THE Wonder Universe is filled with rich characters – many of whom have existed for decades in the comics before being shown on screen. Some, like Agatha Harkness, become such drags on the big screen that their comedic tradition shifts and reshapes itself to match. Marvel executive Tom Brevoort states that there are times when it is better to align the comics with the Marvel Cinematic Universe portraits, and Agatha is a prime example.
Writing on his Substack, Marvel CEO Tom Brevoort chimed in on a popular topic of discussion: the MCU’s influence on comics. Asked how he evaluates maintaining his position on character decisions in relation to popular trends generated by Marvel movies and shows, Brevoort stated that sometimes he simply “it makes sense“to evolve with what the fans want.
Agatha Harkness serves as a current example, as Kathryn Hahn’s portrayal in the MCU skyrocketed the character’s popularity. This Agatha is what most people want most, which means it’s in the publisher’s best interest to make the comic book version more like her.
According to Marvel’s senior editor, comic book characters like Agatha Harkness benefit from the MCU
Synergy between films and comics could be a good deal
Marvel Comics is quickly approaching the 90th anniversary of its first comic book, putting several decades of lore behind many of its characters. Some resonate with fans exactly as they are on the page, while others need new life to reach new audiences. In some cases, like with Agatha Harkness, the MCU does just that. As Tom Brevoort noted, while he himself may not be a huge fan of Agatha Harkness, it’s wise to capitalize on her newfound popularity. Brevoort said:
I really don’t like the fact that Agatha Harkness has been rejuvenated and turned into a practically entirely new character in recent years. But I’m well aware that Agatha had a total of zero fans before this change, and that a lot of people are incredibly invested in her, played by Kathryn Hahn. So following the comics’ lead just makes sense.
In other words, sticking solely to Agatha’s comedic roots, given her on-screen success, would leave MCU fans without a clear path into the comics.
Aligning Agatha with her MCU counterpart in both appearance and attitude leaves the door open for MCU fans to follow their favorites across the pages Midnight Sunsthe continuous Scarlet Witch title and undoubtedly more to come. Gone are the days of the wizened old witch featured alongside the Fantastic Four, making Agatha the latest example of how much influence the MCU really has on comics. It was remodeled in “practically an entirely new character“to suit popular opinion, and it’s likely to work in Marvel’s favor; IIn this respect, Brevoort is right to call this common sense.
Agatha Harkness’ popularity doesn’t mean the MCU is always right
Comic book fans aren’t always receptive to change – initially
After Kathryn Hahn’s extraordinary performance as Agatha, Brevoort is right that it was a wise decision for the comics to align with such a popular portrayal when the original had less significance. However, this is not always the case. Choices within the MCU have often created a domino effect on the comic book scene and are not always welcomed with open arms. Many fans still lament the comic retcon that changed Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver’s parentage after their introduction into the MCU, or how various comic personalities, like Peter Quill’s Star-Lord, changed to mirror their movie counterparts.
In Agatha’s case, the revamp is much more likely to bring in new comic book readers and prompt existing fans to take a fresh look at a character.
In short, while there are certainly times and characters like Agatha that benefit from an extreme upgrade, that’s not always the case. It’s not a one-size-fits-all rule, and changing the comics to follow the film could leave longtime fans alienated and disappointed. In Agatha’s case, the revamp is much more likely to bring in new comic book readers and prompt existing fans to take a fresh look at a character they probably never spent much time thinking about previously. Tom Brevoort is right; aligning Agatha Harkness between comics and screen is smart, but shaping Wonder Comics with UCM It’s a slippery slope.
Source: Substack
Agatha Harkness, after the events of “WandaVision”, seeks to recover her magical powers. Joining forces with unexpected allies, including the son of a former adversary, she battles new mystical threats while uncovering secrets hidden in the magical realm.