Board Thread:Administrative/@comment-3406131-20140314000018/@comment-61022-20140326225730

When it comes to alternate versions of characters -- as in a similar costumed identity but they never reveal who is under the costume -- we should not always assume that they are the same character unless there is some conclusive evidence.

As for the What If worlds PeterParker is correct: Most of the What If worlds are basically alternate Earth-616 universes where a specific point in Earth-616 history went in a different direction. Unless specified otherwise by some other narrative, usually the Watcher. Usually the What If worlds explain how they are divergant or otherwise the same. Sure continuity on Earth-616 has changed or maybe reworked characters histories or origins, but for the most part the assumption that they are divergent from Earth-616.