Jean Grey and Emma Frost's (Silent) Team-Up

We break down the hidden clues and secrets from 'Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey and Emma Frost,' now on Marvel Unlimited!

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The first GIANT-SIZE X-MEN one-shot has arrived on Marvel Unlimited starring Jean Grey and Emma Frost! These expanded tales from the Dawn of X lineup give Marvel’s top tier artists the chance to go wild within the vivid mutant world that X-MEN writer Jonathan Hickman has built. And, while the events of silent issue GIANT-SIZE X-MEN: JEAN GREY AND EMMA FROST #1 have dire consequences for a leading X-Man and member of the Quiet Council, it also homages a classic issue from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s seminal run: NEW X-MEN (2001) #121.

[RELATED: Recap the X-Men’s 4 Seminal Moments]

Sharp-eyed readers have already noticed the parallels between these two issues. But now that GIANT-SIZE X-MEN: JEAN GREY AND EMMA FROST #1 is on MU, we’re able to walk you through these direct callbacks, hidden Easter eggs scattered throughout a gorgeously illustrated story by Dauterman and colorist Matt Wilson.

“SILENCE: PSYCHIC RESCUE IN PROGRESS.”

On the left, NEW X-MEN #121. On the right, GIANT-SIZE X-MEN: JEAN GREY AND EMMA FROST.

NEW X-MEN #121 was part of a month-long event called ‘Nuff Said which itself was a tribute to the silent issues in '80s comic favorite G.I. JOE. Morrison and Quitely cleverly worked the silent gimmick into their story by immediately telling readers that silence was required for Jean and Emma’s telepathic deep dive into Charles Xavier’s mind.

GIANT-SIZE X-MEN: JEAN GREY AND EMMA FROST accomplishes the same goal in a more subtle way. The sign over this portal is essentially the same, but it’s written in the language of Krakoa. Silly humans, Krakoan is for mutants!

[RELATED: Krakoa’s Hidden History]

EMMA's "RITUAL"

Prior to accessing Storm’s mind in GIANT-SIZE, Emma saucily imbibes a little nip for the psychic spelunking ahead. Dauterman and Wilson follow this pre-mission exchange panel for panel from NEW X-MEN #121, even emulating Xavier’s medical contraption by hooking Storm up to some kind of Krakoan stasis unit. Although, Jean seems even more annoyed today.

A MEETING OF MINDS

Both of these pages depict the telepaths’ entry into their respective patients, Xavier and Storm. In NEW X-MEN, Jean travels into Xavier’s mind through a twisty path that allows her to see the Professor’s cordoned-off emotions and feelings. Emma is noticeably absent on the page.

In GIANT-SIZE, both Jean and Emma are visible as they appear to swim and swirl in the current of Storm’s imprisoned psyche, pulled closer together as they approach its epicenter. Guess that means these two are now friends?

THE “MONUMENTS”

In NEW X-MEN, Jean was alone as she spotted the dark and foreboding tower that represented Charles Xavier’s mind. It was surrounded by a moat too, making it even more unapproachable.

By contrast, Storm’s mind manifests itself as a great tree surrounded by an open field. It doesn’t appear to have the barriers that Xavier’s mind had. But that’s only on the surface. Jean and Emma are together on this panel too, signifying their shift as equals and team players.

CYCLOPS AND WOLVERINE

Throughout NEW X-MEN, the physical placement of Wolverine and Cyclops had them at a distance. Now, these two are far from off in their own worlds, instead sitting together patiently as they await the findings of Jean and Emma’s exam. Interesting to note too that who Jean enters with in GIANT-SIZE differs slightly from NEW X-MEN, although the pages are mirrored exactly.

Wolverine and Cyke? Rival frenemies no longer?

“WE OUGHT TO TALK.”

What a way to close an issue. The silence is broken in both NEW X-MEN and GIANT-SIZE with a succinct recap from Jean. As for Storm’s prognosis? Continue the Dawn of X weekly to see what happens next.

Uncover even more Easter eggs and hidden messages by reading both GIANT-SIZE: JEAN GREY AND EMMA FROST and NEW X-MEN #121 on MU!

See the rest of this week's Marvel Unlimited additions here!

NEW ON AUGUST 31

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