‘What If…?’ Early Reactions Promise One of Marvel’s Best Series Yet
Marvel’s foray into streaming with their Disney+ exclusive titles has been incredibly well received by audiences and critics alike, and it appears the same will be true for their newest endeavor as the What If…? early reactions promise one of Marvel’s best series yet.
In a fun, imaginative, and wildly entertaining premise Marvel may have found their most ambitious, and delightful, series to come from their collection of Disney+ exclusive series.
The stunning and original animation style, the wildly creative narrative structure, and a format that leads fans on an ever-changing journey which snowballs in its consequence and meaning as the series proceeds.
Early impressions of the series all seem to fall on What If…? being, more than anything else, immensely fun.
With the multiversal aftermath of Loki and its season one finale, and the announcement that What If…? is directly tied to the MCU canon, fans are now more invested than ever in the unfolding of the new series.
Gizmodo entertainment reporter Germain Lussier spoke highly of the series; noting the projects rarified air as perhaps the best of Marvel 2021 efforts based on its fantastic first three episodes.
After 3 episodes, Marvel’s What If…? has potential to be their best D+ show yet. Yes, it’s funny and exciting but the way each twist snowballs in hugely surprising ways kept me guessing and engaged too. Ep 2 in particular (with T’Challa) is one of my fave Marvel things in years. pic.twitter.com/KC66EnIQty
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) August 1, 2021
Junketeer Reviewer Michale Lee issued a similar sentiment when he spoke on the comic book feel to the series, and Marvel’s willingness to truly have fun with their own timeless stories make for an unforgettable entertaining ride.
#WhatIf is a colorful and fun new twist on your favorite MCU stories. The animation makes everything sighing the frame feel like a comic book in motion. And @jfreewright is the perfect storyteller to guide fans on a journey of what if’s & hypotheticals. pic.twitter.com/LHbat3NQ9W
— Michael Lee (@IamMichaelJLee) August 1, 2021
Jacob Hall, the senior news editor of Slash Film, didn’t speak as highly of the films nature; noting that the series doesn’t aim to compel with their storytelling, which couples with underwhelming voice acting that limits the shows effectiveness.
Maybe it’ll get better as it goes along, but I was not particularly inspired by the episodes of Marvel’s WHAT IF…? sent to critics. Leans too heavily on the “Isn’t this crazy?” factor, never telling particularly compelling stories. Voice acting feels literally phoned in.
— Jacob Hall (@JacobSHall) August 1, 2021
The Reactions continued with voices like Collider’s Steve Weintraub who said that the film is, at times, as engaging as the films, stating, “3rd episode is a better mystery than some of the movies”; He also spoke highly of Chadwick Boseman’s final chance playing the beloved T’Challa
Comicbook.com’s Josh Wilding also added to the praise, noting that Marvel’s focus, and animation, of the show, hit on all cylinders becoming an incredible outing for the studio; with Wilding giving specific praise to what Marvel did with the character of Captain Carter.
One recurring negative criticism for some of the episodes is the actual voice acting; as Ethan Anderson of /Film noted that the actors reprising their roles don’t seem to be the best suited to the very specific performance art.
Overall, What If…? isn’t perfect, but it is going to be a wildly fun ride for Marvel fans with an incredible amount of easter eggs for eagle-eyed fans to spot.
As the What If…? early reactions promise one of Marvel’s best series yet, Fans are gonna want to catch its debut on August 11th exclusively on Disney+