Marvel Rivals has made a striking entrance into the gaming world, featuring a robust lineup of beloved Marvel heroes and villains, along with a few unconventional choices. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is its array of unlockable skins, each offering a unique twist on the characters. While some skins pay homage to popular costumes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), others are original designs crafted by NetEase. A significant portion, however, draws inspiration directly from the rich history of Marvel comic books.
In this article, we’ll explore the comic book origins of the various skins available in Marvel Rivals, revealing how they connect to their source material. Join us as we dive into the details behind these character transformations.
Unique Skins Inspired by Comic Book Lore
Black Panther: Bast’s Chosen
This skin features Bashenga, a distant ancestor of T’Challa, who served as one of the prehistoric Avengers. Appearing in Marvel Legacy #1 (2017), Bashenga’s character represents a pivotal moment in Black Panther lore, emphasizing the rich history of the Wakandan heritage.
Black Panther: Orisha Blood
In Avengers #53 (2022), T’Challa dons a striking blood-red armor with mystical properties to defend Avengers Mountain against a powered-up Doctor Doom, showcasing his determination and readiness for battle.
Bruce Banner: Green Scar
Inspired by the gripping Planet Hulk storyline from The Incredible Hulk #92 (2006), this skin captures Hulk’s transformation into a gladiator on the planet Sakaar, where he earned the moniker “Green Scar” due to his ferocity in combat.
Bruce Banner: Mighty G-Bomb
This skin draws from The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962), showcasing Hulk in his original gray form with blue pants. Initially, this color scheme was chosen for printing convenience, but it remains a nostalgic nod to Hulk’s early days.
Captain America: Captain Gladiator
This skin from Planet Hulk #1 (2015) portrays Steve Rogers as a gladiator in the battle-scarred landscape of Battleworld, a unique setting created during the Secret Wars crossover event.
Captain America: Captain A.I.M.erica
Inspired by Marvel Action – Avengers #10 (2020), this skin features Captain America and his allies brainwashed into serving the science-based organization A.I.M., showcasing the character’s resilience against manipulation.
Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme of the Galaxy
In Doctor Strange #5 (2020), Doctor Strange embarks on an intergalactic adventure, donning new magical armor to confront the sinister Roxnor corporation, symbolizing his growth as a sorcerer.
Doctor Strange: God of Magic
This skin, based on Doctor Strange #384 (2018), represents a pivotal moment when Strange channels the power of the World Tree, becoming the God of Magic to counter Loki’s usurpation of the Sorcerer Supreme title.
Doctor Strange: Master of Black Magic
This skin takes inspiration from Strange Tales #115 (1963), featuring Doctor Strange in his original appearance with a blue Cloak of Levitation, providing a nostalgic throwback to his early comic book days.
Hawkeye: Freefall
While primarily inspired by Hawkeye: Freefall #1 (2020), this skin recalls the sleek, tactical outfit Clint Barton has worn in comics since 2012, emphasizing his evolution as a skilled archer.
Hela: Goddess of Death
This skin is inspired by The Mighty Thor #354 (1985), showcasing Hela’s classic appearance before her iconic spiky headdress became a staple in her design.
Hela: Ultimate
Drawing from Ultimatum #2 (2008), this skin reflects the Ultimate Universe version of Hela, characterized by her crimson armor that is both revealing and formidable.
Iron Fist: Sword Master
Marvel Rivals’ Iron Fist represents Lin Lie rather than Danny Rand, inspired by Sword Master #1 (2019), where Lin previously operated under this name.
Iron Man: Superior Iron Man
This skin, from Superior Iron Man #1 (2014), depicts Tony Stark after a personality inversion, featuring a sleek silver suit that embodies his more egotistical traits.
Jeff: Incognito Dolphin
Based on It’s Jeff Infinity Comic #3, Jeff the land shark disguises himself as a dolphin to avoid unwanted attention, showcasing the whimsical nature of his character.
Magik: Eldritch Armor
Magik’s skin, seen in New Mutants #65 (1988), showcases her ability to summon powerful Eldritch Armor, elevating her combat prowess.
Magneto: Master of Magnetism
This skin channels Magneto’s classic look from The X-Men #1 (1963), with its iconic red and purple color scheme, paying homage to the character’s rich history.
Magneto: Uncanny Blacksteel
Inspired by Magneto #1 (2014), this skin features a stealthy black costume, reflecting Magneto’s struggles with diminished powers.
Mantis: Knowhere Corp
In Guardians of the Galaxy #5 (2016), Mantis received a costume revamp as part of the Knowhere Corps, showcasing her adaptability and strength within the team.
Moon Knight: Mister Knight
In Secret Avengers #19 (2011), Marc Spector dons a stylish white suit and mask as Mister Knight, demonstrating his versatility as a protector of the night.
Peni Parker: Ven#m
This skin, from Edge of Spider-Geddon #2 (2018), introduces Ven#m, a mecha that rivals Peni’s Sp//dr suit, adding a unique twist to her character.
Psylocke: Vengeance
Drawing from Uncanny X-Men #256 (1989), this skin captures Psylocke in her classic ninja appearance, contrasting with her modern iterations.
The Punisher: Punisher 2099
This skin transforms Frank Castle into Jake Gallows from the futuristic world of Marvel 2099, as seen in Punisher 2099 #1 (1993).
The Punisher: Thunderbolts
Based on The Thunderbolts (2012) #1, this skin showcases Frank Castle in a red and black modification of his traditional costume, reflecting his association with the Thunderbolts team.
Rocket Raccoon: Rocky
This skin nods to Rocket Raccoon’s early appearances in Rocket Raccoon #1 (1985) when he wore a bright neon green costume before joining the Guardians.
Spider-Man: Bag Man Beyond
Inspired by The Amazing Spider-Man #87 (2022), this skin references Peter Parker’s humorous disguise with a paper bag, reflecting the lighter side of his character.
Spider-Man: Chasm
In The Amazing Spider-Man #93 (2022), this skin depicts Ben Reilly, Peter Parker’s clone, as he assumes the identity of Chasm, symbolizing his inner turmoil.
Squirrel Girl: Urban Hunter
This skin, from U.S. Avengers #1 (2017), features Squirrel Girl in a patriotic variant of her costume, emphasizing her role in the U.S. Avengers team.
Star-Lord: Jovial Star
Inspired by The Legendary Star-Lord #1 (2014), this skin features Star-Lord in a long red trench coat, reflecting his adventurous spirit.
Storm: Mohawk Rock
This skin from Uncanny X-Men #173 (1983) showcases Storm’s punk rock look during a period of vulnerability, complete with a trendy mohawk.
Storm: Ivory Breeze
Based on X-Men #1 (1991), this skin pays homage to Storm’s iconic all-white outfit, a look cemented in comic book history.
Thor: Herald of Thunder
In Thor #1 (2020), Thor is depicted as the new herald of Galactus, complete with a costume change symbolizing his new role and responsibilities.
Venom: Space Knight
This skin transforms Eddie Brock into Flash Thompson, who becomes a Space Knight in Venom – Space Knight #1 (2015), showcasing his heroic evolution.
Venom: Anti-Venom
Inspired by The Amazing Spider-Man #569 (2008), this skin illustrates Eddie Brock’s transformation into Anti-Venom after a series of unexpected events.
The Winter Soldier: Revolution
This skin, from Captain America – Sentinel of Liberty #6, showcases Bucky Barnes as Revolution, complete with a stylish cape that signifies his new identity.
What are your thoughts on the diverse range of comic-inspired skins in Marvel Rivals? Which ones stand out to you, and what additional skins would you like to see introduced in future updates? Share your opinions in the comments below.
For more insights on Marvel Rivals, stay tuned for reviews and patch notes detailing the game’s latest updates and enhancements.
