Marvel is making sure they maximize the hype around their comic books. Specifically, the hype level of the X-Men just seems to be increasing with every new comic book that is announced for the brand. Case in point, Marvel just announced two new big X-Men comics for 2020 during MCM London Comic Con that started today. X-Men/Fantastic Four is a direct follow up from an early plotline set up by House of X and Powers of X. Meanwhile, Giant-Size X-Men is just as hyped given that Jonathan Hickman and Russell Dauterman are working on the comic. Let’s take a look at what both titles can possibly mean for the future of the X-Men and Marvel Universe as a whole.
X-MEN AND FANTASTIC FOUR CROSSOVER
During House of X #1 one of the most interesting scenes was the confrontation between Cyclops and Fantastic Four. This scene, taking place after the Fantastic Four subdued Sabertooth, went from cordial to extremely tense very quickly. Cyclops last bit of dialogue about Franklin Richards having family on Krakoa waiting for him was a big shot to take. That seemed to indicate that sooner, rather than later, we would have a bigger story told involving the X-Men and Fantastic Four. That was further pushed by the message that Charles Xavier sent out to the world, that the Avengers and Fantastic Four heard, during House of X #6.
Now we won’t have to wait very long for the story between the X-Men and Fantastic Four to begin as a crossover between the two franchise will begin in February 2020. This X-Men/Fantastic Four comic will be a four-part mini-series written by Chip Zdarsky with artwork by Terry and Rachel Dodson. With his work on Spider-Man: Life Story, Daredevil and Invaders, Chip Zdarsky has proven himself to be one of the best writers currently working for Marvel. Terry and Rachel Dodson have proven over and over again that they can deliver beautiful comic books. Having these three together will ensure that X-Men/Fantastic Four will be a must have.
Zdarsky and the Dodsons have the potential to set the course for the Marvel Universe future as a whole with X-Men/Fantastic Four. Along with the Avengers, the X-Men and Fantastic Four are the most important teams in the Marvel Universe. The decisions they make are extremely important in shaping the direction for the Marvel Universe. Given that importance X-Men/Fantastic Four could very well elevate the importance of Franklin Richards since he is at the center of the conflict between the two iconic teams. It could set the stage for the next few years of storylines for the X-Men and Fantastic Four comics.
Source: Newsarama
GIANT-SIZE X-MEN UNITES JEAN GREY AND EMMA FROST
Continuing the X-Men hype train at MCM Comic Con London was the announcement that Jonathan Hickman and Russell Dauterman are working Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey & Emma Frost #1. Based on the information provided Giant-Size X-Men seems to be working as the franchise’s version of Marvel Team-Up. Going with a one-shot style direction for Giant-Size X-Men is actually a great way to start things off. It’ll allow the series to slowly build a bigger story while teaming up various X-Men that are not being shown interacting because they are on different ongoing titles.
Jonathan Hickman and Russell Dauterman is a powerhouse creative to kick things off with Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey & Emma Frost #1. Hickman is the person most responsible for shaping the creative direction of the X-Men. Having his name attached to Giant-Size X-Men immediately makes the title as important as the main X-Men series he is working on. Having Dauterman, coming off his excellent work on War of the Realms, adds to how great the potential this series has. He is sure to deliver breathtaking visuals throughout Giant-Size X-Men, just like he did for War of the Realms.
Kicking things off with Jean Grey and Emma Frost is also an interesting move. Back when Hickman gave us a look at the various Sinister Secret journal entries in Powers of X #4. In one of those entries he talked about how Cyclops, Jean Grey and Wolverine are rumored to have an open relationship. That was something that was all but confirmed by the layout Summer House revealing that there is that Jean’s room has direct access to both Cyclops and Wolverine’s rooms that is exclusive to her in X-Men #1.
The Sinister Secrets also went on to talk about how there are rumors that Cyclops has had relationships with other women as well. One of those women is likely Emma Frost, which was further implied when Cyclops gave an extra beer to Jean to, happily, share with Emma during House of X #6. Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey and Emma Frost #1 could confirm this being at least happened in the past.
The drama aside, what I’m most interested in this team-up between Jean and Emma is if Hickman and Dauterman will explore their positions on The Quiet Council of Krakoa. Jean and Emma sit on different sides of the Quiet Council, with Jean representing Summer and Emma representing Spring. This team-up could further explore the differences between the different classifications on the Quiet Council.
And on a smaller note it is interesting to see Jean in a different costume from her current Marvel Girl costume. Based on the cover for Giant-Size X-Men looks to be based on the design from Jean Grey’s X-Men: Red costume and the green and yellow colors from her Marvel Girl costume. This is definitely a significant improvement over her current Marvel Girl costume, that makes it look like Jean has taken a step back.
Source: Marvel.com
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