Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for What If…? Season 3, Episode 1
The premiere of What If…? Season 3 has arrived, presenting a captivating alternate universe where the Hulk’s strength escalates dramatically, prompting the Avengers to enhance their Hulkbuster technology. This thrilling episode features a team of renowned MCU heroes dubbed the “Mech Avengers,”who pilot impressive machines in an epic confrontation against an overwhelming force led by an enormous Apex Hulk and his monstrous minions.
In the realm of Marvel’s animated anthology series, the enigmatic Uatu the Watcher, voiced by Jeffrey Wright, guides viewers through timelines altered by pivotal decisions. This particular episode showcases the emergence of the Mech Avengers as they confront the chaotic rise of the Hulk. Below, we delve into our comprehensive recap, offer an analysis of the episode’s conclusion, and highlight the most intriguing Easter eggs featured in this exciting season opener.
Key Insights and Spoilers from What If…? Season 3, Episode 1
“What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?”
- The episode opens with a nostalgic 80s-style cartoon titled “Go-Avengers, Heroes of the Gamma War,”where Tony Stark creates Hulkbuster mechs for each original Avenger to battle against the kaiju unleashed by the Hulk.
- Uatu reveals the timeline’s backstory, detailing how the Gamma War commences with Sam Wilson attempting to help Bruce Banner, who, in a bid to suppress the Hulk, inadvertently births a new monster known as the Apex Hulk.
- The Apex Hulk not only grows significantly in size but also spawns an army of lesser kaiju that threaten the planet.
- As the original Avengers pilot various mechs to counter the Hulk threat, they ultimately falter, leading to the formation of a new team featuring Sam Wilson’s Captain America, Bucky Barnes, Monica Rambeau, Moon Knight, Nakia, Shang-Chi, Red Guardian, and Melina Vostokoff.
- This newly assembled team successfully repels the Apex Hulk, but he returns with an even more formidable invasion force.
- Desperate for a solution, Sam approaches Bruce, who has secluded himself on an island. Bruce devises a protocol for “The Mighty Avenger,”a way to unite the teams’ mechs into one colossal hero.
- When “The Mighty Avenger”ultimately falls, Bruce sacrifices himself, transforming into the titanic Mega Hulk, a creature reminiscent of Godzilla.
- With Sam’s guidance, the Mega Hulk triumphs over the Apex, assuming the role of alpha and leading the other Hulks into the ocean to live peacefully once again.
The Battle Against the Apex Hulk: Mech Avengers in Action
The Birth of The Mighty Avenger and Mega Hulk
Utilizing Bruce Banner’s innovative protocol, the Mech Avengers unite their seven individual mechs to form the formidable Mighty Avenger during the climactic battle. Despite their initial successes against the Apex’s minions, they face significant challenges when battling the Apex Hulk himself, who inflicts devastating damage to their mega-mech. In a surprising twist, Bruce Banner re-emerges, no longer intimidated by his alter ego, and takes a daring leap into battle. He detonates as a gamma-bomb, transforming into the colossal Mega Hulk, complete with a distinctive tail and formidable gamma breath.
With a well-timed strike from Sam Wilson’s Mighty Avenger mech, the Mega Hulk ultimately overpowers the Apex. Not only does he become the new leading force, but Sam is also able to reconnect with Bruce, who remains within the Mega Hulk’s form. Consequently, the newly reformed Mega Hulk guides the minions back to the ocean and towards Banner’s island, suggesting a path towards tranquility.
Easter Eggs and Pop Culture References in What If…? Season 3, Episode 1
A Celebration of Pop Culture: Inspirations and Easter Eggs
The episode brims with delightful references and inspirations from various beloved franchises, including Power Rangers, Voltron, and Godzilla. Here are some of the standout Easter eggs and nods to MCU lore:
- Go-Avengers Cartoon: A homage to classic 80s animated series reminiscent of Power Rangers and Transformers.
- Tony Stark’s Hair: A nostalgic nod to the hairstyle featured in the original 1994 Iron Man cartoon.
- “On Your Left”: Sam Wilson recalling a moment from Captain America: The Winter Soldier, echoing his iconic line to Steve Rogers.
- Fishing Boat: A subtle reference to Sam’s sister’s boat showcased in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
- “Go for the Head”: A nod from Red Guardian, hinting at tactical advice reminiscent of Avengers: Infinity War.
- Astra Islands: The comics origin of Bruce Banner’s nuclear Absorbatron.
- Mighty Avenger Transformation: An evident inspiration from the formation of Voltron or Power Rangers’ Megazord.
- General Dreykov: A reference to the notorious former head of the Red Room.
- Mega Hulk as the MCU’s Godzilla: The Mega Hulk bears strong similarities to Godzilla, even unleashing a powerful gamma breath similar to Godzilla’s iconic atomic breath.
Catch new episodes of What If…? Season 3 streaming daily at 3 AM ET/12 AM PT on Disney+.
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