Queer Characters in Jeph Jacques’ QUESTIONABLE CONTENT

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May 23, 2018

Ever since 2012, there’s been a dramatic shift when it comes to queer characters – there’s slowly more and more of them in TV shows, movies, books, but most prominently in webcomics.

However, for some fans, the question arises – how many queer characters is too many? What’s ‘believable’ for a single creative work? Jeph Jacques’s Questionable Content has been the target of many of these questions, especially in regards to his latest storyline, which puts the main female lead – Faye Whitaker – in a relationship with a woman for the first time.

Questionable Content’s Queer Characters

Online and updating for almost fifteen years, Questionable Content has been through a number of changes in its long run. The comic was initially a ‘will they won’t they’ between the main characters Marten and Faye. It abandoned this format after the first 500 strips, and both Marten and Faye pursued other romantic interests.

It’s never been a secret in the comic that its main cast includes queer characters; Dora has actively identified as bisexual since some of her earliest appearances. However, in the last few years, more and more queer characters have joined the main cast. Claire, Marten’s current girlfriend, is a trans woman, and Elliot (hapless bartender and gentle giant) recently revealed that he is bisexual.

Faye, however, has always been one of the more concretely heterosexual characters – at least in the eyes of fans. So as her friendship with a military robot blooms into something more, some readers have been taking offense.

YOUR TEARS ARE DELICIOUS TO ME pic.twitter.com/ICB1al3E4d

— Passive-Aggressive Retsuko (@jephjacques) May 17, 2018

It’s an interesting sight to see. One relationship was fine. However, Claire as the first trans character was ‘too far’ at the time. Apparently, Faye’s new relationship is ‘too far’ for many readers once more.

What does ‘Too Far’ Mean?

The backlash to Questionable Content, in context, is puzzling. While not all readers are coming from the same perspectives, accusations of the comic ‘no longer being realistic’ often fail to take into account the comic’s setting: Northampton, Massachusetts. The reality is that Northampton has the highest number of lesbians per capita in the entire country. This is before considering Jacques’s often-quoted assurance on the QC setting and how it is very much not our world, rendering complaints of realism more than a little moot.

“Something people do not often realize is that the world in which QC takes place is considerably stranger than our own. You’d think that with all the little talking robots running around everywhere that this would be obvious, but I am consistently surprised at how often people take it for granted.” – Jeff Jacques 2005

Furthermore, there are much queerer and stranger comics out there. It’s odd to hear how QC’s blended cast is ‘too gay’ when it coexists with indie comics such as Lumberjanes, other webcomics like Sister Claire (with, so far, nary a straight person to be seen), and the whole other host of diverse comics out there. By heavy contrast, Questionable Content’s main cast numbers in the several dozens. Only six of them identify as anything other than heterosexual and/or cisgender.

A careful reread of the earliest QC strips also shows most of Faye’s assertions of heterosexuality directed at Dora. While it’s been an awfully long time since those early strips, Dora made a habit of sexual advances towards Faye. Perhaps it’s not such a surprise that Faye’s attraction to women wasn’t immediately apparent, to herself or others.

Faye discusses this newly-burgeoning part of her sexuality with Marten below:

Managing Expectations

It’s the constant maxim of creative work – you can’t please everybody. It’s doubly true for queer representation, where a choice that alienates some readers will attract others, and make even more cry from happiness.

i would say that @jephjacques's comic is a good metaphor for middle school in that it started fairly straight but eventually everyone you know is gay. it's delightful

— Claire O. (@datamancy) May 18, 2018

https://twitter.com/jephjacques/status/996938956389343233

Jacques has made it clear which voices he wants to uplift, and he does it with gleeful, unabashed support for the queer community.

So for those readers still puzzled by how many queer characters there seem to be, not just in Questionable Content, but everywhere? It may be time to take a deep breath, relax and accept that this is rapidly becoming a new normal both online and offline. It’s the future, folks. And it’s a good thing.

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Review: The War Between Speedsters Begin To Brew in THE FLASH #47

By

Jose "Jody" Cardona

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The opening to “The Flash War” arc sets the stage masterfully, makes references to the past, and is a ton of fun.

Wally West is arguably the fan favorite Flash, due to his light-hearted and relatability as a character. Since his return, he has been doing his own thing while Barry, the original and current Flash, has been facing threats in Central City. One of these adventures leads to Iris West, Barry’s love interest and Wally’s Aunt, murdering Reverse Flash in self-defense. Angered at hiding this from him, the friendship between Wally and Barry began to splinter. While they still acted like a family, there is now a thin layer of mistrust amongst them. Now as justice seekers from the future comes for Iris, will the two Flashes learn to get along?

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

After saving the day once again, Barry and Wally head home to Iris and Kid Flash for a well-earned break. Before things begin to settle, however, Wally has a vision of his past from the now retconned DC Universe. This also causes him to have a seizure, but before Barry or Kid Flash can help him, a time portal opens up. A group of ‘time cops’ called The Renegades (who are modeled after The Rogues) order Iris to come with them to stand trial. All three speedsters stand against them which leads to an epic throwdown.

Whenever one wishes to write about heroes conflicting with each other, it’s essential to have both sides clear in their goals. Both Barry and Wally’s goals at the start of this war will have readers divided and open to debate both sides. While I won’t spoil what they are, Wally is justified in going to war against Barry. It’s going to be heartbreaking to see these two fight, but after this opening, readers will understand why.

This issue has no trouble in keeping the readers invested with all the excitement. A good chunk of this book is an action sequence, and it is a ton of fun to watch. While the Renegades are all cool in their own right, the battle between the three Flashes against Golden Guardian takes center stage with her surprising powers. While I’m not sure, the Renegades will continue to be a threat, as they do act like good guys, but the next issue has a high bar to leap over after this one.

Art:

I have enjoyed Howard Porter’s art in the past, and the same can be said here, for the most part. I love the futuristic designs and powers for the Renegades as well as the trio of Flashes. There are a few hiccups that look kind of silly, specifically times where Wally looks like a 60-year-old man and Barry makes a weird face. It’s sprinkled throughout the issue, but when you notice them, it sticks with you. Hi-Fi proves his mastery over colors by making the characters vibrant and fun to look at. Despite the bumps, this is still one great looking issue for a great opening.

Conclusion:

This issue is damn near perfect. It has plenty of fun to go along with the conflict, which you can understand both sides. The art might have a few hiccups, but fits the story perfectly and pulls readers into this world. This opening promises to be the best Flash story since the start of Rebirth, and I can’t recommend it enough.

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The THUNDERBOLTS In The Marvel Cinematic Universe? Here Is How

By

Anthony Wendel

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May 23, 2018

SPOILERS FOR AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

As the Marvel Cinematic Universe moves towards planning its fourth phase there will be a lot of great movies being planned. Black Widow will finally get a film after so long and there are sequels to both Spider-Man and Black Panther in the works. Still, there is an underrated team which could be perfect in the new installment. They are known as the Thunderbolts. The team was a group of supervillains masquerading as heroes which evolved into a program where villains could reform from their previous actions. Basically, a Marvel Comics version of the Suicide Squad. With a plethora of former villains fans would love to see turn over a new leaf, a team roaster falls into place.

Loki

Yes, he is currently gone thanks to Thanos’ actions but given a lot of characters are, there is a good chance he can find a way back. If he does, a place on a team to help him make up for his past mistakes, while causing new mischief would be a great way to start. Plus, giving him more screen time would help to win back the fans which were broken-hearted after his death.

Vulture

One of the best villains to come from the MCU would fit in perfectly on the team. He was a family man who did everything to give them a better life. He would jump at the opportunity to find a way to minimize his sentence and go back home. He could fill the role of Mach-1, who was originally the Beetle before he became a hero. His experience with flight would not be so far of a leap in the recasting.

Abomination

Remember him? The forgotten opponent of the Incredible Hulk was only shown to be defeated and hasn’t been heard from since. A return of this character would perfectly fit into the Hulk’s place of bringing some much-needed muscle to the team. Also, maybe it will result in bringing in the Leader, the villain who the film was briefly alluding towards.

Bucky Barnes

If a hero with a checkered past would be ideal to keep this group under wraps, it’s The Winter Soldier. After what was shown in Avengers: Infinity War, it’s shown he is more than ready to do everything he can to make up for his sins. He would also be perfect for being the leader of this ragtag group of villains.

Baron Zemo

This is more of a maybe. Zemo was the mastermind behind manipulating the events that led Captain America: Civil War to take place and was seen having an ax to grind against the Avengers. He previously used the mental triggers to make Bucky go out of control. Sure, he was in the original Thunderbolts but at the same time, it would be a bit awkward, to say the least. However, it would be the perfect opportunity to have more development for this character. Maybe even have him get scarred and eventually, have to don the classic purple mask.

Iron Monger

Obviously not the original. Still, have someone find the plans for the armor, find a way to modernize it, and you’ll have the team’s, Iron Man. Maybe Justin Hammer? It would be awesome to have Sam Rockwell return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He would also be the best candidate especially consider his experience turning the Mark Two into War Machine.

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What do you think of the possible roster for the Thunderbolts? Leave a comment below and let us know.

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Zachary Levi Unveils First Official Look at SHAZAM!

By

Aric Sweeny

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May 23, 2018

Zachary Levi was cast as the lead Shazam! last October, but news on the project has been quiet since.

Now, in an Instagram post, Levi shared the first look at Shazam in the upcoming film. It’s evident what kind of vibe Warner Bros. is depicting the movie as, as the colors and character look incredibly different to that of other DC Films properties.

“This! This is what dreams are made of. Complete and total wish fulfillment, plus a beverage! 💃 All the squeees. #LicensingShowLasVegas #SHAZAMmovie #FirstLook?”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjDiorVA22S/?utm_source=ig_embed

Levi’s had enthusiasm about the role since he was cast, further shown in the photo above and in past images on social media. He cares greatly about the character and this film, and with a solid supporting cast and director, could potentially bring life back to the DC universe.

Joining Levi in Shazam! is Mark Strong, Ross Butler, Michelle Borth, Jack Dylan Grazer, Grace Fulton, Ron Cephas Jones, and Asher Angel. The film is directed by David F. Sandberg and will be released in theaters on April 5, 2019.

Are you looking forward to Shazam!? Comment below, let us know!

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REVIEW: Just Another Day With LUMBERJANES #50

By

Anthony Wendel

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As Lumberjanes, the underground hit from Boom Studios, reaches its 50th issue, the series continues to showcase energy to show it still has a lot of story to tell. Does it take the time to have offer a proper anniversary and celebration deserving of 50 issues?

Summary

As the rain continues to keep the Lumberjanes indoors, Mai, April, and Ripley continue their quest down the mysterious cavern leading under the cabin.

Writing

Another day, another adventure for the residents of the Roanoke Cabin. This is what can be taken away from this issue. It’s an okay issue as Mai, April, and Ripley are in the middle of the new multi-issue spanning mystery but its just as grand as it could be. The issue isn’t bad by any means, but 50 issues is cause for celebration and anniversary. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be much in this issue. Writers Shannon Watters and Kat Leyh were probably just sticking with the plot they originally mapped out instead of taking a break to tell a side story for the 50th issue.

There is an additional backstory written by Shannon Watters focusing on the Nellie, the former camp director who has the ability to turn into a bear. It almost feels like these few pages should be expanded on to be the main story of the issue. It would have offered a deeper mystery filled with more emotion which should come from a 50th issue. Again, the main story isn’t bad, just not phenomenal.

Artwork

The art is also a mixed bag in this issue, at least in regards to the illustration work. The work by DozerDraws is good for the more lighthearted story which comes in the first part of the book. However, the art by Brooklyn Allen reflects more of the earlier issues and adds to more mystery and depth the series dips towards. The art is ideal for the stories which are trying to tell but they don’t save the overall content of the issue.

Maarta Laiho on the color work is eye catching as ever. The scenes in the cavern are made more influential thanks to the coloring displayed here. It helps to give it the mysterious feel which is synonymous with this series.

Lettering work by Aubrey Aiese aids the story in the delivery of the comedy. Through quiet beats and emphasis the humor comes through perfectly and delivers many smiles and chuckles from the reader.

Conclusion

A fine issue, but it just isn’t all it could be. It’s hard to get over a milestone issue being less than essential reading. Still, Lumberjanes continues to remain an incredible series which fans of indie comics need to check out. One bland issue doesn’t detract from the overwhelming majority of excellent stories this series has produced over 50 issues.

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Review: HIT-GIRL #4 Ends Its First Arc With A Surprising Amount Of Heart

By

Manuel Gomez

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Hit-Girl #4 by Mark Millar, Ricardo Lopez Ortiz, Sunny Gho, and Melina Mikulic brings its first arc to an end with a story that finds some real heart amongst all the blood and viscera.

Hit-Girl #4
Written by: Mark Millar
Art by: Ricardo Lopez Ortiz
Colors by: Sunny Gho
Lettered & Designed by: Melina Mikulic

Hit-Girl Created by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.

IT’S THE COLOMBIAN SHOWDOWN. In the bloody climax to her Colombian adventure, Hit-Girl makes her last stand against Palmira’s gang lords. She’s enslaved Mano as a sidekick, but will he finally crack and turn weapons on his own people? HIT-GIRL #4 is an action-packed gorefest—the bloodbath before Mindy sets off to her next destination.

Writing

Mark Millar does something great with this arc-ending fourth issue that fans of his will not be surprised by. He ends what was at first a violent and profane story with heart and tenderness, and even a little bit of hope. It places Hit-Girl’s endgame in a more heroic light and even humanises villain Mano a bit.

Not that there isn’t plenty of action, because these pages still assault you with gleefully enjoyable action and violence. Millar continues to be one of the best writers when it comes to high-octane delivery.

Art

Ricardo Lopez Ortiz, Sunny Gho, and Melina Mikulic bring their A game as well. The exaggerated art and frantic energy we have seen during this arc is still there but there is a slight subtleness and softness at the end that allows for some of the writings emotion to really come through; just look at the color palette shift in the last page for a perfect example.

Conclusion

This was a fun arc and a perfect way to get readers excited about Hit-Girl again. Going forward it’s going to be a revolving door of GREAT creators (next up are Jeff Lemire and Eduardo Risso!) but having Millar start the baton was the best way to start this relay race.

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Watch: Johnny Knoxville Talks ACTION POINT aka Action Park

By

Matthew Sardo

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May 22, 2018

As a person who has a scar from Action Park, America’s most dangerous theme park it was pretty exciting when Johnny Knoxville announced he was making a film about the Vernon, New Jersey death trap. It’s just a shame Knoxville could secure the name for the film, but we will always have the Alpine Slide.

Knoxville, on his press tour for Action Point, explained everything involved with bringing this idea to the big screen, and the crazy stunts. Watch the video below.

The park was open from 1978 to 1996, six people are known to have died directly or indirectly from rides at Action Park

About the film:
Everyone’s favorite daredevil Johnny Knoxville is back to his hilariously painful antics in the upcoming comedy ACTION POINT. Knoxville stars as D.C., the crackpot owner of a low-rent, out-of-control amusement park where the rides are designed with minimum safety for maximum fun. Just as D.C.’s estranged teenage daughter Boogie comes to visit, a corporate mega-park opens nearby and jeopardizes the future of Action Point. To save his beloved theme park and his relationship with his daughter, D.C. and his loony crew of misfits risk everything to pull out all the stops – and stunts – making for another wild ride from the star of BAD GRANDPA and JACKASS.

Knoxville worked on the story with Derek Freda, John Altschuler, Dave Krinsky, and Mike Judge. Action Point is directed by Tim Kirkby, from a screenplay by Altschuler and Dave Krinsky.

The film stars Johnny Knoxville, Chris Pontius, Dan Bakkedahl, Matt Schulze, Eleanor Worthington-Cox, Johnny Pemberton, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Joshua Hoover, Conner McVicker, and Eric Manaka.

The chaos of Action Point hits theaters June 1.

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Obamas Sign Netflix Deal

By

Parish Hodges

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May 22, 2018

Former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama have just signed a multi year deal with Netflix!

The news was announced Monday and the two are set to produce series, documentaries and movies.

“One of the simple joys of our time in public service was getting to meet so many fascinating people from all walks of life, and to help them share their experiences with a wider audience,” said Barack Obama.

“That’s why Michelle and I are so excited to partner with Netflix — we hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world.”

Michelle then added, “Barack and I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire us, to make us think differently about the world around us, and to help us open our minds and hearts to others,

Netflix’s unparalleled service is a natural fit for the kinds of stories we want to share, and we look forward to starting this exciting new partnership” she continued.

As of yet there’s no word on what the material will be about, but here’s what we do know!

The projects are being produced by the Obama’s production company Higher Ground Productions. Netflix says it’ll deliver a “diverse mix of content.”

A source close to the deal reportedly told the Associated Press no content will be available until 2019.

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Review: SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Reminds Fans Why We Love Star Wars

By

Dewey Singleton - Film Critic

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Solo: A Star Wars Story‘s balanced narrative and splendid action sequences make this release a helluva good time.

While Solo has had its fair share of attention (both negative and positive), one can’t help but be smitten by the film. Rogue One is a good time but certainly has a purpose to serve. Solo: A Star Wars Story has a transformative effect on the audience. As fans sit down to watch the release, they will be whisked back to a time when their buddies would take the Millennium Falcon (or a Lando Calrissian action figure) and create crazy scenarios, only to be victorious in the end. Director Ron Howard’s latest release reminds us why as kids we all became fans of Star Wars and did so in a joyous way.

The narrative centers around the origins of Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) from his days smuggling on Corellia with his girlfriend Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) and how a trip to the planet Mimban was life-changing. There he meets up with a band of low-lives lead by career criminal Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and proceeds to join their crew. We see how Han met Chewbacca (now played by Joonas Suotamo) and, more importantly, find out how Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) first became a part of Han’s world.

Ehrenreich proves he’s more than up to the challenge of playing Han Solo. His performance maintained the sarcasm and wit which Harrison Ford brought to the role. What was striking is the amount vulnerability he showed in the film. It certainly seems that, over the course of this film and the inevitable sequel to follow, we will learn how Solo became so cynical.

Clarke’s efforts certainly makes fans forgive her missteps during the last Terminator film. The chemistry between Solo and Qi’ra is off the charts. Her love for the Corellian smuggler is undeniable and is only surpassed by a need to survive. Clarke’s character is much more complicated, and her allegiances are certainly put to the test during the film. The warmth Qi’ra projects onscreen and the conflict in her actions will draw audiences right in.

Glover’s portrayal of Lando Calrissian is so fantastic and brings clarity to all the chatter about a possible film about one of our favorite scoundrels. Some of my favorite moments in the movie come when Lando is holding court while playing cards. He brings such smugness and bravado to the role that it was if Glover was channeling Billy Dee Williams while onscreen. Harrelson and Paul Bettany also bear mentioning as each bring essential elements to the narrative. Harrelson’s character becomes sort of a mentor to Han, while Bettany indeed embraces his darker side in the role of gangster Dryden Vos.

Lawrence Kasdan and Johnathan Kasdan struck a perfect balance between the humor and grandeur of the ever-expanding Star Wars universe. One of my highlights is how, right off the bat, Kasdan highlights the scheming ways of Solo and his future co-pilot Chewbacca as they escapes from two Imperial guards. The storyline also lays plausible circumstances which initially lead to the infamous Kessel run fans have heard about for years. Could the father and son writing duo not spend enough time establishing Han and Qi’ra’s connection? Yes, but that’s just a small critique of what was a highly enjoyable tale.

Howard shows such a steady hand (especially under these circumstances), and the result was a quality final product for all. The pace of Solo doesn’t seem rushed, allowing for little drag. Bradford Young’s cinematography utilized an earthy color palette that gives the film a dated look (remember this is supposed to take place before Episode IV). Young makes a point to bring the camera in ever so close, capturing those intimate details of the Millennium Falcon. Neil Lamont’s production design had a realistic yet worldly look to it. None of the buildings seem out of place, and all of them blend into these new worlds.

Overall, Solo: A Star Wars Story is a terrific ride and embodies everything fans love about this universe. It’s certainly worth your time this weekend and undoubtedly safe to bring children to.

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Review: SOLO Tries Too Hard To Be A STAR WARS Movie

By

Anthony Composto - EIC

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Solo: A Star Wars Story is a (mostly) fun film with strong performances, pacing issues, and maybe too much fan service.

The story follows Han Solo during his early years, and shows fans how he became the smuggler they first met in Episode IV: A New Hope.

Right off the bat, the actors carry this movie. Alden Ehrenreich and Donald Glover fill the respective shoes of Han Solo and Lando Calrissian well. They’re both charming and charismatic, as are the newcomers. Woody Harrelson and Emilia Clarke are welcome additions to this galaxy, and the whole cast has strong chemistry. They feel like a real crew. Their dynamic is by far the movie’s strongest attribute.

The Kasdans also do a solid job of exploring Han’s character in their script. He feels like a young Han Solo should feel. He’s smug and confident, but not yet gruff and jaded like we know he will become. We see those seeds being planted though, and it’s an interesting transformation to watch. We also see the deeper, more heroic side to Han that he tries to bury and pretend isn’t there. There’s a dichotomy to his character – the hero and the smuggler – and the Kasdans are the right team to break it down.

That being said, Solo feels like its trying way too hard to be A Star Wars Story. It shouldn’t need to try at all; it’s a Han Solo movie. All it needs to deliver is how Han met Chewie, and how he wins the Millennium Falcon. The rest of the runtime should be dedicated to telling a fresh, interesting story, but instead it feels overstuffed with Easter eggs and fan service.

A little fan service in a movie like this is ok. And to the film’s credit, some of what they do is subtle enough that it should be fun. But other times, it just feels forced. We don’t need clunky one-liners that explain every little detail from the Original Trilogy. It takes you out of the film, instead of letting you lose yourself in the story. You spend too much time thinking, “Oh, there’s that thing from Return of the Jedi,” or “Hey, that joke’s a callback to A New Hope.” At some point, even the subtle Easter eggs start to grate on you.

Plus, explaining every detail takes away from the mystery and fun of the older films. Little inconsistencies like how Lando pronounces “Han” are what gave the Original Trilogy character, before everyone started taking Star Wars too seriously.

The story itself is just ok. It takes a while to kick into gear, or at least it feels like it does. The first act is like a different movie than the second and third. The tone is similar, but it doesn’t flow right. Maybe that’s a result of the production problems and the reshoots. Either way, once the main heist plot begins, things get somewhat better. “Better” in that it finds a flow, but it’s still just average. It’s very paint-by-numbers, full of the tropes and cliches you’ve come to expect from a heist flick. It’s enough to enjoy on a very basic level, but don’t be disappointed when it doesn’t add anything new or original to the Star Wars franchise.

Solo: A Star Wars Story definitely would have benefited from a little less fan service and a lot more interesting writing. Instead it kind of feels like a shell of a movie packed full of Star Wars references. Taper your expectations a little, and you should be able to enjoy it.

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