The Marvel Comics

anthology In book publishing, an anthology is a collection of literary works chosen by the compiler; it may be a collection of plays, poems, short stories, songs or excerpts by different authors. In genre fiction, the term ''anthology'' typically categ ...

series '' What If?'' tells alternate reality stories outside the mainstream

Marvel Universe The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Super-teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardians of ...

continuity, which the company sets on what it calls

Earth-616 In the fictional Marvel Comics multiverse, Earth-616 is the primary continuity in which most Marvel Comics titles take place. History of the term The term was first used in "Rough Justice", a story credited to both Alan Moore and Alan Davis p ...

. A number of these stories have been set on alternate Earths in the Marvel Comics Multiverse (i.e., multiple universes) for which Marvel has given official numerical designations.

Volume 1 (1977–1984)

# What if

Spider-Man Spider-Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appeared in the anthology comic book '' Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in the ...

had joined the

Fantastic Four The Fantastic Four is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in ''The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover dated Nov. 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism in the medium. It was the first ...

? (based on '' The Amazing Spider-Man'' #1) #* Reprinted in ''The Best of What If?'' Followed by ''What If?'' #21. Alternate sequels appeared in ''What If?'' vol. 2, #35, and '' Paradise X: Heralds''. This world was designated Earth-772 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. #*

did eventually join the team as a member of the "New Fantastic Four" and, more recently, as a member of the Future Foundation. # What if the

Hulk The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk' ...

had the brain of Bruce Banner? (based on '' The Incredible Hulk'' #1) #* This world was designated Earth-774 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if the

Avengers Avenger, Avengers, The Avenger, or The Avengers may refer to: Arts and entertainment In the Marvel Comics universe * Avengers (comics), a team of superheroes **Avengers (Marvel Cinematic Universe), a central team of protagonist superheroes of ...

had never been? (based on ''The Avengers'' #3) # What if the

Invaders ''InVader'' is the fourth album by Finnish glam metal band Reckless Love, released on 4 March 2016 through Spinefarm Records. Track listing All songs written by Olli Herman, Pepe Reckless, and Ikka Wirtanen, unless otherwise noted. Reception Wr ...

stayed together after World War II? # What if

Captain America Captain America is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by cartoonists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''#Golden Age, Captain America Comics'' #1 (cover ...

had not vanished during World War II? (based on ''

'' #4) # What if the

had different super-powers? (based on ''The Fantastic Four'' #1) #* This version of the team reappeared in ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #39. This world was designated Earth-7712 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if someone else besides

had been bitten by the radioactive spider? (based on ''

Amazing Fantasy ''Amazing Adult Fantasy'', retitled ''Amazing Fantasy'' in its final issue, is an American comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics from 1961 through 1962, with the latter title revived with superhero features in 1995 and in the 2000 ...

'' #15) #* Three different stories look at what would have happened if either Peter's class bully Flash Thompson, his would-have-been temporary girlfriend

Betty Brant Elizabeth Brant is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, usually in stories featuring the superhero Spider-Man. She is the personal secretary of J. Jonah Jameson at the ''Daily Bugle'', and served as b ...

, or publisher

J. Jonah Jameson John Jonah Jameson Jr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Spider-Man. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and he ...

's astronaut son John, had been bitten by the radioactive spider instead. With the exception of Betty Brant, the protagonist dies in each story. A darker version of the Flash story is redone as ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #76. # What if the world knew

Daredevil Daredevil may refer to: * A stunt performer Arts and media Comics * Daredevil (Lev Gleason Publications), a fictional 1940s superhero popularized by writer-artist Charles Biro * Daredevil (Marvel Comics character), a Marvel comic book superher ...

was blind? (based on ''Daredevil'' #2) #* This issue also contained the first humor-based ''What If?'' in the series asking, "What if the spider had been bitten by a radioactive human?" # What if the

fought evil in the 1950s? #* Designated Earth-9904 in ''All-New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: A-Z Update'' #2 (2007). A version of this timeline was revisited in '' Avengers Forever'', and yet another version made a cameo in '' Paradise X: Heralds''. #*The Agents of Atlas, a superhero team from the 1950s, was based on this concept. # What if

Jane Foster Jane Foster is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was introduced as a love interest of the superhero Thor Odinson until becoming a superhero in her own right. Created by writers Stan Lee and ...

had found the hammer of Thor? (based on '' Journey into Mystery'' #83) #* Jane Foster would eventually become the new Thor in ''Thor'' (vol. 4) #1. # What if the original Marvel Bullpen had become the

? (based on ''The Fantastic Four'' #1) #* This world made a brief tongue-in-cheek appearance in '' Paradise X: Heralds''. It was designated Earth-1228 in ''The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005''. # What if Rick Jones had become the

? (based on ''The Incredible Hulk'' #1) # What if Conan the Barbarian walked the Earth today? (based on ''

The Savage Sword of Conan ''The Savage Sword of Conan'' was a black-and-white magazine-format comic book series published beginning in 1974 by Curtis Magazines, an imprint of American company Marvel Comics, and then later by Marvel itself. ''Savage Sword of Conan'' starred ...

'' #7 "The Citadel at the Center of Time") #* An alternate ending to this story can be seen in ''What If?'' #43. # What if

Sgt. Fury ''Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos'' was a comic book series created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee and published by Marvel Comics from 1963 to 1981. The main character, Sgt. Nick Fury, later became the leader of Marvel's super-spy agency, S.H.I. ...

had fought World War II in outer space? #* This universe made a brief appearance in '' Paradise X: Heralds''. # What if

Nova A nova (plural novae or novas) is a transient astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright, apparently "new" star (hence the name "nova", which is Latin for "new") that slowly fades over weeks or months. Causes of the dramati ...

had been four other people? (based on ''Nova'' #1) #* Instead of the random decision for Richard Rider to become Nova, the powers of Nova are transferred to a vengeful wife whose husband had been murdered, a kind and homeless black man in a universe with no superheroes, Peter Parker in a world where the radioactive spider that bit him had crippled him, and an unknown character with a villainous personality. # What if Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu, fought on the side of Fu Manchu? (based on '' Master of Kung Fu'' #15) # What if the Ghost Rider, Spider-Woman and Captain Marvel were villains? (based on ''Marvel Spotlight'' #5 and #32 and '' Marvel Super Heroes'' #12) #* As with issue #7, this contained three short stories with the theme of Marvel characters who strayed close to becoming villains rather than heroes in the Earth-616 universe. # What if

Dr. Strange Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #110 (cover-dated July 1963). Doctor Strange serves as Sorce ...

were a disciple of Dormammu? (based on '' Strange Tales'' #110) # What if

had never become a crimefighter? (based on ''

'' #15) # What if the

fought the Kree-Skrull War without Rick Jones? (based on ''Avengers'' #96) # What if the

Invisible Girl The Invisible Woman (Susan "Sue" Storm-Richards) is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is a founding member of the Fantastic Four and was the first female superhero created by Marvel dur ...

of the

had married the Sub-Mariner? #* A sequel to ''What If?'' #1. # What if

Doctor Doom Doctor Victor Von Doom is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and first appeared in ''The Fantastic Four'' #5 in July 1962. The monarch of the fi ...

had become a hero? (based on ''

'' #5) #* This world was designated Earth-808 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if the

had become a barbarian? (based on ''The Incredible Hulk'' #205) #* This issue also contains the back-up humor story, "What if Aunt May had been bitten by the radioactive spider?" # What if

Gwen Stacy Gwendolyne Maxine Stacy is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, usually as a supporting character in those featuring Spider-Man. A college student and the daughter of George Stacy and Helen Stacy, ...

had lived? (based on '' The Amazing Spider-Man'' #121) #* Reprinted in ''The Best of What If?'' # What if Thor and the

fought the gods? (based on '' Thor'' #136) #* Also features the backup story "The First Uni-Mind", explaining the origins and concept of the Uni-Mind and the origin story of

A'lars Mentor (A'lars) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in ''Iron Man'' #55 (February 1973), and was created by Jim Starlin. Mentor is the leader of the Titanian colon ...

and Zuras. # What if

had been elected president? (based on ''Captain America'' #250) #* This issue also contained the back-up story, "What if the Man-Thing had regained Ted Sallis' brain?" (based on ''Man-Thing'' (vol. 2) #1) # What if Phoenix had not died? (based on '' X-Men'' #137) #* Reprinted in ''The Best of What If?'' Redone in ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #32-33. # What if

became an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.? (based on ''Daredevil'' #1) #* Reprinted in ''The Best of What If?'' #* This also contained the back-up story, "What if the Ghost Rider had been separated from Johnny Blaze?" # What if the

defeated everybody? (based on ''Avengers Special'' #2) #* This world was designated Earth-8110 in ''The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005''. #* This also contained the backup story, "What if Namor had never regained his memories?" # What if

clone Clone or Clones or Cloning or Cloned or The Clone may refer to: Places * Clones, County Fermanagh * Clones, County Monaghan, a town in Ireland Biology * Clone (B-cell), a lymphocyte clone, the massive presence of which may indicate a pathologi ...

had lived? (based on '' The Amazing Spider-Man'' #149) #* It was revealed years later that the clone had indeed lived, but had just been in hiding. He reappeared in the Spider-Man titles under the name Ben Reilly. # What if Wolverine had killed the

? (based on ''The Incredible Hulk'' #181) #* The concept was reversed in ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #50 (although it followed a later rematch between the characters). This issue also includes "What if the

had never been?" (based on ''The Fantastic Four'' #1). The latter world was designated Earth-8222 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if the

had become pawns of Korvac? (based on ''Avengers'' #177) #* Reprinted in ''The Best of What If?'' Extended in #43. A version of this world was visited by

Quasar A quasar is an extremely Luminosity, luminous active galactic nucleus (AGN). It is pronounced , and sometimes known as a quasi-stellar object, abbreviated QSO. This emission from a galaxy nucleus is powered by a supermassive black hole with a m ...

in ''Quasar'' #30. # What if the Dazzler had become the herald of Galactus? (based on ''Dazzler'' #11) / What if

Iron Man Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby. The charact ...

was trapped in the time of

King Arthur King Arthur ( cy, Brenin Arthur, kw, Arthur Gernow, br, Roue Arzhur) is a legendary king of Britain, and a central figure in the medieval literary tradition known as the Matter of Britain. In the earliest traditions, Arthur appears as a ...

? (based on ''Iron Man'' #150) # What If Humor Issue #* Parts reprinted in ''The Best of What If?'' # What if

Elektra Electra was a daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra in Greek mythology. Electra or Elektra may also refer to: Greek mythology *Electra (Pleiad), one of the Pleiades * Electra, one of the Danaids, daughter of Danaus and Polyxo * Electra (Oc ...

had lived? (based on ''Daredevil'' #182) #* This issue also includes "What if Yellowjacket had died?" (based on ''Avengers'' #212) # What if the

had not gained their super-powers? (based on ''The Fantastic Four'' #1) #* Reprinted in ''The Best of What If?'' This version of the team reappeared in ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #39. This world was designated Earth-8212 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. This issue also includes "What if Richard Rider had not lost the power of

?" (based on ''Nova'' #25) # What if the Thing and the

Beast Beast most often refers to: * Non-human animal * Monster Beast or Beasts may also refer to: Bible * Beast (Revelation), two beasts described in the Book of Revelation Computing and gaming * Beast (card game), English name of historical Fren ...

continued to mutate? (based on '' Marvel Two-in-One'' #81 and '' Amazing Adventures'' #11) #* The world featuring the Thing was designated Earth-8321 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. This issue also includes "What if the Silver Surfer had lost the Power Cosmic?" (based on ''

'' #50) # What if... featuring

(set in a possible future) and

(based on ''Captain America'' #237) #* Three alternate futures, including a Vision and Scarlet Witch tale. Only one diverges from a specific point: the Captain America story "What if Sharon Carter had not died?" # What if Thor battled Conan the Barbarian? # What if

had not become Master of the Mystic Arts? (based on '' Strange Tales'' #110) #* This timeline made a cameo appearance in '' Paradise X: Heralds''. # What if the Sub-Mariner had saved Atlantis from its... Destiny? (based on ''Sub-Mariner'' #1) # What if the

had died in childbirth? (based on '' Fantastic Four Annual'' #6) #* This world was designated Earth-8312 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if Conan the Barbarian was stranded in the 20th century? #* An alternate ending to ''What If?'' #13. Also includes an extended ending to ''What If?'' #32. # What if

were revived today? (1983) (based on ''

'' #4) #* Redone in ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #67-68 and 103. # What if the

went berserk? (based on ''The Incredible Hulk'' #1) # What if

's Uncle Ben had lived (and Aunt May was murdered instead)? (based on ''

'' #15) #* Redone in ''What If Spider-Man'' (2005) # What if

Loki Loki is a god in Norse mythology. According to some sources, Loki is the son of Fárbauti (a jötunn) and Laufey (mentioned as a goddess), and the brother of Helblindi and Býleistr. Loki is married to Sigyn and they have two sons, Narfi or Na ...

had found the hammer of Thor? (based on '' Journey into Mystery'' #83) #* Final issue of the original series. Select stories (noted above) were collected in a trade paperback, ''The Best of What If'', in 1991. The entire series was collected in a series of seven volumes titled ''What If Classic'' from 2004 to 2010, with the exception of issues #13 and 16 and the lead story of #43 because they featured licensed characters, namely Conan the Barbarian and Fu Manchu.

Special (1988)

* What if

had been a traitor? (based on '' Tales of Suspense'' #39)

Volume 2 (1989–1998)

# What if the

had lost the

Evolutionary War "The Evolutionary War" was a comic book crossover which ran through most of the 1988 annuals published by Marvel Comics. Principal writers included Gerry Conway, Steve Englehart, Louise Simonson, Chris Claremont, and Steve Gerber. The storyline ...

? (based on ''Avengers Annual'' #17) #* Visited by

in ''Quasar'' #30. # What if

had killed the

Kingpin Kingpin or king pin may refer to: Vehicular part * Kingpin (automotive part), the pivot in the steering mechanism ** The central bolt of a skateboard, axle assembly ("truck"), around which the rest of the mechanism can flex, allowing the rider ...

? (based on ''Daredevil'' #228) # What if Steve Rogers had refused to give up being

? (based on ''Captain America'' #332) # What if the alien costume had possessed

? (based on '' The Amazing Spider-Man'' #258) #* Visited by

in ''Quasar'' #30. # What if the Vision had destroyed the

? (based on ''Avengers'' #9) # What if the X-Men lost Inferno? (based on '' The New Mutants'' #73) # What if Wolverine was an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.? (based on '' The Incredible Hulk'' #181) # What if

lost the Armor Wars? (based on ''Iron Man'' #225) # What if the X-Men died on their first mission? (based on ''Giant Size X-Men'' #1) #* This world was designated Earth-105709 in ''Quasar'' #30. # What if the Punisher's family had not been killed? # What if the

all had the same power? (based on ''Fantastic Four'' #1) #* The four worlds shown here were designated Earths 9031 through 9034 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if the X-Men had stayed in Asgard? (based on '' The New Mutants'' Special Edition #1) # What if

Professor X Professor X (Charles Francis Xavier) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted as the founder and sometimes leader of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writ ...

of the X-Men had become the

Juggernaut A juggernaut (), in current English usage, is a literal or metaphorical force regarded as merciless, destructive, and unstoppable. This English usage originated in the mid-nineteenth century and was adapted from the Sanskrit word Jagannath. ...

? (based on ''Uncanny X-Men'' #12) # What if Captain Marvel had not died? (based on ''The Death of Captain Marvel'') #* Visited by

in ''Quasar'' #30. # What if the

had lost the trial of Galactus? (based on ''Fantastic Four'' #262) #* This world was designated Earth-907 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if Wolverine battled Conan the Barbarian? (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #137) # What if Kraven the Hunter had killed

? (based on '' Web of Spider-Man'' #31-32) # What if the

battled

before they got their powers? #* This world was designated Earth-9011 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if the Vision of the

conquered the world? (based on ''Avengers'' #254) #* Two takes, one of which (a utopian world) was revisited in ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #36. The utopian world was designated Earth-90110 and the dystopian world Earth-90111 in ''The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005''. # What if

had not married Mary Jane? (Part 1 of 2) (based on ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #292) # What if

had married the

Black Cat A black cat is a domestic cat with black fur that may be a mixed or specific breed, or a common domestic cat of no particular breed. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognizes 22 cat breeds that can come with solid black coats. The Bombay b ...

? (Part 2 of 2) (based on ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #292) #* The first of several two-parters throughout the second series. # What if the Silver Surfer had not escaped Earth? (based on ''Silver Surfer'' (vol. 2) #1) #* This world was designated Earth-912 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if the all-new, all-different X-Men had never existed? (based on ''Giant Size X-Men'' #1) # What if Wolverine was Lord of the Vampires? (based on ''Uncanny X-Men'' #159) #* Visited by

in ''Quasar'' #30. This world was designated Earth-9140 in ''The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005''. An alternate version features in ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #37. # What if the Marvel Super Heroes had lost Atlantis Attacks? (based on ''Iron Man Annual'' #10) #* Visited by

in ''Quasar'' #30. # What if the Punisher had killed

? (based on ''Daredevil'' #183) #* The issue uses the original planned continuity order for Frank Miller's Daredevil run, as ''Daredevil'' #183-184 were originally planned to run in ''Daredevil'' #168-169, but held back for a year and a half due to issues with the story's plot involving drugs. # What if Namor had joined the

? (based on ''Fantastic Four'' #4) #* This world was designated Earth-917 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if

had led an army of

supersoldiers The supersoldier (or super soldier) is a fictional concept soldier, often capable of operating beyond normal human limits or abilities either through genetic modification or cybernetic augmentation. Overview Supersoldiers are common in military ...

in World War II? (Part 1 of 2) (based on ''Captain America Comics'' #1) # What if

had formed the

? (Part 2 of 2) (based on ''Captain America Comics'' #1 and ''Avengers'' #4) #* Recycles themes from ''What If?'' #44. Redone as ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #103. # What if the

's second child had lived? (based on ''Fantastic Four'' #267) #* Two takes; the worse world was designated Earth-91111 and the better world Earth-91112 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. #*This plot idea was subsequently picked up for the mainstream continuity with the introduction of Valeria Richards. # What if

had kept his cosmic powers? (based on ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #329) # What if Phoenix had not died? (Part 1 of 2) (based on ''Uncanny X-Men'' #137) # What if Phoenix rose again? (Part 2 of 2) (based on ''Uncanny X-Men'' #137) #* A two-part remake of ''What If?'' #27. #* Part One (#32) uses Chris Claremont's notes for the original plan for ''Uncanny X-Men'' #138-150 for its story. # What if no one was watching the Watcher? (humor issue) # What if the

Fantastic Five Fantastic Five is a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books which were published by Marvel Comics. The team exists in the MC2 Universe, an alternate future to the Marvel Universe. A continuation of the Fantastic Four, th ...

fought

& Annihilus? (''Timequake'' Part 1 of 5) #* An alternate outcome of ''What If?'' #1. # What if the Cosmic Avengers battled the Guardians of the Galaxy? (''Timequake'' Part 2 of 5) #* A sequel to ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #19's "Utopia" story. # What if Wolverine had been Lord of the Vampires during Inferno? (''Timequake'' Part 3 of 5) #* An alternate version of ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #24. This world was designated Earth-9250 in ''The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005''. # What if Thor was a thrall of

Seth Seth,; el, Σήθ ''Sḗth''; ; "placed", "appointed") in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Mandaeism, and Sethianism, was the third son of Adam and Eve and brother of Cain and Abel, their only other child mentioned by name in the Hebrew Bible. A ...

? (''Timequake'' Part 4 of 5) (based on '' The Mighty Thor'' #400) #* This world was designated Earth-9260 in ''The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005''. # What if the Watcher saved the universe? (''Timequake'' Part 5 of 5) #* The events of ''Timequake'' were reflected later in '' Avengers Forever''. # What if Storm of the X-Men had remained a thief? (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #117) #* Reprinted in ''X-Men: Alterniverse Visions''. # What if the

had fought Galactus? (based on ''

'' #1 and ''Fantastic Four'' #48-50) #* This world was designated Earth-929 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if

had kept his six arms? (based on '' The Amazing Spider-Man'' #100) # What if Wolverine had married Mariko? (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #173) # What if Venom had possessed the Punisher? (based on '' Web of Spider-Man'' #1) # What if Barbara Ketch had become the Ghost Rider? (based on ''Ghost Rider'' (vol. 3) #1) #* This world was designated Earth-11993 in ''The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005''. # What if Cable had destroyed the X-Men? (Part 1 of 2) (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #269) # What if Magneto took over the U.S.A.? (Part 2 of 2) (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #269) #* This world was designated Earth-21993 in ''The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005''. # What if

had saved

Nuke Nuke is most commonly used as a slang term for a nuclear weapon, or the act of detonating/setting one off. Nuke may also refer to: Computing * Nuke (software), a node-based compositor * Nuke (video games), a type of damaging attack that is mos ...

? (based on ''Daredevil'' #233) # What if the Silver Surfer possessed the Infinity Gauntlet? (based on ''Infinity Gauntlet'' #4) #* Another take appears in ''What If?'' vol. 2 #104. # What if the

had killed Wolverine? (based on '' The Incredible Hulk'' #340) #* A reversed sort-of remake of ''What If?'' #31. # What if the Punisher became

? (based on ''Captain America'' #212) # What if

became Sorcerer Supreme? (based on ''Fantastic Four'' #5) #* This world was designated Earth-938 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if ...the Iron Man of 2020 had been stranded in the past? / ...Rick Jones and Bruce Banner had both remained as the Hulk? / ...Spider-Man had killed the Lizard? #* Featuring

(based on '' The Amazing Spider-Man Annual'' #20), the

(based on '' The Incredible Hulk'' #332), and

(based on ''

'' #5). # What if Death's Head I had lived? (Based on '' Death's Head II'' #1) #* The only Marvel UK-themed issue. Written and pencilled by Death's Head I co-creators Simon Furman and

Geoff Senior Geoff Senior (born 1960) is a British artist, best known for his work in the comic book field in the 1980s, mainly for Marvel UK. Senior is perhaps best remembered for his art for the Marvel ''Transformers (Marvel UK), Transformers'' series. Bio ...

, Furman later claimed that this issue's high body count was a sort-of revenge for killing the character. # What if the

lost Operation: Galactic Storm? (Part 1 of 2) (based on ''Avengers'' #346) # What if the

lost Operation: Galactic Storm? (Part 2 of 2) (based on ''Avengers'' #346) # What if the Punisher became an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.? # What if the Punisher had killed

? (based on '' The Amazing Spider-Man'' #129) # What if Wolverine led Alpha Flight? (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #121) #* Reprinted in ''X-Men: Alterniverse Visions''. # ''A What If? X-Men Wedding Album'' #* Three different stories all related to the

Cyclops In Greek mythology and later Roman mythology, the Cyclopes ( ; el, Κύκλωπες, ''Kýklōpes'', "Circle-eyes" or "Round-eyes"; singular Cyclops ; , ''Kýklōps'') are giant one-eyed creatures. Three groups of Cyclopes can be distinguish ...

- Jean Grey relationship, looking at what would have happened had Scott married Jean in the early days of the X-Men, if the pair had never gotten together, or if Jean had married Wolverine instead. (based on '' Amazing Adventures'' #11, '' Uncanny X-Men'' #1 and ''Uncanny X-Men'' #101) # What if

's parents destroyed his family? (based on '' The Amazing Spider-Man'' #387) # What if Wolverine battled Weapon X? (based on ''

Marvel Comics Presents ''Marvel Comics Presents'' was an American comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics originally from 1988 to 1995. It returned for a second volume in 2007–2008, and a third volume that started in 2019. Volume 1 The first volume ...

'' #72) #* Reprinted in ''X-Men: Alterniverse Visions''. # What if War Machine had not destroyed the Living Laser? (based on ''

'' #289) #* The issue allows the reader to choose from three different endings. # What if

sold out? (based on '' Tales of Suspense'' #39) # What if Archangel fell from grace? (based on '' X-Factor'' #25) # What if

Rogue A rogue is a person or entity that flouts accepted norms of behavior. Rogue or rogues may also refer to: Companies * Rogue Ales, a microbrewery in Newport, Oregon * Rogue Arts, a film production company * Rogue Entertainment, a software com ...

possessed the power of Thor? (based on ''Avengers Annual'' #10) #* Reprinted in ''X-Men: Alterniverse Visions''. # What if

was revived in 1994? (Part 1 of 2) (based on ''

'' #4) # What if

was revived in 1994? (Part 2 of 2) (based on ''

'' #4) #* A remake of ''What If?'' #44. # What if Stryfe had killed the X-Men? (based on '' X-Force'' #18) #* Reprinted in ''X-Men: Alterniverse Visions''. # What if the Silver Surfer had not betrayed Galactus? (based on ''Fantastic Four'' #50) #* This world was designated Earth-952 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if the

gamma bomb Radiological warfare is any form of warfare involving deliberate radiation poisoning or contamination of an area with radiological sources. Radiological weapons are normally classified as weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), although radiologica ...

had spawned a thousand

s? # What if

was a murderer? (based on ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15) # What if the

owned

? (based on ''Daredevil'' #1) # What if

Mr. Sinister Mister Sinister (Nathaniel Essex) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Chris Claremont, the character was first mentioned as the employer behind the team of assassins known as the Marau ...

had formed the X-Men? (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #1) # What if

Blink Blinking is a bodily function; it is a semi-autonomic rapid closing of the eyelid. A single blink is determined by the forceful closing of the eyelid or inactivation of the levator palpebrae superioris and the activation of the palpebral portio ...

from Generation X had not died? (based on '' X-Men'' #37) # What if Peter Parker had to destroy

? (based on ''

'' #15) #* The last issue to officially feature Uatu the Watcher as the narrator (although he had been absent from several previous issues). This story is another take on one of the three from ''What If?'' #7. # What if Legion had killed Magneto? (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #320) # What if the New Fantastic Four had remained a team? (based on ''Fantastic Four'' #349) #* This world was designated Earth-9510 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if Storm had the power of Phoenix? (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #100) # What if the

had evolved into the Maestro? (based on '' The Incredible Hulk'' #377) # What if the Age of Apocalypse had not ended? (based on '' X-Men: Omega'') # What if

had adopted

? (based on '' The Amazing Spider-Man'' #1) # What if

was the disciple of

Doctor Strange Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #110 (cover-dated July 1963). Doctor Strange serves as Sorce ...

? (based on '' Strange Tales'' #110 and ''Daredevil'' #1) # What if Shard had lived instead of Bishop? (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #282) # What if Magneto ruled all mutants? (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #304) # What if the Scarlet Spider had killed

? (based on '' Web of Spider-Man'' #129) # What if...starring Sabretooth: Screams in the night! (What if Sabretooth was loose in the X-Mansion?) #* Starting with this issue, the covers no longer explicitly state what each story's "what if" is, making them more like DC Comics' ''

Elseworlds ''Elseworlds'' was the publication imprint (trade name), imprint for American comic books produced by DC Comics for stories that took place outside the DC Universe Canon (fictional), canon. Elseworlds publications are set in alternate realitie ...

''. # What if...starring

: Arachnamorphosis (What if Spider-Man had evolved into a Spider-Monster? - based on ''

'' #15) # What if...starring the

: Deadly inheritance (What if the Fantastic Four's powers were out of control? - based on ''The Fantastic Four'' #1) #* This world was designated Earth-969 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if...starring

and Havok: Their early years, their darkest fears! (What if Cyclops and Havok were not orphaned?) # What if...starring The Incredible Hulk: The man, the monster (What if Bruce Banner was savage and the Hulk intelligent? - based on '' The Incredible Hulk'' #1) # What if...starring Cannonball's little brother, Josh—and his pet Sentinel! (What if Josh had discovered a Sentinel?) #* Fairly similar in plot to the recent '' Sentinel'' series. # What if...starring Wolverine: A man no more (What if Wolverine became savage? - based on ''Wolverine'' (vol. 2) #100) # What if...starring

: The kingdom of

Cain Cain ''Káïn''; ar, قابيل/قايين, Qābīl/Qāyīn is a Biblical figure in the Book of Genesis within Abrahamic religions. He is the elder brother of Abel, and the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, the first couple within the Bible. He wa ...

(What if the Juggernaut had killed Xavier and the X-Men? - based on ''Uncanny X-Men'' #12) # What if...starring Ghost Rider: Burn, baby, burn! (What if the Ghost Rider was different? - based on ''Ghost Rider'' #1) # What if...starring

Quicksilver Quicksilver may refer to: * Quicksilver (metal), the chemical element mercury Arts and entertainment Music * Quicksilver, a bluegrass band fronted by Doyle Lawson * "Quicksilver" (song), a 1950 hit for Bing Crosby * ''Quicksilver'' (sound ...

: The quick and the dead (What if Magneto had raised his children?) # What if...starring Black Knight: Camelot reborn (What if Doctor Doom had conquered Camelot?) # What if...starring

: Children in the attic (What if Mystique had raised Nightcrawler?) # What if...starring

: The men behind the mask (What if the Black Cat was a celebrity?) # What if...starring Gambit: The greatest secrets of the

revealed! #* What if Mr. Sinister learned the greatest secrets of the Marvel Universe? #* What if the Fantastic Four had crashed in the Land of Oz after gaining their powers? #* What if Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive sheep!? #* What if Wolverine was a wimp? #* What If Xavier was in charge of a sales executive company? #* What if Wolverine and Sabretooth were best friends? # What if...starring Archangel: Death and disobedience (What if Archangel had killed X-Factor and the Horsemen? - based on '' X-Factor'' #25) #* Also includes... What If Gambit was a card hustler? # What if...starring

: The fight of his life...has ended! (What if Matt Murdock had become a boxer like his father? - based on ''Daredevil'' #1) # What if...starring

: The unknown soldier (What if Captain America had awoken in a dystopian America? - based on ''

'' #4) #* A remake of ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #28-29 # What if...starring the Silver Surfer (What if the Impossible Man possessed the Infinity Gauntlet? - based on '' Infinity Gauntlet'' #4) #* A variation on ''What If?'' (vol. 2) #49. # What if...starring Spider-Girl (What if Spider-Man and Mary Jane's child had survived?) #* The first appearance of Spider-Girl. Later spun off into the Marvel Comics 2 line. This world was designated Earth-982 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. #* Also includes...What if Bucky had survived and was Captain America's partner? #* Was reprinted in ''Spider-Girl'' #0 (the Bucky story was replaced with previews of two other MC2 titles). # What if...starring Gambit: Revenge! (What if Marrow had killed Gambit? - based on ''Uncanny X-Men'' #350) # What if...starring The Mighty Thor:...and who shall be king?! (What if Thor had assumed the throne of Asgard?) # What if...starring the

(What if Carnage had bonded permanently to the Silver Surfer? - based on '' The Amazing Spider-Man'' #431) # What if...starring the

: The Thing...human again?! (What if Ben Grimm had stayed in Liddleville? - based on ''Fantastic Four'' #236) #* This world was designated Earth-989 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. # What if...starring The Uncanny X-Men: With Phoenix possessed...who will save

...from the fury of

Colossus Colossus, Colossos, or the plural Colossi or Colossuses, may refer to: Statues * Any exceptionally large statue ** List of tallest statues ** :Colossal statues * ''Colossus of Barletta'', a bronze statue of an unidentified Roman emperor * ''Col ...

? (What if Colossus had joined the U.S.S.R.'s Soviet Super-Soldiers? - based on ''Giant Size X-Men'' #1) #* Also includes... What if Doctor Doom had succeeded in conquering the world? # What if...starring Wolverine (What if Wolverine was a Horseman of War? - based on ''Wolverine'' #100) # What if...starring Ka-Zar:

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

...the new Savage Land...no escape! (What if Thanos turned Manhattan into a Savage Land?) # What if...starring

: Alone against Dormammu... Tony Stark-- Sorcerer Supreme? (What if Tony Stark had become Sorcerer Supreme? - based on '' Strange Tales'' #110 and '' Tales of Suspense'' #39) # What if...starring Secret Wars: 25 years later...comes a new generation of heroes! (What if all the participants of ''Secret Wars'' had been trapped on Battleworld? - based on ''Secret Wars'' #12) #* Final issue. This world was designated Earth-9811 in ''Marvel Encyclopedia: Fantastic Four''. Issue #-1, What if...starring Bishop (based on '' Uncanny X-Men'' #282), was published as a part of the "Flashback" event, in which most of Marvel's series published issues numbered "-1" that were set in the past. This particular issue features an alternate backstory for Bishop, where he and Fitzroy travel back in time to before the X-Men were formed.

Marvel Alterniverse

The Alterniverse was what Marvel briefly labeled their ''What If'' stories from 1995 to 1996. The stories told under the Alterniverse label are typically one-shots and limited series, such as '' Ruins'', '' Punisher: A Man Named Frank'', ''

Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe ''Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe'' is a 1995 one-shot comic book published by Marvel Comics. Written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Doug Braithwaite with most inking done by Michael L. Halblieb, the story depicts Frank Castle killing ever ...

'', and ''

The Last Avengers Story ''The Last Avengers Story'' is a two-issue prestige format Limited series (comics), mini-series from Marvel Comics released in November and December 1995. It was written by Peter David and illustrated by Ariel Olivetti. Publication history The ser ...

''.

Volume 3 (2005)

A series of ''What If'' one-shot issues was released cover-dated February 2005. *What if Karen Page had lived? *What if

had become the Thing? *What if General Ross had become the

? *What if

Jessica Jones Jessica Campbell Jones Cage is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Gaydos and first appeared in ''Alias'' #1 (November 2001) ...

had joined the

? *What if

and Magneto formed the X-Men together? *What if Aunt May had died instead of Uncle Ben? *''Wha—Huh?'' (humor issue) The series, including the "Wha-Huh?" humor issue, was later collected into a trade paperback entitled ''What If: Why Not''.

Volume 4 (early 2006)

The February 2006 one-shot issues took place in a single

fictional universe A fictional universe, or fictional world, is a self-consistent setting with events, and often other elements, that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed, or fictional realm (or world). Fictional universes may ...

, dubbed Earth-717 in previews, with four of the six stories more like DC's ''Elseworlds'' with various heroes in historical periods. *What if

had lived in the American Civil War? *What if the

were Russian cosmonauts? *What if the Sub-Mariner had grown up on land instead of Atlantis? *What if

had lived in feudal Japan? *What if Thor was a Herald of Galactus? *What if Wolverine was Public Enemy Number One? The series was later collected into a trade paperback entitled ''What If: Mirror Mirror''.

Volume 5 (late 2006)

The November 2006 one-shot issues were based on major storylines or crossovers: *''What If: Avengers Disassembled'' - What if the Scarlet Witch had not acted alone? *''What If: Spider-Man: The Other'' - What if Peter Parker had rejected his inner spider? *''What If: Wolverine: Enemy of the State'' - What if Wolverine was never deprogrammed? *''What If: Age of Apocalypse'' - What if both Xavier and Magneto were killed by Legion? *''What If: X-Men: Deadly Genesis'' - What if Vulcan became the leader of the X-Men? The series was later collected into a trade paperback entitled ''What If: Event Horizon'' featuring the cover from the Spider-Man one-shot.

Volume 6 (2007)

The sixth series of ''What If?'' continued the theme of the previous series of examining possible alternatives for major storylines. *''What If: Planet Hulk'' ** What if Caiera the Oldstrong had survived the destruction on Sakaar instead of the Hulk? ** What if the Hulk had landed on the planet the Illuminati had intended for him? ** What if the Hulk had reverted to Bruce Banner when he crashed on Sakaar? *''What If: Annihilation'' ** What if the Annihilation Wave reached Earth? *''What If: X-Men: Rise and Fall of the Shi'ar Empire'' ** What if Vulcan absorbed the energies of the

M'Kraan Crystal The comic book stories published by Marvel Comics since the 1940s have featured several noteworthy concepts besides its fictional characters, such as unique places and artifacts. There follows a list of those features. Places Certain places fe ...

and became Phoenix? *''What If: Civil War'' ** What if

led ''all'' the heroes against the Superhero Registration Act? ** What if

''lost'' the Civil War? *''What If:

vs. Wolverine'' ** What if Spider-Man had remained in 1980s Russia after an accidental death? The series was also due to feature ''What If?: The New

'', which featured the "original" New Fantastic Four with

, Wolverine, the Ghost Rider, and the

teaming up, as seen in ''Fantastic Four'' #347-349 and #374. This story was halted due to the passing of artist Mike Wieringo, and was released as a 48-Page Special as a tribute in June 2008. All the issues of this run, aside from the New Fantastic Four one, were later collected into a trade paperback simply entitled ''What If? Civil War''. The version of the "New" Fantastic Four is also erroneous, as the Ghost Rider of that time period had been Danny Ketch, not Johnny Blaze, who appears in the issue instead for unexplained reasons (in reality, Wieringo had drawn the wrong Ghost Rider in his initial pages by mistake and it was not noticed until after his death).

Volume 7 (2008)

This series continues the theme of alternatives for three recent Marvel events along with two around a classic event. The New Fantastic Four story was a sequel to the one-shot ''What If?'' released previously, seeing Iron Man replace Ghost Rider in an alternate take on the ''Infinity Gauntlet'' storyline. However, this series also features a storyline featuring the

Runaways Runaway, Runaways or Run Away may refer to: Engineering * Runaway reaction, a chemical reaction releasing more heat than what can be removed and becoming uncontrollable * Thermal runaway, self-increase of the reaction rate of an exothermic proce ...

that runs through all five comics. This series was released between December 2008 and January 2009. * ''What If: House of M'' - What if the Scarlet Witch had said 'No more powers' instead of 'No more mutants'? * ''What If: Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America'' - What if Iron Man had been killed instead of Captain America? * ''What If: Newer Fantastic Four'' - What if the New Fantastic Four had battled Thanos? * ''What If: Spider-Man: Back in Black'' - What if Mary Jane had been shot instead of Aunt May? * ''What If: Secret Wars'' - What if Doctor Doom had kept the Beyonder's power? * ''What If: Runaways'' - What if the Runaways had become the Young Avengers? (Runs through all five above issues) The seventh series was later collected into a trade paperback entitled ''What If?: Secret Wars'' featuring the cover from the '' Secret Wars'' one-shot.

Volume 8 (2009)

At Fan Expo Canada '09, it was revealed a new five-part ''What If'' series would be released, featuring five one-shot issues, each with two alternatives for the focused event, except for ''Daredevil vs. Elektra'', which had only one story. As a back-up feature in the other four one-shot issues, there is a humorous ''Say What?'' short story. *''What If? Spider-Man: House of M'' ** What if Emma Frost had not mindwiped Gwen Stacy? ** What if the Scarlet Witch had let Gwen Stacy and her son cross to the default reality and survive? *''What If? Secret Invasion'' ** What if Reed Richards had been killed before revealing the Skrull weakness and the

Skrulls The Skrulls are a fictional race of extraterrestrial shapeshifters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Skrulls first appeared in ''Fantastic Four'' #2 and were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. They originated from ...

won? ** What if the Skrulls had kept the invasion secret throughout all the campaign? *''What If? World War Hulk'' ** What if Tony Stark had not hesitated to use the Red Satellite on the Hulk in the final battle? ** What if Thor had battled the Hulk instead of the Sentry? *''What If? Daredevil vs. Elektra'' ** What if Daredevil had been shot and resurrected by the Hand instead of Elektra? *''What If? Astonishing X-Men'' ** What if Ord had resurrected Jean Grey instead of Colossus? ** What if Ultron became aware of Danger during her battle with the X-Men and planned to make her his bride? The eighth series was later collected into a trade paperback entitled ''What If?: Secret Invasion'' featuring the cover from the ''Secret Invasion'' one-shot.

Volume 9 (2010)

In early September 2010, Marvel announced a series of new ''What If?'' issues, including the celebration of the 200th issue of ''What If?''. It features a story regarding the ''Siege'' event, and a story by Stan Lee about the Watcher and Galactus. Further ''What If'' stories were released for ''Dark Reign'', ''Spider-Man: Grim Hunt'', a story focusing on Wolverine and his son Daken, and another on the pre-hero and villain lives of Iron Man and Doctor Doom. Those four issues also have a back-up story on Deadpool being controlled by the

Venom symbiote Venom is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is a sentient alien symbiote with an amorphous, liquid-like form, who survives by bonding with a host, usually human. This dual-life form receive ...

. The Venom/Deadpool backup chapters were subsequently released as a stand-alone one-shot. *''What If? Iron Man: Demon in an Armor'' ** What if Tony Stark became Dr. Doom? ** What if the Venom symbiote had managed to control Deadpool? (back-up story Part 1) *''What If? Wolverine: Father'' ** What if Wolverine had known about and raised Daken from birth? ** What if the Venom symbiote had managed to control Deadpool? (back-up story Part 2) *''What If? Spider-Man: Grim Hunt'' ** What if Spider-Man had decided to kill Kraven the Hunter instead of letting him live? ** What if the Venom symbiote had managed to control Deadpool? (back-up story Part 3) *''What If? Dark Reign - The Osborn Assassination'' ** What if Clint Barton had managed to kill Norman Osborn? ** What if the Venom symbiote had managed to control Deadpool? (back-up story Part 4) *''What If?'' #200 ** What if Norman Osborn had won the Siege on Asgard? ** What if the Watcher had killed Galactus?

''What If?: Avengers vs. X-Men'' (2013)

In July 2013, Marvel released a four-issue miniseries for ''What If'' based on the 2012 event '' Avengers vs X-Men'', telling the story of what might have happened if Magneto had been more influential in Hope's development for Phoenix.

''What If: Age of Ultron'' (2014)

In April 2014, Marvel released a five-issue miniseries for the 2013 event '' Age of Ultron'', focusing on Wolverine and the Invisible Woman's trip back in time to kill Hank Pym in order to stop him from creating Ultron and showing the effects for the Marvel Universe if one of the other four founding Avengers had died, or if Hank had simply chosen not to create Ultron at all. * What if the Wasp had been killed instead of Hank Pym? * What if

had been killed instead of Hank Pym? * What if Thor had been killed instead of Hank Pym? * What if

had been killed instead of Hank Pym? * What if Hank Pym had never created Ultron at all?

''What If? Infinity'' (2015)

In October 2015, Marvel released a five-issue miniseries for the 2013 event ''

Infinity Infinity is that which is boundless, endless, or larger than any natural number. It is often denoted by the infinity symbol . Since the time of the ancient Greeks, the philosophical nature of infinity was the subject of many discussions amo ...

'' that depicted alternate outcomes for Thanos' invasion of Earth and the war with the Builders. The five scenarios are the following: *What if Thanos had joined the Avengers? *What if Black Bolt had betrayed Earth? *What if the X-Men were the sole survivors of ''Infinity''? *What if the Guardians of the Galaxy tried to free Thanos? *What if the Green Goblin stole the Infinity Gauntlet?

''What If? With Great Power'' (2018)

Marvel released a new series of ''What If?'' one-shot issues in October 2018, which revived the concept of the publisher's classic series that examines alternate outcomes for major storylines and alternate versions of well-known characters such as Spider-Man, Magik, the Ghost Rider, Thor, the X-Men and the Punisher. *What if Flash Thompson became Spider-Man? *What if the X-Men were .EXE/Men? *What if Peter Parker became the Punisher? *What if Marvel Comics went Metal with the Ghost Rider? *What if Thor was raised by Frost Giants? *What if Magik became the Sorcerer Supreme?''What If? Magik'' #1 The 13th series was later collected into a trade paperback entitled ''What If? With Great Power'' featuring the cover from the Punisher one-shot.

References

{{Reflist What If