Another month, another finale. Before the Age of Revelation kicks off, Phoenix finds itself in an unusual position. With both series writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Roi Mercado confirming their departure after this issue, the future of the book is up in the air. Will it be part of the relaunched 2026 titles with a new creative team, or will Phoenix, the character, be relegated to a team book? It’s hard to say, and Phoenix #15 offers no clues.
What this issue does is wrap up the story Phillips has been telling since she began her run, specifically the arc that started in Phoenix #11. Picking up after the strong Phoenix #14, this issue sees Jean and the previous Phoenix hosts preparing to face off against Abstract entities to protect the life of Jean’s sister, Sara, who was accidentally resurrected by Jean. Issue #14 set the stage for an epic clash, and as Phillips’ final issue with the character, it felt ripe for major revelations and changes.
Unfortunately, the issue doesn’t deliver. Despite all the build-up, the other Phoenix hosts play such a minuscule role that you’re left wondering why they were even included. Phoenix’s characterization feels jarring and sudden, with a meekness that doesn’t align with the hero we’ve followed for the past 14 issues. The conclusion is so rapid and convenient that it makes the entire conflict feel pointless. The issue reads very quickly, which only adds to the disappointment.
The art by Roi Mercado and Java Tartaglia is also, unfortunately, not up to the standard of other X-Men titles. Mercado has promise as an artist, but their inexperience, this is their first-ever ongoing comic and second Marvel Comics credit, is apparent. The scale of the fight sequences and the depiction of the cosmic Abstracts are underwhelming, and the art lacks the emotion needed to convey how Phoenix and Sara feel. While the second-to-last page is the most visually pleasing, it’s not enough to save the rest of the issue.
The one major positive takeaway is on the final page. Phoenix stories, and most things involving Jean Grey, tend to be mired in tragedy and sacrifice. Phillips’s choice to break from this tradition feels both interesting and refreshing. When Jean mentions that she is happy, after a life of pain, heartache, and loss, it feels like a genuinely rewarding character moment. It’s a lesson more writers should learn going forward.
Ultimately, this is not the finest work from either Phillips or Mercado, who have shown their quality in previous issues. It’s a less-than-ideal way for this book to end, at least for now. While Phoenix started as one of the most promising new solo titles from Marvel, it never seemed to find its footing. Here’s hoping that 2026 provides the character and the book with more direction and refreshed ideas.
‘Phoenix’ #15 Review: The Phoenix Fizzles Out
Phoenix started as one of the most promising new solo titles from Marvel, it never seemed to find its footing. Here’s hoping that 2026 provides the character and the book with more direction and refreshed ideas.
