What If...? #85

What If...? #85 was published in May 1996 as part of the second volume of Marvel Comics' long-running anthology series. The series explored alternate realities based on major departures from established Marvel canon. This particular issue, titled 'What If... the Avengers Had Fought Galactus?', was written by writer Chuck Dixon and illustrated by artist Gavin Curtis, fitting into the mid-nineties aesthetic of the publisher during a period of experimentation with darker, high-stakes narrative premises.

The issue features a cover by artist Gavin Curtis, showcasing his characteristic style during this era of Marvel's history. As an anthology piece, the creative intent was to provide a self-contained, 'what-if' scenario that allowed for the destruction of major characters and high-concept stakes that the main continuity would not typically permit. The issue was received as a standard entry in the series, reflecting the editorial direction of the time which sought to leverage the popularity of heavy-hitting villains like Galactus against the ensemble appeal of the Avengers.