ON HIATUS

As I'm sure you've noticed, TSN hasn't been updated in quite some time. Due to professional writing commitments, I've been unable to maintain the blog as I would like and I've made the decision to place it on an indefinite hiatus, until either my schedule allows for me to devote the attention to it that it deserves or I find a suitable replacement Editor to which I can hand over the reins. TSN was my baby for years and I'm beyond grateful for the work and dedication that my editors and writers have shown to the site and for the readers who gave us their time and attention. Thank you all! 

Sunny days,

Melissa

GAME TRAILER: Lightning Returns!

The third and final installment in the saga of Lightning Farron is set for a 2013 release and Square Enix has just dropped the game's first official trailer. Lightning's new look is even more fantastical, though less feathery, than the last and the jury's still out on those peek-a-boo side panels. But no amount of strategically ill-advised bare skin could damper our enthusiasm for this game. The trailer was an the result of an embargo break, so there's no saying how long it'll be up on YouTube so get it while it's hot, kids.

FINALLY, THE TRAILER THE OTHER TRAILER WARNED US ABOUT: IRON MAN 3

Iron Man 3 isn't due out until April 2013 but the marketing blitz for Marvel Studio's next offering is already in full force. After last week's trailer for the actual trailer, fans can finally sink their teeth into the full length HD trailer for Iron Man 3. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like movie marketing is getting a wee bit out of hand. After months of posters, clips, teasers, and various sundry crumbs, I'd already experienced Batman fatigue by the time The Dark Knight Rises was released and it looks like Iron Man 3's marketing strategy is following the same road.

The most pressing question that arises from this trailer, however, isn't whether or not I'll be sick of Tony Stark before Iron Man 3 actually hits theaters . . . it's 'What on earth is going on with Ben Kingsley's accent?' According to the studio, Kingsley's character, The Mandarin, will not be Chinese, as in the comics, but will inhabit a non-specified possibly pan-Asian identity. That's problematic enough in its own right, but I find the bizarre choice of accent to be a head-scratching decision. Check out the trailer after the cut.

GAME REVIEW: KINGDOM HEARTS 3D: DREAM DROP DISTANCE

With a tale of friendship and loyalty put to the test, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance strikes gold on the Nintendo 3DS. Featuring gameplay between the franchise’s most beloved characters, Sora and Riku, the game follows the two heroes as they undertake their exam for the Mark of Mastery. Xehanort is putting the last pieces of his plans together, and with the help from some unexpected visitors, the two heroes must drop into the Sleeping Worlds and unlock the Keyholes. As in previous instalments, KH3D puts you on an adventure that spans over multiple Disney-themed worlds, with several cameos from the Final Fantasy series.

BLAXPLOITATION VS. BLACK CRITICISM: THE BOONDOCKS AND BLACK DYNAMITE

Black Dynamite, created by Michael Jai White, Scott Sanders, and Byron Minns

Since its premiere, Adult Swim’s newest show Black Dynamite, based on the brilliant 2009 blaxploitation spoof of the same name, has hastily been compared to sister series The Boondocks, and while the comparison is apt, it isn’t necessarily a fair (or even justified) view of the two shows. While they definitely share the same stomping ground (the antics, tropes, and tribulations of African American society/culture), Black Dynamite and The Boondocks are ultimately two different creatures, and what funny, insightful, and controversial creatures they are. But in order to understand the differences between the two series, we need to come to terms with the difference between parody and satire, the respective comedic aims of both shows that have been misinterpreted and confused for far too long.

NERD STYLE: SUPERNOVA NAILS

Ever since I stumbled upon Beautylish's galaxy nails tutorial, I've been dying to try it out, but I had my doubts about my ability to pull it off (it's harder than they make it look). I couldn't mimic their exact look, so I decided to make it my own and went with supernova nails instead. Using the supernova remnant Cassiopeia as inspiration, I combined Barry M's black, bright purple, mint green, lemon, and coral nail varnish and topped it all off with a dusting of Sally Hansen multi-hued glitter. Picture after the cut!

MOVIE REVIEW: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

Rebooting a young franchise is tricky business so when Sony Pictures announced that Spider-Man would once again grace the silver screen with his origin story in this summer's The Amazing Spider-Man, many a fan aimed a dubious side-eye at the studio. Nay-sayers be silenced because director Marc Webb has successfully defied those low expectations and crafted a Spidey flick that lives up to its name.