Over on Yopp I have the privilege and the pleasure of interviewing author, inspirational speaker, activist and podcaster Britt East. And we get into all of the things. From his award winning book A Gay Man’s Guide To Life, to racial justice, activism, supporting our trans siblings, becoming the best versions of ourselves, his new … More A Gay Man’s Guide To Life: An Interview with Britt East
Over on OUTvoices I explain why the sci-fi short film Dispel is a game changer in terms of artistry, storytelling, Black triumph and Black Excellence. I also take a moment to give praise honor and glory to Perfection herself: The Goddess known as Gina Torres. And now our feature presentation….
One of the true joys of my career is that I get to meet some truly extraordinary and amazing people from all walks of life. These individuals are using their gifts to make this world a better one. A few of them, I’m both honored and humbled to consider colleagues and good personal friends. Case … More Disability Visibility: An Interview With Alice Wong
As an author, journalist and an activist, anytime I write something, be it a social media update or my next novel, I write with the intent to empower, enlighten and entertain. If I can do all three simultaneously, golden! I call it the E-Cubed Directive. These challenging times are a reminder why I do the … More Black Lives Matter Resource Packet
Making my return to Yopp Voice, today I discuss six iconic characters whose white privilege gives them a pass for their most reprehensible and downright villainous behavior. I also explain how these narratives have real life repercussions. Special thanks to the lovely and always awesome Kella Hanna-Wayne for helping me make this piece a reality. … More The Complexion For The Protection
File this under why you should always check your spam box. Last week I found out that a buddy sent me a Comixology gift card……2 years ago as a token of thanks for appearing on a comic book podcast. Needless to say I decided to go shopping. But what to purchase?
As many of you know, June is the month of LGBTQ Pride and I couldn’t think of a better time to call out a few tropes that inundate comics and media when it comes LGBTQ characters/themes. Tropes that if I never see again for the rest of my existence, I’d be eternally grateful. While this … More Queer Tropes Redux
Originally published on The Future Fire As a writer, storyteller, and a queer person of color, it goes without saying that diversity and inclusion is very important to me. Anyone who’s known me for five seconds is aware of the fact that I’m a rabid comic book fan. It’s modern day mythology and as a … More Q Is For Queer Speculative Fiction
Originally published at Fangs for the Fantasy A gent by the name of Malcolm X once said, “The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they control the minds of the masses.” Many people often wonder … More Navigating Through Race- The Plight of Storytellers of Color
When it comes to the media, the Original X-Man, First Class, Brother Malcolm said it best: Like most children of the 80s, He-Man was not simply a cartoon but a way of life. From him I learned morals and values—such as telling the truth, taking responsibility, bigotry is wrong, respect the environment—and what it truly … More Profound Media Lessons Learned By An Impressionable Mind
Since Donald Trump’s presidential election victory last week, there’s been much discussion and preparation in regards to the fates of minorities given the Presidential Elect[?]’s bigoted platform. Whether it’s the election, Ferguson, Flint, Orlando, or DAPL, one of the most infuriating things I hear from people, and by people I mean white people is that … More The Political Is Personal
Color Commentary returns and this time we’re taking on the first season of Marvel’s Luke Cage. This commentary is done in complete satire, is intended for a mature audience and is meant for entertainment purposes only. In other words, if you take any of this seriously, you are a fracking idiot.
So let’s talk about Suicide Squad, one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. Synopsis: Figuring they’re all expendable, a U.S. intelligence officer decides to assemble a team of dangerous, incarcerated supervillains for a top-secret mission. Now armed with government weapons, Deadshot (Will Smith), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc and … More An Honest Review: Suicide Squad
Originally published on Mental Health Matters They say necessity is the mother of all invention. One thing was certain, I found myself in desperate need a few years back. As a speculative fiction author and a queer person of color (QPoC), I’m constantly frustrated not only with the lack of diversity, but the nonstop misogyny, … More Gamechanger: Upkins Media Litmus Test
Originally published at Bitch Flicks At 8 years old, I would wake up early every Saturday morning to tune in and watch Superboy. Over the years, I’ve been a faithful viewer of the original George Reeves Superman series, Lois & Clark, the Bruce Timm animated series, the live action films, and of course the comics. I’m … More This Year’s Supergirl
As a queer person of color, I can say firsthand that it’s rare my existence is acknowledged in the media, much less portrayed with any modicum of respect. This is one of the many reasons that I’ve taken it upon myself to pass a personal edict that with the exception of an elite few works, … More Gods of the Arena
X-Men Apocalypse. I swore I wouldn’t write a review for the film. Primarily because any review I penned would pale in comparison to the excellent piece penned by my buddy and fellow N.O.C. colleague, Valerie Complex. Seriously if you haven’t read it, go do so now. Val snatched so many wigs and edges, you would’ve thought Director … More Review: X-Men Apocalypse
The following events are true. The following events are not a joke. I really wish the following events were a punchline and not a sad reflection of our culture. You’ll see what I mean. So in honor of tonight’s season finale of the Coulson/May Power Hour (known to some of you as Marvel’s Agents of … More Art Imitating Life
Recently Fearless Leader (known to some of you as Keith Chow), informed the N.O.C. collective that legendary comic book writer Greg Pak had a new Kickstarter campaign and wanted to see if anyone would be interested in interviewing him. My response to Fearless Leader: I’ve been a fan of Pak’s work for many years. From … More Kickstarter Secrets With Greg Pak
One of my favorite television series on the air right now is Into The Badlands. The noirish dystopian Wuxia drama is the perfect blend of action, mystery and mysticism that keeps my eyes glued to the flatscreen. As is the case with all things PoC excellence, Into The Badlands has caught its share of hate … More Venturing Into The Badlands
DENNIS R. UPKINS 