In the three months since its launch,Marvel Rivalshas released a plethora of additional skins for each of the game’s 37 playable characters. These include MCU-inspired suits like Iron Man’sAvengers: Endgameoutfit; comic-based suits like Hulk’s Green Scar outfit; and wholly original suits like Magik’s Punkchild outfit. Though allMarvel Rivals' alternate skins are available for purchase, many can also be obtained by playing through in-game events or completing achievements.
Two new skins were announced forMarvel Rivalsearlier this week. The first is theTwilight Duo costume for Cloak and Dagger, and the second is the Lingering Imprint costume for Venom. The Lingering Imprint outfit gives Venom an even more menacing look as it decks out the symbiote with spikes, a chitin-like exoskeleton, and glowing yellow eyes. ThoughMarvel Rivals' designers have put their own spin on this Venom costume, the skin takes direct inspiration from the comics.
Lingering Imprint’s Comic Origins
In a post on X,Marvel Rivalsannounced the Lingering Imprint skin with two lines of dialogue: “Hey, Brock, you mind if I drive?” followed by “Be my guest, Thompson.” This exchange references two notable characters from Venom’s comic history. “Brock” refers toEddie Brock, who has long served as the de facto host of the Venom symbiote after claiming the suit inThe Amazing Spider-Man#300. “Thompson” refers to Eugene “Flash” Thompson, who also served as one of Venom’s hosts in the comic — albeit in a very different fashion.
Introducing Agent Venom
Flash Thompson has been a recurring character in the Spider-Man comics since 1962. Originally serving asPeter Parker’s high school bully, he eventually matured into a more selfless character who went on to serve in the U.S. army. Flash tragically lost his legs while on a mission, and while this normally would have served as the end of his military career, it instead garnered the attention of the people behind Project Rebirth 2.0.
Project Rebirth 2.0 aimed to replicate the success of the original Project Rebirth — the WWII experiment that transformedSteve Rogersinto Captain America. However, instead of attempting to recreate the Super Soldier Serum, Project Rebirth 2.0 would instead empower its test subject with the Venom symbiote. Flash Thompson came into the fold, and after bonding with the symbiote, he became the hero known as Agent Venom.
Unlike the original Venom, Agent Venom was a more collected and tactical fighter. He combined his Spider-Man-like abilities with military firepower to take on a variety of foes across the Marvel universe. After Project Rebirth 2.0 was shut down by Captain America, Flash kept his symbiote and would go on to join multiple superhero teams like the Secret Avengers,the Thunderbolts, and even the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Lingering Imprint’s Arrival in Marvel Rivals
Not only does the Lingering Imprint outfit add some nice variety to Venom’s in-game wardrobe, but it continues the precedent set by Spider-Man’s Scarlet Spider skin. WithMarvel Rivalsadding not just variant outfits but the option to re-skin a hero or villain as a different character, the possibilities forRivals' future are endless. Perhaps Thor could get a Beta Ray Bill skin, or Hulk could get thatRed Hulkskin that players were clamoring for ahead ofCaptain America: Brave New World’s release. Regardless, players will be able to get their hands on the Lingering Imprint outfit on March 6 at 6 PM PST.
Marvel Rivals
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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!
