Review: ‘What If…?’ is another Marvel masterpiece on Disney+
Marvel has been taking audiences on a slow journey into the ‘weird’ parts of their comics. Far from billionaire playboy philanthropists or a soldier with a shield, Marvel is introducing fans to the long awaited multiverse in “What If…?”
Fans got a sneak peek of the above-mentioned weirdness during “WandaVision,” but were thrown headfirst into the new phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe during the recent “Loki” show. “What If…?” continues to bend the reality we know as the Sacred Timeline, and ventures into storylines fans have only read in comics.
The Watcher is a great and powerful being who shows the audience the results of what one small decision can do to a timeline. The Watcher is omniscient and pops up here and there, a la Pazuzu from “The Exorcist.” He only shows the viewer what can happen, but he can’t and won’t interfere.
Captain Carter is a result of what could’ve happened had Peggy stayed with Steve while he turned into a super soldier. But one small decision can affect everything fans know to be true. With Peggy as the new first Avenger, what happens to Steve, or Bucky, for that matter?
Captain Carter is much more confident than Captain America. The personification of ‘girl power,’ Peggy isn’t afraid to hold back a punch or absolutely annihilate the enemy with one throw of her shield. Along with weird “Loki” couples costumes, I’m sure there will be a whole bunch of Captain Carter costumes this Halloween.
During the second episode, “What If…?” gives a look at what could’ve happened had Yondu kidnapped the wrong kid from Earth. T’challa never becomes king of Wakanda, and is the new Star-Lord. As opposed to Peter Quill’s Star-Lord, T’challa is a legend throughout the galaxy. Teaming up with some very unlikely partners, he roams the galaxy helping planets in need.
What would happen if there were no Avengers? Before they can be recruited by Nick Fury, each Avenger falls one by one. Who is behind it all? Who will protect the planet? Fans will be on the edge of their seats during the third episode of “What If…?”
Many stars reprise their roles throughout the show, like Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk), Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and more. Most notably, Chadwick Boseman returned to voice T’challa, making this his final performance in the role. Hearing his voice again gave me absolute goosebumps, and is a fitting ending to Boseman’s Black Panther. Have a listen below:
Although it may not get all the hype like the previous Marvel Disney+ shows, it absolutely should. The animation is beautifully done, the voice acting is obviously on point, and it shares a side of Marvel that fans have never seen before. It’ll be a great placeholder for fans until “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” premieres in September.
“What If…?” is Marvel Studios’ first animated show on the streaming service. The show will premier exclusively on Disney+ on Aug. 11, 2021.
