Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review Show Airs Tomorrow at 7pm Sharp: Racist Olympic tweets; Science, Disfigurement & Human Nature; Romney in Israel, TJ Holmes is Driving While Black & More!

We're back!...pretty much in the same vein as Governor Schwarzeneggar's appearance in the upcoming release of The Expendables 2 (minus housekeeper shenanigans). Pull up a comfortable seat and listen to Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review this Wednesday at 7pm (EST) as Dburt and Captain Kirk use their CSI inspired abilities to unpack the following topics: racism + stupidity are the current bedfellows of twitter, especially pertaining to the Olympics; former CNN host, T.J. Holmes discusses his personal DWB (Driving While Black) encounters with the police; psychologists have figured out why disfigured people are oftentimes shunned by their peers; a Huffington Post blogger suggests that Governor Romney played the "race card" when discussing Israeli versus Palestinian success and lastly, a man kicked off a airline flight because of his saggy jeans became belligerent and abusive (SHOCKER!!) with the flight staff. AGAIN...check us out at 7pm!

Time for Double Action & Double Duty! The Comic Shoppe Airs @6pm followed by Afronerd Radio @7pm-Topics? What's Next After Batman; Too Many Hero Films; Romney's "Black" Ad & Jacksons' Estate Probs

It appears that there's ALWAYS something to discuss with cogent analysis when entering the worlds of sci-fi, comics or politics! First up, during The Comic Shoppe broadcast, hosts-Dburt, Captain Kirk and Daryll B. will be waxing about the following topics: are there too many comic book movies being made? will a saturation point be reached; for our ever popular "Versus" segment-the battle of genres-superhero/comic book vs action movies...which is better or is there a difference?; now that Batman's "Nolanverse" has reached its conclusion, what is the future of the Batman cinematic franchise? And lastly, the crew pontificates on their least favorite comic book characters. Again, check us out at 6pm eastern and call the hosts live at-646-915-9620.

And then there's the "second act" with the Afronerd Radio broadcast starting at 7pm! Listen to Dburt and Captain Kirk highlight the following current event inspired stories: Governor Romney releases a new campaign ad targeting the African-American community; the family of Malcolm X has something in common with the Jacksons who in turn are kindred spirits of actress, Kristin Stewart; a Black Mississippi couple were banned from being married in the predominantly White church they attended and lastly, if time permits, we will address some of the leftover issues that we failed to cover from the previous show....Whew! Stop by for BOTH shows, airing at 6pm and 7pm.

Check Out Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review Tonight at 7pm EST-Our Icon's Are Dying; Cultural Death in Timbuktu, Mali; More on Aurora Shooting

Enough with the verbosity this time! Join Capt. Kirk and Dburt tonight as they shed light on the following issues: more on the Aurora tragedy-religious leaders (zealots?) and gun supporters speak; more celebrity/business icons are dying (Sherman Hemsley, Sylvia Woods, Ernest Borgnine, Andy Griffith, Sally Ride, Chad Everett ); sometimes "junk" removal can be a horrible thing-just ask Mr. Fei Lin; is the destruction of Timbuktu further evidence that African culture is under assault and lastly, Dburt highlights another Kickstarter campaign regarding a comic book with a Black female lead entitled, Halloween Eve. See you all at 7pm sharp!

Time for Afronerd Radio's Midweek in Review Broadcast, Tonight at 7pm!

And While You're Waiting For Sunday's Double Feature, Check Out The Latest Blog Entry From The Shoppe's Daryll B!

Good Day Once Again Blog Readers! On the eve of The Dark Knight Rises premiere, I am here to give you quick hits and thoughts from comic/sci-fi stories around the web over the last week to 10 days: -For those interested before going to see the film, Newsarama gives a pretty good review of the film that is pretty spoiler free:

http://www.newsarama.com/film/dark-knight-rises-review.html

I am on record on The Comic Shoppe for saying that this could supplant Avengers in terms of box office and critical acclaim... however that 2hr 40min run time will prevent casual fans from seeing it multiple times, making optimal revenue intake harder.

-Cue to my favorite news from San Diego Comic-Con: http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/07/16/strangers-in-paradise-prose/

I'm getting 2 of my favorite comic book ladies, Francine and Katchoo, back in novel form ALONG with David? GOD YES! Thank You Terry Moore! By the way, if you haven't been reading Rachel Rising from him, you are missing out. Creepy as all hell and Moore has perfected the "pulling the rug out from under you" system for his readers who think they know what's coming next.... -I seem to remember AfroNerd, Captain Kirk, Blaque Ronin, Steve, Big Sexy, and Myself having this type of roundtable discussion about superhero movies and the comics they sprung from:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/07/17/thought-bubble-2-movie-success-and-comic-sales/

I STILL maintain that the industry lost out on getting a new generation hooked on reading the books by not properly advertising in front of the last couple of Hollywood Supe Blockbusters... -No matter how much Disney/Marvel try to clean this up:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/07/17/marvel-animation-comic-con-sdcc-2012-jeph-loeb-avengers-assemble/

...I still want to throttle someone. Avengers Assemble better not suck.... For the love of... -Augie DeBlieck Jr gives his noteworthy SDCC round up over at ComicBookResources:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=39888

I have to agree with him and other writers. We all looked for big news from Marvel and DC book wise and Image came in and took over the show. All those top notch creators affliated with the company while doing their own creations? Reminds me of Image's original formation in the 90's.

-Anthony Mackie. The Falcon. Captain America: The Winter Soldier. http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=39873 I cannot jump for joy over this psuedo news enough. Now if someone in Marvel's Movie Division can get me Kerry Washington as Storm...?

-Speaking of Marvel Movies: http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2012/07/16/cci-watch-thomas-jane-star-in-brutal-punisher-fan-film/ Thomas Jane is a BADA$$! -Hard week for me, saying goodbye to one of my favorite shows:

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2012/07/16/why-eureka-will-be-missed/

Hard to disagree with anything Graeme McMillian says about the show and feelings here. I know I am getting back Warehouse 13 and Alphas to entertain me over the Summer but the sense of family, science, darkness, and comedy from Eureka will be missed. Well that and Salli Richardson Whitfield, Erica Serra, and Felicia Day. Cue ice water shower pause here.... -*dripping wet* My link blog continues with this (possibly) happening over SDCC: http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2012/07/17/that-infamous-batwoman-portfolio-review/

Whether or not the story is factual, I know a couple of artists who have attended cons with their drawings/portfolios and let me tell you... the responses were not all that different from this one. Like it or not, comics still have the same image problems that they always have had.

-Once again, David Brothers at 4thLetter makes me think hard. First he takes on comic marketing and some of the sensationalism done by commenters/bloggers/writers like yours truly: http://4thletter.net/2012/07/comics-marketing-pet-peeve/

Again, I know I have done this with some books but in all good conscience, I cannot recommend you all to read a book that I personally think isn't good. No matter who's the character, who's writing/drawing it, or by whatever company.... I always try to recommend quality to you folks and as always, I will say in the same breath: "Don't just take my word for it. Go out and try it out for yourself and form your own opinion...". The era of buying just to buy is dead people.... no matter what the sales of AvX might say....

-Then leave it to Mr. Brothers to bring up this story:

http://4thletter.net/2012/07/on-billy-tuccis-blackwater-propaganda-comic/

As an ex-soldier, I must say that I am disgusted by this but I know all too well that there will be a market for a *shudder* Blackwater comic...

Finally, I am stealing a page from Chad Nevett and Mr. Brothers with a quick music video take. One of my things involving music videos is trying to link up video styles from 2 different genres. For example, and probably my best one, are the videos for Theory of a Deadman's So Happy and Kanye West's Flashing Lights. Both tell the tale of an angry girlfriend and the 'rich' boyfriend, at albeit different times. Whereas ToaD's shows the beginning of the conflict, Kanye's shows the eventful end. Similar things in both videos: the car(s) used; the woman's look; and the violent, yet stylish overtones. Everyone I have shown these videos to has seen where I came to form my train of thought(s)... (By the way, extra geek points to "So Happy" for having Smallville's Zatanna, Selinda Swan, as the crazed girlfriend! Wowsa!)

Theory of a Deadman "So Happy" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVsoPU4DhVA

Kanye West "Flashing Lights" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ila-hAUXR5U

The one link I have for you all today has more of a science fiction angle with M83's "Midnight City" and David Guetta's Sia dance anthem "Titanium". Midnight City opens with young kids in an hospital/center displaying telepathic/telekinetic powers. Eventually they bond together and break out on their own, eyes glowing to meet the coming future. Titanium could easily be 5-7 years later with the last kid left, losing control of his powers within a school in which he was hiding. Why? We don't know but it is obvious that the populace around him are now in fear of him and he is being hunted down.

M83 "Midnight City" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aZFcosBTaQ!

David Guetta ft Sia "Titanium" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRfuAukYTKg

I know. It a stretch to connect these videos but isn't that part of the fun of using our imaginations? Creating links to events that might seem impossible but would lead to even more interesting stories if they were to happen... So I guess all that is left to say is enjoy The Dark Knight Rises experience. You know we'll be talking about it on Sunday. Until then readers, Keep Fantasizing!

PREVIEW: Pastor Jomo Johnson Appears on Afronerd Radio, Sun 7/22/12 @7pm; Today-Mid Week in Review Broadcast!

Please don't forget to mark your calendars for July 22, 2012! Don't worry, folks! Sunday is still a "double feature" show, however, we have a special treat after the 6pm airing of The Comic Shoppe. Afronerd Radio welcomes Pastor Jomo Johnson to our studios for the 7pm broadcast. Pastor Johnson is appearing to discuss his ministry, charitable endeavors and his recent criticisms of rap artists like Meek Mill and Lil' Wayne. Undoubtedly, this interview will be one for the record books!

And then we can't forget tonight's Mid Week in Review broadcast airing at 7pm. Join your podcast heroes, Dburt and Captain Kirk as they discuss the following topics: a recent HuffPost op-ed posits that singer, Frank Ocean's same sex admission serves as a redefinition of Black masculinity; inventor, Steve Mann was allegedly attacked in a Parisian McDonald's by employees for his digital eyeglasses; for our Blue Area segment-NYC bus driver, Stephen St. Bernard catches girl after a three story fall; it's final, basketball phenom, Jeremy Lin is now a Houston Rocket....Dburt is mad but will he still buy Lin's Rocket jersey? (probably) and lastly, time constraints notwithstanding-while New York attempts to dismantle its "stop and frisk" policies, escalating violence in Chicago has "Windy City" natives asking for the controversial initiative. Call the hosts live if you want to join the conversation at-646-915-9620.

Afronerd Double Whopper Special: The Comic Shoppe @6pm & Afronerd @7pm: Topics? The San Diego Comic Con-Reveals Panels & Celebs; Run DMC Returns, More Wayne Brady & Meek Mill vs Pastor

Sunday brings our listeners yet another Afronerd Double Feature Sunday and the question remains....are you coming back for more punishment or education? Whatever the answer, feel free to call the hosts live at: 646-915-9620 or you can contact the show via email/instant message at afronerdradio@yahoo.com! Join Dburt, Daryll B. and Captain Kirk as they shed light on ONE predominant issue this time-the goings on at this year's San Diego Comic Con! More specifically, your "Podcast Avengers" will be discussing the celebs that have been "outed" as geeks; the revelations and disappointments of the con (a Guardians of the Galaxy film is forthcoming but no Black Panther); the ubiquitous media coverage and how all facets of pop culture continue to merge with this pulp cultural event.

And then there's Afronerd Radio batting second at 7pm eastern. Listen to Captain Kirk and Dburt share their unique political perspectives on the following current event inspired issues: it appears that on the heals of the macabre appearance of the Tupac Shakur hologram, Run-DMC and TLC are returning back to the stage with respective reunion tours; actor, Michael Claude Duncan suffers a near fatal cardiac arrest; Dburt revists last week's Wayne Brady vs Bill Maher on the Obama controversy after a Wall Street Journal piece adds more fuel to the fire: And in more "versus" news, Philadelphia, PA Pastor, Jomo Johnson gets into an on air battle (courtesy of Philly's Hot 107.9) with rapper, Meek Mill regarding Mill's new single entitled, "Amen" and lastly, a Huffington Post article highlights a new study that details the unhealthy eating affects and increased caloric intake that occurs to habitual video gamers. AGAIN...check us out at 7pm sharp!

NEW PREVIEW: Hip Hop Legend, MC Lyte Interview on Afronerd Radio for July 10th; This Sunday, Double Feature Radio, Courtesy of The Comic Shoppe @6pm & Afronerd @7pm-Discussing New Spiderman Film; MArvel Now vs DC52; Chris Rock's Tweet; Morgan Freeman on Obama & More!

Boy, do we have some shows lined up for you! Once AGAIN, check out Afronerd Radio this Sunday when/where we have our legendary double feature shows, The Comic Shoppe starting at 6pm eastern and Afronerd featuring Captain Kirk "batting clean up" at 7pm. As mentioned in this blog entry header, our interview with Hip Hop Icon, MC Lyte has been rescheduled for Tuesday, July 10th at 4pm (EST). Ms. Lyte is gracing our studios to not only discuss her illustrious career in entertainment but also her involvement in her non-profit organization, The Hip Hop Sisters Network. Now back to this Sunday's show-Join Captain Kirk, Daryll B. and Dburt for The Comic Shoppe where the issues to be unpacked are as follows: an analysis of the Amazing Spiderman reboot and its projected first week, 140 million dollar box office takedown; and speaking of Spidey news, a Miles Morales, Ultimate Spiderman film short hits the web; is the new Marvel Now! initiative a shot across the bow aimed at last years DC's 52 launch?; limited series, Hit Monkey gets a video game imprint and if time permits, our opinions on this week's release of Gary Frank and Geoff Johns' Batman: Earth One. Call the hosts live at 646-915-9620 or contact the show via email/instant message-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Next up, the Afronerd Radio broadcast starting at 7pm sharp. Stop by and listen to Afronerd and Captain Kirk wax on the following current event related topics: comedian Chris Rock gets into hot water for a controversial Independence Day tweet; legendary Academy Award winning actor, Morgan Freeman believes President Obama is biracial and not Black; for our vaunted Blue Area segment we acknowledge two wunderkinds-Kiel Hicks who is a triple threat-teen scholar, Olympic level martial artist and pianist and University of Kentucky's Terrence Jones, who recently facilitated dental work for a fellow UK student/friend and lastly, in more sports news, is Jeremy Lin staying with the NY Knickerbockers or what? Whew! Check us out 7pm!

And our apologies, to The Shoppe's Daryll B....take a gander at his latest pulp flavored entry:

It takes a lot to get my goat. Sure I can get worked up, and if you have ever spoken to me / listened to the show, you know that I can get pretty passionate about these perceived slights. One trigger of these emotions is missed opportunities to grow a product I love. Another trigger is the mismanagement of such a property to a heinous degree.

Enter The Avengers!

I know what you folks are thinking: "Daryll, are you nuts? They have just had a live action movie that was critically acclaimed AND took in 1.4 billion dollars. The Avengers vs X-Men event is a huge crossover that has all the fans talking. Not to mention that Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes cartoon is one of the most loved and watched ones on Disney XD these days. Seriously. Everything is well..."

No. Quite frankly, I feel that Marvel/Disney have royally screwed the pooch on each of these "benefits". Just hear me out...

Avengers made a LOT of money and wetted the appitites to even disbelievers to the potential of the Marvel Movie Universe. On the show, we have speculated on spinoff movies for a bunch of Avengers related characters on this wave of popularity. However, where was the advertising for the origin of the movie? All those screens, all those patrons, yet not a single advertisement for the comics to be seen. I know there are those who say that the printed page is dead and that digital comics is the way to go but there weren't any ads for the Marvel Online stuff either. Hell, there were more things done for the recent Northstar wedding than done for comics at the Avengers screenings. Speaking of which...

Avengers vs X-Men is absolutely inane to this fan of both franchises. Since when does protecting the world from a cosmic force lead to fights like Black Widow vs Magik? Or the arguing of idealogies when both teams have been so cross pollinated that characters should really know how partners who have been on both teams will react by now? The most fun that I have had in this whole mess is the insider fun that Christos Gage has been poking at it "secretly" from his perch in Avengers Academy. Surely Marvel can do better than this?

Well, when it comes to Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes on Disney XD, Marvel had what I call a "Lupe Fiasco" moment. Before his album Lasers came out, Lupe Fiasco came out and energetically denounced the album, stating it was too commercial, too corporate. He tried to save face with his core fans from a flop.... except the album was a success. Overseas, there were already remixes upon remixes of all the tracks before it was even released here in America and as a result, Fiasco is doing million dollar videos for songs on a supposed flop album. Oops...

Marvel and Disney saw the Avengers movie then looked at the cartoon and said to themselves that the cartoon needs to look more like the movie. They went so far to announce that they were going to release "Avengers Assemble" to replace the existing cartoon.... except fans almost universally love the show. The only real complaint I have heard about Avengers EMH was the Disney XD scheduling which had everyone scratching their heads. Fans loved the character development, along with the storyline shoutouts to past/current storylines. This was truly the "JL/JLU" for Marvel Animation fans and management royally screwed it up in the Spectacular Spider-Man/Wolverine & the X-Men vein of screw-ups.

In the words of Riley Freeman: "B***h-A$$ move Disney/Marvel. B***h-A$$ move..." This new series BETTER be good... and I not talking what they have said about it being on par with Ultimate Spider-Man because that would be a disaster of Ishtar type levels...

Link-Blogging

-Yeah DC, this story doesn't exactly fill me with confidence but our show told you so:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/06/26/george-perez-superman-experience-new-52/

And you thought we were race-baiting and stirring s*** when we attacked DC over the McDuffie and Milestone/JLA situations? Perez essentially proves that all of our rantings over their "editorial" policies and Grant Morrison favored over all positions true here...

-Big ups to the Hero Initiative for this:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/06/27/static-writer-robert-washington-iii-funeral-hero-initiative-fundraising-successful/

I may be a selfish bastard but it is always nice to know that there are organizations and fans like this that go above and beyond for their heroes/mentors.

-Comic Book Mash-Ups featuring NBC's Community? I'm there!

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2012/06/28/the-line-it-is-drawn-96-comic-book-characters-and-tvs-community/

Let others have Big Bang Theory, make mine Community!

-Tom Bondurant and I often have views about comics that clash but we both agree on this: Brubaker leaving Captain America is going to hurt:

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2012/06/grumpy-old-fan-ed-brubaker-isnt-walking-through-that-door/

Speaking of which... hey DC? Where is that Gotham Central Omnibus??? Sheesh!

-Finally leave it to David Brothers to give us something to think about. This time it is DRM and digital comics...

http://4thletter.net/2012/06/who-benefits-from-drm-not-the-consumer/

Afronerd, Capt. Kirk, and I have been warning all of you that we consumers haven't thought seriously about the ramifications of going totally digital. I can guarantee that a majority of online collectors haven't thought about David's viewpoint here....

Ok, I am stepping off the platform now. Until next time readers, Keep fantasizing!