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https://nerdist.com/article/skeletor-life-size-bust-masters-of-the-universe/

Masters of the Universe was one of the greatest toy lines of the ’80s, accompanied by a truly classic cartoon. And easily one of the coolest things about the He-Man universe was his arch-villain Skeletor. And now the folks at Sideshow Collectibles, Tweeterhead, and Mattel Toys have released images of one of the coolest Skeletor products ever made, with their new life-size bust of the Lord of Snake Mountain.

Sideshow Toys / Tweeterhead / Mattel 

You can read the official description, as well see images for this menacing bust, right here:

“Skeletor is the iconic supervillain from Masters of the Universe, serving as the archenemy of his nephew He-Man. Skeletor is determined to gain the powers of Castle Grayskull and rule the universe. At an impressive 28 inches tall, Skeletor’s sculpt is one of menacing perfection as the iconic supervillain. Skeletor’s stats are as follows: Height: 28″ (711.2 mm), Width: 30.5″ (774.7 mm), and Depth: 17″ (431.8 mm).”

Skeletor also comes with a retractable hood, so you can display him in two different ways.

Sideshow Toys / Tweeterhead / Mattel

Masters of the Universe‘s original toy line and animated show only lasts about five years. Yet it remains beloved by the generation of kids who grew up with it. And why wouldn’t we still love it? It’s as if someone took Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Conan the Barbarian and put them all into a blender. Although the animated incarnation of Skeletor leans towards the goofy, the version of him in the Masters of the Universe mini-comics packaged with the toys was genuinely creepy as hell. And the Sideshow bust seems to reflect that version of Skeletor a whole lot more.

Sideshow Toys / Tweeterhead / Mattel

Sideshow’s Skeletor life-size bust has a retail price of $1,000. You can see more images and pre-order it by clicking here. Shipping commences from October to December of 2021.

Featured Image: Sideshow Toys / Tweeterhead / Mattel

The post New Life-Size Bust of Skeletor Is Worthy of Castle Grayskull appeared first on Nerdist.

https://nerdist.com/article/wandavision-mid-credits-scene-explained-monica-rambeau/

The WandaVision season finale had not one but two credits stingers. The post-credits scene threw Wanda into a new mystical locale, which you can read about here. And the first hinted at another powerful hero heading into the unknown. After frankly wasting Monica Rambeau in the final episode of WandaVision we were at least happy that she got a moment to shine during the credits. But what did it mean? Who was she talking to? And how could the intriguing moment impact the MCU and Marvel Studios television going forward? We’re here to answer all your burning questions… and to spark a few more.

Who was Monica talking to?

Marvel Studios

An FBI agent summoned Monica into the Westview theater and followed her in. Once the pair were alone the agent revealed herself to be a Skrull. Not only that but she claimed to be sent by “an old friend of your mother’s.” That implies the Skrull is probably on a mission from Nick Fury. The other option is Talos, the Skrull we met in Captain Marvel. Though the former head of S.H.I.E.L.D. is the most likely option. So who is the Skrull they sent? Well, in the credits they’re only mentioned as “Skrull agent.” But it is possible she could be Talos’ daughter. His daughter also appeared in Captain Marvel and joined Fury and her father’s quest to make space and the universe a safer place.

While we have no concrete answer, the most important thing here is that the agent is a Skrull. And that she didn’t feel comfortable enough to unmask around anyone other than Monica. Perhaps it’s because Monica and her mother knew Skrulls? Or could it be that they rightfully don’t trust S.W.O.R.D. and the FBI?

And it’s a stretch, but it could be that the Skrull doesn’t actually know Monica or her mother at all. Maybe she’s attempting to manipulate Monica into leaving Earth? Monica is now an incredibly powered being who would definitely help stop a Skrull invasion. Whatever the reason, the Skrulls wanted Monica to be alone when they revealed their plan. And we’re going to talk about that plan now.

Where is she going?

Marvel Studios

We can assume that when the Skrull pointed upwards she meant to space. This makes a lot of sense when we consider what we know of Monica. She’s now a super-powered scientist with a history of space travel. If the Skrull doesn’t have an ulterior motive and is actually there on behalf of Fury or Talos, then Monica will likely be heading up to the space base we saw in Spider-Man: Far From Home. But this show takes place months before that movie. So for all we know Monica was already established on the base when we visited Nick Fury on his covert vacation during Spider-Man‘s post-credits sequence.

If the Skrull is not who they appear to be, then we can think of some other options. Monica could be taken to a Skrull ship that has nothing to do with Fury or Talos. In the comics, Monica has been lost in space. She even explored Thanos’ old ship, Sanctuary II, once. That adventure led to her tangling with Nebula and even fighting alongside the Skrulls with the rest of the Avengers. There’s comic book precedence for her having alien adventures. The big question is whether those aliens and the Skrulls in particular would be friends or foes in the MCU. That leads us nicely into how this could impact the future of the cinematic universe. We can name two projects this scene immediately leads into.

How could this set up Captain Marvel 2?

Marvel Studios

The obvious choice is Captain Marvel 2. We know that Teyonah Parris will be playing a key role alongside Brie Larson as Carol Danvers and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan. It’s an incredibly exciting prospect. But I’m sure some fans were wondering how Monica would make it from Westview into that girl gang movie being directed by the fabulous Nia DaCosta. This stinger sets up an easy introduction. We know from WandaVision that Monica is not a big fan of Carol. While we don’t know the details we can guess. Carol abandoned Maria and Monica not once, but twice, basically destroying their lives.

This revelation means that, whatever happens next, we know Carol and Monica won’t have a friendly sidekick situation (which is a good thing). If Monica is already in space with her own established relationship with Nick Fury and the Skrulls, that could be an easy way to seed her introduction into the Captain Marvel sequel. Especially as she has her own powers now and could be a powerful force for good in the depths of space. There’s also a high likelihood that Carol will go missing or “turn bad.” If that happens, Monica and Kamala will have to team up in order to save the hero. Now that Monica has been set up as a very powerful hero, she would be the logical pick for a rescue mission or if someone needed to take Captain Marvel down.

How could this set up Secret Invasion?

Marvel Comics, Roger Stern, John Buscema, Tom Palmer, Christie Scheele, and Jim Novak

With Secret Invasion ahead as a Marvel Studios TV show, this is the underdog option for what the mid-credits stinger is hinting at but still possible. The fact that this Skrull was apparently hiding in plain sight as an FBI agent means that, just like in the comics, Skrulls have already infiltrated human society. If the Skrulls are requesting Monica rather than Fury or Talos, it could be for two key reasons. First of all, the alien race sees her as an ally. This could be due to her history with S.W.O.R.D. and her mother who established the organization. But the second option is that the Skrulls want Monica off Earth as she’s now a superhero who could potentially stop their planned invasion. That means she could be about to walk into a cosmic trap.

Monica is a prime candidate for one of the green meanies to replace. In the comics, the Skrulls shapeshift and replace a number of high powered heroes. And in some cases the Skrull scientists can even replicate the powers that the supers once had. While we hope that Monica isn’t about to become an alien puppet, it also doesn’t seem unlikely.

Another opposite option that could connect both Secret Invasion and Captain Marvel 2 is that the Skrulls replace Carol. Then this Skrull in WandaVision is letting Monica know and putting her on the path of her one time friend. Whichever way it goes, the fact that a Skrull is playing such a huge part in Monica’s future means that we can assume she’s going to play a big part in Secret Invasion. We’re excited.

Featured Image: Marvel Studios

The post WANDAVISION Mid-Credits Scene Explained appeared first on Nerdist.

https://blacknerdproblems.com/america-chavez-made-in-the-usa-1-review-a-poc-gets-their-shine/

Writer: Kalinda Vasquez / Artist(s): Carlos Gomez & Jesus Aburtov / Marvel Comics

Well, it’s nice to see Marvel investing in perfectly entertaining EXISTING characters of color without making them a legacy character or sidekick (though there is validity to those entities too). America Chavez has always struck me as a worthwhile character that should be as popular as Ms. Marvel with what should be the same fast track. However, she’s suffered from the lack of diversity push from the higher ups at Marvel/Disney. While I don’t feel like much has changed, it’s nice to hold onto hope that America: Made In The USA is a step in the right direction.

Issue #1 is basically an ordinary day in the life of America Chavez until trouble on a hero level brings her back home to face a new enemy. While this is going on, America must deal with relationship issues and her mysteriously haywire power set. The action ends up being fun and well-paced without leaning too hard on the cameos. The camaraderie between our hero and Kate Bishop flows naturally. There doesn’t seem to be a pressing need to shove tons of banter in with Spider-Man when he shows up either, a rarity among Spidey appearances. This story plays out while being juxtaposed with moments from her past as a child being raised by civilian people.

There are obvious parallels to be drawn between her upbringing and that of a certain Big Blue Boy Scout but the flashbacks also reflect a vulnerability in America and a cultural nobility in the family that decided to take her in, knowing that her skin color alone made her more susceptible to be lost in the system.

Meanwhile, the visuals are a delight. Carlos Gomez and Jesus Aburtov work together to make every panel as vivid and lively as the script intended. A fist fight with giant mutant moles actually looked like a serious life threatening disaster and not an episode of Ninja Turtles written by Michael Scott.

Bottom Line: This first issue excels at giving previously unaware readers a refresher course in America Chavez 101 while still delivering the kind of fun superhero action Marvel readers sign up for. Definitely worth the coin for anyone curious about a worthwhile character they may not have looked at before.

8.5 Star Spangled Beatdowns out of 10

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The post ‘America Chavez: Made In The USA #1’ Review: A PoC Gets Their Shine appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

https://www.thenerdelement.com/2021/03/05/some-big-disneyland-and-other-park-updates/

Hi everyone! Today I have some really big updates about Disneyland’s reopening date which you do not expect to happen. So, let’s get started, shall we?! So, over at the Disneyland Resort, they have surprisingly announced that Disneyland along with other theme parks can reopen potentially on April 1! Oh, my goodness!!!, I was not expecting them to announce this too early, but wow that is very good news for Disney fans who have been missing Disneyland for a year! They will have masks and safety measures required and they will reopen with a 15% capacity. But only people who live in California can buy tickets.

Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort, said in a statement that Disneyland can’t wait to welcome its guests back and is looking forward to sharing a reopening date soon.

“We are encouraged that theme parks now have a path toward reopening this spring, getting thousands of people back to work and greatly helping neighboring businesses and our entire community,” Potrock said. Theme parks will only be open for California residents and won’t be allowed to offer indoor dining. Indoor rides will also have limits based on space and ride length, officials said. California theme parks have been closed since March 2020 under COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines issued by the state. Starting on April 1, California theme parks can reopen at 15% capacity in the red/substantial tier 2, 25% capacity in the orange/moderate tier 3 and 35% capacity in the least-restrictive yellow/minimal tier 4.

Theme park attendance will be limited to California residents. Updated guidelines will be worked out over the next couple of weeks in partnership with theme parks.

“We appreciate the administration’s willingness to work with the state’s theme parks on the finer details of the plan so parks can responsibly reopen soon, putting people safely back to work and reinvigorating local economies,” California Attractions and Parks Association executive director Erin Guerrero said in a statement.

Most California counties with major theme parks still remain in the most-restrictive purple/widespread tier 1 risk level — including Orange (Disneyland and Knott’s), Los Angeles County (Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain), San Diego (SeaWorld and Legoland) and Solano (Six Flags Discovery Kingdom).

Orange and Los Angeles counties are expected to move into the red/substantial tier 2 next week — meaning Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s, Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain could reopen on April 1.

Santa Clara County — home to California’s Great America — is currently in the red/substantial tier 2 risk level. The Santa Clara amusement park has already set a reopening date of May 22.

Under the revised theme park guidelines, indoor rides and attractions must maintain a 15% capacity in the red tier and 25% capacity in the orange and yellow tiers while outdoor rides and attractions can accommodate more riders provided social distancing mandates are followed.

The move is an abrupt about-face from the “slow, stubborn and stringent” approach to reopening California theme parks taken by the Newsom administration last fall.

In October, California officials issued separate reopening guidelines for smaller and larger theme parks in the state — with small parks allowed to reopen in the orange/moderate tier 3 while large parks could return in yellow/minimal tier 4. Attendance capacity was set at 25% in both tiers.

The California Attractions and Parks Association said the initial guidelines issued in October would keep the state’s large theme parks “closed Indefinitely.”

The “Blueprint Refresh” no longer makes a distinction between large and small California theme parks.

The Newsom administration has been under pressure from the theme park industry to revise reopening guidelines for months.

The reversal by the Newsom administration comes just days before the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus closure of California theme parks in mid-March 2020. It also comes just weeks after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that outdoor amusement parks could reopen on April 9 — making it likely that California theme parks would be the last to return in U.S. A bi-partisan bill proposed in February by California assembly members would speed the reopening of theme parks and override state guidelines.

Disneyland resort president Ken Potrock said the announcement provides a path toward reopening California theme parks.

“We are encouraged that theme parks now have a path toward reopening this spring, getting thousands of people back to work and greatly helping neighboring businesses and our entire community,” Potrock said in a statement. “With responsible Disney safety protocols already implemented around the world, we can’t wait to welcome our guests back and look forward to sharing an opening date soon.”

The extended closure of Disneyland has had a “profound and devastating” impact on Anaheim workers, according to city officials.

“This will mean so much for our working families and small businesses which have suffered so much while our largest businesses have been closed for the past year,” Anaheim mayor Harry Sidhu said in a statement. “Disney has gone to great lengths to be ready for a safe and responsible reopening, and everyone should feel comfortable and confident about coming back to Anaheim.”

United Food and Commercial Workers, which represents Disneyland cast members, applauded the move by the Newsom administration.

“Our Disney cast members are heartened by this good news today that the Disney parks will be reopening in a month,” UFCW Local 324 president Andrea Zinder said in a statement. “They have been furloughed or out of a job for a year now and are excited to go back to work to provide Californians with a bit more magic in their lives.”

Universal Studios Hollywood president Karen Irwin said the park is eager to return.

“We are ready to reopen, ready to bring our team members back to work, ready to help stimulate the local economy and ready to welcome guests,” Irwin said in a statement.

Knott’s Berry Farm, whose Taste of Boysenberry Festival kicked off without rides on Friday, March 5 and is scheduled to continue through May 2, also applauded the move.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the specific details and guidelines in the coming weeks that will help inform our plans for reopening,” Knott’s officials said in a statement.

Six Flags Magic Mountain plans to announce an opening date soon.

“We are pleased by the governor’s announcement and eager to welcome our guests back to Six Flags Magic Mountain with a full complement of our world-class coasters in a safe, outdoor environment,” Magic Mountain officials said in a statement. “An official opening date will be posted on our website and social channels in the near future.”

Wow!!! I am so shocked about this news about Disneyland!! There was supposed to be a meeting on March 7 which is Sunday, but all of the sudden, it came out of nowhere! Now it could change, but holy cow! this is really big news!!

This news just came out of the Disney I looked at today!

So, what do you guys think about this big Disneyland updates?!

I would love to hear a lot of comments, thoughts, opinions, concerns, or questions down below!

Stay tuned for more Disney updates!

The post Some Big Disneyland and Other Park Updates! appeared first on The Nerd Element.