Phoenix Song Echo #1
Recap
Against all odds, one of the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe chose Maya Lopez, a deaf street fighter, as its new avatar. And the burning question on everyone’s minds is: WHY?! But Echo is the last person to answer. Still learning her new cosmic abilities – and struggling with the Phoenix’s overwhelming personality – Echo strikes out to return to her roots. But the reservation has even fewer answers. And where power goes, evil follows. Someone wants Echo to fail – and unleash a power only the greatest heroes in history have been able to control. Avengers artist Luca Maresca joins superstar writer Rebecca Roanhorse for a story that will light the universe on fire!
Review
Phoenix Song: Echo #1 tells a Phoenix story that is both different and familiar. Echo as a host is something different and familiar. The challenges Echo faces are that which are to be expected. Echo finds herself forced to confront the nature of the Phoenix, but she is no Jean Grey, no Emma Frost, no Namor. As a street-level hero, the power of the Phoenix holds no place in the life or battles Echo once fought.
Rebecca Roanhorse delivers on the promise left in the open ending from their Echo story for the Indigenous Voices installment of Marvel Voices but takes it even further. In Phoenix Song: Echo #1, Maya has gone beyond a quest for agency and is now seeking answers about her purpose. Roanhorse writes a delicate line in her characterization of Maya Lopez as the Phoenix. Echo’s new power is a crucial aspect of the plot. But it is moved forward by the personality, values, and conflicts of the person behind it.
The art by Luis Maresca and colors by Carlos Lopez delivers the emotional content of the story. There is never a point where Echo doesn’t wear her heart on her face. We see her anger, her horror, her doubt, and even her cockiness in the art. Likewise, the tension of the actions is driven home by the art. Ariana Maher’s lettering also lends to the narrative. By changing the design of the speech bubbles, tone is added to Maya’s words to make it clear how deeply she is falling into the temptation Phoenix’s power provides.
Final Thoughts
Phoenix Song: Echo #1 is a collaborative narrative that is already promising to bring out the story potential that lies within Echo, and in doing so create an untold story of the Phoenix.
ADVANCED REVIEW! Phoenix Song: Echo #1: A Different Reprise
- Writing - 9.5/109.5/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10