The Marvel Zombies saga receives its animated treatment in the What If…? episode titled “What If… Zombies?!” (Season 1, Episode 5). This installment presents a chilling alternative reality where a quantum virus transforms Earth’s mightiest heroes into ravenous undead, forcing a desperate group of survivors to fight for their lives.
A Deep Dive into “What If… Zombies?!”
This episode stands out in What If…? Season 1 for its starkly different tone and gruesome visuals. It’s not just a slightly altered timeline; it’s a full-blown horror scenario with significant implications for the Marvel Multiverse. The episode explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the terrifying power of uncontrolled scientific advancement.
The Premise: From Quantum Realm to Zombified Avengers
The episode’s inciting incident is a twist on a familiar story. Instead of returning safely from the Quantum Realm, Hank Pym brings back something horrifying: a quantum virus that rapidly transforms individuals into flesh-eating zombies. This quickly escalates, infecting key Avengers and spreading the contagion across the globe. The episode masterfully depicts the descent into chaos as established heroes become grotesque versions of themselves. We witness iconic figures like Captain America, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange succumb to the virus, becoming terrifying antagonists.
The Survivors: A Ragtag Team Against the Undead
In this grim reality, a group of unlikely heroes bands together to combat the zombie threat. This team includes Spider-Man, Hope van Dyne (Wasp), Bruce Banner, Bucky Barnes, Sharon Carter, Kurt, Happy Hogan, and Okoye. They embark on a perilous mission to find a cure, facing constant danger and devastating losses along the way. The dynamics between these characters, particularly the mentorship between Spider-Man and the Wasp, offer moments of levity amidst the horror.
The Heart of the Story: Loss, Sacrifice, and Hope
Despite the overwhelming odds and the constant threat of infection, the episode explores the themes of loss, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope. The survivors are forced to make difficult choices, often sacrificing themselves for the greater good. The episode highlights the strength of human connection in the face of unimaginable adversity. While the ending is bittersweet, it suggests that even in the darkest of timelines, the spark of hope can still flicker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does the zombie virus in “What If… Zombies?!” differ from other zombie viruses?
The zombie virus in this episode originates from the Quantum Realm and possesses unique properties. It’s incredibly fast-acting and seems to enhance the physical capabilities of its victims, making them stronger and faster than typical zombies. Its quantum origin also implies a potentially deeper connection to the Multiverse, opening up possibilities for cross-dimensional infection.
2. Who are the most powerful zombified Avengers in the episode?
Several zombified Avengers pose significant threats, but Doctor Strange (Zombified Supreme) stands out. His mastery of magic, even in undead form, makes him exceptionally dangerous. Other powerful zombies include Iron Man, Captain America, and Scarlet Witch, all retaining vestiges of their original powers in addition to their increased physical strength and hunger for flesh.
3. Why is Spider-Man wearing Doctor Strange’s Cloak of Levitation?
Spider-Man is wearing Doctor Strange’s Cloak of Levitation after Strange’s zombified form is defeated. The Cloak, seemingly having a sense of self-preservation and a connection to the side of good, attaches itself to Spider-Man, recognizing him as someone who can use its abilities responsibly. This is a key moment of empowerment for Peter Parker.
4. What is the significance of the food source the zombies are craving?
The zombies’ craving isn’t just for any flesh; they specifically crave human flesh. This highlights the horror and the perversion of the heroes’ identities. The insatiable hunger serves as a constant reminder of the tragedy of their transformation and the stakes of the survivors’ fight.
5. Does the episode provide any clues about a potential cure for the zombie virus?
The episode explores the possibility of a cure but doesn’t explicitly provide one. Bruce Banner initially believes his gamma radiation might offer a solution, but it ultimately fails. The survivors’ mission revolves around reaching Wakanda, hoping to find a cure or sanctuary within its advanced technology.
6. What role does Wakanda play in “What If… Zombies?!”
Wakanda, initially perceived as a safe haven, is revealed to have fallen. The episode’s grim twist reveals that the zombies managed to breach Wakanda’s defenses, resulting in a massive outbreak. This demonstrates the scale of the zombie threat and underscores the difficulty of finding a truly safe place. Ultimately it’s Vision who is keeping a Zombified Wanda fed with T’Challa, and that’s what is keeping her from spreading the virus.
7. How does Vision factor into the Marvel Zombies storyline in this episode?
Vision plays a complex and morally ambiguous role. He’s not zombified but has been captured by the zombies and is being used to sustain Scarlet Witch, who is kept contained and fed with human victims (including T’Challa, who Vision has amputated limbs from). This allows her to retain some semblance of control and prevents her from spreading the virus further. His actions highlight the difficult ethical choices required for survival in this apocalyptic scenario.
8. What is the fate of the survivors at the end of the episode?
The episode concludes with a small group of survivors, including Spider-Man, the Wasp, and T’Challa (who is missing a leg, which was fed to Wanda), heading to Wakanda in hopes of finding a cure, or something of value that will help them defeat the zombies, while Bruce Banner remains behind, intending to slow Wanda down to buy the others time. Unfortunately, as the ship leaves Wakanda with the survivors in tow, zombified Thanos emerges, armed with the complete Infinity Gauntlet, signaling a much greater threat to the Multiverse.
9. How does this episode connect to other Marvel Zombies storylines in the comics?
While What If…? draws inspiration from the Marvel Zombies comic book series, it presents its own distinct version of the zombie outbreak. The comics feature a more complex narrative with multiple teams of heroes battling the undead, whereas the episode focuses on a smaller group of survivors. However, both share the core concept of Marvel superheroes succumbing to a zombie virus and the resulting chaos.
10. What implications does “What If… Zombies?!” have for the broader MCU?
This episode, like all What If…? episodes, establishes the existence of alternative realities within the Multiverse. The emergence of zombified Thanos with the Infinity Gauntlet suggests that this particular timeline could pose a significant threat to other universes, potentially leading to future cross-dimensional conflicts and events within the MCU. The episode is not MCU Canon, and is part of the Multiverse.
11. Will we see more of Marvel Zombies in future MCU projects?
Given the popularity of the Marvel Zombies concept and the success of this What If…? episode, it’s highly likely that we will see more of the undead heroes in future MCU projects. There is already a “Marvel Zombies” animated series announced to be in the works. This could take the form of additional What If…? episodes, standalone animated series, or even live-action appearances.
12. Is the “What If… Zombies?!” episode suitable for all audiences?
Due to its graphic content and horror elements, “What If… Zombies?!” is generally considered to be more mature than other MCU offerings. It contains depictions of violence, gore, and body horror, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. Parental discretion is advised.