Swinging Into the Multiverse: The Next Marvel Set Already Puts One Spider-Man Controversy to Rest

The announcement that Magic: The Gathering and Marvel were collaborating on a series of Universes Beyond sets was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While the idea of seeing beloved Marvel characters on Magic cards was a dream for many, the execution of previous Universes Beyond sets has not been without controversy. From the bizarre art of the The Walking Dead Secret Lair to the expensive and divisive price point of the Lord of the Rings set, fans had a lot of questions. But the first full-fledged set in the collaboration, Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man, has already put one major concern to rest, confirming a deep commitment to the franchise’s vast multiverse and a clear understanding of the fan base’s desires.

One of the biggest concerns among fans was how Wizards of the Coast would handle the multitude of Spider-Man characters. The Spider-Verse is a massive concept, filled with hundreds of different versions of the web-slinger, from the classic Peter Parker to the fan-favorite Miles Morales and the iconic Gwen Stacy. The fear was that the set would only focus on a handful of characters and neglect the rich history of the franchise. However, a full card gallery has been released for the new set, and it has already addressed this concern with a stunning display of a variety of Spider-Verse characters. The set will feature not only the most popular heroes but also a number of deep-cut characters and obscure villains. It’s a clear signal that the set’s designers have a deep understanding and love for the Spider-Man mythos, and it is a move that is sure to please the hardcore fans of the franchise.

A True Celebration of the Spider-Verse

The card gallery for the new set, which is titled Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man, is a true celebration of the franchise’s history. The set features a number of different versions of Spider-Man, including Cosmic Spider-Man, Scarlet Spider (Ben Reilly), and even the fan-favorite Spider-Man 2099. The set will also feature some of the more obscure villains, such as the Vulture, Scheming Scavenger, and the terrifying Kraven, Proud Predator. Beyond the characters, the set will also feature cards that represent key moments and concepts from the comics, such as “The Clone Saga,” “Maximum Carnage,” and even “Peter Parker’s Camera,” a beautiful nod to the character’s long history as a photographer. The art on the cards is also a highlight, with a mix of classic comic-style art and stunning new illustrations. This is a crucial detail, as the art on a Magic card is just as important as the mechanics, and the new set seems to be a masterclass in both. The set also introduces a new draft format, “Pick-Two Draft,” which is a perfect fit for a smaller, focused set like this one.

This is a major win for fans, as it shows that Wizards of the Coast is not just trying to cash in on a popular IP but is actively trying to create a meaningful and respectful tribute to the franchise. The set is also a part of a larger, ongoing collaboration, which means we can expect more Marvel sets in the future. The announcement of the Marvel’s Spider-Man set has already set a high bar for the future of the collaboration, and it has already put to rest one of the biggest controversies that plagued the early days of Universes Beyond. The set is a clear signal that Wizards of the Coast is listening to its community and is committed to creating high-quality, flavorful products that are respectful to both brands. It is a new era for Magic: The Gathering, and it is a new era for the Marvel multiverse, and it is one that is starting with a bang. The set is scheduled for release on September 26, 2025, and players will be able to get their hands on the cards at prerelease events this weekend. It is a set that promises to be a must-have for both Magic players and Spider-Man fans alike.

What do you think of the new set? What characters are you most excited to see on a Magic card?