Uncategorized
https://blacknerdproblems.com/the-pull-08-05-2020-forced-back-to-school-comics/
Here’s what we reviewed in comics this week that you might want to check out:
Batman #96
The issue starts off with Batman chasing down Mr. Freeze, who apparently has twins now, and using a satellite to send alerts to pedestrians to get out of the way. (Super cool touch, by the way). Then we see Bruce get back to the Batcave only to be greeted by Alfred, reveal some distinguished patches of grey hair, and look over a peaceful Gotham City.
Captain America #21
First off, I appreciate a slow burn as much as the next guy, but this book didn’t seem to progress the story much further from the obligatory “story so far” synopsis on the credits page. I’m pretty sure I downloaded my 32-GB Call of Duty update at faster speeds than this story moves.
Die #12
But Die #12 is herald of things to come, the turning point where the split party is positioned to collide and confront each other now that they have explored and grown in their own ways. Now that they have reconciled with their personal (and maybe a little more) little demons in… what is probably best described as a spectrum of healthy ways.
Empyre #4
The Avengers and the Fantastic Four are managing the chaos from different sides of the war. It’s not quite as accessible as earlier issues, and it’s very clear that there are moments that are specifically tasked with compelling you to buy the tie-ins. And the script is more likely to give you a mention of a tie-in event than a teaser via flashback panel, so there’s a little more telling than showing….something this event has excelled at up to this point.
Far Sector #7
In her current adventures, she’s investigating a series of murders on a planer where biological life and artificial life coexist. Issue #7 picks up with her battling a series of artificial beings who have taken over the (dead) bodies of local citizens to control fighting suits of armor.
The Terrifics #29
Issue #29 of The Terrifics plays out as if Greg Berlanti produced an episode of Succession. With the cast of all the Arrowverse shows. ‘Crisis On Infinite Boardrooms’. The A-plot follows the aftermath of the death of billionaire businessman Simon Stagg. His prodigal son returns to stake his claim in the family’s legacy after being shipped off to boarding school in the dark and twisted Gotham City.
Vampire: The Masquerade #1
I myself have never played The Masquerade, but I have plenty of experience with other games that utilize the Storyteller system (a d10-centric paradigm) including Prothemean: the Created, Geist: The Sin-Eaters, and Scion. All of this to say is that my biggest piece of praise that I have for Vampire: The Masquerade #1 is that it makes me want to get another core rulebook.
Also from Last Week
Decorum #3
This is an issue dedicated to fleshing out the relationship between Imogen and Neha. This is a third issue decidedly slowing down the tempo to reinforce the foundation of the series, this concept of a polite assassin. This idea of being lawful in a chaotic world. This principle of holding oneself to an impossibly high standard and getting strength from that.
What books 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 – 08/05/2020: (Forced) Back to School Comics appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Here’s what we reviewed in comics this week that you might want to check out:
Batman #96
The issue starts off with Batman chasing down Mr. Freeze, who apparently has twins now, and using a satellite to send alerts to pedestrians to get out of the way. (Super cool touch, by the way). Then we see Bruce get back to the Batcave only to be greeted by Alfred, reveal some distinguished patches of grey hair, and look over a peaceful Gotham City.
Captain America #21
First off, I appreciate a slow burn as much as the next guy, but this book didn’t seem to progress the story much further from the obligatory “story so far” synopsis on the credits page. I’m pretty sure I downloaded my 32-GB Call of Duty update at faster speeds than this story moves.
Die #12
But Die #12 is herald of things to come, the turning point where the split party is positioned to collide and confront each other now that they have explored and grown in their own ways. Now that they have reconciled with their personal (and maybe a little more) little demons in… what is probably best described as a spectrum of healthy ways.
Empyre #4
The Avengers and the Fantastic Four are managing the chaos from different sides of the war. It’s not quite as accessible as earlier issues, and it’s very clear that there are moments that are specifically tasked with compelling you to buy the tie-ins. And the script is more likely to give you a mention of a tie-in event than a teaser via flashback panel, so there’s a little more telling than showing….something this event has excelled at up to this point.
Far Sector #7
In her current adventures, she’s investigating a series of murders on a planer where biological life and artificial life coexist. Issue #7 picks up with her battling a series of artificial beings who have taken over the (dead) bodies of local citizens to control fighting suits of armor.
The Terrifics #29
Issue #29 of The Terrifics plays out as if Greg Berlanti produced an episode of Succession. With the cast of all the Arrowverse shows. ‘Crisis On Infinite Boardrooms’. The A-plot follows the aftermath of the death of billionaire businessman Simon Stagg. His prodigal son returns to stake his claim in the family’s legacy after being shipped off to boarding school in the dark and twisted Gotham City.
Vampire: The Masquerade #1
I myself have never played The Masquerade, but I have plenty of experience with other games that utilize the Storyteller system (a d10-centric paradigm) including Prothemean: the Created, Geist: The Sin-Eaters, and Scion. All of this to say is that my biggest piece of praise that I have for Vampire: The Masquerade #1 is that it makes me want to get another core rulebook.
Also from Last Week
Decorum #3
This is an issue dedicated to fleshing out the relationship between Imogen and Neha. This is a third issue decidedly slowing down the tempo to reinforce the foundation of the series, this concept of a polite assassin. This idea of being lawful in a chaotic world. This principle of holding oneself to an impossibly high standard and getting strength from that.
What books 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 – 08/05/2020: (Forced) Back to School Comics appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
What better place to get back to the genre grind than a show called The Grindhouse? Listen to the latest installment of Afronerd Radio's Grindhouse airing this Sunday at 6pm eastern, courtesy of BTalk 100. Join your always eager AFROnerdist hosts as they pontificate on the following issues: friend of the show/fellow comrade of the late Capt. Kirk and filmmaker, Hilton Ruiz (Zombie with a Shotgun, 6666) stops by not only to discuss his successful Zombie franchise but also to clue us in on upcoming projects; it appears that legendary musician, Phil Collins still has cred with younger fans as their appreciation for his classic jam, In the Air Tonight goes viral via YouTube:
And in disturbing news (but this is 2020), a discerning parent discovers that a weird second button on a popular Hasbro Trolls doll might signal a gateway to promoting child abuse-thankfully the toy is being removed amid parental complaints; actress/musician, Zoe Kravitz in response to the cancellation of her Hulu series, High Fidelity (her mom, Lisa Bonet starred in the film version) made some interesting remarks about the lack of diversity on the selfsame streaming platform; and in even more "diversity" news, Democratic presidential presumptive nominee (and gaffe master), Joe Biden had some musings about Black vs Brown diversity in culture and politics:
We give our impressions of the first episode of CBS All-Access' new animated series, Star Trek: The Lower Decks; California Congressman, James P. Bradley raised the ire of some Cardi B/Meg Thee Stallion fans on Twitter for his rather blistering (and accurate) critique of their latest collaborative video, WAP; more news about Disney plus continuing the 90's animated X-Men series with new episodes and starting thematically from the final episode; a new GamesRadar.com piece highlights an upcoming Boom comic, Seven Secrets which is purportedly the best selling creator owned debut in its entire 15 year publication history; the latest iteration of Doctor Strange gets cancelled (right after I started reading the character after years of non interest.....sigh) and lastly, just a proliferation of Star Trek news (the future of the film franchise, another animated series this time for Nickelodeon and actor, Simon Pegg's thought about Star Trek TV). Call in LIVE at 508-645-0100.
"It must be why human families everywhere gather together for meals--so they cam laugh and love and learn as each other's lives unfold and intersect....It is elemental to them. It is the foundation of their future. It is....fantastic."-Uatu (The Watcher)
or This link below.....
function openPlayer(s){window.open("https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/"+escape(s),"Player","height=630,width=940,modal=yes,alwaysRaised=yes")}
Umbrella Academy is a riveting replay that hits at the right place at the right time period. It’s hard to think of the ending of the world as a harrowing futuristic storyline when it’s happening all around us but Umbrella Academy still makes a captivating tale of it all.
It’s like the writers knew we would need an apocalyptic program that hits on Black Lives Matter while satisfying our nerd entertainment tendencies. Number Five musta jumped ahead to 2020 and was like its a sh#t show! And then the creators got to work. Here’s why season 2 was out of time (with moderate spoilage)
1960
It’s still the end of the world, we’re still trying to figure out how it actually happens and it’s Number Five’s personal mission to stop the apocalypse. What show can reboot the same exact premise and still be that good? (Besides The Good Place…)
Our lovable and obnoxious characters are strewn across time within 3 years of each other, all in the same location – Dallas, Texas. Klaus, with Ben in tow, falls out on Feb 11, 1960, Allison in 1961. Luther winds up in 1962, Diego superhero lands in Sept 1, 1963. Vanya plummets on October 12, 1963 while Five hits ground November 25, 1963. Yet when Five lands the world looks very different. An alternate timeline where the nuclear war has popped off…. Again.
Writing about time travel is a feat in itself to get the equation right *wink*, but to also weave in the growth of the characters and a plot that seamlessly builds upon itself is something to commend creators Steve Blackman, Jeremy Slater for. Obviously they have strong source material with the comics, but translating that to tv or… streaming does not always work – let alone more than once. Lightning did not strike the same spot twice, but it sure struck and struck hot.
The plot pieces shift in space and time as the characters’ timelines begin to converge. The end of the world is now closely tied with the assasination of John F. Kennedy and the infamous motorcade in Dallas in 1963. The Commission’s foolish games and maniacal power plays, the daddy issues that never end, and the sibling rivalry and comradery are all spun into the apocalypse. I personally love a plot that has to intersect with itself to function as a whole.
The most refreshing part of Umbrella Academy is it does not take itself too seriously. If the wit was not exceptional, the grit would be too much, if the “camp” was not perfection the performances would be lost. But everything works in rhythm, even the music. Kudos to the music composition. Each song creates a scene that would not be possible without the element the music brings.
Even though you feel there are a lot of moving parts and silly antics the grounding subject matter keeps you on the timeline.
1961
Leave it to Umbrella Academy to give view of the present from the past. You recognize some of the villains because they existed in the 60s and exist with us now.
In the thralls of the civil rights movement, the story gives us access to our rage and reconciliation at the same time. Allison being a black woman in the 60s, is experiencing history lessons first hand landing smack dab in the middle of “whites only” country. Seeking refuge in a hair salon, she is thrust into the movement. I love the research that went into this. Knowing the movement began in places like barber shops salons and local spots where the people would congregate, this felt good to see. You see Allison NOT using her powers as usual and you’re like – what gives?? You could literally make every cop beat each other in the streets or shoot their bullets to the sky until the chambers are empty. She chooses to be on the ground. We get several satisfying moments though, ones that make you uncomfortable but like yea – that’s what you get! And getting some deserved pleasures out of it as well.
Every obstacle we face today is intelligently tackled in this season. The clever writing and layered characters serve us high key empathy without even trying. I was pleasantly surprised to see the plotline of Dave back this season. Dave being Klaus’s love interest during the Vietnam war when he himself was stuck in time previously. The ridicule he faces is overt and you feel it in your chest. We also see Vanya’s story build between her both the loss of and the gaining of her identity, and you truly want her to just destroy it all.
1962
Bringing 2019 energy into the 1960s was a trip plus this band of outlandish characters brings it up a notch. I actually loved each character more than I had before. It’s as if in season one they were actually whiny teenagers who didn’t know how to operate in the challenge of life itself, and this season – it’s the college years. They’ve all gone away for higher learning on their own and are changing in ways that make them a better family. We even get a quick glimpse of our academy in their masters program, using their powers to their full potential.
Klaus has created a cult following using his powers to his advantage, literally living in a compound with Ben helping. Luther is muscle for the mob, Vanya is a nanny out in the podunk farm country of Dallas. Diego is institutionalized because he is trying to do the real work and make sure Kennedy is not assassinated, and Allison is a civil rights organizer.
You would think knowing the future would affect them differently and they wouldn’t just put down roots. But this situation truly showed them their survival capabilities. Performances were stronger, and I have to shout out Klaus, played again by Robert Sheehan (Nathan Young, Misfits.) He’s literally my favorite, mainly because I love this actor and their schtick. But Klaus is the most overlooked sibling and has a power so mesmerizing to me. Plus him and Ben’s odd couple relationship is everything.
Luther, played by Tom Hopper (Dickon Tarly, Game of Thrones) had me rolling! He was unbearable, teen emo last season and this time around, I loved his moping and the lessons he was learning. His daddy issues were comical yet real and his classic older brother mentality gave me life – especially with Number Five. No one can beat Number Five of course. Aidan Gallagher, who plays the insufferable older/younger sibling is phenomenal as ever. His character work as an actor and physicality is unmatched. Is it messed up that I hope the character is stuck as a 13 year old for the rest of the series??
New characters turned heads as well. Yusuf Gatewood (Famine, Good Omens) came into our lives and made his mark, building even more ferocity to Allison’s storyline. Marin Ireland (Julia Bowman, Sneaky Pete) played Sissy in Vanya’s life, with son Harlan, played by Justin Paul Kelly, as a major part of Vanya’s growth. She had me doing double takes with that shotgun in her hand! Then there is Ritu Arya (Flash, Humans)! This character’s involvement was elusive and a scene stealer at every turn. I am praying this character continues to shake things up for seasons to come.
1963
The paradoxes of time travel make no sense, but you don’t even care. However, the end of the world comes secondary to figuring out the little mysteries hiding in 1963. You are not for a minute truly focused on the apocalypse, but more on: who is Reginald Hargreeves and what is the Handler really up to? You want some of the villains to win, just to see what will happen. You want the anti-heros to make it out alive, and you want to see every timeline unfold. You don’t want to say goodbye at the end.
The best part is the show’s timelessness, you can rewatch and see more than you did the first time. Moments in season two literally harken back to those unknown moments in season one. With portals and a time traveling conglomerate of bureaucrats and assassins, everything is connected. After the last episode, I went back to remember the flashback we first see of Reginald Hargreeves. In season one, episode ten, we see someone close to Reginald is on their deathbed and begs him to give her violin to someone who will love it as much as she does. But this moment, he goes to the window and releases what looks like a bottle of fireflies and we see a landscape that does not quite look like earth. It is familiar, maybe a time in the future? Or a planet earth adjacent or quite possibly some alternate existence.
Whatever, wherever, whenever Hargreeves is from we’re in for a butterfly effect next season of The Umbrella Academy and really… I’m down for whatever. All episodes of The Umbrella Academy Season 2 are available to stream on Netflix now. Binge away!
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
The post Umbrella Academy Season 2: Oh How History Repeats appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Below is the schedule for Power-Con which official starts today. Will you be attending? Let us know in the comments!
Castle Grayskull Virtual Room
- Link: https://thepower-con.com/gtr/
- The above link will go live Saturday at 12pm
- Discover and learn about cool MOTU artifacts hidden throughout Castle Grayskull!
FRIDAY
7-7:30pm “Welcome to Power-Con Online”
Moderator: Val Staples
Link: https://thepower-con.zoom.us/j/96229805535
SATURDAY
12-1pm “Building out the Universe: MEGA CONSTRUX Panel”
- Moderator: “Pixel Dan” Eardley
- Panelists: Sr. MEGA Construx Product Designers: Felipe and Kevin
- Link: https://thepower-con.zoom.us/j/93044436390
- Thanks to Mega Construx, He-Fans and She-Ravers have the power to build their own amazing universe. And now that universe is expanding further. Not only will the design team reveal the coveted Spring 21 line of toys, but they’ll be discussing MOTU behind the scenes, including the design process and what makes MOTU collectors building sets stand apart in the toy aisle. Join us and build the power!
1:30-2:30pm “By the Power of Preschool: Imaginext and Little People Panel”
- Moderator: “Pixel Dan” Eardley Panelists: Matt Flesher, Thom Bower, Rob Hageman, and Hannah Dahl
- Link: https://thepower-con.zoom.us/j/94364985022
- Have you wished that the Masters of the Universe could be part of the Little People play experience for children in your life? What if that experience extended to the toys from Imaginext? That wish is coming true. Find out what’s in store for these powerful preschool lines!
3-5pm “Masters of the Universe – Tabletop RPG Reveal”
- Panelists: Adam Bradford and Cam Banks Special Guests: Felicia Day and “Masters of the Universe: Revelation’s” Tiffany Smith and Phil LaMarr
- Link: https://thepower-con.zoom.us/j/99676689307
- Join hosts Adam Bradford and Cam Banks with special guests Felicia Day and Master of the Universe: Revelation’s Tiffany Smith and Phil LaMarr to discover an exciting new adventure from the all-star team behind some of the world’s most iconic tabletop digital tools and games.
SUNDAY
1-2:30pm “Guiding Fans Through He-Man and She-Ra Panel”
- Panelists: “Pixel Dan” Eardley, Danielle Gelehrter, Eric Marshall, “MOTU Joe” Teague
- Link: https://thepower-con.zoom.us/j/93537538626
- The long-awaited official guide to the toys of He-Man and She-Ra arrives from Dark Horse in early 2021, followed by a Power-Con exclusive supplemental edition that expands on the previously released character guide and world compendium. Learn what went into making these books from some of the talent involved.
3-4pm “Masters of the Multiverse” Moderator: Danielle Gelehrter
- Panelists: Rob David, Tim Seeley, Tom Derenick
- Link: https://thepower-con.zoom.us/j/98761960827
- Rob David, keeper of all of the secrets and Grayskull and VP of Mattel TV has had a hand in recent comics, entertainment and more. Join him for this panel where he discusses the stories of the Multi-verse with two passionate He-Creators as they dive deep into the MOTU canon. There is no telling what secrets might be revealed during this panel!
4:30-5:30pm “From Origins into the Masterverse: Mattel Action Figures Panel”
- Moderator: “Pixel Dan” Eardley Panelists: Josh Graham, Ruben Martinez, Robert Rudman, Sam Pak, Roy Juarez, Terry Higuchi
- Link: https://thepower-con.zoom.us/j/95448550454
- Masters of the Universe is back in stores! The retro-inspired Origins line is bringing He-Man back to his roots. But the power doesn’t end there. The future is huge for the most powerful man in the universe. Stay glued to this panel to find out what is next!
Follow us @MastersoftheUniverse on Facebook, @MastersOfficial on Twitter, and @masters on Instagram for the latest, and stay tuned next week for a Power-Con recap and even more updates!
The post Power-Con Schedule Released! appeared first on The Nerd Element.