Warning: Contains spoilers for Phoenix #5The iconic Omega-level mutant and X-Men Heroine Jean Gray has a whole new family… and they control the entire Marvel Universe. Phoenix #5 sees the abstract entity known as Eternity Welcoming Jean to Marvel’s Cosmic Pantheonalongside other beings such as Eon, the Living Tribunal, and Uatu, the Watcher. Jean’s latest evolution makes her the “most powerful person in the universe”, with the Phoenix finally ascending beyond godhood, becoming an essential force of nature within the cosmos.
Jean Gray has had quite a year, resurrected with the full power of the Phoenix Force after her death at the last Hellfire Gala, before heading to space to fulfill his cosmic destiny and bring peace to the galaxy.
Phoenix #5, from writer Stephanie Phillips and new series artist Marco Renna, sees Jean Gray once again resurrected after Gorr the God Butcher killed her, but not before she is welcomed into Marvel’s cosmic order by the personification of Marvel Universe known as the Entity, canonizing Jean’s status as “the most powerful person in the universe.”
The cosmic order of the Marvel universe has changed
Jean Gray ascended beyond godhood
Jean Grey’s connection to the Phoenix Force was resolved – after decades of confusion – in X-Men: Foreverconfirming that Jean Gray is the Phoenix, and the Phoenix is Jean Grey. Still, for many years, the Phoenix Force existed as a distinct entity, not directly tied to Jean at all times. During that time, the Phoenix Force was considered an abstract entity essential to the universekeeping within itself the essence of destruction, creation and rebirth. Since Jean and the Phoenix fully merged, Jean has struggled to fully let go of her “human” half, which has limited her power as a Phoenix. Fortunately, Eternity’s intervention has given Jean Gray everything she needs to fully embrace her destiny as a cosmic being.
“And the Phoenix does not exist alone. There is a piece of you in every star. Every planet. Every being. You are creation.“
When Phoenix expresses to Eternity that she fears that fully embracing her new powers will erase Jean Grey, Eternity reassures her that “Jean Gray is an idea,” and an idea can never be truly lost. Of course, Jean is also worried about losing control of her powers and becoming Dark Phoenix again, but Eternity simply tells her that she can control him, and she believes him. Now, Jean Gray is among celestial siblings in Marvel’s pantheon of cosmic beingson the same level as Eternity, Oblivion, Aeon, the Living Tribunal, the Fulcrum, Death, Infinity, Entropy, the One Above All, Intermediate, Uatu, the Observer, and the Celestials. She transcended divinity, telling Gorr that he was wrong and that she is not a god, because “A god has limits…” This is an incredibly important piece in the development of the lore for Jean Grey, and it raises the question: ” Even if Jean Gray is not lost, how can she return to the X-Men again?”
Jean Gray may be getting a new Phoenix costume
Your new look highlights your cosmic connection
Jean Gray is now an essential element in the fabric of the Marvel Universe, and to celebrate this achievement, Phoenix deserves a bold new look. “New Look” variant cover by Felipe Massafera for Phoenix #9 reveals a truly stunning cosmic redesign for the epic Jean Grey, engulfing Jean’s iconic red hair in a whirlwind of fire. To highlight Phoenix’s newest cosmic status, his costume features the night sky, truly bringing to life the Eternity quote: “There’s a piece of you in every star.” Marvel heroes are known for wearing fabulous new costumes, sometimes just in a single issue or arc, so there’s no telling how long Jean Gray will rock this iconic cosmic masterpiece.
Jean Gray must give up all her power to defeat Thanos
The Mad Titan is partnering with the Galactic Council to take down Phoenix
Jean Gray is now more powerful than ever, officially making her the Galactic Council’s newest target. Even though Jean clearly has her Phoenix abilities under control, the Phoenix Force traumatized the galaxymaking the Galactic Council leaders more willing to listen to Gladiator’s concerns about Jean. The Council is now determined to exterminate the Phoenix “threat”, and to do so they have teamed up with the Dark God Perrikus, who asks Thanos, the Mad Titan, to kill Jean Grey. Thanos is one of the most powerful characters in the history of the Marvel Universe, really just a step below Jean’s new cosmic family, and it will take all the power Jean Gray has to defeat the Mad Titan.
THE X-Men’s Jean Gray is the Phoenix, and the Phoenix is Jean Grey, and as the Phoenix Force was known as the manifestation of life and creation, now so is Jean Grey. For the first time in history, Eternity and its abstract entities are welcoming a “mortal” human into their ranksmaking Jean Gray the most powerful person in the Marvel Universe, with very little competition.
Phoenix #5 from Marvel Comics is now available in stores.