50 Years Later, Marvel’s What If…? Reinvents Spider-Man And Other Iconic Heroes

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Almost 50 years ago, Marvel began publishing a unique comic series that explored alternate versions of its popular characters and storylines. The company recently shared more details about how it will celebrate this significant anniversary.

This summer, Marvel is releasing three separate What If…? stories, each exploring a different alternate reality connected to Spider-Man.

The comic What If…? Secret Wars #1, written by Alex Paknadel and illustrated by Cafu, offers a new conclusion that saves the Ultimate Universe. The story is primarily told from the perspective of Peter Parker, who, as the official description states, must fight to survive after losing everything he has.

While Spider-Man doesn’t play a major role in What If…? Jessica Jones #1, the comic introduces a unique take on a web-slinging hero. Written by Justina Ireland with art by David Messina, the story reimagines the beginnings of Jessica Jones, known for her tough and skeptical personality, and her later adventures in Daredevil: Born Again. It reveals she was once Spider-Girl, a teenage superhero forced out of retirement as an adult.

Writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Yildiray Çinar are teaming up again for What If…? Spider-Man #1, a story that explores what would have happened after the events of 1987’s Kraven’s Last Hunt, where Sergei Kravinoff finds peace after defeating Spider-Man and then takes his own life. This is just a glimpse of what Marvel has planned for its 50th anniversary of What If…? in July.

Marvel Has Big Plans For What If…?’s 50th Anniversary

Marvel has big plans for the summer of 2026, likely centering around its popular “What If…?” series, making it a season of exciting possibilities.

The story begins on June 3, 2026, with the release of What If…? Uncanny X-Men #1, written by Gerry Duggan and illustrated by Jan Bazaldua. This single issue explores an alternate reality based on one of Marvel’s most talked-about relationships.

Coming out on the 17th is the first issue of What If…? Thor, a five-part story with a unique premise. Writer Torunn Grønbekk and artist Sergio Dávila explore what would happen if Thor gained the powers of Spider-Man’s Symbiote suit.

August will also bring several one-shot comics, including What If…? Captain America #1, available on August 5th. Written by Marc Guggenheim with art by Ron Lim, this issue imagines a scenario where Steve Rogers isn’t discovered until the year 2099.

In two weeks, Marvel will release What If…? Runaways #1, written by Rainbow Rowell and illustrated by Zulema Lavina. This special issue explores a scenario where the teenage heroes decide to stay with – and support – their supervillain parents instead of running away.

Okay, so on August 26th, a new comic called What If…? X-Men #1 is coming out, and it’s wild! Apparently, Professor X—Charles Xavier—gets killed by his own twin sister, Cassandra Nova. Seriously, can you believe that? It’s gonna be a crazy alternate reality story, I’m already hyped!

Marvel is releasing special alternate covers created by rising artists from their Stormbreakers program. These covers show surprising twists on classic heroes – like Captain Marvel being a Skrull, the X-Men working for Galactus, and Spider-Man teaming up with his enemies, the Sinister Six, among other unexpected scenarios.

The comic series What If…? was first published in February 1977, created by Roy Thomas. Its initial story, featuring Spider-Man joining The Fantastic Four, remains a fan favorite. Years later, this concept was adapted into an animated TV show on Disney+, exploring alternate scenarios within the established Marvel Cinematic Universe.

I’m so excited for these new comics! What If…? Secret Wars #1 drops on July 1st, 2026, then we get What If…? Jessica Jones #1 on July 15th, and finally, What If…? Spider-Man #1 is coming out on July 29th. It’s going to be a great month!

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2026-04-13 20:52