FINAL WEEK OF ZOMBIES | HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
We are closing out an absolutely massive month of releases and my first month taking on this awesome new role! Right before we transition, we get another huge bundle, album and more that closes out the month with a BANG!
So without further ado, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, relax, and let's jump into all the incredible variants coming to Marvel Snap this week.
10/28
Ivan Fomin's Zombie Galacti!
Artist: Ivan Fomin
Source: Unknown
Just when you thought the Zombie Season was winding down, the master of the visceral undead aesthetic, Ivan Fomin, hits us with an absolute showstopper to end the month: Zombie Galacti!
Fomin's work on the Zombie Season has been consistently phenomenal, perfectly capturing the grotesque, action-packed look of the Marvel Zombies comics. This variant takes that horrifying energy and amplifies it to a cosmic level.
This card, which is the newest card this week, reads: Start of Game: Choose 6 other cards in your deck. On Reveal: Transform those cards into copies of this. The artwork perfectly visualizes this "infection" with a grotesque composition. We don't just see the former Devourer of Worlds; we see his zombified heralds, Silver Surfer, Nova, Hulk, and others, all corrupted into one terrifying, hungry unit.
The visual energy is chaotic and horrifying. The metallic pink and blue armor is torn and decaying, and the central figure has the signature sickly yellow-green eyes and exposed teeth we've come to expect from Fomin's work. The composition itself is a terrifying, writhing mass of cosmic decay.
If you're building a deck around this massive new card, or if you've been collecting every one of Fomin's incredible zombie horror pieces this season, this variant is a truly necessary pickup.
For Splits: You have to make that horrifying energy glow. A Gold Finish or a Blue Krackle split would make the sickly, raw power of the undead cosmos pop immensely against the background of the card.
Rian Gonzales's Chibi Zombie Galacti!
Artist: Rian Gonzales
Source: Super Rare Pool
From the high-octane horror of Ivan Fomin, we take a sharp turn into the uncanny cuteness of Rian Gonzales, who is back to complete the horrifying transformation of the cosmos with her distinct Chibi Zombie take on Zombie Galacti!
Rian Gonzales is the undisputed queen of the adorable apocalypse this season, trading the visceral for the vibrant with her signature style. This variant is an absolute masterpiece of pop-art horror, perfectly fitting her unique blend of cute and decayed.
The artwork transforms the terrifying concept of Galacti and his infected heralds into a colorful, chaotic, yet still unsettlingly cute collection. We see a massive, tiny Galacti towering over his chibi horde, which includes adorable zombified versions of Hulk, Wolverine, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and another zombie hero, all rendered with big, wide eyes and goofy, hungry grins. The colors are bursting with energy, from the vibrant reds and blues of the tattered uniforms to the deep purple and pink of the Galacti figure.
If you're assembling the full set of Rian's Chibi Zombies and you should be, as it's an essential part of the season, this is a spectacular final piece that brings the adorable apocalypse to a close!
For Splits: You absolutely must lean into the vibrant colors for this one. A Rainbow Krackle split is mandatory!
Mage vs Menace Bundle: Envar Studio's Sentry & Zak Plucinski's Merlin!
Artists: Envar Studio (Sentry) and Zak Plucinski (Merlin)
Source: Mage vs Menace Bundle
The week kicks off with a massive, high-value bundle titled Mage vs Menace, featuring a pair of incredibly dynamic variants for two powerhouse cards: Sentry and Merlin. This bundle offers an amazing value, including 5,000 Collector's Tokens, 5,000 Credits, and 3,000 Gold, in addition to the variants and a pair of new avatars. It’s a great way to close out the month and boost your collection.
Envar Studio, known for their powerful, comic-book clean lines, delivers a definitive heroic take on the Golden Guardian of Good. This variant captures Sentry in a classic, dynamic, chest-out pose with his dark blue cape billowing dramatically behind him.
The artwork is full of raw energy, with brilliant yellow lightning crackling around his hands, reinforcing the fact that he has the "strength of a million bursting suns". The colors are bold and saturated, making the gold and blue of his uniform pop against the almost ethereal background. For anyone running a deck that loves to control the board, this Sentry variant perfectly embodies raw, contained power.
For Splits: A Gold Finish is an obvious choice to amplify that "Golden Guardian" look, but a sharp Yellow Krackle would make the internal energy explode off the card, tying back to the theme of pure, unfettered power.
Zak Plucinski, who recently gave us the phenomenal Twilight Queen Morgan Le Fay variant, brings his flair for character portraits to this stunning variant for Merlin. This piece is pure, mystical fantasy.
Merlin is captured in a traditional, robed wizard look, with a majestic blue cloak and a long, flowing beard. The magic is the star, with a glowing, crackling ball of energy being channeled from his hand against a dreamy, sunset-colored fantasy backdrop. The whole piece is evocative of an ancient sorcerer controlling the raw forces of the earth. It is a fantastic contrast to the high-tech power of Sentry.
For Splits: This variant absolutely screams for something subtle that enhances the magic. A simple White Krackle split would make the channeled energy pop with intensity, while an Ink Finish would turn him into a legendary monochrome silhouette against a ghostly background.
10/29
ADIA's Cerebral Conqueror Leader!
Artist: ADIA
Source: Cerebral Conqueror Bundle
Dropping today in the Cerebral Conqueror Bundle is a new, dark fantasy masterpiece for Leader from the incredible artist ADIA, whose Nightforged variants have dominated the season! This variant trades Leader's traditional lab coat and futuristic look for something ancient, menacing, and utterly regal.
ADIA brings the same dark, heavily-armored aesthetic that made their recent Nightforged takeover such a hit, but here, it's infused with a sinister, self-appointed royalty. Leader is seated on a throne-like stone slab, clad in dark armor adorned with massive, unsettling skull motifs in gold and black, reinforcing his status as a commanding presence in any lane.
The visual focus is terrifyingly sharp: Leader's signature oversized, green-skinned head is topped with a spiked, dark crown, and he holds a skull in one clawed hand, cementing his title as a true Conqueror. The gothic setting, with dark tendrils or shadows wrapping around the base, gives the card a powerful sense of medieval fantasy and overwhelming evil.
This variant is perfect for anyone who appreciates the dark, armored fantasy aesthetic of ADIA's work or who simply wants their Leader to look like a true, mind-controlling warlord. The bundle is also a fantastic value at $19.99, including 1,500 Credits and 1,200 Gold!
For Splits: To emphasize the dark majesty, a simple Black or Gold Border would look incredible. However, a Gold or Green Krackle split would make this PERFECT!
Francesco Tomaselli's Malekith!
Artist: Francesco Tomaselli
Source: Super Rare Pool
Dropping into the Super Rare Pool today is a breathtaking new variant for the Dark Elf ruler, Malekith, brought to us by the incredibly talented Francesco Tomaselli. Tomaselli is an artist whose style is rooted in detailed comic realism but elevated with sharp compositions and vibrant color work.
This variant is pure, imposing drama. Malekith is captured head-on, commanding attention with his stark, half-red, half-dark armor, perfectly mirroring his duality as a cunning villain. The split coloration of his torso is an incredible design choice that truly emphasizes his sinister nature.
His long, white hair and pale features contrast sharply with the brooding shadows and the chaotic pink energy swirling around his hands. He's surrounded by a palpable sense of dark magic and malevolent intent, making this variant a stunning visual representation of the Dark Elf ruler. It is an immediate favorite and a must-have for anyone running Malekith in their deck, or for collectors who appreciate an iconic fantasy aesthetic.
For Splits: A Red Neon Border would make the split armor and the chaotic pink energy glow intensely. Alternatively, a Black or White Krackle split would make the bold colors pop against a striking monochromatic background.
10/30
Carlos Dattoli's Venomized Spider-Man 2099!
Artist: Carlos Dattoli
Source: Super Rare Pool
Dropping today in the Super Rare Pool is a terrifying blend of two iconic aesthetics with Carlos Dattoli's Venomized Spider-Man 2099! Carlos Dattoli is an artist known for his intense, high-detail comic book style, and he doesn't hold back here.
This variant takes the sleek, futuristic silhouette of Miguel O'Hara and corrupts it with the raw, monstrous power of the Symbiote. The design beautifully merges the two concepts: you can still see the distinct red and blue of the 2099 suit, which is now tearing and dissolving into the black, inky tendrils of the Venom organism. The colors are dark and visceral, leaning heavily into black and sickly yellow-green, making the exposed red claws and mask details pop with aggressive menace.
Spider-Man 2099 is captured mid-lunge in an aggressive, feral pose, showcasing the sheer brutal energy of the Symbiote. The terrifying, elongated tongue and sharp, jagged teeth of the Venom face make this an instant classic in the Venomized collection. For players who love the destruction and move capabilities of the character, this variant perfectly embodies that chaotic power.
For Splits: Given the dark, aggressive color palette, an Ink Finish would look absolutely menacing, creating a monochrome monster. For a burst of raw energy, a Red Krackle split would perfectly match the accents of his suit and claws.
ADIA's Shadow Flame Warrior Starbrand!
Artist: ADIA
Source: Shadow Flame Warrior Bundle
Today, the Shadow Flame Warrior Bundle delivers another stunning variant from the incredible ADIA, this time for the immensely powerful Starbrand! Known for their bold, heavily-armored, and high-fantasy aesthetic, ADIA perfectly captures the immense cosmic energy of the character, transforming him into a true engine of destruction.
This Starbrand variant is absolutely explosive. He is clad in grotesque, menacing armor over his massive physique, featuring jagged spikes and what appears to be bone or skull motifs on the shoulders and gauntlets. The entire composition is focused on his primal, rage-fueled power, with his mouth wide open in a scream of raw force.
The key detail, the Starbrand itself, glows with an intense, furious red energy right in the center of his chest, radiating outwards. This red-hot glow contrasts violently with the cool gray and silver of his armor and the dramatic, chaotic purple-red sky behind him. This piece perfectly visualizes the overwhelming raw power of the Starbrand that wreaks havoc on the board. The bundle is a strong value at 5,500 Gold and includes 3,000 Collector's Tokens and 2,500 Credits.
For Splits: You have two fantastic choices: A Red Krackle split is an absolute must-have to make the central Starbrand symbol and the chaotic background explode with flame-like energy. Alternatively, a Gold Finish would turn the armor into magnificent, glowing, battle-worn gold!
10/31
Mooncolony's Tarot Nightcrawler!
Artist: Mooncolony
Source: Promo
To truly cap off the spooky and mystical theme of the season, we have an incredible promo drop for one of the most beloved X-Men: Nightcrawler! This variant is another stunning addition to the growing Tarot collection by Mooncolony, inspired by Marvel's Midnight Suns.
This piece is a masterful work of dark, opulent fantasy. Nightcrawler is presented in a majestic, gold-trimmed black suit, standing front and center like an arcane figure in a tarot deck. The background features celestial mechanics and dark, swirling energy, all rendered in Mooncolony's signature polished style. The black, gold, and dark blue palette beautifully highlights his iconic yellow gloves and the X-Men symbol on his belt.
I am surprised he is not a part of the album this is coming up next..
For Splits: Given the heavy emphasis on gold and black, an Ink Finish with a Gold Krackle split would make this card a pure luxury masterpiece. Alternatively, a crisp Gold Border would seal the "Tarot Card" aesthetic perfectly!
Mooncolony's Dark Divinations Album!
Artist: Mooncolony
Source: Dark Divinations Album / General Pool
We've made it to Halloween, and what better way to celebrate the final day of the season than with a massive drop of dark, mystical art! The incredible art studio Mooncolony, known for their polished illustrations in various styles delivers a full album of Dark Divinations variants, a spiritual successor to the beloved Midnight Suns Tarot style. These moody, powerful variants will haunt the shop today before entering the regular rotation.
This Dark Divinations Album is a showcase of power and mythology, giving a dozen cards a dramatic, gold-and-black fantasy overhaul. The style features characters bathed in dark shadows, illuminated by brilliant gold armor and powerful, glowing energy effects.
The Look: Every variant in this album features a striking gold-and-black palette, with characters looking like they belong on an ancient deck of mystical cards. The armor is heavy, the poses are commanding, and the energy like the purple on Alioth and the pink on Gwenpool adds a vibrant, magical pop.
The Highlights: Look at the sheer power of Odin, or the subtle menace of Shadow King's gold-trimmed robe. The cosmic beings like Legion and Namora look like true, celestial royalty, while newer cards like Ares and Wiccan receive dramatic, imposing looks.
The Rewards: This album offers some heavy-hitting rewards for collectors. Completing the full set grants you the ultimate prize: the Tarot Variant for The Living Tribunal! Other milestones include a Premium Mystery Variant and six Metal Chains Gold Borders.
For collectors who missed the original Tarot event or simply love the regal, dark fantasy aesthetic, this Mooncolony album is an absolute goldmine.
For Splits: The obvious choice is to emphasize the dark nobility and cosmic energy. A Gold Finish will make the gold trim and armor shine, turning every card into a masterpiece. However, a specific Neon Border (like Purple for Alioth or Gold for Odin) would make the internal energy glow against the dark design.
11/01
Eduardo Mello's Zombie Ghost!
Artist: Eduardo Mello
Source: Rare Pool
Kicking off the new month, and but still in the Zombie Season, we get one final lingering piece of horror dropping into the Rare Pool: Eduardo Mello's Zombie Ghost! Kinnaird, known for his clean lines and dynamic horror aesthetic, delivers a truly gruesome take on the high-tech saboteur.
This variant maintains the essence of Ghost's iconic look, the white suit and hood but corrupts it with the shocking elements of the undead. The white suit is torn, revealing decaying, sickly green flesh, exposed muscle, and ribs beneath. The contrast between the stark white, once-pristine outfit and the visceral decay is what makes this card so striking.
Ghost's signature high-tech mask and hood are partially ripped away, exposing a horrifying face with a single, glowing orange eye, conveying a chilling mix of mechanical precision and monstrous hunger. With Ghost's ability to interfere with End of Turn cards, the menacing, stalking pose perfectly captures the theme of a relentless, unseen threat.
For anyone committed to completing the definitive Zombie collection, this Rare Pool drop is a must-buy to truly close out the month of horror!
For Splits: This variant absolutely screams for a dramatic look. An Ink Finish would leave the shocking white suit and the glowing eye as the primary focus, creating a stunning monochrome monster. Alternatively, a Red Krackle split would draw attention to the torn, bloody flesh and the menacing red glow in the background.
Mooncolony's Hellcow!
Artist: Mooncolony
Source: Rare Pool
What a way to kick off a new month! Dropping into the Rare Pool today is a fantastic variant for the vampiric bovine herself, Hellcow, brought to us by Mooncolony. After haunting the shop with their dark fantasy Dark Divinations album on Halloween, the studio shifts gears to deliver a version of Bessie that is pure cartoon menace.
This variant features Hellcow in a terrifyingly expressive pose that screams with primal hunger and cartoon villainy. The art style gives her big, glowing red eyes, an enormous, toothy grin, and a massive set of horns. She is wearing a vampire-esque red collar and a chunky gold chain, cementing her status as a supernatural apex predator. The background is a burst of chaotic orange and red flame, perfectly suited to a card named Hellcow!
For Splits: You want to amplify that fiery backdrop. A Red Neon Border would make the flames and her red eyes pop, while a simple Gold Krackle split would highlight the gold chain and horns, giving her a maniacal, gluttonous glow!
Rian Gonzales's Selene!
Artist: Rian Gonzales
Source: Super Rare Pool
We are truly closing out the final remnants of the spooky season with the last variant drop for this week! The beloved Rian Gonzales brings her signature vibrant, playful style to the immortal sorceress, Selene, dropping today in the Super Rare Pool.
This variant is pure Rian Gonzales magic, trading the typical dark and menacing portrayal of Selene for something delightfully colorful and energetic. The art features Selene's classic, powerful appearance, but everything is amplified with Rian's signature vibrant palette and soft, appealing aesthetic. Her cape explodes with a rainbow of pinks, purples, and blues, contrasting perfectly with her black outfit.
The details here are what make it truly iconic: Selene is surrounded by floating spellbooks, crackling pink magical energy, a menacing skull, and a very cute, slightly bewildered cat holding a red heart. This visual chaos perfectly captures the manipulative and dark power of Selene.
As always, Rian's work is an instant-buy for fans of her extensive collection, offering a beautiful blend of powerful character design and candy-themed comic art.
For Splits: Given the sheer number of vibrant colors, a Rainbow Krackle split is highly recommended to make the magical energy and rainbow cape explode off the card. For a different take, a Pink Neon Border would make the magical aura surrounding her hands truly glow!
The Wrap Up
What a month for stunning Variants! It's been a pure joy detailing this incredible wave of art. Now, I want to turn the spotlight on you:
What was your absolute favorite Variant this month, and which split did you manage to unlock for it? Post it in the variants-split channel in the snap.fan discord.
I would LOVE to see them!
Until the next time, keep collecting those variants, and I'll catch you all next week. Peace!