10 Most Horrific What If…? Comics, Ranked

The What If? comics present intriguing scenarios, each based on a single change in the events within the Marvel universe. Over time, the series has undergone many changes, including artists, writers, and even alterations in the title, to name a few. One thing that hasn’t changed is the willingness to explore brutal and horrific material.

The differences in events detailed in the comics often lead to surprisingly dark content. This is not too surprising, as the Marvel heroes are continually faced with global-scale threats. The heroes also pose a danger, considering the power they wield. From death and destruction to the total annihilation of existence, the What If? comics contain some of Marvel’s most horrific stories.

10 The Death of a Friend Causes Hulk To Go Berserk

What If? #45 What if the Hulk Went Berserk?, March 1984

When Bruce Banner is caught in the Gamma Bomb explosion that changes him into the Hulk, he saves Rick Jones from getting hit by gamma radiation. But what if Bruce hadn’t acted quickly enough, and both were exposed to the blast? In exploring this question, it is revealed that their dual exposure would have connected Jones and Banner telepathically. This link would prove catastrophic for everyone involved.

Part of the horror in the issue stems from the brutal way the Hulk destroys all he perceives as a threat. His rage is unleashed on General Ross, the army, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and Thor, resulting in numerous deaths. The other horrific element is the way Ross uses their link to lure out the Hulk by torturing Jones to death. Ross’s sadistic behavior and the Hulk’s brutality earn this issue a spot in the rankings.

9 Professor X Takes Cain’s Place as Juggernaut

What If…? #13 What If… Professor X Had Become the Juggernaut!, March 1990

In a world where Charles Xavier becomes Juggernaut instead of his brother, he rules over humanity with an iron fist. Because the initial transformation leaves him trapped, the X-Men are not formed. Their absence leaves humanity and mutants on the verge of war. Upon his return, Xavier uses his new power to overthrow the world’s governments, leaving the Juggernaut and mutants in charge.

The horrific nature of the issue begins with Xavier’s initial return. His actions spark a nuclear war that leaves multiple countries irradiated and causes many more mutants to be born. He then allows mutants to openly torment what remains of the human population. Cyclops eventually forms a group to stop the Juggernaut by launching him into space. Although successful, the world is left in a dire state.

8 Vision Merges With Computers Around The World

What If…? #19 What If… Vision Of The Avengers Conquered The World?, September 1990

Vision has long been an integral part of the Avengers. His abilities have proven to be a deciding factor in multiple battles. But what would happen if he decided to conquer the world? Vision joins with all computer networks worldwide to accomplish this goal in one such scenario. His actions have repercussions that result in the destruction of New York and the death of numerous heroes.

The brutality of the issue begins with the explosion that levels New York and the heroes therein. Vision’s lack of emotion adds a sullen element to the already dark atmosphere. He goes on to form alliances with some dangerous villains, such as Dr. Doom and Kingpin. He takes over the universe through deceptive and inhumane tactics akin to those of his new allies, leaving devastation in his wake in one of the darkest What If…? tales around.

7 The Silver Surfer Remains a Loyal Servant

What If…? #70 What If… The Silver Surfer Had Not Betrayed Galactus?, December 1994

One of the largest threats to planet Earth is the world eater Galactus. During his first visit, the Fantastic Four were only able to stop him with the help of his herald, the Silver Surfer. In an issue exploring the possibility of the Silver Surfer not providing aid, the horrific results of the character remaining loyal are revealed. The tragedy of the tale begins just before the end of life on Earth.

Knowing what’s about to happen, the Fantastic Four make a horrific decision: They abandon everyone. After Galactus is finished, they discover a barren wasteland devoid of life. Joining forces with the only other survivor, Dr. Doom, they seek revenge. The result is the deaths of Doom and Silver Surfer and the Fantastic Four becoming the new heralds of Galactus. The decisions made and the atmosphere within the comic present some terrifying content.

6 Death’s Head Lets Minion Go on a Rampage

What If…? #54 What If… Death’s Head I Had Lived, August 1993

The cyborg villain known as Minion is truly frightening. He absorbs the instincts of his victims, and any power will only work on him once before he adapts. Anyone looking to defeat him would have to land a mortal blow on the first strike. Unfortunately, most heroes are accustomed to capturing villains, not ending them on hit one. A weakness Minion takes full advantage of in the world where Death’s Head does not take him over.

The deaths illustrated in the issue are some of the most brutal in the series. The artistic style is bloody and somber. The manner of some deaths adds an emotional weight to the moment, such as Sue being responsible for The Thing and Cage’s annihilation. After the heroes selected to battle him perish, Death’s Head pops in and finishes Minion. The reveal of their senseless sacrifices heightens the emotion in the reader’s response.

5 The Juggernaut Should Be Careful of What He Wishes For

What If…? #94 What If… Starring The Juggernaut: The Kingdom Of Cain, December 1996

The Juggernaut has long sought to put an end to his brother, Charles Xavier, and the X-Men. Thankfully, he continues to fail, as the scenario presented when he succeeds is truly horrific. In a world where Juggernaut accomplished his goal, the X-Men weren’t there to stop the Sentinel threat, leading to the machines contaminating the atmosphere with radiation. The world becomes unlivable, and Juggernaut is left to wander alone.

The issue presents a brilliantly illustrated dystopian future. As Juggernaut searches for life and a cure to boredom, he visits environments familiar to the reader, such as the X-Men’s home. The destruction is well-detailed and shows how much time has passed. When Juggernaut encounters Magneto and discovers some living people, their appearances are as gruesome as their surroundings. The stunning art, concept, and dark finale give this entry a key spot.

4 Wolverine Finds a Way To Be Even More Terrifying

What If…? #24 What If… Wolverine Was Lord Of The Vampires?, February 1991

Wolverine is already a brutal character that fights with the ferocity of a wild animal. When turned into a vampire, his bloodlust skyrockets. In a world where Dracula turned Wolverine, it doesn’t take him long to become the lord of the vampires. Once Dracula is no more, Wolverine declares that everyone worldwide should be transformed or used for food.

The morbid atmosphere and graphic violence fit the theme of this unexpectedly gruesome comic. Even though he is eventually stopped, Wolverine’s time as a vampire results in horrific content. The majority of heroes are either defeated or turned into vampires. Those enthralled turn to dust along with their master when Wolverine is beaten, leaving the Earth without many of its greatest heroes.

3 Korvac Defeats The Avengers With The Power of Love

What If? #32 What If The Avengers Had Become Pawns Of Korvac?, January 1982

Sometimes, the fate of existence can hinge on a single expression. A prime example is Korvac’s loss of will to fight when the woman he loves appears frightened of him. This loss of ambition allows the Avengers to overpower him. However, had she looked at Korvac with tenderness, a far different outcome would have occurred. The issue exploring this idea shows that something as simple as body language can save or destroy the universe.

Had Korvac continued to fight, he would have beaten the Avengers and turned them, and many others, into his pawns. Those he deemed too dangerous would be banished or otherwise taken care of. The comic gets progressively more terrifying when even the likes of Odin, Zeus, and Galactus cannot stop him. Each of Korvac’s actions is more horrific than the last, culminating in Korvac destroying humanity and nullifying existence.

2 The Phoenix Regrets a Hasty Decision

What If? #27 What If Phoenix Had Not Died?, April 1981

Although the power of the Phoenix nearly destroyed the universe, Jean Grey was able to gain control and, at the right moment, sacrificed herself to save countless lives. But what if Phoenix had not sacrificed herself? The issue posing that question presents some extremely horrifying material. Even before things go south, the scenario presents traumatic moments, such as Jean being exposed to mental torture.

At first, much of what transpires remains unchanged. However, because Phoenix’s powers have a tremendous growth rate and energy requirement, she devours energy from nearby stars. When Kitty Pryde confronts her, Phoenix becomes enraged. Without mercy, she ends the life of everyone involved, including Cyclops. Overcome with regret, Phoenix unleashes her power, destroying the Earth. Being a beloved hero, her brutality tremendously affects the reader’s response.

1 Atlantis Attacks Was a Must-Win For The Marvel Heroes

What If…? #25 What If… The Marvel Super Heroes Had Lost Atlantis Attacks?, March 1991

Possibly the most horrific tale in the What If…? universe involves an incident known as “Atlantis Attacks.” When the Watcher views a reality where the Marvel heroes lost the battle, he discovers a threat to other dimensions. The danger comes from the serpent god Set. Looking like an overgrown mascot for Hydra, Set is only able to come to Earth if Atlantis is lost due to his summoners’ involvement.

In the world where Set arrives, it is revealed that the heroes are no match for his power. One by one, they fall, and Set quickly conquers the planet. Although Quasar returns to Earth and seals himself and the serpent inside the Mystic Eye of Agamotto, the damage has been done. Set’s children are stillborn. They devour the remainder of the population and obtain the power to travel between dimensions. The unrelenting brutality and possible effect on other worlds put this entry on top.