Jean Grey and the Phoenix Force have finally bonded as equal entities, transforming the duo into the cosmic godly entity known simply as the Phoenix. Now fully embracing the Phoenix Force’s ancient power, Jean has ascended to that of a god, even gaining the recognition of the god of gods. To match her sudden ascension of power, Jean has begun to let go of her mortal confines.
Phoenix #8 by Stephanie Phillips and Marco Renna sees the Phoenix final clash against the Galactic Council and their newest leader, Thanos. On top of that, a new variant cover by Felipe Massafera reveals Jean's otherworldly, cosmic new look.
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PHOENIX #8 (2025) |
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Release Date: |
February 5th, 2025 |
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Writers: |
Stephanie Phillips |
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Artists: |
Marco Renna |
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Spotlighted Variant Cover Artist: |
Felipe Massafera |
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Cover Artist: |
Yasmine Putri |
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Variant Covers: |
Maria Wolf; Mark Brooks; R.B. Silva |
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PHOENIX's battle with THANOS and the BLACK ORDER came down to a critical decision — a moment of trust at the limits of Jean Grey's incredible mind that has left her in incredible danger, fighting for the fate of the Phoenix Force. Meanwhile, her enemies have become more powerful than ever — as PERRIKUS' alliance with ADANI grows to include the evil DARK GODS! |
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Previously falling at the hands of Gorr the God Butcher, Phoenix was offered to join the Abstract Entities, the sentient embodiments of the Marvel multiverse’s core concepts, such as Eternity and Death. Eternity tells Jean that, as the Phoenix, she isn’t just an agent of creation - she is creation. Fully combing her mind with the Phoenix’s ethereal form, Jean emerges as a god of gods. Soon, she’ll finally start to look the part.
Jean Grey Ditches Cosmic Flames for Seas of Stars in Her New Phoenix Costume
Phoenix #8 Main Cover by Yasmine Putri
When the freshly reborn Phoenix first emerged in the mortal realm, her entire body was cast in cosmic flame. She bore no true form but rather the silhouette of Jean Grey. As Grey will inevitably have to dial back her ethereally fiery look, her newest form almost feels more godly. Thanks to a preview of Massafera’s variant cover for the issue, readers finally have a look at the future of the Phoenix following her conflict with Thanos and his new Galactic Empire.
The iconic X-Men legend Storm is finally transforming into a literal goddess, as Eternity claims her as worthy to become the Eternal Storm.
Jean’s flames have receded, now contained by her new suit. Her hair has disappeared, replaced by the fires that extend and emanate from the rest of her body. Her iconic Marvel Girl boots and gloves remain but have taken on a golden sheen, matching the prominent Phoenix insignia on her chest. Most noticeably, much of her form now contains visions of the stars, teetering the mutant-turned-god’s form between tangible and metaphysical. However, these visual details are rooted in a surprising era of Marvel’s past.
Jean Grey’s New Phoenix Look Takes Inspiration from the Past
The Phoenix Has a Strange Connection to the Guardians of the Galaxy
During the original 1990s Guardians of the Galaxy series, readers were introduced to an alternate reality where Phoenix bonded with a human named Giraud. Similar to Jean Grey’s newest look, Giraud also has a massive golden phoenix on his chest that wraps around his shoulders, contrasting against a pitch-black suit. In that same alternate reality was a Guardian of the Galaxy named Starhawk. Like the Phoenix’s suit now, Starhawk’s contained a field of shining stars and nearly identical gloves and boots to Jean Grey’s current set.
Jean is an X-Man no more; only the Phoenix remains.
While it may only be a stylistic inspiration, it could support theories that Phoenix will lead her own Guardians of the Galaxy. Regardless, Jean Grey has finally risen to the godly status she was always destined to achieve. No longer simply a host, Jean Grey is the Phoenix. Recognized by the Abstract Entities, Jean Grey is more than a god. Cosmic fire, casting the light of creation, weaves together with a body of endless stars, like the tides of space, bound in a singular form. This redesign cements that Jean is an X-Man no more; only the Phoenix remains.
