Kaihedgie said: It's a reference, plus this was before UMVC3
Many of the alternate colors in both games are references and shout outs to other characters or forms
I think the author just can't decide he want to draw Zero or Rockman. The helmet sure is Zero, heck, he even has that ponytail. But the color and other body details are dead of Rockman, pre-X series. Alternative color doesn't change the details, alternative should have him change completely, not half ass head and body like that.