For five decades, the Muppets have survived pirate ships, haunted mansions, and the sheer chaos of keeping a variety show on the air. Now, they're facing their most bizarre challenge yet: the Marvel Universe. The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1 brings Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie, and the whole gang into a world of superheroes, and naturally, they cause a spectacular mess from the very first page.
The one-shot, timed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Muppet Show, throws the beloved puppets into a whirlwind of encounters with the Avengers, Doctor Strange, Wolverine, Rocket, Groot, Bruce Banner, and Hank Pym. But these meetings aren't just for fun—they're part of a desperate mission to save one of their own.
Rowlf's in Trouble
The preview reveals that Rowlf the Dog, the group's resident piano player, has been snatched by Mojo, the unsettling X-Men villain who rules the television-obsessed Mojoverse. An alternate version of Dr. Bunsen Honeydew pops through an interdimensional portal to warn the gang that their "passable piano player" is in danger. But here's the twist: to get him back, they'll need help from the heroes of a more popular universe—the Marvel heroes.
That rescue mission sets the stage for five interconnected stories featuring some inspired pairings. Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, and Gonzo hit the streets to recruit heroes, while Wolverine hops into the Electric Mayhem's van, Miss Piggy tangles with Rocket and Groot during an alien invasion, and Bunsen and Beaker team up with Banner and Pym for a wild experiment. Meanwhile, Doctor Strange summons a mysterious chef who might just be able to recreate Clea's mother's soup—setting up the inevitable arrival of the Swedish Chef.
Avengers Auditions
Meanwhile, the Avengers are on the hunt for a new member after Captain Marvel, Hulk, and Vision jet off to handle an emergency on Chandilar. With Doctor Doom and his Doombot armada threatening Avengers headquarters, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, and Thor are forced to consider a lobby full of potential recruits. Could one extremely unqualified Muppet end up with a shot at Avengers membership? The preview suggests it's possible.
The creative team is a who's who of comic talent, with writers Chip Zdarsky, Kyle Starks, MacKenzie Cadenhead, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Ashley Allen, and Adam F. Goldberg, alongside artists Pete Woods, Mike Henderson, David Baldeón, Áthila Fabbio, Paco Medina, and E.J. Su. It's a star-studded lineup that promises a mix of humor, heart, and superhero action.
This isn't the first time Marvel and the Muppets have crossed paths, but it's certainly the biggest. The crossover taps into the same playful energy that made The Muppet Show a classic, while giving fans a chance to see their favorite heroes in a completely different light. For more on Marvel's recent moves, check out Mahershala Ali's thanks to Marvel after his Blade exit, or Marvel's new reactor storyline that swaps the Hulk for a nuclear nightmare.
The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1 hits comic shops on September 23. Whether you're a lifelong Muppet fan or a Marvel devotee, this one-shot looks like a must-read for anyone who loves a good, chaotic crossover.
