The Worst Heroes in Marvel's MCU Universe: A Compelling Analysis
In the vast universe of Marvel, the lineup of heroes is as diverse and complex as the stories they embody. However, some might argue that certain characters fall short of the heroic ideal, embodying more regrettable choices than positive actions. This article will delve into the narrative choices that have made certain heroes seem less than noble, with a special focus on Dr. Stephen Strange and the characters of the Inhumans.
Dr. Stephen Strange: The Conscious Sacrifice or Justifiable Regret?
Dr. Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, is often cited as one of the most powerful sorcerers in the Marvel universe. Yet, his actions in stopping time to explore alternate timelines to prevent various disasters—though unprecedented in scope and potentially life-saving—raise questions about the wisdom and morality of such a choice. One can argue that Dr. Strange's selective approach to preventing the time-travel paradox demonstrates a conditional mercy that might not have been in the best interests of the multiverse. For instance, his refusal to continue searching for a future where Thanos is stopped, even after successfully bringing everybody back, resulted in untold lives being lost. This decision allows for the narrative exploration of 'what-ifs' and potential alternate universes but questions the efficacy of such a morally grey stance.
Additionally, the death of Tony Stark, a pivotal figure in the MCU, might have been avoidable. Similarly, the loss of Vision, the automaton with a conscious, was preventable. These choices show a misalignment between realizing potential futures and preventing immediate calamity, suggesting a generalized greedy approach to heroism that ultimately disrupts the continuous timeline.
The destruction of the Time Stone also disrupts the balance of power and the multiverse's stability. While it may seem like a good and necessary sacrifice initially, it sets off a cascade of events leading to Dormammu's potential threat. This is a pivotal narrative choice that has long-term consequences, questioning Dr. Strange's prioritization and the inevitability of his sacrifices.
The Royal Family of Inhumans: Characters Shaped by Bad Writing
The characters of the Royal Family of Inhumans, while undoubtedly unique and powerful, often fall short of the heroic ideal due to poor writing choices and weaknesses in character development. The decision to give Black Bolt a two-way communicator, despite the inherent risk of a sonic scream, is a glaring oversight in character design. Black Bolt's ability to emit a destructive sonic scream makes it unfeasible for him to use any form of communication without a significant risk. The lack of consistency in his character design, especially when compared to Maya Lopez (Echo), who is also deaf and mute but receives a two-way communicator, further highlights the disparity in narrative choices.
Anna also wears a Bracelet of Slaying, yet Taneleer Tachenco instructs Scott Lang to kill her. This dramatic action seems out of character and inconsistent with the established lore. Additionally, Medusa and Karnak's character development is stunted, with Medusa being portrayed as an absolute jerk to everyone around her and Karnak's powers not being clearly explained. This leaves the audience questioning the depth and consistency of these characters, and how their actions come to be.
The antagonist, Maximus, is arguably portrayed most heroically. Despite being the main antagonist and receiving significant character development through his final episode, his actions seem more heroic and morally complex than those of the other Inhumans. This narrative choice places him as a figure of redeemable potential, contrasting sharply with the rest of the Royal Family.
Negative Reception: The Struggle of the Inhumans
Release-wise, the IMAX presentation for the Inhumans garnered a paltry 3.5 million in worldwide gross, placing it below Quantumania and Secret Invasion at 120. Critics and fans were left unimpressed with the series. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported an 11% approval rating with an average score of 3.70/10 based on 47 reviews. With this low score indicative of an unimaginative narrative, dull design work, weak characters, and disengaging melodrama, Inhumans indeed sets a new low standard for the MCU.
Critically, the Razzies film awards further highlight the series' poor reception. The MCU has received two Razzies, with Inhumans being the lowest at 11, only slightly bettered by Eternals and Quantumania with 49 and 46 respectively. Against this backdrop, the DCEU and Fox's X-Men garnered four Razzies each, while the Monsterverse managed just one out of 50. This data highlights the struggle and critique faced by the Inhumans in particular.
Conclusion
The achievements of Marvel's MCU are indisputable, but for every hero that impresses and inspires, there are those who fall short. The cases of Dr. Strange and the characters of the Inhumans represent a stark contrast between the narrative choices and the reception they receive from both critics and audiences. While these characters embody complex themes and offer unique perspectives, their shortcomings highlight areas where Marvel and its writers could improve in crafting more impactful and nuanced heroes.
Here, we have highlighted the challenges faced by some of the less favorable characters from the MCU. These examples not only offer a chance for reflection on the narrative choices but also serve as opportunities for growth and improvement in future storytelling.