Jean Grey’s Best Love Interest Revealed (Hint: It’s Not Cyclops)

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Jean Grey and Scott Summers, also known as Cyclops, have had one of Marvel Comics’ most enduring romances over many years. Often referred to as Marvel’s top couple, it’s tough to dispute this claim given Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson’s frequent disagreements. Nevertheless, popularity and longevity do not necessarily equate to superiority. In fact, there are robust arguments that Cyclops had a stronger relationship with Emma Frost, a hard case to refute considering how well they complemented each other. Personally, I’ve always found myself rooting for Madelyne Pryor as Scott’s ideal partner, and I can’t help but feel resentment towards Marvel for pushing him away from her and their son once Jean reappeared.

Jean Grey has had her fair share of romantic interests too. During college, she had a relationship with Ted Roberts, and her connection with Cyclops and Angel forms one of Marvel’s classic love triangles. Many fans favor the idea of Jean with Wolverine, given his long-standing affection for her since joining the X-Men. This is reinforced by the fact that Logan’s room on Krakoa had a direct passageway to Jean and Cyclops’ bedroom. However, it’s not all rosy between them, as Wolverine’s journey beyond his unrequited feelings for Jean, particularly in Claremont’s run on X-Men, demonstrated his growth significantly, making the prospect of them being together seem unnecessary. In truth, their romantic entanglements often appear contrived.

Indeed, I firmly believe that among contemporary characters, Henry McCoy, also known as the Beast, makes an exceptional love interest for Jean Grey. This perspective might stir debate, yet the X-Men have always been known for their unconventional relationships. The foundation for this viewpoint can be traced back to the comics X-Men Forever and All-New X-Men. Admittedly, the latter series may not be universally appreciated, but it delves deep into why Jean Grey and Beast make such a compelling pair in today’s narrative.

Jean and Beast Have A Lot In Common

The duo, who were founding members of the X-Men team, have been friends since their debut in the 1960s with the release of X-Men #1. Although Scott Summers (Cyclops) and Jean Grey (Phoenix) hinted at a romantic connection from the start, they followed a classic will-they-won’t-they pattern. Conversely, Beast and Jean Grey never displayed any signs of romantic interest beyond friendship. During this era, Beast actually harbored feelings for Jennifer Nyles, so there was no romantic involvement between Beast and Phoenix.

In terms of their initial portrayals, Scott and Jean might have been considered the strongest romantic pairing among the original five characters. However, it’s crucial to note that times have changed, and these characters have developed significantly beyond their 60s personas.

Jean, for instance, gained notoriety due to her transformation into the Dark Phoenix, a state in which she lost self-control and caused immense destruction, resulting in countless lives being lost. On the other hand, Beast underwent a drastic change, with a clone replacing the original him after he went mad. This new Beast embodied the concept of ‘the ends justify the means,’ engaging in actions such as killing, plotting, and betraying others to advance his objectives.

His intentions were noble, aiming to protect mutants and Krakoa. However, these actions led to a tragic event: a genocide in the country of Terra Verde. No matter how noble the cause, such an atrocity can never be justified.

A Relationship Explored in an Alternate Reality

In essence, both Jean (the character formerly known as the Dark Phoenix) and the latest incarnation of Beast carry a burden: they both have knowledge that their past selves, which they had no control over, committed heinous acts that they can never condone. These actions stem from a part of themselves they wish didn’t exist but cannot deny. Jean has accepted her role as the Dark Phoenix, while Beast is still grappling with understanding his other self’s deeds. Sharing this common past, they have an opportunity to learn and grow together. This shared history, in fact, deepens their potential for a romantic relationship. This potential was initially hinted at in “X-Men Forever,” an alternate timeline where Beast and Jean were married before his untimely demise, and further explored in “All-New X-Men,” where younger versions of Jean and Beast had a brief romance.

In old times, they wouldn’t have been a suitable pair, but in today’s comic world, they could be excellent together. Initially, their relationship might not have worked out well like Scott and Jean, but deviating from that could lead to significant character development for both. We’ve witnessed Scott develop relationships with Emma and Madelyne, and we’ve glimpsed the possibility of this with Beast as well. Jean has battled her deepest demons and emerged victorious, while Beast is currently grappling with his own inner struggles.

In a positive outcome, they might learn from their errors, supporting and guiding each other, fostering growth. At their best, they’d help each other make wise decisions even in challenging times, promoting positivity. On the flip side, they could form an unbeatable alliance, leveraging their unique strengths to shape the world according to their will. Regardless of the outcome, it promises an exciting journey to watch unfold. Plus, who doesn’t love the classic tale of the popular and the intellectual falling for each other?

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2025-04-16 05:42