This AVX tie-in is all about the phoenix four. The first half of the issue is about Colossus and Magik after they lost the phoenix force. The other half is mostly about Cyclops and Emma Frost, telepathically enjoying a nice dinner together while the major fight in AVX 11 is raging on. This is a very good issue.
The scene between Colossus and his sister, Magik, is pure genius. Colossus feels immense guilt from what he did under the phoenix force’s influence. Having been queen of the underworld though, Magik feels no remorse. In showing her true colours, Magik alone makes this issue worth it.
The scene between Cyclops and Emma Frost isn’t quite as good as the previous scene, but it still works. They discuss how even the tiniest dark thoughts can grow into monstrous acts now that they each have half of the phoenix force. It’s a great exploration of their corruption and how they think they’re in much better control than they really are.
The art is fairly decent in this issue. Colossus looks like a monster after he unleashes his juggernaut powers. Magik, despite looking perfectly human, looks equally menacing as she taunts him. The “room” where the hosts of the phoenix force are dining looks simple, as you’d expect for a telepathic room.
This issue is an easy recommendation for anyone who is still reading Avengers vs. X-Men. Magik taunting Colossus is simply delightful, and the rest of this issue is at least decent. Kieron Gillen has consistently found ways to improve lackluster events through his genius Uncanny X-men tie-ins, and this issue is no exception.
healed1337 
Pingback: Comics of September 12, 2012 | healed1337
The scene between Colossus and Magic was incredible. It’s why I love Kieron Gillen. It was brilliant, dramatic, and perfectly handled. “There are no snowflakes in Hell.” Awesome. It was disturbing, but wonderfully so.
And then Gillen’s Journey Into Mystery had the other great scene of the week, with Loki talking to Leah. I love Gillen.
LikeLike
First, thanks for the barrage of comments.
I haven’t read any of Journey of Mystery – don’t even know what it’s about. I’ve heard it’s good though. If I wanted to check it out, where would I start?
LikeLike
Journey Into Mystery #622 (cover-date June 2011) is when Kieron Gillen took over. And as you’ve seen with his UXM run, Gillen is a brilliant writer. And Kid Loki is one of the greatest characters ever. The first bunch of issues were Fear Itself tie-ins, but they were excellent. #630 was one of the most gorgeous stories I’ve ever read. It was amazing. #632, on the other hand, was one of the most adorable comics ever.
It’s currently in the middle of a crossover event with Mighty Thor. It started with JiM #642, but there’s a lot going on that’s much better if you’ve read right from #622, because it’s really a culmination of everything Kid Loki’s done.
And it’s just an amazingly written series.
LikeLike