Viraldice

He’ll be back: Netflix and Skynet Skydance are collaborating to turn the iconic Terminator franchise into an anime series. Netflix will be producing the series with The series is being produced with with Japanese animation studio Production I.G., which has produced the Ghost in the Shell series, Guilty Crown, Psycho-Pass, and Eden of the East, among countless others. Mattson Tomlin (The Batman, Project Power) is set as showrunner and executive producer.

“Anyone who knows my writing knows I believe in taking big swings and going for the heart,” said Tomlin. “I’m honored that Netflix and Skydance have given me the opportunity to approach Terminator in a way that breaks conventions, subverts expectations and has real guts.”

John Derderian, Netflix’s VP of Japan and anime, added “Terminator is one of the most iconic sci-fi stories ever created–and has only grown more relevant to our world over time. The new animated series will explore this universe in a way that has never been done before.”

The Terminator franchise has spawned 6 films, and is estimated to have earned over $3 billion worldwide. It also inspired the short-lived Lena Headey series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, which ran for two seasons on Fox. The franchise also had a brief animated web series, Terminator Salvation: The Machinima Series, which was created using real-time computer animation from the Terminator Salvation video game and serves as a prequel to said game.

There’s no word yet on whether the series will feature the T-800 model (aka the Arnold), Sarah and John Connor, or Kyle Reese, and no voice casting has been announced. Will this new series revisit these legacy characters or take a different path and focus on an entirely new story? We’ll have to wait and find out.

(via The Hollywood Reporter, image: Paramount Pictures)

• Several writers and producers from Supernatural are joining season 3 of The Boys. (via Collider)
• WandaVision has us all rewatching Avengers: Age of Ultron. (via Comicbook.com)
• Pokémon Diamond and Pearl remakes are coming to Nintendo Switch. (via Polygon)

Zack Snyder debuted a new look at the Justice League Snyder Cut during IGN Fan Fest:

• The Twilight Zone reboot is ending after 2 seasons on CBS All Access. (via Shadow and Act)
• Everybody loves Stanley Tucci. (via Pajiba)
• The Russo brothers fought Sony to cast Tom Holland as Spider-Man. (via Entertainment Weekly)

Check out these BTS scenes of hair and make-up on WandaVision:

BTS of #WandaVision’s hair and makeup through the decades by Chuck Zlotnick for Elle Magazine. pic.twitter.com/59jJSEOIAt

— alias – WV SPOILERS (@itsjustanx) February 27, 2021

Are you watching the Golden Globes tonight, Mary Suevians?

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The post Things We Saw Today: A Terminator Anime Series Is in the Works first appeared on The Mary Sue.

It seems as if we keep getting hints to mutants existing already in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for them to just quickly be taken back away from us. But “Previously On” gave us a deeper look into Wanda’s past, and I still think that there can be mutants on the horizon …

**Spoilers for WandaVision‘s “Previously On” lie within.**

The M word in the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is something fans have been longing to hear. Mutants. We want them, we’ve been patient, and now you’re giving us an entire show based around one of Magneto’s kids from the comics. Would love to hear just one little slip of the tongue so we know that they’re coming.

But here’s why I think we will get at least a few more hints to Wanda’s mutant comic past in the MCU: Her powers and how they are triggered. In “Previously On,” we get a closer look at Wanda in the HYDRA base and we learn that everyone else they tried to use the Mind Stone on died in the process, meaning that Pietro and Wanda were the only two to survive the experiment.

So while sure, Wanda could have just been a fluke, I think it implies that both she and her brother had dormant powers that needed a bit of a push. Because … you know … their dad is Magneto. (I’m not giving up hope yet.)

Waiting for either confirmation that Wanda is a mutant or the denial of mutants altogether has been a long road and it just keeps going. This week could have easily said that that’s that and Wanda and Pietro just came from two human parents in Sokovia and lucked out during this experiment. But that’s not what happened. We’re still left with a mystery.

Wanda Maximoff is too connected to the mutants for Marvel to not use her to at least bring them into the MCU now that they have the rights. I have hope that we’ll learn about Wanda’s real father and that Sir Ian McKellen rolls up, but that’s my wishful thinking. I’d take something as simple as a mention to Storm or a reference about Logan.

Right now, we’re just sort of waiting to find out when or how we’re going to see the X-Men, since Marvel has the ability to use them. And with Evan Peters returning as Pietro (even if he is fake Pietro or Fietro), it just seems like we can’t dismiss mutants quite yet. Maybe we’ll have to wait until Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but I do love that WandaVision still left enough loopholes in Wanda’s backstory to keep the hope alive.

The M word might come later in the MCU but I’m not ready to just sign off on Wanda’s parentage just yet. There’s too much unanswered.

(image: Marvel Entertainment)

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The post WandaVision Keeps Us Guessing About Mutants first appeared on The Mary Sue.

The past few years have seen a boom in the true crime genre. Thanks to popular podcasts like My Favorite Murder, Serial, and Someone Knows Something, as well as a deluge of true crime documentaries and series, the genre has become especially popular with women. And last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live dropped a new music video that puts our favorite pastime on blast: watching true crime shows while relaxing.

Also to all my ladies (and anyone!) who binge true crime … this for you 😘 https://t.co/sXNc2Yet86

— Chloe Fineman (@chloefineman) February 28, 2021

“Murder Show” opens with cast member Chloe Fineman saying goodbye to her boyfriend (host Nick Jonas) as he heads out for the night. Once the door closes, Fineman, as well as Kate McKinnon, Ego Nwodim, and Melissa Villaseñor, snuggle up on the couch for some self-care, in the form of endless true crime documentaries. The Staircase, Making a Murderer, The Jinx, Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel, and many more are referenced in the number, reminding us of just how much gruesome content is available on streaming. The women sing “Murder show, murder show, I’m gonna watch a murder show,” which I guarantee will be stuck in your head for at least a week.

Not only does the skit touch on our true crime obsession, but it also references all the mundane activities we do while watching our beloved murder shows. Doing our taxes, Facetiming our mom, folding laundry, all tasks made more tolerable with a true crime series on in the background. I especially felt seen watching Melissa Villaseñor splayed out on her couch eating a slice of pizza. The video also references something many of us do: not only watching a murder show but listening to a podcast about said murder.

Towards the end of the song, Nick Jonas pops back in to remind his girl that there’s something even better than murder shows: cult shows. Jonas name-checks The Vow, Wild Wild Country, and others as he croons about “brainwash, sex, and ugly dudes, and a bit of volleyball.” Jonas also shows up dressed as NXIVM founder and convicted sex trafficker Keith Raniere, complete with his midnight volleyball outfit.

The song was a hit online, causing many like-minded women to feel extremely seen:

Watching #SNL late and WHOA this "Murder Show" song is a BOP! pic.twitter.com/WLFBzJYlca

— Myles Warden (@ReallyMighty) February 28, 2021

Omg the #SNL “Murder Show” song pic.twitter.com/5PPlIPGlMi

— Jessica Taylor (@JessicaTaylor) February 28, 2021

ok that “murder show” sketch on @nbcsnl was a very direct personal attack on me….I’m steadily making it way through all of @DiscoveryID’s content currently on Hulu, esp while doing my homework for grad school after work 🤪

— Grace Panetta (@grace_panetta) February 28, 2021

I laughed out loud at this one. #myfavoritemurder #murderino #Staysexyanddontgetmurdered. @nbcsnl I feel seen. https://t.co/HA71uSm6Cf

— Amy Aiello Lofgren (@azsweetheart013) February 28, 2021

That murder show #SNL video sketch has officially made me feel seen. 😂 @nbcsnl pic.twitter.com/AllYaEhqCs

— Lisa Steinberg (@GoodHumorGrl) February 28, 2021

(featured image: screencap/NBC)

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The post SNL‘s ‘Murder Show’ Song Hits Us Where We Live first appeared on The Mary Sue.

SPOILER ALERT: This post discusses the events of episode 8, “Previously On” of WandaVision. It also discusses the season 2 finale of The Mandalorian.

With only one episode of WandaVision remaining (sob!), viewers are eagerly anticipating what twists and turns the finale has in store. There are so many threads to wrap up and mysteries to solve, but chief among them is the identity of the mysterious high profile guest star. Paul Bettany teased a major cameo in an interview with Esquire, where he said, “There is one character that has not been revealed. And it is very exciting. It is an actor I’ve longed to work with all of my life. We have some amazing scenes together and I think the chemistry between us is extraordinary and fireworks on set.”

Elizabeth Olsen also discussed the mysterious cameo, when she was asked if the series had an A-list reveal like Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker showing up in The Mandalorian. Olsen responded “Yes,” adding “I’m really excited” for viewers to see who is coming.

Everyone has wild theories about who the cameo will be, ranging from Magneto (McKellen or Fassbender) to Wolverine to Dr. Strange to Professor X (Stewart or McAvoy) to even Tony Stark himself. Our own Kaila Hale-Stern made a convincing argument for James Spader’s return as the voice of Ultron for White Vision. We’ve already had our collective minds blown by the Evan Peters/Quicksilver reveal, but there’s got to be more in store.

But all those theories are ignoring the obvious answer that’s been right under out nose/ottoman the entire time: Dick Van Dyke.

Stay with me: Bettany said the actor was someone he “longed to work with all of my life”, which implies that the actor is someone older and more legendary. It’s also someone he’s never worked with before, so that rules out his fellow Avengers. Geek site io9 thinks that Bettany’s response is a cheeky allusion to himself as White Vision, which is possible.

But “Previously On” showed us that Wanda’s favorite sitcom as a child was The Dick Van Dyke Show. The episode she and her family watch, season 2, episode 21, “It May Look Like a Walnut”, is itself a dream episode that features Van Dyke’s character Rob Petrie questioning his own reality.

The episode sees Rob watching a scary science fiction movie before bed, where aliens invade Earth and transform humans with a mysterious element hidden in a walnut. The next morning, Rob finds walnuts everywhere and discovers that his co-workers and wife are acting strange. Rob realizes that aliens have body-snatched his friends and family, and that he is the last human on Earth, before waking up from his nightmare.

Given the importance of Dick Van Dyke to Wanda and to television history, I believe that he will appear on the series. Adding fuel to my theory is a meeting that series director Matt Shakman and Marvel CEO Kevin Feige had with Van Dyke, who was a consultant on WandaVision’s early episodes. When asked if a DVD cameo was in the works, Shakman replied, “I couldn’t possibly say!”

But who would DVD be playing if he is in fact the cameo? He could be playing a version of himself, of course. But given what we’ve learned about Wanda’s chaos magic and the Scarlet Witch reveal, he could be playing classic Marvel villains like Mephisto or Nightmare. But both villains, who could show up in Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, will likely be played by younger actors (Van Dyke is 95, after all).

My money is on Chthon, the Elder God of Chaos (think Marvel’s version of Cthulhu). Elder Gods ruled the Earth before they were banished to other dimensions. Before his banishment, Chthon reached out and touched an infant girl, marking her as a potential vessel/conduit to return to Earth. That girl, of course, is Wanda Maximoff. Marvel has a long history of Wanda being possessed by/battling Chthon, so it would make sense for the character to show up here. We’ve also had a glimpse of what is presumably The Darkhold in Agatha’s basement, a grimoire written by Chthon that also works as a gateway between dimensions.

We’ll find out on Friday whether I’m right, or whether I’m too far down the rabbit hole. Do you think DVD will be the big cameo reveal or do you have someone else in mind? Let me know in the comments!

(featured image: ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

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The post Calling It Now: Dick Van Dyke Will Be WandaVision‘s Big Cameo first appeared on The Mary Sue.

The 78th annual Golden Globe Awards airs tonight, but a long-simmering controversy has recently come to a head for its organizers, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). Long criticized for its lack of diversity, the HFPA, an organization of 87 LA-based journalists for foreign media outlets, has come under fire for having zero Black journalists in their ranks. And this lack of diversity has resulted in the exclusion of Black nominees in the high profile awards show.

This year’s snubs were especially egregious, as shows like Emily in Paris garnered nominations over groundbreaking series like Michaela Coel’s I Will Destroy You. In fact, Emily in Paris writer Deborah Copaken even penned an op-ed in The Guardian, where she stated, “That I May Destroy You did not get one Golden Globe nod is not only wrong, it’s what is wrong with everything.” In addition, the HFPA snubbed several films with mostly Black casts from their Best Picture categories, including Da 5 Bloods, Judas and the Black Messiah, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday.

A damning exposé by the LA Times revealed the lack of diversity in the HFPA, as well as questionable ethics, such as the 30 members who Netflix flew to Paris and gave first class treatment, all in an effort to buy nominations for Emily in Paris.

In response, Time’s Up has launched a digital campaign with the hashtag #TimesUpGlobes, calling attention to the lack of diversity within the HFPA’s ranks. The campaign features an image of a cracked Golden Globe and the message, “Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Not a single Black member out of 87. A cosmetic fix isn’t enough.” The campaign has earned the support of several prominent A-list celebrities, including Ava DuVernay, Judd Apatow, Shonda Rhimes, and others. The Directors Guild of America posted on Facebook, “When whole cultures are shut out of the conversation, their art and their voices are shut out as well.”

A cosmetic fix isn’t enough. #TIMESUPGlobes #TIMESUP pic.twitter.com/L9tzILjt3i

— TIME'S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) February 26, 2021

Old news. New energy. #TimesUpGlobes pic.twitter.com/AzJhTA42W8

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 26, 2021

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A post shared by VIOLA DAVIS (@violadavis)

So many crazy things about the @goldenglobes and the Hollywood Foreign press but this is awful. #timesupglobes pic.twitter.com/C5PYs5zFRr

— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) February 26, 2021

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A post shared by Gina Prince-Bythewood (@gpbmadeit)

I support and congratulate all the nominees, but the HFPA needs to change in meaningful ways. Cosmetic fixes are not enough. #TimesUpGlobes

— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) February 27, 2021

Flagrant and unacceptable. It’s a wrap on all of this. Deeply transparent omissions to the incredible work on display this season. And many, many seasons past. Enough of this. #TimesUpGlobes @TIMESUPNOW pic.twitter.com/53KOIy51ej

— natasha lyonne (@nlyonne) February 28, 2021

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A post shared by Sterling Brown (@sterlingkbrown)

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A post shared by Shonda Rhimes (@shondarhimes)

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A post shared by Ellen Pompeo (@ellenpompeo)

In response, the HFPA released a statement saying, “We are fully committed to ensuring our membership is reflective of the communities around the world who love film, TV and the artists inspiring and educating them. We understand that we need to bring in Black members, as well as members from other underrepresented backgrounds, and we will immediately work to implement an action plan to achieve these goals as soon as possible.” The HFPA added that it will address the controversy in tonight’s broadcast.

(via The Hollywood Reporter, featured image: screencap/Time’s Up)

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The post Time’s Up, Celebrities Call Out Golden Globes for Having Zero Black Members first appeared on The Mary Sue.

Hello there, fellow cosplay enthusiasts. As you can see from the headline, this is the 28th day in our #28DaysOfBlackCosplay showcase. I sincerely hope that everyone has enjoyed this series of features, more importantly, I hope that the overall message of supporting Black cosplayers in our community has resonated with you. This hashtag, really, is just the start of a much bigger push to highlight Black cosplayers, to share them, and to make them feel like they have a place in the geek community.

The Black excellence doesn’t end today, it’s seeped into our community, and has been this whole time.

Ah, now that I’ve gotten my feelings out, here are the last cosplayers for February.

We had over 70 cosplayers.

In only 28 days.

Let’s. Go!

 

Kueen Kerosen

Day 1: Dr. Olivia “Liv” Octavius #cosplay #spiderman #28DaysofBlackCosplay #spidermanintothespiderverse pic.twitter.com/ZcNQeBa1cL

— kueenkerosene (@kueenkerosene) February 2, 2021

Kueen Kerosene has been cosplaying for 6 years, inspired by (and absolutely adoring) seeing everyone dressing up at cons. You can check out her story below!

How do you decide what you’re going to cosplay?

I have a list of all the characters I like to choose from, but sometimes,  when I’m watching a show and see someone I like, I just start planning how to recreate their look.

What cosplay are you most proud of? And yes, it’s absolutely ok to say ALL.

Currently, Duchess for Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. I had to make everything for that look and I did it during quarantine and it was something good for me to focus on.

What’s a cosplay moment that you remember fondly?

Being the Island of Te Fiti with my boyfriend as Maui and having so many kids say they liked the costumes <3

Hey, it’s time to take a break from making that cosplay or buying it off your wishlist, what are you watching/playing/reading to unwind?

Currently, Young Justice Season 3 and Yashahime.

Do you tend to cosplay the character/creature/entity as is or do you put your own spin on them? Any particular reason why? And yes, it’s perfectly ok to say “because I like to.”

I like to put a bit of my own spin on it just to have more fun with it, but some characters I really appreciate so I’ll try to do every detail I can.

 

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A post shared by Kueen Kerosene 🇯🇲🇰🇳 (@kueenkerosene)

It’s cruel to ask what your favorite cosplay is so what are your top three (at most)? Are they the ones being featured or are they different ones?

Uhhhh so cruel. I’d say Duchess, Poison Ivy, and Island of Te Fiti. I put a lot of work into those three.

 

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A post shared by Kueen Kerosene 🇯🇲🇰🇳 (@kueenkerosene)

Photographer: Newstylecomics

What do your 2021 cosplans look like? If you’re trying to keep it secret OR you have no plans, that’s fine!

Keeping it a bit of a secret, working on some larger costumes that I was waiting to wear at a con but I don’t know when the next con might be :(

In an alternate universe where money and resources are plentiful, all your bills are paid, and you’ve got nothing but time, what dream cosplays are you doing?

A whole bunch of League of Legend characters.

In yet another alternate universe, conventions are safe to return to, so where are you headed?

San Diego Comic-Con is a dream of mine <3

What inspires you to stay active in the community, especially in these trying times? If you haven’t been active that’s fine, too!

It’s an escape from the stress and chaos and now, more than ever, supporting one another is needed.

What does #28DaysOfBlackCosplay mean to you?

A time for appreciation of hard-working and amazing Black cosplayers and crafters who have been overlooked. It’s a time to educate, explore, and discover a part of the cosplay community that some people seem to think doesn’t exist. A time to be aware of the struggle and ignorance we face year-round and how awareness and support in those matters can make such a big difference.

 

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A post shared by Kueen Kerosene 🇯🇲🇰🇳 (@kueenkerosene)

It’s March 1st, 2021, what would you like to see happen after the 28 days are over?

A feel of appreciation as I see more of the amazing hardworking cosplayers and crafters that are overlooked get the attention they deserve.

How can the community (people, events, ect.) do better to represent you and other Black cosplayers?

Share us regularly, not just during the month or when BLM matters are more prominent. Don’t pretend to not see the ignorance in comments when we do characters of different races or hairstyles. Help to educate those who are ignorant on BLM and other minority-based issues.

Any tips for newcomers who are waffling on whether or not they should cosplay?

JUST DO IT. Like why wouldn’t you? It’s for fun :)

What are you looking forward to in 2021? It doesn’t have to be cosplay-related, it can be anything.

Besides the end of COVID, finishing school, and launching my hand made organizer shop ^_^

Social media time! Tell us where we can find you! Give me as many links as you want. Twitter? TikTok? Patreon? I want it all!

I’m on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook!

 

DarkKendoka Yasuke

DarkKendoka Yasuke has been cosplaying for about 10 years. After attending a few anime conventions in normal clothes, he began to notice how much fun people were having as they cosplayed. “I felt that would be a great way to immerse myself more into the con-going culture.” You can check out his story below!

Oh! And remember Airship Ashanti? He’s a part of that crew, too!

How do you decide what you’re going to cosplay?

For me, it’s based on the characters that I’ve admired over the years or ones that I think just look cool from series that I like.

What’s a cosplay moment that you remember fondly?

One instance that comes to mind is the impromptu mass photoshoot that I participated in. Some friends and I dressed as Final Fantasy characters for Gen Con one year and happened to run into another group of Final Fantasy cosplayers. What started off as a quick group photo turned into being surrounded by a large crowd of photographers for a few minutes.

Hey, it’s time to take a break from making that cosplay or buying it off your wishlist, what are you watching/playing/reading to unwind?

On the gaming front, I’ve been sinking my teeth into God Of War on the PS4 for a while now. With what I’m watching, it’s a list that continuously changes from week to week. For the moment, I’ve been keeping up with Attack On Titan and started trying to get through Space Brothers. And now that I have access to HBONow, I can start on Young Justice and other DC cartoons that I missed out on over the years.

Do you tend to cosplay the character/creature/entity as is or do you put your own spin on them? Any particular reason why? And yes, it’s perfectly ok to say “because I like to.”

If I put a spin on a character, it’s usually to fit the particular event that I’m going to. I frequent Steampunk conventions so I have Steampunk versions of several characters like Charizard and Pink Lion (from Steven Universe).

It’s cruel to ask what your favorite cosplay is so what are your top three (at most)? Are they the ones being featured or are they different ones?

Mine would be Black Panther, Korra, and Cyberpunk Buddy Blue (from 80s Rainbow Bright). I have examples of the first two that are being featured.

 

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A post shared by Christopher M George Jr. (@darkkendokayasuke)

What do your 2021 cosplans look like? If you’re trying to keep it secret OR you have no plans, that’s fine!

I’d like to make good use of this downtime and work on my costumes so that they’re ready once conventions start up again. I’ve put myself under a lot of stress trying to crunch in the days before a con, and this is the perfect opportunity to get ahead of the game on that.

In an alternate universe where money and resources are plentiful, all your bills are paid, and you’ve got nothing but time, what dream cosplays are you doing?

For the longest time, I’ve been interested in cosplaying Devilman. It’s a series that I’ve enjoyed since I was a teenager and I just think he looks cool.

What does #28DaysOfBlackCosplay mean to you?

Being part of #28DaysOfBlackCosplay has given me an expanded platform to show off my costumes, which has developed into deeper meanings over the years. One thing I like is to be part of a movement that is showing the world that Black people cosplay, we can do it well, and we do it with just as much passion as the “traditional” cosplayers that we see all the time. Another thing is that I hope that the hashtag is influencing Black people to let their nerdy flags fly. As a kid, I grew up being taught that Black men were supposed to act and enjoy certain things to be part of the “club”, but it never was something that I felt reflected me. Instead of succumbing to what society wanted of me, I’ve been able to express myself the way I want to and have been living my best life as a result. I hope that the groups of photos associated with the hashtag will give other Black folks the confidence to participate in the things that they love (regardless of what it may be) as individuals and live their best lives without being hindered by societal expectations.

How can the community (people, events, ect.) do better to represent you and other Black cosplayers?

Don’t treat diversity as some sort of an afterthought or some weird bullet point on your feature list (we may not always express it, but trust me, we can tell). Featured guests, panelists, and official photo galleries should be representative of the population of the community. If you look at all of those and you see that it’s 99% White, then it’s time to modify your search criteria and potential biases towards lighter-skinned people.

The most important thing is to just take the time to listen. Most of the time, our complaints are just dismissed as us being weak babies that want to bring the community down. Instead, we’re noticing the problems that can be easily overlooked by the majority of the cosplay community and we want to try to convince people to help us make it a more inclusive environment for all.

Any tips for newcomers who are waffling on whether or not they should cosplay?

I know that it’s easier said than done, but you should simply just give it a shot and see how it goes. It doesn’t matter if you buy your costume from a shop, get it commissioned, or make it yourself, just try it. Worries about if the costume is good enough, if it will fall apart, will people like it are the same worries that even veteran cosplayers have all the time. The only difference is that they’ve had the time to learn from their mistakes and continue doing what they love. One benefit these days is that, for every worry that you have, there’s going to be a copious amount of web pages, forums, and videos that can address all of those concerns, so that should hopefully help.

What are you looking forward to in 2021? It doesn’t have to be cosplay-related, it can be anything.

Just like everyone else, I’m waiting for us to be able to get back to being able to enjoy the things that we want to without the dark cloud of a pandemic. However, I don’t want things to go back to being exactly like it was before March 2020. I’ve learned a lot about my mental and physical state that I hope will allow me to have healthier relationships with the people and activities that I love.

Social media time! Tell us where we can find you! Give me as many links as you want. Twitter? TikTok? Patreon? I want it all!

I’m on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to keep up with Airship Ashanti, too! (their socials are linked at the beginning of this interview)

 

 

Mandisa Njeri

 

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Photographer: Majide Photography

Mandisa Njeri has been cosplaying for 12 years! Sewing, designing, and creating costumes has always been a great creative outlet for her, “So once I realized people dressed as their favorite anime or video game characters and went to conventions I naturally wanted to join in.” You can check out her story below!

Also, she’s part of Airship Ashanti, too!

How do you decide what you’re going to cosplay?

I cosplay with a group of friends and every year we each pick a costume to do for as a group. Hence, a lot of my cosplays are driven by that. It’s a lot of fun since we’re all into different fandoms.
However, when it’s my turn to pick I mainly choose my cosplay based on what anime or video games I enjoy.

Hey, it’s time to take a break from making that cosplay or buying it off your wishlist, what are you watching/playing/reading to unwind?

I love to play RPGs and adventure games on my PS4 or watching any kind of character-driven type anime in my free time.

It’s cruel to ask what your favorite cosplay is so what are your top three (at most)? Are they the ones being featured or are they different ones?

Formal Wear Okoye, genderbend Vegeta, and genderbend Gaara are my top 3. Only Okoye is being featured this year but that’s because I’ve shared the other two for 28 Days of Black Cosplay in the past.

 

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A post shared by Mandisa Njeri (@mandisanjeri)

In an alternate universe where money and resources are plentiful, all your bills are paid, and you’ve got nothing but time, what dream cosplays are you doing?

Anthy Himemiya’s rose bride dress from the anime Revolutionary Girl Utena.

What does #28DaysOfBlackCosplay mean to you?

We as Black cosplayers are often overlooked or undervalued due to the color of our skin. Hence, I love #28daysOfBlackCosplay because it allows me to meet and see more Black cosplayers like myself.

 

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A post shared by Mandisa Njeri (@mandisanjeri)

It’s March 1st, 2021, what would you like to see happen after the 28 days are over?

I would want to keep seeing Black cosplayers shared across social media and featured in articles with the same level of support they receive during the month of February.

What are you looking forward to in 2021? It doesn’t have to be cosplay-related, it can be anything.

In 2021, I will be publishing my second comic book entitled The Locket of Devise so I am very excited about that. My first comic The Kaaiman’s Cry was published August 2020 and had a positive reception. So I’m hoping my newest comic will do just as well if not better. You can get more information on the series via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

Social media time! Tell us where we can find you! Give me as many links as you want. Twitter? TikTok? Patreon? I want it all!

I’m on Instagram and on Airship Ashanti’s Facebook!

–

And that’s it! Thank you so much, everyone, for following this series throughout the month! I hope you’ve found some new cosplayers to follow, and have become inspired to try cosplay yourself!

Or, if you’re like me, you’ve regained some motivation to cosplay again. Gosh, do I miss cosplay.

(Image: Kueen Kerosene, DarkKendoka Yasuke, and Mandisa Njeri)

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The post #28DaysOfBlackCosplay at The Mary Sue, Day Twenty-Eight first appeared on The Mary Sue.

Rachel Lindsay has left social media.

The former Bachelorette -- who has played a prominent role in the ongoing franchise scandal centered around suitor Rachael Kirkconnell, host Chris Harrison and the topic of race -- deleted her Instagram entirely late last week.

We learned this from Van Latham, Lindsay's partner on the podcast Higher Learning.

Said Lathan in a video shared on his Instagram account Friday:

She did it because that's how much hate she's getting from Bachelor fans who are spamming her with all kinds of rude and hateful things to say."

Lathan continued to defend Lindsay from the backlash, saying:

"Y'all have got to get a f— life. Seriously."

Several weeks ago, Lindsay conducted an interview with Harrison in which the latter withheld judgment on Kirkconnell after a series of inappropriate social media images emerged.

They featured the Season 25 contestant Liking the Confederate Flag and attending a plantation-themed party in 2018.

Rachael eventually apologizedd and conceded that some of her past behavior was "racist and wrong."

Harrison, however, mostly sided with Kirkconnell, ignoring how people of color may have felt about her actions and asking for "compassion and grace" -- for Kirkconnelll.

The host went on to issue his own mea culpa and even said he would temporarily step away as The Bachelor host.

“It was never my intention to see Chris Harrison step aside but it was my intention for others to see and hear this interview,”  in response to this news.

"It’s important to further and highlight these discussions.

"The only way to do that is to have these uncomfortable conversations so we can understand the underlying issues and implicit racism that exists within our society.

"When we can learn to recognize implicit and unconscious bias that history of our environments have taught us, then we can challenge one another to be better for ourselves but also for this society."

Lindsay, who has long been critical of how The Bachelor handles diversity, has said at other times that she may sever ties with the franchise altogether.

Latham, for his part, continued on Friday to blast critics of someone willing to take on important issues.

"Rachel is not responsible for Chris Harrison, a 49-year-old man who can't read the room in these 2021 times. She's not responsible for that," he said.

"It's not her job to make excuses or provide cover for somebody who doesn't understand what the f— triggers people in today's world. It's not.

"You're going after the wrong person."

The media personality ended with a message of comfort to the star, saying:

"Rachel, we love you, we're with you."

Other residents of Bachelor Nation feel the same way, too.

Said Becca Kufrin after Lindsay deleted her Instagram:

“The harassment, cruelty and racism is a major issue and is not okay.

"You’re right, Rachel and I are friends in real life and unfortunately the world can’t see our personal interactions on a daily basis, and details aren’t anyone’s business.

"Just know I have her back and support her through whatever time or breaks she needs right now. Appreciate the concern."

Added Nick Viall:

“It’s sad that this even needs to be said, but Chris Harrison is in the position he is in because of what he said, not because of anything Rachel did.

"If you want to support Chris while he is down, you should be able to do that without showing hate to anyone else. I realize this is obvious to most people reading this, but if you are one of the people who have sent hateful or racist comments to Rachel please take a serious look at what’s in your heart.

"Your priorities are seriously out of whack.”

We'll give JoJo Fletcher the final word:

Its [sic] honestly so sad that I’m even having to type this message, but unfortunately it’s not a new topic of concern.

If you are following me, and think it’s OK to send hateful, vile and harassing comments, please take a moment of deep self reflection and understand what that says about you.

Hearing that Rachel Lindsay had to deactivate her account bc of the horrible bullying taking place is awful and unacceptable.

We need to come together, and be kinder to one another. Please- if you have ever been on the wrong side of this, do better.

Be better.

Chris Harrison is out.

And now we know who will soon be in.

How is THAT for an intriguing tease?

As you likely know by now, Harrison announced two weeks ago on Instagram that he was stepping aside as host of The Bachelor.

He made this declaration after the polarizing way in which he mishandled a race-based scandal centered around Season 25 finalist Rachael Kirkconnell, who made past decisions and statements that even she has admitted were "racist and wrong."

These actions included attendance at a plantation-themed party and the Liking of photos that featured the Confederate Flag.

Speaking to Rachel Lindsay about Kirkconnell awhile back, Harrison asked for "compassion and grace," seemingly ignoring the victims of her behavior to focus instead of the perpetrator.

In response, Harrison has apologized and said he won't, at minimum, be hosting this spring's After the Final Rose special.

(All other Season 25 episodes were filmed months ago.)

Who would be taking over for Harrison? Even just on this one unique installlment?

We now have an answer.

On Saturday, February 27, Emmanuel Acho announced he will be hosting The Bachelor: After the Final Rose special -- which is scheduled to air on Monday, March 15.

"IT'S OFFICIAL," Acho began his Instagram caption today.

"I've accepted the Rose and am honored to be hosting the @bachelorabc After the Final Rose this year.

"It's been a pivotal season, and this episode will hopefully be one of the most storied shows in TV history. Empathy is needed and change is coming.

"Share the news! I'll see y'all then!"

Acho is a former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker.

He now serves as a sports analyst and is the New York Times bestselling author of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man; he hosts a popular YouTube series of the same name.

After growing up in a predominantly Caucasion neighborhood and later embracing his Black culture in college and the NFL, Acho has said he felt he could serve as "a bridge" between the Black and white communities.

On the heels of George Floyd's killing in May of 2020, Acho started conducting interviews on race issues in America, with millions of viewers watching each week.

"It's both an honor and privilege to be hosting After the Final Rose," Acho said in a follow-up statement about his new gig.

"This is an incredibly pivotal episode on one of the most storied shows in television history."

Acho will sit down with star Matt James next month to talk about the reality star's "season, his final decision and where he is now, as well as cover the current events about the franchise," according to a press release issued on Saturday.

"Acho will also speak with the final three women, Bri [Springs], Michelle [Young] and Rachael [Kirkconnell] during the one-hour special."

A few days ago, Lindsay threw her support behind Acho for this job.

“Emmanuel would be great,” the former Bachelorette explained on the Bachelor Party podcast, adding during this interview:

“He’s not biased in any way, he doesn’t watch the show, he doesn’t know the people involved.

"He should be there to be able to facilitate a conversation that we need to see happen.”

Might Acho stick around beyond this one taping?

"There are talks happening regarding Chris Harrison and his future with the show," a source claimed this week to People Magazine.

For his part, Harrison said the following upon stating he won't be around to speak wiith Matt and his winner on the After the Final Rose special...

I will always own a mistake when I make one, so I am here to extend a sincere apology.

I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday I took a stance on topics which I should have been better informed.

What I now realize I have done is cause harm by wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism, and for that I am so deeply sorry.

The Bachelor: After the Final Rose will air on Monday, March 15 at 10/9c on ABC, immediately following the season finale of The Bachelor.

Ever since Game of Thrones ended in 2019, studios have been scrambling to find the next fantasy series with global appeal. Amazon Prime is working on their Lord of the Rings series, HBO is developing multiple GOT spinoffs and prequels, and now Netflix is placing their bets on Shadow and Bone, a new fantasy drama based on Leigh Bardugo’s worldwide bestselling Grishaverse novels.

Shadow and Bone is “set in a war-torn world where lowly soldier and orphan Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) has just unleashed an extraordinary power that could be the key to setting her country free. With the monstrous threat of the Shadow Fold looming, Alina is torn from everything she knows to train as part of an elite army of magical soldiers known as Grisha. But as she struggles to hone her power, she finds that allies and enemies can be one and the same and that nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. There are dangerous forces at play, including a crew of charismatic criminals, and it will take more than magic to survive.”

There’s plenty to like in this trailer: a richly drawn fictional world, gorgeous special effects, and Prince Caspian himself, Ben Barnes as General Kirigan. The cast also includes Archie Renaux (Malyen Oretsev), Freddy Carter (Kaz Brekker), Amita Suman (Inej), Kit Young (Jesper Fahey).

But for my money, the most exciting aspect of the series is that it’s written, executive produced, and showrun by Eric Heisserer, who wrote 2016’s stunning science fiction film Arrival. He also wrote Bird Box and Bloodshot. Netflix previously struck fandom gold with The Witcher, so we’ll have to wait and see if Shadow and Bone can similarly capture our collective imagination.

Shadow and Bone premieres on Netflix on April 23, 2021.

(via /Film, image: Netflix)

• What dark secrets lay hidden in the artwork for Super Mario Sunshine? (via CBR)
• Comic creators Denys Cowan, L.L. McKinney, and Kwanza Osajyefo on the rise of the Black superhero. (via The Root)
• How will the Star Trek franchise expand as it moves from CBS All Access to Paramount+? (via THR)

Amber Ruffin and Broadway star James T. Lane celebrate Black excellence:

• Netflix’s Tomb Raider showrunner Tasha Huo has been announced as screenwriter for Joey Soloway’s upcoming Red Sonja movie. (via io9)
• Season 4 of Cobra Kai is already filming. (via Syfy Wire)
• Neill Blomkamp ss writing a DISTRICT 9 sequel, appropriately named DISTRICT 10. (via Nerdist)

A fresh new mask and a worthy cause? We’re into it.

We are offering 15% OFF until Feb 28, 2021!
[ Use code: nibi ] 💙💙💙💙

For each #mask purchased, we send a mask to an Indigenous child or youth in our #Indigenous communities.https://t.co/pqJuhxgg7J pic.twitter.com/NF8HG7RLqb

— Indigenous Face Masks (@IndigenousFM) February 20, 2021

How’s your Saturday going, Mary Suevians?

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The post Things We Saw Today: Netflix Drops the First Trailer for Shadow and Bone first appeared on The Mary Sue.