‘Loki’: So Where Exactly Is the Time Variance Authority Located?
Loki added a fascinating new layer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the introduction of the Time Variance Authority. The institution has a futuristic and magical feel. And it has plenty of Marvel fans wondering where the TVA is located.
[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for the Loki series premiere.]
What is the TVA in Marvel Comics?
The Time Variance Authority first appeared in Marvel Comics in a 1986 issue of Thor. The powerful organization monitors the multiverse and has the ability to delete timelines it believes are too dangerous.
The TVA is run like a typical organization, with different levels of management and employees. In the comics, low-ranking TVA employees, called chronomonitors, are actually faceless clones created using quantum technology.
Some ‘Loki’ fans think the TVA is in the quantum realm
Loki doesn’t reveal where its version of the TVA is located. But some fans think it might be in the quantum realm, a magical place first seen in Ant-Man.
“Obviously this is speculation, but I think the TVA is in the Quantum Realm,” one Reddit user shared. “Time moves differently in both places — Most basically, we’ve been shown that the Quantum Realm provides access to any point in time via multiple realities.”
“Thanos reduced his Infinity Stones to atoms; the ones we see in the TVA may literally be atoms of the stones,” the fan added. “It would make sense for them not to have power outside of a macro reality, but that doesn’t mean they would stay inert if taken back to one.”
But others think it might be in an entirely separate realm
The TVA is likely located somewhere outside the realm of time. And while the quantum realm theory is fascinating, some Loki fans think the organization is far too efficient to be located in such a volatile place.
“It [is] like time traveling with the quantum realm is like driving a car: you need fuel but if you have enough you can go wherever you want,” the Reddit fan wrote. “There are easier routes than others but you can turn around and go back if you want; you can go off-road but if you aren’t prepared you might be putting yourself at a greater risk if getting stuck.”
“The TVA functions like a train system: you can only go certain places at certain times via certain routes and if you miss your train you have to wait for the next one but overall it’s safe and efficient,” they added.
“This metaphor could still work if the TVA is just in its own area of the quantum realm and if their time travel and quantum time travel function the same way, but I don’t think we have enough evidence yet to determine if either of those things are true.”
Marvel showrunners are keeping mum about the TVA and how it plays into the larger MCU. But seeing as how powerful and omniscient the organization is, there’s a good chance fans will see more of it in the future.
The TVA shows up as a significant player in the She-Hulk comics. So Loki may very well be setting up the storyline for Marvel’s upcoming She-Hulk series.
