Should Earth become a galactic power?

[emperorkang]

We have the Shi'ar, the skrulls, and the kree as major galactic powers in the universe. I think it would be interesting if Earth started to expand to other worlds as well. You can see they started when they formed SWORD, and now we have HAMMER, which is supposed to have control of earth and space affairs. It would be interesting if earth decided they weren't going to take getting invaded anymore and took the fight to them. If they started building fleets, etc. Lots of story potential there. What if earth became a major threat and had to be taken out. where would people like Nova stand, etc.

[CaptainOtter]

The problem is, if earth were to become a galactic power, it would no longer be set in the "current" world. It would be pure science fiction. Becoming a galactic power requires enormous advances in technology, whether it be ships, weaponry, robotics, etc. Not only would they have to explain where we got that knowledge, but moreover, where we got those resources. Human society itself would change, and there would be little relation to what its like right now. Marvel excels because much of it feels like its set in the real world in some ways. Spiderman swinging from the streets of New York City, or the punisher taking out crime lords. Both become second rate when looking at a galactic empire.

Earth is able to survive because of the huge number of super powered beings, not because of its technology. Lets keep it that way.

[XPac]

Earth can barely keep Helicarriers in the skies these day.

Sending them off into space would basically be a death wish for the red shirts that make up the US government.

[emperorkang]

Marvel is anything but realistic. For gods sake, the BUILT a planet in fantastic four. They have ships, time travel, etc. You can have that tech, but ONLY in space. SWORD has space stations and a few interstellar ships already, just on a small scale. read astonishing x-men. Earth can build a space empire, while keeping earth society normal. You get to use the cool stuff in space. It's like in star wars. Luke joining the academy to travel space to get off the boring rock he was on. Same concept, but in marvel instead.

[Shellhead]

Who will make policy decisions? The United Nations? If so, do you feel that the United Nations is currently effective in a leadership role? Or perhaps Earth-Marvel would be better off if the American superheroes conquered the rest of Earth, so that the president that we elect every four years is in charge of the entire human race? Imagine George Dubya Bush running Earth right now. Now imagine exporting that level of competence out into the galaxy.

[Kusanagi]

Who will make policy decisions? The United Nations? If so, do you feel that the United Nations is currently effective in a leadership role? Or perhaps Earth-Marvel would be better off if the American superheroes conquered the rest of Earth, so that the president that we elect every four years is in charge of the entire human race? Imagine George Dubya Bush running Earth right now. Now imagine exporting that level of competence out into the galaxy.

This hits the nail on the head, Earth is way too fractured to become a galactic power.

[emperorkang]

So were the Kree, with there many houses. read Annihilation

[Jake V]

Modern day earth has no galactic presence, so Marvel earth can't.

[Expletive Deleted]

So were the Kree, with there many houses. read AnnihilationThey have a lot of factions, but those factions exist within the framework of a strong central government for their entire empire.

[DeadXMan]

This hits the nail on the head, Earth is way too fractured to become a galactic power.

so we need to conqure the real world in order to make earth a galactic empire in comics.


I call Switzerland.

[Mundungus]

I wouldn't trust an Earth galactic power. Though the idea has crossed my mind a lot lately.

Marvel Earth certainly has the capabilities, but if they did expand they'd stop being the "still primitive planet that some how surprises us every crossover."

[chaosakita]

The problem is, if earth were to become a galactic power, it would no longer be set in the "current" world. It would be pure science fiction. Becoming a galactic power requires enormous advances in technology, whether it be ships, weaponry, robotics, etc. Not only would they have to explain where we got that knowledge, but moreover, where we got those resources. Human society itself would change, and there would be little relation to what its like right now. Marvel excels because much of it feels like its set in the real world in some ways. Spiderman swinging from the streets of New York City, or the punisher taking out crime lords. Both become second rate when looking at a galactic empire.

Earth is able to survive because of the huge number of super powered beings, not because of its technology. Lets keep it that way.

This is exactly why Earth can't be a galactic power. If the editorial staff won't even let Colbert be president, why would they completely change Earth's culture?

[Will.S]

Marvel Earth certainly has the capabilities, but if they did expand they'd stop being the "still primitive planet that some how surprises us every crossover."
Heh, yeah.

I will admit that the concept is pretty interesting if Reed, Iron Man, Hank Pym and all the brains in the world spearheaded such an effort in conjunction with S.W.O.R.D but like people have said, Marvel earth has enough problems with each other.

[gorthon616]

Sure, why not? The main issue is how it would be dealt with. I have a few ideas, but it's certainly plausible, doable, and beneficial if done right.

[emperorkang]

In the new issue of Iron man coming out you have HAMMER construction crews working on new helicarriers. Just take that same idea and apply it to space ships, and you have the beginning of earth's first space fleet ready to protect us from invaders. Plus, it's a good way to jumpstart the economy.

[SquidSquod]

I think what's best is to flesh out more on new civilizations for Marvel cosmic instead of pushing Earth as a galactic power. Abnett & Lanning are doing a great job, and if JMS is willing to do some part time work he can elaborate more species & galactic kingdoms.

Small bands of heroes will tip the balance through isolated genius and diplomacy. SWORD will set up a Deep Space 9 or invisible (not really since Aliens are clearly confirmed) diplomatic body similar like in Men In Black. Nova corps will maintain bigger presence in backward sector so Earth is in good hand.

Oh yeah, what's needed now is badder, more astonishing races of aliens but no need for Earth to interact with them. Skrulls don't cut it anymore - I fear them has become Ferengi of the MU.

[Lupek]

I like this idea. Earth doesn't even have to succeed to make it an interesting story. And if need be, does the world as seen in Daredevil and other non sci fi-ish books really have to change so much if Earth branches out into space in a big way?

I'd like for something like that in the Fantastic Four book. Reed and the other super science guys in the Marvel Universe should be changing the world.

[mgs]

a good question. Really, it's quite silly with all that goes on in the Marvel U. earth, that 'earthlings' have not quested out and colonized other planets by now. With all the superpower beings, Earth really should be a galactic presence in their universe.

[CyberHubbs]

I think the rest of the universe would put up a huge stop sign at the edge of our galaxy, and be like, "Uh. No. A few of you is fine, but...No. Stay on your little planet."

I chalk it up to the countries just being unable to really get together and sponsor the kind of cooperation that space exploration on that scale would require. Still, I'm surprised it's not done more often on a smaller scale. Just corporations wanting to mine asteroids or other planets for mere financial gain.

[Crowforge]

We are a secret galactic power, shhhh!

[Ex_]

I wouldn't trust an Earth galactic power. Though the idea has crossed my mind a lot lately.

Marvel Earth certainly has the capabilities, but if they did expand they'd stop being the "still primitive planet that some how surprises us every crossover."

Your last point really rings true in my head. That's such a hackneyed theme conveyed in invasion stories that, seeing it like that, just shows how ridiculous it is. It's almost funny. I don't want to say it will NEVER change, because Marvel is obviously making big changes and taking risks, but who knows what might occur?

It won't, but I guess I'm just tired of the "still primitive planet that somehow surprises us every crossover" that you alluded to.

[Karthak]

No. For one simple reason. Letting humanity as a whole loose across the cosmos would like unleashing an intergalactic locust swarm. Every major space power would come to boil the planet to prevent that from happening(think the beginning of Titan AE).

[Zenith23]

Modern day earth has no galactic presence, so Marvel earth can't.

Take a look out the window there’s no guys n girls in capes flying about either.
I think it would be an interesting step to make, certainly not a jump to full galactic power status but the beginnings of human colonisation in our solar system and nearby ones.

At least the presence of embassies from other galactic powers on earth like the kree ambassador in House of M. Earth just beat off an invasion by the skrulls that is surely gonna get some attention.

Mirroring the Marvel universe to ours too much always struck me as a dumb idea, let it loose a little it’s supposed to be the house of ideas after all!

[Expletive Deleted]

. . . it’s supposed to be the house of ideas after all!It's also supposed to be "your universe."

[celticguy]

Who will make policy decisions? The United Nations? If so, do you feel that the United Nations is currently effective in a leadership role? Or perhaps Earth-Marvel would be better off if the American superheroes conquered the rest of Earth, so that the president that we elect every four years is in charge of the entire human race? Imagine George Dubya Bush running Earth right now. Now imagine exporting that level of competence out into the galaxy.

Plus earth as power loses its standing as the underdog. As it is now the brave band of heros repel alien invasion. If Earth become the invader things get a little less interesting.

[mikekerr3]

In the new issue of Iron man coming out you have HAMMER construction crews working on new helicarriers. Just take that same idea and apply it to space ships, and you have the beginning of earth's first space fleet ready to protect us from invaders. Plus, it's a good way to jumpstart the economy.

Any tech sophisticated enough to build Star ships in any scale would transform Earth beyond recognition. Marvel would lose any connection at all to the real world.

As long as the tech is exotic it doesn't mess things up too bad but making it Goverment issue, but somehow not affecting the man on the street is pushing things a bit too far.

The fact that none of the advanced tech that the Heroes use has made it to where it can help the ordinary citizen is a bit of a stretch, having the goverment have tech to build a fleet, centuries ahead of the population just seems a bit much.

[Jake V]

Mirroring the Marvel universe to ours too much always struck me as a dumb idea, let it loose a little it’s supposed to be the house of ideas after all!

So the concept that the entire Marvel universe was built upon since day one is a "dumb idea"?

[CyberHubbs]

Any tech sophisticated enough to build Star ships in any scale would transform Earth beyond recognition. Marvel would lose any connection at all to the real world.

As long as the tech is exotic it doesn't mess things up too bad but making it Goverment issue, but somehow not affecting the man on the street is pushing things a bit too far.

The fact that none of the advanced tech that the Heroes use has made it to where it can help the ordinary citizen is a bit of a stretch, having the goverment have tech to build a fleet, centuries ahead of the population just seems a bit much.

Was going to post this very argument. Damn.

[Shellhead]

The fact that none of the advanced tech that the Heroes use has made it to where it can help the ordinary citizen is a bit of a stretch, having the goverment have tech to build a fleet, centuries ahead of the population just seems a bit much.

After they have seen so many villains using advanced technology for evil purposes, it's understandable that the heroes might be reluctant to share that tech with the general public. Even before comics started, Doc Savage was stashing dangerous technology in his Fortress of Solitude in the Arctic Circle. It was great to see this idea challenged in Planetary, where a twisted version of the Fantastic Four is treated as villains for withholding advanced technology from the general. Though to be fair, Planetary's evil foursome was also doing some other bad stuff.

[CaptainOtter]

Well, if earth goes galactic, everything changes. Every single aspect of human culture becomes something new. What are cities like now? Will anyone even care about cities like New York? Why would they, when they can build new ones. The "street" level heroes become meaningless, and ill say it again. We get sci-fi marvel. Everything is related to science fiction now. While cosmic marvel is the best its ever been right now, a big part of marvel is that it is a world we can relate to. Is it completely realistic? Of course not. But is there a semblance of reality in there? Do they use real life cultural figures? Do they use real contries and cities? Yes. So if you say it has nothing to do with realism then youre missing out on a big part of what marvel is.

[Wonder Dude]

Setting up trade relations at a couple of space stations with a small fleet of interstellar craft sounds more interesting. I think the whole process should appear to go slowly with growth in fits and spurts.

[mgs]

No. For one simple reason. Letting humanity as a whole loose across the cosmos would like unleashing an intergalactic locust swarm. Every major space power would come to boil the planet to prevent that from happening(think the beginning of Titan AE).
so, the universe the Marvel u is in is like our earth, irl. Where no one can 'form' a new country b/c other powers have such interests in the world at stake? This is a stunted idea.

Is Marvel U. earth to become the most technologically advanced civilization in the galaxy, yet unable to colonize other planets? Seems very silly, with people time-traveling, using lazers, and the shields to deflect those lazers and transportation capable of the most outrageous things, yet, no one can fly a spaceship offworld...

What kind of hell is the marvel U then???!!??

[Jake V]

so, the universe the Marvel u is in is like our earth, irl. Where no one can 'form' a new country b/c other powers have such interests in the world at stake? This is a stunted idea.

Is Marvel U. earth to become the most technologically advanced civilization in the galaxy, yet unable to colonize other planets? Seems very silly, with people time-traveling, using lazers, and the shields to deflect those lazers and transportation capable of the most outrageous things, yet, no one can fly a spaceship offworld...

What kind of hell is the marvel U then???!!??

The same one that you and I are living in. Except with superheroes.

[Mundungus]

so, the universe the Marvel u is in is like our earth, irl. Where no one can 'form' a new country b/c other powers have such interests in the world at stake? This is a stunted idea.

Is Marvel U. earth to become the most technologically advanced civilization in the galaxy, yet unable to colonize other planets? Seems very silly, with people time-traveling, using lazers, and the shields to deflect those lazers and transportation capable of the most outrageous things, yet, no one can fly a spaceship offworld...

What kind of hell is the marvel U then???!!??

Its kind of like how they say that we can fly a man to the moon, advance modern medicine through the roof, create powerful weapons of mass destruction, but still can't get our (at least in the United States) voting system worked out.

Those are very varied examples, but if you come up with your own and make a comparison, you'll find where our leading powers interests lie. Marvel Earth is our Earth, it's just working with a different crowd.

[The Black Guardian]

Marvel Earth should be a galactic power, or at the very least it should have a militarized solar system. No doubt about it. Marvel Earth was never intended to be the world outside your window.

[Scavenger]

Earth is kinda weird in terms of Marvel Galactic politics.

A earther is the current emporer of the Shi'ar.
One was the consort of the former empress.
One is the avatar of the Phoenix (as was her mother).
One leads the GotG.
One leads the Nova Corps.
One runs Nowhere.
Someone from Earth's solar system is the Protector of the Universe (and the previous one was from Earth).
One was a herald of Galactus.
Earth is the only planet to beat Galactus.
The leader? of the Techarchy grew up on Earth.
The Skrulls unleashed the dumbest invasion plan in history on Earth.
and much more..

Yet the planet has no official place in the cosmos..

[Jake V]

Marvel Earth was never intended to be the world outside your window.

Um. Yes, it was.

[chaosakita]

Marvel Earth was never intended to be the world outside your window.

What? They won't even let a different guy become president.

[The Black Guardian]

Um. Yes, it was.
No. It wasn't. It was intended to be similar, but distinctly not. Even Lee and Kirby realized this. The world outside your window doesn't have superheroes, supertech, hidden races, monsters, demons, aliens, etc.

[Jake V]

No. It wasn't. It was intended to be similar, but distinctly not. Even Lee and Kirby realized this. The world outside your window doesn't have superheroes, supertech, hidden races, monsters, demons, aliens, etc.

So its always been our world with superheroes. It's the reason all the books are set in real cities instead of made up ones. It's the reason that our real President has always been the president in the Marvel earth. Marvel earth's close mirroring of our world is more than likely the reason for Mavel's early success.

It has ALWAYS taken the background (human society, general technology, politics, art, music, etc) from the real world. Whatever happens in our world has to happen in the Marvel earth. Major societal, political, and technological changes that would deviate from what we have in our world have never happened in the Marvel earth. Reed Richards keeps all his toys, Doctor Strange doesn't share his magic, and Black Panther doesn't share the cure for cancer.

Space colonization from our planet on a scale larger than what we've seen in the books so far would fundamentally change earth society, so it will never happen in the Marvel earth until it happens on our planet first.

[Crowforge]

Funny, I love Gotham...

[nicktem]

Bit of trivia for all u playin at home...

In Avengers Forever, the Time Keepers reveal that mankind will eventually travel into space and establish the Terran Empire, at the cost of many a galactic culture. So, the Time Keepers try to stop it but the Avengers stop them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avengers_Forever

And then in Maximum Security: Dangerous Planet one-shot, Linlandra, Shi'ar Empress, is two minds over if she should reveal to the galactic council, who are debating over how bad humanity is, that there are these beings called the Time Keepers (still around after Avengers Forever) at the end of time, who at the moment are keeping humanity's space expansion in check for a certain period of time for "unknown reasons" (see above). Obviously, until humanity has evolved to a more civilised point to help prevent the above.

See, helps reading back issues on a sunny day!