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https://blackgirlnerds.com/how-madame-web-is-looking-to-upend-the-entire-spider-man-mythos-with-the-inclusion-of-ezekiel-sims/

The Spider-Man universe has long captivated audiences with its blend of relatable heroism, thrilling adventure, and fantastic humor. Those qualities have translated well into the cinematic universe, starting with Sam Raimi’s trilogy and continuing through Marc Webb’s duology as well as the MCU’s Homecoming trilogy. Traditionally, this particular universe is focused on the experiences of its titular character, AKA Peter Parker, while also exploring themes of responsibility — a great deal of which comes with great power but also youth and morality.

However, up until now, the Spider-Man mythos in the film have yet to explore the most transcendental nature of being a Spider-Man — which was, admittedly, somewhat explored in the animated Spider-Verse movie series. But that’s about to change. With February 14, 2024, fast approaching, the upcoming Madame Web movie promises to revolutionize the beloved Spider-Man mythos by introducing a character largely unexplored in cinematic adaptations.

Enter Ezekiel Sims, whose introduction poses a major shift in the thematic structure of the Spider-Man universe.

The first trailer for Madame Web just dropped, introducing the film’s villain as Ezekiel Sims, who’s apparently clad in a dark version of the classic Spider-Man costume and feeds on the energies of spider-people (individuals across the multiverse who have the same general powers as Spider-Man) in order to maintain his longevity. In the context of the upcoming movie, Ezekiel’s motivations appear to steer in the direction of eliminating of Julia Carpenter (Spider-Woman), Mattie Franklin (also Spider-Woman), and Anya Corazon (Spider-Girl). However, this also leads to a confrontation with Madame Web, who’s trying to save the girls from Ezekiel’s deadly touch.

As is often the case with cinematic adaptations of narratively massive universes, Ezekiel Sims is grossly misrepresented in the upcoming film. We’re not saying that he isn’t villainous in the comics, but we are saying that he isn’t actually feeding off the energy of the spider-people. It would appear that for whatever reason, Sony Pictures decided to merge Ezekiel with Morlun, a villain from the comic that led to Ezekiel’s introduction, as well as to introduce the concept of Spider-Totems and the connection to Anansi the Spider, a god of knowledge from West African folklore.

In the comics, Ezekiel is actually a mentor and ally to Spider-Man, with mystical knowledge about Spider-Man’s powers and his every connection with the Spider-Verse that stems from the fact that he also has spider powers. However, unlike Peter, who believes that his powers come from a radioactive spider bite, Ezekiel gained his powers through a magic ritual, which tied him to a so-called Spider-Totem, basically a mystical force that empowers all spider-heroes across the Multiverse.

This is what brings the transcendental component into the Spider-Man narrative. Ezekiel reveals that Peter didn’t inherit his spider powers from a spider bite. Peter’s spider was irradiated and tried to pass spider powers on to Peter before it died of radiation. Of course, Peter disagrees with this assessment, and the two go on to fight Morlun. Ezekiel eventually dies in the comics, and his death brings about the ultimate revelation: Spider-Totems are real, and Peter and Ezekiel aren’t the only people with spider powers in this universe.

In fact, at the very same time Peter was bitten by the irradiated spider when he was a teenager, his classmate Cindy Moon also gained spider powers. Unfortunately, she was also captured and locked away by Ezekiel, who was trying to prevent Cindy and Peter from meeting and coming into Morlun’s crosshairs. However, with Ezekiel dead, Peter finds and frees Cindy, who eventually becomes a spider hero known as Silk. The two have a short but intense romantic relationship spurred by their mutual connection to the metaphysical Spider-Totems.

The introduction of Spider-Totems paired with the foray into mysticism throws some fresh perspective on the Spider-Man mythos, which ultimately allows for a more complex narrative to emerge since the focus shifts from Peter’s individual struggles to a broader and more universal battle. It also challenges all the previously established understanding and the fandom’s knowledge of Spider-Man’s powers as a mere accident and provides the superhero with a more mystical quality.

This really isn’t a novelty when it comes to Marvel Comics; both Doctor Strange and Thor adaptations have previously introduced mystical and cosmic elements to the MCU, and now Madame Web is doing the same. Taking into account that the upcoming movie is a Spider-Man spin-off and the fact that the Spider-Verse is very popular in both animation and gaming, it’s entirely possible that Sony is trying to establish a franchise of its own, one that’s adjacent to the MCU.

We just hope that Sony won’t trade quality for quantity like Disney did. Considering that they already merged Ezekiel and Morlun, our hopes might be for naught. The introduction of Ezekiel Sims and the Spider-Totems certainly provides an opportunity, though, as well as the opportunity for the purported franchise to dive into worldwide cultural and mythological lore. This would not only broaden the scope of the narrative but also enriches the cultural diversity and inclusivity of the Spider-Man universe. Also, we wouldn’t complain about a live-action Miles Morales.  

https://www.thenerdelement.com/2023/12/22/michael-sinterniklaas-behind-the-english-language-dub-of-the-boy-and-the-heron/

The latest (and possibly last) film by Hayao Miyazaki, “The Boy and the Heron,” is a beautifully rendered anime with outstanding voice work.  It also has the distinction of being Miyazaki’s first No. 1 film in the U.S. and Canada, and the second Japanese film to make a splash at the U.S. box office in 2023, “Godzilla Minus One” being the other.

“The Boy and the Heron” is playing in the U.S. in two versions: one in the original Japanese with English subtitles, and one with an English-language dub. Studio Ghibli, which produced the film, worked with GKIDS, a film distribution company in New York, to assemble an excellent English-language cast that includes Robert Pattinson, Mark Hamill, Karen Fukuhara, and Florence Pugh (not to mention Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, and Willem Dafoe). But how do you get such a cast to provide the level of voice work expected of a film from a master such as Miyazaki?

Enter Michael Sinterniklaas.

Sinterniklaas is not only an accomplished voice actor himself, but a seasoned dialogue/voice director with his own company, NYAV Post, which has recording facilities in Los Angeles and New York. As a voice actor, his roles have included Leonardo in the 2003 version of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and Dean Venture on “The Venture Bros.” He’s also Mikey in a personal favorite TV series, “Kappa Mikey” (2006-2008), and about 272 more voice contributions to anime, animation, and video games. 

His voice director credits include “Lego Monkie Kid: The Emperor’s Wrath” (2023), “Star Wars: Visions” (2021), “My Life as a Zucchini” (2016), and dozens more. Sinterniklaas’ multi-talents are in high demand.

The engaging Sinterniklaas spoke with The Nerd Element recently about his work directing the English-language voice cast of “The Boy and the Heron.”  The conversation includes his work with Robert Pattinson and Dave Bautista on the Heron and the Parakeet King, respectively, working on a Miyazaki film in general, and just what “lip-flap” means in animation.

The post Michael Sinterniklaas: Behind the English-language Dub of “The Boy and the Heron” appeared first on The Nerd Element.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/nye-plans-traditions-vs-do-your-own-thing/

What do you do on New Year’s Eve? That’s the question that weighs on almost everyone’s mind. As your mind struggles to answer this question, you ultimately have to decide if you want to go out or stay in for NYE.

Before you make a decision that might take you to some overpriced and crowded club or that will leave you home alone and lonely, consider the following options. 

6 Fabulous Plans for a Night Out on the Town for NYE

Here’s a list of things to do if you’re looking for a night out on the town. 

1. New York City’s Annual New Year’s Eve Party 2024 @ Stitch

This first event is for the partygoers who want to do it big this New Year’s Eve. The party at Stitch fills up with people. Plus, you’ll want to get there early to enjoy the open bar from 8–9:00 pm. For 15 years, Stitch has been throwing unforgettable NYE parties with two dancing floors accompanied by plenty of alcohol. 

The bar is within walking distance of Times Square, so you’ll be in the middle of all the action. If you want to party all night and dance to your favorite hip-hop/electronic and Top 40 music, this is the place to be. 

Check out the event website for more information and get your tickets. 

2. Party Like It’s 1989 New Year’s Eve Bash

For all the ’80s and ’90s kids, the Party Like It’s 1989 New Year’s Eve Bash happening in NYC is for you.

If you want to go out but don’t want to put up with listening to today’s music, then this event will have you dancing the night away with retro tunes. 

In addition to great tunes, there will also be professional photo options, a catered menu, and a cash bar with various wine, beer, and cider options. 

The night will start with a live band, and once the clock strikes midnight, you’ll toast the new year with champagne, followed by a DJ TiLT who will keep the night going until 2:00 am. 

If this sounds like a party for you, make sure you purchase your tickets soon. 

3. Carnival Masquerade Ball at Omni Atlanta at Centennial Park

While local nightclubs and DJs are great, you may be in the mood for something international. Instead of heading out of the country, you can visit Centennial Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Carnival Masquerade Ball at Omni Atlanta at Centennial Park is a Latin-inspired party that starts at 9:00 p.m. You can enjoy a live Latin Band at the Carnival Grand Ballroom. If you want to mix things up, you can hang out at the Top Draft Sports Lounge, where DJ EU will spin some international beats.

Besides an international selection of music, you’ll also enjoy various food stations inspired by South American foods, cocktails, wine, and beer.

For more information, check out the event page. 

4. New Year’s Eve Parties in Austin, Texas

If you live in Austin or are planning a trip there for the New Year, you’ll have plenty of options for celebrating NYE.

There are a host of parties of all different types. Some parties include burlesque shows, extravaganzas, circus-theme parties and more. 

To see the complete list of events, check out the Austin website.

5. NYE in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is already known as a place to have a good time, and for New Year’s Eve, the craze goes up a notch.

The night starts with shutting down the strip to traffic, making the area feel like one gigantic block party. When it’s time to ring in the new year, the casinos celebrate with an elaborate fireworks show. 

If you tire of being outside, the party continues in various nightclubs and hotels, including the Hard Rock Cafe and Area 51. 

For all the details, check out the official website. 

6. New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles

For West Coasters that aren’t looking to go to Sin City, Los Angeles is the place that offers an exciting night out. 

LA offers a variety of events for different types of partygoers. There are comedy shows, dance parties, or 1920s-themed parties.

Make sure you check out the complete list of events.

Not what you’re looking for? Here are some other places you can find NYE events

If none of the previously mentioned events sound appealing or you live far outside a major city, here are some places where you can find events near you. 

• Eventbrite
• Airbnb Experiences
• Local bars and clubs
• Your local city website

5 Fun Things to Do If You Want to Stay Home for NYE

For those who rather not deal with the crowds of drunken people, here are some ways you can have fun staying at home on NYE.

1. Host a game night; include video games as well as board games

Get together with your closest friends and have a game night. Depending on your style, you can break out the classic board and card games such as Monopoly and UNO.

You can even make it high-tech by playing video games such as Jackbox games or Mario Kart. 

2. Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking might seem like some out-of-date activity. However, it can be fun to do by yourself or with friends. The primary purpose of scrapbooking is to preserve or present important memories. 

Typically, scrapbooking involves attaching photos, artwork, or other memorabilia to blank pages in a scrapbook. 

While many of our memories exist on the thousands of photos we have stored on our computers and phones, scrapbooking is a nice way to relive old memories. 

Use NYE as a time to make a collage of photos from 2023 and reflect on the good times. 

3. Movie Marathon

Sometimes, NYE is a great night to decompress. Instead of getting all dressed up, why not put on comfy clothes, prepare a table of your favorite snacks, and watch a marathon of your favorite movies? 

Make your inner Blerd happy by watching one of the phases of the Marvel movies or classics like Men in Black, Blade, and other fun sci-fi movies. 

If you’re having trouble deciding what to watch, you can check out BGN’s list of 2023 Best Movies.

4. Dance party

Say you want to go out dancing but don’t want to worry about getting pushed around by dozens of drunk partygoers. Avoid getting your feet stepped on and have a dance party at home. 

Invite your friends, rearrange the furniture to give yourself maximum space, and put on your Spotify Wrap or any of your favorite playlists. 

5. Plan for the future with a vision-board-making party. 

While many NYE celebrations focus on celebrating the past year, you can use the time to focus on the coming year. 

Vision boards are collages with images of things you want to manifest or obtain. People tend to cut out pictures from magazines to design their vision boards. 

If you’re hopeful about the future, you can gather your friends, poster boards, and old magazines to assemble your 2024 vision boards. 

If you want to have even more fun with this idea, hire a tarot card reader to come and predict your future. 

https://blacknerdproblems.com/a-i-in-the-age-of-the-absence-of-the-author/

Back in high school, one of my English teachers introduced the idea of “The Death of the Author.” It’s a type of literary critique where the work is analyzed entirely independently of its creator. The idea behind it is that the work exists as its own entity and as such, the merits and demerits of the work should be extracted by what the reader is able to glean from it. The theory argues that if you account for the author, you are potentially closing yourself from a “pure” interpretation of the text and thus limit its meaning.

It’s a noble concept in some respects, the idea of separating the art from the artists. The acknowledgement that the work exists outside of its tangible connection to the creator. However, time and time again, we see that who the author is is a constant influence on the work’s existence. H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos is deeply seated within his extreme racism. Orson Scott Card’s homophobia infiltrates any potential reading of the Ender’s Game series. And we don’t nearly have time to dissect all of the things going on with a particular wizard related franchise.

The contrapositive is also true. The Matrix franchise is a trans allegory for the Wachowski sisters. The Boy and The Heron as a pseudo-autobiographical tale of Hayao Miyazaki’s life. The creation of Superman was deeply informed by Jerry Seigal and Joe Shuster’s personal life. In order to truly understand and appreciate the work, knowing who the author is and what their intentions were is a prerequisite to truly analyze anything going on.

The long and short of this reduces down to a simple sentiment: context matters. Context defines everything. To examine something in a vacuum is recklessly reductive and while it can be useful like frictionless airtight physics questions, in media critique, you have to look at things holistically.

However, as we close out 2023, while keeping the author in mind remains a relevant exercise, we have been faced with a different sort of problem. This is a year that has unfortunately been defined by “the absence of the author” in a plethora of ways.

The most emblematic example is one that I’ve been rallying against for a while and one that I will have to continue to rally against as it has proven to be so much more insidious and pervasive than I could have ever imagined. I’m of course talking about the uptick in the use of “artificial intelligence” (in quotes, because in its current practice, there’s a significant amount of machine learning involved and it’s important to make these distinctions if for no other reason than to hold out hope that the future actual A.I. overlords will be appreciative of the distinctive) pretty much everywhere. The uptick of online generators such as DALL-E, Midjourney, ChatGPT, InfoGPT, and now… Grok puts the technology at the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist, but the use of AI as a means of artistic bypass is nothing new in the slightest. The tipping point, at least in my eyes, continues to be the digital resurrection of James Dean for a movie (feel free to browse through our podcast This Week in Nerd News for more of me and my friends lamenting this weird reality) something facilitated by a CMG Worldwide which manages the digital likeliness of several notable figures, a fact that we’ll get back to in a bit.

But for now, let’s stick with generative A.I. for a moment. A wide range of “tools” have been used to create everything from comics, paintings, and movies. As the technology has evolved (stolen more data), the quality has improved but there remains a soullessness. If we take a look at some of the examples from yesteryear, we have the A.I. assisted comic that lost copyright protection (because unsurprisingly, using a celebrity’s likeness without permission is illegal).

And the recurring thought in my head is that there is definitely a space for A.I. assistance. There is something to be said about the automation of the monotonous. We can see the reasonable use of A.I. in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse, where machine learning helps reduce the amount of repetitive work that the animators need to and then verify the output personally. The combination of using self-sourced work of not relying on the A.I. generated content as gospel is what distinguishes what the populous perception of A.I. art with, you know, actual art. Deliberate choice, cognizant decision making, an actual example of A.I. as being a tool.

@yannisnerdverse

Thats how you use AI correctly #spiderman#intothespiderverse#acrossthespiderverse#ai#animation

♬ original sound – Yanni

If we look at say, “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial” generated by Midjourney as instructed by Jason M. Allen which made waves after it won a state fair last, it definitely looks nice but outside of that, it’s as thinly veiled as the generic Space Opera Theater text that seeded it. This of course was made during the relative infancy of the technology, and the generated art is getting better each and every day, but there’s something off putting about a piece of work that you can’t truly interrogate, something saddening about the lack of any true human intervention, something maddening about the pastiche of images fashioning itself into something supposedly bespoke without acknowledging the source.

And in these examples and any other example, it comes back to the same central point that keeps me up at night. There is no deliberate choice being made. There is no context. A string of words that gets converted to pixels vis a vis a machine does not produce work that can be analyzed. There is no artistry to be found. There are no meaningful decisions made. Any work produced by A.I. inherently is absent of an author by definition.

However, all of the above talks of A.I. directly intersect with another example of 2023 absent authors: the 2023 Writers/Actors Strikes. In addition to wanting a fair wage from the streaming revenue, several of the biggest debate points for WGA and SAG-AFTRA was the use of A.I. in their respective fields, whether it was ChatGPT making scripts or curating the digital likeliness of big names and background actors (I told you the digital resurrection of James Dean was going to come back up). And thankfully, some preventive measures were put into place, but this has also led to the fact that after a year of exception content, we are likely going to feel the absence of these creators in 2024 and 2025 since they weren’t making art because they were busy fighting for their basic livelihood. The idea of the noble artist doing art for art’s sake is perhaps one of the most frustrating antiquated notions perpetuated because at its base, art is fundamental to espousing cultural concepts. Art is important as preserving time periods and ideologies. Art is a fundamental part of our society, and we feel the absence of authors every time they are not able to make work.

So, as we go into the New Year, be mindful of the content droughts induced by corporate greed, that denied writers and actors fair terms to work, and that laid off massive numbers of video games developers. Be mindful of the A.I. work unethically stealing from far too numerous a source to lay down. Be mindful that there are ways to use new technology in a way that doesn’t foster works that are completely absent of authors. Because, and this is worth emphasizing again, we feel it when authors are absent.

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The post A.I. : In the Age of the Absence of the Author appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.