REVIEW: 'Phoenix' #14 - Fire And Life Against The Cosmos
- Jay Belle
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17
If there’s one thing I can confidently say about Phoenix, it’s that Stephanie Phillips has made good on her promise. From the beginning, she said this series would explore Jean Grey balancing her identity as a human and mutant with the immense burden of being the Phoenix—and she’s absolutely delivered on that. Phoenix #14 is a perfect example of how far this story has come.
By now, it’s clear that Sara Grey isn’t exactly who she claims to be. She was created through Jean’s power as the Phoenix and is now bonded to the White Hot Room. This anomaly has caught the attention of the In-Betweener, an abstract cosmic being tasked with maintaining balance. Sara’s existence has tipped the scales, which means Phoenix’s choices are now under scrutiny as well. Cable insists that the only way to restore balance is to end Sara’s existence. Jean, in true Jean Grey fashion, refuses, declaring that if the universe can’t accept Sara, she will force it to accept her.
The issue takes a poignant turn with a flashback to Jean and Sara’s childhood. It’s Halloween, and they sneak off with some of Sara’s older friends for a seance at the site of a gruesome murder. Jean’s latent powers unexpectedly trigger, connecting with the lingering spirits. Sara quickly covers for her, brushing it off as a prank. This scene stands out as it shows that Sara has always protected Jean, which adds weight to Jean’s current determination to protect her in return.
Back in the present, Jean enters a fragment of the White Hot Room tied to Sara, just outside a vision of their childhood home. She reflects on how she’s always feared her powers, whether as Marvel Girl or the Phoenix. But her thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of the In-Betweener. Their clash is both physical and philosophical as Jean argues that she has lost too much in life and will use her cosmic power to protect what she has left. It’s a complicated situation, and as a person, her compassion is relatable. As a cosmic force, her responsibility feels far greater.
But the choice isn’t hers alone. The other abstract entities of the cosmos - Eternity, Infinity, The Living Tribunal, et al, descend upon the White Hot Room, bringing Sara with them. It’s one of the most visually stunning moments in the issue and literally made me sit up taller. The entities appear in humanoid forms similar to Jean, harkening back to their appearances in the story GODS. We haven’t seen Phoenix interact much with other cosmic forces, so this is a powerful shift. Yet it’s bittersweet. The entities make it clear: if Phoenix won’t destroy Sara, she won’t stand a chance against them all.
Just when all seems lost, help arrives. In a moving final scene, we see the manifestations of past and former Phoenix hosts—both living and dead—arrive to stand by her side. It’s an interesting and unexpected turn of events, but satisfying, as I had wondered if we’d see any of the previous hosts during this run.
Phoenix #14 might just be the best issue of the series so far. Phillips masterfully captures Jean’s complexity, balancing her fierce defiance with her vulnerability and empathy. Mercado and Tartaglia also deliver some of their strongest visuals yet. Knowing this team’s work wraps up next issue does break my heart quite a bit, but I can’t wait to see the fiery finale they’ve prepared for this incredible story.
About Phoenix #14
Release Date: August 27, 2025
Written by: Stephanie Phillips
Art by: Roi Mercado
Cover by: Lucas Werneck
Page Count: 25
Synopsis: A BATTLE TO SHAKE THE STARS! The PHOENIX is a force of life, energy and balance! Powerful, known and feared across the galaxy! And while Jean Grey IS the Phoenix, she is also a human being - so now that her sister Sara has returned to life, Jean's humanity refuses to accept losing her again! Unfortunately, there are other forces operating in the cosmos - enormous, unstoppable, eternal forces - indifferent to the desires of a single woman. And even more unfortunately…they want Sara dead.
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