Phoenix is one of the best books from the From the Ashes era of X-Men comics, especially in the way it incorporates Jean Gray into Marvel’s cosmic tapestry. Now, Jean faces her biggest challenge yet: to stop Thanos from spreading fear and hatred against her. She even has backup in the form of Marvel’s most iconic space champions, including Lady Sif, Captain Marvel, Nova, and Rocket Raccoon. But there’s one more person she needs to convince. It’s Adani, a young warrior determined to kill the Phoenix.
Not only does Phoenix #7 bring in a great collection of characters, but they actually all have a reason for being there. Sif’s knowledge of Asgardian weapons proves to be necessary for Jean to combat Thanos’s Warlock’s Eye. Rocket’s technological expertise gives them an advantage against the Black Order. Nova has vast knowledge of the universe. And in Gene’s words, Carol Danvers is “the best tactician I’ve ever met.”
Stephanie Phillips deserves props for not only assembling such a unique cast of characters, but writing the unique interactions between them. While Gene is comfortable with Sif and Carol, Nova and Rocket clash, but they all fall behind Gene. While it’s great to see the X-Men interact with other heroes, the real crux of the issue occurs when Gene interacts with Adani. Phillips shows that Jean’s true power is not her superpowers or the cosmic fire she controls. It’s her empathy.
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Marco Renna brings plenty of cosmic action, filling the second half of Phoenix #7 with a massive battle between Gene’s team and the Black Order. Sif holds her blade against Supergiant and Proxima Midnight, while in one panel Nova slams Black Dwarf in the face. There’s also an anime-style battle between Jean and Thanos, where the Mad Titan proves he doesn’t need the Infinity Gauntlet or the Cosmic Cube to defeat his enemy. Cory Petit also deserves credit for bringing the voices of all the characters to life in his letters. Sif’s Asgardian writing differs from Rocket’s rumbling word bubbles, and Jean’s telepathic bubbles take on a golden hue.
But the most memorable page for me is the one where Jean shows Adani her entire life. Not only is this a great way for Lena to play up the “greatest hits” of Jean’s history with the X-Men, but it creates empathy. By showing Adani that she is not alone in suffering loss, Jean is able to truly reach out to her. David Curiel provides a teal background for Jean’s flashbacks and covers Adani in purple, making for visually unique moments.
Phoenix #7 teams up Jean Gray with her cosmic allies to fight Thanos. It also reminds us that her empathy is her greatest superpower and a big draw to this title. can’t believe it? Add it to your pull list and see for yourself.
“Phoenix” #7 finds strength in numbers
Phoenix #7
Phoenix #7 teams up Jean Gray with her cosmic allies to fight Thanos. It also reminds us that her empathy is her greatest superpower and a big draw to this title. can’t believe it? Add it to your pull list and see for yourself.
Jean’s collection of Space Champions offers a unique dynamic.
Phillips shows that Gene’s greatest power is empathy.
Lena fills out the second half with an act-in-filled battle between the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Black Order.
Colors and letters that make each character stand out.
I don’t know how I feel about the ending.
