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(10/07/17 9:00am)
by Ben Sapet
Most social issue films follow a similar, well-trodden formula. When a narrative is centered around an issue there are certain “musts” involved: it must demonstrate the damage of the issue, create empathy for those effected by the issue and ultimately justify the relevance of the issue. In fulfilling these (and many other) check boxes, social issue films become formulaic almost out of a sense of duty to the subject matter.
How, then, does one create a mold-breaking social issue film? Indiana filmmaker Andrew Davis’s feature length debut, Indiana, has plotted what may be that mold-breaking approach to the social issue film. Rather than centering the film on an issue, as is customary for a social issue film, Davis centers his film around the realities of Midwestern culture and its tendency to be exclusionary despite its reputation for wholesomeness and humility.
Film pitch for Davis's 'Indiana'
Between a band struggling with the dominant white, Christian demographic of their college, an alcoholic widower estranged from his daughters and a white supremacist mechanic, the characters Davis has outlined seem to be on tenuous ground in a transitioning culture. Perhaps, Davis’s approach of placing Indiana and the Midwest under a microscope will transcend the individual social issues of “family, faith, doubt, health, race, and the pursuit of music” addressed in the film to build something even more compelling: a localized, cultural issue film.
Indiana is currently a participant in the Hometown Heroes Crowdfunding Rally, a competition presented by crowdfunding and streaming platform Seed&Spark and the Duplass brothers who “champion[s] the next generation of filmmakers making movies with their local community and resources.” Ten films that achieve full funding and establish a following will go on to receive further funding and potentially have the Duplass brothers become executive producers on the film.
Indiana’s crowdfunding campaign has received traction so far and is near the Hometown Heroes Rally top ten. Regardless of the contest results, it will be interesting to see this ambitious piece of local filmmaking develop and unfold.
Sources: Seed&Spark, YouTube
Images: Seed&Spark
(09/29/17 6:55pm)
by Ben Sapet
As a platform, the internet offers an incredible degree of creative freedom and accessibility for anyone with a camera, internet access and an idea. This openness and low-barrier to entry has given creators a remarkable opportunity to pursue traditionally “unmarketable” ideas, reach audiences and make a living doing so. Why, then, is the winners list from this year’s Streamy Awards peppered with celebrities and productions backed by media-giants?
There are two types of Streamy Awards: Audience Choice and Overall. Creators submit their content to The Streamys where a “Blue Ribbon Panel” of individuals from a variety of areas within the umbrella of online video selects all the nominees and the winners of the Overall awards. The Streamys selection process is essentially a somewhat democratized version of the traditional award show formula. Based on the formatting it should come as no surprise that dick clark productions (producer of The Golden Globes, the American Music Awards and several other household names) also puts on The Streamys.
(09/28/17 5:41pm)
by Ryan Fine
Fountain Square Music Festival is now in its fifth year and plenty of changes are coming to the event. Located in five tight-knit Indianapolis venues including a new outdoor main stage called THE NUCLEUS, the festival will welcome over 50 artists from all reaches of the nation on October 6 & 7.
Although the Midwest is home to several major music festivals including Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, nearly all of them require significant travel and financial commitments for Indiana residents. That’s why more and more Hoosiers are spreading the word that a fantastic new festival has been growing in their backyard.
The best part is that this festival is actually full of really great bands. I drove all the way to Kentucky this summer for Forecastle Festival, which was much more expensive and far away, and as it turns out, several of the bands I saw there are stopping by to play in Indy next weekend. But in addition to a number of major indie acts who are stopping by on national tours, Fountain Square will also feature a host of excellent local favorites.
With such a huge amount of music to choose from next weekend, it might be a little bit stressful to decide who to see. Here’s a quick guide to help you narrow it down.
(09/25/17 9:00am)
by Daley Wilhelm
YouTube has often been credited as being the platform that supports stories we don’t often see in the mainstream. It was the launch pad for hundreds of vloggers and their unique experiences and lent itself to represent those whose stories weren’t getting told on television. A massive part of YouTube’s community has centered around the queer experience, it being the base of the “It Gets Better Project” and gay vloggers like Tyler Oakley or Hannah Hart who have become synonymous with the YouTube brand. So it would follow that YouTube would do its utmost to preserve, protect, and even promote queer content, right?
https://twitter.com/GeekRemix/status/910942349928419328
It doesn’t appear to be that simple.
Earlier this year we wrote about the “Adpocalypse” involving YouTube’s crackdown on what content is deemed appropriate to be monetized. The beauty, and perhaps the curse, of YouTube is that it is essentially uncensored. Therefore brands like McDonald’s, Walmart, Verizon, and others pulled their ads upon finding that their commercials could appear on videos promoting hate speech or even content featuring Neo-Nazi ideology.
So it was understandable then for YouTube to start being more proactive in finding and flagging what was inappropriate for advertisers, whether this was done manually or through an algorithm. The logistics of exactly which videos are not allowed the be monetized, and thus what is or isn’t allowed to make money for the content-creator in question, is murky. It appears that videos with thumbnails featuring guns are often demonetized, along with excessive language within videos themselves, and what’s frankly baffling, videos with LGBT+ tags or titles.
“We noticed it a few weeks ago. There was a subtle dashboard notification one time, but it does not notify you every time a new video is flagged. You have to find that yourself.”
Mari and Stacy, quoted above, run the channel GeekRemix, where the two of them host gameplays, easter egg videos, and other content that you might find on any let’s play channel. Unfortunately, GeekRemix is feeling the demonetization debacle harder than your average channel, because they often play LGBTQIA+ games and label them as such.
“Some of the demonetization I understand and is completely fair based on YouTube's user guidelines, the issue is that it does not tell you for individual videos what caused it to be flagged.” They told me in an email this weekend.
Currently, the only context creators are given as to why their videos have been demonetized is the message, “not suitable for all advertisers.”
Explaining their experience, Mari said that, “You don't know what the cause is on the per video basis. And that makes it confusing because you don't know what YouTube is deeming 'inappropriate'. For example the word 'lesbian' and other LGBT+ terms which we have tested by uploading blank videos with different words in the title to see what terms get flagged.”
https://twitter.com/GeekRemixALot/status/910987605524779008
When similar apparent discrimination on YouTube occurred early this spring in relation to LGBT+ content being filtered out of YouTube’s Restricted Mode, VP of Product Management at YouTube Johanna Wright stated that their systems “were not working as intended” and the incorrect filtering had been fixed, allowing innocuous but queer content like NeonFiona’s “What People Say When You Come Out As Bisexual” on to be viewed on Restricted Mode.
“Using descriptive tags such as 'lesbian', 'gay', and other LGBT+ terms is especially important for people to be able to find the content that they are looking for. And if the algorithm punishes you for using LGBT+ terms in order to help LGBT+ people find your content, when you are not violating YouTube's user guidelines, then that is discriminatory.”
Mari and Stacy’s sentiment was echoed by those who spoke out against the censorship of queer content on Restricted Mode, who resented the idea that the LGBT+ community is not suitable for the typically young audiences who utilize Restricted Mode. However, those people were given an, albeit vague, answer and a remedy to the controversy. Officials within YouTube on the current censorship have been silent, and those who can be contacted by creators have been unable to give straight answers.
https://twitter.com/GeekRemix/status/910945970761994240
Mari posted the following exchange with YouTube’s Creator Support, which is meant to “help you with technical issues, questions related to your YouTube content, or whatever else comes up while you manage your channel.” “Whatever else” these days has often been centering around the repeals of various content’s demonetization or simply trying to get an answer as to why YouTube feels that the video is inappropriate. Mari found out that this was not an easy or seemingly possible task, saying,
“I have reached out. The response I received was they 'have no idea why'.”
This goes on for a long time, and while the link that Ram gives Mari outlines what content is not eligible for advertising, nowhere among “harmful or dangerous acts, hateful content, violence, sexually suggestive content, and inappropriate use of family entertainment characters” could it be construed that queer identity or PG-rated queer PDA fits. So far in my research, I’ve been unable to find the “responsible team” that addresses cases like Mari’s to which Ram referenced.
“People wonder why I don't ask to speak to someone higher up, but my answer is that it is simply not possible. Youtube does not give you any access to the people who make these choices.” said Mari.
There’s no clear answer given as to why LGBT+ content is demonetized, and it’s even stated that Creator Support does not “have the power to question the decision maker on these kinds of flagging.” So who does? What can queer content creators do?
Ram suggested appealing the demonetization, but there’s a catch to that. Videos that have not gotten at least 1,000 views in the last seven days will not be reviewed. This is what can be very frustrating when older videos are suddenly stripped of their ad revenue. For even smaller channels, this can mean a death sentence.
https://twitter.com/rsmokinjoe/status/901431980449038336
Some channels have reported that over 90% of their content has been demonetized, hundreds of videos previously bringing in revenue, dead on their channel. Some see this as a kind of purge on the part of YouTube, which has become inflated with “bigger channels” that average one million subscribers. For those with smaller bases, like GeekRemix, alternative ways of supporting their work like Patreon have become more important than ever.
Relying on YouTube as a career, or even as hosting platform, has become risky it seems. With the fall of big channels, controversy upon controversy, and the fickleness of YouTube’s flagging, it seems like the site might be in its death throes. I asked Mari if she thought YouTube was dying and she said she hopes not.
“Because I love my job. I love making things. But what I don't love is how YouTube is treating me. I am paid by them. I am their employee. I want to be treated with respect.”
Back in May, YouTube claimed that it does respect LGBTQ+ voices, saying in a tweet that they were “so proud” and that “they’re a key part of what YouTube is all about.” Mari and Stacy chalk this up to “virtue signaling,” which is the practice of conspicuously expressing moral values with the intent of enhancing one’s standing in a social group. Basically, YouTube is aligning itself with the LGBT+ community without actually working to support it.
“Because putting the pride flag up in June, and then not paying the LGBT+ creators is wrong. You can't say you are a LGBT+ friendly company to have good press and then do this to the LGBT+ community. This is the true meaning of 'virtue signaling.' They say they are supportive, but when they think they can get away with they still discriminate.” she explains.
Where it stands now, terms like “lesbian” and “transgender” are viewed by YouTube as equally inappropriate or controversial as terms like “Nazi” and “genocide.” Blank videos are flagged that use these terms, but so are actual gameplays like that of Life is Strange: Before the Storm which Mari pointed out “has no overtly sexual content, but is about LGBT+ teens.”
https://twitter.com/GeekRemix/status/910973151084982274
Other communities such as YouTubers with disabilities have also protested that their content has been deemed “not advertiser friendly.” Andrea Lausell made a video about her experience having her videos on living with disability demonetized, saying that, “this is how censorship and demonizing communities starts.”
So what can be done?
Mari and Stacy say that it’s important now for YouTube to make a statement, which they have yet to do since the issues back in May.
“If it is their algorithm messing up, they have the ability to fix it. If the advertisers don't want to work with the LGBT+ community, they should say so.”
Mari elaborates on Twitter, saying, “If I can make YouTube admit this one flaw, it validates all the flaws too. And will put pressure into fixing the system as a whole.”
YouTube’s system appears broken. It’s excluding a large part of what made it into a media giant and household name, formerly a safe haven for those who wanted to tell their stories. Mari and Stacy have been pushing for answers as to why this has suddenly changed, contacting every PR outlet YouTube has to offer, so far to no avail.
https://twitter.com/GeekRemix/status/911203656267071489
“I want people to know that I do not want to be a victim. It's something I have been accused of. If I wanted to be a victim I would give up and feel sorry for myself. But I have used every resource I have to get answers and justice.” they said.
Earlier this year, it was public outcry that begot answers on YouTube’s part - that aforementioned tweet thanking those who advocated for change for their “passion for making YouTube such an inclusive, diverse, and vibrant community.”
With what we know now, is this still true? Can YouTube still call itself an advocate of the queer community while simultaneously blocking their content?
While we can’t know for sure until YouTube chooses to speak up and acknowledge this issue, for now we have the evidence amassed by GeekRemix and others suggesting otherwise.
Sources: Youtube, Twitter, Byte, YouTube's Creative Blog, Gizmodo, Wikipedia, and Google Support
Images: Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr
(09/22/17 6:52pm)
by Emily Reuben
Today marks the re-release of the second generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Silver and Pokémon Gold on the 3DS virtual console. Generation Two tops many Pokémon fan’s best generations list, and there is little wonder why: It’s a whole new place with a brand new attitude. The region is massive, the gameplay vastly improved from the first generation, and most importantly, new Pokémon!
To celebrate the rerelease of Gold and Silver, we will be counting down the top ten best Pokémon from the Johto region.
10. Crobat
Starting at number 10 is Crobat. Now before Crobat came onto the scene, the zubat evolution line ended at Golbat. Golbat isn't exactly the most useful Pokémon. While he has a fun design, that doesn't exactly make up for his weak stats and move-pool. Well this is remedied with the addition of Crobat in generation 2! With as great speed stat and access to a unique combination of moves such as Brave Bird, Cross Poison, and U-Turn, Crobat is definitely a fun choice in battle.
9. Typlosion
Fans of Chikorita and Totodile may be upset with this statement, but Cyndaquil is the best starter in the second generation. You may have noticed a lack of fire Pokémon when exploring Johto. If you don't pick Cyndaquil, your choices early in the game are basically Vulpix or Growlithe (unless you are playing Crystal version and have a chance at Magby hatching in an egg). On the flip side, grass and water type Pokémon are everywhere.
Typhlosion may not be the most competitively viable Pokémon due to its varied weaknesses and unimpressive stats, but it is definitely a visually appealing entry to the Pokedex. Basically, Cyndaquil goes from cute to cool really quickly after evolving into Typhlosion.
8. Blissy
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image from Tumblr[/caption]
Most people have a love hate relationship with Blissy. Blissy is a powerhouse. When you're using it against someone else, it's great! However when you are unfortunately battling against one of these tanks, it can become incredibly irritating. Having an impressively high amount of HP and Special Defense, Blissy is a pro at stalling which can make battles last forever.
While annoying, Blissy has had a major impact in the competitive battling scene becoming the staple cleric on many trainer's teams.
7. Houndoom
Look how cool Houndoom is. It is a literal Hell Hound. You really can't get much cooler than that. Being introduced as one of the first dark type Pokémon, Houndoom definitely makes a great first impression. With access to the move Nasty Plot, this fiery hound is capable of sweeping entire teams.
Sadly Houndoom isn't available until the post game when route 7 in the Kanto region becomes discoverable and wild Houndour appear. But let's be honest, Houndoom is worth the wait.
6. Ampharos
The Mareep-evolution line is adorable. Starting out as the cute, fluffy sheep, Mareep-, it it gradually loses its wool and becomes Ampharos. Like fire type Pokémon, electric types can be difficult to come by early in the second generation games, which had made a staple party member for many trainers.
Luckily Ampharos was granted a mega-evolution giving it much appreciated Special Attack boost and dragon typing. While not exactly the most impressive mega-evolution, the stat boost has given this electric type some much needed attention among players. Not to mention ampharos has an important job keeping the lighthouse in Olivine City operating.
5. Kingdra
Similar to Golbat, Seadra always had an appealing design. The idea of a seahorse inspired Pokémon is so appealing, but seadra isn't really capable of packing a punch. Enter Kingdra to remedy the problem. As the only new dragon type introduced in generation 2, the water/dragon type can be quite a fearsome foe for unprepared trainers. Gym leader Claire becomes quite challenging when she summons her high-leveled Kingdra into the fray.
A Kingdra with the the Swift Swim ability is a nightmare to face in the rain. Additionally, the rain allows Kingdra to become a fast sweeper and STAB moves to become further enhanced. If you come face to face with a Kingdra, you better hope you can knock it out fast.
4. Suicune
What a cool Pokémondesign. Suicune has always been the most popular of the legendary dogs, and obviously Game Freak thought so too seeing as Crystal's plot is based around capturing Suicune.
Suicune can make for a great defensive asset due to its Pressure ability and high Defensive stats. Having use of the Calm Mind move allows Suicune to bolster its Special stats and make it a viable offensive force if used correctly.
3. Tyranitar
Seemingly based on Godzilla, Tyranitar is just awesome. To date, it is the only rock/dark type granting it unique playability. While Tyranitar has seven type weaknesses and is unbelievably slow, skilled players have been able to utilize him well in the competitive scene.
The Sand Stream ability has made this monster a staple of Sandstorm based teams. With access to the entry hazard and STAB moves like crunch, Tyranitar should not be taken lightly. This already powerful Pokémon was given another boost through mega evolution making the appearance of a rival Tyranitar a terrifying threat for even the most skilled players.
2. Lugia
While Ho-oh has the cool Bell Tower storyline, Lugia is the Guardian of the Sea, and considering this is a series with a game entry that received 7.8 out of 10 for having “too much water”, that’s no small feat. Lugia is so popular that it was not only the star in the movie Pokémon 2000, it became the central Pokémon in the game Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.
With the Multiscale ability, Lugia can reduce the damage taken by half when at full health. This paired with an incredibly high defense and strong move pool makes Lugia one of the most powerful Pokémon in generation 2.
1. Umbreon and Espeon
It might be cheating to pair these two together, but Umbreon and Espeon were released as a pair...so it counts. Both of these Pokémon have great stats and move-pools (though letting umbreon learn Crunch would be much appreciated) and great, sleek designs.
Espeon's Magic Bounce ability makes it great in competitive play, allowing players to reflect the effect of stat-lowering moves, entry hazards like spikes, and condition-inducing moves. This alone makes Espeon a relatively dangerous opponent.
Umbreon gets access to Wish and Heal Bell making it a great cleric. Additionally, Umbreon also has access to Moonlight allowing it to restore health.
What else is there to say? Umbreon and Espeon are both incredibly cute and great for competitive play. That in conjunction with their massive popularity simply makes them the best that the Johto region has to offer.
(09/15/17 6:51pm)
by Emily Reuben
On September 15, 2015, the P.C. game, Undertale, took the internet by storm. The pixel styled RPG game created by Toby Fox has become quite the internet sensation spawning a massive fan base, countless pieces of fan art, official merchandise, albums, and various console releases. It’s literally become such an important part of video game creation and pop culture that a copy of the game was given to the Pope.
https://twitter.com/tobyfox/status/750443785889411072
Today marks the two year anniversary of Undertale’s release. Featuring various endings, Undertale begins with the player falling into the Underground inhabited by monsters. The player must find a way to return to the human world. Along the way the player will meet interesting characters, battle various monsters, and solve puzzles to return home. The simple premise that separates Undertale from other RPGs? The player does not have to kill anyone. Everything comes down to choice. For those who have not yet played Undertale, saying anything more about the plot would be a huge disservice.
To celebrate, we are going to discuss why exactly Undertale is a success and why it resonates so strongly with so many people.
Undertale creator Toby Fox had dabbled in game creation during his high-school years using RPG Maker 2000 to make RPGs and also created a few Earthbound ROM hacks. However he was more widely known for his music compositions. Some of his more notable works include music compositions for the 2009 webcomic Homestuck and various covers posted to the MS Paint Adventures forums. Toby’s music is also set to be featured in Hiveswap, a Homestuck video game.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Image from IGN[/caption]
Fox started Undertale as a Kickstarter on June 25, 2013. The project quickly garnered interest and eventually raised a total of $51,124 by 2,398 people. When asked in an interview with Outermode what sparked his desire to create Undertale, Fox stated that, “It originated when I decided to create a battle system in Game Maker. Then I made a game around it.”
Fox’s passion for music also played an integral role in the game’s creation. In the Outermode interview, Fox mentioned that “Over 90% of the songs were composed for the game. I always wrote the songs before I started programming those parts, besides the credits song. Having music helps me decide how the scene should go.”
Fox’s work immediately paid off upon the game’s release. Undertale was met with instant praise from Youtubers, critics, and fans alike that spread the popularity of the game like wildfire. IGN ranked the game 10/10, Metacritic gave a 92%, and it holds at 10/10 rating on Steam. When summarizing the game, IGN reviewer Kallie Plagge states that “It might not be pretty, but Undertale is absolutely a work of art.”
Despite the popularity of the game, some criticized the hype arguing that the style was simplistic. Various message boards on Steam and other gaming forums indicate irritations at the game’s popularity.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="975"] from Steam[/caption]
Even with some negative reception, Undertale swept the 2015 Game of the Year Awards and continues to be a talking point of the gaming community.
One of the most important aspects of the Undertale is the fan base that resulted after the game’s release. A community of those who loved Fox’s game instantly began crafting fan covers, fan art, and merchandise.
For Angelina Moreno, a senior in Ball State University’s Animation Program, her Undertale fan animation led to a viral response.
When asked what inspired Angelina to make the animated short she replied:
“I was inspired to make my Undertale animation by another fan of Undertale. This other creator, who I credit in my video, is a voice actor who, during the Undertale craze, was making fan voiced stuff for fans of Undertale... I remember hearing the dialogue and falling in love with the voices because they reminded me so much of the characters! And of course the script was hilarious as well.”
This is just one example of how one’s work can spark inspiration in others. Obviously Toby Fox inspired fans with the original product, but the fan base continues to plant new seeds in the minds of content creators.
Currently Angelina’s video has a total of 1,597,232 views on Youtube and has appeared in various Undertale animation compilations. When asked about the popularity of her work, she said the following:
“I was surprised my animation was so popular, especially since now that it’s been a couple of years and I can see now it’s not very good. I was surprised at the positivity actually. Most comments were about how good the animation was or the voices being amazing.”
Alongside the incredible art made by fans, many great examples of fan-made Undertale music have been released as well. Interestingly, outside fandoms such as the Steven Universe have heavily influenced the fan made musical pieces inspired by Undertale. A great example of this is the popular “Stronger Than You” Undertale animation and song cover.
As a testament to the popularity of Undertale, this rendition of the song has a higher view count than the official Steven Universe version.
The Undertale fan base is full of creativity and is often quite positive. However, just as in any fandom, there is a very vocal, toxic group of members.
One of the biggest controversies surrounding the fandom revolved around Youtube comments directed at those playing the game. Big Youtubers such as Markiplier were often attacked for playing the game the “wrong way”. In Markiplier’s case, this made his playthrough so devoid of fun that he dropped it altogether after two episodes. Markiplier stated,“I’m not having fun making these videos because I know that no matter what I do, everyone will think I’m wrong.”
Few games spark as much passion as Undertale. Due to the depth of gameplay and characters, players often become connected to the game. This connection prompts them to make other players play the game in the way that they deem it to be the best, but this is never what Toby Fox intended. In response to all of the negativity stemming from the fan base Fox tweeted:
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1174"] Image from Twitter[/caption]
With this in conjunction with incestuous fan art, Undertale has gained a bit of a negative reputation based on the fan base. This is a shame, as a few bad apple shouldn’t reflect the entire community or the game itself.
Luckily, this negativity has not stopped Undertale’s growth. Earlier this year the game was ported to the PS4 and PS Vita, opening up more opportunities for new players to pick up and play the game.
https://twitter.com/PlayStation/status/874429667662471168
So why exactly did Undertale leave such a mark on the gaming industry? Angelina chimes in:
“I think it’s had such a huge impact because so much love, time, and thought went into making this game and people can tell. The characters and the narrative speak on a lot of levels about the human condition. The game makes you feel for the characters. But also. The soundtrack. The soundtrack is so important to any and all forms of media. Undertale’s soundtrack is a masterpiece.”
And many critics and fans would agree with her. The characters have been praised for their shining personalities and lovable demeanor.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Image from MonsterVine[/caption]
Many modern games simply the love and consideration found in Undertale. Toby utilized his love for music to make an engaging, energetic soundtrack that practically tells a story of its own. Music is often underrated or forgotten. Instead of being a main component, more often than not a game soundtrack serves as background noise. Toby Fox created much of the game around the music he composed, thus giving the Undertale soundtrack a life of it’s own. Fox’s music has proved so popular that various soundtracks have been released as official Undertale merchandise.
In regards to the characters, Undertale manages to make monsters so loving and relatable that it is no wonder so many fans become dramatically attached to the game. There is humanity in each and every monster you see, from the NPCs to the monsters you fight, there is personality attached to each and every encounter. The choice allowed in Undertale drastically changes these character interactions on each playthrough, which makes them all the more real. So few games fail to make pixelated images into seemingly real beings.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image from The Escapist[/caption]
After two years, Undertale is still a masterful example of modern gaming. It proves that you don’t need the latest and greatest technology to craft a good game. Gamers flock to play Undertale for the story, character, and dialogue, elements of gaming that can be hard to come by. There is so much heart behind Toby Fox’s work that it is impossible not to feel immensely connected to the Underworld.
Ironically, LOVE is behind what makes Undertale a success.
Sources: Outermode, Engadget, Kotaku, IGN, YouTube, Twitter
Images: Twitter, IGN, Steam, MonsterVine, The Escapist
(09/08/17 6:43pm)
by Sarah James
People may believe that millennials are entitled, that we’re never satisfied and always complaining. But I like to think that despite the enormous wall of student loan debt, overwhelming levels of anxiety, and pressure to be politically correct that my generation faces, we really aren’t that hard to please. Just give us an opportunity to relive our childhoods and escape the world we were raised in for a few hours and we’re good to go. And studios everywhere have picked up on this: that the most appealing element to millennials when it comes to the media we consume is nostalgia.
For example, Netflix recently announced that they were rebooting The Magic School Bus. Lily Tomlin returns to reprise her role as the wonderful Ms. Frizzle, but the show itself is centered around her younger sister Fiona Felicity, voiced by the ever fabulous Kate McKinnon. Lin Manuel Miranda redid the iconic theme song, his soothing voice adding warmth to the nostalgia. The animation is bright and clean, and while the characters look a little different than the original series, Ms. Frizzle is still instantly recognizable. The Magic School Bus Rides Again may have been created for today’s youth, to be shown to elementary school kids as a means to help them engage in learning, but let’s be honest, on September 29th when the show hits Netflix, hundreds of thousands of 20-somethings will turn on their televisions and binge watch their childhood.
The Magic School Bus Rides Again has all the elements to make it a millennial’s wonderland. Take something nostalgic from the 90s/ early 2000s, add a couple celebrities that young people worship (like Lin Manuel Miranda), throw in a progressive element (both Frizzle sisters are voiced by gay women), stick it on a streaming service and violá! You’ve got yourself a hit with the kids.
But why is the younger generation so obsessed and impressed by these simple elements utilized in their media? Why are reboots becoming the new norm as opposed to original stories? Is nostalgia stronger than good story telling?
Maybe it’s because our generation felt like we grew up too fast. Being the first generation to have access to technology throughout most of our lives, we saw and were a part of the transition from a childhood spent outside to a childhood behind a screen. When I was a kid, I spent half my time playing outside with my neighbors and half my time playing video games. I got my first cell phone in middle school, although I didn’t get a smartphone until freshman year of college. Kids now are even more in touch with the digital world than I was and have access to any information at the tips of their fingers. Sometimes it’s nice to reminisce on the times in our lives before social media took over, before we led digital lives, and our attachment to the things that were a part of that era may be more important to us than we care to admit.
Granted, I am definitely going to check out The Magic School Bus Rides Again when it hits Netflix later this month. And as I watch I will be thinking about those days in elementary school where the highlight of my week was when the teacher would show The Magic School Bus for the class. I’ve fallen into this trap of loving nostalgia, and there’s a large part of me that doesn’t want to crawl out of the comfort that memory lane provides. Maybe nostalgia is just escapism at its finest. Maybe reboots of old shows and movies are a studio’s way of reaching out to the millennials and giving them a place to be a kid again for a few hours. Or maybe it’s just an easy and unoriginal way to make money. Either way...
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Image from Buzzfeed[/caption]
“Seatbelts everyone!”
Sources: Netflix, Buzzfeed
(09/03/17 8:00am)
By Daley Wilhelm
Hi my name is Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way and I have long ebony black hair (that's how I got myname) with purple streaks and red tips that reaches my mid-back and icy blue eyes like limpid tears and a lot of people tell me I look like Amy Lee (AN: if u don't know who she is get da hell out of here!).
So reads the first sentence of the infamous fanfiction that launched a thousand memes. My Immortal still stands as a strange pillar in the Harry Potter fandom. For those unfamiliar or unwilling to subject themselves to poor grammar, spelling, and goffickness My Immortal was penned between 2006 and 2007 by Tara Gilesbie, otherwise known as XXXbloodyrists666XXX on FanFiction.net. The muddled, error-ridden 44-chapter epic centers around Ebony, a vampire and witch at Hogwarts and her adventures at punk concerts, trists in the Forbidden Forest, and love triangles with goth-ified, vampiric versions of the main Harry Potter cast.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Ebony, Draco, and Harry "Vampire" Potter[/caption]
The author’s true identity has been a subject of debate for years. No one can quite tell whether or not something so bad could be written earnestly. It’s been inconclusive whether or not My Immortal was meant as a troll work or if it really was the writings of a preteen in the midst of her emo phase.
Whether a real person or not, Gilesbie has lived in infamy for her writing. Recently, something so scandalous occurred that she felt she needed to reappear in order to clear her name.
That scandal is the shady dealings behind the out-of-nowhere “hit” Handbook for Mortals. The young adult novel book, published by GeekNation, appears to have scammed its way to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Twitter detective and writer Phil Stamper sensed something fishy going on when the book, complete with confirmed movie deal, suddenly unseated The Hate U Give seemingly without having sold a single physical copy.
https://twitter.com/stampepk/status/900703122145857536
The author Lani Sarem has expressed frustration over the conundrum, while the New York Times amended the list under this scrutiny. It should be noted, however, that she is still slated to star in the movie.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Lani Sarem[/caption]
Even as the attention on Handbook for Mortals died down, some Twitter users who finally got their hands on the book noticed something… familiar about the writing style.
https://twitter.com/runwithskizzers/status/900810659654283265
Long-winded physical descriptions, the insistence of the main character’s inability to follow the status quo, and cheeky mentions of how “people tell me I’m pretty all the time.” Handbook, it’s premise focusing around a real-live witch in a Las Vegas magic act caught up in a brooding love triangle, sounded as if it could have been penned from the same hand. But it wasn’t.
Earlier last month, Gilesbie reappeared via her FictionPress account, giving a brief thank you for the support of My Immortal after all this time. (Always.) More recently, she logged back on to give her opinion on the Handbook for Mortals debacle.
And the third reason I updated, and possibly the silliest: Ugh...Lani Sarem. I am a massive fan of The Hate U Give, which I consider an incredibly important literary work. Sarem trying to scam it out of its spot on the NYT literary list left me feeling sick to my stomach. When I received a couple of messages here asking me if I was Sarem, even though they were probably in jest, I felt a kneejerk reaction to shoot them down. Authors work really fricking hard to get their stories told. Sarem breezing through the process wasn't just an insult to Angie Thomas and the political climate that necessitated her work. It was an insult to the kind women I'm privileged to work with.
So, that's it. It doesn't seem like there's anything more I can say on the topic. Not right now.
Love one another and help one another. We can't navigate this world without each other.
P.S. - Undyne is my wife, HAHAHA, SUCK IT HATERS.
Whether or not this will lead to her creating more fanfiction, one thing is clear: her spelling has improved.
(09/02/17 8:10pm)
by Sarah James
“All was well”
For the past ten years, these words have resonated with Harry Potter fans around the world, for these words closed the story on the Boy Who Lived. Or so we thought. Since reading these words in the “Nineteen Years Later” epilogue to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Potterheads everywhere have only seen the Wizarding world grow. Two theme parks based on the books and movies opened in the United States; Pottermore became the definitive source for finally getting sorted into your Hogwarts house; a play continuing the story of Harry and his kids released in the Summer of 2016; and the first of a five part film series set in the Wizarding World came out last November. As of yesterday, it is nineteen years later. So let’s take a moment to reflect on the behemoth that is the Harry Potter franchise, and see how far our favorite wizard has come over the years.
In 1998, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone released, thus beginning the inevitable reign of Queen Rowling. The book starts out with a one-year-old Harry Potter being dropped off at Number 4 Privet Drive in 1980, making it 1991 when Harry first hears he is a wizard. In this book, J.K. Rowling first introduced her Wizarding World to a mass of children and adults alike, who fell in love with the pictures she painted. In that moment, myself along with so many others decided that Hogwarts was our home. The books continued to be released until 2007, with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows releasing that summer. Serendipitously, this means that the events of the seventh book take place in 1998, the same year that the first book released. “I open at the close.”
In 2001, the first of eight Harry Potter films swamped theaters across the globe. It was our first glimpse at what Hogwarts would actually look like. A young Daniel Radcliffe lead the pack of actors in creating a world so many people had already fallen in love with. And along with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, the three child wizards wormed their way into the hearts of millions. The movies continued production until 2011, with the second installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I can remember the night I saw this film as if it was yesterday; people came dressed up as their favorite characters brandishing wands and swapping stories of how they came to love the boy who lived. It was my first ever midnight premiere of a movie.
In April of 2012, less than a year after the final movie release, J.K. Rowling announced a new website named Pottermore, which initially served as an interactive way to read through the books. You could cast spells, brew potions, and even take quizzes to discover your wand type and Hogwarts house. Since then, the site has morphed into an encyclopedia of Potter knowledge, as well as a source of updates about the franchise. Pottermore is where the first information about American wizards was introduced, where stills and videos from the set of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them could be found, and where I discovered that I am in fact a Slytherin and my Patronus is a Thestral. New today, Pottermore now offers you the opportunity to explore the grounds of Hogwarts, with information and quotes from the series sprinkled throughout the experience.
In 2010, the world of Harry and his friends jumped off the page and screen and entered our world in the form of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” which first opened in Universal Studios Orlando resort. The original area included a stretch of Hogsmeade where one could take a picture in front of the Hogwarts Express, grab a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, and have the wand choose them at Olivander’s (which obviously isn’t book accurate, but they wanted the opportunity to sell wands so they took it). You could also step into Hogwarts castle by riding the Forbidden Journey of Harry Potter, which was 11 year-old Sarah’s biggest dream. Since the opening of the park in Orlando, another version of the Wizarding World has been brought to California, and both parks now include an area dedicated to Diagon Alley.
2016 saw the continuation of the Harry Potter story in two different directions. In the summer, we had the release of a two-part play: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The play received mixed reviews from fans, who saw it more as glorified fan fiction than a satisfying addition to the canonical universe. Personally, I was not a fan of Cursed Child. While I’m sure the play is visually stunning in person, as a story, I was not as immersed or enthralled as I was when reading the original series. Later on in 2016 came the first installment of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them franchise. This first movie mostly focused on Newt Scamander and introduced the world to the lives of American witches and wizards, but the upcoming movies will expand on the life of Albus Dumbledore and tell the story of the first Wizarding War against Gellert Grindewald.
And that’s where we are now. Yesterday in the world created by J.K. Rowling, an older Harry Potter knelt by his second son, Albus Severus Potter, and reassured him that no matter what house he ended up in, he would be loved and welcomed at Hogwarts. Yesterday, on September 1st 2017, Harry and Ginny stood next to Ron and Hermione as they waved to their children on the Hogwarts Express on their way to another year at the greatest school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For the past nineteen years, Harry Potter and his story have captivated audiences from across the world; people off all ages and backgrounds found a home at Hogwarts. And for the past ten years, the Harry Potter books and movies have been a place to where I can always escape. I read the first book when I was eleven, and grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione by my side. Hogwarts has been my home for a decade now, and even as the Wizarding World expands, I will continue to return to the place that showed me just how real magic can be.
(09/01/17 2:30pm)
by Daley Wilhelm
This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones
A lot happened in the season finale of season seven of Game of Thrones. Long-held theories were finally confirmed; characters who had been scheming since the start were put to a bloody end; and age-old loyalties were betrayed. Not to mention the undead ice dragon taking down the Wall.
In between all the action, however, was a plot twist that seems insignificant, but Game of Thrones has proven to be anything but shallow in their choices. Fans, both avid and casual, have been aware of the rumor of Jon Snow’s true heritage for a very long time now. Last season, we learned that he was a trueborn Stark, his mother having been Lyanna Stark. In these last episodes before the finale, showrunners teased the Targaryen half of his parentage with that moment between Jon and Drogon ripped straight from How to Train Your Dragon, and in the fun fact that Gilly found about Rheagar Targaryen’s annulment of his marriage to Elia Martell.
To drive it all home, Bran stood at Lyanna and Rheagar’s wedding, and we heard what Ned Stark’s sister’s dying words were:
“His name is Aegon Targaryen,”
If you’re like me, this felt lackluster. While it was satisfying to see the poorly-kept secret finally out in the open, or at least shared between Sam and Bran, Jon’s real name seems like an afterthought. If anything, I was offended that the writers seemed to be unsure whether or not viewers would be able to put two and two together to realize who Jon’s father really was, and thus included this tidbit.
Aegon is a very Targaryen name. Really, it is the Targaryen name. Aegon the Conqueror is credited with uniting Westeros from seven kingdoms to one, and his dynasty after him ruling it. It wasn’t uncommon for Aegon the First’s progeny to name their sons after him. In fact there were six Aegons since the conquest of Westeros. This includes the great grandfather or Jon/Aegon and the infant son of Rhaegar and Elia who was murdered by The Mountain during Robert’s Rebellion.
https://twitter.com/chrisseej/status/902369620761264128
Personally, that detail makes Jon’s real name all the more strange. But this might foreshadow the possibility of another Aegon appearing in the next and final season.
The bastard son of the infamous womanizer Aegon the IV, Aegor Rivers founded The Golden Company, which Cersei is now looking to as her protection against both the army of the dead and Daenerys’ army. Rivers was exiled from Westeros after siding with his half-brothers in the First Blackfyre Rebellion, during which one of Aegon IV’s bastards claimed the throne over his older, trueborn brother. The kingdoms fell to civil war, but in the end “The Great Bastards” were either put to the sword or exiled.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Aegor "Bittersteel" Rivers and The Golden Company[/caption]
Rivers first served with the Second Sons before gathering sellswords in order to create The Golden Company. Their battle cry, “Beneath the gold, the bitter steel,” pays homage to Rivers’ name “Bittersteel.”
Cersei is right to be reassured at the idea of having The Golden Company at her side. The Golden Company has the strength of 10,000 men, elephants, and many exiled Westerosi knights. Among them is Jon Connington and his adopted son “Young Griff.”
Young Griff’s real but disputed identity is that of Rhaegar Targaryen’s firstborn son, Aegon. According to this lithe boy with dyed-blue hair, he was smuggled out of the chaos as a baby, and the child who had been killed during the Sack of King’s Landing had been a tanner’s son. In the books, when the boy reveals his identity to The Golden Company, they believe him and support his plan to marry Daenerys and claim the Iron Throne.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="289"] "Young Griff" hid his signiture Targaryen features by dying his silver hair blue, which made his violet eyes also appear blue.[/caption]
It’s a funny thing, considering that Dany likely would have married her nephew Aegon since they were close in age. And of course, it’s doubly weird now that she’s shacked up with her other nephew Aegon.
To avoid confusion, it should be said that many readers believe that the Aegon among The Golden Company is a pretender, and that Jon Snow is the real deal. The two Aegons also share the same “prince who was promised” prophecy, since Rhaegar's first son had been conceived under a falling star.
When The Golden Company comes to stand against their founders’ great-great-great-great granddaughter will the other Aegon be among them? Why did Rhaegar name his second son Aegon?
The show definitely seems to be leading toward the conundrum behind Jon and Daenerys’ relationship. As it stands now, Jon would have a stronger claim to the Iron Throne, being Rheagar’s trueborn son, than his aunt Daenerys. Should another son of Rhaegar appear, this one on Cersei’s side, then there’s some interesting implications there. Would Cersei say she’d marry The Golden Company’s Aegon in order to invalidate Daenerys’ claim? Would he still want to marry Daenerys? What drama would arise out of the identity crisis of Jon/Aegon vs other Aegon? Which one would be the true heir?
https://twitter.com/kimrrenfro/status/903273901400227842
Whether or not this happens, it would be interesting for the show to explore this in the wake of so many predictable plot twists. After so much setup, it's clear the direction the show has decided to take in lieu of guidance from the books, so it would be nice to see a curveball like another Aegon smack and surprise viewers.
(08/25/17 7:30am)
by Daley Wilhelm and Nolan Leahy
This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones.
Game of Thrones holds a significant place in our current culture. With the yawning depth of its lore, the cinematic mastery of the production itself, and the unforeseeable twists and turns the show takes, it’s no wonder why the show dominates Sunday night conversation. The surprise factor that Game of Thrones supplies has been one of its most ensnaring aspects, and HBO has proved willing to protect those secrets the show has yet to reveal no matter the cost.
But what if we already know the end of Game of Thrones?
At this point, it is technically unknowable considering that George R.R. Martin has yet to pen the final book in the series, but he and the show writers have hinted at a few possible outcomes. Visions and prophecies have swayed the series’ characters toward one side or the other, and fans have looked to them as a glimpse of what might be on the horizon as the show draws towards its final season.
Perhaps what has yet to be filmed was somewhere among those dreamlike sequences dipped in magic. Or in the words given by witches in episodes long forgotten.
Back in season two, when Daenerys’s dragons were just little lizards, they were taken and hidden in The House of the Undying, a kind of sorcerer’s den. Dany walked through an illusion as she searched for them. She found herself in a place she’d never been: the Red Keep’s throne room. The castle’s roof was destroyed, open to the winter sky, and white flakes dusted the Iron Throne as she reached for it. But she hesitated—hearing a cry call out to her.
She left, finding Khal Drogo and her unborn son Rheago waiting for her beyond the Wall, tucked away in the tent she had lived in with her late husband. She left them too, pushing forward to find her dragons.
Some fans point to this as indicative of her eventual defeat. Snow sat on the throne, while she turned away from it in pursuit of other things. Semiotics dictate that this suggests that Jon Snow will rule the Seven Kingdoms rather than Dany. Or perhaps that the march of the White Walkers will reach that far south, and the whole kingdom will be lost to the Long Night. Others have asserted that this is just a reflection of what could come under Cersei’s rule—she’ll blow up the Red Keep and the Night King will win.Other visions have been mostly centered around the past, via Bran who now stylizes himself as the Three-Eyed Raven. It’s not precisely clear whether or not he also has the power to see into the future, thought it’s clear his visiting of the past can effect it. Currently, it’s not really clear what role Bran is going to play in the coming season: his powers have mostly just been used to confirm a long-held theory, check in on the Night King, and terrorize his sister.
Game of Thrones has established itself as a master of sleight of hand when it comes to foreshadowing, even when it comes to clunky things like prophecies. Prophecies literally state precisely what is going to happen—which is something the show never gives away easily, but nevertheless features one prominent prophecy that the show seems to be following.
The Prince Who Was Promised is the Lord of Light’s chosen, meant to appear in the dread hour and chase away the darkness with his burning sword. The pronouns aren’t clear in High Valyrian, mind you, so gender is immaterial. What’s important is that Azor Ahai reborn “shall be born against amidst smoke and salt to wake dragons out of stone.”
There’s a lot that can be interpreted there: Dany could be her, since she hatched her dragons from stone eggs amid her husband’s funeral pyre. Or it could be the Hound, born from his traumatic past with his brother and a hot hearth. What fans see as more likely is Jon Snow, with his having been brought back from the dead and because the second half of that prophecy involves him stabbing someone that he loves—cue the scene of him and “Dany” on a literal ship making eyes at each other.
Whether or not the Azor Ahai theory will be confirmed, there is one smaller prophecy that holds a significant sway on current events and it looks like it’s much more likely to be validated. Handed down by a witch rather than old wisdom and priests, this might solve half the issues the King in the North and the Dragon Queen currently face.
Cersei saw the death of all her children coming. She said as much during the season six premiere after Myrcella’s death in reference to her asking a witch to tell her fortune when she was just a girl. A less jaded, but nevertheless sassy Cersei bullied her friend into following her to Maggy the Frog’s hut on her father’s land. She was allowed three questions.
At the time she was promised to the prince, Rhaegar Targaryen--whether or not this was true or just an eventuality her father wanted—and she wanted to know when they would marry.
The witch replied that she wouldn’t marry the prince. She would marry the king. She would be queen, for a time, until another one would come along, younger and more beautiful. She would cast her down and take everything she loved.
Cersei asked her second question, “Will the king and I have children?”
“The king will have twenty children, you will have three.”
While this didn’t make sense to Cersei at the time, she certainly got the message when Maggy continued saying that her children’s crowns will be gold… along with their shrouds.
All of Maggy’s prophecy came true: Cersei married Robert when he was crowned king after his coup against the Targaryens. He sired countless, maybe twenty even, bastards while Cersei only had three children. Those three royal children died before her—gold their crowns, and gold their funeral shrouds.
What’s important here is that if Cersei is really pregnant again as she claims to be, then this breaks the prophecy. What seems more likely is that she’s merely manipulating Jaime back to her side once more with the promise of fatherhood again.
What’s still left out is that third question—like a third wish. In the show, the scene ends as Cersei stares at the cackling witch, but she hadn’t yet left. In the books, the witch has one more thing to say:
"And when your tears have drowned you, the Valonqar shall wrap his hands about your pale white throat and choke the life from you."
Valonqar is “the little brother” in Valyrian for those of you who haven’t brushed up. Should the show flash back again to the witch’s hut, perhaps she’ll deliver this final message to foreshadow Cersei’s fate. She’s got two brothers at the moment—one in the opposition, and one who has a history of murdering pyromaniac rulers. Unless “the little brother” is meant in a more general sense.
Whatever prophecy is fulfilled in the coming season, this one hangs over Cersei heavily.
(08/19/17 12:00pm)
by Emily Reuben
Gen Con, which tickets itself as being “the largest annual consumer fantasy, electronic, sci-fi, and adventure game convention in North America”, is celebrating its 50th convention this year in the summer of 2017. Being held in the Indiana convention center, the “Best Four Days in Gaming!” ™ currently boasts over 16,000 scheduled, ticketed events and more than 500 exhibitors at its 2017 convention in Indianapolis. How did it get to where it is though? Where did this hobbyist gathering start?
Gen Con started humbly as an informal gathering of about a dozen people who all decided to celebrate wargames and other board games in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin instead of making the journey to the official wargames convention being held in Marlvern, Pennsylvania. The gathering was hosted in the house of the founder of the newly formed International Federation of Wargaming, Gary Gygax who would later go on to be known as “The Father of Role-Playing Games” for his role as the creator of the popular tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons.
After hosting the first Gen Con (Lake Geneva Convention), Gygax decided that his house would not make for the best venue if he wanted the event to grow, so he rented out the Lake Geneva Horticultural Hall Where the attendance increased to about 60 people. As the attendance numbers steadily grew, the convention had to eventually move to the Milwaukee Exposition & Convention Center & Arena in 1985.
The convention came to focus on tabletop roleplaying games like Gygax’s own Advanced Dungeons & Dragons as well as other card games and board games. This focus made the event the center of a cultural misunderstanding wherein conservative religious groups claimed that the game corrupted the minds of the youth, turning them into cultists, Satan worshipers, and amoral punks. This view was helped by B.A.D.D. (Bothered About Dungeons & Dragons), a group started by a mother who was convinced that her son committed suicide because he was cursed during a game of D&D. Soon comics were being produced like the now infamous Dark Dungeons depicting how a doe-eyed girl gets ensnared by the occult evils of role-playing games only to be saved by Jesus.
The resultant backlash against Dungeons & Dragons helped to fuel a kind of rebel attitude in the role-playing community, helping to boost attendance from 5,000 in 1985 the year after the above comic was published to 10,000 just four years later in 1989. Gen Con continued to flourish as the hobby gained more traction. Eventually Gen Con was getting too big for the convention center in Milwaukee, so after 35 years of holding the convention in Wisconsin, the event was moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 2003.
For a time in 2008, Gen Con LLC. filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after being sued by Lucasfilm. The legal issue was a disagreement about which entity owed which money from the 2006 Celebration IV, a Star Wars convention commemorating the 30th anniversary of the first Star Wars film. Since this incident, Gen Con LLC. has not hosted any third party licensed events since.
In 2015, it was alleged that Gen Con might find a new city to host its gaming event. Embroiled in a national controversy, Indiana Governor Mike Pence was in the process of signing into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act which left open the option to businesses to deny service to anyone if the business or business owners had strongly held religious beliefs. The president of Gen Con LLC., the legal entity that has owned and run Gen Con since 2002, issued a public letter to the then governor stating that, “Gen Con proudly welcomes a diverse attendee base, made up of different ethnicities, cultures, beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds… For more than a decade, Indianapolis has provided tremendous hospitality and accommodation to our attendees, culminating in an estimated annual economic impact of more than $50 million dollars to the city.” The CEO, Adrian Swartout, then went on to say that legislation that discriminates against Gen Con attendees would have a serious effect on where the company would choose to hold the event. After Mike Pence amended the law to forbid discrimination based on religious beliefs, the issue of Gen Con staying in Indianapolis seems to have been put to rest.
Gen Con Indy, as it is now called, drew over 60,000 attendees to the Indianapolis Convention Center in 2016. It has outgrown a convention center that has undergone renovations specifically to accommodate the growing attendance as nerd culture and Dungeons & Dragons grows ever more popular, now taking place in both the Indianapolis Convention Center and the Lucas Oil Stadium, the home field of the Indianapolis Colts.
(08/12/17 5:00pm)
This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones.
(08/11/17 8:30pm)
by Daley Wilhelm
This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones.
Only a fool would meet the Dothraki in an open field. – Robert Baratheon
Dragons might seem like the greatest concern that the Lannister armies have to face, especially after that vivid sequence of soldiers turning to dust, but the Dothraki horde has proven time and again that they might be the greater threat, especially in the hearts of their enemies. Putting fire and blood aside, if we look at history both mythical and real, it proves that Cersei’s PR campaign sowing fear of the foreign invaders is well-founded.
George R. R. Martin stated that he based the Dothraki on a mishmash of steppe and plains cultures like the Mongols, the Huns, along with other tribes that relied heavily on horses such as the Cheyenne and Sioux of the American West. Dothraki culture, language, and custom is based entirely around horses. It’s evident in the most basic of phrases in the Dothraki language.
Their connection with horses support their nomadic way of life. The only standing city the Dothraki occupy is Vaes Dothrak, which houses widowed khaleesi and idols stolen from other tribes ringing the Dothraki Sea. This great empty grassland does indeed resemble a sea—no cities stand in the waving grass—only great khalasars move freely through the great expanse on their horses.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="792"] The Dothraki Sea[/caption]
This is because the Doom of Valyria—the unspecified cataclysm that destroyed the ruling freehold in Essos—was followed by the Century of Blood. It was then that chaos ensued as many scrambled to fill the power vacuum left after the dragonlords were gone; it also served as the rise of the Dothraki. Taking advantage of the confusion, the Dothraki were able to spread their kingdom farther west than ever before. They were unhindered by the cities they took, since instead of trying to hold them after a successful pillaging, the horsemen would burn them to the ground, returning old keeps and castles to grassland once more. They would also rename the dozens of cities they took to reflect their opinion on the people they conquered. Sarnath became Vaes Khewo, meaning City of Worms, and Gornath to Vaes Leqse, City of Rats.
This is all very reminiscent of the Mongols and their massive conquest of Asia and Western Europe. Like the Mongols, the Dothraki subsist on either plunder from sacked cities or from tributes offered out of fear from standing ones.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="550"] The Mongol Empire at it's height[/caption]
History tells us that the Mongols had a wide rule but eventually assimilated into their conquered cultures, essentially breaking up the Mongolian Empire. Enigmatic leaders later tried to reunify, but by then the holds were so far-flung and the culture had shifted. This coupled with the growing strength of their enemies prevented the feared Golden Horde from rising again.
What doesn't seem as likely is the Dothraki assimilating to the Westerosi culture. Their way of life demands great swaths of land to roam. Their culture dictates that they only yield to the strongest among them. They, like the Ironborn, do not sow. They only reap and conquer. It’s been proven that Dothraki warriors are superior in battle to Westerosi knights, and their history boasts a significant list of cities sieged. The Targaryen army could make substantial gains in unleashing the Dothraki on the mainland. There’s little chance of the Dothraki turning against their Khaleesi as well, since she’s not only the strongest among them, but also as their apparent god.
The Dothraki have a prophesy about the Stallion Who Mounts the World.
As swift as the wind he rides, and behind him his khalasar covers the earth, men without number, with arakhs shining in their hands like blades of razor grass. Fierce as a storm this prince will be. His enemies will tremble before him, and their wives will weep tears of blood and rend their flesh in grief. The bells in his hair will sing his coming, and the milk men in the stone tents will fear his name. The prince is riding, and he shall be the stallion who mounts the world.
Originally, this was believed to have been Khal Drogo and Daenerys’ unborn son Rhaego. But in a serious power move, in episode six of season six, Dany descends upon the khalasar on Drogon’s back to show that she is as fierce as the storm, riding like the wind with [her] khalasar behind [her] covering the earth. That or her “son”, Drogon, being the biggest, fiercest, scaliest horse the Dothraki have ever seen to actually be the prophesized stallion. Whichever way you want to look at it.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="466"] From season six, episode six, "Blood of my Blood"[/caption]
Troublingly, though this speech she gives from her stallion son’s back rouses the khalasar to follow her over the black salt sea, she also demands of them to “tear down their stone houses.” So once in Westeros, it’s clear that the Dothraki are there for one thing: conquest. What comes after is less clear.
Just moments before Dany reintroduced the Dothraki to the existence of dragons, Daario Naharis tells her that she is not meant to sit on a chair—she is a conqueror, which she is certainly good at, taking three Essosi cities and inspiring two infamous armies to follow her. She would run into issues however, when it came to the ill-defined world of politics that Tyrion and Varys are better suited to handle.
The preview for this Sunday’s episode perhaps suggests that she has become accustomed to her family’s words “Fire and Blood” winning her enemies over. While strength works to woo the hearts of the Dothraki, it only steels the hearts of the Westerosi who so fear them. For them, dragons were an unknown--are they really so big? Do they even breathe fire?--while the Dothraki's brutality is well-known and all around abhorred.
Any use of the Dothraki on the mainland just affirms the kingdoms’ fears that unless they fight the Dragon Queen, their homes will be burned, reduced to grassland for the Dothraki to lord over. And Dany’s current rhetoric seems to support that as well.
(08/02/17 8:06pm)
by Emily Reuben
This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones.
In the first season of Game of Thrones' episode “The Pointy End”, Sansa Stark desperately tries to convey to Cersei Lannister, “You’ll see. I’ll be a queen just like you; I promise.” Queen Cersei’s face immediately sours, as if concerned the statement may be true.
Despite the sentiment expressed above, Sansa Stark and Cersei Lannister have a bit of a...troubled past. Sansa, previously engaged to Cersei’s infamously hated son, has undergone numerous hardships largely at Cersei’s hands. At first glance, there is little in common between the ruthless Lannister and stubborn Stark, but many speculate that some of the minute details in Game of Thrones point to an unlikely relationship between the two.
So far, Game of Thrones season seven has been rather kind to Sansa; she is finally being portrayed as more of a leader utilizing common sense rather than acting impulsively like a child. Numerous scenes thus far have emphasized Sansa’s wit and skepticism, and while the latter trait may come off as abrasive when used against Jon Snow, skepticism is more than required to survive in Game of Throne’s brutal world. Sansa saved the day during the Battle of Bastards, and she is hard pressed to let Jon forget that fact. Constantly questioning Jon’s leadership decisions, Sansa is showing signs that she has a hunger for leadership.
Cersei, on the other hand, has been portrayed as a relentless monster fighting only for herself. Without her children to retain her humanity like in previous seasons, Cersei has nothing to keep her grounded. Despite her terrible nature, Cersei is doing quite well on the battlefield. With two wins against Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei is currently winning the war. Cold and calculating, Cersei Lannister has become a formidable foe for The King of the North and The Mother of Dragons, yet as shown in the premiere episode of season seven “Dragonstone”, Sansa certainly still seems to admire her enemy:
"You almost sound as if you admire her," Jon says.
"I learned a great deal from her," Sansa replies.
While this passing remark can be taken at face value, smaller details usually have relevance in the world of Game of Thrones. Foreshadowing within dialogue is a common occurrence throughout the series: Jamie had once mentioned he didn’t want to be crippled to Tyrion; Tyrion discussed murdering fathers with Jamie before killing his own; Varys made an on the nose statement about hating weddings prior to the Red and Purple Weddings; and the death of Daenerys’ child was almost blatantly stated by the witch Khaleesi had saved. These are only a few examples of the important hints and outright reveals within the series. If history repeats itself, and it does, Sansa’s statement to Jon holds some relevance to her future.
Aside from Cersei, another notable influence on Sansa is her mother, Catelyn. Even though Catelyn and Cersei were fierce enemies, the two embattled mothers have been compared in the show as well. Jaime mentions to to Edmure Tully in the season six episode “No One”, “I admired [Catelyn]... The love she had for her children… reminded me of my sister… Catelyn and Cersei, there’s a fierceness you don’t often see. ” This maternal love has driven both to ruthlessly do what they saw as necessary for protecting their children. The very same episode containing the exchange between Jaime and Edmure affirms Sansa’s connection to Cersei later when the Blackfish is reading Sansa’s letter and states that “she’s exactly like her mother.” It seems the show is attempting to further develop a connection between Sansa and Cersei through the similarities between Sansa and her mother.
So how exactly do these three women: Cersei, Catelyn, Margery relate to Sansa becoming a Cersei-like figure? If the dialogue isn’t convincing enough, visual clues are planted within the Game of Thrones universe that reveal clues about character’s future successes, failures, motivations, and even deaths. As demonstrated in a Cracked article detailing the tiny details the show creator’s included in the series, character’s clothing intentionally indicate an entire character arc in the form of a crown, dress, or pendant for keen viewers. Similarly, intentional decisions such as the hairstyles given to certain characters hold the same weight. Depending on who Sansa is most interested with at the time, she emulates the hairstyle of the women she admires.
The idea that a detail so small such as a hairstyle could represent anything may seem far fetched to some, but Sophie Turner, the actress who plays Sansa, reaffirms this idea in an interview with Refinery29:
“Sansa’s hair is constantly reflecting the people she’s learning from, or mimicking, or inspired by at the time,” Turner explains. “When she’s Cersei’s prisoner, and she’s kind of absorbing all her manipulative techniques, it’s reflected in her hairstyle, and when she’s finding the spirit of Margaery in herself, she wears her hair like Margaery.”
Cersei, Catelyn, and Margery are all women Sansa has learned from or aspired to be like, and her respective hairstyle reflects her desires and aspirations. The premiere episode of season seven shows Sansa mimicking Cersei’s hairstyle, suggesting that Sansa intends to behave like Cersei.
Going back to the quote in season one, Sansa expressed a desire to be a queen like Cersei. While Sansa may not be a queen, she has a position of power. All of the evidence supports the notion that with that power she may very well start behaving like the manipulative Queen Cersei, doing whatever it takes to protect the remaining Starks and claim victory against the Lannister Lioness. This line of reasoning is supported by line from Sansa spoken in the second trailer leading up to season seven, “When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.” Here Sansa acknowledges that she has to do her part to keep her family together to keep them alive.
As Sansa heads down the warpath, displaying the wit and temperament necessary to rule the North and to keep her family safe, she is going to need a hairstyle all her own for future young ladies to emulate.
(07/31/17 10:00am)
by Daley Wilhelm
Today is Harry Potter’s birthday, and I don’t want to hear from him.
Today he’s 37, a harried (ha) Auror who balances his work in the Ministry, three children, and dealing with his celebrity status having defeated Voldemort all those years ago. I imagine he’d head over to the Weasley household, that the garden would get filled with his ginger-haired in-laws and friends. Maybe Hagrid brings the cake every year, pink and green icing a little mushed from the ride, but nevertheless something Harry beams over, remembering his very first birthday cake.
Whatever goes on, I don’t want to know. When Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows closed with, "All was well", I shook, wept, and hugged the book, but there was a finality in that line that has stuck with me.
I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I’ve read the books a half dozen times, an overwhelmed 14-year-old version of myself visited the Wizarding World in Florida, and a disbelieving 19-year-old Daley walked the Leavesden studio tour utterly star struck. I’ve written a 128,000-word fan fiction, which I admit with a strange mixture of pride and shame. I am a sponge of Potter trivia, but when it comes to Harry’s post-Hogwarts adventures, I’d rather them be left up to the collective speculation of the fandom rather than the canon that J.K. Rowling continues to elaborate on.
J.K. Rowling’s word is canon; I don’t dispute that whatsoever. Nor do I argue against the fact that the Wizarding World is hers to do with as she wants. I have a very personal connection to the universe and the characters, but that’s not much in comparison to the bond an author has with a world of her own fabrication. If anything, the continuation of the Potter story just shows what a compelling realm she has created and how even after writing so much there’s still the pull to tell us more.
[embed]https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/638778021663666176[/embed]
And I want to know what more there is. I wanted to know whether or not Harry’s youngest got sorted into Slytherin. I wanted to know how Teddy Lupin grew up and how Hermione reformed the Ministry of Magic. I wanted to know all these things, but after reading Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, I realized I was much more partial to the ephemeral world of “what-if’s” and “imagine-if’s” that the Harry Potter fandom provided.
All these years post-Hallows have allowed fans to make designs on what was next for Harry Potter, because there was something beautifully undefined about the Nineteen Years Later chapter. It left all those years in between and the coming ones open for interpretation. I could attach myself to an idea and just as quickly find another contradictory one. I liked finding massive posts on theories and headcanons, like the idea of Harry surprising everyone in not becoming an Auror because he finally decided that he had enough of near-misses with death. Then there was the equally popular theory that those close calls were precisely why he chose the profession; that he was addicted to the thrill of danger.
I liked how there was validity in either. Fans rooted their theories deep into the canon, but allowed them to grow wild. There was no limit to what could have become of The Golden Trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, because they already had a record of defying the odds.
Then came Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which many described as the weirdest fan fiction they’ve ever read. Initially, I didn’t want to read it because of this. My memory of where the Harry Potter story left off was something of a sacred shrine in my mind, and I didn’t want to disturb it with this new gospel. But eventually I gave in, and I was just as confused and dissatisfied as a good amount of reviewers were.
This wasn’t my Harry Potter. It certainly wasn’t my Hermione Granger present in that screenplay. But that’s the thing; my Hermione and Rowling’s Hermione can be different entities: mine, shaped by my first reading at thirteen and the years of fan fiction and art that followed, and hers sprang originally from her own mind. Just as we see our friends differently from how others might interpret them, these characters that we befriend are multidimensional too, which just further credits Rowling’s writing skill.
J.K. Rowling’s retconning has been meet with loud but mixed responses. She shook up her own universe most notably a few years back in saying that Harry should have ended up with Hermione. In the interview with the magazine Wonderland she asked, “Am I breaking people’s hearts by saying this?” The answer is yes; she was.
But we move on from that the same way we move on from weird fan fictions. Mostly, we have the choice to ignore the little bonus bits of the canon story that she tacks on via tweets and Pottermore posts, because the books themselves and our memories of them are much more potent.
You can’t dispute facts. I’m not going to argue that no, actually, Hermione and Ron are soul mates and Rowling is wrong. But I can give reasons why I would believe that they might be. I can still read between the canon’s lines, find those moments that speak to the characters and how I perceive them. Not every headcanon should be quashed with “well, Rowling said this in an interview” just as Rowling should leave us space to wonder about and love her work. Without fan theories, I think revisiting the Harry Potter universe would become rather boring.
If Rowling rolls out a new book on the Wizarding World, I’m going to read it. I do honestly love the new layers of context her new writings give the Potter story, but I love them in the way that I love a well thought-out headcanon. I mull it over, respect it, but as a fan I can chose whether or not to nestle it into my heart along with my own personal Harry Potter mythology.
(07/30/17 11:21pm)
by Emily Reuben
This article contains spoilers for all episodes of Game of Thrones through Season 7, Episode 2.
Daenerys Targaryen has been a fixture of Game of Thrones for seven seasons now, and as the show comes to an end, many have the Breaker of Chains and the Mother of Dragons pegged as the show’s eventual protagonist. It seems like the perfect ending to the series: Daenerys uses her dragons to defeat the monstrous White Walkers and unite the seven kingdoms under stable rule as is her right by birth. However, hints dropped by various characters over the seasons may be foreshadowing Daenerys becoming just as much a threat to Westeros as any undead ice creature.
The last line of season seven, episode one - "Dragonstone", belonged to Daenerys. Dany looked over the leftover battle plans of the presumably dead Stannis Baratheon, and as she glanced at Tyrion, she asked, “Shall we begin?”
The last time she asked this question to Tyrion was season six, episode nine - "Battle of the Bastards", when the slave masters decided to lay siege to Meereen. After Tyrion asks his queen what plan she intends on beginning, she responds, “I will crucify the masters. I will set their fleets afire, kill every last one of their soldiers, and return their cities to the dirt.” Tyrion then invokes memories of her father, the Mad King, suggesting that following her plan would be following in her father’s deranged footsteps.
Flashing back to season seven, episode two - "Stormborn", the Queen of Thorns, Olenna Tyrell, advises the young queen to not trust the diplomatic cleverness of Tyrion. What is troubling is how much of an impact Olenna’s words have on Danny. With Tyrion’s advice she was able to take back Meereen, and Olenna is advising Dany not to trust the man she helped frame for his nephew’s murder. Not a great indicator of things to come.
As for Jon, most see him as the most likely incarnation of Azor Ahai. Though others may fit the prophetic guidelines, the show has introduced no major contradictions that rule Jon out as a potential candidate. However, that is not the path he seems to be heading down in season seven. Ever since Jon’s return to Winterfell, he has been emulating a father-figure of his.
The show has even taken a much less subtle approach to visually linking Jon and Ned, recreating a pivotal scene from season one.
With Jon emulating the look and behavior of Ned, one can only wonder how things will turn out for the brooding Nephew of Dragons.
Image Sources: Pop Sugar, Times Delhi, Fluid Design
(07/31/17 2:00pm)
Today is Harry Potter’s birthday, and I don’t want to hear from him.
(07/29/17 7:00pm)
This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones.
(07/29/17 4:00pm)
But one of the endings is.