NetEase has made a few bold choices when developing Marvel Rivals’ main storyline and its ever-expanding roster of characters. From character additions, hidden references, and storyline choices, Marvel Rivals highlights both the well-known aspects of Marvel Comics and the MCU while also giving uninitiated players the chance to explore more niche elements.
Certain Marvel Rivals’ characters have different alter egos than Marvel fans may have expected when going into Rivals, with the most obvious examples being Iron Fist and Psylocke. Rather than going with Iron Fist’s first and most well-known iteration, Danny Rand, Rivals decided to include Lin Lie as the character. Lin Lie was initially introduced to Marvel Comics as Sword Master before taking on the helm as Iron Fist. He was actually created in partnership with NetEase for Warrior of the Three Sovereigns, giving some additional context behind why he may have been chosen. However, Sai’s introduction to Marvel Rivals arguably opens a whole new world for the game to explore. Betsy Braddock was the first iteration of Psylocke, but Sai is notable comic artist Peach Momoko’s take on the character. This isn't the extent of Momoko's connection to the game, either, as a brand-new Spider-Man skin may be the first of many.
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Peach Momoko Has Made her Mark on Marvel Rivals
Peach Momoko’s art was incredibly popular even before Marvel Rivals debuted. Her airy designs have captured the hearts of comic readers, leading her to not only ink and create variant covers for comics, but to create storylines of her own. The most notable is her Demon Days series, which places various Marvel characters in what she calls her “Momoko-verse.” The setting is largely inspired by Japanese folktales. Her version of Psylocke, Sai, was one of the first characters introduced into the Demon Days series and is also the version of Psylocke present in Marvel Rivals.
But it seems that the popularity of Demon Days is expanding the series’ presence in Marvel Rivals. Two new costumes designed by Peach Momoko are available in Season 2’s Battle Pass, with the collection simply titled “Peach Momoko’s Demon Days.” This title is a bit misleading, as these designs aren’t actually present in the Demon Days series, but it is true that Peach Momoko created them. Spider-Oni and Nolaehaneun Manyeo are costumes for Spider-Man and Luna Snow respectively. The Spider-Oni design has been leaked for quite some time, but Peach Momoko actually showed off the Luna Snow costume herself on her Instagram account. The reveal of the Luna Snow outfit was actually posted alongside two other designs from Peach Momoko that have yet to make it into Marvel Rivals.
More Peach Momoko Designs are Headed to Marvel Rivals
Since Luna Snow’s costume was actually added to the shooter, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Peach Momoko’s other designs included at some point down the line. The two designs posted with the Luna Snow costume are of Hela and the Punisher. Both designs feature traditional Japanese influences, typical of Peach Momoko’s art style. Her version of Hela has green skin, with long branch-like tendrils extended as part of her helmet. Several weapons are also included alongside the design. Her version of Punisher wears black stone-like armor and a wide hat, likely a Japanese Kasa.
While not included in this drop of skins on Peach Momoko’s Instagram page, a Peni Parker skin designed by her was leaked alongside the previously unconfirmed Spider-Oni costume. With all three skins confirmed by Peach Momoko, it’ll be interesting to see when they’ll finally be added to Marvel Rivals. It would make the most sense if Peni Parker’s design was added first out of these three, considering how long the costume has been floating around. Nevertheless, more Peach Momoko in Marvel Rivals is a win, as it's great to see how Marvel Rivals has collaborated with comic artists thus far.
Marvel Rivals
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
- Released
- December 6, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence
- Developer(s)
- NetEase Games
- Publisher(s)
- NetEase Games
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
