Top 10 Marvel Comics Storylines That Will NEVER Be in the MCU
#10: “JLA/Avengers” (2003-04)
When DC’s Krona seeks to destroy the Marvel Universe to understand the truth of creation, Marvel’s Grandmaster sets up a game to stop the supervillain. If Krona wins, the Marvel Universe will be destroyed but if he loses, it will be saved. The Justice League and Avengers are called in to battle each other for 12 items of power, the twist being the Avengers compete for Krona and the Justice League for Grandmaster. It’s perhaps the biggest DC/Marvel crossover to have ever taken place, which is why we’ll never see it on screen. Not only does the plot become super complicated because, comics, but Disney and WarnerMedia would have to pull one hell of a negotiation to bring this to the big screen.
#9: “Civil War II” (2016)
While it would definitely put butts in seats, it probably won’t happen. The sequel to 2006’s “Civil War” consists of Captain Marvel and Iron Man going head to head when Inhuman Ulysses Cain comes forth with the power of precognition. Captain Marvel views it as a way to stop disasters before they happen especially since Ulysses has visions of a dystopian future. Iron Man questions the nature of Ulysses’ powers given that some have been prevented from happening. While this conversation of determinism versus freewill could be explored in the MCU, there would definitely be some omissions. This storyline involves several major characters dying and it wouldn’t be much of an MCU if all our favourite heroes are gone.
#8: “Deadpool Killogy” (2012-14)
Deadpool has proven to be an incredibly successful hero to adapt, breaking records for highest grossing R-Rated movies! Lucky for Marvel, there are plenty of adventures to choose from but they’ll probably skip “Deadpool Killogy.” This storyline sees an alternate version of the Merc with a Mouth on a mission to eliminate Marvel characters after a failed therapy session leaves him with only evil thoughts. He even travels to other universes to eliminate classic literary characters culminating in a showdown with the 616 version of Deadpool. While people love the meta nature of this anti-hero, this story takes it to another level and that’s before you consider all the death involved. This might be a little too adventurous for Disney!
#7: Spider-Man: “Sins Past” & “Sins Remembered” (2004-05)
Could we ever see Gwen Stacy in the MCU? If we ever do, this storyline will probably be left out. In “Sins Past” and “Sins Remembered,” comic fans learned that Gwen had a secret affair with Norman Osborn and gave birth to twins, Sarah and Gabriel. After her tragic death, Osborn raised the twins to get revenge against Spider-Man for the death of their mother. This proved to be a controversial arc as it ruins the legacy of Gwen Stacy, has Peter digging up her grave for a sample of her DNA, and Sarah, who had grown up believing Spider-Man was her father, tries to put the moves on him. There’s a lot going on and we can’t say we’re here for it.
#6: “The Ultimates” (2002-11)
From story elements being adapted for “The Avengers” to the look and feel of many on screen characters, it’s hard to deny the influence “The Ultimates” had on the MCU. Could we ever see a full adaptation? The answer, shockingly, is probably not. The series contains a notably darker tone than that of the MCU. This is a world where the Hulk is responsible for the deaths of thousands (not to mention a knack for eating people), Wanda and Pietro Maximoff are lovers, Iron Man and Black Widow have an intimate video leaked online and Ant-Man and the Wasp have domestic problems, among other things. Unless Disney decides to really change the MCU up, you’ll have to stick with the comics.
#5: “Nightcat” (1992)
Probably the last thing on your mind when thinking of Marvel is pop music, but that didn’t stop them from creating a pop-star who also juggles being a superhero! This young woman with feline powers was the result of a partnership between Stan Lee and RCA Records. The intention was to create a comic character who could cross over into the real world with music releases, merchandise and public appearances. Actress Jacqueline Tavarez, who was hired to portray Nightcat, lent her name to her comic book counterpart! Neither the comic or album was successful, resulting in the hero being dropped. Unless Disney plans on doing a crossover with Hannah Montana, it’s unlikely we’ll be seeing Nightcat anytime soon.
#4: “Punisher: Fade... to White” (1992)
This is one definitely did not age well. After being framed by the Kingpin, Frank Castle is sent to Rikers Island where he’s attacked by his enemies, resulting in his face being cut up pretty badly. He manages to escape but is still wanted by the Kingpin. He finds a surgeon to alter his appearance so he can lay low. But the Punisher was just as surprised as readers when he was changed from white to black. Going by the name Rook, he teams up with Luke Cage delivering street-justice. The change isn’t permanent, though, and he fades to white. See what Marvel did there? There’s just no way this story could ever be done given the subject and it’s better left in the past.
#3: “Secret Empire” (2017)
This can be best summed up with two simple words: “Hail Hydra.” This series sees Captain America’s memories re-written with a Cosmic Cube making him believe he’s a sleeper agent for Hydra. He then orchestrates its takeover of the U.S. government. Although referenced in “Avengers: Endgame,” don’t expect to see this in the MCU. The comic series was controversial as many fans didn’t gel with the idea of Cap being fascist. Critics also questioned whether the series was able to even handle the complexities of American fascism. It was also one of the lowest selling event comics for Marvel. All of that combined with Sam Wilson stepping into the role of Captain America, makes this storyline feel out of place.
#2: Spider-Man’s “The Other” (2005-06)
In this storyline, Peter Parker was chosen to be the recipient of the “Spider-Totem” powers. After battling Morlun, Spider-Man dies but a cosmic spider deity known as “The Other” resurrected him as a new Spider being, granting him new powers. This story brings in a lot of spiritual aspects of the Spider-Man mythos that wouldn’t fit in well with the more grounded approach of the MCU. We’ve already mentioned the cosmic spider deity but this story also involves giant spiders, humanoid spider monsters, Peter Parker shedding his skin and other occurrences that would be too weird to see on the big screen.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Thanos Wins” (2017-18)
Thanos Helps His Future Self Destroy the Universe, but the MCU Thanos Is Already Gone
“Thor: Vikings” (2003-04)
MCU’s Thor Doesn’t Suit the R-Rated Pillaging That Goes on in This New York
“Marvel Zombies” (2005-06)
Zombies Take Over Everything & Travel the Multiverse to Spread Further
#1: “Captain Marvel’s Son” (1980-81)
Carol Danvers may be one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe, but she’s also had some terrible stuff happen to her. One of those events was being impregnated without her knowledge. Marcus Immortus was trapped in Limbo, and the only way he could escape was to be reincarnated. To do so, he transported Carol to Limbo, manipulated her emotions, got her pregnant, wiped her memories and then used that pregnancy to be re-born on Earth. Not only was this incredibly confusing, but it’s also deeply disturbing. It’s safe to say that Disney won’t be touching this with a ten foot pole.