NetEase’s immensely popular hero shooter Marvel Rivals is encountering some supernatural challenges this season, particularly with the introduction of the Fantastic Four in the “Empire of Eternal Night” storyline. The notorious Dracula now plays a pivotal role as the major antagonist in the latest series of maps, with heroes engaged in fierce battles to reclaim New York from his tyrannical grasp. This comic book twist has also revived a classic Moon Knight meme, adding a humorous layer to the game.
The launch of the Season 1.5 update last week in Rivals has intensified the game’s conflict with Dracula, further enhancing its immersive storytelling. With the addition of the Thing and Human Torch as playable characters, the second map—set in a vampire-infested New York, specifically Central Park—adds depth to the narrative. Players now find themselves escorting Ratatoskr, the Asgardian squirrel god, whose magical horn could determine Dracula’s downfall. The new map is packed with intriguing references, including a tease of the imprisoned Blade, possibly hinting at his future inclusion in the character roster.
In a fun twist, Moon Knight humorously refers to Dracula as a “bloodsuckin’ nerd,” invoking the popular “Where’s my money” meme in his new voice lines for the Central Park map. Although he doesn’t use the exact phrase known from the meme, the spirit of it is undeniably present, resonating with fans across the gaming community.
Contrary to popular belief, the victory screen for the Central Park map doesn’t show Moon Knight finally getting his cash back. Instead, he’s holding several pages from the Darkhold—scattered throughout Manhattan during Dracula’s invasion—highlighting yet another clever nod to Marvel lore.
Origins of the “Dracula, Where’s My Money?” Meme
The iconic panel depicting Moon Knight confronting Dracula is purely fictitious and gained traction over the last decade. It has become one of the most recognized Moon Knight memes, complementing phrases like “Random Bullshit, Go!” in the meme sphere. The meme saw a resurgence correlating with Moon Knight’s introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), though the original panel hails from a 1987 issue of Solo Avengers, a Marvel anthology comic revolving around Hawkeye and featuring various Avengers characters.
In the actual storyline titled “Tower of Shadows” by Tom DeFalco and others—featured in Solo Avengers #3—Moon Knight isn’t engaged in a hunt against Dracula. Instead, he is aiding his ally, Jack Russell (Werewolf-by-Night), on a different quest. The plot thickens when Moon Knight is sent into a booby-trapped castle, meeting Shroud as part of a test to join Night Shift, a group of night-themed heroes. He ultimately chooses to remain with the West Coast Avengers. It wouldn’t be until the 2024 event Blood Hunt that Moon Knight finally brushes against vampires and Dracula once more, paralleling the eternal night theme of the current Rivals season.
Marvel Rivals brings its own unique twist on classic Marvel lore while cleverly weaving in references that resonate with fans, especially those familiar with the infamous Moon Knight meme.
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FAQ: Exploring Marvel Rivals and Moon Knight
What is the storyline of Marvel Rivals Season 1.5?
Season 1.5 of Marvel Rivals centers on the “Empire of Eternal Night” storyline, featuring the Fantastic Four and Dracula as the primary antagonist. Players must battle to reclaim New York from Dracula’s control.
What are the new features in the Central Park map?
The Central Park map introduces new playable characters, such as the Thing and Human Torch, and includes objectives like escorting Ratatoskr to defeat Dracula, packed with engaging environmental storytelling.
How does the “Where’s my money?” meme relate to Moon Knight?
The meme became famous through a fictitious comic panel where Moon Knight confronts Dracula, humorously demanding his money. It has since become iconic within the Marvel meme community, especially around the character’s recent adaptations.
What else can we expect in future updates for Marvel Rivals?
Future updates are likely to include more character introductions and storylines, potentially featuring more characters from the Marvel universe and addressing ongoing conflicts within the game narrative.