Marvel and Random House Worlds announce 3 WHAT IF...? adult novels

On Thursday, June 22, Marvel Entertainment and Random House Worlds, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House, introduced an adult novel collection carrying on the basic Marvel custom of “What If…?” storytelling. Each Random House Worlds’ “What If…?” collection can be set in a distinct universe within the Multiverse and reimagine the origins of an iconic Marvel hero, permitting readers to find what can occur when the material of actuality is altered. The collection will launch in 2024 with three titles.

The first of the three What If…? adult novels is What If…Loki Was Worthy? A Loki and Valkyrie Story by Madeleine Roux (Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, Critical Role). In the novel, Loki and Valkyrie search redemption. What If…Loki Was Worthy? can be revealed on March 12, 2024.

Here is how Random House Worlds describes the plot of the novel:

So many worlds, so little time. Infinite prospects, creating infinite realities. Long have I watched the trickster god sow chaos. But…what if Loki saved Asgard from Tony Stark’s revenge?

Thor—Son of Odin, God of Thunder, wielder of the hammer Mjolnir—is lifeless. And Loki is accountable.

It was solely meant to be a joke — tampering with the Destroyer, altering Thor’s course to Midgard — a little bit of mischief with an opportunity of maiming. But Loki’s innocent prank spiraled uncontrolled, unleashing loss of life and destruction on New York City and the heroes sworn to guard it. The metropolis was saved, however at the price of Thor’s life.

Furious and heartbroken, the All-Father banishes Loki to Earth for his crime. Loki finds himself in a realm of boxed wine, on the spot noodles, and some form of regional efficiency troupe generally known as the “Buffalo Bills.” It’s a meager existence, removed from Asgard’s grand courts, however he finds his new good friend, Brian the Gecko, a way more participating companion than the sycophants again dwelling. A real assembly of the minds. Loki is the God of Mischief — however he is aware of, deep down, that he by no means actually deserved to face subsequent to their father’s golden youngster Thor, as two true sons of Odin.

Yet, he can’t even endure his exile in peaceable isolation. A Valkyrie — Hel-bent on finishing up her oath to Thor — barges into his trailer-home along with his brother’s ultimate phrases from the past: a plea to discover a sure Dr. Jane Foster and go on Mjolnir to its rightful inheritor.

While Loki struggles to satisfy his brother’s final request, the far-reaching penalties of his deadly prank return to hang-out him. Blinded by grief from these he misplaced within the chaos wrought by Asgard, Iron Man vows revenge on those that take into account themselves gods. Determined to guard the Earth from the may of this unpredictable alien energy, he forges Asgard’s personal weaponry right into a deadly go well with of armor, set on eradicating any tether between their worlds. Consequences be damned. When Asgard seems to be to Loki for salvation, he should reply the query: Am I actually worthy?

The second guide within the collection is What If…Wanda Maximoff and Peter Parker Were Siblings? A Scarlet Witch and Spider-Man Story by Seanan McGuire (Ghost-Spider, King in Black: Gwenom vs. Carnage). It is ready to publish in July 2024.

The third guide is What If…Marc Spector Was a Host to Venom? A Moon Knight and Venom Story by Mike Chen (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The Dogs of War. The guide is ready to publish in October 2024.

Penguin Random House Audio will publish audiobook editions for all novels.