The event kicks off with Nova heralding the arrival of the Phoenix, and Earth's Mightiest coming to aid him. This part of the story is very dramatic, charged with action and heroics, and relying strongly on John Romita Jr.'s pencils; while in Utopia, the same tired plot with Cyclops and Hope Summers continues playing.

The Phoenix-Jean Grey history is simplified in such a manner that it seems more like a retcon; after all, the cosmic creature never killed the former Marvel Girl. Even this early, the seeds are planted for this to be an "all about Wolverine" story. The incident that triggers the much anticipated confrontation is very well written, even though no effort is made to make anyone sympathize with Cyclops; he acts like a jerk the whole time. Once again, the Avengers come off as the regal team, while the Cyclops-Emma-and-everyone-else group falls short. Avengers:2 X-Men: 0.