In the gripping climax of the Saga, Child of Light, the X-Men are thrust into an epic confrontation with D’Ken amidst the M’Kraan Crystal’s expanse. The universe teeters on the brink of implosion as D’Ken ascends to power, challenging the might of the Shi’ar Empire, the Imperial Guard, and the Starjammers, who find themselves outmatched and struggling to avert disaster.

Central to this turmoil is Jean Grey, destined to embrace her role as the Phoenix. Her sacrifice is intensely personal, taking a final stand within the M’Kraan Crystal. Jean Grey’s loss echoes throughout the episode, underscoring the themes of self-sacrifice, cosmic duty, and the burdens borne by mutant heroes. The X-Men confront the heavy price of their abilities and the impact on their existence, rendering Child of Light a profound narrative on loss and valour.

The animation vividly portrays the battle’s ferocity, and Jean’s metamorphosis into the Phoenix intensifies the emotional stakes. The audience is privy to the fusion of cosmic forces with personal sacrifice, leaving a lasting impression on the X-Men saga. Child of Light stands out as a memorable episode, cherished by fans for its compelling narrative and profound emotional resonance.

The universe faces imminent peril as D’Ken Neramani wields the formidable power of the M’Kraan Crystal. The Phoenix, in a desperate bid to avert catastrophe, reveals that D’Ken is creating an alternate universe within the crystal, threatening to ensnare all in its confines. Her powers stand as the sole counterforce to his machinations. Transforming into her majestic Phoenix form, she soars around the Starjammers‘ vessel, subsequently transporting the X-Men and Corsair to safety. However, a twist of fate sees her drawn into the crystal, triggering a cataclysmic explosion that drags nearby beings into its depths. The crystal’s energy extends to Earth, inciting chaos.

Confronting D’Ken, the heroes launch an onslaught, yet his newfound might renders him impervious. As Earth is besieged by catastrophic disasters, heroes across the globe rally to aid those in peril. Within the crystal, the ensnared combatants face the horrors spawned by D’Ken.

In a climactic revelation, Phoenix declares D’Ken’s annihilation by the crystal’s own force, liberating everyone from its clutches. The Phoenix Force discloses its choice of Jean Grey, whose abilities resonate with the crystal, enabling the reversal of its effects. With a heavy heart, Phoenix proclaims her impending sacrifice to vanquish D’Ken, plunging into the sun’s core. The X-Men, back on Earth, are left with Professor X‘s conviction that the Phoenix’s resurgence is inevitable.

Tempest and Oracle, two additional members of the Imperial Guardsmen, have joined the ranks aboard Lilandra’s ship, expanding their already substantial group.

In a moment echoing their previous close call in Reunion (Part 2), Rogue and Gambit, facing what they believe to be their final moments, lean in for a kiss.

Beast delivers yet another memorable quip after Gambit, Rogue, and Wolverine are sent flying by D’Ken, all rendered unconscious: “Perhaps, another approach?”

Sunfire, last seen in Slave Island, is depicted rescuing a train at the base of Mt. Fuji. Meanwhile, War Machine (known from Iron Man) assists New Yorkers, accompanied by the elusive Spider-Man. Alpha Flight, previously featured in Repo Man, offers aid in Greece, and Storm’s godson, M’Jnari from Whatever It Takes, guides people to safety in West Africa.

The Kree and Skrull observers, Bel-Dann and Raksor, from Uncanny X-Men #137 make a brief appearance in one shot.

This particular episode is notable for having two different versions, with variations in the music tracks and Gladiator’s voice between them.

Jean’s absence is short-lived, depending on perspective. In the UK, the subsequent episode, No Mutant Is An Island, which was remade due to subpar animation, arrived in time for the third season’s airing, thus being broadcast correctly on television and DVD. However, in America, during the initial run, this episode was oddly placed in the fifth season, disrupting continuity, and leaving Jean’s return ambiguous. For clarity, the version available on the UK Disney+ appears to be the one with inferior animation, as well as the re-dubbed Phoenix episodes.

FROM THE ASHES…

Jean Grey stands out among the mutant subspecies with her extraordinary psionic abilities. Known by many names – Marvel Girl, Phoenix, Dark Phoenix – her powers surfaced in a traumatic childhood event, witnessing a friend’s accident. Yet, it is her bond with the Phoenix Force that truly distinguishes her.

In the Phoenix Saga, Jean merges with the cosmic Phoenix Force, transforming from a lesser-known X-Men member to the most formidable being in the Marvel Universe. Her inherent omega-level potential is undeniable, even without the Phoenix’s influence.

The forthcoming From the Ashes era spotlights Jean in a new solo series, Phoenix. Crafted by Stephanie Phillips and visualized by Alessandro Miracolo, the narrative propels Jean into the cosmos. Within the White Hot Room, a dimension of creation and rebirth, she experiences a profound transformation, donning a new costume and fully assuming her Phoenix identity. As she navigates the delicate balance between her humanity and her overwhelming power, she becomes a saviour and harbinger of life and death across the universe, her powers magnified by the Phoenix Force.

Jean’s saga is more than her own; the Phoenix Force has profoundly influenced mutant history, forging fates, probing the ethics of power, and pushing the limits of what it means to wield such might. Jean Grey, as the embodiment of this cosmic entity, continues to leave a lasting impact on the Marvel Universe, her story echoing in the hearts of fans and the annals of comic book history.

The Phoenix Saga (Part 4): The Starjammers | No Mutant Is An Island