What Did I Miss?: August 2021

Published Works

‘Reservation Dogs’ Brings Humor and Realness from Indigenous Perspectives – For The Nerds of Color, I give my take on the first two episodes on this new comedy series from FX on Hulu.

Bay Area Native Avantika on Becoming the First South Asian Lead of a Disney Channel Original Movie, “Spin” – For the Center for Asian American Media, I speak with the star on the making of this groundbreaking Disney Channel Original Movie.

Review of Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay – For Goodreads, I explore the tender subject matter that this YA author did such a good job of exploring in this very important novel.

Author Katrina Olan Discusses the Making of Mecha-Centric Sci-Fi Novel, ‘Tablay’ – For The Nerds of Color, I conduct the first international coverage on this bestselling sci-fi novel from the Philippines.

Appearances

Strong Asian Lead: Clubhouse – Mixed Asians in Media – I was one of the people featured in this panel discussion about where mixed Asians fit into the ongoing discourse about representation in the media landscape.

The So Weird Podcast Ep. 84 – Family Reunion – Book 1 Review – I make a guest appearance on the latest episode of this “So Weird” fan-run podcast, as we dive into the novelization of the show’s pilot episode.

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What Did I Miss?: September 2019

Published Works

Actor Will Yun Lee Has Been Making Strides in Hollywood For Two Decades – For the Center for Asian American Media, I spoke with the “Good Doctor”/”Altered Carbon” star on his journey as an Asian American actor in Hollywood.

‘Abominable’ Brings All the Charm in This Magical, Heartfelt Adventure – For The Nerds of Color, I give a spoiler-free overview of my thoughts from watching this upcoming Dreamworks and Pearl Studio co-production.

Review of Anime Supremacy by Mizuki Tsujimura – For Goodreads, I go over my thoughts on this dynamic novel that gives a glimpse at the chaotic anime industry.

Review of Frankly in Love by David Yoon – For Goodreads, I discuss my thoughts about this heartfelt, YA romance debut novel.

How Disney’s ‘So Weird’ Deepened My Connection to My Filipino Side – For The Nerds of Color, I dive into how this 90’s Disney Channel series has had an unexpected effect on me this past year.

Review of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli – For Goodreads, I give my latest impressions on a novel I grew up with, ahead of the film adaptation’s release.

Christopher Sean Talks About Being the First Asian American Lead of “Star Wars” – For the Center for Asian American Media, I dive into this overlooked first for the “Star Wars” universe, as I speak with the lead actor of “Star Wars Resistance.”

Other News

Critics are calling “Abominable” “absolutely gorgeous” – My review of “Abominable” was quoted by Dreamworks Animation for promo leading up to the film’s release.

What Did I Miss?: June 2019

Published Works

Spider-Man, Pokémon, and Star-Crossed Lovers: Mixed Race Characters Take the Lead – For my debut piece for The Nerds of Color, I do an analysis on three different films released over the last six months that feature mixed race characters and interracial relationships front and center.

Matt Braly on Bringing Thai American Representation to Disney Channel’s “Amphibia” – For the Center for Asian American Media, I speak with the creative mind of Disney Channel’s upcoming animated series on how childhood trips to Bangkok served as the inspiration for the show.

Thoughts and Reactions to Watching ‘The Matrix’ For the First Time – For The Nerds of Color, I go beyond Keanu Reeves’ brief role in “Always Be My Maybe,” as I watch and react to one of his more iconic roles from the last 20 years.

In the Darkness, This is the Light: 20 Years of “So Weird”

A few years ago, I started making the effort to expand my dialogue about storytelling by going beyond the boundaries of books and out into the mediums of TV and film. I do so by doing these analysis pieces once a while about a TV show or film that has reached a significant time in its history (i.e. series premiere, series finale, film release, anniversary of a release, etc.). Previously, I talked at length about my favorite series on Netflix, “Voltron: Legendary Defender.” Today, in honor of its 20th anniversary that happened yesterday, I turn my attention to the Disney Channel, to reflect on a show that they might pretend to have forgotten about, but quite a few of us haven’t. Today, I’m talking about the Disney Channel Original Series, “So Weird.”