Marvel Winter Break Special #1 Review: Sexy Swimsuits Return in Satire

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Marvel Comics brought back its popular swimsuit-themed special this year, a concept originally launched in the 1990s as a playful take on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. While the original specials focused on pin-up style artwork, the recent revival included actual storylines. This trend continues with the new Marvel Winter Break Special, which is even more lighthearted and over-the-top.

The Marvel Winter Break Special initially seems like a simple collection of pin-up images featuring superheroes, just set in winter instead of summer. But writers Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs reveal it’s actually a continuation of the story begun in the previous Marvel Swimsuit Special.

Last summer, the Roxxon corporation, known for its questionable practices, released an AI-created superhero swimsuit magazine. The superheroes countered by showcasing genuine, designer swimwear created by The Wasp. Now, Roxxon is attempting to improve its reputation by tackling climate change, but their first step – freezing the Savage Land – seems highly suspect.

Rogue, having grown fond of the Antarctic jungle during her time there, gathers a team of heroes to reveal Roxxon’s wrongdoing. Instead of damaging Roxxon’s climate control technology, they plan a winter-themed photoshoot in the frozen Savage Land. However, their winter clothes are quickly ruined, leaving them with little more than their undergarments and forcing them to directly confront Roxxon to save the Savage Land from destruction.

Marvel Winter Break Special goes beyond sexy pin-ups

The Marvel Winter Special doesn’t bother with a serious explanation for its fan service elements. Instead, the writers embrace the absurdity. The entire story is played for comedic effect, poking fun at things like superheroes’ constantly damaged costumes in the Savage Land and the idea that appealing to fans can distract from real wrongdoing. We see Gambit admiring artwork of his wife, and Gwenpool acting as a photographer, all contributing to the lighthearted tone.

Even with all the chaos, the heroes stay true to their personalities. Captain America predictably complains about being cold, and Deadpool finds himself in a silly predicament when his pants are ripped. The writer, Seeley, playfully references his older Rogue story, but Ka-Zar and Shanna pretend not to remember it as Rogue tries to bring it up.

The comic’s funny tone is reflected in the art, which is drawn with a light and exaggerated style by Nick Bradshaw. While there are some simple character poses, like Elena Casagrande’s drawing of Spider-Woman and Captain Marvel in a sauna, most of the artwork includes a humorous touch, such as Annie Wu’s depiction of Namor ice skating.

The Marvel Winter Break Special #1 isn’t meant to be a masterpiece, but it’s a fun and lighthearted comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously – in fact, it doesn’t take anything seriously at all.

Grade: 7/10

Marvel Winter Break Special #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

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2025-12-24 18:57