Marvel Rivals: The Comic Book Origins of the Game’s Unlockable Skins

Published on 11 December, 2024

Yo, let’s talk about Marvel Rivals, fam. The game’s out here flexing with a roster of heroes and villains that’ll make even the most hardcore comic fans lose their minds, and the best part? Unlockable skins that pay homage to the iconic comic book looks we all know and love (and a few curveballs, too). Now, I’m not gonna leave y’all hanging. We’re diving into how these skins stack up against the comics themselves, so buckle up! It’s about to get wild.

Black Panther: Bast’s Chosen

So, like, T’Challa ain’t even the one rocking this skin, bruh. Nah, this is Bashenga, an OG Black Panther from 1,000,000 BC! This guy was straight-up one of the prehistoric Avengers, hanging with Odin and Phoenix, just casual stuff. It’s giving “ancient warrior vibes”, and if you haven’t peeped Marvel Legacy #1 (2017), you’re missing out.

Black Panther: Orisha Blood

If T’Challa wasn’t already dope enough, this skin is straight-up magical, bro. Inspired by Avengers #53 (2022), T’Challa goes full-on mystical mode to defend Avengers Mountain from Doctor Doom. The blood-red armor? Chef’s kiss. It’s got mystical properties and looks fire. Lowkey makes me wish I had that for my next Halloween costume.

Bruce Banner: Green Scar

You ever been dragged to another planet and forced to fight gladiator-style? Nah? Well, that’s exactly what went down in Planet Hulk (The Incredible Hulk #92, 2006). Hulk’s straight-up angry—like, Hulk-smash-to-the-ends-of-the-universe type angry. And this skin? It’s got all that rage, and literally looks like it’s straight outta Sakaar.

Captain America: Captain Gladiator

Okay, so imagine Steve Rogers in a world overrun by Hulks. Yep, you heard me right. In Planet Hulk #1 (2015), Steve gets thrown into Battleworld, becomes a gladiator and has to survive in a world that’s got more Hulk than a Smash Bros. tournament. I mean, what do you even do with that? You get a skin, that’s what. Gladiator Steve Rogers? A whole vibe.

Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme of the Galaxy

This one’s out there, but in the best way possible. Doctor Strange does the whole space sorcery thing in Doctor Strange #5 (2020), where he’s dealing with Roxnor, and, of course, he looks insane in his space armor. I’m not even mad about it, it’s like Dr. Strange meets Star Wars. It’s chef’s kiss.

Iron Man: Superior Iron Man

Yo, Tony Stark turned into a real diva in Superior Iron Man #1 (2014). Dude’s personality got flipped upside down during the AXIS crossover, and he’s now rocking a sleek, all-silver suit, tech’d out to the max with Extremis upgrades. If you’re into Iron Man but with a touch of, like, ego? Yeah, this is for you.

Magneto: Master of Magnetism

This is the Magneto look you KNOW. From The X-Men #1 (1963), you get that classic red and purple, all-powerful “don’t mess with me”, vibe. Magneto’s been rocking this for ages, and the skin in Marvel Rivals? Yep, it’s just like that—pure, classic, master of all metals type energy.

Moon Knight: Mister Knight

This one’s wild because like, Moon Knight’s already pretty out there, but when he switches to Mister Knight, he’s on a whole other level. In Secret Avengers #19 (2011), Marc Spector decides to ditch the cape and go full detective with a sharp white suit and mask. It’s giving classy, yet terrifying vibes, and I’m here for it.

Venom: Anti-Venom

Okay, so let’s get real for a second. Eddie Brock went through some crazy stuff to end up with this look. After dealing with cancer, Eddie gets exposed to Mister Negative’s powers and—BOOM—Anti-Venom. It’s not just a suit. It’s a whole new venomous version of him. If you haven’t read The Amazing Spider-Man #569 (2008), well, now you know!

Winter Soldier: Revolution

Bucky Barnes isn’t just kicking it with a metal arm anymore, fam. In Captain America – Sentinel of Liberty #6, Bucky takes on a new mantle—Revolution. With a cape thrown over one shoulder and a new look to match, this Winter Soldier is more than just a soldier; he’s out here revolutionizing.

Yo, there’s a ton more, but we’d be here all day breaking it down. Some of these skins are so on-point, it’s like they stepped outta the comic pages and straight into the game. It’s giving me life. But hey, I’m curious, which one of these comic-inspired skins had you like “Yo, I need that”? Or what do you wanna see next? Sound off in the comments. Let’s keep it moving, stay alive for a minute, and keep having fun with these skins. Whew, we out here.