While it is unclear who will take on the role of Kang the Conqueror after Jonathan Majors was let go by Marvel, one of the names that many felt had a chance is saying that he doesn’t want the part. Actor Luke James, who you may know from Them: The Scare, told The Direct that while he’s not interested in playing the time travelling villain, he’d be open to talk about other roles. "Marvel as a whole? Yes. Kang the Conqueror? No. But I wouldn't not not take the meeting. There are so many brilliant characters, because I mean, it's so many characters. There are so many characters I would love a take at." He did say which role would really pique his interest,  "I know it's going to throw people: Thrasher. As a kid, I loved Thrasher, especially when I was introduced to him via Spider-Man. I just thought that was really cool. I skateboard. I thought it was really sick. They're working on ‘Blade,' Blade is awesome. But I can't unsee Wesley [Snipes], but I also love Mahershala Ali, so I just know that's just going to be a brilliant take on that." 

Netflix has just dropped its latest crime thriller, Dept. Q, and it’s already being hailed as one of the best law enforcement mysteries since Mare of Easttown. Based on the Department Q book series by Jussi Adler-Olsen, the show takes viewers deep into the world of cold case investigations, blending suspense, drama, and razor-sharp dialogue.   Set in Edinburgh, Scotland, the series follows DCI Carl Morck, played by Matthew Goode (Watchmen, The Imitation Game). Morck is a brilliant but deeply troubled detective, haunted by a shooting that left his partner paralyzed and a young officer dead. As punishment, he’s exiled to the basement of the police department, where he’s assigned to Dept. Q, a newly formed cold case unit that’s more of a PR stunt than a serious investigative team. But Morck refuses to let the department be a joke. Alongside his unlikely team—including Akram Salim played by Chernobyl’s Alexej Manvelov, a Syrian immigrant with a mysterious past, and Rose Dickson played by Call the Midwife’s Leah Byrne, a young detective battling PTSD—he starts digging into cases long thought unsolvable.   The 9-part series is holding a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and is being praised for its sharp writing, gripping performances, and atmospheric storytelling. Critics have highlighted its cinematic visuals, slow-burn tension, and jaw-dropping twists, setting it apart from other crime dramas. If you’re looking for a new bingeworthy show, this appears to be it. 

As part of the upcoming King of the Hill revival, the studio had to recast the voice of Dale Gribble after the passing of Johnny Hardwick in 2023. Hardwick voiced the character in the original run and had recorded six episodes for the upcoming season before his passing, and he will still be credited for those episodes. The new voice actor stepping in is Toby Huss, who is actually a familiar name to fans of the show—he previously voiced Kahn Souphanousinphone and Cotton Hill in the original series. The revival, premiering August 4 on Hulu, takes place years after the original series, with Dale still being an extreme conspiracy theorist, but now with even wilder theories. 

Don’t bother looking for Marvel Studios in this year’s Hall H panel list for the San Diego Comic-Con 2025. With the delay of Avengers: Doomsday from May 2026 until December, the studio has decided to hold off any major announcements and with the film still in production, they want to avoid suspending filming just to bring the cast to Southern California and then back again. That doesn’t mean Marvel is completely skipping the convention though. They still have panels scheduled that will focus on comics and games and a booth that will promote their upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which opens the same weekend. The studio will likely return in 2026 to promote their fifth Avengers film. 

Hulu has released a first-look at the “King of the Hill” revival, marking the show’s return to TV after 15 years.

The 14th season of the beloved animated series will debut all 10 episodes on Aug. 4. In addition to the first-look photo that can be seen above, Hulu also released the updated opening credits, which can be seen below.

The official description for the new season: “After years working a propane job in Saudi Arabia to earn their retirement nest egg, Hank and Peggy Hill return to a changed Arlen, Texas, to reconnect with old friends Dale, Boomhauer and Bill. Meanwhile, Bobby is living his dream as a chef in Dallas and enjoying his 20s with his former classmates Connie, Joseph and Chane.” (via Variety)

Updated opening credits video: https://youtu.be/R189-YSWvsY

Today Skybound and Image Comics unveiled a first look at interior pages and variant covers from Ultramega #9, the series finale of the Eisner Award-nominated series. From creator, writer, and artist James Harren (BPRD, Rumble) and colorist Dave Stewart (Hellboy, Universal Monsters: Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives!), the ninth and final supersized issue will be available at comic book shops on May 14, 2025.

Every Ultramega before Noah has fallen. But will he follow in his father’s footsteps...or blast his own path, covered with the corpses of his enemy? James Harren’s masterwork comes to a ferocious finish! Ultramega #9 will feature a main cover by Harren & Stewart, an open to order variant cover by Andrew MacLean (Head Lopper), a 1:10 incentive black and white variant cover by MacLean, and a 1:25 incentive black and white variant cover by Harren.

For the second arc of Ultramega, comics legend Mike Mignola (Hellboy) served as guest artist for covers on issue #5, Eisner Award nominated artist Matías Bergara (Step by Step) drew covers for issue #6, Eisner Award winning artist Gabriel Hernandez Walta (Phantom Road, Vision) was the guest cover artist for issue #7, and Eisner Award winning artist Sanford Green (Bitter Root, Doom) drew guest covers for issue #8.

Ultramega by James Harren #9 (of 9) (SRP $7.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

The full list of covers is below:

Ultramega #9 Cover A by James Harren (Lunar Code: 1224IM357)

Ultramega #9 Cover B by Andrew MacLean (Lunar Code: 1224IM358)

Ultramega #9 Cover C B&W Full Art (1:10 Incentive Variant) by Andrew MacLean (Lunar Code: 1224IM359)

Ultramega #9 Cover D B&W Full Art (1:25 Incentive Variant) by James Harren (Lunar Code: 1224IM360)

Marvel's most recent casting rumor could be a historic moment for the MCU as it integrates one of its actors from the ABC era of Marvel Television into a live-action Disney+ show.

Before Disney+, Marvel Studios partnered with ABC for several Marvel TV series, most notably Agents of SHIELD and Agent Carter. Marvel Studios has often dodged acknowledging whether these shows are canon in the MCU, but the crossover of actors between the ABC shows and Marvel Studios films and series is opening the door for more integration between these disparate corners of the Marvel world.

One of Marvel's anticipated upcoming Disney+ shows is Vision Quest, which explores Vision's (Paul Bettany) journey for answers after he was resurrected as White Vision. However, Vision isn't the only character the MCU is resurrecting in the show, with entertainment insider Daniel Richtman reporting that actor James D'Arcy is set to reprise his role as Edwin Jarvis in Vision Quest. Jarvis is known for being Howard Stark's butler and an ally of Peggy Carter. He also inspired Tony Stark's A.I. companion JARVIS, whom the younger Stark named after his family's friend.

Now in Vision Quest, D'Arcy is tipped to reprise his role yet again, which will mark the first time an actor who originated their role in an ABC Marvel Television show has reprised that role in a live-action MCU Disney+ show. (via The Direct)

The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place in a parallel universe and that means we're getting a bold new take on Marvel's First Family.

One of the biggest changes to how these characters are typically portrayed on screen is the addition of Franklin Richards, the son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. In the comics, he's a powerful reality warper and one of the most powerful beings in the universe, even at a young age.

Today, we have a first look at some upcoming statues for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, where Franklin is shown alongside his mother, the Invisible Woman.

There's been a Funko Pop version of Franklin floating around, but these statues are reportedly movie-accurate and indicate that he'll at least be a toddler by the time this movie ends. Heading into Avengers: Doomsday, it would not be unlikely to bet on him being aged up even further.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is set to be released in theaters on July 25. (via ComicBookMovie)

Today Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with leading games, IP and toy company Hasbro, revealed interior pages and the lineup of variant covers for Void Rivals #20. This continuation of the new story arc will feature the blockbuster creative team of writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), artist Conor Hughes (White Ash, The Game), colorist Patricio Delpeche (The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country), and letterer Rus Wooton (Fire Power). This all-new chapter of the epic space opera hits comic book shops on June 25, 2025.

In the Agorrian throne room, tensions run high as Darak confronts Solila, signaling the return of their rivalry. Meanwhile, trouble also brews on Skuxxoid Alpha Base, where Skuxxoid and his clone (Skuxxoid NEW) are suddenly taken captive…

Each issue of Void Rivals promises to take readers further into the Energon Universe, with more familiar faces to appear, including some of the most popular TRANSFORMERS bots, allies, and enemies!

Void Rivals #20 will feature a main cover by Lorenzo De Felici, along with a lineup of variant covers including an open-to-order cover B by Conor Hughes, the continuation of the 1:10 incentive variant connecting cover series by Martín Morazzo and Patricio Delpeche, a 1:25 incentive variant by Mark Torres, a 1:50 incentive variant by Patricia Martín, and the Energon Universe second anniversary mural variant covers by Jason Howard.

Void Rivals is a tentpole of the Energon Universe, the crown jewel of the historic collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, who has introduced a brand-new era of the TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE franchises in one shared comic book universe. Other Energon Universe ongoing series include the two-time Eisner Award winning TRANSFORMERS by writer Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb), artist Jorge Corona (Middlewest), and colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon) and G.I. JOE by writer Joshua Williamson (Superman, Dark Ride), artist Andrea Milana (Cobra Commander), colorist Lee Loughridge (Universal Monsters: The Mummy). Fans should expect can’t-miss moments from every issue of the Energon Universe, as secrets are unveiled along the path to answering the BIG questions from some of the biggest franchises in comics today.

Void Rivals #20 (Lunar Codes Coming Soon $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday June 25, 2025.

The full list of covers is below:

Void Rivals #20 Cover A by Lorenzo De Felici (Lunar Code: 0425IM432)

Void Rivals #20 Cover B by Conor Hughes (Lunar Code: 0425IM433)

Void Rivals #20 Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive – Connecting) by Martín Morazzo & Patricio Delpeche (Lunar Code: 0425IM434 )

Void Rivals #20 Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Mark Torres (Lunar Code: 0425IM435)

Void Rivals #20 Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Patricia Martín (Lunar Code: 0425IM436)

Void Rivals #20 Cover F Energon Universe Second Anniversary Variant (Connecting) by Jason Howard (Lunar Code: 0425IM437)

Void Rivals #20 Cover G Energon Universe Second Anniversary Variant (Black & White) (Connecting) by Jason Howard (Lunar Code: 0425IM438)

This summer a new nightmare comes to Halloween Town! The iconic film Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas makes its way to comics once more with an all-new graphic novel. Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen hits shelves this June.

Based on the New York Times best-selling novel by Shea Ernshaw, the graphic novel of Long Live the Pumpkin Queen will offer a unique visual experience and translation of its already beloved story for fans. Acclaimed author Liz Marsham handles the adaptation, distilling a novel into an exciting and haunting graphic narrative. She's a fan-favorite veteran of Disney's library of stories and worlds, working on projects like Disney Princess: Ariel and the Sea Wolf. She's joined by the artistic duo of Alessio Petillo and Ismael Canales, masterfully bringing the timeless characters of the film and novel to the comic page. Last but certainly not least, comics legend Jill Thompson (Sandman, Scary Godmother) illustrates the hauntingly beautiful cover.

"I really enjoyed the opportunity to work on this compelling story,” said writer Liz Marsham. “Shea Ernshaw wrote everything I could have needed: a compelling story about iconic characters I have loved as a fan for decades, an exciting mix of the settings we know and gorgeously-described new landscapes, enthralling action, an emotional journey that is both fantastical and deeply relatable, and, of course, the delightfully spooky vibes we all associate with Halloween Town. It was a pleasure to help add a new dimension to an already rich tale, and the art team has done a wonderful job bringing it all to life."

Jack and Sally seem like the perfect couple — but all is not well in their colorful home of Halloween Town! As the graphic novel starts, after escaping the domineering clutches of Dr. Finkelstein and marrying Jack, her true love, Sally is officially the Pumpkin Queen of the realm. As much as she loves her skeletal husband and closest friends, the imposing public spotlight and weight of her newfound royal responsibilities feel like a new form of captivity.

Everything begins to unravel and spool out of control when Sally and trusty ghost dog Zero discover a hidden doorway leading to the previously unknown Dream Town. As worlds collide, the resulting cascade of calamities risk jeopardizing her new position as the Pumpkin Queen, and the very foundations of her world!

To save her beloved home, and find her place and comfort within it, Sally will have to summon all the strength within her seams — with Zero to help — or else the future could become a nightmare without Halloween!



Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen The Graphic Novel features spooky and endearing visuals, exciting new characters, and a pivotal tale for Sally, the heartfelt character in the franchise.

Released in 1993, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas instantly became one of the most iconic films of Disney's storied history. Produced and devised by the legendary filmmaker Tim Burton, the film and its beloved characters have translated to countless media and merchandising channels. Among those is the original young adult novel by Shea Ernshaw, Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen, released in 2022.

Fans will not want to miss this exciting new vision of their favorites!

Cover © Disney

DISNEY TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: LONG LIVE THE PUMPKIN QUEEN THE GRAPHIC NOVEL is solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ May 2025 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in June 2025. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the book with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more!

MCU's upcoming 2025 streaming series, Ironheart, just made franchise history with the debut of a new logo.

The forthcoming Disney+ show will follow Dominique Thorne's Riri Williams back in the super-powered franchise for the first time since Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The new series, executive produced by Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, has long been in the works at Marvel Studios, with its debut set initially for late 2023. Because of this, fans have sat with the show much longer than many other MCU titles, meaning they have seen the various changes it has undergone.

Ironheart recently debuted its fourth new logo for the series, marking the first time an MCU Disney+ series has used four distinct logos before its eventual release. The new logo takes the hammered metal heart seen in several prior iterations of the show's marketing, with a new title treatment splayed across the front of it.

Since its first announcement in 2020, Ironheart has had several different logo looks, going from a fairly Iron Man-inspired red and gold to nailing down the metal heart look a year later and then iterating on that several times since then. (via The Direct)