Introducing the Villain in an epilogue - Marvel Movie Style

Hello everyone!

So, my main project right now is my vigilante/superhero series "Legacy of the Guardians." I've just finished book one, "The Crusader," and have started book two, "The Brother's Keeper." Now, I'm a huge Marvel Cinematic Universe fan and I've noticed that often times the after-credits scenes in movies tease the villain for the upcoming movies, or tease something such as a build-up to Infinity War.

So, at the end of Book 1, the MC has defeated the villain, saved the city, happy-go-lucky everything is all good. Then, in the final final final scene of the book, we meet him. There's a character that is brought up once or twice in book one named Jordan. It's not mentioned so much where you'd know who he is in the snap of a finger, but you'd [hopefully] recognize the name when you see it at the end. He shows up, talks to one of the characters, and drops the last spoken line of the book: "I'm going to make [MC's name] beg for the sweet relief of death." He proceeds to give the character he's speaking to a ghoulish smile, and the book ends.

It's a teaser/epilogue that introduces Jordan and tells the reader he's got some dastardly plot for the MC, but Book 1 is also 95% concluded and resolved. We do have one of the vigilantes leave to go to another city and look for a -certain- item, to that which will become a big plot point around book 4, but other than that book 1 is concluded. After reading this post, I'm beginning to think an ending like this is a bad idea.

What do you guys think? Cut out the whole "Jordan's going to make MC's life miserable" teaser and just start book 2, or leave it in there? I guess more importantly, since publishing is later down the road but still a goal, would this do more harm than good?

My intention is to tell the readers that this isn't over. I want them to fear for the MC, as to they've watched him grow from a nobody to the Crusader throughout book 1. I want the readers to end book 1 with concern, because this Jordan guy has something nasty coming MC's way.

Thanks!

Maggie Maxwell said:

As a fellow MCU fan and superhero writer, I would fully support a "teaser" sort of epilogue. The concerns in the linked thread are valid (a teaser does no good if the publisher doesn't pick up Book 2, if you go the trade pub route), but I also think it's a good fit for the superhero climate of the present day. Worst case, an agent or publisher asks you to drop it in edits. In the final pre-publisher edit draft or self-published works, go for it.

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Thanks for the advice Maggie! Right now, publishing isn't my concern. I have a lot of work to do before I get there, so I'm going to wait and see what some other writers have to say about it. For the time being, I'm going to leave it in; I've had a few beta-readers, and so far they love the idea that I've left them wondering what's happening next. I'd love to exchange some questions with you, for you're a fellow superhero writer. I've got a whole book [no pun intended] of concerns, questions, and "how do I do this's"

Thanks again,
-Tyler

That's some really good advice. Thanks guys! I think I'm going to go ahead and leave it in the story, because my beta-readers have reacted positively about it (and then pestered me about who the heck that character even is, for I haven't given them anything from Book 2 yet) lol

Great responses guys, makes me a heck of a lot better about it. Thanks!

That's a brilliant idea my friend. I've done something similar. There's a character in Book 1 who has been talked about several times, but all the stories the characters tell each other is that he died after the "incident" that happens. After they're sharing drinks for a job well done in saving the city, the character shows up and mockingly says shots are on him. It's an "Oh s$%^" moment I'm hoping will capture some people by surprise.