Marvel Comics is leaning hard into ’90s nostalgia by bringing back its most infamous summer tradition. The publisher announced that the classic, cheekily oversized pinup issue is returning this July. Officially titled Marvel Swimsuit Special: Brand New Beach Day #1, this new one-shot follows the surprise success of last year’s revival, proving that fans still want to see their favorite superheroes trading spandex for swimwear.
The original Marvel Swimsuit Specials ran from 1991 to 1995, serving as a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek parody of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues. They became legendary for their over-the-top pinups of characters like Wolverine, Rogue, and Silver Surfer posing on tropical beaches. After a decades-long hiatus, Marvel resurrected the concept last summer with Friends, Foes & Rivals #1. This upcoming July release looks to double down on that campy, sun-soaked energy with a mix of gorgeous pinup art and short, comedic stories.
Who Is Creating the 2026 Marvel Swimsuit Special?
Marvel assembled a powerhouse lineup of modern talent to bring this beach day to life. The issue features stories from acclaimed writers Cody Ziglar (Miles Morales: Spider-Man), Daniel Kibblesmith (Loki), Rainbow Rowell (Runaways), and Anthony Oliveira (Avengers Academy).
MARVEL SWIMSUIT SPECIAL: BRAND NEW BEACH DAY #1
Written by Cody Ziglar, Daniel Kibblesmith, Rainbow Rowell & Anthony Oliveira
Art by Pasqual Ferry, Valerio Schiti, Dan Panosian, Javier Garron, Carmen Carnero & more
Cover by J. Scott Campbell
On Sale 7/1
The art side is just as stacked. Industry legend J. Scott Campbell is providing the main cover, which is a fitting choice given his history with high-glamour comic art. Interior pinups and sequential pages will feature work from fan-favorite artists like Valerio Schiti, Pasqual Ferry, Dan Panosian, Javier Garrón, and Carmen Carnero.
What Stories Are Included in Brand New Beach Day?
Unlike the ’90s originals, which were almost exclusively pinup galleries with fictional captions, Marvel Swimsuit Special: Brand New Beach Day #1 includes actual comic narratives. The publisher teased four distinct tales happening across the Marvel Universe.
Marvel Swimsuit Special: Brand New Beach Day #1 Pinup by Valerio Schiti
Cody Ziglar is tackling a gamma-powered fitness story featuring Hulk, She-Hulk, Doc Samson, and a new powerhouse character named Powerlift. Daniel Kibblesmith is taking readers underwater to witness Namor hosting a massive, royal Atlantean beach party. Rainbow Rowell’s story shifts the focus to the X-Men, delivering a body-positive, self-confidence-focused tale featuring mutants of all shapes and sizes. Finally, Anthony Oliveira is taking a wild detour into the horror genre with a beach-themed slasher story starring Spider-Man.
Marvel Swimsuit Special: Brand New Beach Day #1 On Sale 7/1.
