Daily Archives: June 6, 2020

In the theatre, E Lockhart tells us, your audience doesnt expect things to look real. Like, you cant have a real car on the stage, anyway, can you? So instead, you make something obviously artificial. You just create the feeling. And maybe the thing you make, instead of looking real, feels true. Maybe truer than real.

Lockhart, best known for her 2014 psychological thriller We Were Liars but also a prolific author with a 20-year publishing career and a PhD in literature, plays with genres once more with Again Again (Hot Key Books, 7.99), a follow-up of sorts to her 2009 boarding-school tale The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. The same prestigious school serves as backdrop for both texts, but also both utilise an omniscient 19th-century-style narrator that serves as a refreshing break from the standard close third- or first-person expected from modern YA texts. In Frankie, this allowed Lockhart to weave theories of imprisonment and observation (Michel Foucault on Jeremy Benthams proposed panopticon) into the narrative; in Again Again she addresses the concept of the multiverse, with protagonist Adelaide living several different versions of the same summer romance.

The intertextual references, another hallmark of a Lockhart novel, remind us not to worry so much about which timeline is real slipped in neatly as Adelaide works on an overdue set design project, or visits a nearby art gallery but what is true. At times the cleverness threatens to overwhelm the emotional impact of the novel, but ultimately it impacts on both heart and head.

Dive down the rabbit hole with Juno Dawsons Wonderland (Quercus, 7.99), another tale of privilege and pain from the bestselling UK author. The troubled but yearning Alice is drawn into an underground high-society party while on a quest for her friend Bunny, and the hype is mighty. The Romans would blush at this bacchanal, the hostess declares.

Curiously (and bravely), despite Alices various diagnoses and medications, the madness of the event comes not from an uncertainty around reality but the sociopaths involved, including one who remarks, in your world, murder is punished. In ours, its merely uncouth. The hyper-reality sits uneasily next to the occasional (if well-intended) preachiness of the narrative; they dont quite balance each other out. The best approach is, perhaps, to (see above) focus on what is true over what is real.

When it was revealed that Suzanne Collinss prequel to her blockbuster Hunger Games trilogy, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Scholastic, 18.99), was an origin story for that worlds villain, sinister President Snow, the disapproval from online YA fandom seemed thunderous. Not for literary reasons the fear that such a book would diminish a fascinating character (see: Hannibal Lecter) but for political ones. Such a title could only ever be an apologia for fascist dictators, the more hyperbolic arguments went; immediate condemnation was needed. (One might wonder who needs dystopian fiction at all, these days.)

Fortunately, the moral guardians havent prevented the novel from hitting the top of the bestseller lists; unfortunately, the teenage Coriolanus Snow fails to engage as a protagonist. Its not that we know he ends up a bad guy, though its that he already is one at the novels beginning. Although his family have fallen on hard times during the war, his entitlement and ambition remain untarnished; hes already contemplating presidency of Panem in the first chapter.

Assigned to mentor Lucy Gray, District 12s female tribute in this years Hunger Games, he first contemplates how best to exploit her, how to manage the optics. Despite an increasing fondness for this proto-Katniss, his feelings never genuinely threaten his worldview, in which it is always preferable to have the upper hand, to be the victor rather than the defeated." That readers know how his story ends doesnt help.

This diminished suspense makes the novels thematic concerns with human nature bluntly telegraphed by characters posing questions such as "What sort of social contract is required for survival?" less relevant than they might feel otherwise.

The best bits of the book lurk in the margins: snippets about the recent war and its attendant horrors, insights into the development of mutts (genetically modified, weaponized animals), folk songs from our world, the origin of the Games. Its frustrating not to have more of this, but theres certainly enough to make it worthwhile for fans eager to revisit Panem.

Finally, step into another world of spies and secrets with Helen Corcorans debut novel, Queen of Coin and Whispers (OBrien Press, 12.99). Lia has long been frustrated with her uncles mismanagement of the kingdom of Edar, and as his heir has spent years imagining how she might do things differently. Becoming queen turns her into a wolf in [her] own right, all too aware that there will be scheming and plotting ahead. Among her new appointments is Xania, her spymaster, who has her own reasons for wanting to know more about what goes on behind the scenes at the court.

Alongside the swirl of political intrigue, an attraction blossoms between the two girls, despite the power imbalance. Sometimes she watched me like I was a puzzle she couldnt solve. Sometimes she held my gaze longer than our conversation warranted. Once or twice she opened her mouth, as if to admit something, but never did. Its a skilfully-done romance, and Corcoran takes advantage of the fantasy setting to present a world where same-sex relationships carry no taboos. This is a book for everyone (the complexity will satisfy adult readers, too) but I think it will find a particular place in the hearts of young LGBTQ readers for being a love story that involves obstacles other than coming-out, and ends (spoilers!) hopefully ever after.

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YA Fiction: Theatre, a Hunger Games prequel, and rabbits - The Irish Times

Learn more about the Thunderer, the DC version of Marvel's Mighty Thor, and what his major role in the DC multiverse is.

Thor has always been one of the most popular Marvel characters, only growing in prominence in recent years thanks to his large role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While he's often been compared to figures like Superman in the DC Universe, there's actually a character in the DC multiverse who's a direct pastiche of Thor -- and actually has a very important job in one of DC's most impactful, recent stories.

Here's what you need to know about the Thunderer, previously known as Wandjina and stillDC's version of Marvel's Thor, and what role he could play in the future of the DC Universe.

RELATED:Justice League: DC's Most Powerful Character Lost What Makes Him a Hero

The original Wandjina hailed from the alternate reality of Angor. Angor was distinct in that its heroes and villains were largely copycats of characters from Marvel Comics. This included Wandjina, who shared a name with an Australian Aborigine weather spirit. The ax-wielding warrior was a clear stand-in for Marvel's Thor and was counted among the Assemblers, the world's premiere superhero team. In the Post-Crisis version of the DC Universe, Wandjina was among the only survivors of a battle against the Extremists. Heading to Earth in an attempt to keep them from harnassing the same nuclear energy that doomed their world, Wandjina ultimately sacrificed himself to save the Earth.

Two new versions of the character were introduced in the Post-Flashpoint DC Universe inThe Multiversity. This included Earth-8 of the new DC multiverse, which was shockingly similar to Angor from the Pre-Crisis continuity.The Wandjina of this world was likewise similar to the previous version, and a clear reference to the mighty Marvel version of Thor. But his counterpart on Earth-7 proved to be a wholly unique character, especially for the new role he's taken in the DC multiverse.

The new Earth-7 is introduced in The Multiversity #1 and appears to be a combination of the New 52 DC Universe and a pastiche of the Ultimate Marvel Universe. Instead of just sharing a name with Wandjina, the Thunderer of the new universe is actually the weather god of the Mowanjum people, returned to the modern era as a protector of the planet. Like Marvel's Thor, he wields lightning through a mystical weapon -- in his case, the silver Thunder-Lance, shown crackling with electricity when in his hands. He references an invisible rainbow of worlds where beings can travel, presumably similar to the Bifrost Bridge from Asgard. He's able to call upon the elements similar to Thor, and also possesses superhuman strength and durability.

He was also a member of his world's premiere hero team, as the Crusader and Machinehead of Earth-8's Retaliators are very similar to fallen versions of his friends from Earth-7. Earth-7 ended up being targeted by the Gentry, who proceeded to break the entire world with their insurmountable power. Many of the apparent DC characters were absorbed into a strange and terrifying energy source held in the sky (similar to what happened to the Justice League when they were trapped in the Firestorm Matrix by Deathstorm inForever Evil), leaving the more Marvel-esque characters to face the Gentry alone -- a battle they lost decisively, ending with the horrible demises of almost all of them.

By the timeNix Uotan -- the multiversal Superjudge -- arrives on the ruins of the world, only the Thunderer is left alive. All but broken, Thunderer begged Nix Uotan to flee the world and warn the rest of creation about the coming of the Gentry and the end of all things they bring with them. But Nix ends up making a deal with the Gentry, offering himself in exchange for the freedom of the Thunderer. Despite his protests, Thunderer was sent to the House of Heroes aboard the Ultima Thule in Nix's stead, and given the chance to rally an army of superheroes to try and fight back against the Gentry and save Nix Uotan. Healing quickly from his wounds and developing a divine anger at the beings who cost him his world, the Thunderer was among the heroes who breached Earth-8.

RELATED:Batman: How The Dark Knight's Plans CRUSHED The Justice League

There, they found a twisted and corrupted version of Nix Uotan, who set in motion his plans to break time and space across the multiverse. Using the decaying bodies of Earth-7's other fallen defenders, Thunderer was forced to fight his former friends to save the multiverse. Invigorated by his allies and his drive to rescue the Super-Judge who'd saved him, Thunderer proves invaluable in the fight. His control of the elements allows him to cause a massive downpour in the middle of the battle -- empowering Aqua-Woman and allowing her to strike a major blow against the corrupted Nix. He even stood up to the Gentry when they confronted him again.

Although the Gentry wasn't stopped once and for all (as they were revealed to have merely been the first salvo against the multiverse for their master, the Empty Hand), Thunderer and his efforts were able to salvage creation from an attempted invasion. While he remains the one survivor of Earth-7, he also has proven to be an important multiversal figure and member of Justice Incarnate -- meaning the character can be called upon by the likes of Superman in certain circumstances. It's only a matter of time before DC's Thor finds himself back in the spotlight.

KEEP READING:Justice League Brings Back A DCAU Staple... And DESTROYS It

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Who Is Thunderer, DC's Answer to Thor? | CBR - CBR - Comic Book Resources

A new report suggests Disney+'s Marvel Studios shows Loki and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will both resume filming in July.

Following the announcement that Disney+'sWandaVisionwill begin shooting again, a new reportclaims fellow Marvel Studios projectsLoki and The Falcon and the Winter Soldierwill do the same.

"We were all excited by recent news Paul Bettany had to cancel a July comiccon due to WandaVision filming," Murphy's Multiverse writer Lizzie Hill tweeted."I've just learned that [Loki] and[The Falcon and the Winter Soldier]are also expected to continue filming in July. This is a new source for me & I must keep it anon but I believe it!"

RELATED:REPORT: Falcon And Winter Soldier Casts Solo Star

The Falcon and Winter Soldier originally beganfilming in Atlanta and Prague, but production was shut down in March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Even before this, though, filminghit a snag in January due to earthquakes in Puerto Rico. Likewise, Lokibegan principal photography in Georgiain January and shut down in March.

Both shows, as well asWandaVision,are expected to tie into events of the MCUs PhaseFour lineup, which includesBlack Widow, The Eternals, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Directed by Kari Skogland, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier stars Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Emily VanCamp, Wyatt Russell, Noah Mills, Carl Lumbly and Daniel Brhl. The seriesarrives on Disney+ in August.

Lokistars Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Sophia Di Martino, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Richard E. Grant. The series arrives on Disney+ in 2021.

KEEP READING:Disney+'s Loki: First Season May See More Episodes

Mayim Bialik Has Never Watched an Episode of Big Bang Theory

Ben Wasserman is a graduate student from NYU's M.A. Cinema Studies Program at Tisch. He's previously written for the pop culture websites ComicsVerse and mxdwn Movies and has been mxdwn's film editor since 2019. Ben loves all things film, television, gaming and comic-related, especially when it comes to Marvel.

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REPORT: Loki, Falcon and the Winter Soldier Return to Filming in July - CBR - Comic Book Resources

Punchline is the newest addition to the Batman mythos and is set to play a huge part in the upcoming Joker War story arc in DC's main Batman series. While Punchline is making big waves, it wasn't too long ago that The Batman Who Laughs dominated just about everything thanks to his appearances in Metal. He's still around causing havoc and trying to bring the Dark Multiverse into our world, but what if he and Punchline were the same person? That's what artist Anna Zhuo imagined with this mashup art that combines both characters into the Punchline Who Laughs, and we've gotta say it looks pretty slick. You can check it out for yourself in the artwork below.

The trademark helmet of the Batman Who Laughs is back, but there's a chunk of the visor missing, letting a crazed eye show through. The Bat Ears-style design is still on one side, while the other side has Punchline's ponytail to balance it out, complete with a spiky hairband to complete the look.

It's that disturbing smile that really sells it all though, and we could definitely see this mashup showing up down the line in an official capacity.

"Someone had to right?? Punchline Who Laughs... always fun to design crossovers @JamesTheFourth @GregCapullo @Ssnyder1835maybe one day she will be canon #ann4rt #azhuo #annazhuo #dc #dccomics #punchline #punchlinedc #joker #batmanwholaughs"

As for Joker War, the big event will kick off after the current Their Dark Designs arc concludes, and you can find the official description for Batman #93 below.

"Batman faces off with the Designer as "Their Dark Designs" nears its epic climax! In the last year, Batman has lost more than he could have imagined, and now he faces a cost so dear it will change the course of his life. And there is worse on the horizon. Amid all the horror, he can feel the drumbeat of battle. "The Joker War" is coming, and Gotham City will never be the same!"

Batman #93 (Their Dark Designs, Part 8)

Written by James Tynion IV

Pencils by Guillem March and Javier Fernandez

Colors by Tomeu Morey and David Baron

Standard Cover by Tony S. Daniel and Tomeu Morey

Harley Quinn Variant Cover by Francesco Mattina

Batman #93 goes on sale Tuesday, June 23rd. Let us know what you think in the comments, and if you want to talk comics you can always find me on Twitter @MattAguilarCB!

Disclosure: ComicBook is owned by CBS Interactive, a division of ViacomCBS.

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This Punchline and The Batman Who Laughs Mashup Is Perfect - ComicBook.com

The events of the fourth season finale of Rick and Morty may have finally been too much for one of the main characters.

WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the fourth season finale of Rick and Morty, "Star Mort: Rickturn of the Jerri"

Rick Sanchez has always been defined by the sheer spite he's had for the world around him and the idea of getting too connected with anyone or anything. However, that mindset is thrown off by his most recent realization: He's just as bad of a person as others said he was and no amount of super science can fix that. The fourth season finale ofRick and Morty takes Rick to his a new emotional low, with the characterhaving to cometo terms with just how bad of a father he is.

RELATED:Rick and Morty: The Strange and Powerful Gods of the Multiverse, Explained

The events of "Star Mort: Rickturn of the Jerri" sees a version of Beth Smith return to the Earth. Having discovered an apparent bombin the base of her neck, she comes to the conclusion that she's actually a clone created by Rick during the events of the third season episode "The ABCs of Beth." Eventually encountering the other Beth, they discover there's no easy way to tell which one is actually the real Beth. However, Rick doesn't know which is the real one either.

This seems to finally shatter any desire Beth ever had tobond with her father, leading both Beths to declare that they just don't have the time to invest in Rick's attempts to control everything. Morty, Summer and Jerry agree -- leaving Rick alone, disgusted with his actions. With no one else around, Rick watches a memory he'd deleted from his mind, and it's revealed Beth pushed the question of potentially leaving her family and having Rick make a clone of herself on Earth ontoRick. Instead of making a choice to either spend time with his daughter or inspire her to become her own person, he shunted the responsibility by making a clone and confusing himself on which one is actually the original Beth.

Since he couldn't choose, he went with both options, denying himself chance to connect with either version of his daughter. The devices in their necks were originally programmed to fuse their memories into a single Beth so he could dodge any responsibility. This realization leads Rick to come to the conclusion that he really is a terrible father after all because of just how little he actually wants to be with his daughter, and the season finale ends with him quietly stewing in his own depression.

RELATED: Rick And Morty's Latest Adventure Reveals Their Biggest Sidekick... Is Jesus?!?!

Rick has long been considered one of the most dangerous, impressive and powerful figures in his multiverse. His inventions and creations have allowed him to fight Gods, seduce planets and create armies -- sometimes all in the span of a single episode. But he's also proven to be a fundamentally broken man throughout all this, choosing to be a sardonic and petty drifter through the cosmos. He has no goals outside whatever curiosity he's developed that day, with his family being pawns at best and tools at worst for his adventures. The Intergalactic Federation knows this, realizing that by not angering Rick he ignores them, and in doing so makes Rick into a "non-threat."

But all of that detachment has finally caught up to him. While he may technically be able to shunt over to a different reality, he's grown attached to his family -- especially this version of Morty, who has traveled with Rick through the multiverse. And yet, none of them seem to actually respect him anymore. All season, Rick's flaws have been highlighted, with the very lonely and spiteful old man at the core of all that intelligence has been peeking through. Rick grows incredibly attached to something (like the population he raised in "Chirick of Mort") only to see it taken away. When that happens, Rick will double-down on his narcissistic self-interest, and move on, ignoring the destruction in his wake.

RELATED: Rick And Morty Is Now Anime... In Dimension WTM72

But this revelation that even he can't deny his personal failings feels different. He tries to reason he can at least be a good friend, revealing he salvaged the remains of Phoenix Person in a bid to repair him. But given the death of Tammy and the loss of the Federation ship he was on, Phoenix Person only claws at Rick and tries to kill him. There's nothing for Rick to fall back on, no connection he hasn't found a way to ruin. He's alone, and it's his fault, andhe knows it.

But perhaps reaching his lowest point will actually work out in the long-run for Rick. This could finally motivate him totryand at least care. Still, in the world ofRick and Morty, caring means that you can lose something -- which might actually affect a Rick who's trying to be better with his family.

KEEP READING: How Many Times Rick & Morty Have Changed Universes

Legends of Tomorrow: Is [SPOILER] And The Actor Who Plays Them REALLY Gone?

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Rick and Morty May Have Finally Broken [SPOILER] | CBR - CBR - Comic Book Resources

With Thor having surrendered his crown to Valkyrie, and the possibility that he will hand over the mantle of protector of Asgard to Jane Foster, Thor: Love and Thunder might be Chris Hemsworths final time playing the superhero in a Marvel movie. A new theory suggests that this opens up a world of new possibilities for the MCU.

According to Inverse, Avengers 5 will likely feature a new roster of superheroes, with both Iron Man and Captain Americas character arcs having reached their conclusions. Hemsworth has just one more confirmed appearance in the MCU, besides a rumoured supporting role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.

Also read: Marvel wants full control: Patty Jenkins reveals why she dropped out of directing Thor 2

The theory suggests that MCU could borrow from the Secret Wars storyline from the comics. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo had previously expressed an interest in adapting the story in the films. The storyline sees Thor become unworthy of wielding Mjolnir, which seeks out a new master. When Jane Foster visits Asgard after having been diagnosed with cancer, the hammer attaches itself to her, thereby giving her the powers of Thor.

Also read: When Chris Hemsworth called Thor 2 meh, Idris Elba said working on it ripped my heart out

Actor Natalie Portman was introduced at San Diego Comic Con, wielding Mjolnir in front of the excited fans. She has been confirmed to be playing a female Thor in the fourth film, directed by Taika Waititi.

The Secret Wars storyline sees Jane Fosters Mighty Thor help the Avengers in saving the multiverse, which will be explored in more detail in future MCU films. The theory even predicts a title for the fifth Avengers film. It could be called Avengers: Secret Wars.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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Marvel theory predicts Thors retirement and an epic title for Avengers 5 - Hindustan Times

Saturday, June 13 Sunday, June 28: SVA All Staff Art Show

Theeighthannual exhibition of works in various media by staff members at the College.

Wednesday, June 17, 3:00pm: MFA Art Practice Alumnus Lecture: Isa Wang

MFA Art Practice alumnusIsa Wang(2019) returns to SVA to lecture about his creative practice.

Thursday, June 18, 6:30pm: Aruna D'Souza

MFA Art Practicekicks off its summer residency program with a lecture from writer and criticAruna D'Souza.

Tuesday, June 23, 9:15 10:30am: Practice Lecture Series: Katya Grokhovsky

Katya Grokhovsky was born in Ukraine, raised in Australia and is based in New York City. She is an artist, independent curator, educator and a founding director of The Immigrant Artist Biennial (TIAB) and Feminist Urgent (FU).

Tuesday, June 23, 7:00 8:30pm: i3 Photo Lecture: June Kim

June Kims photographywith its minimalist aesthetic and focus on the relationships between the human figure, color, geometry and architectureflows effortlessly across the fine art, fashion and editorial arenas.Presented as part of the MPS Digital Photographyi3: Images, Ideas, Inspiration lecture series, which features leading photographers and artists, hardware and software developers and industry experts.

Friday, June 26 Friday, July 31: "Pillars of Resilience"

An exhibition of artwork byMAT Art Educationstudents.

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This June at SVA: Upcoming Virtual Talks and Exhibitions - SVA - SVA Features

Batman cracked a funny joke to Shazam regarding the truth about his DC Comics' team-ups with his fellow Justice Leaguer, Superman.

Warning! Spoilers for Shazam #12 below.

Batman and Superman's friendship is one of the most powerful in the DC Comics Universe. Even when the two aren't getting along, there's a special camaraderie between the pair that makes their relationship truly special. Batman isn't even afraid to make a joke about their frequent team-ups at Superman's expense.

Throughout their longtime friendship, Batman and Superman have never really had much debate over who was really in charge. The two work together well and step up in key moments when needed. They've worked together with the Justice League to take on threats from small, low-level villains to bad guys who wanted to destroy the entire multiverse. No matter how bad things get, the duo always has each other's back. But, that doesn't mean Batman can't make fun of his much more powerful counterpart.

Related:Captain America Battles Batman In Epic Marvel Vs DC Fan Art

In this week's Shazam #12 by Jeff Loveness and BrandonPeterson, Billy Batsonis tipped off that Jonathan Crane aka the Scarecrow is holding hostages at a chemical plant. Shazam is excited to take on one of Batman's top villains, however, when he arrives and thinks he has the upper-hand, the supervillain lets him know that he's been inhaling an airborne fear toxin the entire time. With Shazam being overcome with fear, Batman smashes through a window and helps Billy take down Scarecrow and overcome the fear. On a rooftop after the fight, Shazam has a bit of a breakdown after transforming back into a kid, apologizing to Batman for going after the villain alone. The two heroes have a heart-to-heart, bonding over punching crocodile-themed villains. As Batman imparts wisdom Shazam's way, Billy asks him if the night's events counted as a team-up. Batman says no, to which Billy says "ooooh, wow. Okay, sure. I get it. Fine. You only team up with Superman." Batman cracks a smile and tells him, "don't be stupid. Superman teams up with me."

It's a tender moment between Batman and Billy, that somewhat echoes his meeting with Superman where the two talked about responsibilities and being a hero. It's also a perfectly Batman response.Despite teaming up with one of the most powerful beings in the known universe, he still cracks jokes about how Superman is the one who teams up with him. Don't say Batman doesn't have a sense of humor.

Next:Anti-Batman & Anti-Superman Are The Villains Everybody Forgets

DC's Justice League Dark Lineup Fights in Hells Civil War

Liam McGuire is a comics editor for Screen Rant. Hailing from Nova Scotia, he has worked for numerous publications including Cineplex Canada, MLB.com, Vice, CBR.com, and more. You can reach out to him directly at liam.m@screenrant.com

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Batman Knows The TRUTH About His Superman Friendship - Screen Rant

As students struggle amidst the covid-19 pandemic struggle to survive, Liverpool John Moores BA students are taking action to showcase their work. Faced by multiple Degree Shows cancellation, postponement, and online-only surrogates long criticised by many the Liverpool institution is launching their final exhibition on Mars.

Ashleigh Sands and Ella Crabtree. The Degree Show on Mars from Liverpool John Moores University BA Fine Art launches 5 June 2020, degreeshowonmars.com

The planet is currently broken. We are doing our degree show on Mars. BA Fine Art Students from Liverpool John Moores University

Rather than simply moving their work online, then, the Liverpool John Moores BA students are embracing our new circumstances by rethinking their final exhibition to be staged on another planet. They are using NASAs detailed 3D scans to transport viewers to the Gale crater on Mars creating a multiverse exhibition which directly responds to realities prior to, and during, lockdown. The show launches on 5 June via degreeshowonmars.com, with guest selectors including internationally renowned artist Ryan Gander, writer Miranda Sawyer and curator Hans Ulrich Obrist.

Degree Show On Mars, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) BA Fine Degree Show, 2020. The Degree Show on Mars from Liverpool John Moores University BA Fine Art launches 5 June 2020, degreeshowonmars.com

The Degree Show on Mars will be a multiverse exhibition responding to realities prior to, and during, lockdown. I have been following artists reactions to the current time for a while. It seems almost impossible not to be influenced by the unprecedented situation that surrounds us at present, both ideologically and in your work methods. Artists, in particular, found in this tragic circumstance a catalyst for creativity. Many responded to this new world as they found it, reflecting on it, challenging it, and helping to build an understanding of what we are experiencing. The Degree Show on Mars directly addresses the current global situation, through the eyes of artists who are emerging into a world very different to that which they had anticipated.

Nicole Stiff. The Degree Show on Mars from Liverpool John Moores University BA Fine Art launches 5 June 2020, degreeshowonmars.com

Each one of the artists response is peculiar, unique. The final show is, indeed, a multiverse it showcases a series of possible worlds where viewers can encounter the variety and complexity of the artists individual, collaborative and curatorial practices. Using NASAs detailed 3D scans of the Martian landscape, viewers are transported to the Gale crater on Mars. This virtual landscape is scattered with crash-landed objects that are alien to the planets surface. Each object represents a graduating artist, and acts as a portal or wormhole, leading the viewer back in time and space to an exhibition in Liverpool staged by the students one week prior to lockdown. Documented using Matterport 3D software, visitors can wander around the entire exhibition of the 53 artists. Each artwork in the show then acts as a further portal to that students current work, allowing audiences to observe how the artists represent their practices during lockdown.

Ellie Towers. The Degree Show on Mars from Liverpool John Moores University BA Fine Art launches 5 June 2020, degreeshowonmars.com

The Degree Show on Mars is not a pared back simulation of what might have been, rather a voyage that seeks to collectively establish new relevance and understanding for the artists individual endeavours, amid the stasis the world is currently experiencing.The works presented are themselves otherworldly. They share a similar, uncanny humour, as seen in the works by Nicole Stiff and Ellie Towers; or vivid colours and surrealistic messages, as in James Pope and Kylie Evans.

On the evening of the 5th June there will be a live opening event. There will be curated walk- throughs, recommended artworks chosen by external selectors who are leaders in the artworld, prizes selected by the Directors of Tate Liverpool, FACT and the Liverpool Biennial, along with a series of residency prizes at the Royal Standard, CBS studios and Bidston Observatory.

James Pope. The Degree Show on Mars from Liverpool John Moores University BA Fine Art launches 5 June 2020, degreeshowonmars.com

External selectors include: Kate Cooper (artist), Ryan Gander (artist), Samuel Leuenberger (Founder & Director, SALTS, Basel & Art Parcours Curator, Art Basel), Miranda Sawyer (Writer and Broadcaster), Hans Ulrich Obrist (Artistic Director, Serpentine Galleries, London) with others to be announced.

Degree Show On Mars, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) BA Fine Degree Show, 2020. The Degree Show on Mars from Liverpool John Moores University BA Fine Art launches 5 June 2020, degreeshowonmars.com

Participating artists: Georgia Addy, Mitchell Armstrong, Sophie Bacon, Cheryl Blackburn, Parice Bowyer, Harriet Butler, Ian Colligan, Tom Condon, Joshua Cook, Ella Crabtree, Stephanie Da Maia, Emma Dolan, Chloe Eadie, Kyle Evans, Chelsie Feather, Rachel Geary, Joe Goff, Jake Gould, Hannah Graham, Ruta Griskeviciute, Kea Haughey, Kyle Hicks, Beth Hill, Mary Hill, Franky Hughes, Sheree John, Nadia Kawafi, Carys Kilduff, Beth King, Emma Magill, Shannon May, Erin McKerrow, Chelsey Morrison, Phoebe OConnor, James Ockenden, James Pope, Bethany Prandle, Angelica Rossiter, Millicent Rotchford-Monks, Daniel Rymer, Ashleigh Sands, Jennifer Sharp, Nicole Stiff, Monika Sznajder, Ellie Towers, Morgan Tunnicliffe, Kirsty Jo Wallace, Bethany Wallis, Natalie Weston, Martine Williams, Rachael Williams, Meri Williamson, Johnmichael Woodruff.

Degree Show On Mars, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) BA Fine Degree Show, 2020. The Degree Show on Mars from Liverpool John Moores University BA Fine Art launches 5 June 2020, degreeshowonmars.com

@degreeshowonmars #degreeshowonmars

Fine Art Students Host BA Degree Show on MarsLiverpool John Moores University 5 June 2020 onwards Private View: 5:30pm, 5 June 2020

About BA Fine Art, Liverpool John Moores UniversityLJMU Fine Art is a course that is unique in the UK rather than doing one show a year (a degree show), they average over 55 exhibitions yearly in many unique spaces around the city of Liverpool and beyond. The students are offered intensive experimentation and testing, achieving great independence and ambition. With unique residency prizes, and 1-1 mentoring prizes with the Directors of Liverpools leading art institutions, (Tate Liverpool, the Liverpool Biennial and FACT), the university supports its graduates in embedding their careers and creating a lasting impact locally and nationally.

Staff: Rory Macbeth (Programme Leader), Peter Appleton, John Byrne, Adam Carr, Juliet Carroll, Jai Chuhan, Richard Creed, Chris Evans, Patricia MacKinnon-Day, Neil Morris, Roy Claire Potter, Imogen Stidworthy, Bedwyr Williams, Mark Wright.

I am a freelance journalist, who has been collaborating with FAD for over 2 years. I recently founded the column FOOD ART, where I interview artists, and thinkers working around issues related to food. I have a growing interest for contemporary art, especially ceramics, photography, and performance art, in which I specialised at The Courtauld Institute of Art.

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Liverpool John Moores BA students to go ahead with their Degree Show... on Mars. - FAD magazine

Many comic book fans compare Superman with thorSince they are both aliens, they seem immortal and have a power superior to the rest. But still there is a character in DC Comics who has the mission of being the version of the God of Thunder. This is Thunderer, previously known as Wandjina.

The new Earth-7, presented in the comic The Multiversity # 1, seems to be a combination of the New 52 DC Universe and a mixture of Ultimate Marvel Universe. Rather than simply sharing a name with Wandjina, he is actually the climate god of the people of Mowanjum. He returned to the modern era as protector of the planet. Like Marvels Thor, he wields lightning through a mystical weapon, in his case, a silver spear, which oozes electricity when its in his hands. Refers to an invisible rainbow of worlds where beings can travel, presumably similar to Asgards Bifrost Bridge. He is also capable of summoning Thor-like elements, and also possesses superhuman strength and durability.

Earth-7 ended up being targeted by Gentry, who proceeded to break the entire world with its unsurpassed power. Many of the DC Comics characters were sucked into a strange and terrifying power source in the sky. Similar to what happened to the Justice League when they were caught in the Firestorm Matrix by Deathstorm in Forever Evil.

The moment when Nix Uotan, the multiversal Superjudge (known as Over Monitor), reaches the ruins of the world, only Thunderer (the Thor of DC) remains alive. Almost broken, Thunderer pleaded with Nix Uotan to flee the world and warn the rest of creation about the arrival of Gentry and the end of all the things they bring with them. But Nix ends up making a deal with Gentry, offering himself in exchange for the Thunderers freedom. Despite his protests, Thunderer was sent to the House of Heroes aboard the Ultima Thule in place of Nix, and was given the opportunity to assemble an army of superheroes to attempt to fight Gentry and save Nix Uotan.

Quickly healing from his wounds and developing divine anger towards the beings that cost him his world, the Thunderer was one of the heroes who attacked Earth-8.

There, they found a twisted and corrupted version of Nix Uotan, who set in motion his plans to break time and space across the multiverse. Using the decomposing bodies of the other fallen defenders of Earth-7, Thunderer was forced to fight his former friends to save the multiverse. Energized by his allies and his drive to rescue the multiversal Superjudge who had saved him, Thunderer proves to be invaluable in the fight. His control of the elements allows him to cause a massive downpour in the middle of the battle in the purest Thor style. Which empowers Aqua-Woman and allows her to deliver a major blow against the corrupt Nix.

He even faced Gentry.

The Gentry did not stop, though. Since it was revealed that they had simply been the first wave against the multiverse for their master, the Empty Hand. Thunderer and his efforts were able to save the creation of an invasion attempt. While he remains the sole survivor of Earth-7, he has also proven himself to be an important multiversal figure and member of Justice Incarnate. Meaning that the character can be summoned by people like Superman under certain circumstances. It is only a matter of time before Thor from DC Comics is back in the spotlight.

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This is the version of Thor from DC Comics - Explica