Critical Hits & Misses #82

• Autostraddle has a handy guide to how to protect yourself and your online info, in the time of Voldemort. (Critical Writ staff)


• Fresh off the success of the fabulous Disney film, Moana, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dwayne Johnson team up yet again to bring us Millenials: The Musical, and EW has the deets! (Ivonne)

Remember what life was like before the world was plunged headlong into the Darkest Timeline? Tegan and Sara performed acoustically for NPR on the eve of the Trumpocalypse, and the resulting footage is a charming artifact of a more innocent time (Etienne):

1. If you were a wizard in the Harry Potter universe, what would your specialty be? What would you be doing for work?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be a jerkface.

Critical Hits and Misses #78

• Today in "Awesome Ladies You Should Know," Laura A. Parker wrote a profile for Glixel (Rolling Stone’s new awkwardly-named gaming site) on Amy Henning, Uncharted director who’s currently working for EA on a Star Wars game. (Dominik)


• And Today in "Smells Like Bullshit News," Kathleen Kennedy discusses why the massive Star Wars franchise hasn't yet hired a female director. Something something experience, because I guess there aren't female directors out there with plenty of experience already? (Ivonne)

For today's musical hit, watch Lady Gaga's "Million Reasons" live from the 2016 American Music Awards. (Ivonne)

Today's critical rolls:
1. What's the real reason we don't have lady directors of a massive franchise like Star Wars yet?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be an MRA asshole. 

Critical Hits and Misses #76

• Itch.io is offering a humongous bundle simply called A Good Bundle for minimum asking price $20. The bundle includes games like Gone Home, Proteus, Killing Time at Lightspeed, NORTH, Depression Quest and more. All of the proceeds will be split 50-50 between Planned Parenthood and ACLU. The offer ends on November 29. (Dominik)


• President Obama honors Ellen for her bravery in publicly coming out back when it wasn't socially acceptable to do so, and thus paving the way for LGBTQ rights. Spoiler alert, Ellen and Obama be like, "I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying..." (Ivonne)


• It's almost Black Friday in the US, the busiest shopping day of the year, and you know what that means, right? That's right, for us progressives, it means making informed choices on where we spend our money. Think Progress has a list of suggested stores that treat their workers like human beings. (Critical Writ staff)

For today's musical hit, we have Kate Bush's "And Dream Of Sheep." (Ivonne)

Today's critical roll:

1. Because we're in need of it, let's talk positive. What's been a positive thing that you've seen happen? Whether in your personal life, or in the public arena, in politics or in pop culture... give us something to cling to in this dark time.

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be the shiniest turd in the basket of deplorables.

Critical Hits and Misses #75

• Just when you think Black Panther's cast can't get any better, Angela Bassett gets announced as T'Challa's mother. E! News has the scoop! (Ivonne)


• The results for this year’s edition of the IFComp, the annual interactive fiction awards, are in. You can check out this year’s winners and the placement of other entries (58 total) at the awards’ main site, and a short summary of the top three picks at Rock, Paper, Shotgun. (Dominik)


• Stop me if you've heard this one before, especially if you're a comic book fan: one of the chief complaints leveled at the cast of Hamilton for their direct appeal to Vice-President-Elect Mike Pence is that they made the theater political. Which is hilarious when you consider what Hamilton is about. Or, if not hilarious, absolutely ridiculous. Katherine Brooks over at the Huffington Post talks about why this is notion is, historically, bullshit. (Critical Writ staff)

For today's musical hit, it's Panic! At the Disco cover by The Weekend/Daft Punk, on BBC's Live Lounge! (Ivonne)

Today's critical rolls:

What is your favourite political musical?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: Don't be a poisonous bunch-back’d toad!

Critical Hits and Misses #74

• Netflix has confirmed that Elodie Yung will return as Elektra for The Defenders. (John)


• What does President Trump mean for feminists? Nothing good, probably, other than as fuel to keep on fighting the good fight. (Ivonne)


• Ashley Williams is the Mass Effect trilogy’s most contentious companion character. Over at GamesRadar, Chris Tursten writes a defense and exploration of the character, and why it’s unfair to just write her off as “space racist.” (Dominik)

For today's musical hit, the ever fabulous Lindsey Stirling and ZZ Ward regales us with "Hold My Heart."  (Ivonne)

Today's critical rolls:

1.Have you played Mass Effect and/or Dragon Age? If not, why not?! If yes, who is your favorite companion?


— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be one of THOSE people. Yeah THOSE people. You know the kind.

Critical Hits and Misses #73

• You should know the name Eileen Collins, and if you don't, then read Mic's piece on this pioneering engineer and astronaut, and learn about several other awesome science ladies. (Ivonne)


• Cyborg Superman is officially coming to the CW’s Supergirl! Check out the news over at Comics Alliance. (John)

For today's musical hit, it's Friday, so here's Coldplay's Hymn For The Weekend:

Today's critical rolls:
1. If you could be any kind of scientist right now, what would your specialization be and why?


— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be an ignorant jackhole.

Critical Hits and Misses #70

• Umm... so there's going to be an Inhumans tv series? It'll be about the Royal Family? And it will affect the films? Marvel hit everyone by surprise yesterday with this bit of news. Surprise!. (Ivonne)


• Autostraddle discusses one of the most anticipated web series of 2017: Brown Girls. We can't hardly wait! (Tova)


• This may come as a shock to lots of people (apparently, according to a poll), but feminism is not misandry. The State Press explains why. (Ivonne)

For today's musical hit, we've got Calvin Harris "This Is What You Came For" featuring Rihanna.

Today's critical roll:

1. If you were Inhuman (or a mutant if you are of the X-men persuasion, or metahuman if you are the DC persuasion) what would your super power be? You only get one, so no stacking!

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be a poopy head to your fellow human beings.

Critical Hits and Misses #69

• Remember that one time that Mockingbird appeared on a cover of a comic book wearing a tshirt that said "Ask me about my feminist agenda?" And remember how Chelsea Cain was chased off Twitter over that? Well, we need to be asking the big questions of Marvel's male creators, and Claire Napier is doing so. (Tova)


• They see me rolling, on my Segway! Jemaine Clement dove into the mind of Weird Al in an interview for Vulture. (Zachary)

Because we need a pick-me-up, Stevie Wonder performed "Don't You Worry About A Thing" live on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and you should watch it. (Ivonne)

Today's critical rolls:
1. What's your feminist agenda?


— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't act like an AmeriKKKan. Seriously, don't. There's already been too much of that shit in the past week. Treat others with respect.

Critical Hits & Misses #65

• On the eve of the United States potentially electing its first woman president, The NY Times examines feminism today and the age young girls are growing up in, and also takes a look at why American men seem to have been left behind. (Ivonne)


• Game designer Brie Code provides a fascinating perspective at modern video games industry and the problems of getting non-gamers into trying them out in Video Games Are Boring. Over at Rock, Paper, Shotgun, Philippa Warr provides her own thoughts on the matter in a response article. (Dominik)


• A potential new pilot for a Cartoon Network show has been put on the YouTube. It has a great female protagonist, math, and a corgi! Watch it here and take a look at the petition if you want Infinity Train to chug its way to a full season pickup. (Zachary)

For today's musical hit, on the day the United States needs to elect its first woman president, we also need Bey to remind us what feminism is about in "Flawless." (Ivonne)

Today's critical rolls:
1. How will you celebrate continued life or the end of the world?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: literally, just don't be a fascist.

Critical Hits & Misses #64

• If Donald Trump loses the US presidential election, thank a woman. Vice discusses how women will save America from a Trump presidency, and delves into the topic of feminism laying the groundwork for the US’ first woman president. (Ivonne)


• Daveed Diggs from Hamilton made a Video with Humanity for Hillary laying out the differences between her and Trump. Daveed has taken up feminist causes before, creating a short video for #PeriodswithoutShame back in June. (SecretAgentR)


• How responsible are you for Donald Trump? Find out here! (Zachary)

For today's musical hit, because we're in the mood to smash the patriarchy, listen to Canadian rock band Metric sing "Glass Ceiling." (Ivonne)

Today's critical rolls:
1. Is there any good news for November?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be a Nazi Oompa Loompa.

Critical Hits & Misses #59

Courtesy of My Life With Buns
Left to Right: Mochi (♀), Charcoal (♂), and Pepper (♀).

In lieu of Bunday, we present you with your favorite horror films... re-enacted by kittens! (John)

• Another year, another offensive celebrity Halloween costume: this time it’s Hilary Duff and her boyfriend doing a pilgrim/Indian costume. Hey, at least she’s apologized already. (Ivonne)


• The Washington Post asks that burning question we all would like an answer to: Dear Science, why do people like scary movies and haunted houses? (Ivonne)

For today's musical hit, we're paying tribute to a great 80's classic, and also to the man who's name is synonymous with Dracula.  We give you: Bela Lugosi's Dead by The Bauhaus.  Happy Halloween! (Megan)

Today's critical rolls:

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't ruin Halloween for the children. Seriously, this not a joke. Let children enjoy things.

Critical Hits & Misses #58

• Meg Elison asks the question, what if women wrote men the way men write women? Hilarity ensues. (Megan)


• How political are your pubes, ladies? Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett over at The Guardian is tired of how often a woman’s personal grooming comes up as a topic for women’s magazines. She’s right when she says, “feminists are needed elsewhere.” (Ivonne)

For today's musical hit, An oldie but goodie as we get ready for the Halloween weekend! (Megan)

Today's critical rolls:

1. Anecdotal critical roll! What's the best thing to have happen to you in a game, after rolling ridiculously well?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be a blarghnflarghian colon implosion.

Critical Hits & Misses #57

• The New Yorker has a pretty cool feminist timeline that takes a look at the past nearly one hundred years in American feminism, and what feminism looked like in that time. (Ivonne)


• Salon talks about what happens when a real human being becomes a meme on the internet. He uses the story of the rise and fall of Ken Bone, who became an internet celebrity after asking a question at the second Presidential debate. A pretty interesting discussion on the dehumanization of people when they become meme-mefied. (Ivonne)

For today's musical hit, Lindsey Sterling's new video, "Prism" for her newly released album. (Ivonne)

Today's critical rolls:

1. The Holidays are almost upon us. Are you dreading or excited for them?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be a tumorous anal wart.

Critical Hits & Misses #56

CBR presents an interview with Greg Rucka, where he discusses his Wonder Woman title, reactions garnered by his comments on the character, and the simple truths of The Goddess of Truth, herself. Note: Rucka takes no shit this day. (John)

Quartz discusses the epic battle happening right now between feminism and misogyny in South Korea. (Ivonne)

The Hindustan Times has the scoop on everything you need to know about India’s first feminist superhero comic, Priya’s Shakti. Warning: this article does mention India’s gang-rape problem as part of Priya’s origin story. (Ivonne)

For today's musical hit, check out this really cool and kinda creepy video for Sia's "The Greatest."(Ivonne)

Today's critical rolls:

1. What is the most convoluted superhero origin?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be a purposefully obtuse cluster-Fuck of obnoxious self-involvement.

Critical Hits & Misses #55

• Salon discusses how comic books are steadily becoming more inclusive, but that we still have a long way to go. A+++ for mentioning Squirrel Girl and her “cheerful feminism.” (Ivonne)


• Did you watch the season premiere of The Walking Dead? Matt Zoller Seitz over at Vulture discusses the empty violence of the show, and discusses violence in other shows like Game of Thrones. Spoilers for TWD’s season premiere! (Ivonne)

Today's musical hit is a pleasant R&B number that makes judicious use of sampled harmonies. (Etienne)

Today's critical rolls:

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be an actual cannibal.

Critical Hits & Misses #54

• The Nerds of Color report on Rob Liefeld's statements on The #AAIronFist controversy. As a man who once made a comic so bad that it killed a man, Liefeld's opinions are exactly as apt as one might imagine. (John)


• “White Feminists are Ruining Feminism” is a rather brutal open letter to white feminists, from Asian-American Jin Hyun. (Ivonne)


• The patent documents for the Nintendo Switch reveal a secret feature, as of yet unconfirmed: image projection! (Adrian)

For today's musical hit, check out something mellow, but visually awesome, with Arctic - Visual Vibes. (Ivonne)

Today's critical rolls:

1. Sword-gun or gun-sword?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be a jerk. Seriously, just don't. 

Critical Hits & Misses #52

• Nintendo has just announced their successor to The Wii U: The Nintendo Switch. Oddly, it has less to do with D/s and more to do with ease of alternating between home and portable variations of the console. (John)


• Autostraddle has everything you should know about America Chavez, the Marvel Latinx superhero that is finally going to get her own series! (Ivonne)


• Head over to Vice to meet the feminist comic artists who draw porn in public. In a piece by Jackie Dives and Sarah Berman, artists Robin Bougie and Maxine Frank are interviewed about how they got started on porn. (Ivonne)

For today's musical hit, listen to and watch the soothing sounds and visuals of Maggie Roger's new video, "Alaska." (Ivonne)

Today's critical rolls:
1. What game do you hope most for on The Nintendo Switch?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be a bad omelet.

Critical Hits & Misses #48

• The insanity of 2016 reaches a new height with the announcement of a Justice League and Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers crossover by DC and Boom. The series will be written by Tom Taylor, with art by Stephen Byrne. (John)
• The creator of Pepe, The Frog discusses the nature of memes and of reclaiming them in response to his character's popularity with alt-Right Hate groups. (Adrian)
• The second annual ComiqueCon is almost upon us! The Detroit metro area will be featuring a celebration of women in comics and discussion on all forms of inter-sectional feminism. 

For today's musical hit, Avenge Sevenfold's The Stage.

Today's critical rolls:
1. Did you watch Power Rangers as a child? If so, which iteration was your favorite?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't disrespect Bulk and Skull - the world's greatest super-heroes.

Critical Hits & Misses #47

• In a great analytical piece over at Comic Book Resources, Tom Bondurant discusses how the Justice Society of America can possibly fit into the Berlantiverse when early seasons of Arrow failed to establish the presence of superheroes before the Green Arrow. Bondurant walks us through the introduction of metas in The Flash, and some of the shenanigans introduced by the Legends of Tomorrow. 


• The Hollywood Reporter: Kevin Feige and Scott Derrickson discuss the controversial casting of Tilda Swinton in Marvel's Dr. Strange, as well as Cumberbatch's baby on set, and the actor doing his own stunts. 


• In case you missed it, Star Wars: Rogue One dropped a new trailer recently! Vanity Fair discusses the familiar Star Wars cliches to be found in the trailer. 

In celebration of today's announcement that Bob Dylan has been awarded the Nobel prize for Literature for his poetic lyrics, our musical hit is an oldie but a goodie: Dylan's 1963 live performance of Blowing In The Wind:

Today's critical roll:
1. Star Wars or Star Trek? Both? Neither?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be a deplorable in the basket of life.

Critical Hits & Misses #46

• As a wonderful 75th anniversary gift, The United Nations names Wonder Woman an honorary ambassador. (John)
• GamerGate critic Sarah Nyberg coded a Twitter bot to respond to "all the main phenotypes of angry, unfulfilled internet bro, including alt-righters, Gamergaters, MRAs, Anonymous, Julian Assange fanboys, and the ever-present Infowars conspiracy theory crowd," inciting some of them to argue with the bot for up to ten hours. (Adrian)
• Lizzie Crocker over at The Daily Beast asks whether fashion can ever be truly feminist. (Ivonne)

For today's musical hit, enjoy the velvety voice of Michael Bublé  in his newest video, "Nobody But Me."

Today's critical rolls:
1. Pie v. Cake: Dawn of Dessert?

— Critical Writ has a super-duper strict comment policy that specifies a single rule above all others: don't be an odious Fuckboy.