Occasional plot twists can elevate a story, adding layers of excitement and unpredictability. However, Marvel’s excessive reliance on one particular trope is beginning to dull its narrative edge. When heroes face impossible odds or villains appear cornered, a sudden twist can shift the balance. But when readers come to expect these reveals, character decisions lose their weight, and the element of surprise fades.
In Avengers #22—crafted by Jed MacKay and Farid Karami—the story kicks off with promise. The Avengers believe they’ve finally outmaneuvered Kang and Myrddin, inching closer to uncovering the secrets of the Missing Moment. Yet, as Marvel rolls through a series of climactic events, including the “Fall of the Impossible City,” the “Unending Night,” and the upcoming “King of Magic,” an overarching plotline looms that feels less impactful than intended.
This overplayed narrative thread has overshadowed some of Marvel’s most gripping story arcs of the past two years, making it harder for fans to stay invested. What once felt like thrilling twists now risks becoming predictable, leaving readers yearning for something fresh and innovative.
“Marvel’s Multiverse at Risk: Are Fans Tired of the ‘Secret Puppet Master’ Trope?”
When Marvel launched its Timeless anthology series, it offered a fresh and creative way to tease upcoming storylines, showcasing not only major comic covers but also glimpses of pivotal moments without revealing too much. However, the 2022 edition of the anthology introduced an overarching storyline that’s still unfolding today. This marked the arrival of Myrddin, whose quest for the elusive “Missing Moment” set the tone for Marvel’s events ever since.
Fast forward to Avengers #22, where the second player in Myrddin’s grand scheme has been unveiled: the Grandmaster. What could have been a thrilling revelation instead feels like a repetitive trope—another cosmic game of strategy between two omnipotent forces. The concept of a secret mastermind pulling the strings can be engaging when used sparingly, but relying on it as a cornerstone for major events weakens the stakes.
Marvel seems to have turned this trope into a formula, diminishing the significance of hero and villain choices. When every action is reduced to just another move in a godlike figure’s game, the story risks losing its emotional resonance. Fans may enjoy these twists in moderation, but overuse threatens to turn what once felt exciting into a predictable routine.
“Marvel’s Latest Storylines Are Ruining Character Choices – Here’s Why It’s a Problem!”
While the “puppetmaster” trope isn’t new, its overuse in Marvel comics over recent years has made it feel worn-out and repetitive. Take the Blood Hunt event, for example. In this arc, Blade, typically a trusted hero, suddenly turned against everyone, becoming a villain. Although this drastic shift in his character was hard to believe, it added tension to the story. However, the excitement was dampened by the revelation that Blade’s actions were influenced by the manipulations of Varnae.
When a character’s fate is controlled by someone else, the significance of their decisions disappears. This became even clearer in the Venom War arc. What should’ve been an emotional, high-stakes battle—especially between father and son—was overshadowed by an unseen game being played by Kang and Doom, who manipulated events for their own purposes. The war’s outcome wasn’t decided by Eddie or Dylan, but by these other characters, diminishing the emotional payoff. Even if characters evolve over time, when their choices are controlled by an outside force, their journey loses its impact.
“Marvel’s Latest Storylines Are Losing the Excitement – Here’s Why It’s a Problem!”
In Avengers #2, Kang gave away a huge part of the plot by revealing five major upcoming events—known as the tribulation moments—that were supposed to shake the Marvel Universe. These include:
- The Collapse of the Impossible City (Avengers #1-6 2023)
- The Unending Night (Blood Hunt)
- The King of Magic (One World Under Doom)
- The Death Moon
- The Cannibal Culture
As Marvel delves into the next tribulation, One World Under Doom, it’s harder to stay hooked. When Doctor Doom took the Sorcerer Supreme title, it should have been a monumental moment, signaling a major threat. But with so many upcoming plotlines already laid out, it feels like the stakes are diminished. While comic book heroes typically win in the end, the emotional weight comes from the uncertainty and stakes of the battle in the moment. For the heroes, every fight is life or death, but as readers, knowing what’s coming takes away from the suspense. Doom’s rise to power is just another plot point to tick off because we already know what happens next. From the Timeless #1 (2022) reveal, we’ve seen the key players on Myrddin’s chessboard, and with each new tribulation, it’s hard not to feel like the tension is already gone.
“Is Myrddin Marvel’s New Thanos? Here’s Why the Mystery Is Starting to Fade!”
There’s still plenty of intrigue in Marvel’s stories, but with Myrddin’s influence looming, it’s hard not to wonder if he’s being set up as Marvel’s version of Thanos. However, unlike Thanos’ mysterious build-up, Myrddin’s intentions are clear from the start. The events of the past two years—and those coming up—are all part of Kang’s larger plan, and the motivations behind it are already well-known. By sticking with this predictable trope for so long, Marvel risks weakening its characters’ stakes and reducing the suspense before the story even takes off. If Myrddin truly is Marvel’s modern version of Thanos, it might be time to add a bit more mystery back into the mix to keep fans engaged. Avengers #22 is available now from Marvel Comics.