After seven years and four seasons of You, it’s time for the story of deceptively charming serial killer Joe Goldberg to conclude. For the psychological thriller’s fifth and final season, executive producer Sera Gamble (Supernatural), who co-created the series with Greg Berlanti (The Flash), passed showrunning duties to longtime You writers Michael Foley (How to Get Away with Murder) and Justin W. Lo (Grosse Pointe Garden Society).
Season 5 explores You’s core themes — love, obsession, violence, abandonment, privilege, privacy, and toxic relationships — with a deep dive into remorse, regret, and being haunted by past mistakes. While I would’ve loved to see a few more familiar characters and callbacks, these ten episodes had me laughing, gasping, crying, and laughing some more.
Warning: Spoilers for Seasons 1–4
In You’s Season 4 two-parter, Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) traded in the California suburbs of Madre Linda for the streets of London, England. He becomes a professor of American literature at Darcy College, going by his new identity, Jonathan Moore. He meets another professor, Malcolm (Stephen Hagan), who introduces him to his group of wealthy friends. From the start, Malcolm’s sort of girlfriend Kate Glavin (Charlotte Ritchie) is suspicious of Joe/Jonathan’s arrival. She isn’t like his other love interests (or victims) we’ve seen; she’s cold, blunt, and rightfully wary of his intentions, though he wins her over in the end.
The end of Season 3 showed Joe trying to track down Marienne Bellamy (Tati Gabrielle) in Paris, which led him to a London art fair. She reacts appropriately, running at the sight of him. His way of proving he’s not a bad man is to let her go. We don’t see her again until Part 2, when we learn Joe put her in a new glass cage, all while in a dissociative state. It’s revealed that his antagonistic partner in crime, politician Rhys Montrose (Ed Speleers), was all in his head, and he’s never met the real Rhys.
In a dream sequence, Joe has to face Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail) and Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti), who force him to confront the truth about himself — that he’s a delusional abuser and killer of women, not their chivalrous white knight. He attempts to kill himself by jumping off a bridge, but ultimately survives, thanks to the thick plot armor. He tells Kate a small fraction of his actual body count, leaving out that he also killed her controlling father, Tom Lockwood (Greg Kinnear). She accepts him, helps him frame his curious student Nadia (Amy-Leigh Hickman), and spins a “second chance at life” story that paints Joe as a victim. We end on an ominous note; even though he and Kate promised to “keep each other good,” Joe now fully accepts himself as a killer.
For a more in-depth recap, check out Penn Badgley’s hilarious video.
Season 5 picks up three years later with Joe and Kate as a power couple. She’s now CEO of the Lockwood Corporation, while he’s sort of just there at her side. The public calls him Prince Charming, a perfect husband who holds his wife’s purse and vaguely helps her with philanthropic efforts. Kate also helped Joe get Henry (Frankie DeMaio), now a 6-year-old precocious book lover, back from his Madre Linda dads, Dante (Ben Mehl) and Lansing (Noel Arthur).
Joe married into a wealthy family before, but the Lockwoods aren’t the same as the Quinns. They’re vicious manipulators with endless money, resources, and influence. Kate’s half-sister Raegan (Anna Camp) resents her for being their father’s favorite and taking over as CEO. Camp gives a fantastic dual performance as the ruthless Raegan and her bubbly twin Maddie, two characters with very different agendas, personalities, and emotions. Kate’s only blood-related confidant is half-brother Teddy Lockwood (Griffin Matthews), who was only welcomed into the family when Kate became CEO. He likes Joe, and Joe (surprisingly) likes him; they both have a rags-to-riches trajectory and still feel like outsiders in this family.
Kate and Joe’s relationship is seemingly stable. He hasn’t killed anyone since they left London, but when an opportunity, or more like a threat, presents itself, he tries to find a work-murder balance. Kate grew up watching her dad “handle” his enemies in violent ways, and now that her husband is starting to do the same, she’s conflicted.
Like most anti-hero stories, we’re rooting against the voice of logic and reason because we want to see the protagonist do awful things. When Kate tries to condemn Joe’s killer tendencies, the knee-jerk reaction is to roll our eyes and scoff at her moral superiority, even though she’s right. She’s like Love in that she calls Joe out on his hypocrisy and isn’t afraid to go head-to-head despite knowing what he’s capable of. She loves deeply and protects her friends and family, even the ones she hates. She doesn’t think of murder as a solution.
Joe keeps himself busy restoring Mooney’s, which he bought with Lockwood money. He hires one employee named Bronte (Madeline Brewer), a young, spirited playwright who broke into the bookstore. She’s an endearing character, described by Joe as “frustrating and utterly captivating all at once.” Bronte regularly speaks in abbreviations and internet slang, which might turn some viewers off. However, she’s self-aware that she’s a mess, and we know Joe can’t resist a literary-loving woman with a complicated life. Brewer has already seen some backlash and expects more, telling Vanity Fair, “People aren’t going to like Bronte for one reason or another. They’ll love to hate her — or hate to love her.”
The return to New York in Season 5 is a nostalgic and fitting setting for Joe’s final chapter. It’s interesting to see him try to be the new him and the old him at the same time. He appreciates his headstrong, kindhearted wife and how she made it possible for him to come home and have his own name again. However, as soon as Kate starts to judge his actions, he goes back to his usual “no one will ever accept the real me” mindset. Delusional as ever, Joe begins to fixate on Bronte, someone he assumes would be more open to dating a man who’d kill for her because she likes dark romance fiction.
Each season, Joe has had to adapt to a new environment, while we adapt to the shifts in tone and cinematography. The jump from Season 1’s warm and dreamy New York to bright, sunny Los Angeles in Season 2 was a bit jarring, but quickly proved to be a fun change of scenery. Season 3 maintained some of the LA brightness in Madre Linda, though muted. I definitely miss the Agatha Christie atmosphere of Season 4’s dark academia London setting. Season 5 sort of blends these different styles with a little of Season 1’s glow, Season 2’s liveliness, Season 3’s colorful claustrophobia, and the darkness of Season 4.
You comes to an end with a dramatic, suspenseful, darkly funny, and emotionally riveting fifth and final season. There’s a lot of pressure to stick the landing, and it’s hard to say how audiences will feel about the overall season, which has quite a few subplots and loose ends. However, the powerful performances, especially from Badgley, elevate the storylines. How much fans enjoy the mostly satisfying finale depends on their idea of justice, whether they actually want Joe to suffer the consequences, and who they want to see bring him down.
You Season 5 premieres April 24, 2025, on Netflix.
The post Review: Joe Goldberg Comes Full Circle in the Riveting Fifth and Final Season of ‘You’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
Not too long ago, on the very heels of a new Hunger Games book announcement, we also received new of a new Hunger Games movie, and this time it’s all about Haymitch Abernathy. Suzanne Collins announced that she was releasing a new Hunger Games book, Sunrise on the Reaping, that would focus on the Second Quarter Quell, the Hunger Games that were won by a young Haymitch Abernathy. And, unsurprisingly, Lionsgate followed up that announcement by announcing Sunrise on the Reaping will become our newest Hunger Games movie. Now Sunrise on the Reaping, the book, is out in the world, and we have new information about the movie, too, a new logo and a writer.
Check it all out below.
A New Hunger Games Movie Is on the Way
Lionsgate shared, “Lionsgate will return to the world of Panem with the major motion picture adaptation of the next book in the franchise, Suzanne Collins’s highly anticipated Hunger Games novel Sunrise on the Reaping, it was announced today by Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.”
Additionally, Nina Jacobson, alongside her producing partner Brad Simpson, will return to produce The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. A release notes that “Francis Lawrence is in talks to direct the film; Lawrence has helmed four previous films in the Hunger Games franchise – every film since Catching Fire.”
Most recently, screenwriter Billy Ray was named the writer for Sunrise on the Reaping. Ray co-wrote the original The Hunger Games movie and get ready for it that iconic Nicole Kidman AMC ad. Amazing.
Sunrise on the Reaping Cast
The first two major cast members have closed deals to star in Sunrise on the Reaping. Deadline reports relative newcomer Joseph Zada will portray Haymitch in the movie. Opposite him, as Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird, will be Hocus Pocus 2‘s Whitney Peak.
Other indicate that Elle Fanning is in talks to play a younger Effie Trinket. This well-known The Hunger Games character was first played by Elizabeth Banks in the first four movies.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping‘s Synopsis and Haymitch Focus
A plot synopsis for the new Hunger Games movie shares of the Sunrise on the Reaping film:
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Of course, as mentioned, this setting means we’ll get the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy in the new Hunger Games movie.
When Will the New Hunger Games Movie Sunrise on the Reaping Release?
The new Hunger Games movie even has a release date. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will release in theaters in North America beginning on November 20, 2026.
Originally published in 2024.
The post New HUNGER GAMES Movie Casts Young Haymitch appeared first on Nerdist.
On the heels of New York Fashion Week, it seems fitting to highlight Black-owned footwear fashion. BLACK ENTERPRISE curated 10 standout Black-owned footwear brands that shine with creativity and innovation. The footwear designers behind these brands are redefining the fashion landscape and proving that support of Black-owned businesses is essential to Black style and culture and to the economy and existence. Their bold designs and powerful messages continue to inspire, making an undeniable impact on the world of fashion.
Aminah Abdul Jillil
Aminah Abdul Jillil founded her luxury shoe brand in 2012, serving as its creative director. Renowned for its bold designs and signature oversized bows, the brand prioritizes quality and artistry. The high-end shoe brand caters to women and children and is available in over 50 countries, and has a partnership with Macy’s. Each design reflects Aminah’s background in dance, blending elegance with dynamic, statement-making silhouettes.
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Brother Vellies
Creative director Aurora James founded Brother Vellies in 2013, introducing a footwear aesthetic that marries traditional African craftsmanship with contemporary luxury. The footwear company is mindful of preserving African design traditions while gaining global recognition. The brand offers a range of handcrafted shoe wear that includes boots, flats, heels, sandals, and mules, all made with high-quality materials. At a time when climate change is a concern, Brother Vellies has leaned into sustainability and ethical production when it comes to manufacturing its products.
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KAHMUNE
Kahmune has set a new standard in the footwear industry, celebrating diversity while delivering premium craftsmanship. Jamela Acheampong founded Kahmune in 2016 to reimagine the concept of “nude” in fashion after struggling to find shoes that matched her skin tone. The brand features handcrafted shoes in 10 unique shades of melanin that ensures inclusivity for buyers who are a diverse range of skin tones. The shoes are crafted in Italy, combining high-quality materials with timeless, sophisticated designs.
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Jessica Rich
Jessica Rich launched her self-titled brand in 2018. Rich created a sexy, chic, and stylish line of footwear for confident women. The collection can be bought at retailers nationwide and has led to a collaboration with Steve Madden. Rich gained industry recognition after winning the Footwear News Emerging Designer of the Year award, solidifying her emergence in the fashion industry.
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(@jessicarichofficial)SIA Collection
Just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, a bold, trendsetting footwear brand was introduced with a signature style that blends East and West Coast flavor. Devlin Carter founded SIA Collective bringing an innovative sneaker with dope heel designs. The footwear brand disrupts traditional shoe aesthetics with fresh, eye-catching styles. Each sneaker incorporates an element that makes SIA stand out and is a reflection of Carter’s personal journey. SIA Collective has a loyal following thanks to its creative and boundary-pushing approach. Distinctive designs are available for both men and women.
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Sunni Sunni
Sunni Dixon taught himself the art of footwear design and crafted a fusion of class and street style, founding Sunni Sunni in 2020. The brand is inspired by Black culture and D.C.’s Chocolate City era. Sunni Sunni designs embody a bold aesthetic that challenges traditional fashion. The brand specializes in unisex boots and shoes. Sunni Sunni has carved out a distinct space in the footwear industry, redefining modern elegance with a cultural edge.
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Armando Cabral
Armando Cabral, a model turned designer, launched his footwear brand in 2009, debuting a collection that emphasized quality design. Specializing in leather shoes, the brand is known for its thoughtful construction and attention to detail. Drawing inspiration from African heritage, Armando Cabral’s designs merge cultural elements with luxury, positioning the brand as a high-end name in footwear. Armando Cabral shoes are elegant and timeless pieces that are contenders in the luxury fashion footwear industry.
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Kendall Miles Designs
Kendall Miles founded her luxury footwear brand in 2015. The shoe line is handcrafted and made from premium materials like leather and fur. The footwear specializes in a variety of styles, including flats, boots, sandals, and pumps, all known for high quality and attention to detail. As a Black-owned business, Kendall Miles combines sophistication with exceptional artisan skills and establishes a strong presence in the luxury footwear market.
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Bydose
This luxury footwear brand, created for women by women, launched in 2019 by Diana Dube. Bydose is known for its sleek, minimalist design and offers elegant and fashionable footwear with a focus on simplicity and sophistication. Bydose combines premium craftsmanship with a modern, refined aesthetic. The brand has quickly gained attention for its timeless appeal and high-end, stylish shoes.
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Joanne Vernay
Joanne Vernay is entirely vegan, using biodegradable fabrics in place of leather or polyurethane making it a brand that is eco-friendly in its design. The collection was created by shoe designer Dyandra Raye in 2018, and offers luxury design along with a focus on sustainability. The designs draw inspiration from fruits and vegetables. The high-end style and environmental awareness sets the brand apart in the luxury footwear market.
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One of the best scenes in Andor season two’s third episode is the tense dinner where the overbearing mother of Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) meets her son’s girlfriend, ISB officer Dedra Meero (Denise Gough). The entire scene is comically awkward, although one gets the idea that Dedra actually does care for Syril and sticks up for him to his unrelenting and eternally unappeasable mother, Eedy (Kathryn Hunter). When she asks Dedra about her parents, Dedra says her parents were criminals who died when she was 3 years old, and she was “Raised in an Imperial Kinderblock.” But none of that tracks for us, for a few reasons. Was this whole explanation another one of Dedra’s lies?
First off, the timeline in that statement just doesn’t add up. In this episode, we are about BBY 4, which means four years before the events of A New Hope. So, the Empire has existed for roughly 15 years only at this point. The actress who plays Dedra is 45 years old. Even if we’re being generous and saying she’s playing younger, perhaps as young as 30, she would have still been a teenager when Palpatine declared his New Order. So there’s no way she was raised in a fascistic Imperial facility. Certainly not since she was three years old.
Of course, the Galactic Republic probably had “Kinderblocks” for orphans too, and they just became Imperial in name after Palpatine became Emperor. So maybe what Dedra said is true, from a certain point of view. (Sorry, we had to.) But the way she told Syril’s mother made it sound like she was literally raised by Imperial dogma, and timeline-wise, that just can’t be the case. But then, for all we know, Dedra’s parents weren’t criminals at all, or even dead. Everything she said might be a fabrication.
Dedra’s statements actually point out one of Andor’s only big flaws: timeline discrepancies. Rogue One suffered from this too. In that film, Cassian said he’d been fighting the Empire since he was six years old. Now, we know he had a rough childhood, but the Empire didn’t exist when he was six. It often feels like Tony Gilroy’s main inspiration for the Empire in Andor is the Soviet Union. At least, the USSR as depicted in films of the ‘70s and ‘80s. During that time, the USSR had been around decades, with most grown adults raised in that system. But in the time of Andor and Rogue One, every adult has a memory of the Republic era. Yet it never really feels that way.
All of that aside, it still feels as if Dedra Meero is lying to Syril’s mother about her backstory. Would the Empire have taken in the child of criminals to such a high position within the ISB? Given how much the Empire caters to those with wealth and power, it seems unlikely. This just lends credence to the theory that Dedra is the secret daughter of Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn), which would explain why she keeps getting passes after so many failures at the ISB. Maybe before Andor reaches its conclusion we’ll find out the truth about Dedra Meero’s past. Or maybe this was all a rare instance of Dedra Meero being entirely truthful for once.
The post Why Dedra Meero’s ANDOR Backstory Doesn’t Entirely Hold Up appeared first on Nerdist.
Watching true crime documentaries is, as I’ve learned, part of the female experience. You can label the act an act of “girlhood” if you must but many women find themselves obsessed with true crime shows and stories. Why? It’s unfortunately necessary for our survival.
I’ve often watched a true crime story to understand how to pick up signs, what to avoid, and take in what has happened to other women to keep myself and other women safe. That’s the sad reality of the world we live in. While yes, male presenting individuals can also be a victim to the wrath of a serial killer, more often than not, it is those of us who present female that end up in a murder doc. And that’s what makes Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer such a terrifying watch.
After the highly successful first season of Andor came to us in 2022, fans had eagerly been awaiting the follow up after being captivated by the characters and their story arcs. Season 2 concludes the journey of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) as the events lead us right up to a fan favorite, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Ariel Kleiman, Janus Metz, and Alonso Ruizpalacios share directing duties while Tony Gilroy, Beau Willimon, and Dan Gilroy wrote three episodes each. Besides Luna, there are quite a bit of returning faces including Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona), Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), and Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård), with some additional familiars that are best kept a surprise for now.
Every character has their own dilemma to face over the course of the 12 episodes that keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The final season of Andor answers which characters will seek out their purpose, settle for an ordinary lifestyle, or meet their demise. At the forefront of it all, we are taken on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth as Cassian gets rid of his doubts and ventures into his newfound life from a nobody to a hero.
One of the most fascinating things about the series is its ability to have quite a few storylines that manage to keep you intrigued and interested the whole way. Oftentimes, when a project has a lot of character arcs developing simultaneously, it can become fairly overwhelming and thus leading to a loss of interest. Andor defies that as each story ties in to another, making it enjoyable to piece things together as the season progresses. You find yourself trying to predict what happens next as each episode opens up another hurdle for each mission they are individually on.
Despite the series title, it doesn’t place a primary focus solely on Cassian Andor, but instead sheds that attention on the entire cast. With that being said, it’s a must to point out that Luna shines as he delivers a standout performance, perhaps the best of his Star Wars appearances. His chemistry with Arjona is subtle and in no way overpowering to where this becomes a hero looking to save his damsel in distress. Instead, their romance pours into Cassian’s purpose, further fueling his actions and desire to lead the rebels to a victory.
Although the season spans over 12 episodes that range from 40 to 55 minutes each, you can tell much more was supposed to take place but was ultimately consolidated. Showrunner Gilroy tells SFX that the series was set to take place over over five seasons, but was reworked shortly after COVID. “We were halfway through shooting Season 1…and the monumental size of the show, the effort, and everything else was just dawning on us… I didn’t have enough calories to do it and Diego’s face couldn’t take the time because it just takes too long to make…”
This is likely in reference to Luna being around 50 years old at the conclusion of the original five-season plan. So to still capture the same story they wanted to convey, time jumps were sprinkled throughout this season. From a cinematic perspective, there are several shots that are fairly breathtaking, including one of Bix and Cassian walking out of a building at night and Syril standing in the courtyard with chaos erupting around him.
I bring that up to commend the manner in which Andor plays out like a big screen film rather than a TV series. Without naming names, some shows feel like just that; projects that were diluted and cheaply thrown together and rely on the lore alone to attract viewers. The action sequences are so reminiscent of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith and could arguably have been turned into a feature length film instead of a series (not that I’m complaining at all). Even the music in a few of the party scenes is solid and caught my attention as they were so current and upbeat, you wouldn’t think you’d find them in a Star Wars piece.
Andor coming to a close after only two seasons is both beautiful and bittersweet. It’s quite a treat to have been able to dive more into Cassian’s character, but sad that it ended so quickly. It would have been great to explore his relationship with Bix more, since every other character’s storyline wrapped properly ahead of Rogue One. The realistic sets and wardrobe lend to the series’ overall tone of being a bit more realistic than the space sequences we know and love. Luna leads an intense cast of bright actors and gives his career best. With its elite storytelling, Andor has concluded as the best spin-off that has come from the Star Wars franchise by an absolute longshot.
The final season of Andor premieres on Disney+ April 22, 2025, with the release of the first three episodes.
The post ‘Andor’ Season 2 Review: Captivating Storytelling Leads to More Than Just a Spin-Off appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
Coincidentally, 4/20 falls on Easter this year. So, Happy Resurrection Day to Christians and those who observe. For those who engage in smoking bud—Happy 420!
This day isn’t just about sparking one up—it has evolved into this amazing celebration of cannabis culture where community, creativity, and all-around good vibes take center stage.
Throughout the country, cannabis connoisseurs are gathering to honor how this humble plant has intersected everything from wellness routines to business opportunities and artistic expression. BLACK ENTERPRISE has done a bit of legwork for you and rounded up six events you can pull-up to the 4/20 spirit and celebrate properly. These aren’t your average smoke sessions!
SweetWater 420 Fest
Going down in Atlanta, the SweetWater 420 Fest is a three-day festival held April 18-20 at Pullman Yards. This year marks its 20th anniversary with Cypress Hill, The Revivalists, Marcus King, Greensky Bluegrass and Drive-By Truckers performing. The festival offers SweetWater craft beers and a cannabis-friendly atmosphere with interactive activities.
Mile High 420 Festival
Denver Mile High 420 Festival goes down April 20 with long time bud advocate Tommy Chong as host. It should be noted that the Mile High 420 festival is a 21-year-old and older event held in Civic Center Park. Mile High will feature performances by Cordae, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Conway the Machine. The festival will have food vendors, sponsor activations and VIP experiences with meet-and-greets.
420 Week
Washington, D.C. is home to 420 Week. The event is a week-long series of cannabis-themed events starting April 20 and leading up to the National Cannabis Festival on April 28. The week features movie screenings and educational sessions as well as themed community gatherings.
420 Sunday Funday: A High-Vibe Downtown Shreveport Experience
The 420 Sunday Funday event in Downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, is on April 20. Funday offers a cannabis-friendly experience with games and vendors, infused and non-infused food, mocktails, and a secret consumption lounge. The event also features educational talks and a local artisan marketplace. The exact location will be disclosed to ticket holders on the day of the event. The event welcomes attendees 21 and older who want to experience community and wellness through conscious consumption. Ticket prices start at $25.
Washington Square Park Cannabis Meetup
Thousands of people will gather at Washington Square Park in New York City for an informal celebration featuring impromptu music performances, vendor stalls, and a group smoke session at 4:20 PM Eastern.
Cannafest
A three-day celebration of all things cannabis takes place at 3453 W Hamilton Ave in Nashville, the gathering goes way beyond smoking. It’s a full-on immersion into cannabis education, wellness benefits, and bringing like-minded folks together. Expect hands-on workshops, live music, vendors, art displays, hemp products and CBD-centered activities. Attendees need to be 21 and older to engage. Tickets start at $35.
RELATED CONTENT: Whoopi Goldberg To Debut Crisp Blend In ‘Whoop-Tea’ Cannabis Drink
Next week, Abrams ComicArts will publish Hugo Award-Winners Damian Duffy and John Jennings’ graphic novel adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s groundbreaking sci-fi novel Parable of the Talents.
Butler’s poignant 1993 novel Parable of the Sower follows Lauren Olamina, a preacher’s daughter who develops a new religion, Earthseed, while travelling the dangerous and dystopian country. Duffy and Jennings won the Hugo Award for their beautifully drawn graphic novel adaptation.
Now, they are taking on the sequel to Butler’s stunning novel, The Parable of the Talents, which follows Lauren’s daughter, Asha Vere.
The imprint was so kind to send us a preview of the graphic novel due to be in stores come April 22, 2025:
Pioneering author Octavia Butler’s literary science fiction masterpieces helped define American speculative fiction and Afrofuturism. Thanks to her prescient critiques of society, thrilling adventures, and charming characters, Butler’s bestselling novels are as beloved and relevant today as when they were first published. Now artists John Jennings and David Brame and writer Damian Duffy, who won the Eisner Award for Best Adaptation from Another Medium for their graphic novel adaptation of Butler’s beloved novel Kindred and the Hugo Award for their breathtaking take on Parable of the Sower, are reuniting with Abrams ComicArts to introduce a new generation of readers to Butler’s Parable of the Talents.
Being chosen to adapt the Parable duology by Octavia E. Butler into a graphic novel is both an honor and a very serious responsibility,” says artist John Jennings. “Those two books were so prescient and incredibly accurate with their forecasting that we are still amazed by the insightful creative acumen of Butler. It’s our hope that we did the story justice and that the underlying messages resonate through every word and every panel.”
Octavia Butler’s 1993 dystopian novel Parable of the Sower painted an alarmingly poignant picture of the year 2024, introducing readers to a world shaped by environmental disasters, economic instability, and social unrest. Following Lauren Olamina, a preacher’s daughter who develops a new religion while travelling the dangerous and dystopian country, Jennings and Duffy brought the sci-fi classic to life with a beautifully drawn graphic novel adaptation. Now they are taking on the sequel to Butler’s stunning novel, The Parable of the Talents, which follows Lauren’s daughter, Asha Vere.
The Parable of the Talents continues Butler’s masterful story set against a background of a war-torn continent under the control of a Christian fundamentalist fascist state. Asha searches for answers about her own past while struggling to reconcile with her mother’s legacy—caught between her duty to her chosen family and her calling to lead humankind into a better future among the stars.
Octavia E. Butler (1947–2006) was a renowned African American author who was awarded a MacArthur “Genius” Grant and PEN West Lifetime Achievement Award for her body of work. Since her death, sales of her books, including Wildseed, Imago, and Kindred have increased enormously as the issues she addressed in her Afrofuturistic feminist novels and short fiction have only become more relevant.
Damian Duffy, author of Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation and Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation, is a cartoonist, scholar, writer, and teacher. He holds a MS and PhD in library and information sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he is on faculty.
John Jennings is the curator of the Megascope list and illustrator of the graphic novel adaptations of Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred and Parable of the Sower. He is a professor of media and cultural studies at the University of California, Riverside.
Founded in 1949, ABRAMS was the first company in the United States to specialize in publishing art and illustrated books. The company continues to publish critically acclaimed and bestselling works in the areas of art, photography, cooking, craft, comics, interior and garden design, entertainment, fashion, and popular culture as well as narrative non-fiction and new works of fiction for adults; children’s books ranging from middle grade to young adult fiction to picture books to board books.
ABRAMS creates and distributes brilliantly designed books with the highest production values under the following imprints: Abrams; Abrams ComicArts; Megascope; Surely Books; Abrams Image; Abrams Press; The Overlook Press; Cernunnos; Cameron + Company; Abrams Books for Young Readers; Amulet Books; Abrams Appleseed; and Magic Cat. ABRAMS also distributes books for Booth-Clibborn Editions, Alain Ducasse Édition, Èditions de La Martiniére, Editions BPI, Global Golf Group, Lucky Spool, Milky Way Picture Books, The Museum of Modern Art, SelfMadeHero, Tate Publishing, V&A Publishing, and The Vendome Press.
For those local to California area: On Friday April 18 at 6:30 PM, Octavia’s Bookshelf will host a special evening featuring a signing and conversation with Parable of the Talents: A Graphic Novel Adaptation illustrator John Jennings at the Octavia E. Butler Magnet School. Guests will receive an exclusive bookplate showcasing an original portrait of Octavia Butler, illustrated by Jennings.
Parable of the Talents: A Graphic Novel Adaptation will be available on April 22, 2025 from Abrams ComicArts.
For updates, follow Abrams ComicArts on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.
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The post PREVIEW: Graphic Novel Adaptation of ‘Parable of the Talents’ Coming April 2025 appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Whenever there is a new kind of film, fans get excited. But what makes Ryan Coogler’s Sinners so exciting is that he somehow managed to make a vampire story feel new and fresh.
Coogler managed to bring music, Hoodoo, race relations, and a fear of what lurks in the dark all thrown into one film. But the allure of his vampires lie in their ability to twist reality and make you question what you really believe. Vampires have always been captivating, it is why we’ve often turned to the same stories over and over again.
Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers is a new anime looking to deepen the world Arc System created with Strive. While GG is a well-loved fighting game series, the anime feels precisely like the narrative moments that pop up between fights. Dual Rulers is just like playing Guilty Gear: Strive. Just with none of the interactivity of playing the game. Let’s get into it.
Dual Rulers has the look down pat. The mixed, clunky steampunk-cyberpunk hybrid aesthetic is on full blast. Characters who look like created players are a part of what makes GG so alluring to begin with. Why does Sin Kiske wear a patch? No idea, but it’s provocative, gets people going, you know? Some very beautifully designed parts of each episode are mixed medium – a 2-D, hand-drawn, textured overlay over some settings that make the world feel more lived-in.
Cel shading and very crisp animation are what makes the Guilty Gear IP stand out (a signature and staple of Arc Systems). The fight scenes are easy to read, but the narrative threads holding the story together don’t have enough weight for anything to feel earned. Dual Rulers suffers from the polar opposite kind of aura farming (intentionally trying to make things look effortless) that Solo Leveling has mastered. Unless you’ve played a slew of Guilty Gear, you might not be able to keep up with what is already a paper-thin storyline. The reverse aura farming shows up in two ways; first, all the damn posing. Everyone strikes a very typical anime-style pose for about a second too long, and it reads as corny. Second is the Ken Burns-type beat sliding ‘introduction’ each character gets when they appear for the first time. In-game, that little bit of movement and drama is kind of cool and edgy. In an anime where there are a whole bunch of characters, the novelty wears off very quickly. For me, it was the middle of the first episode. It takes away from the frenetic pace of things.
Dual Rulers takes place throughout the happenings of Strive. The story unfolds further in the game as more DLC characters pop up, so it was never the drawing point to the game. The anime follows suit as it tries to get audiences to engage with Sin Kiske, having no idea he exists. His design makes him look older than his father (fan fave Ky Kiske) and more like his adopted father (actual fan fave Sol Badguy). Dual Rulers is confusing for anyone who isn’t a die-hard Guilty Gear fan. But for the Guilty Gear initiated, Dual Rulers is a gem that brings all of the characters players have spent countless hours mastering to life in a new way.
Yes, it’s fan service centered but Bast dammit it’s intentional. You have to appreciate that Arc System would go out of their way to fund a full animated production just to please their day-one fans. Dual Rulers is truly and honestly a love letter to a niche group of gamers who are going to lose their minds seeing their fandom in action. Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers airs on Crunchyroll, and the first episode dropped earlier this month. If you’re into nonstop action and dope character design, get more background information and narrative details at their website.
Cover image via Guilty Gear: Dual Ruler Official Website
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The post Such Wonderful Gowns: ‘Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers’ – Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Sinners is an ancestral masterpiece. Composed with the wisdom of history, the foresight of Black and Brown lineage, and the understanding of our connectedness through cultural excellence. The industry calls Black films ‘risky’ and ‘unpredictable’. Black folks just call that ‘life’. Sinners speaks to that gap in understanding in every way it can.
PRIDE AND JOY
Walking into the theater, you are not fully ready for the feels you are about to have. It isn’t a ‘vibe’, it doesn’t just ‘eat’. Sinners is every bit of generational slang that was and will be. This might sound extreme, but once you see the film, you will understand the transcendent experience that Director Ryan Coogler aims to put you through. And yes, he succeeds. His ability to accurately display the monsters that work beyond lifetimes to acquire the magic we hold. To make audiences truly feel the undeniable draw of our power is a feat only possible with the right amount of vision, resources, and execution.
Ok, ok, let me break all of this down – without spoilers. P.S. Each section will be titled with Buddy Guy song titles because… The Blues.
Photo by Courtesy of Warner Bros. – © Warner Bros.
SKIN DEEP
The film is set in rural Mississippi, following homegrown twins Smoke and Stack. Both characters played very well by the charismatic Michael B. Jordan. Smoke and Stack are returning from a stint in Chicago to their hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi. It is made very clear that these brothers do not play by any set of rules. They’ve come back to Clarksdale to start their own juke joint on a piece of the sharecropper land they’ve bought with spoils “earned” up north. They’re putting this juke joint together quick and dirty. Gathering up all the folks they know for the spot to pop off that very night.
Right from the beginning, it’s giving a Dusk Till Dawn feel mixed with Nope and Lovecraft Country‘s cultural context. I know… Just mentioning this film in the same sentence as Tarantino makes me cringe. If only we had Coogler first! Now, I am not comparing the two directors – not in the slightest. Coogler is on another plane of existence when it comes to his work. The element of thought and love for his craft goes beyond genre and truly hits you in the bloodstream. I say ‘beyond genre’ because it is no secret that the film holds a supernatural element and can easily be placed in the folk horror column.
FRESH OUT
Now, I was shown the trailer for Sinners just a few times too many before seeing the film. I wanted an element of surprise and felt every time I saw the trailer, I was gaining more and more insight into the story that I wanted to remain mysterious. I can happily say the film does exactly what you think and affects you far beyond what you could have dreamt up from the trailer.
As the twins bring together their community, we are shown the life of the Deep South in 1932. The vast plantation land with the people still working the fields, and the beautiful roots they have sown from a tortured past and present. We’re also given Black joy, Black religion, Black music, Black magic, Black love. The supernatural element feels the most real, the period aspects melt away when you see so clearly the link between past and present. The connection between all things in Sinners… Is the music.
FIRST TIME I MET THE BLUES
The interwoven elements of music in Sinners are the most moving piece of the puzzle yet. The Blues are at the epicenter of evolution and the power to instill life. The character Sammie, aka “Preacher Boy”, played by the incomparable Miles Caton, sings with the velvety resonance of a seasoned Blues traveler. And the man is but twenty years old. This is Caton’s feature film debut, having previously been a touring singer with powerhouse multihyphenate H.E.R. As soon as this young man picks up a guitar and opens his mouth, the hairs on your arm stand up. Your heart feels full, and you thank Bast that they still make voices like his. It’s giving ‘sold my soul at the crossroads’ to sing this well. Sammie is the younger cousin of the twins Smoke and Stack, and an integral piece to the success of their opening night.
Sinners blends the intergenerational music of the Delta Blues with every element of Black music and culture in a way you have always felt but never seen. In an interview with Indiewire, Coogler expressed the desire to make, “…tactile feeling to things people know to be true.” That is exactly what it feels like. The truth. This is only achievable by the brilliant musical genius of Black Panther musical composer Ludwig Goransson. Gorgansson is a longtime friend of Coogler, the composer and producer on Sinners. His creative ear and musical ability are unmatched. Not only do we hear and feel how the Blues are at the root of Black existence, but Coogler and Gorgansson blend Irish folk music seamlessly into the story of our cultures meeting. The way it shows up on film celebrates our real-life differences and also foretells the destruction of human life the narrative is brewing up.
I am working very hard not to spoil this experience for y’all, so let’s get into some of the nitty gritty movie-making elements before I say something I shouldn’t.
MESSIN WITH THE KID
The acting is superb. Every character that graces the screen is fully formed in a short amount of time. Married storeowners Bo and Grace Chow, played by actors Yao and Li Jun Li, jump off the screen with full Mississipian accents. Haggling with our protagonist like they are part of the family. Having this couple in this story is crucial to the accuracy of this time period. Where Chinese migrants were forced to build US railroads alongside Black slaves, and founded towns and blended families. This is a very important part of what makes the essence of this film.
Photo by Courtesy of Warner Bros. – © Warner Bros.
Michael B. Jordan feels like he has finally arrived. Unpopular opinion, I have yet to see Jordan’s acting shine until this film (outside of Fruitvale Station). In Sinners, he has taken on a pair of personas, split between two characters (albeit very similar). It was refreshing to see Jordan go beyond himself and fully dive into the characters. I was able to see past Michael B. Jordan on the screen and still appreciate what he, as himself, brings to a role. Jordan shares the spotlight with some of the greats, as he often does.
Wunmi Mosaku, best known for her role as Ruby in the HBO series Lovecraft Country, plays Annie and is the centering force for the film, doing an expert job as always. The legendary Delroy Lindo, as Delta Slim, chews up every scene, and Jayme Lawson (Shante, Woman King) radiates with our newcomer Miles Caton. Hailee Steinfeld also gives us a new side of herself. I was pleasantly surprised, but also didn’t doubt that she could. Every actor’s dedication to the story is transparent and makes for an immersive and engaging film all the way through. This can only be fostered by the excellent direction and vision of Ryan Coogler.
MY TIME AFTER A WHILE
Which brings me to my final point. Film. It is evident Ryan cannot help but bleed his love for film. The movie was shot on physical film. For anyone out there who doesn’t know filmmaking (forgive the film-splaining if you are), the majority of movies these days are shot digitally. The footage is saved on a drive in the camera, and those files are transferred and edited on a computer. Physical film is a strip of cellulose. It is real, tangible, and very expensive. Not only is it shot on physical film (70mm), it is shot simultaneously in what I did not know they even made – but IMAX film. IMAX is the way of filming and projecting that, in a sense, takes up the watcher’s full field of view. It makes you feel like you’re in the movie. It’s you flying through the air, dancing with the actors… All of it. I had no idea they even made cameras capable of capturing that aspect ratio on film. Okay, I may have gotten very film nerdy for a minute. Watch this very informational video of Coogler explaining it all himself.
Film buff stuff aside, Ryan Coogler wanted grit in the movie. He wanted an all-encompassing element, an immersive experience. This makes the film permeate into your retina and elicit a physical reaction from each moment. People are audibly cheering throughout the movie. I almost cried three times! It isn’t that the film is perfect. It’s that every chord hits the precise place it’s meant to. This is a show of skill in expert proportions. You know every person on set had the time of their lives, and it shows. I’m so proud to love movies because I know creatives like this exist.
STAY AROUND A LITTLE LONGER
Now this is where I plan to insert spoilers. If you’ve seen the film, keep reading. If not, please return after you’ve gone all the way through the post-credit scene.
As a practitioner of Afro-Puerto Rican folkloric dance Bomba, a singer and lover of R&B, and a devotee of Hip-Hop’s origins, there is one scene in the film that had me in tears and feeling like all my ancestors were present beside me. During this memorable opening night of the juke joint, Sammie, aka Preacher Boy, starts to sing. As he strums his guitar and belts each note, the roof opens up. The house literally burns down as every part of African, Black, and Chinese American culture materializes in the space. The moment expresses so clearly how Blues is at the crux of our ancestral roots. Straight from Sammie’s guitar comes Jazz, Hip-Hop, Trap, and then to West African drumming. All of this while the crip walk, breaking, ballet and twerking is going on all in one room. Meanwhile, dice is being played as the DJ spins, and every brown body is vibrating with joy and elation. It is an undeniably powerful scene. As the song continues, we see just beyond the perimeter of the burnt down walls three white figures drawn to the magnanimous energy like mosquitoes to a vein. Their eyes aglow. Like, dang we can’t have nothing to ourselves?!?
SNATCH IT BACK AND HOLD IT
For the monsters in the film to be vampires, you think, would feel a little too on the nose. The nuance built into the villainous antagonists makes it only feel right. The added elements of the vampires being a hive mind (which is seldom used in their lore) bring home the very clear narrative of a shared experience, and the desire to collect the story of Sammie is even more impactful. The Blues hold the key to a very powerful set of ancestral connections that our main villain just has to have. This particular vampire, Remmick, played by Jack O’Connell, is quite old and of Irish descent. Irish cultural history, being so closely tied with oppression, slavery, and resistance, was a brilliant choice of Coogler. A story that feels congruent but still aims to possess our narratives and depth of power.
There are so many elements of this film that this review could fill three books. Wunmi’s character Annie brings in ancient and sacred rituals of the spirit, like hoodoo. These spells and knowledge are meant to protect and honor our spirituality.
The Native and Indigenous riders pursue the villain at the beginning and work to protect the land and people from their evil. I very much hope there is a spin-off following those characters and their journey.
I feel so deeply seen. So proud to be a filmmaker, an actor, a singer, a keeper of ancient traditions, a storyteller. In a time when we are told our stories are unworthy, I’ve never been more motivated to be louder and take up more space. Even if only to honor where all the power comes from.
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The post Review: ‘Sinners’ Takes Us to Church appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
The Blue Origin took six female celebrities up in space for 11 minutes. Many praised the trip for taking an all female “crew” up and it isn’t a celebration of feminism. It’s an embarrassment of riches.
Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez were joined by Amanda Nguyen, ex-NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, and film producer Kerianne Flynn on the flight and the six women went up and back down relatively quickly. Since their return, many have been critical of the adventure and rightfully so. The 11 minute space glimpse helped in burning parts of the ozone layer. So hope it was worth it!
Smart guys are hot, especially ones who lead with compassion and can stretch really far to get you stuff off the top shelf. And if there is one thing we know about Reed Richards, we know he’s going to be hot.
There are a lot of qualities about Reed Richards that are hot naturally. He’s smart, he has a graying temple, and he has a curl right at the top of his head. Beautiful, no notes. But Pedro Pascal’s take on the characters has an added bonus: A lot of guilt about what his team brought back to earth with them.
You know, a thought occurred to me as I sat and watched an episode from the second season of Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal. There I was, on my couch, Pomeranian by my side, watching Fielder watch Fake Nathan take a real shower while the latter acted out how the former reacted to the very real news of a content dispute with Paramount+. As the real Fielder handed Fake Nathan a towel, I thought: “This show might not be for everyone.”
In fact, this show is so uninterested in bringing novices and the uninitiated up to speed that Damon Lindelof, the mind behind Lost and The Leftovers, might think Fielder was being a bit too opaque and self-referential. But please understand: I never once said that this made the show bad. It’s just not something that will likely be enjoyed by anyone unfamiliar with Fielder esoterica dating back to his pre-Nathan for You days.
But perhaps I should attempt to summarize this work without spoiling it or driving people from it in droves.
This sophomore season of Fielder’s HBO production The Rehearsal centers on Fielder’s thesis that airline disasters caused by human error on the captain’s part can be avoided if only the plane’s copilot were more assertive. Like Season 2 of The Leftovers, this second run feels like a soft reboot, maybe even a requel. There are minimal rehearsals for individuals like Kor Skeete, who found the Season 1 experience largely positive but the resultant hipster fame a tad frustrating. The show seems to have moved away from its apparent original intention to have a “person of the week” in favor of a traditional season-long arc more concerned with Fielder’s anxious scenarios than anyone else’s. However, this is not a complete departure from what came before.
Fielder’s fans know that Season 1 went from following a formula that matched Nathan for You in terms of a new person (victim?) weekly to exploring Fielder’s onscreen persona and his fears about parenthood. Those fans will likely recall the many highlights that pivot gave us: Fielder’s visit to Dr. Fart, who encouraged — demanded, in fact — that his patient eat poo; Fielder’s realization that rehearsing fatherhood with another fully grown man might hinder his ability to fully invest in this parental practice run; or the time Fielder had his teenage actor “overdose” and die so the character could be softly rebooted.
While these moments were shockingly hilarious, one also gets the feeling that they were the result of necessary improvisation. In 2021, Fielder and co-writers Carrie Kemper (The Office, Beef), Adam Locke-Norton (The Curse), and Eric Notarnicola had to wrestle with the weight of the pandemic and the pressure it put on all productions. The more I watch Season 1, the more I get the feeling that the plan was to have more real-world characters like Patrick deal with their issues rather than to spend so many claustrophobic moments with Angela and her wacky proselytizing. Like the rest of the planet, Fielder and company had to make due with restrictions on the amount of people that could be in proximity to one another. Regardless, the result was beautiful, but it was likely a happy accident.
This new season, on the other hand, has no such restrictions. To put it succinctly, Season 1 will survive as a testament to how strange and ad hoc of a time the pandemic was, but Season 2 will remain notable as a monument to the grandiose absurdity Fielder will revel in if given time, space, and HBO’s seemingly endless resources. Indeed, this review is spending so much time talking about the season obliquely because to discuss it in full would lessen the impact of the journey. Let’s try this: I’ll give you a set of words, and you’ll predict what they might mean for this new season.
Here goes.
Planes, Tinder ban, First Officer Blunt, George W. Bush statue, Congress, “Wings of Voice,” the Miracle on the Hudson, “Bring Me to Life,” the Fielder Method, animal pack mentality.
Alright, did you do it? Did you create a season-long arc that conceivably connects each of these seemingly disparate things? Did it make sense at all? If you said yes, I don’t believe you. If you said no, you should plan on watching Season 2 of The Rehearsal in order to see how Fielder’s writing team connects these far-out dots.
If you consider yourself a fan of absurd humor, this will be the show for you. There are moments that happen that I wouldn’t describe for two reasons.
First, so much of this show, one ostensibly based on the value of predictability, is, in fact, predicated on taking its audience to the most unexpected, outlandish spaces. To say too much would be to dilute the experience and the humor.
Second, I don’t want to get fired. Fielder gets really gross really fast, and I don’t need an editor mad at something a television comedian made me say. Still, this occasionally gross-out unpredictability is a major reason to watch this show. Like the best performance art, it is entirely unconcerned with mass appeal. It has a specific vision of how to bring its plausible, seemingly sincere thesis to light, and it will use every warehouse set and Fielder Method-approved actor in Los Angeles to do so.
If you got past the first paragraph, if you read that messy jumble inspired by the chaotic ode to predictability that Fielder and Co. have created, then you are one of the true believers for whom this season of The Rehearsal was made.
The Rehearsal premieres Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
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Pastor Keion Henderson and First Lady Shaunie Henderson are hosting Cry Out Con for the third consecutive year in Houston from May 1-3. The four-day event will feature nontraditional guests, women’s workshops, and sermons from notable speakers.
Pastor Keion and Shaunie took a moment away from organizing the conference to sit down with BLACK ENTERPRISE to discuss their hopes for spiritual restoration, their inclusive lineup of guests, and navigating marriage and business.
BLACK ENTERPRISE: Can we talk about how Cry Out Con began? What spiritual need led to the idea?
Pastor Keion: I was in a bad space. Pastor Mathew Stevenson stood in the pulpit and spoke about the children of Israel. He said God didn’t bring them out of the wilderness until they cried out. It was like electricity hit my body. I stood right where I was and started to cry out.
I had three staff members with me. I called them over and said, “That’s what we’re going to do.”
The conference includes family therapists and relationship experts. What need are you addressing with that?
Pastor Keion: We recognize a deficit in our community when it comes to emotional and relational health. And that’s not an accident — it’s part of a wider system.
Is there a message at Cry Out Con that people can take into their personal relationships to begin healing?
First Lady Shaunie: Yes, and that’s why we include breakout sessions focused on women’s healing.
Why is it important to center sessions for women?
First Lady Shaunie: More than half the room will be women. That’s just church, right? It was only right to create moments where we speak directly to them.
There’s so much healing we need. Our women’s panel is focused on healing everything from parenting to relationships, finances, self-care, and faith.
This year, you’ve chosen men who aren’t necessarily clergy, like D.C. Young Fly and Deion Sanders. What about their spiritual journeys led you to include them?
Pastor Keion: We can’t win the world if the only people speaking to them come from the church.
I think both Deion and D.C. would disagree that they’re not “of the cloth.” Deion will tell you he is a man of God who coaches football, not a football coach who speaks about God. It’s important to recognize that the cloth is represented not just in pulpits but on football fields, in comedy clubs —wherever people are.
You’ve both been public figures for a long time. You’re married, and you’re in a business partnership. How do you navigate that and stay grounded?
First Lady Shaunie: If you had asked me when we first got married, I’d have said, “Oh, it’s easy.” But it gets complicated — until you acknowledge that it’s complicated. Once you acknowledge it and figure out a system that works, then it flows.
Pastor Keion: I’d add that she’s the boss of her, I’m the boss of me, and together we run the family.
When I married my wife, she was an individual with a functioning business, a skill set, and a family mantra. At no point did I believe marriage to me meant the release of her history. I had to embrace it, and she did the same for me.
As a facilitator of Cry Out Con, do you also feel spiritually fed?
Pastor Keion: My destiny is to help you find yours. I am absolutely fed by the fact that people come to this conference and leave empowered, engaged, and informed.
I’m excited about the transformation I anticipate, because I’ve seen it before. I know I’ll see it again.
First Lady Shaunie: Sometimes being fed is simply knowing you helped someone. If the experience resonates with just one person and makes them one percent better, then I’m fed.
Both Hendersons will lead multiple workshops and sermons. Joining this year’s lineup are some of the foremost voices in ministry, including Evangelist LaTrice Ryan, Lacy Tezino, Steven Speaks, Jordan Welch, Kirk Franklin, Pastor Jerry Flowers Jr., and Minister Vincent A. Casey Sr.
To register for the event, visit the official Cry Out Con website.
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One of the most interesting pieces of media in the world happen to be Christian Bale’s best film. I am talking about American Psycho, of course. And now the iconic Mary Harron film turns 25!
Released on April 14, 2000, American Psycho is an adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis book of the same name by Harron and co-write Guinevere Turner. It is, after all, the reason I think that women should always have a hand in telling American Psycho. The book by Ellis boiled down into his upset with New York and his own hatred of the world and what he actually created was a nearly perfect satire of rich white men and the villains they can become.
Fire Force has always been three things:
- An endless inventive battle shonen that constantly innovated on the variations of pyrokinesis available to its characters resulting in some of the most visually intriguing fights ever conceived.
- A stunning study into the complicated relationship between government, organized religion, personal loyalties, and the pursuit of truth of the mystery of spontaneous human combustion that has been at the core of its story since the beginning.
- Plagued by some of the most egregious fanservice, largely because an individual character literally has a preternatural ability that predisposes them to be in compromising situations which actively bogs down the series to the point where it gets the same weight as the previous two points.
And this has not changed with the final entry of Fire Force, although, at least with the reintroduction to the world, it does err more on the side of focusing on the incredible combat sequences and resolving the central myth arc. However, there is also still fanservice, although notably less, but this is of course by one episode in the final go around so who knows what will happen later.
Still, if you need a refresher since it has been approximately five years since the second season and six or since the first: Fire Force focuses on the journey of third generation pyrokinetic (meaning he can generate fire himself, specifically by igniting his feet), Shinra Kusakabe, who after being ostracized as child for apparently killing his mother and brother, joins Special Fire Force Company 8, unique amongst Japan Fire Force in that they are looking to discover the root cause of humans spontaneously becoming Infernals (think fire monsters) while also investigating the other seven companies for potential corruption.
This quickly escalated into conflicts with a Doomsday cult, various entanglements with other crews, discovery of special powers, uncovering the history of the Great Cataclysm that started all of the current events, the exploration of a region called the Nether, various political scheming, and several training arcs, which all culminate in season 3 where all of the conflicts and revelations come down to a head blazingly fast.
The first episode of season 3 is very much an accelerated recap of the series at large. While it doesn’t cover everything that happened in the last forty-eight episodes in great deal, it does provide enough foundation to reacclimate you with the characters, the main plot points, and set the stage for the rest of the action that will inevitably follow.
It is everything I love about Fire Force. The blazing cinematics, the quirky characters, the momentous build-up of all of the core mysteries finally racing towards definitive conclusions. And it is a minimal amount of what I dislike about Fire Force, Tamki’s Lucky Lecher Lure Syndrome.
I have always been partial to Atsushi Ohkubo’s work, as Soul Eater is one of my favorite series, and any qualms I have with Fire Force are easily balanced out by how cool it is when it’s doing its thing. The action is gorgeous, the voice acting is great, the story is engaging and knowing that this is one of the fortunate times where we get to see the entire manga in animated form, I can’t help but be excited for the final chapter of this series.
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The post Adolla Bursting to the End – ‘Fire Force’ Season 3 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
We know that My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a brand-new animated spinoff series that takes place before the events of the main My Hero Academia anime, based on the original manga created by Kohei Horikoshi.
Debuting Monday, April 7, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes will stream exclusively on Crunchyroll worldwide excluding Asia, with new episodes premiering weekly, same-day as Japan. I remember reading most of the manga and thinking that this series carries a lot of heart and understanding of the original world that we came to love from the original series. In my trailer reaction, I wrote that that fans of MHA would also fall into step with this series as well once it aired.
I mentioned that this series coming to us this Spring feels right. Especially knowing the ending of another Shonen Big Three: the animated adaptation of My Hero Academia has an end in sight. It just feels right knowing that the next chapter of the franchise finally makes it to the animated screen, and this first episode is such fun to watch!
My Hero Academia, back: Vigilante, style! My Hero Academia Vigilantes opens to the kind-hearted and good natured Koichi Haimawari (stop me if you’ve heard this opener before) who is a college student who works part time. In a world of quirk, villains, and heroes that save the people, he’s always wanted to join those in the light. (Again, stop me if you heard this line before). YET, he’s a quiet guy who is of average build and doesn’t stand out too much–he is someone who aspires to be a hero but has given up on his dream. While impressive quirks–special abilities, even superhuman powers seem to have been handed to everyone else at birth, his is objectively standing in the ‘not cool’ category. Nonetheless, at night, he suits up in a face mask and an All Might hoodie (casual cosplay, I’d say) and does good for the people.
Studio Bones Film was cooking with the gas here: seeing the start of Koichi, Pop☆Step, and Knuckleduster ‘s adventures in vigilante nighttime activities is visually thrilling to watch on screen. The animation holds up with mundane scenes of Koichi running to be on time to work as well as the action packed ones where his life and pride is on the line. While we know that My Hero Academia Vigilantes is based on the manga of the same name created by Hideyuki Furuhashi, Betten Court, and Kohei Horikoshi–we also know that the later was partially inspired and loves the superhero genre–partially the comic books of the West. So imagine my joy in seeing this animation studio pop off the over the top sound effects in combat and the striking, split panels–between certain sequences–very much maintaining a comic book–OR manga-page animation?! Chief’s Kiss all around!
Look, My Hero Academia Vigilantes is really just fun to watch. This first episode brings us back to the world of MHA–from a different perspective that has high stakes just like the original series. While audiences see All Might this first episode and promised cameos of all other fave (less problematic) Pro-Heroes and teachers–this series and this episode is focusing on these three alternative heroes and glimpses of their foes. I mean once I learned my beloved Eraser Head was even rumored to pop up, I knew that I was game. Anything for you, Shota Aizawa! Gentle reminder that we won’t see Midoriya and friends in action as this series takes place some five years before MHA–Koichi, Pop☆Step, and Knuckleduster are stars in the making and the ones to follow. Koichi’s quirk helps produce lots of hilarious reactions from people, Pop☆Step’s almost gorilla style/pop up (I apologize) concerts are entertaining, and the older, established vigilante known as Knuckleduster is an impressive figure that guides them.
Absolutely random note of interest: while I am a girl’s girl and actually hated Pop☆Step’s outfit, I hated the fan-servicey look and usage of it in the manga. Bleh. I DO love that consideration was thrown about here in the anime adaptation here with her costume being updated a bit. The My Hero Academia franchise itself has LONG drawn out criticism about the objectification of female characters, teen girls and adult women alike, over the years.
While I don’t have a crystal ball to predict what future episodes will bring, this first episode is a good start in the right direction to making this new chapter in the franchise more thoughtful in its rep of teenage girls and of its female fan-base who love them some Shonen anime. (Fire Force, we’ll talk next, stay in your seat) This feels right to me since Pop☆Step’s character is more of the voice of reason in the trio –Kiochi, the heart, and Knuckleduster…the fists. I desire for audiences to get to know her dreams, her role in the vigilante adventures and NOT be distracted by a gratuitous shot of her hero’ing/idol outfit and dismiss her character altogether.
“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes arrives on the scene, reminding us of why audiences loved the previous series with newer heroes trying to make their mark. In a world of quirks and those trying to exploit and manipulate them, this new series adds to the already colorful and imaginative world of those with dreams of saving others and becoming heroes that that they be proud of. This first episode shows us heroes united in a common goal with all the bells and whistles attached, visually.”
Verdict
For those who love the action, superhero and Shonen fantasy genres, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is one to definitely watch this Anime Spring season. Working to capture the heart of the original series with newer characters who all have something to prove: Koichi, Pop☆Step, and Knuckleduster are our new heroes in training–just with an alternative introduction.
While functioning as both a prequel and a spin-off, this series can be seen as a boon to the already established fanbase while also being inviting and easy to digest for those newer to the fandom. In a world of quirks and those trying to exploit and manipulate them, this new series adds to the already colorful and highly imaginative world of those with dreams of protecting others and working to achieve dreams forgotten. A must watch this Spring Anime Season!
Streaming on Crunchyroll
Monday, April 7 @ TIME TBA
– JAPANESE VOICE CAST / CHARACTERS –
Based on the Original Manga Series Created by
Hideyuki Furuhashi
Betten Court
Kōhei Horikoshi
Directed by
Kenichi Suzuki
Series Composition and Script Written by
Yosuke Kuroda
Character Design
Takahiko Yoshida
Art Director
Yukihiro Watanabe
Color Design by
Haruko Nobori
Director of Photography
Yingying Zhang
3D CG Director
Mizuki Sasaki
Editor
Kiyoshi Hirose
Music Composed by
Yuki Hayashi
Shogo Yamashiro
Yuki Furuhashi
Sound Director
Masafumi Mima
Animation Production by
Bones Film
– SONGS –
Opening Theme Song
TBA
Ending Theme Song
TBA
– JAPANESE VOICE CAST –
Shuichiro Umeda as Koichi Haimawari / The Crawler
Ikumi Hasegawa as Pop☆Step
Yasuhiro Mamiya as Knuckleduster
Junichi Suwabe as Eraserhead
Masamichi Kitada as Ingenium
Hiroyuki Yoshino as Present Mic
Akeno Watanabe as Midnight
Kenta Miyake as All Might
Sayaka Senbongi as Kuin Hachisuka
Kosuke Toriumi as Soga Kugisaki
Tokuyoshi Kawashima as Naomasa Tsukauchi
Spring is here, check out our site’s Crunchyroll 2025 Spring Season Preview!
Love anime? So do we! See what else we have to offer on the site via anime here!
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The post HEROES UNITE: ‘My Hero Academia: Vigilantes’ Episode 1 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Doctor Who season two’s premiere episode, “The Robot Revolution,” introduces us to Belinda Chandra, the latest companion to join the series. Belinda’s origin story is pretty simple so far by Doctor Who standards. She’s a hardworking nurse who becomes the hostage of clunky robots from a planet bearing her name, thanks to an ex-boyfriend. The Doctor works to save Belinda and help liberate the planet from her ex, who is now a massive AI machine. And now she’s a reluctant companion whom he cannot get home for some mysterious reason. So, how did the Doctor and Belinda Chandra meet in the Doctor Who season two premiere?
Towards the beginning of the episode, we see Belinda working her shift at a busy hospital. In the midst of that, the Doctor is walking around the facility and causing chaos. One person even tells Belinda that there’s a doctor looking for her and she cheekily says that there always is. Later that night, robots from Belindachandra destroy her quiet abode and apprehend her. Right when they take off in a retro spaceship, the Doctor comes careening in and screaming her name.
The duo finally meet on Belindachandra. It is where the Doctor has been quietly hanging out and working as the planet’s designated historian for six months waiting for her arrival. He is in the throne room when she arrives, obviously confused about her royal wedding. Who would want to marry an AI bot and turned into a machine?
Their first interaction involves them communicating in code, using every ninth word to have a conversation before chaos breaks out. Later on, Fifteen properly introduces himself, even allowing Belinda to see an X-ray of his two hearts. The Doctor says that someone told him about Belinda Chandra. This person said that her name would be very important, so that’s why he came to save her.
We don’t know who that “he” is yet but surely we will find out this season. The duo cycle between Belinda not trusting him and her following his lead, proving herself to be quite competent in this dangerous situation. So, that’s basically how the Doctor and Belinda Chandra meet each other.
Following their epic adventure, she calls the Doctor out for the many deaths that took place, taking her DNA without permission to draw a conclusion about her familial connection to Mundy Flynn, and for trying to make her into his adventure. She wants to go home but they cannot return to May 24, 2025 for some mysterious reason. We are ready to let the good times roll with Belinda Chandra and the Doctor.
The post How Did the Fifteenth Doctor and Belinda Chandra Meet in DOCTOR WHO? appeared first on Nerdist.
Maaaannnnnn, Iyanu is cooking up something cool for Max.
After interviewing the creative team, I thought I was ready for whatever would be thrown my way. I viewed three episodes from different parts of the season, and I was blown away by the two things the team said they focused on. First, Iyanu is as authentic as it can be. Hearing an African voice cast in a Yoruba-based, fantastical setting set my imagination on fire. If you listen closely, you can pick up on some of the language nuances – there’s so much intention in the way the characters speak to one another! Second, Iyanu is bringing Nigerian culture to the global mainstream stage, leaning heavily into narrative inclusivity to bring audiences into the culture.
Iyanu walks the hero’s journey in the vein of some of our favorite animated series. It gets compared to Avatar: The Last Airbender a lot. Which makes perfect sense, seeing as the cultural competency level needed to pull Iyanu off is S-tier. The pacing of this origin story here is more akin to Spider-Man: Homecoming, skipping over a lot of the more obvious or typical tropes and jumping right into the world. What separates Iyanu from the pack is the unfamiliarity of East African culture. American audiences have had access to aspects of Asian culture for so long that the aesthetics of The Last Airbender were easy to read. With Iyanu, many of us are learning about East African culture while we’re watching.
What has me hyped are these very African moments, like the ‘oh’ affirmation at the end of a sentence. Or how Iyanu hits the floor with some Capoeira Angola during the opening credits. Vibrantly colored regional clothing. Touchpoints that make African culture accessible. Bringing in Yoruba and spiritual concepts that aren’t Judeo-Christian, or Greco-Roman, or Norse – ground that is already well traversed in media. We get something that feels new and original – that makes Iyanu worth its weight in gold (or NFTs and user data, these days).
If you haven’t already, go check Iyanu on Cartoon Network and Max. Run these numbers up so we can get more original and cultural animated series on air. If Velma can get a second season, this better get a few arcs.
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The post Indigenous Futurism on Tap: ‘Iyanu’ Season 1 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
The new Apple TV+ series The Studio takes us behind the scenes with Continental Studios. The new head of the movie studio, Matt Remick (Seth Rogan), tries to balance his creative vision with more IP driven properties. One of those being Kool-Aid.
His first project as the head of the studio is find a director for a movie about the Kool-Aid man, á la the Barbie movie. Trying to navigate the success of that movie (thanks to Greta Gerwig’s idea and vision), Matt finds himself torn between doing what his boss wants him to do and also trying to make art. Part of that art is Martin Scorsese’s movie based on the Jonestown Massacre.
It’s a team up of legendary proportions. Tabletop gaming celebrities are banding together for charity and merriment with the brand new actual-play special Lost Odyssey: Godfall. The latest one-shot special in the star-studded celebrity gaming series is available now on Geek & Sundry‘s YouTube channel. Presented by Pathfinder & Demiplane, Lost Odyssey: Godfall will showcase a new Pathfinder story set in War of Immortals. Pathfinder, by Paizo, is one of the world’s top fantasy role-playing game systems, and Godfall offers a cinematic journey unlike anything you’ve seen before. And who will you be taking this journey with? Why none other than Matt Mercer, Felicia Day, Deborah Ann Woll, Brandon Routh, Reggie Watts, and Game Master Bill Rehor! Talk about a dream team.
Watch the special below!
Lost Odyssey: Godfall reunites these tabletop icons in support of Extra Life for Kids, a program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals that funds critical life-saving treatments, healthcare services, and more for kids across the country. Godfall charts a bold course amid the aftermath of cosmic, world-altering events in the Pathfinder universe, brought to life by Game Master Bill Rehor and showrunners DiMuccio & Miller. The edge-of-your-seat adventure stars Matt Mercer (Critical Role) as Ghentros, Reggie Watts (Comedy Bang! Bang!) as Bronwyn, Deborah Ann Woll (Daredevil: Born Again) as Audrey, Felicia Day (Supernatural) as Sylph, and Brandon Routh (Legends of Tomorrow) as Palanon, alongside Game Master Bill Rehor (Beadle & Grimm’s).
Of course, as we mentioned, the most important aspect of all is that the Lost Odyssey: Godfall campaign’s chief mission is to support Extra Life. You can help support the work Extra Life does by checking out Lost Odyssey’s Extra Life Superteam page, where you’ll find treasures in a collection of games, show exclusive props, tabletop gear, and much more.
Just to be clear, 100% of all proceeds benefit Extra Life for Kids, a program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Whether or not you secure a fun treat, you’re welcome to donate to this good cause in celebration of Extra Life’s Tabletop Weekend. All weekend long, people are coming together to play their favorite board games, collectible card games, TTRPGs, and more to raise funds to support these critical healthcare services for children in need.
In addition to Pathfinder and Demiplane, Lost Odyssey: Godfall was made possible by in part thanks to Mythical Meats, Esoteric Ebb, Hero Forge, Volante Design, Rathskellers, Candle Qwest, Lynx, Moonlight Maps, Loot Studios, Pure Arts, Dispel Dice, and Beadle & Grimm’s.
If you want even more Godfall goodness, fans can also enjoy an exclusive VR experience preview from Light Sail VR–available now to watch— where for the fans can truly sit down with the players at the table and feel the magic of a home game, next to tabletop legends.
After you finish Godfall, if you’re craving even more adventure, you can watch other epic actual play stories like Critical Role, Relics & Rarities, and Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode on Geek & Sundry’s YouTube channel or wherever fine podcasts are served.
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Back in the ’70s, Godzilla had his own Marvel Comics series, running 24 issues. In the classic series, he fought everyone from the Fantastic Four to S.H.I.E.L.D. Now, after having fought DC’s Justice League, the King of the Monsters is about to take on Marvel’s heroes once more. Thanks to a new partnership between Marvel Comics and Toho International, this summer, Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe will arrive as a five-issue event series. It’s written by X-Men writer Gerry Duggan and artist Javier Garrón. You can see the wraparound cover by Mark Brooks, as well as read the official synopsis, below:
A previously dormant Godzilla has been angrily awoken and begun carving a path of annihilation as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes band together to try and stop its cataclysmic rampage! But when their combined efforts fail to slow the Bringer of Destruction, Earth’s heroes are forced to go to extraordinary lengths to try and bring Godzilla down – including joining forces with Earths most devious villains! But will this be enough to stop Godzilla as it tears straight through the Marvel Universe into the Dark Dimension and other realms? Plus, how is the King of the Monsters connected to the mysterious metal, Vibranium, and what does this mean for Wakanda? In the face of an unstoppable force of nature, the Marvel Universe must come together like never before in this earth-shattering fight for Earth’s survival.
The new Marvel Comics series will feature several geek-out moments that should make fans jump for joy. We’ll see a faceoff between Godzilla and an ancient Celestial, and a Venom symbiote bonding to the King of the Monsters. Of course, there’s also a brutal battle between the Incredible Hulk and Godzilla. We’re not sure what good Spider-Man is going to do against the big guy, but we’re excited to find out.
In a statement, writer Gerry Duggan said, “Godzilla was as important to me as Marvel Comics growing up. When I discovered that Godzilla had appeared in the Marvel Universe, I obsessively collected every issue. I can’t believe how lucky I am to be contributing to the tradition of Godzilla rampaging in the Marvel Universe. This is the very biggest event of the summer, and everyone is getting in on the action. Javier Garrón is doing the very best work of his career, and this will be an immortal comic book. Get ready to run for your life this July!”
Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe #1 hits comic shops and digital platforms on July 16.
The post GODZILLA DESTROYS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE Gives Us the King of the Monsters vs. Avengers and X-Men appeared first on Nerdist.
It’s 2025 and vaccines, advanced scientific theories, and breakthrough medicine have stirred up heated discussions nationwide. Staying healthy and maintaining health is a concept prioritized by many. However, negative commentary is abundant, as well as debate around medicine and what is truly needed to maintain good health. Individuals are willing to do whatever it takes to stay in good health, even if that may mean experimenting with the unknown. Not all medicine can be classified as “good medicine.” It was only a matter of time until the topic of medicine made way into animation, specifically speaking, in Shinichirō Watanabe’s anticipated new Adult Swim series, Lazarus.
Attention anime fans and Adult Swim viewers. A new action-packed series premiering April 5th is coming to Adult Swim. Picture this. It’s the year 2052, and the experiments and theories surrounding medicine are no different from 2025. However, in the year 2052, healthcare officials are experimenting with medicine to build a potent treatment to save mankind. How effective can a painkiller drug be that neuroscientists claim will free humanity from pain? Viewers are sure to find out when watching Lazarus.
In the year 2052, a painkiller drug called Hapna was created by the neuroscientist Dr. Skinner (voiced by David Matranga). This drug seems to work wonders, with promises of eliminating all pain from humanity with absolutely no side effects. The concept of a potent drug with no side effects seems like a miracle until the creator, Dr. Skinner, suddenly disappears from Earth. It’s not until three years later that Dr. Skinner appears once again, but this time as a prophet.
If Dr. Skinner reemerges as a prophet, then things have to get better, right? Unbeknownst to viewers, Dr. Skinner becomes a prophet who brings death and ultimately the end of life. A miracle painkiller like Hapna was too good to be true because it was designed with a fatal effect that appears three years after ingestion. With 30 days remaining until all of humanity is doomed, there is only one way to save humanity, and that is through Dr. Skinner.
Lazarus is centered on five agents from around the world who come together to ultimately save all of humanity.
Creating Lazarus
This series is well-crafted. Watanabe has done it again! It was genius to center an animated series on a topic related to current events to draw people to watch the show. In a time where prioritizing health has been a continuous topic in the media, it was sensible to make the focal point of this series on health and the scares that come with managing good health. I admire the approach Watanbe took with Lazarus. Watanbe allows the series to take several unexpected turns. At some point in the series, viewers will have their minds set that Hapna is a God’s send, only to realize that it was simply too good to be true.
A sudden change of events is what keeps viewers captivated in any series. In addition to a sudden change of events, there are multiple twists and turns in the plot. The storyline continues with Dr. Skinner’s disappearance, his reemergence as a Prophet, and the five agents gearing towards their effort to save humanity.
The Importance of Plot Development
Creating each character and allowing them to serve a relevant part of a storyline is crucial to creating an entertaining and action-packed series. In Lazarus, viewers are immediately drawn into the plot by illustrating the aftermath of a prison escape. Instead of jumping into the main plot with Hapna as a source of medicine, the viewer is glued to a high-speed criminal chase that doesn’t end as expected. After the chase, the viewer is introduced to the importance of finding Dr. Skinner and what it means to their fate. At this point, the characters are given an ultimatum to continue being imprisoned or find Dr. Skinner. They appear to choose the latter.
Stay Tuned!
The pilot episode is just the beginning, literally! Whether you are new to the anime world and are looking to explore what this genre offers, or are a seasoned anime viewer, you are in for an action-fueled adventure. Lazarus delivers all elements of anime in a small Adult Swim series. What makes a compelling anime is unique styling, bold imagery, and detailed characters. This is what Lazarus provides for fans.
Each episode will keep your curiosity piqued and will lure you into becoming an overall anime fan. This series delivers. Watanabe does an excellent job showcasing a diverse cast with every member serving an integral part of the plot. As the series starts, you’ll most likely have your mind set on which characters you believe are working for good, and those who are working for evil. As the series progresses, viewers will have their preconceived notions tested. It’s a surprise what will happen next in each episode, when the first episode begins with a prisoner given the opportunity to escape both physically and mentally.
It would be an understatement to say that Lazarus is an Adult Swim series with potential. Lazarus
Lazarus premiered Saturday, April 5 2025, at midnight on Adult Swim.
The post ‘Lazarus’: Action-Packed Escape from Reality appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
April 5 was National Self-Care Day and it is never too late to share a vital reminder for African Americans to think about ways to implement self care each and every day. In fact, self-care isn’t something you take out the toolbox and return after a few hours of use. Self-care doesn’t have to be just a short break or rest to address emotional healing or personal development. It can be incorporated into our lives as a lifestyle. To help you out with this journey, here are 8 authentic and practical tips to cultivate love, compassion, and self-care daily.
Meditation/Mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness are self-care techniques which are valuable for learning to slow down, reduce stress, and be present. Meditation is the concentration of the mind, often focusing on the breath, or a mantra; while mindfulness is the state of being fully aware of the moment without judgment. These can be practiced in just a couple of minutes per day and will benefit your mental and emotional health.
Pamper Yourself With A Bathing Routine
The act of soaking in a bathtub is one of the most effective means of self-care because it includes physical, emotional, and hygienic wellness. Bathing is a calming ritual that allows you to decompress and be present with yourself in the moment.
Journal Your Thoughts
The act of journaling is not just a way to recapture moments, but also a great form of self-care that provides emotional release, mental clarity, and stress relief. The technique frees your mental space through listing worries, swimming emotions, and scattered thoughts. It even brings you to new destinations by showing some patterns and beliefs that you never noticed before.
Enjoy Nature
Indulging in nature is a widely practiced self-care technique that restores mental, physical, and emotional balance. The outdoors improve your mental focus and that helps restore a good state of mind. Getting outside is a healthy way to decrease blood pressure. It is an avenue for artistic inspiration and contemplation, offering a space to breathe out and restore to your factory settings. All in all, nature is a good, inexpensive, and simple option.
Unplug From Social Media
Disconnection from social media is a kind of self-care because it favors mental consciousness, Nixing social media allows time to spend on other meaningful activities. It enhances sleep and it also helps to build relationships that are deeper and more genuine. On the emotional side, it promotes balance, by removing repetitive triggers , and it reaffirms the healthy limits that focus on your well-being.
Enjoy A Healthy Comfort Meal
Meals are not only a source of energy for your body but also a healer for your soul. Cooking and eating a comfort meal is believed to be self-care because of the sensory experience engaged in the moment. Including healthy options ups the ante. Consider a charcuterie board, fun fruit salad, or nutritious, rich meal.
Surround Yourself With Positive Affirmations
Keeping positive affirmations around is an accessible way to tap into self-care. Positive affirmations contribute to making our inner dialogue a more encouraging and supportive conversation. Consuming positive affirmations regularly can transform your mood, recast negative thoughts, and cultivate an emotionally safe environment. Affirmations are a good way to improve your mental health because they give you the power to believe in your own strengths and growth. Seeing them every day on mirrors, phones, or notebooks is a way to keep reminding you of your self worth.
Read Empowering Books
Reading — and even listening — to motivational books is a significant self-care practice, as it stimulates mental and emotional well-being. Reading books that empower also helps change the attitudes toward oneself and teaches self-compassion. Empowering books offer comforting and reassuring messages that can change negative thinking patterns. They are, therefore, a substantial part of any self-care regimen.
RELATED CONTENT: Black Girl Vitamins Encourages Wellness With ‘Sisterhood In Self-Care’ Campaign
Every so often a teaser or announcement comes along that can capture your attention and have you saying, “Oh, I definitely want to see that!” That was the case when audiences left CinemaCon last year after getting a video message from director Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan letting us know they were working on a vampire flick. Fast forward a year later and now the highly anticipated Sinners is here — and boy, was it worth the wait.
Set in the 1930s Jim Crow era, this marks the fifth collaboration to come from the one-of-a-kind chemistry that radiates when Coogler and Jordan team up. The film follows Smoke and Stack, a set of twins (both played by Jordan) that return to their hometown in hopes of restarting and beginning a new life. After running into some money, they decide to purchase some land and open up a bar equipped with food, drinks, and good ole blues music. It’s only a matter of time before the twins realize that something evil lurks within the town they know and love. The cast is filled with a talented bunch of actors that include Hailee Steinfeld, Omar Benson Miller, Li Jun Li, Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Jack O’Connell, and breakout newcomer Miles Caton.
It’s important to highlight one of the stars of Sinners: the music. The fierce and sexy way blues music is intertwined in each scene is captivating and propels you back to a time when instruments and bold, beautiful voices were so prominent. You can’t help but be mesmerized by the piercing sounds of the harmonica or the plucking of guitar strings as it so heavily adds to the story. Music becomes its own character and ultimately contributes to how much you end up enjoying the film.
Steinfeld and Mosaku play the love interests of the twins, and each of the leading ladies brings some spice to their roles. Steinfeld wows with her vulgar language and her perfect execution of the accent of a Southern belle. Her chemistry with Jordan is intense and hot, creating an on-screen duo we didn’t know we needed until now. While Mosaku’s character, Annie, is truly the heart of the film, there’s something more important to point out. It is beyond captivating to have cast Mosaku as one of Jordan’s love interests as it isn’t so often we see curvy Black women in such a role opposite a heartthrob. To add the cherry on top, throwing in a subtle love scene takes it up a notch, and whoever wrote that into the script deserves a million kudos.
Truth be told, you can watch this movie a million times trying to search for a flaw and I can guarantee you won’t find it. It’s genuinely perfect from beginning to end and has an emotional piece you wouldn’t expect from a thriller. Anyone who watches the film might think it’s just your regular old vampire flick, but they’d be extremely wrong as there are many layers to it. This is without a doubt Coogler’s best project to date, and arguably Jordan’s as well, especially given the fact that he had to play two roles opposite of himself.
That kind of dedicated hard work alone is worth shining light on. Sinners is sexy and bloody, all set to a jamming soundtrack that you can’t help but tap your feet to throughout the movie. There’s truly nothing like it and for that reason, it is imperative that you see this in 70mm IMAX if you have one locally. The difference it makes seeing this in such a crisp format with the best possible audio for the musical elements is worth the few extra dollars for the experience.
The supporting cast all did their thing, but Caton is a standout in his first major role. Playing Sammy, cousin to Smoke and Stack, he sings his heart out all while strumming the guitar, and wows audiences with every note he belts out. He’s talented enough to take on a career in music. When I recently sat down to chat with him for BGN, he said, “I’m trying to maximize the opportunity so I’m definitely working on music…” It’s rare that a newcomer stands out in a sea full of veterans, but Caton does so effortlessly and should be commended for it.
In conclusion, Sinners is hands down the best movie of the year for many reasons. Coogler’s unique approach to incorporating vampires in a way that hasn’t been done before is utterly genius and deserves the highest praise. In a world where dry sequels and repeat remakes are churned out left and right, it can pose a challenge to curate a fresh take on a familiar theme. This wasn’t a problem for Coogler as he easily delivered a film that will be talked about for years to come. Sinners truly redefines what it means to be a horror film, especially with having some wild twists and turns and an ending that was worthy of audiences breaking out into roaring applause.
Sinners premieres in theaters nationwide April 18th.
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