The stuff that destroyed me in 2025 + New Manga Coming

December 2025 Newsletter

Hi Folks,

It’s been a while, but I wanted to close out 2025 with two things: an update on my own work, and to share the stories that brought me the most joy this year.

I’m finally working on releasing my next manga—keep your eyes peeled. I haven’t been this excited in years. If you enjoyed the vibes of Akira, Mad Max, or even Fallout, this will be the manga-style comic for you.

Below are my personal "Bests of 2025"—the books, shows, and games that moved me the most. I hope you find something fantastic for yourself here.

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Best Manga

Tower Dungeon (Volumes 1-3) by Tsutomu Nihei

This is what happens when an artist of Tsutomu Nihei’s calibre switches things up. The master of SF industrial gothic takes a more classical approach to heroic fantasy. The necromancer has kidnapped the princess and is keeping her in a huge 100-storey tower—Join Yuva, an incredibly strong fighter with a secret, Lilisen a fire mage and a cast of charming adventurers. They must go on a dungeon crawl, however this time they are climbing upwards. Necromorphs, dragons, and an incomprehensible evil must be faced. Superb physical comedic moments keep it light and fun.

This book is totally accessible to anyone; you don’t have to be a manga regular to enjoy it. An absolute delight. Three volumes in print with more to come.

Best Manga

Tank Chair (Volumes 1-5) by Manabu Yashiro

Gonzo action and extreme violence. Older brother Nagi and his younger sister Yuuri have escaped from a school for young assassins. They’re in a dangerous, crime-filled city, surrounded by people who want the bounty on their heads as well as elite students from the school sent to hunt them down.

Did I mention Nagi is wheelchair-bound? And did I also mention that Yuuri has to threaten him with death to awaken him out of a stupefied coma in order to fight the oncoming attackers? Oh yeah, and his wheelchair is a tank-like weapon with spikes and special weapons. And that’s just Mk1, the tank chairs get even more insane. One of the craziest rides you’ll ever take. This cult hit manga is a lot of fun.

Best Comics

Transformers (Volumes 1–4) by Daniel Warren Johnson, Jorge Corona, Mike Spicer and others

Autobots crash land on Earth, fighting the Decepticons. The war begins, but this is not the eighties transformers many grew up with. An emotional gut punch and a fresh, edgy take on the robots in disguise. Daniel Warren Johnson surprised everyone when he was announced for this major corporate franchise, known for his deeply personal and impactful original series as both writer and artist.

What would he come up with? And what would happen after issue 6 when DWJ would switch exclusively to writing duties and Jorge Corona would take over as the main artist on the book?

Fear not—Corona is just as good at drawing the Autobots and Decepticons, especially when it comes to making those huge metallic combiners go head to head. DWJ is in his groove here, and truly at the height of his powers; some say this is the best thing he’s ever written. Dynamic art and sensitive writing for what may be the finest Transformers stories ever.

Best Comics

Absolute Batman (issues 1 to 15 + Annual) by Nick Dragotta and Scott Snyder (and others)

Dragotta and Snyder remix Batman for a new generation. This Batman has grown up working class and has to rely on his wits and ingenuity. A fierce and uncompromising Batman, built to match the enemy he faces: a shadowy organisation that is psychotic and murderous. This new version, though not a killer, is violent and extreme in order to deal with the overwhelming odds—at one point pulling the bat logo off his chest and turning it into an axe.

The new DC Comics Absolute line has been a hit, and this particular version of the overwritten Bruce Wayne managed to breathe new life into an old character, with Dragotta ( his manga-style art inspired by Fist of the North Star eighties Shonen action) is just as fantastic. The DWJ anti-Nazi annual was also genius.

Graphic Novel of the Year

Drome by Jesse Lonergan

A beautifully drawn myth about gods, humans, and even monsters. This epic about war, love, and death in a fledgling world delves into the male and feminine psyches and somehow manages a thoughtful meditation on toxic masculinity. A staggering work of heartfelt genius. The layouts alone are worth the price of admission for this 320-page opus, an almost completely wordless comic that through its images and thoughtful meta-narrative use of CMYK manages to speak volumes.

Some have already called it book of the year; some have called it an instant classic. Both of those claims are on point. Don’t miss it.

Anime of the Year

Chainsaw Man – Reze Arc by Studio MAPPA

Chainsaw Man faces his deadliest battle yet in a brutal war between devils, hunters and secret enemies. Denji AKA Chainsaw Man falls for the beautiful Reze, or perhaps he still loves Makima? You’ll have to watch to find out what happens in this next chapter.

The first season of the Chainsaw Man anime adaptation by MAPPA is of course based on the hit manga from extreme and unforgettable creator Tatsuki Fujimoto. The series was maligned for its use of computer graphics—some hated it, others loved it. Personally, I forgave the rare inconsistencies; overall it was highly entertaining and did justice to the manga I love so much.

For the Reze arc, the next phase of the manga was instead adapted into a feature film. Relying and focusing on hand-drawn animation, you will see the cream of the current animator crop flexing hard as they have created some of the most innovative and beautifully rendered animation ever produced. The story adaptation is tight and action-packed violence, whilst simultaneously managing to be heartfelt and emotional.

I watched the Chainsaw Man movie three times. Once in 3D, once at IMAX, and once on a regular screen. Every time I was blown away.

Game of the Year

Cyberpunk 2077 by CD Projekt Red

Sure, it’s five years old now. Yes, its launch was marred by significant technical issues—unless you had a high-spec machine you really couldn’t play it until the bug fixes shipped. One of the worst launches in game history. But CDPR pulled off the unthinkable: they fixed all the bugs, released a superb DLC chapter (Phantom Liberty) with new characters, stories, and alternative endings to boot.

Become V and explore Night City. This cyberpunk masterwork is moving, gripping; the narratives and reflections on our technological dystopia are timely, relevant, and one hell of a good time. I sunk more hours into this game than I care to admit (yes, I completed multiple endings and every single mission). Do I regret it? Definitely not.

This was an investment that has paid huge dividends. I absolutely loved being in this world, experiencing the amazing action set pieces and artwork. A phenomenal computer game, well worth your time.

TV Show of the Year

Stranger Things – Season 5 (Finale) by the Duffer Brothers / Netflix

The Duffer Bros pitched their Stephen King / John Carpenter / Spielberg-esque TV series ten years ago, and lucky for us, Netflix gave it the green light.

Years later, the story, the characters, the actors have all become an iconic part of modern-day pop culture, even receiving kudos from respected video game legend Hideo Kojima. Sure, the seasons varied in quality as the Brothers experimented with different genres, emphasising different tones. But when Season 4 dropped and broke records—as well as Netflix servers—the whole Stranger Things team were recognised for their superb work. Iconic moments included Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” cemented their place in film and TV history as some of the best to ever do it.

The new fifth and final season is their victory lap and expectaions are high. Will they stick the landing or crash and burn? To date, seven episodes have been released (three just came out today), so Merry Christmas! So far, it’s been absolutely fantastic following the characters through Hawkins, Indiana as they explore the Upside Down and face resistance and pressure from secretive government groups, their own internal tensions, and of course, the villain of the piece: Vecna.

For me, the actors, the soundtrack, the production design, and the SF horror adventure have been a real pleasure to experience. I can’t wait to watch the rest of the series.

Movie of the Year

One Battle After Another directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

PTA assembles a staggering cast—Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, and Benicio del Toro—for a combustible, nerve-shredding epic that only he could make.

On the surface, it’s a thriller about far-left revolutionaries clashing with a ruthless hunter in a fractured America. But at its heart, it’s a profound, decades-spanning exploration of identity, betrayal, and the relentless ghosts of the past. The film masterfully weaves together racial and societal tensions with a PTA signature: heart, unsettling humor, and sequences of almost unbearable tension.

The performances are career-best work. DiCaprio is raw and desperate, Penn is terrifyingly committed, and Taylor is an absolute force of nature. The craftsmanship—from the score to the visceral cinematography—is flawless.

This isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience that grabs you and doesn’t let go until the final, breathtaking frame. It’s the most electrifying and thought-provoking film I’ve seen in years.

Who knew joining the revolution and fighting the power would be so much fun?

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If you also know any teens in the Sydney, Australia area close to the CBD I’ve just launched a monthly manga class where I’ll be diving deep into manga creation. It’s only $5 for 1.5 hours so definitely worthwhile for youth who want to level up their manga skills.

Manga Club Workshop, 13-17 yrs

• Manga Foundations: Tools + Visual Clarity, Monday 16 February 2026, 4pm to 5:30pm

• Character Design: “Charm”, Exaggeration, and Acting, Monday 16 March 2026, 4pm to 5:30pm

We also have a few spots left for the 13-17 yrs January School Holidays. These book out fast, so if you have friends or family that are interested let them know soon. (The 9-12 yrs workshops are already fully booked.)

School holidays: manga comic book workshop, 13-17 yrs

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To let you know I’ve changed my social handles to @hexagonmanart so follow me on all the socials, e.g. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube if you’re not already. I look forward to sharing more excellent and interesting manga and other cool comic stuff there with you.

Enjoy the holiday season and wishing you all the best for 2026,

Nima AKA The Hexagon Man