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DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Reveals New Trailer, Poster, and Title

After years of speculating, in 2022, Marvel Studios confirmed that Deadpool would officially join the MCU for a third installment of the R-rated comic book franchise at the start of Phase Six. This would mark the first official character of the Fox X-Men universe joining the MCU (although Patrick Stewart as a variant Professor X in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness kinda counts too, we suppose).

We love this new poster for Deadpool & Wolverine, which really highlights their strange relationship.

Marvel Studios

Here is everything we know so far about Deadpool & Wolverine.

TitleMarvel Studios

Thanks to a Super Bowl trailer (check it out below!), we know that this film, formerly called Deadpool 3, is actually Deadpool & Wolverine.

Deadpool & Wolverine‘s Plot

The plot of Deadpool & Wolverine remains a mystery. All we know is that Hugh Jackman is returning as Wolverine, and that it takes place before the feral X-Man’s death in Logan. In fact, Jackman has confirmed that time travel will be involved in the threequel in a big way.

As most folks know by now, Deadpool’s third solo film will reunite him with his X-Men Origins: Wolverine co-star. Deadpool and Wolverine will work together, although they have made it very clear that these two characters “hate each other.” It will not be a love-fest in this story. But the fact that Deadpool & Wolverine is smack in the middle of the Multiverse Saga should give us all a clue as to what’s going to go down, and probable multiversal shenanigans will ensue.

Dogpool, of course, will also star.

Make sure to follow him on Instagram.

We also now know what Deadpool & Wolverine‘s new official logo looks like. Kevin Feige himself revealed the half-Wolverine, half-Deadpool visual on his hat at the Saturn Awards.

Kevin Feige wearing a #Deadpool 3 hat at the Saturn Awards. Very curious what the white text in the back of the hat is. Presumably the red part is “Deadpool.”#Marvel #Deadpool3 #MCU #Wolverine pic.twitter.com/OZTkIRHSt9

— POC Culture (@POCculture) February 5, 2024

🚨URGENTE: Kevin Feige usando o boné de 'DEADPOOL 3'.

Gostaram dessa logo? pic.twitter.com/gEbP9l6vvh

— Taverna Marvel (@TavernaMarvel) February 5, 2024

Deadpool & Wolverine‘s Cast20th Century Studios

We know Hugh Jackman will return, along with the very obvious Ryan Reynolds. Here’s who else we know about: Karan Soni, cab driver Dopinder, Leslie Uggams, Emma Corrin, and Matthew Macfadyen. In exciting news, Morena Baccarin and Stefan Kapicic are reprising their roles as Vanessa and Colossus in Deadpool & Wolverine. So are Rob Delaney’s Peter, Brianna Hildebrand (Negasonic Teenage Warhead), and Shioli Kutsuna (Yukio). Jennifer Garner’s Elektra from the 2003 Daredevil Marvel Fox movie is also reported to reprise her role in this MCU film.

20th Century Studios

Behind the Scenes20th Century Studios

Deadpool & Wolverine‘s director for this third outing will be Shawn Levy, most recently known for his work on Stranger Things. This would be a reunion for Levy and Reynolds, as the pair previously worked together on the movie Free Guy. Levy is also known for the time travel movie The Adam Project.

On the writing side of things are Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, writers for the popular animated series Bob’s Burgers. The writers for the first two Deadpool films, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, are also contributing to movie number three’s screenplay, as is Ryan Reynolds himself.

Deadpool & Wolverine Release DateMarvel Studios

Deadpool & Wolverine will arrive on July 26, 2024.

Originally published on January 4, 2023.

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The Best Nerdy Super Bowl Ads of 2024

The 2024 Super Bowl saw the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in an overtime thriller. Do you care? Maybe! Maybe not! But if you’re visiting us here at Nerdist, we’re pretty sure we know something you definitely care about: the commercials. As always, this year’s batch of big game ads included plenty of duds, studs, and everything in-between. Which ones most appealed to pop culture lovers everywhere? These are the best nerdy 2024 Super Bowl ads and commercials.

Paramount+/Verizon/BMW/Dunkin Donuts“Can’t B Broken” – Beyoncé for Verizon

Queen Bey and Veep‘s Tony Hale got together to try and break Verizon since breaking the internet is harder than it seems. It’s not impossible, though. We know because this very funny commercial also doubled as prelude to Beyonce’s announcement of Act II, a new country album. It also got its own ad. All hail the Super Bowl Queen.

“The DunKings” – Ben Affleck, J.Lo, and Matt Damon for Dunkin’ Donuts

How do you like them donuts? We like them. We like them a lot. How could we not after Ben Affleck partnered with his wife J.Lo, best friend Matt Damon, and retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady for a ridiculous musical Dunkin’ Donuts commercial. Now we just need those DunKing track suits to go on sale.

“Talkin Like Walken” – Christopher Walken for BMW

Everyone thinks they can do a Christopher Walken impression. Everyone is both sort of right and sort of wrong. BMW leaned into that in a delightful ad where the real deal is forced to deal with bad Christopher Walken impressions everywhere he goes. (Note: We love this ad, but please don’t do this if you meet the legend himself.)

“Like a Good Neighbaaa” – Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito for State Farm

State Farm went full action movie with one of the biggest action stars in Hollywood history. Only, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s couldn’t quite nail the pronunciation of the company’s tagline. For that they had to call in his old Twins co-star Danny DeVito, the true Agent State Farm.

“Mr. P” – Chris Pratt for Pringles

Chris Pratt’s mustache really did make him look like the Pringles Guy. So while we’re not sure a “Mr. P” movie would work, his commercial was at least the Super Bowl role of a lifetime.

Flashdance Remix – Jason Momoa, Zach Braff, and Donald Faison for T-Mobile

We wouldn’t expect to see Aquaman hanging out with some scrubs, but thankfully he did for this year’s Super Bowl. Jason Momoa continued to be the world’s largest human who is also willing to look very silly in a T-Mobile Flashdance homage. He got in on the musical fun with Donald Faison and Zach Braff.

Dina & Mita – Jenna Ortega for Doritos Dinamita

Our next big action duo is here and they are hungry. Jenna Ortega’s abuelas Dina and Mita turned their neighborhood into a big game chase when they missed out on the last bag of Doritos Dinamita.

“Don’t Forget” – Jennifer Aniston for Uber Eats

It’s all well and good to say you’ll be there for your friends. Except you can’t actually do that if you don’t even remember them. That’s what happened to Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer in their Uber Eats Super Bowl promo.

“Hello Down There” – Marty and Francesca Scorsese for Squarespace

Marty Scorsese might be the greatest American director of all-time, but he’s also a tremendous actor and unlikely TikTok star. Squarespace leaned into all of those aspects for their nerdy Super Bowl ad. First he partnered with his daughter Francesca on how to make a website. He then directed a very fun ad about aliens arriving to Earth. (The extended version is even better.)

“Having a Blast” – Aubrey Plaza and Nick Offerman for MNT DEW

Super Bowl commercials cost a lot, but you don’t have to overthink them. MNT DEW didn’t. They realized you can just put Parks & Rec stars Aubrey Plaza and Nick Offerman on dragons.

“Extraterrentrials” – Jeff Goldblum for Apartments.com

How bad is the housing crunch? Even aliens need help finding a place. For that they turned to someone who knows a lot about extraterestials, Independence Day star Jeff Goldblum.

“A Mountain of Entertainment” – Patrick Stewart for Paramount+

Patrick Stewart throwing a football head-shaped child while Creed plays and Lt. Dangle and Drew Barrymore look on? Paramount+’s “Mountain of Entertainment” should have also included a poet to capture the majesty of this ad.

“Wred Dragon” – Sir Anthony Hopkins for SToK Cold Brew

You want to make a memorable and nerdy Super Bowl ad? Hire an actor who only gives memorable performances. Then have him be Wrexham A.F.C’s mascot. That’s what SToK Cold Brew did with Sir Anthony Hopkins, who truly embraced his part as the “Wred Dragon.”

“Michael CeraVe” – Michael Cera for CeraVe Skincare

Some ads write themselves, but that doesn’t mean they’re not amazing. That’s the only word to describe Michael Cera’s commercial for CeraVe Skincare. He’s right: this was the perfect crossover opportunity.

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PREY Director Dan Trachtenberg Is Making a New PREDATOR Movie

After the massive success of the film Prey on Hulu, the world of the intergalactic Predator will continue to expand. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dan Trachtenberg, who directed 2022’s Prey, and is an avowed Predator superfan, will return to helm a new Predator movie, called Badlands. This Predator movie will be a standalone story, not directly related to the events of Prey. According to the original report, 20th Century Studios is now looking for talent for the lead role. Work also continues on a direct sequel to Prey, with star Amber Midthunder expected to reprise her role.

20th Century Studios

All we know so far is that the plan is to set this film in the future. Like Prey, it will also have a female lead. Prey revealed that the arrival of the alien hunter in the original film was not that species’ first encounter with humanity. The events in Prey took place over 300 years ago. So, the sky is the limit. We don’t know for sure yet, but it seems unlike Prey, this movie will not go direct-to-streaming. 20th Century Studios seem like they are recommitting to theatrical releases lately. Some films planned as streaming exclusives are now going to hit theaters, like this summer’s Alien: Romulus.

Dan Trachtenberg previously directed the film 10 Cloverfield Lane, as well as the pilot episode for The Boys. With Prey, he earned the Predator franchise’s best reviews to date. The film even won an Emmy. Although the original 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger is beloved by sci-fi fans, most of the other entries in the franchise had not fared as well as Prey did, either with critics or audiences. We don’t know when Badlands will start shooting, but we shouldn’t expect to see the film before 2025 at the earliest.

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New JURASSIC WORLD Movie Loses Its Director

If Jurassic Park has taught us anything over 30 years, it’s that you can’t keep prehistoric monsters down. No, seriously, don’t even try it never works. That’s also true in a very different way of big-time, money-making movie franchises. So it’s only fitting a new report says Universal has plans for another Jurassic World movie. But while the sixth film in the series brought back the original movie’s stars, the seventh is bringing back its original screenwriter. David Koepp, who penned both the scripts for the 1993 classic that brought dinosaurs to life and its 1997 followup Jurassic Park: The Lost World, is already working on the next new installment in the Jurassic World universe. In addition, the new Jurassic World movie has set its release date. Reports also indicate that it will be a universe reboot.

Universal Pictures

Most recently, this new Jurassic World movie confirmed its release date will be July 2, 2025.

pic.twitter.com/GJhiqIgCJc

— Jurassic World (@JurassicWorld) February 6, 2024

Additionally, reports say that the film will be a reboot of the franchise. Before this latest batch of information, The Hollywood Reporter shared that Universal Pictures is “deep” in development on another dinosaur film. Koepp, the person responsible for writing Jurassic Park‘s two best scripts, is writing the new movie. The apparently top-secret project is reportedly far enough along in the process that Universal likes the current script’s “shape.” Recently, we learned David Leitch, who was set to direct, will not be moving ahead with the film. Leitch and the studio reportedly had different visions for the film.

As for the plot, no specifics are known yet about this new Jurassic World movie. Only that the film will explore a “new” Jurassic era and a new story. This installment will almost certainly launch a whole new trilogy. We’d also bet the film will start with a new title. (Our official prediction is Jurassic Planet.)

Universal Pictures

Koepp isn’t the only veteran returning. Jurassic World trilogy producer Frank Marshall is also back for more prehistoric fun. As is series alum Patrick Crowley. And Steven Spielberg, who directed Koepp’s two previous scripts, will also serve as an executive producer on this new Jurassic World movie via his Amblin Entertainment.

And, no matter the story, if the movie is a big enough success, we expect some old stars to come back for later installments, too. Just like dinosaurs and this franchise, they always do.

Originally published on January 22, 2024.

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THE LEGEND OF ZELDA’s Music Comes to Life in Live Orchestral Performance

If, for the rest of your life, you could only ever play Zelda games on mute or listen to music from the franchise without ever playing again which would you choose? Brutal choice, we know. Sophie had it easy in comparison. Fortunately you don’t have to pick. We’re only thinking about that horrible hypothetical because Nintendo has reminded us just how much we love the Zelda score. The company posted a live performance by an orchestra featuring some of the very best songs from The Legend of Zelda franchise.

Nintendo of America uploaded a beautiful live performance that was pre-recorded in Tokyo, Japan. This medley concert was originally scheduled to be part of Nintendo Live 2024 TOKYO. It’s easy to see why. It features tracks from the entire history of the The Legend of Zelda series. That includes “adventurous arrangements from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and many more.”

Here’s the entire track list of the Legend of Zelda orchestra concert, which offers a wide array of music from across the long-running and beloved video game series:

“Tears of the Kingdom: Main Theme (Reprise)”“The Ballad of the Goddess”“Zelda’s Lullaby”“Link’s Awakening Medley 2024”“Breath of the Wild: Main Theme”“Hyrule Castle”“Breath of the Wild: 2017 Nintendo Switch Presentation Trailer”“Ocarina of Time: Kakariko Village”“The Legend of Zelda Main Theme”Nintendo of America

My favorite track from this performance? I’m old enough to have played the original Zelda when it came out. Nothing beats hearing the original theme song even after all these many years.

You can (and almost certainly will) put this video on in the background when you want to hear something beautiful. However, like The Legend of Zelda games themselves, this music is best enjoyed while looking at a screen. There’s something special about watching talented performers bring to life music that has accompanied generations of gamers as they worked their way through level after level, game after game. Why only choose to listen to these songs when that’s only half the experience?

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Why the X-MEN and TEEN TITANS Crossover Is Still the Greatest Event Comic Ever

The Uncanny X-Men and the New Teen Titans special set both titular teams against a cosmic menace so huge, that it took both groups to take them down — the union of DC Comics’ Darkseid and Marvel’s Dark Phoenix. This comic was a true event, and came out a few years before either Marvel or DC produced Secret Wars or Crisis on Infinite Earths. This team-up only happened once, making it seem even more special today. It’s been over forty years now since it came out. Yet the ripples of this single issue are still felt in modern comics.

DC Comics/Marvel Comics

Many have called the MCU’s Infinity Saga “the greatest crossover event in history.” That statement takes me back to a time when the true “greatest crossover event” wasn’t a big-budget movie. It was this special one-shot comic book that blew my eight-year-old mind. In 1982, Marvel and DC, comics’ two biggest rivals, teamed up to bring together the two biggest hit titles at the time, The Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans. The publishers united their respective teams for a single issue, written by X-Men scribe Chris Claremont and illustrated by Thor’s Walter Simonson. Here are five ways that Uncanny X-Men and the New Teen Titans special is still important, and still an awesome read, even today.

What's the best superhero comic ever and why is it this pic.twitter.com/s0rpEpBotr

— Gail Simone 💙💛 (@GailSimone) October 16, 2023

The Return of Dark Phoenix

Even after 40 years, fans still view Marvel’s Dark Phoenix Saga as THE seminal X-Men tale. The story depicts the slow mental degradation of mutant telepath Jean Grey, now the cosmic entity known as the Phoenix, into the malevolent Dark Phoenix. Completely going against comic book norms of the time, Jean died at the end of the story. She sacrificed herself for the good of the universe. This storyline is so beloved it has been adapted for film not once, but twice.

DC Comics/Marvel Comics

Although Jean would eventually come back, the Dark Phoenix aspect of her would never truly return. Well, except for brief hints, teases, and misdirects here and there. However, the only time Dark Phoenix returned as a true threat to the universe was in this crossover, when Darkseid resurrected her himself. True, this story is technically out of continuity with the main Marvel titles. Yet it’s still Dark Phoenix unleashing holy hell on her teammates and family. Not to mention, she’s written by the man who created her, Chris Claremont. So I say it counts. This alone made this comic worth the cover price.

The Best Rosters of Both X-Men and Teen Titans TeamsDC Comics/Marvel Comics

Both the X-Men and the Titans have had several roster changes over the years, but this comic came out at the peak of the popularity of both series. It showcased what many fans consider to be both team’s best line-ups. Aside from Rogue (who had yet to join the team) and a handful of other X-Men, the roster here continues to be the X-Men’s most beloved by fans. As for the Titans, they have never had a better team lineup than the one depicted here. Eventually, it was the basis for the classic animated show, and later, their live-action series. If you want an epic tale with the best versions of both supergroups, this is still the story to read.

Uncanny X-Men and the New Teen Titans Solidified Darkseid as the DC Universe’s Biggest VillainDC Comics/Marvel Comics

At the time of this comic book’s publication, Darkseid had only existed for about twelve years at DC Comics. Most of his appearances were limited to Jack Kirby’s New Gods titles, as well as a handful of appearances in series like Justice League of America. But when Claremont and Simonson made him the “Big Bad” of the crossover special? This truly solidified Darkseid as the #1 threat in the DC Universe. Not long after, Darkseid began making his presence known in DC titles like Legion of Super-Heroes and others. Darkseid’s creator Jack Kirby drew quite a formidable version of him of course. But I’d argue Walter Simonson made him even more terrifying here. He set the template for how DC portrayed Darkseid for decades to come.

Welcome to the Source WallDC Comics/Marvel Comics

When Jack Kirby created the New Gods mythology for DC, one of its founding principles was the idea of “The Source. ” This was the energy and living consciousness of the universe. In his original stories, he referred to a barrier at the end of the universe where the Source ends. Kirby never visualized this, but Claremont and Simonson did for this crossover special. This was the first comic to ever show readers what the legendary Source Wall looked like. Today, the Source Wall is a staple of DC mythos. A few years ago, it played a huge part in the Justice League: No Justice mini-series.

Uncanny X-Men and the New Teen Titans Elevated Deathstroke to Superstar LevelsDC Comics/Marvel Comics

At the time that this issue hit, the character of Deathstroke had only made a handful of appearances in the pages of The New Teen Titans. However, writer Chris Claremont knew a good character when he saw one, and utilized mercenary Slade Wilson in several tremendous action scenes throughout the issue, showcasing what a badass character he was. (He takes out Colossus like he was a rag doll!) That Deathstroke’s popularity took off big time after this comic hit the stands is certainly not a coincidence. Rob Liefeld created Deadpool as an homage to Deathstroke. Even Deadpool’s real name, Wade Wilson, is a riff on Deathstroke’s name Slade Wilson. Maybe watching Slade take on mutants inspired Liefeld to create Deadpool? All of which makes this issue even more impactful in comics history.

We can only hope one day, DC and Marvel give the fans what they want and reprint not just this comic book, but all their other crossovers. It’s a great story that deserves to be discovered by a new generation.

Originally published on May 24, 2018.

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Everything We Know About INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE Season 2

In 2022, the adaptation of Anne Rice’s classic gothic saga Interview with the Vampire received a modern interpretation, as a series on AMC and AMC+. Season one, which consisted of eight episodes, reinvented Rice’s infamous undead heroes Louis and Lestat, and their progeny Claudia, for today’s audiences. After a year-long hiatus, the series returns this spring, with an all-new setting and featuring all-new characters. Here is everything we know so far about Interview with the Vampire’s upcoming second season.

Interview with the Vampire Season 2’s PlotAMC Networks

According to showrunner Rolin Jones, season two will consist of adapting the second half of Anne Rice’s original 1976 novel, or the second hour of the 1994 film. This finds Louis (Jacob Anderson) and Claudia fleeing New Orleans and their maker Lestat to travel to Europe. There, they encounter a coven of the undead who operate the Théâtre des Vampires in Paris. This is where Louis and Claudia meet Armand, who the season one finale revealed as having assumed the identity of Louis’ human assistant, Rashid, in the present-day Dubai scenes.

Behind-the-ScenesAMC Networks

Like the first season, Interview With the Vampire’s second season is executive produced by Mark Johnson, creator and showrunner Rolin Jones, and producer Mark Taylor. Still listed as executive producers are the late author Anne Rice and her son Christopher Rice. They mostly shot season two in Prague, with some scenes filmed in New Orleans.

Interview with the Vampire Season 2’s CastAMC Networks

Returning from season one are Jacob Anderson as Louis de Pointe du Lac, Sam Reid as Lestat de Lioncourt, Eric Bogosian as interviewer Daniel Molloy, and Assad Zaman as Armand. Replacing actress Bailey Bass in the role of Claudia is Delainey Hayles. Joining the cast in season two is Roxane Duran as Madelaine, Claudia’s vampiric “mother.” Ben Daniels also joins the cast as the cruel European vampire Santiago. Other new additions include David Costabile as Leonard, a seasoned TV personality who has a run-in with Daniel. Bally Gill plays someone called “Real Rashid.” We believe this is a character who inspired the vampire Armand’s human alias in the first season.

Interview with the Vampire Season 2’s Release Date

Commence the countdown. #InterviewWithTheVampire pic.twitter.com/k3clwx5fty

— Anne Rice's Immortal Universe (@Immortal_AMC) February 6, 2024

The second season of Interview with the Vampire will arrive on AMC and AMC+ on May 12.

Originally published on February 8, 2024.

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Watch the Radical Trailer for TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

Last year, the heroes in half shell returned with a vengeance in the excellent animated film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The movie was maybe the best interpretation of the Ninja Turtles in years, and fans immediately wanted more. And now, we have the trailer for the first spinoff from this iteration of the Turtles. The boys are returning for a new 2D animated series from Nickelodeon Animation for Paramount+. You can check out the trailer for the new Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles right here:

Like last summer’s feature film, this series comes from Nickelodeon Animation and Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures. The spinoff series will debut this summer as a Paramount+ exclusive. Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles takes place in the same continuity as Mutant Mayhem, and this 2D animated show “explores the adventures of everyone’s favorite pizza-loving heroes as they emerge from the sewers onto the streets of NYC. Leo, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey are faced with new threats and team up with old allies to survive both teenage life and villains lurking in the shadows of the Big Apple.”

Nickelodeon Animation/Paramount+

Reprising their roles from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem are Micah Abbey (Cousins for Life) as Donatello, Shamon Brown Jr. (THE CHI) as Michelangelo, Nicolas Cantu (The Walking Dead: World Beyond) as Leonardo, Brady Noon (Family Switch) as Raphael, and Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) as April O’Neil. Paramount will announce more cast members soon. Among the creatives on this series is Chris Yost, writer of Thor: Ragnarok and The Mandalorian, not to mention comic books like X-Force and several animated Marvel shows. Also on board is Alan Wan, of Blue Eyed Samurai fame. Both have also written extensively for previous TMNT series.

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles premieres on Paramount+ this summer.

This post has affiliate links, which means we may earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, we just have to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

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The 10 Greatest DC and Marvel Comics Crossovers Ever

DC Comics and Marvel Comics have always been publishing rivals. However, once upon a time, the two companies would join forces to produce crossover event comics, stories that superhero fans went wild over. The crossover comics sold like hotcakes. This began in the ’70s, only ending in the mid-2000s. With separate mega corporations now owning each comic book company, the chances we’ll ever get events like these again are slim. In fact, these comics are all out of print, and unlikely to ever get reissued. But if you can track these down online, or at your local comic shop back issue bins, we think these are the greatest DC and Marvel Comics crossovers.

DC Comics/Marvel Comics10. Darkseid vs. Galactus: The Hunger (1995)by John ByrneMarvel Comics/DC Comics

This is one of the more off-the-wall Marvel/DC crossovers of the ‘90s, written and illustrated by John Byrne at the height of his popularity. It takes place in a universe where both the Marvel and DC characters co-exist, and always have. (In fact, most of these crossovers retain that conceit). In Byrne’s one-shot tale, two of Jack Kirby’s most powerful alien villains meet at last. Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds comes to Darkseid’s home planet of Apokolips to consume it for energy. Darkseid throws everything a literal God of Evil can throw at a galactic force of nature, including armies of Parademons. The Silver Surfer gets caught in the melee. We won’t spoil the twist ending here, but it’s a fun one. Of all the DC and Marvel Comics crossovers, this one counts as perhaps the most Biblical in its proportions.

9. Batman vs. The Incredible Hulkby Len Wein, José Luis García-López, and Dick Giordano DC Comics/Marvel Comics

There should be no question; the Hulk could trample Batman in a cold minute. So this seems like a very odd premise for a crossover. In 1981 though, Batman was still a superstar thanks to endless reruns of Batman ’66. The Hulk was a household name thanks to his TV series. So, kids wanted to see them interact. Somehow, writer Len Wein and DC style guide artist José Luis García-López made this crossover comic work. Hey, if Batman can use his genius to beat Superman, why not Hulk? The story finds Bruce Banner working in the science division of Wayne Enterprises, hoping to find a cure for his condition. Although the two team up against the Joker, the truly wild thing here is that the main villain is the cosmic entity the Shaper of Worlds, an obscure Marvel baddie. Track this one down for the stellar art and wacky premise alone.

8. Superman/Fantastic Four: The Infinite Destruction (1999)by Dan Jurgens and Art ThibertDC Comics/Marvel Comics

This was the first-ever crossover of DC’s first superhero and Marvel’s “First Family.” It was printed in an oversized Treasury Edition one-shot, in the style of the first crossover editions. While it should probably be better than it was, it has interesting things that make it worth reading. Revealing that Galactus destroyed Krypton is a cool twist to the Superman mythology ,as is Galactus trying to make Kal-El his new herald. And since the evil Cyborg Superman was originally a character from DC’s own twisted version of the Fantastic Four, it’s cool to see him included. Some of the interactions between the FF and the Man of Steel are truly enjoyable too. However, the oversized format actually hurts the art by Dan Jurgens and Art Thibert. The Dan Jurgens/Alex Ross painted cover is killer though.

7. Daredevil/Batman: An Eye for an Eye (1997)By D.G. Chichester and Scott McDanielDC Comics/Marvel Comics

As much as Batman and Spider-Man were no-brainers for a team-up, so too were urban vigilantes Batman and Daredevil. It finally happened in 1997’s Daredevil/Batman: An Eye for an Eye. While enjoyable, this story could be better, despite some pretty good art from Nightwing artist Scott McDaniel. Two-Face and Mr. Hyde team up in this story, becoming the primary villains. One of the more enjoyable reinventions in this one has former lawyer Harvey Dent/Two Face having a history with attorney Matt Murdock, which leads to some juicy character moments. The best part of this one-shot is how much the (very similar) Dark Knight and the Man Without Fear do not get along. The initial “fight before we team up” makes this one worth a read.

6. Spider-Man and Batman: Disordered Minds (1995)by J.M. DeMatteis and Mark BagleyDC Comics/Marvel Comics

Batman and Spider-Man were the biggest heroes of their respective companies in the mid ’90s, dominating comic sales (and Fox Kids’ cartoons). For all their differences, both heroes were born of tragedy, and have the two best rogues galleries in comics. Fans wanted a meetup for decades. It finally happened in 1995 in Spider-Man and Batman: Disordered Minds. Written by longtime Amazing Spider-Man scribe J.M. DeMatteis and illustrated by Spidey artist Mark Bagley, it pits the two heroes against a union of villains Joker and Carnage. Both are deranged serial killers locked away in creepy asylums, so the two merging makes sense. As it turns out, Joker enjoys the theater of murder more than Carnage does, who just wants to kill for killing’s sake. Not that Bats and Spidey got along any better. This one’s a true time capsule of where Batman and Spider-Man were as characters in the ’90s.

5. Superman and Spider-Man (1981)By Jim Shooter, Marv Wolfman, and John BuscemaDC Comics/Marvel Comics

Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man was the first DC and Marvel Comics crossover in 1976, making comic book history. But it was their second meeting that was really the most fun. In the 1981 sequel, Superman and Spider-Man, written by Marvel EIC Jim Shooter and Marv Wolfman, and illustrated by Marvel legend John Buscema, Superman and Spidey join forces to stop Doctor Doom. Not traditionally a Spidey villain, the Latverian monarch was a big enough threat to unite Clark and Peter. What makes this one better than the original is that we get our first-ever Hulk vs. Superman fight in it, and Spider-Man takes on Wonder Woman too. All four characters were media superstars in 1981, with TV shows and movies in the zeitgeist. For the readership of the time, this was the ultimate comic book. Yes, it’s dated in many ways, as it’s 40 years old. But we still love it.

4. The Incredible Hulk vs. Superman (1999)by Roger Stern and Steve RudeDC Comics/Marvel Comics

It’s probably the oldest superhero nerd debate of all time. Who is stronger, Superman or the Hulk? Well, despite brief fights in other crossovers, their real smackdown took place in The Incredible Hulk vs. Superman one-shot, published in 1999. What elevates this one over the other Man of Steel vs. Jade Giant fights is that it actually has a strong story and superlative art, and isn’t treated as just one long battle, like Superman vs. Doomsday. Written by comics legend Roger Stern and illustrated by Steve Rude, the story takes place in an alternate 1960s Silver Age, with both Clark Kent and Bruce Banner reflecting their depictions during that time. Rude’s art also has a very retro flair which fits right in with this interpretation. So who won? We won’t ruin the outcome in case you read it. But this brawl is a doozy.

3. DC Versus Marvel/Marvel Versus DC (1996)by Peter David, Ron Marz, Dan Jurgens, and Claudio Castellini DC Comics/Marvel Comics

This crossover event was born purely out of necessity. In 1994, the speculator boom of the early ’90s led to a massive crash in the comics industry. Desperate for a big hit, Marvel and DC teamed up to bring fans the knockdown brawl they’d been waiting decades for. This four-issue series was written by Peter David and Ron Marz, and illustrated by artists Dan Jurgens and Claudio Castellini. The two publishers would alternate issues, so when DC Comics published an issue, their brand name came first. When Marvel Comics did, the title changed to Marvel Versus DC. It’s hard to call this series “good” in any traditional sense, but it is thoroughly enjoyable and will bring out the inner child of anyone reading it.

DC Comics/Marvel Comics

The story of DC Versus Marvel is a pretty basic one, highly reminiscent of Marvel’s Secret Wars. It has two godlike beings, one from each reality, using the heroes of each universe to fight it out, determining which universe is stronger. Super basic plot or not, it delivered what every DC and Marvel fan wanted—to see these superhero icons duke it out. Comic book fans actually got to vote as to who would win each fight, leading to the story becoming more of a popularity contest than a real match between characters. (Sorry, Wolverine would NOT beat Lobo.) Having said that, this series led to the brief Amalgam Universe, where DC and Marvel fused together. That was even more wildly silly fun. For all of its faults, it’s hard not to remember this one fondly.

2. JLA/Avengers (2003 – 2004)by Kurt Busiek and George PérezDC Comics/Marvel Comics

In many ways, JLA/Avengers is the ultimate DC and Marvel crossover, over 20 years in the making. A version of this crossover event was nearly completed by artist George Pérez in 1983, before Marvel’s EIC Jim Shooter killed the project. Pérez gave up hope that he’d never get the chance to bring the greatest heroes of two Earths together in one epic story. He finally got to illustrate this magnum opus crossover event in 2003/2004. Unlike previous DC and Marvel crossovers, this comic absolutely hinged on the fact that the Marvel and DC Universes were separate and that their colliding together was the entire plot. This series emphasized the DC and Marvel universes were inherently different, almost destined to conflict.

DC Comics/Marvel Comics

Kurt Busiek, famous for writing Avengers and Superman, understood that the actual plot of a series like this was secondary. It was all about the small moments between iconic characters. What makes this book great is Black Canary dating Hawkeye instead of Green Arrow, or Wonder Man and Wonder Woman arm wrestling in a panel. And, of course, seeing every character ever to call themselves an Avenger or Justice Leaguer appearing on the page together was nerd nirvana. The four-issue mini-series is always an engaging fan service of a read, and a joy to look at in every issue. Sadly, it was the final DC and Marvel crossover. But man, what a way to go out. It’s truly criminal that this seminal comic is not perpetually kept in print. It should be, just to honor the late, great George Pérez.

1. The Uncanny X-Men and the New Teen Titans (1982)by Chris Claremont, Walter Simonson, and Terry AustinDC Comics/Marvel Comics

What could possibly be better than the Justice League meeting the Avengers? How about DC and Marvel’s two biggest-selling teams of the ‘80s, the X-Men and the Teen Titans, joining forces? In 1982, both comics ruled the sales charts, and were at their peak creatively. So teaming them up for the Uncanny X-Men and the New Teen Titans one shot was a true event. X-Men writer Chris Claremont wrote this special edition issue, illustrated beautifully by Thor artist Walter Simonson. The story is truly an epic one, featuring DC’s Darkseid resurrecting Marvel’s Dark Phoenix to use as a way of conquering all known reality.

DC Comics/Marvel Comics

Uncanny X-Men/New Teen Titans was written a mere two years after The Dark Phoenix Saga, when the death of Jean Grey was a fresh wound for the X-Men. Even out of continuity, this was a devastating moment for the mutant heroes. This special issue had Claremont writing at the peak of his abilities, foreshadowing many things that would occur in the regular Marvel continuity, such as Jean’s return. On the DC front, this story also predicted Darkseid becoming the DC Universe’s biggest bad, and Beast Boy developing a crush on Kitty Pryde foreshadowed his crush on the Titans’ own “evil Kitty,” Terra. Because of its high emotional stakes, incredible art, and iconic moments, Uncanny X-Men/New Teen Titans takes our top spot.

Hopefully, one day both DC and Marvel Comics find a way to reprint these issues. Perhaps the companies could collect them in an omnibus, with all proceeds going to charity? These are seminal comics, which don’t deserve to be deleted from history.

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Sony Dissolves Funimation User Purchases and Increases Crunchyroll Price as App Shuts Down

It may be a good time to be a fan. But it isn’t a particularly good time to be a consumer. More than ever, the notion of “buying” media you love is significantly in question. First, there are streaming services that offer shaky ownership at best. Content comes and goes from streamers all of the time. Not to mention, steamers are erasing content from their libraries without blinking. But the newest, arguably, most nefarious consequence of streaming involves erasing specific media a user purchased with intent. We’re not talking about purchasing a subscription to a service but a literal exchange of money for a title. For a while, this notion seemed safe, but it’s slowly being eaten away. As Sony shuts down Funimation for Crunchyroll, it will remove all of the purchased content aggregated by Funimation users. Not to mention, it will raise Crunchyroll’s price.

Sony Erases Funimation Users’ Purchases as It Sunsets the ServiceToei Animation

Funimation will shut down on April 2, 2024. That means users are being ported over to Crunchyroll. But as Funimation’s users shift to their new platform, they’ll do so without their library of purchased content. That’s right, a blog post from Sony shares more about the migration from Funimation to Crunchyroll:

We understand that you may have concerns about your digital copies from Funimation. These Digital copies available on Funimation were a digital access to the content available on the DVDs or Blu-rays purchased.

Please note that Crunchyroll does not currently support Funimation Digital copies, which means that access to previously available digital copies will not be supported. However, we are continuously working to enhance our content offerings and provide you with an exceptional anime streaming experience. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore the extensive anime library available on Crunchyroll.

The Verge shares that users who purchased DVDs and Blu-rays of certain anime all recieved digital copies of the content on Funimation as part of their purchase. Users were promised that they’d have access to those copies forever. But forever ends imminently. Although this instance might seem less cut and dry than, say, purchasing a movie on Amazon, it certainly feels pretty close to that arena.

Regardless of the semantics, users believed they were also purchasing digital copies of their media when they purchased the physical copies. Now, Sony will simply erase that aspect of their purchase. On the heels of a similar incident with Discovery content on PlayStation, it feels like the start of a worrying trend. The least Sony could do is offer to replace some of the lost content. But the company gives no indication they have any desire to even make an attempt.

Crunchyroll’s Prices to Wildly Increase as Funimation Shuts DownNAS

If that didn’t feel like enough suffering, Sony will also increase Crunchyroll’s pricing dramatically. In an email to subscribers, which we saw via Gizmodo, Sony shared, “You don’t have to leave your Funimation Watch History and Funimation Queue behind, you can migrate them to Crunchyroll. As part of our transition to Crunchyroll, the price will increase from USD $54.95/year to USD $99.99/year beginning January 28th, 2025.”

If we pull out our calculators, we feel pretty sure we’ll find that means the price of Crunchyroll has doubled. Users who pay per month will also see an increase from $5.99/month on Funimation to $9.99/month on Crunchyroll.

Yikes!

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