‘Dark Phoenix’ Lands Dead on Arrival

“What you choose to do with your gift is entirely up to you . . .”

A Professor X voiceover atop a black screen introduces a familiar origin scene motif. Only this time, it is a young Jean Grey who is the focus in the long-delayed Dark Phoenix. Fittingly, the emergence of Grey’s powers causes a traumatic car crash where her family is (seemingly) killed, landing her in the care of Charles Xavier. Repeated and elaborated upon several times throughout the film, this car crash is sadly more symbolic of the film itself than anything actually intended by the film’s producers. In this adaptation, the X-Men find themselves pit against one another as Jean Grey’s powers are enhanced by the cosmic Phoenix Force, unlocking tragic memories that lead her on path of destruction. The Dark Phoenix in Print The “Dark Phoenix” saga originally appeared in the X-Men comics over the course of two separate arcs — beginning in Uncanny X-Men #101 – 108 (1976-7) and concluding in Uncanny X-Men #129-138 (1980). In its original incarnation, the X-Men are dispatched into space for a mission when Jean Grey is inhabited by the cosmic Phoenix Force. Back on Earth, Jean’s newfound power leaves her vulnerable and allows her to be manipulated by the illusion-weaving mutant Mastermind. He corrupts her into joining the Hellfire Club as their new Black Queen. When his control backfires during a psychic battle with Cyclops, Jean’s wrath is unleashed. The Dark Phoenix persona emerges, lashing across the universe a…