Marvel enthusiasts, along with even those unfamiliar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), should mark their calendars as significant reading awaits. Marvel Studios has officially announced that the next Avengers installment, slated for release in 2027, will be titled Secret Wars. The highly anticipated return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom has raised expectations among fans that this film will adapt the iconic comic book event, known for its profound influence on Marvel lore.
To fully appreciate the upcoming adaptation, understanding the events of Time Runs Out, a pivotal narrative leading to Secret Wars, is crucial. This series serves as both a background and a buildup to what promises to be a cornerstone of Marvel storytelling.
Exploring Time Runs Out: A Crucial Prelude for Marvel Fans
By Jonathan Hickman and Various Artists Across Multiple Avengers Titles
Released between 2014 and 2015, Time Runs Out serves as the essential countdown to Secret Wars, encapsulated within the Avengers and New Avengers titles. This era of storytelling is marked with the urgent tagline, “In X Months. .. Time Runs Out!”adorning each issue, igniting excitement for one of Marvel’s key story arcs. The narrative begins with the secretive organization known as the Illuminati, comprised of the brightest figures in the Marvel Universe, including Black Bolt, Reed Richards, Iron Man, Beast, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, the Hulk, and, at times, Namor.
The saga kicks off with Avengers #35 and New Avengers #24, both penned by Jonathan Hickman, culminating with Avengers #44 and New Avengers #33. As the plot unfolds, the Illuminati grapple with multiversal contractions that threaten to collide with Earth-616, challenging their ethical limits. They soon face a dilemma: choose to save their universe at the expense of others or risk the annihilation of all.
Conflict and Dissension Among Marvel’s Heroes
Iron Man’s Illuminati vs. Captain America’s S.H.I.E.L.D.
This ethical conundrum leads to Namor’s expulsion from the Illuminati when he chooses to sacrifice another universe to protect Earth-616. In response, he forms the Cabal, a formidable group of villains including Maximus, Black Swan, and Thanos. However, the Cabal’s descent into chaos presents an unexpected challenge for Namor, who realizes that their thirst for destruction lacks purpose.
Meanwhile, Captain America’s S.H.I.E.L.D. unit views the Illuminati as a prime target, launching a campaign to undermine their secret machinations. Sue Storm plays a pivotal role, navigating her loyalty between her husband and the Illuminati. During this tumultuous time, a new team of multiversal Avengers, led by Doctor Strange, is also mobilized to face the increasing threats from the encroaching incursions.
The Involvement of Doctor Doom: A Game Changer
Doctor Doom and His Masterplan
As Namor battles the Cabal, he seeks Doctor Doom’s guidance in thwarting their advances, but Doom’s ambition leads him to prioritize his agenda. Utilizing his resources, including Molecule Man and the Mad Thinker, Doom plots to address the multiverse’s crisis while revealing depths of his character that set the groundwork for his pivotal role in Secret Wars.
The Molecule Man, a crucial figure across the multiverse, finds himself entwined in Doom’s schemes, contributing to both the stabilization of the multiverse and the chaos that precipitates its collapse. As heroes unite against the impending apocalypse, alliances shift, betrayals unfold, and a looming confrontation with the Beyonders draws near. Ultimately, the universe’s fate hangs by a thread, with only a handful remaining.
The Legacy of Time Runs Out: A Must-Read Marvel Event
Understanding Its Significance
Time Runs Out stands as an indispensable chapter in the Marvel narrative. It’s a case of cause and effect—a prerequisite for Secret Wars. The intricate plot lines woven throughout Time Runs Out serve as the backbone for the groundbreaking elements introduced in Secret Wars, notably including Doctor Doom’s ascension to power.
Furthermore, this storyline marks the inception of Marvel’s current fascination with the multiverse, propelling characters like Miles Morales to the forefront of mainstream storytelling. As the MCU prepares for Avengers: Secret Wars, acknowledging and understanding the significance of Time Runs Out becomes vital for fans eager to grasp these larger-than-life themes rooted in Marvel’s illustrious legacy.
Avengers: Time Runs Out is currently available in both digital and collected editions from Marvel Comics.
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