American animation and Eastern Anime are distinct styles that set them apart. While anime certainly has a head start on Western style, its global popularity is undeniable. But could shows like Family Guy and South Park make their way into more viewers’ hearts than Japanese anime, even with such a stark contrast to their approaches?
American animation often features exaggerated, cartoonish characters with simpler designs and more limited animation details. In addition, it is typically targeted toward children or families and often includes humor and slapstick comedy. In contrast, Eastern Anime usually has more detailed character designs and animation, focusing on storytelling, character development, and themes that appeal to a broader range of ages.
One of the critical strengths of American animation is its ability to appeal to find a targeted audience, from young children to adults. As a result, many American animated shows have become cultural touchstones, beloved by generations. Shows like Looney Tunes, The Simpsons, and Spongebob Squarepants have endured for decades and have become embedded in popular culture. American animation also has a strong tradition of experimentation and innovation, with shows like Adventure Time and Steven Universe pushing the boundaries of what is possible in animated storytelling.
On the other hand, Eastern Anime has gained a massive following worldwide, with many fans drawn to the complex characters, intricate storytelling, and unique visual style. In addition, anime often deals with deeper themes, such as coming-of-age, relationships, and societal issues. It also has a strong tradition of genre-blending, with shows that mix action, romance, comedy, and drama in new and exciting ways.
Anime has become a staple among broad and niche audiences; classics like Yu-Yu Hakusho, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Pokemon have continued to spawn a wave of modern anime; One Piece, Dr. Stone, Death Parade, and dozens more seem to gain popularity endlessly. At a point in Japanese history where youths feel more disconnected than ever within their culture, watching anime is a widespread way to escape this friction.
But which one is better is the question. Despite their differences, American animation and Eastern Anime have influenced each other over the years. Japanese anime has significantly impacted American animation, with shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra blending Eastern and Western styles especially. American animation, in turn, has influenced the development of anime, with shows like Cowboy Bebop and Fullmetal Alchemist, and Attack on Titan, all drawing inspiration from Western storytelling and animating techniques.
As for the question of whether American animation will ever surpass anime, it is difficult to say, but a few factors could push American animation to new heights.
One of these factors is the growing popularity of adult-oriented animated shows. Shows like Bojack Horseman, Rick and Morty, Archer, and Big Mouth have proven that animated storytelling can tackle complex themes that appeal to mature audiences. As creators and studios explore this space, we may see a new wave of American animation that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the medium.
Another factor is the continued evolution of animation technology. As computers become more powerful and animation software becomes more sophisticated, animators will have more tools to create complex, detailed worlds. The technology we innovate could lead to a new era of American animation, rivaling the intricacy and artistry of Eastern anime. While some Anime artists have already begun to tap into this underutilized tool, the competition for fans may come down to a technological art race.
Ultimately, whether American animation ever “surpasses,” anime is less important than the fact that both styles continue to thrive and evolve. As long as creators persist in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in animated storytelling, we will continue to see new and exciting shows from both sides of the Pacific.
Loki’s finale has the MCU audience lauding the story so far and ready for the next season. Kang the Conqueror (He Who Remains) set the expectation for a wide variety of possible character variants across the multiverse. Of course, one of the most anticipated character variants is the Lord of Lies himself, Loki.
While show writer Michael Waldron and director Kate Herron undoubtedly have ideas and variant versions in mind, the fan-favorite comic Loki portrayed in the show by Richard E Grant proved that comic screen appearances work.
Loki God of Stories
Credit Marvel Comics
Young adult Loki from Agents of Asgard # 13 isn’t above a bit of mischief but also a night and day comparison from what you might expect from the master of manipulation. Here fans see the conscious moral decisions of a Loki that fought to turn away from a truly terrible future. Working as an agent of the Mothers of Asgard, Loki rejected Those Who Sit Above in Shadow—later resisting the manipulations from his future self and becoming a God of Stories rather than God of lies. With newfound purpose, the God of Stories was essential to ending the War of Realms event and later creating a wave of peace between Asgardians and the Frost Giants. Ascending the throne of the Frost Giants following the slaying of his father, Laufey.
Necro God Loki
Credit Marvel Comics
Undoubtedly one of the most potent and terrifying versions is the self-proclaimed Loki the All Butcher in Jason Aarrons Thor #5 (2018). After centuries of whispering lies and madness to Ego, the former wielder of the Necro Sword All-Black. Loki had finally acquired a weapon capable of bringing all of the cosmos to heel; driven by the overflowing malice of the Necro Sword, set upon a path to kill everything. Disemboweling his brother Thor atop an erupting star before meeting a nearly identical fate by the resurrected Gorr the God Butcherer.
Loki God of Heroism and Truth
Credit Marvel Comics
After the Scarlet Witch switches the morality’s of the heroes and villain’s in yet another reality-warping series called AXIS. Here Marvel gives us probably the most accurate “good” version of Loki, honor-driven, and worthy of wielding Mjolnir becoming the God of Heroism and Truth. After gaining newfound powers, Loki selflessly endeavored to make things right, to stop Thor and help the Scarlet Witch restore reality. It’s a great look at Loki’s most nuanced and noble version; such a character could undoubtedly inspire some of the show’s more sinister iterations.
Sorcerer Supreme Loki
Credit Marvel Comics
Preferring to torment enemies with daggers and knives, Loki wields a set of formidable magic powers; seeing writers couple Asgardian magic with a Sorcerer Supreme boost and you start to imagine a universe without Dr. Strange. Appointed by the Vishanti, Loki proved to be a worthy replacement until he decided to seek out the Exile of Singhshoon, a spell that would transfer all the world’s magic to him. Loki would be defeated by a returned Dr. Strange wielding power from Asgard’s Tree of Knowledge.
King Loki
Credit Marvel Comics
Arguably the most successful version of Loki comes from Loki: Agent of Asgard; fans practically open the page to the climactic height of King Loki seizing the throne, triumphing as the unquestionable king of Asgard and defeating Thor. With absolute power King Loki began working with the All Mothers Asgardia to corrupt his younger self, further ensuring this twisted future came to pass. In the end, King Loki is foiled and even sparred by a younger version of himself; this younger version empathizes and pities King Loki choosing a different future to become the new God of Stories.
There are undoubtedly dozens of other versions/variants of the trickster that deserve an honorable mention like Unicorn Loki, Loki 2099, Loki Dark Reign, Lady Loki and Ikol to name a few. Loki is a long standing pillar for gender and character fluidity in Marvel Comics, whatever alternate versions Disney+ has in store they’re certain to be entertaining and befitting the shows unique comic verse MCU meshing.
Did you have a Loki variant, version or reincarnation in mind that should of been mentioned, put it in the comic section below and dont forget to like, lie and stay mischievous.
Fire burns, it’s hot, it ate a bad report card of mine once but most importantly it’s the element of interest when it comes to daydreaming of your preferred superpower. If you don’t share that enthusiasm you’re likely at least one third ice narwhal but still welcome to read on. There is arguably no better place to find some of the hottest fire flinging fictional examples (I did it again) than the murky world of anime.
With so many different anime universes it is a monumental task to try and rank them in terms of who carries the torch above all but you can confidently say here is seven of the biggest and hottest fire users that let their flames do the talking.
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Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Coming from a sad albeit complicated background, a shinobi of Konohagakure‘s Uchiha clan gained infamy after murdering his entire family, saving only his younger brother Sasuke. It was only years later Sasuke would learn the decision made by Itachi rested solely with his motivation to save his life and the entire village .
Capable of releasing the highest level of fire technique, the Amaterasu. Unmistakable by the dark black flames the caster uses the Mangekyo Sharingan to summon a fire so hot it burns other fires. Amaterasu cannot be extinguished by conventional methods and Only Itachi and Sasuke can use Amaterasu. This impressive power can burn for 7 days and has been labeled as forbidden in the ninja world.
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Enji Todoroki or Endeavor (My hero Academia)
Hailed as the current number one hero of Japan Endeavor is about as hot headed as his flames are, starting out as kind of a jerk and well abusive dad. Endeavors attitude stemmed from his drive to become the number one hero and usurp the former All Might. Succumbing to his obsession he has pushed himself and children to the utmost limits of their quirks, later realizing the error in this and cooling his attitude.
Using the quirk Hellflame Endeavor is able to generate and manipulate intense flames from his body surrounding himself in a shroud of fiery armor and even enhancing his strength and speed. By concentrating his flames into his fingertips the number one hero can mimic a plasma ray, his signature move Flash Fire vaporizes everything it touches slicing through steel and victims like butter.
Known well as the Flame Alchemist Roy Mustang is a Lieutenant Colonel in the State Alchemist military government. Gaining status as a hero during the Ishvalan Civil War , Mustang utilized his unique flame alchemy to devastate the Ishvalan ranks. Initially he carries an attitude that is overly laxed and even lay about concerning his duties, beneath the surface a calculating and precise person Mustang is a born leader with a tactical intuitiveness that is surpassed only by his concern for the people he is sworn to protect.
Flame Alchemy allows the wielder to manipulate the density of oxygen around themselves by raising its levels in the air. Mustang uses this technique combined with a spark generated from his gloves to create varying degrees of fire based attacks and explosions. Capable of precision strikes like igniting the fluid in an enemies eye or incinerating a room of enemies while avoiding allies.
Arguably the strongest Soul Reaper in soul society until of course being surpassed by Ichigo, as Captain Commander and the eldest shinigami his strength is surpassed only by his conviction. Toting the appearance of a frail old man Yamamoto is actually in incredible shape and will stop at nothing to ensure the Soul Society’s rule and laws are followed. He is known to show respect and almost admiration for powerful opponents.
Utilizing a powerful weapon known as the Zanpakuto Yamamoto possesses the strongest fire Zanpakuto ever in the soul society “Ryuujin Jakha”. A Shnigami has two obtainable levels (upgrades) to their power, a Shikai and Bankai. Ryujins Shikai release ability engulfs the sword and surrounding landscape into flames incinerating even clouds in the area, this Shikai command is, “reduce all creation to ash”. Releasing his Bankai Yamamoto has claimed that his body and sword are engulfed by flames hotter than the sun, vaporizing any matter touched.
An imposing noblewoman of the house Vermillion, Mereoleona is a Royal Knight and stand-in Captain of the Flame Salamanders squad. Commanding respect, her sheer indomitable will is surpassed only by her fire magic abilities. Stated In the magnato possess an almost unobtainable level of power she is possibly the strongest human magic user alive.
Mereoleona draws her magic abilities from one of the highest tier Grimoires in the Clover Kingdom, a three leaf clover. She is capable of fully manipulating the fire element, even grabbing allies with her flame avatars causing no harm. Preferring to use spells complimenting her insane level of strength, Calidos Brachium surrounds the wielder’s fist in a fiery aura for strikes, engulfing them in flames. Merleonas equivalent of a power up she utilizes the surrounding mana outside her body for higher tier attacks, for finishing the toughest opponents implementing Calidos Brachium Purgatory; pouring all of her strength into a stream of punches that engulfs the entire area with flames.
Known as Jaganshi Hiei or “Master of the Evil Eye” Hiei is the coupling of a Fire Demon and an Ice Maiden, the Jagan later surgically implanted in his forehead. Ostracized from the demon race at a young age, Hiei considers himself a bit of a loaner and villain until switching sides to fight with his closest human comrade Yusuke. Towards the series end Hiei made the astronomical leap from low D class demony to the Deadly tier elite S class.
Coupling his demon and Jagan powers he alone can harness the power of his Dragon of the Darkness Flame technique. An overwhelming attack that summons black flames from the depths of the Spirit World and shapes it in the form of a black dragon that incinerates anything in its path. Capable of emitting the Dragon Wave in Jaganshi Form, this attack summons multiple Darkness Flame Dragons destroying everything around the user.
A member of the elite Special Fire Force since he was a boy Benimaru is an extremely gifted pyrokinetic user orphaned as a boy and later made heir to his adopted father Hibachi Shinmon. Short tempered but respected as a leader and capable fighter Benimaru has a lifetime of training laying fire demons or infernals to rest. He is openly regarded as the strongest Fire Officer in the Special Fire Force and is known as “Asakusa’s King of Destruction”.
Benefiting from being both a 2nd and 3rd generation pyrokinetic this means he is capable of both summoning intense flames and attacks but also control the flames of an external source. This combination allows for powerful explosive blasts, flight and the manipulation of combustion and heat proof barriers. A signature attack of Benimaru is the Crimson Moon’s Sun Wheel in which a ring of fire is placed behind the already large fire mass (moon) adding to the destructive power. This attack can easily overpower and obliterate an infernal.
Some honorable mentions that didn’t make this list but might make a top 10 in the future are; Portgas D Ace (One Piece), Sailor Mars (Sailor Moon), Charizard (Pokemon), Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tale), Feitan (Hunter x Hunter) and Escanor the Lion Sin of Pride (Seven Deadly Sins.
Did this list have what you expected to see, was there a gaping hole in the anime knowledge that needs to be addressed? Leave your comments and suggestions below detailing a fire user that roasts with the best of them.
2019 has been many things, the year after 2018 it was also the year many gaming fans felt the stinging let down from some of the years most anticipated titles. With exponentially improving game standards, new console releases and a growing market: gamer’s have come to expect consistent improvements in everything from post game release content, anesthetics to story depth and of course value. Below we discuss some of this years titles that had droves of people wishing they save their receipts. A unifying factor for all these titles is the pattern of rewarded customers with underwhelming game play
Read Dead Redemption 2s’ Multiplayer
Xbox One screenshot
Now if you raised an eyebrow and spat at your screen when you noticed Rockstar’s baby make its way to the list please cease all raging, this is based on the multiplayer only. Sequel to one of the most impressive open world games of all time Red Dead Redemption, the world held its breath as the release of one of the most awaited titles of the decade became available.
A campaign so immersive it makes you go out and buy a pair of cowboy boots is surreal, RDR2 delivers in full in regards to the solo experience. That does little to satisfy a hungry multiplayer community awaiting the sequel since 2010. RDR2 multiplayer remained in beta for months after release and the logical theory that followed was, big things were coming to the Red Dead online community. Reality often disappoints, a multiplayer release with a scant amount of content (missions, items, gear, mounts weapons etc), free roam became the go to for anyone willing to level/gain gold by briefing other players or skinning three star animals in quick re spawns. Most of the bare bones repetitive activities mentioned and things like hunting, map roaming, train conducting and brief NPC missions became a monotonous trudge. Small and large showdown series along with territory captures comprised the bulk of the online multiplayer at first with rotating modes like most wanted and make it count to add map/ play diversity. New multiplayer modes continue to rotate as available play options but it would seem Rockstar is still searching for that special, cowboy shooter online market. Competitive multiplayer soon proved to be a hollow shell of what was promised, instead of a new trailblazing multiplayer community with all the polished bells like GTA5’s online mode, players may wait years for RDR2’s multiplayer to develop. Rockstar experienced minor trouble keeping players engaged in the following release months. Several loot events, game rewards, new modes and economy fixes have helped to support fan and community interest but evades the long-term fix. Adding more to do in both the multiplayer competitive and free roam modes will allow players the chance to do more than mosey around Valentine.
Credit where credit is due the devs have focused considerable effort in the beta phase and post release fine tuning the play experience, debugging and focusing on a more immersive approach compared to GTA5. Although RDR2 has had a rough reception following its premiere release it is certainly in the hands of very talented people; updates like the bounty hunter, trader and huntsman roles are on the way and part of a larger plan releases 09/10/2019.
Jump Force
Xbox One screenshot
Jump Force is one of the dream universal mash ups that had the gaming and anime community heaving with anticipation. I mean who couldn’t help but let out a high-pitched squeal when the Jump Force trailer premiered and highlighting Goku taking on Naruto, the intro fight being the very beginning of endless match up possibilities. Anime has become a huge market in the U.S especially shows based on the Shonen manga, tons of fans were rightfully excited to see a game attempting to bring anime characters out of their respective universes and into close digital contact.
Once in the death grip of eager anime and gaming fans, new and veteran gamer’s would soon learn some of their most iconic characters (Goku, Freeza, Yugi etc.) underwent a animation process that did not justice to the original artwork. Hit characters like Ashta, Ichigo and Midoriya received a nice polish and looked impressive but majority of the characters that drove sales (Goku, Freeza, Yuske etc) looked like McDonald’s toy plastic. What felt unfinished and empty however wasn’t the animation but the game setting. While your character waits for their next fight you spend most of your time in an in between area, apart from wandering around players can use this down time to change items, appearance and accept a set number of missions. It feels the dev’s goal was to create an area similar to the Time Patrols pocket dimension from Dragon Ball Xenoverse. Jump Force misses the mark and leaves you with a watered down world that feels somehow incomplete. At first the fighting system is so simple you almost wish your fighting team roster could be extended to five, after a few hours it is clear there is no need for a combo master to beat both the AI and online players. A simple fight style is a good plan to help players jump into the thick of fighting quickly, until you fight the third opponent who keeps their distance and spams a ranged attack prolifically. Or my favorite the match up against a speedy berserker that rushes you with a furry of bland combinations so relentless you might not even get the chance to counter. Playing in pvp it is obvious that powerful lengthy combos are now replaced by the relentless button mashing of your younger sibling. Watching Saiyans kamayamaya a Hidden Leaf Ninja is a surreal experience, Jump Force boasts not just dream anime match ups but a campaign that attempts to explain the melding of all the universes. The end product is a confusing mess that is again similar to the multiverse time crisis campaign in Xenoverse but a lot less fleshed out in terms of writing and enjoyment of play.
Hope is on the horizon, Jump Force is far from an abandoned project and has a rumored total of 9 DLC characters coming in 2019. Even though the story is a heap, the clever brains that had the idea to watch Lofi Gum Gum punch Goku; are giving slew of additional characters to keep us coming back. I highly recommend giving Jump Force a chance, no where else can you see Dark Magician take a full force Detroit Smash from Midoriya.
Fall out 76
Almost too easy to mention Bethesda’s hyped Fallout 76 release flop but it will done for the good of anyone duped into spending $60 on a rushed title. Fall Out 76 was a game that many people were looking forward to since the exciting E3 trailer featuring an old-time raspy cover of John Denver’s “Take Me Home”. Fallout 76 is an online based prequel that promises to introduce a impressive open world that allowed you (one of the first emerging vault survivors) to carve out their own wasteland adventures on a live server.
Mere hours into playing the Fallout 76 release the monotony of killing either a ghoul, dark claw, Mr. Gutsy or bandit had eroded conviction of even the most determined gamer. Referencing Bethesda’s previous success with Fallout 4, players are accustom to a lengthy fluid story, engaging NPC’s, ample side missions and a world built on Fallout’s wasteland apocalyptic lore. Release of 76 meet a host of criticisms such as; lack of NPC’s , repetitive mundane missions and a not so friendly online community all made the play experience overwhelmingly unpleasant. Finding a group to play with in co-op proved difficult since most random players interest lay in either loot jacking or griefing at the expenditure of your ammunition. Of course there is always the online feral player shooting at you senselessly until you respond. Player’s seeking player vs. player action had mixed feelings towards the in game rules , pvp mode could only be initiated by attacking another player and the attack being reciprocated. This solves problems seen in similar online survival games with pvp griefing, sacrificing the entire stealth element of Fallout. A pvp fight in 76 is more like taking off your white glove, slapping another player and seeing if they accept your challenge to duel. Putting all complaints aside, being able to actually play the game can make or break a release. Fallout 76 is certainty no stranger to deal breaker game glitches and bugs. Issues affecting the use of Power Armor, fast traveling, building and general play. As the dust settles many loyal Bethesda fans have failed to make their way back to 76 since the release of the new battle royal mode Nuclear Winter.
It could be argued that Bethesda’s recent tale spiral with 76 might of been avoided by cater to either the Fallout fan base or the hardcore survival game fan basis, maybe even both. Cries from unsatisfied customers are not met with complete inaction, the new Morgantown Nuclear Winter map is out next week, included in Patch 13 which will drop next Tuesday September 10.
Anthem
Anthem is the story of a game developer that sorely needed a win . It is no secret that Bioware has recently been plague with employment issues ranging from losing some of their most veteran designers due to stress, depression and staff fatigue to workplace burnout. Anthem has some good ideas and does dabble into a hybrid role play looter shooter that could be great but in its current state of affairs needs major attention
An Anthem story play through can be summarized into a few short words, “what was that all about”. Within moments of the game opening narration players are assaulted with vital information ; Cyphers, Free Lancers, Cataclysms, Striders, Heart of Rage and the list goes on. Optional game dialogue gives the player the feel of controlling the outcome or direction of the story but in reality does little to affect the story line. Lack of variation in character travel is limited to running and flying, there are no vehicles or any exoskeleton upgrades that allow for say environment exploration like deep water diving, or subterranean exploring. The only vehicle in the world is a massive strider that minus a few cinematic scenes is never actually seen in action. With the familiar fallen advanced civilization theme in place, Anthem’s weapons and equipment need a touch of variation. Players are given the traditional, rifle, pistol, shotgun, grenade launcher options, a refreshing change might of been some type of ordnance integration into the Javelin tech since how it is a Freelancers livelihood. Not knocking the unique experience of soaring through the sky like Iron Man, this feature is actually insanely overpowered when used against a dumb AI. There is actually no enemy with the same combat maneuverability (excluding some pushover rouge Freelancers), restricting practical fights to ground based confrontations. A number of the enemies are almost a running joke, with the bulk of threats being Skarrs (Anthem’s version of a Halo grunt). Players can easily overcome almost any situation in the game by using fly and run tactics. With a lack of any puzzle or problem solving elements in the game the only critical thinking you will face is navigating the mini map.
Anthem is a visual masterpiece and is a load of fun to play when drifting away from the story line and having a buddy who is equally willing to lend artillery fire and lose themselves in a looter shooter.
Who knows maybe in the coming months these titles will finish strong or even surpass our now dismal expectations with some great updates or DLC. Did you think one of these titles was the greatest thing since sliced bread? How about any games you felt had a poor release, don’t forget leave your suggestions and comments below.
Earth (all of them) seem to be among the busiest places in Marvel comics, especially when there is a universal ending weapon or item lying around. Throughout the MCU you will find a multitude of powerful items that could tip universal scales: the Eternal Flame, Hadron Enforcer, Casket of Ancient Winters etc. Avengers Infinity Wars allowed audiences a glimpse at “some” of the most powerful items in the universe; the Infinity Stones. Thanos was capable of changing the universe as he saw fit by combining the power of the Infinity Stones into the Infinity Gauntlet. Individually they allow the wielder power augmentations over reality. Placing the stones (not the Infinity Gauntlet) in an item power ranking, they fall lower on the universal threat scale than you’d think. Thankfully comic writers have created and will continue to create grandeur plot devices of unimaginable power to one up the last one.
Following the theme “if it’s powerful it appears on earth”; the Tactigon first appeared in Avengers: The Initiative #1, as an alien weapon that fell to San Francisco and bonded with the suicidal teen Violet Lightner. This pairing transformed Violet into the powerful hero Armory. The Tactigon was soon passed to Michael Van Patrick’s clone KIA after Armory accidentally killed MVP in a training exercise. Marvel databases classify the alien weapon as an omega level threat ranked among the Kree Nega Bands and Thor’s Mjolnir. War Machine himself stated that the Tactigon was a dangerous omega level weapon, that’s coming from War Machine the guy who uses weapons for a living. What makes the Tactigon so deadly is that after it bonds with a host it begins to learn and exploit an enemies weakness, taking the form of the perfect weapon to defeat your opponent. Along with transforming some other Tactigon’s powers are potent energy projection abilities.
Powerful items often yield terrible results, when it’s the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak it yields an unstoppable Juggernaut. First appearing in Uncanny X-men #12. The Crimson Gem is easily recognized as the source of the Juggernaut villains power. Exemplars are the mortals who come into contact with mystical artifacts like the Crimson Gem and bestowed unimaginable power. As the Juggernaut you are essentially immortal, possessing; limitless kinetic energy, immeasurable strength, physical invulnerability, a nearly impenetrable shield and super speed. Exemplars capable of tapping into the full power of the Crimson Gem become the Trion Juggernaut; capable of matter manipulation, creating portals, causing dimensional tares and growing in size. The Gem itself is a mystical artifact that serves as an extension of Cyttorak, an entity so powerful villains like Dormammu draw on his power. Not to mention the gem itself can be used for creating mystical constructs, teleportation and generating energy blasts. Often the Juggernaut is defeated by his own methods, if the gem fell into the hands of someone with a little more ambition, everyone could be in trouble.
If you blinked in Thor Ragnarok you might have missed the Twilight Sword. First in the weakened grip of a de-powered Surtur, and later being driven into the magical realm Asgard; it receives little attention in the movie. Surtur lugs around what is known as the Sword of Twilight or Sword of Doom. A serious piece of mystical hardware that at one point even houses the infinity stones. Surtur first destroyed the galaxy of the Korbinites (Beta Ray Bill’s home) creating the “burning galaxy” to harness the massive amount of energy needed to forge the Twilight sword. The sword is a conduit for magical energies, increasing the users powers and simultaneously acting as a magical barrier against physical and magical attacks. While in the hands of a champion, the sword has the ability to cut through nearly anything. Not limited to physical objects like metal or rock but also energy/magical barriers and dimensions. Surtur is not the only one to wield the Twilight Sword for terrible purposes. Morgan Le Fay was able to use the sword and her elven magic to completely change reality into a middle ages equivalent with her as the leader. God of tricks Loki even combines his knowledge of science and magic to harness unlimited energy from the sword. The Twilight Sword was created to be coated in the Eternal Flame and used by Surtur to bring about Asgard’s Ragnarok this is a small portion of the many abilities making the wielder a universal powerhouse.
Another item based on a pointy ends that can end you, the Odin Sword is a magical weapon kept under lock and key by the Skyfather Odin. Created from a Golden Nibelung ring it was rumored to be so powerful if unsheathed, “the end of the universe is at hand”. Making its appearance in Journey Into Mystery #117 and later retconned in the “Celestial Saga”. Capable of harnessing cosmic energies primarily drawing on the Odin Force, and cutting through nearly anything including celestial armor. Just to add a background, that powerful magic the Odin Sword uses flows through the Tree of Life and utilizes is one of the most powerful forms of magic in the Marvel universe. Using the power of the Odin Force, Odin is able to access magic as an unlimited source of power, to augment his strength, manipulate matter, alter time and bring the dead back to life. All of this power is being channeled through the sword. Among the strongest weapons available to the Asguardians the might of this weapon allowed Odin to hold his own against a group of Celestials before finally being overcome.
Forged by Avalon’s alchemist from the mystical realm of otherworld, The Evil Eye of Avalon is classified as a dangerous and powerful magical item. Created by Marvel titans Stan Lee and Jack Kirby making its appearance in Fantastic Four #54, originally intended as a weapon against the Formor. Not limited to purely destruction, the Eye can manipulate and disintegrate matter at a molecular level, project blasts of concussive force, emit disintegrating rays, create or destroy force fields, and possess powers over both dimensional and time travel. Equipped with a safety button that when turned on would recharge the device, if left in the on position the Eye would eventually cause a devastating explosion. Used for an occasional villainous purpose, the EEOA was seized by Dormammmu who intended to use it to merge the earth into his dark dimension. The Eye of Avalon was even considered powerful enough by the Grandmaster to be one of the 12 artifacts wagered in the JLA/Avengers crossover event.
Typically used by Annihilus in a terribly underwhelming fashion the coveted Cosmic Control Rod is a force to be reckoned with first appearing in Fantastic Four Annual #6. Annihilus made use of a knowledge transference helmet to acquire the knowledge to create the Cosmic Control Rod rumored to contain the essence of a Tyannan starship’s stardrive. This means the device is on a scale of incalculable power. Capable of manipulating cosmic energies, matter, and interdimensional warps the wielders’ aging is also slowed to a near stagnation. Not even the items most overwhelming feature, any personal abilities the user has are augmented far beyond current levels. Annihilus has a history of using the Cosmic Control Rods mastery of cosmic energy for improving his own abilities; flight, teleportation, superhuman strength and self resurrection. Already a universal boomstick the Rod grants whoever holds it leadership of the Negative Zone and absolute dominion over the universe ending Annihilation wave. What came to be known as Annihilation Day the Annihilation Wave used advanced technology, significant firepower and overwhelming numbers to take overtake million planets on the first day. Mastery over an entire universe and sovereignty over all its inhabitants alone makes the wielder of the Cosmic Control Rod a threat to an entire universe.
Have you noticed Marvel has a thing about imbuing swords with over the top power? Me either. The Necro Sword (All Black) was the first symbiote ever created by the god Knull. Knull pulled the weapon from his shadow and forged it using the power of a fallen celestial to reap a terrible vengeance against all life. All Black has had a number of owners and has even bonded with beings such as Galactus and Odin. Like other symbiotes it will influence/corrupt the host, following its creators plan to wipe out all life in the universe (emphasis on Celestials). If god slaying is on the agenda the Necro Sword is the way to go since it is responsible for killing millions of gods across the multiverse. With sword in hand the owner possesses superhuman strength to a high degree so high that Gor the God Butcher was able to battle old Thor, current Thor and young Thor all at once and still gained the upper hand. Along with planet shattering strength the wielders are given enhanced speed, durability and reflexes that are at least on a God of Thunder level. Due to the dark nature of its creation and master, the Necro Sword also possess a command over dark energy, able to change its physical form to nearly anything it pleases. Similar to the Twilight Sword this weapon will enhance the natural abilities of the user, when Odin bonded with all black it enhanced his rune lighting so much that when striking Galactus it appeared with a fiendish a blackish purple hue. While the main purpose is the killing of Celestials, gods, and other cosmic entities what makes the sword truly terrifying is that it can bypass the victims immortality and slay them like mortals. Like all symbiotes, All Black is susceptible to fire but has survived being thrown into a star with virtually no damage, making its one weakness a nearly invulnerable one.
Described as the universe’s ultimate weapon the Ultimate Nullifier (say that 5 times fast) resides in the possession of the cosmic entity Galactus, is the only known item to inspire outright fear when used against him by Mr. Fantastic. Equipped with the ability to completely destroy a target of the wielders choosing by violating the law of conservation of mass, it first appeared in Fantastic Four #50. Whoever holds the Nullifier has a large impact on the effectiveness, dependent upon the concentration, knowledge, and mindset of the wielder. In the hand of a highly intelligent being like Galactus, the Nullifiers holds multiversal powers over creation and destruction. Even in the hand of a supreme human intellect like Reech Richards, this item holds enough power to force Galactus himself to retreat from destroying the earth. At one point the Nullifier was even pitted against an Infinity Gauntlet powered by five infinity stones. Qasar hoped to use it to stop Magus in the Infinity War, but failed to activate the Ultimate Nullifier. Spider Man actually theroizes in Marvel Adventures that, “ he believes that it instead alters the laws of probability, changing the universe so that “everything has an equal likelihood of affecting everything else”. This is later proved accurate.
Officially existing outside of the main Earth 616, Marvel universe continuity is the Heart of the Universe last appearing in Marvel: The End, a six issue comic series. So powerful that when held by Thanos, he said the Infinity Gauntlet pales in comparison, describing the gauntlet as external control over the universe and the Heart as the actual fabric and understanding of all existences and power. The Heart was created by the One Above All to correct a fundamental imbalance of good and evil in all of existence and to also reigns as a supreme power above all cosmic and extract entities. Using the heart, Thanos easily dispatched the threat Akhenaten, and when the Living Tribunal gathered together the Marvel heroes and cosmic abstracts (Eternity, Infinity, Death and the Celestials) in a vain attempt to take back the heart Thanos simply absorbed all of the Marvel Multiverse. In the End, the Heart was officially stated to be “gone” when Thanos used its power to restore everything he had destroyed but if the past tells us anything, nothing in comics stays dead or gone for long. Similar to the powers of the Infinity Gauntlet the Heart of the Universes gives an ultimate power and understanding of all things that no other object, item, force or artifact can compete with.
Looking to expand on your deadly Marvel item and weapon list , here are some honorable mentions that are still a force to behold; the Darkhold, Nega Bands, Casket of Ancient Winters, Excalibur, Mandarins Ten Rings, Destroyer Armour and the Staff of One. Did you see this list going differently, leave a comment with what you think should or shouldn’t have made the post. Don’t forget to follow to get updates about the latest gaming, comic, movie and nerdy news.
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