"What if?" When put together, these two words possess an infinite a🎉mount of power. Using this phrase invites us to envision alternate versions of reality, no matter how big or small: "What if I studied harder in high school" or "What if Great Britain won the Revolutionary War?"
Marvel Comics, home to some of the most iconic superheroes in history, knows a thing or two about alternate realities. On top of its overarching multiverse, Marvel has a specific comic line called "What If...?" that's dedicated to analyzing key moments in Marvel history and what could've been if these moments changed ever so slightly.
Most of these alternate stories are narrated by the Watcher, a cosmic being that observes everything in the universe. While each story is fas𒉰cinating in its own way, these stand out as the most compelling and dramatic "What If...?" comics Marvel has to offer.
Updated October 26, 2021 by Avery Lawrence Feyrer: This post has been updated to include four more entries, two of which may have influenced certain episodes of the hit Disney+ show by the same name. There are many alternate adventures in the Marvel universe, but these remain some of the best stories witnessed by Uatu, the Watcher.
14 What If Invisible Girl Married The Sub-Mariner? ꦰ
Most of the "What If..." stories are one-off adventures, but in rare cases like this, a sequel might be warranted. Continuing the story of the debut comic that saw Spider-Man join the Fantastic Four, Sue Storm begins her new life with Namor under the sea. The Sub-Mariner used a machine to alter the Invisible Girl's molecular structure so she can survive underwater.
Although Spider-Man aids the Fantastic Four in defeating a slew of villains, he's no Sue Storm. Soon, the team fractures leaving just Reed Richards and Johnny Storm in the Baxter Building. Accepting Sue's decision at first, Reed is now determined to win her affection back by any means necessary. This story symbolizes the importance of fighting for the people you love and not taking them for granted. It's just like the old saying, "you don't know what you got until it's gone."
13 Wha𝄹t If? Age Of Ultron
The season finale of Marvel's What If on Disney+ showed what would happen if Ultron's plan came to fruition and the synthezoid came into possession of all six Infinity Stones. What resulted was the near destruction of the entire multiverse, but this comic only offers a portion of that. This alternate tale of the Age of Ultron shows Hank Pym creating the villainous program, but it wasn't solely due to wanting the protect the world. Without a warning, his wife Janet Van Dyne dies suddenly. What transpires is a tragedy, as Ultron decimates the Avengers and all humankind within one month of activation, save one person: Hank Pym.
For 30 years, Hank Pym has tried to stop Ultron but mostly because it would lead to his own death, rather the artificial intelligence. But foಞr some reason unbeknownst to Hank, Ultron kept its creator alive. Hank being the only one left alive on Earth is similar to Black Widow and Hawkeye being the only ones left in the Disney+ show. Upon arriving in Russia, Hank finds Ultron, or rather, Ultron finds Hank and subdues him quickly. Ultron explains that the A.I. has stopped Hank on numerous occasions and always wipes his memories until finally the soul of Hank Pym is destroyed, and he is transformed into the next evolution of Ultron.
12 What If Jean Grey Didn't Die From Phoenix Force?
One of the most powerful mutants in existence, Jean Grey's story is truly a tragic one. Returning to Earth on a mission, the X-Men's space shuttle was engulfed in a solar storm. Jean managed to telepathically pilot the damaged shuttle to land into Jamaica Bay. Marvel Girl should've perished due to the intense radiation of the solar storm, but emerged from the depths as the legendary Phoenix.
In her transition, Phoenix demonstrated devastating power. Phoenix thirsted for more energy and absorbed the star D'Bari, obliterating the surrounding solar system and the five billion lives that resided there. Fearful of the Phoenix Force, Jean helped Charles Xavier install mental blocks to contain her power. With Jean now back in control and less dangerous, Princess Lilandra Neramani of the Shi'ar Empire sentenced Phoenix to death for the destruction of that solar system. In the ensuing battle, Phoenix re-emerged, but before losing complete control forever, Jean sacrificed herself. Although the universe was now safe from Phoenix, losing Jean was a heavy price for the X-Men.
If Jean survived, she might've controlled the Phoenix Force better at first, but soon fallen again to her hunger for power. And without Jean's help, Professor Xavier is no match for Phoenix and everyone's worst fears are realized. While Jean's death was heartbreaking, it proved fateful and her hypothetical survival is a swift reminder to be careful what you wish for. Sometimes, the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
11 🌟 What If? Infini🌠ty - Dark Reign
In the final battle against the Skrulls in Secret Invasion, Norman Osborn shot and killed Queen Veranke of the Skrulls, essentially ending the invasion. Because of his heroic acts, Osborn was given complete control of the newly formed H.A.M.M.E.R (formerly S.H.I.E.LD.) and thus was the beginning of Dark Reign. Osborn's reign eventually ended and his Dark Avengers were apprehended. But what if Obsorn obtained the Infinity Gauntlet before his fall?
While the Earth's Mightiest Heroes were off-world battling the alien races known as the Builders, Osborn assembled every villain imaginable and hunted down the Infinity Gems. With the Infinity Gauntlet in his possession, Osborn reshaped the world in his image, tortured his arch-enemy Spider-Man, and even brought his neglectful father from his past to gloat. But after seeing how his father still detested him, Osborn removed him from existence through all time and space. Clearly, Osborn has never seen Back to the Future, because once he snaps daddy Osborn away, so too does Norman fade away into oblivion.
10 What If? Infinity -ღ Thanos
Part of the What If Infinity mini-series examined what could've been during the Builders' destructive conquest throughout the universe. These sentient, ancient creatures are known as the architects of the universe and plan on destroying all life to continue the overall process of evolution. The ensuing war against the Builders led to increased incursions with collapsing Earths in other realities, but for now, this story takes a look at an unlikely ally for the Avengers during their darkest hour: Thanos.
The Mad Titan presented himself to Earth's Mightiest in a show of good faith, explaining that despite the universe being destroyed, the Builders' method was not done in the name of death but in life. Reluctantly, Captain America welcomes Thanos and his Black Order to join the assault, and soon, the heroes are able to turn the tide of the war. But still, Steve Rogers didn't trust Thanos completely like some of the other Avengers, and for good reason. Thanos reveals his true intent was finding his son, Thane, who was being held by the Builders. The Mad Titan kills Captain America and takes his shield and spot on the Avengers, as they continue to prevent their own universe from collapsing.
9 ෴ What If Captain America Wer𒆙e Elected President?
Wearing red, white, and blue, Steve Rogers is the embodiment of America. Always fighting for freedom and against tyranny, Captain America faced a new challenge: running for president. When approached by Samuel T. Underwood of the New Populist Party to be their candidate, Cap turns them down. What might've happened if he said yes?
In this alternate course of events, Captain America is elected to the highest office in the land. Cap reveals his secret identity of Steve Rogers, further unifying the American people and showing he is worthy to be president. For one of his early acts, President Rogers sends aid to the revolutionary fighters of San Pedro. Thinking he helped liberate the country, President Rogers travels there to meet with its new leader, Jacinto Morez, only to be duped by his arch-enemy, the Red Skull. To protect the world from an orbital firing laser, President Rogers sacrifices himself to stop the Red Skull. The only thing found among the rubble is his broken shield, though Rogers ensured that America wouldn't be broken either.
8 🍬 🀅 What If The Alien Costume Had Possessed Spider-Man?
During the first Secret Wars, Spider-Man obtained a stylish new black and white suit he thought was simply made of some advanced material. When he returned to Earth, Peter Parker soon realized this new suit was something more than that. He and Black Cat went to Reed Richards, where he discovered the suit was an evolv🌳ed symbiote.
In our reality, Richards succeeds in removing the symbiote, only for the alien substance to re-attach itself to Parker. He's able to finally separate himself from it and the symbiote eventually finds a new host in Eddie Brock. What if the symbiote didn't leave Parker? In this new timeline, the symbiote feeds off Peter's life force until he dies an old man before ensnaring its next victims in the Hulk and Thor. With the help of Richards, Black Cat is able to deal the killing blow to the symbiote, avenging her lover.
7 ಌ What If Doctor Strange Were A Disciple Of Dormammu?
The story of how Stephen Strange became the Sorcerer Supreme and the protector against mythical enemies is a tragic one. Once a renowned surgeon, Strange badly injured his hands in a car accident. Unable to return to the medical field, Strange sought the help of the Ancient One. There, Strange learned the ways of the mystic arts and became one of Earth's most important heroes. But what if Strange was coerced to join another?
Instead of Dormammu ordering his current minion, Mordo, to kill Strange, the evil lord of the dark realm told him to befriend Strange. Mordo cured Strange's hands, but only temporarily. After Strange botched a surgery, the disgraced doctor agreed to serve Dormammu to gain more power. Eventually, Strange finds himself in the middle between Dormammu and the being Eternity and ultimately decides to side with good. So even though Strange chose to walk the path of evil with Dormammu, in the end, he still found his way to the light.
6 What If Kraven The Hunter Had Killed S𝐆pider-Man?
One of Peter Parker's deadliest enemies is the deranged Kraven the Hunter. Obsessed with being at the top of the food chain, Kraven doesn't want to kill Spider-Man because he's a menace; Kraven hunts Spider-Man for the sport of it. When Kraven shoots Spider-Man with a poison dart, he buries the hero alive. In this twisted reality, Kraven kills Spider-Man outright instead and takes his place in the city.
Killing the web crawler isn't even the worst part about this dark story. Not only does Kraven kill him, but the mad hunter eats actual spiders and Spider-Man himself. With the help of Mary Jane Watson, Kraven is captured by Captain America, Daredevil, and the Human Torch. Though J. Jonah Jameson continues to slander Spider-Man even in death, Mary Jane fights for her deceased husband's name and becomes an advocate for superpowered people everywhere.
5 ༒ 🍃 What If? Civil War
Arguably its most polarizing story ever, Marvel's Civil War pitted Tony Stark and Steve Rogers against each other. It started when the villain Nitro overloaded his powers and destroyed the suburb of Stamford, Connecticut, killing 612 people. This resulted in the government enforcing strict regulations to register all superpowered people. With Stark siding with the government, a large battle ensued between former friends that resulted in the death of Goliath which symbolized a point of no return. The civil war finally ended with Rogers surrendering but being assassinated by Crossbones walking up the steps of the courthouse to be tried for his crimes.
What if Iron Man and Captain America tried compromising instead of resorting to violence? Inst🍒ead of Rogers being gunned down, he and Stark come to an understanding of the responsibilities of superpowered individuals and create a system to ensure accountability while continuing to help people around the world.