Marvel's Phase 4: A Retrospective and Recommendations for Future Mastery

In reflecting on Marvel's Phase 4, one can't help but feel that the series could have been better structured to maximize its potential and set a solid foundation for upcoming phases such as Phase 5. This retrospective aims to outline an ideal restructuring that would have made Phase 5 a smoother and more impactful transition.

Breaking Down Phase 4: Mini Sagas and Their Impact

Marvel's Phase 4 projects can be seen as mini sagas contributing to a larger narrative tapestry. Key narratives such as Wanda and the Multiverse, The Multiverse Saga, Thunderbolts, Young Avengers, Kang Dynasty, and Secret Invasion collectively weave a complex and ambitious storyline.

A More Focused Approach: Less Rush, Better Quality

Implementing a more focused approach for Phase 4 would have resulted in higher-quality, well-structured narratives. By reducing the number of projects and giving them more focus, the storytelling could have been improved significantly. Here is a proposed list of key projects:

Thor 4: An epilogue that expands the cosmology and prepares audiences for a new generation. Guardians of the Galaxy 3: Another concluding narrative that further enriches the multiverse narrative. Wandavision: A series that delves deeper into Wanda's multiverse saga, providing a richer storyline. What If?: A version that focuses on the dark zombie storyline, with Shuma-Gorath as the primary antagonist. Spider-Man: No Way Home: The multiverse exploration continues, this time focusing on WandaIpAddress. Loki Season 1: A standalone series that sets the stage for a new timeline tree saga.

Enhancing Key Projects: Focus and Realism

The above projects should have been crafted with a more in-depth approach, with greater attention to story arcs and character development. Let's explore how each could be improved:

Wanda and the Multiverse: A Deeper Dive

The Multiverse Saga should have been treated as the primary concern. Reducing boner jokes and focusing on real narrative depth is crucial. Here are some adjustments:

Agatha Harkness: Make her backstory richer and more substantial. Introduce the concept of Agatha's behind getting Wanda seemingly fake pregnant as part of a scheme to defeat Mephisto in the long run. Salem Seven: Use the Salem Seven as your primary antagonists, adding a layer of complexity to their roles.

What If?: A More Meticulous Approach

The What If? series should have given more narrative focus to the dark zombie storyline:

Shuma-Gorath: Establish Shuma-Gorath as the primary antagonist, with his defeat bringing the multiversal Illuminati together. Storytelling: America Chevez should lead the portal connections, with perhaps some guidance from the Watcher.

Multiverse of Madness: Setting the Stage

The Multiverse of Madness should have a clearer narrative direction:

Wanda's Plan: Make her plan to pull the supernatural power from Strange to save her kids' fragmented souls from Mephisto a central theme. Baron Mordo: Introduce a conflict where Mordo chases Wanda, believing her to be a danger to the multiverse. Reality Shattering: Strange should work to protect her, while they both try to stop the shattering of reality. ?umā-Gorath: The blame for ?umā-Gorath's power should be tied to recent multiverse shattering events, with the spell from Wandavision and Thor's universe-changing wish. Resolution: Have Wanda, Strange, and Adam Wallock work together with the Book of Vishante to defeat ?umā-Gorath and Mordo, setting the stage for the next phase.

The Road to Phase 5: A New Timeline Tree Saga

With the multiverse saga over, a new timeline tree saga begins, starting with Loki Season 1, which sets the stage for Phase 5:

Exploration: Explore a new landscape that introduces different characters and narratives, signaling a new chapter.

By refining each project in Phase 4, Marvel can create a more cohesive and impactful narrative that will serve as an excellent foundation for Phase 5. This comprehensive approach will ensure that each project's focus and quality are maximized, leading to a stronger and more engaging storytelling experience for audiences.