Building the Lightningverse

Black Lightning, the CW's latest superhero feature and first featuring an African American as the lead, has impressed fans and critics alike since its premiere and will officially return for a second season October 9th on the CW. While it was previously stated that Black Lightning isn't set in the primary Arrowverse, thanks to its filming in Atlanta instead of Vancouver like the other shows, however with the name dropping of heroes like Supergirl and Vixen, fans were teased early on and at least given an idea of at least what Earth the series takes place on. Now thanks to the upcoming crossover event we can expect the Black Lightning cast to finally be integrated into the full Arrowverse, along with the introduction of Batwoman.

While the Arrowverse has done a great job of blending its many heroes in episodes and crossover events they don't primarily deal with the issues Black Lightning has touched thus far. That being said, maybe it's time for a new universe of heroes with Black Lightning as its anchor and here are just a few heroes who will fit perfectly into the series.

1. Static (Virgil Hawkins) 
Probably the most expected, and anticipated, addition fans want to see and who can effectively expand the universe is Static. When news of a new CW potential first emerged many hoped it would be Static as the titular hero, however, there's no reason the two can't share the screen together. Hosting the same powers of Black Lightning, it would be interesting to see the two team up, with Static as a potential protege. 

2. Bumblebee (Karen Beecher) 
After successfully navigating Thunder's origin and highlighting her growth as a hero, season two has the potential to add more female heroes to an over much-lagging roster. Bumblebee would be a perfect addition to the series, as she would not only easily fits in the same age group as Lightning's daughters but also would be a brilliant creative addition thanks to her shrinking capabilities and scientific intelligence. While a perfect fit for the series, between the upcoming live-action Teen Titans and the Hasbro lawsuit, chances of seeing the heroine on screen, remains minimal.
3. Aqualad (Kaldur'ahm) 
Even if Aquaman is off limits for television hopefully referencing Atlantis, even if only in name, is a great way for the series to set up an Aqualad appearance. Like Bumblebee and Static he fits the age group for rising heroes appropriate for the show, but like Bumblebee Aqualad too may be under restriction for use in Teen Titans.

4. Batwing (Luke Fox)
A member of the Bat-family who has yet to receive any mainstream attention, it's because of this that Batwing can be a great addition to extend the Black Lightning universe. Even if Batman remains off limits, given the time frame of the universe using Luke also fits the age group for the series exploring young heroes.

5. Batman (Bruce Wayne) 
Two longtime comic collaborators, while none of the Arrowverse series have yet to be able to feature the dark knight, the surprising Supergirl name drop in Black Lightning opened it to the realm of possibilities. Due to Arrow writers blurring the lines between the show and Batman, featuring the hero on another earth is the easiest and safest route for sake of continuity. Batman would easily fit into the more grounded reality of Black Lightning as compared to shows like Flash and Supergirl. 

6. Black Vulcan
While the history involving both Black Lightning and Vulcan is slightly convoluted, as the latter essentially would not exist without the former. Thanks to a dispute between Black Lightning's creator and DC, the character was not authorized to be used for the DC comic inspired animated series The All New Superfriends. Because of this, and the need for a Black character led to the "creation" of Vulcan exclusively for the series. While I see this being played on a more comedic note, and is a biggest long shot of them all, seeing the two onscreen together would be priceless. 

Although Black Lightning has only begun to test the waters of delving into its own mythos adding in a few more dynamic characters won't hurt, and with the big crossover event coming this fall, there's no telling what the writes may have in store for viewers. Hopefully, as the series continues fans will get to see the Black Lightning universe expand to begin introducing new heroes to share the screen with. Whether it's for short-term story arcs or laying the groundwork for future series or appearances, introducing heroes like Black Canary, Firestorm, Vixen, and even the Flash have only helped to increase viewership and benefit the Arrowverse as a whole, and the same can be done for Black Lightning.

Analyzing America's Least Presidential Portrait

It has been a little over a month since the National Portrait Gallery unveiled the official portraits of former president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama and while most of the world is captivated by Mrs. Obama's portrait the same cannot be said for her husband's. Like all art, the paintings are open to individual interpretation and critique, but it is obvious the former president' s portrait is a stark contrast to its predecessors. While artist Kehinde Wiley should be proud of his milestone accomplishment it must be acknowledged how damaging his painting is to Obama's legacy.

Wiley's painting of the 45th President is telling how many in the country perceive and continue to view and disrespect its first African American President. Unlike the first 43 presidential portraits Obama's is the first to feature the president in a setting other than the oval office. Instead Obama is painted against a background of flowers. For much of his presidency Obama critics often cited his position towards helping minority groups, especially the LGBTQ community, as grounds for their weak presidency claims. As a celebration of his advocacy Obama was even named the 'First Gay President' by Newsweek in 2012.  For years his masculinity was challenged and Wiley's portrait only continues this notion as he paints the president sitting among flowers. Thanks to the official painting we don't see a powerful and majestic commander in chief but instead a man lost in nature.

The portrait further insults the legacy of the president as the painting presents the president without a tie. With neckties being primarily seen as phallic symbols, the lack of inclusion in the presidents portrait further emphasizes the lack of respect for him and his presidency.

Of course, it is important to note that flowers happen to be a reoccurring theme in many of the Wiley's works. So the flowers being used isn't too surprising. And the portrait was even hailed by an article in The Times; "Whereas Mr. Obama’s predecessors are, to the man, shown expressionless and composed, Mr. Obama sits tensely forward, frowning, elbows on his knees, arms crossed, as if listening hard.” Yes, as if listening to a very uninteresting subject. While Obama's portrait is indeed beautiful and original, it fails to capture the true regal essence that comes with being the leader of the "free world" and while Wiley's painting would be a beautiful personal portrait to hang in the Obama's study, as a presidential portrait it misses the mark.

Official Trailer for Antman and The Wasp

The first Official trailer for Marvels sequel to Antman has hit the internet and fans are already hyped for its arrival. Picking up after the events of Captain America Civil War Antman and the Wasp will explore the fallout from Scott Lang's involvement with Captain America while delving into the next chapter of his heroics. This time around, however, Lang will have more than enough backup as Hope finally suits up and gets in on the action as the superheroine Wasp.

Even more exciting is the inclusion of Laurence Fishburne, adding to the growing list of Black superheroes, as Bill Foster a character who in the comics held the title of the hero Black Goliath.

While his role in the movie has yet to be revealed, given the time frame and age it's likely that the character has ties to Hank Pym during his time as the original Antman, and more than likely is a key figure in helping Antman accessing the ability to become Giant-Man.

The trailer doesn't give much away as far as a main antagonist or storyline goes, however once Black Panther debuts next month surely more details will emerge; or maybe we'll see an extended trailer during the previews. Antman and The Wasp hits theaters this July.

The Problem with Mo'Nique's Boycott

On January 19th comedian and actress Mo'Nique revealed to the world her grievance with Netflix, and asked the world to boycott the streaming service on basis of gender and color bias. The queen of comedy was more than offended after being offered 500k for a new special. Although that may seem like a hefty amount to some, Monique references the pay of fellow comedians. Stating in a video posted to Instagram she says, "I was offered a $500,000 deal last week to do a comedy special. However, Amy Schumer was offered  $11 million, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle $20 million."

While the world collectively agreed that boycotting Netflix is an overreaction, it should also be realized that Mo'Nique isn't wrong for calling Netflix out. Despite taking a brief break from comedy to pursue more serious roles, Mo'Nique is in fact a legend among today's age of comedians whose brand alone should have been enough to get her pay along the lines of Chappelle and Rock. In the age of the #MeToo movement countless individuals have been calling rape, sexual harassment, wage inequality and more out in Hollywood. 

While Mo'Nique is rightfully entitled to her feelings, and is known for being outspoken when it comes to inequality in Hollywood, one can't help but feel that a boycott is the wrong route to take. Instead of letting the world and her supporters decide how to feel towards the company and how to react,  Mo'Nique made the snap decision all on her own.

While the rest of the world has been slow to rally for Mo'Nique she has found an ally in fellow comedian Wanda Sykes who confirmed Netflix's shady dealing in a tweet.

Notably instead of going public Sykes went elsewhere and earned more money.

There's no telling how the fallout from Mo'Nique's going public will play out but in the meantime she at least successfully has the world talking.

Offset's Homophobia Controversy (Again)

Migos member Offset has once again found himself embroiled in drama with the LGBTQ community and its supporters after the being featured as a guest on YFN Lucci new single "Boss life" in which Offset raps the line "I can not vibe with queers." This makes for the fourth instance where the rapper has been linked to homophobia since he and his group  became mainstream artists in 2017. First there were the comments refusing to perform at a gay club, then came disparaging comments during an interview regarding fellow rapper Makonnen coming out, before finally being accused of not wanting to work with drag queens during a performance on Saturday Night Live.

For the interview the group collectively apologized and issued a statement that their words were misconstrued. While they denied altogether any drama unfolding with the SNL appearance. As skeptical as one was left feeling towards the group, it could not be denied that there was a level of growth attempting to be reached so we forgave and forgot.

Now that there has been collective backlash against Offset's latest lyrics he finds himself once again having to apologize. Taking to Instagram the rapper wrote:

His apology is hard to accept especially given that over the years the term queer has evolved into a slur against those who fall into the LGBTQ community. In fact if there was no ill intent behind the lyric there wouldn't be a need for an apology or explanation of usage. If it colloquially was still a synonym for weird then there would be no backlash at all.

Whatever the case, as a man engaged to a bisexual woman whose sister is a lesbian and fans are predominantly gay men, here's hoping that Offset has finally learned his lesson when dealing (not dealing) with the LGBTQ community. Maybe then the groups stylist will finally stop taking out his/her anger on their wardrobes.

Year of the Black Superhero

2018 is shaping up to be another monumental year for readers of comics and fans of its televised and cinematic counterparts. This is especially true in the instance of Black characters. After 10 years ( 17 marvel films, 5 DC films) African American comic characters and superheroes are finally being brought to the forefront and leading their own films and series. Thanks to the critical success of the Netflix series Luke Cage, the Marvel execs may have finally realized that they can draw in Black viewers without the act of race bending characters in an effort to reflect "diversity" (i.e. raise ticket sales) and as a result 2018 will be the biggest year for African American superheroes to date.

Marvel is pushing fufther into its 'diversity' frontier preparing for the company's first feature starring an African American male as the lead with 2018's Black Panther. Completely stealing the show in Captain America: Civil war, Chadwick Bossman' s Black Panther is one of the most recognized and beloved Avergers surpassing Stark's technology, Banner's intellect, Thor's honor, and Roger's leadership. Premiering in February, the movie will follow his return to Wakanda, as he deals with the aftermath of the death of his father and his own ascension to the throne.

While it's no surprise that Luke Cage will return to Netflix with a second season next year, it isn't the only streaming service getting in on comic adaptations with Hulu also throwing its hat into the ring this November. The adaptation of the Marvel comic The Runaways will feature African American team leader Alex Wilder, a genius who learns that his parents are actually super villains.

And on the small screen things are growing even bigger for the CW as the network prepares for the premier of its new series Black lightning, based on the DC character, which will feature television's first primetime black superhero family. (http://unorthodoxwisdom.blogspot.com/2017/10/blacklightning-and-first-black.html?m=1)

Although there continues to be a lack of Black female super characters on television and film, this list will also grow with the inclusion of Black Lightning's daughters Thunder and Lightning, while The Legends of Tomorrow continues to brilliantly highlight the DC character Vixen, and Luke Cage will transition Misty Knight towards her heroic calling.

With each of these shows 2018 will be the year with the most black superheroes in movies and television, and if this is any indication of what's to come in the future then we are in for a spectacular ride. (Honorable mention to Arrow's John Diggle and Mr. Terrific, Guardian from Supergirl and the Flash's Wally West).