In this episode, the X-Men join forces with the Starjammers, an eclectic band of interstellar rebels led by the charismatic human space pirate, Corsair, and his diverse alien crew. Amidst the stars, Lilandra, the noble Shi’ar Empress, is besieged by her deranged brother, D’Ken, threatening her true sovereignty. The X-Men are thrust into a critical mission to assist Lilandra, safeguard her empire and ensure the safety of the immensely powerful M’Kraan Crystal…

The story pivots to the grand theme of exploration and cosmic warfare. Leaving the familiarity of Earth, the X-Men take on the mantle of cosmic adventurers. Their odyssey is marked by epic space battles, forging of alliances, and the revelation of uncharted worlds, encapsulating the awe and peril of the universe. This episode highlights the X-Men’s versatility in facing challenges not just on Earth, but across the galactic expanse.

The Starjammers is a testament to the X-Men’s enduring spirit, their eagerness to delve into the mysteries of space, and their unwavering dedication to upholding justice wherever it may be threatened.

As the saga unfolds, the stakes become increasingly personal, revealing connections that none of the X-Men could have anticipated…

In the aftermath of Gladiator‘s expulsion into space, Phoenix recuperates, only to find D’Ken Neramani‘s fleet approaching. She rallies, urging a battle to safeguard the galaxy and emits such powerful psychic energy across Earth that others like Doctor Strange, Emma Frost, and Captain Britain react to the sensation. Phoenix, alongside Lilandra and the X-Men, is then whisked onto Lilandra’s vessel, where they learn of the M’Kraan Crystal‘s dire potential to annihilate the galaxy. Suddenly, the Starjammers invade, intent on abducting Lilandra and seizing the crystal. A fierce clash ensues between them and the X-Men, culminating in a near-fatal confrontation between Cyclops and Corsair, revealed through Phoenix’s telepathy to be Cyclops’ father. The X-Men are subdued, awakening to discover the Starjammers’ escape with the crystal and Cyclops.

Aboard D’Ken’s craft, Eric the Red endures his emperor’s rebuke until Corsair intervenes with a holographic ultimatum: the M’Kraan Crystal and Cyclops in exchange for half the Shi’ar treasury. D’Ken consents, albeit with a treacherous intent to ambush them. Unbeknownst to D’Ken, Corsair plots his own betrayal, seeking to enlist Cyclops in a vengeful strike against D’Ken for his wife’s murder.

As the X-Men and Lilandra pursue the Starjammers, the space buccaneers dock with D’Ken’s ship, sparking a tumultuous fray. Phoenix intervenes, teleporting the X-Men aboard. Corsair confronts D’Ken, only to unmask a disguised Hobgoblin. The melee concludes with the Shi’ar foes in flight and the X-Men in retreat. They encounter D’Ken wielding the M’Kraan Crystal, chanting ominously. Phoenix attempts to thwart him, but all are about to be drawn into the crystal’s depths. D’Ken is now unstoppable…

The Marvel Universe is abuzz with the rising power of Jean Grey as the Phoenix, drawing the attention of characters like Captain Britain, Doctor Strange, and the enigmatic Inner Circle, who are poised to make a striking entrance in the upcoming Dazzled episode.

Introduced in the Uncanny X-Men #107 series, the Starjammers, led by the dashing Corsair, are joined by his steadfast crew: the mechanically enhanced Raza Longknife, the towering reptilian Ch’od, the compact Cr’eee, and the agile feline Hepzibah, a member of the X-Men in the comics.

A poignant moment unfolds when Phoenix delves into Corsair’s memories, revealing a young blond boy beside a youthful Scott Summers. This boy is none other than Alex Summers, better known as Havok, who will emerge in the Cold Comfort episode.

The Imperial Guard of the Shi’ar, first seen in Uncanny X-Men #107, boasts a dynamic roster that includes numerous members. This episode marks the debut of several members alongside Gladiator, such as Starbolt, Hussar, Warstar, Manta, Titan, Earthquake, Smasher, and Hobgoblin, who mainly appear in the background of episodes featuring Shi’ar-centric plots.

In the comics, Corsair’s wife, Katherine, was also killed by D’Ken, making the situation far more personal for Scott than he realizes. This aspect will be delved into more deeply in Orphan’s End.

Additionally, there are two distinct versions of this episode. On Disney+, Gladiator’s voice differs from that on the DVD release. Moreover, starting from the moment Gambit “starts the ball” on Wolverine’s command, the musical score changes. The DVD version features the iconic X-Men theme throughout the conclusion of the episode, while Disney+ opts for a more generic soundtrack, likely due to copyright issues, which significantly changes the tone of the final battle and the cliff-hanger, and arguably not in a positive way.

THE SUMMERS FAMILY TREE

Scott Summers, known as Cyclops, is the eldest son of the spacefarer Corsair and the brother to Havok and Vulcan. He is married to Jean Grey, his long-standing love, and together they have faced cosmic challenges, Jean’s presumed demise, and Scott’s previous marital misstep with Jean’s clone. They share a daughter, Rachel Summers, from an alternate future.

Corsair, before his days as a space pirate, was a pilot and father to Cyclops and Havok. He and his wife Katherine were taken by the Shi’ar Empire, leading to a tragic turn of events that saw Katherine’s death at the hands of Emperor D’Ken and Corsair’s subsequent escape to join the Starjammers, a band of space rebels.

Alex Summers, or Havok, has often been overshadowed by his brother Cyclops. Their early years were marked by separation following the Shi’ar kidnapping and a devastating plane crash. Despite this, the bond between the brothers remains a cornerstone of their narratives in the comics.

The Summers family saga is a cosmic tapestry of love, loss, and legacy, woven through with clones, hidden siblings, and progeny from other dimensions. Their story is a cornerstone of the X-Men universe, highlighting their significant influence on the fate of mutant kind.

The Phoenix Saga (Part 3): Cry of the Banshee | The Phoenix Saga (Part 5): Child of Light