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Here’s another entry in the ‘Hidden Gem Anime Series to Enjoy’ series for you all to enjoy: Girl’s Last Tour. I randomly came across the anime on Prime Video ages ago and slowly took my time watching and savoring it. Revisiting it this year meant that I looked forward to all the quiet moments this series included that made me ponder all about the purpose of civilization and who I’d want to travel with in a ruined world. While not bite sized, this twelve-episode anime is a darling that the fandom adores, and I’m onboard to write about for those unaware!
What is it About:
Based on a six volume manga series by Tsukumizu, this anime adaption follows two girls exploring the ruins of civilization looking for food and fuel in a future where most of humanity is gone.
The series follows Yuuri and Chito traveling in their beloved Kettenkrad motorbike as they try to salvage what’s left of the post-apocalyptic world around them, but they also uncover unique places left untouched and have experiences that change them for better or worse.
With Chito, behind the steering wheel, and Yuuri, handling gun duties, they travel farther than they’ve ever gone, and the anime gives all the philosophical vibes as they ponder on machines and buildings made in the past. They even have a few encounters that will make you cry or laugh–perhaps both! Think slice of life meets most-certainly-post-apocalyptic.
Get in Loser, We’re Riding to the End of the World:
Folks that Girl’s Last Tour could appeal to include:
- Folks who are looking for anime with post-apocalyptic settings
- Folks who are looking for anime filled with silly little moments
- Folks who want anime series centering female characters
- Folks looking for an (wholesome) anime to quietly devastate them
What makes this Series Standout:
I really loved watching and seeing how Chito and Yuuri choose to handle certain situations while traveling: their different personalities and views clash at almost every turn which made for great laughs. Chito, nicknamed and often referred to as Chii-chan, is the more calm and straight-laced one. She’s strict–especially when it comes to their forever dwindling supplies. She appears to be perhaps slightly younger but for sure shorter in height when compared to Yuuri. The second part of our duo Yuuri, nicknamed and often referred to as Yuu, is the more carefree and spontaneous one. She’s a bit of a space case as well, making trouble as she often falls asleep and makes mistakes that cause Chi much stress. In Girl’s Last Tour, Yuu is more focused on the now–and Chi more eagle-eyed on the future.
The girls while young, are old enough to be able to identify bomber planes, ruined machine guns, and tanks but have no clue what chocolate is. A quick flashback scene in the first episode hints at perhaps their first home: much younger and smaller versions of themselves were sent away by a mysterious person from what looks like a military base, camp, or a human settlement on the verge of collapse. This helps explain how they acquired the Kettenkrad motorbike which is specifically a military vehicle and such things like Yuu’s rifle. Moving through metal graveyards of forgotten weapons has them “playing as adults” at times. The two find a treasure trove of rations. After they sit down to eat the first pack together, Yuu “betrays” Chii for the last piece. This scene reminds the audience that they probably weren’t too young to witness skirmishes but have no real working knowledge of why the world is the way it is now. This scene also establishes that what they know of the world and how humans live among each other is mostly, from each other. They are figuring out what a moral compass is and how to operate with one all on their own.
The world that Chii and Yuu navigate is a wrecked but beautiful one. They seek any manner of scenery–damaged rows of skyscrapers that tower over whole parts of cities topped with snow that look majestic. They move through darkened factories and warehouses that hide useful things and house unusual places like workshops and blueprints. At this point in history, it seems that the former humans in that part of the world build entire, sprawling cities with levels and the two girls are simply moving through them to higher and higher levels. Throughout the series, they do discover new experiences like operating a near forgotten piece of technology like a camera as well as uncovering a forgotten piece of artwork enshrined in a world where almost no one is around to appreciate it.
Criminally unrated, Girl’s Last Tour speaks to the ideal and pursuit of exploration. First, the exploration of the human experience and what a person can and will endure. Secondly, the anime’s narrative includes exploration of whatever is left of the world, which is not much. This series is a miss for some for its slow pace and slice of life approach narrative that simmers, not explodes, on the screen. But for me, it moves at just the right pace. Each episode is a clear treasure of a snapshot of the journey of Chii and Yuu defining what life is on their own terms and moving forward no matter how grim and barren the world appears.
As artist, gamer, and YouTuber, Relyable mentioned here in a video, some part of the message of the anime is acceptance. Yuu and Chii come to learn about accepting some truth about life and the world—their lives as human beings will end one day as the world they live in has slowly already been doing so. I love this point, because the two girls are content to go along as long as they have each other. Life goes on and it will end one day but the girls’ choice is to make the most of it and bring meaning and happiness to each other each day–as long as they can.
Girl’s Last Tour accomplishes in getting me in my feels every time with its simple story and profound way these characters learn what makes life meaningful for them. The anime remains an superb addition to the Iyashikei genre and really brings home why such seemingly abstract needs like happiness and companionship matter in bleak times. That’s a reminder I think we all need from time to time but especially now and is part of the reason why Girl’s Last Tour is a hidden gem that I will always recommend.
You can find Girl’s Last Tour streaming on Prime Video and now on HI-DIVE.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram!
The post Hidden Gem Anime Series to Enjoy: ‘Girl’s Last Tour’ appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Here’s another entry in the ‘Hidden Gem Anime Series to Enjoy’ series for you all to enjoy: Girl’s Last Tour. I randomly came across the anime on Prime Video ages ago and slowly took my time watching and savoring it. Revisiting it this year meant that I looked forward to all the quiet moments this series included that made me ponder all about the purpose of civilization and who I’d want to travel with in a ruined world. While not bite sized, this twelve-episode anime is a darling that the fandom adores, and I’m onboard to write about for those unaware!
What is it About:
Based on a six volume manga series by Tsukumizu, this anime adaption follows two girls exploring the ruins of civilization looking for food and fuel in a future where most of humanity is gone.
The series follows Yuuri and Chito traveling in their beloved Kettenkrad motorbike as they try to salvage what’s left of the post-apocalyptic world around them, but they also uncover unique places left untouched and have experiences that change them for better or worse.
With Chito, behind the steering wheel, and Yuuri, handling gun duties, they travel farther than they’ve ever gone, and the anime gives all the philosophical vibes as they ponder on machines and buildings made in the past. They even have a few encounters that will make you cry or laugh–perhaps both! Think slice of life meets most-certainly-post-apocalyptic.
Get in Loser, We’re Riding to the End of the World:
Folks that Girl’s Last Tour could appeal to include:
- Folks who are looking for anime with post-apocalyptic settings
- Folks who are looking for anime filled with silly little moments
- Folks who want anime series centering female characters
- Folks looking for an (wholesome) anime to quietly devastate them
What makes this Series Standout:
I really loved watching and seeing how Chito and Yuuri choose to handle certain situations while traveling: their different personalities and views clash at almost every turn which made for great laughs. Chito, nicknamed and often referred to as Chii-chan, is the more calm and straight-laced one. She’s strict–especially when it comes to their forever dwindling supplies. She appears to be perhaps slightly younger but for sure shorter in height when compared to Yuuri. The second part of our duo Yuuri, nicknamed and often referred to as Yuu, is the more carefree and spontaneous one. She’s a bit of a space case as well, making trouble as she often falls asleep and makes mistakes that cause Chi much stress. In Girl’s Last Tour, Yuu is more focused on the now–and Chi more eagle-eyed on the future.
The girls while young, are old enough to be able to identify bomber planes, ruined machine guns, and tanks but have no clue what chocolate is. A quick flashback scene in the first episode hints at perhaps their first home: much younger and smaller versions of themselves were sent away by a mysterious person from what looks like a military base, camp, or a human settlement on the verge of collapse. This helps explain how they acquired the Kettenkrad motorbike which is specifically a military vehicle and such things like Yuu’s rifle. Moving through metal graveyards of forgotten weapons has them “playing as adults” at times. The two find a treasure trove of rations. After they sit down to eat the first pack together, Yuu “betrays” Chii for the last piece. This scene reminds the audience that they probably weren’t too young to witness skirmishes but have no real working knowledge of why the world is the way it is now. This scene also establishes that what they know of the world and how humans live among each other is mostly, from each other. They are figuring out what a moral compass is and how to operate with one all on their own.
The world that Chii and Yuu navigate is a wrecked but beautiful one. They seek any manner of scenery–damaged rows of skyscrapers that tower over whole parts of cities topped with snow that look majestic. They move through darkened factories and warehouses that hide useful things and house unusual places like workshops and blueprints. At this point in history, it seems that the former humans in that part of the world build entire, sprawling cities with levels and the two girls are simply moving through them to higher and higher levels. Throughout the series, they do discover new experiences like operating a near forgotten piece of technology like a camera as well as uncovering a forgotten piece of artwork enshrined in a world where almost no one is around to appreciate it.
Criminally unrated, Girl’s Last Tour speaks to the ideal and pursuit of exploration. First, the exploration of the human experience and what a person can and will endure. Secondly, the anime’s narrative includes exploration of whatever is left of the world, which is not much. This series is a miss for some for its slow pace and slice of life approach narrative that simmers, not explodes, on the screen. But for me, it moves at just the right pace. Each episode is a clear treasure of a snapshot of the journey of Chii and Yuu defining what life is on their own terms and moving forward no matter how grim and barren the world appears.
As artist, gamer, and YouTuber, Relyable mentioned here in a video, some part of the message of the anime is acceptance. Yuu and Chii come to learn about accepting some truth about life and the world—their lives as human beings will end one day as the world they live in has slowly already been doing so. I love this point, because the two girls are content to go along as long as they have each other. Life goes on and it will end one day but the girls’ choice is to make the most of it and bring meaning and happiness to each other each day–as long as they can.
Girl’s Last Tour accomplishes in getting me in my feels every time with its simple story and profound way these characters learn what makes life meaningful for them. The anime remains an superb addition to the Iyashikei genre and really brings home why such seemingly abstract needs like happiness and companionship matter in bleak times. That’s a reminder I think we all need from time to time but especially now and is part of the reason why Girl’s Last Tour is a hidden gem that I will always recommend.
You can find Girl’s Last Tour streaming on Prime Video and now on HI-DIVE.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram!
The post Hidden Gem Anime Series to Enjoy: ‘Girl’s Last Tour’ appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Don’t make me come back there! Scientists have observed octopuses acting like siblings in the backseat of a car on a long road trip, throwing things at each other and playing the “I’m not touching you” game as well as any human. The gloomy octopus is generally solitary, but a lot of them live in Jervis Bay, Australia. This consortium of octopuses (yes, that is the collective noun) seem to get annoyed with the high density accommodations and toss silt at each other. It is not a neighborly thing to do and we’re sure Mr. Rogers would not approve.
Scientists watched more than 20 hours of octopus videos and found that there’s as much drama in Jervis Bay as on any Real Housewives show. Octopuses are very smart, sentient creatures. Though it’s easy to anthropomorphize that they squabble with their neighbors when they get too close, the team worked to understand the purpose behind the behavior. They rated each throw in order to identify the purpose behind it. They found that the octopus’ body was generally a uniform color versus mottled when they threw silt at their neighbor. Octopuses can change their coloration quickly depending on their mood and camouflage needs. The scientists also rated how vigorous the throw was and noticed that the other octopus sometimes ducked.
Octopuses do toss shells, silt, and algae to clear space for themselves but the scientists are pretty sure they also direct it towards nearby octopuses on purpose. Some even threw things at the camera when it was set up too close to their den. Though it’s not actually a throw using their arms. Rather, they toss items away by pushing water through their siphon.
The scientists shared their research in the open access peer-reviewed PLoS ONE. The paper, titled “In the line of fire: Debris throwing by wild octopuses,” includes video of these interactions. We first saw the news in Nature.
Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth.
The post Octopuses Throw Things at Each Other Like Feuding Siblings appeared first on Nerdist.
The Dora Milaje are the most elite fighting force in Wakanda, an army of women loyal to the death to their kingdom’s ruler. These elite bodyguards have existed in the comics since the late ‘90s, and have become pop culture icons since their introduction in the MCU. But as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever revealed, there is an elite force within the elite force: the Midnight Angels. They were one of the definite highlights of the film.
If the Dora Milaje of Wakanda are the best warriors on Earth, then the Midnight Angels are the best of the best of them. While the Dora exist to protect the sovereign, the Midnight Angels protect the people of the kingdom and the people’s best interests—sometimes against what the royal family wants. Here is the Marvel Comics history of the Midnight Angels and how it ties into their MCU counterparts.
Marvel Created the Midnight Angels to Fight Dr. Doom
The elite group first appeared in Doomwar #5, back in 2010. The creative team of Jonathan Maberry and Scott Eaton created them. The Doomwar story centered on Dr. Doom attempting to steal all the vibranium from Wakanda. King T’Challa originally formed the group, hoping his elite strike team could take out Doom themselves (with a little help from Deadpool).
The Midnight Angels wore winged stealth suits, and carried electric weapons. They gave the wearer advanced abilities, like strength and agility, along with flight. They, of course, made all their suits of pure vibranium. The Midnight Angels all communicated with one another through their Kimoyo beads, and responded to direct threats to the Wakandan royals. In the pages of the comics, their headmistress Zola trained them, and among their most prominent members were Dora Milajemembers like Ayo and Aneka. They went on covert missions aboard their own Avengers-like Quinjet, which they called the Dagger.
Dora Milaje Gone Rogue
In the comics, Aneka and Ayo began to have issues with T’Challa and the royal family—particularly with some of the decisions they made. Aneka took justice into her own hands against a terrible tribal warlord, killing him. Because she went against the code of the Dora, they stripped the Dora Milaje title from her and imprisoned her. But her fellow Dora and love, Ayo, stole the prototype armor, and busted her out of jail. The couple became a new Midnight Angels squad, and swore to protect Wakandans without the backing of the royal family.
The Midnight Angels in the MCU
In Wakanda Forever, the Midnight Angels have a very similar look and backstory. Shuri was developing a new armor called Midnight Angel at the start of the film. When the second attack from Namor and his Talocan forces happens on Wakanda, we see the armor in action. Unlike the comics though, it was not Aneka or Ayo who wore it first. The movie gave much of Aneka’s comic book arc—her being stripped of her rank and disgraced, and then becoming a Midnight Angel—to Okoye. Although, Aneka and Ayo are still a part of the story and get to wear Midnight Angel armor, their main story beats go to the general.
At the end of Wakanda Forever, it appears Okoye still has the Midnight Angel armor. We see her bust Everett Ross out of incarceration wearing it. It’s likely that when she gets her own series or film, as has been announced, the title will be Midnight Angel, and we’ll see her in the armor again. Given that Okoye called the armor “ugly,” we imagine it will get an upgrade or two. We think she’s earned whatever armor upgrades she wants.
The post Who Are BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’s Midnight Angels in the Comics? appeared first on Nerdist.
When it comes to action movies, I prefer movies that show women throwing punches, flipping off walls, and fighting for what they believe in. Watching films where women aren’t the damsel in distress is inspiring as well as entertaining.
Besides being enjoyable to watch, female action heroes and villains show viewers that it’s okay for women to be strong, smart, and sexy. With all this being said, here’s my list of 9 Black female superheroes and villains and why every woman should look up to them.
The heroes
- Danai Gurira as Okoye in Black Panther
Okoye’s loyalty is one of the many reasons I admire Danai Gurira’s character from Black Panther. Without overlooking her impeccable fighting skills, such as catapulting a spear while standing on top of a moving car to successfully stop a runaway van, her loyalty is what makes her unique. It’s her willingness to fight for Wakanda until the very end. She reminds us all that it’s not always about winning or losing but how you fight.
- Viola Davis as General Nanisca in The Woman King
Being a fan of the Dora Milaje in Black Panther, my heart did a backflip when the cinematic world gifted us with another opportunity to watch an all-woman army on the big screen. Although the history of the Agojie army is not accurately told in the movie, right now I want to appreciate the film for its cinematic value.
In the film, award-winning actor Viola Davis plays the leading role of the fierce General Nanisca. This character was much more than her killer instincts and deadly fighting moves.
As Quinn Clarke wrote in an article in Collider.com that Nanisca had suffered from trauma and no amount of fighting and bloodshed could make that pain go away. It’s when she learns to feel the pain instead of numbing it that she becomes a truly unstoppable warrior.
This character reminds us that there are times to be warriors and fight, but fighting can’t heal all wounds.
- Pam Grier in Foxy Brown
Although I didn’t grow up watching the hit 1970s show Foxy Brown, I have formed an appreciation for this character even though she was before my time. For those unfamiliar Pam Grier’s character, Foxy Brown not only created the path for other Black female action stars but she did it in a unique and foxy way. She was all-encompassing, clever, sassy, and a fighter. Foxy Brown reminds every woman watching that you don’t have to fit into any box and that being a woman, especially a Black woman, is multi-faceted.
- Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau in WandaVision
I was charmed by Monica Rambeau when she made her first appearance as a spunky and loveable daughter in Captain Marvel. When they reintroduced the older version of her in Disney+’s Wanda Vision, I was ready to watch her story unfold.
Although Teyonah Parris wasn’t in every episode and did get sidelined a few times, the way she portrayed this resilient character drew me in whenever she appeared on the screen. What stood out to me about Rambeau was that she genuinely saw the good in people, particularly Wanda Maximoff.
Yes, Maximoff did make some questionable decisions, but Rambeau saw the pain that Maximoff was trying to mask with her abilities. Rambeau’s compassion was so strong that even after she got blasted through an entire town and across a supercharged barrier, she still wanted to help.
In the series, we only get to see a glimpse of her new capabilities but I’m excited to see her step into her new power.
- Zazie Beetz as Stagecoach Mary in The Harder They Fall
I loved Zazie Beetz in this Netflix original because she played a fighter. The role played to her femininity with a wardrobe of corsets and dresses, yet she was not afraid to take a punch or punch back.
Although she delivered a great performance, it’s important to note the controversy around Beetz, a lighter-skinned actor playing the role of the actual Stagecoach Mary, who was of a darker complexion and different body type. All is said and done, but I’d hope that Beetz considers her advantage as a light-skinned actor more when accepting future roles.
Nonetheless, she did do a killer performance in Deadpool 2.
- Tessa Thompson as King Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok and Love and Thunder
King Valkyrie quickly became one of my favorite characters after her appearance in Thor Ragnarok (aka the best out of the four Thor movies). I appreciated the character’s transformation from being a drunk and slightly depressed warrior to ultimately doing the right thing, which was saving Asgard and helping out a friend.
Watching Tessa Thompson on the big screen made my heart jump every time I saw her riding through on her horse ready to demolish anything and anyone that stands in her way.
The villains
We all know villains are perceived as bad, but there are advantages to being evil. These hero counterparts don’t let anyone boss them around and they get what they want. Even though their reign of power eventually comes to a halt, I’ll still root for Black female villains before their evil streak ends.
- Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison in The Umbrella Academy
Allison is the loveable sister of The Umbrella Academy. In the first two seasons, she always tried to keep the peace and look out for her siblings. She also puts everyone else’s needs in front of her personal needs and desires. Then in Season 3, things turned dark and Allison went from a hero to a villain. After committing a vengeful murder, Allison showed us that nothing would stop her.
Driven by grief, she continues to do questionable acts but ultimately saves everyone and gets the one thing she’s wanted since Season 1, which was to reunite with her family. Maybe being the bad guy isn’t the worst thing.
- Aaliyah as Queen Akasha in Queen of the Damned
Being a fan of the Anne Rice Vampire series, I was thrilled that Aaliyah transformed herself from a pop star to a fierce queen of the night in the movie Queen of the Damned. This role consisted of elaborate costumes, and sultry vampire movements in order to portray the very first vampire. Aaliyah was quoted saying to ET, “Akasha’s very regal. Very grand. A lot of great costumes. She’s sexy, but she’s evil.”
If it wasn’t for her tragic accident, I’m sure we would have seen Aaliyah in many more roles.
- Regina King as Gertrude “Trudy” Smith in The Harder They Fall
Trudy Smith is a ruthless character who is based on a real person. This historic figure gave Regina King the opportunity to play a new role. King told Oprah Daily, “I’ve never really gotten a chance to be a baddie.” Although Smith is a villain, her intentions are good. King portrays this role as a woman who doesn’t put up with disrespect of any kind.
This is just a short list and there are many more heroes and villains to admire. As the cinematic world is becoming more diverse and showing more characters from different cultures and backgrounds, I’m excited to see how the list of Black superheroes and villains grows with time.