Why Black Panther’s Inclusion in Marvel Rivals Cerebro Database Event Raises Questions

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NetEase and Marvel Comics have worked closely together on the game “Marvel Rivals“, resulting in a unique storyline that stays true to the original shooter’s roots. This collaboration has brought great success to “Marvel Rivals” as new content is released almost every week. This achievement also benefits Marvel Comics, as players who are not familiar with the game’s source material are buying comics to learn more about their favorite characters, thereby increasing comic book sales.

While Marvel Comics lore has become deeply ingrained in popular culture due to numerous movie and TV adaptations, it’s important to note that certain aspects remain exclusive to the comics. For instance, the Fox X-Men films introduced the mutant superteam to the big screen in the early 2000s, with follow-up prequels in the 2010s adding more depth to their backstory. Interestingly, the Hellfire Gala featured in Marvel Rivals Season 2 hasn’t been explored in the Fox X-Men films. Consequently, some players might not have been familiar with the gala’s significance before it was mentioned in the game. However, most players are likely well-versed in which Marvel Rivals characters possess mutant abilities and which do not.

Why is Black Panther in the Cerebro Database Event?

As a die-hard film enthusiast and Marvel fanatic, I must admit that the latest Cerebro Database Event in Marvel Rivals has left me scratching my head on one particular point. This event splits into four distinct “quests,” each requiring nine individual “investigations” to be completed. By successfully wrapping up these various investigations, players will uncover cosmetics, in-game currency, and gallery cards as rewards. The grand prize for conquering all four quests? Mantis’ stunning Flora Maiden costume!

Moreover, each square representing a challenge is designed around various Marvel Rivals characters such as Emma Frost, Wolverine, Black Panther, and Namor. For die-hard X-Men enthusiasts, it might come as a shock to find Black Panther featured in the event, given that Cerebro is actually Professor X’s mutant locator device. While both Emma Frost and Wolverine are well-known mutants, Namor has a unique place as he is sometimes depicted as the first mutant in specific Marvel Comics narratives. This sets Black Panther apart, since T’Challa is not a mutant himself.

Marvel Rivals Has an In-Game Explanation for Black Panther’s Inclusion

It’s good to know that Marvel Rivals offers insights into this peculiar inclusion. Each card comes with an accompanying backstory or lore. Interestingly, while Emma Frost and Wolverine have their individual cards, Black Panther’s card focuses on Storm. Storm, a formidable member of the X-Men and one of the most powerful mutants overall, is featured in his card. Her file also sheds light on her long-term relationship with T’Challa, which is mentioned. Notably, Storm depicts T’Challa in his Hellfire Gala attire, a costume that players can unlock by completing his card.

Mutant Alternatives to Black Panther

At minimum, Storm’s narrative clarifies why Black Panther was part of the Cerebro event. However, it would have been even better if Storm herself had attended the Hellfire Gala, as her costume would have added an extra touch and made the event feel more unified. Although it isn’t for sale yet, it seems probable that Black Panther’s Hellfire Gala costume will become available at a later time, given that many other characters have already received costumes from this series.

In the scenario where Marvel Rivals was seeking an X-Men character for a fresh or imminent skin for their Cerebro Database event, Psylocke and Magik would have been fitting options instead of Black Panther. Both mutants possess Retro X-Men uniform costumes that can be acquired via the Season 2 battle pass. The costume for Psylocke highlights her look from Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #273 (1981), while Magik’s skin, labeled as an original costume by Marvel Rivals, hints at the blue and gold X-uniforms. Although a new Black Panther skin is appreciated, it seems unusual to have him in Marvel Rivals’ Cerebro Database event given an in-game explanation.

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2025-04-25 17:35