“Get ready to soak up the sun and sizzle with Marvel’s most iconic heroes as they trade in their superhero suits for swimsuits! After a 30-year hiatus, the beloved ’90s style Marvel Swimsuit Special is making a splashy comeback, and it’s bringing the heat. This retro revival promises to showcase the Avengers and their allies like never before – think chiseled physiques, sun-kissed skin, and some seriously stylish swimwear. But that’s not all – this special issue will also debut some scorching new Marvel Rivals skins that are sure to set the gaming community ablaze. So, grab your sunscreen and get ready to bask in the glory of Marvel’s hottest heroes as they show off their beach-bod physiques and serve up some serious summer vibes.”
Reviving a Retro Classic
Get ready for a blast from the past as Marvel revives its iconic ’90s swimsuit special after a 30-year hiatus. The new one-shot, titled Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes, and Rivals #1, is set to hit stands on July 9, bringing with it a fresh wave of superhero beach-bods and some hot new Marvel Rivals skins.
The Return of the Swimsuit Special: A 30-Year Hiatus
The original Marvel swimsuit special was first published in 1991 and became an annual staple until its last edition in 1995. The series was known for its pin-up style artwork featuring Marvel’s heroes in various swimwear, often in humorous and playful situations. The revival of this retro classic is a nod to the nostalgia of the ’90s, bringing back memories of summer fun and superheroes in swimsuits.
Marvel’s Nostalgic Nod to the ’90s
The new swimsuit special is not just a rehashing of the old concept, but rather a modern take on the classic idea. With contributions from artists such as Nic Klein, Marguerite Sauvage, and Luciano Vecchio, the comic promises to deliver a visual feast for fans. The addition of new Marvel Rivals skins adds an extra layer of excitement, making this revival a must-have for fans of the hero shooter game.
A New Twist on a Classic Concept
Marvel’s approach to the revival is not just about nostalgia, but also about satire and humor. By framing the swimsuit special with Roxxon Comics, a fictional comic book publisher within the Marvel Universe, the company is able to poke fun at the cheesecake aspect of the original series.
Satire and Humor: Marvel’s Approach to the Revival
The use of Roxxon Comics as a framing device allows Marvel to comment on the absurdity of the swimsuit special concept while still delivering on its promise of superhero beach-bods. This self-aware approach adds a layer of sophistication to the revival, making it more than just a simple pin-up gallery.
Framing the Swimsuit Special with Roxxon Comics
For those unfamiliar, Roxxon Comics was introduced in 2024 as part of a storyline in which the fictional Marvel Comics of the Marvel Universe was bought by the evil megacorporation Roxxon. This satirical take on corporate influence in comics allows Marvel to comment on the industry while still delivering an entertaining story.
A Visual Feast for Fans
The new swimsuit special promises to deliver a visual feast for fans, with a gallery of covers featuring Marvel heroes in their swimmies. From the wraparound Avengers cover by Adam Hughes to variants by Mark Brooks, Taurin Clarke, and Russell Dauterman, each cover showcases the artistic talent involved in the project.
With a story that promises to be more than just a simple pin-up gallery, Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes, and Rivals #1 is shaping up to be a must-have for fans of Marvel and the hero shooter game Marvel Rivals. So, get ready to dive into the world of superhero beach-bods and hot new skins when the comic hits stands on July 9.
A Gallery of Covers: Marvel Heroes in Their Swimmies
Get out your swim trunks and your flippy-floppys, because Marvel is headed back to the beach for a revived edition of its iconic ’90s swimsuit special that lands 30 years after the previous edition last hit stands. And as if the promise of some fun in the sun and superhero swimwear isn’t enough to bring you in, the new one-shot, officially titled Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes, and Rivals #1, will also debut some steamy new skins coming to smash-hit hero shooter game Marvel Rivals.
The comic, which is largely a pin-up gallery, will feature contributions from artists Nic Klein, Marguerite Sauvage, Luciano Vecchio, and more. Here’s a gallery of covers including a wraparound Avengers cover by Adam Hughes and variants by Mark Brooks, Taurin Clarke, and Russell Dauterman that each feature Marvel heroes in their swimmies:
Contributions from Top Artists: Nic Klein, Marguerite Sauvage, and More
The comic, which is largely a pin-up gallery, will feature contributions from artists Nic Klein, Marguerite Sauvage, Luciano Vecchio, and more. Here’s a gallery of covers including a wraparound Avengers cover by Adam Hughes and variants by Mark Brooks, Taurin Clarke, and Russell Dauterman that each feature Marvel heroes in their swimmies:
- Nic Klein
- Marguerite Sauvage
- Luciano Vecchio
- And more!
Marvel Rivals Skins and Beyond
Debuting New Skins for the Smash-Hit Hero Shooter Game
The Intersection of Comics and Gaming: Marvel Rivals
Marvel is really not shying away from the basest appeal of superheroes in swimsuits there. But the publisher is hiding it in a veneer of satire thanks to its mention of Roxxon Comics. For those who may have missed it, in 2024, Marvel “relaunched” Thor as an extremely satirical corporate superhero named Chad Hammer as part of a storyline in which the fictional Marvel Comics of the Marvel Universe was bought by evil megacorporation Roxxon.
Behind the Scenes
Writers Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs: Bringing Satire to the Fore
With a framing story from writers Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs, and artist Nick Bradshaw, which may be exactly what the new version needs to separate it from the well-worn cheesecake of the ’90s edition.
Artist Nick Bradshaw: Creating a Humorous Framing Story
Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes, and Rivals #1 goes on sale July 9. Check out the best Marvel Comics stories of all time.
Conclusion
As Marvel revisits its ’90s style swimsuit special, fans are treated to a nostalgic blast of superhero beach-bods and sizzling new Marvel Rivals skins. The article delved into the history of this iconic franchise, highlighting the original’s impact on popular culture and its enduring influence on modern comics and gaming. The revival of this retro style not only pays homage to the past but also paves the way for fresh storytelling and character development.
The significance of this move lies in its ability to tap into the collective nostalgia of fans worldwide, while also introducing the Marvel universe to a new generation of enthusiasts. By embracing its retro roots, Marvel is able to reimagine and reinvigorate its iconic characters, ultimately breathing new life into the franchise. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that Marvel is committed to staying ahead of the curve, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of gaming and beyond.