We don’t know exactly how and we don’t know exactly why, but the adult version of Jean Grey will return in GENERATIONS: PHOENIX & JEAN GREY on August 9. Part of the anthology series celebrating Marvel’s many legacy characters, this Cullen Bunn-written/R.B. Silva-illustrated one-shot promises to have plenty of fans talking as the original Marvel Girl meets up with the youthful Jean currently appearing in her own series and X-MEN: BLUE.

An original member of the X-Men, Jean Grey used her telepathic and telekinetic abilities to battle evil. Eventually the Phoenix Force found her and took over her body, causing all kinds of problems, including her own death!

The younger version of Jean who’s been kicking around the Marvel Universe for the past few years originally thought she came from the past, but eventually learned she and her pals traveled from an alternate dimension. Still, she worries about what the impending arrival of the Phoenix Force might mean for herself.

We talked with Silva about drawing these two together!

Marvel.com: Aside from costumes and age, what are the key physical and design differences between the two Jeans?

R.B. Silva: I believe young Jean is still developing physically, and as the story progresses, she will learn more about herself. On the other hand, classic Jean possesses this strong, invincible posture, consistent with her age.

Marvel.com:  When you first starting talking about drawing this book, was there ever any discussion about giving the original Jean a new costume? Or were you all always planning on going with the classic green and yellow look?

R.B. Silva: The classic suit was something we set for the story from the very beginning.

Marvel.com: On the other hand, you’ve got the younger Jean Grey working with a new costume. Did that take any getting used to as you got into the series?

R.B. Silva: Yes, especially those “Xs” on the chest and the gloves.

Marvel.com: Younger Jean Grey has been trying to figure out how not to become a victim of the Phoenix Force. What’s it like for her when she comes face to face with this older version of herself who’s dealt with it for years?

R.B. Silva: She feels admiration and fear. There’s a lot of respect on her partl it feels baffling to inquire of Jean/Phoenix how she deals with that sentiment all the time.

Marvel.com: How has it been working with Cullen and the editorial team on this story that promises to become a huge part in Jean Grey’s history?

R.B. Silva: Cullen is extremely talented. We have worked together before, in other projects, and that made things easier for us to develop this story. The editorial staff is perfectly synced, and I’m confident enough to say this project will be among the best ones in the whole year. I am very happy to be a part of this team.

GENERATIONS: PHOENIX & JEAN GREY from Cullen Bunn and R.B. Silva blazes a new path on August 9!