BAPE x Marvel Set To Return In 2022

It’s without a doubt that comic books and sneakers share a common fanbase. Streetwear mainstay A BATHING APE (BAPE) is no stranger to incorporating superheroes into their work with many OG collectors remembering the 2005 collection that featured a range of t-shirts and sneakers inspired by heroes including Iron Man, The Silver Surfer, Hulk and more. 

Marvel x BAPE STA Low 'Hulk', 2005

'Utilising the infamous BAPE STA silhouette that could be mistaken for Nike’s iconic Air Force 1, BAPE is revisiting one of their most iconic collections with a blend of familiar classics in addition to some new recruits. 

Pharrell x BAPE ROAD STA, 2006

Following BAPE’s debut in 1993, founded by Tomoaki Nagao (AKA Nigo), the Japanese streetwear label released the now iconic ‘BAPE STA’ model in 2002 alongside the ROAD STA which took inspiration from Nike’s Air Max line as well as the CREPE which looks remarkably similar to the Puma Suede; a move that, if made today, would almost certainly result in a lawsuit similar to that of Warren Lotus or John Geiger. 

Kanye West x BAPE STA, 2007

While BAPE had various important collaborations during the early 2000s with the likes of KAWS, Kanye West and N.E.R.D just to name a few, it was their work with Marvel that stands at the forefront of people's minds when they come to remember the era. 

What arguably made the collection so special, was the attention to detail. With each pair being packaged in a plastic action figure style box with a clear plastic cover and comic book style designed backing, the sneakers played heavily into the idea of collecting with unopened pairs being hard to come by. 

BAPE x Marvel, 2005

Utilising BAPE’s classic patent leather upper used on the BAPE STA, the original Marvel collaboration features a set of colourways that mimic the corresponding superhero found stitched on the left heel, while the Marvel logo is stitched onto the right shoe. 

From the images released thus far, it appears that the upcoming collaboration between the late Stan Lee’s globally beloved brand and BAPE is sticking to tradition with the 2022 collection. 

BAPE x Marvel Lineup, 2022

As if out of thin air, BAPE released a post late last week showcasing all six of the upcoming pairs, the first of which depicts the reimagined Iron Man colourway featuring the invincible hero stitched into the heel. Continuing to use the usual patent leather, the sneaker takes a bold yet simplistic red and yellow colour blocking approach with the addition of the trademark BAPE Star on the lateral and medial sides as well as ‘BAPE’ taking the place of the ‘Nike’ text that’s usually located on the midsole. 

The following colourways include Captain America, Thor and Hulk who were all included in the original release 17 years ago, in addition to Black Widow and Rocket Racoon who are new additions to the BAPE STA x Marvel roster. 

Marvel x BAPE STA 'Captain America', 2022

At the time of writing this, BAPE is yet to confirm the official release date of their second Marvel collaboration. However, leaked images have confirmed that we can expect to see a return of the original action figure style shoebox from 2005 further increasing the anticipation. 

For the latest on BAPE x Marvel, stay tuned in with Kick Game.