PHOENIX #13 – Pulling the Rug Out From Under Her

Creative Team – Stephanie Phillips(writer). Roi Mercado(artist). Java Tartaglia(color artist). VC’s Joe Sabino(letterer). Lucas Werneck(cover artist).

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with Phoenix #12 here!

The Story and Writing

After the last issue where Cable appears on Greyhaven, we start Phoenix #13 with a look into his past through Jean’s eyes. Showing what love Jean and Cable has had in the past then cutting to the present where the two are in a tense standoff really cemented how much time has changed between the two. Jean pleads with Cable to just talk to her, tell her what’s wrong, but he is on a mission. His mission is to take out Sara Grey, who, according to him, isn’t the real Sara Grey at all.

Stephanie Phillips continues showing the emotional journey Jean Grey’s life has turned into, and making us feel every bit of emotion along with her. In Phoenix #13, you can’t see what Jean is feeling when Cable to filling her in on what he knows and not feel every one of her emotions. After all she’s been through, her finding Sara was like a breath of fresh air, but to see that ripped away for the second time really brings a new depth to her character.

What I do love is seeing her supported by Cable while he has to be the one to deliver the upsetting news to her. It seems he’s the only one who would be able to make Jean see through her emotional smokescreen and look at the facts she’s ignored.

The Art

Roi Mercado is the artist of Phoenix #13 and does an incredible job at bringing the emotion of the story to life. With Mercado’s work on detail, and Java Tartaglia’s talented work on the colors, we’re trested to quite a few brilliant panels, mostly having to do with Jean. Seeing Jean powered by the Phoenix Force never gets old, and the artists truly brought the beauty of her powers to life.

Final Thoughts

Once again, Stephanie Phillips writes another excellent issue of Phoenix, one that bares Jean’s soul and shows us her more vulnerable side. With every issue that comes out, I get more excited for the next one as Phillips seems to elevate in talent and quality with every comic.

Overall Grade – 9.1/10

Let me know in the comments below what you thought of Phoenix #13!

This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Phoenix #13, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!