X-Men's Jean Grey Conducts Mutant Background Checks

Jean Grey-Summers is one of the main X-Men in the series known as The Uncanny X-Men. As an Omega-level mutant, the character of Jean Grey has appeared in more issues of the comic than most other X-Men mutants as she is one of the main characters of the X-Men world and plotline. As a master of telekinetic and telepathic ability, she has, in several issues, read the minds of new mutant recruits, essentially conducting mutant background checks.

These background checks were incredibly important as Professor Xavier had a vested interest in learned the background and childhoods of many of the mutant children they would rescue from the street. If cleared, they were able to attend Professor Xavier's school, The Xavier Institute, where young mutants would be educated and learn how to harness and manage their mutant abilities. As an expert mind reader, Jean Grey could easily tap into the thought processes going through the minds of young, impressionable teen mutants after a prompted question.

Also known as Marvel Girl, Phoenix, Dark Phoenix, or simply Jean, Jean Grey made her appearance after the first few pages of X-Men #1 in September 1963. She was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and was originally the only female member of the X-Men team. Though she was one of the most powerful, she maintained a romantic relationship with Scott Summers, otherwise known as Cyclops.

Professor X often counts on Jean Grey for her telepathic abilities. Since they each share the same mutant ability, Professor X generally attempts to train Jean Grey, taking her under his wing as a mentor. As such, they each utilize a large, computer-based telepathic device called Cerebro, allowing them to locate mutants and other distresses all over the world. With this machine, Jean Grey could also conduct extensive background checks on any mutant the team doesn't know about.

Because Jean Grey is so pivotal to the X-Men universe, she has appeared in nearly every single adaptation of the series in terms of the comics, animated series, film, and video games. Her figurine has been made and distributed by several toy companies - even fast food companies had a version of the character. In terms of the animated series, she has made appearances in several, and even had a role in the Iron Man cartoon series.

Jean Grey has also appeared in several films. Played by Famke Janssen and Haley Ramm respectively, Jean Grey's character has appeared in X-Men, X2: X-Men United, and X-Men: The Last Stand. Jean Grey is such a popular character, she has even been a playable character in video games. Some of these include: X-MenII: Fall of the Mutants which was made for the PC in the early 1990s, X-Men, X-Men: Mutant Academy, M-Men Legends, Marvel Super Hero Squad Online, X-Men Destiny, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance.