Much like the Phoenix of myth will rise from its own ashes, born anew, so too will the seminal X-Men storyline “The Dark Phoenix Saga” be committed to screens silver and small until they finally get it right. The story first graced the pages of Marvel Comics’ Uncanny X-Men #129-138 during the early months of 1980. Created by the powerhouse team of Chris Claremont, John Byrne, and Dave Cockrum, “The Dark Phoenix Saga” is widely regarded as one of the most shocking and well-loved storylines in X-Men history, and it marked the completion of Jean Grey’s evolution from doe-eyed superheroine to cosmically powerful supervillain. It’s also incredibly complicated, full of twists and turns including mind control, booby traps, psychic duels, murdering entire planets, and much more.

It has been most famously adapted by the 1990s X-Men animated series, as well as the abysmal 2006 film X-Men: The Last Stand. Now, filmmakers will try their hand yet again with Sophie Turner’s Jean Grey. Building on what was teased at the end of X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix will be the latest cinematic attempt to do justice to the seminal story. But why does this story stand the test of time? Why do we feel compelled to tell it and retell it? Are we sure it isn’t just euphemism for an Arizona city’s goth phase? Today on The Dan Cave, I’ll take you on a deep dive into the X-Men’s comic book history as we plumb the truly bonkers depths of “The Dark Phoenix Saga.”

Dark Phoenix hits theaters on November 2, 2o18.

What do you think a Dark Phoenix movie needs to do to be successful? What moment from the comics do you hope to see on the big screen? Let us know in the comments below.

Image: Marvel Comics