Marvel Rivals' Cerebro Database Event Raises One Big…

NetEase has collaborated intensely with Marvel Comics on Marvel Rivals to create a distinct lore still rooted in the shooter’s source material. The collaboration between the two companies has culminated in an immense success for Marvel Rivals, with new content for the shooter releasing almost weekly. This success has also extended to Marvel Comics, with gamers unfamiliar with some of Marvel Rivals’ source material boosting comic book sales as they begin to read up on their favorite characters.

But there are certain aspects of Marvel Comics lore that are firmly established in pop culture through various film and television adaptations. The Fox X-Men films ushered the mutant superteam into theaters back in the early 2000s, with the prequel films releasing in the 2010s expanding the team’s lore further. With Marvel Rivals’ Season 2 dedicated to the Hellfire Gala on Krakoa, a subject not breached in the Fox X-Men films, some players were likely unaware of the significance of the gala prior to its mention in the shooter. However, most players are likely very aware of which Marvel Rivals characters are mutants and which are not.

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By Megan Lorich

Why is Black Panther in the Cerebro Database Event?

This common knowledge makes one aspect of Marvel Rivals’ new Cerebro Database Event slightly confusing. The event features four sections, called “challenges,” with nine missions, or "Investigations,” necessary to complete each challenge. By completing these various missions, players will unlock cosmetics, in-game currency, and gallery cards, with the reward for successfully completing all four challenges being Mantis’ new Flora Maiden costume.

Additionally, each challenge square is themed to a different Marvel Rivals hero, including Emma Frost, Wolverine, Black Panther, and Namor. Keen X-Men fans may be surprised at Black Panther’s inclusion in the event, as Cerebro is the name of Professor X’s mutant detection device. Even casual fans will be aware that Emma Frost and Wolverine are mutants, but Namor is technically considered the first mutant in some Marvel Comics storylines. This makes Black Panther the odd character out, as T’Challa is notably not a mutant.

Marvel Rivals Has an In-Game Explanation for Black Panther's Inclusion

Fortunately, Marvel Rivals does give some explanation for this odd addition. Each card also has a file with new lore associated with it. Both Emma Frost and Wolverine are the subjects of their own cards, but Black Panther’s card features Storm as its subject. Storm is not only one of the most powerful members of the X-Men, but one of the most powerful mutants, period. She and T’Challa were married for quite some time, which she addresses in his file. Storm specifically describes T’Challa in his Hellfire Gala outfit, which also happens to be a spray players can unlock upon completing his card.

Mutant Alternatives to Black Panther

At the very least, Storm's narration explains Black Panther’s inclusion in the Cerebro event. However, Storm herself would have had an incredible Hellfire Gala costume and would have made the event feel more cohesive if chosen. While not yet available to purchase, Black Panther’s Hellfire Gala costume will likely be available at some point in the future, considering that several characters have received a costume from this collection.

If Marvel Rivals truly wanted an X-Men with a new or upcoming skin for the Cerebro Database event, both Psylocke and Magik would have been great alternatives to Black Panther. Both mutants have a Retro X-Men uniform costume available through the Season 2 battle pass. Psylocke’s version of the costume specifically references her appearance in Uncanny X-Men Vol. 1 #273 (1981), whereas Magik’s version of the skin is dubbed by Marvel Rivals as an original costume. Despite this categorization, Magik’s costume clearly nods at the blue and gold X-uniforms. While a new Black Panther skin is certainly welcome, his inclusion in Marvel Rivals’ Cerebro Database event still feels odd despite an in-game explanation.

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