Geek Culture
Ending the Superhero Gender Gap
Following the release of the wildly popular and notably light on women “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and comments about Black Widow’s (Scarlet Johansson) “slutty” behavior, a slow backlash began to build. The hostile responses then crested after Wikileaks (say what you will, but at least they keep corporate America honest) released an email detailing the reasons Marvel Execs continue to pass on female superhero films. The controversy about gender biases in the film industry, and the comic book industry, is far from new, but well worth reexamining.
Now I know what you’re thinking: comic books can be sexist? Seriously? You mean with all the half-naked gals in spandex, the 60 or so years of “women in refrigerators,” and women used as eye candy damsels in distress? That stuff? No way is that sexist. Yes way.
In the email between Marvel executives Ike Perlmutter and Michael Lynton, they discuss the demerits of three critically panned and universally ‘meh’ superheroine films, “Electra,” “Catwoman,” and “Supergirl.” In it, they list some of the general budgetary concerns behind their lack of interest in creating new superheroine movies. Aside from saying “a very bad idea,” with regards to “Electra,” they mention little else.
One of the largest fallacies not addressed or not covered in the now-infamous email is the fact that, while a few ladies in tights films have been serious bombs, they’re greatly outnumbered by their male spandex counterparts. Their superhero brethren have contributed some of the worst stink bombs of the cinematic world: lest we forget the wretchedness of “Judge Dredd,” “Superman Returns,” “Steel” (thanks in part due to Shaq’s one small attribute—his acting ability), “Green Lantern,” “Daredevil,” and the list goes on and on.
The real problem stems from Hollywood’s standard treatment of female roles. It’s not that female action leads don’t sell. Their dramatic and monetary power has been revealed in films “The Hunger Games” and “Underworld” series. And how quickly we forget classics like the original “Alien” and “Barbarella” (okay, bad example). What weighs down films, even those featuring extremely popular genre icons of any gender–but especially women superheroes–is this antiquated scripting which either camps up or dumbs down the story and characters.
This lack of quality characterization is evident in each of the films mentioned in the email and in every failed superhero film. Even the most easygoing movie-goer can smell a pathetic trope or hackneyed back story a mile away. And guess what, it’s bad writing, bad directing, and miscasting that always kills the beast. But there’s also something more fundamentally flawed at the heart of the superhero gender gap: male ego issues.
Theoretically speaking, women-in-tights films should have a lock on the male 13-55 demographic—what with attractive women in very very tight clothing, nonstop action and violence, and popular comic books as their source. And with many women and girls now reading comics, that’s another major audience group out there, waiting to fill movie seats.
So what’s the problem? Perhaps it’s similar to the issues many men still have with women in power. Whether a CEO, an athlete, or a female president, some men seem to be desperately afraid of women with power. Does it have something to do with being worried that the gasping remnants of those age-old myths about male superiority might just shrivel up the rest of the way and finally die? If so, don’t worry, gents. I’m sure we’ll still be able to corner the market on grave digging and mustache growing.
With the popularity of the superhero films in general, and with a “Supergirl” TV show in the works, the time is right for super-women to return to the limelight. With a halfway decent script, a solid director, and a little character development, boffo box office is sure to follow. What do you say, Marvel? It’s 2015. How about dropping the “Mad Men” act?
Gaming
Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game
Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.
Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.
Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.
What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Gaming
ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games
Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.
In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.
According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.
In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!
Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Gaming
Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5
It appears that many
are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.
We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.
「Stellar Blade」 Physical Package Secrets⚠️#StellarBlade #PS5 #Disc pic.twitter.com/WQSzKUSDQ4
— StellarBlade (@StellarBlade) April 22, 2024
It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.
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