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- Billy Maximoff Is One of the Most Powerful Magic Users in the Comics
- The MCU Has Only Teased Billy Maximoff’s Powers
- How Billy Maximoff’s Powers Are Key to the MCU Multiverse Saga
As a longtime Marvel fan and avid follower of the comics, I am beyond excited about the potential role Wiccan will play in the MCU moving forward. Having grown up reading the adventures of the Young Avengers, I can’t help but feel that Billy Kaplan is destined for greatness within this universe.
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I must confess that even before the premiere of “Agatha All Along,” there was a buzz among fans about Joe Locke’s character potentially being Billy Kaplan/Wiccan from Marvel Comics. Initially, the show kept his identity under wraps, but the recent episodes have officially unveiled the truth: the enigmatic teenager is none other than the Young Avenger, Wiccan.
Exploring the potential power level of Wiccan, the son of the Scarlet Witch in Marvel Comics and the MCU, has been a topic of curiosity among fans. Although his abilities have been scarcely showcased in series like ‘WandaVision’ and ‘Agatha All Along’, the almost 20-year history of his character in comics provides intriguing hints about his true capabilities and future growth. Let’s delve into Billy Kaplan/William Maximoff’s powers as depicted in comic books, what the MCU has established so far, and potential directions for the character within the franchise.
Billy Maximoff Is One of the Most Powerful Magic Users in the Comics
As a devoted fan, I can share that Wiccan’s history in the comics is rich and intricate. I first encountered him as baby William Maximoff in “The Vision and the Scarlet Witch” #12, which was published in September 1986. The creative minds behind this character were writer Steve Englehart and artist Richard Howell. Interestingly, it was revealed that the twins Wanda and Vision weren’t real but fragments of the demon Mephisto. Fast forward to “Young Avengers” #1 in April 2005, where Billy Kaplan made his debut, initially going by the code name Asgardian before eventually embracing the Wiccan persona in issue #6. Given his early inspiration from Thor and his Asgardian code name, it’s no surprise that he initially only possessed lightning-based spells, but over time expanded his powers. Despite initial limitations, such as needing to hear his spells, Billy developed spells that didn’t require verbal cues. His abilities encompass force fields, flight, mass teleportation, astral projections, illusions, and energy blasts.
In due course, he realized his inherent abilities, similar to those of the Scarlet Witch, as her “son.” Much like her, he possessed the power to control magical forces, enabling him to reshape and bend reality according to his whim. The prospect of his powers mirroring those of the Scarlet Witch initially surfaced in Young Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #1, during a skirmish with the evil group, The Sons of Serpents. In this battle, when provoked, Wiccan sent every villain into a deep slumber merely by thinking aggressively. His intensity reached such a peak that Carol Danvers mistook a powerful light he emitted as an explosion, until Captain America clarified it was indeed Wiccan.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible powers of Wiccan. In issue #51 of New Avengers from March 2009, he was among those considered to take over the mantle of the Sorcerer Supreme from Doctor Strange. Fast-forward to 2013’s “Battle of the Atom” saga marking X-Men’s 50th anniversary, a future iteration of Wiccan even traveled back in time and was unveiled as the Sorcerer Supreme from another possible timeline. Marvel tantalizingly hinted at his future role once more in the Doctor Strange and the Sorcerer Supremes comic series from 2016 to 2017.
In a different dimension, Doctor Strange encounters past and future versions of the Sorcerer Supremes, with it being disclosed that Wiccan will eventually assume this role. Given Marvel Comics’ latest developments, such as Doctor Doom becoming the new Sorcerer Supreme after the “Blood Hunt” event and introducing the “One World Under Doom” initiative, the narrative could potentially lead to Wiccan succeeding Doctor Doom as Sorcerer Supreme towards the end of the series. This scenario would serve not only to introduce Doctor Doom as a future Marvel Cinematic Universe villain but also capitalize on the growing interest and attention surrounding Wiccan.
In “Young Avengers” Vol. 2, Loki prophesies that Wiccan will redefine magical abilities and transcend into a reality-warping deity. By the final issue (#13), Wiccan gains this all-encompassing power, seeing across time, but chooses to give it up due to his perceived unreadiness. This hints at Billy Kaplan’s life as a progression of escalating power, from boyhood to superhero status, then Sorcerer Supreme, and ultimately to godhood. As he matures beyond youth, Wiccan is destined to surpass the power levels of any current Avenger.
The MCU Has Only Teased Billy Maximoff’s Powers
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the majority of Wiccan’s powers have been depicted across just four episodes: two in “WandaVision,” specifically Episode 6 (“All-New Halloween Spooktacular!”) and Episode 9 (“The Series Finale”), as well as the last two episodes of “Agatha All Along,” titled “‘Darkest Hour / Wake Thy Power'” and ‘‘Familiar by Thy Side.'” In “WandaVision,” young Billy Maximoff (Julian Hillard) demonstrates his telepathic abilities when he senses Vision is in danger after trying to escape the Westview barrier, a power that becomes more evident in “Agatha All Along.” Following his transition into Billy Kaplan’s body, Wiccan now has the ability to hear thoughts of those around him when someone is under stress.
In the final episode of “WandaVision”, Billy demonstrates his magical prowess for the first time, a power distinct from the red magic of the Scarlet Witch or the purple magic of Agatha Harkness. His magic is blue and he employs it to halt a barrage of bullets. In the spin-off series “Agatha All Along”, Billy’s powers extend beyond simple sorcery, enabling him to manipulate others’ minds. He compels Jennifer Kale and Lilia Calderu to hurl Agatha into the mud, and subsequently, he throws both women back into the mud using this ability. However, it seems that Billy doesn’t have complete mastery over his powers and they appear to be connected to his emotions.
To date, over four episodes on television, Billy Maximoff has shown signs of telepathy and magic that allow him to move people and manipulate minds – much like Wanda Maximoff did when she first appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron. This suggests that Billy’s powers are comparable to his mother’s. The stories in Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness have solidified Wanda as one of the strongest entities in the multiverse.
How Billy Maximoff’s Powers Are Key to the MCU Multiverse Saga
As we approach the final three episodes of “Agatha All Along”, there’s ample opportunity to delve deeper into Wiccan’s powers. This is just the start of his tale, and it’s clear that he will play a role in whatever team the MCU appears to be assembling. In Phases 4 and 5, projects like “Hawkeye”, “Ms. Marvel”, “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “The Marvels” seem to be building towards something, and it’s likely that Wiccan will be part of this team. Given his comic book background, Wiccan could be a significant character in the future of the MCU, possibly influencing “Avengers: Secret Wars” and beyond.
As a passionate fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about rumors suggesting that the MCU might be bringing “The Children’s Crusade” comic to life as part of The Young Avengers project, either on the big screen or through a streaming series. This storyline also features Doctor Doom, a villain we all know will play a pivotal role in both “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars”.
In comic books, Wiccan’s powers are comparable to those of the Scarlet Witch, and he even holds a god-like status. This raises the question: Could Wiccan possibly take Loki’s throne after Avengers: Secret Wars, working towards restoring the Marvel Multiverse and rejuvenating the MCU? However, such an action might limit many potential stories for Wiccan, making it more probable that it will be Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch who makes amends by rectifying reality. Instead of following the Darkhold prophecy that foretold the Scarlet Witch’s doom – the destruction of the multiverse – she would instead save it.
As a movie critic, I find myself pondering over the potential future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) post the Multiverse Saga and Phase 6. It appears that the stage is being set for the introduction of the X-Men and Fantastic Four, with the Young Avengers characters poised to step into leading roles. Among these promising newcomers, Wiccan could potentially rise as a compelling successor, should Benedict Cumberbatch choose to depart from his role as Doctor Strange in the future. If this comes to pass, Wiccan could very well assume the mantle of the MCU’s lead sorcerer, bringing a fresh and exciting energy to the franchise.
A significant element of Wiccan’s personality revolves around his bond with fellow Young Avenger, Hulkling – a character who hails from two alien races at war, a Skrull Princess and Kree Prince offspring. In Marvel Comics, they are among the most notable gay characters, and the series Agatha All Along lived up to its reputation as the “gayest MCU series” by showcasing Billy Kaplan with a boyfriend, sharing a kiss, and expressing his love for him. The romance between Hulkling and Wiccan is crucial in numerous important storylines that Marvel Studios might adapt in the future, setting up an epic love story that could continue across future sagas.
It’s quite plausible to envision that Wiccan could be a key character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as it evolves. Originally, Wiccan wasn’t intended to debut until later phases, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the series “WandaVision” became the launchpad for this new phase in Marvel Studios. This series introduced the character of Wiccan to audiences, and his story has progressed from “WandaVision” through “Agatha All Along”. It’s not hard to imagine that by 2031, a decade after Billy Maximoff first appeared on “WandaVision”, Wiccan might be well-known among the general public and one of the main heroes in the MCU. “Agatha All Along” is available for streaming on Disney+.
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2024-10-21 02:35