EXCLUSIVE MGNC: The Uncanny X-Men: Dark Phoenix Review (4/5)

Does the inspiration for the original movie trilogy stand up two decades on?
The Marvel Graphic Novels Collection is fast proving to be one of the most interesting partwork compilations in a long time, retreading various graphic novels and superhero storylines that I never even knew existed in the world of Excelsior. One such example of this classic and illustrious history Marvel holds is Uncanny X-Men: Dark Phoenix, the second edition of the set. In this 80s plot, we follow the titular mutant team as one of their own (Jean Grey, or the Phoenix) finds herself possessed by a scheming adversary who aims to unleash the darkness within her. Certainly, anyone who had the misfortune of catching X-Men: The Last Stand back in 2006 (and blimey, doesn't that date reference make you feel old?) will be able to see some of the roots of this storyline come to 'fruition' there as Professor Xavier and Scott Summers were killed off in the wake of the Dark Phoenix's awakening. Of course, the writers of the time wouldn't have ever gone on such a merciless killing spree, not least in the short span of time The Last Stand did, yet one or two of those twists still remain, and it's intriguing to see which developments the movie truly took heed of and which it created of its own accord. However, Dark Phoenix doesn't half take its time to get going, teasing dark revelations throughout its opening issues, and even when it does gain momentum, the majority of the unexpected surprises come via deus ex machinas- i.e. plot elements introduced out of nowhere rather than seeded in earlier- which made for a thoroughly irksome read at times. Despite that, though, you'll find far more to love about The Uncanny X-Men: Dark Phoenix- the wonderfully retro art style, the camp character portrayals, all guaranteed for your enjoyment- than you will to hate if you can pick up the retail graphic novel, and those of us lucky enough to have joined up to the collection can take advantage of the wonderful 'Story So Far', artist and writer presenations and the other bonus features included at the back of each of these finely crafted hardbacks.