Author: Valerie Complex

Writer, Critic, and passionate about comics, movies and equality on the big screen.
Anime, Movies, Sci Fi10 Comments

Four Hollywood Rip Offs of Motoko Kusanagi

Valerie Complex

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the theatrical release of Ghost in the Shell, (and 26 years since the manga was first published).

There is no denying the influence this film has had on Hollywood. From James Cameron to Steven Spielberg, directors have praised writer Matsume Shirow and director Mamoru Oshii for their work on the series. Ghost In the Shell was a game changer as it introduced a true Japanese post-cyberpunk world to American audiences.

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Fantasy, Television2 Comments

Did Xena: Warrior Princess Inspire Legend of Korra?

Valerie Complex

In the 1990s, Xena: Warrior Princess — starring Lucy Lawless — ruled TV. Her chakram, armor, and famous warrior cry helped elevate Xena to one of the 25 best TV shows of all time. It’s 2015, and we have a new TV super woman, and her name is Korra, the Avatar (voiced by Janet Varney). The Legend of Korra is the Nickelodeon animated series that tells the story of a young woman who has the power to control the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Her power to control the elements makes her the most powerful human on the planet. Korra is tasked with bringing balance to the world by merging the spirit and human world in perfect harmony.

Being a fan of both Xena and Korra, the wheels started turning in my head, so I came up with a theory that the creators of Legend of Korra had a little Xena inspiration.

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Comics1 Comment

The NOC Review: RUNLOVEKILL #1

Valerie Complex

Written by Jonthan Tsuei and with art by Eric Canete, RUNLOVEKILL — which debuted last month — is a refreshing, futuristic, cyber-punk tale with art and elements that I would dare to compare to Aeon Flux. Issue #2 hits comic shops everywhere next week. Before it comes out, though, we’re going to take a look back at RUNLOVEKILL #1, which builds tension very well and leaves you on the edge of your seat.

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Comics, Interview2 Comments

Joe Glass and The Pride: LGBTQ Superheroes for a New Generation

Valerie Complex

Writer Joe Glass is out to change the world with his super powered comic book team The Pride, a team of super-heroes fighting against adversity for LGBTQ everywhere. I had the pleasure of speaking with Joe about The Pride project, his inspirations, and his upcoming adventures!

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Comics, Interview1 Comment

An Interview with RUNLOVEKILL Writer Jonathan Tsuei

Valerie Complex

Jonathan Tsuei and artist Eric Canete will soon be gracing the nerd world with their new comic from Image, RUNLOVEKILL. I had the honor of reading the first issue and can report that it is an innovative, futuristic, action packed story with some elements that I would dare to compare with Aeon Flux.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to writer Jonathan Tsuei about the comic, character development, and his future projects.

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Comics, DC Comics7 Comments

Art Imitates Life: The Powerful Message of V for Vendetta

Valerie Complex

This month makes nine years since the release of the V for Vendetta film directed by James McTeigue, and, 27 years since the graphic novel was released by DC Comics in 1988. This November will also mark the 410th anniversary of Guy Fawkes Night in Great Britain. I thought I would honor these anniversaries by discussing the reasons for the creation, and powerful message, of V for Vendetta, which has been a staple of freedom and justice in the comic community since its publication.

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Anime, Origins1 Comment

Origins: Anime is Life

Valerie Complex

I am one of those nerds that came out later in life. Growing up, I was not hip to nerd culture, but I thought the things I was into at the time were the norm. Being an anime fan growing up in the Bronx, I was somewhat of an outlier. This made me feel like I belonged to an exclusive group of individuals. I was the only one I knew at my school, and the only one on my block, that was into Japanese animation. However, that exclusivity didn’t last long. I had to share anime with all of my friends, and soon everyone else got hooked as well.

My first introduction to anime was Akira. But my reaction to it might not be what you’d expect.

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