NetEase has made a few bold choices when developingMarvel Rivals’ main storyline and its ever-expanding roster of characters. From character additions, hidden references, and storyline choices,Marvel Rivalshighlights both the well-known aspects of Marvel Comics and the MCU while also giving uninitiated players the chance to explore more niche elements.
CertainMarvel Rivals’ characters have different alter egos than Marvel fans may have expected when going intoRivals, with the most obvious examples beingIron Fistand Psylocke. Rather than going with Iron Fist’s first and most well-known iteration, Danny Rand,Rivalsdecided 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 forWarrior of the Three Sovereigns, giving some additional context behind why he may have been chosen. However, Sai’s introduction toMarvel Rivalsarguably 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.
Peach Momoko Has Made her Mark on Marvel Rivals
Peach Momoko’s art was incredibly popular even beforeMarvel Rivalsdebuted. 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 herDemon Daysseries, 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 theDemon Daysseries andis also the version of Psylocke present inMarvel Rivals.
But it seems that the popularity ofDemon Daysis expanding the series’ presence inMarvel Rivals. Two new costumes designed by Peach Momokoare 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 theDemon Daysseries, 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 intoMarvel 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 Helahas 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 herwas 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 toMarvel 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 inMarvel Rivalsis a win, as it’s great to see howMarvel Rivalshas collaborated with comic artists thus far.
