On the heels of the season two live-action series of One Piece, the first season covered the introductory part of these beloved characters. Monkey D. Luffy (Inaki Godoy), Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), Nami (Emily Rudd), Usopp (Jacob Romero), and Sanji (Taz Skylar) are now going on a much more dangerous task of entering the grand line.
Credit: (L-R) Emily Rudd as ‘Nami’, Inaki Godoy as ‘Monkey D. Luffy’, and Jacob Romero as ‘Usopp’ in One Piece – Netflix
If you are not familiar, the animated series of One Piece this “Grand Line” is very important. Not only are agents are sent to attack the One Piece pirate crew, the dangerous waters is another task that they have to deal with. Again, the main question that the season two trailer asks is, what is a pirate? In other words, what is this crew willing to do to get through the grand line?
Without giving away too much, the trailer does introduce a new and beloved character, Tony Tony Chopper (voiced by Mikaela Hoover). Fans who haven’t seen the animated series will learn of Chopper’s history, get your tissues ready everyone. This season also has some familiar faces coming back, like Buggy (Jeff Ward) who I was glad to see is back. Buggy makes me laugh every time I see him.
Credit: Tony Tony Chopper voiced by Mikaela Hoover at Netflix
The crew definitely will have to stand together during this time of getting across the Grand Line. I’m hoping that they don’t steer away too much away from the animated series. Since Eiichiro Oda is involved with the series, I’m hopeful that everything will be well put together.
One Piece Season 2 streams on Netflix on March 13th
What are you hoping to see in One Piece Live-Action Season 2? Comment down below!
Once again, Star Trek Starfleet Academy has delivered us with an episode that has all the hallmarks of good television: violence, sex, phasers, action, and (spoilers) death, but in a jumbled mess.
Set your Phasers to Sexy
The episode opens with a very passionate scene that comes out of left field and makes you want to douse yourself with Decontamination Gel. You’ll need plenty of it to also wash off all the trauma dumping in this episode.
A Training Mission turns into A WAY WORSE Mission
Both the War College and Academy are using a derelict shift as a training ground; they have come together to finish the task at hand that NO ONE has been able to complete before.
Zoë Steiner as Tarima in season 1, episode 6, of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit: John Medland/Paramount+
Everything turned south when a cloaked vessel appeared upon the Miyazaki and kidnapped the cadet crew, including Chaperone from the War College. We’re introduced to a new terrifying species that, of course, fits with the idea that, since we’re so far in the future, things can be established. The hard part about them being on the ship is that it is a derelict ship, not all systems are functioning, the I-PADD kids have to rely on their training.
The Enemy of My Enemy is Not Really My Friend
With this new scary species in play, there’s only one Hard pill to swallow: asking for any assistance, which brings us back to the return of Paul Giamatti’s character. Nus Braka. This leads to an interesting back-and-forth between him and Captain Ake as they try to outwit each other: he with his braggadocious nature, while she stands idly by, just analyzing the situation.
Communications are down, Imzadi
So because of Caleb and Terima’s particular connection that was shown in the beginning of the episode that I’m still scrubbing Decongel off of my eyes this Circumvents the issue for communications also use just to slide it in with the fact that an old comic book was used to update the ship’s memory and of course this finally gives “NEW DATA” I mean Sam a time to really “shine” as opposed to what she did in the 1st episode lighting up the corridors.
L-R: Sandro Rosta as Caleb, George Hawkins as Darem, Karim Diané as Jay-Den, Kerrice Brooks as SAM, and Bella Shepard as Genesis in season 1, episode 6, of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit: John Medland/Paramount+
From the Warp Core
I know I didn’t give away the rest of the episode because I wanted to get my opinions in before we tie up. Once again Star Trek Starfleet Academy does not know what type of show it wants to be It’s too convoluted as far as making every single character its own pivot point to the story. Chief Miles O’Brien was Chief Miles O’Brien because he was Chief Miles O’Brien and then when he went to DS9 he was Chief Miles O’Brien Everybody doesn’t have to be special. I think that comes from the discovery train of writing.
Then, to use Tarima’s backstory as a way to thwart the new “scary” bad guys. Just a cheap way to add more unnecessarily heavy baggage in the 6th episode.
When you throw in the famous line from Ambassador, not “famous officer” Spock, you know someone’s going to die. This was so cheap it felt like TOS Klingon makeup!
Using an old comic book as a historical archive to bring back the ship’s memory. As opposed to Sam just doing what she does with all the teraflops she has going in her brain…its lame but as someone who covers the IDW Star Trek comics, but again, was it necessary? Honestly, Grabthar’s Hammer, anyone?
The fact that Nus Braka and the Admiral came to an agreement, and then, of course, he double-crossed him, wow, why am I not surprised? This is exactly what we’ve come to expect. This is very, very cut-and-dry storytelling when it comes to episodes that are very much not Star Trek episodes
Star Trek Starfleet Academy S1E6 gets a 6 out of 10
The sets are beautiful, the cinematography is great, and the effects are amazing, but when you can’t put a cohesive storyline together, it only hurts the actors’ performances.
Knowing that season two has already been greenlit, of course, I’m still gonna stick around here and look for those tiny glimmers of hope from the Prophets. I won’t knock the show, but I just expect more. When am I going to get more that makes it feel like a full Star Trek show?
Now that we are in the back half of the season, how are you feeling? Where is it going? Let us know in the comments below, and beam back here to Nerd Initiative for all your great Star Trek Reviews!
Peacock brings us the latest in an endless stream of remakes and reboots, with its updated take on Joe Dante’s ‘The ‘Burbs.’ While you can throw a rock and hit a story about the dark secrets below the surface, the original movie and Twin Peaks set a lot of tones for these types of tales. I don’t feel that the strange small town has worn out its welcome, but Peacock’s take does more for camouflaging original ideas than it does for remaking a cult classic.
Photo by PEACOCK
The Same, but Different…
When newlyweds and new parents Rob and Samira (Keke Palmer and Rob Whitehall) move into Rob’s old house on Ashfield Place in the town of Hinkley Hill, Samira becomes obsessed with the creepy Victorian house across the way. Hinkley Hill is the safest town in America, which is reassuring after their apartment building was broken into before the birth of their baby, Miles.
Soon, Samira meets the rest of the neighbors, including recently widowed Lynn (Julia Duffy), former Marine Dana (Paula Pell), and the eccentric Tod (Mark Proksch). While each of them are also transplants into Hinkley Hills, they shed more light on the mysterious house. Little does Samira know, the most knowledgeable about the house is her husband and his best friend Naveen. When the house goes up for sale, this newly formed crew of neighbors are able to scratch the itch of what’s inside during an open house.
Their detective work finds a handful of evidence, but everything comes to a head when the new owner moves in during the middle of the night. Justin Kirk’s Gary comes off as a prickly, private neighbor. He’s off, but like everything else in this show, nothing is as it seems. While Samira’s problems with Gary are much more grounded in reality than Tom Hanks’s character Walter’s paranoia with the Klopeks in the original film.
Behind The Scenesof The ‘Burbs
The Jordan Peele influence is definitely there. The show has a lot to say and mostly says it well. It feels like Peele’s hands have molded the clay for this series somewhat, even though it’s produced by Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door Productions. It’s nice to see them branch out into murder mystery, but it would also be nice to see them not use IP as a crutch and just make an original show.
While original director Joe Dante saw the film as a one-and-done and was unsure how to expand the story, the writer of the original film, Dana Olsen, is an executive producer of this show. Which filmed on the same spot in the Universal backlot. It speaks to the film’s cult-like and enduring legacy, but still doesn’t fix the problem: ensuring every new project has an IP linked to it. These behind-the-scenes aspects are the only thing connecting it to the original movie.
Reimagining a Cult Classic
This new version of ‘The ‘Burbs’ uses the tropes from the movie until they no longer serve its story. The original film’s simpler story was part of its charm; it was “Rear Window” in a cul-de-sac. About halfway through the show, this becomes its own thing and turns into just another modern horror story with twists, turns, and quirks. It’s not bad, but it’s not necessary. There are many more layers to the show than the original film, but this show doesn’t need the reboot/remake training wheels.
On the other hand, this brand recognition worked on me. I binged the show in one day. I probably wouldn’t have given this a look if it were called something else. We can complain about this issue until we are blue in the face, but until we as fans start actively taking interest in things because they look good rather than having a take on some intellectual property that hits our curiosity button, we will be stuck in this loop.
Overall Grade 7/10
If you are looking for a mystery show with a decent cast and a twisty mystery, this new version of ‘The ‘Burbs’ is for you. If you are looking to mine nostalgia with a new take on a cult classic, you’ve turned down the wrong street. Gone is the backdoor Satanism, paranoia, and wacky comedy that situated the film between horror and Hitchcockian elements, which made the original film this strange little gem from the early 1990s.
The lines between remake and homage with this version are heavily blurred. This remake keeps the silhouette of the original while swapping out nearly everything inside. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck you can hollow its body out, replace its insides with new parts, and make it say whatever you want. The full first season of The ‘Burbs is streaming on Peacock.
Read Forrest’s comprehensive look at all three versions of Running Man
Happy Black History Month! In February, every year, we celebrate African-American history. At Nerd Initiative, we celebrate and honor African Americans and the contributions that they have made in the world. This year is the 100th year of Black History Month. We are in the nerd space, so that means honoring the top five superheroes.
5. Black Lightning
Jefferson Pearce is a DC Comics character who has fought crime by himself and also alongside the Justice League. He was a teacher by day, but at night, he was fighting crime with his unique abilities. Black Lightning is one of those interesting characters who wanted better for his fellow adults, but he also cared about the kids. His powers include creating and controlling lightning, being a skilled fighter, and dealing with electromagnetic fields. In live action, he was portrayed by Cress Williams, and the show ran from October 2019 to May 2021.
Credit: Marvel Comics
4. Luke Cage
Luke “Lucas” Cage is a Marvel Comics character that was created by Archie Goodwin, and art by John Romita Sr. Luke comes from a tough background, being incarcerated, but also being a science experiment, which led to him acquiring these meta-human abilities. Luke at one point even served as the mayor of NYC! He eventually became friends with Iron Fist, and just like Black Lightning, he started to fight crime. In live action, he was portrayed by Mike Colter, and the television series Luke Cage ran from September 2016 to June 2018. You can watch the show on Disney +.
Credit: Marvel Comics
3. John Stewart
John Stewart is a DC Comics character who Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams created. John became a part of the Green Lantern Corps because of a really bad accident with Hal Jordan. Hal essentially wanted John to become a Green Lantern. Many people became Green Lanterns, but John was unique due to his military background. John’s personality makes him a really good Green Lantern, and most of the time, he heads up the many missions he has. In live-action, John Stewart will be portrayed by Aaron Pierre in the HBO Max Series “Lanterns” later on this year.
Credit: Marvel Comics
2. Storm
One of the most popular X-Men characters, Ororo Monroe, has the power to control the weather. Storm also happens to be married to another Marvel character, Black Panther. I believe that Storm and Black Panther are the cutest and most realistic couple that I have seen in Marvel history. She was raised in Harlem and has a skill in pickpocketing. Due to this, she ran into Professor X, who convinced her to become a part of the X-Men team. Storm has been portrayed by many actresses, but most notably Halle Berry, who denied on Jimmy Fallon that she is not in Avengers Doomsday (Or will we find out that she was lying? We will see in December 2026).
Credit: Marvel Comics
1. Black Panther
When it comes to a very popular Black superhero in history, Black Panther is the one. T’Challa is born to royalty, from his father, T’Challa Sr., and Queen Ramonda. T’Challa is not only skilled in martial arts, but he is also the most reputable when it comes to fighting crime and protecting the borders of Wakanda. T’Challa is very passionate about being true to himself, but also willing to collaborate with other superheroes, like the Avengers. In live-action, he was portrayed by Chadwick Boseman (may he rest in peace), and you can watch the Black Panther film that came out in February 2018. As well as Wakanda Forever, which came out in November 2022.
Credit: Marvel Comics
Who is your favorite black superhero? Sound off in the comments below!
“El Excavador” won’t take no for an answer in The Digger #1 by by T.S. Luther & Sam Gudilin from Invader Comics
The Digger #1 by T.S. Luther & Sam Gudilin, Invader Comics
SOLICITATION
“In 1930s Veracruz Mexico, along the Gulf Coast, lie Olmec ruins, all but hidden to anyone from the outside world. Locals make money guiding academics and scholars through the region. But there is one name that is spoken in hushed tones, one name guides stay away from, they call him “El Excavador”. But The Boy doesn’t listen to whispers, he hasn’t seen that no one returns from guiding The American in the hat. No, The Boy doesn’t know the man with the eyes of the devil. But, The Boy knows he needs money for his sick grandma, and The Boy knows The American has money…What begins as a guide and treasure hunter, turns into cat and mouse.” – Invader Comics
*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE*
CHAPTER 0NE: THE KID
Puerto Mexico, a beautiful city filled with colorful characters. Where a young boy struggles to help his sick grandmother. Until one day he runs into a mysterious gentleman, a foreigner. Who is searching for the legendary Olmec ruins. But this is no ordinary scholar or academic. This ominous figure has ulterior and selfish motives of his own. Thus why the rest of the locals avoid him. Because “El Excavador” will do anything to get to the ruins. Engulfed in poverty, the kid decides to guide this dangerous man. Even going against the wishes of his own family.
The Digger #1 by T.S. Luther & Sam Gudilin, Invader Comics
HOW ABOUT THE ART?
Sam Gudilin’s pencils are gnarly, gritty and very stylized. This is the work of an artist that found his own rhythm and flow for storytelling. But also, you’ll find Gudilin is exhibiting a myriad of techniques. Like forced perspective, splash pages, 2-page spreads, limited color palette and a panel work that perfectly compliments the writing.
OVERALL GRADE: 10/10
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m confident when I say the future of comic books is in good hands. Every day there are ambitious up-and-coming creators breaking into the industry. With incredible ideas and remarkable talent to explore storytelling through this medium. Moreover, creators that offer new perspectives to stories we’re familiar with. That is exactly the case of The Digger. What if you could see the “Indiana Jones” (Paramount Pictures) story from the lens of a local child? This is a must read, it has so much heart and soul poured into every single page. I’m telling you, you don’t want to miss out on this!
LET US KNOW YOUT THOUGHTS ON THE DIGGER #1 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW:
He’s a Cosmic Vigilante in all the right ways – He’s Space Ghost. Space Ghost #8 comes to you from one of NI’s favorite writers, David Pepose.
I’ve said in the past that Space Ghost is like a hybrid Punisher meets Star Wars, and we are all better off for having this incredible character in our lives, with him and his crew fighting the good fight!
Lau is able to compliment the storyline so well as the kids have Granpa Contra back, but little do they know, he’s hiding a dark, twisted secret.
Meanwhile, we see the impact that The Antimatter Man brings to those in his way, and only the best art could show the raw emotion from his victims, love in the children’s eyes, and ferocity in our new villain.
As the action picks up, Space Ghost is the classic anti-hero, taking down those following Antimatter Man and doing it with the style and grace that needs art to support the brutal movements.
Pepose interweaves the underlying story about Antimatter Man, Contra, and Space Ghost so well that even the most novice of fans can understand all that is happening in such a short amount of pages and panels.
And the battle towards the end of the book!! Only a true historian of comics could make something that harkens back to Frank Miller, but with Pepose’s own twists and turns.
Knowing Pepose and having spoken to him a few times, I know the cues and homages he puts in his books, a true tribute to some of the greatest comic runs and comic creators in our lifetime.
Pepose is truly a comic book fan inside and out, and it shows in his writing and in the finished product. This book is heart-pumping and heartfelt from start to finish.
Overall Grade: 9.5/10
Just another instant classic from Space Ghost. This book feels fresh, with so many amazing call-backs and influences from the greats! Pepose and Lau continue to amaze!
Let us know what you thought of this issue in the comments below!
The undead rule the streets as the hordes of zombies meander about in search of purpose and food. Poke and Mush are two friends bonded in undying trauma who are wandering the Earth when Poke’s heart has randomly begun beating once again. Once the heart starts beating, the emotions start to flow, and Poke is left to wonder whether they are the bad guys.
Bleeding Hearts #1. Credit DC Comics and Vertigo Comics. Cover by Stipan Morian.
Creative Team: Deniz Camp (WRITER), Stipan Morian (ART and COVER), Matt Hollingsworth (COLORS), and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (LETTERS).
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
The Story:
This is a straight-up fun zombie story from Deniz, as the way that he tells stories flows excellently in this resurgence from Vertigo. There is a ton of humor in this first issue as Poke narrates and tells us how he exchanged arms with Mush after saving him from the fire. I love the humor, as Deniz does best; there are still a ton of heartfelt and hidden emotional beats. Poke is beginning to feel again and realizes that killing humans might just be the wrong thing to do. It sets up an interesting dynamic with Mush, who, for lack of a better word, is brain-dead and oblivious. I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes from here.
The Art and Letters:
Stipan and Matt have put a ton of fun hidden details into the background of this issue. This is what stood out to me the most as we see Poke and Mush wandering about, every backdrop has a body, bodies, or something that sticks out to me. With their designs, I love the raw flesh ripping from their bodies, and the random flower from Poke’s head is a fun detail we don’t typically see when it comes to a zombie story. For zombies, the art team has done a great job making each one full of expressive emotions and feel like their own lively being.
Final Thoughts:
Bleeding Hearts #1 is a fun twist on a story of zombies roaming the Earth. It’s full of silly moments that have hidden emotional beats within every panel. I cannot wait to read more.
The finale of this epic crossover event is here! Operation Red King is underway as Red Skull has mutated himself into a Xenomorph hybrid bent on conquering not only Earth but, the galaxy! That is unless Captain America and some of his friends have anything to say about it.
Alien Vs. Captain America #4. Credit Marvel Comics. Cover byLeinil Francis Yu and Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Creative Team: Frank Tieri (WRITER), Neeraj Menon (COLORS), Stefano Rafaele (ART), VC’s Clayton Cowle’s (LETTERS), and Leinil Francis Yu and Romulo Fajardo Jr (COVER).
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Frank really packs a punch in this final issue and I am amazed at how much is able to fit in these pages at that! It feels chaotic from the jump as D-Day is kicking off but, with a bit of a twist. From that very first page it is nothing but heart-pounding tension and action wrought with death in almost every panel. I love the quips that continue to be thrown in amongst all of the chaos from not only Cap but Bucky as well. There’s even some surprise appearances from The Invaders that made me geek out a ton as nothing is held back for later. This has been a dream crossover brought to life and Tieri has delivered on every single issue. The final panels even do some fun classic horror tropes teasing us of the possibility for more.
The Art and Letters:
The opening panels could have been ripped straight from a history book or Saving Private Ryan however, instead of Tom Hanks we get a massive horde of Xeno’s stabbing soldiers on the bloody beaches. When Cap is fighting in the halls there are subtle details such as his shield being covered in green acidic blood. The art does an incredible job of making sense of this chaotic issue and delivering on this epic moments such as with Namor and the Invaders arriving on scene to help. All around the team has really brought a ton of fun, horror, and gore to this finale.
Final Thoughts:
Alien Vs. Captain America #4 caps off an incredible mini-series with an issue that is nonstop fighting and intense action. It’s full of surprises bringing this dream crossover to life in such an electrifying manner. Make sure this entire run is one you read!
A family from the 25th century, hiding in 2025. The Rocketfellers seem to be out of time. Last we see this wholesome futuristic family, dad just made a huge sacrifice in hopes of saving everyone.
The Rocketfellers #12 Cover. Image from Ghost Machine at Image Comics
The Story for The Rocketfellers #12
Last we saw Roland (AKA Dad) he sacrificed himself to his cyborg of a former sister to save his family. Only to suddenly end up in an explosion. Or so it seemed. As the remainder of the Rocketfellers go to dig dad out of the rubble they find the cyborg evil, barely human, Aunt Raina, alone. No one is sure what’s happening, and someone else now seems to be on their trail.
The Art
A gorgeous explosion, a veteran from the Pirates of the Carribean, a fun Ghost Machine Easter Egg, and festive decor. The art in The Rocketfellers #12 continues the tradition of beautifully detailed, fun, and amazing.
One moment stood out for me early on. Sifting through the rubble, and seeing the expressions on each family member’s faces, perfectly summed up how they were going to be moving forward as they deal with what the hell happened to dad. You can see the range of emotions following a beautifully drawn and colored explosion. It set the tone through to the last page.
The Rocketfellers #12 Variant Cover. Image from Ghost Machine at Image Comics
Overall Grade: 9/10
Each issue of The Rocketfellers has revealed that their reason for fleeing their time was deeper than originally thought. Issue 12 is no different. Although now they’re not just running, they’ve also got a ticking time bomb on their hands, and the mystery of what happened to Roland thickens. In true The Rocketfellers fashion though, an insane storyline continues to be relatable, as we see a family first.
All of The Rocketfellers will make it home for Christmas…if only in their dreams…
The Wonder Woman annual is here, and we meet our princess willing to do whatever it takes to save even the worst of the Mythological beings. Diana takes us on a lesson in Mythology as she seeks to free Medusa from the prison she resides in. The cost of which may come at the price of her powers, however, Diana is willing to do whatever it takes to save every being from their curse.
Absolute Wonder Woman Annual #1. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Mattia De Iulis.
Creative Team: Kelly Thompson (WRITER), Mattia de Iulis (ART and COVER), and Becca Carey (LETTERS).
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
The Story:
This is an absolutely incredible story from Kelly, as once again, there are lessons that some people in the real world could stand to listen to. Diana is astoundingly clever in everything that she does, and it is her best quality. She is fierce when it calls for it and gentle and understanding most of the time. Diana is attempting to free Medusa from the curse she has been given to which she cannot look at anyone without turning them to stone. What sticks out to me in this issue is how stories told over time all become jumbled messes of what was originally intended.
There are some fun moments, such as the ending when they call Diana Dinah instead, to which she makes a comment about how stories change over time. Another fun moment is when Diana has given up her powers and is climbing a mountain, but makes a comment about how Bruce is able to do this without any powers. It’s these subtle moments that Kelly and Becca, with her lettering, deliver that stick out most to me.
The Art and Letters:
Mattia’s art in this annual is beyond incredible, full of moments seared into my memory. Early on in the book, there is a massive one-shot of Diana on her hands and knees, with a circle before her. But, within this circle are clips of action and story that craft such a beautiful picture, aiding in the storytelling. The little details are not lost either, as there are moments close up to Diana’s face where every nose wrinkle is drawn, and then even moments where her muscles are so acutely detailed. The color work is beautiful with deep pinks and purples, but there are also moments with her helmet and eyes glowing in the dark that pop from the panels. Honestly. I could gush about the artwork forever. I think you get the point; this issue rocks.
Final Thoughts:
Absolute Wonder Woman Annual #1 may just be my favorite issue of 2026 so far, as it is beautifully done from the story perspective of Diana and her mission to see the best in everyone and everything, to the incredible artwork. This is 100% an issue that should be pulled and put in everybody’s box this week!
Overall Grade: 10/10
One response to “ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN ANNUAL #1: A Lesson in Mythology”
