In The Dark Phoenix, viewers are taken on a journey through Jean Grey’s transformation into the Dark Phoenix. The episode delves into themes of power, control, and identity as Jean struggles with the immense power of the Phoenix Force. Her internal battle is mirrored by the external conflicts faced by the X-Men, who must confront their friend turned foe. The episode explores the consequences of unchecked power and the moral dilemmas that arise when a hero becomes a threat.

The animated adaptation stays true to the core elements of the original comic storyline from Uncanny X-Men #135-136 but there are notable differences. In the comic, the Hellfire Club plays a significant role in manipulating Jean, whereas the animated series tones down their influence due to censorship concerns. Additionally, the comic’s darker and more mature themes are somewhat softened in the animated version to suit a younger audience. Despite these changes, the essence of Jean’s struggle and the impact on her relationships with the X-Men remain central to the story.

The animated series successfully captures the spirit of the original comic while making necessary adjustments for its medium and audience, offering a compelling and thought-provoking adaptation of one of the X-Men’s most iconic storylines.

High above the Inner Circle Club’s building, Phoenix, now calling herself Dark Phoenix, unleashes her power, pushing all the X-Men off the roof. Despite the fall, the team survives and quickly regroups to devise a new plan of attack. Determined to stop the Dark Phoenix, the X-Men launch an offensive, but their efforts are in vain as she effortlessly defends against their every move. Exhausted and defeated, the X-Men watch helplessly as the Dark Phoenix takes to the skies, her departure noticed by various super-powered beings across the universe.

In a desperate bid to sustain herself, the Dark Phoenix flies into the sun of a distant, uninhabited galaxy. She absorbs its energy, causing the sun to implode in a spectacular supernova. This cataclysmic event is observed by two Shi’ar researchers, who immediately alert the Shi’ar Empire to the presence of the Phoenix. The empire, recognizing the immense threat posed by the Dark Phoenix, begins to prepare for potential conflict, fearing the destruction she could bring.

Back on Earth, Cyclops informs the X-Men that the Phoenix has restored her energy through the supernova, maintaining his psychic connection with her. Realizing the dire situation, the team decides to construct a machine capable of stopping the Phoenix. Beast takes on the challenge, dedicating himself to the task. Meanwhile, the Dark Phoenix returns to Earth, drawn to the house where Jean Grey’s parents live and where she spent her childhood.

Gambit, seizing an opportunity, manages to place a mind control device on the Dark Phoenix’s head. However, the plan backfires, leading to another intense battle between the X-Men and the formidable villainess. The situation grows increasingly dire until Professor X arrives, engaging the Phoenix Force in a mental battle within Jean’s mind. Through sheer willpower, Jean manages to overthrow the Phoenix’s dominance, regaining control of her mind.

Just as the X-Men begin to hope for a resolution, the Shi’ar arrive on Earth, intent on arresting Jean and putting her to death!

When Dark Phoenix finally erupts with power over Central Park, the Inner Circle can be seen in the crowd and more powerful entities from the Marvel Universe also sense her presence: the Mighty Thor, Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange, Uatu the Watcher and the cosmic being known as Eternity.

In the comics the planet D’Bari is inhabited. Dark Phoenix also destroys the Shi’ar vessel in the process. In the episode, it’s established by the (very-Spock like) lieutenant that the system is already dead and Dark Phoenix merely cripples the vessel – a good thing, since the background artists have put the Imperial Guard in the background of the scene and they’re needed in the next episode!

Jubilee is the only regular to be completely missing from this story. The character doesn’t appear in the original.

 There is a picture of Carly from Beauty and the Beast on Hank’s desk.

Like most of the adaption, scenes in this episode replicate many of the panels from the comics, this time action from Uncanny X-Men #135-136.

The Dark Phoenix Saga (Part 2): The Inner Circle | The Dark Phoenix Saga (Part 4): The Fate of the Phoenix