Agent Carter and the Promise of Things to Come

Last night was the premiere of Marvel's Agent Carter. The two hour event gave us a glimpse into the world of Peggy Carter and her life after the war but this was only the beginning. 

Carter's introduction to the MCU first came in Captain America : The First Avenger where she was a no holds barred officer of the British Armed Forced Special Air Service. She later joined in the fight against HYDRA by joining the SSR. Her part in the story essential to Project Rebirth Peggy helped save Abraham Erskine and continue the development of Super Soldier Serum. During recruitment for the project Peggy befriends Steve Rogers who she would later help become the first superhero. 

Peggy tragically loses Rogers after their fight against the Red Skull. In her attempts to honour Rogers Peggy continues working with the SSR, becoming one of their best agents and later forms S.H.I.E.L.D with Howard Stark. 

Marvel's Agent Carter was created by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely as a way to continue Peggy Carter's life after Captain America : The First Avenger. Hayley Atwell reprises her role from the film series and is as engaging as ever. While Carter must balance her life between secretarial work and secret missions, she must also deal with sexism post-war and fight for her right to be included in work she helped build. 

The show is instantly likeable, two minutes in and I was already sold. It is kind of like a love letter to female fans of the MCU. Peggy is capable, intelligent, caring, resourceful and quick witted. She often uses the sexism directed towards her to her advantage. The male characters' misguided attempts to insult her or negate her never go unanswered. Their perpetual dismissal of her also serves her in her clandestine escapades. Atwell's ability to not only kick ass but also be lighthearted and fun give this show exactly what it needs. Without a doubt it is a must watch for the season. It is action packed, full of adventure, excitement and is everything a spy story should be. Not to mention the prop and costume department are delightful.

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Portrait of a Geek Girl

Hello Fellow Geek Ladies! 
Here is the pitch : Over the course of the next year I will be collecting faces and taking photos of Geek Girls I meet and know. At the end of the year I will be releasing a book called "Portrait of a Geek Girl". Hopefully this will allow me to release further books in the future centrally based on being chested and invested in a culture targeted towards dudes. 

This year my con plans are :
• Anime North
• San Diego Comic Con 
• Youmacon 
(more will be added to this list when we decide which cons to attend this year)

I want you to feel free to come up to me and ask for your photo so I can get as many photos as possible. I will also be holding a contest for the cover and a book giveaway. 

Keep coming back for more news. I'll keep you posted.

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Daisy Johnson aka Quake

Following the last post surrounding comic book character we continue the trend this by presenting to you another amazing Marvel lady, Daisy Johnson aka Quake - (Note : Should you not be caught up on AOS major spoilers lay ahead, you have been warned) 

Weeks ago Marvel announced their full movie line up for the next couple of years. On that list Captain Marvel was a big one that had everyone talking. Marvel is continually adding prominent female character to their MCU. The recent addition came when Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D revealed Skye's true identity. A question on everyone's mind last season and continuing this season the mystery origins of the girl genius were revealed to be Daisy Johnson aka Quake. 

The character was created by Brian Michael Bendis and Gabriele Dell'Otto and first introduced in their Secret War series. Daughter of a villain named Mr. Hyde she was giving up for adoption and raised by a family who knew nothing of her parentage. Daisy's high IQ meant she struggled in school and soon starting rebelling out of frustration and boredom. After a run in with the police she became agitated and her powers manifested for the first time. She caused a tremor. She was then brought to Nick Fury and trained as a SHIELD agent. She excelled and quickly climbed rank gaining a level 10 security clearance at only 18 years of age. 

Daisy eventually led her own team called the Secret Warriors and was part of on going series of the same name. The book has been one of my recent favourites. Each week the series put Daisy's leadership abilities to the test and explored her familiar (father/daughter) relationship with Nick Fury. 

It has to be said that Daisy's powers also to not stem from the mutant gene but rather passed down from her father who has experimented on himself with chemicals. 

I am so excited to see where Agents of SHIELD and the MCU take Quake and watch her story continue to play out on the show. I also hope she becomes a crucial member in other places of the MCU. 

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Star Wars : The Trailer Awakens

It is finally here. Rumours have been circulating that a teaser trailer for the new Star Wars film was to be released selectively this friday but instead the internet proved once again fruitful in my acquisitions of new nerd material. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. For those naysayers I say to you - How can you not be excited? 

That trailer had everything you could hope for in a teaser trailer about a new Star Wars franchise : your leads, droids, siths, cue Star Wars theme, the MILLENNIUM FALCON. Not to mention stormtroopers and x-wing pilots. This is literally a teaser trailer. If I remember correctly the first trailer for the Star Trek reboot offered very little in terms of movie footage. It was a pan left onto the Enterprise. 

Why is everyone being so critical? Did it not take you back to when you were a little kid? Were you not super excited about Star Wars?  I wish people could just fall in love with things again - there is a time and place to be critical of our media and a teaser trailer is not it.  There was absolutely nothing in this trailer that had me believe I should be underwhelmed or not excited about the new Star Wars franchise and this film. 

If you haven't already check out the trailer here : Star Wars - The Force Awakens 

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Naruto Newbie - Journey to Hokage

Beginning an Iconic Series 

Episode 1 and 2 

Naruto is a popular Japanese manga/anime by Masashi Kishimoto. It centres around a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki. After a Nine-Tails attacks the village Konoha the Fourth Hokage risks his life (pays the ultimate price) and seals the demon inside of Naruto.  Studying to become a ninja Naruto struggles with trying to fit it, being accepted and striving for his dream of becoming the Hokage. The story revolves around Naruto and his friends (team 7) and the missions they must accomplish all while the young ninja tries to complete his dream. 

As the popular series is coming to its end I thought to myself what good a time to get into a series then when it is ending. Yuukatan has been pushing me to watch the series for awhile now and now is a good a time as any. Two episodes in and I hear Chopper. I have a bad habit of picking up One Piece voice actors in other things. I am having a really hard time getting into the series. I was promised Naruto would be someone I would easily latch unto because he is very much like other characters I love but I haven't found the right way in yet. I also haven't meant most of the reoccurring characters yet. Two episodes in and I already feel like one of them was used as filler. I don't want to judge it too quickly because I know it means a lot to people and I barely have a taste for it right now. Iruka Umino is that big brother type I find instantly fascinating and hopefully he can make up for the "Sexy Jutsu" 

Check back for further updates and my journey through Naruto.

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Carol Corps and the Importance of Representation

Carol Danvers made her debut in the 1960s as a strong, capable woman who overcame gender stereotypes and excelled in a predominantly male world. Even in the early stages she was a surefire feminist icon. Already sporting a long list of accomplishments - a fighter pilot, an officer in the U.S. Air Force and a CIA agent Carol made her heroic/super powered debut after she was hired as the head of security of NASA headquarters. 

After being rescued by her co-worker Dr. Phillip Lawson, an actual Kree super-agent, Carol absorbed much of his genetic properties and insisted she stand as his equal. Her DNA became a perfect synthesis of Kree and human genes. Thus, begins her story of superhuman powers and abilities and the birth of Ms. Marvel. 

More recently Carol has taken up the mantle of Captain Marvel, a progress no doubt in the way we see our superheroines but also in honour of Mar-Vell. 

Her history at first pinned her as the romantic interest but when she entered the Bronze Age Carol was celebrated and viewed as one of Marvel's strongest heroes. She could go toe to toe with the best of them and she had brains. She even moved away from her romantic story lines and got a revamped costume. Truly coming into her own and becoming one of Marvel's most liberated women. 

After the character underwent some controversial writing she was written off for some time. Our earliest memories of Danvers come from the X-men: The Animated Series story arc that involved Rogue stealing her powers. It took us awhile to warm up to Carol because of this story and the way she was presented. Carol's writing for years had her in tragic territory and shaky grounds as a character. It wasn't until more recently Danvers had her on going that fully established her as one of Earth's mightiest heroes. 

The Captain Marvel storyline has always dipped its hands in feminism and explored sexists views in our society. Carol's dreams and aspirations stem from her misogynistic father. His small minded ideas about Carol's future only led her to strive and become the best she could be. She also powers her way through male dominant work fields, as well as male dominant industries (like the military and comicbooks).

The Carol Corps

One of the most inspiring things to come out of Captain Marvel is no doubt the fanbase and creation of the Carol Corps. The unique fanbase shares a special camaraderie, not only between fans but betweens creators and fans alike. The fans are also passionate and creative. Art, stories, cosplays and discourse surrounding the character show just how passionate the Carol Corps is. You can often find the Carol Corps sporting their versions of Carol's newly designed costume (which is beautiful we might add)

Something the Carol Corps does that is truly unique is show comic book creators that girls are passionate about reading, about reading comic books, about comic book characters, about female comic book characters. 

We have a feeling the Carol Corps will only continue to grow and we sure hope so.

Check out this Beginner's guide to the Carol Corps

CLICK HERE

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Cosplayer of the Week: Lexxie Cosplay

Lexxie Cosplay

This weeks featured cosplayer is Lexxie Cosplay! She is a cosplayer that we've been very fortunate to meet and someone who we are always excited to see what new project she's working on.

This is a cosplayer whos versatility is fantastic and she never ceases to amaze us with her ability to completely transform herself and make any character come to life. She is also a talented seamstress and prop-maker; Through her crafting she is able to make even the most fantastical costumes look realistic. From her high quality costumes and wigs to her perfectly staged photo shoots-you can tell Lexxie is serious about her craft, but that's where the seriousness ends. This is a cosplayer that knows how to have fun and doesn't take herself too seriously...and we love it! She is someone who you can tell genuinely loves cosplaying and has a passion for it. We are looking forward to running into her at our next con and seeing what new and wonderful cosplays shes created!

What got you into cosplay?
I got into cosplay by going to my second convention with some friends that also were okay with dressing up. It was something I always wanted to do but didn't want to do it on my own.

What was your first cosplay?
My first cosplay was L from Death Note, and also my first crossplay which I find amusing. 
How long have you been cosplaying?
I have been cosplaying on and off for 8-9 years.

What is your favourite part of putting on your cosplay?
My favourite part of putting on a cosplay is just escaping from my normal life of a student life to that character I am putting on. Just knowing that whatever I have going on in my life is just pushed to the side for the weekend I’m at a con.

What’s the best part of cosplay for you?
The best part of cosplay is a hard question. There is so much to cosplay people don’t realize as well. The people I have met through cosplay is just amazing. If I never got back into cosplay I don’t think I would have the friends I have now and the experiences I went through with them. Also I have learned a lot from other cosplayers, like where to get good wigs, how to sew certain things, just over all tips on cosplaying.

Do you have a current cosplay or cosplayer favourite, someone who has inspired you?
A cosplayer that inspires me is Jessica Nigiri, I have been following her since she started cosplaying. She is also the main reason why I’m okay with dressing up in characters that are skimpy. Her attitude towards cosplay is amazing and she doesn't let the horrible people get to her, she does what she loves and doesn't care what other people think of her. I try to think like her when it comes to cosplay.

You can check out more of Lexxie Cosplay here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexxieCosplay

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexxieCosplay

Instagram: http://instagram.com/lexxie_cosplay

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