WHAT IF…? SECRET WARS #1 – What Could Have Been

Creative Team – Alex Paknadel, CAFU, David Curiel, VC’s Ariana Maher, Lucas Werneck

Published by Marvel Comics

MORE FROM NERD INITIATIVE HERE!

The Story

This comic review is brought to you by the dynamic duo of Megan and Shawn!

Shawn – In What If? Alex Paknadel gives us the classic power and responsibility of Spider-Man from a new perspective. It was so interesting to see how Paknadel imagines a world where 616 Peter Parker gets trapped in the Ultimate Universe rather than Miles being brought to the main 616 universe. Paknadel utilizes some classic Ultimate Universe superheroes and delivers a story that ultimately becomes truly moving.

The scene with Kitty Pryde talking about Peter being family really caught me off guard. It was such a tender moment considering Peter and Kitty’s relationship in the original Ultimate universe. Paknadel manages to deliver an interesting and enjoyable What If? story that still packs an emotional punch.

Megan – In the world of What If…?, it seems almost every question has been asked, but somehow more get thought of and they get more and more interesting. In this instance, The Watcher asks the question what if the original Ultimate Universe survived Secret Wars? With Peter Parker, bad luck is something that goes hand in hand with the character.

However, this time might just be the worst of it for him. Peter loses everything, which is meant in the most serious of ways. He’s trapped in the Ultimate Universe with no possibility of returning home. Spider-Man has to make himself at home in the Ultimate Universe with a new team and a new identity. This seems hard enough, but that’s not even including his life being on the line as he’s dying quickly.

Alex Paknadel brings back the classic story but in a different perspective in a very compelling way. Tensions are high and emotions are even higher as no one seems to trust the other and Spider-Man is on the brink of death. This was a fantastic read from beginning to end and will have you on the edge of your seat reading what happens next.

The Art

Shawn – CAFU, David Curiel, and Ariana Maher did a killer job on What If?. CAFU gives us updated looks with modern techniques and technologies that are so enjoyable. CAFU manages to draw the characters in a way that fans of the original Ultimate universe will instantly recognize while also appreciating the updated looks. From Kitty Pryde to Johnny Storm, CAFU gives you everything you loved about the Ultimate Universe in a new fresh look.

David Curiel plays a huge role in how successful this issue is with his beautiful color work. Curiel helps establish the connection between the old and new with familiar color palettes that feel much more vibrant than the original Ultimate universe. Ariana Maher helps the story flow perfectly, using the lettering to create significant emphasis throughout the story on the emotions and actions of the characters. She does an amazing job with SFX in this action-filled issue that create satisfiying moments of conflict.

Megan – The artists did a brilliant job at capturing the energy of the artwork of the Ultimate Universe and bringing it to What If…? Secret Wars #1. CAFU, David Curiel, and Ariana Maher all brought their best to the pages of the comics and the readers will benefit from it heavily. CAFU brings back the familiarity of the characters from the Ultimate Universe but with a fresher look and more detailed linework.

Curiel does a fantastic job at mixing the darker tones of the pages with a shadowed vibrancy that really pushes the emotions of the story even higher. What I love about Maher’s work is that she does incredible work with the sound effects that allow the audience to feel a part of the story by experiencing even more details. Together, the artists really showed up and showed out with What If…? Secret Wars #1.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 9/10 This was another satisfying entry into the What If? lexicon. I really enjoyed this issue and it left me wanting to see more of a world where 616 Peter remained in the Ultimate Universe. It was suprisingly heartfelt and ends with a message of hope despite the odds.

Megan – 8.4/10. What If…? Secret Wars #1 perfectly captures the spirit of What If…? and brings an entirely new perspective to the story.

Overall Grade – 8.8/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of the comic!