Dynamite Entertainment has officially opened solicitations for the highly anticipated crossover series between The Powerpuff Girls and Thundercats, set to debut on June 4, 2025. The first issue of this unprecedented pairing will feature a diverse range of collectible variant covers from artists, including Paulina Ganucheau, Coleman Engle, Coran Kizer Stone, Saowee, and Nicoletta Baldari. This unexpected collaboration brings together the Chemical X-powered trio from Townsville with the warriors of Third Earth in what the publisher describes as “the greatest crossover since peanut butter met jelly.” The main storyline follows Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup after they’re trapped in a runaway rocket by Mojo Jojo and transported to a strange planet where their superpowers no longer function, forcing them to ally with the Thundercats against the ancient evil Mumm-Ra.

The crossover represents a significant expansion of Dynamite’s growing catalog of nostalgic properties, with both franchises finding renewed interest among collectors and fans of classic animation. Writer Paulina Ganucheau and artist Coleman Engle, who have been announced as the creative team behind the series, face the unique challenge of merging two dramatically different fictional universes with distinct visual styles and tonal approaches. “After being trapped in a runaway rocket by Mojo Jojo, the titanic trio find themselves on a strange planet where their super-powers don’t work,” states the official synopsis. “Luckily, someone named Snarf is there to provide a situation report and wouldn’t you know it, there’s evil that needs defeating! But without their Chemical X-enhanced abilities, what can Bubbles, Blossom, and Buttercup do against a foe like Mumm-Ra?”

[RELATED: Yes, The Powerpuff Girls Could Take Omni Man In a Fight]

Prior to the June release of the first full issue, fans will have an opportunity to preview the crossover on Free Comic Book Day, with a special #0 issue scheduled for May 3, 2025. This introductory installment promises to establish the groundwork for the full series while showcasing how the creative team plans to navigate the contrasting dynamics between the elementary school superheroes and the more mature, battle-hardened Thundercats. The Free Comic Book Day special serves as both a marketing tool and a low-barrier entry point for potential new readers who might be familiar with either franchise through their respective animated series but haven’t previously engaged with their comic book adaptations.

The Powerpuff Girls Are Extremely Popular Right Now

The timing of this crossover coincides with a significant resurgence of The Powerpuff Girls. The original series creator, Craig McCracken, is returning to the franchise for an official revival that is currently in development with Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. While specific details about this project remain limited, Warner Bros. Animation president Sam Register previously called McCracken’s return “an opportunity we could not pass up,” suggesting a significant investment in the property’s future.

Furthermore, on April 12th, the original The Powerpuff Girls animated series will return to television with a regular Saturday morning time slot on Cartoon Network for the first time in years, airing weekly at 10:30 AM as part of a revamped animation block that also includes Steven Universe. This television return comes at a particularly strategic moment as the series will be departing from Netflix’s streaming platform on April 2nd, redirecting viewers toward traditional broadcast options or the HBO Max streaming service, where the complete series remains available.

Finally, footage from the canceled live-action CW The Powerpuff Girls adaptation leaked online earlier this month. The controversial pilot, which reimagined Blossom (Chloe Bennet), Bubbles (Dove Cameron), and Buttercup (Yana Perrault) as disillusioned twentysomethings, generated substantial social media discussion after revealing its satirical take on the source material. The leaked trailer depicted a drastically different interpretation where the adult protagonists had abandoned their crime-fighting responsibilities following a tragic incident involving their nemesis Mojo, portrayed as a human character rather than the anthropomorphic monkey from the cartoon.

Check out all the covers for the Thunderbolts & The Powerpuff Girls. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Powerpuff Girls Are Getting the Wildest Comics Crossover This Summer appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel is going all-in when it comes to the lizard king this year, as Godzilla is slated to fight against the likes of the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, the Uncanny X-Men, and more. Perhaps in the most one-sided fight of the crossover, everyone’s favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will take on the King of the Monsters as well. Visiting Peter Parker’s past, the wallcrawler will be wearing a certain costume that might just give us a brand new take on Godzilla that we have never seen before. If this new preview is hinting what we think it is, this might be the most powerful take on the kaiju we’ve seen to date.

Godzilla Vs. Spider-Man will hit the stands on April 30th next month, taking place during a time when Peter Parker was attached to a familiar symbiote. Set in the 1980s, the crossover all but confirms that the symbiote is about to make the leap from Spidey to Godzilla, thanks to a new preview image that shows the King of the Monsters unleashing a roar that separates Peter from his alien costume. Alongside the new preview, the official Godzilla site spoke with crossover writer Joe Kelly about the wild battle and the Marvel creator’s love of the kaiju.

[RELATED: Marvel Comics x Godzilla Collaboration Announced]

Marvel’s Newest Venom, Godzilla

In speaking with Toho, writer Joe Kelly specifically addresses the Venom-sized elephant in the room and how this isn’t Godzilla’s first rodeo with an alien being, “Godzilla has been haunted by extraterrestrial creatures and cultures since the early days. Even though Spider-Man does not yet know that his black suit is more than just some cool, outer space threads, it’s an alien life form – and that is Godzilla bait! Seems like a great excuse to get Spider-Man and Godzilla together!”

Kelly also discussed his reasoning behind making this crossover have a 1980s aesthetic, “Godzilla always had a place in my heart – my favorite monster by far. I grew up watching Godzilla movies on TV, the cartoon series, and a prized possession of mine was the Shogun Warriors Godzilla. I loved that it was mysterious – a “good guy” in some movies and a “bad guy” in others, though as a kid I preferred the former. That unpredictability made Godzilla stand out for me. That said, in the 1980s, I was not actively searching out Godzilla adventures so I missed its epic return to theaters!”

Kelly also discussed what has made Godzilla remain a part of pop culture several decades following the giant beast’s debut, “In part it’s the same thing that captivated me as a child – the flexibility of the character. If you want to see a big fun fight-fest between giant monsters, Godzilla’s your monster. If you want to use Kaiju to make a comment on politics, the environment, or man’s carelessness, there’s Godzilla. Godzilla works across tones and wildly diverse stories, yet feels cohesive in a way that very few characters do, mainly because of its origin and its real world roots. Even when Godzilla is “good”, it’s still scary and carries the weight of the atomic age and the horrors of war. Those things are imprinted on our collective subconscious so we connect with Godzilla instantly.”

What’s Venom Up To These Days?

If you’re wondering what the symbiote is currently up to in the comics, we have a wild ride to take you on. The recent series, All New Venom, sees a new gold-themed Venom patrolling the streets, though the protagonist’s identity remains a mystery. As it stands, Eddie Brock has been ruled out as a candidate as he is trapped in the role of Carnage, thanks to Cletus Kasady’s suit attaching to the former Venom to save both their lives.

In terms of Venom’s place on the silver screen, that is far more of a mystery than the symbiote’s place in the comics. Venom: The Last Dance released last year and was touted by Sony Pictures as the final adventure for Tom Hardy’s take on the character. With no Venom confirmed for the live-action future, fans are left wondering if Hardy will make a return thanks to the events of the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

Want to see how Godzilla will affect the Marvel Universe? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the kaiju crossover and hit us up in the comments.

Via Godzilla.com

The post Godzilla Vs. Spider-Man Preview Teases a Venomous Kaiju appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Asgard is a mythical land of magic and mystery, but one thing that the home of Thor, Odin, Loki, Sif, Heimdall, and so many gods has never had is a Sorcerer Supreme. Luckily, Stephen Strange is on the job as he finds himself traveling atop the rainbow bridge in an effort to sharpen his sorcery skills. Doctor Strange of Asgard #1 kicks things off by focusing on a former Sorcerer Supreme looking to get back on his feet by entering a world that he is quite unfamiliar with. By placing Stephen on his back foot, has this new Marvel comic found a way to invigorate the wizard?

Stephen Strange is looking for work. Of course, being unemployed for a Sorcerer Supreme is far worse when you consider who took Doctor Strange’s job. Victor Von Doom is currently holding the title in the universe-wide crossover, One World Under Doom, wreaking havoc upon the world. While Doom has no presence in this opening issue, the series gives Strange plenty on his plate as he finds himself needing to go through the proper channels to get the job. Asgard is far from the most welcoming place in the world outside of its ruler and Strange finds himself in for a little mischief as he looks to jump into his new position.

[RELATED: Doctor Strange Moves to Thor’s Home to Become Asgard’s New Sorcerer Supreme]

Doctor Strange of Asgard approaches Stephen’s predicament in a way that I didn’t see coming, but was ultimately welcome. Rather than introducing Strange to needing to defeat Surtur and recover the Twilight Sword and/or defeat the World Serpent Jörmungandr, he finds himself struggling with a culture clash. This approach feels far more grounded than I was initially expecting in reading this issue as the former Sorcerer Supreme attempts to get his bearings in a world not his own. Bonus points as well for the fact that the issue is more than willing to make references to plenty of events in Marvel’s past outside of Doom simply throwing on the Eye of Agamatto.

Writer Derek Landy does a fantastic job here in not just exploring Strange’s character but showing the grittier side of Asgard, aka the one that is not normally seen through the eyes of its latest All-Father, Thor. In doing so, we are introduced to some charming characters that can match wits with the best of them. Landy injects plenty of humor in Doctor Strange of Asgard, and the story is all the more welcoming because of it. Of course, the series is more than willing to throw a bombshell into the mix so that Stephen’s journey is far from a rosy one.

[RELATED: Marvel Reveals Doctor Strange’s New Costume (With a Thor Twist)]

When I mentioned mischief before, I’m sure those reading realized that Loki was sure to make an appearance. His role in this new comic is one that is quite interesting, setting up for quite the cliffhanger while also weaving an intricate mystery into the mix. Landy is spinning plenty of plates here but isn’t missing a beat at the same time. When a Marvel character, having decades of stories under their wing, needs a new status quo, it can often feel like an immeasurable task to make said status intriguing. Luckily, Landy does that here in spades.

Unfortunately, all that glitters isn’t gold here as I found myself a little middle of the road when it came to artist Carlos Magno and colorist Espen Grundetjern in issue one. There are often panels where it feels as though certain facial features are lacking the necessary detail, along with a strange use of blurring effect for some of the environment that can be quite distracting. This isn’t to say that the art doesn’t have merit, especially when it comes to the use of shadows in either Asgard’s streets or Thor’s royal hall, but it ultimately feels like the issue would have benefited greatly from a little artistic punch-up before release.

Doctor Strange of Asgard feels like a crossover series that makes good on the premise of its overarching story while giving fans of the character a juicy new status quo to dig into. Artistic quibbles aside, the series has a lot going for it, and should Asgard be Strange’s new permanent fixture, the former Sorcerer Supreme might be made all the better for it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by Marvel Comics

On March 5th, 2025

Written by Derek Landy

Art by Carlos Magno

Colors by Espen Grundetjern

Letters by VC’s Cory Petit

The post Doctor Strange Enters Asgard as its New Sorcerer Supreme (Doctor Strange of Asgard #1 Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Image Comics is one of the most important comic publishers around. Since 1992, Image has allowed creators to put out books that they owned, making all of the money, and telling the stories they want. Image has published brilliant comics, and once upon a time gave starts to some of the greatest creators in comic history. Marvel poached heavily from Images in the late 2000s and early 2010s, getting a load of writers and artists that had cut their teeth at Image. One of these writers is now known as one of the greatest writers of all time — Jonathan Hickman. Jonathan Hickman’s work on superhero comics has gained him legions of fans, but there’s one Image/Hickman book that feels prescient in 2025 — The Nightly News.

The Nightly News is a six issue series that ran from 2006 to 2007. It was written and drawn by Hickman, and for fans who are more used to his sci-fi and superhero books, this is a very different experience. The comic itself is all about the Voice, a secret cult who targets the news outlets of New York City in an attack meant to change the world. The book has multiple twists and turns throughout its run, and its message is one that everyone needed to hear before they even thought about voting in 2024.

The Nightly News Is an Indictment of the Power of the Media and its Relationship with Government

The first thing that anyone notices about The Nightly News is the unique visual style. Hickman doesn’t really draw comics anymore, but his sense of design and page layout is, frankly, revolutionary. He eschews the panel structure of comics as much as possible, which gives the book a strange feel, but one that definitely helps to make its point. There’s a sense of chaos to the whole thing, which is something that cults use to indoctrinate their members; they are the antidote to chaos. Another thing that long time Hickman fans will notice is the usage of white and the infographics. This is the beginning of what is now the Hickman style, and it feels like a comic that is on the bleeding edge.

The infographics of the book are the key to the whole thing. Hickman meticulously researched the news media in the United State and the way it intersects with the government. The Nightly News is strangely apolitical in a lot of ways, something that is hard to find currently, but it does have a message — the media and the government have teamed up to control the American people since the advent of radio and TV. Hickman uses the infographics to show how the media has become smaller and smaller, with the majority of American media companies owned by just six entities. These six entities control the focus of the the people, and are able to manufacture public opinion, all while the government controls them. The Voice exists to fight them, as people who have been hurt by the media commit terrorist attacks to damage them.

[RELATED: 3 Comics to Read if You Love Yellowjackets (and Want More)]

Looking at the political situation in the United States in the last few years, the stratification of the news media is a huge problem. The term “fake news” didn’t exist when Hickman did The Nightly News and the independent “news” market we have today hadn’t crystallized either. Hickman bases characters in the media on real people, and uses actual quotes to show the hubris of the media. The media in The Nightly News is a function of control; and while it may seem that the current state of the media, one where the people have more of a voice than ever, may be able to sidestep the problems of The Nightly News, it’s easy to see the same problems in the independent media as it is in the corporate media, as politicians and political appointees more actively control the media than ever.

The Nightly News isn’t just a story about the news media and why it can be a tool of evil, but also a book that warns of the power of cults. The Voice has a “noble” goal, breaking the power of the media and the government that controls it, but even that is shown to be false as the truth about the Voice is revealed. The twist feels exactly like the independent news media of today — one controlled by a sinister force trying to take even more power into their already powerful hands. The Nightly News is about the problems with the kind of power that media and the government had, and those problems have created the United States that we see on the TV and on our devices every day.

The Nightly News Predicted the World of Today

The lessons of The Nightly News aren’t much different than they were in 2007; back then, this was a polemic about the ways that the government and the powerful are able to control the public. In the last 18 years, a lot of changed with the news media, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the inordinate amount of power it has over the American people. Even with the media moving online and the power of anyone to report the news and give their spin, there’s still the same problem with the media in 2025 as there are in The Nightly News.

The Nightly News is a deep, thoughtful work, and because of that it would be easy for some people to take it the wrong way. Everyone knows that person who talks about why they don’t trust the “mainstream media” while also parroting the talking points of a slew of media commentators who get their marching orders from the same people as the mainstream media. They would read The Nightly News and never see what it says about the media they love. However, it’s a book that has predicted the way the electoral cycles of the last decade have went, as the government and the media have controlled the truth. Look at the news tomorrow; you’ll see exactly what The Nightly News warns us of. Image is responsible for some great works, as is Hickman, but few of them can stand with the message of The Nightly News.

The post This Image Comics Series is More Important Than Ever Almost 20 Years Later appeared first on ComicBook.com.

We’ve reached the end of another awards season, with the 97th Academy Awards arriving to crown the best in Hollywood’s achievements last year. Now that all of the notable precursors have been handed out, the biggest question left to answer is which film will take home the top prize at the Oscars. Unlike last year, when Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer dominated the race from the jump, this year’s Best Picture winner hasn’t been as easy to predict. The 10 films nominated all have their fair share of supporters, and at various times during the season, there were different perceived frontrunners. However, now that the dust has settled, there’s one film that seems to be ahead of the pack.

The odds favor Sean Baker’s Anora, the twisted love story about a stripper who gets involved with the son of a Russian oligarch. But it’s not a foregone conclusion it will win Best Picture. There’s still one nominee that could garner enough support to pull off a major upset.

Why Anora Is the Best Picture Favorite

Anora announced itself as a key player on the awards circuit by winning the Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and it’s lived up to the hype. Baker’s film has earned a plethora of notable accolades over the course of the awards race, including major wins at the Writers Guild Awards, Directors Guild Awards, and Producers Guild Awards. That last one is arguably the most pertinent. Historically, the PGA’s Best Theatrical Motion Picture award has considerable overlap with Best Picture at the Oscars. Since the award was first handed out in 1989, the PGA and Academy have aligned 25 times. While there have been a few recent deviations, PGA remains one of the strongest predictors for Best Picture.

Furthermore, the trio of notable guild awards illustrates that Anora has widespread support across the industry, which is vital. The only time a movie won at the WGA, DGA, and PGA and lost Best Picture was Brokeback Mountain in one of the Academy’s most controversial decisions ever. Anora is also the presumptive favorite in the Best Director and Best Original Screenplay categories, which gives it a lot of momentum heading into Oscar Sunday.

[RELATED – 2025 Oscars: Ranking This Year’s Best Picture Nominees (Based on How Good They Actually Are)]

Most of Anora‘s fellow nominees have fizzled out at this juncture of the race. Emilia Pérez, the year’s most-nominated film with 13, seemed like it was destined to come out on top (even beating Anora at the Golden Globes). However, its campaign was derailed by the controversy surrounding star Karla Sofia Gascón’s old tweets, and now Zoe Saldaña in Best Supporting Actress is its sole best chance for a win. The Brutalist constantly came up short at the guild awards, with even Best Actor favorite Adrien Brody losing at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown only has a realistic shot in Best Actor, where Timothée Chalamet could win.

Box office hits Dune: Part Two and Wicked will most likely have to settle for wins in the tech categories; the former is arguably more notable for its significant snubs (Denis Villeneuve missing a Best Director nomination). And while The Substance represents a major step for horror representation at the Oscars, its best chance for a win is Demi Moore in Best Actress. Though Anora appears to have an edge over the rest of the field, there is one title still in the running.

Could Conclave Pull Off a Best Picture Upset?

Edward Berger’s Conclave, the acclaimed drama about the election of a new pope, seems to be Anora‘s biggest challenger for Best Picture. The film has racked up some impressive accolades of its own, receiving Best Film at the BAFTA Awards and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at SAG. That SAG win is notable; while there isn’t as much correlation between SAG and the Oscars when compared to PGA, 15 of the previous 30 SAG winners also took home Best Picture (including the last three years). It also illustrates that Conclave has sizable support within the acting branch, which is the largest branch in the Academy. This could play a role in Best Picture voting.

Best Picture is decided by a preferential ballot, which means Academy members vote by ranking the 10 films in order of preference. Under this system, second-and-third-place votes are arguably more important than first-place votes. After the first round of tallying is complete, ballots are redistributed if their top choice for Best Picture has been eliminated. For instance, if someone votes for Dune: Part Two and that film is removed from contention following the first count, that ballot then goes to whichever film is listed second. If that same person placed Anora second on their ranking, the ballot becomes a vote for Anora.

This system could benefit a film like Conclave, a well-liked movie from a respected director, featuring a cast full of people the industry loves. Even if it doesn’t get the most first-place votes, it seems like an easy choice for most people’s second-and-third-place vote. The race could conceivably be decided by how strong Anora performs during the first tally. If it gets out to a sizable lead, the gap might be too big for another film to close. If Anora doesn’t surge out ahead, the door is open for Conclave.

Of course, preferential balloting could favor Anora, which is also very well-liked and obviously has a lot of fans within the industry. It’s extremely plausible it will secure several of those key second-and-third-place votes, which would probably be more than enough to give it Best Picture. For this reason, plus its strong performance at the guild awards, our pick to win the Academy’s top prize is Anora.

The 2025 Oscars will air on ABC and stream live on Hulu and YouTube TV on Sunday, March 3rd at 7 p.m. ET.

What do you think will win Best Picture? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Oscars: Predicting the 2025 Best Picture Winner appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jonathan Hickman and Essad Ribic have created quite the crossover thanks to the xenomorphs meeting Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Rather than seeing Marvel’s premiere super-team coming across the Aliens on a random meteor and/or cross universes to face them, the creative team has forged a brand new environment unlike either franchise has seen before. Thanks to this third issue, not only are Hickman and Ribic continuing to operate at the top of their games, but the pair have added some exceptional black humor as humanity reels from Weyland-Utani and the ever-expanding alien menace that is leading the Planet Earth to its destruction.

Our third issue brings us right back into the thick of things as humanity’s final collective is attempting to find safety with older iterations of Miles Morales (Spider-Man), Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), and Tony Stark (Iron Man) leading the charge. Of course, thanks to the quick need to exit Earth, the Marvel heroes realize that they’re going to need an assist in their journey. Unfortunately, said assistance is from the mutants of the Marvel Universe though they are dealing with problems of their own. Now housed on Mars, the X-Men aren’t the only inhabitants of this world and a certain villain is making good use of xenomorph DNA.

There are some characters that I feel Hickman “gets” more than others when it comes to working within the Marvel Universe. With series like the Fantastic Four, the prolific writer seemed to have a handle on Reed Richards, Doctor Doom, and their tumultuous relationship. In his Avengers run, he was able to bring Victor and Mister Fantastic back while showing his chops with the likes of Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and more. In this issue, the star shining the brightest is easily Mister Sinister. The mad scientist is having an absolute ball in genetically modifying the xenomorphs and in this, readers can find some serious levity in this otherwise grim apocalyptic storyline.

[RELATED: The War Between Aliens and Avengers Heats Up as Another Faction Enters the Fray]

Nathaniel Essex truly came into his own during Hickman’s “Krakoa” era and if you were missing that time period in general, the writer has once again dipped his toes into the popular setting, albeit on Mars. On top of creating his own army of xenomorphs, Essex has created weaponry that can’t help but give readers a gut-busting laugh, especially when Sinister proclaims what he has made. While Mister Sinister is the “MVP” of issue three, he’s far from the only new element introduced.

The current iteration of the X-Men in this alternate future is looking quite worse for wear, clearly having some difficulties with both the alien race and Sinister himself. Hickman once again captures the countless characters with little dialogue necessary, confirming his mastery over this comic universe. With one issue left before the crossover series comes to an end, it seems unlikely that this will be a happy ending for the Avengers but it certainly is preparing to end the mini-series off on a high note.

Of course, it takes a village to produce a jaw-dropping story and artist Essad Ribic is doing some of his best work here on Aliens Vs. Avengers. Ribic’s detailed texturing in terms of both direction and design shines through here in perfect tandem with Hickman’s writing. On top of creating some heart-wrenching moments and interesting battle scenes, Essad’s penciling captures emotions on the faces of characters that few other comic artists can depict.

Aliens Vs. Avengers feels like one of the greatest comic book crossovers to ever be printed on the page. What could have been a concept that “went by the numbers” instead has forged a brand new, interesting universe that makes good on the promise of both universes. Here’s to hoping that future Marvel crossovers in the realm of both the Aliens and Predators will follow Hickman and Ribic’s lead, working outside of the box to throw readers for a loop.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published by: Marvel Comics

On: February 19th, 2025

Written by: Jonathan Hickman

Art by: Essad Ribic

Colors by: Ive Svorcina

Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit

The post Aliens Vs. Avengers #3 Just Delivered the Wildest Mutant Martian Team And It’s Awesome (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One of the most surprising crossovers in recent years has seen Team 7 teaming up with the Heroes in a Half Shell for a new comic book series. Creating an entirely new universe to help facilitate Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi coming face-to-face with Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo, IDW is hinting at some big changes to the lore for each team. Set to release four issues in total, The Big Apple and the Hidden Leaf Village denizens are hinting at some major surprises for the future of this crossover that might just take the cake when it comes to fictional ninjas meeting for the first time.

Warning. Be forewarned that we’ll be diving into serious spoiler territory for the first issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto, so if you haven’t read it, you might want to turn back now. As mentioned previously, this new series creates an entirely new universe with a new backstory for all the players involved. Rather than seeing the TMNT dropped into Konoha or Team 7 hitting the Big Apple, “Big Apple Village” is a new village that exists in the anime ninja world and harbors the green-skinned teenagers. In a new mission to protect April O’Neil, Naruto and his allies run into the “Heroes in a Half-Shell” and have a case of mistaken identity in doing so.

[RELATED: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto Reveals a Shocking Connection Between Kakashi And Splinter]

Master Splinter x Kakashi

One of the biggest twists of the first issue of this crossover was that Master Splinter and Kakashi the Copycat Ninja appear to share a common history. While that origin wasn’t unveiled in the premiere offering of the crossover series, a new preview for issue two hints that the next story will get right into it. Even though the crossover series only has four issues in total, the changes that have already been made prove that the meeting of the Ninja Turtles and Konoha’s finest will be one for the record books.

Teenage Mutant Ninjas Crossovers

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have come into contact with a lot of pop culture icons in their history. While the Heroes in a Half Shell haven’t ventured much into the anime realm for crossovers, they have met the likes of Batman, the kids from Stranger Things, the Ghostbusters, the Transformers, Savage Dragon, The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, and even Mulder and Scully from the X-Files. Ironically enough, while there was never an official meeting between the TMNT and Naruto’s top ninjas, the four turtle brothers did get their own anime series.

Mutant Turtles: Superman Legend was an original video animation released in 1996 that gave TMNT fans a very different take on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. What made this series so memorable is the fact that the turtle siblings were given the ability to transform into more powerful forms that made them look much more like human beings. As it stands, this is the only anime output that the TMNT has received in their history but fingers crossed that this Naruto crossover might receive its own special animated adaptation.

Want to stay on top of all the anime crossovers? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for all the latest anime updates and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto Preview Further Explores Kakashi/Splinter Connection appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The mystery of who the new, gold-wearing Venom in Marvel’s comics remains one of the biggest questions in the industry today. Writer Al Ewing and artist Carlos Gomez have thrown out some interesting picks for the superhero bonded to the symbiote this time around as Luke Cage, Rick Jones, Madame Masque, and Robbie Robertson all might fit the bill. While Venom can sometimes be as serious as a heart attack, it’s clear that the creative team is having fun with the “new” character and have given the hero some wild villains to tackle. If you ever had “Venom fights an Evil Gritty” on your bingo card, today might be your lucky day.

All-New Venom #2 continues to keep its protagonist’s identity under wraps, though it does offer more clues as to who took the symbiote from its predecessors, Eddie and Dylan Brock. While this new symbiote crime fighter appears to have his heroic duties on lock, Eddie Brock’s son wants nothing more than to get his symbiote back. The “Venom War” changed the game to a wild degree, with the Brocks losing their living costume and Eddie actually becoming the new Carnage in a crazy twist. In an issue with plenty of twists and turns, the “Evil Gritty” and his cohorts might take the cake for eye-popping moments.

[RELATED: Meet Marvel’s New Venom and Its Four Possible Hosts]

Chuck Stuff: The Evil Gritty

The “Death Throws” are a new villainous organization that appears to be made up of super-villain jugglers. Touted as “New York’s oldest surviving organized theme-criminal collective,” both Ewing and Gomez are clearly having fun with this new concept. The collective includes characters like Tenpin, Heave-Ho, Fair Shake, Tosser, and more. Of course, Chuck Stuff is the most striking of the group, clearly tailored to appear and act like a villainous version of the Philadelphia Flyers’ mascot Gritty.

In some hilarious scenes, “Chuck Stuff” expresses his Philadelphian accent and hurls Philly cheesesteaks at the new Venom, truly living up to his name and aesthetic. While the evil Gritty might have been defeated by Venom, the antagonist has such a hilarious concept that we’re hoping to see him return in the future.

The All-New Gritty

While Gritty remains a part of the Philadelphia Flyers’ line-up, he has made appearances in various television shows since his introduction. Making cameos in episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Abbott Elementary, Family Guy, Saturday Night Live, and more, it’s impossible to debate that Gritty is one of the most popular mascots in sports’ history. It will be interesting to see if “Chuck Stuff” makes an appearance in future Marvel comics based on their initial appearance here.

The new Venom’s identity has yet to be revealed though a surprising final page might rule out Luke Cage according to Dylan Brock. However, the long-tongued hero is, it’s sure to come as a surprise whenever their true face is shown.

Want to stay updated on the future adventures of Chuck Stuff? Follow us here at ComicBook.com for all the latest Marvel updates and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post All-New Venom Fights An Evil Gritty In One Of Comics’ Strangest Battles appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Eight Billion Genies was a comic with such a premise and a strong story backing it up that when the creative team announces a new series, it’s going to get some people interested. Writer Charles Soule and artist Ryan Browne are bringing their talents to a brand new limited series that trades in genies for demons. Lucky Devils introduces two “average joes” who are running into some life-shattering problems that might have a supernatural origin. In its premiere issue, the new Image Comics offering is one that has big shoes to fill but it might just create a story that does exactly that.

Lucky Devils begins its nine-issue run by introducing readers to Cam and Starr, a Philosophy 101 professor and a nurse residing in Chicago. While Cam appears to be dealing with a number of inconveniences that are ruining his love life and financial status, Starr is dealing with a lack of opportunities to move up in her career. Things appear to change for both of these down-on-their-luck characters when they are introduced to Collar and Rake, their own personal demons. The underworld duo has been responsible for much of the misfortune that have befallen their human targets throughout their lives but the demons have a unique proposition for the teacher and nurse. As is the case with Eight Billion Genies, not everything is at it seems and some characters are holding their cards close to their chests.

Both Starr and Cam are interesting enough characters here to lead the story, as the parallel lives of both have enough differences to make them both appealing to follow despite their similarities in the demon department. On the flip side, Collar and Rake, who happen to be romantically intertwined, are hilarious and colorful foils to their downtrodden counterparts. This premiere issue is one that has plenty of ground to cover with just as much exposition, but luckily, the demonic couple work well in conveying the information in an entertaining manner.

Of course, what would a good story be without a better twist and boy does Lucky Devils have a good one. It’s not hard to determine that Collar and Rake aren’t exactly being straight forward with Cam and Starr, but their lies are such that not many readers will utlimately be able to see through them until they’re shown in the issue’s final pages. The series is one that takes a U-turn in its final pages, demanding that the reader stay on board its train for the foreseeable future and said approach is definitely a strong one.

As mentioned earlier, exposition can be a tough, but sometimes necessary, storytelling element but luckily, Browne is the perfect foil for Soule’s script here. Ryan makes complete use of all the space given to him on each page, with Rake and Collar routinely blending into the panels themselves and intertwining their “explanations” with one another in different locations. The real testament to Browne’s skill is when we are finally given the opportunity to see what the demons’ underworld abode looks like.

Browne creates a hellish environment that is quite like our own for Collar and Rake, albeit with some truly demonic twists on the streets. It’s an ugly, congested locale that also feels lived in while not diving off the deep end in its absurdity. The artist also does an exceptional job of capturing the feelings of these ugly monstrosities in our hellish lovers, showing how they care for one another in the quiet moments before the hammer falls on their masterplan reveal.

Lucky Devils is a comic that hits the ground floor running, presenting a fiendishly clever premise via four main appealing characters. The new Image Comic has a big act to follow after Eight Billion Genies and this opening salvo does just that. Collar and Rake might just be the top demons of 2025 and I look forward to seeing what Soul and Browne have in store for the rest of the series.

Published by: Image Comics

On: January 8th, 2025

Written By: Charles Soule

Art by: Ryan Browne

Colors by: Ryan Browne & Kevin Knipstein

Letters by: Christopher Crank

The post The Lucky Devils #1 Review: A Hell of A Good Time appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A new teaser for the highly anticipated crossover episode of Abbott Elementary has been released, confirming that a few familiar faces from the long-running comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia will be visiting Willard R. Abbott Elementary. The video was crossposted on Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson and Always Sunny’s Rob McElhenney‘s Instagram accounts with the caption: “Philly’s a small city.”

The teaser shows a humorous sign-in sheet for Aboott before five visitor badges for the school are printed out, naming Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day), Frank Reynolds (Danny DeVito), Deandra Reynolds (Kaitlin Olson), Dennis Reynolds (Glenn Howerton), and Ronald McDonald, aka Mac (McElhenney).

The crossover episode will serve as the return of Abbott Elementary Season 4 following the comedy’s winter break. Episode 9 will air on ABC on January 8th, 2025, and stream on Hulu. Details about the episode and why the Always Sunny gang is visiting have not yet been released, but the crossover event was first teased in July 2024 during San Diego Comic-Con.

Speaking to the crowd during the show’s panel, Brunson said (via Variety), “We will be doing an interesting crossover this season. I’m not gonna tell you with who, or with what, or where, or when, but it’s really exciting and I think it’ll change television as we know it.” 

In October 2024, Variety confirmed that the crossover had expanded into a two-episode event with Abbott Elementary teachers heading to Paddy’s Pub sometime in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s upcoming Season 17.

“It was very fun,” Olson said about filming the Abbott Elementary crossover episode, adding, “And they’ll be jumping into our world in a couple of weeks, which is very exciting. So it’s been really fun for both of our casts to be able to do, them a cable show and us a network show.”

The biggest question on everyone’s mind is how exactly the characters from wildly different worlds will converge during the crossover episodes beyond both shows taking place in Philadelphia. Executive producers Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker revealed to Variety that Charlie’s character will have a “pretty significant storyline” in the episode. They also admitted that the idea of a crossover was initially “kind of a joke” as the shows are “a real tonal mishmash.”

“But then Rob [McElhenney] and Charlie [Day] came to our writers room and we hashed out some real broad stroke ideas,” Shumacker said. “From there, we emailed back and forth beat sheets and then an outline. They were super game for everything. All those concerns that we had about the tones of the shows butting against each other were alleviated the second we started filming with Charlie.”

Abbott Elementary’s Tyler James Williams acknowledged to TV Insider the concerns over how the two comedy series will combine their distinctive tones, but was quick to reveal that “it’s uncanny how well it works.”

“[We’ve] come together and can just find that comedic language together,” Williams said. “It’s really crazy how well the pairings work… There’s some really interesting ones here. And that’s what’s been really fun.”

The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series has never shied away from surprising fans with unexpected appearances. A special post-Oscars episode of Abbott Elementary in March 2024 featured a cameo by Bradley Cooper. The actor even did the voice of his popular Marvel character Rocket Raccoon when a student mistakenly wondered if Cooper appeared in Spider-Man.

Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia are available to stream on Hulu. New episodes of Abbott Elementary air weekly on Wednesday nights on ABC.

The post Abbott Elementary Gets Some Always Sunny Visitors in New Crossover Teaser appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The holiday season is finally upon us, and 2024 has been a year full of amazing board games, toys, collectibles, video games, gear, and electronics that are perfect candidates for your Christmas or Holiday celebration. If you’re looking for a few items that might be wonderful presents for family and friends we’ve got you covered, no matter what they are into. That said, if you’re looking to pick up a few things just to make your holiday season better, we’ve got you covered there too. Whether you’re into DC, Marvel, Disney, Wrestling, Power Rangers, board games, trading card games, video games, streaming, TV, movies, Star Wars, Sonic the Hedgehog, or anything else under the geek sun, we’ve probably got something you’ll want to add under the tree. To get things started, let’s dive into items that are specifically Christmas themed.

Time for Christmas

If you are inviting family and friends over for a fun time during the season or for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day festivities specifically, then you’re going to want to represent the holiday to the fullest. You’re also going to want to have some games on hand for people to enjoy and pass the time, and to that end, Smirk & Dagger Boop The Halls! is a must buy for the occasion. Boop The Halls! features the same delightful gameplay of the standard game but is given a full holiday makeover, complete with Kittens dressed in scarves and hats and a new Christmas Tree-themed board.

If you’re going to wear your holiday spirit, well there’s plenty of options there too, including BoxLunch’s holiday sweaters that include favorites like Baymax, Deadpool, Sonic, Spider-Man, and the Ewoks. You can also get some Dr. Seuss Grinch slipper socks to complete the look. Finally there’s a host of holiday-themed Funko Pops! to add to your display and collection. That includes Charlie Brown Christmas, Disney favorites, DC Comics heroes and villains, and The Grinch and his loyal puppy Max. You can find the full list of recommendations below.

• Boop The Halls
• BoxLunch Marvel Deadpool Holiday Sweater
• Disney Big Hero 6 Baymax with Mochi Holiday Sweater
• Disney Lilo & Stitch Angel Light-Up Mini Christmas Tree Figure
• Sonic the Hedgehog Gold Rings Portrait Holiday Sweater
• Marvel Spider-Man Santa Hat Holiday Sweater
• Bluey Heeler Family Santa Hat Holiday Sweater
• Star Wars Ewok’n Around the Tree Patterned Holiday Sweater
• Squishmallows MicroMallow 12 Day Advent Calendar
• Bioworld Dr. Seuss Grinch Slipper Socks
• Bioworld Grinch Grinning Face Tumbler with Handle
• Funko Charlie Brown Christmas Pop!s
• Funko Disney Holiday Pop!s
• Funko DC Comics Holiday Pop!s
• Funko Pop! Grinch and Max

Games For The Family

If you’re looking for games to play that will not only keep you entertained but also be easy to pick up for younger players, 2024 has been quite kind in that regard, and we’ve got some easy games to add to the mix. For they youngest gamers, you can’t go wrong with games like Spot It!, Sesame Street Zingo, Hello Kitty Game of Life, Bluey Keepy Uppy, Pickleball Blast, and Bluey Hide and Seek. Sesame Street Zingo has two different levels of difficulty built right in with the flip of a card, and the Cookie Monster dispenser will be a big win at the table. Likewise, Bluey Hide and Seek can be used in just about any environment, and will be a big hit with younger kids.

If you want a bit more of a challenge or want to incorporate a bigger age range, games like Monkey Palace: A Lego Board Game, Garden Heist, Wonky, Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls, and Wicked the Game would be good fits, especially Wonky, Monkey Palace, and Chronicles of Light. These games can be scaled a bit but are out of the box rather accommodating to a wide age range, and the themes will appeal to a variety of fans. Plus, who doesn’t love to build with Legos, right?

If you have some people who want to take on something new you can have some fun with the roleplaying party game Adventure Party: The Role Playing Party, and if someone wants to learn how to play something like Disney Lorcana, the Disney Lorcana TCG Gateway is a supremely streamlined and easy way for them to get the hang of the system and see if it’s something they enjoy. You can find all of the recommendations below.

• Monkey Palace: A Lego Board Game
• Zoomies
• Spot It!
• Adventure Party: The Role Playing Party
• ThinkFun Sesame Street Zingo
• Garden Heist
• Pickleball Blast
• Bluey Keepy Uppy Game
• Wonky: The Unstable Party Game
• Blank Slate
• The Game of Life: Hello Kitty and Friends
• Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney Edition)
• Disney Lorcana TCG Gateway
• Monopoly: Wicked Edition
• Wicked The Game
• Bluey Hide and Seek

TCGs Forever

Now, if you happen to have a TCG (Trading Card Game) fan in your orbit, there are some wonderful options to jump into at the moment, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. The king of the mountain is obviously Magic the Gathering, and they have a perfect starting point for new and lapsed fans with their new Foundations set. If you are new to the TCG scene, there’s also the delightful and easy to pick up Neopets Battledome from Upper Deck, and it’s relatively simple to get started.

Those who want something with a major IP attached are in luck as well, as there are two fantastic games hitting their stride. Those would be Star Wars Unlimited and Disney Lorcana, and Star Wars Unlimited just released its third set Twilight of the Republic, which includes a stellar starter set featuring Ahsoka and General Grevious. Disney Lorcana just revealed its latest set as well with Azurite Sea, boasting characters from Rescue Rangers, Treasure Planet, and Moana.

If you prefer a game that encompasses a wealth of franchises, look no further than UniVersus, which allows you to mix and match various sets for a one of a kind fighting game experience. The latest additions include Tekken 8, Attack on Titan, Godzilla, and Star Trek Lower Decks, so if you’re looking for variety, they’ve got you covered. You can find all of the recommendations below.

• Star Wars Unlimited: Twilight of the Republic Starter Sets and Boosters
• Disney Lorcana: Azurite Sea Starter Sets and Illumineer’s Trove
• Neopets Battledome: Starters and Booster Box
• UniVersus: Tekken, Attack on Titan, Godzilla, and More
• Magic the Gathering: Foundations Starter Set and Booster Box

Board Game and RPG Holiday

If you’re shopping for a gamer who loves jumping into bigger tabletop experiences that might take a bit more time, there’s plenty of options for them as well. If they want new twists on classic experiences, look no further than games like Catan New Energies or Talisman Alliances, though you could also jump into the returning world of Heroscape as well. Heroscape has become hotter than ever, and you can grab a Master Set or Starter Set to get everything you need to bring the larger than life experience to your table.

If you want to be immersed in something fresh and new, you can’t go wrong with games like Sand, Harmonies, Mycelia, HiFi (a game built around a record player), Queen By Midnight, Radlands, or the outstanding and quite delightful Gnome Hollow.

There are also a wealth of options from Unstable Unicorns that deliver their trademark mix of tactical gameplay and adorable visuals, and if you prefer something with a franchise you love attached, look no further than Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-Earth, Mass Effect: Priority Hagalaz, or Star Wars: The Mandalorian Adventures. If you prefer roleplaying games, there’s a starter box for the G.I. Joe Roleplaying Game that will get you up and running quickly, and those who are already in the thick of a Power Rangers campaign can add another big sourcebook full of content to their ongoing adventure. You can find all of the recommendations below.

• Sand
• Catan New Energies
• Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-Earth
• Harmonies
• Transformers Roleplaying Game Beginner Box
• Mass Effect: Priority Hagalaz
• Star Wars: The Mandalorian Adventures
• HiFi
• Radlands
• Critical Role: Queen by Midnight: Quarter Past
• Mycelia
• Gnome Hollow
• Avatar: The Last Airbender: Aang’s Destiny
• Power Ranger Roleplaying Game- Beneath The Helmet Sourcebook
• Heroscape Age of Annihilation Master Set and Battle for The Wellspring Battle Box
• G.I. Joe Roleplaying Game Beginner Box
• Talisman: The Magical Quest Board Game
• Talisman Alliances
• Unstable Games’ Here To Slay, Casting Shadows, and More

Kid’s Toybox

When it comes to getting the perfect present for your children to go under the Christmas tree, you can never have too many options, and hopefully we’ve done that for you with our rather varied list below. It’s hard to go wrong with plush toys for younger kids, and BumBumz Bakerbumz, Sesame Street Chicken Dance Elmo, and the Gund Disney Pooh and Piglet knit plush will make for great gift candidates. If you have a Toniebox, you can add new additions like Dr. Seuss Sam I Am Green Eggs & Ham and Blippi to your child’s regular Tonies rotation.

In the figures and dolls department, the Spidey-Rex Racer from Spidey and His Amazing Friends is likely going to be coveted by fans of the show, while Disney fans will definitely hope to see the Minnie Mouse Bow-Tel Hotel under the tree. The same goes for the Morphle Magic Pet Mobile figures and playset, and Monster High fans will assuredly want to add one of the Skulltimate Secrets figures to their collection.

DC and Star Wars fans have plenty to look forward to as well, including the Ultimate Transforming Batmobile playset, the DC Super Friends Batman Transforming Bat-Tank, and the Star Wars Darth Vader Bot. For something different, the Holobrite Pixie Lantern might be a perfect fit, or you could go with the LankyBox LankyBot RC or the Skibidi Toilet Mystery Toilet that comes with a host of smaller toys and figures inside. You can find all the recommendations below.

• BumBumz – Bakerbumz
• Spidey and His Amazing Friends Spidey-Rex Racer
• Royale High 3 Assortment
• Crazy Cart Shuffle by Razor
• Dr. Seuss Sam-I-Am Green Eggs & Ham Tonie
• Wow in The World Dino DIG & Diorama
• Ravensburger GraviTrax Star Wars Deathstar Action Set
• Littlest Pet Shop Collector Set
• Disney Junior Minnie Mouse Bow-Tel Hotel
• LankyBox LankyBot Mystery RC
• Just Play Sesame Street Chicken Dance Elmo
• HOLOBRITE Pixie Lantern, Virtual Dancing and Interactive Games
• SKIBIDI Toilet Mystery Toilet with Surprise Toys
• Blippi Tonie
• Crayola Color Wonder Foldalope – Blippi
• Morphle Magic Pet Mobile 12-piece Figures and Playset
• DC Comics Batman, Ultimate Transforming Batmobile Playset
• GUND Disney Official Pooh and Piglet Knit Plush
• Rubik’s Cube Marvel and DC Cubers
• Rubik’s Connected X
• Monster High® Skulltimate Secrets: Monster Mysteries Assortment
• MEGA Pokémon Kanto Region Pokédex Building Kit
• Fisher-Price Imaginext DC Super Friends Batman Toy Transforming Bat-Tank
• Fisher-Price Imaginext Star Wars Darth Vader Bot
• Basic Fun LiteBright Pokémon

Collectibles, Figures, and Gear

Jumping into more of the collectibles and gear side of things, there are plenty of options this year across all genres, and that includes those who lean more towards electronics. Elgato’s Neo line features the Stream Deck and Facecam combination that looks to make your next stream setup a breeze, though both can also benefit your everyday work as well. Then there’s the Robosen Buzz Lightyear Robot, which is truly impressive and features full Bluetooth connectivity and a voice commands to bring your favorite Toy Story moments to life.

Then you can take a break from work to watch the brilliant first season of Arcane League of Legends in 4K before jumping into season 2, though if you have a fan of Monster High on the Christmas list, you can pick up the Monster High Skulltimate Secrets video game for a wonderful gift underneath the trees, and the game is available for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

If you’re into collectible figures, you have a variety of styles to choose from. For wrestling fans, Ringside Collectibles has a host of exclusive figures to add to the collection, including Toni Storm, CM Punk, Sting, and Jay White. For us ’90s fans, Mondo’s Daria and Jane set and the X-Men ’97 Cyclops figure might be right up your alley, and those who want to jump into movies and TV can add Optimus Prime, Wicked, Stranger Things, and Wednesday to the mix in a bevy of styles. Pop Mart also has their delightful Star Wars Series figures up for grabs, and Unstable Games has a number of Blind Box figures that are full of personality and won’t take up too much shelf space either. You can find all the recommendations below.

• Arcane League of Legends: Season One (4K)
• Squishmallows Original Stranger Things (Demogorgon) (Eleven)
• Care Bears Hello Kitty Loves Cheer Bear
• Robosen Buzz Lightyear Robot
• Elgato Stream Deck Neo
• Elgato Facecam Neo
• Transformers Optimus Prime 3D Puzzle Model Kit with LED Lights
• Mondo Godzilla and King Kong Tiki Mugs
• Daria & Jane Figure Set
• Mondo X-Men ’97 Cyclops
• Pop Mart Star Wars Series Figures
• Wicked Movie Dolls
• Monster High Enid Sinclair Doll
• Monster High x Wednesday Collectible Rave’N Wednesday Doll
• Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets Video Game
• Unstable Games Mini Figures
• Timeless Toni Storm (Black & White) AEW Ringside Exclusive
• Outsiders WWE Ultimate Editoin 2-Pack Ringside Exclusive
• WWE From the Vault Ringside Exclusives
• Sting The Ripper (All In 2023) AEW Ringside Exclusive
• CM Punk (MITB 2011) WWE Ultimate Edition Ringside Exclusive
• Switchblade Jay White AEW Ringside Exclusive

The Stylish Geek

Last but certainly not least is the fan who wants to wear their fandom on their sleeve, and in this case sometimes literally. If you’re looking for something perfect for kids, the Reebok x Blippi basketball sneaker is pretty slick and is made for toddlers. Those looking to add further style with some bright colors thrown in can pick up the Minnie Mouse Vacation Style Headband, Smurfs Smurfette Mini Backpack, or the Barbie Anniversary Wallet, and the Her Universe Star Wars Rebel Overalls should be a big hit as well.

If you’re into Wicked, you can’t go wrong with BoxLunch’s Defying Gravity shirt and Elphaba hoodie, and the Darth Vader Sith baseball journey will be an easy homerun for Christmas too. You can check out the full recommendations below.

• Reebok x Blippi BB 4000 II Mid Basketball Shoes
• The Smurfs Smurfette Cosplay Mini Backpack
• Kuromi Women’s Black Long Sleeve Cosplay Sherpa Zip-Up Hoodie
• Wicked Defying Gravity Women’s Panel Crewneck
• Hello Kitty Happy Holidays Women’s Sleep Set
• Wicked Elphaba Portrait Hoodie
• Star Wars Darth Vader Sith Baseball Jersey
• Dr. Seuss The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Knit Scarf & Pom Beanie Set Red
• Her Universe Star Wars Rebel Symbols Women’s Corduroy Overalls
• Minnie Mouse Vacation Style Poolside Ear Headband
• Sonic The Hedgehog Sonic Christmas Wreath Long Sleeve White Adult Sweatshirt
• Barbie 65th Anniversary Exclusive Sequin Flap Wristlet Wallet
• Sonic The Hedgehog Main Character Men’s Blue Bifold Wallet
• Sonic the Hedgehog Video Game Character Mens All over Print Sleep Pajama Pants

What did you think of our list, and will you be picking up anything for the holidays? Let me know on Threads and Twitter @mattaguilarcb and on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Christmas Holiday Guide: Toys, Games, Collectibles, and Gear Perfect for the Season appeared first on ComicBook.com.

They’re the Merc with the Mouth and the Best There Is: Deadpool and Wolverine. After their team up in this summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine and Deadpool & Wolverine: WWIII, the dysfunctional duo Wade and Logan are slashing their way into Deadpool/Wolverine, a new ongoing series reuniting writer Benjamin Percy and artist Joshua Cassara (X-Force). The series not only reunites Wolverine and Deadpool (who is currently dead but will be revived in Cody Ziglar’s current Deadpool comic run in January) but Logan with another familiar face from his time on Team X.

Marvel’s February 2025 solicitations tease the return of Christoph Nord, a.k.a. Maverick, a member of the black-ops team overseen by the CIA. A new look at issue #2 comes with a solicit that reveals the return of a “fan-favorite villain” after a “shock reveal” in the pages of Deadpool/Wolverine #1. See the solicits below.

RELATED: Deadpool vs. Spider-Man Spills Pools of Blood in Marvel Crossover

Before they disbanded in the early 1970s, the CIA sent Team X — among them Wolverine, Maverick, John Wraith, Silver Fox, and Sabretooth — to missions in Cuba, Vietnam, and Berlin.

Percy dug into Team X’s past with Maverick in 2021’s Wolverine #8-10 when the mind-wiped mutant was up for bid during a black-market auction, part of a plot between the CIA’s X-Desk and Danger (the physical manifestation of the X-Men’s Danger Room). It was later learned that Danger was supplying the CIA with robotic replicas of the X-Men for anti-mutant purposes after Wolverine and Deadpool ran afoul of the masked mercenary (in Wolverine #22) and defeated Maverick in Las Vegas.

RELATED: How Marvel Is Bringing Deadpool Back from the Dead

“Maverick is the best kind of bastard. The best kind of bastard is worth having around, but only if there’s beers to be drank or bullets to be dodged,” Logan said in Wolverine #9. “‘You can’t trust him with your wife but you can trust him with your life’ kind of deal. Long as you’re playing for the same team, that is. Long as you’re dodging the same bullets. But like every pretty boy, he only really cares about one person, and that’s numero uno.”

Deadpool/Wolverine #1

WADE AND LOGAN – TOGETHER AGAIN! The most unlikely team-up turned most demanded one, DEADPOOL and WOLVERINE are BACK! Together again and ready to blow your minds in this ongoing series that hits like a never-ending action movie – with the fate of the world in the balance! When a fan-favorite VILLAIN is unearthed, you’ll get to see a new side of our heroes and their adversary, as an ages-long plan comes to fruition. And the only thing that stands between the Earth and annihilation is the Best There Is and the Merc With The Mouth. Brought to you by another legendary pairing – writer Benjamin Percy (Wolverine, Hellverine) and artist Joshua Cassara (X-Force, X-Men) – these comic superstars put your favorite super heroes through their paces in a series chock-full of surprises, twist reveals and a villainous plot that’ll turn long-term and newly arriving X-readers’ heads. This is one for the pull list! RATED PARENTAL ADVISORY.

On sale: Jan. 1, 2025

Deadpool/Wolverine #2

DEATH BY FOSSIL (AND WE DON’T MEAN LOGAN)! Following last month’s shock reveal, DEADPOOL and WOLVERINE follow the clues from their lost mission in an attempt to save the present. But not before a decidedly monstrous attack dredges up some new twists on ancient creatures! But if they can survive, they’ve got enemies on their tails: And MAVERICK wants answers! RATED PARENTAL ADVISORY.

On sale: Feb. 12, 2025

The post Marvel Teases the Return of a Fan-Favorite Villain in New Deadpool & Wolverine Series appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Spider-Man is dead. Long live Spider-Man. November’s Amazing Spider-Man #61 marked the first issue of Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness’ run on the title and the start of 8 Deaths of Spider-Man, the 10-part saga that sees Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Doom magically grant Spider-Man eight extra lives. Doom then declared Spider-Man as Earth’s Champion in the Covenant of Cyttorak who must battle the eight Scions of Cyttorak, children of the god of destruction: the immovable Cyttorak the Destroyer who empowers Cain Marko as his avatar, the unstoppable Juggernaut.

Doom armed Spider-Man with arcane armor giving him access to the Mystic Arts and eight of the life-restoring Reeds of Raggadorr (of the Octessence, one of eight mystical entities invoked by Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme). Spider-Man died battling Cyntros, first of the Scions of Cyttorak, when he was sucked into the source of his power: a blackheart hole.

Cause of death: “Spaghettification,” one of the “most rare and excruciating deaths in the universe.” As explained by former S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Phil Coulson, now the embodiment of Death in the Marvel Universe, Spider-Man’s body was stretched and compressed on an atomic level as it was pulled into the gravity well of Cyntros’ black hole. The Reeds revived Spider-Man by forcing his atoms to reform in an excruciating rebirth.

RELATED: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man, Explained: Where to Start Reading the New Era of The Amazing Spider-Man

Doctor Strange, in his astral form, appeared and told Spider-Man: “You’re alive and in perfect health. The bad news is you have to fight and defeat the rest of the Scions of Cyttorak… likely dying in the process… rebirthing… seven more times. If you don’t… the Earth falls.” To save the world, Spider-Man will die again… and again… and again.

It was once Strange’s duty to defeat the Scions when he often invoked the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak, but then Doom manipulated Strange into giving up the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. Doom explained that Earth’s former Sorcerer Supreme was studying the Darkhold when he discovered the Crimson Casket of Cyttorak, who lords over the Crimson Cosmos while his Exemplars draw power from the Crimson Gem on Earth.

The Crimson Casket could protect Earth from cosmic threats, so Strange agreed to a pact with Cyttorak and a covenant was formed. In exchange for Cyttorak allowing the Casket to protect the Earthrealm, the Sorcerer Supreme would have to commit to defeating the eight Scions of Cyttorak who sought to prove themselves worthy of their father’s throne. Knowing the rivalry between Cyttorak and Raggadorr was as old as time itself, Strange used the Reeds of Raggadorr to ensure his resurrection after each death and defeat from the Scions.

Per the bargain, the Covenant demands that Earth put forth a Champion at the top of each Crimson Calendar to battle the Scions for Cyttorak’s amusement. Where Doom delegated those duties to Spider-Man, Strange himself paid the toll to maintain the Crimson Casket and protect the cosmos. Because Doom is busy saving the world he’ll rule as Emperor of the World, the task of protecting the Earth falls to Spider-Man.

Marvel’s February 2025 solicitations reveal that 8 Deaths of Spider-Man will conclude with a crossover with the new X-Men team that includes Cyttorak’s avatar: the Juggernaut. In Amazing Spider-Man #68, Spider-Man will exhaust his eighth life… and in Amazing Spider-Man #68.Deaths, it’s up to the X-Men to save a dead Spider-Man just in time for Doom’s reign to begin in One World Under Doom.

RELATED: The Rise of Emperor Doom: How Doctor Doom Became the New Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe

The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Reading Order

Amazing Spider-Man #61: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 1

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN BEGIN! The world has changed, Dcotor Doom is Sorcerer Supreme, but he has no plans to spend his time like his predecessor… Each year, Doctor Strange would use every ounce of his power and experience to save the world from an evil god and his scions. This year, Doom is delegating this task to… SPIDER-MAN?! The leader of Latveria has given Spider-Man a new, magic-powered suit and EIGHT EXTRA LIVES with which to save the world?! True Believer, they won’t be enough…

On sale: Nov. 13, 2024

Amazing Spider-Man #62: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 2

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUE! Spider-Man, one death down, faces the next SCION OF CYTTORAK! That’s right, the god Spider-Man faces is the patron of JUGGERNAUT! Juggernaut is about ten times more powerful than Spider-Man with only a fraction of Cyttorak’s power! To quote a wise philosopher… “Uh-oh.”

On sale: Nov. 27, 2024

Amazing Spider-Man #63: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 3

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! Spider-Man finds himself face-to-face with CYRIOS, SCION OF CYTORRAK! Cyrios represents the inevitability of time and takes Spider-Man on a heartbreaking tour through Peter Parker’s past AND future in excruciating detail. How many deaths will Spider-Man spend trying to alter his past and save his future?!

On sale: Dec. 11, 2024

Amazing Spider-Man #64: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 4

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! Cytorrak’s most dangerous scion, CALLIX, and his deadly CRIMSON CANINES take their turn to inflict physical pain on Spider-Man. Spidey doesn’t have many deaths left to spend…

On sale: Dec. 25, 2024

Amazing Spider-Man #65: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 5

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! Spider-Man has faced four Scions and is running out of extra lives. This issue’s scion, CYRA, represents the very power of Death Itself and makes Spider-Man watch everything he loves die. Can Spider-Man possibly withstand this punishment?

On sale: Jan. 8, 2025

Amazing Spider-Man #65.Deaths: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 6 (Bonus Issue)

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! While Spider-Man is facing the Scion who wields the power of Death, the new EMBODIMENT of death, PHIL COULSON, gets to know his powers better. Phil has always been there to help heroes in every way he can, but can he help Spider-Man to save our universe?

On sale: Jan. 15, 2025

Amazing Spider-Man #66: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 7

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! Spider-Man has been broken, and someone needs to pick up the pieces. Maybe an old flame? Now that the CHAMPION has fallen, can the universe withstand what comes next? Are there any who can stand in the way of an inevitable god?

On sale: Jan. 22, 2025

Amazing Spider-Man #67: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 8

With his patron, Cyttorak, attacking the world, Juggernaut won’t just sit aside. But he’s not a solo act… The X-Men get involved to help Spider-Man save the world!

On sale: Feb. 12, 2025

Amazing Spider-Man #68: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 9

The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man continues! The Scions of Cytorrak are too much and Spider-Man has used up ALL of his lives. Is this the FINAL death of Spider-Man!?

On sale: Feb. 19, 2025

Amazing Spider-Man #68.Deaths: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 10 (Finale)

With Spider-Man now DEAD, it’s up to the X-Men to win the day and save the universe. But why are they fighting EACH OTHER?!?!

On sale: Feb. 26, 2025

The post Marvel Teases Spider-Man Dies (Again) in Crossover With the X-Men appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Deadpool is coming back from the dead to kill Spider-Man. Despite starring in the billion-dollar Deadpool & Wolverine over the summer, Deadpool died at the hands of new villain Death Grip in September’s Deadpool #6. Marvel has already announced the regenerating degenerate would regenerate in Deadpool #10 in January, with the old Deadpool joining forces with the new Deadpool: Wade’s daughter, Ellie Camacho. The dad and daughter duo behind Deadpool & Daughters will then have their first joint mission: taking out the vampire Spider-Man, Miles Morales.

Marvel Comics has announced Pools of Blood, a four-issue crossover between writer Cody Ziglar’s current runs on Deadpool and Miles Morales: Spider-Man. Miles met (and briefly fought) the Taskmaster-trained Ellie in a bonus story in the pages of Miles Morales: Spider-Man #25 in October, which also saw the currently vampiric Miles suit up in a new Vibranium Spider-Man suit from Black Panther to help treat his condition.

RELATED: Marvel Brings Deadpool Back From the Dead

Miles will need it to survive double Deadpools when Pools of Blood spills out into Deadpool #11-12 and Miles Morales: Spider-Man #30-31 in February and March.

“Anyone who knows me knows how much esteem I hold for Miles and the Deadpools,” Ziglar shared. “Which is why I’m so excited to write a crossover that lets them all interact! Ellie is new to the super hero scene so having her interact with someone else who’s picked up a mantle was so fun to write.”

Deadpool #11: Pools of Blood Part One

It all begins in Deadpool #11 where Deadpool & Daughter embark on their first major job: TO TAKE OUT SPIDER-MAN! It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it. Or, at least they do if they want to get paid.  And the events of recent issues have put them in quite a pickle!

Written by Cody Ziglar with art by Andrea Di Vito and cover by Taurin Clarke
On sale: Feb. 12, 2025

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #30: Pools of Blood Part Two

“Pools of Blood” continues in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #30! Spider-Man is back in Brooklyn – only to find himself right in the crosshairs of DEADPOOL…BOTH Deadpools! Wade Wilson has gone too far this time…and messed with the WRONG Spider-Man. How far will Wade go to collect on this contract, and who is really behind this job?! Whoever it is, it can’t be good for Deadpool OR Miles Morales!

Written by Cody Ziglar with art by Luigi Zagaria and cover by Federio Vicentini
On sale: Feb. 19, 2025

Deadpool #12: Pools of Blood Part Three

RELATED: Deadpool Holiday Special Puts a Yuletide Twist on Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine

It doesn’t matter who wins this fight, some bad #$%& is still going to happen! See what we mean in Deadpool #12. Wade’s only hope is to knock out Miles. Ellie is having second thoughts. But can the Deadpools and their business survive without this win? Not if Agent Gao has anything to say about it!

Written by Cody Ziglar with art by Andrea Di Vito and cover by Taurin Clarke
On sale: March 12, 2025

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #31: Pools of Blood Part Four

As “Pools of Blood” concludes in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #31, the enemy of Spider-Man’s enemy is…DEADPOOL? But first, Spidey and the Deadpools have a score to settle. Should Miles Morales survive THIS fight…he’ll have to face the terrifying threat pulling all these strings!

Written by Cody Ziglar with art by Luigi Zagaria and cover by Federio Vicentini
On sale: March 19, 2025

Also in 2025: Deadpool and Wolverine will reunite in Deadpool/Wolverine #1, the first in a new ongoing series by writer Benjamin Percy (Wolverine) and artist Joshua Cassara (X-Force) before Wade and Logan join the deadliest X-team ever in Weapon X-Men by Joe Casey (X-Men) and artist ChrisCross (Captain Marvel).

The post Deadpool vs. Spider-Man Spills Pools of Blood in Marvel Crossover appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Young Avengers are cruising into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Disney Experiences previously announced an expansion of its Avengers Campus themed areas at Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure Park, including the MCU-based Avengers Infinity Defense ride that will assemble Avengers from across the Multiverse. Meanwhile, with Marvel Studios teeing up the Young Avengers on both the big and small screens (in Ms. Marvel, The Marvels, Hawkeye, Agatha All Along, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), a team expansion takes place aboard the newest Disney Cruise ship.

At the Worlds of Marvel restaurant on the Disney Treasure, Cassie Lang/Stature (Kathryn Newton), Riri Williams/Ironheart (Dominique Thorne), and America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) can be seen interacting during the new Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix show.

The trio of young superheroes are “celebrating their latest victory,” the Kerry Condon-voiced F.R.I.D.A.Y. says in the video below (courtesy of Attractions Magazine). As the Iron Man-made artificial intelligence goes on about “teamwork,” America suggests a game of shuffleboard before the feed cuts out.

RELATED: How to Watch Every Marvel Movie and TV Show in Timeline Order

Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix shouldn’t be considered canon with the MCU movies, however. According to the official MCU timeline, Groot was Baby Groot in 2014, and America, Cassie, and Riri didn’t become superheroes until years later — in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, respectively — which take place roughly around the same time in the year 2025. (When ComicBook visited Avengers Campus, Disney creatives confirmed that the Disney Parks version of the MCU exists in a separate continuity that is not canon with the Sacred Timeline.)

“The lovely thing about the comic books and the films is that between them we’ve seen a million different versions of the multiverse, a million different versions of these characters. Avengers: Endgame especially gave us the opportunity to go back in time and then split off in a different timeline,” Walt Disney Imagineering staff writer and Avengers Campus story lead Jillian Pagan explained to ComicBook. “So that’s how we like to look at our activation that we have, if you think about when [the Avengers] went back to 2012 and Endgame, they had a shared history. The two timelines had a shared history up until that point.”

Avengers Campus — which tells an interconnected storyline across Disney’s theme parks and fleet of cruise ships worldwide — is set in a version of the MCU where the Thanos snap never happened, and other events may have happened differently.

“And then there was a divergence and Loki takes the Tesseract over here and they’re doing things over there, and in our timeline we have a shared history with the films,” Pagan continued. “We will continue to have a shared history as we move forward, so there’ll be a little bit of fluidity to that timeline, but clearly we live in a version of the multiverse where there are some characters who did not sacrifice themselves for us. They are alive and well and now welcome you to it.”

RELATED: The MCU Young Avengers Team Is Nearly Complete

Who are the Young Avengers in the MCU?

Marvel Studios has yet to confirm its Young Avengers roster, but the MCU has introduced characters who formed various iterations of the team in the comic books. In addition to America Chavez, Stature, and Ironheart, potential members include Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel (in Ms. Marvel and The Marvels), Elijah Bradley/Patriot (in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Captain America: Brave New World), Billy Maximoff/Wiccan (in WandaVision and Agatha All Along) and his twin brother Tommy Shepherd/Speed (in WandaVision), Kate Bishop/Hawkeye (in Hawkeye), and Kid Loki (in Loki).

In the post-credits scene of The Marvels, Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) pulled a Nick Fury and recruited Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) to an as-yet-unnamed team with “Ant-Man’s daughter.” “I’m putting together a team,” Kamala said. “And I want you on it.”

Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix

Inspired by 2017’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Disney Treasure’s Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix is an “out-of-this-world celebration honoring the many Super Heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe who keep the world safe,” per a description provided by Disney. “Featuring the lively duo of Rocket Racoon and Groot from the blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy films, the story of Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix unfolds onscreen when Groot takes fun times to the next level, organizing the ultimate surprise party for his friend Rocket — just in time for dessert!”

Narrated by F.R.I.D.A.Y., diners “drop in on your favorite heroes, both around the world and across the galaxy” as they eat to the beat of an “awesome mix” of hit songs. The experience also tests fans’ Marvel knowledge with on-screen trivia and activities for the whole family as they dine on “a worldly menu” inspired by the MCU.

Themed to the “Avengers Technology Showcase,” the dining experience offers a menu that includes Wakandan Salads, offerings from the Sokovian Kettle, an Avengers-inspired Lamb Shawarma Salad, and desserts from the Quantum Realm, like the Subatomic Sticky Pudding and Quantum Key Lime Pie.

Also offered aboard the Disney Treasure is Avengers Quantum Encounter. Launched on the Disney Wish in 2022, the interactive dining experience brought back the villain Ultron and similarly featured Captain America (Anthony Mackie), Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) reprising their roles in the cruise-exclusive show.

The Disney Treasure sets sail on Dec. 21, 2024.

The post The MCU Young Avengers Assembled, But Is It Marvel Canon? appeared first on ComicBook.com.

They are the deadliest hunters in the galaxy: the Yautja. He is the apex predator of the jungle: the Black Panther. Over the course of the four-issue Predator vs. Black Panther series from writer Benjamin Percy (Wolverine) and artists Chris Allen (X-Force), Sean Hill (Wakanda), and Lee Ferguson (Blade), the warriors of Wakanda and the alien warriors of a Yautja clan have clashed over Earth’s most valuable resource: Godmetal, what the people of Wakanda know as Vibranium. The Yautja turned Wakanda into a bloody hunting ground in search of the Wakandan Vibranium that King T’Challa and his ancestors have protected for centuries.

Years ago, rival Yautja clans led by two brothers staked a claim over a planet in the Wolf Star System as their hunting grounds. The brothers battled for the respect of their father, the King, who wielded his prized hunting trophy: a Vibranium-tipped spear. The father favored his stronger son over his smaller, one-legged son, so they engaged in a blood hunt that only one brother would survive. The winner would claim their honor — and the throne.

RELATED: How to Watch the Predator Movies in Order (and Where to Stream)

The older brother’s clan won their blood sport because of the rare metallic substance in the King’s spear, collected during the father’s month-long hunt on Earth. The advanced technology of the Yautja was laced with the Godmetal to create a weapon that the smaller brother could not defeat. Rather than kill his sibling, granting him the honor of dying in battle, the elder brother stripped him of his weapons, tied him to a totem, and left him to die in dishonor.

But where his brother was bigger and stronger, he was smarter. The Yautja integrated tech into his body to make himself more formidable, including subcutaneous wrist blades, and targeted the Vibranium spear. If he could possess the metal that absorbs vibratory energy, he could fashion himself a helmet, body armor, wrist gauntlets, and a leg to build himself into the ultimate Predator. The younger Yautja took what remained of his disadvantaged clan and traveled to Earth to hunt down the source of the Vibranium: the African nation of Wakanda.

The Yautja hacked the cloaking technology shielding the kingdom from the outside world and invaded Wakanda, the isolated nation built on superior technology sourced from their Vibranium supply. King T’Challa chose to protect his kingdom by keeping Wakanda and their resources secret, but his sister, Princess Shuri, planned to open Wakanda’s borders and share their resources with the world.

Using their cloaking systems, the Predators hunted the Black Panther as the Yautja sought to claim his Vibranium-woven suit. The Yautja warrior would have his prize: the Yautja and his hunting party first killed the perimeter watch then trapped Wakanda’s people within the dome meant to keep the world out, turning Wakanda into the Yautja’s hunting preserve.

Ultimate Predator vs. Black Panther

The Yautja attacked General Okoye and the Dora Milaje, killing Nala and claiming her head as a trophy. The Dora Milaje responded by killing one of the hunting Predators, who had compromised Wakanda’s technology and temporarily incapacitated its king. The elder seer Maji Kina foresaw the death of Wakanda if T’Challa could not stop the invaders from claiming his throne. But the Black Panther defeated and killed one of the Yautja’s clan warriors, proving himself a worthy prey. As they raided the Great Mound — the source of Wakanda’s Vibranium — the Yautja paused his hunt. He would instead use the Godmetal to create armor, weapons, and warships to defeat his father and brother, take the throne, and reclaim his honor.

Meanwhile, Black Panther and Wakanda’s warriors, the Dora Milaje and the Hatut Zeraze, hunted the hunters. A hunter-predator killed Maji Kina with a spear through the eyes while he was trapped outside of Wakanda’s perimeter with Shuri, who barely survived her fight with the Predator she killed, avenging Maji Kina. She claimed the Predator’s helmet to reverse-engineer Yautja technology as her brother, struck down by the Yautja’s plasma blast, visited the Ancestral Plane.

T’Challa consulted with his grandfather, Azzuri the Wise, who told him that Wakanda once fought these enemies decades earlier. Hundreds of Wakandans died defending Vibranium, and the survivors studied their technological advancements to create a perimeter shield based on the Yautja’s cloaking technology. Azzuri was called an isolationist, but he siloed off Wakanda to protect its people from not just these predators — but all predators.

“There will be nothing but bones and ashes left of Wakanda if these predators have their way,” Azzuri warned T’Challa. “You must stop them. The Panther must win.” At the Great Mound, the Black Panther, the Dora Milaje, and the War Dogs stalked the hunters into the mines where the Yautja unleashed an army of Predators clad in Vibranium armor.

With Okoye and Akili at his side, Black Panther told his warriors to pick off the Yautja as they brutally stalked and killed a War Dog. Meanwhile, Shuri sent a distress signal that was answered by Captain America’s partner, the Falcon, outside the Wakanda perimeter shield. Shuri hacked the slain Yautja’s technology and took to the skies with Falcon as her brother infiltrated the mines beneath Wakanda’s Great Mound.

The Yautja decapitated Akili and turned the Dora Milaje into a red spray as their alien weapons blew their heads off before they set sight on the enemy. Okoye survived and plunged her Vibranium-tipped spear into the Predator’s armor. As the remaining Yautja attacked from the shadows, Black Panther fought his way to their leader: the brother with the red scar.

Black Panther shed his armor. The Yautja shed his armor. They fought face to face, skin to skin, spear to spear — as honor demanded. T’Challa pinned the Yautja, put the Vibranium spear to his throat, and told him to yield. Remembering the disgrace he suffered from his father and brother, the Yautja attacked T’Challa, slashing at him with subcutaneous wrist blades.

Predator Versus Black Panther: To the Victor Go the Spoils

RELATED: Marvel Announces Predator vs. Spider-Man: Who Wins?

Predator vs. Black Panther #4 ended with the Yautja and T’Challa at a standstill. Predators and the Wakandans proved evenly matched, and the Yautja took the Godmetal they came for with a promise to return for a rematch stronger than before. As Okoye reunited with the wounded king, Shuri and Falcon intercepted the Yautja starship escaping with the stolen Vibranium. As the Yautja approached the atmosphere, he sent a message to his brother: he was returning home to win back his honor with the Godmetal — and with blood. Shuri planted a bomb on the Yautja’s ship that then detonated, destroying the would-be king. In the end, nothing survived the blast but the Vibranium.

Lightyears away, the Predator King and his favored son received the warning message. It alerted them to the source of the Godmetal they would need to advance their arsenal and allow the Yautja to battle any army in the cosmos — including Earth’s. Next: Predator Vs. Spider-Man #1 brings the battle to New York City in 2025.

The post Marvel’s Bloody Black Panther vs. Predator Fight Finishes With Surprising Results appeared first on ComicBook.com.

There’s no place like Disneyland for the holidays. From Nov. 15 through Jan. 6, 2025, the Happiest Place on Earth is transformed into the Merriest Place on Earth as Disney decks the halls with festive decor, holiday-themed attractions transformations, and limited-time seasonal entertainment offerings at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. And in the time-honored traditions of a classic Christmas, there’s a visit from the big guy in red who gives the gift of holiday cheer: Deadpool, the merry Merc with a Mouth. (Of course, Santa Claus comes to town, too.)

Below, we’ve made a list (and checked it twice) of 12 ways to celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort with characters from Deadpool & Wolverine, The Princess and the Frog, Encanto, Coco, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and many more.

1. The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special

RELATED: Deadpool Holiday Special Puts a Yuletide Twist on Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine

Following Deadpool’s debut at Avengers Campus, Wade Wilson and his best bub — the “grumpy gumdrop” Wolverine — are more naughty than nice (but still all-ages appropriate) in the new Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special. The official description: “Deadpool is filled with holiday cheer and is here to share some new, super-special, seasonal stories. These tales will delight, charm and celebrate the holidays in the way only Deadpool can.”

In the spirit of the Christmas-themed, PG-13 version of Deadpool 2 (titled Once Upon a Deadpool), the 10-minute show sees Santa Pool put a twist on classic Christmas poems with references to Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine.

Where: Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure Park (located between Hyperion Theater and Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT!)
When: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:40 pm, 4:30 pm

2. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

It’s a joyful celebration all year round with Princess Tiana. Newly opened on Nov. 15, the Disneyland version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure lets riders drop into a musical Mardi Gras party brought to life by Walt Disney Imagineering’s most advanced Audio-Animatronics yet. Previously Splash Mountain, the thrilling water ride has been re-themed to the 2009 Disney Animation film The Princess and the Frog and is the “next chapter story” for Tiana.

Where: Bayou Country, next to New Orleans Square in Disneyland Park
When: Park open to close (check the Disneyland app for hours)

3. Festival of Holidays: Sip and Savor Pass

Sample, sip and savor the flavors of Festival of Holidays with the Sip and Savor Pass, which is your ticket to an “amazing epicurean adventure” with globally inspired holiday food and beverages. Available in four-coupon or eight-coupon versions, the scannable pass can be digitally redeemed for select food and nonalcoholic beverages at the seven Festive Food Marketplaces located throughout Disney California Adventure Park: A Twist on Tradition, Brews & Bites, Favorite Things, Grandma’s Recipes, Holiday Duets, Merry Mash Ups, and Winter Sliderland.

Tasty tidings include the Holiday Mash Bowl (a mix of chicken, cheddar mashed potatoes and turkey gravy with cranberry stuffing crunch); the Holiday Duet (a half portion of savory kugel mac & cheese and vegetarian chorizo queso fundido mac & cheese with tortilla crunch); the Cranberry Christmas Mule (gin, elderflower & ginger liqueurs, cherry purée, cranberry & lime juices, topped with a citrus hard seltzer and garnished with a lime wedge gummy); Cookies & Cream Hazelnut Hot Cocoa (Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Hot Chocolate with cookies & cream flavors, melted chocolate, hazelnut purée and Irish cream syrup, garnished with strawberry whipped cream); and the Mickey-shaped Sticky Toffee Pudding Macaron (chocolate macaron filled with vanilla buttercream, date cake, and salted toffee sauce). (You can view the full food and beverages menu on the Disneyland website.)

Each 8-entitlement Sip and Savior Pass is $63 (tax included) and $58 for Magic Key holders; each 4-entitlement Sip and Savor Pass is $32 (tax included).

Where: Disney California Adventure Park
When: Nov. 15, 2024 — Jan. 6, 2025

4. Haunted Mansion Holiday

Season’s Screamings! The grim grinning ghosts of Walt Disney’s classic Haunted Mansion materialize alongside Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, and Oogie Boogie when Santa Jack wrecks the halls with merry and macabre décor inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. In the way that the stop motion-animated movie fuses Halloween and Christmas, the temporary seasonal overlay blends together spooky season with the hap-happiest season of all.

Haunted Mansion Holiday features more than two dozen additional animated figures, 100 jack-o-lanterns, 400 flickering candles, 1,000 orange tree lights, and over 7,500 square feet of snow covering the exterior graveyard even before guests step into the gingerbread-scented Grand Hall.

Where: New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park
When: Haunted Mansion Holiday operates daily, but you’ll need to use the free virtual queue (available on the Disneyland app). Virtual queues open at 7:00 am and 12:00 pm; once you enter into the virtual queue, you’ll be sorted into a group number with a return boarding time.

5. Disney Festival of Holidays Shows: Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season, A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel, and Mickey’s Happy Holidays

Disney’s multicultural celebrations return with two new offerings for 2024. During the day, Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season invites kids and families to sing along to songs from Encanto as Mirabel Madrigal and her friends come together for their Fiesta de Navidad celebration. At night, A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel celebrates the spirit of the holidays with stories and timeless songs that features Coco‘s Miguel Rivera.

“¡Viva Navidad! is now Saturday-Sunday, which opened up a window Monday through Friday for us to create two new offerings,” informs Disney Live Entertainment Show Director Tobi Longo. “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season is a theatrical version of storytelling with singing and dancing to the songs of Encanto, featuring live characters. Then at night, we’ve created A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel with our in-house mariachi group.”

Inspired by the Mexican Christmas tradition of Las Posadas, the processional nighttime show ends around the fountain outside the Carthay Circle Restaurant for a sing along of traditional Christmas carols in Spanish and English. Miguel makes an appearance to lead a candlelit sing along of “Silent Night,” making for a “colorful, gorgeous, fun, high-energy and sentimental experience,” Longo says.

Disney ¡Viva Navidad! features appearances by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mirabel, and The Three Caballeros (America’s Donald Duck, Mexico’s Panchito Pistoles, and Brazil’s José Carioca), with the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! street party performing on the weekends. Additionally, guests can dance along as Mickey and friends march to the merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers in Mickey’s Happy Holidays.

Where: Located outside the entrance to Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure Park
When: Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season runs five times daily Mondays through Fridays, with showtimes at 1:10 pm, 2:10 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:45 pm, and 5:45 pm

Where: At Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park
When: A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel runs weekday evenings with showtimes at 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:45 pm, 8:45 pm, and 9:45 pm

Where: The Mickey’s Happy Holidays processional starts near the Paradise Gardens Park Obelisk Viewing Area in Disney California Adventure Park
When: 12:45 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm

6. Mickey Mouse & Friends Decked Out in New Holiday Outfits

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Clarabelle Cow are clad in new wintry wear. This year, Elf Mickey and Elf Minnie’s outfits inspired a sleigh full of new themed products, including the Elf Mickey Shake (a mint and chocolate cookie shake garnished with green whipped cream and crushed peppermint candy) or the Mickey Elf Bucket, which can be found at various locations throughout Disneyland, the Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Plus, in the spirit of the 1952 animated short Pluto’s Christmas Tree, guests can grab a map in Downtown Disney District and set off down the all-new Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail pursuit. From Nov. 22 — Jan. 1, the scavenger hunt lets you search for 12 decorated ornaments hidden throughout Downtown Disney and claim a small keepsake.

Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Chip and Dale and more characters will don their holiday pajamas to join their guests during Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party at Storytellers Cafe Breakfast and Brunch (Nov. 19 — Jan. 1) located in Disney’s Grand Californian. Reservations are recommended, and experiences include Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Character Brunch on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28), the Storytellers Cafe Thanksgiving Character Dinner (Nov. 28), the Mickey’s Holiday Pajama Party Brunch for Christmas (Dec. 24 and Dec. 25), and the Storytellers Cafe Christmas Character Dinner (Dec. 24 and Dec. 25). (Visit Disney dining for prices and reservations.)

Where: Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney District; use the Disneyland app to locate your favorite characters
When: Nov. 15, 2024 — Jan. 6, 2025

7. Treat Yo Elf to Festive Foods

In addition to the 2024 Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass, yule savor the flavors of holiday-themed treats across the Disneyland Resort. If you’re looking for treats with some character, try the new Christmas Mickey-Shaped Cookie (shortbread cookie dipped in white chocolate with holiday sprinkles and chocolate Mickey decoration), the Peppermint Mickey Mallow (marshmallow dipped in dark chocolate covered in crushed peppermint), or the Gingerbread Mickey Cereal Treat (cereal treat dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with red and green colored-chocolate and a dark chocolate Mickey face).

You’ll “oooooh” over the Toy Story-inspired Alien Reindeer Macaron (filled with salted caramel buttercream, chocolate ganache, and brownie pieces) and the Holiday Green Drink (apple-flavored beverage topped with caramel cold foam and sprinkles). For Star Wars fans, there’s the new Darth by Peppermint (layers of chocolate sponge, chocolate pudding, and peppermint mousse finished with crunchy pearls, cookies and cream pieces, candy cane sprinkles, and Darth Vader and red lightsaber decorations.

Looking for some super sweet treats? From The Incredibles is the Glowing Jack-Jack Cookie (shortbread cookie dipped in chocolate with a Jack-Jack chocolate piece), and from Big Hero 6, there’s the new Santa Baymax Macaron (peppermint buttercream, chocolate ganache, and dark chocolate crunchies).

Disney has put a twist on theme park and holiday favorites like the all-new Cranberry Pomegranate Mint Julep (the classic mint julep with cranberry and pomegranate juices), the Peppermint Bark Dipping Sauce (with chocolate peppermint bark), and Peppermint Mickey-shaped Beignets (dusted with peppermint powdered sugar) — all can be had at the Mint Julep Bar, located within the garden patio of Tiana’s Palace just steps away from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Other classic flavors include the new Peppermint S’mores Hot Chocolate (with peppermint syrup topped with whipped topping, chocolate syrup, mini marshmallows, crushed candy cane, and graham cracker dust) at Café Daisy; the Eggnog Old-Fashioned (Buffalo Trace Bourbon, bitters, and orange-infused brown sugar syrup, Luxardo Maraschino Cherry, and candied orange peel topped with eggnog cream) at Carnation Café; the Peppermint Cold Brew Float (peppermint ice cream, Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee, and whipped topping) from Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor; the new fresh-baked Gingerbread Cookies and Gingerbread Whipped Topping at Harbour Galley; and the beary good Holiday Funnel Fries (cinnamon sugar-dusted with caramel drizzle, vanilla ice cream, whipped topping, holiday sprinkles, and crushed TWIX cookie bar pieces), which can be found at the newly renovated Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree in Bayou Country.

8. Handmade Candy Canes

An old-fashioned favorite, a limited number of hand made candy canes will be available on select dates throughout December. According to Disney, wristbands or a mobile wait list will be utilized for a chance to purchase one of the candy canes (which are not available via mobile order on the Disneyland app).

Disneyland Hand Made Candy Canes 2024 Schedule:

Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen (Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland Park)
December 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24

Trolley Treats (Buena Vista Street, Disney California Adventure Park)
November 30
December 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25

9. A Christmas Fantasy Parade

Beloved Disney characters join Santa Claus for a merry musical celebration that heads right down Main Street, U.S.A. Featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Toy Story‘s Buzz, Woody, and Jessie, Frozen‘s Anna, Elsa, and Olaf, and a Candlelight Ball with the Disney Princesses — plus Santa and his prancing reindeer, marching toy soldiers, and more — it’s a 40-minute jolly jamboree that’s not to be missed. (While waiting for the parade on Main Street, you can watch as the 65-foot tree in Town Square is illuminated with thousands of shimmering lights during the nightly Tree Lighting at 5:00 pm sharp.)

Where: Disneyland Park
When: 2:30 pm, 5:30 PM

10. Believe…In Holiday Magic Nighttime Spectacular

To paraphrase Elsa: Let it snow! A nostalgic favorite, the festive fireworks show transforms Disneyland Park into a magical winter wonderland with “snowfall” when viewed from parts of Main Street, U.S.A., along the Rivers of America, and it’s a small world Holiday in Fantasyland. The 15-minute show in the skies above Disneyland incorporates classic Christmas songs — including “March of the Wooden Soldiers,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “The Christmas Song” — and concludes with “White Christmas” and gentle “snowfall.”

The Disneyland holiday fireworks are perfectly complemented by the decor from the various vantage points: from Main Street, you’ll have a magical view of the 25,000 twinkling LED lights on sparkling “icicles” and shimmering snow-capped turrets that illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, and the 1,800 Victorian-inspired ornaments that adorn the 65-foot-tall Christmas tree overlooking Main Street. From Fantasyland, over 50,000 lights illuminate the facade of it’s a small world Holiday, and another 350,000 mini-lights illuminate the area around the classic attraction. (It’s a small world, after all.)

Where: Disneyland Park
When: Nightly at 9:30 pm

11. World of Color Season of Light Holiday Show

Now in its eighth year, this holiday-themed version of Disney California Adventure Park’s signature nighttime spectacular features 1,200 water fountains dancing to festive music as shimmering “snowflakes” light up all 3.5 acres of the picturesque Paradise Bay. Over the course of 23 minutes, you’ll wonder at scenes from classic Disney animated movies like Cinderella, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast, and Fantasia, along with modern favorites like Frozen and Inside Out, all set to a medley of music — and Goofy’s madcap musical light display.

This year, showings of World of Color — Season of Light are preceded by a showing of the all-new animated short Boat Snack, before it opens in front of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 (in theaters Nov. 27). According to Disney, “As the lights dim around Paradise Bay, the lagoon springs to life with thundering drums, animated projections, towering fountains, dazzling lasers, and sparkling lighting effects — magically transporting us onto the ocean for an epic, fun-filled, new adventure for the entire family.”

Where: Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure Park
When: 9:00 pm, 10:15 pm

12. Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends

Here comes Santa Claus, wearing his new mid-century Santa suit. In addition to his stops at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure Park (through Dec. 24) and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel (Nov. 28—Dec. 24), Santa and select characters will meet and greet guests throughout the day at the new Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends! at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park. (Once Santa returns ho-ho-home to the North Pole, Santa Goofy will take over his post on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail from Dec. 25—Jan. 6.)

Located across from it’s a small world Holiday and Mickey’s Toontown, Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends! at the Fantasyland Theatre is where kids (and kids at heart) can make arts and crafts, write letters to Santa, sing along to timeless holiday songs, plus live music by The Dickens Yuletide Band. If you’re looking for a story time more traditional than The Story Time With Deadpool Holiday Special, sit in on a reading of A Christmas Carol.

With postcard backdrops and a mini snow-covered village complete with a holiday tree, this is a great spot to pose for photos in winter-themed scenes and take a picture with a rotating roster of Disney characters — and Santa Claus himself.

Where: Fantasyland Theatre in Fantasyland at Disneyland Park
When: Daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

The Disneyland Holiday Ticket Offer

From Nov. 18 through Dec. 27, 2024, Disney+ subscribers can buy two days and get one free with the Disneyland Holiday Ticket offer (3-day, 1-park per day). Visit the Disneyland Resort website for tickets.

The post From Deadpool to Santa: 12 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Mr. Stark, you’ve become part of a bigger universe. After the Reed Richards of Earth-1610 used time travel to remake the world as the Maker — one where the Fantastic Four never existed and the superheroes of Earth-6160 were neutralized before they could gain their powers — a teenage Tony Stark started recruiting the Ultimates Network, a superhero resistance to oppose the Maker’s Council that rules the world from the shadows.

As the Ultimate Universe enters its second year, Marvel Comics is previewing upcoming issues of Ultimates, Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Black Panther, Ultimate X-Men, and the new series Ultimate Wolverine. From writer Chris Condon (Image’s That Texas Blood) and artist Alessandro Cappuccio (Moon Knight), Ultimate Wolverine spins out of December’s Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1, the one-shot finale to the first year of the new Ultimate line that also introduces Ultimate Nick Fury.

In 2025, T’Challa teams up with the mysterious Sorcerer Supreme, Spider-Man and the Green Goblin battle the Sinister Six’s Kraven the Hunter, the Maker’s Council unleashes the Winter Soldier, and the Ultimates recruit new members: the Ultimate Guardians of the Galaxy and Ultimate Luke Cage.

RELATED: Marvel’s Ultimate Universe: One Year In is the Ultimate Crossover

The new Ultimates — Iron Lad (Stark), Captain America (Steve Rogers), Thor, Sif, Hawkeye (Charli Ramsey), She-Hulk (Lejori Joena Zakaria), America Chavez, Giant-Man (Hank Pym), the Wasp (Janet van Dyne), the Human Torch (Jim Hammond), and Doom (Reed Richards of Earth-6160) — assembled for the first time in November’s Ultimates #6. That issue saw the network of heroes seek to liberate the dozen super-powered prisoners being held in a Damage Control black site by the Maker’s Council before the Maker’s return 12 months from now.

But the Ultimates were magically transported to the Immortal City of K’un-Lun, one of the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven ruled by the Hulk — a member of the Maker’s Council, the gray-skinned World-Breaker, and Strongest One There Is. There the Ultimates battled the Immortal Weapons of Hulk, nuclear-powered martial arts monsters who deftly defeated the heroes. Doom rescued the Ultimates, but not before Hulk smashed puny Stark, killing him. But as Iron Lad said in Ultimates #1: “We have a time machine. We can fix it.”

As it happens, Jonathan Hickman and Bryan Hitch’s Ultimate Invasion saw the Maker use the Immortus Engine to travel to the future of Earth-6160, where he encountered Kang (in an Iron Man-like armor) whose identity was mysteriously unrevealed. A look at Ultimates #9 shows an imprisoned Cage holding an orb like the one Stark gifted to Peter Parker to turn him into Spider-Man — 20 years after the married father of two was supposed to be bitten by the radioactive spider.

RELATED: Ultimate Spider-Man #12 Exclusive First Look Celebrates Christmas With Special Guest Stars

Ultimate Marvel Universe Year Two

Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1

THE CLOCK IS TICKING DOWN TO THE MAKER’S ARRIVAL! Deniz Camp flips the narrative on ULTIMATES and takes us inside the Maker’s Council! The heroes of the Ultimate Universe aren’t the only ones who have been preparing for the return of the Maker, and the clock is ticking down… This unique one-shot sets the stage for the second year of the Ultimate line and includes the debut of the Ultimate versions of two major Marvel characters!

On sale: Dec. 11, 2024

The Ultimates #8

THE ULTIMATE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY! America Chavez takes center stage in this issue as a group of galactic travelers from a far-flung, Maker-free future arrive in search of her!

On sale: Jan. 1, 2025

Ultimate Wolverine #1

THE MAKER’S ULTIMATE WEAPON! From rising star Chris Condon (That Texas Blood) and MOON KNIGHT powerhouse artist Alessandro Cappuccio comes the story of the ULTIMATE WOLVERINE! In order to maintain control of their corner of the Maker’s world, three members of his council – Magik, Colossus and Omega Red – deploy their most lethal asset: The Winter Soldier! But WHO is the weapon behind the mask?

On sale: Jan. 15, 2025

Ultimate Spider-Man #13

KRAVEN’S MOST DANGEROUS GAME! The Sinister Six are all hunting Spider-Man and the Green Goblin for their ringleader, Kingpin – and this time, Kraven has the upper hand in Jonathan Hickman & Marco Checchetto’s love letter to “Kraven’s Last Hunt”!

On sale: Jan. 22, 2025

The Ultimates #9

LUKE CAGE AND THE ULTIMATE PRISON BREAK! Stormbreaker and innovative artist Chris Allen joins Deniz Camp to bring us the history and the future of Luke Cage! Spider-Man isn’t the only success story of Ultimates 1.0…meet the man who has been quietly sabotaging the Maker’s Council from behind bars!

On sale: Feb. 5, 2025

Ultimate Spider-Man #14

SPIDER-MAN VERSUS KRAVEN! After the horrors Peter and Harry endured during Kraven’s Hunt in the last issue, Spider-Man and Green Goblin turn the hunter into the hunted! But are they still prey in someone else’s game?

On sale: Feb. 12, 2025

Ultimate Black Panther #13

ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER: YEAR TWO STARTS HERE! With MOON KNIGHT defeated and the Maker’s Council forced to regroup, T’Challa must learn the secrets of vibranium – because his very life and soul are at risk! The SORCERER SUPREME can help understand the truth of the terrifying element that built Wakanda, but her aid comes with a price…

On sale: Feb. 19, 2025

Ultimate Wolverine #2

THE MAKER’S COUNCIL AND THEIR ULTIMATE WEAPON! Colossus, Omega Red, and Magik put the Ultimate Wolverine to the test by seeing how well he handles the Opposition, a group fighting for mutant liberation!

On sale: Feb. 19, 2025

Ultimate X-Men #12

SHOWDOWN WITH THE SHADOW KING! Maystorm leads her team of masked mutants in a climactic battle against Shadow King! But the confrontation leads to a huge rift between best friends Maystorm and Armor…

On sale: Feb. 26, 2025

Ultimates #9 Ultimate Special Variant Cover by Inhyuk Lee

The post Marvel’s Ultimate Universe Phase Two: Ultimate Wolverine, Luke Cage, and the Guardians of the Galaxy appeared first on ComicBook.com.

If your name is Phillip and you attended Breckenridge Elementary with Robert Kirkman in Lexington, Kentucky, you’re a dead man. In the latest issue of The Walking Dead Deluxe, the creator recalled naming the comic book’s first major villain after his school bully: The Governor, a sadistic, psychopathic rapist who is ultimately eaten alive by zombies. (In the comics, the Governor’s real name is Brian Blake before he takes his brother Philip’s name. David Morrissey’s version on The Walking Dead television show was Philip Blake and used the name Brian as an alias.)

“In elementary school, the school bully of Breckenridge Elementary in Lexington, Kentucky was a boy named Phillip,” Kirkman wrote in this week’s The Walking Dead Deluxe #101. “So that’s usually my shorthand for sh-tty characters. I will never name a good character Phillip. They will always be a villain to some degree.”

RELATED: The Walking Dead Deluxe #100: Glenn’s Death Is Much More Horrific in Color

“I also have to be careful not to use that name for every bad/sh-tty character across all my books,” the Invincible and Void Rivals writer continued. Kirkman added that Phillip “was just the first instance of a human being I encountered who did mean things for no reason” and it “made an impression.”

“F— that guy,” Kirkman concluded.

Introduced in The Walking Dead #27, the Governor cut off Rick Grimes’ hand in his second appearance, raped Michonne, decapitated Tyreese, executed Hershel, and caused the deaths of Lori and Judith Grimes during an attack on the prison. (Those those are just a few of the atrocities committed by The Walking Dead‘s most twisted villain.) Michonne would eventually get her revenge on the Governor when she mutilated and tortured him to near-death before gouging out his eye with a spoon.

RELATED: The Walking Dead Artist Refused to Draw Controversial Comic Book Issue

“Boy was it a controversial issue,” Kirkman recounted in The Walking Dead Deluxe #33 when the issue was printed in color for the first time in 2022. “I always strived to be as brutal as I believed this world could get and not shy away from things… for better or for worse, that was the intent of [that] issue.”

Kirkman and author Jay Bonansinga fleshed out Brian/Philip’s backstory in four novels published between 2011 and 2014: The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor, The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury, and The Walking Dead: The Fall of the Governor Part One and Part Two.

The Walking Dead Deluxe #101, the latest issue in colorized reprint series, is on sale now from Image Comics.

The post Robert Kirkman Named a Walking Dead Villain After His School Bully: “F*** That Guy” appeared first on ComicBook.com.

To quote Edna Mode: “Never look back, darling. It distracts from the now.” Gameloft is looking ahead to the future of Disney Speedstorm, the Disney and Pixar-based free-to-play kart combat-racing game, with new seasons inspired by The Incredibles (in honor of the Pixar movie’s 20th anniversary), 2014’s Big Hero 6 (which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary), and Tron (ahead of the upcoming third installment, Tron: Ares).

Gameloft also announced that the game is shifting gears: seasons with six racers will continue rolling out over two months, while each new season with seven racers will be extended to three months “to ensure our game team has sufficient time to develop and polish the new content,” the publisher said.

RELATED: Disney Dreamlight Valley Update Gets Players Ready for The Storybook Vale

Disney Speedstorm Season 11: The Incredibles

As seen in the just-revealed roadmap above, Disney Speedstorm season 11 launches in December 2024 with five all-new racers and a new race environment inspired by Pixar’s The Incredibles. Additionally, two new mid-season racers (potentially Moana and Maui from Disney Animation’s Moana 2) will join the race during the three-part, three-month season. The racers have yet to be revealed, but the super-powered Parr family includes Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and siblings Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack; there’s also Frozone, Supers fashion designer Edna “E” Mode, and the supervillain Syndrome.

Disney Speedstorm Season 12: Tron

In March 2025, Disney Speedstorm season 12 will plug into the Grid with Tron, which will be split into two parts and two Golden Passes over two months. The Tron-inspired season will have four more seasonal racers, two mid-season racers, and a new race environment that appears to be based on the Grid, the digital frontier as seen in 1982’s Tron and 2010’s Tron: Legacy.

Disney Speedstorm Season 13: Big Hero 6

Disney Speedstorm season 13, which is based on Big Hero 6, will return to the extended season format with five seasonal racers from the superhero team consisting of Baymax, Hiro Himada, Go Go, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, and Fred. The three-part season will offer an additional two mid-season racers and will be split across three Golden Passes (each sold separately).

Since the game’s free-to-play launch in September 2023, the Disney Speedstorm roster has expanded to 75 racers from across Disney and Pixar franchises. They include 101 Dalmatians, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Hercules, Inside Out 2, Jungle Book, Lilo & Stitch, Mickey Mouse & Friends, Monsters, Inc., Mulan, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleeping Beauty, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, The Muppets, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Toy Story, WALL-E, Walt Disney World, and Wreck-It Ralph.

Disney Speedstorm is available to download for free on PC, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and iOS/Android.

The post Disney Speedstorm Roadmap Reveals Incredibles, Tron and Big Hero 6 Seasons appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Deadpool is sleighing the holidays. The Merc with a Mouth made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut this summer in Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine, which went on to become the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time at the global box office with a total of $1.3 billion. Disney brought the best bubs to Avengers Campus, the Marvel-themed section of Disney California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort, to entertain park-goers with a reading of family-friendly tales during its Story Time with Deadpool limited-time offering — the first Disney Parks experience to be based on an R-rated movie.

In the spirit of synergy and good old fashioned yuletide tradition, Disney has turned Story Time with Deadpool into the all-new Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special. In the 10-minute show, “Deadpool is filled with holiday cheer and is here to share some new, super-special, seasonal stories,” per the official description. “These tales will delight, charm and celebrate the holidays in the way only Deadpool can.”

ComicBook attended a showing of the Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special, hosted at the former queue area for Rogers: The Musical (located near Terran Treats, in between the Hyperion Theater and the Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout ride). The live entertainment offering is exclusive to Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif., during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Nov. 15, 2024 — Jan. 6, 2025).

RELATED: How to Watch the MCU in Order on Disney+, Including Deadpool & Wolverine

With its fourth wall-breaking references — everything from Disney+ (where Deadpool & Wolverine is streaming now) to Wesley Snipes’ vampire hunter Blade, Jennifer Garner’s sai-wielding assassin Elektra, and a crack at Channing Tatum’s Cajun-accented mutant Gambit — the show is appropriately on-brand for Deadpool, and hilariously meta. Unlike the R-rated Deadpool & Wolverine, however, the Deadpool Holiday Special is appropriate for all ages (but still surprisingly saucier than typical Disney Parks entertainment).

The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special is similar to Once Upon a Deadpool, the Christmas-themed, PG-13 edit of 2018’s R-rated Deadpool 2. But instead of reading a PG-13 version of Deadpool to a grown-up and tucked-in Fred Savage (with framing like The Princess Bride), Deadpool’s Holiday Special plays out with the good guy in red —Santa Pool — riding in on a unicorn before reading a “holiday-themed tale full of yuletide cheer.”

Written by “Sir Xavier Charles Dickens” and presented by Disney+ — “a streaming service that understands quality content,” Deadpool remarks, before quipping past his mandated “pandering section” of the sponsorship — Deadpool puts a twist on A Christmas Carol with a tale about Wade Cratchett and a “hairy, vile, ugly, smelly, prickly, miserly old brute”: bah-humbugging X-Man Loganezer Scrooge. In another variation of the show, Deadpool reads another Christmas tale from his big book of super-special stories: “A delightful and not-at-all-inappropriate holiday-themed tale to jingle your holiday bells, pulled from the public domain.”

Titled “‘Twas the Night a Strange Magical Man Shimmied Down My Tight Little Chimney,” the poem is rife with some raunchy references to Deadpool & Wolverine. We present it below:

The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special: A Poem

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through this safe house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
Not Elektra nor Blade or that weirdo Gambit (“I’m about to make a name for myself right here,” I could not understand him!)
The stockings and holsters well hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that old Santa Pool soon would be there
Dogpool was nestled all snug in her bed
While visions of face-licking danced in her head
Wolvie wore his cowl, he waited 20 years to wear it
Peterpool wore a vest, and the rest, he just bared it
When out on the lawn arose such a clatter
They all leapt from their beds to see what was the matter
Away to the window they flew like a Flash (Probably should have should “Quicksilver” there for IP-related reasons)
They ripped open the shutters and tore down the sash (Oh, it’s because nothing rhymes with “Quicksilver,” got it)
The Moon reflected on the fresh-fallen snow, it gave luster of midday to objects below
When what to their wandering eye should appear, but a shiny red sleigh and eight awesome reindeer
There was a fast-talking driver, all red, black, and cool
They knew in a moment it must be Santa Pool

When Wolverine crashes the festivities, Santa Pool and his “grumpy gumdrop” riff with the audience until he convinces the “Broadway-trained actor” to finish reading the story.

Santa Pool, his eyes, how they twinkled, his dimples, how merry
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry
He had an obnoxious red suit and a little round belly that shook when he laughed
Like a bowl full of jelly
He spoke not a word — yeah, right
But went straight to his work
He filled all the stockings like a merry old jerk (a merc)
He laid a finger aside his nose and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose
I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight:
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

The Story Time with Deadpool Holiday Special has multiple showtimes daily at Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure Park. The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort runs until Jan. 6, 2025.

The post Deadpool Holiday Special Puts a Yuletide Twist on Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Hulk is the strongest herald there is. Marvel Comics announced a series of one-shots that imagines the Hulk and other Marvel heroes — Spider-Gwen, Moon Knight, and Rogue and Gambit of the X-Men — as heralds of Galactus, the planet-consuming Devourer of Worlds. Rather than empower Norrin Radd of the planet Zenn-La as the Silver Surfer, Sky-Rider of the Spaceways, Galactus will use the Power Cosmic to turn Bruce Banner into the Herald Hulk: Smasher of the Spaceways.

Written by Mat Groom (Ultraman X The Avengers) and drawn by Lan Medina (Gamma Flight), What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk? #1 features a cover by artist Ron Lim. The legendary Silver Surfer and Infinity trilogy artist designed the cosmic-powered versions of Spider-Gwen, Gambit, Rogue, Moon Knight, and Hulk, whose “Silver Hulk” form features on the Ron Lim Design Variant cover below.

RELATED: Who Is Red Hulk in the MCU? Captain America: Brave New World Villain Explained

On sale Jan. 1, the first of the five-issue one-shots series will highlight Galactus across variant covers from Frank Miller (Daredevil), Ryan Brown (Spider-Man: The Lost Hunt), Stephen Platt (Cable), and Mark Bagley (Ultimate Spider-Man), paying homage to the classic cover of 1962’s Tales to Astonish #34. See them below.

What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk? #1 will be followed by issues starring Gambit (by Josh Trujillo and Manuel Garcia), Moon Knight (by Alex Segura and Scot Eaton & Cam Smith), Rogue (by Ann Nocenti and Stephen Bryne), and Spider-Gwen (by Kalinda Vazquez and Daniel Picciotto) releasing weekly throughout January.

What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk? #1

Galactus has conscripted Earth’s strongest warrior – the Incredible Hulk – into his service. But what will turn out to be the bigger mistake: trying to direct the fury of the Green Goliath… or giving the great mind of Bruce Banner a cosmic problem to solve?

On sale: Jan. 1, 2025

What If…? Galactus Transformed Gambit? #1

Gambit is the most charismatic, most heroic and most capable thief on Earth – which is exactly how he grabs the attention of the Devourer of Worlds! With the Power Cosmic flowing through his veins, Gambit is unstoppable, but is he clever enough to steal the unstealable? Prepare for a heist, mon ami, one like the Multiverse has never seen before!

On sale: Jan. 8, 2025

What If…? Galactus Transformed Moon Knight? #1

When Khonshu, the Moon God, and Galactus, the World-Devourer, clash, Moon Knight is caught in the middle! To keep the peace, Moon Knight becomes the newest herald of Galactus – but his alters cause the Power Cosmic to manifest in startling new ways! Unless Moon Knight can conquer his new powers – and a few former heralds – the Earth itself faces extinction!

On sale: Jan. 15, 2025

What If…? Galactus Transformed Rogue? #1

When a young Rogue uses her mutant power to absorb the Silver Surfer’s Power Cosmic, the entire course of her storied history is forever changed! Now the rebellious mutant has been blessed with unimaginable power – but also the burden of serving as Galactus’ new herald. Rocket into space along with this iconic X-Man – it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

On sale: Jan. 22, 2025

What If…? Galactus Transformed Spider-Gwen? #1

After coming to the aid of a wounded herald of Galactus, Spider-Gwen is empowered and enlisted in the service of the World-Devourer! But despite her new role surveying the galaxy, Gwen can’t help her heroic streak. So when she encounters a world reminiscent of her home, will she ally with its alien residents and attempt to battle one of the cosmos’ greatest forces?!

On sale: Jan. 29, 2025

What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk? #1 Frank Miller Variant Cover

What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk? #1 Stephen Platt Variant Cover

What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk? #1 Ryan Brown Variant Cover

What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk? #1 Mark Bagley Variant Cover

The post Marvel Reveals New Look At Hulk as the Herald of Galactus appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Ororo Munroe has been a goddess, a thief, the regent of Arakko, an X-Man, an Avenger, and the Queen of Wakanda — but will she be Emperor Doom’s bride? After taking Doctor Strange’s mantle as the Sorcerer Supreme to save the Marvel Universe from a vampire-induced eternal night during the Blood Hunt event, Doom misused his newfound powers to establish One World Under Doom: one where Victor von Doom reigns supreme as the Emperor of the World and ruler of a new United Latveria. Doom will force his enemies to submit to his rule… but can even the Sorcerer Supreme weather the coming storm?

In addition to the nine-issue One World Under Doom series by writer Ryan North and artist R.B. Silva, Doom’s reign will span issues of new tie-in series and tie-in issues of ongoing series — including Fantastic Four, X-Factor, Doom Academy, and Storm, the recently-launched solo series from the creative team of Murewa Ayodele (I Am Iron Man) and Lucas Werneck (Fall of the House of X).

RELATED: The Rise of Emperor Doom: How Doctor Doom Became the New Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe

Newly released solicitations (below) tease Doom’s plans for mutantkind after the fall of the mutant nation of Krakoa, and they include courting Storm. In October’s Storm (Vol. 5) #1, the mutant mistress of the elements established the Storm Sanctuary in the skies above Atlanta and declared herself Earth’s protector and nurturer.

The issue also ended with another Earth-quaking status quo shift: Storm is slowly dying from radiation poisoning. When the cosmic entity Eternity deemed Ororo Munroe worthy of being his Eternal Storm, he clad the weather-wielding goddess in a new white-and-gold costume: the Brutal Storm. She’ll turn to the Night Nurse, Brother Voodoo, and her former teammates on the Uncanny X-Men for help… but her salvation might lie in Latveria.

Previously in X-Men…

After the fall of the mutant nation of Krakoa, the X-Men have scattered across the globe. In Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman’s X-Men, Cyclops and Magneto are leading a new X-Men team based out of an old Sentinel factory in Merle, Alaska. In Gail Simone and David Marquez’s Uncanny X-Men, Rogue, Gambit, Nightcrawler, and Wolverine have hunkered down with a group of young mutants at Haven in New Orleans, Louisiana. Lastly, in Eve Ewing and Carmen Carnero’s Exceptional X-Men, the ex-X-Man Kate Pryde has retired — despite Emma Frost putting a trio of new mutants under her care.

After Storm reunites with the Uncanny X-Men in Storm #3 in December, Sorcerer Supreme Doom will face the Eternal Storm in January’s Storm #4. Also in January: North’s Fantastic Four #28 is the prologue to One World Under Doom #1, on sale Feb. 12. See the solicits in the gallery below.

The Road to One World Under Doom

Storm #2

STORM is dying. An unknown form of radiation poisoning from the OKLAHOMA INCIDENT has turned her cells into ticking time bombs. As her final hours count down, will she find a cure for her illness at NIGHT NURSE’s new super-hero hospital, or will it require enchantments from DOCTOR VOODOO to save her life?

On sale: Nov. 20, 2024

Storm #3

GUEST-STARRING THE UNCANNY X-MEN! STORM finds her way to NEW ORLEANS with DOCTOR VOODOO. The cost of VOODOO’s medical treatment is the loss of STORM’s powers for seven days. STORM seeks refuge with her former teammates, the UNCANNY X-MEN, but it doesn’t turn out to be the relaxing holiday she thought it would be. A secret that aches the heart is born, and it sends STORM into the hands of DOOM.

On sale: Dec. 11, 2024

Storm #4

A FLAME IN THE WIND! DOCTOR DOOM is the SORCERER SUPREME. He has special plans for Earth’s mutants. He would like to discuss them with the beautiful STORM over fine cuisines and expensive wines. What could possibly go wrong? The epic saga continues – with this new installment featuring a battle that Latveria will never forget.

On sale: Jan. 15, 2025

Fantastic Four #28

PROLOGUE TO ONE WORLD UNDER DOOM! It’s been months since Doctor Doom became Sorcerer Supreme – and disappeared. Reed Richards, the smartest man on the planet, has spent that time trying to find a way to understand magic, so he can find and stop Doom…and he’s failed. But when Sue suggests there is another man who holds both a graduate degree in physics and an understanding of magic – Dane Whitman, the Black Knight! – Reed and Sue decide to see if he can offer any insights. Dane’s help sends Reed and Sue’s minds back in time – to possess the bodies of two people in the past, where, without their powers, they search for the one magical item that can cut through Doom’s illusions! But the Black Knight has motivations of his own…and the past isn’t what it used to be.

On sale: Jan. 22, 2025

One World Under Doom #1

Six months ago, Doctor Victor Von Doom became Sorcerer Supreme – then disappeared behind Latveria’s closed borders. For most, there’s enough going on in the world that Doom’s absence is not a priority, and some time without him feels like a blessing. Only a few recognize it for what it truly was… the calm before the storm. It is a storm that has now arrived.

The world has woken up to a new reality: Doctor Doom, Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme, has magically taken over every broadcast medium on the planet and declared himself Emperor of the World – the ruler of a new United Latveria! And shockingly, impossibly, all of Earth’s leaders seem to be going along with this.

Luckily, whether it’s mind control or Doombots, whatever’s affecting them hasn’t affected Earth’s heroes – and so they quickly form a strike team to stop Doom’s machinations. But will they succeed? And what happens when some begin to welcome their new Emperor with open arms, clamoring for One World Under Doom?

On sale: Feb. 12, 2025

Storm #5

OBLIVION WAITS…NO LONGER! Trivial is the fight with Doctor Doom, Sorcerer Supreme. For in a realm beyond our own, in the Dimension of Manifestations, a trial-by-combat brews between Eternity (the physical embodiment of our universe) and Oblivion (the physical embodiment of the void). The fate of our universe is at stake. Who shall fight on behalf of our universe if not Ororo Munroe – the ETERNAL STORM? And how will she fare against the ageless primordial behemoth that is Oblivion?

On sale: Feb. 19, 2025

X-Factor #7

THERE’S A NEW MAN IN CHARGE! Angel returns to lead X-Factor, just as Emperor Doom will lead the world to glory! But, in the utopic domain of the magnanimous Doom, what could X-Factor’s mission be? And what could bring them to a small nation on the island of…Genosha?!

On sale: Feb. 19, 2025

Doom Academy #1 (of 5)

Did you think that Strange Academy would be the same in the world with Doctor Doom as Sorcerer Supreme?! NO! It is now DOOM ACADEMY! Relocated from New Orleans to Latveria, the best magic school in the world just got better (according to some). It’s the start of the second year for Strange Academy students, and you know that things will not go as planned!

On sale: Feb. 19, 2025

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 (of 5)

Doom took over the world. And Bucky Barnes helped him do it. To atone for his unwitting role in Doom’s triumph, Bucky assembles a team with one goal: burn it all down. But when Bucky’s saboteurs — including Black Widow, Songbird, U.S. Agent, Sharon Carter and a few surprise wildcards — launch a no-holds-barred campaign to tear Doom’s Empire apart, Doom decides to prove that revolution ends in blood…

On sale: Feb. 19, 2025

Red Hulk #1

RELATED: Who Is Red Hulk in the MCU? The Captain America: Brave New World Villain, Explained

Thunderbolt Ross – in a cell deep below the ground – is a prisoner of Doctor Doom and he is not alone. Brilliant military, criminal and political minds have been gathered against their will in a prison complex that serves as a “think tank” to help carry out Doom’s plan for global domination. But the Red Hulk has other plans! Guest starring Machine Man, Deathlok and more!

On sale: Feb. 26, 2025

Fantastic Four #29

THE IMPOSSIBLE HAS HAPPENED! Doctor Doom has taken over the world! And the Fantastic Four are NOT going to let that stand. As Reed locks himself in his lab, trying to solve the Problem of Doom, Ben treats Sue to a trip to NYC with their mutual friend, Jen “She-Hulk” Walters, to help get her mind off of things. But tensions after vampires overran the world in their BLOOD HUNT remain, and when Ben, Sue and Jen find themselves on the wrong side of mob justice, they face a choice…and it’s one they will not be able to take back!

On sale: Feb. 26, 2025

The post Doctor Doom Courts Storm and Crushes the Fantastic Four in the Lead-up to One World Under Doom appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Creature Commandos cast is getting animated about their live-action futures in the new DC Universe. When DC Studios co-chairs and CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran announced their 10-project DCU slate in January 2023, the dynamic duo confirmed that actors cast in the adult animated series Creature Commandos (Dec. 5 on Max) would also play their characters in live-action. That includes Frank Grillo, who is voicing Rick Flag Sr. in Creature Commandos and will then make the jump to live-action in Gunn’s Superman movie and Peacemaker season 2 later in 2025.

“What we’re doing with the DCU is we’re having animation tied directly into live action,” Gunn explained. “Television, movies and games all intertwine within the same universe. We’re going to cast actors that are going to be able to play the characters in [Creature Commandos], as well as in other things, some of which we’ve already cast.”

RELATED: James Gunn Clarifies the New DCU Timeline and How Creature Commandos Sets up Superman and Peacemaker

Written and executive produced by Gunn, the seven-episode series tracks a secret team of incarcerated monsters recruited for missions deemed too dangerous for humans after the government shuts down Amanda Waller’s (Viola Davis) Task Force X, a.k.a. the Suicide Squad.

In addition to the humans Rick Flag Sr. (Grillo), Economos (Peacemaker‘s Steve Agee), and Princess Ilana (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3‘s Maria Bakalova), the team of misfit monsters includes Zoe Chao (The Afterparty) as Nina Mazursky, David Harbour (Marvel’s Thunderbolts*) as Frankenstein, Indira Varma (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning) as The Bride, Alan Tudyk (Moana 2) as Dr. Phosphorus, and Sean Gunn (The Suicide Squad) as Weasel and GI Robot.

Now that Grillo is the first actor confirmed to appear across all three entries in the new interconnected universe — an animated series (Creature Commandos), a feature film (Superman), and a live-action series (Peacemaker 2) — ComicBook asked the cast to name which Creature Commandos characters they want to see realized in live-action.

RELATED: James Gunn Explains the New DCU Canon – And How It References the Old DCEU

“David Harbour, Frankenstein,” Grillo said. “Just because I’m a huge David Harbour fan. They’re all amazing — Alan and Maria, they’re all amazing actors — but there’s something about Harbour in that character and what he’s done with it.”

Harbour, who previously played the half-demon, half-human hero Hellboy in the 2019 reboot, has “an understanding of the gravitas of these kind of characters,” Grillo added. “I’d love to see him play Frankenstein [in live-action]. He makes me laugh so much, and then he breaks your heart. There’s a real soul in Frankenstein, and he’s phenomenal.”

Cast members Chao and Gunn named the Bride, who is recruited to Task Force M — “M” for “monster” — alongside the man-made monster Frankenstein.

“I think that she’s just such a cool character. Indira crushes it. They’re both, Frankenstein too, they’re both [cool characters],” Gunn said. “We already know that we’re going to see Rick Flag. Sr senior in Peacemaker season 2, so it’s really cool.”

With so much Flag Sr. in what Gunn and Safran are calling Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, might Grillo voice his character in a video game? “If they’ll pay me,” Grillo joked. “It’s amazing, because I don’t know how they do it, both James and Peter. But they have a real grasp and understanding about this world they’re creating, whether it’s animation, live-action, they’re involved in every aspect of it. And they have great people around them, and so nothing would surprise me with these guys.”

“It’s been really incredible,” Grillo added of playing the same character in different mediums. “Because of Rick being Rick in each of those things, I’ve kind of carried him through as the same guy in different circumstances. And James has allowed that, and wanted that, and it’s been a gift. Because I get to be a little silly at times and over the top, and then play it as if this is real and this is happening right now. So for me as an actor, I’ve gotten to do a lot in a complex way. It’s been really fun.”

Creature Commandos premieres Dec. 5 on Max, with one episode airing weekly until Jan. 16.

The post The Creature Commandos Cast on Which Characters Could Debut in the Live-Action DC Universe Next (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Over 16 years and twice as many movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has told a story where “it’s all connected.” While the MCU currently consists of 34 movies set in what the Time Variance Authority has designated as the Sacred Timeline, the cinematic multiverse has branched out to incorporate the events and characters of Earth-10005 (the Deadpool and X-Men movies), the live-action Spider-Verse (the Spider-Man trilogy and The Amazing Spider-Man movies), Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (the Venom movies), the Blade universe (the Wesley Snipes Blade movies), and the Fox-verse (Fantastic Four, Elektra, X-Men). It’s all connected — but keeping track of each installment in the ever-expanding MCU can be difficult, especially with Deadpool & Wolverine taking place across both Earth-10005 and Earth-616.

Now that Deadpool & Wolverine is streaming on Disney+, the latest MCU installment has been added to the official Marvel timeline that began with 2008’s Iron Man. Below, we’ve assembled a guide on how to watch every Marvel movie in order on Disney+, where you can currently stream every MCU movie (except for Spider-Man: No Way Home).

How to watch the Marvel movies in chronological order

Most of the Marvel movies take place in or around the year they were released, excluding Captain America: The First Avenger (set between 1942 and 1945, with Steve Rogers being unfrozen in 2011) and Captain Marvel (set during the 1990s). Others, like The Incredible Hulk (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), and Thor (2011), take place during the same week in 2010.

1. Captain America: The First Avenger
2. Captain Marvel
3. Iron Man
4. Iron Man 2
5. The Incredible Hulk
6. Thor
7. The Avengers
8. Thor: The Dark World
9. Iron Man 3
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
11. Guardians of the Galaxy
12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
13. Avengers: Age of Ultron
14. Ant-Man
15. Captain America: Civil War
16. Black Widow
17. Spider-Man: Homecoming
18. Black Panther
19. Doctor Strange
20. Thor: Ragnarok
21. Ant-Man and the Wasp
22. Avengers: Infinity War
23. Avengers: Endgame
24. Spider-Man: Far From Home
25. Eternals
26. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
27. Spider-Man: No Way Home
28. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
29. Thor: Love and Thunder
30. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
31. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
32. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
33. The Marvels
34. Deadpool & Wolverine

RELATED: Ranking Every Marvel Studios Series on Disney+

How to watch the Marvel movies in release order

The Marvel Cinematic Universe currently consists of two sagas, The Infinity Saga (2008—2019) and The Multiverse Saga (2021—2027), spanning five phases.

The Infinity Saga: MCU Phase One

1. Iron Man (2008)
2. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
3. Iron Man 2 (2010)
4. Thor (2011)
5. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
6. The Avengers (2012)

The Infinity Saga: MCU Phase Two

7. Iron Man 3 (2013)
8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
11. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
12. Ant-Man (2015)

The Infinity Saga: MCU Phase Three

13. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
14. Doctor Strange (2016)
15. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
16. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
17. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
18. Black Panther (2018)
19. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
20. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
21. Captain Marvel (2019)
22. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
23. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

The Multiverse Saga: MCU Phase Four

24. Black Widow (2021)
25. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
26. Eternals (2021)
27. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
28. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2021)
29. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
30. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

The Multiverse Saga: MCU Phase Five

31. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
32. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
33. The Marvels (2023)
34. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
35. Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
36. Thunderbolts* (2025)

The Multiverse Saga: MCU Phase Six

37. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
38. Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
39. Spider-Man 4 (2026)
40. Avengers: Secret Wars (2027)
41. Blade (TBA)

Marvel movies and TV shows in order: The MCU Complete Timeline

The MCU canon also includes such television shows as Agent Carter, the Defenders-Verse (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and The Defenders), the Marvel Studios and Marvel Television series, and a series of one-shot short films. All together, Marvel Studios considers the following 59 projects to be canon to the Sacred Timeline:

1. Captain America: The First Avenger
2. Agent Carter
3. Captain Marvel
4. Iron Man
5. Iron Man 2
6. The Incredible Hulk
7. Marvel Studios One-Shot: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer
8. Thor
9. Marvel Studios One-Shot: The Consultant
10. The Avengers
11. Marvel Studios One-Shot: Item 47
12. Thor: The Dark World
13. Iron Man 3
14. Marvel Studios One-Shot: All Hail the King
15. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
16. Guardians of the Galaxy
17. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
18. I Am Groot
19. Daredevil
20. Jessica Jones
21. Avengers: Age of Ultron
22. Ant-Man
23. Luke Cage
24. Iron Fist
25. The Defenders
26. Captain America: Civil War
27. Black Widow
28. Black Panther
29. Spider-Man: Homecoming
30. The Punisher
31. Doctor Strange
32. Thor: Ragnarok
33. Ant-Man and the Wasp
34. Avengers: Infinity War
35. Avengers: Endgame
36. Loki
37. What If…?
38. WandaVision
39. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
40. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
41. Spider-Man: Far From Home
42. Eternals
43. Spider-Man: No Way Home
44. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
45. Hawkeye
46. Moon Knight
47. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
48. Echo
49. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
50. Ms. Marvel
51. Thor: Love and Thunder
52. Werewolf by Night
53. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
54. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
55. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
56. Secret Invasion
57. The Marvels
58. Deadpool & Wolverine
59. Agatha All Along

What are the upcoming Marvel movies and TV shows after Deadpool & Wolverine?

The upcoming MCU slate by release order:

Captain America: Brave New World (in theaters Feb. 14, 2025)
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (on Disney+ Jan. 29, 2025)
Daredevil: Born Again (on Disney+ March 4, 2025)
Thunderbolts* (in theaters May 2, 2025)
Ironheart (on Disney+ June 24, 2025)
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (in theaters July 25, 2025)
Eyes of Wakanda (on Disney+ Aug. 6, 2025)
Marvel Zombies (on Disney+ Oct. 3, 2025)
Wonder Man (on Disney+ December 2025)
Avengers: Doomsday (in theaters May 1, 2026)
Avengers: Secret Wars (in theaters May 7, 2027)
Blade (undated)

Every MCU movie streaming on Disney+

• Iron Man
• Iron Man 2
• The Incredible Hulk
• Thor
• Captain America: The First Avenger
• Marvel’s The Avengers
• Iron Man 3
• Thor: The Dark World
• Captain America: The Winter Soldier
• Guardians of the Galaxy
• Avengers: Age of Ultron
• Ant-Man
• Captain America: Civil War
• Doctor Strange
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
• Spider-Man: Homecoming
• Thor: Ragnarok
• Black Panther
• Avengers: Infinity War
• Spider-Man: Far From Home
• Ant-Man and the Wasp
• Captain Marvel
• Avengers: Endgame
• Black Widow
• Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
• Eternals
• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
• Thor: Love and Thunder
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
• Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
• The Marvels
• Deadpool & Wolverine
  
  Spider-Man: No Way Home isn’t available to watch on Disney+, and it’s not streaming on any platforms. However, you can watch the movie via digital download on Apple TV, Amazon’s Prime Video, Fandango At Home (formerly Vudu), and the Microsoft Store.

All Marvel movies streaming on Disney+ that aren’t part of the MCU

While not part of the Sacred Timeline, the MCU-adjacent movies available to watch on Disney+ include Sony’s Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004), Spider-Man 3 (2007), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), and the Fox X-Men movies canon with Deadpool & Wolverine.

X-Men (2000)
Spider-Man (2002)
X2: X-Men United (2003)
Daredevil (2003)
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Fantastic Four (2005)
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Ghost Rider (2007)
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
X-Men: First Class (2011)
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012)
The Wolverine (2013)
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Deadpool (2016)
Logan (2017)
Deadpool 2 (2018)
Venom (2018)
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
The New Mutants (2020)

Marvel movies to watch before Deadpool & Wolverine

While director Shawn Levy has said no “homework” is required to watch Deadpool & Wolverine, the movie does reference the events of Fox-made X-Men movies like Logan and Deadpool 2, and features characters from legacy Marvel movies. “I very much made this film with certainly a healthy respect and gratitude towards the rabid fan base that has peak fluency in the mythology and lore of these characters and this world,” Levy said. “But I didn’t want to presume that. This movie is built for entertainment, with no obligation to come prepared with prior research.”

The latest MCU installment sees Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) team up with a variant of the anchor being of the X-Men universe — Logan (Hugh Jackman), a.k.a. the “worst” Wolverine — to save his universe (Earth-10005) from being destroyed by the TVA. When they’re pruned by Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) and end up in the Void, Deadpool and Wolverine join forces with heroes from forgotten timelines: Logan’s mutant daughter, Laura Kinney/X-23 (Dafne Keen); the sai-wielding assassin, Elektra (Jennifer Garner); the daywalking vampire hunter Blade (Wesley Snipes); and Remy LeBeau/Gambit (Channing Tatum), a card-carrying member of the X-Men from Tatum’s unmade Gambit movie.

Other characters from past movies who appear in the Void include Johnny Storm/the Human Torch of the Fantastic Four (Chris Evans), Sabretooth (X-Men‘s Tyler Mane), and pruned mutants Toad (2000’s X-Men), Lady Deathstrike (2003’s X2), Juggernaut (2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand), and Azazel (2011’s X-Men: First Class).

X-Men (2000)
X2 (2003)
Deadpool (2016)
Logan (2017)
Deadpool 2 (2018)
Daredevil (2003) and Elektra (2005)
Blade (1998), Blade II (2002), and Blade: Trinity (2004)

Additionally, viewers can watch Loki seasons 1 and 2 on Disney+ to better understand the Timeline Variance Authority, the timeline-monitoring organization that was established by He Who Remains before a time-traveling Loki variant (Tom Hiddleston) weaved together the sprawling branches of the multiverse as the God of Stories. This places the events of Deadpool & Wolverine after Loki season 2, which ended with Loki restoring free will as he allowed the multiverse to branch off and flourish beyond the Sacred Timeline. The series also introduced B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku), who plays a role in Deadpool & Wolverine.

How to watch the MCU: timeline order or release order?

We recommend watching the MCU in the order the movies were released. Iron Man started it all, but it was S.H.I.E.L.D. super-spy Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) revealing himself to Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in a post-credits scene that was the genesis of the interconnected universe. “You think you’re the only superhero in the world? Mr. Stark, you’ve become part of a bigger universe,” Fury said. “You just don’t know it yet.”

By the time Stark reveals his identity at the end of Iron Man, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), the first Avenger, spent decades frozen in ice; Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) had retired as the original Ant-Man; and Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) inspired Fury’s Avengers Initiative that wouldn’t assemble Earth’s mightiest heroes for another two decades.

While there is an appeal to watching the MCU in chronological order — particularly when events overlap, as is the case with The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, and Thor, or the way Black Widow bridges Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War — first timers might find it easier to start with Iron Man and work their way through to Deadpool & Wolverine.

Rather than jumping between The Infinity Saga and The Multiverse Saga — the former focused on assembling the Avengers and saving the world from such threats as Thanos (Josh Brolin) and the various villains who tried to possess the Infinity Stones, and the latter exploring a post-Snap world in the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame with Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), and Deadpool and Wolverine’s misadventures in the multiverse — newcomers can experience the MCU as it originally played out on movie screens over 16 years and counting.

The post How to Watch Every Marvel Movie and TV Show in Order on Disney+ appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Before returning to the Pride Lands on December 20, Disney debuted eight new character posters featuring the “mane” cast of Mufasa: The Lion King. Part prequel and part sequel to 2019’s The Lion King, the new film from Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins (If Beale Street Could Talk and Moonlight) tells the story of an orphan who would one day be king of the Pride Lands: a young Mufasa (Rebel Ridge‘s Aaron Pierre, replacing the late James Earl Jones). Through flashbacks, Rafiki (John Kani) relays the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter in her film debut), daughter of King Simba (Donald Glover) and Queen Nala (Beyoncé Knowles-Carter).

Along with the return of the Hakuna Matata-singing duo of meerkat Timon (Billy Eichner) and warthog Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), the posters released by Disney France feature Zazu (Preston Nyman, replacing John Oliver) and the young Rafiki (Kagiso Lediga). The lion’s pride includes Mufasa’s future queen, Sarabi (Tiffany Boone); his adoptive brother Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), who will eventually take the name Scar; and the white lion king Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen).

RELATED: Mufasa: The Lion King Changes Scar’s Backstory

The cast includes Thandiwe Newton (Solo: A Star Wars Story) as Taka’s mother, Eshe; Lennie James (Fear the Walking Dead) as Taka’s father, Obasi; Anika Noni Rose (The Princess and the Frog) as Mufasa’s mother, Afia; and Keith David (Spawn) as Mufasa’s father, Masego. Additional voices include Braelyn Rankins (Lady and the Tramp) as cub Mufasa; Theo Somolu (Mighty Express) as cub Taka; and Folake Olowofoyeku (Bob Hearts Abishola), Joanna Jones (Good Trouble), Thuso Mbedu (The Woman King), Sheila Atim (Pinocchio), Abdul Salis (The Wheel of Time) and Dominique Jennings (Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild).

Mufasa: The Lion King “introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka — the heir to a royal bloodline,” per the official synopsis. “The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny — their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.”

“This is just a piece of the dream cast we’ve assembled to bring Mufasa and Scar’s story to life,” Jenkins said during Disney’s D23 convention. “[1994’s] The Lion King made an indelible mark on me. Hearing the music and feeling every emotion as the story unfolded: a father bestowing a legacy upon his son, a pride torn apart and rebuilt anew, and a young lion rising to meet his destiny. Telling Mufasa’s backstory is an absolute honor.”

Featuring new music by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Moana) and original Lion King collaborators Mark Mancina and Lebo M., Mufasa: The Lion King roars into theaters Dec. 20.

Aaron Pierre as the voice of Mufasa

Kelvin Harrison Jr. as the voice of Taka/Scar

Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen as the voices of Timon and Pumbaa

Tiffany Boone as the voice of Sarabi

Preston Nyman as the voice of Zazu

Kagiso Lediga as Rafiki

Mads Mikkelsen as the voice of Kiros

Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara

The post Mufasa: The Lion King Cast Roars Onto 8 New Character Posters appeared first on ComicBook.com.

They are the warriors who have protected Wakanda forever: the Hatut Zeraze. Disney+’s animated MCU series Eyes of Wakanda, which is executive produced by Black Panther filmmaker Ryan Coogler, will reveal the history of the warriors who fought to safeguard the Kingdom of Wakanda and its natural resource: Vibranium, the rarest metal on Earth and the strongest substance in the universe.

While Vibranium has been used to create such objects as Captain America’s shield, the body of the synthezoid Vision, Riri Williams’ Mark II Ironheart Armor, and Sam Wilson’s winged Captain America suit, the Hatut Zeraze spent centuries keeping “Isipho” (as it’s known in Xhosa) out of the hands of Wakanda’s worst enemies.

The four-episode event series from Marvel Animation “follows the adventures of brave Wakandan warriors throughout history,” per the official synopsis. “In this globe-trotting adventure, the heroes must carry out dangerous missions to retrieve Vibranium artifacts from the enemies of Wakanda. They are the Hatut Zeraze and this is their story.”

RELATED: Every Major MCU Reveal From the Marvel Studios 2025 Trailer

“Eyes of Wakanda is an MCU show,” Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ Head of Streaming, Television and Animation, previously told ComicBook about the Black Panther spinoff series. “This is the history of Wakanda as told through the War Dogs, and it is some of the best animation we’ve ever done. Todd Harris is the creator of that one. That’s just such a cool show.”

Harris, whose credits as a storyboard artist include Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and What If…?, directs and serves as executive producer with Winderbaum (X-Men ’97), Kevin Feige (Deadpool & Wolverine), Louis D’Esposito (Black Panther), and Zinzi Coogler (Judas and the Black Messiah), Sev Ohanian (Anthem), and Kalia King (Sheba) for Coogler’s Proximity Media, which inked a first-look deal with Disney in 2021 that includes Eyes of Wakanda (previously titled Kingdom of Wakanda) and the live-action Ironheart series starring Dominique Thorne.

The animated series spans hundreds of years and features the voices of Winnie Harlow (Grown-ish), Cress Williams (Black Lightning), Patricia Belcher (The Villains of Valley View), Larry Herron (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2), Adam Gold (Hogwarts Legacy), Lynn Whitfield (The Chi), Jacques Colimon (Fright Krewe), Jona Xiao (The Flash), Isaac Robinson-Smith (X-Men ’97), Gary Anthony Williams (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur), Zeke Alton (Batman: Arkham Shadow), Steve Toussaint (House of the Dragon) and Anika Noni Rose (The Princess and the Frog).

RELATED: Denzel Washington Reveals Black Panther 3 Role

Harris pitched the idea to Coogler and Feige during the making of 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War, which featured an action sequence on the battlefields of Wakanda. “Todd is one of the most incredible story artists in the world,” Coogler said during D23. “[He did] a lot of the action sequences in some of your guys’ favorite films, and a bunch of them in mine, so I was always blown away by his idea and the story. And I knew that with him at the helm, as a director, as a showrunner, could be just fantastic. It’s proved to be just that.”

Beyond the history of Wakanda, Harris teased that the series will travel to K’un-Lun, one of the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven and home to the legendary protectors of K’un-Lun: the immortal Iron Fist. “It’s a love letter to what a culture can be when they draw a line in the sand about, ‘You will not cross here, and we will not go over there,'” Harris said. “But they’re focused on being the best versions of themselves throughout history. You have your defectors, and you have people who bucked the system, and what does that mean to Wakanda, and what does that mean for the world? Those are the things I’m excited to show as we move forward through the series.”

The centuries-spanning series will explore what Harris called “intersection points” from the history of the MCU. “The show does a beautiful job of exploring one faction of Wakanda’s society, the Hatut Zeraze, or the War Dogs,” Coogler added. “These are the figures who are challenged with the burden of keeping Wakanda a secret. So what Todd has done is actually gone across history and paid attention to certain characters that actually paid the price for that secrecy.”

Marvel’s Eyes of Wakanda will premiere on Disney+ on August 6, 2025, between Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (Jan. 29) and Marvel Zombies (Oct. 3).

The post Marvel Reveals Eyes of Wakanda Plot Details From the MCU Black Panther Series appeared first on ComicBook.com.

This year, be thankful for all the ways to watch Steve Martin and John Candy’s disastrous pilgrimage home for the holidays in Planes, Trains and Automobiles. John Hughes’ classic comedy about two ill-fated travelers trying to get to Chicago in time for their Thanksgiving dinners — tightly-wound family man Neal Page (Martin) and blabbermouth shower curtain rings salesman Del Griffith (Candy) — will be available to watch on television or streaming services throughout the holiday season, including for free.

Here are all the ways to watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles online in 2024.

RELATED: Planes, Trains and Automobiles Earned Its R-Rating Because of One Scene

Where to stream Planes, Trains and Automobiles

You can watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles online and on-demand on Paramount+ and on FuboTV (subscription required).

How to watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles for free

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is streaming free (with ads) here on PlutoTV — no subscription required.

New subscribers try sign up for a Paramount Plus free trial to stream Planes, Trains and Automobiles for free in their first week. After a 7-day free trial, Paramount+ plans begin at $7.99/month (Paramount+ Essential with limited ads) or $12.99/month (Paramount+ with Showtime with no ads except live TV and a few shows). 

Where to watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles on TV

RELATED: Where to Watch A Christmas Story Online and on TV in 2024

The movie will air on cable as part of AMC’s Best Christmas Ever 2024, along with other holiday favorites like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, Christmas with the Kranks, The Polar Express, 1947’s Miracle on 34th Street, Fred Claus, and more.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles will air during the Merry ’80s Marathon Sat., Dec. 7 on AMC.

Saturday, December 7
Merry ‘80s Marathon:
11:30 am: The Great Outdoors
1:30 pm: Ghostbusters (1984)
4 pm: National Lampoon’s Vacation
6 pm: Planes, Trains & Automobiles
8 pm: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
10:15 pm: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
12:30 am: Planes, Trains & Automobiles
2:30 am: The Great Outdoors 

If you’re looking for more movies starring John Candy, AMC will also air the Christmas Candy Marathon on Fri., Dec. 20, with showings of National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), The Great Outdoors (1988), and Uncle Buck (1989).

Friday, December 20
Christmas Candy Marathon:
4 pm: National Lampoon’s Vacation
6 pm: The Great Outdoors
8 pm: Uncle Buck
10:15 pm: National Lampoon’s Vacation
12:15 am: The Great Outdoors 

The post How to Watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles This Thanksgiving appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel Rivals is aiming for an Overwatch-rivaling roster. Nearly 30 heroes and villains from across the Marvel multiverse are playable in the free-to-play team-based PvP shooter that releases on consoles and PC on Dec. 6 — with all characters unlocked at launch. NetEase Games has teased that the game will let players choose from an ever-evolving roster of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel superheroes and supervillains alike, who can combine their unique powers for Team-Up Skills as they’re caught in the Timestream Entanglement.

In the original storyline, the merciless clash between tyrannical dictator Doctor Doom and his future counterpart from the year 2099 has forced countless universes to collide in the Timestream Entanglement, creating new worlds and crises unknown. Now superheroes and villains from across the multiverse must fight together — and against one another — as disparate groups each seek to best both Dooms before one achieves domination of these realities.

RELATED: New Marvel Rivals Character Leaks Ahead of Reveal

Below, see the full Marvel Rivals roster with each character’s class, unique skill, lore, and team-ups. Playable characters unlocked at launch include:

Marvel Rivals Roster

Adam Warlock

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: The genetically-engineered Adam Warlock wields mighty Quantum Magic, allowing him to connect and heal souls with a gentle touch. When the time comes for his allies to unite, Warlock emerges as the unwavering epicenter of cosmic justice!

LORE: Adam Warlock was created to be the perfect specimen. Able to manipulate powerful cosmic forces, he represents the full potential of what we could one day become. Until then, he stands alone as a shining golden beacon of all that is good within us.

When the Timestream Entanglement struck, Adam Warlock reflexively shielded himself in a protective cocoon. When he emerged, his cosmic senses identified Knull’s impending threat. Traveling to Klyntar, Adam encountered the Guardians of the Galaxy and discovered a power even greater than Knull’s, ready to incinerate the planet — and countless others.

Black Panther

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: T’Challa, King of Wakanda, wields the perfect blend of the cutting-edge Vibranium technology and ancestral power drawn from the Panther God, Bast. The Black Panther bides his time until elegantly infiltrating enemy lines and commencing his hunt.

LORE: King T’Challa of Wakanda is more than just the ruler of the most advanced civilization known to man. He also wears the mantle of the Black Panther, the sacred protector of his people. It is his sworn duty to ensure Wakanda’s continued survival against any threat imaginable. T’Challa recently expanded his reign into the cosmos, creating the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda. As he awaits a sign from Bast to tell him if either Doom can be trusted, he protects the Empire’s Chronovium supply and shares its tech with trusted allies — including Reed Richards.

Captain America

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: Enhanced by the Super-Soldier Serum, Steven Rogers uses his Vibranium shield and extensive combat training to confront any threat to justice. When Captain America rallies his troops, a wave of courage sweeps across the battlefield!

LORE: In hopes of serving his country during World War II, a young Steve Rogers volunteered for an experiment that enhanced his strength, speed, and agility, making him America’s first super soldier. As Captain America,he proudly fought enemy forces until he became frozen in ice and lost to the ages. Discovered and unthawed in the 2080s, Captain America began battling the threats of tomorrow — including Doom 2099 —until he was displaced into the present by the Timestream Entanglement. Now, he fights alongside the Avengers to prevent the desperate future he awoke in.

Doctor Strange

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: As the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Stephen Strange gracefully wields ancient spells to turn the tide of even the most impossible battle. However, magic always comes at a cost, and each use of his arcane abilities gradually awakens the darkness within him.

LORE: Respected surgeon Stephen Strange was forced to seek a different path when his hands were injured in a terrible accident. Devoting himself to the mystic arts, Strange became this dimension’s first line of defense against supernatural threats — the Sorcerer Supreme. Sensing a massive temporal disturbance, Doctor Strange performed an arcane ritual to protect his reality. The spell failed, and Strange and his Sanctum Sanctorum became trapped within the Mirror Dimension. Lost in the timestream, Strange uses his mystic mastery to free himself for short spans of time in order to join the fight.

Groot

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: A flora colossus from Planet X, the alien known as Groot exhibits enhanced vitality and the ability to manipulate all forms of vegetation. As sturdy as a towering tree, Groot forges his own way, serving as the team’s silent but reliable pathfinder.

LORE: He is Groot, a flora colossus from the branch world of Planet X capable of manipulating plant matter and regrowing his damaged body from a single splinter. The hero at the heart of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Groot may not have many words to say, but his actions always speak for themselves. Groot accompanied Star-Lord and Rocket on a scouting mission to Klyntar, where they became stranded after their ship was shot down. Klyntar’s dark king, Knull, now seeks to corrupt Groot’s regenerative powers in an effort to cultivate the ultimate symbiote.

Hela

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: As the Goddess of Death, Hela wields supreme control over the fallen souls residing in Hel. With a haunting whisper and a murder of crows, the queen of the underworld gracefully reaps the souls of her enemies without an ounce of mercy.

LORE: The Asgardian Goddess of Death, Hela is a powerful sorceress who controls an endless army of undead warriors. She has long sought to expand her domain beyond the nether realms and will make any deal that benefits her goal. Hela will not rest until all souls— living and dead —are hers to command. Hela offered to support Loki’s coup in exchange for an extension of Hel’s territory into the realm of the living. In truth, though, she seeks to claim Yggsgard’s throne— and the temporal power that comes with it — for herself.

Hulk

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: Brilliant scientist Dr. Bruce Banner has finally found a way to coexist with his monstrous alter ego, the Hulk. By accumulating gamma energy over multiple transformations, he can become a wise and strong Hero Hulk or a fierce and destructive Monster Hulk – a true force of fury on the battlefield!

LORE: Caught in the detonation of a powerful weapon of his own invention, Dr. Bruce Banner absorbed gamma radiation that transforms him into a massive green monster whenever his emotions rage out of control. As Banner, he’s still a genius. But as the Hulk, he’s the strongest one there is! Banner developed a special Gamma Belt to control his transformations and temper the Hulk’s fury. But when the Timestream Entanglement transformed Los Diablos Missile Base into a demonic battleground, he realized that the best way to fight monsters was to let out the one within.

Jeff the Land Shark

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: Most land sharks are vicious creatures of the deep… but not Jeff! This adorable and mischievous little land shark brings splashes of joy and healing to every battle. But if the tide turns, Jeff can morph into a voracious beast, swallowing an army of foes in one giant gulp!

LORE: What’s more huggable than a puppy, but hungrier than a great white? It’s Jeff! This baby land shark may be one of the most unusual and adorable creatures to ever waddle his way out of the ocean. But anyone who’s crossed Jeff’s path can tell you that behind his sweet little bark is one nasty bite! After getting captured and displayed as a curiosity at the Collector’s Theme Park, Jeff broke free when the Timestream Entanglement scrambled reality. Now’s his chance to prove he’s a hero, one chomp at a time!

Iron Man

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: Armed with superior intellect and a nanotech battlesuit of his own design, Tony Stark stands alongside gods as the Invincible Iron Man. His state of the art armor turns any battlefield into his personal playground, allowing him to steal the spotlight he so desperately desires.

LORE: Wounded by a weapon of his own design, billionaire inventor Tony Stark created a custom-made suit of armor to keep himself alive. Though his wounds have healed, his upgraded armor now saves the lives of countless others when Tony dons it to become the world’s greatest fighting machine — the invincible Iron Man! When the legions of the night descended upon New York City, Iron Man and his fellow Avengers turned their tower into a stronghold. From there, Tony leads the effort to unravel the mysteries of Chronovium and to reverse the Timestream Entanglement.

Loki

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: What greater thrill is there for a God of Mischief than to outsmart his foes? The cunning trickster Loki uses his illusions and shapeshifting abilities to weave in and out of combat, toying with enemies at every turn.

LORE: Born the son of Laufey, king of the Frost Giants, Loki was adopted by Odin and raised as a prince of Asgard. But his true nature could not be undone, and Loki would come to fully embrace his role as the God of Mischief. With his father deep in the Odinsleep, Loki seized his chance to take the throne for himself. After enlisting Hela in his plot and hurling his brother Thor into a distant timeline, Loki now harvests Chronovium sap from the World Tree, Yggdrasil, in an effort to conquer the entire timestream.

Luna Snow

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: Equal parts pop star and Super Hero, Luna Snow puts on a dazzling show with both her light and dark ice powers.The arena is her stage, where Seol Hee and her team orchestrate spectacular displays that earn her an ever-increasing number of fans and wins.

LORE: Luna Snow is more than just another K-Pop superstar. She’s also a symbol of hope for her entire generation. Using her ice powers to keep tensions across the world cool, Luna has become a musical diplomat, ready to face any conflict that may arise. Tragedy nearly struck during Luna Snow’s summer concert when a wounded Atlantean creature caused a devastating tsunami. Luna’s ice held back the rushing tide and helped to heal the beast’s injuries. She single handedly saved countless lives and prevented the situation from escalating into a full-scale conflict between South Korea and the world beneath the waves.

Magik

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: Trained in the dark arts and wielding her mighty Soulsword, Magik leaps through portals to navigate the arena with ease.Once Illyana transforms into the demonic Darkchylde, all who dare stand against her will fall before her merciless blade.

LORE: Born with the Mutant ability to create portals that allow her to teleport through the nether realm called Limbo, Illyana Rasputin augmented her natural gifts with powerful sorcery and an arcane sword fueled by souls to become the warrior known as Magik. As the ruler of Limbo, Magik has been serving as a general in a timeline-spanning war across dimensions, battling malevolent gods and demons. She frequently confers with her Mutant allies on Krakoa, discussing their species’ best chances for survival in the wake of the Timestream Entanglement.

Magneto

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: The Master of Magnetism bends even the strongest metal to his whims, shielding his allies and striking at his foes. Whether he calls himself Max Eisenhardt, Erik Lehnsherr, or simply Magneto, the hardships this warrior has endured have made him as unbreakable as the steel he brandishes.

LORE: Max Eisenhardt was born with a near-limitless Mutant ability to manipulate magnetic fields. Suffering a lifetime of persecution, Magneto made it his mission to ensure the survival of Mutantkind, no matter the cost. His uncompromising crusade often puts him at odds with other Mutants who seek more peaceful ways to coexist with humanity. Magneto led the campaign to gather the planet’s Mutant population and transport them decades into the future to a safe haven on the sentient island Krakoa, protecting his brethren from the growing dangers of the wider world.

Mantis

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: Mantis uses her impressive mental abilities and her penchant for plant control to anchor any team she fights alongside. Her powers tap into a limitless flow of life energy, gently nourishing everything she touches.

LORE: Mantis always knows exactly how you’re feeling, thanks to her strong empathic powers. Her alien ability to alter the emotions of others comes in handy on the battlefield, but Mantis only finds true happiness for herself when she is with her fellow Guardians of the Galaxy. After being captured by the Collector and put on display at his theme park, Mantis managed to escape with the help of her fellow captives, Sai and Jeff. Now, Mantis travels the spaceways in hopes of reuniting with her team, while welcoming other displaced souls into the Guardians’ found family.

Moon Knight

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: As the avatar of the Egyptian God of Vengeance, Marc Spector’s body has been enhanced by Khonshu himself. Bathed in a luminous aura that pierces the darkness, Moon Knight glides through the night, ready to sear his enemies with his master’s sacred Ankhs.

LORE: Mercenary Marc Spector was given a second chance at life when he became the avatar of the Egyptian moon god, Khonshu. As Moon Knight, he doles out righteous vengeance, locked in a never-ending battle with both the criminals on the streets and the voices in his head. He’s been fighting for so long he can barely remember how he got there. All he knows is that he can’t stop until he claims victory in his master’s name.

Namor

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: The unrivaled King of the Seas, Namor surfs into battle on a mighty wave with an army of fierce aquatic creatures in his wake. When ancient horns of war blare, devastation soon follows as deadly waters engulf the arena.

LORE: Born of a union between a human and an Atlantean, Namor has always been a man of two worlds. But while he proudly rules those who dwell beneath the waves, those who live on the surface have long earned Namor’s ire. After decades of simmering tension, Namor has finally decided that the time is right to strike at the surface world. He has sought the aid of his Mutant allies living in the future on Krakoa to aid him as he sets his sights on a new prize: Jeju Island.

Peni Parker

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: Peni Parker may be young, but she bravely stands on the front lines to protect the Web of Life and Destiny. Together, this teen prodigy and her state-of-the-art mech, the sensational SP//dr, make for the most thrilling duo on the battlefield!

LORE: After the death of her father, Peni Parker inherited the experimental mech-suit known as SP//dr. In order to control the suit, Peni had to allow herself to be bitten by the irradiated arachnid that controls its CPU, forming a psychic bond between them. Now, Peni and SP//dr keep the people of Tokyo Webworld safe, just like her father did before her. But their mission is bigger than just one city. Since the Timestream Entanglement, Peni and SP//dr have devoted themselves to the protection of the Web of Life and Destiny and the countless realities it connects.

Psylocke

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: As a naturally fast character, Psylocke can dash short distances and use her powers to turn invisible before striking. Her ultimate ability combines her skills into one deadly attack as she rushes across the battlefield with her wings on display while cutting down all enemies in her path. 

LORE: Drawing inspiration from Peach Momoko’s Demon Days: X-Men, our version of Psylocke, also known as Sai, is a wandering warrior in feudal Japan who has devoted herself to striking down ancient demons and monsters. Alongside her wolf companion, Logan, Psylocke won’t rest until all Yokai have fallen by her psychic blade. Her story deepens as she, ripped from her reality by the Timestream Entanglement and put on display by the Collector. Alongside newfound allies, she escaped her cage and learned that other familiar warriors might still be out there. Her new quest is to gather those heroes, end this conflict, and return home.

Punisher

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: Expertly wielding a full arsenal of futuristic weapons, Frank Castle is a formidable one-man army. With a steadfast resolve to deliver justice to his enemies, The Punisher won’t cease in his mission until every last round is fired!

LORE: Caught in the crossfire of a mob hit that killed his family, Frank Castle clung to life through sheer force of will and his unquenchable thirst for vengeance. Unwilling to let more innocents suffer at the hands of criminals, Castle took the law into his own hands as the Punisher. Thanks to an experimental serum that vastly extended his lifespan, the Punisher’s war has continued into the far-flung future. As a member of the New Marvel Knights, his impressive arsenal has become a vital part of Black Widow’s crusade against Doom 2099.

Rocket Raccoon

CLASS: Strategist

SKILLS: Rocket may not look like a tech genius or an expert tactician, but anyone who’s ever made his hit list has quickly regretted underestimating him. This savvy space soldier is equally eager to boost his teammates and to collect bounties on his foes.

LORE: He may look cute and fuzzy at first glance, but the space ranger known as Rocket has a bite just as nasty as his attitude. Fortunately, he puts his uncanny technical aptitude to use for good as a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. When Star-Lord signed on for a mission to explore Klyntar, Rocket tagged along for some easy target practice shooting symbiotes. But when their ship crashed, Rocket unexpectedly found himself in a fight for his life, trying to keep his fellow Guardians safe until help arrived.

Scarlet Witch

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: Wanda Maximoff is adept at harnessing formidable chaos magic, casting hexes with the power to twist and reshape reality itself. Energy, space, and matter are mere playthings in the hands of Scarlet Witch!

LORE: Wanda Maximoff’s ability to manipulate chaos magic makes her one of the most powerful living beings in the universe. As the Scarlet Witch, she seeks to harness that chaos, restoring some semblance of order to a world that is constantly on the brink of destruction. Since the Timestream Entanglement, chaos magic is one of the few forces holding the threads of reality together. Should her powers fail, the Scarlet Witch truly believes that this universe will disintegrate, along with everyone in it. It is a fate she refuses to allow… no matter the cost.

Spider-Man

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: Swinging around the arena on his signature weblines, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, AKA Peter Parker, catches his rivals by surprise with sneaky, sticky bursts of webbing and unexpected attacks from above. Look out… here comes the Spider-Man!

LORE: Bitten by a radioactive spider, young Peter Parker gained the ability to cling to almost any surface, a “spider-sense” that warns him of danger, and the proportional speed, strength, and agility of an arachnid. Now, he strives to use his great power responsibly as the wall-crawling wonder known as Spider-Man. Since the Timestream Entanglement, Spider-Man has been swinging between two battlefronts. When he’s not rallying New York’s heroes to fight against ancient forces of darkness, he’s busy protecting the Web of Life and Destiny with his fellow Web-Warriors in Tokyo Webworld.

Star-Lord

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: Peter Quill lives to dazzle his foes on the battlefield with his signature swagger. As his element guns paint arcs of devastation, his acrobatic moves sail through the sky with unrivaled style. With performances this spectacular, it’s no wonder that Star-Lord is so legendary!

LORE: Half human. Half alien. All awesome. That’s how Peter Quill, the space outlaw called Star-Lord, would probably describe himself. And as leader of the space faring heroes known as the Guardians of the Galaxy, he’s saved the universe enough times to actually live up to his legends. At Shuri’s request, Star-Lord led a scouting mission to the surface of the symbiote planet, Klyntar. As the Guardians made their approach, their ship was disabled by a mysterious force, leaving Star-Lord and his crew stranded on a hostile world nearing the brink of annihilation.

Storm

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: An Omega-level Mutant ability to manipulate weather patterns makes Ororo Munroe a force to be reckoned with. Rain or shine, thunder or lightning, nature itself bends to the command of the Goddess of the Storm!

LORE: Born a Mutant and worshipped as a Goddess due to her ability to manipulate the weather, Ororo Munroe became the X-Man known as Storm. As the regent of Sol and the protector of Arakko, she now serves as a protector for Mutants on Earth and beyond. The chronal energy generated by the Timestream Entanglement has resulted in violent temporal tempests on the sentient island Krakoa, the nation that the X-Men call home. Although her powers are capable of stabilizing the island’s climate, Storm seeks a more permanent solution alongside her fellow heroes.

Thor

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: The son of Odin taps into his divine power to call forth thunder and lightning, raining down relentless fury upon his enemies. With his mighty hammer Mjolnir in hand, Thor effortlessly asserts his dominance on the field of combat.

LORE: Prince of Asgard and God of Thunder, Thor Odinson is one of the bravest warriors the cosmos has ever known. With his enchanted hammer in hand, Thor summons the full fury of the storm to smite his foes… but only if he proves himself worthy of Mjolnir’s might. Alas, Thor has suffered greatly since the Timestream Entanglement. When the All-Father was forced to enter his regenerative Odinsleep, Thor and his brother Loki battled for the throne. Through deceit and trickery, Loki bested his brother, exiling Thor to a distant and dangerous timeline.

Venom

CLASS: Vanguard

SKILLS: Using his symbiote-enhanced body as the perfect living weapon, Eddie Brock and his alien ally stand ever-ready to unleash vicious attacks upon anyone he deems an enemy. Those ensnared by Venom’s tentacles have no choice but to surrender to this insatiable predator.

LORE: When Spider-Man rejected a symbiotic alien that he had once believed to be a mere costume, the creature formed a new bond with a man who shared its disdain for Peter Parker. Together, the symbiote and Eddie Brock became the lethal protector known as Venom. While displaced in time and fighting in the occult wars, Venom glimpsed the horrific future awaiting this timeline. To prevent that future from happening, Venom knows he has only two options — kill the dark god Knull or imprison him on Klyntar and take his throne.

Winter Soldier

CLASS: Duelist

SKILLS: Terrifying experiments turned him into a brainwashed assassin, but now James “Bucky” Barnes is in control of his own fate once again. With his enhanced mechanical arm, the Winter Soldier is primed to deliver earth-shattering blows to any foe in his path!

LORE: Captain America’s sidekick during World War II, James “Bucky” Barnes was thought to have been killed in action. In truth, he had been recovered by enemy forces and rebuilt into their ultimate assassin. But the Winter Soldier eventually broke his conditioning to become a hero once more. Captured during an operation to sabotage Erebus Base, the Winter Soldier was subjected to horrific experiments at the hands of Hydra scientists. He was rescued by Hawkeye and a version of Captain America from the year 2099, who gifted an upgraded arm to his former partner.

Marvel Rivals Team Up List

Voltaic Union

Few have proven capable of lifting the legendary hammer, Mjolnir, due to an ancient Asgardian enchantment that allows only those deemed worthy to wield it. Though that honor has most often belonged to the God of Thunder, Thor, a small handful of mortals – including Captain America and Storm – have managed to raise this mighty mallet high and call forth its fury in times of dire need.

Ragnarok Rebirth

As revenge against the All-Father, Hela once dragged the souls of Odin’s young heirs to her realm of the dead. Little did she realize how much chaos the brothers would cause in her domain! She should have expected as much from Loki, but prince Thor was equally as quarrelsome, earning both royal souls a ban from Hel for all eternity!

Planet X Pals

When Groot’s wooden body shatters into splinters during battle, it’s usually up to Rocket to collect the pieces and nurture his partner back to health. But now that Jeff is in the mix, there’s someone new to fetch Groot’s twigs and even help with the watering! Rocket can never be replaced, but luckily, Groot’s got room on his other shoulder!

Chilling Charisma

After their smash duet on Jeju Island, Namor and Luna Snow soon found themselves performing an encore… but this time, the band was about to break up! As tensions rose between the feuding frontpersons, a new member stepped in, bearing his tiny teeth until things cooled down. With Jeff on their side, this trio is sure to keep on rocking!

Guardian Revival

Mantis once transcended her physical form, becoming pure energy when her time as the Celestial Madonna concluded. Peter Quill once became Master of the Sun, unlocking even deeper power through his alien physiology. Now, Adam Warlock has found these two to be the perfect vessels for his rebirth abilities, for their ancestry bares greater power than they may ever know.

Symbiote Bond

When a symbiote bonds with its host, it leaves behind a permanent remnant – a codex – in the host’s body. Since both Peter and Peni Parker have experienced these alien bonds, it makes it easy for them tap into any symbiote’s power – including Venom’s. But it also puts these heroes in danger of falling under the influence of the Klyntar hivemind…

Ammo Overload

When Rocket lifted a quantum circuit board from the Agents of the Cosmos Complex, he was planning to use it to get the Milano in the air again. But he quickly realized that kind of power could be put to much better use on the battlefield. Can you imagine a device that supplies unlimited ammo? Well, the Punisher certainly can…

Gamma Charge

Tony Stark watched his colleague, Dr. Bruce Banner, with a mixture of hope and trepidation. If Banner’s newly-designed gamma belt could control the Hulk’s rage, it could save countless lives and millions in property damage. But finding a way to infuse the radiation with magical artifacts… well… It’s no wonder that Stephen Strange’s astral projection arrived when it did with similar intrigue.

Dimensional Shortcut

It’s not often that the king of an intergalactic empire invites the queen of a demonic netherworld to join him for a diplomatic meeting. So when Magik got the call to come visit Wakanda, she couldn’t help but answer. If King T’Challa had known her better, however, he wouldn’t have bothered to send the fancy spacecraft to pick her up…

Metallic Chaos

They may have come from different corners of the Multiverse, but the bond between Magneto and the Scarlet Witch transcends realities. Magneto forged a deal with this variant of his long lost daughter: Help gather Mutants lost throughout space and time and bring them home to Krakoa, and he will lead them against the demonic forces that threaten Wanda’s dimension.

What is the Marvel Rivals release date?

The Marvel Rivals global launch is December 6, 2024.

Where can I play Marvel Rivals?

Marvel Rivals will be playable via PC and consoles: Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. No subscriptions are required, but the game requires a constant internet connection. An Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus Pass are not required.

Stay tuned to ComicBook Gaming for the latest Marvel Rivals updates.

The post Marvel Rivals Roster: Every Playable Marvel Character appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Doctor Doom has stood at the center of some of Marvel’s biggest events, including both Secret Wars (in 1984 and 2015). And in this year’s Blood Hunt, Victor von Doom did what Earth’s mightiest heroes could not: save the world. After replacing Doctor Strange as the new Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe, Doom is establishing himself as Emperor of the World and ruler of a new United Latveria in One World Under Doom, the status quo shift that will impact Marvel’s entire line of comics throughout 2025.

Decades after his short-lived reign as Emperor Doom in the 1987 graphic novel Avengers: Emperor Doom — where the despotic monarch of Latveria manipulated the Purple Man’s mind control powers to brainwash the world and make himself its ruler — Doom’s reign will begin anew in the nine-issue One World Under Doom by writer Ryan North (Fantastic Four) and artist R.B. Silva (Captain America: Symbol of Truth).

RELATED: The Rise of Emperor Doom: How Doctor Doom Became the New Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe

“One World Under Doom is a story I’ve been working on since 2023,” North said. “This huge head start is such a gift when telling a story like this: I can make sure it all hangs together properly, and for other artists working on tie-ins with their books, I can share completed scripts instead of just an idea of what happens. Because of that I’m very excited for where this story has gone, and can go. It’s been really exciting to hear what other teams have planned with their books to take advantage of this new status quo —we’re all pulling in the same direction.”

“Doom, to me, is the ultimate villain, because even when he loses he wins,” he continued. “He’s not some guy you can punch a bunch until he stops doing crimes: he’s a man who has thought deeply about how to achieve precisely what he wants, and how to ensure others are manipulated into supporting him.”

RELATED: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man: Where to Start Reading the New Era of The Amazing Spider-Man

Set after the events of The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man — where Doom grants Spider-Man eight extra lives as his Champion in the Covenant tasked with saving the world from the Scions of Cyttorak — One World Under Doom “opens after Doom has taken over the world overnight,” North explained. “And there is a mystery in how he did it, how he got everyone to acquiesce to his rule. But there’s also a bigger and more terrifying question: now that he’s taken over the world, what is he going to do with it?  And what will the Fantastic Four and the Avengers do to stop him?”

“Doom is one of my favorite characters in the Marvel Universe, so getting to work on this arc is a real pleasure,” Silva added. “I’m loving that we’re bringing magic into the mix, and all the possibilities to make him as awesome as he’s always been. I’m trying to give fans something a little different from what we’ve seen before, and I think the magic element can really make a difference. I hope fans enjoy it as much as I do.”

RELATED: Doctor Doom Conquers the Marvel Universe on Doom Variant Cover Series

Marvel Comics has shared the first look at One World Under Doom #1, which hits stands on Feb. 12. The first in the nine-issue series assembles the Avengers (Captain Marvel, the Sam Wilson Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Scarlet Witch, Vision, and Storm), Spider-Man, Steve Rogers, Squirrel Girl, Doctor Strange, and the Fantastic Four, while Doom is in league with Baron Zemo.

One World Under Doom #1 Preview

Six months ago, Doctor Victor Von Doom became Sorcerer Supreme — then disappeared behind Latveria’s closed borders. For most, there’s enough going on in the world that Doom’s absence is not a priority, and some time without him feels like a blessing. Only a few recognize it for what it truly was… the calm before the storm. It is a storm that has now arrived...

The world has woken up to a new reality: Doctor Doom, Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme, has magically taken over every broadcast medium on the planet and declared himself Emperor of the World – the ruler of a new United Latveria! And shockingly, impossibly, all of Earth’s leaders seem to be going along with this...

Luckily, whether it’s mind control or Doombots, whatever’s affecting them hasn’t affected Earth’s heroes – and so they quickly form a strike team to stop Doom’s machinations…

But will they succeed? And what happens when some begin to welcome their new Emperor with open arms, clamoring for One World Under Doom?

One World Under Doom begins in February 2025.

The post Marvel Previews Doctor Doom’s Reign Over the Marvel Universe in First Look at One World Under Doom #1 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Praise Marvel Jesus, because Deadpool & Wolverine is now available to stream at home. After overtaking Joker as the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time with nearly $1.4 billion at the global box office, the Marvel Studios sequel became available to rent or buy digitally in October before being released on 4K UHD and Blu-ray as a set of matching steelbooks. But if you’ve been holding out until you could stream Deadpool & Wolverine on Disney+ for free, the wait is over.

Keep reading below for more details on all the ways you can watch Deadpool & Wolverine online, plus where to watch the Deadpool movies and where to stream Marvel movies that are featured in a crossover between the Fox-verse and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Ultimate Deadpool & Wolverine Streaming Guide

RELATED: What’s New on Disney+ in November 2024

When can I watch Deadpool & Wolverine on Disney Plus?

You can stream Deadpool & Wolverine on Disney+ starting Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Watch Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Deadpool & Wolverine

After streaming Deadpool & Wolverine, Disney+ subscribers can watch Assembled: The Making of Deadpool & Wolverine. The hour-long documentary is now available on Disney+ and goes behind the scenes of the making of the movie with stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, director Shawn Levy, and more.

Is there a Disney Plus Free Trial in November 2024?

Disney has discontinued the Disney+ free trial. Disney+ subscriptions start at $9.99 per month (Disney+ Basic with ads) or $15.99 per month for Disney+ Premium (no ads).

Other options include the $10.99/mo plan (Disney Bundle Duo Basic: Disney+ with ads and Hulu with ads), $19.99/mo (Disney Bundle Duo Premium: ad-free Disney+ and Hulu), $16.99/mo (Disney Bundle Trio Basic, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with ads), or the priciest plan at $26.99/mo (Disney Bundle Trio Premium for ad-free Disney+ and Hulu, and ESPN+ with ads). In addition, subscribers can bundle Disney+, Hulu, and Max with ads for $16.99/mo, or Disney+, Hulu, and Max with no ads for $29.99/mo.

Where can I watch Deadpool and Wolverine Without Disney Plus?

If you don’t have a Disney+ subscription, you can watch Deadpool & Wolverine online by renting or buying the movie for $19.99 on digital platforms, including Amazon’s Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu).

Both the physical and digital releases feature hours of extras, including a gag reel, deleted scenes, and an audio commentary.

Is Deadpool & Wolverine on Disney Plus in IMAX Enhanced?

No, Deadpool & Wolverine is currently not among the MCU movies available to watch in IMAX’s expanded aspect of 1.90:1. However, the movie is available in 4K Ultra HD and HDR10 with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound.

Where to watch the Deadpool movies

Deadpool (2016)

The first Deadpool was Ryan Reynolds’ second crack at the Merc with a Mouth following 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Directed by Tim Miller, the movie pits mercenary Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) against Francis/Ajax (Ed Skrein) after he undergoes Weapon X’s Workshop program.

Where to watch Deadpool: Disney+ and Max

Deadpool 2 (2018)

The sequel to the first one, Wade Wilson joins forces with X-Force to save his fiancée Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) while pursued by the time-traveling cybernetic mutant soldier Cable (Josh Brolin).

Where to watch Deadpool 2: Disney+

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

When the Time Variance Authority’s Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) informs Wade that Earth-10005 will be erased from existence following the death of his universe’s anchor being — the Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) who died a hero in 2017’s Logan — he teams up with the “worst” Wolverine variant (Jackman) to save his world.

Where to watch the Wolverine movies

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

The Fox-made prequel to the X-Men movies reveals Logan’s past: how William Stryker (Danny Huston) and the Weapon X program turned him into the ultimate killing machine, his complex relationship with Victor Creed/Sabretooth (Liev Schreiber), and his encounters with Wade Wilson/Weapon XI (Reynolds) and the mutant Gambit (Taylor Kitsch).

Where to watch X-Men Origins: Wolverine: Disney+ and Max

The Wolverine (2013)

Set after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, Logan is left more vulnerable than ever when he travels to modern day Japan and battles the Silver Samurai (Hiroyuki Sanada).

Where to watch The Wolverine: Disney+

Logan (2017)

In the near future, a weary Logan is suffering adamantium poisoning as he cares for an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart) in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives — the bone-clawed Laura (Dafne Keen) — who is pursued by Pierce (Boyd Holbrook) and the Reapers, the paramilitary force of Dr. Rice (Richard E. Grant) and the anti-mutant Transigen.

Where to watch Logan: Disney+ and FX Now

RELATED: How to Watch the X-Men Movies in Order Online

How to watch Deadpool & Wolverine and every MCU movie in chronological order

1. Captain America: The First Avenger
2. Captain Marvel
3. Iron Man
4. Iron Man 2
5. The Incredible Hulk
6. Thor
7. The Avengers
8. Thor: The Dark World
9. Iron Man 3
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
11. Guardians of the Galaxy
12. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
13. Avengers: Age of Ultron
14. Ant-Man
15. Captain America: Civil War
16. Black Widow
17. Spider-Man: Homecoming
18. Black Panther
19. Doctor Strange
20. Thor: Ragnarok
21. Ant-Man and the Wasp
22. Avengers: Infinity War
23. Avengers: Endgame
24. Spider-Man: Far From Home
25. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
26. Eternals
27. Spider-Man: No Way Home
28. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
29. The Marvels
30. Deadpool & Wolverine

Marvel movies to watch after Deadpool & Wolverine

In the Void, Deadpool and Wolverine encounter heroes from timelines pruned by the TVA: the Human Torch (Chris Evans), Elektra (Jennifer Garner), Gambit (Channing Tatum), and Blade (Wesley Snipes).

Fantastic Four (2005)

The Human Torch flames on for the first time when a cosmic space accident transforms four astronauts — Reed Richards (Ioan Gruffudd), Sue Storm (Jessica Alba), Johnny Storm (Evans), and Ben Grimm (Michael Chiklis) — into the super-powered Fantastic Four, who must come together to defeat the diabolical Doctor Doom (Julian McMahon).

Where to watch Fantastic Four: Disney+

Elektra (2005)

The spinoff of 2003’s Daredevil follows the world’s most lethal assassin, restored to life after sustaining mortal wounds at the hands of Bullseye (Colin Farrell). With her martial arts skills and Kimagure — the ability to see into the future — Elektra’s latest assignment pits her against assassins sent by The Hand.

Where to watch Elektra: Max

The Blade trilogy (1998-2004)

Snipes stars as Blade, the vampire hunter: a half-mortal, half-immortal Daywalker who battles armies of blood suckers with his mentor Whistler (Kris Kristofferson).

Where to watch Blade (1998), Blade II (2002), and Blade: Trinity (2004): The Blade trilogy is currently unavailable to stream online, but you can rent or buy the movies individually or as a three-movie collection on Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

The post How to Stream Deadpool & Wolverine and More Marvel Movies appeared first on ComicBook.com.

[Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Penguin episode 8, “A Great or Little Thing.”] “The world wasn’t built for guys like us,” Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell) told Vic (Rhenzy Feliz) after taking the teenager under his wing in the first episode of The Penguin. “That’s why we gotta take whatever we decide is ours. ‘Cause no one’s gonna give it to us. Not without a fight.” In the end, Oz and Vic did just that: together, they took what was left of the Falcone and Maroni crime families from Sofia Gigante (Cristin Milioti) and performed a coup against the remaining gangs by convincing the deputies to turn on their bosses.

After consolidating power with control of the Triads, the Burnley Town Massive, LoBoys, the Sullivans, and the Odessa Mob, Oz ended the gang war by pinning it all on Sofia and having her recommitted in Arkham State Hospital. He leveraged his position with corrupt Councilman Sebastian Hady (Rhys Coiro) to come out clean as a whistle, winning out over the woman who used his mother against him while seeking revenge for the murder of her brother Alberto (Michael Zegen).

RELATED: The Penguin Might Not Be the Villain in The Batman Part II — and the Comics Explain Why

In the end, it was a Pyrrhic victory for Oz: his beloved mother, Francis (Deirdre O’Connell), suffered a stroke that left her in a vegetative state and unable to tell him she’s proud of her last-surviving son for becoming the kingpin of Gotham City. “Thanks for taking a chance on me. For taking me in,” Victor told Oz. “You’re family to me.”

Calling their chance encounter kismet, Oz put his arms around Vic and told him, “I can’t take you with me this time. That’s the thing about family… it’s your strength. It drives you.” But family “makes you weak, too,” Oz said as he viciously strangled Vic to death. “I can’t have that no more. It’s too much.” In-between gasps for air and apologies, Vic died as Oz snuffed out the only family he had left. “It wasn’t for nothing.”

Why Did Penguin Kill Victor?

“I think it’s what he says while he’s committing the act,” Feliz exclusively told ComicBook. “It’s that he knows that he’s vulnerable in this way now. He’s just experienced what it’s like to lose his mother, to have his mother taken from him.”

Because Sofia was able to use Oz’s mother against him, ultimately causing the stroke that left her catatonic and nearly costing Oz his life, Vic had to die.

“When you view someone as family, it’s a strength, like he says,” Feliz continued. “And so I think he wants to become something almost impenetrable. And the way he thinks he can do that is [killing his weakness]. Everyone else, I think, sees it as, ‘You don’t have to do this.’ He sees it as, ‘The only way that I can be invulnerable is to snuff out this flame here.'”

RELATED: How The Penguin Sets up The Batman 2

In his final moments, Vic begged Oz not to kill him. As for what was going through Vic’s mind as Oz’s embrace turned into a chokehold, it was “shock.”

“Shock is what I was going for,” Feliz pointed out. “You’re getting choked to death. You know, everything you’re doing is survival at that point. It’s instinct. You’re kicking, you’re grabbing, you’re pleading. You don’t know what’s going on, you don’t know why it’s going on. You don’t really understand what’s happening.”

Ultimately, Oz betrayed both members of his remaining family. He promised his mother he wouldn’t let her live if her condition worsened, only to put her up in his penthouse while he molded Eve Karlo (Carmen Ejogo) in his mother’s image. And he betrayed Vic, choosing to kill the kid who saw Oz as family rather than a monster.

“You put so much love and trust in this person, for him to be betraying you like that,” Feliz said. “I think it’s just like, ‘What? Oh my God. No, please. Please don’t. Please stop.'” As for whether Oz was always going to kill Vic or if he gave into his darker impulses when he admitted his victory “don’t feel like it should,” Feliz turned the question toward Farrell.

“That’s a great question. I want to know what what would Colin would say about it,” Feliz said. “When was the decision made [by Oz]? I really have no idea. I’m in the debates with everybody else.”

“I really don’t know, to be honest,” the actor continued. “I go back and forth and I think, in that moment, sometimes I think he knew it from the moment when he takes me out to the river bank [that] he knows what he’s going to do. Then I really go back and forth.”

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. All episodes of HBO’s The Penguin are now streaming on Max.

The post The Penguin Star Explains Their Finale Fate (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Marvel’s What If…? follows the Watcher (voiced by Jeffrey Wright) through time, space, and reality, where a single choice can branch out into infinite realities — creating alternate worlds from the ones we know. The third and final season of the Marvel Studios animated series will ponder such questions as: What if Storm of the X-Men wielded Thor’s hammer Mjolnir as the Goddess of Thunder? What if Sam Wilson’s Captain America assembled the A.V.E.N.G.E.R., Earth’s mightiest mech? And what if Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight and Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in animated form?

The Watcher will ponder those questions and more in What If…? season 3, which will air its eight-episode season daily starting Dec. 22 on Disney+. Watch the new trailer below.

RELATED: Every MCU Reveal From Marvel’s 2025 Trailer, From Muse to Wonder Man and More

Season 3 features fan-favorite characters like Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), The Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Hulk/Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), The Red Guardian (David Harbour), Captain Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), and Storm/Ororo Munroe (Alison Sealy-Smith, reprising her iconic role from X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ’97).

In addition to the returns of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), fans get a glimpse of Howard the Duck (Seth Green), Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), the dreaded Doctor Strange villain Dormammu, and Kahhori (voiced by Devery Jacobs), the Mohawk warrior endowed with the cosmic power of the Tesseract. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you: that appears to be the Spider-Man villain Mysterio (played by Jake Gyllenhaal in 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home) at the 1:38 mark.

“What If…? season 3 feels like the completion of a trilogy,” Brad Winderbaum, Head of Streaming, Television and Animation at Marvel Studios, said on the Official Marvel Podcast. “It takes us to places you’d never expect. It goes beyond the first two seasons in its exploration of the Multiverse and it pulls in characters that are very unexpected. It has what I think is an extremely moving and fulfilling culmination for Uatu, The Watcher.”

Episodes are directed by Bryan Andrews (Marvel Zombies) and Stephan Franck (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) and are written by Matthew Chauncey (Ms. Marvel), Ryan Little (Runaways), and series creator A.C. Bradley. The executive producers are Andrews with Brad Winderbaum (X-Men ’97), Kevin Feige (Deadpool & Wolverine), Louis D’Esposito (Agatha All Along), and Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt (I Am Groot).

Marvel’s animated slate includes the upcoming Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (Jan. 29, 2025), Eyes of Wakanda (Aug. 6, 2025), and the mature-rated Marvel Zombies (October 2025). Marvel Animation’s What If…? season 3 premieres Dec. 22 and runs through Dec. 30 on Disney+.

The post Watch the Avengers Assemble a Mech and Storm Become Thor in Marvel’s What If…? Final Season Trailer appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Team Peacemaker is back in action. Ahead of Sunday’s season (or series?) finale of The Penguin, Max premiered a first look at another DC series coming to the streaming service in 2025: Peacemaker season 2. In-between glimpses of the Dune prequel Dune: Prophecy, the IT prequel Welcome to Derry, The Last of Us season 2, and Game of Thrones spinoff A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is footage from the sophomore season of the James Gunn-created series, which is set in the new DC Universe after the events of Gunn’s Superman movie.

“No matter how far away we are from each other, no one will ever break us apart,” John Cena’s Christopher Smith says over footage of the “11th Street Kids” gang toasting with beers: Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), John Economos (Steve Agee), Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), and Adrian Chase / Vigilante (Freddie Stroma). Watch the just-released sizzle reel below.

RELATED: The New DCU Canon Explained by James Gunn

Sandwiched between shots of a bloody bar fight and Peacemaker knifing someone in the throat is the first look at Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) — the father of former Task Force X leader Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), who was killed by Peacemaker in 2021’s The Suicide Squad. Grillo will first voice Rick Flag Sr. in the Max animated series Creature Commandos before appearing in Superman (set to open in theaters on July 11, 2025), and Peacemaker season 2 (streaming the second half of 2025).

“What you got to understand and keep in mind is I’m the guy who plays Peacemaker,” Cena recently told Variety about the nearly four-year wait between seasons. “So when we come out with a show and it’s the No. 1 show on Max and, finally, we take a character who is supposed to be dead [after The Suicide Squad], bring Peacemaker back to life, and people enjoy the universe and want to see more of it — but then you have a shift in the structure of who is calling the shots over at DC.”

“James and Peter [Safran] actually both called me and said, ‘You know what, we want to take some time to do this right. But it’s just going to take a little time,’” Cena said. “So it was crazy to know we did something people want, they want more of it, let’s do it again. And everybody’s like, ‘No wait, we just got to do a few things first. And we have this whole plan, and it’s all going to work together. So if you just trust us, we’ll be okay.’ And it seems like forever ago, now that we’re filming every day, it seems like it will be just right around the corner that we’re watching season 2.”

RELATED: Everything James Gunn Revealed About Creature Commandos, Peacemaker Season 2 and the New DCU at NYCC

DC Studios’ Creature Commandos debuts on Max Dec. 5. Superman is slated for July 2025 as the first film of the new DCU canon, with Peacemaker season 2 confirmed to release later next year.

The post DC’s Peacemaker Season 2 First Footage Revealed by Max Shows Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. in Live-Action appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Careful who you assemble. “There are good guys, and you’re bad guys,” CIA Director Val (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) tells the team of misfits in Marvel Studios Thunderbolts*. “But there are worse guys.” Disney’s D23 Brazil revealed a special look at the next MCU movie after Captain America: Brave New World, and introduced the Thunderbolts* (asterisk included): Yelena Belova/Black Widow (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes/the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker/U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell), Antonia Dreykov/Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Bob Reynolds/Sentry (Lewis Pullman).

“Everyone here has done bad things: shadow ops, robbing government labs, contract kills,” Yelena says of the team of assassins, anti-heroes, and reformed supervillains. “So someone wants us gone.”

The Thunderbolts in the Comics: Justice, Like Lightning…

RELATED: Marvel’s Thunderbolts Comics Featuring Black Widow and Winter Soldier Strike in 2025

In the comics, the Thunderbolts were formed by Baron Helmut Zemo as an incarnation of the Masters of Evil in the absence of the Avengers. Secretly a team of supervillains posing as superheroes, the original Thunderbolts lineup — Citizen V (Zemo), Techno (Fixer), Atlas (Goliath), MACH-1 (Beetle), Meteorite (Moonstone), Screaming Mimi (Songbird), and Jolt — eventually embraced true heroism and sought redemption, turning on Zemo when the villain revealed his true motives.

When the Thunderbolts roster became outlaws, they were joined by reformed criminal-turned-Avenger Clint Barton/Hawkeye, and in the years since, the various iterations of the team have been led by heroes and villains alike. Bucky, Yelena, and Luke Cage have all led the more heroic versions of the Thunderbolts, while villains like Norman Osborn, a.k.a. the Green Goblin, and Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, have established Thunderbolts teams to carry out their dark reigns over the Marvel Universe. Even General “Thunderbolt” Ross, A.K.A. the Red Hulk, has led an ultra-lethal Thunderbolts team consisting of Venom, Elektra, the Punisher, and Deadpool.

Most recently, Mayor Cage reformed the Thunderbolts with Hawkeye leading a team that includes Monica Rambeau/Photon, America Chavez, and the new Power Man.

Who Are the MCU Thunderbolts*?

Yelena Belova: Black Widow

A former Red Room assassin and undercover operative who was trained to kill alongside her adoptive sister — the Avenger Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) — Yelena and Natasha were raised by Alexei and Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz). After the family of four reunited to thwart the Soviet General Dreykov (Ray Winstone) and wake the Black Widows brainwashed by the Red Room Academy in 2021’s Black Widow (set between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War), Yelena died when Thanos (Josh Brolin) erased half of the population in the universe with a snap of his fingers.

Yelena was blipped back to life five years later and learned that Natasha died (during the events of Avengers: Endgame). In Black Widow‘s post-credits scene, Val assigned Yelena her next target: the man she believed was responsible for her sister’s death, Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner).

When she sought her revenge in 2021’s Hawkeye series, Yelena learned she was hired by Bishop Security CEO Eleanor Bishop (Vera Farmiga) to assassinate Barton on behalf of the Kingpin, Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio). Yelena tried to kill Barton, but when he convinced her that sister sacrificed herself and died saving the world, she mourned Natasha and then let go of her vendetta against the still-grieving Hawkeye.

Appearances: Black Widow (2021), Hawkeye (2021), Thunderbolts* (2025)

James “Bucky” Barnes: The Winter Soldier

A sergeant in the United States Army, Bucky Barnes served alongside Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), the first Captain America, in World War II. Once thought KIA behind enemy lines (in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger), Barnes was captured by HYDRA and injected with the Super Soldier Serum. For the next five decades, a mind-wiped and brainwashed Barnes operated as the HYDRA assassin known as the Winter Soldier.

After Rogers and his allies, Natasha Romanoff and the Falcon (Anthony Mackie), learned that HYDRA had infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D., they foiled Secretary Alexander Pierce’s (Robert Redford) plot to enact Project Insight (in 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier) and murder 20 million people targeted by HYDRA. Rogers was able to stir Barnes’ memories, but a fugitive Barnes was framed for the bombing that killed Wakandan King T’Chaka (John Kani) in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War. After the culprit was revealed to be the Sokovian terrorist Baron Zemo (Daniel Brühl) and brought to justice by the Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Wakanda was able to remove the Winter Soldier programming from Barnes’ mind.

Barnes was snapped after the Battle of Wakanda (in Infinity War) and returned during the Battle of Earth (in Endgame). He received a pardon from the government and was making amends for his past as the Winter Soldier when Sam Wilson — who has chosen by Rogers to be the new Captain America — relinquished the star-spangled shield.

When the United States Department of Defense selected Army Captain John Walker as its government-backed Cap, Barnes and Wilson learned that a mysterious Power Broker was funding the recreation of the Super Soldier Serum that turned a since-retired Steve Rogers into Captain America in the 1940s. Barnes and Wilson reluctantly joined forces with Zemo to prevent the creation of more super soldiers like the increasingly reckless Walker Cap (in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier).

The last we saw him, Barnes helped Captain America (Wilson) and the disgraced U.S. Agent (Walker) battle the Flag Smashers when the anti-nationalist group planned to carry out a terrorist attack against the Global Repatriation Council in the aftermath of the Blip.

Appearances: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Ant-Man (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Black Panther (2018), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), Thunderbolts* (2025)

Alexei Shostakov: Red Guardian

Russia’s answer to Captain America, Alexei Shostakov was the Soviet Union’s first and only super soldier. In the 1990s, Dreykov assigned Alexei and Melina Vostokoff to pose as a family with a young Natasha and Yelena as part of a plot to infiltrate the North Institute in Ohio, where HYDRA was secretly developing the Winter Soldier project.

After the Russian sleeper agents were eventually discovered by S.H.I.E.L.D. and forced to flee America, Dreykov sent Natasha and Yelena to train at the Red Room and had Alexei jailed at the Seventh Circle Prison in Russia. 21 years later, in 2016, Natasha and Yelena broke their adoptive father out of prison, and together, they tracked down Melina in Saint Petersburg, Russia. There Alexei reclaimed his Red Guardian uniform and later fought the Taskmaster — Dreykov’s daughter — when the four reunited to take down the Red Room for good. Alexei and Melina were last seen parting ways with Natasha on their mission to create more Red Dust, the synthetic gas capable of countering the chemical subjugation of the Black Widows.

Appearances: Black Widow (2021), Thunderbolts* (2025)

John Walker: U.S. Agent

A former Captain of the U.S. Army Rangers who earned three Medals of Honor for his tours in Afghanistan, Walker was named the new Captain America in 2024. Wielding the shield that Sam Wilson handed over to the Smithsonian, the government-approved Cap
was joined in the field by his longtime friend, Army Sergeant Major Lemar Hoskins (Clè Bennett), as Captain America’s partner, Battlestar.

Walker used the last of the recreated Super Soldier Serum to become enhanced after being defeated during a fight with Wakanda’s Dora Milaje. After Hoskins was KIA during a fight with Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman) and the Flag Smashers, Walker used the shield of Captain America to violently execute a Flag Smasher, sparking an international incident.

Stripped of his title and authority as Captain America, the disgraced Cap was given an other than honorable discharge. He was quickly intercepted by Val, who told him he was “very valuable to certain people,” and Walker melted down his medals to create a replica of Captain America’s shield. The vigilante Walker helped the Winter Soldier and the new Captain America defeat the Flag Smashers, then reported to Val for his next mission in a black costume. “Things are about to get weird. So when they do, we’re not gonna need a Captain America,” Val told him. “We’re gonna need a U.S. Agent.”

Appearances: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), Thunderbolts* (2025)

Antonia Dreykov: Taskmaster

In 2008, Dreykov’s daughter was nearly killed by the bomb intended to assassinate her father during the Budapest Operation carried out by Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff in her defection to S.H.I.E.L.D. Dreykov implanted a controlling chip in Antonia’s neck and raised the girl in the Red Room following her disfigurement. A perfect mimic, she became the masked assassin Taskmaster: the Red Room’s deadliest killer.

Antonia’s photographic reflexes mean she’s able to match the fighting styles of Black Widow, Hawkeye, Captain America, Black Panther, and Spider-Man, which she utilizes alongside weapons like shields, knives, guns, and swords. In 2016, Taskmaster tried to kill Romanoff in revenge, but she was freed from her father’s control with the Red Dust. After learning her father died during Romanoff and Belova’s attack on the Red Doom, Antonia left with the other Black Widows.

Appearances: Black Widow (2021), Thunderbolts* (2025)

Ava Starr: Ghost

The daughter of a former S.H.I.E.L.D. scientist who researched the Quantum Realm with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Bill Foster (Laurence Fishburne), young Ava Starr was left intangible from the fatal accident quantum experiment caused by Elihas Starr (Michael Cerveris). The accident gave Ava the powers of invisibility and quantum phase-shifting, or the power to shift between quantum dimensions and pass through objects.

S.H.I.E.L.D. built Ava a containment suit to help control her painful phasing and trained her to be a stealth operative, codenamed Ghost. “They weaponized me,” she told Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) in 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp. “I stole for them. Spied for them. Killed for them. And in exchange for my soul, they were going to cure me. They lied.”

After the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D. in 2014, she sought out Foster’s help to cure her condition using the Quantum Energy Chamber he built to manage her molecular disequilibrium. Ava planned to intercept Pym’s Quantum Tunnel and drain Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) of the healing quantum energy she had absorbed during the decades she was lost in the Quantum Realm, but when the original Wasp returned, Janet used her powers to stabilize Ava and let her become tangible — saving her life. Ava then escaped with Foster.

Ghost’s DNA was among the superhuman DNA secretly harvested by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and used by the shape-shifting Skrulls to create the super-powered Super-Skrull in 2023’s Secret Invasion. The Skrulls G’iah (Emilia Clarke) and Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir) were seen using Ghost’s phase-shifting and invisibility powers.

Appearances: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Thunderbolts* (2025)

Bob Reynolds: The Sentry

RELATED: Who Is Bob in Thunderbolts*? Marvel’s Sentry, Explained

Robert “Bob” Reynolds encounters Yelena, U.S. Agent, and Ghost in what appears to be the basement of the now Val-owned Avengers Tower. Little is known about the patient gown-clad Bob, but in the comics, he is the solar-powered superhero Sentry — the alter-ego of his true persona, the malevolent entity known as the Void. A product of “Project Sentry” — an attempt to recreate the super-soldier serum that transformed Steve Rogers into Captain America — Bob was a diagnosed schizophrenic with generalized anxiety disorder and agoraphobia who stole the Sentry serum to get high. He later joined Norman Osborn’s Thunderbolts when the then-H.A.M.M.E.R. Director formed the Dark Avengers.

Appearances: Thunderbolts* (2025)

The official synopsis: “Marvel Studios and a crew of indie veterans who sold out present Thunderbolts*, an irreverent team-up featuring depressed assassin Yelena Belova (Pugh) alongside the MCU’s least anticipated band of misfits.”

Produced by Kevin Feige (Deadpool & Wolverine), Jake Schreier (Paper Towns, Beef, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew) directs from a script by Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok, Black Widow, The Fantastic Four: First Steps), Joanna Calo (The Bear), and Lee Sung Jin (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Beef).

Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* strikes theaters on May 2, 2025, as part of Phase Five of the MCU.

The post Who Are the Thunderbolts* in the MCU? Explaining the Marvel Team appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Venom: The Last Dance has waltzed to the No. 1 spot at the box office three weeks in a row. The third and final installment in Sony’s Tom Hardy-fronted Venom series earned an additional $16.2 million through the weekend, taking first place over newcomers The Best Christmas Pageant Ever ($11.1 million) and Heretic ($11 million). Domestically, Venom 3 is now past the $100 million mark at $114.8 million, bringing its global cume to $394 million.

While the Sony-Marvel movie will eventually cross $400 million as it continues to play on just under 4,000 screens, the box office is lagging behind its predecessors: 2018’s Venom ($213 million domestic, $856 million worldwide) and 2021’s Venom: Let There Be Carnage ($213 million domestic, $501 million worldwide). Following an $80 million opening (then the best October opening ever until it was surpassed by 2019’s Joker), the first Venom had earned $171 million domestically at this same point in time five years ago, and its 16-week run in North American theaters ended at $213.5 million.

RELATED: What Does the Venom 3 Box Office Mean for the Future of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe?

Venom 2, which opened mid-pandemic in 2021, had amassed $168 million by its third week, finishing just below its predecessor’s domestic total with $213.4 million after 17 weeks. Both films were relatively less expensive than your typical superhero movie at $100 million and $110 million, respectively, while Venom 3 cost a reported $120 million.

Venom is Sony’s eighth-highest grossing film of all time at the global box office, behind the Marvel Studios co-production Spider-Man: No Way Home ($1.9 billion), the James Bond sequel Skyfall ($1.14 billion), Spider-Man: Far From Home ($1.13 billion), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle ($962 million), 2007’s Spider-Man 3 ($894 million), Spectre ($880.6 million), and Spider-Man: Homecoming ($880.1 million).

Red One, the expensive Dwayne Johnson-Chris Evans Christmas comedy from Amazon MGM, is expected to sleigh Venom 3 and take the No. 1 spot when it opens on Nov. 15 with a projected opening weekend between $20 million to $40 million. Also on the way this month: Gladiator II and Wicked, which will battle it out over the Nov. 22 weekend. Disney’s animated Moana 2 will sail into theaters over Thanksgiving with a projected massive $125 million-$135 million opening over the five-day holiday weekend.

Venom 3 opened to a franchise low $51 million in October, lower than Johnson’s DC movie Black Adam (which opened over the same weekend in 2022). That movie held a similar Rotten Tomatoes score (39% compared to 41%) and went on to finish its run with $390 million globally.

RELATED: Kraven the Hunter Has a Harder R Rating Than Deadpool & Wolverine

The Venom 3 Rotten Tomatoes score was above average for Sony’s Spider-Man Universe — better than Venom (30%), Morbius (15%), and Madame Web (11%), only lower than Venom 2 (57%) — but indicates a case of diminishing returns for the SSU, which will release the R-rated Kraven the Hunter, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the Spider-Man villain, in December. Kraven will open one week before the family-friendly Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Mufasa: The Lion King, which will go head-to-head going into Christmas on Dec. 20.

The post Venom: The Last Dance Crosses Major Box Office Milestone, But It’s Still the Lowest-Grossing Venom Movie appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In a world where hope has to burn brighter than ever before to survive, the Last Son of Krypton burns with the power of the Sun. Absolute Superman, by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval, introduces the Kal-El of the Absolute Universe: a world forged from Darkseid energy. Like his counterpart in the DC Universe — who was born beneath the red sun of the doomed planet Krypton and developed super powers by absorbing the solar energy of Earth’s yellow sun — Absolute Superman has the powers of superhuman strength, speed, and red-eyed heat vision.

While the DCU Superman is powered by solar energy, Absolute Superman is a living solar battery — literally. Superman absorbs the Sun’s solar radiation and is able to channel that energy into beams of heat from his fists, but the Kryptonian must recharge his powers in a mobile solar chamber.

RELATED: Absolute Superman’s Origin, Explained

“Rafa really killed it with the suit design, and that first issue cover sums up so much of the feel of the book,” Aaron told ComicBook. “Superman standing in the sun in a Kansas field, but still kind of in the shadows. I think that’s very much the driving tone of our book: This guy’s living in the shadows, but gets his power from the Sun. He’s a child of the Sun.”

A nomad without a Fortress of Solitude, Superman has spent years traveling the globe, battling Lazarus Corp and an army of heavily-armed Peacemakers whose weapons and armor incorporate technology that appears to be developed by this universe’s version of Brainiac. But Superman has his own alien tech: Sol, a suit of living armor powered by the Kryptonian artificial intelligence that monitors and regulates his solar energy levels.

When an overwhelmed Superman unleashes a powerful blast of heat vision he’s unable to control, he makes Sol power him down before he incinerates the Peacemakers. Sol is a Kryptonian nanotechnology, able to shift and change shape to protect its wearer: the Last Son of Krypton. As Sol tells Superman, “It is my mission to protect you. To guard the last living vestige of the House of El.”

RELATED: DC All In: Where to Start Reading DC’s New Jumping-on Point

“There’s a lot that’ll be revealed as we go,” Aaron teased. “You’ve gotten to look at one iteration of [Superman’s suit]. It’s a suit that has sort of different forms. Sometimes there’s a cape, sometimes there’s not a cape. Other parts of it change.”

“There’s a lot going on there that has a lot of deep meaning that goes back to the culture of Krypton, why Krypton exploded, who Kal-El’s parents were, what they were doing on Krypton, how he ended up coming here to earth,” he continued. “All that is represented in the different parts of his suit.” That includes Superman’s cape, which consists of sunstone crystals mined from the depths of Krypton by the Klerics of the Science League.

“Superman is literally wearing the last dust of his home world on his back,” Aaron said. “And it just looks cool. There’s a lot you can do with it in ways that are different from the traditional flowing cloth cape.”

Like Superman’s S-shaped symbol — the crest of Krypton’s laborer class, rather than the family shield of the House of El — the suit’s sun-charged gauntlets are similarly linked to the destruction of his home planet.

“That’s something that goes back to Krypton, and what the culture on Krypton is, what led to Krypton’s ruin,” Aaron explained. “It goes to Superman’s relationship with that suit and what he’s going through here on Earth as his powers are developing. It’s all of that mixed together.”

Absolute Superman #1 is on sale now from DC Comics.

The post Absolute Superman: Kal-El’s Suit and New Solar Powers Make the Man of Steel Stronger Than Ever appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Walking Dead comic book was first printed in black and white for three reasons. First, printing comics in black and white is typically cheaper than color. Second, it paid homage to the first George A. Romero zombie movie, 1968’s Night of the Living Dead. Third: gore.

As Robert Kirkman explained in the first issue of the colorized reprint series The Walking Dead Deluxe, “This book is mighty gory, it can get pretty gross at times. And while I may not understand it myself, some people find that to be off-putting.” But when presented without color, Kirkman continued, “Those scenes can be less jarring and gross. As much as I love gore, I never wanted it to overshadow the emotion of the scene, and black and white, I feel, helps keep the focus on the emotion and loss than all that splashy red stuff.”

RELATED: The Walking Dead Creator Reveals Alternate Glenn Death

There is all that splashy red stuff and more in The Walking Dead Deluxe #100. Penciled by Charlie Adlard and newly colored by Dave McCaig, the milestone issue depicts the debut appearance of Negan and Glenn’s brutal death in full color the first time since the original printing in 2012.

“It certainly hits harder with Dave McGaig’s color calling all attention to the esteemed Mr. Adlard’s amazing drawings,” Kirkman wrote in the Cutting Room Floor section of the anniversary issue, out now from Image Comics. “Sheesh. It’s a lot.” A splash page that depicts Glenn’s remains, his skull and brains bashed in by Negan’s barbwire-wrapped baseball bat, Lucille, “is the page that finally tops Judith’s little hand poking out from under Lori’s dead body. Quite the arresting image.”

After the Saviors killed Abraham in issue #98, Rick Grimes took a small group of survivors to warn Jesus and the Hilltop about Negan’s attack. Rick, Carl, Michonne, Heath, Maggie, Glenn, and their adopted daughter, Sophia, were captured by the Saviors and were forced to kneel before the bat-wielding Negan.

A game of “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” ended with Negan plucking Glenn out of the lineup and brutally beating him to death with a baseball bat in a display of graphic violence that is every bit as gory as the television show. (Warning: the below image is not for the faint of heart.)

RELATED: A Major Walking Dead Death Was a Last-Minute Change

“I’m pretty proud of the fact that there’s a before Negan and after Negan feeling to this comic,” Kirkman wrote. “It’s hard to keep things interesting and compelling for 100 issues, it’s a slog. Honestly, it was a constant battle, but Negan feels like a breath of fresh air for the book. I mean, this issue really does feel like the first issue of a new era. As sad as it is. Man, I was emotional re-reading this issue. Poor Glenn.”

The Walking Dead Deluxe issue #100 is on sale now, with a new cover by David Finch and variant covers by Adlard & McCaig, Mattia De Iulis, Julian Totino Tedesco, Arthur Adams, Yasmine Putri, Simon Bisley, and Derek Hunter.

The post The Walking Dead Deluxe #100: Glenn’s Death Is Much More Brutal in Color appeared first on ComicBook.com.

To paraphrase Yoda: Always in motion is the future of Star Wars. Multiple outlets reported Thursday that Lucasfilm is developing a new Star Wars trilogy with Simon Kinberg, the co-creator of the animated series Star Wars Rebels and a creative consultant on 2015’s The Force Awakens. (Kinberg first came to the galaxy far, far away in 2012 as part of the Disney Star Wars writers’ room comprised of Michael Arndt, Lawrence Kasdan, and Kari Hart and Pablo Hidalgo of the Lucasfilm Story Group to map out Episodes VII, VIII and IX, plus the spinoff Rogue One.) And now the X-Men writer-producer who is also relaunching Star Trek for Paramount will write and produce the next Star Wars trilogy.

According to Deadline, Kinberg’s Star Wars trilogy will span Episodes X, XI, and XII as a continuation of the Skywalker Saga, the nine-episode franchise that began with George Lucas’ 1977 original and concluded with The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. However, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter disputed the report that the new Star Wars movie is Episode X, and the rumor is that the trilogy is instead a new story with new characters.

Disney and Lucasfilm did not immediately respond to ComicBook’s request for comment.

The Skywalker Saga chronicled the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker’s descent to the dark side (in Episodes I-III), twins Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker’s rebellion against the Sith Lord Darth Vader and the evil Empire (in Episodes IV-VI), and the rise of the First Order and the end of the Skywalker lineage (in Episodes VII-IX). Rey (Daisy Ridley), a descendant of Emperor Palpatine, assumed the Skywalker name and then set out to reestablish the new Jedi Order, a storyline that is set to continue in the Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy-directed Rey Star Wars movie that recently lost Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight.

RELATED: All Announced Star Wars Movies So Far

Disney has not formally announced the new Star Wars trilogy, which will be produced by Kinberg and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. The studio already has Jon Favreau’s Mandalorian movie, titled The Mandalorian & Grogu, set for release in theaters on May 22, 2026, and dated two untitled Star Wars movies for Dec. 18, 2026, and Dec. 17, 2027. The Rey movie does not have a release date, and it’s unclear whether the Kinberg-penned first installment in the new trilogy is being eyed for one of those slots. Favreau’s film will be the first Star Wars feature to reach theaters since Rise of Skywalker in 2019, when Lucasfilm pivoted its output to streamer Disney+ with the live-action series The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Ahsoka, The Acolyte, and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (premiering Dec. 3).

Lucasfilm officially announced three new Star Wars movies at Star Wars Celebration in April 2023. Along with the Ridley-fronted Rey movie, James Mangold (Logan, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) was tapped to direct a movie set thousands of years in the past at the dawn of the Jedi, while Lucasfilm chief creative officer Dave Filoni will direct a movie set in the post-Return of the Jedi era of the New Republic. Filoni’s movie is set to close out the interconnected stories told across The Mandalorian, Boba Fett, and Ahsoka, when the emergent New Republic rebuilds while facing threats of the remnant Empire in the decades before the rise of the First Order in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.

“As you can see by all the television we’ve been doing, we’re exploring a lot of different storylines. This really spawns from what George Lucas said years ago, that he created Star Wars to move forward and backward along a mythological timeline,” Kennedy said during last year’s Star Wars Celebration. “Now we’re looking to broaden that timeline, building a rich future, expanding upon the present, going deep into the past to tell our stories.” Kennedy added the Star Wars slate would span “the past, the present, and the future” with stories set at the Dawn of the Jedi, long before the time of the Old Republic and the High Republic, and after the events of the Star Wars sequels that ended with the Resistance victorious over the First Order and the resurrected Darth Sidious.

RELATED: What Could the New Star Wars Trilogy Be About?

Star Wars movies that have been announced include the grounded Rogue Squadron movie, Donald Glover’s Lando Calrissian movie, and a feature from Thor: Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi. In 2017, Lucasfilm announced a Star Wars trilogy from Knives Out filmmaker Rian Johnson, and in 2018, plans for a new series of Star Wars movies from Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss that would not be connected to the Skywalker Saga.

Johnson’s trilogy and the Benioff-Weiss saga have since passed into the ether of the Force, and Lucasfilm opted not to move forward on a mysterious Star Wars movie that was being developed by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Also in the works is a secret Star Wars project from Stranger Things and Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy, who has been developing that movie with a script from The Adam Project writer Jonathan Tropper.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew premieres Dec. 3 on Disney+, with The Mandalorian & Grogu opening in theaters on May 22, 2026. The Mandalorian season 4 is also in development.

The post Is the Next Star Wars Episode 10 in the Skywalker Saga? What We Know About the New Star Wars Trilogy appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Barry Keoghan’s Joker may get the last laugh in The Batman trilogy. After the Eternals and Saltburn actor made a cameo in 2022’s The Batman movie — and a five-minute deleted scene that was eventually released online — director Matt Reeves insisted that the brief cameo wasn’t setting up The Batman Part II. “The idea was more to say, ‘If you think that trouble is going to go away in Gotham, you can forget it. It’s already here,'” Reeves said of the incarcerated Riddler’s (Paul Dano) budding relationship with his fellow Arkham inmate already jailed by the Dark Knight (Robert Pattinson).

“It’s not an Easter egg scene,” Reeves explained in a 2022 interview. “It’s not one of those end credits Marvel or DC scenes where it’s going, like, ‘Hey, here’s the next movie!’ In fact, I have no idea when or if we would return to that character in the movies.”

RELATED: The Penguin Was Almost The Batman 2 Story, But HBO Boss Said “I Want That” (Exclusive)

According to a report from Derek Faraci in the Marvelvision podcast, the Joker isn’t in The Batman Part II, but will instead be the main villain in The Batman Part III. The report claims that Keoghan will first reappear in a spinoff series like The Penguin, but it’s unclear if that will be a Joker series or a series featuring the Batman villain.

In the way that Penguin is the bridge between The Batman and The Batman Part II, this rumored series would link the next two films in what Reeves is calling The Batman Epic Crime Saga. /Film corroborated the rumors.

Reeves, along with producer Dylan Clark, were developing future Batman spinoff series set within the Gotham City Police Department and Arkham Asylum, which ultimately did not move forward. It’s possible the Arkham series was reworked to focus on Keoghan’s Joker after the success of HBO’s The Penguin, which follows Oz Cobb’s (Colin Farrell) rise to power in the aftermath of The Batman movie.

“The streaming cable space was was a no-brainer for some of the bigger characters. Casey [Bloys, HBO CEO] was the first person that said ‘I need a marquee character,'” Clark told ComicBook about the decision to spin off Farrell’s Penguin into his own series. “And Matt said, ‘I have this really good idea for Colin for the second movie.‘ And Casey said, ‘I want that.’ You can’t just have have these characters be in the movie space. So it was a natural transition that way, and I think we have some great ideas to explore more characters from our movie space to do this same thing with Casey and Sarah [Aubrey, Max original programming chief].”

The Joker is one such marquee character, as is Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman. Clark previously revealed the network is developing an as-yet-unrevealed television series set in the world of The Batman.

Warner Bros. Pictures has dated The Batman Part II for October 2, 2026.

The post The Batman: Barry Keoghan’s Joker Rumored for New Movie and Series After The Penguin appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In space, no one can hear you stream Alien: Romulus. Originally slated to go straight to streaming on Hulu like the Predator prequel Prey, the new Alien movie burst out at the summer box office with nearly $350 million worldwide. Set between the events of Ridley Scott’s Alien and James Cameron’s Aliens, Romulus takes place aboard the Renaissance space station, where mining colony worker Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny) and her crew — android Andy (David Jonsson), siblings Tyler (Archie Renaux) and Kay Harrison (Isabela Merced), and their cousins Bjorn (Spike Fearn) and Navarro (Aileen Wu) — come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe: the Xenomorph.

Below, keep reading to find out how to watch Alien: Romulus online, plus where to stream the Alien movies in order.

RELATED: What’s New on Hulu in November 2024

Where Is Alien: Romulus Streaming?

Alien: Romulus is available to rent ($24.99) or buy ($29.99) on digital retailers, including Amazon’s Prime Video, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), and Apple TV+.

Alien: Romulus Release Date on Hulu

You can stream Alien: Romulus on Hulu starting November 21.

Alien: Romulus Rating

Alien: Romulus is rated R for “bloody violent content and language.” Graphic violence includes scenes of gory kills and blood-spurting chestburster scenes. Mild spoilers: viewers with tokophobia should be warned that Alien: Romulus includes a graphic birth scene.

Alien: Romulus Release Date on Blu-ray and DVD

You can buy Alien: Romulus on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD starting December 3. Pre-orders for the physical version are live here on Amazon, including the two-disc 4K set and the limited edition collectible 4K Alien: Romulus steelbook.

When Does Alien: Romulus Take Place?

Romulus is set in the year 2142 and bridges the events of Alien (set in 2122) and Aliens (set in 2179).

How to Watch the Alien Movies in Release Order

Alien (1979)

Aliens (1986)

Alien 3 (1992)

Alien Resurrection (1997)

Prometheus (2012)

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Alien: Romulus (2024)

How to Watch the Alien Movies in Chronological Order

The Alien timeline:

1. Prometheus (set in 2089)
2. Alien: Covenant (set in 2104)
3. Alien (set in 2122)
4. Alien: Romulus (set in 2142)
5. Aliens (set in 2179)
6. Alien 3 (set in 2179, directly after Aliens)
7. Alien Resurrection (set in 2379, 200 years after Alien 3)

Where to Stream Alien Online

In the vastness of deep space, the Nostromo starship crew investigates a mysterious distress signal from an alien vessel, where they discover a dangerous creature.

Where to watch Alien: Hulu

Where to Stream Aliens Online

Many years after the events of Alien, Lieutenant Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) sets off to save a human colony on planet LV-426, where she finds a young girl named Newt (Carrie Henn) — the only survivor of an Alien attack. 

Where to watch Aliens: Hulu

Where to Stream Alien 3 Online

Lieutenant Ripley faces another alien predator after her spaceship crash-lands on the remote planet of Fiorina 161 — this time, without weapons or modern technology. 

Where to watch Alien 3: Hulu

Where to Stream Alien Resurrection Online

About 200 years after the tragic events of Alien 3, the late Lieutenant Ripley is resurrected through a DNA cloning process gone awry. 

Where to watch Alien Resurrection: Hulu

Where to Stream Alien: Prometheus Online

In the first of two Alien franchise prequel films, the search to understand the origin of mankind leads a team of explorers to the darkest parts of the universe. Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) are the two brilliant young scientists leading the expedition when their crew encounters the unimaginable. 

Where to watch Prometheus: Hulu

Where to Stream Alien: Covenant Online

After the events of Prometheus, Alien: Covenant continues this Alien prequel storyline on a seemingly perfect uncharted planet — or so the crew of colony ship Covenant thought. While on a mission to colonize the planet, the crew discovers dark secrets as they explore it. 

Where to watch Alien Covenant: Hulu

Where to Stream Alien Romulus (2024) Online

Bridging the gap between Alien and Aliens, the newest Alien film goes back to the franchise’s roots by following a group of young space colonists exploring an abandoned space station when they come face-to-face with a hostile alien lifeform. 

Where to watch Alien: Romulus: Hulu (starting Nov. 21).

The post How to Watch Alien: Romulus Online, and Where to Stream the Alien Movies in Order appeared first on ComicBook.com.

When writing a letter to Santa, always check it twice. In Dear Santa, Jack Black (The Super Mario Bros. Movie, A Minecraft Movie) is more naughty than nice as Satan — not Santa — who is summoned from Hell by a dyslexic Liam (Robert Timothy Smith). When the young boy mails his Christmas wish list to Santa at the North Pole with one crucial spelling error, a devilish Satan crashes Christmas and gifts Liam three wishes. But after the kind-hearted kid proves to be incorruptible, will jolly old Satan still take Liam’s soul?

Watch the just-released Dear Satan Dear Santa trailer below.

RELATED: What’s New on Paramount+ in November 2024

Produced by Peter and Bobby Farrelly — collectively known as the Farrelly Brothers, behind Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, and 2001’s Black-fronted Shallow Hal — the original holiday comedy also stars Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele, Wonka), Brianne Howey (Ginny & Georgia), Hayes MacArthur (Angie Tribeca, Merry Happy Whatever) global music superstar Post Malone (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem), P.J. Byrne (The Boys, The Big Cigar), Jaden Carson Baker and Kai Cech.

As Satan, Black is “diabolical, but in a fun way,” Bobby Farrelly told EW of the actor and Tenacious D rock star. “Jack is just that guy that with his arching eyebrows and his faces and all that, there’s a little bit of mischievous to him at all times, but he’s eminently likable, and that’s just Jack. We never wanted to make it a horror movie or something like that. We wanted it to be comical. So it was a delicate ball of playing this iconic character but doing it in a way that the audience can have some fun with it. And Jack was the perfect guy.”

Directed by Bobby Farrelly (Champions) and written by Ricky Blitt (Loudermilk) and two-time Oscar winner Peter Farrelly (Green Book), who also wrote the story with Blitt and Dan Ewen (Playing With Fire), Dear Santa is produced by the Farrelly Brothers, Jeremy Kramer (The Big Year), and executive producers Kevin Barnett (The Righteous Gemstones), Pete Jones (Ricky Stanicky), and Gretel Twombly (House Party).

How to Watch Dear Santa Online

You can stream Dear Santa starting Nov. 25 on Paramount+ as part of Paramount+’s ‘Tis the Season For Streaming holiday collection, or purchase the film on digital on the same day via Apple TV+, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), and Amazon’s Prime Video.

Where to Stream Dear Santa for Free

Don’t have a Paramount+ subscription? New customers can sign up for a 7-day trial to watch Dear Santa for free.

Dear Santa Rating

Dear Santa is rated PG-13 for “some language and suggestive material.”

The post Jack Black Is Satan, Not Santa, in the Devilishly Funny Dear Santa Trailer appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Victor von Doom has long ruled the Kingdom of Latveria with an iron fist. From his throne in Castle Doom, the iron-masked monarch has attempted to conquer the Marvel Universe using his scientific acumen and mastery of sorcery against the likes of the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and Doctor Strange. Doctor Doom has possessed the Silver Surfer’s Power Cosmic, wielded the Scarlet Witch’s reality-altering powers, ruled the multiverse as God Emperor Doom with the stolen powers of the Beyonders in Secret Wars — and now has absolute power with the mantle of the new Sorcerer Supreme.

In 2025, Doom’s dark reign will begin anew in One World Under Doom. Marvel Comics is billing the overarching status quo shift as the biggest since 2008’s Dark Reign, when Doom aligned himself with Norman Osborn’s cabal in the aftermath of Secret Invasion.

The five-issue core title Rise of Emperor Doom, from writer Ryan North (Fantastic Four) and artist R.B. Silva (Captain America: Symbol of Truth), will anchor the line-wide branding across tie-ins and one-shots, including the Doom Academy limited series by MacKenzie Cadenhead (Dogpool) and Pasqual Ferry (Doctor Strange).

RELATED: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man: Where to Start Reading the New Era of The Amazing Spider-Man

“One World Under Doom is the umbrella, impacting not just The Rise of Emperor Doom, but the entire Marvel Universe,” says Marvel Comics VP & Executive Editor Tom Brevoort. “To the Avengers, Spider-Man and more… Doom is going to impact every corner of the universe for 2025.”

Adds North, “One World Under Doom sees Doctor Doom coming out of [Latveria], and overnight, taking over the world. Every country is a province of a united Latveria, and everyone answers to Doom, and he is going to make some changes… He gets to show the world that he’s the greatest at what he does, and that might not be great for people not named Victor Von Doom.”

The synopsis:

Six months ago, Doctor Victor Von Doom became Sorcerer Supreme – then disappeared behind Latveria’s closed borders. For most, there’s enough going on in the world that Doom’s absence is not a priority, and some time without him feels like a blessing. Only a few recognize it for what it truly was… the calm before the storm. It is a storm that has now arrived.

The world has woken up to a new reality: Doctor Doom, Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme, has magically taken over every broadcast medium on the planet and declared himself Emperor of the World – the ruler of a new United Latveria! And shockingly, impossibly, all of Earth’s leaders seem to be going along with this.

Luckily, whether it’s mind control or Doombots, whatever’s affecting them hasn’t affected Earth’s heroes – and so they quickly form a strike team to stop Doom’s machinations. But will they succeed? And what happens when some begin to welcome their new Emperor with open arms, clamoring for One World Under Doom?

RELATED: Doctor Doom Conquers the Marvel Universe on Doom Variant Cover Series

Doom’s Day

How did Doctor Doom become Sorcerer Supreme? The Rise of Emperor Doom spins out of last summer’s Blood Hunt event, which saw Stephen Strange transfer the title of Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme temporarily.

When the vampire Varnae blotted out the sun with the Darkforce, defeated the Avengers, and struck down the Sorcerer Supreme, Strange’s astral form sought aid from Doom, who had kept vampires out of Latveria’s borders. Doom then told Strange he must be Sorcerer Supreme to cast the spell banishing the Darkforce Dimension that cast eternal night over the world.

In Blood Hunt #5, Strange agreed to Doom’s terms to abdicate the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme and temporarily transfer his powers, allowing Doom to save the world. While Earth’s mightiest heroes battled Varnae and his Bloodcoven, Strange surrendered the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme under one condition: “Once the world is saved, you will return to me what is mine.”

All Hail Doom

Doom then gave Strange his word, and so Strange bonded a fragment of his living soul to Doom’s. With Strange currently among the undead, he transferred the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme — along with the Cloak of Levitation and the all-seeing Eye of Agamotto — with the words: “All hail the Sorcerer Supreme.”

“No,” Doom said. “All hail Doom.”

Sorcerer Supreme Doom upheld his end of the bargain and undid Varnae’s spell. Weaving together the magicks of humans, fairies, the Faltines, and Weirdworlders to perform an act of wizardry never before seen, Doom performed the ritual that returned light to the world.

But when Strange reminded Doom of his word, Earth’s new superior Sorcerer Supreme told him his oath was to surrender the office of Sorcerer Supreme back to Strange once he saved the world. “I have only just begun, Stephen,” Doom said, dispersing Strange’s spirit. “Doom does nothing halfway. Now let me show you what it means to save the world.”

One World Under Doom

Doom’s second act as Sorcerer Supreme was to select Spider-Man as his Champion in the Covenant. It was Strange’s responsibility to use his power as Sorcerer Supreme and save the world from Cyttorak and his scions, but Doom delegated that responsibility to the wall-crawler. In Amazing Spider-Man #61, Doom will grant Spider-Man eight extra lives and a Doom-inspired suit of magical armor so that he can suffer and die again and again in The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man.

The 10-part story spanning Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness’ run on Amazing Spider-Man will lead into The Rise of Emperor Doom #1, which goes on sale Feb. 2, 2025.

The post The Rise of Emperor Doom: How Doctor Doom Became the New Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe appeared first on ComicBook.com.

DC All In Special #1 concluded with Darkseid’s end — and the beginning of the Absolute Universe. If the prime DC Universe is “driven by life and hope,” the Dark Lord of Apokolips said, the new universe would be driven by challenge and turmoil. “A world where heroes are born facing greater odds. Where all their advantages are gone. Where they are the small chaos, rather than the system itself. A world where hope is the underdog. Where it is the villain, the opposing force. And where it will have to burn brighter than ever before to survive it all.”

The DC All In initiative introduced Absolute Batman (by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta) and Absolute Wonder Woman (by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman) — and now the Trinity of the Absolute Universe is complete with Absolute Superman #1 by Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval. The issue, which hits stands on Nov. 6, begins with a Superman who is not fully formed and not yet the beacon of Truth and Justice embraced by humanity.

RELATED: DC All In Explained: Where to Start Reading DC’s New Jumping-on Point

“The most important thing was to get the heart of Superman right, the heart of who this character is, which goes back to [Jerry] Siegel and [Joe] Shuster in 1939 and everything that has made that character so enduring over the decades,” Aaron told ComicBook in an exclusive interview. “At the same time, not being precious about how we get there, and how this character gets shaped over the course of his journey.”

DC has teased that, unlike his DCU counterpart in the pages of Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora’s Superman, this Man of Steel has no family, no Fortress of Solitude, and no home. Will he still stand for truth and justice in this new universe? It’s a question that Aaron will answer as the Eisner Award-winning writer (Image’s Southern Bastards and Marvel’s Thor and Doctor Strange) puts a twist on Superman’s origin story over the first arc.

“I’ve gone in and changed a lot about Krypton, about his parents, about his life there, about how he came to Earth, about what happened once he got to Earth,” Aaron said. That includes his ties to Smallville, Kansas, and his relationship with the Kents, who are traditionally Kal-El’s adoptive parents when the Last Son of Krypton is rocketed to Earth as a baby.

“All that stuff is different, changed, tweaked, but in ways that all come together to tell one cohesive story,” Aaron added. “And really to drive home again the most important thing: which is what this character stands for, why he fights, what motivates him, what makes him special.”

“Don’t make assumptions about how fully formed he is. I would say he is absolutely not fully formed as Superman,” Aaron said, teasing an “ongoing process” that will unfold over the course of the new series. “There will be surprises there in terms of how he came to Earth and what it was like once he got here, and you’ll get those answers in the pages of Absolute Superman.”

While Superman is a father and married to Lois Lane in the main DCU, the new DCAU depicts a solo, more solar-powered Superman who is very much an alien.

RELATED: Absolute Batman Writer Scott Snyder Hoping for “Years-Long” Run in DC’s Absolute Universe: “These Are Not Minis”

“One of the things that’s important, one of the things that differentiates the Absolute Universe from the main DC Universe, is that these characters that we usually associate with a big family don’t have that here,” Aaron explained. “There is no Superman family. Superman is very much the Last Son of Krypton, and he is alone. He is the only person who remembers his planet and his culture, and he’s got no allies.”

Within this world born of Darkseid energy, “We’re doing stories about these characters being a little more raw, a little more in danger in ways they can’t do over [in the DCU],” Aaron said. “So I think that helps give you two very different versions of the DC Universe.”

Absolute Superman #1 goes on sale Nov. 6 from DC Comics.

The post DC’s Absolute Superman #1: Meet the New Man of Steel appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In 2019, the final issue of DC’s Doomsday Clock teased the Secret Crisis: a universe-spanning Marvel/DC crossover in the not-so-far off future of 2030. Should such a future come to pass, it would mark the first time the two comic book publishers crossed over since 2003’s JLA/Avengers, a four-part miniseries by Kurt Busiek and George Pérez that capped off three decades of combined Marvel/DC crossovers dating back to Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man in 1976.

The intercompany crossover isn’t a new concept to Marvel or DC. The superheroes of the DC Universe have crossed paths with the likes of Spawn, Judge Dredd, the Spirit, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and recent collaborations include such Warner Bros.-based IPs as the MonsterVerse (in Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong), the Looney Tunes (in DC Meets Looney Tunes), and the animated characters of Hanna-Barbera and Adult Swim (in MultiVersus: Collision Detected). Marvel, meanwhile, has pit Logan and T’Challa against the Predator (in Predator vs. Wolverine and Predator vs. Black Panther) and the Avengers against Alien‘s Xenomorphs (in Aliens vs. Avengers) — synergistic collaborations between Disney-owned Marvel and 20th Century Studios.

RELATED: DC vs. Marvel Superhero Crossovers Return to Print for First Time in Decades: Omnibus Overview

“Marvel isn’t all that interested in doing a lot of crossovers,” Marvel Comics VP and Executive Editor Tom Brevoort explained in his Substack newsletter. “DC for the last several years has seemed much more open to doing them. But whenever Marvel does participate in one, there tends to be some reason for this internally, some objective that making a crossover helps us to achieve.”

The X-Men editor continued, “But each circumstance is different, so I can’t tell you why we do each and every one, nor which instances came from Marvel reaching out to others and which ones were the result of others reaching out to us.”

While DC has consistently published at least one intercompany crossover every year since 2015 — everything from Conan the Barbarian (Dark Horse) to Power Rangers (Boom!) and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (IDW) — Marvel has participated in significantly fewer crossovers with outside companies. Especially when compared to the output of the ’90s and 2000s, when the Marvel Universe crossed over with the likes of X-O Manowar (Valiant) Backlash and Deathblow (Image), Witchblade (Top Cow), Invincible (Skybound), and Red Sonja (Dynamite).

Ultraman X Avengers and Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man, collaborations between Marvel and Tsuburaya Productions, hit stands earlier this year — a decade after 2014’s Avengers/Attack on Titan — and followed Predator vs. Wolverine in 2023 and Predator vs. Black Panther and Aliens vs. Avengers in 2024. Many of the Marvel/DC crossovers have returned to print for the first time in decades in the just-released first volume of the DC Versus Marvel Omnibus.

The post Marvel Comics Editor Explains Why Marvel Isn’t Interested in Doing More Crossovers appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Tovarisch is a Russian word that Piotr Rasputin, the steel-skinned mutant called Colossus, has long used to describe his friend and teammate Wolverine. But the X-Men are no more, and the Wolverine has just one word for his enemies: SNIKT. Wolverine: Revenge #3, by Jonathan Hickman (Ultimate Spider-Man) and Greg Capullo (Batman), continues the five-part standalone story set in A.M.: After Magneto, when the mutant master of magnetism released the largest E.M.P. in the history of mankind, killed a hundred million people, and plunged the world into darkness.

Nick Fury recruited Wolverine to a S.H.I.E.L.D. strike team with Captain America and the Winter Soldier to infiltrate Tunguska Station in Russia and extract a cold fusion S.E.E.D. reactor — or billions more would die. At Tunguska Station, Wolverine learned Colossus sided with the mind-controlling mutant Mastermind and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants: Sabretooth, Omega Red, and Deadpool.

RELATED: Deadpool & Wolverine Streaming Date Set on Disney+

“Someone must lose. And this day, it is the West,” Colossus said. “And it is you, old friend.” Deadpool detonated the bombs implanted in the chests of Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes, blew up Wolverine, and snuffed out the last light in a dark world with the S.E.E.D.

But Wolverine pieced himself back together with his mutant healing factor and tracked down Forge, who upgraded Magneto’s telepathic-resistant helmet so Wolverine could defeat Mastermind. Wolverine then had Forge dissect Mastermind’s brain to track down the Brotherhood and get his bloody revenge.

Using the mutant neutralizer built by Forge, Wolverine depowered and defeated his old enemy Sabretooth, then traveled to Russia and found the power source melting down. He killed Omega Red and found Deadpool atop a burning cooling tower, where a remorseful Deadpool explained the reactor is leaking radioactive fallout.

RELATED: Marvel Is Bringing Deadpool Back From the Dead in 2025

Deadpool planned to die by suicide by leaping into the reactor, but changed his mind when he thought Wolverine was there for a Deadpool & Wolverine-style team-up. “Do you really think someone who’s done all the things we’ve done can be forgiven?” Wolverine asked. “I don’t.” And then Wolverine pushed Deadpool into the reactor, overwhelming his healing factor, and the last thing out of the Merc with a Mouth was a scream.

Tracking Colossus to his cabin in the frozen Russian wilderness, Wolverine dug a grave for “Petey.” Wolverine unsheathed his adamantium-coated claws and attacked steel flesh, but Colossus — putting a twist on their fastball special — hurled Wolverine into the woods. A bloody brawl ensued, and Wolverine disemboweled Colossus’ metallic form. “Why’d you do it, Petey?” he asked. “The others, no surprise there, even Wade… but you… you were the best of us.”

RELATED: Marvel Teases the Devastating Aftermath of X-Men vs. Uncanny X-Men

When Colossus explained that he sided with the Brotherhood because it was best for his family, Wolverine told him: “I was your family.” Colossus then crushed Wolverine’s throat and ripped off his arm, telling his old tovarisch, “I am sorry it ended this way.”

With a SNIKT, Wolverine plunged his adamantium claws into Colossus’ skull, killing him. He then buried the former X-Man in a grave marked by an X, with the words: “And now it’s done.” Decades will pass when Wolverine: Revenge continues with issue #4 on Nov. 27.

The post Wolverine Kills Deadpool — And Gets Brutal Revenge on One of the X-Men appeared first on ComicBook.com.

After its limited run in theaters, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is soaring into home theaters. The documentary features never-before-seen home movies and personal archives that recounts the tragic and redemptive story of actor and activist Christopher Reeve, best known for playing the Man of Steel in 1978’s Superman and its sequels: Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).

Acquired by Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Studios, HBO Documentary Films, and CNN Films out of the Sundance Film Festival, the acclaimed documentary screened in select theaters on Sept. 11 and Sept. 25 (Reeve’s birthday) before Warner Bros. Pictures set an expanded wide release in North American theaters on Oct. 11.

The Super/Man documentary, which is certified fresh at 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, will first release on digital platforms before eventually becoming available to stream on Max. Keep reading below for more details on where to stream Christopher Reeve’s documentary and the original Superman movies.

RELATED: What’s New on Max in November 2024

Where to Watch Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Online

You can purchase Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story on digital platforms starting Tuesday, Nov. 5. The digital download is priced $17.49 (for UHD) or $14.99 (for HD and SD) and is available on retailers including Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Apple TV+, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

When Can I Rent Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story?

Following its digital ownership window, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story will become available for digital rental on Tuesday, Nov. 19. You’ll be able to rent the movie wherever digital movies are sold, including Fandango at Home and Prime Video.

When Will Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Stream on Max?

Warner Bros. hasn’t announced Super/Man‘s release date on Max, but the documentary is expected to arrive on the streaming service in December.

Watch the Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Trailer

What Is Christopher Reeve’s Documentary About?

The synopsis: “The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, and his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the benchmark for the superhero cinematic universes that dominate cinema today. Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

“After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care – all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera and dedicating himself to his beloved family.”

Described as “a moving and vivid cinematic telling of Reeve’s remarkable story,” Super/Man is directed by BAFTA Award-nominated filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui (McQueen) and features the first extended interviews ever filmed with Reeve’s three children about their father, and interviews with the A-list Hollywood actors who were Reeve’s colleagues and friends, including Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon, and Jeff Daniels. Viewers also hear narration by Reeve with audio from his autobiography, “Still Me.”

Where to Watch Christopher Reeve’s Superman Movies Online

Superman (1978)

From the doomed planet of Krypton, two parents launch a spaceship carrying their infant son to earth. Here he grows up to become Clark Kent (Reeve), mild-mannered reporter for the Metropolis Daily Planet. But with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men, he battles for truth and justice as Superman. Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, and Margot Kidder also star.

Where to watch Superman: The Movie: Max and Prime Video (until Nov. 30)

Superman II (1980)

A trio of Krypton villains threaten havoc on Earth, while Superman and Lois Lane are just becoming involved in a long awaited love affair — an affair which may cost Superman his super powers. The sequel pits the Man of Steel against General Zod (Terence Stamp), Non (Jack O’Halloran), and Ursa (Sarah Douglas).

Where to watch Superman II: Max and Prime Video (until Nov. 30)

Superman III (1983)

In Superman III, meet Gus Gorman (Richard Pryor), a half-witted computer programming natural. For him a keyboard is a weapon — and Superman faces the microelectronic menace of his life. Christopher Reeve reprises his most beloved role, deepening his character’s human side as Clark Kent reunites with old flame Lana Lang (Annette O’Toole) at a Smallville High class reunion. And when Superman becomes his own worst enemy after Kryptonite exposure, Reeve pulls off both roles with dazzling skill.

Where to watch Superman III: Max and Prime Video (until Nov. 30)

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

Reeve described Superman IV as the “most personal [movie] of the entire series” because it “directly reflects what Superman should be, and should be doing.”

To make the world safe for nuclear arms merchants, Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) creates a new being to challenge the Man of Steel: the radiation-charged Nuclear Man (Mark Pillow). The two foes clash in an explosive extravaganza that sees Superman save the Statue of Liberty, plug a volcanic eruption of Mount Etna and rebuild the demolished Great Wall of China.

Where to watch Superman IV: The Quest for Peace: Max and Prime Video (until Nov. 30)

The post How to Watch Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Online appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Robert Zemeckis is leaving Back to the Future in the past. The filmmaker has long insisted that there would never be a Back to the Future 4 or a Back to the Future reboot or remake of his 1985 time-traveling comedy starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. But in a new interview, Zemeckis revealed he is open to reviving the franchise — by bringing Back to the Future: The Musical from the stage to the big screen.

“I would like to do Back to the Future: The Musical,” Zemeckis said on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in an interview for his new movie, Here. “Just like [Mel Brooks] did with The Producers. I would love to do that. I think that would be great.” Zemeckis added that he “floated that out to the folks at Universal, but they don’t get it. So there’s nothing I can do.”

RELATED: Robert Zemeckis Says Who Framed Roger Rabbit Sequel Is Unlikely at Disney

Zemeckis joked that the studio, which released the Back to the Future trilogy between 1985 and 1990, asks him “every six months” for a Back to the Future sequel or revival. That’s “just an exaggeration,” Zemeckis clarified, who added that Universal executives often ask: “‘Isn’t there anything we can figure out to do here? Isn’t there anything we can do?'”

“You know, we have to say, ‘There are different things that might work.’ Something like that. But to remake the movie or to suggest that there’s a Back to the Future 4, it just isn’t in the cards,” Zemeckis said.

The Tony Award-nominated Back to the Future: The Musical debuted in 2020 and has had runs in London’s West End and Broadway in New York City. An ongoing North American tour is set to conclude in summer 2025 before opening in Japan.

Based on the 1985 original co-written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the musical adaptation features a book by Gale, music by trilogy composer Alan Silvestri, and lyrics by six-time Grammy award winning songwriter Glen Ballard. In addition to new versions of the songs included on the Back to the Future soundtrack — “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News, “Earth Angel” by Marvin Berry & The Starlighters, and Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” — the musical features numbers like “It’s Only a Matter of Time,” Marty McFly’s “Got No Future,” and a company rendition of Huey Lewis and the News’ “Back in Time.”

In 2015, during the 30th anniversary of the 1985 original, Zemeckis said that a Back to the Future remake “can’t happen until both Bob and I are dead.”

Gale previously revealed that Universal can’t develop a sequel or remake without Zemeckis and Gale due to contracts — and the duo are “very proud of the trilogy as it stands and we want to leave it as is,” as Gale explained in 2008. “I’m sure Universal would love it if we were to say to them, ‘Hey, let’s do another one,'” he said at the time, “but we don’t think we could ever make a fourth one that would live up to how great the first three are, so we’re going to leave well enough alone.”

The post Back to the Future 4: Robert Zemeckis Shoots Down Sequel or Remake, Reveals Surprising Idea for a New Movie appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s as much a holiday tradition as sitting on the lap of a department store Santa Claus or sticking your tongue to a flagpole in the winter: the annual viewing of A Christmas Story. The 1983 classic Christmas movie, about 9-year-old Ralphie’s (Peter Billingsley) quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun despite the protests of his Mother (Melinda Dillon) and his lamp-obsessed Old Man (Darren McGavin), will once again return to TBS and TNT with repeat airings in November and December. It all leads to the 24-hour Christmas Story marathon: the ultimate tribute to Ralphie’s “original, traditional, one-hundred-percent, red-blooded, two-fisted, all-American Christmas.”

Ahead, learn all the ways to watch A Christmas Story on streaming or on TV, plus where to watch the 2022 sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas, starring Billingsley as adult Ralphie.

RELATED: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Changing Networks After More Than 50 Years

Where to Stream A Christmas Story

You can stream A Christmas Story anytime on Max (subscription required), or for free on the TNT website (with a sign in from your TV service provider), on TBS, and on TruTV.

If you don’t have a Max subscription, you can watch A Christmas Story on TNT and TBS (see the schedule below).

Where to Watch A Christmas Story Christmas Online

In the decades-later sequel, Ralphie (Billingsley) is all grown up and must deal with Christmas and all that comes with it — as a dad. You can watch A Christmas Story Christmas on Max or catch the movie when it airs on TNT (schedule below).

Where Can I Watch A Christmas Story on TV?

A Christmas Story will air multiple times on TNT and TBS throughout the holiday season:

TNT 

• Monday, November 11 at 7:30pm ET/PT 
• Thursday, December 5 at 8pm & 12am ET/PT 
• Monday, December 16 at 7:45pm & 12am ET/PT 
• A Christmas Story 24-hour marathon airs from Tuesday, December 24 at 9 pm to Wednesday, December 25 at 9pm ET/PT 

TBS  

• Saturday, December 7 at 8pm ET/PT (Dinner and a Movie) 
• 24-hour marathon airs from Tuesday, December 24 at 8 pm to Wednesday, December 25 at 8pm ET/PT 

Where Can I Watch A Christmas Story Christmas on TV?

TNT 

• Monday, November 11 at 9:30pm ET/PT 
• Wednesday, December 25 at 9pm ET/PT 

The post Where to Watch A Christmas Story in 2024 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Spider-Man is doomed. While the wall-crawler has died many times before — he’s been tortured to death by the sorcerer Kulan Gath (in Uncanny X-Men #191), pulverized by the Titan Terraxia (in Infinity Gauntlet #4), beaten to death by Morlun (in Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #3), and repeatedly resurrected and killed by Kindred (in Amazing Spider-Man #54), to name a few — Spider-Man will die again… and again… and again in The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man. The 10-part saga spans issues of Joe Kelly and artist Ed McGuinness’ The Amazing Spider-Man, which begins its new era in November following the final issue of Zeb Wells’ run.

Below, read on for everything you need to know about The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man, and the events leading up to Amazing Spider-Man #61.

The sorcerer Doctor Strange, who has long invoked the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak as a spell, entered the demon’s domain — the Crimson Cosmos — for the first time in 1992’s Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #44. After an encounter with Cyttorak himself and the Ruby of Cyttorak that transformed Cain Marko into the nigh-unstoppable Juggernaut, the Sorcerer Supreme renounced the powers of the Principalities — Cyttorak, Denak, Faltine, Ikonn, Munipoor, Raggadorr, Seraphim, Satannish, Valtorr, Watoomb, and the Vishanti — in Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #49.

But Strange would later strike a deal with the dreaded god of destruction: Cyttorak would protect Earth from threats of the cosmos if Strange would renew his crimson Covenant every year. As Sorcerer Supreme, it was Strange’s duty to be the Covenant’s champion.

[RELATED: Marvel Reveals New Look at Doctor Doom-Inspired Spider-Man Suit]

After Strange’s physical form was struck down by a Varnae-possessed Blade during the Blood Hunt event, Strange’s astral form sought the help of the sorcerer Doctor Doom to banish the Darkforce that cast eternal night over the Marvel Universe. Doom convinced Strange to transfer to him the mantle of the Sorcerer Supreme to save the world, which he accepted with one condition: Doom’s oath to return Strange’s power upon performing the ritual closing the Darkforce Dimension. Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Doom cast out the dark, but then refused to relinquish the mantle as Earth’s new Sorcerer Supreme. “Let me show you what it means to save the world,” Doom said, setting up One World Under Doom in 2025.

Meanwhile, in a backup story by Kelly in September’s Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu #0, Khonshu, god of the moon and vengeance, confronted Cyttorak about their pact and his Covenant. “Stephen Strange is a shade, felled by the undead. Are you still honorbound to keep your pledge to a ghost?” Khonshu asked. “What if he fails to regain corporeal form, and his successor ignores your treaties? What happens to the Crimson Cosmos? What becomes of your children?”

In a second prelude included in The Amazing Spider-Man #60, Sorcerer Supreme Doom selects his Champion. He considers candidates Steve Rogers, Thor, and T’Challa, but selects Spider-Man for his intelligence, selflessness, and ability to overcome superior foes while “suffering greatly.”

“Great suffering will be required in the works ahead,” Doom decides. “Spider-Man will be my Champion in the Covenant. He will fight, not for me, but for them. He will suffer for them. Spider-Man will die for them… and die again… and again… so says DOOM.”

As Doom’s delegate, the Sorcerer Supreme will grant Spider-Man a magic-powered suit of armor and eight extra lives to battle the Scions of Cyttorak, including Cyrios, Cyra, and Callix. The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man runs from Amazing Spider-Man #61-70, and leads into One World Under Doom in 2025.

8 Deaths of Spider-Man Reading Order

Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu #0 (“Waxing Moon” prelude by Joe Kelly and Emilio Laiso)
Amazing Spider-Man #60 (“Ride’s Over” prelude by Joe Kelly and Mark Buckingham)

Amazing Spider-Man #61: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 1

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN BEGIN! The world has changed, Dcotor Doom is Sorcerer Supreme, but he has no plans to spend his time like his predecessor… Each year, Doctor Strange would use every ounce of his power and experience to save the world from an evil god and his scions. This year, Doom is delegating this task to… SPIDER-MAN?! The leader of Latveria has given Spider-Man a new, magic-powered suit and EIGHT EXTRA LIVES with which to save the world?! True Believer, they won’t be enough…

On sale: Nov. 13, 2024

Amazing Spider-Man #62: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 2

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUE! Spider-Man, one death down, faces the next SCION OF CYTTORAK! That’s right, the god Spider-Man faces is the patron of JUGGERNAUT! Juggernaut is about ten times more powerful than Spider-Man with only a fraction of Cyttorak’s power! To quote a wise philosopher… “Uh-oh.”

On sale: Nov. 27, 2024

Amazing Spider-Man #63: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 3

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! Spider-Man finds himself face-to-face with CYRIOS, SCION OF CYTORRAK! Cyrios represents the inevitability of time and takes Spider-Man on a heartbreaking tour through Peter Parker’s past AND future in excruciating detail. How many deaths will Spider-Man spend trying to alter his past and save his future?!

On sale: Dec. 11, 2024

Amazing Spider-Man #64: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 4

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! Cytorrak’s most dangerous scion, CALLIX, and his deadly CRIMSON CANINES take their turn to inflict physical pain on Spider-Man. Spidey doesn’t have many deaths left to spend…

On sale: Dec. 25, 2024

Amazing Spider-Man #65: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 5

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! Spider-Man has faced four Scions and is running out of extra lives. This issue’s scion, CYRA, represents the very power of Death Itself and makes Spider-Man watch everything he loves die. Can Spider-Man possibly withstand this punishment?

On sale: Jan. 8, 2025

Amazing Spider-Man #65.Deaths: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! While Spider-Man is facing the Scion who wields the power of Death, the new EMBODIMENT of death, PHIL COULSON, gets to know his powers better. Phil has always been there to help heroes in every way he can, but can he help Spider-Man to save our universe?

On sale: Jan. 15, 2025

Amazing Spider-Man #66: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 6

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! Spider-Man has been broken, and someone needs to pick up the pieces. Maybe an old flame? Now that the CHAMPION has fallen, can the universe withstand what comes next? Are there any who can stand in the way of an inevitable god?

On sale: Jan. 22, 2025

Amazing Spider-Man #67: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 7 (TBA)
Amazing Spider-Man #68: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 8 (TBA)
Amazing Spider-Man #69: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 9 (TBA)
Amazing Spider-Man #70: 8 Deaths of Spider-Man Part 10 (TBA)

The post 8 Deaths of Spider-Man: Where to Start Reading the New Era of The Amazing Spider-Man appeared first on ComicBook.com.