Is Avengers vs X-Men Happening?

Just when comic and superhero fans thought they neared the pinnacle of Comic adapted movies it has been revealed that Disney and Fox are finally in negotiations to give their fans what they've been waiting for all along. Disney and Fox studios are in talks to bring  return The X-Men to their rightful place in the marvel cinematic universe.

The X-Men are an important staple to the marvel universe, with several members even serving as Avengers over time. With 9 installments the franchise has been a hit and miss provoking a reboot to the franchise in hopes of correcting the inconsistencies and stark contrast from its source material. While the MCU has successfully dominated the superhero movie genre, and as exciting as this news may be, there have been the occasional missteps. Thanks to the separation of the X-Men from the established universe. For example, the retcon of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver from being mutants in Avengers Age of Ultron and the non mention of the mutant Magneto being their father. There's also the issue of Quicksilver dying in the MCU, while simultaneously being introduced to the X-men universe during the 70s as a teenager and returning during the next installment set in the 80s.

The only remedy to this situation is likely to be the introduction of its own version of the multiverse. Previous mistakes aside, hopes remain high that negotiations end well with the X-men joining the MCU, as the next great storyline that can both  top the civil war storyline and appropriately incorporate the X-men is the Avengers vs X-Men arc. Which will actually align nicely following the next installment of the X-Men franchise; a much needed redo of the Phoenix saga. However, until the official announcement we will have to wait and see what the ultimate decision will be. Until then we can look forward to Avengers Infinity War which will hit theaters May 4, 2018.

Colin Kaepernick Channels Black Revolutionaries

By now Colin Kaepernick is a name almost all Americans are familiar with, regardless of his or her interest in Football. Ever since he eloquently voiced his displeasure with the American justice system and his rationale behind taking a knee during the national anthem, Kaepernick undoubtedly became the world's most interesting person culminating with GQ naming him the Citizen of the Year. The cover is a stark contrast to his previous feature as the athelete turned activist uses the shoot to embody past revolutionary individuals of the African American community.

GQ 2013 Issue

The new cover features no smile, a serious scowl and the athlete dressed in all black with an afro to match. The Black Panther Party, founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Sealea, quickly comes to mind. The BPP, famous for its ten point program and forming a community watch set on policing the police during the late 60s.

Kaepernick is also

photographed channeling the essence of Muhammad Ali. Ali, among many great

achievements and moments, like Kaepernick famously challenged the injustices of his time and protested the Vietnam war resulting in his arrest for draft evasion. Aside from a passion for civil rights and liberties both share a fondness for children and helping those in need.

GQ 2017

If there is anyone who deserves to be namdd Citizen it is Kaepernick who continues to act selflessly. Despite remaining unsigned to any NFL team Kaepernick has not let the league's missed opportunity slow his momentum of calling for social justice reform and continuing to help communities of color. Landing his second cover of GQ in only a sign of the greatness he has in store for the world.

Kevin Spacey Deflects Pedophilia

Actor Anthony Rapp, besr known for his role in the original casting of the stage play Rent, has accused fellow actor Kevin Spacys of sexually assaulting him when Rapp was a 14 year old. Rapp reveals that Spacey, "picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. But I don’t, like, squirm away initially, because I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ And then he lays down on top of me.” At the time Spacey was 26.

Unlike fellow alleged sexual predators, Harvey Winestine and Mark Halperin, Spacey was quick to respond the allegations in a way no one would have guessed. Posting to his twitter account: 

Beneath his thin veiled apology is also an excuse, and instead of assuming his responsibility in the role he blames it on drunken behavior. Even more unfortunate Spacey choose this instance to finally address his long rumoured sexuality of being gay. He is, but unfortunately he didn't get the memo that there's no correlation in pedophilia and homosexuality and many were quick to call out Spacey and his attempt to muddy the two.

Since the news first broke about Weinstein and his assault of numerous Hollywood actresses, many men and women have come forward with their personal encounters with Hollywood predators. The time is now yo hold these men accountable for what and who they are and there's no amount of drunken behavior to justify it. Looking at you Kevin Spacey. In the means time Netflix has been quick to respond to and condemn the allegations and apology with the canceling of Spaceys series House of Cards.

Black Lightning and the First Black Superhero Family

DC comics latest live-action series, Black-lightning, is set to debut next year and will finally deliver audiences an African American super hero family.

The hero debuted in his own issue in 1977, running 12 issues, before being canceled. Despite this, his popularity persisted leading to a number of team mashups, affiliations, and reincarnation series in the years to follow. Now the hero is headlining his own television series. Real name Jefferson Pierce, Black Lightning's power of spontaneously producing electricity from his body allows him to manipulate it to grant him flight and create force fields. 

Of course, what makes Jefferson so special isn't his powers but his family. Eventually, Jefferson decides to give up crime fighting to raise his two super-powered daughters Anissa and Jennifer who would grow up to become the heroes Thunder and  Lightning. Lightning takes after her father in having the ability to control lightning, but she also has the power to transform into lightning itself. Thunders' power allows her to alter her density at will, and she can send shockwaves through the ground by stomping. It should be noted that in the comics the girls don't become active heroes until after graduating college, so expect the television series to deal with their ages differently.

While it doesn't seem like a milestone even in this age of comic-inspired movies and television seeing a family of superheroes is a rarity. The former includes the Incredibles and Sky High, both featuring Caucasian families, and products of Disney. The only other preexisting African American superfamily is from the Disney channel original movie Up, Up, and Away (2000). A previous attempt at a tv series following a family with powers aired on ABC for 1 season in 2010, but that family too was not of color.

While hopes were, and still are, high for a series crossover between Black Lightning and the major Arrow-verse series chances remain slim as unlike the others Black Lightning is being filmed in Atlanta, therefore now it remains separate from the established shared universe. However, Supergirl also went through its premier season without being a part of a the Arrowverse, so there's still hoping if the pilot and season do well.

Black Lightning premiers 2018 on the CW.

Where' the MCU Black Super-heroine?

On October 7th many of the Marvel Cinematic Universe actors and actresses met at an undislocuded location for a top secret photo shoot. Not so secret, of course, that a few of the stars couldn't uploaded some candid pictures to their personal social media accounts. One picture in particular that

caused a commotion was shared by Samuel L. Jackson, featuring fellow Marvel Black leading men Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie, Chadwick Boseman, and newcomer to the franchise Laurence Fishburne. Besides simply being a picture of black excellence, the photo also is a refreshing sight of diversity after years of the cinematic universe being speared by white men.

It's no secret that Marvel has worked hard to address its diversity issue, from color bending characters for points in inclusiveness (sorry Idris Elba, and Tessa Thompson) to adding more Avengers into the fold, but for every leap there are still stumbles. Elba, along with the aforementioned five gentlemen, represent diversity well, in their respective roles, and yes the arrival of Marvels first female led movie is long over due, but one has to wonder why marvel has yet to deliver a canonical female African American hero? While looking forward to Thompson's portrayal as Valkryie, being that in the comics the character is a blonde hair, blue eyed Asgaurdian so the hero doesn't exactly fit the criteria. Similarly, Simone Missick's amazing portrayal of Misty Knight from the Netflix series Luke Cage is also disqualified in that the MCU remains separate from its televised siblings.

There is no logical argument as to why after 16 films we have yet to see a woman of color in the Avengers line-up. It's not as if there's a shortage of Black female Avengers. Notably there's Moondragon, and the new Iron man RiRi Williams, but given the direction of the Marvel movies the most logical is a woman they're already naming a film after. Unless you're a comic fan, the name Monica Rambeau is fairly unfamiliar. However this African American super-heroine has been a mainstay in the Avengers since her debut in the 80s, and is in fact the first female to wear the mantle of Captain Marvel.

After being exposed to extra-dimensional energy, she gains the ability to absorb, generate, manipulate and transform into energy; she joins the Avengers in hopes of learning to master her newfound abilities and over time proves herself as a valuable member, eventually becoming a field leader for the team. Despite beginning her superhero run

as Captain Marvel, over the years the hero has repeatedly changed her code name, allowing Carol Danvers to claim the title of Captain Marvel for herself while Monica most recently goes by Photon. With details about the Captain Marvel movie and the cast remaining top secret, one can only wonder, and hope, that the movie will give us our first glimpse of an African American hero who naturally fits into THE MCU. While the likelihood of receiving a film about Monica Rambeau is highly unlikely, there is ample opportunity to introduce her character into the fold without the necessity of a backstory as done with Hawkeye, Black Widow, War Machine, and Falcon. In contrast, we also don't want a rushed addition just for the sake of adding "more" (as done with the inclusion of Vision).

Understandably, the handling of such a monumental character has to be approached with caution however if marvel truly wishes to expand and represent true inclusion then Black America is going to have to see a Black female as a hero sooner than later.

Family Matters: Time for a Reboot?

Cue the reboot! The majority of the cast from the beloved sitcom Family Matters reunited with Entertainment Weekly for a photo shoot and set the internet ablaze. The photos feature series regulars Jaleel White, Kellie Shanygne Williams, Darius McCrary, Jo Marie Payton, Reginald VelJohnson, Shawn Harrison, Bryton McClure and Telma Hopkins.

See all photos: https://www.google.com/amp/ew.com/tv/family-matters-reunion-photos/amp/

The series premiered in 1989, and ran until 1998, depicting the struggles of an inner city African American family tackling subjects on racism and bullying. Over time the show transitioned into an overall comedy with the central focus shifting to the families genius yet clumsy neighbor. Although the series did not receive an official finale the show has remained a constant in the heart of many.

With Netflix reboots launching left and right it would be nice to see the revival of a Black classic. The story practically writes itself. Steve returns from space, he and Laura starts a family resulting in two (maybe three) kids, one of those (the girl to shake things up) is a brainy teenager who is clumsy as she is smart. Throw in a few appearances from the grandparents, and rest of the family and boom series gold! Well, here's to being hopeful.

Missing were Jaimee Foxworth, and Judyann Elder.

Honorable mention goes to actresses Michelle Thomas (1968-1998), and Rosetta LeNoire (1911-2002) who was there in spirt and photo.

Hasbro vs DC The Fight of the Bumblebee

Hasbro is suing DC over the use of the name Bumblebee, leaving comic fans and the rest of the world puzzled and collectively scratching their heads. The toy company Hasbro has filed a lawsuit to block the sales of toys featuring the DC super hero Bumblebee who is currently a prominently featured character on DC's Superhero Girls animated series. On the surface it seems as if the case revolved solely around money but there may be other factors driving the lawsuit. The Transformers franchise has soared thanks a successful movie line prominently featuring Optimus Prime as the central character. However, as DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures prepare for the release of a spin-off series featuring Bumblebee as the protagonist conflict arises over usage of the moniker.

Aside from the name being most commonly being associated with an animal/insect, the lawsuit is highly peculiar being that the DC universe version debuted in 1976, as DC's first female African American hero.

 In contrast to Hasbro's Bumblebee which first appeared in 1986 being published by none other than Marvel Comics. In the DC universe Bumblebee is a character who has severed as a notable member of the Teen Titans. She has the ability of flight thanks to a solar powered suit, and can shrink to a microscopic size. The character was brought to life onscreen in the animated version of Teen Titans, eventually becoming leader of a second branch of the team. Currently the character can be seen in the animated Super hero girls (which success has branched into various spinoffs).

Maybe the lawsuit is all about money instead of trying to eliminate competition. After all, aside from the Bumblebee spin-off Marvel will also soon release Ant-Man and Wasp the sequel to 2015s Ant-Man featuring the shrinking, flying female version of Ant-Man ( sorry Wasp, but basically). Surely Marvel isn't thinking ahead and wants to their Wasp to be the lone size altering female. It's not like there is a live action Teen Titans being developed with chances of Bumblebee appearing on the small screen (oh wait there is).

While on the surface the lawsuit reflects the greed many companies exhibit when it comes to sales and profits, there is a bigger price at stake, and that is the erasure of one of the few prominent African American comic heroes that exists. While comic inspired movies and live action television shows continue to rise in number little of the characters are African American let alone women of color. Here's hoping that Hasbro drops the lawsuit, before losing on the grounds that either they can't patent the name Bumblebee, their character is younger, or for simply being a silly case. Until we know the verdict, fingers crossed that Bumblebee makes her live action debut sooner than later and that this  unreasonable lawsuit vanishes never to be heard of again.

Diversity Strikes Again: CN to Reveal New Powerpuff Girl

On September 17th Cartoon Network will officially debut the newest member of the Powerpuff Girls and not everyone is happy about it. As the world evolves and acknowledges the importance of diversity, there remains those who refuse to accept that change is inevitable. There are some who are simply angry at the addition of a fourth member of the super heroine squad, which breaks away from the 1996 original series, while others are angered more by the new characters ethnicity. This post isn't about said racist, this post is to celebrate diversity which remains a center piece of conversations today. After all, for every Ed Skrein there's a Billy Magnusson.

Captured from a video online, ahead of the network premier, fans caught a glimpse of the soon to be member and it's easy to see she looks very different from her sisters (if she's a Powerpuff she must be a sister). The character is clearly African American with blue hair, a contrast that brought out the inner racist of many commenters online. Small criticism aside, there's high anticipation for the character to debut as her name and powers remain a mystery.

Needless to say, since their creation there has been a longing for an African American Powerpuff, with Buttercup coming to serve as a stand in with her tough talking and vernacular. 

One can only hope that the addition of this new character isn't only a special instance or one shot and that she will remain a mainstay in the series. Not only will this help the show teach and promote diversity but it will help to bandage a long time wound for African American fans of the show. We no longer have to imagine Buttercup as the "black" PPG, now we actually have one.

Tune in September 17th to find out all about the newest Powerpuff Girl.

Gotham: Will Bruce Become the 1st Robin

With Gotham scheduled to return from hiatus April 24 fans are left sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation for the rest of the season. While many arcs come to a close, one in particular feels to finally be picking up the steam it has been longing for.

The season so far has seen Bruce delve further into the investigation of the Court of Owls, while showcasing his somewhat effective training from Alfred. Young Bruce is definitely being mold accordingly. All that was missing was an adversary and code, which were both ushered in by way of Jerome. After an inevitable climax Bruce is left reevaluating his mission and purpose leading Alfred to ask, "But what's all this training for? What are you gonna do with it?" I think we all know the answer.

As the show continues to establish its own Batman mythos, one has to wonder if we will see young Bruce take up the cape. All evidence seems to point to the likelihood of a young masked vigilante taking to the streets of Gotham very soon. While he may not technically assume the mantle of Robin, or take a name at all, Bruce as the first teenage masked vigilante fits perfectly with why Batman himself would be comfortable utilizing adolescent partners.

Only time will tell if young Bruce will transition into a vigilante by night. Gotham returns April 24, until then obsess over the spring promo below.

Controversial Repulican Mouthpiece Fired

Following reports of being suspended, it has been revealed that Tomi Lahren has been permanently banned from the Blaze, the network formally responsible for her often controversial television show. The fallout follows Lahren's appearance on the View where she declared that she is indeed pro-choice. “You know what? I’m for limited government, so stay out of my guns, and you can stay out of my body as well,” the conservative remarked.

While her statements may have surprised many, it also contradicts many of her previous statements and her former employer's firm stance on abortion. Following the fallout, the company has severed their relationship, as many expected.

I'm not going to applaud her for her newfound stance as if anything it only proves what many have speculated all along. She was a pretty face and mouthpiece for the Blaze reading from a script without much of any original thought of her own. Wisely, she used the much brighter spotlight of the View to attempt to separate herself from the Blaze and show the world she can form a sensible opinion. Regardless I am glad she's no longer on a platform to spew her hateful ideas. For now, of course, as it is likely that FOX news and its equivalents will try to poach her whenever the opportunity presents itself.

The Racist Case of Dr. Seuss

Whether one likes to admit it or not, information greatly shapes our daily lives and interactions. With newfound information opinions develop, shift and change in regards to science, politics and sometimes even people. When it comes to a person's legacy, how important are their past actions to your overall opinion of them? What if it were a lover? An employer? What if it was someone influencing your children? With the celebration of the birthday of children's author Dr. Seuss and the commencement of the annual Read Across America Day, stories began to appear online discussing Seuss's sordid past embroiled in racism. That's right, the beloved children's author is a noted racist but that shouldn't be surprising, instead we should be shocked that this well-kept secret wasn't such a secret after all.

     If not a deep hatred for minorities, Seuss harbored a great prejudice towards Japanese Americans and African Americans, which he so eloquently illustrated in his political cartoon drawings for a liberal New York paper beginning in 1941. The paper's mission was described as opposing people who push other people around just for the fun of pushing, whether in this country or abroad; however, in reality, the paper only served to alienate minorities and help further prejudices against Japanese citizens and Japanese Americans during World War II.

Tying Hitler's Nazi Germany and Japan into a dangerous partnership and labeling all Japanese citizens and Japanese Americans as threats to America, these groups became the target of Seuss' satirical illustrations.

     In his illustrations, Japanese were drawn to the likeness of having slanted eyes and over-sized teeth and were often described as yellow. Naturally, this led to a rise in hatred and aggression towards Japanese families, and his illustrations only became more heinous after the events of Pearl Harbor. Critics of Seuss usually cite a sense of Nationalism as the fuel behind his hatred, however, that does not excuse his actions nor does it correlate to his depiction of African Americans. During his tenure with the paper, Seuss' cartoons used racial slurs to refer to African Americans and drew his images to resemble monkeys.

Another highly racist act, and yet somehow this man, like so many before him, has been made a mainstay in American history and integrated into the lives of countless children. Minority and non-minority alike.

     Reactions to the news of Seuss’ racist past have ranged from some choosing to look past his actions to those that have decided to outright boycott his recognition. Each person is rightfully entitled to their opinion on the subject, but the question remains will you read Dr. Seuss to your child knowing his racist past?

New Year, Same Story: Same Crime, Different Charges

It's less than a week into the New Year and already we're seeing the same issues of unequal treatment and harsher punishment of P.O.C. when it comes to the American justice systems. On January 5 the news story began circulating of four Chicago youths who Facebook live streamed themselves attacking and tormenting a special needs teenager. Undoubtedly this is a terrible act, and all individuals involved should be punished for their actions. However, examining the case one can't help but notice a stark contrast to a similar case from last year involving similar circumstances with the only difference initially being the race of the attackers.

On October 23, 2015, an Idaho mentally disabled teenager was attacked by three of his peers – R.K. Howard (18), Tanner Ward (17), and an unnamed juvenile- following the team's football practice. Not only did the three teens physically assault the young man, but also sexually violated him with a coat hanger. Ward initiated the attack while Howard (pictured above) kicked the coat hanger several times while it was inserted into the victim’s rectum. It was an equally horrible and aggressive act, with stark unexpected results. Just last December, Howard reached a plea deal to avoid jail time despite his heinous crime. While initially charged with sexual penetration by use of a foreign object, Howard (miraculously) was able to plead to felony injury to a child and will receive only two to three years of probation and community service.

As swiftly as the story circulated, the four Chicago teens have been detained and each charged with a hate crime, felony aggravated kidnapping, aggravated unlawful restraint and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Their arrest took less than a day. The investigation involving Howard and company lasted several months before any charges were officially filed. In case you haven’t concluded, Howard is white while the four teens are African American.

The contrast between Howard's charges and that of the four Chicago individuals is alarming but not surprising when examining the recent string of charges reduced or dismissed against individuals who commit crimes against African American. Howard (and likely Ward) will be released back into society having learned nothing from his actions and likely to enact his hateful views and thoughts on others in the near future. The four Chicago teens, however, are highly likely to be processed and sent to prison without any type of rehabilitation, despite the chances that each were/are special needs students.

I want to remain hopeful that 2017 will be the year that equality will be incorporated into the notion of American justice for all but it is undoubtedly past due time to reconstruct our American justice system, because until we do it fails us all.