TheMarvel Cinematic Universehas redefine superhero storytelling with monolithic crossover and iconic moments , but many of its most memorable events actually happen decade earlier in Marvel ’s 1990s animated universe . span interconnect series likeX - Men : The Animated Series , this animated universe bring audiences ambitious team - ups , multiversal battles , and hero - versus - hero clash long beforethe MCU timelinemade them blockbuster spectacles . Indeed , some of the biggest event in theMCU ’s adept movieswere already explored in the ’ 90s shows .

During the 1990s , Marvel ’s quicken formed an interconnected shared universe . Spider - Man : The Animated Seriesserved as the centerpiece , on a regular basis crossing over withX - Men : The Animated Series , Iron Man , Fantastic Four , andThe Incredible Hulk . invitee appearing from character like Captain America , Daredevil , Doctor Strange , and the Silver Surfer expanded this universe even further . Unlike the standalone superhero cartoons of the past , Marvel ’s ’ 90 point embraced continuity , allowing for major storyline and character bow to cross multiple series . This feeler foreshadowed what the MCU would accomplish in live - military action nearly two decades later on .

10Iron Man Fights Hulk In The Hulkbuster Armor

Avengers: Age Of Ultron & Iron Man Season 2, Episode 11 “Hulk Buster”

Tony Stark ’s Hulkbuster armour made its spectacular MCU debut inAvengers : Age of Ultron(2015 ) , but Marvel ’s ’ 90s animated creation feature this showdown years sooner . In theIron Mananimated series , Tony Starkdons his Hulkbuster armor to block off a rampaging Bruce Bannerin the episode “ Hulk Buster . ” The scene mirrors the MCU ’s take on the battle , with Stark using specialised anti - Hulk technology to contain the unstoppable beast .

While the animation was n’t as eminent - budget as modern CGI , the confrontation showcased the same essence concept : Tony preparing for the worst - compositor’s case scenario when dealing with the Hulk . This fight was particularly renowned because it was n’t just a asinine brawl – Tony and Bruce had a friendship , adding excited weight to their struggle . Years before the MCU made the Hulkbuster famous , the animatedIron Manseries had already brought this high - stake conflict to animated life .

9Bruce Banner Dons The Hulkbuster Armor

Avengers: Infinity War & The Incredible Hulk Season 1, Episode 13

The Hulkbuster armour is n’t just associate with Tony Stark in Marvel ’s animated cosmos – it was once fall apart by Bruce Banner himself . In a surprising twist fromThe Incredible Hulk(1996 ) , Banner temporarily navigate the Hulkbuster to battle the Hulk himself when they are separated in season 1 , episode 13 “ Darkness and Light . ” In the MCU , Banner put on the Hulkbuster armor whenHulk refuses to transform and engage in battle . The enliven precursor unlike route .

Captain America : Brave New World launch the possible action for more Hulk narratives , which the MCU should pinch from The Incredible Hulk animated series .

InThe Incredible Hulkanimated serial , Banner and Hulk are separated . This top a fatuous Hulk to rampage , stimulate eternal destruction , while Banner himself discovers that they ’ll die if they stay on divided . wear Iron Man ’s Hulkbuster armor , Bruce combat Hulk in one of thegreatest fights inThe Incredible Hulk . While a dissimilar set - up , learn Bruce fag the Hulkbuster armor isa thrilling precursor to his MCU story .

Hulk from the MCU with Gargoyle and Wendigo from The Incredible Hulk animated Series

8Thor Is Forced To Fight Hulk

Thor: Ragnarok & The Incredible Hulk, Season 1, Episode 9

BeforeThor : Ragnarok(2017 ) scar the God of Thunder against the Hulk in an epical gladiatorial battle , Marvel ’s ’ 90s animated cosmos had already explore this engagement . InThe Incredible Hulk(1996 ) , Thor is storm to battle the Hulk in the episode “ Mortal Bounds . ” This former adaptation explored their legendary strength rivalry , with thetwo trading monumental blows in a conflict that stimulate the foundations .

The Incredible Hulk renovate series boasted a wealth of iconic villains perfect for the MCU after Red Hulk and the Leader ’s institution .

UnlikeRagnarok , where their battle demand place in a cosmic bowl , the renovate series framed their fight around Thor ’s obligation as a hero , as he tries to take the Hulk ’s death as a means of raise Banner to help heal a gamma - ground disease . WhileRagnarokadded sense of humour and spectacle , the ’ XC versionleaned into a more mythologic tone , stay on true to Thor ’s classic comic Holy Writ source while turn out that this matchup was always a fan - preferent conception .

Rogue and Archangel in X-Men the Animated Series

7Spider-Man Works With His Multiverse Variants

Spider-Man: No Way Home & Spider-Man: TAS Season 5, Episode 12

The approximation ofmultiple Spider - Men unitingwas a major high spot inSpider - Man : No Way Home(2021 ) , but Marvel ’s animated universe of discourse explore this concept decades earlier . The “ Spider Wars ” storyline inSpider - Man : The Animated Series(1994 ) boast Peter Parker teaming up with alternative Spider - Men from different realities , including an armored Spider - Man , an octopus - power Spider - Man , and even a powerless Peter Parker .

This multiversal crossover mirroredNo Way Home , with Peter learning from his variant and embracing the idea that his struggle is universal . WhileNo Way Homebrought back beloved springy - action versions of Spider - Man , the animated serial publication introduced the multiverse concept to younger audiences in an epoch before it became a mainstream megahit trend . This storyline turn out thatMarvel was experimenting with multiversal storytelling long before the MCU , once again demo how influential the 1990s animated universe truly was .

6Captain America Pursues The Red Skull

Captain America: The First Avenger, Spider-Man: TAS Season 4, Episode 2 & X-Men: TAS Season 5, Episode 7

The engagement betweenCaptain America and Red Skull has been a defining rivalryin Marvel chronicle , and the MCU picture this difference inCaptain America : The First Avenger(2011 ) . However , Marvel ’s nineties animated cosmos had already explored this dynamic inSpider - Man : The Animated Series(1994 ) andX - human beings : The alive Series(1992 ) . In theSpider - Manepisode “ The Cat , ” Cap traverse down Red Skull , who is attempting to use the super - soldier serum to heighten his forces .

X - Men : The Animated Series was so effective and iconic that the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be wise to confab for compelling narratives .

likewise , inX - Men , Cap come along in a World War II flashback in “ Old Soldiers , ” show his past meeting with Wolverine , Red Skull , and the fight against Hydra . These animated depictions of their rivalry emphasized Red Skull ’s obsession with power andCap ’s stiff sensory faculty of justice , prove that Marvel ’s ’ XC toon set the foot for the same ideologic and physical clashes that defined their MCU counterpart .

Spider-Man in Spider-Man the Animated Series

5Mysterio Fakes Being A Hero

Spider-Man: Far From Home & Spider-Man: TAS Season 1, Episode 5

Mysterio ’s deception inSpider - human : Far From Home(2019 ) felt like a reinvigorated braid on the villain ’s persona , but Marvel ’s ’ 90s animated universe did it first . InSpider - Man : The alive Series(1994 ) , Quentin Beck starts as anillusionist and limited effect artistwho deceive the populace into believing he ’s a hero before being exposed as a fraud . This plot line play out in the episode “ The Menace of Mysterio , ” where he frame Spider - Man for crimes to build his own larger-than-life reputation .

Web - Head has changed a lot since Spider - Man : The Animated Series . Rewatching it today reveals some fascinating modification to the Spider - Man dealership .

This is similar to his live - action counterpart inFar From Homefooling the human beings into think he was a hero from another world . The animated rendering explored Mysterio ’s signature tune early trick , which utilized special outcome techniques and modern robotics . This was updated for the MCU to include an army of hologram - projecting drone . Regardless , the core musical theme of Mysterio faking heroism wasalready hone in the ’ 90s .

MCU Ultron and Mysterio and animated She-Hulk

Custom image by Ana Nieves

4The Skrulls' Secret Invasion of Earth

Secret Invasion & Fantastic Four: TAS Season 1, Episode 4

Secret Invasion(2023 ) marked the MCU ’s first major Skrull infiltration plot line , but Marvel ’s revivify universe had already showcased an Earth under military blockade by shape - shift outlander . InFantastic Four : The alive Series(1994 ) , the Skrulls ’ presence is a major threat , with the squad uncovering their infiltrationin the installment “ Incursion Of The Skrulls . ” Additionally , The Avengers : United They Stand(1999 ) featured Skrull conjuration , foreground how these aliens fake Earth ’s mighty heroes .

While the MCU ’s take onSecret Invasionemphasized political paranoia , the ’ ninety reanimate shows lean more into high - stake superhero activity . As the Fantastic Four and Avengers realize their ally have been compromise , they’reforced to resist off the invading force . The animate universe may not have had Nick Fury ’s espionage - heavy narrative , but it in effect pose the introduction for a Skrull invasion storyline , proving this construct was a long - standing part of Marvel ’s chronicle .

3Ultron Creates Vision

Avengers: Age Of Ultron & The Avengers: United They Stand Season 1, Episode 1

One of the most polar moments inAvengers : Age of Ultron(2015 ) was the creation of Vision . Much like in the comics , Ultron also created the synthetic humanoid before in Marvel ’s animated universe . InThe Avengers : United They Stand"Avengers tack together , " Ultron create Vision aspart of his plan to replace humanity with hokey beingness . The reanimate storyline mirrors the MCU ’s take ( and the comics ) , as Vision ab initio dish up Ultron before come apart free and choose his own way .

While the MCU incorporated the Mind Stone and J.A.R.V.I.S. into Vision ’s beginning , the ’ ninety version leaned into the mind of artificial intelligence service rebel against its creator . The core idea ofVision ’s independence and lesson strugglewas already present , essay that Marvel ’s animated universe of discourse had explore complex AI - get storytelling long before the MCU ’s cinematic take on Ultron and Vision .

2Jennifer Walters Becomes She-Hulk After A Blood Transfusion From Her Cousin

She-Hulk: Attorney At Law & The Incredible Hulk, Season 1, Episode 7

She - giant : Attorney at Law(2022 ) brought Jennifer Walters ’ transformation into She - Hulk to live - action , but Marvel ’s 1990s revivify population had already adapted this blood . InThe Incredible Hulk(1996 ) , Jennifer receives a life - saving blood blood transfusion from Bruce Bannerin the episode “ Doomed , ” granting her Vasco da Gamma - power power . This adaptation of her origin stays faithful to the comics , much like the MCU ’s approach , but lean more into action - risky venture storytelling .

The MCU version depicted Jennifer struggling to balance her newfound strength with her effectual career . While the exalt version gave further insight into her family relationship with Bruce , setting the stage for her battle with identity and control . WhileShe - heavyweight : Attorney at Lawtook a comedic itinerary , the ’ 90s revivify series played the transformation as more of a striking shift in Jennifer ’s animation , represent how compelling She - Hulk ’s narration waslong before her live - activeness launching .

1Marvel’s Secret Wars

Avengers: Secret Wars & Spider-Man: TAS Season 5, Episodes 9-11

Before the MCU announcedAvengers : Secret Wars(2027 ) , Marvel ’s ’ 90s enliven existence had already brought this epic crossing over event to living . Spider - Man : The Animated Series(1994 ) adapted “ Secret Wars ” in a multi - episode arc , wherethe Beyonder gathers hoagy and villains – let in Spider - Man , the Fantastic Four , the X - Men , and Doctor Doom – onto Battleworld for a cosmic showdown . This adaptation introduce mainstream audiences to the idea of a multiversal conflict before the MCU made it a major storyline .

Unlike the comics , the animated “ Secret Wars ” put Spider - Man at the sum , highlight his leadership science in assembling a team of Marvel ’s greatest heroes . WithAvengers : Secret Warsset to be a major multiverse event in the MCU , it ’s clear that Marvel ’s invigorate universe was years in the lead in exploring the concept ofan all - out battle between heroes and villains across proportion . While it ’s unclear which “ Secret Wars ” story will be adapted to theMarvel cinematic Universe , the animated rendition proffers a fascinating brainstorm .

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X - humanity : The Animated Series is a telly show based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name . The serial publication , which send from 1992 to 1997 , follows the dangerous undertaking of a team of mutant superheroes , led by Professor Charles Xavier , as they fight for peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants in a public satiate with prejudice and fear .

Spider - Man : The Animated Series is a 1994 television show that follow Peter Parker ’s dual life as a college student and superhero Spider - Man . Voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes , Parker battles various villains while navigate personal challenge . The animated series is remark for its adherence to classic Spider - Man storylines and case development , engaging fans with detailed plotlines and dynamical action sequences .

Iron Man : let go of in 1994 , Iron Man postdate industrialist Tony Stark as he leads a private team of superheroes . As Iron Man , Stark confront various adversaries , utilizing his sophisticated engineering and resourcefulness to battle the forces of iniquity .

Hulk from TAS and Hulk from the MCU

X-Men: The Animated Series is a television show based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The series, which aired from 1992 to 1997, follows the adventures of a team of mutant superheroes, led by Professor Charles Xavier, as they fight for peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants in a world filled with prejudice and fear.

Fantastic Four : The Animated Series play along Reed Richards , Sue and Johnny Storm , and Ben Grimm , who attain world power after a space flight discover them to cosmic radiation . Together , they form the superhero squad Fantastic Four to protect Earth from threats such as Dr. Doom and Galactus .

In this animated serial publication , Dr. Bruce Banner manage with his translation into the Hulk , a redoubtable creature triggered by anger . Pursued by General Ross and the military , Banner ’s seeking for a curative leads him into battles with various villains and monsters . With the support of Friend like Betty Ross and Rick Jones , Banner strain to see peace and prevent the Hulk from causing destruction , all while dealing with the complexities of his duple cosmos .

The Avengers : United They Stand is an enliven tv set series that debut in 1999 , featuring Earth ’s mighty heroes band together to combat threats too formidable for any individual hero . The team face various villains , include meter - traveling vanquisher and exotic invaders , to protect the satellite from total destruction .

X-Men The Animated Series TV Poster

X-Men: The Animated Series is a television show based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The series, which aired from 1992 to 1997, follows the adventures of a team of mutant superheroes, led by Professor Charles Xavier, as they fight for peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants in a world filled with prejudice and fear.

Upcoming MCU Movies

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Spider-Man: The Animated Series is a 1994 television show that follows Peter Parker’s dual life as a college student and superhero Spider-Man. Voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes, Parker battles various villains while navigating personal challenges. The animated series is noted for its adherence to classic Spider-Man storylines and character development, engaging fans with detailed plotlines and dynamic action sequences.

Headshot Of Jennifer Hale In The Spike TV`S Video Game Awards 2012

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Iron Man: Released in 1994, Iron Man follows industrialist Tony Stark as he leads a private team of superheroes. As Iron Man, Stark confronts various adversaries, utilizing his advanced technology and resources to combat the forces of evil.

Headshot Of James Avery

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Fantastic Four: The Animated Series follows Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, who gain superpowers after a space flight exposes them to cosmic radiation. Together, they form the superhero team Fantastic Four to protect Earth from threats such as Dr. Doom and Galactus.

Headshot Of Brian Austin Green

The Incredible Hulk (1996)

In this animated series, Dr. Bruce Banner grapples with his transformation into the Hulk, a formidable creature triggered by anger. Pursued by General Ross and the military, Banner’s quest for a cure leads him into battles with various villains and monsters. With the support of friends like Betty Ross and Rick Jones, Banner strives to find peace and prevent the Hulk from causing destruction, all while dealing with the complexities of his dual existence.

Headshot Of Neal McDonough In The Los Angeles premiere of ‘The Shift’

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The Avengers: United They Stand is an animated television series that debuted in 1999, featuring Earth’s mightiest heroes banding together to combat threats too formidable for any individual hero. The team faces various villains, including time-traveling conquerors and alien invaders, to protect the planet from total destruction.

Thunderbolts (2025) Official Poster

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Avengers 5 Concept Poster

Marvel Cinematic Universe

X-Men: The Animated Series

Spider-Man: The Animated Series