Jean Gray and the Phoenix The Force eventually came together as equal entities, transforming the duo into the cosmic divine entity known simply as the Phoenix. Now fully embracing the ancient power of the Phoenix Force, Jean has ascended to the status of god, even earning recognition as the god of gods. To accompany her sudden rise in power, Jean began to break free from her mortal confines.
Phoenix #8 by Stephanie Phillips and Marco Renna sees the Phoenix’s final confrontation against the Galactic Council and its newest leader, Thanos. Furthermore, a new variant cover by Felipe Massafera reveals Jean’s new cosmic and otherworldly look.
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PHOENIX #8 (2025) |
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Release date: |
February 5, 2025 |
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Writers: |
Stephanie Phillips |
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Artists: |
Marco Renna |
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Featured variant cover artist: |
Felipe Massafera |
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Cover artist: |
Yasmine Putri |
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Variant covers: |
Maria Lobo; Marcos Brooks; RB Silva |
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PHOENIX’s battle with THANOS and the DARK ORDER came down to one critical decision – a moment of trust in the limits of Jean Grey’s incredible mind that left her in incredible danger, fighting for the fate of the Phoenix Force. Meanwhile, his enemies have become more powerful than ever – as PERRIKUS’s alliance with ADANI grows to include the evil DARK GODS! |
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Previously falling into the hands of Gorr the God Butcher, Phoenix was offered to join the Abstract Entities, the sentient embodiments of core concepts of the Marvel multiverse such as Eternity and Death. Eternity tells Jean that, like Phoenix, she is not just an agent of creation – she is creation. Fully combining his mind with the ethereal form of the Phoenix, Jean emerges as a god of gods. Soon, she will finally start to look good.
Jean Gray swaps cosmic flames for seas of stars in her new Phoenix costume
Phoenix #8 Main cover by Yasmine Putri
When the newly reborn Phoenix first appeared in the mortal realm, his entire body was cast into cosmic flames. She did not have a true shape, but rather the silhouette of Jean Grey. As Gray will inevitably have to tone down his fiery, ethereal look, his newest form almost looks more divine. Thanks to a preview of Massafera’s variant cover for the issue, readers finally get a look at the Phoenix’s future following his conflict with Thanos and his new Galactic Empire.
Jean’s flames subsided, now contained within her new suit. Her hair is gone, replaced by the fires that extend and emanate from the rest of his body. Her iconic Marvel Girl boots and gloves remain, but have taken on a golden glow, matching the prominent Phoenix insignia on her chest. Most notably, much of his form now contains visions of the stars, oscillating the form of the mutant-turned-god between the tangible and the 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 teamed up with a human named Giraud. Similar to Jean Grey’s newest look, Giraud also has a huge golden phoenix on his chest that wraps around his shoulders, contrasting with a pitch-black suit. In that same alternate reality was a Guardian of the Galaxy named Starhawk. Like Phoenix’s costume now, Starhawk’s featured a field of glowing stars and gloves and boots nearly identical to Jean Grey’s current ensemble.
Jean is no longer an X-Man; only the Phoenix remains.
While it could just be a stylistic inspiration, it could support theories that Phoenix will lead his own Guardians of the Galaxy. Regardless, Jean Gray has finally achieved the godlike status she was always destined to achieve. No longer just a host, Jean Gray is the Phoenix. Recognized by the Abstract Entities, Jean Gray is more than a god. Cosmic fire, casting the light of creation, intertwines with a body of infinite stars, like the tides of space, united in a singular form. This redesign confirms that Jean is no longer an X-Man; just the Phoenix remains.
Phoenix #8 is available February 5, 2025 from Marvel Comics.