1st Nerd Notes of 2026 (01-16)

Posted on 01/16/2026 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

After an amazing New Years Eve enjoying Game Changer Wrestling alongside friends and acquaintances the year began with taking mom home from Rehab. She was not ready, but rehab was not working and the facility had sudden issues on New Years Eve that preciptated an early discharge. It has been an experience taking care of her on my own. When not doing that which definitely is exhausting and life changing in terms of my regularness I have done my best to keep up with things in the world, especially in my own enterainment world and to that, here’s a new Nerd Notes full of movies, tv, gaming, music, books, comics, and more.

The Scholastic Spring 2026 Preview highlights some excellent stuff including a new AVI book, new Sidekicks by Dan Santat and a bunch of interesting Middle grade and YA novels.

Whuile watching Jacob the Carpetbagger’s cruise adevntures the thing that really caught my attention was Le Petit Chef, an AR dining experience. Located in cities all around the US and the world, the adventure I’d personally love to go on is in New Delhi, a vacation spot I desire highly where one of the best people I know period also live. Hopefully I will figure out a way to make this happen, 2026 looked so promising for this till my mother’s health took its tumble.

And now here’s some movie and TV trailers:

I honestly never became an ST fanatic, but I enjoyed the series and I like the idea of a cartoon exploring the universe itself further.
The most sensational inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational
This is what we call the Muppet Show! I can only hope. Kermit, get your hands off Sabrina’s behind! ANIMAL! YOU TOO! COME ON! I KNOW! I KNOW! IT’S THERE BUT STOP!
This feels so disconnected to the comics and the MCU but I’m still curious. Wonder Man as a character is so tightly wound around The Vision, so… we’ll see.
This looks cool.
I haven’t actually seen a Lee Cronin feature, but he’s a much talked about horror director so I’ll happily make sure people don’t miss this if they do.
I do not play Fortnite,but South Park Studios essentially made an original short for this that you don’t have to play Fortnite to enjoy the lore of the concept and also tying deeply into South Park video games.
Season one was awesome, season two looks like it goes BONKERS!
Gore Verbinski flick. Sam Rockwell being Sam Rockwell. Absolutely BONKERS!

Here’s some bad ass violence, drama and violence featuring bad ass people:

Here are two documentaries using old footage to tell stories of legendary musicians and people.

and here are two mini documentaries about the making of music.

Here’s a K-POP section:

Here’s a bunch of music videos I enjoyed:

Two wrestling things. One a deathmatch featuring Jun Kasai, who I am highly excited to see perform later this year in person and the other the start of a series of videos by Atticus Cogar which I believe will also culminate with happenings at the same events I’ll be seeing Jun Kasai in Las Vegas this April.

Two book things (sorta). A trailer for the newest book in a series I love and a video from a cartoonist whom I adore who is also a Youtuber celebrating their millionth fan on YT.

Gaming (but not trailers)

KEEPER is/will always be a contender for 2025 game of the year and anything about it I will gobble up.
To end things, the soundtrack to Dave the Diver. Good listening for whatever you’re doing.

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A cat who is a frog: Zen yet frantic platformer

Posted on 01/05/2026 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Imagine you are a cat raised by frogs or maybe toads? Who cares… you live a sweet zen like life in a forest. Everything seems calm and simple, jump, climb, see cute creatures and then just when you feel safe, the world falls apart around you with no explanation and you must run and jump and climb while saving and surviving and being a cat. As frantic and scary and as often as you may die (you have more than 9 lives), the zen feel never disappears.

This is Princess of the Water Lilies. A game that came out late 2025 but because of the life I have been handed did not get to truly relax with and try until recent circumstances where nothing has gotten easier but the need for moods and feels like this game became very necessary.

One of the most fascinating things are the boss battles. Scary, intense, but never do they feel impossible. You just need to keep trying, you’ll get it. It’ll still feel calm somehow. Even as new mechanics get added each level, it doesn’t feel like too much, it just feels like progression through intense yet never heartbeat faster inducing. This is a great and wonderful thing and makes Princess of the Water Lillies stand out for me.

The game is available on Steam for $14.99 US.

Disclaimer: This game was recieved free for review, but truly has earned a glowing one.

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HANK: A Snippet of Time and Alcohol

Posted on 01/05/2026 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

One of the best experiences I had at PAX was learning more about HANK: Drowning on Dry Land. While I was disappointed to discover the game would only be a short snippet of a larger idea when it came out, it did not ruin my excitement. The time travel mechanic, avoidance of paradox, multiple deaths, and multiple solutions for a small game, along with amazing art and a killer song kept my interests high.

On Jan 13th 2026 at noon EST you can all experience the final version for only $2.99 on Steam. There will also be an art book available.

While I can’t show you the new trailer just yet, here’s the music video released awhile ago to whet your appetite. As well as a thumbnail with a few additional thoughts underneath.

HANK will surprise you with how it can trick you into thinking you have it all solved. In good ways, and actually never bad ways. The reversing and speeding time mechanic works amazingly well. Just pay attention, you don’t want to accidently bump into yourself… or do you? Dying is just part of the adventure. I’ll bring you more as HANK comes closer to release date, but mark your calendar and wishlist today.
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Final Nerd Notes of 2025

Posted on 12/30/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

R.I.P. Cranberry the Dog

R.I.P. Adam the Woo

Life continues as it has. 2026 will be here and things will happen. Looking forward, not backwards is the way.

New video from longtime real life friend Brook Pridemore.
Just watch and listen.
new 5SOS video.

Yes, ALL your favorite 70s, 80s, 90s, and even 00s shows will get sequels.

Two Teasers for next December’s Avengers: Doomsday. Countdown begins.

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Nerd Notes 2025-12-19

Posted on 12/19/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Things in the real life continue to be stressfull. Focus is on unfortunately mothers recovery from stroke in November. It is a slow and wavy process, mentally and physically. We are trying our best to maintain a life of pop-culture and the everyday, it is a struggle, but here is a new Nerd Notes.

My newest dream obsession is Atlas9 in Kansas City, MO. Introduced to me by Jacob the Carpetbagger, I went into deep dives and would truly love to see this spot in person. Will I? Who knows, but you should check it out. At least watch Jacob’s video to understand my fascination:

And now the Nerd notes, in no particular order other than a history date going back to Dec 5th till Dec 18th, music, games, fun, trailers, etc.

the entire One More Time album is on repeat on my phone when travelling.
The ending of RJ Skinner (City) and team’s weekly official unofficial podcast/interview/skit show was more than wrestling, it was just pure entertainment and it came to a conclusion perfectly.
Amazing that this the International footage was actually found while Baz worked on his stellar film.
The Boys comic had a weird ass ending, I have no clue how the show will end it.
This 2026 VR game looks fascinating.
A book turned into a less than 3 minute animation. A great short but also a celebration and an ad.
One of my most anticipated games of 2026. A new trailer of silliness that aired during Days of the Devs 2025 Game Awards edition
Lobo looks cool.
This Billie Eilish mockumentary looks fascinating.
Joe Brumm and LUDO worked closely with Halfbrick to make this so I’m excited.
One of the coolest games announced at The Game Awards. Bruce Straley is a proven creator.
Look its called Gail Daughty and the Celebrity Sex Pass. Much of The State/WHAS are in it.
NOBODY 2 and NORMAL? Bob on fire!
Killer song.
I do want it that way.
Very curious to see what season 2 brings.
Great teaser.
I heard this song during I Love L.A., its five years old but its new to me and now I’m totally into Baxter Dury.
Luc Besson on this classic?! Yes please.
Guy Ritchie has proven he has a good handle of Sherlock and I’m interested to see what else he does with the “mythology”
This director has not made a bad film.
This is a fever dream.
Just watch it.
If you haven’t watched Sunny Side Down, you need to.
Another banger.
One of my other most anticipated games of 2026 and that came as a total surprise even with FBC being a thing.
I was on the floor. Just listen. Closely.
This is creepy, and sexy, also Michel Franco makes intense stuff.
A great closer to this session of Nerd Notes.

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Suit Up Agent! Men In Black: Most Wanted, Is Available Today On Meta Quest 2 And 3

Posted on 12/05/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Investigate, infiltrate and battle aliens using iconic gadgets from the franchise

Gateshead, United Kingdom – December 5th, 2025 – Coatsink are delighted to announce that Men In Black: Most Wanted is available today on Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3. Step into the iconic franchise and take on the role of a neuralyzed agent to investigate a hostile alien race that’s established itself across the US.

Based on the Sony Pictures hit film franchise that earned almost $2 billion at the global box office, Men In Black: Most Wanted allows players to become agents. Head out into the field to investigate – from motels, to black markets, to airbases – and make use of a variety of gadgets to solve environmental puzzles and thwart an invasion of Earth. Use the neuralyzer to wipe the memories of civilians and wield iconic weapons from the MIB franchise in combat sections when you find yourself confronted by hostile aliens.

To aid you in your investigations, you will have magnet gloves that allow you to manipulate objects from a distance, the Scout Bug to get access to otherwise unreachable areas and the Omni Scanner which scans valuable data and intel.

“We are thrilled to let players step into the world of Men In Black: Most Wanted today,” said Richard Snowdon, Coatsink CEO. “At Coatsink, we are no stranger to working on iconic franchises, having previously created the Jurassic World: Aftermath series and Transformers: Battlegrounds. Adding Men In Black to that list is a great honour and we’ve worked really hard to capture iconic elements from the series in an experience that blends infiltration, investigation and combat.”

“We’re thrilled to team up  with Coatsink to bring Men in Black: Most Wanted to life in VR,” said Lance Sloane, SVP of Virtual Reality at Sony Pictures Entertainment. “Once again, the team has delivered exceptional work with an iconic franchise, and we’re proud to continue pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling alongside our friends at Meta.”

Coatsink
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Coatsink
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coatsink
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coatsink
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coatsinksoftware

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Nerd Notes 12-4-2025 (part 2)

Posted on 12/04/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

What a wild day to have a day of rest on.

Not one but TWO new Guns N’ Roses songs:

Also All-American Rejects dropped another single earlier this week:

I have to thank Ben Lee and Ione Skye for reccomending this. I also want to remind you that just like Anthony, Flea is a quality actor
Ian Jones-Quartey, Patrick McHale, Rebecca Sugar, and Pendleton Ward worked on this type of exquisite corpse animated story and I look very forward to it.
Trite action thriller sure, but also cool ass cast and cool looking action. If I get a chance/opportunity to watch this through easy means I will. If I remember.
This looks awesome. That is all.

JUST READ THIS, so many trailers, so much news, too much to cover, this was all today (12-4-2025): https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/events-conferences/every-game-trailer-and-announcement-in-the-2025-pc-gaming-show-most-wanted

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Nerd Notes 12-4-2025 (part 1? yes part 1)

Posted on 12/04/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Instead of going back as far as the last Nerd Notes way back in October before mother’s stroke I will mostly skip November, but I will see my YT history to see if anything super caught my eye and is still pertinent as of today. Mother’s stroke recovery is still in progress and will continue to be for the forseeable future. I am adjusting to the new life and figuring it out as I can. Please continue to be as patient as you have been and as wonderfully supportive as you;ve been capable from your side of the screen or in the real world where applicable.

First up one of the things I very excited for in 2026 is the MEOW WOLF TTRPG. Sure I don’t have NYC friends to play with at this time but even if all I can do is read it and add to my Meow Wolf library that’s enough for me. Lore lore lore lore lore. https://meowwolf.com/blob/making-of-tavers-ttrpg

Here’s some music:

GAMES

I got to play this early and it is hella fun. Go play it.
This really does look great.
With the recent game remake, the ONLY reason this has any interest from me is because Christophe Gans was behind the helm. So even though it’ll have nothing to shock or even scare, as it was under his eye and creation, it’ll feel something different I can only hope.

Learned that Hilo presents The Mighty by Judd Winick is a thing that will soon exist. Love that Judd is creating new stories in this universe.

As I was writing this Nerd Notes a massive amount of video game trailers , music and other things dropped, so I’ll do a PART TWO.

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Even more Pop-Culture Reviews

Posted on 11/29/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

WICKED FOR GOOD: A brilliant sequel. I want a full cut of both films. I will sit through that.

BLUE MOON: Ethan Hawe was great in this. It feels again like a play instead of a film. Especially as it all takes place on one night in one location.

CURIOSMOS (Demo): A very simple mechanic of bouncing things into a larger object to see planets grow and evolve, the demo ends just as the game reveals that things are about to get bigger and rowdier but I feel the simple mechanic will stay zenlike while telling a wild story through very adorable graphics. Download and play the demo and Wishlist this one today.

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More Pop-Culture Reviews

Posted on 11/29/2025 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

HYMER 2000: A truly creative way to deliver a visual novel with innovative and interesting ways to discover and unlock the story. You must read, you must think you must feel. Explaining the story is very difficult without spoilers, but mainly the thing to know is you are computer repair man sent to shut down a server so that a facility can be properly closed. The game is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch and Playstation.

FIONA & CAKE Season 2: I never really thought they could get more from the Adventure Timeverse, especially a story that felt new and extra and no a retread. We know the future, we know the past, what more could they give us. Adam Muto and team found it and gave us magic.

I LOVE L.A.: Easily hateable characters that you love being funny and sexy. It’s GIRLS on the west coast, cept from someone who is actual super likeable even if their characters are cringey.

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