Per the synopsis, the story will see Maya returning to her family’s reservation, to uncover a possible connection between her ancestors and the Phoenix. But “where power goes, evil follows. Someone wants Echo to fail — and unleash a power only the greatest heroes in history have been able to control.” The press release also promises “the debut of new heroes, and the shocking return of an iconic X-Men villain.”
Roanhorse, who is of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo and African American descent, made her comic book debut with an Echo story in last year’s special, “Marvel’s Voices: Indigenous Voices.” She said, “I am excited to return to Echo in her first solo series and follow this thrilling new direction Jason Aaron has taken her. Readers will see some old favorites reimagined and some entirely new characters as Echo comes to terms with the incredible and dangerous powers of the Phoenix.”
Echo was created by David Mack and Joe Quesada, and first introduced in 1999’s “Daredevil” #9. A deaf pianist, dancer and martial artist, she has the ability to mimic anyone’s abilities after watching them in action. She became the first Avenger to take up the mantle of Ronin in 2005’s “New Avengers” #11, and coincidentally, she will be played by Alaqua Cox in Disney+’s Hawkeye series. Cox, who is Menominee and deaf, is also reportedly set to reprise the role in a solo TV show.
“Phoenix Song: Echo” #1 will be released digitally and in comic book stores on October 6, 2021, with a main cover by Cory Smith, and a variant cover by Leinil Francis Yu, which you can view here.
