BlackBox M16 review

The first thing you notice is they look very similar to the Goldring NS1000s. I do remember reading somewhere that Blackbox and Goldring headphones are built the same in the same factories, its just the audio technology that differs. This is clear from the very similar designs. As it was the extended headband snapping that lead me to getting these M16s its a bit of a worry to hear they have similar if not exactly the same build quality, but to be honest I have a large head and dreadlocks so I apply a bit more strain to the thin strips of metal and rubber than most would.

I have to wear the M16s fully extended and even then I would prefer just a little bit more extension, but its not enough to take away from the listening experience and is still very comfortable. More, but a lower quality of, padding than the NS's. The switch requires far less accuracy to find but requires a touch more force that I would like. They protrude from your head whilst wearing them a touch more than the NS's and are clearly larger (as pointed out by several people on my first outing with them!), but overheads have never been the smallest types of headphones. Overall they are probably not as comfortable as the NS's but only due to the slightly shorter extension, but they look good and feel quality.

Apart from the basics (freq response and noise reduction) I'm not too sure what the specs for headphones actually mean, I prefer to go on the actual sounds! The NS's cover more frequencies according to the official specs but in my opinion it doesn't matter as the sound quality is greater in the M16's all round, if only by a touch, and the extra range of the GR's isn't really that much of a bonus as the M16's cover 20 to 20k, the average a human can pick up, and the range most music producers tend to work within. All sounds are richer and fuller with the M16s and good job too as all other aspects of the headphones don't warrant the higher price tag. The sound quality increase is not as big as it was when I went from the Sony MDR NC7's to the Goldring NS1000's, but still a clear and confident increase. Each sound is clearer more pronounced and tones come through with more definition. The most important thing for me is always how well phones deal with bass, and these do not disappoint, probably the best headphones in terms of bass I've owned. Its not overwhelming but clearly dominant when it needs to be.

The BlackBox M16s probably are not the best in terms of value at the RRP of £165.00, but considering I picked mine up for under £80 at play.com these headphones are epic!

The Black Panther cartoon series

I'm very much into super hero, action, violent etc... manga, anime, comics and cartoons. Whilst browsing through Netflix I came across 'Black Panther' and decided to give it a watch as it had been recommended to me a few times in the past, I had just not bothered to seek it out.

As soon as it starts you worry about the style of animation, very rigid and minimal animation, almost looks like cut outs flying across backdrops at times. It made me think of the many times I've read a manga and then gone on to watch the anime, something lacks. After the first episode you tend not to notice so much as your imagination picks up the slack, just as when you read comics, so perhaps this was the desired affect?

Theme music has an ethnic cross hip-hop vibe works very well and I actually watched through the full opening each episode which is odd for me, I can only imagine this is due to the chanting African vocals and the almost bouncy kick drums working so well together. Voice overs sound authentic but the African accents have clearly been watered perhaps a little too much down a touch, it could have been a little more authentic and even the most ignorant amongst us would have understood.

The majority is set in Africa, snippets in America, but we are shown characters of various races and origins and I believe they have been depicted very well in the context of the programme. Flashbacks in episodes give us a setting across many years, we even see an inexperienced Captain America get owned in an episode and the most of the series is set I would say not too far in the future based on the technology displayed.

If the tones of the voice actors isn't a give away, then many of the programmes themes make it blatantly obvious Marvel are going with a far more mature vibe on this one. Corrupt governments, racism, fights over natural resources, technology and medicine, what is a pleasant surprise is that you don't realise how strong these themes are until you sit back and think about what you've just watched. The themes are clearly there and hold relevance, unlike most other 'ethically themed' cartoons they are not what the creators want us to concentrate most on. They have achieved the desired effect very well. 

Lots of sleek action, appearances from the mainstream Marvel heroes such as the X men, Storm features as a pivotal character later on, Captain America, Juggamaught who get to realise an apparently long held dream of tackling a rhino!... The Hulk and the Fantastic 4 are mentioned as well. 

The story it self is feasible, allot of action, a bit of family drama and a sprinkling of the lovey dovey gives this all round feel. 

Its a title that will definitely appeal to those who have at least have an interest in Black cultures but also a good casual watch for the super hero and action fan.