Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 75

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Popcorn Buckets Showcase Galactus’ Head and H.E.R.B.I.E the Robot

Marvel Studios has had some pretty epic popcorn buckets lately. We had Cap’s shield for Captain America: Brave New World, and all those suggestive Logan heads from Deadpool & Wolverine. But right now, The Fantastic Four: First Steps might be winning the Marvel popcorn bucket tournament with their batch of offerings from AMC Theatres. First, we get a giant Galactus head, so you can devour popcorn straight from the Devourer of Worlds. But there’s also the FF’s robot mascot, H.E.R.B.I.E. as a concession vessel. This holds not only popcorn, but also drinks and candy. You can check out images of the new The Fantastic Four: First Steps offerings below:

Click To View Gallery AMC Theatres AMC Theatres AMC Theatres AMC Theatres

In addition, there are four popcorn tins from AMC that have a retro ’60s vibe, which feature all the members of the team. There are also character totem cups, also featuring Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, the Thing, and the Human Torch. Or, as their friends know them, Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm. The totem cups each have a color scheme that corresponds to each member of the team. Ben’s is rocky orange, Johnny’s is fire red, Sue’s is a fading light blue, and Reed’s is the standard blue of the FF uniform.

AMC Theatres

New look at the Regal exclusive Fantasticar Popcorn Bucket for ‘THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS’. pic.twitter.com/HzMh9VyUxm

Fantastic Four Updates (@F4Update) June 4, 2025

But our favorite of the bunch is easily Galactus. It leans into all the Jack Kirby Marvel Comics details of his over-the-top headpiece, and we love it. Also showcasing FF popcorn buckets is AMC’s big competitor, Regal Cinemas, who have their own The Fantastic Four: First Steps popcorn bucket, showcasing the team’s tricked-out ride, the Fantasticar. We honestly just want them all. Although we are surprised there’s not a popcorn bucket of the team’s HQ, the Baxter Building. Or even their iconic rocket ship. But maybe they are holding back a few surprises for Marvel’s First Family.

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Octavia Spencer Returning for MA Sequel at Blumhouse

It’s time to once again teach your kids about the dangers of underage drinking. That warning should definitely include how partying can lead to a local sociopath torturing and killing them. Octavia Spencer will reprise her role as Sue Ann Ellington in Blumhouse Production‘s sequel to the 2019 horror film Ma.Blumhouse Productions

At its Business of Fear symposium, Blumhouse announced (in news we first heard at Variety) it is developing a sequel to its 2019 psychological thriller. That film turned house parties with an older woman into a nightmare. (Don’t don’t overthink that sentence. Just roll with us on this.)

The movie is in the very early stages of the creative process. The sequel does not have a director or writer attached yet. But it won’t be hard to find talented people who want to work on it since its star is already locked in. In classic horror film fashion, the original movie suggested its titular killer died. Sue Ann seemed to willingly let herself burn to death in a house fire. Only she didn’t! Academy Award-winner Octavia Spencer is already officially coming back for more killer vengeance in the Ma sequel.

“Ma has proven to be a social phenomenon since its release in 2019, with fans eagerly embracing the film and Octavia’s iconic performance as Ma,” said Blumhouse Founder and CEO Jason Blum. “Ma likes to say ‘don’t make me drink alone,’ so we’re thrilled Octavia will join us again for a second round,”

:Norm MacDonald voice: Less thrilled? Local teenagers.

Well, at least the ones who make the mistake of partying at Sue Ann’s house. Teens who go to see the movie will definitely have a much better time. So long as they do so responsibly. If there’s one thing we know it’s that underage drinking is very dangerous. Especially when you drink with Ma.

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The Hardest Part of Creating Games Like DAGGERHEART (w/ Ivan Van Norman)

A bold new era of heroic fantasy tabletop role-playing has begun with Daggerheart! This week on Quests N’ Answers, Dan Casey sits down with the amazing Ivan Van Norman of Darrington Press and Hunters Entertainment to talk about how games like Daggerheart actually get made, his journey into the world of game publishing, and much more.

Learn more about Daggerheart: https://www.daggerheart.com/
Learn more about Sin Eater on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Official Hunters Entertainment Website: http://huntersentertainment.com

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VISION Series Casts Emily Hampshire as E.D.I.T.H.

We haven’t seen the android Avenger known as the Vision, played by Paul Bettany, since the end of WandaVision in 2021. Now, the iconic MCU hero will return in a new series on Disney+. And Vision will be joined by another android in his series, Marvel Comics’ Jocasta, who Deadline reports will be portrayed by actress T’Nia Miller. Additionally, Emily Hampshire will be E.D.I.T.H., Tony Stark’s augmented reality security and defense system.

Here is everything we know about Marvel Television’s upcoming Vision-centric series.

Netflix/Marvel ComicsTitle

The new Disney+ MCU series is either titled simply Vision or Vision Quest. Both names have been used in regard to this series in various trades. But we still don’t have a solid answer from Marvel Television yet on the actual title.

The Vision Series’ PlotMarvel Studios

We know almost nothing about the actual plot of the Vision series, except that it will follow the life of the rebuilt Vision synthezoid from the end of WandaVision. At the end of that series, the government rebuilt “White Vision.” He then gained the memories of the Vision that Wanda Maximoff created in the Westview hex. He flew off for parts unknown, with no appearance from the character ever since. Presumably, the new series will see Vision trying to find his purpose in life. It will serve as the third part of an MCU “trilogy” that began with WandaVision, and continued with Agatha All Along. Tom King’s 2015 Vision series may serve as inspiration, at least in part.

Behind the Scenes

The creative head for the Vision-led series is former showrunner and head writer for Star Trek: Picard and 12 Monkeys‘ Terry Matalas. Joining him in the writer’s room are Chris Monfette, Michael A. Taylor, Cindy Appel, and Matt Okumura. The series is currently filming in the U.K.

The Vision Series’ CastMarvel Studios

Paul Bettany will headline the Disney+ series as the Vision, returning to the role he first played in Avengers: Age of Ultron. He later reprised the role in Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and WandaVision. Joining him are James Spader as the Vision’s creator, the malicious A.I. known as Ultron, and Todd Stashwick as a mercenary hunting the Vision to acquire his technology. Stashwick worked with Matalas on both 12 Monkeys and Star Trek: Picard season three.

Also in the cast is Faran Tahir, who played the Ten Rings terrorist Raza in the first Iron Man. Actor Ruaridh Mollica is playing a character called “Tucker.” Many fans speculate this is a codename for Vision’s son Speed, brother of Billy Maximoff. Finally, T’Nia Miller has joined the cast as Jocasta. The “Bride of Ultron” first appeared as a villainous A.I. in the comics, but turned against her master like Vision did, and joined the Avengers. No word yet on whether Elizabeth Olsen will reappear as Vision’s wife, Wanda Maximoff, or if Joe Locke will appear as his son, Billy Kaplan, a.k.a. Wiccan.

The Vision Series’ Release Date

There is no set release date right now for the Vision series. Although it is expected to arrive on Disney+ sometime in 2026, it could arrive in early 2027.

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New AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER ‘Fire and Family’ Comics Boxed Set Celebrates Fire Nation Favs (Exclusive)

Admit it. You know you want to! The Fire Nation characters on Avatar: The Last Airbender smoke out the competition for coolest crew around Or is that, hottest? We love every denizen of Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s world, but the Fire Nation characters give off those extra special sparks that make us eager to dive deeper into their worlds, stories, and perspectives. And thankfully, the Avatar: The Last Airbender original comics from Dark Horse Books and series co-creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko let us do just that. But if there’s one thing that we know about the Fire Nation, it’s that they like a little ceremony, a little drama, a special flair (flare), if you will. And in honor of that, Dark Horse Books is celebrating some of its most memorable Fire Nation-centric graphic novels with a special boxed set.

Yes, if you’re a dragon at heart, you won’t want to miss this new collection, which we’re excited to exclusively reveal. The Avatar: The Last AirbenderFire and Family Treasury Boxed Set is coming soon to light up store shelves, and hopefully, your bookshelves.

The Avatar: T he Last AirbenderFire and Family Treasury Boxed Set Collects 3 Firey Graphic Novels in a Special CollectionDark Horse Comics

Azula, Zuko, Iroh, June, and Mai. This line-up reads like a best Avatar: The Last Airbender characters list to us. And it’s also the list of characters who will feature in Dark Horse Books’ newest collection of ATLA comics. So, if you share our Fire Nation love, you’ll absolutely want to get your hands on this hot boxed set, which brings together three standalone Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novels featuring Fire Nation favorites. The three comics included in the Fire and Family Treasury Boxed Set are: Avatar: The Last AirbenderAzula in the Spirit Temple, The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer, and Ashes of The Academy.

But, of course, it wouldn’t be a Dark Horse collection without some truly gorgeous artwork coming into the mix of the boxed set. The set of three paperback volumes of Avatar: The Last Airbender comics will be gathered into a beautifully designed slipcase featuring new artwork by Peter Wartman and Adele Matera. You can take a closer look at it above. Of course, the slipcase for the Fire and Family Treasury Boxed Set features our Fire Nation heroes. Azula’s blue fire is on full display, and she looks fiercely regal. Meanwhile, Uncle Iroh is as serene and welcoming as ever. Zuko is prominently present, of course, sporting his best franchise look, in our opinion, and he gives off the air of the evolved Fire Lord he grew into during the series. We adore seeing new looks at Mai and June as well.

Dark Horse Comics

As if that weren’t enough, the Avatar: the Last AirbenderFire and Family Treasury Boxed Set also features a new fold-out poster of the art. (With a bonus look at Azula in full fighting action on the back). And so, whether you’re hearing about the Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novels for the first time or own every one of the comics already, this new Fire and Family Treasury Boxed Set promises to add that perfect warmth to your collection.

More About the 3 Comics Featured in This ATLA Fire Nation Set

As mentioned, Avatar: the Last AirbenderFire and Family Treasury Boxed Set includes three graphic novels: Avatar: The Last AirbenderAzula in the Spirit Temple, The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer, and Ashes of The Academy. Let’s get to know a little bit more about each one of these Avatar: The Last Airbender comics.

Azula and the Spirit Temple Dark Horse Comics

In Azula and the Spirit Temple, our favorite Fire Princess takes center stage. And she’s crackling with energy as always. But can she finally find redemption? The official description for the Azula and the Spirit Temple Avatar graphic novel shares:

In Azula and the Spirit Temple, after a failed attack on her brother, Azula finds herself in a strange forest temple inhabited by a solitary monk or is it something more mysterious? Azula must confront her past, and will finally face a chance at redemption.

The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer Dark Horse

The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer is a gorgeous comic tale that centers on our favorite fatherly figure, Uncle Iroh. We love Iroh, but he has many demons in his past, and it’s always interesting to see how he deals with them. Bounty Hunter June never fails to be a stylish and snarky good time, but we enjoy seeing her vulnerability in this Avatar: The Last Airbender comic.

RELATED ARTICLE

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER: THE BOUNTY HUNTER AND THE TEA BREWER Announces Release Date and Plot Details

The official description for The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer shares:

The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer follows Iroh and the bounty hunter June, after June kidnaps the tea shop proprietor intending to collect the generous bounty on his head. Iroh must confront a painful part of his past when faced with those who placed the bounty on him, while his journey inspires June to rethink her life as well.

Ashes of the Academy Dark Horse Comics

Oh Zuko. Will there ever be a character finer than Zuko? We love him so much, we waxed poetically about him for a full hour. And so we’re glad to see him star in a whole new way in the Avatar: The Last Airbender comic, Ashes of the Academy.

The official Ashes of the Academy description shares:

In Ashes of the Academy, Zuko continues his reform campaign in the Fire Nationand his focus is now on the Royal Fire Academy for Girls, where his younger half-sister, Kiyi, is now a student. When Zuko finds Azula’s old school resistant to change, he enlists the help of Mai to monitor the situation and keep an eye on Kiyias an academy teacher! And it’s a good thing, because there’s more than schoolwork afoot at the academy.

When Will the Avatar: The Last AirbenderFire and Family Treasury Boxed Set Release in Stores?

The Avatar: The Last AirbenderFire and Family Treasury Boxed Set will release on September 16, 2025. It will arrive at bookstores and comic shops on that date. But you can go ahead and pre-order the ATLA comic collection today at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, TFAW, and wherever books and comics are sold. The Fire and Family graphic novel boxed set will retail for $38.97.

Additionally, for all the latest Avatar: The Last Airbender comics news, make sure to follow Dark Horse Comics on social media and check out its website, www.darkhorse.com, for more news, announcements, and updates!

We say, don’t delay, pre-order this sizzling collection now and know you’ve invited some fire into your life.

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M3GAN Director Will Helm MONSTER HIGH Live-Action Movie

The Mattel Cinematic Universe is rising to life again. This time, Mattel will bring Monster High to the big screen with the help of Universal Pictures. The movie will be produced by Akiva Goldsman. Of course, if Mattel can do it with Barbie, why not with Monster High? The Monster High line of dolls features “the spooktacular children of legendary monsters” such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman. We can see the potential here for a fun movie, or even maybe a horror film, if Mattel was daring. We’ll have to wait and see what the live-action Monster High movie will bring us.

We now know that Gerard Johnstone, who directed both M3GAN films, will direct this live-action Monster High movie. We hope to see some of the camp and sass that our fave killer bot gives in this film, too.

Mattel

Mattel Film’s Robbie Brenner notes, “Monster High helps fans discover the great beauty in being true to yourself and celebrates the unique sensibilities at the core of who we are as individuals. We’re proud to partner with Universal Pictures and the brilliant Akiva Goldsman to usher this important message to audiences worldwide.”

A release about the movie additionally shares of the Monster High brand, “First introduced in 2010, Monster High immediately became a beloved expansive universe rich with inclusive storytelling and doll play, fostering a fandom that spans generations. The brand continues to encourage fans of all ages to embrace their authentic selves and what makes them unique.”

We do love that message. Currently, no writer nor cast is attached to Mattel’s Monster High live-action movie.

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Mike Flanagan’s CARRIE TV Show Starts Filming Soon, Promises More Cast Announcements

You don’t need telekinesis to read Hollywood’s mind. It’s obvious the industry just can’t quit Carrie White. Horror master Mike Flanagan will be the next director to bring Stephen King’s iconic story to the screen. Only he’ll do it in a very different way than all the previous attempts. Flanagan will lead an eight-episode television series adaptation of the author’s seminal 1974 novel Carrie at Prime Video.

Mike Flanagan’s Carrie Cast

We officially have casting news for the new Carrie series. Summer H. Howell (Chucky TV series) will portray Carrie in Flanagan’s series. In our opinion, she certainly looks the part. Additionally, Siena Agudong has joined the cast as Sue Snell, a popular girl who bullies Carrie but also has a heart.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Flanagan said Howell was the perfect choice as the titular character Carrie after seeing nearly 1,800 candidates. “I think we ended up with the right actor for the part,” Flanagan said. “It took a long time to find her, and I can’t wait for people to see what she’s doing, because it’s unlike anything that anyone’s ever done with the part before.”

He also confirmed that the Carrie series will start filming in mid-June and that there are even more cast announcements on the way.

For now, here’s the Carrie cast members whom we know about:

Matthew Lillard as Principle GrayleSamantha Sloyan as Margaret WhiteAlison Thornton as Chris HargensenThalia Dudek as EmalineAmber Midthunder as Miss DesjardinJosie Totah as TinaArthur Conti as BillyJoel Oulette as TommyMGM

Flanagan is ready to work in Stephen King’s dark universe yet again. He is following up his recent adaptation of King’s 2020 novella The Life of Chuck with an adaptation of the book that kicked off King’s career. Flanagan will turn the story of a bullied, powerful young girl into a limited series.

This is just the latest live-action take on King’s book, but it will easily be the longest. Brian de Palma first brought Carrie to the screen in his classic 1976 film starring Sissy Spacek. A sequel titled The Rage: Carrie 2 followed in 1999. Adaptations of the novel then arrived in 2002 and 2013. There was even a failed stage musical in 1988 that was briefly revived in 2012. (It inspired Riverdale‘s Carrie episode!) Prime Video’s series will mark the first time anyone has adapted Carrie into a long-form series.

Warner Bros.

Carrie seems like an unlikely King novel to get an eight-episode take, but we’re confident Flanagan’s plans for it will prove why it was. He’s more than proven he can excel with long-form horror television. He’s also more than proven that he knows how to bring Stephen King stories to the screen, even if this will be his first attempt at a King TV show. Flanagan’s other King adaptations include feature film versions of Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep.

While we can’t wait to see what it’s like to spend even more time with Carrie White, we’re also excited about what the existence of this series could mean for another project. This show could also help Flanagan deliver on his long-teased The Dark Tower series. You don’t need telekinesis to know why anyone would want prom night to lead to that.

Originally published October 21, 2024.

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Our 7 Most Anticipated Anime for Summer 2025

With many exciting second seasons for popular series returning, this summer is an anime fan’s dream. Depending on the air dates, you can easily have a show to dive into every day and then some. From supernatural comedy to romance to action, from new series to returning joys, here’s our most-anticipated anime that you need to watch during summer 2025.TMS/Shueisha/Netflix/Crunchyroll

Dandadan Season 2

Dandadan Season 2 drops this summer. From the same studio that created the first season and the shocking and heartbreaking Devilman Crybaby, Science SARU brings the next season of laughs, strange-looking foes. Watch the continued hunt for Okarun’s lone ball come July 3rd on Crunchyroll when the Evil Eye Arc begins.

Sakamoto Days Part 2

Sakamoto Days is the story of a retired hitman enjoying a mundane, married-with-a-daughter life who must fight to protect those he loves when his past catches up to him. He proves that “out of shape” is not synonymous with “easy mark.” Balancing laughs with surprising action, the first season split into two parts, with Sakamoto Days Part 2 airing on Netflix beginning on July 14th.

Gachiakuta

Another anticipated new anime series based on a hit manga series, Gachiakuta follows Rudo, a young man living in the slums as the rich enjoy life above and toss their garbage down. Exiled below with the trash for a murder he did not commit, Rudo has to battle monsters, and other people to find out the truth and seek revenge. It makes me think of the garbage folks from The Walking Dead. This is another anime series coming to Crunchyroll starting in July that we cannot wait to watch this summer.

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2

Sure, the show is so ecchi that YaBoyRoshi, a YouTuber, had a montage of all the times he and his wife, Sheera, said “yeah” throughout the first season. However, do not let that deter you. The first season was full of laughs, love, cosplay, and a beautiful message to pursue what brings you joy. Now, My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 is around the corner. So, expect more amazing costumes and sweet moments as Gojo and Marin circle each other starting in July on Crunchyroll.

Kaiju No. 8 Season 2

Kaiju No. 8‘s first season had the stakes, the laughs, and an underdog you could not help but cheer for. Now, with Kafka’s secret out, he needs to prove his strength as a Kaiju and man to help defeat the other Kaiju. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 looks like greater stakes and deadlier enemies, and it begins in July on Crunchyroll. 

The Summer Hikaru Died

Based on a strange, supernatural manga that gives Junji Ito energy, The Summer Hikaru Died follows Yoshiki, a teen in a rural town. When his friend Hikaru returns after missing in the forests, Yoshiki realizes that he is not Hikaru. An entity took his appearance. This supernatural mystery with horror elements is set to air on Netflix this summer. 

Lord of the Mysteries

Think magical isekai meets steampunk, Lord of the Mysteries is about Klein Moretti, reborn in a Victorian era brimming with magic and the supernatural with powers of his own. Based on a popular manhua from China, if its popularity grows the animereleasing in the summermight see an international release. Its animation style reminds me of To Be Hero X, so let’s hope for an opportunity to dive in. 

Originally published May 29, 2025.

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Did a STAR TREK Video Game Flop Help Kill the Movie Franchise?

The Star Trek movie franchise is at an impasse. The last theatrical Star Trek feature, Star Trek Beyond, came out in 2016. Since there’s no Trek film on schedule for next year, it’ll mean it will soon have been a decade since the last one. That’s the biggest gap between Star Trek films in 45 years. So where did the movie franchise hit a wall? According to a story from Slashfilm, the movie franchise might have lost luster thanks to a Star Trek video game from 2013 that tied into the film Star Trek Into Darkness. The movie ended up a disappointment, but the reception to the game was even worse. That reception may have helped create a negative buzz around the film.Paramount Pictures

The PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 game, simply called Star Trek, took place in the months between J.J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek reboot/legacy sequel and its follow-up film, Star Trek Into Darkness. Given how the film actors like Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto voice their characters in the game, it’s safe to say the game is canon. The game featured the Kelvin universe’s Enterprise crew facing a classic foe from the original series, the reptilian Gorn. Luckily, an account called Global Gaming on YouTube preserved the gameplay last year. You can check out the full game walkthrough in the video below:

Star Trek the game bombed, both critically and financially. Since it came out days before Into Darkness, some think it created negative buzz for that film before it ever hit theaters. Into Darkness did do decent box office in North America. But it underperformed badly overseas, where Star Trek as a franchise has always struggled. The lone exceptions to that are the U.K. and Germany, where Star Trek was also a hit on TV. It failed to outperform Star Trek ’09, which revived the franchise and became the biggest hit Trek film in decades at that point. A third (superior) film came out three years later, Star Trek Beyond. But despite good reviews, the damage from the double whammy of the game/Into Darkness resulted in tepid box office.

The 2013 Star Trek game does have a legacy though. Alex Kurtzman, who was a writer/producer on the J.J. Abrams Kelvin universe films, is currently in charge of the streaming franchise Trek shows. For Strange New Worlds, he reinvented the Gorn species from the ’60s show, making them a credible threat to the Federation. Clearly, this is the same instinct for the Gorn with the 2013 game. So far, the Gorn gamble has paid off more on Strange New Worlds than in the game. We might now say that this Star Trek footnote was a bit of a dry run for something Kurtzman executed better a decade down the line.

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The 10 Greatest DC Comics Villains, Ranked

Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, DC Comics has some of the world’s greatest superheroes. But we feel comfortable saying even more than good guys, DC has the greatest villains in all of comics. Many of which have been household names for generations. Although Batman has the lion’s share of great adversaries, it’s not just the Dark Knight who can boast about having an incredible rogues’ gallery. We narrowed down the top ten DC Comics villains of all time, based not only on their comic book careers, but in outside comics media as well. We’ve decided to keep it to straight-up villains and not characters who have been rehabilitated and have long careers as anti-heroes, like Catwoman and Harley Quinn. This list is reserved for the worst of the worst.DC Comics

10. AresFirst appearance: Wonder Woman #1 (1942) Created by William Moulton Marston and Harry G. PeterWarner Bros./DC Comics

Wonder Woman famously doesn’t have the deep bench of classic villains that her trinity brothers Superman and Batman do. Most readers cite the Cheetah as Diana’s primary adversary, thanks to many animated shows. But Diana’s true greatest villain is the Ares, the Greek God of War. Simply because he’s the living embodiment of conflict and hatred, and everything Wonder Woman stands against. In many ways, as an Olympian god, Ares is more of the representation of an idea than a person.

Having said that, an idea can be as destructive as an individual, which is what makes Ares so dangerous. In both the modern comics and the 2017 Wonder Woman movie, Diana’s first and greatest villain is the War God, who has used his influence to make mankind more destructive over the years. But what’s most insidious about him is that he doesn’t make humans bloodthirsty, he just brings out what’s already there. We know in our own real world that war and violence are the worst part of humanity, and Ares is our worst tendency as a species given life. This elevates him from the rest of the Amazing Amazon’s recurring foes.

9. The Anti-Monitor (Mobius)First appearance: Crisis on Infinite Earths #2 (1985) Created by Marv Wolfman, George Perez, and Jerry OrdwayDC Comics/Warner Bros.

He may have a silly name, but no villain has come closer to destroying the DC Universe than the Anti-Monitor. A being as old as the universe itself, the Anti-Monitor is the Anti-Matter Universe’s counterpart to the benevolent Monitor, who watches over the Positive-Matter Multiverse. Created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, the Anti-Monitor, whose true name was later revealed as Mobius, was the central villain of the epic Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. In that year-long story, he did a lot of damage.

Mobius’ quest to spread his Anti-Matter Universe to obliterate all other universes resulted in the deaths of the Flash (Barry Allen) and Supergirl, not to mention countless other DC characters. After his defeat in Crisis, the Anti-Monitor all but disappeared for decades. However, he reemerged in the 21st century in major event books, such as The Sinestro Corps War, Blackest Night, and Forever Evil. Yes, his appearances are far fewer than most others on this list. But considering he killed trillions and reshaped the DC Universe itself, he’s earned his spot among DC’s Biggest Bads.

8. Mister Freeze (Victor Fries)First appearance: Batman #121 (1959) Created by Sheldon Moldoff and Bob KaneDC Comics

Mister Freeze first debuted in an issue of Batman in 1959, named Mister Zero. He was just an unnamed scientist who needed an ice-cold containment suit after a mishap in creating a freeze gun. And there wasn’t much more to him than that. After one appearance, he more or less vanished for years. But the 1966 Batman TV series revived the character as Mister Freeze, giving the villain a second life. He was still a one-note villain with no real character or motivation beyond robbing banks. However, that all changed thanks to one episode of Batman: The Animated Series in 1992.

In the B:TAS episode “Heart of Ice,” writer Paul Dini gave Mister Freeze a tragic backstory. As Dr. Victor Fries, he became obsessed with using cryogenic technology to save the life of his dying wife, Nora. When a greedy CEO destroys her chances at survival, and causes Fries’ accident which confines him to below-zero temperatures, he becomes a cold and emotionless man in more than just name. Well, emotionless except for being hellbent on revenge. Much like Spock in Star Trek, this supposedly emotionless character conveys more emotion in his monotone delivery than by being flagrantly emotional. Eventually, DC adopted his animated backstory to the comics canon. Ultimately, what makes Freeze so great is that he’s completely sympathetic, yet no less sinister because of it.

7. The Reverse-Flash/Professor Zoom (Eobard Thawne)First appearance: The Flash #139 (1963) Created by John Broome and Carmine InfantinoDC Comics/Warner Bros. Television

Some of the greatest pop culture villains are the ones whose entire motivations center on obsession, jealousy, and finally, revenge. Eobard Thawne, the Reverse-Flash, Flash’s greatest foe, is one of the best examples of this kind of adversary. He started out in the Silver Age as just another “opposite coin of the hero” bad guy, in terms of both appearance and powers. He was just a speedster who used his powers for evil. But over the years, writers made his motivations for hating the Flash and his legacy richer. Eobard Thawne grew up centuries in the future, idolizing the Flash, Barry Allen. He even recreated the experiment that gave Barry his powers. He also went as far as to get cosmetic surgery to look like his idol. But when he found out he was destined to travel back in time and become the Flash’s greatest foe, he snapped.

Thawne has used his immense speed powers ever since to inflict as much pain as possible on Barry Allen and his legacy. First, by killing his wife Iris in cold blood, then by impersonating him when the world thought he was dead. Eventually came the worst crime, going back in time to Barry’s childhood and murdering his mother. Despite Flash breaking his moral code and murdering him in retaliation, Thawne continues to find a way back to life. He continues to make life miserable for the man he wishes he was. All of this makes him more than just “the bad Flash.” He’s only had one real live-action incarnation, on the CW Flash TV series. But even there, he stole the show.

6. Sinestro First appearance: Green Lantern #7 (1961) Created by John Broome and Gil KaneDC Comics

When he was first created in the Silver Age of comics, Thaal Sinestro of the planet Korugar was a standard “opposite” villain for Green Lantern. This is similar to Bizarro and Superman, or what Reverse-Flash was to the Flash. Since all Green Lanterns had a weakness against the color yellow, Sinestro was the villain with a yellow-powered ring. The yellow energy was fueled by the emotion of fear. It was pretty basic, and his characterization was flat in those early years. But eventually, Sinestro became far more nuanced and interesting.

In subsequent years, Sinestro has become the Anakin Skywalker of the DC Universe. Once the greatest of the Green Lantern Corps, his hubris and fascistic tendencies caused him to fall to the dark side. This made him a far more complex villain than before. Some of his viewpoints about maintaining order in the cosmos actually do make sense, making him somewhat sympathetic. One of DC Comics’ most epic crossovers, The Sinestro Corps War, put Sinestro front and center, leading his own corps. These days, he’s a reluctant hero again. But we think it’s safe to say that Sinestro’s legacy as a villain will always overshadow any temporary “good guy” phases.

5. Deathstroke (Slade Wilson)First Appearance: New Teen Titans #2 (1980) Created by Marv Wolfman and George PerezDC Comics/Warner Bros. Television

Deathstroke the Terminator, as he was originally known, first debuted in New Teen Titans #2 back in 1980. Created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, he became the Titans’ primary antagonist, later fighting characters like Batman. He was a sort of inverse Captain America, an American soldier given superior strength and agility by the U.S. government. But without Steve Rogers’ moral compass, he became an enhanced mercenary who enriched himself instead of serving a higher calling. His Achilles’ Heel is his twisted sense of honor, which can cause him to do heinous things.

When his son Grant dies fighting the Titans, he takes over his contract on the team, going as far as to manipulate and seduce the teenage sociopath Terra to infiltrate the group. In the ‘90s, Deathstroke received his own ongoing series, which portrayed him as more of an anti-hero. But in more recent years, and after various DC reboots, he’s once again in the category of “complex villain.” His personal vendetta against the Titans, plus his position as a notable adversary for both Batman and Green Arrow, has made Deathstroke one of the all-time greats. Besides, without Slade Wilson, there would be no Wade Wilson, a.k.a. Deadpool, who began as a Deathstroke parody character.

4. Ra’s al Ghul First Appearance: Batman #244 (1972) Created by Dennis O’Neil, Neal Adams, and Julius SchwartzDC Comics/Warner Bros. Television

Created by writer Denny O’Neil and artist Neal Adams in the early ’70s, the name Ra’s al Ghul translates to “the Demon’s Head.” He was designed to give Batman an enemy that was more than just another colorful Gotham City mobster. Ra’s was a combination of Sherlock Holmes’ Moriarty and a world-dominating Bond villain. A near-immortal, thanks to his dips into his Lazarus pit, Ra’s had seen centuries of human warfare and destruction of the planet, to the point where he realized Earth needed saving from itself. With himself as absolute ruler, of course.

What makes Ra’s a compelling villain is that he not only respects his adversary Batman, he wants to make him part of his family. In fact, they’ve been temporary allies as often as enemies. Especially as Bruce Wayne maintained a romantic involvement with Ra’s daughter Talia, and has a son with her. Ra’s al Ghul appeared in Batman: The Animated Series played to perfection by the late, great David Warner. Later, Liam Neeson played him in Batman Begins. Both portrayals elevated Ra’s al Ghul’s profile in outside comics media, making him even more iconic. Smart, cunning, and often suave, Ra’s is the kind of bad guy you sometimes can’t help but root for. (Editor’s Note: We will die on the hill that his name is pronounced “Raysh,” not “Raz.” Christopher Nolan’s lowkey biggest crime.)

3. Lex LuthorFirst Appearance: Action Comics #23 (1940) Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster DC Comics

In Superman’s earliest days, he fought one mad scientist after another. So why did Lex Luthor, of all those by-the-numbers evil geniuses with death rays, rise to the top, and become so iconic? Well, for starters, he has a great alliterative name. You can’t count out the power of a catchy name. In those first few decades, maybe that was enough. But even in cartoons like Super Friends and in Gene Hackman’s cinematic portrayal, Lex was a standard mustache twirling cliche. However, what makes Luthor such an all-timer villain is how writers over the last few decades, both in comics and other media, have added so many layers to him as a character.

First, they gave him a shared history with Superboy in Smallville back in the Silver Age, as former best friends who fell out. That always makes for a compelling hero/villain dynamic. Then, in the ‘80s, he was reinvented as someone who used his genius intellect to become a billionaire CEO. Despite his intelligence, his hatred of Superman came from an inability to understand someone with power who doesn’t use it to enrich themselves. Later incarnations, like Smallville and the comic Secret Origin, found a way to meld these two disparate versions of Lex Luthor into one superior iteration. Lex has become the perfect embodiment of the dark side of American ambition. The darkness of pure ego and ambition. And because of this, he’ll always be relevant.

2. The JokerFirst Appearance: Batman #1 (1940) Created by Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, and Bob KaneDC Comics

Although he’s the number two entry on this list, the Joker is easily the most recognizable DC villain of them all, especially when it comes to mainstream audiences. Two different actors have won Oscars for playing him even. And while he may be overexposed, there’s no denying the power of the Clown Prince of Crime. Created by Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, and supposedly Bob Kane, the Joker debuted in Batman #1 in 1940. An evil clown before evil clowns were a thing, Joker was the perfect antithesis of Batman, a hero who dresses like a villain. The so-called Harlequin of Hate was an instant hits with readers, and became Batman’s primary enemy.

The Joker is so great for several reasons. First, he represents pure chaos, truly unhinged evil. He’s so scary because he is a force of nature with no true motivations beyond malevolence. There’s no reasoning or appealing to his good side. Second, he’s malleable. He can be the previously mentioned psychotic killer, or he can be a more benign prankster villain who just wants Batman’s attention. He can go totally without a backstory, as most DC Comics and the Dark Knight gave us, or he can have a very detailed one, like The Killing Joke, Batman ’89, or Todd Phillips’ Joker. And yet, they’re all still the Joker at their core.

Warner Bros.

Another reason for his iconic status is that he’s a perfect foil for Batman, a hero who refuses to kill. Because the Joker keeps committing acts so heinous, like crippling Batgirl and murdering Robin, it tests the limits of his vow to never take a life. He becomes the perfect template for writers to tell the most compelling kinds of Batman stories. And that is all just part of what makes him eternal. Of all the DC villains, the Joker is the one we’re still going to be reading about and seeing on our screens a hundred years from now.

1. DarkseidFirst Appearance: Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 (1970) Created by Jack KirbyDC Comics/Warner Bros. Television

Jack Kirby created Marvel’s greatest villain, Doctor Doom. But a decade later, he also created DC’s greatest villain in the form of Darkseid. The Lord of Apokolips is essentially the God of Evil. He’s a being of oppressive malice who wants nothing more than to sap free will out of the universe. He first appeared as the main adversary in Kirby’s Fourth World line of comics, starting in 1970. At first, he was limited to those titles, using his Omega beams to destroy in series like New Gods. But eventually, he branched out, becoming the DC Universe’s biggest threat. First, by starting the Secret Society of Super-Villains, then by fighting the Justice League and Justice Society together.

What makes Darkseid the best is that he’s a villain for the DC Universe overall, as well as a personal adversary to some of the company’s biggest heroes, like Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Justice League. He killed Batman in Final Crisis, murdered half of Wonder Woman’s sister Amazons in her comic, and plagued the 30th century in the Legion of Super-Heroes’ Great Darkness Saga. He even resurrected Marvel’s Dark Phoenix to destroy the Teen Titans and the X-Men in one of the best DC/Marvel crossovers of all time.

DC Comics

In outside comics media, he was the “Big Bad” of the iconic Super Powers action figure line, and two seasons of the Saturday morning Super Friends cartoon. In the ‘90s, he brainwashed Superman into attacking the Earth as his puppet in the animated DC universe. He has appeared in a metric ton of DC animated films. We’ve only just barely glimpsed Darkseid in a live-action film, as a cameo in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. But even without any major cinematic exposure, the deadly New God is easily DC’s most notorious villain of all time. And that’s why he sits proudly atop the #1 spot.

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