Phoenix Resurrection #5
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
Artists: Leinil Francis Yu & Joe Bennett
Inkers: Gerry Alanguilan & Belardino Brabo
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Review by Greg Brothers
So here we are at the end of the five-part mini-series which promised to resurrect Phoenix. If you have been following
my other reviews you would know that I have enjoyed the path leading up to Phoenix Resurrection #5. So, the question is…are Rosenberg and the creative team able to stick the landing?
Phoenix Resurrection #5 picks up right where issue four left off. Old Man Logan is heading into the diner. His goal is to keep Jean from bonding with the Phoenix force, be it through lethal or non-lethal means. Meanwhile the rest of the X-men are waiting outside as backup, and, of course, keeping tabs on the Phoenix Force.
Fair warning: Being that this is the last issue, it is almost impossible not to drop a few spoilers in this review. So, unless you’re okay with a few spoilers, then turn back now. Or skip to the last paragraph with my verdict (buy it!).
From the first page of Phoenix Resurrection #1 I have been hooked on this series. And, Phoenix Resurrection #5 verifies what I have felt from the beginning: Rosenberg and his creative team thoroughly understand both the X-Men and specifically Jean Grey and the Phoenix. The X-Men have always been about relationships and family. Jean and Logan have always had a relationship no matter what version of them it is. It is why it works so well, despite this being an older version of Logan, that he is the one to try and get Jean to break free of whatever is keeping her from remembering. Obviously, he is successful, or this would have been the worst named series ever.
As important as the relationship is with Jean and Logan. It is the relationship between Jean and the Phoenix force that is truly on display. Despite all the death and destruction that the Phoenix has caused over the years, all the stories have focused on one thing and that is understanding. Phoenix and Jean understand each other. Jean knows it is only her who can truly understand the Phoenix and the Phoenix only wants to protect the only person to ever understand her. Despite all the X-Men who are ready to fight and protect one of their own, Rosenberg understood the story could only end once Jean and Phoenix stopped fighting and listened to each other. In doing so, Rosenberg creates a story that is compelling and emotional.
The art team in Phoenix Resurrection #5 continues to impress. The fact that several different teams worked throughout the series and yet at no point does it feel disjointed is impressive. Here again we are treated to characters who are designed to be true to who they have always been. The colors are bright and engaging. The panels with the Phoenix are amazing as the team is able to draw emotion from a character who barely speaks a word.
Verdict: Buy it.
The creative team has created a story that is sure to become a classic in X-Men lore. Phoenix Resurrection #5 takes all the mystery and emotions that have been building the last four issues and creates a truly personal story. This is a story about loving and protecting those you love, while allowing yourself to feel pain and loss. Jean Grey comes out the other side of this story truly anew and ready to face things that she never has before.
