#MCU Breakdown

[seamstraw]

thinking about comic sentry’s ability to resurrect the dead in such a way that the person would never even know they died.

thinking about the fact that the new avengers are very underpowered and un-versatile compared to a lot of the other teams and cosmic threats.

thinking about the fact that bob’s greatest fear is being alone.

(“bob? is everything alright? you’ve seemed a little… off since we got back from the mission.”

“huh? y-yeah. I’m fine. I just missed you guys. a lot.”

“we were only gone for a few days, bob. and no one even got hurt. everyone’s fine.”

“…right. everyone’s fine.”)

[rainix13]

It's Okay

hostage by Billie Eilish

masterlist

inspiration was this by @mommyownsmee

Natasha Romanoff x Agent!Reader

words: ~2k

description: after a few exhausting days and not talking about it, it gets too much to comprehend at last

Genre: angst / comfort (mostly comfort I think??)

Warnings: angst, mental breakdown, not really edited/proof read

It's litteraly 7am and I haven't slept yet, my brain is cooked

I don't know if anything makes sense

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𓅨⋆｡°✩✮ ⋆ ˚｡⋆｡°✩｡⋆｡✮ ⋆ ˚｡⋆｡°✩✮ ⋆ ˚｡𓅨⋆｡°✩

Sighing you entered your shared appartment, bringing the groceries straight to the kitchen.

"Baby?" the familar voice came from the office and despite your exhaustion immediately a smile makes it's way to your lips.

You hung your coat over a nearby chair and before you could even turn around, two strong arms wrapped around your waist.

"Hey Natty" you murmured, letting yourself melt against her. "How was your day?"

The redhead grunted in response and adds "Paperwork and recruits."

You chuckled, knowing exactly what she means. You had them just before they went to training with Natasha.

"How was your day princess?" She asks kissing your shoulder.

You turned around , letting your arms hanging loosley around her neck "Was goood"

"Mh, you look exhausted" she stated between to short kisses but you shooke your head.

"Not more than usual" You lied with a smile. It's an easy lie, a casual one. Not necessary but you didn't want to ruin her good mood. And Natasha bought it.

After another quick peck you pulled away completely. "I'm just gonna take a quick shower and then I'll make dinner, okay?"

"Okay, I'll finish my work 'til then. What are you cooking?"

"Pasta!" You shouted over your shoulder, already halfway in the bathroom.

As the hot water runs down your body it felt like everything just washed off. The build up exhaustion faded as you stepped out of the shower, leaving you with something raw. Something that made you balance so close to the edge of a mental breakdown even you began to notice it. You sighed, somehow hoping to get rid of that weight that makes it hard to breath. You looked up, in the mirrior meeting your own empty eyes. Natasha was right, you do look exhausted. Like something drained the last bit off energy from your body. And if you were honest with yourself, you'd know that that's also exactly how you've felt for the last few days. But instead you've drowned that in even more work and exhaustion so it couldn't surface. Not until now at least.

A familiar dizziness formed in your head and you had to sit down. Have you eaten today? Yes, you had a sandwich for lunch. Or was that yesterday? No. Nevermind, it was yesterday.

Stop that's not relevant, you want to breathe. Why did that exhaustion suppress everything else? Why does this come up now? Can your emotions chill for a second? Can your mind please chill the fuck out? Why is this happening now? You need to get up again. You've got things to do. Why do your thoughts feel so loud. Just shut u-

"You alright angel?" Natasha's concerned voice pulled you out of your own thoughts immediately. You eyes snapped up to her standing in the door looking down at you on the floor.

"Uh yeah. J-just sound zoned out a bit" you desperately tried to safe it but your voice was far too shaky to appear convincing. Even if you're voice didn't give you away, you're trembling hands probably would have.

Natasha said nothing, instead she walked over, pulled you on your feet and into a hug. Instinctively you bury your head in her chest, holding on to her as the dizziness came back almost immediately.

Your senses all focused on her now. The faint scent of vanilla mixed with her shampoo. How you felt her breath against your scalp, her hands on your back and in your hair. You heard her breathing. You closed your eyes, trying to let her presence ground you. Tried to let everything overtune your own thoughts.

"What's wrong hun?" the pure softness and concern in her voice were the last straw to make everything fall apart.

Hot tears almost immediately streamed down your face, you buried your face in her neck and clutched onto her shirt. An unwanted sob escaped you and before you realized it would happen, your body collapsed against the redhead. She reacted immediately, picking you up, holding you as close as possible.

Natasha carried you to your shared bed, laying down with you still in her arms. Her heart broke at how small and helpless you seemed to be. How broken your sobs sounded and how desperately you hold on to her. Like you feared she might disappeare if you'd let go.

"Just breathe, I'm here" she whispers. You try to follow her deep breaths and after a few tries you're starting to get there. Your breathing was still short and shaky between your sobs but less ragged now. "Overstim-" your voice broke off into another sob and Natasha tries to pull you even closer. "It's okay, I understand" You knew she did. It's not the first time you were at the verge of breaking down because people were just too much in that moment and it wasn't the first time Natasha was there to keep you in touch with reality. It was the first time you had a breakdown, especially that bad tho. The first time she had to see you like this and you didn't appreciate that. She wasn't supposed to see you like this, you're supposed to be there for her when she needed you.

While she got up and left you for a second, you went down that spiral, getting stuck in a cycle of 'Get your shit together' and 'She deserves better'.

But a moment later, before you can get too far with those thoughts on your own the redhead came back, helping you to put on one of her hoodies before she pulled you back into her embrace.

"What do you need angel?"

"B-being alone-" you choked out and Natasha immediately retreated. Not rushed but without hesitation until you held her back and she met your pleading eyes. "w-with you? i-if than m-makes sense" you asked unsure. Part of you didn't want her stay, didn't want her to see you like this. But the stronger part craved the feeling of safety and acceptance. Craved the way she could ground you and keep you in touch with reality. She nodded, getting back to you "Don't worry, it makes sense. We can be alone together," she reassured you. She was glad you wanted her with you. Glad you trusted her enough to be so openly vulnerable.

You were hit immediately with gratitude but when you tried to speak again you're choking in your own sobs again, slowly growing annoyed at your own inability to exist. Natasha noticed the way your muscles tensed at the failed attempt, she could almost feel you slip away again.

"shh it's okay. You're safe with me"

"I-I it's just too much suddenly. The past days were so exhausting a-and I don't know. I kept it going and e-everything went okay a-and no one noticed" you finally managed to say.

"I've got you, don't worry" Natasha said, pulling you even closer to her, if that's even humanly possible, for a short moment.

"It's just so sudden. I- I-"

"shh it's okay. Just breath, mkay?" she created just enough distance to look you in the eyes "In and out, yeah?"

You take a shaky breath, hands still holding on to the redhead's hoodie as if your life depends on it.

She just holds you tight, one hand softly combing through your hair.

She knows that you don't actually want to talk right now, that words don't make it better. She knows that hearing things would just add to the chaos in your head. So she just holds you, letting you breath her in until you calmed down again. You close your eyes and relax. Her even heartbeat, her scent, her hand on your back. All of her grounded you and finally shuts down the thoughts in your head. You knew she wants to say that she loves you and that it's alright. And she knew that you can feel everything she didn't verbalize.

You let yourself dwell in the feeling of safety as your own heartbeat normalizes again.

"Thank you" you mumured softly, taking a last deep breath before you untangle your legs from hers and want to get up.

"Where are you going?" Natasha holds you back and searches for your eyes.

"Making dinner, Nat. Haven't cooked yet" you explain and try to loosen the grip the redhead has on you but to your surprise she pulls you back, and wraps her arms around you, your back now pressed against her.

"It's okay, Nat. Just dinner" you softly argue, your voice still hoarse from crying.

"Stop being my over independent strong girl for now okay? I love you. Let me take care of you today" she pleads, her nose burried in your neck. You hate worrying her, adding to the stress she already has.

You sighed in defeat and nod "Okay. But I'm fine, really"

Natasha just huffed, picked you up and threw you over her shoulder. "Nat let me dooown"

But she shook her head "mmh no, your my little princess" You can hear the satisfied smile on her lips, making you giggle. "Nattyyy" You try to wiggle out of her grip, still laughing and finally she obliges. "Okay, okay stop moving"

She sits you on the counter, pressing a quick kiss on your nose. "You stay here, I make some pasta" leaving no room for an argument.

So you just watch her, sitting on the counter, dangling your legs. How she moved so effortlessly. In a strange way her calculated but simple movements like chopping onions or just stirring the sauce made you calm down even more. You began to feel the slight burn in your eyes from crying, the actual softness of Natasha's hoodie and how it smelled exactly like her. The stress began to fade, letting you breathe again.

After you ate you end up in bed again, watching some show you didn't really pay attention to. Your head was buried in Natasha's chest still craving every bit of comforting, grounding touch. "I love you" you whisper so quiet you're not sure Natasha could hear it. Any maybe that wouldn't be so bad because you know that she's able to detect the silent apology with it.

But of course she did. She pulled you closer once again, her hand finding it's way to your hair combing through it. "It's okay angel. Just...try not to overdo yourself, okay? You don't need to handle everything on your own" You sigh at the statement, burying yourself deeper in your girlfriends hoodie. "But I should. Especially when it's just fixing something that's my fault anyway. And it's okay. I can handle it ...most days" Your breath turned hot and tears welled up in your eyes again. "I should." You add, angry at yourself.

"That's not true" The redhead pulls away and cups your cheeks, forcing you to make eye contact.

"No one can handle everything on their own. We're a team, remember? You help me all the time. Patch me up. Mentally and physically. So why wouldn't I be here to do the same for you?"

"Because you already have your own stuff to deal with..." You mumble hesitantly. You don't want to be a burden. You don't want to annoy her with your stuff. Not when you can or at least should be able to handle it on your own.

Natasha sighs, pulling you back in. "Did or would you ever not listen to me or try and help me just because you have your own things?"

"No..." you reply not sure how to explain that it's different then.

"Will you tell me when it gets too much next time?"

You take a deep breath, tightening your grip around the redheads waist. "I'll try"

"Thank you angel"

"I love you" you said, this time not saying it as an apology.

"I love you too" Natasha answered.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𓅨⋆｡°✩✮ ⋆ ˚｡⋆｡°✩｡⋆｡✮ ⋆ ˚｡⋆｡°✩✮ ⋆ ˚｡𓅨⋆｡°✩

[19thcenturyfuck]

"donna would've stopped the time lord victorious arc right away by laughing at the doctor for being cringe until he knocks it off out of embarrassment"

She Would Not Fucking Say Do That.

In Donna's very first episode, she witnesses the Doctor do something morally dubious, and comes to the conclusion that he needs to have a companion around to keep him from going too far. She tells him as much, too! And she is nothing but kind about it. She says what she thinks, she makes it clear he went too far, but she absolutely does not turn an otherwise serious scene into a haha funny roast session.

Donna is snarky and sassy and she does make fun of the Doctor, but she does not do so during serious emotional moments. It would be out of character for her to watch her best friend whom she loves and cares about hit emotional rock bottom and respond by mocking him. Whether you find his breakdown "cringey" or not, Donna is not that kind of person.

Maybe Donna could have stopped Ten going over the edge, maybe she couldn't, but if she could she absolutely would not have done it with ridicule. Quit doing Donna dirty like this.

[crunchyspaghetti]

I won’t give any spoilers but Thunderbolts* is probably the closest the “Avengers” sector of the MCU has ever gotten to the found family vibe of Agents of Shield.

Like…. it’s definitely not the same, to be sure, but if you like AOS, you’ll probably like Thunderbolts*

[watchnrant]

Agatha All AlongEpisode 3: Easter Egg Breakdown

Amulets

Every Witch Has One (Not Just Agatha)

A key detail from this episode is the revelation that every witch in the coven has their own amulet, not just Agatha. As the witches traverse the Witches’ Road, which transforms into a sandy walkway leading to a beach house, their attire shifts to match the setting, yet their amulets remain. This small but significant touch teases the potential deeper importance of amulets for MCU witches and possibly hints at their connection to power and identity within witchcraft.

Big Little Lies Reference

An Homage to HBO's Big Little Lies

Mrs. Hart’s (Debra Jo Rupp) remark about the beach house feeling like it’s straight out of "Huge Tiny Lies" is a clever nod to Big Little Lies. This HBO show, which revolves around secrets and a murder investigation in a wealthy seaside town, is reflected in the trial-like proceedings in this episode. From the luxurious coastal setting to the suspense-filled plot, this homage adds another layer to Agatha All Along, showcasing Marvel’s playful engagement with pop culture.

Mephisto Confirmed?

Agent of Mephisto

The episode drops a significant hint about Mephisto’s potential existence in the MCU. When Jennifer Hale speaks to Teen, she warns him about Agatha, citing dark rumors about her trading her son, Nicholas Scratch, for the Darkhold. According to these whispers, Nicholas became an agent of Mephisto, confirming that the demon lord may already be operating behind the scenes. This moment sets the stage for larger MCU implications, tying in with long-standing fan theories about Mephisto's involvement in mystical storylines.

Trading Her Son for the Darkhold

"She Wouldn’t Recognize Her Own Son"

In a chilling revelation, Jennifer suggests that Agatha wouldn't recognize her son if he appeared before her. This is a subtle clue that Teen might actually be Nicholas Scratch, Agatha’s long-lost son, rather than the presumed reincarnation of Wanda’s son Billy (aka Wiccan). The mystery surrounding Teen’s identity deepens, making this a key narrative thread for future episodes.

Alice Wu’s Tattoo

Cursed Women & Protection

Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn) reveals the story behind her tattoo, which was given to her at age 13 to ward off a family curse.

Teen also shares that something significant happened to him when he was 13. Given that Teen is now 16 and WandaVision occurred three years ago, this suggests a connection to Wanda Maximoff, further fueling the theory that Teen may be Billy Kaplan.

This conversation is filled with subtle clues that connect characters through shared trauma and mysterious pasts.

Mrs. Hart’s Hallucination

"Please…Wanda, Let Him Breathe!"

Mrs. Hart's hallucination brings back a haunting moment from WandaVision. Near the end of the episode, she is shown begging Wanda to "let him breathe," seemingly reliving the traumatic death of her husband, which may have been caused by the limitations of Wanda's Hex. In WandaVision, many residents were trapped in loops or frozen, and this new revelation implies that Mrs. Hart’s husband was among the unintended victims of Wanda’s control. It’s a tragic callback to the consequences of Wanda’s grief and power.

Lilia’s Premonition

"Try to Save Agatha"

Lilia’s sudden outburst, "Try to save Agatha," feels like an eerie premonition. This brief but impactful moment hints that Agatha may soon face grave danger, and saving her could become a central objective for the other witches. It’s a well-placed piece of foreshadowing that could hint at Agatha’s future role in the MCU.

Coven's Hallucinations

Facing Past Traumas

Each witch in Agatha’s coven faces a nightmarish hallucination tied to their deepest traumas.

Alice relives her mother's grief over her grandmother’s death, feeling a terrifying sense of inherited doom.

Jennifer’s hallucination shows her facing a man—possibly a doctor or priest—who calls her an "inconvenient woman" and tries to drown her.

Lilia’s vision is especially haunting, as she encounters a demon-looking nun after following a mysterious teenage girl.

These hallucinations provide insight into the coven members' pasts and suggest that their traumas are far from resolved.

Agatha’s Hallucination

Did She Trade Her Son for the Darkhold?

Agatha's hallucination is particularly disturbing. She approaches a baby’s bassinet, only to find the Darkhold in place of the infant. This vision supports Jennifer's earlier claim that Agatha traded her son for the Book of the Damned, but Agatha’s horrified reaction suggests that there is much more to this story. The moment reveals Agatha’s internal conflict and deep-seated regrets, adding depth to her character’s motivations.

Hansel and Gretel Reference

Lilia’s Friend and the Oven

Lilia's brief mention of her friend who went into an oven is a dark reference to the classic Hansel and Gretel tale. In the context of witches and burning, this could symbolize the fate of witches who face persecution or punishment, tying into the show's overall themes of betrayal and survival.

[skull-pun]

God this ending still makes me so emotional everytime I watch it.

These films were in a league of their own and in my opinion nothing in the MCU has or ever will come close to topping this trilogy.

[cissa-calls]

I think about this song a lot in the context of Nicky.

I think about Nicky existing alongside Rio after passing, perhaps as if it’s sung from her perspective as she watches and finally gets to know him.

“My boy builds coffins, he makes them all day,

But it’s not just for work and it isn’t for play,

He’s made one for himself, one for me too,

One of these days he’ll make one for you,

For you, for you, for you,

My boy builds coffins for better or worse,

Some say it’s a blessing, some say it’s a curse,

He fits them together in the sunshine or rain,

Each one is unique, no two are the same…”

Perhaps it is because Florence + The Machine is so rooted in the show, from its role as a song included in its trailer to character playlists among the cast, however, this song in particular makes me ponder how Nick is not taken from Agatha, but traded to Rio, who only could engage with her son from afar for so long. But now? Now they are together, so despite as painful as crossing to the other side is, as the child of Death he must have some role in crafting mortality alongside his mother. What is his role? After all:

“I must go, my mother needs me.”

Rio needs Nicky, just like Agatha did.

[ghostonstrings]

about anti-loki series loki fans, i see this a lot with them, they're mad that Loki was blamed for Frigga's death but...that was a tatic during an interrogation...Mobius and the narrative knows it wasn't his fault yet blamed him to upset him...I thought this was obvious but they criticize every little thing about the show so I'm not sure why I'm surprised

i will never not rant about anti-loki series people because sometimes their takes makes me ask if they even actually watched the show 😭

[kayvsworld]

wow he really did come home from afghanistan and spend at least a month locked in his basement building iron man. just shut down the main thing his company does and then vanished like obie told him to. just letting the public image atrophy completely rip tony stark you would have loved iron man

it does make me wonder how much uphill PR struggle was involved in trying to come back from this + the whole "i'm dying it's my birthday" debacle

and then i'm thinking about nat's assessment. if i had a nickel for every time mental health issues were weaponized against this guy etc etc but like, fucked up it's happened twice

[thefourthnorn]

Just wanna recommend this absolute banger of a fic.

I have always loved the storytelling potential of Asgardian politics that the Thor movies never quite delved into.

This is both an excellent exploration of that and also of Loki's character in a way I find pleasing.

Kudos to the author

"Asgarðian Galðr"

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29072913/chapters/71363868

[spider-mandaily]

Alright, so I've been receiving many asks about my review for the first 2 episodes of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and I think that now is an appropriate time to do it!

Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man reinvents the classic Spidey formula by making a daring change to Peter Parker’s mentorship. Rather than being guided by Tony Stark, this version of Peter finds himself under the watchful eye of another billionaire genius—Norman Osborn. That’s right, the man who is best known in the comics as the Green Goblin, Spider-Man’s greatest foe. This fresh, alternate-reality take on the MCU’s Spider-Man is what makes the show so compelling. It introduces a unique dynamic that sets it apart from the countless other Spider-Man adaptations across television, film, games, and comics. By altering Peter’s traditional superhero journey, the series injects an element of excitement—and just the right touch of menace.

Interestingly, while Marvel already has an animated series dedicated to exploring alternate realities—What If…?—this new show delivers one of the most intriguing "What If" concepts in recent memory, even though it’s not officially part of that franchise. The world of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man shares plenty of similarities with the MCU, but key differences emerge in surprising ways as the story unfolds. Even Peter’s iconic origin story gets a dramatic revamp, with his fateful spider bite now linked to a chaotic Midtown High battle featuring none other than Doctor Strange and a mysterious creature.

Rather than retreading the familiar beats of Peter first discovering his powers, the story skips ahead by three months, sparing audiences the usual montage of web-slinging trial and error. By this point, Peter is already balancing school, financial struggles, romantic troubles, and the everyday chaos of being a young superhero. His talents soon earn him an internship at Oscorp, setting the stage for his uneasy yet fascinating relationship with Norman Osborn.

Beyond the shift in mentorship, nearly every aspect of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man takes a fresh approach to the Spider-Man mythos while still preserving the essence of what makes the character timeless. The show’s animation style, inspired by the legendary work of Steve Ditko and John Romita Sr., bridges the gap between nostalgia and innovation, making this bold new take on Peter Parker feel both familiar and refreshingly different.

I think that the 3D cel-shaded animation in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man does an impressive job of replicating the aesthetic of classic 2D hand-drawn comics. It truly feels as though the art of Steve Ditko and John Romita Sr. has been brought to life. The action sequences are fluid and fast-paced, occasionally incorporating comic panel-style framing as a fun nod to Spidey’s roots. Adding to the show’s charm is a great deal of physical comedy, as this version of Peter Parker is particularly accident-prone. His web-slinging is thrilling, packed with breathtaking acrobatics—though, if we’re being nitpicky, his skills seem a bit too refined for someone who’s only been a superhero for three months.

That said, while the animation mostly delivers, it isn’t without its flaws. Some character movements can feel a little awkward, and the background details leave something to be desired. It’s certainly not at the same artistic level as Arcane, but for the most part, the visuals serve the story well and capture the right energy.

One of the biggest shake-ups in this version of Spider-Man is its supporting cast. Longtime favorites like Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, and Flash Thompson are absent, but their absence isn’t strongly felt thanks to a fresh lineup of new characters that bring their own unique dynamics. While Peter has navigated high school many times before, he’s never done so with this particular group of friends. His closest ally here is Nico Minoru, a sharp-witted and sarcastic presence that Marvel fans will recognize from Runaways. Meanwhile, Harry Osborn has been completely reimagined—he’s now a wealthy teenage social media influencer. Taking over the traditional jock role usually reserved for Flash is Lonnie Lincoln, a standout character who defies expectations. Instead of being a stereotypical school bully, he’s an intelligent, friendly, and supportive teammate to Peter. (A word of caution—if you want to avoid spoilers, steer clear of looking up Lonnie’s comic book history!)

Moreover, Peter Parker’s high school experience has been explored countless times, but Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man gives it a fresh twist. While he’s still the same science-loving dork at heart, this version of Peter isn’t the social outcast we’re used to seeing. Instead, he’s well-liked, even respected by the kind of jocks who, in other iterations, would’ve made his life miserable. While it’s refreshing to see Peter embraced by his peers, this shift comes with a trade-off—he no longer embodies the struggles of the underdog, the bullied, or those who feel like they don’t belong. The classic theme of perseverance in the face of social alienation feels noticeably absent.

Among the show’s teenage characters, Lonnie Lincoln unexpectedly emerges as one of the most compelling. Torn between his aspirations as a football star and the pressure to become involved with a gang to support his family, his journey closely parallels Peter’s own internal battle with responsibility. Their friendship becomes one of the show’s emotional anchors, with each difficult decision they face carrying lasting consequences that build toward dramatic turning points.

Lonnie’s arc is also one of the show’s most grounded, touching on real-world challenges, particularly issues that affect young Black men, such as racial profiling by law enforcement. Interestingly, the Osborn family is reimagined as Black in this version, yet they don’t experience the same struggles—likely due to the protection their immense wealth and influence provide. This subtle inclusion of social commentary adds depth to the series, especially within a superhero story that largely revolves around action and adventure. The show also does a commendable job of portraying a genuinely diverse New York City. However, compared to animated series like Static Shock or Avatar: The Last Airbender, which more directly engage with themes of discrimination and systemic inequality, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man only scratches the surface. There’s untapped potential for the show to explore these themes more meaningfully, should the writers decide to take it in that direction.

The animation in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man does a remarkable job of evoking the look and essence of classic hand-drawn Spider-Man comics.

Firstly, the title cards for these episodes are masterfully crafted, brimming with visual storytelling and homage to Spider-Man’s comic history. The first card, where Peter is swinging through the city while holding a panicked Harry Osborn, immediately sets a playful yet action-packed tone. It cleverly underscores Peter’s dual roles as both a friend and hero, capturing the essence of their dynamic in just a single frame. The vibrant colors and comic-inspired framing make it feel like a panel straight out of a classic Spider-Man issue, and I absolutely adore how it uses Harry's exaggerated panic to inject humor into the heroism. What’s particularly clever is how the card subtly echoes the Amazing Fantasy #15 cover, where Peter swings into action in a similar pose, giving a nod to Spider-Man's very first appearance. The reference adds another layer of depth, blending the classic with the contemporary which really demonstrates that we, as viewers of the show, are about to really know who Spider-Man is and will be.

The second title card, referencing the Brand New Day comic cover, is another brilliant nod to Spider-Man’s comic roots. The pose of Peter in mid-swing, paired with the backdrop of Oscorp Tower, not only mirrors iconic imagery from the comics but also hints at the deeper narrative threads involving Norman Osborn. The Oscorp logo looming in the background serves as a subtle reminder of the tension and conflict brewing in Peter’s world. This card encapsulates the blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling that makes the show shine.

What I truly love about these title cards is how they celebrate the artistry of Spider-Man’s comic legacy. Each card feels like a love letter to longtime fans (like myself) while also welcoming new viewers into the fold. The way they encapsulate the episode’s themes and relationships in such a visually engaging and referential manner is a testament to the creators’ understanding and appreciation of Spider-Man’s history. It’s little details like these that elevate the show and make it a joy to watch for both casual viewers and die-hard fans.

Furthermore, as expected from any Spider-Man story, the theme of responsibility plays a central role. What sets this series apart, however, is the way Norman Osborn presents his own take on Uncle Ben’s legendary lesson about power and responsibility—one shaped by the mindset of a calculating and authoritative businessman. Watching Peter’s early superhero journey unfold under Norman’s morally ambiguous guidance results in some of the season’s most compelling moments, highlighting the weight of their mentor-student dynamic.

Both lead performances bring a striking level of authenticity to their characters. Hudson Thames, reprising his role as Spider-Man from What If…?, gives Peter a youthful, slightly scratchy voice reminiscent of Tom Holland’s, capturing his earnestness and big-hearted nature. Meanwhile, Colman Domingo—two-time Academy Award nominee—delivers a commanding portrayal of Norman Osborn, blending authority with an unsettling amount of warmth and charisma. His performance makes it easy to see why Peter, still inexperienced and eager to improve, would be drawn to Osborn’s mentorship. There’s an almost sinister dramatic irony in their relationship; longtime fans know exactly what Norman is capable of, yet this version of Peter remains oblivious to the danger lurking beneath his mentor’s polished exterior. It’s almost easy to forget that he’s supposed to be the Green Goblin; it’s no surprise that the young and impressionable Peter Parker is so quick to accept his offer to help him become a better hero.

This take on Norman Osborn is more layered than just another maniacal supervillain. He’s portrayed as a calculated industrialist, a deeply flawed father, and even—strangely enough—a compelling motivational speaker. Seeing how he perceives the sudden emergence of superheroes as a problem, and how he envisions Spider-Man as the solution, adds another layer of intrigue to the story.

At the same time, the series does a fantastic job of weaving in references to the wider MCU while keeping its focus firmly on Peter and his personal struggles. Even the surprise superhero cameos enhance the narrative rather than overshadow it. In terms of timeline placement, this reality branches off just after the events of Captain America: Civil War. The show cleverly integrates this context by having characters debate and discuss the aftermath of the Sokovia Accords—the divisive legislation that sought to regulate superheroes under government oversight—through headlines and conversations rather than direct exposition.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man rises above the countless other Spidey-related shows, games, movies, and comics in a truly remarkable way. The series expertly introduces multiple villains throughout the story, carefully developing them over time and establishing them as real threats to Spider-Man. One villain, in particular, whose potential was never fully realized in the MCU, is brought to life here in a way that genuinely had me worried for Spidey’s safety. The character designs for these antagonists are also outstanding, with some taking a fresh approach while others seem to leap right off the pages of a classic comic. Every villain is a standout in their own right. Even some of the most infamous, known for their evil genius and calculated plans, are given welcome new depth, including a surprising dose of humor that adds a refreshing twist to their personalities!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is an absolute blast to watch. By replacing Tony Stark with Norman Osborn as Peter Parker’s mentor, the show delivers 10 episodes of deviously fun superhero entertainment. The way it concludes shows that Marvel has a treasure trove of exciting (and unexpected) ideas they’re ready to dive into in the upcoming second and third seasons, which Disney+ has already greenlit. This series offers a fresh and thrilling spin on Spider-Man, packed with unexpected twists and delightful surprises, including fun superhero cameos and jaw-dropping plot developments. The incorporation of real-world issues adds an element of authenticity, though it’s mostly just a backdrop for an action-packed show filled with great characters. While the animation has a few odd quirks, it overall works well, contributing to the lively pacing. With razor-sharp writing and a knack for delivering both laughs and gasps each episode, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers exactly what we fans need—especially for a character whose stories have been explored so extensively. I strongly recommend anyone to give it a try! It's a must-watch!

[the-prince-of-the-ravens]

Tom Wambsgans works for the TVA now btw if you even care

[areallivegirl7]

marvel really said “let’s be realistic this time and make our sexiest character our most tortured and tormented one”

[pastelpool]

DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE BOUTTA BE THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADEEE

[musclesandhammering]

But How Strong Is the God of Stories in a Fight?

I’ve been browsing through mcu ‘who would win’ posts on social media (bc they’re unavoidable and I like to torture myself) and I noticed a few common themes when it comes to our new GOS!Loki. First, people act like it’s a given that he’s never gonna be able to get up from that chair, which is… highly unlikely.

There’s a nearly unanimous consensus among meta bloggers and theorists and industry leakers that he’s going to have a huge role in the rest of the multiverse saga (particularly Secret Wars), and one of the most reliable marvel leakers said recently that he’d likely rejoin the fight by timeslipping into a past version of himself (so that he can exist on the throne and in a seperate place on the timeline simultaneously without having to let go of the branches- think quantum superposition). And we know Loki retains all his new powers when he timeslips (see: citadel scene in 2x6), so my point is: it’s highly probable that we will see the new and improved Loki out of his tree and back in a fight setting eventually. (Now a lot of people have said that’s impossible bc he’s now so op that any fight with him in it would be either 2 seconds long or just unrealistic. I disagree- when he’s not on the throne, he’s not omniscient or omnipotent. Strong asf, yes, but still usable in battle as long as his opponent is also a multiversal being.) But that brings me to my next point:

Most people on marvel twitter/Tiktok/Youtube/etc seem to be missing the point a bit. Every argument I’ve seen for ‘Loki solos [insert name here]’ has been based on the fact that he’s currently holding all of time together. Stuff along the lines of “he can move his finger and delete ~so and so~ out of existence!!”. And I mean.. sure. Not.. entirely accurate. But ok. But like… him sitting in a chair, holding onto the branches is not what makes him badass. That’s not the feat. In fact, I would argue that there are several other op characters that could sit and hold just as good as he can. If that was the main takeaway from that ending. But it’s not. So what were his actual feats in the finale, if not that? Well-

EDIT: I rewrote a lot of this for accuracy (because my understanding of the complicated-ass mcu multiverse is still evolving & since initially posting this, I’ve realised that my first reading of it was wrong. In short, I thought Loki was holding the entire multiverse but have since discovered that that’s way off. He’s holding a multiverse- a section of the larger one- all the universes that used to make up the Sacred Timeline. Which was not every universe in existence, but rather the ones without dangerous Kang variants which He Who Remains was able to gather up & weave into the ST). Anyway! Feats in the finale:

first of all, he’s immune to temporal radiation. He’s also immune to spaghettification (see: 2x5 when everyone is stringing away except for him). This isn’t just a few gamma waves- this is the force that destroys entire universes (implying that no one in those universes can withstand it- not Thor, not Thanos, not Captain Marvel, etc). The fact that Loki remains, even when whatever universe he’s in ceases to exist, could imply that he’s a nexus being. But it could also imply he’s just really powerful.

his telekinesis (I’m guessing that’s what he used?) is strong enough to destroy the loom- the giant piece of technology that was responsible for controlling all of existence.

his magic is nearly infinite- he has a nearly limitless supply of energy. He was able to revive every universe in the Sacred Timeline collection- which, in itself, is a theoretically infinite mini multiverse (according to Victor Timely in 2x6) with ease, and is now acting as a battery powering the ever-expanding branches of time completely on his own, indefinitely. So, theoretically, it would be impossible to drain him of his power (like Agatha did Wanda, Wanda did Maria, etc) because his power isn’t finite. I’m assuming this has a lot to do with what Victor Timely explained about entropy & time (see: 2x3).

he can open a rift in spacetime to anywhere- even the end of time, which is supposed to be inaccessible. This is essentially a version of America Chavez’s powers. To clarify, America’s powers are space-based while Loki’s are time-based. He’s presumably able to go to parallel universes now, but this is because the Sacred Timeline has branched enough that the branches can act as bridges to other universes, and he can travel along them. It is possible, however, that he was able to do this even before the ST was freed, because of his ability to access the Citadel & TVA in 2x6- places existing outside of the multiverse.

he has a rightful place on the throne at the end of time- more so than He Who Remains, even. This is pretty obscure and wouldn’t really help in a fight- but it’s an impressive feat, nonetheless. When he starts toward the place where the citadel used to be, a staircase forms for him & the gold from the kintsugi cracks in the walls all flows to his throne, causing the remains of the citadel to break away- almost as if it had been waiting for him to arrive.

he was able to reorganise the structure of a section of the multiverse (theoretically infinite universes) to his liking. He changed it from its original linear shape to the shape of a tree, so that it could expand & grow infinitely (which was really clever of him actually).

Those were the bits just in that finale sequence that are impressive as hell. These are all things he can do when he’s not sitting on the throne, when he’s not holding the branches. That doesn’t even include his other time-related powers from earlier in the episode & ep 5. Such as:

He’s a living version of HWR’s master tempad. He can travel freely via interconnected timelines & beyond them, to any time and any place- even ones that don’t exist anymore/yet.

He can timeslip to any point in spacetime he wants with his current body or he can timeslip into a past/future version of himself (as I mentioned in the intro, that second part will probably be very relevant in upcoming movies).

He can read people’s temporal auras & use them as coordinates to locate those people (or those people’s variants) across the timelines (and even in places outside the multiverse).

He can time travel in places that theoretically have no time- or at least, they’re separated from the multiversal flow of time (the TVA, the citadel).

He can affect & even rewrite stories/timelines without creating a new branched reality. (Him timeslipping back & tampering with events in A.D. Doug’s lab or in the loom room or in the citadel didn’t create new branches with variants etc, it just changed the trajectory of whichever branch he was currently on.) He’s essentially the exception to the mcu’s established time travel rules.

When he goes back in time, he can choose whether to rewrite a timeline or simply allow a new branch to form. When he had his conversation with 1x1 Mobius in the finale, he created a branch which was then deleted, but at other points in the episode, he instead altered future events on a single timeline.

He can create variants without a nexus event. When he takes his friends from their timelines in 2x5, we can tell that those timelines didn’t branch any further because we see Don still talking to Loki right in front of them.

He can pause time, step outside of time, and presumably fast forward or rewind it. That big climactic moment in 2x5 when he learns to control his powers? That wasn’t timeslipping- that was him rewinding time. If you look closely, after he goes back a few seconds, you can see the spaghettification strands reverse & actually leave the frame while he’s talking to Sylvie, whereas a few seconds earlier we saw them entering.

He can delete entire timelines at will (even while he’s on them). He created a branch to go back & talk to Mobius in the finale, then when he was done, he deleted it. This is presumption, but there’s really no other explanation.

He can repel existence erasure (at least temporarily, on a small scale). Again, we saw him reverse the spaghettification strands & make them go away to protect his friends at the end of 2x5.

This one is theoretical, but since he was able to cause an entire timeline to spaghettify, it’s highly likely that he can spaghettify things/people at will. (courtesy of @emotionalflamingo <3)

Those are things directly related to him becoming God of Stories, but there’s also a few other new powers they introduced/old powers they expanded on throughout the course of both seasons:

Pyrokinesis. Setting the sword on fire (1x5). This is inconsequential in the way it was used, but it creates potential for Loki to do some pretty cool stuff.

Transmutation. Turned his TVA clothes into a guards’ uniform in 1x3.

Elemental Manipulation. Dried his clothes in 1x2. Also his story in Thor 1 about veiling himself & Thor in smoke/mist.

Energy blasts. This is one of those things that we all knew he obviously had to be able to do, but they never showed it on screen until this series.

Stronger telekinesis. We saw him use it a couple times in The Avengers & Thor The Dark World, but I would argue that catching an entire skyscraper about to fall on you is a lot more consequential than tossing a few chairs around.

Teleportation. This is another thing that was implied he could do but was never outright shown until the series. And it’s worth mentioning that he can also teleport other people/objects (see: him sending the asshole to the pig pen in 2x3)

Enchantment. Yes, I know he’s shown using mind manipulating powers in the movies, but I think enchantment is different because it essentially allows you to possess someone. Like you can just hop in & pilot their body. And the fact that he was able to help enchant Alioth on his first try implies that his enchantment is extremely powerful.

Shadow Casting. That’s just what I’ve decided to call it. Casting pseudo-autonomous shadows that can actually interact with the physical world… isn’t that sorta like a watered down version of what Gorr the God Butcher was doing? Very cool.

EDITING to add the other abilities he’s always had in the mcu:

Asgardian/frost giant strength, speed, durability, longevity, & regenerative healing. He’s extremely durable to all sorts of attacks

Extremely skilled combatant, proficient in knives/swords/spears. So if he’s up against someone who only uses magic- if their magic was somehow blocked or bound- he would have the absolute advantage

Illusions.

Shapeshifting. He can also shapeshift other people (hello turning Thor into a frog)

Astral Projection.

Duplications, Projections. Apparently they’re two different things

Presence Concealment. Strong enough to hide from Heimdall

Conjuration, Pocket Dimension.

Cryokinesis. And immunity to cold

Mind Manipulation. This is different than enchantment in that he doesn’t have to entirely possess somebody- he can just whisper suggestions to them, read their mind, force them to relive memories, etc.

Expert Trickster/Master Manipulator. Don’t discount it. It’s gotten him out of a lot of sticky situations so far.

So yeah. I honestly don’t even know where I was going with this, but I’m just annoyed with people acting like Loki sitting in a chair holding some vines is what makes him formidable, or that once he gets out of the chair he won’t be formidable anymore. The op-ness everyone’s talking about? That’s all about what happened leading up to his tree-sitting. Not the tree-sitting itself.

It’d be so nice to see debates about what he can do now that don’t just revolve around him holding timelines. :/

[imdonnalynn]

UPDATE 10/13/2024

As of yesterday we had the internet restored after 2 weeks without it (we have had a MiFi Hotspot some of the time but a few days we went without one)

Power was restored less than 48 hours after Helene hit and we barely lost any food but we did get damage to our tires on our vehicle and needed to replace those.

The Upstate of South Carolina has returned to relative normal. Some of our school districts are still out due to weather damage to structures and mold and such. But it's honestly like the COVID lockdowns around here again, maybe not so heavily but certain things are still somewhat hard to come by.

Please keep Western, NC in your thoughts and prayers they have literally been tossed back 100 years they have no power structure, no running water and they have to make due on supplies and getting from place to place.

UPDATE ON 10/1/2024

DEVASTATION ON A BIBLICAL LEVEL IN WESTERN NC AND HISTORIC FLOODING AND DAMAGE IN UPSTATE OF SC.

Where I live in the Upstate it was hit with the brunt of Helene as a Tropical Storm. Sustained winds were 40-50mph with 60-80mph gusts, up to 15" of rain, downed trees, downed powerlines, roads washed out, bridges out, no internet and stores in the areas are running out supplies (while some are managing to keep supplies for a little bit before being bought out again) gas is also becoming scarce.

While the Upstate was hit harder than Western NC mountains were hit with far more rain 20+" there was nowhere for all that water to go.

Ourselves, the property and those around us were very fortunate damage wise. We live in a 32' RV/Camper that is not anchored down but it withstood the storm and barely budged. We had minimal tree damage mostly limbs. We did lose power, but we had the generator, and we did lose internet, but we were fortunate to have a Wi-Fi from the library as a backup. Day before yesterday we got power back but supplies and gas have been hard to come by. A lot of businesses are short, don't have power or no phones, cash only EVERYWHERE. Regardless we can't complain because we were much more fortunate than so many others who were not.

Please...just help those in need in you can.

POSTED 9/26/2024 Apologies for not posting my reactions and predictions for all the Agatha All Along episodes. I live in the path of Hurricane Helene so I'm preoccupied. I may try to post, get my mind off the storm but its very difficult too.

Soon as things have settled I will get back on top.