Over the years, DC Comics has carved out a niche for itself as the darker alternative among the leading comic book publishers. This reputation owes much to the gritty and realistic Dark Knight trilogy and the somber, intense Snyderverse films. However, DC’s world is populated with vibrant and colorful characters, with most of its superheroes standing for ideals like truth, justice, and a brighter future. Despite this, the Injustice series by NetherRealm primarily explores the darker facets of the DC universe.
Imagining a universe where Superman has inadvertently killed Lois Lane and gone rogue, establishing a regime of super-powered overseers, Injustice delves into some truly grim themes. In true NetherRealm fashion, the game doesn’t shy away from jaw-dropping deaths either. Should NetherRealm ever step into the Marvel domain for a fighting game, it might just rival the darkness of the Injustice series, or perhaps, surpass it.
Let’s face it, Batman’s formidable rogues’ gallery is often praised for harboring some of the vilest villains in comic lore, with The Joker frequently hailed as the epitome of evil. Yet, Marvel boasts its own roster of malevolent foes that can easily match or even overshadow him.
Consider Red Skull, Hitler’s disciple, and the Hydra’s leader. Then there’s Baron Zemo, the mastermind behind the Masters of Evil who also killed Captain America’s son. Ultron is hell-bent on wiping out humanity, and Doctor Doom has risen to godhood, having stolen Reed Richards’ family. And that’s barely scratching the surface of the long-established villains simmering in Marvel’s pot.
A more recent addition, The Maker, represents one of the more diabolical characters. This alternate universe Reed Richards turned to villainy, attempting to dominate a new world by eradicating superheroes. With villains like these, NetherRealm would have no shortage of convincingly evil antagonists to feature in a Marvel game.
Should NetherRealm bring a Marvel game to life, it could unleash heroes in ways fans may not be accustomed to. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe occasionally dips its toes into the gritty side of hero action, there’s a wealth of characters in the comics whose combat style results can lead to beaten, bloody foes.
Heroes such as The Punisher, Wolverine, Daredevil, and even Spider-Man (when his punches aren’t held back) possess the capacity for brutality, and a NetherRealm Marvel game could tap into this darker side of beloved characters. Although, given the constraints of maintaining a T-Rating and Marvel’s own standards, the game should avoid going too extreme. Nonetheless, a NetherRealm Marvel game could still offer the same dense, darkly-toned action and narrative that fans appreciate in the Injustice series.
