The MCU’s Longest Game Could Change Marvel Rivals Character Roster

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As a long-time Marvel fan and someone who has followed the evolution of the Avengers since their inception, I firmly believe that introducing Young Avengers characters into games like “Marvel Rivals” is not only exciting but also essential for the growth and continued success of this franchise.

While it’s true that some of the powers wielded by these young heroes might seem reminiscent of our beloved OG Avengers, they each bring something unique to the table. Take Miss America Chavez, for example – a character who has already made her MCU debut and whose abilities are unlike any other superhero in the game. Her inclusion would not only offer a fresh take on gameplay but also serve as a fantastic opportunity to introduce fans to more of her story.

Moreover, characters like Hulkling, with his Kree and Skrull heritage, could help further establish the complex dynamic between these two alien races that has been brewing in the MCU for quite some time. By introducing these Young Avengers into “Marvel Rivals,” we can not only expand the game’s roster but also subtly reestablish vital aspects of the Marvel Universe’s lore for both new and long-time fans alike.

And let’s not forget, if we’re adding Hulkling to the game, we simply must include Noh-Varr, aka Marvel Boy – because who can resist an intergalactic superhero with a penchant for flamboyant fashion?

In closing, I’d like to remind everyone that, as much as we love our original Avengers, it’s essential not to forget the future of this incredible universe lies in the hands of these young heroes. And if they can’t join the battle on the big screen just yet, let’s give them a chance to shine in “Marvel Rivals” – after all, we wouldn’t want them to feel left out, would we?

Oh, and remember: Avengers assemble… or should I say, Young Avengers assemble!

As a long-time fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I have eagerly awaited the release of Marvel Rivals, especially after hearing about its impressive roster of thirty-three playable characters at launch. Having played numerous games based on the MCU, I can attest to the excitement that leaks about a new character roster bring, as it often means more iconic superheroes and villains to add to my collection. With rumors circulating since the game’s beta, I’m confident that Marvel Rivals will continue to expand its roster, given the sheer number of characters that have been developed throughout Phase Two of the MCU. This anticipation stems from my personal experience with past games, where developers often draw inspiration from ongoing storylines within the MCU to create engaging content for players. Therefore, it would not surprise me if Marvel Rivals delves into a project that has been in development since Phase Two, further immersing fans like myself into the expansive universe of Marvel characters.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is meticulously constructed, with each film adding layers to the storyline and introducing fresh characters. Interestingly, a group of superheroes yet to officially appear in the MCU has been subtly seeded across Marvel films since Phase Two. As more members of this team join the MCU, it would be logical for these characters to show up in other Marvel platforms, gradually familiarizing audiences with them before their big-screen debuts.

The MCU Has Been Waiting for the Young Avengers

The Young Avengers have been featured in various comic series since they were introduced in 2005. Their popularity has grown significantly following the release of “Avengers: Endgame,” with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) having laid the groundwork for these teenage superheroes as early as Phase Two, specifically in the movie “Ant-Man.” The choice to portray Ant-Man as Scott Lang instead of Hank Pym was a sign of Marvel Studios planning for the Young Avengers. This is because Lang’s daughter, Cassie Lang, later becomes a member of the team, known as Stature. Thus, Cassie became the first character from the Young Avengers to appear in the MCU, even though she didn’t assume her superhero identity until “Ant-Man and the Quantum Realm.

In simpler terms, Kate Bishop was the initial character from the Young Avengers group to debut as a superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). She was first seen in action during the Disney+ series “Hawkeye,” played by Hailey Steinfeld. Her appearance paved the way for other Young Avengers members to join the MCU. Although Eli Bradley, also known as Patriot, technically appeared before Kate, he hasn’t put on a superhero suit yet. Xochitl Gomez’s portrayal of America Chavez in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” introduced her to the MCU. However, it’s the recent Disney+ miniseries “Agatha All Along” that has garnered the most attention for the Young Avengers team, as it introduced a beloved character named Wiccan.

In a surprising twist for those unaware, it was unveiled in the series ‘Agatha All Along‘ that Joe Locke’s character “Teen” is none other than Billy Maximoff, who comic enthusiasts recognize as Wiccan. As one of the Scarlet Witch’s twins, Billy possesses powers remarkably alike his mother’s. His brother, Tommy Shepherd, better known as “Speed”, shares powers similar to their uncle Quicksilver. The series ‘Agatha All Along‘ ends with Billy on a quest to find Tommy, hinting at the possibility of “Speed” joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the near future.

Despite no official announcement about a Young Avengers project from Marvel or Disney, it’s clear that the MCU is preparing for the teenage superhero team based on their upcoming projects and some scrapped ideas. Characters like Iron Heart and Ms. Marvel, who were not part of the Young Avengers in the comics but share youthful characters and Ms. Marvel’s effort to recruit Kate Bishop at the end of The Marvels, hint that they might team up together.

Kang Was Important to the Young Avengers and the MCU

In addition, it’s worth noting that Kang, initially slated as a primary villain for the Multiverse Saga, emerged as one of the main antagonists during the original run of the Young Avengers comics. This shift occurred because an alternate, youthful version of Kang established the super team under the alias Iron Lad. Although Jonathan Majors won’t reprise his role in the MCU, the extensive backstory developed for Kang in the Loki miniseries and Quantumania sets the stage for him to play a significant role, with the Young Avengers serving as a potential background element.

It’s obvious that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been laying groundwork for the Young Avengers over a long period, but not every one of them might fit seamlessly into the cast list for Marvel Rivals. While this game could be an excellent platform to present or reinforce characters for viewers, some members of the Young Avengers are essentially younger counterparts of already established superheroes. This duplication could potentially create problems.

Which Young Avengers Should Join Marvel Rivals?

As a movie critic, I’d put it like this: Adding Kate Bishop, Patriot, and Wiccan to Marvel Rivals might not yield the most compelling gameplay experience, given that Hawkeye, Captain America, and Scarlet Witch are already part of the roster. Though Kate Bishop and Wiccan possess unique abilities compared to their counterparts, it seems a bit off-balance when there are numerous other diverse characters yet to make an appearance in the game.

To put it simply, the optimal Young Avengers members for Marvel Rivals should offer unique abilities compared to the current roster, not clash with potential future additions, and ideally, they should have a strong chance of appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) soon, if they haven’t already been introduced.

Among the outstanding Young Avengers, it’s Miss America who stands out as a compelling addition to Marvel Rivals. Unlike her teammates, America Chavez brings distinct superpowers that aren’t similar to those of earlier Avengers. Moreover, given her role in The Multiverse of Madness, Marvel Rivals could leverage an existing character skin for her, making the game connection clear while independently showcasing her abilities. Further skins, such as those representing her comic appearances from Young Avengers vol. 2, could serve to introduce fans to the source material and expand their understanding of America Chavez.

A Chance to Reestablish the MCU’s Lore

In a slightly different wording, you might say: Despite sharing a name with one of the original Avengers, Marvel Rivals offers an excellent opportunity for fans to meet Hulkling, who, unlike the Hulk, isn’t related by blood but rather has super strength and shape-shifting abilities due to his Kree and Skrull lineage. Notably, Hulkling possesses wings, a trait that distinguishes him from Bruce Banner’s Hulk in Marvel Rivals, making his inclusion well justified.

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I’ve always been intrigued by the complex relationship between the Skrull and the Kree, a tension that has been skillfully portrayed in the MCU through films like Captain Marvel and Secret Invasion. Introducing Hulkling, a character who embodies this very conflict, could serve as a compelling reason to delve deeper into this dynamic within the MCU. This exploration might also pave the way for the arrival of Noh-Varr, otherwise known as Marvel Boy, another Young Avenger and hero from the Kree empire. By further developing the Skrull-Kree dynamics in an upcoming series like Marvel Rivals, we can subtly enrich the Marvel Universe for those who may not be deeply immersed in the MCU. At the very least, such a move would undeniably bring two fantastic new characters to Marvel Rivals.

It appears that the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe might be unclear to certain individuals, but it’s evident that Marvel has been relying on the Young Avengers quite extensively in recent times. Maybe it’s about time for Marvel Rivals to shine a light on these superheroes as well.

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2024-12-29 22:14