Marvel Comics “What If…” — how was this year’s run?
By Mark Lynch
Image Source: Marvel Digital Comics
What if X-Men?
Writer: Bryan Edward Hill
Artists: Neil Edwards and Giannis Milonogiannis
Cover artist: Rahzzah
What happens when the Exe-Gene gives people access to a cyber world where only the rich can afford to join and flourish? Well, the government tries to find a way to shut it down. Mercenaries Cable and Domino try to stop Erik, who is the the most famous person with the Exe Gene after being killed by the a virus created by the government called Nimrod. Little do they know that everything isn’t what it seems, and Erik has a plan of his own.
Grade: Incomplete
This was another example of not having enough space to really create something great. Both the writer and artist created a beautiful world, but there were so many questions that still needed answers. Some assumptions can be made, seeing as how this was based on the X-Men, but there should have been more. Hopefully, this isn’t the end. This story could be the beginning of something uncanny (pun intended).
Image Source: Marvel Digital Comics
What if Peter Parker became the Punisher?
Writer: Carl Potts
Artist: Juanan Ramirez
Cover artist: Jeff Dekal
Peter Parker of the 616 universe doesn’t kill; this Peter Parker does. After he finds the guy who killed his uncle, Peter decides that something like this will never happen again. Peter kills the Sinister Six and even has the support of J. Jonah Jameson. The biggest shocker is that he saves Gwen Stacy’s life during the moment she died in the 616 Universe.
Rating: C
This was an ok story, but nothing special. Spider-Man becoming a killer has been done before and done better. The What If… where Peter stays in Russia with Wolverine is a perfect example. In that instance, Spider-Man still becomes a killer, but the story is told better. An ok read.
Image Source: Marvel Digital Comics
What if Marvel Comics went Metal with Ghost Rider?
Writer: Sebastian Griner
Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
Cover artist Aleksi Briclot
A metal band that was causing cults and witchcraft wherever they played across the globe visited Marvel Comics and wanted to use their blood for some of the ink in the book. If you’re confused, you aren’t the only one. They were accompanied by Robbie Reyes (Ghost Rider), who showed them around the Marvel offices. They took pictures, met people, and seemed to be having fun. While the group seems goofy (like Dethklok), it ends up going south fast with demons, monsters, and Ghost Rider riding to fight evil.
Rating: B
When I read the title and saw the cover art, I was expecting something out of a metal music video. What I got was an episode of Metalocalypse. The metal group somehow caused the apocalypse by putting their blood in the printing press that makes the comics at Marvel. It was silly, but it was still a good read. Another story that seems to possibly have more in store in the future.