Ride Out Irene w/Afronerd Radio at 7pm-White Michael Vick Controversy, EX NBAer Accused of Murder; Paypal Founder Pays U NOT 2 Go to College & More!

Hopefully our east coast listeners will escape the wrath of Hurricane Irene unscathed. And what better way to "ride out" the hurricane (if the power is operational...no joke) than to listen to this Sunday's Afronerd featuring Captain Kirk live broadcast at 7pm eastern. The issues on the menu this week are as follows: author/culture critic, Toure lights up the blogosphere with a provocative ESPN article depicting Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Michael Vick as White; ex NBA player, Javaris Crittenton is facing murder charges for the shooting of a young mother in the ATL; Paypal founder, Peter Thiel is not only funding the erection of island countries (with no conventional rules/laws) for the super wealthy but also spending money on young entrepreneurs encouraging them not go to college; a blog posting by journalist Janet Langhart Cohen deals with interracial dating and Black authenticity issues.....again and lastly, Is Facebook usage tantamount to a gateway drug? Call us live an join in on the conversation at 646-915-9620 or via instant message at afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio, Wed-7pm-NY as Hollywood East; Bklyn's Latino List Exhibit; Bullying Victims Get Low GPAs & The Passing of Legends Ashford & Lieber

Don't forget to check out our Mid Week in Review broadcast, airing tomorrow at 7pm courtesy of Afronerd Radio. Call in live at 646-915-9620 and join in on the conversation as Dburt and Captain Kirk wax "politic" on the following issues: the music industry suffered a double blow with the passing of legendary songwriters, Nick Ashford (of Ashford and Simpson) and Jerry Lieber who penned hits for the likes of Elvis Presley, Ben E. King, The Coasters and countless other musical acts; NYC may be experiencing an economic boost with reports of upwards of 23 TV shows being filmed in the Big Apple; according to the Huffington Post, high achieving Black and Brown students statistically suffer the most academically if they are the victims of bullying; on the heels of 2008's Black List, now the Brooklyn Museum is paying host to the Latino List (are the darker hued Latinos included?) and lastly, our team will address some of the remaining topics that were left on the table from Sunday's show. Feel free to leave your comments or questions in the chat room located at afronerdradio.com or contact us directly via instant message at-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Tuesday's Comic Shoppe Discourse Includes: A Pitch 2 CBS 4 a Star Trek TV Series; Ghost Rider 2 & Underworld 4 Trailers; Conan & More at 7pm -ET

There's never a dearth of topics to discuss in either podcast universes....Afronerd Radio and The Comic Shoppe, notwithstanding. Join TheComicShoppe.com crew tomorrow at 7pm (eastern) sharp as they extrapolate and analyze this week's sci-fi/graphic novel/fantasy data for your listening pleasure: new trailers for Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and Underworld: Awakening hit the web; according to ComicBookMovie.com, a new pitch might be submitted to the execs at CBS for a new Star Trek TV venture; Conan is released this past weekend to disappointing box office numbers; the failed Wonder Woman pilot also hits the net with a thud and lastly, our favorite graphic novel picks from the previous week. Stop by and join in on the fun (and sometimes funny) pulp flavored discourse! The live call in number is 646-915-9620 or leave a comment or question via email or instant message at-afronerdradio@yahoo.com. Imperius Rex, brethren!

oh and check out the clip below....shhh!



And then there's The Shoppe's Daryll B. and his latest blog posting:

Hi once again AfroNerd Readers and here are the things that caught my eye this week:

1) The Let's Be Friends Again crew once again use their gift for comics related satire to skewer life in comicdom:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/08/19/comic-book-forum-argument/

Now any sci-fi fan has friends like this... hell I'M like this at times. "OMG, they CAN'T change this comic/movie/tv show... My life is over.... Screw them jerks!" or "How can these issues just change direction like this? I been following these issues since I was knee high to a...." These guys got me and other uptight, obsessive fans good with this one and the best part is they (and their cohorts) did it on their forum with a comics universe that they made up as they went along....

(In a related note, Last Friday, I visited my friend Jeff who is a comic shop owner in Hewlett, Long Island and asked him specifically about the DC Reboot/Relaunch and he put it in the most simple way possible: "DC isn't making "new" money on their current line of books. So this move is to attract new shoppers essentially." Off the record, we both agreed that DC will get a bump up in sales the first 2 months, but the true test is in months 3 & 4. How many of those new readers will stick it out for the long run? Will it be enough to eclipse the fans that the move pisses off?)

2) In the same vein, Chris Sims gives readers his choices for cartoons aimed at kids:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/08/19/ask-chris-68-cartoons-for-kids/

I know everyone is in love with Adventure Time and Gumball right now, but I am not digging it. On the other end of the spectrum, I am really digging the new Thundercats and my longtime friends who went through the 80's with me are shocked by that... So who knows?

3) Over at Weekly Crisis, Ryan K Lindsay, Kurtis Wiebe, and Jeremy Holt have a podcast called The Process and last week they handled writing techniques in relation to current books. It worth a listen...

http://www.weeklycrisis.com/2011/08/process-ep-3-of-character-versus-plot.html

4) Meanwhile, for the last month retailer Ron Cacace of Fallout Shelter Comics has been doing articles from the Owner/Employee point of view at W.C.. This week. he handles the do's and don't do's of the pull list:

http://www.weeklycrisis.com/2011/08/retailing-with-ron-pull-list-etiquette.html

5) Wow didn't see this one coming: Atomic Comics in Arizona is arguably one of the top 5 comics chains in the United States....and it just closed its 4 locations.

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2011/08/arizonas-atomic-comics-chain-shuts-down/

Now it might be personal problems or it might be the economic climate but this should be a wake up call to retailers to cross every T and dot every I in terms of handling their business.

6) Ok I think Marvel missed a golden opportunity at D23, the Disney Convention at Anaheim.

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2011/08/everyone-was-wearing-a-disney-shirt-but-me-day-one-at-d23/

How you don't have an all Marvel booth at the show? I know they had an Avengers forum and Q & A on the Sunday but come on... This was a chance to get more eyes from people who don't usually buy your stuff on them... ESPECIALLY after the mainstream buzz following Thor and Captain America. A booth selling discounted T-shirts and Marvel Adventures trade paperbacks to these parents, kids, and diehard Disney fans? Isn't that a no-brainer?

7) Spinoff Online once again asks a simple question that should make us fans think...

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/08/20/how-long-is-too-long-for-a-part-2/

Blade Runner sequel? Did everyone fall asleep for 15 years?

8) This one is something that Captain Kirk has been saying for the last year:

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/08/18/how-much-does-story-matter-in-modern-blockbuster-moviemaking/

Story or Big Explosions? The eternal debate.....

9) Finally, Brian Cronin spotlights one of my favorite comic runs, the 90's Black Lightning, and as a bonus shows probably one of the best emotional scenes for me EVER in print:

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2011/08/19/almost-hidden-isabella-and-newells-black-lightning/

Come on...who can have a dry eye after that?

This week, Conan and Fright Night reviews. I LOVED one and thought the other was ok. Those who know me well probably can guess as to which is which but you KNOW we'll hit these on the next show. Thank you for reading everyone and as always AfroNerd Readers, Keep Fantasizing!

Laura Ingraham vs Charlie Rangel; Dirty Ghetto Kids Clothing (?); Letterman vs Islamists; Racist Nivea Ad & More on Sunday's Afronerd Radio-7pm ET

As always, Afronerd Radio makes it our business to discuss the whimsical to the controversial and this Sunday's broadcast proves to be business as usual. Stop by tomorrow at 7pm eastern as we deliberate on the following current event laden topics: conservative talker, Laura Ingraham handed Harlem congressman, Charlie Rangel his hat but was her rapid fire brand of discourse fair?; Dburt discovered that one of his favorite online clothiers also carries a clothing line entitled, Dirty Ghetto Kids; comedian/late night talk show host, David Letterman's life is threatened by Islamic fundamentalists over a joke; the makers of Nivea products are in hot water with the African-American community pertaining to an ad that many have perceived to be racially insensitive and it appears that famed director, Ridley Scott is looking to delve into making some kind Blade Runner film-sequel or reboot, no one knows for sure. Feel free to give us a buzz live at 646-915-9620 or leave comments/questions via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio's Week in Review


And as an aside, those who share my conservative bent may want to rethink discounting the theory of evolution:

Set Your Clocks 4 2morrow's Mid Week in Review Show, 7pm-Musicians & Their Master Recordings; Daddy (Prison) Day Care, Supes Real Fortress Crystrals

It's that time once AGAIN, folks! Join Captain Kirk and Dburt tomorrow evening at afronerdradio.com for their Mid Week in Review show at 7pm eastern. Pull up a chair (or call in live-646-915-9620) and listen to these two cultural analysts discuss the following: a little known law may allow your favorite legendary musical acts the ability to reclaim their master recordings from record company limbo; a program that juxtaposes a child's camp experience with an annual fatherly penitentiary visit; UK computer scientists have developed glass hard drives that are reminiscent of Superman's Fortress of Solitude crystals; Dburt waxes on 98.7's Openline show and their victimization world view and how a NY socialite's 180K purchase of a newborn child led to the downfall of an underground black-market baby peddling ring. Feel free to leave your comments and or questions during the live broadcast in our chat room or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Stop By The Comic Shoppe Show Tues at 7pm-Discussing The Lone Ranger Shutdown; Final Thoughts on This Summer's Comic Book Films & More!

Jump into the fray if you dare, tomorrow at 7pm eastern. The Comic Shoppe team will discuss the following fantasy, sci-fi and comic book themed topics: Johnny Depp's highly anticipated Lone Ranger film has ceased production allegedly over budget concerns; our impressions on this summer's comic themed movie extravaganza; the Racialicious blog highlighted the SDCC Dwayne McDuffie panel/tribute with the likes of actor/comedian, Wayne Brady paying respects; DC's Secret Six villain (or is it anti hero) comic has come to a close; MTV's Teen Wolf has its finale but got picked up for season 2; Black Dynamite gets animated; Dark Knight movie news and the teams favorite comic book reading picks from the previous week. Join in on the live discourse at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM at-afronerdradio@yahoo.com. And speaking of Black Dynamite.....here's a preview, courtesy of Adult Swim:




And then there's the latest blog entry from Daryll B:

Not much to blog about this week AfroNerd readers, however I did find 7 things that caught my eye this week. (Looks like we'll finally get around to that "powers" on USA Programs huh DBurt? lol)

1) I got 2 things from Spinoff Online this week. First up is the notion that Runaways might be alive again along with Ant-Man and Doctor Strange as possibilities/candidates for those 2 proposed 'mystery' film release dates.

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/08/15/marvels-runaways-alive-waiting-for-go-ahead-following-avengers/

2) Secondly, Graeme McMillan ponders what is the thing that film studios will get out of this Summer of movies when all is said and done...

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/08/13/the-lesson-from-this-summers-movies-forget-everything/

3) Ron Marz hits us with a little personal history lesson when it comes to women working in comics.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=33855

4) For all those who were hoping for a little extended story linking from ABC Family's The Hulk to the Avengers movie franchise, prepare to be disappointed....

http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/681128/whats-going-on-with-the-hulk-television-series.jhtml

5) These comics are just too cool for words. First up Jaws seen through the eyes of Charlie Brown:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/08/09/jaws-peanuts-comic-mashup-charles-forsman/

6) Next, a snarky look at controversy thanks to Comic Critics:

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2011/08/10/comic-critics-171/

7) Finally...well all I can say is that the gutters did it again:

http://www.the-gutters.com/comic/175-alfredo-sanchez-bedolla-gomez

LOL I think they channeling my frustrations with the new DC timeline.....

8) Anyone who has heard the show or read the blogs knows how I feel about how race has been handled in comic books. David Brothers makes his case here on characters that comics have gotten right and I really cannot argue with his choices....

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/08/09/race-marvel-dc-comics/

I hope I provided some thought provoking stuff for you folks here and next week I'll have thoughts about SyFy's announcement ending Eureka and how that killed my Sci-Fi passion for a day. Also, I'll give my thoughts on the first episodes of the new Iron Man and Wolverine animes on G4.... Until then readers, Keep Fantasizing....

Check Out Our Mid Week in Review Show 2nite at 7pm ET-UK, Wisconsin & Philly Flash Mobs (WTF!!!); Language Translating App, Chupacabra in MN & More!

Hello ladies and gents, welcome to another fun and fully packed edutainment experience of Afronerd featuring Captain Kirk-The Mid Week in Review edition! Stop by as Dburt and The Captain utilize their conservative (and sometimes independent) stethoscopes to bring analysis to the following issues: Afronerd-ism hits Philly as mayor, Michael Nutter channels another Philly native, Dr. Cosby by proclaiming flash mobbing Black youths are disgracing the race; flash mobbing goes international by way of the London riots; and then there's Wisconsin marauding vs a Mississippi racial death; Minnesota might have its first chupacabra; with the new language translator app, how far we from a Star Trek "universal translator" becoming a reality and lastly, the Civil Rights book turned film entitled, The Help reaches theaters... So, call us live at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com to submit your questions, protestations or reflections...see you at 7pm eastern.

First a Preview for Next Sunday's Afronerd Radio (special 2pm airing) & 2morrow's Comic Shoppe: The Apes have it; DCnu; Catwoman, Supes Reveals

First off, the preview-don't forget to mark your calendars because Afronerd Radio welcomes co-authors, Rodney Kellum and Shawn Ousley to stop by this upcoming Sunday to discuss their latest, controversial book entitled, What yo nayme iz?: What not to name your child. I'm sure that our loyal listenership has been keenly aware that Afronerd Radio has been highlighting the deleterious affect that nonsensical and ghettocentric names are having on Black progress...well, these gentlemen are sure to give further evidence of this phenomenon...stay tuned. And then there's The Comic Shoppe.....


Where there's fire, there's smoke and undoubtedly crew at The Comic Shoppe discussing all things pulp, pop, sci-fio and everything in between. Stop by Tuesday at 7pm eastern to hear Captain Kirk, Dburt and Daryll B wax on the following topics: Rise of The Planet of The Apes takes in 54 miilion at the box office and wins over naysayers and critics to boot!; more problems (how many Robins can a Batman mentor in the DCnu) with encroaching 52 book reboot for DC; more talk of a DC vs Marvel video game when a head honcho at Capcom says it would be HIS dream project (as well as every other gamer); Cat Woman and Superman live action pics reach the net; more fallout over a Spiderman of color-Newsarama.com's piece on race and superheroes and lastly, our favorite/suggested graphic novel reads from the previous week. Call in live with your questions and/or participation at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

And now some words of wisdom from The Shoppe's Daryll B.

Hiya once again AfroNerd Readers! Before I get into new things, let me revisit the Miles Morales situation one last time (yeah right). I want to issue an apology to my cohorts DBurt, Captain Kirk, Steve, and all of the internet listeners. I let my emotions sweep up my common sense and control, making me not much more than a rambling idiot. I promise to you all that I will remember from this point on to funnel my passion into the broadcast while maintaining poise and respect that is needed to hear us rationally debate the topics.

Now going even further back, when DBurt re-branded The Comic Shoppe under the AfroNerd label, we had the announcement of the new Young Justice Animated Series debuting with a Black Aqualad. I posed this question back then: "If we are going to leisurely change races of characters, why can't we have a Black Robin or an Asian Superboy? How would comic book fans take to the news? Would it encourage the best or the worse tendencies in us?"

I guess I don't have to wonder about these questions anymore huh? To hear some comic book fans reactions about this, I am just glad that they weren't running the country during the 1860's or the 1920's or the 1960's, when the major strides in equality were made or else we would be no better right now.

Now I am saying this as a stereotypical / prototype nerd from Queens NY who has had to hear over the past week how "Black and Latinos don't read"... Let me go through my qualification checklist:

-Lives in basement
-Surrounded by comics, cds, and tapes of all sorts of science fiction
-Anti-Social in most public situations
-Wears clothing most days proclaiming my sci-fi love proudly
-Spends a lot of time on computers
-Only feels truly at home in libraries and my local comic shop SuperHero Comics

Matter of a fact I fit most of the "socially accepted" nerd criteria except:

a) My previous military service has kept me in relatively good shape (My thoughts and prayers to the families of those lost over the weekend. Rest in Peace. You did this country proud!)
b) I am Caribbean-American (Trini born and raised) but I consider myself black.

So I sorry for those who envisioned me as Comic Store Guy from The Simpsons. The only thing we have in common are the rants. Did I take some of the reactions personally? Yes I did and I hope it conveyed how much I want this to be more than a politically correct or a cash grab move. As a black sci-fi fan, it is a long time coming and I want this to work well Marvel.....

....but again as a black comic book fan, I am used to disappointment.

Quick Hits

I'm not the only one who's emotions got them caught up. Check this out between Scott Lobdell, Ron Marz, and Newsarama and how social media helps/hurts causes:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/marz-lobdell-racism-politics-social-media-110808.html

Ty Templeton helps me laugh about all of this with his trademark "nail on head" humor:

http://tytempletonart.wordpress.com/2011/08/06/ultimate-spider-man-bun-toons-yay/

Joe Quesada gives the timeline and thinking behind Miles Morales and other Marvel happenings:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=33755

On a weirder note PSAs From Panels discuss how to bring some fans back to comics:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/08/05/psa-comic-book-lapsed-fan/

Newsarama gives us....well the title says it all:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/10-ways-to-piss-off-comics-fans-110808.html

Aside from all of this on TV:

Torchwood pissed me off this past week (in a good way);

Haven must have read what I wrote last blog because they had their best episode of the season;

SyFy Network on Mondays has officially done what DC can't do: they made it official that Warehouse 13, Eureka, and Alphas all share the same universe..(thank you Lindsey Wagner and her 'gloves');

The season finales of Outcasts & Falling Skies have me salivating and frustrated that I have to wait 6 months to a year for their stories to continue (Job well done!)

Whew...I spent...so until next week AfroNerd Readers: Keep Fantasizing!

Afronerd Radio-Sunday @7pm eastern! Discussing America's Financial Credit Downgrade; Planet of the Apes Redux; Precious Sequel & Much More!

Hey Folks! It's that time...AGAIN! Check out Afronerd Radio tonight at 7pm eastern. The "brain" food being served on the menu this evening is: the U.S. has been downgraded to a AA credit rating for the first time in history; the block is hot in Philly-miscreants shoot upon innocents on a public bus (video, above); (a leftover from a previous show)-Precious author, "Sapphire" has a new book entitled, The Kid and it's lower tier exploitation at its best (or is that its worst); Dburt reviews Rise of the Planet of The Apes and by extension how works of fiction grow closer to reality than we'd like to believe and folks in DC ask-Does gentrification always have to be perceived as a bad word? Stop by and join in on the discourse! Call in live at-646-915-9620 or via email/IM at-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio's Week in Review

And speaking of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, let's check out where it all started (and it's not exactly the 1968 version but more like Conquest.....)

Mid Week in Review 2morrow @7pm-How Lower Tier Life is like a Rube Goldberg Machine; Debt Ceiling & "Tar Baby" Madness; Cap America, Spidey & POC

Never let it be said that we can't come up with topics that are interesting, introspective and above all....fun! Join Captain Kirk and Dburt on this Wednesday's Mid Week in Review broadcast as they wax about the following issues: Dburt posits that lower tier life (especially if it ends up in injury, incarceration or death) sometimes appears to look like a Rube Goldberg machine (check above video)....i.e. horrific ghetto tales that are incredibly convoluted but somehow end up with innocents paying the price; President Obama signs the debt ceiling deal while Colorado GOP Rep. Doug Lamborn apologizes for indirectly connecting President Obama to a "tar baby"; it appears that the late Amy Winehouse was in the midst of a adopting a child of color before her death; Chicago news station is under fire for distorting the words of a 4 year old boy in order to portray him as a criminal in the making; discussing the merits-yay or nay of a blog entitled, Stuff Black People Don't Like; The Stern Show's Robin Quivers writes a piece for The Huffington Post about Captain America: The First Avenger and it's adherence to political correctness at the cost of historical plausibility and lastly, remaining with the comic book theme, Marvel Comics decides to make the new Ultimate-verse Spider-man, a person of color. Call us during our live broadcast at-646-915-9620 or via email/IM @afronerdradio@yahoo.com!

Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review

And speaking of the Afro-Latino take on the Ultimate Spiderman, here's one young man's view on this news, courtesy of Youtube:

Don't Fret, Sunday's Afronerd Radio Show is Available in Our Archives But 2day is The Comic Shoppe @7pm et-Cowboys & Aliens, Real Life Capes + More!

Keeping it simple and to the point! Join Dburt, Daryll & Capt, Kirk Tuesday at 7pm as they discuss the follwoing pop culture infused topics: a recent GQ magazine article highlighted the existence of real life costume vigilantes; picking up last week's forgotten topic concerning non fantasy TV shows (i.e. USA's Suits, Royal Pains, etc) having protagonists that have a skill or "super power"; thoughts about this past weekend's Cowboys and Aliens release and expectations for the Planet of The Apes reboot (Rise of The Planet of the Apes); Dburt might be a convert to DC's current Flashpoint event storyline and our favorite graphic novel suggested reads from the previous week. Call us live at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM @ afronerdradio@yahoo.com. See you guys at 7pm!


And serving as an entree before the main course, check out the latest blog posting from The Shoppe's Daryll B:

As promised last week AfroNerd Readers, let's go through the Summer of Sci-Fi on television in a way that only a comic nerd like me can do it: in Avengers fashion....

Let's start with Outcasts on BBC America. To me, Outcasts is like Hercules: should be a natural fit on the team and when you hear the name, it seems like a natural. However the execution has been hit or miss. Outcasts should be moving faster than it has been but in its building of the mysteries, the show has bogged itself down. Season Finale is this Saturday and I must say the last 2 episodes have set this up really well. Hopefully, it is like Survivors and the 2nd season ramps up the tension.

Falling Skies on TNT is Quasar: being on TV appealed only to me in the beginning then as the run continued on, casual observers were drawn in. It has an almost perfect mixture of extended family drama with guerrilla / urban action. This week's show threw a new wrinkle in the works right before next Sunday's 2 hour season finale. What if everything you thought about the enemy is wrong?

Eureka on SyFy Mondays is The Beast: you get so caught up in the comedy and confused by the scientific theories, that you tend to take its quality for granted. I mean, anyone can sit down to watch Eureka and have fun for that hour. This is a show that only gets recognized when its off the air but it is definitely the rock that SyFy has built its quality Monday Summer lineup upon.

Warehouse 13 following it is definitely Hank Pym: You can ask 10 different science fiction fans a question after watching the show and get 10 different responses. If your don't believe me, just see some of the TV review sites. Like Outcasts, 13 has its hit or miss quality which sometimes cause fans confusion but at the same time it in many ways is the spiritual companion to Eureka. Which makes perfect sense since they "share" the same universe.

Alphas could be compared to Justice and Firestar... and not just because they are 'mutants'. It is a concept that has been on television a couple of times before. However, the tweaks and twists that have been applied to Alphas makes it compelling to watch. You can see the fractures and stresses around this 'team' and their situation and just wonder if they'll heal into something stronger...or rend the team asunder...

Teen Wolf on MTV is like Triathlon to me: A concept that I dismissed in the beginning because of how much was 'changed' from the version I knew from before. However, after a few episodes I have to give the show the props it deserves for finding a niche that hooked me in. I recommend catching the marathon of this that is going to be shown at the end of the month on MTV2.

Haven on SyFy Fridays only just returned but reminds me of The Scarlet Witch: Is it a fantasy series? Is it a horror series? Unlike Warehouse 13 which embraces the quirkiness in the differences show by show, Haven seems to be floundering when it comes to the direction of the series with the 'Smallville Freak of the Week' syndrome obscuring an interesting season long storyarc.

Finally, Torchwood: Miracle Day on Starz is Luke Cage... The new concept / direction seemed at first to be a last ditch effort to re-energize the series. You should have read the amount of unrest from fans when they heard that they were shooting this season in America. However, the varied guest stars and metaphysical commentary on everyday life makes the show a must watch / can't miss every week. Plus Bill Pullman as a child killing, wanna-be potential messiah and 'enemy puppet' is absolutely bone chilling.

There ya go, Haven is the only one that's really letting me down....and really that's because I been tainted by this formula by Smallville and how big of a Stephen King fan I am. I would encourage anyone to watch these shows and form their own opinion. And now some quick links:

Well two stories that I am sure that you heard of by now if you are in comic book circles:

Dan Didio, DC and Women Creators and the tug of war opinion-wise:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/07/30/dc-comics-we-hear-you-female-creators/

Marvel wins the case over Kirby's Heirs:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/07/28/marvel-jack-kirby-copyrights/

Which prompted this by Steve Bissette:

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2011/08/steve-bissette-calls-for-marvel-boycott-in-wake-of-kirby-copyright-ruling/

Both situations are as hot potato as you can get, however there comes a time where a dude's throat gets hoarse from yelling at a crowd enough times. I appreciate what DiDio was trying to convey in an obvious 'ambush' situation but the fact remains that the industry as a whole has a looooong way to go in terms of equality. As far as the heirs go, I wish that some sort of deal could have been reached outside of the courtroom... but rarely in life is anything that easy. Speaking of which:

Here is the USA Today spoiler (gee thx again Marvel) as to who the new Ultimate Spidey is in Ultimate Fallout #4 and let's just say it is a concept that we at The Comic Shoppe have wondered about:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=33673

and of course the adjoining message board is split opinion-wise:

http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=379006

On sale this week... Last word...Thundercats on Friday was very good....only downside was with the storms in NY Friday Night, my copy is all choppy and there was NO replays all weekend long. (GRRR Cartoon Network!!!) But the animation is on point and it is an interesting tweak on the mythos. I highly recommend it...

Thanks for reading AfroNerd Readers and until next time: Keep Fantasizing!!!

Listen 2 The Mid Week in Review Show, Courtesy of Afronerd Radio: More on the V-nasty N-word issue; The Debt Ceiling Debate; Norway Tragedy & More!

Afronerd with the emphasis on "featuring Captain Kirk" remains steadfast for tomorrow's Mid Week in Review broadcast airing at 7pm eastern, courtesy of Afronerdradio.com. Stop by and listen to our musings on the following current event related issues: out of deference to Captain Kirk, we will revisit a few topics that were discussed on Sunday's show (White female rapper, V-nasty's comfortable use of the N-word, Black men live longer/healthier in prison, $16 dollar TX home purchase) to hear The "Capitan" give his viewpoint; President Obama's speech concerning America potentially losing its AAA credit rating over the debt ceiling; reluctance of some to label the Norwegian massacre a Christian right wing extremist act; Dburt's "President Obama as Jackie Robinson" analysis and lastly Bill O'Reilly vs Chris Brown. Call in live with your comments, questions and protestations at-646-915-9620 or via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Afronerd Radio Did Air This Sun (Check The Archives) & The Comic Shoppe Opens 2morrow 7pm-Discussing Cap America; Metas on Reg TV, Comic Con & More!

Let's just jump into it, shall we? Stop by The Comic Shoppe tomorrow at 7pm as Daryll B, Captain Kirk and Dburt analyze the following pop culture phenomena: our analysis of this past Friday's release of Captain America: The First Avenger-did it live up to the hype?; a discussion of metas on television-have you noticed that a number of TV programs (and movies) that are not conventional fantasy shows have become reliant on certain characters possessing a type of talent or "super power" (case in point-USA's lawyer themed show, Suits); San Diego hosted its 41st annual Comic Con International event with 130K plus in attendance; Capcom does it again, a few months after the release of Marvel vs Capcom 3, an Ultimate version is slated for release the fourth quarter of this year; Freddy Kreuger is coming to Mortal Kombat next week; in the wake of the independent comic book initiative, Womanthology, an all-female comics anthology with an all-star lineup of female creators, receiving substantial funding in 24 hours...the question remains-can a similar Black themed anthology be far behind? and lastly, our favorite graphic novel reading suggestions from the previous week. Call the gang live at 646-915-9620 or contact us via email or IM at-afronerdradio@yahoo.com.

Oops and least we forget, check out the immortal words of The Shoppe's Daryll B:

Good Day once again AfroNerd Readers and welcome to another edition of my ramblings. First on the agenda, San Diego Comic Con.... Here's a handy complete overview of the major news stories coming out of the event by Comics Alliance:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/07/25/comic-con-2011-news/

My highlight was the Marvel Media panel.... Plans for no less than 8 TV projects were unveiled including plans for a Mockingbird live action series and a new animated Hulk joint to accompany the live action series. Chi McBride voicing Nick Fury in Ultimate Spider-Man with J.K. Simmons returning to reprise his J. Jonah Jameson role. And Avengers EMH getting a second season with more guest heroes and a particularly MAJOR villain lined up....

My lowlight...well DC fans let me down again.....

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/07/23/fan-protest-dc-comics-comic-con/

All that talking before... All that outrage.... The hyping up of this protest across comics social media.... All this disappointment of what really happened... This is what I put in the comments section:

"And then comic fans wonder why companies don't take their complaints seriously? All of that bitching and vows to be noticed at CCI and THIS is the response.... Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh thanks DC 'angry fans' for showing your 'dedication...."

To those that went, I admire your passion. To the ones that talked big and no-showed.... well I have another word for you....

A happy anniversary for one of my favorite articles: Two Tivos To Paradise over at 411Mania. 250 TV News / DVD info columns for Al Norton and still going strong. For this celebration, he got some of his closest Hollywood friends on Facebook to answer 3 questions with interesting results....

http://www.411mania.com/movies/columns/194878/Two-Tivos-To-Paradise-07.22.01:-The-250th-Edition-of-Two-Tivos-To-Paradise!-.htm

This picture is SWEET!

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/07/22/the-muppets-sam-the-eagle-captain-america/

Got to love Disney's use of superhero movies to help "promote" the Muppets one...

Speaking of superhero movies, maybe we were all a bit premature....

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/07/25/so-much-for-the-death-of-superhero-movies/

Captain America didn't quite beat Thor on its opening weekend but by far it has had stellar reviews. You know we'll take it apart on the next show, but I will say I gave it 3.75-4 out of 5 stars... and that's mainly because of how big a continuity freak I am. The one major problem outside of that is one it shared with Green Lantern: could we see some battle training AFTER Rogers gained the formula? By not showing that, the film gave the impression that ANYONE that takes the formula would be a world class fighter without work... The three major reasons I say go and see it:

1) Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull (Maybe the best comic movie villain this year...)

2) Chris Evans as Cap (THIS is how I pictured Cap when I would defend him against fellow reader who thought Cap was boring.)

3) The period piece was totally on point. (Where are those fools who said this type of movie wouldn't work for Wonder Woman? DC / Warner Bros. execs better just drive that truck of money up to Joe Johnston's door now and get him to direct WW)

Speaking of Wonder Woman, tell me this doesn't look sweet...

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2011/07/ben-caldwell-on-paradise-island/

Sometimes I shake my head....but no worries. In 5 weeks everything's erased back to zero....except Batman will still have 3 ex partners..... and Superman will have no parents.... WW will have no official outfit... Sinestro is 2814's Green Lantern.... Cyborg will be a founding JLA member and who the heck is the JSA...? (Yeah, I still a little bitter...)

Flashpoint's core book has been good while the tie in's have mostly sucked and with Fear Itself it is the opposite..... It official, I am Comic Evented out.... I need to end this on a good note... Ah I got it...

Attack The Block! Keep an eye out for this one folks!

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/07/24/cci-joe-cornish-john-boyega-on-what-it-took-to-attack-the-block/

Cowboys and Aliens Friday...and I just saw a commercial for Another Earth and that also looks to be interesting. Next Week, I do a status report on the new sci-fi TV seasons up to now and realize that only 1 show of the crop hasn't lived up to my expectations..... No Spoilers here, you'll just have to wait until the next blog..... Until Then AfroNerd Readers, Keep Fantasizing!

Afronerd Featuring Capt. Kirk Airs 2nite @7pm! Topics-Missing Bklyn Hasidic Child Found Dead; Floyd Mayweather Burns $; Lorena Bobbit Pt2 & More!

As always folks, we who practice "afronerd-ism" will always give you a full dish of thought provoking nourishment for your entertainment and intellectual palate. And tonight's Afronerd Radio (d/b/a Afronerd featuring Capt. Kirk) will maintain that time honored tradition! Join Dburt and Captain Kirk tonight at 7pm as they utilize their conservative (and sometimes independent) microscopes to bring analysis to the following topics: more horror-a young Brooklyn Hasidic boy who had been missing since Monday was found dead with a suspect in custody. Dburt recounts another story of a young woman of color who disappeared under similar circumstances minus the extensive manhunt or media attention; boxer extraordinaire, Floyd "Money" Mayweather burns money (literally) in a club in a down economy (with a government debt ceiling that has yet to be negotiated); the questionable actions of a recalcitrant father with a criminal past (video, above) might have led to the death of his 17 year old son; our thoughts on the Atlanta school system cheating scandal; the ghost of Lorena Bobbit looms large with another spousal maiming story accept there's no chance for a microsurgery miracle in this case and lastly as an African-American man heads up a "Whites-Only" scholarship fund.....only in America. Call in live at 646-915-9620 or contribute to the discourse via chat or IM @afronerdradio@yahoo.com. And in the immortal words of Prince Namor of Atlantis-Imperius rex! See you at 7pm!

Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review broadcast!

Here's more on the Whites Only scholarship controversy-

Sunday's Afronerd Radio Did Air (Check The Archives) & The Comic Shoppe Opens Tues @7pm: Spike Lee's Old Boy, Iron Fist News, A Black Spidey? & More!

Keeping it simple and succinct! Join The Comic Shoppe team, tomorrow at 7pm eastern-Capt. Kirk, Daryll B. and Dburt as they discuss the following pop/pulp culture issues: speculation on who might don the Spider tights in the Ultimate universe....perhaps a man of color?; filmmaker, Spike Lee has 2 BIG surprises-Do The Right Thing 2..sort of and helming the American version of Old Boy; addressing last week's topic of our most personal desirable comic book/fantasy collectibles; Marvel's Iron Fist may be the next big thing; predictions for Marvel's Reborn series and lastly our favorite comic book reads from the previous week. Call in live at 646-915-9620 or contact us via email/IM-afronerdradio@yahoo.com. hey and there's always twitter-http://www.twitter.com/comicshoppe.

Oh and least we forget, here is the lasting blog posting wisdom from the Shoppe's own Daryll B.

Hello AfroNerd Readers, due to me getting caught up in the USA - Brazil Women's World Cup Match and the Derek Jeter craziness over the weekend, I really don't have much to get worked up / evil over. However I did find 6 articles that I would encourage you to read... but first:

Adam WarRock....New Warriors EP...Free Download.... Thank you Comics Alliance!

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/07/06/adam-warrock-new-warriors-music-nerdcore/

1) I totally forgot about the Batman Year One Animated Movie coming out... Here's the first trailer, courtesy of the aforementioned Comics Alliance:

http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/07/07/batman-year-one-trailer-animated/

And word is through the grapevine, Catwoman is going to get a "Green Arrow" style short to accompany the main movie. DC may not have their live action stuff cohesive but in terms of DVD Animation, few on this side of the world can match them....

2) Recently, we went on about apparent editorial censorship in regards to Superman #712. Well Mark Waid recounts one of the most famous instances of such deeds at Comic Book Resources. Ironically, both squashed stories were replaced by a Kurt Busiek story involving a dog....

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=33207

I LOVED this run by Waid on Captain America and am glad that the original Red Skull story is finally going to see print, along with the rest of the uncollected material. (Skrull Invasion done right, and Nightmare Snitches!!!!)

3) I have learned as an amateur blogger on ESPN, Yahoo, and here for the last 3 years this one thing: you never 100% know what stories or topics will blow up your comments section. Well, I kind of knew this topic would blow up the Comics Should Be Good comments....

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2011/07/09/comic-theme-time-unresolved-comic-book-plot-threads/

EVERY comic book fan hates to have a story end without a resolution or have a supposed "important" future plot thread never touched upon. Just go through the 374 comments, I guarantee that someone has a unresolved plot that pissed you off back in the day...

4) Did you catch Torchwood: Miracle Day on Starz Friday Night? If not, and if you are a fan of the overall "Who-verse" I encourage you to seek it out. For those of you not familiar about the series, Spinoff Online got you covered with a primer:

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/07/08/torchwood-101-what-you-need-to-know-before-miracle-day/

In addition, Dollhouse Fans keep a close eye on it for a VERY familiar face coming up in the next episode. Speaking of Dollhouse, the very underrated Harry Lennix is joining Man of Steel:

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/07/08/harry-lennix-joins-man-of-steel/

...and one more movie tidbit, Ray Stevenson as Firefly in GI Joe 2:

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2011/07/11/g-i-joe-2-cobra-strikes-adds-ray-stevenson-as-firefly/

5) Speaking of fun cameos, I wonder if SGU fans caught Eureka tonight and saw who was the Senator? Nice pick up and also Felicia Day is in episode 2 next week! And Smallville Fans who were worrying about a certain photographer, Aaron Ashmore joins the team...so you can get your Jimmy Olsen fix also...

They just had to put these and Alphas opposite Monday Night Raw.... Are TV folks trying to make me burn out my DVR or what???

6) Finally, this wouldn't be a Daryll B. blog without me singing the praises of the guys over at 4th Letter. First, David Brothers has not just 1 but 2 articles about Frank Miller and how he 'owns' Batman:

http://www.4thletter.net/2011/07/frank-miller-owns-batman-building-a-better-robin/

http://www.4thletter.net/2011/07/frank-miller-owns-batman-no-hope-at-all/

Gavok waves a bittersweet goodbye to his article series on his personal favorite character, Eddie Brock:

http://www.4thletter.net/2011/07/we-care-a-lot-part-24-the-antiheros-journey-concludes/

And special guest blogger Space Jawa, who I have blog/comment sparred with on a number of sites, gives us his insight on the "Death of Spider-Man" and I wholeheartedly agree with him...

http://www.4thletter.net/2011/07/the-problem-with-death-of-spider-man/

Yeah, I think that's a lot of thought provoking reading for you fine folks. Next Week, prepare yourselves because I will be ready to give my insight on the past couple weeks of movies and news. Including this hot potato:

http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2011/07/women-and-superheroes-were-just-not-that-into-you/

Yep. I am going to come up with a 10 point plan on how to get more people "into" comic books. Pray for my brain now! So until next week AfroNerd Readers, Keep Fantasizing!

B4 We Get Into Our Show, Friend of The Show/Blog, Sergio Mims Bet Me That I Couldn't Resist Posting This Clip-Guess What? I Lost That Bet!

Just wow.....We need more truth, folks! And it's coming...I can feel it! The truth is coming folks because we need corrective measures in our communities-it's inevitable.

Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review Broadcast Airs Wed @7pm! Discussing Casey Anthony, DSK Case Dismissed, The Diary of a Decade Film & More!

Hey People!....once AGAIN, Happy Belated July 4th and after having giving our listeners a brief reprieve, Afronerd Radio returns for Wednesday's Mid Week in Review show at 7pm eastern. Join Captain Kirk and Dburt as they discuss the following issues: the rape case against former IMF chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn appears to have crumbled due to the credibility issues of the accuser; the Casey Anthony trial has come back with a not guilty verdict; a new documentary (hat tip to Shadow and Act's Sergio Mims for informing us about this) entitled, Diary of A Decade showcases the 90s Black alternative music scene coming out of Atlanta, GA; our thoughts on a recent Smiley and West podcast interview with legendary comedian/provocateur, Paul Mooney and lastly, what appears to be somewhat tangentially connected, NY's Openline radio show, (WRKS-98.7fm) gets a bold caller named "Hassan" who critiques the show for its gross adherence to grievance style politics and victimization-and we applaud his verve. Call in live at 646-915-9620 or contact us via email/IM at afronerdradio@yahoo.com. And speaking of Diary of a Decade, take a gander at this extended trailer for your further edification:

It's Tuesday & That Means The Comic Shoppe Opens at 7pm ET: Thoughts on Fox's Terra Nova; More on DCnu, Comic Hx Tidbits & Pulp Related Must Haves

We hope that you're enjoying your Independence Day break but although many of you may have to return to work tomorrow, remember The Comic Shoppe show airs at 7pm-allowing one to "decompress" as we discuss all things pulp, sci-fi and fantasy related. Join Daryll B., Capt. Kirk and Dburt as they use their pop culture stethoscopes to diagnose the following topics: the gang will ponder some of the history that led to the development of some of the classic heroes (i.e. Superman, Captain America, The Joker, etc); Fox appears to betting heavy on their next sci-fi franchise, Terra Nova (trailer, above); more thoughts on DCnu after more information hits the net concerning the upcoming 52 titles, prospective story lines and sketches; a self indulgent discussion concerning attainable (and perhaps dream propositions) comic book or science fiction related must haves-clothing, statutes, books, etc and lastly our favorite comic/graphic novel reads from the previous weeks. Call us live at 646-915-9620 or via email/IM at-afronerdradio.com. Also feel free to tweet us at twitter.com/comicshoppe.


Oh and least we forget, we may have to discuss yet another J.J. Abrams banger, Alcatraz:

Another Preemption! Afronerd Radio Returns Wed-Enjoy Your Barbecue Folks!-Happy July 4th!

Check This Out While You Wait For Sunday's (7pm ET) Afronerd Radio-Independence Edition-The Roots' "Art of Blending" & Friends!

Hennessy Artistry presents 'The Art of Blending' from Protein® on Vimeo.