Since its launch last December,Marvel Rivalshas continued to release new skins. The skins — generally obtained through the in-game shop — allow players to customize the appearance of specific heroes and villains in the game’s roster. For many of these skins,Marvel Rivalshas taken inspiration from characters' appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and popular alternate outfits from the comics.
The two most recent skins announced forMarvel Rivalsare Presidential Attire Loki and Goddess of Thunder Storm.Gameplay has been revealed for the Goddess of Thunder skin, and fans are excited for a Mjölnir-wielding Storm to join the game. Besides being a conceptually cool costume,Marvel Rivals' Goddess of Thunder has an interesting history both in comics and the MCU.
Origins of the Goddess of Thunder Skin
Storm’s Appearance in What If…? Season 3
The Goddess of Thunder version of Storm most recently appeared inseason 3 of Marvel’sWhat If…?on Disney+. The animated series explores the multiverse, showcasing how simple changes to the Marvel mythos can flip an entire timeline on its head. One such alternate universe in the series introduced a version of Storm who wielded Mjölnir, granting her the powers of Thor in addition to her weather-manipulating mutant abilities. The character — once again voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith fromX-Men: The Animated Series— was invited by Captain Carter to join the Guardians of the Multiverse. While the Goddess of Thunder skin was likely added to Marvel Rivals to capitalize upon her recent appearance inWhat If…?, that was not the first time that Storm inherited Thor’s powers.
Storm Gains Thor’s Powers in the Comics
Back in 1985,New Mutants Special Edition#1 saw Storm and a handful of the New Mutants get transported to Asgard by Loki. Storm had recently lost her powers — similarly to how she did inX-Men ‘97— and remained sorrowful. Loki took advantage of this by giving Storm a hammer named Stormcaster that would give her the ability to once again conjure thunder and lightning. Unbeknownst to Storm, the hammer’s enchantment would also place her under Loki’s control.
The X-Men eventually arrived in Asgard to rescue Storm and the New Mutants, but the team was forced to fight their mind-controlled friend. After nearly killing Wolverine, Storm was able to break free from Loki’s control. She left Stormcaster in Asgard and returned to Earth withthe X-Men.
Even though Storm eventually regained her own powers, this wasn’t the only time that she wielded Stormcaster in the comics. InX-Men: To Serve and Protect(2010) #3, Thor returned the hammer to Storm — unaware of its enchantment — and accidentally transformed her into the Loki-controlled goddess form. Once again, this was only a temporary change, but there are alternate comic timelines introduced inWhat If?(1989) #12 andSecret Wars(2015) where she kept Stormcaster and permanently became the Goddess of Thunder.
Goddess of Thunder in Marvel Rivals
Both conceptually and aesthetically, the Goddess of Thunder skin is unique when compared to Storm’s other skins inMarvel Rivals. Much likeother premium skins inMarvel Rivals, Goddess of Thunder will also come with a new nameplate, emote, and MVP animation for the character.
Marvel Rivals
WHERE TO PLAY
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!A Deep and Varied Marvel RosterChoose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game DynamicsWith intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.Dynamic Hero SynergyCoordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!Creative Environment DestructionTear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch UpdatesThe Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
