Marvel’s Comic Universe: No Plans to Kill Off Characters Outside MCU Rights

As of August 2023, there has been no official announcement from Marvel Comics indicating plans to kill off every character whose film rights are not owned by the Disney corporation. Despite rumors and speculations, Marvel's creative decisions are typically driven by storytelling needs rather than rights issues.

Complex Licensing Situations

The film rights for many Marvel characters are held by various studios, leading to complex licensing situations. For example, characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men have had their rights with other studios, but Marvel has still included them in various comic storylines.

Popular Characters Not in MCU:

Let's explore some popular Marvel characters who aren't currently part of the MCU, and thus can’t be included in the multiverse where MCU characters live.

X-Men, Especially Wolverine

Consider X-Men, particularly Wolverine. Recently, Wolverine and Namor have faced tragic endings, while the X-Men as a collective are struggling with the terrigen mists causing disease and death among mutants. Despite this, other storylines continue to progress.

Fantastic Four

The Fantastic Four, a critically loved team, has been MIA after the events of Secret Wars, leaving fans eagerly awaiting any developments.

Deadpool

Deadpool maintains an active presence in various comic storylines, with multiple books, even a team-up book with Spider-Man. His popularity ensures he remains a vital part of Marvel's universe.

Namor

The aquatic hero, Namor, remains a controversial figure due to uncertainty about who owns the rights to his character. These rights disputes complicate his inclusion in the larger Marvel universe.

Marvel Comic Universe and MCU Alignment

While there has been some alignment between the Marvel comic universe and the MCU, certain changes have been met with criticism. The shift from Hugh Jackman's Wolverine to Mystique/Professor X/Magneto demonstrates a change in narrative focus. The declining sales of the Fantastic Four comics also point to a potential realignment of storylines.

The Inhumans/X-Men conflict is a significant factor in Marvel's current comic series. The Inhumans, without access to the X-Men, are positioned as a major alternative. However, without conclusive data, it's difficult to draw definitive conclusions about future plans for these characters.

Ultimately, as long as the characters prove lucrative for Marvel through their comic book series, they will likely continue to exist in the Marvel universe. The only real issue seems to be the ongoing clash between Inhumans and X-Men, which highlights the complex nature of rights and storytelling in the Marvel ecosystem.