Todd Martens
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Past articles by Todd:
Neil Druckmann on turning 'The Last of Us' into a Universal Studios attraction
A preview of the Universal Studios Hollywood haunted maze inspired 'The Last of Us,' the hit video game that became a television sensation. "The Last of Us" is a centerpiece of this year's Halloween Horror Nights. → Read More
Disney's Lorcana aims to be the next Magic: The Gathering
A look at the making of Disney's Lorcana, the collectible card game that hopes to be the next Magic: The Gathering. The game, not without some controversy, is due for release this month. → Read More
How the Universal Studios tram tour defined the modern theme park
The most important theme park ride ever created? It may just be the Universal Studios tram tour, which dates to the silent film era. Once primarily a behind-the-scenes tour, the trek has evolved to define the modern theme park. → Read More
Meow Wolf is ready for Texas. Is Texas ready for Meow Wolf?
A first look at Meow Wolf's latest wonderland in Texas, which plants the company's progressive flag in a red state with a message that art can break barriers. → Read More
Broadway-style 'Rogers: The Musical' charms at Disney's California Adventure
'Rogers: The Musical,' Disney's new Captain America-inspired musical, started as a joke in a Disney+ series and now is part of the resort's big summer offerings. → Read More
Review: 'Final Fantasy XVI' goes full 'Game of Thrones'
'Final Fantasty XVI' is a sprawling, 35-plus hour epic that nods to 'Game of Thrones.' It also aims to be one of the most approachable games in the long-standing series. → Read More
'The Last of Us' is coming to Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights
The hit dystopian video game "The Last of Us," which inspired the HBO series of the same name, will be coming to Universal's North American theme parks this fall as part of Halloween Horror Nights. → Read More
Your favorite Disneyland ride is ... not what we picked as No. 1
After The Times named It's a Small World the best ride at Disneyland, we wanted to know what park fanatics thought. Did we get it right? → Read More
Splash Mountain closing: The long goodbye is long overdue
Disneyland fans say goodbye to Splash Mountain, a staple since 1989, and offer early thoughts on the replacement, Tiana's Bayou Adventure. → Read More
Meet one of Disneyland's leaders in bringing diverse, adventurous entertainment to the parks
Susana Tubert was trained in New York theater but traded Manhattan for Main Street, U.S.A. We talk to Tubert about what drew her to theme parks, and how she's making them a more welcoming place. → Read More
Disney pulls plug on high-priced Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a blow to immersive entertainment
The two-night, live-in theme park was one of Disney's most risk-taking endeavors. It also failed as a business model. → Read More
The games we're most excited for this summer
Diablo IV, Oxenfree 2 and Disney Illusion Island are some of the games we're looking forward to playing this summer. → Read More
Review: 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' is video game bliss
Nintendo's "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" is everything great about big-budget, mainstream video games. There's a story, yes, but this is a game about curiosity and discovery, rewarding players for constantly asking, "What if?" → Read More
La Jolla Playhouse's 'La Lucha' finds heartbreak and mystery in lucha libre wrestling
The La Jolla Playhouse's Wow Festival illustrates the ways in which theater and play continue to converge, most spectacularly in the world premiere of "La Lucha," an immersive theater standout. → Read More
'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor' is 'Star Wars' storytelling at its best
'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor' is a video game that feels like a 'Star Wars' greatest hits package. It also makes the argument that the Jedi are what make the franchise special. → Read More
What is the best ride at Disneyland?
In a ranking of all the major attractions at Disneyland, Times critic Todd Martens declared It's a Small World the best, arguing that the Disneyland original is the weirdest, most unique attraction in the park. What are your thoughts? → Read More
Game Awards at Hollywood Bowl will highlight music of 'Hogwarts Legacy,' 'Last of Us'
Geoff Keighley's 10th anniversary of the Game Awards will include music from a number of hit games, including 'Hades,' 'Diablo' and more. → Read More
Game Awards at Hollywood Bowl will highlight music of 'Hogwarts Legacy,' 'Last of Us'
Geoff Keighley's 10th anniversary of the Game Awards will include music from a number of hit games, including 'Hades,' 'Diablo' and more. → Read More
How to have the best day ever at Disneyland — all by your damn self
The best way to visit Disneyland? Solo. Longtime "single rider" Todd Martens offers tips for visiting the park as a party of one. → Read More
Every ride at Disneyland, ranked
Ranking the rides and attractions at Disneyland and California Adventure from best to worst is hard — but not impossible. Here is the ultimate Disneyland ride ranking. → Read More