REVIEW: ‘Phoenix’ (2024) Issue #1

Phoenix (2024) #1 (2024) is published by Marvel Comics. It was written by Stephanie Phillips, with art by Alessandro Miracolo, colors by David Curiel, and letters by Cory Petit. Jean Grey heads deep into space to help as many people as possible, containing the full power of the Phoenix force within herself.

This opening issue has a fantastic sense of adventure. It is fast and expansive as a plot, delving into the lore of cosmic Marvel. Phoenix’s first act within her own series is one of immense power and capability, detailing a nearly unfathomable scale. It’s hard not to gawk at what happened, but the story swiftly moves on to something more grounded. Still far away from Earth, Nova is trying to control a prison outbreak at the edge of a black hole that is beginning to collapse.

Just that sentence demonstrates the chaos and spectacle within Phoenix (2024) #1. Yet the story can be grounded at points, and it is impossible to get lost. There is a simple mission: Jean will want to save people across the universe from anything and everything she can. Surprises occur from multiple angles, from the people who appear to know what Phoenix has to do to save lives.

Investigating a character of such immense power is fascinating. The Phoenix is almost impossible to relate to, but Jean Grey is pretty easy. And so Phillips toys with both. Phoenix (2024) #1 can range from dancing with black holes and suns to a telepathic conversation between lovers. Jean is as caring and as thoughtful as she has ever been. Her touching and playful interaction with Cyclops keeps Jean tethered to Earth. The script by Phillips is sensational. The narration tells of the legend of The Phoenix, deifying the cosmic entity immediately after an attempt to ground the comic.

Phillips does an excellent job explaining what’s happening, especially when the book reaches its most abstract. This comic cements the connection between the Phoenix and Jean, an age-old partnership. She appears completely in tune with the Phoenix Force, entirely in control. It is also amazing to see Nova, one of my absolute favourite comic characters, included in this series. A terrific partnership was established quickly between Jean Grey and Richard Rider, and I hope it continues in future issues.

The art is mesmerising. It is hard not to stare in awe at almost every single panel. The sheer amount of power that Jean possesses is mindblowing. She still retains her telekinesis and telepathy but also wields the cosmic flame of the Phoenix Force. The humanising of the character works backward. In her first appearance, she is burning, a physical form made out of the flame. But as the issue progresses, her human self remerges and gets more recognisable. In those early stages, the woman is a goddess before her humanity reemerges.

The universe looks hostile but immaculately detailed, with entire worlds and space stations created by Miracolo. The other famous characters are included and look magnificent. Nova is big and buff. He may not be as impressive as Jean, but he is still a mighty hero in his own right. Miracolo can go small in scale, focusing on terrified children’s faces while expanding outwards to cataclysmic celestial events.

The colors are gorgeous. For much of the book, Phoenix is immersed in fire. She is entirely golden in color, glowing and radiating regality. Jean looks like she has genuinely ascended into godhood. But later in the chapter, she returns to her green and yellow outfit with that iconic red hair. When the Phoenix is unleashed, the colors are so bright that it is impossible to look away. The lettering is large, clear, and easy to read.

Phoenix (2024) #1 embraces enormity. As protagonists go, Jean Grey, in this guise, is perhaps the most powerful to have ever led their series. Sure, Thor, Nova, and Silver Surfer have all been the heroes of their comic books before. But none have displayed their limitless capabilities quite like Jean has. Unbeatable can sometimes lead to a disconnect with readers due to a lack of risk of jeopardy.

But that exists in Phoenix (2024) #1 in enormous quantities. Yes, Jean is powerful but filled with empathy and can make mistakes. Her actions have more significant consequences than most. Sometimes, even a god has to make an impossible decision. The art is stunning, making these enormous concepts palatable and personal.

Phoenix (2024) #1 is available where comics are sold.