Okay, here are introductions to some of the most notable Marvel Comics dark or dark-themed storylines, presented in English:
1. The Dark Avengers Saga
- Introduction: This storyline introduces the "Dark Avengers," an alternative version of the Avengers composed of seemingly heroic characters who are secretly operating in the shadows, often breaking the law, for a greater good or their own twisted vision of it. The core conflict revolves around the mysterious, powerful entity known as the "Dark Avengers."
- Key Characters: Norman Osborn (Green Goblin), Owen Reilly (Hawkeye), Bullseye, Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze), Red Hulk, Moonstone, and later, the Mandarin (as the Dark Avengers' leader).
- Plot Summary: Norman Osborn, using advanced technology, assembles a team of super-villains with formidable powers and skills. They operate as the Dark Avengers, tackling super-crime and sometimes dealing with other heroes, while secretly serving Osborn's agenda. The story explores themes of corruption, the blurred lines between hero and villain, and the consequences of operating outside the law. The identity of the Dark Avengers' mastermind is a major part of the mystery.
2. Secret Wars (1984 Original & 2015 Relaunch)
- Introduction: Secret Wars is a major crossover event where the Marvel Multiverse (all the different realities of the Marvel Universe) is violently brought together. The story typically features a battle between Earth's heroes and villains against other-worldly beings and characters from different dimensions.
- 1984 Original Plot Summary: The Beyonder, an immensely powerful being curious about humanity, gathers Earth's Mightiest Heroes and the Masters of Evil onto a pocket universe, the "Battleworld," for a reality TV show-like competition. Meanwhile, the Inhuman royal family is brought to Earth by the cosmic entity Null, leading to conflict and the birth of a powerful new Inhuman.
- 2015 Relaunch Plot Summary (Secret Wars II): This version sees the characters from Earth-616 (our main reality) being transported into a "Secret Wars" domain created by the Mad Thinker, where they must fight for survival against other heroes, villains, and cosmic entities from various parallel universes.
- Themes: Power, conflict, reality, the nature of heroes and villains across different worlds.
3. Civil War (2006-2007)
- Introduction: While often classified as an "event," Civil War deals heavily with moral ambiguity, government overreach, and the fundamental conflict between individual liberties and public safety, making it dark in tone. It pits heroes against each other over the creation of a superhero registration act.
- Plot Summary: Following the destruction caused by the Superhuman Registration Act in New York, a massive civil war erupts between heroes who support the act (like Iron Man and Captain America) and those who oppose it (like Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the Hulk). The conflict explores the complexities of accountability, the potential dangers of unchecked government power, and the personal costs of war. It features numerous tragic events and difficult choices for the characters involved.
- Themes: Morality, government power, terrorism, heroism vs. vigilanteism.
4. House of M
- Introduction: This storyline is a massive "What If?" scenario exploring the consequences of the mutant gene being dominant in the Marvel Universe. It's a dark and tragic tale with a grim conclusion.
- Plot Summary: After a magical accident caused by the mutant mutant Exodus, the vast majority of the human population on Earth loses their ability to reproduce, except for those who are either mutants or have mutant parents. Over decades, mutants become the dominant species, ruling humanity, which is forced to live in hiding or as second-class citizens. The story depicts a world fractured by species war and loss.
- Themes: Prejudice, discrimination, survival, the definition of humanity, the cost of power.
5. Dark Reign
- Introduction: Following the events of Secret Wars, Nick Fury forms a new, highly secretive government organization called S.H.I.E.L.D. to consolidate power and eliminate perceived threats, leading to a new era of paranoia and oppression in the Marvel Universe.
- Plot Summary: After the chaotic events of Secret Wars, Nick Fury establishes S.H.I.E.L.D. as the world's new super-powered authority, placing himself as the ultimate leader. This leads to the arrest of heroes like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and the Fantastic Four, who are forced to fight against their former allies within S.H.I.E.L.D. or in prison. The storyline explores themes of authoritarianism, loss of freedom, and the betrayal of trust.
- Themes: Authority, oppression, conspiracy, loss of freedom, heroism under duress.
These are just a few examples of the dark and complex storylines found in Marvel Comics. The term "dark" can encompass a range of tones, from gritty realism and moral ambiguity to outright horror and tragedy.
