Sequestration Strains: The New Albums Helping Me Through Quarantine

Sequestration Strains

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Let's be real. 2020 has been fucking insane. At this point, who knows how this year will be remembered in the annals of US history. We are all stuck inside and if you're an entertainment junkie, specifically a music junkie, like me, it's been tough. Lots of albums have been postponed some with no new release date. Luckily, we haven't been entirely devoid of new music during this time. Here are some of the albums (all released during quarantine) that have been getting me through.

"I Am the Night" Rewatch: "Deep Freeze" & "Batgirl Returns"

Batman The Animated Series

We did it. No, we aren't at the end of this journey, but we are on the end of season two. It's a return of a villain made iconic by the series: Mr. Freeze and the return of the red-headed Caped Crusader, Batgirl. Without further adieu, let's get to it.

Re-Visiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Doctor Strange

"Doctor Strange" (2016)

As soon as Jasper Sitwell mentioned Stephen Strange to Steve Rogers on that rooftop in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," you knew it was only a matter of time before the MCU was introduced to its Sorcerer Supreme. It was announced in 2014 that "Sherlock"s Benedict Cumberbatch was announced in the titular role with Scott Derrickson directing. The film was set up to introduce a new corner to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We had gotten a glimpse of the intergalactic corner and now it was time to check out the mystical side of the MCU.

"Doctor Strange" began principal photography in November 2015 and wrapped on April 3, 2016. Along with Cumberbatch in the starring role, "Doctor Strange" also starred Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo, Benedict Wong as Wong, Mads Mikkelson as Kaecilius and Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One. The film was written by John Spaihts, Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill and directed by Scott Derrickson. It was released in theaters on November 4, 2016.

A Long Time Ago, In a Republic Far, Far Away: Attack of the Clones and the Start of the Clone Wars

Star Wars

Today is May 4th and for a while it's been a day to celebrate all things "Star Wars." May the Fourth Be With You? Get it? Since Carrie Fisher's untimely passing in 2016, it has also doubled as a day to pay tribute and homage to our Princess turned General. Seeing that it is a day to love on Star Wars, I thought it was the perfect time for my next post going through the new canon. It's time to talk about "Attack of the Clones" and an adventure featuring Mace Windu at the start of the Clone Wars.

"In the Name of the Moon" Rewatch: "Usagi Learns Her Lesson: Becoming a Star is Hard Work" & "The Girl Genius Is a Monster: The Brainwashing Cramschool of Horror"

Sailor Moon

We are starting to get into the meat of "Sailor Moon," especially with the second episode we will take a look at in this post. I love Usagi and the first few episodes with her working things out solo are charming and not bad, by any stretch. I just prefer the episodes with the other Senshi. Usagi is an even better when she has her close friends to bounce off of and while Naru is fine, she just doesn't stand shoulder to shoulder with the other Scouts. The introduction of Ami Mizuno comes at just the right time.

Comic Book Corner: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BOOM Studios)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BOOM Studios)

One of my first television obsessions as a teenager was "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." We didn't have the WB in the town I grew up until the show had entered its fifth season. I was immediately a Stan. Buffy is everything I want in a heroine. Smart, strong, sassy, flawed, I mean, look at her taste in guys. She was always someone I related to. Every year, I pull out my "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" DVDs and watch the series straight through along with "Angel" and I routinely get something new from the show. It is extremely meaningful to me.

For a long time, Dark Horse Comics held the license to Buffy and they routinely released different comings featuring our favorite Chosen One. There was a series that started during season three that helped flesh out different things and the show continued in comics form with seasons 8-12. Last year, Dark Horse lost the license to the "Whedonverse" characters and it was picked up by BOOM Studios.  Rather than re-invent the wheel, BOOM decided to take the characters we know and love and put them back in high school. It's like a re-boot of Buffy in 2019 but with all the original actors playing the roles.

"I Am the Night" Rewatch: "Lock-Up" & "Make 'Em Laugh"

Batman The Animated Series

You may think that these two episodes of B: TAS have nothing in common, but you'd be wrong! They both feature obscure, somewhat ludicrous villains that are created for the show but eventually made their way into the comics. They may not have the recognition and longevity of Harley Quinn, but they are there goddamn it! This common thread may be so think its ready to break, but it exists!