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There’s Black wealth and there’s Black generational wealth. There’s living in a mansion and living in a manor. These are the heavy distinctions that represent the Swift legacy. In the new CW series Tom Swift, the Swift family comes from a dynasty of entrepreneurs who know their tech and solve problems. Imagine having unlimited resources and unimaginable wealth — this is the world of the Swifts.
The show explores the lives of the Swift family, which is comprised of the titular character Tom (Tian Richards), his cousin Zenzi (Ashleigh Murray), his adopted brother Lino (Donovin Miller), and their bodyguard Isaac (Marquise Vilson) — who safeguards the team during their series of adventures. Each episode is “mission-based,” and expect to see shoes involved as well.
The pilot episode of Tom Swift aptly titled “…And the Liftoff to Saturn” opens with a narration by Richards, who says, “We’re not nerds, we’re Black nerds.” It took everything in me not to jump up and down with every fiber of my being hearing a fictional character acknowledge both his Blackness and nerdiness in the same breath.
For fans of Black Panther, which showcased an Afrofuturistic world with advanced tech and a highly evolved nation of people, there will be similar conversations and perhaps some comparisons here and there to Tom Swift. However, this world is less surreal and more steeped in a contemporary-based setting.
Although based on the multiple young-adult book series incarnations over many decades of the twentieth century, creative liberties were definitely taken here with both race, sexual identity, and economic status, which makes this show completely different from the books. For fans looking to relive the experience of the books, stop immediately. The CW series appears to have been more inspired by the books as opposed to using the books as canon for an adaptation. For example, on The CW, Tom is not only Black but openly queer. Given the culture of where we are today and the lack of representation for Black queer people, it’s what our society needs — representation when the Tom Swift books were published was practically non-existent.
As for how the episode develops, Tom does have daddy issues, and his father Barton Swift (Christopher B. Duncan) is not accepting of his lifestyle. In fact, he refers to Tom as being “sensitive” and makes it known he would prefer to have someone else take the reins of the company once he retires. Tom’s final interaction with his father ends in an argument, and tragedy strikes when his father’s ship suddenly explodes on a space mission. Tom of course feels responsible for his father’s demise because of the faulty tech that he helped develop, and he believes he could have been more careful. Tom’s mother Lorraine (April Parker Jones), who serves as not only the matriarch on the show but as an anchor to Tom and the Swift family, is oblivious to Tom’s fractured relationship with his father. However, she’s very aware of Tom’s sexual identity and is accepting of it, unlike her husband Barton.
Smart technology is a strong communicative tool, and it tends to be a tool that talks back to you. We have Alexa, Siri, and of course JARVIS from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Tom Swift, the legendary LeVar Burton lends his voice as Barclay, an AI-assisted device helping Tom navigate his tech. It is just perfect casting to have Burton be a part of this series, since he is the OG Black nerd from his Reading Rainbow days (not to mention his role as Geordi in Star Trek: The Next Generation), and many of us older Blerds (the portmanteau term for Black nerd) think of Burton’s voice when we read old children’s books anyway. The casting couldn’t be any more on point.
Tom discovers later in the pilot episode that his father did not perish in the spaceship explosion and that he hid in a pod and managed to transport his way out of the aircraft before it exploded. However, what Tom does uncover is that there’s some unsavory activity happening and someone is trying to take over the company. This person ultimately was responsible for trying to assassinate his father. The plot twist and crime mystery Tom and his team have to solve will certainly make for an interesting series. My fingers are crossed that the series will maintain the same momentum as the pilot episode.
The theme of Tom Swift is developed very much like a mystery show that is mission-based with some really cool tech to explore. I’ll repeat that it will be interesting to see how the series develops over the season as well as how fans react to a show about a Black gay billionaire. While the idea of a queer lead is not an anomaly, a billionaire Black one most certainly is. And he identifies as a Black nerd, so that’s kind of a big deal.
Tom Swift aired Tuesday May 31, 2022, on The CW and streams free on their app.
There’s Black wealth and there’s Black generational wealth. There’s living in a mansion and living in a manor. These are the heavy distinctions that represent the Swift legacy. In the new CW series Tom Swift, the Swift family comes from a dynasty of entrepreneurs who know their tech and solve problems. Imagine having unlimited resources and unimaginable wealth — this is the world of the Swifts.
The show explores the lives of the Swift family, which is comprised of the titular character Tom (Tian Richards), his cousin Zenzi (Ashleigh Murray), his adopted brother Lino (Donovin Miller), and their bodyguard Isaac (Marquise Vilson) — who safeguards the team during their series of adventures. Each episode is “mission-based,” and expect to see shoes involved as well.
The pilot episode of Tom Swift aptly titled “…And the Liftoff to Saturn” opens with a narration by Richards, who says, “We’re not nerds, we’re Black nerds.” It took everything in me not to jump up and down with every fiber of my being hearing a fictional character acknowledge both his Blackness and nerdiness in the same breath.
For fans of Black Panther, which showcased an Afrofuturistic world with advanced tech and a highly evolved nation of people, there will be similar conversations and perhaps some comparisons here and there to Tom Swift. However, this world is less surreal and more steeped in a contemporary-based setting.
Although based on the multiple young-adult book series incarnations over many decades of the twentieth century, creative liberties were definitely taken here with both race, sexual identity, and economic status, which makes this show completely different from the books. For fans looking to relive the experience of the books, stop immediately. The CW series appears to have been more inspired by the books as opposed to using the books as canon for an adaptation. For example, on The CW, Tom is not only Black but openly queer. Given the culture of where we are today and the lack of representation for Black queer people, it’s what our society needs — representation when the Tom Swift books were published was practically non-existent.
As for how the episode develops, Tom does have daddy issues, and his father Barton Swift (Christopher B. Duncan) is not accepting of his lifestyle. In fact, he refers to Tom as being “sensitive” and makes it known he would prefer to have someone else take the reins of the company once he retires. Tom’s final interaction with his father ends in an argument, and tragedy strikes when his father’s ship suddenly explodes on a space mission. Tom of course feels responsible for his father’s demise because of the faulty tech that he helped develop, and he believes he could have been more careful. Tom’s mother Lorraine (April Parker Jones), who serves as not only the matriarch on the show but as an anchor to Tom and the Swift family, is oblivious to Tom’s fractured relationship with his father. However, she’s very aware of Tom’s sexual identity and is accepting of it, unlike her husband Barton.
Smart technology is a strong communicative tool, and it tends to be a tool that talks back to you. We have Alexa, Siri, and of course JARVIS from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Tom Swift, the legendary LeVar Burton lends his voice as Barclay, an AI-assisted device helping Tom navigate his tech. It is just perfect casting to have Burton be a part of this series, since he is the OG Black nerd from his Reading Rainbow days (not to mention his role as Geordi in Star Trek: The Next Generation), and many of us older Blerds (the portmanteau term for Black nerd) think of Burton’s voice when we read old children’s books anyway. The casting couldn’t be any more on point.
Tom discovers later in the pilot episode that his father did not perish in the spaceship explosion and that he hid in a pod and managed to transport his way out of the aircraft before it exploded. However, what Tom does uncover is that there’s some unsavory activity happening and someone is trying to take over the company. This person ultimately was responsible for trying to assassinate his father. The plot twist and crime mystery Tom and his team have to solve will certainly make for an interesting series. My fingers are crossed that the series will maintain the same momentum as the pilot episode.
The theme of Tom Swift is developed very much like a mystery show that is mission-based with some really cool tech to explore. I’ll repeat that it will be interesting to see how the series develops over the season as well as how fans react to a show about a Black gay billionaire. While the idea of a queer lead is not an anomaly, a billionaire Black one most certainly is. And he identifies as a Black nerd, so that’s kind of a big deal.
Tom Swift aired Tuesday May 31, 2022, on The CW and streams free on their app.
Writer: Jaromir François / Artist: Todor Hristov
There’s only one thing better than a good indie comic, and that’s a good indie comic that also happens to be the first comic that a young artist has ever made. Jaromir François debuts his first entry into the mainstream comic book industry with, My Brother, Teddy. Supported by outstanding visuals from Todor Hristov and on point coloring skills courtesy of Sonya Anastasova, François writes his tale of fantasy and chivalry in a very palatable way for all readers. One of the biggest compliments I will give this book is its delivery of clear and interesting storytelling. Whether you are 6 and can’t wait to cuddle up with your stuffed animal tonight or 36 and able to reflect fondly on your years snuggled up with a beat-up teddy bear your grandma gave you, there is a story and message here for all to enjoy.
They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but it goes the other way around for Jaromir François. Instead of using a ton of text bubbles and dialogue, he lets the sequence of events tell the story while your mind fills in the blanks. I honestly love that approach, when done right. With the help of Todor Hristov and Sonya Anastasova, all you need is your eyes to fully digest everything happening in My Brother, Teddy because their artwork is so dam gorgeous. I’m talkin a thing of beauty that might make you forget this is the first time François is doing this whole dance!
Without revealing too much, this is a story about a boy and his teddy. This story is about heart and determination. This story is about friendship and the bonds that shape who we become in life.
One night, a teddy bear wakes up to find his owner missing. The only place he could be? The ominous looking closet, of course. Teddy dons a wooden sword and shield and readies himself for the perilous journey ahead.
What happens next is a beautiful Beast Wars like transformation. Teddy enters this savage new world as the strapping hero he was destined to be, then slashes his way through all manner of creatures and wills himself through hardships that test his mettle.
The rest of My Brother, Teddy is filled with dope action and adventure that is giving Monstress vibes, with some Chronicles of Narnia in the mix and a splash of Saga. High praise, I know. It’s a good thing the pacing of this story, character arc, and visuals are all top-notch. Oh, and did I mention, there’s a soundtrack that accompanies the book? Yeah, Jaromir François is off to a real good start.
8 Nigh Death Teddy Experiences Out of 10
If you’re interested in reading My Brother, Teddy, you can pick up your copy at local and major comic shops or online here.
You can check out the creator’s Instagram page @sky_surfer117 for more.
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The post ‘My Brother, Teddy’ Review: A Fun Fantasy for Readers of All Ages appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
The premiere of Season 4 of Netflix’s Stranger Things is one of the most anticipated of the summer. The trailer teases the same amazing cast, terrifying new creatures, and a trip back in time to uncover how it all began. However, this season also boasts a new character, played by Sherman Augustus, that is bringing a different swag to Hawkins.
Augustus has starred in sci-fi standouts such as Into the Badlands and Westworld, and he’s continued that foray into the foreign in the new season of Stranger Things. BGN had a phone interview with Augustus where we talked about his role in the new season, what’s staying the same and what’s changing, and the experience of joining this cast in Season 4.
Were you a fan of the show prior to joining the cast?
It took me a second to come around to it. It’s one of those things where family and everybody’s talking about this whole thing, and spoke highly about the show, Shawn Levy, and the brothers [Matt and Ross Duffer]. At the top of 2019 I got a call from the casting director, Carmen Cuba. I put myself on tape for the show, and then all of a sudden, there’s interest. So now, I gotta finish the show. I’m late to the party. I finished the show — all three seasons.
Without giving anything away, can you tell us what your role is in the new season?
I play Lieutenant Colonel Sullivan. I describe him as a man with tremendous gravitas but very few words, and I was looking to do something like that. I remember that when Bruce Willis did Last Man Standing, he walked through 25 minutes of that film not saying a word. It’s all about what was being displayed from his eyes. That’s what acting is: what you’re getting from that person’s eyes and being in that moment. Ever since then I was like, “Dude, I gotta find something like that.”
I envisioned that when I started doing my research. I didn’t get a chance to speak with the brothers before my first day of shooting, and we just jumped right into it. I remember the Duffers came running around after the take, and one of them said, “Dude, that’s exactly what we wanted. We want this guy to come in and not say a word and command this room.” I was just trying to project myself into the mindset of how they were going to film.
What’s staying the same and what will change?
The thing that is going to stay the same is everybody is going to love their favorite characters, whoever your favorite character is that you identify with. That did not change even though the stakes are raised much, much, much higher. There’s gonna be great anticipation on that.
They spared no expense with the show this time. The landscape is huge, and they shot in Croatia, they shot in Europe, and we shot in New Mexico, which doubles for California, and Atlanta, which doubles for Hawkins. It’s their version of the Game of Thrones. It’s basically all these stories going on. All roads lead back to Hawkins.
There’s a new evil. They ramped it up 350 times plus two. There’s so many elements in Season 4. You have the suspense element, the heart element, the sci-fi element; it’s a chase film. It’s all these great genres from the mid to late ’80s. Everyone will get something from their favorite films from the ’80s. It’s just a really cool film gumbo.
You’ve worked on some really unique sci-fi inspired shows, such as Into the Badlands and Westworld. What is special about this series for you?
I have to go back to the character. I’ve never played a character like this. It was challenging. I really was kind of stuck with the Lieutenant Colonel until Day 1 when I was able to give him a walk. People started recognizing my walk. Sometimes you have all the elements down, but there’s that little extra something that you come up with that makes you feel so comfortable. Now you can let that character just inhabit you and take over, and you can have an emotional connection with that guy. It was really fun immersing myself into that particular dude. I miss him.
What has your experience been like being brought into the cast of this well-established show?
Sometimes you work on a show and everything clicks and everyone knows they have something special, and that goes for everyone. Everyone knows they have something special, and everybody just brings their A game every day. It was really good to walk into a show in which everybody respects what they’re doing, and they know they have something special. It was great. I was like a nerd. It was cool.
Another thing I can take away from this is working with Shawn Levy and the brothers and Nimród Antal, all the directors — masters at what they do. We had a lot of fun. Each director is different. Their approach is different. Shawn Levy is the kind of director who as you’re shooting, he’ll shoot out some more dialogue to you. Then we’ll take it back to the top. Let’s say if you got a full page monologue, that monologue is gonna become maybe a page and a half, because you’re adding stuff in. You have to be in that moment. That’s what I strive for is to make sure at the end of the day, I surprise myself, and I’m happy with what I”ve done. I love that. Hopefully I’ll be visiting again.
Season 4 of Stranger Things is now streaming on Netflix.
As someone incredibly well versed in the iterative process of slowly getting better, accumulating knowledge and resources in an endless loop with an equally endless drive, I hear the word roguelike, I put down whatever I’m doing, adjust my glasses, and approach my Steam Library with a deliberate aura. There’s probably a word for the exact phenomenal that constantly draws roguelike fans into yet another roguelike in an endless external meta loop that exists outside of each internal meta loop, but today we’re talking details about the latest game developer Laki Studios and publisher Goblinz Publishing: Oaken.
Oaken has been in early access for the past month, and I’ve been spending odd hours acclimating myself to the beautifully designed beta. Right from the start up screen, Oaken dazzles with striking audiovisual design. The tree inspired character designed are absolutely striking, and the game exudes a brilliantly dark fantasy aesthetic, where the characters are vibrant beacons in a bleak world.
Once I started the tutorial, I was introduced to the first playable character, the Lady, and my adventures towards the Great Oak began as I attempted to get acclimated with yet another roguelike system.
Oaken has a unique hybrid approach to the gameplay. There is the expected biome pathing, where you get to choose whether to engage in skirmishes for different levels of rewards, challenge elite units in an attempt for more coveted prizes, recoup at rest sites, and learn more about the world through secrets and events culminating in a boss fight that will allow to progress to the next world. However, the battle system effectively blends various components to create a bespoke experience that feels a lot more cerebral than other roguelikes I’ve played thus far.
The bulk of the game is managing combat on a hexagonal grid. You have your hero character, which comes equipped with a set of cantrip like effects they can utilize from their placement on the deck. You have your deck, which contains both minions and companions you can summon onto the field, as well as a spread of spells. And your deck is partly influenced by your guide, who you can eventually summon to combat to evoke powerful effects.
It sounds like a lot, and it is; however, Oaken eases you with in its great tutorial. While it took a while to get used to the finesse of the controls, after a couple runs I was intuitively navigating the field. This was a good thing, because most of my mental processing was taken up trying to figure out how to win the fight and complete the secondary objects.
More than anything, Oaken is a game of foresight. Each piece on the hexagonal board has an arc that represents its defensive posture and line of sight. Knowing exactly where to place your units and where to face them is crucial because in the early onset, you’re only going to get to move the character one hex and the direction they’re facing. This creates opportunities to outmaneuver enemies to eliminate targets without taking a scratch or to fortify key positions on the field. All of this is critical because as you play cards they become unstable. But while you can play them a second time, it will essentially exhaust itself out of your deck until you get a chance to rest.
To wit, the game does an incredible job of making you considerate of all your resources in relationship to other another. Is your hero’s max HP worth getting upgrade orbs to make your individual cards more powerful? Is a potentially more impactful, but more expensive skill worth getting rid of your cheaper utility effects? Is the completion of the bonus objective worth pushing your deck pasts its limits for the next encounter? Oaken is incredible fair with the trade offs and questions it presents to you.
And to reiterate, my first impression of the game is that it looks, sounds, and plays incredibly well. The game is gorgeous, the music is spot on, the gameplay while a tad slower than my usual tastes feels satisfying as you learn to master it. Crucially, while I can see all of Oaken‘s influences, it feels like its own game. There are plenty of innovations and clever recombinations of the familiar that make it a fun experience.
The Oaken Demo is out there on Steam for you to test the waters yourself, but I think you’ll find yourself outright buying the game in short order if you’re a fan of the genre. I know I will be tinkering with it for a while.
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The post First Impression of ‘Oaken’: A New Tactical Roguelike appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.