When you try to wrap your head around the sheer breadth of the Epic Fantasy landscape, you soon realize that even reading the most popular and acclaimed book series will take you a lifetime. And we all know that to-be-read list isn't getting shorter.

At this point, most would opt to stick to the names that have stood the test of time. Books that not only celebrated the speculative tradition but redefined the entertainment industry and pop culture on a large scale. And sure, there is nothing wrong with this approach, but what if there were a myriad of amazing books — some even genuinely better than the supposed quintessential tour de force storytellers out there — that you’d be missing out on just because you decided to play it safe?

You understand where I’m going with this, of course. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most underrated yet acclaimed fantasy book series in history to give you a taste of the storytelling feats a few daring authors have pulled off at the outskirts of this imaginative enterprise.

Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

You’d find yourself in no shortage of book readers eager to sing the praises of Malazan Book of the Fallen as one of the most ambitious fictional worlds out there, but the fact remains that Steven Erikson’s spiraling grimdark fantasy tale is still not as popular as you'd expect a narrative of this caliber to be. Reading Malazan is a viciously difficult undertaking in and of itself, but if you manage it, it will end up changing more than just the way you view life.

The Black Company by Glen Cook

Many contemporary writers — especially in the grimdark scene — would cite Glen Cook as one of their huge inspirations. Yet when all is said and done, his Magnum opus, The Black Company, remains relatively obscure. If you’re craving a military fantasy tale spearheaded by memorable characters, then you’d be hard-pressed to find anything better than The Black Company. Be forewarned, though; the book is a slow-burner, so you have to bring yourself to power through the first 100 pages.

The Drenai Series by David Gemmell

Consisting of 11 novels, The Drenai Series by David Gemmell is often cited as one of the most influential works of fantasy after Tolkien, but rarely do we see it get the recognition it deserves. Every novel in this series, starting with 1984’s Legend, is self-contained and centers around a particular conflict and period in the Drenai world. The story is about heroism, moral philosophy, and existential musings tied into a fictional world resembling medieval Europe. If you love the works of such writers as Joe Abercrombie, Brandon Sanderson, and Mark Lawrence, it might interest you to know that all of them have taken inspiration from David Gemmell.

The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander

A lot of readers might feel as though fantasy is taking itself way too seriously nowadays. Remember the simple times when we had a Hobbit going on unlikely adventures, facing dragons, and living to tell the tale? Well, if you miss the subtle brilliance of those early stories, then The Chronicles of Prydain is the series you need to pick up immediately. Consisting of 5 books, Prydain revolves around a young assistant pig-keeper named Taran who dreams of adventure, and he soon grows to learn that his own journey is riddled with more than just heroism and excitement.

The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny

Roger Zelazny is one of the biggest names in speculative fiction and a writer whose voice informed much of the tropes in both fantasy and sci-fi in the ‘70s. Zelazny’s best-known series is The Chronicles of Amber, a meta-story taking place in the realms of Amber, Chaos, and the Shadow worlds in between, one of which is our own Earth. The Chronicles of Amber has been hugely influential in the world of fantasy, and it's not just the story’s allusions to William Shakespeare that have turned it into a timeless tale.

The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington

James Islington is a new voice in the Epic Fantasy genre, but he’s managed to work up quite the hype maelstrom despite his rather fresh entry. The Licanius Trilogy involves a looming war and an ancient prophecy, which is the bread and butter of every traditional fantasy story. But what makes The Licanius Trilogy unique is its intricate worldbuilding. You might be confused at first, but things will start to make sense by the time you reach the finish line, and the payoff is going to be worth every minute you spend in this world.

The Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne

Opinions about The Faithful and the Fallen series by John Gwynne are usually a mixed bag; you either absolutely love these books to the point that they become some of your all-time favorites, or you hate them with a passion. Titled Malice, Valour, Ruin, and Wrath, this tetralogy might not have a whole lot of originality going for it, mostly finding itself in the generic trope-filled section of the fantasy shelf, but Gwynne’s confident prose and characterization make it work. Besides, the man writes some of the best action you’re ever going to see in Epic Fantasy.

The Fire Sacraments by Robert V.S. Redick

The first book in The Fire Sacraments series by Robert V.S. Redick is titled Master Assassins, promptly making you roll your eyes and dismiss it out of hand because you’ve seen the premise, or even the title, dozens of times already. But then, you’d be making one of the gravest mistakes in your literary lifetime because just about the only thing that’s mediocre about The Fire Sacraments is its title. This is currently one of the most underrated fantasy books out there, and I have almost no doubt that it’s going to blow up considerably in the years to come.

The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay

If you want a Lord of the Rings clone that comes anywhere close to those same literary, storytelling, and world-building heights, you have to read Guy Gavriel Kay. The Fionavar Tapestry is a severely underrated fantasy series that’s constantly paying homage to Tolkien and other respectable traditional High Fantasy books of yore. It also helps that Gavriel Kay actually worked with Christopher Tolkien to edit The Silmarillion back in the late ‘70s. If you’re having trouble finding a voice that can scratch that particular Middle-earth itch, The Fionavar Tapestry is your best bet.

The Powder Mage by Brian McClellan

There aren’t a lot of examples of what the High Fantasy community has come to refer to as “flintlock” fantasy. Suppose the genre is defined by its reliance on the so-called sword and sorcery. In that case, flintlock fantasy books like Promise of Blood, a part of Brian McClellan’s The Powder Mage, take viewers into the near future, where gunpowder is changing the face of society forever. If you want a fantasy book series with a unique world-building angle, then The Powder Mage trilogy is for you.

The post 10 most underrated fantasy books appeared first on Destructoid.

To be considered one of the best of the best in science fiction literature, you need a repertoire of books and some game-changing titles. However, it is always good to support the new authors in sci-fi and maybe watch one of them bloom into a writing legend. Here are a few I think should be quietly, but expectantly, watched in 2024.

There are so many new writers every year, especially in the science fiction genre. Some of them go on to be the next Iain M. Banks, but the majority sink into obscurity. Whether this is because they're not up to scratch or simply just not discovered is anyone's guess. However, pick one or two of these up, and you'll be sure to get a view into what the new trends are and what some of the best new writers in sci-fi are producing.

Tlotlo Tsamaase

Womb Cities' genre-blending mash-up of Cyberpunk, Afrofuturism, Horror, and science fiction hits so many of the greatest subgenres it's almost impossible to fail... if done right. However, Tlotlo Tsamaase nails it with her first full-length book, which has elements of Altered Carbon body-hopping and Brave New World levels of surveillance states. The narrative has deep sci-fi elements combined perfectly with a trapped and paranoid horror that leaves every page a tense turn. If you're a fan of Afrofuturism cyberpunk, there are some fantastic books to choose from.

In the Botswana portrayed in this sci-fi book, our new author imagines a world in which consciousness can be transferred between bodies, but at the cost of freedom. Our main character seemingly has everything she could want. She has wealth, renown, and a baby being grown in the government child vats. However, she risks losing it all after one wild night leaves her hiding a body. With a police husband who watches her every move, can she cover up her mistake and still keep her child, or is the oppressive world of the future going to take it all?

Oliver K. Langmead

I think K. Langmead, one of the new, up-and-coming sci-fi authors, has the imagination and creativity to go places. His work with Calypso is just proof of this. In this work from 2024, the colony ship, destined to populate a new planet, has gone the way of a new religion after traveling between the stars for generations. The enclosed world of the admittedly huge vessel is the stage for a slice of humanity that has gone to war with themselves and come out on the side of nature.

Calypso is about a woman who is the last to wake from cryosleep and is revered as a deity. The ship has become a forest after two factions go to war. One believes they should turn the new planet into a technology hub, the others believe in a green earth. The latter won the fight. What Calypso really shows off is K. Langmeads ability to invent, and expand on a theory. He breaks down the possibilities of a society left to its own devices, and these are the markings of truly great new sci-fi authors.

Kate Mildenhall

Like many of the greats of sci-fi, the genre doesn't need to be everything to the author. Kate Mildenhall is coming out in the literary world to resounding praise, and she is writing with true freedom. Her first science fiction novel, The Hummingbird Effect, weaves together six time-spanning narratives akin to The Female Man. Mildenhall looks at multiple women narratives throughout time ranging from the past to the distant future, carrying the theme of the woman and her ability to cope and persevere.

Mildenhall has written in several other genres, including thrillers and historical fiction. However, this foray into science fiction shows off her ability to adapt to the weird and wonderful world of the future and technology. As a writer who clearly loves exploring concepts and the human psyche, science fiction could end up serving her very well as one of the new sci-fi authors in the years to come.

Justin Cronin

Science fiction moves through the ages, adapting to the environment and group mentality of its environment. Before the Second World War, science fiction was mostly positive, believing in a possible utopia. However, once the atomic bomb fell, everything changed. In the modern age of science fiction, I feel there is a prevalence of suspicion and paranoia pointed at the powers that be. A running theme of mistrust of institutions and a lack of autonomy seems to run true through many of sci-fi's new authors. Justin Cronin captures this in his first science fiction novel, The Ferryman.

Although Cronin has touched on science fiction elements with his Passage trilogy, The Ferryman is his first real exploration of the genre. The book takes a look at the idea of recyclable bodies. The island is a utopia, with people being told about their coming deaths by a chip in their arm. When their time comes, they visit the ferryman who takes their bodies to be recycled. However, as our protagonist, the ferryman, comes to the end of his life, he starts to realize this peaceful utopia may be covering up some rather dark secrets.

Kaliane Bradley

Time travel is a trope used frequently throughout the sci-fi genre, to varying degrees of success. In Kaliane Bradley's debut sci-fi novel, The Ministry of Time, she takes the often convoluted topic and makes it completely mundane in the funniest way. Time travel leaves a narrative open to huge amounts of creativity, and Bradley has used it to produce a truly gripping and very funny story. In a world where time travel is possible, it has been incredibly bureaucratized in a way that only human beings ever could. This gives space for Bradley to flex her sci-fi creative muscles and bring characters out of their usual settings and into somewhere completely new.

The Ministry of Time is set in a world where time travel is now possible. It is up to the protagonist to act as a 'Bridge' with the responsibility of helping time-traveling people from the past adjust to the modern age. This leaves the story open to some hilarious observations from a man transported from 1845 and the shock of living with a modern woman in a modern age. This hilarious, inwardly turned view of modern society promises great things from this new, up-and-coming sci-fi author.

Cixin Liu

Despite having published work for the past twenty years or more, Cixin Liu still has a vast amount of potential as a new sci-fi author. His most famous work, The Three-Body Problem, has been turned into a successful Netflix show. Cixin Liu is a modern writer, focussing on the hard sci-fi element of the genre. He isn't afraid to tackle serious, technical science fiction in a way that often scares many authors away. He plays with current technology and theories, painting pictures that we could easily, as readers, see ourselves living within. The Three-Body Problem trilogy is a magnificent example of just what he can do as an up-and-coming sci-fi writer.

Hard sci-fi is the idea of writing science fiction as far from the fantasy border as possible. The theories and concepts within this sub-genre need to be plausible and relatable. Cixin Liu captures these perfectly, building scenarios that could easily be realized on the earth we know today. With the roaring success of The Three Body Problem, I hope to see many more works in this fantastic sci-fi writer's career.

Yume Kitasei

With two books under her belt, written in quick succession, Yume Kitasei is on the road to being one of the shining lights in the list of new sci-fi authors. She isn't afraid to paint huge intergalactic pictures. In doing so, she never loses sight of the smaller things, either. Her characters are still intricate and personal, despite existing in often huge spaces. With her first book, The Deep Sky, being set on a colony ship, she then spread her creative wings and her her second, The Stardust Grail, being intergalactic.

These two books, contrasting in scale, still focus on one central character. Her sci-fi explores the ideas of colonialism and race while still providing a gripping read. Kitsei has blended genres with each of her two current books. The first, Deep Sky, is a thrilling murder mystery. However, her second, Stardust Grail, is a heist narrative with some very serious repercussions.

Chris Cosmain

With only one book under his belt so far, Chris Cosmain is making waves in the new sci-fi authors scene. His book, Navikov Windows, deals with time travel and the issues surrounding it. However, with time travel novels, there are always people who get hung up on the technicalities. Hard sci-fi demands we explain the paradoxes and many time loop issues. If you somehow stop your grandad from sleeping with your grandma, how did you exist and do it in the first place, etc? However, Cosmain faces these conundrums one by one.

In this book, time is predetermined. A time traveler heads back in time to build the time machine the world will eventually use. However, he explains to the people building it that there is no free will and that everything is already played out. The folks working on the time machine aren't exactly overjoyed with this revelation. Navikov Windows explores the psychological weight of this knowledge.

Nick Harkaway

Pick up a book by Nick Harkaway, and you're guaranteed a wild ride. With a few published books under his belt, this new sci-fi author has real potential. His two main publications, Gnomon and Titanium Noir, are only the first installments in a series. This promises at least a few more books as we look into this sci-fi author's future. He shows great skill in genre-blending, with Titanium Noir being the perfect example of cyberpunk and gritty crime fiction. These, in my opinion, are two genres that were born to be combined, and he does it well.

Nick Harkaway, as a writer, doesn't shy away from narratives dripping in criticisms of the world of today. By painting dystopias, such as the Big Brother style world of tomorrow in Gnomon, we are made to look at the direction we are moving and question if it is right. Harkaway writes vast and complex stories that will keep you turning page after page, waiting for the next big reveal.

Kira Peikoff

With a number of books under her belt already, Kira Peikoff is becoming one of the most highly anticipated new sci-fi authors on the market. With her latest success with Baby X, she is only paving the way for her future as one of the modern greats. She combined Black Mirror-esque horror with a decidedly science-fiction theme. The verisimilitude of the worlds of her science fiction narratives makes the reality she weaves all that more terrifying to the modern reader. It's not so much a case of if these futuristic horrors will happen, and much more a case of when. As a crossover, sci-fi horror is one of my favourites.

With Baby X, the near future of the USA has a new celebrity fixation. With the very real and present IVG technology, any cells can be used to create sperm and eggs. This means that if you're able to somehow swipe someone's DNA, their DNA can be used to create a child. Because of this, celebrity DNA is often sold on the black market to fans and other unhinged people. However, one celebrity is tired of it, and hired security to protect him from the DNA thieves. The narrative follows the relationship between the guard and her task to protect this man from potential threats. However, it's never going to be that simple. This is another one of those books that could make a great video game.

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This article includes spoilers for Deadpool & Wolverine, in theaters now.

With much anticipation and speculation behind it, Deadpool & Wolverine has finally made it to the movies. The third Deadpool feature has absolutely blown away audiences and critics alike, putting up strong numbers on Rotten Tomatoes and making a nice chunk of change at the global box office to kick off its run.

A lot of components have come together to make this possible, from the litany of huge surprise appearances and the triumphant return of Hugh Jackman to the role of Wolverine. However, let's not forget the person who serves as the film's crown jewel.

Ryan Reynolds is excellent as Wade "Deadpool" Wilson, bringing comedy, action, and a bit of heart to the Marvel Comics favorite. He clearly has fun with the material, especially that which takes aim at 20th Century Fox, Disney, and the Marvel Studios machine, and provides a performance worthy of the Merc with a Mouth's Marvel Cinematic Universe debut. All of that is to say that he has further solidified himself as the Deadpool actor, making it even more difficult to remember that it's not his first Marvel movie role.

No, we're not talking about that awful Deadpool from X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Instead, we're shining a spotlight on Reynolds' real first Marvel character: Hannibal King from 2004's Blade: Trinity. Here's the rundown on this oft-forgotten Marvel comic and film supporting player.

Who is King in Marvel Comics lore?

Though he makes his big screen debut in the aforementioned Blade: Trinity, King's existence in Marvel Comics dates back decades before. The character, created by Gene Colan and Marv Wolfman, is introduced in Tomb of Dracula #25 in 1974, going on to appear as a supporting character in numerous stories in the following years. Turned into a vampire by Deacon Frost at a young age, he vows to never feed on the living nor use his vampiric abilities in battle, relying on his learned abilities and arsenal of weapons instead.

All in all, King is far from a main Marvel character, but he boasts and impressive resume all the same. He has worked extensively with Blade, Spider-Man, and Doctor Strange, featured on teams such as the Nightstalkers, the Defenders, and the Midnight Suns, and battled such foes as the Darkholders, Dracula, and Lilith. With all of that in mind, he sounds like a pretty awesome character. Unfortunately, there are a few big reasons why his film equivalent isn't looked upon with such reverence.

Reynolds' King doesn't much resemble his print counterpart

All of that cool information about King can go right out the window when it comes to Blade: Trinity. While Reynolds' King did become a vampire, he was ultimately cured by the Nightstalkers before joining the team. He grows especially close with Abigail Whistler (Jessica Biel), the daughter of Blade's (Wesley Snipes) mentor, Abraham Whistler (Kris Kristofferson), who joins him in breaking Blade out of custody and recruiting him to their cause. From here, King pretty much becomes a generic quippy action guy.

While Blade is cool and Abigail is efficient, King provides a bit of comic relief while blasting away at vampires. His past as a member of the House of Talos, led by the film's main villain and the vampire who turned him, Danica Talos (Parker Posey), is touched on here and there, but it doesn't get much room to breathe. Like most Marvel Comics adaptations of the era, Blade: Trinity misses the mark in the comic-accuracy department and fails to justify its source material changes, with its version of King exemplifying that perfectly.

Could Hannibal King join the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

In one of the most stunning moments of Deadpool & Wolverine, the titular mutants encounter a ragtag band of Multiverse heroes while in the Void. Among them is none other than Snipes' Blade, making his return to the silver screen as the Daywalker after 20 years. Not only was it shocking to see him because of that fact, but also because of the supposed previous animosity between Snipes and Reynolds, which stemmed from their time on the Blade: Trinity set. The latter made it known that the Blade actor didn't care for him in an interview with IGN and even made a meta joke about their tension in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Thankfully, it appears Snipes and Reynolds buried the hatchet a long time ago. Snipes went as far as to tell Entertainment Weekly that the two have actually been friends all along. So, with that said, and assuming the character isn't dead or was swallowed up by Alioth, could Reynolds return as King in the MCU down the line? Could fans see him and Blade team up one more time, potentially even with Biel back as Abigail alongside them? If the Multiverse Saga has proven anything, it's that whatever you think is impossible could very well not be. We'll just have to see if Reynolds' King is due for a comeback or if he'll forever be confined to an obscure side character in Blade: Trinity.

Deadpool & Wolverine is now playing exclusively in theaters.

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If you have ever searched the Internet for recommendations about detective books, your chances of coming across Agatha Christie's works are pretty high.

Over her lifetime, Christie wrote 66 novels and 14 short story collections. While the latter has some great works available in different compilations, the novels helped the author become a household name worldwide. Her evergreen works are based on the exploits of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.

While all her works are well-celebrated worldwide, let's take a look at her top 10 works of all time.

A.B.C Murders

A.B.C. Murders is one of the best novels featuring Hercule Poirot. The main plot revolves around a series of murders. While the killings appear to be random, there's a pattern—all the victims had alliterative names. While the plot is enjoyable, the unique blend of first—and third-person storytelling always drew my attention.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, with a name like that, doesn't make any attempt to hide the plot from readers. What begins as a tragic suicide soon turns into a game of blackmail and murder. Every murder mystery has a plot twist, but very few works of literature match this masterpiece. While you might try to guess who the murderer might be, the ending will leave you astonished, to say the least. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd has also been adapted to a serialized version under the title "Who Killed Ackroyd."

Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie's most decorated works and takes Poirot on a wild ride across Europe. What begins as a luxurious train ride starting at Istanbul comes to a halt due to snowfall. A murder is discovered on the train amidst all the chaos, but there are no apparent suspects. The murder is even more interesting as the victim, Samuel Ratchett, had feared for his own life and tried to hire Poirot for protection. While the Belgian does refuse at first, Ratchett's murder forces the Belgian detective to use his grey cells to figure out the truth.

And Then There Were None

And Then There Were None has always felt very different from other works of Agatha Christie. First, there are a lot more murders, and they appear to happen in bizarre fashions. The plot is set on an island where Mr and Mrs Owen invite eight people. However, the hosts are nowhere to be found, and soon, one murder starts happening after the next. While you might find the murders disturbing at first, the end leaves you wondering whether all the actions of the killer were justified or not.

Death on the Nile

Like Murder on the Orient Express, Death of the Nile is very well-celebrated, with a movie adaptation released in 2022. As good as the Gal Gadot-starring movie, reading the book is much more intense. As the young couple of Linnet and Simon, about to get married, starts a cruise on the Nile, they're confronted by Jacqueline, who has a bad history with both. As the cruise begins, Linnet narrowly escapes death from a boulder before the killer eventually gets to her. What starts as a happy and picturesque ride on the river Nile soon turns out to be a race between the killer and Poirot. Like most works of Agatha Christie, the ending will leave you thinking, "Oh, I didn't see that coming."

Appointment with Death

Appointment with Death introduces you to a strange character like Mrs. Boynton, whose death actually feels satisfying to some extent. In fact, Poirot even overhears Raymond telling his sister about how their stepmother needs to be killed. While Mrs Boynton's death might not affect you much, it encourages Poirot to solve the case in 24 hours even though it's not clear whether there's a murder.

Crooked House

Crooked House is one of Christie's lesser-known works since it does not feature Poirot or Marple. The central plot might appear simple, but there are many twists and turns to expect as a reader. I also like the narrative style of Charles, who is tasked with discovering more about Aristide Leonides' murder. The suspect appears to be someone inside the family, but the obvious candidate might not be the killer.

The Body in the Library

The Body in the Library is arguably my favorite Marple story, which revolves around the murders of two teenage girls. It all begins when the body of the first victim is discovered by a maid at Gossington Hall. As Miss Marple starts investigating the first case, reports of another missing girl come up, who turns out to be the second victim. What unravels from there on showcases the depths some might go to fulfill their wishes.

A Murder is Announced

Usually, murders are noticed after they happen, but in this case, the killing is announced in a local newspaper before it happens. Despite all the preparations made by Miss Blacklock, a murder does happen at Little Paddocks, just like it was announced in the newspaper. As Miss Marple starts her investigation, it appears Miss Blacklock could have been the killer. What soon begins as a case of mysterious murder turns out to be a game of stolen identities and absolute chaos.

Five Little Pigs

There aren't many works of Agatha Christie where a dead case is reinvestigated. In Five Little Pigs, Hercule Poirot takes up an old case involving Carla Lemarchant, whose mother had been sentenced to prison for killing her husband, Amyas. Poirot soon discovers that there were five other people present at the Crales on the day of the murder. Five Little Pigs is a testament that the most obvious truth might not be accurate. Despite Caroline's confessions, it soon turns out that the killer was someone else.

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One of the most daunting things about fantasy literature is its scale. Fantasy authors find it difficult to conceive of a story that runs for a single volume — and a novel-length one, at that — as opposed to their usual penchant for churning out multi-entry 1000-page brick tomes.

But that doesn’t mean they never attempt to do it. In fact, if you’re not on the hunt for lengthy series that stretch several installments and require a long-term commitment, there are practically dozens of standalone books that can serve as a gateway into these imaginative worlds.

15. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Telling the tale of a 35-year-old woman named Nora who finds herself in the Midnight Library, this book by Matt Haig is about reflection and second chances. Nora feels like her whole life has been a string of missed opportunities and regrets, but when she unexpectedly wakes up in the mysterious library, she learns that the books therein are a window to parallel worlds where she can change the past.

14. Witch King by Martha Wells

The first fantasy novel by Martha Wells after the huge success of her Murderbot Diaries series, Witch King tells the tale of a demon named Kai who gets resurrected centuries after his death to find the world a different place. But why was Kai killed and imprisoned in the first place? Wells’ deft prose, combined with her amazing storytelling chops, has turned Witch King into a sensational new debut for the community.

13. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

One of the most beloved works by Neil Gaiman, American Gods is a blend of different mythologies and folklore both from ancient times and the modern day. These strands of myth ultimately revolve around a character named Shadow, whose wife, Laura, mysteriously dies at the start of the story. American Gods is a must-read for Gaiman fans, but even beyond that, the book has achieved cult status due to its many clever allusions to different mythological tales from around the world.

12. Babel, or the Necessity of Violence by R.F. Kuang

R. F. Kuang wrote one of the most acclaimed fantasy series in recent memory, The Poppy War, but she is not done by a long stretch. Babel, or the Necessity of Violence is set in an alternate reality in the 19th century, depicting a world where Britain’s global supremacy is upheld through the use of magic. Oxford University has created an institute named Babel, where translators harness the power of meanings that are “lost in translation” to fuel the empire’s power. Babel, or the Necessity of Violence is a brilliant study of human nature and its grim history.

11. The Stand by Stephen King

While Stephen King is not necessarily known for his contributions to fantasy, his book The Stand remains one of the best standalone novels the genre has to offer. The Stand takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a pandemic of influenza has destroyed civilization. The remaining humans band together in different factions, each a personification of either good or evil, and clash in a seemingly endless conflict.

10. Circe by Madeline Miller

Written by Madeline Miller and published in 2018, Circe is a retelling of Greek mythos, especially The Odyssey, from the perspective of the witch Circe. This child of gods is not destined for greatness but finds her own power by turning to the world of mortals and discovering her talent for witchcraft. The gods of Mount Olympus won’t leave things be, however, and so Circe is swept into a domain of intrigue and danger as she fights for her survival as well as the fate of the world.

9. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Spinning Silver is one of the most unique fantasy books out there. Taking place in a fictional eastern European kingdom called Lithvas, the story follows several heroines as they fight against evil forces. At the center of this story is Miryem, the daughter of a poor Jewish moneylender who inherits his father’s business and attracts the attention of a mysterious king. Miryem is joined by Wanda and Irina, a peasant girl and the daughter of a duke, respectively, who have to fight their own battles and overcome their own challenges in this unique, Slavic-inspired fantasy world.

8. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett

What if characters and figures from the Bible could conceivably be among us even today? Good Omens is a classic of fantasy literature, telling the tale of Aziraphale, an angel, and Crowley, a fallen demon, who form an unlikely friendship amidst an enmity that stretches onto eternity. The end of the world is at hand, and it all hangs on the whims of an 11-year-old boy who has been chosen as the Antichrist to bring about the apocalypse… but not if Aziraphale and Crowley have anything to say about it. Good Omens has also been adapted to live-action by Gaiman for Prime Video with an acclaimed series spearheaded by David Tennant and Michael Sheen.

7. The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

What fantasy always distinctively lacks is more diversity. Conventionally, fantasy worlds are based on a model of medieval Europe, not even daring to push the envelope beyond the conceived setting of some of the most popular works. Well, The Sword of Kaigen finally breaks away from that tradition by visiting the Far East. The story follows Mamoru, a young warrior, and her mother, Misaki, a former warrior herself, who have to traverse the treacherous pitfalls of destiny and kindle their warrior’s spirit to defend their homeland against an impending invasion.

6. One Thousand and One Nights by Richard Francis Burton

Also known as Arabian Nights, this is a collection of Middle Eastern folktales collected across centuries and set mostly during the Islamic Golden Age. While the mythos and their underlying themes are enough to warrant this anthology a place on this list, it's worth noting that One Thousand and One Nights is an important work of literature even beyond the bounds of the speculative landscape. If you’re looking for an exotic fantasy anthology peppered with real-world history, then you should definitely give Arabian Nights a read.

5. Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

This book was released as part of Brandon Sanderson’s record-breaking Secret Projects initiative, and though it’s technically a part of the author’s larger Cosmere universe, you don’t have to know anything about those other books and their stories to be able to enjoy Tress of the Emerald Sea. Tress lives on an isolated island in relative peace, but things take an unexpected turn when her love interest is taken by an evil sorceress, compelling her to set out on a daring rescue mission.

4. The Princess Bride by William Goldman

There are great stories, and then there are great stories. William Goldman’s The Princess Bride is among the archetypal tales that have fashioned pop culture, the entertainment industry, and even many other contemporary authors. You could opt to watch 1987’s cult movie adaptation, too, but the book is a more comprehensive and enjoyable take on Westley and Buttercup’s timeless adventure. The Princess Bride is the book you read when you’re craving a swashbuckler but don’t want to necessarily approach some of the classics in European literature.

3. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

Guy Gavriel Kay is one of the most underrated and unsung authors in Epic Fantasy. Taking huge inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien and even working with his son Christopher on The Silmarillion, Gavriel Kay began his career with The Fionavar Tapestry, which is a well-received series in its own right. His earlier novels certainly showed the community a hint of the genius that could blossom into a masterwork, but it wasn't until Tigana that that masterwork became manifest. Taking place in a world beset by the cruelties of a sinister king, a band of rebel heroes emerge to not only supplant this tyrannical regime but also learn the truth about their forgotten and erased history.

2. The Once & Future King by T.H. White

Almost the entire Epic Fantasy genre traces its mythos to the Arthurian Legend and the Matter of Britain. Yet finding a source to read those stories in compelling form could be tricky. You could approach Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae or Sir Thomas Malory’s Morte d’Arthur, but if you’re looking for a more modern adaptation and prose, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone better than T.H. White or any book more comprehensive than The Once & Future King. Read the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table in full through this timeless book, now itself considered a source of reference for the study of the Arthurian Romance.

1. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

Almost all fantasy novels feature magic of some kind, but not all of them are magical. If I were asked to describe The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle in one word, that’s the word I’d use. Beautifully magical with lyrical prose, this is the story of a unicorn who believes herself to be the last of her kind and sets out to find out what happened to the rest of the unicorns. Along this old-style journey of self-discovery, the unicorn learns about the true nature of mortality and what it means to persevere in the face of challenge and hardship.

The post 15 Best Standalone Fantasy Books, Ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

If there was one thing that wasn’t on my bingo card for 2024, it was a makeup line inspired by what may very well be my favorite cartoon of all time — Avatar: The Last Airbender. So of course, as soon as I learned of Lethal Cosmetics’ newest line you can bet I metaphorically sprinted to the site.

Then I hit a bit of a roadblock when I was confronted by the “virtual waiting room” with 600 people ahead of me in the queue to even look at the goodies. That alone should tell you how incredibly popular this cosmetics line is proving to be. This collab is definitely bringing attention to Lethal Cosmetics, an ethical and vegan makeup company based in Berlin, Germany.

Included in the collection are the following perfectly on-point items:

• Four eyeshadow palettes (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth)
  • $29.00 USD each or $110.20 USD for the bundle of four

• Four liner sets (Katara, Toph, Aang, and Zuko)
  • $19.00 USD each or $72.20 USD for the bundle of four

• Three lipsticks (Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai)
  • $15.00 USD each or $42.75 USD for the bundle of three

• White Lotus Highlighter
  • $19.00 USD

• Sokka Glitter Gel
  • $21.00 USD

However, while the makeup itself is absolutely stunning—I mean the highlighter alone is like crushed diamonds and the eyeshadow palettes are honestly just glorious—the true crowning pieces of this collection are the Appa Makeup Bag complete with Momo zipper detail ($23.00 USD) and the My Cabbages! Makeup Sponge ($7.00 USD), which every makeup loving fan of Avatar truly needs in their life.

Once I got past the queue I threw some items into my cart, before checking out as fast as I could. How could I not? I'm the proud owner of a pretty well established collection of Avatar: The Last Airbender-themed Loungefly bags and purses, so that should tell you everything you need to know here. Even if I rarely use the makeup, the packaging alone makes this something I want to add to my collection.

All of these items, including the entire set as a $291.65 USD bundle, are available for pre-order now with shipping expected to begin around July 17. If you’re wanting to get your hands on them, though, you’ll need to be patient and wait out the virtual waiting room. 

The post Avatar: The Last Airbender is collaborating with Lethal Cosmetics and my wallet is crying appeared first on Destructoid.

Furiosa, the next chapter in the Mad Max saga, is nearly out, and that's a great excuse to watch or re-watch the whole thing. It's completely fine not to know the right order to watch the series, as the whole series is nearly 50 years old and most people old enough to remember it are also already old enough to have some memory problems.

There are two possible orders in which to watch the Mad Max Saga, and there are very small differences between both. Let's check them out.

How to Watch the Mad Max Saga in Release Order

1- Mad Max (1979)

The original Mad Max takes place in an undisclosed near feature (for the people of 1979) where the world was on the brink of complete collapse. The film follows Max Rockatansky, a cop who is broken after he witnesses his family killed at the hands of a biker gang and goes on a revenge spree.

2- Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

Even though Max ended up effectively "retiring" the evil biker gang at the end of the original movie, he didn't really do much for the state of the world, which is now long past the brink of collapse. Even though it takes place just around three years after the original movie, the whole known world of Road Warrior is but an Australia-sized arena where those who have the guns and the fuel get to make up the rules.

3- Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Thunderdome takes place nearly a decade after Road Warrior, at a time when people are once again trying to create something we'd charitably call society. Max finds himself in a gladiatorial arena and ends up leading a bunch of kids to a better life. It's the least-liked movie in the franchise, but it's still deserving of your attention.

4- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Fury Road came out 30 years after the release of the previous entry in the franchise, so director George Miller wisely left the chronology unclear. We naturally assume that the story takes place after the events of Thunderdome, but the movie doesn't feature any direct reference to that movie. That's by design, for the record; Miller confirmed that the films do not have a strict continuity, with the idea being that Max's story is akin to a campfire tale told by survivors. So while Max's age and design may be in flux, he's intended to be the same character in each film.

There's also a second release of Fury Road, Black and Chrome, which is how the director intended the film to be viewed.

5- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Furiosa shows us various stages of the life of the titular character, and we know that it takes place before she's the badass adult general we see in Fury Road. If you believe that Fury Road takes place in the same universe as the original trilogy, then Furiosa takes place an unknown amount of time after Thunderdome and around a decade before Fury Road.

How to Watch the Mad Max Saga in Chronological Order

1. Mad Max (1979)
2. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)
3. Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
4. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
5. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
6. Mad Max: Fury Road - Black and Chrome (2017)

The Mad Max saga to date has been an entirely chronological affair. The sole exception is that Furiosa is a prequel to Fury Road. If you want to watch the Mad Max Saga in chronological order, the only change you need to make is seeing Furiosa before you see Fury Road.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga opens on May 24.

The post How to watch George Miller’s Mad Max movies in order appeared first on Destructoid.

For those who don't know, the Hugo Awards are the penultimate sci-fi and fantasy awards. Their judges pick the best books, novels, and other related media that stand out from their peers and give them the notice they deserve. Held yearly, the nominations for the best novels of 2023 have been announced, with the winner to be revealed on August 11th. 

Sci-fi and Fantasy are wide genres, covering a lot of ground and types of novels. Curious about this year's nominees? Wondering if any would fit the type of book you're looking for? Here we'll go over this year's nominees, why they deserve the nod, and discuss what kind of readers might get the most enjoyment from each book.

Starter Villain by John Scalzi

John Scalzi is no stranger to the Hugos, having been nominated multiple times and won once. He's an author who runs the gamut as far as writing style goes, having written space operas that explore humanity's desire to grow, as well as fun romps that elicit giggles more than anything else. Starter Villian would seem to trend to the latter rather than the former, but beyond a goofy and hilarious exterior are some solid critiques of late-stage capitalism and the current villains of our age.

Imagine Ron Stoppable inheriting his deceased uncle's supervillain business, complete with an island lair, as well as a suite of enemies still looking to take what's theirs. The premise is as fun as it sounds, but what got this book nominated are the critiques that come later. While the Uncle was an old type of supervillain, those that are coming after him are the newer type: Tech bros backed by hedge funds, CEOs of giant corporations, and the nepo baby powerful born with money, having earned nothing themselves.

For readers who are looking for a bit of a laugh, who love the idea of talking spy cats, or who just like seeing the ultra-wealthy fail, this will be the book for you.

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh

Emily Tesh is a newer name to the Hugos, but her nomination is no less deserved. Some Desperate Glory is a deconstruction of the Space Opera genre, showing the darkness that lurks beneath many of the near-future human societies that we root for. Tesh masterfully dissects the things we don't question that we maybe should, showing a new way forward that subverts the traditional structure of many classic sci-fi epics.

Our main character is one of the last remaining humans, raised from birth the enact vengeance on those that crossed them. Excelling at combat and frustrated with her role as a breeder to keep humanity alive, she sets out against orders to enact the vengeance she had been trained for. While vengeance is a powerful motivator, anger is also perfecting at blinding us to the evils we ourselves commit. Tesh questions the nature of such ruling governments and how they use sexism, racism, eugenics, and more, throwing back the curtain that readers for years have been fine never looking behind.

For those who love subversions of standard tropes, tales of vengeance gone awry, or who want a YA-adjacent novel that asks harder questions than you would expect, Some Desperate Glory is a solid choice.

Witch King by Martha Wells

Martha Wells is a well-known name in the sci-fi genre, with her Murderbot series already having several accolades. She seeks now to prove that no one genre can contain her as we move into her new Witch King novel, a fantasy thriller. Wells continues doing what she does best in this novel, creating incredibly real-to-life characters and throwing us into their world. While the world-building can feel breakneck for some, this gives us more time to understand the cast of characters that are introduced, endearing us to them in ways few authors can achieve.

The novel tells two stories, both following the titular Witch King, Kai. The narrative is told from two perspectives, one past and one present, building a history of a world that Kai sought to overthrow and a future after he was betrayed and imprisoned for years. Wells is a master of passive worldbuilding, so expect bits and pieces to be doled out over the whole course of the novel rather than large explanations. Still, as always, the inner workings of Well's characters truly bring it home. No one writes a protagonist quite like Wells, and she doesn't falter with the Witch King.

For those who love a good antihero, want to be immersed in a deep world without infodumps, or just love character over everything else in a story, read The Witch King.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S. A. Chakraborty

Chakraborty made a name for herself with her City of Brass series, bringing to life a world of Middle Eastern mythology that hasn't seen as much fiction written about it. In the Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, we are graced with the same intelligent writing and well-researched world-building that we expect from her, but now used to tell a tale about reaching for glory one last time.

The story follows the eponymous Amina al-Sirafi, once feared pirate of the Indian Ocean, now retired and living with her daughter in solitude. Still, when an opportunity comes for one last score, she can't resist the itch that calls her back. The book has the feel of many heist novels, following Amina as she gets the gang back together for one last score. Still, the book is separated from the rest by vivid descriptions and incredible historical and mythological research that makes the world feel so much more alive, as well as the discussion and interest it gives to Amina's plight, being a mid 40's woman seeking to get back into a world she left behind.

For those who want some good old swashbuckling action, want to read about a world and mythology that isn't focused on often enough, or who want to read a thoughtful discussion of the give and take of returning to a life you left behind, this book will be perfect.

The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera

Perhaps the most literary title on this list, The Saint of Bright Doors is a lot of things. It is a look at the mythology of Sri Lankan Buddhists, a takedown of religion-led societies, and a discussion on colonialism, all wrapped in a surrealist shell that defies effort to define it. The book sinks itself into these questions and themes, moving at a slower pace to give readers ample time to understand the author's points or to form questions of their own.

The book follows Fetter, a once-destined assassin who forwent his calling, now wandering the world unsure, instead focusing on bright doors that have begun appearing in his home city. The book can often be hard to follow, shifting between more standard passages and incredibly dreamlike ones, where the focus and narrative shift constantly. Still, for those that stick with it, the payoffs are wonderful, bringing to life a vibrant and alive city and in a way that is breathtaking to read.

For those who love to get lost in prose, often read more literary works on the side, or want to explore a surreal and beautiful world of mythology retold, pick up Chandrasekera's novel.

Translation State by Ann Leckie

Leckie won a Hugo previously for the novel Ancillary Justice. In Translation State, we return to this same universe, though the book can be read as a standalone for the uninitiated. The book is full of Leckie's usual charm, endearing characters fighting for what they believe in, told in a way that feels cozy and inviting. This novel once again focuses on the issues of the future, but rather than focusing on the danger of empires and other Space Opera tropes, Translation State instead chooses to focus on social aspects. 

The book focuses on three separate characters, each with their problems but with one overarching thread tying them together: How do our genetics affect us? Do they determine who we are? Are we bound by these ideas predetermined at birth? The characters each grapple with this question in their own way, exploring from many angles the ideas of self-determination rather than our genetics deciding who we are and the trials we must go through to enact change that allows us to live in the ways we want. 

For those who like books that ask questions of the future, enjoy good character as a primary motivator, or want a great way to understand many of the social quandaries that affect us today, read Translation State. 

The post Who Are the Nominees for This Year’s Hugo Award for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novel? appeared first on Destructoid.

With the release of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the long-running film franchise now has ten films. Throughout its semicentennial lifespan, the series has undergone several drastic evolutions, going from meditative science-fiction epics to corny blockbusters and back again multiple times.

No two Planet of the Apes films are alike; needless to say, some are better than others. Here are our rankings of all the Planet of the Apes series films, from worst to best.

10. Planet of the Apes (2001)

After an almost forty-year hiatus, 2001’s Planet of the Apes set out to bring the series back into the spotlight. With acclaimed director Tim Burton at the helm, everyone assumed Planet of the Apes would put the series back on the map.

It did, but not in the way Planet of the Apes fans had hoped it would. While Rick Baker's prosthetic effects are undeniably impressive, the film's decision to trade the original's thoughtful social commentary for easily digestible man vs. ape action left the film feeling shallow. Coupled with a wooden cast of human leads and a muddled plot ending in a frustratingly confusing "plot twist," it's easy to see why Burton's take sent the series into another extended hibernation.

9. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)

The final film in the original Planet of the Apes saga, Battle for the Planet of the Apes chronicles Caesar's attempt to preserve the fragile peace between the apes and humans who survived nuclear armageddon. Unfortunately, a militant gorilla general and a league of anti-ape humans soon rise to challenge Caesar's ideals.

Battle for the Planet of the Apes benefits from an enticing premise and a strong performance by lead actor Roddy McDowell. However, the film's exceptionally shotty costume design and limp climax prevent it from being the epic, cathartic finale it could have been.

8. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

Despite being a direct sequel to the original Planet of the Apes, Beneath the Planet of the Apes is anything but a by-the-books continuation. Turning the camera away from the apes and introducing a tribe of telepathic, subterranean humans, Beneath the Planet of the Apes is the strangest and most controversial film in the series.

While some viewers applaud Beneath the Planet of the Apes' willingness to defy audience expectations, others are critical of the film's surreal atmosphere and surprisingly bleak tone.

7. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)

The darkest film in the series, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes shoves the series' underlying themes of oppression and revolution to the forefront. Set in a post-plague United States where apes are slaves, the film follows the time-traveling chimpanzee Cornelius and Zira's son Milo's transforming from a meek circus ape to a violent revolutionary.

Wearing its political undertones on its sleeves, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes is a gritty, angry film that thoroughly explores humanity's capacity for violence. While the version that made its way to theaters toned things down by changing its brutal ending, the film remains a haunting meditation on the horrors of slavery and the consequences of violent uprisings.

6. Planet of the Apes (1968)

The film that started it all, the original Planet of the Apes is a film that everyone knows about, if only through pop-culture osmosis. Following the trials and triumphs of an astronaut stranded in a world where apes rule, the film is as iconic as it is for a reason.

With a compelling premise, powerhouse lead, and an intriguing story that ends in one of the most iconic twists of all time, Planet of the Apes is one of the most influential science-fiction movies ever made.

5. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)

Despite Beneath the Planet Apes's best efforts, Escape from the Planet of the Apes found a new way to keep the original franchise going: time travel. In an attempt to escape the impending demise of their world, chimpanzee scientists Cornelius and Zira travel back in time to the then-present year of 1971, with their presence creating a self-fulfilling time-loop that will change the future of humans and apes forever.

Sporting a well-written script and powerful performances from its costumed leads, Escape from the Planet of the Apes weaves an emotional story about empathy, parenthood, and racial unrest that's as relevant today as it was over fifty years ago.

4. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

The newest film in the series, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, picks up where Matt Reeves' Planet of the Apes trilogy left off, with the civilization of apes led by Casaer firmly established as the dominant species on the planet. The film follows Noa, a young chimpanzee who must journey across the post-apocalyptic United States to rescue his tribe from the mad dictator Proximus Caesar, leading him toward a fateful encounter with a young human named Mae.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has many great things going for it, including top-tier special effects and an excellent cast of characters with fun and exciting relationships. While the film does more sequel-baiting than I would have liked, it's still a fun, heartfelt experience that stands on its own as a solid series relaunch.

3. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

The first entry in Matt Reeve's three-part revival, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, is an excellent start to the franchise's most recent chapter. The film follows Caesar, a chimpanzee taken into the home of the kind researcher who rescues him from an inhumane laboratory. From there, Caesar experiences humanity's capacity for unconditional love and unflinching cruelty, transforming into the leader who helps other rapidly evolving apes find freedom.

Rise of the Planet of the Ape is everything movie-goers look for in a reboot. With an intelligent script that stays true to the series' themes, some well-shot action, and a compelling new protagonist, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is the triumphant return to form that fans of the series had spent decades waiting for.

2. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

War for the Planet of the Apes brings Matt Reeves' trilogy to a brutal, beautiful, and bittersweet end. After a ruthless militia declares war on Caesar's tribe, he and his people embark on an epic journey that forces the increasingly-messianic ruler to question what kind of future he's built for his family and whether his pacifistic approach to human-ape relations will bring prosperity or ruin.

War for the Planet of the Apes lives up to its title in every way imaginable, with the filmmakers drawing clear inspiration from war movies like Apocalypse Now and The Bridge on the River Kwai. With another well-written screenplay that analyzes the cyclical nature of violence and the renewing power of hope, War for the Planet of the Apes is an epic conclusion to an already fantastic trilogy.

1. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is one of those rare middle chapters of a trilogy that surpasses the films that came before and after it. Ten years after the simian flu outbreak, Caesar and his tribe are approached by a group of humans who want to ally with them, sparking tension between him and his second in command, Koba.

To put it bluntly, Dawn of the Planet of the Ape is everything you’d want out of a Planet of the Apes movie: gorgeous special effects, excellent cinematography, and compelling conflict that makes it hard to tell at times who’s in the right and who’s in the wrong. Whether you're in the mood for some top-tier action or up for an emotional tour de force, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is for you.

The post All Planet of the Apes movies, ranked appeared first on Destructoid.

The first two proper episodes (discounting the Christmas special) of Doctor Who season 14, starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, have reached Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer, meaning that viewers are now able to dig deep and overanalyze everything for clues about what’s to come. 

If there’s one thing that Whovians do really well, it’s looking beneath the surface to find foreshadowing. This week, there’s one thing that’s got a few fans talking—The One Who Waits. This as-yet-unknown character was mentioned during The Giggle, which aired back in December, but the moniker comes back up during this week's second released episode, The Devil’s Chord.

I’m going to hedge my bets and say that The One Who Waits is not a confirmation that Amy and Rory (the Doctor’s companions from the time of the Eleventh Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith) are about to return. Yes, Rory was known as “the boy who waited”, which is a very similar moniker, but not quite the same. 

Now that’s out of the way, there is a theory floating around Twitter and other corners of the internet about the identity of The One Who Waits. Buckle in because this one is a bit of a ride. 

During The Devil’s Chord, during a discussion with Ruby on a London rooftop, the Doctor talks of his Granddaughter Susan, who he says is currently living with a previous version of himself on the other side of the city. He also admits to Ruby that he currently doesn’t know what became of Susan after the Genocide, which took the lives of all Time Lords except himself. 

At the end of The Devil’s Chord, before we’re assaulted by a slightly out-of-place song and dance number, the Doctor breaks the fourth wall and winks at the camera after saying, “There’s always a twist at the end.” Still with me? Good.

Now, if you dig a little deeper into the casting of this series, you’ll find that there is actually an actress called Susan Twist in the cast, and this is where things start to get really interesting. Susan Twist has had a very short cameo appearance in every single one of Ncuti’s episodes so far, one of the 60th Anniversary Specials with David Tennant, and, according to the sneak peek clip that is available for the next episode, Boom, she’s in that one too.

I’ve raked through all of the episodes so far and pinpointed her character in all of them:

• Wild Blue Yonder 
  • Twist plays Mrs Merridew, who speaks to Isaac Newton before he heads down to the apple tree 

• The Church on Ruby Road 
  • She appears in the crowd at the pub where Ruby is playing the keyboard, saying, “give it some welly!” before asking for Gaudete, a Christmas carol from the 16th century, which would make sense if she was around at the time of Isaac Newton.

• Space Babies
  • She plays Comms Officer Gina Scalzi, who appears on the monitor inside the room where Jocelyn is hiding

• The Devil’s Chord
  • Twist appears as one of the tea ladies in EMI Studios, which would later become Abbey Road Studios. She says she wishes she could be “Margaret Lockwood”. What a woman, indeed.

According to the cast list for Boom, which is written by Steven Moffat, Twist will appear again, though her role is simply called “Ambulance”.

There are unconfirmed rumors that Twist will play a bigger part in the future of the series, taking the also unconfirmed role of Susan Triad. She will be the head of a company named Triad, which has already been name-dropped during the 60th anniversary special, The Giggle when Mel Bush is attempting to align the satellites. Remember, this is an unconfirmed rumor, but I'm counting nothing out of possibility.

So what’s the theory here? Well, we know that The One Who Waits has some connection to both the Toymaker and Maestro, considering the apparent relation between the two and the fact that they both issue a warning to the Doctor about The One Who Waits. It’s also been revealed, though in the Doctor Who audiobooks rather than the TV show, that the Toymaker has a sister who goes by the name of Hecuba.

Hecuba, otherwise known as “The Queen of Time”, would be able to traverse through time in order to appear at any moment, which would explain why Twist’s characters never look as though they’ve aged, regardless of how many years in the past or future she appears. It would make sense, then, to assume that Hecuba, if that’s who this turns out to be, has been waiting a long time to confront the Doctor for whatever reason, likely in retaliation for what happened to her brother. 

Whether or not this theory turns out to be true remains to be seen, but it’s definitely interesting to dive deep into Doctor Who and find the connections or even just speculate. There’s no telling what could happen in the coming episodes, with Russell T Davies (who is responsible for writing the vast majority of this season's episodes) well known for putting twists and turns in his writing.

The post Doctor Who: Who could be ‘The One Who Waits’? appeared first on Destructoid.

Wano is the longest story Arc in One Piece, and features an epic showdown between Luffy and Kaido. Here is everything we know about the highly anticipated bout that will go down in history as one of the best fights of the series.

Eiichiro Oda divided the Wano Country Arc in One Piece into three acts. The third and final act includes a fight that will inevitably shift the balance of power and set up the final stage of the story. Ever since Luffy and Law originally formed their pirate alliance in Punk Hazard several arcs ago, the ultimate goal has been to take down Kaido. Unforeseen circumstances delayed that task, but the duo finally get a chance to fulfill their goal in Wano.

What episode does the Luffy vs. Kaido fight begin?

In episode 914, Luffy starts fighting Kaido. Amid a drunken rampage, Kaido destroys Oden's castle, prompting Luffy to challenge one of the Four Emperors to a battle. Without giving too much away, fans shouldn't go into this battle expecting it to be short and sweet. Kaido is renowned as the world's "strongest creature," so Luffy was never going to take down the giant with just one Gomu Gomu no Mi punch.

The post One Piece: What episode does the Luffy vs. Kaido fight begin? appeared first on Destructoid.

With over 30 One Piece Arcs to choose from, narrowing that field down was extremely challenging. And with so many great adventures, your list could look entirely different. With that being said, here are the top 10 One Piece Arcs.

Top 10 arcs in One Piece ranked

Here is a full list of the top 10 arcs in One Piece.

10. Whole Cake Island

We got a brief glimpse into Sanji's past during the Baratie Arc, but there was always something more going on beneath the surface that remained a secret for 100s of episodes and chapters. Whole Cake Island finally fleshed out Sanji and elevated the character in a way I didn't think was possible.

Sanji's antics with women could be tiresome at times previously in the story, but Whole Cake Island finally contextualizes that obsession and makes the reader or viewer see the Straw Hat Pirate chef in a new light. Alongside a cast of phenomenal villains, this arc pulls at your heartstrings but also delivers one of the best fights in the series.

9. Drum Island

Following the trend of tragic backstories, Drum Island is one of the most emotional Arcs in One Piece. Chopper's gut-wrenching flashback alone would be enough to make this a top-10 worthy Arc, but other unforgettable moments also elevate this short detour into a tier of its own.

Unfortunately, the villain is rather forgettable, but he serves his role well enough and that isn't enough to drag down what otherwise is an amazing introduction to one of the core members of the crew.

7. Impel Down

Luffy's ability to make new friends and recruit new followers makes him an amazing captain and one of the best Shonen protagonists. Luffy goes into Impel Down alone, but slowly creates a rag-tag team of unlikely allies that are charming and impossible not to root for.

In what should have been a serious arc, the hilarious trio of Luffy, Bon Clay, and Buggy brings a dark and dreary prison to life. Yet at the same time, Impel Down also does eventually get down to business, featuring one of the best villains in the series, and puts the dominoes in place for story changing events in the future.

6. Wano

After almost four-and-a-half years, the Wano Arc has finally ended in the anime. As the longest Arc in the series, It's understandable that some fans may have grown tired and were ready for it to be over. But I believe that in years' time, we will look back on this Arc as one of the best in One Piece.

Toei Animation delivered some of the best animation not only for the series, but anime in general, and the peaks of this saga hit all of the right notes. A rewatch of Wano is going to age much better than the experience for fans who agonizingly waited every week for a new episode.

5. Water 7

Until this point in the story, the Straw Hats have never had to deal with serious internal disputes. In the Water 7 Arc, Luffy learns what it means to be a captain and almost loses everything in the process.

The Water 7 Arc is a powerful thematic tool used as a buildup for the following arc but also stands great on its own. In typical One Piece fashion, Franky's backstory is moving and makes you appreciate the character, but there are also other great characters introduced as well.

5. Sabaody Archipelago

The Sabaody Archipelago Arc will leave fans with their jaw on the floor by the end. Eiichiro Oda tackles serious themes in this Arc and doesn't pull any punches. In addition, we get introduced to the Worst Generation of pirates, who will all become key pieces on the board for the second half of the story.

And if that wasn't enough, The Sabaody Archipelago Arc dishes out a harsh dose of reality to the Straw Hat Pirates and ends on a stunning cliffhanger.

4. Alabasta

The Alabasta Arc puts a bow on One Piece's first saga perfectly. An excellent villain, layers of buildup, likable side characters, and twists and turns contributed toward creating an enthralling conclusion that made all of the buildup worth it. This is one of the first Arcs where each Straw Hat crew member gets an individual fight to shine, and the story structure lays the groundwork for the framework of other adventures.

3. Enies Lobby

Enies Lobby wouldn't be as amazing without the buildup in Water 7. The two Arcs, in tandem, culminate with one of the best scenes (or panels) of the series. Without the need to establish any of the surrounding context, Oda cuts right to the chase and gifts fans with a fast-paced and thrilling story that's well-paced and engaging all the way through.

2. Arlong Park

The Arlong Park Arc made me fall in love with One Piece. Everything about this Arc captures the true essence of the story. Luffy recruited Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji to be the core members of his crew, but it's not until Arlong Park you get a full grasp of the unbreakable bond they have formed.

Nami's backstory will bring you to tears, and Arlong is the first villain to pose a notable threat. Without giving too much away, several individual character moments set the tone for what fans can expect from the rest of the story.

1. Marineford

Marineford was always going to be the top-ranked One Piece Arc. I might have a more sentimental attachment to other arcs, but it's impossible to ignore what Oda managed to pull off with this Arc.

Throughout the first 400 or 500 manga chapters, Oda sprinkled in small bits of world-building and slowly built up anticipation for a war featuring all the world's major players. Marineford is a culmination of the first half of One Piece and it will be hard for the story to ever achieve a higher peak.

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Netflix has just announced the release schedule for the sixth and final season of Cobra Kai via a neat video collage of events from the hit Karate Kid series revival.

While that's not a traditional trailer, it does reveal crucial information, such as the fact that the upcoming final season will come out in a rather unexpected manner.

Cobra Kai Season 6 release schedule

The final season will be composed of 15 episodes and is divided into three parts.

• Part 1, which will be released on July 18.
• Part 2, which will be released on November 28.
• Lastly, The Finale Event, which will be released at an unannounced date in 2025.

We have no information on how the 15 episodes will be split between the three parts.

Cobra Kai Season 6 plot

The final season takes place after the arrest of Terry Silver, and will bring John Kreese back as the main villain after his Hannibal Lecter-esque prison escape. It seems like the series is returning to its roots, as Kreese has brought back Cobra Kai in the final attempt to defeat Daniel LaRusso's Miyagi Do and Johnny Lawrence's Eagle Fang Karate schools.

The Karate Kid sequel had its humble beginnings as a comedic YouTube series that brought fans up to speed with the modern-day lives of Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. However, it became a hit of such magnitude that it grew to accommodate pretty much the entire cast of the movie series, and a whole new generation of kids who are — in the series' own words — inexplicably too much into Karate. You can witness the beginning of the end on July 18.

Is this the end of Karate Kid?

If Cobra Kai has sparked or reignited your interest in the Karate Kid series, you can also stay tuned for the upcoming Karate Kid movie. While connections to Cobra Kai are sadly unconfirmed, we know It'll be a sequel to both the original film and the 2010 remake, and both Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan are set to make a return. The new Karate Kid movie was originally set to release in 2024, but the studio currently has no set date.

The post Cobra Kai Season 6 release date, episode count, trailer, and more appeared first on Destructoid.

Blue Lock is reaching a fever pitch with its upcoming weekly manga chapter. Fans of the manga and anime alike will be happy to know the Blue Lock Chapter 259 release date is coming up quite soon. It is a bit harder to find the official places to read this manga legally, but we have your back on this and what to expect from Chapter 259.

Blue Lock Chapter 259 release date and time, explained

Fans don’t have to wait too much longer to check out the next chapter of this beloved soccer manga series, as the Blue Lock Chapter 259 release is currently set for Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in North America. This is because the new chapter will launch in Japan on April 24, 2024, but the time difference means most fans worldwide will be able to check it out the day before.

As for the exact time the manga chapter will release, it is expected to come out around 11 a.m. EDT (8 a.m. PDT) in North America. This is because the manga chapters usually drop each week at around midnight in Japan, and the official English version follows right around the same time. Fortunately, fans don’t have to worry about spoilers spreading too much before the translated version releases.

Where to read Blue Lock Chapter 259

Since Blue Lock is a Kodansha manga series, there is only one place where fans of the soccer manga are able to read it: K Manga. This is a lesser-known service, but it is the only official way to read the latest weekly chapters of the series and some other ones. Thankfully, the translations are quite good and the chapters drop very soon after their release in Japan.

The only problem with K Manga, compared to other, more popular services like MangaPlus or Viz, is you have to pay for the latest chapters. Fortunately, they are cheap but it can quickly add up with the many chapters of the series. Each new weekly chapter costs 99 points, which is equal to around $1. Those who wait a few weeks after its release can also usually get chapters for a discounted price of 69 points.

What to expect from the latest chapter

Keep in mind there are some slight spoilers ahead for Chapter 258 of Blue Lock. The most recent chapter saw Isagi and the group in the midst of one of their toughest soccer matches yet. Fortunately, Isagi was able to unlock a new skill and score a goal. Chapter 259 will likely see the soccer match reach its peak and potential conclusion.

It is Isagi’s hope to become the number one soccer player in the world, and a victory against Kaiser in this match would likely cement his placement at the top, even above Rin in the leaderboard. Chapter 259 should bring him one step closer to his dream.

The post Blue Lock Chapter 259 release date, time, and what to expect appeared first on Destructoid.

Fallout has definitely taken a huge leap in the public consciousness this month, thanks to the release of the Prime Video series of the same name. The show is a massive hit, with a staggering 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and critical acclaim racking up.

The cast is living large, too, like series star Kyle MacLachlan. He took to his Twitter/X account this week to share some impressively gruesome behind-the-scenes photos of the Fallout series, which are sure to entertain even the most jaded of wasteland adventurers.

"Take me back," MacLachlan says, with the hashtag "s2," celebrating the show's official Season 2 confirmation from Thursday. There are some pretty cool photos here, too, including an up-close look at the scarred face makeup and a bloody Chet from the first episode.

There's also a pretty cool look at the practical Brotherhood of Steel Power Armor the series used, which offers a nice glimpse at how the iconic armor was created. And, of course, one photo that fans who reached the show's gripping finale will find as humorous as it is twisted.

In Fallout, MacLachlan plays Hank MacLean, the Overseer of Vault 33. When Hank is kidnapped by Raiders, his daughter Lucy must leave the Vault for the first time to rescue her father for the good of the other Vault Dwellers.

Though details about Season 2 are not yet available, MacLachlan is expected to return alongside other series stars Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, and Walton Goggins.

All eight episodes of Fallout Season 1 are available now on Prime Video.

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