Uncategorized

https://blacknerdproblems.com/heroes-reborn-1-review/

Writer: Jason Aaron / Artist(s): Ed McGuinness & Mark Morales / Marvel Comics

I like to think there’s a Big Two event style book out there for everyone and whatever type of storytelling comic readers like. Heroes Reborn does a lot to try and move in multiple spaces and attract different types or readers the same way a genre-based summer popcorn film does. Is it effective? Well, that’s another thing altogether.

Issue #1 hits the ground running as we follow Blade, the Shaft of vampire hunters, getting his bearings in an unfamiliar world where the Avengers never assembled for the first time. In their place, the Squadron Supreme have apparently been Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for a while, causing a ripple effect that places some familiar Marvel characters in rather unfamiliar directions. Some take on different personas while others never become heroes at all. On its face, this seems like a great “What If?” story that might have some promising insight going forward. But there’s a corny half hearted feel that’s difficult to reconcile. The dialogue feels dated and ridiculous even for superhero fare. On top of that, there are moments within the action that are complete headscratchers. There’s a scene where a character breaks the hold of another by flexing the muscles in their neck. How that didn’t get a quick backspace in the editing process is beyond me. I get that the primary function of this first issue is more about showing us how and why this world is different from the one we know. However, the script devotes a LOT of exposition to explaining this when the stellar artwork does just fine showing us and almost none of this is used to explain why Blade, of all people is here instead of….anyone else.

This is one of those premises that asks you to turn your brain off and embrace the ridiculousness. But benefit of the doubt is a luxury that should only be afforded when everything surrounding the weak points is well executed. And the script didn’t quite stick the landing enough to justify a pass this time around. However, where the story is a little lacking, the artwork picks up the slack. Ed McGuinness in particular hits it out of the park with his over-the-top style being put to good use in this issue. His approach is perfect for making the Squadron Supreme look a lot more awesome than they’ve ever truly been given credit for. Major alpha dogs like Hyperion, Doctor Spectrum, and Power Princess handling A-list villains, holding their own in battles that almost make the book quake when you hold it….is easily the best thing this book has going for it so far.

Bottom Line: Narrative-wise, this is a goofy book that feels a little rushed but that doesn’t stop it from being somewhat entertaining and gorgeous to look at. It’s not legendary writing and I can’t promise it has a lot of re-reading value, but it’s worth a look.

7 Wesley Snipes one-liners out of 10

Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

The post Heroes Reborn #1 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

https://blacknerdproblems.com/home-2-advance-review/

Writer: Julio Anata / Artist: Anna Wieszczyk / Image

One of the things that Home does extraordinarily well is capturing the fundamental fear of familial separation from both perspectives. Julio Anata and Anna Wieszcyzk manage to very poignantly show a painful reality of a mother and son going through an unimaginably difficult scenario, and as we watch Juan successfully evade capture from the authorities and Mercedes unsuccessfully get taken away into parts unknown, Home #2 continues forward with the same energy from the prior issue.

We get to spend time with Juan this issue, and Anata extenuates the kid’s personality and does a lot of showing in how he responds to certain scenarios. There are moments where he lets his anger get the better of him, and there are moments where he calmly assesses the situation and makes deliberate decisions to try and get the best outcome. He’s endearing and easy to empathize, and I feel for him as he navigates an unfamiliar territory. Juan’s at this critical age where his self-awareness is just kicking in, and the dialog and Wieszcyzk’s artwork really capture the tone of this particular era in US history/present.

There’s some good grounded backstory and some rushed exposition of the supernatural component of the story, but all in all the story remains tight knit and the moments hit in just the right ways. The panel work is stellar and controls the reader’s gaze perfectly and the story ends with a tantalizing cliffhanger.

Home is shaping up to be a story that will read brilliantly as a collection, but the single issues are solid additions to your pull. Anata and Wieszcyzk have put a lot of care into the characters and the story, and you can feel the passion they have to bring this modern generation superhero immigrant story to the page.

8.5 “Phone Calls” out of 10

Enjoying Home? Check out BNP’s other reviews here.

Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

The post Home #2 Advance Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/interviewing-the-cast-of-the-upshaws-theyre-just-like-our-family/

BGN interviews Kim Fields (Regina), Mike Epps (Benny), and Wanda Sykes (Lucretia) for the Netflix series The Upshaws.

Bennie Upshaw (Mike Epps), the head of a Black working-class family in Indianapolis, is a charming, well-intentioned mechanic and lifelong mess just trying his best to step up and care for his family — wife Regina (Kim Fields), their two young daughters (Khali Daniya-Renee Spraggins, Journey Christine) and firstborn son (Jermelle Simon), the teenage son (Diamond Lyons) he fathered with another woman (Gabrielle Dennis) — and tolerate his sardonic sister-in-law (Wanda Sykes), all without a blueprint for success. But the Upshaws are determined to make it work, and make it to the next level, together.

Interviewer: Jeandra LeBeauf

Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax

The Upshaws premieres Wed May 12th on Netflix.

http://geekbabyclothes.com/best-anime-baby-shower-gifts-and-ideas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-anime-baby-shower-gifts-and-ideas

We’ve got you covered with the best anime-themed baby shower gift ideas, decorations, and party games that will surely be a sensation for commemorating their bundle of joy’s arrival!

Baby Showers are exciting gatherings for parents to celebrate with friends and families the upcoming addition to their family. Nerdy Baby Showers allow parents to express themselves and showcase their geek-loving lifestyle. This celebration can be totally action-packed with joyous activities and decorations inspired by your favorite Anime! This article is curated for awesome and creative ideas for anime-themed baby showers from invitations, decorations, games, and of course gifts. Whether you are hosting the baby shower or the one attending, there are many ideas that will be helpful!  What are the best gifts to bring if you are invited to a baby shower where you know that the family has a deep fondness of Anime and kawaii culture? Also, if you are hosting or the one planning a baby shower, what are the best decorations and party games to have that are in the theme of Japanese animation?

How To Choose The Right Anime Theme

Depending on the theme of the baby shower and the interest of the parents, there are many anime series that can be included in an Anime Baby Shower-themed gathering. Pokemon is always a popular choice and has many baby-related merchandise and decorations. Studio Ghibli is very well-loved with its many films and characters that have whimsical and nostalgic vibes to it. Sanrio has many characters that are gender-inclusive and always trendy and sentimental with families alike. There are other popular series too, such as Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z, with precious characters that can be incorporated with the baby shower’s theme. 

If specific series and characters aren’t exactly what is desired, why not go for a Cherry Blossom-themed party? Sakura trees, also known as Cherry Blossoms, are very popular in Anime and Japanese culture. Some of the best scenes in Anime are of the beautiful dreamy pink floral trees. Although only bloomed during a short period in the Spring season, Cherry Blossoms are a gorgeous and elegant idea any time of the year!

Gift Ideas To Excite Any Anime Fanatic

Please don’t stress when purchasing a baby shower gift. It’s easy to put a lot of pressure on yourself when choosing that perfect gift. Take a deep breath. First, check out our best anime baby clothes list. That’s a great place to start, make sure you purchase a size no smaller than 3-6 months, we recommend 6 months or 6-12 months. Babies grow fast. If clothes aren’t something you’re interested in then check out our anime nursery ideas. There’s nothing wrong with talking to the expecting parents and getting something they want, especially if they have a registry. We listed a few other ideas below for those of you who are super anxious.

Baby Shower Invitations To Impress Everyone

Baby shower invitations are the most important piece of planning the celebration. After all, without guests, there’s no party. We’ve listed a few ideas below for inviting friends and family to the best anime baby shower possible. Just remember if you’re going to mail them you’ll need to purchase postage stamps. Finally, if you’re on a strict budget and just trying to spend money on the most essential things a newborn baby need then consider sending digital invites.

Baby Shower Decorations

There are two ways you can go about picking out decor. You can make it simple with just a few small decorations that are strategically placed for guests to adore. Or you can completely over do it and turn the anime-themed baby shower into a magical immersive experience that’s straight out of an amusement park. There’s no right or wrong here so it’s completely up to you. We just recommend having a budget set and sticking to it so you don’t break the bank.

Activity Ideas

You’ve invited all the right people, bought all the decor, and now you just need to plan some activities or games to complete the perfect anime-themed baby shower. Having a good mix of easy-to-play games and captivating activities can be frustrating. Your goal should be to make it as inclusive as possible, but remember you can’t make everyone happy all the time. We’ve listed a few ideas below to help you on your way.

The post Best Anime Baby Shower Gifts and Ideas appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.