Comic Years |
- Krysten Ritter Directing Girl In The Woods Adaptation For Peacock
- Hellfire Gala Outfits – The Best And The Worst Of The Mutant X-travaganza
- DC FanDome Is Coming Back In Fall 2021 For Another Virtual Event
- Review: The Invincible Season Finale Is Full Of Blood And Tears; The Latter From Me
- Why Kevin Feige Is Thrilled That Chloé Zhao Is Directing Eternals
- Three Underrated Anime Dubs On Funimation
- The Handmaid’s Tale Returns For Season 4 On Hulu With New Episodes As Gilead Prepares For A Reckoning
- Genre Authors Form Task Force To Demand That Disney Pay Back Royalties
| Krysten Ritter Directing Girl In The Woods Adaptation For Peacock Posted: 30 Apr 2021 09:50 AM PDT NBCU’s streaming platform Peacock is getting scary. To that end, they’ve ordered to pilot (and beyond) an adaptation of a Crypt TV property. And none other than Krysten Ritter will be directing The Girl in the Woods, the upcoming adaptation. Well, she’ll be directing the first half, including the pilot. So let’s talk about it. Wait, What TV?In case you’ve never heard of Blumhouse-backed Crypt TV, don’t feel bad. If you mostly get your TV shows through your actual television, then it’s unsurprising that you haven’t heard of it. That’s because Crypt TV, which Jack Davis and Eli Roth developed, is solely focused on short-form entertainment mainly made for mobile devices. Think of it kind of like Quibi but for horror. And not just handcuffed to your phone. The company makes short films that play on various platforms, but mostly Facebook and YouTube. Therefore, you could watch them on your TV if you’re so inclined. In fact, they’ve also produced content for Netflix and Shudder, so again, they’re not just expecting you to sit through a 20-minute film on your littlest screen. And further, you might have already watched one of their programs without realizing it. For instance, the series The Birch, which I wrote about in my piece on Facebook’s TV shows, is a Crypt TV production. It’s also their most watched series. However, they have a ton of shorts and shows besides that one. Take, for example, the popular The Girl in the Woods. Krysten Ritter Directing Girl in the Woods Series for Peacock Hmm, it says, “DON’T DEAD OPEN INSIDE.” I think we should open it. (image via Crypt TV) The Girl in the Woods series started with 2018’s The Door in the Woods, in which a group of dumb weiner kids finds a door…in the woods. They open it and shockingly, it doesn’t go great for them. The story then picks up again in last year’s The Girl in the Woods, which starred Kal Penn and Cobra Kai’s Peyton List. It follows a survivor of the mayhem in Door as they learn to fight the monsters that were unleashed. I’m not going to give any more away, but you can watch it all for yourself on Crypt TV’s YouTube channel. While the series on Crypt TV is two short films, Peacock has ordered the property to be adapted into an eight-episode show. Actress and author Krysten Ritter will be directing the first four episodes. (Come Play director Jacob Chase will take over for the second half.) According to Variety, Ritter said in a statement, “As a huge fan of horror and all things coming of age, this is one of the most exciting pilot scripts I've gotten my hands on. I fell in love with the characters, the writing, the setting, and the themes the second I read it. I also loved Crypt's original short 'The Door in the Woods' and the universe they are building. I'm so thrilled to have the opportunity to helm this badass female-driven monster hunting series with Jane Casey Modderno, Crypt, and Peacock.” Incidentally, Modderno, who wrote The Birch, will be writing these episodes as well. There’s no word yet on when we can expect to see the series. We also don’t know if any of the original actors will return, but we’ll let you know both when we know. What do you think? Tell us in these comments or on our social media. featured image via Crypt TV Krysten Ritter Directing Girl In The Woods Adaptation For Peacock  |
| Hellfire Gala Outfits – The Best And The Worst Of The Mutant X-travaganza Posted: 30 Apr 2021 06:46 AM PDT With over sixty Hellfire Gala designs, the Krakoans' outfits for the big night feature some of the best-dressed heroes of all time. But, sadly, some of Jumbo Carnation's leave us scratching our head. For the most part, the 67 wardrobes are great. There are more than 10 best, but we're narrowing it down as best as we can. As for the ten worst? Well, there weren't as many bad ones as there were good, but there was certainly enough to list ten. So, without further delay, the best and worst Hellfire Gala outfits designed by Jumbo Carnation, the mutant fashion icon. The Best and Worst Hellfire Gala Outfits #10Pixie, Both Elegant and Adorable (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Since her days in Xavier's Academy, Pixie has grown up tremendously. Who could forget her role in the fight for the infant Hope Summers? She thought it was a good idea to teleport all the young mutants and Predator X on top of the X-Men and Marauders as they fought over a baby. But that foolhardy girl is a young woman now – and yet, there is still that part of her that will always be pure Pixie. While her superhero outfits always followed team colors, she has an elegant black dress for the Hellfire Gala that makes her curly pink hair shine. Serious meets playful. Her wings, both black and pink, bring the entire look together. Dazzler, a Superstar Performer…But Not Dressed Like One (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Don't let the dazzling lights and colors fool you; this outfit is simply basic. It's a black bodysuit with just a bit of white on the sleeves. Turn off her mutant powers, and it's boring. While this might be okay for other Krakoans, Dazzler can do better. She's Krakoa's Lady Gaga. Her outfits, regardless of the Hellfire Gala one, should always look original and sophisticated. Ironically, this outfit would have been perfect for Domino, but she has something a little more functional since she is part of the security detail. The Best and Worst Hellfire Gala Outfits #9Nightcrawler, the Fashionable Swashbuckling Half-Demon (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Kurt Wagner and his father Azazel could not be more different. One is a man of faith, while the other is literally a demon. Like, from Hell and everything. But the one thing Nightcrawler does share with his old man, besides the pointy tail? Style. His outfits in the field have always been rather muted and uninspiring, but at the Hellfire Gala, we get to see a side of Nightcrawler he's been hiding for far too long. Pirate Sophistication Daken. Just Daken (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) It's a suit. There are Hellfire Gala outfits with headpieces and shoulder pads made of spikes (looking at you, Penance and Warpath), and for Daken? A suit with his tattoo printed on it. Maybe Jumbo Carnation fell asleep for this one. Dazzler's might have been boring, but this is off-the-rack uninspired. The Best and Worst Hellfire Gala #8Amazing Baby and his Mutant Owner, Rachel Summers (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Only Rachel Summers could pull this off. Other Hellfire Gala outfits feature bodysuits and spikes, but when Rachel does it, it works. What makes it work is that she's allowing her pain to shine. When she lived in the future, humans turned her into a mutant hunter and gave her those tattoos. Carnation turned that pain into style. However, what brings Rachel to our top ten is Amazing Baby, the warwolf she adopted as a pet. There are very few non-mutants on Krakoa, but Amazing Baby is by far the most adorable. Sorry, Jubilee, Shogo is a cute baby, but he's no Amazing Baby. Cyclops, More Militant Than Marvelous (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Jean Grey has one of the loveliest outfits at the Hellfire Gala. But, on her arm is Cyclops. This outfit looks like Cyclops pieced together every field outfit he wore through the seventies and eighties and then finished it with a dash of dictatorship. We all remember that side of Scott Summers, right? When he went through his terrorist phase? Well, this outfit is certainly a fashion terror. The Best and Worst Hellfire Gala Outfits #7Manifold, the Everywhere Man After Everyone's Hearts (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Manifold can talk to the universe. The Universe. It's how he fold space and time to teleport…or create miniature suns to defeat a symbiote god from space. But I'm not jealous of Manifold's amazing ability. Instead, I'm jealous of the universe for getting to talk to this stunning example of a mix of mutant masculinity and femininity. That jacket does it all. Also, while many men chose to go shirtless for their Hellfire Gala outfits, most of them look more desperate than classy. In fact, how did the guys decked out with their pecs out pull the look off in general? Let's thank Jumbo Carnation for making Manifold's outfit work so well with it. Karma Might Have Walked Into the Wrong Party (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) If one of my friends said she just bought this from Torrid and will wear it for a night on the town, I'd say she looks fabulous. If she bought it and said she was wearing it to the Met Gala, I'd pretend not to know her. This puffy pink parka has no business being among the other Hellfire Gala Outfits. Going to the club? Yes. Going to the biggest event in mutant/human history? Hard pass. The Best and Worst Hellfire Gala Outfits #6Synch and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamycoat (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Not many people know this, but Synch is actually RuPaul's Drag Race star choreographer Todrick Hall's fourth cousin (that still counts, right?). But if you couldn't see it before, it's hard to miss here. The psychedelic jacket is reminiscent of the fictional superhero Shade the Changing Man wore in the popular Vertigo comics. However, pairing that burst of colors with an all-black suit and fedora? Perfection. Monarch and the Cone of Shame (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Did Monarch have his balls removed? Not because he looks less manly, but it appears they put a collar around his neck to prevent him from biting at his genitals. Additionally, is he potty training too, because that thing around his midsection is definitely a diaper. You can't convince me otherwise. Also, is it all supposed to be white, or did they forget to color in the design? Hopefully, it's the latter. Just failure all around…the neck. The Best and Worst Hellfire Gala Outfits #5
Emma Frost, Ever Sexy, Ever Stylish, Ever DivineIn another life, Emma Frost's corset was just a reminder of how misogynistic the Hellfire Club used to be. But here, one of the three of her outfits she's wearing to the Hellfire Gala, she makes it a symbol of power. She reminds us why they call her the White Queen with the dove-like winged headpiece and the billowing white cape. She always looks like royalty. Well…almost. Emma Frost, the Ice Queen (and not a fun one like Elsa from Frozen).Though many readers find DC Comics' Power Girl's "boob window" appalling, however, as fashion icon Tim Gunn said, "I just believe that she owns this. I believe it…believe her. I believe that this is who she is." The boob window might work for Power Girl. This X-book window does not work for Emma Frost. And then there's the crown, which even the most eccentric of queens would describe as "a lot." Sadly, this is one of her three Hellfire Gala Outfits. The third kind of looks like a beaded curtain, but with all diamonds…and it works. The Best and Worst Hellfire Gala Outfits #4The Prodigious Gender-Defying Style of Prodigy (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) When most fashion journalists talk about the best dress of the evening, the name following is usually a Scarlet Johannsson, Natalie Portman, or Janet Van Dyne. But for the Hellfire Gala outfits, many writers will declare David Alleyen's as the best of the evening. This beautiful, winged gown looks like it should have been made for Pixie, and she could probably make it work, but on David, it's like seeing the world for the first time after Hope Summers and the Five bring you back to life. At least, that's what I imagine it to be like. All those trolls who say men can't pull of gowns? Stay in your cave or under your bridge, or wherever you dwell. David owns this look. Madrox's Hellfire Outfit is Confusing in Multiple Ways (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Where to begin with this catastrophe of green? No, really, I'm asking because there's so much wrong with this, it's hard to decide where to start. Maybe Jumbo Carnation took several discarded ideas for other Hellfire Gala ideas and put them in a blender? And maybe he was also making a smoothie in another blender, but accidentally put the spinach in the wardrobe blender? Are those pants or a pant skirt? What's with the breastplate? Does Ryan Reynolds know that Madrox stole his Green Lantern mask? Also, that big dot on his forehead makes me think that Jumbo hates Madrox and wants to make sure that whichever mutant-hating group ends up crashing the party has a clear target. Perhaps when the Five resurrect him, they can alter his sense of fashion into…not this. The Best and Worst Hellfire Gala Outfits #3Japan's Past Meets Krakoa's Future with Psylocke (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Kwannon has a tragic past. For years, she was a prisoner in her own mind as Betsy Braddock piloted her body. Now that she's in charge of her body again, she's struggled to find her place in Krakoan society. Oddly, it was Mister Sinister who helped her find her way, putting her in charge of the Hellions, a team of violent mutants who need psychology more than missions. Here, more than any of the other outfits at the Hellfire Gala, we truly see a character personified. A beautiful Japanese Kimono with a sash of Krakoan flowers. One of Jumbo's greatest works in his entire career. Elizabeth Braddock, the One Named Sailor Moon? (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Elizabeth. Liz. Lizzy. You are Captain Britain and the leader of Excalibur. Why are you cosplaying as a teenage girl from the 1990s? Exposed legs and puffy sleeves will never work, no matter how strong your psychic abilities might be. You're also supposed to talk to heads of state from around the world. The outfits at the Hellfire Gala should reflect that. But this? The only politician that will talk to you is a certain congressman from the United States, and he's not interested in the affairs of Otherworld. The Best and Worst Hellfire Gala Outfits #2Mystique's Hellfire Gala Outfit Solves Every Fashion Mystery (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Raven Darkholme, the sometimes-terrorist, sometimes freedom-fighter, Mystique, can look like anything she wants to look like. She can simply imagine a beautiful gown, and it just becomes a part of her. But even a woman as beautiful and graceful as Mystique knows when to go to a pro. Jumbo created a gown that has the feathery fluid appearance that happens when she shift-shapes into someone else. In person, that effect can be unnerving. As an outfit, it's probably the best dress of all the women's Hellfire Gala outfits for the night. Charles Xavier, Founder and Leader of Krakoa, is an Uncanny Disaster (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) He's the most powerful man in the world right now. The most powerful telepath in history. Charles Xavier, who convinced mutants with names like Mister Sinister and Apocalypse, both of whom tried to kill off humanity, to turn into representatives of Krakoa working with humanity. So why are you wearing a white leotard that makes you look like a preteen boy learning ballet? The gold accessories aren't helping either. All the other Hellfire Gala outfits should pale in comparison to Xavier. Instead, we just get pale.
The Best and Worst Hellfire Gala Outfits #1Forget Juggernaut. Colossus is the Unstoppable One (Image: X-Men Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) The Hellfire Gala Colossus thirst phenomenon swept nations recently. And it's easy to see why. If we need to explain more, take another look at the mutant Adonis above and try not to feel a stir. If you don't, see a doctor immediately. Preferably Doctor Strange, because you are missing something magical. Magneto, Master of Nothing (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Hugh Jackman called. He wants his Greatest Showman costume back. This is a gala, not a circus, Eric. Unless you can sing like Hugh Jackman and will actually be part of the telepathic concert, then there is no reason to dress like you're going to manipulate a tiger through a hoop instead of the world's missiles. More than a few Hellfire Gala outfits failed, but you, sir, are really the master – the ringmaster. Final Thoughts on the Hellfire Gala Outfits I did not get one of these. (Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Sure, some were less than inspiring, but we could have written pages upon pages about the other 57. This night is going to be amazing, as long as no nutjob bigoted terrorists drop in. I, for one, can't wait to see what fireworks look like when mutants are in charge. But, like most of the world, I'll be reading about it the next day. Probably writing about it too. Editor's Note: We reached out to Jumbo Carnation for an interview with Roman Colombo, but the Master of Fashion declined with this statement:
(Featured Image: The Hellfire Gala Guide, Marvel Comics) Hellfire Gala Outfits – The Best And The Worst Of The Mutant X-travaganza  |
| DC FanDome Is Coming Back In Fall 2021 For Another Virtual Event Posted: 30 Apr 2021 03:45 AM PDT The virtual fan event DC FanDome is returning in fall 2021, even as in-person conventions are set to resume. The event which promotes all things DC from movies to shows to video games will again allow people from all over the world to gather around their devices to celebrate the projects underway starring characters from DC Comics. Last summer when the COVID-19 Pandemic threw the world into disarray, entertainment companies found themselves in a strange position. With so many folks stuck at home, their potential audiences was bigger than ever. However, the pandemic meant that people weren't going to movies and in-person conventions all shut down. Thus, the DC FanDome virtual fan event was born. It was there that we first saw a teaser for the Snyder Cut of Justice League. We were also given a new look at Wonder Woman 1984. Dwayne Johnson revealed that the Justice Society would be in Black Adam. They also all-but confirmed the double-Batman multiverse extravaganza that will be The Flash film. Of course, the highlight was the trailer for The Batman, the newest adventure starring a third Caped Crusader. After three months of nothing to really be excited about, DC FanDome made people care about DC movies again. Along with big feature films and TV shows on the CW and Epix, the DC FanDome virtual event will also likely reveal HBO Max originals, some that may even premiere in late 2021. There weren't too many surprises revealed at the first one, but it's possible that new projects will be officially announced during the event.
DC FanDome will debut on its own site on October 16, 2021.What do you think? Are you excited for DC FanDome 2021 or are you not into the virtual event? What project are you most hoping to hear about? Tell us in the comments below. Featured image via DC Comics DC FanDome Is Coming Back In Fall 2021 For Another Virtual Event  |
| Review: The Invincible Season Finale Is Full Of Blood And Tears; The Latter From Me Posted: 30 Apr 2021 12:01 AM PDT The Invincible season finale is tear-jerkingly good. And I don't mean that as hyperbole to describe how awesome it is. Even though it is. I mean more that most of the episode is extremely emotional, more so than any other superhero content that comes before. It's a devastatingly heartbreaking finale to a show that was building to these moments from its premiere episodes. The Invincible season finale review is all about how this is one superhero show that cannot be missed. Animated or otherwise. Invincible Episode 7 Recap Featured image via Amazon Prime Video. Spoilers to follow for Invincible episode 7 before the season finale. The last episode set up a lot that pays off in this one. While Robot (Zachary Quinto) revealed his new body to the new Guardians Of The Globe, some had trouble accepting it. Namely, Monster Girl (Grey Griffin) and Rex (Jason Mantzoukas), who needed time to process their feelings. Amber (Zazie Beetz) broke up with Mark (Steven Yeun) due to his superhero-ing and the pre-requisite lying that comes with all superhero alter egos. While his mother Debbie (Sandra Oh) finally confronted Nolan / Omni-Man (J. K. Simmons) about why he murdered the original Guardians. When things didn't go the way she liked, Debbie sought refuge with Cecil (Walton Goggins), while Omni-Man went to find his son. All pretense dropped, Omni-Man began a rampage that saw him murder most of the soldiers tasked to watch him, and made his way towards Mark. Trying to slow him down, Cecil unleashed lasers, zombie robots, and even himself, to distract Nolan and buy Mark time. He's quite possibly the only one strong enough to stop Omni-Man. Mark, oblivious to it all was whining about his failed relationship. However, seeing his father attacked by a giant squid monster, compelled him to fight alongside daddy dearest. But when a newly resurrected member of the murdered team of Guardians attacked Nolan for revenge, things break down. Mark witnessed his father brutally killing Immortal, and that's where the Invincible season finale review begins. The Invincible Season Finale Was Hard To Watch, But Not For The Obvious Reasons Featured image via Amazon Prime Video. When Mark finally sees the truth about his father, the episode throws a roller coaster of emotions at the audience. It works wonderfully, given that the audience is essentially a proxy for Mark in this superhero world, while still being privy to a lot that he isn't. So seeing the revelations of the entire season, along with brand new ones, from his perspective, is devastating. Omni-Man finally reveals the motivations behind his actions and the larger scope of his existence. It's honestly surprising and comes as a huge shock. At least for those of us who haven't read the long-running comic book series. The rest of the episode deals with the fall-out of that revelation, and it's all emotional in a very action-packed kind of way. Despite its breezy blend of action, violence, and light-hearted comic book moments, Invincible really does something new in this season’s finale. It combines all those elements into a season finale that is tense, wild and makes good on all the build-up from the previous episodes. It's a near-perfect season finale, from a show that subverts the superhero genre, while enhancing it with a truly innovative story. Invincible Season Finale Review Proclaims It a Must-Watch
The entire season of Invincible is genuinely a must-watch. Not just for superhero fans, or comic book audiences, but audiences of all kinds. Its mature content and gory violence are not at all suitable for younger viewers. But for everyone else, it's a great show that utilizes and enhances the usual superhero tropes into something great. And despite its maturity, while most superhero content these days is all about making things serious and gloomy, Invincible walks a tight rope. The deeper story is absolutely dark, and brutally so. But the titular character is still just a teenager trying to do the usual teenage things while trying to fight crime. Those aspects of Invincible are great because it's the return to the more classic superhero storytelling that's been missing from this landscape for a while. In many ways, the contrast between Mark and Omni-Man is that separation of the idealistic come book content we used to get, beginning with Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, compared to the darker themed ones today, like The Boys. That juxtaposition of that adult story and explicit violence, with relatable young characters, is what makes Invincible so damn good! Most comic book storylines will take years, if not decades to get to the level of complex subject matter that the Invincible season finale leads up to within 8 episodes. And executed, so perfectly. Despite its comic book premiere 19 years ago, creator Robert Kirkman is able to adapt his original scripts into a breathtaking new series that's unlike anything since, or anything else on the air today. The Invincible season finale will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on April 30.Let us know what you thought about season 1 of Invincible in the comments below. Featured image via Amazon Prime Video. Review: The Invincible Season Finale Is Full Of Blood And Tears; The Latter From Me  |
| Why Kevin Feige Is Thrilled That Chloé Zhao Is Directing Eternals Posted: 29 Apr 2021 05:14 PM PDT Have you ever heard the saying that goes a little something like, “If you want something done right, do it yourself”? Chloé Zhaotook this to heart. After the director joined the 2021 Academy Award winners list, many of us flocked to see just how involved she was with the Best Picture-winning project Nomadland. Directed by, written for the screen by, produced by, edited by… Zhao! We have been nothing but impressed. And in advance of the Eternals release, Kevin Feige has also been watching Chloé Zhao with joy. With Chloé Zhao Directing Eternals, Kevin Feige Knows He Hired The Right Person For The JobZhao made history this year when she became the second woman ever to win the Best Director Oscar. She also became the first female person of color to take home the award. It’s been a proud time for fans worldwide, but it’s also made us realize just how much the world is watching. So, where does this Oscar-winning director go from here? We have known for quite some time that she would be behind the camera in an upcoming Marvel film. Eternals has evolved from “that Marvel movie with Angelina Jolie” to “that Marvel movie by one of the best young directors around.” Marvel Studios has cemented itself in the entertainment industry as one to look at in awe. And naturally, we assumed that to be considered for a big role in creating one of the MCU films, there was a lot of screening involved. But for Zhao, who we now see as bold and fearless, approached the studio herself.  image via Searchlight Pictures Zhao was initially on the list for women who were being considered for Black Widow. Though, she took herself out of the running. And it’s a good thing she did! Filming would have interfered with her ability to make Nomadland, forever changing her future career. Why direct a prequel when you can have complete control over a film like Nomadland, giving you more power to pick later MCU films? After forfeiting Black Widow (which eventually went to Cate Shortland), her move was to fight for Eternals. Along with Nate Moore, Zhao pitched her idea for the film directly to Kevin Feige, and it worked. The President of Marvel Studios has called her ideas bold and ambitious, which are two words that will forever go hand-in-hand with Zhao. While it may seem like Nomadland and Eternals were stones for Zhao to jump back and forth between, the reality of their release, press tours, and creations were overwhelmingly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Likely, Nomadland wouldn’t have released when it did if things had all gone according to plan. Fortunately for Zhao, it seems like she’s pretty good at navigating without a map. How Will Zhao Make Eternals Special?Many of us have seen the behind-the-scenes clips of MCU characters filming Endgame. And if you haven’t, take a look at the video below to see for yourself. As you’ll notice, there is plenty of green, and the practical effects are nothing compared to the visual effects. For those of you who have watched Nomadland, you’ll have noticed the spectacular visuals and breathtaking cinematography. It seems unlikely that a director known for creating that kind of art would be eager to jump into something that creates beauty through computer screens. We weren’t at all surprised to hear that Zhao fought for the use of more practical locations over studio shoots. Even Feige himself had to back her up when going to the “Disney higher-ups” to support her no-VFX sample reel, as explained in an interview with Variety. The same Variety interview goes on to give Zhao a chance to defend her collaboration with Marvel. It has to be daunting, working alongside a franchise that has the power to make or break directors, actors, and anybody who comes close to the power of the Mouse. Yet Zhao is confident in her abilities. She reminds us that they let her lead and that ultimately, the film did grow to represent her vision. Chloé Zhao Is The One To Watch Image via Marvel Studios Eternals, the next piece of the Phase Four puzzle, releases in theaters on November 5th. It follows Avengers: Endgame, telling a story of an alien race that has been living on Earth for thousands of years. As Kevin Feige continues to remind us when talking about Eternals, Chloé Zhao is a director to watch out for. An Academy Award, a history-making MCU film, and an upcoming retelling of Dracula? The passion and drive that this woman holds are insane, and we’re so proud to watch her flourish. Readers, are you as excited as Kevin Feige to see what Chloé Zhao does with Eternals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Featured image via Gage Skidmore on Flickr. Why Kevin Feige Is Thrilled That Chloé Zhao Is Directing Eternals  |
| Three Underrated Anime Dubs On Funimation Posted: 29 Apr 2021 03:57 PM PDT I’m not a purist when it comes to my anime. I’m actually quite fond of a good English dub. Sure, the caliber of talent in a Japanese sub is often unrivaled. That said, there are some great VAs doing English dubs for our favorite shows. If you’re not usually someone who usually watches dubs, then this list is for you. I’m going to go through three underrated anime dubs on Funimation that I think are well worth a watch. Even if you stick with subs as your standard viewing option, these are at least worth a try. Let’s start with possibly the biggest anime in the world right now. Demon Slayer – A Great Dub for an International Phenomenon Image Credit: Funimation Folks, Demon Slayer is on a tear right now. The film that recently released even made history. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train set a box office record for the highest-grossing anime film of all time this week. If you haven’t watched the show, then I’d recommend checking out the dub! This past week, Funimation even released Demon Slayer recap specials in the US to help speed up the process. Zach Aguilar does a great job as Tanjiro. You’ll likely recognize his voice from a number of anime like One Punch Man and even a couple video games, including Fire Emblem: Three Fates. Other notable actors in the main cast include Abby Trott, Aleks Le, and Bryce Papenbrook, the latter who is best known for playing Eren Jager in the dub of Attack On Titan. If you have the time to watch all of the series, then definitely go that route. The new specials will catch you up for the movie, so that’s a great route to go as well if you’re not wanting to invest all that time. Fruits Basket – An Underrated Show with a World-Class English VA Cast Image Credit: Funimation I’ve long sang the praises of Fruits Basket here at Comic Years. Apart from the final season being one of my most anticipated anime of 2021, I also consider it one of the top entries on my best romance anime bucket list. This show is literally about processing trauma and growing into who you’re meant to be. It’s uplifting and incredible that the original cast of the 2001 series was able to reunite for the full adaptation that began in 2019. Among the show’s cast is multi-award-winning voice actress Laura Bailey who played a huge role in The Game Awards 2020 Game of the Year, The Last of Us Part II. Other notable actors are Eric Vale as Yuki, Jerry Jewell as Kyo, and John Burgmeier as Shigure. Many other Funimation actors appear on the show as well and do a great job. While the sub for the show is really great, I adore the dub actors. In particular, the life and heart Laura Bailey brings to Tohru Honda will forever be one of my favorite anime VA performances of all time. The show is one of the most underrated anime dubs on Funimation and an overall underrated show. Did I mention you should watch this show? Okay, that’s my cue to move on before I type another manuscript on how great this show is. A Certain Scientific Railgun – The Most Underrated Anime Dub on Funimation Image Credit: Funimation I can see the hate comments rolling in already. If you’re familiar with A Certain Scientific Railgun, then you’re probably surprised to see this make the list. I actually adore the dub for this show. For the uninitiated, the dub lacks some of the puns of the original. Most notably, a particular decision in the dub process leaves an element of the original manga a bit out of place. One of the main characters, Kuroko, calls another character, Mikoto, “sissy” instead of “onee-sama.” It’s a bit weird if you’re familiar with the original honorific, but look past it, and you have an incredible dub. In particular, Alison Viktorin as Kuroko Shirai and Brittney Karbowski as Mikoto Misaka turn in incredibly strong performances. The rest of the cast, whether it’s mainstays or short-term characters, are well done too. I enjoy the world of A Certain Magical Index quite a bit compared to other similar Shōnen series. In fact, here’s one more hot take for you before we wrap up. In my opinion, A Certain Scientific Railgun is a better series than My Hero Academia. Let me know if you agree in the comments. If not, then I want to hear from you too! Go ahead and drop your favorite anime dub in the comments too while you’re at it. Featured Image Credit: Funimation Three Underrated Anime Dubs On Funimation  |
| Posted: 29 Apr 2021 01:15 PM PDT It has been two long years since the last episode of The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu. But the wait is finally over as The Handmaid’s Tale returns to kick off season 4 with three new episodes at once. The adaptation of the Margaret Atwood novel has long since outpaced the events of the book. As time has gone on, the show has become a bit of a zeitgeist. It has eerily paralleled real-world politics and the restriction of women’s rights around the world. The red dresses of the Handmaid’s have become a symbol of feminist protest. And the show has reflected these real-world parallels to dramatic effect. Now as the show returns for a fourth season, we see the story begin to set up for an endgame. We know that Hulu has already optioned Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments. But it is unclear how faithful they will be to Atwood’s continuity. Season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale Picks Up Where It Left Off Image via Hulu Season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale picks up immediately where it left off in season 3. Last season’s finale gave us a daring plan that saw June and her network of Handmaids and Marthas teaming up to free Gilead’s children. The plan was mostly a success that sent 87 children on a plane to ostensible freedom in Canada. It also left our intrepid heroine of June Osbourne gravely wounded.  Image via Hulu Hulu dropped the first three episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale season 4 on Wednesday. They primarily center around the ramifications of June’s actions. Everyone in Canada is dealing with trying to place these children into new homes. June’s husband Luke is struggling emotionally with the fact that his wife did not join the children on the plane to seek safety. June herself is settling into her role as leader of the resistance, as she realizes that the May Day army she has been waiting for has just been a network of women like herself all along. As June tells another woman in the second episode: “We are the ones that we have been waiting for.” The Waterfords Are In A Complicated Place Image via Hulu Meanwhile, Commander Waterford and Serena Joy are both in prison in Canada. After their failed attempt to seek asylum in season 3. The couple is at odds more than ever, trading accusations that will only sink both of them deeper. The two of them don’t get much screen time in these first three episodes. But what we do see culminates in the reveal that after all of these years – Serena Joy is finally pregnant. What ramifications this has for her character moving forward will be interesting to see. Serena is one of those characters that has been depicted both as villain and victim in the show. A strong woman who caged herself as a result of her regressive beliefs about women’s roles in society and marriage. Will Canada allow Serena Joy to stay and give birth to her baby in freedom? Or will her husband try to take them all back to Gilead where he can control them?  Image via Hulu It is hard to say that I enjoyed the first three episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale season 4. The show is still excellent, with sharp writing and impressive acting. The cinematography is beautiful, the emotional beats are powerful. But if anyone was hoping for catharsis following season 3, you might have to hold out a bit longer. The first episode deals with (trigger warning) child rape. Thankfully it is not depicted on screen, and there is some bloody vengeance to be found here. But the episode only serves to remind us that no matter how much June and the women of May Day have accomplished – there are still millions of women suffering in Gilead who won’t be free until the entire system is brought down. Vengeance For The Jezebels Image via Hulu The second episode has more of that cathartic vengeance. This episode is certainly the most fun of the lot. June teams up with a group of Jezebels to poison a bunch of Commanders. The show spends a lot of time focusing on the disparate groups of women in Gilead: the Handmaids, Marthas, and the Wives. But all too often, the Jezebels are forgotten. These are the ‘low’ women who were not deemed worthy enough to be wives; not fertile enough to be Handmaids, not skilled enough to be Marthas, and not ugly enough to send to the colonies. And this male-dominated puritanical culture of sexual repression still needs women to be play the whore. But outside of a few scattered episodes across the previous three seasons, The Handmaid’s Tale has not really addressed the Jezebels. However, in the second episode, we finally get some justice for the Jezebels. June convinces at least one woman to free the rest by enacting a risky plan to put the Commanders out of action. We are reminded of the hypocrisy of Gilead in the clear debauchery and decadence that the Commanders allow themselves. There are several shots of these grown men lining up like frat boys for beautiful women to pour shots of alcohol into their gaping mouths. And this of course, is their downfall. Returning The Handmaids To The Status Quo (Hopefully For The Last Time) Image via Hulu The third episode is where the trajectory of the new season really gets set up. Unfortunately, that set-up does not come until the very end of the episode. The majority of the episode is spent returning June to the status quo. This is something that happens every season – and it is an exhausting trend. After being on the run for several episodes, June is recaptured by her former lover Nick (the father of baby Nicole and now a Commander himself). She is submitted to grueling torture for the entirety of the episode. Until she is eventually put back into the red robes of a Handmaid. (Props to actress Elizabeth Moss who directed this episode as well.) June and the others are due to be sent to a ‘breeding colony.’ Where they would be forced to do hard labor and still get raped by Commanders when they are fertile. This is a show that executed a young woman in season 2 for falling in love with a Guardian. Despite the fact that she was perfectly fertile. But all of a sudden now the Handmaids are too valuable to execute? I guess it has to do with June freeing all those kids, and now Gilead needs to replace them. It is still a bit of a logical inconsistency. Farewell To The Handmaids Image via Hulu But while June may have plot armor, that sadly doesn’t extend to the other Handmaids who have joined her on her quest for freedom. The end of the third episode gives us a bit of a ludicrous moment where June is in a van with all of her fellow Handmaids and Aunt Lydia. This van has no escort, no guards, and only one armed driver. When the van stops for a train to cross, the women seize their opportunity to escape. This leads to a dramatic shot of all the Handmaids we have grown to know and love over the course of three seasons running for their lives. In the end, they all meet a tragic end except for June and Janine who set off together down a long road with no clear destination or goal. It was surprising and heartbreaking to see so many of the Handmaids die at once. And of course it feels wildly unfair that so many of these women had several chances for freedom and were never able to obtain it. But that goes with the central themes of the show, that to be a woman is to struggle. And in the end you never know if it will all be worth it. Better to die standing up, than on your knees. The Previews Showed Too Much of The Season – Maybe That Is A Good Thing Image via Hulu The previews for season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale paint a very different picture than what we saw in the first three episodes. Those previews give me hope for what is to come. But they also are a point of frustration for what we got from the premiere. The previews for the season show June and Janine on the run, blowing up buildings, and causing mayhem in the name of the Resistance. They also seem to show June arriving on a dock in Canada, and eventually testifying (against the Waterfords?) in a courtroom. And of course if the show is trying to lead into The Testaments eventually, this is something that inevitably has to happen. However, I have never seen a season preview for a show that so clearly wants us to know how things would end up. But given the bleak nature of the first three episodes, I understand better now. They knew how dark and depressing the beginning of this season was going to be, and they had to give us a reason to keep going in hopes that it will all be worth it in the end. Season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale Promises To Be A Whole New Show
Actors in The Handmaid’s Tale have spoken in interviews about how season 4 feels like an entirely new show. And unfortunately I don’t think we have gotten to that new show yet. The first three episodes felt like re-treading old ground, rehashing old stories and traumas. But now that June and Janine are on the run, things are likely to take a drastic turn. As hard as it was to watch the first three episodes of season 4, I will certainly continue to tune in to see how the rest of this season plays out. Because as difficult and triggering as this show can be, there is no doubt that The Handmaid’s Tale remains one of the best shows on television. And it is still as timely as ever. For more genre news and reviews, be sure to follow Comic Years on Facebook and Twitter today. The Handmaid’s Tale Returns For Season 4 On Hulu With New Episodes As Gilead Prepares For A Reckoning  |
| Genre Authors Form Task Force To Demand That Disney Pay Back Royalties Posted: 29 Apr 2021 10:11 AM PDT A group of well-known authors have teamed up on a joint task force to ensure that Disney Must Pay royalties. This comes months after news that well-known Star Wars novelist Alan Dean Foster has not been receiving royalties for his published work. The issue arose when Disney acquired Lucasfilm back in 2012. The acquisition included the bulk of the Star Wars Expanded Universe – they have since become non-canonical stories called Legends. Much of Alan Dean Foster’s early Star Wars novels like Splinter of a Mind’s Eye were among those titles. And despite the fact that these books are still in print and selling, Disney has not been paying authors like Alan Dean Foster the earnings they are due. The SFWA Joins Forces With Other Organizations To Hold Disney Accountable Image via the SFWA The Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America stepped in with an open letter from current president and author Mary Robinette Kowal. In an unprecedented move, she had to publicly demand Disney respond to these complaints. But time passed with little response from Disney. So now, the SFWA has joined forces with a host of other writer’s organizations to demand culpability. They are joining forces with other organizations like the Author's Guild; Horror Writers Association, National Writers Union, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. The DisneyMustPay Joint Task Force includes notable authors across a variety of genres. This includes people like Neil Gaiman, Tess Gerritsen, Mary Robinette Kowal and Chuck Wendig.  Alan Dean Foster | Image via the SFWA Mary Robinette Kowal has been blunt about what Disney has done wrong, and the mistreatment of the writers by the large corporation.
The Task Force Also Has Implications For The Comic Book Industry Image via Boom! Studios The task force has created a website to help identify other authors who may be owed royalties from the major corporation. Because if Disney isn’t paying big names like Alan Dean Foster, then they are almost certainly stiffing younger and less experienced writers as well. There are also many Disney subsidiaries who are being taken to task for not paying royalties. This includes major publishers like Boom! and Dark Horse Comics along with production companies like 20th Century Fox and MGM, and of course Lucasfilm. According to the website for the Disney Must Pay task force, several of Alan Dean Foster’s royalty complaints have been resolved. But as a result of the open letter published by the SFWA a number of other writers have come out with their own stories of missed royalty payments. So the work of the task force is ongoing, to ensure that all the authors get paid their due. One of the complaints centered around licensing rights for media tie-in comic books. As detailed on the website: “Fox had licensed the comics rights to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Dark Horse. After Disney purchased Fox, they withdrew those rights from Dark Horse and granted them to Boom! Comics. When one Buffy author contacted Boom! about missing royalties they were told that royalties don't transfer." #DisneyMustPay Image via Disney Plus. The Disney Must Pay task force lays out clear guidelines for what they want to see change in the industry. This includes honoring contracts – both new and old, as well as updating the confusing rules around royalty payments. And above all else, they must cooperate with the writer’s organizations that are in place to protect authors. If you would like to support the authors, use the #DisneyMustPay hashtag on social media. And for all of your genre news, be sure to follow Comic Years on Facebook and Twitter today. Genre Authors Form Task Force To Demand That Disney Pay Back Royalties  |
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