Sam Stone
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Sam Stone
Contributing writer
Sam Stone: Sam Stone is an entertainment journalist based out of the Washington, D.C. area that has been working in the industry since 2016. Starting out as a columnist for the Image Comics preview magazine Image+, Sam also translated the Eisner Award nominated-Beowulf for the publisher. Sam has since written for CBR, Looper, and Marvel.com, with a penchant for Star Trek, Nintendo, and martial arts movies.
Guides
Upcoming new DC movies and TV series: Release dates for 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and beyond
2025's Superman but is but the first in a wave of new DC movies & TV shows coming into your theaters and homes.
June 26, 2024
Graeme McMillan
Features
The Penguin: The Batman prequel's cast, release date window, trailer, plot, and more
Fans of The Batman get a chance to return to the movie's world with The Penguin. Here’s all the details about the television continuation.
June 11, 2024
Sam Stone
Features
Tom King has created "a perfect villain" for Wonder Woman in Sovereign - and he now explains why
Diana isn't just fighing a man in her new DC comic book series: she's fighting The Man
May 29, 2024
Chris Arrant
Features
Wonder Woman is the hardest DC project ever for Tom King, and he explains why (and why he needs the challenge)
In an interview with Popverse, Tom King details the themes and challenges in Wonder Woman, including how fans changed his initial plans for the DC hero's story.
May 22, 2024
Sam Stone
Features
Is Steve Trevor good enough for Wonder Woman? Tom King explains the uphill climb to justify their relationship to DC fans
Wonder Woman's primary villain has been offstage for a year, but that's about to change
May 21, 2024
Chris Arrant
Features
Cheetah is going to "play a big role" in DC's Wonder Woman beginning in June 2024
Wonder Woman's primary villain has been offstage for a year, but that's about to change
May 20, 2024
Chris Arrant
Features
How fans convinced Wonder Woman writer Tom King to break his #1 rule for the DC series
There's enough room for the Wonder Girls in DC's Wonder Woman book
May 17, 2024
Chris Arrant
News
If you think DC's Wonder Woman is a political book, then you're identifying with the villains waaaaaay too much, says writer Tom King
"I’m like 'You’re not the bad guy! Just like you’re not Lex Luthor or the Joker, you are not the Sovereign,'" says Tom King.
May 14, 2024
Chris Arrant
Guides
How to play the horror game series Five Nights at Freddy’s in release and chronological order
Five Nights at Freddy’s boasts a rich lore across its series. Here’s how the games’ history unfolds in order.
February 06, 2024
Sam Stone
Features
Geoff Johns dishes on the machinations of DC and his future with Ghost Machine
In an interview with Popverse, Geoff Johns reflects on restoring DC history with DC Rebirth and charts a new future with Ghost Machine
January 29, 2024
Sam Stone
News
What went wrong with DC's New 52, according to former CCO Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns was one of the architects of 'The New 52', but even he saw where it went wrong
January 09, 2024
Chris Arrant
Features
Sengoku Youko: The best-selling manga gets a lush anime adaptation this January
In an interview at Anime NYC, the creators of the Sengoku Youko anime series tease the monster-filled action ahead of its premiere on Crunchyroll.
December 28, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Metallic Rouge: Everything you need to know about your new favorite anime, according to the creators
In a roundtable interview with Popverse at Anime NYC, the creators of Metallic Rouge hyped their upcoming original anime series
December 27, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Sarah’s Scribbles creator Sarah Andersen reflects on over a decade of webcomics success
From the perennially popular Sarah’s Scribbles to the bestselling Fangs, Sarah Andersen reveals the origins of her beloved webcomics
December 18, 2023
Sam Stone
News
How the Catholic Church (and the Lord's Prayer) inspired Batman's next big bad, the Virgin
When they said 'deliver us from evil,' they weren't imagining this evil
December 15, 2023
Chris Arrant
News
Imagine Michael Jackson's Thriller, but with Batman: Rafael Grampá calls his shot with Gargoyle of Gotham
"That music video had a big impact on me at the same time that I met Batman"
December 12, 2023
Chris Arrant
News
Batman's newest foe is based on Silence of the Lambs' poster moment
With Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham's latest villain, Rafael Grampá is continuing a long tradition inside the Dark Knight's rogue's gallery.
December 11, 2023
Chris Arrant
Features
Batman's newest villains inspired by the Catholic Church and Michael Jackon in Rafael Grampá's Gargoyle of Gotham
Ahead of the launch of Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #2, Rafael Grampá unveils its two new supervillains
December 05, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Dr. Stone anime creators discuss upcoming season 3 finale and "foreshadowing" the end of the entire series
In a roundtable interview with Popverse at Anime NYC, the creators of the Dr. Stone anime dish on adapting the bombastic New World arc.
December 01, 2023
Sam Stone
News
Spoilers!The one scene from Dr. Stone: New World that the animators hated to do
The Dr. Stone animators aren't as stone-faced as their characters.
November 29, 2023
Chris Arrant
News
Dr. Stone isn't like other shōnen anime and manga, according to show creators
"We’re handling slightly different themes and tastes than other shonen manga styles"
November 28, 2023
Chris Arrant
News
The next Dr. Stone episodes will be even "bigger" says team as they prepare for season 3 finale
Dr. Stone director Shuhei Matsushita, producer Shusuke Katagiri, and character designer Yuko Iwasaa talks about season 3 and what's next.
November 28, 2023
Chris Arrant
Features
Spoilers!Batman and the Joker’s latest showdown invalidates a DC classic
As a new Batman story continues from the ashes of The Gotham War, it makes one popular DC story is no longer canon
November 07, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Titans: Beast World will set up a new "status quo for the DC Universe" going forward
Writer Tom Taylor gives the Titans their biggest challenge yet in DC’s upcoming crossover event
November 01, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!Aquaman 2: How DC Comics' tie-in comic sets up Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Ahead of the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, DC has released a tie-in prequel that bridges the gap between movies with crucial story progression
October 31, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War: Ending explained
Batman/Catwoman: The Gotham War pit the Dark Knight against the Bat-Family. Here’s how DC’s superhero civil war shakes up the Batman mythos
October 31, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Five Nights at Freddy’s timeline: The horror games’ in-universe chronology and history explained
Five Nights at Freddy’s is packed with fan-favorite lore. Here’s how the story plays out chronologically
October 28, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!Ram V’s existential approach to Batman
As Ram V’s Detective Comics run continues, he speaks directly to Batman’s trauma and identity in a raw emotional scene
October 24, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Gotham War: Why Batman and Catwoman could never truly stay enemies
As the DC crossover event Gotham War nears its conclusion, the Dark Knight and Catwoman have an overdue one-on-one
October 17, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Inside Mark Waid's massive DC plans (and they're only getting bigger)
Over one year since returning to DC Comics, Mark Waid unveils his growing plans in an interview with Popverse
October 11, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!Superman goes to therapy (and it's about time)
Superman may be the most indestructible hero in the DCU, but even he has to be honest about his mental health. Here's how Superman: Lost addresses the pressures of saving the day
October 10, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Scott Snyder sizes up his creator-owned empire (and teases a return to superheroes)
In an interview at Baltimore Comic Con, Scott Snyder talks growing Best Jackett Press, launching DSTLRY, and more
October 03, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!DC's Peacemaker Tries Hard! ending explained
As Peacemaker Tries Hard! comes a close, here’s how the series evokes James Gunn’s DC projects while leaning into ‘80s action and comedy
October 03, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Superman: How Clark Kent’s day job is his most under-appreciated asset
Clark Kent’s professional career is an overlooked part of the Superman mythos. Here’s how DC is fixing that.
September 26, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Wonder Woman: The DCU’s ultimate warrior becomes an enemy of the state
Wonder Woman has always had a rebellious streak in her. Here’s how this makes her public enemy number one
September 19, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Green Lantern: Why Sinestro is DC’s most criminally underused villain
As DC plans its future for film and television, Sinestro could finally break from obscurity as a larger threat
September 12, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Meet DC's newest Batman villain, Crytoon
As Rafael Grampá readies the eagerly anticipated miniseries Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham and its new villains, he spotlights the lead foe Crytoon
September 07, 2023
Sam Stone
Guides
How to play Final Fantasy's main games, remakes, & sequels in release and chronological order
There are way more than just 16 Final Fantasy games. Here’s how to play through the mainline games in the proper order.
September 06, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
DC's Robin is now an A.I., as Ultraman creators revamp the Batman family in Justice Buster
As DC partners with Kodansha to reimagine its biggest characters in manga, Eiichi Shimizu unveils Batman: Justice Buster in an interview with Popverse
September 06, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!DC is launching a buzzy new hero with ties to the Golden Age
The DC Universe boasts a wide bench of generational heroes, and the next wave is already here
September 05, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
SpoilersMarvel's Civil War done right: Batman and Catwoman collide in the DC event Gotham War
Gotham War pits Batman and Catwoman in a bitter battle that splits the Bat-Family, employing themes from several classic Marvel stories
September 05, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
DC's Knight Terrors ending explained: How the crossover event goes beyond the nightmares
The 2023 crossover event Knight Terrors carries steep consequences for DC's heroes beyond scary dreams. Here's the story's bigger impact.
August 29, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!DC's Raven and the Teen titans need to move on from her evil dad
Raven is a fan-favorite staple on the Titans. Here’s why she deserves to leave her evil father’s shadow for good.
August 22, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!DC’s Blue Beetle ending explained
Everything you need to know about the ending to DC’s latest superhero film Blue Beetle
August 18, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Supergirl: Superman's cousin's tangled history and bright future
After decades of convoluted history, Supergirl is poised to become bigger than ever. Here's the long road to Supergirl's resurgence.
August 15, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Superheroes and super heels: How AEW embodies comic-book style superheroics
Wrestling is full of heroes and villains. Here’s how AEW does it best and how Fight Forever gives fans a chance to play along
August 09, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Superman: How the Daily Planet changed the superhero game
The Daily Planet is more than a staple in the Superman mythos - it's also a foundational trope in the superhero genre
August 08, 2023
Sam Stone
Guides
Superman movies & TV series in order: Here's how to watch every Superman movie & TV show in order (chronological or release date)
How to make sense of all the Supermen, all the Superman series, and all the great stories of the live-action Superman
August 05, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Batman: Dispelling the myth of the loner Dark Knight
Batman has one of the biggest superhero families in comics. Here’s why the Caped Crusader has always been a team player
August 01, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Harley Quinn: How Dr. Harleen Quinzel went from background character to become a pillar of the modern DC Universe
With a new season of her hit animated series and growing role in comics and on-screen, the DCU is effectively Harley Quinn’s world to conquer
July 25, 2023
Sam Stone
Guides
Wonder Woman: How to watch all of Diana's live-action movies and TV series in chronological and release order
Wonder Woman is one of the biggest characters in the DCU. Here’s how to watch all Diana Prince’s memorable live-action appearances in order
July 24, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
The coming of Hawkgirl: The Superman: Legacy hero gets the well-deserved spotlight
With a new comic series and her silver screen debut in Superman: Legacy, here’s everything you need to know about Hawkgirl
July 18, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!How DC's Grifter became the last action hero of the WIldstorm era
WildStorm continues to grow within the DCU, with Grifter leading the charge in a tragically unique way in the pages of WildC.A.T.s
July 11, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Mission: Impossible - How to watch Tom Cruise's action franchise (and the hidden prequels) in chronological or release order
With Mission: Impossible ruling the cinemas this summer, your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to revisit the franchise in full. Here’s how.
July 06, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!Batman's biggest foe is the Joker, but the Joker's biggest foe is... a 9-5 office job
The Joker's biggest fear isn't Batman - it's an office job, and he's doing just that now at DC
July 04, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Evil revisited: Tom King and Mitch Gerads reimagine the Joker’s murderous debut
Reuniting for Batman: The Brave and the Bold, King and Gerads double down on the Joker as DC’s most terrifying villain
June 27, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Black Adam writer Christopher Priest says Warner Bros. Discovery had heavy input - even on the jokes
Christopher Priest reflects on the themes and behind-the-scenes challenges in bringing the Black Adam maxi-series to life
June 21, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
The hierarchy of power in the DC universe has just changed in DC's Black Adam finale.
As the Black Adam maxi-series comes to an end, Christopher Priest shares the themes behind the story
June 20, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Change in perspective: Why Nightwing is DC’s most experimental comic
As Nightwing presents readers with a first-person perspective interlude, the title exemplifies what mainstream superhero comics can be
June 20, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
The rise of the Wall: Behind Amanda Waller’s Dawn of DC villainous turn
Here’s how Amanda Waller steadily transformed from conflicted ally into the biggest villain in the DCU
June 13, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Give peace a chance: Behind the reinvention of Peacemaker
As Peacemaker Tries Hard! channels James Gunn’s take on antihero, here’s the story of the character’s surprise evolution
June 06, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
A light in the darkness: The renewed relevance of Alan Scott
DC Pride makes the original Green Lantern Alan Scott a bigger inspiration to a new generation of heroes ahead of his new series
May 30, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
From Dead Boy Detectives to Nightmare Country: Where the Sandman Universe is now
As The Sandman Universe: Dead Boy Detectives ends, here’s how Sandman endures in comics 35 years since its debut
May 23, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
A magical partnership: Evan Narcisse & Charles Stewart III talk Static Team-Up: Anansi
In an interview with Popverse, Evan Narcisse and Charles Stewart III talk reimagining a superhero team-up from Static Shock for comics for the first time
May 16, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!Speed kills: How Titans continues Wally West’s string of tragedies
The new Titans series kicks off with a shocking murder and the return of Wally West’s rough patch. Here's how Wally can't just catch a break.
May 16, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Crunchyroll anime: The 10 best anime movies and TV shows to stream now on Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is one of the largest anime streaming platforms in the world. Here are Popverse’s recommendations of what to watch on it.
May 15, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!Death in DC: Inside DC’s new magic trick for superhero deaths
Superhero death and resurrection is a staple to the genre, with DC relying on a recurring trope to take heroes off the board
May 09, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!DC’s Knight Terrors: Everything you need to know about the upcoming DC event as spelled out with Free Comic Book Day
DC Comics’ biggest Free Comic Book Day release is a special prologue to Knight Terrors. Here’s how it sets the tone for this summer’s event.
May 06, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Knight Terrors: DC's lead writer Joshua Williamson dives into the superhero horror event of the summer
In an interview with Popverse, Joshua Williamson provides a sneak peek at the upcoming DC crossover event Knight Terrors and its FCBD prologue.
May 02, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Through the looking glass: Batman’s odyssey through the multiverse finally brings him home
DC marks Batman’s 900th issue with a multiversal celebration of the Dark Knight’s extensively varied legacy
May 02, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
A team-up of godly proportions: How Revenge of the Gods brought Wonder Woman and Shazam together
Though Lazarus Planet may have ended in February, its larger impact is felt in the miniseries Revenge of the Gods
April 25, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Titans together: Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott mix bombastic stakes and intimate action for Titans
With the Titans officially the biggest team in the DCU, Tom Taylor and Nicola Scott up the ante while keeping the stakes close to home.
April 22, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
As the DCeased saga ends, Tom Taylor reveals all in spoiler-filled interview
As DCeased: War of the Undead Gods ends the horror-fueled take on the DCU, creator Tom Taylor reflects on saga’s conclusion
April 21, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Kraven the Hunter: The origin, the powers, and the promise of this classic Spider-Man villain ahead of his movie debut
No hunting is needed to get to know Kraven the Hunter before his first superhero film
April 21, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Inside DC's shadowy new superhero team the Vigil with Ram V
Ahead of its series launch this May, Ram V declassifies The Vigil, DC’s latest superhero team title and its unique mission across the DCU.
April 19, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!Superman: How DC has changed the Man of Steel's legacy with a new comic book series
The first arc of Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell’s Superman run celebrates the Superman mythos while exploring a new frontier. Here’s how.
April 19, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
DCeased: How DC's zombie epic shined a darker light on the DC Universe
DCeased, the popular horror reimagining of the DC Universe reaches its end. Here’s the story behind the successful set of stories.
April 18, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
A Batman for the people: Why the Dark Knight will never be a working class hero
While Batman is the most recognizable human superhero in the DCU, he is far from the Justice League’s most relatable
April 11, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
How Star Wars' Return of the Jedi endures as a bonafide classic
Return of the Jedi celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Here’s how the Original Trilogy’s closer stands redeemed and among the franchise's very best.
April 06, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Joker’s wild: The Clown Prince of Crime has just received a terrifying cosmic upgrade
As Batman tries to escape from an alternate DCU, the Joker has become a threat for the entire DC Omniverse.
April 04, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
No frontier too final: Behind Star Trek’s latest successful rebirth
While Star Trek hasn’t been able to make its return to the big screen, its revival on television is just what the franchise needs.
March 28, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Unstoppably odd: Behind the Doom Patrol’s return to the spotlight
The Doom Patrol is back at the forefront of the DCU with the new series Unstoppable Doom Patrol. Here’s why their resurgence was a long time coming.
March 28, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
COVID Cop: Dean Haspiel introduces a satirical hero for the pandemic era
Prolific comic book creator Dean Haspiel launches a Kickstarter campaign for COVID Cop, a blending social satire with pulp superhero action.
March 23, 2023
Sam Stone
News
DCeased: War of the Undead Gods exclusive finale preview offers the heroes a rare breather
DCeased: War of the Undead Gods closes out the entire DCeased saga and its apocalyptic vision of the DCU. Here is Popverse's exclusive sneak peek of the final issue.
March 22, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Dirty blue: Behind the modern tragedy of GCPD: The Blue Wall
GCPD: The Blue Wall presents a somber look at policing in DCU. Here’s how the miniseries raises the bitter sociopolitical questions.
March 21, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!Friends and lovers: Are Spoiler and Batgirl Gotham’s next big couple?
As Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain work together, has the superhero duo found a new kind of dynamic?
March 14, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Worlds collide!How the Joker brings Spider-Man back to the DCU
As the Joker continues his cross-country odyssey, he makes a direct reference to Marvel’s webslinger in another unofficial crossover between universes.
March 07, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
How Bruce Campbell gave DC's war hero Sgt. Rock his groove back
DC Horror’s miniseries Sgt. Rock vs. the Army of the Dead not only revives DC’s biggest war comics character but makes him the most relevant he’s been in years.
March 03, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Lend me your energy! How Batman vs. Robin evokes Dragon Ball’s ultimate attack
With all hope seemingly lost against the demon Nezha, Robin uses a surprising technique echoing Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball to save the day.
March 02, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!The Lazarus effect: How Batman vs. Robin eliminates a DCU staple
Batman vs. Robin provides the full ending to Lazarus Planet with a drastic change for the DCU.
March 01, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
A kiss before dying: How Tom King and Greg Smallwood redefined Christopher Chance within the DC Universe.
Tom King and Greg Smallwood's acclaimed maxi-series The Human Target has come to an end. Here's how the series redefined Christopher Chance within the DC Universe.
February 28, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
The DC universes across comics, TV, and movies are changing big this year - and once again, the Flash is to thank (or is it blame?)
The Flash is one of the DCU’s greatest heroes but he can never seem to stop interfering with the timeline, no matter what medium he’s running through.
February 28, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Trouble with the curve: The evolution of Nightwing’s prodigious posterior
Of all the heroes and villains in the DC Universe, Nightwing has been recognized as having the best butt in the game. Here’s how Dick Grayson gained his well-rounded reputation.
February 27, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Who is Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania?
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe enters time of The Kang Dynasty, here’s how Kang is set to become the most important figure in the MCU.
February 23, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Failure to launch: Supergirl and Robin’s disastrous first date has deeper consequences
Robin and Supergirl finally go on a date together, but, as bad as the date goes, it signals something more important for the DCU timeline.
February 22, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Spoilers!Reign of the Supermen: Behind the DC Universe's growing men and women of tomorrow
While Superman may be one of the strongest characters in the DCU, he's far from alone. Here are all the Superman analogues and pastiches currently active in the DCU.
February 14, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Namor: Everything you need to know about Marvel's first character and the MCU's newest antihero
With Namor the Sub-Mariner's first MCU appearance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, here’s everything you need to know about the character’s history and cinematic future
February 11, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
Power couple: How Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy gave DC its best love story in decades
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are back together, proving themselves as the healthiest superhero couple to come out of Gotham City.
February 09, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
DC’s glass ceiling shattered: How the Dawn of DC steps up for Lois Lane, Renee Montoya, and Iris West
The Dawn of DC has marked a bold, hopeful future for the DC Universe, with its women stepping into overdue leadership roles, no longer relegated to simple supporting roles.
January 31, 2023
Sam Stone
Features
The coming of Superman: Joshua Williamson & Jamal Campbell take us inside DC's relaunch of its flagship title
With DC relaunching the main Superman ongoing series this February, Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell set the stage for their epic story in a Popverse interview.
January 27, 2023
Sam Stone