WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Captain Marvel #23 by Kelly Thompson, Lee Garbett, Belen Ortega, and Antonio Fabela, and Maestro #3 by Peter David, German Peralta, Jesus Aburtov, Dale Keown, Jason Keith, and Ariana Maher, available now.
Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's biggest heroes are facing an alarmingly similar series of events in the comic book world. Captain Marvel has recently been transported to the year 2052, where she faces a dystopian future. Meanwhile, in the Maestro series, the Hulk has awakened in a future world that appears just as bleak.
In both Captain Marvel and Maestro, the heroes find a world that has been ravaged by humanity. The land and people have suffered greatly before either hero walked back onto the scene, and it shows. Heroes and civilians alike have died by the thousands, leaving only a few haggard survivors behind. Yet in both instances, there are heroes new and old rising to the task of leading what is left of humanity. Despite the altruistic appearance of it all, there is plenty of reason to be concerned about the motives of these new leaders.
Carol Danvers world has faced vast challenges, many of which have nearly brought humanity to its knees. Yet there are survivors and even children of survivors. Captain Marvel's series brings her back to the events and timeline of Captain Marvel: The End and has birthed many heroes in this time, from Irene Lebeau to Sora, the daughter of two X-Men. Working alongside these newer heroes are several veteran heroes from the previous generation, including Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman), Emma Frost, and Johnny Watts (Fuse).
There are also some heroes who already have a concerning presence. A new city has appeared which may or may not be mind-controlling anyone who gets too close. This city is being run by a man who appears to be a descendant of Namor and claims his city to be 'Paradise on Earth.'
Meanwhile, Hulk's world bears quite a few similarities to the one Captain Marvel is facing. Maestro introduces a world also torn apart by war and humanity. Here there are still pockets of civilization, and at least one major city left.
That city is run by the one and only Hercules. However, he's not running things the way a true leader would. Instead, the city appears to be more of a playground for him as opposed to being a city full of people who desperately need his help. It's worth noting that Hulk hasn't seen nearly as many heroes in his futuristic world as Captain Marvel saw in hers. He did manage to stumble upon Rick Jones and his granddaughter, proving that at least some people with a connection to superheroes survived.
In both instances, there's a strong implication that Avengers will be battling Avengers for the fate of the remaining humans. Ironically, it seems like both series have provided a side to root for in the impending conflict.
Themes of power and corruption are common themes when it comes to Marvel Comics, and these two series showcase those themes in a big way. The only question that remains is the effect the inevitable battles will have on what remains of society...and if the showdown between two powerful forces will make or break an already damaged world.