Here’s what we reviewed in comics this week that you might want to check out:

Finger Guns #1

This type of magical realism is really wonderful, because it captures the essence of being a teenager so succinctly with the finger gun conceit. The innate desire to have others feel the same way you do just by pointing and having an instant pivot. Richards captures the emotions of the principle characters perfectly, and the dialog is straight forward and to the point. And equally crucially, Richards also knows when to let to the art speak for itself.

Read the Full Review Here

Batman Beyond #41

After this revelation is made, Elainna is seen leading her own Batman-esque internal monologue as she goes on her own investigation into Blight’s actions, only to be surprised when she finds Terry McGinnis being held captive. Remember, she knows who he is, but he has no idea who she is. Even after he gets his memories back.

Read the Full Review Here

Action Comics #1020

Meanwhile, the rest of the Young Justice team got to prove their value by getting a blessing from Superman to do their thing and help him hold down the fort until the Justice League arrives. The banter was also enjoyable. A special shoutout goes out to Lex Luthor telling his accomplices “Don’t aim for the buildings with my name on them,” as if that’s at all possible.

Read the Full Review Here

Suicide Squad #3

Harley Quinn continues to be a delight in everything she does, but especially shines when she’s in a comic book surrounded by people who don’t know what to do with her. Her commentary is hilarious, as always and she makes light of otherwise dark moments. Taylor is having a blast writing this, you can just tell. And Redundo’s art is beautful and efficiently used. Bravo to those two.

Read the Full Review Here

Jessica Jones Blind Spot #4

De Iulis’ art suits this comic. The story is character driven, not having a lot of physical action, so the faces need to be on point. There is a subtlety to the differences in expression that feels genuine. A favorite set of panels was when Jones sees Spider-Man. From the initial, hard ass look there is a slight opening of the eyes to accompany a clasped mouth. It is an easily unnoticed touch that conveys the quick waver in her composure seeing a friend in anguish.

Read the Full Review Here

What books did you check out this week that we didn’t cover? Hit us in the comments or on our social media!

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The post The Pull – 02/26/2020: Goes Bang Bang! appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

Medicare Premium Differences in 2020

Medicare premiums are on the rise. For seniors living on a retirement income, it’s important to know where the increase in cost is coming from. More importantly, it’s essential to learn how you can keep your monthly premiums as low as possible without sacrificing quality healthcare coverage. We will provide a cost breakdown for 2020 and will help you determine how you can save while still ensuring maximum coverage.

Medicare Deductibles 2020

Original Medicare comes in four parts – Part A, B, C, and D.

Part A: Covers hospital stays and expenses. Part A is automatically applied to anyone with Medicare.

Part B: Covers doctor expenses. Part B is optional but highly recommended.

Part C: Covers hospital, doctor, and often prescription drugs. Part C is optional, known as Medicare Advantage, and may help reduce overall healthcare costs.

Part D: Covers prescription drugs. Part D is optional but highly recommended.

Part B, C, and D all have deductibles.

Part A is usually free unless the person applying has worked less than 30 quarters and did not contribute to social security payments.

All premiums are adjusted based on income and change yearly. For 2020, all premiums will increase regardless of your income bracket.

Cost Adjustments

Here is a brief look at changes from 2019 to 2020 Medicare costs.

 *To qualify for free Part A Medicare coverage, an individual must have worked and contributed payment toward social security benefits for a minimum of 30 quarters or 7.5 years.

Medicare Part B Premiums 2020

Knowing how much you’ll be expected to pay for healthcare premiums is important when living on a fixed income. To determine the cost of your Part B premium you’ll need to check your 2018 tax information, as your income from two years prior determines 2020 premium costs.

Part D Premium 2020

The same rules apply for your Part D coverage. Premium costs are associated with your 2018 tax return and vary by plan. The change for 2020 is that, depending on your income level, you will cover the cost of your Part D premium in addition to a surcharge. A higher income results in a greater surcharge. Here is a general estimate:

Income Changes

If changes in your income have occurred, call the Social Security office and submit proper documentation so you won’t have to pay more than necessary. Applicable changes include:

• Marriage, divorce, or widowhood.
• One or both parties stop working or reduce working hours.
• Loss of income-producing property due to natural disaster or another uncontrolled event.
• One or both parties experience ceasing, termination, or reorganization of an employer’s pension plan.
• One or both parties receive a settlement from an employer or former employer due to an employer’s business closing, bankruptcy, or reorganization.

Ways To Save On Medicare Costs

If you’re one of the 7.5 million seniors struggling to afford healthcare necessities like prescription drug coverage, there are savvy ways to save.

Medicare Advantage or Part C

Original Medicare Parts A and B only cover hospital and doctor fees, as seen in the first chart in this article. Unfortunately, this means necessities such as vision, dental, and hearing coverage are not included. If you want a prescription drug plan, you’ll need to purchase a separate plan, either Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan.

With a Medicare Advantage plan, you apply for Part A and B coverage, pay for it together and often receive extras such as vision, dental, and drug coverage. Here’s a snapshot of plan differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in 2020.

*Not all Medicare Advantage plans cover vision, dental, and hearing.

The biggest savings when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan is the included extras such as vision, dental, hearing, and drug coverage. Often, your Medicare Advantage premium will cost less than if you purchased Part A, B, D, and a hearing or vision plan individually.

Choose Medicare Plans 2020

Choosing the right Medicare plan for your health care is an important step to ensure a healthy and fulfilling future. Making a choice doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. Talk with a Medicare advisor to determine which plan and cost are right for you.

Over a year ago, in October 2018, I was fortunate the attend the set visit to the live-action version of Disney’s Mulan. Many fans, including myself, have waited over 22 years for the animated version to come to life. It was really surreal to see it play out in person on the set in New […]

We’ve seen adaptations of everything from books to comics to theme park rides. But how many TV shows can you think of based on paintings? Anyone who looks at the works of Simon Stålenhag knows that his gorgeous illustrations of mechanical creations in mundane Swedish countrysides absolutely need to be seen in motion. But what’s the story that ties them together?

Tales From the Loop wants to be that story.

Tales From the Loop is an Amazon Prime Video original that “explores the mind-bending adventures of the people who live above the Loop, a machine built to unlock and explore the mysteries of the universe.” The results are lots of images that seem to juxtapose nostalgia with futuristic tech. Lots of parents playing with their kids and also robots. It’s like Black Mirror but warmer or Amazon’s own Electric Dreams. However, it is a bit disappointing, if not surprising, to see the special effects budget of a streaming show fail to fully capture the majesty of the original art.

We don’t know exactly what the story will be, but adding narrative to Stålenhag’s digital art isn’t that much of a stretch. Tales From the Loop is also the name of one of his art books that featured a narrative joining the disparate drawings. It even inspired a crowdfunded tabletop role-playing game of the same name.

Tales From the Loop starts streaming on April 3. Cast members include Rebecca Hall and Tyler Barnhardt. Executive producers include Mark Romanek and Matt Reeves, who is also currently working on the next theatrical Batman.