Page 611 – NERD INITIATIVE

Queer Characters In Comics: Why Representation Matters

June 1, 2022

LGBTQ+ characters from Marvel and DC Comics

When Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created Spider-Man in 1962, they drew him in a costume that covered his body from head to toe. That way no matter what race, gender or sexual identity someone is, they could see themselves as Spider-Man.

Over the years the comic book fanbase has been growing and with that comes more people to represent. This includes people of color, with different religions, and that are part of the LGBTQ.

Comic book companies have been using queer characters and themes for years, but were they using them correctly?

Justin Mousseau is asexual comic book TikToker with over half a million followers. Mousseau has been a fan of comic books ever since he was a kid in the 90s.

‘I Never Thought This Would Happen’ – A ‘Ms. Marvel’ Conversation

“I am grateful that we are no longer in the era like the mid-2000s. Where characters were gay as a punchline.” Mousseau said. “It rings really cheap and hollow to go back and have a character be gay or feminine, and that was the joke or the entirety of the story.”

An example of this is in Peter David’s Supergirl #79 in 2003. Superman is exposed to pink kryptonite. This kryptonite made Superman give Lois Lane the cold shoulder, and give all of his attention to his best pal Jimmy Olsen. The “joke” of this story is that Superman is flirting with a man.

But have comic books changed since then?

The LGBTQ community has grown in the comic fanbase and companies like DC and Marvel have taken notice. To represent this community DC and Marvel have been taking pre- established characters and have them come out as queer. Or they just made new characters altogether. Some examples include Iceman coming out as gay and Tim Drake (The Third Robin) coming out as bisexual. Now they have introduced characters like Jonathan Kent (Superman) who is bisexual and America Chavez who is lesbian. However, some comic book readers aren’t okay with that.

When Tim Drake came out as bisexual last year, the internet couldn’t be more divided. Fans of the character argued on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter whether this change was necessary, forced, or if it just ruined the character altogether. However, TikToker and screenwriter Danielle Silverstone says there was no change at all.

“You don’t have to necessarily say that a character is queer,” Silverstone stated, “but you can acknowledge it.”

Tim Drake has been written throughout the years as possibly being bisexual with Conner Kent (Superboy). In 2018, writer Judd Winick tweeted about the relationship between Tim and Conner in his 2003 run of Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day, stating, “I saw this as an opportunity for them to both come out of the closet.”

I saw this as an opportunity for them to both come out of the closet.#liveyourbestlife https://t.co/LvSYO4rUEO
— (((Judd Winick))) 🐀 (@JuddWinick) November 29, 2018

“If he (Tim Drake) was meant to be a straight character, then they (DC Comics) would have said that.” Silverstone said. “Straight is not the default. If you do not specify a character’s sexuality, why are people assuming they are straight?”

A common argument from fans against LGBTQ representation is that comic books are for kids, and sex shouldn’t be a topic they are exposed to.

Michael Simeon is a social media influencer that uses his platform to speak out for the LGBTQ community and for people of color. “Who said anything about sex? Being queer is more than about sex.” Simeon said. “Being queer can dictate who you choose or choose not be friends with, what your interests are, what you may gravitate towards, what spaces may feel or not feel comfortable entering, what policies you support in a politician, it determines a lot of your mindset.”

An example of this is Iceman. He was created in 1963, but in 1996 there was a storyline where Emma Frost took over his mind and she was able to do things with his powers that he couldn’t. In 2015 it would be revealed that the reason why is because he was hiding his sexuality, and that was keeping him from his full potential. The reason Iceman was in the closet for so long was because he was a mutant, and he was afraid of how his friends and family would react if he came out of the closet.

Comic book companies have made a big step since the early 2000’s when it comes to LGBTQ representation in their comics. However, some members of the LGBTQ believe there are still many steps to take. With established characters and storylines that can further be explored, the LGBTQ community can have a place in comics. Those stories just need to be told. As Simeon says, “Representation equals normalization.”

Obi-Wan and The Hero’s Journey – A Star Wars Story that Delivers in Every Way

Star Wars

Popculturerabbi

May 28, 2022

Obi-Wan and The Hero’s Journey – A Star Wars Story that Delivers in Every Way

Obi-Wan: This is the Hero’s Journey of the Mentor

The first two episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi dropped Friday morning, and I am glad to say they deliver in every way — From an excellent foundation to fascinating new worlds and characters, to reintroducing us to beloved friends and locations that we get to know even better.

By expanding the myth of a “galaxy far, far, away,” showing us the daily terrors of living between the lawless and the fascist, and diving deeper into Obi Wan and princess Leia’s back stories, this show succeeds in every way a Star Wars story should.

*Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) in Lucasfilm’s OBI-WAN KENOBI, exclusively on Disney+. © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.*

In 1977 we were introduced to strange old hermit living out on a dessert planet called Tatooine named Obi-Wan Kenobi. We knew little about him as a person and truth is we did not need to know. Anyone who had ever been told a story knew the role he was there to play.

Like Merlin before him, Obi Wan was there to help turn our protagonist into a hero. The author and professor Joseph Campbell would describe Obi Wan as the Mentor. An archetypal category named by the psychoanalyst Carl Jung. The mentor is the guide who will help teach our hero how to face the unknown.

As it would turn out we, due to his role as the mentor, we actually knew relatively little about the person who was Obi-Wan. All we knew about him was that he was the last (or one of the last) of a group of knights known as Jedi who used a mystical magic known as the Force. Then almost twenty years later we were given the prequels where we learned more and more about this mysterious wizard-hermit.

What we had no idea of was how deeply personal and truly tragic the trauma Obi-Wan’s psyche experienced due to Anakin turning to the dark side. There was no way, without showing us, that we could understand and comprehend the guilt, shame and doubt this teacher was carrying around with him when he said to Luke Skywalker, “You must learn the ways of the Force if you’re to come with me to Alderaan.”

When Obi-Wan remained committed to teaching Luke in a New Hope, we did not know at the time how much guilt he was carrying. This new show is clearly going to change the way we interpret every line and encounter in a New Hope.

But this new show on Disney+ is continuing the work of the prequels, the clone wars and the books, to take the person we barely knew at the beginning of this 40-plus year journey and elevate all the other media we have about him at the same time.

What struck me most after watching the first two episodes is that we often do not think about our teachers and mentors as having their own thoughts, dreams, ambitions, and fears separate from us or the role they are assigned in our lives.

The mentor is not the hero of the story. The mentor’s needs, by necessity, become secondary to that of the hero’s mission. However, the central question these episodes force us to contend with is, what happens when that mentor has given up? That simple line in a new hope where Obi-Wan eagerly pushes to Luke to train is now forced to be read with a different subtext due to this latest entry in the Star Wars mythology.

Something happens over the course of these six episodes to renew Obi-Wan’s faith in himself. Something happens to make him accept the guilt he feels over the loss of his brother Anakin. Something happens to make Obi-Wan recognize and control his fear. These are all powerful and fascinating questions that the show is tackling and exploring.

However, the central question these episodes force us to contend with is, what happens when that mentor has given up?

These first two episodes grow the universe of Star Wars while also doing what Star Wars does so well: reflect back to us our own struggles through fictional characters. Obi-Wan Kenobi is the Hero’s journey of the mentor. It is already shaping up to be a fascinating exploration of this often-mystical role in mythology. It is taking a character whose needs are always secondary to the mission and making us care even more deeply about what that sacrifice means.

The Obi-Wan we recognized but did not know in 1977 has become a character whose own compelling hero’s journey we finally get to complete. In doing so we will better understand this hermit-wizard Obi-Wan and, by virtue of that better understand, ourselves.

Episode three of Obi-Wan Kenobi is set to release Wednesday, June 1st, at 12 AM PST

So You Want to Get Into Anime: An Introductory Guide

Anime Onlies

Pooja Chand

May 27, 2022

So You Want to Get Into Anime: An Introductory Guide" title="So You Want to Get Into Anime: An Introductory Guide" />

It’s anime convention season, and so naturally, you want to get into anime. But there’s just one thing stopping you: Where do you start? Anime is an incredible medium of story-telling that showcases a variety of animation styles, along with several genres and subgenres with thousands of titles under each one. Naturally, it can be very intimidating, especially if you’re trying to find the perfect introduction to get you immersed. That’s where this guide comes in! In this guide, we’ll explore a couple of common genres you’ll see in the world of anime, along with some easy-to-watch titles to get you hooked. Without further ado, let’s watch some anime!

Shonen and Shojo

Two of the most common genres of anime are Shonen (pronounced show-nehn) and Shojo (pronounced show-joe). Shonen is a genre aimed typically toward “male” audiences while Shojo is the opposite, catering primarily to “female” audiences, But if we’re being honest, anyone can watch anime under either genre as they all have something to offer, regardless of the intended audience. Here are some recommended titles.

Sailor Moon Crystal (2014) – Shojo

Many of us remember the classic Sailor Moon anime that graced our tv screens in the 90s. With our titular character, Sailor Moon a.k.a. Usagi Tsukino, the anime made waves and taught young girls everywhere that we have value whether we’re strong, feminine, or the polar opposite. But did you know that a remake of the name Sailor Moon Crystal was released in 2014? This remake featured more modern animation across 3 seasons as well as a 2-part movie. Because it strictly follows the plot of the manga without any fillers, it makes for an easy binge until you feel ready to conquer the 200-episode version along with 3 additional movies.

Naruto / Naruto Shippuden – Shonen

Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, part of the original “Big 3” from the ’90s and early 2000s, is an excellent shonen anime that holds up even today and continues to increase its fanbase. We are introduced to an expansive world filled with ninjas as it discusses hard-hitting themes like the impact of war as well as grief and trauma. But it also teaches the idea of proving your resolve and persevering no matter the obstacle, as well as discussing found families. With catchy opening and ending themes, loveable characters, and comedy sprinkled all throughout, it’s no wonder it’s beloved by many. If you feel confident enough to brave the 700+ episodes that await you, I can guarantee you won’t regret it.

Fruits Basket (2019) – Shojo

Another popular Shojo manga, Fruits Basket was adapted as an anime a second time in 2019 with brand new animation, and streamlined storytelling. If you’re not familiar with the story, it follows Tohru Honda, a kind-spirited teenage girl who ends up in the care of the Sohmas, a family that is not all that it seems in this supernatural romance anime. This anime showcases not just romantic love but also familial and platonic love and succeeds in throwing you into an emotional rollercoaster. As slow as it may seem at first, I recommend sticking it through to the end because the ending is truly worth it.

My Hero Academia – Shonen

One of the most popular current running anime, My Hero Academia fuses all things Marvel and DC with classic Shonen styles. We follow Izuku Midoriya as he navigates a world where people are gifted with powers known as “quirks”, but he has none. At least not until All Might, the #1 hero in Japan, takes notice and names Midoriya as his successor. If superheroes are what you’re craving, then this action-packed anime will satisfy you. Superheroes, action, a wide range of characters and abilities, and new and intriguing villains. It’s hard to not find someone to root for, whether it’s our boy Midoriya or the most unlikely hero.

Isekai

Isekai (pronounced Ih-sih-kai), a word that translates to “different world” or “otherworld”, is also an extremely popular genre that has blown up over the last couple of years. If you’re also a gamer, then you are probably familiar with trivial and redundant tasks or big bosses that take several attempts to beat. Isekai lets you relive all of that but in anime form. The most common anime in this genre is Sword Art Online but let’s explore some other title recommendations instead.

Bofuri: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense

Don’t let the incredibly long title scare you! Bofuri is a perfect example of isekai, where we follow our main character, Kaede who begins playing a new VRMMORPG called New World, where she creates the identity of Maple. In order to avoid damage in game at all costs, she chooses to focus on building her defense stats, leading her to be an unusually strong character. Not only are our main characters insanely adorable and fun to watch, but it just makes you want to jump into a video game yourself. Bofuri tends to come off more like a mix of an action isekai and slice of life, which makes for such a strange yet entertaining watch. With only 12 episodes to go through, you don’t have to be concerned with excessive fillers (unless that’s your thing), and you’ll find yourself wishing for more.

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear

Similar to Bofuri, Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is a simplistic isekai anime that follows Yuna, our main character, who is a longtime player of World Fantasy Online, a first-person view game. After being gifted an odd bear suit, she and her abilities are immediately bound to it, and she must proceed to complete missions and quests in said bear suit. Following the same 12-episode format, you still get the ability to connect with some of the side characters, and if you have a fondness for anything that is cute, then this anime will satisfy you. It’s isekai-style anime that doesn’t take itself too seriously but acts as a basic introduction to get you familiar with the genre so as not to overwhelm you. If anything, it’ll keep you entertained and giggling till the end.

Slice of Life & Comedy

Himouto Umaru-Chan

One of the most popular slice of life and comedy anime in recent years, Himouto Umaru-Chan follows 16-year-old Umaru, a seemingly perfect and popular girl in high school. But as soon as she gets home, she transforms into the cutest snack-obsessed gamer gremlin you’ll come across. With only 2 seasons, Umaru-Chan will own your heart and be that goofy sweet character you can relate to on so many levels. From beach episodes to gaming tournaments to chippies and cola, this anime has it all, and it’s one I recommend to anyone wanting to dive into the world of anime.

K-On

If you have a love of music, K-On might be the one for you! In a world where artsy anime is now common, this one, in particular, kick-started the genre of music anime. In two seasons, we follow a group of high school girls who form the Light Music Club and write the most catchy songs you’ll hear throughout the episodes. It follows the formula of slice of life as well as comedy, with numerous hilarious characters with their own identifiable personalities and characteristics. If you’re looking for a quick anime to binge, K-On is perfect and may even get you to want to start an anime music playlist!

Ouran High School Host Club

You’ve probably heard of Ouran High School Host Club, an anime that seamlessly blends slice of life, comedy, and romance. It follows the bizarre trials of Haruhi Fujioka, a young teenage androgynous girl who ends up having to pay off a debt by joining her prestigious high school’s host club. With each member of the host club developing a unique relationship with our lead heroine, she makes an impact on each of them, changing the course of their high school careers. It is hailed as a beloved anime from the mid-2000s that never seems to get old, and is perfect when you want to feel all the romance but still be knee-deep in laughter over cringe tropes. And yes, it indulges in every possible trope imaginable making it the perfect intro within this genre of anime.

The List Goes On…

As stated before, anime has a vast and endless amount of genres and subgenres for you to dive into as you become more accustomed to anime.

For example, Spy X Family, an ongoing anime that has everyone talking, is an action-comedy that leads its audience into a serious moment only to take a 180 turn and have you laughing unexpectedly. For sports fans, SK8 the Infinity is a colorful and upbeat anime that dives into the world of skateboarding but will encourage you to find your own style and remind us all to enjoy what we love no matter what.

But then again, maybe you’d prefer a classic space western noir like Cowboy Bebop, which leaves breadcrumb trails for us to theorize until the bitter end but will give you enough heartfelt and hilarious moments to make you love each character. And as always, for the romantics at heart, you have titles like The Quintessential Quintuplets and Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War, both of which have a different take on romance but will have you rooting for the characters every step of the way.

Whatever your style may be, check these titles and genres out, and see which one you like best. Perhaps you might end up liking them all!

A Stranger Things Recap Before We Return To Hawkins

Streaming

Donavan Rose

May 26, 2022

A Stranger Things Recap Before We Return To Hawkins

Friends Don’t Lie but they do get you caught up on what went down in Hawkins on Season Three of Stranger Things before Season Four hits Netflix this Friday.

Now it may seem like forever since we last saw “The Party” in action and that’s because it’s been nearly three years since Stranger Things Season Three landed on the platform. The show became an instant hit when Season One dropped back in July 2016. Season Two hit the platform about fifteen months later in October of 2017.

Then fans thought the twenty-one-month wait between Seasons Two and Three was nearly impossible when Season Three didn’t stream on Netflix until July 2019. With the incredible success of the first three seasons, Stranger Things was Greenlit for a Season Four and a Final Fifth Season.

The Duffer Brothers knew all along that Season Four was going to be the biggest season of the entire series but unfortunately what the Duffer Brothers didn’t know was that their biggest season would have to be put on hold due to COVID-19. Filming for Season Four originally began as planned in February 2020 in Lithuania. When production returned to the United States to film in March of 2020 they only had two weeks of filming before all Netflix Studio Productions were put on hold due to the pandemic.

In an interview with Collider, Executive Producer and Director Shawn Levy had this to say about the delay for the fourth installment. “As much as it pains our viewers that it will have been so long, trust me, it pains Matt, Ross, and I more. It is a kind of perfect storm combination of COVID shutdown, slower pace of filming in COVID protocols, and health protocols, which are necessary, and coincidentally we chose Season 4 to be by far — and I mean, by far, far, far — the most ambitious of the seasons.” We’ve waited almost three years and this Friday we are finally going to see what happens next!

To jog your memory before the new season drops, here’s where each character ended Season Three.

Eleven:

Her powers grew to the next level in Season Three, which led up to the final battle with the Mind Flayer who had possessed the body of Billy. In the battle El was wounded after a piece of the Mind Flayer literally crawls inside her leg and takes her powers, leaving her defenseless. After the gang defeats the Mind Slayer, El is adopted by Joyce due to Hopper’s apparent death. She’s given a letter that Hopper had written but never gave her and it was a bittersweet moment to see Hopper finally tell El what he was trying to all season.

Mike:

The relationship between Mike and El grew immensely in Season Three, which was one of the major annoyances for Hopper. After a threat from Hopper, Mike lied to El about hanging out which we all know, “Friends Don’t Lie” but as Max would say, “But Boyfriends Do.” After being caught lying to her, El ended things with Mike. That lasted all of five minutes as they ended the season together after Mike confessed his love for her. The two continue their relationship long-distance after the Byers relocate.

Will:

Will Byers, the missing boy who survived the Upside Down and won his battle against the Mind Flayer, or did he? After Season Two Will still had a connection to the Mind Flayer even though it was thought to have been previously destroyed. Throughout the Season we saw Will be the third wheel among his friends as they all had girlfriends and he didn’t have anyone special. With his remaining connection to the Mind Flayer, Will had feelings and visions throughout the season which helped him and his friends finally (hopefully?!) destroy the creature from the Upside Down.

Dustin:

Dustin returned to Hawkins from Camp Know Where, a Science Summer Camp. As soon as he got back he began to build a radio tower so he could communicate with his new girlfriend Suzie whom he had met at camp. For a majority of the season most of his friends didn’t believe Suzie actually existed. After he finished the radio tower he attempted to contact Suzie but he actually intercepted a Russian transmission which is what helped the group discover that they were planning to reopen the portal to the Upside Down. It is not until the very end of the season when Dustin finally reached Suzie and she helped with coding during the final battle at the Starcourt.

Lucas:

We saw Lucas and Max get a lot closer in Season Three as their relationship blossomed. We learned a little more about Lucas’s family life as his little sister Erica is seen throughout and even showed up to team up with her brother during the final battle.

Max:

Max has probably one of the most difficult trials throughout Season Three as she has to choose between saving her brother or saving her friends and potentially the world. In the end, the fate of her brother Billy was out of her control and he met his demise at the hands of the Mind Flayer shortly after Eleven freed him from its grip. He died by Max’s side and she is seen grieving in his bedroom in the final moments of the season.

Steve:

America’s newest sweetheart got a job at Scoops Ahoy Ice Cream at the Starcourt in the Third Season. It’s there where he also befriended and developed a crush on former classmate Robin. Until he found out that she’s a lesbian so he wasn’t really her type. The two ended up being kidnapped by Russians after discovering their secret lab underneath Starcourt. Dustin later saved the duo and they helped the group bring down the Mind Flayer. The power duo of Steve and Robin looks like it will continue in Season Four because at the end of Season Three they got a new job together at Family Video.

Nancy & Jonathan:

Nancy and Jonathan were attached at the hip in Season Three. They both got a job as interns at the Hawkins Post. That led them to investigate a case of rabid rats that ended up getting them fired from their internships but it did give them information about the Mind Flayer. That ultimately helped the gang defeat the monster. The two continue their relationship via long-distance after Jonathan moves from Hawkins in the Season Three finale.

Billy:

The lifeguard we would all fake drown for had one of the saddest arcs in Season Three. Right off the bat, Billy got taken over by the Mind Flayer. The MInd Flayer controlled Billy to kidnap his fellow lifeguard Heather and sacrifice her to it. Billy and Heather then begin to recruit others and sacrifice them to the Mind Flayer. After recruiting an army of Hawkins residents, releasing the Mind Flayer, and absorbing Elevens powers, Billy made his way to the Starcourt mall for the final battle. Billy is about to kill El when she reminds him of the memory when he and his mother were on a beach. The memory broke the hold that the Mind Flayer had on Billy and he sacrificed himself to save her. His sacrifice also gave Joyce the time to close the gate to the Upside Down. In the end, Billy did have some redemption arc, but he won’t be around to see it.

Joyce:

The mother of Jonathan and Will, a woman who will stop at nothing to protect the ones she loves proves that to every extent in Season Three. After teaming up as friends with Hopper to investigate the suspicious doings in Hawkins the two find out that Russians are buying properties in town in order to reopen the Upside Down. In the end, this leads Joyce and Hopper to the secret Russian facility under Starcourt where Joyce is left with the decision to save her children and the city or save Hopper who moments earlier she finally agreed to go on a date. Hopper gives her the instructions to save her boys and the city and accepts his fate as Joyce closes the gate. After saving her boys, Hawkins, and potentially the world, Joyce took in Eleven and decided it was time to leave the Strange Things behind and start over. She packed up her house, her boys, and her new daughter, and drove out of Hawkins. Previews indicate the family has moved somewhere in California at to start of Season Four.

Hopper:

You honestly can’t help but love the newly transformed, big-hearted, Jim Hopper. That is unless you’re Joyce Byers and it takes working together to stop Russian soldiers from buying abandoned properties in Hawkins to open a portal to the Upside Down to finally agree to go on a date with him. Unfortunately, the date doesn’t come because Hopper instructs Joyce to close the gate to the Upside Down while he is in that room because that is the only moment that they can do it and save Hawkins. Hopper is seemingly disintegrated hence why Eleven is taken in by Joyce. However, the trailers and promos for Season Three indicate that Hopper is in fact still alive and in Russia.

The first five episodes of Stranger Things Season Four release on Netflix Friday, May 27th and the remaining four episodes of the season hit the platform on Friday, July 1st.

Fandom Merch and Collectibles

Collectibles

Rianna Paez

May 25, 2022

Being a part of any fandom is truly a beautiful thing. You see, one of the fun things about being a part of any fandom is the merch and collectibles available. Merch and collectibles are a fun way to express our love and interests for our favorite fandoms. One of my favorite pieces in my collection is my Hawkeye/Ronin Sixth Scale Figure by Hot Toys. Hawkeye is my favorite Avenger, so I truly hold this piece near and dear to my heart. Since I’ve started my Tik Tok account, I’ve found it to be a great space to not only showcase my collection, however, a great space as well to announce new and upcoming merch and collectibles. Since I love to share my finds and new releases, I thought I’d share my 4 tips/suggestions when it comes to snagging your favorite fandom merch and collectibles.

Pre-Orders

Pre-Orders are truly a breath of fresh air. It’s nice when items go on pre-order because this will ensure that you get the item(s) you are wanting. Sometimes shops will do pre-orders and only require a deposit to place your pre-order which truly makes this budget friendly. Make sure to follow your favorite shops and turn your notifications on so when pre-orders do go live you can guarantee that the item you are wanting will be yours. Some shops will not charge your card on file until your pre-order ships. Keep in mind though, some merch and collectibles (depending on the shop) are most likely to hit the store and be on shelves before your pre-order ships.

Small Shops

This is probably going to be my favorite suggestion. Don’t forget to check out small shops! There’s nothing better than supporting a small shop that makes merch based on your favorite fandom! In terms of apparel merch, I personally own more small shop apparel merch than I do big chain stores. I just love seeing all the talented artists and designers out there and to own, support and wear a piece of their work brings me so much joy. Small Shops will always announce their shop openings and sales in advance, so you’ve got plenty of time to prep for their launch. On occasion these shops will do surprise drops which can be so much fun. One thing I truly value and appreciate about small shops is that they will often ask what we (us as the customer) would like to see them do next. This truly shows they care about their customers and want to aim to provide us with something we’ve been wanting. So next time you see a shop you love ask what you want to see next don’t be shy to drop your suggestion!

Exclusives/Limited Edition

When it comes to Limited Edition/Exclusives it can be a bit tricky. My best advice would be to make sure your post notifications are turned on for the brands you love to shop from and make sure to be signed up for their emailing list.

Exclusives/Limited Edition Cart Check Out:

I always recommend being logged into your account and make sure to have your card information and mailing address already entered so it makes checking out easier. If for whatever reason you don’t have time to log in or you forgot your password (happens to me all the time) and you do not have time to reset, then if available, I recommend utilizing Shop Pay. Shop Pay is always my saving grace when it comes to snagging an exclusive. Know what item(s) you are aiming for, add to cart then head to the check out. This is not to time to browse the site and shop around. When it comes to exclusives and limited-edition items, this is the focus. Try to add to cart and check out within 2 minutes. I do know firsthand how overwhelming snagging an exclusive/limited edition item can be, so I hope these tips help you out.

Follow Your Favorite Creators

There’s always so much merch and collectibles releasing that’s it’s so hard to keep up sometimes, even for me! I love to follow specific creators who like myself love to find merch & collectibles! For some of these creators I have my post notifications turned on so I can always catch their posts to ensure I keep up to date with the latest finds.

I truly hope you enjoyed reading a few of my tips and suggestions. At the end of the day my mission is to make sure I always share my finds with everyone.

For additional tips, check out Rianna’s Tiktok where she shares her epic finds!

Ms. Marvel: The Importance Of Muslim Representation

Representation Matters

TheAmiraReview

May 25, 2022

Ms. Marvel: The Importance Of Muslim Representation

Growing up a Muslim girl in North America, I realized quickly how rare it was for someone that looks like me to be on the big screen.

To be honest, I never thought a day would come where a Muslim would be seen as anything more than a threat or a victim in Hollywood.

In 2021 the Annenberg Inclusion initiative published a shocking study titled “Missing & Maligned: The Reality of Muslims in Popular Global Movies” in collaboration with Oscar winning actor Riz Ahmed. The study showed that less than 2% of speaking characters in major movies released between 2017 and 2019 were Muslim. Additionally, “more than one-third of those characters were depicted as ‘perpetrators of violence,’ while more than half were shown to be victims of it.”
The fight for Muslim representation in Hollywood — and the danger of falling behind, CBC.

Muslim constitute nearly a quarter of the world population. Their misrepresentation has serious consequences that go beyond our screens. This is exactly why we need characters like Kamala Khan.

Kamala Khan, a Muslim Pakistani-American teenager from New Jersey is a Marvel superhero. She is Marvel’s first Muslim character to headline her own comic book which debuted in February 2014.

Kamala was created to connect with others through her struggles. Just like our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man; It was important for her creators that Ms. Marvel was a nuanced, reliable, and rich character:

“As much as Islam is a part of Kamala’s identity, this book is […] about your sense of self. It’s a struggle we’ve all faced in one form or another and isn’t just particular to Kamala because she’s Muslim. Her religion is just one aspect of the many ways she defines herself”
Wheeler, Andrew (November 6, 2013). “All-New Marvel NOW! Q&A: Ms. Marvel!”. Marvel.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2013. Retrieved November 7, 2013.

When the news of a Ms. Marvel Disney+ show came out (2021), I didn’t know how to feel. As a Muslim Woman, I was both excited and scared. Excited to finally get a brown Muslim hero, to be included in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), and scared because I didn’t want to have too many expectations and get disappointed.

Then the oﬃcial trailer came out in March 2022. I was happy to realize that this new female character was unapologetically Muslim. Unapologetically Pakistani. Unapologetically herself.

(L-R): Mohan Kapur as Yusuf, Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan, Saagar Shaikh as Aamir, and Nimra Bucha as Najma in Marvel Studios’ MS. MARVEL. Photo by Daniel McFadden. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

I decided then that Kamala would mean hope for me. Hope to finally have an accurate and good representation of Muslims in the media.

Wanting to hear from other creators, I reached out to my friend Neebs (@watchwithNeebz), A Muslim Pakistani-American from New Jersey. Here’s what he had to say:

“One of the things that is so important about Ms. Marvel is that she doesn’t feel comfortable in her own skin, literally. Something so many teenagers can relate to. Therefore, when she first transforms for the first time, she turns into Carol’s version of Ms. Marvel. A blue eyed, blonde hair, tall, white woman in a revealing outfit. To Kamala Khan, this is what beauty and strength looks like but most of all, this is what a hero looks like.

Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios’ MS. MARVEL. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

The most important thing about Kamala is not her power but her journey. Something we know we will get to see in the new show judging by the line, “It’s not the brown girls from Jersey City that go on to save the world.” When I heard this line, I knew this show was something special. I knew this was a show I needed when I was growing up. Many South Asian kids find themselves distancing from their culture out of fear of mockery, bullying, and sometimes even violence. Perhaps if a show like Ms. Marvel existed when I was in Highschool, it would not have taken me so long to fall back in love with my culture. […]”

Neebz is actually working with the Jersey City Oﬃce of Cultural Aﬀairs to organize a giant screening of the first two episodes of Ms. Marvel in a park!

“I want young brown kids to know that no matter what they feel or what they have been told, it is the brown girls from Jersey City who go on to save the world. This line is the heart of who Ms. Marvel is. If the show can capture this element in a way that is moving and powerful, it won’t matter if they changed her powers. Kamala is too important to too many people to let a change in powers overshadow what an agent of change she can be, an “embiggening” reminder that good is not something you are, but something you do.”

Here is it again: Hope. Ms. Marvel means so much already for a community that has been starving to see itself be the hero for once.

For now, I believe we should celebrate the arrival of Ms. Marvel. While it is still too early to assess the impact that Kamala khan will have on Hollywood, I think it is safe to say that she is a beacon of new possibilities for Muslims and South Asian people.

Ms. Marvel premieres exclusively on Disney+ on June 8th, 2022.

What Comics To Read Before Watching “She-Hulk: Attorney At Law”

Comic Books

Eric "Mr SniDBitS" Sanders

May 24, 2022

What Comics To Read Before Watching “She-Hulk: Attorney At Law”

With Marvel’s lineup of shows on Disney+, there is a lot of content building up. This means keeping up with the related comics can be tricky. Luckily not all the comics have to be read if you want to stay ahead of the shows with your reading. As far as I can tell from the preview we got last week, Marvel is sticking amazingly close to the comics. Check out these She-Hulk comic runs to see how close they got.

The following is my list of essential reading for those looking to catch up on She-hulk solo comics before the attorney at law releases this August. These are all excellent entry points to the She-Hulk comics, however, with comics, there is almost always related material and connections to other characters and issues. Keep an eye out for other comics that relate to the She-Hulk runs if something catches your interest. Some of those will be highlighted below as well.

Savage She-Hulk Vol. 1 (1980 – 1982)

This is where it all began. Jennifer Walters, Attorney is shot by those that would see her silenced for her work on a specific case. The only person who can give her the life-saving blood transfusion she needs is her Superhero cousin Bruce Banner a.k.a. The Incredible Hulk. All that Gamma-contaminated blood running through her quickly turns her into the Savage She-Hulk.

Sensational She-Hulk (1989 – 1994)

After joining the Avengers and Fantastic Four, Jen Becomes DA, and we get Grey She-Hulk (much like Hulk). Joins the Avengers again. And then has an encounter that leads to Jen fleeing the team and the city. The Avengers track her down and She-Hulk and Hulk end up in a giant rumble. Jen then struggles with what many heroes struggle with and that is maintaining control of their powers.

The Sensational She-Hulk, Issue Number 1

She-Hulk Vol. 1 (2004-2005)

After disappearing from the Avengers and losing control of her powers and the fallout from that loss. Jennifer Walters is back to work as a Lawyer in a more full-time capacity superhero work is not in the cards as often these days. Instead, Jen helps other heroes by joining the Superhuman Law Division of a New York law firm.

She-Hulk Vol. 2 (2005-2009)

Jen’s Law career is getting more serious as she takes on some challenging cases. With Hulk being sent to space by the Illuminati (Planet Hulk), She-Hulk is asked to fight in Hulk’s place. Who can she trust, why is everyone acting so strange? She-Hulk is also confronted by her cousin’s return from Sakaar and the fallout from Planet Hulk.

She-Hulk Vol. 3 (2014)

Jen Walters now goes it alone, with her own solo practice as well as having her own paralegal. She also gets some new clientele, which some might take issue with. She-Hulk even takes on Captain America himself as a client. She also has to deal with great loss in this chapter of her life. Jen also has to take on Matt Murdock (Daredevil), in a trial for the ages. Deadpool, where?

She-Hulk Vol. 4 (2016) Marvel Now (Hulk)

After the events of Marvel’s Civil War II, Jen Walters is scraping her life back together after barely surviving. She tries a new approach to being a hero but gets caught up dealing with the uncontrollable version of She-Hulk, Grey She-Hulk, that she was not prepared to deal with.

She-Hulk Vol. 5 (2022)

The newest She-Hulk story was released earlier this year. Jen is slowly putting her life back together and with the help of some old friends is reluctantly getting a new job and apartment. New paths are opening for Jennifer Walters, including paths that will change her and possibly the entire Marvel Universe.

Supplemental She-Hulk Issues

Below are some more comics either starring She-Hulk or with a large part of the story dealing with her or her greener half. Including issues when She-Hulk/Jennifer Walters joins the Avengers and the Fantastic Four. She-Hulk also has to choose a side in Marvel’s Civil War and World War Hulk. A-force finds She-Hulk/Jen as the Leader of the A-force. These are only a small sample of the dozens of books that include She-hulk. Happy reading. And don’t forget to check out She-Hulk: Attorney At Law streaming exclusively on Disney+ on August 17th, 2022.

The New ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Trailer is Here and it’s Glorious

Marvel Comics

Michael Rothman

May 23, 2022

*All rights reserved – Marvel Studios – Thor Love & Thunder hits theaters on July 8*

The new “Thor: Love and Thunder” trailer dropped during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, as previously teased over the weekend and it’s better than fans ever could have imagined.

In the first teaser, we saw Thor turn over a new leaf following the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” putting down Stormbreaker in lieu of finding himself without war.

“I need to figure out exactly who I am,” a meditating Thor says in the first clip.

We then saw Thor cut some weight, a first glimpse of Russell Crowe’s Zeus and that Gorr the God Butcher has already been busy in his quest.

In this second clip, we see more of Thor and Jane’s reunion, with the God of Thunder surprised to see his ex wielding Mjolnir.

All rights reserved – Marvel Studios 2022

In fact, it’s been 8 years, 7 months and 6 days since the duo have seen each other, not that Thor’s counting or anything.

We also get the first terrifying look at Gorr, played by Christian Bale and he is the stuff on nightmares.

“This is my vow, all gods will die,” he says in the clip.

Jane’s Thor also looks ready to take on anyone and anything!!

This is gonna be fun!

“Let me tell you the story of the space viking, Thor Odinson…”

Watch the brand-new trailer for Marvel Studios’ #ThorLoveAndThunder and witness it only in theaters July 8. pic.twitter.com/CysmkO7GGP
— Thor (@thorofficial) May 24, 2022

Thor: Love and Thunder hits theaters on July 8 and is produced by Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.

Why Bros, the 1st Major Studio Gay Rom-Com, is the ‘Real Deal’

Donavan Rose

May 22, 2022

Why Bros, the 1st Major Studio Gay Rom-Com, is the ‘Real Deal’

“Bros” is set to “Come Out” this September.

Universal Pictures recently released the first trailer for “Bros,” the first ever gay rom-com to be released by a major studio.

The film was written by and stars Billy Eichner, who is now making history himself as the first openly gay man to write and star in his own major studio film. “Bros” is also making history by being the first major studio film that has an entirely LGBTQ+ principal cast.

More Movie News

The film stars Eichner as Bobby Lieber, a single, podcast host who has seemingly lost all hope for love in the madness of the gay dating scene.

That is until he possibly stumbles his way towards love. From the first trailer, it looks like this movie is something that is going to touch a sweet spot for a lot of the LGBTQ+ community, not only because of it making history but because the story really captures what it’s like to be someone trying to date in the gay community.

The trailer made me audibly laugh out loud multiple times but it also made me tear up a little bit.

Being a gay man — seeing things that I have experienced being experienced on screen and being portrayed by people who have actually experienced it too — so they can capture the realness of it is something that this community has needed for a long time.

This movie shows the real gayness in daily life despite years of the overdramatized Hollywood representation of the community.

There was one thing from the trailer that really stuck with me and I think it’s going to for a lot of people in the community. In the scene, a major studio had asked Eichner’s character Bobby to write a movie about a gay man that a straight man would want to watch with his girlfriend. The studio exec added, “We just want a movie that shows the world that gay relationships and straight relationships are the same, love is love is love.”

In response Bobby says, ”That’s Bullshit. Our friendships are different, our sex lives are different, our relationships are different.”

That line really made me realize that this movie is the real deal, it’s not trying to push that Hollywood “Love is love … it’s all the same” agenda but rather show what it’s really like being apart of the LGBTQ+ community. This film looks like something that the LGBTQ+ community has been waiting for a very long time.

“Bros” comes out on September 30th, 2021.

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