Games

Puppetry is a unique art form requiring incredible skill and technical work to make something lifeless seem alive. Creature shops use detailed mechanics, like controlled limbs and materials such as foam and latex, to build puppets that physically interact with actors. This real-world connection creates a sense of weight and believability that’s often missing in digital effects, and allows these practical creations to remain impressive even years later.

As a huge Batman fan, I find it fascinating to learn about how the character has changed over the years. It’s easy to forget that Batman didn’t always have his famous no-kill rule! It actually showed up relatively late, in issue #4 of the original Batman comics. Back in his earliest stories, he was much more of a hard-boiled detective, heavily influenced by those old pulp noir comics, and he definitely wasn’t afraid to take a life if he felt it was necessary. But as comics became more aimed at younger readers, Batman had to evolve. He developed that strong moral code against killing, even when his own life was on the line. Still, even with that rule in place, there have been a few times in the main Batman stories where he’s… let’s just say he’s bent the rules a little.

Disney is developing a third Hocus Pocus movie, with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy expected to return as the Sanderson sisters, according to Deadline. Talk of a sequel started in 2023 when Midler mentioned a great script had been written and that producers were working out the details. However, progress stalled after Scott Bailey, who was a key executive at Walt Disney Studios, left the company.

The open-world superhero game Undefeated: Genesis, a sequel to the free-to-play Undefeated, was originally announced in 2023. It quickly gained popularity, earning over 250,000 wishlists on Steam as players anticipated a new superhero adventure built on original characters, rather than relying on universes like DC or Marvel. Developed by Indie-us Games and Chorus Worldwide Games, the game was initially planned for a 2026 release, but has now been delayed until “early 2027.”

In a YouTube video which has since been delisted, series creator Yuji Horii confirmed:

I’ve noticed that one of the coolest things about Bungo Stray Dogs is how its characters are named after famous Japanese authors and writers. It’s a really neat way to connect the series to literature! However, the creators have recently asked fans to be mindful when discussing these characters. They’ve pointed out that sometimes fans will say things that could be seen as disrespectful to the real authors, or to people who genuinely admire their work. They’ve put out a message asking everyone to be considerate and avoid language that could be hurtful, as a big part of the show’s goal is to introduce people to these writers and their legacies.

Based on the popular webcomic Tomb Raider King, a new anime series from Korea is coming to Japan! The story takes place in a world filled with mysterious tombs, and follows Ryoga, who seeks revenge on those who betrayed him using his expert knowledge of these ancient sites. You can watch a new trailer featuring Ryoga in action below.

The heroes known as the Bat-Family are all exceptional, pushing beyond the limits of ordinary humans. Batgirl recently gained magical abilities, allowing her to manipulate her blood into various shapes. However, as of Batgirl (2024) #19, those powers have been removed. While she had them for three issues, this change is ultimately a good thing. Batgirl works best as a hero relying on her skills, and it’s common for characters like her to not have lasting superpowers.

Mortal Shell is a deliberately concise game and doesn’t try to feel bigger than it is. It’s clear from the start that it’s a relatively short experience. The game features a central area with just a few branching paths, and completing the first one gives you a good idea of how long it will take to finish. With a main hub and three additional stages, most players can expect to complete Mortal Shell in five to twelve hours, depending on their skill level. This makes it easily achievable to finish before it’s removed from PlayStation Plus Extra on May 19th.

As a big fan of both murder mysteries and teen dramas, I’m always on the lookout for shows that can nail both. It’s surprisingly rare to find one that really gets it right! We’ve seen attempts before – Riverdale started strong but went a little off the rails, and Pretty Little Liars had tons of drama but the central mystery always felt a bit messy. Thankfully, Netflix’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, based on Holly Jackson’s fantastic book, actually pulls it off. It’s a perfect blend of those addictive teen storylines and a genuinely compelling whodunnit.