The Evolution of Fox's Jean Grey

Mutation. Due to evolutionary advances within homosapiens people have adapted abilities through the X gene. Passed on through the paternal bloodline some individuals have mutated, and this has given them extraordinary gifts. Jean Grey is one of these 'mutants'.

Originally shown as Marvel Girl, Jean Grey is a natural at both telekinesis and telepathy. Fox's adaptation is closely linked to the original Jean Grey. A doctor of psychology and teacher at Xaviers Institute for Gifted Youngsters, Dr Jean Grey would seem to have her life mapped out. However these are not the elements that have made the character a cultural icon. Jean Grey represents the inner turmoil innately in all of us - human or mutant alike, of whether we are naturally good or evil. Jean Grey is a tragic victim to the Phoenix Force. Originally a separate entity Fox decided to create a more dimensional and tragic character by making the Phoenix force the alter ego of herself, her subconscious. With a lust for pain, death and power, unaware of this Jean Grey is ultimately doomed by herself with no knowledge of the beast that grows inside of her.

X-Men (the first in the original trilogy) introduces us to Dr Jean Grey. A political figure for the defence of the mutant community, a teacher at Xaviers institute and an active health practioner for the ever ailing X-Men. The title of Dr allows the audience to see Jean Grey as an educated, caring member of society who uses her knowledge to help and educate others. This allows us to view Jean Grey as a moral, kind and pious person. Along with her relationship with Scott Summers - aka Cyclops - we get the overall impression that she is an innocent person with a bright future ahead. A glowing career and a partner to begin a family with. This allows the impact of her tragic death at the end of X-Men 2 more tragic and devastating. As with all the characters we have met within Fox's X-Men universe Jean Grey was an innocent and tragic loss to not only the X-Men but society as a whole. 

Throughout X-Men 2 we see her natural abilities developing at an
alarming rate. The first time we see her within the film she is shown to have gained the ability of precognition - knowing what will happen, explaining the issue occurring with Pyro and Ice-Man along with a feeling that something bad is going to happen. Scott then goes on to explain that when she experiences bad dreams the whole bedroom shakes. This shows the huge contrast in her powers when during the first X-Men film she had to concentrate to "float a pencil". This allows us to see the growth of power within Jean Grey- without any conscious effort. This suggests from the earliest point in the film that Jean Grey is becoming more powerful subconsciously- our first hint that the Phoenix Force is growing and breaking through Jeans consciousness. When disassembling missiles fired at the X Jet, her eyes glow fiery red, obviously showing The Phoenic Forces presence.This allows her death to be viewed as not only heroic but tragic. As she is aware of the power she posseses, she utilises this to save her fellow X-Men whilst giving up her own life in the process. However not aware that her power is that great that it could suspend her in a cocoon of psychic energy. And at this period in time neither did we. Until The Phoenic Force is seen through the waters of Alkali Lake. 

Alive due to the psychic cocoon it is explained that Proffessor Charles Xaviers was aware of Jean's raw  power and that due to this she is classified as a level 5 mutant (5 being the highest on the scale). We are then shown Jean's history within Fox's universe. As a child she possessed alarming power,  meaning that Xavier created mental barriers within Jeans mind to minimise her power. This is a different spin on the original concept of The Phoenix Saga and The Dark Phoenix Sage. As within the comic universe The Phoenix Force used Jean as a conduit for its power, whereas Fox allowed The Phoenix Force to be the subconscious of Jean Grey herself. This alter ego is ruthless, powerful and almost 'non-human' possibly a theme that her mutation is that great that she has transcended humanity. Due to this and the destruction she left in her path (such as the death of Scott and Xavier) the X-Men had no other option but to kill Jean, The Phoenix. 

The Phoenix Saga seemed to have ended there. As had the trilogy. However due to the expansion of the universe and resurrection of X-Men as Fox's franchise, the film Wolverine again gave us a glimpse of  Jean Grey as a haunting presence returning to Wolverine. However, many people believe this is Wolverines mind projecting Jean to him and there is an interesting contrasting theory stemming form the comic book literature. That Jean Grey is now the The Phoenix of The White Crown. Locked in the 'hot white room'. This is a possibility as when we see Jean she is indeed in a white room and portrayed in white light and clothing. Has Jean transcended The Phoenix and became The Phoenix of The White Crown? I suppose we will have to wait and see if X-Men Days of Future Past addresses this? Or corrects the time line to save Jean's life? Luckily the film hits cinemas at the end of this month so hopefully we will find out. However I'm sure such a poignant character as Dr Jean Grey isn't finished evolving in Fox's universe, just as she wasn't in the comic books...

‘Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories’ Review

“Mad Love is the best Batman story of the decade” – Frank Miller

Keeping with the theme of Batman this week with his 75th anniversary here, this week’s review is the award winning graphic novel that first introduced us to the character that is Harley Quinn. Now a symbol for a female psychopath, or dark sexual icon it should be know that this was not always the same woman: originally she was Dr Harleen Quinzel. An ambitious graduate, with an interest in the human psyche, especially that of Gotham City’s Joker. But even she couldn’t help but fall for his tricks.

It should be noted that there are a few more comic’s in the book, in order to fill it out such as short stories on Poision Ivy, Talia Al Ghul, Catwoman, Roxy and Batgirl. This book is graphic novel is said to be of the dames and demons of Gotham City. However the focus of both the graphic novel and the review are on Mad Love.

In the form of a graphic novel this medium allows us to view the story of Harley Quinn’s lure to the other side of the law,; by use of detailed images, speech and internal monologues. This helps the reader when trying to justify why such a ‘go-getter’ girl like Harleen would risk everything for The Joker. Because for her, it’s simple. It’s love. Mad love.

The origin story begins with a flash back from modern times to Harleen Quinzel’s first day at Arkham Asylum. This is how the origin story is fed to the reader from henceforth, small snippets and flashbacks of her time at Arkham City’s infamous mental asylum (along with a few statements and speech from the current timeline, referring to those days).

The story itself is simple yet so encapsulating that it is a perfect first read for many of you out there who haven’t tried a graphic novel, as of yet. As the story is basically a short tragedy in the form of a comic book, it is very accessible whilst also holds the story on a deeper level with relatable themes of love, anger, confusion and regret. Not only is this a face value comic book, but it is also the first time Harley Quinn is viewed as something other than the crazy lover of The Joker, but as one of his many tragic victims.

Although as a graphic novel, this may put many people off my advice would be to simply give it a try. I believe that the story is worth it if you have an interest in Batman, DC comics, the character of Harley Quinn or even psychology in general. Thus the reason that I have rated this graphic novel a strong 8/10. A simple medium, but highly effective.