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https://blacknerdproblems.com/devils-reign-6-finale-review/
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Artist: Marco Checchetto / Marvel Comics
Vengeance has been the name of the game in Devil’s Reign, and this final issue ramps that bloodlust up to Stain levels in these Marvel streets. The big difference this time is that the hate filled motivation comes from our titular character, Daredevil himself.
This 6-issue mini-series contained a lot of fun plot threads surrounding Kingpin’s mission of memory altering vengeance. While I enjoyed this story, there seemed to be some missed opportunities on the part of Chip Zdarsky, who I absolutely love as a writer. Perhaps the scope was too small, which is rarely a critique for most modern superhero tales. Perhaps the scope was just right but didn’t include enough voices to make this feel like a genuine Marvel comic book “event.” And perhaps I’m just mad there was minimal X-Men action in Devil’s Reign #6, but I digress. Let’s jump into what went down.
Off the strength of Checchetto’s first couple of fire pages of Devil’s Reign #6, you know this issue is about to be a bloody affair. Captain America taking on an evil Wolverine Doc Oc from another universe, The Purple Man mind controlling hundreds of civilians right into harm’s way, and Daredevil with murderous intentions in his eyes after finding out that Wilson Fisk just murdered his brother in cold blood, after impersonating him this whole time.
As arguably the most pious high-profile Marvel character, it was very intriguing to see Matt Murdock fight his demons desire for revenge. As Daredevil and Kingpin went toe to toe, your mind really wondered if one of them was going to step over that line there’s no coming back from. A huge chunk of this book wound up a brutal slugfest reminiscent of an attitude era Big Show vs. Shawn Michaels type matchup and I was here for every bruise, busted lip, kick, and haymaker!
The results of the title match will divide fans on how a story like this should close out, and things were a tad too tidy by the turn of the last page; however, it was a fun ride to get there. Despite Marco Checchetto’s gorgeous artwork all throughout this 6-issue run, we won’t be calling Devil’s Reign the book that erased the bad taste Civil War II left in fan’s mouths like I once hoped, but it is one that will allow fans to keep saying Daredevil always has the best written stories in Marvel.
7 Convict Calvary’s out of 10
Did you enjoy Devil’s Reign? Check out BNP’s other reviews here.
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The post Devil’s Reign #6 Finale Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Writer: Chip Zdarsky / Artist: Marco Checchetto / Marvel Comics
Vengeance has been the name of the game in Devil’s Reign, and this final issue ramps that bloodlust up to Stain levels in these Marvel streets. The big difference this time is that the hate filled motivation comes from our titular character, Daredevil himself.
This 6-issue mini-series contained a lot of fun plot threads surrounding Kingpin’s mission of memory altering vengeance. While I enjoyed this story, there seemed to be some missed opportunities on the part of Chip Zdarsky, who I absolutely love as a writer. Perhaps the scope was too small, which is rarely a critique for most modern superhero tales. Perhaps the scope was just right but didn’t include enough voices to make this feel like a genuine Marvel comic book “event.” And perhaps I’m just mad there was minimal X-Men action in Devil’s Reign #6, but I digress. Let’s jump into what went down.
Off the strength of Checchetto’s first couple of fire pages of Devil’s Reign #6, you know this issue is about to be a bloody affair. Captain America taking on an evil Wolverine Doc Oc from another universe, The Purple Man mind controlling hundreds of civilians right into harm’s way, and Daredevil with murderous intentions in his eyes after finding out that Wilson Fisk just murdered his brother in cold blood, after impersonating him this whole time.
As arguably the most pious high-profile Marvel character, it was very intriguing to see Matt Murdock fight his demons desire for revenge. As Daredevil and Kingpin went toe to toe, your mind really wondered if one of them was going to step over that line there’s no coming back from. A huge chunk of this book wound up a brutal slugfest reminiscent of an attitude era Big Show vs. Shawn Michaels type matchup and I was here for every bruise, busted lip, kick, and haymaker!
The results of the title match will divide fans on how a story like this should close out, and things were a tad too tidy by the turn of the last page; however, it was a fun ride to get there. Despite Marco Checchetto’s gorgeous artwork all throughout this 6-issue run, we won’t be calling Devil’s Reign the book that erased the bad taste Civil War II left in fan’s mouths like I once hoped, but it is one that will allow fans to keep saying Daredevil always has the best written stories in Marvel.
7 Convict Calvary’s out of 10
Did you enjoy Devil’s Reign? Check out BNP’s other reviews here.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram!
The post Devil’s Reign #6 Finale Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Sarah Jones’s new film Sell/Buy/Date examines the sex work industry from the unique perspective of sex workers, which shouldn’t be revolutionary, but it is. The film is a part of the 2022 SanFrancisco Film Festival this month, and BGN spoke with Sara Jones on Zoom last week about the film and her creative process.
In the stage version of Sell/Buy/Date, you play, is it 19 Characters?
Yes. If you count the voices in the film, I want to say we’re probably rounding out more like ten.
How did you choose which characters to bring with you to the film?
My goal was how many contrasting opinions can we have. People who can be in the debate, just like I think a lot of us are, as Black girls and women and femmes. I grew up with aunties who were like, [in an NYC Queens accent] “Keep your knees together! Don’t you know, feet on the floor.”
Then some aunties were like, (in a West Indian accent) “Girl life is too short and you don’t let these men know-” it’s like, I want to hear the full range of how Black women are not a monolith. Women are not a monolith. Part of how we evolve and grow is by listening to each other.
I loved the nuanced nature of the film. As you brought the story to life, you traveled across the country and spoke with a diverse group of sex workers to learn about their relationship to their work. How did experiencing their stories firsthand impact you?
I get very emotional thinking about this topic. I just noticed myself on the Zoom messing with my hair. I’m doing my little tics when I get in my feels. The best way to describe it is that it really got in my bones and nervous system.
I spoke with women in “the life,” who are formerly in “the life,” and who choose whatever they choose. I listen to them rather than prescribing for them how they should live. That is my sacred opportunity and obligation as somebody with the opportunity to make this film. I need to make sure that their voice is what you come away with, not mine.
You succeeded. Big time. What was the most challenging part about taking Sell/Buy/Date from the stage to the screen?
One of my goals was to preserve the conversation that exists in the play while not doing an adaptation of it. This is not a play if you’re coming to the movie thinking you’re gonna see the thing that I did see, you know, we’re doing it in the Bay Area, and I performed workshops of it at you know, why BCA there and Berkeley Rep and it was wonderful to do the play. The play is the play. The film is definitely inspired by the play and the concepts from the play. After that. It’s its own movie. It’s its own entity and it tries to take up some of the same threads that the play starts with and weave something new. That’s the idea. If the play is a sweater, the movie is, you know, a jumpsuit. The material is there, but it’s two different garments.
I definitely see that. That must have been challenging, or did that make it easier?
Well, here’s the thing. I know what the experience of writing something that feels true, I know what that feels like. And I know that when I listen to women say, “This is how old I was when I made this decision.” Or, “ This is the experience I had with this man or this person or this police officer.” When I hear that and I hear that truth, it’s easy.
I just take these stories that are being offered to me that maybe are not being heard anyplace else. That’s my job. And my goal, just like it was for the play, was to get mainstream people who came and saw me do Bridge and Tunnel to think a little bit more outside the parameters of this is what theater is. And theater is also about the complexities of our lives.
Yes, we want to have a good time, but we know how to think. We do! We actually have a richer, better time when we get to think together and ask deep questions. If you want to really get deep with a topic, ask a Black woman, you know what I mean? So I think my goal was to not worry about whether it was easy but to trust that it’ll be true. And if it’s true, then it’ll just flow.
Talk to me about how the film explores the different impacts of sex work on sex workers depending on their location to power and privilege?
Well, now here’s the fun part, right? I wish I had some of the people in the film sitting with me because I want you to hear from them. I don’t want to translate. What I will say is I appreciate getting to sit and listen. When we announced the film, the questions around the industry and who’s judging and making decisions about women, sex, and power conversation are so fraught, that it has women pitted against each other. Right?
The goal of the film was to say, wait a minute, if we listen to all the women and all of their opinions, instead of attacking each other or making this a binary debate, we can actually follow the power to guess what? Where it always is. If you come to see this movie, hopefully, you will have the experience I had, which is the same nonsense.
We just watched around the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson, which is the debate we’re having about sex and the sex industry. Black women’s power is the same, just the difference is, it ain’t no judge robes in my movie, but it’s the same idea that white men, for the most part, are the arbiters of how we get to live. That’s what I wanted to learn more about. And I did. I discovered incredible nuances that I hope people will appreciate when they come to see the film.
What right now is bringing you the most joy?
Part of my joy right now is getting present and realizing we (Black women) are more powerful than we’ve ever been. We get to lift each other up like we never have. And there’s still so much to do, but when I get very present I’m here with you. I’m here with all my fellow Black Girl Nerds. These spaces didn’t exist, you know, until fairly recently. So my present joy is knowing that we’re all in this together.
Sell/Buy/Date is showing at the 2022 SanFrancisco Film Festival at the Vogue Theater on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at 5:30 pm.
Do you bring a gift to a gender reveal party? If so, what kind? Read on to discover the best gender reveal gifts that any new parent will love!
The arrival of a baby is a big deal, and the wait is so long! One of the best moments for parents is learning the gender of the baby. Above all, gender reveal parties are always fun because it’s a surprise for everyone involved, especially with all the creative ways to reveal.
However, do you need to bring a gift to the party? The answer is simple. If the hosts didn’t say to, it’s entirely up to you! Moreover, even if the parents are planning to host a baby shower, it’s nice to get the extra gifts in the anticipation of the little one. Subsequently, since you don’t know the gender of the baby until the party, everything for the baby should be gender-neutral. Since gender reveal parties come early in the pregnancy, you can also choose gifts for the father-to-be, or the newly pregnant mother. Trust us, they’ll love them!
Been invited to a baby shower? Be sure to check out our list of baby shower gifts for boys and girls and everyone in-between!
Ready? Great! Then, let’s begin!
Gender Reveal Gifts for Parents
Firstly, let’s kick off our list of the best gender reveal gifts right. These boxes are specifically for the second and third trimesters. Secondly, they are designed for mom’s comfort and pampering in mind because pregnancy can be tiring! The second-trimester box comes with belly butter to help with stretch marks, bath soak, a frame for the sonogram, a sleep mask, and a face cloth. The third-trimester box comes with a headband, hair wrap, under-eye treatment, a wood massager, foot soak, and grip socks.
Brought to you by the same makers of Bump Box, this is the dad version of the above. This gift set includes a handbook for new dads, I love my daddy onesie, a super dad keychain, manly soap bar, a book for baby, and a pair of “#1 DAD” socks. In short, even though he may not be too tired during the gender-reveal, he definitely will be once the baby comes.
There are tons of dads in the galaxy, so make sure you snag the “Best” title with this shirt. With the classic Star Wars look and font, sizes range from small to 3XL and you also have the option to have the words printed on the front or back.
Certainly, when you’re carrying around a lot of extra weight, your body feels the pressure, especially your feet. With numerous different colors to choose from, these slippers are made with ultra comfy memory foam and a faux-sherpa lining. In addition, they also have sturdy bottoms for both indoor and outdoor use and are even safe to toss into the washing machine.
We all know the song, and as parents we can’t escape it. So, may as well give in, and get the daddy shark t-shirt that comes printed with a vintage look and Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo. The image can be placed on the front or back and sizes are from small to 3XL.
Harry Potter: Expecting Patronum Maternity Tee
Will it be a new wizard or a witch? Whichever is expected, this maternity tee casts the perfect spell! Firstly, it comes in a variety of Hogwarts House colors, and is available in sizes up to 2XL. Further, you can choose a short sleeved, long sleeved, or tank top option.
Be sure to check this out for the best Harry Potter themed baby clothes!
“The force is strong with this one.” At least, that’s what I always thought when my baby was kicking directly into my bladder. Made with a soft, ringspun cotton, this tee comes in four different colors: black, pink, blue, and purple. Further, it also runs from small to 3XL.
Normally, we wouldn’t highlight two similar products back to back, but this shirt is too funny not to feature! So, continuing with the Star Wars theme, the Death Star awaits on this funny maternity tee. In addition, this shirt also comes in a variety of colors: black, gray, pink, blue, and navy and sizes go up to 3XL.
LotR: My Precious Maternity Tee
Firstly, this is a cute tribute to the One Ring. Next, it makes a perfect gift for moms who demand to have Lord of the Rings marathons once a year (yes, that includes me). With sizes up to 5X, this shirt can be ordered as a maternity shirt and a regular t-shirt.
D20 Critical Success Maternity Tee
Taking geekiness to the next level, this D20 maternity shirt makes a great gift for those who love tossing dice in their favorite tabletop role playing game. There’s sizes all the way up to 5X, and it can be ordered as a maternity shirt and/or a regular t-shirt. Roll for initiative!
Gender Neutral Baby Wearables
Perfect for gamer parents who are having their first child. This “Player 3 has entered the game” onesie features the classic D-Pad and 4-button controller layout. It comes in several different colors and has short and long sleeve options as well.
Anything NASA is a great gift! This bib is shaped like a little astronaut with all the bells and whistles. It has a plastic liner to keep things from getting super messy. But even if things do, the bib’s machine washable, so don’t worry if every docking procedure isn’t a perfect success.
Bring back memories from the 90s with this Tommy Pickles onesie. Even though the little one probably won’t get the opportunity to enjoy the classic show (at least until the inevitable reboot/remake), this onesie sure to be a hit among your friends. In addition, this onesie comes in short and long sleeves with multiple color options.
This adorable bib has it all for Zelda lovers. The front features Link’s usual green outfit and straps, but the best part is the Hylian Shield cape that snaps onto the back. The fabric is waterproof and has a catching pouch for stray food. If you’re more into Mario, check out these super cute Mario Bros bibs!
For those who play RPG’s, we know the importance of stats and leveling up. Unfortunately for babies, we all start at Level 1. Could you imagine a baby born with ultra high, epic level stats? I don’t know about you folks, but I would be scared of a baby who could take down doors. Temper tantrums would be terrifying. Anyways, this onesie comes in a variety of colors with short or long sleeves as an option as well.
Another Star Wars-inspired item (because we can never have too much Star Wars), this onesie plays a twist on the word Stormtrooper because we all know what babies do best. This outfit comes in long and short sleeves and in a variety of colors.
Hit the hyperdrive and zoom on over to our list of the best Star Wars baby clothes and onesies!
Gender Reveal Gifts
Baby’s First Years Memory Book
This gender neutral baby memory book is a sweet gift for lasting memories from pregnancy on up to age five. The pages are already pre-designed because scrapbooking can take up a lot of time that a new mother doesn’t have. Further, it’s easy to fill out and has an attractive layout. In addition, this book even comes with a pocket to store small items like your child’s hospital wristband.
This photo frame features two slots for pictures and a clay area for capturing a handprint and footprint. Further, the company has a smooth finish guarantee for the clay, so the prints turn out beautiful and professional. In addition, the kit even includes number and letter stamps for an even more personalized finish.
Baby Milestone Keepsake Storage Box
This box comes in several colors and designs, all with nine compartments for treasured memories. In total, it comes with the following drawers to keep baby’s “firsts” safe and in one place: tooth, hair curl, booties, pacifier, bracelet, treasures, shoes, spoon, and a special keepsake.
The post Best Gender Reveal Gifts Ideas appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.
Writer: Steve Foxe / Artist: Salva Espin / Marvel
The ’90s X-Men cartoon is making a comeback at some point in the near future and who knows how that’s going to unfold. Right now, Marvel Comics gets to play around with this era of mutants before the series makes its return on Disney Plus, and they’ve got some pretty lofty ideas about what kind of stories might end up in the series future. X-Men ’92: House of XCII #1 is basically “What if House of X happened during the ’90s?”, mashing together what is arguably the X-Men’s most defining eras.
When the ’92 revival was announced last year, a couple of friends and I pondered what classic storylines from the last 30 years the series might tackle. X-Men ’92: House of XCII #1 jumps right ahead and brings the present to the past, showing us what Krokoa might look like if it dawned during the ’90s instead. If you are a fan of both the ’90s cartoon and the latest wave of X-Men comics, this new series is off to a strong start. Like any good What If…? tale, it’s the twist and turns on the moments you are familiar with that keep you turning the page to see what else they’ve changed.
Every major story beat from House of X is here. The suicide mission on the Orchid Sentinal facility, the nation of Krokoa, the resurrection protocols, mutants good and bad uniting, Charles and Eric’s little secret. All of it. At the same time, X-Men ’92: House of XCII #1 keeps itself firmly rooted in the tone and style of the cartoon. Combined with the art, it feels like you’re watching a new episode of the show.
The lineup of Cyclops, Jean, Wolverine, Storm, Beast, Rogue, and Gambit are at the forefront of the mission. Gambit flirts with Rogue and is reckless on missions. Beast quotes Hemingway. Wolverine’s claws are only shown to penetrate robots and make veiled threats at anyone else. The only thing missing is Jean fainting. The story is very much the same plot as House of X, but the writing and choice of characters used in this issue are very much the ’90s cartoon.
It’s a fun mashup that succeeds at piquing my interest. My only concern is that it follows House of X‘s plot too closely. I’m hoping that the series isn’t just “Hey let’s follow House of X exactly but with the ’90s style and most famous characters.” Yes, X-Men ’92 was famous for adapting classic comic arcs to the letter, but as it continues, I hope that the plot unfolds differently. It would be a waste not to change the outcome of events now that you’ve placed it in this era and surprise readers even more.
8.5 Game Boy Advances out of 10
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