NEWS WATCH: A New Conflict Heats Up in Marvel's Demon Wars: Down in Flames #1

By Dustin Gebel

on October 27, 2022

New details emerge about the upcoming entries in Peach Momoko’s epic reimagining of the Marvel Universe. After next month’s Demon Wars: Shield of Justice #1, the publisher will follow-up with Demon Wars: Down in Flames #1. The two one-shots will merge elements of Civil War and the Phoenix Saga to create an original story in the Demon Days universe.

Written and drawn by Momoko, Demon Wars is a story of protagonist Mariko Yashida learning about the various yokai (demons from Japanese folklore) that inhabit a universe that shares characteristics of the main Marvel continuity. This gives Momoko the opportunity to create iconic designs for Marvel’s biggest characters, including Storm, Black Widow, Venom and more. Down in Flames is set to introduce Phoenix and Magik, and immediately set them against each other in a battle for the ages.

“I always write the story as I think of Marvel characters to fit the Yokai role. And for this issue I wanted to introduce Hi No Tori (Fire Bird) because it represents life and destruction (one of the themes of Demon Wars) and felt Jean Grey (Phoenix) was the perfect fit for the role,” Momoko explained. “Magik also had the perfect characteristics of a particular punkish oni so that is why I chose Magik to be in my Momoko-verse as well. I really enjoyed illustrating Phoenix and Magik’s relationship and using mainly fire for them to communicate. I actually wasn’t familiar with the Phoenix Force stories so it was interesting finding out more as I researched.”

Marvel has provided a synopsis and first look at the over for Demon Wars: Down in Flames #1:

The spirit world is divided. Its inhabitants, strange creatures called yokai, have chosen sides, and the two factions are on the brink of all-out war. A bird-like yokai who wields some serious firepower faces off against a club-wielding demon. Mariko Yashida finds herself right in the middle of it. No matter which side she chooses, there will be consequences not only for the spirit world, but for the human world too.

Check out the latest cover now and pick up Demon Wars: Shield of Justice #1 on November 16 and Demon Wars: Down in Flames #1 in February! For more information, visit Marvel.com.