WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Avengers #42 by Jason Aaron, Luca Maresca, David Curiel & VC's Cory Petit, on sale now.
In current issues of Avengers, the Phoenix has once again returned to Earth with a new spin on its standard agenda. Instead of choosing a host and inhabiting them as it normally would, the Phoenix has forcefully organized a tournament of some of Marvel's strongest heroes and villains to determine who will be the next to host its cosmic power.
While the Avengers attempt to work together in hopes that the next host will be someone they can trust, one former Avenger makes his allegiances and intentions crystal clear, possibly signaling trouble that Earth's Mightiest Heroes weren't expecting.
Despite the number of rounds that have already wrapped up in the Phoenix's twisted tournament, the next host of the cosmic entity hasn't become any clearer. The rules are unclear, as seen in the battle between Shang-Chi and Captain America which saw the Captain win despite having his back against the ropes. As the heroes try to plan their next steps one of their former members, Wolverine, lets them all know he no longer stands with them. Along with declaring his allegiance to the mutant nation of Krakoa Wolverine states he will not let any of the humans take the Phoenix as they have already taken too much from mutants. This is a drastic change from the Phoenix's last trip to Earth, which saw Wolverine side with the Avengers in attempts to keep the Phoenix from his fellow mutants.
While it is quite a change in tone, the switch is not entirely surprising giving the recent developments for mutants since 2019's House of X, courtesy of Jonathan Hickman and Pepe Larraz. As the age of Krakoa has unfolded Wolverine has become one of its staunchest defenders and critics. While he has expressed doubt about Krakoa's future Logan wants to give his fellow mutants the best chance possible for success, and that means defending them from humanity at all costs. Wolverine understands that in order for mutants to succeed they must stand together, as it is their moments of separation over the years that have led to their previous downfalls.
While Wolverine is still overwhelmingly good and an ally to the heroes, his declaration of loyalty may be taken as a threat to some, creating some unexpected tensions in the group. As shown in the Avengers vs. X-Men event, where Wolverine stood on the other side of the line, the Avengers have no qualms about going after what they perceive as a threat.
If Wolverine eventually does become the next Phoenix host, it is possible that the Avengers may take his statements here as a declaration of war and justification for standing against Krakoa.