Backlash on the Recast
In an industry where whitewashing is common, casting minority actors in movies based on comics often results in ferocious backlash. What causes this reaction and what does it reveal about fans?
Fandom: Marvel
Out of the Shadows
Although LGBTQIA+ representation in comics continues to be lacking, there are some great examples of queer superheroes. What makes these examples so important, and what could better representation accomplish?
Movies, Comics, and the New Weird
Navigating the Bleeding Edge: Between the pages and on the screen, lines blur and overlap to create a world where science fiction, fantasy and horror meet.
Marvelous, Muslim, and American
Welcome back to our post-millennial analysis of the current state of fandom. Today we discuss Ms. Marvel, a figure designed to challenge the unfortunate perceptions many have of Muslim Americans today. This graceful comic deals with issues both broad and specific with a unique perspective.
The Mind of a Metahuman
What would be the psychological and sociocultural consequences of the emergence of a population of metahumans with a large and infinite variety of traits?
From Quill to Quest Item—Series Conspectus
There’s more to your favorite interactive entertainment than meets the eye! Join us for an examination of video games as a reimagined presentation of tropes from classical theater and text as seen and interpreted through the eyes of an enthusiast of all three.
Some Assembly Required
Having poured over the “who,” “what” and “why” of this endeavor, we shift focus inward a bit towards the training, recruitment, revision of process which comprise “how.”
Blaxploitation Throwbacks
Representation matters, and how People of Color are represented in speculative fiction and pop culture matters even more. Join a former Naval electrician, father, cosplayer and African American public speaker as we look back at some significant (signifying?) central characters and their contexts.
Mutants and Metahumans, Part 1
Our scientific observations of mutation, evolution, adaptation, sensation, perception, and ability can greatly inform our understanding of fictional universes.
Ableism, Sidekick Agency and Ageism
Welcome back to our intersectional look at how fandom, feminism, LGBTQ representation and other generational dog whistles are portrayed. Today we look at Bucky Barnes, onetime kid sidekick of Captain America, and both hero and antagonist in his own right with his own resonant internal and deeply personal struggle.