Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks
Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks
Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks
Rafael Magana

Rafael Magana, Co-Arts and Entertainment Editor

Rafael Magana is one of the co-editors for the Arts and Entertainment section for Talon Marks this semester. He plans to transfer to Cal State Long Beach, Cal State LA, or UC Santa Barbara in the Fall of 2021. He’s an avid lover of all things arts and entertainment, yet holds a special place in his heart for video games and music.

All content by Rafael Magana
Raising a child is one of the most fulfilling things a parent can do. It's also by far one of the most difficult. Photo credit: Wayne Evans/Pexels

Minority single parents struggle to provide for their families

Rafael Magana • May 18, 2021
The life of a single parent is one filled with difficulty, but is a fulfilling one nonetheless.
A still from a photoshoot taken in Whittier. Lawson often collaborates with two photographers in the majority of his photoshoots, Kevin (@wrongkev) and Jeremiah (@jjerabano). This one in particular is taken by Kevin.

Taymon Lawson audio interview on being raised by a single mother, influence of social media

Rafael Magana • May 18, 2021
Lawson gives some insight as to how the internet can change the way that some single parents can approach raising their children.
The life of a single parent is one that requires a lot of sacrifices. These sacrifices are made even more difficult when you're a person of color.

Audio voicer: Minority single parents

Rafael Magana • May 18, 2021
A&E Editor Rafael Magana speaks on the experiences that a single mother can go through as a minority and the impact it may have on their children.
Etika in a still from one of his YouTube videos from 2019. Much of his content involved him directly speaking to his viewers, and having an all around good time. Photo credit: TR1Iceman @ YouTube

Remembering Desmond “Etika” Amofah

Rafael Magana • May 13, 2021
Desmond Amofah, better known on Twitch and YouTube as "Etika," would have been 31 on May 12. He will be missed.

May 12, 2021 – Page 9

Rafael Magana, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor • May 12, 2021

May 12, 2021 – Page 8

Rafael Magana, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor • May 12, 2021

The villains in the title are easily one of the best parts of it. Each of them encompass their own part of the story, and Ethan will have to take them down to save his daughter. Photo credit: Capcom Unity/Capcom, Co., Ltd.

‘Resident Evil Village’: More action, more horror

Rafael Magana • May 11, 2021
Resident Evil Village is an outstanding sequel to 2017’s "Resident Evil: Biohazard," and doubles down on its action elements.
Twin Peaks: The Return was broadcast on Showtime during it's run. The run on cable television allowed it to be more liberal with what it portrayed on television. Photo credit: Jazmin Taha

‘Twin Peaks: The Return’: Excellent, trippy commentary on the state of television

Rafael Magana • May 6, 2021
David Lynch’s 2017 return to "Twin Peaks" was a marvel that defied all expectations.
(Center): Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman) in Marvel Studios' THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved. Photo credit: Marvel Studios & Walt Disney Company

‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ finale falls just short of greatness

Rafael Magana • April 28, 2021
The series finale of "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" falls a bit short, and leaves much to be desired.
Players are able to explore parts of the castle that were previously unavailable in the MAIDEN demo. Pictured above is a puzzle that is actually unsolvable in the demo, but is sure to be a challenge in the full release. Photo credit: Capcom Unity/Capcom, Co., Ltd.

‘Resident Evil Village’ castle demo: an exciting evolution of the survival horror genre

Rafael Magana • April 28, 2021
The "Resident Evil Village" 'castle' demo allows players to get an in-depth look at some of the game's more nuanced mechanics.
When players are thrust into the game world, this is one of the first areas that they will see. It's fully explorable, with a ton to see it it's many areas. Photo credit: Capcom Unity/Capcom, Co., Ltd.

Resident Evil Village’s timed demo is a short, but sweet experience

Rafael Magana • April 21, 2021
The latest title from Capcom's Resident Evil Franchise. This new title takes alot of inspiration from Resident Evil 4
Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) in Marvel Studios' THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved. Photo credit: Marvel Studios & Walt Disney Company

‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’: ‘Truth’ is a moment of relative peace before the storm

Rafael Magana • April 21, 2021
Episode five ‘Truth’ steps back and allows the audience to get intimately familiar with Wilson and Bucky before the show’s climactic finale next week.

April 21, 2021 – Page 6

Rafael Magana, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor • April 21, 2021

(L-R): John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Lemar Hoskins (Cle Bennett), Zemo (Daniel Bruhl) and Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Julie Vrabelova. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved. Photo credit: Marvel Studios, Julie Vrabelova , Kianna Znika & Walt Disney Company

‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’: ‘The Whole World is Watching’ is an intense commentary on the state of America

Rafael Magana, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor • April 15, 2021
Episode four of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” is another worthwhile episode in the series that continues to further along the plot and further flesh out our protagonists.
(L-R): Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Zemo ( Daniel Brühl) and Falcon/Sam Wilson ( Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved. Photo credit: Marvel Studios, Chuck Zlotnick & Walt Disney Company

‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’: ‘Power Broker’ has stakes rising to exciting points

Rafael Magana, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor • April 8, 2021
Episode three of “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” continues to allow its audience to be immersed in it’s world building, while simultaneously introducing new elements that flesh out the MCU.

March 31, 2021 – Page 11

Keanu Ruffo, Rafael Magana, and Sean Davis • March 31, 2021

March 31, 2021 – Page 12

Keanu Ruffo, Rafael Magana, and Sean Davis • March 31, 2021

March 31, 2021 – Page 6

Oscar Torres and Rafael Magana • March 31, 2021

March 31, 2021 – Page 8

Rafael Magana, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor • March 31, 2021

A still from a photoshoot in Downtown LA's Little Tokyo district. To Lawson, the Los Angeles lifestyle is something that's key to making him who he is.

Following a dream: Taymon Lawson wants to model success

Rafael Magana, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor • March 25, 2021
Working through issues that initially affected him negatively, model Taymon Lawson is following his dream of becoming a model and actor.
Anthony Mackie as The Falcon/Sam Wilson in episode 1 of 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier', available exclusively on Disney+. Photo credit: Walt Disney Company & Marvel Studios

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: ‘New World Order’ is another hit for Marvel Studios and Disney

Rafael Magana • March 22, 2021
A strong introduction makes ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ a meaningful part of the MCU’s fourth phase.
A photograph from Ortiz's project "Todos Somos Familia". Pictured are some of the vendors that did business in Tijuana, and Ortiz noted that many of them shared a familial bond.

An emotional catharsis: Aydinaneth Ortiz and her art

Rafael Magana • March 12, 2021
Aydinaneth Ortiz's work is an honest commentary on grief, familial struggles and immigration.
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[Photo] ‘Pokemon Presents’ discussion (featuring Twitch streamer Kihambo)

Oscar Torres, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor • March 1, 2021

The Pokemon Go Tour: Kanto celebration is virtual ticketed event that will cost $11.99. Photo credit: Niantic/TNS

Falcon Entertainment S2 Ep 2: Pokémon’s 25th anniversary special

Rafael Magana and Oscar Torres • February 25, 2021
We cover Pokemon's 25th anniversary, and what we'd like to see from the series in the future.
February 24, 2021 – Page 12

February 24, 2021 – Page 12

Keanu Ruffo, Sean Davis, and Rafael Magana • February 25, 2021

February 24, 2021 – Page 11

February 24, 2021 – Page 11

Keanu Ruffo, Sean Davis, and Rafael Magana • February 25, 2021

February 24, 2021 – Page 7

February 24, 2021 – Page 7

Rafael Magana, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor • February 25, 2021

Kanye West at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival Awards. Later in the year, West would relocated to Hawaii to record My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Photo credit: David Shankbone & Wikimedia Commons

What makes Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” a brutally honest reflection

Rafael Magana • February 22, 2021
West's 2010 record is a glimpse into a lifestyle that many will never quite experience.
Martin Luther King and Malcolm X waiting for press conference. People celebrate King while denigrating X but both held radical visions for a different America.

Black (Radical) History: revive the deeper, hidden legacy of Black activism

Sean Davis and Rafael Magana • February 11, 2021
Black history isn't a simple story of pacifistic individuals gently asking for change. Even the most famous of Civil Rights figures were more radical than we are taught to believe.
Another still from the band's live performance at the Cerritos College Burnight Theatre where the group performed songs off their second album. Taken on February 2, 2019. Pictured (left to right): Emili Romano, Eric Orellana, Sergio German, Mikey Enriquez, Joel Alvarez and Professor Maz. Photo credit: Andrew Maz

Singularity, Entropy, and Winter: The history of Andrew Maz and his band

Rafael Magana, Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor • February 11, 2021
Professor Maz opens up about the history of his band formed of Cerritos College students, and what the future holds for them.
A publicity photo released by Motown Records during the promotion of Gaye's album "Let's Get It On". Photo credit: Jim Britt/Motown Records & Public Domain

50 years later, Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” record remains scarily relevant

Rafael Magana, Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor • February 9, 2021
Half a century later, and Marvin Gaye's plead for peace remains just as relevant in 2021.
300 dpi 2 col. x 3.25 inches/108x83 mm/368x281 pixels Kurt Strazdins color illustration of a Grammy award. KRT 2001. Companion KRT News in Motion animation and KRTi HotTopics is available on this subject.

‘Falcon Entertainment’ season 2 episode 1: What to look forward to in 2021

Oscar Torres, Rafael Magana, Josselyn Garay, and Janet Chavarria • February 4, 2021
A&E editors Oscar and Rafael talk with staff writers Janet and Josselyn, previewing what's to come in entertainment in 2021.
A photo of the band that was taken when their latest project "Momentum" was released. From left to right: Brandon Leming (drums), Emmanuel Medina (bass), David Rivas (guitar), Sean Goodwin (guitar), and Michael Douthwright (vocals). Photo credit: @duncan_domino on Instagram & Unstoppable Force

Metal band Unstoppable Force has yet to meet an immovable object

Rafael Magana, Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor • February 2, 2021
This Southern California band is standing out among their peers by providing fans with unforgettable live shows.
Key art for the Maiden demo, featuring the dungeons of Castle Dimitrescu and a mysterious figure. Photo credit: Capcom Unity/Capcom, Co., Ltd.

Resident Evil Village’s “Maiden” demo is an exciting look at what’s to come

Rafael Magana, Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor • January 28, 2021
Capcom offers players an enticing first look at their upcoming survival horror project.
A picture of the band with their original drummer, Zen. This is a picture from their first single, Uncultured, which was recorded in 2017. Photo credit: @duncan_domino on Instagram

OC band Uncultured has big plans for 2021

Rafael Magana, Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor • January 20, 2021
Despite a rocky 2020, this metal band is determined to have a successful and productive 2021. With an EP in the works, Uncultured hopes to grab 2021 by the (devil) horns.
The battle system is turn-based, harkening back to JRPG systems that have been used in games before. In Omori, players emotional states are used in battle to inflict status buffs and debuffs on party members and enemies. Photo credit: Image Credit: OMOCAT, LLC. and PLAYISM

Omori is a beautiful, terrifying RPG

Rafael Magana, Arts and Entertainment Co-Editor • January 13, 2021
Omori is another example of a successful Kickstarter RPG. This funny, haunting and melancholy horror game ticks all the right boxes.
An iconic scene from the first Paranormal Activity where Katie and Micah experience a haunting. Photo credit: Image credit: Blumhouse Productions/Paramount Pictures

Pillars of Horror V: 2000s

Rafael Magana • December 14, 2020
This week, we take a look at the 2000s and examine the horror movies that made that defined that decade of horror...
A new business in the City of Bellflower opened amid COVID-19. Here's a look at some of the records on display. 11/20/20.

New record shop in Bellflower for music lovers

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • December 11, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped local shop owner Eddie Aguirre from pursuing his passion and opening up his own record shop.
One of the most iconic shots in The Blair Witch Project. Photo credit: Image credit: Allstar/Cintext/Pathe

Pillars of Horror IV: 1990s

Rafael Magana • November 20, 2020
This week, we look at two movies that defined horror in the 1990's...
A photo from one of the game's areas, the Stonefang Tunnel. Sights like these are not a rarity. Photo credit: Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment/Bluepoint Games.

Demon’s Souls Review (PS5)

Rafael Magana • November 20, 2020
Demon's Souls is a beautiful, haunting reimagining of the 2009 original.
The PS5 unit viewed from the front.The vents in there allow for the console to be quiet. A USB port is available in the front, and since this is the digital version, there is no disc drive on the side. Note: The front USB port is the port that did not allow me to charge the controller. Photo credit: Rafael Magana

PlayStation 5: First impressions

Rafael Magana • November 19, 2020
Sony's latest console is a worthwhile purchase, but beware of some issues.
This is the Black Ops Cold War launch screen. This is the very first thing players see when booting up the game. Photo credit: Image from Activision/Treyarch

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War review (PS5)

Rafael Magana • November 19, 2020
"Black Ops Cold War" is a worthwhile entry to the Call of Duty series, delivering an action packed campaign, enjoyable multiplayer, and a fresh zombies experience.
Joe Biden is the newest 2020 elected president of the United States. It was a tight race between Biden and Trump Photo credit: stingrayschuller on Flickr.com

Biden’s win won’t change the world, we will

Rafael Magana and Sean Davis • November 13, 2020
Despite Biden's campaign being a success, voters should continue to push for change and hold those in office accountable.
Gaming Consoles have drastically changed over the years. Newer and far advanced consoles are the new future for intense gamers. Photo credit: Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com

Falcon Entertainment Podcast #1: Next-Gen Consoles and their confusions

Oscar Torres, Rafael Magana, and Rebecca Aguila • November 13, 2020
The first-ever episode of Falcon Entertainment. with three gamers talk about the Next Generation consoles and it's issues and positives of it.
A cosplay of Jason Voorhees from the 2014 Zombie Walk. Photo credit: Image by Rodrigo Paredes from Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina - Jason - Zombie Walk 2014 - 16112014, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Pillars of Horror III: 1980s

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • November 13, 2020
This week, we take a look at the 1980's in Horror and the boom in the genre that came with it...
The United States Capitol viewed from it's west side. Photo credit: From Wikimedia Commons/Martin Falbisoner - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

2020 Election winners are becoming more diverse

Rafael Magana, staff writer • November 8, 2020
The 2020 Election has allowed people from diverse and previously unrepresented groups to shine.
Photo credit: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Falcon Entertainment Episode 2 Halloween Special

Oscar Torres and Rafael Magana • November 6, 2020
Join us this week for our Halloween special! We talk about our favorite horror movies, what makes a horror movie good, and just have an all-around good time.
Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn on set during the filming of The Exorcist. Photo credit: Image from Wikimedia Commons, taken Feb 12th 1974. (Public Domain)

Pillars of Horror II: 1970’s horror classics

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • November 6, 2020
This week, let's take a look at what defined horror in the 1970's...
Supporting student success is main message in President's State of the College address

Supporting student success is main message in President’s State of the College address

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • October 30, 2020
In the light of COVID-19, Cerritos College is making strides to evolve with the times and give students and the community what they need to succeed.
Photo of Janet Leigh and Alfred Hitchcock during the filming of Psycho. 1960. Photo credit: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Shamley Productions and Paramount Pictures

Pillars of Horror I: The 1960s

Rafael Magana, staff writer • October 30, 2020
In this introductory installment, we take a look at "Psycho" and "Rosemary's Baby," two movies that defined the 1960s.
A photo of Splash Mountain, a fan favorite at Disneyland.

Disneyland cast member speaks on recent layoffs

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • October 30, 2020
In the wake of the 28,000 layoffs earlier this month, a Disney cast member speaks their mind on what they think of the current situation.
Prop 24: An extension of the CCPA or something more?

Prop 24: An extension of the CCPA or something more?

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • October 23, 2020
Proposition 24 is proving to be one of the most divisive and confusing propositions on the ballot this year.

LeBron James: Heart of a Champion

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • October 16, 2020
Following his 2020 NBA Finals win, let's take a look at LeBron's journey to the top.
A screenshot from one of Miller’s early videos. This video was responsible for the Harlem Shake craze in 2013.

George Miller: internet titan turned music star

Rafael Magana, staff writer • October 16, 2020
Whether producing edgy internet comedy as Filthy Frank, or smooth ballads as Joji, Miller has done it all.
A member of the Cavaliers is attempting an alley-oop. The NBA is currently being questioned if they support the BLM movement.

Off The Field: Is the NBA truly in support of BLM?

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • October 9, 2020
The NBA has been struggling with views and ratings since the start of the bubble.
Many releases by Nintendo, games and consoles alike, have been in short supply and subject to scalping. As of Oct. 2 2020 the Nintendo Switch is still out of stock in most places.

Nintendo may be family friendly, but it isn’t consumer friendly

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • October 2, 2020
Nintendo's anti-consumer practices are cause for worry in the wake of a new console generation.
Gaming stores are seeing a sharp decline in sales in the digital age. Online marketplaces seem like the inevitable future of gaming. Photo credit: flickr

Game over for GameStop, for better or worse

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • September 25, 2020
The end is near for retail video game stores as gamers turn to online purchasing and downloads.
Ivan (voiced by Sam Rockwell) and Bryan Cranston as Mack in Disney's THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, based on the award winning book by Katherine Applegate and directed by Thea Sharrock. Photo courtesy of Disney. 2020 Disney Enterprise, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

‘The One and Only Ivan’ review: A beautiful take on a classic children’s novel

Rafael Magana, Staff Writer • August 28, 2020
Disney presents viewers with a tale of captivity and freedom that is sure to pluck at their heartstrings.
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