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Here’s what we reviewed in comics this week that you might want to check out:
Captain Marvel #24
Everything dark and sinister about this issue comes out at night and things get real interesting. The reveal of Evo’s mother is shocking but much more troubling than anything else. The “treasures” that Evo has hidden up his sleeve are tragic and deadly, and we haven’t even see the full truth of what is going on.
Heroes at Home #1
At first glance, Heroes at Home #1 seems as trite and goofy as your typical after-school cartoon, and your first glance would be spot-on correct. But after a year of turbulent, sometimes outright bizarre current events, old school goofy is the right kind of laughter to pull out of the audience. It’s corny but in an “all ages” sort of way like your favorite superheroes doing timely, somewhat transparent skits about the issue of the week on Saturday Night Live.
Home Sick Pilots #1
Given Watters’ pedigree as a horror-adjacent writer with Lucifer and Wijngaard’s previous work on Thunderbolt, it’s not too vexing that the two have been able to come together to weave a tale of how a member of a punk band managed to get involved with the afterlife, but it is surprising just how well everything flows.
Origins #2
Origins #2 continues the two-pronged narrative of David and Chloe between the “Now” in the distant, distant future and the “Then” of the not-quite as distance future. Chapman does provide a concrete 989-year time difference between the two framing device which does accentuate how the circumstances have somehow grown more dire since the original technological apocalypse.
Seven Secrets #5
There is a predictability that is slowly formulating in the series where it’s obvious that the villains are one step ahead of the heroes, which is somewhat belied by the format and framing of the story. That said, it’s so incredibly well executed that even though I can predict the beats, the way we’re getting there is so engrossing that I’m willing to overlook some of the flaws.
S.W.O.R.D. #1
Conveniently, Scott, Jean and Cable’s recent commandeering of S.W.O.R.D.’s abandoned space station was all they needed to begin shooting for the stars. Now we follow a key member of the Quiet Council to find out exactly what this new division is about.
Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Flashpoint #1
This Flashpoint issue explores what would have happened if Barry succeeded in getting struck twice by lighting, but it killed him rather than giving him his Flash powers. And in the wake of his death, The Reverse Flash comes in and takes his place, navigating the Flashpoint world that we’ve come to know with unlimited power.
DC’s Very Merry Multiverse #1
It’s get in, get out, in the truest fashion. And because the book is a whopping 80 pages, there are so many talented names, known and unknown, putting their own spin of the holiday spirit on these beloved characters. There were three stories that stuck out to me and will probably stick with me for the foreseeable future.
What comics did you check out this week that we didn’t cover? Hit us in the comments or on our social media!
Want to see what else we’ve reviewed? Check out our previous Pulls.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
The post The Pull – 12/09/2020: Deck the Hall with Brand New Comics appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Here’s what we reviewed in comics this week that you might want to check out:
Captain Marvel #24
Everything dark and sinister about this issue comes out at night and things get real interesting. The reveal of Evo’s mother is shocking but much more troubling than anything else. The “treasures” that Evo has hidden up his sleeve are tragic and deadly, and we haven’t even see the full truth of what is going on.
Heroes at Home #1
At first glance, Heroes at Home #1 seems as trite and goofy as your typical after-school cartoon, and your first glance would be spot-on correct. But after a year of turbulent, sometimes outright bizarre current events, old school goofy is the right kind of laughter to pull out of the audience. It’s corny but in an “all ages” sort of way like your favorite superheroes doing timely, somewhat transparent skits about the issue of the week on Saturday Night Live.
Home Sick Pilots #1
Given Watters’ pedigree as a horror-adjacent writer with Lucifer and Wijngaard’s previous work on Thunderbolt, it’s not too vexing that the two have been able to come together to weave a tale of how a member of a punk band managed to get involved with the afterlife, but it is surprising just how well everything flows.
Origins #2
Origins #2 continues the two-pronged narrative of David and Chloe between the “Now” in the distant, distant future and the “Then” of the not-quite as distance future. Chapman does provide a concrete 989-year time difference between the two framing device which does accentuate how the circumstances have somehow grown more dire since the original technological apocalypse.
Seven Secrets #5
There is a predictability that is slowly formulating in the series where it’s obvious that the villains are one step ahead of the heroes, which is somewhat belied by the format and framing of the story. That said, it’s so incredibly well executed that even though I can predict the beats, the way we’re getting there is so engrossing that I’m willing to overlook some of the flaws.
S.W.O.R.D. #1
Conveniently, Scott, Jean and Cable’s recent commandeering of S.W.O.R.D.’s abandoned space station was all they needed to begin shooting for the stars. Now we follow a key member of the Quiet Council to find out exactly what this new division is about.
Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Flashpoint #1
This Flashpoint issue explores what would have happened if Barry succeeded in getting struck twice by lighting, but it killed him rather than giving him his Flash powers. And in the wake of his death, The Reverse Flash comes in and takes his place, navigating the Flashpoint world that we’ve come to know with unlimited power.
DC’s Very Merry Multiverse #1
It’s get in, get out, in the truest fashion. And because the book is a whopping 80 pages, there are so many talented names, known and unknown, putting their own spin of the holiday spirit on these beloved characters. There were three stories that stuck out to me and will probably stick with me for the foreseeable future.
What comics did you check out this week that we didn’t cover? Hit us in the comments or on our social media!
Want to see what else we’ve reviewed? Check out our previous Pulls.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
The post The Pull – 12/09/2020: Deck the Hall with Brand New Comics appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Here’s the thing: if you’ve seen the trailer (or even the poster), you’ll quickly surmise whether or not The Prom is for you. Ryan Murphy’s star-studded musical extravaganza, adapted for Netflix from the hit Broadway play by Matthew Sklar, Chad Beguelin, and Bob Martin, wears its theater kid heart on its sleeve, with enough glitter and jazz hands to fuel the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For some, it’s a rousing call for equality and tolerance. And for others, it’s a 2 hour 12 minute journey to the heart of darkness. Your mileage may vary!
The film follows Broadway stars Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman (James Corden), who are fresh off of their flop musical Eleanor!, about the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. Looking for some positive publicity, the duo catch wind of a viral news story about small town lesbian teen Emma Nolan (Jo Ellen Pellman, in her film debut) who wants to take her girlfriend to prom. In response, the homophobic head of the PTA Mrs. Greene (Kerry Washington) cancels the prom for everyone, despite the protestations of empathetic Principal Hawkins (Keegan-Michael Key).
Dee Dee and Barry pack their bags and head off to Indiana to save the prom, accompanied by boozy chorus girl Angie (Nicole Kidman) and Juilliard-trained actor turned bartender Trent (Andrew Rannells). Once the Broadway folk turn up in Indiana, there’s a culture clash between the worldly performers and the Midwesterners.
As someone who loves musicals, I was excited for The Prom. And in the first half of the film, I was charmed and amused by the bombastic performances, the catchy tunes, and the more than game cast. Everyone seems to be having a blast, and the film bounces along on its high energy ride and enthusiasm. Director/media giant Ryan Murphy leans heavily on his Glee experience to deliver joyful musical moments and over-the-top characters.
But like most Ryan Murphy vehicles, The Prom soon overstays its welcome. The film pivots from snarky self-awareness to sincere tear-jerking moments on a dime; big emotional shifts that may work on stage but don’t quite translate to the small screen. With too many subplots and a lack of focus, many of The Prom‘s character turns are unearned and ring false. In classic Murphy fashion, the film overdoses on sparkle and star power to overcome the inconsistencies in its story and characters.
In an unintentional meta-commentary on the self-absorption of the Broadway folk, Emma’s story quickly falls by the wayside. I would have much rather spent more time with Emma and her grandmother (Mary Kay Place) than explore the sad backstories of Barry and Dee Dee. Jo Ellen Pellman, who holds her own alongside her superstar castmates, delivers a warm and winning performance that had me wanting to see more of her story instead of Corden’s.
Much has been made of the controversy around the straight James Corden playing a flamboyantly gay character. Many believe the role should have gone to an out actor, with some even likening Corden’s performance to “gayface”. It’s a compelling point with good arguments on both sides. As a queer person myself, I was not offended by Corden’s performance. I wasn’t blown away by it either. It’s fine. But I can’t help but feel that someone like Nathan Lane or Brooks Ashmanskas (who originated the role on Broadway) would have leant more authenticity to the role. It’s a puzzling casting choice from Murphy, who frequently works with out actors in out roles.
But despite its shortcomings, The Prom has its winning moments. Andrew Rannells delivers a show-stopping performance in the pro-gay anthem “Love Thy Neighbor”, and Nicole Kidman is clearly having a blast channeling her inner Fosse girl in “Zazz”. Everyone seems to be having a blast, and while the film drags in parts, overall it’s a a fizzy romp that goes down smoothly.
Like I said, you already know whether or not The Prom is for you. If a dancing Nicole Kidman enthusiastically playing a cowbell is extremely your shit, you won’t be disappointed. If it’s not, well, there’s plenty of content on Netflix for you completely free of jazz hands.
(featured image: MELINDA SUE GORDON/NETFLIX)
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The post Review: Go Ahead, Turn Off Your Brain and Enjoy The Prom first appeared on The Mary Sue.
By Metanoya Z. Webb ·December 11, 2020December 11, 2020
Sometimes the smallest gifts can be the hardest to buy. Not only do they need to be extra thoughtful because size actually matters, but price is another factor to consider as well.
And while the holidays may feel very different this year, holding onto family traditions like gift-giving can lift spirits and bring on just the right amount of joy.
As you continue your holiday shopping, consider one or more of these practical stocking stuffers from these dope Black-owned brands.
01Best Black Owned Greeting CardsFinally, a cool greeting card line that looks and sounds like us.
available at Mind Kandy Suite $6 02Toni Morrison Coffee Mug 
available at Don’t Sleep Interiors $17 03Culture Socks All Power SocksYou can’t go wrong with statement socks so buy a few pair. 
available at Culture Socks $10 04Marche Rue Dix Copal Incense Sticks 
available at Marche Rue Dix Copal $18 05Philadelphia Print Works Fuck It Up Sis Patch 
available at Philadelphia Print Works $10 06Play Pits Natural Deodorant 
available at Play Pits $11 07Planted Haircare Hair & Scalp Oil 
available at Planted Haircare $18 08Emollient Body Butter 
available at Emollient $20 09Effortless Composition Hand-Carved Wood Rolling PinFor the chefs in your life looking to step up their culinary skills. 
$20 10Dare to BloomA motivational read from the founder of Travel Noire. 
available at Zim Flores $20 TOPICS: 2020 gift guide beauty holiday gifts Buy Black Holiday Gift Guide 2020The post 11 Black-Owned Stocking Stuffers Under $25 appeared first on Essence.