Plot Summary:

The saga of the Dark Phoenix--in which Jean Gray is possessed by a powerful and destructive cosmic being--is the centerpiece of X-Men, Volume 3, which compiles the conclusion of the third season of 1990s animated series X-Men and the beginning of its fourth. The story line, which unspools over 4 of the double-disc sets 15 episodes, largely echoes the one outlined by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, and Dave Cockrum in the print version circa 1976-77, with GrayDark Phoenix installed as the Black Queen of the Hellfire Clubs Inner Circle, her destruction of the DBari star system, and the X-Mens fight against the fearsome Shiar Imperial Guard to decide the Phoenixs fate. Its a thrilling quartet of episodes, and the highlight of the set other story arcs include Wolverines never-ending quest for the facts of his past (Weapon X, Lies and Videotape) Morphs return to the X-Men, which is dampened by an attack by the Sentinels (Courage) appearances by Nightcrawler, Iceman (Cold Comfort), and Archangel (Obsession), who recruits Rogue to battle Apocalypse and a nice nod to the Age of Apocalypse story line in the two-parter One Mans Worth. Those who remember the TV series will be pleased to have this current go-round of episodes, despite their being out of broadcast order (which results in some continuity confusion) newcomers will appreciate the plentiful action and smart scripting. As with previous Buena Vista X-Men releases, no extras are included in the set.