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TV Shoutout: Black Mirror
Honestly, I originally intended to write this TV Shoutout in time for the Christmas Special, but I foolishly thought that it airs on the 25th instead of the 16th. But that's okay, because now I can tell you that the special was full of usual Black Mirror greatness. And here it is about the show:
What it is about: Black Mirror is a British dystopian anthology miniseries. The stories for each episode varies but the running theme is humanity and technology, usually set in an imagined 5-or-10-minutes-into-the-future. And for lack of better word, Black Mirror is exactly what the title suggests: our dark reflection of who we are as human being.
Or in shorter words, it's The Twilight Zone for today.
Why you should watch it: Because it is a brilliant satire. It is scifi-esque, but definitely everyone can enjoy it because most times the technologies are incorporated seamlessly into its world, just like ours. In it's heart, Black Mirror is less about flashy gadgets and more about social commentary. What it's not though, is safe or comforting, in the way that some art should not be. It is intended to be shocking and eye-opening. I doubtlessly would not recommend a few episodes (like The National Anthem) for the faint of heart, but it is absolutely worth it. Black Mirror is lovely and funny at times (Charlie Brooker the creator actually did award-winning comedy work), but equally terrifying and heartbreaking, in the best way. Most people who've watched it agree that Black Mirror is one of the best TV series they've encountered, and for good reason. If that does not convince you yet there are more trivial reasons, like the fact that it is beautiful to look at and beautifully directed, and it features familiar brilliant actors from Mad Men, Captain America, Game Of Thrones, etc.
Who should watch it: Those who like great storytelling, sci-fi or not. Those who thought that there's something missing in today's television and demand "more" from their entertainment. Those who think that underneath the flashy and happy exterior, the world is dark and full of terrors. And whether it sounds like Black Mirror is your thing or not, I wholeheartedly encourage you to at least try to watch one of the episodes, because otherwise you might miss one of the masterpieces of modern TV.
Where you should start: It is an anthology (a collection of short stories), so basically you can start at any episode because each episode is self-standing. But if you're squeamish or less tolerable for more "racy" stuff, I do advice you against The National Anthem (season 1 episode 1) at least until you get the hang of the show.
Status: Black Mirror had 2 full seasons (each had 3 episodes) and one Christmas Special (listed as season 3). A full season might be coming in 2015.
Lastly, if I had not succeeded in explaining what Black Mirror is all about, Charlie Brooker the creator/writer might. Here he is talking about the concept and the meaning of Black Mirror:
I see your face, your hair. Your smile. Your voice(even that sweet mouse like laugh) [ I tell no lies] that you so disliked but I so loved, in every girl I see.
I like you a lot, yes its true and I hope one day you and I can become more than friends, discerning my feelings for you sometimes feels like I'm sailing around the cape of storms in a small dingy, at least in this small bay I'm winning but if you don't feel the same way its okay. l will just quietly beach my boat and watch the waves go by...
how to tell my friend I like her..,,
They say a picture of you is worth a Thousand words,
But looking at you my memory is Somewhat blurred
Watched my efforts end in vain like blood
Thought my memories of you would stick like glue
Scrolling through my gallery
Pictures of you once took they toll
But now my heart feels nothing
In the midst of our forgotten dialogues
I shed no tears for what remains
I'm always one to remember the good Times
Yet with you I remember nothing
They always teach of true love
Never of true heartbreak
So, like they say in the scriptures
Blessed are those,
who have never met you they shall never know the meaning of true heartbreak
2017.12.17
If you’re itching for strange macabre and gorey short horror stories may I recommend this anthology by Adam Cesare, author of my favorite book series ever. Some of these stories definitely made me feel a little queasy
That’s right! A new anthology of comics about women and their swords is kickstarting NOW! I’ve got a fun new gender-bendy fairy tale retelling waiting for you: The Broom and The Blade! If you’ve got feelings about Princess Knight or the Ranma remake, you’re going to like this one.
the first page of my short comic for antholegacies’ (twitter/instagram) Celebration zine! this one revolves around home and family as two duwendes prepare for a feast.
if you’d like to see the full version and other short comics, illustrations and written works from 60+ API creators, please consider supporting the campaign here! [link]
✨"TAHOOOOOOO!"✨
one thing i clearly remember from my childhood in the Philippines was always being excited whenever the taho vendor was around the block! now, i like to make it myself and reminisce about home. i hope you enjoy this refreshing treat!
for more works from API creators, check out antholegacies (twitter/instagram) and their campaign here! [link]
Castles in the Air, Episode Four:
The Frame
Castles in the Air is a bi-weekly horror anthology series in the vein of The Twilight Zone. The podcast is created and owned by Will Donelson.
After a lifetime of work, a scientist and his team finally succeed in creating a working time machine. However, he quickly finds the device taken away fro him and turned into a commercial product, and people soon begin taking "tours" of the past. The scientist ponders the nature of recorded history, and the worth of documentation holds in a world where the past can so easily change.
Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/castl…air/id1191981068
Stream on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/will-donelson-1/the-gate
Stream on Stitcher: www.stitcher.com/podcast/castles-…34?autoplay=true
RSS: castlesintheair.libsyn.com/rss
Written, directed and edited by Will Donelson
This episode features voicework by Hameed Mourani
Closing theme is “Blood on the Snow I" by Black Tape for a Blue Girl
Opening theme is "Consumed by Love" by Giles Appleton. This episode also features music by Wren.
Episode art by Skye Liberace (http://dieskye.space/)
Castles in the Air is owned by Will Donelson.
If you like what you heard, please subscribe to us on iTunes! I would also appreciate any ratings/reviews on iTunes as it helps boost the shows visibility.
Thank you for the patience with this one.
First episode of the Podcast is out!
Castles in the Air is a bi-weekly horror anthology series in the vein of The Twilight Zone.
An astronaut awakens, frozen in place. He quickly realizes that he has regained consciousness and exited cryosleep ahead of schedule, making him unable to move. He desperately fights to keep control of his withering mind, and figure out if there is a way out of this nightmare.
Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/castles-in-the-air/id1191981068
Stream on Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/castles-in-the-air/e/48721057?autoplay=true
Stream on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/will-donelson-1/castles-in-the-air-episode-one-callisto
RSS: http://castlesintheair.libsyn.com/rss
As this is the first episode of the podcast, all ratings, subscriptions on iTunes and shares are greatly appreciated.
Written, directed and edited by Will Donelson. This episode features voicework by Zack Furniss.
Music used:
"Bedroom Window" by @sloth-hooks
"He is Like this Wall (Coda)" by Jeff Morton
Opening theme is "Consumed by Love" by Giles Appleton
Episode art by Sage Parker
OUT THERE SCREAMING edited by JORDAN PEELE (REVIEW)
quickly: the ‘horrors’ of blackness have its natural and supernatural roots revealed (bad cop with a third eye / grandma’s love is deadly / wandering man running from nothing / in vivo alien invasion / unstable ex’s / sea siren with your sister’s face / dead man’s swamp revenge / serial killer targeting black robots / white men ruining the atmosphere / daddy’s secret / chaos in the dark / part woman part fish-devil / black magic as an HOA / grief and its blindness / games that ghosts play / negro folk tales as an american requiem / prison industrial complex goes A.I. / black magic as an addiction / whiteness as psyche and psychosis)
A fantastically original collection of short horror stories that span quite a range of horror sub-genres (sci-fi, thriller, romance, and even americana). All unapologetically Black. A superb addition to the limited number of Black horror anthologies (Tales from the Hood, anyone?).
My favorites were Wandering Devil (loverboy with wandering feet can outrun everyone but himself), The Rider (a dead man intervenes on behalf of two black women traveling alone), Flicker (an intermittent darkness unleashes chaos from the shadows), The Norwood Trouble (a group of black ‘practitioners’ will be damned if white rioters try to destroy their town), A Grief of The Dead (grief separates and reunites a pair of twin brothers), Your Happy Place (an incarcerated man must decide his reality after having it stolen from him), Hide & Seek (brothers learn to protect themselves with the same magic that wants to harm them).
★★★★★ Superb.
A sample from the anthology C is for Cozy by the Columbus Cartoon Coalition! The line art is done by the incredible and talented Kelci D Crawford. You can find more of their art at kelcidcrawford.com. I also have a cozy dino coloring sheet in here as well : ). Buy now on Kofi at https://ko-fi.com/s/6697a79a1f.