Marvel’s no dummy when it comes to synergy, be it movies or, in the case of Marvel Rivals: The Cities of Heaven #1, gaming synergy. With a smash hit game on their hands, Infinity Comics has been coming out regularly, and now a special one-shot leans into the chaos of all-out battle while Luna Snow tries to get to a gig. It’s an issue that’s as much fun as it is a taste tester for all the Marvel Rivals variations of Marvel classic characters.
Paul Allor writes a fun issue that never feels slow or boring. Allor keeps things interesting with multiple battles taking place, Galactica narrating from afar, and Luna simply trying to be normal while heroes fall from the sky. Given the nature of the game, it’s not surprising that Angela comes crashing down near Luna, or Winter Soldier flying out of a bar window in thanks to Namor.
The main story is all about Luna, who seeks a specific mystical club to sing at. She’s horribly late and needs help with directions. The help she’s given usually costs something, leading her even further away from the location, and with a bunch of headaches. These favors make this less of a full-out brawl comic and more of a fun adventure. We’re talking Luna having a beer drinking contest with Wolverine, and fighting Doctor Doom himself!
I dig this Angela look.
Credit: Marvel
Given this is a Luna-focused issue, there’s plenty of singing, and Allor makes these moments stand out. The joy in Luna singing is apparent, especially thanks to artists Michael Shelfer and Eric Gapstur teaming up on this issue, with colors by Dee Cunniffe. She’s infectiously positive, making for a fun ride as we tag along on her exploits.
As someone who hasn’t dabbled in Marvel Rivals, the character designs are a fun surprise. Wolverine is short, but hulking with a smaller head and a slick jacket. Daredevil is particularly different, but others like Angela are close to their comic designs, though interesting flair sets them apart just enough.
Given this is set in the Marvel Rivals universe, the larger story in play is mostly nonsensical, even if it justifies the location of a town near K’un-Lun. There is the slight issue of this story being outside of canon as well, although it’s a light adventure to say the least, since it’s about getting to a gig and not, say, saving the world. It’s an effective taste tester as to what is going on in the video game.
Marvel Rivals: The Cities of Heaven #1 is a lively, personality-driven one-shot that prioritizes fun over canon or coherence. Anchored by Luna Snow’s charm and buoyed by stylish art, it works as a playful introduction to the Marvel Rivals universe that invites curiosity rather than demands investment.
You must be logged in to post a comment.