The mobile game Marvel Rivals is packed with Easter eggs referencing Marvel comics and the MCU. Surprisingly, it even includes a nod to a popular internet meme. Fans on Reddit discovered that Moon Knight’s storyline in Marvel Rivals acknowledges the infamous “Dracula owes me money” meme that’s been circulating online since 2018. In Moon Knight’s Hero Story within the game, Dr. Doom is attempting to unleash an army of vampires. Khonshu, seeking to thwart Doom’s plan, enlists Moon Knight’s help. When Khonshu asks Moon Knight about his knowledge of vampires, the hero responds with the iconic line, “Dracula owes me money.”
This meme originated from an edited panel of Solo Avengers #3, first shared on the Moon Knight-Core Facebook page. The original panel depicts Moon Knight descending a staircase while investigating Shroud’s castle. The fan-made edit replaces Moon Knight’s inner monologue with him pursuing Dracula for a debt. The meme’s popularity has spawned numerous variations featuring Moon Knight’s ongoing quest to collect his money.
Moon Knight in Marvel Rivals
While seemingly trivial, this inclusion demonstrates the developers’ attention to detail and knowledge of Marvel lore. Marvel Rivals provides accessible character profiles from the main menu, offering brief backstories and unique Hero Stories that illuminate each character’s role in the game’s narrative. These Hero Stories, including Moon Knight’s, are surprisingly in-depth, filled with intriguing Marvel references. For instance, Moon Knight initially questions Khonshu’s decision to recruit him instead of Blade to handle the vampire threat. Khonshu explains that Blade is “currently unavailable,” hinting at his potential future inclusion in the game’s roster.
This isn’t the first instance of internet culture influencing Marvel projects. The 2006 film X-Men: The Last Stand features Vinnie Jones uttering a line the Juggernaut had spoken in a viral internet video. Similarly, Marvel’s Midnight Suns incorporated a reference to the “It’s Morbin’ Time” meme, popularized alongside the release of the Morbius movie. This precedent makes the Marvel Rivals reference less surprising, and it leaves players wondering what other hidden gems await discovery.
This playful nod to the meme adds a fun layer to Marvel Rivals. The game’s integration of both deep lore and internet humor creates a unique and engaging experience for players. The inclusion of this specific meme speaks volumes about the developers’ understanding of the Moon Knight fanbase and their willingness to embrace the character’s online presence.
Have you played Marvel Rivals and encountered this Easter egg? Let us know your thoughts!
