Marvel is bringing the heat this summer with a surprising revival of the beloved Marvel Swimsuit Special — and this time, it’s got something extra for gamers. After nearly 30 years, the iconic swimsuit-themed comic returns with “The Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes, Rivals #1”, and it’s making waves in more ways than one.
In a crossover twist, Marvel Rivals players are getting a bonus with this release: the first wave of swimsuit skins will be making their debut in the game alongside the comic’s launch.
👙 A Stylish Comeback After 30 Years
For fans unfamiliar with the original concept, the Marvel Swimsuit Special was a fun, standalone comic book series from the ’90s that showcased Marvel’s heroes and villains in stylish swimwear, often accompanied by tropical-themed stories and cheeky humor. It was lighthearted, bold, and totally unforgettable.
Now, Marvel is reviving the format with Friends, Foes, Rivals, and fans are thrilled to see their favorite characters hit the beach once again — this time, both in print and in-game.
🎮 Marvel Rivals Gets Summer-Ready
The revival isn’t just nostalgic — it’s interactive. According to Marvel’s official announcement, the 2025 Swimsuit Special will coincide with the rollout of exclusive themed skins for Marvel Rivals, NetEase Games’ free-to-play hero shooter.
While Marvel hasn’t yet confirmed which characters are getting swimsuit skins, players can expect the same playful, beach-ready vibe from the comic to be translated into in-game cosmetics.
💸 Cosmetic Controversy & Fan Reactions
The timing of this announcement is notable, as Marvel Rivals has recently come under fire for its cosmetic monetization, particularly a feature that locks color changes for costumes behind microtransactions — sometimes costing players up to $6 just to tweak a skin they already own.
‼️Marvel Rivals will be getting costumes from the Marvel Swimsuit Special
“The issue will also include designs for new costumes coming soon to Marvel Rivals, the mega popular multiplayer video game from Marvel Games and NetEase Games.” pic.twitter.com/cX4jaYoWxd
— Marvel Rivals Intel (@RivalsAssembled) April 17, 2025
The news of free or event-based swimsuit cosmetics has sparked mixed reactions. Some players see it as a welcome distraction from the controversy, while others view it as a potential olive branch.
📅 When Is It Releasing?
“The Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes, Rivals #1” is scheduled to launch in July 2025, with in-game content expected to arrive around the same time. With the reveal just around the corner, players won’t have to wait long to see their favorite heroes trading their gear for some beachwear.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original Swimsuit Specials or just looking forward to new cosmetics in Marvel Rivals, this summer update is shaping up to be one of the most stylish yet. Between the nostalgia, the comic art, and the new in-game content, Marvel is giving fans plenty of reasons to dive back in.