Imagine a reality where the Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff, didn’t grow up as the twin of Quicksilver, Pietro, but instead shared a sibling bond with none other than the amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker. This fascinating premise is at the heart of Seanan McGuire’s captivating novel, What if…Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker Were Siblings?, a part of Marvel’s intriguing “What If…?” series. This book dives deep into a world altered by a single, yet significant, change in Wanda’s origin story, prompting us to consider how different circumstances could shape iconic characters.
[Warning: This review contains some spoilers, proceed with caution if you wish to uncover the story’s surprises yourself!]
Rewinding to the Beginning, or Starting at the End?
In a refreshing twist, McGuire chooses to begin her narrative not at the expected starting point but rather at what feels like the culmination of events. Instead of a conventional chronological opening, we are immediately thrust into a moment of high tension and dramatic irony. Wanda Maximoff, filled with anticipation and a touch of nervousness, arrives at Avengers Mansion. She’s been invited by Captain America himself, an invitation to join the ranks of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, the Avengers. However, the hopeful atmosphere quickly dissipates as Wanda discovers a scene of horror. Captain America, the symbol of heroism and American ideals, lies dead, his throat savagely torn. The swiftness of the attack is evident; he was taken down before he could even react.
Wanda is paralyzed by shock, but her moment of stunned silence is shattered by the sudden arrival of the rest of the Avengers. Their eyes fall upon Wanda and the lifeless body of Captain America, and a devastatingly wrong conclusion is instantly drawn: Wanda is the killer. Surrounded and accused, Wanda’s panic surges, and instinctively, she unleashes her chaotic magic, vanishing in a swirl of crimson energy. This dramatic opening sets the stage for a story that then rewinds to the very beginning, taking us back to Wanda’s infancy and the life-altering event that sets this “What If…?” in motion.
We are transported to Latveria, where Richard and Mary Parker, Peter’s parents, are on a clandestine mission. It is here that they stumble upon a baby Wanda, abandoned and alone. After failing to locate any living relatives, the Parkers, with hearts full of compassion, decide to adopt her. Wanda is brought to their home in Queens, becoming a part of the Parker family and sister to baby Peter.
The narrative then beautifully unfolds, tracing the intertwined lives of Wanda and Peter as they grow up together. We witness their childhood, the emergence of their extraordinary abilities, the inevitable moments of divergence, their eventual reconnection, and the trials that test their sibling bond. Wanda’s journey is particularly compelling as she grapples with understanding and controlling her burgeoning magical powers, all within the nurturing environment of the Parker household. The narrative builds towards the explosive events of the opening, revealing the unexpected connections to Wanda’s past that trigger the initial tragedy. Ultimately, What if…? Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker were Siblings? poses a profound question: How would Wanda’s life and path be different if she had been raised in an environment of love and support instead of fear and animosity? And, equally intriguingly, how would Spider-Man’s journey be altered by having a sister like Wanda by his side?
A Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man Forged Anew
The essence of the “What If…?” series lies in exploring the ripple effects of altered realities. In What if…Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker Were Siblings?, the central change – Wanda growing up as Peter’s sister – creates significant waves. Raised in the loving Parker home, Wanda develops a strong moral compass and a deep-seated desire to help others. Her inherent magical abilities, when they manifest, initially frighten her. Fearful of causing harm, she actively seeks guidance to master her powers. While her magic remains unpredictable at times, and accidents do happen, Wanda is genuinely remorseful and driven to gain greater control, highlighting the powerful influence of nurture in shaping her character.
Interestingly, the impact of this altered upbringing is even more pronounced in Peter Parker’s character. While Wanda’s core motivation to protect her family remains consistent with her traditional portrayal, Peter undergoes a more nuanced transformation. Having Wanda as a sister introduces a layer of complexity to his personality. He becomes slightly more self-centered and, at times, even a bit meaner. This shift can be interpreted as a consequence of having a constant source of unconditional love and support in Wanda. Knowing he has her unwavering loyalty, Peter perhaps feels less pressure to seek external validation and approval, making him less of the quintessential “people-pleaser” that fans are accustomed to. This nuanced portrayal makes him a more flawed, and arguably more relatable, character, though perhaps slightly less immediately likeable. Despite these changes, Peter’s inherent heroism and good heart ultimately prevail, reminding us of his core values.
Pietro: The Unintended Consequence
In the traditional Marvel universe, Wanda and Pietro Maximoff are intrinsically linked as twins. However, in What if…Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker Were Siblings?, Pietro becomes a poignant casualty of this altered reality. Without Wanda as his anchor and support, Pietro’s character takes a darker turn. He becomes even more hardened and callous, his upbringing devoid of love and filled with the shadow of abuse at the hands of his “father.” Adding to his torment is the constant reminder that his “father’s” affection was always directed towards Wanda, not him. This deep-seated pain and resentment propel him on a desperate search for Wanda. When he finally finds her and realizes that the sibling bond he craves is not reciprocated in the same way, his hurt manifests as rage and destructive actions.
McGuire masterfully crafts a stark contrast between the Maximoff twins in this “What If…?” scenario. Wanda is firmly on a heroic path, while Pietro tragically veers towards villainy. While the possibility of redemption for Quicksilver always lingers, his trajectory in this narrative is decidedly bleak. What if…Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker were Siblings?, similar to other recent installments in the “What If…?” series, subtly hints at a larger, overarching narrative. The separation of Wanda and Pietro, and their diverging paths, strongly suggests a future confrontation, a sibling conflict of epic proportions that is sure to have significant ramifications.
Why This “What If…?” Matters
What if…Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker Were Siblings? resonated as a particularly significant story. While the narrative structure, with the majority of the book serving as a lead-up to the opening events, felt slightly unconventional, the extensive backstory was genuinely captivating. Witnessing Wanda’s development as a hero from the outset was incredibly rewarding. Despite facing prejudice and fear due to her magic, the reader is privy to her inner thoughts and unwavering heroic intentions. McGuire excels in her portrayal of Wanda, and her nuanced alterations to Peter and Pietro are seamlessly integrated into the “What If…?” premise.
Beyond Wanda’s personal journey, the overarching framework of the story is also compelling. America Chavez, the Watcher who struggles to remain a passive observer, adds another layer of intrigue. Her internal conflict – her duty to watch versus her urge to intervene – is subtly woven throughout the narrative. As she observes, she begins to uncover clues hinting at a larger, more ominous threat, one that endangers not just individual universes but even the Watchers themselves. This looming danger necessitates action, forcing America to confront the Watcher’s code. This broader narrative arc is slowly unfolding across the recent “What If…?” entries, and the anticipation for future installments to reveal the full scope of this conspiracy is palpable.
A Must-Read for Scarlet Witch Enthusiasts
Fans of the Scarlet Witch will find immense enjoyment in this novel. Seeing Wanda thrive and experience a loving upbringing is genuinely heartwarming. While tragedy is still a part of her journey, as it is for all heroes, the love and support she receives provide a crucial counterbalance. The Scarlet Witch’s enduring appeal lies in her complexity, and McGuire masterfully maintains this ambiguity while offering a more optimistic variant of her life. There remains a hint of danger, an edge of unpredictability, befitting her chaotic magic, ensuring Wanda remains a character of both light and shadow. This “What If…?” offers Scarlet Witch fans a rewarding glimpse into a world where Wanda Maximoff gets to embrace a little more light.
Rating: 8/10
Marvel: What if… Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker Were Siblings? by Seanan McGuire is available now wherever books are sold. Are you planning to read it? What are your thoughts on this “What If…?” scenario? Share your opinions on social media @mycosmiccircus!
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