In issue #1 of the expansive “Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga“, Ms. Marvel and Legion embark on a journey through the X-Men’s history, reaching the pinnacle of their tales – “The Dark Phoenix Saga.” The Legion in this narrative hails from a future where David Haller has departed from his physical form to the White Hot Room, leaving only his alters to rule over his body. In an intriguing turn, Legion manages to lure the Phoenix Force out of Jean Grey and into himself, transforming one of Marvel’s mightiest characters into a god-like entity. Over the years, there have been numerous interpretations of Legion, but this incarnation is particularly chilling and carries significant consequences for the timeline. Time travel stories are inherently risky, especially when they take place within such critical narratives as “The Dark Phoenix Saga.
Title one of “Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga” ventures the classic “Dark Phoenix Saga” into uncharted territories. Altering any aspect of a cherished tale is bound to stir up dissatisfaction, yet this issue demonstrates a deep comprehension of the original story. The revisions it introduces to X-Men’s history are substantial, but they seamlessly align with the narrative, making them feel organic and fitting.
Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1 Makes Multiple Major Changes To a Classic
In a simplified retelling, titled “The Epic Tale of Dark Phoenix,” we find Jean Grey under mind control by Mastermind, who removes her self-imposed limitations, unleashing the Dark Phoenix. This powerful entity defeats the X-Men, travels to space where it consumes a solar system, and returns to Earth. The X-Men manage to curb its power, but the Shi’Ar Empire demands justice for the destruction, leading to a trial by combat against their Imperial Guard. Fearing the potential destruction of the universe, Jean sacrifices herself instead of using the Phoenix’s power.
Later in “Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga” #1, after returning to Earth, Jean is possessed by Legion, who seeks to bond with the Phoenix Force. Leaving Earth, Legion encounters a fleet of alien ships and learns that only by overcoming Ms. Marvel, due to their connection, can they reach David Haller. Upon return to Earth, Legion is pursued by the Shi’Ar Imperial Guard.
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In this updated narrative, the significant shift involves the Imperial Guard and X-Men no longer clashing over Jean Grey’s life; instead, they join forces against the Phoenix Legion. Yet, Jean Grey and Cyclops devise a secret strategy. Abandoning both groups, Jean and Ms. Marvel take on the Phoenix Legion themselves. The ensuing battle unfolds as anticipated, culminating in Legion confronting Jean and Ms. Marvel. In this confrontation, Ms. Marvel manages to freeze the Phoenix Legion, which triggers the Phoenix Force to gravitate towards her. Jean persuades the Phoenix back into her, then reveals she’s led Ms. Marvel to the location where she committed suicide in the original tale. To prevent the Phoenix from repossessing Legion or controlling Ms. Marvel, Jean takes her own life again. This self-sacrificing act was part of a master plan by Jean to eliminate the Phoenix threat, and it succeeds completely. Although the events of “The Dark Phoenix Saga” have been altered, the ultimate outcome remains consistent – Jean taking her life to save the universe.
Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1 Changes the Story but Keeps the Major Story Beats
Altering “The Dark Phoenix Saga” significantly would rewrite the Marvel Universe’s timeline. Readers might not fully grasp how these ‘Giant-Size’ tales function, whether past events like Ms. Marvel joining the X-Men are universally remembered or not. However, it’s understood that these stories usually maintain consistency with the ongoing narrative. Thus, we didn’t anticipate Jean Grey surviving the story. Yet, the fact that “Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga” #1 managed to make such extensive changes while still hitting all the plot points is quite remarkable.
The Dark Phoenix Saga” is an exceptional tale, hard to match by many others. Admittedly, Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1 doesn’t quite reach its caliber in terms of quality, but not many Marvel stories do. Yet, this book creatively revisits a crucial storyline from a fresh perspective, while preserving the essence of “The Dark Phoenix Saga”. The alterations it introduces to the narrative are well-executed, and it’s intriguing to speculate how much of these changes might be recognized as canonical in the future.
Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga #1 is on sale now.
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2025-06-13 05:09