Demon Slayer Infinity Castle- More New Records in US and Japan!

You know, these last couple weeks have been quite the rollercoaster; so let's talk about a different kind of ride- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba- Infinity Castle!

Despite the best efforts of the competition, the Sotozaki Haruo-helmed adaptation of the bestselling manga by Gotouge Koyoharu retained its #1 spot at the domestic box office, grossing $17.3 million in its second weekend. 

In the process, it not only became the first animated film this year to cross the $100 million mark domestically (admittedly been a strange year for it theatrically); it became the first anime film ever to clear that benchmark, finally breaking the 26-year record held by 1999's "Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back."

To date, the movie (which is the first in a trilogy to adapt the manga's final arc) has made over $556 million worldwide; becoming the most successful Japanese-language film ever. It is only a question now of how big it will get from here.

One last thing- though I will take something of a mini-hiatus at the beginning of October; I will seriously consider checking the movie out once I can scrape up the money for it. Whether it's dubbed or subbed, it should be interesting to address (not quite caught up with the anime, but I have read the manga enough to know and understand the plot). That's all for now, take care.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Countdown- 30 Days Remaining

The time is nearly upon us folks- now that I have secured my preorder; I give you one last countdown on Pokémon Legends Z-A, with just 30 days remaining till release.

As someone who claims Legends Arceus as their favorite game of 2022, I am eager to experience this title and all its splendor. My preorder will arrive on launch day, and I have narrowed down my starter to a 50/50 choice between Tepig or Totodile. I also have no strong feelings about the expansion at this time, I'm waiting for an official release date and to clear the main quest of the base game before I opt in as usual.

I also reiterate I do not feel as strongly about the Pokémon Home limits as others; as I tend to catch and breed extras for that reason. Not even the first game where transferring is a one-way street either.

I am eagerly anticipating this game, and this will mark the last countdown I make ahead of release next month and having my molars out. I will see you after launch in October. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle sets new US Anime Opening Weekend Record!

Hey everyone- about to place my preorder for Legends Z-A; so here's another piece of anime news that's been making the rounds.

In the midst of breaking numerous records in Japan and other foreign countries; Demon Slayer- Kimetsu No Yaiba: Infinity Castle (the first of a trilogy adapting the final arc of the manga) has shattered the US anime opening weekend record long held by 1999's Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back; taking in $70.6 million in its release. Handily taking the number one spot, it is a testament to the fanbase of the franchise and the medium.

Japanese release poster for the film.

To date, the film has grossed $353.6 million worldwide on a $20 million budget. Given the strange state of affairs this year; the question is less if the movie will be the first animated work to cross $100 million at the domestic box office this year; but when. That is all for now, take care.

Pokémon Legends Z-A Nintendo Direct Details and More.

Hey everyone- yesterday’s Nintendo Direct certainly had lots to look forward to. The 40th anniversary of Super Mario has plenty, and I'm especially glad to finally have dates for Metroid Prime 4 and the Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection. Of course, of all the games shown off; two in particular are ones I am of course duty-bound to write about. So, here are my thoughts on the presentation's details on upcoming Pokémon games.

Let's start with a new title that marks an entry into a genre not previously explored by the franchise: a life sim known as Pokémon Pokopia. Set for release in 2026 (part of the 30th anniversary of the franchise), the game sees you take control of an avatar of Ditto posing as a human to help Pokémon complete tasks. Though not the spinoff I or others were expecting, I will be keeping watch on what their partners at Koei Tecmo will do (certainly is a market for games like this).

There is also a new event DLC for Scarlet and Violet available at Gamestop from September 26 to October 15, which has shiny Koraidon and Miraidon while supplies last.

Now, let's go over the bounty of details on Legends Z-A; which I am eager to experience more than ever with just over a month to release.

The worst-kept secrets of the game have finally been confirmed: Mega Evolutions for the Kalos stage 2 starters. Their new forms further compound their link to classic RPG archetypes- Mega Chesnaught is the knight, Mega Delphox is the mage and Mega Greninja is the thief.

Moreover, a post-launch expansion known as "Mega Dimensions" will debut in the near future. On top of featuring the mischievous Hoopa; it also introduces a Mega Evolution for Raichu in both X and Y variations; which recall the lost Gorochu evolution. I intend to opt in after clearing the main quest, and anyone who does so ahead of the DLC's launch (eShop currently has 2/28/26 as a placeholder date) will receive a set of two in-game cosmetics. 

As for the conditions for Pokémon Home support when that goes live in early 2026- honestly don't feel as strongly about that as others; since I usually catch and breed extra monsters for that purpose just in case.

I will be placing my preorder of the game this Tuesday, and I will see you all again later this month. Take care, and seek out all Pokémon.

Pokémon Concierge Volume 2 (2025) First Viewing Thoughts

Clearing something up before I start- this isn't a full second season as I initially thought; rather, it's the second volume of season one. That out of the way, it's another great set of four episodes. So, here are are my first viewing thoughts on the second course of Pokémon Concierge.

Picking up where the first volume in 2023 left off, the second sees Haru and her Psyduck continue their time at the Pokémon Resort. Over the course of these stories, Haru deals with having to hold things together when others are away from the island; Tyler's uncle Dan and his very energetic Sealeo and a whole host of challenges that are quite refreshing in their simplicity.

I maintain this spinoff has a far better understanding of the franchise from an adult perspective and what I want from it than Horizons does. Even Haru's ex-lover Kenta is handled in a satisfactory way- I didn't want them to get back together; but remaining friends on different career paths is just perfect.

All four episodes of the second course are well worth watching on Netflix no matter what kind of fan you are. With this, I will be writing more ahead of my belated dental work; doing best to finish bigger work ahead of that at the end of the month. That's all for now, take care.