The Multitude of Apocalypses: How Many Times Has Earth-616 Been Destroyed in Marvel?

Multiverse storytelling is a complex and fascinating aspect of comic books, and nowhere is this more evident than in Marvel Comics' primary universe, Earth-616. Over the years, Earth-616 has faced numerous apocalyptic threats and has been destroyed multiple times. Here, we delve into the key instances of Earth-616's destruction within the Marvel Universe, highlighting the impact and significance of these events.

A Comprehensive Look at Key Apocalyptic Events

Earth-616, or the primary universe of the Marvel Universe, has seen its fair share of catastrophic events. While some of these destructions were confined to the Ultimate Universe, their repercussions often affected the main universe, altering its very fabric.

Destroying Multiple Universes

One of the most significant events where Earth-616 was destroyed occurred during the Battleworld storyline. In this storyline, Doctor Doom created Battleworld from the remnants of various realities, including Earth-616. This act of cosmic destruction was not just limited to one universe, but rather a montage of alternate realities.

Threats from Builders and Thanos

The Second Infinity Trilogy brought about significant threats to the safety of Earth-616. Threats from powerful entities like the Builders and Thanos led to catastrophic events, though the universe was not ultimately destroyed. Instead, it faced profound changes and alterations, reflecting the ever-evolving narrative of the Marvel Universe.

Ultimate Universe Repercussions

While some events were primarily Ultimate Universe events, their effects often rippled into Earth-616. For instance, the Ultimates Series brought about upheaval that changed the course of Earth-616. Despite not being the central focus of the conflict, the main universe felt the reverberations of the events in the Ultimate Series.

Direct Destruction of Earth-616

Multiversal destruction has come to Earth-616 in several instances. One notable event was during the Secret Wars, where the multiverse was destroyed. Reed Richards, with the powers of the Builders, played a key role in helping to rebuild the current universe from the scraps left by the destruction.

The End by Thanos: A Non-Canonical Event

Multiverse-ending events are not uncommon in Marvel Comics. The End by Thanos is frequently cited as a non-canon event, although it has been followed up on in canonical works. Thanos tried to fix issues with the afterlife by destroying the multiverse, though its status as non-canon adds an air of uncertainty to the event's impact.

Creation and Destruction of the Universe

Another instance where Earth-616 was destroyed and recreated stemmed from Genis Vell and Entropy, the son of Eternity. These powerful entities introduced a new timeline, destroying and then recreating the universe, including Earth-616. This event had significant repercussions, changing the course of history once again.

The One Above All and the One More Powerful

The Second Infinity Trilogy also featured the rise of the The One Above All and The One More Powerful. These cosmic entities brought about a new universe, destroying the old, including Earth-616. However, their actions led to the creation of the new universe, which is a testament to the resilience and eventual rebirth of the primary universe.

Conclusion: An Ever-Evolving Narrative

The nature of comic book storytelling means that various timelines, alternate realities, and reboots often lead to different interpretations and outcomes. Earth-616 has been destroyed or altered significantly several times throughout its history, reflecting the ever-evolving narrative of Marvel Comics. These apocalyptic events are a testament to the power of cosmic entities and the resilience of the universe, making the story of Earth-616 a thrilling and complex journey for comic book enthusiasts.