Week One: A-Force to Ultimate End
With 41 territories made up of alternate universe fragments, exploration of Battleworld can be daunting, even to experienced travelers. In this guide I hope to help you navigate the perplexing landscape and make the most out of your journey. Whether it’s sight-seeing in Attilan, paying your respects to the Monarchy of M, or beating the heat in Limbo, there’s a destination for you. If you get lost, you can always call the Thors for assistance; just keep in mind that Doom’s Law is absolute, and the Thor Corps exists to enforce the law. Have fun!
Places to Visit
A-Force #1
written by: G. Willow Wilson and Marguerite Bennett
art by: Jorge Molina
colors by: Laura Martin
Come to Arcadia, the ‘feminist utopia’ you may have heard whispers about. This is not a community of Amazons, though the sparkling island is protected by heroines we know and love under the leadership of Baroness Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk. If you were a fan of Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s run on Young Avengers, or miss the days when Nico Minoru was a Runaway, then you’ll love the familiar faces of Arcadia. If you ask nicely, Captain Marvel may even punch a shark on your behalf.
Battleworld #1
written by: Joshua Williamson and Ed Brisson
art by: Mike Henderson and Scott Hepburn
For an in-depth view of the world at large, take a peek into the futuristic world of 2099, though with a Doctor Strange-possessed Punisher wandering around, the city isn’t what it used to be. Be on the look-out for God Doom’s special task-force straight out of Limbo, the Infernal Four: Wolverine, your not-so-friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, Ghost Rider, and Hulk. Best to stay inside until the dust (or the spirit of a dead sorcerer) settles. Then find out what awaits you in Killville as the crafty-yet-moronic M.O.D.O.K. summons all his alternate universe counterparts to act as his minions in his plot to unseat God Doom and take over Battleworld. (Don’t worry, it doesn’t go according to plan.)
Master of Kung-Fu #1
written by: Haden Blackman
art by: Dalibor Talajic and Goran Sudzuka
colors by: Miroslav Mrva
One of the hidden gems of Battleworld, the mystical land of K’un Lun boasts a population of martial arts masters – don’t challenge anyone to a fight, even if he looks like a harmless drunk. Scenic locations and wry wit make this fiefdom a top destination, and for mutant outcasts looking to lie low, there’s a thriving underground Morlock community eager to jump in and aid fellow misfits.
Planet Hulk #1
written by: Sam Humphries
art by: Marc Laming
colors by: Jordan Boyd
Gamma-irradiated Greenland is the land of the Hulks, but don’t be surprised if you see gladiatorial champion, the Captain, and his trusty T. rex, Devil Dinosaur, roaming the flats. Not much of a tourist destination, but if you find yourself stranded in the Mud Kingdom, don’t worry, the radiation levels are mostly harmless – though the creatures of the land are not. If something attacks, don’t hesitate, and bring moist towelettes. It’s going to get messy.
Spider-Verse #1
written by: Mike Costa
art by: Andre Araujo
colors by: Rachelle Rosenberg
Arachnia is definitely not for the arachnophobic, but if you have a soft-spot for web-slingers, you’ll want to visit this alternate New York where all the Spider-folk, fresh from their own reality-hopping adventures, have come to rest. There’s a lot of paramnesia going around, so take precautions, like writing your name in your underwear. It’s not quite home, but it’s an incredible simulation.
Ultimate End #1
written by: Brian Michael Bendis
art by: Mark Bagley and Scott Hanna
colors by: Justin Ponsor
Manhattan’s a confusing city these days – particularly because two of them are occupying the same space. Dopplegangers abound in New York City; pay special attention to the accents to determine who hails from our world, and who considers him or herself Ultimate – though that’s not always a guarantee for clarity. If you manage to parse the dialogue, stick around. As the epicenter of the event that launched Battleworld, this NYC is bound to put the secrets into Secret Wars.*
*There are absolutely no war councils being held without God Doom’s knowledge in an attempt to set the universe straight, and they are absolutely not being held in the Triskelion.
Week Two: Inferno to Where Monsters Dwell
So you’ve survived your first week on Battleworld. You stumbled through K’un Lun or sailed off the coast of Arcadia, but there’s still so much to see and do. Here are a few more items to add to your itinerary:
People to See
Inferno #1
written by: Dennis Hopeless
art by: Javier Garron
colors by: Chris Sotomayor
While visiting Limbo, make sure to stop in at Tower Inferno and see Darkchilde perform. Illyana Rasputin‘s diabolical alter-ego takes center stage against a backdrop of pyrotechnics and impressive stunt choreography, but the show is one night only in the calendar year, so don’t miss your window. Even Rasputin’s brother Piotr has to wait 364 days for the chance to see her live.
The Infinity Gauntlet #1
written by: Dustin Weaver and Gerry Duggan
art by: Dustin Weaver
Budding entomologists won’t want to miss the charming ruins of New Xandar! Fun for the whole family, even the family dog. Tour the elaborate systems of caves and bug hidey-holes with Anwen Bakian – package may include a souvenir portrait at the end.* Also keep a look-out for shiny baubles lying in the street – one lucky find can literally make all your dreams come true, as long as Thanos doesn’t find out. The cuisine leaves a little something to be desired, though, you might want to pack a lunch.
*subject to pencil availability
Inhumans: Attilan Rising #1
written by: Charles Soule
art by John Timms and Roberto Poggi
colors by: Frank D’Armata
No tour of Battleworld would be complete without a stop in New Attilan, home of the Inhuman dynasty, or a jaunt to The Quiet Room, a bar at the crossroads of New York. Under the terms of the gracious treaty of God Doom, you may see folks from all walks of life – from the bard Matthew Murdoch of King James’s England to the Magnus siblings from the Monarchy of M.* Cosy up to the bar for a friendly chat with the club’s James Bondian-proprietor, known to his friends as Blackagar.
*There is no truth to the rumors that the resistance movement known as ‘The Voice Unheard’ operates out of The Quiet Room, or that such a resistance, dedicated to justice and rational thought, exists at all.
M.O.D.O.K. Assassin #1
written by: Christopher Yost
art by: Amilcar Pinna and Terry Pallot
colors by: Rachelle Rosenberg
Killville is a fun place if you like mayhem, death, destruction, and enormous egos. Just don’t show up without an invitation – M.O.D.O.K. (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing) is very strict about trespassing. Maybe it’s best to observe from a distance. Behind a locked door.
Of course, the occasional refugee is excused from the kill order, providing she’s a hot babe.
Old Man Logan #1
written by: Brian Michael Bendis
art by: Andrea Sorrentino
colors by: Marcelo Maiolo
Gambling opportunities and gorgeous desert vistas await in the Wastelands. Leave the little ones in the care of Miss Dani Cage and follow Logan across the watercolor palette of oranges and reds. A brief stop in Hammer Falls, Nevada to catch up with an old friend will fortify you for what lies ahead, and you can pick up souvenirs along the way – including fossils from other worlds.
Secret Wars 2099 #1
written by: Peter David
art by: Will Sliney
colors by: Antonio Fabela and Andres Mossa
Welcome to the future! (Brought to you by ALCHEMAX.) Don your headdress and cape and head over to Nueva York to party like it’s 2099. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Alchemax Avengers fighting crime, possibly be inspired to take up a mask yourself. Interested parties can contact Alchemax CEO Miguel Stone for more details.
Where Monsters Dwell #1
written by: Garth Ennis
art by: Russ Braun
colors by: Dono Sanchez Almara
For an aerial view of Battleworld, charter a flight with Karl Kaufmann, the Phantom Eagle. He’s not the most trustworthy of pilots, but he should be able to get you where you want to go, providing it’s not pteranodon mating season. If you should find yourself lost in a savage jungle, call out for Miss Clementine Franklin-Cox - she’s more than she seems.
Secret Wars Journal #1
written by: Pru Shen and Matthew Rosenberg
art by: Ramon Bachs and Luca Pizzari
colors by: Jean-Francois Beaulieu and Rain Beredo
For additional testimonials, pick up a copy of the Journal; its pages contain personal accounts of life on the streets of Battleworld. The latest issue includes a feature on the capture of ‘The Arrowhead,’ the menace of King James’ England, as well as a moving tale of finding faith in Egyptia (with werewolves!)
Week Three: Armor Wars to Years of Future Past
Even the darkest dystopias have their attractions, and life-or-death adventure awaits. Survivalists should get a kick out of these realms, and those needing a break from the death and destruction will want to check out Marville, where the death and destruction is only pretend. (As long as you don’t mess with Magik’s action figures.)
Tourist Traps
Armor Wars #1
written by James Robinson
art by Marcio Takara
colors by Esther Sanz
Don your metal suit and head over to gleaming Technopolis, where technology is king and Tony Stark is baron. Everyone who’s anyone wears Stark Armor - primarily because they have to in order to get around. You can visit the workshop of engineer Kiri Orshiro, CEO of Mobairu Yosai Mechaniks, or find out what Tony’s brother and chief rival Arno Stark is plotting. And no trip to Technopolis would be complete without a tour of the Hall of Order and Law where a Thor, also known as Grand Marshal Rhodes (and his deputy, Happy Hogan), deal out justice.
Future Imperfect #1
written by: Peter David
art by: Greg Land
colors by: Nolan Woodward
If you visit Dystopia, you won’t want to miss the Trophy Room of Conquered Opponents. The current exhibition features Captain America’s shield, Ms. Marvel’s scarf, Magneto’s helmet, and so much more. All are on display at the Castle of Green, where Baron Robert Bruce Banner, aka the Maestro, rules. For those looking for something a little less polished, there’s also an underground tour of the city, led by Ruby Summers and Janis Jones. One routine psychic scan is all it takes to get an all-access pass to the Hideaway.
Giant-Size Little Marvel A vs X #1
written and art by: Skottie Young
colors by: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
For some Toon Town-esque fun, hop on over to Marville, where pint-sized versions of your favorite Avengers and X-Men terrorize the neighborhood until it’s time to go home for dinner. Chances are you’ll get caught in the middle of the adorable war between the two, but it’s so mad-cap and zany, you probably won’t mind.
Master of Kung Fu #2
written by: Haden Blackman
art by: Dalibor Talajic and Goran Sudzuka
colors by: Miroslav Mrva
If you have the chance, take a return trip to K’un Lun and enroll in one of the many martial arts schools available, from the Ten Rings to the Red Hand. Word is that the fabled Shang-Chi, master of 9 of the 10 techniques of Emperor Zheng Zu, has started his own school*, in a bid to enter the Thirteen Chambers and fight his father for the throne.
*Joining his class does run the risk of being targeted by the Red Sai, the Laughing Skull, and the Iron Fist.
Amazing Spider-Man Renew Your Vows #1
written by: Dan Slott
art by: Adam Kubert and John Dell
colors by: Justin Ponsor
In the Regency, his power is your power. Thanks to the baron Regent, made from the very best heroes, costumed vigilantes are no more, and the city has never been better. Just ask Daily Bugle photographer, husband, and father of one, Peter Parker. There are flying cars! Who wouldn’t want to fly through the air around New York?
X-Tinction Agenda #1
written by: Marc Guggenheim
art by: Carmine di Giandomenico
colors by: Nolan Woodward
Catch a pick-up game at the X-City baseball field in the beautiful X-Topia Province. Unfortunately for those of you hoping to add a day trip to the island of Genosha, a quarantine is in place to stop the spread of an unfortunate mutant disease. Anyone interested in sending aid should contact Baroness Rachel Grey.
Years of Future Past #1
written by: Marguerite Bennett
art by: Mike Norton
colors by: FCO Plascencia
Watch a revolution unfold in Sentinel Territory as reform comes to the Mutant Control Act - by force, if necessary. For the first time in fifteen years, the X-Men come out swinging, aided by the daughter of Kate Pryde and the son of Wolverine, the last and youngest of all mutants and the hope of all mutantkind. Just watch out for tigers.
Secret Wars Battleworld #2
written by: David F. Walker and Donny Cates
art by: J.J. Kirby and Marco Turini
colors by: Matt Milla and Frank D’Armata
In another dispatch from the front lines, get a glimpse of life in New Quack City, as Howard the Duck has an altercation with a well-intentioned AU Blade after the feathered menace Drákula attempts to quench his thirst on an unsuspecting female. Then take a peek into life in the Kiliseum, as the cyborg Thaddeus Ross, aka War Machine, tears zombies apart and takes the Captain’s advice about inspiring hope amongst the other gladiators.