HBO's series "Lanterns" shows John Stewart creating a living construct without wearing his power ring, contrary to the established Green Lantern rule that the ring must be worn to use its power. In episode 2, Stewart, who has trained for two months with Hal Jordan, conjures a bird that remains active after he loses consciousness and survives an encounter with alien captors. The series notes that Stewart's constructs differ from typical Lantern constructs, which are usually hollow, because they are built from the inside out, a method linked to his architectural training. Jordan asks Stewart to bring the bird back alive, and Stewart replies that it is "just a bird" before crushing it into green dust. The episode also references comic storylines where Stewart creates sentient constructs, though those feats required higher power levels or cosmic enhancements. The series ends with speculation about how Stewart's abilities may develop once he puts on the ring.
Art, books, film, gaming, and the conversations defining the week.
Rie Kugimiya was added to the cast of the third season of the anime "100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You," which began airing on July 5 on Tokyo MX and will also be shown on Sun TV and BS11. The series is based on the manga by Rikito Nakamura and Yukiko Nozawa, which follows a comedic premise in which a young man must date one hundred women to avoid their deaths. Kugimiya joins Kaori Ishihara, who voices Chiyo Iin, Ayana Taketatsu as Nadi, Hana Tamegai as Yamame Yasashiki, and Aoi Koga as Momiji Momi, as the new character Yaku Yakuzen, the grandmother of Kusuri and Rentarō's latest girlfriend, who first appears in episode 8. Hikaru Sato, who directed the first two seasons at Bibury Animation Studio, returns to direct, while Takashi Aoshima handles series composition and Akane Yano continues character design. Music is provided by Shūhei Mutsuki, Shunsuke Takizawa and eba for Lantis. The season premiered on July 5 at 10:30 p.m. Tokyo time and is broadcast simultaneously on Sun TV and BS11. The opening theme song, "Daisuki♡Zutto Eien ni♡," performed by the Rentaro Family, will accompany the series throughout its run.
The article presents seven wordless Far Side comics by Gary Larson, published between 1980 and 1995.
Larson’s single‑panel newspaper strip ran from 1980 to 1995 and combined simple visual gags with occasional puzzles, often omitting captions.
7. Penguin and Banana Peel (June 8 1994) – a penguin slips on a banana peel on a sheet of ice; the visual gag requires no caption.
6. Fly Justice (May 29 1988) – a line of flies with blindfolds and a firing squad is shown; the joke is revealed without dialogue.
5. Firefighters (March 31 1981) – a vertical strip shows a woman facing a window opening; the sequence unfolds without words.
4. Frog and Airplane (August 14 1984) – a frog catches an airplane; the image is a straightforward visual joke.
3. Fish Baseball (May 9 1985) – two fish play baseball in a glass bowl; the scene is a simple sight gag.
2. Diver (March 8 1988) – a diver appears in trouble until a foot on a hose is seen, resolving the puzzle.
1. Absent Window Washer (March 15 1980) – a woman opens a window and the washer is no longer visible on the platform, indicating a fatal outcome.
The comics were created during Larson’s 15‑year run, and the series ended in 1995.
Agent Jupiter manga concluded with its final chapter released on August 20 by Comic Days. The series debuted in February 2025 in Kodansha's Morning two magazine. It follows Agent Jupiter, who returns to a parallel world after seeking vengeance for his sister and attempts to live a civilian life until a young girl appears. Kodansha shipped the third compiled volume on June 23. The manga was simultaneously released in English and French worldwide. Kodama previously ended The World of Summoning in May 2023 and Blood Lad in September 2016, with their final compiled volumes published in July 2023 and December 2016 respectively. Earlier series Hamatora and Demon Tune also concluded, with their last volumes released in February 2015 and May 2019 respectively.
Company RIDI announced on Thursday that it will discontinue Kanta, its short‑form live‑action service in Japan, to concentrate resources on its fan community platform that supports comics, webtoons and web novels. Kanta launched in July 2025, offering dramas based on Korean content. The firm said it will use production expertise and user data from Kanta to expand its intellectual property portfolio and explore new ways to apply those assets. The decision reflects a shift in focus amid a changing global market.
The article ranks the five strongest characters in Naoya Matsumoto’s Kaiju No. 8 manga and anime series. It uses assigned fortitude levels to measure monster strength and outlines the abilities of each character.
Number 5 is Gen Narumi, captain of the First Division, who demonstrates high speed, durability and the RT‑0001 weapon that grants precognitive abilities, though he has not defeated his former mentor Isao Shinomiya.
Number 4 is Isao Shinomiya, a veteran combatant whose Squadron Style Technique blends hand‑to‑hand fighting with kaiju powers; he wore the Numbers Weapon 2 suit that provided energy shields, sonic blasts and an arsenal of weapons, and he died in battle against Kaiju No. 9, leaving a lasting legacy for the Defense Force.
Number 3 is Kaiju No. 9, a strong antagonist capable of absorbing other kaiju, rapid healing and strategic planning; the manga depicts its defeat by Kafka Hibino in his kaiju form together with Mina Ashiro.
Number 2 is Kaiju No. 8, the form assumed by Kafka Hibino, which has a fortitude level of 9.8, instant regeneration and detailed knowledge of kaiju anatomy, and shows its highest fortitude level during the final battle against the Daikaiju of the Meireki Era, where he sacrifices his humanity to unlock a final form, aided by Shinomiya’s spirit.
Number 1 is the Daikaiju of the Meireki Era, an ancient creature with an immeasurable fortitude level that was released after Kaiju No. 9’s death and was ultimately defeated after a prolonged confrontation.
The series emphasizes the evolution of power levels and the difficulty of maintaining humanity while wielding kaiju abilities, concluding with the defeat of the Meireki Era Daikaiju.
Showrunner Chris Mundy said the series' use of the Green Lantern ring was based on character and story considerations, limiting its application early in the season. The HBO series Lanterns, set in 2016 and part of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, follows Hal Jordan in Rushville, Nebraska, and John Stewart on a mission to retrieve his mentor’s lantern. The second episode concludes with Hal traveling to Oa, the home of the Guardians of the Universe, to meet Sinestro, who is incarcerated after a prior fall from grace. Mundy explained that the writers wanted each use of the ring to feel earned by the character, starting with small actions such as manipulating a $20 bill to build audience trust. He said they avoided employing the ring for spectacle alone and ensured each instance aligned with the narrative. The episode’s ending has prompted discussion among fans, with a poll and comment section available for further conversation.
User videos posted on social media last week show a Batmobile performing donuts on snowy streets in Glasgow while police vehicles and SWAT teams pursue and fire at the vehicle.
Context: The first film showed a cooperative relationship between Batman and the GCPD, and the new film is set in a wintry environment.
The videos show the Batmobile driving at high speed and spinning repeatedly as police cars chase it.
A SWAT vehicle rams the Batmobile and officers open fire.
A blonde woman appears in the passenger seat, though her identity has not been confirmed.
Additional footage includes anti‑drug advertisements on Gotham City cabs that reference a fictional substance from the first film.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on February 18, 2028, and remains largely undisclosed in terms of plot details.
Kakao Games announced on August 4 that it has agreed to work with webtoon studio The Grimm Entertainment to develop and publish games based on its popular comic and webtoon inte...
Kakao Games announced on August 4 that it has agreed to work with webtoon studio The Grimm Entertainment to develop and publish games based on its popular comic and webtoon intellectual properties.
The Grimm Entertainment, founded by webtoon artist Taejun Pak, owns IPs such as Manager Kim (also known as Agent Kim: Reactivated) and Lookism, and created the Viral Hit webtoon that inspired an anime and a Japanese live‑action adaptation. Kakao Games is a subsidiary of the South Korean internet company Kakao and operates a portfolio of mobile and online games.
According to a press release from Kakao Games, the companies will adapt The Grimm Entertainment’s webtoon IPs into games, expanding the reach of the properties into the interactive medium. Kakao Games CEO Si‑woo Lee said the collaboration will create new experiences for players and attract interest in global markets. Ahn Hyung‑soo, CEO of The Grimm Entertainment, said the partnership leverages Kakao Games’ experience in game services and aims to extend the IPs across multiple media formats.
The partnership does not include a release timeline, and the companies have not disclosed details about specific game titles. The collaboration represents Kakao Games’ latest effort to broaden its game portfolio through content partnerships.
Webtoon Entertainment announced on August 10 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 60% stake in RI Games Holdings Inc., granting it control of the game developer.
Webtoon, a digital comics platform operated by South Korean search Naver, plans to develop and release multiple games based on its established webtoon intellectual property over the next four years. RI Games Holdings operates two development studios, GrayGames and Offbeat, and currently publishes titles based on popular webtoon series.
The first game will be an action MMORPG based on the webtoon Overgeared, which has accumulated 1.3 billion global views. GrayGames is developing the title, and Nexon will publish it globally later this year, with a launch scheduled to coincide with the Overgeared anime premiering in October. The anime's first key visual, promotional video and additional cast members were revealed in July, and Crunchyroll will stream the series. The series is produced by J.C. Staff and directed by Ayako Kōno.
RI Games' portfolio also includes Doom Breaker, with 590 million views, and Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, which has surpassed 3.05 billion views. An adaptation of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is planned for an anime, while Offbeat's game based on the series, published by Com2uS, is slated for PC and console release in 2028.
The investment aims to integrate webtoon narratives into interactive gaming experiences, though timelines for additional titles have not been specified.
The HBO series Lanterns aired its second episode on August 23, 2026, revealing the introduction of the Green Lantern villains Sinestro and the Manhunters. The episode follows Hal Jordan sending his trainee John Stewart to Coast City to recharge his power ring, after which Stewart is abducted by alien forces led by Antaan. Antaan states that the group is searching for a Manhunter, describing the beings as synthetic entities capable of assuming human form and creating advanced technology. He warns that a Manhunter previously orchestrated a planetary holocaust and threatens to destroy Rushville within 48 hours unless John locates the Manhunter. Hal Jordan is treated in a local hospital after being shot for trespassing, and Sheriff Kerry notes that Hal murmured the name Sinestro while under anesthesia. Later, Hal visits a secure extraterrestrial prison to speak with Sinestro, a former Green Lantern who led a rebellion against the Guardians and established the Sinestro Corps, a group whose members wield yellow rings powered by fear, according to DC Comics lore. The episode ends with Hal preparing to interrogate Sinestro for information about the Manhunters, while the Halogram indicates that the Green Lantern Corps may have violated its own selection protocol. The series will continue in episode 3 with further developments concerning the Manhunters and Sinestro's role.
Psychonauts 2 celebrated its fifth anniversary this month, marking the release of the adventure game developed by Double Fine Productions. The game launched in 2021 after Microsoft provided funding that allowed the studio to complete development. Double Fine was an Xbox partner beginning in 2016 and became independent after Microsoft restructured its first‑party studios. Critics highlighted the game's writing and world design. The title features surrealist platforms intended to reflect the protagonist's anxieties. According to Polygon, the game sold nearly 5 million copies worldwide. Double Fine said it pursued creative freedom rather than focusing on technological trends. The studio's approach contrasts with Microsoft's strategy of increasing production volume and with Sony's emphasis on a limited roster of action‑oriented studios such as Naughty Dog, Guerrilla and Insomniac. Many recent titles have remained within established action frameworks, offering similar over‑the‑shoulder gameplay. The anniversary brings attention to the influence of funding models on creative direction in large‑budget games. The milestone illustrates continued debate over how independent development and corporate support shape the future of major video game releases.
Manga Up! Global added the English-language version of Sorinokoshi and Taichi Ōkubo's 'Unwinding with the Aloof Girl at the Standing Bar' on Saturday. The manga originally launched on the Manga Up! website in Japan in August 2025, and the second compiled volume was shipped on June 5. The story centers on Seiya Tonami, a late‑twenties office worker who makes a habit of drinking alone at his favorite standing bar each Friday. When he intervenes to stop harassment of a college girl at the bar, she becomes his new companion, and their shared drinks turn the weekly outings into a regular social activity. The series portrays a light romantic comedy with everyday banter. Future chapters are scheduled to appear on Manga Up! Global's platform.
Gamescom 2026 will showcase seven titles that have generated significant anticipation. Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will appear during the Opening Night Live event, with director Naoki Hamaguchi expected to present details about the game's conclusion. CD Projekt Red confirmed that The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past will be revealed at the same showcase, while the studio has not indicated plans for a new mainline entry. Microsoft will present live gameplay of Fable, scheduled for release on February 23, and will also display Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons 2, and Alien Isolation 2. 4A Games will exhibit Metro 2039, which is set for a 2027 launch, and will provide hands‑on demo stations. Xbox will stream Persona 4 Revival on August 26, continuing the series' trend of remastered titles. Daniel Mullins will discuss Pony Island 2: Panda Circus, a sequel to the 2021 game Inscryption, with limited information currently available. Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, a real‑time strategy title based on the franchise, will be demonstrated at the show. Additional surprises are expected during the Aug. 26 Xbox Gamescom broadcast, which may expand the lineup.
Marvel Studios announced a slate of movies and Disney+ series planned through 2029, after a period of reduced output aimed at improving quality. In 2026, the studio will release VisionQuest, a series starring Paul Bettany as Vision and featuring James Spader as Ultron, scheduled for October on Disney+. The same year, Avengers: Doomsday will open in theaters on December 18, with Robert Downey Jr. portraying Doctor Doom and the Russo brothers directing. Prior to the film, the studio will rerelease Avengers: Endgame in cinemas on September 25, adding four minutes of new footage. In 2027, the animated series Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man will debut on Disney+ in early January, followed by the film Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse on June 18. Avengers: Secret Wars will close out Phase 6 and the Multiverse Saga on December 17, 2027, with the Russo brothers returning as directors. In 2028, Marvel will release a new X-Men movie on May 5, a Ghost Rider film on July 28, and Black Panther 3 on December 15, featuring David Jonsson as the new Black Panther. In 2029, an untitled Marvel Studios movie is set for November 9, and the studio has announced a Nova project with a tentative release date to be determined.
One xkcd comic titled 'Duty Calls' has remained in the author's thoughts for 18 years. The strip depicts a partner urging a figure at a computer to go to bed, noting that someone is wrong on the internet and that leaving would let the error persist. The author, whose husband works as a technical project manager, says many xkcd jokes apply to his work, citing strips about standards and tasks. While most of the comic's humor does not relate to the author, the 'Duty Calls' panel reflects a professional duty to monitor online discourse and correct misinformation. The author describes attempts to ignore or delegate such arguments and notes that the comic reminds them to stop debating online and go to sleep. The piece concludes that stepping away from the computer and resting is the most effective response.
Gamescom 2026 will take place in Cologne, Germany, and will feature a three‑day Games Done Quick speedrunning event from August 28 to 30, streamed on Twitch and YouTube and supporting the Gaming for Democracy charity. Originally launched in 2002 as the Games Convention and moved to the Koelnmesse in Cologne in 2009, Gamescom has become the largest video game trade show after the closure of E3. Tim Endres, director of Gamescom at Koelnmesse, said the event has grown through long‑term development of scale, international relevance and digital reach, and that the hybrid model and formats such as Opening Night Live and regional editions have expanded its audience. Stefan Heikhaus, director of Gamescom at the German Games Industry Association, said the organization feels a responsibility to the community and industry each year, describing the effort as excitement rather than pressure, and noted plans to integrate a developer conference, expand the indie showcase, add Games Done Quick and strengthen community formats such as the social stage. He added that the 2026 event will include closer integration of the developer conference, further development of the indie showcase, the addition of Games Done Quick and an even stronger focus on community formats such as the social stage. The upcoming Games Done Quick will mark the first in‑person GDQ event outside North America, running for three days with speedrunning competitions and a charity initiative. Dozens of games are confirmed for the 2026 show, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past, Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, The Blood of Dawnwalker, Alien: Isolation 2, Fable, Star Wars: Galactic Racer and Metro 2039. The organizers said future editions will continue to expand the hybrid format and maintain international events in Latin America and Asia, with no plans for a North American expansion. The event will remain focused on Cologne as the central meeting point for the global industry and community.
IGN published a review and recap of Lanterns season 1 episode 2 on August 14, 2021. The episode separates the series’ main characters, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, and follows each as they pursue separate investigations in Rushville, Nebraska and surrounding areas. Hal Jordan works with Sheriff Kerry to examine a case involving a vehicle containing human remains, while John Stewart undertakes a task for his mentor and meets a character named Earl. The episode introduces Antaan and his men and continues the murder mystery introduced in the pilot. The review noted that the series blends comedy with a crime storyline and that dialogue hints at characters’ concealed identities. Jesse Schedeen of IGN observed that the show demonstrates that superhero stories can exist in the DCU independent of James Gunn’s style. The episode ends with Hal suiting up for the first time in 2016 and traveling to Oa to meet Sinestro, while John considers whether he can trust Hal.
Crossed Hearts, a California‑based global English publisher, announced on Sunday at Anime NYC 2026 that it is launching an in‑house imprint called Studio Hearts. The imprint will launch with three original titles: Doomsday Requiem With You, Chiaroscuro, and Soul Guiders. The company also announced a series of licensed titles, including the manhwa Welcome to the Rose Manor and Flirting with the Villain's Dad, the manga The Two of Them Can't Be Mobs, Love Beyond the Final Boss: The Hero's Party's Quest for Love, Emma and the Eyes that Bid Farewell, and Where Sea Meets Shore. Additional titles include the Thai comic The Devil in Me, the Korean novel Ink Soaked into Ashen Paper, the Korean novel Fairy Trap, and the Blush Club manga Addicted to You. Crossed Hearts said it has partnered with Thai girls‑love publisher Lily House to release titles in English. Earlier this month, Kadokawa's BookWalker Global store added Cross Hearts' titles to its catalogue. The announcements were made during the convention's press event.
Akino Kondoh's Box Garden Beetle manga was nominated for the Outstanding Collection category at the 2026 Ignatz Awards. The Ignatz Awards organization announced the nomination.
Seirinkogeisha published the short story collection in Japan in 2004. Glacier Bay Books announced an English release in May 2026 after a Kickstarter campaign launched in August 2025. The translation was done by Ryan Holmberg, lettering by Tim Sun, and editing by Emuh Ruh and Ryan Holmberg.
The Ignatz Awards, named after the character in George Herriman's Krazy Kat, recognize outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning. A jury of cartoonists creates a ballot each year, and Small Press Expo attendees vote on the nominees. In 2024, Offshore Lightning by Nazuna Saitō was nominated for Outstanding Collection. Glaeolia 2, an anthology by Glacier Bay Books, won Outstanding Anthology in 2021.
The 2026 voting results will be released after the Small Press Expo ballot count. The final winner has not yet been determined.
An Xbox Store listing for Mewgenics indicated a September 8 release date for the Xbox Series X, according to a leak discovered by True Achievements on August 23. The listing, which also noted 53 achievements, is no longer visible but still confirms a Nicalis‑published port is forthcoming. Creator Edmund McMillen said on X that an announcement related to the game would be made at Gamescom Opening Night Live, scheduled for August 25. The original PC version launched in February and received a positive review from Polygon, which described the game as balancing juvenile humor with complex gameplay. It is unclear whether additional console ports or new content will be announced. If the date remains unchanged, the Xbox release is expected on September 8; confirmation will follow the Gamescom presentation.
On August 23, retailers listed discounted prices for gaming products, LEGO building sets, and consumer electronics. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, sold as a physical version for the Nintendo Switch 2, was priced at $34.99 on Amazon and included an exclusive Magic: The Gathering card featuring Zack Fair. Civilization VII was listed at $19.99 on Amazon, a $20 reduction from its standard price. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade was available for $29.99 on the Nintendo Switch 2. Nioh 3 was offered at $39.99 on Best Buy, a $30 discount from its regular price. Resident Evil Requiem was sold for $53.99 at Target. Nintendo Switch 2 refurbished units were sold for $399.99 at Woot, with original accessories included. AirPods Pro 3 were priced at $189 on Amazon. LEGO Animal Crossing's Blather's Museum Collection set, containing 543 pieces and two minifigures, was listed at $48.99 on Amazon, a 39% discount. The LEGO Harry Potter Book Nook, which builds the Hogwarts Express, was priced at $76.99 on Amazon, down from $99.99. LEGO Tropical Aquarium, a set of over 4000 pieces, was offered for $399.99 at Woot, saving $70. The LEGO Minecraft Woodland Mansion set was listed at $27.99, the lowest price observed for the set. A hardcover book titled Final Fantasy VII Material Ultimania, 208 pages, was priced at $28.46.
Sony is offering a Marvel Wolverine limited‑edition DualSense wireless controller for the PlayStation 5, priced at $89.99 and scheduled for release on September 15. The design includes three yellow claw marks and gray scuff accents. Preorders are available through retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, PlayStation Direct and Smyths Toys UK; Target’s listing shows the item sold out. A white Adamantium version, exclusive to PlayStation Direct, is sold out, and matching console covers are also available separately, with the yellow cover still in stock at PlayStation Direct.