Mikayla J. Laird
Bio
Passionate life long film and comic fan. Firm believer in using entertainment to educate. Part-time lecturer.
https://www.facebook.com/MikaylaJLaird/
Stories (7/0)
Akira—How the World Fell in Love with an Incomplete Masterpiece
In 1988, the world was treated to the stunning marvel that is Akira. Critically acclaimed, and celebrated the world over, Akira has become a staple of cult cinema and anime. Based on the seminal Manga of the same name by Katsuhiro Otomo, and more commonly referred to as the stack of phone books most collectors of such material have in the top corner of their libraries. The film has garnered much respect for its visuals, style, and compelling story. It was revolutionary in its creation, even from a technical standpoint. Having all new colours created for the process of cell colourisation, particularly in the films numerous nighttime scenes, and its use of pre-recorded dialogue, something that while standard in the west, was and still is, consistently uncommon in the east.
By Mikayla J. Laird7 years ago in Geeks
Spotlight on: Silk - The Life and Times of Cindy Moon
To my utter dismay, it was announced last month that Marvel has canceled the Silk ongoing series. While the series is admittedly, not as popular as the likes of Spider-Gwen, Deadpool, or even Squirrel Girl, it contains a truly compelling story, and a highly relatable lead, in the form of Cindy Moon, aka, Silk!
By Mikayla J. Laird7 years ago in Geeks
9 Superman Stories Everyone Should Read.
While not as popular as the caped crusader, Batman. Superman is *THE* quintessential superhero. The first, and greatest. Since his creation in 1938, Superman and his alter ego Clark Kent, have become the cornerstone of pop culture, recognised the world over, and has become the hero of many. But when it comes to comics, I find that people are incredibly reluctant to explore the man of steel’s many, many wonderful stories. Some refer to him as the big blue boy scout, others say that he is completely un-relatable, or even boring, but I assure you, that’s not the case. While it is incredibly tempting to scream at you all to dive straight into the DC Rebirth books for Superman, it seems worth gathering an understanding of the character and his universe, before his days as a father, husband, and protector of the world from the town of Hamilton County.
By Mikayla J. Laird7 years ago in Geeks
Journalism and The Dark Knight Returns
It may not instantly come to mind, but journalism runs deep through the worlds of superhero comics. Comics first superhero, Superman, lives his alter ego as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet. Superman’s love interest, the wonderful Lois Lane, famously states in the 1978s Superman: The Movie, that “a good reporter doesn’t get good stories, a good reporter makes them great.” Hop across to the Marvel universe, and you have the likes of Spider-Man (Peter Parker), The Green Goblin (Norman Osborne), Ben Urich, J. Jonah Jameson, and Silk (Cindy Moon), all have prominent ties to either The Daily Bugle, or Fact Channel News.
By Mikayla J. Laird7 years ago in Geeks
Superman: Evolution of Power
Created at the hands of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Superman is the quintessential superhero. The one that started the entire genre, inspired by circus strongmen and the fantasies of outsiders. Heroes that came afterward would leave a mark in their own way, but only one was Superman. Many would not only carry the idea of Superman, but would take on a name of and attributes from a second source, in the case of Batman, he would take the form of a Bat and strike fear in the hearts of his enemies, “for Superman, the name and costume both contribute to the impression of him as “super” – a mighty Other.” [Brownie, Graydon. 2015:12] But the Superman introduced in Action Comics #1 1938, differs greatly from the Superman we have come to know and love now.
By Mikayla J. Laird7 years ago in Geeks
Electricomics
The medium we know as comic books have existed since the 1930’s. They have been described as “a technology all its own”, “that [have] been accumulating and progressing” [Kamen] ever since. Longer if you consider early cave paintings a form of comics. But, as the mediums of television and film have evolved with the ever-changing abilities of modern technology, comics seem to have remained engraved purely in ink and paper. Even with the ubiquitous use of e-readers and e-book apps, comic apps have been content to simply “replicate the experience of the printed page” [Barnett].
By Mikayla J. Laird7 years ago in Geeks
The Enigma of Miracleman
The name Alan Moore holds a lot of weight in the comic book community. Even those with only a passing interest in the subject have come across some of his work, most likely the highly rated and critically acclaimed Watchmen and V for Vendetta. Some may have even immersed themselves in the likes of From Hell and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, the fact of the matter being that Alan Moore is celebrated for a reason. During a conversation several weeks ago, I had a number of comic recommendations given to me. This one conversation included titles such as Grant Morrison’s Zenith, Jess Nevins’ League companion Heroes & Monsters, and an Alan Moore title I had never come across before. Miracleman.
By Mikayla J. Laird7 years ago in Geeks
