Who says the late-summer schedule is slow? First, Ben Lindbergh talks to Ringer contributor Adam Nayman about a trio of recent big-screen releases: 'The End of Oak Street,' 'The Dog Stars,' and 'Coyote vs. Acme.' In addition to those three films, they discuss the summer box office, the year in movies as a whole, and the best live-action and animation hybrid movies. Then, Jomi Adeniran and Daniel Chin join for an animation roundup as they explore some superhero and 'Star Wars' stories that slipped through the cracks in a month headlined by 'Lanterns,' 'X-Men '97,' and 'Star Wars Zero Company.' They look at 'My Adventures With Superman' Season 3, 'Batman: Caped Crusader' Season 2, 'Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall' and 'Star Wars: Visions Presents—The Ninth Jedi.' Ben concludes with a listener recommendation and a bonus nomination.
(0:00) Intro
(8:48) ‘The End of Oak Street’
(26:57) ‘The Dog Stars’
(42:03) ‘Coyote vs. Acme’
(58:08) ‘My Adventures With Superman’ Season 3
(1:10:01) ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’
(1:16:50) ‘Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall’
(1:29:47) ‘The Ninth Jedi’
(1:47:46) Outro
Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guests: Adam Nayman, Jomi Adeniran, and Daniel Chin
Producer: Devon Renaldo
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell
Studio Production: Remy Hernandez

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The Boys are back, and ‘Lanterns’ is officially picking up speed. The guys discuss the third episode’s handling of John Stewart’s arc, question how the Guardians pick the right kids, examine Bernadette’s agency in her son’s transformation, and debate whether Hal is just a dickhead.

(0:00) Intro

(13:30) Spoilers ahead

(15:27) ‘Lanterns’ Episode 3 instant reactions

(1:38:49) Outro

(1:40:15) Post-credits

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman
Producers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie Yukich
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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Ben, Jason Concepcion, and Jomi Adeniran rendezvous to break down the first official look at 'GTA VI' gameplay via Rockstar's Netflix release of footage from the long-awaited blockbuster. They discuss whether the trailer lived up to the hype, what they learned, and what they're still wondering about with less than three months to go until the game's November 19 release. They also get into gaming's moment in the monocultural spotlight, what a synthesis of 'GTA' and 'Red Dead Redemption' might play like, the recent Cyberleek saga, Rockstar's statement about the leaks, and more.

Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guests: Jason Concepcion and Jomi Adeniran
Producer: Devon Renaldo
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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For the Republic! Ben, Matt James, and Steve Ahlman review the new 'XCOM'-meets-'Star Wars' turn-based tactics game, 'Zero Company.' First, they react to announcements and trailers from Gamescom Opening Night Live, and share Matt's experience with FromSoftware Switch 2 exclusive 'The Duskbloods' during its closed-network test. Then, they have an in-depth, spoiler-free discussion about 'Zero Company,' touching on the nuances of its combat system, how their playthroughs differed, where the game ranks on the pantheon of 'Star Wars' games and stories, the quality of recent 'Star Wars' games versus recent 'Star Wars' TV shows and movies, the game genres they'd most like to see a first-ever 'Star Wars' spin on, and more.

(0:00) Intro
(1:50)  Gamescom reactions
(14:28)  'The Duskbloods'
(19:34)  'Star Wars Zero Company' reviews
(1:31:14)  Outro

Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guests: Matt James and Steve Ahlman
Producer: Devon Renaldo
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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The Boys are back, and they’re all in on ‘Lanterns.’ First, they discuss the potential of Hal Jordan’s powers; then, they speculate on who they think could be the Manhunter; and finally, they discuss how this show differs from the rest of the DC universe.

(0:00) Intro

(00:31) New York Comic-Con Announcement

(8:03) Spoilers ahead

(10:03) ‘Lanterns’ instant reactions

(1:08:14) Outro

(1:13:00) Post-credits

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets

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Ben and Matt James deliver their hands-on impressions of failing to play FromSoftware's 'The Duskbloods' during a disastrous network test, then react to recent news: fresh 'Grand Theft Auto VI' leaks, another live-service snafu for Sony in 'Horizon Hunters Gathering,' Dave Bautista's selection as a recast Kratos in Prime Video's 'God of War,' Disney's decision to double down on 'Kingdom Hearts,' and a sequel funded by a mysterious, rich patron. After that, Ben brings on prolific reporter Nicole Carpenter to talk about an epidemic of game cloning, the moral and legal lines between inspiration and imitation, and how the industry's copycat problem pertains to Steam sensation 'Meccha Chameleon,' Roblox smashes 'Grow a Garden' and 'Steal a Brainrot,' and 'Palworld.' Lastly, Ben brings on writer (and doctor) Rany Jazayerli to explain what it's like to give up gaming for decades before finally returning to the fold.

(00:00) Intro

(00:13) Duskbloods with Matt James

(10:11) News and More!

(48:31) Nicole Carpenter Joins

(82:31) Rany Jazayerli Joins

Host: Ben Lindbergh

Guests: Matt James, Nicole Carpenter, Rany Jazayerli

Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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The Boys return to discuss the first episode of DC’s newest show, 'Lanterns.' They examine the show’s gruffer, jaded version of Hal Jordan, debate whether or not Lanterns can live up to its prestigious time slot on HBO, question if it’s odd to cook for a man who slept with your wife, and so much more!

(0:00) Intro
(9:53) Spoilers ahead
(21:17) ‘Lanterns’ instant reactions
(1:18:20) Outro

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman
Producers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie Yukich
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets

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The Boys are back and they’re giving you all of their thoughts on D23 2026!

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jamie Yukich

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

SUPER TROOPERS 3, only in theaters August 7. Get tickets MEOW! https://www.searchlightpictures.com/super-troopers-3#get-tickets

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The X-Men meet 'Star Wars,' and Ben Lindbergh meets Matt James as Button Mash sets the stage for two of late summer's highest-profile video games, 'Marvel's Wolverine' and 'Star Wars Zero Company.' First, Matt describes his visit to Insomniac Games and his spoiler-free impressions of the narrative, combat, and visual design of 'Wolverine.' Then, he shares interviews with Wolverine actor Liam McIntyre and Insomniac art and animation directors Grant Hollis and Brian Wyser, which Matt and Ben discuss. Finally, Ben lays out what to expect from the turn-based tactical combat, 'Star Wars' storytelling, and replayability of 'Zero Company' based on his time with the game.
(00:00) Intro
(02:47) 'Marvel's Wolverine'
(24:43) Liam McIntyre
(41:12) Grant Hollis and Brian Wyser
(62:43) 'Star Wars Zero Company'
Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guests: Matt James, Liam McIntyre, Grant Hollis, and Brian Wyser
Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman

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The Boys are back to chat about all things 'X-Men ’97'! In the first half of this jumbo-sized episode, they share their thoughts on the 'X-Men ’97' Season 2 finale and the season as a whole before discussing the upcoming D23 expo and what they’re hoping to see revealed this weekend. Finally, the Boys are joined by none other than Rob Liefeld, who’s responsible for so many iconic X-Men characters. Rob shares his inspiration for Cable, his thoughts on Feige and Marvel, and so much more in this epic sit-down.

(0:00) Intro

(14:00) Spoilers ahead

(15:22) 'X-Men ’97' Season 2 finale instant reactions

(57:38) Midnight Meter: 'X-Men ’97' Season 2

(59:15) D23 predictions

(1:29:04) Interview with Rob Liefeld

(2:49:36) Outro

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman
Guest: Rob Liefeld
Producers: Devon Baroldi and Jamie Yukich
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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