A new crossover comic book series suggests Walt Disney (DIS -1.01%) might finally be exerting some creative influence on Marvel, Fool contributor Tim Beyers says in the following video.

The project in question, announced at New York Comic Con, kicks off in January and brings together two series from writer Brian Michael Bendis: All New X-Men and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Thematically, the crossover takes a new spin on an old storyline in the comics. X-Man Jean Grey, who in an altered state known as Dark Phoenix had previously destroyed entire worlds in the Marvel universe, is sought by galactic forces seeking justice. The Guardians step in to help protect her.

In combining C-listers like the Guardians with the A-list X-Men, Marvel appears to be once again turning up the marketing machine ahead of next August's Guardians of the Galaxy film. And it may be doing so at Disney's behest, Tim argues.

Do you agree? Are you reading any of Bendis' Guardians stories? Please watch the video to get Tim's full take, and then leave a comment to let us know where you stand.