I have started playing Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on the iPad. I am enjoying it so far, but I must admit to having been spoiled for one of the big reveals in the game beforehand. Even so, by playing this and Mass Effect, I am starting to gain a real appreciation for the writing talent at BioWare.
Outstanding Game of Thrones Make-Up Inspired By Each House
Link: Outstanding Game of Thrones Make-Up Inspired By Each House
The Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons and more have never looked so fashionable! Fabulous artist Allison Chase designed these amazing GoT hair and make-up schemes inspired by all the main houses, and they’re gorgeous (okay, except for House Bolton’s. That one’s pretty gross). Check ‘em out!
Advice to New GMs : DnD
Link: Advice to New GMs : DnD
(I took some time writing this as a reply in another thread and thought maybe it deserved its own space) Here’s my advice to a first-time DM, coming …
Dragon Age Inquisition music
‘Dungeons & Dragons’ and Its Influence on a Generation of Writers
A Fascinating Article on ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ and Its Influence on a Generation of Writers
Speaking as a dyed-in-the-wool tabletop rpg player, this is a good read
A Guide to Pre-ordering Comics
Er… I did this.
The Wicked + the Divine is out on June 18th. If you pre-order before May 26th (i.e. Monday) you can guarantee a copy and make us all very happy. When I say “Us” I mean “Me.”
Everything You Need to Know About the Dungeons & Dragons Relaunch
Link: Everything You Need to Know About the Dungeons & Dragons Relaunch
After a two-year development process, Wizards of the Coast has finally announced release dates for the new edition of Dungeons & Dragons. Don your scale mail +1 and memorize your Magic Missile spells – it’s going to be a fun summer. Here’s what you need to know to get ready.
Where are all of the queer superheroes?
Link: Where are all of the queer superheroes?
It’s no secret around here that I love superhero movies, especially anything that’s a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but even in my interminable fangirling, I am able to recognize and acknowledge the flaws of these films. First and foremost, many superhero movies just aren’t that diverse in terms of casting. There are no current MCU movies lead by a woman (or a person of color, for that matter), and the MCU’s main competitor, DC/Warner Brothers, isn’t much better. However, with constant talk of a Black Widow solo film and African-American men cast in major roles in the next Fantastic Four movie, it seems we are slowly inching toward more diverse superheroes. That being said, there is still something missing from the conversation, and that is the topic of queer superheroes.
An interesting discussion about the representation, or lack of, of LGBT comic book characters in film/TV media.
Representation matters
Now think of how many of those female characters and protagonists are oversexed, created for the male gaze, or put in an inactive damsel role for the plot of the game. Representation matters. A Study last year proved that exposure to tv shows increased the self esteem of young white boys and markedly decreased the confidence and self esteem of girls across the board (and we haven’t even started on the representation of characters of color and the effect it has on children’s self perception).
Video games are a different media, and even more concerning if representation metrics are changing how our kids think of themselves. Especially knowing that 67% of American Households have video game consoles and 91% of Children play video games regularly, how do you think the portrayal (and lack of portrayals) of women and girls in these games is affecting little girls – or influencing how little boys view their importance and/or influence over them?
— Comics. Movies. Lit. Pop Culture. The Smash Survey is an upcoming podcast project that will critically explore the representation of race, gender, and queer identity in media and pop culture in a fun and engaging format.
Batman: Arkham Knight Trailer
Batman: Arkham Knight
Another Rocksteady Batman game, hopefully as good as the previous two, Arkham Asylum and Arkham City.
The Brain of Parky 