3 Marvel Villains Who’d Outshine Doom Post-Thanos

by

The Marvel Cinematic Universe mapped out its final chapter for the Multiverse Saga at San Diego Comic-Con last summer. It was revealed then that Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror would no longer be the main antagonist in what is now titled Avengers: Doomsday. A surprising comeback has been confirmed for Robert Downey Jr., who will take on the role of Doctor Doom, the saga’s new primary villain. Although the idea of Downey Jr. playing Victor Von Doom is certainly exciting news, there remains a concern about how well this fits. Doctor Doom is indeed one of Marvel’s most iconic villains, and his character is deeply connected to the Fantastic Four, serving as their arch-nemesis. Introducing him into an Avengers-scale conflict before he has fully interacted with Reed Richards and the rest of Marvel’s First Family seems hasty, as it bypasses a crucial rivalry.

In a post-Thanos Marvel universe, Marvel Studios might’ve chosen different routes for the Multiversal Saga that could’ve been more fitting. Let me propose some potent characters who could’ve replaced Thanos and presented unique challenges tailored for the Avengers instead of Doctor Doom.

Here are our suggestions:

1. Magus – A former disciple of the cosmic entity known as the Celestial Messiah, Magus embodies immense power, ambition, and a twisted sense of morality. His desire to rule the universe makes him an excellent alternative villain in the Multiversal Saga.

2. Kang the Conqueror – A time-traveling tyrant who seeks to conquer various timelines, Kang is a formidable adversary with advanced technology and a deep understanding of the multiverse. His ability to manipulate time makes him a unique threat that the Avengers must face.

3. Galactus – As a cosmic entity feeding on planets for energy, Galactus presents an existential crisis for Earth and its heroes. His presence would force the Avengers to form alliances with other cosmic beings and explore the vastness of space in their quest to save the universe.

4. Annihilus – The leader of the alien race known as the Annihilators, Annihilus seeks to consume entire galaxies for his own purposes. His relentless aggression and advanced technology make him a formidable foe for the Avengers in a Multiversal conflict.

5. Mephisto – As the Lord of the Dark Dimension, Mephisto has the power to manipulate reality, life, and death. His cunning and deceitful nature would make him an excellent adversary for the Avengers, as they navigate the challenges of both the physical world and the mystical realms.

These alternatives could have provided compelling storylines that catered to the strengths of the Avengers while offering unique threats in a post-Thanos universe.

Korvac

Michael Korvac embodies a cosmic danger that might even surpass Thanos, yet he’s less recognized. Debuting in “Giant-Size Defenders” #3, Korvac started as a human computer expert from the 31st century, eventually becoming a cyborg and subsequently gaining almost unbounded Power Cosmic from Galactus’ technology. Korvac aims to instill his distorted concept of utopia across the universe, convinced that his immense power authorizes him to compulsorily refine existence, eradicating perceived disorder and pain. This frequently places him at odds with heroes who safeguard free choice.

In a more streamlined and relatable style: Korvac, free from the burden of Doom’s complicated Fantastic Four history, could have been crafted as a distinctly Avengers-worthy cosmic crisis. This storyline would challenge the team with confronting deity-like power and the ominous consequences of enforced order. Given the intricate disorder of the Multiverse, Korvac might appear as the one trying to bring balance, ultimately clashing with numerous heroes before the Avengers make their climactic stand. His lack of fame would allow his tale to unfold without expectations, providing creative flexibility while still maintaining high-stakes action suitable for a post-Thanos Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Morgan le Fay

In the context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Morgan le Fay stands out as an exceptional choice for introducing a unique magical danger that deviates from the established cosmic entities and tech-villains. Originally appearing in Black Knight #1, published in 1955, Morgan is a legendary enchantress rooted in Arthurian folklore, possessing immortality and immense magical prowess acquired over centuries. Her diverse skillset spans reality manipulation, illusion casting, necromancy, and control over mystical forces, positioning her among Earth’s most powerful magic practitioners. Unlike adversaries who rely on technology or raw power, Morgan’s abilities are ancient and inherently intertwined with magic itself, providing a distinctive flavor of confrontation.

Switching up the threat by having the Avengers face off against Morgan offers a refreshing twist in enemy type. Instead of battling yet another armored despot or cosmic invader, Earth’s greatest protectors would encounter forces beyond their typical realms. Morgan’s magic circumvents the Avengers’ standard defenses and attacks their minds and spirits, compelling the team to seek aid from mystical comrades or devise non-traditional strategies. Although Doctor Doom employs sorcery, Morgan embodies sorcery itself, symbolizing a raw, ancient magical peril tailored for the Avengers.

Squadron Sinister

The Squadron Sinister is a team of adversaries that debuted in Avengers #69, serving as antagonistic counterparts to DC Comics’ Justice League. Frequently gathered by cosmic beings such as the Grandmaster for confrontations, their membership usually consists of Hyperion, who shares Superman’s superhuman strength, flight, and heat vision; Nighthawk, a tactical genius relying on strategies similar to Batman and advanced technology; Doctor Spectrum, who wields an alien power prism reminiscent of a Green Lantern ring; and the Whizzer, possessing speed akin to The Flash. They work together to overpower the Avengers with their collective force.

Following the Avengers’ clash with the formidable Thanos, a shift in dynamics by introducing an ensemble like the Squadron Sinister could offer a refreshing change. Instead of focusing on a single ultimate adversary, the heroes would now have to contend with multiple high-tier threats concurrently. This situation necessitates intricate teamwork and complex strategies from Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

In a series of movies and television shows, the members of the Squadron Sinister could be gradually introduced, each one building up to a grand crossover event. The Multiverse concept provides a convenient explanation for drawing these villains from various timelines, making them ideal fits for the Multiversal Saga.

Read More

2025-04-22 18:44