That’s (Really) Not All, Folks!

A while ago, an article in The Sunday Times’ Culture magazine annoyed me so much I started a list. Said article claimed: “It’s time to appreciate [animation’s] wonders.” And then proceeded to list mainstream commercial hits by well-known studios. Of the 14 films recommended, for example, seven were Disney or Pixar. Of only three anime

The Problem With Melanie

[Warning for Spoilers for Season One of Snowpiercer.] Snowpiercer is a great show. I loved the concept – the last remnants of humanity clinging to existence on a massive train during a deadly ice age – even if it is bonkers. The visuals are arresting and (to my untrained eye) the special effects are good.

Badass Bookworms: The Real Reason I Love Buffy

There are lots of reasons I could cite for enjoying Buffy. The awesome theme music (!), the fun, genre-spanning monster-of-the-week format (am I alone in thinking The Gentlemen were just the creepiest?), the many, flawed and interesting female characters, the character development and related angst (why, Whedon, why?), the pop culture references and Buffy Speak. 

Guardians of the ‘Verse: When Marvel Met Firefly

As I watched the trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, I couldn’t help noticing a certain Firefly vibe to this branch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  It got me thinking and, aside from the roguishly handsome, wisecracking captain, there are some distinct similarities between these two iconic universes.  The question is: which came

Western or Wuxia? Genre in Firefly

Fusions are great.  In cooking, fanfiction, music, ideas, anything really, blending the right ingredients together can create something new and exciting.  Joss Whedon is a master of melding genres and Firefly is a perfect example. It’s Sci-fi, obviously, as it’s set in Space.  It’s kind of dystopian, with its evil government attempting to micromanage the

Jocks and Nerds: Deconstructing the Superhero Narrative in Dr. Horrible

I love Dr Horrible.  I love Neil Patrick Harris and Felicia Day and Nathan Fillion.  I love the nerdy references and Bad Horse and the fact it exists at all.  I mean, it’s a musical about superheroes and supervillains.  When I found out it was like Christmas and my birthday all in one.  It is