Monthly Archives: June 2020

The Dragon Ball Super anime has been on hiatus for over a year now, with no confirmed plans of when it will continue. Of course there have been plenty of rumblings about what's happening behind the doors of Toei Animation; a special Dragon Ball division of the company was formed, and there's been rumor that the franchise is looking to expand itself in significant ways. A lot of Dragon Ball fans have been calling for one big change: spinoffs of the main Dragon Ball Super series, which would allow more of the ever-growing list of fan-favorite characters shine!

There's no guarantee that the next Dragon Ball anime will be a continuation of Super - after all, the series has always reinvented itself by launching new installments (Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super...). However, Dragon Ball Super is unique in the fact that it has single-handedly catapulted more new characters to "iconic" and/or "fan-favorite" level than any of the preceding series. Lord Beerus, Whis, Jiren, Hit, Kale, Caulifla, Cabba, Zamasu, Goku Black, Grand Zeno, and the Gods of Destruction. They're all breakout hits, and that's not even counting new character transformations like Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, SSGSSE, Ultra Instinct, Super Saiyan Ros, and Golden Freeza. Dragon Ball Super has made such a big impact on so many fronts, fans can never seem to get their fill of the new characters they want to see more of.

Other than introducing a whole new slew of popular characters, Dragon Ball Super has achieved one other big thing: introducing a whole new Dragon Ball Multiverse. We learned that Goku and Vegeta's universe is just no. 7 in a long list of alternate universes - and one of the weaker ones, at that. We've also learned about the divine powers that govern this multiverse, beyond the kais, after being introduced to destroyer gods, angels, and even several versions of the God-King himself, Grand Zeno. Not only did Dragon Ball Super introduce all these new realms, it also baited the hook for fans to want to learn more about them. There's a universe where an entire Saiyan race became heroic warriors instead of mercenaries (Universe 6), and another that has its own Avengers-style peacekeeping force (Universe 11). Those two are already major entries on fans' wish-list, with so much more still unexplored in the new Dragon Ball mutiverse.

As you can see, Dragon Ball Super has (if nothing else) been a monster when it comes to generating new content for the franchise. Fans have been spending more and more time discussing what to do with all that new content, and inevitably the subject of spinoffs has come up. Both Dragon Ball fans and the series' stars seem to agree that we've reached a point where the franchise really needs to branch out, in order to breathe. We've broken down why Goku needs his own Dragon Ball Gods series; and the Dragon Ball Z-Fighters need a series of their own in order to shine again, but the Dragon Ball Multiverse spinoffs are just as viable. There's room for everyone under this massive tent!

So how should Dragon Ball begin utilizing its Multiverse spinoffs? The easy answers are with the Universe 6 Saiyans and Universe 11 Pride Trooper team. Kale, Caulifla, and Jiren were easily the biggest breakout stars of Dragon Ball Super's Tournament of Power arc, and they're the characters want to learn more about, ASAP. So why not give Universe 6 and 11 their own new storylines? The Universe 6 Saiyans have been set up for a great arc crossing over with Vegeta, who already pledged to visit their Universe. Universe 11 was probably the most fleshed out new realm we saw in Dragon Ball Super, with Jiren and his Pride Trooper team being the most fleshed-out new characters. Jiren has an entire backstory and mysterious nemesis which still needs to be resolved - a storyline which could easily segue into the main Dragon Ball Super continuity. That seems like the easiest "win" for the first attempts at Dragon Ball Super Multiverse spinoffs - so when coudl we see it happen.

Right now, we're still in the holding pattern of waiting for Toei Animation to announce the next stage of the Dragon Ball Super franchise - the next feature film release, or a new series that will follow DBS. Meanwhile, the Dragon Ball Super manga has opened a new chapter, which has introduced a fearsome new villain (Moro), and pushed Goku and Vegeta to new levels of transformative power. We're still waiting to see if that manga arc will inspire the big franchise expansion into spinoffs and such, so hopefully the upcoming climax of the story will deliver.

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

Read this article:

Dragon Ball Needs a New Anime to Explore the Multiverse - ComicBook.com

Marvel could make Fox's X-Men movies part of the MCU's multiverse through Quicksilver actor Evan Peters, who has reportedly been cast in WandaVision.

Marvel Studios could make the X-Men movies part of the MCU's multiverse through Fox's Quicksilver actor, Evan Peters, who has reportedly been cast in WandaVision. Peters played Marvel's mutant speedster and the son of Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and the final film in the main series, X-Men: Dark Phoenix.

The initial casting of Evan Peters as Quicksilver came at an interesting time, as X-Men: Days of Future Past was in development right when Marvel was working on the sequel to The Avengers. The plan for Avengers: Age of Ultron was to introduce three more members of Earth's Mightiest Heroes: Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, and Vision, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson was cast in the role of Quicksilver. Since Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch were two of a small number of characters whose rights were shared by Marvel and Fox, it was possible for each studio to have their own version of Pietro Maximoff. Both studios using the same character at the same time brought a lot of interest to the actors' portrayals of the character, and comparisons between the two were unavoidable.

Related:How Marvel Phase 4 Is Already Incorporating X-Men Into The MCU

Avengers: Age of Ultron killed off Quicksilver but kept Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), whereas the X-Men franchise continued to reuse Quicksilver, but avoided his sister. Quicksilver fans were understandably disappointed that the classic Avenger was abandoned by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and despite numerous rumors of his return, Quicksilver has remained dead in the MCU. Time travel and alternate realities being added as new concepts for the MCU to play with has fueled speculation that Aaron Taylor-Johnson's Quicksilver could make a comeback, but it's possible that the X-Men version will be utilized in his place. Before, it was never possible before for any X-Men character to be used in any way in the MCU, but with their rights restored to Marvel, Marvel can not only use Cyclops and Wolverine, but now they can go a step further and make the X-Men MCU canon. Here's how that could work.

Marvel hinted at the existence of alternate realities when Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) mentioned the number of possible outcomes of the battle with Thanos (Josh Brolin) in Avengers: Infinity War. The concept was firmly established in Avengers: Endgame when the Avengers created an alternate reality by tampering with the timestream. Based on its title, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will presumably go there again by creating a story that involves the Sorcerer Supreme and Scarlet Witch exploring other dimensions. Due to the deep connection between the Phase 4 MCU movies and Disney+ shows, WandaVision is expected to set up Scarlet Witch's Doctor Strange 2 role. That would mean that WandaVision too could touch on various parallel universes.

Parallel universes could be what was shown in footage for WandaVision, which contained glimpses of several different versions of Scarlet Witch and Vision (Paul Bettany). It looks like WandaVision will reimagine the couple in several different scenarios, with each one being reminiscent of a sitcom from a particular era. It appears that what's happening here is that Wanda is using her reality-warping abilities from the comics, but it could be that Wanda has instead found herself in the multiverse, living out all the versions of what her life could have been.

Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has teased that the MCU's Scarlet Witch will become more like the hero from the comics, and this has led some to believe that when she begins to develop the powers of her comic book counterpart, she'll begin to rewrite reality and cause all sorts of havoc. Fans have theorized that Scarlet Witch will use her new abilities to resurrect Quicksilver, but it could be that Marvel does indeed want to use Pietro - just not the version of the character that everyone is expecting. Instead, Marvel could bring in Evan Peters' takeon Quicksilver, who was admittedly more popular than the MCU interpretation.

Related:WandaVision Theory: Scarlet Witch Is Already Inside The MCU Multiverse

While visiting alternate realities in the multiverse, Scarlet Witch could go looking for her brother, and discover that in one world, her brother is a totally different person. In the X-Men movies, his name is "Peter", not "Pietro". His backstory and personality differs from the MCU hero as well. That being said, he still has his super speed and his most distinguishing physical characteristic, which is his silver hair. A meeting between Wanda and Peter would draw parallels to what the Arrowverse did with "Crisis on Infinite Earths" when it allowed its version of the Flash (Grant Gustin) to meet the DCEU's Scarlet Speedster, played by Ezra Miller. It became one of the most talked-about moments that ever occurred in the Arrowverse, and a scene in WandaVision with Fox's Quicksilver would have a similar reaction.

As for how important he could be, it could just be a single scene, but the report that Evan Peters is playing a "key role" suggests that he'll have a significant amount of screen time for at least one episode. It could be that he'll even share an adventure with Scarlet Witch and Vision.

Evan Peters appearing in WandaVision as Quicksilver - even if it was just a blink-and-you-missed-it cameo - would mean that the events and characters featured in the X-Men movies share their own corner of the MCU's multiverse. This scenario with Peters isn't too different from what some are thinking could happen with Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy in Doctor Strange 2. Such a move would expand the scope of the MCU in a big way and allow for some fun cameos, but that doesn't mean that this is how Marvel will bring the X-Men into the MCU. Now that Marvel and Disney finally has the rights to the characters, they'll of course still seek to create their own versions of Marvel's Merry Mutants. Marvel won't rely on Fox's, unless they have one or two specific characters they'd like to use.

WhileHugh Jackman's Wolverine would be high on everyone's radar and would make for an excellent cameo in a future Marvel project, Evan Peters' Quicksilver is perhaps an even better choice. Marvel's treatment of Quicksilver hasn't been well-received, considering that he was killed off in his first movie (despite being a major Avengers character). Many feel that the MCU needs a Quicksilver, and if Aaron Taylor-Johnson's character is off the table, a good solution to this problem is to bring in a version of the character who audiencesliked even more.

More:Marvel Has Big Problems Introducing The X-Men To The MCU

Key Release Dates

Superman: What General Zod's Name Really Means

Nicholas Raymond is a staff features writer for Screen Rant. He has a degree in journalism from the University of Montevallo. He is the author of the psychological thriller and time travel novel, "A Man Against the World." Nicholas' love for telling stories is inspired by his love for film noir, westerns, superhero movies, classic films, foreign cinema, and wuxia. He also has interests in ancient history. His favorite actors are Tyrone Power, Charlton Heston, and Eleanor Parker. His favorite film is Casablanca, and his favorite director is Alfred Hitchcock. He can be reached by email at cnrmail@bellsouth.net and on Twitter at @cnraymond91.

Go here to read the rest:

Marvel Theory: X-Men Movies Are Part Of The MCU Multiverse - Screen Rant

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 10: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and Russell Westbrook #0 react on the bench before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center on March 10, 2020 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

The Whiteboard is The Step Backs daily basketball newsletter, covering the NBA, WNBA and more. Subscribe here to get it delivered to you via email each morning.

The concept of the multiverse posits that there are infinite parallel universes, each an echo of every other, and that, collectively, they represent every possible variation of the universe we live in. That is to say, there is a universe where humans never evolved and that some form of carnivorous ferns are the dominant lifeform on earth. There is another where every single thing is exactly as you know it to be today, except you also have a small mole above your left eyebrow. There is also one in which the NBA triumphantly resumes play as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, and the Houston Rockets win the NBA championship.

If were really leaning into the theory here, there are actually infinite universes where the Rockets win the title, each slightly different than the last, but for the sake of brevity, well focus on one in particular.

In this universe, the Rockets title is marked with an asterisk (literal or figurative, it doesnt really matter for our purposes here), in recognition that the circumstances under which it was won are utterly unique in the history of the NBA. It feels fitting though because a great many fans and media members treat the entire Rockets organization as something other as though everything they do could be marked with an asterisk.

Yes, James Harden is an exceptional offensive force and what he does is accommodated by the letter of the basketball rule book. But for many, his modus operandi stands in direct opposition to the spirit of said rules. He gets an asterisk for his step-back 3-pointers and for the way he has woven foul-seeking into the fiber of being and for taking the long view, understanding that the value of maximizing outcomes across thousands of possessions is more important than maximizing any single individual possession.

Daryl Morey gets an asterisk for being basketballs Elon Musk, albeit without the self-righteous pomp and slimy condescension. His asterisk is for prioritizing ideas first, second and third, with practicality a distant fourth, and existing in a universe where he has both the freedom and resources to chase inspiration.

Mike DAntoni gets an asterisk for his presumed disinterest in defense, for his (mostly illusory) willingness to just hand-wave away certain unwritten rules of basketball and focus only on the bright and shiny things that put points on the scoreboard. Westbrook gets an asterisk for being Westbrook. Austin Rivers gets an asterisk because of his dad. Robert Covington and P.J. Tucker get asterisks for the presumption of masquerading as centers when everyone knows what they really are. Danuel House gets an asterisk for putting a u in his first name where there should be an i.

The Rockets accumulate some additional asterisks along the way to this multiverse title as well. Some opponent suffers a key injury at an inopportune time. Another opponent has a bad game. Another appears to be victimized by a bad call at a key moment and another is surprisingly knocked out in an earlier round, saving the Rockets the trouble.

Somewhere, there is a universe where the Rockets can escape their asterisks. Where they can blot them out with achievements so compelling, or where the fundamental laws of the basketball universe have evolved in a warped direction, where they represent the norm. But its not the universe were imagining and its not the universe that you and I exist in. In these two echoes, the Rockets are still thoroughly othered. In one, they reach their ultimate goal. They are redeemed in a handful of minds, solidified as righteous evidence for those who already worship at their altars and hand-waved away by the same people who have been waving hands at them for years.

In the other, well, I guess well just have to wait and see

The NBAs title race is wide-open for now, but many of the leagues top stars are set to become free agents over the next few years. How will the free agencies of LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard and others change the league?

The WNBA is trying to figure out how to play their season, keep everyone safe and capitalize on a surge in popularity. What scenarios are on the table?

Weve heard a billion different plans for resuming the season and conducting the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Ben Ladner and Alec Liebsch debate the pros and cons of the different structures.

Based on betting odds, the Oklahoma City Thunder had a better than 50 percent chance of winning at least one title in the last decade. But they werent the only team that was this close to immortality.

Original post:

The Whiteboard: Dispatches from the multiverse, where the Rockets win it all - FanSided

Doctor Strange : Fans were in heavy shock when they saw Doctor Strange evaporate away as Thanos snapped his unclean fingers!

Fantasies about getting a second Doctor Strange film felt difficult to occur around then.

In any case, since Marvel cherishes their fans, Doctor Strange came back with a blast in Avengers Endgame to join his partners in shielding the universe.

Wonder affirmed Specialist Strange 2 at San Diego Comic-Con, on April 2019, as a piece of Phase 4 Movie. They titled it Specialist Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Starting at now, the film is planned to be discharged on May 7, 2021, turning into the fourth film in Phase 4.

Lamentably, a few issues may prompt a deferral in the discharge date. As indicated by the sources, the arrangement was to film the film in May 2020.

Be that as it may, due to coronavirus pandemic, shooting can get dropped and get delayed. This may prompt an adjustment in the discharge date.

Starting at now, just Benedict Cumberbatch And Benedict Wong are affirmed to repeat their separate jobs.

In Comic-Con it was reported that Elizabeth Olsen would likewise assume her job as Scarlett Witch in this film. The remainder of the cast is yet to be affirmed.

Since this is a Marvel film, they have kept a tight lip with respect to what will the plot involve.

The ex-executive of the film, Scott Derrickson alluded to Comic-Con this would be Marvels first blood and gore flick.

In spite of the fact that, Marvel affirmed that itd stay a PG-13 film.

Stay Tuned! More updates on its way!

Also read:-Black Widow Every Details About Its Releasing, Cast, Plot And Why Excitments Are High For This Movie?

Go here to read the rest:

Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness Every Details About Its Releasing, Cast, Plot And Who Will ... - Finance Rewind

Rick and Morty features a ton of various gods, some of which are absolutely strange, bizarre and powerful.

The Rick and Morty pantheon features a diverse collection of the omnipotent and the worshiped that exist in and outside of known reality. Rick is often called upon to do battle with these super entities, some of which are really impressive, extremely powerful, and super weird.Rick's spiritual apathy is often represented in the depictions of these powerful beings and the devotion they inspire. As a result, their interactions escalate into one form of conflict or another.

Recently, Rickvanquished one of an implied multitude of Zeuses over some misguided paternity issues. However, Zeus isn't the only god in theRick and Mortymultiverse. Here are a few of the strangest and most powerful gods in the popular animated series.

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

Unity is a hive mind driventodominate all sentient life and ascend to godhood. Rick's relationship with Unity, a former lover with whomhe then rekindles a sexual spark, is one of the early indications that Rick sees himself on par with and perhaps even beyond the ken of the most powerful beings in creation.

In Season 2, Episode 7, "Big Trouble in Little Sanchez," a paragon version of her husband, Jerry, envisions Beth as a goddess. A reflection of Rick himself whichexists only in the purified mind of her submissive husband, she appears devoid of personal affections andslaughters anything that displeases her.

Shleemypants is a fourth-dimensional enforcer of the timeline, granted immense powers in doing so. Though there is no component of idolatry, he serves as a guardian of the status quo. He operates within the multiverse as something of a god-like gatekeeper, curbing infractions of the cosmic order. He represents the deist clockmaker version of godhood, mostly apathetic to the destruction or creation wrought by creation's inhabitants but steps in to restore the gears of machination.

Related:Rick and Morty Is Now Anime... in Dimension WTM72

The devil himself has crossed swords with Rick and Morty in multiple media platforms. Lucius Needful is the curator of cursed things that will grant what you desire for a price you are probably not willing to pay. This homage to Stephen King's mythos is a fairly standard portrayal of Lucifer as a powerful charlatan or nefarious djinn. It's another example, however, of how Rick can go toe to toe with the most powerful forces in existence, even the Fallen Angel of the Old Book.

The Cromulons are a race of disembodied cranial totems disruptinggalaxiesdemanding to be entertained upon penalty of annihilation. One-part Galactus, one-part Ryan Seacrest, their tribute takes the form of talent contests with Alderaan like stakes. Fickle and all-powerful,Rick treats them with the same opprobrium he holds for all would be supreme beings.

An alien named Tony discovers atoilet isolated in a remote corner ofinaccessible paradise created for the sole purpose of Rick's leisure dumps. When Rick discovers that Tony has been idling upon his throne, he sequesters him in a chemical tank that allows him to experience his own personalized version of heaven complete with a sovereign lord. Poop Jesus, a benevolentgod who grants all the fecal disposal wishes of Tony's dreams, only inspires Rick's contempt.

Related:Rick and Morty Theory: Rick Is a Grown-Up Morty, Stuck in a Time Loop

The One True Morty is a paradox.His dogma is vehemently anti-Rick, proselytizing independent Mortyness that breaks the chains that bind them in servitude to narcissistic geniuses incarnated throughout infinite dimensions. He is worshiped by lesser Mortys and seems to be actualized in Morty C-137, who delivers them from enslavement. However, the Morty's weren't being enslaved by a Rick, but by one of their own who seemed content and maybe even encouraged their zealotry. Rick is scapegoated as an evil that the Morty's themselvesrepresent, perhaps characterizing an overarching flaw inherent to human worship of other humans.

Finally bringing us to the most powerful deity in the multiverse, Rick Sanchez C-137. "Now I have become Death, the destroyer of worlds," is an apt depiction, though it only represents a fraction of Rick Sanchez's achievements. He has created a pocket universe home to billions of sentient beings that serve as his car battery. The Dream Interceptor he crafted grants him access to dreamslike the god Morpheus, and his portal gun allows him to traipse through the cosmos instantaneously like a drunken egomaniacal Hermes. The representations of god throughout the show express his vast disappointment with their inability to live up to thestandards he has so effortlessly surpassed and the false ideologies that he believes supports them.

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

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

Creator/writer of The Hidden Scribes and COVID39 podcasts. Film screener for the Austin Film Festival and holder of passionate opinions e.g. M>DC+(Wars-Sequels~GOAT)/( Game(Breaking(The Wire)Bad)of Thrones-2 last seasons)=FACTS. Raised by Dungeons and Dragons, judges people who liked "Signs", and solidly chicken on the which came first ideological spectrum.

View post:

Rick and Morty: The Strange and Powerful Gods of the Multiverse, Explained - CBR - Comic Book Resources

WandaVision the Marvel Cinematic Universe series centred on Wanda Maximoff/ Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) will reportedly resume filming in July in Los Angeles, California. The Disney+ miniseries was one of many productions that had to shut shop in March amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but with lockdowns now lifting in parts of the US, Hollywood is seemingly preparing to go back to work.

The Tampa Bay Comic Convention (TBCC) brings word of WandaVision resuming production. In a Facebook post, it said: We finally received word from Paul Bettany's representation, and unfortunately Paul had to cancel his appearance at TBCC this year due [to] being called back by Disney for WandaVision filming in July, in Los Angeles.

TBCC is scheduled for July 1012. It's also a little surprising to see a convention go ahead as planned, which will lead to crowding at a time when most events have been called off to help maintain social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19 infections.

Marvel fan site MCU Cosmic was the first to report on the news. It also said that WandaVision was mostly done with filming in March, which /Film concurs with, and that post-production on WandaVision had been going on remotely, with everyone working from home.

Set after Avengers: Endgame in the 2020s, WandaVision also stars Teyonah Parris (Dear White People) as a grown-up Monica Rambeau, first seen in Captain Marvel in the 1990s; Randall Park as FBI agent Jimmy Woo from Ant-Man and the Wasp; Kat Dennings as Jane Foster's (Natalie Portman) assistant Darcy Lewis from Thor and Thor: The Dark World; and Kathryn Hahn (Bad Moms) as a new character who's a nosy neighbour, as EW reported.

Olsen has previously revealed that WandaVision will partly take place in the 1950s as well. The Disney+ series will also tie into the Doctor Strange sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, due in March 2022. WandaVision will likely use some form of time travel to take place in both the 2020s and 1950s, and the multiverse argument to bring back Vision, who died in Avengers: Infinity War, as fans will recall.

WandaVision is expected to release in December on Disney+ Hotstar.

See more here:

WandaVision to Resume Filming in July in Los Angeles: Report - Gadgets 360

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.

Original post:

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

Magic: The Gathering Reveals Planeswalker Decks for Core Set 2021 (Exclusive)

View post:

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.

Read more from the original source:

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.

Go here to read the rest:

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