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Geek Dad
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Dad
Review – Secret Six #3: Betrayal in Checkmate
Secret Six #3 cover, via DC Comics. Ray: I love it when comics manage to combine concepts that should never work together. Nicole Maines' Secret Six is a follow-up from the Gail Simone run and Tom Taylor's Suicide Squad in a lot of ways, but it's also a fascinating look at the dysfunctional dynamics in DC's teen heroes right now – which makes it the best successor to the Teen Titans franchise DC has had in a long time. The core trio of Jon Kent, Jay Nakamura, and Nia Nal have enough issues with each other to fill a magazine rack at this point, and Black Alice is mainly there to stir some shit and enjoy the chaos. And now they have to infiltrate a Checkmate gathering, one where Amanda Waller's fate is being determined as powerful players try to get her power and positions back – and the two factions of the team have completely different intentions for what comes next. And it's all about to come to the fore in the messiest way possible. Cloak and dagger. Via DC Comics. Of course, there are some other characters here too – Catman and Deadshot – and they have some issues to work out too. There are some fascinating reveals about exactly what happened to Deadshot when he was dead (when he wasn't a zombie over in Task Force Z), that calls into harsh relief the stakes they're playing with here. This issue also has a great edge to it, as the characters were all wronged by Amanda Waller's regime in one way or another and all have their own idea of what justice looks like. As things fall apart between Jon and Nia as he realizes just how far she's willing to go, we start to even see some common ground between her and the vengeful Jay. There isn't all that much plot advancement in this issue, but there's some great character work and a twist ending that hints at the return of a major player from the Gail Simone run – which is more than enough to make me excited for the next issue. To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week. GeekDad received this comic for review purposes. Liked it? Take a second to support GeekDad and GeekMom on Patreon!
The Age
28-04-2025
- The Age
Serious question: why are there so many keys?
Out of all the possible things that could do it, I was radicalised by the DVD region lock. Remember those things? All you wanna do is watch your Region One copy of Donnie Darko, and instead you get an error message saying you've committed a federal crime. The multi-region DVD player was my golden key to a whole new world (of questionable arthouse films), and I've committed my life to selfless activism in the name of liberty ever since. Not really, but I still hate locks. They're such a waste of time! Unnecessary roadblocks in the paths of our daily lives. It's like we're all doing hurdles when we could just be doing a 100-metre dash. (I appreciate that you're probably reading this from behind a paywall, the only acceptable lock because it funds my dark chocolate habit. Note: the chocolate's dark, not the habit.) Locks are everywhere. Our lives are like that Charli XCX song: all day it's like, 'lock it, lock it, lock it, unlock it, got the key can you unlock it?' Great track, but it's not supposed to be a guide for living. We come into this world immediately lock-pilled. As children, we're told cautionary tales about Goldilocks, that nefarious blonde girl who strolls into unlocked homes to smash chairs and steal porridge. Later in our adolescence, we willingly padlock our diaries so no one can know our deepest secrets like, 'I'm in love with Raven from Teen Titans '. In high school, we shove all our stuff into padlocked metal lockers, fearful that teenage hands are out to pilfer our textbooks or those syllabus copies of Anne Frank's diary (oddly enough, the only diary not padlocked). This baseline dread explodes in adulthood. We pat ourselves down every morning before we leave the house, chanting 'phone, wallet, keys' like life's saddest mantra. We unlock our phones with our fingerprints or faces or endless patterns of pin codes. We log into our work laptops with another password that we're forced to update every few months, lest anyone steal our super exciting folder of holiday photos from Port Macquarie. By the time we've properly started our day, we've unlocked more locks than a prison warden. Even in my own home, if I want to open a window, I have to use a key first thanks to all the intricate locks put in place to stop the infamous Spider Villain of the Inner West who's scaling six-storey apartment blocks to steal, I don't know, a La Creuset crockpot? (it's the only valuable item I own). If I want to hang up laundry on my balcony, I have to remember to flick the lock first or risk fumbling all my freshly cleaned underpants on a floor that's perennially covered in 100s and 1000s (how do kids manage this and where are they even getting them from?). Locks at home are such a dumb hassle. What am I even protecting? Yellowed paperbacks I haven't looked at in a decade? Soft toys scattered in every corner? A loaf of stale sliced bread? At this point, robbing me should be called 'cleaning'.
Sydney Morning Herald
22-04-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Get your locks off, get your locks off, honey
Out of all the possible things that could do it, I was radicalised by the DVD region lock. Remember those things? All you wanna do is watch your Region One copy of Donnie Darko, and instead you get an error message saying you've committed a federal crime. The multi-region DVD player was my golden key to a whole new world (of questionable arthouse films), and I've committed my life to selfless activism in the name of liberty ever since. Not really, I just still hate locks. They're such a waste of time! Unnecessary roadblocks in the paths of our daily lives. It's like we're all doing hurdles when we could just be doing a 100-metre dash. (I appreciate that you're probably reading this from behind a paywall, the only acceptable lock because it funds my dark chocolate habit. Note: the chocolate's dark, not the habit.) Locks are everywhere. Our lives are like that Charli XCX song: all day it's like, 'lock it, lock it, lock it, unlock it, got the key can you unlock it?' Great track, but it's not supposed to be a guide for living. We come into this world immediately lock-pilled. As children, we're told cautionary tales about Goldilocks, that nefarious blonde girl who strolls into unlocked homes to smash chairs and steal porridge. Later in our adolescence, we willingly padlock our diaries so no one can know our deepest secrets like, 'I'm in love with Raven from Teen Titans.' In high school, we shove all our stuff into padlocked metal lockers, fearful that teenage hands are out to pilfer our textbooks or those syllabus copies of Anne Frank's diary (oddly enough, the only diary not padlocked). This baseline dread explodes in adulthood. We pat ourselves down every morning before we leave the house, chanting 'phone, wallet, keys' like life's saddest mantra. We unlock our phones with our fingerprints or faces or endless patterns of pin codes. We log into our work laptops with another password that we're forced to update every few months, lest anyone steal our super exciting folder of holiday photos from Port Macquarie. By the time we've properly started our day, we've unlocked more locks than a prison warden. Even in my own home, if I want to open a window, I have to use a key first thanks to all the intricate locks put in place to stop the infamous Spider Villain of the Inner West who's scaling six-storey apartment blocks to steal, I don't know, a La Creuset crockpot? (it's the only valuable item I own). If I want to hang up laundry on my balcony, I have to remember to flick the lock first or risk fumbling all my freshly cleaned underpants on a floor that's perennially covered in 100s and 1000s (how do kids manage this and where are they even getting them from?). Locks at home are such a dumb hassle. What am I even protecting? Yellowed paperbacks I haven't looked at in a decade? Soft toys scattered in every corner? A loaf of stale sliced bread? At this point, robbing me should be called 'cleaning'.
The Age
22-04-2025
- The Age
Get your locks off, get your locks off, honey
Out of all the possible things that could do it, I was radicalised by the DVD region lock. Remember those things? All you wanna do is watch your Region One copy of Donnie Darko, and instead you get an error message saying you've committed a federal crime. The multi-region DVD player was my golden key to a whole new world (of questionable arthouse films), and I've committed my life to selfless activism in the name of liberty ever since. Not really, I just still hate locks. They're such a waste of time! Unnecessary roadblocks in the paths of our daily lives. It's like we're all doing hurdles when we could just be doing a 100-metre dash. (I appreciate that you're probably reading this from behind a paywall, the only acceptable lock because it funds my dark chocolate habit. Note: the chocolate's dark, not the habit.) Locks are everywhere. Our lives are like that Charli XCX song: all day it's like, 'lock it, lock it, lock it, unlock it, got the key can you unlock it?' Great track, but it's not supposed to be a guide for living. We come into this world immediately lock-pilled. As children, we're told cautionary tales about Goldilocks, that nefarious blonde girl who strolls into unlocked homes to smash chairs and steal porridge. Later in our adolescence, we willingly padlock our diaries so no one can know our deepest secrets like, 'I'm in love with Raven from Teen Titans.' In high school, we shove all our stuff into padlocked metal lockers, fearful that teenage hands are out to pilfer our textbooks or those syllabus copies of Anne Frank's diary (oddly enough, the only diary not padlocked). This baseline dread explodes in adulthood. We pat ourselves down every morning before we leave the house, chanting 'phone, wallet, keys' like life's saddest mantra. We unlock our phones with our fingerprints or faces or endless patterns of pin codes. We log into our work laptops with another password that we're forced to update every few months, lest anyone steal our super exciting folder of holiday photos from Port Macquarie. By the time we've properly started our day, we've unlocked more locks than a prison warden. Even in my own home, if I want to open a window, I have to use a key first thanks to all the intricate locks put in place to stop the infamous Spider Villain of the Inner West who's scaling six-storey apartment blocks to steal, I don't know, a La Creuset crockpot? (it's the only valuable item I own). If I want to hang up laundry on my balcony, I have to remember to flick the lock first or risk fumbling all my freshly cleaned underpants on a floor that's perennially covered in 100s and 1000s (how do kids manage this and where are they even getting them from?). Locks at home are such a dumb hassle. What am I even protecting? Yellowed paperbacks I haven't looked at in a decade? Soft toys scattered in every corner? A loaf of stale sliced bread? At this point, robbing me should be called 'cleaning'.
Associated Press
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
11-Year Old Creates Superhero Cartoon. Zakariyus Ford Launches First Ever Black Kids Network Cartoon Show.
Zakariyus Ford - Creator of The Zakariyus The Role Model Cartoon An 11-year-old always wanted to see a superhero cartoon character that looks like him. With this lack of representation, Zakariyus Ford decided to take matters into his own hands and created his own cartoon. The Zakariyus the Role Model Show has taken the world by storm with a unique superhero cartoon that showcases creativity and imagination. This young animator not only brings a fresh perspective to the superhero genre but also inspires others to chase their dreams. Video: Video Link: Key Takeaways Inspiring Young Creators, Empowering the Next Generation It's amazing to see young people take the reins and create something from scratch. This 11-year-old's superhero cartoon is a perfect example of what happens when kids are given the space and encouragement to explore their imagination. It's not just about the final product, but the whole process of learning, experimenting, and bringing a vision to life. We need to champion these young creators and give them the tools they need to succeed. The Importance of Role Models Kids need to see people who look like them doing cool things. When a young person sees another kid creating a cartoon, it makes the possibility feel real. It's not some distant dream anymore; it's something they can actually do. Encouraging Creativity in Kids How do we get more kids creating? It starts with providing a supportive environment. It's about letting kids know that their ideas are valuable and that their unique perspectives are needed. Let's make sure every child has the chance to bring their creative visions to life. The Journey of a Young Animator From Idea to Screen It's amazing to see a New animation cartoon come to life, especially when it's the brainchild of an 11-year-old! The journey from initial concept to a finished product is a long one, filled with creative decisions and technical challenges. First, there's the spark of an idea, then comes character design, storyboarding, animation, voice acting, and finally, editing. It's a complex process, but incredibly rewarding to see your vision realized. Overcoming Challenges Creating animation isn't always easy. There are technical hurdles, like learning animation software, and creative blocks, like figuring out how to make a scene work. It's a lot of problem-solving! Here are some common challenges: It's all part of the learning process, and overcoming these challenges makes the final product even more satisfying. Maybe check out Teen Titans for inspiration! Support from Family and Friends Having a support system is so important, especially for young creators. Encouragement from family and friends can make a huge difference in keeping the motivation going. Whether it's helping with technical issues, providing feedback on the story, or just offering words of encouragement, that support is invaluable. It's also cool to see if cartoon network is looking for new talent! Character Development and Themes Creating Relatable Heroes It's not enough to just have cool powers and a snazzy costume. To really grab people, especially younger viewers, you need characters they can connect with. Think about it: what makes a hero someone you root for? Is it their flaws? Their struggles? Their determination to do what's right, even when it's hard? A good hero has to feel real, even in a world of make-believe. It's about giving them motivations and backstories that make sense, so the audience understands why they do what they do. For example, the DC Universe can learn from shows that focus on character development. Exploring Gender Identity Animation offers a unique space to explore complex themes like gender identity in a way that's accessible and engaging for kids. It's about showing different perspectives and experiences, and helping young people understand that it's okay to be themselves. This can be done through: Lessons in Empathy and Kindness Superhero stories aren't just about fighting bad guys; they're also about teaching important life lessons. Animation can be a powerful tool for showing the value of empathy and kindness. It's about demonstrating how small acts of compassion can make a big difference in the world. Some ways to do this include: Impact on Peers and Community Fostering a Supportive Environment It's amazing to see how one person's passion can ripple outwards. This young animator's work isn't just a solo project; it's actually helping to create a more supportive space for other kids who are into art and storytelling. When kids see someone their age achieving something cool, it makes them think, 'Hey, maybe I can do that too!' It's about showing that age isn't a barrier to creativity. This can lead to more collaboration and less competition, which is always a good thing. Encouraging Others to Create This cartoon is acting like a little spark, igniting creativity in other kids. It's not just about watching the show; it's about inspiring others to pick up a pencil, open up animation software, and start making their own stories. It's like a chain reaction. To help with this, consider: These initiatives can really help to nurture that initial spark and turn it into something bigger. It's all about giving kids the tools and the confidence to express themselves. The study's findings show that boost student creativity when exposed to new ideas. Building a Community of Young Artists Ultimately, this is about building a community. It's about connecting young artists with each other, so they can learn from each other, support each other, and grow together. Imagine a world where kids are more excited about creating than consuming. That's the kind of world we can build by supporting young creators and giving them a platform to share their work. Some ways to do this include: It's about creating a space where kids feel like they belong, where they can be themselves, and where they can explore their creativity without fear of judgment. The Role of Animation in Storytelling Visual Storytelling Techniques Animation offers a unique way to tell stories. It's not just about making things move; it's about using visuals to convey emotions, ideas, and information in a way that live-action sometimes can't. Think about how a character's exaggerated expression can instantly tell you how they're feeling, or how a fantastical setting can transport you to another world. It's a powerful tool for storytelling. Engaging Young Audiences Animation is a great way to grab the attention of younger viewers. The bright colors, fun characters, and fast-paced action can keep them hooked. But it's not just about entertainment. Animation can also be used to teach important lessons and explore complex themes in a way that's easy for kids to understand. Consider these points: The Power of Animation to Inspire Animation can spark imagination and creativity in kids. Seeing characters overcome challenges and achieve their goals can inspire them to do the same in their own lives. It can also introduce them to new ideas and perspectives, broadening their horizons and encouraging them to think outside the box. It's a medium that can truly make a difference. Future Aspirations of Young Creators Dreams of Becoming a Professional It's really cool to see where these young artists see themselves in the future. A lot of them dream big, and why shouldn't they? For many, the goal is to turn their passion into a full-time gig. They're not just doodling in notebooks; they're thinking about careers in animation, game design, and even film. It's inspiring to see that kind of drive at such a young age. It's not always easy, but their determination is definitely something else. The emerging animation professionals are proof that dreams can come true with hard work. Plans for More Episodes One thing that's super clear is that these young creators aren't planning on stopping anytime soon. They're already brainstorming new ideas, developing new characters, and plotting out future episodes. The creative energy is just overflowing. It's like they've opened a door to a whole new world, and they're eager to explore every corner of it. It's awesome to see them so invested in their projects and so excited about what's to come. They're thinking about: Inspiring Others Through Art Beyond personal success, many of these young artists want to use their work to inspire others. They want to show other kids that anyone can be creative, no matter their background or experience. It's about sharing their love of art and encouraging others to find their own voice. They're hoping that their stories can make a difference, even in a small way. It's really heartwarming to see that they're not just focused on themselves but also on making a positive impact on the world around them. They want to: Cultural Relevance of Superhero Stories Reflecting Modern Society Superhero stories aren't just about people in tights punching bad guys. They often hold a mirror up to society, reflecting our current anxieties, hopes, and values. Think about it: Diversity in Superhero Narratives For a long time, Superhero stories were pretty homogenous. But that's changing, and it's a good thing. We're seeing more diverse characters in terms of race, gender, and ability. This isn't just about being politically correct; it's about telling richer, more interesting stories that engage young audiences and reflect the world as it actually is. The Role of Superheroes as Role Models Superhero stories can teach us a lot about right and wrong, courage, and responsibility. But it's not always straightforward. Sometimes, these characters make mistakes, face difficult choices, and grapple with their own flaws. This makes them relatable and shows us that even heroes aren't perfect. Superhero stories are more than just fun tales; they reflect our culture and values. These characters often show us what it means to be brave, kind, and strong. They help us think about important issues like justice and friendship. If you want to dive deeper into how these stories connect with our lives, check out more on our youtube page A New Generation of Creators In the end, this 11-year-old's superhero cartoon is more than just a fun project; it's a glimpse into the future of creativity. Kids today are not just consumers of media; they're creators, and they have something to say. This young artist shows us that imagination knows no age. Who knows what other amazing stories are waiting to be told by the next generation? It's exciting to think about what they'll come up with next. So, let's support these young talents and see where their creativity takes them! Media Contact Company Name: Zakariyus The Role Model Show Contact Person: Derek Ford Email: Send Email Phone: 14785219339 Address:2717 Carnation Way City: Lodi State: California Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: 11-Year Old Creates Superhero Cartoon. Zakariyus Ford Launches First Ever Black Kids Network Cartoon Show.
