Marvel is the next big Magic: The Gathering crossover

Marvel is officially coming to Magic: The Gathering.

Although it'll be a while before we see Spider-Man or the Avengers in a deck, Magic: The Gathering (MTG) publisher Wizards of the Coast announced that this crossover will span multiple sets. According to the press release, it'll include "additional all-new exciting sets for multi-generational fans to collect and play." However, we've yet to see any of these cards - there's just a teaser trailer to go on right now, which doesn't give away much.

Still, it probably won't be too long before we get a glimpse of what's to come. Marvel's MTG range is due to launch in 2025, so our first sneak peek could arrive at some point next year.

Either way, Marvel MTG will operate under the 'Universes Beyond' label. (This is what Magic: The Gathering calls its crossovers, as seen with Fallout and Assassin's Creed.) It doesn't seem to be a one-and-done affair, though. According to Marvel's president of comics and franchising, "fans [will be able] to see how the Marvel Universe translates seamlessly into gameplay within these Magic: The Gathering products and sets for years to come." 

With that in mind, it sounds like MTG Marvel will have more in common with Magic's Lord of the Rings range than anything else – the implication is that there will be multiple drops. Whether this means waves of Commander decks alongside boosters remains to be seen, though. 

Basically, there are more questions than answers right now. Will this feature Magic's own take on iconic Marvel heroes and villains? Or is it going to draw on existing adaptations instead? If I had to guess, I'd say it'll have more in common with MTG Lord of the Rings, Marvel Villainous, or recent video games (such as Marvel's Spider-Man 2). In other words? Its characters will be recognizable but may have tweaks to their design that help them stand out. There's no mention of Marvel Studios or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, for instance.

Wizards of the Coast certainly has enough to draw from if it's hoping to keep the Marvel gravy-train going for as long as possible. Much like MTG Lord of the Rings, the setting is rich – and popular – enough to support years' worth of products

It's been a bumper week for MTG so far – we just got a better look at its Fallout set, though we're just here for the new Dogmeat and Rex the Cyber-Hound art. We're also starting to see the beginning of Black Friday Magic: The Gathering deals ahead of November's sale…