‘Agatha All Along’ requires minimal Marvel homework, but these backstories explain more

'Agatha All Along' requires minimal Marvel homework, but these backstories explain more

As a seasoned Marvel enthusiast with decades of comic book lore under my belt, I must say that delving into the lives of these enigmatic characters is always a thrilling journey. From Lilia Calderu’s brief yet intriguing appearances to the mysterious Mrs. Hart and the elusive Teen, each character adds an exciting layer to the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Agatha Harkness is going down, down, down the Witches’ Road.

In “Agatha All Along” episode 3, released on Wednesday on Disney+, Agatha the witch and her freshly formed coven embarked on their trip along the fabled Witches’ Path. The beginning was somewhat bumpy.

For Agatha, characteristically played by Kathryn Hahn, it appears that her main objective revolves around reclaiming the abilities she surrendered to Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) during the occurrences of “WandaVision.” Accompanying her on this journey are a group consisting of the enigmatic Teen (Joe Locke), Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata) and Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn). Each of these individuals has their unique motivations for being part of her expedition.

The magical collection belongs within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it sprinkles in references known as Easter eggs. Fortunately, you don’t need extensive knowledge from earlier films or series to enjoy it. However, for those eager to delve deeper into the show’s background, here are summaries of the comic book origins of significant characters and locations.

What is the Witches’ Road?

In Episode 3, Agatha along with her motley crew, primarily consisting of witches, embark on their journey. Their destination is the conclusion of the Witches’ Path. As foretold by the song they sung upon arrival, the road is predicted to be treacherous and filled with challenges, promising numerous stretches of deceitful maneuvers and testing situations.

The “Witches’ Road” first appeared in the “Scarlet Witch” series by James Robinson, which ran from 2015 to 2017 and featured various artists. This mystical pathway is accessible only through the use of magic. In the storyline, Wanda Maximoff, accompanied by the spirit of Agatha, journeys along this road on multiple occasions as she seeks answers for why witchcraft has failed. To restore witchcraft, Wanda ventured deeper than any other character had before, encountering various magical beings and adversaries. This challenging quest ultimately led to Agatha’s resurrection once the ordeal was completed.

It’s likely that reaching the end of the Witches’ Road may result in the revival of a specific character on “Agatha All Along.

'Agatha All Along' requires minimal Marvel homework, but these backstories explain more

Who is in Agatha’s coven?

In Episode 2, Agatha and the enigmatic Teen form a coven along the Witches’ Road. The founding members consist of Lilia Calderu, who specializes in divination; Jennifer Kale, proficient in potions; Alice Wu-Gulliver, skilled in protection magic; and Sharon Davis, also known as Mrs. Hart.

A significant number of Agatha’s witch circle seem to be based on characters that have been featured in Marvel comics. For example, Jennifer Kale, who made her debut in an issue of “Adventure into Fear” in the 1970s, is a sorceress. She has connections with characters like Man-Thing (the plant creature from the “Werewolf by Night” special), Howard the Duck (who features in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies) and Doctor Strange.

In the comic books, Alice Wu-Gulliver is portrayed as both a police detective and a mystical guardian famously known as “the Wu.” She makes her debut in a 2016 issue of “Scarlet Witch” when Wanda goes to Hong Kong to confront a malevolent warlock. Previously, Alice’s mother held the role of Hong Kong’s magical protector. To conceal her abilities, she employs enchanted weapons.

In the 1970s, a comic book character named Lilia Calderu debuted in an issue of “Marvel Premiere.” Although she hasn’t starred in many stories, she has encountered characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), such as Wanda, Doctor Strange, and Baron Mordo.

What about Mrs. Hart and Teen?

In the series “WandaVision,” Sharon Davis, also known as Mrs. Hart, is a character whose abilities and background are not fully revealed. However, it appears she has a green thumb for gardening, enjoys a glass of wine now and then, and can handle herself when dealing with pushy witches.

Through a mystical symbol known as a hex-sigil, the youngster’s authentic identity stays concealed, keeping others from learning any identifying details about him, such as his actual name. The show subtly hints at a possible familial connection between him and a well-known witch character, but this is still unverified.

Who is Nicholas Scratch?

In the first episode, Agatha, under a spell, gazes into what seems like a youngster’s bedroom within her home. Among other items, there is a commemorative plate bearing the name Nicholas Scratch – her own son.

As a devoted comic book enthusiast and movie reviewer, I must share my thoughts on the captivating character of Scratch. Originally unveiled in the pages of the “Fantastic Four” comics during the 1970s, Scratch emerges as the enigmatic leader of a clandestine community of witches known as New Salem. After the departure of Agatha from this magical hamlet, Scratch masterfully manipulates the townspeople into believing that his mother had betrayed them by exposing their existence to the outside world.

Scratch has teamed up with other bad guys like Dormammu from the “Doctor Strange” movie in 2016 and Mephisto, who hasn’t officially shown up yet in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). On the flip side, Marvel’s original family consisting of Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm will make their official MCU debut in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which is scheduled for 2025.

Who are the Salem Seven?

Agatha and her freshly established coven flee along the Witches’ Pathway as an enigmatic band of trackers, referred to as the Salem Seven by Rio’s alert, launch their assault on the witches’ residence while they are temporarily powerless.

In the comic books, Nicholas Scratch turned his children into a powerful team called Salem’s Seven, intending to carry out his plot to execute Agatha for treason in New Salem. As a result, the members of Salem’s Seven are actually Agatha’s grandchildren. Initially portrayed as villains, they have collaborated with heroes such as the Fantastic Four and Scarlet Witch. The series may explore any familial relationships between the Salem Seven.

What about Rio Vidal?

Although many people have pondered the possible link between the witch who spared Agatha upon her memory return and a well-known comic book character from Rio, no definitive association has been made public yet. So, fans can only use their imagination to fill in the blanks about what transpired in the past between Rio and Agatha that led to their tense relationship – until they are brought back together again, leaving us speculating for now.

2024-09-26 04:31

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