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Birth of a Nerd – Hello World I’m Samantha

SammiBelle
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Birth of a Nerd – Hello World I’m Samantha

In a world where individuals are unworthy, crime runs rampant in the — No. Wait. Wrong storyline. Ha, had you for a second right? This isn’t a story just about me — It’s about us and how being a “nerd” can change our entire lives.

More: Forming A Fandom Community With Discord

Hi guys I’m Samantha, most just call me Sammi though. Bear with me because I’m not very good with words or talking about myself. But I wanted to share with you my love of all things art and nerd-related, to better help people who maybe were like me or see their passions as something to be hidden.

Yep this is me in a nutshell

Gotta Catch Em All!

My specific form of ”nerd” falls under art and anime. Anime is something I’ve loved since I was a child. I remember vividly experiencing Pokemon for the first time when I was maybe around five. It was all downhill from there.

Everything from video games, to clothing, to even the music I like can be linked to my love of Pokemon, something I still love to this day, more than 20 years later! It’s even better now that I can share this with my child, who loves these things just as much as I did at his age. His favorite character is Eevee, a great choice in my opinion!

The Nerdy Inspiration

Aside from a mild obsession with that fantasy monster you catch and fight to gain money and glory, anime helped spark my passion for drawing. Everyone has a specific work of art that inspired them to push forward and hone their craft, I am no different.

But instead of people like da Vinci, Michelangelo, or the wondrous Bob Ross, I had people like Naoko Takeuchi, creator of Sailor Moon, Tite Kubo, creator of Bleach and Burn the Witch, or the famous Hayao Miyazaki founder of Studio Ghibli and creator of works such as Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro and, Princess Mononoke. I can thank those brilliant and beautiful works and creators for shaping and really helping me discover my love and passion for drawing.

Hitsugaya Toshiro by me, Sammibelle

The Truth About Being an Artist — It’s TOUGH

I now share my art with millions of people online, however popular or unpopular it may be. I would like to believe that I am … a freaking prodigy, I recreated Starry Night at the age of six, the Mona Lisa at seven, and then topped it all off with a perfect self-portrait at eight. But that’s definitely not what happened, I just like joking around.

I had to work hard at my art and push through my low points. Unlike some who have the ability to be able to take lessons and attend schools specifically designed for the arts, all I had was a pencil, paper, a bunch of manga, and how-to guides. I’m proud of the fact I’m 100% self-taught, which makes me appreciate my creations that much more.

You and Me Against The World

Art, like any skill, is learned, so the more you keep at it, the better you become. I’ll show you guys my humble beginnings at a later date … trust me it’s rough. But you have to start somewhere. From stick figures or mandalas. To little doodles in the margins of your school papers or shapes that make up the most imaginative buildings. Art grows with you and much like my favorite icons and even myself, anyone can do it with dedication and persistence. So, if this is your passion like it is mine, don’t give up.

I’ll leave you guys with my favorite quote – one that helped me in different aspects of life.

“In this world, perfection is an illusion. Regardless of all those who utter the contrary, this is all the reality. Obviously mediocre fools will forever lust for perfection and seek it out. However, what meaning is there in perfection? None. Not a bit..After perfection there exist nothing higher. Not even room for creation which means there is no room for wisdom and talent either.”

Kurotsuchi Mayuri (Bleach 306, Tite Kubo)
Mayuri Kurotshuchi

Can you believe that came from a manga about a teenage boy who fights spirits with SWORDS!?

Wild, am I right? Perfection is unachievable, it doesn’t exist, so all I want to get across to you all is what you do, no matter what it is, doesn’t have to be perfect, you just have to be proud of it. Unless it’s world domination, please do not try that.

Jokes aside thank you all for coming along and helping this community grow, this is going to be much more fun the more people we have with us.
Till next time nerds.

Clan Destine Connections to Ms. Marvel? Breaking Down Episode 3

Tony Abdullah
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Clan Destine Connections to Ms. Marvel? Breaking Down Episode 3

Did Kamala’s Khan’s origin take a dark and problematic turn?

There were so many wonderful aspects to Ms. Marvel episode 3. The beautiful depiction of Aamir and Tyesha’s wedding including a great insight in Muslim tradition and Pakistani culture, not to mention the amazing dance scenes! We get a great fight scene between Kamala and Najma’s clan. Marvel continues to pull panels right off the page including the heartfelt moment where we have Sheikh Abdallah give some powerful words that will propel Kamala toward being the hero we all anticipate her becoming.

Yet there were also some moments that many feel was a misstep for the series and the origin of our first Pakistani-American superhero. Mainly the reference to the Clan Destine and Djinn.

The Clan Destine

After the cliff-hanger of episode 2 and the revelation that Kamala had a vision of Kamran’s Mother, Najma, two terms were mentioned in association to Kamala’s great grandmother and the source of her powers, Clan Destine and Djinn, and there lies the problem.

(L-R): Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan and Nimra Bucha as Najma in Marvel Studios’ MS. MARVEL. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

The Clan Destine and Djinn in the comics have been intertwined as the children of Adam of Destine and a Djinn named Elalyth also considered an angel in the comics.

There has been much concern that Ms. Marvel would provide an honest representation of Muslims in the MCU and though much was done correctly, many feel that this is a major step back. Though this has only been mentioned in one episode, using religious beings (Djinn) that millions of Muslims hold as a part of their faith, in a trivial manner can only sour the experience for what has been an otherwise promising series.

TheAmiraReview, fellow contributor and creator on Tiktok gives insight to the concern:

The problem lays in the misuse of the concept and also the fact it could fall into the usual orientalist trope. Muslims hold dear their religious beliefs and using those as red herring is problematic. Misusing them and separating the religious concept from its true meaning is also seen as disrespectful.

TheAmiraREview

What happens next in Ms. Marvel episode 4 will possibly answer some questions, and could expand on the current concerns of many. As much as I have enjoyed this series, I respect the calling out of problematic issues that many have been brought up regarding this topic. I hope that they do not continue with the Djinn story and instead use this moment to disconnect some of the historically wrong representation that has been depicted in comics.

You can find Ms. Marvel steaming now on Disney+

What Nerd Initiative Is All About – A Safe Space for Creators of All Kinds

Michael Rothman
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What Nerd Initiative Is All About – A Safe Space for Creators of All Kinds

When we started Nerd Initiative less than two months ago, we never dreamed that things would happen so fast and explode the way they have.

In that time, we’ve garnered more than 30 creators to the platform in the form of writers, hosts, video producers, artists and much more.

MORE: Feeling Seen: Why Shang-Chi and Ms. Marvel Mean The World To Me As An Asian-American

But what really has me floored and in shock are the stories and responses we’ve gotten from founding members on what this community means to them and how they’ve longed for such an open, supportive forum.

So, I wanted to quickly detail exactly what Nerd Initiative is. Sure, we are a site and medium bringing you news, reviews and commentary about pop culture, comics, movies and more.

But really what we are isn’t all about content.

1 – A Safe Space

I protect and cherish this notion more than anything else in our mission and values.

One thing we will never do is allow anyone to be toxic or hateful to another member just because of an opinion about a movie, character or show.

To me, toxicity is when constructive commentary veers off a discussion about a fictional topic and into a personal attack.

Watch on TikTok

Here, we want to allow for all perspectives, no matter who you are, and protect our members at all costs.

Obviously commentary that is racist, homophobic and toxic in nature is not protected.

But if you liked a movie or a show that most fans did not enjoy, that is absolutely your right and we actually want that perspective so we can see a different side!

2 – We Do Things Differently

Another aspect that we really want to get across is we do NOT want to do things like everyone else.

I’ve said this 100 times in the past two months, but my dream is the day when we’ll have five different stories on the Obi-Wan Kenobi finale or on Ms. Marvel, episode 2.

We don’t want to be a one and done type site and instead, we encourage multiple people to do stories on the same topic. Why not?

The chances are multiple creators will have enjoyed projects in different ways and that’s a beautiful thing.

3 – We Believe that Representation Absolutely Matters

We need to learn from each other.

But how can you do that if we aren’t asking questions and listening to what our fellow fans and creators have to say.

That’s why we actively want to hear from those creators from all walks of life and genuinely listen.

We want to grow, evolve and just be better humans.

4 – We Want to Hear YOUR Story

Sure, it’s fun to interview and speak to actors, producers and other “stars,” but to us, the creators are also stars. We want to hear about your journey first and foremost.

How did you get into fandom? What does it mean to you? How has it helped you?

We all have stories and they’re all relatable, inspiring and mean the world to us.

5 – We Are Always Evolving

We just launched an Anime section with plans to turn that into its very own website.

Do I personally know much about Anime? Not at all.

But one of our founding creators does and is passionate about it, and that’s all we need to know.

Now, we are well on our way to launching that content with a handful of excited content creators ready to go!

It surprises even us, yet we couldn’t be excited to continue growing and changing!

This Week In Comics: The Nerd Initiative Guide to DC Comics Releases – June 28

60_second_comic_facts
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This Week In Comics: The Nerd Initiative Guide to DC Comics Releases – June 28

Now we all know buying comics can be a bit difficult, many have questions like “What’s releasing this week, what’s the book about?”. Well, team Nerd Initiative has your back! 

Welcome to the official comic book buying list of every title DC Comics has coming out this week! 

ACTION COMICS #1044

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Phillip Kennedy Johnson David Lapham

Artist

Riccardo Federici David Lapham

Cover Artist

Lucio Parrillo

Summary

The Warworld Revolution is here! With the Genesis Stone feeding Kal-El a portion of his long-dormant powers, the quest to overthrow Mongul’s tyrannical rule is well underway…but can Superman convince the war-torn combatants of this hellish nightmare planet that kindness can best cruelty? All this, plus Midnighter stabs some fools who had it coming! Then, in A World Without Clark Kent, Lois, Jon, and John Henry Irons (a.k.a. Steel) convene to unlock the secrets of the mysterious Genesis tech…and Thao-La awakens…

AQUAMEN #5

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Chuck Brown Brandon Thomas

Artist

Sami Basri

Cover Artist

Travis Moore

Summary

Our heroes race to construct a new deactivation spire as the Atlantean sleeper agents continue to awaken worldwide. Can the Aquamen Family hold them off long enough for construction to be completed? Not if the Scavenger has anything to say about it!

BATMAN/CATWOMAN #12

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Tom King

Artist

Clay Mann

Cover Artist

Clay Mann

Summary

Wedding bells are finally ringing for Batman and Catwoman! As our story concludes, the lovers prepare to take the next steps in their lives together by trading everlasting vows. The Bat/Cat wedding is here, and knowing Bruce and Selina, it’ll be anything but conventional. You won’t want to miss this final chapter of Tom King’s Batman epic!

BATMAN: BEYOND THE WHITE KNIGHT #4

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Sean Murphy

Artist

Sean Murphy

Cover Artist

Sean Murphy

Summary

The hunt continues as Bruce Wayne searches for the most dangerous offspring in Neo-Gotham, the daughter of The Joker! Little does he know the new Batman is right behind him, waiting for just the right moment to strike and put an end to the older generation of heroes in the city. All seems to be going according to plan for Derek Powers, as his true intentions are revealed. Plus, Ace the Bat-Hound joins the story!

BATMAN: FORTRESS #2

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Gary Whitta

Artist

Darick Robertson

Cover Artist

Darick Robertson

Summary

Batman and the Justice League are working desperately to save innocent lives after the arrival of a mysterious alien ship that has destabilized the entire planet. After all attempts to communicate with the unknown invaders fail, they’re left with no alternative but to fight! But can even the combined might of the Justice League and all the world’s militaries repel such an overwhelmingly superior force?

DC VS. VAMPIRES – KILLERS #1

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Matthew Rosenberg

Artist

Mike Bowden

Cover Artist

Hicham Habchi

Summary

In the shadow of the new Vampire World Order, Harley Quinn rules the human underworld in this age of darkness. She has survived by only looking out for herself…but she might have just found the key to saving the world.

DEATHSTROKE INC. #10

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Ed Brisson

Artist

Dexter Soy

Cover Artist

 Mikel Janin

Summary

Slade Wilson’s blood-drenched past and exploits are well chronicled, but how did Slade become the infamous assassin and mercenary known as Deathstroke? What dark turns did his life take that set him on the path of destruction that would tear his family apart? Find out as “Deathstroke: Year One” begins…

DETECTIVE COMICS #1061

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Mariko Tamaki Nadia Shammas Sina Grace

Artist

van Reis Danny Miki David Lapham

Cover Artist

Ivan Reis Danny Miki

Summary

Mommy’s home! With Talia al Ghul back in town, anything can happen…and the mother of Robin is here to lay down the law. Meanwhile, the Riddler’s scheme to turn Batman’s sacred city into a twisted riddle of life and death has at last been revealed…and Edward’s going to use whatever and whoever he can to turn Batman’s life upside down. Then, in the finale of Gotham Girl, Interrupted, Claire Clover unravels the mystery behind the Gotham Girl website…so why doesn’t she believe what she finds in the process? It’s betrayal, healing, and punches galore!

HARLEY QUINN #16

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Stephanie Phillips

Artist

Riley Rossmo

Cover Artist

Riley Rossmo

Summary

You know how the whole villain origin story is usually about the “one bad day” that changed everything? I think it’s Tuesday most of the time. But what if it’s, like, a lot of bad days, and some of them were even caused by me, Harley Quinn? Well, that would be a recipe for one pretty bad villain, right? The secret origin story of a brutal new villain, Verdict, is revealed here! Though I guess it won’t be very secret once we reveal it, huh?

ROBIN #15

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Joshua Williamson

Artist

Roger Cruz Norm Rapmund

Cover Artist

Simone Di Meo

Summary

Damian Wayne is back from the Shadow War and licking his wounds the best way a Wayne knows how…brooding (duh). But in light of the shocking death in the al Ghul family, Robin resolves to dig deeper into the world of the Demon…and a return to Lazarus Island—with Flatline at his side—leaves him with yet another shocking revelation!

ROGUES #3

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Joshua Williamson

Artist

Leomacs

Cover Artist

Sam Wolfe Connelly

Summary

“Book III: The Heist”! Captain Cold had a plan to steal from Gorilla Grodd. A plan that was going to make the Rogues rich and change their lives for the better. But now that plan has exploded, and Rogues blood is splattered all over Gorilla City. If the remaining members are going to survive, they need to think fast and work together. But a betrayal by one of the Rogues brings the heat to a whole new level! Continuing this groundbreaking neo-noir take on some of the DCU’s greatest villains!

TASK FORCE Z #9

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Matthew Rosenberg

Artist

Eddy Barrows Eber Ferreira

Cover Artist

Eddy Barrows Eber Ferreira

Summary

Are we the baddies? After the shocking (but not really) betrayal by Mr. Bloom, the new Task Force Z are public enemy number one. All of Gotham is hunting for them. They are out of money, out of friends, and out of Lazarus Resin. But now they will have to face their most dangerous foe yet-and it’s one of their own!

TEEN TITANS GO!: UNDEAD?!

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Michael Northrop

Artist

Erich Owen

Cover Artist

Erich Owen

Summary

Jump City is full of strange, shambling creatures muttering about sales and dead set on brains. The Teen Titans saw a comet fall from the sky and can think of nowhere better to hang out and see what happens than the mall. If their theory is correct and people start turning into zombies, they want to be prepared-and we all know zombies love the mall! But as the situation grows ever more dire, Robin and his team take to the streets, trying to save the city from the bargain-hungry undead. But these zombies really bite: the cemetery isn’t safe, the H.I.V.E. Five are not alive, and Robin’s teammates are about to succumb to shopping fever! Can Robin keep it together long enough to cancel this apocalypse?

THE SWAMP THING #14

T

Published

Jun 28 2022

Writer

Ram V.

Artist

Mike Perkins

Cover Artist

Mike Perkins

Summary

As the corruptive force of industry eats away at the Earth, the Green has called upon a deadly form of alien flora in a desperate and misguided attempt to wipe the slate clean. Swamp Thing’s attempts to save the planet from this alien plague quickly prove inadequate; it’s time for someone more experienced with spacebound threats to enter the fray: the Green Lantern!

Well …

That’s a wrap on the DC Comics this week, wow we really got a lot of excellent titles to look forward to! I seriously hope this weekly list helps everyone out in knowing what new comics are releasing every week. Thank you for reading and see you all next week For another post of “This Week In Comics: DC Edition.”

This Week In Comics: Nerd Initiative Guide to Marvel Releases – June 29

60_second_comic_facts
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This Week In Comics: Nerd Initiative Guide to Marvel Releases – June 29

We all know buying comics can be a bit difficult, many have questions like “What’s releasing this week, what’s the book about?”

Well team Nerd Initiative has your back! 

MORE: This Week In Comics: Nerd Initiative Guide to New Marvel Comics – June 15

All Marvel characters and the distinctive likeness(es) thereof are Trademarks & Copyright © 1939–2022 Marvel Characters, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Welcome to the official comic book buying list of every title Marvel Comics has coming out this week! 

Iron Man/Hellcat Annual (2022) #1

Published

June 29

Writer

Christopher Cantwell

Artist

Ruairi Coleman

Cover Artist

Logan Lubera

Summary

Spinning out of the pages of IRON MAN, Hellcat travels to San Francisco to get her house in order…only this house is an aging Victorian manor left to her by her mother Dorothy.

The house and its secrets will reunite Patsy with old friends like Hedy Wolfe – as well as others she’d hoped to leave dead and buried. When a supernatural crisis arises, will Hellcat and Iron Man combined be enough to beat back the flames of Hell itself?!

Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #24

Published

June 29

Writer

Greg Pak

Artist

Marco Castiello

Cover Artist

Paul Renaud

Summary

Someone’s been to Polis Massa. Someone’s heard Padmé’s last words. Someone knows Vader’s deepest secret. What happens when the Dark Lord of the Sith finds out?

Meanwhile, a colony of refugees from a certain sandy planet struggle under the rule of an Imperial governor. Will their connection to Vader’s past be their salvation – or their doom? Plus: the shocking return of two of Anakin Skywalker’s oldest friends!

Star Wars: Obi-Wan (2022) #2

Published

June 29

Writer

Christopher Cantwell

Artist

Luke Ross

Cover Artist

Phil Noto

Summary

“DARK SIDE OF THE MOON” Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan answer the distress call of an outpost on the edge of the galaxy. What’s the secret behind the devastation wrought upon the terrifying moon base? Will whatever plunged it into darkness pull a Padawan off his enlightened path?

Thor: Lightning and Lament (2022) #1

Published

June 29

Writer

Ralph Macchio

Artist

Todd Nauck

Cover Artist

Ron Lim

Summary

The Mighty Thor has abandoned Asgard in her greatest hour of need, leaving the Realm Eternal in the hands of his half brother Loki, in the absence of its rightful ruler, Odin.

With Asgard under assault by legions of trolls, and the Lady Sif hovering near death due to a possibly fatal wound suffered in battle, can anyone save the Golden City from annihilation?

Venom: Lethal Protector (2022) #3

Published

June 29

Writer

David Michelinie

Artist

Ivan Fiorelli

Cover Artist

Paulo Siqueira

Summary

DAVID MICHELINIE AND IVAN FIORELLI’S TOUR DE FORCE THROUGH YESTERYEAR CONTINUES! Brains are back on the menu, as VENOM returns to his violent and spectacular roots in this bone-chilling and bone-crunching issue. BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE, TRUE BELIEVERS!

This ain’t your parents’ Venom, and David Michelinie’s return to the symbiote he co-created is about to show why Venom is one of the biggest and baddest characters in the history of the Marvel U — and he just might give the Wicked Web-Slinger a new look and powers while he’s at it!

Well …

That’s a wrap on the Marvel Comics this week, wow we really got a lot of excellent titles to look forward to! I seriously hope this weekly list helps everyone out in knowing what new comics are releasing every week. Thank you for reading and see you all next week For another post of “This Week In Comics: Marvel Edition.”

All Marvel characters and the distinctive likeness(es) thereof are Trademarks & Copyright © 1939–2022 Marvel Characters, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

REVIEW: Spider-Man’s Social Dilemma

Sean Winningham
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REVIEW: Spider-Man’s Social Dilemma
Art by Nicoletta Baldari (c) 2022 Marvel

Being the number one superhero in the world, the stories of Spider-Man has been told in many forms: comic books, movies, tv shows, video games, etc. In the past few years, however, writer Preeti Chhibber has taken to telling his story in the form of Young Adult novels. Her newest book, Spider-Man’s Social Dilemma, is sure to be a hit with young readers!

A Beginner’s Guide To Comic Books | Independents

Here is the description of the book by Disney:

The first in a three-book middle grade novel series by Spider-Man’s number one fan and hilarious fiction writer, Preeti Chhibber! Peter Parker has been swinging and thwipping his way through New York City as Spider-Man for just a few months, and balancing his double life is complicated. He goes to school and tries not to embarrass himself in front of his crush, MJ; he takes photos for the Daily Bugle and tries not to embarrass himself in front of his boss, J. Jonah Jameson; and he fights crime in the evenings and . . . well, he’s kind of always trying to not embarrass himself. Easier said than done when you’re a teen with spider powers you’re still getting used to. On top of all that, the notorious villain the Sandman is acting more strangely than ever, social media seems to be taking a toll on MJ, and someone keeps trying to steal an artifact that’s supposedly powered by alien matter . . . which can’t be good. Something eerie is going on, and Peter is determined to figure out what it is before things go from weird to dangerous. Told with Preeti Chhibber’s incomparable voice, which balances wit and charm with teenage earnestness and vulnerability, this series is full of action-adventure, humor, friendship, and, of course, heroism.

I had the chance to get early access to read the book, and I can’t say enough great things about it! The audience for this book is elementary and middle school readers. Still, even as an adult, I appreciated the new story of the web-slinger, the Easter eggs, and how relatable it is to see more of Peter Parker as that awkward high school kid trying to figure out how to balance the challenges he faces as a teenager and as a superhero.

Chhibber has done a phenomenal job of being able to write to her audience to have the stories relate to the real challenges that they face in school today. One of my favorite moments in this book is how she is able to capture some of the challenges and emotions that young readers experience with technology and how social media can unknowingly change their mood and outlook in their surroundings.

Very rarely does a book show how such things can impact even a lovable and level-headed character like MJ and it gives the reader a chance to self-evaluate if they have had similar experiences as well.

Writing a beloved comic book character in a Young Adult novel is no easy task, especially with a character with such vivid visuals. But Chhibber definitely knocked it out of the park with her writing. Not only does she capture the visual descriptions so well, but she also captures the essence and personalities of every character from the world of Spider-Man so perfectly that from page one, you feel like this is another story in the existing Spider-verse.

I know that I plan on getting this book for my own child and I can’t wait for them to read it.

Spider-Man’s Social Dilemma will release on July 26th. You can pre-order the book through the Little Shop of Stories website, and U.S. customers who pre-order will get a signed copy of the book.

Comic Legend Steve Borock on his Collecting Journey, Early Days of Grading and more

Michael Rothman
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Comic Legend Steve Borock on his Collecting Journey, Early Days of Grading and more

Steve Borock essentially set some of the grading standards we know today in comics.

As a lifelong fan of the hobby, Steve had a background in restoration detection, so when CGC was looking for the man to lay the groundwork for this new form of collecting in the early 2000’s, he was their guy.

MORE: Get to Know The Hero Initiative

He would later start CBCS, another comic grading house, and advance the collecting method even further with new cases, new grades and more.

Steve Borock
Comic collecting legend Steve Borock

We sat down with the icon to talk about his early days as a kid buying and selling books, and how the hobby has evolved.

He also has and had one of the best collections in the industry, having owned two Action Comics #1s, know as THE golden age grail as the book is the first appearance of Superman. Watch the full interview below!

The Power of Marvel Unlimited

Donavan Rose
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The Power of Marvel Unlimited

For many of us who were born prior to the 21st century, we grew up on physical copies of comic books. The only way to get comics (or movies, or any medium for that matter) was to go to a store or library and purchase or check out that particular issue in order to read the latest story from your favorite publisher about your favorite characters.

As we got into the 21st century however, technology boomed, which changed how we interacted with the world around us. One of those instances is digital reading. The year 2007 in particular was special because that was the year we were introduced to two life-changing products in this field: Amazon Kindles and Marvel Unlimited.

If you’re not familiar with Marvel Unlimited, think of it as a “Netflix for Marvel Comics”. It’s a digital platform that Marvel provides their users. For a monthly or annual fee, users can have access to over 29,000 issues that Marvel has released since it first started (there are some exceptions, like the latest issues that Marvel has released or others that have contractual obligations to other parties).

Since its release, many comics fans have used this app for many reasons. For others, this has changed the way that comics have played a role in their lives.

Below are some ways that Marvel Unlimited has impacted some of the creators for Nerd Initiative:

Donavan Rose

“I first got into Marvel in 2014 after accidentally seeing Captain America and The Winter Soldier in theaters. I fell in love with the MCU but whenever I wanted to try to get into comics I’d walk into a comic store and panic because I would have zero idea where to begin. There were hundreds of thousands of comics and I was completely overwhelmed so I stuck to the movies. As I developed a deeper love for Marvel and connections to characters, it started to feel more like a home to me than a franchise I really aspired to learn more about it. I found out about Marvel Unlimited through TikTok in 2019 and still use it today! At first glance, it may still be a little overwhelming as it’s filled with tons of amazing comics. However, once you look you can find it’s completely organized and you can search by author, character, issue, etc. I began with my favorite characters; Spider-Man and Iron Man and then found stories or characters that interested me and read them. Now before every phase four movie and show is released I go to Marvel Unlimited and read up on the character or group being introduced or the issue it’s based on so I can get a general idea of what I’m going into. Right now I’m almost finished with what they have of Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan just in time for the show! I’ve learned a lot about my favorite franchise and characters thanks to Marvel Unlimited and it’s helped me appreciate Marvel more as a whole. I would’ve never been able to manage reading the comics without the App. I highly suggest this app for both old and new MCU and/or Marvel Comic fans!”

Rianna “Marvel Twin” Paez

“My love for Marvel first began when Thor was released in theaters. I was in awe at the beautiful storyline and characters, and I was eager for more. As the years went on and with every Marvel film released, I wanted to know more in-depth about characters and their origin. Besides relying on researching on the internet, I felt like I needed a more accurate source. I knew nothing would be more accurate than the Marvel comics. With a tremendous number of comics available, I knew it would be nearly impossible and expensive to start buying them. When I was introduced to Marvel Unlimited, it was truly like a breath of fresh air. Being able to read any comic, at any time at the press of a button was exciting. As soon as I signed up for Marvel Unlimited, I began my quest to reading the stories of all the characters I’ve come to see on the big screen. This is truly the best resource for any fan, established or new to really get in tune with their favorite characters.”

Sean Winningham

Sean “The Sean Hulk” Winningham

“I was first introduced to comics by my uncle who had boxes and boxes of the Silver Age comics. The first ones I remember reading were Daredevil and the first issue of ‘The X-Men’, and they were instantly my favorite comics and characters.

As I got into high school, I got away from collecting and reading comics (and to my own regret, I got rid of my collection!). Around 2017, I learned about the Marvel Unlimited app and decided to give it a try, and of course, when I found out that they had the first issue of X-Men in their catalog, that was the first comic I read on the app and I got hooked immediately. 5 years later, that has led me to become an avid comic reader again but it helped me start a podcast about comics and pop culture and collect and read physical copies of comics again.”

Tony “Mr. MARVELite” Abdullah

“As a kid that got into comic books in the 90s and being in a single parent home, the luxury of being able to get an entire run of a comic was a fantasy. I can remember pulling out my comic stash and reading an issue and then contemplating what would happen next in the story. When I became an adult, I was able to subscribe to ComiXology, and for a time, I was able to read an entire saga: Civil War, Age of Ultron, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Superior Spider-Man stories were not enough, and were getting expensive. In 2015, I started buying the actual physical comics and that got too expensive. Finally, I discovered Marvel Unlimited and for the cost of a couple of issues, I have access to the vast library of Marvel content. This is what provided me the opportunity to delve deep into comic lore. It can feel overwhelming with the amount of content at your fingers, but honestly, the directory and recommendations from staff are really helpful. I highly recommend it to any new fan or person that wants to get deep in the Marvel mythos… or to finally stop fantasizing about what happened next in that story… look it up!”

Try Marvel Unlimited now, with a 50% discount on your first month! Use code SAVE50 at check out!

‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Finale is Emotional, Nostalgic Roller Coaster Ride (SPOILERS)

Michael Rothman
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‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Finale is Emotional, Nostalgic Roller Coaster Ride (SPOILERS)

After a very intense, fulfilling six weeks on Disney+, Obi-Wan Kenobi came to a close this week in an absolutely epic way.

Warning – MAJOR Spoilers ahead!

There’s so much to unpack from episode six, from Obi-Wan’s bond with the Skywalker children to Inquisitor Reva’s arc and yeah … that epic battle.

So, let’s start with what most fans will be talking about for years to come.

Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen) in Lucasfilm’s OBI-WAN KENOBI, exclusively on Disney+. © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved

We got yet another rematch between Vader and Obi-Wan and it was through the use of love, his emotional memories and more that Obi-Wan was able to best Vader through ways of the Force.

No one saw that coming and when he slashed Vader’s mask open, which resulted in a mix of Vader and Anakin’s voice talking to his old master, that scene immediately cut deep.

“You didn’t kill Anakin, I did,” Vader explains after losing to his old master. This confirms a thread we’ve seen in the Vader comics that his alter ego and Anakin Skywalker are two very different personalities and yes, it was Vader that killed the former Jedi to become the mighty Sith lord.

(L-R): Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) in a scene from Lucasfilm’s OBI-WAN KENOBI, exclusively on Disney+. © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

Reva’s Redemption

Another powerful climax in the episode was Reva being unable to kill a young Luke Skywalker.

After learning of who this child really was, the former Youngling was on a collision course to take out the seed of Anakin and complete her task at revenge.

Reva
Reva (Moses Ingram) in Lucasfilm’s OBI-WAN KENOBI, exclusively on Disney+. © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

But when it came down to it, she couldn’t do it, the light still strong within her.

“Now you’re free, we both are,” Obi-Wan tells her after she drops her lightsaber.

It was a nice finale for the character that has been the topic of much discussion this season.

What’s Next for Obi-Wan?

Well, he closed the season with emotional scenes with both Luke and Leia.

Inspiring Leia to be the irreverent heroine we know she becomes and finally meeting a young Luke to close out the episode.

The scene that will bring tears is when the old Jedi Knight tells Leia how she inherited the best of both her parents.

“I wish I could tell you more,” he says.

You said enough, Obi-Wan!

And I hope we get a second season, because we have just begun to see the magic that Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen can create when they face off against each other in these roles.

There’s so much more to explore and I’m willing, ready and able for the next adventure! 

Amira’s Personal Journey as a Creator, MCU Fan and Representation Activist

TheAmiraReview
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Amira’s Personal Journey as a Creator, MCU Fan and Representation Activist

Deciding to create a TikTok account to share my personal views on movies and talk about the MCU was one of the scariest and most exciting things I have ever done.

Peace everyone it’s your girl Amira and let me talk to you about my journey on Tiktok!

More: Feeling Seen: Why Shang-Chi and Ms. Marvel Mean The World To Me As An Asian-American

Tiktok provided me with the possibility to add my voice as a Muslim woman in a community that I thought was closed to me. It also gave me the possibility to push forward positive Muslim representation.

Sharing my first video was really intimidating, but I realized quickly that people were more welcoming than anything else. There was a whole group of creators who was working hard to make a safe space.

This is how I met Tony (Mr.Marvelite) and later Michael (SuperheroTok). These two had an idea and just like Nick Fury, they had a team to assemble, an initiative to start.

I feel lucky to be part of the Nerd Initiative. I get to do what I am passionate about, learn more about movies and be unapologetically me.

I truly hope that my content pushes for a respectful and open dialogue about Muslim representation in media. I wish for it to help other Muslims create and feel included in the narrative too!

I understand that this takes time, but guess what? change already started!

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