Philadelphia’s Gritty Is Becoming a Marvel Villain

Philadelphia Flyers’ beloved mascot, Gritty, has unexpectedly stepped into the pages of Marvel Comics, not as a hero, but as a villain! In All-New Venom #2, written by Al Ewing and illustrated by Carlos Gómez, the fuzzy orange icon joins forces with the Death-Throws, a quirky group of juggling criminals.

Gritty’s entry into the Marvel Universe sees him facing off against the newly redesigned Venom, making his comic book debut all the more surprising.

The scene is set in New York City, where the Death-Throws are holding auditions for new members. Among the hopefuls, an orange creature wearing a Philly shirt and holding a cheesesteak stands out. The character’s resemblance to Gritty is uncanny, leaving us to wonder if this is the actual Gritty, a long-lost relative, or just someone in a costume.

Though Marvel has featured Gritty in the past, this appearance cements his place in Marvel canon. Known for his wacky antics and meme-worthy presence, Gritty fits right in with the Death-Throws’ juggling theme, as he himself is skilled in various tricks, including juggling.

The NHL mascot’s transformation into a comic book villain might seem strange, but given Marvel’s history with eccentric characters, it’s a natural fit. Whether Gritty sticks with the Death-Throws or embarks on new adventures, his Marvel debut opens up a world of possibilities.

Keep an eye out for All-New Venom #2, hitting shelves on January 8, 2025, to see Gritty in action.

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