Marvel Rivals: Ignite #1: A Beautiful Adaptation

Story 1 — Demon Days: Ko-Sute-Iwa

Peach Momoko is one of the most in-demand artists at Marvel, lauded both in the industry and by mainstream fans for her watercolor art and sumi-e line work. Her story is short, sweet, and lightly haunting. The tale of the Sym and the stone where unwanted children are sacrificed is dark and unsettlingly realistic for the time period. The character of Sai (Psylocke) carries a dreamlike, distant memory ambience that makes her blend into her surroundings much like an impressionist painting would. This short is written in Peach Momoko’s award-winning “Momoko-Verse,” which includes their Demon Days and Demon Wars comics from Marvel.

Story 2 — Tsuchi Gumo

Yuji Kaku’s artwork is reminiscent of modern manga from the east but with the colorwork of the golden age of western comics. Both of its two main characters, Punisher and Peni Parker, are characterized in an over-the-top, almost shonen manga style that gives Kaku’s story a lighthearted, comedic vibe. The Punisher and Peni are also written true to their roots, as the Punisher’s refusal to harm a child and Peni’s heroic antics drive the plot forward.

Story 3 — Sounds of Victory

Mitsuyasu Sakai focuses on the dialogue of Luna Snow and Hela to tell a short but fun story full of action. There is also a nice reference to the source material, the game Marvel Rivals, which reveals a last-page twist if you’ve played the game. Instead of spoiling the short story, it’s a thoughtful note on the comic’s tribute to the game and its impact on lesser-known Marvel characters and reinvention of more mainstream ones. Ryusei Yamada’s artwork in the third and final story is excellent, with the colors of a modern comic. Yamada’s artwork is like an anime episode splashed onto the page.