title: Poetics (Aristotle)

text: Giorgio Valla's 1498 Latin translation of Aristotle's text (the first to be published) was included with the 1508 Aldine printing of the Greek original as part of an anthology of "Rhetores graeci". By the early decades of the sixteenth century, vernacular versions of Aristotle's "Poetics" appeared, culminating in Lodovico Castelvetro's Italian editions of 1570 and 1576. Italian culture produced the great Renaissance commentators on Aristotle's "Poetics", and in the baroque period it was Emanuele Tesauro who, with his "Cannocchiale aristotelico", re-presented to the world of post-Galilean physics Aristotle's poetic theories as the sole key to approaching the human sciences.


title: Poetics (Aristotle)

text: Recent scholarship has challenged whether Aristotle focuses on literary theory per se (given that not one poem exists in the treatise) or whether he focuses instead on dramatic musical theory that only has language as one of the elements.


title: Poetics (Aristotle)

text: The lost second book of Aristotle's "Poetics" is a core plot element (and the “MacGuffin”) in Umberto Eco's novel "The Name of the Rose".


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: The Birth of a Nation is a 2016 American period drama film written and directed by Nate Parker in his directorial debut. It is based on the story of Nat Turner, the enslaved man who led a slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831. The film stars Parker as Turner, with Armie Hammer, Mark Boone Jr., Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis, Aja Naomi King, Dwight Henry, Aja Naomi King, Esther Scott, Roger Guenveur Smith, Gabrielle Union, Penelope Ann Miller, and Jackie Earle Haley in supporting roles. Parker also petitioned financiers to invest in the film, ultimately getting an $8.5 million production budget, and started filming in May 2015 in Georgia. The film's title is an ironic callback to the 1915 KKK-focused silent film.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: "The Birth of a Nation" premiered in competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, where Fox Searchlight Pictures bought worldwide rights to the film in a $17.5 million deal (at the time the largest deal at the festival), and won the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. The film was theatrically released in the United States on October 7, 2016, and grossed $16 million, receiving positive reviews from critics, with praise for its directing, acting, soundtrack, and cinematography.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Because "The Birth of a Nation" attracted increased attention during its festival run, there was significant press coverage of a 1999 alleged rape that Parker and co-story writer Jean McGianni Celestin were accused of having committed, and the fact that the accuser committed suicide in 2012. While Parker was acquitted and Celestin was not retried after his conviction was overturned on appeal, the controversy surrounding the alleged rape and Parker's initial responses to the controversy cast a shadow over the film.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: In 1809, on a farm in Southampton County, Virginia, Nat Turner is a pre-teen slave boy. The adult slaves have little food for their children, and Nat's father Isaac slips out one night to steal something for his son to eat. On the road, Isaac is caught by a posse led by slave-catcher Raymond Cobb. When Cobb tries to execute him, Isaac turns the tables, kills one member of the posse, and flees. He then returns home, tells his family what happened and says that he has to leave immediately, but not without speaking to Nat once more, insisting that Nat is "a child of God" and has a purpose. When Cobb arrives and questions Isaac's family about his whereabouts, nobody says anything and Benjamin Turner, the owner of the farm, intervenes and drives Cobb off before he turns violent.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: When Elizabeth Turner, Benjamin's wife, notices that Nat has basic reading skills, she starts to teach him reading, hoping that he can be helpful in the household with his knowledge. Most of her lessons center around the Bible. Elizabeth even goes so far as to have Nat read Scripture during church gatherings. But shortly before Benjamin dies, presumably of tuberculosis, he orders his wife to stop teaching Nat and send him to work as a farmhand.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Now an adult, Nat is still picking cotton, but he also preaches and reads Scripture for his fellow slaves on the farm. Samuel Turner, Benjamin's son, inherits ownership of the farm. During a slave auction, Nat is immediately smitten by one of the female slaves for sale, Cherry. He convinces Samuel to buy her as a wedding gift for Catherine Turner, Samuel's sister. Nat and Cherry fall in love, marry, and conceive a daughter.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Since the economic situation in the South has turned and prices for crops are poor, many slaveowners have problems feeding their slaves and fear revolts. Reverend Walthall makes Samuel an offer: several farm owners will pay good money if Samuel will travel to their farms with Nat and have Nat preach to the slaves to pacify them and convince them that the Bible requests them to endure their situations. Samuel, needing the money, reluctantly agrees. During their visits, Nat and Samuel witness emaciated and desperate slaves and, in some locations, horrifying treatment of the slaves by their owners.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: When his grandmother dies, Nat decides that he will rise up against the slaveholders. He holds a secret night meeting with some trusted fellow slaves, among them one boy from another farm, and prepares them for the uprising. He also talks with Cherry, who still has not recovered from the beating, about the uprising and she gives him her blessing.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: During the night, Nat and a fellow slave enter the house of their owners and kill Samuel and the manager. They then ask the other slaves of the farm to follow them, which most of them do. During the night, they take over several other farms and kill the slaveowners. During one of the takeovers, they notice that the boy has disappeared. A short time later, they are attacked by a group of white men who had been alerted by the boy, and they have to retreat.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: In the morning, they enter the town of Jerusalem to loot it for weapons. They are confronted by a group of white men, again led by Cobb, but they manage to defeat the group, with Nat personally stabbing Cobb to death. But when they enter the arsenal, they notice that it is empty. They are immediately ambushed by soldiers who kill every slave except for Nat, who flees.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: When Nat manages to secretly meet Cherry once more, she tells him that innocent slaves have been murdered in retaliation and more will be as long as Nat is on the run. Nat turns himself in and is condemned to death. During the hanging, Nat notices the slave boy who betrayed the group in the crowd but Nat does not seem to harbor ill will towards him. The film ends with a fade of the boy's crying face into the face of an adult soldier who presumably is the same boy, grown up and fighting for the Union Army in the American Civil War.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: The 2016 film uses the same title as "D. W. Griffith's 1915 KKK propaganda film in a very purposeful way", said "The Hollywood Reporter". Parker has said his film had the same title "ironically, but very much by design". He told the magazine "Filmmaker":


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Griffith's film relied heavily on racist propaganda to evoke fear and desperation as a tool to solidify white supremacy as the lifeblood of American sustenance. Not only did this film motivate the massive resurgence of the terror group the Ku Klux Klan and the carnage exacted against people of African descent, it served as the foundation of the film industry we know today. I've reclaimed this title and re-purposed it as a tool to challenge racism and white supremacy in America, to inspire a riotous disposition toward any and all injustice in this country (and abroad) and to promote the kind of honest confrontation that will galvanize our society toward healing and sustained systemic change.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: "The Birth of a Nation" is written, produced, and directed by Nate Parker, who also stars as Nat Turner. Parker wrote the screenplay, which was based on a story he co-wrote with Jean McGianni Celestin. Parker learned about Turner from an African-American studies course at the University of Oklahoma. He began writing the screenplay for a Nat Turner film in 2009 and had a fellowship at a lab under the Sundance Institute. While he got writing feedback from filmmakers like James Mangold, he was told that a Nat Turner film could not be produced. "The Hollywood Reporter" said:But what he heard instead were all the reasons a movie about Nat Turner wouldn't work: Movies with black leads don't play internationally; a period film with big fight scenes would be too expensive; it was too violent; it wouldn't work without a big box-office star leading it; Turner was too controversial—after all, he was responsible for the deaths of dozens of well-off white landowners.After Parker finished his acting role in "Beyond the Lights" in late 2013, he told his agents he would not continue acting until he had played Nat Turner in a film. He invested $100,000 of his money to hire a production designer and to pay for location scouting in Savannah, Georgia. He met with multiple financiers, and the first to invest in the film were retired basketball player Michael Finley (who had previously invested in the film "The Butler") and active basketball player Tony Parker (no relation). Parker eventually brought together eleven groups of investors to finance 60% of the production budget, and producer Aaron L. Gilbert of Bron Studios joined to cover the remaining financing.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: In November 2014, development was underway, and Armie Hammer joined the cast. By April 2015, Aja Naomi King and Gabrielle Union joined the cast. In subsequent months, Penelope Ann Miller, Jackie Earle Haley, and Mark Boone Junior also joined. Filming took place in Georgia (including at Myrtle Grove Plantation) in May 2015 and lasted 27 days. Parker used the a cappella choir from Wiley College on the soundtrack. Parker had previously been part of a cast that portrayed historical figures from Wiley, in "The Great Debaters".


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: "The Birth of a Nation" premiered in competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on , 2016. Before it screened, the audience gave a standing ovation to the introduction of Nate Parker. After it premiered, "Variety" said it "received the most enthusiastic standing ovation at this year's Sundance Film Festival so far". Following "The Birth of a Nation"s Sundance premiere, Fox Searchlight Pictures bought worldwide rights to the film in a deal. Competing deals also came from The Weinstein Company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Netflix. "Variety" said Fox Searchlight's deal was "the richest in Sundance history".


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: A teaser trailer for the film was released in April 2016, followed by an official trailer on June 21, 2016. On July 6, the UK release date of January 20, 2017, was announced. It was actually released in the UK on December 9, 2016. A film poster with Parker in a noose made from an American flag was released on July 15.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: 20th Century Fox canceled the planned 2017 release of the film in Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Austria and Latin America following the disappointing results at the U.S. box office, which damaged the overall distribution budget for the film.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: In August 2016, media attention surrounding the film resurfaced 1999 alleged rape charges against Nate Parker and co-writer Jean McGianni Celestin. While students at Pennsylvania State University, Parker and Celestin were accused of raping a female student. The woman went to a doctor, who concluded that she had been sexually assaulted, and local authorities taped a phone conversation between her and Parker in which Parker confirmed that it was he and Celestin who had sex with her. Parker and Celestin denied the accusations and said that the sexual encounter was consensual. Parker was acquitted of all charges in 2001; Celestin was convicted of sexual assault, but the conviction was overturned on appeal in 2005. A subsequent retrial did not take place.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: In a formal complaint filed against Penn State in 2002, the woman also stated that she was harassed by Parker and Celestin following her allegation; the harassment allegedly "included Parker and Celestin hiring a private investigator to publicly expose her as the accuser, and continued bullying by Parker and his friends outside buildings where she had class". The university settled the complaint with the woman for $17,500. The woman committed suicide in 2012, with her death certificate noting that she suffered from "major depressive disorder with psychotic features, PTSD due to physical and sexual abuse, polysubstance abuse".


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Because "The Birth of a Nation" attracted increased scrutiny due to possible Oscar nominations, and the film itself depicts a fictional, brutal rape that does not appear in historical records, there was significant press coverage about damage control by Fox Searchlight Pictures, the studio releasing the film. Interviews in "Variety" and "Deadline" were a focus, as was Parker's response to the event in an impassioned Facebook post. The studio reportedly took a wait-and-see approach before marketing to church groups, college campuses, and Hollywood figures.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Writing in "Variety", the sister of Parker's alleged victim expressed particular distress at the film's imagined rape scene, saying, "I find it creepy and perverse that Parker and Celestin would put a fictional rape at the center of their film, and that Parker would portray himself as a hero avenging that rape. Given what happened to my sister, and how no one was held accountable for it, I find this invention self-serving and sinister, and I take it as a cruel insult to my sister's memory."


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Gabrielle Union, a rape survivor and one of the main stars in "The Birth of a Nation", wrote in the "Los Angeles Times" to express her concern over the allegations, particularly the lack of affirmative consent: "Even if she never said 'no', silence certainly does not equal 'yes'. Although it's often difficult to read and understand body language, the fact that some individuals interpret the absence of a 'no' as a 'yes' is problematic at least, criminal at worst."


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: After having suffered significant negative publicity for his response to the past rape allegation, Parker chose to deflect the questions about his past legal problems while doing press for "The Birth of a Nation" at the Toronto International Film Festival. Shortly thereafter, Parker and his handlers chose to cut press interviews short when similar questions came up about his involvement with the alleged rape and its impact on the marketing of the film.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: In an open letter, former members of the Penn State student body and staff who were present during Celestin and Parker's trial defended both men's innocence of the 1999 accusations. The group made allegations of police intimidation and a hostile racial climate on campus at the time; both Parker and Celestin are black while their accuser was a white female. The group wrote in "The Root":


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Nine celebrities came out in support of Parker, including Harry Belafonte, Chadwick Boseman, Hal Holbrook, Mel Gibson, Kevin Hart, Harvey Weinstein (who was later embroiled in a sexual assault scandal), Al Sharpton, Anthony Anderson, and Sheryl Underwood.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Holbrook wrote a letter to "The New York Times" defending Parker and the film. Holbrook praised "The Birth of a Nation" as "an exceptional piece of artistry and a vital portrait of our American experience in trying to live up to ideals we say we have" and suggested that owing to the film's critique of racism, Parker and his film were being held to a different standard than what Holbrook characterized as other "directors and actors who have rather public indiscretions, and who have in some cases been acquitted of them".


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Prior to the film's release, it received several hundred one-star ratings on IMDb, possibly as a result of the controversy surrounding the allegations. it holds an IMDb rating of 6.4/10.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: In the United States and Canada, "The Birth of a Nation" was projected to gross around $10 million in its opening weekend. It went on to open to $7.1 million, finishing sixth at the box office. African-Americans made up 60% of the first weekend audience. In its second weekend the film dropped 61.2%, grossing just $2.7 million and finishing tenth at the box office.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Despite making back nearly twice its budget, the film was considered a financial disappointment. In assessing the mediocre opening weekend of "The Birth of a Nation", "The Washington Post" reported, "While some moviegoers may have been put off by the controversy, middling reviews for the movie itself probably didn’t help. Meanwhile, historic dramas can be a hard sell: It's possible a lot of multiplex visitors just plain weren't interested." Adding to the film's problems, "Several prominent feminists decried Parker's defiant response to the [rape] scandal and pledged to boycott the film, which drew a protest vigil at Hollywood's ArcLight Cinemas."


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Gabrielle Union, who appeared in the film, told "Essence" that she understood why some film-goers were avoiding the film and stated that she, as a rape survivor, could not sell it to anyone who chose to avoid the film due to the controversy. She said, "As a rape survivor and as an advocate, I cannot shy away from this responsibility because the conversation got difficult. I don’t want to put myself above anyone's pain or triggers. Every victim or survivor, I believe you. I support you. I support you if you don't want to see the film. I absolutely understand and respect that. I can't sell the film."


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: On review website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 73% based on 268 reviews, with an average rating of 6.70/10. The site's critical consensus reads, ""The Birth of a Nation" overpowers its narrative flaws and uneven execution through sheer conviction, rising on Nate Parker's assured direction and the strength of its vital message." Metacritic gave the film a normalized score of 69 out of 100, based on 49 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Justin Chang at "Variety" compared "The Birth of a Nation" to "12 Years a Slave", saying: "Parker's more conventionally told but still searingly impressive debut feature pushes the conversation further still: A biographical drama steeped equally in grace and horror, it builds to a brutal finale that will stir deep emotion and inevitable unease." He concluded, ""The Birth of a Nation" exists to provoke a serious debate about the necessity and limitations of empathy, the morality of retaliatory violence, and the ongoing black struggle for justice and equality in this country. It earns that debate and then some."


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: "The Hollywood Reporter"s Todd McCarthy said, "The film vividly captures an assortment of slavery’s brutalities while also underlining the religious underpinnings of Turner's justifications for his assaults on slaveholders." He added, "The film offers up more than enough in terms of intelligence, insight, historical research and religious nuance as to not at all be considered a missed opportunity; far more of the essentials made it into the film than not, its makers' dedication and minute attention are constantly felt and the subject matter is still rare enough onscreen as to be welcome and needed, as it will be the next time and the time after that."


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: Michael Phillips of the "Chicago Tribune" was critical of Parker's direction, saying, "one of the drawbacks, ironically, is Parker's own performance. Even the rape victims of the screenplay have a hard time getting their fair share of the screen time; everything in the story, by design, keeps the focus and the anguished close-ups strictly on Parker. He's a good actor, but not much of a director; the visual style and approach of "The Birth of a Nation" tries a little of everything, and often too much of everything."


title: The Birth of a Nation (2016 film)

text: In its October 10 issue, "The New Yorker" ran two reviews, "The Cinematic Merits and Flaws of Nate Parker's "The Birth of a Nation"", by Richard Brody, and ""The Birth of a Nation" Isn't Worth Defending", by Vinson Cunningham.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The Suzuki SX4 is a subcompact car and crossover produced by Japanese automaker Suzuki since 2006. It was available as a hatchback and sedan, with the former available in both front and four-wheel drive. In 2013, the second generation was launched, called Suzuki SX4 S-Cross — now exclusively a subcompact crossover SUV. The first- and second-generation SX4s sold alongside one another until 2014. The second-generation SX4 has not been marketed as a Fiat, and the SX4 sedan was replaced with the Suzuki Ciaz.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The original model was sold in certain European markets as the Fiat Sedici. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign Giugiaro studio and has been produced since 2006. Although originally intended solely for Europe, the SX4 is sold in most of Suzuki's international markets. Especially as a 4WD hatchback, the SX4 occupies a specific market niche of mini SUVs. Depending on the market, it was available with petrol engines in the 1.0 to 2.0 L range, and Fiat/Peugeot's 1.3 to 2.0 L diesels.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The SX4 is an abbreviation of "Sports X-over 4 Seasons". The SX4 designation was previously used by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1981 to 1983 for a sporty liftback model in its line of all-wheel-drive AMC Eagle passenger cars.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The SX4 continues Suzuki's focus on mini SUVs and subcompact SUVs, like Jimny/SJ, and Vitara/Escudo. The car was created as a result of a joint development agreement between Suzuki and Fiat signed in April 2003. It was introduced in Japan on 1 December 2005, and internationally at the 76th Geneva Motor Show in March 2006. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio, the SX4 replaces the Aerio (Liana in some markets).


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Based on the Suzuki Swift, it was manufactured at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Esztergom, Hungary; Manesar, India; Bekasi, Indonesia; Chongqing, China and Sagara, Japan. Production in Hungary was expected to be 60,000 units per year — two thirds to be sold by Suzuki and one third by Fiat, badged as the Sedici.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The SX4 Crossover had also been sold in Indonesia since 2007. Earlier models were directly imported from Japan and marketed as the SX4 X-Over. However, locally assembled versions were introduced a year later due to higher market demand. The locally assembled versions were then equipped with some new features, including four-wheel disc brakes and a multi-information display. The Indonesian produced SX4 was also exported to Thailand. The SX4 sedan was also sold in Indonesia as the Suzuki Neo Baleno from 2008 until 2011.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Engines included the 1.5 L gasoline version that was identical to the one used in the Swift, a 1.6 L gasoline (with VVT) with maximum output of (which powers the SX4 Sedan sold in India by Maruti), the 1.6 L VVT version also used in the new Grand Vitara, and a , 1.9 L DDIS — along with the Fiat diesel engine with a maximum output of and maximum torque of .


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The SX4 was initially released as a five-door hatchback body style, marketed as the SX4 Crossover. With boot space of 300 liters (270 liters VDA) and 60:40 split fold rear seats, they have a tumble/roll configuration that allows for a flat load area up to a maximum volume of 1045 liters (625 liters VDA).


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The sedan model, marketed as the SX4 Sport, debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show and was released in Japan, India and a few Eastern European markets. It replaced the Suzuki Aerio sedan and also the Daewoo-based Suzuki Forenza sedan and station wagon.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The North American market model arrived in 2006 for the 2007 model year, as Suzuki's entry-level AWD vehicle. Differences from the European model are the offering of AWD as standard (2WD Version available in Canada, Europe, Israel, and China while AWD is optional in Canada) and only with the 2.0 L "J20A" I4 gasoline engine with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. The cars were only available with a 4 speed Aisin 60-40LE automatic transmission in 2007.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: In 2007, Suzuki Auto posted the best year end close in company history, with SX4 sales a primary contributor to this success.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The United States base price (model year 2008) for the five-door hatchback (marketed as the SX4 Crossover) included "intelligent" All Wheel Drive (iAWD), power door locks, power windows, power mirrors, CD player with MP3 capability, and keyless entry. Available were anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, fog lights, and an advanced key in a Touring package. Suzuki sold nearly 75000 Suzuki SX4s and Fiat Sedicis in Europe in 2008. This was the second best-selling car in Hungary in 2008, after the Suzuki Swift.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Suzuki Indonesia launched the Suzuki SX4 X-Road, a base variant of the SX4 in Indonesia. This version uses rear drum brakes (disc on non CBU X-Over), unique wheels, a body kit, and no rear spoiler.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The model year of 2009 saw SX4 sedans with standard GPS navigation systems manufactured by Garmin with Bluetooth, weather, and a gas station locator.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The United States sedan of the SX4 (marketed as the SX4 Sport) is only available in front-wheel drive (FWD). Except for the absence of iAWD, the option packages for the SX4 Sport closely matched those available for the SX4 Crossover. The sedan's boot has 515 liters of cargo capacity.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Both the 1.6 L FWD hatchback and 1.6 L FWD sedan models available in Israel (four speed automatic only) and Malaysia, are fully imported from Japan.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the SX4 are available, although not all combinations of drivetrain and body style may be available in a given market (for instance, until the latter part of the model year of 2008, the United States SX4 Crossover was only available with iAWD). The AWD models use an electronically controlled iAWD three-mode four wheel drive system, user-selectable between front-wheel drive 2WD mode, automatic AWD AUTO mode, and AWD LOCK 50:50 split permanent AWD LOCK mode which can only be used up to , after that it switches to AWD AUTO mode.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The 2010 SX4 received changes to the grille, instrument cluster, climate controls, and door trim, as well as a restructured cargo hold, removing the fold-up rear seats in favor of an 'arena seating' raised rear seat layout. Non-fleet all-wheel-drive models added new rear skid plates. They were also upgraded with front (ventilated) and rear (solid) disc brakes, six airbags (front, side and curtain), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cruise control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) - optional in 1.6 L models.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: A SportBack model offered a lowered sport tuned suspension, body kit, rear spoiler, and comes without a roof rack.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Since the 2010 model year, the SX4 five-door hatchback is available with a 1.6 L DOHC VVT engine, 2.0 L DOHC VVT engine J20B (different from the J20A used in 2007 to 2009; and thus not interchangeable) and 2.0 L DDiS diesel engine (16 valve, with torque) on the AWD version.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The 1.6 L DOHC VVT engine revised to the new CO emission control standards Euro 5 regulations. Engine power was increased from 107 to 120 bhp. The United States received a new 2.0 L engine (J20B) with output increased from 143 to 150 bhp and lower fuel consumption.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The car is available with either a new six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission for 1.6 L engined cars. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters comes with a 2.0 L inline-four engine and is rated at 6000 rpm. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the same engine is rated at 6200 rpm.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Indonesian market SX4 received updates, including a new speedometer, a redesigned dashboard, new road wheels, grille design, mid-bass speaker, HID projector headlamps, and AUX port on the head unit. The X-Road variant was discontinued due to low sales.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Suzuki Indonesia launched a new variant, named RC1. The SX-4 RC1 included more accessories, such as new bumpers, a rear upper spoiler, twin mufflers, 17-inch wheels, and LED headlamps.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Stability control and rear disc brakes became standard on all US models including FWD models (previously was standard only on AWD models).


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Navigation was added as an optional feature on US models and the front fascia was redesigned. This was the last model year for US and Canada sales.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: In 2007, Maruti Suzuki launched the Indian version of the SX4 sedan with minor cosmetic differences compared to the models assembled and marketed elsewhere.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The cars were initially equipped with the 1.6 L gasoline engine, without VVT, with at 5,600 rpm and of torque at 4,000 rpm. It was later updated to the 1.6 L engine with VVT.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: In February 2011, a diesel version was introduced. It uses the Fiat 1.3 L (DDiS) engine with variable geometry turbo.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: An experimental Suzuki concept car using alternative power includes an 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell and 68 kW electric motor. The car has top speed of with 250 km range. The car was unveiled in 2008 Hokkaido Tōyako summit, and later in 2008 Paris International Motor Show.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: At the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, Suzuki announced it would enter the FIA World Rally Championship, with the factory-backed Suzuki World Rally Team in the World Rally Car category in 2007, using the Suzuki SX4 WRC.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: At the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, Suzuki unveiled S-Cross Concept, a futuristic study of a subcompact crossover, as introduction of an upcoming production model. At that time, Suzuki announced that the S-Cross would be a new model, not a replacement for SX4, whose production was scheduled to continue.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The new SX4 S-Cross design, loosely based on the S-Cross concept, was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Compared to its predecessor it grew in all directions, being long, wide and tall. The wheelbase measures , more than the earlier model. These dimensions provided additional interior and boot space, compared with liters. The SX4 S-Cross is built at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary. Production of the old SX4 was continued in parallel until 2015 in Japan and India.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: All SX4 S-Cross models get FWD as standard with optional AWD dubbed as "AllGrip". It has four selectable driving modes and is claimed to send torque to the rear wheels before a loss in traction can occur.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The European model went on sale in the autumn of 2013. Early models include choice of 1.6 L "M16A" petrol engine from previous generation or new "Fiat Multijet" 1.6 L turbodiesel engine, mated with 5- or 6-speed manual (all engines) or CVT (petrol only) transmission. The new model is Suzuki only, and Fiat replaced the Sedici with the new 500X.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The SX4 S-Cross is not available in the United States and Canada, since Suzuki has withdrawn from these markets, but it is offered in Brazil and Mexico. It has been launched in India in September 2015, as the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross via NEXA outlets only with the 1.3 L "DDiS 200" and 1.6 L "DDiS 320" Fiat's turbodiesel engines, mated with 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions respectively.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: In June 2015, the European market S-Cross received new hydraulically controlled clutches and gear changes 6-speed twin clutch automated-manual transmission, dubbed as "Twin Clutch System by Suzuki (TCSS)". It is only available for the 1.6 L DDiS turbo-diesel engine with all-wheel-drive "AllGrip" model.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: For the Indonesian market, the SX4 S-Cross was launched at the 24th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 11 August 2016, being fully imported from India. Unique for this market, the car is powered by 1.5-litre "M15A" petrol engine from the previous generation SX4 to avoid the higher tax imposed to vehicles with engine capacity more than 1500 cc (lifted in late 2021). The engine is mated to either 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. In terms of styling and features, the car is almost identical to Indian market S-Cross.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The SX4 S-Cross design was updated in September 2016 with numerous improvements. The car received a new front end design, tail lights, alloy wheels with wider 10 mm tires and more efficient headlights, the position lamps now have energy-saving LEDs and function as daytime running lights. The interior design utilizes an updated soft-touch dashboard pad, framing highlights for the center panel, and newly designed seat fabric.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Brand new direct injection turbocharged "Boosterjet" engine series were also introduced. The inline-three 1.0 L "K10C" rated at / and inline-four 1.4 L "K14C" rated at / . It is shared with the Vitara and Swift. The new 1.4 L turbo engine received slightly different ancillaries and ECU and complied with the Euro 6 emission standards. During development, Suzuki's engineers virtually eliminated the typical delay in turbo power delivery by installing the specially developed compact turbocharger attached directly to the cylinder head as well as incorporating the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head casting. This design ensures optimum gas flow with minimal heat loss through to the turbo unit. The turbocharger has a boost pressure of 1.1 Bar. The 1.0 L engine is mated to a 5-speed manual as standard, 6-speed manual for 1.4 L, while the 6-speed automatic transmission is also available both engines. For most market outside Europe, the 1.6 L petrol engine is still available instead of the new 1.0 L "Boosterjet" turbo engine for the lower model. It is only mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, replacing both 5-speed manual and CVT transmissions.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The facelifted S-Cross was launched in August 2017 in Ecuador. It was offered through Chevrolet, but still marketed with Suzuki's badges. Chevrolet stopped offering S-Cross when Suzuki re-enter Ecuadorian market in August 2021.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Both petrol and diesel engines in Europe were discontinued in April 2020 and replaced with a turbocharged 1.4 L "K14D" "Boosterjet SHVS" mild hybrid engine due the implementation of Europe 6d emission standard. The engine received dual VVT system, new design fuel injectors and a higher pressure fuel pump. It is now rated at / . The mild hybrid system consists of a 48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power components requiring lower voltage including lights, audio and air conditioning. The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor, is belt driven and assists the petrol engine during vehicle take off. This system adds / .


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The facelifted version of the SX4 S-Cross was launched in India on 28 September 2017. The 1.6 L "DDiS 320" turbo-diesel engine was not available for the facelifted model and only available in a mild hybrid setup, with a 48V belted alternator-starter unit coupled to the 1.3 L "DDiS 200" turbodiesel engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. Due to BS6 norms being implemented since 1 April 2020, the diesel was discontinued. A petrol model was introduced in August 2020 with a 1.5 L "K15B" engine with 12V mild hybrid and an option of a 4-speed automatic transmission. In 2017, the Indian S-Cross contains over 95% local parts.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The SX4 S-Cross achieved a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating when it was first released in 2013. The same result was also issued by ANCAP in 2013 and ASEAN NCAP in 2015.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: Suzuki unveiled third generation SX4 S-Cross via online on 25 November 2021. It is continued to be manufactured by Magyar Suzuki in Hungary for European market and also exported to Asia, Oceania and Latin America. It was designed by Suzuki Italia Design Center in Turin.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The car is heavily based on the previous generation model, with major makeover on the exterior with a new front and rear-end design. In the interior, it received an updated dashboard design, a gauge cluster with a 4.2-inch LCD multi-info display from Vitara and either a 7 or 9-inch floating design touchscreen infotainment system. The driver assistance system is also upgraded with additional 360 degrees view camera, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The exterior dimensions and interior space remain exactly the same as the previous generation.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The turbocharged 1.4-litre direct injection engine with belt-driven 48V Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) mild hybrid system is also carried over from the previous model for European market. The engine rated at and of torque, the electric motor produces and of torque. It is paired with either 6-speed manual or automatic transmission and available for both front-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations. Strong hybrid version with Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and automated manual transmission "Auto Gear Shift (AGS)" that seen in 2022 Vitara/Escudo Hybrid is expected to come in summer 2022. The old conventional 1.4-litre turbocharged engine from previous generation is retained for markets outside Europe.


title: Suzuki SX4

text: The combined fuel consumption for the 1.4-litre turbo mild hybrid engine is claimed more economical than its predecessor and competitors. The car achieved fuel economy rating between depending on drive layout and transmission option, according to WLTP test.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: Father of All Motherfuckers (also known by the censored title Father of All... and frequently abbreviated as FOAMF) is the thirteenth studio album by American rock band Green Day, released on February 7, 2020, through Reprise Records. Produced by Butch Walker, Chris Dugan, and the band, the album marks a slight change in style from the band's usual sound, incorporating garage rock elements similar to their tenth studio album, "¡Dos!".


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: The album was preceded by four singles: "Father of All...", "Fire, Ready, Aim", "Oh Yeah!" and "Meet Me on the Roof". It debuted atop the UK Albums Chart and Australian ARIA Albums Chart, among others. Despite chart success, the album received polarized reviews from critics, with praise for the album's brisk pace and energy, but criticism for its lyrics and runtime.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: "Father of All Motherfuckers" is Green Day's final album to be released by Reprise Records, with the band fulfilling their contract with the label.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: On December 9, 2018, lead vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong revealed that he was writing new songs for an upcoming Green Day album. As recording sessions for the album took place, the band had recorded sixteen songs. However, the band found it difficult to string together all 16 tracks, so they narrowed it down to the ten tracks they felt were the best to make the final cut.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: According to Armstrong, the band wanted to make a "sort of old-timey rock 'n' roll record that traces the history of rock 'n' roll". He stated that the album was inspired by glam rock acts such as "T. Rex or Mott the Hoople, to Martha and the Vandellas, and also some garage rock." ""Father of All..." feels like it's somewhere in between Prince and MC5," Armstrong said.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: According to lead vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong, the album is "The New! soul, Motown, glam and manic anthemic. Punks, freaks and punishers!" He would also state that the lyrics are about "the life AND death of the party" and the "lifestyle of not giving a fuck." Writers have described the sound of "Father of All Motherfuckers" as garage rock, alternative rock, garage punk, and pop punk. With a running time of 26 minutes and 16 seconds, it is Green Day's shortest album to date.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: The cover features a repurposed version of the cover art from their 2004 album "American Idiot". Armstrong wrote the full album title on the arm, but obscured the word "motherfuckers" with a drawing of a unicorn. The limited edition version of the album uses an uncensored version that lacks the unicorn.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: The album's lead single and title track, "Father of All...", was released on September 10, 2019. A music video was released on September 19. "Fire, Ready, Aim", was released on October 9 as the official opening theme song for the National Hockey League and NBCSN's Wednesday Night Hockey television broadcasts and as the album's second single. NBCSN also uses "Father of All...", usually during highlights from previous games for the two teams playing on Wednesday Night Hockey.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: The album's third single, "Oh Yeah!", was released on January 16, 2020, along with a music video. The song takes its title and samples the chorus from Joan Jett's cover of "Do You Wanna Touch Me", originally sung by Gary Glitter. Acknowledging the latter's sexual abuse history and multiple convictions, the band mentioned they would donate their royalties from the sales of "Oh Yeah!" to International Justice Mission and Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. The song was used as the one of the official theme songs for the 2020 edition of the WWE PPV, Backlash.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: At the same time as the album's release on digital platforms, a music video for the song "Meet Me on the Roof" was released, featuring Gaten Matarazzo as a guest star.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: To promote the album, the band announced the Hella Mega Tour with Fall Out Boy and Weezer. Initially planned for March 2020, the tour began on July 24, 2021 following the cancellation of shows in Asia and Oceania, and delays to the North American and European dates due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: "Father of All Motherfuckers" received mixed reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 68 out of 100, which indicates "generally favorable reviews" based on 25 reviews.


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: "Kerrang!" magazine rated the album four out of five stars, saying, ""Father of All Motherfuckers" is just another sign of a band who have always done things their way refusing to do what's expected of them. And it's a hella mega good time from start to finish". Reviewing for "Rolling Stone", critic Jon Dolan also gave album four out of five stars, naming it one of Green Day's most fun albums, and writing, ""Father of All..." is a bountiful act of recovered rock memory, an effortlessly affirming argument that the first mosh pit or car radio contact high you get when you’re 13 years old can be enough to sustain you long into life. Comparing it to their previous work, "Q" magazine said, "By its very nature, "Father of All..." is slight compared to a sprawling magnum opus such as 2009's "21st Century Breakdown", but it's close to impossible to emerge from its rapid-fire near-half-hour without a smile on your face."


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: Conversely, "Entertainment Weekly" gave the album a middling C−, saying, "At its best, ["Father of All"] might be the dance party we need, but it's not the one we want." More negatively, Ross Horton of "musicOMH" awarded it one out of five stars, calling it a disaster and pointing out that it is not a noble failure. "Sputnikmusic" gave the album a 1.5 out of 5 rating, calling the album "a hot mess that destroys any hope that Green Day could re-emerge as a band worth listening to."


title: Father of All Motherfuckers

text: "Father of All Motherfuckers" debuted at number four on the US "Billboard" 200 with 48,000 album-equivalent units, including 42,000 pure album sales. It is Green Day's 11th US top-10 album.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Wiccan (William "Billy" Kaplan-Altman) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character has been depicted as a member of the Young Avengers, a team of teenage superheroes, as well as the Champions. Created by writer Allan Heinberg and artist Jim Cheung, the character first appeared in "Young Avengers" #1 (April 2005). The character's appearance is patterned on that of two prominent Marvel superheroes, Thor and Scarlet Witch (Wiccan's mother), both of whom are members of the Avengers. Like the Scarlet Witch, Wiccan possesses powerful magical abilities which make him a key member of his superhero team.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Recruited to the Young Avengers by Iron Lad, Wiccan's story includes the discovery that he and fellow teen hero Speed are in fact long-lost twin brothers, and that the pair are reincarnations of the sons of Scarlet Witch and her husband Vision. Significant storylines for the character include his and his brother's search for their missing mother, learning to master his powers, and an ongoing relationship with his teammate Hulkling.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Alongside his permanent role as a member of the Young Avengers, Wiccan has also been a member of Avengers Idea Mechanics, Strikeforce and the Guardians of the Galaxy. He is known for being a prominent gay character in the Marvel Comics.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: An illusory Billy appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney+ miniseries "WandaVision" (2021), played by Baylen Bielitz and Julian Hilliard. Hilliard returned as a human version of Billy from an alternate reality in the film "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" (2022).


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Wiccan first appeared in "Young Avengers" #1 (April 2005). The issue was scripted by Allan Heinberg and drawn by Jim Cheung. One of the original four members of the Young Avengers, the team was founded after the Avengers disbanded in the story line "Avengers Disassembled".


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Initially, Heinberg assumed that Marvel would not allow him to write two lead gay characters. Because of this, he originally planned to write Billy's love interest, Hulkling, as a female shapeshifter named Chimera. Chimera would discover that her true form was male, which would force Billy to decide if he was still in love with him. However, due to the complexity of this proposed story line, editor Tom Brevoort suggested simply making both characters gay.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Afterward the series concluded, Wiccan continued to appear alongside the Young Avengers in miniseries such as "Young Avengers Presents" and "Dark Reign: Young Avengers"; the event comic tie-ins Civil War, and "Siege: Young Avengers" (co-starring with The Runaways in the former two); and various other guest appearances. From 2010 to 2012 he was a part of the main cast in "", written and drawn by the original "Young Avengers" creative team of Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Wiccan was again a main character in the 2013 "Young Avengers" series by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: As part of the All-New All-Different Marvel relaunch in 2015, Wiccan became a main character in "New Avengers" vol. 4, written by Al Ewing, as a member of an Avengers team led by Sunspot, alongside Hulkling, Songbird, Squirrel Girl, Hawkeye, Power Man and White Tiger. During this time he also briefly appeared in the "Scarlet Witch" series by James Robinson. "New Avengers" ended at issue #18 (January 2017) with Wiccan and Hulkling in semi-retirement.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: An alternate-future version of Wiccan who had become the Sorcerer Supreme was a main character in "Doctor Strange and the Sorcerers Supreme".


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In 2019, Wiccan appeared in "Unstoppable Wasp" #7 (July 2019) and "War of the Realms: War Scrolls" #2 (July 2019). Later that year, he and Hulkling co-starred in the four-issue miniseries "Death's Head" written by Tini Howard. Soon after, Wiccan became a main character in "Strikeforce", also written by Howard, alongside Blade, Angela, Spider-Woman, Monica Rambeau, Daimon Hellstrom and Winter Soldier. The series ended at issue #9 in August 2020.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Wiccan and Hulkling will join Al Ewing's Guardians of the Galaxy series starting with #13 in April 2021 as part of a new story arc, joining current members Star-Lord, Nova, Gamora, Groot and Rocket Raccoon.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Thomas Maximoff and William Maximoff were twins born to the superhuman sorceress Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, and the android hero Vision, both members of the Avengers. The pregnancy and births were the result of Scarlet Witch temporarily tapping into a great source of magical energy that allowed her to grant herself a wish for family. Later, the twins are taken by the villain Master Pandemonium, as servant of the demon lord Mephisto. Mephisto claims that after his defeat at the hands of the powerful Franklin Richards, his essence was divided into several pieces and scattered, and that Wanda inadvertently used two of these pieces to give life to her twins, who in reality are magical constructs. Mephisto then apparently wiped the boys Thomas and William from existence, reabsorbing their energy. Following these events, Wanda and Vision end their marriage.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Later during the story "Avengers Disassembled", it is suggested the twins were actually created by reality warping powers Wanda Maximoff has always had, even if she did not know it. Later on, this suggestion is proven to be false in "Avengers: The Children's Crusade", which clarifies that Wanda only temporarily has reality warping powers during "Avengers Disassembled" due to Dr. Doom having her tap into the mystical energy of a source called the Life Force. The same story refers to William and Thomas as "lost souls" who were "taken" rather than reclaimed by Mephisto, and later on the Scarlet Witch considers the possibility Mephisto was lying about the origins and nature of the twins just as he has often lied to further his own agenda.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Somehow, years before the marriage of Wanda and Vision, their twins are reborn as Thomas Shepherd (later the hero called Speed) and Billy Kaplan, two boys physically identical (except for hair color) but born to different families.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: William "Billy" Kaplan is the eldest of three sons born to Jeff Kaplan, a cardiologist, and Rebecca Kaplan, a psychologist. Regularly bullied in school, Billy looks up to superheroes, particularly the Avengers team. He finds solace outside the gates of the Avengers Mansion. One day after being injured in a fight with bullies, Billy encounters the Scarlet Witch, who tells him to stand his ground the next time he's bullied and touches his head, healing him.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: A few weeks later, Billy acts to defend another kid being bullied, demonstrating his magical powers for the first time, and nearly killing his tormentor. Afterward, he begins practicing with his powers, learning he can generate lightning and fly. He can also cast spells by chanting his intentions.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: A few years later, due to the influence of Doctor Doom and being overwhelmed by temporarily increased power, Scarlet Witch attacks the Avengers, causing the destruction of Vision as well as Avengers Mansion. After subduing Wanda, and unaware she was under another's influences, the Avengers disband.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Before his destruction, Vision created a protocol to activate and recruit a team of young people with superhuman abilities and who are connected in some way to the Avengers team. One of those selected is Billy, indicating that Vision and others learned his power was similar to that of Wanda Maximoff. Iron Lad, a young and uncorrupted version of the time villain Kang the Conqueror, becomes leader of these Young Avengers. Initially, Billy chooses the codename Asgardian. During the team's initial adventures, Billy starts flirting with teammate Teddy Altman, the shape-shifter called Hulkling.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Iron Lad later disappears, but his brain wave patterns are used, along with his armor, to create a new version of Vision who resembles a teenager and has his own personality. After the team's initial adventures, Billy decides to change his code name to Wiccan. Despite the main Avengers now having reformed, the Young Avengers continue to operate as a superhero team. Billy and Teddy begin seriously dating. Wiccan starts using "self-help books" owned by Hulkling's mother to help him with his spell casting.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Billy has said that Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, was his favorite Avenger, and it has been implied that his powers are linked to hers. Billy joins Tommy as they search for the Scarlet Witch through Genosha and Wundagore before finally encountering Master Pandemonium at a former residence of the Scarlet Witch and the Vision. Master Pandemonium decides not to fight the boys after recognizing Wiccan's magic as being the same as the Scarlet Witch's. Instead, he elaborates on their history concerning Mephisto and the Scarlet Witch and advises them that the history they search for is filled with "darkness and chaos" and that they should embrace who they are in the present.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: During the Civil War, Billy and Tommy plan to look for Wanda. S.H.I.E.L.D. arrests the Young Avengers. Sam Wilson (Falcon) and Steve Rogers (Captain America) intercept the S.H.I.E.L.D bus which is transporting the prisoners and Wiccan teleports the team out of the situation, into the Resistance Fighters base of operations.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: When the Runaways try to stay out of the conflict, they barely manage to escape from the government forces. Hearing of this development in the news, the Young Avengers decide to help the Runaways even though Captain America vetoes the plan. Wiccan uses his magic to locate and teleport to the Runaways. However, the Runaways believe that the Young Avengers have come to capture them and a fight ensues until Eli Bradley (Patriot) succeeds in convincing Nico Minoru to stop the hostilities. The two teams are later attacked by Noh-Varr, who captures Wiccan, Karolina, and Hulkling, and (almost) kills the Runaway Xavin. The young heroes become the prisoners of the Warden, who proceeds to practice vivisection on the unconscious Teddy. The boys are rescued by Xavin, whose Skrull physiology allowed him to recover from Noh-Varr's attack. He comes close to killing the Warden, but Teddy stops him.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Wiccan is among the Secret Avengers who takes part in the first major battle of the Civil War and was one of the first two casualties. Tony Stark and Peter Parker realize that the two rebels with teleportation powers needed to be incapacitated to prevent an escape from the ambush. So, Wiccan and Cloak are shot with tranquilizer darts and rendered unconscious. This attack on two of his youngest followers infuriates Steve Rogers (Captain America). A violent battle ensues, by the end of which, Goliath lies dead, slain by Ragnarok, the cyborg clone of Thor. Most of the Anti-Registration group escapes, but Wiccan is left behind and captured by the Pro-Registration side.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Billy and the other imprisoned anti-Registration heroes are eventually freed in a raid led by Captain America. This liberation is made possible largely by Teddy's shape-shifting ability, which allows him to mimic Hank Pym's retinal and voice patterns, and thereby release all the prisoners from their cells.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Billy is shown to be a member of the Initiative, along with Hulkling. It is later revealed that some, perhaps most, of the Young Avengers did not actually join The Initiative or even register. They were registered by their Earth-A counterparts; both Wiccan and Hulkling are seen complaining about being registered to their "A Selves".


title: Wiccan (character)

text: It's been subsequently shown that since registration, Billy has spent most of his time at home, apparently grounded, with his parents wanting him to register.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Wiccan and Speed later search for the Scarlet Witch following the events of Civil War. While Billy and Tommy both search for Wanda (referring to her as "Mom") they encounter Master Pandemonium, who recognizes Wiccan's magic as that of the Scarlet Witch and further explains their original history as the Scarlet Witch's children. However, he likens the boys' search for their past and Wanda to his own former life as rising actor, and tells them that their past was "darkness and chaos" and advises them that they should embrace who they are now. This appears to have satisfied Wiccan, who calls off his search for now, deciding that he is happy with the person he is and the people in his life.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Wiccan gathers the Young Avengers together at the Avengers Mansion to respond to wave of supernatural chaos caused by Chthon. The team is turned to stone by Chthon's magic, except for Vision and Stature, who arrive too late.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Doctor Strange, the former Sorcerer Supreme and one of Marvel's premiere magic users, visits Wiccan to discuss his potential candidacy and ability to assume the position as the new Sorcerer Supreme. When the Hood finds Strange and engages him in magical combat, Wiccan aids him, contrary to Strange's orders to flee. Wiccan and Strange teleport to the New Avengers seeking help. Later, he is seen controlled by Nightmare in "Doctor Voodoo".


title: Wiccan (character)

text: During the Siege of Asgard, Wiccan and the other Young Avengers were among those who answered Steve Rogers' assembly call for the purpose of overthrowing Norman Osborn's regime and defending Asgard. Wiccan, a lover of Asgardian mythology, fought in the battle, and alongside Hulkling defeated the Wrecking Crew, who were looting the Throne Room after the fall of Asgard. He displayed a fearsome level of power producing lightning bolts to conquer the villains, much to Hulkling's worry.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: During a fight between a group of nuclear-armed Sons of the Serpent and the Young Avengers, Wiccan loses control of his powers and renders the entire group of terrorists comatose. The Avengers arrive and take Wiccan to their base stating that they want to examine his full capabilities, concerned that, like the Scarlet Witch, if he were to lose control of his powers, he could cause massive devastation. In the process, the Avengers reveal to the team that the Scarlet Witch, having gone insane after losing her twin sons, killed several of her teammates, changed all of reality into House of M, and then was responsible for the depowering and deaths of millions of mutants. Wiccan reiterates his belief that he and Speed are truly the transposed souls of the Scarlet Witch's children and that she may not have been purposefully behind those events. Seeing the Avengers' and his friends' distrust of the Scarlet Witch and their discomfort with him due to uncertainty of his powers, he storms out, only to find that Captain America has informed his parents of what occurred during the early battle. Wiccan, accompanied by Hulkling, goes with Captain America and is situated for observation. However, the other Young Avengers decide to break them out, urging Wiccan to search for the Scarlet Witch. By showing her that the children she lost may be alive and well, the Young Avengers believe that she may be cured of her madness and be able to reverse the damage she had done. In particular, Stature hopes that locating and curing the Scarlet Witch could mean a chance at reviving her father. Immediately, Magneto arrives, stating that he wants Wiccan and Speed to finally know him as their grandfather.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: However the Avengers intercede in the conversation and go into battle with Magneto and the Young Avengers. Wiccan is attacked by Wolverine and is then convinced by Ms. Marvel that this is a battle they cannot win. Wiccan then teleports his team and Magneto to Wundagore Mountain in Transia, The Scarlet Witch's birthplace, leaving the Avengers behind, who decide to let Wiccan find the Scarlet Witch so they can take care of both of them at once. Upon arriving, Patriot lashes out in anger at Wiccan, but Hawkeye intercedes and decides that they will look for the Scarlet Witch together. Patriot then confides with Hawkeye that he believes the Avengers are right and that they need to go back. However Hawkeye tells Patriot that he needs to pick a side and walks away angry. The Vision confides his fear that Stature may sacrifice herself to bring back her father, and that that is something that neither he nor her father would want. Finally, the group reaches the Grave of Magda, Wanda's mother, and Magneto tells the children about the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver's birth. Wiccan then reaches out with his magic and finds the Scarlet Witch in the town, and Speed goes to investigate, only to run into Quicksilver. Quicksilver then threatens Magneto and kidnaps Wiccan. Speed however catches up with Quicksilver and the two race, with Wiccan being carried by Quicksilver the whole time. Eventually, Quicksilver decides that the only way to stop his father and get Wiccan to help him find his sister is to kill Magneto. He fashions out stakes using fence posts and runs back to the village, throwing wooden stakes at Magneto, who dodges them. In the process, Quicksilver seemingly impales Wanda, who is discovered to be a Doombot, and that Doctor Doom has the real Scarlet Witch.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: That night, everyone, Magneto and Quicksilver included, debates over invading Latveria to retrieve the Scarlet Witch, and they decide to sleep on it until the morning. Wiccan secretly leaves the group and is in the middle of a spell to teleport himself to Latveria. Quicksilver interrupts him, pointing out their similarities and again trying to get Wiccan to help him. However, Hulkling arrives with the rest of the Young Avengers, threatening Quicksilver and reprimanding Wiccan. Meanwhile, the Avengers meet with Wonder Man, hoping to use him to find Wanda and Wiccan. Simon, however, refuses and decides to go and find Wanda himself and help bring her back. Late that night in Transia, Wiccan writes a note for Hulkling expressing his love and apologizing for leaving for Latveria alone. Wiccan then teleports to Doom's castle and disguises himself as the Scarlet Witch to gain access. He is escorted by Doombots to a room where he is then assaulted by an amnesiac Scarlet Witch. Wiccan tells Wanda that he plans to rescue, omitting that he is her son. However, Wanda states that there is no need for that as she is about to be married. Doctor Doom then arrives to tell Wiccan that it is he whom Wanda will marry, and then attacks Wiccan.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Wiccan tries to tell Wanda about her past life as the Scarlet Witch, but Doctor Doom knocks him unconscious during the battle before Wiccan can finish. Later, Doom tells Wiccan that Wanda came to him, and although he does not understand how, he has truly fallen in love with Wanda. Later, Wanda comes to see Wiccan asking him to tell her everything about the Scarlet Witch before she marries Doom. In the meantime, Magneto and the Young Avengers plan to invade Doom's castle in order to get Wiccan back, but are stopped by Wonder Man, and the Avengers who followed him secretly. A battle ensues, and Wolverine goes to find Wanda and Wiccan to kill them, but is stopped by Iron Lad, who states that the future depends on Wiccan's survival.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Eventually Wanda recovers her memory and powers. Billy asks her to use her magic to determine whether or not they are truly mother and son. It becomes clear that they are, and Wanda begs Billy's forgiveness. Mother and child embrace lovingly and weep for joy. Wanda is now determined to undo the harm she did, and restore the mutants. The first beneficiary is Rictor.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: However, the X-Men intervene, and as the Avengers arrive, the two teams fight. Wanda teleports herself and the Young Avengers back to Latveria. Wiccan decides to help Doctor Doom and Wanda cast a spell to give the mutants back their powers. However, Patriot refuses to trust Doctor Doom, and shoots an explosive arrow at him to stop the spell, which results in Doctor Doom attaining Wanda's reality altering powers. The new Doctor Doom teleports the team after Wanda begs him to relinquish the power. Doctor Doom appears in front of the X-Men, the Avengers, X-Factor, the Young Avengers, and Wanda, and a battle ensues ending in Cassie's death. Wanda and Wiccan manage to drain the power from Doctor Doom, and he leaves. Iron Lad wants to take back Cassie's body into the timestream to find someone who could bring her back, but the Vision stops him and is subsequently destroyed. Wanda leaves to find herself, the X-Men go back to Utopia, and the Young Avengers decide to disband. Wiccan blames himself for everything that has happened, and ends up falling into a depression, but with Hulkling proposing to him the two get back into costume with Hawkeye and Speed (Patriot moved to Arizona) and Captain America makes the team full-fledged Avengers. In a one-shot issue of "Children's Crusade: Young Avengers", a flash to the future shows Billy wearing the uniform of Dr. Strange, implying he has attained the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme at some point in the future.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Some time later, it is revealed that the group went their separate ways due to their several losses. Billy and Teddy are living together with Billy's parents. Billy discovers though that Teddy has broken their promise to give up being superheroes by fighting crime at night. After getting into an argument, Billy tries to make it up to Teddy by shuffling through different realities to find one identical to theirs at the moment before Teddy's mother died. Billy finds this moment and brings Teddy's mother back to life. However, the Mother soon displays strange abilities and attempts to kill Billy and Teddy, with somehow Billy's parents not noticing. After escaping her, they run into Loki, who due to recent events, is a child again. He tells them that the Mother is not actually Teddy's mom, but a parasite from the multiverse who takes the guise of whatever travelers are looking for. Due to its strange abilities, adults are oblivious to whatever happens around the Mother, and any parents around them become part of her personal army (save for Scarlet Witch, who is able to resist, but still remains oblivious to what is going on, as with the rest of the Avengers). The three soon reunite with Kate, who has been having one night stands with Noh-Varr, while joined by America Chavez, a god from another universe with super-strength and the ability to kick holes in reality. Discovering that any parents around the group fall prey to Mother's spell, the group uses Noh-Varr's ship to leave Earth, while Loki will train Billy in magic to hopefully reverse what he has done. On their travels, Loki talks to Teddy about Billy's powers, saying that it's highly unlikely that some attractive alien prince would just happen to find Billy, happen to be gay, and happen to fall in love with him. Teddy begins to wonder if he was indeed created by Billy to fill a hole in his life. Soon they are summoned back to Earth by former X-Men member David Alleyne, who has been working a temp job with Tommy. According to him, a mysterious figure wearing Patriot's old outfit kidnapped Tommy, and he requires their help to find him. Apparently, Tommy was brought to another reality, and America uses her powers to let them travel between worlds. The group hop from universe to universe for a while, eventually finding a universe of adorable creatures worshipping Billy as a god named 'the demiurge'. Loki and America have been trying to hide this from Billy for a while, but they reveal that one day he shall become an entity known as the demiurge, and during his time as this being, will change the laws of magic in every universe and every time period, past, present, and future. However, the group is soon ambushed by Mother while in between universes, and they become separated. When reuniting, Teddy tells Billy and what he and Loki discussed, and the two break up while on Earth. Teddy takes a break from the group, soon finding a support group for those wronged by the Young Avengers, apparently led by Mother. Mother kidnaps Teddy, and the Young Avengers prepare to save him. Loki develops a plan to have Billy access a fraction of the demiurge's power, which should be enough to kill Mother. Thinking they will be outnumbered by the armies Mother has been amassing made up of other-universe versions of the group and the parents she has brainwashed, David calls every super-powered hero under the age of 23 to help them fight, while all the world's older heroes and villains remain unaware that any of this is happening. Loki, however, tells Billy that Loki can only help if he is at full power, and Billy uses a spell to restore Loki to a young adult. Loki and Billy prepare to give Billy near-unlimited power while the battle in central park begins between Mother's army and the world's teenage and young adult heroes. Kate, America, Noh-Varr, and David save Teddy, Teddy finding Billy on the battlefield, who is unable to access his power. Teddy tells him it is okay, and the two kiss, this being the spark Billy needed to access the demiurge. Billy uses his moment of power to successfully kill Mother, getting rid of her spell and any trace of her through the multiverse. Billy reunites with his parents, introducing them to the group, though Loki has vanished. Later, a party is being held at a club by a mysterious benefactor, which the group and all the heroes who fought in the battle attend. Here, Billy and Teddy are shown to be once again in a happy relationship. The Young Avengers soon get ready to leave, save for Loki, who was watching from a distance, and was the benefactor for the party. The group leaves, as Loki reminisces while looking at a selfie they all took during their journeys together.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Loki and America's prophecy comes true soon after Billy and Teddy are recruited by Sunspot to become members of the New Avengers, a team working alongside A.I.M. A group of Kree-Skull hybrids arrive on Earth, intending for Teddy to finally ascend to his position as the Emperor who will unite the two warring races. Unable to stop their teleportation ray, Billy goes with him to their planet whilst the rest of the team attempt a rescue. Upon reaching the planet, they discover that one of the hybrids has been taken over by a ghost wizard named Moridun. He is killed by Teddy who resolves to return and take his place as Emperor when he is ready. Unbeknownst to the New Avengers, Moridun was not destroyed and has actually taken over Billy, who changes his codename to Demiurge. Under the control of Moridun, Billy begins acting weird, suggesting that they should kill some of the thieves they are fighting. It is only when a group of future avengers travel back in time to warn them does Teddy realise what has happened. Despite the future avengers preparing to kill Billy, Teddy encourages him to fight and he successfully drives Moridun out of his body, averting the huge amount of death that was to be caused. Later, Sunspot goes rogue, separating A.I.M. from the New Avengers and abandoning the team.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: During the second superhero civil war, Wiccan joins forces with several other sorcerers led by Doctor Strange to destroy a Celestial. Although initially doubtful of his right to fight alongside such powerful magic users, his confidence is restored by Scarlet Witch. He is contacted by Sunspot, who convinces Billy, Teddy and Squirrel Girl to reform the New Avengers and work alongside A.I.M for one final mission. Wiccan teleports the trio onto a SHIELD helicarrier to aid in the rescue of Songbird before regrouping with Sunspot and facing off against the Maker and his Revengers. After this, the New Avengers permanently disband and, as a thank you, Sunspot gifts Wiccan and Hulkling an apartment overlooking Central Park, allowing the couple to focus on their personal lives for the time being.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: When Dark Elves invade Manhattan, Billy is summoned by Loki, who is initially disguised as Kate Bishop, to a drag bar where he attempts to convince him to side with Malekith in the war. Loki tries to gain Billy's forgiveness for attempting to manipulate him and steal the power of the demiurge when they both served as Young Avengers but he refuses, telling him it is not his place as he was not the only one wronged. While fighting Malekith's forces, Billy and Teddy see Loki's murder at the hands of Laufey and silently embrace.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Billy suddenly finds himself in a medical facility handling biological weaponry alongside Angela, Spider-Woman, Spectrum and Winter Soldier with no memory of how he came to be there. He is taken into custody with the others and is greeted by Blade, who explains that the group were taken over by mysterious shapeshifters and framed for their actions. Angela quickly identifies these shapeshifters as Asgardian and the team track them to their base. Wiccan is reluctant to join the mission, believing that they are doing the wrong thing by keeping the Avengers in the dark about their mission but he is convinced that it is best if only a small group of people know about the shapeshifters as their power comes from people having knowledge of them. The group is attacked by Daimon Hellstrom and, assuming he is a shapeshifter in disguise, Blade kills him before receiving a phone call from Satana who explains that her brother is with her in Las Vegas and is acting strangely. The team go to Satana's club and Wiccan is tasked with destroying the shapeshifter but stresses that his powers do not allow him to resurrect Hellstrom. Destroying the shapeshifter causes it to burst into a swarm of smaller creatures who capture Wiccan, take his form and send the fake Wiccan to meet with Hulkling. The shapeshifters keep the real Wiccan in a cell where they reveal that they have also captured Doctor Doom and command Wiccan to use his powers to gain Doom's secrets. Due to his history with Doom, Wiccan is apprehensive but quickly learns that they have captured a Doombot and have no idea that it is not the real Doctor Doom. Wiccan animates the Doombot and uses it to escape. The team retreat to a safehouse where Wiccan confronts the newly resurrected Daimon Hellstrom about why he was working with the shapeshifters.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Teddy later accepts his heritage and the mantle of "Dorrek VIII" at the cost of leaving Billy, becomes the new ruler of the Kree–Skrull Alliance, upon which he begins preparations to invade Earth for "the final war". When Hulkling had to break ties with Wiccan, he states that he'll be on Earth when he returns.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: When Captain Marvel and Human Torch are teleported to his apartment by M'ur-Ginn, Wiccan is informed of Hulkling's actions. Wiccan states that he knows Hulkling and that the one they just encountered is an imposter. He also reveals, that they had a courthouse wedding right before Hulkling left Earth to rule the Alliance. On the Kree/Skrull Alliance's flagship, Wiccan arrives with Human Torch, Captain Marvel, and the real Hulkling. As Human Torch burns the Inhibitor Mask off of Hulkling, Captain Marvel uses the Universal Weapon on the imposter who states that the Pyre's trigger has been activated in the sun and faces his Accuser. Wiccan teleportes the Human Torch and Captain Marvel to the sun and keeps them alive, while they use their abilities to "tame the sun". This bought Tony Stark and Mr. Fantastic enough time to stop the sun from exploding.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Teddy and Billy marry a second time. The wedding is elaborate and involves a mix of Jewish and Skrull/Kree customs. Most of their former teammates and the heroes that helped the Alliance during the events of "Empyre" attended. During the ceremony Wiccan is crowned prince consort and court wizard of the Kree/Skrull-Alliance.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: After the events of Empyre, the Shi'ar empire offer Teddy and Billy, the newly crowned emperor and court wizard, the gift of a honeymoon on the empire's private beaches of the planet Little Chandilar, complete with a complimentary champagne-dispensing robot. The newlyweds, along with Teddy's personal security (Kree Accuser Lauri-ell), agree to this and prepare for their vacation. However, just as they begin to settle in, the planet is attacked by the symbiote dragons of Knull. Wiccan and Hulkling quickly spring into action to fight off the horde so that Lauri-ell can lead the civilians to an escape on the Kree/Skrull Alliance's ship. While searching the hangar, Lauri-ell finds a Kree ship landing but discovers that it is piloted by more symbiotes. After defeating the dragons, Billy and Teddy attempt to gain some time to themselves, but are interrupted by Lauri-ell, followed by the symbiotes. A short battle ensues, resulting in a collapsed corridor with Teddy stuck alone on one side with the symbiotes. He tells the others to leave him and begin the evacuation, then proceeds to attempt to hold the symbiotes off. They overpower him and begin to win, but he is soon saved by the friendly Champaign robot's flamethrower. The flames cause the symbiotes to recoil and reveal that they are controlling the bodies of Kree soldiers.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Wiccan then arrives with the Alliance's ship to save Teddy, and Wiccan uses the spell "Iwanttorepelthedarkness," providing the two with magical costumes made of light, which repel the symbiotes completely. Hulkling then stabilizes the Kree soldiers using his Star-Sword, and the two bring them aboard the ship. Wiccan then uses much of his remaining magical energy to send a message to the civilians, telling them to board the nearest ship and follow the Alliance's, but the ships are soon surrounded by another swarm of symbiote dragons, blocking their exit. Teddy risks his life by leaving the ship and flying in front to repel the dragons and lead the fleet to safety, and he succeeds. Twelve hours later, Billy, Teddy, and Lauri-ell arrive safely at the Alliance's main flagship, and the newlyweds are finally given the time alone that they need.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: As Wiccan, Billy Kaplan is able to manipulate magical energies which allows him to alter and warp reality at will. While patterning himself after Thor in the guise of Asgardian, Billy limited himself entirely to flight and lightning-based spells. By stating an intent and focusing on the outcome, Wiccan is capable of a variety of feats, including, but not limited to tracking and locating others, illusionary disguises, tearing down force-fields, mass teleportation, concussive blasts, enchantments, astral projection, and telekinetic force beams.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Billy must be able to hear his spells for them to be successful, but some of Billy's spells can be activated without words. He has consistently been able to create force fields, teleport others, and generate lightning and force blasts with little or no effort.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Wiccan was one of the many possible candidates for the title of Sorcerer Supreme, and has been described by the Vision as "one of the most powerful mages on the planet." Doctor Strange has partnered with a time-traveling Wiccan from the future and was confirmed that he succeeds Strange being the Sorcerer Supreme. Loki predicted that Wiccan will evolve into a god by his own right one day.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In Young Avengers vol. 2, it is revealed by Loki that Wiccan is destined to ascend to a god-like reality warper who will rewrite the rules of magic known as the Demiurge. He briefly achieves this form, and is able to view the past, present and future, as well as freely alter the universe. However, deciding that he is not ready to wield this power, he relinquishes it and reverts to his human form.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In "Doctor Strange and the Sorcerers Supreme," Stephen Strange travels to a dimension in which past and future Sorcerer Supremes are all gathered. Billy is revealed to become the Sorcerer Supreme in the future after Stephen.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Heinberg stated on the situation in a transcript with fans, "According to Billy's theory, the souls of Wanda's twins inhabited his and Tommy's bodies when they were dispersed from Mephisto. But it's only a theory." He also stated in another interview that his plans for the new 'season' involved the two searching for Wanda, stating "If everything goes according to plan, Wanda will indeed return to "Young Avengers" early in Season Two, when Billy and Tommy embark on a search for the true source of their powers." Indeed, the "Young Avengers Present" issue from March 2008 involves the "twin brothers" Wiccan and Speed looking for their "mother Wanda".


title: Wiccan (character)

text: The Super-Skrull and the Vision's files consider Kaplan and Shepherd to be siblings. While Kaplan believes himself and Shepherd may be Wanda Maximoff's reincarnated children, Shepherd is more skeptical about the situation.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: During their search for the Scarlet Witch, Wiccan is even more certain that he and Tommy are siblings. Both boys refer to one another as "brothers" and Speed claims to be the older of the two (though neither knows for certain) and also refer to the Scarlet Witch as "Mom" while searching for her.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In "Children's Crusade" #6, Scarlet Witch confirms that Billy and Tommy are the reincarnations of her sons.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: When Wanda is discussing her life with a psychiatrist, she again confirms that Billy and Tommy are the reincarnated souls of her sons. However, seeing as they are already teenagers, Wanda does not know if they were normal kids before her sons' souls took over their bodies (effectively killing whoever they were before) or whether the spirits went back in time to be born and raised by different parents.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Several comics showed stark similarities between Wiccan and Hulkling and the mythological figures Merlin and King Arthur.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Both Arthur (at least in one popular version of the legend) and Hulkling grew up unaware of their destiny. Both are prophesiesed to unite their people and bring peace, have a strong wizard on their side, use magical swords and become the beloved Kings of a big kingdom/empire.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: The first time this connection was made, was when Hulkling was a member of A.I.M.. He was kidnapped by the "Knights of the Infinite", an analogy to the Arthurian "Knights of the Round Table" and told about his destiny as prophesiesed ruler of the a united Kree/Skrull Empire. He was then told to get a sword out of a light beam and announced "King of the space". That's an obvious adaptation of the famous Arthurian legend of the sword in the stone. Hulkling even named his sword "Excelsior", King Arthur's sword being "Excalibur". Two of the knights seem to be named after characters of the Arthurian Mythos, Lan-Zarr (after Lanzelot), Mur-G'nn (after Morgana, also a Magic user). There is also M'ryn the Magus (named after Merlin), an old Magic user, who spoke the prophecy.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: It is again heavily referenced during the Empyre event, Wiccan even says "Like Merlin? I'll take it!", after being crowned court wizard of the Kree/Skrull-Alliance.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Exchanges between Wiccan and Hulkling shows that the two teens are definitely lovers. Allan Heinberg confirmed this speculation, stating that his intent was to reveal the relationship, and he was surprised that his subtle clues were picked up on so quickly.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Kate advises that Asgardian should change his codename to avoid puns regarding his sexuality when the press discovers that he's in a relationship with Hulkling, implying that the others already knew the two are gay. Kate, along with Stature, suggested the codename, "Wiccan," which Billy adopts.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: When the team agrees to give an interview to Kat Farrell, Jessica Jones warns Billy and Teddy that Farrell will probably ask if the rumors about them are true. After some deliberation, the two decide to tell Farrell, with Teddy adding, "Why should Northstar have all the fun?"


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In "Young Avengers Presents" #3, Hulkling and Wiccan's romantic relationship is handled much more openly than previous issues. In it, they refer to one another as boyfriends. Speed also asks if their relationship is "getting hot and heavy" and jokes that Billy and Teddy would have a disastrous "mixed marriage" due to Teddy's alien heritage.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In the aftermath of "The Children's Crusade", Billy falls into a months long depression, watching from the sidelines as New York is turned into "Spider Island" and the Human Torch is resurrected. Teddy is able to bring Billy back "out of the dark" by proposing to him.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In "Young Avengers" Vol. 2, Billy and Teddy's relationship is tested due to the meddling of Loki, who plants the idea in Teddy's head that he is not real and was unknowingly created by Billy using his reality warping powers. Teddy is kissed by Prodigy. The couple reconcile at the conclusion of the storyline and are last seen happily dancing together at Marvel Boy's party.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In "New Avengers", the hybrids refer to Teddy as Emperor Dorrek VIII and Billy as his "prince consort". A flashforward to possible future 20XX shows an older Billy and Teddy living happily together with a daughter, Katie.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Hulkling became a key player in "Empyre", Marvel's summer 2020 crossover event. A one-shot, "Lords of Empyre: Emperor Hulkling", written by Chip Zdarsky and queer author Anthony Oliveira, fills in some of the backstory of how Hulkling was called on to become emperor and his relationship with Wiccan. As well as setting Hulkling up for the Empyre event, "Emperor Hulkling" also shows the importance of their relationship to each other. It was important to co-author Oliveira that the one-shot depict the everyday "queer life" that Hulkling lives and to expand on his character, who is often "left on the bench" while "Wiccan is off saving the world". Oliveira had previously shown the couple having a queer everyday life with Wiccan going to a drag brunch with Loki, with Hulkling largely lounging on the sofa at home, eating cereal from a bowl balanced on Excelsior, his Star Sword. While Wiccan is off on Strikeforce duties, the events of "Emperor Hulkling" start at a drag bar, where Hulkling is drinking with fellow Young Avengers Prodigy and Speed, who are also depicted as a gay couple. After Hulkling battles purist Skrull extremists in the drag bar, he and Wiccan spend time together before boarding the Imperial Fleet, where Wiccan enchants Hulkling's engagement ring, so he can teleport to Hulkling's location. Later in "Emperor Hulkling", Hulkling is forced to denounce Wiccan before privately reassuring Wiccan that he did not mean it and "had [his] fingers crossed".


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Asked about Billy's codename, Heinberg said "It turns out that code names are the trickiest part of creating new characters. When Kate suggests 'Wiccan' to Billy in "Young Avengers" #6, she, like me, was not thinking in terms of the specific religious practice of Wicca, but rather attempting to find a suitable counterpart for the word 'witch.' It was certainly not my intention to offend anyone with 'Wiccan.' And since adopting the code name, rest assured Billy has been doing his Wiccan homework, so keep reading..." During their time fighting the Mother, Loki eventually questions Wiccan about his codename. He complains that since he is a pagan deity, he takes some offence to its use, and jokingly states that he has a list of better names.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In the pages of New Avengers, Power Man questions Billy over his choice of codename. Although he explains that he has been researching the religion of Wicca, he admits that it is not his faith. Victor then suggests that he should change it (with Teddy begging him not to revert to Asgardian). Billy later changes his name to Demiurge whilst under the control of the ghost wizard Moridun.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Heinberg reported that when the relationship between Wiccan and Hulkling was initially suspected before its confirmation, most fans were supportive, with minimal negative reaction. Wiccan and Hulkling have been called "Marvel's most prominent gay couple," and received praise for showing diversity and progression in comics. While accepting the Corporate Vanguard Award for Marvel Entertainment at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Marvel's VP of Animation Development, Cort Lane, cited Wiccan and Hulkling's relationship as one of his favorite story lines featuring LGBT characters.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Andrew Wheeler of "ComicsAlliance" wrote, "Something about the sweetness of the love between Hulkling and Wiccan, aka Billy and Teddy, has struck a strong chord with readers looking for a little romance to melt their hearts. After dealing with time travellers, alien invasions and mad mutants, their story stands out as an It Gets Better for the superhero set." M.N Negus of "CBR.com" referred to Hulkling and Wiccan as "one of Marvel's most iconic LGBT+ couples," writing, "Wiccan and Hulkling have been together for nearly two decades, and are now living happily ever after. Their recent exploits are depicted in "Hulkling and Wiccan Infinity Comic" #1 (by writer Josh Trujillo and artists Jodi Nishijima, Matt Milla, and VC's Ariana Maher), in which they even explore a life without the other. Throughout their struggles as individuals and as a couple, they manage to come out on top with their bond becoming stronger than before. Their coupling has withstood the test of time and truly become an iconic development in Marvel comic books." Eric Diaz of "Nerdist" stated, "Marvel Comics took a big and necessary step into the 21st century today, as they announced the very first marriage between two LGBTQ superheroes will soon take place in their pages. The event occurs in Empyre: Avengers Aftermath #1, which will feature the union of longtime superhero couple Hulkling and Wiccan. Both heroes are famous for being founding members of the Young Avengers."


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Hannah Rose of "CBR.com" called "Hulkling and Wiccan" #1 an "interesting love story," writing, "Instead of budding romance, it tells the story of a pair of newly-weds who have known each other for quite a while. By the time this story begins, Hulkling and Wiccan are already enjoying domestic bliss. But before they can settle into life as a married couple, they're forced to adjust to the responsibilities of their new royal positions. It's clear from their serious discussions and their playful banter that these two care for each other. But, "Hulkling and Wiccan" #1 reminds the audience that Teddy and Billy are both very young, very insecure, and very uncertain about their place in space. Their arguments and insecurities are realistically and excellently written." Jenna Anderson of "Comicbook.com" gave "Hulkling and Wiccan" #1 a grade of 3 out of 5, saying, "One of the most beloved LGBTQ+ couples in Marvel's arsenal gets the spotlight again, with a one-shot (reprinting the first portion of the digital Infinity Comic of the same name) that puts Wiccan and Hulkling's newfound married life to the test. To say any more beyond that would spoil (and probably complicate) the specifics of what is laid out, with the two being put through a crucible that will only make them further realize their bond. Some fans of the couple will surely love it, while some won't — but there's definitely a fun sense of artistry on display, particularly with Jodi Nishijima's art and Matt Milla's dreamy colors. Diehard fans of Billy and Teddy will surely want to add this to their collection, but this isn't a must-read on a larger level."


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In the one-shot Avengers Fairy Tales, Wiccan appears as the March Hare in an adaptation of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In a reality where after the Hulk was jettisoned into space and discovered by Annihilus, killing him and taking the Annihilation Wave to Earth; Wiccan appears as one of the few remaining superhumans and part of Quentin Quire's Exiles. Like his mainstream counterpart, he refers to Speed as his brother and the Scarlet Witch as his mother.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: In a one-shot story about the final Avengers story, Billy and Tommy grew up as the children of the Vision and the Scarlet Witch. As a child, Billy witnessed the accidental murder of his mother by his uncle, Quicksilver. Her death eventually caused Billy (known as "Billy Maximoff") to become a villain, calling himself "the Grim Reaper." He and his brother Tommy communicated via holograms where Tommy implored his brother to give up his villainy, stating that he was apprehensive to fight him. Eventually the Reaper joined forces with Kang and Ultron-59 and their "final battle" with the Avengers. Billy appeared to be friends with this future's Oddball and the two discussed Billy's desire for revenge against his brother and father.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Billy and his brother were locked in battle until their father, the Vision, destroyed Ultron, ending the fight. As the Vision lay dying, he implored Billy not to give up on humanity the way he had when Wanda was killed. What exactly became of Billy following the Avengers' victory is unknown.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Unlike Earth-616, Tommy inherited their mother's mystical abilities and the nature of Billy's powers were unspecified. As the Grim Reaper, Billy wielded a scythe of unknown nature, either technological or mystic, that could teleport back to him if it left his hand. The scythe could presumably cut what he wanted it to while harmlessly phasing through what he did not, such as when he impaled Jessie Wingfoot without injuring Ultron-59. During the battle with Tommy, his scythe was able to deflect mystical force bolts conjured at him.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: During "Battle of the Atom", Billy is seen as a member of the future X-Men who travel back in time to stop a group of impostors led by Beast. He is the Earth's new Sorcerer Supreme, and possesses the Eye of Agamotto.


title: Wiccan (character)

text: Several versions of William "Billy" Maximoff appear in live-action media set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), portrayed by Baylen Bielitz as a five-year old and Julian Hillard as a ten-year old.


title: Maria Goretti

text: Maria Teresa Goretti (; October 16, 1890 – July 6, 1902) is an Italian virgin-martyr of the Catholic Church, and one of the youngest saints to be canonized. She was born to a farming family. Her father died when she was nine, and the family had to share a house with another family, the Serenellis. Maria took over household duties while her mother, brothers and sister worked in the fields.


title: Maria Goretti

text: One afternoon, Alessandro, the Serenellis' 20-year-old son, made sexual advances to her. When she refused to submit to him, he stabbed her 14 times. She was taken to the hospital but she died forgiving him. He was arrested, convicted and jailed. During imprisonment, he repented. After 27 years, he was released from prison and visited her mother to beg forgiveness, which she granted. He later became a lay brother in a Capuchin monastery and died in 1970. She was beatified in 1947 and canonized in 1950. She is especially venerated in the Congregation of the Passion (Passionists).