"X-Men: Phoenix - Warsong" Mini-Series Talkback (Spoilers)

[wonderfly]

The sequel to the red hot Phoenix-Endsong miniseries starts here!

X-Men: Phoenix-Warsong #1

http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0906/PHX_WARSONG_1_sm.jpg

Written by Greg Pak
Artist: Tyler Kirkham
Cover by Marc Silvestri

THE STORY:
Part 1 (of 5)!
The Phoenix is back! But where has it been reborn? Fire and pain await the X-Men. Can they handle what’s to come?!

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[wonderfly]

With this miniseries, we have a sequel to the popular “Phoenix: Endsong” miniseries from last year. Greg Pak, (of “Planet Hulk” fame) returns as writer, but Greg Land is nowhere to be seen this time around, as he’s moved on to higher profile projects in the Ultimate Universe. In his place we have Tyler Kirkham, who’s style mimics Greg Land’s artwork a lot, but isn’t digitally painted like Land’s work. Kirkham is a Top Cow, (Image) artist who’s come over to draw for Marvel as part of a deal signed between Marc Silvestri, (Top Cow’s creator) and Marvel. The cover to this first issue is even provided by Silvestri, which I guess is a way to show Top Cow fans that Silvestri has endorsed Kirkham’s work on a Marvel book. I find it interesting that just like Jim Lee’s Wildstorm comics moved from Image to DC a few years back, we now have Silvestri’s company starting to become a branch of Marvel.

Anyway, the plot once again revolves around the Phoenix, but with Jean Grey dead once again, (for now) the plot shifts to the Cuckoos. Stepping out of the background and into the spotlight, the Cuckoos have been around since the Xavier Mansion became a public school back at the start of Grant Morrison’s run on X-Men in 2001. Always portrayed as a creepy set of siblings who share a psychic bond, they were part of the large ensemble cast of the school back when the X-titles were more concerned about showing a larger mutant community. Ever since the events of “House of M” and “Decimation” though, they’ve largely just been hanging around in the background of the X-Mansion, having nothing to do but be creepy, (and sexy).

This first issue was mostly set up, as we have foreshadowing of the Phoenix’s return, and the Cuckoos and Emma Frost start to feel that something’s not quite right at the Xavier Institute. Best scene in the first issue here is where one of the sisters tells Beast that she feels like she’s having to fight off a dark side inside of her, and the good doctor explains to her that everyone here at the X-Men’s place has had their “dark side” moments, (which is certainly true-just ask Wolverine).

It’s a promising beginning, but it feels like we’re still in set up mode, and the plot’s not really going to start until next issue. It’s about time someone did something with the Cuckoos though.

Grade: B

Edit: I finally figured out that I forgot to add a poll to this thread...well, consider it added now! ;)

[wonderfly]

The saga of the Phoenix continues!

X-Men: Phoenix-Warsong #2

http://www.marvel.com/i/current/co/img_not_available.gif

Written by Greg Pak
Artist: Tyler Kirkham

THE STORY:
The Phoenix is back! Or is it? Something’s not quite right with the Stepford Cukoos and the X-Men better figure out what it is...and fast! Also, what does Weapon Plus have to do with all this?

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[wonderfly]

And now we're clearly back in the middle of Grant Morrison plotlines...it's been a little while since we've been to the Weapon Plus facility, so it was probably past time that we paid the place a visit. I don't understand why SHIELD scientists haven't disassembled the place yet, though? I mean, yes, time was frozen there, and it's in the middle of an explosion, but it just seems like they would've picked the place clean by now...

I really liked the interaction between Scott and Emma in this issue.

Emma: "That's not love in your eyes, Scott."

Scott: "You're wrong. Even after all this, I still love you. I just don't trust you."

That says a lot about their relationship, (and I wonder if this story arc occurs before or after the "Torn" story arc in Astonishing X-Men?)

It was wierd to see Cyclops forgive Peter here though, (he didn't let Colossus come on the adventure the last time the Phoenix was around, in the "Phoenix-Endsong" miniseries)...what could Scott's reasoning be? He thinks Peter would have a hard time killing Jean, but wouldn't have a problem killing young teenage girls, if needed?!?:sweat:

[En Sabah Nur]

And now we're clearly back in the middle of Grant Morrison plotlines...it's been a little while since we've been to the Weapon Plus facility, so it was probably past time that we paid the place a visit. I don't understand why SHIELD scientists haven't disassembled the place yet, though? I mean, yes, time was frozen there, and it's in the middle of an explosion, but it just seems like they would've picked the place clean by now...

I really liked the interaction between Scott and Emma in this issue.

Emma: "That's not love in your eyes, Scott."

Scott: "You're wrong. Even after all this, I still love you. I just don't trust you."

That says a lot about their relationship, (and I wonder if this story arc occurs before or after the "Torn" story arc in Astonishing X-Men?)

It was wierd to see Cyclops forgive Peter here though, (he didn't let Colossus come on the adventure the last time the Phoenix was around, in the "Phoenix-Endsong" miniseries)...what could Scott's reasoning be? He thinks Peter would have a hard time killing Jean, but wouldn't have a problem killing young teenage girls, if needed?!?:sweat:
Astonishing X-Men story line goes parallel to every other X-Men story line. They do not meet.

[RAINMAN]

Does marvel plans to make a phoenix storyline every year?:sweat:

[Sandoz]

Does marvel plans to make a phoenix storyline every year?:sweat:
For as long as they make money.

[En Sabah Nur]

Does marvel plans to make a phoenix storyline every year?:sweat:If people like it, why should they stop?

[wonderfly]

I would dare to say that we are now in the middle of a trilogy of Phoenix miniseries, (wonder what the next miniseries will be? "Phoenix: Lovesong"?)

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Its good so far. Greg Pak is in top form once again. The story is good, I like the way Cyclops is being written here, and the Cuckoos are entertaining.

The plot looks like it will be pretty interesting, once again tying back into a lot of Grant Morrison's plots that were set up.

[ifthismeansevos]

What? Astonishing is paralell? That sucks bigtime Can't be for real. I recognize I don't read any X title outside of Factor uncanny and New but...
Really?

[wonderfly]

Better late then never! I still plan on giving comments on the latest issue:

X-Men: Phoenix-Warsong #3:

http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/1106/xmphxwar002_sm.jpg

Writer: Greg Pak
Penciler: Tyler Kirkham
Inks: Sal Regla
Cover by Marc Silvestri

THE STORY:
As remnants of the Phoenix make their way through the Stepford Cuckoos, more and more of their past is revealed! Where do they come from? Who created them? And who are their parents?! Part 3 (of 5)!

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[wonderfly]

At the start of this latest issue, it would appear that we had one Cuckoo who wants to embrace the Weapon Plus program, one Cuckoo who wants to embrace the Phoenix, and one who wants nothing to do with either. Unfortunately, by the end of the issue, the Phoenix has fully possessed the one girl, (Celeste) who wants nothing to do with any of this.

Loved the dialogue between Celeste and the SHIELD Agent:

"Kill me."

"Shut up."

"Kill me."

"Shut up."

"Kill-"

"Shut-"


:)

And it's what I suspected all along: The Cuckoos really ARE the daughters of Emma!!! Ah, egg harvesting and cloning...well, it's not so much that I suspected, but I always wondered back during Grant Morrison's run on the title why Emma Frost took such a liking to the Cuckoo girls. Turns out it may have been some maternal instincts kicking in...

[wonderfly]

The next issue is out! And though you can't see it, the cover for this issue is really cool! (Silvestri's still got talent!)

X-Men: Phoenix-Warsong #4

http://www.marvel.com/i/current/co/img_not_available.gif

Written by Greg Pak
Pencils by Tyler Kirkham
Inks by Sal Regla
Cover by Marc Silvestri

THE STORY:
It’s the X-Men vs. the Cuckoos! Something in their heads has set the Cuckoos off to annihilate everything in their way! Is it the Phoenix?! Or something even more sinister?! Part 4 (of 5)!

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[wonderfly]

This miniseries is proving to be too convoluted for it's own good. We've got too many Cuckoos, who along with Emma are all indistinguishable, (and no, the different clothing doesn't help in telling them apart), and the art style just isn't as compelling to me as Greg Land's art from the last "Phoenix" miniseries.

The plot shifted in 10 different directions in this issue alone. First, we have the Phoenix destroying the lab. Then we have the Phoenix being the bringer of life. Then we have Zombie Cuckoos, (whom I still can't tell what there motivation is supposed to be). Then we have Sublime helping the X-Men. Then we have Sublime betraying the X-men...And let's not forget about the SHIELD agent. And then the Phoenix is back to being a destroyer of worlds...

It's all a bit too much...maybe the next issue can salvage a decent ending out of all of this.

[Hanshotfirst113]

How many times has Jean died and come back to life now?

[wonderfly]

How many times has Jean died and come back to life now?

Several, but that's not a concern here, as this miniseries revolves around the Cuckoo sisters and Emma Frost, not Jean Grey.

[En Sabah Nur]

This miniseries is proving to be too convoluted for it's own good. We've got too many Cuckoos, who along with Emma are all indistinguishable, (and no, the different clothing doesn't help in telling them apart), and the art style just isn't as compelling to me as Greg Land's art from the last "Phoenix" miniseries.

The plot shifted in 10 different directions in this issue alone. First, we have the Phoenix destroying the lab. Then we have the Phoenix being the bringer of life. Then we have Zombie Cuckoos, (whom I still can't tell what there motivation is supposed to be). Then we have Sublime helping the X-Men. Then we have Sublime betraying the X-men...And let's not forget about the SHIELD agent. And then the Phoenix is back to being a destroyer of worlds...

It's all a bit too much...maybe the next issue can salvage a decent ending out of all of this.It seems that you missed the big picture here. Sublime wanted the Cuckoos to have the power of the phoenix so all the Cuckoos can share it and be his weapons. He would be in charge of his very own Phoenix force. The zombie Cuckoos just reacted to the call of the Phoenix and rose up like Jean Grey did. The art was definitely better in the last mini, but the story was a bit complicated there as it is here.

[wonderfly]

It seems that you missed the big picture here. Sublime wanted the Cuckoos to have the power of the phoenix so all the Cuckoos can share it and be his weapons. He would be in charge of his very own Phoenix force. The zombie Cuckoos just reacted to the call of the Phoenix and rose up like Jean Grey did. The art was definitely better in the last mini, but the story was a bit complicated there as it is here.

So it was Sublime's plan all along to have the Cuckoos obtain the power of the Phoenix? Yeah, that wasn't really clear at all...

And why would the Phoenix manifest itself in the Cuckoos anyway? Doesn't Rachel Grey have any say in where the Phoenix manifests?!?

[En Sabah Nur]

So it was Sublime's plan all along to have the Cuckoos obtain the power of the Phoenix? Yeah, that wasn't really clear at all...

And why would the Phoenix manifest itself in the Cuckoos anyway? Doesn't Rachel Grey have any say in where the Phoenix manifests?!?
Last time I checked, she rejected it. She still has residual energy from it but thats it. The Phoenix Force is always in search for a good suitable host. Siblime created the Cuckoos to be a perfect carrier of the Phoenix Force just like Emma Frost is. I guess sublime knew Emma Frost could be a host for the Phoenix Force, so he created the Cuckoos as clones from her. The story is not very clear, but what weapon plus story is? People seem to forget that this mini focuses not on Phoenix Force or Jean Grey, but on the Cuckoos. And they are Weapon XIV.

The only question is, why is Weapon XIV a Siblime project, when he dropped the Weapon Plus project and moved on to his U-Men. The new Wepon Plus was handed to Malcolm Colcord since Weapon X. Or was Malcolm Colcord in charge od Weapon X only and Sublime continued with Weapon XI to Weapon WV?

[Sandoz]

But Emma isn't a suitable host for the Phoenix Force. When she was possessed in Endsong she couldn't control the power at all, and it very nearly burnt right through her.

[En Sabah Nur]

But Emma isn't a suitable host for the Phoenix Force. When she was possessed in Endsong she couldn't control the power at all, and it very nearly burnt right through her.She could not control it, but neither could Jean. Phoenix Force controls its hosts, not the other way around. But Emma tried to actually control it and she failed like all the rest before her.

[Sandoz]

She could not control it, but neither could Jean. Phoenix Force controls its hosts, not the other way around. But Emma tried to actually control it and she failed like all the rest before her.
Again I stress that it was burning through her in a way that it didn't do with Jean or Rachel or any of the "real" Phoenix hosts. It would have killed her within minutes because she was not a suitable vessel (or at least not an Omega level mutant).

[Hanshotfirst113]

How many times has Jean dies and come back to life now?


Several.

Cyclops must watch Jean die and go, "Man, not again! I'm not gonna see any action for months--hey wait! Madelyne!"

[wonderfly]

The final chapter!

X-Men: Phoenix-Warsong #5:

http://www.marvel.com/i/current/co/img_not_available.gif

Written by Greg Pak
Pencils by Tyler Kirkham
Inks by Sal Regla
Cover by Marc Silvestri

The Story:
Who dares challenge the judgment of the Phoenix? The showdown at the Weapons Plus super-soldier creation facility known as “The World” reaches its shocking climax as the Cuckoos embrace their destiny — and Emma Frost makes the most terrifying decision of her life.

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[ifthismeansevos]

I liked the very finale words of Emma Frost and the tragic issue. I liked this better than the last Astomishing arc.

[Invidente 7]

I liked the very finale words of Emma Frost and the tragic issue. I liked this better than the last Astomishing arc.
............so which were her final words and what exactly happened in the issue? :sad:

[wonderfly]

............so which were her final words and what exactly happened in the issue? :sad:

Her final words were "Maybe you're just Gean Grey, gone insane, or maybe you're the Phoenix, obeying Cosmic Laws we'll never understand. All I know for sure is that when you come back...you're going to have to deal with me."

But as for what exactly happened in this issue, well...your guess is as good as mine. This plot was still a bit too complicated for my liking. It was cool to see the Phoenix in "Judgement Mode" and wiping out all of the clones though. Speaking of the clones, I never for one instant thought they were going to really keep the 1,000 clones alive. When the X-Men were trying to come up with a way to save the clones, I was like, "C'mon, you really expect me to believe you're going to keep 1,000 clones around as cast members?" I knew they were going to bite the dust.

So, is it correct that this was just a sliver of the Phoenix, and not the WHOLE Phoenix? Because I thought the Phoenix was appearing in Rachel Grey, (and her new lover) over in the pages of Uncanny X-Men...because now the Phoenix, (or a part of it) is locked forever inside the Cuckoo girls...

Time to place your votes in the poll above: How would you rate this mini-series?!? Me, I'll give it 3 stars...it may deserve less than that, for having an unclear story, but it did have it's moments...

[Sandoz]

Her final words were "Maybe you're just Gean Grey, gone insane, or maybe you're the Phoenix, obeying Cosmic Laws we'll never understand. All I know for sure is that when you come back...you're going to have to deal with me."
I honestly can't feel too much sympathy for Emma here. If anything, I'd call this karma for her role in the Dark Phoenix Saga and her affair with Scott. (I'd make a truly lousy "mess with the Phoenix and you'll get burned" joke here, but fortunately I have self-restraint. ;) ) Though it is a shame that the Cuckoos had to be involved in all this.


So, is it correct that this was just a sliver of the Phoenix, and not the WHOLE Phoenix? Because I thought the Phoenix was appearing in Rachel Grey, (and her new lover) over in the pages of Uncanny X-Men...because now the Phoenix, (or a part of it) is locked forever inside the Cuckoo girls...It was just a sliver. Remember in Endsong the Phoenix Force was "broken apart" and bits and pieces of it were scattered across time and space and the universe. Similar fragments are inside Rachel and the sword carried by the guy in Uncanny. It was also implied that Jean cannot "return" until all her pieces are gathered together, a plot point that will probably be fully explored in the third "Phoenix Song" miniseries that Pak has been vague about.

I'd give this series two stars. I like the Cuckoos, but I don't like what was done with them. Making them Emma's daughters just because of a few outside similarities? Lame. Making them a part of the already overly complicated Phoenix Mythos that should probably be reserved solely for Jean and Rachel? Painful.