We all know that Marvel loves its crossovers, be it with fellow comic publishers, film franchises, or other famous IP. But the comic giant has come around for an unusual collaboration, this time with Tsuburaya Productions, to create a new crossover comic called “Ultraman x Avengers.”
Kyle Higgins (famous for his work in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”) and Mat Groom (known for his work in “Self/Made”) wrote the story, and Francesco Manna (who made his name with “The Avengers”) illustrated it, ensuring that this series will receive all the comic love it deserves.
The story follows the beloved Japanese superhero’s team-up with some of your favourite Avengers, including Spider-Man (Mile Morales) and Captain Marvel. This quick, limited series spans four issues and follows the team investigating the sudden disappearance of Spider-Man with an all-new threat on the horizon.
The official synopsis from Marvel for “Ultraman x Avengers” reads, “Spider-Man has disappeared from New York, an intergalactic invader has arrived on Ultraman’s doorstep, and the Kaiju of Earth are acting even more mysteriously than usual. This can only mean one thing: It’s time for Ultraman to meet the Avengers! But what cosmic threat is great enough to require a team-up of Marvel’s mightiest champions and Japan’s greatest hero? Find out as Shin meets Sam, Spacium Ray meets Repulsor Ray, and “THWIP!” meets “SHUWATCH!” – in the epic crossover event.”
Funnily enough, for those who have been keeping an eye out for all things Marvel and/or Ultraman, you would know that this wouldn’t be the first time Ultraman was taken in by Marvel. The comic titan previously secured the rights for the kaiju-killing superhero back in 2019 and exercised those rights by creating an Ultraman adaptation back in 2020, making his Marvel debut in “The Rise of Ultraman” comic.
Following three well-received miniseries, the character will now collaborate with some of Marvel’s most iconic figures, something Groom hinted at more than two years ago.
“Of course we’re excited to be back with more Ultraman, as ever, but especially for such a meaningful event,” Groom and Higgins said in a statement.
“This is the first time Ultraman will meet the Avengers, despite them having so much in common — both being created in the 1960s, both being arguably the most popular and successful super heroes from their respective countries of origin. Being able to tell the story of this historic meeting: discovering how they interact, the ways in which they’re different, what they have to learn from each other – it’s a tremendous privilege.”
As far as we know, Marvel has been radio silent on any further details of “Ultraman x Avengers,” leading us to only speculate. It is commonly known that Ultraman does not interfere with anything Earthlings do or their way of life — he only cares about throwing hands with some massive kaijus.
The Avengers always appreciate any help they can get when it comes to dealing with unfamiliar threats, and Ultraman doing his job might not be any different. However, we know that there is no shortage of kaijus or kaiju-level threats in the Marvel universe, be it friend or foe, so we might get a few scenes where Ultraman dukes it out with them too. But we can ultimately conclude that the finale will depict a threat that is extremely powerful, forcing the two parties to join forces to bring the threat down, which is typical for crossover comics.
The first issue of “Ultraman x Avengers” will be available on Wednesday, 14th August 2024.
