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{{Short description|Comic book series}}

The '''Marvel Mangaverse''' is a series of graphic novels published by [[Marvel Comics]] from 2000 to 2002, with an upcoming sequel "New Mangaverse series" due for release in late 2005/early 2006.

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The '''''Marvel Mangaverse''''' is a series of comic books published by [[Marvel Comics]] from 2000 to 2002, with a sequel, ''New Mangaverse'', released in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilber |first=Robert |date=September 3, 2020 |title=Marvel's Mangaverse: The Forgotten Universe That Fused Avengers & Anime |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-mangaverse-forgotten-universe-fused-avengers-anime/ |accessdate=May 2, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |publisher=}}</ref>

The series depicts an alternate Marvel universe (and possibly a splinter version of said universe) in which the characters are drawn and portrayed in a [[Manga]]-like style. Three volumes were published for the series, two of which were connected by a continuing story arc with multiple Marvel characters, while the third volume started a new story and focused on a single character.

The series is set in an alternate universe to the Marvel universe, where its characters are portrayed in a [[manga]]-like style. Four volumes were published, with Volumes 1 and 2 being connected by a story arc featuring multiple Marvel characters and Volumes 3 and 4 having stories focusing on [[Spider-Man (Marvel Mangaverse)|Spider-Man]] and an alternate version of [[Jean Grey]], respectively.

By 2005, [[Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe]]: [[Alternate Universes]] [[2005]] has given the numerical designation of "Marvel Mangaverse" as '''Earth-2301'''.

The 2005 edition of ''[[Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe]]'' designates ''Marvel Mangaverse'' as Earth-2301 in the Marvel [[Multiverse (Marvel Comics)|multiverse]]. Most of the artwork for Volume 1 was shared between different artists, each of whom contributed to one issue, with book-ends by [[Ben Dunn]], who also did artwork for Volume 2. The artwork for the miniseries ''New Mangaverse: The Rings of Fate'' was done by Tom Hanks.

==Volume 1==

[[File:ironman mazinger.jpg|left|upright|thumb|The Avengers transform their Iron Avengers into the Ultimate Iron Man robot.]]

Three years prior to the story's events, [[Hulk|Bruce Banner]] discovered the [[Negative Zone]], a dimension containing vast amounts of energy, and was tricked by the terrorist organization [[Hydra (comics)|Hydra]] into building the Energy Well, a means of harvesting the energy to power a [[weapon of mass destruction]]. When the weapon was fired, it created a massive [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] that caused a twenty-four hour global blackout, killing thousands. During the crisis, [[Namor]] invaded the surface, but was stopped by [[Iron Man]], who disappeared soon after. Tony Stark rescued Banner, who had gone insane, and suppressed his memories using a Cerebral Driver. Various forces conspire to create a second Energy Well, resulting in [[Dormammu]] invading Earth, but he is defeated by Thor and the other heroes. Serving Dormammu is a massive, [[Godzilla]]-like incarnation of the Hulk who Thor destroys.

Tony Stark later returns, having been reduced to a head, in an advisory role to the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]]. Iron Man also appears in the form of several large robots that combine into a larger mecha, which he calls Ultimate Ironman. Ultimate Iron Man reappears in Volume 2, where it is destroyed in combat with [[T'Channa]], the sister of [[Black Panther (character)|Black Panther]] and the second [[Doctor Doom]].

'''Plot''': Three years prior to the story Dr. Banner discovered the Negative Zone, a dimension which contains vast amounts of energy, and was tricked by the terrorist organization [[HYDRA]] into building "the Energy Well", a means of harvesting this energy, to power their weapon of mass destruction. However, when the weapon was fired it created a massive [[EMP]] which caused a global blackout for twenty-four hours, killing thousands. Durring this time of crisis, Prince Namor of Atlantis led an invasion of the surface but was stopped by [[Iron Man]], who disappeared soon after. Toni Stark rescued the now insane Dr. Banner and supressed any memory of his involvement from his mind with a Cerabral Driver.

==Characters==

[[Iron Girl]] - Antoinette Stark a former S.H.I.E.L.D agent and the sister of Tony Stark. Also the current owner of Stark Idustries. Unlike her brother, Toni has made her identity public and opened defense contracts with the U.S. military.

[[Bruce Banner]] - Currently reconstructing "the Energy Well" for Stark Industries. Gained the ability to summon gods after being exposed to gamma radiation when the well malfunctioned. Has a secret love for Toni Stark.

* '''[[Iron Man|Iron Maiden]]''' ('''Antoinette "Toni" Stark''') - A former [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] agent, sister of Tony Stark, and current owner of Stark Industries.<ref name=":0" /> Unlike her brother, Toni has made her identity public and opened defense contracts with the U.S. military. She is revealed in the final issue of Volume 1 to be in love with Bruce Banner, and ascends to another plane of existence with him.

[[Wasp (comics)|Wasp]] - Janet Van Dyne is an employee of Stark Industries and the creator of W.A.S.P. (Winged Amplification Surge Plasma) which allows her to fly. Differs from the original Wasp whose powers came from experimentation by Hank Pym, and also could change size via a serum.

* '''[[Hulk|Bruce Banner]]''' - A physicist who built the Energy Well, a portal to the [[Negative Zone]], and was possessed by the Hulk after it malfunctioned. He is in love with Toni Stark, which she reciprocates, and, along with her, ascends to another plane of existence at the conclusion.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Bonomolo |first=Cameron |date=January 26, 2018 |title=10 ''Marvel Mangaverse'' Characters Who Should Get Their Own Anime |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/marvel-anime-marvel-mangaverse/#3 |accessdate=May 2, 2022 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |publisher=}}</ref>

* '''[[Wasp (character)|Wasp]]''' - An employee of Stark Industries and the creator of W.A.S.P. (Winged Amplification Surge Plasma), which allows her to fly.

[[Hank Pym]] - A boy genius/rock star, called to Stark Island to help Banner construct "the Energy Well". Can control ants with his guitar like [[Ant-Man (comics)|Ant-Man]] did with his helmet but like the Wasp is unable to change size.

* '''[[Hank Pym]]''' - A boy genius and rock star who helped Bruce Banner construct the Energy Well. He can control ants with his guitar.<ref name=":0" />

* '''[[Black Panther (character)|Black Panther]]''' - The king of [[Wakanda]], and a shaman who uses mystic arts to transform into various animal forms.<ref name=":0" /> Tigra is in love with him. In ''New Mangaverse: The Rings of Fate'', he is implied to have been killed by the villains.

[[Black Panther]] - T'Challa came to Stark Island as a representative of the African nation of Wakanda, uses mystic arts to become the half human/half panther hero.

* '''[[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]]''' - A weather-manipulating witch and leader of the [[X-Men]]. The villainous mutant [[Amanda Sefton]] was her friend until she attempted to resurrect the evil spirit [[Magneto (Marvel Comics)|Magnus]]. In ''X-Men: Ronin'', she is briefly in a relationship with [[Forge (character)|Forge]], who is killed by Jean Grey. In ''New Mangaverse: The Rings of Fate'', she and all other mutants, except for Wolverine, are implied to have been killed.

* '''[[Doctor Strange]]''' - The Master of the Mystic Arts, whose assistant is Tigra. He watches over the world while researching new spells and has a rivalry with [[Baron Mordo]]. He is killed in ''New Mangaverse: The Rings of Fate.''

[[Storm (comics)|Storm]]- Ororo Munroe was a member of a witch coven where she learned how to summon the elements of weather and now leads the X-Men. Villianous mutant Amanda Sefton was a friend of Ororo but tried to bring back the evil spirit Magnus.

* '''[[Tigra]]''' - Doctor Strange's assistant, who was cursed into the form of a were-tiger and must perform a thousand good deeds for the curse to be broken. She is killed in ''New Mangaverse: The Rings of Fate.''

* '''The [[Hulk]]''' - Unlike other incarnations, where he is an alternate personality of Bruce Banner, he is a mystical spirit and servant of [[Dormammu]] who possessed Banner via the Energy Well. He is based on [[Godzilla]].

* The '''Megascale''' '''Metatalent Response Team''' - A team based on the [[Fantastic Four]] who deal with supernatural threats.<ref name=":0" />

* '''[[Daimon Hellstrom]]''' and '''[[Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)|Johnny Blaze]]''' - Brothers who are Ghost Riders and sons of Satan. They become monster hunters and battle their evil sister [[Satana (Marvel Comics)|Satana]].

* '''Omar Medina''' - A creation of Doctor Doom whose primary purpose was to assassinate Doctor Strange and bring his body to Alpha Labs.

==Volume 2==

TheVolume second Mangaverse graphic novel2 continued storylinesthe producedstories inof the original series, which waswere later collected as the first graphic novel. ThisIt series, at the start, broughtbrings back the ''Mangaverse'' version of the [[Fantastic Four,]] thoughwhile slightlyintroducing modified in appearance from the intial look they had in the mid-partversions of the first volume[[Galactus]], though in the final issue they look as they do in volume 2), introduced Galactus as a parasitic life form created by the Skrulls,[[Skrull]]s; as[[Captain wellMarvel as(Marvel unveilingComics)|Captain TheMarvel]] Watcher(Marvin Ellwood), who appears to be the closestson in characterization to the mainline Watcher than any other Mangaverse character does to their counterparts, a 12 year oldof [[Captain Marvel, (Mar-Vell)|Mar-Vell]] and gigantic versions of four heralds of Galactus from the mainline[[Ms. Marvel|Alice universe,Ellwood]]; and Mangaverse versions of the [[Inhumans]]. anAn armored individual resembling [[Doctor Doom]] made a cameoappears in thesethe first few issues, who thenbefore becamebecoming the primarymain villain for the remainder of the series,. revealedRevealed to be the sister of Black Panther, thishe version of Doom decimatesoverwhelms the [[Avengers, and(comics)|Avengers]] itbefore isbeing onlydefeated through the combined efforts ofby the Fantastic Four, The Mangaverse Doctor Strange, his assistant Tigra, and the [[Scarlet Witch (the lone surviving member of the Mangaverse Avengers) to defeat this version of Doom and restore some semblance of order after the mayhem caused by Doom. These heroes have not been seen since]].

==Spider-Man Mangaverse==

{{Main|Spider-Man (Marvel Mangaverse)}}

The Mangaverse Spider-Man first appeared in the first series, and was brought back for his own mini-series, in which he encounters a cybernetic version of the Black Cat, as well as the Venom symbiote. Interestingly enough, the Symbiote does not become Venom, as there as an individual already using that name in this reality. He is, apparently, Spider-Man's older cousin, as in this timeline Ben and May Parker have a son, one much older than Peter in this timeline, who first appeared in the original Mangaverse appearance of Spider-Man. Venom is responsible for Ben Parkers death in this reality. The symbiote is given mystical origins this time around, and appears to have connections to an 'evil' clan of Ninja who are affiliated with Spiders, apparently they are a counterpoint to Spider-Man's own ninja clan. Norman Osborn, better known to most as the Green Goblin, has a minor appearance in the series. apprently intended as the start of a second story arc, however, this was never resolved due to the ending of the Mangaverse line after the ''Ronin'' mini-series.

==X-Men Mangaverse==

The [[X-Men]] first appeared in the first series of one-shots, which were later compiled intoin volumeVolume one1 of ''Marvel Mangaverse''. [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]], [[Cyclops (Marvel Comics)|Cyclops]], [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]], [[Danielle Moonstar|Mirage]] and [[Jean Grey]] form the core of thisthe group, with an[[Rogue unnamed(Marvel womanComics)|Rogue]] onliving thewith teamthem asbut well.seemingly Roguenot doesn'tbeing appear to be an actuala member of the group, though she does live with them. In this version of the X-Men, itWolverine is Wolverine,Cyclops' notbrother Xavier,and who has putassembled the team together.rather Hethan has[[Professor oneX|Charles set of metal claws, most likely adamantium, and another set, on his left hand, composed of energyXavier]]. He has white hair and a strange tattoo on his face, possibleas meantwell to be the greek symbol Omega. In this story, Wolverine and Cyclops are brothers, and Wolverine cost Cyclops one of his eyes, while it is hinted that Cyclops cost Wolverine one of his hands. (This seems to be why one of Wolverine's sets of claws is energy while the other is metal. Throughout this story with the exception ofas a pair of panels, Wolverine wasprosthetic depictedarm with two flesh and blood hands, but his left hand hadenergy claws of energy, not adamantium.<ref Thename=":0" flesh/> and blood appearance of both hands continued in the final issue of the first arc of Mangaverse). HeWolverine is also hintedimplied to have hadbeen in a relationship with Jean Grey, who had begunbegan to favor Cyclops. SeveralOther other''X-Men'' characters, good and evil, appear in thisthe story, most of whom areas forces for evil, including The[[Beast (Marvel Comics)|Beast]], [[Amanda Sefton]], [[Mystique (character)|Mystique]], and [[Nightcrawler (character)|Nightcrawler]].

==X-Men: Ronin==

AThe possiblestory 'alternate' version of the Mangaverse version offollows the X-Men, this storyline centered around The X-Men and the [[Hellfire Club (comics)|Hellfire Club]], who wereare battling off-and-on during the entirety of the story arc, due to the Hellfire Club's continued attempts to abduct Jean Grey and bring her into their group. During thisthe storylinestory, Storm, who is not a witchfalls in this storyline, but simply a mutantlove with power over the weather like the mainstream Marvel Universe, develops an attraction to the Mangaverse version of[[Forge (character)|Forge]]. The [[Phoenix Force]], which was briefly glimpsed when rogue tapped into itseen in theVolume first volume1 of ''Mangaverse'', has a muchbecomes more important role here as Jean beginsdevelops to either develop the Phoenixits powers, or else is posessed by them. The X-Men's physical appearances change again in this story, most notably Wolverine, who has black hair, no tattoo on his face and a mechanical right hand with energy claws on that hand rather than the energy claws being on his left hand as they were in the first volume. (Although not implicitly stated, it seems that the concept of Logan and Scott as brothers and each coting the other a part of their body intricately connected to their offensive capabilities still happens here.) Storm, and to an extent, Cyclops, though he retains the basic look of his first appearance in Mangaverse. Jean Grey remains exactly as she appeared in the first volume of Mangaverse. Furthermore, Charles Xavier is depicted as the leader of the Hellfire Club, putting him into direct opposition to the X-Men. Thealong Sentinelswith arehis Mechadaughters, piloted[[Sage by(Marvel humans,Comics)|Sage]] oneand of[[Emma whomFrost]]. isThe Forge,X-Men whoare isalso killedopposed inby battlethe with[[Sentinel both the X-Men(comics)|Sentinels]], andmechas thenpiloted moreby orhumans less obliterated bythat Jean Grey'slater newly developing Phoenix powersdestroys. The X-MenThey are advisedaided by 'Master [[Toad'. A(Marvel yoda-like characterComics)|Toad]], whoa statesformer thatfriend Jean'sof PhoenixXavier powerswho areis neitherdetermined humanto nordestroy Mutant,the Club and nobring mentionhim ofback Jeanto asthe an Omega Mutant ever come upX-Men.

==The Punisher Mangaverse==

In the story, written by [[Peter David]] and pencilled and inked by [[Lea Hernandez]], the [[Punisher]] is a woman named Sosumi Brown who is the principal of a private school in Tokyo and operates from her base of operations hidden within the school. She fights against the Korean Skang Kee crime family, led by Skang Kee Ho. The Skang Kee family uses an [[oni]] named Oni Yew to try and stop her, but her sister Hashi learns of her secret and obtains a cursed weapon that she uses to kill the oni and save her. In the story, it is explained that they were orphaned following the death of their parents in "a tragic pogo stick accident".

The Punisher of ''Marvel Mangaverse'' was part of the stories collected into Volume 1 of the ''Marvel Mangaverse'' graphic novels.

==New Mangaverse: The Rings of Fate==

[[File:MJspiderwoman.jpg|left|upright|thumb|MJ as Spider-Woman (with Peter). Cover to ''New Mangaverse'' #1. Art by Tommy Ohtsuka. This image also appears on the cover of the novel sized New Mangaverse graphic novel which collects the entire miniseries.]]

''New Mangaverse: The Rings of Fate'' is the third sequel series to Volumes 1 and 2 of ''Marvel Mangaverse'', and takes place some time after the events of Volume 2, ''Legend of the Spider-Clan'', and ''X-Men: Ronin''. Direct references are made to both ''Legend of the Spider-Clan'' and Mangaverse Volume 2, meaning that the series ignores the events of ''Spider-Man Family Featuring the Spider-Clan''. The continuity of the story is later ignored in ''Spiderverse #2'', which takes places after the events of the aforementioned single issue. This implies that the series is set in a separate universe adjacent to the original ''Mangaverse'' series or the ''Mangaverse'' Spider-Man series.

In the story, [[The Hand (comics)|The Hand]] makes their first appearance in the ''Mangaverse'', being responsible for the deaths of approximately 99% of the superhuman population of the ''Mangaverse'' and armed with the [[Mandarin's rings]]. [[Elektra (character)|Elektra]] and [[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]] also make appearances; Elektra kills Daredevil before being killed by [[Carol Danvers]], who takes a costume and shield that once belonged to [[Captain America]].<ref name=":0" />

Tony Stark returns and once again becomes [[Iron Man]]. He, along with Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Black Cat, Wolverine, Iron Man, the Human Torch, and the new Captain America, form a new group of Avengers and battle and defeat the Hand, along with a mind-controlled [[Sharon Carter]]. At the end of the series, the Black Cat is revealed to have been working alongside [[Nick Fury]], who is implied to have orchestrated the decimation of the super-powered population. However, whether she is truly loyal to Fury or if he is actually Fury, who is assumed to be dead, is not confirmed.

''New Mangaverse'', though left open-ended, appears to have been intended as the finale for the ''Marvel Mangaverse'', as most of its superhuman population was killed.

==See also==

* [[Marvel Anime]]

* [[Multiverse (Marvel Comics)|Marvel Comics multiverse]]

* ''[[Spider-Man: The Manga]]''

* ''[[X-Men: The Manga]]''

* ''[[Hulk: The Manga]]''

* [[Del Rey Manga#Marvel|Del Rey Manga/Marvel]]

* ''[[Marvel × Shōnen Jump+ Super Collaboration]]''

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==External links==

*Marvel pages: [http://www.marvel.com/comics/series/2040/marvel_mangaverse_2002 MM2002], [http://www.marvel.com/comics/series/2041/marvel_mangaverse_avengers_assemble_2002 MMAA2002], [http://www.marvel.com/comics/series/2042/marvel_mangaverse_eternity_twilight_2002 MMET], [http://www.marvel.com/comics/series/2275/marvel_mangaverse_fantastic_four_2002 MMFF2002], [http://www.marvel.com/comics/series/2274/marvel_mangaverse_ghost_riders_2002 MMGR2002], [http://www.marvel.com/comics/series/2043/marvel_mangaverse_new_dawn_2002 MMND2002], [http://www.marvel.com/comics/series/2044/marvel_mangaverse:_punisher_(2002) MMP2002], [http://www.marvel.com/comics/series/2277/marvel_mangaverse_spider-man_2002 MMS-M2002], [http://www.marvel.com/comics/series/2278/marvel_mangaverse_x-men_2002 MMX-M2002], [http://www.marvel.com/comics/series/993/new_mangaverse_2006 NM2006]

*[http://www.spiderfan.org/comics/title/new_mangaverse.html New Mangaverse Reviews at Spiderfan.org]

{{Marvel Multiverse}}

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[[Category:2002 comics endings]]

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[[Category:Marvel Comics dimensions|Magnaverse, Marvel]]

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