The Marvel series “What If…?” is blessed with an expansive catalog of comic history and a vast multiverse of characters, ensuring a plethora of storylines for several seasons. Season 2, Episode 6, titled “What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?” takes a bold leap by introducing Kahhori, a character designed exclusively for the show, set in the era before colonization, residing in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Kahhori’s existence in itself is a groundbreaking move, particularly accentuated by the decision to predominantly feature the Mohawk language in her episode. Yet, the pivotal question remains: does this episode effectively achieve its intended purpose?
The episode begins by transporting viewers to a time preceding the arrival of the Tesseract on Earth by Odin, landing instead in pre-Colombian America. This momentous occurrence propels the narrative into Mohawk as it introduces Kahhori, accompanied by her brother Wáhta, exploring forbidden territory. Their discovery of a seemingly cursed battlefield triggers a sequence of events leading them to a tranquil lake, which unexpectedly becomes the focal point of peril when encountered by intruding colonizers.
The storyline unravels as Kahhori and Wáhta find themselves in a desperate struggle against conquistadors, ultimately leading Kahhori through a portal into Sky World, a realm transformed by the Tesseract’s powers. Here, she encounters Atahraks and learns of the transformative effects the “blue light” has on their existence. Despite the allure of this ethereal place, Kahhori’s determination to return home remains unwavering.
The narrative crescendos into Kahhori’s return to her village, confronting the invading conquistadors. Her newfound abilities, driven by her connection to the Tesseract, enable her to defy the intruders, culminating in a daring confrontation with Queen Isabella herself.
Undoubtedly, the episode’s storyline is not a panacea for the deep-seated historical injustices perpetuated by colonization. However, its significance lies in its focus on an Indigenous superhero and their language, weaving themes of joy, family, and bravery without solely being viewed through the lens of colonial tragedy. Collaborating closely with the Mohawk nation, the episode aptly centers on Kahhori, Wáhta, Atahraks, and their tribes, steering away from glorifying the colonizers.
This bold storytelling approach stands out as one of the most captivating episodes of the season. It highlights the potential for more stories centered on underrepresented perspectives and characters in future seasons. Marvel, true to form, adds a tantalizing twist with the arrival of Strange Supreme, teasing further intrigue and potential crossovers.
In essence, while not a solution to the deep-rooted ramifications of colonialism, this episode serves as a commendable step forward in championing Indigenous representation and storytelling within the Marvel multiverse.