I’m reviewing Dark Phoenix as a separate action figure from the standard Phoenix of ToyBiz’s Series 6 Marvel Legends because Dark Phoenix, or the Phoenix entity, has become its own thing; it is not Jean Grey, she’s just a good host. That said, the figures are the exact same except for some paint. Let’s dig.
Phoenix and Dark Phoenix were introduced way way way way back in the 1970s and continue to be relevant themes in Marvel Comics today. This space-bound entity is more like a bad cliché these days, so much so that Marvel is doing its best to get rid of it. And it should as the plot twist was meant to be a tragic end to a character that had really been kinda played out. Jean Grey was really going nowhere character-wise in the comics, and introducing the Phoenix was a great way to get the ball rolling — to her death. And then rebirth, and then death, and then rebirth, and … what number are we on again? Dark Phoenix made her appearance during the first round of plot twists, and since Jean Grey was less and less able to control all this power that had possessed her, she was driven mad, or, better yet, the Phoenix, the space-goddess-entity-force-thing-of-destruction, took over. And did some bad stuff.
As mentioned, the action figure is a straight-up variant of Jean Grey Phoenix. Just some new paint. The figure is molded in dark red, has a yellow Phoenix emblem, and had gold arms, legs, and sash. Her eyes are painted all white to show she is “possessed.” As mentioned, it’s a good figure, for its time, but as the current Phoenix figure has shown, it is time for an update. And while I would love a Dark Phoenix on the same base as Phoenix, it would be cool to see her on the Moonstone or Scarlet Witch bases, figures with a little more curve and “age” in them.
The figure comes with the same exact Phoenix effect.
Is this a must have figure? Since it is the only current Marvel Legends version of Dark Phoenix available, then yes. Otherwise it’s a pass. It’s an older figure that hasn’t held up over time, and compared to newer Marvel Legends, the base figure looks dated. But if you want her, you can get her here:
