Phoenix #3 features two separate stories: the first depicts the aftermath of Phoenix #2, with Jean Grey battling the forces of the Black Order on a planet full of dead Asgardian soldiers, while the second sees Adani, the sole survivor of Jean’s battle with the dark god Pericus, journey to the Quarry of Creation, the graveyard of fallen gods.
The thread that connects them both is summed up in Adani’s opening narration: “The gods pass judgment on all, regardless of their role.” It seems like Stephanie Phillips and Alessandro Miracolo are willing to fully dive into this concept, especially since Jean’s control of the Phoenix Force means she’s more or less a god. Phillips’ script explores different kinds of judgment, from Jean choosing to show mercy one moment and ruthlessly pummeling the Black Order the next, to Adani undergoing her own trial in the quarry of creation.
While the outcome of both stories is for readers to find out, the indications are that Phoenix will be a book dedicated to the vast mythology of the Marvel universe, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s a part of the Marvel Universe that’s not only full of storytelling possibilities, but also offers creators the opportunity to tackle heavy themes. Given Phoenix’s history, she’s the perfect character for such a story.
Marvel Comics
Miracolo is also the book’s consummate artist, and Phoenix #3 is where his style really shines. Not only does he litter the quarry of creation with the skeletons of dead gods to lend an eerie atmosphere, but he also keeps the fight scenes going with the grain: Asgardian zombies, cosmic fire, and space-time swirls that run across the page, and at the center of it all is Jean, shining in all her Phoenix glory, thanks to Miracolo’s fiery depictions and David Curiel’s golden light that bathes them.
Phoenix #3 asks the question, “What does God’s judgment look like?” There’s no single answer, but the answers offered show that the creative team is more than willing to tackle big ideas, and if Phoenix is going to do so, readers and X-Men fans are willing to give them the space to do so.
Phoenix 3 questions the nature of divinity
Phoenix #3
Phoenix #3 asks the question, “What does God’s judgment look like?” There’s no single answer, but the answers offered show that the creative team is more than willing to tackle big ideas, and if Phoenix is willing, readers and X-Men fans are willing to give them the space to do it.
The creative team is tackling big questions about the gods and their role in the universe, and I love that.
Miracolo continues to refine its art style with each issue, creating some spectacular fight scenes.
A story that not only fits Jean Grey perfectly, but also touches on Marvel’s cosmic mythology.
