Origin

Malcolm Robert Malaaze was born into a middle-class family on the South Side of Chicago. From a young age, he exhibited a keen intellect and an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. His parents, both hardworking and encouraged him to focus on academics, hoping he would pursue a conventional career path. However, Malcolm's interests always leaned toward the mysterious and the unknown.

As a teenager, Malcolm stumbled upon an old occult shop in a rundown part of the city. The shop was filled with dusty tomes, strange artifacts, and the scent of incense that seemed to cloud the mind. A fan of supernatural tales, he was excited, not believing stores like this even existed. The owner, a reclusive old man, recognized Malcolm’s potential and began to talk to him about the basics of mysticism trying to gauge his reasons for being their. Malcolm quickly became interested, returning to the store every weekend, absorbed the knowledge from this man, fascinated by the power, if real, that could be harnessed through magic. He began experimenting with simple spells and rituals, gradually expanding his repertoire and delving into various forms of magic, from elemental manipulation and voodoo to necromancy.

After high school, Malcolm enrolled at Columbia College Chicago, where he majored in Marketing and Public Relations. His choice of study was driven by a desire to learn how to manipulate public perception and control narratives—skills he knew would be invaluable to the major corporations he wanted to work for. Columbia's vibrant arts scene and its emphasis on creativity allowed Malcolm to blend his academic pursuits with his mystical studies. He became known on campus not only for his sharp intellect but also for his charisma and ability to influence others, often organizing events that left a lasting impression on his peers.

While at Columbia, Malcolm continued to deepen his understanding of magic. He attended secret gatherings of like-minded individuals, where he exchanged knowledge and refined his skills. By the time he graduated, Malcolm had not only honed his abilities in marketing and public relations but had also become a formidable mystic, capable of wielding a wide range of magical disciplines.

After graduating, Malcolm began working at a boutique PR firm in Chicago, where he quickly gained a reputation for his innovative strategies and ability to handle difficult clients. It was during this time that he first encountered Natas Talbane. Natas was a billionaire with immense power and influence, both in the corporate world and in the arcane. He had been searching for someone who could handle the public relations for his growing empire but he wanted it to seem like it was grass roots. Malcolm, with his unique blend of skills, was the perfect candidate.

Natas listened to Malcolm's pitch, and thought he would be a good fit for his needs. During their meeting, Malcolm noticed Natas's ring had a pentacle. He spoke to Natas, gauging how deep into the occult Natas actually was. He impressed, Natas with his knowledge of the occult and his ability to see beyond the surface. Natas, always on the lookout for talented individuals to further his goals, saw in Malcolm a valuable asset.

After swearing and oath of secrecy, Malcolm was quickly introduced into the fold of The Rise of Magic taking on the role of public relations manager for Talbane Industries, Natas and his wife, Alana Talbane. He is responsible for crafting their public image, managing media relations, and ensuring that any potential scandals, particularly with their daughter Loren Talbane, are swiftly dealt with. His marketing skills allowed him to create an aura of respectability and success around the Talbanes, even as they pursued their dark ambitions.

Beyond his public relations work, Malcolm became deeply involved in the internal workings of The Rise. He was entrusted with defending the organization from magical attacks, using his knowledge of various forms of magic to create protective wards, counter-curses, and other defensive measures. His dabbling in multiple magical disciplines made him uniquely suited to this role, as he could adapt his approach to counter a wide range of threats.

In his capacity as a protector and problem solver for The Rise of Magic, Malcolm often found himself working alongside Owl Weiss, a mysterious and highly skilled fixer for the Talbanes. Owl was known for her ability to make "problems" disappear, whether they were physical threats, troublesome individuals, or legal issues. Malcolm and Owl formed a formidable team, combining their talents to neutralize any threats to The Rise. Their methods were efficient, sometimes ruthless, but ensure that nothing and no one could stand in the way of the Talbanes' plans.

Today, Malcolm Robert Malaaze is one of the most trusted members of The Rise of Magic. He is Natas's right hand, always there when things falls apart to help put them back together. He continues to manage the public relations for the Talbanes, while also playing a key role in the organization's defense against magical threats. His influence within The Rise is significant, as he is not only a master of public perception but also a powerful mystic capable of holding his own against any adversary.

Malcolm's journey from a curious teenager in Chicago to a key figure in one of the most dangerous occult organizations in the world is a testament to his intelligence, ambition, and mastery of both the mundane and magical realms. As he continues to serve The Rise of Magic, his power and influence only grow, making him a figure to be reckoned with in both the corporate and mystical worlds.

Major Story Arcs

Malcom's first appearance was in Victor Locke Demon Hunter: Demon Noir #1 with most of The Rise of Magic. He was with Natas when they discovered pages from the Demon Noir had been stolen from their underground sanctum. Malcom offered to hide the remaining pages until they learned what was happening and who was doing it.

Malcom was also with the whole group in Hexcraft Mechanics: Ultimate Control #1 after they learned Serpina had escaped, discussing what to do about it. CurseRisen #2 retconned this meeting with he and Natas having to meet up with Jessica Huxley, who uses her magic to place all of them in a bubble making them invisible to onlookers, both human and otherwise so they could discuss what to do about Serpina who wants to kill all of them.

The meeting that appeared in Hexcraft Mechanics UC, originally popped up in early versions of Epitaph Bread and Salt #1 and Ashen Yu was to meet with them to try to become a member, but Mona (sometimes misprinted as "Morgan") wouldn't let her in. This still plays out the same way in current versions of Hexcraft Mechanics #1.

Powers and Abilities

Malcolm possesses a formidable array of magical abilities that make him a key figure within The Rise of Magic. Each of his powers is honed through years of practice and study, allowing him to wield them with precision and deadly effectiveness. Malcolm's general command over "Magic" is vast and varied. He has mastered numerous forms of arcane knowledge, ranging from elemental manipulation to necromancy, and can adapt his magical abilities to almost any situation. This versatility is one of his greatest strengths, as it allows him to counteract a wide range of threats, whether they come from physical confrontations, mystical challenges, or even psychological manipulation. His deep understanding of magical theory and practice enables him to create complex spells, summon and bind entities, and generally manipulate the fabric of reality itself.

His Magic Blast is one of Malcolm’s most direct and destructive powers. With a simple gesture or incantation, he can unleash concentrated bursts of raw magical energy capable of forcing obstacles or enemies back. The intensity and scope of these blasts can be adjusted to suit the situation, whether he needs to incapacitate a target without causing lasting harm or obliterate a threat entirely. Malcolm's control over this mystical energy also allows him to create shields capable of withstanding a wide range of attacks, from physical blows to energy blasts and even magical assaults. The shield’s strength and durability are directly tied to Malcolm's willpower and focus, enabling him to defend against powerful enemies and survive in dangerous situations. The energy shield can also be expanded to protect multiple allies or objects, making it a versatile tool in both combat and defensive scenarios.

One of Malcolm's more subtle yet incredibly useful abilities is Astral Projection which allows him to separate his consciousness from his physical body and traverse the astral plane. In this state, Malcolm can explore distant locations, spy on his enemies, and gather information without being detected. Astral projection also enables him to communicate with other beings on the astral plane, whether they be spirits, demons, or other mystics. This ability provides him with a strategic advantage, as he can gain insights and knowledge that would be otherwise inaccessible.

Malcolm's Danger Sense is a heightened intuitive ability that alerts him to impending threats. This sixth sense often manifests as a sudden feeling of unease or a mental alarm that warns him of danger before it strikes. Whether it’s an assassination attempt, a magical attack, or even a hidden plot against The Rise, Malcolm is rarely caught off guard. This power, combined with his quick reflexes and strategic mind, allows him to avoid or neutralize threats before they can cause harm.

Finally, Malcolm’s Cosmic Awareness is perhaps his most esoteric power. While not as powerful as some, this ability grants him a heightened perception of the universe and its underlying forces. Through cosmic awareness, Malcolm can sense the ebb and flow of magical energies, detect disturbances in the fabric of reality, and even gain glimpses of possible futures. This power allows him to stay one step ahead of his enemies, as he can anticipate their moves and prepare accordingly. It also deepens his understanding of the cosmic forces that drive The Rise of Magic’s goals, enabling him to align his actions with the broader objectives of the organization.

Together, these powers make Malcolm Robert Malaaze a formidable mystic and a key asset to The Rise of Magic. His abilities not only protect the organization from external threats but also help guide its path towards the ultimate goal of bringing order from chaos.