Face It, The X-Men Never Truly Evolve (And It’s All Jean Grey’s Fault)

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Instead of battling external threats like anti-mutant sentiment or malevolent supervillains, the X-Men often struggle with their own stagnation. It seems as if they repeat similar storylines and arcs every few years, only to find themselves back at the starting point each time. This issue is not unique to the X-Men, but it’s particularly problematic for them because they invest significant effort into creating thrilling new paths during times of hardship or change, only to revert to their familiar, comfortable state. Unfortunately, Marvel frequently resets the X-Men, and more often than not, they use Jean Grey as a tool for this reset, both in terms of her emotional and physical states. This reliance on Jean Grey is hindering the progress of the X-Men.

Jean is an Emotional Crutch

In essence, Jean Grey stands as the emotional core of the X-Men, serving as a supportive confidante for her teammates during tough times. Her compassionate nature is unparalleled, making her an essential pillar for those she cherishes. Notably, her bond with Cyclops, one of Marvel’s most iconic relationships, has become a recurring plot device, often leading to their separation followed by reunion, creating a pattern that has caused much debate among fans. This sees Jean temporarily vanishing, leaving Cyclops to move on with others like Madelyne Pryor and Emma Frost, only for her return to dismantle these relationships instantly as Cyclops rushes back to her. This cycle has resulted in questionable choices and deviations from the characters’ original personalities, such as the dissolution of Scott and Madelyne’s marriage and the unresolved issues between Scott and Emma.

Without a doubt, another well-known instance where Jean’s presence reshapes someone’s feelings is the character Wolverine in the X-Men series. Initially, when Wolverine joined the X-Men, there was a plotline involving him developing feelings for Jean, which were clearly unrequited. Over time, Wolverine moved past Jean, forming numerous other relationships that were more balanced and less controversial among fans. However, whenever Jean reappears after some complex disappearance, Wolverine seems to quickly rekindle his deep affection for her, resurrecting the same old love triangle that many fans find tiresome. These emotional resets often coincide with a break in the other character’s development, as either Wolverine or Cyclops discard years of growth to focus solely on Jean once again. Admittedly, these instances can be frustrating, but what Marvel does with Jean on a cosmic level is much more problematic.

Jean Always Signals a Return to the Comfortable

Let’s examine the instances where Jean Grey resurfaces and its impact on the X-Men. Prior to her initial death being retconned, Cyclops had left his superhero career behind and settled down with his family. The original X-Men were part of different prominent superhero groups. However, Jean’s return disrupted this status quo, leading to the formation of X-Factor, which reunited the original team. Later, Jean died once more, triggering the famous storyline where the Phoenix Force reappeared and corrupted an X-Man, resulting in a cherished character’s demise – this time, it was Cyclops who killed Professor X. Afterward, during the Krakoan era, it was Jean who revived all mutant lives, which incidentally caused Krakoa to ascend to a higher dimension. This move, despite being beneficial for the team according to some fans, is viewed by many as another step backward. While I believe this change was good for the team, others see it as a regression yet again.

Here are just a handful of instances where Marvel frequently employs Jean as a catalyst for change among its mutant characters. Crucial events are frequently marked by Jean’s death, resurrection, or connections to the Phoenix Force. Despite her immense potential, Jean is often relegated to the role of “the one who sets things right” in X-Men comics. However, with Jean now having her own title for the first time, there’s hope that we might witness Jean evolve into a fully-fledged character rather than serving as a tool for others’ development.

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2025-06-29 18:41