Marvel Rising is just one of Marvel’s multimedia projects in 2018, and the recent free issue gives a great look at the series’ tone.
Although the free issue of Marvel Rising features the series’ key art, the story within focuses entirely on Squirrel Girl and Ms. Marvel. Sure, it would’ve been nice to see Captain Marvel, given that she’ll be appearing in a movie next year, but there’s a lot to like about the short tale we do get.
As an introduction states, the point of this series is to create “the next generation of Marvel heroes for the next generation of Marvel fans.” So no, Marvel Rising isn’t dark and gritty. It’s pretty kid-friendly instead, from the art style to the story being told. However, that doesn’t mean that adults can’t enjoy it either.
Who doesn’t enjoy Ms. Marvel getting confused at the idea that Squirrel Girl has a squirrel companion? Or the two being fans of each other? What about the two cheerfully borrowing a page from the book of Colossus and Wolverine?
Sometimes just the idea of two superheroines teaming up and hanging out is enough to keep a comic going. That seems to be Marvel’s introductory play for what could end up being a strong franchise.
Not only does this issue zero focus on these two heroines, but there’s also an ad for Marvel Rising: Alpha, Marvel Rising: Squirrel Girl/Ms. Marvel 1, Marvel Rising: Ms. Marvel/Squirrel Girl 1 and then Marvel Rising: Omega 1, which start going on sale June 13, July 4, August 1 and Sept. 5 respectively.
But don’t let that fool you. We wouldn’t be surprised if that Omega issue lets Inferno, Quake, Patriot or even Ghost-Spider/Spider-Gwen join the fray. They can’t just pop up in the animated movie or the shorts, right?
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Still, this free issue of Marvel Rising seems like a win — this writer snagged the last copy available at her local shop, while there were a lot of DC Comics’ Free Comic Book Day issue of its DC Superhero Girls line still available. Just saying.