Marvel fans and gamers alike are ringing in 2026 with a double dose of excitement as two major developments hit the shelves and screens: the highly anticipated comic Sai: Dimensional Rivals #1 and the dazzling new Ice Phoenix skin for Jean Grey in the popular game Marvel Rivals. Both releases showcase the enduring appeal of the X-Men and their ever-evolving presence in pop culture, blending artistic innovation with digital style in ways that have the fandom buzzing.
First up, the return of Sai—a visionary reimagining of Psylocke by acclaimed creator Peach Momoko—has fans of both comics and video games paying close attention. According to Comic Watch, Sai was first introduced to readers in Demon Days: X-Men #1 back in 2021. In this version, Sai isn’t just the X-Men’s resident ninja telepath; she’s a psychic warrior battling Yokai in the mystical setting of feudal Japan. This bold take on Psylocke has resonated with audiences, inspiring her breakout role in Marvel Rivals and now leading her into a new, multiverse-spanning adventure.
Sai: Dimensional Rivals #1 lands in comic shops and digital platforms on January 14, 2026, and it’s anything but a typical superhero comic. The issue kicks off a limited series—32 pages for $4.99—that sees Sai embarking on a quest through a creator-driven multiverse, searching for a unique set of Infinity Stones. The creative team behind this spectacle is a veritable dream lineup: Peach Momoko, Stan Sakai, and Iban Coello serve as both writers and artists, with VC’s Joe Sabino on lettering and Danny Khazem as editor. The book’s design is handled by Kat Walkington, and fans can choose from a range of striking variant covers by Momoko, Coello, Sakai, and Nogi San. For collectors, there are even special incentive covers, including a 1:25 variant by Nogi San and a 1:100 virgin variant by Momoko herself.
Described by Comic Watch as "an almost dreamlike work," the comic assembles a collective of artists, each contributing to a story that feels as much like an art exhibit as it does a traditional superhero tale. Sai’s journey through the multiverse promises to be a visual feast, with each dimension offering its own distinct aesthetic and challenges. The project is a true showcase for the comics medium, pushing boundaries and inviting readers to experience something genuinely unique.
But the innovation doesn’t stop at the printed page. Marvel Rivals, the hit game that’s been making waves in the superhero gaming community, is keeping its momentum with the release of the new Ice Phoenix skin for Jean Grey. As reported by Popverse, this skin gives Jean a makeover that’s equal parts elegance and power—an outfit so striking that even Emma Frost, the X-Men’s fashion-forward White Queen, might turn green (or perhaps icy blue) with envy.
The Ice Phoenix skin, available in the Marvel Rivals game store as of January 13, 2026, transforms Jean Grey’s classic green and yellow Phoenix attire into a shimmering, figure skating-inspired ensemble. The Phoenix Force itself, ever-present at Jean’s side, gets an icy update as well. Jean’s hairstyle is also revamped, evoking the kind of glamour one might expect at the X-Men’s legendary Hellfire Gala on Krakoa. As Popverse playfully notes, "someone please keep Jean away from Moira X before she gets stabbed again." It’s a nod to the franchise’s famously twisty plots and the fans’ deep investment in every character’s fate and fashion.
The response to the Ice Phoenix skin has been enthusiastic, with many players and X-Men fans expressing hope that other characters—especially Emma Frost—will soon receive similarly show-stopping skins. "If Emma Frost were to get a skin similar to Jean's Ice Phoenix look, I would run, not walk, to the Marvel Rivals store to exchange some currency," the Popverse author confesses. It’s a sentiment that seems to echo across the fandom, as the game continues to distinguish itself by faithfully adapting iconic comic book costumes and giving them new life in the digital realm.
What’s striking about both the comic and the game is how they reflect the X-Men’s tradition of transformation. The team has always been about evolution—of powers, identities, and, yes, wardrobes. In Marvel Rivals, the developers have made it a point to bring some of the most beloved (and debated) X-Men looks to life, allowing players to express their own mutant style. Longtime fans are notorious for their strong opinions about costumes—just ask anyone about Wolverine’s best outfit, and you’ll get a passionate debate. But with the introduction of spectacular new skins like Ice Phoenix, the conversation keeps moving forward.
Meanwhile, Sai’s journey in Sai: Dimensional Rivals #1 is emblematic of the X-Men’s willingness to reimagine and reinvent. By transporting Psylocke into a multiverse adventure, Peach Momoko and her collaborators are inviting readers to see familiar characters in a whole new light. The use of multiple artists and storytelling voices ensures that each stop on Sai’s journey feels distinct, both visually and thematically. It’s a reminder that the X-Men, perhaps more than any other superhero team, thrive on change and diversity—both on the page and behind the scenes.
The synergy between the comic and the game isn’t accidental. Sai’s popularity in Marvel Rivals has helped raise her profile, while the release of Sai: Dimensional Rivals #1 gives fans a deeper dive into the character’s story. It’s a virtuous cycle, with each medium enriching the other. The timing, too, couldn’t be better: with the comic launching on January 14 and the Ice Phoenix skin hitting the game store just a day earlier, fans have plenty to celebrate in the new year.
Of course, none of this would matter if the quality didn’t live up to the hype. But by all accounts, both the comic and the game skin are delivering the goods. The comic’s blend of artistic ambition and narrative innovation is winning praise, while the Ice Phoenix skin has quickly become a favorite among players. As Popverse puts it, "All the X-Women deserve to look their best (except for you, Moira)." It’s a tongue-in-cheek reminder that, at the heart of all the spectacle, these stories and skins are about characters fans love—and love to see evolve.
With Sai: Dimensional Rivals #1 and the Ice Phoenix skin, Marvel is kicking off 2026 with a celebration of creativity, reinvention, and style—proving once again that the X-Men’s legacy is as vibrant and unpredictable as ever.
