The staff of the Haikyū!! franchise released a teaser for the short anime special titled 'Bakemono-tachi no Iku Tokoro' and presented a new key visual for the second sequel film, Gekijōban Haikyū!! VS Chiisana Kyojin, on Wednesday. The special depicts the must‑win match between Fukurōdani Academy and Mujinazaka High School and will be shown alongside the film when it opens in theaters next year. The Haikyū!! series, created by Haruichi Furudate, has expanded into multiple films and television specials since its manga debut. The first sequel film, Gekijōban Haikyū!! Gomi Suteba no Kessen, premiered in Japan on February 16, 2024 and earned 1,529,000 tickets and 2,230,465,540 yen in its opening three days, according to the film's website. Susumu Mitsunaka, who previously directed the television anime series, returned to write and direct the second film. Crunchyroll outlined the first film's plot, noting that Shoyo Hinata joins Karasuno High's volleyball club to emulate his idol, the 'Little Giant,' and must partner with his middle school rival Tobio Kageyama. Their contrasting styles become a strategic advantage as they aim to defeat Nekoma High in the long‑awaited showdown between the two underdog teams. The first film was released in Japan and also screened in North American theaters on May 31, 2024 with Japanese audio and English subtitles or an English dub. The special and film are scheduled for a 2025 theatrical release, and further details about the storyline have not yet been disclosed. Fans await additional information on the special's content and the film's release schedule.
Art, books, film, gaming, and the conversations defining the week.
Publang announced five new titles, three manhwa and two web novels, during the Anime NYC panel on Saturday. The manhwa titles are Define the Relationship by Flona and Chada, planned for print release, The Hunter's Gonna Lay Low by 103 with art by ligong and adaptation by MAGMA, and PASSION by Yuuji with art by GangJak and adaptation by Hound. The web novels are Healer by Mechanist and The Hunter's Gonna Lay Low by 103. Publang said the titles will have print volumes for some releases and web serialization for others. The announcements follow previous Publang releases including Payback, Define the Relationship, and PASSION. The company, originally a translation agency, states its mission is to produce faithful and contextually resonant translations. It notes its editorial philosophy emphasizes faithfulness to the author's voice and contextual localization of cultural terms.
A leaker identified as CyberLeek released two new gameplay videos on August 22, showing supercar driving, an armed robbery, and a strip club scene with a cutscene that includes a character saying they need to take "a leak." The videos are the seventh and eighth in a series posted this week and include promotion of a memecoin linked to a crypto scheme.
Take-Two Interactive issued Digital Millennium Copyright Act subpoenas on August 20 to Microsoft and Discord, seeking identifying information for accounts associated with Discord servers, including one used by content creator Matthew "Matt" Judge, also known as DarkViperAU, who denies any wrongdoing. A GitHub repository was taken down on August 19 after a DMCA notice from Take-Two, which demanded the repository be disabled entirely.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York approved the Microsoft subpoena on August 21. Xbox Chief Technical Officer Scott Van Vliet tweeted that Microsoft is working closely with Take-Two and Rockstar Games to protect intellectual property. Discord stated that it reviews and complies with valid DMCA subpoenas as part of its standard procedures.
Neither Rockstar nor Take-Two have issued a public statement. Internally, Take-Two and Rockstar have expressed frustration over the leaks, but there are no plans to alter the upcoming Netflix reveal scheduled for August 27, which will be exclusive to the streaming platform for six hours before appearing on other services such as YouTube.
GTA 6 is set for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S on November 19, 2026. The identity of the leaker remains undisclosed, and legal actions are ongoing.
IGN compiled a list of movies reviewed with scores of eight or higher as of August 2026. The selections include theatrical releases, streaming titles, and digital rentals.
Josephine (10/10) premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is scheduled for a November 20 theatrical release. IGN's review described the film as portraying an eight-year-old coping with trauma and featuring a strong child performance.
Send Help (9/10) is available to stream on Hulu or through a Disney+ and Hulu bundle, or for purchase on 4K Blu-ray. The review noted its thriller elements and chemistry between the lead actors.
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (8/10) streams on Hulu or Disney+ with a bundle. The review described it as a comedic mockumentary with sci‑fi elements.
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (9/10) streams on Paramount+. The review said it offers an unparalleled experience for Elvis fans.
The Drama (8/10) streams on HBO Max or on 4K Blu-ray. The review characterized it as exploring modern romance with destabilizing energy.
Erupcja (8/10) is available for digital rental or purchase. The review highlighted its visual style and the collaboration between the filmmaker and Charli XCX.
Tony (8/10) is in theaters. The review described it as an energetic coming-of-age biopic.
Batman: Knightfall Part 1 - Knightfall (8/10) premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. The review said it marks a strong return to form for the animation series.
Coyote vs. Acme (8/10) will open in theaters on August 28. The review praised its humor, satire, and emotional depth.
Hope (8/10) premieres in theaters on September 9. The review described its reverse-structured narrative and action-comedy elements.
The Weight (8/10) will release in theaters on September 18. The review noted its Depression-era heist premise and political overtones.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (8/10) streams on Netflix or on 4K Blu-ray. The review called it gory and thoughtful.
Scarlet (8/10) streams on Netflix. The review praised its visuals and worldbuilding.
Goat (8/10) streams on Netflix or on 4K Blu-ray. The review described it as a warm-hearted underdog sports story with notable animation.
Project Hail Mary (8/10) streams on Prime Video or on 4K Blu-ray. The review highlighted its focus on teamwork and performances.
They Will Kill You (8/10) streams on HBO Max. The review noted strong stunt work and Zazie Beetz's performance.
Faces of Death (8/10) streams on Shudder or AMC+. The review examined its postmodern remake concept.
The Christophers (8/10) is available for digital rental or purchase. The review described it as a caper and artistic reflection.
Mother Mary (8/10) streams on HBO Max. The review highlighted its visual style and operatic fantasy elements.
Apex (8/10) streams on Netflix. The review highlighted its survival-thriller premise and stunt sequences.
The Sheep Detectives (8/10) streams on Prime Video. The review noted its family comedy tone and themes of grief.
Mortal Kombat II (8/10) streams on HBO Max. The review called it big, loud, and fun.
I Love Boosters (8/10) is available for digital purchase. The review described it as a sharp critique of capitalism with strong performances.
Pressure (8/10) streams on Peacock. The review praised its WWII detail and performances.
Backrooms (8/10) is available for digital rental or 4K Blu-ray. The review praised its visual design and horror atmosphere.
Obsession (8/10) streams on Peacock or on 4K Blu-ray. The review highlighted its horror-romance execution.
Masters of the Universe (8/10) streams on Prime Video. The review called it funny and entertaining.
Carolina Caroline (8/10) is available for digital purchase. The review noted strong performances by Samara Weaving and Kyle Gallner.
The Furious (8/10) is available for digital purchase. The review called it an antidote to formulaic action films.
Leviticus (8/10) is available for digital purchase. The review described it as a horror film addressing gay youth prejudice.
Minions & Monsters (8/10) is available for digital purchase. The review praised its homage to classic Hollywood.
The Invite (8/10) is in theaters. The review described it as a stylized drama about romantic disillusionment.
The Odyssey (8/10) is in theaters and IMAX. The review noted its epic adaptation and war themes.
Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender (8/10) streams on Paramount+. The review called it lovingly crafted and visually impressive.
Her Private Hell (8/10) can be preordered digitally on Prime Video or Apple TV. The review highlighted its visual style.
It Ends (8/10) will open in select theaters on August 21 with wide release on August 28. The review described it as a tense thriller set in a car and woods.
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York (8/10) premiered at Sundance. The review called it a charming sophomore feature.
Six Insidious movies have been released between 2010 and 2026. The original film, Insidious, debuted in 2010, followed by Insidious: Chapter 2 in 2013, Insidious: Chapter 3 in 2015, Insidious: The Last Key in 2018, Insidious: The Red Door in 2023, and Insidious: Out of the Further in 2026.
The franchise was created by Leigh Whannell and James Wan, who also developed the Saw series.
Chronologically, the series begins with Insidious: Chapter 3, then Insidious: The Last Key, followed by Insidious, Insidious: Chapter 2, Insidious: The Red Door, and finally Insidious: Out of the Further.
Streaming availability varies: Insidious, Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 are on Peacock; The Last Key is on HBO Max; The Red Door is on Disney+ and HBO Max; Out of the Further is currently in theaters. All titles are available for digital rental or purchase through Prime Video, and each film has a 4K Blu‑ray release except Out of the Further.
James Wan has indicated interest in crossovers with Blumhouse properties, and a spin‑off titled Thread: An Insidious Tale was announced in 2023 with Kumail Nanjiani and Mandy Moore attached, though details remain pending.
The franchise continues to expand, with future installments potentially linking to other horror properties.
Elgato introduced accessories designed to improve remote work setups.
Remote work has become widespread, prompting demand for equipment that enhances video calls, audio quality, and ergonomics.
The Stream Deck + adds a touch strip and dials for music and video editing, while the smaller Stream Deck Neo includes eight keys and an infobar and works with both PC and Mac.
The 15‑key Stream Deck is priced at £109.99, reduced from £139.99, and the 32‑key Stream Deck XL is priced at £194.99, reduced from £229.99, according to Amazon listings.
The Wave 3 microphone offers standalone or arm‑mounted use and provides high‑quality audio for calls, podcasts, and music recording.
Corsair’s VOID v2 headphones provide wireless connectivity across platforms, a 70‑hour battery life, and high‑fidelity sound.
The Key Light Air delivers up to 2100 lumens and can be controlled via an app or the Stream Deck, the Key Light offers 2800 lumens, and the Key Light Nano is a compact option suitable for laptops.
The Elgato Embrace chair features a mesh back, adjustable lumbar support, 4D armrests, a 3D headrest, and a design that avoids a gaming aesthetic.
The range of accessories reflects sustained interest in home office enhancements as remote work continues.
Kazé, a manga imprint under HarperCollins, announced at Anime NYC that it will launch in the United States in fall 2027 with five to eight titles and expand to 25 to 30 titles p...
Kazé, a manga imprint under HarperCollins, announced at Anime NYC that it will launch in the United States in fall 2027 with five to eight titles and expand to 25 to 30 titles per year by 2029, while also entering Brazil and Spain. Kazé was founded in France in 1994 and was acquired by Shogakukan and Shueisha in 2009, later becoming part of the Viz Media Europe Group after a 2019 agreement in which Crunchyroll took a majority stake. The imprint will also draw on the experience of its sister imprint HarperAlley and plans to publish original English manga, as well as titles from Japan, Brazil, Spain, France and Germany. Its first release will be SOL Sistah, an original English manga by Saxton Moore and Phillip Johnson that is described as a Pan‑African, kaiju‑focused, teen slice‑of‑life story centered on a high‑schooler protagonist. Kazé said it will target a broad range of genres and seek works by creators who have not previously been published in the United States. The company also intends to publish manhwa, manhua and original English titles from manga creators in France and Germany, leveraging its 2026 rebranding of Crunchyroll’s French and German manga operations under the Kazé name. Kazé added that it will not use AI translations for its publications. The growth plan represents a development for the North American manga market, and the impact of its international expansion and original English titles will be evaluated over the coming years.
Manga Mirai announced that it will discontinue its digital manga distribution service on December 15 Pacific Time. Users must complete a transfer of their purchased titles and account information to NTT Solmare's MangaPlaza by September 30.
The service launched in March 2025 as a joint venture by Media Do, NTT Docomo, Akatsuki Group and MyAnimeList. It allowed users to purchase individual manga volumes or chapters and read them via a website or dedicated iOS and Android apps.
Media Do acquired MyAnimeList in 2019 and sold its shares to Gaudiy in March 2025, shortly after Manga Mirai's launch. NTT Docomo provided the platform, Akatsuki Group managed development and marketing, and MyAnimeList supported promotion and website integration.
Manga Mirai's website indicated that users may be eligible for a refund if MangaPlaza does not have licenses for some titles, if the user is under the 18 age limit, or if the user opts out of transferring account information. The service's closure leaves uncertainty regarding the availability of previously purchased manga on MangaPlaza and the resolution of pending refunds.
GKIDS announced on August 22, 2025 that it has secured North American distribution rights for the Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust anime film and the live-action version of Makoto Shinkai's 5 Centimeters per Second, with screenings scheduled for fall 2025 and wider releases in 2027. The Japanese-language version of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust will be shown with English subtitles in limited screenings this fall, preceding theatrical and home media releases planned for 2027, according to a GKIDS press release. The Vampire Hunter D franchise, based on novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi, began with an original video animation in 1985 and was followed by the Bloodlust film in 2000, directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri at Madhouse; earlier home releases were handled by Discotek Media in 2015 and Urban Vision in 2002. Sentai Filmworks released the 1985 OVA on Blu-ray in August 2025, while Iconic Events Releasing and the AX Cinema Nights program presented the OVA's 40th‑anniversary screenings in April 2025; HIDIVE and Shudder began streaming the OVA in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand in May 2025. The live-action 5 Centimeters per Second film premiered in Japan in October 2025, opening at number two at the box office and earning approximately 420 million yen (about $2.78 million) in its first three days, selling 278,000 tickets, according to Japanese box‑office reports. SixTONES member Hokuto Matsumura, known for his role as Sōta Munakata in Suzume, stars in the live-action adaptation, which was produced by Spoon, distributed by TOHO, directed by Yoshiyuki Okuyama and written by Ayako Suzuki, with a soundtrack composed by Ayatake Ezaki and the theme song "1991" performed by Kenshi Yonezu. The original 5 Centimeters per Second anime, released in Japan in 2007, was written, directed, storyboarded and produced by Makoto Shinkai, with music by Tenmon. The licensing agreements cover North American theatrical and home entertainment distribution, but specific release dates have not yet been announced beyond the planned 2027 rollout.
The review rates episode 6 of The Elusive Samurai season 2. The episode has a community score of 3.7. It was published by Anime News Network and is currently streaming on Crunchyroll. The author, James, writes about anime and other pop‑culture topics on BlueSky, a blog, and a podcast. The review includes episode numbers from 1 to 6 and notes that the views expressed are solely those of the author(s).
Konami announced a re-release of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, bringing the 2008 title to PC and other platforms after a period of limited availability. The game originally launched for the PlayStation 3 in 2008 and was notable for its lengthy cinematic sequences and complex narrative. Development was constrained by the console’s Cell processor, which made emulation difficult and limited porting options. The re-release is part of Konami’s renewed focus on video game production following its earlier shift toward other entertainment ventures. The original game required the PS3’s hardware architecture, which hindered community efforts to preserve the title. Technical barriers included a proprietary engine and licensing agreements for included brands, which had previously restricted distribution. Critics have noted that the game’s extensive cutscenes and linear structure differ from contemporary open‑world design trends, and its length exceeds nine hours of continuous narrative content. The game features a large roster of weapons and a mechanic that tracks the protagonist’s psychological state, though the latter system is rarely used outside specific missions. Industry observers say the re-release may influence how older titles are preserved, but the game’s reputation remains mixed due to its difficulty of access and its departure from the series’ earlier gameplay styles. The availability of Metal Gear Solid 4 on newer hardware provides an opportunity for contemporary audiences to evaluate the title, though its impact on the broader gaming landscape remains uncertain.
A hardware reviewer with access to high‑end components tested graphics settings in several recent titles to evaluate the benefit of using the maximum "Ultra" preset. The review ran Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2, Hogwarts Legacy and Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth at maximum settings on an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor and a PowerColor Red Devil RX 7900 XTX graphics card, with 4K resolution and various upscaling modes.
In Cyberpunk 2077, the ultra preset with ray tracing and path tracing limited frame rates to about 20 fps, while using balanced upscaling raised performance to playable levels with only minor visual differences noted in screenshots. Similar results were observed in Alan Wake 2, where the highest settings dropped to 1–3 fps; switching to balanced upscaling increased the frame rate to a smooth, playable range with no perceptible change in image quality.
In Hogwarts Legacy, the reviewer found that enabling ray tracing added little visual benefit, and reducing settings by one notch while using balanced upscaling yielded an additional 15% frame rate without noticeable degradation. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth showed minimal visual change when resolution was cut by 40% with balanced upscaling, and performance remained stable.
Across all tests, the reviewer concluded that the performance loss from running games at ultra settings is not justified by the marginal visual improvement, especially for players using high‑end hardware that can maintain higher frame rates at lower presets. The findings suggest that most gamers can achieve satisfactory visual quality while improving smoothness and reducing hardware strain by opting for lower graphics settings.
PC gaming companies are releasing themed accessories that let players display their favorite anime, games, and pop culture properties.
The trend reflects growing demand for personalized gear, as customization has become a key factor in consumer choice for gaming hardware.
Secretlab offers limited‑edition Titan Evo chairs with designs based on Dragon Ball Z, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, Genshin Impact, Pokémon, Cyberpunk 2077, and League of Legends.
Starforge provides themed PC cases with UV‑printed artwork of anime titles such as Chainsaw Man, Frieren, and Solo Leveling, as well as games like Terraria and Old School RuneScape; the cases include interchangeable acrylic platelights.
Razer released the Kraken Kitty V2 Gengar Edition headset, along with a Gengar‑themed Cobra mouse and Gigantus V2 XXL mousepad.
Logitech G supplies a Genshin Impact collection that includes a Kamisato Ayaka‑styled G309 Lightspeed mouse, a G515 Lightspeed TKL keyboard, a G733 Lightspeed headset, and special G305 Lightspeed mice featuring Sayu, Thoma, and Shikanoin Heizou.
SteelSeries offers a South Park collection that includes a QcK L mousepad with the Towelie design and an Arctis Nova 5 Pro headset with a Cartman portrait, as well as other character‑themed versions.
BlackLyte's Athena Pro chair features game‑specific designs such as Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Rainbow Six Siege, and collaborations with esports teams including Team Spirit, Team Fnatic, and Team Liquid.
Ghost's Sentinel chair includes a Leonardo‑themed version, and its TMNT line offers a Wraith M3 Pro mouse and Banshee K68 HE keyboard in themed versions, plus an Oni deskpad.
Corsair supplies Black Ops 6‑branded peripherals, including the HS80 headset and M75 wireless mouse.
The variety of available collaborations suggests continued demand for themed gaming gear.
The Moon on a Rainy Night anime is slated for a 2027 television release, according to REMOW's statement at the Anime NYC panel on Saturday. The manga, written and illustrated by Kuzushiro, began serialization on Kodansha's Comic Days website in June 2021. Kodansha released the 12th volume in Japan on June 19, and Kodansha USA released the eighth volume digitally on December 23. Kodansha USA licensed the manga for English-language distribution. Tomoe Makino will direct the anime at CompTown. Shōgo Yasukawa is credited with writing the scripts and overseeing the series composition. Ayumi Nishibata is responsible for character design. The narrative follows Saki, who, after colliding with a girl named Kanon while rushing to a piano lesson, discovers that Kanon is hard of hearing and tends to keep others at a distance. Through a kind gesture, Saki begins to lower Kanon's barriers, while feelings develop between them. The production timeline has not been announced, and the series is expected to premiere sometime in 2027.
Bandai Namco Entertainment America announced on Thursday that the "Mask of Idris" DLC for Code Vein II will be released on September 9, and the company began streaming a teaser trailer for the DLC the same day. Code Vein II, the sequel to the 2019 Code Vein action role‑playing game, launched on January 30 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, with a Japanese release on January 29. Bandai Namco says the game is set in a future where humanity and Revenants contend with a world on the brink of collapse, and players assume the role of a Revenant Hunter guided by a girl named Lou. The game includes mechanics such as using blood from enemies to unlock skills, Blood codes, unique weapons called Jails, and partner allies with distinct abilities. The original Code Vein launched in Japan in September 2019 after a delay from its planned 2018 release. The game's opening cinematic was animated by ufotable, and the opening song "Underworld" was performed by VAMPS. A manga adaptation titled CODE VEIN ‐Memory echoes- by Kotoni Shiroishi began serialization in June 2018, and its first volume shipped in September 2019. The "Mask of Idris" DLC will add new content to the game, though specific details have not been disclosed.
On August 22, various retailers offered discounts on gaming hardware and software. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was listed at $34.99 on Amazon for the Nintendo Switch 2, including an exclusive Magic: The Gathering card. Resident Evil Requiem was priced at $53.99 at Target. A refurbished Nintendo Switch 2 unit was available for $399.99 at Woot, with inspection and diagnostic testing noted. Nioh 3 was discounted by $30 to $39.99 at Best Buy. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade was offered for $29.99 on the Nintendo Switch 2. Civilization VII was sold for $19.99 on Amazon, a $20 reduction from its regular price. The LEGO Tropical Aquarium set was listed at $399.99 at Woot, saving $70. AirPods Pro 3 were available for $189 at Amazon. A hardcover book titled Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: Material Ultimania was priced at $28.46.
Severin Films released a 4K UHD box set titled Sangster Directs Hammer, presenting three Hammer horror films—The Horror of Frankenstein (1970), Lust for a Vampire (1971), and Fear in the Night (1972)—for the first time in the United States. The collection includes a 312‑page book and approximately 19 hours of supplemental material.
Hammer Films, a British studio known for its horror series from the 1950s through the 1970s, produced the three titles under the direction of Jimmy Sangster, who also co‑wrote two of the films. The films were originally released between 1970 and 1972 and feature actor Ralph Bates in all three productions.
The Horror of Frankenstein stars Ralph Bates as Victor Frankenstein and David Prowse as the creature. The film blends black humor and sexual themes and concludes with an unresolved narrative. Lust for a Vampire is the second entry in the Karnstein Trilogy, starring Bates as a teacher and featuring Yutte Stensgaard as the vampire Carmilla; the film includes a recurring musical number. Fear in the Night follows a newlywed couple in a secluded school setting, with Peter Cushing in a supporting role, and incorporates psychosexual tension and gaslighting elements.
The box set provides two audio commentaries per film—one with Sangster and Marcus Hearn, another with various scholars—plus archival and newly produced interviews with cast and crew, three documentaries covering Sangster, Bates, and Joan Collins, video essays on thematic topics, and a full‑color book containing interviews, photographs, and comic adaptations. The set also includes trailers, alternate takes, and TV opening credits.
The release marks the first U.S. availability of these titles in 4K format, and the collection remains the sole source for the material, with no further licensed editions announced.
Amazon has restocked several Pokémon TCG Elite Trainer Boxes, including the Mega Evolution—Pitch Black, Chaos Rising, and Perfect Order editions. Availability remains limited.
The rising demand stems from the recent Mega Evolution expansion, anticipation of the franchise’s 30th anniversary, and secondary‑market scalping activity.
The Mega Evolution—Pitch Black box is listed for $69.95, down from its $49.99 MSRP and the lowest Amazon price since mid‑July, with only a few units remaining.
The Chaos Rising Pokémon Center exclusive box is priced at $174.88, a 29 % discount from $245.90, compared with its $59.99 retail price, and represents the lowest verified price since launch. The Mega Evolution Base box is offered for $137.36, a 5 % discount from $143.90. The Mega Evolution—Perfect Order box is listed at $89.88, a 5 % discount from $49.99, with a TCGPlayer market average of $85.00. Restocks are expected to become scarce as distributors reallocate capacity for upcoming anniversary and 2026 releases.
The limited availability of these boxes indicates continued scarcity as the 30th Celebration expansion and other 2026 sets near release.