MARVEL Cosmic Invasion: Best Marvel Comics References

by

Marvel Cosmic Invasion takes place within the famous Marvel comic book universe, which has captivated audiences for over six decades and grown into a huge, expansive world.

Writers and artists have been drawing inspiration from this source for ages. In the game Cosmic Invasion, the developers at Tribute Games demonstrate a clear understanding of the material.

The team behind this project is drawing inspiration from a wide range of Marvel comics and adaptations. You can tell the developers are huge fans of the source material, and they’ve put a lot of care into faithfully recreating it.

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion subtly connects to the larger Marvel universe with some fun references and Easter eggs. Let’s explore what the developers at Tribute Games have packed into this massive and visually striking 2D beat ’em up.

7. The Kree-Skrull War

One Of Marvel’s Most Iconic Stories

The Kree-Skrull War was a major storyline in The Avengers comics during the 1970s. Lasting almost a year, it had a huge and lasting effect on the direction of Marvel stories.

The conflict revolved around the Supreme Intelligence, who appears briefly when the team visits Hala, the Kree’s home planet. The portrayal of the Supreme Intelligence is remarkably accurate to its original 1970s comic book design.

He appeared briefly, mentioning the Kree-Skrull War in passing, but then disappeared for good. Even though it was a small role, it was exciting to see a character with a history in the Marvel universe make an appearance.

6. Floating Habitat

Let’s Go To The Space Zoo

Okay, so exploring the Destromundo, I kept stumbling across all these cool little references to Marvel characters – proper Easter eggs, you know? And it wasn’t just random stuff, I actually found some cages holding members of the Guardians of the Galaxy! It was a neat surprise.

Throughout the game, you’ll meet some characters who eventually become part of your team during story sequences. Keep an eye out for fun nods to Cthulhu and the stories of H.P. Lovecraft as well!

Plus, some of the creatures subtly visible in the background appear to be inspired by monsters Jack Kirby created while working on the Inhumans comic book.

The floating habitat is also meant to remind you of the spaceship with the same name. While the Destromundo is relatively new – first appearing in Totally Awesome Hulk #2 – it’s still a very interesting location.

5. Captured X-Men

Genosha Holds Key X-Men Cameos

Genosha is an island that first appeared in the X-Men comics, and it’s a significant place in their history. In the MARVEL Cosmic Invasion game, you can actually visit Genosha and see some familiar faces.

From the start of the mission, you’ll know mutants are being held prisoner in Genosha. As you progress, you’ll gain the ability to destroy the prison walls.

Okay, so I’m checking out the holding cells and there’s this guy, Forge, who’s basically the X-Men’s go-to tech expert. And in the cell right next to him? This mutant… she looks really familiar. It took me a minute, but she seriously looks like Dazzler, you know, the mutant pop star who was huge back in the eighties.

4. Agents Of SHIELD

Heroes From Across The Universe

As you play, you’ll team up with characters you likely recognize. You’ll know them by their distinctive blue and white uniforms – they’re part of SHIELD.

SHIELD, or the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, is a major organization in the Marvel Universe. It’s been a significant presence in movies, TV shows, and other adaptations over time.

It makes perfect sense that SHIELD is involved in the Cosmic Invasion. It’s a massive threat, and everyone needs to help.

These characters aren’t likely to win against a powerful foe like Annihilus, but it’s still fun to see them in action. It really highlights just how vast and expansive the Marvel Universe is.

3. The Most Uncanny Heroes Of All

Classic Jack Kirby Creation

The Inhumans first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 back in 1965. While they’ve been around for a while, they haven’t reached the same level of popularity or success as teams like the Avengers or X-Men.

Despite this, they do have followers and make some fun appearances in Cosmic Invasion. You can spot them in several cutscenes, like the one shown here.

The game’s ending shows brief appearances by some Inhumans. These small details help build a larger, more immersive world, hinting that there are many other characters and stories beyond the ones we directly experience.

Lockjaw, who acts as the team’s mascot and can read minds, is included in the game. While you can’t actually play as any of the Inhumans, it’s still cool to see them represented.

2. An Infamous Spider-Man Villain

I’m Something Of A Scientist Myself

The beginning of MARVEL Cosmic Invasion is full of hidden references, including a nod to the Daily Bugle, where Peter Parker works when he’s not Spider-Man.

Norman Osborn is reported as missing, a detail that likely references his many presumed deaths in the comic books. While his villainous identity as the Green Goblin isn’t mentioned, it’s still exciting to see this development.

The game also features a glimpse of Mary-Jane Watson in an advertisement for a TV show, and includes a subtle nod to Wilson Fisk, better known as the Kingpin.

It’s a lot, and if you’re not paying attention, some of it is easy to miss.

1. Make Room For Fin Fang Foom

Ancient Marvel Dragon Makes Brief Cameo

Fin Fang Foom hasn’t appeared in Marvel Comics as much lately, especially compared to the 1970s, so it’s a particularly enjoyable surprise to see him included.

Fin Fang Foom debuted in Strange Tales #89 and frequently challenged Iron Man throughout the 1980s. While not as famous as many other Marvel villains, the idea of a massive alien dragon remains a largely unexplored opportunity for the franchise.

Okay, so I was exploring Destromundo, and I found Fin Fang Foom locked up behind some glass. It’s cool because he’s hanging out with a bunch of other characters that seriously look like they jumped straight out of a Jack Kirby comic – really neat designs!

Read More

2025-12-01 19:16