What If...We talked about What If?

[OdinAshcroft]

Ah, my series of weak thread titles continue! Anyway, answering a request by the Boss Hoss himself, I would like to focus this weeks "editorial" on Marvel's original multiversal title (several decades before Elseworlds too) "What If...?" . Lasting 189 of ongoing/one shot issues and 8 volumes (well, 7 volumes, but an eighth is on the way), it was quite a popular concept, with few changes in between.

The basic idea of this series was to show what would have happened if a certain decision was taken differently...such as the very first issue of the first volume...



Which references a time where Spider-Man, early in his career, actually tried out for the Fantastic Four, in hopes of getting a paying job to support him and Aunt May. He was quickly turned away because at the time, he was thought to be a criminal. However, in this universe, Susan Richards spoke up before an infuriated Spider Man could leave the accusing team's building. That one moment changed everything, and soon, a Fantastic Five was formed...

Now, Volume 1 of What If was as straight-forward as this, playing out the biggest moments of character's histories and see how they could've gone if one thing had changed, like What If Uncle Ben was never killed (Spider-Man would become a Movie Star...seriously), but then there are issues which provide three different possibilies of the same concept, like what if the radioactive spider bit someone else besides Peter Parker (canidates included Flash Thompson, John Jameson, and Betty Brant). But, after 47 issues, What If was cancelled...until 1988, when a one shot was released "What if Iron Man was a traitor?", which sparked renewed interest in the series concept..and lead to its return a year later.

Revived and running for 114 issues, Volume 2 was pretty much like its predecessor, but showed far more variances of such as "What if Captain America saved Doctor Eriskine from assassination?" (which would result in an army of Super Soldiers just like Cap...and much more earth shattering ramifications), while also showing alternate endings to the big crossovers of the time (Such as Atlantis Attacks or Inferno). But as the progressed into the mid-90s, it meshed its classic structure with more of an Elseworld's approach to things, showing even more possibilities in such a wide universe like Marvel. It even sparked alternate futures, which spun off into their own books (Spider-Girl, for instance, would be the firct in a series of comics called MC2, set 20 plus years in continuity). But, it ended its run in 1998 at Issue 114...and it wouldn't be seven years until we'd see another What If. One of my favorities from this particular run is...



Volume 3 was a series of six one-shots of stories that were either based upon recent events (What if Karen Page Lived?) and big changes to origins/character history (What if Aunt May died instead of Uncle Ben?). The popularity of this would lead making a series of What If one-shots an annual event, though the style/theme of which would change with each. Here's one cover from Volume 3



Such as Volume 4, as this series of one shots would be much more Elseworlds in theme, with issues like "What if Daredevil was "The Devil Who Dares" in Feudal Japan?" and "What if the Fantastic Four was formed in Russia?" But unlike the previous issues and volumes, all took place in a shared universe of 717, so each issue took place in a part of its history. A big change from the norm. For example, here's a taste of what Captain America could've been if he fought in the Civil War (not the modern one, I mean, Confederate/Union Civil War ;p)



Volume 5 was a return to norm, but all of the five one shots were all based off of major crossovers, such as Wolverine : Enemy of the State (which saw a universe where a feral Wolverine cut a deep swath through super heroes and villians alike) and X-Men : Deadly Genesis (I won't even go into this, cause even I have a hard time swallowing all the stuff happening in these books). This wasn't really one of my favorite volumes of the series, but I definitely enjoyed this one from it...



Volume 6 was another series of one shots based off of even bigger events of the time, such as Civil War, and Planet Hulk, showing things like "What if Hulk had landed on the planet he was intended to land?" or "What if Iron Man Lost Civil War?". But, the best of the bunch,least I think so (and trust me when I say, this could very well spark interest, given its HEAVY grounded nature in Sci-Fi, was...



Volume 7 was yet another series based off big events, but this time was a mix of recent and classics, with What ifs on Spiderman : Back in Black and Fallen Son, and then What Ifs on House of M and the "New" Fantastic Four (referencing to a time where there was a Fantastic Four formed of Wolverine, Spider-Man, the Hulk, and Ghost Rider...I can't make this stuff up, this happened in mainstream comics). But, the one that really sparked my interest was...



And there is a Volume 8 on the way, with planned What Ifs on House of M: Spider-Man, World War Hulk, Secret Invaision, Astonishing X-Men, and a "classic" styled What if focusing on Daredevil and Elektra. I'm quite curious how many of these will be hits and misses, as the case maybe for this annual one-shot trend has been. But not all What Ifs have been gems to begin with.

But anyway, pertaining to Canaan's other queries, a lot of these issues can be purchased in local comic shops backlogs, but it could be concievebly easier if you got to bookstores like Borders or the like, and look in the graphic novel section for the following


What If? Classic:

• Volume 1 (collects What If (vol. 1) #1-6, January 2005
• Volume 2 (collects What If (vol. 1) #7-12
• Volume 3 (collects What If (vol. 1) #14-15, 17-20
• Volume 4 (collects What If (vol. 1) #21-26
• Volume 5 (collects What If (vol. 1) #27-32
• Volume 6 (collects What If (vol. 1) #33-38

X-Men: Alterniverse Visions (collects What If (vol. 2) #40, #59, #62, #66 and #69,)
What If?: Why Not? (collects What If (vol. 3),
What If?: Mirror Mirror (collects What If (vol. 4),
What If?: Event Horizon (collects What If (vol. 5)
What If?: Civil War (collects What If (vol. 6)
What If?: Secret War (collects What If (vol. 7)

As for the remainder of What If Volume 1 and 2, it would see for the time being it'd be best to search local comic book stores, or online stores like Milehighcomics for the best prices.

In short, What If is something that will always pique interest in both old and new fans, especially if they're the type to ask "Say, what would you think would've happened if..." or "If only this happened, everyhting could've changed..." or even, "But What if..?". Its a concept I always enjoy, even sometimes they fail to keep my interested or put out a satisfying ending. It makes it so much better when you DO come across a great What If...and despite what I might say, there ARE a lot of good concepts and execution of this Marvel "multiverse".

I'm Your Comic Book Wuff, and this has been my Comic Book Rant for the week. Next week, I plan on covering on Conan the Barbarian, but things can change. If there are any questions/requests/particulars anyone would like to see or answered in a future thread, either post it with your comments here, or send me a PM. I'll hopefully get to all and everyones request/question =3.

[SliceOfDog]

Now THIS is more like it!
Always been more of a Marvel fan, I find their superheroes less irritating. Those last 3 (Age of Apocalypse, Annihilation and Secret Wars) look particularly awesome. I might even have to pop my 'owning a Marvel comic' cherry and look into getting a couple of those :p

I kinda need to ask though, who're the main characters in the last 2? Obviously Iron Man in the Annihilation one, but who else do they both focus on?

[Amber Coyote]

Apache Captain America for the win.

Also, what was Marvel Zombies all about? I only heard of it through a friend.

[Rick Canaan]

Day-yum!

Now this is in-depth!

Bravo, Odin!

I am going to have to read through this whole editorial when I find myself with the time, 'cause this is long!

Wow! I hadn't realized that Marvel had done so many "What If" comics over the years!

[OdinAshcroft]

Day-yum!

Now this is in-depth!

Bravo, Odin!

I am going to have to read through this whole editorial when I find myself with the time, 'cause this is long!

Wow! I hadn't realized that Marvel had done so many "What If" comics over the years!

Thanks Canaan. Hope you really enjoy what this offers, as I tried to get as much information like you wanted, number of issues/volumes/content to what was available and where you can find it. Enjoy

Now THIS is more like it!
Always been more of a Marvel fan, I find their superheroes less irritating. Those last 3 (Age of Apocalypse, Annihilation and Secret Wars) look particularly awesome. I might even have to pop my 'owning a Marvel comic' cherry and look into getting a couple of those :p

I kinda need to ask though, who're the main characters in the last 2? Obviously Iron Man in the Annihilation one, but who else do they both focus on?

Well, the Annihilation focuses on the major players from Annhilation, such as Annhilus (the insect/gargoyle like alien) and Nova (the glowing figure with the helmet), as well as figures from Civil War, being Iron Man and Captain America.

As for the last book...its practically all about DOOM! (Doctor Doom that is. =3)

Apache Captain America for the win.

Also, what was Marvel Zombies all about? I only heard of it through a friend.

Heh, yeah, and wait until you see what they did to Bucky *snicker*

As for Marvel Zombies, I think I might save that for a special Halloween editorial. Seems appropriate no? But if not, I understand, and could give it a quick rundown.

[Blackbriar]

I've only read Marvel Zombies vs Army of Darkness because I have the AOD comics leading up to it and Ash kicks hinder

[Fenryx]

The What If series was rather interesting to say the least, to me Elseworlds was DC's version of the series which were first done as annuals and now are true one shot graphic novels. But a good series. Marvel is doing something else worth while now in their Noir series. I have two issues of Punisher Noir and I will be be getting X-Men Noir and Spider Man Noir when they come out.

[OdinAshcroft]

Time for an update! This just in, True Believers! the Covers for the upcoming volume of What Ifs have been released (Albiet not all of them), and here they are!

WHAT IF?: SPIDER-MAN : House of M
Containing not one but TWO What If Scenarios : "What if Gwen Stacy Survived the House of M?" and "What if Gwen & Richie Parker existed outside of House of M?" (the House of M is a topic to be touched on a later date, but trust me when I say, this sounds a lot better then *shiver*...One More Day -=-;;; )



What If? ASTONISHING X-Men
Within these pages lay "What If Jean Grey was Resurrected instead of Colossus?" and "What If Danger became Ultron's Bride?"



WHAT IF? DAREDEVIL VS. ELEKTRA
A full length 48 page story called "WHAT IF Daredevil died and was resurrected by the Hand?"



(And the one which has MY interest...)

WHAT IF? SECRET INVAISION
Containing to horrfying possibilities titled "WHAT IF The Skrulls Won?" and "WHAT IF The Secret Invaision stayed secret?"



When I'm able to find a proper picture and information for the fifth/final issue of this years What If event, I'll post it. Enjoy!

[Rick Canaan]

Hey, Odin - I have a very specific "What If" question for ya.

Do you remember or know about the episode where the Hulk battled the Juggernaut? And if so, who won?

This something I have always been curious about, at any rate - the two most physically powerful beings in the genre duking it out.

Was there an episode written of this? And if so, do you know how a stallion could get his hooves on it?

Thanks, man. Oh, and nice addition to your article!

[OdinAshcroft]

Hey, Odin - I have a very specific "What If" question for ya.

Do you remember or know about the episode where the Hulk battled the Juggernaut? And if so, who won?

This something I have always been curious about, at any rate - the two most physically powerful beings in the genre duking it out.

Was there an episode written of this? And if so, do you know how a stallion could get his hooves on it?

Thanks, man. Oh, and nice addition to your article!

Well, you're going to have to be a wee bit more specific, boss hoss, as certain fights have been shown many times in What If...such as the Wolverine Versus Hulk fights, one where Hulk killed Wolverine, one where Wolverine killed Hulk, etc. Though ,I should note those two have fought many times in the real universe too! As recent as a year or two ago...as seen below



But, I'm having bit of a brain fart, as I sort of overloaded myself with the newest comic editorial (which will be posted shortly after this). So, if you can give me more of an idea of which what if this was (Like perhaps any details like anyone who'd died that changed things, etc, minor stuff or hints, make my search a lot easier ^^;;. Sorry

[Rick Canaan]

Heh, Odin, that is my point. I don't know. I just wanted to know if there was an issue of Hulk vs The Juggernaut. Be that as it may, though, you have certainly answered my question.

My next question then, is how do I lay my hands on these episodes? Being a trucker, it is kind of hard to find a comic store to park my rig in.

Either way, thanks, Odin.

[OdinAshcroft]

Heh, Odin, that is my point. I don't know. I just wanted to know if there was an issue of Hulk vs The Juggernaut. Be that as it may, though, you have certainly answered my question.

My next question then, is how do I lay my hands on these episodes? Being a trucker, it is kind of hard to find a comic store to park my rig in.

Either way, thanks, Odin.

Well, I am still sorry I couldn't pinpoint the particular issue you wished to find *blush*

But as to finding these comics, I suggest any major book retailer, such as Borders or B. Dalton, and check their graphic novel sections, although depends at which at how much there is to offer. For Example, there is a rack and a half of graphic novels at my local B. Dalton, but at the Borders, there are nearly three WALLS worth of graphic novels. This similiar fact could be applied anywhere. So, your chance of finding issues of Conan, What If, and World War Hulk (if you're fixing to see the big guy fight the Juggernaut, Probably look into World War Hulk : X-Men).

Still, I hope I was some help to you. Sorry again

[Rick Canaan]

Thank ya's very much, Odin. I shall give these retailers a look!

[Fenryx]

And here the one What if I remember getting involved Frank Castle as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D

[OdinAshcroft]

And here the one What if I remember getting involved Frank Castle as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D

Indeed there was...

[Fenryx]

Yup, and they tied up the story rather nicely at the end if I remember correctly.