Three Video Essays! All in October! Has the sky fallen? Is hell frozen? Check his pulse quick he's not well-
As talked about previously, I've been making an effort to be less precious with the content and trust my own writing more, both to create new videos and overhauling long held plans for others. It's been a wonderful way to switch gears from my bigger projects and keep up the diversity of subjects I discuss here, and means there'll be a larger backlog for every medium covered. Hope you've enjoyed at least one of these three videos- I may not have as many out next month but more are already on the way, all as I continue work on the next episode of the Thunderbolts Story.
Have another video out on Crow Country to help get into the Spooky Season. It's a really terrific game I played last year and finally had the time to get a video out about it in the appropriate month- if you haven't experienced it yet, I have no problem with you doing that first before checking this out.
If you're wondering if you saw this before, or thought it vanished and came back, that's because I had to delete the original upload. I talked a little about indie games in it while flashing to clips of Hi-Fi Rush which is, quite pointedly, not an indie. I knew it was a team of vets putting it together but thought it was a different situation when it came to the publishing, so I messed up when putting the montage together, had it pointed out, and couldn't let it sit as it was. Of course the Algo has decided to punish me for less subs watching it as a result as the original upload was doing really well, so, if you think you already saw it and could give it another watch or just spread the word I'd really appreciate it.
More videos are still on the way, about many different topics and mediums, so do stay tuned for more!
Some of you might have seen I have a new video out on Donkey Kong Bananza, which is doing very nicely, but given it's been a while and a lot of you might be new to the channel and thinking 'wait, he does video games now?' I just wanted to very quickly clarify some things- mostly that yes, I'm still working on all the stuff you think I am!!
I know it's not good for the 'brand', but I just like talking about art in every possible medium, and doing that actually helps me keep making stuff and not feel horribly burned out, juggling multiple projects in development, which in this case really worked. After completing the first Thunderbolts episode (and after everything else I had going on left me feeling pretty ragged) I both needed a mental break and a way to keep the channel kicking for a while between installments. I switched focus to other things like games and movies and went back to some old drafts I'd been working on, and ended up getting inspired and writing a LOT, as well as finishing a couple of short projects I had to hand and refining other long ones I'd been working on for ages. I also told myself, after that video, don't overthink. Don't put yourself through the stress you've been putting yourself through before- be confident and just put something out there, and believe your writing will be enough.
TL:DR, What does this mean? Well, I ended up recording three whole videos, with this being the first, and with the next already heading into the edit bay! You should get at least one more short one on here within the month.
Rest assured, this does not take away from my work on Episode 2. It was fun to make something I wasn't overthinking or that had me stressed out with the workload, and I've put a lot of that energy into refining the draft of that episode I'd already completed a while back alongside everything else I've been doing (the audio editing for the voice acted panels is already well underway too). Plus the more videos I make, the more ad revenue I bank to fund the look of that episode and the people who can help me make it, and alongside the help of my Patrons it all ensures those videos come out at their absolute best.
It's been a very productive time for me over in B-Land and I sincerely hope the videos, even if they don't cover every subject you like, keep some of you entertained between episodes of the Thunderbolts story. Those of you who know me well know I love trying to get videos out in October to fit the vibe, our first already themed around a villain, and the next a little more overtly spooky. OoooOooOO ghost noises
I may, at some point, probably talk about it in a video, but for now I just want to say that this is the movie about the Four I’ve always wanted to see- in some ways it’s the Marvel movie I always wanted, too.
The fidelity of everything, from the visuals, to the performances, to the music, to the cinematic influences, to the sheer amount of material incorporated from the source and the respect paid to the people who made it, all helped the sell a world changed by four likeable individuals with extraordinary hearts and minds who still, somewhere beneath it all, are terrified that they will one day be ‘found out’, and be rejected for not being normal. Beneath the shiny veneer of the film is something built on uncertainty, but that will be triumphed over by the very thing I tried to impress as the most important thing about this team years ago- their optimism.
And to top it all off, my sister ended up as an extra in the movie, who features quite prominently on screen a few times, who has told me many stories of how much she enjoyed being part of it as her first major blockbuster involvement, making it now bizarrely linked to my own life and family.
This is what I hoped would happen when I made that video, and seeing that people have genuinely enjoyed it and, even beforehand, just embrace the appeal of the four in the build up to the release, has been incredibly validating. It really doesn’t matter what happens from this point on- because they finally did it, and made them real.
Five years ago, I set out to make a Fantastic Four video.
It started as an essay I'd been writing on Doctor Doom that spiralled when I went looking for other FF related videos, all of which were either old documentaries on comics or worse, videos saying they were never good. The series was in decline, with one video claiming they had to go because they were simply relics of another time that would never inspire anything in todays culture.
This vexed me deeply. This was the comic that made Marvel what it was, it was the series that defied the conventions of the genre and put a dysfunctional, flawed, genuine family at the forefront while showcasing tremendous art that inspired literally every person working in the industry to that point. It had been taken on by other brilliant talents and had managed to move me even in the modern day, reading my copies of the ongoing story as it was happening and still remembering all the ways I had been moved as I experienced their adventures in real time. Relics? On what planet?
I knew I needed to sell this team properly and have people see them the way I always saw them, because without them, the landscape of American art would be much, much poorer for it. I went all out on hiring actors, staging sequences and doing everything I could to get across just how much I loved this team, and thankfully, the response was extremely warm, often the video most followers quote as the work of mine they like best. I hear at least once a week that this is the video that got them to read FF comics- and that's a greater feeling than I could have possibly hoped for. I thank each and every one of you who watched, commented, shared and even enjoyed their adventures, it's meant so much over those years that I've been on here.
Fast forward to today, and everything has changed. The FF came out of retirement in comics that are still selling as we speak, in some cases to critical acclaim. Entire social media accounts are dedicated to their exploits and are practically buzzing with how much they love these guys, the likes speak for themselves. They've made appearances in other media that has driven excitement for them and their stories through the roof. My video is no longer the most popular on the team here- and, most of all, a new film is finally making it's debut tonight.
I have no idea if the film is any good or if I'll personally like it, but I see a lot of what it's doing that I approve of, and how much that's translating to the general online chatter and their excitement not just for the film, but for the material it seems to be honouring, which in itself is incredible. Forgive me for not seeing it the first day of release- I didn't get any special preview of the film, I'm not in it (People keep asking!), I'm just some bum on YT without anyone free around me to catch it with, so I'll be seeing it as soon as I'm able and will have to do a lot of dodging spoilers online in the meantime. I do however have a very interesting point to make about it already that I can't say right now- but when I do, I think you'll be extremely surprised (and hopefully pleased about it, too!)
What I take away from all of this, more than anything, is that those who got it were right. The FF were not a relic, and they're still inspiring people even now to tell their stories and prove that they're worth something, and that they can resonate with audiences today as much as they did in the sixties.
Just a quick heads up, I'm branching out my socials in an effort to spread the word about my work a bit more, feels like it's time. I've got an insta where I'm currently doing daily posts on my phenomenal collaborators and a tiktok where I'm uploading shorts from my videos and other bits and pieces I'm trying out along the way. Would love to see you guys on either of those! And don't worry, lots of new stuff already being worked on - you asked some brilliant questions in my last Q and A session, and i'm assembling the most frequently asked stuff into a video as we speak. Big ups gang.
Alright, let's get the ball rolling- I'll be doing a little follow up video now the first Thunderbolts episode is out. AMA about it and I'll give a short answer here (or on twitter) and maybe put a longer take of the FAQ's in the vid!
900 years later and we finally have it, the REAL Thunderbolts Story, and it's very first installment, covering Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley's phenomenal run with their original iteration of the team. This was the product of my entire lifetime of loving Marvel comics, the work of phenomenal actors and artists, and the people who encouraged me to make this and followed my work as it evolved.
Almost a week in and I am so pleased to see the response! Hopefully you can see why it took so long, including the time spent drafting all the other episodes before committing to this one, and deciding how it was going to look in context. I'd like to think the rest of the series shouldn't take quite as long to produce now a lot of things have been settled, and with future episodes already recorded and in some cases laid out in an early edit. I really hope this first one continues to live up to the hype- and for those who haven't had a chance to see it yet, what are you waiting for! Stop reading this, you've got a video to watch this weekend!!! Quick!!! Before Defunctland drops that epic part 2 Animatronic bomb okay
Over the next few weeks I'll be doing what I can to promote this and the people involved here and on other platforms, including my newly set up instagram ( instagram.com/b_mask__ ). There are so many people to thank and celebrate who are part of this and it'll take a while but I will do my best to ensure you get to recognise the talents and names of literally everyone involved. I also will be delivering some exclusive content for my patrons including behind the scenes material, some public content, and, as a handful of you may have hoped, the blooper reel.
It'll take me a while to get through it all given recent personal events detailed previously here, but I'll be doing my utmost to fulfil my obligations as you continue to share and enjoy the video- and of course, not too long from now, I'll be getting back to my other (smaller!) projects, and of course the rest of this series. Our story is so far from done- and the seeds have been sewn for so, so much more already.
Hi everyone- just a quick update. My grandmother has sadly passed away. We knew what was happening for around a week, so we are somewhat prepared for what follows, but obviously my family and I just need time for it all, and for each other. I promise to be back with better news in the very near future, but this obviously takes priority for the time being. I'll come back to you guys when we're ready. Take care.
Hi Gang! Just wanted to drop a very quick progress update on the Thunderbolts video.
I'm still tweaking some of the sound, receiving the last few pieces of art, polishing a couple of the performed scenes, completing the credits and having to double check myself on some of the pieces of music used, which will be the last and only reason I cannot yet give this a confirmed release date.
But there is a full video in the timeline, and I think it looks pretty good.
B- Mask
Three Video Essays! All in October! Has the sky fallen? Is hell frozen? Check his pulse quick he's not well-
As talked about previously, I've been making an effort to be less precious with the content and trust my own writing more, both to create new videos and overhauling long held plans for others. It's been a wonderful way to switch gears from my bigger projects and keep up the diversity of subjects I discuss here, and means there'll be a larger backlog for every medium covered. Hope you've enjoyed at least one of these three videos- I may not have as many out next month but more are already on the way, all as I continue work on the next episode of the Thunderbolts Story.
Til then!
- B
1 month ago | [YT] | 729
View 32 replies
B- Mask
Heya Folks!
Have another video out on Crow Country to help get into the Spooky Season. It's a really terrific game I played last year and finally had the time to get a video out about it in the appropriate month- if you haven't experienced it yet, I have no problem with you doing that first before checking this out.
If you're wondering if you saw this before, or thought it vanished and came back, that's because I had to delete the original upload. I talked a little about indie games in it while flashing to clips of Hi-Fi Rush which is, quite pointedly, not an indie. I knew it was a team of vets putting it together but thought it was a different situation when it came to the publishing, so I messed up when putting the montage together, had it pointed out, and couldn't let it sit as it was. Of course the Algo has decided to punish me for less subs watching it as a result as the original upload was doing really well, so, if you think you already saw it and could give it another watch or just spread the word I'd really appreciate it.
More videos are still on the way, about many different topics and mediums, so do stay tuned for more!
- B
1 month ago | [YT] | 53
View 1 reply
B- Mask
Some of you might have seen I have a new video out on Donkey Kong Bananza, which is doing very nicely, but given it's been a while and a lot of you might be new to the channel and thinking 'wait, he does video games now?' I just wanted to very quickly clarify some things- mostly that yes, I'm still working on all the stuff you think I am!!
I know it's not good for the 'brand', but I just like talking about art in every possible medium, and doing that actually helps me keep making stuff and not feel horribly burned out, juggling multiple projects in development, which in this case really worked. After completing the first Thunderbolts episode (and after everything else I had going on left me feeling pretty ragged) I both needed a mental break and a way to keep the channel kicking for a while between installments. I switched focus to other things like games and movies and went back to some old drafts I'd been working on, and ended up getting inspired and writing a LOT, as well as finishing a couple of short projects I had to hand and refining other long ones I'd been working on for ages. I also told myself, after that video, don't overthink. Don't put yourself through the stress you've been putting yourself through before- be confident and just put something out there, and believe your writing will be enough.
TL:DR, What does this mean? Well, I ended up recording three whole videos, with this being the first, and with the next already heading into the edit bay! You should get at least one more short one on here within the month.
Rest assured, this does not take away from my work on Episode 2. It was fun to make something I wasn't overthinking or that had me stressed out with the workload, and I've put a lot of that energy into refining the draft of that episode I'd already completed a while back alongside everything else I've been doing (the audio editing for the voice acted panels is already well underway too). Plus the more videos I make, the more ad revenue I bank to fund the look of that episode and the people who can help me make it, and alongside the help of my Patrons it all ensures those videos come out at their absolute best.
It's been a very productive time for me over in B-Land and I sincerely hope the videos, even if they don't cover every subject you like, keep some of you entertained between episodes of the Thunderbolts story. Those of you who know me well know I love trying to get videos out in October to fit the vibe, our first already themed around a villain, and the next a little more overtly spooky. OoooOooOO ghost noises
Til then chums
- B
1 month ago | [YT] | 66
View 9 replies
B- Mask
I finally saw the Fantastic Four movie.
I may, at some point, probably talk about it in a video, but for now I just want to say that this is the movie about the Four I’ve always wanted to see- in some ways it’s the Marvel movie I always wanted, too.
The fidelity of everything, from the visuals, to the performances, to the music, to the cinematic influences, to the sheer amount of material incorporated from the source and the respect paid to the people who made it, all helped the sell a world changed by four likeable individuals with extraordinary hearts and minds who still, somewhere beneath it all, are terrified that they will one day be ‘found out’, and be rejected for not being normal. Beneath the shiny veneer of the film is something built on uncertainty, but that will be triumphed over by the very thing I tried to impress as the most important thing about this team years ago- their optimism.
And to top it all off, my sister ended up as an extra in the movie, who features quite prominently on screen a few times, who has told me many stories of how much she enjoyed being part of it as her first major blockbuster involvement, making it now bizarrely linked to my own life and family.
This is what I hoped would happen when I made that video, and seeing that people have genuinely enjoyed it and, even beforehand, just embrace the appeal of the four in the build up to the release, has been incredibly validating. It really doesn’t matter what happens from this point on- because they finally did it, and made them real.
They *are* the Fantastic Four.
4 months ago | [YT] | 1,002
View 51 replies
B- Mask
Five years ago, I set out to make a Fantastic Four video.
It started as an essay I'd been writing on Doctor Doom that spiralled when I went looking for other FF related videos, all of which were either old documentaries on comics or worse, videos saying they were never good. The series was in decline, with one video claiming they had to go because they were simply relics of another time that would never inspire anything in todays culture.
This vexed me deeply. This was the comic that made Marvel what it was, it was the series that defied the conventions of the genre and put a dysfunctional, flawed, genuine family at the forefront while showcasing tremendous art that inspired literally every person working in the industry to that point. It had been taken on by other brilliant talents and had managed to move me even in the modern day, reading my copies of the ongoing story as it was happening and still remembering all the ways I had been moved as I experienced their adventures in real time. Relics? On what planet?
I knew I needed to sell this team properly and have people see them the way I always saw them, because without them, the landscape of American art would be much, much poorer for it. I went all out on hiring actors, staging sequences and doing everything I could to get across just how much I loved this team, and thankfully, the response was extremely warm, often the video most followers quote as the work of mine they like best. I hear at least once a week that this is the video that got them to read FF comics- and that's a greater feeling than I could have possibly hoped for. I thank each and every one of you who watched, commented, shared and even enjoyed their adventures, it's meant so much over those years that I've been on here.
Fast forward to today, and everything has changed. The FF came out of retirement in comics that are still selling as we speak, in some cases to critical acclaim. Entire social media accounts are dedicated to their exploits and are practically buzzing with how much they love these guys, the likes speak for themselves. They've made appearances in other media that has driven excitement for them and their stories through the roof. My video is no longer the most popular on the team here- and, most of all, a new film is finally making it's debut tonight.
I have no idea if the film is any good or if I'll personally like it, but I see a lot of what it's doing that I approve of, and how much that's translating to the general online chatter and their excitement not just for the film, but for the material it seems to be honouring, which in itself is incredible. Forgive me for not seeing it the first day of release- I didn't get any special preview of the film, I'm not in it (People keep asking!), I'm just some bum on YT without anyone free around me to catch it with, so I'll be seeing it as soon as I'm able and will have to do a lot of dodging spoilers online in the meantime. I do however have a very interesting point to make about it already that I can't say right now- but when I do, I think you'll be extremely surprised (and hopefully pleased about it, too!)
What I take away from all of this, more than anything, is that those who got it were right. The FF were not a relic, and they're still inspiring people even now to tell their stories and prove that they're worth something, and that they can resonate with audiences today as much as they did in the sixties.
They still matter. And they always will.
- B
4 months ago | [YT] | 906
View 66 replies
B- Mask
Just a quick heads up, I'm branching out my socials in an effort to spread the word about my work a bit more, feels like it's time. I've got an insta where I'm currently doing daily posts on my phenomenal collaborators and a tiktok where I'm uploading shorts from my videos and other bits and pieces I'm trying out along the way. Would love to see you guys on either of those! And don't worry, lots of new stuff already being worked on - you asked some brilliant questions in my last Q and A session, and i'm assembling the most frequently asked stuff into a video as we speak. Big ups gang.
instagram.com/b_mask__
tiktok.com/@b_mask_youtube
4 months ago | [YT] | 594
View 17 replies
B- Mask
Alright, let's get the ball rolling- I'll be doing a little follow up video now the first Thunderbolts episode is out. AMA about it and I'll give a short answer here (or on twitter) and maybe put a longer take of the FAQ's in the vid!
4 months ago | [YT] | 645
View 311 replies
B- Mask
Kept you waiting, huh?
900 years later and we finally have it, the REAL Thunderbolts Story, and it's very first installment, covering Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley's phenomenal run with their original iteration of the team. This was the product of my entire lifetime of loving Marvel comics, the work of phenomenal actors and artists, and the people who encouraged me to make this and followed my work as it evolved.
Almost a week in and I am so pleased to see the response! Hopefully you can see why it took so long, including the time spent drafting all the other episodes before committing to this one, and deciding how it was going to look in context. I'd like to think the rest of the series shouldn't take quite as long to produce now a lot of things have been settled, and with future episodes already recorded and in some cases laid out in an early edit. I really hope this first one continues to live up to the hype- and for those who haven't had a chance to see it yet, what are you waiting for! Stop reading this, you've got a video to watch this weekend!!! Quick!!! Before Defunctland drops that epic part 2 Animatronic bomb okay
Over the next few weeks I'll be doing what I can to promote this and the people involved here and on other platforms, including my newly set up instagram ( instagram.com/b_mask__ ). There are so many people to thank and celebrate who are part of this and it'll take a while but I will do my best to ensure you get to recognise the talents and names of literally everyone involved. I also will be delivering some exclusive content for my patrons including behind the scenes material, some public content, and, as a handful of you may have hoped, the blooper reel.
It'll take me a while to get through it all given recent personal events detailed previously here, but I'll be doing my utmost to fulfil my obligations as you continue to share and enjoy the video- and of course, not too long from now, I'll be getting back to my other (smaller!) projects, and of course the rest of this series. Our story is so far from done- and the seeds have been sewn for so, so much more already.
Til then.
-B
5 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 308
View 14 replies
B- Mask
Hi everyone- just a quick update. My grandmother has sadly passed away. We knew what was happening for around a week, so we are somewhat prepared for what follows, but obviously my family and I just need time for it all, and for each other. I promise to be back with better news in the very near future, but this obviously takes priority for the time being. I'll come back to you guys when we're ready. Take care.
5 months ago | [YT] | 892
View 58 replies
B- Mask
Hi Gang! Just wanted to drop a very quick progress update on the Thunderbolts video.
I'm still tweaking some of the sound, receiving the last few pieces of art, polishing a couple of the performed scenes, completing the credits and having to double check myself on some of the pieces of music used, which will be the last and only reason I cannot yet give this a confirmed release date.
But there is a full video in the timeline, and I think it looks pretty good.
Will see you all back here real soon.
6 months ago | [YT] | 373
View 16 replies
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