Sunday, May 3, 2020

Martian Manhunter in the Marvel Universe



I keep reading that the one event that would bring the Russo Brothers back to the directing table for Marvel is an adaptation of Secret Wars.  I'm assuming they are referring to the first maxi-series that went by that name.  That would be epic, but clearly it can't happen for a while.  First the MCU has to introduce the X-Men and The Fantastic Four, not to mention villains like Dr. Doom, Galactus, Magneto,  more Spidey rogues, and so on.  Plus, Captain America was a big player in that series, will The Falcon take over his role?  Rhodey was in the Iron Man armor, so they won't have to resurrect Tony Stark at least.

10 comments:

Detective Tobor said...

Ross, "secret wars" could be done like the Supergirl movie was done - create your own rules and ignore what you don't want. DC & Marvel have often shown how easy it is to create a take-off of different characters and groups. Make the movie versions characters from other worlds or other Earths, and that problem is solved.

The Hallmark of Horsefeathers said...

Is this the Martian Plague that attacks human cells and no one can keep their natural body shape? The heroes may look more and more like giant amoebas. For now, they need to set up quarters immediately. Welcome to the 2020 Census.

AirDave said...

Secret Wars, where the entire Marvel Universe is transported to an alien planet and must fight for survival? Where Peter Parker originally got his black costume?

Whoa!

The Answer Man said...

All they have to do for Secret Wars is say The Beyonder pulled heroes and villains from time, space, and other dimensions. That would enable them to use any character they want by either saying they are from the past or an alternate universe.

Bob Greenwade said...

I'm not sure, but I think the Russos were talking about the more recent (unnumbered) "Secret Wars," with which I'm unfamiliar.

In any event, as the Russos demonstrated with Infinity War and Endgame, the MCU adaptation doesn't need to be a blow-by-blow copy of the original plot, as long as it hits the same basic notes. (Remember, the Silver Surfer wasn't around to warn Earth about Thanos, so they used Banner in his place.) By the time they get around to doing it, the X-Men and Fantastic Four will be a part of the MCU; the only character that I think would be difficult to refit would be Molecule Man, and I don't think even he would be completely necessary (while the scene where he drops a mountain on the heroes is fairly iconic -- largely because of how Hulk holds it up to save everyone's lives -- I don't know that it's entirely necessary to the story overall).

People I've heard from have been insistent, though, that such a story would have to include the Spider-Man "black costume" storyline, even though Venom (whom the costume turned out to be) has already been introduced in Sony's adjunct to the MCU. Possibly the costume would turn out to be a different symbiote, helping to lead into a later Spidey/Venom team-up film.

Regarding today's cover, I really dig the composition of elements here; J'Onn looks like a perfect fit, style-wise. And I think it's a good thing for the heroes that Doctor Strange is only there in astral form; perhaps he can still try to work with Charles McNider and other MDs to find some sort of cure, or at least a treatment to either shorten its course or at least mitigate the effects. (Maybe Tars Tarkas might have something?)

And it's nice to see a timely subject matter on the cover, even if it was possibly unintentional.

PS: Speaking of Tars Tarkas, I notice that he's one character who hasn't yet appeared here (or, at least, not with a tag of his own). Maybe he could be teamed with other multi-armed characters, such as Spiral and Stitch? (An answer to the question, "You and what army?"!)

Ross said...

Bob, Tars Tarkas appeared with John Carter and The Martian Manhunter way back in STF #38.

Anonymous said...

Did Doctor Strange's ASTRAL form get infected?; never mind Thor, Hercules, etc. who are of different dimensions?

Davejonz said...

Tars Tarkas and Jonn. It'd be good to see them together again. Maybe they are rivals for She Hulk's affections!

Carycomic said...

I have an interesting challenge for your artistic talents, Ross.

Considering how much of ERB's "John Carter" novels wound up inspiring the STAR WARS franchise, how about a cover where Admiral Thrawn reveals to the Carters and Skywalkers that "Chiss" is short for "Children of Iss" (the Barsoomian death goddess)?

Brother Kellymatthew said...

Stuck in the Middle With You!

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