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© Marvel Ultimate Wolverine  has consistently stood out as one of the strongest titles in the new Ultimate Universe—and issue #6  continues that trend. It’s a compelling exploration of the fractured mutant landscape in this unforgiving world and also a surprisingly intimate character study of one of Marvel’s most iconic figures. While the issue doesn’t pack in a lot of plot progression, it remains driven by the emotional and psychological weight of Logan’s journey, and the allies helping him reclaim his identity. The issue picks up in the aftermath of the Winter Soldier’s defeat, with Logan taken into the custody of Sabretooth and Black Widow. Their goal? Return him to the Opposition and begin the process of memory restoration. But rather than follow them directly, the story shifts inward — deep into the recesses of Logan’s mind — for a surreal, almost psychedelic confrontation with his trauma, repression, and manipulated sense of self. © Marvel Guided by a mysterious presence — one that feels oddly familiar — Logan is urged to shatter the psychic chains that have held him captive. It’s a literal and figurative battle as he confronts twisted reflections of his tormentors and his own inner demons. The result is a symbolic death and rebirth: a raw, emotional sequence that culminates in Logan tearing away the mask of who he’s been forced to become and reclaiming a glimpse of who he truly is. The guiding presence in Logan’s mind is revealed to be none other than David Haller, a reimagined version of the Omega-level mutant Legion. But this isn’t the Legion of Earth-616. Here, David is the son of Gabrielle and an unnamed father, but still a mutant whose dissociative condition has kept him from accessing his full potential. In this world, he no longer has a physical form — existing instead as a digital consciousness used by the Opposition to help others, particularly those suffering from PTSD or severe mental trauma. This version of Legion is a clever twist, and his role fits perfectly with the issue’s themes of mental resilience and identity reconstruction. Logan's emergence from the psychic battle is met by a welcome party of familiar faces — Mikhail Rasputin, Sabretooth, Beast, and someone who appears to be Abigail Brand — which signals his full return to the fold. As he reawakens, Logan unsheathes his claws and delivers his signature line: “I’m the best there is at what I do.”  It’s a satisfying, triumphant close to a deeply internal arc. Guest artist Alex Lins steps in for this issue, bringing a looser, more stylized approach that works well for the mindscape sequences. While I do miss Alessandro Cappuccio’s grittier, more visceral art — especially for the more grounded action — Lins’ style complements the surreal tone of this chapter. It’s a visual shift, but not a jarring one. In the end, Ultimate Wolverine  #6 serves as both a conclusion and a reset. Logan has endured, evolved, and now stands ready for the battles ahead. With this psychological groundwork laid, it feels like the next arc will fully unleash the Wolverine fans have been waiting for: claws, grit, and all. About Ultimate Wolverine #6 Release Date:  June 04, 2025 Written by:  Christopher Condon Art by: Alex Lins Cover by: Alessandro Cappuccio Page Count: 27 Synopsis :  REUNION WITH THE OPPOSITION? Guest artist Alex Lins (NAMOR) takes Wolverine on a psychedelic journey through his mind as familiar and unfamiliar faces of the Opposition try to untangle Logan's Winter Soldier programming!

© Marvel If you're into superhero smackdowns, giant monsters, and mechs duking it out, X-Men  #17 is absolutely your kind of chaos. Jewd MacKay and Ryan Stegman continue to throw everything (including a few metaphorical kitchen sinks) at our favorite Mutants, and the result is an action-packed, wildly entertaining issue with just enough twists to keep you on your toes. Picking up right where we left off, the X-Men are in the middle of a brutal brawl with the Mutants of 3K, all while a kaiju-sized unborn mutant barrels toward the town of Merle, Alaska. Their ship has been destroyed, they're outnumbered, and the situation is spiraling fast. It’s one of those days. © Marvel One of the biggest surprises this issue is the survival of Kid Omega, who was presumed dead after the Marauder exploded. In classic Quentin Quire fashion, he had a failsafe in place — telepathically slowing his perception of time and wrapping himself in a telekinetic cocoon. It's the first major win the team’s had in a while, and it’s a welcome one. Meanwhile, Magneto is locked in a desperate attempt to control a gigantic wild Sentinel with his increasingly unreliable powers. The spectacle is massive, the stakes are high, and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds. Magneto even drops a line about how he “doesn’t give speeches” — a line that’s unintentionally hilarious given that his entire brand is eloquent monologuing. Still, it’s a great moment that adds just the right touch of levity. Cyclops also gets a moment to shine, proving why he's still the X-Men's tactical master. Facing off against Schwarzschild, a gravity-manipulating bruiser, Scott’s optic blasts are useless on their own. But instead of relying on raw power, he outsmarts his opponent with a carefully laid plan which showcase his leadership and his strategic brilliance. It’s a reminder of why Cyclops is so dangerous when he’s thinking several steps ahead. It even brought to mind his famous line about not doing A–Z plans because that would imply he only has twenty-six to work with. With the tides of battle finally turning, the X-Men start gaining ground. But just as things start looking up, 3K's third objective comes into play: Wyre infiltrates their base, enacting a mysterious (but clearly sinister) plan that could change everything. All in all, this issue is a blast: fast-paced, creative, and just the right amount of weird. MacKay isn’t afraid to take risks or throw curveballs, and Stegman's art elevates the mayhem beautifully. Whether the X-Men will triumph or end up absorbed into the mission of these rogue 3K Mutants is still anyone’s guess. But with this creative team, one thing's for sure: it’s going to be one hell of a ride. About X-Men #17 Release Date:  June 04, 2025 Written by:  Jed MacKay Art by: Ryan Stegman Cover by: Ryan Stegman Page Count: 26 Synopsis : Disaster charges toward the town of Merle, Alaska, as the X-Men are preoccupied with their own battle against the 3K X-Men. Only Magneto stands between the town and destruction - can he prevail even in the face of his deteriorating condition?

© Marvel Storm  #9 continues the series’ compelling narrative of resilience, portraying Ororo Munroe as down but never out. Picking up directly from the previous issue’s intense cliffhanger — Storm’s arrest by the FBI — it initially surprises by skipping over the confrontation we were led to expect. Given how violently the last issue ended, I was hoping to see a showdown between Ororo and the agents. Instead, we’re left to wonder how they managed to subdue and contain someone of her power. Perhaps that omission was intentional to heighten the mystery. Now in custody, Storm finds herself unable — or possibly unwilling — to escape and contact her lawyer, Jennifer Walters (aka She-Hulk). Forced to submit to interrogation, Ororo faces a calculated verbal assault, clearly designed to manipulate her. One striking moment is her admission that she might be a threat to the United States — an unsettling moment as a reader that underscores the weight of the questioning and its intended effect. It raises uncomfortable questions about the government’s current authority over mutants and why they’re so concerned with Charles Xavier’s off-world status, as if his absence (deemed a criminal) is a liability rather than a relief. © Marvel Complicating matters is the fact that Victor Von Doom, in his role as Earth’s emperor, appears to be exerting influence over these proceedings. Storm, an American citizen, is still bound by terrestrial law even though larger cosmic forces are at play. Meanwhile, we’re treated to an entertaining subplot at the Storm Sanctuary. With Ororo detained, Maggott organizes a contest of strength among various heroes and villains, injecting some levity while showcasing underused characters. It’s a delightful interlude that hints at larger narrative threads to come — particularly as the same FBI agents who subdued Storm head to Limbo on mysterious business. The Limbo scenes are a standout. Writer Murewa Ayodele expands its lore with new revelations, introducing to the story “Essence Blades” — magical weapons once forged by Magik and the Goblin Queen to grant them rule over Limbo. That the FBI has access to such weapons raises serious questions: Why arm demons to stop Storm, who has yet to prove herself an imminent threat? How does the agency even know about these relics? It’s an intriguing moment that may tie into future issues of Storm  or perhaps even Magik , especially with Illyana Rasputin slated to return to Limbo in upcoming stories. A major highlight is the surprise appearance of two fan-favorite Arakkii mutants — Isca the Unbeaten and Jon Ironfire — who join the defense of the Storm Sanctuary against both demonic forces and human interlopers. Their inclusion is not just thrilling but thematically resonant; as veterans of the war against Amenth, it’s fitting that they aid in defeating and repelling the demon invaders. I was genuinely excited to see them, and I imagine many readers will feel the same. The issue ends on an emotionally charged note. Ororo reflects on her lost time under Eternity’s influence and draws chilling parallels to past traumas — particularly when others have tried to control her body. She vows vengeance on her current manipulator, and the stakes are raised even higher with the revelation that Abraxas, a cosmic embodiment of destruction, has been hidden in her home during the time she wasn’t herself. Eternity intends to use him in a looming battle against Oblivion as his big gun, but the narrative teases an even greater threat: Hadad, the first Thunder God, whose power could eclipse both cosmic forces as well as Eternity and Ororo. Storm  #9 is dense with plot and rich in character. Though we don’t always get full access to Ororo’s thoughts, her physical and emotional toll is palpable. Her strength and endurance continue to define her, even as the forces around her grow more ominous. If Ayodele and artist Lucas Werneck continue on this trajectory, we’re only at the beginning of Storm’s most harrowing — and most heroic — journey yet. © Marvel About Storm #9 Release Date:  June 04, 2025 Written by:  Murewa Ayodele Art by: Lucas Werneck Cover by: Mateus Manhanini Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  ETERNITY has grown desperate. He abducts a powerful cosmic entity and hides them in the STORM SANCTUARY, STORM's floating home in Atlanta. What is the identity of this cosmic entity? How will this act complicate the ongoing investigation of the FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION into STORM? Find out in this next chapter of the goddess' saga.

Nexus Point News can exclusively report that Mikey Madison has replaced Sydney Sweeney in The Masque of the Red Death . A24 had no comment. Madison takes over for Sweeney as the lead, Isabel, due to scheduling conflicts on Sweeney’s end in this dark comedic take on Edgar Allen Poe’s story of the same name. Sweeney boarded the project in January 2025, first reported by Deadline. The original story follows Prince Prospero who attempts to avoid a plague known as the Red Death by confining himself in his castle. Charlie Polinger is set to write and direct the film with Picturestart producing. Polinger is best known for his debut feature, The Plague  which premiered earlier this year at Cannes and starred Joel Edgerton. Madison is best known for her roles in FX’s Better Things , Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood , and most recently in Anora , which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The Masque of the Red Death is set to begin production at the beginning of next year.

Disclaimer: This review contains minor spoilers for 'The Better Sister'. The Better Sister  is based on the 2019 book by Alafair Burke. I did read the book prior to viewing the 2025 Amazon MGM adaptation, starring Jessica Biel as Chloe Taylor and Elizabeth Banks as her sister Nicky Macintosh. This means I knew the “whodunit” of the plot going in, but the knowledge really only elevated the experience as it allowed me to focus less on solving the mystery and more on the other elements of the production.  The Better Sister  tells the story of Chloe, whose picture-perfect life is turned upside-down after the murder of her husband Adam Macintosh (Corey Stoll). As the investigation unfolds, the secrets she has been keeping threaten to destroy the life she has created for herself. One of the most damning secrets involves her sister, Nicky, who was originally married to Adam, and who is the biological mother of Ethan, the teen at the heart of the investigation (played with quiet intensity by Maxwell Acee Donovan).  Elizabeth Banks and Maxwell Acee Donovan © Amazon MGM There is not a single reliable narrator throughout The Better Sister . Everyone is hiding things, and everyone is lying to make themselves look better. Chloe is the most egregious offender, attempting to take the moral high ground even as it becomes clear her damage control is meant more to protect her reputation than anything else. In the book, Chloe is given credit for being a face of the #MeToo movement and while the television adaptation does not go quite that far, the audience is still forced to sympathize with a rich, white woman who lives a life of extreme privilege. A great deal of the plot involves not just the murder investigation, but Chloe’s attempts to use her privilege to sweep things under the rug.  Chloe’s privilege is called out by the narrative on several occasions, particularly when she attempts to circumvent the bond process when Ethan is accused of Adam’s murder. The prosecutor points out that if Ethan’s skin color were darker, it wouldn’t even be a discussion of whether he would be spending the night in jail. At the same time, there are some truly jarring instances of casual racism that felt out of place in the message the narrative was trying to spin. Additionally, the homophobia exhibited towards the lesbian detective Nancy Guidry (Kim Dickens) could certainly be explained away as being part and parcel of the sheltered and spoiled demographics she works with, but is ultimately unwelcome, and muddles the messaging. Considering the novel barely touches upon her sexuality, fleshing out her character by way of the angry lesbian trope in the show feels cheap.  It also feels outdated. Across the board, The Better Sister hinges on the politics of 2019, which feels nearly a lifetime ago now. In what is likely the most glaring example, Ethan’s alibi relies on the illicit marijuana dealing of his friend. Considering marijuana has been legal in New York, where The Better Sister  takes place, since 2022, the absolute moral outrage associated with Ethan’s pot-smoking ways feels incredibly out of touch. The show is clearly trying to make a point about how things are different for people with higher net worth, but in a way that makes the working class characters like Guidry and Nicky seem like characters , not real people to relate to.  Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks © Amazon MGM This is not to say the acting is not on point. Biel and Banks do an excellent job as estranged sisters, both of them wishing to be seen and understood by the other, but with a chasm of trauma between them that cannot easily be crossed. Banks in particular imbues Nicky with a vulnerability that is fascinating to watch. She of all the other characters is the most honest; she is also the one who is given the least benefit of the doubt because of the lies surrounding her, told by the people who should have otherwise been caring for her. Cory Stoll is easy to hate as Adam, a truly reprehensible man who considers himself the moral authority in both his family and his career. The supporting cast is strong, each character with their own tale that weaves along the main plot.  The Better Sister, like the people whose story it tells, is imperfect. There are truly lovely moments, especially between Chloe and Nicky, and Nicky and Ethan. The conclusion is ultimately satisfying, especially once all of the twists and turns have been unfurled. It’s hard not to root for the sort of justice that is served.  Rating: ★★★☆☆ © Amazon MGM About The Better Sister Release Date: May 29, 2025 Executive Producers: Olivia Milch, Regina Corrado, Craig Gillespie, Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Banks, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Alissa Bachner, Kerry Orent, Annie Marter, Michelle Purple Directors: Craig Gillespie (101), Leslie Hope (102/103), Azazel Jacobs (104), Dawn Wilkinson (105/106), Stephanie Laing (107/108) Production: Tomorrow Studios and Amazon MGM Studios Distribution: Prime Video Cast: Elizabeth Banks, Jessica Biel, Corey Stoll, Kim Dickens, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Bobby Naderi, Gabriel Sloyer, Gloria Reuben, with Matthew Modine, and Lorraine Toussaint. Synopsis: The Better Sister, based on the novel by bestselling author Alafair Burke, is an 8-episode electric thriller limited series about the terrible things that drive sisters apart and ultimately bring them back together. Chloe (Jessica Biel), a high-profile media executive, lives a picturesque life with her handsome lawyer husband Adam (Corey Stoll) and teenage son Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan) by her side while her estranged sister Nicky (Elizabeth Banks) struggles to make ends meet and stay clean. When Adam is brutally murdered, the prime suspect sends shockwaves through the family, reuniting the two sisters, as they try to untangle a complicated family history to discover the truth behind his death.

(L-R) Eva Jade Halford and Natasha Lyonne in Poker Face . © Peacock This week, Poker Face  dives headfirst into one of its darkest episodes yet, returning to the quality of its first three episodes of Season 2 thanks to writer Kate Thulin and director Adam Arkin. Sloppy Joseph  sees Natasha Lyonne’s ever-brilliant Charlie Cale face a precocious, gold-star-obsessed schoolgirl named Stephanie. Stephanie (the excellent Eva Jade Halford) is a child overachiever with murder in her heart and a disturbingly methodical approach to sabotage. She’s at the top of her class, hoarding the gold stars her teacher gives out for tasks such as politeness, singing, and penmanship. That is, until Elijah (the adorable Callum Vinson) spells ‘abracadabra’ correctly and starts climbing the ranks. With 30 stars available for the upcoming talent show, she knows she must take the boy down. Naturally, she searches ‘how to kill a boy’s self-esteem’ on the school computer. We’ll forgive the child-level understanding of browser history. It’s not like Poker Face  will go there anyway. From there, things escalate wildly. Elijah is a budding magician. His talent show trick involves making the class pet, a gerbil named Joseph, disappear. For his age, he’s surprisingly good at it, which, naturally, aggravates Stephanie. Her response? Sabotage his act. It ends in a blood-splattered horror show that leaves Joseph dead and an entire assembly of children traumatised. As you can imagine, Stephanie smiles. Horrific doesn’t even begin to cover it. Yet somehow, you won’t be able to look away. Charlie, trying to reconnect with her inner child (bad call), ends up working as a dinner lady at the school. Her introduction to the students is brutal: “You look tired,” one kid tells her. Get out while you have the chance, Cale. It’s here that Dr. Ham (Margo Martindale), the morally compromised headteacher, arrives. She’s stealing petty cash to fund a gambling habit, and Charlie quickly gets entangled in a web of crimes that will make her wish she were still working in Season 1’s casino. Stephanie, it turns out, has leverage over Dr Ham. Because, of course, she does. Her parents run the very same casino that she gambles at, and they pay handsomely for their daughter's elite education. The girl knows of her stealing habits too, after catching her with her hands in the petty cash box. If Ham says anything about her behaviour, the entire school will know of her crime. This keeps her in her place - as does a 'ur mine’ friendship bracelet left on the her wrist that serves as a reminder of the evidence sitting on Stephanie's tablet. Where are this girl’s parents? No really - where ? You’ll wonder this no less than 20 times as the girl gets away with behaviour no adult would contend with. In true Poker Face  fashion, Charlie pieces together what happened through intuition and sleuthing. She finds the missing pin from Stephanie’s uniform, spots the sabotage, and, in a moment of shock, watches as Stephanie eats the evidence. Supernanny reboot, anyone? The scene does provide the funniest moment of the episode, however. Charlie shares her theory with Stephanie: “Now I think that maybe you were a little bit upset because Elijah was gaining on you, right? With those gold stars. So, you sabotaged his magic trick. Am I right?” The girl cooly responds, “No.” Forgetting her audience, Cale replies, “Bull-shoot. Bullshoot.” It’s genius. The climax involves Charlie saving face and job by confronting the culprit and helping Elijah reclaim a shred of dignity. Joseph is ‘replaced’ by another hamster, which is a lie, but a kind one that will warm your heart. Stephanie, defeated (for now), leaves Charlie with the chilling promise: ‘When I grow up I will find you.’ Let’s hope Lyonne and co stick to this promise. Sloppy Joseph is exactly the kind of episode you want from a series such as this one. The humour is perfect, the horror barely contained, and the whole thing feels sharp, even if it’s predictable. If you thought Poker Face  couldn’t get any weirder, you were dead wrong. Unfortunately, so is the gerbil. Rating: ★★★★☆ About Poker Face Poker Face . © Peacock Premiere Date:   May 8, 2025 Episode Count:  12 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Tony Tost, Ram Bergman, Nena Rodrigue, Adam Arkin, Nora Zuckerman, Lilla Zuckerman Writer: Laura Deeley, Alice Ju, Natasha Lyonne, Wyatt Cain, Tony Tost, Kate Thulin, Taofik Kolade, Megan Amram, Tea Ho, Raphie Cantor, Andrew Sodroski Director: Rian Johnson, Natasha Lyonne, Miguel Arteta, Lucky McKee, John Dahl, Adam Arkin, Mimi Cave, Adamma Ebo, Clea Duvall, Ti West Production:   Animal Pictures, T-Street Distribution:  Peacock Cast:   Natasha Lyonne, Adrienne C. Moore, Alia Shawkat, Awkwafina, Ben Marshall, B.J. Novak, Carol Kane, Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Corey Hawkins, Cynthia Erivo, David Alan Grier, David Krumholtz, Favionte "GaTa" Ganter, Ego Nwodim, Gaby Hoffmann, Geraldine Viswanathan, Giancarlo Espositio, Haley Joel Osment, Jason Ritter, John Cho, John Mulaneyy, Justin Theroux, Katherin Narducci, Katie Holmes, Kevin Corrigan, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Tom, Lili Taylor, Margo Martindale, Melanie Lynskey, Natasha Leggero, Patti Harrison, Rhea Perlman, Richard Kind, Sam Richardson, Sherry Cola, Simon Helberg, Simon Rex, Taylor Schilling Synopsis: Poker Face  is a mystery-of-the-week series following Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie, who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. She hits the road with her Plymouth Barracuda and with every stop encounters a new cast of characters and strange crimes she can’t help but solve.

Dept. Q may not boast the flashiest marketing or a sprawling budget, but this grounded and tightly written investigative drama is one of the most compelling series on the platform this year. Created by Scott Frank ( The Queen’s Gambit , Godless ) and Chandni Lakhani ( Black Mirror , Vigil ), Dept. Q  is adapted from the bestselling Danish crime novels by Jussi Adler-Olsen. The result is a slow-burning, atmospheric series with enough depth, twists, and character tension to keep genre fans glued to the screen—and eagerly anticipating more. It stars Matthew Goode, Kate Dickie, Alexej Manolov, Chloe Pirrie, Leah Byrne and Kelly Macdonald. It follows Carl Morck, who is exiled to the basement as the sole member of Dept Q (a token cold case unit meant to distract from a failing police force), as he investigates a missing persons case. Though the series is primarily an investigative thriller, the relationships within Dept. Q offer just as much intrigue as the cases themselves. It’s a rare show that knows how to balance tone — grim and intense, yet laced with dry humor and surprisingly emotional beats. Leah Byrne in Dept Q © Netflix At the heart of Dept. Q  is DCI Carl Morck, played with a perfect blend of arrogance and pain by Matthew Goode. He’s gruff, difficult, and entirely captivating, anchoring the series with gravitas. While Goode is the standout, he’s surrounded by an excellent supporting cast. Alexei Manolov is a revelation as a character who initially seems secondary but quickly proves essential — his chemistry with Goode and the rest of the team is one of the show’s best assets. Their dynamics are sharp, often funny, and help provide the levity needed in such a dark and complex narrative. Scott Frank, who directs all episodes, once again proves why he’s one of Netflix’s most reliable storytellers. His grip on tone, pacing, and tension is exceptional. Each episode ends on a tantalizing cliffhanger, making Dept. Q   incredibly bingeable. The central mystery is deliciously layered and filled with misdirection, making it nearly impossible to predict what’s coming next. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, the show pulls the rug out from under you with a twist that’s both earned and surprising. Matthew Goode in Dept Q © Netflix If there’s one gripe, it’s the underuse of Kelly Macdonald. A performer of her caliber deserved more screentime, and several of the subplots she’s involved in feel like distractions rather than enhancements. The show occasionally veers into unnecessary tangents, and there are moments where its limited budget becomes noticeable. That said, these are small complaints in the grand scheme. On the other hand, the score is haunting, the editing is tight, and the overall direction is extremely confident. Dept. Q isn’t built on spectacle but it’s a show built on strong writing, rich characters, and a mystery that respects its audience. There’s a clear roadmap for the series to grow, both in scale and ambition, and if Netflix gives it the runway, this could become one of the streamer’s prestige staples. This one is a surprise gem that deserves a wide audience, and possibly a few Emmy nods too. Here’s hoping Netflix gives this cold case unit many more mysteries to solve. Rating: ★★★★½ © Netflix About Dept Q Premiere Date:  May 29, 2025 Writer: Scott Frank, Chandni Lakhani Director: Scott Frank Production:  Left Bank Pictures, Sony Pictures Television Distribution:  Netflix Cast:   Matthew Goode, Kate Dickie, Alexej Manolov, Chloe Pirrie, Leah Byrne and Kelly Macdonald. Synopsis: DCI Carl Morck is a brilliant cop but a terrible colleague. His razor-sharp sarcasm has made him no friends in the Edinburgh police.  After a shooting that leaves a young pc dead, and his partner paralysed, he finds himself exiled to the basement and the sole member of Department Q; a newly formed cold case unit. The department is a PR stunt, there to distract the public from the failures of an under-resourced, failing police force that is glad to see the back of him. But more by accident than design, Carl starts to build a gang of waifs and strays who have everything to prove. So, when the stone-cold trail of a prominent civil servant who disappeared several years ago starts to heat up, Carl is back doing what he does best - rattling cages and refusing to take no for an answer.

Disclaimer: This review contains minor spoilers for Sunrise on the Reaping . Sunrise on the Reaping , the fifth novel of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Game s dystopia, has had some big, hand-me-down shoes to fill well before its March 2025 release. Not only does it have to follow Collins’ original Hunger Games  trilogy, set approximately 75 years following said Games’ inception; it must also fill in narrative gaps between the original trilogy and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes , in which 18-year-old future President of Panem, Coriolanus Snow’s slip-slide into fascism develops around his mentoring of District 12 longshot, Lucy Gray Baird during the long-lost 10th Games.  Fast forward 40 years without another District 12 victor: A generation before he reluctantly mentors original trilogy victors, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark,  fan favorite alcoholic curmudgeon, Haymitch Abernathy, ‘celebrates’ his 16th birthday (on the Fourth of July) by being Reaped for the 50th Games, aka the second Quarter Quell, wherein 48 children are chosen to compete vs. the typical 24. In the Games, conceived by Snow’s father for a school assignment as a means of keeping the Districts (formerly the continental United States) under the thumb of the Capitol (formerly Colorado ), kids aged 12-18 fight to the death in an arena that is often a death trap itself in a dizzyingly violent melee of war-cum-reality TV . Each victor then receives a house, ‘extra’ food for their District for the year, and the ‘privilege’ of mentoring each ensuing year’s unlucky competitors. “They Will Not Use My Tears for Their Entertainment” An aspect of the Games that both Songbirds  and Sunrise  hammer home is that the Capitol always has the final say in regard to scorekeeping. In the former, Lucy Gray Baird’s Reaping is blatantly manipulated by District 12's mayor, whose daughter holds a grudge against her over a boy. Likewise, Haymitch’s name does not initially get picked; rather, after one of the chosen contestants is gunned down by Capitol police (‘Peacekeepers’) for attempting to flee, Haymitch attempts to diffuse the tension, only to become his predecessor’s unwitting replacement. In addition, an accident during the Games’ opening ceremony leaves yet another District 12 competitor dead pre-arena. The Capitol’s solution: Brainwashing a District 11 look-alike and forcing her to compete in her own predecessor’s place. Lionsgate’s upcoming film adaptation has officially cast Molly McCann  and Iona Bell  as 13-year-old Louella McCoy and Lou Lou, respectively. Like Katniss’ arena ally, Rue, Louella / Lou Lou’s fresh-faced innocence only adds to the seemingly endless heartbreak that ensues, to say nothing of the grisly fate (even by Hunger Games  standards) of Games mentor, Beetee’s son, who gets Reaped as revenge for Beetee’s sabotaging of the Capitol’s communication system. Naturally, Hunger Games  fans are eager to draw intergenerational parallels, something that Sunrise on the Reaping  delivers in spades, albeit with respectable subtlety. Many family surnames crop up repeatedly - the Abernathys, Haymitch informs readers, are known troublemakers, for instance, hence his girlfriend, Lenore Dove’s guardians’ reluctance to allow them to be together. Lenore Dove herself is a descendant of the Romani-coded Covey, traveling musicians that were rounded up by the Capitol and forced to remain in District 12. Collins does not specify whether Lenore Dove and Lucy Gray share a bloodline, but their rebellious spirits and shared love for music make them forces to be reckoned with in their respective eras. Perhaps even more satisfying is Haymitch’s long-secret familial connection to Katniss, as well as Effie Trinket’s own unceremonious introduction to Capitol servitude (and Haymitch) as a last-minute style consultant following the dastardly dysfunctional Magno Stift’s failure to do the job. Less surprising is the subterfuge undertaken by a young Plutarch Heavensbee, whose family wealth and Capitol connections allow him more privacy and privilege than the average citizen. Thus, Heavensbee hosts meetings in his home at President Snow’s behest and also helps sow the seeds of future rebellion alongside Games mentors like the aforementioned Beetee, Mags, and Wiress. Panem’s #1 Peacekeeper That Haymitch and Snow do not interact during the original trilogy makes their frequent parallels throughout Sunrise on the Reaping  especially intriguing. That is, though the Abernathys have a rebellious reputation, Haymitch does not find himself on Snow’s radar until he makes things personal, including blaming him publicly for Louella’s aforementioned death. Though Haymitch’s actions are naturally censored by Panem’s media, Snow seems to take pleasure in making life as difficult as possible for him, both during the second Quarter Quell and beyond. Snow’s ruthlessness - not to mention, the fact that he is 58 years old during Sunrise  - solidifies his repulsiveness far more effectively than his barely legal Songbirds  incarnation; think Darth Vader during the 2022 Kenobi  TV series (Disney+) at the height of his power. Sunrise -era Snow is no “ Thirst Trap Villain ,” to put it mildly. On the other hand, there is even more to love about Haymitch therein, including the trauma-laden pathos underlying his future alcoholism. Like Katniss, Haymitch has a mother and a younger sibling whom he assists via chores and bootlegging white liquor, as well as his relationship with Lenore Dove, of course, whom he loves “like all-fire.” On her official website, Suzanne Collins notes that a frequent motif throughout Sunrise on the Reaping  is “David Hume’s idea of implicit submission ,” aka “‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few.’” The more that Haymitch pushes back against Capitol interference in his life and those of his loved ones, the more creatively sadistic President Snow’s responses become; and yet, submission to fascism is simply not in Haymitch’s nature, and thus, he commits to fighting it, regardless of the cost.  Smarter Or Luckier? Unsurprisingly, many themes in Sunrise , and indeed, throughout the Hunger Games  franchise as a whole, parallel modern world events; art imitates life, with Collins’ writing and world-building yet managing to avoid both ham-handed moralizing and pulling punches regarding the consequences of the unending horrors of Panem. The novel’s 400 pages fly by; like the other Hunger Games  novels, Sunrise  contains 27 chapters split into three equal parts. In Songbirds , the actual Games portion of the novel concludes in Part II, thus allotting the final third act to young Coriolanus Snow’s burgeoning fascism. On the other hand, Haymitch’s turn in the arena during the second Quarter Quell leaks into the majority of the latter half of the book, an effective means of portraying the excruciating wait for the other 47 kids in there with him to die. That Haymitch begrudgingly accepts that many of the younger Tributes naturally gravitate towards him for protection only adds to said suspense and heartbreak. Overall, Sunrise on the Reaping  does not disappoint. Collins juggles an intimidating number of characters and manages to make the reader care about most of them - Maysilee Donner, the snobbiest girl in District 12 and a fellow Tribute, for example, is a stand-out addition to the story, due to Collins’ complex characterization. In that vein, one wonders whether the seemingly inevitable third prequel trilogy novel will focus around fleshing out, say, a Career Tribute from District 1 or 2. In an ever-increasingly plugged-in and tuned-out world, seeing people excited to read (per Scholastic , 1.2 million copies of Sunrise  were sold in the United States in the first week alone) is heartening. Likewise, the franchise’s zeitgeist - a Nexus Point News exclusive  recently revealed Lionsgate’s decision to cast Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, for instance - ensures that there is plenty more on the horizon. Rating: ★★★★★ About Sunrise on the Reaping Sunrise on the Reaping . © Scholastic Release Date:   March 18, 2025 Writer: Suzanne Collins Genres: Science fiction, Dystopian Fiction Page Count:  400 Cover Artist: Tim O'Brien Publisher: Scholastic Synopsis: As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch's name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He's torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

Nexus Point News can exclusively report that Will Catlett has joined the main cast of the upcoming Friday the 13th prequel series, Crystal Lake . Catlett is set to portray Levon Brooks, Crystal Lake’s chief of police. Catlett is best known for his roles in the CW’s Black Lightning , Netflix’s True Story , and most recently in horror films, Abigail and Never Let Go .  The series is set to explore Pamela Voorhees’ life at Crystal Lake and the events leading up to the death of her son, Jason. Brad Caleb Kane ( Tokyo Vice ) created the series and will write, showrun, and executive produce. Michael Lennox ( Derry Girls ) will serve as director and executive producer. Production is set to begin in June in New Jersey. In March of this year, Linda Cardellini joined the cast as Pamela. Crystal Lake is currently being developed by A24 to be released on Peacock. This story is still developing.

Another 104 days of summer vacation are back with Phineas & Ferb . Disney Channel's hit animated series has been revived for a fifth season to make its mark in the age of comebacks. The beloved series follows brilliant stepbrothers, Phineas Flynn and Ferb Fletcher, as they spend their summer building or discovering something new. Either way, it should not exist, especially as far as their big sister Candace is concerned. She makes it her life's mission to "bust" her brothers to their mother, only to fail spectacularly every single time. Meanwhile, their pet platypus lives a double life as a secret agent. Phineas & Ferb might be Disney Channel's answer to Nickelodeon's SpongeBob. The series made history when it premiered in 2007 as fans fell in love with Phineas, Ferb, and of course, Perry The Platypus. Their wild inventions, hilarious shenanigans, upbeat music, and hallmark moments invited us to an amazing summer vacation that somehow lasted for four years. It was a bittersweet moment when the show ended its run in 2015. Following the success of Phineas & Ferb: Candace Against The Universe, the Disney overlords took note of the audience hungry for more of this world with the asymmetrical brothers we know and love. As fate would have it, the original creators, Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, agreed and were more than happy to deliver. Thank the Heavens for them both because Phineas & Ferb season 5 captures the feeling of reuniting with family after a long time apart. The more things change, the more Phineas & Ferb stays the same © Disney The fifth season kicks off in the summer after the boys and their crew finally return to school. For those of you who wanted to see them during college years, that's not happening. Don't worry about it. No time is wasted getting back to the summer shenanigans. The 2D world comes alive with the flair that screams Phineas & Ferb . The infectious music's energy triggers toe-tapping, head-bobbing, and smiles from ear to ear. It is nostalgia bait, yes, but it hooks us in for a great time with an endearing story that builds suspense while cracking jokes, while each character's identity remains uncompromised. Vincent Martella is as charismatic and brilliant as ever, leading the charge as Phineas, and David Errigo Jr. fills the void left by Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Ferb. Do not worry, you will not notice that Ferb has a new voice. Alyson Stoner, Dee Bradley Baker, Bobby Gaylor, Maulik Pancholy, Dan Povenmire, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, Caroline Rhea, and Tyler Alexander Mann return, like it's business as usual, in possibly the best job on Earth. Lastly, Ashley Tisdale stands out as Candace becomes less of a foil, and more of an anchor to her brothers. A look at family through Buster's eyes © Disney Dire circumstances force Candace to join her brothers on their adventures before her attempts to expose them backfire horrendously. She is still a hilariously annoying snitch with a high failure count, positioning her as the second least fortunate character after Doofenschmirtz. However, season five reminds us how family motivates her choices as she is thrust into saving her mother or helping her brothers in any way she can when the situation demands it. Although Candace is not the primary protagonist, she drives the narrative as a vessel for viewers. The overarching theme of Phineas & Ferb's fifth season is family. Through her eyes, we see how the time spent with family is precious and should never be taken for granted. Beef may be on the verge of Expiration The rivalry between Perry the Platypus and his arch nemesis, who might be his best friend, Doctor Doofenshmirtz, ends up being the weakest aspect of the season. Doofenshmirtz awakens one morning, decides to be evil again, and makes it everyone's problem for no reason at all. Of course, Perry must stop him. That's it, nothing ignites their subplot. Watching Perry face off against Doofenshmirtz has been fun in the original run, but their renewed antagonism feels dry. You can still get a chuckle as Doofenschmirtz makes you question his qualifications as a doctor, beyond that, jokes don't land as they should when he and Perry fight each other. Major Monogram and Carl are funnier with their limited screen time. The affinity towards Perry and Doofenshmirtz is not called into question, the duo simply needs more substantial material. They both have something to offer to the story, as you will see in the season 5 premiere. Their subplot masterfully evolves into the main plot of the episode, uniting Phineas, Ferb, and Candace together to save someone they love. Summer Belongs To Phineas & Ferb © Disney In the last 104 days of summer vacation, Phineas & Ferb caused an astonishing generational impact. If season five is any indication, they are on the verge of causing another one. While Perry and Doofenshmirtz struggle to reignite the spark in their weird relationship, Phineas, Ferb, and the rest of the gang remain unimpaired by the time apart. Get ready for another summer, which will probably go way beyond 104 days, to join Phineas & Ferb on their adventures, laughing with them, or at Candace, and embracing their family like your own. Rating: ★★★★☆ About Phineas & Ferb Premiere Date:  June 5, 2025 Episode Count:  9 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Dan Povenmire, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh Writers: Dan Povenmire, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh Directors: Dan Povenmire, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh Production:  Disney Television Animation Distribution:   Cast:   Vincent Martella, David Errigo Jr., Ashley Tisdale, Alyson Stoner, Dee Bradley Baker, Bobby Gaylor, Maulik Pancholy, Dan Povenmire, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, Tyler Alexander Mann, Caroline Rhea Synopsis: The series follows the inventive stepbrothers as they tackle another 104 days of summer. Candace is more determined than ever to finally bust her little brothers, while their pet platypus, Perry, continues to lead a double life as the suave “Agent P,” whose sole mission is to thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz from taking over the Tri-State Area.

© Marvel Since the first issue, Magik  has chronicled Illyana Rasputin’s uphill battle against seemingly insurmountable odds. With the destruction of the first seal of Liminal’s prison and the loss of one of the few who understood how to prevent the demon’s rise, the threat of an apocalyptic future loomed large. On top of that, Illyana has had to confront her most dangerous enemy —herself — through the dark persona of the Darkchild. These past five issues have tested her deeply, but Magik  #5 suggests the tide may finally be turning. Illyana’s ally in this fight, Dani Moonstar (a.k.a. Mirage), continues to stand by her, but their partnership has been strained. The fear of Darkchild's re-emergence has driven a wedge between them, leading to frequent clashes. Despite their formidable powers, the pair can’t prevent the breaking of the fifth sea, and with it, the rising of their terrifying foe. © Marvel Liminal is no ordinary villain. Like Magik in her time as the Queen of Limbo, he commands a horde of demons and intends to unleash them upon Earth. But first, he seeks to force Illyana to surrender to Darkchild, hoping to bring her fully under its influence. This is where the story digs deep, evoking themes familiar to fans of characters like Jean Grey and Wanda Maximoff, heroes who have had to wrestle with the darker actions of their past to find strength and acceptance. That same journey unfolds here. In a compelling twist, Illyana’s power comes not from rejecting Darkchild, as she once did with Limbo, but from embracing it. By accepting this part of herself, she gains a new level of control and clarity — an evolution that allows her to outmaneuver Liminal when he least expects it. This narrative choice is not only powerful but true to Illyana’s ongoing arc across various titles, including Vita Ayala’s New Mutants  and the Labors of Magik  storyline. Yet, the final blow against Liminal doesn’t come from Magik herself, but from Cal, a young mage introduced in issue one, grieving the loss of his grandmother. His sacrifice resonates deeply with Illyana, who knows all too well the cost of lost childhood and premature responsibility. Dani’s reminder — that it was Cal’s choice — leads to a quiet but poignant reckoning, capped by her calling Illyana out on what it truly means to lead and protect others. It's another emotional gut-punch that leaves Illyana subdued and introspective in the issue’s closing moments. But just when it seems she’s ready to collapse under the weight of it all, an unexpected cameo from Cyclops (Scott Summers) delivers some truth and compassion she may need. His heartfelt pep talk, rich with references to their shared history, feels earned and genuine. Writer Allen does a phenomenal job with these characters by balancing criticism with compassion and showing a deep understanding of each of their voices. All in all, Magik  #5 delivers a powerful and satisfying conclusion to the series’ first arc. It has everything fans could want: sorcery, demons, sword fights, New Mutants, and deep character growth. But rather than simply saying "this book has it all," I’ll just say this: I hope this creative team keeps going strong. I’m excited to see what the next chapter in Magik’s legacy brings. © Marvel About Magik #5 Release Date:  March 28, 2025 Written by:  Ashley Allen Art by: German Peralta Cover by: J. Scott Campbell Page Count: 27 Synopsis :  THE FIFTH SEAL IS OPENED! With Liminal's release on the horizon and Darkchild's power growing, Magik is out of time to save the world. Can Cal and Dani Moonstar turn the tide? Or did Magik know exactly how things would end when she surrounded herself with Demon Slayers?

Conceived as the final installment in a trilogy that includes WandaVision and Agatha All Along , Marvel Television’s upcoming Vision Quest began as the next chapter from WandaVision creator Jac Schaeffer. In May 2024, acclaimed Star Trek: Picard showrunner Terry Matalas joined the project, bringing with him a team of trusted collaborators: Chris Monfette, Cindy Appel, Matt Okumura, and Michael A. Taylor — many of whom worked with him on Star Trek: Picard . When we last saw White Vision, he had just left Wanda’s hex, his original memories restored by the Vision created within it. However, his emotional state remained ambiguous — does he possess any capacity for human feeling? That mystery lies at the heart of Vision Quest (also referred to as the Untitled Vision Series ), which will continue his journey of finding his identity, memory, and humanity. Here’s everything we know so far about the series: THE CAST Paul Bettany is set to reprise his role as Vision in the series. His journey in the MCU began as the voice of J.A.R.V.I.S. in the Iron Man films and evolved into a full-fledged Avenger by the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron . By WandaVision , Vision had become one of the most emotionally resonant and complex characters in the franchise. While it's hard to imagine Vision without Wanda by his side, Vision Quest aims to explore what becomes of him in her absence. Ruaridh Mollica is a mysterious addition to the Vision Quest cast. According to Deadline , he’ll be playing a character named Tucker, but there’s a strong possibility that the name is a placeholder or a misdirect. This wouldn’t be the first time Marvel has kept a character’s true identity under wraps. In Agatha All Along , Joe Locke was credited as “Teen” before being revealed as Billy Maximoff / Billy Kaplan, the reincarnated son of Wanda and Vision. Given the precedent, there’s substantial speculation that Mollica could be playing either Billy’s twin brother, Tommy, or perhaps Vin, a synthezoid son Vision created in the comics. James Spader is also set to return as the voice of Ultron in Vision Quest , marking a major comeback for one of the MCU’s most formidable villains. It’s a fitting development since Vision was only born because the Avengers intercepted the body Ultron intended for himself. Their fates have always been intertwined. While Ultron was seemingly destroyed at the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron , his consciousness once resided in the vast reaches of the internet. It’s entirely plausible that some fragment of him survived, waiting for the right moment to resurface. T'Nia Miller has been cast as Jocasta in the series, according to Daniel Richtman and Deadline. Jocasta was originially built to be Ultron's bride in the comics. Nexus Point News have previously reported that Jocasta would appear in the series, and she is described as being cunning, powerful, determined, and motivated by revenge.  Todd Stashwick , a frequent collaborator of Terry Matalas from their time on Star Trek: Picard , has joined the cast of Vision Quest as an assassin pursuing Vision for the powerful and advanced technology he embodies, per THR . Faran Tahir will reprise his role as Raza, the leader of the Ten Rings from the original Iron Man film, according to Deadline. Although Raza was believed to have been killed by Obadiah Stane, his return in Vision Quest opens the door to intriguing possibilities. One likely scenario is that his appearance will come via flashbacks to the era when Vision existed as J.A.R.V.I.S. As Vision explores his fragmented past, revisiting key moments from his time as J.A.R.V.I.S. could be essential to understanding his full evolution. Emily Hampshire , known for her work with Terry Matalas on 12 Monkeys , has joined the cast of Vision Quest . Nexus Point News can corroborate Hampshire's involvement. According to scooper Daniel Richtman, she is reportedly playing the human form of E.D.I.T.H., the advanced AI introduced in Spider-Man: Far From Home . DIRECTORS The Vision Quest directing team brings together veteran storytellers from science fiction and fantasy television: Terry Matalas – Known for 12 Monkeys and Star Trek: Picard , Matalas also serves as showrunner. Gandja Monteiro – Previously directed episodes of Agatha All Along and Wednesday . Christopher J. Byrne – A frequent Matalas collaborator, with credits on 12 Monkeys and American Gods . Vincenzo Natali – Best known for his work on The Peripheral , Locke & Key , and the cult classic Cube . CINEMATOGRAPHERS Vision Quest brings high-caliber visual talent behind the camera: Christopher Ross – Known for his work on Shōgun and The Day of the Jackal series. Neville Kidd – Known for his visually distinctive work on The Umbrella Academy , Altered Carbon , and BBC’s Sherlock COSTUME AND HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGN Sarah Young steps into the role of costume designer for Vision Quest with an impressive background in both period and superhero films. She previously served as associate costume designer on Cruella and assistant costume designer on the Oscar-winning The Favourite . She also worked as an assistant costume designer on Avengers: Age of Ultron , which gives her direct experience with Vision’s origin and the broader MCU aesthetic. Frances Hounsom joins the series as the Hair & Makeup Designer. Her previous work includes Black Bag and the acclaimed anthology series Black Mirror . PRODUCTION DESIGN Will Hughes-Jones joins Vision Quest as production designer. His previous work includes the lavish period aesthetics of Bridgerton, and The Alienist . EDITOR Amelia Allwarden will serve as the editor. Her past work includes Westworld , Dune: Prophecy , and Overcompensating . Vision Quest will stream on Disney Plus in 2026.