Jean Grey and Cyclops’ legendary romance takes on a whimsical Donald Duck and Daisy Duck twist in a recreation of a classic Uncanny X-Men comic cover. This genius fusion of Disney and Marvel is brought to life through Disney’s What If….? variant covers, set to grace select issues of upcoming Amazing Spider-Man releases in honor of 60 years of the Avengers and X-Men.
Donald Soffritti’s Daisy Duck and Donald Duck-centric variant cover for Amazing Spider-Man #55 will hit comic book shelves on August 14, 2024. This variant cover is a delightful Disney-inspired homage to the iconic Jean Grey and Cyclops cover art for Uncanny X-Men #137 (1980) by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Terry Austin, and Glynis Wein.
The original cover depicted Jean Grey and Cyclops clinging to each other amid a fierce battle, their costumes torn and tattered. Soffritti’s recreation infuses this dramatic scene with a playful, light-hearted twist, offering fans a refreshing take on the beloved characters.
Daisy Duck and Donald Duck Become the New Jean Grey and Cyclops in What If…? Variant Cover
Like the original cover art from Uncanny X-Men #137, Soffritti depicts Daisy and Donald Duck in the midst of a battle set in space, much like the intense scene portrayed in the classic comic. Donald Duck is seen utilizing Cyclops’ optic energy blasts to fend off attacks, while Daisy Duck appears to be employing Jean Grey’s iconic telekinetic powers. Both Disney characters are adorned in the signature costumes of their X-Men counterparts, with Daisy donning Jean’s green X-Men mini-dress along with a yellow face mask, boots, and gloves. Similarly, Donald is attired in Scott’s classic yellow-on-black X-Men costume.
However, this What If…? variant cover isn’t an exact replica of the original; in fact, Soffritti introduces some welcome and original design elements. One of the most noticeable changes by Soffritti is the addition of what appears to be a Mickey Mouse monument in the background. Additionally, Daisy and Donald Duck appear much happier than their X-Men counterparts in Soffritti’s variant cover and are far less battle-worn than Jean and Scott, whose costumes are torn to shreds. Hence, Soffritti does an excellent job of recreating this cover but infuses it with a much more light-hearted twist than the original.
Related
Donald Duck Is Marvel’s New Wolverine (No, Really)
A new unbelievable one-shot MARVEL & DISNEY: WHAT IF…? DONALD DUCK BECAME WOLVERINE #1 will see Disney’s iconic character become a legit superhero.
Amazing Spider-Man Variant Cover Celebrates Two of Pop-Culture’s Most Iconic Romances
Jean Grey and Scott Summers are renowned as one of the most iconic couples in the X-Men series, known for their deep and enduring relationship despite the numerous challenges they’ve faced, particularly during the Dark Phoenix Saga, which had devastating outcomes for both characters. The two heroes have often been portrayed as soulmates, with their bond being a central aspect of both characters’ development. Hence, it’s incredibly fitting that Jean Grey and Cyclops are represented by one of Disney’s most iconic couples in turn–Daisy and Donald Duck.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #55 is available on August 14, 2024, from Marvel Comics!
Cyclops
Cyclops, a.k.a. Scott Summers, is the X-Men’s core team leader and one of the first characters to appear in the franchise. As a human/mutant hybrid, Cyclops has the power to launch massive bursts of energy from his eyes that are regulated through the use of a specially designed visor. Despite his calm and collected demeanor, he tends to lose it when in the presence of a fellow team member, Wolverine.
Donald Duck
