. The narrative highlights his promise to return and aid his people using his "newfound gifts," shortly before being transported to Tolaria by Urza and Barrin. Urza ominously notes Teferi's potential contributions and the ever-present threat of "the enemy."