Marvel Studios‘ animated anthology series, “What If…?” has continued to astonish fans with its unique takes on familiar characters and storylines. In Season 2, Episode 3, titled “What If… Happy Hogan Saved Christmas?” the show brought to life a character not seen in the Marvel Universe for decades – Happy Hogan’s alter ego known as “The Freak.”
“The Freak” made his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as a purple, Hulk-like character in this recent episode. While this transformation may be new to MCU audiences, comic book fans will recognize the character as a deep-cut from Marvel Comics dating back to 1966.
In the comics, Happy Hogan was gravely ill and underwent an experimental procedure devised by Tony Stark to save his life. However, the procedure had an unexpected side effect, transforming Happy into a rage-filled behemoth with incredible strength and durability.
In the “What If…?” episode, Happy’s transformation takes a different route. Accidentally injected with Hulk blood stolen by Justin Hammer and his henchmen, Happy gradually assumes the form of the Purple Hulk. He embarks on a battle against Hammer, who eventually dons the Hulkbuster armor, in a storyline reminiscent of the classic 1988 film “Die Hard.”
As the Avengers intervene to stop the chaos, they initially mistake Happy’s Purple Hulk-like appearance as that of a villain. It is only later that they realize Hammer is the true adversary, operating the suit from within.
In a notable departure from the comics, “What If…?” maintains that Happy retains his mental faculties and control while transformed into “The Freak,” in contrast to the comics where the character struggled to maintain his humanity.
Notably, Happy Hogan is not the sole character to adopt the name “The Freak” in Marvel Comics. Eddie March also took on the mantle, featuring gray skin and a hairless appearance. However, the character last appeared in 1973, according to Marvel Comics’ records. “What If…?” Season 2, Episode 3, thus breaks a 50-year hiatus for “The Freak.”
With Marvel Studios expanding its roster of projects, including the upcoming “Ironheart“ and “Armor Wars,” which delve into the world of Iron Man, fans may wonder if Happy Hogan’s transformation into “The Freak” will ever make a live-action appearance.
Marvel’s “What If…?” series has shown that even the most obscure characters can be reimagined and brought to life in unexpected ways, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what other surprises the multiverse may hold.
As “What If…?” continues to release new episodes on Disney+ daily until December 30, fans are in for more intriguing twists and revelations from the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.
