One of the original X-Men, Jean Grey, also known as Marvel Girl and Phoenix, is arguably the most popular female marvel character due to her role in one of the most treasured comic book stories of all time, The Dark Phoenix Saga where she destroyed an entire universe before ending her life. Since then, she's been depicted in all X-Men media from the cartoons to the blockbuster movies, where she was portrayed by Famke Jansen.
Jean Grey is also the symbol of the often criticized comic book rule of "Nothing stays dead." Having died in 197 at the stunning conclusion of The Dark Phoenix Saga, a clone of her named Maddie Pryor appeared shortly after. Jean herself returned years later as Maddie was driven insane and killed. Jean continued to have a prominent role in the X-Men universe until her death in 2004. She returned briefly in the 2006 miniseries, Phoenix: Endsong, and fans have been waiting for her to return permanently ever since.
Marvel has acknowledged that no character receives more fan mail than Jean, many of the letters begging Marvel to bring the character back. Marvel writers have enjoyed teasing fans of her return over the years, including their most recent teaser poster for the 2012 company wide event which shows the Phoenix insignia with the words, "It's Coming." Although the Phoenix Force itself has been used in storylines without Jean Grey, Marvel knows full well that fans will associate the fiery bird with everyone's favorite sun-consuming telepath. They are also aware that few things create more buzz than Jean Grey due to her significance, power and overall popularity. But will Jean finally make her anticipated return as the "Heart of the Marvel Universe" or is this yet another tease in a long line of red herrings. Only time will tell...
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