Mike Manalo

Mike Manalo

Mike is a proud, sarcastic nerd with a penchant for comic books, comic book movies, and movies in general, and occasional delusions of grandeur. He's also a UC Berkeley graduate who decided to go into writing over pre-med because he figured he'd ultimately save more lives by not being a doctor. He's a Slytherin and a Pisces, so he's very emotionally sensitive, yet also evil, but can be defeated by exploiting his insecurities. His goal is to live one hell of a unique life, and it's been working so far! His proudest moments are being retweeted by James Gunn and Ryan Reynolds in the same week, and getting 999,999 points on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland. 

You can find Mike's writing around the web at publications like The Nerds of Color, What to Watch, Spoiler Free Reviews, and That's It LA.

Latest articles by Mike Manalo

Oscar Isaac stands at the entrance of a temple in Moon Knight

Moon Knight season 1 episode 3 review: What if we rewrite the stars

By Mike Manalo published

The latest Moon Knight episode on Disney Plus offers more action, mythology and character development in another winning episode.

TV Shows
Mr. Knight

Moon Knight season 1 episode 2 review: Suit up

By Mike Manalo published

In Moon Knight episode 2, Steven and Marc fight over control, learn Harrow's backstory and meet a surprising person from Marc's past.

TV Shows
Morbius

Morbius review: Jared Leto's superhero movie sucks the life out of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe

By Mike Manalo published

Morbius, the long-awaited installment in Sony's Spider-Man Universe starring Jared Leto, hits finally theaters April 1.

Movies
Oscar Isaac holding a cell phone in Moon Knight

Moon Knight season 1 episode 1 review: Steven Grant, meet Marc Spector, the Moon Knight

By Mike Manalo published

In the Moon Knight premiere, Oscar Isaac gives a fantastic dual performance as Steven Grant and Marc Spector, better known as Moon Knight.

TV Shows
Jared Leto as Morbius

Is Morbius in the MCU?

By Mike Manalo published

Morbius is a new movie based on a popular Marvel character, but is he officially part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Movies
Moon Knight posing over multiple defeated bad guys in Moon Knight

Who is Moon Knight? — unraveling the MCU's newest superhero

By Mike Manalo published

A quick introduction to the MCU’s mysterious new hero.

TV Shows
ZOË KRAVITZ as Selina Kyle in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “THE BATMAN,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

Best Catwoman — every star ranked best to worst

By Mike Manalo published

Who's the best Catwoman? With 'The Batman' here, we pick the best Catwoman actors to date so far.

Movies
Peacemaker John Cena

Peacemaker, Loki and Walter White: why we love villains

By Mike Manalo published

Villains like Peacemaker, Loki and more are having their moments on TV, but why are they so much fun to watch?

TV Shows
Still from Spider-Man No Way Home

Best Spider-Man movies: The Spider-Man movies ranked from worst to best

By Mike Manalo last updated

With 'No Way Home' coming soon to theaters, we reveal the best Spider-Man movies to date so far

Movies
Eternals

'Eternals': The Perfect Companion Piece to 'Watchmen'

By Mike Manalo published

In many ways, 'Eternals' is a perfect companion piece to the seminal DC classic, 'Watchmen.' Here's why!

Movies
Caption: (L-r) JOEL KINNAMAN as Rick Flag, JOHN CENA as Peacemaker, MARGOT ROBBIE as Harley Quinn, PETER CAPALDI as The Thinker and IDRIS ELBA as Bloodsport in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “THE SUICIDE SQUAD,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

Deconstructing the surrealism behind 'The Suicide Squad'

By Mike Manalo published

Diving into the hidden meanings behind James Gunn's wacky take on Task Force X

Movies
metadata.caption_abstract:"(L-R): Melina (Rachel Weisz), Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and Yelena (Florence Pugh) in Marvel Studios' BLACK WIDOW, in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access. Photo by Jay Maidment. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved."

'Black Widow' and the tragedy of the Widow family

By Mike Manalo published

'Black Widow' has finally hit theaters after years of anticipation and excitement from fans who wanted nothing more than to see their favorite character in a long overdue solo outing.

Movies
Heroes of the DC Animated Universe in Justice League Unlimited

Remembering the DC Animated Universe 15 years later

By Mike Manalo published

To commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the end of the DC Animated Universe, we explore what made this universe the definitive version of the DC Universe ever put to screen!

TV Shows
John Krasinski as Jack Ryan.

The 'Fantastic Four' and the dangers of fancasting

By Mike Manalo published

Fans have been clamoring for John Krasinski to be cast as Reed Richards, but is it really the right choice?

Movies
Adult Swim's Final Space

What makes 'Final Space' one of the most underrated shows

By Mike Manalo published

Final Space has become one of the best animated shows on TV.

TV Shows
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