Warning! Spoilers ahead for Phoenix #9!Nova its he is attracted to Jean Grey. The X-Men couple shares one of the most complex dynamics in Marvel, and their turbulent relationship has been a major point of contention throughout almost every X-Men era.

In Marvel's preview to Phoenix #9 – written by Stephanie Phillips, with art by Alessandro Miracolo – Jean Grey emerges from her psychic cocoon after battling Thanos and having the Phoenix force split between her and Adani. Upon Jean Grey’s emergence, Nova is awestruck by the Phoenix’s new form, causing Rocket Raccoon to call him out, saying, “she’s married, lover boy.”

Nova initially tries to deny it, but Rocket points out that Jean Grey can read minds and that it doesn’t take a cosmic goddess to see that Nova’s heart rate increases when Jean’s around.

This Wouldn’t Be The First Time Jean Has Had An Affair – She Shares A History With Wolverine

Phoenix #9 – Story By Stephanie Phillips; Art By Alessandro Miracolo; Color By David Curiel; Letters By Ariana Maher

Jean Grey and Scott Summers have been bolstered as one of the X-Men’s most prominent power couples, yet the two share some of the messiest love affairs, whether it be Cyclops' tryst with Emma Frost or their love triangle with fellow X-Men hero Wolverine. Now, the two are worlds apart, and though their love has remained strong as of late, the staple X-Men duo have proven they both tend to cheat. Jean Grey’s time protecting the galaxy is shaping to be another trial for the couple, as the Nova potentially sparks a scandalous romance between himself and Jean Grey.

Though Nova simply shows a brief yet unmistakable attraction to Jean Grey, it’s been a prominent theme within the X-Men franchise to introduce a third person that, more often than not, acts as a wrench in Jean and Scott’s relationship. One of the most enduring strains on Scott and Jean Grey’s relationship is Wolverine’s open and unfiltered affection for Jean, with this initially acting as the source of many of Scott and Wolverine's fights. The Krakoa era saw a growth to Wolverine and Cyclops, however, it also saw Jean cheat on Scott with Logan.

In X-Factor #10, Jean and Wolverine share a steamy moment of scantily clad closeness in the Krakoa hot springs, which resulted in the two sharing a tender kiss and perhaps more, a moment that went largely unaddressed. Since this instance of infidelity was never seen by Cyclops or retconned, it was largely speculated that Jean and Cyclops had a polyamorous or open marriage. Though Scott and Jean’s throuple theory has been denied by a few X-Men creators, Nova’s newly discovered attraction to Jean shows the spectacle that surrounds the pair, and their love life is still very much alive.

Cosmic Marvel Superhero Nova May Complicate Jean & Cyclops' Relationship Even More

Jean’s Psychic Powers Make Her Both Powerful & Desirable

There is an allure to Jean Grey as a world-class telepath, and her charm gives her the ability to understand someone on a deeper level, an aspect to her that has won her the hearts of many. Wolverine its Jean’s ability to understand him like no one else due to her telepathic skill is part of the reason he is so enamored with her. Because of the long-standing closeness that Wolverine and Jean share, he trusts only her with some of the deepest and darkest parts of himself. In contrast, Jean’s powers became a concern for Nova.

Like Wolverine, Nova knows Jean can read him in a way not many people can.

In Phoenix #7, Nova expressed he was apprehensive about Jean Grey prodding around in his mind because he had previously had Thanos in his head; however, Nova also shows concern that Jean can read his mind after he guiltily shows he shares a level of interest in her, possibly indicating that, like Wolverine, Nova knows Jean can read him in a way not many people can. The status of Jean and Scott’s suspected open relationship has not been explored since the Krakoa era, but with Nova entering the picture, now would be a good time to set the record straight.

Jean Grey & Scott Summers Have A Tragic History Of Disloyalty In X-Men Lore

Nova's Attraction To Jean Adds Another "X-Factor"

Both Jean and Scott have had their share of problematic affairs that subsequently sabotaged the stability of their own relationship, with the two fighting or even breaking up in several instances. Cyclops notoriously had a psychic affair with Emma Frost that evolved into a relationship after Jean had briefly died, and Jean has kissed and confessed her love for Wolverine many times. The two founding X-Men have always managed to come back together, but their uneasy relationship history has left a lasting mark on the couple's time together.

There is a compelling aspect to the hardships that Cyclops and Jean face and how the two have always managed to rise above them to come back stronger, but there is also questionable stability to their marriage. Nova’s interest in Jean may pose another problem to Jean and Cyclops' marriage, or, on the contrary, it could reinforce Jean’s loyalty to her husband if she chooses not to act on it. Jean and Scott rank among the most iconic couples in Marvel, yet they are regularly compelled by others to cheat, a quality that both heightens and harms X-Men storytelling.

Phoenix #9 will be available on March 12, 2025, from Marvel Comics!