The latest story arc of Phoenix, by Stephanie Phillips and artist Roi Mercado, is now in full swing with Phoenix #13. This series, the first solo ongoing cosmic outing for Jean Grey, has been controversial since its launch in From the Ashes. Yet, perhaps due to the character’s enduring appeal, it survived the February cuts that saw the end of X-Force, X-Factor, and NYX, continuing into a new five-issue arc.
Phoenix #13 marks a significant turning point, with tension and drama escalating rapidly. The previous two issues meticulously set up the mystery of Jean’s sister, Sara, who has mysteriously reappeared. Their bond, a rare glimpse into Jean’s family life outside the X-Men, offered a welcome humanizing look at the powerful cosmic character’s youth and childhood. This family dynamic deepens with the arrival of Cable, Jean’s adult, time-traveling warrior son, who is immediately suspicious of Sara. The inevitable collision between these characters, thankfully not drawn out, culminates in a cosmic twist at the issue’s end. The current arc of Phoenix effectively unfolds as a family drama with cosmic undertones, a welcome and fitting direction for the series.
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While the concept is strong, the execution in Phoenix continues to falter. Phillips consistently crafts fitting ideas for a character as powerful as Phoenix, but struggles to translate them compellingly onto the page. As in previous issues, there’s a distinct lack of a unique voice for Jean or any of the characters. Interactions often feel stilted and abrupt, as if they disregard the rich history between them. This is particularly jarring in an interaction between Phoenix and Cable, her own son, which feels out of tune with their established relationship in other stories and ultimately detracts from the issue.
The pacing remains a significant issue, a persistent problem for Phoenix since its inception. Previous issues often contained only 5-6 pages of true plot advancement. While this issue moves slightly faster, one can’t help but feel the previous two issues could have been condensed into a single one, and that more should have happened in Phoenix #13. The dispassionate, lifeless dialogue and slow storytelling are clear drawbacks, and unfortunately, 13 issues in, they show no sign of improvement.
Roi Mercado, a new name at Marvel from their Atelier program in Paris, takes over as the artist for Phoenix starting with issue #11, having only completed one full comic issue before this assignment. With that in mind, my critique is tempered. Mercado’s art exhibits potential and promise, but also significant inexperience. At this stage, the art feels more akin to a Marvel Unlimited comic than a polished published work.
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On the positive side, Cable’s inclusion injected much-needed drama and urgency, despite some inconsistent character interactions. Furthermore, the ending introduces a compelling cosmic concept with exciting possibilities for future exploration. However, the story is not without its significant weaknesses. The dialogue and characterizations remain a major drawback, often feeling underdeveloped or unconvincing. Additionally, the world-building around Greyhaven is murky at best, failing to establish a clear and coherent setting. Ultimately, the art suffers from a lack of detail and cohesion, which detracts from the overall visual experience.
Phoenix #13 picks up the pace from previous issues, driving the story forward and revealing significant character developments. However, it remains choppy, with character voices feeling lifeless, and their actions needlessly dramatic. While the artist demonstrates solid fundamental skills and works diligently, the art lacks the polish and experience necessary to truly elevate the book.
‘Phoenix’ #13 Review: Still Searching for Its Voice
Phoenix #13 picks up the pace from previous issues, driving the story forward and revealing significant character developments. However, it remains choppy, with character voices feeling lifeless, and their actions needlessly dramatic. While the artist demonstrates solid fundamental skills and works diligently, the art lacks the polish and experience necessary to truly elevate the book.
