deerstalker
https://blackgirlnerds.com/that-time-i-saved-superman/
BY DENNIS R. UPKINS
Chances are you’ve probably seen him while looking up in the sky. You probably thought it was a bird. No… a plane. The uncertainty is understandable. In addition to being more powerful than a locomotive, he’s also faster than a speeding bullet. Make no mistake. Superman’s out there and has been our champion for a long time.
As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I’m referring to Superman. The strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Superman is out there, protecting the multiverse and fighting the never-ending battle for truth, tolerance, and justice.
I know this firsthand because Supes has saved my bacon more than once. I’m honored to count him as a personal friend. A while back, I was working on an assignment at the Daily Planet in Metropolis. My investigative series on corporate corruption resulted in me following a money trail that landed me in the crosshairs of the infamous Intergang. Thankfully, I had a guardian angel of the Kryptonian kind who allowed me to see the story to print and shine a spotlight on some very corrupt leaders.
However, the biggest story of the century I can never break. For you see, I’m one of the elite few who knows Superman’s secret identity. Ironically, I discovered it by accident. There was this adorkable co-worker at the Planet who I had the biggest crush on. The glasses and nerdy demeanor said mild-mannered. But even the business suit couldn’t hide the corn-fed midwestern hunky physique that was straight out of Smallville. Needless to say, he always caught my attention. One day, en route to lunch with my buddies, Perry, Cat, Lois and Jimmy, the Planet was under siege by Intergang. I spotted my crush racing into a storage closet. And seconds later, the Man of Steel emerged and saved the day. The previous intel may or may not have been misdirected to protect my buddy’s secret identity.
Superman has defeated nearly every evil imaginable. However, a few years back, he faced a threat that proved to be far deadlier than any form of Kryptonite. And this time, Superman’s powers weren’t enough.
DC Comics and parent company Time Warner–who owns the licensing rights to Supes– announced that they would be hiring sci-fi author, racist, homophobe and douchebag Orson Scott Card to pen The Adventures of Superman. To add even further insult to injury, this was after DC Comics had gone on a media blitz for months prior to the announcement trying to establish themselves as an ally to the LGBTQ community.
This was a danger of the insurmountable kind. Superman’s soul was in great peril. Stories have power. They teach us about our history and can help us shape our destinies.
“The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they can control the minds of the masses.”
-The Original X-Man, First Class, Brother Malcolm
“I believe that magic is art and that art, whether that be music, writing, sculpture, or any other form, is literally magic. Art is, like magic, the science of manipulating symbols, words or images, to achieve changes in consciousness… Indeed, to cast a spell is simply to spell, to manipulate words, to change people’s consciousness, and this is why I believe that an artist or writer is the closest thing in the contemporary world to a shaman.”
-Alan Moore
What sets Superman aside from his peers is that he isn’t merely a superhero. He is the superhero. His greatest power comes not from a reaction to the yellow sun but his indomitable drive to do the right thing. He is one of the most powerful beings in existence and yet he is ruled by his sense of ethics. He inspires others to be the very best possible versions of themselves. Long before social justice was a cute buzzword and hobby for stupid, spoiled, privileged white faux-gressives on Tumblr, Superman was about that life.
“And remember boys and girls, your school, like our country, is made up of Americans of many different races, religions and national origins. So, if you hear anybody talk against a schoolmate or anyone else because of his religion, race or national origin-don’t wait: tell him THAT KIND OF TALK IS UN-AMERICAN.”
-Superman
So, to have a bigot use the world’s most iconic superhero to promote white supremacy flies in the face of everything Superman stands for. Superman’s narrative would be safer in the hands of Lex Luthor. While many thought this was a job for Superman, I realized it was my chance to pay him back for all he’s done for us. Just as the infamous Doomsday attack resulted in the rise of both Steels and Superboy when Superman had briefly “died,” it was time for me to rise up.
It was time to save Superman.
Where I thought I would be standing alone, my voice soon joined others. In fact, I inevitably crossed paths and joined forces with Nicole Gitau, Joey Stern, Aria Baci, and the other superpowered collective, known as Geeks Out.
Where we were once few, we soon became Legion.
When I appeared as a panelist at conventions and conferences, I spoke out against Card and his upcoming film, Ender’s Game. From articles to blog posts, we signal-boosted the boycott against Time Warner/DC Comics. Critics claimed that we were wasting our time. Even gay celebrities like Dustin Lance Black stated our efforts were a waste of energy. They tried to silence us. Nevertheless, we persisted.
And then, the impossible happened.
Card was handed his walking papers by DC Comics and his story was canceled. As for the box office rankings of Ender’s Game? A true bottom.
For all the complaints people may have about social justice and equal rights activism, these topics have been an influence on pop culture and society by extension. Said influence has allowed us to have conversations that wouldn’t have been possible a decade or even five years ago. White privilege, slut shaming, LGBTQ rights, are all topics that are explored in the narratives of mainstream media. This is why it is absolutely important that we speak truth to power and remain vigilant in our never-ending fight for truth, justice, tolerance, and diversity.
While a major victory was achieved with Card’s defeat, I would be repeatedly reminded that many battles lay ahead. Just ask Gail Simone about that time I was on her social media page and went Midnighter in putting the fear of God in that Nazi, Chuck Dixon. Let’s just say it didn’t end well…for him.
Every once in a while, I’ll glance up, see my pal Superman, and we both smile and nod. He knows that if he’s ever in trouble again, he’s got back up at the ready.
The post That Time I Saved ‘Superman’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
BY DENNIS R. UPKINS
Chances are you’ve probably seen him while looking up in the sky. You probably thought it was a bird. No… a plane. The uncertainty is understandable. In addition to being more powerful than a locomotive, he’s also faster than a speeding bullet. Make no mistake. Superman’s out there and has been our champion for a long time.
As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I’m referring to Superman. The strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Superman is out there, protecting the multiverse and fighting the never-ending battle for truth, tolerance, and justice.
I know this firsthand because Supes has saved my bacon more than once. I’m honored to count him as a personal friend. A while back, I was working on an assignment at the Daily Planet in Metropolis. My investigative series on corporate corruption resulted in me following a money trail that landed me in the crosshairs of the infamous Intergang. Thankfully, I had a guardian angel of the Kryptonian kind who allowed me to see the story to print and shine a spotlight on some very corrupt leaders.
However, the biggest story of the century I can never break. For you see, I’m one of the elite few who knows Superman’s secret identity. Ironically, I discovered it by accident. There was this adorkable co-worker at the Planet who I had the biggest crush on. The glasses and nerdy demeanor said mild-mannered. But even the business suit couldn’t hide the corn-fed midwestern hunky physique that was straight out of Smallville. Needless to say, he always caught my attention. One day, en route to lunch with my buddies, Perry, Cat, Lois and Jimmy, the Planet was under siege by Intergang. I spotted my crush racing into a storage closet. And seconds later, the Man of Steel emerged and saved the day. The previous intel may or may not have been misdirected to protect my buddy’s secret identity.
Superman has defeated nearly every evil imaginable. However, a few years back, he faced a threat that proved to be far deadlier than any form of Kryptonite. And this time, Superman’s powers weren’t enough.
DC Comics and parent company Time Warner–who owns the licensing rights to Supes– announced that they would be hiring sci-fi author, racist, homophobe and douchebag Orson Scott Card to pen The Adventures of Superman. To add even further insult to injury, this was after DC Comics had gone on a media blitz for months prior to the announcement trying to establish themselves as an ally to the LGBTQ community.
This was a danger of the insurmountable kind. Superman’s soul was in great peril. Stories have power. They teach us about our history and can help us shape our destinies.
“The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they can control the minds of the masses.”
-The Original X-Man, First Class, Brother Malcolm
“I believe that magic is art and that art, whether that be music, writing, sculpture, or any other form, is literally magic. Art is, like magic, the science of manipulating symbols, words or images, to achieve changes in consciousness… Indeed, to cast a spell is simply to spell, to manipulate words, to change people’s consciousness, and this is why I believe that an artist or writer is the closest thing in the contemporary world to a shaman.”
-Alan Moore
What sets Superman aside from his peers is that he isn’t merely a superhero. He is the superhero. His greatest power comes not from a reaction to the yellow sun but his indomitable drive to do the right thing. He is one of the most powerful beings in existence and yet he is ruled by his sense of ethics. He inspires others to be the very best possible versions of themselves. Long before social justice was a cute buzzword and hobby for stupid, spoiled, privileged white faux-gressives on Tumblr, Superman was about that life.
“And remember boys and girls, your school, like our country, is made up of Americans of many different races, religions and national origins. So, if you hear anybody talk against a schoolmate or anyone else because of his religion, race or national origin-don’t wait: tell him THAT KIND OF TALK IS UN-AMERICAN.”
-Superman
So, to have a bigot use the world’s most iconic superhero to promote white supremacy flies in the face of everything Superman stands for. Superman’s narrative would be safer in the hands of Lex Luthor. While many thought this was a job for Superman, I realized it was my chance to pay him back for all he’s done for us. Just as the infamous Doomsday attack resulted in the rise of both Steels and Superboy when Superman had briefly “died,” it was time for me to rise up.
It was time to save Superman.
Where I thought I would be standing alone, my voice soon joined others. In fact, I inevitably crossed paths and joined forces with Nicole Gitau, Joey Stern, Aria Baci, and the other superpowered collective, known as Geeks Out.
Where we were once few, we soon became Legion.
When I appeared as a panelist at conventions and conferences, I spoke out against Card and his upcoming film, Ender’s Game. From articles to blog posts, we signal-boosted the boycott against Time Warner/DC Comics. Critics claimed that we were wasting our time. Even gay celebrities like Dustin Lance Black stated our efforts were a waste of energy. They tried to silence us. Nevertheless, we persisted.
And then, the impossible happened.
Card was handed his walking papers by DC Comics and his story was canceled. As for the box office rankings of Ender’s Game? A true bottom.
For all the complaints people may have about social justice and equal rights activism, these topics have been an influence on pop culture and society by extension. Said influence has allowed us to have conversations that wouldn’t have been possible a decade or even five years ago. White privilege, slut shaming, LGBTQ rights, are all topics that are explored in the narratives of mainstream media. This is why it is absolutely important that we speak truth to power and remain vigilant in our never-ending fight for truth, justice, tolerance, and diversity.
While a major victory was achieved with Card’s defeat, I would be repeatedly reminded that many battles lay ahead. Just ask Gail Simone about that time I was on her social media page and went Midnighter in putting the fear of God in that Nazi, Chuck Dixon. Let’s just say it didn’t end well…for him.
Every once in a while, I’ll glance up, see my pal Superman, and we both smile and nod. He knows that if he’s ever in trouble again, he’s got back up at the ready.
The post That Time I Saved ‘Superman’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
On the Patapsco River near where it empties into the Chesapeake Bay is the city Baltimore. This year, we nerds will be begging and bribing our loved ones, friends, and acquaintances to travel to Charm City for this year’s Baltimore Comic-Con (BCC). Staged out of the Baltimore Convention Center, which is conveniently nestled between Orioles Park and the Inner Harbor, the chances are good that fun abounds all around the convention. This will be the 19th year and starting the Thursday before, the organizers will be racing to get the convention center ready.
Last year, the comic book guests included comic icon Frank Miller, along with convention regulars Louise and Walt Simonson, Neal Adams, Tom King, Brian Stelfreeze, and Ken Lashley. Frank Miller returns this year and comic stars Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, and Jenny Frison are in the house this year as well. With all this kind of talent at the convention every year, another aspect of the BCC is a featured up and coming writer/artist. Last year it was Jamar Nicholas, and this year the organizers revealed that the artist featured on our program guide and T-shirt is Sean Chen. Sean’s a long-time friend of the show, and we’re happy to have his fantastic artwork represent the Baltimore Comic-Con this year.” As with most conventions, the focus is not solely on comic books. The BCC has a great focus on children’s activities all convention long, although Sunday is the best day activity-wise. The kiddie cosplay is simply adorable. For non-comic geeks, there is also a myriad of media guests. This year includes Mike Colter, Wil Wheaton, Katrina Law, Tricia Helfer, and Zachary Levi.
Another feature unique to the con is the Yearbook. With the Convention Yearbook, you can spend an entire afternoon wandering the Artist’s Alley meeting independent talent from all over. BGN asked the organizers about the theme of the Yearbook this year and why should someone consider purchasing one.
2018 Yearbook theme is Terry Moore’s Strangers in Paradise, which actually includes all of Terry’s properties, including Motor Girl, Echo, and Rachel Rising. We have a vast array of contributors this year (actually a few more than last year!) drawing Terry’s characters, sometimes with their creator-owned characters and sometimes by themselves, and they are varied, beautiful, and occasionally hilarious! Every year, we feature a scavenger hunt where guests go and get a number of signatures in their yearbooks and can then choose from a number of bonus art prints in the theme of the Yearbook that are not in the book. Our attendees love it!
Recent unrest on the convention circuit may discourage some from attending. BGN questioned the organizers regarding their efforts to manage any disruptions. The organizers indicated that they’re “learning and improving all the time.” And that “the show will continue to grow and evolve to ensure everyone has a spectacular and safe time at our event!” So, while San Diego and New York vie for the largest convention bragging rights, the BCC consistently works every year to simply be the best. From the great location, unique convention activities, as well as the comic and media guests, this is one convention where everything seems to focus on the experience of the attendees. As such it seems like this will be another banner year for a fun time to be had by all. The convention starts at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 28, 2018, and we here at BGN look forward to seeing you and yours in the gleefully short line!
The post Getting Ready for the Baltimore Comic-Con! appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
Saturday Night Live has added another black woman to the cast to stand alongside Leslie Jones. According to CNN, actress Ego Nwodim will be making her debut on the 44th season.
Now I know you’re wondering, this is great …
Earlier this year, MGM announced that they would resurrect Chucky and the Child’s Play franchise next, but the only thing is that the franchise is still alive and kicking! The writer of the classic ’80s horror, Don Mancini, and the voice of Chucky, Brad Dourif, have steadily kept making some of the funniest, scariest, and most enjoyable frighteners, with the most recent one released only last year. Now that we’ve seen the first look at the new iteration of the doll which holds the soul of Charles Lee Ray (or does it, any more?), we decided to look back at the classic series and (struggle because they are all great) rank them for your perusing pleasure.
7. Cult of Chucky (2017)
The newest and arguably weakest Chucky film follows directly after the brilliant and legitimately very scary Curse of Chucky. The seventh entry in the franchise is entertaining enough and does offer some seriously good scares, but the reliance on some majorly outdated mental health representation and a bland setting means that it comes at the tail end of our list. However, the multiple Chuckies and ridiculous ending are pretty great.
6. Seed of Chucky (2004)
One of the joys of the Child’s Play franchise is the incredible practical effects that Mancini and co. utilize to bring Chucky–and in this case his family–to life and Seed of Chucky delivers on that front. If anything, this entry leans heavily into the humor that makes these films so great, as Chucky and Tiffany’s son Gentle Glen heads to Hollywood to resurrect his parents when he finds out that a movie is being made about them. It’s a masterclass in silly meta horror that’s only let down by a lack of proper scares.
5. Child’s Play 3 (1991)
Rushed out after the success of Child’s Play 2, this threequel was released an unbelievable nine months after its predecessor, and although it’s a lot of fun you can definitely tell ’twas hurried. It once again follows poor old Andy Barclay–this time played by Justin Whalin–as he tries to convince the world that Charles Lee Ray has returned. A fun third act in a haunted house makes this one worth a watch even if it’s a little rough around the edges.
4. Bride of Chucky (1998)
Ronny Yu was on a roll in the late ’90s and early ’00s, as he helmed some of the biggest horror franchises including this fantastically funny addition to Chucky canon. Starring Dourif, alongside new addition Jennifer Tilly as Chucky’s love interest, this is easily one of the best Chucky films as the pair wreak havoc trying to retrieve a magical jewel buried alongside Charles Lee Ray. This is where the franchise really got its rep as a horror comedy goldmine.
3. Curse of Chucky (2013)
After a nine year absence, Chucky returned in this frightening film that starred Brad Dourif’s daughter Fiona as Chucky’s newest victim. Reverting back to the more streamlined possession horror of the original film, this strong sixth entry revived the franchise and introduced a whole new generation to the terrifying doll and his maniacal ways. The film also ends with a cameo from original Child’s Play star Alex Vincent, who would go on to star in 2017’s Cult of Chucky.
2. Child’s Play 2 (1990)
The writer of the first film, Don Mancini, returned for this–and every other–sequel which followed little Andy from Child’s Play as he deals with the fact that no one believes his outrageous true story of the killer doll who ruined his life. The first of the films to sow the seeds of the campy horror humor that the series would become known for, Child’s Play 2 is a whole bunch of fun, still managing to straddle the line between gore and giggles.
1. Child’s Play (1988)
The original and the best. Tom Holland’s astoundingly creepy, strangely magical, and wonderfully unique ’80s slasher can’t be topped. It was the film that launched a franchise so strong it’s still going 30 years later. All little Andy Barclay wants is a Good Guy doll, but when his mom buys him one down a dark alley they both get more than they bargained for as the doll is imbued with the soul of a serial killer. Incredible casting, witty writing, and bleak humor make this a stone cold cult classic.
What’s your favorite Chucky film? Can’t wait to see the new version of the little doll who could (kill)? Be a good boy and let us know below!
Images: MGM-UA, Paramount,Rogue, Universal, Netflix