• Best Xbox Series Controller 2022

    Posted on July 24, 2022 by Leana Hafer

    If you’ve got the Xbox Series X/S, you want to ensure you’re decked out with the best controllers. The standard Xbox controller is solid, easy to use, and universal, but your gaming experience can be amped up when you play on a gamepad that offers more customization, more buttons, and better ergonomics. And, if you’re looking to get the most out of games like Forza Horizon 5 or Microsoft Flight Simulator, a purpose-built controller like a racing wheel and flight stick provides an infinitely more immersive playing experience.

    There is an overwhelming amount of controller options available for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S plus most Xbox One options still thrive on the newer systems, so we’ve helped to narrow down your search. We’ve picked our favorites for a variety of budgets and games. Best of all, many of our picks also work great with your gaming PC or even your gaming phone. Take a look at our favorites to find something that fits your specific needs whether it be affordable, customizable, or give you an edge on the competition – and click here to see them in the UK.

    TL;DR – These are the Best Xbox Series X/S Controllers:

    1. Xbox Core Controller

    Best Xbox Series X/S Controller

    It’s honestly hard to beat the Xbox Core Controller. There are no special gimmicks or fancy features packed into this gamepad. It’s just the perfect partner to your Xbox Series X/S. Though Microsoft stuck with the familiar and comfortable design of the Xbox one generation, there are, however, a few slight tweaks to improve your experience when using it with the latest consoles including recording gameplay, D-pad use, and a better grip. And, it works great for gaming on your PC or phone too with built-in Bluetooth support.

    You can connect the Core Controller to your Xbox through its upgraded wireless protocol, which should provide you with less latency and fewer mispresses while keeping you enthralled in your games. Sadly, you’re going to have to deal with AA batteries when using the controller wirelessly, which does seem a bit archaic for 2022. But, there is a USB-C plug available to skip the battery hassle altogether.

    2. Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller

    Best Budget Xbox Series X/S Controller

    If you’re on the search for a controller packed with features but not toting the premium price to go along with them, the Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller is for you. It features all the traditional buttons of an Xbox controller, plus two extra on the back allow you to activate controls without taking your thumbs off the analog sticks. And, you can configure those two rear buttons to do whatever you please–including a Pro-Aim feature to adjust thumbstick sensitivity.

    On top of the additional controls, the Turtle Beach Recon offers a well-constructed, quality build that not only works perfectly with your Xbox but also your gaming PC. Turtle Beach has included extra grips to ensure you maintain a firm hold even in the heat of battle. But, the biggest feature that sets this gamepad apart from all the rest is its audio customizations. By connecting your gaming headset to the controller, you can enjoy various EQ settings, like SuperHuman Hearing to pick up on audio cues you may have otherwise missed. And, with simple on-control adjustments to the game/chat mix, you’ll find communication with your teammates a breeze.

    3. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller

    Best Ultra Cheap Xbox Series X/S Controller

    Sometimes, it’s convenient to have a whole flight of controllers available when your buddies stop by for a quick game of NBA 2K22. Instead of having to worry about them bringing their own gamepad, a super affordable option always on hand ensures no one misses out on any gaming. PowerA's Enhanced Wired Controller is the perfect option, as it’s cheap but still offers a sturdy build that can hold up against any action you throw at it.

    This controller looks and feels similar to the standard Series X option. The layout is almost identical, though it does weigh a bit less, as this is a solely wired option. There’s even a built-in share button and mic mute switch for when the outside world gets a bit too noisy. Overall, the face buttons are highly responsive, and as a whole, it offers great functionality, so you’ll love this as a backup option or even your mainstay.

    4. Xbox Elite Series 2

    Best High-End Xbox Series X/S Controller

    The Xbox Elite Series 2 is brimming with all the features you could want in an Xbox Series X/S controller. It is going to cost you a pretty penny, but you’re getting a luxurious option with premium, customizable components. All of the buttons can be completely re-mapped, so if you’d rather jump or shoot with a different button, you have all the power to do that. There are even four extra rear paddles that can do things like changing the function of the face buttons when held down or have their own actions within a game. And, the rear paddles, D-pad, and thumbsticks are all attached magnetically for easy swapping of components to get your best feel on the controller.

    As a wireless option, the Xbox Elite Series 2 has a built-in rechargeable battery that should last up to 40 hours on one charge. So, hunting down AA batteries, like you need to do with the Core Controller, will be a thing of the past. And, with Bluetooth connectivity onboard, you’ll be able to easily use it with your PC or gaming phone. There’s also a USB-C connection for a wired option.

    5. Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

    Best Tunable Xbox Series X/S Controller

    If you’re looking for a pro-level controller that you can tune to your ideal settings, look no further than the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma. This amped-up version of the Razer Wolverine V2, which previously held the spot, stacks up well against Microsoft's own offerings, especially when you consider how customizable it is. You can remap all of the face buttons to do whatever you please, and they’ve been designed to have super quick actuation to perform actions even faster. A hair-trigger mode allows the LT and RT to register input with the slightest tap. This gives you a leg up in fighting games and shooters where every millisecond counts. However, you can always use the toggle on the back to make use of a full trigger for added precision. You also get six additional mappable multifunction buttons, including two mini bumpers and four triggers for a controller perfectly tailored to you.

    The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a wired controller to minimize lag or missed inputs that could come from a wireless connection. With a 10-foot length, you should have no problem running the cord to your couch for the coziest gaming setup. This gamepad is well built and features an ergonomic design with a slightly different feel from Xbox’s traditional mold. But, unlike most pro controllers, the added triggers are not removable and may take some getting used to. And, of course, with the Chroma name comes some fun RGB lighting.

    6. Scuf Instinct Pro

    Best Competitive Xbox Series X/S Controller

    The best controller to give you a competitive edge is the Scuf Instinct Pro. It appears similar to your typical core controller, but it packs a whole lot extra to help you make your best plays. Four effortlessly to use customizable paddles are on the backside. A switch near the triggers makes them actuate like a mouse click for an instant trigger. This faster response time can give you a huge advantage in shooters. Plus, with four interchangeable thumbsticks, you can find the best feel for you.

    On top of the awesome buttons, thumbsticks, and paddles, the overall design of the Scuf Instinct Pro is something to marvel at. You won’t get fatigued during long gaming sessions thanks to its lightweight, ergonomic build. Plus, the grips on the rear of the handles will keep your hands firmly in place during even the most heated moments. And, when you order it through the Scuf website, you can choose the colors on virtually every aspect of this gamepad. However, when using wirelessly, you’re going to need those pesky AA batteries.

    7. Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback

    Best Xbox Series X/S Racing Wheel

    Without a doubt, racing games like Forza Horizon 5 are best played on a proper wheel setup like Thrustmaster’s TMX Force Feedback. The reasonable price along with the ruggedness and feel of its components will impress anyone hitting the virtual open road. There is an insane amount of realistic, responsive force feedback that’s fine-tuned with a belt-pulley system. If you’re concerned about precision, the wheel has a non-slip grip and 900° rotation. Your favorite driving games feel a whole lot more immersive and even a bit more challenging with this wheel plugged in.

    The TMX Force Feedback only has two pedals, so you'll be shifting gears with the attached metal paddle shifters, similar to those found in a real high-performance car. The button layout and styling also match that of a race car rather than a standard Xbox controller. Plus, in addition to using it with the latest Xbox, the wheel works seamlessly with your PC. This modestly priced racing set-up has everything that most could want in order to reach the finish line.

    8. Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One

    Best Xbox Series X/S Flight Stick

    Are you ready to take it to the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator? Well, the best way to pilot your aircraft is with Thrustmaster’s T-Flight HOTAS One. This all-in-one flight stick is simple enough for rookie pilots to learn how to use quickly, but seasoned veterans can still appreciate it. You just simply plug in and use the realistic, ergonomic joystick and throttle to get up in the air.

    The T-Flight HOTAS One offers up a sturdy, streamlined design. It’s not going to be some giant eyesore in the middle of your living room. The stick and throttle are smooth and precise. And, once you get a hang of them, it’s easy to find the 15 different buttons and switches needed to perform actions in your game. There’s even a share button to capture views on your scenic flight. Best of all, it’s reasonably priced, especially for a HOTAS flight stick, and you’ll be able to use it with both your Xbox Series X/S and your PC.

    9. Thrustmaster Eswap X Pro

    Best Customizable Xbox Series Controller

    If you want the ability to perform next-level customizations to your controller, the Thrustmaster Eswap X Pro has you covered. It’s a modular option that has swappable, removable parts. You can easily tinker around with different configurations as the thumbsticks and D-pad pop right out. So, you can go for the standard Core Controller layout or opt for a layout similar to DualShock/DualSense controllers.

    Packed to the brim with controls, the Thrustmaster Eswap X Pro has solid, tactile face buttons and shortcut buttons on the rear to ensure your thumbs can stay on the thumbsticks. On top of those options, there are six “settings” buttons and two additional switches to lock triggers, allowing you quicker firing action. You’ll find all of its components to feel great and work well. And, with a bulkier design, some may find it more comfortable than a traditional Xbox controller. But, the real reason you purchase it is the software that that lets you fine-tune the hardware to suit your playstyle.

    10. PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus

    Best Xbox Game Pass Controller

    Do you enjoy gaming on the go? Well, Xbox Game Pass makes that a whole lot easier with tons of your favorite console titles to choose from on your gaming phone. And, grabbing a phone controller like the PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus makes it much easier to play them. This option is similar to Xbox’s core controller with the traditional layout, but it manages to take things to another level for a better mobile gaming experience.

    The PowerA MOGA XP5-X Plus offers Bluetooth 4.2 LE or USB wired modes for a simple connection to your smartphone. There’s even a 3,000 mAh rechargeable battery on board that doubles as a phone charger, so you don’t need to worry about your phone running out of juice halfway through a session. And, with a phone clip that fits snuggly on the chassis, you’ll be able to game from multiple viewing angles and reduce fatigue, as it's ergonomically balanced. On the backside of the device, you’ll find shortcut buttons you can program, similar to the Xbox Elite. You’re in for loads of capability to enjoy gaming on the go with this pick.

    Where to Get the Best Xbox Controllers in the UK

    What to look for in a controller

    There’s plenty to seek out in an Xbox controller. Here are some important specs to pay attention to.

    Connectivity is essential when it comes to your gamepad. If you’re looking to have the lowest latency when gaming, a wired option is your best bet. All of our picks offer a USB connection to ensure you have virtually zero lag whether you’re shooting down your opponents or taking a particularly sharp curve in a race. A wireless dongle is another solid connection option. Some of our picks even offer Xbox’s own wireless protocol that provides less latency and fewer mispresses. And, the Bluetooth connectivity on some of our picks means you’ll be able to easily use the controller with a PC or gaming phone.

    Another important factor to consider is how customizable a controller can be. If you want to remap some buttons or literally change the placement of a D-pad or thumbstick, some of our picks have the ability to do that. There are also options that offer additional buttons, like ones on the backside to provide shortcuts. Or, there might be added switches to lock triggers, allowing you to perform actions quicker. The possibilities are truly endless with some of these gamepads, and you can make them truly your own to annihilate the competition.

    Leana Hafer is an avid PC gamer. Talk action-RPGs, strategy games, and more with her on Twitter at @TilFolkvang.

    Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.

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    Daredevil’s MCU Comeback: Why She-Hulk Is Just the Beginning | Comic-Con 2022

    Posted on July 24, 2022 by Jesse Schedeen

    She-Hulk: Attorney at Law was among many upcoming MCU projects featured at Marvel’s Comic-Con panel. The series got a new trailer that shows off more of Tatiana Maslany’s burly superhero lawyer and sheds some more light on the plot of the Disney+ series. But for many Marvel fans, all that matters is that final shot of Marvel’s *other* superhero lawyer.

    That’s right, Charlie Cox looks to be reprising the role of Daredevil for the She-Hulk series. It’s the first step in what promises to be a very bright future for Daredevil in the MCU. Well, as bright as it can be when Marvel Studios is about to adapt one of the darkest Daredevil comics of all time. Let’s break down what we know about old Hornhead’s role in Phase 4 and beyond.

    Charlie Cox’s Daredevil in She-Hulk

    She-Hulk: Attorney at Law won’t be the first time we’ve seen Cox’s Matt Murdock in an official MCU project. That honor goes to Spider-Man: No Way Home. But there, we only briefly saw Matt in his role as Peter Parker’s lawyer. He did his job, but we never got to see Matt actually suit up and fight crime.

    That won’t be an issue with the She-Hulk series, it seems. We see Daredevil appear in a new costume that seems to combine elements of his black suit from Season 1 with a more, traditional comic book-inspired look. We also see Daredevil wielding his trademark twin billy clubs.

    We don’t however, see Daredevil’s face, which has led some fans to question whether this is actually Matt Murdock at all. Some have speculated we’re actually looking at Bullseye, a villain already notorious for stealing Daredevil’s look in the Netflix series.

    Still, it stands to reason Matt has a key part to play in this series. Again, he’s both a lawyer and a superhero, and as such he’s one of the few people in the Marvel Universe to understand the struggle Jen Walters is going through. The trailer also reveals that Jen has been hired by a high-powered law firm to spearhead a new division that specializes in superhuman legal matters. The series may show Matt Murdock stopping by to lend his legal expertise by day, and then suiting up to punch bad guys with She-Hulk at night.

    Daredevil in Marvel’s Echo

    She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is just the first stop on Daredevil’s whirlwind tour of the Marvel Universe. Cox is poised to appear next in the Echo series, which spins out of 2021’s Hawkeye series. Cox will be joined by fellow Daredevil veteran Vincent D’Onofrio, who will again play Wilson Fisk.

    Echo is another logical choice for a Daredevil guest appearance, as Echo was originally introduced in the pages of Daredevil’s monthly comic. Hawkeye adapted elements of Echo’s debut storyline as it explored her twisted connection to Fisk. The spinoff series will no doubt delve deeper into that relationship, and Daredevil will almost surely become an important ally in Maya Lopez’s battle with her adoptive father.

    Much like with She-Hulk, Daredevil understands the struggles Echo faces in her day-to-day life. The two become kindred spirits as heroes with disabilities and troubled pasts, and even become lovers for a time. But don’t expect Matt Murdock to stick around Echo’s neck of the woods for long.

    What Is Daredevil: Born Again?

    Thanks to Comic-Con and the detailed road map of Phase 5, we finally know when Daredevil will headline his own TV series again. Marvel will debut an 18-episode series called Daredevil: Born Again in 2024, starring both Cox and D’Onofrio.

    That series takes its name from one of the most iconic Daredevil comics ever published. Written by Frank Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli, Born Again showcases Matt Murdock at the lowest point in his adult life. After his ex-girlfriend Karen Page sells Matt’s secret identity in exchange for drugs, Matt finds his life being systematically dismantled by Fisk. But even Daredevil hits rock bottom, the Kingpin is reminded that a man without hope is a man without fear.

    Rather than treat this new series as an open-ended Daredevil adventure, Marvel seems intent on telling a finite story about the deep rivalry between Matt and Fisk. However, it’s worth remembering that Daredevil: Season 3 was already a loose adaptation of Born Again (among other comics). Should this be taken as a sign that the Netflix shows aren’t actually part of the MCU canon, despite some of the actors reprising their roles now? Will Born Again wipe the slate clean and start over where the Daredevil/Kingpin rivalry is concerned?

    Or should we assume that Born Again will be akin to Avengers: Age of Ultron – an MCU project that shares the name of an existing Marvel Comics book but tells a very different story? At 18 episodes, there’s plenty of room for the series to expand and embellish the original graphic novel. Hopefully, we’ll see other Daredevil villains like Bullseye and The Owl.

    We may also see a new take on Nuke, the drug-addicted super-soldier who appears in the climax of the comic and previously appeared in Jessica Jones: Season 2.

    Daredevil in Spider-Man: Freshman Year

    Cox is set to appear in at least one other MCU series in 2024. He’ll be voicing Daredevil in Spider-Man: Freshman Year, an animated series that chronicles Peter Parker’s earliest months as a superhero high schooler.

    It’s not entirely clear whether Freshman Year is set within MCU continuity or a separate, similar universe. The fact that it’s introducing new versions of key Spider-Man villains like Norman Osborn, Doctor Octopus, Chameleon and Rhino certainly raises some questions. Who knew Peter had so much going on in his life before Tony Stark showed up?

    Regardless of how or even if this series fits into MCU continuity, Freshman Year looks to be positioning Daredevil as an early mentor to Spidey. The two have a long history of teaming up in the comics. After all, they’re both street-level heroes who spend their free time protecting the innocent civilians of New York City. We may see Daredevil showing Spidey the ropes of being a vigilante and how to hone his superhuman senses.

    Assuming Freshman Year is part of the MCU canon, the series could also add new context to Matt Murdock’s cameo in No Way Home. The movie never explains why Matt shows up to bail Peter out of trouble, but we may come to learn the two are old friends dating back to Peter’s early months on the job.

    Which upcoming Daredevil appearance are you most excited for? Do you want to see Born Again build on the foundation of the Netflix series or blaze its own trail? Let us know in the comments.

    There's tons of news for all your favorite shows, films, games, and more coming out of San Diego Comic-Con 2022, and we've got the full schedule to guide you through the weekend of panels, announcements, trailers, and surprises.

    Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

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    Avengers: Endgame Directors Joe and Anthony Russo Are Not Directing The Kang Dynasty or Secret Wars

    Posted on July 23, 2022 by Adam Bankhurst

    Despite it being a dream project, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo will not be directing Avengers: The Kang Dynasty or Avengers: Secret Wars.

    Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige spoke to Deadline after Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con 2022 panel and he was asked if The Russo Brothers would be returning to the MCU for the next two Avengers films.

    "They are not connected to it," Feige said. "They have been, I think, very direct about that. We love them, they love us. We want to find something to do together, but it's not this."

    The Russo Brothers have been asked about a potential return to the MCU for a Secret Wars film for years, but they often gave cagey answers that were never a confirmation one way or another. Recently, they spoke about their love for Secret Wars and revealed it was the "one series we adored growing up."

    Secret Wars was first published in 1984 and was a twelve-issue limited series that was a major crossover event that saw The Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, teaming up against an alien threat. It also introduced the symbiote that would later become known as Venom.

    It's important to know that these next two Avengers films aren't scheduled to be released in theaters until May 2, 2025, and November 7, 2025, respectively. This means anything can change between now and then, but Feige and the team at Marvel clearly have another plan at the moment.

    Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars will bring an end to not only Phase 6 of the MCU, but also The Multiverse Saga that will encompass Phases 4, 5, and 6.

    For more on Marvel's big panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, check out the first trailer for Black Panther, a new look at She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and our recaps of the footage shown of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

    Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

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    Everything Announced At the Marvel Studios San Diego Comic-Con 2022 Panel

    Posted on July 23, 2022 by Diego Ramos Bechara

    Marvel Studios closed off SDCC 2022 with a bang! The superhero powerhouse studio showcased a whole range of previously revealed projects, like Wakanda Forever, Ant-Man 3, Blade, Fantastic Four, (and more!) while teasing new Marvel movies and shows in the works like Avengers Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars — hinting at what's to come for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by showcasing not just all of Phase 5 but most of Phase 6!

    Here's all of the news, tweets, and trailers from today's Marvel Studios closing Panel!

    Phase 6 Confirmed, Will Beging With Fantastic Four, End With Avengers The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars

    The Marvel Panel certaintly did not disappoint. Not only was all of Phase 5 showcased, but they went ahead and right past it to talk about Phase 6. For starters, the series will no longer be called the Infinity Saga but will instead be called the Multivserse Sage, and Phase 6 will begin with Fantastic Four and end with Avengers The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars.

    Phase 6 will officially conclude the MCU's second saga. For the offical release dates of all three films, check out the article linked above!

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Gets a First Trailer and Plot Details

    The first trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been released and it featured a tease of the next Black Panther, the Sub-Mariner, and so much more. Watch the full trailer linked below, and read IGN's breakdown of it here.

    Not just that, but it was confirmed that Tenoch Huerta will play Namor in the film. Fans will get a chance to return to Wakanda, when the film releases on November 11, 2022.

    Fourth Captain America Film, Captain America New World Order Coming 2024

    Marvel has announced that the fourth Captain America film, titled Captain America: New World Order, is coming to theaters on May 3, 2025. Announced as part of the Marvel Studios panel at SDCC 2022, the movie will be Anthony Mackie's first feature film as the new Captain America following the events of Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

    No trailer was shown at SDCC, but Marvel producer Nate Moore previously said this film will explore "what makes somebody Captain America," and dive into Sam Wilson's underdog status as the new Cap.

    She-Hulk and Black Panther Will Conclude Marvel Phase 4, Phase 5 Revealed

    The panel started off strong with Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and chief creative officer of Marvel, officially confirming that She-Hulk and Black Panther will conclude the Marvel Cinemaitc Universie's Phase 4, while officially revealing the series's Phase 5.

    Phase 5 will begin on February 17, 2023, with Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania and will end on July 26, 2024, with Thunderbolts. In between, ten more MCU films and TV series will air — check out the image below for the full timeline!

    Marvel Shows Like Loki Season 2, Ironheart, Echo, Agatha Get Potential Release Windows

    As Marvel's Phase 4 and 5 get underway, some Marvel Shows got narrowed release windows during San Diego Comic Con. These include Marvel's Echo, Loki Season 2, which will be coming out Summer 2023, and Ironheart, plus the newly-renamed Agatha: Coven of Chaos, both of which will be out that winter.

    Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Trailer Showed Off, Maria Bakalova To Play Cosmo the Spacedog

    The first trailer for James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was shown off at SDCC, and revealed that Maria Bakalove will be playing Cosmo the Spacedog. The trailer showed off Gamora, who doesn't remember anything about the Guardians (or Chris Pratt's Peter Quill), running a section of the Ravagers. For the full breakdown, click here!

    Secret Invasion Series Starring Samule L. Jackson Coming to Disney Plus Next Spring

    Samuel L. Jackson will once again play Nick Fury in a new Marvel show titled Secret Invasion, which will come to Disney Plus in Spring of 2023. Returning to the MCU will be Cobie Smulders, best known for playing Maria Hill in the series — she made an appearence in the panel!

    New Daredevil Series Starring Charlie Cox Officially Announced

    Charlie Cox is back as Daredevil, and he'll be getting his own official series on to air exlusively on Disney Plus. The show will be titled Daredevil Born Again, and Kevin Feige confirmed that it will be launching as a part of Phase 5. The new project will feature Charlie Cox, now wholly a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and will debut in Spring 2024. It will run 18 episodes.

    Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Gets a First Real Look With Kang the Conqueror and MODOK

    Marvel Studios revealed the first real look at Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, and it included Kang the Conqueror, MODOK, and Bill Murray. Though the trailer was only shown to those in attendance, you can check out IGN's breakdown of it here.

    But that's not all, as just an hour before Marvel Studios was set to take the stage at SDCC, Andy Park, the studio's director of visual development & concept artist, took to Twitter to reveal a new poster image for the film, which you can check out here.

    Marvel's Blade Gets Official 2023 Release Date

    Marvel's Blade, starring Mahershala Ali, at long last has a confirmed release date of November 3, 2023. The movie will be making the 2023 slot after all!

    Blade, however, won't be a part of the current Phase 4. It's being directed by Bassam Tariq, and written by Watchmen's Stacy Osei-Kuffour. We already knew that Delroy Lindo (Da 5 Bloods) and Aaron Pierre (Krypton) would be a part of the movie, too.

    New She-Hulk Showed, Includes Cameo by Charlie Cox's Daredevil

    Marvel has revealed extended footage from She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law, and it includes the Hulk, a Hulk/She-Hulk training montage, Emil Blonsky/Abomination, Wong, and Charlie Cox's Daredevil. Shown off at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, the footage arrives before She-Hulk lands on Disney+ on August 17, 2022.

    Marvel Studios' Twitter account also sent out a new poster image of the orginal series! Check it out down below:

    Marvel's Thunderbolts Will Conclude Phase 5 in Summer 2024

    It was revealed that Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts will conclude Phase 5 of the MCU on July 26, 2024. Though we don't know any plot details yet, IGN has put together an explainer on what we know about Thunderbolts from the comics that might give us an idea of what to expect from the supervillain team that will supposedly reshape the MCU.

    For IGN's full breakdown of SDCC, check out this article here, and for all things Marvel, stick to IGN!

    Diego Ramos Bechara is a Freelance Writer for IGN, and he's a fan of all things Star Wars, Rockstar, Naughty Dog, and Batman.

    You can follow him on Twitter @DRamosBechara.

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    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s Namor Explained – Who Is Tenoch Huerta’s MCU Character?

    Posted on July 23, 2022 by Kelly Knox

    Sometimes hero, sometimes anti-hero, and occasionally outright villain, Namor the Sub-Mariner isn’t just one of Marvel’s most complicated characters. He’s also their first superhero. Created in 1939, Namor quickly made a strong impression thanks to his complicated back-story, dramatic eyebrows, and super-short green swim trunks.

    Namor is finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where he'll be played by Narcos' Tenoch Huerta. While we wait for that, let’s learn all about the passionate player known as the Sub-Mariner, and why he’s far more than just Marvel’s answer to Aquaman.

    • Who Is Namor, the Sub-Mariner?
    • Namor’s Origin
    • Namor’s Powers and Abilities
    • Namor’s Signature Villains
    • Could Namor Swim Into the MCU?
    • The Sub-Mariner in TV and Games

    Who Is Namor, the Sub-Mariner?

    Created by Bill Everett, the Sub-Mariner made his official debut in 1939 in Timely Comics’ Marvel Comics #1. Even though the original Human Torch also debuted in that issue, Namor the Sub-Mariner can be called the very first original Marvel character since he had appeared months earlier in Motion Picture Funnies Weekly (of which only a handful of copies were printed).

    Half human and half Atlantean royalty, Namor is proud, quick-tempered, and willing to do anything to protect his kingdom. He’s been an Avenger and one of the X-Men, a founding member of the Defenders, and even fought alongside Captain America in World War II against the threat the Nazis posed to the entire world. He’s the ruler of Atlantis and fights with fervor for his people.

    But Namor isn’t a natural do-gooder like Cap. His temper and arrogance make him more of an anti-hero who has no qualms about destroying anything that gets in the way of his goals. In his very first appearance, he kills two innocent deep divers simply for being in his undersea domain. While time has softened his stance on humans, Namor has kept the same hubris throughout the 80-plus years he’s been a part of the Marvel universe.

    Half human and half Atlantean royalty, Namor is proud, quick-tempered, and willing to do anything to protect his kingdom.

    Namor’s Origin

    Namor’s first appearance introduced him as “an ultra-man of the deep [who] lives on land and in the sea, flies in the air, has the strength of a thousand men.” After a deadly first encounter with humans, the prince’s mother explains his history for the reader.

    The pointy-eared prince is the son of an Atlantean princess and a human explorer named Leonard McKenzie. Their story began in 1920 in the waters of the South Pole. The captain’s expedition vessel repeatedly blasted the ice above Atlantis, which rocked the city below with explosions that claimed the lives of many Atlanteans. Princess Fen was sent to the humans above to act as a spy. She and the captain fell in love and were married, but Fen didn’t forget her mission.

    While the princess did consider Captain McKenzie a good man, she never lost her distrust of humanity and blamed them for the destruction of their kingdom. She passed those beliefs on to Namor, her “Avenging Son.”

    With his roots in the Golden Age of comics, his star would eventually fade until Stan Lee brought him into modern Marvel Comics in 1962’s Fantastic Four #4. The “new” Human Torch, Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four, came upon an amnesiac Namor in New York City. Namor’s fate became intertwined with the Fantastic Four as he fell in love with Sue Storm, maintained a bitter rivalry with Reed Richards, and counted Doctor Doom as an ally.

    Over the years Namor would fight both for and against the world above, all in the name of keeping his own people safe. Namor has also found more love interests over the years — human, Atlantean, and alien. He’s teamed up with the Avengers and X-Men, and also with Doctor Doom and a supervillain group called the Cabal.

    Most recently, he battled Amadeus Cho, Silk, and the Agents of Atlas in the Atlantis Attacks (2020) miniseries in retaliation for the capture of an Atlantean creature.

    “Are you a hero, Namor? Or are you a monster?” Cho asked him in the first issue.

    “I am a king,” Namor replied. “So I’m both.”

    Namor’s Powers and Abilities

    Namor is often deemed the first mutant of Marvel’s long publication history (if not the earliest in the Marvel in-universe timeline). Those iconic wings on his ankles? Those aren’t part of his Atlantean or human ancestry, but instead a mutation that gives him the ability to fly. As he soars out of the water for a surprise attack, Namor is known to shout his catchphrase, “Imperius Rex!”

    The Sub-Mariner also has superhuman strength and endurance, the ability to breathe underwater, and limited telepathic ability with sea creatures and Atlanteans. He can swim at super speed and has an extraordinarily long lifespan.

    Namor is a born leader of the kingdom of Atlantis and has played the diplomat on the world stage. During writer-artist John Byrne’s notable run on the character, Namor also showed his business acumen when he entered the human corporate world for a time.

    Namor’s Rivalry With Black Panther

    Namor and T’Challa have a long and dysfunctional relationship in the comics, which is true of pretty much anyone who spends much time around the haughty king of Atlantis. As a fellow super-powered king, Namor sees T’Challa as one of the few people in the world worthy of his respect.

    However, their relationship took a turn for the worse in 2012’s Avengers vs. X-Men crossover. At one point, a Phoenix-possessed Namor flooded Wakanda, causing untold destruction in a kingdom that once prided itself on never being invaded. The two were later forced to work together to stop the threat of Incursions in writer Jonathan Hickman’s New Avengers series, but that alliance shattered when T’Challa stabbed Namor and left him for dead in another universe. Namor survived, but their friendship has seen better days.

    How the MCU Is Changing Namor and Atlantis

    Namor is finally making his MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but perhaps not quite in the form fans might have been expecting. The film features Tenoch Huerta in the role, and the first trailer suggests Namor will actually be the main villain of the sequel. Though as we’ve already covered, that’s not such a stretch based on some of Namor’s comic book adventures.

    Huerta’s casting and the costume designs seen in the trailer suggest Atlantis is being reimagined as a Mesoamerican or South American kingdom. Basically, the Western Hemisphere’s answer to Wakanda. We suspect the film will reveal Atlantis once battled Spanish conquistadors and other colonizers before finally retreating to the safety of the ocean, rather than hide itself through technology like Wakanda.

    The trailer doesn’t make it clear why Atlantis is declaring war on Wakanda. However, 2019’s Avengers: Endgame may give us a clue. Early in the film, Danai Gurira’s Okoye remarks on a mysterious undersea earthquake, but the film never follows up on that loose end. Was this an early warning sign that Atlantis has been preparing to attack the surface world?

    While Namor and T’Challa’s frigid relationship has become a hallmark of modern Avengers comics, the untimely passing of actor Chadwick Boseman means we won’t be seeing that rivalry play out in the MCU. Instead, we may see the hotheaded Namor butting heads with Shuri, as two of the most powerful and secretive nations in the MCU go to war with each other.

    The Sub-Mariner in TV and Games

    • TV: The Marvel Super Heroes, a 1960s animated television series, had a segment dedicated to Prince Namor. Since then he’s appeared in more animation like the Spider-Man series of the 1980s, The Avengers: United They Stand, and The Fantastic Four series in both the ’90s and early 2000s.
    • Games: 1991’s Spider-Man: The Video Game saw the first introduction of the Sub-Mariner as a playable character. Players faced him as a boss in the Fantastic Four PlayStation game; later, Namor would play a part in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. Most recently he can be found as a playable character Marvel Strike Force, Marvel Contest of Champions, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Marvel Super War.

    Will Marvel’s oldest original character become its newest star on the big screen? Only time will tell.

    Note: this article was originally published in July 202 and updated on July 23, 2022 with the latest info about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

    Kelly Knox is a freelance entertainment writer who also contributes to StarWars.com, DCComics.com, Nerdist, and more. Follow her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to talk Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons, and comics.

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