Warning: Spoilers ahead for Phoenix #12!Thirty years after she was killed off-panel, theX-Menfranchise has brought backJean Grey’ssister, Sara, and confirmed her long-suspected mutant status. Now, Sara has the opportunity to claim the role in franchise lore she was denied decades ago, but Marvel is already hinting that her return could be more ominous than it appears at first sight.
Phoenix#12, written by Stephanie Phillips, with art by Roi Mercado, follows up on the revelation that Jean Grey’s sister is alive and well,using her latent powers to run a sanctuaryfor mutants. This issue explains the truth behind this shocking turn of events, as Cable arrives and asserts thatJean Grey is the true culprit behind Sara’s return, as the Phoenix’s creation powers unwittingly revived her sister.
Consequently, Cable’s presence hints that Sara’s recent revival has caused a cataclysmic effect on the universe, and cosmic forces are already gunning for Jean Grey’s sister.
Marvel Reveals Jean Grey’s Phoenix Powers Played A Part In Resurrecting Her Long-Lost Sister
Phoenix#12; Written By Stephanie Phillips; Art By Roi Mercado; Color By Java Tartaglia; Lettering By VC’s Ariana Maher
In the flashback of Sara Grey’s death and resurrection, it is implied that the Phoenix Force played a large role in Sara Grey’s return, with Sara emerging from the flames of an airship crash, repeating the mysterious lines: “the stars whispered my name and now the door is open.”This iconography of flames symbolizing Sara’s “rebirth” has the Phoenix Force written all over it,and presents an interesting revelation to Jean Grey’s recently elevated cosmic power. The resurrection of Sara confirms that Jean can manipulate the past, but this will undoubtedly come with consequences.
While Jean Grey may not have known she was behind her sister’s return, she has already admitted she is aware Sara’s resurrection will have a universe-shattering impact.
InPhoenix#11, both Cable and Jean Grey feel the strain of the universe, as Cable explains a change from the past is rippling across time and bleeding into the present and the future, evidently referring to Sara’s unprecedented return. Moreover, once feeling this cosmic disturbance, Cable immediately finds his mother, knowing Jean Grey is behind the disturbance, even though Jean may not entirely be aware that she is the cause of it. While Jean Grey may not have known she was behind her sister’s return, she has already admitted she is awareSara’s resurrection will have a universe-shattering impact.
Forecasting Sara Grey’s Role In The NextPhoenixArc
As it currently stands,Jean Grey is the X-Men’s most powerful herowith her ties to the Phoenix Force gifting her incredible cosmic power, which puts her on par with some of Marvel’s most influential deities. Subsequently, the glimpse into the future seen inPhoenix#11 and Cable’s violent arrival suggests the Marvel Universe’s cosmic forces are not happy about Jean Grey tampering with the timeline to bring her sister back. Sara Grey’s revival could lead to a future as the mutant hero she was destined to be, butit appears Marvel is already planning to go back on her return.
This revelation of Sara’s revival is a testament to justhow powerful Jean Grey has become, as her cosmic powers of rebirth have seeped into the past to bring back her sister. However, Jean’s display of power has unintentionally created cosmic consequences that have pitted Cable and other cosmic forces against Jean Grey. Sara’s return was an enigma, as Jean Grey’s sister was the rare Marvel who had managed to remain deceased, and out of theX-Mennarrative, for decades, but withJean Grey’s remarkable power upgrade, how Sara survived her untimely demise is finally revealed.
Phoenix#11is available now from Marvel Comics!
X-Men
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
