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Marvel's first adult animated TV series could have been an infectious watch if not for its slightly rotten story.

Spoilers follow for all four episodes of Marvel Zombies.

Marvel Studios has a patchy record when it comes to its animated projects. Sure, there have been hits like X-Men 97, but other productions – in the main – like Eyes of Wakanda and What If...? have flattered to deceive.

It's the latter that Marvel's latest animated show, Marvel Zombies, takes its cue from. A continuation of the story told in What If...? season 1 episode 5, titled 'What If... Zombies!?', the comic giant's first adult animated TV series is undeniably its most mature offering to date.

But, for all of its delightfully gory action and focus on the next generation of Marvel superheroes, it's weighed down by the same storytelling issues that have plagued many of the studio's other recent animated works.

The new avengers

Marvel Zombies opens five years after What If...? season 1 episode 5's cliffhanger ending (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

A four-part miniseries, Marvel Zombies is set five years after the initial zombie outbreak. A cataclysmic event caused by a virus that Dr Hank Pym brought back from a trip to the Quantum Realm in 'What If... Zombies!?', the planet Earth of this universe, one that sits adjacent to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has become a dystopia overrun by the undead.

Pockets of humanity remain, though, including a desperate groups of superpowered individuals who cling to survival against the odds. But, when a trio of heroes – Kamala Khan/Ms Marvel, Riri Williams/Ironheart, and Kate Bishop/Hawkeye – discover a key that could end the zombie scourge, the group embark on a dangerous, globetrotting journey to save their world.

It's highly satisfying to see the next generation of Earth's Mightiest Heroes take center stage

Marvel Zombies opening with the aforementioned triumvirate is intentional. Khan is arguably the protagonist of this story, with the optimistic and empathetic New Jersey-hailing hero being the center point that the plot is built around, as she reluctantly and then boldly leads the charge to end the zombie plague.

In Williams, Bishop and Khan, though, Marvel Zombies immediately sets out its stall to primarily focus on the new wave of superpowered beings who have begun to populate the MCU post-Avengers: Endgame.

Zombies doesn't solely rely on that intrepid trio, either. From Shang-Chi and members of the Thunderbolts* to Moon Knight and Blade – the latter pair are admittedly spliced together to form a new yet incredibly cool individual called Blade Knight – it's highly satisfying to see the next generation of Earth's Mightiest Heroes take center stage.

Marvel Zombies puts the next generation of Earth's Mightiest Heroes at the center of its narrative (Image credit: Marvel Animation/Disney+)

That said, it's somewhat bittersweet that animated projects, such as What If...? and its zombie-based spin-off, mark the first time we've seen some of these popular heroes since their live-action MCU debuts – or, in Blade's case, who's only 'appeared' via an off-screen cameo in Eternals, at all.

An indictment of Marvel's scattergun approach post-Endgame that's seen the comic titan throw stuff at the wall and see what sticks with audiences, it's a great shame that many of Marvel Zombies' leading lights are only now getting another chance to shine, albeit via an animated Disney+ production.

It's surreal that Marvel Zombies is the first time Blade has actually appeared in a Marvel Studios project (Image credit: Marvel Animation/Disney+)

Irksome though that is, I will admit it was really fun to see interactions between characters who are yet to cross paths in the MCU.

While all-too-brief to be emotionally impactful, the Khan-Bishop-Williams dynamic is incredibly likable, as is the broader team-up between Khan, Red Guardian, Yelena Belova, Blade Knight, Shang-Chi and the latter's bestie Katy that becomes the core collective for much of Marvel Zombies' run. I regularly revelled in seeing these individuals bounce off each other and re-demonstrate that whip-smart humor that Marvel projects are renowned for.

For all of the fun-filled rapport on display, though, Marvel Zombies was a bit too quippy and corny for my tastes on occasion. I wasn't expecting the Marvel Phase 6 TV series to be a wholly miserably affair. Nonetheless, seeing Red Guardian and Zombie Captain America duke it out in what I can only describe as a slapstick showdown, or listening to eye-roll inducing jokes from FBI agent Jimmy Woo, just didn't fit the mood or tone of the post-apocalyptic horror reality that Marvel Zombies takes place in.

The walking dead

Marvel Zombies pays tribute to some great horror-fuelled episodes of television (Image credit: Marvel Animation/Disney+)

Speaking of the hair-raising universe that Marvel Zombies exists in, Marvel doesn't hold back in making its first TV-MA project as gruesome as possible.

Marvel Zombies' first trailer teased its brutality and, while I had hoped for a bit more in the way of ultra-violence, it goes harder than any other Marvel Studios movie or TV show to date. I cannot stress this enough, but it's absolutely not family-friendly, nor is it for those who are squeamish or of the faint of heart.

Some of Marvel Zombies' best set-pieces and scenes add real cinematic flair to proceedings

If you can stomach its hyper-violent tendencies, though, Marvel Zombies will reward horror fans through its clear homages to some fan-favorite genre fare. Indeed, whether it's the dread-inducing 'Hardhome' episode of Game of Thrones, or scenes that reminded me of similar sequences in World War Z and Train to Busan, some of Marvel Zombies' best set-pieces and scenes add real cinematic flair to proceedings that occasionally conceal the mid-tier art style it retains from What If...?.

Parts of Marvel Zombies' story, as well as its action sequences, leave a lot to be desired (Image credit: Marvel Animation/Disney+)

However, all the horror genre references in the world, nor positive things I've said about Marvel Zombies, can disguise my frustration with its wider narrative, though.

I'll preface my criticism by saying there's the skeleton of an engrossing story here. Indeed, its plot makes some interesting revisions to the world-building aspect of the MCU. The recycling of certain MCU technology to try and thwart the threat posed by the undead is put to good use, too.

Add in the previously discussed new-look Avengers team, the camaraderie that exists between them, and the prospect that none of them are immune from becoming the zombie horde's next victim, and I actually appreciate some of the creative and narrative swings that Marvel Zombies takes.

Spider-Man's appearance in Marvel Zombies is the main reason why it was turned into a TV show (Image credit: Marvel Animation/Disney+)

Nevertheless, Marvel Zombies is hamstrung by irritating storytelling components.

Whether it's the rudimentary MacGuffin positioned as the answer to our heroes' prayers, the decision not to pick up the story immediately after the cliffhanger ending in 'What If... Zombies!?' or a spate of character deaths that are significantly lacking in the gut-punching and/or tear-jerking department, at times Marvel Zombies can feel as emotionless as the reanimated corpses that inhabit its world. That's before we even get onto my biggest gripe about a major narrative inconsistency that occurs in its final episode, which not only changes a key moment near the end of 'What If... Zombies!?', but is practically waved away without explanation.

Marvel Zombies is hamstrung by irritating storytelling components

Part of Marvel Zombies' plot-based problems might be the fact it's a glorified TV show. Originally, it was designed to be a two-hour movie but, due to the complexities of the rights surrounding Spider-Man – don't worry, the lead of 'What If... Zombies!?' plays a part of proceedings, albeit in a reduced role – that prohibits Marvel from using him in a feature film capacity without Sony's consent, Marvel Zombies was turned into a limited series.

As a Spidey fanboy, I'll always take any webslinger-based storytelling and action where I can. However, there's no denying that his ongoing inclusion in this What If...? spin-off upsets Zombies' narrative rhythm.

My verdict

I really wanted to like Marvel Zombies more than I did. That doesn't mean it's another average or poor offering from Marvel – indeed, there's frightful fun to be had with its gratuitous violence, unexpected team-ups and universe-altering stakes. Based on its ending, there's clearly an appetite to continue its story, too.

Nonetheless, if X-Men 97 is the high bar with which we judge projects developed by Marvel Animation, Zombies is something of a let down. That might be overly critical of me to say, especially when I also consider Zombies to be a better and more enjoyable Marvel TV Original than What If...? and Eyes of Wakanda.

Given my high expectations and excitement for Marvel's first adult animated show, though, I can't mask my disappointment for Marvel Zombies as an overall package. If its creative team gets another bite at the cherry with another season, I'd love nothing more for them to cure Zombies' narrative ailments. For now, though, Marvel Zombies is another project from the comic giant that'll shuffle onto Disney+ and likely be forgotten about within a week or two.

Marvel Zombies is out now in full on Disney+.

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The Laifen Wave SE is an outstanding toothbrush with a delicate touch at a reasonable price.

Laifen Wave SE Toothbrush: One minute review

The Laifen Wave SE is the second electric toothbrush from the Chinese manufacturer. This Special Edition variant is a follow-up to the original Wave which looks – and is in most ways – very similar.

The standout difference in the SE over the Wave is that this offers what the company calls a more "cozy" brushing experience. How? It vibrates less. Yup, while the original Wave pushed out a brain buzzing 66,000 vibrations per minute, this variant is a far more gentle 26,000. There are also a few more color variants available in the SE, too.

So while this might make the best electric toothbrush list alongside sonic and traditionally oscillating models, this brush both oscillates and vibrates, carving its own niche in electric toothbrush options.

One other big shift in the SE is that this model has been certified by the American Dental Association. That makes this the first dual-action toothbrush to achieve this accolade, helping this unique offering stand out even more.

The battery life is another area this manages to perform very well in thanks to a 50-hour top-end, possibly due to its lower power. The brush can be charged to full in only three hours using a standard USB-C port, meaning you may only need to take one cable when travelling.

Most Laifen replacement heads will work with the SE, and you get two with the unit including travel cases for each. But you can also use Philips SonicCare heads, which is great if you need to pick one up in a physical shop, where you likely won't find Laifen anytime soon.

Laifen Wave SE review: Price and availability

(Image credit: Future)

• Priced at $90 in the US
• £90 in the UK
• AU$200 in Australia

The Laifen Wave SE follows up the original, which arrived earlier in 2025, and is priced at $89.99 in the US, £89.99 in the UK and AU$199.99 in Australia.

That price gets you the brush unit, two replacement heads with their own travel cases, and a USB-A to USB-C charger cable. You also get an impressive two-year warranty and a 30-days "no hassle" guarantee.

Usefully, depending on your region, you can buy via Amazon for a quick and secure delivery – which can be free for Prime members.

You can buy a set of three replacement heads in various designs and levels of stiffness, including Super Clean, Gum Care, or Ultra-Whitening. In all cases, the price is the same at US$15.99 / £15.99 / AU$14.99 for a set.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

(Image credit: Future)Laifen Wave SE review: Specifications

Component

Value

Battery life

50 days

Sonic vibrations

26,000 per minute

Charger

USB-C

Timer

Yes, two minute with 30-second haptics

Noise

55 dB

Charge time

3 hours

Laifen Wave SE review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Two colors
• IP68 waterproof
• Cushioned heads

At first glance you'd struggle to spot the difference between the Laifen Wave SE and the original model. That's because they're almost identical, only this version comes in two new colors: the Matte Yellow you see in these photos, plus a Meadow Green option.

In both cases, the outer is a soft matte PU coating that gives it a gentle feel but also adds plenty of grip, even when wet. At the top is a soft-to-touch power button topped by three LED lights to show which of the three settings you are using.

At the base is a cover which can be lifted to access the USB-C charging port. When closed, this creates a flat base so the brush can be stood up effectively. Up top is a metallic connector allowing you to swap heads with an easy slide on-and -off action. This is thanks to what the company calls an "advanced copper-free tufting process" which apparently prevents rust while keeping the heads in place.

The heads themselves are coated in soft food-grade TPE. The bristles themselves are ultra-fine to ensure they give the most accurate clean. Everything is IP68 waterproof which should mean you can give this a rinse under the tap without any worries.

• Design score: 4 / 5

Laifen Wave SE review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• 50-day battery life
• Fast 3-hour charging
• USB-C port

Despite this offering both 60-degree oscillation movement and sonic vibrations at 26,000 per minute, this manages to deliver an impressive 50-day battery life, providing it's kept on the softer setting. Then, when it comes to charging, the brush reaches back up to full in less than three hours. Crucially, the USB-C connection means you can use any old charging cable – a great feature when traveling, as you could use your phone charger if needed.

The oscillations themselves are a big part of the appeal: oscillating brushes are slightly higher by dentists, as you can see in our rotating vs sonic toothbrush examination. The oscillation mimics the kind of up and down action your dentist may have told you to do.

The app offers setting variations so you can find the ideal brush setup for you, including adjusting the level of vibration intensity, oscillation range and oscillation speed. These are presets available, so you can set up three separate presets on the brush and jump between them depending on what you want that day.

Brush heads are available from Laifen, but if you're stuck out you can always pick up a Philips Sonicare head from a shop and that will also fit on the brush. It's nice to see it's not entirely proprietary.

(Image credit: Future)

• Features score: 4 / 5

Laifen Wave SE review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Powerful top-end
• Long battery life
• Highly adjustable

This brush offers a quiet setting at just 55db and an impressive 50-day battery life. But that's on the gentle mode, which I found it to be far too weak. With the settings pumped up, I noticed the battery life did drop, and that noise jumped quite a bit louder. However, neither was to the point of being a problem and this will still get you more than a month of use – and the noise isn't annoyingly loud – it brings the toothbrush more in line with its high-power contemporaries. What you have here, essentially, is a toothbrush with a low-power option.

The power button won't allow you activate with a long hold or double-tap to change mode. So while you can have three preset modes, you'll need to dig out the app to change them, which is frustrating, and it reset after charging. I had to dig out the app to get back to how I like it. Not ideal.

The brush handle did a great job of absorbing vibrations while the head still delivered a powerful brush to your teeth. It strikes that perfect balance of being comfortable in the hand while giving your teeth a good, deep clean. Changing heads was easy, charging was fast and simple, cleaning was a doddle and the brush packed a soft, grippy outer that makes using this a pleasure.

• Performance score: 4/5

Laifen Wave SE: Scorecard

(Image credit: Future)

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A decent price for what you get

4.5/5

Design

Clean, easy to hold and effective

4/5

Features

That oscillation angle and battery performance

4/5

Performance

Great cleaning, top battery and excellent comfort. Some minor frustrations.

4/5

Laifen Wave SE: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You want soft cleaning

The actions are dual so you will get a good clean, but you can reduce the power for a gentle clean to protect your gums if you need.

You don't want to think about charging

The 50-day battery life combined with three-hour charge time make the thought of battery life one you needn't often concern yourself with.

You want oscillating power

This brush oscillates for improved cleaning, at the price of a decent sonic brush.

Don't buy it if...

You don't like oscillating heads

To be clear this moves a lot, up and down, so expect action even if on the gentle setting.

You don't want to buy heads online

At time of publishing you can only get replacement heads online for delivery, so if you like the option of picking yours up in-store, this might not suit you. There's always the Sonicare options though.

Also consider

Component

Oral-B iO Series 6

Colgate Hum Smart Rhythm

Battery life

20+ days

90 days

Movement

8,800 oscillations+ 20,000 pulsations per minute

30,000 vibrations per minutes

Charge time

12 hours

AAA batteries

Modes

Five

Two

Oral-B iO Series 6

An affordable way to get all the power of the iO Series with its pulsations and oscillations combination, to get the ultimate clean as well as that display for helpful feedback and mode selection.

Read our full Oral-B iO Series 6 review

Colgate Hum Smart Rhythmic

For a well-price sonic toothbrush, that offers replacement batteries as an option, this is a powerful pick with 30,000 vibrations per minute and two modes for decent brushing control.

Read our full Colgate Hum Smart Rhythmic review

How I tested

I used the Laifen Wave SE multiple weeks in order to test the effectiveness of the brush itself, along with battery performance. I used this for travel, overnight, and in various bathrooms with multiple chargers.

My brushing was twice daily with its two-minute timer and haptic half-minute guidance vibrations used to get a full and fair brush. I was also testing other brushes from Oral-B, which allowed me to see the difference between features like extra modes, oscillations versus sonics, battery life, apps and more.