Stranger Things' first Marvel reference heralds the power of Eleven

Stranger Things season 1 references the classic X-Men comic books, foreshadowing Eleven's power in the show and how her story might end.

Marvel Comics' first reference in Stranger Things foreshadows Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) telepathic abilities. The show often embraces pop culture, unafraid to reference the medium that influenced its creation. With Stranger Things admit everything E.T. Come Halloween, it's no surprise that the kids at the heart of the show are avid comic book collectors. A comic book reference, in particular, hints at Eleven's powers before she appears on screen, and could shed light on the fate of the show's heroine.

In Stranger Things season 1, episode 1, "The Vanishing of Will Byers", Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) battle over Dustin's The Extraordinary X-Men "#134. Published in June 1980, X-Men #134 was the halfway point in the famed Dark Phoenix saga and the debut of the titular villain. It's a key issue in Chris Claremont and John Byrne's series, which sees X-Men member Ching Gray being taken over by the Phoenix Force and turning on her teammates.

How X-Men #134 Connects To Stranger Things

Stranger Things references X-Men #134 in some respects. Jean Gray and Eleven have similar abilities, and struggle to control and understand their powers. Eleven nails the Demogorgon to the wall during the battle in the season 1 finale In footage reminiscent of X-Men #134. In the comics, Jean Gray nails the mastermind to the wall and fills his brain with knowledge. Fast-forward to season 4 of Stranger Things, and Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Will, and Dustin join the Dungeons and Dragons club known as the Hellfire Club. In X-Men #134, the Hellfire Club kidnaps the X-Men and unwittingly frees Dark Phoenix.

Stranger Things 5 Can Pay Off Episode 1's Dark Phoenix Reference

Stranger Things season 5 could make up for the show's reference to X-Men #134 by parodying Jean Gray's story. By reflecting the tragic fate of fallen mutants, "Stranger Things" can reach a heartbreaking and decisive conclusion. Vecna ​​(Jamie Campbell Bower) and Dark Phoenix are parasites that feed off the fear and power of others. With the Upside Down looming over Hawkins, Vecna ​​and his hive mind will be stronger than ever in Season 5, and Eleven's connection to him could either help her or hurt her. Eleven's attempt to kill Vecna ​​may isolate her from her friend group and make her vulnerable to Vecna's influence.

Eleven has a record of trying to find answers on their own. In Season 2, she leaves Hawkins to find the other children of Experiment Eight, and in Season 4, She leaves Mike and Byers in California to get her power back. Both situations proved dangerous, especially the latter, as it not only brought her to the attention of the U.S. Army, but also reunited her with Dr. Brenner (Matthew Modine), who then forced She returns to his experiment. To prevent her friends from being harmed, Eleven can seek to increase her power.

The Dark Phoenix saga ends with Jean Gray committing suicide to prevent Dark Phoenix from taking over and causing more damage. Likewise, in Stranger Things season 5, Eleven could be overwhelmed by forces beyond her control. As Vecna's influence in Hawkins grows, Eleven may find himself torn between fighting Vecna ​​or an ally. If Stranger Things is committed to being on par with Dark Phoenix, adding Eleven's powers will definitely come at a cost. Either her friend gets hurt because of her power, or Eleven. In order to defeat Vecna, Eleven may have to use her newfound powers to wipe out the Upside Down once and for all, sacrificing herself in the process.