Over the years, it has become easy to reduce comic book characters to the one or two events that define them. Jean Gray finds this the most difficult. Either she is forever connected to the Phoenix Force or jokes are made about her constant death and rebirth. Phoenix #4 reminds us of her humanity. Rather, it is a reminder that others should remember that she is just a woman with extraordinary powers.
Phoenix #4 begins with an unusual turn of events in superhero comics. The main character takes a day off. But since Stephanie Phillips and Alessandro Miracolo are writing a space-based Marvel book, Jean’s days off include interacting with various alien races and catching up with Carol Danvers. This includes: Things quickly turn sour when Jean is challenged by God Butcher Go, who has added her to his list of victims. But he’s not the only one trying to extinguish the Phoenix’s light…
Once again, Phillips has found the balance between cosmic spectacle and humanity that pervades the best X-Men books. This is especially evident when she writes the conversations between Gene and Carol. Carol herself is used to having great powers and talks to Gene about not letting your powers define you. “Just because you’re made of fire doesn’t mean you have to burn out,” Carol says, and I’d be lying if I said this line didn’t resonate with me. The same goes for discussions between various alien races. Is the Phoenix a force of creation or a harbinger of destruction?
Miracolo has been honing its art with every issue, and Phoenix #4 may have some of its best work yet. The fight between Gene and Gore is particularly highlighted by Gore’s newfound powers. It turns out that bonding with an ancient symbiote has some side effects. Miracolo depicts Gol’s cloak as a never-ending mass of tendrils that threatens to swallow Gene, and perhaps the reader, whole.
marvel comics
It doesn’t hurt that he uses David Kriel for the colors. Curiel fills every page with pops of light and different shades to show how vast the Marvel Universe’s alien races really are. What stands out again is the fight between Jean and Gall. Gene’s blazing cosmic flames are a perfect contrast to the dark mass of writing that surrounds Goh, providing a visual spectacle worth the cover price.
“Phoenix #4” has a lot to offer. A compelling read, a battle between godlike forces, and further meditations on the nature of divinity. But most of all, what keeps me coming back to this title is that Jean Gray is human and not some giant cosmic firebird.
“Phoenix” #4 is a moving song that reminds us of Jean Gray’s own humanity.
Phoenix #4
Phoenix #4 reminds us that Jean Gray is human, not a giant cosmic firebird. That’s why I keep coming back to this title.
There is a great relationship between Gene and Carol.
Phillips reminds us that Jean Gray is still human, no matter how hard she tries.
Miracolo once again captures the brilliance of the universe.
Kriel’s color makes the fight between Jean and Goal stand out.
