#sword master 2016

[romanceyourdemons]

oh you can tell that this movie is adapted from a 70s shaw brothers wuxia lmao it has a deep and sincere core of silliness that’s hard to come by these days

[i-just-give-you-the-vidya-songs]

The song is "Midna's Lament" from the game 'The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess', a 2006 action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo. Released on Gamecube and Wii. A remaster was also released on the Wii U in 2016, which for some reason never came to the Switch.

My personal favorite Zelda game. Also a fun fact that I'm sure everyone knows by now but I still think it's funny - since most players are right handed their solution for the Wii version where you're physically swinging the Wiimote was just to flip the entire world horizontally so Link would be holding the Master Sword in his right hand.

So cutscenes and map layouts were all inverted.

-Submission by anonymous

[seilnakyle]

Selina Kyle Combat Skills Master Post Part 3

Part one -> X

Part Two -> X

Part four -> X

(There will be one or maybe two more)

Black Mask - Kicks Black Mask and Sylvia’s ass while going through emotional hell

Catwoman (2002) #16

Cyber Cat - Her final battle with Cyber Cat is crazy

Catwoman (1993) #50

Black Alice - In order to survive stronger combatants, Selina finds and exploits weaknesses quickly, and makes plans just like Batman does

Batman (2016) #152

Clayface - A dangerous shapeshifter, Selina defeats him and detains him by herself

Catwoman (2002) #4

Lashina - A New God from Apokolips, and a member of the female furies who wields electrified whips, Catwoman steals her weapon and beats her with it

Birds of Prey (1999) #14

Additional Feats:

Holds her own against Wonder Woman in a sword fight while suspended over a pit of fire - Wonder Woman (1942) #201

Wields giant robot arm - Catwoman (1993) #12

Takes out cops while strapped to a chair - Catwoman (1993) #12

Beats a master fencer - Catwoman (1993) #16

[sheegons]

OKAY SO WHO ASKED FOR A POST THAT DETAILS DAMIANS CONNECTIONS TO MAGIC?.. nobody? oh okay.

(be forewarned, this is long)

now after ignoring batman 666, let's see what we have.

ROBIN: SON OF BATMAN (2015)

now, in robin: son of batman #1 It's confirmed that after his death in batman incorporated, damian went to hell. Hell is usually connected with the more magical side of the dc universe, but that's not it.

The entirety of the comic delves into damians connections to more mystical things. mythical swords and magical ancient towers, weird extinct bat-dragons, magical cults that want to destroy the whole world, etc etc.

this is easily regarded as one of damians best comics and having peak damian characterisation, so obviously Damian being magically inclined can easily work well with his character.

Now, after a barrel load of compliments, let's get to the extremely negative side of things.

TEEN TITANS (2016)

Damian's cloned brother has magic and that sentence is about as much as i care for this book. Moving on.

BATMAN (2016)

Again, dog shit damian characterisation, but here we go. Damian here actually shows an ability to use a binding spell and has a wand, making some sort of deal with a random demon, but a far cry from damian apparently selling his soul in batman 666. Moving on finally out of rebirth because that was a bad time for Damian's character.

ROBIN (2021)

Now we go back to the good. Apparently from the maternal part of damians family, magic is more commonplace. ra's even having a whole spell book to his name. Robin 2021 kinda toys with the ghul family and the lazarus pits magical and devilish side which isn't new... but it's new to involve damian!

In the final parts of this story, Damian's heart specifically is used as a plot device, lord deathman even dubbing it as "the bloodstream of the demon" and ruh (ra's' mother) uses it as a power source to fuel demon summonings, which started the Lazarus rain event.

TEEN TITANS DARK (Unreleased)

Back in early 2023 (i think) dc teased a sort of "teen titans dark" with damian, black alice and monkey prince. The "dark" moniker referencing Justice league dark, a magic team made up of magic users that solve magical bullshit. It's a good book, recommended read, i just thought I'd add this to the pile.

Detective comics/Knight terrors

Now, including these two together because they're about the same topic: Dreams.

damian is confirmed to have some sort of control over dreams and sleep, defeating demons that show up in his sleep, yet never actually disappear when he wakes up. He also has an ability to stay awake after a massive worldwide phenomenon causes everyone, even the dream masters that taught damian, to sleep and experience night terrors.

Dreams are, again, connected to the magical side of the dc universe. Now I'm not going to pretend like i actually read sandman to you, i can't lie on ramadan, so let's all give me a pass here for my lack of understanding of all that.

Batman and robin (2023)

In this, damian mentions a bit of off screen monster hunting with Frankenstein and lays a trap that lights someone on fire. I used to think this was some sort of hex but this artwork is extremely unclear, but since Frankenstein is mentioned and from my knowledge dc's Frankenstein is magic let's pretend this is some sort.

As an extra note: this guy definitely died. There's no way about it, he got lit on fire with nobody helping him. He's gone. Damian just killed a man.

Extra Extra notes:

talia using magic!

now, i haven't included these examples in the "the ghuls have magic" segment because uh...

(batman: the doom that came to Gotham/dc bombshells)

yeah...

Not only are these interpretations of talia EXTREMELY orientalist but also just generally out of character and could've been done with any randomly introduced characters.

For the unknowing white american people in the crowd: arabs actually don't only dress in revealing "belly dancer" outfits and lanterns. i know, shocking, we actually wear normal clothes.

And just to add again, there's a lot of stories that include ra's having magic, but I'm not the biggest ra's head (lol) so i didn't read them all, i implore u to do your own research because I'm not doing it.

this about wraps it up. thank you to the magic damian believers may we all win someday.

[simply-ellas-stuff]

I'm not in the buisness of talking about people's bodies it's just not my thing. This is the only thing I will say about it.

Bodyshammers can fuck off.

I do want to point out -

Ewan Mitchell has been trained in swordscraft and stuntswordscraft since he joined The Last Kingdom - around season 2/3, around 2016/2017. So, about 7-8 years give or take a bit. He got HoTD right after Last Kingdom. He wouldn't have quit his training.

He has all the natural muscles of a swordsman. Anyone who has seen that shirtless photoshoot last year knows that. Anyone whose seen him behind the scenes with his fucking swords knows that.

Ewan is not that skinny. It's not possible.

I am of the opinion they might have done a bit of cgi touch ups. Or perhaps Ewan wasn't comfortable in full monty, so they used green screen shorts. Or modesty shorts to keep things where they belong and keep things on set comfortable for everyone and had to CGI it out. Perhaps the shit candle light lighting didn't help.

Ewan is a gloriously gorgeous person. He is brilliant with his stunts. He is a brilliant actor. He's a master swordsman, as far as I can tell. His body is nothing to have an opinion about.

This is the only thing i will say on the matter.

[basedkikuenjoyer]

Devi-Devi Mahou Shoujo Gunko-Chan

Oh no! The wicked, skeletal Soul King's fiendish plot to reawaken Gunko-chan's repressed memories almost stopped her in her mission to uphold truth and justice in the world. Thankfully, our heroine's distant benefactor offered words of encouragement, allowing her to ascend to a new form! The brutish giants are no match for Gunko-chan's Devi-Devi Demon Contract of Kindness! Ganbatte Gunko-chan! We believe in you!

Thank you for humoring me. Now on to our main show. WHAT THE FUCK WAS THIS CHAPTER!? It was crazy enough when Stussy's dropping bat wings and going all Red Wine Supernova on CP0. Now Gunko's going full LadyDeviMon Digivolution here and whipping out comically oversized shotguns from a spellbook. This was a...sudden escalation. And we're only just now acknowledging our main fighters are still MIA. That said, if this is our first taste of Imu's power I actually do like a lot of what I'm seeing. I think this chapter does a lot to ensure Imu will stay a good foil to Luffy/Nika in the end of this. Because this power is still so wild.

See? God her flippantly doodling a spell circle has me feeling something. But this is crucial. We're seeing a brutal compelled contract power. Something much scarier than Tama's or Sugar's. Especially if it can affect guys like Dorry & Brogy. But it is still framed as something that will allow one to become unbound by logic and reason. Dark Nika. It seems there's some form of restriction where it has to work on someone Imu can rationalize as a King.

I love that hypocrisy. It reminds me of Fruits Basket a little, especially if you look at it through the lens of being a metaphor for the dynamics of the Sohma Family being very very old money. They could all always leave their troubling situations if they accepted growing up and being a normal person who has to live in the real world. Hierarchy is inherently a pyramid scheme. Every little bit of extra power you get over others further down comes with a cost of your freedom in having to maintain the position. The person at the top, be they Imu or Akito Sohma, is so busy maintaining their grip they don't have a life.

Why would I compare worldwide authoritarianism to the dynamics of an abusive home? Well maybe our title and vector for this shift can illuminate. Domi reversi would be Latin for "Returning Home." Why wouldn't I compare those two things? The more I watch far right (and frankly some leftist voices who lost sight of the cause) messaging spiral further and further into naked embrace of brutal repression towards "undesirables" the more the rhetoric reminds me of abusive family members. I don't want to flex stuff like this when talking about a comic book too much, but remember this is coming from someone with a Master's who has heavily studied authoritarianism since well before 2016 and I've worked with the juvenile justice system in the past. Fascist ideologies are really just abuse writ large in so many ways. From Cindry to Gunko and all these girlies in between we see these stories because they're a stand-in for the real world traumas that mirror these fantasy arcs.

Now, tomorrow we'll talk more about how this Domi Reversi title has a double meaning. You can't ignore how well it works for the cover serial this time too and when it came to Wano taking up/returning swords were a way to mark significant changes in Kiku's story. I can't ignore that happening and transitioning us to the part where she's perfectly poised to be weird and interesting right when a similar character in Gunko tears the wheels off of Elbaph and sends it into free fall. Let's wrap up this chapter, but I think it's a fair point to say any of the next 5-6 could get really clever with our girl in a myriad of ways.

"If I hit em high hit em high hit em high, then you hit em low hit em low hit em low."

Sorry, the original Space Jam soundtrack holds a permanent spot in my brain. The other reason I'd bring Kiku up here is because I cannot ignore how she's a great go-to example of someone who I could argue might be able to resist this type of demonic contract. A fair few but not all of these good-hearted women could but I wanna stick with the one who's got a golden opportunity to tie in via the covers. Let's assume for a second the idea the Knights had to consider a worthy target means there are some limits. I'm going to start from the idea it works like the closest thing we've seen. Big Mom (though Boa Hancock works) who is tied to Elbaf and don't forget we've connected that idea thematically in why the kids' moms were a good symbol. A miracle, even a staged one like Mother Caramel's might just be your best bet here.

Think about it this way. Big Mom's Soul Pocus worked if you had any shred of fear towards her. I get the vibe Imu's contract is the same, but for ambition. That's why a tough honorable warrior dude like Brogy who'd waste a century on a pissing match is susceptible and how Luffy needs to be special to overcome it. That's why someone like Kiku would not have to worry. Sure she was grateful and dutiful but generally happiest when she was part of a grubby little reject family no one would care enough about to laugh at the queer. Position requires obligation. Noblesse oblige is a two-way street. The best ones to wield power and influence are the ones who don't want it. It's not exactly a new idea, same logic as why the Hobbits were portrayed as the virtuous ones who could handle the One Ring's corruption.

When you put powerful men consistently up against women like this. When you take the time to show "good" guys like Oden & Vegapunk freely took advantage of this dynamic...I love the way you see these as two sides of the same coin. The more power you seek, the more humanity you rob from those you have dominion over...but you're losing humanity yourself and the one at the top is arguably in the worst position of all. Living Luffy's greatest fear of being fully alone. His greatest power is rallying anyone he meets to his cause. But you'll only ever maintain that if you never take the devil's bargain of stepping over others to serve your own ends. Even when they're hurt, helpful women who have had parts of their own humanity stripped away by the constant demands of others. Even if you know the exact words that can call her "home."

[zelbits]

Are the Zelda manga considered canon?

By general consensus, the answer is a definitive no. But should they be? Let's talk about it.

For nearly all of The Legend of Zelda's 38 long years, there have always been accompanying guides, books, comics, and manga. Most of these are not considered canon. The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia, The Legend of Zelda: Art and Artifacts, and The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia are exceptions to this, serving as guides, dumps for concept art, and glimpses into Hyrule's official history. In addition, they aligned with Farore, Din, and Nayru respectively, giving it a unique appearance as a trio.

By general agreement, the manga (which we will focus on today) are not canon. But should they be considered canon, when they expand on the games' stories so much? Starting with the manga in chronological order, let's see if their changes enhance or hurt the story.

Starting in 2000, the manga series created by Akira Himekawa has adapted several Zelda games into manga. Most notable of these is Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask.

Zelda fans have always loved the series' adaptations. Taking some creative liberties, they expand on the stories of each game. In Ocarina of Time/Majora's Mask, it creates a more in-depth view of Link's bond with Navi, better explaining why he would later go off to find this fairy and end up becoming the Hero's Shade (more on that in another post). In Four Swords, the way the different Links played off of each other created believable and relatable identities, even in Dark Link-- although they were ultimately simply parts of Link himself. Oracle gave a unique insight into Seaons/Ages that was otherwise unseen, creating deeper lore for the game itself (if you consider it to be canon).

Probably most well-known of these in recent years is Twilight Princess.

[Spoilers for TP Manga] Published in an impressive 11 whole volumes running from February 2016-January 2022, it tells the story of a simultaneously incredible yet often criticized game. It turned the lighter tale of a farmboy who lived in Ordon Village and became a hero into something else. Now, Link was a refugee with a dark past, hidden desires that affected his relationship with the Master Sword, and absolutely no intent of being the hero until his friends needed him. Much more mature than the version of Link featured in-game, there was blood, gore, and altogether dark and grim themes. It offered a unique view of Ilia after her capture from King Bulbin, and even Colin, Malo, Talo, Beth, and Luda were given interesting arcs. The Resistance became a more involved group, Zelda and Midna were accidental childhood friends, and, lo and behold, Midna and Link actually fell in love.

One of the most incredible touches added to the story was confirming without a shadow of a doubt that the Hero's Shade truly was the Hero of Time.

Arguably one of the best Zelda mangas by Akira Himekawa is Skyward Sword. Designed as a prequel to the game, it tells the story of how the entire franchise began in the first place-- from a historical view. [Spoilers below]

It tells of the founding of Hyrule by Farore, Din, and Nayru who left the Triforce behind in the protection of the goddess Hylia. In these days of early Hyrule when Zora were more akin to seahorses, Koroks were Kikwis, and Gorons were... pretty much the same, there was a small kingdom where a young man had been imprisoned after he was blamed for the upcoming Demon King, Demise. According to a Crimson Loftwing and the Goddess herself, he was the only one with the courage to be her chosen hero. And so she forged the Master Sword, giving it a spirit (Fi). The Crimson Loftwing-- a bird only for the gods-- bound itself to Link. In the battle, Link was gravely injured. The Demon King was weakened enough for Hylia to seal him away, albeit temporarily. In his final act, Link and Hylia used the Master Sword to send her people (Hylians) into islands in the sky, creating Skyloft. The Loftwings would remain with them. In the end, it was revealed that the Ancient Hero will be reborn one day to fight the Demon King, and to help him, Hylia shed her form and chose to be reborn as a Hylian.

This first cycle of resurrection led to Demise, before he was killed, cursing all who follow with the blood of the hero and the blood of the goddess to an eternal cycle of darkness in which an incarnation of Demise would return. In the aftermath, Link and Zelda found Hyrule anew.

It's uncertain how Rauru and Sonia would fit even into the canon Skyward Sword story, or if they founded the first Hyrule, before the events of Skyward Sword (which would arguably make Zelda's draconification more heart-wrenching, that she lived through so many millennia).

The real question is whether or not the Skyward Sword manga, above all else, should be considered canon. It adds a deeper, fascinating side to the story.

In my own unprofessional opinion, I prefer to think of the manga as canon. In playing the games (besides the ones that haven't been adapted), I imagine it's a glazed-over retelling of the actual events, or perhaps an incomplete history.

In conclusion, the story of each Legend of Zelda manga is best if you read it yourself, forming your own opinion on whether or not the series would benefit from the series being considered canon. On the one hand, it adds much more to the story, but on the other, it changes a beloved and incredible story line. Are you one of the few who consider the manga canon, or do you prefer them each as standalones?

Have something you'd like to add? Reblog with your thoughts or submit an ask! If you'd like to join the tag list, you can submit an ask or request it directly on a post.

[honeybirdhistoria]

Reading List: World War II

Heavy slant towards the Asia-Pacific.

Europe

Atkinson, Rick. World War II Liberation Trilogy. Henry Holt & Co., 2002-2013.

Larson, Erik. In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin. Crown Publishers, 2011.

Miller, Donald L. Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany. Simon & Schuster, 2006.

Wiesel, Elie. Night. Hill & Wang, 2006.

Pacific

Azuma, Eiichiro. “Brokering Race, Culture, and Citizenship: Japanese Americans in Occupied Japan and Postwar National Inclusion.” The Journal of American-East Asian Relations 16, no. 3 (Fall 2009): 183-211. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23613054. 

Bennett, Judith A. Natives and Exotics: World War II and Environment in the Southern Pacific. University of Hawai'i Press, 2009.

Burgin, RV. Islands of the Damned: A Marine at War in the Pacific. Dutton Caliber, 2011.

David, Saul. Devil Dogs: King Company, Third Battalion, 5th Marines: From Guadalcanal to the Shores of Japan. Pegasus Books, 2022.

Fujitani, Takashi. Race for Empire: Koreans and Japanese and Japanese as Americans During World War II. University of California Press, 2011.

Garcia, Jerry. Looking Like the Enemy: Japanese Mexicans, the Mexican State, and US Hegemony, 1897–1945. University of Arizona Press, 2018.

Hersey, John. Hiroshima. Knopf, 1946.

Jung, Moon-Ho. Menace to Empire: Anticolonial Solidarities and the Transpacific Origins of the US Security State. University of California Press, 2023.

Leckie, Robert. Helmet For My Pillow: From Parris Island to the Pacific. Random House, 1957.

Sledge, Eugene. With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa. Presidio Press, 1981.

US/Hawai'i

Chenoweth, Candace A. and A. Kam Napier. Shuffleboard Pilots: The History of the Women's Air Raid Defense in Hawaii 1941-1945.

Coffman, Tom. Inclusion: How Hawai‘i Protected Japanese Americans from Mass Internment, Transformed Itself, and Changed America. University of Hawai’i Press, 2021.

Goodwin, Doris Kearns. No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II. Simon & Schuster, 1995.

Moore, Brenda L. Serving Our Country : Japanese American Women in the Military During World War II. Rutgers University Press, 2003.

Odo, Franklin. No Sword to Bury: Japanese Americans in Hawai’i During World War II. Temple University Press, 2004.

Scheiber, Harry N., and Jane L. Scheiber. Bayonets in Paradise: Martial Law in Hawai'i during World War II. University of Hawai’i Press, 2016.

[romanceyourdemons]

sword master (2016) is a very fun movie and an interesting update on the late 70s shaw brothers storytelling style. like many of its contemporaries and predecessors, it is somewhat slow-going in the beginning as it tries to cram too much exposition in without a particularly clear plan or model, but once the characters and their relationships are established the story continues at an uncommonly good pace to a surprisingly excellent ending. the quasi-revisionist stance it takes on jianghu, as a corrupt and oppressive world ruled by obsession, feels much more typical of a 70s production than a 2010s, and, although this feels rude to say, the depth of character developed in such a short time is a fairly rare thing this side of 2008. this film also demonstrates a shift in wuxia and other martial arts based films across the 2008 divide: while the martial arts themselves were not as skillful and visually interesting in this film as in its precedents, the visual effects and cinematography are much more evocative, effectively presenting the spiritual dimension of martial arts poorly represented in an all-practical-effects style. while sword master (2016) is not a perfect film, it is both interesting and enjoyable, and i am very glad that i watched it

[gamercats-fight]

Morgana from Person 5 vs Krampy from Cattails: Wildwood Story. Vote for your fav!!

Need help picking? Check down here!

Morgana - P-Studio - 2016 - Anthropomorphic tuxedo cat:

-If we’re including his abilities in Mementos/Palaces then he has a clear advantage of being able to use his persona to cast spells as well as fight. He also uses a curved sword and a slingshot. If hurt he also has healing spells. His appearance in this form is mascot-esque, but don’t let his big head fool you—he’s quite agile. Having a persona at all grants the wielder extreme abilities. Fast enough to dodge lightning, take incredible damage and even able to fight against gods. This strength is only granted in places they can summon their persona, i.e. not the real world.

Even in his cat form while in the real world, he is extremely dexterous: able to pick locks. He’s also taken a kick from a guy and having a metal briefcase land directly on his head following a bit of a fall. Not altogether impressive but still something for a cat to endure. He’s also smarter than the average cat, giving him a nice advantage.

He does eventually become human in Persona 5 Royal, but is just a cat at the end of the original game.

-He can turn into a car and run over any competition. He’s a master thief and fought god once. Also he has a slingshot.

-1: THIS CAT IS A HEALER! He gets the best healing spell in the entire game and when I got it on him, I don't think he ever left my party

2: THIS CAT CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND WELL BEING! It's become a meme at this point, but Mona wants you to go to sleep >:(

(P5 Spoilers Beyond this Point)

3: THIS CAT IS THE COLLECTIVE HOPE OF HUMMANITY! It's explained late game, but Morgana was created through the last scraps of humanities hope against the false god that the party eventually fights

4: THIS CAT EXPOSED A MURDERER! Its not important but the scene IS funny so I feel obligated to mention it.

THIS CAT IS YOUR BUDDY AND I LOVE HIM AND WILL DEFEND HIM WITH MY DYING BREATH!!!!

-Everyone hates him for the stupid “go to sleep” mechanic + some of his issues with another character but he’s such a good boy i love him so much. he’s always with you, helping you out and supporting you! plus he’s so little brother coded oh my god. baby. baby boy. spoilers for p5: also he’s literally the manifestation of hope like guys. hope is a cat. hope is stored in the cat.

Krampy - Falcon Development - 2023 - Gray tabby medicine cat

-He's so autism

-Cattails is like Stardew Valley for warrior cat fans, and Krampy is a fan favorite for several good reasons. He's a kind of eccentric medieval doctor who also has trouble relating to other cats because of his weird experiments and love of leeches, but that passion also makes him very charming as a character. He's got a tendency to ramble and tell long stories and is just really wholesome all around. Also he wears a plague doctor mask which is just a really cool design choice.

-The iconic doctor of the Mystic Colony. Who doesn't want a medicine cat with a plague mask?? And they are a real character too. Some of their best quotes:

"“Actually, I don't believe we've been introduced. I am Krampy the doctor, and don't worry! I am not a bird. Although when I had that concussion, I did think I was... ... What was I saying again?"

“Greetings young kitten. Do you mind if I put leeches on your tail? It's for science. And, I think it would be funny. Or I could do it to myself... But then what will I do tomorrow?"

“I think you should wear a beaky mask, it will protect you in this world. I wish not to see my friends hurt. Although that is bad for business... bit of a double-edged sword. Don’t get hurt too often!”

“You have the worst-smelling miasma I have ever smelled! I can smell you from miles away! Why don't you roll in some garbage? - It can only improve your odor, and you end up where you belong!"

[grayzeppelin281]

Kung Fu Panda 4 Review, by GrayZeppelin

Eight years later. 

2016 to 2024

It is so good to see the Dragon Warrior again after eight years, willing to anticipate what Po has been up to after General Kai's defeat. This review contains spoilers, so I hope most of the audience watched the film like me, and I would like to share my opinions about Kung Fu Panda 4. For those who have not seen it, I suggest you look away immediately! Otherwise, if you want to know what the big deal is about, then knock yourself out.

Now, depending on the taste of what I watched, I will list the likes and flaws that caught my eye. Okay, here it goes. 

— It's so good to be home.

The first thirty minutes of it feel like you have returned to the Valley of Peace, seeing your old friends again. From there, with a slight disappointment, that would have had the film include the tale with old school side characters who are now absent — The Furious Five. After Po clarifies with the fans in the Valley of Peace, we understand that the Five began to do their missions (each one) despite the film needing to expand new characters in the play. 

Okay. New characters! I'll mention the fox Zhen and the sorceress villain, the Chameleon. 

— First things first. The Hall of Heroes update.

The corsac fox blending in the Jade Palace is an interesting one, which she was from being a thief as Zhen could do the stealing skills for a living. We get to see her in the Jade Palace stealing the antiques at the Hall of Heroes, where you can see a few statues you remember old characters from the past three films (my favorite one is Master Storming Ox). One of the items that I did not leave my eyes on is the weapon I recognized from the first film, where Tai Lung kicked the sword, and Shifu caught it and sent the blade to the marble floor — the Dagger of Deng Wa. 

(Drags! There's our favorite weapon right in front of our noses the whole damn time! Holy shit!)

I wrote my fanfic about the blade that, in my version, served with evil creatures past by the badger sorcerer whom I named Deng Wa, using the ancient weapon (dagger-ax) from the old dynasty as if the blade passed through generations forged into different ones before a wielder before the last made one character that turned on his brother to despise Oogway — my favorite villain General Kai, who deserves more attention than Tai Lung and Lord Shen. 

— My favorite pot is there! The Urn of Whispering Warriors!

(And for the love of spirits, guys! Give Tenshu and his pack a break, will you?! Gosh dang it!)

Okay. I wrote lore from my fic series about the wolves who served with the warlord Tenshu before he and his army of a thousand men defeated the horde of darkness before many fell. All of whom they died fighting returned with a vengeance to vanquish every foe before the rest of the souls were freed and went to the Spirit Realm; only nine wolves stayed with their souls cremated in the pot that Tenshu wished for him and his pack to be summoned once more when needed. The rest of the tale will be put to the side as I am off-topic and should write about KFP 4.

— Now, where was I? Oh, yes! Zhen.

The fox looked great, indeed, but the character would have gotten much more into deep complexities. The story briefly shows her past life as a thief for years because Zhen had no other choice but to starve or steal yuans for food to survive. Zhen's background story needs to explain further what caused her to be the only child without her parents. What exactly happened to them? What made her obey with the Chameleon? 

Alright. I have too many thoughts about the new villain. Amanda Waller! I mean. . . The Chameleon! Oh, my. A shape-shifting sorceress who can turn into any form, like the old bad guys from the past three movies? Whoa. . . This shape-shifting trick sounds like Po would have been scared to see the old enemies again when the sorceress could have gotten her advantage and terrorized him. 

— Three villains (The Trinity)

I loved seeing Tai Lung, Lord Shen, and General Kai return, so I witnessed their arrival before the Spirit Warriors. (To be honest, I praised the Jade Slayer's return because he remains the underrated character throughout the franchise.) Now, if you hope villains will have a reunion, your expectations will not be that hopeful, even if you want to anticipate the impacts with familiar characters. Let me explain. 

Did you expect Tai Lung to come back? That's good for you because his appearance is nostalgic, which, in my experience, being an old KFP fan for years, has made me miss Tai Lung since 2008. There is a slight redemption for him as if you would like to know if he admitted that Oogway was right about Po as the Dragon Warrior. It was good to see him again, but his redemption arc was not satisfying after the film. Shifu would have known about his son's arrival at that time but often stayed at Jade Palace and waited for Po to choose his new successor. Quite a bummer if you would have loved to see them two reunited, but those damages will occur to them after Tai Lung was rejected, fragmenting Tai Lung's core into a thousand pieces. But I am sure he now lives in the Spirit Realm and no longer mind the title.

Did you expect Lord Shen and General Kai's return? Great, but there are significant disappointments. One: They don't speak. And two: They briefly appear like a minute or more. These two would have gotten more meaning when Lord Shen could have spoken to Po about the last time the panda mentioned the past to let go, and Kai would have talked before seeing Po as a respectable warrior. I would have wished the three dead villains to do something for Po by defeating the Chameleon as a team. Otherwise, I am certain a few of you would like me to see what they could do — similar to the No Way Home reference. 

— Bow controversy.

The bow part could have been better for the three villains to speak with Po. With this scene, knowing that there is much fuss about only one thing that bothers many, I am concerned about what many of you thought about Shen, who "bowed" him. How could Li Shan celebrate his son's victory while the peacock was down there? Why did the scene not show Li's reaction to seeing Lord Shen alive (but still dead)? As an old KFP fan, this felt strangely like an insult because many pandas were taken and executed, but most of them, like Li, survived the genocide. This part must explain why the late Lord Shen bestowed Po for a good reason. Could Oogway or other dead masters like Master Thundering Rhino prove him about Po? What exactly did Shen become the "Spirit Warrior" after being crushed to death by his cannon — the Kung Fu killer? How could the honorable dead warriors allow the genocidal peacock lord to be in the Spirit Realm after he murdered Master Thundering Rhino?

If, by any means, wanting to bring back Shen (which a few people loved, but not for everyone), DreamWorks better have a good reason for him to be there. If it were redemption, that would be a big no-no after what he did to the pandas. Us fanfic writers love bringing him back (I am hoping to decide what to do with Shen finishing his arc from my series in the meantime), but as the same goes for whatever reason you want him in your story, ask yourself about it. If it is before or during KFP 2, you could do it. If he is dead, and you plan to resurrect him from the dead, writing his next arc is tricky and beyond complications.

Most of his former army of wolves would know if Shen appeared but thank the heavens because neither emerged. I would have wanted to see Wolf Boss in Juniper City for whatever he could do for work or a change of heart if Po recognized him right away somewhere in one of the alleyways. Or Soothsayer, because she only appeared in Gongmen City the last time. A little reunion thing for Shen could have been shown, but that would never have happened either way because I think, in my theory, Soothsayer is in the Spirit Realm with him and his late parents. 

— Okay. About the new villain.

I liked the Chameleon. Her appearance is marvelous, her size being "small" before she could shift to any form. I have to spill the beans about her villainous role, which most of you know about the character's lack of depth. Compared to what General Kai was capable of, to claim qi from all the masters, we know she wanted to steal their skills to dominate the Realm as she did to the old foes before the Spirit Warriors. There's a major downside to that one. Tai Lung, Lord Shen, and General Kai have their tragic backstories; she does not have one. The only lack of writing is where Chameleon talks to Po about temples. She tried to be a student, but no one wanted her because she was small.

Small? Are you effing kidding me? Would you like to have a therapy and talk with Mantis about it? Because I do not doubt that anyone can become a kung fu master of any size. Where in the heck did that lazy writing come from?

If she was that small but refused to be a kung fu master, where is her backstory? Where did it end her from a curious character to a villainous sorceress? This story could have shown what exactly happened to the Chameleon; her reason for not being accepted made her turn against those who did not want her in the first place before advancing her way to steal every master's skill. A villain without a background story is a red flag right there.

I found a video for the Chameleon to fix her character as a tragic one. She deserves more screen time and digging into her past. Write this writing lesson suggestion. 

Every villain needs a background story. PERIOD. 

Look at what happened to three baddies. And hey! Look at what happened to Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender (animation one)! I would really love to write about that, but it will take thousands of words for me to convince you why you should care about Zuko. Mostly, everyone knows about him, and we feel bad to see Zuko as a broken prince!

— Fathers!!

Oh yes. Mr. Ping and Li Shan! The good old-timers who look after their son Po. Every parent's job is to ensure nothing happens to the child, and we all see what Li and Ping are worried about Po. They go to him because it is the right thing for fathers to protect their son. While many try to kill off Po, Mr. Ping and Li Shan will be the ones who die while protecting him. Talk about the fathers of the year! 

They did not die, so good heavens. Li Shan remains improving as a fighter but still has much time to enhance. As for Mr. Ping, you know he would do better to ensure Po is safe and always be there with him and Li Shan. They would have gotten a Double-Dad Defense scenario when dressing up the armor.

— Kung Fu fighting.

I like it a lot. Lots of flows we saw. There is no further explanation after we saw the awesomeness and Chameleon's shape-shifting abilities to mimic every master's skills. Wolf bite! OWW! That's gonna leave a mark. Now, Po is a victim of his butt being bitten. Ask Marty from Madagascar. He has a story about it.

— Peach seed.

Oh, my. I had high expectations to see what would happen to Grandmaster Shifu. I almost predicted it as far as many of us would see him disappear as Oogway did. I remember feeling nostalgic when I saw Shifu give Po a peach seed, which reminded me of Oogway's farewell. Well. . . Maybe KFP 5 will happen to Shifu? Who knows?

If only DreamWorks leads in the right direction where Po will be in charge of defending the Realm as the Spiritual Leader while Zhen takes the role as the new Dragon Warrior, The Furious Five deserve more screentime because we care about side characters, not wasteful, not ignored. Since you made Puss in Boots doing his thing, why won't you create a story about the Furious Five if they are absent from KFP 4? If you are making another villain, please create the background story to make more sense instead of plot holes one stone at a time. Do better. Returning old villains was good, but it felt like bait to see Tai Lung speak and fight back, and Lord Shen and General Kai did not, especially not doing anything at all.

Sighs.

The Valley of Peace had more buildings. What exactly happened to not replicating those in the past three films? Budget wise.

Last but not least!

— Stingray!

I am concerned about what comes next to see dolphins in the future (which I hope not) after the Stingray becomes the first aqua mammal to appear. I'll give it an average. It's likable, but I am confused at the same time.

A few jokes are great, but does comedy need to be there? 70 percent comedy? There are good ones and some flaws, and a few serious scenes don't need to put laughing moments to lighten up. Since KFP 2, there has been comedy halfway through, and dark moments have taken over, thanks to Shen. KFP 4 should have gotten that opportunity for Chameleon to be the serious one instead of pushing someone to the stairs. She would have done something worse instead of being a joke. I love the Chameleon, but the writing is. . .

I am lost at it.

I will give the film a fair 6/10.

KFP 4 should have used 2 to 3 hours if you are fleshing out most possibilities. Like dead old foes to do something rather than doing nothing and wasting their arc (Tai Lung deserves redemption because he believes Oogway is right about Po. Kai should deserve more after accepting his defeat and would have hung out with Oogway in the Spirit Realm, teasing each other like in the old times. What about Shen? Perhaps not, but he would do some favors for Po. The peacock's redemption arc is unnecessary). The Chameleon would have gotten her background story to expand because it was a crime not to show her beginning before she became a sorceress. Put a 2-D reference to fill her tragic story about her. Make the audience care more about the characters and the story instead of rushing and leaving plot holes. Zhen? Of course. Show us why we care about her when she becomes Po's friend.

One last thing. As if the film has changed for children and the new generation to like it, Kung Fu Panda remains for all ages, old and young. As an old fan of Kung Fu Panda since 2008, I will unveil my first feeling after the first time I saw Kung Fu Panda 4, with all the high expectations going downhill to the grave.

"Disappointed."

That is all I have to write about that.

(I'll be turning off the notifications, so don't bother nudging me because I am mostly inactive here on Tumblr.)

[northstararia]

My baby girl, Julia Rodchenko has finally been drawn again!

You can probably guess who she’s based off of. She is a descendant of Hector and Julia Laforze and has devil forge master and magical abilities. She’s one of my most physically strongest ocs as well. Julia is very kind hearted regardless of her childhood. She was born in Ukraine but moved to America at age 17 to escape her father. Unknowing to her, after arriving in Texas, she met her future fiancé, Kenneth Morris and it was definitely love at first sight.

She is one of my older ocs, she was first created back when i was in high school so she does have lore lol.

Here’s her original character sheet btw. This was more for me than for anyone else. This was probably drawn back sometime during 2017-2019 so my art style was not what it is now. But from 2016 to now, it was def an improvement.

Here’s her fiancé, Kenneth Morris btw. He’s a good ol cowboy who is an absolute gentleman with a cool sword whip since his family doesn’t wield the Vampire Killer anymore.

Please feel free to ask any questions about either Julia, Kenneth, or any of the lore regarding my Castlevania ocs.

[seouldramaspot]

Exploring the Enchanting World of "Goblin" (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)

Goblin, officially known as "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God", is a South Korean television drama that has captured the hearts of millions since its debut in December 2016. Created by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, this fantasy romance series has left an indelible mark on the world of K-drama with its unique storyline, captivating characters, and stunning cinematography.

In terms of genre, "Goblin" falls into several categories, including fantasy, romance, melodrama, and supernatural. It blends elements of romance and fantasy with a touch of humor and poignant storytelling.

Plot Overview

The series follows the story of Kim Shin, played by the charismatic Gong Yoo, a 939-year-old goblin who has lived an immortal life. Kim Shin was once an unbeatable general in Goryeo's military who was betrayed and killed by a jealous young king. Cursed with immortality, he lives through the centuries awaiting a human bride who can pull out the sword embedded in his chest, ending his eternal life. Enter Ji Eun-tak, portrayed by the talented Kim Go-eun, a high school student with a tragic past who has the rare ability to see ghosts. Eun-tak is revealed to be the "Goblin's bride," and her presence brings new meaning to Shin's existence. Their lives intertwine in a fateful, romantic, and often humorous journey that transcends time and destiny.

Key Characters and Their Dynamics

1. Kim Shin (Gong Yoo): As the titular Goblin, Gong Yoo delivers a masterful performance, embodying both the gravitas of an ancient warrior and the charm of a man experiencing life anew. His character is both tragic and endearing, seeking solace and redemption through love.

2. Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun): Kim Go-eun's portrayal of Eun-tak is heartfelt and genuine. Despite her hardships, Eun-tak remains optimistic and resilient. Her relationship with Kim Shin evolves from a chance encounter to a profound love story that defies the bounds of time.

3. Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook): The Grim Reaper, whose true identity and past are revealed gradually, adds depth to the narrative. His friendship with Kim Shin and his own love story with Sunny, Eun-tak’s boss, provide parallel plots that enrich the series.

4. Sunny (Yoo In-na): Sunny, a quirky and beautiful restaurant owner, becomes entwined in the supernatural world due to her connection with the Grim Reaper. Her character adds warmth and complexity to the storyline.

Themes and Visuals

"Goblin" is a rich tapestry of themes such as love, redemption, and the human condition. The drama explores existential questions about life and death, fate, and the pursuit of happiness. The use of poetic dialogue and philosophical musings sets it apart from conventional dramas.

Visually, "Goblin" is a feast for the eyes. The series is renowned for its breathtaking cinematography, blending the beauty of natural landscapes with intricate urban settings. The visual effects, particularly the scenes involving the goblin's supernatural powers, are both seamless and mesmerizing.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

"Goblin" has become a cultural phenomenon, not just in South Korea but globally. Its unique blend of romance, fantasy, and humor has struck a chord with audiences. The drama's OST (Original Soundtrack) also gained massive popularity, with songs like "Stay With Me" by Chanyeol and Punch becoming instant hits. The chemistry between Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun is palpable, and their performances have been widely praised. The series has won numerous awards and continues to be a favorite among K-drama enthusiasts.

The soundtrack of the Korean drama series "Goblin" (also known as "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God"), which starred Gong Yoo and Kim Go Eun, is widely celebrated and has significantly contributed to the show's success. The OST (original soundtrack) is known for its emotional depth, beautiful melodies, and poignant lyrics, complementing the series' themes of love, fate, and immortality. Here are some notable songs from the soundtrack:

"Stay With Me" by Chanyeol and Punch:

This song is arguably the most popular track from the series. Its haunting melody and emotional lyrics capture the essence of the relationship between the main characters. The combination of Chanyeol's deep voice and Punch's ethereal vocals creates a memorable and moving piece.

"Beautiful" by Crush:

"Beautiful" is another standout track that highlights the poignant moments of the drama. Its simple yet powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect backdrop for the tender and bittersweet scenes between the characters.

"Hush" by Lasse Lindh:

This song adds a touch of indie charm to the soundtrack. Its soothing tune and delicate vocals enhance the emotional atmosphere of the series, particularly in scenes that explore the quieter, more introspective moments of the characters.

"I Will Go to You Like the First Snow" by Ailee:

Ailee's powerful and emotive voice shines in this song, which became a massive hit. The lyrics express the longing and enduring love that are central themes in "Goblin." This track often accompanies some of the most dramatic and emotional scenes in the series.

"Round and Round" by Heize and Han Soo Ji:

This song features a mystical and haunting quality that perfectly matches the supernatural elements of "Goblin." Its atmospheric sound and evocative lyrics make it a memorable part of the OST.

"Who Are You" by Sam Kim:

This track has a soulful and reflective vibe, adding depth to the soundtrack. Sam Kim's smooth vocals and the song's introspective lyrics resonate with the character's journeys and their search for identity and purpose.

The "Goblin" OST is renowned not only for its musical quality but also for how well it integrates with the storyline, enhancing the viewing experience. Each song is carefully selected to reflect the emotions and themes of the drama, making the soundtrack a beloved aspect of the series for fans.

Goblin" is more than just a television series; it's an experience that lingers long after the final episode. Its compelling narrative, unforgettable characters, and stunning visuals make it a must-watch. Whether you're a seasoned K-drama fan or new to the genre, "Goblin" offers a magical journey that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.

Honest Comment: When I first saw this series I was like "hmm not my genre" because of the look of the series but when I watched it I was amaze because of the act of the actors especially Kim Go Eun she is amazing, she executes her character very well. I love the cinematic of the series you can feel the vibe , the emotions and everything you can feel about it. I love the plot of the series. There is one episode that made me cry like a baby I can feel the emotions of Kim Go Eun character her feeling towards to her partner and the plot with the Grim Reaper he is one of my favorite the story, the emotions, and the facial expression it is like he is talking to me, but I will not forget Gong Yoo's character he did his character so well that no one could replace it. This series makes my heart happy and sad especially when I hear their songs it can touch you heart. Big thumbs up for this Series. This will always be my top tier korean drama series.

[black-arcana]

Every Lacuna Coil album ranked from worst to best

(Image credit: Cunene)

9. Shallow Life (2009)

Lacuna Coil’s fifth album was meant to be a critique on superficiality, but it fell flat musically. Missing the nu metal crunch of predecessor Karmacode and stripped of the opulence that characterised the band’s earlier material, Shallow Life meanders. Though it’s not a complete car crash (Spellbound is an obvious standout), it’s slim pickings.

8. Dark Adrenaline (2012)

Dark Adrenaline isn’t a terrible album; it’s just an unremarkable one. Meaty opener Trip The Darkness and a cinematic Intoxicated provide the highpoints amongst more generic, forgettable fare. There’s still little here we haven’t heard from the band before, however – plus that truly horrible cover of R.E.M.’s Losing My Religion misses the mark in every way. 

7. Broken Crown Halo (2014)

By the time Lacuna Coil released their seventh album, it felt like they had made the same statement at least three times in a row. The last release to feature the long-term members Cristiano “Pizza” Migliore  (guitars) and Cristiano “Criz” Mozzati (drums), Broken Crown Halo packs more grit and punch than predecessor Dark Adrenaline (Cybersleep and frequent set-closer Nothing Stands In Our Way are the highlights). Yet, there’s still no doubt by this point: the band were treading water. 

6. In A Reverie (1999)

Dreamy, doomy and gothic, Lacuna Coil’s debut has aged very well. Circle, To Myself I Turned and Glass Veins have lost none of their majesty and, while the Italians’ approach at this point is clearly indebted to Paradise Lost and The Gathering’s 1995 album Mandylion, Cristina and Andrea’s serene/raw vocal attack set this bunch apart right from the start. A promising beginning.

5. Karmacode (2006)

By the mid-2000s, Lacuna Coil had nailed their ethereal goth ways. So, it was a surprise when they changed gears with fourth album Karmacode, introducing a more mainstream, chunky, nu metal-flavoured sound with focus on melody. The move sacrificed much of their splendour and atmospherics, and tracks like The Game and Closer feel a tad too simplistic, but elsewhere, the band proved they had mastered a hook. Their excellent cover of Depeche Mode’s Enjoy The Silence broke them to an even bigger audience, too.

4. Unleashed Memories (2001)

Lacuna Coil’s second album is an elegant, slow-burning gem. You need to work a little harder to get under the surface of these songs, but once you do, there’s an abundance of gorgeous charms to discover. From the sumptuous and dignified Heir Of A Dying Day to a towering To Live Is To Hide, the still very Paradise Lost-influenced When A Dead Man Walks to the ornate Cold Heritage, the band were evolving at pace.

3. Delirium (2016)

In their post-Karmacode period, Lacuna Coil had settled into a safe, predictable groove. Then, with eighth album Delirium, they changed their methodology once again. On its release, tracks like Broken Things and Blood, Tears, Dust were dark and dripping with claustrophobic tension. They were startlingly heavy as well, helped in no small part by vocalist Andrea Ferro putting in some of his best guttural vocals to date. Foreboding, haunted and cold, it was the sound of a band renewed.  

2. Black Anima (2019)

Lacuna Coil’s most recent album finds them in fantastic form. Picking up where Delirium left off, the band have only continued to get heavier, leaving the generic, featherlight melodies of their mid-career slump far behind. Packed with atmosphere and highlights in Sword Of Anger and Layers Of Time, it’s not as stark as its predecessor, while the Exorcist vibes of Veneficium are definitely something they should lean into in the future. Whereas Cristina’s piercing vocals are dependably great, pushing her voice to new height on Reckless, the biggest surprise is Andrea,: unrecognisable from the band’s early days, his bowel-rattling vocals takes the band’s stylings to an ever more twisted realm.

1. Comalies (2002)

Comalies is the moment everything came together for Lacuna Coil in terms of aesthetics and sound, but also songwriting, which took everything up a notch. It was led by two excellent singles: the celestial Swamped and Heaven’s A Lie – which marries an earworm chorus with glossy, apocalyptic grandeur – and broke the band on MTV.

The opus is also a trove of emotionally-charged gems, with Daylight Dancer, Humane, Tight Rope and Entwined all deserving a place on a countdown of the band’s best songs. In 2022, Lacuna Coil celebrated the album’s 20th anniversary by rearranging and re-recording it for a retrospective, Comalies XX, adding a heavier, more ferocious slant to the tracklist. It couldn’t hold a candle to the original, though, which remains a goth metal classic – not to mention the band’s undisputed masterpiece. 

[scyllas-revenge]

Self-rec time! What are your favorite five fics that you've written and why? After replying to this ask, feel free pass on to five other writers to spread the love. 💗

Thanks for the ask!! Now that TRSB is over I have time to go through my inbox lol.

Five of my favorite fics I've written, in no particular order:

Burn Like Cold Iron, which is no surprise since it's my only long fic and has been the focus of my hyperfixation since well before I started writing it in 2016 (although I will say the chapters I'm happiest with are Ch 22 with the Uruk-hai and Ch 30 with the introduction of Treebeard)

What Could Possibly Go Wrong? - gen Fellowship shenanigans in Moria, and a fun chance for me to write from different characters' perspectives

Leap of Faith, parts 1 and 2 - a very short Legolas/Reader fic, where I got kind of stylized with the writing and am really proud of how it turned out

Something Burrowed, Something Blue - Took OC/fairy OC, which was my first time writing an oops-all-OCs fic

Sword Master - yes ok fine I think my first attempt at smut turned out pretty good. don't look at me

[iheartgod175]

Correction Course: What to Expect in SRBA Reloaded!

It took me a long time to get this post about since life kicked me in the pants, but as promised, I am going to make a full post addressing the criticisms leveled at SRBA and what will be changed in the remastered edition, Super Readers’ Biggest Adventure Reloaded.

Since I’m not someone who can’t learn from her mistakes, I’ll start off with the valid criticisms to my story, Super Readers’ Biggest Adventure, which I have addressed with others who’ve read the story in some private messages (those who read this, you know who you are ^^)

1. The religious themes. I’m no less religious than I was when I first started, but going back I admit that the Christian themes were way, WAY overused here. I still laugh/cringe over the Jesus part myself, haha. I thought I was doing something cool there, but man. I really DID go overboard, and in all honesty, it wasn’t necessary. For those who pointed it out, I take full responsibility for it, and apologize for that. Later installments in the Gaiden series do not have this, though, with Darkness Rewrite being the only exception due to Prince Charming’s throwaway line. Reloaded does have a few metaphors/archetypes for several characters in the Bible (ie. Jeremiah is a blend of both David and Paul, while Chaos’ original character is supposed to mirror Saul before his fall from grace) and some parallels to Scripture, but I definitely won’t go crazy with that like I did in the original.

2. The worldbuilding/lore. For context, I wrote SRBA when I was in high school. So the quality of the writing is…much to be desired. I admit, I had trouble keeping track of the world building and lore for a while, and often when I was adding things into the Gaiden series, it was due to multiple, MULTIPLE rereads to make sure that I wasn’t retroactively retconning everything I wrote back then. As it was my first time working on detailing a large world, and since I made up a lot of things on the fly, a lot of things didn’t make sense back then. I’ve long since learned a lot about how to world build properly and am putting that into effect with the remaster, retconning and adding a few things—I wouldn’t call myself a master, but I’m not a beginner like I was before. While I don’t hate the lore that I created for it, there are things that could’ve been explained better. There are some things that could’ve been shown earlier in the story rather than in the throes of action. There are a few things that could be removed (not sure where I was going with the Summoning Pin element, honestly). There are some things that could’ve been added (shouldn’t the Fairytale World been taken over ages ago?). This is one of the main reasons I tapped this story to get a complete overhaul in the form of Reloaded, where I plan to change everything that was wrong with the original story. As for all the magical swords/Device ripoffs, they were supposed to be based off of Lyrical Nanoha’s Devices, but that wasn’t made clear. I also put in references to Pretty Cure/Sailor Moon in regard to both Muse and Princess Presto, since they’re like the magical girls of the team. I do apologize for that ^^;

Also, being a Black woman myself, there’s gonna be more representation for BIPOC/women. It was a weak point in the original story (as the only other OC whose family gets prominence, Muse, is of Irish/Scottish descent), but I’m gonna rectify that. I’ve decided to include Power Paige in Reloaded, as well as a few other characters, too. I didn’t have a lot of confidence in describing appearances back then, much less scenes, and I realized recently that in trying to create a good descriptor for one of my OCs, I ended up unintentionally offending someone. And at the time of writing the original story, I had no idea that Red was Jewish (for context, I wrote the story when the original Woofster episodes aired, and didn’t follow the series for a while until 2016, when the last few episodes were airing). So, yeah, going forward, we’re not having any stereotypes for BIPOC, period! I’m planning on revising the first chapter of Darkness Rewrite to get rid of that descriptor for Ethan, because, like you said, it was a weird longer way to say someone had darker skin. As someone who interacts with people of various cultures, and makes sure to include that in my own stories, I admit, I dropped the ball here. But I’m gonna fix that! Names were also a big thing that I struggled with. I’ll correct the names for the families of the Super Readers’ families (AKA. The ones who weren’t properly named in the series) soon.

3. Character Development, Part 1: The Super Readers. As much as I like the Super Readers, I didn’t really give them proper character development, with Wonder Red and Super Why being the most egregious. I’d say the character that I (mostly) nailed in the original was Alpha Pig, while the character who got the worst end of the stick was Wonder Red, who was kinda reduced to a hotheaded Tsundere (and I did kinda keep up that energy in the recent entry, which I’m gonna correct in the following chapters!). Whyatt wasn’t terrible, but he was pretty blasé in comparison to the others—he was just there to be the leader and that’s it. Rewatching the series has given me a better idea on where to go with accurately portraying the characters, and of course, that’s gonna be accurately represented in the remaster.

Oh, and while I’m on the topic, the other villagers will get better character portrayals too. Little Boy Blue was demonized pretty early on, to where even I felt bad for him rereading the story.

4. Character Development, Part 2: The OCs. I hyped Muse up a lot during the introductory chapters, but nowadays I really dislike her character. Her character was very much underutilized and underdeveloped. I had more fun writing about the Super Readers and the history about her country rather than her, since they were way more interesting. Her personality is gonna get a complete overhaul in the remastered version, and she and the Evil Reader/Jackson will definitely get better character development and arcs that flesh out their characters.

On the topic of the Evil Reader/Jackson and Lexicon, their “redemption arcs” were rushed and admittedly terrible. Well, Lexicon’s was slightly better than Jackson’s, but I agree that justice wasn’t served to the Super Readers or the victims they hurt in the story proper. They can basically be summed up as “my past sucked and it’s the defining characteristic of who I am, but I’m discarding as of today, please forget the people I’ve killed!” Which I agree is a pretty toxic way of achieving redemption, and I recognize and apologize for that. I did do this on purpose to have them go through a “trial by fire” where they learn that forgiveness for their actions isn’t immediately earned—quite a few characters in the Gaiden series (and even in Chaos’ Revenge) do not forgive or let Jackson or Lexicon off the hook, but that’s not implied in the first story. That’ll definitely be fixed moving forward, as seen below.

I’m also very unsatisfied with Jackson/The Evil Reader’s character. I intended for him to be straight evil and then defeated, until I decided that I’d do a redemption arc for him, and did one that was ripped straight off of an anime. Or, more specifically, a movie. I was originally going for an Anakin Skywalker kind of thing, and I realized that I pulled it off badly. I remember being quite proud of his backstory when I wrote it. Now, though? Ugh. I’m going to be redoing his entire story, plus his history with his two best friends as well, in the remastered version.

Jeremiah, naturally, isn’t gonna be a Gary Stu like he was in the original fic. He does have his own flaws, which are shown later on down the road, but honestly should’ve been shown before the Gaiden series. He also should’ve stepped in way earlier, especially when the Evil Reader’s true nature as Chaos was starting to be revealed (which ties into how the darker themes are gonna be handled). All of this are gonna be handled appropriately in the remastered version.

5. Way less shock value. Some scenes (such as the Pig’s brother slapping him “to his senses” scene) were added for shock value. I know now that this is NOT good writing, especially when it goes against the characters’ canon natures. Plus, having a shocking scene after a shocking scene can really, REALLY get annoying after a while.

6. The Whyatt/Red romance. While it was one of the “selling points” of the original story, it was cheesy. It’s one of the things that I didn’t like about the original because it felt rushed (I also wrote a romance fic alongside this way back when, so I don’t really have an excuse!). I’ve already made like seven pages of notes for their romance in the remastered version, where their friendship is showcased as well, and how it’s not just one-sided on Red’s end.

7. Last but not least, the mature themes. The original SRBA got pretty gritty at times—from more physical violence, to the villains possessing/enslaving the villagers, to the horrors of war, to characters outright dying/getting killed, to the implications of genocide. And then, there’s the reveal in the Gaiden verse that Chaos is a predator. A lot of the Super Readers’ reactions/trauma to the events that happened in the original were pretty understated, I can concur with that. There are two chapters and a few moments that do address their worry, terror and fear about losing everything they hold dear…and that’s it. If I’m being totally honest, those aren’t enough. To say nothing of the crap they learned about the Evil Reader in chapter 17. That’ll get rectified in the remaster as well.

Now, I’ll finish this by explaining that I do write darker subjects in my writings. Those things do include, among other things, rape, SA, objectification/sexualization, suicide, violence (of several forms) and—if my Western series Blazin’ Trails is to go by—animal abuse, racism and slavery. I’ll make this abundantly clear: I don’t have a sick fascination with these things, and I do not advocate for any of these horrible things in real life. Sometimes, when I read these stories, when I see things that are just so awful, it literally runs through my head for hours, I write. I write it out to vent about it, to get my feelings out on paper, to break down why it’s wrong/cruel and most importantly, what can be done to end it and the suffering in people’s lives.

It’s why, when I write these themes or villains who eagerly commit these crimes and laugh, I do it with the mindset that they are the lowest of the low. When I write villains like this, I write with the mindset that these are horrible beings who a.) need no backstory to justify their horrible actions and b.) need to be eradicated in the most fitting way possible.

And in all of the stories that feature one or any of these things, it’s made 1000% crystal clear that none of these things, nor the people doing them, are morally right, excusable or justified/vindicated by history. I also stand by the fact that rape/sexual assault is never the victim’s fault, it’s 100% on the perpetrator, regardless of the circumstances. I have one rule when writing about characters who commit such acts, or who supports such acts: if there’s a character who believes that such things are right, they are swiftly dealt with, often violently. In fact, a lot of times, there’s a visceral reaction to those things and the characters are trying to eradicate those things (as well as the people doing it) from the world they live in. I certainly don’t let my villains (the ones who commit the aforementioned terrorism/sexualizing/etc.) get away with such actions.

I did address that yes, Lexicon and Jackson got away with the aforementioned genocide due to BS writing back when I was in school. In Reloaded, though? The difference is night and day—Jack and Mr. Beanstalk straight up kick their faces in for what they did to them and the kids, Jeremiah is much harsher in his beatdown of both of them and does reduce both of them to husks of their former selves when he steps in. And the Super Readers don’t speak to them for much of the story, even after it’s revealed that Chaos is the true villain, ’cause their earlier actions are still fresh in their minds and as such they don’t trust them at all (and rightfully so).

As for Chaos, he gets dealt with in the appropriate manner befitting a predator by Jeremiah when they first fought (which is gonna be explained in Darkness Rewrite when I get to it). But just know that the mature themes of this story will be handled in the appropriate way/explained better than they were in the original.

I think that’s everything that’s gonna be changed. If I find anything else that needs to be changed, I’ll be updating this accordingly! ^^

Thanks to everyone who let me know what was up, as it really helped me to get all of this out.

~iheartgod175