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https://nerdist.com/article/disney-lorcana-announces-third-set-into-the-inklands-new-location-card-type-characters-from-ducktales-talespin/

Disney Lorcana isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The Disney animation-themed trading card game from Ravensburger just saw the release of its second set, Rise of the Floodborn. Even though we know the gaming company is releasing new cards quarterly, it’s still hard to believe it’s already time to learn about Disney Lorcana‘s third set. Yet here we are. The third installment is called Disney Lorcana: Into the Inklands. The 200+ card set introduces a new type of card, new Disney characters, Lorcana lore, and more.

I love the adventurous look of the Into the Inklands logo. The name is a clue to the new type of cards, too: location cards. These will feature Disney story settings and offer players special abilities and interactions. Settings include Motonui from Moana and the Jolly Roger from Peter Pan. Some locations give bonuses when characters visit them, while other location cards provide benefits just by being in play.

Disney Lorcana: Into the Inklands Synopsis

Additionally, Lorcana‘s third set will debut new in-game mini-stories and expand featured characters. This comes through narrative on the cards as stories unfold through quotes and descriptive text. Ravensburger says this will allow players to discover even more links between cards.

As for those new characters, Into the Inklands will have several. The installment brings Pluto, Perdita from 101 Dalmatians, Scrooge McDuck from DuckTales, Kit Cloudkicker from TaleSpin, and Jim Hawkins and the RLS Legacy crew from Treasure Planet. The set will also introduce Atlantis: The Lost Empire. That’s a hefty dose of ’90s and early ’00s Disney nostalgia, and we’re here for it.

The Lorcana lore continues in Into the Inklands, too. A synopsis states:

The Disney Lorcana TCG set Into the Inklands continues the story of the Illumineers who were mysteriously transported to the realm of Lorcana (The First Chapter). After accidentally unleashing a flood of mixed ink (Rise of the Floodborn) that scattered precious lore throughout the realm, Illumineers are now tasked with finding the lore and returning it to the Hall of Lorcana. However, their quest may be more treacherous than they realize, as an ominous shadow storm has been spotted gathering at the edges of Lorcana, adding urgency and mystery to the path ahead.

Disney Lorcana: Into the Inklands‘ Trailer

A story trailer for Into the Inklands introduces Audrey Ramirez from Atlantis, as well as Dreamborn glimmers for Prince Eric and Tinker Bell. It teases a mysterious shadow taking King Triton’s trident.

The Into the Inklands release will include the following items:

• Amber and Emerald Starter Deck ($16.99)
• Sapphire and Ruby Starter Deck ($16.99)
• Booster packs ($5.99)
• Illumineers Trove ($49.99)
• Gift Set ($29.99)
• Play accessories: Card Sleeves, Deck Boxes, Card Portfolios, and Playmats

Disney Lorcana: Into the Inklands Release Date and Virtual Pre-Order Queue

Disney Lorcana: Into the Inklands will first release at local game stores on February 23, 2024. Mass market retailers will get the third set on March 8, 2024. To smooth inventory issues that have plagued Lorcana so far, Into the Inklands will introduce a new virtual pre-order queue.

A release shares the following pre-order information. It notes:

Fans can now sign up for a virtual queue on the official Amazon Ravensburger Disney Lorcana TCG set Into the Inklands product pages to be put into a lottery system. 

Once the queue is closed, people will be randomly selected to get an “invitation” via email where they will have 72 hours to confirm which products they want to purchase.

• Amazon will communicate when the product will be ready to ship.
• The queue system will be open for multiple days.
• The queue system will be U.S. only.
• If they do not purchase within the 72-hour timeframe, someone else will get an invitation to their spot.

Here are the direct links to each of the items:

• Into the Inklands Starter Set(Amber/Emerald): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFRCZKTW
• Into the Inklands Starter Set(Ruby/Sapphire): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFRCT33M
• Into the Inklands Booster Display: https://amazon.com/dp/B0CFRDMPWZ 
• Into the Inklands Illumineer’s Trove: https://amazon.com/dp/B0CFRCSWYZ
• Into the Inklands Gift Set: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFR98C1G

Originally published on December 6, 2023.

The post DISNEY LORCANA: INTO THE INKLANDS Will Offer New Virtual Pre-Order Queue appeared first on Nerdist.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/aldis-and-edwin-hodge-discuss-a-new-parallel-to-sci-fi-in-their-latest-film/

BGN interviews Aldis Hodge (Alex) and Edwin Hodge (Martel) for their latest film Parallel.

Parallel follows the story of Vanessa (Danielle Deadwyler) who takes refuge at her family’s lake house to grieve after suffering the loss of her child. Accompanied by her husband, Alex (Aldis Hodge), and his brother, Martel (Edwin Hodge), Vanessa attempts to regain her sense of normalcy after the tragedy. But soon after their arrival, she experiences an aberration when she is attacked by a parallel universe’s version of herself. Faced with the reality that multiverses exist, she must reconcile the fact that these parallel gates will either hold the key to releasing her grief or trapping her forever.

Interviewer: Jamie Broadnax

Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax

Parallel premieres in theaters 2/23 and on demand 2/27.

https://www.essence.com/beauty/beauty-standards-content-creators-influencers/

Shutterstock / Prostock-studio. By Celeste Polanco ·Updated February 23, 2024

Beauty standards are engraved into girls from a young age. Our Barbies and dolls come perfectly packaged with their hair, makeup, and nails already done. Most of us played with those toys as we watched our mothers get dolled up for the day. Beauty seems fun and playful until we evolve into teenagers. Then, many of us feel the pressure to conform to trends and change our hair and makeup.

The parts of ourselves we once deemed “just fine” have become our biggest insecurities. Our bodies, skin, and hair begin to change while comparison sets in. This, at times, creates a divide between women, mainly because we feel like we’re not “good enough” to be her friend or because of jealousy. We fail to realize “she,” too, has her share of insecurities. 

If these insecurities are not tackled, they only increase as we get older, like a bad rash we can’t get rid of. We apply more makeup, buy more clothes, and wouldn’t be caught dead skipping a Botox appointment. This mentality can spread to our daughters, and the cycle continues… unless we start to get more honest about the beauty journey. 

That said, below, 4 inspiring beauty content creators share how they navigate the ever-changing beauty industry and the standards it comes with. 

Melissa Baker View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mel B. (@amellionmoves)

Melissa Baker is a content creator who knew the pressure of beauty standards until she started creating her own rules. “Cutting my hair was the first time I felt beautiful,” says Baker. Just a few years ago, Baker was diagnosed with traction alopecia, a disease exacerbated by iron deficiency, tight hairtarget="_blank"> View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Angel Edme (@angel_edme)

Angel Edme began finding self-acceptance when she started her healing journey. She describes her “year of self” as a pivotal turn towards body confidence and the beginning of her fashion journey. “I had a year where I wanted to unpack a lot of who I was. Journaling was a way to face parts of myself that needed to be addressed and get to know myself again. This helped me find a lot of confidence,” says Edme. 

Working on her insecurities allowed her to express her confidence through clothing and experimenting with her personal target="_blank"> View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abbyrosemaureen | Beauty & skincare lover | (@abbyrosemaureen)

“I’ve been suffering from acne and hyperpigmentation since I was a teenager,” says Abby Maureen, a skin health content creator. Most of her acne journey was spent with dermatologists who would prescribe her harsh treatments and chemicals. Maureen was given tretinoin, which is often used to treat acne. She described the skin medication as harsh, and when she’d express this, she didn’t feel heard by her dermatologists– a struggle many women of color face in medical offices. 

Maureen’s journey only became more challenging when she started school in America. “I’m from the Caribbean, where acne is normal; I didn’t know clear skin was a beauty standard until I came to the U.S. The beauty standards here made me feel like I wasn’t good enough,” says Maureen. But she refused to let these judgments hold her back from embracing her beauty. She began experimenting with different regimes and sharing them online to help others combat their acne journey and feel good in their skin. Maureen shares, “my biggest beauty secret is to not let others determine your beauty. You determine that for yourself. I stopped comparing myself to others on social media and everything changed.”

Denise Francis  View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Denise | The Self Love Queen | Wellness Founder (@livenaturallylove)

Denise Francis, the owner of the Self Love Organization, says her journey to inner healing began at nine years old. “There was an argument going on with my family. I remember running to the bathroom and crying. However, when I heard my family looking for me, I wiped my tears and told myself to be strong,” says Francis.

This mentality led Francis to struggle with anxiety for years. She eventually began a self-love journey and took a deep dive into the parts of herself she had suppressed for so long. “Self-love is about returning to the old versions of yourself,” says Francis. “You’re breaking down the old versions of yourself you suppress to survive, and you’re returning home,” Francis adds. 

Once Francis returned to herself, she created The Soul Study Journal, a curated book of therapist-approved journaling prompts that allow us to heal and uncover our true inner beauty. “As you teach yourself to heal, you will teach your daughters to heal. Through the inner work, we will release ourselves and our daughters from the strong Black woman to the healed Black woman.” 

TOPICS:  beauty influencers beauty standards selfcare

The post Confidence Secrets From 4 Women Pushing Back Against Beauty Standards appeared first on Essence.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/8-things-about-african-mythology-you-should-know/

You’re most likely familiar with Greek mythology, but what about African mythology?

For most people growing up in the United States, learning about Zeus and the Gods of Olympians was a normal part of the curriculum. Fascinated by stories of one-eyed monsters, all-powerful gods, and mystical creatures, I never considered why I was learning only about Greek and Roman mythology and not mythology from other cultures. After all, those two cultures couldn’t be the only ones that attempted to explain the universe’s wonders through magical creatures. 

My curiosity recently led me to African mythology. Here are eight things that will make you want to learn more.

What Is African Mythology?

Like many myths, African mythology exists to explain the origin of life, the afterlife, and the supernatural. What differentiates African mythology from Western mythology is its incorporation into everyday life. Western perspectives view myths as fairy tales and legends. Yet, in many African cultures, certain parts of myths are ingrained in cultural practices. 

At its core, African mythology reflects the values and beliefs of different cultures. Common themes include having various gods, ancestral spirits, and connections to nature. 

African Mythology Is Not a Representation of the Continent

While African mythology is a common term used to describe the mythology from the continent, it’s important to note that every African country has separate beliefs and religions.

For instance, West African Yoruba culture has the pantheon of Orishas, countless divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare.

East African mythology focuses on how animals, humans, and nature are interconnected. Many of their origin stories are about a human born or coming out of a tree or plant. 

South African mythology heavily emphasizes the afterlife and believes the supreme god Qamata sent ancestors to guide humans. 

Key African Gods and Goddesses in African Religion and Mythology

Here are a few of the most prominent gods and goddesses and their mysterious powers and abilities. 

• Eshu, the Divine Trickster, also known as Elegba, is like the African (Yoruba) version of Loki. Known to use psychological tricks on those who do not recognize his power, his primary role is as a messenger between humans and the realm of spirits. He promises protection to those who offer sacrifices.
• Oshun is a goddess known worldwide in various cultures, including Brazilian, Cuban, Haitian, African, and African American. The creation of the goddess originated from the Yoruba culture of Nigeria and is known to be the goddess of love, wealth, and beauty. 
• The King of Peace Obatala represents honesty, peace, and creativity. He is known for creating the identities and personalities of children in the womb. 
• Anansi is an Akan god of wisdom, whose origin story began in West Africa. He is often depicted as a spider. 
• Amma, known in Western African culture and as Mulungu in East Africa, is known as the supreme god.

African Mermaids Are a Thing

Almost every Blerd remembers when Halle Bailey came out as the live-action version of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and many people spoke out about mermaids only being white. Those critics weren’t aware of African mythology. 

One of the older presentations of mermaids started over 4,000 years ago from the Dogon people of Mali. Mermaids, also known as the Nommo people, originated from the sky and cared for the bodies of water on Earth. The Dogon people mentioned mermaids as protectors of the water but also dangerous and fierce. 

Across Africa, stories of mermaids were not like the Disney stories. In Zimbabwe, the Mondao were mermaids with sharp teeth that would pull people into the water. South Africa has legends of Mondao, who lived in a waterfall desert and, if angered, would create storms and floods.

Books Inspired by African Mythology

As storytelling is a big part of African mythology, it’s no surprise that many books share similar themes. Here are books that expand on African myths.

• The Last Storytellers: Tales from the Heart of Morocco by Richard Hamilton. Morocco is where people have gathered for thousands of years to share stories. However, because of modern times, storytelling has been outshined by movies and TV shows. Hamilton tracked down the few storytellers left to record their stories and combat the slow eraser of in-person storytelling.
• A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown. This book is the story of Karina, a princess who wants to resurrect her murdered mother. The story unfolds by sharing how Karina gathers the material to perform the magic to bring her mother back to life. 
• Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye. This book will satisfy your curiosity if you’re into Yoruba mythology. The book is about Sloane, a descendant of the Yoruba god Orisha, but she must hide her true identity. Unlike some fairy tales, this book is violent and heartbreaking. It shares how Sloane will do whatever it takes to survive. It’s definitely a pick for those who like darker fiction.

African Mythology Is Displayed in African Artwork

While many pieces of art focus on mirroring real life, many African artists have used their artwork to display the concepts, beliefs, and stories of African mythology. Some artists who have been able to blend elements of the real world with those of mythology include:

• Laolu Senbanjo, who demonstrates aspects of Yoruba religion and describes his work as the Sacred Art of the Ori.
• Wangechi Mutu explores the interconnections between humans and nature while challenging Western ideals of misogyny and racism. 

African Mythology Influences African Comics

With African mythology influencing literature, of course, these stories would turn up in comics. Here are some popular comics influenced by African folklore. 

• Warrior Queen by Roye Okupe
• Amadioha created by Tobe Max Ezeogu
• Anaki created by E.N. Ejob 
• Jember created by Beserat Debebe 
• Strike Guard created by Ayodele Elegba

African Mythologies Provide Valuable Lessons

African mythology is revered in many ways. Sculptures are often made to represent different gods and goddesses. Paintings display different scenes from different myths, and dance routines are choreographed to help tell stories. While a main component of African mythology is oral storytelling, visual representation plays a key role in persevering stories.

African stories and myths also teach lessons about kindness, bravery, respect for elders, and honesty. Thus, mythology isn’t simply looked at as fairy tales but serves as a way to support different communities.