The Handshake That Changed Everything
Look, if you’ve spent any time on the side of the internet that loves fighting games, you’ve seen it. It’s unavoidable. It’s two of the most iconic leaders in pop culture history—Scott Summers and Ryu—locking hands in a move so smooth it basically redefined what "cool" looked like in the mid-90s. We're talking about cyclops dapping up ryu.
This isn't just a frame of animation. It’s a cultural touchstone. Honestly, the first time I saw that intro for X-Men vs. Street Fighter back in 1996, it felt like the world had shifted. You had the leader of the X-Men and the face of Street Fighter not just fighting, but showing this weird, unspoken mutual respect. It was the "Predator handshake" for the arcade generation.
People call it a "dap up" now because, frankly, that’s exactly what it looks like. It’s got that energy of seeing your boy at the function after months of no contact. You aren't just shaking hands; you're confirming that you both belong in the same room.
Where Did This Even Come From?
We have to go back to 1996. Capcom was on an absolute tear. They had already done X-Men: Children of the Atom and Marvel Super Heroes, but X-Men vs. Street Fighter was the first time they really mashed the universes together. The intro starts with some flashes, some heavy synth music, and then—boom.
Cyclops and Ryu.
They walk toward each other. The camera zooms in. They don't throw a punch. They don't trade fireballs or optic blasts. Instead, they lock hands in a crisp, firm handshake that somehow looks like it could crack a mountain.
Why the 90s Loved This
In the 90s, the X-Men were arguably more popular than the Avengers. Cyclops was the blueprint for the stoic, burdened leader. Ryu was the wandering warrior. They’re basically the same guy in different fonts. One is obsessed with training in the mountains; the other is obsessed with the "Dream" of Charles Xavier. When you see cyclops dapping up ryu, you’re seeing two workaholics acknowledging each other’s grind.
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It’s actually kinda funny because back then, crossovers were rare. This wasn't like today where every game has a Fortnite skin. This was a literal collision of worlds.
The Evolution of a Meme
For a long time, this was just a cool memory for old-school arcade heads. But then the internet did its thing. Around 2024, when the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics was announced, the marketing leaned hard into this specific image.
They knew.
They commissioned new art from legendary artists like Bengus and even fresh talent like @yeet_sonny to recreate or update that moment. Suddenly, the "dap up" was everywhere again. It became a symbol of the "we are so back" energy that the fighting game community (FGC) felt.
"It's the loudest, most crispiest dap up possible." — Every Reddit thread since 2024.
People started comparing it to the legendary handshake between Dutch and Dillon in Predator. It's got that same bicep-flexing, testosterone-heavy vibe. But with Cyclops and Ryu, there's a level of "professionalism" to it. It’s not just "I missed you, man," it’s "We have a job to do, and we’re the only ones who can do it."
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Cyclops Dapping Up Ryu: The Technical Side
If you look at the actual sprites from the original game, the handshake is a work of art. Capcom’s artists during that era—guys like Akira "Akiman" Yasuda—were masters of "weight."
When they lock hands, there’s a slight screen shake. Their shoulders are hunched. You can almost feel the leather of Scott’s glove meeting Ryu’s calloused hand. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling through a three-second loop.
The Continuity of Respect
What's even cooler is how this relationship evolved in the games. In the endings of X-Men vs. Street Fighter, they don't just walk away. They bid each other farewell like brothers-in-arms. Ryu even says things like, "I've learned a lot from fighting you."
Fast forward to the Fighting Collection release in 2024/2025, and the new cover art features them front and center again. It’s the ultimate fanservice. It basically says that no matter how many characters you add—Wolverine, Iron Man, Chun-Li—the foundation of this entire crossover is built on the respect between these two specific guys.
Why Does It Still Matter?
Honestly? Because it’s wholesome.
Most crossovers are built on "Who would win?" arguments. This one is built on "Who would be homies?"
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In a world where Cyclops is often portrayed as a jerk or a "boy scout" and Ryu is seen as a boring hobo, this handshake gives them personality. It shows they have a life outside of just being "the main character." They have peers. They have rivals who they actually like.
The Meme Culture Impact
If you search for cyclops dapping up ryu today, you’ll find:
- Fan art of them doing it in various styles (Udon-style, 90s anime, modern 3D).
- Twitter threads of people saying "Me and the homies when the MvC Collection drops."
- Custom fight sticks with the handshake emblazoned on the plexiglass.
It’s a shorthand for "Game recognizes game."
Actionable Steps for Fighting Game Fans
If you want to experience the hype yourself, there’s actually a few things you should do instead of just looking at memes.
- Check out the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: If you haven't played the original X-Men vs. Street Fighter, do it. The game is fast, chaotic, and has some of the best 2D animation ever made.
- Look for the "Secret" Handshake: In certain versions of these games, the intro changes or there are special win poses. See if you can trigger the "mutual respect" endings.
- Support the Artists: A lot of the recent hype for this meme came from independent artists on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. If you see a piece of art of cyclops dapping up ryu that goes hard, find the source and give them a follow.
- Practice the Dap: Next time you see your best friend, try to recreate the bicep-flexing lock. Just don't blame me if you pull a muscle trying to look as cool as Scott Summers.
Basically, the handshake isn't just about two pixels touching. It's about a 30-year legacy of two universes colliding and finding out they actually get along pretty well. It’s a reminder that even in a world of optic blasts and fireballs, nothing beats a solid dap up.