How Marvel Rivals Artists Redesign Iconic Heroes

Keep the features fans recognise

The team begins with comic history and references across other media. Cyclops retains his visor and gold straps in a streamlined redesign. His eye rig also supports costumes without the visor, while basic movements establish the foundation for ability animations.

Read the art team's interview at 80 Level

Build in 3D, think in 2D

Art director Dino Ma described the guiding principle in a June 2025 Creative Bloq interview: preserve the expression of the original 2D artwork throughout 3D production. Anime, animated films and graphic packaging helped shape the game's bold colour and exaggerated forms.

Materials combine stylised textures with physically based and non-photorealistic rendering. Rather than letting realistic lighting dictate the result, the team adapts the rendering pipeline to protect the illustrated aesthetic. Ma also points to anime-inspired movement and speed lines in ability design.

Dino Ma on the game's art direction, Creative Bloq

Shaders keep the comic look readable

The 80 Level interview details a custom NPR/PBR character shader with controllable shadow colours and highlight shapes. Local lighting and exposure adjustments help preserve outlines and volume against environments.

In the character artwork, the effect is clear: surfaces have depth, yet the broad shapes still read like illustration. The rendering supports the design's personality.

Character rendering explained by the team, 80 Level

Give every power its own visual rhythm

Cyclops' effects distinguish attacks by intensity and shape: a restrained primary beam, a broader mobility effect and an ultimate with debris and Kirby Crackle particles. The team describes VFX as part of character identity, with combat clarity guiding the spectacle.

For Re:Drawn, the interesting connection is how many people contribute to that instant recognition. Costume shapes, surface treatment, movement and effects all have to tell the same character story.

Animation and VFX breakdown, 80 Level

Look closer at the artwork

The Art of Marvel Rivals brings together character and environment artwork with developer commentary. Published by Dark Horse Books in September 2025, the 208-page collection offers another view of the designs behind the game.

The Art of Marvel Rivals, publisher listing