MarvelComicshas a history that spans decades and consists of thousands of stories and characters that have changed dramatically over the years; with so much content, continuity is hard to keep in order. WhileMarveldoes not go the reboot route as often as its fellow comic book company, DC Comics, from time to time they do hand out a retcon or two.When things just get out of hand, or a particular character needs new life breathed into them, a retcon of their history, origin, and even original abilities is implemented.
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The changes can vary depending on the writer involved and can work out a number of ways, some good and some bad. More often than not, these changes are for the better to bestow some much-needed clarity for fans or to progress a character without moving him ahead in time and space. Here are some Marvel Comics retcons that were for the best.
6The Green Door
For a long time, the Hulk archetype has been one of the most unique and somewhat confusing groups in Marvel Comics. Since Bruce Banner originally became the Hulk, several new individuals have appeared as Hulks, spawning an entire faction called the Gamma Corps.Jennifer Walters as She-Hulk, Betty Ross, and her father have both emerged as Red Hulks and, with numerous others, have all appeared on the battlefield and even died in battle.
However, once a Hulk, always a Hulk, as each who perished has returned to the world of the living with no memory of their absence. How the Hulks constantly reincarnate has been a long-time question that was recently answered inAvengers#684, which expanded on the Hulk’s constant cycle of life and death. When a Hulk dies, they go to their own afterlife where they must fight their way to the Green Door, which allows them to come back to life. This paired well with the new mystical powers of Gamma energy as the Incredible Hulk himself underwent several drastic changes in terms of his abilities and origin.
5Moira Is A Mutant
Moira Mactaggart is one of the most enigmatic characters in the Marvel universe that has circled the fate of the X-Men and mutant kind since she was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum. Her first major appearance was when she was hired as a housekeeper for the Xavier institute and one of its founders. Her friendship with Charles Xavier and the mutants under his care blossomed into a lifelong mission to do whatever she could to aid her friends.
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Unfortunately, Moira’s life involved tragedy after tragedy, including her death. Miraculously, Moira returned to life with no explanation to come by. This all changed recently when it was confirmed that Moira is indeed a mutant, and she possesses the ability to reincarnate with all her memories intact. This new revelation has floored Moira, and she now must accept that she is one of the most important mutants in the world who holds the entire race’s fate in her hands.
4Jean Gray Lives
Jean Grey is one of the most famous founding members of the X-Men and a renowned mutant in the Marvel Comics universe. She has been a pillar of the mutant community ever since her defining moment as the Dark Phoenix. In the story surrounding the cosmic force, Jean Grey served as the vessel that contained the Phoenix Force and became one of the most powerful beings on the planet.
Unfortunately, the power swelling in Jean corrupted her and turned her to do incredibly evil things. Jean’s actions resulted in her death at her own hands, sacrificing herself for her friends. However, Jean’s first resurrection of many was revealed: the phoenix who died was, in fact, a copy created by the Phoenix Force itself. The real Jean Gray resurfaced five years later after being discovered by fishermen trapped in a psychic cocoon. Her resurgence continued Jean’s popularity and made her a mainstay on the team.
3Star-Lord’s Origin
Star-Lord has gained a fair amount of popularity ever since his appearance in live-action films in theMarvel Cinematic Universe. While Star-Lord was a well-off character in his own comics, his origin was a bit average until he was placed in the hands of Brian Michael Bendis.
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Originally just a normal human being, Peter Quill’s birth was altered, and he ended up being an alien hybrid with a human mother and an alien father. The main difference between Star-lord’s origin in the comics andtheGuardians of the Galaxyfilmis who his father is: J’son of Spartax serves as the father of Peter Quil in the comic book world, while Star-Lord’s lineage was elevated to celestial status with Ego being his biological father in the movies.
2Wolverine’s Claws
Wolverine is possibly the most popular Marvel Comics character in the world. The legacy of the character hastranscended comics and crossed over with animation, live-action films, and even video games. The man with the adamantium skeleton has been a prevalent force throughout multiple Marvel Comicsuniverses, outliving most of the heroes he fought alongside thanks to his healing factor.
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Wolverine’s healing factor is constantly at work, keeping the adamantium infection at bay and healing his countless battle wounds, including the extension of his claws. However, Wolverine’s claws were not always one of his mutations. Initially, they were planned to be a part of the gloves he wore, but this was quickly changed as the character became more fleshed out. This change made a big difference throughout the character’s future that defined him in the comics, especially afterMagneto ripped the unbreakable metalfrom his bones.
1The Original Sins
Original Sinis one of Marvel Comics' few blatant retcons that covered the entirety of the Marvel Universe. Kicking off with the death of the Watcher, in each issue ofOriginal Sin, a new discovery was made by readers that further pulled them into the mystery about the cosmic being’s murder.
Some of the oldest truths in the Marvelcontinuity were altered or completely changed in the series, from Tony Stark being responsible for creating the Hulk toLuke Cage’sfather being a founder of an earlier Avengers team and its leader.Original Sinrolled the dice on countless heroes and villains, resulting in an entirely new landscape for the Marvel universe.
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