The Unresolved Marvel Sagas: A Commentary on What Could Have Been
In the vast tapestry of Marvel's comic book universe, some storylines are destined to remain forever shrouded in the mists of 'what if'. These are the tales that began with a bang but never got the chance to reach their intended conclusion. Today, I delve into five such Marvel storylines, exploring the potential they held and the impact their abrupt endings had on the larger narrative.
Doc Green's Unfinished Battle
The story of Doc Green, a brilliant Hulk with Banner's intellect, promised an epic showdown. With the AI Gammon and the Red Leader, a formidable foe, the stage was set for a battle of wits and strength. But fate, in the form of the Secret Wars (2015), intervened, leaving us with an unsatisfying resolution. The disappearance of Doc Green and the revelation of Gammon's absorption into the Leader's intelligence in Immortal Hulk #34 are intriguing twists, but they rob us of the climactic battle we craved. This storyline could have explored the complexities of power and the consequences of tampering with one's own nature.
X-Men's Identity Crisis
The revelation that one of the X-Men was not a mutant at all had the potential to be a game-changer. The idea of Kitty Pryde, a character whose identity is deeply intertwined with her mutant status, being genetically altered to appear as a mutant is a fascinating twist. This storyline could have delved into the themes of identity, acceptance, and the blurred lines between nature and nurture. It's a shame that this plot thread was abandoned, as it could have offered a unique perspective on the X-Men's struggle for acceptance in a world that fears and misunderstands them.
Superior Iron Man's Unfulfilled Redemption
Tony Stark's transformation into the Superior Iron Man, a villainous version of himself, was a bold move. With his morality inverted, Tony became a symbol of greed and power, a force that threatened to tear apart the Avengers. The storyline, however, was cut short by the Secret Wars (2015), denying us the chance to witness Tony's redemption. The battle against Captain America and the subsequent destruction of their world is a thrilling climax, but it leaves us with a sense of incompleteness. This narrative could have explored the depths of Tony's character, his struggle with morality, and the consequences of power unchecked.
Krakoa's Lost Potential
The Krakoan Age, a pivotal era in X-Men history, was intended to be a grand epic, but it fell short due to creative differences. Jonathan Hickman's departure left the story in the hands of writers who failed to capture his vision. The nation of Krakoa, a morally ambiguous place, was portrayed as a utopia, ignoring the dark undertones and the potential for a powerful narrative arc. This missed opportunity highlights the challenges of maintaining a cohesive narrative across multiple writers and the importance of staying true to the original vision.
Quicksilver's Incomplete Redemption
David Hine's reinvention of Quicksilver after the events of House of M was a captivating journey. Quicksilver, a broken man, found himself in a complex web of intrigue, with Layla Miller pulling the strings. The storyline hinted at a grand redemption arc for Pietro, but it was left unresolved. The abrupt shift in the Inhumans' leadership, with no explanation, is a glaring narrative oversight. This storyline could have explored the consequences of House of M, the complexities of redemption, and the role of fate in the Marvel universe.
These unfinished Marvel storylines serve as a reminder that the comic book world is a living, breathing entity, subject to the whims of creators, editors, and the ever-changing landscape of the industry. While we may never see these stories reach their intended conclusions, they remain a testament to the creativity and ambition of Marvel's writers. Personally, I find these 'what if' scenarios fascinating, as they offer a glimpse into the infinite possibilities of the Marvel universe and the potential for storytelling that pushes the boundaries of our imagination.
