100 Greatest Superhero Stories Ever
By Steve Lam
Image Courtesy of Marvel Comics
#16. The Uncanny X-Men #129–#138: “The Dark Phoenix Saga”
Medium
Comic Book
Release Dates
January 1980–October 1980
Credits
Writers: Chris Claremont, John Byrne
Penciller: John Byrne
Inker: Terry Austin
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
The Reason It’s Great
Jean Grey’s transformation into the powerful Phoenix is already considered a classic in the comic book world. However, her later “evolution” into Dark Phoenix is one of the most fascinating storylines—the allegory of how a hero can be corrupted by power.
After Jean becomes Phoenix, Mastermind manipulates her into thinking she’s Lady Grey, an ancestor of Jean’s. This causes Jean to accept the Black Queen as her identity and join the Hellfire Club. When Mastermind shows an image of Cyclops being killed, Jean’s final restraint is broken—her true power is unleashed and she rechristens herself as “Dark Phoenix.”
Breaking her ties with the limits of humanity, Dark Phoenix travels to a far off galaxy. However, the ordeal leaves her drained. She consumes a star to repower, gaining the attention of the Kree and Skrull, who now see her as a threat. Charles Xavier is later able to put a psychic hold on her, allowing Jean to return. When the Shi’ar threaten to destroy the solar system in order to destroy Phoenix, Jean sacrifices herself to save everyone.
After “The Dark Phoenix Saga,” writers had a problem bringing her back without having her carry the guilt of Dark Phoenix’s acts. The writing team finally came up with a solution: the original Jean Grey was still at the bottom of Jamaica Bay in suspended animation, and what we’ve come to know as Phoenix was actually a duplicate of her.