Just a Chock Full of Links (Flash, SHIELD, etc), Thanks to Afronerd Radio's Daryll B.!

Return of the AfroLinkBlog

The links have returned but first... some quick TV Notes:

The Flash might be moving at lightning speed, but it is damn entertaining.

New Freshly Baked Blog Dropping By Afronerd Radio's Daryll B! Musings on Milestone Media & Nerdcore

AfroNerd Blog aka Man of My Word....

Boy did my mouth open up a can of words that my fingers now have to cash. No links this time and I got a pitch and album reviews to share.... First Up!
 
Milestone Pitch
 
I am unabashedly stealing the core of the Valiant reboot to model the Milestone comeback on and I am going to do 4 books to start and blossom into a juggernaut! *Crossing Fingers*
 
SHADOW CABINET - The team that walks the line between good and evil will be the vehicle to introduce new readers to the Milestone Universe. Why them over Blood Syndicate?
 
1. Villains are in nowadays: Superior Foes of Spider-Man, Secret Six, Thunderbolts, Suicide Squad...Nuff Said
2. Team is over 60% female and diverse: That says it all....
3. I would have the team mentored by Curtis Metcalf aka Hardware similar to their appearance in McDuffie's JLA run (and a formula used by the Luke Cage iteration of the Thunderbolts...) and that would free up...
 
ICON - Have the Milestone Superman headline his own book is a natural fit. Augustus Freeman is the "adult" standard bearer for the Milestone Universe. This would also be the "cosmic" book. As for the famous Milestone hero we all know and love....
 
STATIC & ROCKET - That's right! I am putting the two teenage stars together in a team-up/anthology type book. Whether it is in Dakota or any other place in the Milestone U, Raquel Ervin and Virgil Hawkins will be the heart and future of Milestone. And don't worry, I haven't forgotten about Amistad or Flashback in the case of Raquel or Frieda, Rick, and Daisy in the case of Virgil. So much material/angst to be mined here...
 
So that leaves one more book and I have to go supernatural/technological with XOMBI. On the (very likely) stipulation that I can get John Rozum and/or Denys Cowan back on to tell David Kim's continuing stories. Yep I still haven't forgiven DC for royally screwing this up. *sigh*
 
So there are my books to start. Eventually, Hardware, Kobalt, and Blood Syndicate will get their own books but I want to get a foothold first....
 
NerdCore Album Reviews
 
Well if you know me by now through these blogs and The ComicShoppe, you guys and gals know that Daryll B. loves all types of music but the stuff that keeps him sane through the work day is NerdCore. Got my hands on a lot of songs over the last 4 months but with my artists doing their thing down at SXSW, it long past due that I shone a light on them...
 
Mega Ran & Storyville
 
Album(s): The Veggie Platter; Soul Veggies; both available through iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp
 
Style: By now, we should consider Random aka Mega Ran the Godfather of NerdCore. He's the one that everyone in this genre lists as an influence when they talk. Storyville is his Kanye West: beat crafter turned adept lyricist except Random never pushed him away like Jay-Z did Kanye. As a result, we get this collaboration where the two playfully compete for king of the mountain on each song. Veggie Platter acts like a pseudo (free) documentary and introduction to open the door to Soul Veggies. The songs are infectious. The beats are crisp. And as I stated on Twitter and Facebook, you can shovel snow/workout to the album quite easily.
 
Songs of Note: React, Artillery, & I Know Who I Am off Soul Veggies all are better than 90% of the current Hip-Hop and would be crossover hits for sure!
 
Sammus
 
Album(s): Fly Nerd; Another M; PRIME; all three available through Bandcamp
 
Style: Take Queen Latifah at about 20 and give her the lyrical flow theatrics of Biz Markie and you got Mega Ran Disciple Sammus. Named after the Metroid Character, Sammus definitely shows on these albums equal amounts of growth and confidence. Fly Nerd is the origin EP and you can feel the roughness but the talent shines through. Another M is a Metroid centered album and Prime is a combination of the 2. Gal is talented Folks and I suggest that you look her up.
 
Songs of Note: Cybernetic Armor, Fly Nerd, Growing Up
 
Along with these, I also wholeheartedly endorse picking up Adam WarRock's Gifted Student, Mikal kHill's The Snuggle is Real, and Lupe Fiasco's Tetsuo & Youth.... and did you hear that Wu-tang Clan and Kendrick Lamar have new stuff out too? Throw in Logic's Under Pressure and face it! Real Hip-Hop lyricism and soul isn't dead yet Folks! We just have to go out and search for it.
 
Thanks For Reading this diversion from controversy (Yes we will get into that Batgirl cover on the next show) and I hope you all got some new songs to check out on YouTube/buy from the artists now. Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!

Valiant did WHAT?!?!?!?! AfroLinkBlog Strikes Back!

Another Week! Another Big News Story! Another Case of Daryll Yelling! Welcome to My AfroNerd Link-Blog People!

News broke over the weekend then was confirmed late Monday Night that Chinese Production Company DMG Entertainment bought the cinematic rights to Valiant Comics properties. They aren't novices in this realm with previous associations in Iron Man 3 and Looper, which let's face it, had a lot of comic book tropes. What they are going to do with Valiant properties isn't exactly clear right now, but the name of Shadowman has been thrown around and of course, that got my little brain turning furiously at which properties can be used RIGHT NOW:

Harbinger - Youth with powers rebels against Harada Corporation which sets off a chain reaction revealing corruption and a host of other people with powers to the world. You want to out X-Men the X-Men, this is your property....

X-O Manowar - Soldier/Berserker/Tough Guy early in Earth's Recorded History gets abducted. Stumbles upon futuristic suit of armor. Uses it to escape alien captors and returns to Earth...except it is now in the modern day. Now he's on the radar of every major country. Think Game of Thrones meets Iron Man with a touch of Encino Man.

Bloodshot - Soldier undergoes procedure where nanites are infused within his bloodstream. However he loses his memory and now is "programmable". Can heal any injury and is nigh-unstoppable until that one mission... and now memories and past actions are creeping back in... Universal Soldier meets Total Recall Folks!

Archer & Armstrong - One's a long lived drunken lout. The other is an older teen prodigy that is gifted at everything he does....except connecting with people...with the exception of the lout. Conspiracies and world traveling abound as this superhero Odd Couple meets X-Files with a twist of Rain Man get into one sticky situation after another...

You may notice that I haven't put a couple of books here and for good reasons:

H.A.R.D. Corps and Unity can't be movies until you establish Harbinger and Bloodshot first... although look up HARD Corps folks. Tell me that wouldn't be a kick ass "Dirty Dozen meets Strikeforce Morituri by way of T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents" type movie.

Quantum and Woody would be a great concept too but then we would essentially get the Chinese into their first Jack Kirby situation with Christopher Priest. You know what? Screw that! Let's get Priest onboard early and make Quantum and Woody! lol (So? I can get greedy!!!!)

LINK TIME!!!!!

-O-Oh

http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/marvel-inker-norman-lee-goes-missing-in-cayman-islands

I keep looking for news about a break in this but....no... Condolences to his wife, family and friends.....

-O-oh....less serious...

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2015/03/10/sleepy-hollow-loses-its-showrunner/

Next season will be a true test for Sleepy Hollow. No more Katrina as a crutch. But also no "main" baddie to craft a season around. Let's see if they can bounce back from the sophomore slump and appease their disillusioned fanbase.

-In honor of March Madness, a full court press has begun....

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2015/03/10/20-new-star-wars-books-will-pave-the-way-to-the-force-awakens/

...and we say that Marvel and DC flood the marketplace! 20 new novels? What the...? But I know a couple of fans who will be all over this....

...and this happened Monday...

http://www.newsarama.com/23747-george-lucas-visits-nyc-comic-shop-for-star-wars-comics.html

...I just knew I should have visited Midtown before I went into work! Goshdarnit!!!

-This....this is a thing now?

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2015/03/iron-mans-robert-downey-jr-presents-boy-with-real-bionic-arm/

Holy...! Kudos to Albert Manero for creating the limb and...wow. Just wow....

-Read Lee Bermejo's take and I actually like it...

http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/bermejo-expands-robin-concept-beyond-teenage-white-kids-who-all-look-the-same

Batman's Gotham has been essentially lily white or whitewashed. I like that an urban kid can be heroic in Gotham WITHOUT having to go to Wayne Manor. As usual the forum wasn't as open-minded....

-Once again, I prepped for the right hook and I didn't see the left jab get me....

http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/the-mission-cbs-new-supergirl-a-history-of-male-control-and-the-new-superwomen

I told Mr. Illidge on Twitter that I totally forgot about the whole uproar about Jamal Igle changing up Supergirl's costume. I realize that this is a minor point compared to the bigger point of the article about the lack of female input regarding Kara/Linda but...still....he got me right in my pride. LOL Point to you Mr. Illidge.

-On that same note, I have also crossed paths with Greg Pak and well....

http://comicsalliance.com/greg-pak-jonathan-coulton-princess-who-saved-herself-interview/

Plus. Leave it to Chris Sims to get in the line to steal the interview: “Please back the Kickstarter, or else I can never read this book to my daughter… you monsters.” Classic! I am going to recommend this to friends with small kids who want to introduce them to comics... Also..did you buy Storm this month? Hint. Hint. HINT!

-Then there is Dan Slott....

http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/slott-unwraps-the-twisted-secrets-of-peter-parkers-spider-verse-adventure

Is it bad that I am having fun with some of the "fans" who just crap on these interviews where the creator is just being honest? Spidey-Verse was an unexpectedly great fun read for me just like Forever Evil before it. Dan Slott and Co. Thank You.....

-I have been getting the trades every 6 months for the last 8 years.....

http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/brian-michael-bendis-on-the-surreal-15-year-odyssey-of-the-powers-tv-series

...but I was still awestruck to see the pilot came out. For Powers Fans angry that Deena is now black, believe me there is an even bigger change to canon that will cause an uproar. I have to see how that character's involvement will affect the stories to come.

-I have hyped the book. You saw the recent march reenactment/tribute in Selma. I can't impress upon you all to get this book.

http://comicsalliance.com/good-trouble-necessary-trouble-john-lewis-talks-march-on-the-daily-show/

Have there been any more geek insider friendly insightful series on Cable TV than The Daily Show and The Colbert Report?

-So should I ask if you have seen this yet?

http://comicsalliance.com/marvel-netflix-daredevil-trailer/

Dark. Moody. Hardcore. This might be awesome...

-I give DC credit.

http://www.newsarama.com/23743-dc-to-offer-free-8-page-previews-of-all-49-relaunch-titles-canon-gets-nod-over-continuity.html

Even as a Marvel Zombie I have to admit that their cross company plan for Convergence seems WAAAAAY more cohesive & fan friendly than Marvel's Secret Wars. Let's see if Marvel can get their stuff together, instead of throwing everything against a wall to see what sticks.

...but I can say that this will be the inside hit....

http://www.newsarama.com/23748-captain-marvel-the-carol-corps-hit-secret-wars.html

I joked about the Carol Corps until I got Twitter. I thought H.E.A.T. was powerful. I was wrong. These fans of Carol Danvers and Captain Marvel are RELENTLESS. Devotion and belief are not just buzz words to the CC, they are what the group LIVES by. I guarantee 20k units sold w/o even trying and then it going to 30k once the Corps start campaigning.

-Really?

http://www.newsarama.com/23737-the-walking-dead-spin-off-gets-two-season-order.html

Already? I mean the public hasn't seen show 1 yet! And this talk recently of "sexy" zombies hasn't assuaged any doubts of mine....

-Leaving the blog on a thank you....

http://comicsalliance.com/diana-schutz-retires-dark-horse/

May we all get a boss as open-minded and forward thinking as Madame Schutz. Thank you for allowing the Dark Horse line to be great reads with little turmoil/drama. Good luck with whatever you do next...

Thanks For Reading Folks! Until Next Time, I'll See You in the Stands!

Check Out the Latest Musings by The Shoppe's Daryll B! Just Blog Droppings All Over the Place!

Sigh.... Heart Wasn't Totally Into it Them BAM! Got Pulled In!

Nothing Much To Say. Let's Jump Right In....
 
-Don't sleep on The Simpsons. EVER.
 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/03/homer-simpson-higgs-boson_n_6793204.html
 
How's that for intelligence? Remember Futurama, which was the unofficial smartest show on television, was totally in-sync with The Simpsons of the late 90's. These little nuggets are EXACTLY why the Easter Egg section was created on DVDs and BluRays.
 
-Sean Miura has a unique review of Big Hero 6
 
http://thenerdsofcolor.org/2015/03/03/seeing-san-fransokyo-thoughts-on-big-hero-6/
 
Interesting take on the backgrounds and nuances of the film. I guess those immersed in the culture and specifically, the crossing of Japanese/American methodologies, would spot these. Related note: Fort Minor/Mike Shinoda's Kenji is in my personal top 15 rap performances of all time. I saw them perform it in Jersey with a viewscreen that had images of Japanese Americans during WWII scrolling. Then it ended off with a picture of Shinoda's extended family. A definite must listen Folks!
 
-Pressure builds exponentially.....
 
http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/joss-whedon-calls-avengers-sequel-as-tough-as-anything-ive-ever-done
 
I like the honesty. I love the 3rd trailer that debuted on CBR Wednesday. I don't know why but this made me also a little uneasy. When you get this introspective about the project... 2 months before release... it kinda bad mojo Joss. I have faith it will be good but...
 
...these two movies have raised the bar.
 
http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/the-saturn-awards-honor-captain-america-guardians-of-the-galaxy-with-multiple-nominations
 
Congrats to James Gunn and The Russo Brothers for making 2 great, kick booty movies!
 
Speaking of The Russo Brothers...
 
http://comicsalliance.com/the-russo-brothers-sony/
 
Hmmm can they handle Spider-Man...whichever one he is? Well look at how they portrayed Sam Wilson aka The Falcon. That was EXACTLY how Spider-Man should be portrayed.. normal yet heroic.
 
-More food for thought from Brett White....
 
http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/dc-isnt-stunt-casting-supergirl-its-honoring-its-hollywood-legacy
 
It is probably the thing that DC slaughters Marvel at but to disagree with Mr. White, Marvel has been doing it. They just don't have the TV presence and history Warner Bros does. BTW I am hoping that Dean Cain and Helen Slater play the Danvers Family...
 
-Admire the pluck and passion....
 
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2015/03/boy-8-unleashes-hell-on-newspaper-for-axing-his-favorite-comics/
 
...but come on. This kid didn't do this by himself. This was obvious and what exactly does that indicate about the Parents? *Sigh*
 
-Warned you folks a month ago that I was ready for this....
 
http://comicsalliance.com/convergence-teen-titans-marv-wolfman-nicola-scott-marc-deering-interview/
 
Wolfman sounds pumped. I know his quality and Scott's stunning art. Throw in some of my all time favorite characters annnnnnd Daryll's spending money....
 
-Let's get educated...
 
http://comicsalliance.com/the-smithsonian-is-offering-an-online-course-on-the-history-of-superheroes-with-michael-uslan-and-stan-lee/
 
Talk about a class where I wouldn't fall asleep or feel like a complete outsider within...
 
-Now if you want to learn about some of comics' secret history, check out this mega list:
 
http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2015/02/28/the-greatest-stories-never-told-a-comic-book-legends-collection/
 
All the salacious details. All the drama. All the politics. Collected in one tidy link list.
 
-Speaking about favorite characters...
 
http://hubpages.com/hub/How-The-Peanuts-Comic-Strip-Got-Its-First-Black-Character
 
Never knew the history behind Franklin. This article was a fountain of information and understanding of the time and thinking of Mr. Schultz.
 
-I shared this event in a previous blog. And the winner is...
 
http://comicsalliance.com/nilah-magruder-mfk-dwayne-mcduffie-diversity-award/
 
Congratulations Nilah and keep up the good work!
 
-Just to keep our readers informed and laughing....
 
http://comicsalliance.com/comics-everybody-the-history-of-black-panther-explained/
 
T'Challa ain't someone to F' with...
 
-I been patiently waiting and I been sorta good....
 
http://www.newsarama.com/23663-runaways-return-in-new-secret-wars-series.html
 
Yes! Yes! Yes! Now I am going to be greedy and ask for a Young Avengers book WITH Patriot. (Yep I know I am pushing my luck now...)
 
-So what's next for the creator of the Power Rangers short that shook up the net?
 
http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2015/03/04/bootleg-universe-creator-shankar-talks-bond-power-rangers-captain-planet/
 
Yeah. An aging James Bond. With hopes to tackle Captain Planet in the future. If the parody/homage is done up the way PR's was, this could lead to a web channel specializing in these a la Robot Chicken.
 
-...and to end this link-blog, Joseph P. Illidge unpacks on the story that had me freezing in the cold for the show last Saturday.
 
http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/the-mission-the-damnation-of-michelle-rodriguez-and-the-harder-heroes-to-create
 
I loved the way that Mr. Illidge came at the situation in 4 different directions: Actor, comic company, distribution company, and fans. We are all complicit in the "fast food" provision of our heroes through multi-media platforms. Now, it isn't like Michelle Rodriguez is willfully ignorant here, she just isn't a mainstream comic book fan. On the surface of the industry, her opinions would probably be shared by 75% of her ilk.
 
At the same time, this is where our sectors has to keep on shining a light on what independent creators of color, and what our favorite ethnic characters within the big companies are up to. It obvious that, like Mr. Illidge said, Diamond doesn't do that or rather doesn't have the time to try. Like it or not, we fans of color need to push this agenda a bit further. Get copies of Storm, Shaft, Avatar et al. in your friends hands. Introduce them to The Deep, Matty's Rocket, Legend of Mantamaji, Concrete Park, Wynter, et al. The power as always rests with us people. How you choose to use it is up to you...
 
The vacuum from tragedy still hurts. So thank you for taking the time to read this. I appreciate it and hopefully gave you all something new.
 
Live Long and Prosper.