Mark Wesley Pritchard
Bio
Award-winning cosplayer, cosplay model, influencer, retro gaming fanatic, die-hard Texas Rangers fan, and nostalgic freak. Need I say more?
Threads: @thecosplayerfromtexas
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Stories (208/0)
LGBTQ+ Representation In Comic Books
LGBTQ+ characters in comic books have existed since the late 1970s. There are now more than 65 comic book characters who identify as such. Whenever a character comes out, I could never understand the outrage over it. It’s 2021 and LGBTQ+ characters are here to stay, no matter how much you complain on social media. They’re not going away anytime soon.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard3 years ago in Geeks
My Latest Thoughts About President Biden
I’ve stated many times in previous stories that I wasn’t going to talk about the Covid-19 pandemic anymore, but since health experts, the government, and most governors continues to milk this whole crisis, I have many strong opinions about the 46th president of the United States. I swear this would be the final time I ever talk about this. Many of us, me included, have since moved on from the pandemic. We have been cooped up at home and isolated for over a year and a half. I’ve been a Democrat for years, but some of the things that President Biden have said and done makes me not like him. The following below are the reasons why me and the majority of the country have lost confidence in him.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard3 years ago in The Swamp
Whatever Happened to Freedom of Choice?
I promised that I wouldn’t talk about the COVID-19 pandemic anymore in 2021, but since the media likes to continue instilling fear among us and the government keeps milking the whole crisis, this led me to rant about a number of issues. If you have read my previous stories on Vocal last year regarding the pandemic, I was feeling depressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted (mentally and physically). I’ve been tired of continuing taking safety measures. Back in late June, I returned to work for the first time in over a year and a half and have since been fully vaccinated. It was good to not only see my coworkers again, but to get back to the swing of things after my daily routine was rudely interrupted last year. Here are my opinions about face masks and vaccinations.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard3 years ago in Longevity
Where Do We Go From Here?
May 25, 2020: a date that millions of people will never forget. On this day exactly a year ago, on Memorial Day, to be precise, George Floyd, who was 46 at the time, died due to now former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, pressing his knee on his neck for more than nine minutes. Despite Floyd’s constant pleas for Chauvin and from bystanders to let him breathe, Chauvin ignored them and the officers refused to intervene. Floyd’s death had sparked protests from not only around the country, but all over the world. Last month, Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. He’s expected to be sentenced next month. The trial of the two other former cops, accused of aiding and abetting, will take place in March of 2022.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard3 years ago in The Swamp
More Thoughts About the Body Positivity Movement
One year ago, I wrote a story on Vocal about the body positivity movement and stated my personal opinions regarding this topic. The reactions to that story were mixed, but I felt that I needed to be up front and honest. Fast forward to now, I have more thoughts about the body positivity movement.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard3 years ago in Longevity
#2020Rewind
2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. We thought that this year would be amazing, but unfortunately, the coronavirus outbreak was top news everywhere. I’m not going to talk about the pandemic, because I’ve talked about it in previous stories and stated my opinions. I know for a fact that people are tired of hearing about 24/7 and want to resume their normal lives again. The pandemic has taken a toll on millions of people, especially those who are currently suffering from mental illnesses. Also, because there’s rarely any positive stories in the media reported that’s not related to COVID-19. Instead, I’m going to share my three best moments from this year and a story about family. These are not in any particular order.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Humans
Pet Peeves About COVID-19
2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. The one headline that has been dominating news stations and the airwaves this year is the coronavirus pandemic. You can’t go one day or one minute without hearing about it. Honestly, there’s way too much coverage about COVID-19. I understand that it’s an important story and to keep people informed about it. However, it’s not necessary to report about it 24/7 and trying to scare us. That’s why many people have been panic buying and the media keeps instilling fear towards us. It can also make some feel anxious, especially to those who have mental illnesses. Are there even any positive stories in the news to report these days? Here are my least favorite terms and phrases that have been repeatedly said during the pandemic. Don’t get me wrong. This virus is real and has claimed the lives of thousands of people in the U.S. I’m in no way downplaying the severity of it. These are the terms that I dislike the most and not in any specific order.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in The Swamp
My Thoughts About the 2020 Election
On Saturday November 7, numerous news outlets projected that former Vice President Joe Biden won the 2020 Election by defeating incumbent President Donald Trump to become the 46th president of the United States. He won over 74 million votes, which is a new record for the most votes, more any other president. Biden is also the oldest to win the presidency at the age of 77. He will be 78 years old when he’ll be inaugurated on January 20, 2021. In 1972, Biden was the sixth youngest senator in American history to be elected to the U.S. Senate at 29 years old. Former California Senator Kamala Harris also made history by being the first woman and the first woman of color to be chosen as Vice President.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in The Swamp
Deadpool’s Head Review
I dedicate this review to the die-hard Deadpool fans out there. Our favorite foul-mouthed anti-hero never fails to disappoint us. Deadpool’s Head from Marvel Legends and Hasbro is the toy that’ll be worth your while and money. This was released back in late August and it first peaked my interest when PaulStarHero, a cosplayer from the UK, tried it out. It was fascinating and wanted to purchase one for myself. Two weeks later, I bought Deadpool’s Head online from Best Buy. The retail price of it was $99.99. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s not too bad for a toy that costs under $100. That is, if your wallet can afford it. With the COVID-19 pandemic still being present, you definitely need a friend who will keep you company during these stressful and trying times.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Geeks
The State of Marriage Equality
With about three weeks left until Election Day, it’s important that we vote for politicians who will fight for equal rights for all people, including the LGBTQ+ community. Since coming out as gay in February 2012, supporting the rights for all gay and lesbian people was something that I was passionate about. Three years later, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that marriage equality was the law of the land. It was a historic day and victory for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in The Swamp
Sega Genesis Mini: 1 Year Later
On this day in 2019, the Sega Genesis Mini was released worldwide. It had 42 pre-installed games and I’ve beaten a couple of those games so far this year. It’s been over three months since I’ve had this game system. It’s unknown how many units the Sega Genesis Mini had sold. The two games that I’ve completed were Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master. It took me almost 30 years to beat both of those games. However, there were some amazing Sega Genesis games I wish were added on to this console, which I’ll get to towards the end of the story. Four months ago, I did do a review on Sonic the Hedgehog 2. I’m going to share my review of Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master and add it to this story.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Gamers
Latest LGBTQ+ News Stories from the month of August
In the month of August, there have been two important wins regarding the LGBTQ+ community in the news. That’s why I urge everyone to vote by either by mail or at the polls. No one should choose between making their voices heard and risking their own health. Three months ago, the Supreme Court ruled that lesbian, gay, and transgender people are protected from workplace discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Here’s a date for everyone to remember: November 4. Why is that day important, you ask? It’s because the day after the presidential election is over, the Supreme Court will decide if a Catholic agency based out of Pennsylvania can reject same-sex parents from adopting children. Here are a couple of recent news stories you might have not been aware of.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard4 years ago in Humans