Once again, ESPN and Marvel Entertainment are teaming up for some corporate synergy. Earlier this year, the two companies partnered on a documentary series titled “1 of 1.” This time around, espnW and Marvel are partnering on a project that will render each of the site’s Impact 25, honoring the year’s top female athletes and influencers, into comic book superheroes.
The first in the series will be U.S. Women’s National Team and World Cup soccer star Carli Lloyd. In her illustration, Lloyd will be teamed up with a Marvel superhero, Captain Marvel. (It probably isn’t a coincidence that Marvel also has an interest in promoting Captain Marvel, as the character will headline her own feature film in 2018.)
Here is the full cover image of Lloyd, illustrated by Emanuela Lupacchino and Rachelle Rosenberg:
Last year’s Impact 25 list included Serena Williams, Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon, Condoleeza Rice, NBA players union director Michelle Roberts and Little League baseball star Mo’ne Davis.
“Marvel’s mission is to celebrate the hero’s journey and espnW’s IMPACT25 is a uniquely incredible way to do that,” said Sana Amanat, Marvel’s director of content and character development, in a press statement (via Entertainment Weekly).
“Like our powerful heroes, the IMPACT25 have made a remarkable impression on the world and this is our salute to them. By merging this exceptional group of women with our mighty Marvel artists we are able to truly capture their super human feats in a program that brings together talent from on and off the field.”
Amanat and Marvel social media director Adri Cowan, editor Emily Shaw and producer Judy Stephens — who host the Women of Marvel podcast — will also appear on the espnW Presents: Be Honest with Cari Champion podcast when the full Impact 25 list and accompanying Marvel illustrations are announced on Monday, Dec. 7.
