Creative Team – “Marvel Girl” – Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly(writers). Rod Reis(artist).
“Song for the Lonely” – Steve Foxe(writers). Lucas Werneck(artist).
VC’s Clayton Cowles(letterer). Adam Kubert & Laura Martin(cover artists).
Published by Marvel Comics
Catch up with Giant-Size X-Men #1 here!
The Story
In Giant-Size X-Men #1, Kamala Khan was unexpectedly pulled through time, and ended up in notable events belonging to the X-Men. This time, in Giant Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1, she’s pulled into Jean Grey’s most trivial hour, when the Phoenix Force becomes the Dark Phoenix and an entire planet dies. Kamala, knowing the tale of the Dark Phoenix, understands what time period she’s been thrown into. All of this time jumping is at the hands of Legion, who’s completely unstable and is intent on rewriting history to their liking.
Legion wants Dark Phoenix to join them and to become its alter, which will have catastrophic repercussions. With the joining of those two entities, Scott Summers thinks they’re gone for good, but Jean knows better. Jean knows that they only have a little bit of time before the cosmic villains come back, as they are just saving them X-Men for last.
Back at the X-Mansion, the X-Men are still reeling from what they witnessed. There is some doubt cast on maybe Jean not being as helpless as she seemed during the chaotic event of the Dark Phoenix, which was overheard by Jean herself. Kamala, being the kind and comforting person she always is, finds Jean and gives her the love she needs. After a heartwarming moment between the two heroes, Jean feels a psychic pulse. Legion is on their way back and they have their eyes on one person; Kamala.
The Writing
Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1 was an excellent follow up, and managed to capture the excitement and thrill Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly gave in the first issue. Kamala seeing these classic X-Men events happen before her eyes has been very entertaining, especially seeing how these stories change. Kamala brings her spunky personality to accompany her through these dramatic events and makes the reader see these stories from a different perspective. Lanzing and Kelly do a phenomenal job bringing back these epic stories, and adding new factors that make them feel brand new.
Along with the main story, “Marvel Girl“, Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1 comes with an additional short story at the end titled “Song for the Lonely“. This short story gives a heart-tugging look at the love shared between Jean and Scott. It’s an ode to their love story, which was beautifully portrayed by Steve Foxe.
The Art
If there’s one thing Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga has cemented, it’s that Rod Reis never misses. The artwork throughout “Marvel Girl” is nothing short of stunning. Every panel is dripping in emotion, which shows perfectly through each panel. Any page having to do with Jean and the Phoenix Force, you’re guaranteed to be enthralled. However, the pages with Legion will stop you in your tracks with beautiful and otherworldly they are. Rod Reis captured the essence of these entities and made the comic feel larger than life.
Final Thoughts
I’m loving the retelling of these classic X-Men tales from a fresh set of eyes. Seeing Kamala interrupt these events and somehow ending up saving the day has been entertaining and a joy to see!
Overall Grade – 9.4/10
Let me know in the comments below what you thought of Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1!
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This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
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