On Exoskeletons and Assimilation: Revisiting the Latinidad of Marvel’s Araña
Considering the role of Latinidad in Araña’s comics despite a decreasing representation of of its so-called “authentic” markers.
Colonial Hottie: Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman and Brand Israel
A crucial interrogation of how Gal Gadot’s Israeli identity and IDF experience are used to sell her authenticity in the role of Wonder Woman.
“Yo Soy Yancy Street!” El Thing About Place & Identity
A recent Marvel story connecting Groot to Puerto Rican culture via a visit with the Thing to Marvel’s Lower East Side analog, Yancy Street got me thinking about place and identity.
The Man Who Lived Twice! (If You Can Call That Living): Marvel’s Brother Voodoo
The fourth in a series of posts about black superheroes. Marvel Comics’ Brother Voodoo—a character to feel really conflicted about.
On Collecting Comics & Critical Nostalgia
Identity is a constant retcon.
“Movies, Museums and the Hall of Fame” – Beat Street & the Past Future of Hip Hop
Hip Hop got up big time, and I love that, but its focus on cultural production left its political potential untapped.
Black Lightning Always Strikes Twice! – Double-Consciousness as a Super-Power.
Jefferson Pierce’s “blackness” is explored in relation to his superheroic identity, but doesn’t get anywhere.
“It’s Not About a Salary. It’s All About Reality. . .” KRS-One, ‘My Philosophy’ & Discursive Tension
By All Means Necessary a record that tries to consciously address a variety of issues in the communities of people listening to it, while not sacrificing the braggadocio and arrogant subjectivity that so often gives hip hop its energy and fun.
Reading for the (Hip Hop) Conversation
Hip Hop and homage as critique
The Middle Spaces 