I’m not gonna even make a list of wasted potential in Infinity Wars/Endgame, but if there’s a thing I’ll never forgive about those movies is the lack of dynamics between Ebony Maw and Stephen.
During Hickman’s Infinity, Maw used Stephen emotionally instead of causing him physical torture, which, in my opinion, is so much better when it comes to narrative resources. Maw’s powers are based on words, and he knows Stephen’s deepest fears and insecurities. That’s how he manages to twist his mind and bend him to do Maw’s will. He really reminds me of Khats, another villain that I simply adore.
Listen. What makes him my favorite member of the Black Order is his vile strategy based on words. He’s such a good villain, he even made the whole Black Order think he betrayed them in Landy’s run. It was all part of his plan, of course. I mean, seriously, that’s Loki level of potential we’re talking about.
But, well, that’s on me. At this point, I shouldn’t expect deep villains in the MCU (not saying they don’t exist, although they’re pretty rare).
That said... Nightmare, please... Be this trope of villain... Please... I cannot bear another hallow villain... You’re my favorite in Doctor Strange’s lore...
