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
Battle Pass for Crash Team Rumble is not necessary to unlock new characters; the upcoming closed beta

The competitive multiplayer spinoff of Crash Team Rumble, which will be available on both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, will debut on June 20. A closed beta for the game will be held in the coming weeks, and the good news that character unlocks won’t be dependent on Battle Pass progress was just revealed.
Publisher Activision made its intentions very clear in a lengthy blog post, writing, “New heroes and powers will be unlocked through in-game challenges rather than being connected to the Battle Pass because we want every player to have a balanced experience while enjoying the N. Sane fun that Crash Team Rumble has to offer.” “For those who wish to get a WUMP on the season’s newest looks, Battle Passes will solely reward cosmetic goods; however, cosmetics will still be earnable through participation in seasonal events.”
Those who preorder the platformer/battle royale mix can take part in a limited beta between April 20 and 24. For those who want to jump right in, online matches against other players and practice matches versus AI bots will be offered.
How does Crash Team Rumble strike you? Will you participate in the closed beta test?
Gaming
Indie Not on PlayStation Wins BAFTA Game of the Year, Beating PS5, PS4’s Greatest Hits

God of War Ragnarok and Elden Ring were both beaten out for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for Best Game by a tiny little independent title called Vampire Survivors, which isn’t even accessible on PlayStation systems. Do you really believe that?
Putting all lightheartedness aside, Vampire Survivors was something of a phenomenon in 2022, and you would have to be living under a rock (or live offline) to have missed it. It burst into prominence and eventually became a favorite among industry insiders. A fiendishly addictive fundamental gameplay loop hides beneath a deceptively simple exterior, earning developer Luca Galante, aka Poncle, this year’s BAFTA for Game Design as well as another honor.
Last up it’s the award for Best Game. Huge congratulations go to… Vampire Survivors! 🌟🦇🌟#BAFTAGamesAwards pic.twitter.com/nnH9xRQkn1
— BAFTA Games (@BAFTAGames) March 30, 2023
There hasn’t been any news of the mega-hit coming to PlayStation as of yet, so there’s probably some sort of exclusivity agreement in place or anything else blocking it. Perhaps one day we will be granted access to it, but until then, console yourself with one of the numerous high-end games on our preferred platform, such as The Last of Us, which won Best Game back in 2014.
In slightly related news, Shuhei Yoshida, a PlayStation legend, received a BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.
What do you think about the Vampire Survivors’ victory—do you believe it was well-deserved or totally absurd?
Gaming
On May 17, Crusader Kings 3: Royal Court Expansion will be available on consoles

While we felt Crusader Kings 3: Console Edition was fantastic when it was launched on the PS5 last year, we were only able to play the base game. We are incredibly grateful that the great Royal Court extension will be coming to consoles. This is a regal proclamation that we could not be more delighted to make.
It’s pretty difficult to switch back after you’ve experienced the conveniences and enhancements that Royal Court offers to the well-stocked table, as anyone who has played Crusader Kings 3 on PC knows. It’s not just for show; players will be able to use trophies and priceless pieces of art to adorn their throne room, which adds a minor RPG system to an already magnificently complex adventure.
If you haven’t already and like the basic Crusader King’s experience, we highly encourage you to give Royal Court a try. This expansion is the ideal reason to jump back in for another round of backroom maneuvering. Are you going to create your own royal court?
- Gadgets8 years ago
Why the Nexus 7 is still a good tablet in 2015
- Mobile Devices8 years ago
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Galaxy Note 5: is there room for improvement?
- Editorials8 years ago
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 – How bad updates prevent people from enjoying their phones
- Mobile Devices8 years ago
Nexus 5 2015 and Android M born to be together
- Gaming8 years ago
New Teaser For Five Nights At Freddy’s 4
- Mobile Devices8 years ago
Google not releasing Android M to Nexus 7
- Gadgets8 years ago
Moto G Android 5.0.2 Lollipop still has a memory leak bug
- Mobile Devices8 years ago
Nexus 7 2015: Huawei and Google changing the game