Comic Years |
- How Mary Shelley Invented Science Fiction Long Before H.G. Wells Or Jules Verne
- The Comic Years Podcast: Cowboy Bebop Spoiler Review
- The Opening Box Office Numbers for Ghostbusters: Afterlife Are Here and We’re Impressed
- Tick, Tick… Boom! Netflix Review – Andrew Garfield Breaks New Ground
- Manifest Filming Season 4 Just In Time For Sweater Weather
- The Official Trailer For Nightmare Alley Puts Us On Another Guillermo Del Toro Ride
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Is Officially on Hiatus From Production
- Natasha Liu Bordizzo Joins the Cast of Upcoming Ahsoka Series as Sabine Wren on Disney+
| How Mary Shelley Invented Science Fiction Long Before H.G. Wells Or Jules Verne Posted: 22 Nov 2021 04:26 PM PST Women have been writing science fiction from the earliest days of genre novels. Unfortunately, their contributions to the genre can often be dismissed or erased entirely by fans and scholars. Recently there has been discourse around who ‘invented’ the genre of science fiction. Some attribute the earliest science fiction stories to writers like Jules Verne or H.G. Wells. However, that is doing a disservice to the mother of science fiction – Mary Shelley. I thought most genre fans were aware of the fact that Shelley is credited as the ‘inventor’ of the science fiction genre. However, a recent New York Times article claims that it was the male authors who invented the genre – decades later. This is a surprising claim for the paper, who apparently didn’t do their research. So, let’s look at the history of the genre to establish how Mary Shelley established the foundation for sci-fi with her best-known work – Frankenstein. Genre Conventions Have Existed In Fiction Forever Image from The Iliad | A. J. Church, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons First, we must acknowledge that fantastical elements have made their way into storytelling since the dawn of time. Obviously, The Iliad and The Odyssey tell the tales of mythological figures and heroes. Much of this lore has worked its way into genre fiction, marking Greek mythology as the precursor for much of the fantasy genre. Others throughout history incorporated magic in their work including Shakespeare. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift – published in 1726 – is often considered a genre novel, including descriptions of ‘alien cultures’ and ‘weird science.’ Although Mary Shelley holds the title of ‘Mother of Science Fiction” she was actually not the first woman to write within the genre. Back in the 1600’s, Margaret Cavendish published The Blazing World. This story was a bit of a hybrid – an adventure, a romance, and a satirical utopian fantasy. Elements of this story may give rise to the emergence of the science fiction genre. However, most of it sounds like a fantasy story. While the lines drawn between science fiction and fantasy as distinct genres is a relatively new divide, it is true that Shelley’s work fits better into the sci-fi genre. The Legendary Roots of Frankenstein Mary Shelley | Public Domain Image via Wikimedia Commons Mary Shelley published Frankenstein in 1818, and the legend around the origins of the story are famous. In the summer of 1816, Mary Shelley traveled to Lake Geneva with her husband Percy Shelley and several friends including the poet Lord Byron. Poor weather during the trip caused the group to cloister indoors, forced to entertain themselves. It was during these long wet days that Byron challenged everyone to write some ghost stories. Mary Shelley then had a ‘waking dream’ that inspired the story of Frankenstein. Although Mary Shelley went on to write other novels, it was Frankenstein that made her famous. The idea of a man built from spare parts coming to life through a dangerous experiment by a ‘mad scientist’ definitively laid the foundation for the science fiction that would come. Despite the success of Frankenstein, Shelley’s novel The Last Man is often considered the first true science fiction novel. This dystopian story focuses on a deadly pandemic that rapidly spreads across the the world and drives humanity to near extinction. Jules Verne and H.G. Wells Continued To Build The World Mary Shelley Established Jules Verne | Photo by Félix Nadar, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Despite the prolific output of work, he compiled during his life, Jules Verne is still best known for his novels that comprise the Voyages Extraordinaires. Among these stories are the well-known Journey to the Center of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas. Verne began to publish his novels in the 1860’s, decades after Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. H.G. Wells was a contemporary of Jules Verne, and it is true that Wells is often referred to as ‘The Father of Science Fiction” often paired with Mary Shelley. Wells was an extremely prolific writer, with works published between 1895 – 1941. He did cement the genre of science fiction as a popular medium. Many of his novels like The Island of Doctor Moreau and The War of the Worlds are iconic sci-fi stories deeply embedded within modern popular culture.  H.G. Wells | Public Domain Photo by George Charles Beresford via Wikimedia Commons Both Jules Verne and H.G. Wells are deeply influential figures in the science fiction canon. Their work established the basis for much of today’s contemporary genre fiction. However, neither of these men would have been as successful as they were without Frankenstein and the work of Mary Shelley at the turn of the century. It was she who laid the foundation for these men to later build upon. Let’s Not Forget That The Sci-Fi Canon Is Irrelevant Anyway Photo by Eugenio Mazzone via Unsplash I once wrote an article about why the classic genre canon should be abolished. The problem with canon is that it holds up certain figures and texts as revered or ‘sacred.’ For years, men like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells have been idolized as part of the sci-fi canon. Mary Shelley is too – albeit to a lesser extent since people tend to only remember Frankenstein. There is a problem with holding up these authors as paragons. Sacred idols don’t tend to do well in science fiction stories. Holding the classic authors up as the ideal that others should meet is contrary to the very nature of science fiction itself. Strict adherence to canon and the ‘rules’ of science fiction made up by these classic authors is restrictive and unnecessary. Let us not forget that generations of (primarily male) genre fans have wielded the classic canon as a weapon against other readers. Or as a gate to be kept closed to genre fans who are not white men. The argument over who “invented” science fiction is tired. However, due to the erasure of women from so many literary circles it is still important to remember that Mary Shelley paved the way for many male authors. In the end, science fiction is not about looking to the past but imagining the future. So, I behoove the science fictions authors of today to go ahead and break the rules of canon. Just remember that Mary Shelley did it first. And she would certainly approve of more women breaking the rules that men have established. For more genre news, be sure to follow Comic Years on Facebook and Twitter today. How Mary Shelley Invented Science Fiction Long Before H.G. Wells Or Jules Verne |
| The Comic Years Podcast: Cowboy Bebop Spoiler Review Posted: 22 Nov 2021 12:46 PM PST Cowboy Bebop is quite possibly the most high-profile anime to get a live-action adaptation. That is, until Taika Waititi gets around to that Akira remake, anyways. But until then, the new Netflix original series is now live on the streamer. The new adaptation takes some bold chances with its creative license and adaptation. While I enjoyed most of the changes, many seemingly didn't. So check out this episode of the Comic Years Podcast as I discuss what worked on the new show and what didn't. Be sure to read my non-spoiler review first, as this will be a Cowboy Bebop spoiler podcast. What Didn't Work In The Cowboy Bebop Live-Action Series? Image via Netflix. Even though I enjoyed almost everything in the new show, some aspects of the series don't entirely work. For me, those moments are overshadowed by the immense chemistry between the lead characters. The trio of Spike (John Cho), Jet (Mustafa Shakir) and Faye (Daniele Pineda), and the fun and lighthearted tone of the show that they created overshadowed any complaints I might have had. However, the series itself is getting less than stellar reviews, currently sitting at a 51% on Rotten Tomatoes as of this writing. So I felt it necessary to do a Cowboy Bebop spoiler podcast, to openly discuss those elements of the new show. And to see if the reception is due tot he changes made from the anime, or valid issues about the live-action version that stand on their own. Cowboy Bebop Spoiler Podcast Also Compares To The AnimeOn top of talking about the parts of the live-action Cowboy Bebop show that don't entirely work, I had to bring up the anime. Netflix's Cowboy Bebop takes a few liberties by adapting certain things differently than the original anime. So on the Cowboy Bebop spoiler podcast, I dedicate some time to those changes, namely the romance that drives the lead character, Spike’s backstory So check out this episode of the Comic Years Podcast to see if you feel the same as me about the new show. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast or any of your favourite podcasting platforms. Leave us a review and rating if you enjoyed yourself, and be sure to tell your friends! All episodes of Cowboy Bebop season 1 are now streaming on Netflix.What did you think of all the changes in the show from the anime? Let us know in the comments below. Featured image via Netflix. The Comic Years Podcast: Cowboy Bebop Spoiler Review |
| The Opening Box Office Numbers for Ghostbusters: Afterlife Are Here and We’re Impressed Posted: 22 Nov 2021 09:11 AM PST Earlier this year, Joshua M. Patton and I sat down to discuss our box office predictions for the remainder of 2021. He said that if films like Ghostbusters: Afterlife are able to do well, then the industry is in better shape than we could have anticipated. A few months and a few hundred million dollars passing through the box office later, we have our answer. The opening box office numbers for Ghostbusters: Afterlife are here, and they’re pretty good. What The Opening Box Office Numbers For Ghostbusters: Afterlife Look LikeGhostbusters: Afterlife is the delayed sequel to 1984’s Ghostbusters. The new film, directed by the son of the first’s, gives us a younger group of ghostbustin’ pals, and it both delights in its nostalgia and gives newcomers a way in. But bringing back a franchise with such a mixed past (and a beloved start) can be tricky, so this $75 million film had high monetary expectations. The Sony Pictures film scored $44 million domestic, bringing it to the #1 spot at the box office. This number slightly exceeds expectations while also proving there is more than enough space for non-Marvel films to do well. Comparatively, the 2016 female-driven reboot earned $46 million in its opening weekend, ending with $128 million domestic after its run. However, it did this on a budget nearly double that of Afterlife, making it a flop. Ghostbusters opened back in 1984 with $13.5 million (nearly $36 million after adjusting for inflation.) It went on to have incredibly impressive legs and kickstarted the eventual franchise. We don’t quite expect Afterlife to have such an impressive streak, but its positive word-of-mouth and decent critical reviews might help it on its way. Internationally, Afterlife has earned $16 million from its 31 overseas markets.  Image via Sony Pictures Releasing. What Else Is Making Money?King Richard also dropped in theaters this weekend. The film, focusing on the upbringing of Venus and Serena Williams, made $5.7 domestically. However, it also dropped on HBO Max, so the box office numbers aren’t the only sign of success. While it is underperforming financially, it has been pulling in excellent reviews and earning some early Oscar Buzz. Eternals, an earlier release, has dropped from its first-place status on the top five and sits at #2. It made another $10.8 million domestically, pulling it up to $135.8 million and $200.3 million internationally. Another film that remains on our radar is Dune. The film was released a month ago but continues to make money and should be crossing the $100 million domestic threshold by next weekend. It currently stands at $98.1 million domestic and $268.9 million internationally. This is very impressive for a film that had a concurrent HBOMax release. You can catch Ghostbusters: Afterlife in theaters now.Readers, did you manage to contribute to the opening box office numbers of Ghostbusters: Afterlife? If you did, then check out our spoiler review of the film. And if it’s still on your list, find out if it’s worth your time with our spoiler-free review. Featured image via Sony Pictures Releasing. The Opening Box Office Numbers for Ghostbusters: Afterlife Are Here and We're Impressed |
| Tick, Tick… Boom! Netflix Review – Andrew Garfield Breaks New Ground Posted: 22 Nov 2021 06:15 AM PST What is it with our love for creators whose work only becomes universally acclaimed after their passing? It’s a tale as old as time, and it often leaves us wondering how they would feel if they could be here today, knowing how their work has impacted us. One of these stories is Jonathan Larson’s. The playwright best known for Rent passed away in 1996 at 35, but not before leaving the world with some inspiring stories. One of them is Tick, Tick… Boom! and we’re here to review the latest film adaptation by Netflix. Tick, Tick… Boom! On Netflix Shows How A Musical Adaptation Is Done In This ReviewIt’s hard being in the arts, even when you’re living in New York City. As Jonathan puts it, one day you’re a writer waiting tables on the side, and the next day you’re a waiter with a hobby. Time goes by quickly, and the second you hit 30, you’re working against the clock. Unfortunately for Jonathan, this is more true than he could have imagined. Tick, Tick… Boom! was a musical written and performed by Larson in the early 90s. After his death and subsequent fame from Rent, David Auburn revised it. It would go on to have five major productions and various international ones. The story that the musical and the Netflix adaptation tells is semi-autobiographical, sharing the story of how Jonathan dealt with the immense desire to write something great. Specifically, it focuses on his preparation for a workshop of his first musical, Superbia. The story was created well before its time, and its sci-fi exploration of media overconsumption is praised but ultimately underappreciated.  Image via Netflix. How Netflix Tells The Story So SwiftlyThe format of the film continues to switch from an actual performance of the Tick, Tick… Boom! monologue and the stories that it follows. In outstanding musical form, Andrew Garfield’s Larson seamlessly bounces back and forth from belting his heart out behind a piano to dancing around the streets of Manhattan as he deals with broken relationships, writer’s block, and the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic. This continuous change of story-telling methods feels dizzying at first, but over time it helps add another layer of Jonathan’s building frustrations to great something wonderful. He already has a story that he is proud of, but he must write one final song before it’s ready to be performed. The need to make enough money for more musicians, the desperation that his girlfriend, Alexandra Shipp’s Susan, has to have a serious conversation, and his friend Michael’s (Robin de Jesús) luxurious career path are all getting in the way of letting him write, and he’s more than happy for the distraction.  Image via Netflix. An Accessible Musical That Is For The Theater KidsI am by no means a theater kid. While I love musicals and can’t imagine not seeing a Broadway production whenever I’m in New York, my writing desires never led me down the path of a playwright. This means that a lot of exciting features of the film flew over my head, especially an apparent star-studded song filled with broadway performers. Despite this, the film never feels like it’s trying to shut me out. Most of us have seen Rent in some capacity, and this is enough to help the emotional impact of the film. While the film remains accessible to non-theater folk, it seems like an apparent win for those who live and breathe for the arts. There is a deep respect for Jonathan Larson felt throughout each minute of screentime, and current playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda seems like the perfect choice to direct it all. Sure, there are some elements that could have used more dancing or songs that aren’t given the attention that they deserve, but it’s more than a fine adaptation of a struggle that feels familiar to anyone who has ever tried their hand at success.  Image via Netflix. Andrew Garfield Is EverythingWe all know that Andrew Garfield can act. But our review of Tick, Tick… Boom! on Netflix might suggest that he has been wasted in every role that he’s done up until now. His stage performances, turn at Spider-Man, and various supporting roles have never let him shine as this movie does. His vocal skills are mindblowing, and his entire body performance of Larson is something that all biopics should strive to be. We almost get to see him fully immerse himself as Jim Bakker in The Eyes of Tammy Faye, but that was clearly a better vehicle for Jessica Chastain. This one is for him, and he makes it his mission to honor Larson in the best way that an actor can. You can watch Tick, Tick… Boom! in select theaters and on Netflix today.Readers, let us know if you agree with our review of Tick, Tick… Boom! on Netflix. Does it meet your musical expectations? Featured image via Netflix. Tick, Tick… Boom! Netflix Review – Andrew Garfield Breaks New Ground |
| Manifest Filming Season 4 Just In Time For Sweater Weather Posted: 22 Nov 2021 03:15 AM PST Everyone’s favorite sweater-promotion-service-slash-TV-show is on its way back. Sure, we’ve–wait–I’VE already reported that they renewed Manifest. But now it’s no take-backsies, because Manifest is filming season 4. Manifest Filming Season 4, the Final Season for the Series image via NBC Universal NBC canceled several shows during/after the 2020-2021 season. Along with Manifest, the network axed Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and Good Girls. They also ended Debris, a sci-fi plane crash series whose premise may remind you (on a basic level) of Manifest. However, as I’ve previously told you, Manifest was seeing record viewing numbers on Netflix. That, along with a fan-created campaign to save the show, was apparently enough to convince the streamer to sign on for one last go. Now they’re doing it, filming the fourth season, which will be the last for the series. Of course, that’s just what they’re saying at the moment. If season 4 sees the kind of numbers that previous seasons boasted, then there’s definitely a chance that Netflix will think about reupping. After all, the original plan for the show involved a story that spans six seasons. (And a movie?) Showrunner and Cast Members Celebrated the Return to Filming on Social MediaAs Deadline shared, creator and showrunner Jeff Rake tweeted on Thursday, November 18, about the start of filming. Rake shared a photo of the crew on a city street with the words, “AND WE’RE BACK!” However, he wasn’t the only one to share his excitement. On Instagram, for instance, J.R. Ramirez, who plays Jared, shared his joy at returning to set. In his post, he described the cast and crew as “Beautifully Talented Humans,” who are, according to him, “Collaborative, Dedicated and in my opinion (Most Importantly) ‘Ego Checked.'” Other cast members, like Josh Dallas and Melissa Roxburgh, simply retweeted news articles about the filming.
Manifest season 4 will likely hit Netflix no earlier than spring of next year. We’ll keep you posted.Are you excited to see more callings and whatnot? Tell us in these comments or share your sweaters with us on our social media. featured image via NBC Universal Manifest Filming Season 4 Just In Time For Sweater Weather |
| The Official Trailer For Nightmare Alley Puts Us On Another Guillermo Del Toro Ride Posted: 22 Nov 2021 12:15 AM PST December 17th, 2021, is a big day for movie fans. Not only do we have one of the most anticipated films of the year with Spider-Man: No Way Home, but we also have something a little bit more star-studded and spooky. The official trailer for Nightmare Alley is here, and while we aren’t 100% sure what it’s about, we know that we want to see it. Watch The Official Trailer For Nightmare Alley BelowBased on William Lindsay Gresham’s 1946 novel of the same name, Nightmare Alley follows Bradley Cooper’s Stan Carlisle. The carny is a pro at manipulation, even when hooked up to a lie detector test. His career has him facing off against a variety of oddities, including Cate Blanchett’s Dr. Lilith Ritter, a psychiatrist with even more dangerous motivations than his. The film marks Guillermo del Toro‘s first feature film as a director since The Shape of Water in 2017, which earned an impressive four Academy Awards. If it’s anything like his prior films, which also include Crimson Peak and Pan’s Labyrinth, then we can expect incredible set designs, imaginative themes, and a little bit of creepiness within the long 139-minute runtime. Nightmare Alley includes an impressive all-star cast. Alongside Cooper and Blanchett is Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Rooney Mara, Ron Perlman, Mary Steenburgen, David Strathairn, and Richard Jenkins. The trailer also hints at a captivating score by Nathan Johnson.  Image via Searchlight Pictures. You can watch Nightmare Alley exclusively in theaters on December 17th.Readers, let us know your thoughts on the official trailer for Nightmare Alley. There is a lot of stuff going on, and the mystery of the plot still seems like a mystery. But our expectations are high, and it’ll make for a great option for those looking for something a little different than its Marvel competition. Featured image via Searchlight Pictures. The Official Trailer For Nightmare Alley Puts Us On Another Guillermo Del Toro Ride |
| Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Is Officially on Hiatus From Production Posted: 21 Nov 2021 05:00 PM PST It has only been a few weeks since we reported that the sequel to 2018’s Black Panther was facing a production shutdown following injuries faced by Letitia Wright. More information regarding the shutdown has been revealed as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever officially begins its hiatus from production. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Is Experiencing A Production Hiatus Image via Marvel Studios. Letitia Wright, the actress behind Shuri, faced on-set injuries back in August of 2021. These occurred while filming with a stunt rig, though the severity was initially downplayed. It has since been revealed that she experienced a concussion with serious side effects and has fractured her shoulder. Much of the information surrounding the pause in filming has been unknown. However, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, and Nate Moore have just released a note sent to the cast and crew of the production team to discuss the future of the film. They mostly discuss how happy they are with the filmmaking process and praise the hardworking team behind it all. Though, they do note that the entire process has been “painful” for Letitia as she recovers at home with her family. Many fans have assumed that the hiatus on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hints at a much larger role for the actress. This is hinted at in the note, which states that “there’s only so much we can do without Shuri!” Fortunately, it still seems like they are on track for their original release date of November 11th, 2022. The note shares that they are “excited to complete this film and share it with the world next year.” Our fingers are crossed that this date sticks, but we’d rather let the cast and crew take the time that they need to make it great.  Image via Marvel Studios. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will resume production in January of 2022 ahead of its November 11th release date.Readers, what are your thoughts on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hiatus? Let us know if you think we’ll see Shuri taking over the mantle of the Black Panther in the sequel. Featured image via Gage Skidmore on Flickr. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Is Officially on Hiatus From Production |
| Natasha Liu Bordizzo Joins the Cast of Upcoming Ahsoka Series as Sabine Wren on Disney+ Posted: 21 Nov 2021 01:00 PM PST Earlier this year, Comic Years shared that Lucasfilm was casting for an actress to play Sabine Wren in the live-action Ahsoka series. The character, who has previously only been seen in the animated Star Wars world, quickly became a sought-after role. After a lengthy casting process, Natasha Liu Bordizzo has joined the cast of the Ahsoka series in the role of Sabine Wren. Natasha Liu Bordizzo Joins Cast For Ahsoka Series in Sabine Wren Role Image via Disney+. The upcoming Ahsoka series will see Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka take on her storyline. This character, who our very own Joshua M. Patton has referred to as the most important Jedi in Star Wars not named “Skywalker,” was most recently seen in The Mandalorian. In addition to Dawson’s casting, Hayden Christensen has been expected to appear, as well. Though, as the series has yet to begin production, little else is known about the plot details. Joining Dawson and Christensen in the Ahsoka series is Natasha Liu Bordizzo in the role of Sabine Wren. Wren, previously seen in Star Wars Rebels (and voiced by Tiya Sircar), is an Imperial Academy of Mandalore dropout and a certified weapons expert with a particular proclivity for explosives. She’ll undoubtedly be a pretty cool character to see on screen. So, the actress will need to be just as exciting. The Australian actress Natasha Liu Bordizzo joined the acting scene in 2016 with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny and has since appeared in various diverse roles. Other credits include The Greatest Showman, Hotel Mumbai, and Guns Akimbo.  Image via Disney+ The Ahsoka series remains in pre-production.We’re excited now that Natasha Liu Bordizzo has joined the cast for the Ahsoka series as Sabien Wren. You can count on us for all of the up-to-date news on the Disney+ series. Let us know what you’re expecting as they inch closer towards production. Featured image via Lucasfilm. Natasha Liu Bordizzo Joins the Cast of Upcoming Ahsoka Series as Sabine Wren on Disney+ |
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