New Daryll B. Blog Dropping! Sports Entertainment Edition: WWE's Mae Young Classic and Evolution

Welcome AfroNerd Followers and New Look-e-Loos! I'm Daryll B. and for today's blog(s), I'm going to delve into the WWE's Mae Young Classic and Evolution events. Both events are all women wrestling events featuring some of the best talent within and without the company. For a long time, (this is an understatement) wrestling hasn't had the best look when it comes to women. Spearheaded by Paul Levesque (Triple H) and his wife Stephanie McMahon, the 2nd Annual MYC and this first all women PPV Evolution are supposed to be a giant leap forward for the company in terms of image. Before I begin with this year's event, I'm going to post up what I wrote about last year's Mae Young Classic as a preview:

As you guys and gals know, I've been consumed with the Mae Young Classic that the WWE has been airing on their network since SummerSlam. A women's single elimination tournament with 32 entrants in the vein of the Cruiserweight Classic that aired last year. Last night, we witnessed the semifinal matches in which we determined our finalists Shayna Baszler and Kairi Sane. But what of the other 30 competitors? Well leave it to a blerd like me to classify them on their showings. Why? Because I can! LOL and I'm going to do it Janet Jackson songs too!

First up, I have the "Because of Love" crew: These youngsters to the business are green but show hints of something that'll grow into something if they stick with this. Vanessa Borne, Xia Li, Renee Michelle, Nicole Savoy, Kavita Devi & Miranda Salinas all showed flashes of talent and with them, I hope to see them 5 years down the line with more seasoning and witness what flourishes. I like Savoy's gumption and Li is athletic but remember Borne folks. She got almost the complete package in the Jacqueline mode.

Next I have "The Pleasure Principle" gals: These wrestlers I didn't know well but seeing them go in the ring, gives me great hope for the future. Zeda, Sarah Logan, Jazzy Gabert, Ayesha Raymond, Reina González & Taynara Conti. WHOA! A variety of styles and all could go in the ring. Made for interesting watching I must admit. Gabert is an absolute German  monster and you can see Logan is a future All-American babyface but Conti... wow. She could be the Brazilian "evil" Trish Stratus.

My "Control" Women: Sage Beckett, Marti Belle, Kay Lee Ray, Serena Deeb, Princesa Sugehit, & Dakota Kai I watch a lot of wrestling so to see these stars of Shimmer, WSU, Women of Honor, Wrestlicious, YouTube & Streaming sites FINALLY in a WWE ring, had me marking out like nobody's business. The amount of punishment and selling that Ray and Kai can do is almost Rob Van Dam like. And to see Sage Beckett and Serena back in the ring again after their journeys is just as awe-inspiring as some of the folks in my next bracket.

Rhythm Nation are the ones that BUILT this energy. The gals to which all the buzz started and continues to actually create this tournament. Tessa Blanchard, Candice LeRae, Santana Garrett, Abbey Laith, Mia Yim & Mercedes Martinez. Whether it is by these names or by others, these gals have rocked Women's Wrestling for the past decade. I now WWE are hustling to sign some of these gals (that they haven't already) but let me take this time to honor the GOAT Mercedes Martinez. She's Ric Flair of the Women's scene. She's the one that I thought was going to be Sting and not see her go in a WWE ring during her prime. I am glad I was wrong and I hope the next group I list paid attention to her work ethic along with her  professionalism because I have high hopes.

My "Go Deep" wrestlers could also be "If" depending on how you look at it. We can call these gals up now and bolster/refreshen/deepen the WWE Women's scene on all three shows. Toni Storm, Rachel Evers, Piper Niven, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair & Lacey Evans. There was no one, I repeat, NO ONE who had bigger cheers than Ripley during this tournament. She was the Cedric Alexander of this tournament. The one because of the crowd's reaction may be hot shotted up to the big shows. But those who follow me on twitter already know that the one I see as a star now is Belair. Natural heel. Ruthless aggression streak. S-T-A-R. And I don't know Storm's contractual status with Japan BUT she's Alexa Bliss, if Bliss was trained through Strong Style. US casual fans aren't ready...

So now we down to 2: Kairi Sane, Japanese/international superstar that is a natural babyface and the WWE has wanted for years. Risk taking, high-flying striker. Probably no sweeter gal in the ring as far as disposition goes. Shayna Baszler, MMA striker/grappler. Been a part of two stables for her training: Ronda Rousey's Four Horsemen and Mercedes Martinez's Trifecta. She's literally choked out all in her way. Good Luck Ladies for on September 12th, there can be only one winner of the Mae Young Classic!

Thanks For Reading. Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!

That was last year. As wrestling fans know, Kairi Sane won the first Mae Young Classic in a great match over Shayna Baszler and both wrestlers are currently feuding over the NXT Women's Title (this will come up later). Rhea Ripley is the current NXT UK Women's Champion. Toni Storm is currently a member of that roster along with Kay Lee Ray and Dakota Kai, who's a part of both NXT factions. Vanessa Borne, Xia Li, Bianca Belair, Lacey Evans, Taynara Conti, Renee Michelle, Reina Gonzalez, Candace LaRae, Kavita Devi and now Mia Yim (more on this later too) are a part of the NXT roster. Serena Deeb and Sage Beckett are trainers in their development center and Sarah Logan is on the main WWE RAW roster. That shows how much WWE has used this talent to change the image/quality of the women's division forever.

As for the others, Abbey Laith aka Kimber Lee is doing her thing with Stardom, Chikara, AAW  and WWR wrestling along with Jazzy Gabert and Rachel Evers. Marti Belle is along with wrestling for AAW and SHIMMER, doing TV for her native Dominican Republic. Zeda has been wrestling and modeling. Piper Niven is currently rocking the European Wrestling scene, while Nicole Savoy is doing the same over here. Santana Garrett is with WOW and their "superheroes" division. Tessa Blanchard is Women's Champion at Impact Wrestling, arguably the 2nd biggest North American wrestling company. And as far as Mercedes Martinez goes? Stay Tuned (evil laughter)...

There was everything I had for the 2017 Edition.... Thx For Reading My Set-Up for 2018. Coming Up in 3, 2.....

Wed Broadcast! Topics We Forgot: Apu Axed; Toxic Man Classes? Deadpool 2 PG-13? MWIR 7pm ET

MWIR Airs 10.31.18

Hey, folks!  You know the drill! Check out a new episode of The Mid Week in Review (MWIR) airing every Wednesday at 7pm eastern.  Join your regular AFROnerdist podcasters as they delve into the following issues:  per usual we left quite a few topics on the table from our Sunday Grindhouse show so let's attempt to pick up the slack (The Simpsons may be cancelling the Apu character due to mounting claims of South Asian stereotyping; Brown University is purportedly offering classes in curtailing toxic masculinity; and famed Black Brit director, Steve McQueen (Widows) in a recent Collider piece has issues with HBO, Netflix and streaming platforms versus conventional cinema); former Sec. of State, Hillary Clinton is in a bit of hot water over a racial off color joke;  Kanye West may be distancing himself away from President Trump;  a more allegorical, if not realistic episode of CW's Supergirl has many fans split over its allusions to Trump supporters (Dburt thought it was their best episode to date); Deadpool 2 returning to theaters? PG-13? Why?; Al Roker replaces Megyn Kelly after her controversial exit; director, Ava Duvernay has been tapped to direct a multi part documentary on Prince for Netflix and lastly, a USA Today piece posits that most Americans are unable to sustain a middle class lifestyle due to the current cost of living.  Call LIVE at 646-915-9620. 

Oh and while you wait for our upcoming episode, check out a recent video impressions clip (Capt. Kirk on the Halloween reboot) from our YouTube channel (SUBSCRIBE):

Sunday Podcast Alert: Apu Axed! Megyn Blackface Finale; THAT Dr. Phil Episode! & More-The Grind 6pm

The Grindhouse Airs 10.28.18

We're right BLACK at it again! And a straight with no chaser description. Listen to the latest Grindhouse podcast, airing this Sunday at 6pm eastern. The topics to be discussed are: the popular, albeit stereotypical Simpsons character, Apu, may have been axed from the show after 30 years due to societal awareness; since our last show, NBC Today host, Megyn Kelly has been dropped from the program and we have our thoughts; Brown University wants to teach you how to delete your "toxic" masculinity; a troubling episode of Dr, Phil is gaining traction due to a Black teen guest professing extreme self hating/delusional racial views; is Netflix essentially "nerd" central? (i.e. more on Daredevil S3; Sabrina reboot and Castlevania S2 impressions); more Avengers 4 talk and theories (Captain America replacement?); a recent Collider piece places focus on famed British director, Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave, Widows) and his thoughts about HBO, streaming and conventional film; Dburt's thoughts about conservative pundit, Candace Owens new "blexit" website and campaign. And lastly,  we will address some of the more recent tragedies that have occurred this week (the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting as well as the Kentucky Kroger racist attack).  Call LIVE at 646-915-9620.  

And as always, while you wait for the upcoming podcast, why not check for a new Panther's Quest episode:

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Get Ready! Check Out Daryll B's Fresh Baked Blog Droppings-Graphic Novel Recommendations

Ok it is time for this. Anyone that really knows me, knows that Halloween is my time of year. Usually I do movies and TV but this year I'm inspired by a recent slate of quality horror/dark drama to highlight some of my personal favorites old and new. If you read my NYCC blog, you'll already have seen 3 or 4 titles that I will highlight. And if you know my comics history, you might know 2 or 3 of my all time favorites too.

I am going to start with Blackbird #1 by Sam Humphries, Jen Bartel, Paul Reinwand, Nayoung Wilson & Jodi Wynne. A never-do-well who always thought she's meant for more. A sister who seemingly has everything fall into place for her. Mystical creatures invade the neighborhood. What else could go wrong? Well. Destiny for one thing....​

Jook Joint #1 by Tee Franklin, Alitha E. Martinez, Shari Chankhamma & Taylor Esposito seemingly takes place in the early 20th century centering on a speakeasy owned by a very special Black Family/Matriarch. How special? Well this is the thing: I can't really explain without giving away too much. Safe to say, if you are/got a problem, they have way (several ways) of dealing with you. Like I joked with folks on Twitter, an old lady was reading it over my shoulder on the train and thought I was the devil! ​

Michael Cray by Bryan Edward Hill, N Steven Harris, Dexter Vines, Ross Campbell & Simon Bowland may have just wrapped up with its 12th issue BUT the idea of a government assassin tasked with taking out superpowered degenerates/problems is cool. When each of the assignments is a broken mirror persona of a Justice League member? Oh sign me up..! Also the series that this book spun off from, The Wild Storm by Warren Ellis & Jon Davis-Hunt, is also dipping its toes in the alien horror genre in its reimagining of the beloved comic book universe. To the point where I am looking at both heroes and villains with a side-eye...​

But while I'm on this side of the comic universe, let me also mention that Ellis along with Chris Sprouse, initiated the dawning of The Authority with his previous Stormwatch run "ender" WildC.A.T.S: Final Orbit where the Stormwatch team encountered an Alien (Xenomorph....yes the "movie" chestbursters themselves) infestation. And the CATs go up to Skywatch to help their friends when everything goes "dark".​

Pivoting off that, the Xenomorphs have made their mark in comics a lasting one. Dark Horse Comics have quite a few collections featuring the killing machines. Predators. Terminators. Batman. Superman. Green Lantern. All have crossed their path with various levels of horror. (Batman/Aliens is a classic just on Bernie Wrightson's art designs alone! RIP Bernie) Heck, DHC are comics' masters of horror with Hellboy also in their camp​.

I never thought of Hulk as being a horror character before Al Ewing got his hands on him in The Immortal Hulk. On second look, the groundwork was there all along as Ewing, Joe Bennett, Ruy Jose, Paul Mounts & Cory Petit have turned the gamma freak out feel WAY past what I've known. No matter what happens to Banner during the day, the Green Goliath will come out at night. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde never took it this far. Hell, Marvel as a whole hasn't had a book like this in a minute. Marvel Zombies were played mostly for laughs by and large. Blade and the Midnight Sons books read like mostly superhero fare than horror. Immortal Hulk strikes all the right goosebumps sensors in my body...​

Although as I bring up Marvel Zombies, I can't help but mention the Gail Simone & Jim Calafiore Leaving/Surviving Megalopolis trade paperbacks which had the heroes of the city  go crazy from an outside influence and savage the populace they once protected. Another Dark Horse supported book where if you think what's going to happen next, rugs get pulled out. Gail's got another one with Jon Davis-Hunt from DC/Vertigo called Clean Room that I can't even get into. Invasions. Demons. Possessions. Mental Powers. yeah. This book had it all....​

I did bring up DC/Vertigo and they just released Border Town #1 & 2 by Eric M. Esquivel, Ramon Villalobos, Tamra Bonvillain & Deron Bennett which is the "outcast" kids of a Texas town realize that the creatures of lore their families always spun tales about are actually real... and more than a little dangerous. More dangerous than the "nazi-like" elements that have taken root in their town.​

Over at Catalyst Prime in Lion Forge land, two of their books, Incidentals & Astonisher, are dipping their toes into superhero horror with their current storylines. As I say that, another title not to sleep on is Vita Ayala & Emily Pearson's The Wilds from Black Mask Studios, which is a very different take on the zombie genre.​

In terms of technological horror, I'm going to go old school and say that Dynamite Comics has killed it with their handling of Battlestar Galactica's licenses old & new. Hell, they just had a "meeting/crossover" of the two properties (written by the great Peter David!) which hit ALL the right vibes of nostalgia and paranoia. ​

SO there's a few of the books what I have been reading this Halloween season. I didn't even include The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror or The Archie-Verse horror books (although, in anticipation of the Netflix series, I just picked up The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Vol 1). And don't sleep on DC Comics' Justice League Dark and Odyssey which just kicked off their "The Witching Hour" crossover involving Wonder Woman. Throw in their Cursed Comics Cavalcade, which involves horror stories from each corner of their universe from a variety of writers & artists.​

Thx For Reading Folks.... And Have A Scary Halloween! Keep Fantasizing!​

Netflix' Black Targeting; Megyn Kelly's Blackface; Dr. Who on Rosa; MWIR 7pm ET

The Mid Week in Review Airs 10.24.18


Our audience knows the drill:  The show is called Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review (MWIR), airing every Wednesday at 7pm eastern. The podcasters, professional AFROnerdists (Daryll B., Capt. Kirk and Dburt) will be lending their analytical expertise to discuss the following issues this (mid) week: Netflix (in the wake of their Luke Cage cancellation) is under scrutiny for allegedly subversively targeting their Black viewers with misleading ads for some of their films; NBC TV commentator, Megyn Kelly gets dragged on social media for defending blackface Halloween costumes; the new iteration of Doctor Who time travels and visits Civil Rights activist, Rosa Parks; actor, Gwyneth Paltrow reveals in "spoilerific" fashion what to expect from her in Avengers 4;  Did DC play chicken and blink again?-Wonder Woman sequel moved from '19 to '20; some comic canon enthusiasts are wondering why Bane's Latin heritage is being ignored (again) with news of Gotham's final season casting; more fallout over Afropunk's continued corporate direction;  Dburt waxes about a new Black contrarian on the scene, Quillette writer/Columbia U student, Coleman Hughes; Lastly....NEWSFLASH!!!...POTUS is a nationalist.  Call LIVE at 646-915-9620.


And while you wait, there's always Doctor Who: 

New Grindhouse Episode! Luke Cage Cancelled; Halloween 11 & Daredevil No Spoiler Reviews; The Grind @6pm

The Grindhouse Airs 10.21.18


Salutations to our loyal fellow AFROnerdists!  Check out the latest episode of Afronerd Radio's Grindhouse podcast-airing every Sunday at 6pm eastern.  Listen to your favorite cadre of internet broadcasters wax about the following topics: after Iron Fist @Netflix was cancelled last week, how many actually thought the Luke Cage streaming series was next?;  the new Halloween sequel and Daredevil S3 premiered this weekend and we give you our thoughts; Milestone Media co-founder, Michael Davis is not only a keynote speaker at this year's Afro ComicCon but he also has "beef" with DC over what appears to be their use of his original project, Black Reign: The Secret History of DC Comics Black Superheroes ; more on Titans at their DC streaming location; a Pennyworth (Batman universe) TV show?;  what about that Black Americans for the President's Agenda radio ad linking #metoo movement to lying White women and historical Black male lynchings? (whoa!); The Daily Beast revisits basketball superstar, Kobe Bryant's rape case allegations and deem him unworthy of  praise for his recent filmmaking projects; lastly, when will Frozone get his Pixar close-up?  Call LIVE at 646-915-9620. 

More DNWB Stories; TI's Trap Museum & Keke the Pimp; Paul Allen, MWIR 7pm ET

Mid Week in Review Airs 10.17.18

Howdy, folks!  Per usual, it's that time to be terse and get straight to the facts!  Listen to a new installment of the MWIR (Mid Week in Review) airing every Wednesday at 7pm eastern.  The topics to be discussed are: yet another story hits the media asserting that a White woman attempted to prevent a young Black man from gaining entrance into his own apartment because she felt uncomfortable (Doing Nothing While Black-"DNWB")....oh and there are more incidents; if the Kanye West fiasco wasn't enough, his fellow rap musician/colleague, T.I. is purportedly curating a trap museum (wha?);  and in like-minded fashion, actress, Keke Palmer's, Pimp trailer hit the internets this week; Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen dies at 65;  according to a io9.com piece, it appears that the nerds/fanboys had their final say on the Solo movie via AI and deep learning (hint: Harrison Ford gets injected into the prequel whether he wants to or not); more DCEU failings via the recent Flash movie announcement;  Dark Phoenix actress, Sophie Turner isn't sure if the X-men franchise and its them of intolerance and pathos will translate well into the MCU; thoughts about former Marvel VP, Bill Jemas creating another comic publishing company, Lightspeed (5M in funding) and an Avengers 4 trailer description hits the web.  Call LIVE at 646-915-9620.  

TIME on the passing of Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen:

Daryl B.'s Belated BUT NECESSARY New York Comic Con '18 Recap! Friday's Visit

So...where to begin with this Friday New York Comic-Con wrap up? I could go hour by hour that I stumbled across the convention floor and the various hijinks in chronological order but I think I will...

(Spider-Force!!!)​

....um OK. What was that? Anyway, had a blast being myself and terrorizing cosplayers, writers & artists all day. No better way to do this than to give various shoutouts to creators & friends DBurt, my sister Melissa and best bud Kevin came across. Big time ups to the Lion Forge booth for letting my sister and I hang there as I corralled this little unit together.​

Major applause and congratulations to Greg Anderson Elysee, creator of Is'Nana The Were Spider and one of the creative forces behind horror comic The Gentleman. Bonded on FB over a love for Black Panther and I have enjoyed debating comic and societal topics over the past year with him. Picked up volume 2 of The Were-Spider while I was bugging him...​

As my buds and I walked the floor, snapping pictures of just about everything, saw my friend and Bat-Fan expert, James Lawrence from The Bat Force Podcast. Then ran into the great Regine Sawyer from Women In Comics. Spied artist extraordinaire Jen Bartel over at her booth and couldn't resist heading over and picking up her "Wakanda/Dora Milaje" poster print. Her Blackbird #1 from Image Comics is in comic shops now. ​

(Spider-Force!!!)​

Now...hold up!!! You had to have heard that this time?!!?!?!?!?!​

Anyhoo! Along this way, we met up with AfroNerd Supporter BlueEyeDevil walking the floor and we hit more dignitary tables like Robert Garrett from XMoor Studios and N Steven Harris, currently the artist of Michael Cray (issue #12 out this week!!!). Picked up a Galtow poster from Mr. Garrett and stumbled into 2 AWESOME situations back to back. First off, encountered David A Walker and Sanford Greene at their table, promoting Bitter Root, their Image horror comic and spent a good 15 mins there talking with the talented duo. Got a great Wakanda art panel along with a Bitter Root t-shirt. As we were doing this, a good friend of mine Javier met up with us and unbeknownst to me, Mike and Molly actor Nyambi Nyambi also visited the booth to the delight of my sister.​

Got the chance to meet Dennis Hopeless right after this craziness and pick up the NXT editions of the WWE BOOM! Comic from him. From there it was a moment for my lifetime, I got into comics chiefly because of Marv Wolfman, writer of The New Teen Titans. I got my sister into comics through Terry Moore and his Strangers In Paradise. And here were the two of them with their booths side by side! After this it was a visit to Amy Chu to mainly apologize for last NYCC where I tried to take her only issue of DMC #3. Amy just says to me offhandedly "You know he's at his booth right now right?".... Yeah you know what time it was...?​

(Spider-Force!!!)​

No. It wasn't that time. What the heck? It was time for this weird traveling caravan to visit the Darryl Makes Comics booth where Afronerd and Javier bonded with DMC over hip-hop and Queens tales. I was in line getting DMC #3, La Borinquena #2 from Edgardo Miranda Rodriguez and a DMC T-Shirt (which EMR designed) for friend Tommy London. Wild. Absolutely wild time and then I doubled back to Madame Chu's booth to buy her first Red Sonja TP and to take a picture showing my geekiness as penance. Another funny part of this was running into Lion Forge editor Desiree Rodriguez just as she was leaving. You may not recognize the name, BUT she was one of the driving forces corralling the talent for the Puerto Rico Strong benefit anthology. She is helping steer their Catalyst Prime line now. Still amazes me to meet all these people that I've had great brief Twitter convos with in person.​

Now about that Spider-Force thing. In the midst of all of this, we found time to sit in at the Marvel Knights 20th Anniversary panel featuring Joe Quesada, Jimmy Palmiotti, Tom Sneigoski, and Christopher Priest. Hilariously informative and mainly Quesada & Priest related tales about how the MAX line got away with their craziness being Marvel's "Image/Vertigo" competition line. The unique Priest credited Quesada/editorial with instituting his signature style now.. .and later on threw in this tidbit (paraphrasing courtesy of Pierce Lydon of Newsarama):​

"Priest says that his Black Panther kind of accidentally became a feminist book but that the movie is absolutely a feminist film. He didn't mean to center women when he wrote Black Panther but because they were centered, they had the freedom to create and explore these characters. The Dora Milaje represent all the tribes of Wakanda as a way of keeping the peace in Wakanda..."​

It felt great seeing them together on this panel, like being a fly on the wall of their office spying on stuff like why Sneigoski took Punisher on a supernatural bent to a new editor trying to get material from Jae Lee. I was rolling laughing... and yes, during Marvel's Spider-Geddon, Priest will be writing the Spider-Force mini-series. He only mentioned it like 10 times..hahaha​

Got out of the panel and did a video spot along with Afronerd. Did one last floor attack/wander around where we ran into friends at various booths like West Village Comics and Muteki Sales (What up Ray!?!?!?). As we left there to head on, I spotted Joseph Illidge over at the Valiant Comics booth and had to talk a little shop. And as it is my way, on the way to the Hip-Hop and Comics panel, I finally spotted Greg Burnham and Marcus Williams of Tuskegee Heirs and got to introduce my sister to them. While my friends stared in awe of their posters, I slinked to the table next to it and got Tim Smith III to sign Black AF Widows and Orphans #1 & #3 for me (Issue #3 in stores now!).​

So about that Hip-Hop & Comics panel, I took away 3 major things:​

1. Vita Ayala is going to be a star. She has The Wilds in stores now and she's the writer behind the upcoming LiveWire book for Valiant. Energetic and has a variety of ideas.​

2. Patrick Reed has been doing this panel for 7 years. I think i have visited 3 of them but I didn't realize it has been that long. And on this one he included Larry Stroman and tried to get Pete Rock. So the visibility is there...​

3. Finally saw Beddo. The Toronto based artist has done comic book/hip hop images for years and I know you have had to see some of his stuff (especially if you are an Outkast or Erykah Badu fan!) Dude is talented as all hell! ​

http://www.beddoart.com/​

Ok. That about does it. It wasn't a perfect con for me. Wanted to speak to, but missed Tee Franklin (Jook Joint in stores now), Majorine Liu (actually was on line for that but lady had a cute SHIELD Service dog in front of me. Cute Dog > Me everytime LOL), Jody Houser (writer of Faith, ASM Renew Your Vows), Matthew Rosenberg(Multiple Man, X-Men, Punisher), etc. One day...I needed more than one day!!! *SIGH* Being an adult with a responsibility streak sucks!!! So to those I missed (like Brian Michael Bendis walked right past us!!!!), I hopefully will get a chance to bug you within the next year. To all the vendors, cosplayers and talent: thank you! My Familia and I had fun. Feet still freaking hurt but the memories will help soothe that. ​

I LOVE BEING A BLERD! ​

Thx For Reading! Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!​

Titans Ep#1; Iron Fist Canned; Glass Trailer; Kanye Goes To Washington-Grind 6pm

Hundalasiliah, AFROnerdists! Listen to the latest installment of Afronerd Radio's Grindhouse airing every Sunday at 6pm eastern. Join in on the discourse with your favorite podcast team as they unravel the following topical mysteries:  and speaking of "unraveling" we try to understand the purpose of hip hop artist, Kanye West's visit and rant last week at the White House (emphasis on the word "try"); it was announced that Iron Fist will not be returning to Netflix after an improved S2 (is Disney Play at play?); Titans premieres on the DC Universe streaming service; more is revealed via trailer #2 of M. Knight Shyamalan's forthcoming Glass film;  some white parents are figuring out how to navigate sensitive cultural waters this Halloween as a result of kids of varied stripes asking to wearing Black Panther themed costumes;  a new MarySue.com piece posits Chinese scientists gene editing female only mice into producing offspring (without males) as a way to a real life Themsyscira; thoughts about Valiant getting into the movie business as more info becomes available about Vin Diesel gearing up to play Bloodshot; Ryan Coogler gets tapped for Black Panther 2 (he better be!); DC's Secret Six is reportedly getting the CBS series treatment; James Gunn writing/directing for Suicide Squad sequel confirmed; And lastly, our thoughts about the return of Constantine in the latest City of Demons animated movie.  Call LIVE at 646-915-9620.


And for your leisure....Panther's Quest, Episode 5

 

Taylor Swift; NYCC '18; Flash/Black Lightning; Suicide Squad's Gunn; MWIR 7pm ET

The Mid Week in Review Podcast Airs 10.10.18

Greetings, fellow AFROnerdists!  Listen to the latest installment of Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review airing this Wednesday at 7pm eastern.  Join your favorite AFROnerdist team as they tackle the following (mid) weekly issues:  singer, Taylor Swift gets threatened with a boycott for essentially revealing that she is a liberal due to her support of several TN Democrats and therefore not upholding "country" values; weighing in on the TV premieres of the CW's Flash (S5) and Black Lightning (S2), respectively; more on NYCC '18; our thoughts about the announcement that director, James Gunn after getting fired from Marvel's GOTG has rebounded with the WB's Suicide Squad franchise; actor, Ruby Rose's CW Batwoman costume reveal hits the cyberwebs; perhaps Venom spoiler talk and the possibilities for a sequel; actor, Michael B Jordan (Black Panther, Creed) gets critiqued for his Vanity Fair interview where he posits that there's a dearth of Black mythology and that AA need to create their own folklore (he's not exactly right but he's on to something); Johns Hopkins University names medical building after Henrietta Lacks; our thoughts on the guilty verdict levied against the police officer that killed Laquan McDonald; And lastly, Dburt has a fit over the inanity of Black skin tone politics with the latest controversy regarding the marriage of Beyhive matriarch, Tina Knowles.  Call in LIVE at 646-915-9620. 

And about that myth thing.....

New York Comic Con Coverage-NYCC '18; Venom Spoiler Free Review; Daredevil Trailer; Discovery-Grind 6pm ET

The Grindhouse Airs 10.7.18  

There's really no need for  pretense....let's just get on with the show!  It's the Grindhouse podcast as powered by the Afronerd Radio machine and it airs this Sunday at 6pm eastern,  Check out your regular AFROnerdist team as they unravel the following issues:  we give our impressions of this year's New York Comic Con (NYCC '18); the highly anticipated (maybe?) Venom film is released this weekend to split reviews between the audience and the critics; more streaming trailers hit the cyberwebs (Star Trek: Discovery, The Boys, more fleshed out Titans; Daredevil S3 and Sabrina on Netflix); acting and singing legend, Bette Midler got into hot digital water due to a tweet that references the John Lennon song, Woman is the Nigger of the World;  Dark Phoenix footage at NYCC had some in attendance asserting the film's title should be changed to "X-Women";  Dburt revisits an older story involving a perceived racist incident between Donald Glover and comedy legend, Chevy Chase; Lastly, according to AintitCool.com, '78 Superman, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and Max Fleischer's Superman: Mechanical Monsters get a limited November theatrical re-release.  Call LIVE at 646-915-9620.  

And feel free to check out the latest episode of Black Panther's Quest while you wait:

Daryll B Returns and it MUST Be All Hallows' Eve! Fresh Baked Blog Droppings, Folks!

Hello once again Afronerd Readers, new and old. I'm once again back from the abyss with a column straight from the BenCave to make you ladies and gents think. Why? This is my time of year. October 1st just passed and this blerd's mind has a bit of a horror edge.

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First up, there has been news and confirmation of Aquaman's James Wan being tapped to helm an American remake of Train To Busan. My Twitter followers know how "energetic" I was in saying this is a bad idea...HOWEVER... here are 5 tips to actually make it work (Yes, you read that right. I'm going to help them out. They aren't going to read this anyway but let it never be said I am not trying to help instead of just hate...):​

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1. Forget everything you have seen or read from previous American/Western zombie stories - I know that everyone wants to be George Romero OR Robert Kirkman and create something that leaves a lasting impact but, more often that not this ends badly. Go "The Girl With The Gifts" route and concentrate on original stories intertwining with the zombie apocalypse.​

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2. In this vein "Keep It Simple Stupid" - No need to make super fast zombies or ultra complicated soap opera plots. K.I.S.S. system. Humans. Zombies. Hunger. Dwindling Numbers and Options. Escape is possible...or is it?​

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3. Stay Away From Big Cities - Train To Busan works because of the near solitary situation that being on a cross country train puts the passengers in. Even with social media/digital age, news was spotty, interaction was few and far between outside of your car "mates".​

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4. On that note, Spend Time On Character Building - Anyone that has seen the original, LOVED how it flipped tropes and built heroes out of people we tend to hate. American horror storytelling tends to fall into the same conventions/techniques. Hence why I am saying again to drill point 1 in your head.​

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5. Finally, Stick To Your Bible - But Daryll B? This had nothing to do with religion? What bible? If you paid any attention to Captain Kirk over the years on Afronerd Radio, you should know that power sets are key. This goes for horror creatures too. Train set up early with background newscasts and 2 key scenes on the train what the abilities/detractions of the zombies & spreading of the plague was. Did not divert. Did not upgrade. They stayed consistent.​

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James? Focus on making a good zombie flick. DON'T try and reinvent the wheel here! Good Luck, man! After all you are trying to remake a film that got Romero's personal seal of approval! Uphill Climb AHOY!​

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Afronerd Radio has a patreon now in case you didn't know. Check this out and consider giving  for a little more bang for your buck(s)​

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https://www.patreon.com/afronerdradio​

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And speaking of Afronerd Radio, the guys' last podcast will definitely have everyone thinking as it started with Haddish/Nubia "rumor" analysis leading into an interesting film debate, among other stories including Dark Phoenix....​

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http://www.blogtalkradio.com/afronerd/2018/09/30/dark-phoenix-daredevil-creed2-haddish-as-nubia-more-kennedy-grind6pm-et​

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Dark Phoenix? HA!!! Although, I will state that yes I will be seeing Venom sometime during my New York Comic Con weekend. I have no expectations for the movie to wow me. Let's see what the movie makers have. I know Tom Hardy ain't going to be phoning this in so.... and as far as NYCC is concerned, I'm only there on Friday. So me, my friends and sister will blitz everything we can and I am sure to take pictures while annoying creators. LOL​

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Coming up: Daryll B makes some personally fun horror tinged comics/graphic novels because it is the season! Thx For Reading! Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!​