Mandy J Watson
@mandyjwatson.bsky.social
Tech-culture journalist. Copy editor. Game dev. Hire me!
World expert in South African comics (#sacomics) published after 2000.
Words: https://brainwavez.org/
Tiny games: https://mandyjwatson.itch.io/
Masked up in Cape Town, South Africa.
World expert in South African comics (#sacomics) published after 2000.
Words: https://brainwavez.org/
Tiny games: https://mandyjwatson.itch.io/
Masked up in Cape Town, South Africa.
Pinned
The Mischievous Thievery Of Jessica The Cat by Mandy J Watson
Jessica the cat has been stealing people's things! A GGJ2021 narrative-puzzle prototype that's now a full game! Play in your browser
mandyjwatson.itch.io
To get the anxiety inducing first post out of the way:
something of mine you can read: https://www.brainwavez.org/screen/film/features/2019/20191128001-01.html
something I made for you to play (dev is ongoing - more to come):
https://mandyjwatson.itch.io/the-mischievous-thievery-of-jessica-the-cat
something of mine you can read: https://www.brainwavez.org/screen/film/features/2019/20191128001-01.html
something I made for you to play (dev is ongoing - more to come):
https://mandyjwatson.itch.io/the-mischievous-thievery-of-jessica-the-cat
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Release the reverse-Spotify Wrapped showing us how many times their ICE recruitment ads run, how much money Spotify gets paid to air them, & how little money everyone's Top 5 bands make on their platform
December 3, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Release the reverse-Spotify Wrapped showing us how many times their ICE recruitment ads run, how much money Spotify gets paid to air them, & how little money everyone's Top 5 bands make on their platform
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Lithgow saying that a family friend with a trans kid came to him and literally said “please don’t do this” and he did it anyway really gives the game away. they don’t not know
Once again thinking about every actor trying to justify taking the money for the new HP series.
December 3, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Lithgow saying that a family friend with a trans kid came to him and literally said “please don’t do this” and he did it anyway really gives the game away. they don’t not know
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Addo Elephant National park
1. A mother elephant and her calf walking on the main road.
2. An elephant using its trunk to fling mud on itself.
3. Two elephant calves. The smaller one is leaning against the larger one.
4. A warthog walking on the main road.
#AddoElepahntNationalPark #SouthAfrica
1. A mother elephant and her calf walking on the main road.
2. An elephant using its trunk to fling mud on itself.
3. Two elephant calves. The smaller one is leaning against the larger one.
4. A warthog walking on the main road.
#AddoElepahntNationalPark #SouthAfrica
December 3, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Addo Elephant National park
1. A mother elephant and her calf walking on the main road.
2. An elephant using its trunk to fling mud on itself.
3. Two elephant calves. The smaller one is leaning against the larger one.
4. A warthog walking on the main road.
#AddoElepahntNationalPark #SouthAfrica
1. A mother elephant and her calf walking on the main road.
2. An elephant using its trunk to fling mud on itself.
3. Two elephant calves. The smaller one is leaning against the larger one.
4. A warthog walking on the main road.
#AddoElepahntNationalPark #SouthAfrica
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
As this year's Nobel Prizes are being announced, the remarkable story of physicist Lise Meitner, who discovered nuclear fission, was excluded from the Nobel Prize for her own discovery, and persevered to pave the way for women in science anyway: www.themarginalian.org/2016/10/27/l...
How Pioneering Physicist Lise Meitner Discovered Nuclear Fission, Paved the Way for Women in Science, and Was Denied the Nobel Prize
“Science makes people reach selflessly for truth and objectivity; it teaches people to accept reality, with wonder and admiration, not to mention the deep joy and awe that the natural order o…
www.themarginalian.org
December 3, 2025 at 2:28 PM
As this year's Nobel Prizes are being announced, the remarkable story of physicist Lise Meitner, who discovered nuclear fission, was excluded from the Nobel Prize for her own discovery, and persevered to pave the way for women in science anyway: www.themarginalian.org/2016/10/27/l...
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Claudia Black: “When I did the first season, people assumed that I’m making hundreds of thousands of dollars. It could not be further from the truth on a role like this. [My pay was] closer to what I was earning when I was 19 or in my early 20s.”
‘Ahsoka’ Actress Claudia Black Details Why She Exited Season 2 Over Pay: “Something Needs to Change”
Black, who played Nightsister Klothow in the 'Star Wars' series, also gets candid about the challenges of working in Hollywood as a woman, specifically a single mother.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Claudia Black: “When I did the first season, people assumed that I’m making hundreds of thousands of dollars. It could not be further from the truth on a role like this. [My pay was] closer to what I was earning when I was 19 or in my early 20s.”
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
The African Translation Project is up to 75% funded! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
They are SO CLOSE, let's keep it going!!
Nice for it to be Giving Tuesday, right?
ko-fi.com/africantrans...
They are SO CLOSE, let's keep it going!!
Nice for it to be Giving Tuesday, right?
ko-fi.com/africantrans...
Support African Translation Project
African Translation Project / We're overdue - let's rally this. / please see - please share / After nine months - let's complete funding for the translation of Zvinobvinza to: The Crocodile Doesn't Hu...
ko-fi.com
December 2, 2025 at 12:51 PM
The African Translation Project is up to 75% funded! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
They are SO CLOSE, let's keep it going!!
Nice for it to be Giving Tuesday, right?
ko-fi.com/africantrans...
They are SO CLOSE, let's keep it going!!
Nice for it to be Giving Tuesday, right?
ko-fi.com/africantrans...
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
One day left to get Battery Acid Boy 2 Deluxe and NJ Mix #01 for just $1 on itch :)
Infinite days left to get my fonts and all other music packs for free under cc0 :)
itch.io/s/167828/bla...
not-jam.itch.io/not-jam-font...
Infinite days left to get my fonts and all other music packs for free under cc0 :)
itch.io/s/167828/bla...
not-jam.itch.io/not-jam-font...
December 2, 2025 at 4:53 PM
One day left to get Battery Acid Boy 2 Deluxe and NJ Mix #01 for just $1 on itch :)
Infinite days left to get my fonts and all other music packs for free under cc0 :)
itch.io/s/167828/bla...
not-jam.itch.io/not-jam-font...
Infinite days left to get my fonts and all other music packs for free under cc0 :)
itch.io/s/167828/bla...
not-jam.itch.io/not-jam-font...
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Just imagining how much better it would be if ALL news stories about vaccine-preventable illnesses were illustrated with pictures of people with the disease, not pictures of needle injections. If you must show something that people will find scary & unpleasant, make it the disease, not the cure.
I'm so tired of measles.
I'm also tired of people using needle shots on stories like this.
Show what measles looks like.
I'm also tired of people using needle shots on stories like this.
Show what measles looks like.
Gallatin Co. reports 2nd measles case, warns of exposure sites nbcmontana.com/news/local/g...
December 2, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Just imagining how much better it would be if ALL news stories about vaccine-preventable illnesses were illustrated with pictures of people with the disease, not pictures of needle injections. If you must show something that people will find scary & unpleasant, make it the disease, not the cure.
I just discovered this press release that the South African Medical Research Council posted a year ago regarding a study "on the safety and effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine booster among healthcare workers, including those living with HIV"
1/2
www.samrc.ac.za/press-releas...
1/2
www.samrc.ac.za/press-releas...
South African Study Confirms Safety and Effectiveness of COVID-19 Booster for Healthcare Workers | SAMRC
A new study sponsored by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) published in the journal PLOS Global Public Health has provided encouraging results on the safety and effectiveness of a COV...
www.samrc.ac.za
December 2, 2025 at 5:31 PM
I just discovered this press release that the South African Medical Research Council posted a year ago regarding a study "on the safety and effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine booster among healthcare workers, including those living with HIV"
1/2
www.samrc.ac.za/press-releas...
1/2
www.samrc.ac.za/press-releas...
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
A flesh-eating parasite called the New World screwworm has resurged in livestock while beef prices are near record highs.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has called keeping the parasite out of the country “a national security priority.”
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has called keeping the parasite out of the country “a national security priority.”
Flesh-eating worm in Mexico is squeezing U.S. beef supply
The New World screwworm in Mexico has meant an almost year-long blockade on imported cattle, disrupted domestic feedlots and long-standing business relationships.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Saffas: If you still have an account over on FB to go and 🕵️on things every now and then, you simply must go and check out the comments under this G20 United States post 😂😂😂😂Mzanzi went in there hard 😆😍👏
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1...
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1...
Redirecting...
www.facebook.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Saffas: If you still have an account over on FB to go and 🕵️on things every now and then, you simply must go and check out the comments under this G20 United States post 😂😂😂😂Mzanzi went in there hard 😆😍👏
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1...
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1...
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Want to make your own ROOMS and SOUP-like games? Here you go! This was developed in tandem with SOUP ROOMS and was the tool we used to make it.
Have fun!
akuma-kira.itch.io/bap
Have fun!
akuma-kira.itch.io/bap
Bapalon by KIRA, Kite Line
A virtual museum tool that anyone can edit!
akuma-kira.itch.io
November 29, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Want to make your own ROOMS and SOUP-like games? Here you go! This was developed in tandem with SOUP ROOMS and was the tool we used to make it.
Have fun!
akuma-kira.itch.io/bap
Have fun!
akuma-kira.itch.io/bap
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
LONG RAMBLING EMOTIONAL THREAD:
It's World AIDS Day. Since the Administration has decided to keep it quiet, I'd like to share my introduction to AIDS.
I grew up in Seattle. My mom remarried a man who had a brother who was a King County Sheriff's Deputy. His name was Terry and he was gay. 1/x
It's World AIDS Day. Since the Administration has decided to keep it quiet, I'd like to share my introduction to AIDS.
I grew up in Seattle. My mom remarried a man who had a brother who was a King County Sheriff's Deputy. His name was Terry and he was gay. 1/x
December 2, 2025 at 3:59 AM
LONG RAMBLING EMOTIONAL THREAD:
It's World AIDS Day. Since the Administration has decided to keep it quiet, I'd like to share my introduction to AIDS.
I grew up in Seattle. My mom remarried a man who had a brother who was a King County Sheriff's Deputy. His name was Terry and he was gay. 1/x
It's World AIDS Day. Since the Administration has decided to keep it quiet, I'd like to share my introduction to AIDS.
I grew up in Seattle. My mom remarried a man who had a brother who was a King County Sheriff's Deputy. His name was Terry and he was gay. 1/x
Please note South Africa in 10th position at ~13%.
The country with a legit official policy of "What COVID?" "There's no COVID." "COVID isn't something to worry about." "We're monitoring cases at medical facilities but it's minimal."
The country with a legit official policy of "What COVID?" "There's no COVID." "COVID isn't something to worry about." "We're monitoring cases at medical facilities but it's minimal."
Worldwide mortality experience since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2024) shows excess deaths over that period in almost every country measured. Australia (+6%) was below average, and New Zealand (+0.1%) the lowest we measured.
December 2, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Please note South Africa in 10th position at ~13%.
The country with a legit official policy of "What COVID?" "There's no COVID." "COVID isn't something to worry about." "We're monitoring cases at medical facilities but it's minimal."
The country with a legit official policy of "What COVID?" "There's no COVID." "COVID isn't something to worry about." "We're monitoring cases at medical facilities but it's minimal."
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
COVID isn’t acting like the viruses most of us grew up with, and treating it like “just a cold” is putting people at real risk. David Brasure breaks down why SARS-CoV-2 is fundamentally different, how it causes long-term damage, and what we can do to protect ourselves.
December 1, 2025 at 6:40 PM
COVID isn’t acting like the viruses most of us grew up with, and treating it like “just a cold” is putting people at real risk. David Brasure breaks down why SARS-CoV-2 is fundamentally different, how it causes long-term damage, and what we can do to protect ourselves.
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
December 1, 2019 : the first known case of COVID-19.
More than six years later, SARS-CoV-2 is still circulating. Its long-term effects are not “in the past.” They accumulate, quietly and often invisibly.
More than six years later, SARS-CoV-2 is still circulating. Its long-term effects are not “in the past.” They accumulate, quietly and often invisibly.
December 1, 2025 at 7:23 PM
December 1, 2019 : the first known case of COVID-19.
More than six years later, SARS-CoV-2 is still circulating. Its long-term effects are not “in the past.” They accumulate, quietly and often invisibly.
More than six years later, SARS-CoV-2 is still circulating. Its long-term effects are not “in the past.” They accumulate, quietly and often invisibly.
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Please marvel at my opening graphic collage art!
(Ons Klyntji illustration by Octavia Roodt; Comic Jam illustration by Warren Raysdorf; Bitterkomix illustration by Anton Kannemeyer)
(Ons Klyntji illustration by Octavia Roodt; Comic Jam illustration by Warren Raysdorf; Bitterkomix illustration by Anton Kannemeyer)
News: South African Comics Events Coming Up In December 2025
www.brainwavez.org/news/2025/20...
#SAComics
www.brainwavez.org/news/2025/20...
#SAComics
December 1, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Please marvel at my opening graphic collage art!
(Ons Klyntji illustration by Octavia Roodt; Comic Jam illustration by Warren Raysdorf; Bitterkomix illustration by Anton Kannemeyer)
(Ons Klyntji illustration by Octavia Roodt; Comic Jam illustration by Warren Raysdorf; Bitterkomix illustration by Anton Kannemeyer)
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
An elephant near the Harpoor Dam in the Addo Elepahant National Park.
December 1, 2025 at 4:44 PM
An elephant near the Harpoor Dam in the Addo Elepahant National Park.
Please marvel at my opening graphic collage art!
(Ons Klyntji illustration by Octavia Roodt; Comic Jam illustration by Warren Raysdorf; Bitterkomix illustration by Anton Kannemeyer)
(Ons Klyntji illustration by Octavia Roodt; Comic Jam illustration by Warren Raysdorf; Bitterkomix illustration by Anton Kannemeyer)
News: South African Comics Events Coming Up In December 2025
www.brainwavez.org/news/2025/20...
#SAComics
www.brainwavez.org/news/2025/20...
#SAComics
December 1, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Please marvel at my opening graphic collage art!
(Ons Klyntji illustration by Octavia Roodt; Comic Jam illustration by Warren Raysdorf; Bitterkomix illustration by Anton Kannemeyer)
(Ons Klyntji illustration by Octavia Roodt; Comic Jam illustration by Warren Raysdorf; Bitterkomix illustration by Anton Kannemeyer)
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
The first #SAComics event for December is happening right now at The Book Lounge in Cape Town until this evening: the store, which supports local comics, zines, and self-publishers, is celebrating its 18th birthday with an 18% discount on everything (so: buy comics!).
Also: free party tonight!
Also: free party tonight!
News: South African Comics Events Coming Up In December 2025
www.brainwavez.org/news/2025/20...
#SAComics
www.brainwavez.org/news/2025/20...
#SAComics
December 1, 2025 at 1:49 PM
The first #SAComics event for December is happening right now at The Book Lounge in Cape Town until this evening: the store, which supports local comics, zines, and self-publishers, is celebrating its 18th birthday with an 18% discount on everything (so: buy comics!).
Also: free party tonight!
Also: free party tonight!
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
News: South African Comics Events Coming Up In December 2025
www.brainwavez.org/news/2025/20...
#SAComics
www.brainwavez.org/news/2025/20...
#SAComics
December 1, 2025 at 1:46 PM
News: South African Comics Events Coming Up In December 2025
www.brainwavez.org/news/2025/20...
#SAComics
www.brainwavez.org/news/2025/20...
#SAComics
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
breaking up big tech, enforcing regulation, and building alternative open-source infrastructure has never been more urgent
Normal and great
> Microsoft triggered a viral furor when it revealed a Teams update to tell your company when you’re not at work. Now Google has done the same. Forget end-to-end encryption. A new Android update means your RCS and SMS texts are no longer private.
www.forbes.com/sites/zakdof...
> Microsoft triggered a viral furor when it revealed a Teams update to tell your company when you’re not at work. Now Google has done the same. Forget end-to-end encryption. A new Android update means your RCS and SMS texts are no longer private.
www.forbes.com/sites/zakdof...
Google Starts Sharing All Your Text Messages With Your Employer
Warning — what happens on your Android phone, doesn’t stay on your Android phone.
www.forbes.com
November 30, 2025 at 8:30 PM
breaking up big tech, enforcing regulation, and building alternative open-source infrastructure has never been more urgent
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Our 3-yr-old pulled a Halt and Catch Fire press kit out of a shelf and it opened up—
—realized I’d stashed this card inside from our writers room board.
Characters were color-coded thru 4 seasons: Donna = purple, Gordon = green, Joe = blue, Cam = red, Boz = brown.
This beat ended up in S3 Ep5.
—realized I’d stashed this card inside from our writers room board.
Characters were color-coded thru 4 seasons: Donna = purple, Gordon = green, Joe = blue, Cam = red, Boz = brown.
This beat ended up in S3 Ep5.
November 30, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Our 3-yr-old pulled a Halt and Catch Fire press kit out of a shelf and it opened up—
—realized I’d stashed this card inside from our writers room board.
Characters were color-coded thru 4 seasons: Donna = purple, Gordon = green, Joe = blue, Cam = red, Boz = brown.
This beat ended up in S3 Ep5.
—realized I’d stashed this card inside from our writers room board.
Characters were color-coded thru 4 seasons: Donna = purple, Gordon = green, Joe = blue, Cam = red, Boz = brown.
This beat ended up in S3 Ep5.
Reposted by Mandy J Watson
Winona Ryder is older than Rue McClanahan was when Golden Girls first aired
November 30, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Winona Ryder is older than Rue McClanahan was when Golden Girls first aired