The late Toni Morrison eloquently stated, “I’m always annoyed about why Black people have to bear the brunt of everybody else’s contempt. If we are not totally understanding and smiling, suddenly we’re demons.” Ms. Morrison was an example of how a phenomenal Black woman can recalibrate your entire reality with a few sage words. My … More But I Paid Him A Compliment
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
My time as a contributor to the Nerds of Color was definitely a blessed one. The story of how I was recruited is a story in itself. From a professional standpoint, being a contributor led to some excellent opportunities. Everything from networking, to receiving gigs, projects and other opportunities. More than that I gained some … More The Nerds Of Color: Political Engagement In And Through A Racialized Fandom Space
So news broke yesterday that the creators of Rape of Thrones are creating a new series called Confederate. It essentially reimagines the South winning the Civil War and slavery continuing. Because in the age of a Trump presidency, Dylan Roof and #BlackLivesMatter, white power fantasies are exactly what we need.
So this weekend Doctor Who regenerated for the 13th time and is now a woman. Jodie Whittaker is replacing Peter Capaldi as the iconic Timelord. As with all things speculative fiction and social justice, social media has been lit, to put it mildly with everyone expressing opinions for and against the new Doktah. I have … More Six Thoughts On The 13th Doctor Who
Critics are allegedly saying that Spider-Man: Homecoming is the best movie of the summer. Fans are allegedly saying that this is the best Spider-Man film, EVER. What am I saying to all of this?
One of my New Years resolutions was dedicating this year to leveling up, specifically as an author and artist. Or rather as an auteur. 😉 Breaking personal records and churning out more pieces than ever, I’ve spent the better part of the year in nonstop writer mode which of course is the equivalent of Puppet … More Lifewriting 101
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
Author Scott Tracey recently announced on social media that he is re-releasing his popular Witch Eyes trilogy. My reaction to such glorious news: So in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, I thought I’d share my review of book one to whet the appetites of the few of you who might be unfamiliar with the excellent series.
If you’ve read this excellent site, follow me on social media, or have known me for five minutes, then you probably know that not only am I hopeless comic book geek and Midnighter is my patronus through and through.
DENNIS R. UPKINS 