Marvel is gearing up for a number of major game releases in the coming years with established developers like EA and Insomniac Games. However, perhaps the most interesting project teased so far is Skydance’sMarvelgame, set during World War 2 and featuring superheroes like Azzuri, T’Challa’s grandfather and the era’s Black Panther; as well as a young Steve Rogers as Captain America. This setting gives Marvel and Skydance a chance to build an Avengers-like team using heroes who existed much earlier in time than contemporary fans are familiar with.
The trailer forSkydance’sMarvelgamehints at Cap and Black Panther going on clandestine missions across the globe as they fight against the fledgling Hydra. They’re joined by Howling Commando Gabriel Jones and Nanali, leader of a Wakandan spy ring. This band of heroes has the makings of a basic Avengers squad, and many long-forgotten WW2-era superheroes would make great additions to that team.
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Skydance’s Untitled Marvel Game Can Create a New Avengers Squad
Marvel Comics was known as Timely Comics back in World War 2, which coincided with the Golden Age of Comic books that saw the creation of the superhero archetype through characters like Superman. Timely introduced a wide array of characters who fit this mold, like Captain America - part of The Invaders, a team that fought theHydra villains Red Skull and Baron von Struckerduring World War 2. Many members of this squad were sidelined, put down, or retconned into entirely new characters. Fortunately, the game’s D23 Expo 2022 announcement stated the project is inspired by landmark comics of the era
A great addition to the proto-Avengers team would be Namor (aka Sub-mariner), who was first introduced in 1939. He appeared in World War 2-related storylines as part of The Invaders during his first few years in print.Namor is often depicted as a villain or antihero, so the Atlantean could add drama as a foil to Steve Rogers and Azzuri.
Another World War 2-era superhero worth adding to the team is Jim Hammond, known as the original Human Torch. This android superhero was introduced in October 1939 by Timely Comics and had a rivalry with Namor, but they soon became teammates in The Invaders. Hammond’s ability to manipulate and resist fire, as well as his flight capabilities, make him invaluable for rescue operations and reconnaissance.
Modern fansknow Miss America as America Chavez, but the title once belonged to WW2-era superhero named Madeline Joyce. She would make a great addition to the SkydanceMarvelgame because of her extensive experience with two different Nazi-busting superhero teams: The Invaders and Liberty Legion. Joyce also participated in efforts to counter Nazi espionage during her time with Liberty Legion, making her an excellent asset against Hydra’s spymasters.
Meanwhile, superhero teams typically feel incomplete without a speedster, and The Whizzer is a perfect man for the job during this era having also been a part of The Invaders and Liberty Legion. His hyper-speed is great for stealth combat situations and rescue missions, and The Whizzer also has counter-espionage experience like his wife Madeline.
Skydance’sMarvelgame shouldn’t miss out on the chance to reintroduce Marvel’s lesser-known World War 2-era heroes, as their stories make for enticing plot points. They could also be great as DLC characters because of their diverse skill sets. The game is still seemingly early in development, as there aren’t any new details beyond theD23 Expo 2022 announcement, so fans may have to wait until the next big event to see if their favorite Golden Age hero makes it into the adventure.
Skydance’sMarvelgame is in development.
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