Warning: contains spoilers for TVA #4!
The upcoming redemption arc for the Scarlet Witch promises significant implications for both the comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Over the years, this character has committed serious misdeeds, such as depowering mutants in the groundbreaking “House of M”storyline and manipulating the residents of Westview in “WandaVision.”In a pivotal moment showcased in TVA #4, the Scarlet Witch makes her debut in the comics, revealing intriguing connections to the MCU.
In this issue, Spider-Gwen acknowledges her familiarity with this variant of the Scarlet Witch, directly referencing events from “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”After she liberates the Scarlet Witch from containment, an ominous figure, Nightmare, emerges to confront them.
Nightmare’s role in this narrative is pivotal, as it suggests numerous alterations to existing Marvel lore. Here are eight key implications of this development.
1 Nightmare Could Potentially Be Manipulating the Scarlet Witch
If Scarlet Witch Is Nightmare’s Pawn, Her Guilt May Be Mitigated
Nightmare seems to have developed a vested interest in the Scarlet Witch, as evidenced by his appearance at the conclusion of TVA #4. His machinations imply that he may have been manipulating her actions from the shadows. The extent of Nightmare’s influence over the Scarlet Witch remains to be seen. While she sought the Darkhold for personal reasons in “Multiverse of Madness,”it’s feasible she was being subtly controlled by Nightmare throughout her journey. Should this theory hold truth, it would significantly lessen her culpability for the chaos she inflicted in both “WandaVision”and the aforementioned film.
This revelation adds a critical layer to Scarlet Witch’s character arc. Although her pain was authentic, it raises the possibility that Nightmare’s influence might have propelled her into such dark decisions without her awareness. While the anguish she caused cannot simply be glossed over, this context helps explain her tragic descent.
2 Nightmare Could Possess a Powerful Asset in the Scarlet Witch
Spider-Gwen and the TVA Must Rescue the Scarlet Witch
Nightmare’s exact intentions regarding the Scarlet Witch remain elusive. He may be pursuing the Darkhold, or perhaps his goals are even more sinister. If Spider-Gwen and the TVA fail to liberate Wanda, they risk empowering Nightmare with a significant magical thrall. He is a formidable entity within the Marvel Universe, having bested characters of great power, including Doctor Strange and Eternity. An unhinged Scarlet Witch under Nightmare’s control could instigate unprecedented terror, further augmenting Nightmare’s strength.
The strategy to harness the Scarlet Witch as a weapon carries inherent risks, too. Although she may not match Nightmare’s raw power, her capabilities are formidable. In “Multiverse of Madness,”she nearly overwhelmed Doctor Strange, demonstrating how dangerous she can be when ignited by despair and loss. This underscores the urgency for the TVA to free her before Nightmare unleashes chaos beyond what anyone could manage.
3 Nightmare Might Now Be Part of the MCU and Stronger Than Ever
Nightmare’s Control Over Dreams Could Grant Him a Unique Advantage
The “Doctor Strange”films have introduced several of the Sorcerer Supreme’s adversaries—namely Dormammu and Baron Mordo—yet Nightmare, his arch-nemesis, has remained absent. By incorporating the Scarlet Witch into the narrative, Spider-Gwen arguably brings Nightmare into the MCU in an unprecedented way. The absence of a third “Doctor Strange”film and uncertainty surrounding Benedict Cumberbatch’s return in future Avengers installments indicates the character’s fate is uncertain.
Moreover, if dreams serve as a conduit to the multiverse—as suggested in “Multiverse of Madness”—then Nightmare gains an extraordinary advantage. He can harness these portals to spread fear across various realities, positioning him as an even more dangerous threat within the MCU.
4 If This is the MCU’s Scarlet Witch, Comic History May Be in the Making
TVA #4 Could Mark the Initial Convergence of Marvel’sTwo Major Universes
The potential redemption arc of the MCU’s Scarlet Witch in TVA #4 may establish this issue as a historic moment uniting the Marvel Comics Universe and the MCU. The variant encountered by Spider-Gwen in TVA #4 strongly resembles the cinematic version, with references suggesting she was detained due to her malevolence.
Marvel’s multiverse encompasses numerous realities, including Earth-1610 (the initial Ultimate Universe) and Earth-6160 (the setting for the new Ultimate line). Historically, the mainline Marvel Universe has been labeled “Earth-616,” a designation conceived by legend Alan Moore in the early ’80s. However, the MCU has also shared this classification, leading to potential discrepancies in how Marvel addresses these universes’ connections.
5 Nightmare Could Be More Powerful Than Previously Assumed
Is Nightmare an Omniversal Entity, or Are We Set to Encounter Variants?
Should Nightmare indeed exert control over the MCU’s Scarlet Witch, it implies he may be more powerful than initially believed. Having already challenged Eternity twice, and repeatedly coming close to defeating Doctor Strange and others, this hints at formidable prowess.
Consequently, if Nightmare targets the MCU’s Scarlet Witch specifically, it suggests he might be an omniversal being—operating with no variants. Few omniversal beings exist, with entities like the Watcher and the One-Above-All being notable examples. If confirmed, this revelation would enhance Nightmare’s significance within both the comics and the MCU.
6 Spider-Gwen and the Scarlet Witch: A Promising New Marvel Pairing
Spider-Gwen’s Act of Liberation Could Forge a New Heroic Alliance
Spider-Gwen’s decision to free the Scarlet Witch from her containment pod could pave the way for a dynamic new superhero duo in the Marvel Universe. Since her debut, Spider-Gwen has gained immense popularity and has recently been featured in various media, including the acclaimed Spider-Verse films. Being from an alternate reality ties her further to the storyline of the MCU’s Scarlet Witch.
With Spider-Gwen’s compassionate approach to heroism, the emotional support she could provide to the Scarlet Witch seeking redemption could facilitate invaluable character development. This dynamic pairing could mirror iconic hero duos in Marvel history, offering fans a fresh narrative filled with potential.
7 Could a New Team Emerge Focused on the MCU’s Scarlet Witch?
The Scarlet Witch May Recruit Allies from the TVA to Aid Her Redemption
As Marvel’s TVA comics unfold, a new coalition of heroes combines forces, potentially including the MCU’s Scarlet Witch as a vital member. Alongside Spider-Gwen, Captain Peggy Carter, and a variant of Gambit, this team hints at the need for heroic evolution within the TVA. Should darker agendas be unveiled within the organization, the inclusion of these empowered figures becomes even more crucial.
8 Does the Scarlet Witch’s Imprisonment Indicate a Shift Within the TVA?
Indications Suggest the TVA May Be Corrupted
The implications of the Scarlet Witch’s imprisonment extend beyond her character; they hint at possible corruption within the TVA. TVA #4 suggests that the containment facility housing the Scarlet Witch operates covertly, potentially off the books. This revelation raises unsettling questions regarding who else might be detained and for what reasons, especially since the TVA typically deals with significant multiversal threats.
The necessity for holding the Scarlet Witch in containment appears justified; however, it invites speculation regarding deeper, perhaps more sinister motives at play within the TVA. Her journey toward redemption promises to impact the larger Marvel Universe and the MCU profoundly.
Available now, the thrilling TVA #4 from Marvel Comics is poised to leave its mark in the history of comics and cinematic storytelling!