10 Best 'What If?' Marvel Stories You Must Read
4. What If... Beast & The Thing Continued To Mutate?
What If...? Vol. 1 #37 (1983)
The concept of continual mutation has been ongoing in the Marvel Universe for some time, but back in 1983, it was a relatively new idea fleshed out in the pages of What If...? This story takes elements from Amazing Adventures #11 and examines them in a new, different light.
What if Hank McCoy's mutation formula was a bit more potent than it was previously? The result isn't a lovable furry genius who hangs from the chandelier, but rather, a beast whose mind is as savage as he looked. When Professor X sensed Hank's trouble, he sent Cyclops, Angel, and Marvel Girl in to help.
They found him in Central Park where he immediately attacked them. Using what little intellect he had remaining, he found a way to surrender, but the X-Men were unable to help him. As a result, they were forced to relocate Beast to the Savage Land where he could roam free, unable to hurt anyone.
The Thing's story diverged from Marvel Two-In-One #82, which has the Thing continue to mutate from Virus X. He changed into a monstrous radioactive monster. Just when a cure is ready for him, his body erupted in radioactive energy releasing all of the stored cosmic rays his body had built up over the years. He was cured of both being the Thing and Virus X, but what's more, Alicia regained her sight. He left the Fantastic Four to be with Alicia while Giant-Man replaced him on the team.