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popculturebuffet · 3 years

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Of Moons, Millionares and Mothers Part 2: The Ballad of Duke Balloney or “I’m Flintheart Glomgold and I Always Will Be!” (Commission for WeirdKev27)

Hello all you happy people. I”m Jake, I review stuff and today continues my look at Ducktales season 2 story arcs, of Moons, Millionares and Mothers. And while this arc as a whole is paid for by WeirdKev27, due to the Arc’s length, 17 parts including 15 episodes and 6 comics (2 of which will be in the same review), this one’s special as he’s using his patreon review every month to do so. If you too want me to review something of your choice simply hit up my ask box or join my patreon at patreon.com/popculture buffet. You get access to my discord, to pick a short when I do a group of them for characters birthdays, help me hit neat stretch goals like my next which is reviewing a darkwing duck episode a month, and best of all EXCLUSIVE REVIEWS. And I just added one this saturday of a carl barks story centerting around wigs, legal battles and attempted murder, both by our villian.. and by our heroes...

I will never get tired of that panel nor the boys inexplicably finding a blowgun. Point is it’s there if you want it at THIS LINK, but enough plugging so I can help pay the streaming bills and keep doing this... let’s get to the meat of things shall we?

This episode begins the second arc of this retrospective, The Glomgold Arc. And this arc was inevitibly going to come to this blog for two reasons. The first is that I have made no secret, in fact i’ve shouted it as loud as I can the neighbors are concerned, that I fucking love the 2017 Version of Flintheart Glomgold.

Glomgold is Keith Ferguson’s best role, tied with Lord Hater obviously, but it is indeed a tie. No one but Keith could’ve pulled off glomgold’s combination of ego, ham, and batshit insanity. He just makes the utterly stupid and wonderfully ludicrious things that come out of the mans mouth sound so damn natural with such an unearned confidence. It’s very clear that Frank had Keith in mind when putting this version of everyone’s faviorite South African Billionare pretending to be a Scottish Billionare and wisely built the characcter around him and his immense talent. I was not familiar with Keith at all, wasn’t even aware he voiced hater before this show but damn if that hasn’t fully changed.

Glomgold was also just in general a brilliant update of the character: While I know a lot of duck fans weren’t happy with this version at least at first. As the action figure sitting on my shelf that once road in a car with my david hasslehoff baywatch funko pop I have entirley due to my love of baywatching, this insane music video hoff did in the early 2000′s, and just in general how gloriously rediculous the man’s life is when you stop and think about it for a second from a pay per-view concert that ended up falling on the same night as The OJ Chase, to his kung fury cameo , to his weird insetence they never had sex on baywatch desspite mounds of video evdience and the fact the show was buit around the bulk of it’s cast’s sex appeal, to the fact the model of his pecs used for the spongebob movie was sold in an auction and on and on... I was going somewhere with this...

Oh right as the action figure, and previous praise, shows I am not one of these fans: The original isn’t bad, in fact one of my faviorite life and times chapters that i’ll be covering this week and talking about later in the review has him as the main antagonist and a pitvitol figure in Scrooge’s life in the worst way possible. Rosa GETS what’s needed for Flinty to feel specail: to have him be an evil mirror to scrooge, what he could’ve been had he kept down the path he started down in Africa. A ruthless, amoral asshole who will do ANYTHING to get rich.

It’s just often that isn’t emphasised enough and he’s instead just another one of the millions of generic assholes trying to get scrooges money sometimes with hired goons...

Not only that but Frank really COULDN’T have him at full effectivness. See an arch enemy in the Silver Age, which STARTED the same year Glomgold Debuted no less, wasn’t a big deal. They were still considered your deadliest foe but they’d often, much like Flinty be shuffled into the rogues gallery, show up for an issue to meance the hero, then either escape, get thrown in jail only to escape from that easily later, or be presumed dead. The last one I bring up because it happened to Magneto a LOTTTT pre-claremont. For Fuck’s Sake Charles have those teenagers train to look for a body once in a while!

Original Flinty was built for that, and brilliantly so as Barks had a talent for it , as seen by the fact The Beagle BOys, Flintheart and Magica have stuck around ever since and even in comics overseas where Flintehart is replaced.. it’s by Rockerduck who Barks ALSO created. The 87 Show followed the same formula, which was just as standard for 80′s cartoons. It’s why Megatron took until his toy was canceled the movie to shoot starscream in the face.

The problem is villians evolved and the expecation became more that a true arch enemy had to be a true threat. While Frank and Matt COULD’VE made Flintheart a real and honest threat, he also would’ve had to make him a Big Bad. The probelm was those seats were clearly taken: while i’m pretty sure some ideas came as they went, the main story beats were clearly planned out well in advance: Webby being a clone was always the plan, as was FOWL, Darkwing being a fan of a fictional Darkwing who became the real thing, and Della being on the moon. So he presumibly carefully choose each season’s big bad... and thus Season’s 1-3 would be full up wise. Season 1 had Magica, who he made into a TRUE threat, yet left the door open for her to return as she did, Season 2 had Lunaris who even if they hadn’t fully thought him up, they probably had thought up the moonvasion, and Season 3 was what they’d built the series towards with FOWL.

Details probably changed, it’s very clear to me they were likely going to have all three buzzards be important and ended up deicding to pivot to it just being Bradford over time. But given how well they though tout the general framework, I highly doubt Flinty was ever considered as a seirous big bad.. and I know i’m saying this in an arc that tried to set him up as one, but i’m getting there simmer.

So they could wait for a season 4 that might not happen.. or make him a recurring villian. So Frank and Matt decided to do that and leaned into comedy. Centering him around keith who Frank worked with previously on Wonder and thus knew he could play a hammy manchild like no one else, they simply leaned into the goofier aspects of his personality. His being similar to scrooge became him being an intentional and blatant knockoff. As Scrooge himself perfectly summed up in episode 1 “The poor man’s version of me.. which to be fair still makes him insanely rich”.

It’s another reason to really love this version as while yes, they did make him a bafoon.. he’s a wonderfully, redicuously layered bafoon: He still contrasts scrooge perfectly, manically hammy to Scrooge being calm, especially around flinty, blantatly crooked to Scrooge’s died in wool honesty, and wasting money on revenge instead of spending it on his actual company. There’s more obviously but some i’m saving for the review.

Not only that but his insane schemery has a rhyme and reason to it: He attacks Scrooge every week like the saturday morning cartoon villian he is, but his schemes are always unwieldly and massively stupid, and he always goes with the first draft. It’s something the team enforced: the first version is what they role with because that’s how his sad brain works. He also is obssed with sharks and explosives, the former being given a suprisingly heartfelt and unsuprisingly insanne origin story towards the series end, and works them into every plot no matter how much itm akes no sense. He’s pure ego, pure stupid and pure fun.

So yeah circling back to him being the big bad, I felt he was made one for this season for two reasons: the first is while a lot of fans (raises hand) enjoyed this version, some didn’t like how inept he was, so this would give them a breif bit of Flintheart being a genuine threat again. The other was frankly... they didn’t want to play their hand. Lunaris WAS the big bad... but fans would get supscious if there was seemingly no true threat on the horizon. Magica popped up in episode 4. We didn’t know her full plan yet true, but all we needed was lena SAYING HER NAME and fans of any other version of teh Disney Ducks would instantly go “Oh shit there she is”. So fans would now have the expectation of a main antagonist.. but would be instantly supscious of Lunaris and Penumbra if there wasn’t one for the first third of a season it took to them, and it’d leave a gap in the story to not have someone driving the plot on earth.

So Flinty got an upgrade.. a slight one and we’ll talk about the eb and flow. And thus he got a proper origin. Now granted they could’ve planned this too, but this one’s harder to tell as the curse you me gag could’ve been a clever setup or could’ve just been a one off gag they somehow turned into an entire episode. So Flinty got an arc.. and a comedic foil, the other reason this was inevieble, and Kev’s faviorite character, Zan Owlson. So how did it work out for them? Well we’ll begin that journey under the cut.

We begin our story a few months ago.... on every level really: the months ago shadow war aired when this episode originally good, the months ago I reviwed Shadow War (which via counting I found out was my 200th episode not counting Patreon. Nice), and most importantly for this story, the four months ago before the present day of Season 2.

Glomgold saying curse you me as he fell into the bay during the Shadow War.... only for once in his life he dosen’t somehow get out of it unscathed and instead passes out, almost drowning. He’s found by Fisher and Mann, two fisherpersons... Mann is specific about that due to being a woman despite the obvious irony. It’s a good gag. Flinty acts like he normally would.. hostile, demanding that they know who he is.. and while they don’t.. neither does he.

Cue credits and cue present day. Via a newscast with Roxanne we learn what I mentioned earlier: It’s been four month and Glomgold’s been missing. The general mood.. has been about what you’d expect.

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Yeah Roxanne turned on him real fast. I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised if it was because he later openly bragged about stealing scrooge’s money during the shark thing on live tv at some point, making Roxanne look terrible for enabling him and for blatantly supporting him earlier. I mean.. how else do you get a corrupt journalist to do anything decent.

But with Glomgold gone SOMEONE’S gotta replace him.. and that someone is Zan Motherfucking Owlson. Top of her class at Mouseton Univesity, Owlson is the show once again updating things: previously they added Mark Beaks to the Rogue’s Gallery as he contrasts the 50′s (scrooge ) and 80′s (glomgold) idea of billionares from previous versions of the property being a modern tech weasel. Though instead of just one thing Owlson represents a few: The most obvious is she’s a woman of color: Having a black woman in such a high position of power is something disney would’ve outright vetoed in the 50′s and 80′s. Here it’s well accepted as it always should have been. It also feels like a delebrate move on Frank’s part: There weren't’ any major african or african american coded characters in season 1, despite the show being very open and accepting, so that needed to change. The other is frankly outside of Brigtaa MacBridge, whose also weirdly absent from this series for some reason and has taken Fethry and Rockerduck’s place as the most major overseas duck character to never get adapted, there are hardly ever any females on Scrooge and his richer foes level. He’s had the occasional female rival or suitor, but only Brigittta had staying power and while I love the idea of her, another person as rich as scrooge whose willing to spend more and has a crush on him, she badly needed an update as she’s essentially Adventure Era Amy Rose in a grown ass woman’s body.

Owlson also provides a diffrent dynamic in that she portrays the ideal of what we’d want from a ceo: She’s honest, works hard, earned her way as square as scrooge did, gladly donates to charity and is extremely charismatic and intelligent. Granted most CEO”s are nothing like this but still, she’s what we WANT them to be. Using the money not for themselves or taking big paychecks but to help people. She also provides something Glomgold needed: a straight man. While he has one in Scrooge at times, Owlson unlike both of them is a fully functional resonable human being. Scrooge, while a good person deep down, can be reckless, impulsive and greedy, and Glomgold had a tarzan like experince with sharks, goes on to name his dummy son sharkbomb, and tried to murder Scrooge on live television twice that we know of. She’s the calm, snarky, put upon sane person trying to reign in the crazy shark explosion man.

Owlson dosen’t get a ton to do here, but that will change and she does get a decent amout in the final scene. But what she does here establishes who she is and how sh’es FIXED Glomgold industries; She’s shut down the vast number of money sinking scheme related departments, set ups everal charities, and is even setting up a new one with Scrooge, Dimes for Ducklings. In short she knew exactly what was needed to fix the company and it’s image and did so in FOUR MONTHS. Probably even less given they had to be sure Glomgold wasn’t coming back right away. I guarantee he’s faked his death like 10 times just to try and kill scrooge. They have to make sure it’s real first. As one last note before we move on, Owlson is played by Natasha Rothwell, a producer and writer who i’ve only seen outside of this in Love, Simon and Sonic the Hedgehog.. that is a weird combo of things that mean a LOT to me I haven’t been able to bring up here again.

We find the tv this was all playing on on the docks with a non-anthro segull pecking it while a bunch of fisherpersons go about their day. We also get this guy.

Add him to the list of spinoffs I want THE LIST OF SPINOFFS JAKE WANTS: 1. Darkwing Duck 2. Donald, Daisy and the Kids 3. The Sabrewings 4. Tailspin Reboot 5. The Flintheart Glomgold Show 6. A Sequel Movie 7. This Guy Punching A Fucking Fish

So you might be wondering when any of our main cast are going to show up.. and why the fish puncher isn’t in said main cast. Well that’s about now as Webby and Louie are fishing. Well okay more acuratley webby is fishing because she genuinely enjoys it and Louie is tagging along so he can nap on a boat while Webby paddles him around. That plan is threatnned by her spear fishing and he suggests using rods instead, but they need bait for that.

Naturally, given we need to get this plot going our heroes run into Duke Baloney, aka an amnesiac Glomgold. Understandably, both of htem think this is some sort of scheme at first because waiting for someone related to Scrooge to stroll by his fish stand for some sort of shark themed trap, especially since he’s right near the water so he dosen’t have to worry about keeping them hydrated like that time he dropped one from a plane onto scrooge’s board meeting with two chainsaws strapped to it. But .. it’s not. While we the audience saw him amnesiac, and at first I thought that spoiled the episode... it really dosen’t. He still ACTS like himself on instinct, so your not sure if he faked it as part of some elaborate scheme or is really gone till this scene shows that, no he really isn’t there. And the how is simply in knowing the guy: Glomgold is not good at subtley. He has disguises and such, but their never remotely convincing. He could NEVER pull off actually being a humble fish monger nor have gone four fucking months without yelling at scrooge or remotely contacting him. There’s also the fact Fisher and Mann 100% belivie in duke and back up his very real story of being dredged out of the bay. There’s also his south african accent, which actors including David Tennant himself have admitted is one of the hardest to pull off but Keith does swimingly, which is a hint.. but only on rewatch or for those who know his comics origins.

Louie isn’t convinced which is fair: even if Glomgold isn’t good at this sort of thing, he’s still tried it a lot. Webby however correctly figures he has amensia. So the two simply try talking to him. Fisher and Mann do get a bit dickish laughing off the idea he’s possibly Glomgold.. despite the fact you know you dredged him out of the fucking water 4 months ago.. and if you actually looked at the news, would see Glomgold disappeared around the exact same time you found Duke. It just annoys me because otherwise these two are great characters: Friendly loveable fisherpersons who love their job, have no comeptiviness and genuinely want to help their friend duke. The encounter does have them seeing a fancy money clip Duke has but with no other options they leave for now.

But while Duke has forgotten who he was... bits of glomgold still stir within him. And that starts when Duke spots the McDuck Industries fishing boat, the best fishing boat on the sea, something his friends are okay with.. but Duke naturally isn’t. So while Duke was a calm sane fisherman before the true glomgold in him is on full display as he comes up with insane schemes involving fish and explosives, before presenting a rather insane scheme to his friends involving getting engineering degrees and other stuff.. it’s as poorly drawn and wonderful as you expect from him. But what’s telling is that he reigns it in when his friends show obvious concern with his actions... something Glomgold would NEVER do. For one he dosen’t have friends. For another, he doesn’t care about anyone else’s feelings or thoughts.

By now Webby is also championing that Duke is a diffrente person.. which is true. Duke is Glomgold stripped of his hate and resitment towards scrooge. He’s who the man COULD’VE been had he not sworn eternal vengeance on Scrooge. Louie is doubtful that he’s amnesiac still.. but neither can quite figure out the full story so it’s time for research.. and for Webby to accidentally knock Louie into some lobster traps.. which given he’s spent the entire episode assuming an amnesiac man isn’t that despite all the evidence to the contrary, he earned that. That said these two were the perfect choice for it: All of the boys have a bit of skeptic in them, and we already had a plot with Huey being skeptical.. and even he would’ve given up by now as would dewey since he only has a pinch at best. Webby.. has none. She can question motives and stuff sure, but at her heart she’s a kind forgiving soul who belives the best in everyone. And.. its’ paid off fo rher. Look at the whole Lena situation, she believed in her, even while Lena was actively manipulating her,.. and it truly changed her, convinced Lena to do the right thing despite the cost, to choose love over the abusive monster who made her. It’s the only missed opportunity in the episode for me. Character wise it has exactly the 8 it needs to tell the story and focuses heavly on the five it truly is about. But not having Webby bring up Lena when we don’t hear her mentoined AT ALL during her absence (though to the shows credit they did a good job showing Webby still had never remotely given up), and it made the wait more agonizing and would’ve made her motivations hit even harder: that she belives in duke because she believed in lena and it was real. And while this thank christ isn’t remotely romantic, the point does stand: She wants to see the best.

Louie is a conman by nature so he only sees the worst, the weakest in people, the things he can use to take htem down or take hteir money. He can’t fathom someone doing good because he can’t fathom HIMSELF being good. And that.. says a lot.. but he’s accepted himself as a shady conperson who cares only for himself.. even if that’s not the truth. His inclusion here enhances his own arc much like Huey’s role in quack pack enhanced his. It shows that deep down Louie dosen’t think much of anyone.. and probably not himself. That he has to be shady and greedy to survive when that’s not tru. Sharper than the sharpies yes but also square.

One last bit before we moved on I just found out though: The Crew originally had this as a straight up origin story: no kids, none of the rest of the duck family, except presumably Scrooge’s parts here, just Glomgold’s struggle with amensia and his past leading to who hei s now. Honestly I think that version could’ve worked, but likely given disney seems TERRIFIED of making a show starring an adult without a chlid and had to be talked into the child light Golden Lagoon, that was a non starter but I think it still works fine. I also foudn this out via a twitter thread of Frank’s rewriting history that goes in deep on teh production of each episode. Had I known this existed before writing this one, I would’ve used it for the other two arcs and most dangerous game night, but I intend to read through it so I have everything on the table from here on out.

For only the second time in her long career of researching stuff though, Webby has hit a dead end. Mostly because she couldn’t find anything on Duke.. and NOTHING on Glomgold’s past pre-Duckburg. The most she has is his visa...

I want to frame this on my wall.. and someone is actually seling id cards out there, so I want this one at some point. It’s not Disney because they don’t care about fan merch like this, but then that just means they don’t get the money because they didn’t think of it or put the work in then huh.

But yeah with nothing else our heroes go to the only person they know who knows him well... Scrooge.

Meanwhile Duke has .. this... I just.....I can’t put words to this truly bizzare surreal dream sequence.. it involves Glomgold going insane, the kids dancing on a bagpipe, and owlson is there.. despite the fact that Glomgold should have zero idea whot hat is. I think the kids mentioned here but even then, he somehow knows exactly what she looks like.

Otherwise good stuff and it’s raining hard as Duke goes in. Fisher and Mann have formally added him to their sign, and warmly welcomed him in and Duke says “this is the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me I think” which is probably true. and makes what’s coming all the more heartbreaking.

But before what’s coming Duke has another thing coming.. Scrooge who the kids brought to talk to him. The two talk casually, the kids watch not knowing.. and then Scrooge comes back to them. Turns out Webby was, unsurprisingly right on the money, Flinty does have amnesia, and unlike what Louie thought.. he isn’t inherently evil. Duke is just duke.. and Scrooge has no intention of fixing the amnesia. And while that SOUNDS bad.. his intentions are noble: Glomgold.. was a throughly miserable person. He was never happy and never would be till Scrooge was dead by his hand and that was never going to happen. It isn’t even taking an enemy off the board: Flinty is only a threat on occasion. Scrooge clearly ENJOYS their conflict: it may annoy him from time to time, but he clearly enjoys upstaging the guy. And as he points out, it’s not a brain injury or anything: Glomgold is practically immortal as Louie put earlier, and Scrooge outright mentions Glomgold’s taken a LOT of explosions to the face. So he’s in no real danger physically or emotionally.. he’s happy. He has friends, a calling he truly enjoys. There’s another reason too but we’ll see that in the final scene.

So Duke is finally happy... but it doesn’t last... the kids go out but a storms a coming, and Duke selfleslly heads out to save them.. only to get hit on the head and fall in the ocean again.

It’s here we get the 2017 version of Glomgold’s origin story. We did kinda get one with life and times, as we saw his first meeting with scrooge and why he hated him, long story short with the long story coming later this week Glomgold left Scrooge for dead and Scrooge’s response was to come back, kick the fuckers ass, tar and feather him and utterly humilaite him, leading to Flinty swearing vengance.

But while I love that version..t his one is just as awesome if not better. And it’s without having Scrooge ride a lion. Here we instead meet Flinty as a child Scrooge’s age... and as a shoeshine boy. Yup just like Scrooge Duke, Glomgold’s birth name, was an industrious young boy with big dreams. He also had unwieldy schemes from minute one, but Scrooge saw in this lad the same fire he had and tried replicating his own origin.

The problem was... the different context ruined it. Scrooge was paid by an equally poor ditchdigger the us equilvent of his pay: still useless in scotland, but a good lesson in hard work and not being swindled. Scrooge tried that... as the richest duck in the world and without giving flinty the same amount of money.

So Duke/Flinty took umbrage at this yelled at scrooge.. and pick pocketed his money clip. In the only bit taken from the rosa version of their first meeting, Scrooge never realized he’d met flinty already. There and then duke came up with his first true, and first insane scheme: Save the money and use it to mold himself into a richer, more scottish version of scrooge dedicating his life to one upping him and killing him. A “single white female” type thing as Frank put it.

It’s.. utterly brilliant... taking Glomgold being a knockoff as mention and just running with that... making Glomgold a LITERAL knockoff. This was indeed the plan all along: A way to have him be both south african and scottish and it was brilliant. It also gives him more depth and more tragedy: He COULD’VE been the next scrooge.. but instead of being his own man or learning any of the hard lessons scrooge did he doubled down on never learning anything and getting vengeance on an old man’s well meant but accidently classist gesture.

So Glomgold reawakens and while it first looks like he’s going to save the kids... he instead throws Webby into the raging sea, and steals their fish. Webby is heartbroken and Louie asks him “what about duke.” His response is heartbreaking as it is character defnting

“I”m Flintheart Glomgold and I always will be!” the lightning shot, the cackle..i t’s just such a damn good moment that underscores the tragedy of the episode as Glomgold’s new friends are horrified by what he is now and what he was always meant to be and Glomgold leaves to go stalk scrooge once again. He indeed is Flintheart Glomgold and always will be.. because he threw the decent person he could’ve been away. He’s miserable.. because he can’t let go of his rage or ego and just move on from something that happened to him when he was ten! He has to be in his 60′s now! Glomgold may think Scrooge is his worst enemy.. but it’s really Flintheart Glomgold.... and it always will be.

So naturally his first actoin is to storm into his company and scream at scrooge. How he found him there... honestly not a huge suprise it’s his company and he likely knows how to find scrooge anywhere because he’s a creep like that. Scrooge and Owlson’s reactions are both worth a look at:

Given Glomgold bursts into an already annoying meeting of Scrooge trying to get the dimes part knocked down to nickles (and likely lower before that given he mentioned Pennies earlier), to accuse Scrooge of trying to trick him by appearing as a boat in his dreams her bafflement is both understandable and hilarious. Like she probably HEARD what Glomgold was like but gennuinely didn’t belivie it and her face is just now frozen in a look of “oh my god they were not exagearating what fresh hell is this”.

She tries to be professional and introduce herself but he just brushes her off and yells at Scrooge blaming him for being forgotten (”You literally forgot yourself), with Owlson also considering calling security. She only dosen’t because Scrooge points out he’ll tire himself out eventually and as usual for their jousts, is not remotely threatened or worried. He’s just..sad. And getting back to his reaction.. that’s what’s telling about his plan. He probably KNEW this would happen. He in his heart knew Duke Balloney would be gone soon, and he’d have to deal with Glomgold again. It helps soften the implicatoins: it wouldn’t last and fraknly if it did Scrooge would probably have people check on him regualry to make sure he was okay. He’s not a monster.. he just wanted Flinty to be happy for five minutes and to not ruin that out of some misplaced sense of right and wrong.. when the right thing was to simply let the man be happy till it inevitably blew up.

Glomgold however, furious at being forgotten and cast aside has decided to take a huge poorly thought through gamble and challenges scrooge to a classic Scrooge comics trope between the two, but with higher stakes: A contest to see who will be the richest duck in the world by the end of the year.. and given Christmas happens right after this i’m just assuming he means a year from now. Winner gets both companies and fortunes. Scrooge scoffs at this.. till Flinty pulls out the clip, taunting him with how he did it and “If I can beat you once scrooge i’ll beat you again”. And this, Flinty revealing he stole from him and he NEVER KNEW it or realize it, enrages scrooge enough to agree and to take him seriously... meanwhile Owlson.. just tries to get actual work shit done and just forges their signatures. Look she is a woman of color in the business world with genuinely good motives... she’s probably used to using white nonsense to get things past two idiots having a peeing race.

Final Thoughts:

This episode is truly excellent and like Most Dangerous Game Night! i’d forgottne just HOW good it was. The pacing, the comedy, and the character work is all on full blast and i’ve gushed plenty enough about how great an origin story is. it’s a character piece that explains why this doofus is the way he is and that is what holds him back.

Next time on MMM: Louie’s back as he pulls a ghostbusters to make quick money and Storkules starts rooming with Donald with predictable results.

If you liked this review consider joining my patreon and i’ll see you at the next rainbow.

#ducktales #flintheart glomgold #scrooge mcduck #the ballad of duke balloney #webby vanderquack #louie duck #fisher #mann #fishing #weblena #disney plus #disney xd #disney channel

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chysgoda · 5 years

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Let's talk about oaths

In which Art’imis loses her temper and Solkazgyl has a bad day

It was a nice day in Camp Dragonhead. A clear sky and warm sun brightened most moods and all the threats that they watched for were quiet. a good day to catch up on outdoor chores or just to feel like a person for half a bell. So one no begrudged the commander or the couple of Fortemps dragoons that had pounced on the opportunity to catch up when all of their schedules aligned on such a nice day.

Dinadan noticed the group walking into the camp first. Art’imis he recognized first, her scale mail hauberk and white cloak had become as regular a sight as any of his brother and sister dragoons in the congregation. The other three he did not recognize at all. He elbowed Matthaios in the ribs to get the other dragoon to shut up for a moment. “Who are the foreigners with Art’imis?”

Haurchrfant leaned forward to get a better look. “That would be Lord Papashan and Captain Jenlyns of the Sultansworn they passed through here a few days ago. I do not know the Roegadyn however.”

Matthaios turned as well and frowned. Tension sparked off the group and it was obvious that the Hyru and Lalafel between Art’imis and the Roegadyn were keeping the pair apart. “Something’s going on there.”

“Indeed,” Haurchefant agreed. He rolled his shoulders back picking up the mantle of commander again. Matthaios and Dinadan glanced at each other as the fell into step with the Silver Fuller.

The Au’ra paladin glanced their way and shook her head as their group approached the chocobo porter’s station near the main gates. She looked back down the the older lalafel walking next to her “which route will you return by?”

“Revenant’s Toll, There are still remnants of the 14th legion in Northern Thanalan that are causing trouble.” Papashan said easily. “Captain Jenlyns wants to assess if the Sultansworn can aid in the efforts there.”

Dinadan let out a relieved breath when Art’imis smiled with honest approval. “Field work will be good for them. Thank you for keeping an eye on things in Ul’dah for me Papashan.”

The lalafel waved off the thanks with a huff, “I kept an eye on things long before you were born welp.”

Art’imis chuckled fondly tension beginning to leave the line of her shoulders. “I shall pray to the Dawn Father and Halone that you and Captain Jenlyns have a safe journey.”

The roegedyn snorted in amusement, “nothing for an old teacher Art’imis?”

All the tension snapped back into the free paladin’s shoulders. Next to her Papashan pinched the bridge of his nose. Art’imis’ lips pulled back and up in what was technically a smile but reminded Dinadan more of hunting wolves. “Nothing other than to let you know that you’ve no need to visit Falcon’s Nest. I’ll keep an eye on Constaint.”

“It’s hardly a bother to -” the Roegadyn’s eyes narrowed at his fellow free paladin

Art’imis interrupted before he could finish, “Solkazgyl, Let me clarify what I mean. Do not come back. You’ve done enough, and more damage besides.”

“Poaching students is rather poor form Art’imis.”

“As is abandoning a student for the sake of theatrics. Shall we compare sins?”

Dinadan tensed when the roedadyn’s sword hand flexed and Art’imis shifted her shoulder in preparation of using her shield. The two Sultansworn noticed as well. Jenlyns stepped between the two Free Paladins. “We need to be moving on Solkazgyl.”

The Roegadyn ignored the Sultansworn captain and stepped to side so that line between himself and Art’imis was clear again. “He would have been fine without your interference.”

“If by fine you mean dead, than yes he would have been.” Art’imis snapped back. “You manipulated a child into seeking out a death cult whose standard battle strategy is to summon void sent!”

“It was merely a test of conviction, you were tested in the same way.” Solkzagyl waved a dismissive hand.

“Three moons between when you first put a blade his hand and when you abandoned him. Mylla wouldn’t have even let him spar with how little you showed him.” Rage made the Auri’s words sharp. If she’d been a dragoon Dinadan wouldn’t have been surprised to see dragonfire flicker along her skin. Her left hand hovered above the hilt of her sword on her right hip.

“Art’imis,” Haurchefant called firmly. Her head snapped around to him a hissed response half formed before her better sense checked her wrath and she snapped her jaw shut. The Fortemps knight held the younger woman’s eyes and she dropped her hand from the hilt of her sword and nodded an acknowledgment.

“Well now that some of us have thoroughly out stayed our welcome we shall be off.” Papashan said, dry as the Sangolii desert. “My apologies for the disturbance Ser Haurchefant.”

Dinadan kept his eyes on the Roegadyn as Matthaios stepped to the side leaving a space for the small paladin to join them. Solkzagyl frowned at Art’imis’ back as she turned away from him.

< He’ll provoke her, He wants the fight.> Gorebash whispered a warning.

“Art’imis,” the Roegadyn called out, “did you fight that duel in ernest?”

“No.” The Au’ra didn’t turn back to him when she spoke. The insult plain in her body language, he was not a threat to her and it was not worth the effort of turning and looking him in the face.

“Ah, well I think I will certainly be back than. It would be a shame if the boy learned to apply himself unevenly.” The roegadyn’s weight shifted to the balls of his feet. “I’d have thought you would have learned better after what happened to the Sultana under you care.”

Dinadan would always remember the aetheric copy of Art’imis’ shield flying towards Solkazgyl as being the first thing that happened even when nearly everyone moved at the same time. Both Jenlyns and Papashan rounded on the Roegadyn flushed with anger. Haurchefant reached out to hold back Art’imis as both he and Matthiaos pulled their lances from their backs. The Au’ra paladin ducked under the Fortemps knight’s arm and had her sword drawn and shield in place before she took her first full stride.

Solkzagyl took half a step back in preparation to catch a shield that became nothing but sparks of aether. He recovered well, but his sword had only just cleared its scabbard when Art’imis invaded his space. The keen edge of her blade slicing through the silk and wool just under the bottom edge of his breastplate. She dragged the cut with her as she rushed by and it found flesh and blood. She was past him then, just a head of his retaliation, and into the snow fields on the other side of the gate.

Dinadan’s eyes locked on the gleam and flash of light on the edge of Art’imis’ blade and followed its arc as she turned herself back to face the gate. She brought the blade up before her almost like she was saluting an dueling partner, the light flashing and gleaming again as a snap of her wrist showed the flat of the blade and the ruby rivulets of blood that were pulled in from the edge of the blade to gather in the fuller crystal bright- His dragon wrapped around his senses and pulled his attention away from the light playing on the blade, it was almost physically painful. <Do not be distracted!> Gorebash hissed. <That trick is not for you.>

He blinked and assessed the situation, at least half of the knights of Camp Dragonhead were unnaturally focused on the Au’ra paladin. Both Haurchefant and Matthiaos watched with thinking focus. The Silver Fuller frowned deeply his eyes darting from his people to the Free Paladins squaring up outside his gates. The Sultansworn also seemed to have resisted the aether light that still tried to pull at his focus. The old lalafel had thrown out an arm to keep Captain Jenlyns from stepping in. Solkazgyl stalked towards the smaller Paladin who kept the space between them, backing up to draw her opponent further away from the gates. The pull on Dinadan’s attention stopped abruptly and he wasn’t sure if it was distance or if Art’imis has simply stopped putting effort into whatever it was.

“Back to your posts!” Haurchefant barked at his men who were shaking off the effects as well. The Silver Fuller looked at the two dragoons who nodded and then he turned to the gate and trekked out after the dueling Paladins. The two Sultansworn feel into step with them.

The two fighters had closed the distance between them and begun to fight in earnest when the five of them got close enough to see and hear the fight clearly. Art’imis was lighter on her feet than the Roegadyn and had no hesitation about taking whatever shot was open to her, but she did not have the same mass to back up her strikes. It was unnerving watching the small woman take blows that would fell most of the Knights in the Congregation. It shouldn’t have been so disquieting, Dinadan had seen her take the full force of a dragons lashing tail on her shield and keep her feet. But The shapes here were different here, Art’imis’ size made her look childlike in comparison to her opponent. It looked to much like a child being meanced. He picked up the pace just a bit-

“Stop!” Papashan called out with the authority of an old captain. He darted in front of their group to stop their forward motion.

“She can’t mean to-“ Jenlyns gasped and then darted forward to stop them as well. Ahead of them Dinadan could have sworn he saw the name of the Furry tumble from the Auri’s lips as she deliberately dropped to one knee as if in prayer. White fire crashed to the ground in a solid circle. A pained and surprised shout rang out from inside the light.

When the light faded Art’imis was on her feet again. Solkzagyl’s chest heaved with pain and rage as he climbed back up from his knees. “You dare call her scorn down on me?!”

“Did you not wish to fight in earnest?” Art’imis snarled at him. “Is this not what you wanted? To face the Eikon Slayer and prove that it is you who should hold leadership among us all, Sultansworn and Free Paladin alike?”

The pair closed on each other again to focused on their wrath to pay any heed to outsiders. Captain Jenlyns grimaced everytime a blow hit home on either fighter. Haurchefant rested his hand on the hilt of his sword but had not yet drawn. Aether made the air reek with a smell like tin that was so strong Dinadan could taste it. Swords bounced and deflected off of shields that formed of aether while the blow was swinging in. His heart stopped for a beat when the Roegadyn caught Art’imis’ shield and swung it out away from her. She let it go rather than be knocked off balance. Solkazgyl’s smirk was an ugly thing as he stepped back, mouth opened to offer a chance of surrender. Art’imis did not stop, with her right hand she gripped the blade of her sword halfway down from the hilt. She changed the grip of her left hand as she raced ahead and swung the hilt of her sword like a war hammer. The crossguard smashed into the first wound she’d laid on him. He choked on a gasp and staggered back but she kept with him plowing her shoulder into his side and taking advantage of the momentum the stager had started. The giant fell and she jumped to the side and stomped on the wrist of his sword arm. When the fingers spasmed she kicked the sword away. She pressed the tip of her blade against the side of Solkazgyl’s throat.

She turned her head and spat blood into the snow. “Dawn Father forgive me, but you have found the absolute limit of my patience.”

The Roegadyn opened his mouth and Art’imis pressed the blade hard enough to almost break the skin. “No Solkazgyl, for once in your life you will listen. You preach endlessly about conviction and the importance of keeping oaths, but somehow you never take actual responsibility for those oaths. You throw one of the worst nights of my life in my face and dare to say that I lack conviction. Where was yours? Where were you when the Brass Blades and Crystal Braves seized the palace? Did you not swear to protect the house of Ul? Where were you when the wine was poured and I watched a sister claw at her throat trying to get air? Where were you when I was choking on the vapor of a silencing potion? Where were you when your brothers in the Sultansworn were attacked?”

Art’imis took a deep breath trying to contain her wrath. “Ever since Papashan put me on your trail I have found naught but confusion, fear, and death in your wake. Do you know how many were hurt by your damned theatrics? Do you know how many travelers fell prey to the cultists? Do you know how many knights of House Haillenarte were injured in the Sea of Clouds? You chose to let murders wander loose so that you could play your game. Did we both not swear our swords and shields in defense of innocents? Of those who could not shield themselves? So once again you are forsworn. For what? That you might teach the Sultansworn a lesson they already know far better than you?”

“Art’imis,” Haurcefant stepped closer to the woman. “You need to stand down.”

Art’imis blinked realizing that there was a cut on Solkazgyl’s throat that was steadily trickling blood. She sheathed her blade and crouched down so that she could snatch the winged circlet from Solkazgyl’s head and claim her prize. “Do not presume to interfere with what is mine again.”

No longer threatened by the closeness of Art’imis’ sword Solkazgyl sat up. “And you presume to claim all of Ishgard as your own?”

“Yes,” Art’imis spoke with a conviction and heat that reminded Dinadan of the white fire she’d called down. “Mine to protect, my sanctuary to maintain, my kith and kin to shield. You will not interfere with what is mine. Now leave, and do not darken my door again.”

Papashan had collected Art’imis’ shield and handed it back to her when she walked away from Solkazgyl. The lalafel turned to the Commander of Camp Dragonhead. “Given the circumstances we would take no offense should you chose to assign guards to see us to your border without further incident.”

“I do believe I will.” The Silver Fuller said flatly. “I trust you and Captain Jenlyns can keep your friend here until I send my men out?”

“Of course.” Papashan turned to consider Art’imis. He nodded to the circlet in her left hand. “I do believe that will look better on you. And since I rather think you bear the Fury’s favor already I will pray that your Dawn Father will take watch over your good sense.”

The free paladin flinched a little at the subtle reprimand of her loss of temper. Haurchefant rested a hand on Art’imis’ shoulder as they turned away from the Ul’dan group. The dragoons feel into step with them, closing ranks as they returned to camp dragon head.

Jenlyns watched realizing on some level he had taken for granted that Art’imis would one day return to call Ul’dah home, come back to the familiarity of training with his men between adventures or helping teach recruits at the Gladiators guild. “I did not realize how much I assumed she would return to Ul’dah once all was made right.”

Papashan glanced up when the Captain made the quiet confession. Before looking back to the Ishgardians walking back into the safety of Camp Dragonhead. “Allegiance must run both ways to have any strength. The Warriors of Light gave Eorzea their faith and blood, the Eorzean Alliance repaid them with distrust and abandonment. If they’re needed they will come, it’s in their nature to. I do not think they’ll ever give us their trust again though.”

Silence fell until three knights wearing the colors of House Fortemps came out confirming Papashan’s words with finality.

Notes

So I have lots of feelings about the 50-60 PLD questline, Frustration, Bafflement, and WTF mostly. So much about this line made me so mad. Among them just the straight up lack of sense the whole thing made and then the ingame admission of yea we know it’s stupid. Also the final duty was a serious let down? Like the duties with the Deaths Embrace required a lot more effort and then you get to Solkazgyl’s little tournament and he’s just not that hard a fight. Probably because the big blue jackass spends more time perfecting his dramatic entrances. Also it feels like Constaint is like stupid quick at picking up fighting skills given that the implication is that he hadn’t known Solkazgyl for that long before he “died”.

Timeline wise I had the PLD quests done before I got to the great dravanian road trip so in my head this is all wrapped up before Alphinaud and Tataru get accused of heresy.

#ffxiv fanfic #Paladins are drama queens #Solkazgyl the big blue jerk #haurchefaunt greystone #ishgard shenanigans #warrior of light problems #art'imis chysgoda #i wrote a thing

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6ix-dragons · 7 years

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Fairy Tail Fan Impressions (FTFI): Chapters 540 AND 541

(Be aware; spoilers for the latest FT chapters can be found below!)

“Dude, where were you, when the last chapter hit?”

Me: Oh, I don’t know...but I can tell you that I didn’t end up in the same place, as where those Seven Dragon Slayers are, right now!

“Anyway, did you check out the latest chapter, by any chance?”

Me: Yeah, I did.

“Man, the beginning of the battle between them and Acnologia was awesome! Oh, and how ‘bout Lucy, there? She’s finally getting the spotlight of her own!”

Me: I know! Hey...do you think she’ll be the next Guild Master?

“Lucy? Pfft, no way! I mean, she’s smart, and all that...but what truly significant things has she done all by herself, recently?”

Me: (gives a dirty side look)

Before I begin this post, I just want to apologize for not making an FTFI on chapter 540. I happened to be busy with other things in my life...one of which, was having to draw a couple of sketches that will celebrate a significant holiday/milestone (which will be explained further, closer to the end of this post). However, just because I didn’t cover chapter 540 in my FTFI series of posts (not by itself, at least), it doesn’t mean that I won’t make quite a mention of it, in this post! I’ll get to my whole impressions of the latest chapter, after I briefly discuss about the chapter before that.

Alright, so...chapter 540. What can I really mention about it? Well, for starters, it’s the chapter that has a lot of people talking about it. For quite some time, fans of this series have been clamouring for a huge battle between the Seven Dragon Slayers, and Acnologia. And now that the story is coming to a close, we finally get what we wanted all along!

As I mentioned from above, I wanted to keep things brief for this particular chapter. So, to summarize: Natsu and the other Dragon Slayers are caught in a different world, in which it is host to the Black Dragon himself. All the other Dragon Slayers are trapped in some crystal chamber-like prisons...presumably, so that they would be harvested of their magic by Acnologia. Natsu, himself, is about to fall victim to this, as well.

Elsewhere, we see that Ichiya and Anna have fallen from the Ravines of Time/Timelapse—and this will please some people, maybe not so much for others. Then, we get an explanation from Anna, about something important going on with Acnologia. Apparently, because of how much magic that Acnologia consumed, while he was trapped in the Timelapse, it resulted in him being present in both worlds; the one where he is currently confronting the 7DS, and the one where everybody else is. However, everybody who isn’t a Dragon Slayer, finds out in horror—(dramatic gasp)—that Acnologia (in his physical dragon form) is headed to Magnolia. And, so, all the others in that world must try to stop him, as much as they can.

Fortunately, Erza and the others are able to get to the rest at Magnolia, through quite the convenience: yes, Doranbolt comes to their aid! No, seriously, he does. I mean, it’s rather kind of surprising that he’s still here, after all those chapters.

Meanwhile, Natsu is in the process of being absorbed. However, it doesn’t work. Why? Well, probably because the other Dragon Slayers somehow managed to escape! And, just like the Power Rangers...all Seven Dragon Slayers assemble—ready to take on the biggest meance of their lives!

Alright, so what do I think about this chapter, overall? I think it’s kind of okay, I guess. I mean, don’t get me wrong, but I think this really sets up nicely, for the inevitable final boss battle. Also, it’s worth pointing out that Lucy’s reaction to the news that Natsu isn’t dead, is actually absent from the chapter. Now, I’m not sure if this is intentional, or if there’s some kind of reason that’s either valid (or not)...but, I honestly think that her reaction should be included in the third series of the anime adaptation. Aside from that, it’s kinda heartwarming to see that Erza has realized of Makarov’s recovery, before her eyes.

On the other hand, what I didn’t like about this chapter, was mainly on the logic, and wasted potential sides of things. First, what bothers me about this chapter, is the logic that happens earlier on. We see that Natsu can’t use one of his arms to use a fire attack, as it’s still badly damaged, understandably enough. What I don’t get about it, ‘though, is why he doesn’t use his other arm, instead. Maybe there’s something that I missed about this, but there doesn’t seem to be a good reason, as to why he isn’t using that other arm of his.

The other thing that bothers me, aside from the logic, is the wasted potential...or the lack of focus that resulted in it. This is also what I didn’t like, from the previous chapter, as well. We don’t get to see what happens to all the other characters involved in the entire war, such as the rest of the Sabertooth and Mermaid Heel groups (after they took on Larcade). On top of that, we don’t get to see stuff like Millianna being surprised that the former Oracion Seis members were indeed the ones from the Tower of Heaven, or Kagura being able to meet Erza again. Things like that.

Okay, so, with all of 540 being covered here...let’s get to the latest chapter, shall we?

Ohhh, yes...chapter 541. This is the chapter where we finally see the Seven Dragon Slayers actually taking on Acnologia, in his world!

Rrright off the bat, the first few Dragon Slayers step up to the forefront! And, just like one of those JRPGs, Wendy enchants all the other Dragon Slayers, with a spell that increases their overall abilities. Then, we have Sting, Rogue, and Gajeel, charging straight towards the Black Dragon himself, aaand...they all get blown back by him.

Oh, alright, that’s no biggie. Why, in fact, here’s Laxus and Cobra, coming in to the—uhhh...welp. They also got blown back, by him.

Only Natsu and Wendy are left standing on their heels, after all this. Then, we see Acnologia going about boasting how he’s still the strongest Dragon Slayer. Pretty typical for a main villain, who isn’t as developed as the others.

Meanwhile, in the other world, the whole crowd is trying to figure out how they can defeat Acnologia (in his physical, full-on dragon form). It doesn’t take much more than a moment, before the actual Black Dragon comes swooping in, and attacking the town’s center! People are panicking, screaming, and scrambling around, as he starts wrecking stuff over there. Who, on Earthland, would know something about how to defeat this meance, before he continues on with his destructive rampage?

And here’s the answer that, I think, will please a lot of people out there. For all the flak that’s given to Lucy—especially so, as a major protagonist of this story—one thing that’s certainly a strength for this Celestial Spirit mage, is her intelligence during combat situations, and the role it plays for solving those sorts of situations. I would also have to mention, another strength that’s been emerging for her, for quite some time, and that would be her leadership. That kind of strength (along with the other, aforementioned strength) is on full display, in this chapter here, as Lucy figures out how they can defeat Acnologia in their world.

Now, the way they can defeat him, will sound a little bit familiar, to those who have been reading the manga for a long time. Recall back from the time, when Acnologia invaded Tenrou Island, and tried to destroy it. What was holding it back from his attack? Why, of course, it was the Fairy Sphere that prevented him from destroying it!

As a result, Lucy devises a plan to have Acnologia be trapped in the Fairy Sphere, somehow. She orders Gray and Juvia, to get a boat from somewhere, while having Levy, and Freed, to come with her to the guild’s libarary.

Back in the world possessed by Acnologia himself, the villainous Dragon Slayer reveals that he’s motivated (simply) by destruction. Well, alright, I guess. /s

Then, we return to the other world again—this time, in Hargeon. We see Lyon, and the rest of Lamia Scale over there. Lyon’s having tea with them, when they encounter Gray and Juvia, who have just arrived, with the help of Doranbolt. Aside from a minor Gruvia moment there, all I have to wonder about Lamia Scale was: ‘What the hell were you guys doing down there? Don’t you notice all that destruction coming across from where you all are? Really?’

Anyway, Gray and Juvia warn them about the impending danger that Acnologia is coming their way soon, and that they need a large boat. Elsewhere, in Magnolia, Minerva, and the remaining members of both Sabertooth and Crime Sorciere guilds, are preparing to lead Acnologia into Hargeon. How will they do it? Well, as one blogger around here will put it: have Orga use his pinpoint blasts to get his attention, have Racer use his magic to distort Acnologia’s perception of time, and maybe have Midnight use his reflecting abilities to agitate him further. I would agree with that suggestion; all of this doesn’t seem too hard.

We finally conclude the chapter, with Lucy, Levy, and Freed, who are all looking for a book that contains the magics needed for Fairy Sphere. They’re joined by Carla, Happy, and Makarov. They must find the book somewhere in the library, if they want to make the plan work.

Alright, speaking of which...here are the Questions of the Chapter: How does this plan actually make sense? Do you think this plan will actually work?

I mean, sure, Lucy and the others don’t know for one thing that Acnologia can gobble up just about any type of magic. That’s a given. However, it also gives me concern about the plan that Lucy has devised.

First, as I’ve already mentioned it above, Acnologia can consume just about any type/form of magic. What are the chances he’ll still be able to eat away the magic that’s used for Fairy Sphere? And, even though he may not be able to consume this kind of magic, his dragon scales are inherently immune to just about any sort of magic. Then, you have to consider the way Fairy Sphere works. It’s a spell that freezes anybody in time (like what we’ve seen to the S-Class Trials participants in Tenrou Island, from much earlier). After gaining time magic, by eating up the particles in the Timelapse, Acnologia has gained control of time itself (seemingly). How would a spell that freezes one in time, would work against someone who controls time itself?

Furthermore, how will they even get Acnologia onto the boat, to begin with? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see, about how all this will go. Maybe it’ll all happen with fewer ass-pulls than needed—buuut that’s just me hoping for the best case scenario. Let me know what you think!

So, what do I think of this chapter, overall? Well, I thought it was good...for the considerable part. The start of the battle between the 7DS and Acnologia went out the way I expected it to be—nothing much more, than the Dragon Slayers trying their best, only to be repelled by the Black Dragon. It just goes to show how powerful Acnologia is...and he really demonstrates it, in the start of his encounter with the 7DS. Oh, and I also did enjoy Lucy taking the lead role, too. All by herself, I must say. I always thought it would be really spectacular, to see her shine in the spotlight, and do whatever it is that would not be overshadowed by any other character. It just goes to show that great things happen, when the focus is turned more to the other protagonists.

Now, here are a couple of things that I didn’t like about this chapter, and they mainly have to do with logic (again), and Acnologia’s character.

Let’s start off with Acnologia’s character, first. I only have to mention about how one-dimensional he is, in the more recent chapters of the story. As described earlier, Acnologia always talks about destruction—how motivated he is, by it, and how much he always wanted to destroy the world. While it’s a given that these can be one of the qualities of certain antagonists/villains, it’s actually not the only quality that an antagonist/villain can run by. And, while the explanation is given to his background—through the Dragon Cry movie (spoiler alert)—it really doesn’t help much for his own character.

With that aside, there’s also the logic that I didn’t like. I mentioned above that I didn’t like the logic of the plan that was devised by Lucy (moreover, I didn’t like how Lucy went off with Levy and Freed, when she should be the one looking after the others, instead). I also didn’t like the logic of having Lamia Scale being somewhere else, away from the battle. They should have joined the rest of the guilds at Magnolia, earlier...instead of sipping away on tea, elsewhere. And then, there’s the discovery of a book that would provide the ability to cast Fairy Sphere, somewhere.

The issues that I have with this, is: firstly, there was no mention of a book, at any point, earlier in the story! No, really, where did the book come from? What should have been done, was that the book should have been introduced somewhere in the main story. And, secondly, the Three Fairy Magics can be transferrable! Just ask Cana, when she received Fairy Glitter from Mavis. Or, ask Makarov, when he came back to life. My point is, this whole situation could have been solved easily, if the Three Magics can be used by those means.

Otherwise, there's something else I noticed in the chapter, that was quite interesting. There’s all these rumblings about how Lucy’s leadership moments in this chapter, parallel to that of those moments involving Mavis. In fact, there’s all this hubbub about how Lucy should be the next Guild Master, based on what was seen in this chapter alone. Ehh, I’m a little bit mixed on this one. While she does have the intellectual strength, and determination, I don’t see much that would suggest she should be the next Guild Master. I mean, she has done some significant things that have helped her, and her other guild-mates, in the long run...I just don’t completely see it, like that. Who knows? Maybe Mashima will surprise us all, by actually making her the next Guild Master, instead of Laxus!

Also, speaking of Dragon Cry...looks like it was mentioned by somebody, in this chapter! Unless I’m wrong, then that means everything about the Dragon Cry movie is considered canon. Whoaaa!

Alright, so that is it, for this one; thank you very much to those who have read this, from the top! Click like, if you like this post; follow my blog, if you like my content; reblog this post to all of your friends...and there’s now only FIVE chapters remaining (if the chapter cover for 541 is any indicator of such). Let’s wait anxiously, and see what happens to the 7DS—and the others in Earthland.

Oh, and I almost forgot! I mentioned around the top, about a couple of things I’m making right now. Currently, I’m drawing two sketches to celebrate Canada Day, and Canada’s 150th anniversary. Before anybody asks, yes—these sketches will feature your favourite characters from FT. Which ones? Well, you’ll have to wait ‘til July 1st, to find that one out! Also, I’m still in the process of typing out the actual chapters for my upcoming fanfic, Center Ice. I’ll probably provide an update on how that one goes, at some point, very soon.

Anyway, stay tuned for the next FTFI!

Peace out!

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knightofbalance-13 · 7 years

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Gainax Retrospective Review 1: GunBuster, the anime that started it all.

Everyone and everything has an origin, somewhere or something in which helped in their creation and can be traced back ton that one source by analytics and dissectors. These origins, whether we want to admit it or not, define those that descend from them and shape their lives in one form or another, if not more than one. These origins are perhaps the most important aspect of anything, including people but especially media.

Ladies and Gentlemen, before there was Gurren Lagann, before there was FLCL and before there was...Evangelion, there was this 1988′s OVA that was the first work by Hideaki Anno, the second work created by Studio Gainax, the anime that put them on the map and the one that would shape the otehrs that would come after: Aim For The Top GunBuster!

As I stated before, this anime was released in 1988, October 8th to be precise. Just as well, this was the first work of Hideaki Anno which would be become the basis on which he would make his most well known anime...which I refuse to talk about until that review comes up next time. It would be Gaianx’s second work after Royal Space Force: Wings of Hommassieu which had the misfortune to be released at the same time as a Studio Ghibli film. This work would be the second attempt to getting on the map and against all odds, this little six episode OVA managed to do the impossible and became successful. Due to it’s success, Studio Gainax would become famous and would go on to make several longer and even more successful anime but I do believe they never forgot about this one little anime that could seeing as it’s influence over Gainax, Trigger and Khara cannot be understated.

But you will see that in future reviews. For now, let’s dig into the anime proper. GunBuster revolves around the life of one Noriko Takaya, a young teenage girl who is working hard to become a mecha pilot in order to follow in her father’s footsteps and go into space to defend humanity against the meance of the inhuman aliens known as the Space Monsters. Alongside her is Kazumi Amano, a quiet, mild manner senor who acts as a surrogate sister figure to the point she’s still considered the default “Big Sis” in mecha anime, Coach Ohta a gruff, hard ass superior with only the bets of intentions and means well and Jung Freud a competitive Soviet girl who likes to butt heads with teh two but is a very good friend nonetheless.

And that’s the plot. Yeah, the thing about GunBuster that while it is an amazing anime and this is definitely seen in it’s descendents, the show is heavily limited by it’s short length. The story is bare bones with not many plot twists and the few that do happen are character based so the plot never really changes. It’s as bare as one can get with the show frantically jumping from point to point.

However, once you get past that you’ll find that GunBuster is a bit deeper than that. What I just said could apply to most anime at the time of GunBuster’s creation and this is one of the show’s and indeed Gainax’s greatest strengths: playing off tired old tropes in a way that makes them seem fresh and new. A simple black and white conflict is made vibrant by the sheer amount of sincerity and love for the genre as well as lovable characters and awesome fight scenes. Each trope that had already been done to death before in other mecha shows was now being displayed in a way that showed why they became so worn out in the first place and even offers a bit of variation here and there.

A big theme in GunBuster is the motto of the characters “Hard Work and Guts.” While this is displayed at the surface level by having the characters work hard to suceed, this is also given more depth by having each victory come at a great cost or what seems like a loss being latter used for development and strength. Each time the heroes win, it’s not without losing something in the process. Each time they lose, it’s used latter to give them strength. This gives GunBuster a sense of realism despite the giant ass monsters and mechas and raping of about half the laws of physics. The show treats them as real people with flaws and mistakes but also capable of change and growth.

Another theme of the show is the question of what humanity will do to survive. As the series goes on and on, the people in the show have to make increasingly hard decisions that could have greater and greater consequences until it reaches to a point that humanity makes an “us or them” decision that is treated with a shocking amount of neutrality, outright questioning whether or not it’s right. This helps make up for the lack of plot twists as it gives some insight into how far humans are willing to go to survive as well as the sacrifices that individuals will make for the sake of others, thus giving weight to the conflict.

Now, let’s move onto the characters which, for a six episode OVA, is a rather strong suit. The Main character Noriko starts out as a weak, clumsy, timid, emotionally fragile but adorable and altrustic person who is constantly being pushed around by other people, living in the shadow of Kazumi and being beaten down by life. She is also kind of naive as she believed all you needed to be a great pilot was talent until Coach shows her what is really need is hard work. So Noriko works hard and shows that despite her modest and frankly underwhleming beginning, she is capable of truly tremendous things like beating the shit of out of her school yard bully with the show’s signature move: The Izaumi Kick. However, she still retains some of her emotional instability and much of her weakness as she is heavily dependent on Kazumi which is shown to lead her to destruction and her weakness did cause someone to die and for her to develop a fear of space. This gets her sidelined as her comrades beginning fighting off the space monsters. But, after some self reflecting and finding her own inner strength, Noriko proceeds to take about ten levels in badass and becomes a strong willed, confident, selfless, independent and overall better person than she was. In essence: Noriko is a deconstruction of the average mecha protagonist by showing how frightened and weak a real person would be in that situation but ends up as a reconstruction by becoming a paragon of her race despite her humble beginnings. This is a character whose development wouldn’t be matched for nearly two decades On a side note: I did some research and I couldn’t find a female mecha protagonist before Noriko. She’s actually the first female to be the focus of a mecha anime. That’s a pretty high bar there.

Next up to bat is Kazumi Amano. Like I stated before, she is you typical big sibling mentor who is calm, sweet, supportive but also harsh when need be. She makes for a great contrast from Noriko’s previous character and also makes the two of them standout more due to their contrasting personalities and even character designs (red hair and brown eyes for Noriko, blue hair and green eyes for Kazumi). And even latter on, she still acts a great support character to Noriko as a great friend and life long partner. Make no mistake, Kazumi has more to her character than just Noriko as she has a small rivalry with Jung Freud which serves to make her a more interesting character and an on/off relationship with Coach that makes for some good drama. She has also shown to be flawed still but in a “means well” way which is really the best an anime like this can do. And later on, she begins to rely on and respect Noriko, marking the full development of her character by having the person that she once relied on upon rely on her instead now and this also solidifies their bond leading to one of the most touching scenes in anime history. In short: she's one o0f the best examples of a supporting main character.

Third to be examined is Coach Ohta who is your average gruff mentor who starts out as one of the biggest hard asses in the series and indeed of all the anime I have seen. But considering his backstory, he has every right to be a hard ass especially with Noriko both due to her weak personality as well as a bit of personal history between them. And beneath that rough exterior is someone who was capable of seeing Noriko's potential and helped her realized that as well as act as her anchor during some pretty problematic moments in her life making him a likeable and reliable character that people can enjoy. His on/off relationship with Kazumi provides a bit of drama in the series as well as one of the most tearjerking scenes in a Gainax anime and certain aspects and traits of him shown latter in the show reinforce the theme of survival at any cost in a way only this type of character possibly could so he is most definitely a necessity to the show.

Last under the microscope is Jung Freud, the red haired Russian girl. She is rather cocky at times, serving as the rival to both Kazumi and Noriko. However, unlike most rivals, Jung actually cares about her competitors and makes it certain that her competitiveness is not the thread that connects her to them but rather admiration for the two of them and their strength which leads to perhaps her greatest trait: her loyalty. Jung Freud, despite her prickly outside, has shown that she is friends with the main two and will do anything for them out of her respect and admiration. An example would be a nigh impossible mission they go on and Jung tries to follow them despite it will absolutely cost her life. And she’s also responsible for the show’s ending which is one of the best I have ever seen so that alone justifies her character.

Now, onto the sound. I would normally talk about the English Dub here but GunBuster has NO English Dub so I can’t say a thing here. As for the original Japanese audio…I can’t say. I enjoy the voices so I assume they’re good but the Japanese have a different way of vocal interaction so I can’t say anything here. All that leaves me with is the sound track which…is surprisingly good. Despite the show embracing the time period it’s in especially music wise, I found myself enjoying it a whole lot despite the pop songs not being in most favorite song categories. The opening song kind of makes me want to dance, “GunBuster March” is an awe inspiring orchestral piece and Fly High? One of the most heart pounding pieces of music I have ever seen…while also being surprisingly girly. Great way of representing the series.

And now onto the art and animation. Although the artstyle is a bit dated due to this being from the freaking 1980's, I still found myself enjoying the artstyle quite a bit, especially the old school mecha who have a much more simplistic but equally badass design especially the signature GunBuster which participates in some of the most action packed and well animated battles I have ever seen. Even without taking into consideration the show's massive age, it's still very well made if not a tad bit slow for today, But there was not one moment in the battle I wasn't exited for. As for the characters themselves they very well drawn and detailed which gives them a more unique feel when compared to the character models used today. And the animation outside of the battles is still very fluid and smooth, especially in a...certain area on the females. Ever heard of the term “Gainaxing?” Yeah, this anime is the one who started that. And the art outside the mechas and characters is very impressive too with how detailed the background and enemies are when it would have been easier to not make them so well drawn. And Episode 6 has a slightly different style than normal which is still very enjoyable especially in hindsight considering what happens and it is NOT because Gainax ran out of ink. (We'll be talking about that next time.)

All in all, GunBuster is a really great anime. It has very lovable and engaging characters, a cliché but nice plot, involving and inspiring themes, great animation and art and heart pounding music. It was a really great trip from start to finish and I can definitely see why it got Gainax on the map and why it's influence is so prevalent in their animes. If I must say something bad about GunBuster, it's that the anime is way too short for the type of anime it's trying to be. It's a six episode OVA that could have easily been made into a 30 episode full fledged anime, especially considering how bare bones it is in terms of plot which doesn't really change and only goes from important point to point and character development is only seen in two characters and even that is still bare bones. It's a great anime but more so it's an excellent outline for an anime where if you fleshed it out a bit more and made a couple of changes, it would definitely be among the greatest anime made, which we will see later on in the review series.

Unforunately, it won't be anytime soon as the next anime can only be described as a severe step back. What do I mean by that Well, tune in next time for when I do the review on...Neon Genesis Evangelion.

#studio gainax #gunbuster #review

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