Am i the only one who thinks that demonizing Ink's soullessness has a bit of ableist undertones??
According to the Undertale Wiki, A soul in Undertale 'is the very essence of one's being, whether one is human or monster. It plays a crucial role in the progression and plot of Undertale'. A soul affects a monster's physical and mental conditions, as in they die without being one. So basically, i think that any kind of issues regarding someone's soul would de considered a disabilty in the Undertale universe.
There's a very great level of disabilty coding in regards to Ink's character, as in he's completly unable to function normally (he's stated as becoming unable to think,talk,move, communicate etc....) and relies on his vials to live as a 'semi-normal' monster being (his vials are extremly similar to medication/mobility aid). Not only that! But he also has issues with channeling his magic even with the effects of his vials! (Broomie works as a vessel for his powers, as in being able to have more precision and range). There's also the fact that Ink can't fight for very long because his limited magic abilities cause him to be easily exhausted/overstimulated. (He's also semi implied as having internalized ableism too? He's at least extremly insecure about his condition)
The whole point of Ink's character is that he wants to live life the way he can, but not the way he wants. His soullessness limits him by a bunch, but that won't stop him from doing the activites he likes! (like art, playing the flute, learning how to sew etc....). He's about how disabilities can affect your life in various bad ways but also how self-acceptence is important
Anon you fucking get it and I love you /p
That’s exactly why i put “fix” in quotes in that post, i was basically implying about the ableist undertones in that idea of “fixing” Ink
People can never accept what they don’t understand, you unfortunately have to fit in with what is considered the “norm” for people to accept you
And isn’t it sad that Ink canonically doesn’t feel happy about who he is?
Ink is obviously disabled but a lot of people just won’t acknowledge it unfortunately </3
I'm not sure if you're okay with super random infodumps in your inbox (really hope you do.ngl!) but i really like the cultural inspirations that Ink's character has, it's just so facinating to me that him being created after japanese/chinese ink brushes literally shaped his character as the way he is! Since those inspirations can be found in his ink powers (even broomie!), design, musical themes, speaking font, etc... really cool stuff indeed!
That's the reason to why i always translate him as being French-Japanese in human versions! I heard some people headcanon him as being called ''Ián Satō'' in those interpretations and that sounds SO him. The name is also supposed to mimic 'Ink Sans', which is genius to me.
I always am, feel free to share them anytime! (〃ω〃)
Indeed, Ink is such a unique and colorful character, a true prism that reflects both the creative life of the fandom and the cultural features ☆
I've never heard of this headcanon before but this name does suit him! *^* I respect both his Asian and French sides, though the latter is more of a tribute to his creator than a canon distinct trait <3