For the first time in 25 years, Marvel is returning to one of its most unique alternate universes. This September, the publisher will celebrate the anniversary of the Marvel Mangaverse with a five week event that reimagines its heroes through the lens of modern manga storytelling while pushing the universe toward an apocalyptic showdown.
The celebration begins with Marvel Mangaverse: Web of Blood #1 and concludes with Marvel Mangaverse: Web of Destiny #1, a two part saga co-written by father and son team Joe Kelly and Jack Kelly and illustrated by manga inspired artist Kenny Ruiz. Between those bookends, readers will experience three standalone one-shots that expand the world and introduce fresh takes on beloved Marvel characters.
Originally launched in the early 2000s, the Mangaverse transformed Marvel’s iconic heroes and villains into manga inspired counterparts. Rather than simply revisiting that concept, the new event imagines a world where the Mangaverse has continued uninterrupted for the last quarter century, evolving both in-universe and alongside modern manga trends.
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At the center of the story are Miles Morales’ Spider-Man, Laura Kinney’s Weapon X-Tremis, and Illyana Rasputin’s Legion. Once allies, the trio now find themselves divided by conflicting visions of how to stop a prophesied apocalypse triggered by the return of the Phoenix. As they delve deeper into dangerous and forbidden magic, their efforts to save the world may ultimately bring about its destruction.
According to Jack Kelly, the opportunity to collaborate with his father on the project felt like a natural extension of their shared passion for comics and manga.
“Every week my dad and I talk for hours about everything that’s happening in our favorite comics and manga, so being asked to do this for Marvel has been an honor,” Kelly said.
Joe Kelly described the project as a celebration of the storytelling traditions that inspired the original Mangaverse.
“This project is a love letter to manga and anime via the Marvel Mangaverse, brought to stunning life by artist Kenny Ruiz,” Kelly said.
Ruiz, whose previous work includes Path of the Lightsaber and Team Phoenix, embraced the challenge of helping usher the Mangaverse into a new era.
“If you live and breathe manga like I do, you know what to do in those situations: grit your teeth, sacrifice everything, and give it your all,” Ruiz said.
The event will unfold across five weekly releases throughout September.
Following Web of Blood, writer Cody Ziglar and artist Kei Zama deliver Marvel Mangaverse: Iron Knight #1 on September 9. The issue focuses on Riri Williams, who protects New Chicago as Ironheart using a mana-powered suit of armor. After suffering a devastating loss, she embarks on a quest for vengeance alongside a powerful sorcerer known as Moon Knight.
The story continues on September 16 with Marvel Mangaverse: Arcane Avengers #1 from writer Ashley Allen and artist Mirka Andolfo. The issue introduces a mystical version of the Avengers led by Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, who is cursed to battle demonic yokai while plotting his own escape from servitude.
On September 23, Marvel Mangaverse: Ghostlocke #1 shifts the spotlight to Kwannon, who races through a world consumed by violence on her supernatural Shinigami bike. Written by Alyssa Wong and illustrated by Michael YG, the one-shot pits Ghostlocke against a terrifying version of Carnage as bodies pile up across the Mangaverse.
The event reaches its climax on September 30 with Web of Destiny #1, as Miles, Laura, and Illyana find themselves at the center of the world’s final battle. Whether they can overcome their differences and prevent total annihilation remains to be seen.
Adding to the project’s manga credentials, acclaimed mangaka Yuji Kaku is providing the main covers for the anniversary event. Editor Lauren Amaro praised Kaku’s contributions, noting that his designs help modernize the Mangaverse while honoring its roots.
For longtime fans, the return of the Mangaverse offers a nostalgic trip back to one of Marvel’s most experimental universes. For newer readers, it serves as a fresh entry point into a world where technology has failed, magic reigns supreme, and even Earth’s mightiest heroes may not survive the coming apocalypse.
The first chapter, Marvel Mangaverse: Web of Blood #1, arrives in comic shops this September.
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