Like many of you reading this I read a 
ton of comics growing up. Hell, I even used classic comic versions of novels to do book reports. I am sure that the statute of limitations has run out so I don’t have to worry about any teacher taking my grade back now. Aside from the standard superhero comics, Batman, Spider-Man, Captain America, I really enjoyed the “What If” books from Marvel.
At this point you should be familiar with “What If”, but if you aren’t, it is basically alternate history. The stories took established heroes and changed an event or pivotal moment in their lives. These relatively small deviations caused drastic changes, such as: “What If Spider-Man Joined the Fantastic Four” and similar stories. Back in 2021 Marvel Animation brought “What If” back as an animated series on Disney Plus. The first season consisted of 9 episodes and included:
- What If Captain Carter Were the First Avenger
- What If T’Challa Became a Star-Lord
- What If Earth Lost Its Mightiest Heroes
- What If Dr. Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands
- What If…Zombies
- What If Killmonger Rescued Tony Stark
- What If Thor Were an Only Child
- What If Ultron Won
- What If The Watcher Broke His Oath
Personally, I thought the first season was great and I loved the animation. Fortunately for those of us who are fans of the show and can’t get enough Abrams Books has published, The Art of Marvel Studios’ What If…? Volume 1.
This beautiful book is the perfect companion to the series and is filled with storyboards, character designs and backgrounds. The book is broken down into 10 chapters with each chapter focusing on individual episodes.
The art in this book is beautiful. I wish it were a portfolio instead of a book so I could display my favorites. I also wish that there were more illustrations of the Hydra Stomper, but I am partial to Iron Man so maybe it is just me that wants more.
The third and final season of Marvel Studios’ What If premieres on Disney Plus on December 22nd. This season promises to be another win for Marvel. The thing I am most excited about is the introduction of mutants this time around. I am sure that I’m not the only one who thinks that their inclusion took longer than it should, but that is an argument for another time.
As I stated previously, The Art of Marvel Studios What If…? is published by Abrams Books and has 272 art filled pages. This art book retails for $50.00 USD/$63.00 and would make an excellent gift for the Marvel lover in your life…or the perfect gift for you. Since the book does say, “Volume One” and it only deals with the first season of the show I think it is safe to say that “Volume Two” will focus on the second season. I haven’t seen an official announcement so that statement was an educated guess, for lack of a better term.
The Art of Marvel Studios What If…? Volume One is available now from your favorite bookseller. If you love the MCU, comic books or cool art check this one out. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
