issue 4 // volume 43 Braineaters, starving to death > ‘BrainDead’ series review Aaron Guillen Staff Reporter magine America’s present political backdrop. Now simply add mind-controlling alien bugs trying to take over the government, and you've got a TV show. BrainDead, a comedy- thriller summer series, provides a glimpse into the world of politics in the present day from a satirical perspective. Surprisingly, a more lighthearted take on politics allows BrainDead to draw fresh eyes to the political drama genre, which has been done to death. Laurel (Mary Elizabeth Winstead}, ayoung documentary filmmaker, is recruited by her brother, Luke (Danny Pino), a persuasive senator, to bea caseworker, as she has run out of funding for her recent project. While in DC, Laurel realizes that bugs from outer space have been eating the brains of politicians. Let the screams begin. Throughout the season, the world in the show and the world as we know it seem almost identical. Filled with shouting democrats and republicans, the TV series gives audiences a somewhat behind-the-scenes look into the presidential campaign that is sweeping the nation. This TV series couldn't have come at a better time. Winstead’s portrayal of Laurel in the series is yet another reason to watch BrainDead. She brings a heroic character to life in her tireless efforts to find out what’s eating Washington. While the political talk provides half of the show, the best part is the other half—the humour. It’s a pure joy to watch each episode begin with a musical number recounting the events of its previous one. During the whole political You fucked up (again) > ‘Prequel’ webcomic review Adam Tatelman Arts Editor OOOOS Fores has days where they feel like they can’t do nothin’ right. On those days, just be thankful that you aren't the star of webcomic wunderkind Kazerad’s multimedia fantasy epic, Prequel. Prequel is a fan comic that acts as a non-canon prologue to the popular fantasy RPG The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. It takes place in Tamriel, the setting of the Elder Scrolls universe, a land similar to—but still very different from—J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle- Earth, distinguished by its rich internal mythology, and various atypical sub-races of humans, elves, orcs, and beast-follk. The plot follows Katia, a Khajiit (cat-like humanoid} who emigrates from her homeland to escape a checkered past full of drinking, drugs, and risky sex, and is determined to change her ways and make something of herself. Her slow-burn personal transformation is the story’s focus, helped and hindered by a parade of kooky supporting characters along the way. The catch is that the readers play the role of Katia’s conscience and self- doubt by offering suggestions to the author on what to write next. Given the internet’s love of drama and Katia’s own atrocious luck, the series’ bread and butter is the push-me-pull-you of hope and despair. Readers may recognize their own bad habits in Katia, which makes it more compelling to see her succeed against all odds—or more crushing to watch her fail. It has all the trappings of a classical Greek tragedy, offering the audience a chance to examine themselves through Katia’s follies, and have some belly laughs along the way. Watching the comic’s presentation develop from simplistic MS Paint Adventures fodder into dynamic, colorful illustrations replete with catchy Celtic tunes, .gif animations and SNES-like mini-games is a process as long and involved as Katia’s own character arc, which Image via CBS be f ordeal, Laurel recruits some help from a scientist and an NSA employee. These three get into mischief, and can be counted on to provide a chuckle here and there. In addition, the jabs at the political hierarchy are sure to surprise and entertain. Gareth (Aaron Tveit), a political adversary turned may turn off those who are simply looking for a gag-a-day strip. However, the quality of the writing may be enough to sustain the impatient, especially if you like unexpected use of Chekov’s Gun in your tragicomedies. Those unfamiliar with the Elder Scrolls titles may think that Prequel occupies a niche beyond their interest, but knowledge of the lore is not a must. Readers may miss some of the more obscure inside humor, or puzzle Image via deviantart.net arts // no. 7 admirer, tries his best to prove to Laurel that individuals on different sides of the aisle can find more than one thing to agree on. While Tveit’s chemistry with Winstead comes off as natural, it seems as though his role could have been cast to any attractive guy. While Winstead’s role is quite memorable, Tveit’s will most likely be forgotten. Ona positive note, BrainDead’s creators, Robert and Michelle King, should be given praise for their keeping-up with the times. While the series aired over the summer, the plot line included a handful of nods to the present election. Additionally, the over- arching plot never feels scattered. While it does tend to lead characters to say things that weren't expected, or provide answers ahead of questions, each episode provides the audience with a hook at the end of the closing scene, with just enough pull to keep viewers coming back. All in all, BrainDead is a great way to pretend you know a lot about politics, have a good laugh, and watch some heads explode. at the presence of side characters from the video games, but it won't be any more taxing to follow along than it might be for a first- time player getting into the games themselves, as all of the twists, turns, and humorous moments come from Katia’s evolution rather than fantasy minutiae. This is an entirely novel approach to fantasy. Where most sword-and-sorcery epics focus on the grand exploits of escapist characters like Elric of Melnibone or Geralt the Riv, Prequel chooses to transplant everyday troubles like irrational phobias, alcoholism, and hobbling self-doubt into a world populated by outlandish fantasy characters, often with hilarious results. Ironically, this often makes the world seem more real, despite fan criticisms that Prequel takes too many liberties with the established lore. Due to its multimedia presentation, those still reeling after the ending of Homestuck may find a suitable substitute in Prequel, even if the reader input causes the plot to plod along at a leisurely trot. Katia still has a long way to go yet, so now’s as good a time as any to join her on her quest to kick the drink, kick up a fuss, and kick fate’s ass.