Phoenix is one of the most iconic women in comic book history, so it’s no surprise that she’s frequently being revisited for action figures, movies, statues, toys and more. When Hasbro released a new X-Men Legends Dark Phoenix last year, it was a certainty we’d see green (good) Phoenix sooner than later. But what fans may not have anticipated was this fancy deluxe release! The Marvel Legends Phoenix deluxe figure retails for just under 50 bucks and is shipping now—is this Jean worth half a Ben Franklin? Here’s my review…

Phoenix is a character that never really “clicked” for me until the recent Krakoan era comics and their aftermath, so Hasbro picked the absolute perfect time to sell me their most lavish action figure of Phoenix to-date. Jim Lee Jean Grey still holds the keys to my heart, but I have room in there for her omnipotent cosmic persona now as well.

And so, I had a much bigger smile on my face when Hasbro unveiled this new Phoenix Legends figure than I would have had just a few years ago.

What we’re getting here is essentially a two-pack of two figures: green costume Phoenix Jean Grey and a fiery translucent Phoenix Force entity itself (which is nearly 10” tall when perched atop its flaming base!).

I pre-ordered mine and got it for $34.99 when EE temporarily had the price mismarked, but the corrected price posted at all retailers now is $49.99. Is this deluxe set worth what’s basically the cost of two regular 6” figures? In a word: definitely. The Jean Grey figure here is arguably Hasbro’s best rendition of her ever, and the Phoenix bird entity itself is gigantic and gorgeously colored.

Inside the window box, we find the green Phoenix figure, an alternate head, interchangeable fists, the Phoenix bird figure, and the 3-piece display base/stand. I had to fiddle with the base a bit to assemble it, but if I could do so half-blind with minimal challenge, so can you.

Actually getting the fire bird onto that stand was a lot more difficult, but I eventually managed to find the entry angles and positioning Hasbro intended. The Phoenix Force bird looks incredible with its tall height, huge wingspan and flaming gradient translucent plastic color scheme. I love the little talons and the textured “flame feathers” included in the sculpt.

I think the articulated head and painted eyes are also notable details that really help this Phoenix Force excel. It’s a stunning toy that puts the 2004 Toybiz one to shame.

While not quite as visually jaw-dropping, the new 6” Phoenix action figure itself here is also quite lovely. I think both the powered-up and normal portraits are well-executed, though perhaps not the top Jean Grey heads we’ve ever seen.

This green Phoenix ML figure is built primarily on the mold of this year’s Target exclusive Warbird figure, but with a new upper torso mold and new heads (obviously). I thought the Warbird figure head was too small, so I’m pleased to see Jean’s heads larger and more proportionate here.

The big advantage of the new Warbird body is the amazing amount of modern articulation built in, which is among the very best we’ve ever seen on a Hasbro female figure. The long hair sort of inhibits moving the head forward or back, but virtually every other point of articulation you’d hope for is present.

The complete articulation set includes:
–Ball-Hinge Shoulders with Butterfly Swivels
–Ball-Jointed Head and Upper Torso
–Swivel Biceps and Thighs
–Double-hinge Elbow and Knee Joints
–Swivel-Hinge Wrists
–Hinged Waist
–Hinged Feet with Ankle Rocker Swivels

While we just saw Warbird released a few months ago, I think Phoenix’s butterfly swivel shoulders blend more naturally and her heads are better sized, making Phoenix as a whole look straight-up nicer than that Warbird.

And now for my minor complaints: Despite how good this action figure is, I’m still a bit irked that Phoenix’s dash is ever so slightly too loose and prone to wiggling around, though. Also, while I adore the Phoenix bird effect, I am a bit bummed there’s no fire/psychic energy effects to attach to Jean’s arms.

Overall: A few of my minor nitpicks like the sash not being tight enough and there not being additional effects pieces prevent me from giving the 2024 Marvel Legends Phoenix figure a perfect score, but don’t be fooled: Hasbro has made this a really, really nice release that falls just short of perfection. The $49.99 price-point might give some folks pause, but the Phoenix For effect is huge and beautiful, the articulation set on Jean Grey herself is superb and the whole product here just feels top-notch. This makes me glad I passed on MAFEX Phoenix—an all-around win for Hasbro.

GRADE: A