ILLUSION

Real Name: Ilya Zarkov

Identity/Class: Human magic user (see comments)

Occupation: Stage magician, owner of the Magic Mansion nightclub and Glamor & Illusion's Magical Arts, jewel thief

Group Membership: Partner of Glamor

Affiliations: The Avengers (Captain America/Steve Rogers, Namor the Sub-Mariner/Namor McKenzie, Wasp/Janet Van Dyne), Crystal (Crystalia Amaquelin), Doctor Strange (Stephen Strange), the Great Santini, Agatha Harkness, Holly LaDonna, Lizzie, Magneto (Max Eisenhardt), Luna Maximoff, Peter Parker, Quicksilver (Pietro Maximoff), Sam, Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff), Thomas, the Vision ("Victor Shade"), Norm Webster, William, Martha Williams, Wonder Man (Simon Williams)

Enemies: Bernie, Charlie, Fred, Hellphyr, Spector

Known Relatives: Glynis Zarkov (Glamor, wife)

Aliases: "Darling" (pet name from Glamor), "Illya" (misspelling of first name)

Base of Operations: Leonia, New Jersey, USA; The Magic Mansion, New York City, New York, USA

First Appearance: Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#4 (January, 1986)

Powers/Abilities: Illusion had the superhuman ability to mentally control the molecules of anything he touches for up to a minute after he touched it. The way in which he could affect the objects seemed to have no limit other than time and he had been shown levitating objects, animating inanimate objects or even rearranging the molecules completely, such as restoring a burned book by simply touching its ashes.

    He was apparently unable to affect the molecules of his own body.

Height: 5'8"
Weight: 150 lbs.
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown

History:
(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#4 (fb) - BTS) - Ilya Zarkov married Glynis.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#5 (fb) - BTS) - The two decided to secretly use their molecular-based superhuman powers to develop a stage magic act in an effort to make money and hopefully open a nightclub for such performances.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#4 (fb) - BTS) - Using the stage names of Illusion and Glamor, Ilya and Glynis successfully became stage magicians and at some point, they purchased a New York City nightclub and opened it as the Magic Mansion, a club dedicated to the performance of prestidigitation.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#12 (fb) - BTS) - Ilya and Glynis Zarkov decided they did not want children, as children might change their stage magician lifestyle too much.

(Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition I#6 - Illusion entry - BTS) - Ilya Zarkov's identity as the stage magician Illusion became public knowledge but he continued to pretend to be a normal human stage magician due to fear  and prejudice against those with superhuman powers.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#12 (fb) - BTS) - Illusion and Glamor occasionally took their stage magic show on the road for several months at a time.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#9 (fb) - BTS) - Once every year, Illusion and Glamor would leave the Magic Mansion in the hands of its manager while they traveled to New Orleans to perform a one-night show.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#11 (fb) - BTS) - Photographer Peter Parker loved seeing Illusion and Glamor's magic shows.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#6 (fb) - BTS) - The heroic Quicksilver, brother of Scarlet Witch, enjoyed seeing Illusion and Glamor perform their sleight-of-hand tricks.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#11 (fb) - BTS) - During their performances, Illusion and Glamor secretly acted as high society jewel thieves, with one of them stealing the jewelry while the other distracted the audience with a performance.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#4 (fb) - BTS) - Despite their success, Ilya and Glynis sought peace and quiet away from their entertainment lifestyle and they purchased a home in Leonia, New Jersey. When the superheroes Vision and Scarlet Witch were seeking to buy a new home in Leonia years later, Illusion and Glamor learned of a campaign by some of the townspeople, they thought perhaps they should involve themselves by protecting Vision and the Scarlet Witch and therefore, also protecting themselves.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#4) - After a deal closed on a home for the superheroes Vision and the pregnant Scarlet Witch in Leonia, New Jersey, Illusion and Glamor watched from a distance as a group of angry neighborhood residents stormed the office of real estate agent Norm Webster. When Webster had the angry residents leave his office, Illusion noted to Glamor that things didn't seem to go in the residents' favor and Glamor suggested they watch those particular residents closely that night. Continuing to watch the neighborhood residents from afar, Illusion overheard their leader, Spector, comment about a friend at the electric company that might be able to disable the Vision and Scarlet Witch's alarm system and he asked Glamor to inform the nightclub that they would be occupied that night. Later that night, the Magic Mansion announced that, with the unavailability of Illusion and Glamor, the Great Santini would perform. When Glamor reported back that everything at the club had been arranged, Illusion noted that the Great Santini had been begging for a dinner show anyway before suggesting they hurry up, as the neighborhood "fools" had left them little time. Following the men, Illusion used his powers to animate parts of the forest including a tree branch, vines and rocks to scare the men off of their goal of torching the Vision and Scarlet Witch's new home. Glamor commended Illusion on a marvelous job and, while Illusion agreed that he was rather good, he suggested they wait until 9:30pm to make sure the men didn't return.

    While Illusion and Glamor were waiting, the Vision spotted them as he was returning home and, assuming they were costumed criminals, he attacked them. Appalled that Vision would attack them, Illusion refused to stand for it and he touched a small group of rocks. Expecting Illusion to hurl the rocks, Vision was caught off-guard when the rocks flew at him seemingly on their own and Illusion announced that the Vision shouldn't have hurt his wife. Illusion then summoned the flying rocks back to his hands and when Vision bragged that he wouldn't be caught unprepared a second time, Glamor lowered her density and kicked Vision in the side. During her attack, Glamor proclaimed that while Illusion controlled anything he touched, she controlled herself, and despite Vision finding the names Glamor and Illusion familiar, he attempted to escape by flying upwards. Illusion then touched a nearby tree and its branches caught the flying Vision in their grasp, at which point Illusion commented that perhaps the Vision would listen to them now.

    Illusion then explained that they had been trying to help the Vision and Scarlet Witch against those who fear superhuman powers. He further explained that he and Glamor were stage magicians who used deception in their act, at which point Glamor noted that their success might be undermined if their audience knew their sleight-of-hand was aided by paranormal powers. After Illusion explained how they were seeking to protect Vision and the Scarlet Witch and, in a roundabout way, also protect themselves, the Vision came to understand their situation and admitted it would be nice to have neighbors that understood them as well. The couple then shook hands with the Vision, cementing their friendship.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#11 (fb) - BTS) - After genuinely befriending Vision and the Scarlet Witch, Illusion and Glamor decided to keep their jewel thievery a secret from the superheroes.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#5 (fb) - BTS) - Since they became neighbors, the Vision showed Illusion and Glamor nothing but kindness. Having never socialized with superheroes, Illusion and Glamor wondered if perhaps the Vision and Scarlet Witch might dismiss them for not using their abilities to save the world. Eventually, the duo invited the Vision and Scarlet Witch to one of their magic shows at the Magic Mansion in New York City.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#5) - The Vision arrived at the Magic Mansion and was warmly greeted by Illusion and when the Vision asked if he should address Illusion as "Illya" or his stage name of Illusion while in the club, Glamor assured the Vision Ilya would answer to both. Illusion expressed appreciation for the kindness the Vision had shown them since they had become neighbors and when he admitted worry that the two superheroes might dismiss them for not using their powers to save the world, the Vision reminded Illusion that they had moved to Leonia to escape the concentration of superheroes and villains in New York. The Vision also admitted how pleasant it was to meet a couple who knew what it meant to be set apart, at which point Glamor asked where the Scarlet Witch was, prompting Illusion to ask if everything was okay with the Scarlet Witch's baby. The Vision assured the couple that nothing was wrong with the baby and noted that the Scarlet Witch had decided to stay home on All Hallow's Eve.

    A short time later, Illusion and Glamor were performing their act on stage, where Illusion was preparing to saw Glamor into ten distinct pieces. During the act, the Vision felt a pang of magic in his head and abruptly stood up, alarming Illusion, who commented to Glamor that whatever was happening was not his doing. The ghostly figure of witch Agatha Harkness soon appeared above the stage and informed the Vision that the Scarlet Witch had been captured, at which point Illusion ended the stage show, thanking the patrons and promising a refund if they were not satisfied. Illusion then immediately drove the Vision back home to Leonia, New Jersey but they found the Vision and Scarlet Witch's home empty. Illusion apologized for not getting the Vision home sooner but the Vision assured Illusion that his driving was faster than the Vision could fly there. When Glamor mentioned that the ghost of Agatha Harkness had mentioned that the Vision needed to destroy the Druid tome, the Vision explained that it had been burned and destroyed, at which point Illusion noted that the book could have been burned to ash but not destroyed, as the ashes might still exist. Illusion explained that he could summon the remnants of the Druid tome if the Vision were able to find but one speck of ash from the burned book. The Vision quickly rushed out to find an ash from the book and upon his return, he presented Illusion with a sheet covered in dust and possibly ashes from the burned book. Illusion announced his intention to draw all remnants of the dust on the sheet together and he quickly went to work, touching the dust on the sheet and summoning any parts of it back to him. Within moments, Illusion had successfully reformed the Druid tome as well as other items that had left dust on the sheet. The Vision then began storing solar energy in the gem on his brow in preparation of delivering a solar blast so strong as to atomize the Druid tome and as the Vision stored the energy, Glamor mentioned that the Vision may end up burning down his new home with that much, to which Illusion replied that he didn't think the Vision cared. The Vision then unleashed the blast, successfully atomizing the tome and bringing the Scarlet Witch back from the realm of the afterlife.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#6) - After being invited to the Vision and Scarlet Witch's Thanksgiving party, Illusion mingled with the Avengers' Wasp and Glamor was speaking with Captain America as the Scarlet Witch's brother Quicksilver arrived with his wife Crystal and daughter Luna. The Vision properly introduced Illusion and Glamor to Quicksilver, who admitted to having admired their sleight-of-hand displays. When Magneto arrived, having been invited by the Vision and the Scarlet Witch as the Scarlet Witch's then-supposed father, many of the gathered heroes including Illusion gave surprised looks. Illusion soon attempted to break the ice with Magneto by remarking on the weather and Glamor asked Magneto if they thought they may get a White Christmas, to which Magneto awkwardly replied that it was possible while secretly thinking he was perhaps a fool to come there. Scarlet Witch announced the food being ready shortly after and everyone went to the table to get their share of the Thanksgiving feast. Following the feast, the Avengers present and Doctor Strange departed and Martha Williams and Crystal opted to help the Scarlet Witch clean up, leaving Glamor to entertain Luna and suggest that Luna might like to see Illusion perform some tricks. Illusion subsequently performed some card tricks for Luna, unaware that local Holly LaDonna had arrived to speak with the Scarlet Witch, ending an argument between the Witch and Magneto. Magneto then stormed through the living room, passing right by the performing Illusion, grabbed his coat and departed.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#9 (fb) - BTS) - Booked for their annual one-night show in New Orleans, Illusion and Glamor invited the Vision and Scarlet Witch to accompany them to the Mardi Gras celebration there, noting that it would be the perfect holiday for costumed superheroes.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#9) - Illusion and Glamor accompanied the Vision and Scarlet Witch to the Mardi Gras celebration, where Scarlet Witch wondered aloud why they hadn't come to a celebration before. When Vision noted that they'd been to the Rutland Halloween parties before, Scarlet Witch remarked that Halloween was no holiday for her and Illusion chimed in that Rutland was no New Orleans. As Scarlet Witch further commented that she had always loved costumes and had dreamed of long gloves even in her younger days, Illusion jokingly turned his head in interest, prompting Glamor to turn his head back and lightheartedly order him to keep his eyes forward. Illusion then informed the Vision and Scarlet Witch about their annual tradition of performing in New Orleans and Glamor added that they were happy to be able to invite friends along this time.

    Vision and Scarlet Witch later accompanied Illusion and Glamor as they set up the stage for their performance but when the superhero couple decided to let the two magicians set up their show in peace, they bid Illusion and Glamor goodbye and Glamor reminded them that they expected the heroes to be front row center for the show later that evening. Scarlet Witch assured Illusion and Glamor that they wouldn't miss it for anything but when Vision turned up missing, the Scarlet Witch returned to Illusion and Glamor, who hadn't seen him. When 8pm came around and Illusion and Glamor's show was about to begin, Glamor noticed Vision and Scarlet Witch were not in the audience and Illusion admitted it was odd, considering they had been assured the couple would be there. The two stage magicians nonetheless began their act with Illusion binding Glamor in a strait-jacket, covering her in a canvas bag that he then placed into a vat of water with a steel door over the top. He then covered the entire vat with a steel cage that he covered with a large paper grocery sack before performing card tricks for the audience, fully aware that Glamor was using her molecular powers to escape and steal the Eye of Rajpur jeweled necklace. Feigning worry about Glamor after several minutes passed, Illusion began pulling each of the coverings from the vat of water, only to reveal a returned Glamor hiding in the paper grocery sack, much to the applause of the audience. After Scarlet Witch ultimately found Vision under the spell of the Asgardian Enchantress, the two defeated Enchantress and Scarlet Witch, annoyed that Vision had been seduced by the Enchantress, stormed off to catch the end of Illusion and Glamor's show but Vision followed and assured her of his love for her.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#11 (fb) - BTS) - Illusion and Glamor performed a show in Hong Kong before returning to America.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#11) - As the Vision was walking photographer Peter Parker to the nearby bus stop following a photo shoot featuring the Scarlet Witch, they ran into Ilya and Glynis Zarkov and the Vision introduced them as Illusion and Glamor. A bit of a fan of Illusion and Glamor for years, Parker asked if he could take a photo of Ilya and Glynis for Now Magazine and Ilya was happy to oblige. When the Vision commented on how the Zarkovs looked prosperous, Glynis claimed they had just returned from a gig in Hong Kong and Ilya claimed they had perhaps splurged a bit too much while there but assured Vision things were going well. Ilya thought to himself what the Vision might think if he knew that Illusion and Glamor increased their income by stealing jewelry but chose not to tell the Vision, feeling that he liked Vision too much to trouble him over such news. Ilya and Glynis then continued on their way as Vision continued leading Peter Parker to the bus stop.

(Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#12) - The Vision and Scarlet Witch visited Ilya and Glynis Zarkov, where Ilya asked the Scarlet Witch if she was to have her child any day. When the Scarlet Witch informed Ilya that she was due in six days, Ilya revealed how he and Glynis had never wanted children due to how much it might change their stage magician lifestyles. He then asked if perhaps a new baby might get in the way of the Vision and Scarlet Witch's superhero lifestyle but Vision replied that it didn't seem to have slowed down the Fantastic Four and he noted that while Illusion and Glamor might be gone for months at a time performing, superheroes accomplish their mission and return home. Glamor soon asked what the superheroic couple would be naming their child and the Scarlet Witch revealed the name Diana for a girl or Thomas for a boy. Scarlet Witch soon experienced a sudden insight and when she informed Glynis that she might have the baby that night, Ilya asked about the six days Scarlet Witch had mentioned earlier. Ilya and Glynis then watched as Scarlet Witch informed the Vision that she suddenly had connected with her son and someone else just as important. Vision and the Scarlet Witch soon bid goodbye to Illusion and Glamor as they discussed the impending childbirth. Three days after Scarlet Witch gave birth to twin boys, Illusion and Glamor visited Vision and the Scarlet Witch alongside several of their family to meet their children.

(Witches II#2 (fb) - BTS) - At some point, Glamor and Illusion opened a magic shop called Glamor & Illusion's Magical Arts.

(Witches I#1 - BTS) - Illusion and Glamor both felt the supernatural release of the Hellphyr demon.

(Witches I#2) - After the Hellphyr possessed Andrew Kale, it appeared in Glamor & Illusion's Magical Arts shop, sneaking up on Glamor. At first thinking the Hellphyr was Illusion standing behind her, Glamor turned and was attacked by the Hellphyr, who hurled Glamor across the room. Overhearing the commotion, Illusion ran into the room to find an unresponsive Glamor laying on the floor. A horrified Illusion immediately rushed to Glamor's side and began checking for a pulse, hoping she was ok and completely unaware that the events were being mystically observed from afar by sorcerer supreme Dr. Strange. Strange watched and showed the events to the newly-formed Witches group, the Hellphyr sensed the mystic power of Strange and turned towards the scrying spell as Illusion continued trying to revive Glamor. After Glamor was taken to a hospital, Illusion stayed by her side and Dr. Strange soon appeared, informing Illusion that Glamor was lucky to be alive. Recognizing Dr. Strange, Illusion was informed that the Hellphyr had already attacked and killed three other psychics and a shaman. A confused Illusion asked how these events could have happened and expressed a desire to help, demanding Dr. Strange tell him exactly who had attacked Glamor, but Strange warned that Illusion would wind up worse than Glamor if he got further involved. An angry Illusion exclaimed that if it were Dr. Strange's wife, he would destroy everything in his path, but Strange again warned that Illusion would die if he tried to interfere. Strange then departed, leaving Illusion to tend to Glamor as he left to visit others.

    Illusion later returned to Glamor & Illusion's Magical Arts, opening the door to see the ransacked room where Glamor had been attacked. Greeting their cat Lizzie, Illusion commented on missing Glamor and picked up one of the tarot cards Glamor had been reading before the attack. He then lit a candle and remarked that everyone left a trail before casting a minor scrying spell to track down Glamor's attacker. Witnessing the Hellphyr through the spell, Illusion saw a vision of the Hellphyr standing right behind him. Confused, Illusion turned to see the Hellphyr and he nervously ordered the creature to stand back. When the Hellphyr clawed at Illusion, the stage magician grabbed the candelabra to use as a weapon, knocking the lit candle onto his jacket and causing a fire that burned the Hellphyr. The angry Hellphyr responded by grabbing Illusion and snapping his neck, killing him. At that very moment, Dr. Strange was confronted the demonic Lilith, who gloatingly showed Strange a vision of Illusion's death, prompting Strange to comment on how he had warned Illusion not to interfere. Lilith responded by remarking on how amateurs never listen.

Comments: Created by Steve Englehart, Richard Howell and Jim Mooney.

    Interesting that they had begun to establish Illusion and Glamor as secret jewel thieves before the Vision & Scarlet Witch mini-series ended...I guess neither Vision nor Scarlet Witch ever learned the truth. I also wonder if at any point after the mini-series if Scarlet Witch or Vision ever sought to catch up with Illusion and Glamor. Sure, Vision's mind got completely erased just months (Marvel time) after the mini-series and then there was the whole "Scarlet Witch going crazy after her kids proved to not be real" thing...but there were times since where both Vision and Scarlet Witch were relatively okay and they could've caught up with their old friends.

    In the Vision & the Scarlet Witch mini-series, it was specifically stated that Illusion and Glamor used their powers to feign being magicians but in #4, Glamor mentions their powers as being "paranormal," which suggests at least some bit of supernatural element. In the Witches mini-series, they both seem to have minor magical knowledge and ability, as we see Glamor gaining magical insight into the future using tarot cards and we see Illusion cast a minor scrying spell, though Lilith does refer to Illusion as an amateur. Perhaps their association with the Scarlet Witch and Dr. Strange inspired them to pursue actual magic or perhaps they learned it from their years as stage magicians. For what it's worth, it didn't seem like the Hellphyr truly sought them out nor did it even kill Glamor. It fed on magic energy so perhaps it was drawn to Glamor & Illusion's Magical Arts shop due to the magic items contained within but when it encountered Glamor, it realized she did not have much in the way of actual magic and therefore let her alive. It did kill Illusion but only after Illusion burned it with fire, though it was drawn there due to Illusion performing the scrying spell. Another example of the possible minor magic they might've possessed is the size of Illusion's scrying spell. We see Dr. Strange earlier in the mini-series casting a large spell allowing him to see a large view of the scenes whereas Illusion was only able to conjure a small view and had to use a burning candle to focus his abilities. Then again, due to Glamor's mention of their powers being paranormal, perhaps they always had a little bit of magical knowledge.
    --Paranormal really just means unusual or unnatural. Although it often relates to the supernatural/magical, it can also refer to UFOs or anything beyond the normal. Paranormal was going term for those empowered by the White Event in the New Universe--Snood

    Illusion's weight was mistakenly left off of his 1986 OHotMU entry. It was officially given in the Data Corrections section of the OHotMU: Update '89#1.

    Illusion's eyes were mistakenly colored brown in one panel of Witches I#2.

    This profile was completed 10/06/2025, but its publication was delayed as it was intended for the Appendix 25^th anniversary 's celebratory event to represent the Witches' series and characters.

Profile by Proto-Man.

CLARIFICATIONS:
Illusion should be distinguished from:

• ILLUSIO of Eurth - member of Simon Magnus' X'Changelings--Avataars: Covenant of the Shield I#2
• ILLUSION OF IAH - spell used by Ashake to hide a time-traveling Magik & Mirage--Mystic Arcana: Magik#1
• ILLUSIONER of the Microverse - technology used by Mari while impersonating Diarmid--Micronauts II#15
• other "Illusion" characters, groups, items, races or events
  

Appearances:
Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#4 (January, 1986) - Steve Englehart (writer), Richard Howell (pencils), Jim Mooney (inks), Jim Salicrup (editor)
Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#5 (February, 1986) - Steve Englehart (writer), Richard Howell (pencils), Jack Abel, Mike Esposito (inks), Jim Salicrup (editor)
Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#6 (March, 1986) - Steve Englehart (writer), Richard Howell (pencils), Frank Springer (inks), Jim Salicrup (editor)
Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition I#6 (May, 1986) - Mark Gruenwald (writer, producer), Peter Sanderson (writer, researcher), Richard Howell (Illusion entry pencils), Eliot Brown (technical illustrator), James Fry (art enhancer), Josef Rubinstein (inks)
Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#9 (June, 1986) - Steve Englehart (writer), Richard Howell (pencils), Frank Springer (inks), Jim Salicrup (editor)
Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#11 (August, 1986) - Steve Englehart (writer), Richard Howell (pencils), Frank Springer (inks), Jim Salicrup (editor)
Vision & the Scarlet Witch II#12 (September, 1986) - Steve Englehart (writer), Richard Howell (pencils), Frank Springer (inks), Jim Salicrup (editor)
Witches I#1 (August, 2004) - Brian Walsh (writer), Mike Deodato, Jr. (art), John Miesegaes (editor)
Witches I#2 (August, 2004) - Brian Walsh (writer), Mike Deodato, Jr. (art), John Miesegaes (editor)

First posted: 09/15/2026
Last updated: 06/19/2026

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

Non-Marvel Copyright info
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