REVIEW | Phoenix #1

REVIEW | Phoenix #1

A New Beginning

The X-Men line has been relaunched, and from the ashes… a new beginning. With the days of the First Krakoan Age now in the rearview, the new X-Men line of comics is setting a new status quo. There are a plethora of new books making up the line-wide relaunch, with a handful of solo titles mixed in among a slew of team books. Jean Grey is one of those characters with a solo title out of the gate, deservedly so.

Jean Grey is an omega-level mutant, one of the founding members of the X-Men, a staple member of the roster for decades. Jean Grey is also the Phoenix, forever and always. Her history with the Phoenix is complicated, but she’s grown to embrace her role on the cosmic scale. Now, in Phoenix #1, she’s using her unfathomable power to defend the universe.

Cosmic Scale

Phoenix #1, written by Stephanie Phillips with art by Alessandro Miracolo, colors by David Curiel, and letters by VC’s Cory Petit introduces readers to a new chapter for Jean Grey. The ending of the First Krakoan Age was especially traumatic for Jean, who saw herself reborn and reunited with the Phoenix once again. Now, with a full understanding and acceptance of her role, she has ventured into space to protect the innocent on a galactic scale.

The sheer power emanating from her is felt through strong dynamic lines and bright colors that make each page pulse with energy.

This issue comes out swinging. We see a sun on the verge of exploding, excess energy rupturing from its surface. This is accompanied by a third-person narration that immediately dives into the idea of an omnipotent god and the meaning of existence. No pulled punches here. This narration, which continues throughout Phoenix #1, adds an epic feeling to the story. It adds historicity, authenticity, and an extra layer of texture. Having events described in the past tense colors them with an added sense of awe and importance.

As the issue progresses we witness Jean prevent a sun from exploding by absorbing its solar runoff, we get a telepathic conversation between her and Scott Summers as she’s floating in a sea of stars, and we see her bend the will of a black hole. Phoenix #1 is full of incredible, unbelievable feats from Jean. The issue isn’t just concerned with what she can do, but also what that level of power means on a personal level.

Chasing Redemption

Jean’s power as Phoenix is immeasurable. With that power –  and the corrupting force of the Phoenix that’s been displayed in the past – Jean has done terrible things. Because of her past, she’s forever seeking redemption. This issue immediately takes a stance with its narration that redemption doesn’t exist as a thing to be attained but rather chased indefinitely. It’s a way to continue living in an arc toward redemption. Jean finds herself on this arc, doing everything in her immense power to achieve as much good as she can.

Even with good intentions, she has to reckon with the realities of her existence. She’s one of the rare few who has truly galactic, cosmic power. What this means on a personal, and larger societal level, is tremendous. Jean has been on a long journey to embrace her full potential and use Phoenix as a force for good. She’s finally doing that here. Despite this, she’s still confronted with the idea of Phoenix from the perspective of others.

She arrives to save a civilization that is more afraid of her than the sun that’s about to explode. They’ve heard stories of Phoenix. They know it can absorb suns and obliterate planets. Tempered by a religious zeal – which this series seems interested in exploring further – they expect Phoenix to bring the rapture. This highlights one of the perspectives of average people living in a universe where a being as powerful as Phoenix exists. It also gives Jean something to grapple with internally.

Visualizing the Galaxy

Miracolo’s art and Curiel’s colors in Phoenix #1 are genuinely jaw-dropping. Jean is consistently aflame but there are ebs and flows to the intensity of fire surrounding her. It’s a striking visual that creates a rhythm as the issue progresses. The sheer power emanating from her is felt through strong dynamic lines and bright colors that make each page pulse with energy. Whether it’s Jean simply walking, with flaming wings outstretched behind her, or dancing with a black hole, the sense of scale and energy can’t be overstated. This book is a visual feast.

The vastness of space, planetside chaos, and an orbital prison station are all brought to life with great detail. There’s action, drama, and awe on equal display. The issue hews towards a warmer color palette, fitting for a character of fire and ash, and the yellow, orange, and reds truly shine. Purple and blue gradients create a great contrast in key sequences. Petit’s letters flow across each page, sharp and precise. The narration boxes are blue, which makes them stand out and easy to read. There is some engaging SFX work during the action, and Jean and Scott’s telepathic speech bubbles get a nice visual flair to distinguish them from normal dialogue.

We’re ready to rocket through the cosmos and follow this creative team anywhere. We’re giving Phoenix #1 a very deserving 8/10!

This issue excels as a jumping on point. Readers don’t need any prior knowledge of Jean/Phoenix to get on board and take in the story. Any extra context the reader brings to the table just enhances the experience. Phoenix #1 burns bright as a standout new direction for Jean Grey.