Marvel Vs Capcom: Ultimate Complete Works Coming From UDON

Peter Paltridge

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Marvel and Capcom have been arcade partners all the way back to 1992 and the release of the Punisher cabinet. Their Marvel Vs Capcom series is one of the most beloved fighting game franchises and soon, you’ll be able to gawk at all the art produced for every game in the series, some of it never before seen. It’s Marvel Vs Capcom: Ultimate Complete Works, the largest MvC artbook ever assembled. Yes, it’s even larger than the previous book (which has been out of print since 2012 anyway). UDON managed to track down over 140 pages of new material for Marvel Vs Capcom: Ultimate Complete Works, including recently discovered sketches from classic games, new key art from game collections, and brand-new tribute art pieces and materials from Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite. A wide number of artists’ works are represented in the book including (in alphabetical order): Arthur Adams, Akiman, Jay Anacleto, Bengus, Mike Bowden, Mark Brooks, Reilly Brown, Sean Chen, Joyce Chin, Jeffrey Cruz, Jelena Djurjevic, Pasqual Ferry, Francesco Francavilla, Genzoman, Dax Gordine, Adi Granov, Espen Grundetjern, Edwin Huang, Dale Keown, Kiki, Derek Laufman, Alvin Lee, Ron Lim, Joe Madureira, Chisato Mita, Takeshi Miyazawa, Keisuke Mizuno, Trad Moore, Miho Mori, […]
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Sadly is the last thing we might see between these companies since Marvel dumped Capcom for Ark system works.
 
I’ve followed Marvel vs Capcom since the late '90s, and to me, this artbook is not just a product—it’s a time machine. Seeing the names Akiman, Bengus, and Shinkiro made my heart beat faster. These artists shaped my childhood and inspired me to draw. The idea that they uncovered more than 140 pages of new material makes this book feel even more valuable. I still own the old Complete Works book from 2012, but I’m definitely picking this one up. It’s more than nostalgia. It’s about respecting the talent that made this crossover work. I hope they include more of the scrapped or unused character designs too. That would be a dream for fans who like to look behind the curtain. Also, I really appreciate UDON making a Collectors Edition. Those enamel pins designed by Chamba and the metal cards by Panzer? Beautiful idea. I’m just glad the franchise is getting attention again. It deserves it.
 
It still hurts that Marvel and Capcom are no longer working together. This artbook feels like a goodbye gift. I’ve played every Marvel vs Capcom game since the beginning, and I always hoped we’d see another sequel, maybe MvC4. But instead, Marvel moved on to Arc System Works. Don’t get me wrong, Arc is great, especially with Guilty Gear and Dragon Ball FighterZ. But there was something special about the Capcom style. The fast pace, the chaotic combos, and the crazy crossovers—they can’t be copied. This book is amazing, but it’s also a reminder that the golden age is over.
 
It’s so interesting to see names like Dale Keown, Todd Nauck, and Adi Granov here. I’ve followed their comic work for years. I didn’t realize they also did art for Marvel vs Capcom. I’m mostly a comics person, not much of a gamer, but this book feels like a great crossover item. I always liked how the games made Marvel characters move in ways we don’t usually see in comics. It adds a new life to them. Seeing the game art next to the game sprites and tribute pieces will be a fun comparison.
 
UDON just made my year. I collect video game artbooks, and this one looks like an instant classic. A 336-page hardcover with unseen art? That’s exactly the kind of thing I hunt for. Plus, the Collectors Edition extras are perfect. Metal cards, enamel pins, a Panzer-exclusive cover—all that sounds amazing. I like how they included so many artists from both Capcom and Marvel sides. Some names I admire, like Adi Granov and Joe Madureira. I'm also glad it’s a real book with large pages. Art deserves to be seen big and in print, not just on screens. November 4 can’t come soon enough.
 
This artbook is beautiful, and I’ll definitely buy it, but I wish it came with better news. Knowing that Marvel is now working with Arc System Works makes it hard to imagine another true Marvel vs Capcom game. I think Arc will make a good game, but the spirit of MvC came from Capcom. It’s not just about characters. It’s about gameplay, speed, and legacy. Maybe someday they’ll work together again. But for now, this book feels like the end of an era.
 
It’s really sad to think that the Marvel and Capcom collaboration might be over for good. They’ve been working together since The Punisher arcade game in 1992. That’s more than 30 years of history. The Marvel vs Capcom series created a unique identity that mixed American superheroes with Japanese design and gameplay. Now Marvel is with Arc System Works. Arc is amazing at animation and polish, but the MvC feeling was more than just flashy visuals. This book might be the last time we see all that style in one place. I’m thankful for it, but I’m also mourning.
 
So this is the breakup book, huh? Capcom and Marvel had a good thing going, and now it’s over because Marvel wants to chase anime-style games with ArcSys. I get it. ArcSys makes beautiful games. But MvC had soul. It wasn’t just about looks. It was chaotic, fast, raw. This book is basically a tombstone. All the tribute art and extras feel like a goodbye. Thanks for the memories, I guess.
 
I know Marvel is working with ArcSys now, and that probably means Marvel vs Capcom won’t continue. But I’m still holding on to some hope. Maybe someday they’ll reunite, even just for one more game. This artbook is amazing and I plan to get it, but I’d give up all the pins and cards just for a real MvC4 with both companies involved again. Still, I’m thankful this exists. It’s a way to preserve the legacy.
 

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