Marvel MangaVerse: Web of Blood #1 — Joe Kelly Reboots the Dark Fantasy Universe for its 25th Anniversary

The 25th anniversary of the Marvel Mangaverse arrives with a bang. Joe Kelly and Kenny Ruiz bring back a world where magic has overthrown technology, starring Miles Morales, Laura Kinney, and Illyana Rasputin in a desperate bid to stop a fiery apocalypse.

There is a specific kind of magic in revisiting a universe that only existed once before. The Marvel Mangaverse was a bold experiment back in the early aughts, blending the visual language of manga with the DNA of the Marvel Universe. It never quite ran the way the architects wanted it to, which makes its return feel less like a rehash and more like a second chance at a dream that was always meant to have a bigger canvas. Seeing these characters again, stripped of their usual tech-based gear and forced to rely on raw power, is a thrill.

The creative team here is a masterclass in tone. Joe Kelly brings his signature blend of heart and high-stakes action, teaming up with his brother Jack for the first time. Visually, Kenny Ruiz (known for Star Wars: Path of the Lightsaber) brings the manga aesthetic to life with a kinetic energy that feels both ancient and urgent. Yuji Kaku’s cover art sets the stage perfectly, hinting at the brutal beauty of this world. This isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a story about the cost of power and how far you’ll go when the world is ending.

Here is a quiet heads-up: this issue is likely to move fast, just so you know. The Mangaverse has a dedicated cult following, and seeing it back in print with this level of creative firepower makes it a must-have for collectors and new readers alike. Keep an eye on the shelf, because the stack is going to shrink quickly.