Created, produced by, and starring Andrew M. James, Boost: The Web Series is a sci-fi action-adventure story about an experimental drug that grants human beings extraordinary powers - but at a high cost.

This volatile drug, called "boost," was created by brilliant government scientist Victor Blaine (Shawn Byfield) for a rogue government agency only known as "Division."

During animal testing, Blaine discovers boost grants the subjects unusual abilities.

After injecting the first human subject - an ex-con named Elliot Fox (Umar Shameem) - with the drug, Blaine observes boost creates an immediate dependency.

Withdrawal from the drug causes rampant paranoia and violently aggressive behavior.

After realizing Division has nefarious plans for its use, and fearing for the safety of his family, Blaine entrusts his research files to his close associate, Adrian (Chris James). Then he flees with the drug and its stabilizing agent.

Suddenly Adrian and his younger brother Drew find themselves targeted by Fox, who has been recruited by Division to apprehend Blaine at any cost.

Check out the series teaser trailer here ...

Watching Boost reminded me of some of the best action films of the 80s and 90s.

Like those films, it has a straight-forward, though engaging, plot, charismatic leads, and solid overall production value.

However, what impresses me most about Boost is it tells an entertaining story set in a diverse world.

Let's face it, web series, like most other media, suffers from being overwhelmingly whitewashed.

While strides are being made to tell stories including more non-stereotypical representations of minorities that go beyond mere tokenism, there is still much progress to be made.

Boost is definitely an example of movement in the right direction.

Hit television shows such as Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, and Sleepy Hollow have set a powerful precedent illustrating series starring Black actors - as well as having diverse casts - can draw huge audiences, because all people want to see complex depictions of themselves in well-told stories on screen.

In the web series medium, it's my immense pleasure to add projects like Osiris, and now Boost, to the list.

Hopefully, this category will become far more crowded soon.

The first season of Boost is comprised of six episodes, all available for viewing on its YouTube channel: Boost On YouTube

To learn more about the production, visit the official series web site Boost Web Site.

Help Keep The 7th Matrix Independent and Ad-Free!

It's safe to say superheroes films have become one of the most popular movie genres worldwide.

From Superman and Spider-Man, to the more quirky hit Guardians Of The Galaxy, it's becoming rare not to find at least one superhero movie being exhibited at the theaters at any given time.

Of course, these films becoming a part of the cultural zeitgeist also means they are ripe pickings for satirization.

Enter So Not Super, a low-budget comedy web series that lampoons superheroes.

Produced by Day 304 Productions - the firm behind the steampunk adventure Dirigible Days - the web series revolves around a support group for "D-List" superheroes lead by Samantha (Julie Wilhelm), a former A-list hero who has recently lost her powers.

As she struggles to help the members of the support group confront their respective issues, she must also contend with an equally complicated personal life.

You see, Samantha is the ex-lover of the world's most prominent hero Captain Famous. Their relationship ended due to her steadfast belief in the innocence of Steam, a super-villain convicted of murdering the mayor's daughter.

Samantha's support of Steam has also put her at odds with her former team the GALA (Guardians and Allies Looking after America) of Justice, the supergroup led by Captain Famous.

Matters get even more muddled for Samantha as her professional and personal lives become increasingly entangled - and a member of her support group turns to the dark side.

So Not Super as a whole succeeds in being an amusing satire of many superhero tropes, including:

Lampooning the incredible powers of most superheroes. For example, instead of being able to fly or lift cars, one super's ability is controlling paper, while another can attract cats. Yeah, you read that right
Secret identities are shown to be as ineffectual as they really would be

The witty and charming script by series star Julie Wilhelm compensates for the limitations of the bare-bones production.

Another highlight is scenes in which Samantha and her support group interact.

The group's neuroses and her exasperated attempts at therapy are sources of comedy gold.

However, there are some misfires, such as the weak motivation behind one group member turning evil, and the inclusion of a superfluous side plot about one super who procrastinates in joining the group.

Despite those narrative missteps, So Not Super is an amusing satire worth watching.

Watch the official series teaser for a sneak peek inside the world of So Not Super ...

You can watch the entire 10-episode first season on the series channel on YouTube.

Help Keep The 7th Matrix Independent and Ad-Free!

In Boost The Web Series - An Experimental Drug Grants Its Users Superpowers

So Not Super The Web Series - A Tale Of Superheroes On The D List