Historically, Marvel movies tend to credit (some of) the creators of the comics that have inspired their onscreen stories. You can find these at the end of the films, under “Special Thanks.” Finding out which of our favorite creators have been thanked is one of the most fun parts of watching these films in my house. So we were eager to discover who WandaVision‘s early episodes credited.
Obvious inclusions include the creators of the core characters, as well as arcs that have been directly lifted from. But further thanks could be revealing about the direction WandaVision may take. So without further ado, let’s jump into what these thank-yous could mean for the series going forward.
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, creators of Scarlet Witch (1964)
Marvel Comics
This is a no-brainer pair of inclusions. Jack and Stan created Wanda Maximoff in X-Men #4. She was a mutant back then, although that has (kinda?) changed over the years. All this tells us is that Marvel finally realizes the importance of paying respect to the people who made these movies, TV shows, and stories possible in the first place: the creators.
Roy Thomas and John Buscema, creators of The Vision (1968)
Marvel Comics
The Vision first appeared in Avengers #57; the creators behind that comic and the hero earn a thank-you here too. As with Jack and Stan, this nod was expected. But it leads viewers to another great issue to read. All of the comics, series, and arcs on this list are an awesome way to build out your knowledge of the heroes and their comic book history.
Bill Mantlo and Rick Leonardi, Vision and the Scarlet Witch (1982)
It’s hard to explain just how influential both of the Vision and the Scarlet Witch miniseries are on this show. If you’re looking for a tone-setter for the MCU’s first show, look no further than the 1982 comic. While many looked to the 2015 The Vision series when WandaVision revealed its suburban setting, that trope was actually established in this awesome four-issue miniseries. The gambit was then continued in a 12-issue followup; both could tell us a lot about where WandaVision may go.
We get a lot of Simon Williams a.k.a. Wonder Man action in the third issue of Vision and the Scarlet Witch. That’s the man on whom Vision’s consciousness is based in the comics. There’s also the Grim Reaper, whose helmet we saw under the floorboards in the opening of WandaVision‘s second episode; this villain also appeared in The Vision, which we know was an influence on the show. Whether or not he’s part of the story here is yet to be seen, but as Wonder Man’s disgruntled brother, there’s a chance he could somehow turn up.
Another key moment is the introduction of Magneto as Wanda and Pietro’s father. Though we doubt we’ll see the X-Men’s most famous villain onscreen, you can definitely expect some family drama. This all ties into some deep-cut Wanda lore that could come into play in WandaVision.
In the final issue of Vision and the Scarlet Witch, we visit Mount Wundagore, home to the humanoid cow Bova who delivered the twins. Allusions to the strange birthplace of the infamous mutant twins have already appeared in these first two episodes. With a little luck, we could finally see this wild part of canon on screen.
Steve Englehart and Richard Howell, The Vision and the Scarlet Witch (1985)
Marvel Comics
This run continues the weird and wonderful world of Vision and the Scarlet Witch. Here’s where Wanda became magically pregnant, which happens at the end of WandaVision‘s second episode. Tonally relevant too is that this series is also heavily concerned with the family life of the unusual couple. Although the first series established the heroes living a suburban life, this one puts it front and center.
It also features Agatha Harkness, the witch who tutored Wanda in the mystic arts and possibly has a counterpart in WandaVision‘s Agnes. In a reference to this series, episode two of the TV show features our heroes performing in the town talent show. The name of their magic act, Glamour and Illusion, is taken directly from the pages of issue #5. There are further possible ramifications too.
In the comic, a man called Norm sells them a house and becomes their friend. This is particularly interesting as in the show Vision’s best friend is called Norm. Vision and the Scarlet Witch also features major storylines around Simon Williams’ Wonder Man and the Reaper, both of whom have deep connections with Vision. We probbaly shouldn’t count out seeing either of them pop up.
On the more outlandish side, The Vision and the Scarlet Witch gives us zombies, witches, and even an appearance from Doctor Strange himself. (And we know WandaVision will lead directly into the next Strange movie.) This comic also features both Magneto and Quicksilver. While MCU Pietro is thought to be dead, rumors have surfaced that Evan Peters may be bringing an alt-universe version of the hero to life in WandaVision… so maybe we could see him return after all.
Additionally, Luke Cage appears in issue #8. While the MCU rarely uses these comics as a direct model, they do take from them for inspiration; there’s plenty of fun stuff to explore in this mid ’80s masterpiece.
Joss Whedon and John Cassaday, Astonishing X-Men (2004)
Marvel Comics
This was another expected inclusion, as S.W.O.R.D. was first introduced in this series. Eight years before The Avengers would dominate the box office, the film’s director laid down his take on Marvel’s mutants. In the comics, the intergalactic group’s acronym stood for Sentient World Observation and Response Division; interestingly, in the MCU, it stands for Sentient Weapon Observation and Response Division. Sounds about right for the militarized Marvel Cinematic Universe. That’s probably the key takeaway here, but no harm reading this fan fave arc to find out more.
Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch, Avengers Disassembled/New Avengers (2004)
Marvel Comics
This is where things start to get really interesting. Bendis was our first hint that House of M would be a big part of WandaVision. The addition of David Finch, however, meant we had one more story arc to explore before we got there. Avengers Disassembled took place just prior to House of M. It’s particularly intriguing in the context of WandaVision as it begins with a mind-controlled Wanda. We later learned that Doctor Doom claimed responsibility for her state…
We know that the Fantastic Four are coming to the MCU, so could we potentially see Victor Von Doom play a part in WandaVision? There’s plenty of other major things to note here, like the involvement of both Magneto and Charles Xavier, as well as Agatha Harkness playing a major role.
Brian Micheal Bendis and Olivier Copiel, House of M (2005)
Marvel Comics
The inclusion of Olivier Coipel caused nothing short of chaos in our house. This is a direct confirmation that at least some of WandaVision will come from House of M. We’ve long thought that the reality-warping series could play into WandaVision; with Coipel getting thanked, we can start to wonder just how House of M might fit in.
In the comics—which you can read more about here—Wanda creates a new reality after being manipulated by her brother Pietro and father Magneto. It features some of the biggest Marvel heroes of all time and could be a way of introducing the X-Men to the MCU. We’ll have to wait and see how it shakes out, though.
Tom King and Gabriel Hernandez Walta, The Vision (2015)
Marvel Comics
This massively popular miniseries sent Vision to the suburbs once again. While Wanda was only seen in flashbacks, this somber story definitely put the characters back in the spotlight. As we mentioned above during the episode two credits we see the Reaper’s helmet under the floorboards of Vision and Wanda’s house. That’s a direct reference to this comic, wherein Vision’s wife Virginia kills the Reaper and buries him in the garden.
Bringing it back to Wonder Man once again, that major Simon Williams/Vision plot is revisited in this comic, which could definitely play a part on WandaVision going forward. And that’s all just for starters. In fact, we’ve already spotted another nod to this in the new WandaVision featurette. We don’t know anything for sure, but we may want to keep an eye out for that doghouse.
