Greetings fellow movie goers from around the globe, today’s review is completly different. I’m going in the comic book route. A subject I should’ve covered since I made my blog. I’ve been a huge Marvel & DC fan since I grew watching cartoons on Fox Kids & Kids WB. I wanna try something new. Expand more articles on the storylines within Marvel, DC & Image Comics. My first review is “X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga” written by John Bryne & Chris Claremont.
Nine issues (#129-137) of The Dark Phoenix Saga officially published in January-October 1980. It received praise from critics and fans alike. Ranked as one of the best (if not the best) X-Men storylines, The Dark Phoenix Saga became a touchstone raising the bar in comic book history. It was later adapted in “X-Men the Animated: Series,” “X-Men: The Last Stand” and the critical and commercial flop, “Dark Phoenix.” The closeting thing to a proper adaptation is the ’90s cartoon depicted as a five-parter. At least, The Last Stand tried.
As you may know, cast members of the X-Men movies will reprise their roles in “Avengers: Doomsday.” As I prep up to see my favorite Marvel team back on the big screen, I wanna share my thoughts on this masterpiece. After “Avengers: Secret Wars” comes out in 2027, Kevin Feige confirmed the MCU will reset the franchise. I guess they’re going with the “Flashpoint” route. Meaning, The Flash changed the DC Universe rebooting the status quo under, “The New 52.”
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. The Dark Phoenix Saga was adapted a few times. I’ll have you know, I won’t’ be covering every single issue in a comic, just storylines. It would be a pain to review all of ’em. Which ones should I review next? Please leave a comment.
Fire & Ice Aspects
Fire: John Bryne & Chris Claremont co-wrote all nine issues. The former’s also a talented artist. He also designed Wolverine’s brown and tan outfit.
Coming back from a space adventure, Jean is exposed to solar radiation. Not the kind of cosmic energy the Fantastic Four gained their powers. Jean’s power level significantly increases. To control her unlimited potential, she creates a mental barrier within herself or else she’ll go bananas.
Fun Fact: Emma Frost, Dazzler & Emma Frost first appear in separate issues. The former pair appear in the first issue and the latter appears in the second issue. Which is issue #129-130. The three of ’em became well-known. Plus, Sebastian Shaw and the Hellfire Club make their debut in #129. Kevin Bacon later portrayed Shaw in “X-Men: First Class.”
Emma first appears as a member of the Hellfire Club before she transitions as a member of the X-Men.
When Mastermind stabs Cyclops and a mental sword fight, Jean breaks free from Mastermind’s control and stops him. As a result of carrying for a loved one, her mental barrier breaks losing control of herself becoming Dark Phoenix. In the words of Meg from Disney’s “Hercules.” “People do crazy thing when they’re in love.”
If you haven’t read any issue prior to #129-137, callbacks are addressed in previous issues.
Random Thought: I completely forgot Professor X used to date Lilandra Neramani.
The Hellfire Club led by Sebastian Shaw factor in. They seek to use Jean as a pawn. Mastermind creates an illusion living a previous life of an ancestor from the 19th Century.
Besides Corruption, Primary Themes are Identity, Power, Sacrifice & Redemption. Each one’s handled maturely.
A shocking moment involving Jean reabsorbing her powers from a star. She creates a supernova destroying an entire planet along with its inhabitants. This predates Frieza wiping out Goku’s birth planet as depicted in the non-canon “DBZ” special, “Bardock: The Father of Goku” and the canon film, “Dragon Ball Super: Broly.” Akira Toriyama (may he Rest in Peace) was a huge X-Men fan.
As you all know, Gwen Stacy’s death was a groundbreaking moment in “Spider-Man” issue #121, this one ups the ante. Marvel had the guts to kill off Jean Grey by sacrificing herself to stop the evil from within. Heck, DC did their own by killing off Superman in “The Death of Superman.” I believe killing beloved characters inspired George R.R. Martin to kill characters in an unpredictable manner from ” A Song of Fire and Ice” series. Also Known As, “Game of Thrones.” Mr. Martin’s a huge comic book fan.
Jean’s death made an impact on the Status Quo. Cyclops quits the team with Storm in charge. Wolverine as always, a loner. Grievance can affect a friend and a loved one. When I was a kid, I thought she survived as depicted in the ’90s cartoon. Turns out she didn’t. I would assume Saban Entertainment changed Jean’s fate to prevent kids from crying. Which is pretty understandable.
Ice: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Mr. Bryne & Mr. Claremont an Extra Point for making a flawless storyline as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
X-Men: Season 2: A-
X-Men: The Last Stand: B-
Dark Phoenix: F, FOR FAKER!
X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga remains as a touchstone in comic book history. To this day, many fans discuss the storyline by comparing and contrasting adaptations in the ’90s cartoon, X-Men: The Last Stand & Dark Phoenix. I even ranked them above. It’s not easy adapting a storyline 100% accurate. I’m giving the ’90s cartoon the benefit of the doubt. It may not be perfect, but it felt like a proper take. If prefer a physical copy of all nine issues in The Dark Phoenix Saga, go to your local comic book shop order ’em on Amazon. If you’re pinching pennies, download the app, Marvel Unlimited. It has 30,000+ issues.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 