Review: Phoenix Endsong Mini Series (Marvel)

X-Men - Phoenix: Endsong # 1 -5
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Greg Land
2004-2005
Miniseries
Marvel

A main X-Men character gets a super duper, universe shattering power and dies. It was a clone. She comes back with that power and dies. Fights clone. Dies some more. Loses power. Gains some back. Gets dark. No longer dark. Later becomes bitter. And finally dies again.

In that order, somewhat, lies the existence of Jean Grey / Phoenix in the X-Titles. So a mini series with anything to do with this character could spell disaster. The potential for nothing new or unique and everything that makes me want to close my eyes is there.

Luckily Marvel got Greg Pak and Greg Land to make me go - "wow, that's why I read comics" with the Phoenix Endsong mini. The story, from start to finish, had impressive art, impressive dialogue, gorgeous coloring, a near perfect story, and simply every factor that makes a comic book a classic comic book. The book doesn't feel too contrived (a constant problem these days) or even like it exists only to increase Marvel's profits and exposure (hello, X4 mini series).

(Spoilers ahead)
With the most insightful depiciton yet of Emma and Scott's relationship in issues 1 and 4, through the insight into Jean and Scott's sense of closure in issue 5, the psychology of these characters is explored more in depth than the last 100 issues of Uncanny X-Men combined. Without resorting to a review of the plot here, it is clear that the key elements of conflict, drama, love, universal destruction, death, and then some are all there.

The return of Quentin Travers started off as a sideline plot that, at first impression, seems as though it may just be a functional twist to help the Phoenix storyline progress. In the end this is proved wrong as Quentin's motivations grow more and more interesting, and the conclusion in which he (and the reader) is reminded that he is just an adolescent and returns to his "hibernation" don't leave any pressing questions unanswered. The return of Quentin ties into continuity, while separating itself just enough so that we now have insight into his character, a look into another form of power, and the progression of the Stepford Cuckoos characterization.

Overall the book takes you on a journey in which you finally begin to understand Soctt and Emma, Scott and Jean, and a whole lot more about the Phoenix Force. The only other place where there have been moments (thought not enough just yet) of such needed and well deserved psychological evaluation has been Joss Whedon's run on Astonishing X-Men. The resolution was also one that, while possibly upsetting to those in the "die and stay dead" camp, took the strands of this Phoenix / Jean Grey mess and tied them up so that whether she returns or not (of course she inevitably will) it can be done differently and hopefully permanently. It is still unclear if the phoenix force (and the powers that come along with that) are still in Jean Grey - but it now seems apparent that the force within Jean no longer hungers and has been somewhat resolved - she became the White Phoenix, a force of love and humanity. It is unknown where she is going to deal with this and how long that will take, but she has progressed to a new place, something that Jean has been denied for some time and could contribute to the overall plot, not hinder it, if (and when) she does indeed return.

So with a resolution which truly moves the story along, progresses the characters, and leaves doors open (Jean's return, White Phoenix, Quentin, and the Stepford / Phoenix relationship), this book is a must for any X-Men fan, or any fan of a truly well written and beautiful book. Plus, who knew Emma Frost would make such a chilling, sexy, interesting Phoenix Force? Now that is a follow up mini series worth waiting for.

Overall Grades:
Art = A- (so close to an A+ but Land's women all look identical)
Coloring = A+ (some of the best up there with Promethea)
Overall Writing = A+
Dialogue Writing = A-
Overall Rating = A

What I'm Reading This Week (4/27/05)

Otherworld 2 (DC / Vertigo)
God The Dyslexic Dog 1 (Bliss on Tap)
Age of Apocalypse 6 (Marvel)
New Avengers 5 (Marvel)
X-Force: Shatterstar 3 (Marvel)
Phoenix: Endsong 5 (Marvel)
Day of Vengeance 1 (DC)
Wonder Woman 215 (DC)

Commentary: Why You Should Read Birds Of Prey (DC)

Birds of Prey is a truly groundbreaking title for a multitude of reasons but what it really all boils down to is the writer. Gail Simone has done wonders with a potentially flat title, and having a woman writer in comic books step to the forefront like Simone has really shows you the difference. (Spoilers ahead)

Simone took over Birds of Prey about 2 years ago with issue 56 (81 just came out). This is also when I read from, as I intentionally went back to read all of Simone's seamless run thus far. Birds of Prey follows Black Canary, Huntress, and Oracle on their various missions around Gotham (until the recent destruction from War Games) and around the country. To start off, the characters are an odd blend here, and without Simone's intricate character designs, these personalities would fall flat. We have the potentially intriguing Barbara Gordon / Oracle - intriguing because of her relationships to the other heroes, her history, and so much more. Black Canary really has little to offer, but with Simone she became another interesting persona who struggles with her lineage, her skills and powers, and so much more. And finally Huntress, who while arguably an already developed character, has now become so complex that her struggle over being powerless and even weak, her faith, and her motivations are psychologically enthralling.

Now for the writing overall. This is truly the first time you can hear a woman's voice. It's not sexist, it's not feminist - it's simply something that you rarely (if ever) hear anywhere else. Who can even name another big deal, major publisher female writer? I certainly can't, especially in the world of Marvel. The difference is almost impossible to pinpoint, but is evident in the dialogue between these women feeling more real and more natural than anything else I've read (including, sadly, Wonder Woman). This is not the woman through the male gaze, this is the woman as a person with intricacies, complexities, humor, struggle, and personality. You really need to pick the book up to see this in action.

The book has interesting plots that seem to steer away from the serialized good vs. evil battles (again, I find myself saying this about DC, kudos to them). The plots don't feel contrived and the outcomes interest me and matter to me. It is rare these days (at least with the books I've been reading for the last 15 years) to find a story that I care about. Birds of Prey gives it to me. It interweaves pieces of the DC Universe (with guest appearances by Batman, Nightwing, Wild Cat, Superman, Blue Beetle, and more) with a new sensibility and story telling that is utterly refreshing to find.

Read this title if...
You like Wonder Woman for its kick ass woman and femininity
You like Astonishing X-Men for its natural dialogue and psychological characterization
You like Xena: Warrior Princess for its action and female camaraderie

Commentary: Why You Should Read Wonder Woman (DC)

You should read Wonder Woman. End of story. (Spoilers Ahead)

Wonder Woman has quickly become one of my favorite titles and I've only read from #160 on (the title is at 215 now). I find myself buying as many back issues as I can to read the whole series, though back stock of Wonder Woman is thin in stores. Anyways, back to the main point - how you can enrich your life by reading Wonder Woman.

Aside from the amazing stuff that Greg Rucka has done since taking over (we will get to that later), the title is becoming a major focus in the DC Universe. Any fan of DC or any part of that universe will want to get in on what is called the "Trinity" (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman), as that is supposedly going to the be the major focus of the year with the Infinite Crisis drama. Rumor has it we will explore what this trinity means, how it can fracture, and what repercussions these characters will have for one another and the universe as a whole. This, combined with the return of Donna Troy this Summer, is bringing Wonder Woman to the forefront and finally establishing her as the intriguing and dynamic character she was meant to be. As Black Canary in Birds of Prey said - everyone sees Batman as the dark and Superman as the light - but Wonder Woman is both of those things. She has compassion but she is war. She is active, intelligent, powerful, violent, and real.

Over the last two years Wonder Woman has taken a turn towards in depth story being favored over two dimensional, serialized battles (a DC wide shift). My favorite storyline to date is Wonder Woman's autobiography release and role as ambassador (around issue 200), with all its stark social commentary on activism, social justice, heroism, celebrity, feminism, and more. You can read some of Rucka's Wonder Woman stories in dozens of ways because they contain so much.

Another amazing addition to the Wonder Woman universe is the streamlined integration of Greek mythology into the universe. I am always so intrigued to see how the Gods and Goddesses will appear interact, from the younger, charming, manipulative Ares, to the flitty and flirty Aphrodite, to Athena and her struggle between wisdom and war and eventual overthrowing of Zeus. All of this has yet to come to a head and continually plays out in the background, adding so much to each issue without crowding it.

To take a character so long established and bring her to the forefront, making her title rife with possibility is a feat in and of itself. To then take that title, and have the courage as a writer to make her blinded by her own choice, that is simply provocative. Wonder Woman has become an intriguing character in which we get to see the conflict and tension between Superman's classic hero role and Batman's dark vigilante come together.

In the recent Flash / Wonder Woman crossover (an amazing story in which the heroes stop for a moment and realize they may have lost) Diana and Flash have what is the most poignant and subtle conversation explaining this duality. Flash is dragging Diana by her lasso so he is inclined to tell the truth - and in this single moment we see Wonder Woman's insecurity as she admits that she knows what the others think of her. This, coupled with the Wonder Woman / Superman interactions of recent (and forthcoming crossover battle) will make for some intense storytelling. And that is what DC has finally learned how to do - tell the best story for everyone. Wonder Woman can be read for fighting, sex, glamour, feminism, social activism, justice, heroism, conflict, darkness, mythology, and so much more. But in the end it is nothing less than near perfectly rich, intelligent and fun.

Read this title if...
You like Promethea for its femininity and mythology
You like X-Men for its super-heroism and social commentary
You like Buffy The Vampire Slayer for its intelligence and kick ass sexy women

What I'm Reading This Week (4/20/05)

V For Vendetta (DC / Vertigo)
Birds of Prey 78-81 (DC)
New X-Men 12 (Marvel)
Superman 215 (DC)
Uncanny X-Men 458 (Marvel)
Wolverine 27 (Marvel)
Teen Titans 23 (DC)
Manhunter 9 (DC)
The OMAC Project 1 (DC)
X-Men 169 (Marvel)
X-23 5 (Marvel)
Runaways 3 (Marvel)
Cable and Deadpool 14 (Marvel)