Marvel Unveils New Powerful Upgrades for MCU’s Original Avengers, Highlighting Harsh Realities

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for What If…? Season 3

The latest installment of Marvel’s What If…? Season 3 brings back the beloved original six Avengers, spotlighting their fortunate experiences within the MCU’s main timeline. The Avengers, initially assembled in Phase 1’s *The Avengers*, operated as a cohesive team for only a brief period until they disbanded in *Captain America: Civil War*. They did, however, reunite for a crucial battle against Thanos in *Avengers: Endgame*. Through their journeys, they achieved significant victories, including thwarting Loki’s invasion of Earth, defeating Ultron, and reversing Thanos’ Snap — remarkable feats that many Avengers variants across the multiverse could only dream of replicating.

Earlier seasons of *What If…?* have explored alternate realities where the Avengers faced unique challenges and less favorable outcomes compared to their Earth-616 counterparts. For example, Season 1’s third episode depicted an out-of-control Hank Pym systematically eliminating the original Avengers, while the fourth episode illustrated how Doctor Strange’s actions led to the demise of his universe before any Avenger intervened. Season 3 continues this trend, presenting an exceptionally formidable squad of Avengers grappling with challenges that echo those faced by their counterparts in Earth-616.

What If Season 3 Introduces the Most Powerful Version of the Avengers

What If… The Hulk Fought The Mech Avengers? Features A Team of Giant Armored Heroes

What if Season 3 Original Mecha Avengers

In the opening of Season 3, Episode 1, a fictional TV show within the universe recaps the Avengers’ previous battles. Narration reveals that Iron Man created a series of colossal robotic armors designed specifically to combat the kaiju spawned from the Hulk. These innovative Mecha-Avengers, also known as Hulk-Busters, are outfitted with advanced weaponry mimicking their unique hero abilities—such as Thor’s Mjolnir, Hawkeye’s arrows, and Captain America’s shield—alongside enhancements like jet repulsors and wings.

The Mecha Avengers Still Aren’t Powerful Enough to Defeat The Hulk’s Final Form

The Hulk-Busters Face Early Defeat Before Episode 1 Events

Unfortunately, Hulk’s gamma-irradiated kaiju offspring are more formidable than Iron Man and his Hulk-Busters anticipated. Despite being equipped with advanced technology, the original Mecha-Avengers quickly suffer devastating injuries and ultimately perish in their armored suits. Fortunately, Iron Man had prepared a new generation of Hulk-Busters capable of combating most of Hulk’s monstrous creations. These successors are led by Sam Wilson and comprise heroes like Bucky Barnes, Monica Rambeau, Shang-Chi, Marc Spector, Red Guardian, and Nakia.

While the original six Avengers showcased in What If…? Season 3 Episode 1 appeared more battle-ready than their Earth-616 versions, they nonetheless meet their untimely end off-screen. This reveals how a mere stroke of luck can dramatically influence a timeline’s events. Even the most powerful variants can fall victim to greater threats that emerge unexpectedly. Thankfully, the new wave of Mecha-Avengers benefit from Hulk’s intervention as he embraces his role as the Apex and directs his kaiju children away from populated areas.

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