While Tōkon producer Michael Francisco has stated that character popularity was not the deciding factor in the game's roster selection, it's undeniable that the current lineup aligns with the success of titles like Marvel Rivals. Historically, Capcom's Marvel brawlers emerged during a period of superhero comic book resurgence, characterized by "all new, all xtreme" debuts and vibrant collectible covers. These 2D crossover fighters embraced this era by including unconventional characters such as Spiral, Blackheart, and Shuma-Gorath long before more mainstream heroes like Thor or Iron Man appeared.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite faced criticism for its direct synchronization with Disney films, notably excluding the X-Men entirely. While the inclusion of more Spider-Man villains and the long-overdue debut of Blade were appreciated, the most unexpected Tōkon combatant to date is Danger, whose appearance leans more towards an anime android than her usual manifestation as a tangled deathtrap. The premise of a crossover fighter, however, is often strengthened by the unpredictability of its roster. With this in mind, several lesser-known Marvel characters could significantly enhance Arc System Works' ambitious fighting game.
Jamie Madrox, Marvel's perpetual underdog and a former Fantastic Four foe turned X-Factor mainstay, possesses the unique ability to replicate himself indefinitely. A significant drawback to this duplication strategy is that the longer his clones exist independently, the more disaffected they become from the original. In a fighting game context, Madrox could function as a solo operative, compensating for a lack of traditional martial arts with brute force, or perhaps serving as a budget imitation of a circus troupe.
Silvio Manfredi, also known as Silvermane, was a prominent figure in New York's criminal underworld. As his physical health declined, the gangster pursued an unconventional solution, returning as Silvermane, a cybernetic entity with a distinctly aged and weathered appearance. His transformation into a formidable cyborg offers a compelling gameplay dynamic. While characters like Tombstone or Hammerhead present interesting possibilities for combo testing, Silvermane's capacity to operate as a one-man demolition squad appears to offer the most distinct contribution to Tōkon's roster.
Dead Girl, originally known as Moonbeam and a prominent member of Mike Allred's media-centric X-Force, moved to the city to pursue a career in the arts, only to meet a tragic end at the hands of her boyfriend. This traumatic event seemingly triggered her mutant abilities, granting her full control over necrotic tissue, including her own. Despite her self-absorbed teammates' frequent demise, Dead Girl's survival allowed her to develop her necromantic powers, even aligning herself with figures like Doctor Strange. Her control over the dead could translate into a unique and unsettling fighting style.
Nightshade, whose real name is Tilda Johnson, operates with a singular focus on the proliferation and advancement of werewolves through scientific means. As a villainous figure from Captain America's past, she commands an army of lycanthropes, often transforming Avengers into her personal enforcers. Even without her werewolf entourage, Nightshade remains a dangerous entity in Marvel's criminal underworld. Her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Netflix's Luke Cage series notably omitted her signature werewolves, an oversight that Tōkon could rectify.
Goblin Queen, a clone of Jean Grey, embodies a dangerous fusion of forbidden magic and mutant abilities. Madelyne Pryor, sometimes appearing as her genuine self and at other times as a psychic illusion, utilizes her mutations to warp her surroundings into a hellish landscape, preying on latent fears and summoning demonic entities. This combination of sorcery and psionic power offers a visually striking and mechanically complex character potential.
Rom, the Space Knight, originated from Marvel's licensed toy properties in the '70s and '80s. While the toy itself was not a commercial success, the comic book series gained a dedicated following, leading Rom to frequently team up with the Avengers long after his real-world market presence had faded. His distinctive design, resembling a polished beer can, combined with his cosmic origins, made him a memorable character. Despite rights issues that have historically complicated his appearances, the desire for his inclusion persists.
Turner D. Century, or Clifford F. Michaels, presents a unique challenge with his anachronistic persona. Disillusioned with modern life and technology, he yearns for the Gilded Age, employing advanced science to create eccentric weaponry such as flying tandem bicycles and killer mannequins. Despite his peculiar methods, he has proven to be a persistent nuisance to Spider-Man and Spider-Woman alike, eventually becoming affiliated with the Hood's criminal organization. His inclusion would add a distinctively quirky and visually interesting fighter to the Tōkon roster.