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Hear ye, hear ye! Come one, come all! Did you miss overcrowded hallways and being shoved up against a wall by a group of Genshin cosplayers? Have no fear! Katsucon 2024 is right around the corner.
This 3-day convention is celebrating its 29th year, so get ready to don your best armor and ballgown cosplays. Located in National Harbor, Maryland, overlooking a gorgeous Ferris wheel, this anime con is both loved and loathed by many in the con scene. I consider Katsucon one of my ‘home cons.’ I’ve been going for many years, with the con reviews to prove my loyalty and love. Check out each of my reviews by the year here: 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020.
It is known for a beautiful venue with many talented cosplayers traveling in from all over the country to participate. In recent years, there has been contention between staff and attendees due to overcrowding amidst other concerns that have popped up since COVID rates have increased. Make sure to stay masked and test before and after the weekend! Prepare, prepare, prepare! Check out this article if you need advice and tips.
In addition to the Artist’s Alley, Dealer’s Room, Gaming Room, Manga Library, Art Auction, and numerous panels and workshops, Katsu will play host to a variety of guests. Suzie Young, Jonah Scott, and Paul St. Peter are just a few guests that have been confirmed, so make sure you prepare accordingly if you’re interested in attending an autograph session or a panel with your favorite voice actor. Katsucon will be held at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center from February 16th-18th. See you weebs there and keep a look out for my Katsucon 2024 review article!
Cover image via Katsucon.org
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The post Katsucon Pre-Convention Prep appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Justin Casterline/Getty Images By Joyce Onuorah ·Updated February 19, 2024
This past few days marked the 73rd annual All-Star Game Weekend for the NBA. The annual break during the season brings together the best basketball players in the league for a weekend full of festivities and of course basketball. This year’s game took place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Met with three to four inches of snow Friday night and freezing temperatures throughout the weekend Indianapolis held its own the best it could.
As many NBA fans love to discuss the level of play on the court and argue over the winners of the MVP award, some of the most exciting moments during the weekend are the fashion moments that happen off the court. Players across the league including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton have become very aware of how important their image can be. This season they are taking great pride in their tunnel outfits or “pre-game attire.” With All-Star Weekend bringing the greatest players and most loyal fans to one place, this weekend served as a large stage for the league’s most fashionable athletes to step out in some of their best looks.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander In Chrome Hearts
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 18: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Western Conference All-Stars arrives prior to the 2024 NBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 18, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s taste and style is consistent. He is one of the few NBA players whose Instagram isn’t studded with jersey photos and highlight reels, but instead, one carefully curated outfit photo after another. Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is often spotted in some of the hottest brands from Louis Vuitton to Thom Browne. Yesterday evening he wore a custom all-white Gruppo Vava jacket honoring the late Virgil Abloh, a simple T-shirt, custom white Chrome Hearts pants, and Balenciaga shoes.
Tyrese Haliburton In Prada
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 18: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers and Eastern Conference All-Stars arrives prior to the 2024 NBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 18, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) Tyrese Haliburton is known to enjoy a more classic look, but as of late, he’s been quite experimental. The Indiana Pacers point guard has been testing the boundaries with outerwear in various lengths and experimenting with different textures. On Sunday night, he confidently rocked a double-breasted Fall/Winter 2022 Prada coat and what we believe is a Hermès Togo HAC Birkin 40 bag. He keeps it classic with subtle denim, and classic shoes but the coat adds some serious dimension and personality.
Jalen Hurts In Vanson Leathers
Arria Woolcook Jalen Brown of the Boston Celtics has been recognized not only for signing the largest contract in the NBA but also for his often pared-down but tasteful ability to dress up seemingly casual pieces. He has a skill for finding a balance between streetwear and a more refined feel. Two days ago, Brown wore his own 7uice x Vanson Leather jacket collaboration, Jil Sander pants, his own 7uice x Bape sneakers, a Louis Vuitton briefcase, and Oakley glasses.
Karl-Anthony Towns In Rick Owens & Hermès
Arria Woolcook Karl Anthony Towns who had an incredible 50 points in this year’s All-Star Game doesn’t let his 7’0″ stature detour him away from making big statements with his looks. He also doesn’t shy away from playing with proportions. On Saturday, the Minnesota Timberwolves player wore Rick Owens head to toe. With the vest exhibiting a strong shoulders look and his wide-leg pants flaring out, you get a lovely hourglass shape topped off with a black Hermès Birkin.
Steph Curry In Miu Miu & Prada
Arria Woolcook Steph Curry, considered one of the best shooters in the NBA, arrived at the 3-point contest on Saturday night in a red and navy striped Miu Miu jacket and black platform Prada shoes. Curry is typically known for a more casual back look, so it was refreshing to see him in something a bit more dressed up this time around.
Victor Wembanyama In Louis Vuitton
Arria Woolcook Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is considered one of the best prospects of his time and also the tallest, as he is 7’4”. Despite the extra inches he still makes sure to keep fans guessing when it comes to his fashion choices. Heading into Saturday night’s Skills Challenge he wore a compelling look. He was spotted in a Louis Vuitton FW24 pixelated camouflage coat and a kelly green monogram Speedy handbag by the previously mentioned French brand.
Jayson Tatum In Custom Suit
Arria Woolcook Jayson Tatum who is also the former MVP of last year’s All-Star game arrived this year in a seafoam green suit. This look worn on Saturday stood out not only for re-imagining the men’s suit in regards to material and cut, but for also pushing the boundaries of Tatum’s personal style. Overall, the Boston Celtics’ small forward nailed his tunnel outfit.
Donovan Mitchell In Gallery Department
Arria Woolcook Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium to compete in Saturday night’s Skills Challenge wearing a barbed wire set from Funeral Apparel and the Gallery Department X UGG shoe collab. The all-black look with both the white details of the set and the iridescent studs in the shoes made for a standout moment.
Giannis Antetokounmpo In Nike
Arria Woolcook Giannis Antetokounmpo, a power forward for the Milwaukee Bucks was the captain of the East, the winning team of Sunday’s All-Star Game. He isn’t usually concerned much with expressing himself through his >Nike Repel Basketball co-ord set served him well as a clean look that felt casual yet stylish.
TOPICS: Steph Curry Tunnel LooksThe post The Most Stylish Tunnel Outfits At The NBA’s 2024 All-Star Game Weekend appeared first on Essence.
Perhaps against my better judgment, Imma be completely honest with y’all: I am not a DC Girl (TM). It was long ago – in a different place, a different time (it was like 2011) – but at this point, it’s been well over a decade since I’ve felt moved to pick up a DC comic (or tune into a show, if we’re keeping it REALLY honest).
But lemme tell you about how much I love Black women.
Our joy, our quips, our expressions and styles so distinct that they shape culture. The multidimensional magic of our hair and skin. The cadence in which we banter and tell our stories. I promise this is relevant.
Enter DC Power 2024, the second special issue release from DC featuring heroes of color written and illustrated by USSSSS *wiggles eyebrows into oblivion*, and the chance to not only read an advance copy of The Spice of Life (featuring Thunder and Lightning), but also interview the writer, Cheryl Lynn Eaton.
Fam, this comic is Black and funny as FUCK. Our stories told by us just hit different and I felt sisterhood all up and through these panels!
Bonnets! Flat twists! “Put that back in the car, BROKEY!” It just. Hits. Different. I went in knowing nothing about these characters or they daddy (no problem following the story tho, it was very fun), and left with every desire to make them my next hyper-fixation – prepare to be sick of me.
Tiffie Starchild: Hi Cheryl, thank you for taking the time to talk to me today!
Cheryl Lynn Eaton: Oh, it’s not a problem at all – I’m very happy to do so!
Tiffie: This is actually my introduction to these characters-
Cheryl: Oh wow!
Tiffie: Yeah! I’ve heard of them, but I haven’t actually gotten a chance to experience them before; so I wanted to say thank you, first and foremost!
Cheryl: Oh, no problem! This was a dream of mine because I had loved Jen and Anissa from the Black Lightning tv show. I mean, I loved them before, but the show as just like “oh, oh no, I can’t say goodbye to these girls now!” You know, they need to continue on, so it was wonderful to be able to give them a little spotlight, you know, behind the scenes, with this anthology.
Tiffie: Did you feel any pressure because you loved these characters from the show and now, you’re taking the helm of writing them? What was that experience like?
Cheryl: Oh, no pressure at all! Just elation to be able to do it.
Tiffie: Are there any specific challenges in writing comic books versus writing another style?
Cheryl: I think that for this anthology, there’s a balance between having a voice that feels authentic while also incorporating common superhero tropes. I wanted them to come across as girls in the neighborhood – the girls I know, the girls you see at Thanksgiving, at Christmas, at a cookout – I wanted it to feel like that, very much so. I hope that came across in the work.
Tiffie: I think that you absolutely killed that.
Cheryl: Oh, good!
Tiffie: That was part of what made me feel so comfortable reading it. It was partially the illustration of Jennifer’s bonnet – I was like “oo, I’m safe here,” but then the line “put that back in the car, BROKEY!” That took me out! I was like, oh yeah yeah. This is very familiar language, they know what they’re doing, it’s not faked or forced so I really picked up on the authenticity.
Cheryl: It wasn’t even a question! I put the bonnet in there, the braids – so you know it’s a big, huge bonnet, not the little one. The one you get from the beauty supply store-
Tiffie: With that big, wide elastic!
Cheryl: Yup!
Both: *laughs in sisterhood*
Tiffie: Why do you think it’s important for Black people to tell Black stories?
Cheryl: For the authenticity, one, and it bothers me a lot when we are defined by those that are not us. I think it’s important for everyone to tell every type of story. But, it’s very important to have – especially people from marginalized groups, especially Black people – to be able to tell our own stories so that we can define ourselves because it’s been so long that we’ve been demonized in the public eye. So when we have the power to tell our own stories, we have to grab it. It’s almost like you’re working against the grain because there’s been so much negativity, so when you have the opportunity to write a story – and just a true story to show us in our true light – you have to take it. You have to run for it.
Tiffie: Oh, I feel like that’s a message. How do you want people to feel when they read The Spice of Life?
Cheryl: I just want them to have a good laugh and feel familiar. I want it to feel familiar to people who read it.
Tiffie: Are there any other DC characters that you would like the opportunity to write for?
Cheryl: Yes! I don’t think she counts as DC. There’s Voodoo, who was a Wildstorm character. Who is basically like if you took Megan the Stallion and Cardi B and mixed them, you would get Voodoo. Former exotic dancer that discovers that she’s an alien superstar – Voodoo is top-tier. Since I was young, I wanted to write for Voodoo. Obviously Starfire.
Tiffie: YESSS!
Cheryl: I feel like I’m coming across “every Black character” but Starfire’s.. orange.
Tiffie: You know what? You’re not wrong!
Cheryl: So, you know, there is some variety in there. And also, Red Hood. Jason Todd, former Robin. Like I love to hate the character, even though he gets on my nerves. I would love to write him. I would love to put him through the gauntlet.
Tiffie: Where can we find more of you and your amazing writing?
Cheryl: Right now, I have a few things over at the distinguished competition at Marvel. There maaaybe – I don’t wanna get in trouble – there maaaybeee some DC-related things you’ll see in the future. And speaking of fantastic anthologies, there’s the anthology for the Milestone Initiative and that was a blast to do. It’s just the same type of telling stories about girls that you know and neighborhoods you know and old stomping grounds, like in Jersey and Newark. It’s just really nice to be able to do that.
Tiffie: I’m with Black Nerd Problems, and I read The Spice of Life before I read the forward to the (DC Power 2024) anthology, and I love that it aligns so perfectly with my experience as a Black nerd and the experiences of a lot of the Black Nerd Problems audience. Is there anything else that you would like to communicate to them?
Cheryl: Just to try it out! And if they are nerds in other venues – like an anime nerd or a hard sci-fi nerd – to try comics. It’s just a fantastic American art form that I think everyone should dip into – at least a little bit!
And that’s it for me, fam! DC Powers 2024 #1 released January 20, and I can’t recommend it enough! See you next time!
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The post DC Power 2024 The Spice of Life: Cheryl Eaton Talks About Lightning & Thunder’s Slice of Hero Life appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.