Marvel Tōkon: First Strike #1 Review
Today, I WANNA TAKE YOU FOR A RIDE! Yes, I know that’s Capcom and not Arc Systems, but I really wanted to do that. Besides, we probably won’t see another Marvel vs. Capcom game in our lifetime. But seriously, in preparation for the release of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, which comes out the day after this comic, we’re taking a look at Marvel Tōkon: First Strike #1!
As a prequel, this comic offers an early glimpse of the game’s world, Earth-358, and provides a preview of what’s to come in Fighting Souls. It reveals the origins of the game’s versions of the Avengers and the X-Men, as well as their primary adversaries, the Promoter and the Champion. Sadly, no story for the Samurai Outriders or Knights of Doom…
In “Cosmic Contender”, Steve Orlando and Bruno Bull delve into the motivations of the Promoter and the Champion, as well as the reason for their tournament. Surprisingly, this offers us a story in which the Silver Surfer plays a prominent role, alongside some appearances by Nova and Cosmic Ghost Rider. But ultimately, this is about the Promoter above all, trapped in a role from which it seems impossible to escape. It’s a story that delves into the humanity of one of our antagonists and shows why the other must be defeated.
In “Fighting Avengers”, Tom Waltz and Athila Fabbio attempt to explore the Avengers’ split caused by Hulk’s refusal to follow orders after sending a Kree and Skrull army home. The story attempts to portray this separation as very emotional, but, in my opinion, it does not succeed due to little character focused writing. It’s not a bad story, but it could have been better. At least it’s nice to see Thor! (DLC?)
In “The Battles Ahead”, Josh Trujillo and Ryusei Yamada might have written and drawn the best story in this anthology. And I’m not just saying that because I’m a fan of the X-Men (maybe). After suffering a devastating loss at the hands of a brand-new enemy, Storm assumes leadership of the X-Men and pushes herself to her limits. She vows to rebuild from the ashes of the fire that brought them down. Phoenix Cyclops! In the process, a new ally emerges: Danger. It’s a very hyping story for the Unbreakable X-Men team, who are preparing for what’s to come for them in the game.
In short, the stories contained within Marvel Tōkon: First Strike are interesting looks that delve into this new Marvel Universe as conceived by Arc System Works. Would I have liked it if there were something for the Samurai Outriders and the Knights of Doom? Yes, but you can’t have everything. Besides, it won’t be long before we have the game in our hands. Just one day by the time this is published! See you at the Tournament!
View on Kindle Store
Buy from Third Eye
This post contains affiliate links. We receive a small commission if you buy through this link.
