Phoenix #3 features two separate stories within its pages. The first, picking up in the aftermath of Phoenix #2, finds Jean Grey battling the forces of the Black Order and a planet full of dead Asgardian soldiers. The second finds Adani, the sole survivor of Jean and the dark god Perrikus’ battle, traveling to the Quarry of Creation – a graveyard of dead gods.
The thread tying them both is summed up by Adani in her opening narration: “All gods, regardless of their function…all gods pass judgement.” It’s a concept that Stephanie Phillips and Alessandro Miracolo seem fully willing to dive into, especially since Jean’s control over the Phoenix Force more or less makes her a god. Phillips’ script explores different types of judgement, from Jean choosing to show mercy one minute and then mercilessly thrashing the Black Order the next, to Adani undergoing her own personal crucible in the Quarry of Creation.
Where both end up is for the reader to find out but it shows that Phoenix is going to be a book that is dedicated to the vast mythology of Marvel’s cosmic corner and I couldn’t be more excited. That’s a segment of the Marvel Universe that is not only ripe with storytelling potential, but offers the chance for creators to tackle heavy themes. Given the Phoenix’s history, she’s the perfect character for that kind of story.
Marvel Comics
Miracolo is also the perfect artist for this book, as Phoenix #3 is where his style truly comes into its own. He not only brings a touch of the macabre to the Quarry of Creation by littering its fields with the skeleton of dead gods, but he continues to draw the hell out of the fight scenes. Asgardian zombies, cosmic fire, and shifting spacetime sprals across the pages – and at the center of it all is Jean, radiant in all her Phoenix glory thanks to Miracolo’s depiction of her flames and David Curiel drenching those flames in golden light.
Phoenix #3 asks the question: “What does God’s judgement look like?” There is no one answer, but the ones that are presented showcase that the creative team is more than willing to tackle some big ideas. Phoenix willing, readers and X-Men fans are willing to give them the space to do just that.
You must be logged in to post a comment.