Alongside any new character toMarvel Rivals’ ever-expanding roster comes a few new skins. Emma Frost makes her official debut inMarvel Rivalsalongside the release of the game’s second season. Just as expected, her default costume won’t be the only flashy design she can sport while on the battlefield.
Marvel Rivalsis in a unique position where the game’s source material can directly inspire new costumes and designs for its characters. At debut, all characters added toMarvel Rivalspost-launch receive one comic-based skin in addition to a recoloring of their default costume.Emma Frostis no exception, though her comic-based skin gives players a two-for-one referential special, at least in its sneak peek trailer.
Emma Frost’s X-Revolution Costume’s Inspiration
Emma Frost’s X-Revolution costume is inspired by her appearance inUncanny X-Men Vol. 3#1 (2013). This Epic Level costume is available alongsideEmma Frost with the start of Season 2and costs 1400 Units. The first five issues of this run follow the beginning of the X-Revolution storyline, which has been compiled intoUncanny X-Men Vol. 1: Revolutionfor anyRivalsfans interested in reading up on source material. This plotline takes hold in the wake of the Phoenix event, with Cyclops, Emma Frost, Magneto, and Magik all considered outlaws. Cyclops leads the charge in what is considered the “New Mutant Revolution.” Together, they gather mutants yet again to form the X-Men.
Emma Frost is as confident as ever in her black costume, with her accompanying quote saying: “Well, don’t worry, darling. Emma’s here to save the day.” In fact, the inspiration behind the X-RevolutionMarvel Rivalscostumecan be seen on the cover ofUncanny X-Men Vol. 3#2. While the costumes are not an exact match, players can easily see the inspiration behind theRivalscostume, both in its color, the cut of the outfit, and accessories like Emma Frost’s boots. Her appearance in the second issue of the run makes sense, as this is where Emma Frost’s involvement with the storyline truly begins.
The X-Revolution Skin Trailer References Another Storyline
Surprisingly, theX-Revolution skinitself isn’t the only comic reference seen in its Skin Showcase Trailer. The short video opens with Emma Frost diving off a cliff with a stopwatch in hand, rapidly approaching the ground. Thankfully, a shock of diamond coats the ground as Emma Frost stands up from her fall in her diamond form. Keen-eyed players were quick to realize that this opening sequence was actually a reference to the short-livedInhumans vs. X-Men(2016) comic miniseries.
This exact scene occurs inInhumans vs. X-Men#0, as Emma Frost prepares herself for the war between the Inhumans and the X-Men. Her swan dive off a cliff seems like quite the dangerous stunt, but there’s a method to Emma Frost’s madness. Emma Frost was specifically testing how quickly she could change from her human form to her diamond form under pressure. Still, Emma Frost would push herself even further when training,asking Magneto to randomly attack herwithout warning so she could once again test switching between her forms out in the field. Her training would pay off during battle, as this rapid-fire practice lets her switch almost seamlessly, letting her easily impale Black Bolt despite a sneak attack.
Interestingly enough,Emma Frost actually wears a black catsuitsimilar to both the aforementionedMarvel RivalsandUncanny X-Men Vol. 3designs during theInhumans vs. X-Men miniseries.The outfit is most highlighted during the last issue of the run,Inhumans vs. X-Men#6, when Emma Frost essentially takes center stage. If anyMarvel Rivalscostume so far proves that NetEase is checking their source material, Emma Frost’s X-Revolution skin certainly takes the cake because of its two-for-one reference.
