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Following the latest D23 Brasilia trailer, What If…? Season 3 figures to be an explosive conclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s animated foray into the multiverse. Indeed, mighty Marvel has been thrilling fans for decades with thought-provoking comics from the many alternate realities nestled within its House of Ideas. These noteworthy stories appeal to the essence of comic fans, tapping into humanity’s innate curiosity and imagination.
Thus, in the spirit of what could be, I have meticulously cataloged Marvel’s myriad of multiversal mayhem and unearthed the best alternate reality stories to read before What If…? Season 3. Without a doubt, these comics remain relevant and continue to open doorways to infinite possibilities, forever leaving readers pondering, what if…?
The planetary series spawned out of the X universe, Earth X features a tangible reality filled with cosmic and worldly consequences and memorable versions of beloved superheroes. Here, after the populous was mysteriously mutated and many heroes depowered, institutions failed, and governments crumbled. Following this dramatic shift of power, a disenfranchised Captain America rises to lead the remaining heroes against a terrifying iteration of Hydra and a sadistic, adolescent incarnation of the Red Skull’s tyranny.
Brought to life by the Machine Man’s insightful discourse with a mysteriously blinded Uatu the Watcher, Earth X tells a deep and personal tale that jumps headlong down a deep rabbit hole. From examining innately human variables to the vital, oft-controversial role of the Watchers, the indelible Doom Richards, and the pudgiest Parker after Spider-Ham, Earth X deserves a place on any Marvel alternate reality reading list.
Images via MarvelConceived by notable scribe Mark Miller, this dystopian alternate reality gem presents an Amerika, divided amongst the lieutenants of the President, Red Skull. Here on Earth-807128, Red Skull united all the villains under a single banner, decimating the heroes and dividing the spoils. When the heroes fell, Wolverine was utterly defeated and vowed to die before unsheathing his claws again. Now, going by Logan, he finds peace in the California countryside with his wife and kids.
Yet, after the violent, inbred Hulk Gang pummels him and threatens his family for falling behind on rent, Logan agrees to escort his former ally and Avenger, Hawkeye, across Amerika. Subsequently, after fighting the Kingpin, Moloids, and Ghost Riders to arrive in New Babylon, tragedy befalls the duo. After vengeance on the Red Skull, Logan sets his sights on home. But, the horrors that await him upon his arrival will see his ironclad vow pushed to the limit in this alternate universe best.
Images via MarvelWhat If? Secret Wars is a well-conceived delve into the mythos, spinning a grandiose tale befitting the Doomsday Dictator, Victor von Doom. Debuting in 1984, the RDJ best Secret Wars event saw the Beyonder, a being of near-unlimited power, pit many of Marvel’s most recognizable characters against one another on the patchwork planet Battleworld. But, unlike his Earth-616 counterpart, the Doom of Earth-90251 keeps the Beyonder’s usurped power, leading to a vastly different reality.
Setting out to achieve his grand vision and laying waste to all who oppose him, Doom ushers in an era free of war, disease, and famine. However, Doom is Doom and craves more. Eventually, after subjugating the militaristic galactic empires like the Brood, Kree, and Skrull, Doom claims the Infinity Gauntlet. Thus, when the galactic overlords known as the Celestials target Earth, only Doom possesses the power to clash with them in a battle for the ages. Here, with the planet’s fate hanging precariously in the balance, will Doom be its savior or destroyer?
Images via MarvelEveryone’s favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-Man meets Depression Era America in this alternate reality best. Set on Earth-90214, Spider-Man Noir follows aspiring reporter Peter Parker, who looks to uncover the corruption that left his Uncle Ben brutally murdered. While investigating the mobster known as the Goblin, Peter is bitten by a swarm of mystic spiders, accidentally released from a black market artifact by Kraven. Knocked unconscious, Peter comes face-to-face with the Spider-God, who grants him the traditional Spidey abilities in his battle against evil.
With the Spider-Verse in full swing, this foray into Marvel’s multiverse feels right, offering a unique tale in the annals of the A-tier Marvel Rival Spider-Man. Drawing high marks for artwork and storytelling, Noir deftly weaves in traditional themes and alternate versions of characters, capturing a foreboding crime drama vibe appropriate for the vast multiversal web that Marvel Studios is weaving.
What If? Venom/Deadpool (2010)
Images via MarvelAn entertaining tale from the Earth-90211 alternate reality, What If? Venom/Deadpool takes readers on an adventure of 4th wall-breaking, reality-expunging, jheri curl goodness. After being hired by Galactus to assassinate the Beyonder, Deadpool becomes enamored by his target, eventually inheriting the Venom symbiote after the Beyonder’s chauffeur shoots Peter Parker. From there, Venompool and the Beyonder binge party until the latter grows bored and departs, leaving VP in shambles.
After wallowing in pain and hitting rock bottom, Venompool realizes that absolute relevancy alone will quench his fiery thirst. The only means of achieving this, in Venompool’s warped estimation, is eliminating all who diminish his spotlight, hero and villain alike. Yet, after “he became the world’s only, and thus most important, super hero,” Venompool remains empty, leading him to a solution only a ‘Pool could concoct in this banger from Earth-615.9*.
What If? Iron Man: Demon in an Armor (2010)
Images via MarvelA must-read alternate reality tale revolving around tech savants Tony Stark and Victor Von Doom of Earth-11029, Demon in an Armor is an engaging comic that sees the fates of Tony Stark and Victor von Doom irrevocably entwined. After Doom tricks Stark into a conscience swap, Stark is left amnesiac and deported to Latveria, knowing nothing more than his “name.” Following his treachery, “Stark” sets out, consolidating his power within Stark International. After arranging for Howard’s untimely demise, “Stark” ruthlessly advances his agenda.
Unsurprisingly, “Doom’s” brilliance shines through, earning him renown within Latveria. In a short time, “Doom,” with his penchant for technology, earned multiple doctorates and founded Doom Industries. Almost overnight, Latveria goes from a battered nation to a thriving one, aided by “Doom’s” technology. Yet, only decades after the incident, as “Stark” and “Doom” stand as each other’s only competition and “Doom” announces his company’s finest achievement, does this best alternate reality comic come full circle, in an apropos conclusion that’ll leave readers smiling.
Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe (2011)
Images via MarvelGet the popcorn for this macabre masterpiece starring everyone’s favorite Merc with a Mouth. Hailing from the alternate Earth-12101 universe, Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe takes readers to the 4th wall and beyond. After inexplicably killing Marvel’s first family, Deadpool is committed and finds absolute clarity after the Psycho-Man tries to break his mind. Now, burdened with divine purpose, Deadpool must slaughter his reality, starting with the crème de la crème like the Children of the Atom and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Additionally, a Deadpool Vs. best, Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe is heralded as a must-read on Deadpool, showcasing his homicidal yet sensical mind unhinged as only the talented Bunn and Talajić can. Furthermore, the sheer creativity and ingenuity alone used by Deadpool in dispatching his Marvel Universe in search of the Green Door warrants a read.
Images via MarvelA fan-favorite series that always leaves readers hungry for more, Marvel Zombies follows the ravenous denizens of the Earth-2149 reality. After a brilliant flash and ripple in the sky, Planet Z was overtaken by a zombie-esque virus, triggering an insatiable compulsion in the infected to consume flesh. This voracious infection, dubbed the Hunger, comes with a boon of near immortality, making the Marvel Zombies a multiversal scourge.
Thus, after defeating the Silver Surfer and Galactus and seizing the Power Cosmic, Hank Pym, Colonel America, Hulk, Spider-Man, Power-Man, Wolverine, and Iron Man form the Galacti Collective, tasked with traveling the multiverse in search of food. In summary, with fan faves cast as ravenous zombies and enough multiversal hijinks to spawn an upcoming animated series, Marvel Zombies remains a best alternate reality read before What If…? Season 3.
Images via MarvelIn this splendid alternate reality conception, unlike the Age of Ultron reality, Wolverine’s time-traveling assassination attempt finds a different target, leading to a vastly different Ultron. After Wasp urges the creation of Ultron as her dying wish, Hank Pym, racked by loss, constructs the Ultron AI, infused with the negativity writhing within. So, it’s unsurprising when this Ultron became so deadly and sinister that he embedded himself within the planet.
Featuring a story that is presented in the same digestible format that the MCU What If…? series utilizes, What If? Age of Ultron witnesses what happens when love becomes warped by tragedy. Yet, even a warped love can burn brightly again. Additionally, by introducing readers to alternate reality versions of Wolverine, Ghost Rider, multiple Captain America’s, and a new Thor, artistically tied back to the main story, What If? AoU continues the series’ storied legacy.
Images via MarvelFollowing her brief Marvel comics debut in Exiles #3 and vital role in the MCU’s What If…?, Captain Peggy Carter retakes the shield in her first titular run, the engaging 5-issue series Captain Carter. Here on Earth-76, Carter is found beneath the ice after being proclaimed lost in service decades prior while fighting humanity’s most dangerous battles against Nazi Hydra in WWII.
Captain Carter picks up with her awakening to a foreign world. Amid her acclimation, Carter realizes that she is disoriented in this alien world and more vulnerable than ever. This is exacerbated by her sudden stardom, where anyone with an agenda vies for her favor. Ultimately, Captain Carter must learn on the fly and decide how to impact the world uniquely while combating a sinister undead conspiracy threatening to bring the Empire to its knees in this alternate reality best.
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