The anime hype has only grown over the years, and the strong box office showing of this year’s anime films only serves to reinforce their presence. It comes as a treat to fans, then, that a handful of titles in the genre, including Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc, are eligible for consideration for the 2026 Oscars.

Per the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the works are listed under the Animated Feature category, where seven out of the 35 entries are anime features and Japanese media-related movies. Alongside the two juggernauts, directed by Haruo Sotozaki at animation studio ufotable and Studio MAPPA’s Tatsuya Yoshihara, respectively, the remaining candidates are as follows:

• 100 Meters (Hyakuemu), from Kenji Iwaisawa and studio ROCK’N ROLL MOUNTAIN
• ChaO (Yasuhiro Aoki / Studio 4°C)
• COLOURFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing (Hiroyuki Hata / P.A. Works)
• Dragon Heart – Adventures Beyond This World (Isamu Imakake / HS Pictures Studio)
• Scarlet (Mamoru Hosoda / Studio Chizu)

Other heavyweight additions include Sony Pictures Animation’s KPop Demon Hunters, Lost in Starlight, Netflix’s first Korean-animated film, Disney’s holiday tentpole Zootopia 2, and Chinese hit The Legend of Hei II, with crowd favourite Nezha 2 notably missing.

The full list of eligible works for the documentary and international feature categories was also announced, totalling over 300 submissions across the board. As noted by Variety, some of them will still need to fulfil screenings in at least one theatre in one of six major American metropolitan areas for at least one week before the end of the year.

Shortlists for all categories will be unveiled on 16 December, followed by the finalised nominations on 22 January 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is set to take place on 15 March, and it’d be interesting to see how far Japanese media can push their momentum in a traditionally Western-dominated space — Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron previously won the Best Animated Feature accolade in 2024’s show, while Takashi Yamazaki and TOHO’s Godzilla Minus One notched Best Visual Effects in a first for Japanese-language films.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’, ‘Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc’ & More Anime Films Earn 2026 Oscars Eligibility appeared first on Geek Culture.

The local excitement surrounding Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba reached a fever pitch with the highly anticipated arrival of the Infinity Castle animated film and a red carpet premiere attended by Japanese voice actor Takahiro Sakurai, but there’s still more to come. Following sold-out runs across Asia in 2023 and 2024, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition will make its debut in Singapore, inviting fans to relive iconic scenes through life-sized sets, dynamic visuals, and multi-sensory experiences.

Organised by FriedRice Experience, in collaboration with ACO Media, Muse Communication, and Mediasphere Communications, the showcase is set to take over the former Singapore Sports Hub Library from 24 January to 15 March 2026, marking its only Southeast Asian stop for the year. It spans 21,000 square feet across two floors, comprising seven experiences that feature major locations and elements of the series, including the Demon Slayer Headquarters, House of Demons, and the various Breathing Style techniques.

Here’s what to expect from each zone:

• Mount Fujikasane: The mountain designated by the Demon Slayer Corps for the Final Selection. A dreamlike space surrounded by eternally blooming wisteria trees.
• Demon Slayer Headquarters: Displays key items related to the organisation, including an organisational chart, character profiles, Nichirin Swords, and a curated collection of memorable quotes and iconic depictions of the Demon Slayers.
• House of Demons: Showcases illustrations of demons from the series, while partially recreating Kibutsuji Muzan’s Infinity Castle. At regular intervals, a special mechanism activates to immerse visitors in the terrifying presence of demons.
• Battle of Mount Natagumo: Highlights Breathing Styles with original illustrations of Demon Slayers using their breathing techniques, a photo spot recreating the effects of Water Breathing, and other exhibits related to breathing styles.
• Mugen Train: Life-sized reproductions of the carriages from 2020’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train.
• Kimetsu Academy: The official spin-off, created by artist Koyoharu Gotoge, portrays life in a modern world where the Demon Slayer Corps and demons coexist. It offers a glimpse of the Demon Slayer Corps living a peaceful life, a stark contrast to their daily life-or-death missions.
• Infiltrating the Entertainment District: Features numerous contraptions, such as peek-through holes in the fusuma (traditional Japanese sliding partitions) and the Muscle Mice, visible when peering through small openings.

After the 45-minute journey, a 1,000-square-foot merchandise store awaits, offering a selection of collectables and apparel. Specifically for this stop, animation studio ufotable has created designs exclusive only to Singapore, featuring chibi characters at iconic local landmarks.

Tickets for the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition will be available for purchase online in three phases, via Pelago and Klook. The first runs from 26 November to 10 December (or when allocations sell out, whichever is earlier), with a 20 per cent discount on all tickets: S$19.20 and $22.40 for adults on weekdays and weekends, respectively – versus the standard of S$24 and S$28 – and S$15.20 and S$18.40 for concession prices (children between two to 12 years old, and seniors aged 60 and above), compared to S$19 and S$23.

Phase 2, which includes a limited-edition souvenir card with each ticket, begins on 11 December and ends on 22 January, followed by the final wave from 23 January to 15 March 2026. Bundles will be available starting 11 December, consisting of the following options:

• Family Bundle of 3 (max 2 adults) – S$72, includes 3x souvenir cards if purchased during Phase 2 sale period
• Family Bundle of 4 (max 2 adults) – S$94, includes 4x souvenir cards if purchased during Phase 2 sale period
• VIP Bundle (per pax) – S$58, includes 1x ticket, 1x metal bookmark, 1x ID card, 1x $10 retail voucher

The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Total Concentration Exhibition will take place at the former Singapore Sports Hub Library, 4 Stadium Walk, from 24 January to 15 March 2026.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ Exhibition Marks Singapore Debut In Jan 2026 appeared first on Geek Culture.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are switching out one sensei for another. Following earlier news that a live-action/CG animation hybrid project based on the R-rated comic novel series, The Last Ronin, was in development, it’s now back in the pizza box, with Paramount opting for a family-friendly approach.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Neal H. Moritz, known for Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog series, is in talks to direct a new live-action film in the beloved franchise. Toby Ascher, who works with the filmmaker at the Original Films banner, will serve as producer, although no other details have been confirmed at this time.

The project will mark the first live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles feature since 2016’s Out of the Shadows, which was a critical and commercial failure at the box office. The studio then pivoted to animation in 2023 with Mutant Mayhem, earning a modest worldwide haul of US$181 million against a US$70 million budget and a 96 percent Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. A sequel from producer Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, as well as director Jeff Rowe, is slated for release on 17 September 2027.

While story details remain under wraps, the pic is set to introduce the franchise’s most popular villain, Shredder, with a fresh touch.  Shredder is just a great character. He’s an iconic, classic, loved character. He’s like the Joker,” said Rowe.

“You know who he is, even if you’re not a fan of the source material. I think we definitely wanna do a villain-forward film. We’re currently trying to make decisions about that, but those decisions for us as filmmakers are always going to come from the place of what tells the best story, specifically about our main characters, the Turtles.”

As for The Last Ronin, it was originally being developed by former Warner Bros. chief Walter Hamada and screenwriter Tyler Burton Smith, with Nobody helmer Ilya Naishuller in talks to direct. The project’s status is currently unclear, however — sources say there are plans to revisit it down the road, but not anytime soon.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: ‘The Last Ronin’ Put On Hold In Favour Of Family-Friendly Live-Action Reboot appeared first on Geek Culture.

Comic book fans, cosplayers, toy collectors – the list goes on but if you embrace pop culture and smile when referred to as a geek, the biggest international geek convention, Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) is back for the legion of fans in the country, and this year, it’s primed to be the biggest yet! Not only will it encompass over 400 exhibiting companies and brands from around the world, spread out across 250,000 square feet of pop-culture celebration space at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 6 and 7 December, this year’s run will also mark the debut of an Ultimate Preview Night before the main festivities, offering an exclusive fan experience that’s not to be missed.

Kicking things off on the evening of 5 December, the Ultimate Preview Night offers a one-night-only fan spectacular, featuring a packed line-up of live art showdowns and behind-the-scenes talks with over 50 guest appearances such noted Marvel Comics and DC Comics’s artist Stanley “Artgerm” Lau, tattoo legend turned comic book art sensation Dr Rocke, Malaysian comic book artist Lipwei, illustrator Warrick Wong, and more, making it a once-in-a-lifetime chance for fans to get up close and personal with their favourite artistes!

SGCC’s Ultimate Preview Night is exclusive to invited guests and Platinum ticket holders (limited to 300 pax) who will also get their hands on an exclusive Platinum Pack during the preview event, loaded with limited-edition merchandise and event exclusives to celebrate SGCC 2025, including a themed bomber jacket and Art Prints featuring Power Rangers Time Force actors Jason Faunt and Erin Cahill. Additionally, each Platinum Pack also doubles as a Super Lucky Bag, with rare prizes such as a Sabermach N-Pixel Saber, Epic Dreams signed prints, as well as Infinity Studio statues distributed randomly across all packs.

Fans can get their Platinum tickets, alongside all the other event ticket tiers, on the SGCC 2025 official site, but one thing’s for certain, all event goers are in for an unforgettable weekend of immersive experiences, exclusive merchandise, and most important of all, geeky fun.

For those looking to join SGCC on the weekend, the event will be host to around 60 well-known celebrities, including Power Rangers actors Erin Cahill and Jason Faunt, both from Power Rangers Time Force, and noted comic book artists, including Eisner Award winning artist Joe Rubinstein, Simone Di Meo (Marvel Comics, DC Comics), Mico Suayan (DC Comics, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios), Marco Failla (Hasbro, Asmodee, DC Comics, Image Comics, Marvel Comics), Simone Bianchi (Marvel Comics, DC Comics), Santa Fung (DC Comics, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios) and much more.

Here’s a peek at the top exhibitor highlights that await you at SGCC 2025.

Bandai

The Tamashii Nations booth (L1-B03) once again presents a haven for fans of anime and manga collectibles, and this year’s headliner figures include the S.H. Figuarts Ultimate Shining Ultraman Zero (Ultraman New Generation Stars Ver.), a gold and silver-tinted variant of the iconic hero that was the winner of the S.H.Figuarts New Generation Ultraman Vote, which was held in celebration of the release of over 2,000 S.H.Figuarts models.

Ultraman isn’t the only famous hero receiving the spotlight this year, as S.H.Figuarts is also commemorating the 40th anniversary of Dragon Ball with the S.H.Figuarts Son Goku & Dragon – 40th Anniversary Edition, which reproduces the iconic cover illustration of the 1985 Jump Comics issue, Dragon Ball Vol. 01.

For Gunpla fans, head down to the Bandai Hobby booth (L1-B07) to grab exclusive limited-edition items and merchandise available only at the event, including four Gundam Base Limited Burning model kits: The MG Gundam Dynames (Clear Colour), MG Gundam Kyrios (Clear Colour), MG Destiny (Heine Westenfluss Custom) and the RG Burning Gundam Hyper Mode. Enthusiasts and newcomers alike can also go hands-on at the showfloor itself by taking part in Gunpla Workshop Activities sure to scratch that model-building itch. 

Finally, TCG fans can head over to Basement 2 and take part in the Bandai Card Games Fest 25-26, a must-attend event for fans of popular trading card games like the One Piece Card Game, Digimon Card Game, Dragon Ball Super Card Game, Gundam Card Game, Battle Spirits and Union Arena. Fans will also be able to take part in activities for each title, with special commemorative products available for purchase.

Queen Studios (L1-C05)

Following the global gaming phenomenon that was 2024’s Black Myth: Wukong, Queen Studios is bringing the Destined One to life, literally, with the life-sized 1/1 Black Myth: Wukong – Great Sage Armor Set statue, faithfully reimagining the iconic Journey to the West character’s Phoenix-Winged Crown, Golden Chainmail, and Cloud-Stepping Boots. Capturing his in-game look with stunning accuracy and incredible detail, this magnificent showpiece will be available for pre-order exclusively at SGCC 2025.

InArt (L1-C05)

Owners of InArt’s Batman (TDKR) Deluxe 1/12 Scale Figure will soon be able to take their Dark Knight to the next level with this event-exclusive Accessory Pack, letting them further customise their figures with an additional cowl variant, a high-tech backpack, a poseable wired cape, an interchangeable chest armor piece and two new faceplates, offering increased options for movie-accurate dynamic poses.

Heat Boys (L1-C05)

Specialising in premium stylised action figures, Heat Boys is bringing the heat to SGCC 2025 with three new product displays, including the HB0083 MechaHeat Stellar Expansion Spartacus, a die-cast mecha figure standing at 28cm tall and boasting over 50 points of articulation, allowing for dynamic and combat-ready poses.

With an expertise in crafting action figures based on Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, it’s no surprise that they are bringing not one, but two brand new TMNT figures to the showfloor, the first being the HB0095 MechaHeat Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael 40th Anniversary Ver, which takes the iconic red-bandana-wearing brother and equips him with two intimidating mecha dragon-head cannons on each shoulder and a deadly Cross Spear inspired by his classic twin Sai.

Next up is the HB0103 HEATFIG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo, which marks a departure from Heat Boys’ usual mecha style design and instead adopts the look of the classic animated series, recreating the leader of the turtles’ iconic appearance from his signature cape to his various ninja gear. The figure also comes with classic accessories such as katana swords, throwing stars, a skateboard, and multiple interchangeable facial expressions and hands, letting collectors display it to their heart’s content.

ThreeZero (L1-B02)

As perhaps the most iconic creators of high-end collectables, especially in the Transformers fandom, ThreeZero will be rolling out two new ultra-detailed Optimus Prime variants, the DLX Nemesis Prime, a celebratory figure marking the company’s 25th anniversary that stands at 11.2 inches tall and features 53 points of articulation, alongside the DLX Optimus Primal (Beast Wars Universe Edition), which is similar in scale with 74 points of articulation. Additionally, ThreeZero will also debut the ROBO-DOU Scopedog Heavy Weathering Version, its latest addition to its mecha line-up based on iconic Japanese anime properties. These three figures are exclusively available at SGCC, so don’t miss your chance to snag these limited-edition masterpieces!

Yolopark (L1-B02)

SGCC 2025 is set to be a treasure trove for Transformers fans, as Yolopark will also be debuting the next Deception in its AMK Pro Series, the SGCC-Exclusive Transformers: Generation 1 – Starscream Model Kit (Transparent Version), decking out Megatron’s treacherous second-in-command in a sleek, clear look complete with die cast joints, three modes of eye lighting effects, interchangable faces, and multiple effects parts, allowing him to truly take flight. The figure will also be part of a global limited release of 1,000 units, making it an even more valuable addition to any collection.

The Loyal Subjects (L1-B02)

Talk about a blast from the past, as The Loyal Subjects is celebrating an iconic toyline from the mid-1980s with two event-exclusive M.A.S.K. figures, the MASK Mobile Defense Unit Limited Edition with Scott & T-Bob, and the MASK Mobile Defense Unit 40th Anniversary Black & Gold Edition. Outfitted with the toyline’s iconic vehicel-weaponsing gimmick, there’s no better way to relive your childhood battles with V.E.N.O.M., or introduce your kids to the legacy of M.A.S.K.

Faceless (L1-C02)

Ever wanted to see what the legendary Three Kingdoms icons might look like in a modern fit? Faceless has got you covered with its latest line-up of art toys, including the SGCC-exclusive Zhuge Liang (limited to 180 pieces), the debut of its Hot Blooded Three Kingdoms Series Blind Box featuring the likes of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhou Yu, alongside pre-orders for its upcoming Cao Cao 300% figure. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms never looked so stylish!

Kenshop SG (L1-C02)

Event goers can take home a piece of Singapore’s public transport history, as Kenshop SG will be debuting two exciting collectables on the show floor: The ComfortDelGro Toyota Prius Taxi with light feature (Blue and Yellow), and the C851E NEL MRT Train, which comes packed with play features such as sounds, lights, opening doors and a pull-back motor. The recognisable duo will make their first-ever appearance at SGCC and celebrate Singapore’s everyday icons.

KAYOU (L1-C06)

SGCC 2025 will mark the debut appearance of the China trading card company KAYOU, with a spotlight on two powerhouse IPs within Southeast Asia – Free Fire and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). KAYOU will bring their trading card collection for both franchises to the show floor, offering fans a unique collectable to celebrate their favourite mobile game.

SGCC X Collexi-Con

Pop culture and trading cards collide in this special collaboration between the two long-running conventions, and fans can look forward to meeting their favourite artists and creators, such as Kouki Saitou and Sunohara, alongside TCG vendors, exclusive merch drops and live activities.

Happening at Basement 2, SGCC X Collexi-Con allows con-goers to trade, collect, cosplay, and connect with fellow fans, sharing their passion for all things comics, anime, trading cards and collectables.

Luo Xiao Hei (L1-B17)

As one of China’s most beloved animation IPs, Luo Xiao Hei is going global and making an appearance at SGCC 2025, unveiling a brand-new range of merchandise available first and exclusively in Southeast Asia at the event in celebration of The Legend of Luo Xiao Hei 2, a hit animated film which premiered in China in July, and will hit Singapore cinemas on 6 November 2026.

SGCC Cosplay Competition

For those looking to unleash their inner heroes, villains or everything in between, SGCC will be hosting a cosplay competition suitable for all levels of experience, be it handmade, bought, or borrowed costumes. Held on 7 December, the competition will not only provide the opportunity to show off your creativity, passion and craftsmanship, but also the chance to walk away with amazing prizes, with the grand prize worth S$4,800 and comprised of an Infinity Studios Digimon: Yagami Taichi & Wargreymon statue, Bandai Namco’s S.H.Figuarts SON GOKU & DRAGON – 40th Anniversary Edition, a one-night stay at Marina Bay Sands Singapore and more. The competition will also be judged by well-known cosplayers Riiyuukii (@riiyuukii_cos), Shirogane Sama (@shirogane_sama) and Kiyo (@kiyocosplay).

This year’s SGCC is poised to be a landmark event for all things pop culture, sure to please comic connoisseurs, seasoned collectors and TCG enthusiasts alike. Sounds like your cup of tea? Get your tickets now and head down to the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 6 and 7 December, and for Platinum Ticket holders, don’t miss out on the Exclusive Preview Night happening on 5 December, 6 to 10pm. We’ll see you there!

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2025: Ultimate Preview Night Sneak Peek + Exhibitor Highlights appeared first on Geek Culture.

Things are about to get magical, now that the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Witch Hat Atelier has been set for an April 2026 premiere window. The announcement comes by way of a new teaser trailer introducing the two main characters: Coco and her magician mentor Qifrey (welcome back, Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen), voiced by Rena Motomura (Kyoka Kitahara in Maebashi Witches) and Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado in Kimestu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer), respectively.

Opening with scenes of Coco performing day-to-day chores in a rural setting, it follows her discovery of magic, otherwise referred to as “the absolute secret that must never be known”. After witnessing Qifrey’s casting of it by drawing a sigil, she attempts to perform the same action, only to trigger the magical energy in her home and ends up being saved by the travelling witch, setting the stage for her becoming his apprentice — alluded to in the final shot, where Coco receives her very own witch hat.

Ayumu Watanabe (Summer Time Rendering) serves as director on the project, which features character designs by Kairi Unabara (Fate/strange Fake: Whispers of Dawn) and a musical score by Elden Ring composer Yuka Kitamura. New key visuals for both characters were also revealed:

Originally scheduled to air in 2025, Witch Hat Atelier announced a delay in September, with studio Bug Films citing the reason “to present the charm of the project at an even higher quality.” The anime is based on Kamome Shirahama’s manga, which has sold more than seven million copies to date and offers the following synopsis:

“In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: she wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with a gift for magic. Resigned to her un-magical life, Coco is about to give up on her dream to become a witch … until the day she meets Qifrey, a mysterious, travelling magician. After secretly seeing Qifrey perform magic in a way she’s never seen before, Coco soon learns what everybody “knows” might not be the truth, and discovers that her magical dream may not be as far away as it may seem…“

Witch Hat Atelier casts its spell sometime next April.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post ‘Witch Hat Atelier’ Anime Casts Spell With April 2026 Premiere And Voice Cast Reveal appeared first on Geek Culture.

Blokees have fully boarded the Studio Khara train, as following the release of its debut Neon Genesis Evangelion model kit, the EVA-01, the Chinese hobby company has brought two more of the 1995 anime’s mechs into the fold with the release of the EVA-00 and EVA-02 Action Edition.

Set in a similar scale to the EVA-01, the two new model kits come with a host of character-specific accessories, with the EVA-00 even featuring a much larger box due to its massive shield (more on that below). Both units promise the same impressive levels of articulation Blokees fans have come to expect, and mark a promising continuation of what hopefully would become a full line-up of all the Evangelion mechs, and most importantly, their pilots too.

In terms of runner count, the EVA-00 clocks a total of 33 runners and six bags of additional loose parts, plus an additional massive effect piece to complement the mechs’ equally impressive Enchanted Shield of Virtue (ESV Shield), which is even taller than the unit itself. The EVA-02, on the other hand, comes in 32 runners and five bags of loose parts, with its headliner accessory being the GB-012 Thunder Spear rifle, which even includes a neat gimmick where it can be transformed to seamlessly stow its attached bayonet. Check out how all the pieces come together in the video above, which covers the unboxing, building process, and impressions for both kits.

The Blokees EVA-00 Action Edition is now available via online retailers at prices starting from US$49.99, while the EVA-02 Action Edition costs US$39.99.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Blokees Neon Genesis Evangelion EVA-00 & 02 Action Edition – Unboxing & Building appeared first on Geek Culture.

As the year comes to a wrap, tradition beckons for anime, comics, and games (ACG) fans in Singapore and the region. Returning to the familiar premises of Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre is the annual Anime Festival Asia (AFA), set to take place from 28 to 30 November 2025 and boasting an expanded roster of celebratory fare that regular attendees have come to expect.

This year’s event features 16 performing artists, 13 stage showcases with 21 special guests, and over 100 exhibitor booths across all three dates, bringing diverse offerings that cater to different preferences and interests. For music and concert enthusiasts, the “I Love Anisong” festival kicks off with asmi, NOMELON NO LEMON, Sakurazaka 46, and SPYAIR on Friday, 28 November. fhána, HIMEHINA, nonoc, Sally Amaki (22/7), Shouta Aoi, and Yoko Takahashi will take over the stage for the following evening, before ALI, ClariS, Hachioji-P, Isekaijoucho, May’n, and Wednesday Campanella step in as the closing acts on Sunday.

While 3-Day Cat 1 VIP tickets are sold out, single-day tickets are still available at S$198 (Cat 1 Seated), S$178 (Cat 2 Seated), and S$158 (Cat 3 Seated) per day. The perks for each category vary, but all three come with fast lane access, alongside an additional ballot chance for a signed poster for the first two tiers. Meanwhile, early bird prices for general admission tickets start from S$22 (exhibition only) and S$35 (Day Stage + Exhibition), which can be purchased on Ticketmaster.

Over on the show floor, fans can look forward to guest talk shows with industry insiders, premiere screenings of new anime, and more special events at the Day Stage. Featured titles include Lord of Mysteries, Spy X Family, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, The Apothecary Diaries, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and more, with the full schedule as follows:

• Friday (28 November)
  • Special talk show featuring baan, with content creator Gigguk
  • Lord of Mysteries featuring director Xiong Ke and screenwriter Liu Xing
  • Special screening of Noble Reincarnation – Born Blessed, So I’ll Obtain Ultimate Power –
  • Spy X Family featuring online appearances by Atsumi Tanezaki (voice of Anya Forger), Kenichiro Matsuda (Bond Forger), and Emiri Kato (Becky Blackbell)
    
• Saturday (29 November)
  • Chibi Godzilla Raids Again featuring Akari Kito (voice of Shobijin)
  • Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End featuring Kana Ichinose (voice of Fern) and Chiaki Kobayashi (Stark)
  • Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX featuring Simba Tsuchiya (voice of Shuji Ito) and NOMELON NO LEMON
  • The Apothecary Diaries featuring Aoi Yuki (voice of Maomao) and Asami Seto (Shisui)
  • The Holy Grail of Eris featuring Kana Ichinose (voice of Constance Grail) and Sayumi Suzushiro (Scarlett Castie)
    
• Sunday (30 November)
  • Fire Force featuring Yusuke Kobayashi (voice of Arthur Boyle)
  • LABYRINTH featuring director Shoji Kawamori
  • Special guest showcase featuring V-tuber Otsuka Ray and Reika-chan
  • The Beginning After the End at the bilibili panel, featuring Natsumi Fujiwara (voice of Arthur Leywin), Chiaki Omigawa (Jasmine), and programme emcee Sally Amaki

Guest Cosplayers & Meet & Greet Lineup

For those seeking some cosplay action, or even to get up close and personal with their favourite cosplayers, four guest stars from the region are set to answer their wishes: Chocolat, Hiroto Kuramasu, and Ojigi from Japan, as well as one of Thailand’s leading cosplayers, Thames Malerose.

Adding to the enthusiasm is the Cosplay Hub roster, comprising close to 50 cosplayers in the region, from first-timers to established names like Amelia Khor, Hikarin, Kiyo, Momoko Pigsfly, XIAOYUKIKO, YingTze, and more.

Thames Malerose will also host a separate meet-and-greet session, treating his fans to a closed-door talk show and Q&A session, a signed poster, a 90-second interaction, and a group photo, joined by Gigguk, Simba Tsuchiya, Kana Ichinose, Sayumi Sazushiro, and Sally Amaki in the lineup. Each experience is priced at an additional S$70, except for the Ichinose-Sazushiro pair (S$100), with the details as listed:

• Friday, 28 November: Gigguk (11am), Thames Malerose (5pm)
• Saturday, 29 November: Simba Tsuchiya (11am), Kana Ichinose + Sayumi Sazushiro (4pm)
• Sunday, 30 November: Sally Amaki (4.45pm)

Gaming, Tabletop & TCG Showcase

AFA SG is levelling up its entertainment offerings for 2025, and Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia is here to lead the charge. The publisher’s booth invites visitors to trial demos of its upcoming and newly released titles, including Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream, Digimon Story: Time Stranger, Little Nightmares III, Once Upon a Katamari, Code Vein II, My Hero Academia: All’s Justice, and The Blood of Dawnwalker.

Trading card game (TCG) enthusiasts won’t be left out of the fun, as Grand Archive TCG lifts the curtain on its soon-to-be-released “Phantom Monarchs” Expansion set. Bandai Cards Game, presented by Maxsoft, offers a choice between the Gundam Card Game, the Digimon Card Game, the One Piece Card Game, and the Union Arena TCG, while Yu-Gi-Oh! returns with a hands-on area and a token card customisation experience that turns players into a card to call their own.

Exhibition & Stage Highlights

Making its way to Asia for the first time, Toho Animation’s experiential showcase will feature interactive elements and photo opportunities, spotlighting fan favourites like Spy X Family, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, The Apothecary Diaries, and Chibi Godzilla Raids Again. Alongside event-exclusive anime memorabilia, fans can also expect various voice actors to appear on stage and interact with the crowd.

Universal Music Singapore, meanwhile, shows how it’s done with a KPop Demon Hunters experience booth, where fans can snap a shot with their favourite characters and score official CDs, an exclusive NFC keychain, and photocard giveaways.

Over at the AFA Stage, powered by Dwango, a brand-new layout will play host to three days of performances, ranging from the Cho-Bon Dance, bringing a modern spin on the bon odori tradition, to set pieces by performers from the region and the digital world.

Exclusive Merchandise

In addition to its own concert and official merchandise, the expanded catalogue of AFA SG 2025 exclusives now includes Spy X Family collaboration goods, held in partnership with Toho Entertainment Asia, and Singapore-exclusive offerings from Ado’s 5th Anniversary pop-up store. Prolific Japanese illustrator LAM is also marking his return with a special merchandise drop and a signing session for those who purchase his book or other collaboration goods during the event.

AFA SG 25 takes place from 28 to 30 November 2025 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Anime Festival Asia Singapore (AFA SG) 2025 Packs Concert And S$22 Early Bird Tickets appeared first on Geek Culture.

Avast ye — the Straw Hat Pirates are dropping anchor in the first quarter of next year. After months of building up the hype, Netflix has announced that One Piece Season 2 will premiere on 10 March 2026, whisking Luffy and his crew away to the Grand Line, where new adventures, more strange islands, and formidable new enemies lie in wait.

Among them is Drum Island, home to a brutal, endless winter, tall, cylindrical mountains, Drum Castle, and skilled doctors. Fans would know what this means: the live-action debut of Tony Tony Chopper, played by Mikaela Hoover (2025’s Superman), and his beloved ally, Doctor Kureha (Katey Sagal, Sons of Anarchy). As previously shared by series creator Eiichiro Oda, other featured locations include Loguetown, Reverse Mountain (Twin Cape), Whiskey Peak, and Little Garden.

“Drum Kingdom is a winter island. It’s our medieval Winterfell Game of Thrones location, where you have this haunted-seeming castle at the top of a snowy mountain inhabited by someone the villagers say is a witch,” said co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer Joe Tracz on Tudum, which also unveiled some first-look images:

Stars Iñaki Godoy, who portrays Monkey D. Luffy, Emily Rudd (Nami), Mackenyu (Zoro), Jacob Romero Gibson (Usopp), Taz Skyler (Sanji), Morgan Davies (Koby), and Jeff Ward (Buggy), Ilia Isorelys Paulino (Alvida) will reprise their roles in One Piece Season 2, alongside a whole slew of newcomers that include Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0, Clive Russell as Crocus, Lera Abova as Miss All-Sunday, and more.

The series has undergone several change of hands across its two seasons. Originally developed by Matt Owens and Steven Maeda, who served as co-showrunners on Season 1, the show lost the latter first, with Tracz stepping up to the plate. Owens announced his departure from the second season at a later date, citing mental health reasons. A third season is in development.

Over on the animation front, a major shake-up to tradition is underway. Toei Animation and One Piece anime producer Ryūta Koike has announced a new production schedule for the long-running series that will reduce its annual episode output to a maximum of 26 episodes across two seasons. The change is set to kick in after a three-month hiatus from January to March 2026, following the conclusion of the Egghead arc this year. When it resumes its run in April, the Elbaph arc will begin.

According to the official X/Twitter post, this will allow episodes to “incorporate more content, tempo, and pacing of the manga while continuing to leverage the unique storytelling that is only possible with animation.”

It ends with, “Don’t worry, Nakama — you’ll have a chance to gear up for the next adventure. Stay tuned for exciting surprises during the series’ break!”.

Previously, the anime took a six-month break in October 2024 to give the production team more time to work on the animation quality, and for the manga to widen its lead. It has logged over 1,140 episodes since its 1999 debut, with the Egghead arc wrapping up this year.

One Piece Season 2, subtitled ‘Into the Grand Line’, sets sail for Netflix on 10 March 2026.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ Season 2 Unfurls Mar 2026, Anime To Cut Annual Output To 26 Episodes appeared first on Geek Culture.

A fierce, formidable monster hunter is making her way out of inked panels onto the screen — not once, but twice. The Eisner-nominated comic series from James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera, Something Is Killing the Children, is set for two adaptations at horror-centric outfit Blumhouse Productions, following a multi-company bidding war that saw Netflix and Lionsgate also in the running for the rights.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the two-pronged approach comprises a live-action feature film and an adult animated series, with no details yet on the release timeline and casting. Both Tynion and Dell’Edera will executive produce the show, while the former serves as executive producer on the movie, alongside Dell’Edera as co-producer and Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum. A TV adaptation was announced for Netflix in 2023, but it has reportedly been scrapped.

“Finding a partner who understood the potential of Erica Slaughter and the world Werther Dell’Edera and I have built was crucial, and we have found that partner in Jason Blum,” said Tynion. “Nobody understands horror better than Blumhouse, and I can’t wait for the world to see what we all have planned together.”

“It’s easy to see why audiences and critics alike have praised Something is Killing the Children,” added Blum in a statement. “James and Werther’s comic book series taps into our most primal fears, luring us into a fascinating world and introducing Erica Slaughter, the ass-kicking hero we all wish we had to fight the monsters that lurk in the dark.”

First released in 2019, the comic follows Erica in a world where monsters exist and only children can see them. The Boom! Studios-published work has become a hit since its debut, winning Tynion several awards for his writing, and will be getting two spin-offs in 2026: Fall of the House of Slaughter and the crossover mini-series Swamp Thing Is Killing the Children.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Eisner-Nominated Comic ‘Something Is Killing the Children’ Gets Movie And TV Adaptations At Blumhouse appeared first on Geek Culture.

The anime fever isn’t dying out anytime soon. Following the resounding box-office success of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle, which made history as the highest-grossing international film in U.S. history, Sony’s Crunchyroll has secured a second victory with Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc after it surpassed expectations at North American cinemas in its opening weekend.

The highly anticipated film debuted to an estimated US$17.3 million from 3,003 theatres across the country, with overseas markets collecting another US$18.8 million. It now stands at US$108 million globally, a feat few genre works can boast about, and currently holds a 96 percent critics score and a 99 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside an A CinemaScore. Of the haul, US$60.4 million came from the Japanese crowd.

Directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara at animation powerhouse MAPPA, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc serves as the direct sequel to the first season of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s original story, covering the events that take place in the manga’s fifth and sixth volumes. Hiroshi Seko wrote the screenplay, which follows Denji (Kikunosuke Toya) and his beloved chainsaw-powered, devil-dog Pochita (Shiori Izawa) as a mysterious girl named Reze steps into their world amid a brutal war between Devils, hunters, and secret enemies. However, there’s more to Reze than meets the eye, and Denji soon faces his deadliest battle yet, fuelled by love.

The feature was first announced on 17 December 2023 during Jump Festa 2024, a year after the conclusion of the anime’s first season. Kenshi Yonezu contributed the main theme, “Iris Out”, and the ending soundtrack, “Jane Doe”, featuring Hikaru Utada. It opened in Singapore last month, and is available in both subtitled and dubbed versions.

Heading into the U.S., it was expected to go toe-to-toe against Blumhouse and Universal’s holdover hit Black Phone 2 with a projected gross of US$11 to US$12 million. It slid into No.2, behind Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, followed by Regretting You and Deliver Me From Nowhere in third and fourth place, respectively.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post ‘Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc’ Revvs Past US$100 Million Globally appeared first on Geek Culture.

For those who’ve been around, Aniplus Café has become a familiar sight along the Annexe stretch of Esplande Mall, but that’ll no longer be the case. Now situated within the mall itself, it offers an expanded new space for the first time in six years, launching alongside a new official Haikyu!! collaboration – the first of its kind in Singapore.

The excitement kicks in before visitors step into the café, with standees of popular characters like Hinata, Kageyama, Tsukishima, Oikawa, Kenma, and Kuroo lining the exterior, and the much-loved Bokuto-Akaashi pair greeting them at the entrance. Unlike before, the merchandise area is tucked away from the dining premises in a dedicated spot, while a row of gacha machines presents an opportunity to tempt luck.

On the inside, themed décor adorns the tables and pillars, joining two larger-scale installations that pay homage to the franchise – one featuring a net and the Miya brothers, Atsumu and Osamu, and another set up like a court, complete with a scoreboard flipper and a giant display showcasing the various trailers and iconic moments over the years. Keep your eyes peeled, and there’s even a neat reference to Hinata’s highest jump reach (fans can take on the jump challenge and see how they fare against the Ultimate Decoy!).

As the hunger pangs set in, it’s time to dig in. The Aniplus Café x Haikyu!! collaboration assigns each of the five major school teams to its menu offerings, starting with drinks priced at S$9 each: Mango Citrus Punch (Karasuno), Apple Berry Ade (Nekoma), Melon Soda Float (Aoba Johsai), Brown Sugar Hojiacha Latte (Furkurodani), and Blackcurrant Lychee Float (Inarizaki).

The main dishes – the names of which are a direct reference to the slogan of the respective school team – and desserts are also paired up accordingly, with Tangerine French Toast (S$19) and “Fly” Curry Omurice (S$21) representing Karasuno, alongside the following:

• Nekoma: Pudding Parfait (S$19) / “Connect” Sanma Takikomi Gohan (S$21)
• Aoba Johsai: Fruit Sando (S$19) / “Rule the Court” Broccoli Pesto Past (S$21)
• Fukurodani: Pistachio Pancakes (S$19) / “One Ball, Heart and Soul” Yakiniku Rice Bowl (S$22.50)
• Inarizaki: Cranberry Mochi Parfait (S$19) / “We Don’t Need Memories” Kitsune Udon Meal (S$22.50)

Each purchase of a collab main or dessert includes one random acrylic coaster out of 11 designs, while drink orders come with one random memorial card out of 10 designs. For those looking to buy more merchandise, there will be exclusive offerings available, including Café Original SD character illustrations.

Rounding out the Aniplus Café x Haikyu!! experience is a meet-and-greet with the bird mascots of Hinata and Kageyama, known affectively as Hinagarasu and Kagegarasu, on 25 and 26 October. Additionally, a scavenger hunt will run from 24 October to 13 November, inviting fans to locate various mini-sized secret objects hidden within the store and win Aniplus Café vouchers and exclusive merchandise.

The collaboration is happening now till 18 December.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Aniplus Café Sets ‘Haikyu!!’ Collaboration For Newly Refurbished Space appeared first on Geek Culture.

It’s been two years since Maomao displayed the extent of her intelligence, intuition, and deadpan humour on the small screen, and her anime journey is far from done. Following previous reports that The Apothecary Diaries is getting a third anime season, more details about its release have surfaced, accompanied by the announcement of a new movie.

The forthcoming outing will be split into two cours (quarter of a year), with the first premiering in October 2026 and the second in April 2027. The untitled film, featuring an original story from creator Natsu Hyūga, is slated for theatrical screenings across Japan in December 2026, occupying the gap between these two dates, and there’s no word on an international rollout just yet.

Additional information about Season 3 of The Apothecary Diaries, including staff lineups and new voice casting, remains under lock and key, but fans in Asia have another reason to celebrate: a regional exhibition tour will kick off in Hong Kong this November, before making its way to Hong Kong, China, Taipei, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.

Here’s a look at the visual for the special event:

Based on the original light novels by Hyūga and illustrator Touko Shino, the historical drama series started as a web novel in 2011 and has received two manga adaptations by Square Enix and Shogakukan. The official synopsis reads, “Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty.

“So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!”

Season 3 of The Apothecary Diaries premieres in October 2026, while the original feature is slated for release in December 2026.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ Anime Mark 2026 Return With Season 3 And Original Movie appeared first on Geek Culture.

It may not be the Transformers update fans were expecting, but a new Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover animated series is sure to get the excitement going. Hasbro Entertainment has joined forces with Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment to develop Energon Universe, based on the comics of the same name created by Kirkman.

As reported by Deadline, the show will bring the universes of the two toy box titans to the small screen, alongside adult sensibilities in the vein of Kirkman’s gritty animated adaptation Invincible, which is currently in its third season and has been renewed for a fifth season ahead of its Season 4 debut next March. Joe Henderson, of Lucifer fame, is attached to write and serve as showrunner on the project.

Since Energon Universe is in the very early stages of production, there’s no word on the voice cast, a targeted release date, or story specifics just yet. It’s also unclear whether it’ll be an adaptation of the comics or an original adventure set within the latter continuity, but currently, Energon Universe hasn’t gotten a full-scale crossover between Transformers and G.I. Joe, only cameos. The series is also set to be the first formal crossover between the two in animation — a much-needed boost for G.I. Joe in particular, following the cancellation of its last cartoon outing, Renegades, in 2011.

The successor of the Hasbro Comic Book Universe, which ran from 2005 to 2018, by IDW Publishing, the Energon Universe debuted in 2023 alongside Kirkman’s original series Void Rivals and centred around two aliens from warring factions who accidentally awoke the spacefaring Transformer Jetfire in its first issue.

It set the stage for Skybound’s Transformers series, initially written and drawn by Daniel Warren Johnson, and was followed by the launch of the G.I. Joe storyline, after the Decepticons and Autobots engaged in an all-out war on Earth. More recently, it featured characters from M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) and continues to be a commercial and critical success with over seven million copies sold.

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Hasbro Plans ‘G.I. Joe’ And ‘Transformers’ Crossover Animated TV Series For Adults appeared first on Geek Culture.

When Singaporean comic book artist Elvin Ching was contacted by Marvel Comics earlier this year, he could barely believe it. The famed publisher behind the X-Men and Avengers comic books was considering him for their prestigious Art Atelier artist training program – an invitation that could change the trajectory of his career. But what came next was something the self-professed sci-fi and creature feature fanatic couldn’t have anticipated – a chance to take on “one ugly motherf***er”.

“With so many Marvel characters and titles, I did not expect my first Marvel job to be a Predator movie tie-in book,” Ching laughs, recounting the moment he was offered the project to draw the prequel comic for the upcoming Predator: Badlands film.

“It worked out because I am a Predator fan too and when I think about it now, it was actually an ideal choice as a first project for me.”

After being contacted in early 2025 about the Marvel Art Atelier program, where he was one of five artists from around the world flown to Paris Disneyland for the intensive workshop in June, Ching, who created his The Woodsman comic in 2021, wasn’t sure what was next for him, since there was no guarantee of work after completing the program.

But it was right after that Marvel Comics invited him to submit sample pages for critique and by late July, an offer for Predator: Badlands was put in front of him.

“I wasn’t given other options, but the fact that the one choice on the table was Predator was more than enough,” Ching says. In hindsight, he’s grateful he didn’t have to agonize over multiple projects. “This specific book being handed to me decisively helped me be hyper-focused on how I could do the best for it.”

And four months later, the Predator: Badlands one-shot, set for release on 12 November, is set to become Ching’s debut Marvel Comics project, working alongside editors Martin Biro and Austin Hatch, writer Ethan Hunt, inker Oren Junior, and colorist Juancho Velez – creatives who were equally passionate about delivering exceptional work.

“They are incredible in their roles, but they also elevated my work,” he emphasizes, pointing to the collaborative nature of making a comic book.

But even though Ching is a fan of the franchise that has produced six main movies and a slew of video games, the upcoming film, by Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 2022) and starring Elle Fanning (Maleficent, 2014) doesn’t feature a conventional Predator that travels to Earth to hunt. Instead, the young Yautja aka the name of the species features a visual departure, with a much younger hunter not wearing the iconic Predator helmet, Instead, the film takes place the Predators’ home-world and focuses a lot more on their culture, giving Ching a chance to put his own stamp on an iconic race.

“I was given access to movie materials for reference when I started work on the book, which was around early August. And as much as I do love the conventional Predators, I also love that I was tackling this new Predator! It was definitely challenging drawing this version as it felt more advanced with more detailed gear and outfits,” explains the 48-year-old.

“Even after drawing him over 20 to 30 times, I still had to constantly look at the reference to get his gear and unique facial features right,” he admits but he embraced the challenge. 

The creative approach came down to understanding the character’s physicality. This Predator is smaller than most, so Ching depicted him as more agile – compensating for size with speed and precision. 

“I settled on “Wolverine” as a good example to play on – fast and tough. The other thing that stands out for this predator is in the way he wields his sword, so at some point it was fun to switch him from hunter mode to swordsman.”

What Ching didn’t realize until he started was how perfectly the project aligned with his background. Years of drawing his own fighting comic, The Woodsman, and choreographing fights during his storyboarding days suddenly became invaluable such that a friend who saw early drafts called it the perfect “monster book” for him.

“All the action played into my previous comic and storyboarding experiences,” Ching reflects. “I hope in that way, I managed to give it a new edge while keeping it true for fans.”

And as a fan himself, Ching did what was expected and slipped in a couple of Easter eggs for the eagle-eyed fans, though neither are Predator related. And while there’s an X-Men nod and a Star Wars reference, both are so subtle, he’s not even sure they counts.

What Comes Next?

For now, Ching doesn’t have his next book lined up, but he’s keeping busy. The coming months will be spent promoting Predator: Badlands, catching up on overdue commissions, and finally creating some fan art for his Instagram (@elvching), which he admits has been “starved” while working on the Predator project.

As for dream projects? Ching would lose his mind over an Aliens vs Predator series, given that Predator: Badlands has revealed a link to the massively popular Alien franchise as well. All he wants is a chance to capture the horror aspect of the Xenomorphs, and to depict the savage fights that would inevitably follow. 

“All Hell would break loose and I am HERE for that,” he says with genuine enthusiasm.

And what about adding Terminators to the mix, especially since the film includes artificial lifeforms, though Ching clearly thinks the synthetics from Alien are nowhere near the killer machines in the Terminator series.

“That would be insane and I love it,” he says, but is also quick to note that “Terminators are a lot tougher with their endoskeletons, while the androids seem to keep getting split apart. Also, any three-way crossover of the film giants, which were a staple in comic books, would need a cohesive, engaging story – not just cool fan service.

Character-wise, his Marvel wishlist includes the X-Men (particularly Archangel, Iceman, and Longshot), Cloak & Dagger, and Doctor Strange, but is also open to the unexpected – after all, Predator: Badlands was proof that sometimes an editor sees something in your work that you didn’t see yourself.

“Just the opportunity of drawing for Marvel keeps me happy and excited,” Ching says. “Maybe someone else sees something in my work that I didn’t see before, and that challenges me to broaden my perspective.”

HSALS

Hsals needs more space in his house, and more money in his bank account to pay for all the toys, collectibles and other geek related items that companies are churning out. Free-time? Girlfriend? Who’s got time for those?

The post New Chapter For ‘Predator: Badlands’ Starts With A Prequel Comic From Singaporean Artist Elvin Ching appeared first on Geek Culture.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is carving out its own legend as it tears through U.S. theatres, officially claiming the title of the highest-grossing international film in American history. After just one month in release, the anime epic has earned over US$128.6 million in North America at the time of writing, edging past the long-standing record of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), which held the crown for over two decades. What began as a niche manga has grown into a full-scale phenomenon, and now Demon Slayer stands shoulder to shoulder with the biggest cinematic imports ever screened in the United States.

This milestone puts Infinity Castle in rarefied air. Its current U.S. total nudges Life is Beautiful (1997) into third place, while Godzilla Minus One (2024), Parasite (2019), Hero (2002), and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) continue to round out the top ten. As international films go, few have crossed into this kind of mainstream awareness, and fewer still have done it through animation. For Demon Slayer, this level of success is not a surprise but a continuation of its meteoric rise that began with Mugen Train in 2020.

Adapting the climactic Infinity Castle arc from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga, the film finds Tanjiro Kamado diving into the heart of a demonic fortress. It’s here that the stakes escalate sharply, laying the foundation for a trilogy that will eventually bring the Demon Slayer saga to its conclusion. The sheer scale and intensity of the battles have resonated with fans, many of whom have followed Tanjiro’s journey from day one. That loyalty has translated into full-house screenings and repeat viewings, giving the film impressive staying power well beyond opening weekend.

Globally, Infinity Castle continues to dominate. It has pulled in approximately US$648 million worldwide according to Box Office Mojo, making it the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2025 and outpacing titles like How to Train Your Dragon. It now ranks as the eighth highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, even overtaking The Passion of the Christ (2004).

As it climbs these charts, the film is also redefining what’s possible for anime in the global mainstream. No longer confined to niche audiences or late-night screenings, anime has proven it can hold its own (and thrive!) next to Hollywood blockbusters. With two more instalments on the way, Demon Slayer shows no signs of letting up.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.

The post ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ Makes History As Top International Film In U.S. Box Office appeared first on Geek Culture.