Earth-717
Encyclopedia
Earth-717 or Earth 717 is a designation used to identify a continuity
in which most of early 2006's What If
one-shot titles take place in the fictional Marvel Comics
Multiverse
.
article focused on an alternate Earth whose time line diverged from our own during the era of Feudal Japan. In this alternate time line a samurai known as "The Devil Who Dares" emerges. The storyline is a counterpart to the Daredevil
of Earth-616
.
Each story begins when Hector Espejo, a computer hacker from Earth-616, discovers a way to hack into the internet of a parallel universe known as "Earth-717." He discovers the heroes of that Earth, and how they are similar to or different from their Earth-616 counterparts.
This alternate Earth is seen only in six What If
one-shot comics released in December 2005. It also features the appearance of Captain America
during the Civil War
, Wolverine
fighting Chicago mobsters in the 1920s, Namor the Sub-Mariner
, who was raised by his human father on the surface rather than by his Atlantean
mother, Thor
as the herald of Galactus
, and the Fantastic Four
team re-imagined as Russian cosmonauts rather than American astronauts.
and penciled by Carmine Di Giandomenico (with cover by Tony Harris
). It focuses on the era of the American Civil War, when Union Army Private Stephen Rogers becomes the man who would be Captain America
after being transformed by another soldier named Wilson (a counterpart of Sam Wilson, also known as The Falcon
) using mystical Native American means. He is involved in the terrible border conflict between Kansas and Missouri, the same conflict that spawned the outlaw Josey Wales
. He then fights enemies including "The White Skull" (Colonel Buck "Bucky" Barnes), an Earth-717 homage to the Red Skull
, who is an antagonist of Captain America in normal continuity. This isn't the first time Captain America has been re-imagined in a different era: Jack Kirby
, in his second run on Captain America, introduced the Earth-616 version's ancestor, Captain Steven Rogers, as an in-continuity Revolutionary War Captain America. This ancestor was later revisited in an early issue of the spin-off book Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty.
During the story, a computer hacker discovers research on the General, a modern-day descendant of Civil War-era Captain America who battles against a HYDRA
-like group known as "The White Skulls". He also researches an alternate history of Captain America's family tree.
and penciled by Tommy Lee Edwards, focuses on a blinded civilian in feudal Japan who has special senses and is growing out of the shadow of his father's failure. This unnamed civilian grows up to become a samurai known as "The Devil Who Dares" and stands against an evil controlling Shogun who is an Earth-717 homage to Wilson Fisk, known to Marvel readers as Kingpin
. The character is based on the famous Japanese samurai hero Zatoichi
.
Other Marvel characters who show up are versions of Elektra and Bulls-Eye. This version of Bulls-Eye chronicles the events, and they are passed down through the ages until they are used by Matthew Murdock, a millionaire industrialist and bestselling author.
This version of Bulls-Eye look's very similar to the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen film Tom Sawyer, and in one frame this Bulls-Eye is seen carrying a Winchester riffle warring a black vest and white shirt.
as if they were Russian cosmonauts instead of American astronauts. In this alternate timeline, the Fantastic Four are known as "The Ultimate Federalist Freedom Fighters." They include Piotr Rasputin (presumably an Earth-717 version of Colossus
, member of the X-Men
), Illyana Rasputin (an Earth-717 version of Illyana Rasputin, sister of Colossus
), Natasha Romanoff (an Earth-717 version of the Black Widow), and Mr. Fantastic, who lived in Russia after World War II. The team is involved in the Cold War and other historical events. A similar tone can be found in an Elseworlds
mini-series called Superman: Red Son
, which features Superman
succeeding Joseph Stalin
as Premier of the Soviet Union
.
The story actually dates back to when Nathaniel Richards (father of Reed Richards) ends up staying in Russia after the First World War
and grows up as a scientist for the Soviet Union. Reed ends up in space with his best friend Piotr Rasputin, Piotr's sister Illyana, and ex-KGB agent Natasha Romanoff.
with his mother because she died instead of his father. Namor then battles Nazis in World War II alongside this universe's version of the Torch. Later he discovers the Nazis have found Atlantis, enslaving the people there, and he goes to save his forsaken people.
with pencils and cover by Michael Avon Oeming
, features Thor transformed as the herald of Galactus
. When this universe's version of Galactus and the Silver Surfer attack Asgard, the Norse Gods and all the warriors of Valhalla put up a brave yet losing battle. However, when Thor defeats the Silver Surfer, Galactus is impressed and offers him a deal. If Thor serves as his herald, he shall spare Asgard. Seeing that there is no other choice to save his world, Thor concedes. He becomes the herald of Galactus and leads him through the universe in search of planets to consume.
with pencils by Jon Proctor and cover by Tony Harris
. It features a story involving Wolverine
going to the mob-ruled city of Chicago on a matter of revenge against the crime lord known as Scarface. As Wolverine discovers just how much power Scarface holds over the city and how many city officials and police are corrupt, he decides that it is up to him to make sure that they are all "Punished." Way and Proctor are best known for their work on Gun Theory, which is published under Marvel's Epic Comics
imprint.
Continuity (fiction)
In fiction, continuity is consistency of the characteristics of persons, plot, objects, places and events seen by the reader or viewer over some period of time...
in which most of early 2006's What If
What If (comics)
What If, sometimes rendered as What If...?, is the title of several comic book series published by Marvel Comics, exploring "the road not traveled" by its various characters...
one-shot titles take place in the fictional Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
Multiverse
Multiverse (Marvel Comics)
Within Marvel Comics, most tales take place within the fictional Marvel Universe, which in turn is part of a larger multiverse. Starting with issues of Captain Britain, the main continuity in which most Marvel storylines take place was designated Earth-616, and the multiverse was established as...
.
Origin of Earth-717
The designation of this fictional Earth originates from a NewsaramaNewsarama
Newsarama is an American website that publishes news, interviews and essays about the American comic book industry.-History:Newsarama began in Summer 1995 as a series of Internet forum postings on the Prodigy comic-book message boards by fan Mike Doran. In these short messages. Doran shared...
article focused on an alternate Earth whose time line diverged from our own during the era of Feudal Japan. In this alternate time line a samurai known as "The Devil Who Dares" emerges. The storyline is a counterpart to the Daredevil
Daredevil (Marvel Comics)
Daredevil is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett, with an unspecified amount of input from Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Daredevil #1 .Living in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood...
of Earth-616
Earth-616
In the fictional Marvel Comics multiverse, Earth-616 or Earth 616 is the name used to identify the primary continuity in which most Marvel Comics titles take place.-Origin of Earth-616:...
.
Each story begins when Hector Espejo, a computer hacker from Earth-616, discovers a way to hack into the internet of a parallel universe known as "Earth-717." He discovers the heroes of that Earth, and how they are similar to or different from their Earth-616 counterparts.
This alternate Earth is seen only in six What If
What If (comics)
What If, sometimes rendered as What If...?, is the title of several comic book series published by Marvel Comics, exploring "the road not traveled" by its various characters...
one-shot comics released in December 2005. It also features the appearance of Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
during the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
fighting Chicago mobsters in the 1920s, Namor the Sub-Mariner
Namor the Sub-Mariner
Namor the Sub-Mariner is a fictional comic book character in the Marvel Comics universe, and one of the first superheroes, debuting in Spring 1939. The character was created by writer-artist Bill Everett for Funnies Inc., one of the first "packagers" in the early days of comic books that supplied...
, who was raised by his human father on the surface rather than by his Atlantean
Homo mermanus
Homo mermanus is a fictional race of gilled aquatic humanoids that has appeared in numerous comic book series published by Marvel Comics. This race is best known as the people who live in the Atlantis of Marvel's shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe...
mother, Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
as the herald of Galactus
Galactus
Galactus is a fictional character appearing in comic books and other publications published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist and co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character debuted in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue story later known as "The Galactus...
, and the Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
team re-imagined as Russian cosmonauts rather than American astronauts.
What If: Captain America
This one-shot, titled "What If...Captain America Fought in the Civil War," is written by Tony BedardTony Bedard
Antony "Tony" J. L. Bedard is a writer and editor who has worked in the comic book industry from the early '90s through the present. He is best known for his work at CrossGen Comics, where he was under exclusive contract, and for his run writing Marvel Comics X-Men spin-off Exiles.-Career:Tony...
and penciled by Carmine Di Giandomenico (with cover by Tony Harris
Tony Harris (cartoonist)
Tony Harris is an American comic book artist, known for his work as series such as Starman, Iron Man, and Ex Machina. He has been nominated for five Eisner Awards for his work.-Career:...
). It focuses on the era of the American Civil War, when Union Army Private Stephen Rogers becomes the man who would be Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
after being transformed by another soldier named Wilson (a counterpart of Sam Wilson, also known as The Falcon
Falcon (comics)
The Falcon is a fictional comic book superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics.Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan, and introduced in Captain America #117 , the character is mainstream comics' first African-American superhero...
) using mystical Native American means. He is involved in the terrible border conflict between Kansas and Missouri, the same conflict that spawned the outlaw Josey Wales
Josey Wales
Josey Wales, born Joseph Winston Sterling in St. Mary, Jamaica is an influential Jamaican dancehall deejay. He was considered, along with Brigadier Jerry, Yellowman and sound system partner Charlie Chaplin, one of the best deejays of the 1980s....
. He then fights enemies including "The White Skull" (Colonel Buck "Bucky" Barnes), an Earth-717 homage to the Red Skull
Red Skull
The Red Skull is a name shared by several fictional characters, all supervillains from the Marvel Comics universe. All incarnations of the character are enemies of Captain America, other superheroes, and the United States in general....
, who is an antagonist of Captain America in normal continuity. This isn't the first time Captain America has been re-imagined in a different era: Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby , born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor regarded by historians and fans as one of the major innovators and most influential creators in the comic book medium....
, in his second run on Captain America, introduced the Earth-616 version's ancestor, Captain Steven Rogers, as an in-continuity Revolutionary War Captain America. This ancestor was later revisited in an early issue of the spin-off book Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty.
During the story, a computer hacker discovers research on the General, a modern-day descendant of Civil War-era Captain America who battles against a HYDRA
HYDRA
HYDRA is a fictional terrorist organization in the Marvel Universe.Despite the name's capitalization per Marvel's official spelling, the name is not an acronym but rather a reference to the mythical Lernaean Hydra...
-like group known as "The White Skulls". He also researches an alternate history of Captain America's family tree.
What If: Daredevil
This one-shot, written by Rick VeitchRick Veitch
Richard "Rick" Veitch is an American comic book artist and writer who has worked in mainstream, underground, and alternative comics.-Early career:...
and penciled by Tommy Lee Edwards, focuses on a blinded civilian in feudal Japan who has special senses and is growing out of the shadow of his father's failure. This unnamed civilian grows up to become a samurai known as "The Devil Who Dares" and stands against an evil controlling Shogun who is an Earth-717 homage to Wilson Fisk, known to Marvel readers as Kingpin
Kingpin (comics)
The Kingpin is a fictional character, a supervillain in the . Kingpin is one of the most feared and powerful crime lords in the Marvel Universe. The character is a major adversary of Daredevil, the Punisher, and Spider-Man...
. The character is based on the famous Japanese samurai hero Zatoichi
Zatoichi
is a fictional character featured in one of Japan's longest running series of films and a television series set in the Edo period. The character, a blind masseur and swordmaster, was created by novelist . This originally minor character was developed for the screen by Daiei Studios and actor...
.
Other Marvel characters who show up are versions of Elektra and Bulls-Eye. This version of Bulls-Eye chronicles the events, and they are passed down through the ages until they are used by Matthew Murdock, a millionaire industrialist and bestselling author.
This version of Bulls-Eye look's very similar to the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen film Tom Sawyer, and in one frame this Bulls-Eye is seen carrying a Winchester riffle warring a black vest and white shirt.
What If: Fantastic Four
This one-shot, written by Mike Carey and penciled by Marshall Roger, re-imagines the Fantastic FourFantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
as if they were Russian cosmonauts instead of American astronauts. In this alternate timeline, the Fantastic Four are known as "The Ultimate Federalist Freedom Fighters." They include Piotr Rasputin (presumably an Earth-717 version of Colossus
Colossus (comics)
Colossus is a fictional character, a superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer Len Wein and illustrator Dave Cockrum, he first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1...
, member of the X-Men
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
), Illyana Rasputin (an Earth-717 version of Illyana Rasputin, sister of Colossus
Colossus (comics)
Colossus is a fictional character, a superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer Len Wein and illustrator Dave Cockrum, he first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1...
), Natasha Romanoff (an Earth-717 version of the Black Widow), and Mr. Fantastic, who lived in Russia after World War II. The team is involved in the Cold War and other historical events. A similar tone can be found in an Elseworlds
Elseworlds
Elseworlds is the publication imprint for a group of comic books produced by DC Comics that take place outside the company's canon. According to its tagline: "In Elseworlds, heroes are taken from their usual settings and put into strange times and places — some that have existed, and others...
mini-series called Superman: Red Son
Superman: Red Son
Superman: Red Son is a three-issue prestige format comic book mini-series published by DC Comics that was released under their Elseworlds imprint in April 2003...
, which features Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
succeeding Joseph Stalin
Joseph Stalin
Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin was the Premier of the Soviet Union from 6 May 1941 to 5 March 1953. He was among the Bolshevik revolutionaries who brought about the October Revolution and had held the position of first General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union's Central Committee...
as Premier of the Soviet Union
Premier of the Soviet Union
The office of Premier of the Soviet Union was synonymous with head of government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics . Twelve individuals have been premier...
.
The story actually dates back to when Nathaniel Richards (father of Reed Richards) ends up staying in Russia after the First World War
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
and grows up as a scientist for the Soviet Union. Reed ends up in space with his best friend Piotr Rasputin, Piotr's sister Illyana, and ex-KGB agent Natasha Romanoff.
What If: Sub-Mariner
This one-shot, written by Greg Pak and penciled by David Lopez with a cover by Carlo Pagulayan, tells the alternate history of Namor, who is raised by his human father on the surface instead of going to AtlantisAtlantis (Marvel Comics)
Atlantis is a fictional location in the Marvel Universe. It is based on the mythical island of Atlantis first mentioned in Plato's initial dialogue the Timaeus, written circa 360 BC. In the Marvel Universe, Atlantis was a small continent with many human settlements...
with his mother because she died instead of his father. Namor then battles Nazis in World War II alongside this universe's version of the Torch. Later he discovers the Nazis have found Atlantis, enslaving the people there, and he goes to save his forsaken people.
What If: Thor
This one-shot, written by Robert KirkmanRobert Kirkman
Robert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead and Invincible for Image Comics, and Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt...
with pencils and cover by Michael Avon Oeming
Michael Avon Oeming
Michael Avon Oeming is an American comic book creator, both as an artist and writer. He is known for using a stark art style to tell stories with sophisticated and mature subject matter.-Career:...
, features Thor transformed as the herald of Galactus
Galactus
Galactus is a fictional character appearing in comic books and other publications published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist and co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character debuted in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue story later known as "The Galactus...
. When this universe's version of Galactus and the Silver Surfer attack Asgard, the Norse Gods and all the warriors of Valhalla put up a brave yet losing battle. However, when Thor defeats the Silver Surfer, Galactus is impressed and offers him a deal. If Thor serves as his herald, he shall spare Asgard. Seeing that there is no other choice to save his world, Thor concedes. He becomes the herald of Galactus and leads him through the universe in search of planets to consume.
What If: Wolverine
This one-shot, also titled "Public Enemy Number One," was written by Daniel WayDaniel Way
-Career:Way received the Xeric Foundation's Xeric Grant in 2000 for his first publication, Violent Lifestyle #1. Through Violent Lifestyle, Way was introduced to Marvel Comics editor Axel Alonso, who hired Way for a Deathlok mini-series that was cancelled prior to publication.Way's first published...
with pencils by Jon Proctor and cover by Tony Harris
Tony Harris (cartoonist)
Tony Harris is an American comic book artist, known for his work as series such as Starman, Iron Man, and Ex Machina. He has been nominated for five Eisner Awards for his work.-Career:...
. It features a story involving Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
going to the mob-ruled city of Chicago on a matter of revenge against the crime lord known as Scarface. As Wolverine discovers just how much power Scarface holds over the city and how many city officials and police are corrupt, he decides that it is up to him to make sure that they are all "Punished." Way and Proctor are best known for their work on Gun Theory, which is published under Marvel's Epic Comics
Epic Comics
Epic Comics was a creator-owned imprint of Marvel Comics started in 1982, lasting through the mid-1990s, and being briefly revived on a small scale in the mid-2000s.- Origins :...
imprint.