So I mainly watch adaptations and read only the occasional comic but is Sabes being paired with Mags in all the cartoons and movies because of of the 90s cartoon? What is their history like in the comics?

It seems to me that the moral ambiguity of Magneto and his cause is hurt by having an underling that is so incredibly violent. I know, I know, comics are comics and everyone has been everything, hero and villain and in-between. But my understanding is that Victor is still largely defined by being savage and murderous. He does not seem to go with Magneto's high-minded ideals for mutantkind. Also Magneto working with him compromises Magneto's own credibility in a way if you understand what I mean.