#mcu/succession crossover

[could-they-be-a-pro-wrestler]

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE OF MONDAY NIGHT FRESH

WOLVERINE WANTS REVENGE

Previously, Deadpool (MCU) turned heel when he attacked Charles Xavier (MCU) backstage. This led to Wolverine (MCU) abandoning the World Heavyweight Championship match he was in with Dr. Gregory House (House MD).

On this episode of Fresh, Wolverine has called out Deadpool to the ring for a revenge match. Instead of Wade, Wolverine was greeted in the ring by ABW corporate representative Roman Roy (Succession). Roman says that there will be no match with Deadpool tonight since Wade has been suspended indefinitely for his actions.

Furious, Wolverine says that Wade needs to be reinstated so that he can beat his ass. To that, Roman says…

[artbyblastweave]

In my opinion, the original sin that turn the MCU into a success but is now making it flounder is the need to build up. They seem to have little confidence in just throwing something crazy at the audience. Want to use a new character or new development in a crossover? We need to justified it with a movie or a Disney+ show first.

The DCEU, ironically, in their attempt to shortcut the buildup to their cinematic universe by jumping right at making crossover films early on, ended up being better at worldbuilding. (The first) Suicide Squad was a failure, but it succeeded at establish right from the start a world in which superheroes and supervillains are Just A Thing That Exists. James Gunn only needed to build on that when he came in.

Yeah, this articulates something that's a major thrust of what I've been talking about- the hype train that the MCU builds for every single new character makes it very difficult to believe that there's anything going on in this world that they haven't told us about.

Photon is the first example of this where I realized this was happening as I was watching it. I actually liked Wandavision on balance, visible behind-the-scenes rewrites notwithstanding; an enjoyable little dénouement on the in-universe clusterfuck that was Endgame, an opportunity to extract some actual acting out of Paul Bettany. And I actually liked what was done with Monica Rambeau re: going to sleep and then waking up with five years and your mother gone, very compellingly fucked.

But the thing is that Photon/Spectrum/Captain Marvel 2/whatever she's currently going by is close to the last superhero who needs a nine-episode backdoor origin story that's pulling double-duty as the first big solo outing for a different B-lister. She's like the platonic model of the superhero who's just kind of Around And Fleshing Out The Universe, to the point that like half the humor of Nextwave (and half the horror of her role in Ewing's Mighty Avengers) is metatextual commentary on her frustration that editorial seems to have forgotten about her despite the fact she led the Avengers at one point. The Gunn-style take on her character basically writes itself, right? But that's not how the MCU rolls! She can't just have been around (else why haven't we heard about her before?) so her origin needs to be daisychained to a character whose origin was daisychained to another character, and on and on in such a way that everyone is three degrees removed from each other max and the world feels like it's gone through a trash compactor.

[catofadifferentcolor]

Terrible Fic Idea #87: Percy Jackson, but make it MCU

Look, I didn't want to come up with yet another crazy PJO crossover, but here I am. Because instead of just coming up with the lightest, fluffiest, gayest PJO romance possible - which is what I wanted - I had to turn it into an MCU identity reveal fic too.

Or: What if post-ToA Percy Jackson was Peter Parker's caseworker following Aunt May's untimely death?

aka the I would stay forever fic

Just imagine it:

Tony Stark first meets Percy Jackson in the ICU of Metropolitan General the day after Peter and his aunt are caught in a terrible subway accident. May dies on scene. Even with his advanced healing, Peter is badly injured and taken to the nearest hospital - where it quickly becomes apparent he's Enhanced. It takes about 24 hours for the news to make its way to Tony, who immediately storms the hospital with the intention of taking Peter back to his Tower to heal-

-only to be told Peter's not going anywhere by the social worker assigned to the case.

This is remarkable for many reasons, not the least because the social worker is an unassuming, overworked 27-year-old wearing Finding Nemo socks and a faded Save the Oceans t-shirt. That the case worker - Percy Jackson - stands his ground in the face of Iron Man's wrath is even more remarkable, but Tony is forced to admit the kid has a point: he can't just let someone without any obvious connection to a minor walk off with said minor, particularly when that minor is Enhanced.

It takes Tony a couple days to get his ducks in a row, proving that he is not only able and willing to take in Peter, but is the one his aunt wanted to take care of him in the event something happened to her. During that time he has JARVIS research everything he can on Percy (lives in a Central Park penthouse owned by his long-time boyfriend, a successful music producer; volunteers for a NPO started by his best friend dedicated to restoring the wild; brief stint as the youngest ever on the FBI's most wanted, etc), but finds nothing to suggest he's anything other than a social worker trying to do what's best for his charges.

Percy becomes a semi-regular fixture at the Tower. At first it's just business, checking in on how Peter is doing and facilitating the foster care/adoption paperwork. Later it becomes something akin to friendship, with Percy being utterly unimpressed by Tony's fame but remarkably charmed by his inventions and philanthropic efforts. (He also comes to have strong feelings about the Rogues and their actions during the Civil War once he learns of them, helping Tony to see their betrayal for what it is. This alone makes him one of Rhodey and Pepper's favorite people.)

This goes on for quite some time - though I see this as happening post-CACW, we don't jump straight into the Infinity War, with there being several years wherein the Accords are ratified, the Rogues found and tried for their actions in the Civil War, and for the most part allowed to return to the Avengers on a probationary basis - until Thor finally arrives with news of Thanos' impending arrival.

Only Percy happens to be visiting when Thor arrives and the Avengers naturally have questions after Thor addresses him as Prince Perseus.

The truth of Percy's identity comes out in fits and starts (demigod son of Poseidon, saved the world a couple times, ascended to become God of Heroes, Natural Disasters, and Poison as well as Patron God of New York City; has been dating Apollo since he was fourteen; yes, is actually a social worker, albeit one who takes cases across the country to protect demigods and Enhanced), which is not helped by Thor (who can't help but comment on what he knows of Percy's heroics) or Apollo (who shows up after Percy texts an SOS but can't help but talk up his boyfriend either.)

The Infinity War still happens, albeit rather differently than in canon - perhaps Thanos turns out to be a disgruntled child or sibling of Gaia out for revenge, justifying Greek/Roman interference? But the details don't really matter as much as the identity reveal.

And... that's really all I have with regards to plot. But there should be a lot of character moments leading up to the reveal that hint at who Percy really is but which don't form a coherent narrative until the truth is revealed.

Bonuses include:

The softest, fluffiest romance possible for Apollo and Percy, with the pair more or less falling head over heels at first sight at the start of TTC, having their first kiss at the party at the end of the book, and dating throughout the rest of the Titan War. Apollo goes absolutely batshit insane when Percy goes missing at the start of HOO and breaks out of Olympus to crash the Senate meeting at the end of SoN and check on his boyfriend, and eventually gets made mortal for helping too much during the Giant War. The broad strokes of ToA occur with Percy fighting at his now-mortal boyfriend's side, and Percy ascends to godhood when Apollo regains his. There's some tension (Zeus is not happy about his firstborn son's choice of lover, fearing overthrow; Poseidon fears Apollo will end up breaking Percy's heart, but softens after Percy ascends and his chance of becoming a flower diminishes; many CHB campers think Percy's mad for dating a god, etc) but for the most part it should be as fluffy as circumstances allow.

Percy having been really obvious about his background, but in ways that seem reasonable ("How did you meet your boyfriend?" "I was at a really bad party when a friend ended up calling her brother to pick us up early. I fell in love with his car and then with him.") or like jokes ("Those sea turtles really seem to like you." "I like them too." "I guess they're kind of cute." "Excellent conversationalists too.") until the full truth comes out; and

Thor attempting to make up for blowing Percy's cover in dramatic (and hilarious) ways. This should include the gift of at least one native Asgardian water plant ("Dude, have you never heard of invasive species?") and end in a bakery's worth of Asgardian baked goods.

And that's all I have, though given the way this has been living rent-free in my head all week there may be more. As always feel free to adopt this bun, just link back if you do anything with it.

More PJO Ideas | More MISC Ideas | More Terrible Fic Ideas

[cactusspatz]

November recs

Slipping this in before the year ticks over - Happy New Year, everyone! All Batman fics (including three crossovers with MCU Spiderman and Leverage), I had a lot of downtime to read while I was sick in November and it was time for the annual binge, so I read my way through a lot of @cacchieressa's recs (thanks for having great taste!) plus wandered into some of my own finds. More miscellaneous recs at pinboard for Spiderman, Star Wars, The Untamed, and Nine Worlds.

Gotcha, Bug by Mgootd - AU where Jason survives Ethopia, but Tim's parents start behaving strangely and Tim's investigation throws him in with the Batfamily anyway. Crazy fun ride.

Once Upon A Kidnap Dreary by PlotlessWanderer - AU in which Tim and Jason get kidnapped together for ransom - but their parents react very differently.

A Bat and a Reporter Break Into a Warehouse by @hmslusitania - delightful romp where Tim and Lois team up for an investigation.

Jason, Take the Wheel by Miss_Lazy_Tuesday - "Jason finds a new coping mechanism post-resurrection, and it changes a few things." A++ Jason using his insane level of training to be an epic troll. Incredibly funny, but also so healing.

Dead Robins Stick Together by HermesDay - "Tim finds himself trapped in a universe where the Red Hood decided to finish the job in Titans Tower." OOF. On the very opposite tonal end of Jason-returns AUs from the last one, but a really good engaging read.

Penelophon by Telperien - Selina/Bruce through the years, with a lovely Selina POV.

We'll Have to Muddle Through Somehow by @pluckyredhead - soft, thoughtful Roy/Jason where Roy is struggling with the holiday season and Jason is there for him.

Blue Jay Down by byrambles - "8 years after his parents died and he escaped Gotham's foster system, Dick is just trying to survive. When he stumbles upon an injured, blue-clad vigilante child in an alley, though, he has to make some decisions." This one hit my id so hard, I wish there were 30K more words but these were all good.

CROSSOVERS

(MCU Spider-Man/Batman) Set Naked On Your Kingdom by sassydandelion - "At the end of No Way Home, Peter chooses to sacrifice his life in New York to save the multi-verse…by letting Dr. Strange send him to a world where no one has ever heard of Spider-Man. What kind of crazy place is this Gotham City, anyway?" Fantastic AU, and Peter is just such a darling as he struggles to get by. Loved how he meets and bonds with Barbara (who is always amazing) first.

(Leverage/Batman) sparring match by Ffwydriad - in which Eliot runs into Cassandra on a team job, and they have a past. Thoughtful look at their difficult histories, but still very gentle and kind.

(Leverage/Batman) The Cross Purposes Job by solomonara - "A con on the verge of success gets sniped by an unknown third party. The Leverage crew traces the interference back to Gotham. Now the con has a new target: shady billionaire Bruce Wayne and the highly suspicious Wayne Enterprises." COMPLETELY DELIGHTFUL, such good team presence and misunderstandings on both sides, and the resolution is so satisfying.

[lady-hallowtide]

HALLOWTIDE RECOMMENDED FANFICS 2024

Labyrinth, Solo-Levelling, John Wick, The Witcher, Skyrim, Overlord, Hunger Games, Sherlock, Bleach, Hitman Reborn, Final Fantasy, Hobbit, Teen Wolf, Magnus Archives, Stranger Things, Walking Dead, The Untamed, Jurassic World, Code Geass, Assassins Creed, Hannibal, Scum Villain, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, DCU, MCU, Naruto, Harry Potter

LABYRINTH

• Her Kingdom As Great by MarbleGlove

What's said is said, and Sarah said, "My Will is as Strong as Yours and my Kingdom as Great." And then, of course, she lied.

SOLO-LEVELLING

•  Dragon Ascending by Aeraneth

Park Ryung was a simple man with a simple goal, once he realized he was in the world of Solo Leveling. Make Sung Jinwoo's first few miserable years of being a Hunter- a little easier. Surely he was capable of giving some support to the protagonist if he really put his mind to it.

He had no idea how that backfired so hard.

 

JOHN WICK

• Made Men by manic_intent

“With you it’s always ‘Father this’, ‘Father that’.” Gianna sniffed. “It’s an obnoxious habit. Very childish. Act your age.”

“Oh? And trying to interrupt a stranger about his business isn’t obnoxious?”

“You’re such an asshole,” Gianna said, incredulous. “I can’t believe you said that. We’re trying to save a life.”

“If you were remotely interested in charity of that nature you wouldn’t be in the family business.”

The stranger was staring at them now, blinking owlishly. It wasn’t an unfamiliar reaction to anyone exposed to his sister and their quarrels. “Do you guys mind?” he said finally. His voice was rusty, seldom used.

 

THE WITCHER

• Born in a time of darkness, you will learn the trick of making. (You shall make your consolation all your life) by llamallamaduck

(WitcherXAssassins Creed Crossover)

Every now and again—typically late at night, when his mind was trying and failing to internalise the hurricane of weird shit that happened to be his life—Desmond wondered about how all this will end. Abstrego can throw around technical-sounding jargon until the cows go home, but even they probably knew that rendering genetic memories in three dimensions just meant fucking around with soul magic.
Or
Every guy can be a babygirl but it takes a man to be a single mother.

 

SKYRIM

• Shakespeare in the Park by Vodkassassin

He wakes up in a horse-drawn cart to see a scruffy man, with shaggy blond hair, bound and sitting in front of him. He knows exactly how this story goes.

The question is, how can a theater kid from modern America convince an entire fantasy world that he belongs there?

 

OVERLORD

• Momo-ji by Kat_o_nine_Tails

Suzuki Satoru had always liked children, but as a bachelor he had given up on having any of his own early on. But now that he has found himself in this New World and became his avatar, Momonga, he has inadverently become a father and he is determined to do his duty to the best of his abilities.

The fact that his children were mostly adults, some wanted to get into his pants, and all of them were actually NPCs created by his friends was completely irrelevant.

 

HUNGER GAMES

• Impetus by Crunchysunrises

(BuffyXHunger Games Crossover)

For one ethereal moment, Haymitch thought that his tribute might finally kill someone, maybe everyone. Then he remembered who he was dealing with. (Buffy had already decided: she was going to burn this place to the ground.)

 

 SHERLOCK

• Whispers in Corners by esama

(Harry PotterXSherlock Crossover)

Everything started with a stumble - his new life in a new world as well as his surprisingly successful career as a medium.

BLEACH

• The world turns (to the rhythm of a god-king's rage) by CheshireSense (cywscross)

Betrayal is a choice that should only be made when you are prepared to accept whatever retribution follows.

 

 

HITMAN REBORN

• Russian Roulette: Reloaded by Vixen_Tail

No one ever said an SI gets a place in canon events, or that they would be ideally placed at all. How much would you recall if you had decades to go before anything in a long forgotten story comes to be?

FINAL FANTASY

• Red Sands by Vixen_Tail

Reeve Tuesti was quite literally the only decent man in FFVII's Shin-Ra Electric Company. Let's add another.

• And They Say You Can't Change The Past by NervousOtaku

Well, Rufus thought to himself, second chances weren't to be squandered.

HOBBIT

• Blessings and Rituals by esama

In which Dwarves have a religion - and Hobbits don’t.

 

• Into The Fire by blackdragonqueen

He was given one year to try again and make things right.

 

 

TEEN WOLF

• In the roots of our town, hearts beat by graveltotempo

After the Hale fire, Beacon Hills yearns for blood. Few know what the Hales are (werewolves, the eyes and the fangs whispers).

Most know what the Hales really are (protectors, the broken bones and unhealed injuries remember).

So when the house catches fire, and two shellshocked children cry while covered in ash, and a man burns and burns and burns (and screams and screams and screams), the people know.

Even when the words ‘electrical fire’ come out, even when two broken hearted children run, even when there is no proof: Beacon Hills knows, and the Nemeton knows, and her people know.

And they wait, in bated silence.

And they whisper, as they wait.

And they write, as they wait.

And they wait, they wait, they wait.

• Prowl by wynnebat

Laura's body is never found, but instead of continuing with his murder spree, Peter gets distracted by the scent of his mate. Stiles gets very distracted by the huge wolf that starts showing up at his house all the time.

• Touch Therapy by syriala

“You’re hugging Peter,” Derek said from behind them, confusion very obvious in his voice.

“Yep,” Stiles gave back, not moving from his current position, speaking more into Peter’s hair than anything.

“Why are you hugging him?” Derek asked, and Stiles shrugged as best as he could, with his arms still around Peter.

“He just woke up from a coma. I don’t even want to think about how long he went without a hug,” Stiles gave back.

Or the one where Stiles derails Peter’s plans by aggressively hugging the shit out of him.

THE MAGNUS ARCHIVES

• Chrysalis by thesnadger

What if Jon stopped resisting? What if he fully gave in to the dreadful power that has a hold on him? How much would Martin be willing to turn his back on in order to keep the one he loves?

• Perks of Beholding by Serazimei

Jon gets distracted from paranoia by learning he can now understand animals. This somehow solves all their problems.

Or: Jon turns into a Disney princess the fic.

• See the Line where the Sky meets the Sea by The_Floating_World

When Jon is a child he looks into the infinite abyss of space. The Vast looks back into him.

 

STRANGER THINGS

• Without a flashlight in the dark by jurassicqueer (gaybirdkid)

The lights go out. Steve keeps his eyes fixed just left of the thing, can just barely make out a shoulder and sort-of head in the light of the moon, and tries to swallow back the sickening feeling of being hunted. He wants to run for his house but he can’t. He can’t, because if he takes his eyes off the thing for even a second, he won’t know where it is, and that’s scarier than seeing it.

But then- then Steve’s vision blurs for just a moment too long, and when he blinks away the tears and looks, it’s gone.

Steve lunges for the house doors. When the patio lights flicker back on, the poolside is empty, and Steve Harrington is missing. No one notices.

Or: Steve Harrington gets dragged into the Upside Down instead of Barb Holland. Someone else comes out.

 

THE WALKING DEAD

• We're waiting on a heartbeat (can anybody hear me?) by jurassicqueer (gaybirdkid)

Glenn is all his three month old nephew has left when the zombie apocalypse reaches Atlanta. He's going to make sure he's enough.

OR: Glenn really didn't anticipate finding a life partner while raising an infant, but the end of the world is as good a place to start as any.

 

 

• Leaping into Lori by Fleurtygirl

Waking up as Lori Grimes kind of sucked because she rated as my least favorite person. Then again, she became universally hated because of her ongoing unhelpful and hostile actions during a zombie freaking apocalypse. Waking up before the apocalypse would hopefully help save lives.

 

 

THE UNTAMED

• Sail Away Sweet Sister by sami

“Are you the same Jiang Yanli I have known since infancy?"

"Yes."

"Have you ever been anyone else?"

"No."

"So you've lived another life... but as yourself. You had a child. And you were dead."

"Yes."

Jiang Yanli starts again from the beginning.

 

 

• Lynchpin by ShanaStoryteller

He can’t get Jin Guangyao’s words out of his head.

If he’d only believed in Wei Wuxian, if he’d only been willing to stand up for him, could it all have been avoided?

• Intriguing by nirejseki

Nie Huaisang hates, hates, hatespaperwork. Life would be so much better if only Meng Yao (now officially recognized as Jin Guangyao) were available to do it for him...but unfortunately, his brother never did end up swearing brotherhood with him, which means that Nie Huaisang has no basis to go ask him for help.

If only there were another position available where Jin Guangyao could just run the Nie sect –

(in which Nie Huaisang decides to matchmake his brother and Jin Guangyao together for his own selfish reasons)

• Burnish Brass to Gold by tuesday

The weak link was, as ever, Lan Xichen.

• Casting off (why not take life as it comes) by

Nemainofthewater

Lan Wangji was a master swordsman and loved his uncle; it was only that that allowed Lan Qiren to summon Xinfei in time to block his brother’s sword.

OR

In which Lan Qiren either has an extraordinarily vivid dream or has managed to travel back in time.

 

JURASSIC WORLD

• Wild Frontier By RunawayDeviant

The five of them turned to face him - him, specifically, not the rest. His girls and their new best friend.

Owen stood up.

 

 

• Tainted by Macx

Owen Grady had always had a talent for animals. Like his grandfather. It was a talent that ran in the families.

Masrani Global recruited him to train raptors. It was an intriguing, novel idea, something only a crazy or insane person would attempt.

Owen wasn't crazy or insane. He knew he could do this.

He just didn't know how deep he would get into it, how strong the connection to the pack would become, how close... they, the four of them, would become to him.

His grandfather had always warned him: don't get too close. Don't let them connect. Well, it was too late for that now.

 

 

• The Perils of Witch Slaying (Or How Buffy Ended up in Dinoland) by pprfaith

(Slight BuffyXJurassic World Crossover)

- Three things Buffy knows:

1. witches suck

2. reincarnation sucks

3. prehensile claws are kind of cool

 

 

CODE GEASS

• Rise of the Unholy Trinity by LokasennaHiddleston.

The Zero Requiem was successful, but to some, the price was too high. C.C. does not care about world peace, not when she has lost the last person who gave her existence meaning. Suzaku Kururugi takes refuge in the last orders from his emperor, but he aches for what could have been.

They hate each other, but in a world that so eagerly accepts Lelouch's sacrifice without thanking him for it, they cannot help but take refuge in one another. And when C.C. hatches a plan to turn back time and bring Lelouch back, Suzaku eagerly welcomes it. She will be his shield and he will be his sword, and this time, they will get it right.

• Abandon Thyself By Sanjuno

A Geass... is like a wish...

All Demon Emperor wished for was a kinder, gentler world for his loved ones to live in and be happy...

All the Knight of Zero wished for was to die...

(Neither of them got what they wished for, in the end.)

The World of C has decided to grant the dearest wish that resonated in the heart of their Champion.

 

 

• The Sun Also Rises by Sanjuno

The night is darkest just before dawn, but dawn will come regardless.

Driven by his love for his sister, Lelouch Lamperouge vi Brittania became the Demon Emperor, feared and hated the world over. Very few people knew that the assassination of the ninety-ninth Emperor was actually an honour suicide, assisted by a dear friend and retainer in a long-held Japanese tradition. Zero Requiem went... perfectly to plan. Lelouch died, and took much of the world's hatred with him.

The Collective Consciousness of Man is not people, and they will not let their Champion remain lost to them.

Lelouch wakes to life after his death by the blessing of the World of C... and the possibilities available to him are endless.

 

 

ASSASSINS CREED

• Impermanence by esama

In which Desmond ends up back in time and doesn't so much decide to use it to deal with some hangups he had about Ezio's life as much as sort of... falls into doing it because of bitterness and spite and some very questionable medicine.

 

 

• Desmond ex Machina by esama

In the library of Altaïr, Ezio isn't as ready to let go of his destiny as he thought.

In the Grand Temple, Desmond isn't ready to face his.

 

 

HANNIBAL

• Inevitable by sifshadowheart

(Criminal MindsXHannibal Crossover)

Will didn’t know how this was happening.

He didn’t know why.

But it was.

Even if he couldn’t trust his eyes, not always anyway, he trusted what he felt, tactile sensation, and everything he felt said that this was happening. His body didn’t have the aches and pains and scars he knew. There was no knot of scar tissue causing issues with his shoulder from being stabbed. No smile across his stomach from a linoleum knife or bullet wound in his non-stabbed shoulder.

He was his relatively untouched teenager self, brain too much for most to handle and awkward social abilities that had landed him a full-ride to Tulane off of his high IQ and ability to pass a test – so long as it wasn’t a psych exam, though now that he knew what he knew he’d be willing to bet that was changed.

In fact…as plans and plots started to come together, he was counting on it.

It would be a long game.

Almost twenty years.

A different Will would be sorry for all those who would die between then and now, let alone those that would come after, but as he sat down and began the first of many lists that would shape his future for the next decade or more, he didn’t feel any guilt at all.

 

 

• Oddbodies by toffeecape

Will is an off-brand sentinel. Hannibal is a reputable guide. What could go wrong?

 

 

• Wage Your War by Della19

To say that Will Graham is still an unmated, childless omega at the age of thirty-eight is his own choice is true. It is not to say that it is his preference. Will wants a mate and a family just as much – perhaps even more – than the next omega. He’s simply never met that one person who fit the bill before. And then he walks into Jack Crawford’s office and meets Hannibal Lecter and well that, as they say in the business, is that.

Now all he needs to do is convince Hannibal of that. But well, this is Hannibal Lecter he is dealing with. It must be done a certain…flair. But that isn’t a problem for Will. Not at all.

After all, snakes may kill mongoose, but one must never forget this as well: mongoose hunt snakes too.

It’s Will Graham’s turn to wage his war.

Or, here is a fic about omega!Will Graham manipulating alpha!Hannibal Lecter into getting exactly what he wants.

 

THE SCUM VILLAINS SELF-SAVING SYSTEM

• Shen-shixiong by Ourliazo

Shen Qingqiu is a bastard, but he's Cang Qiong Mountain's bastard. That doesn't actually justify anything but god it feels good to point Shen Qingqiu at someone and watch him tear through.

(The peak lords are ride or die despite it all.)

• The Grand Unified Theory of Shěn Qīngqiū by 00janeblonde

Shěn Qīngqiū new game pluses himself into a happy ending and unlocks some premium content along the way.

 

• We should stick together by pennydaniels

Shen Jiu is drowning on Qing Jing Peak in his struggle to become Head Disciple and then hopefully Peak Lord. He's always been good at surviving but somehow can't help wanting more than that. He just wants to make the right decision.

(In which Shen Jiu is just trying to keep his head above water dealing with his faulty cultivation and capricious Shizun, has more than a few illuminating conversations with the brothel ladies, gets caught in a sex pollen disaster with Liu Qingge, and watches the other try their best to make it right.)

• Forever and ever and ever and ever by pennydaniels

Shen Jiu saves Liu Qingge's life. Liu Qingge isn't the type of person to let debts go unpaid.

• What Is Seen by CaveteDracones

…is not [always] the real truth.

Truth-compelling artifacts in the hands of an enemy to one side, SYSTEM-mandated silence on the other, and Shen Qingqiu caught between the two. Is it too late to go back to the Water Prison?

 

• Fly With Broken Wings by VermilionRain

Shen Yuan has been getting nightmares since he was young. They were about a fantasy world that centered around Shen Qingqiu, a subjectively evil man. It wasn’t until he read a certain cash grabbing book that everything clicked into place. Shen Yuan was receiving memories of Shen Jiu (They were horrible and now he empathizes with the immortal) Now, after finally receiving his degree he gets transported into said book. He might as well fix this plot hole ridden shit until he gets to go back.

 

• Nobody Deserves a Second Chance (But Honey I Keep Getting Them) by Bluethursday

Luo Binghe finds himself unsatisfied with his life after his wives attempt a coup and devises a plan to acquire a Shen Yuan of his very own.

"He couldn't help but think that his life and efforts amounted to nothing but a joke played out for the amusement of the Heavens. His efforts were nothing in the eyes of those he had done his best to protect. His entire life—from crawling his way out of the gutters of the small town he grew up in by the Luo River, from being saved only by the kindness of a woman whose life was dependent on the scraps given to her by her wealthy employers, his mother’s hands ever-calloused from scrubbing filth and sweat from the clothing of those too ignorant to realize how much work it took to keep their lives comfortable—his entire life was spent working his way into a position where no one could leave him stranded, begging on the street for a bowl of congee, and for what?"

• Tongfang by The Feels Whale (miscellea)

Shen Yuan is reincarnated as a cannon fodder character and eventual murder victim in one of the whodunnit arcs in Proud Immortal Demon Way. Things escalate quickly.

Or: that one where young Luo Binghe’s career goal is ‘Bride’.

• Belonging (Object), Belonging (Condition) by ParueCake (MiraEyeteeth)

When they were children, Shen Jiu promised that he would marry Yue Qi, and show everyone in the world that Yue Qi belonged to him. Yue Qi took that declaration very seriously.

 

GAME OF THRONES

• The Balance of Ice and Fire by Sanjuno

(Star WarsXGame Of Thrones Crossover)

What would change about the Song if three former Jedi and a former Galactic Senator were reincarnated into the world of Westros?

 

 

• Down a Rabbit Hole to Westeros by Lamia_Kuei

A SI into Selyse Florent, later Selyse Baratheon. Refusing this time around to be vexed by a mustache, lack of indoor plumbing, and no more guacamole in favor of keeping her eyes on the prize: Surviving the upcoming Long Night and not letting Melisandre go Full Melisandre.

• Poetry is what he thought, but did not say by llamallamaduck

(Game Of ThronesXBlack Panther Crossover)

Erik knows very well who he is and what he is for. If Bast thought placing him here would humble or punish him, They do not know him as well as They think. Erik may wear the body of a slaver, but his mind and his choices are his, as they always have been.

He lived by the sword and died by it; he sees no reason to change the bedrock of his personal ethics the second time around.

 

• The lone traveller, standing strong by bubblewrapstargirl

Sansa wakes to find herself a girl again, and quickly realises she must find a way to marry a decent man before Robert Baratheon comes North, prevent Jon from taking the Black, tie Theon to House Stark before Balon rebels, and save all her siblings from the wrath of the Lannisters. Sansa refuses to be a bystander to tragedy any longer, but can she ever hope to win the game of thrones?

• Now go and fail again by Nothingmare

She will be damned if she lets the Greens have a grasp for her Throne. Not again.

 

• The Lioness and the Sun by BonnieBee101

Rhaegar and Lyanna are the scum of the earth and Elia deserved so much better!

Remembered:

Elia HAD to marry him it was arranged.

Rhaegar didn't HAVE to break her heart and run off with a little northern girl.

 

 

• Lex Talionis by lostchildofthenewworld

Two women died, one on a cold marble floor and another strewn across a bed with her son's blood covering her. Lady Fortuna has sown those two souls together with a red string, from two separate entities they became one.

 

• Queens by phantomphaeton

It wasn’t a hero in the end. Not a grand savior, nor magic, nor prophecy, nor destiny, nor a promised prince. In the end, it all boiled down to three young women who had decided that they—by that point—were fed up with disappointment.

 

STAR WARS

• The Way of Conquest By Pagination

All Din wanted to do was find the Child a sorcerer teacher, pick up a job or two, and follow his Creed.

Three out of three is good, right? Right?

• Sith Lord Swell by AMournfulHowlInTheNight

“Well, looks like we're all Sith Lords, now. I hope you've all been practicing your most menacing laughter for our first run in with the Jedi Council."

Ben could only sigh and raise a distasteful eyebrow at the cross shaped, red lightsaber he was given. Down the line other students were also handling their new weapons and robes with a raised eyebrow here and quizzical expression there.

"Really, uncle?"

"Really. I don't want to compete with the local Jedi population."

Why did Jedi politics and time travel have to be so difficult?

• Water in the tiger's mouth by blackkat

After Scipio, Thorn wakes up on Coruscant, in a palace built over the bones of something that used to be familiar. General Kenobi is there, though. General Kenobi will fix it.

General Kenobi, Thorn is sure, is going to fix everything.

• Concessions By Emrys_Fae, mneiai

After Order 66, Obi-Wan just wants to disappear. He flees to Mandalore, hoping that the newly triumphant Mand'alormight grant him sanctuary. But his former lover demands a price. A simple concession.

 

• New Meetings (Scenes from an Alternate Galaxy) by teacup_of_doom

A collection of AU scenes in which Anakin and Obi-Wan remember their past lives, Obi-Wan is female, and Jango Fett would very much like to act on his burgeoning feelings for the Jedi Master. Anakin is overprotective, Padme is amused by all of this. Somehow, they muddle through.

 

 

• Rebirth in the shadows of Dathomir by lunaemoth

Obi-Wan was dead, one with the Force and at peace, when he was ripped from it and shoved into a tiny body once again.

On Dathomir. Among the Nightsisters. Fifty years in the past.

 

 

• Walk by faith/tell no one what you've seen by Killbothtwins

After the end of the war with the Empire, Obi-Wan wakes up in his twelve-year old body. Now all he needs to do is convince everyone he's psychic, trick his Master into taking him on before he's sent to Bandomeer, redeem a few bad guys, and try not to have a nervous breakdown. Pretty easy. It's not like the Sith are lurking on the horizon, waiting to devour the Jedi Order.

 

 

• The Solider, the Queen, and the Hunter: Truth and Fiction by kj_feybarn

The galaxy is a step away from war when Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padme Amidala find a clone army.

That's where it starts, with convenient wording in a contract, a broken sith spell, and a desperate attempt to turn their tragedies into a story that could catch the hearts of a galaxy.

“Now sit still,” he told them all as he leaned forward. “And I’ll tell you the story of the Soldier, the Queen, and the Hunter.”

• New Order by esama

The galaxy changes and Obi-Wan must change with it to protect what little he has left.

 

DC UNIVERSE

• Nothing But The Dead And Dying (back in my little town) by Umei_no_Mai

(DCXDanny Phantom Crossover)

Dan has just been rescued and is feeling a bit shorter than usual. Jason Todd has just been petitioned like he's a feudal warlord, which has never happened before but he could maybe get used to.

They can probably make this work so long as Batman doesn't stick his nose in. Yeah, like that'll happen.

• Baby Birds and Bat Caves by IzzyMRDB

Gotham was built on a cave system. Batman has referenced a Bat Cave before. Tim is currently in the cave system. He is in the cave system that he entered from Drake Manor. Drake Manor is right next door to where Batman- The Bruce Wayne- lives. Holy Cavern, Batman! Tim had just accidentally wandered into the Bat Cave’s cave system.

OR

Tim, having found a weird hole after a storm, decides to go exploring ignoring the fact that This Is Gotham and They Probably Have Cursed Stuff Down There.

Luckily, it was just a cave system that spans the entire Gotham underground. Unluckily, Tim is a very curious child.

• Sleep with a gun (and keep an eye on you, son) by destiny919

The kid in civvies knocking on the door to his apartment shrieks Jason's name and launches himself at Jason, who catches him on reflex. He realizes it's the Replacement at the same time he notices the kid is so tiny he could barely pass for twelve, let alone fourteen. "Jason," his Replacement mumbles again into his chest, and Jason finally regains the presence of mind to move them backwards into the apartment.

If he's murdering the kid now, better to do it with privacy.

• Reasons are better than rules by destiny919

"No one will actually explain Father's rules to me," Damian blurts out. "They tell me we don't kill, and killing is wrong, and Father would never do it, but no one ever actually says why! As if repeating the rule is the same as explaining it! As if I am supposed to just know, when I do not!"

Drake is quiet, eyes on something in the distance that Damian cannot see. "Damian, may I tell you a secret?"

• Loading and Aspect Ratio by JUBE514

So, it didn’t start out like this.

Alfred would scoff at the statement, about how Bruce was trying to justify the whole situation to himself. It had started out as a simple design, black everything with black outlines and black hood. It got a little more intense as the world went on, got wind of his ghost on the streets, and became scared of The Bat . So Bruce got a little more creative with it, Alfred and him had a good laugh over the name, the scare, and Alfred had a vicious streak of humor that he had passed onto his ward-

So now the suit had a visible bat-theme, an insignia to drape in the shadows and to paint across the streets of Gotham.

It only took a year into the whole charade of heroism for Bruce to overhear a conversation between some goons- some low level thug hired by the Riddler this week- about nothing at all pertaining to what the hell the Riddler was doing in the sewers but instead:

“The Batman can fly, you know, I’ve seen his wings.”

• Trained by the best by destiny919

Damian has his orders: present himself to his father so that the Batman will finish his training and Damian can take his proper place at his father's right hand.

However, Damian has also had caution and the need to maintain an upper hand in every situation ingrained into him for even longer than he has known how to hold a sword. Accordingly, he takes his time once arrived in Gotham. He learns his father's patrol routes and not much else, but in the process begins studying the other vigilantes in Gotham—the other children in his father's life. Perhaps they will give him a better idea of how to please his father, and if they have been trained by Batman themselves, there may even be something of value they can teach Damian.

• Kingmaker by destiny919

When there's a knock on the door of Jason's safehouse, he figures Black Mask managed to track him down and thinks he's clever. Instead of opening the door to a loaded automatic weapon, Jason finds a teenage boy he's never actually met but can still recognize despite one crucial detail:

He's covered in blood.

• Baby on board by destiny919

He studied the Tower schematics very carefully, including the vent networks. Accordingly, Jason is already waiting in the upstairs lounge when Replacement emerges from the ceiling. "Thanks for dropping by, Rep-" Jason stops dead, staring at the Robin turning to face him.

That is. That is a whole child.

• Wants and Needs (Well, Mostly Wants) by Rhiw

Tim wakes up inexplicably in his two-year-old body. Which: odd. But just think, how many people would kill to have an opportunity to redo their life! And Tim has so much he wants to change, so much he wants. He wants to feel important to Bruce. He wants to be Dick's favorite. He wants Jason (his childhood hero) to think he's cool. He wants Damian to need him. And really, is it manipulation if his family benefits from it?

• Trade my Tomorrows (For One Yesterday) by Zell_Hatoule

Things I don't see in DC yet - Dick Grayson time travelling, deciding to join Talon just so he can fuck them up from the inside and then forcibly joins Bruce at 12. Bruce has no idea what to do with a murderous assassin kid who has more of his shit put together than he does. Also, not Dick vicariously adopting all of the Robins and Bruce faced with three smaller children sitting at his table every night looking at him accusingly.

• Time (to Protect You) by Blueseabird2

Losing Damian not only hurt beyond measure but also made Dick the last Bat standing. He had nothing keeping him in a broken world so goes back in time with only one ally (Damian begs to differ) and no plan except to protect everyone he can, at any cost.

Dick starts with making sure Jason never dies at the hands of the Joker and proceeds to track down and love his siblings (while maybe also plotting the destruction of the League of Assassins). He just doesn't realize that a clan of highly trained vigilantes are more than capable of realizing that Dick is not okay, and of returning his devotion with their own.

• Jim Gordon's pal, the Shadow demon by I_go_by_Faith

The shadows of Gotham had come alive.
The creature was massive, taller than a man, writhed in shadows, that seemed to move with an unnatural breath.
It was made of shades of black, the darkest forming its head, hands and feet, and pooling around it, resembling a cape or wings, like those of a bat.
Tall horns extended from it’s head, reminiscent of the ears of a bat, long claws tipped it’s hands.
The only part that looked human at first glance was the lower half of it’s face, which was the grey of a corpse, traceries of black veins visible beneath the skin.
It’s eyes glowed white, almost seeming to suck him into them.
(...)
Gordan swallowed, trying to clear his throat, not to scream, a scream would be useless in Gotham, but to ask a question.
The creature reached out cautiously toward him with the back of a hand, the way a human would approach an unfamiliar cat
“Are you the one who has been leaving criminals tied up outside the station?”

• Doubting Gets You Places DustToDust

Tim's never regretted his decision to go to Barbara Gordon when Batman began to fall apart after Robin's death. He does reserve the right to complain when strange men in masks begin to use him as an intermediary for Oracle though.

MARVEL UNIVERSE

• As bridges burn by apathyinreverie

(MarvelXWitcher Crossover)

Tony promptly waves off Steve's demand. “Ah, don’t worry. I already have all the data you could possibly want on these feather-lizards.”

There is a sigh of exasperation from Geralt where he is currently wiping down his swords. “Cockatrices,” he rumbles, though in a tone that says he isn’t expecting Tony to actually listen.

“Mhm,” Tony hums in cheerful agreement, grin genuine in a way that Steve rather misses seeing when it’s just the team anymore. “Isn’t that what I just said.”

(Set some time after CW, in a 'verse where Tony met Geraltand his trio of troublemakers while trying to fix everyone's messes. Suffice to say, Yen and Geralt are less than impressed with the team.)

 

 

• The Better Man by apathyinreverie

Tony doesn’t lash out in Siberia.

And Steve had been relieved, assuming that them not coming to blows would make everything so much simpler in the aftermath, would make reconciling easier, would help them regain the trust now lost.

It doesn’t. Quite to the contrary.

 

 

• Who is this Guy? By ArcticVulpix

Few people get a second chance. Few people get the opportunity to make the right decision after a mistake.

If you got a do-over, what would you do? What would you change?

There aren't many who get the chance to actually make those decisions.

But Steve Rogers did.

And he saved the world.

Just not in the way he thought he would.

 

 

• Unleash Your Demons by Keira Marcos

Tony Stark can’t live with the damage Thanos has done. Infinity Stones in hand, he makes a choice that will alter the fate of the universe.

 

 

• A Father's Son by dnky

JARVIS wakes up during infinity war.

 

 

• #standbylegion by esama

(AvengersXKingsman Crossover)

V-day takes out the Avengers. JARVIS copes, one tweet at a time.

 

 

• Simon Says by Hyliian

Reality… glitched.

I wasn’t spontaneously teleported to another place. Monsters didn’t start pouring out of holes in the fabric of time. No otherworldly voice spoke words of wisdom or warning in my ear. Had I… had I hallucinated that whole debacle? Did I just imagine the world shifting three degrees sideways and tilting diagonally backwards? No one else was reacting to what had happened, so I had to conclude with a sort of grim resignation that I was obviously losing my mind.

Resolved to pretend nothing had happened, I took a step towards the door.

Abruptly, I was somewhere else entirely.

 

 

• The Devouring of Hearts by RayShippouUchiha

(AvengersXAddams Family Crossover)

Toni’s gums ache for a split second, fresh blood flooding her mouth before she swallows it.

And in that next second that curl of darkness inside of her sits up and decides that this, that Howard’s continued cruelty and abuse, will no longer be allowed.

Toni licks the blood from her now too sharp teeth before she plants her hands on the floor in front of her and pushes herself back up onto her feet.

This time when Howard lashes out at her Toni ducks low to avoid the blow.

Crouched on the hall floor, sharp nails digging into the dark wood beneath her, Toni hisses, takes a moment to calculate, and then she leaps.

 

 

• The Guiding of Death by RayShippouUchiha

“Hades and Persephone reborn huh,” Fury states then more than asks, “no need to ask which is which.”

Toni’s brows furrow even as dread begins to squirm to life inside of her.

But before she can say anything, before she can open her mouth and set the record straight, she hears it.

A murmur as loud as a scream from somewhere in the tomb silent bridge.

“That whole Merchant of Death thing,” someone off to the side faux whispers, “makes a lot more sense now.”

It echoes across the bridge like a gunshot.

 

 

• Rule 48 by Hyliian

“I will treat any beast which I control through magic or technology with respect and kindness. Thus if the control is ever broken, it will not immediately come after me for revenge.”

Rule 48. It was a lesson these asshats swarming around the Asset’s cryochamber really should have learned by now.

• Death to the memory of an ideal by graveltotempo

What if there was someone in the car Steve Rogers stole during the chase scene?

• unforgiven (I'm a villain) by graveltotempo

anchor (noun): a person or thing that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation.

Tony loses his anchor.

The Avengers die. 

 

• Iron Infinity by DuncanIdaho2014

Dr. Strange saw NO future where Thanos didn't win and wipe out the universe. Still, they valiantly try. Broken and defeated, Stephen enacts a desperate gamble, using the Time Stone to send Tony ten years into the past, right back to when he met Yinsen. Armed with foresight and terrible resolve, Tony WILL protect the planet. OR, how Tony accidentally became a God.

 

 

• Disasster by esama

In which Tony welcomes his (begrudging) AI overlord and Bucky somehow gets caught in the middle.

NARUTO

• Compass of thy Soul By Umei no Mai

Being reborn into the Uchiha clan during the Warring Clans Era is surprisingly idyllic, so long as you don't mind hard work and are too young to know any of the people who are actually dying. But innocence never lasts, and trying to help family stay alive is a road strewn with a surprising number of pitfalls and last-minute diversions.

• discendo docemus by llamallamaduck

There are some things a seven-year-old psyche is not ready to endure. An S-ranked torture technique preformed by a traumatized thirteen-year-old is one of those things. Sasukedoesn’t enjoy hallucinating memories of his murdered family day in and day out, but he’s learned to be philosophical about such things. It’s everything else that’s the problem, really.

• To dwell inside (a hearthfire heart) by Ellory

Senju Tobirama is not a samurai. He is not bound in oaths of honor. Yet, he finds himself revealing a long-kept secret to settle a debt with Uchiha Madara. A brother’s life for a brother’s life. That is the only reason he saves Uchiha Izuna from the Hagoromo.

• Targes of jubilant flame (have hung my heart) by Ellory

Allowing a child to die via non-interference is not, technically, child-hunting. However, Tobirama knows Madara well enough to be certain he will not care one whit for technicalities should his young kinsman perish while the Senju could easily turn the battle in Hikaku’s favor.

• If the seas catch fire (trust your heart) by Ellory

The Uchiha trespasser on Senju lands is not an adult with an inability to completely disguise their chakra levels. It is a child, younger even than Itama was.

• Rotted Rowan By Darkpetal16

Not everyone can be a hero. Sometimes you have to play the villain in order to save everyone.

 

• Dirt and Ashes, or: The One-and-a-Half Body Problem by Tozette

The invasion of Konoha during the chuunin exam didn't fail. Team seven is broken, people are dead, and Sakura is hurt and frightened and a very long way from home.

Alternative summary: In which Sakura carries half of Hidanacross two countries, leaving a trail of blood, bodies, and other people's legs.

 

 

• Doing the Work by MarbleGlove

There’s more to peace than the absence of war. The work is as hard and uncertain as any Shinobi mission.

AKA: A highly self-indulgent fic in which a civilian woman helps an orphaned Sasuke and winds up saving the world.

 

• Uchiha Kyōya By Tsume Yuki

(Hitman RebornXNaruto Crossover)

In a world where Fugaku has three sons, he wishes he'd stopped at the first one. There's nothing wrong with the youngest, it's just... The middle child.

• Complete disarray by Shializaro

(Dreaming of Sunshine AU)

In which Madara is a little too late, Tobirama is a little too early and, as usual, nothing ever goes as planned for Shikako and Sasuke, accidental time travelers and trouble magnets extraordinaire.

• General Nara by JohnBurtonLee

(Dreaming of Sunshine AU)

(NarutoXStar Wars Crossover)

It should really be harder to take over a clone regiment. Shikako basically showed up, flashed her lightsaber - which wasn't even a real lightsaber - and clones were falling all over themselves to follow her orders.

 

• An Unexpected Training Trip by JohnBurtonLee

(Dreaming of Sunshine AU)

(NarutoXHero Academia Crossover)

Trapped in another universe, Sasuke and Shikako decide to go to hero school until they find a way back. The idea was that as hero students they wouldn't draw unnecessary attention while training. This works about as well as you would expect from a couple of people whose idea of subtle is to fake a natural disaster.

-or-

How Shikako single handedly eliminated the social stigma about therapy in UA High School.

 

 

• Children Of The Leaf by DawningStar

(Dreaming of Sunshine AU)

What if Shikako Nara, by a strange quirk of timeline, ended up in Tenzou's experimental batch...and survived?

 

 

• Si Iterum Eodem Modo Vicero... by JohnBurtonLee

(Dreaming of Sunshine AU)

(NarutoXMarvel Crossover)

-It says something about Shikako's life that leading an invasion of another planet isn't even the worst thing she's done on accident. It's probably in the top three, though. Probably.

 

 

• The White Sun's Passing Brightness Fades by VagabondDawn

(Dreaming of Sunshine AU)

(NarutoXScum Villain Crossover)

-Five-ish times Shikako Nara meets the Peak Lords of CangQiong Mountain Sect and one time Liu Qingge meets some ninja.

• Another Life, Another Lecter by muaaimoi

(Dreaming of Sunshine AU)

(NarutoXHannibal Crossover)

In which Nara Shikako is reborn as Hannibal Lecter's twin. It changes everything and nothing at all.

HARRY POTTER

• Unfogging the Future by Naidhe

Lavender takes one step forward and – just like the snap of a finger, the blink of an eye, the drop of a pebble – Hogwarts is left behind. There's no jump, no flashes of light, no whirlwinds of disconnected images. Just one little step; behind stood her war and in front stands 1947. "Huh," she says to herself, "didn't see this in the tea leaves."

• Time to Put Your Galleons Where Your Mouth Is By TsumeYuki

Harry had never been able to comprehend a sibling relationship before, but he always thought he'd be great at it. Until, as Master of Death, he's reborn one Turais Rigel Black, older brother to Sirius and Regulus.

 

• To play the Prince of Castaways by llamallamaduck

Six-year-olds don't understand what having children entails. Six-year-old boys even less so. Six-year-old boys kept in cupboards, who barely get to speak a few words each day, are almost guaranteed to have a very fanciful grasp on the miracle of life.

Harry James Potter didn't know what having a baby meant, who could have them and why they might wish to do so. Harry James Potter just wanted one. Desperately.

• Shadow Magic by Lomonaaeren

Harry was born with a power the Dark Lord knows not: the magic to see into shadows, to walk the shadows, and to send the shadows everywhere. This changes his life rather dramatically.

 

 

• Uvidimsya Zavtra by TreacleTeacups

In which Harry realises he owes the wizarding world nothing and runs before he can compete in the Triwizard Tournament. It may cost him his magical core, but the price of freedom is worth it.

• Collision by Hyliian

A bemused SI-OC watches as an entirely unrelated SI-Harry Potter attempts to take the wizarding world by storm, and fails miserably.

 

 

• Sweet Dreams by TreacleTeacups

In which Harry's dreams are sweeter than life.

• The Flaw in the Plan By Little.Miss.Xanda

In the end, Harry could do nothing but surrender.

 

 

• The Games They Play By Little.Miss.Xanda

He had always known he was different. Then, his brother was born, and he knew his brother was just like him. They were as far from normal as one could possibly get. They embraced it, caring nothing for what others thought. They had each other and their dad, after all, what more could they need? Well, maybe a way to quench their boredom.

 

 

• House of Luxventi by Darkpetal16

In which Tom M. Riddle Jr grew up in a loving home, with a good mother, and never knew the horrors of being an abandoned orphan.

 

 

• Harveste Addams by Kyaru (Thumbie)

(HPxAddams Family Crossover)

A little death can change so much. Delightful, isn't it?

 

 

• Obsidian's Desire by Lomonaaeren

Marcus Flint doesn’t really know what to do with his life after his father dies; his father always told him what to do. So he consults a piece of obsidian, and it directs him to Harry Potter. And, well, Potter has friends, but he doesn’t have a husband…

 

 

• Seventh Horcrux by EmeraldAshes

The presence of a foreign soul may have unexpected side effects on a growing child. I am Lord Volde...Harry Potter. I'm Harry Potter. In which Harry is insane, Hermione is a Dark Lady-in-training, Ginny is a minion, and Ron is confused.

• Property of the Half-Blood Prince by Lomonaaeren

Harry indulges in an enormous eye-roll at the universe when he wakes up on his nineteenth birthday with “Property of the Half-Blood Prince” written on his neck like a collar. He goes on to live his life like normal, without being too upset about it—and without telling Snape, who he’s sure wants his freedom now.

• The Dead Master by FalconLux

Dumbledore’s schemes took everything from him, including the man he loved, but now Harry has devised a means with which to travel back in time to his younger body before he started Hogwarts. He’s going to get another chance at his life, and this time Dumbledore won’t be getting in his way.

Lessons Learned (Lessons Relearned) by cywscross

Percy closes his eyes after another late night and opens them a decade in the past, back at the start of his fifth year, back before Percy had made any of the decisions he'd regretted later on, back before his family had shattered and learned to live with the remaining pieces, back to the beginning of an ending that might not be so inevitable after all.

[momispissed]

Daredevil: Born Again:

The Roadmap Marvel Needs

Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again stands out as a beacon for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In a franchise often dominated by spectacle, this series proves that grounded, character-driven storytelling can be just as captivating—if not more so. By focusing on Matt Murdock’s struggles as both a lawyer and a vigilante, the show crafts a narrative deeply rooted in humanity and personal stakes. Showrunner Dario Scardapane masterfully balances suspense, emotional depth, and narrative intricacy, making Born Again a prime example of how Marvel can reconnect audiences with the essence of its heroes.

The deliberate pacing of Born Again showcases the courage to prioritize substance over action, as evidenced by Daredevil’s near absence in the first half of the series. This slow burn builds tension and allows the audience to fully invest in Matt’s journey, making his eventual return all the more impactful. It’s a creative choice that reflects the storytelling finesse of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy and the emotional resonance James Gunn brought to Guardians of the Galaxy. By embracing these styles, Born Again delivers a gritty yet heartfelt narrative that feels refreshingly intimate within the sprawling MCU.

This approach doesn’t just reinvigorate Daredevil—it also sets the stage for a new chapter in Spider-Man’s story. Following the conclusion of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker finds himself completely alone, with no support system or relationships to rely on. This reset creates an opportunity to explore Spider-Man in a way that aligns with the grounded tone of Born Again. Stripped of his safety net, Peter’s next trilogy could delve into his resilience, his struggle to rebuild his life, and his growth as both a young man and a hero. By focusing on his humanity, Marvel could elevate Spider-Man’s narrative to new emotional heights.

A crossover with Daredevil presents exciting possibilities. Both characters share New York City as their stage and a connection to street-level crime fighting. Matt Murdock’s gritty perspective and moral complexity could challenge Peter’s idealism, while Spider-Man’s optimism could reignite hope in Daredevil’s darker worldview. Their partnership—marked by tension, mutual respect, and growth—could add layers of complexity to both heroes and enrich the MCU’s overall storytelling.

While Born Again offers a roadmap for grounded narratives, it’s not a one-size-fits-all formula. Characters like Moon Knight and Punisher thrive in darker, grittier settings, whereas Spider-Man and Ms. Marvel can still bring charm and levity. By blending the grounded realism of Born Again with elements of Nolan’s depth and Gunn’s heart, Marvel has the opportunity to create a tonal spectrum that caters to diverse narratives.

Ultimately, Daredevil: Born Again isn’t just a great show—it’s a wake-up call for Marvel. The humanity of its heroes, the slow-burn storytelling, and the emotional stakes remind us of what the MCU can achieve when it prioritizes depth and authenticity. As Spider-Man steps into his next chapter, Daredevil’s success shows that grounded, character-driven narratives can be the key to saving the multiverse—not through spectacle, but through stories that truly matter. Marvel, the roadmap is here—let’s follow it.

[v1trum]

Ok I'm finally unpinning my big tua post and pinning an intro instead :D

My current interests (I will try to edit this when they change but I will probably forget):

House M.D.

DAREDEVIL 🗣️🗣️🗣️ AND SPIDERMAN ALL SPIDERMAN MEDIA I FUCKING LOVE IT!!!! ALSO JUST MARVEL N MCU IN GENERAL BUT MAINLY DAREDEVIL AND SPIDERMAN (love crossover fics btw. Biggest rec would be Success Stories, Sob Stories by MAD2397 on AO3)

Dead Poets Society

RSL in general but like in a not weird way

Criminal Minds

Um there's more but I forgor 💔

Umbrella Academy

Grimm (no one knows this show but hey!)

I also believe in quantum leaping (otherwise known as shifting 💔) but I'm not crazy Abt it on this blog and don't force it onto anyone I just believe in it like a religion !!

My hobbies (will also try to update):

Digital drawing is like always gonna be a hobby of mine

I've been reading a lot recently !! Checking out books at the library. Specifically ones containing lots of like educational information like the one I'm on rn is "A History of the Human Brain". I like to write the facts as I read them so I absorb them better like a sponge...... A sponge you say? Like? That thing in the ocean? That the human brain and nervous system is a LOT alike? Like how the proteins communicate with the cells to continue filtering water for meals and how the brain does the same to maintain bodily functions the theyhrhhehthe OUGHHH fun fact we share half of our genes with bananas!

Characters I really like/relate to (kins??? Idfk I don't use that word but I think that's the proper term):

Um. Matt Murdock Matt Murdock Matt murdock. Karen page. Matt Murdock. James from The End of the Fucking World (THAT is who I named myself after), Five Hargreeves, Stephen Strange, Peter Parker obviously . Stephen Strange and Stephen Strange. kinda Spencer Reid ????? Usually you're supposed to like a character you relate to a lot but I have a love/hate viewpoint of Spencer Reid only cus . Im trans and I named myself Spencer when I was 11 and then PEOPLE WOULDN'T STOP COMPARING ME TO HIM so that's the hate but then I watched(am watching. On s2) it and relate to him heavily but I changed my name cus I'm not trying to copy him 💜💜, again theres more but I forgot

I love making friends 😈😈😈 feel free to ask to be moots PLEASE

Also I LOVE GETTING ASKSSSS pls send me asksssss:33

My like bestie is @swisschees3

I think that's it ummm

Last updated: April 1st of 2025 (TJIS ISNT A JOKE 💔💔💔)

[golden-girasol]

HEAVY ON THE LAST ONEEE

I'm on my knees for how kind, compassionate, adorable and funny Jack was during that scene, respecting Elsa's boundary and only reaching to heal her wound when she allowed him to

His little smile during the "It's not in your DNA, then?" IS SO FREAKING CUTEEEEE I'M IN TEARSSSS, HE'S JUST SO SWEET AND ADORABLE AND AAAAAAA

ALSO the way Elsa started to let her walls down around SOMEONE for the first time in a very long time, not just allowing Jack to get physically close with her, but also managing to share information, even if unspoken, about her personal life and her relationship with her family to a complete stranger whose name she didn't even know, it makes me want to fall to my knees and cry every time i watch that scene

I'm also gnawing at the bars of my enclosure waiting for more lore about Jack's family to drop, i especially can't wait to see what his relationship with them was like, if his curse was passed down to him by his family, which members of his family had the curse in that case, and if his sister from the comics is also a part of his lore in the MCU

YES TO ALL OF THAT!!! Jack literally is one of my favorite characters from the MCU because of his compassion. Despite the prejudice he faces, he retained his kindness.

I DESPERATELY need a sequel. DESPERATELY. Like, the MCU could be SO successful if they gave us more with WbN, especially if they tied in Moon Knight. Talk about a killer crossover!

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Hi Steph!!

You know some fics in wich Sherlock is an alien?

The idea popped up in my head yesterday but i don't know exactly how to search it on AO3.

Thank you!

Hi Nonny!

I do! These are the only "alienlock" fics I know of, though one is John-alien:

The Kepler Problem by kinklock (E, 24,270 w., 1 Ch. || Sci-Fi AU || Alien Sherlock, Space Repairman John, Alien Biology, Horny John) – Working in uncharted space exploration was not as exciting as John had hoped, especially when it turned out to be mostly bot maintenance on uninhabited planets. However, the mystery of the repeated, unexplained malfunctions on planet BAK 2212 might turn out to be exactly the kind of adventure he'd been craving.

The Semantics of Crop Circle Formation: a case study by Sherlock Holmes [unpublished] by canolacrush (M, 41,710 w., 9 Ch. || Post-S2, Sherlock POV First Person, Aliens, Wordplay, Case Fic) – “Look at these photographs,” I said, gesturing to the wall of crop circles. “What do you observe?” “Crop circles,” John replied. “Obvious. What else?” “Are…are those intestines surrounding them?” “Yes. The majority are bovine and ovine in origin. The farmers who have acquired these crop circles in their fields have also had a tenth of their livestock murdered and arranged thus.” “Why?” John said, presumably in a rhetorical fashion. I detest rhetorical questions. “That is what I must find out, John.”

Names for the Galaxy by evadne (E, 191,101 w., 38 Ch. || Future Sci-Fi AU || First Time, Violence, Teacher/Student Dynamics, Ableism, Angst, Bigotry, Disturbing Content, Amnesia) – Sherlock Holmes is a recent arrival to 22nd century earth, and determined to find out who he is and where he comes from. John Watson has the unenviable task of teaching him how to be a normal human being.  Part 1 of the Names for the Galaxy series 

====

And these fics are "alien adjacent" in a sense:

Captain John Watson, Genetics, and Other Crazy Things by cyerus (M, 5,581 w., 1 Ch. || Torchwood Crossover ||  Humour / Crack, Jealous Sherlock, Sexual Magnet John, Captain John, UST / RST, Three Continents Watson) – The explanation for John "Three Continents" Watson? Jack Harkness is his father. Sherlock doesn't know whether he's going to die from jealousy or sexual frustration first.

The Short Tragic Death of John Watson by Calais_Reno (M, 49,681 w., 9 Ch. || Actor / TV Show AU || John “Dies”, Victor Trevor, Past Drug Abuse, POV Sherlock, Suicidal John, Implied / Referenced Abuse, Acting, Pining Sherlock, Happy Ending) – Thirteen years ago, Sherlock starred in a television series about an alien boy stranded on Earth. Now Molly has written a reunion episode and he's expected to join his old costars and recreate the role of Alex Tribble, now an adult returning to rescue his old friends from an alien threat. Having had some success since playing a teenage alien, Sherlock is reluctant to reprise the role. And there's another problem no one wants to discuss: John Watson, who played his best friend, is dead.

If He Be Worthy by AndyHood (T, 58,110 w, 18 Ch. || Avengers / MCU Crossover || Friendship, Adventure) – In the aftermath of the alien invasion of London, Coulson's team is set out to retrieve a man, a man that had picked up Thor's hammer. John Watson hadn't meant to get mixed up in the alien invasion only intending to repay a favor. He had only been surveying the damage done by the aliens when he had tripped on a hammer, he didn't know the significance of being able to pick it up.

Perdition's Flames by i_ship_an_armada (E, 63,435 w., 21 Ch. || Treklock AU, Est. Rel, Genetic Engineering, Angst & Fluff, BAMF!John) – Sherlock would do anything to save him. Risk anything. Give anything. His money, his life. His soul. What he does, though, is change both of their destinies forever. Genetic re-engineering is the only option left. It turns out researchers underestimated the life expectancy and potential abilities of genetically re-engineered subjects. The British government and what would eventually become the United Federation of Planets, however, had not. Part 1 of PF Universe

Out There by DiscordantWords (T, 131,695 w., 10 Ch. || X-Files Fusion || Past Soldier John, Panic Attacks, POV Alternating Present Tense, Anxious John, Canon Adjacent, Deductions, Obsessive Sherlock,, Travelling, Sherlock’s Family, Jealous Sherlock, Mind Palace John, Awkward Flirting, Kidnapped/Abducted John, Semi-Reverse Reichenbach, Worried/Anxious Sherlock, Hospital, Slow Burn, UST, Case Fic, Government Conspiracy, Aliens, UFOs, Mutants, Mutual Pining, First Kiss, Coma John, Forehead Touching, Hand Holding, Drinking/Bars, Past Jolto) – FBI Special Agent John Watson, medical doctor and army veteran, is assigned to assist eccentric genius Sherlock Holmes with paranormal investigations on the X-Files project.

====

And finally, I think you'll also enjoy these lists:

Science Fiction / Fantasy

Doctor Who Crossover Fics (MFLs)

If anyone has something that they would love to suggest, please do!

[moghedien]

everyone wants to have a multimedia extended interconnected universe. everyone from giant media conglomerates to indie authors are trying to speedrun their way into the next mcu or cosmere because no one understands that the reason why those giant universes with endless crossovers exist and why people care about them is because they were given time. crossovers in the beginning were left to cameos that meant nothing to the overall story and were easily missed and the focus on telling the individual story you are telling in the moment is why people cared enough about marvel movies to get to the point of endgame (and like also why people are very rapidly losing interest in marvel movies when it became all crossovers all the time and lost any kind of focus)

this is not a judgement on the quality of successful extended universes or saying they're like peak media, it just needs to be acknowledged that they were successful and the reason why is because in the beginning, they were just telling individual standalone stories and not teasing out a massive universe that no one would have cared about anyway because you need to care about the people in a world before you can care about a world. and its not just a problem with large media companies repeatedly trying to accomplish this with one movie made only for the purpose of worldbuilding needlessly. small and indie creators keep trying and failing to accomplish this too because they're making the exact same mistake

if you want to create an elaborate sprawling universe with multiple series and characters crossing over, great. worry about telling the story in front of you first. if that story wouldn't be interesting without it being a part of an extended universe, then why do you think it would make people care about your extended universe

[could-they-be-a-pro-wrestler]

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE OF MONDAY NIGHT FRESH

KATE BISHOP MAKES AN UNLIKELY FRIEND

Previously, Clint Barton/Hawkeye (Marvel) was fired by Kendall Roy (Succession), who was acting as a representative of the ABW corporate board. Angered by what happened, Kate Bishop (Marvel) has been trying to find a way to get her mentor back into ABW without jeopardizing her own career.

That’s when Kate encounters someone she’s never interacted with before; Fiona Frost aka Nightfall (Spy x Family). Fiona suggests the two of them join forces. Kate asks why and Fiona says that she’s also trying to help someone get their job back. Fiona explains that she’s been looking for a way to lift the suspension order on Yuri Briar (Spy x Family). Yuri was only supposed to be suspended for a few weeks, but has now been suspended indefinitely for the stunt he pulled.

Kate is suspicious of Fiona…

(If you want to know where “Yoru” Forger came from, click this)

[siriouslytired]

Feedback fest 2024 🌻

Well RIP to my bookmarks because I just noticed that so many of my favourite fics have been deleted or made anonymous/put in a collection. Thought it would be fun to do this anyway.

Also apparently I managed to post this when it wasn't done (can you tell technology doesn't like me?) And for some reason I couldn't edit the original post (and what's up with that??). So uh, if anyone had liked the first post I deleted it because I got annoyed.

All fics on the list can be found on AO3

A Year In Toussaint by astolat

The Witcher; Rated E; Geralt of Rivia/Emhyr var Emreis

"[...] - and found himself spilling the whole sob story of his success to Emhyr, who actually broke and laughed out loud when Geralt got to the racehorses."

One of my comfort fics, will read it for a multitude of reasons but mostly just because it's so well-written and engaging (which is just all of astolat's fics really)

Hunger and Appetite by thegoodbutter

Shadow & Bone; Rated E; Aleksander Morozova/Alina Starkov; Modern AU

I couldn't actually tell you how many times I've read this, it's just SO GOOD. And the food descriptions are just fantastic, makes me want to cook up a storm/start baking something even though I hate doing the dishes afterwards.

The Stars Don’t Shine, They Burn by Sarcasmismydefaultmode

Shadow & Bone/The Witcher; Rated E; Alina Starkov/Emhyr var Emreis; Second Best AU

Read it. Do it. It's so fucking good. I usually don't read crossovers anymore but I couldn’t resist this one and it was so worth it. It blends the two worlds so well while making sure that the edges are obvious enough that you can still tell which parts came from what canon.

Amazing Grace (series) by Druid Moon

Marvel Cinematic Universe; Darcy Lewis/Clint Barton; Many references to different forms of crafts

A relic from when I mostly read MCU fics that I return to again and again and again. Super cosy, slightly sad, incredibly well-written, one of those fics that just draws you in once you start reading it.

coronas of wolf-teeth and rivers by Dialux

A Song of Ice and Fire; Not Rated; Catelyn Stark/Ned Stark; AU; Robert dies at the Trident, Ned dies at the Tower of Joy, Catelyn becomes Queen of Westeros

I remember reading the summary and basically attacking my phone screen to open the fic. It ties itself together so neatly from the premise and the way Catelyn is written is just fantastic.

Diplomatic Relations by KrazzeeAJ1701

Star Trek; Rated M; James T Kirk/Sybok; AU, Female James T. Kirk

Listen, I had a phase where I mostly read gender swap and I found some real gems - this being one of them. I don't re-read it as often as I should but every time I do I remember how much I like it and how fantastic the writing is. The set-up just makes sense and the progression of the story makes you want to keep reading forever.

the ghosts won't matter because we'll hide in sin by soapboxblues

A Song of Ice and Fire; Jaime Lannister/Lyanna Stark; AU

A cute little AU where Lyanna survives the Tower of Joy and is subsequently turned into a political pawn etc etc. Incredibly well-written and the pieces just fit together so well.

The Debt of Time by ShayaLonnie

Harry Potter; Rated E; Sirius Black/Hermione Granger; AU, Time Travel, Soul Bond

I must have read this at least 15 times by now. It just works so well, you know?

For One Last Day by fideliant

The Hobbit; General Audience; Bilbo Baggins/Thorin Oakenshield; AU

"The things we don't do for love." It's so bittersweet and lovely and all those wonderful things that make me want to smile and cry at the same time. Sort of chances-not-taken and now we're old wrapped up in this little moment that fits so well into the canon of LOTR.

Eurybia by Annerb

Pirates of the Caribbean; Rated T; Elizabeth Swan/Will Turner; Jack Sparrow/Elizabeth Swan; AU

"A love story. Elizabeth Swan and the sea." Read it. Just do it. It's so so so good. And it's barely 1200 words so you can read it and then spend an hour contemplating what you just read and still have time to do other things.

[jennastarkhasaheart]

the recent news about marvel revamping how it does tv shows is just...

why did they ever delete marvel tv? like, the process so far imo can be summed up as marvel having a succesful tv side, then deleting it to make shows "their own way", only to realize that doesnt work and just resetting everything back to how it was 4 years ago while pretending its some kind of innovation.

like how did they manage to ignore every lesson they had already internalized, fuck up bad, and then just go back to how it already was?

the stuff theyre saying about how they want shows to have value beyond being connected to the mcu, leading up to crossover events, and adding to the movies, and appeal to viewers with multi season relationships with characters where they get to know them etc. is literally what made agents of shield successful.

im rambling but its just so incredibly redundant i cant.

like dont get me wrong this is a good thing, but it just makes losing all those shows hurt even more because what was the point

[wolfboywarmachines]

twenty questions for fanfic writers!! tagged by @everybuddiewantssome !!!! 1. How many works on ao3?

eighteen!

2. Total ao3 word count?

46,346

3. Top 5 fics by kudos?

the marks on your skin (take me home), it was a really good plan, too, now that i know that part of you's not part of this, on the nature of touch, we don't leave one of our own behind

4. What fandoms do you write for?

historically, mostly supernatural, but I've done work for the mcu, dc, lockwood and co., and 911. I also have wips for inception (and 911). not in progress yet but I'd really like to also write for death in paradise, it, star wars, ted lasso, and ready or not at some point. but those are just hopes rather than actual works right now. but hey if any of those sound good. tell me and maybe I'll push it to the front.

5. Do you respond to comments?

I try to, but not always. I cherish all of them though.

6. Angstiest ending?

well I kill dean in bc, ad. but normally I do not write angst like that.

7. Fic with the happiest ending?

given that I normally only write these, its a dime a dozen with my completed fics. but my fluffiest fic is either the marks on my skin (take me home) and on the nature of touch (both linked above!)

8. Do you get hate?

nah. had one comment saying my previous writing style was hard to engage with but that's about it.

9. Do you write smut?

not really. I'm attempting to but I'm asexual so it's not really my wheelhouse. one of my inception wips has smut so I'm hoping that's my first successful attempt though!

10. Do you write crossovers?

nope.

11. Ever had a fic stolen?

not that I know of.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

nope!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic?

I've tried to before, but it was unsuccessful.

14. All time favorite ship?

absolutely no idea. destiel and reddie both come to mind as really long lasting ships in my mind but I don't think I could definitively say one is my favorite.

15. Wips you want to finish but doubt you ever will.

had a kastle fic in the works that was actually pretty good but that will probably never see the light of day. also, both my mcu fics currently posted on ao3. I think my mcu fics are absolutely cursed.

16. Writing strengths?

my characterization and dialogue are both consistently my strongest suit, especially if I've just seen whatever I'm writing for. I'm pretty proud of it.

17. Writing weaknesses?

anything that isn't dialogue. I also never know how to end a fic.

18. Thoughts on mixed language dialogue?

hell yeah! terms of endearment in certain ships that aren't in english are sooooo. I'm looking at you buddie and rebelcaptain. but also I've been known to read ******** **** fics so you know

19. First fandom you wrote for?

I think the maze runner gets it. harry potter might on a technicality but ehhhhh. probably the maze runner.

20. Favorite fic you've ever written?

impulse control. probably the best I've ever characterized a character (specifically harley) and was wildly self indulgent but in the best way. I'm still proud of that one. but also shout out to my two buddie fics, I'm always fond of my most recent works.

tagging @skatingthinandice, @everything-i-am, and literally any of my other mutuals and people who follow me who happen to write fanfiction mwah i wanna see it please

[lokiondisneyplus]

After the climactic release of the historically successful Avengers: Endgame – the 22nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the penultimate release in their “Infinity Saga”, the culmination of 11 years of brand-building, the second-highest-grossing film of all time – Marvel decided what the world really needed was more Marvel.

Armed with classic Hollywood hubris – the misguided conviction that the public would never tire of what they were selling – Marvel Studios rolled television production into their main business model, with “Phase Four” delivering more television shows than movies. The effect was a flooding of the market and a dilution of the brand, not to mention the release of the worst MCU movie, Eternals.

Forcing narrative crossovers between television shows and movies had the adverse effect of turning the former into homework and the latter into ads for the former. This practice was an act of artistic self-sabotage, ruining what could’ve been Marvel’s most sublime film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, by burdening it with a host of tonally-off, studio-obligated B-stories crowbarred in to promote upcoming television titles.

After a run of disappointing films that weighed down once-fun franchises with po-faced gravity – Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – and a slew of ordinary television shows – The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Moon Knight, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Secret Invasion – we’ve officially reached a state of Marvel fatigue, with questions looming around the state of the superhero industrial complex.

It’s in this cultural moment that Loki, the acclaimed solo show for the titular character, arrives for a second season. It doesn’t just have to live up to an inspired first season but also has to push back on all the bad vibes, a difficult task given the heavy presence of Jonathan Majors, the breakout star who was arrested in March on domestic violence charges.The great charm of this season is that it cultivates the feeling that it could head anywhere and be anything. Loki doesn’t just explore free will as a theme, it actually feels as if it artistically possesses it.

The good news is that, whether or not it can be spun as state-of-Marvel narrative correction, season two is a worthy successor. Blessed by the fact its titular character, Tom Hiddleston’s charismatic God of Mischief, remains a slippery figure, Loki is allowed to move forward with no clear lines drawn between good and bad, protagonist and antagonist, hero and villain. Characters hold convictions until they don’t, make choices that will have ramifications, agitate for themselves, then for the greater good, and try to navigate a world whose rules shift beneath their feet.

It’s largely set, once again, in the Time Variance Authority, a comic bureaucratic labyrinth charged with policing multiversal time lines. Offering obvious symbolism at a time when Marvel is struggling to retain coherence in the midst of its “Multiverse Saga”, the TVA prizes the one true “Sacred Timeline”, pruning infinite possibilities back for the sake of cosmic narrative purity.

The TVA is an inspired retrofuturist space steeped in Eastern Bloc mid-century design and early Terry Gilliam films, satirising the pernickety dictums of workplaces and government offices – “limit your lunch break to 17 minutes!” proclaims one poster. From its dated tech – ’70s-style computer monitors, reel-to-reel tape machines, chrome hi-fis – to its curved surfaces, coloured floor tiles and lurid-emerald key lime pie, it’s a rare work of inspired production design by a studio otherwise synonymous with green-screening its way to rush-job eyesores built by an army of non-unionised offshore digital effects artists.

Everything in the TVA looks shabby and neglected, evoking its place as an office lost to time. The plot machinations of season one found an Avengers-adjacent Loki commandeered by the authority – Agent Mobius (Owen Wilson), upper-management Ravonna Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and others – to pursue a variant of himself, Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino), through time and space.

It ended with an explosion of multiversal time lines and revelations about the true history of the TVA: its top-down system of authority a matrix of illusion, its mind-wiped employees existing in a state of suspended limbo, its time line-culling operation seeming a lot like a morally questionable act of mass slaughter.

In the fallout from that climax, season two finds characters questioning whether the TVA is an entity worth preserving or destroying, not to mention the meaning of their own existence and the ramifications of choice. It’s a study of free will and moral responsibility, housed in 45-minute episodes of action-oriented television. Its chief writer, Eric Martin, both lionises liberty and weighs up its gravity, while happily dealing in the all-American fear of governmental oversight.

The collapse of the TVA’s artificial reality – “everything you’ve been doing is wrong and all your gods are dead”, Mobius deadpans in classic Wilson fashion – leads characters to their own convictions. Mobius seeks peaceful resolution. Renslayer seeks to preserve her power and the authority’s agency (“all that matters is order versus chaos”). The once-bellicose B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku) has a moral reawakening. The dogged Dox (Kate Dickie) is more committed than ever to the cause. The weaselly X-5 (Rafael Casal) wants to explore his new-found independence and maybe become a movie star. The oddball tech guy with the on-the-nose name, Ouroboros (Ke Huy Quan), is there to both provide comic relief and to save the day from a temporal calamity that may destroy all worlds, or something to that effect.

Loki’s playful riffing on time means every benign use of the word pops – “it’ll take some time”, “remember that time”, “take your time”, “time to go” – and its first four episodes dance along the Earth’s time line at various points of history – 1868, 1893, 1977, 1982 – with plentiful hijinks, dabbling in genre tropes, meta use of Loki’s skills of illusion and misdirection, and creepy fast-food-franchise sponsored content.

Looming over all is the presence of the big bad of Marvel’s Phase Five, Kang the Conqueror, played still, to this point, by Majors. He’s seen here in two variants: a squirrelly 19th-century nutty professor named Victor Timely and the all-powerful end-of-time figure met at the end of last season, He Who Remains. These twin characters are connected but separate enough that they symbolise the series’ focus on free will. One may be fated to become the other, but does that mean that he – and the future – can’t change?

The great charm of this season is that it cultivates the feeling that it could head anywhere and be anything. Loki doesn’t just explore free will as a theme, it actually feels as if it artistically possesses it. While it may not be enough to combat the waning influence of comic-book screen output, this season does feel like a disarming counterpoint to recent Marvel Studios product. Rather than feeling conscripted or forced, a puzzle piece that exists solely to build a bridge between branded content, Loki remains its own thing: a nimble exploration of big themes in a colourful, comic, oddball package.

This article was first published in the print edition of The Saturday Paper on October 21, 2023 as "Changing times".

[destinyc1020]

can I be honest can they just make a regular ass spiderman film without team ups without daredevil, just center peter parker and spiderman and flesh out the characters around him like MJ, or harry osbourne or whatever. Like we dont need these crossovers, spiderman is interesting by himself, I feel like both sony and marvel are wrong here. No one wants spiderman in the sony universe, and I dont like marvel doing these dumb team ups like make something more smaller scale and immediate. Like at least tobey and andrew gave his movies where its focus was on spiderman and him being a friendly neighbourhood spiderman. Homecoming kinda did it, but then iron man was still a looming shadow throughout the film and the cost was we didnt get enough time to flesh out mj and aunt may.

Girl YES!! That's what most of us fans are saying!!

But it seems like both Sony AND Marvel are worried that the film won't make enough money if it's not featuring a Tobey/Andrew team-up 🙄 (Sony), or featuring a bunch of other Marvel characters in the MCU (Marvel) 🙄.

I'm like, do they even have faith in Tom? Like, serious question. Coz like you said, his film would do awesome numbers even if it were just a fully street-level, GROUNDED spidey film all on its own imo. 🤷🏾‍♀️

But I guess, given NWH's success, they're wanting to do everything bigger and better, when honestly, they really DON'T need to do that! 😡

The kid just lost basically everyone that was considered his family (Uncle Ben, Aunt May, Tony Stark, his parents, MJ mentally) etc. Like, this NEXT version of Spiderman actually needs to be more grounded and showing us Peter struggling a little bit (financially AND emotionally) , and picking up the pieces after all of this grief. 😔

We as the audience NEED to see this. And we don't need Tobey, Andrew, or any other "Avengers" crowding up his life. They're not even supposed to know who he is!!! Remember??

So yea, they need to just scrap all of the "big plans" and just give us a Spiderman that not everyone and their grandmother knows the identity of (the stupidest decision EVER in Tom's franchise if you ask me) . 🙄

I swear, if I think too much longer on this, I'll get a headache. 😓