X-Men: Dark Phoenix - 21 Easter Eggs & References Explained

19. Why 1992?

After seeing Jean Grey's backstory and how she became a student at Xavier's School, we get a jump to the new present of the X-Men franchise, which takes us and the X-Men to 1992.

Like 1992, the date here probably isn't accidental. Not only was 1992 the year that the much-loved X-Men: The Animated Series debut on screens, but the comics also featured a costume rebrand for the team that year and it also featured a notable Dark Phoenix storyline.

In January 1992, Marvel released "What If... Phoenix Rose Again?" which can't be an accident given the fact that this is the second time Phoenix appeared on screen. It's definitely not an accident when you consider that story ends with Phoenix flying up into space and become one with the cosmos for the sake of everyone. Sounds familiar, right?