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I wouldn’t blame you if you were unfamiliar with the legend of Yasuke, though you should really familiarize yourself right away. It wasn’t until recently that his name really started to spread with the announcement of the late Chadwick Boseman wanting to bring his story to the silver screen. It’s sad that we’ll never get this version of the story, but there’s still plenty to get out of Japan’s Black samurai. Creator and Director LeSean Thomas (Cannon Busters), with Japanese animation studio MAPPA (Jujutsu Kaisen, God of Highschool), offers his own take on the historical figure that’s jam packed with magic, robots, and anime goodness. It’s a stylized take on the epic tale that, while fun and entertaining, suffers a bit from pacing issues with too many ideas and not enough time to tell them.
Netflix’s Yasuke, voiced by LaKeith Stanfield, takes place in and around 1582 in a war-torn Japan. Right off the bat we get a showcase of magic users and huge mechas clashing, setting the tone in case anyone thought it would be a more factual telling. With the Castle lost and enemies closing in, Yasuke must witness the seppuku of his lord and friend Oda Nobunaga. Two years pass and we find Yasuke has become a recluse in a small village and is known as the Black Boatsman. Spending his days drinking and taxing people up and down the river, his world is thrown into disarray when a sick little girl named Saki (Maya Tanida) and her mother (Gwendoline Yeo) need help. Yasuke reluctantly gives them safe passage, throwing him into a fight that forces him to pick up his sword once again.
The first thing you will notice is how beautiful this anime is. From the opening shot to the very end, Studio MAPPA shows that it’s at the very top of the animation game. The fights are excellently choreographed, the environments are detailed like gorgeous, and the character designs are unique and interesting. Accompanying the art is a fantastic score by Flying Lotus. It really captures the feel of the story. The seamless switch from transcendent electronic to banging hip-hop just can’t be praised enough. PLEASE put this score on vinyl, I need to be that person, and it’s great music to vibe to.
Sadly though, the story itself doesn’t hold up as well. It’s not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it suffers from “too many interesting ideas, not enough time.” Certain elements and characters seem to come out of nowhere, even in this fantasy Japan. Many story beats and characters just don’t get the development that they need. With only 6 episodes, the strongest story beats are Yasuke’s flashbacks that touch upon him arriving in Japan and becoming a samurai. The issue is they are too little and far in-between, and it can really mess with the pacing.
LaKeith Stanfield captures a stoic and beaten down Yasuke well, but it can at times be a little one note. There are times where a scene calls for some emotion, and it feels he just sticks with being quiet. Now, we all KNOW LaKeith Stanfield can act no question. So, it feels like the fault lies within the direction. It’s a weird choice that doesn’t always work. Maya Tanida does hold her as the first sick and then outgoing Saki against Stanfield’s Yasuke. Without giving too much away, she has the most complete arc within the show.
Yasuke is a fun and beautiful show with a hodgepodge of interesting ideas that just never fully come together. It’s still an enjoyable tale of redemption and empowerment that should be watched. Hopefully if we ever get more, it’ll dive more into the actual history of Yasuke and give us more development. There’s so much more to do with this character, and his stories definitely deserve to be told.
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The post ‘Yasuke’ Review: A Fantasy Retelling of Japan’s First Black Samurai appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
I wouldn’t blame you if you were unfamiliar with the legend of Yasuke, though you should really familiarize yourself right away. It wasn’t until recently that his name really started to spread with the announcement of the late Chadwick Boseman wanting to bring his story to the silver screen. It’s sad that we’ll never get this version of the story, but there’s still plenty to get out of Japan’s Black samurai. Creator and Director LeSean Thomas (Cannon Busters), with Japanese animation studio MAPPA (Jujutsu Kaisen, God of Highschool), offers his own take on the historical figure that’s jam packed with magic, robots, and anime goodness. It’s a stylized take on the epic tale that, while fun and entertaining, suffers a bit from pacing issues with too many ideas and not enough time to tell them.
Netflix’s Yasuke, voiced by LaKeith Stanfield, takes place in and around 1582 in a war-torn Japan. Right off the bat we get a showcase of magic users and huge mechas clashing, setting the tone in case anyone thought it would be a more factual telling. With the Castle lost and enemies closing in, Yasuke must witness the seppuku of his lord and friend Oda Nobunaga. Two years pass and we find Yasuke has become a recluse in a small village and is known as the Black Boatsman. Spending his days drinking and taxing people up and down the river, his world is thrown into disarray when a sick little girl named Saki (Maya Tanida) and her mother (Gwendoline Yeo) need help. Yasuke reluctantly gives them safe passage, throwing him into a fight that forces him to pick up his sword once again.
The first thing you will notice is how beautiful this anime is. From the opening shot to the very end, Studio MAPPA shows that it’s at the very top of the animation game. The fights are excellently choreographed, the environments are detailed like gorgeous, and the character designs are unique and interesting. Accompanying the art is a fantastic score by Flying Lotus. It really captures the feel of the story. The seamless switch from transcendent electronic to banging hip-hop just can’t be praised enough. PLEASE put this score on vinyl, I need to be that person, and it’s great music to vibe to.
Sadly though, the story itself doesn’t hold up as well. It’s not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it suffers from “too many interesting ideas, not enough time.” Certain elements and characters seem to come out of nowhere, even in this fantasy Japan. Many story beats and characters just don’t get the development that they need. With only 6 episodes, the strongest story beats are Yasuke’s flashbacks that touch upon him arriving in Japan and becoming a samurai. The issue is they are too little and far in-between, and it can really mess with the pacing.
LaKeith Stanfield captures a stoic and beaten down Yasuke well, but it can at times be a little one note. There are times where a scene calls for some emotion, and it feels he just sticks with being quiet. Now, we all KNOW LaKeith Stanfield can act no question. So, it feels like the fault lies within the direction. It’s a weird choice that doesn’t always work. Maya Tanida does hold her as the first sick and then outgoing Saki against Stanfield’s Yasuke. Without giving too much away, she has the most complete arc within the show.
Yasuke is a fun and beautiful show with a hodgepodge of interesting ideas that just never fully come together. It’s still an enjoyable tale of redemption and empowerment that should be watched. Hopefully if we ever get more, it’ll dive more into the actual history of Yasuke and give us more development. There’s so much more to do with this character, and his stories definitely deserve to be told.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
The post ‘Yasuke’ Review: A Fantasy Retelling of Japan’s First Black Samurai appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Your non-stop guide to finding the best anime nursery ideas and decor for your baby’s anime-themed room!
Awww. Your baby is peacefully sleeping and all is quiet and tranquil throughout your home. Well, that would certainly be a dream right? And speaking of dreams, why not have a gorgeous nursery that is decorated and designed for Anime enthusiasts alike? Your playful and sleepy nerdy baby will have a serene calm ambiance that is filled with magical, wonderful characters to grow up with. Geek Baby Clothes has compiled a fantastic list of excellent items to have for your little one’s anime-themed nursery room. Also, be sure to head over to our curated list of the cutest anime baby clothes.
Lamps 
Pikachu, the electric mouse Pokémon, will surely illuminate the room! This darling lamp with a glow and the dark die-cut Pikachu head, and a hanging Pokéball light switch will surely bring some bright light to your baby’s nursery room. Make sure you check out our favorite Pokemon baby clothes.
Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji Lamp
Who doesn’t love Jiji, the black sarcastic cat in Kiki’s Delivery Service? This gorgeous lamp features the lovable cat itself with a lantern-like look to it. Absolutely perfect for a Ghibli-themed nursery room or just because Jiji is so darn cute.
Your infant will certainly feel safe with this adorable Totoro dome nightlight. This nightlight features a glowing big Totoro, a mini Totoro, little mushrooms, and tiny sprouts. It comes in two colors of blue and pink for your choice in aesthetics for your nursery.
Your little Super Saiyan in training can now possess the power of the mighty Dragon Balls! Each Dragon Ball has its own number up to 7 just like in the anime. There is an option to purchase each separately or all of them. Your baby’s wishes will soon come true with these nightlights in their room!
Sail the seas with Tony Tony Chopper from One Piece! Your pirate baby will be adventuring for buried treasures on a nursery room voyage! This precious lamp features Tony Tony Chopper, a treasure chest, and the One Piece insignia presented on the lampshade.
Curtains 
Whether your baby is a Pokémon Trainer or just a Pokémon fan by proxy, these Pokémon Window drapes are perfect! Showcasing Pikachu, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander surrounded by Pokéballs and stars will make any nursery ready for action, adventures, and to always chase your dreams!
The ambiance of Springtime in Japan will be beautifully displayed every day in your baby’s nursery with these gorgeous Cherry Blossom Curtains. Simple and sweet, these sakura curtains will look perfect paired with any anime decorations in the baby’s room.
Crib Sheets 
Your tiny Pokémon Master can be sleeping in style with these really charming crib sheets! There are 6 designs to choose from including a pattern with the Kanto starters, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Pikachu on a pink background, the Kanto starters with Meowth, and Eevee, and Pikachu on a yellow background.
Your little one may work up an appetite while sleeping on this super kawaii sushi crib sheet. With a lovely bright teal fabric with different color sushi rolls all over the print, these sheets are a delicious delight! Quite possibly, your baby may even dream of sushi!
Baby Blankets 
What could be more perfect than an adorable Pokémon blanket for an adorable baby? This super-soft pastel Eevee baby blanket with the words “Catch Me if You Can” will look perfect in the nursery!
As parents, we want our offspring to feel safe. As nerdy parents, we want our offspring to feel safe but a plus would be in a nerdy way, naturally. With this security blanket beautifully crocheted with a Sailor Moon doll attached, our little ones will surely be protected by the Moon Guardian herself.
Totoro 2-in-1 Pillow and Blanket Set
It’s time to cuddle up with this adorable Totoro pillow and blanket set! The pillow is a big plush Totoro with holes on its side to keep hands warm. The blanket is soft and cozy with Totoro and its name all over. This set comes in grey or pink to choose from.
A baby should always have their first quilt blanket and this adorable pattern of Grey Totoro, Blue Totoro, and the soot sprites are just too cute to pass up! Perfect for a Ghibli-themed nursery room or just for any family who are fans of the films.
Mobiles 
Your little one will be counting Pokémon instead of sheep with this gorgeous crocheted mobile of Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Vulpix, Manaphy, Chikorita, and Pokéballs. This mobile is a perfect gift idea for baby showers too!
With Autumn leaves of green and gold, acorns, soot sprites, and of course our favorite neighbor Totoro is beautifully designed from this handmade felt mobile. Your baby will be whisked away in a magical dreamland with this lovely hanging carousel.
Decorations 
Sleeping Pokémon Watercolor Portraits
The sounds of snoozing will be a relieving sound when your Pokémon-obsessed baby recovers from their long journeys exploring. With choices of Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, and Togepi you can have an entire team of sleepy Pokémon famed beautifully or choose your favorites to decorate with.
Your little Pokémon trainer will feel right at home with this adorable Pikachu Wall Vinyl sticker. A kawaii Pikachu displayed on a window sill with a blossoming sakura tree will surely make this nursery a lovely space to be in surrounded by other wondrous Anime decorations.
With this Totoro Name Banner, your baby’s nursery will be personalized with style. With two precious felt Totoros at the beginning and the end of their name, it’s such a fun and quirky decoration to have. This banner can be designed with many different fabric options of patterns and colors to truly customize perfectly for your little one.
Whether your baby is crawling or just enjoying tummy time, this Spirited Away rug is perfect for playing and relaxing. Featuring Haku the dragon, and Spirit of the Kohaku River, along with Chihiro, this stunning magical rug will surely whisk away you and your baby off to unknown lands and magical adventures.
Your heroic baby’s nursery room needs a very cool pillow, so why not one with amazing heroes your baby can look up to? Regardless if your little one has a quirk or not, this My Hero Academia pillow can surely give your baby’s room some action-packed fun! There are four designs to choose from too!
Organization 
Whether used as a hamper for baby clothes, or a basket for toys and accessories, this super cute canvas storage basket may have a simple design but definitely have multiple uses for your nursery while giving your baby’s room a lovely touch. With options of Pikachu or Totoro in both a similar charming design.
A magical baby saving the world will always need adequate storage space. Whether it’s for diapers, socks, or accessories like pacifiers and rattles, why not have your nursery decorated with a kawaii atmosphere!
Cinnamoroll Baby Wipe Container
Compact AND cute? What more could you want? Exchanging a typical baby wipe container to a kawaii one with Sanrio’s precious Cinnamoroll will make any type of cleaning as lovely as the character itself!
The post Anime Nursery Ideas Including Totoro Decor appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.
Make your kid’s bedroom magical with our awesome suggestions of Star Wars Bedroom décor and ideas.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
I saw Star Wars. And like millions of other kids, I grabbed up as much Star Wars merchandise as I could find, everything from t-shirts emblazoned with images of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker to a bunch of those great Kenner toys. I continued the trend when the prequels came out in 1999, piling Pepsi cans featuring Qui-Gon Jinn and Yoda on my mantle and making an inflatable my first, and for a long time only, piece of furniture in my living room.
Not so long ago, in my far more respectably furnished home, my kids watched Star Wars, too. But in addition to the original trilogy, I loved and the prequel trilogy I acknowledge as existing, they watched The Clone Wars movie and cartoon shows. They watch the new sequel trilogy and The Mandalorian. Where I filled my bedroom with Luke and Han and Obi-Wan, they fill theirs with Ahsoka Tano, Rex the Clone, and (of course), Baby Yoda.
As this transition demonstrates, my kids’ love of Star Wars doesn’t just extend from my nostalgia for the franchise. Rather, they have their own interests in new characters in the universe, completely separate from my own experiences. Like all good fictional universes, Star Wars grows beyond the intents of any one fan or creator (just ask ol’ George Lucas what he thinks of the new series). Where my childhood friends and I staged battles between Luke and Vader, my kids think of Luke as a grouchy old man and pretend to be Rey or Kylo Ren instead. Some of them follow the adventures of the Mandalorian, who doesn’t even use lightsabers at all!
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that a modern kid’s room will look very different from that of a child in the ‘80s, even if they both have a Star Wars theme. Fortunately, there is a lot of cool stuff to help flesh out that room, as your kid plans their own operatic space adventures! We’ve also written about Star Wars Nursery decor and ideas on our sister site.
Bedding From Beyond Our Galaxy 
Just because Star Wars involves a space opera set in the distant past and the far reaches of space doesn’t mean that it needs to be uncomfortable. For many kids, Star Wars is a series best enjoyed wrapped up in a blanket and resting on the couch. These bedding sets bring that same combination of awe and ease from the living room to the bedroom.
Star Wars Classic Twin Bed Set
Today, Star Wars can refer to any one of nine movies, one animated movie, numerous animated and live-action series, and even an infamous holiday special. But back in the late 70s and early 80s, Star Wars referred to three immensely popular films about Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and a couple of droids. For kids who have old-school tastes, this bed set lets them rest easy, emblazoned only with elements from the original trilogy.
Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Twin Bed Set
Even as Star Wars expands to new media, most fans agree on the franchise’s best single entry. As the middle entry of the original trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back builds on the world established in the first film and ends with one of the most famous twists in cinematic history, with Darth Vader telling Luke, “I am your father.” Although the darker tone might make Empire an odd choice for bedding, the striking artwork on this set brings to mind the movie that earned Star Wars the respect it deserves.
Mandalorian The Child Twin Bed Set
For parents like me, the great characters of Star Wars are Luke and Darth, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Gin, Han Solo, and Princess Leia. But for the series’ youngest fans, only one character defines Star Wars: Grogu, aka Baby Yoda. The breakout star of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, Baby Yoda captures all the mystery and grandeur of the franchise and delivers it in a cute, egg-loving puppet. All those qualities make this bed set a must-have for your own curious child.
Lights and Light Sabers 
Ever since the release of the first film in 1977, every kid who watches any Star Wars movie comes away doing the same thing: waving their hands around, pretending to wield a lightsaber. These light fixtures capture that same satisfaction, letting you build your kids’ rooms around the series’ glowing aesthetic (without running the risk of a severed limb).
Even as the franchise advances into the 21st century, Star Wars often remains loyal to the 1970s technology in which it debuted. That includes not only dodgy blue holograms and clunky analog buttons but also grid imagery on computer screens. This night light draws on the look of those classic grids and uses them to create iconic images of Baby Yoda, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, and the Death Star.
Projectables LED Night Light Projector
Your standard night light just sticks on the wall and glows. But this night light takes a staple of childhood bedrooms to epic proportions by projecting its images onto your kid’s ceiling or wall. More specifically, it projects images drawn from the classic series, including Tie Fighters blasting their lasers and the Millennium Falcon hovering above a planet.
BB-8 Color Changing LED Night Light
In one of the sequel trilogy’s smartest moves, Episode VII: The Force Awakens didn’t remove beloved droids C3PO and R2-D2 but added a new lovable scamp for young fans to launch onto. From the first moment the spherical BB-8 showed up rolling along the sands of the desert planet Jakku, it captured the imagination of new Star Wars fans. As a loyal and trustworthy machine, BB-8 makes a wonderful night light to take your child on the adventures of their dreams.
10-Light Storm Trooper Light Set
As their name suggests, Storm Troopers represent the armed forces of a totalitarian empire. But as the movies have taught us, Storm Troopers are ineffective knuckleheads who couldn’t hit the broad side of a Star Destroyer. This light set, consisting of a string of StormTrooper heads, makes that goofy quality and turns it into a delightful decoration, perfect for your little member of the rebel alliance.
Darth Vader Lightsaber LED Light
Of course, this had to be here. If we’re talking Star Wars lights, the first thing that comes to mind is a lightsaber. The elegant weapon of a Jedi Knight and the destructive tool of the Sith Lords, the lightsaber is part of Star Wars’ most dramatic moments. Although this particular item models itself after Darth Vader’s red blade, you can also choose Luke’s original blue blade, if your child prefers to dream about the light side of the force.
This is the Way (To Decorate Your Walls) 
The Star Wars series has given pop culture some of the most legendary iconography. Luke and Darth wielding their red and blue lightsabers, the Death Star exploding, Kylo Ren’s attack on the salt planet Crait, and so many more. So, it’s no surprise that the series has inspired striking wall décor to make your child’s room a gateway to intergalactic intrigue.
Star Wars Poster Watercolor Prints
Over the years, Star Wars’ iconography has proven to be open to interpretation, taking the famous objects beyond their original designs. These watercolor prints find a new beauty in AT-Ats, Boba Fett, and BB-8, adding rainbow dots to the famed figures.
The Clone Wars Curtains Drapes
Although The Mandalorian currently holds the public’s imagination as the great Star Wars tv show, a generation of fans grew up watching the animated series The Clone Wars, which fleshed out the story between Episodes II and III and introduced favorite characters such as Ahsoka Tano. On these drapes, the heroic clone troopers take center stage, letting your child remember the good people who stand against evil empires.
The Force Is Strong Quote Peel and Stick Wall Decals
Across its many iterations, one thing remains constant in the Star Wars series: the Force, that powerful energy connecting all living things. With this decal, your kids can put one of the franchise’s most famous lines onto their walls. When they read the words “The Force is Strong,” your child will be reminded of the potential that lies within them.
Light Side Dark Side Light Switch
In Star Wars movies, the journey from the light side to the dark side has epic stakes. Characters like Anakin Skywalker and Kylo Ren struggle to retain their goodness even as they succumb to their worst aspects. But it need not be so difficult for your child, as this switch demonstrates. With just a flick of their finger, your child can go back and forth from their light side to their dark side (an experience every parent has witnessed!).
Classic Spaceships Peel and Stick Wall Decals
The ships and vehicles of Star Wars live in the fans’ imaginations just as much as the franchise’s legendary heroes and despicable villains. These decals let your child decorate their walls with the Death Star, Tie Fighters, and X-Wings, letting them drift off to sleep while dreaming about the greatest space battles the galaxy has ever seen.
Over the course of the first six movies and the Clone Wars series, Star Wars tells a grand tale about the rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker. The one-time hero gave in to his fear and became the evil Darth Vader, only to be brought back to the light side by his son Luke. With images of Anakin’s blue lightsaber and the menacing glow of Vader’s red blade, this curtain set retells that story in two simple icons.
Everyone knows that Baby Yoda is cute. But time and time again, the series has shown the lovable creature to be a terror to those he and Mando encounter. In the most famous instance, little Grogu spent an entire episode eating the eggs of a frog woman on her way to meet her mate. This adorable clock features the Child at his most charming, but it also includes a little cartoon frog, to remind your own cute child that they too can be a menace sometimes.
May the Decorations Be With You 
The Star Wars films are inseparable from Star Wars merchandise. George Lucas famously made one of the best deals of all time when he took a low rate for writing and directing the first film in exchange for a sizable percentage of the merchandising rights, starting with the wonderful Kenner action figure line. These great toys and decorations harken back to the merchandise of old, reminding us that the force is still with us.
The Child 39-Inch Round Area Rug
When I was a kid, I would have loved a rug featuring my favorite characters from the original trilogy, the Ewoks. Today’s kids love Baby Yoda aka Grogu, who is not only a way better character than any of the Ewoks (sorry, Wicket) but also has way better merchandise. Example number one: this area rug.
While people usually associate Star Wars with space adventure, the franchise also has some great moments of humor. My favorites include the many times people mistake poor old R2-D2 for a trash bin, forcing him to shoot out the offending item with his signature whistle. With this trash can, kids can recreate those comic moments while also keeping their rooms tidy.
In addition to its story and characters, people revere Star Wars for its cinematic elements, such as its use of scrolling text, its frame wipe transitions, and, of course, its amazing music. Recreating the John Williams score on a miniature level, this musical box puts Star Wars‘s grand adventures into the palm of your child’s hand.
Nothing demonstrates the resilience of Star Wars to carry on to the next generation like the popularity of Baby Yoda. With this plush figure, children can create their own stories of mystery and adventure, imagining new stories about trekking into the world of Jedi. Which is, at its core, what Star Wars is all about.
The post Star Wars Bedroom Decor & Ideas For Kids appeared first on Nerdy With Children.
Hey, Folks! We're Black at it again! Check out the latest episode of Afronerd Radio's Grindhouse broadcast airing every Sunday at 6 p.m. eastern on BTalk 100. Join your highly favored and capable AFROnerdist hosts as they extrapolate the following data: we were hoping for a miracle but, regrettably, iconic 90s hip hop icon, Earl "DMX" Simmons passes at 50; We will attempt to discuss the rap legend's career trajectory, fall from grace and tie his story to the overall landscape of Black men's health in the 21st century; another welcomed post mortem album release from Prince was announced and is slated to premiere on 60 Minutes, no less; our impressions of more Amazon Prime products-Little Marvin and Lena Waithe's THEM and S1E5 Invincible (Robert Kirkman);
Yet another story we were supposed to cover a few shows ago but in the wake of Amazon's THEM, the real-life version is just as disconcerting a la Manhattan Beach's original Black owners; recent studies indicate that music can be as addictive as any narcotic....I wonder how the oftentimes problematic and neo-minstrel doggerel of corporate hip hop factors in; thoughts about the latest episode of Disney+'s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier; lastly, CW's Kung Fu reboot must be applauded on one level for finally having actual Asian actors matching up with the ethnicities of their respective characters:
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
Call us LIVE at 508-645-0100. AFTER CLICKING ON THE HIGHLIGHTED LINK, GO DIRECTLY TO AFRONERD RADIO!!!
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