What’s up everybody, I hope you’re doing good! First of all, I want to apologize for not having a blog post for May. I just started my Master’s program, and it has added an additional part of my life to dedicate time to. I appreciate your patience, and for sticking with me.
Now, as we all know, June means it’s summertime, and with that comes a huge array of pop culture to sink our time into, including summer movie season, comic events, and major conventions like San Diego Comic Con (which I would love to go to one day). I’m here to break down some of the stuff I’m most excited for, but please fell free to email or leave a comment about what you’re looking forward too!
With all that in mind, let’s get right into it!
Movies
Probably the biggest aspect of the summer is Summer Movie Season, when a bunch of major blockbusters come out. This year looks to be a really good one, and with the box office experiencing a resurgence, lots of people are looking forward to it!
The Mandalorian and Grogu – May 22nd
Star Wars returns to the big screen with this movie! I’m a big fan of The Mandalorian, and so is my dad, so this is definitely one we enjoyed together! The dichotomy of being a space bounty hunter and space dad is fun, and the sort of crime elements added with the Hutts made for a fun addition! I had a good time!
Obsession – May 15, 2026
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this huge original blowing up at the box office! Youtuber Curry Baker for under a million dollars, and it’s now sitting at over 200 million at the box office! I haven’t seen it yet myself, but I’ve heard nothing but great things!
Backrooms – May 29, 2026
Another original from a Youtuber that’s doing really well is this Sci-Fi horror! Congrats Kane Parsons! Heard really good things about this one as well, and seen some funny memes already!
Disclosure Day – June 12th
One of the greatest filmmakers of all time is back at it with his latest piece, exploring themes he’s touched upon in E.T. and Close Encounters, but with a much darker and mysterious tone. This is right up my alley, with elements of sci-fi, thrillers, and mystery. Can’t wait to check it out!
Toy Story 5 – June 19th
The toys are back! The idea of exploring toys vs. tech is brilliant, especially right now when a lot of younger people are pushing towards tech, but my generation (Gen Z), is starting to return to more analog pleasures, like toys! I’m excited to explore more of Jessie too, with her taking the lead this time! Let’s see if Pixar makes me cry again 🙂
Supergirl – June 26th
The follow-up to last year’s kick-off to the new DCU, Superman, I’m excited to see Milly Alcock’s take, I’m sure it’s gonna be awesome! Excited for Jason Mamoa as Lobo, especially knowing how much he’s wanted to play him! Knowing it’s based off an amazing story like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow doesn’t hurt either!
Minions and Monsters – July 1st
The Old Hollywood style and jokes are right up my alley, and I’m curious to see what insane mischief the Minions get up too this time!
Moana – July 10th
I know people are sick of live-action remakes, and this one is rougher because the original is only a decade old, but I’m potentially interested, and at the very least support the young actress, Catherine Laga’aia, who’s playing Moana, and having her film debut! I wish her all the best!
The Odyssey – July 17th
Another all-star filmmaker with an all-star cast! I’m super excited for this one, and (pardon the pun), but I’m sure it’s gonna be epic! This cast is insane – Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, and more!
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – July 31st
Easily my most anticipated movie of the summer, and possibly the year! The look and feel of this movie is perfect to me, as a huge Spider-Man fan! I’m excited to see all the easter eggs and comic elements that have been dialed up in this one – Punisher, Hulk, the Hand, the organic webs, Tarantula, Boomerang, etc. It’s like a Spidey fan’s dream come true! I’ll definitely be talking more about this movie in the future 🙂
Coyote vs. Acme – August 28th
Saved from being crushed by corporate overlords, this amazing Looney Tunes satirical project is coming to theaters! I’m a big fan of Looney Tunes, and the idea of Wile E. Coyote finally suing ACME for faulty products is funny enough, but the element of like secret, corporate wrongdoing is both funny and real, much like a lot of classic Looney Tunes humor. Can’t wait to finally be able to see this one!
TV
My Adventures with Superman Season 3 – June 13th, HBO Max/Toonami
I just started watching this show recently (just finished Season 1, about to start Season 2), and I love the light-hearted and fun take on Superman! I’m excited for Season 3 with elements of the Death of Superman and more Supergirl as well!
The Bear Season 5 – June 25th, Disney+/Hulu
Yet another show on the TBW list! Still, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the final season of one of the most popular shows of the last few years! Hopefully it sticks the landing!
Adventure Time: Side Quests – June 29th, Disney+/Hulu
One of a few shows that tap into my nostalgia! Adventure Time was one of the first shows I remember regularly watching every week, and it was such a defining piece of my childhood! To return to the early episodic days with Finn and Jake will be a true joy!
Regular Show: The Lost Tapes – May 11th, HBO Max
Another show from my childhood back with new episodes! Both these shows premiered pretty much at the same time, and just like the former, this one was a big part of growing up for me! So much so, that I cried at the finale (one of the few shows to make me do so). Hits me in the same spot as Adventure Time!
X-Men 97 Season 2– July 1st, Disney+
Probably my most anticipated show of the summer, X-Men 97 is back! Season 1 was such an incredible piece of comic book adaptation – the animation was stellar, the drama was interesting, the fight scenes were spectacular! The premise of exploring all these time periods and fighting Apocalypse?! Cannot wait 🙂
Impractical Jokers Season 13 – July 23rd, TBS
If you asked me what a true comfort show was for me, Impractical Jokers would definitely be one of the answers. These guys have brought me laughs and joy on rough days, and I’m always excited for new episodes!
Futurama Season 14 – August 3rd, Hulu
One of my favorite shows of all time, combining comedy, drama, emotion, and sci-fi for an amazing watch! Also, one of those shows that never truly dies haha! I can’t wait for the new season, and I hope it’s not the last!
Ted Lasso Season 4 – August 5th, Apple TV
My next major watch will be this show, as I just got Apple TV, and am catching up on the shows I heard about! Knowing how popular this show was, and how it got a lot of people through COVID , I’m sure a new season will be a big deal!
Lanterns – August 16th, HBO Max
The full birth of the Green Lanterns in the DCU! I’m excited and intrigued by the mix of superhero and detective stories! Two of my favorite genres, so I’m not complaining! Also excited to see the amazing Aaron Pierre portray my favorite Green Lantern: John Stewart! He’ll be in the upcoming Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, as well, which seems to indicate he’ll be a major player going forward. Very exciting!
Lucky – July 15th, Apple TV
Anya-Taylor Joy is amazing, and a crime thriller is right up my alley! Excited to check this one out!
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed – May 20th, Apple TV
Tatiana Maslany is great, and this sort of thriller comedy is once again right up my alley!
Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 – July 31st, Prime Video
I really enjoyed Season 1 of this show, mixing well-known Batman elements with new ones in a fun detective period piece. I’m excited to see Season 2, and explore new villains including Riddler, Scarecrow, and of course the Joker!
Video Games
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book – May 21st, Switch 2
Sometimes you just need a good cozy game to relax with, and that’s what this game brings to us!
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight – May 22nd, PS5, Xbox, PC
This is the big one for my summer, personally! I love the LEGO games, and this game looks to take the trademark humor and fun of the games, and combine it with more advanced combat and story mechanics! Definitely gonna check this one out!
007 First Light – May 29th, PS5, Xbox, PC
The team at IO made the popular Hitman series previously, so if anyone is qualified to make a James Bond game, it’s them. It’s also an origin story for Bond, which is intiguing!
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – June 3rd, Switch 2, Xbox
I know this game has been out for a couple of years, but it’s now available on other platforms besides PS5. I’m excited to play Remake and this before Revelation comes out next year!
Denshattack – July 15th, Switch 2, PS5, PC, Xbox
Sometimes you also need a game that radiates pure joy, and this game gives us that! You literally play as a train moving at top speeds, and doing tricks on rails. Need I say more?
The Adventures of Elliott: The Millennium Tales – June 18th, Switch 2
I’m a big fan of the HD-2D style that Team Asano from Square Enix has developed, and this is their first foray into Action RPGs. The game looks beautiful, and I’m excited to see how the story unfolds!
Star Fox – June 25th, Switch 2
Star Fox is one of those series I heard about, but never really played. I would see Fox in Smash, and know who he was, but the series didn’t seem to be a priority for Nintendo. I’m excited to try one for the first time, and it’s remake of one of the series’ most popular games, which is cool!
Rhythm Heaven Groove – July 2nd, Switch 1 and 2
This is the perfect kind of game to turn off your mind to, and go with the flow (no pun intended :). I’m curious about the other modes as well, especially the RPG mode where you fight in rhythm-based battles. That looks really cool!
Splatoon Raiders – July 23rd, Switch 2
A single-player Splatoon spin-off? Nice! I personally am more of a single-player gamer, so I never really got into the series before. I’m excited to check this one out, and the gameplay loop looks so fun! Hunting treasure, fighting enemies, and getting stronger and making new gadgets!
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls – August 6th, PS5, PC
Combining my favorite fictional universe, Marvel, with this really cool and unique aesthetic? Sign me up!
Comics
DC x Sonic: The Metal Legion – May 6th
Last year’s first DC and Sonic crossover was so much fun, and getting a sequel is great news! One thing I particularly love is the character mash-ups, and I’m excited to see the new ones!
Barbara Gordon: Breakout – May 13th
As part of the road to the latest Batman event, Babs has willingly let herself get arrested and placed in Supermax. She has to rely on her smarts and determination to survive. Amazing premise, and so far, amazing execution!
Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day – May 13th
If you’re looking for a new-reader friendly series before Brand New Day arrives, this is the one for you! Taking place during the Brand New Day comic era, the book fills you on what you need to know, and then takes off for a fun street-level Spidey adventure! Kingpin, Mr. Negative, Punisher, and more!
Absolute Green Arrow – May 20th
Do you want another cool Absolute reinvention of a classic DC character, infused with horror themes, and commentary on our capitalist society?! Well, I’ve got the book for you!
Absolute Catwoman – June 10th
Spinning out of Absolute Batman, dive deeper into Selina’s backstory and her current plans!
Avengers: Armageddon – June 10th
The events of Captain America and Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon, and the fallout of last year’s One World Under Doom collide here, as Red Hulk makes his movie to forcefully turn the world into a “democracy”. Our heroes step in, and in the aftermath, a new era of Avengers will begin!
M.A.S.K. – June 10th
The latest addition to the Energon Universe is here! Matt Trakker goes to battle with his old boss Miles Mayhem!
Aladdin – July 8th
Dynamite has been killing with comics based off Disney movies I love, with Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia, and my favorite The Lion King. Here comes the latest addition!
Assorted Crisis Events – July 15th
One of my favorite indie books returns, using cool sci-fi premises to explore deep human emotions! Can’t wait!
Sonic 35th Anniversary Special – July 8th
My favorite video game character reaches 35 years of blazing awesomeness! Celebrate with a tale set in the Classic Sonic era!
Sonic x Godzilla – July 15th
I love this idea! Sonic often, especially in the 3D games, goes up against big Kaiju like monsters – Chaos, Dark Gaia, Time Eater, etc. Putting him up against Godzilla, and in Station Square?! Total SA1 vibes (IYKYK).
Queen in Black – July 22nd
Another major Marvel event! Spinning out of the events of Al Ewing’s Venom run, and the recent Knull miniseries, Hela, the Goddess of Death, battles a newly powered Knull in a world-shattering battle! Will the heroes be able to stop them?!
100 Bullets: The US of Anger – July 1st
One of the most acclaimed crime comics returns for an all new limited series! I’m about to start the original book soon, so I’ll be excited to check this out too!
Chachu – August 5th
An out of nowhere, but fantastic surprise! Iman Vellani, aka the MCU’s Ms. Marvel, as written some comics, and this is her first big indie book! It’s based off her own experiences growing up in the entertainment industry, and has elements of neo-noir investigations. I’m there!
Fort Psycho – August 5th
Famed creator Matt Kindt’s new book arrives here. Combining cool and creative action with a story of betrayals and government intrigue!
Miles Morales: Spider-Man – August 12th
A new run starring Miles Morales is on the way, from writer Bryan Hill, who did awesome work on the Ultimate Universe’s take on Black Panther! Excited to see what he does with my GOAT!
Bug Wars: The Coming of the Wardoom – August 19th
Bug Wars was a great new Image series, and I’m excited to see it continue, and explore more of the lore and characters!
Punisher vs. Spider-Man – July 15th
Another great recommendation if you’re looking to read some comics before Brand New Day. This is a flashback story that takes place around one of Punisher and Spidey’s earliest encounters. Fun fact: Punisher first appeared in an issue of Amazing Spider-Man, #129.
Batman: Bad Seeds – August 26th
The next major Batman event starts here! After fallout from the previous Zdarsky run where Vandal Savage became police commissioner, Matt Fraction made it so the Bat-Family is now outlawed and hunted. Meanwhile, in G Willow Wilson’s Poison Ivy run, Pam has somehow become Mayor of Gotham City?! All these things come to a head in this story, that all takes place over one night!
Black Tower: The Raven Conspiracy – August 26th
Another major Vertigo release! Ram V and Mike Perkins combine elements of fantasy, spy thrillers, and sci-fi, as we explore a hidden arm of British Intelligence that investigates the weird and paranormal!
Mind MGMT: New and Improved – June 24th
One of Matt Kindt’s biggest works returns with a new-reader friendly jumping-on point! Follow Detectives Delphi and Swan on a brand new sci-fi investigation!
Conventions and Events
San Diego Comic Con – July 23rd-26th
Comic-Con returns once again, and while I’m not going (would love to one day), I’ll definitely be looking forward to new announcements on comics, movies, TV, and more! I’m excited that Marvel is back in Hall H as well, and I’m expecting some big stuff from them 🙂
D23 Expo – August 14th-16th
Disney has their own 3-day expo where they reveal big news on movies, parks, and more! (Would love to visit this as well someday). Expecting big stuff here as well 🙂
Conclusion
There you have it – The Summer 2026 Rundown! I know this was a lot, but clearly we’ve got a huge summer to look forward too, and pop culture continues to thrive in many ways!
Let me know what you’re most excited for – a comic, movie, game etc. – by emailing or leaving a comment! Thanks again for your support guys, and I’ll see you in the next one!
The Blerd Blog 
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