Marvel is currently facing challenges on both the comic book and movie fronts. For the first time in years, their comics aren’t selling as well as DC’s, and they’re generating less excitement. Similarly, the upcoming Avengers movie is receiving less attention than previous installments. While the movies were once hugely popular, that momentum has faded, mirroring a recent slump in comic book sales. However, these issues aren’t unavoidable. A key decision made by Marvel a decade ago significantly altered their trajectory, and things haven’t been the same since.
In 2015, Marvel launched Secret Wars, a major storyline by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic, which was hyped as their biggest story ever. While named after a previous Marvel event, it actually drew more inspiration from DC’s Crisis on Infinite Earths. This story is considered one of Marvel’s strongest event series and marked a significant shift for the publisher. They made a crucial decision – choosing not to reboot their universe – which has had lasting consequences, and it’s a lesson the Marvel Cinematic Universe should pay attention to.
Secret Wars Was Marvel’s Only Chance to Fix What Was Broken
Following the catastrophic event known as the Incursions, which wiped out the entire multiverse, Doctor Doom seized the power of the Beyonders. With assistance from Doctor Strange and Molecule Man, he fashioned a new world from the remnants of destroyed Earths. Both the standard Marvel Universe and the Ultimate Marvel Universe were obliterated, and only those who escaped on life rafts created by Reed Richards (also known as the Maker) retained memories of them. Eventually, these survivors, including the Richards family and their allies, undermined Doom’s control, stripping him of his power and working with Molecule Man to rebuild the multiverse.
Many people believed Marvel was on the verge of a major reboot, similar to what DC Comics had done. For 54 years, the Marvel Universe had been expanding and evolving, leading to a complicated and confusing timeline. Even longtime fans struggled to keep track of everything. While the intention was to simplify things with a flexible timeline, it ultimately created more confusion. Marvel seemed to need a way to start over.
The destruction of the Ultimate Universe proved a point. Unlike the main Marvel universe (616), which began during the Cold War, the Ultimate Universe was set in modern times and resonated with fans. This contemporary approach was a success, though the original Ultimate Universe ultimately didn’t last due to poor choices. Had Marvel relaunched the 616 universe with a similar modern starting point, it could have been a chance to streamline continuity and reimagine their entire world.
By 2015, the main Marvel comic book storylines felt like they’d run their course. The Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four had experienced almost every possible adventure, and recent stories haven’t felt original or exciting. The universe had become so complex and full of history that it was hard to follow. A fresh start back in 2015 would have given creators the freedom to tell new stories without being limited by decades of established continuity. This reboot could have been amazing, and there’s still potential for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to achieve that level of innovation.
The MCU Shouldn’t Let Their Secret Wars Possibility Slip By
Since the massive success of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe hasn’t been as strong. While there have been a few good movies and shows, nothing has really reached the same level. Many beloved characters are gone, and very little since 2019 has felt truly impactful. Things have been struggling for a while now, and a fresh start – a complete reboot – would likely be the best course of action. Even the introduction of the X-Men doesn’t change the fact that this version of the MCU has run its course.
Marvel comics aren’t doing badly, but they would have benefited from a fresh start back in 2015. They had a lot of talented people who could have really turned things around. That opportunity has passed, and now things are as they are. The Marvel Cinematic Universe needs to learn from this; it’s already struggling, and can’t continue in its current state for much longer.
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2025-12-29 23:10