MCU vs Marvel Comics: Are They in the Same Multiverse?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Marvel Comics: Are They in the Same Multiverse?
One of the most debated topics in the Marvel fan community is whether the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the Marvel Comics are in the same multiverse. This article will explore the reasons why they are indeed not in the same multiverse and how the recent events from Spider-Man: No Way Home further supports this theory.
Understanding the Multiverse
The concept of the Multiverse in the Marvel Universe suggests that there are countless parallel universes, each with its unique versions of characters and events. However, the MCU and Marvel Comics do not strictly follow the same multiversal rules, leading to significant differences in their storytelling and character arcs.
Singularity vs. Variance: Single Variant Differences
Characters and Their Variations
In the MCU, characters like Alioth and America Chavez have definitive versions that are distinctly different from their counterparts in the Marvel Comics. For example, the Alioth in the MCU and the Comics are two entirely different versions of the same character, with separate backstories and appearances. Similarly, America Chavez in the MCU is a very different character from the numerous versions in the comics, each having their own unique traits and plot arcs.
Cosmic Entity Discrepancies
The All-Powerful Cosmic Entity
In the Marvel Comics, the All-Powerful Cosmic Entity is known as The One Above All (TOAA). However, in the MCU, the All-Powerful Entity is an AI named K.E.V.I.N, which is not the creational deity of the multiverse. This fundamental difference in the nature of the cosmic entities clearly indicates that the two universes have different foundational principles.
The Cosmic Quartet
The Cosm Quartet in the Marvel Comics includes the entities Oblivion, Reality, Order, and Entropy. However, in the MCU, these entities are replaced by Oblivion, Reality, Order, and Entropy. This change highlights the divergence in the cosmic laws governing the two multiverses. As Oblivion is not equivalent to Topaz, the difference is significant.
The Main Timeline vs. Multiversal Connections
Thriving Multiverses
Both the main comics timeline and the MCU are repeatedly identified as Earth-616. This designation establishes that they are both the primary timelines of their respective multiverses. Interestingly, both of these multiverses are believed to exist within the larger Marvel Megaverse, which is further contained within an Omniverse. The Omniverse encompasses all of existence, including fan-fictions and our own world, making the interconnectedness of these multiverses plausible in a grander cosmic tapestry.
Spider-Man: No Way Home and the Reality of Multiverses
The Sacred Timeline
The latest addition to the MCU, Spider-Man: No Way Home, introduced elements that further blur the lines between the MCU and the comics. Among these is the appearance of the Time variant Sylvie, a Variant of Scarlet Witch, who has the ability to break reality. Sylvie’s actions imply that the multiverses are not fixed entities but rather fluid and dynamic. When she broke the multiverse, it signifies that alternate universes can exist at any point in time, challenging the notion of a fixed reality.
Citadel and TVA
Notably, both the comics and the MCU have their own versions of the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and the Citadel. The TVA in the comics monitors and enforces the continuity of various parallel universes, while the Citadel in the MCU is a similar institution. These entities exist outside of time and serve as guardians of the multiverse, adding another layer of complexity to the multiversal relationships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both the MCU and Marvel Comics belong to the larger Marvel Megaverse and the Omniverse, they are not in the same multiverse. The status of the multiverses in the MCU and the comics, as well as the recent events from Spider-Man: No Way Home, provide strong evidence supporting this conclusion. Though they may reside in the greater Marvel Megaverse, they operate under distinct multiversal rules and existences.