The main challenge that Bendis faces in telling this story is making it feel like it would've happened if two different authors wrote these titles. I mean, we have an obvious connection, with the Shi'ar wanting to go after Jean for her role as Phoenix. It's not totally out of left field, as if it were a "Daredevil"/"Guardians of the Galaxy" event. But, it still feels overly convenient. Given that the Guardians only appear on this last page of this issue, though, the jury isn't going to return a verdict on that question for a while.
In the meantime, let's talk about the X-Men. My only real problem with this issue is that Jean is getting harder and harder to take. Bendis does a good job in reminding us why she's reaching her breaking point, given that, you know, she's learned that she dies twice, her current best-friend becomes her husband but cheats on her with "Silver Boobs McGee," and her entire family is eventually killed. It's not exactly an unreasonable response. Plus, she's clearly frustrated by the fact that everyone is clearly watching her for a reaction, like she's going to suddenly turn into the Dark Phoenix; it's clear that it's this frustration that drove her fight with Scott here. But, it doesn't make it any easier to read. Plus, it's starting to distract from the stories about the other original X-Men. Although it's unlikely that this arc is going to focus on Bobby, it would be nice to settle into a routine at some point to delve further into how the other characters are doing.
*** (three of five stars)
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