Surprise: ROM Has Joined the Energon Universe

The Energon Universe involving Transformers and G.I. Joe was a bit of a surprise that leaked shortly before the release of the debut Energon-set comic, "Void Rivals," #1. Since then, the involved comics have been quite popular in their use of assorted beloved properties (and original creations) to tell some epic tales. "M.A.S.K." #1 came out today and takes place in the Energon-verse, but a big surprise was held within some of this new issue's blind bag variant option. A first issue of a completely separate comic, "ROM," #1 could be found among the other covers and such. Yes, another retro property with many fans will be in the Energon Universe as well!

I tip my hat to the main architect behind much of this, Robert Kirkman. He pretty much set off the latest blind bag craze with that first issue of, "Battle Beast," so it is fitting he would help give the trend--that seems to be running out of steam--a shot in the arm with this clever stealth-announcement and debut-into-Energon of ROM. This was definitely a clever way to get some extra buzz!

Marvel's Mangaverse Rises From the Grave for it's 25th Anniversary

Marvel has done a variety of interesting things in its publishing history. Some things were interesting ideas but misfires (New Universe). Others were generally cool, like their, "MAX," line with mature-leaning stories (plus, uncensored swearing). Then there is the Mangaverse, which was relatively popular at the time, but is vaguely remembered these days. Marvel didn't totally forget it, however, as in honor of this year apparently being the 25th anniversary of the line's debut, they're doing five one-shots that link thematically. Kicking off at the start of September with, "Web of Blood," it will be followed by, "Iron Knight," "Arcane Avengers," "Ghostlocke," and wrap at the end of the month with, "Web of Destiny."

I, honestly, never really read much of the Mangaverse. Frankly, I didn't read any manga until a bit later in my life when I discovered a number of great stories in that storytelling medium. I am curious about this revisitation of the Mangaverse. Plus, considering how the popularity of manga in America has only grown over the years, it will be interesting to see if the Marvel Mangaverse's return is a hit or lands with a thud.

"Crazy Taxi: World Tour," Looks Fun, but the Use of Any Generative AI Makes Me Worry

Back in 2024, I discussed how, "Crazy Taxi," was a franchise that I had many fond memories of--and which was possibly going to get a new game at some point in the future (as per rumors). Well, "Crazy Taxi: World Tour," is official! However, there is a troublesome catch. The good stuff is how it looks like, "Crazy Taxi." You've got the big yellow cab, it does tricks, you speed around to get people where they need to go, and there is some quality vintage punk music. Plus, it is not just an arcade-style game, there is a story mode, which gives a reason for the globe-spanning adventure. An irritating concern that has been pointed out, though, is the disclosure of generative AI being used. 

Supposedly, AI stuff is being used for, "reference," with nothing ending up in the game. Hearing it has involvement is always discomforting, as a game using generative AI is a proces which has faced, "...widespread criticism as the tech must be trained on existing work by human artists, thus making any assets made with it essentially plagiarized without credit or compensation of the original creators. That’s not even factoring in that the tech, while often producing shoddy work no one with a modicum of taste would pay money for, is often being positioned as a threat to creative jobs by corporate suits looking to reduce human labor costs across several industries, including film, books, and video games," as Kotaku puts it. When I hear generative AI is, "Only being used," for this or that, I do still hear it is being used by a company in some manner. 

AI can have its uses, but I see a metaphorical light drizzle of, "We just used AI for some reference images," turning into a drowning downpour of, "Our game is basically entirely AI besides the guy/gal who put in a bunch of prompts!" with it (obviously) being the biggest piece of disjointed, unenjoyable slop. I am potentially excited for, "Crazy Taxi: World Tour," but I remain guarded against the growing sentiment of, "Let's use AI for everything and put it in anything we can!" Things are only going to get crazier regarding AI, that's for sure.

"The Matron," #1 is a Great Start to a Horrific Tale

Drew Edwards is the main creator behind, "Halloween Man," and when I made him aware of how much I enjoyed the trade paperback collection of a number of the character's stories, he offered me a free digital copy of, "The Matron," #1, which I could read and review if I saw fit. Written by Edwards along with David Bowles and featuring art by Monica Gallagher, I found the first issue of, "The Matron," to be quite creepy and intense. The comic jumps around between 2021 and back in the 1970s. A family that engaged in ritualistic cannibalism was taken down by a police officer (who was also a relative) and in the, "Present," we follow various generations of offspring trying to live normal lives despite the disturbing familial history. 

The comic's flashbacks to the past feature lots of gruesome horror but it never feels over-the-top or unnecessary--if a family is full of cannibals, you should probably give readers a look at their, "Unique," dinner setup, after all! In the present, it is strongly hinted that violence may soon resume with one seemingly, "Normal," older family member primed to soon take up the family legacy of ritualistic violence. This was a stellar first issue that excels at giving us some backstory and setting up tension for the issues to come. I look forward to seeing just how crazy things get!

Some People Are Mad at the new, "God of War: Laufey," Because You Play as a Female Character. Wait, Seriously?

“God of War,” is a long-running game series. The earlier ones were extremely over the top and followed a protagonist named Kratos as he killed a bunch of Gods who had wronged him. The series restarted its numbering for a new thematic era but kept the continuity, focusing on Kratos and a young son, Arterus, whom he had later in life. Those games also involved Kratos mourning the death of his wife (and Mother of their child), Faye. All the GOW games are extremely popular (especially the more mature and thoughtful ones with Kratos as a Father). I have to be honest and say that I have never played them but have watched clips and find the assorted entries interesting to learn about. I’ve aimed to play some of them eventually, but my backlog of games is truly ever-growing. To get to the point of this article, a spin-off game focused on Krato’s deceased wife, Faye, was just announced. It takes place concurrently with the other games and follows her working to navigate the afterlife. It does not appear to have any political message or anything but some people immediately made it another lightning rod in the internet’s unending culture wars.

People have argued that Faye looks dirty or ugly and needs to be prettier, with it some kind of concession to liberals that she isn’t a smoking hot big-breasted MILF. The most generic statements I've seen basically say that it is somehow, “Woke,” to tell a story with a lady as the protagonist. I am a very politically active person who holds many opinions, but even I know that sometimes a game about a woman slaying demons in the afterlife on an epic quest is just meant to be fun without any super-secret sociological statement. Some video-games do have a particular big message, whether it is, “War never changes,” even with a nuclear apocalypse (Fallout) or weird metaphors about racism via robots (Detroit: Stay Human). Not every game is trying to spark a complex dialogue, however.  Even the latter, “God of War,” games have a lot of drama about how hard it is to be a parent while grieving (Kratos loved and misses his wife), and that’s not a controversial statement! It is a relatable topic for many. The idea of Faye missing her husband and son while slicing up foes could be covered in the game, but that’s hardly anything to spend hours arguing about online as if this game asked to be the new poster child for all that is great and/or awful about games and politics. Just chill, everyone.

The, “Avengers,” Comic Has a Relaunch Incoming

When it was recently announced that a relaunch of the, "Avengers," comic was happening with Chip Zdarsky writing, my first reaction was, “Wasn’t this declared months ago?” You see, in my apparent ignorance, I thought the new, “Avengers: Armageddon,” comic which Chip Zdarsky is doing with artists Delio Diaz and Frank Allier, was the latest ongoing book about the Avengers, hence, you know, the book’s name. Apparently, it is merely a five-issue miniseries that will lead into the actual relaunch of, “Avengers,” this Fall. It will continue to have Zdarsky writing it but will feature Marco Checchetto on art. Why they did not make the Armageddon mini-series simply the first arc of this new series, I am unsure; comics, they never make sense, and that’s so fun!

Anyways, the latest true run of, “Avengers,” hits stands this November. Zdarsky is among a relatively small number of writers over at Marvel who are putting out stuff I dig (much of Marvel’s output lately is weak), so I am a bit excited to check this out along with its lead-in, “Avengers: Armageddon." I’ll put up with nonsensical series orders if the talent is solid, I suppose.

Immense Hate, Powerful Love, and Observing Pride in 2026

We went to a fun Pride Month event at one of our local libraries today. It had a bunch of folks with tables discussing an assortment of organizations that assist LGBTQ individuals and those who care about them. There were also fun little games, plenty of coloring sheets, and it was very chill and nice for all ages. It showed how Pride isn't about, "Teaching kids about sex," or anything the haters claim, it is about embracing identity and how some people might have two daddies, two mommies, a nonbinary child, a relative who lives with a man as well as a woman, and so forth. Pride is about people just living their lives and being comfortable, feeling open and free, instead of trapped in a metaphorical closet. Pride isn't just parades or fun events. It is about using one's voice and the voices of a group to insist on equal rights. stopping discrimination, and pushing back against those who would try to legislate LGBTQ people out of a public presence, or even violently try to end their lives.

It isn't hyperbole to state that 99% or so of the anti-LGBTQ sentiment comes from conservatives/Republicans/the right wing. There isn't always a religious element, but oftentimes that has a role too, as people try to interpret the bible in a fashion that allows their supposed Christian love (it's usually right-wing Christians) to morph into bigoted hate. Some people believe that being gay or trans is some kind of social illness, a psychological bacteria that if you expose a young person to it they will somehow become infected and, "Turn," into a homosexual or be trans...which is apparently bad? I personally would prefer my children to be gay or trans than hateful jerks who spend multiple hours of their days trying to rob others of rights. I don't think seeing a Drag Queen reading a book about a wolf blowing down the houses of pigs is going to make them want to be a Drag Queen too, any more than it would give the idea of trying to use their breath to assault a swine's house of hay.

Some folks say they are fine with, "The gays or trans," as long as they, "Keep it in the bedroom, you know, to themselves! That's not appropriate for the public." These are often the exact same people who put their 2-year-old little boy toddler in a shirt that says, "Ladies' Man," or don't have a second thought when it comes to encouraging their little girl to play with baby dolls, whilst their sons go roll toy cars through dirt piles. Letting your boys pretend to have a baby won't, "Make," them gay, but might help them be prepared for if they have children someday. If your daughter goes and gets some toy cars dirty, maybe she'll grow up to be a mechanic--and very well still be into men regardless of doing a, "Masculine," job. We as human beings can love all different kinds of people. I am a man who has only ever wanted to be a man and who has only ever felt attraction to women. I can still be an ally to those who feel their gender does not match what they were assigned at birth or who feel an attraction to the same sex, both sexes, or let's make sure to acknowledge our Asexual (or Aromantic) humans as well!

Even if you don't, "Get," LGBTQ people, that doesn't mean you have to be homophobic or transphobic. Hell, you don't even have to be what one would consider an ally. You just have to be willing to let people live their lives without making things harder for them. Giving LGBTQ people rights doesn't result in you having any fewer rights; it just means you recognize we're all human, regardless of what gender/sexuality/etc. As efforts ramp up more and more to rob people of rights, it further illustrates why Pride is important in 2026.

National Doughnut Day

Today is June 5th, and that is National Doughnut Day! I am a fan of doughnuts and generally enjoy a standard glazed one or maybe some chocolate icing on top. I have read other countries find it odd how America associates the doughnut with breakfast, as many other places think of it more as a straight-up dessert. No matter how you categorize doughnuts, they are delicious! Many stores, from big chains to shops that are local to you, will be running promotions, so go get yourself a doughnut if you'd like! Oh, and yes, it can be spelled Donut too; either is acceptable, I just do the fancier wording for fun.

"The Hab," From Bad Idea is a Must-Read Only Two Issues In

"The Hab," is a new mini-series from Bad Idea. They're the publisher who puts out great books and often does odd gimmicks that vary between cute and annoying. When you ignore the gimmicks, you're still left with superb books, though. "The Hab," is only two issues in, but already has me hooked with its mix of sci-fi and horror. This comic is focused on a billionaire, his family, and a chunk of staff fleeing to a massive underground habitat he had built in the case of some world-ending event. What has happened hasn't been disclosed, and very well may not be, but it was some worst-case scenario as now everyone is in the big ol' Hab. The problem is, as the first issue reveals, something else is there too.

It isn't too big a spoiler to reveal that some strange microscopic organism has found its way into the supposedly purified water of the Hab and is causing everyone to hallucinate, as the resident doctor determines. In a strange twist, the staff appears to be sharing in their hallucinations, with the common theme being that this thing wants them to kill themselves. The claustrophobic environment mixed with some unknown, tiny, dangerous creation after everyone gives the comic a vibe of, "Alien meets The Thing," whilst still being totally unique. A billionaire making sure they are taken care of while shrugging at the fate of 99.9% or so of the rest of the World also is quite topical these days as folks like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, or Mark Zuckerberg float around in mega yachts or plan safehouses in outer space, whilst the rest of the World's economy seems to teeter on the edge of a collapse daily.

Writer Joshua Dysart has been in comics for years and knows how to craft a superb story. The fact that he has David Lapham and Bill Sienkiewicz providing art makes this an incredible creative team. The feeling of dread just drips from the pages as the cast of characters grapple with the disturbing images brought up to their consciousness by this unknown bacteria/mold/whatever it is. I find it a little funny how Bad Idea has been hyping up the fact that their comic, "Ordained," was optioned to be a movie when I think this comic is begging for some kind adaptation! We're two issues into the planned five, and I am eager to see just how weird things get.

Missouri Cut Funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, A Program That Helps Children Learn to Read

In a move that would make even a despicable movie super-villain gasp and say, "Wow, that's just evil," the state of Missouri and its many idiotic legislators (not all, but many) have a new budget that cuts a lot of things that help people. I guess when you need to spend so much time trying to re-outlaw abortion, you only have a moment to consider how Dolly Parton's Imagination Library should be safe from budget cuts.

In an email that is worded in a manner much more politely than I'd have written to folks, "In 2023, the State of Missouri and The Dollywood Foundation formed a partnership to fully fund the Imagination Library statewide, so that every eligible child in Missouri could receive free books at home. That partnership grew quickly. Today, nearly 170,000 Missouri children receive a book from Dolly each month. The current state budget includes a significant reduction in funding for this program, driven by decisions made at the state legislature and the governor's office. Because of that reduction, the program will close to new enrollments on July 1, 2026. If your child is already enrolled, books will continue arriving until the funds run out. We expect that to happen within 4 to 6 months." I would have tweaked the last sentence to go, "We expect that to happen within 4 to 6 months because these jokers in the Missouri Senate and House would rather cut funding for students and drive us off a budget cliff with a moronic scheme to eliminate income tax (thereby leading to jacked-up sales taxes) than invest in programs people agree are good."

Seriously, teaching children to read isn't controversial. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library works with state governments to send a book to children every month that they can read and treasure. Some households can't afford to buy books, and even getting transportation (or having the time) to go to a local library can be difficult. Something everyone likes is going to be cut in the name of things almost nobody wants, like the usual tax cuts for rich folks, or hours that could be spent legislating being wasted on creating new amendments designed to wreck our citizen-led initiative petition voting process (for real, this August's Amendment 4 sucks). I know some things are controversial when it comes to getting them funded, but helping children achieve literacy shouldn't be sacrificed in the name of other pork barrel politics.