BABYMETAL invades the Marvel Zombies with limited-edition variant cover

The Japanese power metal act descends into Marvel Zombies, where 3,500 collector copies have been created for Marvel Zombies: War Zone (2026) #1. BABYMETAL brings its signature mashup to yet another arena.

The influential Japanese group has teamed up with hustl. For an exclusive Marvel Comics variant cover celebrating the release of Marvel Zombies: War Zone (2026) #1. The exclusive edition sees BABYMETAL integrated into Marvel's world of zombies with the use of striking art from Phil Noto.

This new collaboration is well-timed given BABYMETAL’s burgeoning relationship with Marvel Zombies; their music has already been featured in the trailer of upcoming Marvel Animation project Marvel Zombies, premiering on Disney+.

"from me to u" is featured in the forthcoming trailer and is off BABYMETAL’s fourth studio album,METAL FORTH, which landed at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 in 2022. The chart placement, also the band’s first U.S. Top 10 album and first from an all-Japanese-fronted act to hit the mark, has propelled BABYMETAL’s influence into new realms.

Now, with the Marvel collaboration hopping from the screen to comic book racks.

The BABYMETAL variant cover will be limited to just 3,500 copies, creating little room for collectors hoping to get their hands on this collectible cover; pre-orders are currently being accepted at the Capitol Records online store and through hustl. For hobby enthusiasts, with orders for the Japanese market opening on Sept. 7. Marvel Zombies: War Zone (2026) #1 is slated for release Sept. 2 in all comic shops, with standard copies set to hit stores by then.

The inclusion of BABYMETAL on a Marvel cover signals another surprising turn in their career, as the band continues to gain more recognition beyond the music genre.

"We are so humbled to collaborate with Marvel, a brand loved across the globe," says BABYMETAL. "Being featured on a comic book cover alongside iconic Marvel characters has to be the biggest surprise, an amazing thrill; we hope our fans find it just as exciting!"

Formed in 2010, BABYMETAL has created an international fanbase for its unique fusion of J-pop and heavy metal. The band defines the genre, dubbed "kawaii metal," as innovative and it became a global touring sensation in no time.

After embarking on global tours with artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Korn and Lady Gaga, the band has successfully pushed creative limits, bringing its crossover style to global audiences beyond Japan.

The band, currently Fronted by SU-METAL, MOAMETAL and MOMOMETAL, continues to defy norms in the rock genre, and this Marvel collaboration appears to be just another notch on their belt. BABYMETAL has recently released METAL FORTH (DELUXE EDITION) this year and are preparing for their world tour beginning in September, where they will be traveling throughout North America for part of the world.

In the story of Marvel Zombies: War Zone, the readers are taken directly into a New York City consumed by a zombie outbreak. As Marvel's greatest heroes succumb to the virus, those surviving are locked behind a barrier, but the city becomes a battleground against the walking dead.

At the forefront of the conflict is the Punisher, as he sets out in search of answers amid the ongoing chaos. Anyone who stands in his way could pay the price of angering his righteous path against the horde; BABYMETAL’s participation will seem as though their addition to Marvel’s universe, will feel right at home.

“Keri Harris, the CEO of hustl., noted the band's existing tie-ins with Marvel and the firm’s focus on uniting music, sports, and the popular Marvel franchise as a contributing factor to this collaboration,” explains Harris, adding that they are thrilled to introduce the special collector's edition for fans stateside and in Japan.

This partnership marks a notable first for BABYMETAL, as it ventures beyond the traditional. For Marvel Collectors, the limited edition feature offers their latest iconic name in Japanese metal, an essential item for any budding Marvel fan.

There will be 3,500 copies made, so those hoping to score one may not want to hesitate.