It's nearly the end of the year 2021, so there are decidedly no surprises left — including British metal legends Iron Maiden joining forces with the all-pervasive Marvel franchise to launch some exclusive crossover merch.
According to a press release, the apparel interweaves both the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Iron Maiden's own mythology. Designs feature Marvel characters Deadpool, Thanos, Wolverine and Venom co-existing on the same spiritual plane as Eddie — the notorious other-worldly character featured in much of the band's artwork — by recreating variations on iconic visuals from album releases like Fear of the Dark and Killers, as well as single The Trooper.
"Eddie has long stood shoulder to shoulder with the greatest super-heroes," Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood said in a statement. "And we're also pretty proud of the worlds we created for his many incarnations — from battlefields to Egyptian tombs, to frozen icescapes or futuristic cities. Juxtaposing some of the most recognizable characters in pop art and comic book culture into planet Maiden has been an ambition of ours for years, and working with Marvel and their unparalleled character-based IP is the perfect fit in this day and age."
Smallwood added: "To see such iconic characters alongside Eddie is something our fans have discussed for years, and we think that the twist of placing Venom, Thanos, Wolverine or Deadpool in our Maiden worlds will excite fans of both cultures."
We can't help but wonder if that Maiden-loving St. Catharines principal parents attempted to remove will be excited about this collaboration... or whether it will make being a fan of the band less scandalous? Unless, of course, you're a Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola or Denis Villeneuve director-type; in which case liking Marvel movies is the true moral trespass.
The Marvel x Iron Maiden collection is set to launch in time for the holidays, with different designs being sold through the band's online store, Hot Topic (naturally) and German e-tailer EMP.
Check out some of the merch line below.
Bruce Dickinson is scheduled to play Canada on his spoken-word tour, and the frontman recently explained the band's satanic imagery to a Biblical Studies professor on his podcast. In other crossover news, Keanu Reeves wants to join the MCU.
According to a press release, the apparel interweaves both the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Iron Maiden's own mythology. Designs feature Marvel characters Deadpool, Thanos, Wolverine and Venom co-existing on the same spiritual plane as Eddie — the notorious other-worldly character featured in much of the band's artwork — by recreating variations on iconic visuals from album releases like Fear of the Dark and Killers, as well as single The Trooper.
"Eddie has long stood shoulder to shoulder with the greatest super-heroes," Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood said in a statement. "And we're also pretty proud of the worlds we created for his many incarnations — from battlefields to Egyptian tombs, to frozen icescapes or futuristic cities. Juxtaposing some of the most recognizable characters in pop art and comic book culture into planet Maiden has been an ambition of ours for years, and working with Marvel and their unparalleled character-based IP is the perfect fit in this day and age."
Smallwood added: "To see such iconic characters alongside Eddie is something our fans have discussed for years, and we think that the twist of placing Venom, Thanos, Wolverine or Deadpool in our Maiden worlds will excite fans of both cultures."
We can't help but wonder if that Maiden-loving St. Catharines principal parents attempted to remove will be excited about this collaboration... or whether it will make being a fan of the band less scandalous? Unless, of course, you're a Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola or Denis Villeneuve director-type; in which case liking Marvel movies is the true moral trespass.
The Marvel x Iron Maiden collection is set to launch in time for the holidays, with different designs being sold through the band's online store, Hot Topic (naturally) and German e-tailer EMP.
Check out some of the merch line below.
Bruce Dickinson is scheduled to play Canada on his spoken-word tour, and the frontman recently explained the band's satanic imagery to a Biblical Studies professor on his podcast. In other crossover news, Keanu Reeves wants to join the MCU.