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Legendary animator-writer-director Henry Selick (Coraline) makes his long-awaited return to the screen with a dark and edgy stop-motion feature just in time for Halloween.
Co-written by horror auteur Jordan Peele (Nope) and based on an unpublished book by Selick and Clay McLeod Chapman, Wendell & Wild is about second chances, self-discovery, and the afterlife and somehow manages to shine a light on the grim reality of the prison industrial complex and juvenile correctional system while remaining a fun, spooky story with plenty of bug guts.
Thirteen-year-old Kat Elliot (Lyric Ross) lost her parents in a tragic accident when she was eight. She harbors a lot of guilt that has hardened her against the world. She’s angry and has no interest in friends or any kind of affection. “I figured I’d just hate myself for the rest of my life,” she says.
But there are moments when her vulnerability shows. After years bouncing around foster homes and a stint in juvie, she’s brought back to her hometown to attend Rust Bank Catholic School for Girls via a program called Break the Cycle. Rust Bank has seen better days, and it’s pretty much gone downhill since her parents died and their brewery burned down.
Throughout the film, Kat encounters RBC’s various oddball characters, like shifty headmaster Father Bests (James Hong) and the demon-obsessed janitor Manberg (Igal Naor). She also meets the fiercely protective Sister Helley (Angela Bassett), who knows more about the supernatural than one would expect. Kat’s ushered around the school by irritable, penguin-shaped nuns, but before she makes her way down the halls of RBC, she gives the school uniform a makeover to match her green-haired Afropunk style.
Meanwhile, the titular demon bros Wendell (Keegan-Michael Key) and Wild (Jordan Peele) are working for an Oogie Boogie-like villain named Buffalo Belzer (Ving Rhames) in the Underworld. Belzer runs the Scream Faire for the Souls of the Danged. The brothers have their own big amusement park dreams, fittingly called Dream Faire. But they need help from Kat, who happens to be their Hellmaiden. Yes, on top of everything else she’s dealing with, Kat discovers she can summon demons to the Land of the Living.
Selick, a big Key & Peele fan, reached out to the duo about this story of tricky hellions. He told Polygon, “It seemed like a Key & Peele skit, almost, that they could be these siblings who are demons but have very human weaknesses and desires.” That duality of humanity versus the otherworldly is a mainstay throughout the film, leading us to ask who the real bad guys are in this story. Is it the gleefully manipulative demons or the greedy humans?
The visual style of Wendell & Wild stands out from other stop-motion animations. It’ll definitely remind you of classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas, but the designs aren’t as smooth. Right away I noticed the seams between the characters’ faces. Selick said in an interview that they intentionally “left in bumps and imperfections.” I admit it’s sort of distracting. However, it gives the characters an oddly tangible look. There’s also a paper cutout aesthetic reminiscent of the eerie shadow puppetry in Candyman.
Each character is distinct, with some even resembling the voice actor portraying them. I knew Father Bests was James Hong within two seconds of seeing the character’s face. With its multicultural cast of characters, you can tell that designs embrace Black and Brown features and hair texture, especially when it comes to Kat because we love a Black goth girl. I can’t wait to see all the amazing cosplay the film inspires. Plus, Bruno Coulais (Coraline) infuses his trademark ethereal choir music with Kat and her parents’ love of punk, featuring a few bangers from the likes of Living Colour and TV on the Radio.
There’s a lot to love about Wendell & Wild, but it also has a lot going on for one film. Kat and her demons could’ve used more screen time with a little less focus on the corrupt prison storyline. Kat’s starting at a new school, finding out she has powers, facing her literal demons, raising the dead, and worrying about the fate of Rust Bank, all while carrying around unresolved trauma and a general dislike for everything and everyone, is a lot. Then there are multiple subplots involving RBC staff, students, and parents, not to mention what’s going on in the Underworld.
One of my favorite things about the film is just how subversive it is when it comes to kids’ movie tropes. For starters, the depressing town of Rust Bank might be the least kids’-movie setting ever. The wealthy girls at school aren’t bullies but rather super welcoming and optimistic, which Kat finds annoying. Adults aren’t stifling anyone’s childlike imagination or telling them to grow up (because they’re too focused on money). The cast and characters are incredibly diverse without their racial or sexual identity being the most talked about aspect of their existence. RBC’s only trans student Raúl (Sam Zelaya) has a supportive single mom and a school (a Catholic school at that) that recognizes his transition.
Wendell & Wild is a fun, twisted tale of tragedy, trauma, and second chances, beautifully wrapped in Halloween greens and mystic purples. Though the story feels over-packed at times, the balance of spooky fun and social commentary makes up for it. And with rich, diverse characters like Kat and Raúl, the film is a rare gem in the stop-motion animation genre. Henry Selick never misses, and I hope this genius collaboration with Jordan Peele is the first of many.
Wendell & Wild had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. The film hits theaters October 21, 2022, and will stream October 28 on Netflix.
Legendary animator-writer-director Henry Selick (Coraline) makes his long-awaited return to the screen with a dark and edgy stop-motion feature just in time for Halloween.
Co-written by horror auteur Jordan Peele (Nope) and based on an unpublished book by Selick and Clay McLeod Chapman, Wendell & Wild is about second chances, self-discovery, and the afterlife and somehow manages to shine a light on the grim reality of the prison industrial complex and juvenile correctional system while remaining a fun, spooky story with plenty of bug guts.
Thirteen-year-old Kat Elliot (Lyric Ross) lost her parents in a tragic accident when she was eight. She harbors a lot of guilt that has hardened her against the world. She’s angry and has no interest in friends or any kind of affection. “I figured I’d just hate myself for the rest of my life,” she says.
But there are moments when her vulnerability shows. After years bouncing around foster homes and a stint in juvie, she’s brought back to her hometown to attend Rust Bank Catholic School for Girls via a program called Break the Cycle. Rust Bank has seen better days, and it’s pretty much gone downhill since her parents died and their brewery burned down.
Throughout the film, Kat encounters RBC’s various oddball characters, like shifty headmaster Father Bests (James Hong) and the demon-obsessed janitor Manberg (Igal Naor). She also meets the fiercely protective Sister Helley (Angela Bassett), who knows more about the supernatural than one would expect. Kat’s ushered around the school by irritable, penguin-shaped nuns, but before she makes her way down the halls of RBC, she gives the school uniform a makeover to match her green-haired Afropunk style.
Meanwhile, the titular demon bros Wendell (Keegan-Michael Key) and Wild (Jordan Peele) are working for an Oogie Boogie-like villain named Buffalo Belzer (Ving Rhames) in the Underworld. Belzer runs the Scream Faire for the Souls of the Danged. The brothers have their own big amusement park dreams, fittingly called Dream Faire. But they need help from Kat, who happens to be their Hellmaiden. Yes, on top of everything else she’s dealing with, Kat discovers she can summon demons to the Land of the Living.
Selick, a big Key & Peele fan, reached out to the duo about this story of tricky hellions. He told Polygon, “It seemed like a Key & Peele skit, almost, that they could be these siblings who are demons but have very human weaknesses and desires.” That duality of humanity versus the otherworldly is a mainstay throughout the film, leading us to ask who the real bad guys are in this story. Is it the gleefully manipulative demons or the greedy humans?
The visual style of Wendell & Wild stands out from other stop-motion animations. It’ll definitely remind you of classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas, but the designs aren’t as smooth. Right away I noticed the seams between the characters’ faces. Selick said in an interview that they intentionally “left in bumps and imperfections.” I admit it’s sort of distracting. However, it gives the characters an oddly tangible look. There’s also a paper cutout aesthetic reminiscent of the eerie shadow puppetry in Candyman.
Each character is distinct, with some even resembling the voice actor portraying them. I knew Father Bests was James Hong within two seconds of seeing the character’s face. With its multicultural cast of characters, you can tell that designs embrace Black and Brown features and hair texture, especially when it comes to Kat because we love a Black goth girl. I can’t wait to see all the amazing cosplay the film inspires. Plus, Bruno Coulais (Coraline) infuses his trademark ethereal choir music with Kat and her parents’ love of punk, featuring a few bangers from the likes of Living Colour and TV on the Radio.
There’s a lot to love about Wendell & Wild, but it also has a lot going on for one film. Kat and her demons could’ve used more screen time with a little less focus on the corrupt prison storyline. Kat’s starting at a new school, finding out she has powers, facing her literal demons, raising the dead, and worrying about the fate of Rust Bank, all while carrying around unresolved trauma and a general dislike for everything and everyone, is a lot. Then there are multiple subplots involving RBC staff, students, and parents, not to mention what’s going on in the Underworld.
One of my favorite things about the film is just how subversive it is when it comes to kids’ movie tropes. For starters, the depressing town of Rust Bank might be the least kids’-movie setting ever. The wealthy girls at school aren’t bullies but rather super welcoming and optimistic, which Kat finds annoying. Adults aren’t stifling anyone’s childlike imagination or telling them to grow up (because they’re too focused on money). The cast and characters are incredibly diverse without their racial or sexual identity being the most talked about aspect of their existence. RBC’s only trans student Raúl (Sam Zelaya) has a supportive single mom and a school (a Catholic school at that) that recognizes his transition.
Wendell & Wild is a fun, twisted tale of tragedy, trauma, and second chances, beautifully wrapped in Halloween greens and mystic purples. Though the story feels over-packed at times, the balance of spooky fun and social commentary makes up for it. And with rich, diverse characters like Kat and Raúl, the film is a rare gem in the stop-motion animation genre. Henry Selick never misses, and I hope this genius collaboration with Jordan Peele is the first of many.
Wendell & Wild had its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. The film hits theaters October 21, 2022, and will stream October 28 on Netflix.
Anime Fall Season has begun, and I’m already scrambling for a lifeboat. I’m a huge Rumiko Takahashi fan, and Urusei Yatsura has been on my list of anime to ‘definitely watch this season’ since I first heard the news. Here’s a mostly spoiler free guide for anyone who wants to know the details on one of the most anticipated animes coming this Fall!
Log line:
Boy meets girl but girl is from outer space!
Who Created it:
The legendary Rumiko Takahashi, who first started creating manga in the late 1970’s–who is also responsible for such hits as Inuyasha, Ranma ½, and Maison Ikkoku. Takahashi was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame in 2018 and she won the Grand Prix at FIDB Angoulême in 2019. She won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award twice in her career: once for Urusei Yatsura in 1981 and the second time for Inuyasha in 2002.
She is still active as a mangaka whose many works have been adapted for several other mediums including anime and live-action. She is currently working on Mao, an era-spanning supernatural adventure in Japan which has been running since 2019 and has been collected in over ten volumes in its native country so far.
What is it About:
The chronically unlucky and unapologetically not pure of heart Ataru Moroboshi is selected as humanity’s representative in a duel for the fate of the planet when an alien race known as the Oni invade Earth.
His opponent is Lum, the Oni’s princess, and it’s only thanks to Ataru’s very unscrupulous behavior that he’s able to scrape out a win in a treacherous game of tag against her.
She takes a shine to him and soon returns to follow him home as Lum invades not only planet Earth, but also the womanizing Ataru’s love life!
Who Would this Appeal to:
- Fans of the renowned Rumiko Takahashi
- Newer fans of Takahashi who want to be introduced to her older work
- Fans of the sci-fi and rom com genres
- Folks who love full supporting casts and hilarious hi-jinks
- Folks who love that slapstick energy when it comes to anime
Can My Kid(s) Read the Source Material:
The manga is labeled as “TEEN PLUS.” On the Viz website, Teen Plus “may be suitable for older teens and adults. For example, may contain intense and/or gory violence, sexual content, frequent strong language, alcohol, tobacco, and/or other substance use.”
I would not recommend it for the younger crowd, and from what I remember reading of the source material, Urusei Yatsura gets pretty flirty and suggestive at times and the humor leans that way too. I’m not entirely sure if it is toned down a bit in this newer adaptation, but the 80’s version was a little wild.
I’m not sure everything aged well–think the tropey lecherous male character in much of Takahashi’s work–think Inuyasha’s Miroku or Maison Ikkoku’s Yusaku Godai. Ataru in here in Urusei Yatsura fits right in with those characters albeit he’s a younger version, being a teenager. He’s very, very heavy on the “girl crazy.” Look, the whole premise introduces us to Ataru who wins the great competition saving Earth from the alien invaders because of his “unscrupulous behavior” so that should tell you off the bat who he is.
Where Can I Read it:
If you want physical copies, volumes one through sixteen (with sixteen being the latest volume) are available now at most places that sell books like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Book Shop, RightStuf, Walmart and even some comic book stores.
If you are looking to read and purchase it digitally, try the Google Play store, the iBooks store front and with Kindle and Nook devices.
Important Info You Need to Know:
This is actually a reboot! The original manga series originally ran from the late 70’s to the late 80’s being released in over thirty volumes in Japan. It was adapted to anime for the first time in the 1980s releasing almost 200 episodes, a handful of movies, and even inspired a few video games!
The early part of the original anime series followed two self-contained fifteen-minute manga: the pacing worked very well with its comedic tone and approach. The original Urusei Yatsura played up pop culture and folklore pretty well, and there are countless pages, via the internet, pointing out various Easter egg: from cameos by popular characters like droids from space operas to throwbacks to Takahashi’s other work like Maison Ikkoku.
Different places online have suggested that this newest adaptation will be less of a full adaptation and more of a “best of” certain episodes of the past that will be updated and animated for a newer audience. As someone who has only seen one of the films from the 80’s and various clips of the original anime over the years, I’ll rock with that version if that’s what we’ll end up receiving.
Gentle reminder that the original anime was very long and episodic in nature. So if this is indeed the approach the animation studio is going for, I don’t see it as a bad move: switch things up and put a new coat of paint on it. The animation looks gorgeous, and it is safe to assume that legions of Rumiko Takahashi fans everywhere are anticipating this one. On a related note: here’s a fascinating piece to read on the subtitling of the original series that gives great insight on the fandom, software used, and even how that aided the newer series!
Who are Some Important Characters I Should Know About:
Ataru Moroboshi, our main character: He’s severely unlucky in everything that he sets out to do in life. Imagine his surprise when he comes home one day to find the king of some Alien invaders sitting in his family’s living room. Imagine the shock he’s in when he finds out that he’s been selected by these invaders as Earth’s representative in a special competition in which the outcome places the planet’s salvation in the delicate balance?! Ataru is not a stand-up guy, my friends. He adores Shinobu, his off- and on-again girlfriend, but he cannot keep from glancing admiring other women. Don’t cue Kurt Angle’s theme music cause he’s not about that life of integrity: he’s willing to cheat on math tests and even tell a few white lies to make life easier for himself.
Lum, the alien princess of invaders: The gorgeous, horned, bikini clad member of the Oni, the alien species with humanoid bodies and features, hilariously. She’s ever curious, competitive, a little selfish and super excited about Earth. A misunderstanding by Ataru means she wants to extend her stay on this funny little planet and stick close to him, to his dismay. She soon gains a fan club, more than one alien from her home planet comes looking for her, and one in particular engages herself in everyone’s business–but Ataru’s most of all. She has a very electrifying personality that makes its presence known throughout the series.
Shinobu Miyake, Ataru’s childhood friend, classmate, and then girlfriend: She is Ataru’s girlfriend when Lum and the invaders appear on Earth. The poor girl is being dragged into everything drama wise, but she soon comes into her own with a new skillset that surprises everyone. She is quick to anger when it comes to Ataru and later she’s a young woman who is depended on when it comes to her friends. Shinobu may not be fearless, but she does her best with what she’s got That means a lot when Japan is constantly being invaded and assaulted by aliens, spirits, and other mayhem bringing guests.
Cherry, the wizened Buddhist monk: The monk is more trouble than help. This tiny man of the cloth is quick to tell Ataru of his unlucky face but slow to tell him how to escape the misfortunes that constantly come his way. He ends up holing up at Ataru’s house for a bit and freeloading off his family. Ruled by his stomach, this greedy little creature man tends to forget enough the basic duties of a monk just to justify eating some sukiyaki when someone is grieving. Cherry has a family member with a spiritual occupation who enters the story as one of the supporting cast members a bit later on.
What to expect:
Meddling family members, school life shenanigans, tigers, former finances, girls next door, puns, fiery priestess, rich heirs, school festivals, intergalactic politics, romance, battles, despair, wrestling moves, catch phrases, competitions, more princess than you can handle, homework not being done and other high stakes!
The highly anticipated anime series, Urusei Yatsura, based on the original manga written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi, premiered on HIDIVE this week!
Animated by David Production (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind, Cells at Work, Fire Force), Urusei Yatsura is directed by Hideya Takahashi (director of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind) and Yasuhiro Kimura (director of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind) and written by Yuko Kakihara (scriptwriter for Cells at Work! and Kids on the Slope).
As noted in the press release on the HIDIVE website, the series will star Sumire Uesaka (Rika Sonezaki in O Maidens in Your Savage Season, Hayase Nagatoro in Don’t Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro) as Lum, Hiroshi Kamiya (Levi in Attack on Titan, Trafalgar Law in One Piece) as Ataru Moroboshi, Maaya Uchida (Rikka in Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions, Hiyori in Noragami) as Shinobu Miyaki and Mamoru Miyano (Light in Death Note, Rintaro in Steins;Gate) as Shutaro Mendo.
Cover Image via HIDIVE
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The post The Beginner’s Primer to the ‘Urusei Yatsura’ 2022 Anime appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
You might think stop-motion LEGO food ASMR videos would have a narrow target audience, but apparently not. The video below of a massive LEGO tuna already has nearly a million views. Other videos on the I like home YouTube channel have millions as well. The fish market make-believe covers the whole preparation process, starting with the tuna on ice. Who knew that de-scaling a LEGO fish could be so fascinating to watch, and listen to?
The ASMR component includes realistic sounds from start to finish. That comes with both positive and negative moments, depending on your preferences. The noise of descaling a fish is particularly satisfying. Well, it’s that or perhaps it’s actually the sound of scraping clear 1×1 bricks off a LEGO build. But the rest of the video has a wet squelchy-ness that may make a few people hit mute. Just make sure you turn the sound back on for the end. That seems to include the real sound of someone chewing on LEGO bricks.
The three minute video is actually 2,273 pictures masterfully put together as stop-motion animation. As for the LEGO tuna itself, it’s more than five and a half feet long. We imagine it must have taken many hours to assemble thousands of bricks.
After sitting down to a well-earned break with the sashimi (with LEGO wasabi and soy sauce, of course), the builder packages the rest. In actuality, this set is like something in real life. The Dongwon gift set is a coveted (and expensive) package of fresh tuna steaks and sashimi from the South Korean company known for canned tuna.
The I like home YouTube channel hosts a whole series of LEGO food and cooking videos, including a similar one of the preparation of a salmon. They also feature some less fishy treats like wine, cakes, and a chocolate fountain.
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 This LEGO Tuna Looks Good Enough to Eat, Even in Stop-Motion appeared first on Nerdist.
Ever since Black Panther changed the cinematic landscape in 2018, fans have been clamoring for the return of the hero. But in the wake of the death of Chadwick Boseman, who so memorably brought King T’Challa to life, there has also been a question of who will take on the mantle of Black Panther when the highly-awaited sequel hits screens. At San Diego Comic-Con 2022, director Ryan Coogler shared the first stunning trailer for the movie. While the trailer didn’t reveal who would be taking on the role of Black Panther, it did tease a look at a new suit for the protector of Wakanda. That, alongside a poster showing the new hero’s helmet and some other teases from the movie, has many fans wondering if T’Challa’s sister Shuri is the new Black Panther. It’s a pretty smart guess, especially if we look at her comic backstory. Here’s a rundown of Shuri’s relationship to the mantle of Black Panther.
Has Shuri Been the Black Panther in Marvel’s Comic Books?
Shuri was first introduced in 2005’s Black Panther Vol. 4 #2, created by Reginald Hudlin and artist John Romita Jr. Just like in the movies, T’Challa’s younger sister is a powerful, funny, smart sibling to the Black Panther. But it wasn’t until nearly five years later in Black Panther Vol. 5 #5 when she’d take on the mantle of Black Panther herself. This came about during the Dark Reign saga at Marvel. As Norman Osborn gathered his Cabal, Namor asked T’Challa to join them in the fight. Soon, after the King refused, his ship crashed. This left T’Challa in a coma and Wakanda without a Black Panther. T’Challa’s wife, the X-Men hero Storm, suggests Shuri become the Black Panther in his stead. It makes a lot of sense as he’s long been training his sister to take his place. But when Shuri visits the Panther God, she refuses to let her take the mantle of Black Panther, claiming that she’s too arrogant.
Despite this rejection of Shuri, the Panther God allows her to live. That goes against everything the Wakandans expect, so Shuri decides it’s because she still has a greater purpose. With her brother in a coma, Storm in Limbo trying to recover him, and the evil Morlun encroaching on her country, she puts on the Black Panther costume and goes out to protect her people. It’s a controversial choice as Bast refused her, but it also gives Shuri more agency than her brother. After her bravery and smart wits defeat Morlun and save T’Challa and Storm from the underworld, the Panther God finally recognizes Shuri as the new Black Panther.
How Did Shuri Get Her Black Panther Suit in Marvel Comics?
It’s unclear how Shuri got her Black Panther suit as the suit simply exists when Shuri puts it on. That makes us think that she may have built it herself. Just like her brother’s iconic suit, it’s made of vibranium but is more form-fitting, especially in the eyes of series artist Ken Lashley and cover artist J. Scott Campbell. The biggest visual differences from T’Challa’s Black Panther suit are that Shuri has a slimmer helmet (which looks similar to the one Marvel Studios teased on their poster), cape, and a now instantly recognizable fur collar. In issue eight of the series, Shuri’s Black Panther suits gets many upgrades too. One of her Wakandan scientists, N’Iix, offers her weapons. These include “holopods, spider bites, desert sand, and shok-nets.”
The coolest part, though, are the kevlar and spider-silk mesh gloves, with adamantium-tipped, vibranium claws. Perhaps we could see the arrival of the metal, most closely connected to Wolverine, in Wakanda Forever?
Will Shuri Become the New Black Panther in the MCU?
Ever since Letitia Wright’s breakout performance in Black Panther, fans have wondered whether she’d take on the mantle; would Shuri become the new Black Panther in the MCU? With Boseman’s tragic passing, Shuri seems more likely than ever to follow in his footsteps. Not only would it fit with the comic book canon, but it would be in line with Marvel Studio’s current era of exploring legacy heroes. It should be noted, though, that Shuri isn’t the only other person who’s held the Black Panther mantle in Marvel’s comics. And so she isn’t the only candidate to become the new MCU Black Panther.
Among the few who have been called Black Panther are NYC cop Kasper Cole, T’Chaka (T’Challa’s father), and even Erik Killmonger. While Cole and Killmonger had both been floated as possibilities, it still seems most likely that the next MCU Black Panther will be Shuri.
The most recent trailer for Wakanda Forever even showed us the new Black Panther in closer detail, and the markings on the helmet match the white dots Shuri has been known to don.
Additionally, we’ve now seen the suit also has gauntlets, similar to the kind Shuri uses as her weapon of choice. But just because Shuri may step into the role, that doesn’t mean she’ll stay the MCU’s Black Panther.
In fact, a new upcoming Marvel comic book series Wakanda will be a “definitive overview of all the Wakandans who have held the mantle of the Black Panther.”
It could be that we see Wright’s Shuri take it on in Wakanda Forever and become the new Black Panther. But Shuri may leave the mantle open for others to come after her.
Originally published on July 26, 2022.
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The post Is Shuri the New MCU Black Panther? Her Marvel Comics History Implies, Yes appeared first on Nerdist.