The character of Uatu has been one of the great surprises of What would happen if…?. The enigmatic creature, multiversal observer and omniscient storyteller of the series, is the link in the anthological stories. But also a more or less ominous presence that he has made it clear that “he will not intervene because he cannot or does not want to” in the realities that he observes. Still, in chapter four of the series, The Watcher had a short interaction with Doctor Strange.
While the Sorcerer Supreme was about to suffer the consequences of his arrogance and vanity, Uatu broke his usual distance from the universes he observes. He did so to make it clear that the consequences were “inevitable” and that Strange should have assumed them. But although he did not intervene to prevent the destruction that was coming, he did make something clear: Uatu can break his rules without detracting from his role and participation as El Vigilante.
“Honestly, if I could fix this, if I could punish you instead, I would, but I can’t interfere. You, more than anyone, should understand that meddling when time and events only lead to more destruction”Said the character. But beyond demonstrating the power that Strange had achieved, it was a sign of something specific. Uatu is more than just a great ubiquitous gaze. It is also, in some tangential way, a vehicle for understanding “the great image of things.”
Why did you intervene at this precise opportunity? Will you do it again in the future? Apparently, and judging by some promotional images of What would happen if…?, Uatu could break his oath and take part in some multiversal battle. Or at least take a more active role in what appears to be a full-scale confrontation. Of course, the big question is when and under what conditions El Vigilante can intervene.
Beyond the anecdotal quality of his ominous conversation with Strange, something was clear. The character is more than an accurate narrator of what he observes. One that possesses a considerable wealth of information. And that it can also be vital in a Universe full of temporary ramifications like the one Marvel faces today.
El Vigilante: from silence to power in ‘What if …?’
The Vigilante figure is an old acquaintance to Marvel fans. The character first appeared in The Fantastic Four # 13 (April 1963). He is a member of an alien species dedicated exclusively to observing and analyzing the behavior of other worlds. Uatu was assigned to observe the Earth and its Solar System.
In the comics, Uatu has had a long history of violating his species’ rigid rule of just gazing without intervening. The figure, often related to stories involving Fantastic FourShe was even prosecuted for doing so. On What would happen if…? You have already taken the first step to show that you can abandon your silent and contemplative place for something more active.
It is a curious device that, in fact, is an element of metafiction. The Watcher somehow breaks the fourth wall when events are so catastrophic as to shock or empathize. In the comic it is evident that the character makes his own decisions and little by little he is much more flexible in his imperative than others of his kind. The reason? Something quite simple. Uatu cares about what he sees, beyond gathering information or just being a means to accumulate knowledge.
And if the new avengers had a guide in their future battles
If so, the image of the multiverse Avengers (included in trailers and promotions of the series) could have Uatu as a fundamental piece. After all, it is a group of characters that will cross several universes. And who better to guide them than El Vigilante, a privileged observer of several events at once?
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It is still not very clear how Marvel will handle the new born characters of the multiverse. But one thing’s for sure: you won’t miss the opportunity to mix up the most amazing alternate line heroes. And Uatu will undoubtedly be a point to take into account in his journey towards the future of his stories.