One of the most celebrated fighting games in history returns for another round! Nine years after taking the arcade gaming scene by storm and over six years after making its original home console debut, "Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes" will soon juggle-combo its way onto Xbox 360's Xbox Live Arcade and PS3's PSN!
In anticipation of the "MvC2"s next-gen debut, we're bringing you daily showdown spotlights pitting a Marvel character against a Capcom character. Each entry features official game artwork, character bios and polls to determine which universe really brings the heat.
Enjoy today's Akuma vs. Venom spotlight, make sure to vote in the poll below, visit the official "Marvel vs. Capcom 2" site and come back on Monday for our next throwdown, right here on Marvel.com!
Fighter Name: Akuma
Real Name: Gouki
Universe: Capcom, Street Fighter
First Appearance: "Super Street Fighter II Turbo" (Arcade)
Marvel/Capcom Game Appearances: "X-Men: Children of the Atom," "X-Men vs. Street Fighter," "Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter," "Marvel vs. Capcom 2"
Citizenship: Japan
Brief Bio: Known as Gouki in Japan, Akuma is the brother of Ken and Ryu's sensei, and was rumored to have killed Gouken, though he is very much alive in SFIV. Even if not guilty of fratricide, he definitely killed his master after discovering the dark powers that fuel him, and wears his late master's prayer beads around his neck. Akuma is one of the top bad guys in the SF universe, and was big in the Alpha sub-series. He's normally cast as Ryu's main enemy, pushing him on a darker path. Perennial loser Dan also sees Akuma as a rival, while Akuma just ignores him.
Powers: Akuma wields the power of the Dark Hadou, which magnifies his already highly exceptional fighting skills.
Quote: "At least you make an effort, pathetic as it was!"
Fighter Name: Venom
Real Name: Eddie Brock
Universe: Marvel, Spider-Man
First Appearance: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #298
Marvel/Capcom Game Appearances: "Marvel vs. Capcom 2"
Citizenship: USA
Brief Bio: When Spider-Man discovered his costume was truly an alien symbiote feeding off his energy, Spidey broke free of its grasp. In search of a new host to survive, the symbiote came across Eddie Brock, a former reporter for the Daily Globe who blamed his troubles on Spider-Man. Equally consumed by hatred, the symbiote was attracted to Brocks fierce emotion and bonded with him in order to survive, transforming Brock in to the super-villain known as Venom. Venom has proven time and time again, to be a more than formidable foe for Spider-Man and many other Marvel heroes. Driven by hate and gifted with immense power, Venom is one bad guy who won't go down easily.
Powers: Venom can cling to walls, produce and shoot a web-like substance to up to 70 feet and blend in with the background. Venom also possess superhuman strength that allows him to lift almost 11 tons.
Special Moves: Venom Fang, Venom Rush, Web Throw, Venom Web, Death Bite
Quote: "You are Brock. I am symbiote. WE....ARE....VENOM!"
What this should have been is a lead up to the release of MvsC3 or at the very least a MvsC 4 issue story.
Also, I give it to Akuma, only because they made Venom kinda weak in the game. Akuma...
This is a curb stomp. Akuma wins. No contest.
Akuma is extremely powerful. He once shot a fireball from earth that destroyed a giant asteroid in space.
Marvel Hotline: Jonathan Maberry Writer Jonathan Maberry discusses DOOMWAR #1, on sale February 17, 2010, in this episode of Marvel Hotline!
The Weekly Watcher: February 5, 2010 Alexa Mendez forges her own destiny, discussing "Planet Hulk" and "Wolverine and the X-Men" animated releases, Iron Man 2 game news and much more!
Spider-Man 1967 Episode 43 "The Vanishing Doctor Vespasian:" A mad genius, Doctor Vespasian, discovers a breakthrough chemical that allows him to become invisible. Using his new power of invisibility, Doctor Vespasian goes on a bank robbing spree. Fed up with the unending string of robberies, the city asks Spider-Man for help.
Spider-Man (1994), Episode 27 Peter's search for Mary Jane leads him to an evil cult led by a man called Baron Mordo, who wants to release his master, Dormammu, from another dimension. Spider-Man teams up with Doctor Strange and his sidekick Wong to rescue Mary Jane and take back the Wand of Watoomb from Baron Mordo.
WXM: Fate of the Future Clip 2 Today February 2, Marvel Animation and Lionsgate bring Wolverine fans the fourth DVD installment from Nicktoons Network's hit animated series Wolverine And The X-Men. Check out this preview clip featuring Bishop and his team as they fight to survive a future where mutants are hunted and terminated from the DVD!
X-Men (1992) - Season 3, Episode 42 When the X-Men confront Phoenix and ask it to give up Jean's body, Phoenix vows to destroy the team. To re-energize, she flies up through the D'Bari Star System, passing a very surprised Shi'ar Star Cruiser crew. As they watch in horror, she feeds upon and destroys an entire star system. To defend space life as they know it, the Shi'ar empress Lilandra decrees that Phoenix/Jean Grey must die.
X-Men (1992) - Season 3, Episode 41 As Professor X and Emma Frost battle for psychic control of Jean, the Inner Circle members quarrel over how to dispose of their prisoners, the X-Men. But it isn't long before the Phoenix realizes that it has been duped by the Inner Circle and vows to unleash its fury on the world!
Marvel Hotline: Daniel Way Daniel Way discusses DEADPOOL #19, on sale February 17th, 2009, in this episode of Marvel Hotline!
Planet Hulk: Exclusive! Hulk VS The Red King Can't wait for the "Planet Hulk" DVD/Blu-ray? Neither can we! Until then, take a look at this exclusive clip of Hulk facing off with the Red King from "Planet Hulk"!
The Weekly Watcher: January 29, 2010 Alexa Mendez rocks out to the new AC/DC video filled with Iron Man 2 footage, an exclusive after-hours tour of the Marvel HQ, and much more!
WXM: Fate of the Future Clip 1 This February, Marvel Animation and Lionsgate bring Wolverine fans the fourth DVD installment from Nicktoons Network's hit animated series Wolverine And The X-Men. Check out this preview clip featuring Nightcrawler and the Scarlet Witch as they fight their way through Mojoworld from the upcoming DVD!
Spider-Man 1967 Episode 42 "Sky Harbor:" A disgruntled and delusional Baron from WWII has emerged from his mountain stronghold and takes a jet liner hostage demanding rule for the sky. The United Nations meet to discuss the Baron's demands and seek help from Spider-Man.
"The Big Brainwasher:" The Kingpin and his goons create a mind-control machine and use it to manipulate powerful city officials. Spider-Man discovers the plan and leaps into action to stop the Kingpin.
Spider-Man (1994), Episode 26 Unaware that absorbing Spider-Man's youth would also absorb his DNA, the Vulture begins to mutate in the Man-Spider. Growing weak from the rapid aging, Spider-Man seeks help from Dr. Connors to find a cure. Meanwhile, the Scorpion is back in town and kidnaps Dr. Farley Stillwell to find a cure for his own mutation.
X-Men (1992) - Season 3, Episode 40 The Phoenix continues to inhabit Jean's body, brazenly taking over at will. When the Inner Circle Club discover the extent of the Phoenix's power, they use Jason Wyngarde to create a new history in the mind of the confused Jean Grey. Wyngarde creates a fictional romance between them set in the past and leads Jean to believe that what she perceived as the present actually occurred in her dreams. When the X-Men come to rescue Jean, they find that the person they came to rescue might actually be the one to cause their destruction!
Brevoort in the House: Reborn Tour Marvel Comics VP/Executive Editor Tom Brevoort gives a late-night, insider tour of the Marvel offices after sending CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #6 to the printer!
The Weekly Watcher: January 22, 2010 Alexa Mendez delivers info on the Iron Man movies and animated series, comics coming out in April, the "Planet Hulk" DVD and much more!