Books, Novels and Authors

Star Wars is finally returning to the big screen—and it’s bringing the galaxy’s most beloved duo with it.

Din Djarin and Grogu are stepping into a larger, more dangerous adventure in The Mandalorian and Grogu, facing Imperial warlords, crossing paths with new allies, and continuing a journey that began as a quiet story between a bounty hunter and a child. Now, the stakes are bigger, the world is wider, and Grogu is no longer just hiding—he’s fighting.

There’s something emotional about seeing characters who grew on television make the leap to cinema. It feels like a milestone, not just for them, but for Star Wars itself. This isn’t just another installment. It’s a signal that the franchise is ready to reclaim its place on the big screen.

May 22, 2026. The galaxy calls again.

The gods of Ancient Egypt weren’t just worshipped. They were feared, loved, and woven into stories that shaped an entire civilization.

From Ra’s solar dominance to Anubis guarding the dead, Egyptian mythology offers some of the most fascinating narratives ever told.

The Egyptian Mythology Reading Challenge 2026 breaks it all down into a month-by-month journey that makes exploring these myths immersive and accessible.

Start your journey here:

What makes a book a book? Is it simply any object that stores ideas, or is it the smell of pages, the heft in your hands, and the way a cover promises an inside world? Those questions pull us both backward and forward at once. To answer them, we have to trace the evolution of the book—how its parts—pages, type, ink, and binding—slowly stitched together into the cultural object we still call a “book,” and then ask whether that identity survives when the pages vanish into glass and light. The codex: when pages learned to be together Long before hardbacks and Kindles, people used scrolls, papyrus rolls, and the occasional carved tablet to carry words. The codex — a stack of separate pages bound along one edge — flipped that idea on its head. Suddenly readers could flip directly to a passage instead of unrolling meters of text. That practical advantage quietly reshaped how people read and how authors organized material. The codex’s format made reference, index, and narrative structure easier to manage, and it set the stage for what most of us still picture when we hear the word “book.” Gutenberg — not the first inventor, but the spark that changed everything Moveable type existed in various forms outside Europe before the 15th century, but Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press rearranged power. By mechanizing the process of reproducing text, printing moved the gatekeepers of knowledge away from monasteries and courts and into shopfronts and marketplaces. Suddenly copies could multiply quickly and cheaply; print shops spread across cities; pamphlets, maps, and broadsheets carried news, argument, and art into a much wider public. The printing revolution didn’t invent books from thin air — it amplified demand for them, standardized production, and made texts an ordinary part of civic life.

The Evolution of the Book Paper, ink, and type: the quiet technologies that made reading possible A book’s skeleton is deceptively simple: a writing surface, marks that form language, and something to hold them together. Paper, as a practical, cheap writing surface, came out of East Asia long before it dominated Europe; earlier still was papyrus in Egypt. In Europe, durable parchments and wooden sheets held texts until paper’s cost-effectiveness won out for mass printing. Ink changed too. Early inks that worked for handwriting didn’t cling well to metal type, so printers adopted oil-based mixtures — soot or pigment mixed with oils and resins — that scored well against the pressures of a press. Type itself began as handcrafted, reversed letters cast on little metal blocks; before industrial standardization, fonts varied almost as much as handwriting. The first waves of Roman typefaces — the ancestors of things like Times New Roman — arose from craftsmen who reduced letterforms to repeatable molds. Type wasn’t just utility: it shaped tone. A font’s weight and spacing influence how a text feels to a reader, much like an accent colors a spoken sentence. Covers, spines, and design — form catches function Early books were pragmatic: covers of wood or pasted sheets of paper protected pages. Later, millboard and rope-fiber boards offered cheaper and more consistent options for binding. What became the modern cover moved from protection into persuasion — cover art turned into a marketing tool, a first impression that promised genre and mood. Spines developed their own history too. Flat spines made books lie comfortably on a table for reading; rounding a spine solved durability issues but introduced new mechanical problems, like a book wanting to close on itself. Bookbinders learned to balance flexibility, longevity, and ease of handling — choices that still separate a pocket paperback from a library folio. The sensory book: weight, smell, and ritual People don’t just read with their eyes. The experience of a physical book involves sound, touch, and scent. The rustle of a page, the give of a softcover, the faint, dusty perfume of aging paper — these are cues that prime memory and attention. For many readers, those cues create a ritual around reading: choosing where to sit, how to carry a book, the small pleasures of bookmarking and dog-earing. Those acts add layers to a text’s meaning in ways that go beyond pure words. Pixel books and e-ink: the book transformed, not erased When screens and e-ink arrived, they didn’t so much kill books as shift their affordances. E-readers tuck libraries into a pocket, and digital distribution removes many of the physical barriers Gutenberg’s presses once imposed. Formats like EPUB and PDF carry the same words but allow features that print never could: adjustable font sizes, search, hyperlinks, and near-instant global delivery. Audiobooks add another dimension: voice, cadence, and performance reframe text yet again. But digital formats also strip certain rituals. A file lacks weight and scent. Discoverability rests on algorithms instead of bookstore displays. The cover becomes a thumbnail on a glowing shelf. Those changes matter because reading is more than decoding sentences — context and habit shape comprehension and pleasure. So — what actually makes a book a book? If you reduce a book to only what conveys meaning, then words alone could qualify any medium: scroll, codex, PDF, or narrated audio. But the fuller answer lives in the relationship between form and reception. The physical parts — paper, ink, binding — shaped how authors wrote, how readers navigated, and how societies valued information. They created rituals and economies around books. The digital shift alters those rituals and economies but doesn’t magically change the fact that a sequence of words can transport someone elsewhere. Think of it like music: playing a record on a turntable and streaming the same album on your phone both let you hear the same songs, but the experiences differ. For many people, the difference matters. For others, access and convenience do.

Paramount Global and Skydance Media first signaled merger ambitions in July 2024. After months of regulatory uncertainty, the FCC approved the deal on July 24, 2025, and the merger officially closed on August 8, 2025. The combined entity—New Paramount—now enters its first, painful phase of integration. The New Company at a Glance New Paramount tallies about 20,000 employees worldwide—~18,000 from Paramount and under 2,000 from Skydance. Reports peg the company’s overall value at roughly $28 billion. Leadership’s mandate is clear: stabilize the business and defend share against Sony, Warner Bros. Discovery, Disney, and other heavyweights. The Cuts: Size, Scope, and Philosophy Layoffs are coming—and soon. Based on what’s been shared internally and reported externally, New Paramount is preparing to eliminate between 2,000 and 3,000 roles. Some insiders frame it less as a fixed headcount target and more as a dollar-amount goal, which is why several projections land in the 2,500–3,000 range. On a base of ~20,000, that’s roughly 10%–15% of the workforce. Crucially, no division is expected to be untouched. Reductions are slated across theatrical, streaming, linear TV, and other corporate functions. The approach is designed to be one large, decisive reduction, rather than recurring quarterly layoffs, to avoid a constant drumbeat of uncertainty. Why It’s Happening: Cost Targets and Integration Math Skydance leadership—now guiding the combined shop—has worked with Bain & Company to identify at least $2 billion in cost efficiencies, with the expectation that savings will exceed that figure. In other words, the cuts are part of a larger, multiyear cost-reset to align expenses with revenue realities in a post-pandemic media market where linear declines persist, streaming ARPU is under pressure, and film slates face volatility. When It Happens: The Calendar Everyone’s Watching The cadence looks like this: - September–October 2025: Managers submit proposed dismissal lists to HR. - Around November 2025: Pink-slips begin and the primary wave of layoffs rolls out. Leadership’s message to staff has stressed speed and finality over a drawn-out process: execute the heavy lift once, then move forward. A Company Balancing Austerity and Ambition Paradoxically, the belt-tightening sits beside significant content and rights bets aimed at shoring up the long game: - A seven-year media-rights deal averaging ~$1.1B per year with TKO, making New Paramount the exclusive U.S. home for UFC beginning in 2026. - A multi-year exclusive theatrical and streaming pact with the Duffer Brothers. - A $1.5B, five-year South Park licensing agreement with Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Meanwhile, the headline merger value exists alongside earlier deal math that cited an $8.4B acquisition price component—illustrating how different valuation lenses (transaction price vs. combined company value) can coexist during complex tie-ups.

If you love big-canvas space adventures, the Nova Corps sits right at the heart of Marvel’s cosmic mythos. They’re the helmeted peacekeepers who patrol the stars, channel a near-limitless power called the Nova Force, and count heroes like Richard Rider and Sam Alexander among their ranks. Below, I walk through The Full Story of the Nova Corps, their comic origins, how their organization works, where their power comes from, and the defining stories that shaped them. Where It All Began The Nova Corps first blasted onto the page in Fantastic Four #205 (January 1979). Early on, they functioned as Xandar’s space militia—roughly 500 strong—before evolving into a galaxy-wide law-enforcement body. Think “intergalactic police,” sworn to keep order across star systems, respond to crises, and push back against threats bigger than any one world could handle. Fans often compare them to DC’s Green Lantern Corps—and the parallels are easy to spot. Both are sprawling, uniformed forces that span the cosmos and draw on centralized power sources. Green Lanterns tap willpower through the Central Power Battery on Oa; the Nova Corps draws its strength from the Nova Force, directed by Xandar’s Worldmind. The setup is similar, but the way power is distributed (and what it can do) is distinctly Nova. How the Corps Is Organized Like any disciplined force, the Nova Corps runs on rank and responsibility. Here’s how their ladder stacks up: - Corpsman (the foot soldier): Newly graduated from the Space Academy, a Corpsman is the on-the-ground responder—your patrol officer of the stars. - Millennian (mid-tier): This rank wields roughly half a Centurion’s output and, at this stage, still can’t fly autonomously. - Denarian (advanced): A third-level rank with access to about 75% of Nova Force capabilities; many Denarians can fly and handle tougher missions. - Centurion (elite field leader): Comparable to a lieutenant. A single Centurion can lift approximately 230 tons and executes high-risk operations. - Nova Prime (the top command): Chosen from Centurions, the Nova Prime leads the Corps. - Siphon Warriors (special operations): An offshoot with the ability to drain energy from other beings and redeploy it. Interestingly, despite their specialized function, they don’t enjoy the same breadth of Nova Force access as some lower ranks.

The Full Story of the Nova Corps Meet the Worldmind—and the Nova Force The Worldmind is Xandar’s spiritual-political brain trust and the distribution hub for the Nova Force. The Xandarians preserve the minds of their deceased and blend them into this collective intelligence. That makes the Worldmind part living archive, part government, and part tactical command—an entity that can weigh decisions with centuries of firsthand experience. From the Worldmind flows the Nova Force: a vast, seemingly limitless energy (akin in scope to Marvel’s “Power Cosmic”) with one primary specialty—the manipulation of gravity fields. The Force fuels a Nova’s classic power set: - Super strength, speed, stamina, durability, and enhanced reflexes - Gravimetric pulses and blasts - An accelerated healing factor - The generation of electromagnetic fields - The ability to open wormholes for rapid travel Here’s the key difference from Green Lanterns: a Lantern’s ceiling depends on personal willpower; a Nova’s ceiling depends on rank. The higher your standing in the Corps, the more of the Nova Force you’re authorized to wield. When One Nova Carried It All: Annihilation The Corps faced its darkest hour during the Annihilation saga. Annihilus hurled the Annihilation Wave out of the Negative Zone—a ravenous army that chewed through galaxies, toppled worlds, and even snuffed out cosmic beings. The Nova Corps was almost entirely wiped out. Only Richard Rider remained. In that crisis, the Worldmind made a fateful choice: it poured the entire Nova Force into Richard. Overnight, he became Nova Prime—not just a leader, but a walking armory. With that power, Richard organized the United Front (including the Kree Empire, Spaceknights, and even heralds of Galactus) to hold the line. The battle pushed every ally to the brink. Yet in the end, Richard killed Annihilus and broke the Wave, saving what remained of the universe. In the aftermath, during Secret Invasion, the Corps rebuilt—from Earth, no less—rallying in response to the Skrull threat and laying groundwork for a new generation of Novas. Richard Rider: The Original Human Rocket Before he was Nova Prime, Richard Rider was nobody special—an average teen, neither popular nor ostracized, just a kid trying to get through school. His life changed when the Corps’ homeworld suffered a devastating attack by the space pirate Zorr. Rhomann Dey, the dying Nova Prime (portrayed by John C. Reilly in Guardians of the Galaxy), fled to Earth. With his final strength, Dey scanned the planet for a successor and found Richard. From orbit, Dey transferred the power of a Centurion—and the mantle—straight to Richard. The boy had no time to hesitate. He strapped on the helmet, learned to manage the firehose of the Nova Force, and became Nova, the Human Rocket. Over time, he defended Earth and countless worlds, stood among the Avengers, saved the universe more than once, and ultimately rose to Nova Prime, leading the Corps from the front.

When it comes to Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange, there are a handful of mystical relics that define his power and presence. Among them, none stand out more than the Eye of Agamotto. This artifact is not just an accessory hanging around his neck—it’s a cornerstone of his identity as the guardian of Earth’s dimension. Over the decades, the Eye has become a symbol of wisdom, truth, and overwhelming mystical might. Let’s explore the origins, powers, and importance of the Eye of Agamotto, both in the comics and in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Origins of the Eye of Agamotto The Eye of Agamotto made its debut alongside Doctor Strange’s origin story in Strange Tales #128 back in December 1963. While the artifact’s exact beginning remains mysterious, most stories agree that it is tied to Agamotto, the very first Sorcerer Supreme. Some accounts suggest Agamotto created it; others believe he discovered it drifting through the cosmos. What is undeniable, however, is that the Eye draws its mystical strength from Agamotto himself. This connection makes the artifact more than just a magical tool—it acts almost like a sentient being. With its glowing power, it shares visions, truths, and cosmic knowledge directly with its wielder. Agamotto and the Vishanti To understand the Eye’s importance, you have to understand Agamotto. He isn’t just the first Sorcerer Supreme—he is also one of the Vishanti, a trinity of godlike beings who advise and empower the Sorcerer Supreme throughout history. Alongside Oshtur and Hoggoth, Agamotto watches over Earth’s dimension, guiding protectors like Strange in their battles against dark forces. Because the Eye channels Agamotto’s essence, it carries authority and wisdom beyond mortal understanding. Some even call it the “Eye of Truth” or the “All-Seeing Eye of Infinity.” These titles highlight its core function: the revelation of what lies hidden. The Eye of Truth The Eye’s most famous ability is its power to reveal truth. It radiates an all-revealing light capable of piercing lies, disguises, and illusions, no matter how complex or powerful they may be. Doctor Strange has used it countless times to expose hidden enemies, see through magical trickery, and even rescue individuals trapped inside their own false realities. This makes the Eye invaluable in battles against deception. For a hero like Strange, who constantly faces tricksters, demons, and illusionists, the Eye ensures he can always cut through the fog of manipulation. Only for the Worthy Over the years, many have tried to harness the Eye’s power. But there’s a catch—it cannot be wielded by just anyone. Only a sorcerer with a pure heart and an untainted soul can unlock its true potential. In other words, selfish or corrupt individuals stand no chance of controlling it. This safeguard ensures that such overwhelming power never falls into the wrong hands. Beyond Truth: Other Powers of the Eye While uncovering lies may be its signature trait, the Eye of Agamotto is far from one-dimensional. Its abilities stretch across multiple domains of mysticism: - Psychic Amplification: The Eye enhances its wielder’s psychic abilities, allowing them to perceive thoughts, connect with other minds, and even manipulate souls. This kind of telepathic reach is unmatched, though it carries ethical risks. - Telekinesis: Strange has used the Eye to move massive objects, even ones weighing thousands of pounds, with seemingly little effort. - Portal Creation: By channeling its energy, the Eye can open gateways to other dimensions, enabling Strange to traverse realms at will. - Energy Absorption: It has the ability to absorb enormous surges of magical or cosmic energy, protecting its wielder from catastrophic attacks. - Tracking: The Eye can detect beings by their psychic signatures, making it a supernatural tracker that locks onto spiritual emissions. These abilities alone would make it one of the most versatile magical relics in existence. But its most jaw-dropping power lies in its control over time and space.

Reading is more than a quiet pastime. It’s not just about flipping pages or scrolling through e-books; it’s an active mental workout that changes how your brain functions. From sharpening memory to improving focus and unlocking creativity, reading influences the brain in ways scientists continue to uncover. When you sit down with a novel, a research article, or even a short story, you are doing much more than gathering information—you are reshaping how your brain works. In this article, we’ll explore how reading shapes memory, strengthens focus, and fuels creativity, while also highlighting why it remains one of the most powerful tools for cognitive growth.

Reading and the Brain’s Memory Systems

One of the most fascinating effects of reading is its direct link to memory. When we read, we are constantly recalling details: names of characters, timelines of events, settings, and emotional connections. This constant mental juggling strengthens the brain’s ability to store and retrieve information. Strengthening the Hippocampus The hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, becomes highly active during reading. By processing storylines, plot twists, and layers of meaning, the hippocampus reinforces neural pathways responsible for long-term memory. The more we read, the more we exercise this part of the brain, which in turn makes us better at remembering information in daily life. Building Contextual Memory Unlike rote memorization, reading often involves contextual memory. For instance, when you remember where a character was introduced or how an earlier clue connects to a later revelation, your brain links information through association. This process makes your memory richer and more layered than simply recalling isolated facts. Delaying Cognitive Decline Studies suggest that regular reading helps protect against age-related memory loss and even reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. By keeping the brain engaged in deep processing, reading acts like a protective shield, maintaining sharper memory well into old age.

How Reading Shapes Memory, Focus, and Creativity in the Brain

Reading as a Focus-Building Exercise

In today’s world of constant distractions, focus is harder to come by. Yet reading remains one of the most effective activities for training the mind to concentrate. The Single-Task Advantage Unlike scrolling through social media or browsing news feeds, reading requires sustained attention. You can’t skim through a complex novel or an academic paper without losing track of the narrative. Each page encourages your brain to slow down, process deeply, and stay engaged with one task for an extended period. Training the Attention Span When you read daily, you are essentially lengthening your attention span. Think of it as endurance training for the mind. Just as lifting weights gradually builds muscle, consistent reading builds mental stamina, allowing you to stay focused on tasks at work, in studies, and in problem-solving scenarios. Mindfulness Through Reading Reading also encourages a mindful state. As you immerse yourself in a book, distractions fade, and your brain learns how to block out unnecessary noise. This mindfulness effect doesn’t just improve your ability to focus on books—it translates into real life, making it easier to handle conversations, meetings, and projects without mental wandering.

Reading as a Spark for Creativity

If memory keeps us grounded in what we’ve learned, and focus helps us direct our energy, creativity is the power that allows us to imagine beyond the ordinary. Reading fuels creativity in unique ways. Expanding Mental Horizons Books expose us to worlds, cultures, and perspectives we might never experience firsthand. Every story you read plants new seeds in your imagination. Whether it’s a fantasy realm full of dragons or a historical account of human struggles, your mind uses these experiences to generate fresh ideas. The Brain’s Simulation Machine When you read, your brain doesn’t just process words—it simulates experiences. Reading about a character climbing a mountain activates the same neural regions as if you were imagining the climb yourself. This “mental rehearsal” strengthens creative thinking by allowing the brain to experiment with scenarios, emotions, and problem-solving strategies. Strengthening Divergent Thinking Creativity often relies on divergent thinking—the ability to generate multiple solutions to a problem. Reading widely across genres expands your mental toolkit. A scientist reading science fiction, for example, might draw unexpected inspiration for a real-world experiment. By exposing yourself to diverse ideas, you expand the range of creative connections your brain can make.

How Reading Shapes Memory, Focus, and Creativity in the Brain

How Different Types of Reading Affect the Brain

Not all reading is the same, and the type of material you consume can shape your brain differently. - Fiction strengthens empathy and imagination by allowing you to live through another person’s eyes. - Non-fiction sharpens analytical thinking and provides concrete knowledge for problem-solving. - Poetry activates areas linked to rhythm and emotion, boosting appreciation of language and metaphor. - Academic or technical reading enhances logical reasoning and precision in understanding details. By mixing different types of reading, you engage various regions of the brain, ensuring a more balanced mental workout.

Why Reading Works Better Than Passive Entertainment

It’s worth asking: why does reading shape the brain more deeply than watching TV or scrolling online? The answer lies in the level of engagement. When you watch a movie, the visuals, sounds, and pacing are handed to you. Your brain processes the information but doesn’t have to do much creative work. Reading, on the other hand, forces you to build entire worlds in your imagination. You visualize characters, settings, and emotions, all while decoding symbols on a page. This active participation is what makes reading such a powerful exercise for memory, focus, and creativity.

Practical Ways to Use Reading for Cognitive Growth

Knowing that reading shapes the brain is one thing—applying it is another. Here are some simple ways to make reading a tool for better memory, focus, and creativity: - Read daily, even for 20 minutes – consistency strengthens mental pathways. - Mix genres – challenge different parts of your brain by reading fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. - Take notes or highlight – writing down key insights improves recall. - Discuss books – conversations about reading sharpen memory and spark new perspectives. - Reread occasionally – revisiting a book strengthens memory retention and reveals new creative insights.

The Long-Term Benefits of Reading

Over time, the effects of regular reading accumulate. People who read consistently tend to perform better academically, show stronger problem-solving skills, and have more empathy in relationships. They also handle stress better, thanks to the mindfulness and focus that reading cultivates. Most importantly, reading helps us grow as individuals. It keeps our brains active, flexible, and resilient—qualities we need in an ever-changing world.

How Reading Shapes Memory, Focus, and Creativity in the Brain

Final Thoughts

Labubu—the quirky, wide-eyed, rabbit-like creature created by artist Kasing Lung—has become more than just a collectible toy. It’s a cultural phenomenon. Fans line up for hours, pay premium prices, and even battle resale markets just to get their hands on one. But why does a small vinyl figure command such a high price? The answer isn’t as simple as “people just want it.” It’s a mix of design, scarcity, emotional connection, and clever marketing. Let’s break down what makes Labubu so expensive and what lessons brands can learn from it. The Story Behind Labubu Before diving into price tags, it’s important to understand where Labubu comes from. Labubu isn’t mass-produced like everyday toys; it’s an art figure born from Kasing Lung’s illustrations and collaborations with Pop Mart, a giant in the blind-box collectible world. Each Labubu carries with it not just plastic but also artistry, imagination, and exclusivity. This backstory already sets the stage for higher perceived value. When buyers know they’re purchasing a designer figure with a narrative attached, they see it as art rather than just a toy. And art has always commanded higher prices. Scarcity: The Power of Limited Editions One of the biggest reasons Labubu is so expensive is scarcity. Pop Mart and Kasing Lung release Labubu in limited runs, sometimes in blind-box formats where buyers don’t even know which version they’ll get. That uncertainty fuels demand. - If there are only 500 pieces of a certain Labubu worldwide, collectors know they’re competing against thousands of fans. - This scarcity drives resale values sky-high, often several times the retail price. It’s the same principle that keeps sneakers like Air Jordans or luxury handbags in demand. Scarcity makes the product feel rare, and rarity naturally justifies a premium. Emotional Attachment and Identity Labubu isn’t just a figure; it’s a character with personality. Its mischievous, slightly creepy-yet-cute design speaks to fans who love its oddness. Collectors don’t just buy it because it’s rare—they buy it because it feels like a piece of themselves. Psychologically, when people attach identity to an object, price becomes secondary. Labubu lovers often describe it as comforting, nostalgic, or even rebellious against traditional “cute culture.” That emotional weight inflates its value in the eyes of fans.

What Makes Labubu So Expensive? The Blind Box Effect: A Marketing Masterstroke Pop Mart’s marketing strategy for Labubu deserves its own spotlight. The brand popularized the blind box model—customers buy a sealed box without knowing which figure they’ll get. This taps into psychology in a few key ways: - Surprise Factor – Opening a blind box feels like opening a gift. The excitement creates emotional reward. - Completion Drive – Collectors feel compelled to buy more boxes to complete a series. - Secondary Market Thriving – Fans trade or resell duplicates, which keeps the buzz alive. This strategy transforms a simple purchase into an ongoing game, making people spend more than they planned. From a marketing perspective, it’s brilliant. It keeps demand consistently higher than supply. Design as a Value Driver Kasing Lung’s design philosophy plays a massive role. Labubu isn’t polished and perfect—it’s intentionally strange. Its oversized teeth, expressive eyes, and unusual costumes make it stand out. Unlike mass-market toys, each edition has its own theme: fairy tales, animals, fantasy characters, even seasonal releases. Because each design feels like a collectible piece of art, fans don’t see them as disposable. Instead, they see them as long-term keepsakes. This design-driven perception elevates Labubu into the realm of collectible art, where pricing naturally spikes. The Resale Market: Fueling the Fire If you’ve tried to buy Labubu, you know the struggle. Figures often sell out within minutes of release, and resale prices can skyrocket on secondary markets like eBay or local collector groups. Here’s the cycle: - Labubu drops at retail (often $10–$20 per blind box). - Scarce figures are pulled out and flipped for hundreds. - New collectors see the hype and want in. - Demand outpaces supply, fueling even higher resale prices. This resale market doesn’t just affect price—it creates prestige. Owning a rare Labubu signals dedication and status within the collector community. Cultural Hype and Community Another factor in Labubu’s value is community. Collectors don’t just buy and display them in isolation. They join groups, attend Pop Mart events, trade online, and show off their collections. This sense of belonging gives Labubu an added layer of social value. When people see Labubu not just as a figure but as a passport to a community, they’re more willing to pay higher prices. From a marketing perspective, Pop Mart’s cultivation of fan culture is genius—it turns customers into loyal advocates. Lessons for Marketers: Why Labubu Works Labubu’s success isn’t random—it’s a masterclass in branding and consumer psychology. Here are key takeaways for businesses: - Scarcity Creates Urgency – Limited editions and timed releases keep demand hot. - Emotional Connection Matters – Products that speak to identity can charge premium prices. - Gamify the Buying Experience – Blind boxes add excitement and repeat purchases. - Design Beyond Functionality – Unique, artistic design elevates products into collectibles. - Build a Community – A strong fan culture sustains long-term growth and keeps hype alive. Brands in fashion, tech, and even food can learn from this model. When you make a product feel rare, personal, and part of a bigger culture, people are willing to pay more.

When you look at the numbers, it’s hard to believe. Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animated film, has shattered global box office records, grossing over $2.2 billion worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. That achievement puts it in the top five highest-grossing films ever, trailing just behind Titanic—and with an English-language dub now hitting theaters, it may well surpass even that milestone. What’s most astonishing is that nearly all of its revenue has come from China, with very limited support from North American markets so far. Its success has sparked international debate about China’s growing cultural influence and raised the question: how did a film rooted so deeply in Chinese mythology captivate the world? Who Is Ne Zha? For audiences outside of China, the film’s story can seem bewildering. Ne Zha is a legendary figure from Chinese mythology, first appearing in the 16th-century novel Investiture of the Gods. His character originated from Buddhist texts, later blending Taoist, Confucian, and folk traditions to become a cultural icon. In Chinese culture, Ne Zha has appeared everywhere—from animated TV series and films to popular video games like Black Myth: Wukong. He’s a rebellious demigod who struggles against fate, born from a cursed demon orb but constantly fighting to define his own destiny. This theme of self-determination—choosing who you are rather than being defined by how you were born—resonates strongly with modern audiences, much like characters such as Hercules or Hellboy. A Quick Recap of the Story The first Ne Zha (2019) introduced the mischievous hero, fated to die young because of his cursed origin. Instead of embracing destruction, Ne Zha chose sacrifice, forming a powerful friendship with Ao Bing, the Dragon King’s son, and ultimately saving his hometown. Ne Zha 2 picks up right after those events. Ne Zha and Ao Bing now share the same body after their physical forms are destroyed. To restore Ao Bing’s body, Ne Zha embarks on a heavenly trial that could grant him access to a magical elixir. Meanwhile, schemes from Shen Gongbao—a bitter, shape-shifting tiger demon—along with the Dragon King and the celestial ruler Wuliang, complicate his path. The sequel expands on the original’s themes of destiny, rebellion, and belonging, while introducing new villains, bigger battles, and higher emotional stakes. Why the Film Feels Different from Hollywood Animation Unlike Pixar or Disney’s polished family-friendly formulas, Ne Zha 2 feels closer to a battle shonen anime such as Dragon Ball Z or Naruto. Its 150-minute runtime is unusually long for an animated film, packed with sprawling fight scenes, divine trials, and bursts of irreverent humor—including plenty of silly toilet jokes that lean into its appeal for children. At times, the relentless action risks overwhelming viewers, especially those unfamiliar with the mythological backdrop. But once Ne Zha’s trials begin, the emotional core shines through: his struggle to balance Ao Bing’s immense power with his own rebellious identity, and his need for acceptance despite his cursed origins. Animation That Rivals Hollywood’s Best Visually, Ne Zha 2 is nothing short of spectacular. The movie was produced with the combined efforts of over 138 Chinese studios and 4,000 animators, creating a world filled with breathtaking detail. From the white jade walls of celestial palaces to the lush underwater realms of the dragons, every frame feels alive. Water physics, light effects, and fight choreography rival the technical achievements of James Cameron’s Avatar. The action sequences mix influences from wuxia martial arts films, anime exaggeration, and even Looney Tunes slapstick, producing battles that are both unpredictable and exhilarating. The climactic scenes, especially the sweeping shot of rival armies clashing like crashing waves, showcase animation at the absolute peak of the medium.

Welcome to the August 2025 literary world, where bold new voices and unforgettable stories are bursting onto our bookshelves. This month delivers a remarkable slate of debut novels—from emotionally raw journeys like Atomic Hearts and philosophically searing speculative fiction like These Memories Do Not Belong to Us, to beautiful wartime coming-of-age tales like The Sunflower Boys. If you’re ready to discover your next favorite author, below we’ve curated a list of the Best Debut Books of August 2025.

Best Debut Books Of August 2025

- The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis (Aug 5, 2025) - Atomic Hearts by Megan Cummins (Aug 5, 2025) - Dwelling by Emily Hunt Kivel (Aug 5, 2025) - Dead Girl Cameo by m. mick powell (Aug 5, 2025) - These Memories Do Not Belong to Us by Yiming Ma (Aug 12, 2025) - The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman (Aug 12, 2025) - Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (Aug 19, 2025) The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis (Aug 5, 2025) Xenobe Purvis’s debut novel, The Hounding, delivers a masterfully eerie Gothic tale set in 18th-century England. Released on August 5, 2025, the novel centers on five orphaned Mansfield sisters—Anne, Elizabeth, Hester, Grace, and Mary—who live with their nearly blind grandfather in the small village of Little Nettlebed. Published accounts indicate the story is inspired by a 1701 scientific report in which girls were allegedly "seized with frequent barking in the manner of dogs". The Hounding has been widely recognized as one of the most anticipated debuts of summer 2025.

The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis (Aug 5, 2025) - Best Debut Books Of August 2025 Amazon Told through multiple perspectives, the novel unspools as villagers become uneasy—and fearful—of the Mansfield sisters, especially after the local ferryman, Pete Darling, claims to witness them transforming into dogs. The drought-stricken setting heightens paranoia, and the narrative explores themes of female autonomy, rumor, and societal persecution under the guise of superstition. As one character poignantly observes, “It has nothing to do with the idea of us becoming dogs, and everything to do with the fact of us being girls”. Revered for its atmospheric dread and ambiguity, The Hounding unflinchingly examines how fear and misogyny can weaponize difference in a claustrophobic rural community. Atomic Hearts by Megan Cummins (Aug 5, 2025) Megan Cummins makes her debut with Atomic Hearts, a raw and emotionally layered novel that follows Gertie, a young woman whose life spirals between triumphs and devastating setbacks. The story examines the complexity of carrying past wounds while trying to embrace fleeting joys, portraying Gertie’s journey as both heartbreaking and deeply human.

Atomic Hearts by Megan Cummins (Aug 5, 2025) Amazon At its core, the novel delves into themes of resilience, loneliness, and the longing for connection. Cummins’s prose captures the unsteady rhythm of life—where tragedy and happiness often collide. Readers can expect an unflinching character study that lays bare how fragile yet persistent the human spirit can be. Dwelling by Emily Hunt Kivel (Aug 5, 2025) Emily Hunt Kivel’s Dwelling is a philosophically charged debut that explores the collapse of the world against the backdrop of a housing crisis. The novel grapples with questions of survival, morality, and human responsibility when the very concept of “home” becomes uncertain. Through an urgent narrative voice, Kivel forces readers to confront the fragility of the spaces we take for granted.

Dwelling by Emily Hunt Kivel (Aug 5, 2025) - Best Debut Books Of August 2025 Amazon The plot situates its characters in a landscape where familiar structures—both physical and social—are deteriorating. It is less about apocalyptic spectacle and more about the personal and political tensions of shelter, belonging, and humanity’s relationship to its environment. This urgency makes Dwelling both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping. Dead Girl Cameo by m. mick powell (Aug 5, 2025) Poet m. mick powell debuts with Dead Girl Cameo, a bold collection that blends verse and narrative to explore how culture treats its heroes, particularly women. The book interrogates the commodification of suffering, asking why stories of pain often overshadow stories of survival. Through sharp, lyrical writing, powell gives voice to silenced experiences.

Dead Girl Cameo by m. mick powell (Aug 5, 2025) Amazon The collection carries a ferocity that challenges readers to reexamine societal expectations, especially surrounding marginalized identities. Themes of hidden pain, erasure, and resilience emerge in every line, making this debut a powerful literary and cultural critique disguised as poetry. These Memories Do Not Belong to Us by Yiming Ma (Aug 12, 2025) Yiming Ma’s debut, These Memories Do Not Belong to Us, is a speculative novel that imagines a world where memories can be stolen, exchanged, or manipulated. The protagonist grapples with the theft of personal identity, forced to confront what remains of the self when memories—the core of who we are—are taken away.

These Memories Do Not Belong to Us by Yiming Ma (Aug 12, 2025) - Best Debut Books Of August 2025 Amazon Written with cerebral precision, the novel echoes the work of Ted Chiang, balancing emotional resonance with intellectual depth. Ma explores questions of authenticity, truth, and whether memory defines humanity. The slim form of the novel hides its philosophical weight, making it both accessible and deeply thought-provoking. The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman (Aug 12, 2025) Sam Wachman debuts with The Sunflower Boys, a coming-of-age novel set during the war in Ukraine. It follows a young boy navigating adolescence while the world around him fractures. Wachman crafts a story of innocence interrupted, where the everyday struggles of growing up—love, family, and belonging—intersect with the violence of war.

The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman (Aug 12, 2025) Amazon The novel balances tenderness with harsh reality, weaving the resilience of youth against the backdrop of conflict. It offers a poignant reflection on how love and hope persist even when loss seems inevitable. This debut promises to leave readers emotionally shaken yet inspired. Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (Aug 19, 2025) Addie E. Citchens makes her mark with Dominion, a searing debut about a Black Southern family wrestling with patriarchy, fear, and inherited trauma. The narrative traces generational struggles and the ways power dynamics shape intimate relationships within the family structure.

War and Peace is one of those books that many readers approach with caution. Its size alone makes it legendary—over a thousand pages of dense history, love, war, and philosophy. People often joke that it’s the kind of book you shouldn’t read in bed unless you’re ready for a concussion when it falls from your hands. But to dismiss it as just a “slog” misses the point. Tolstoy created more than just a novel—he built a living, breathing panorama of history filled with some of the most realistic characters ever written. And if readers feel daunted today, imagine how Tolstoy must have felt. What started as an idea for a short novel quickly spiraled into "War and Peace" a five-year journey that resulted in a masterpiece unlike anything before it. From a Short Novel to an Unstoppable Epic In 1863, Tolstoy sat down to write a modest book. His original idea was simple: tell the story of a political dissident returning home from exile in Siberia. That storyline might have been contained and focused. But Tolstoy’s mind didn’t work that way. Instead, what emerged five years later was War and Peace—a sprawling, 1,200-page tapestry featuring love stories, philosophical debates, harrowing battlefields, moments of despair, visions of faith, financial ruin, a burning Moscow, and even a half-tamed bear. What it did not contain, however, was the exile or the political dissident Tolstoy had set out to describe. So how did it expand so drastically? The answer lies in Tolstoy’s obsession with understanding history and the forces that shape human lives. The Roots of Tolstoy’s Vision Tolstoy himself was no ordinary writer. Born in 1828 into an eccentric aristocratic family, he lived a turbulent and restless early life. By the time he was thirty, he had already: - Dropped out of Kazan University. - Gambled away the family fortune. - Served in the army. - Written memoirs. - Rejected the Russian literary establishment. - Traveled through Europe in search of meaning. Eventually, he returned to his family estate, Yasnaya Polyana, and turned his attention to writing. His initial project was inspired by the Decembrists—a group of aristocratic revolutionaries pardoned in 1856 after decades in Siberian exile. He wanted to depict their return. But as he pondered this, questions kept pulling him deeper into history. How could he tell of their return without explaining the Decembrist revolt of 1825? And how could he cover that revolt without tracing its roots to Napoleon’s invasion of 1812, which had tightened the grip of Russian authoritarianism? And once he looked at 1812, how could he ignore 1805, when Russia first felt the sting of Napoleon’s power after its crushing defeat at Austerlitz? Each answer led to a bigger question. Each historical moment demanded its own story. And soon, Tolstoy was no longer writing about a single exile but about the tides of history itself. The World of War and Peace The novel opens in 1805, as whispers of war with France unsettle Russian aristocrats. At a glittering cocktail party, the well-born gossip about politics, but their concerns quickly drift toward the eternal obsessions of wealth, love, and death. From there, the narrative spirals outward. Tolstoy introduces an intricate web of characters, each with their own desires, flaws, and fates. There are no true “main characters.” Instead, readers are invited into a massive network of relationships: - An illegitimate count’s son, shy and hapless, wonders if he can win the heart of a cunning princess. - His loyal friend faces the brutal chaos of Austria’s battlefields. - A young girl falls in love with both men, her emotions pulling her in two directions. Historical figures move in and out of the story. Napoleon himself makes several appearances, and even one of Tolstoy’s own ancestors is woven into the background. Yet the fictional and the historical never feel separate—both serve Tolstoy’s vision of how people live within the machinery of history.

Comic history is filled with countless unforgettable origin stories. Some inspire hope, others highlight tragedy, but all of them reveal the heart of the characters we’ve grown to love. Today, let’s revisit seven of The Greatest Comic Book Origins of All Time—stories that continue to resonate across generations.

The Greatest Comic Book Origins of All Time

- Superman – The Blueprint of Superheroes - Wolverine – Pain, Loss, and Survival - The Joker – Madness from One Bad Day - The X-Men – Born Different - The Fantastic Four – Marvel’s First Family - Batman – Tragedy in Crime Alley - Spider-Man – The Lesson of Responsibility Superman – The Blueprint of Superheroes Few origins carry as much weight as Superman’s. His story is simple yet deeply emotional. A baby named Kal-El is sent from his dying planet, Krypton, by desperate parents who want him to live even if they cannot escape. His tiny ship lands on Earth, where a kind couple, Jonathan and Martha Kent, raise him as their own in Smallville, Kansas.

Superman – The Blueprint of Superheroes - The Greatest Comic Book Origins of All Time As Clark Kent grows, he discovers his incredible powers—strength, flight, and invulnerability—gifts from Earth’s yellow sun. What makes his story so timeless is the balance between alien and human. Clark embodies values of sacrifice, kindness, and justice, making him more humane than most humans. Superman’s origin became the foundation for nearly every superhero that followed. It shows us that even in simplicity lies complexity—a child saved by love grows into a man who saves the world. Wolverine – Pain, Loss, and Survival Wolverine’s backstory is one of the most layered in comic history. First teased in The Incredible Hulk #181 (1974), his full origin was later explored in Wolverine: Origin. Born James Howlett, he was the illegitimate son of the wealthy Howlett family. His biological father, Thomas Logan, worked as their groundskeeper.

Wolverine – Pain, Loss, and Survival When James witnessed Thomas kill the man he believed to be his father, the trauma triggered his dormant mutant genes. Bone claws erupted from his hands, and in a rage, he killed Thomas Logan—who was later revealed to be his true father. From that moment, James left his home behind and adopted the name Logan. Years later, Logan would be captured by the Weapon X program, where scientists fused adamantium to his skeleton, creating the Wolverine we know today. His origin is soaked in tragedy—loss, heartbreak, and violence—but it also shows resilience. Despite endless suffering, Wolverine channels his pain into protecting others. The Joker – Madness from One Bad Day Unlike most characters, the Joker’s origin long remained a mystery. Fans debated for decades, but DC eventually confirmed that The Killing Joke provided the official version.

The Joker – Madness from One Bad Day - The Greatest Comic Book Origins of All Time In this story, the man who would become the Joker was a failed comedian. At home, he abused his wife, and she eventually left, faking her death to escape him. Believing he lost everything, he spiraled. To make money, he agreed to help criminals break into Ace Chemicals. During the job, Batman intervened, and in the chaos, the man fell into a vat of chemicals. When he emerged, his skin was bleached, his hair green, and his mind shattered. He became the Joker. The brilliance of this origin lies in its simplicity—a failed comedian, one tragic day, and a spiral into madness. It reflects themes of mental illness, abuse, and society’s rejection of outsiders. The Joker’s story underlines his chilling philosophy: all it takes is “one bad day” to drive someone over the edge. The X-Men – Born Different The X-Men’s origin stands out because their powers were not the result of accidents or experiments—they were born that way. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby used them as a metaphor for prejudice and acceptance.

The X-Men – Born Different Mutants represent anyone marginalized by society—whether because of race, disability, or other differences. Professor X believes mutants can earn trust through compassion and cooperation, while Magneto insists that humans will never accept them, so mutants should fight back with force. This origin gave Marvel a way to explore real-world struggles within a superhero framework. Decades later, the themes of prejudice, identity, and belonging still resonate, making the X-Men one of the most socially relevant superhero teams ever created. The Fantastic Four – Marvel’s First Family The Fantastic Four’s origin launched the Marvel Universe as we know it. Reed Richards, his girlfriend Sue Storm, her brother Johnny, and their friend Ben Grimm set off in Reed’s experimental rocket. When cosmic rays bombard the ship, they crash back to Earth with extraordinary abilities.

The Fantastic Four – Marvel’s First Family - The Greatest Comic Book Origins of All Time Reed gains elasticity, Sue can turn invisible, Johnny bursts into flames, and Ben becomes the rock-skinned Thing. Instead of hiding, they form a team: the Fantastic Four. Their origin not only created Marvel’s first superhero family but also set the tone for decades of storytelling. It was a bold step away from perfect heroes, showing flawed individuals who bicker, struggle, and yet stand together to face cosmic threats. Their legacy paved the way for icons like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the Hulk. Batman – Tragedy in Crime Alley Few stories are as iconic as Batman’s origin. After leaving a theater one evening, young Bruce Wayne witnessed his parents, Thomas and Martha, murdered in Crime Alley. That traumatic moment defined his life.

Batman – Tragedy in Crime Alley Haunted by loss, Bruce vowed no child would endure what he did. He traveled the world, mastering martial arts, science, and detective skills, shaping himself into the ultimate weapon against crime. When he returned to Gotham, he donned the mantle of Batman—the Dark Knight. Batman’s origin is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Unlike Superman, he has no superpowers; his greatest weapon is his will. The tragedy in Crime Alley turned a boy into one of the most formidable heroes ever imagined. Spider-Man – The Lesson of Responsibility Spider-Man’s origin is a perfect blend of tragedy and growth. Peter Parker, a shy teenager, is bitten by a radioactive spider, gaining incredible abilities. At first, he uses his powers selfishly, even ignoring a thief because he felt it wasn’t his problem.

The next chapter in the legendary Call of Duty franchise is almost here. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has officially been announced at Gamescom’s Opening Night Live, complete with a release date, details about its beta, preorder information, and a deeper look at what players can expect across campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies. The game launches worldwide on November 14, 2025, and is now available for preorder across multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, PC (Battle.net and Steam), and through Game Pass (Ultimate and PC). Preorders and Early Access Beta Preorders for Black Ops 7 are live now, and Activision has confirmed that preordering any edition grants early access to the open beta starting October 2, 2025. Players subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass PC won’t need to preorder to access the game at launch—it will be included with their subscription. Platforms Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be available on: - PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 - Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One - PC (Battle.net and Steam) - Game Pass Ultimate (Xbox, Cloud, and Xbox on PC) - Game Pass PC Notably, the game will not launch on Nintendo Switch 2, despite Microsoft’s agreement with Nintendo to bring Call of Duty to its consoles in the future. A Rare Back-to-Back Sequel Unlike most entries in the franchise, Black Ops 7 follows directly on the heels of Black Ops 6, making it a rare back-to-back sequel. The story picks up in 2035, serving as both a continuation of Black Ops 6 and a direct follow-up to Black Ops 2. This time, players once again step into the shoes of David Mason, son of the original series protagonist Alex Mason and the central figure from Black Ops 2. Mason, now portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia, leads a squad of covert operatives against a manipulative enemy who weaponizes fear. The campaign promises a psychological, espionage-driven narrative filled with paranoia and deception. Four-Player Co-Op Across All Modes Treyarch is leaning heavily into co-op gameplay with Black Ops 7. For the first time in the series, virtually all modes support up to four-player co-op, including campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies. Players can still go solo or team up in pairs or trios, but the goal is clear—keep your squad together across every part of the experience. Carry-Forward Feature In a first for the series, Black Ops 7 will introduce a carry-forward system, allowing select content from Black Ops 6 to transfer into the new title. This feature is designed to maintain continuity for players and preserve their progress and unlocks where possible.