Wolverine Lays Out Marvel's Dark Future in Avengers #700

WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Avengers #700 by Jason Aaron, Adam Kubert, Matthew Wilson and VC's Cory Petit, on sale now.

If there is one thing that Marvel isn't lacking, it's an abundance of possible alternate futures. Creators and readers alike enjoy taking a look at what is in store for their favorite superheroes, from drastic changes to established characters to bleak, grim-dark realities.

Instead of taking readers directly to the future, a storytelling technique that's been used over the years involves teasing upcoming storylines inside the pages of a monthly comic, usually with a splash page of artwork. Writer Jason Aaron has done this with two of his comics, which coincidentally both reached landmark 700th issues -- Mighty Thor #700 (art by Russell Dauterman and Matthew Wilson) and Avengers #10 aka Legacy Issue #700 (art by Adam Kubert and Wilson).

With his story ideas plotted far in advance and firsthand knowledge of what the Marvel Universe will look like six months to a year down the line, Aaron is able to provide readers with a quick look at what to expect from Earth's Mightiest Heroes without taking the mystery away. And if there is one major takeaway, it's that there are dark days ahead for the Marvel Universe.

As exciting as it was to glimpse some of the threats looming in the Marvel Universe, the biggest surprise came from who was doing the revealing. The scene takes place in the far reaches of space with Loki and the Final Host Celestials. Right as Loki is getting into his diatribe he's cut off by Wolverine, who activates the Phoenix Force to cause a distraction, allowing Loki to escape. Wolverine and the Phoenix are aware of what's coming in the future, and the image of the Phoenix Wolverine popping his claws (which we learned the Phoenix isn't responsible for Wolverine's new "hot claws") revealed ninjas, a unique take on the Punisher, Starbrands and much more.

Iron Fist vs. The Hand And A Samurai Punisher

Wolverine is no stranger to facing off against the evil Hand ninja clan, and the group looks poised to make a comeback in a major way. Kubert and Wilson's image shows Iron Fist locked in combat with The Hand, and even though Iron Fist is not a current member of the Avengers, his ancient ancestor was a founder of the Avengers of 1,000,000 BC, which means it is likely the current day incarnation will find himself entangled in an upcoming plot.

The Punisher is an interesting inclusion for a number of reasons. Frank Castle has given up his signature military weaponry for a sword and armor that would typically be found in an episode of Game of Thrones. However, there is a clue found on his armor that ties directly to another character in the montage.

NEXT PAGE: Namor's Back, and Moon Knight Has An Undead Army

Moon Knight's Mummified Army

Marc Spector's adventures as the enigmatic Moon Knight usually don't intersect with the larger Marvel Universe, but that is about to change. At some point in the near future, an army of mummies will be unleashed with Moon Knight as their leader. We can even theorize that Moon Knight is the person who summons the mummies, with the reason unknown at the moment.

Moon Knight's half-moon symbol also appears on the Punisher's right elbow, which could have a number of different meanings. Has the Punisher and Moon Knight joined forces? If you're going to fight the undead, perhaps a sword makes more sense as a weapon than a gun.

Killer King Of The Sea

The main story in Avengers #700 featured Earth's Mightiest Heroes facing off against their former friend and teammate, Namor, and his Defenders of the Deep. The king of Atlantis almost killed his old alley Stingray and appeared ready to do whatever it takes to get revenge on the surface world for perceived attacks against his kingdom.

The Avengers and Defenders conflict in this issue resulted in a tie, meaning the two teams aren't done with one another. We will have to see how far Namor will go to secure a victory, or if he's prepared to do permanent damage to not only his reputation, but relationship with the likes of his Invaders comrade, Captain America.

The Squadron Supreme Of America Strikes

Speaking of Avengers #700's main story, it ended with two huge revelations: the return of Phil Coulson, who died in Secret Empire, and the Squadron Supreme. The Justice League analogs are now taking the Avengers place as a government-sanctioned team. Of course, just like with the Defenders of the Deep, this will lead to General Ross sending the SSA to take out the Avengers.

When that battle takes place, a sight that will be unnerving to see for fans is Hyperion crushing Captain America's shield with his bare hands. The Vibranium shield has been shattered a few times, and Hyperion's power level is supposed to be comparable to Superman's. This is one of those images that is meant to get a reaction out of the reader but doesn't end up happening in the actual story.

NEXT PAGE: Man-Thing is Worthy, and War of the Realms Begins

The Mighty Man-Thing

The protector of realities, Man-Thing, is currently involved with the Champions and their sword-and-sorcery tale in Weirdworld, but that doesn't mean he also can't find the time to strike at the Avengers. Though the mystical hammer Mjolnir is resting in the sun, leaving Thor to start carrying a ton of off-brand Mjolnirs', the Man-Thing is shown as being worthy to hold the Asgardian hammer. What we're witnessing is a possible loophole to return Mjolnir back to Thor by having Man-Thing open a portal to the sun, allowing Man-Thing to retrieve it.

War Of The Realms And Starbrands

To wrap things up is Malekith, Ursa Major and the Starbrand. The dark elf is responsible for bringing chaos to the Ten Realms and has been the antagonist for a good amount of Aaron's Thor run, dating back to Thor: God of Thunder. War of the Realms is an upcoming six-issue event series written by Aaron and his Thor collaborators Dauterman and Wilson with a scope rivaling that of Secret Wars.

Ursa Major is a member of Russia's new superhero team with Crimson Dynamo, the Red Widow, Darkstar and Vanguard. The Winter Guard was the third team in the Avengers/Defenders skirmish and is primed for a rematch. Last but not least is the Starbrand, who is teased to make a comeback by Odin himself. The All-Father told Ghost Rider that the Starbrand always makes a return, but this time instead of being through one host, we may see multiple Starbrands forming.

We have a lot to look forward to in the future of the Marvel Universe, and a lot of moving chess pieces are in play. These events will come to fruition over the next several months, so we have to just sit back and wait to see how they resolve themselves, and how big of a role Wolverine and the Phoenix will take as they move forward.