10 Fascinating Marvel Storylines Completely Overlooked by the MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has frequently alluded to iconic Marvel Comics story arcs throughout its expansive narrative framework. However, many of these tantalizing references have ultimately fallen flat or been neglected. Over the years, the MCU has transformed from a modest collection of interlinked stories into a colossal cinematic universe, replete with interconnected narratives that continue to captivate audiences. A significant factor behind this success has been the adaptation of select Marvel Comics plots into its films.

Nevertheless, the MCU has not consistently succeeded in honoring the depth and intricacies of the original comic stories. Numerous instances exist where the franchise has teased fans with compelling comic arcs, only to sidestep them without providing the due exploration they merit. Such missed opportunities often stem from the non-linear development of characters and plots, leading to several of Marvel’s most exciting narratives being ignored altogether. Below, we delve into ten notable storylines from Marvel Comics that the MCU overlooked.

10. Peter Parker’s Secret Identity Being Revealed

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

J. Jonah Jameson revealing Peter Parker's identity

The conclusion of Spider-Man: Far From Home reveals Peter Parker’s true identity to the world, setting the stage for the events of No Way Home. This sequel, however, shifted focus toward magical solutions, delving into multiversal chaos rather than exploring the significant emotional ramifications of Peter’s exposure. In the comics, it was the fallout from the Civil War storyline that prompted Peter to reveal his identity, leading to shocking consequences, including the tragic death of his Aunt May. This pivotal event paved the way for the controversial One More Day arc, where Peter strikes a deal with Mephisto to reverse his losses. While No Way Home borrowed some key elements, it neglected to address the profound implications stemming from Peter’s identity reveal, ultimately shortchanging a deeply engaging narrative.

9. Bucky Barnes as Captain America

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Despite the multifaceted journey of Captain America within the MCU, the adaptation largely overlooks one of the most compelling arcs in the superhero’s legacy: Bucky Barnes assuming the shield. In the comics, after Steve Rogers’s demise, Bucky takes on the iconic mantle as part of his redemption arc following his liberation from his past as the Winter Soldier. While the MCU has transitioned the shield to Sam Wilson, the omission of Bucky’s storyline significantly diminishes his character’s development, forgoing a deep, narrative-rich opportunity rooted in the source material.

8. The Kree-Skrull War

Captain Marvel (2019)

While the Kree-Skrull conflict served as an integral backdrop in Captain Marvel, it merely scratched the surface of a much richer comic narrative. The Kree-Skrull War is a seminal storyline entailing a vast array of Marvel heroes and villains embroiled in a cosmic battle with complex political undertones. However, in the MCU, the focus was primarily on introducing Carol Danvers and her role in the conflict, thus sidelining the broader implications and character dynamics that made the original arc so compelling.

7. Iron Man vs. The Mandarin

Iron Man 3 (2013)

The MCU’s treatment of the Mandarin in Iron Man 3 is often cited as a prime example of squandered potential. Although the character later appeared in Shang-Chi, the franchise missed an opportunity to explore the complex relationship between Iron Man and his arch-nemesis, the Mandarin. The two characters have a storied rivalry in the comics, yet their cinematic paths never crossed in a meaningful way, leading to the discarding of numerous engaging comics arcs that could have enriched the narrative.

6. Journey Into Mystery

Loki, Season 1, Episode 5, “Journey Into Mystery”(2021)

Loki remains one of the MCU’s most dynamic characters, oscillating between villain and anti-hero. Following Loki’s death in Avengers: Infinity War, viewers speculated about the potential adaptation of the Journey Into Mystery storyline, in which Loki is resurrected as a younger version of himself and joins the Young Avengers. Despite some nods to this narrative, the MCU chose not to delve further into this arc, leaving much to be explored, particularly with Young Loki’s character development.

5. Avengers Disassembled

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

The iconic Avengers Disassembled arc depicts Wanda Maximoff’s emotional collapse following the loss of her children, resulting in the destruction of the Avengers themselves. This pivotal storyline was anticipated to resonate within the MCU, especially after hints during WandaVision. However, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness merely alluded to certain plot points without fully manifesting the depth of Wanda’s grief and its dire consequences for the Marvel Universe. Ultimately, the narrative fell short of capturing the intensity and stakes presented in the comic.

4. Demon In A Bottle

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Although Iron Man 2 hinted at Tony Stark’s struggles with alcoholism, the adaptation fell dramatically short of the depth found in the Demon in a Bottle storyline. This comic arc delves into Stark’s battle against addiction, showcasing its toll on his life and relationships. Despite being pivotal to his character development, the film’s adaptation only scratched the surface, neglecting to explore the emotional weight and complexity inherent in such a sensitive topic.

3. Planet Hulk

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

A major storyline that the MCU has failed to adequately adapt is Planet Hulk, where the Hulk is banished to Sakaar and forced to fight as a gladiator. Difficult decisions and tragic outcomes shape Hulk’s narrative, leading to his eventual wrath against the Avengers. While elements of this arc were included in Thor: Ragnarok, the film merely used it as a backdrop rather than giving it the centrality and gravitas it deserves, leaving the storyline feeling incredibly underdeveloped.

2. The God Bomb

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Thor: Love and Thunder aimed to adapt the God Bomb storyline, featuring Gorr the God Butcher’s audacious attempt to eliminate all deities. However, the film markedly missed its most striking components—the exploration of Thor’s identity across different timelines and the intense battle against Gorr. Instead, viewers were left with a diluted version of events, failing to capture the epic scope and rich character development provided in the original comic series.

1. Secret Invasion

Secret Invasion (2023)

The adaptation of Secret Invasion remains one of the most disappointing transformations of Marvel Comics to the MCU. The TV series, while titled after the famous comic storyline, diverged significantly by omitting the Avengers entirely. Instead, the narrative centered around Nick Fury as a standalone spy thriller that skirts around the pivotal themes of mistrust and conspiracy ingrained in the source material. This significant alteration resulted in a narrative that lacks the tension and engagement of the original story, solidifying Secret Invasion as one of the most glaring omissions in the MCU’s comic adaptations.

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