Marvel Zombies: A Gory Good Time? A Bite-Sized Review
Marvel’s latest animated series, Marvel Zombies, has dropped on Disney+, and it’s bringing a whole new level of bloody mayhem to the MCU. Spinning off from a popular episode of What If…?, this show dives headfirst into a world where our favorite heroes have become flesh-hungry monsters. But is it worth sinking your teeth into?
Undead Avengers and Superpowered Survivors
The premise is simple: a zombie plague has ravaged the world, turning even the mightiest Avengers into shambling undead. A small band of survivors, including Ms. Marvel, Ironheart, and Hawkeye, must navigate this terrifying new landscape and find a way to stop the zombie apocalypse. Think of it as a superhero horror mashup, with plenty of action, gore, and unexpected twists.
A Bloody Good Time (If You Can Stomach It)
One thing that sets Marvel Zombies apart is its TV-MA rating. This isn’t your typical kid-friendly Marvel fare. The show embraces the gruesome nature of zombies, showcasing plenty of blood and guts. While the animation keeps things from getting too realistic, it’s definitely the most violent we’ve seen from Marvel Studios so far. So, if you’re squeamish, you might want to steer clear. But if you enjoy a good dose of horror with your superheroes, you’re in for a treat.
Familiar Faces, Undead Voices
One of the coolest aspects of Marvel Zombies is the voice cast. Many of the actors from the live-action MCU films reprise their roles here, adding a layer of familiarity to the animated chaos. You’ll hear voices like Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man), and Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch), who voices the terrifying “Red Queen” leading the zombie horde. It’s a fun way to experience these characters in a completely different context. However, due to contractual issues, Tom Holland is once again absent, with another voice actor taking on the role of Spider-Man.
A Bite-Sized Story with Big Potential
With only four episodes, Marvel Zombies feels more like an extended episode of What If…? than a standalone series. While the story provides an interesting glimpse into this alternate universe, it leaves you wanting more. The ending feels a bit abrupt, leaving several plot threads dangling. It’s clear that there’s potential for a bigger story here, and hopefully, Marvel will explore it further in future seasons.
Animated Adventures in the MCU
Marvel Zombies highlights the growing importance of animation within the MCU. With so many characters and storylines to explore, animation provides a flexible and cost-effective way to expand the universe. It allows Marvel to tell stories that might be too risky or expensive to produce as live-action films. Think about it: would we ever get a full-blown, R-rated zombie movie in the main MCU timeline? Probably not. But animation opens up these possibilities.
A Fun, Fast-Paced Thrill Ride
Despite its short length and open ending, Marvel Zombies is a fun and entertaining ride. The blend of superhero action and zombie horror is surprisingly effective, and the voice acting is top-notch. It’s a perfect watch for Halloween, or any time you’re in the mood for something a little different from the usual MCU fare.
So, should you check out Marvel Zombies? If you enjoy superhero stories with a horror twist and don’t mind a bit of gore, then absolutely. Just be aware that it’s a short and bloody affair. What do you think about the rise of animated series in the MCU? Are you excited to see more experimental stories like this? Let me know in the comments!