What If is a long-running comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics. The series explores alternate realities and hypothetical scenarios within the Marvel Universe, asking questions like 'What if Spider-Man had joined the Fantastic Four?' or 'What if the Avengers had never been?' Each issue is typically narrated by the Watcher, a cosmic being who observes all realities.
The first volume of What If launched in February 1977 and ran for 47 issues until 1984. The concept proved so popular that Marvel revived it multiple times over the decades, with a second volume running from 1989 to 1998. Subsequent volumes and specials have continued to appear, making it one of Marvel's most recognizable anthology titles.
The series allows writers and artists to break free from mainstream continuity and explore bold, often tragic, twists on established Marvel lore. Many stories serve as cautionary tales, showing how small changes can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The Watcher's presence as narrator provides a consistent framing device across the various volumes and creative teams.
What If has become a beloved part of Marvel's publishing history, giving fans a chance to see their favorite heroes in radically different circumstances. Its influence extends beyond comics, inspiring the animated series of the same name and shaping how audiences think about multiverse storytelling in superhero fiction.