Marvel Comics is diving headfirst back into the multiverse, and this time, it’s all about celebrating one of its most imaginative legacies. In honor of 50 years of What If?, the publisher is rolling out an ambitious slate of one-shots that promise to radically reshape some of its most iconic storylines.
Announced earlier this year, the anniversary initiative kicks off in June with WHAT IF…? UNCANNY X-MEN #1 by Gerry Duggan and Jan Bazaldua, alongside WHAT IF…? THOR #1 from Torunn Grønbekk and Sergio Dávila.
But the real multiversal madness expands in July, as Marvel unveils three additional one-shots that push fan-favorite stories into bold, unexpected territory.
Rewriting Marvel’s Biggest Moments
The July lineup explores alternate realities tied to some of Marvel’s most defining arcs:
- WHAT IF…? SECRET WARS #1
Written by Alex Paknadel with art by Cafu, this story flips the ending of Secret Wars by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribić. Instead of collapsing, the Ultimate Universe survives—leaving Spider-Man to navigate a harsher, unfamiliar world where everything he once knew is gone. - WHAT IF…? JESSICA JONES #1
From Justina Ireland and David Messina comes a wild twist: What if Jessica Jones had been bitten by the radioactive spider? Reimagined as a retired, reluctant Spider-Girl, Jessica is pulled back into action when a familiar threat—possibly the Green Goblin—re-emerges. - WHAT IF…? SPIDER-MAN #1
Legendary writer J.M. DeMatteis returns to revisit his classic Kraven’s Last Hunt alongside artist Yildiray Çınar. This time, the question is simple but haunting: What if Kraven the Hunter survived? The answer sends both Kraven and Spider-Man down a darker, more psychological path.
Also Check Out: X-Men Reboot Director Comments On Comic Book Runs He’s Inspired By
Expanding the Legacy of “What If?”
For decades, What If? has served as Marvel’s creative playground—offering fans alternate takes on pivotal events and characters. This 50th anniversary lineup leans fully into that tradition, blending nostalgia with daring new interpretations that challenge the very foundations of Marvel continuity.
With more one-shots still to come, the celebration is shaping up to be one of Marvel’s most ambitious multiverse explorations yet.
Fans can look for these issues to hit comic shops in July, with preorders available now.
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