PopCorn Princess
2021-07-24
The zombie versions of Marvel characters have drawn a lot of attention due to the What If…? animated series promotional material. But they are actually not creations of the series.
Originated in the comics, the concept had an entire series dedicated to them, giving rise to a whole new universe. The focus here is Earth-2149, where several superheroes have been infected, in a story that started in 2005 and explored in several comics since then.
In this list, you can find out more about the origin of this universe, the reading order of the comics, and many other curious facts about Marvel’s Zombies!
Concept
The concept presented in Marvel’s Zombies is very similar to that of classic zombie stories. However, Earth has experienced an apocalyptic plague in this universe, having its streets occupied by hordes of the living dead who feed on the living and spread their infection even further.
In this dystopian reality, not even the superheroes could stay safe from the terrible transformation. In fact, they proved essential for the plague to spread, making the nightmare experienced by the inhabitants of this universe even worse.
First Appearance
Despite having a whole universe and series of its own, the zombie version of Marvel ‘s heroes was not developed like this from the beginning. The first appearance of the Zombie universe happened in the Ultimate Fantastic Four
In the plot, Reed Richards discovers the Zombiverse while exploring different dimensions. He encounters the zombie versions of the Fantastic Four , who tricked him into opening the path from their dimension to Earth-2149.
Early on, it is explained that to spread between dimensions, the virus seeks to infect superheroes. In just 24 hours, the zombie heroes have consumed virtually the entire world, with the only survivors being Magneto and a small group of ordinary humans.
In the comic, Reed must deal with the zombies who now have a path to their dimension. So he and Magneto join forces while Sue , Johnny , and Ben confront the infected who try to consume their universe.
Miniseries
In 2005, Marvel released a miniseries continuing the Ultimate Fantastic Four Magneto managing to sever the link between the two universes, the plot turns its attention to the mutant, who discovers other survivors off-planet.
Other characters are introduced, and the zombies themselves go through some changes throughout the story. However, as is clear from the beginning, they do not follow the common tradition of zombie stories where the infected lose their mental capacity since they can think, speak, and use their powers without any problems.
The series was written by Robert Kirkman , the author of The Walking Dead, and illustrated by Sean Phillips . In all, 5 volumes of the comic have been published.
Characters
At first, the highlight of the plot goes to Magneto , presented initially as the only superpowered being to survive. However, as the story develops, it is revealed that Black Panther has also survived without being infected, although the reason for this is not at all pleasant. That’s because the zombie version of Hank Pym had kept him trapped and hidden, slowly taking pieces of the hero to consume little by little.
On the zombie side, the main characters are Colonel America , Iron Man , Giant-Man , Spider-Man , Luke Cage , the Hulk , and Wolverine . The Silver Surfer and Galactus also end up appearing in the plot and significantly impact how everything ends.
Prequel
In 2007, Marvel released Dead Days
The story is also written by Kirkman and illustrated by Phillips . In a single volume, it is told in detail how it all began and how the heroes tried to fight the apocalypse. In addition, the series features Reed Richards and the development of the plan that connects the universe to his first appearance in the Ultimate Fantastic Four
Sequels
A sequel to the original series, called Marvel Zombies 2 Marvel Zombies 3
After that, Marvel Zombies 4 Morbius , The Thing , Mephisto , and others. Finally, the series received a direct sequel in Marvel Zombies 5
After that, Marvel Zombies Return Marvel Zombies 2 , with five volumes that finalize the original zombie story.
The series has also received a few spin-offs. Some of them take place in single, short stories, such as Eat the Neighbors Marvel Zombies Destroy
Reading Guide
To read the history of this universe from the beginning, you need to start with the comics that initially introduced it. Thus, reading begins with Ultimate Fantastic Four #21
After that, following story order rather than release order, the next comic is Dead Days
Only then does the original mini-series begin. Thus, Marvel Zombies 1
Marvel Zombies 2
The next part of the zombie universe is in Marvel Zombies 3
Marvel Zombies Returns
After that comes Marvel Zombies 4 Marvel Zombies 5
The other comics in the universe have no set order, as they are single, stand-alone stories. Thus, Marvel Zombies Halloween, Destroy! Supreme
In What If…?
It has not yet been confirmed how this universe will be portrayed in What If…? Captain America (or Colonel America, if the Zombiverse is adapted), Iron Man , and Hawkeye .
Characters seen in the comics will likely be replaced by others, as not all of the Zombiverse heroes from the comics have been featured in the MCU so far. Also, it is worth noting that the story in What If…? Marvel ‘s heroes.
