Games

If you’ve seen the movie Superman II (though the original Richard Donner cut is better, many would argue), you might remember the fight scene in the Fortress of Solitude where Superman battles General Zod, Ursa, and Non. During the fight, Superman famously pulls a cellophane ‘S’ shield from his chest and throws it, briefly trapping his enemies before it vanishes. It’s a strange moment that fans still joke about. However, a recent issue of Absolute Superman revisited this concept with a much more impressive and impactful result.

Both Steve Rogers and Tony Stark concluded their journeys in the same movie, Avengers: Endgame. Stark sacrificed himself as Iron Man to save everyone, while Rogers handed his Captain America shield to Sam Wilson, signifying his retirement. Now, with Rogers returning in Avengers: Doomsday, it raises questions about the meaning of that original passing of the torch.

It chose a particularly challenging game to cover. While we enjoy the railway simulation, it’s often difficult to find new and exciting things to discuss about it.

With the new year, Shonen Jump is concluding some of its ongoing series, but this opens the door for new manga to gain popularity. Several short, standalone stories will be released, hoping to impress readers enough to earn a full serialization. One of these new stories comes from the creator of Nisekoi: False Love, who hasn’t launched a full series since that romantic comedy finished in 2016 (as noted by @WSJ_manga on X).

As fans anticipate Season 5 of Stranger Things, a major question has emerged: who is the show’s ultimate villain? Season 4 revealed that Henry Creel, also known as test subject “001,” became unstable with his psychic abilities and was defeated by Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). However, instead of being destroyed, he was sent to the alternate dimension known as “the Upside Down,” where he transformed into the terrifying, monstrous creature called Vecna.

The popular mobile game Arknights is getting a sequel, Arknights: Endfield, and this time it’s coming to more than just phones! While the original Arknights remains a mobile-only title (though a PC version is supposedly being developed), Endfield will launch on January 22nd, 2026 for PC (through Steam), PlayStation 5, and mobile devices. This new game expands on the world of the original and is shaping up to be a promising title for early 2026.

DC Comics’ history is known for its inconsistencies, largely due to the company’s evolution over the years. In the past, DC aimed at a younger audience, so even when characters or storylines shifted, the changes were usually subtle. Jason Todd, Batman’s former sidekick, illustrates this well. While he’s now commonly depicted as a scrappy, determined kid Batman took under his wing, that wasn’t always his story. His background was significantly altered after the major storyline Crisis on Infinite Earths, but a recent comic, DC K.O.: Red Hood vs. The Joker #1, suggests that revised origin might no longer be considered official.

This story-focused game, a funny look at a team of unusual superheroes working together, was nominated for Best Debut Indie at The Game Awards 2025. However, because of eligibility rules, it couldn’t compete in most other award categories, even though it was released in 2025.

The new trailer for the upcoming revival series, launching January 6th, shows a much more intense and violent tone than the original. Many Western viewers who grew up with the show in North America, where it was aimed at a younger audience, might expect a similar approach. However, this trailer reveals a grittier reboot with plenty of action and visible injuries for both the heroes and a new group of villains. It’s clear the creators aren’t holding back this time around.

2025 offered a fantastic range of TV shows, from funny comedies to intense dramas, and everything in between. Picking the ‘best’ is always difficult and depends on personal taste, but a few shows really stood out. These titles made a significant impact and are among the most memorable of the year.