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Creative Team – Stephanie Phillips(writer). Alessandro Miracolo(artist). David Curiel(color artist). VC’s Cory Petit(letterer). Yasmine Putri(cover artist). AKA, Erica D’Urso & Mattia Iacono, Greg Land & Frank D’Armata, Joe Quesada & Morry Hollowell, Mr. Garcin, Rose Besch(variant cover artists).
Published by Marvel Entertainment
Check out Ken’s review of X-Men #1 for more From the Ashes content!
There was a lot of excitement about Phoenix #1 in the Nerd Initiative Bullpen, so this will be a joint review with Ken (Nerd Initiative Comics EIC) and myself, Megan (from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast)!
Adani
Here we are at the highly anticipated Phoenix #1!The story starts off from the perspective of an orphan named Adani who’s planet was taken over by the Universal Church of Truth. Adani had heard horror stories about Jean Grey before meeting her. She was said to be someone who destroys planets, killed off species, consumed suns for nourishment, but Adani found out that wasn’t true.
The Phoenix Herself
Starting off, Adani begins the story with an intimate telepathic conversation between Scott Summers and Jean. Jean tells Scott about how she successfully saved a planet and its people by absorbing the sun that was about to explode, but the people were more afraid of her than their impending doom. Unfortunately, Jean had to cut the conversation short due to a distress signal sent by Nova. Nova is bombarded with a black hole that’s destabilizing and will eventually destroy a prison that’s home to hundreds of criminals. So, he’s trying to move them all to safety before the going gets tough.
Jean answers his distress signal and jumps to start trying to stabilize the black hole. While Jean is taking care of the black hole, a prisoner escapes, but it’s not just any prisoner. It’s Perrikus, the god of power unlimited and energy infinite. Jean tries to stop Perrikus from escaping but if she stops him, then hundreds of lives will be lost. So she must make a decision between letting hundreds die or let one of the worst villains loose in the cosmos.
The Art
Megan: I thought the art style matched the tone of the comic very well. The bright tones of Jean and the Phoenix force added so much depth to an already impactful story. My favorite part was any time Jean was using the Phoenix Force. Jean was drawn and colored so beautifully, it really made her as huge as a cosmic entity.
Ken: The art delivers on giving the Phoenix Force a prestigious feel. Seeing Grey deal with the dying sun makes an instant statement to her power levels. Grey’s mere presence strikes fear. This is complimented with a full page splash showing Grey in full Phoenix mode.
The action panels bring a frantic and intense pace. Events don’t slow down and mirror the dramatic challenge at hand. Grey’s reactions play into the conflict of her humanity vs. being above reproach. This builds to a striking image to end things with building excitement on the horizon.
The Writing
Megan: Admittedly, Jean isn’t my favorite comic character but this first installment really got me excited. The writing was captivating, and left me wanting so much more. I loved how Stephanie Phillips gave us a look at Jean and Scott’s relationship while Jean is out in the galaxy doing the hero work. Also, I really appreciated a look into Jean’s feelings of not being accepted as a hero, but more of a villain by the people she’s trying to save. There was a lot of different emotions in Phoenix #1 and I think it was expertly written so you can feel each one.
Ken: Mortal or God? That is the identity complex Grey must deal with in this new series. Phillips brings out the best in both to compel the argument. Right from the start, The Phoenix aura draws unique reactions. Seeing Grey deal with a dying sun instantly showcases the awe-inspiring power of a force that strikes fear throughout the galaxy.
Grey is also grounded back to her human and mutant ties. The conversation with Cyclops is a well-placed break displaying her human emotions. It serves as a precursor for what lies later. Once in conflict, the writing takes flight. Even with all her power, a question of choice leads to a bigger domino effect. This all leads into a strong close where Grey must atone for her actions but will it be enough?
Final Grade
Megan: I give this a 9 out of 10. I enjoyed it so much and I can’t wait to see what Stephanie Phillips comes up with next. The art, the dialogue, the story, all of it meshed so well together. Hats off to the creative team. Y’all knocked it out of the park!
Ken: 9. With a new direction, Jean Grey takes flight with a stellar first flight. Phillips builds a complex challenge with superb writing. The art gives readers high paced action through the cosmos as the Phoenix blazes another trail for readers to jump on board.
This article was written by me, Megan from Vigilante Vibes: A Marvel Podcast! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Phoenix #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!
