https://blackgirlnerds.com/a-blerd-halloween-30-costumes-inspired-by-black-characters/

Halloween is finally here. Time to let loose, binge Tim Burton, and fulfill your childhood dreams of dressing up as your favorite pop culture hero. If you’re looking for costume inspo inspired by original Black characters in fiction, check out the 30 entries on this list. They’re fun, they’re nostalgic, and more importantly, they’re for the culture.

30. Mortal Kombat: Jade

Whether you go with the OG MKII look or a skin from MK11, nothing would make a bolder statement than pulling up in Jade’s signature bodysuit. Throw in her pink staff for added attention to detail. 

29. Tekken: Eddy Gordo

Eddy is one of the flyest video game characters around. Just look at this skin from Tekken 7. The cheetah print jacket with the metal rings!? Slay.

28. Hey Arnold!: Gerald

You can never go wrong with a Gerald costume. Whether you go with the everyday look or a giant strawberry suit, any variant will do.

27. The Boondocks: Various

The Boondocks oozes Halloween inspo with its iconic line-up of original Black characters. A Pimp Named Slickback would be a good one. 

26. The Rugrats: Susie Carmichael 

Susie Carmichael is one of the greatest Black mascots to ever grace children’s programming. Although she has a few costumes, the signature yellow top with purple leggings would really hit home.  

25. Rocket Power: Reggie Rocket

A Reggie Rocket costume would eat! For this look, pair your favorite camos with a pink cropped tee (bonus if you can stitch the rocket). Throw in the matching pink shades to really pull the look together. 

24. Major Payne: Major Payne

A Major Payne costume would be a riot! Throw in the accent and gold tooth for accuracy.      

23. Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood: Loc Dog

A Loc Dog costume is simple yet, fun idea. With the random miscellaneous items he hangs in his hair, creatives will have a great time with this one. 

22. Entergalactic: Various

With costumes reportedly designed by the late Virgil Abloh, dressing up as the characters in Entergalactic would be a great excuse to show off your flyest streetwear.

21. Atlantis: The Lost Empire: Kida

A childhood hero in the ’90s, a Kida costume would be such a cute throwback. The blue tribal dress and staff will bring out the Atlantean in you.

20. My Hero Academia: Mirko

A Mirko costume would be a showstopper, for sure. The No. 5 heroe’s stacked physique and adorable bunny accents have even been replicated by Megan Thee Stallion. 

19. Avatar: The Last Airbender: Katara

In a span of three seasons, Katara gave us plenty of Halloween looks to choose from. Her Fire Nation look is pretty popular.

18. Blankman: Blankman

A Blankman costume would have people falling out. Not only is it fun, but it’s super low-budget since it’s made of everyday household items. 

17. Hercules: The Muses

Bringing the Muses to life would be just like dressing up for a toga party. With five distinctive looks, styles, and personalities, grab the girls and do it together. 

16. Wendell & Wild: Kat

The Alt Black queen from the stop-motion horror Wendell & Wild is a must-try look for spooky season. Her funky green hair and platform boots provide an edgy touch to one of the spookiest nights of the year. 

15. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse: Spiderpunk

After his introduction in the web-slinging Blockbuster Across the Spider-verse, Hobie Brown has become a mascot for the punk rock Blerd. His leather vest and spiky hair would be a refreshing sight among mass-produced superhero costumes.

14. Clueless: Dionne

Years before Migos coined the term, Dionne embodied the term “bad and boujee.” Since she graces the streets of Beverly Hills in some of the flyest looks Hollywood has ever seen, you’ll have an ample of amount of stylish Halloween inspo.

13. The Fifth Element: Ruby Rhod

Who can forget sci-fi’s messiest radio host: the lavishly flamboyant Ruby Rhod? His leopard print bodysuit and blonde pompadour would guarantee a night of fun. 

12. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Cinderella

Years before live-action adaptations became a trend, Brandy played Cinderella in the ’90s telefilm Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Her signature ballroom gown and bold blue eye shadow are a nice throwback for Halloween.  

11. House Party: Kid N Play

This dynamic hip-hop duo is so iconic, you’ll be recognized instantly. An homage to their pajama party rager from the sequel would be fire.

10. B.A.P.S.: Nisi & Mickey

Dressing up as Nisi and Mickey from this ’90s classic would be fun. Their elaborate hairstyles and loud costumes would definitely get a rise out of friends and family.

9. Queen of the Damned: Queena Akasha

Follow in the footsteps of Blerds like Issa Rae and throw together Queen Akasha’s sultry look. Gracing the floor as a vampire queen would definitely awaken your Halloween spirit.

8. Bring It On: The Clovers 

This iconic look from the teen classic Bring It On is a costume that never misses. Grab your squad, and prepare to embody some of the hottest, fiercest, most competitive cheerleaders pop culture has ever seen.   

7. The Last Dragon: Shonuff

When I say “Who’s the master?” you say: “Shonuff.” Shonuff is a certified rockstar in Black cinema. As Shonuff, you’ll get to tap into your inner bad guy as you step out as the flashiest Shogun Harlem has ever seen. 

6.The Matrix Reloaded: Niobe

Halloween is the perfect time to finally dress up as one of sci-fi’s most badass heroines, Niobe. Her signature snakeskin suit, black shades, and bantu knots are guaranteed to slay. 

5. The Matrix: Morpheus

Only the coolest of cool can pull off a Morpheus costume for Halloween. Truthfully, it wouldn’t take much. Combine your long black overcoat with rounded shades and skinny black tie, and bam. When you’re Morpheus, it’s less about the clothes and more about the attitude. 

4. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest: Calypso

Calypso’s signature locs and blackened teeth will help you tap into your wicked side. With this look, don’t worry about being perfect: the grungier the better. 

3. Purple Rain: The Kid

This Black ’80s classic is full of fun retro looks that can be recreated for Halloween. Prince’s stylish flamboyant looks would make the crowd go crazy. 

2. Poetic Justice: Justice

Janet Jackson’s signature jumbo braids in this ’90s classic are the blueprint. The influence of this iconic look is still felt in hair braiding shops to this day. Justice’s down-to-earth vibe would be a refreshing touch of realism among a sea of fantasy heroes and witches.

1. Bebe’s Kids: Bebe’s Kids

Dressing up as the cast from the ’90s classic Bebe’s Kids would be a fun blast from the past. Tapping into your inner Khalil, LaShawn, or Pee Wee would give you an excuse to run wild and free as you recreate some of the baddest kids in Black cinema history.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/cult-classics-casper-a-deeply-tragic-yet-oddly-wholesome-coming-of-age-tale/

In the early 1990s, young director Brad Silberling (A Series of Unfortunate Events) was working in television when, out of the blue, he was contacted by Steven Spielberg (Jurassic Park). After another project fell through, Spielberg tapped him to direct the live-action adaptation of Casper the Friendly Ghost. The huge IP would be his feature directorial debut, so no pressure.

Spielberg, serving as an executive producer, also had Sherri Stoner and Deanna Oliver (Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs) pen the script, later hiring a young J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) to do some uncredited rewrites. 

Casper made it to theaters on May 26, 1995, Memorial Day weekend, and was a hit at the box office. It was also the first film with an entirely CGI lead character and similarly a milestone in cinema history like Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Director of Photography Dean Cundey and other crew members worked on both productions, including the talented animators over at George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic. However, many critics didn’t like the subject matter, believing it was too morose for a kids’ movie. But as we continue to revisit childhood favorites, we see that several shows and movies we watched were darker than we thought. 

To kick off this family-friendly movie about death, we meet heiress Carrigan Crittenden (Cathy Moriarty), who just inherited the rundown Whipstaff Manor from her recently deceased father. After her initial tantrum, her attorney/assistant/errand boy Paul “Dibs” Plutzker (Eric Idle) finds a flimsy document suggesting there’s hidden treasure inside the mansion.

Without any further research or proof that it even exists, Carrigan makes it their mission to find the alleged treasure in the property she doesn’t want. However, they run into a snag when they’re eagerly greeted by Casper (Malachi Pearson). It takes less than five seconds before they start shrieking and fleeing. 

With the help of the titular friendly ghost and his baffling ability to travel through phone lines, Carrigan sees a news story about Dr. James Harvey (Bill Pullman), a self-proclaimed therapist for the “living impaired” and his “loner” (an unnecessary and hilarious descriptor from the newscaster) daughter Kathleen “Kat” Harvey (Christina Ricci). Following the unsuccessful attempts of priests, construction workers, and a Ghostbuster, Carrigan hires Dr. Harvey to get the spirits to move on. 

As the father-daughter duo make their way to Whipstaff Manor in Friendship, Maine, we learn that James’ real goal is to contact the ghost of his wife Amelia (Amy Brenneman). Unlike the stereotypical snarky tween, Kat is kind and understanding of her father’s obsession (to a point) but she’s also so over his cross-country quest and the intrusive media attention that follows. 

For someone who works in the field of parapsychology, James is oddly disbelieving and terrified when he and Kat see Casper for the first time. Then enter the chaotic Ghostly Trio — Stretch (Joe Nipote), Stinkie (Joe Alaskey), and Fatso (Brad Garrett) — Casper’s supposed uncles. It’s safe to say that this is the first time James has actually seen ghosts but he recovers pretty quickly.

At school, Kat gets attention from a boy, Vic (Garette Ratliff Henson), which inadvertently makes her a target for the obligatory blonde mean girl, Amber (Jessica Wesson). In their first class, she’s asked to introduce herself, and after Amber gets in a few digs (which the teacher just lets her do, by the way), another kid volunteers Kat’s new abode as the venue for their Halloween party. Kat seems fine with the classmates she just met inviting themselves to her home and we don’t see her breaking the news to James, so he’s seemingly down with the inconvenient plan too. 

A lot of the comedy comes from the Ghostly Trio, though Bill Pullman goes full Looney Tunes as a slightly clumsy, easily spooked, sweater-wearing dad. There are several pop culture references to celebrities like Markie Mark and Oprah. In addition to Ben Stein’s brief appearance (because it’s not a ’90s movie without Ben Stein), there are other random but impressive celebrity cameos from Clint Eastwood to the Crypt Keeper. 

But it’s not all laughs. Aside from Kat and James still mourning the loss of their mother/wife, the eternally 12-year-old Casper lives with three abusive uncles in an empty mansion where he watched his father’s mental health decline. He’d forgotten most of his time as a human until he and Kat are in the attic.

He starts to remember the days leading up to his untimely death, how he went sledding with his dad and caught a fatal case of pneumonia. The heartbreaking backstory wasn’t from the Harvey Comics source material but was written specifically for the film. Pearson delivers the monologue with such sadness: “It got cold, I got sick, Dad got sad.” James Horner’s (Titanic, Jumanji) hauntingly beautiful score enhances this and the other melancholic moments throughout the film. In a behind-the-scenes featurette, Horner describes the melody as a fairy tale about Casper’s “lost quality of youth and childhood.” 

The whole film is somewhat of a fairy tale. On the night of the party, Casper is granted time as a living human. He uses the brief time in corporeal form, famously played by the dreamy Devon Sawa, to slow dance with Kat and share a slightly awkward but sweet kiss on the dance floor and whispers, “Can I keep you?” He had said this to a sleeping Kat while he was a ghost, but this time it is a tad less creepy. Operating on a bizarre Cinderella time constraint, Casper only gets until the stroke of 10:00 PM (not even midnight) before he’s back to being translucent. 

Despite being a Halloween favorite, Casper doesn’t exactly feel like it’s taking place during spooky season. The middle school costume party is really the only Halloween-related element. However, the nearly dilapidated gothic mansion provides an eerie atmosphere with and without any roaming ghouls, especially his father’s basement laboratory, accessed via a whiplash Haunted Mansion-type ride. 

Like most of Whipstaff’s features (swirl designs, stained glass, huge machinery puffing smoke), the old lab is very Burton-esque, including the “Up and at ‘em” machine, a wild contraption you’d see in Edward Scissorhands. If Tim Burton made Casper, there’d be a larger ensemble cast of weird characters, Ricci would be pale and probably more Lydia Deetz-like, and Johnny Depp would have Bill Pullman’s role. I mean, I’d see it. 

Casper is a deeply tragic yet oddly wholesome coming-of-age tale about loneliness and grief. Though the film is essentially a meditation on death, it isn’t all doom and gloom. It still has its zany moments and mid-’90s charm with just enough darkness to satisfy one’s inner goth.

In 2022, Peacock announced they had their own live-action on Casper in development from Kai Yu Wu (American Born Chinese). We’ve yet to hear any updates but we can only hope that Christina Ricci is asked to make a Wednesday-style appearance. 

Catch Casper currently streaming on Netflix.

https://nerdist.com/article/stranger-things-flight-of-icarus-eddie-munson-prequel-book-delivers-family-backstory-romance-series-cameos-in-bittersweet-love-letter/

For fans of the character, an Eddie Munson prequel book was always going to be a bittersweet offering. After all, many fell fast for Eddie in Stranger Things 4, only for him to meet a harsh death. The figure of Eddie Munson attracted so much love so quickly because his narrative, however short, resonated powerfully with anyone who had ever felt othered in their lives. And conversely, his death brought so much pain because it seemed like an undeserved end for a character who had already survived so much and in whom so many saw themselves. All of this left Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus with a tall order on its hands. Could going backward in Eddie Munson’s story be as satisfying as a much-hoped-for going forward?

The answer is complicated. But mostly, it boils down to the fact Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus by Caitlin Schneiderhan deeply understands what makes Eddie Munson so loved. Although delving into those purely good aspects of Eddie leaves a sting behind given his ending, the novel offers fans more time with their favorite character at his best.

Moved by forces unknown, the first part of the book I read was the acknowledgments. At the very end, author Caitlin Schneiderhan notes, “Thank you to everybody out there who has ever been an Eddie Munson, been saved by an Eddie Munson, or loved an Eddie Munson. You’re not alone.” And ultimately, that is the most powerful summary of this novel I could offer. Despite the balancing act it faced, Flight of Icarus shone because it was a love letter to Eddie, to the way the character has made many feel seen, and to the struggles he survived, which feel so resonant to those facing the same obstacles in reality.

Although a first-person narrative can be a tough sell, in this case, it worked because it brought the reader intimately into Eddie’s world, offering up his thoughts about himself and those around him, his hopes, and his fears, and allowing him to truly be at center. Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus lets readers sit next to Eddie for a time and experience another portion of his life with him. In that way, it let everyone feel less alone.

Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus‘ Plotlines Build Up the Eddie Munson We Know

In a more literal sense, three main plotlines run through Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus. One focuses on Eddie’s backstory and his fraught relationship with his wayward father, Al Munson, who envisions Eddie as his mini-me, at least when convenient. A second features an original character named Paige, who sees Eddie as a rock ‘n roll god and seeks to help him get his big break in music. And a third stars the Hellfire Club and Eddie’s at-the-time best friend named Ronnie, who really just wants Eddie to love himself.

Of the three, the strongest Flight of Icarus plot was the arc between Ronnie and Eddie. Although sadly, this arc was also the shortest of the trio. Ronnie and Eddie’s playful but snarky dynamic gives Eddie a confidant to challenge and check him and offers up that incredible “platonic life partners” dynamic that we don’t see enough of in fiction. It strongly calls to mind the friendship between Robin and Steve. There even seems to be a subtle implication Ronnie is also queer. (Eddie notes that “she didn’t think she’d have a crush on anybody.”) Suffice to say, this friendship definitely leaves fans wondering what mischief the four would have gotten up to in another life.

Meanwhile, the storyline between Eddie and Paige is fun and gives readers a look at an Eddie Munson romance if that’s what they’re into. For me, it was the plot that moved the story forward the least. But it did feature some poetic descriptions by Schneiderhan of Eddie immersing himself in his music which will stay with me. It also lets Eddie see that even a good vision of who he is that isn’t true to himself isn’t right.

Finally, of course, there’s Al Munson. Meeting Eddie’s dad puts an even sharper focus on the hardship Eddie has experienced his whole life. In Hawkins, Al Munson exists as a huge pariah. And Hawkins has tarred and feathered Eddie with the brush of perceptions only his father has earned. This, of course, does heap onto Eddie’s shoulders. But it’s not really the Munson-aversion that hurts the worst. In Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus, we learn Al Munson has been leaving Eddie behind his whole life. And, in a sense, no differently than Hawkins, Eddie’s father can’t truly see Eddie as a person, not unless he needs something from him. There’s more than one scene that will make your heart clench for Eddie, who truly just wants to be loved.

The true throughline of every part of the Flight of Icarus is Eddie Munson learning what it means to be just Eddie Munson and not only squaring with that but celebrating it. Every argument, aspiration, disappointment, and joy in the novel steps him closer to figuring out that Eddie being happy with Eddie is the most crucial success of all. And that’s exactly the journey we and Eddie deserve to go on.

Stranger Things Cameos in Flight of the Icarus

When it comes to Stranger Things cameos beyond Eddie Munson, fans can expect some treats. It’s clear that Flight of Icarus saw at least a portion of what the internet was asking for. HellCheer fans get an extended and emotional memory of Eddie and Chrissy meeting at the school talent show, cementing headcanons for how their friendship and romance could have blossomed. Wayne Munson appears as the father figure that Eddie sorely needs, a true voice of love in Eddie’s life who encourages him, more than anyone, to just be himself. Reefer Rick has some jovial and hilarious moments as Stranger Things gives us the origin story of Eddie’s business ventures. Gareth and Jeff get more flesh on their bones. The cherry on top is Will Byers and Eddie Munson finally getting to meet. (And make one another smile. And talk Dungeons & Dragons, kind of.)

To all my Steddie comrades-in-arms, I am honor-bound to say that although Steve Harrington does not appear in Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus, he is confirmed to not approve of any beating up of freshmen… And the one mention Eddie makes of him does feature an, ehm, interesting body part, so we’ll take it.

Eddie Munson’s Backstory Is Beautiful, but It Hurts Us

Ultimately, getting lost in Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus is an excellent adventure for Eddie Munson fans. But the journey Eddie goes on to embrace himself, the figure he becomes to all the other “freaks” around him, and all the pains, hopes, and dreams we learn he has do converge to make his ultimate death an even tougher pill to swallow. Flight of the Icarus would become that much more of a satisfying origin and backstory for Eddie Munson if we could one day see him triumph in the face of all his naysayers by the simple act of getting to live on. It’s your move, Stranger Things 5.

But, in the meanwhile, Eddie Munson got to live a little longer in our world, and that, we will celebrate.

⭐ (3.75 of 5)

The post STRANGER THINGS: FLIGHT OF ICARUS Offers Excellent But Painful Eddie Munson Quality Time appeared first on Nerdist.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/lupita-nyongo-inspires-discussion-on-how-women-can-healthily-overcome-breakups-and-heartache/

On December 23, 2022, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o surprised us on social media when she introduced her romance with television host and designer Selema Masekela.

“We just click!” Lupita wrote on Instagram. “@selema #thisismylove #nuffsaid.”

Selema also confirmed their romance with his own post, writing, “Hearts are synched. My whole and actual love @lupitanyongo. #outkickedthecoverage.”

Throughout Nyong’o’s career, she has discussed her choice to keep her private life out of the public eye — and rightfully so, as social media can be a war zone when you share parts of your life. Yet, she more recently shared a message on Instagram that she is “dissociating herself from someone she can no longer trust” within her “season of heartbreak.”

While she didn’t expressly give a name, removing photos of Masekela from her Instagram and not following each other anymore told us all we needed to know. The post comes one day after photos of Nyong’o and actor Joshua Jackson were taken at a Janelle Monae concert in Los Angeles. Jackson is newly split from his wife Jodie Turner-Smith.

I know, it’s a lot. You may be wondering how news of yet another Hollywood breakup could possibly add value to your life. Nyong’o shared for “someone else out there experiencing the grip of heartbreak who is poised to try and escape from the pain and miss out on the wisdom that comes from it.”

Her post sparks the conversation about how women, particularly Black women, overcome breakups and heartache and move forward from them.

Over a decade ago, I found myself going through a divorce. It was painful and I chose not to share what I was going through. Even after I finally confided in people close to me, I still felt alone and had to navigate how to get through that difficult time. People will have their opinions and actually take sides. Your feelings will be dismissed, and you’re almost forced to become bulletproof.

Black women are consistently isolated by society and then punished for speaking about their pain. When we choose to speak about loneliness and lack of care in romantic relationships, people downplay our vulnerability because we are supposed to be so strong all the time.

What I know for sure is that heartache is something to move through and not necessarily move on from. The idea of moving on gives the impression that there are specific steps you can take and that, if followed correctly, one day you’ll be good as new. Moving through allows the space to go as far as you can but give yourself grace to take a step back if needed. Moving through does not force you to rush and feel better. The only way to heal from a breakup is to move through the pain until it’s done. As Nyong’o said, if we try and escape the pain, we might miss out on the wisdom it provides.

According to Dr. Gary W. Lewandowski Jr., professor and former chair in the Department of Psychology at Monmouth University in New Jersey, a social media purge can protect your heart. Nyong’o certainly took note of this by deleting all the photos from her Instagram account. Lewandowski says that Facebook and Instagram can be pure poison for the brokenhearted. “Though it may be temporarily gratifying to satisfy your curiosity,” regarding what the ex is up to, “it’s best not to look back.”

As Lewandowski describes in his TEDx talk, Break-Ups Don’t Have to Leave You Broken, it’s important to become reacquainted with “parts of yourself that you may have deemphasized or neglected during the relationship” in order to “remember who you are separate from the relationship.” He encourages asking yourself what activities your relationship may have been blocking and then rediscovering that part of yourself.

Nyong’o being spotted with Joshua Jackson allows us to speculate. New relationship, or simply friends having a night out? It’s true that some people try to cope with a breakup by jumping into another relationship. I have seen friends do this, and it doesn’t allow time to actually process emotions and get to know yourself again. This should be a time for self-discovery and reflection. The pain is so present that you need time to let it subside.

We’ve all seen the posts on social media about Black women living a “soft life,” and what that actually looks like. It’s about living life in a way that creates space for vulnerability and peace. Simply existing in this world as a Black woman is hard. The truth is it feels harder than ever these days.

In the early days of the lockdown, we focused on being our best selves through the harder-better-faster-stronger trope. There was a time when the mandate of the strong Black woman gave so many us the edge we needed to survive. But it also gave us burnout. In addition to balancing work and our physical and mental health, we’ve also had to carry the weight in our personal lives, making sure that everyone else is okay while we’re just out here suffering. So many of our connections often feel unfulfilling because we’re pouring from an empty cup, providing unconditional love and support without being met with reciprocity.

There is no rule book for what to do when a relationship ends. But one interesting notion comes from Habiba Jessica Zaman, a professional counselor: “Our healing time will depend on the meaning the relationship held, as well as the length of the relationship.”

Nyong’o shared a message of gratitude to followers who have sent her messages of support. “Thank you for all the kindness I have received from sharing my heartbreak news,” Lupita wrote on her Instagram Story on October 22.  She continued, “And it feels comforting to have a little corner online for the romantically heartbroken to gather.”

Nyong’o taking to social media to express her pain and loss about a relationship is what people consistently do these days. We allow the world into our most vulnerable spaces, in the hopes that we’ll feel better or possibly gain some acknowledgment of our feelings. I believe she also recognizes that she is not alone in what she’s going through. With her massive platform, she has the reach to actually help someone going through the same. We see that she’s just like us, doing our best moving through.