Originally published March 12 on The Mary Sue.
All the Birds In the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders is a delightfully disruptive novel. With protagonists coming from opposing worlds, magic and science, this book defies not only the schism of its own genre (sci-fi/fantasy), but the illusion of duality in the first place. By challenging the symbolism of various dichotomies, Anders proposes a refreshingly sincere answer to the apocalypse: that empathy and love can save us from extinction.
Read MoreIf Marvel’s Hip Hop variant covers and the #DCYou campaign are meant to increase diversity in comics, our industry needs to understand authentic representation on a deeper level.
Read MoreAs one of the lead advocates for building women’s representation in geek culture, “The Mary Sue”—a female-centric blog devoted to comics, sci-fi, fantasy, tech, and beyond—developed and hosted “Fight What You Know,” a panel on demystifying the writing process, at this year’s New York Comic Con (October 9–12).
Read MoreOftentimes you need a small, metaphysical kick in the head to fully comprehend that your every action and inaction has consequence. In theory, this is a no-brainer; so obvious it blends into the background of your routine, hum-drum life. In reality, that which divides understanding and living a statement is paperthin. The only force required to break this barrier is a small action. This can range from an email to a smile; from saying hello to your neighbor to reading a book that was recommended by a friend.
Read MoreWhen one takes a gander at Silent Barn, located at 603 Bushwick Avenue, it appears to be just another closed and somewhat ramshackle storefront. Upon further analysis of the oddly electric, pastel mural covering the gate, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suspect that this space is frequented by “hipsters.” What then, makes Silent Barn (otherwise known as “the Barn”) different from other art spaces in Bushwick? For starters, they possess a genuine and proven commitment to diverse programming. They also have a Community Outreach group that is dedicated to ensure that the arts collective is a socially conscious one.
Read MoreOn a rainy winter evening, with the overhead cacophony of the J/M line pounding in my ears and the weak light emanating from the sparse street lights, Bloom Cafe–located at 996 Broadway–called out to me like a lighthouse. The warm sherbet tones of the walls and the streamlined layout created a welcoming atmosphere indicative of Bloom Cafe’s open-door policy and overall positive connection with Bushwick.
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