What’s Geeky in August 2024?

The days are humid and the school year is about to start back up. Do you know what this means?

More geeky stuff is coming your way! And man, oh man, is there a lot of great stuff coming your way. From an adaptation of a classic children’s book, to the return of Sauron, to a new Star Wars video game, and finally to a new book by James S. A. Corey (author of The Expanse). There’s so much to get excited about.

Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Movies:

August 2^nd:

Trap

In Theaters

M. Night Shyamalan is back with a new psychological horror. A man and his teenage daughter attend a pop concert only to realize that they are in the midst of a far more sinister event. And Dad might have something to do with it.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

In Theaters

Inspired by the classic 1955 children’s book written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson, this film follows an adult Harold (Zachary Levi) as he draws himself into our physical world. When the power of creativity falls into the wrong hands Harold will need all of his new friends to save our world and his own.

August 9^th:

Borderlands

In Theaters

Based on the fantastic video game series launched in 2009, this story set in the borderlands follows a team of misfits as they search for a missing girl who holds the key to unimaginable power. It has a star-studded cast with Jaime Lee-Curtis (Halloween), Jack Black (Kung-Fu Panda), and Cate Blanchett (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) among others. 

It Ends With Us

In Theaters

Adapted from the blockbuster Colleen Hoover novel, this is the story of Lily (Blake Lively) who overcomes a bleak childhood to become a successful adult. She sparks up a romance with a handsome neurosurgeon, but the sudden appearance of her first love upends all of her plans.

August 13^th:

MaXXXine

In Theaters

The third film in Ti West’s horror trilogy sees adult film star and aspiring mainstream actress Maxine Minx finally getting her big break in 1980s Hollywood. When a killer starts working on her fellow starlets, however, Maxine fears that the trail of blood may lead right back to her own twisted past.

August 16^th:

Alien: Romulus

In Theaters

So, we’ve got a group of young, pretty, space colonizers exploring a derelict space station far from anyone else. What’s the worst that could happen? Aliens. Aliens could happen. This newest entry in the Alien (1986) universe is the directorial debut of Fede Alvarez, the writer of Evil Dead (2013).

My Penguin Friend

In Theaters

I’m going to be honest: I included this movie because Jean Reno (Leon: The Professional) is one of my favorite actors. It doesn’t look terribly geeky, but it does look adorable. A penguin is lost after a devastating oil spill and befriends a heartbroken Brazilian fisherman (Reno). Even better, it’s based on a true story.

August 29^th:

Bookworm

In Theaters

Everyone’s favorite hobbit (Elijah Wood) is back as Strawn Wise, a washed-up magician and estranged father to 11-year-old Mildred (Nell Fisher). To repair their relationship, he agrees to take her camping and, while out, to hunt for the legendary Canterbury Panther.

August 30^th:

Slingshot

In Theaters

An astronaut on a mission to Saturn’s moon of Titan struggles to maintain his sanity. To make matters worse, the mission may be fatally compromised. Starring Tomer Capone (The Boys), Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix), and Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea), this psychological space adventure looks very mysterious and intriguing. 

TV

August 1^st:

Batman: Caped Crusader, season 1

Amazon

This latest iteration of Batman’s story takes place in 1920’s Gotham and includes the voices of Hamish Linklater (Midnight Mass) as our hero, Christina Ricci (Yellowjackets) as Catwoman, and Jamie Chung (Lovecraft Country) as Harley Quinn among many other great actors whose characters have yet to be revealed. 

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, season 1

Netflix

Based on the 2019 Holly Jackson novel of the same name, this show follows local high schooler Pip (Emma Myers) as she starts to investigate the long-solved murder of Andie Bell by her boyfriend Sal Singh. When Pip starts finding inconsistencies in the case, her senior year starts taking a darker turn.

August 8^th:

The Umbrella Academy, season 4

Netflix

The final season of the zany graphic novel adaptation sees our favorite ragtag group of siblings separated and powerless. But, because it might well be impossible to find peace in a world of time-traveling fish-bowl-headed bureaucrats, a mysterious group called The Keepers start questioning their reality which forces the siblings to unite once more.

August 9^th:

Pokemon Horizons: The Series, season 3

Netflix

Liko, Roy, and the Rising Volt Tacklers continue on their journey to find the Six Heroes. What will Roy discover about the Ancient PokeBall? What’s up with Liko’s Terapagos pendant? What adventures await our intrepid trainers? You’ll have to watch to find out.

August 12^th:

Solar Opposites, season 5

Hulu

The story for season five has been kept frustratingly secret. We know that the original family will be back, but we also know that season four ended on a pretty conclusive note: the solar opposites agreed to forget about their original mission and take residence on a new planet. What does the new season have in store for fans? We’ll just have to wait and see.

August 14^th:

Bad Monkey, season 1

Apple TV+

Police detective turned restaurant inspector Andrew Yancy (Vince Vaughn) may yet have a chance to rejoin the Miami PD when a tourist finds a severed human arm while fishing. First, however, he’ll need to make it past a trove of South Florida oddballs and, yes, a monkey.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, season 2

Disney +

Fans young and old of Kai, Lys, Nubs, and Nash will be excited to hear that we’re getting a new padawan this year: spirited Wes Vinik. This High Republic-era story will include all new missions, new training, and new astromechs.

August 15^th:

Rick and Morty: The Anime, season 1

Adult Swim

You, like me, may have seen this title and thought: wait, I thought Rick and Morty was already animated? Well, it was. But, this is an anime-style continuation that sees multiverse-straddling Rick, Morty, and the whole family on brand-new adventures. 

August 23^rd:

Pachinko, season 2

Apple TV+

The sweeping story of love and survival across four generations continues as World War II comes to an end. Sunja is forced to make some dangerous decisions for her family in post-war Osaka while Soloman is forced to start again in 1989 Tokyo after a blow to his reputation last season.

August 27^th:

Only Murders in the Building, season 4

Hulu

The adorable and star-studded mystery series returns as a Hollywood studio starts making a movie based on our heroes’ podcast. Additionally, they need to investigate whether Charles or Sazz was the intended victim of last season’s debacle as well as the twisted lives of their apartment-building neighbors. 

August 29^th:

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, season 2

Amazon

The details of this new season are shrouded in mystery but we do know that Charlie Vicker’s Sauron is free to roam Middle Earth and that a fan favorite from the books will be making his debut: Tom Bombadil. The eccentric character who originally appeared in Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Rings will be played by Rory Kinnear (The Imitation Game). 

Terminator Zero, season 1

Netflix

Another of my favorite actors, Timothy Olyphant (Justified) plays the newest Terminator. This one is on the hunt for an A.I. scientist named Malcolm Lee (Andre Holland) who is working on a new A.I. system designed to compete with the murderous Skynet. Takes place in The Terminator (1984) universe.

Kaos, season 1

Netflix

This modern-day retelling of Greek myth has Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park) as Zeus, Debby Mazar (Empire Records) as Medusa, and David Thewlis (Harry Potter movies) as Hades. Six humans are part of an ancient prophecy and if they discover the truth about the gods, they may not be so happy with them.

Video Games:

August 1^st:

Star Wars: Bounty Hunter 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

Have you ever wanted to be Jango Fett, Prime Clone of the Grand Army of the Republic? Well, now’s your chance! Your goal is to capture a deranged Dark Jedi and you’ll use all of your Mandalorian rage to bring him in. This new adaptation has been optimized for today’s consoles and hardware.

Thank Goodness You’re Here! 

(PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, PC)

Ready for something a little less stressful? This comedy slapformer takes place in the charmingly bizarre northern English town of Barnsworth. You play a traveling salesman visiting the town and providing odd jobs to the townsfolk. Included are authentic regional dialects and vignettes inspired by Yorkshire’s folklore.

August 2^nd:

The Mortuary Assistant 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)

This excellent PC horror has finally come to consoles. You play as, obviously, an assistant mortician. Called in to work an emergency night shift, you quickly realize that you are unable to leave. With a little (very little) guidance from your mentor, you must use occult rituals and arcane symbols to identify and exorcise demons. If you can.

August 6^th:

Pepper Grinder 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)

The titular characters, Pepper and Grinder, are a sailor with a love of mining and her superpowered drilling device, respectively. This action-packed 2D adventure finds Pepper stranded and penniless and out to change that. With Grinder in hand, you’ll level up, solve puzzles, and move through the Earth like water.

August 8^th:

Cat Quest III 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

The third installment in the action-packed (and adorable) RPG series Cat Quest involves feline pirates and Pi-rats galore. You’ll sail through the Purribean in your very own ship and work to find treasure, fight bad guys, and evade the Pirate King. Playable in solo mode or local co-op. 

Deathbound 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

In a world where Faith and Science clash, you’ll need to use your ability to bind with the dead and use their abilities to fight the creatures of Akratya. The 4-hero party system allows you to create teams through talent trees and their affiliation in life will affect their synergy in death.

SteamWorld Heist II 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

In this second installment in the steampunk pirate adventure, you play Captain Leeway and his ragtag band of steambots. Use turn-based combat and perfectly planned ricochets to take out enemies. Customize your crew, explore this steampunk world, and enjoy music by Steam Powered Giraffe in this unique game.

August 15^th:

Hunt: Showdown 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)

This tactical PvPvE first-person shooter sees you playing a bounty hunter. Are you hunting criminals? Of course not; we’re talking nightmarish monsters in an Old West setting. Compete with your fellow bounty hunters to purify and banish your targets, collect your money, and level up for the next bloody adventure.

I Am Your Beast 

(PC)

This short-form covert revenge-thriller FPS is about being hunted by the military-industrial complex. You play as secret agent Alphonse Harding and you’re trying very hard to retire. However, after turning down a job, your agency sends people to hunt you down. The fully voiced story campaign has a comic-book-inspired art style and replayable micro-sandboxes.

August 20^th:

Black Myth: Wukong 

(PlayStation 5, PC)

Finally, a game based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West! Honestly, I love this story. It involves characters and places straight from Chinese myth including (most excitingly) Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Excellent graphics and heart-pumping music add to the experience.

Dustborn 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)

This single-player, story-driven action-adventure game is set in an alternate history America. You play as Pax: a con artist looking for a new life. To achieve that, you’ve been hired to transport a mysterious package across the county, while you and your colleagues disguise yourselves as a punk band. Use your power with words to fight, manipulate, and more.

August 29^th:

Gori: Cuddly Carnage 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

Humanity has been destroyed by mutated toys and now it’s up to cat Gori, his sentient hoverboard F.R.A.N.K., and A.I. companion CH1-P to slay the Adorable Army. Enjoy a neon-soaked world with horrifying, twisted toys and buckets of blood. The script includes a lot of adult humor, foul language, and an unexpected amount of heart.

Gundam Breaker 4 

(PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, PC)

In the fourth installment of this classic RPG, you can create your own ultimate Gundam and test it in thrilling combat missions. Break off parts of your enemies and add them to your combat collection to create the most unique and coolest Gundam ever!

Squirrel With A Gun 

(PC)

In this nutty sandbox shooter and puzzle platformer, you play as everyone’s favorite neighborhood menace: the squirrel. And now, as you might have guessed, you’ve got a gun. Use multiple firearms to fight agents that have trapped you in a secret facility, to solve tantalizing puzzle rooms, and, most of all, to have fun!

Visions of Mana 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)

This latest Mana action RPG works to return to the roots of the series. You can explore the semi-open world with new companions, the Pikuls, and harness the power of the Elementals in combat. You can change freely between classes and characters to suit and build the playstyle you want.

August 30^th:

Star Wars Outlaws 

(PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

The first-ever open-world Star Wars game is finally here! Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, you can now visit all kinds of locations across the galaxy in this game. You play as Kay Vess, a scoundrel in search of a new life. Alongside her companion Nix, you’ll fight, steal, and outwit your way through a galaxy far, far away.

Books:

August 6^th:

• Storm Furies by Wen Spencer–Dark Fantasy, Action Adventure
• The Beanstalk Murder by P.G. Bell–Kids, Fantasy
• Cast in Atonement by Michelle Sagara–Book 19 in The Chronicles of Elantra, Fantasy, Action Adventure
• Child of the Anzu by Emily H. Wilson–Book 2 in The Sumerians Trilogy, Fantasy, Historical
• Dance of the Starlit Sea by Kiana Krystle–YA, Fantasy, Romance
• The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djeli Clark–Fantasy, Action Adventure
• To Turn the Tide by S.M. Stirling–SciFi, Time Travel
• This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings–YA, Fantasy, LGBTQ
• In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundiran–Epic Fantasy, Action Adventure
• Tomorrow’s Troopers edited by Hank Davis and David Afsharirad–SciFi, Action Adventure
• A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher–Fantasy, Action Adventure
• The Sunforge by Sascha Stronach–Epic Fantasy, LGBTQ
• The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey–Book 1 in The Captive’s War, SciFi
• A Family of Killers by Bryce Moore–YA, SciFi, Fantasy
• The Girl With No Reflection by Keshe Chow–YA, Fantasy, Folklore

August 13^th:

• Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright–Book 1 in The Age of Blood, Dark Fantasy, Romance
• The Dollmakers by Lynn Buchanan–Fantasy, Folklore
• A Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley–Paranormal Romance
• The Doors of Midnight by R.R. Virdi–Book 2 in Tales of Tremaine, Epic Fantasy, Action Adventure
• Ghostsmith by Nicki Pau Preto–Book 2 in House of the Dead, YA, Epic Fantasy, SciFi
• Hera by Jennifer Saint–Fantasy, Folktales
• Medusa by Nataly Gruender–Fantasy, Folktales
• Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca–Paranormal Romance, Comedy
• The Fortunate Fall by Cameron Reed–SciFi, Reprint
• Time’s Agent by Brenda Peynado–SciFi, Time Travel
• The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko–YA, Epic Fantasy, Romance

August 20^th:

• Asunder by Kerstin Hall–Epic Fantasy, Action Adventure
• Rise and Divine by Lana Harper–Paranormal Romance, LGBTQ
• A Darkness Returns by Raymond E. Feist–Epic Fantasy, Action Adventure
• The Dragon in Winter by Jonathan Maberry–Book 3 in A Kagen the Damned Novel, Epic Fantasy, Horror
• Drown Me with Dreams by Gabi Burton–Book 2 in Series, YA, Epic Fantasy
• The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson–Fantasy, Historical, Horror
• Wisteria by Adalyn Grace–Book 3 in Belladonna, YA, Fantasy, Historical
• Betrayal Road by Christine Feehan–Book 9 in Torpedo Ink, Paranormal Romance
• De-Witched by Sophie H. Morgan–Book 2 in Toil and Trouble, Paranormal Romance, Comedy
• My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand–YA, Fantasy, Historical, Romance

August 27^th:

• Between Dragons and Their Wrath by Devin Madson–Book 1 in The Shattered Kingdom, Epic Fantasy, LGBTQ
• One House Left by Vincent Ralph–YA, SciFi, Fantasy
• The Enchanted Lies of Celeste Artois by Ryan Graudin–Fantasy, Historical
• Island of Whispers by Frances Hardinge–Kids, Fantasy
• Practical Rules for Cursed Witches by Kayla Cottingham–YA, Fantasy, LGBTQ
• Misadventures in Ghosthunting by Melissa Yue–Kids, Fantasy, Mythology
• Mysterious Ways by Wendy Wunder–YA, Fantasy, Romance
• The New Camelot by Robyn Schneider–Book 3 in Emry Merlin, YA, Fantasy, Folklore
• Come Out, Come Out by Natalie C. Parker–YA, Horror, LGBTQ
• Fyrebirds by Kate J. Armstrong–YA, Epic Fantasy, Romance

That’s August

That’s August, folks!

We’ve got a lot of stuff to look forward to this month and even more stuff to look forward to next month. Sign up for Geek Alerts to be the first one to hear all about it.

Keep it Geeky!