Iron Maiden and Marvel team up for merchandise collaboration
The giants of metal and comics are launching a new line of apparel
By Joe Goggins
Iron Maiden have partnered with Marvel for a one-off line of merchandise.
The metal titans and the comic book behemoth have joined forces for a unique run of apparel and accessories that see Eddie, the band’s mascot, line up alongside the iconic likes of Deadpool, Wolverine, Thanos and Venom.
The designs riff on classic tracks by Maiden, including ‘The Trooper’, ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’, ‘Killers’ and ‘Fear of the Dark’. The collection, which initially will comprise t-shirts and sweatshirts, will arrive in time for the holiday season.
“Eddie has long stood shoulder to shoulder with the greatest super-heroes and we’re also pretty proud of the worlds we created for his many incarnations – from battlefields to Egyptian tombs to frozen icescapes or futuristic cities,” explained Maiden’s manager Ron Smallwood.
“Juxtaposing some of the most recognisable characters in pop art and comic book culture into planet Maiden has been an ambition of ours for years and working with Marvel and their unparalleled character-based IP is the perfect fit in this day & age,” Smallwood continued.
“To see such iconic characters alongside Eddie is something our fans have discussed for years and we think that the twist of placing Venom, Thanos, Thor or Deadpool in our Maiden worlds will excite fans of both cultures.”
The move is far from being Maiden’s first foray into unconventional merchandising. Their 4.7% abv premium ale ‘Trooper’, brewed in collaboration with Stockport’s Robinson’s Brewery, has been a runaway success since its launch in 2013. Numerous special editions of the beer have followed, with Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson an avowed real ale enthusiast.
Paul Gitter, senior vice-president of Marvel licensing, shared his enthusiasm for the project in a statement. “Marvel is cool and aspirational, and has inspired the greatest artists, musicians and creators for more than 80 years,” he said.
“This collaboration offers another exciting example of how the Marvel brand continues to push into lifestyle areas, with music being a top priority, and the collection allows fans to pay tribute to our iconic characters, while celebrating the legendary, Iron Maiden.”
Maiden released their first studio album in nearly six years, ‘Senjutsu’, in September, to universal acclaim.
The latest Marvel movie, ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, arrives in the UK on December 15. Resale tickets for the US release on December 17 have been offered for up to $25,000 (£18,700) on eBay.