Marvel Rivals: The Lore Behind the Fastball Special…

Marvel Rivals is packed to the brim with references and Easter eggs. Along with alternate outfits inspired by various comics and MCU movies, Marvel Rivals is home to a vast library of voicelines that play before a match, many of which reference a hero's origin, relationships, and key moments from their comic book history. Marvel Rivals' voicelines even reference some well-known Marvel memes, with Moon Knight mentioning that Dracula owes him money.

But some of Marvel Rivals' most rewarding references come in the form of character abilities, with players being an active part of the Easter egg. One of the best examples of this is the Fastball Special, a Hulk and Wolverine Team-Up move that has a very deep history in Marvel lore.

The Lore Behind Marvel's "Fastball Special" Explained

The Origin of X-Men's Fastball Special

Released in May 1976, X-Men Vol 1. #100 sees the All-New team of X-Men face off against robotic doppelgangers of the original X-Men line-up. During the brawl, Colossus and Wolverine are backed into a corner by the automaton version of Angel. Logan turns to his Russian teammate and calls for a team-up move they've practiced in the X-Mansion's Danger Room. As Colossus loads Wolverine into his hand, Logan shouts the words "The Fastball Special - Execute- Now!" And the mutant is hurled into the air, claws outstretched towards the flying Angel.

This is the very first Fastball Special in Marvel media, a team-up move that would quickly be cemented as one of the most iconic in all of comic book history. Whenever the X-Men need to reach a far-away target, need to ground an aerial enemy, or simply need to take their adversaries by surprise, Colossus and Wolverine pull out the trusty Fastball Special.

How The Fastball Special Has Evolved Over The Years

But Colossus and Wolverine aren't the only ones who have launched one another over the last 48 years. The Fastball Special became such an iconic team-up move that it's been reused by several other characters over the decades. Shadowcat has also been thrown by Colossus a few times, using her intangibility to short-circuit robotic foes and confuse human enemies. X-23 has been thrown in a similar fashion by a few different characters, including She-Hulk, Angel, and even Spider-Man.

Colossus and Wolverine's Fastball Special has also been parodied a few times in the comics. One of the most popular examples of this came from the GLX-Mas Special Vol. 1 in 2005, when Squirrel Girl carried out the "Fuzzball Special," a move that saw her fling her squirrel companion Tippy Toe into MODOK's face. 2016's Uncanny Avengers #4 featured a cover that spoofed the X-Men team-up attack, with Deadpool being flung in the air by Rogue in a move named the "Oddball Special."

The Fastball Special has also found its way outside the pages of the comics. The 2000s X-Men Legends games allowed characters with the Might skill to throw Wolverine across the battlefield, a mechanic that was carried over to the Marvel Ultimate Alliance series. The live-action Fox X-Men movies also referenced the Fastball Special a few times, with the first movie seeing Storm and Jean Grey launching Wolverine up onto the Statue of Liberty's head, and the third movie seeing Colossus propelling Hugh Jackman's Mutant into the air in the Danger Room and in the final battle.

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Third-Person Shooter

Action

Multiplayer

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OpenCritic Reviews: Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%

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Released: December 6, 2024
ESRB: T For Teen // Violence
Developer(s): NetEase Games
Publisher(s): NetEase Games

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Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!
Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!

A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster
Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.

Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game Dynamics
With intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there's never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.

Dynamic Hero Synergy
Coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot's back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man's armor for massive damage, and so much more!

Creative Environment Destruction
Tear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!

Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch Updates
The Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!