Shocking Marvel Storylines Fans Wish Didn’t Exist

The Betrayal of Fan Trust

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has long been an epicenter of fan devotion, but over the years, certain storylines have managed to disappoint and disillusion even the most ardent supporters. Some of these narrative missteps have had lasting effects on the larger story, contributing to the decline of beloved franchises. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most egregious offenders, examining the narrative choices that led to their downfall.

The Abomination Saga: A Bleak Future for Mutants

The Abomination Saga, which began in the pages of The Incredible Hulk, introduced a powerful and complex villain that seemed to shake the very foundations of the Marvel Universe. However, the narrative’s missteps began to surface early on, as the Abomination’s existence proved to be a logistical nightmare.

Despite its initial promise, the Abomination’s storyline was marred by inconsistencies and plot holes. Its powers seemed to be constantly at odds with established lore, leading to a sense of dissonance that permeated the larger story. The narrative’s failure to address these issues adequately resulted in a narrative that felt disjointed and unfulfilling.

Furthermore, the Abomination’s impact on the X-Men franchise was significant. The character’s existence served as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked scientific progress, a theme that had been explored in depth in the comics. However, the narrative’s handling of this concept was clumsy and heavy-handed, undermining the very message it sought to convey.

The Death of Captain America: A Misguided Experiment

The Death of Captain America, which occurred in the Avengers: Comics and Storytelling #9, was a shocking and pivotal moment in the Marvel Universe. However, the reasoning behind this narrative choice was questionable, to say the least.

Steve Rogers’ apparent demise was intended to be a watershed moment, one that would have significant repercussions for the larger narrative. However, the execution fell flat, as the circumstances surrounding his death felt contrived and unearned. The aftermath of this event was particularly problematic, as the narrative struggled to find a meaningful way to reintroduce the character.

The implications of this storyline on the character’s legacy and fan perception were significant. The loss of Steve Rogers was a devastating blow to fans, who had grown to love and admire the character. The subsequent reintroduction of the character felt half-hearted and uninspired, undermining the impact of his initial departure.

The Kree-Skrull War: A Storyline That Went Too Far

The Kree-Skrull War, which began in the pages of Marvel Super-Heroes #1, was a sprawling and ambitious epic that promised to shake the foundations of the Marvel Universe. However, the narrative’s themes and actions ultimately proved to be misguided and damaging.

The war itself was a compelling and thought-provoking narrative, one that explored the complexities of intergalactic politics and the ethics of war. However, the execution was marred by inconsistency and plot holes, making it difficult to become fully invested in the story.

Furthermore, the war’s impact on the Marvel Universe was significant. The narrative’s portrayal of the Kree and Skrull empires as being on a collision course with humanity felt like a thinly veiled attempt to justify the war effort. This approach undermined the very message of the narrative, which was intended to explore the complexities of intergalactic politics.

Retconning the Classics

Retconning, or retconning storylines, is a narrative device that can be both effective and damaging. When done correctly, it can breathe new life into established franchises. However, when done poorly, it can have disastrous consequences. In this section, we’ll examine some of the most egregious retcons in Marvel history.

The Avengers: Age of Ultron Retcon – A Misstep in Time

The Avengers: Age of Ultron film introduced a new era for the Avengers franchise, one that promised to shake things up and push the boundaries of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the narrative’s retcon of the Avengers’ formation was a misstep, one that undermined the very foundation of the franchise.

The film’s portrayal of the Avengers as being formed by Nick Fury’s actions was a departure from the comics, which had established a different origin story. This retcon was problematic, as it undermined the authority of the comics and created a sense of dissonance within the larger narrative.

Furthermore, the film’s handling of the retcon was clumsy and heavy-handed, with the narrative struggling to justify the changes it had made. This approach felt like a desperation attempt to revamp the franchise, rather than a thoughtful and considered approach.

The X-Men: First Class Retcon – A Failure to Innovate

The X-Men: First Class film was intended to reboot the X-Men franchise, one that promised to bring a fresh perspective to the table. However, the narrative’s retcon of the original characters was a failure, one that undermined the very essence of the franchise.

The film’s portrayal of Professor X and Magneto as being former friends turned enemies was a departure from the comics, which had established a different dynamic between the two characters. This retcon was problematic, as it undermined the authority of the comics and created a sense of dissonance within the larger narrative.

Furthermore, the film’s handling of the retcon was clumsy and heavy-handed, with the narrative struggling to justify the changes it had made. This approach felt like a desperation attempt to revamp the franchise, rather than a thoughtful and considered approach.

The Fantastic Four Retcon – A Misguided Attempt at Reboot

The Fantastic Four film was intended to reboot the Fantastic Four franchise, one that promised to bring a fresh perspective to the table. However, the narrative’s retcon of the original characters was a misfire, one that undermined the very essence of the franchise.

The film’s portrayal of the Fantastic Four as being a team of superheroes who fight against a threat to the world was a departure from the comics, which had established a different dynamic between the team. This retcon was problematic, as it undermined the authority of the comics and created a sense of dissonance within the larger narrative.

Furthermore, the film’s handling of the retcon was clumsy and heavy-handed, with the narrative struggling to justify the changes it had made. This approach felt like a desperation attempt to revamp the franchise, rather than a thoughtful and considered approach.

The Influence of Poor Writing

The Sinister Six’s Downfall – A Storyline Built on Weak Characters

The Sinister Six storyline, introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 (1964), was initially meant to be a one-off villainous team-up. However, the narrative’s weaknesses led to a prolonged and convoluted storyline that affected the larger narrative of the Spider-Man franchise.

The original comic book series suffered from poor character development, with the Sinister Six being a collection of villains with no clear motivation or cohesive goal. This lack of depth and complexity made the storyline feel forced and predictable, ultimately leading to its downfall.

The consequences of this storyline’s weaknesses were far-reaching, affecting the Marvel Universe as a whole. The Sinister Six’s ineptitude and lack of cohesion made them seem like a joke, undermining the credibility of the Marvel Universe and its characters.

The Spider-Man franchise suffered from this storyline’s themes and actions, with the character’s rogues gallery becoming increasingly convoluted and implausible. The sheer number of villains and their interconnected storylines made it difficult for readers to keep track of the narrative, leading to a sense of fatigue and disengagement.

The failure of the Sinister Six storyline serves as a cautionary tale for writers and creators, highlighting the importance of well-developed characters and a cohesive narrative.

• Lack of character development: The Sinister Six was a collection of villains with no clear motivation or cohesive goal.
• Poor narrative structure: The storyline was convoluted and predictable, leading to a sense of fatigue and disengagement.
• Consequences for the Marvel Universe: The Sinister Six’s ineptitude undermined the credibility of the Marvel Universe and its characters.

The Mysterious Stranger’s Impact – A Villain Without Depth

The Mysterious Stranger, also known as the Time-Runner, was a villain introduced in the Marvel Comics universe in 1964. The character’s introduction was marked by a lack of depth and complexity, making them seem like a one-dimensional villain with no clear motivation or goal.

The original comic book series suffered from poor writing and a lack of cohesion, making the storyline feel forced and predictable. The Time-Runner’s powers and abilities were poorly defined, making it difficult for readers to understand the character’s motivations and actions.

The consequences of this storyline’s weaknesses were far-reaching, affecting the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. The Time-Runner’s lack of depth and complexity made them seem like a joke, undermining the credibility of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its characters.

The failure of the Time-Runner storyline serves as a cautionary tale for writers and creators, highlighting the importance of well-developed characters and a cohesive narrative.

• Lack of character development: The Time-Runner was a villain with no clear motivation or cohesive goal.
• Poor narrative structure: The storyline was convoluted and predictable, leading to a sense of fatigue and disengagement.
• Consequences for the Marvel Cinematic Universe: The Time-Runner’s lack of depth and complexity undermined the credibility of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its characters.

The Inhumans’ Misguided Introduction – A Failure to Innovate

The Inhumans, a superhero team introduced in the Marvel Comics universe in 1965, were initially meant to be a more diverse and inclusive alternative to the X-Men. However, the narrative’s weaknesses and lack of innovation led to a prolonged and convoluted storyline that affected the larger narrative of the Marvel Universe.

The original comic book series suffered from poor writing and a lack of cohesion, making the storyline feel forced and predictable. The Inhumans’ powers and abilities were poorly defined, making it difficult for readers to understand the character’s motivations and actions.

The consequences of this storyline’s weaknesses were far-reaching, affecting the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. The Inhumans’ lack of depth and complexity made them seem like a joke, undermining the credibility of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its characters.

The failure of the Inhumans’ introduction serves as a cautionary tale for writers and creators, highlighting the importance of innovation and well-developed characters.

• Lack of character development: The Inhumans were a superhero team with no clear motivation or cohesive goal.
• Poor narrative structure: The storyline was convoluted and predictable, leading to a sense of fatigue and disengagement.
• Consequences for the Marvel Cinematic Universe: The Inhumans’ lack of depth and complexity undermined the credibility of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its characters.

The Financial and Creative Blunders

The Fantastic Four’s Bankruptcy – A Cautionary Tale for Film Franchises

The Fantastic Four film franchise, introduced in 2005, was initially meant to be a successful and lucrative franchise. However, the financial struggles and creative blunders of the franchise led to a prolonged and convoluted storyline that affected the larger narrative of the Marvel Universe.

The events leading to the film’s financial struggles were marked by poor writing and a lack of cohesion, making the storyline feel forced and predictable. The franchise’s failure to innovate and adapt to changing audience preferences led to a decline in box office revenue and a loss of credibility.

The consequences of this storyline’s weaknesses were far-reaching, affecting the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. The Fantastic Four’s lack of depth and complexity made them seem like a joke, undermining the credibility of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its characters.

The failure of the Fantastic Four film franchise serves as a cautionary tale for film franchises, highlighting the importance of innovation and well-developed characters.

• Poor writing and narrative structure: The storyline was convoluted and predictable, leading to a sense of fatigue and disengagement.
• Lack of innovation: The franchise failed to adapt to changing audience preferences, leading to a decline in box office revenue.
• Consequences for the Marvel Cinematic Universe: The Fantastic Four’s lack of depth and complexity undermined the credibility of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its characters.

The X-Men Origins: Wolverine’s Misguided Experiment

X-Men Origins: Wolverine, released in 2009, was initially meant to be a successful and lucrative spin-off of the X-Men franchise. However, the financial struggles and creative blunders of the film led to a prolonged and convoluted storyline that affected the larger narrative of the X-Men franchise.

The events leading to the film’s box office struggles were marked by poor writing and a lack of cohesion, making the storyline feel forced and predictable. The film’s lack of depth and complexity made it difficult for audiences to connect with the characters and the narrative.

The consequences of this storyline’s weaknesses were far-reaching, affecting the X-Men franchise as a whole. The failure of X-Men Origins: Wolverine serves as a cautionary tale for film franchises, highlighting the importance of innovation and well-developed characters.

• Poor writing and narrative structure: The storyline was convoluted and predictable, leading to a sense of fatigue and disengagement.
• Lack of innovation: The film failed to adapt to changing audience preferences, leading to a decline in box office revenue.
• Consequences for the X-Men franchise: The film’s lack of depth and complexity undermined the credibility of the X-Men franchise and its characters.

The Avengers’ Endgame-Proofing – A Misguided Attempt at Reboot

The Avengers franchise, introduced in 2008, was initially meant to be a successful and lucrative franchise. However, the financial struggles and creative blunders of the franchise led to a prolonged and convoluted storyline that affected the larger narrative of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The events leading to the film’s retooling were marked by poor writing and a lack of cohesion, making the storyline feel forced and predictable. The franchise’s failure to innovate and adapt to changing audience preferences led to a decline in box office revenue and a loss of credibility.

The consequences of this storyline’s weaknesses were far-reaching, affecting the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. The Avengers’ lack of depth and complexity made them seem like a joke, undermining the credibility of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its characters.

The failure of the Avengers franchise serves as a cautionary tale for film franchises, highlighting the importance of innovation and well-developed characters.

• Poor writing and narrative structure: The storyline was convoluted and predictable, leading to a sense of fatigue and disengagement.
• Lack of innovation: The franchise failed to adapt to changing audience preferences, leading to a decline in box office revenue.
• Consequences for the Marvel Cinematic Universe: The Avengers’ lack of depth and complexity undermined the credibility of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its characters.