Immortal X-Men Reveals Major Villain Using the Phoenix Force

Marvel's Immortal X-Men #15 reveals that one of the X-Men's biggest villains has the power of the Phoenix Force.

The latest issue of Marvel's Immortal X-Men has revealed one of the series' biggest villains wielding the almighty power of the Phoenix Force.

In the final panel of Immortal X-Men #15, it is shown that none other than Apocalypse has Jean Gray, aka Phoenix, on a leash while Phoenix Force flames surround him. A clone of Wolverine is also under Apocalypse's control is also present. It appears that the X-Men's team leader Exodus was right to believe that mutantkind is being tested, with Apocalypse now posing an even bigger threat than ever before.

Written by KIERON GILLEN

Art by PACO MEDINA

Colorist DAVE CURIEL

Letterer CLAYTON COWLES

Cover by MARK BROOKS

Immortal X-Men #15 continues the "Fall of X" storyline that is ongoing in both the X-Men and other Marvel comics. "Fall of X" ushered in a new era of X-Men stories that started with X-Men: Hellfire Gala 2023 #1 (by Jonathan Hickman, Gerry Duggan, Valerio Schiti, Pepe Larraz, Javier Pina, Matteo Lolli, Adam Kubert, Kris Anka, Joshua Cassara, Luciano Vecchio, R.B. Silva, Russell Dauterman, Marte Gracia, Erick Arciniega, Matthew Wilson, Ceci De La Cruz, and Rain Beredo). The event spans multiple comic series and explores what happens when mutantkind leaves the safety of Krakoa, where they have been thriving since 2019's House of X.

Wielders of the Phoenix Force

Even though Jean Gray is the character most often associated with the Phoenix Force, there have been many Marvel characters who have harnessed its powers in the past. Other X-Men who have felt the power of the Phoenix Force include Emma Frost -- who helped corrupt Jean Grey with it -- as well as Cyclops and Colossus who wielded the force in Avengers vs. X-Men. Even Black Panther has been chosen by the Phoenix in an arc of The Avengers, and it was also revealed that Iron Fist was one of the Force's first hosts.

Immortal X-Men #15's reveal of Apocalypse controlling the Phoenix Force brings previously unheard danger to the amazing powers that lie within the force. Naturally, Apocalypse has tried many times to wield the Phoenix Force, and this marks his first successful attempt. To make matters worse, by utilizing Jean Grey as a power source, it appears that Apocalypse is not putting himself at any risk and is able to wield the force like a weapon. It remains to see just how far Apocalypse will be able to push the powers of the Phoenix Force, but as the latest issue of Immortal X-Men draws to a close, there's definitely some major drama about to unfold for the X-Men team in issues to come.

Immortal X-Men #15 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.