In my first post regarding Grant Morrison’s incredible New X-Men run I mentioned how the humanity of the characters, not their super-powered marvellousness, was one of my favourite parts of the series. In particular Jean and Scott’s marriage being on the rocks.
Yeah yeah I’m aware that makes me sound like a gossiping little minx but good god it was gripping!
Cyclops was recently brought back from being possessed by the evil Apocalypse, and as is evident Jean is manifesting more and more hot tempered sass that just has Phoenix Force written all over it. Again, the changes they’ve been through are a great representation of any married couple going through changes, because individuals do change and couples can grow apart, but giving the characters these incredible cosmic abilities to add a splash of colour and excitement to an already gripping love triangle is a stroke of genius by Morrison.
I mean, when Jean bursts into Emma’s mind to find her psychically seducing her husband (in one of her own Phoenix costumes no less, BISH!) and then burns Scott out of her mind you almost can’t help but feel sorry for Emma and the shit she’s about to endure.
More less than subtle misogynistic advice to Scott from mentor Professor X “Jean is undergoing a radical psychic transformation… we cannot risk angering that power”. In other words don’t piss your wife off Scott, women can be more powerful than you think! Pretty sure I wouldn’t be the only person to read that from it.
It does help the reader think of where the line is drawn when it comes to adultery and just being plain dishonest. Scott’s initial reaction being “it’s not real… it’s just thoughts…” and I mean sure everyone is allowed to fantasise every now and then but when you’re regularly thinking of someone else does that not tell you something?
Emma’s ass kicking aside (which is a bit of telepathic torture down memory lane) the breakdown of Jean and Scott’s marriage, everyone’s favourite X-couple , can’t help but hit home in its climax.
In the space of two issues Jean dies twice, and each time she dies knowing that it’s over, but also that that’s ok.
“My best friend… have to go now. Live Scott. All I ever did was die on you.”
So sad and yet so sweet, willingly giving him his life back to live to the fullest.
After all she is the Phoenix, symbolising that life may grow anew from the ashes.
There’s always the potential for the best to come from worst of situations.
Oh Jean. You da best.
#harrisonthehand