Marvel has always flirted with fantasy, from Doctor Strange's mystical realms to Thor's Asgardian legends. But a new spin-off series, Realmguard Infinity Comic, dives headfirst into full-blown high fantasy, reimagining beloved heroes as characters straight out of a tabletop role-playing game. The first issue is now available on Marvel Unlimited, and it's a delightful departure from the usual superhero fare.
The story centers on Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson, who here are local bards known as the Silk-Tongued Spider and his partner. They're pulled into a dark conspiracy in the Kingdom of Kironia, where Prince Steve Rogers has gone missing. As Lady Jackpot is called away from her act with Peter, the duo must navigate a web of lies, a burning village, and a false king. The question is whether they can find each other—and the truth—amid the chaos.
Writer Preeti Chhibber told Marvel.com that the goal was to stay true to the characters' core while placing them in fantasy roles. 'Peter and MJ were immediately bards, there was no question,' she said. 'Some of the others took a little more exploration.' The result is a world where super suits are replaced by tunics and plate mail, and Peter's web-slinging is powered by mechanical wrist contraptions, making him more of a crafty performer than a traditional hero.
Artist Lorenzo Tammetta and comic superstar Peach Momoko have redesigned a host of Marvel icons for this setting. Prince Steve Rogers is a missing royal, Doctor Doom wears an armored royal robe, Iron Man is steam-powered, and Shang-Chi appears as a monk. The visual shift is striking, blending fantasy aesthetics with familiar Marvel iconography.
This isn't the only Spider-Man adventure on the horizon. Tom Holland returns in Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31, and Nicolas Cage has already voiced Spider-Noir in Prime Video's hit series. A new season of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is also due this fall on Disney+. But Realmguard offers something unique: a chance to see Peter and MJ as every-people thrust into a fantastical world they must figure out on the fly.
For fans of high fantasy, this series is a must-read. If you're looking for more epic fantasy, check out Skip the Wait for 'Fourth Wing' and Dive Into This Epic Fantasy Instead. And for those who love inventive magic systems, Fantasy Books with the Most Inventive Magic Systems Ever Written is a great companion.
The first issue of Realmguard Infinity Comic is available now on Marvel Unlimited. Check out the official cover and concept art for key characters in the gallery above.
