(Image Source: Marvel / Sanford Greene) “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.” That phrase is synonymous with Spider-Man and his beloved Uncle Ben. However, in the new Ultimate Universe, an entirely different character who imparts that lesson to Peter Parker in Ultimate Spider-Man #4. Written by Jonathan Hickman with art by David Messina, Ultimate Spider-Man #4 shows the first friendly contact between Peter Parker and Harry Osborn. In this reality, the two are relative strangers, rather than best friends since college and roommates, and Harry Osborn is revealed as a heroic version of ..read more

(Image Source: Marvel / Kael Ngu) The idea behind the original Ultimate Universe was to put new spins on classic Marvel Comics characters. This gave established readers a reason to read new books, while creating more easily accessible series for newcomers. The new Ultimate Spider-Man series continues this trend, putting new spins on beloved Spider-Man characters in a new reality. However, the latest issue does this with one character whose inclusion is something of a surprise. Written by Jonathan Hickman, with art by David Messina, Ultimate Spider-Man #4 centers around a dinner double-date. T ..read more

(Image Source: Titan Comics) Originally published in five issues by BHP Comics, Killtopia was a cult classic. The dystopian story wowed genre enthusiasts with its intense action and inventive story. Now, Titan Comics is reprinting the series in a deluxe hardcover edition. Written by Dave Cook, with art by Clark Bint and Craig Paton, Killtopia redefined the cyberpunk thriller. The story is set in Neo Tokyo – a brightly lit metropolis ruled by amoral businesses. The comic opens ten years after an unexplained explosion rocked the city’s Sector-K. This coincided with the release of a nanotech plag ..read more

(Image Source: DC) The chief goal of many Dawn of DC series was to redefine the histories of DC Comics‘ greatest characters. This was particularly true of Green Arrow, whose backstory in the Post-Crisis, New 52, and Rebirth ages fluctuated wildly. Green Arrow #11 by Joshua Williamson, Phil Hester, Sean Izaakse, and Eric Gapstur continue this task, rewriting the origin of Merlyn. The Original Origin of Merlyn and Green Arrow’s Rivalry Merlyn first appeared in 1971’s Justice League of America #94. Introduced as a member of the League of Assassins, Merlyn was part of a splinter faction led by the ..read more

(Image Source: DC / Francesco Mattina) Retroactive continuity (or retconning) can create relationships in comics the original writers never intended. One famous example of this was Magneto being revealed as the father of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. (Ironically, this retcon was later retconned.) The Penguin #9 by Tom King and Rafael de Latorre creates a similar familial relationship, albeit between two more obscure characters. The action of The Penguin #9 details Oswald Cobblepot’s efforts to retake the underworld of Gotham City. His children, Addison and Aiden Cobblepot, claimed his empire ..read more

(Image Source: Marvel Studios) The second trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine confirmed a casting rumor. Namely, that the film’s chief villain, played by Emma Corrin, is Cassandra Nova. However, despite being one of the most powerful X-Men villains, she remains rather obscure outside of comics. The Origins and History of Cassandra Nova Created by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely, Cassandra Nova first appeared in 2001’s New X-Men #114. She was first introduced as the evil twin of Professor Charles Xavier. However, that is a vast oversimplification of her true nature. In tech ..read more

It’s hardly a surprise to Star Wars collectors paying attention that right after announcing a figure of BT-1, Doctor Aphra’s fully weaponized astromech droid, Hot Toys would add his partner. 0-0-0 is everything Threepio could never dream of being, despite coming from the same protocol droid design. He’s got those Sith language red eyes, and hands that generate sparks, buzz saws, blades, and syringes. You can tell him the odds…and he’ll tell you where to stick them. Politely, of course, since he’s versed in protocol, diplomacy, etiquette…and torture. He’s also popular, as Sideshow’s preorder a ..read more

(Image Source: Vault Comics / John Patrick Ganas) Long ago, in that ancient era known as the 1980s, there was an age undreamed of. The cinematic success of Conan the Barbarbarian inspired a flood of similarly themed fantasy films. Deathstalker was the most successful of these, inspiring three sequels, a remake, and now, a Vault Comics series. Deathstalker Film Franchise Explained (Image Source: Shout! Factory / Boris Vallejo) The Deathstalker films are notable for their lack of continuity. Despite three of the movies being written by Howard Cohen, there is little suggestion that they detail th ..read more

(Image Source: Mike Grell) Comics Legend Mike Grell is most famous for his work on series like Green Arrow and Warlord. However, Grell also has a large body of independent works. The most famous of these, Jon Sable: Freelance, is about to be adapted into a scripted series. The Jon Sable: Freelance series announcement was posted on Mike Grell’s personal website. The production is attached to producer Brendan Deneen and Second Act Entertainment. Deneen has a background in book adaptations, working with Assemble Media and Blackstone Publishing. He has also written several Marvel and DC books, inc ..read more

BT-1. Darth Revan. Starkiller. These names may not mean much if you only know Star Wars from the movies, though that last one got re-incorporated in a new context. To those who love Star Wars comics and video games, however, these stand among the most memorable of canonical and non-canonical legends. Hot Toys. having made most of the major characters form Ahsoka, now seems to be turning its focus to the Dark Side, and is doing so with a starting lineup of a droid, a Sith, and a famous apprentice in one possible timeline. Terrible Trio BT-01 is one of Doctor Aphra’s droids from the comics, al ..read more