Warning! Spoilers ahead for Marvel's Loki episode 5, "Journey into Mystery"
The latest episode of Marvel's Loki just featured some major hints and teases to Kang the Conqueror being the series' ultimate big bad. While the Marvel villain's arrival has been a popular theory since the series began on Disney+, Loki episode 5 absolutely fueled that fire in some pretty big ways and gave fans the most concrete clues yet that Kang really is the one behind the creation of TVA and more.
In Marvel's Loki episode 5, "Journey into Mystery", Loki woke up in the Void at the end of time after being pruned by Ravonna Renslayer in the prior episode. Meeting other variants, Loki joined Kid Loki, Boastful Loki, Classic Loki, and Alligator Loki as they traversed the Void, filled with all sorts of matter from timelines the TVA had reset. Sylvie joined Loki as well, and the pair ended the episode being very close to discovering the identity of who's really behind the TVA. There were several hints that it's Kang; more than there were for demon lord Mephisto making an appearance on Wandavision.
While Kang the Conqueror is slated to be the villain in Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania played by actor Jonathan Majors, his actual MCU debut could very likely be in the finale of Loki based upon the teases seen in episode 5. Whether it was a particular Avengers Tower in ruins, the citadel seen at the episode's end, the temporal monster the Lokis fought, or Ravonna's investigation back at the TVA headquarters, all roads seemingly lead to Kang being the true villain behind the TVA's creation, most likely to further his own goals and ends.
In the episode's very first scene, several ruined buildings and dilapidated structures are featured all over the Void at the end of time, the result of all the pruned realities the TVA has reset over the years. However, one building, in particular, is incredibly familiar: Avengers Tower. While the architecture is unmistakable, there is no iconic Avengers "A" at the top. Instead, the name "Qeng" is featured, which is actually quite telling when it comes to Kang the Conqueror.
In Marvel Comics, Qeng Enterprises was the company that purchased Avengers Tower from Tony Stark, though its CEO Mister Gryphon was actually an alias for a version of Kang himself. Apparently, this version of Avengers Tower is one from a timeline where this same purchase seemingly occurred as well. Either way, it's a pretty clear and concrete tease to Kang's involvement for eagle-eyed fans.
How The Temporal Tempest Alioth Links To Kang
An even bigger tease (both metaphorically and literally) than Qeng Tower was Alioth. In Loki episode 5, Richard E Grant's Classic Loki confirmed that Alioth is "the shark" in the tank that is the Void at the end of time, attacking the discarded matter and consuming its energy. However, the origins of the sentient temporal tempest monster Alioth in Marvel Comics are strongly tied to Kang the Conqueror as well.
In Marvel Comics, Alioth is described as the first being to escape the natural flow of time, having possession of a temporal empire far larger than that of Kang's. The two of them are essentially rivals, though Kang managed to find ways to keep himself protected from its devastating power, and he even once unleashed it upon the TVA itself. As a result, one has to wonder if something similar will happen in Marvel's Loki, seeing how Sylvie and Loki have now enchanted the temporal tempest (and want to destroy the TVA). Additionally, the presence of Alioth further implies that Kang himself isn't far behind.
When Sylvie and Loki managed to enchant Alioth, the tempest dissipates and they're able to see what appears to be a castle/fortress beyond the Void. While this could be the Citadel at the End of Time, the home of He Who Remains and the final director of the TVA in Marvel Comics, there's another option that's just as likely that involves Kang: Chronopolis.
In the comics, Chronopolis was Kang's citadel and realm from which he dictated his temporal empire, and he had also created a perimeter surrounding it that couldn't be broken or penetrated by Alioth. Assuming that this fortress seen beyond the Void (and coincidentally Alioth) is indeed Chronopolis, it's possible that Kang could be there as well, seated on his throne and ready to face the Loki variants seeking answers.
Last but not least is the investigation being conducted in episode 5 by Judge Ravonna Renslayer. Apparently, she claims to have been just as much in the dark as anyone else about the Time-Keepers being fakes, and she wants to know who her real boss is. However, she did know that all the TVA agents were variants, and she lied to Mobius about Hunter C-20, so she's by no means innocent. Additionally, Ravonna has a history with Kang in the comics, and it's possible that her relationship with the Conqueror could begin in the series' final episode.
Ravonna Renslayer is the romantic interest of Kang the Conqueror in Marvel Comics, and as such she's one of the most likely characters who could interact with him (and potentially join him) in Marvel's Loki. Ever since the character's confirmed involvement in the MCU series, there have theories about the potential for the MCU's Kang to be introduced through her, which could certainly come to pass. With the knowledge that the Time-Keepers are fakes, Ravonna seems determined to learn who's really in charge, though it also looks like she wants to hang onto the power she holds as a TVA judge. Perhaps she wants to be brought into the fold and become an asset for Kang going forward? Assuming the Lokis do succeed in destroying the TVA, it would certainly be interesting to see Rensalyer joining Kang in his future MCU appearances such as in the upcoming Ant-Man & The Wasp threequel.
If these teases prove to be correct and the MCU's Kang is indeed revealed to be the big bad in the final episode of Loki, it's going to be interesting to learn what his goals and plans were by creating/controlling the TVA in secret. Was he a known villain and time criminal in the past, hence the need for anonymity, or is he just getting started in the MCU and felt that remaining in the shadows had strategic value? Either way, it could very well be revealed that the Sacred Timeline is nothing more than just the most ideal timeline for Kang, shaping events into a primary timeline that best suits his own desires and temporal empire. All things considered, Loki is definitely a series that's tailor-made for a villain just like Kang the Conqueror, and these teases do suggest that he'll be featured in the series finale. In any case, Marvel fans will soon get their answers with the upcoming final episode whoever the Lokis end up facing off with.
Marvel's Loki releases new episodes on Wednesdays on Disney+.
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