Our Mid Week in Review-Wed at 7pm-Part 2 of Sun Show: Tech for the Yr 2100, Dr. Cosby vs Other Black Celebs, No Ethnic Studies in AZ & More!

Let's keep it clean, concise and copacetic! Don't forget to check out our Mid Week in Review broadcast when Capt. Kirk and Dburt continue Sunday's fiery discourse on Libya (post President Obama's formal address on the matter), Dr. Cosby waxes "upper tier" poetic against "lower tier" minstrel celebs of color (inc. celebrity hip hop moguls); A new law in seeks to ban Ethnic Studies in Arizona public schools; predictions for tech, science and medicine circa 2100 and an Ivy League bound teenager pistol wips her mom over a car loan....WHOA! Call us up live at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review broadcast!

And while you wait for the show to begin, check out a video that is definitely in line with the Afronerd/Comic Shoppe motif....MF Doom's Doomsday:

Yes, The Comic Shoppe is Open 4 Business-2Nite at 7pm-Blk Panther is African & American?, New Venom, New Aquaman, "Being Human" News & More!

Salutations, Afronerd true believers! Welcome to another installment of The Comic Shoppe, airing this evening at 7pm eastern, courtesy of afronerdradio.com. Tune in this evening and listen to Daryll B., Capt. Kirk and Dburt pontificate on the following pulp related matters: In the wake of the upcoming Marvel Comics' Fear Itself crossover event, it appears that the former King of Wakanda is donning an alternate American identity; our thoughts on long time Spiderman character, Flash Thompson becoming the new Venom (with a new series to boot!); can the hardest working man in the DC universe, Geoff Johns revitilize the much maligned and ridiculed Aquaman character?; the US version of Being Human gets a second season (and Fringe gets a fourth), and this just in.....A JUSTICE LEAGUE MOVIE APPEARS TO BE IN THE WORKS (with a reworked Batman franchise after Dark Knight Rises) and lastly, our favorite graphic novel reads from the previous weeks....whew! Call us live at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio Presents The Comic Shoppe!

And how can we forget Daryll B's contributions??!! Here's his latest musings on the world of comics, sci-fi and fantasy:

Hello AfroNerd Readers and visitors of all ages. I got an interesting reclamation project coming for you all but first, here are eight articles that caught my inner geek's eye this past week:

Matt Duarte over at The Weekly Crisis asks a question about one of his favorite books that I am sure most of us have done with our own personal choices: What happened to the creative team?

http://www.weeklycrisis.com/2011/03/whatever-happened-to-batman-robin.html


Image Fans! Showtime got the rights to one of your babies:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/03/25/showtime-developing-chew-television-series/


Laura Hudson wonders if Scott Adams has lost his mind and with what he said, I do think he is heading down that Dave Sim path of "What the h-e-double hockey sticks, Man?" myself:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/03/25/scott-adam-sexist-mens-rights/


I came across this interesting article/blog while bouncing around the internet Friday. I will admit that I never knew Marcia Lucas had that big a role in Star Wars but it does fill in a few questions about drops in quality. If you got the time, it is a great read.

http://secrethistoryofstarwars.com/marcialucas.html


I found myself also visiting old haunts over the weekend and found 3 great articles over at Newsarama. First, Troy Brownfield covers the year in the Avengers Universe since Siege and finds there is a little bit for everyone:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/avengers-right-to-assemble-one-year-later-110325.html


Then, Vaneta Rogers hit me with a one, two body blow with first a look at why THIS year may be the most important for comic book movies as a genre:

http://www.newsarama.com/film/2011-most-imporant-comic-book-movie-year-110316.html


And then goes down a path that I am proud to say that The Comic Shoppe has traveled when we first started: linking comic book movie universes effectively and the benefits/downsides to it:

http://www.newsarama.com/film/comic-book-movies-shared-universe-110325.html


Finally, Graeme McMillan at Spinoff Online got the jump on me with this reclamation project but with the current state of NBC Fantasy Series, sooner or later someone would ask: "What if we brought Heroes back?"

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/03/27/could-new-heroes-save-nbc/


Heck, Mr. McMillan did a better job at diagnosing and correcting the problems than I would have. So with that universe off the table, I am going to look at the comic book equivalent: The Teen Titans!

The Teen Titans have existed in some form since the 60's and the original concept is simple: the sidekicks of the top heroes get together to stop menaces or just to hang out with other teens like them. Under Wolfman and Perez in the 80's, The New Teen Titans rivaled Claremont's Uncanny X-Men for comic book readers' hearts and as top selling book. Recently, the Titans have even crossed into television with a recent anime style cartoon on Cartoon Network and the hybrid of the concept in Young Justice, so you may ask what went wrong with the comics?

The Titans have lost its way pure and simple. Teen Titans have recently struggled to regain its footing after their characters were used as cannon fodder for DC's recent big events. Its sister book Titans has become a "villain" book, trying to hook in readers who like Suicide Squad / Secret Six group dynamics but failed. So how to help out the franchise?

1) Simplify the universe: one book with 7-10 members but always keep 3 or 4 'recognizable' heroes around for anyone just coming into the book.

2) Simplify the purpose: Geoff Johns had a great concept for the series that I would revisit, make Titans Tower the spot for the heroes to train and hang out. Sure I said I would have a core team in point one, but make it so that it isn't unusual to see cameos of other heroes training under the eye of senior members. If X-Men can do this all the time with their many characters, surely Titans can too.

3) I know the young are usually the first to die, but can we ease up on the ultra darkness and seriousness for a bit? Think about it this way: a kid just enjoyed watching the Teen Titans cartoon and sees one of the books on the stands. Upon reading it, he/she sees not the fun of the cartoon but a book with characters being eaten by mutant dogs or sliced into gory bits. I know the Teen Titans have started to go lighter with recent issues but this stain will remain for awhile...

4) Funny for me to say this but forget the past. Everytime this book reboots, the Powers-Than-Be want to re-form the 80's team in an attempt to regain past success. Those characters have grown up and are in JLA or in some of their mentors roles. Make them 'counselors' for the next generation of heroes but don't 'devolve' their progression just to make the "New" Teen Titans again.

5) Finally, give the book time to find its own identity. Each relaunch of Titans since the mid 90's has gotten 6-10 issues in, then is thrust into a "DC status quo" changing event which knocks over the deck and changes everyone's roles. As a result, characters like Changeling (I prefer than over Beast Boy), Raven, Starfire, and Cyborg who don't have a "big 3 brand" often have their purposes tossed around like volleyballs. Give it 14-20 issues, solidify the team and the concepts, then you can put them in the thick of trouble.

Once again I welcome all critiques on the blog and suggestions for reclamation projects in the comments section below and on my e-mail: wolfpackorion@yahoo.com. I am Daryll B. and until next time Afronerd readers, Keep Fantasizing!

Afronerd Radio Airs Sun at 7pm ET-Retro Sunday?-Discussing Classic Toys & Cartoons, Obama's Libya, Future Tech, AZ Bans Ethnic Studies & More!

Last time I checked, the naming of our show does imply a "nerdic" aesthetic which means that we should perhaps devote a portion of the show to lighter fare-Team Afronerd's nostalgia for classic Saturday morning animation and vintage toys/games. And then, of course, we'll get back to business with the serious stuff! Join Dburt and Captain Kirk as they help you open up your third eye by discussing the following topics: after the retro hobby discourse, we must (finally) weigh in on the current Libyan conflict; last week's NY Post piece pertaining to future tech predictions for the next 100 years; a new law intends to ban Ethnic studies programs in AZ schools and lastly, Dr. Bill Cosby speaks to The Star Press about the failure and hypocrisy of the Black celebrity. Stop by and check us out live at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM at-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio's Week in Review broadcast!


And as custom, we always try to highlight the unusual or at the very least talented. This time, check out The Chocolate Drops:

Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review! Pt 2 of the Jalen Rose Uncle Tom Controversy, Bon Jovi Vs Apple, CO + Prison Love= Lower Tierism, Libya & More!

Well, there's no time better than the present to highlight the issues slated for discussion for Wednesday's Mid Week edition of Afronerd Radio. Again...check us out at the same Afronerd channel and Afronerd station at 7pm as we use our conservative (and at times, independent) stethoscopes to diagnose the following maladies: former Corrections Officer and now author, Yolanda Dickinson (pictured above) has written a fictional book entitled Taboo pertaining to the all too real liaisons that occur between female COs and prisoners (do we really have a Black family in the White House-I'm just sayin'); a wrap up of our prior discourse on the Jalen Rose-Duke-Grant Hill-Uncle Tom controversy; rocker/entrepreneur, Jon Bon Jovi's critique of the demise of the record business (and hint..he's blaming Apple's Steve Jobs for it); The US with UN approval intervenes (sort of) against Libyan forces and if time permits, we might get the chance to give our thoughts on a NY Post article of tech predictions for the next century. Call us live this Wed at 646-915-9620! Excelsior, folks!

Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review broadcast!

Comic Shoppe Broadcasts Tues at 7pm: Discussing (finally) Marvel & DC Event Storylines, Wonder Woman's New TV Costume, Daryll B. Blog Post & More!

Let's cut to the chase...for all the "comic book heads" The Comic Shoppe radio show is the place for your pulp, fantasy and sci-fi fix! Join Daryll B, Captain Kirk and Dburt tomorrow at 7pm "live" as they wax poetic on the following topics: the two big comic book publishing giants, DC and Marvel are releasing their crossover event storylines-which is better?; pictures of the new TV Wonder Woman's costume hits the net; actor, Michael Jai White says that his Black Panther would make you forget the Dark Knight; Darren Aronofsky is no longer directing Wolverine 2 and with Japan's problems can the story still be filmed there?; Inception's Joseph Gordon Levitt might (or might not) be Alberto Falcone in the Dark Knight Rises and lastly, we will point out our favorite graphic novel reads from the previous weeks. So once again, call us live at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio Presents The Comic Shoppe!


And remember, when you allow your mind to think creatively, there are Limitless possibilities.....shhh!-



And least we forget, here's the latest blog posting from the inimitable, Daryll B:

Hola Afronerd Readers! After an extended break, I, Daryll B. have returned with a slightly new format but first, a little link blogging for you all:

First, longtime readers and followers of The Comic Shoppe know and understand about my addiction to Smallville the T.V. show, but for all of those that don't... Joel Watson of Hijinks Ensue came up with the perfect strip illustrating this:

http://hijinksensue.com/2011/02/25/persistence-of-motion/

His blog and the comment section that follows brings up an interesting question: What is your guilty viewing pleasure/addiction?
Next, Graeme McMillan of Spinoff Online comes up with a simple request in light of current and past events: No more disaster porn...

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/03/20/no-more-disasterporn-please/

I personally think it is spitting in the wind because people LOVE disaster movies but I love the debates it stirred up.

Comic Book Resources writer Brian Cronin shows off the Wonder Woman TV Costume:

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2011/03/18/i-like-the-wonder-woman-tv-costume/

What you think readers?

I can't lie about this but the Dwayne McDuffie passing stings still. However, Laura Hudson at Comics Alliance found 2 pieces of video that not only show off his wisdom in regards to the industry but his industrial wit too:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/03/18/dwayne-mcduffie-black-comics/

C2E2 had a lot of newsworthy moments/announcements by the companies but to the top of the list for DBurt are three words: Supreme. Power. MAX.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=31420

and how about Greg Rucka on The Punisher:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/03/19/the-punisher-1-august-greg-rucka-marco-checchetto/

Vertigo might have slimmed down its line to the horror of its fans at DC but the imprint is FAR from dead. Can you say "new Jill Thompson book"?

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/c2e2-vertigo-panel-110320.html

Finally, I hear from people all the time that I am hypocritical in my hate for some internet fans and their irrational anger. Well I don't even have to defend myself anymore if you saw this:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/03/17/dcs-blog-closes-comments-gives-up-on-even-trying-to-talk-to-yo/

DC closes its blog comments section because some people can't debate nicely on a FICTIONAL topic... Game. Set. Match.

Now to my new feature: I often tell people why I hate on something but I do try to give ideas on how the product could have worked or been improved. So in a world with plenty of ideas that mean well but come out crappy, I am going to bring a wrench and some duct tape. This week, I'm giving you my guilty pleasure: Smallville

Being a Smallville / DC myth fan, it is a pleasure to see all the cameos and "insider" Easter Eggs week in / week out. However many times in the show's 10 seasons it has come at the sacrifice of the running plot. A prime example is Doomsday:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/03/21/recap-smallville-episode-8-22-doomsday/

Ugh. Episode still gives me shivers and anger over lost potential but it does lead me to the first thing I'd go back in time to fix with Reed Richards' time machine:

1) Where is the thought out story-arc? Even with the season finale problems, at least the Doomsday story had a plot arc that the show followed more or less all year. For the first 5-7 seasons however, stories and villains felt like writers and producers were throwing stuff to the wall to see what stuck with the audience. Think out a plan. Frame it. Follow it. Or call it the "Doctor Who" method, each show builds up to an immense finale for the viewer.

2) The show is called Smallville right? Quick name 3 places in Smallville outside of the Kent Farm, the high school, the Talon, and Luthor Mansion. Can't do it can you? Yeah...

3) Here's a novel thought: "Emo" Superman sucks. Yes, he's got a world of responsibility to shoulder with his powers however, the constant moping about being different and self-hating about his powers makes this Clark Kent the saddest "hero" ever. I get it. Being a teen sucks and sometimes powers don't help, but what made Superman appealing to me as a kid was he LOVED his powers and helping others. I know... a totally foreign notion to kids these days but wasn't Superman supposed to be a symbol of all that's right and just?

4) Stop the villain / knock of movie of the week stuff. You like Saw and the Matrix? Fine. But do they have a place in Pre-Superman Smallville? Hell NO! I'd take episodes of universe building over "we need a person for Clark to punch out and I saw something in Movie X that will let us do it".

5) I could go on with 10-15 more points but I'll cut it short with this simple premise: "Whatever happened to character learning/growth as a series moves on?". I know that after a strange situation or fight, I'd personally make a note about it. Shouldn't Superman know about Red Kryptonite's effects by now? After the 5th or 6th time of Clark haphazardly falling prey to its effects, the knowledgeable fans are all rolling their eyes about how stupid this is. Even in the cartoon, Superman uses a lead suit in situations from time to time when he even thinks kryptonite might be involved.

I see the cogs and gears moving in you readers now. If you have a show that you want dissected, or just take objection to something I said, leave a note in the comments section below or e-mail me at wolfpackorion@yahoo.com. I welcome thoughts, suggestions, and ideas. Until next time Afronerd readers, keep fantasizing!

Guess Who's Coming To Afronerd Radio? Former Wall Streeter & Now Author, JC Davies! For the 2nd 1/2-Bon Jovi vs Steve Jobs & Jalen Rose Controversy!

Welcome back, folks! As we alluded to earlier this week, it's definitely time to shore up the interview portion of our program and what better way to do that then by inviting new author, J.C. Davies to our program. She will be discussing her new book, I Got the Fever: Love, What's Race Gotta Do With It?. Essentially, Ms. Davies will delve into the taboo (or is that formally taboo) world of interracial and intercultural dating in the 21st century. And this is just the first part of our broadcast. For the second half, we will be discussing some controversial statements made by rocker/actor/musician, Jon Bon Jovi in which he intimated that the demise of the record industry could be tied to Apple Inc. co-founder, Steve Jobs. And lastly, speaking of questionable comments, we will be addressing the Grant Hill vs Jalen Rose vs Duke University controversy in which, again, questions of Black authenticity and "uncletom-ism" appear to be at the forefront....again:

Afronerd Radio's Week in Review broadcast!

Sports commentator, Chris Broussard said it best:

A Sunday Preview With the Wed Mid-Week in Review! Topics on The Table: Explosions in Japan, Black Woman + Reality TV= No Class?, TX Gang rape & More!

First up, we implore our loyal listeners (and readers) to mark your calendars for this upcoming Sunday, March 20th, when former Wall Street portfolio manager and now author, stops by Afronerd Radio to discuss her latest literary effort, I Got the Fever: Love, What's Race Gotta Do With It? If you can't tell, Ms. Davies' book explores her experiences and suggestions pertaining to interracial and intercultural dating-from a "non PC" perspective. Again, we sure this is not the show to miss.

And now, for tomorrow's 90 minute Mid-Week in Review broadcast....stop by at 7pm eastern as Captain Kirk and Dburt wax poetic on the following current event stories: An 11 year old Cleveland, Texas girl of Latin descent is allegedly raped by upwards of 28 men and the town is divided along racial lines; an AOL Black Voices article posits that so-called Reality TV appears to depict (and promote) women of color in a classless way; more on the crisis in Japan including tastless jokes/observations by commedians, rappers and FOX news commentators; recent polling data affirms that the new American beauty standard is a biracial one and lastly, another murder-death-kill tragedy resulting in the "death by party" in Queens, NY....it never ends. Call us live at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio.com.

Afronerd Radio's Week in Review broadcast!

And for further edification on the Texas controversy, check out the new clip below:

The Comic Shoppe Tues at 7pm-Discussing: Image Comics Morning Glories, Who Continues Mr. McDuffie's Battle, New Conan Trailer & Marvel's Fear Itself

It's Tuesday, folks and that must mean that there's another "pulp flavored" edition of The Comic Shoppe on the horizon or at least at 7pm eastern. The Comic Shoppe Team will employ there "utility belts" to help decipher the following mysteries: Dburt discovers Image Comics' Morning Glories by Nick Spencer; who will take up the the cause for respectful (and accurate) depictions of minorities since comic writer/animator extraordinaire, Dwayne McDuffie is no longer with us; the latest trailer for the Conan reboot (is it considered a reboot?) has just hit the web; predictions for Marvel's next big event storyline entitled, Fear Itself (and will there always be the need to have a annual big crossover storyline?) and if time permits, we will discuss our favorite graphic novel/comic reads from the previous weeks. So join us and call in live at 646-915-9620 or contact us via email/Im at afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio Presents The Comic Shoppe!

Oh...and now that Season 3 of Being Human (UK version) has just ended and season 4 has been greenlighted, what happens to our heroes now that one of them has died?...(maybe....but it looks definite).

Tune Into Afronerd Radio 2nite at 7pm-Topics: The Japanese Earthquake, Robots of Color?, NYC Black Muder Rate Rises & Tiki's Return To The Gridiron

Cutting to the chase-Check out Afronerd Featuring Captain Kirk tonight at 7pm as they discuss the following current issues: our thoughts revolving around the tragic and devastating earthquake/tsunami in the Land of the Rising Sun; yet another example of the future of A.I. and robotics in the guise of a creator's wife (who just so happens to be a woman of color); new statistics as reported by last week's Gothamist affirms that the murder rate for minorities has increased exponentially-upwards of 31% for Blacks (and down for Whites at approx. 26%) and lastly in Sports related fare, former Giants running back and news correspondent, Tiki Barber has filed papers with the NFL to return to football. As usual we have a full plate of subjects to get into but feel free to stop by and speak with the Team Afronerd at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com. And remember...Be there and Be square-it might just save your life!

Afronerd Radio's Week in Review broadcast!


Oh in reference to the African-American android.....here she is, Bina48:

Stay Tuned for Wed-Our Mid Week in Review: The Oscar F-Bomb Scandal plus Senator Alan Simpson's Hip Hop Rant; GOP vs NPR, Leftover Issues & More!

In our quest to keep matters copacetic and succinct, tune in to Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review broadcast to check out Dburt and Captain Kirk discuss the following issues: two examples of an ever coarsening American culture-columnist/jazz critic Stanley Crouch's dead on critique of Oscar winner, Melissa Leo's F-bomb debacle and Senator Alan Simpson's anti hip hop/youth culture rant; minister and college president, Rev. Calvin Butts raises money to help prep schooler turned criminal, Afrika Owes get out of jail (to no avail); the GOP's undercover operation against the progressives at NPR and finally....discussing leftover topics from our previous broadcast (i.e. Matt Damon and the Hollywood elite vs Obama, racist fashion designer fired, etc)....whew! Call us live at 7pm-646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review broadcast!

Next on Tuesday's Comic Shoppe: Which is Better-The UK or US Vers of Being Human?, An Inhumans Movie?, McDufie On Continuity & More!

The Shoppe opens promptly tomorrow at 7pm eastern. The boys are back and ready to discuss the fiction that is pulp! Our heroes (although anyone of us might choose to be a villain on a subject or two) will be "chopping it up" on the following topics: according to ComicBookMovie.com, there might be an Inhumans film in the works, courtesy of the House of Ideas; thanks to Daryll B. he unearthed an article by the late great Dwayne McDuffie regarding the taboo issue of continuity in the comic book world; a discourse on which version of Being Human is better-UK or US; the maturation of comic book heroes and story lines....what does it all mean? and lastly, our favorite graphic novel reads from the previous week. Call in live at 646-915-9620 or via email at afronerdradio@yahoo.com! Excelsior, folks!

Afronerd Radio Presents The Comic Shoppe!

Next on Sunday's Afronerd Radio Show: Racism as Fashion? (Con't From Last Show), Hollywood vs Obama, Huckabee vs Natalie & More!

Afronerd Radio (dba Afronerd Featuring Captain Kirk) airs this Sunday at 7pm. Set your clocks and bear witness to the team at Afronerd as they use their conservative (and sometimes independent) microscopes to analyze this week's topics de jour: Academy Award winning actor, Matt Damon had some choice words for President Obama (check the video, above) which leads to a larger question of whether the love affair between the President and Hollywood is over; continuing last week's discourse regarding several high profile and racially charged events (the firing of a Christian Dior designer, the absence of Black models for NYC's Fashion Week, the lack of diversity of last week's Oscars); former Arkansas Governor and Fox News commentator, Mike Huckabee made several disapproving statements aimed at actress Natalie Portman pertaining to her out of wedlock pregnancy and lastly, Dburt and The Captain discuss the controversy centered around Brigham Young University basketball player suspended for having consensual relations with his girlfriend. So call us live at 646-915-9620 or contact us via IM/email at afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio's Week in Review


And while you wait for tommorow's broadcast, check out this pretty interesting debate between noted Jazz critic, Stanley Crouch and musician/radio host, James Mtume on jazz legend, Miles Davis' electric period:



Part 2


a debate about the music of Miles Davis with Stanley Crouch and James Mtume

Afronerd Radio's Mid Week Show-Ok It has Become Unavoidable...Charlie Sheen, Gaddafi vs His Citizens, Fashion Week in NYC & Much More!

Check out the next installment of Afronerd Radio this Wednesday at 7pm eastern. Join Dburt and captain Kirk as they discuss the following issues: we left Libya on the table this past Sunday, so we will pick up it up at the top of the broadcast-Will Colonel Gaddafi step down before anymore civilians are slaughtered? How much US and international intervention can be expected?; it appears that we must speak about the unavoidable.....Charlie Sheen. Are the media taking advantage of the actor or vice versa? ; Dburt rants about the erecting of yet another Black Church (as opposed to a conventional business) in a neighboring NYC town; another murder-death-kill story centered around a young woman of color's demise over a $20 debt; only in post racial America-("Blackouts" during the Oscars & NYC's Fashion Week, a designer professes his love for Hitler and a White college scholarship)....what does it all mean? Call us "live" at 646-915-9620 or via email-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.