Marvel’s X-Men Finally Remembered An Excellent Jean Grey Story That Isn’t Just Dark Phoenix Again

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for X-Men ’97 episode 3, “Fire Made Flesh”

Marvel Studios’ new X-Men ’97 series finally remembered that there’s more to Jean Grey than just the “Dark Phoenix” storyline. As seen with both live-action versions of Jean Grey, the cosmic entity known as the Phoenix Force played a dominant role in both character arcs, and the original X-Men animated series dedicated the better part of an entire season to the Phoenix as well. Now, there’s finally room for new Jean Grey stories to be told.

As seen in X-Men ’97 which continues the events of the original animated series from the early 90s, Jean Grey and Scott Summers’ Cyclops have their new baby in the series’ second episode (Nathan Summers aka Cable). As a result, X-Men ’97 episode 3 effectively becomes a remixed version of Marvel Comics’ “Inferno” storyline, introducing the character of Madelyne Pryor and her dark origins with the reveal that she’s Jean’s clone created by the classic X-Men villain Mister Sinister. As a result, it’s certainly proof that X-Men ’97 is looking to tell new stories for Jean Grey beyond the Phoenix.

X-Men ’97 Reminded Marvel Fans That There’s More To Jean Grey Than Dark Phoenix

A Welcome Departure From The Corruptive Cosmic Entity

The great benefit of X-Men ’97 is that it’s set in the same continuity as the original X-Men series. That means that another “Dark Phoenix” storyline for Jean is highly improbable as it was already such a large focus in the original series’ third season with two multi-episode events. “The Phoenix Saga” aired first, debuting the Phoenix Force which chose Jean to be its host across five episodes. Additionally, “The Dark Phoenix” helped close out X-Men’s third season with a four-episode arc, detailing the Phoenix’s corruption of Jean as the X-Men battle to free her from its control.

Likewise, both the original live-action X-Men trilogy and the subsequent X-Men trilogy with the younger cast and new timeline culminated in a version of the “Dark Phoenix” storyline. While neither was very well received, it doesn’t change the fact that both Famke Janssen and Sophie Tuner’s versions of Jean Grey were equally defined by the Phoenix. As a result, it’s quite refreshing to see X-Men ’97 adapting a new Jean story involving her clone, the complicated origins of Cable, and the manipulations of Mister Sinister.

Madelyne Pryor’s Story Shares Some Things With The Phoenix Saga

Identity Crisis and Power Corruption

Ultimately, there’s some shared DNA between the “Dark Phoenix” and “Inferno” storylines, especially considering this new altered and more streamlined version of the latter story seen in X-Men ’97 episode 3. The reveal that the Jean who just gave birth was created by Mister Sinister leads to a significant identity crisis for the clone who eventually takes the name Madelyne Pryor. It also opens the door for her corruption and manipulation by Sinister himself, resulting in her transformation into a darker version of Jean and her powers known as the Goblin Queen.

Similar themes are present with the Phoenix as well. Nearly all the versions of “Dark Phoenix” deal with some form of identity crisis with Jean battling to stay in control, whether it’s against her darker subconscious personality like in X-Men: The Last Stand or with the versions that debut the Phoenix as the cosmic force from the original comics. Either way, the corruption of Jean and her power is also present as the Phoenix seeks to fully control its new host.

Why The Goblin Queen Is More Tragic Than Dark Phoenix

Both Jean and Madelyne Were Used By Sinister

All things considered, Madelyne Pryor becoming the Goblin Queen in X-Men ’97 is arguably more tragic as it’s the direct result of pure shock and trauma thanks to Mister Sinister. After all, Madelyne had the original Jean’s memories implanted to make her believe she was the real Jean. This meant that the arrival of the original Jean Grey turned Madelyne’s world completely upside down, as well as what the revelation meant for the child she just had with Cyclops.

Rather than being overwhelmed by a cosmic force seeking power, Madelyne’s corruption by Mister Sinister is far more personal and tragic, reshaping her entire identity and psyche that was simply an artificial construct to ensure the birth of Nathan Summers for Sinister’s dark plans. While the “Dark Phoenix” storyline will always be iconic and one of the X-Men’s most legendary events, it truly is exciting to see X-Men ’97 branching out with more Jean Grey stories that are just as dynamic and compelling.