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altalksaboutstuff · 4 years

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Shantae: 1/2 Genie Hero

From the 16th of this month, March 2020, to the 15th of next month, April 2020, Games with Gold has the excellent platformer – Shantae: ½ Genie Hero. As long as you have an active Xbox Live or Xbox Gamepass Ultimate subscription

It's “FREE” to download during that period but even after April 15th, you can keep playing it, it won't leave your library and if you let your subscription expire it will still remain, you just can't play it.

I have had Gamepass for about a year now, I wanted to kind of document my journey and time with games on Gamepass and one of the first that I played when I got the service last year was Shantae: ½ Genie Hero. Unfortunately, this game is no longer available on the service and I thought back in September of 2019 that I had lost my chance to talk about it in a relevant sense, but lo and behold its back now – kind of, in a zombie-esque way.

The game expiring from Gamepass was actually the launching point for me to a Switch. It was my birthday in September and Shantae was just about to be removed from the service, great present Microsoft. I was kind of depressed that in this moment in my life that I had spent about a quarter of a year playing the game that was just going to up and leave. Now I could have bought it and at a discount but if I did that I would be getting just the base game that I was practically done with. I also had all this extra money from my birthday burning a hole in my pocket and instead doing something smart like putting towards my mortgage – I ended up buying a Switch to cheer me up. And what does the Switch have but the physical version of Shantae: ½ Genie Hero that includes all the DLC.

THAT – and the fact that one of my favorite games of all time was just remade – Link's Awakening.

So I got those two games to cope with the fact that I wouldn't be able to play Shantae on Gamepass anymore in a few days ...but I had also gotten my wife a Switch Lite for our anniversary so I kind of wanted a reason to give it to them early and we had a Switcheversay on September 28th.

NERD!

On a side note of this tangent – I feel like I'm always a little behind with Nintendo, with my earliest exposure to Nintendo being no different. Way back in the dark ages of the early 1990s I was a Genesis Lad. After school I was in a program where I first got to play a Nintendo game, there were NES consoles, games and Ataris as well. While kids at school were telling me, “YA GOTTA PLAY Donkey Kong Country 2 and Mega Man X!” The cutting edge stuff of the time, I would root around and find other games like Donkey Kong Jr. and Mega Man 2 on NES. Now don't get me wrong, those were great games I loved then and still love now but I was behind the times. I just didn't have a Super Nintendo, like most of my peers that I went to school with. I just had the Sega. So when most were playing Super Mario World, Chrono Trigger and A Link to Past – I was playing Sonic... Sonic (Sonic 2)... and Sonic... (Sonic 3 but not & knuckles)

BUT Sonic is great!

When my friends had a Gameboy Advance, I still had a Gameboy Color. When the DS was the hot handheld, I got a Gameboy Advance, I got a 3DS around the time Fire Emblem Fates came out when it seemed like everyone was clamoring for a new portable technology and I got a Wii U when it was all but dead. As previous stated, I only got a Switch last September. Heck, I haven't even played the new Mary-o yet

Pushing forwarding in the way back machine to the time when I was a still a young teen, at the age of 14, I remember a Gameboy Color game came out that I really wanted to get – Shantae. I don't even know why I really wanted it other than it was a new Gameboy Color game when new Gameboy Color games weren't coming out. Like, I remember the Gameboy Advance came out about a year ago but I didn't need one according to my parents-

Me: Mom, can I get a Gameboy Advanced? Mom: You have Gameboy Advance at Home ::At home::

So the impact of a new Gameboy Color game coming out - blew … me … away.

Of course - I didn't get that game either.

Now don't get me wrong, I still got games as a kid on birthdays and Christmas but I feel like the games I didn't get are the ones I look back at and think – If only...

(^I never had a Neo Geo but I wanted this game)

Love you Mom and Dad

Back to Shantae though

Tangents aside – why do I think I like this game?

Why is it when I played Half Genie Hero in June of 2019 did I really got hooked on it well until the end of summer? I play, play, played it – all the modes, collect the endings, the tedious achievements like Queen of the Seven Cheese where you have to beat Risky Boots by just chomping at her as a mouse doing 1 damage at at a time.... ugh! For achievements I even … gasp (teeth noise) … speed ran it. And successfully, not on my first attempt though! Or … at least successfully enough to get the endings and achievements. I've never speed ran a game before, at least on purpose. I drew bad fan art!

(^Unlike everything else on this post, I actually drew that [sorry])

For the first time in my life I even looked into Fan Fiction.

Which, on a side note, I don't recommend you look at most of the fan fiction that I’ve seen if you are at work.

The game really got its hooks into me and I'm not exactly sure why but I think I might know.

Well, it feels like a SEGA Genesis game – long story short.

Short story long - I think the best way to classify what kind of game this is, is Metroidvania. You have a mini map and you unlock powers that later allow you to explore the rest of the levels you had previous been to and there are collectibles and upgrades you can buy in game. As you play you can upgrade how Shantae attacks by purchasing upgrades for her hair whip attack or armor but the big mechanic is the transformations – you can turn into animals with varied attacks and abilities as well as some other inanimate objects and living things like this tree

- to help you better get across the stages and discover the secrets of Sequin Land.

I've also read its kind of Mega Man– ish which I had never really thought about before but yeah, because I do love some Mega Man. It has a lot of obstacles/the levels are kinds of obstacle courses like the early NES Mega Man games and there are two areas particularly in my mind – The factory in Mermaid Falls and the Hypno Baron's Castle part of the … Hypno Baron's Castle stage. Well most of it is actually like an obstacle course now that I think about it

The score is by Jake Kauffman and man, AND if I ever make a game I want that guy doing my music. I mentioned the factory part of Mermaid Falls before – the best track in the game and maybe even in any game I've ever heard is Counterfeit Mermaids, its such an earworm,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkXd26E_Ynw

I feel like this song and Neo Town Burning are the two best games

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yParHIzy1nA

You are going to be in the camp that one is better than the other (though Counterfeit Mermaids is clearly the superior track, ahem)

Its a great soundtrack, I find myself tuning into it during my commute to work and sometime even turning off my podcast or audio books to listen to this soundtrack (yes Even Neo Town Burning too). The game's lead voice actress according IMDB is Cristina Valenzuela (sometimes credited as Cristina Vee) who sings the games title theme that also appears in the first level, Scuttle Town the first time you play the level and also when you first boot up the game its there too. POW! Give it a listen – sample plays and fades. Its great. This soundtrack is really memorable and still in my rotation almost a year after I played it for the first time.

The characters themselves too are varied in personality and the styles are now toted as being“in high definition”.

Shantae is my least favorite but I think that works well in the sense of self insert. And that's not to say Shantae doesn't have a personality, she is kind of bubbly and she cares a lot about her ties such as to her family - such her uncle Mimic and her late mother - and to her friends. The three main friends that back Shantae during her journey (that also get their own adventure in the DLC)

Sky - a somewhat more responsible friend of your that is out to give you some counsel and a ride to each stage on her cool bird

Bolo – who offers a bit of comic relief

Rotty Tops the zombie that is a true friend that shows up to support you and cheer you on, in one time literally too.

By the way there is also Risky Boots (the best character, IMO) who is the larger than life antagonist to akin to a comic book villain.

But even with the “HD” graphics, and incredible score everything about just feels like … a Sega game. I can't really put it to words to do it justice, like, it has the essence of games I grew up with. I know a lot of people already had that nostalgia rush with Freedom Planet or Sonic Mania but I only just got Freedom Planet on Switch

Which is great so far, by the way

and Sonic Mania is on my to do pile

so for me – Shantae was it.

I felt that joy like I was 5 years old playing Sonic 2 for the first time. I took me something embarrassing like 8 hours to beat the first time. But after I beat it, I immediately wanted to play it again. I almost NEVER want to replay a game after I beat it – Best case is I take a break and play it again in a year. While it took me a laughable amount of hours to beat the game the first time but by the time I was really invested and on the 3rd or 4th time replaying it, I was completing it in under 2 hours. I was looking up speed running strats and Youtube videos of people speed running the game to compare and contrast how I played the game. I never, ever thought that I would speed run a game. Super Metroid still takes me an embarrassing number of hours to play and I've beat that almost as many times as Shantae now.

Having played both the Xbox One and Switch versions they look pretty similar and seem to play about the same. I noticed that the game seems to run a bit better on the Xbox One and the load times aren't as long

So I really recommend you get this game. I'm super jealous if you've never played it, you get to experience it for the first time! If you don't have an Xbox One but have a Switch you can get the physical version for pretty cheap, used I got this copy for about $20 and it has all the game content. And with the DLC you can finally play as Risky Boots!

It goes without saying that the game I am most excited for this year, 2020 is going to be Shantae and the Seven Sirens.

If you don't have an Xbox or a Switch, the game is also on PC too. Steam has sales, last time the Ultimate Edition was on sale it was only about $21 (show pic) and with a plug and play controls great.

And just as I was checking before posting this, it is on sale for $20.99 until March 30th, 2020

Its also on PS4, I guess if you don’t have any other options

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blightarts · 5 years

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PROLOGUE

Next Chapter: Coming Soon

Disclaimer: All Endless Summer and Choices rights belong to Pixelberry. Also, jokes here are not meant to offend anyone.

MC x LI Pairings: Quinn x M!MC, Jake x F!MC

Word Count: 4799

Tags: @princessstellaris, @mechaspirit, @xo-endlessmayhem-xo, @skyila, @choicesyouplayandmore, @i-miss-trr, @mysteli, @brightpinkpeppercorn, @aquamarvel, @marmolady, @sceptilemasterr, @endlessly-searching-for-you, @ohmyeightpastlives, @choiceslife

Blue eyes open to a new day. A young man in his early 20′s wakes up on his bed, with ruffled black hair and drool near his lips. One thing keeps repeating in his mind as he blankly stares at the ceiling.

“Everything in its own time.”

The man sighs and sits up straight.

Casey: That’s the only thing I believe in… for about a week. But as of now, there is little progress in restoring my friends’ memories and helping them back up to who they used to be during our adventures in that isla—

Suddenly, there was a loud bang on his door which scared him. The door opens and in comes a young blonde woman, also in her early 20′s and with blue eyes. It’s Casey’s older twin sister, Emily Summers.

Emily: Hey, Casey! Breakfast is ready! We got a big day today!

She grabs the collar of his shirt and drags him out of bed, towards the dining room.

Casey: Forget what I said. My overly-ecstatic sister is always dragging me, literally and figuratively, back to optimism. But who can blame her? She wants to be with everyone again, especially Jake.

Emily: Stop talking like Deadpool.

Casey: What? The writer likes jokes that break the 4th Wall.

(Note: You guys will read a bunch of jokes that break the 4th Wall. 😆)

The young woman rolls her eyes and chuckles as she puts her little brother on his chair, next to their roommate, Zahra Namazi, who chuckles at their antics.

Zahra: You two should audition for a sitcom, cuz your everyday shenanigans is making even me laugh.

Casey: Thanks for the compliment? I guess?

Emily just sips her coffee and stares blankly, internally giggling. Casey notices the red tint in his sister’s eyes, realizing that she cried herself to sleep, thinking about Jake, then he sighs. Soon, after the three finish breakfast, the twins go to prepare for the first day of the Hartfeld Science and Technology Week. As they get dressed, they head for the door, but not before turning to Zahra.

Emily: Zahra, you not coming?

Zahra: Why would I go to a stupid event with stupid people attending?

Emily looks at her, unamused. She turns to Casey for help who gives his sister an “I got this” look.

Casey: You know… there could be some tech in there you could hack into and use it to mess with those stupid people.

Zahra looks at Casey with a raised eyebrow.

Zahra: You present a very compelling argument, Summers. Alright, I’ll go, but I will be sitting at a discreet location so people won’t easily know it was me messing their stuff.

Casey: Great!

Emily gives Casey a double thumbs up before the three leave their dorm. They arrive at the central campus, where the event is being held. The twins see some of their friends at different places, all except one. Emily sighs as Casey pats her shoulder.

Casey: Don’t worry. Wherever he is right now, he and Mike are alright.

Emily nods and gives her brother a weak smile.

Emily: You’re right…

She shakes her head and turns to a nearby smoothie stand.

Emily: Gimme a sec.

Emily runs to the stand to order a smoothie, trying to hide her obvious pain. Casey sighs at this and just stands there, waiting for his sister to come back while looking for their best friend, Diego Soto. Soon after, Emily returns and spots Diego already with Casey. She grins.

Emily: Heyyo, Diego!

Diego: Heyyo, Emily….yo…

Casey: Close enough.

The three share laughs before being interrupted by a tapping sound from the stage’s microphone. The school dean is onstage, ready to give the opening speech for the event.

Dean: Greetings, students. Welcome to the first day of the Hartfeld Science and Technology Week.

As the dean is greeting the students and giving his speech, the twins start to feel a slight pain in their heads. Diego notices this and whispers to them.

Diego: You guys okay?

Casey: Yeah, it’s just… we haven’t felt this kind of headache since…

Diego: Since…?

Emily: …La Huerta…

Diego: “La Hoopla”?

The pain continues to hurt the twins as they look around, searching for the source. It wasn’t a success but they do spot their friends. Casey’s beloved, Quinn Kelly, is by the fountain, having a heated conversation on the phone, possibly with one of her parents. Estela Montoya is backstage, talking to someone the twins cannot see from their point of view. Sean Gayle is with Michelle Nguyen, arguing about something, while Craig Hsiao is in between them, trying to stop the fight. Raj Bhandarkar is at his food stand, selling snacks to fellow students. Zahra is on a bench, trying to hack into some of the tech present in the event. Grace Hall is at the back of the audience, twiddling her fingers and paranoid ever since her arrest. And Aleister Rourke is also at the back of the audience, arms crossed and annoyed at everything around him.

Casey: Everyone… is… here…

Emily: Almost…

The twins then feel their hearts suddenly sink, as if they’re sensing something ominous coming. Even with this pain, they can still hear the dean’s last lines for his speech.

Dean: And now, may I introduce to you, our sponsor for this event, our great Emperor. His Eminence, Mister Everett Rourke!

Most of the audience clap with joy. Some just clap normally or don’t clap at all. And very few glare at the man, including Casey, Emily and Aleister.

Emily: Great, as if we couldn’t get any more headaches…

Casey: Sshh…He’s looking right at us…

Everett spots the twins and gives them an evil smirk before starting his opening speech for the event.

Everett: Hello, students of Hartfeld University. You know? Knowledge is power, but only a few can wield this power, and even more so, only very few could utilize this power to its highest potential. With this power, you could become Gods… like who I am right now…

During the speech, Everett is being broadcasted by a news crew, showing the footage live around the world. Somewhere in Costa Rica, two familiar grown men, laying on their hammocks and sharing bottles of beer, watch the broadcast.

Jake: This news is boring. Change it.

Mike: Nah, too lazy too.

Jake: Jackass.

Mike: Nitwit.

As Everett continues his speech, the pain the twins are experiencing gets more intense as they start to hear a screeching sound. Emily drops her smoothie because of this as it spills all over the ground. Diego, confused with what to do, tries to ask for help but before he could do so, a loud bang is heard from afar. A sonic wave travels from the source of the bang and reaches the Hartfeld central campus, knocking down everyone and interrupting Everett’s speech. Quinn drops her phone on the fountain. Sean falls on Michelle. Estela falls along with the person she was talking to, revealed to be her mother, Olivia Montoya. Raj’s food stand falls apart and his snacks drop to the ground. Zahra drops her laptop and it gets broken. The rest of the gang falls over normally.

Michelle: Get off!

Sean: Wha… What was that?!

Craig: Well, whatever it is, it sure knows how to literally drop the bass.

Estela: Mom! You okay?

Quinn: My phone!

Raj: My snacks!

Zahra: My laptop!

Random Student: My leg!

The news-broadcasting camera falls on the ground. Jake and Mike notices this while watching their TV.

Mike: Woah. What do you think is going on out there?

Jake: I don’t know. But I’m having an unusual sensation right now… it’s like… this is all familiar to me…

Mike soon notices Jake glowing.

Mike: Jake!

Jake: Wha—

Jake takes notices of his situation and sees Mike glowing as well.

Jake: What the fuck is happening?!

Mike: This ain’t like any hangover I’ve experienced befo—

The two are then transported to the Hartfeld central campus, next to Casey, Emily and Diego, who immediately notices them.

Emily: J… Jake?!

Diego: Woah! Those are the wanted fugitives, Jake McKenzie and Mike Darwin!

Casey: What are they doing here…?

Jake quickly sees the American flag near the campus, realizing that he and Mike are in USA, a place they shouldn't be in.

Jake: Fuck, we shouldn't be here.

Mike: How did we even get here in the first place?

Jake: I dunno, kid. But we gotta get outta here fast.

Mike: We're not Sonic the Hedgehog!

Jake quickly keeps Mike quiet and they try to sneak away from the public. No one seems to notice this as Diego is more occupied looking after Casey and Emily while everyone else tries to get back up on their feet. But suddenly, a large crack in the sky appears, catching everyone’s attention.

Sean: Great, now what’s that?!

Aleister: That’s…

Aleister sort of realizes what is going on and goes onstage to confront his father. But before he could do so, the crack becomes larger and a large spirit entity comes out of it. It is Vaanu, or at least, what remains of it. Its presence releases a second sonic wave, which blasted Aleister away from Everett. Vaanu reaches and grabs Rourke in anger.

Vaanu: Everett Rourke! Do you not care for the consequences that come with your unforgivable sin?! You are not a god. You have tampered with the decision that decides the fate of this world. And now this world is falling apart because of you.

The masses panic and run away, pushing each other and only caring for their own safety. Casey stands up, despite his pain. He runs around, looking for Quinn.

Diego: Casey! Where are you going?!

Emily: He’s going for her…

Diego: “Her”?

Emily: Quinn Kelly…

Emily stands up and asks Diego for help.

Emily: Diego…

Diego: Yes?

Emily: I want you… to help me… reach him…

Emily points to Jake, also running away with Mike from danger, which shocks Diego.

Diego: You want me to help you get close to a wanted man?!

Emily: He’s… an innocent… and kind… man…

Diego looks into Emily’s eyes, as if she’s telepathically saying “Please” to him, and eventually, nods.

Diego: Alright, I trust you in this.

Diego helps Emily up and guides her to Jake and Mike. Meanwhile, Sean, along with Craig, tries to calm the panicking masses.

Sean: Everyone, please. Stay calm. Don’t push each other. In a single file line, please!

Craig: Listen to the man! Come on.

Michelle takes a more aggressive approach as she smacks people with her purse.

Michelle: Hey! The guys said no pushing, you idiots! In a single file line, now!

Some people nod and follow her orders, scared of her more than Vaanu’s presence.

Sean: Uhh… thanks?

Michelle: This doesn’t make us even. Now get your ass to safety while helping everyone.

Sean nods and continues helping people while Craig follows him. Michelle went a different direction to help other people. Meanwhile, Raj runs away, holding his snacks in his arms, but clumsily dropping some of them.

Raj: This is totally not the mushrooms I had this morning! This is all too real, dude!!

Grace runs along with him, scared for her life.

Grace: I don’t wanna die… I don’t wanna die… I don’t wanna die…

On the other hand, Zahra, all alone and away from the majority of the people, runs to away from Vaanu and everyone.

Zahra: These punks can take care of themselves. I don’t give one single fu—

Suddenly, she spots a disabled student, struggling to get up with her crutches. Zahra groans in anger and runs towards the student.

Zahra: Damn you, whoever’s deciding my destiny!

She gives the disabled student a piggyback ride as she runs away from the danger.

Zahra: I blame you for not being near those goody-two-shoes football players, so they could help you instead.

Student: Umm… thanks?

Back near the stage, Aleister gets up after being blown back by Vaanu. He spots his father being grabbed by the entity and grits his teeth. He turns to see Estela and Olivia being helped by I.R.I.S. and Lila.

Aleister: Sister, everyone!

The four women spot Aleister.

Estela: Aleister? What are you doing here?

Aleister: Confronting our father about what he did.

Olivia: What he did?

Aleister: He must have done something. Knowing him and his ego, it must be meddling with time, space or reality itself.

Lila: Nonsense! His Eminence would never do that!

I.R.I.S. places a hand on her son’s shoulder.

I.R.I.S.: Aleister, come on. Let us get to safety.

Aleister nods and points to the running crowd.

Aleister: Let’s go with them.

The women nod and follow Aleister to the crowd. Meanwhile, Casey eventually finds Quinn. She is struggling to run away with lots of people running faster around her. Her breathing is slow and she is getting slower. Suddenly, a random student accidentally bumps into her and she falls to the ground.

Casey: Quinn!

Casey tries to help her but his headache gets worse, causing him to scream in pain and fall over, next to her. Even with this severe pain, he crawls towards his beloved, muttering her name. Quinn looks up, spotting Casey reaching to help her. She recognizes him during their first encounter after Casey and Emily wakes to Rourke’s world.

Quinn: You… I remember you…

Casey caresses Quinn’s cheeks with tears in his eyes. He gives her a hopeful smile.

Casey: Quinn, it’s okay. It’s gonna be okay. I’m here…

Quinn smiles back before falling unconscious. Casey holds Quinn’s hand before also falling unconscious. On the other hand, Emily and Diego reach Jake and Mike.

Emily: Wait!

Jake and Mike turn to Emily. Jake makes heavy eye contact with her, slowly familiarizing her. He stops in his tracks. Mike stops as well, right in front of him.

Mike: Jake, what’s wrong?

Jake: This lady… I feel like I’ve seen her before.

Emily collapses from Diego’s arms.

Diego: Em!

Emily: I’m fine… Get to safety…

Diego: Not without you!

Jake and Mike rush to Emily’s aid.

Jake: Here, let me carry her for you.

Mike: Get to safety, buddy.

Diego pushes Jake and Mike away.

Diego: Why would I listen to criminals like you?!

There was a long silence between the three.

Diego: I don’t know why Emily has a fixation on you, but I’m not giving her to dangerous men like you!

Mike: Listen, we don’t have ti—

Jake stops Mike and steps forward.

Jake: Listen. We maybe criminals in the eyes of the public, but right now, your friend is in need and I don’t think you can carry her on your own and away from that thing. So, let me help, Short Stuff.

Diego glares at Jake’s eyes and exhales deeply.

Diego: Fine. But I’m only letting you save her. I’m not letting you near my best friend again after this.

Mike: That’s fine by us.

Jake carries Emily in his arms and runs away, with Diego and Mike right behind him. Emily, struggling not to fall unconscious, reaches to caress Jake’s cheek and smiles.

Emily: Nice to see you again… Top Gun…

Emily falls unconscious while Jake feels both relief and confusion after hearing what Emily said. As everyone runs further from Vaanu, it opens its other hand and shows Rourke what it has. Everett’s eyes widen to see the Crystal Heart of Vaanu on its palm.

Everett: It can’t be!

Vaanu: This time, you will not get in the way of this world’s destiny.

Vaanu crushes the Crystal Heart and shatters it into three shards. It then opens three portals to three different timelines, before hurling each shard to each timeline. Rourke protests.

Everett: What did you do?!

Vaanu: I have sent my Heart’s shards into different timelines in order to keep this world intact long enough for the Catalysts to restore it into the way it’s supposed to be.

Everett: You insolent...!

Rourke grits his teeth in anger and activates something on his watch. Soon, the Omega Mech appears. Vaanu, prepared for the machine’s arrival, drops Rourke on the ground and grabs the robot, crushing it. This surprises Rourke, who starts to back away in fear. But before he could run away, Vaanu hurls the Omega Mech behind him and fires a celestial beam to it, causing an explosion. Broken shrapnel pierces Rourke’s back, heavily but not fatally wounding him. The explosion then blows him towards a pole and his body collides with it, knocking him unconscious. Vaanu looks onto the running crowd, spotting Casey, Emily and the rest of the Catalysts.

Vaanu: Everything else falls into your hands now… Catalysts…

Vaanu raises its arm and snaps its fingers. It then fades away as the crack in the sky and the portals disappear. The panicked masses notice this and have stopped running.

College Professor: Is… is it gone…?

Dean: I think it is…

Student: We… we’re safe now, right…?

Aleister’s group, noticing the disappearance of Vaanu, run back to look for Rourke and they eventually spot him on the ground, wounded and unconscious.

Olivia: Everett!

Lila: Your Eminence!

Aleister: Father!

Estela: No!

I.R.I.S.: Scanning vitals.

The group crouch around him.

Olivia: I.R.I.S., status!

I.R.I.S.: Vitals are stable but he’s still bleeding. We need to give him quick medical attention.

Lila: Alright, let me carry him to the—

Estela: Mom…?

The group turns to Estela, who is glowing and slowly fading away.

Estela: I don’t feel so good…

Olivia: What the... No, no, no…!

Olivia holds Estela close, as the latter clutches her mother, not wanting to let go.

Estela: I don’t wanna go, Mom… I don’t wanna go…

Olivia turns to the group for help.

Olivia: What is happening to my daughter?!

I.R.I.S.: It is as if she is being transported a different place… or a different time…

Lila: Like… she is being sent to either the past or the future.

Aleister: That is the case...

Olivia: Then help her!

I.R.I.S.: I am truly sorry, Olivia… but there’s nothing we can do here…

Olivia turns to Estela with tears in their eyes.

Olivia: It’s going to be alright, Dear. Look at me.

Estela nods, speechless as she completely fades away. Meanwhile, the people look to the sky, questioning if whatever just showed up is truly gone.

Sean: Where did it go…? What did it want…?

Craig: Uhh… Sean…?

Sean turns to Craig, who fades away like Estela. Sean is left speechless and sees himself fading away as well. His face shows both confusion and fear before he is completely gone.

Michelle: Sean! No!

Michelle tries to reach for the fading Sean but she fades away as well. Raj and Grace watch in horror but then soon realize that they are fading away too.

Grace: No, no, no—

Raj: This has to be some sort of tri—

The two are then silenced by their disappearances. Meanwhile, Zahra sees her hand fading then her entire self. She sighs and shakes her head in annoyance.

Zahra: Motherfu—

On the other hand, Casey and Quinn remain unconscious to each other. No words. Just Quinn fading away, leaving Casey alone. Meanwhile, Emily is laid on the bench with Diego comforting her. Jake and Mike discuss what just happened.

Mike: What do you think is going on here?

Jake: I don’t really know but I don’t wanna stick around to find out. We gotta find a way back to Costa Rica someho—

Diego: Woah!

Jake and Mike turn to Diego who starts to fade away.

Diego: This is crazy! Like Infinity War cra—

Jake goes to help Diego but the latter disappears completely.

Jake: He's... gone...

Mike: Jake…?

Jake turns to Mike, who is looking at his own fading hand. They look at each other before Mike fades away entirely. Jake, in silence, also notices himself fading away. He turns to Emily, still unconscious, and crouches near her.

Jake: I don’t know who you are yet… but I promise… I will find you…

Jake smiles and pats Emily’s forehead gently before disappearing. After Mike and most of the Catalysts disappeared, a portal opens above Casey and Emily’s unconscious bodies and Vaanu’s hands carefully scoop them up and pull them in the other side of the portal. The people in the central campus of Hartfeld are left bewildered and traumatized by what they have just witnessed.

“Everything in its own time.”

Two pairs of blue eyes open upon hearing these words. Casey and Emily wake up, no longer in pain. They look around and see nothing but a white void.

Casey: Whe… where are we?

Emily: I don’t know. I don’t even remember how we got here.

Casey: Last thing I remembered is seeing Quinn.

Emily: Mine was Jake.

The twins stand up and walk a few meters in the white void until it starts to take form into a familiar purplish dimension, with prismatic crystals laying around and a purple moon in the sky.

Casey: Looks like the dimension where we met Vaanu.

Emily: And before we made the choice of fucking up everyone’s lives.

The twins sigh, realizing their mistake of siding with Rourke and thinking that they might make their friends’ lives better.

Vaanu: That is not entirely true.

Vaanu appears in front of Casey and Emily.

Vaanu: You did choose to side with Rourke, but that is not the whole story.

Emily: What do you mean?

Vaanu: That truth is not mine to tell.

Casey: Well, what is the kind of truth that Em and I should know right now?

Vaanu taps the twins’ foreheads and shows them a vision of what it did to Rourke and the Crystal Heart.

Vaanu: Rourke did something that goes against what we all agreed upon. He messed with things that he should not have control over. And thus, with my remaining strength, I had to punish him and scatter my Crystal Heart into different timelines in order to keep this world from self-destruction. However, time is limited. I am tasking the two of you and your friends to collect the shards and make it whole again.

Casey: After that, we’re going to decide again, like last time?

Emily: Well, this time, we’re gonna choose the one where everyone is happy, except Rourke.

Vaanu: That is not entirely the case.

Emily: Huh?

Vaanu: When you chose to side with Rourke and had the Omega Mech utilized my power, stored within the Crystal Heart and you two, the both of you became completely human.

Casey: Like, Emily and I are no longer a part of you?

Vaanu nods in agreement. Casey and Emily look at each other for a moment, realizing that if they did manage to repair the Heart of Vaanu and restore things to how they are supposed to be, they can stay and be with the people they care about the most.

Vaanu: I suppose you two already know what I am implying.

Casey: Yeah. The three shards of your Crystal Heart each have a third of your full power.

Emily: And if we managed to put them back together, then you can be whole again, the world is saved and the two of us can stay here, with our friends and family.

Vaanu: Exactly. An ending befitting everyone’s needs.

Emily glares and points upwards.

Emily: Calling you out, Pixelberry!

Casey chuckles at what Emily is doing.

(Jk, love you, PB. Keep doing great on your books. 😆)

Vaanu then opens three portals, each leading to a timeline where it sent its Crystal Heart shards.

Vaanu: Behind these gateways are the timelines where I sent the shards. I have also separated your friends and sent them here to help you two in your quest.

Casey: Alright, simple enough.

Vaanu: However, once you enter either one of these gateways, you will be sent to a time one month after I have already sent the shard and your friends.

Emily: So, our friends get there on Day 1 and the two of us get there after a month?

Vaanu: The two of you are quite adaptable compared to your friends. Besides, it will be easier for you to find them once they have gotten familiar with the world they are currently living.

Casey: Makes sense.

Emily: Can you at least tell us which of our friends are in which timeline?

Vaanu: That is for me to know and for you two to find out on your own.

Emily: ….Cool!

Emily puffs her cheeks and cross her arms. Casey pats her back and gives her a motivational smile. Vaanu then guides the twins to each of the portals, giving them a background on the timelines they lead to.

Vaanu: This gateway leads to the Arcane Era; a time where technology is rare and magic is everywhere. Humans are able to use magic and wield spellbooks to better utilize this magic. The world is also split between the Natural Realm and Spirit Realm.

Casey: Sounds like something from an isekai-genre (Other world) anime.

The three then approach the second portal.

Vaanu: This gateway leads to the Dragonic Era; a time where dragons, wyverns and large beasts roam the land, along with humans. They were once allies, however an unforgivable sin done by the humans sparked a war between them. That was their history. In the present, the descendants of the humans are studying these creatures and uncovering their past while the creatures are behaving like animals in your world.

Emily: Sounds like something out of a video game.

The three then approach the final portal.

Vaanu: This gateway leads to the Dystopia Era; a time where I did not confront Rourke and sent away my Crystal Heart shards to the different timelines. In this timeline, an old enemy takes over and kills Rourke. This enemy then terrorizes the land and is planning to expand his control to the entire world. But a rebellion is standing in this enemy’s way.

Casey: Sounds like something from the Terminator film series.

Vaanu then gives each of the twins a special bracelet that contains the Hadean Zodiac signs of their friends.

Vaanu: This will help you find your friends. When one of the signs glows temporarily, it means they are nearby. The signs will permanently glow once your friends have their memories restored.

Emily: Thank you.

Emily smiles and admires her bracelet. Casey does the same.

Vaanu: Have you two decided on where to go first?

The twins nod.

Casey: I’m going to the Arcane Era.

Emily: I’m going to the Dragonic Era.

Vaanu nods back.

Vaanu: Excellent. Now once you two have reunited with your friends and reclaimed the two Crystal Heart shards in their respective Eras, you can tap your bracelets and you will be sent back here. You and your friends must go to the Dystopia Era together and reclaim the final shard before Rourke wakes from his slumber. He won’t be in a coma for too long, and his allies are making sure that you will not accomplish your goal.

Casey: Understood.

Emily: We won’t lose this time.

Vaanu then extends each of its hands towards the twins and gives them each an outfit, matching the Era they have chosen.

Vaanu: Now, it is time for you two to be equipped with the proper attire.

Casey receives a pair of matching silver and crimson gauntlets and boots, an Eastern waistcoat, arm-gloves to go with his gauntlets and a sleeveless crimson shirt with a cape-like bottom. Casey also gets his hair tied to a rising ponytail and his bangs dyed crimson. The young man grins at his new look.

Casey: Dang! I look smokin’!

Meanwhile, Emily receives a set of leather armor, including a black long-sleeve leather jacket, a brown leather vest, a pair of brown leather bracers, a pair of leather greaves, and black short leather trousers. She also receives a pair of goggles and a slingshot-like attachment to her left bracer. She delights on her new outfit.

Emily: Sweet! I look like a hunter!

Vaanu nods and slowly starts to fade away.

Vaanu: You two are ready. And now it is time for me leave the rest to you.

The twins notice Vaanu disappearing.

Emily: Vaanu!

Casey: Wait. We still have no idea what to do.

Vaanu points up, to the stars in the sky.

Vaanu: Worry not, Casey and Emily. The stars will guide you.

Soon after, Vaanu is completely gone, leaving the twins to their task. The two look at each other with determination in their faces.

Casey: Last one to get back here with our friends and the shard owes the winner a meal.

Emily: Oh, you are so on!

Casey and Emily bump their fists then go in for a handshake.

Emily: Take care out there.

Casey: You too.

They then face their respective portals with determined grins before letting go of each other’s hands and running towards their goal.

--- END OF PROLOGUE ---

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isagrimorie · 5 years

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[initial reactions] Doctor Who 11x11 - Resolution

(of the Dalek)

Now that is what I’m talking about!

Also, I don’t care how BBC numbers this episode, for me this is the season finale for series 11. It’s written that way in a way that DW 11x10 never felt like.

Things in bullet points:

WAYNE YIP. I knew he won’t let me down as a director! I loved the episodes he directed in Doctor Who but especially in Class: ‘Detained’ and ‘The Metaphysical Engine or What Quill Did’. Those episodes together with the Class season/series final made me care for Class in a big way. And its part writing and its part directing/editing.

I think more than anything, this series proves to me that a good director is crucial to both the pacing and feel of a Doctor Who episodes. Jaime Childs, bless him, is more comfortable directing very intimate and cozy stories than in Big Event Cinematic stories. Unfortunately, his directorial vision set what Series 11 would look like, and a lot of the next few director followed his directorial cues.

Jaime Childs directing ‘It Takes You Away’ is right in his wheelhouse because it’s a small cast, in a very closed setting. It’s theater. Jaime Childs directing very big set pieces like ‘The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos’ on the other hand? Aside from some nice tableaux is really outside of his wheelhouse.

‘Resolution’ makes TBRaK feel tacked on and makes me wonder what the writing schedule/bts is behind the production of ‘Resolution’ and TBRaK.

Speaking of TBRaK, remember the Doctor’s ‘Don’t quote me, I always change the rules’. I knew that would come back, and I knew it would be significant because already, the Doctor’s changed the rules on them. I don’t know if the Chillest Companions to Ever Companion noticed but there was a great deal of heaviness to the Doctor’s ‘Me and a Dalek? It’s personal’. And, I know the Team was distracted because of Ryan’s Dad but the moment the Doctor acquiesced to the the Dalek’s demands and said ‘Fine’ with that flat but cold look in her eyes, the same look she had in ‘The Woman Who Fell to Earth’ as she watched Tim Shaw absorb five DNA bombs, I knew The Doctor was up to something, and it wasn’t good.

True enough. She was and did fling the Dalek straight into a supernova.

‘I learned to think like a Dalek a long time ago.’ I went ‘ooooooooooh’. Because, mate, DUDE. More than anything else, that tells me a lot about the Doctor and how they really think tactically. She’s no longer going there for a first and practical option like she did when she was Twelve (Bill’s hurt and judging voice still echoes to this day ‘have you killed anyone?’), but that kind of cold, strategic thinking is still there.

The Dalek!Control of Lin was terrifying and excellent use of a Dalek. I actually prefer this over the Dalek hybrid in terms of horror elements and body horror. It’s a really great horrifying moment on par with the body horror in World Enough and Time in Series 10.

“Now do that again to my face.” Chills man. Also, the whole microphone scene, both BAD. ASS. and also, like the Doctor playing to a crowd (which she was — the Doctor’s established this).

“You don’t have to come.”

“‘Course we do!”

“We’re always with you!”

Again, that look on Thirteen’s face. More ambivalent, more and more it seems like she’s not liking that unquestioning Ride or Die mentality both Ryan and Yaz have. Especially here, against a Dalek but she keeps quiet. But the first chance she got to come face to face with a Dalek, she dispatches them away.

The dark mirror of a Dalek!Controlled!Lin building the Dalek Casing and Thirteen making her own sonic. Amazing.

“Except. I’m not human, have a scan!” The swaggering bravado. The ego. “Aw, mate. I’m the Doctor, ring any bells?”

And the Dalek backing away. The most dangerous being in the universe. And it backs away from her, because everyone who is in the know knows that the Doctor is the most dangerous being in the universe.

There’s that savage joy there at being recognized. The sheer glee she has at being recognized (without the grandstanding), and how much dark joy she has at tracking the Dalek. Pure Predator of the Dalek coming out but with the Humans there, kept firmly at bay.

“I tried, I gave it a chance.” Oh, Doctor, seeking absolution. Seeking an excuse and this team, not knowing about the Doctor’s history with the Daleks gives it to her. And even without flinging the Dalek into a Supernova, the fact that she’s to melt a Dalek in its shell…

‘Rules change all the time’ and ‘think like a Dalek’ indeed.

Jodie Whittaker is enjoying playing the action hero! She never gets to do stuff like that as Britain’s Number One Grieving Mother. The slide! The unnecessary roll! In my head Jake Peralta went: ‘Unnecessary’ and then Thirteen’s Inner Rosa Diaz replied with: ‘Disagree’. (If you think Jodie didn’t imagine the same thing in her head, then you don’t know Jodie’s deep, abiding love for Brooklyn Nine Nine).

I’m currently watching the First Doctor’s first encounter with the Dalek and the The Doctor and the Team ganging up on the Dalek is a visual callback to the time when the First Doctor, Susan, Barbara, and Ian did the exact same thing to a Dalek! Chibnall, you nerd!

“I was thinking… Everywhere.” I know this was similar to the TBrAK ending but IMO, this was better, which again, begs the question, when was TBrAK planned?

Other Things of Note:

I can’t help but laugh at how UNIT was scuttled because of Brexit and possibly because Trump. Although pfffft. Anyone who knows Kate ‘Bleeding’ Stewart knows she’s not going to let an issue like ‘funding’ get in the way and she’s operating an underground taskforce right now. But the Doctor’s face at the stupid money stuff was amazing.

Also, Kate Stewart is a Chibnall creation, I bet she’s coming back next season, at the most opportune time, just when the Doctor needs her.

I hope the ‘Order of the Custodians’ comes back for series 12! That feels too awesome an organization/name to use just once.

Speaking of, the proliferation of three letter companies in series 11, aside from Kerblam… coincidence or something more? GFB in Rosa, JLR Disposal in Arachnids in the UK (okay, that’s a stretch), and MZD weapons research here.

The scene between Ryan and his dad, and Graham and Ryan’s dad. I really like the quiet moments. I hope we get more Yaz in series 12 as Chibnall said during the press briefings.

The music, as Jodie would say, is ACE!

Who was the narrator? I need to look him up in IMDB.

THE SCARF. PLZ BE MORE PART OF THE DOCTOR’S OUTFIT!

#doctor who spoilers #doctor who #long post #initial reactions #thirteenth doctor #dw 11x11 #dw: resolution #13th doctor

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ramajmedia · 5 years

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Ben Schwartz’s 10 Best Roles (So Far), Ranked | ScreenRant

Most people know Ben Schwartz for his hilarious and layered performance as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on Parks & Recreation. But he’s been doing comedy, especially improv, for years now. He currently voices Leo in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and appears in Bojack Horseman as Rutabaga Rabitowitz. Right now, we’re all awaiting his first starring role in a big studio movie: Sonic the Hedgehog.

We won’t know enough to rate his performance as Sonic in Sonic the Hedgehog until the film is (finally) released a few months from now. Until then, here are Ben Schwartz’s top ten roles, so far.

RELATED: BoJack Horseman's 10 Saddest Moments, Ranked

10 BB8 — Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Hardcore Star Wars fans might have looked this up by now, but for the rest of us who didn’t know, the initial work for BB8’s personality and conversations with the other characters was first acted out by Ben Schwartz. In initial run-throughs, he worked with actors like Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, responding to their lines in English, and then those lines were translated into the beeps and boops that make up BB8’s lines.

It took a lot of rounds of trying to get the sounds just right. Apparently, the initial try sounded too human. Schwartz has said he isn’t sure how much of his voice is in the movie and how much of BB8 was digitally created, but he will always be one of the people who helped create BB8’s persona.

9 Bill Hoyt — Undercovers (2010-2012)

This comedic take on undercover spies was created by J.J. Abrams and Josh Reims. It only lasted for 13 episodes, 2 of which didn’t even air until years after the first 11. It was canceled pretty quickly, before it was really given a chance to breathe, and Abrams has taken the blame for that, saying he was trying to do something light and frivolous when that’s simply not in his wheelhouse.

RELATED: Parks & Rec: 10 Episodes That Actually Tackled Deep Issues

Nevertheless, Schwartz is hilarious as the awkward computer nerd Bill Hoyt. Bill worships the leading male spy, Steven Bloom, and is so into the whole spy gimmick that he insists on using all the “lingo.” If you’ve ever wanted a comedic James Bond, this is the right show.

8 Milk Man - Jake & Amir (2009-2014)

There are several episodes of CollegeHumor’s web comedy show Jake & Amir that Ben Schwartz has guest-starred in over the years. His role as Milk Man (and doctor) in 2012 is probably his most iconic episode though. He comes in as a milkman who pours rotten milk all over Amir then helps him deliver a shoe. Schwartz does a lot of improv comedy and it really shines through in his Jake & Amir appearances.

Because Ben Schwartz kept making up his own hilarious character names in Jake & Amir, Redditors have actually created a Ben Schwartz Name Generator inspired by the insane combinations of phonemes he’d put together.

7 Josh Bath — The Earliest Show (2016)

In this miniseries, Ben Schwartz stars with Lauren Lapkus as two co-hosts of an early morning TV show. Guest stars on the show include comedians like Jake Johnson, Eugene Cordero, Reggie Watts, and Thomas Middleditch.

Josh Bath gets dumped live on air, and he and Samantha Newman (Lapkus) have to struggle through the rest of the show as he deals with the seven stages of grief. They hilariously harass, comfort, and are comforted by the guests that take a risk on this weird morning talk show. Schwartz is hilarious and heartfelt. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series.

6 Rutabaga Rabitowitz — Bojack Horseman (2015-2017)

This fluffy bunny is not at all that he seems. Schwartz plays Rabitowitz, a scheming, sarcastic, and relentlessly cheerful agent on Bojack Horseman. The character has a romantic relationship with another agent, Princess Carolyn, who he then hurts by not divorcing his wife. He also has a tendency to steal roles for Princess Carolyn’s clients right out from under her nose, something which drives her crazy.

RELATED: The 10 Best Guest Stars from Bojack Horseman, Ranked

For people used to the high-pitched sing-song voice he’s done for other roles, Schwartz’s voice is almost unrecognizable here. But he brings so much life to this character that we’re glad the part didn’t go to someone else.

5 Clyde Oberholt — House of Lies (2012-2016)

Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell also star in this comedic take on a group of management consultants who get the job done, no matter the cost. Schwartz plays a consultant who specializes in marketing and spin. He is often cruel, jealous, and beyond arrogant. One of the only emotions he ever shows is anger, but he’s always down for a good time. He can read people like a book and uses their weaknesses against them.

Schwartz’s normally silly brand of comedy works surprisingly well with a darker spin. His presence pulls the show toward a helplessly darker while the rest of the characters largely pull him back from the dark side.

4 Leo — Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018—)

The new remake of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was greeted with skepticism, but has been steadily getting better and better reviews as the shows continues. The show’s brighter colors accompany a lighter adaptation, something a bit more fun and humorous than previous versions.

Leonardo is normally the taskmaster of the turtles, but in this new take on the characters, Leo actually gets to have fun as a teenager. He still retains his leadership and analytical qualities, but he isn’t annoying or domineering. It’s that fun-loving spirit that Schwartz brings to the voice. He gives Leo the brevity he needs to be a fun teen once again.

3 Dewey Duck — DuckTales (2017-2019)

In this adaptation of DuckTales David Tennant stars as Scrooge McDuck and Ben Schwartz plays his grandnephew Dewey, the adventurous and funny triplet. He’s a classic middle child, always trying to stand out from the crowd, including starting his own internet talk show. As always, Schwartz brings depth to the role. We see hints of Dewey’s deep-seated fear that he’s just an ordinary duck. He is constantly trying to prove himself by throwing himself into dangerous situations.

RELATED: David Tennant's 10 Best Roles, Ranked

This role and Schwartz’s role as Leo (see previous) only rank as 3 and 4 on our list because so much of the hilarity of Ben Schwartz is the physicality he brings to his comedy. While these roles are great—and he deserves every leading role—the next to let us see the full spectrum of Schwartz’s comedic talents.

2 Rabbi Charles “Boner” Grodner — This is Where I Leave You (2014)

This movie is a powerhouse of comedic talent. Ben Schwartz plays Rabbi Charles Grodner, who was friends with Adam Driver’s character in high school and earned the nickname Boner, for obvious reasons. After the four Altman siblings moved away to start their lives, he stayed behind and became a rabbi. When he handles their father’s funeral, they struggle to take him seriously and he falls back to his old high school insecurities as he tries to earn their respect.

Even though he’s a side character, Schwartz does so much with the time he’s given. He has heart and brings so much warmth to a role that would have come off as pathetic in the wrong hands.

1 Jean-Ralphio Saperstein — Parks & Recreation (2010-2015)

This is the role Ben Schwartz is most recognized for, and deservedly so. Every time Jean-Ralphio appears on screen as Tom’s ridiculous, grossly sexual, and trouble-plagued friend the comedy soars to new heights. He is outlandish and ridiculous, but also has so much heart. Jean-Ralphio always thinks he’s killing it and never seems to realize that he is his own worst enemy. He’s basically a puppy, and no matter what terrible thing he does, it’s impossible to be mad at him. He’s maybe not the best friend anyone wants to have, but everyone needs a Jean-Ralphio in their corner to cheer for them and encourage them to let loose sometimes.

Schwartz appears in 21 episodes of the show and each one is a brilliant performance. In anyone’s hands, the character would be frustrating, but Schwartz makes him a memorable and amazing character.

NEXT: 10 Amy Poehler Quotes That Are Too Funny For Words

source https://screenrant.com/ben-schwartz-best-roles-ranked/

#screenrant

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aftermathdb · 6 years

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DEATH BATTLE Review: Nightwing vs. Daredevil.

The ninety ninth battle. It’s been what?- Almost eight years, and we’ve come this far. This episode is just… full of a lot of firsts. Like it being the very first Live-Action Battle. Two acrobats, fighting it out in the arena. One will live, and the other……… will be resurrected because let’s face it, this is comic books.

Nightwing′s Preview.

Nightwing: The first Robin, and the first one to leave the nest… Er, cave, as it were. We know how this goes, we see some background and a quick overview of his stats.

We get a rundown of some of the things he’s done, and some of the feats he has. We also get the backstory as to him falling out with Batman, and his graduation to become Nightwing.

Especially since we also get to see how Bruce failed a second time to keep a Robin by his side…

(Red Hood vs. Winter Soldier confirmed?)

Nightwing’s arsenal also gets a page, much like many other previous characters.

By the looks of it, only the variants in the Wing-Dings will give Nightwing an edge at all.

And Nightwing’s feats put him ahead of the game. These are quite impressive for just a regular human with intense acrobatic and martial arts training.

(I’m starting to get the feeling that being able to sneak around Superman is becoming less and less of an impressive feat. But sneaking around Batman is an impressive feat. Give that guy a taste of what he give Commissioner Gordon for a change!)

Overall, Nightwing seems very primed for this battle. It honestly feels like a great way to introduce the character, and unlike his mentor, Nightwing actually possesses a sense of humor and (to me, personally) a lot more likable.

The end line is from when he introduced himself to Starfire after she got flung into the future. Remember that episode?- Man, I miss that show.

Daredevil′s Preview.

Daredevil has an edge or two right off the bat. As a kid who trained to be like his father, he was a pretty good acrobat and fighter. Plus, he’s got a good Netflix show. And thanks to that, I’m sure we all know his backstory. Boxing dad, chemicals in the eyes, superpowers, rigged match gone awry, and dead parents. Because what’s a superhero without dead parents?

(What do comic book creators have against parents?)

But anyways, on to the more kick-ass stuff.

Matt’s overall stats gives him an edge in height and weight. But that’s not going to mean much unless he has some abilities and skills to back him up.

So by the looks of it, they’re both equal in terms of being at peak human physique, and are fairly even in martial arts skills. Daredevil’s radar sense seems to also let him have a perfect detection of his surroundings, and we even get a comparison on how it works.

Overall, his arsenal is what would really set him apart.

Considering that this isn’t as versatile as Nightwing’s arsenal, it says a lot about how much Daredevil relies on his powers and skills to win fights.

And his feats are quite something to be impressed about.

(So they’ve both broken concrete. Good to know).

End line is something from his series. At least, I think so… It’s been a while since I last watched it.

The Battle Itself.

There is no animator for this Live-Action battle. Nightwing will be portrayed by Danny Shepard while Daredevil will be portrayed by Tyler Tackett. This is also a co-lab with ismahawk, who made a five-part Nightwing fan series. So, look out for references to that. Devil of the Night is composed by Brandon Yates.

So, for this being the first live-action battle, there’s a lot of firsts. And the battle opens with Nightwing trying to sneak up on Daredevil, but it not working because… it’s Daredevil.

The primary reason for the fight starting is because they’re both after a briefcase that is important to a case they’re both working.

(Honda: If you hit the trunk, it’ll open).

We get a staredown, and then the action starts.

So, both of them seem to be fairly evenly matched at the start. And the acrobatic work is pretty good too.

Now, you’ll have to excuse me, because I am not exactly an aficionado in live-action fights like this. I’ve been spoiled by the high-budget movies, and high-budget CGI, so I might not be the greatest expert here. Since these sort of live-action comic shows are typically more story-driven than action-driven, it feels a bit… slow.

an aspect about the fight that I don’t really like is that the battle has pauses for brief moments. While I get that it’s so that the actors can catch their breath, it feels out of place here. Had this been a gun fight, where the combatants would be taking cover behind different objects, there would be a better justification. But here… it feels really out of place.

(At least we get some flips. Every Death Battle needs at least two good flips to feel real (Dammit Torrian, you’ve spoiled us viewers with your choreography and flips)).

And Nightwing’s tech gives him something to figure out about DD. He’s got some sort of anomaly in his brain, and he [Nightwing] is about to formulate a hypothesis. Because he has been trained by Batman.

The little wrestling portion seems to have dislocated Daredevil’s shoulder, but true to Daredevil fashion, he just fixes it himself. What a boss.

Anyways, Nightwing seems to be eager to test his hypothesis by rendering the arena completely dark. And neither fighter is hindered a bit. Daredevil’s super senses and Nightwing’s nightvision tech essentially make the darkness moot.

And just as Nightwing is about to attack, Daredevil deflects the weapons, just like how it was mentioned that he could do back in his rundown.

(The wing-dings landed in a car’s door)

The battle rages on until it Daredevil pins Nightwing down and is ready for a finishing blow in

5…

4…

3…

2…

1…

Nightwing uses the sonic wing-dings from before and overloads Daredevil’s senses before taking him down.

By the way, that last shot there is a reference to the Nightwing series by ismahawk (I told you to look out for references)

(Jeez, Dick. You just killed a blind guy).

Verdict + Explanation.

So, overall, most of the fight was dead even. Nightwing took strength thanks to several of his feats like keeping the jaw of a shark closing in on him, and Daredevil took speed thanks to his bullet deflection narrowly outpacing Nightwing dodging gunfire.

And in terms of arsenal and equipment, they were also pretty even. Neither suit would be hindered by electricity, and both were very durable.

But much like Spider-Man vs. Batman, only one of them had something that would stop the other in their tracks. Much like how Spider-Man’s spider-sense renders Batman’s stealth useless, Nightwing’s sonic wing-dings would cause a sensory overload on Daredevil’s end.

And the way that Nightwing could deduce it also plays a minor factor. As he is a smart cookie, and his mask sensor would let him know something was up.

Some notecards also indicate that Nightwing could also take advantage of other aspects of Daredevil’s powers, and turn them against him. Effectively reducing Daredevil to just sonar, smell, and other senses outside of his ultra-sensitive touch.

In the end, both fighters were very even, making really feel as if it could go either way, but Nightwing’s detective skills and varied arsenal ended this bout.

Overall impression.

Overall, it feels like a big factor was a variant of the “He’s Batman” argument, but after going back and listening to the explanation a few more times, it became a lot more clear that between the two of them, fifty-five times out of a hundred, Nightwing would come out on top.- At least, that’s how it came off to me.

The pauses in the fight didn’t really feel appropriate, but for a first live-action battle, it was really great. Overall, I’d say that it earns a good 8.6/10. It doesn’t have the same feel as other battles, and I feel that it would take some getting used to. So really, 8.6/10, with some room to grow.

Next Time…

To be honest, I wasn’t sold on battle 100. I was honestly expecting something like Samus vs. Master Chief, Galactus vs. Unicron, Darkseid vs. Thanos, Ruby vs. Maka, or even Wario vs. Rouge. Heck! I was also expecting something like Jaune vs. Tucker, or Danny Phantom vs. Jake Long! But this… This was unexpected. It took a comment on the site to really sell me on it, and even then, I’m still a bit hesitant.

So yeah. Mario vs. Sonic. It’s happening again. While I’m more looking forward to seeing Wiz and Boomstick, it took this comment to really make me see this as not being a waste of time:

So, while I can understand why they tried to hype it up, it took some convincing.

Is there a fight that you want me to review? - Send an ask/request, and I’ll look into it!

Do you want to read my fanfic based around DEATH BATTLE itself? click here!

Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you next time for…

A new rematch.

#Deathbattle #Death Battle #screwattack #review

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azthedragon · 3 years

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Author Self-Interview

Tagged by @LadyLynse (even if she really didn't)

(pen)Name: AzTheDragon

Fandoms: Full dive into Sonic the Hedgehog, Danny Phantom, Mega Man/Rockman, Harry Potter, Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja, Naruto, Legend of Zelda, How to Train Your Dragon, Trollhunters, and My Hero Academia/僕のヒーローアカデミア. Marginal exposure to CSI, Supernatural, Rise of the Guardians, Avatar: the Last Airbender, Jake Long, Narnia, Merlin, Voltron, Ladybug & Chat Noir. Currently diving into Assassin's Creed. I think there is more, but they are marginal enough for me to not remember them at the moment.

Where do you post: FFN and Ao3, with a sprinkle in Tumblr.

Most popular multi-chapter fic: Well, going by comment number, on FF.Net it's Unwilling Partners. On AO3 it's Odin's Eye.

Most popular oneshot: Seems like Slip of the Tongue takes the crown.

Favorite story you’ve written so far: Uhhh... good question. I wouldn't have written them if I didn't like them. But if I had to chose, it is “Fall of a Hero, Rise of a God”

Fic you were nervous to post: None. I'm nervous about other things, though.

How do you choose your titles: A combination of "spur of the moment", "dream it up during sleep", and "a certain detail/theme from the fic". Sometimes it takes longer to find the right words, but that's the process (more or less). When a title doesn't come right away, it's usually something along the lines of "uhhhhhhh" or the name of the fandom until I get the right one.

Do you outline: Kinda? I get the idea, plan how it would happen, plan where it should go, plan what I want in it. The rest is... well... let's just say the characters move the plot. Sometimes in a direction I never considered before.

Complete: Ahhhh... my Achille's Heel. Yeah. I'm trying to finish stuff, but when the fic becomes longer than a few chapters... it's *coughs*yearsinthemaking*coughs*. I'm wondering if I should rewrite Unwilling Partners because it hasn't been cooperating at all lately and I refuse to abbandon it.

Do you accept prompts: Yeah. 3 sentences prompt are doable. Sometimes they'll go further than 3 sentences, though.

Upcoming story you’re most excited to write about: I will NOT start any new stories until I get at least one of the wips done. I know myself enough to say that if I do just that I will never finish the wips. And they need finishing. But... well... I've been nabbed by Assassin's Creed lately, sooo... yeah. Need to focus on finishing older ones.

Stories you’re most excited to read: I live for the Time Travel Thrope. Crossovers are a good second, like any AU I might find interesting. I definitely don't do heavy romance and angst, though.

#tag game #writer's game

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airadam · 3 years

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Episode 144 : Multiples Of Twelve

"It ain't f-ing sensible."

- Strategy

I ended up completely changing the selection this month when, taking the lead from a few tracks I was considering, I decided to go with an all-downtempo selection - a continuous unbroken mix once the first lyric hits. That said, there's a serious mix of genres so you get a bunch of variety inside the hour-long show! Get yourself plugged in...

RIP to the legendary Chi Modu - the man responsible for some of the most iconic images in the culture.

Twitter : @airadam13

Twitch : @airadam13

Playlist/Notes

Duett : Video

An extremely short track to open things, just for the flavour! Duett, is a UK synthwave artist (only one person, despite the name) who has released some amazing records channeling that electronic 80s vibe. This one is drawn from the "O U T L I N E S" mini-album from last year - all tracks that were done in a day each - and is a bite-size motif that you could imagine as the sonic logo for a film company or TV station from the VHS era.

Meyhem Lauren ft. Hologram & Big Body Bes : Lexus In The Lobby

I was originally saving this for a future mix, but even though it would have fit perfectly thematically, it's so much slower than pretty much everything else that it may not have ultimately made the cut. This is an absolute gem from the original "Glass" EP, with Harry Fraud on production building an absolute vibe with a quality sample that may be familiar to German listeners and some heavy 808 action. Meyhem Lauren is of course the best MC on the cut but Hologram on the first verse definitely kicks a memorable opening quatrain!

Mikhail Chekalin : As If It Was Not From Here

Going super left-field early for this instrumental bed! Chekalin was a radically-innovative composer from Russia who was not embraced by the Soviet government - they felt his work was too "Western" and while his music was heard by some plugged-in people in the outside world, he wasn't able to tour internationally or release his music outside the USSR. Thankfully for music lovers, times have changed and the "ГАР001: Михаил Чекалин «Экзальтированная Колыбельная 1979 – 1987»" collection (don't even think about asking me to pronounce that) is now available on Bandcamp, and is a great collection of his electronic work - his own take on what could be done with the synths of the time. His sound is a worthy companion to the other greats who were also experimenting at the time, from Jan Hammer to Jean Michel Jarre.

TY ft. Rootz & Deborah Jordan : Eyes Open

It's been a year this month since TY passed and I was glad to find one of his tracks fitting into this pace perfectly, one from his excellent final LP "A Work Of Heart". He was always an excellent MC from the first to the last, and he does himself proud here, spitting thoughtful lyrics with a rapid sharp flow. OG Rootz (formerly Durrty Goodz) is a solid complement, and Deborah Jordan adds a vocal decoration that puts the whole self-produced track over the top. I do like the unexpected switch to French for the hook later in the song too, just *chef's kiss*.

Bumpy Knuckles : Step Up

If you're a real Hip-Hop geek, the highlight on this track might just be the brilliant cuts by DJ Rukas on the hook, not only sharp but incorporating a very clever manipulation of a line from the stone-cold classic "Top Billin'" by Audio Two. Bumpy Knuckles goes in with a quasi-double-time flow in typically rugged fashion over the production of BeatBanga, who gets his only Discogs credit in fine style. You can find this on the "Konexion" album, which is well worth having.

Flatbush Zombies : Laker Paper

It might not be the most conscious track in the world, but it does have the exact type of sonic energy to fit into this spot! Despite the production style (courtesy of Erick Arc Elliott) and the track title, the clue is in the name - this is a trio from Brooklyn who released this cut on their debut mixtape "D.R.U.G.S". They don't try to dazzle with a quick flow on this beat, they stick to their style and settle into it at its native speed.

Samantha James : Come Through

Even for those who might not be into a record like this most of the time, I thought that bassline and the underlying lazy drum break might draw you in! This track was one of the highlights of the 2007 "Rise" LP from LA-based Samantha James. If you like a varied electronic music album, it's one you should check out - a little house, a little broken beat, some singer-songwriter vibes, a showcase for a singer comfortable with working with different production types.

Jake One : Evelen Gravest

We bridge the first and second mixes with a beat from the man Jake One, taken from his free gospel-themed "#PrayerHandsEmoji" beat tape. It'd be worth a purchase, but for zero dinero it's a must-have!

Kano : Ps & Qs

Coming out of East Ham, London, this is one of the early breakthrough grime tracks from a pioneer of the scene. This 2004 debut 12" release was a bit hit on the underground and helped Kano build momentum into the release of his "Home Sweet Home" album. DaVinche's big bombastic beat is an iconic one - a perfect underscoring for Kano, and can still mash up a dance even today.

DJ Quik ft. Hi-C and James DeBarge : Ev'ryday

One of my favourite cuts from Quik's 2002 "Under Tha Influence" LP (which, being a relentless perfectionist, he probably hated the minute he finished it). At the time there really wasn't much, if anything, out that sounded like this, and it was interesting to hear a musician and engineer of his skill level bring that to that double-time style. That stuttering bass and the skipping drum pattern work together brilliantly, and James DeBarge coming through with that hook might just be the vocal highlight.

Strategy : LengBreak

Time flies, and it's already been ten years since the release of the "Pre-Season Training" mixtape from Salford's Strategy, who continued to build his skills in fine style. "Bleep Test" and "Kill 'Em" were the standout tracks for me, and this one kind of passed me - maybe it was my personal taste in beats, maybe it was that I just didn't smoke! I gave it another listen this month and very much deserves a proper airing. One question for those of you who partake - all these years later, how do those prices sound? 🙂

Tobe Nwigwe ft. Royce Da 5'9" and Black Thought : Father Figure

Easily one of the best and most unique MCs to emerge in years, you'll have heard Tobe on this podcast a few times before and his collective have continued to impress and to elevate their profile. This killer is from last year's "Cincoriginals" album, and it's a meeting of heavyweight MCs. The fact that Tobe holds his own against both Royce and Thought, who is widely regarded as the MC's MC, while maintaining his own style, shows that he deserves all the praise he's been getting and more. Nell on production, as always, with the heavy low end for your system.

9th Wonder : Black Album Rejects, Track 15

One more of the instrumentals that 9th Wonder brought to Jay-Z for "The Black Album" that was ditched in favour of the brand-new "Threats" beat that launched him into the consciousness of many. The "rejects" were still dope as anything though.

Children of Zeus : No Love Song

Brand new Zeus! If you know what's good for you you'll be going to place a pre-order for the upcoming "Balance" album, but we've got this as an appetiser for now. Beat Butcha provides the laid-back soulful groove on which Tyler and Konny emphatically don't give you the love song that most other artists would given the same production. If you've been following this podcast, you would have first heard CoZ in the SoundCloud days, and it's been amazing to see this Manchester crew continue to produce great music - and the rest of the world catch up!

Corinne Bailey Rae : Walk On

Representing the city of Leeds lovely, Corinne Bailey Rae is a fine musician who brings the quality every time out. Her third LP, "The Heart Speaks In Whispers", was a worthy follow up to "The Sea", and saw her pairing with Steve Brown on production. This starts with a jazz club reserve and builds from there as she offers inspiration to keep on pushing through difficult circumstances - a message certainly relevant to the current time.

Rae & Christian ft. Lisa Shaw : Should Have Known

I'd somehow forgetten I even had this one! Lisa Shaw is best known for her deep house career, but her sublime voice is a versatile one and she's also on some soulful/downtempo stuff like this Manchester production from the Grand Central Records founding duo. The "Central Heating 2" compilation might be worth owning for this alone.

Zero 7 : Spinning

We finish a coincidentally all-UK segment with a track that didn't make the cut for the original UK release of the "Simple Things" album (twenty years ago!), but I believe was on the US version (plus the recent special edition release) as well as on the B-side of the "I Have Seen" 12". Sophie Barker takes the vocal reins, and it's a beautiful song.

L'indécis x sad toï : Dog Days

For the final instrumental break, we go to the Chillhop label, which specialises in releasing this kind of material - in this case, on the "Chillhop Essentials - Fall 2018" compilation. This track is an all-French connection, with sad toï (sic) alongside Grenoble's L'indécis for a relaxed and partly-acoustic beat that suits a lazy summer day just as much as the autumn.

Scritti Politti : Brushed With Oil, Dusted With Powder

"The day began to decline" - I think many of us can relate to that feeling! One more UK track to close the episode, and this is the one that I think will divide listeners the most. Personally, I love this. It's one of those tunes where no-one seems to agree on the exact meaning of the lyrics, but when Green sings "...some keys they found there"...well, that could be read multiple ways! This was a great close to the "Anomie & Bonhomie" album, with a long instrumental outro to cool us all the way out at the very end of the episode.

Please remember to support the artists you like! The purpose of putting the podcast out and providing the full tracklist is to try and give some light, so do use the songs on each episode as a starting point to search out more material. If you have Spotify in your country it's a great way to explore, but otherwise there's always Youtube and the like. Seeing your favourite artists live is the best way to put money in their pockets, and buy the vinyl/CDs/downloads of the stuff you like the most!

Check out this episode!

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foggymagic · 6 years

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Noblesse Pokémon AU ...Snippet?: Battling for Dear Life Part 1

This one takes place shortly after the kids get kidnapped by Jake and Mary. Again uses altered canon dialogue. Starts in episode 68. ENTIRELY TOO LONG. I’M GONNA HAVE TO BREAK IT UP AS IT IS. BUT EVEN THIS SEGMENT REFUSES TO BE A RESPECTABLE LENGTH. TT^TT The other segments...should be shorter, when I get to them. The difficulty here is that I have the endings of each segment planned out, but getting from point A to point B while implementing the changes is...long, in some cases. *sigh* This is one of many reasons I usually just lurk, instead of participating in fandoms like this. If anyone knows a better term for this monstrosity than “snippet” (because it’s not, it’s really not) I’m all ears.

Previous Snippet | Next Snippet

Shinwoo was already winded from his fight with the laser-eyed man. He’d hit vital spots over and over, dodging deadly blows, breaking bones and yet...and yet, he was still standing. All he’d managed to do was slow the guy down. He was already getting tired, but maybe, maybe it’d be enough to win if he kept it up.

A cigarette dropped to the floor. “Not bad.” The pale man said, crushing out the cherry (didn’t he know cigs were bad for him? No wonder he was pale) as he stood, one fluid motion. “He fights better than our normal trained members. He’s really a student?” The vicious smirk promised bad things to come. “Wanna fight me?”

‘That...that was nonsense.’ M-24 thought. The agents Jake referred to, the ones he slaughtered for fun, they hadn’t been modified, experimental ones like Jake being too valuable to send out on just anything. But even so, to say that a child was more skilled than trained killers. Surely Jake wasn’t being serious, right? But no, the man (no, monster), stepped closer to the kids.

“I wanna check him out.” Shinwoo was speechless. He was expected to fight a fresh opponent now? “If I really wanna check out your skills...” He casually reached beside him, shoving laser-eyes out of the way, “garbage should get out of the way.”

The wall was cracked. The wall was cracked, and laser-eyes was unconscious. The guy who’d been fine from all his attacks was unconscious from a single fucking blow from pale-man. Who were these people? They were all monsters.

“Hey, kiddo. You’re good. Did you train a lot?” Pale-man’s constant smirk as seriously starting to piss Shinwoo off. It was like a Persian toying with a Rattata. This was a game to him.

“I thought I did. But looking at you, it seems my training wasn’t worth it.” He specialized in martial arts specifically to protect his friends. If he couldn’t even do that....

The man chuckled. “The way you talk back...you are really something.” He spread his arms, a blatant challenge. “I will kill you one at a time. You already know I won’t give you an easy death, right?”

“Why do I have to do as you guys tell me?” Honestly, at this point, he was just being facetious for the sake of wasting time. He’d managed to give that blatantly obvious coded message to Professor Lee. All he had to do now was stall until the police got here. Hopefully armed with some Machamp. He didn’t think the standard Snubbull and Growlithe were gonna cut it this time. Even so, at this rate.... He rubbed Bohoja’s pokéball unconsciously.

“Then don’t. Quit if you don’t want too.” He was sick of that smile. “I can just kill you and your friends. You don’t amuse me, I should do something to amuse myself.” What was with this smarmy bastard!? “I’ll give you a chance. Just attack me!”

Shinwoo didn’t waste a second, running up and delivering his best kick. “Sorry, man. Thought you wanted me to attack.” And what an attack it was. A solid blow, straight to the stomach. It wouldn’t drop a monster like him, but with any luck, it’d wind him.

Pale-man let out a cackle. “Nice. That’s what I want.”

‘An attack like that won’t hurt Jake. It was no match from the start.’ This wouldn’t last long. M-24 fiddled with the pokéball in his pocket. It wouldn’t help much, and he hated the idea of putting her in danger, but a battle. A battle might help buy some more time.

“The timing was good but the kick wasn’t. Here, try again.” The man’s arms were still spread. He hadn’t moved an inch from his previous position. Shinwoo rushed him, delivering three solid punches to his torso. Damn, was he hitting a wall? His hand was bleeding, and he was certain it’d fractured in a few places. Clenching a fist hurt in ways it never had before, and this wasn’t even his first time with a broken bone.

“You’re not done, are you?” He...he wanted more? Honestly, Shinwoo was having trouble staying standing, and he wasn’t even being attacked. This man...Shinwoo’s body trembled from the fear he’d been repressing since they were kidnapped. He was starting to doubt that help would come in time. Damn it, if only he could just stall longer! “What? That’s it? You’re no fun.”

One swift motion and Shinwoo hit the wall. Body first, thankfully, but the momentum threw his head back on impact. Well, a concussion. Yeah, that was something he needed in this situation.

“Shinwoo!” His friends were frantic, screaming at him. He coughed in response, trying to keep the coppery fluids from invading his lungs. Damn, he must have bitten something, or broken a tooth too close to the root. Shit. He was in NO condition to continue fighting.

“What? That’s it? It’s not entertaining.” Smug prick. Shinwoo’d known he was fighting a losing battle, but that didn’t make it any less frustrating. “Hey, kiddo. Like I said. Because you disappointed me, I will kill your friends, one by one.” Like there’d ever even been a chance of him doing any different.

“Jake, that’s enough.” The grey-haired man who’d kidnapped them before was stepping in. Even if he was a bad guy, it seemed like he was trying to help.

“Why are you stopping me again.” The pale man -Jake was his name?- positively growled the words. He really needed some kind of anger management classes.

“Until the last one comes...”

“That crap again?! Stop saying that. The last kid is coming. Why keep these ones alive?”

“What if he doesn’t show? You wanna do this again? Because I don’t.”

“M-21 is right. Wait a bit more, that’s all.” The blue haired woman who’d previously been silently stroking a Liepard spoke. “M-21 will wait with me outside for the last kid.”

M-21 shared a quick glance with M-24 before following Marie and her Liepard out the door.

Jake began walking toward the kids again. Did Marie not just tell him to leave them alive!? “Jake, what’re you doing? You disobeying Marie’s orders?”

“I’m not gonna kill. Hey, Marie. It’s okay as long as I don’t kill, right?” The silence on the other end gave her answer: tacit agreement. “Understand me. No one has ever made me so annoyed. Ever since I started looking for you kids, I made up my mind. I will not let you die in peace...”

Oh, hell. M-24 was really gonna have to get involved, wasn’t he?

The red-head groaned and sat up. “Damn, I can’t even take a break...” The other two immediately set out checking to see if he was ok.

“Not bad. That idiot is still unconscious.” Jake looked back at the infected.

“Hey.” The red-head stumbled to his feet. “Before you hurt my friends...I’m right here.”

Before the pale man could react. “Jake, wait.” M-24 had no idea what he was doing. “Before anything else happens, there’s something I want from them.” There was every chance Jake’d just keep beating them, but.... “My Pokémon needs training. They’re from a trainers’ school.” A Pokémon battle. Even with the league regulations, it was a pretty violent sport, much like MMA. It might just be enough for Jake to allow it. Probably why he’d even let the kids keep their Pokémon in the first place. More blood to spill.

Jake paused, looking at the large scarred man with. For a moment, M-24 thought he’d said the wrong thing, that he’d just made everything worse, when he responded with a scoff. “I don’t know why you’d bother. Trash like you would have just been given more trash.” But he still backed out of the way. “Have at it then. Make it entertaining.”

“You. Redhead. Battle me.” There, just like that. Rough, commanding. Jake wouldn’t even question his intentions. He fumbled in his pocket for the pokéball. “Go Espurr!” A small, grey, bipedal kitten appeared on the concrete in front of him. ‘Tiny, help me buy some time.’ The kitten nodded, seemingly at nothing. Their mental link would never stop being useful.

Shinwoo hesitated. A battle...would buy time, but he had no idea what the scarred man was up to. Best to just wrap it up quickly then, to keep damage to a minimum. “C’mon out, Bohoja.” He tossed the ball in the air, the familiar bipedal jackal pup forming from the light emitted. The type matchup wasn’t in his favor, but he’d found out quick why the Professor’d said he “wasn’t starter material.” With a competitive breedject, Shinwoo didn’t lose battles often.

Inflicting a status on the opponent seemed the best option, so “Force Palm.” The pup moved to attack, faster than most humans could move, but the cat smacked him on either side of his neck, freezing him in place for a second. Nice try, but a Fake Out wouldn’t work a second time. “Do it again, Bohoja.” Faster this time, he hit the Espurr in the chest with an open hand. The kitten shivered, sparks dancing across her body before she let out a pain-filled cry, dealing a bit of sonic damage to her opponent. A super effective move on a fighting type like Riolu, but it wouldn’t be enough. “Blaze Kick.” Bohoja’s leg caught fire as he kicked the psychic cat, knocking it down and out.

“See? Trash is trash. You can’t change that.” Jake walked menacingly towards the fainted Pokémon. M-24 quickly recalled Tiny to her pokéball. Jake would NOT be getting to her if he could help it. “Really? You’re just delaying the inevitable, you know.” Jake paused, glancing at the redhead and his Riolu. “You’ve got a good idea though, why not use this as a training opportunity.”

A small, heavily scarred Larvitar appeared before him. “Don’t lose this time, got it?” The baby kaiju shivered. It wasn’t her fights that had gotten her those scars. “Hey, even your Pokémon is well trained. Fight me.”

Shinwoo didn’t waste any time. “Bohoja, Sky Uppercut.” Still affected by the speed boost from last fight, there wasn’t even time to blink before he’d driven his fist into her chin, sending the tiny lizard flying. She was knocked out before she’d even hit the ground.

“Should have realized she’d lose. Bastards have been giving me trash since I went through the first few.” He crushed a white pokéball in his hand. “Guess I’ll have to dispose on this one too.”

The redhead moved, tossing a ball of his own at the Larvitar. Fainted, there wasn’t anything she could do to keep from being caught, even if it was against her will. It was against League Law to catch a fainted Pokémon for that reason. Yeah, he was committing a crime, but he’d release her once the danger was passed. IF it passed. “Sorry. My hand slipped. Guess you shouldn’t have broken her ball. Ball-less Pokémon are technically wild, after all.” Bohoja picked up the ball for him.

Jake was decidedly unamused. “I see.” He’d make sure to remember that for next time he killed the trash the Union gave him, but for now....He backhanded Shinwoo right into a wall. “Satisfied?” He might have outsmarted him, but it would cost him. “Oh my...” Looks like without him in the way, his friends and Pokémon were unprotected. “Now, I can start.”

“No, not yet.” He was shaking, crouched on the ground, but he was up again? M-24 was stumped. Jake might not be using his full strength, even so, most modified agents couldn’t stand that attack. What was the boy made of?

Jake sauntered over to the boy and dealt a quick kick to his jaw, knocking him to the floor. “I guess I hit him too softly, thinking I shouldn’t kill him.” Yet. M-24 hoped he meant yet. Any alternatives were just...to awful to comprehend. And yet, as Jake spun around for the others, the redhead grabbed his leg.

“What...What are you doing? You can’t even stand up? Just stay on the floor.” He shook off the boy’s arms, and carefully stepped on his right arm, putting just enough pressure for a resounding ‘crunch’ to echo through the room. The children cried out, the boy in pain and his friends in horror. But still, he reached, looping his uninjured arm around the sadist’s leg.

“You will...never...hurt my friends” His breathing was ragged, but his eyes still shone with defiance. M-24 was shaken. This kid. This kid cared about his friends as much as he cared for M-21, for Tiny.

“Shinwoo, stop it now. We’re okay.” Yuna cried. It was far from the truth, but this was unfair. Shinwoo was the only one getting hurt in all this.

“You can’t get hurt because of us...” Ik-han agreed, tears streaming down his face. He did not want to watch this twisted man break Shinwoo more just because he wouldn’t let him do to them what he was doing to him.

“Be quiet, both of you. This is...the only thing I’m good at...” Shinwoo...didn’t really think that, right? That his ability to protect them was what made him worthy as a friend. He couldn’t. Not after all they’d been through together, right?

“You think I’m doing this because I can’t kill you?” Jake’s face darkened. He’d been so patient so far, but even he had his limits. “Whatever. I’ll just kill you all.” He dragged Shinwoo by his hair, preparing for a lethal blow.

M-24 could not just watch. Not anymore. These kids cared for each other. They were comrades, just like the M series had been. For another group to be torn apart like theirs had...unacceptable. He punched Jake, sending him into the wall with enough force to bury him in rubble. He’d just sealed their fate. Jake would kill the last remnants of the M series. M-21 would understand though. Hopefully.

And that marks the end of this segment. To clarify the battle scenes, a competitive breedject would be a ‘mon specifically bred for competitive battles, but rejected, as it didn’t meet the breeder’s specifications (you end up with a lot of these going for competitive shinies, lots of fighting fit ‘mons will be created before you find that one.) Given what all goes into this, and the overbreeding that can occur because of it, it’s probably frowned upon, if not outright illegal in this ‘verse. Not that that’s going to stop everyone.

In gaming terms, first battle occured as follows: Espurr uses Fake Out, Flinching the Riolu but raising his speed due to his ability. Riolu uses Force Palm, and manages to Paralyze the Espurr, further widening the speed gap, and Espurr retaliates with Disarming Voice, a fairy-type move. Riolu then finishes with Blaze Kick, an egg move he was born with.

The fight with Larvitar went as quickly as it did because she was at a type disadvantage, with a Riolu with perfect attack IVs(essentially genetic stats, can be from 0-31) and a fair amount of EVs(Effort Value, stats gained through training. Is why trained ‘mons are stronger than wild ‘mons, even at the same level) from his time in the dojo with Shinwoo, using a STAB (same type attack bonus; for when a move’s type matches the user’s type) move. And the move was a high-powered one he hatched with (Bohoja has a Blaziken ancestor). Poor girl never stood a chance.

Jake doesn’t train his Pokémon. As far as he’s concerned, it should automatically be able to keep up with him. Any that doesn’t dies. He’s gone though several already, so the Union keeps giving him low levels with okay starting defence. Not gonna waste the good ones on him, and they aren’t going out of their way to give him one with good defence, he’d only take it as a challenge.

#noblesse #pokemon au #M-24 #shinwoo #yuna #ik-han #jake #marie #m-21 #fanfiction #noblesse pokémon au #noblesse fanfic #noblesse au

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hostbusters · 4 years

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yo 12 and 23 for salty asks lmao

I’m not sure what fandom to do these for so I might do a few???

12. Is there an unpopular arc that you like that the fandom doesn’t? Why?

SPN: Y’know I’m not sure? Idk if its disliked but I really loved when Cas was mentally deranged, he was his most genuine self, unhinged and unperturbed by Heaven’s influence and just able to go off the rails and unapologetically so <3

MCU: I actually quite like Age of Ultron and most of the events in it, I think the whole folly of man shtick is underrated but I think Ultron himself was a little homophobicly campy which doesn’t sit right with me, and the fact that he’s supposed to be modeled off Tony which makes Tony seem like he was in the wrong. Tony’s intentions were good he just underestimated the powers he was working with.

SONIC: There’s so many timelines in Sonic that’s REALLY hard to say, I’d say what they did with Sonic Boom I really enjoy. Sonic Boom is a LOT of fun and I love their characterizations (EVEN SHADOW’S.... HE’S STUPID...) even if the plots are pretty ropey.

23. Unpopular character you love?

SPN: I think most people’s opinions are good so there’s not really good characters that are unpopular, BUT! Some characters that deserve more love or more attention? The Archangels Raphael and the OG Michael, who were barely touched upon in canon; ADAM, the REAL Adam, who was literally only in TWO EPISODES. One in S5 and one in S15. The other Jake Abel appearances were either a fake ghoul or Michael. Adam had potential. He was a pre-Med bio student, if they’d brought him back sooner he could’ve been the Bunker Medic they so surely needed, not to mention stretching Sam and Dean out of their codependency by using the ‘brother’ power. Sorry after rewatching S4/5 I’m so passionate about Adam.... damn.........

MCU: Harley Keener...... my boy.... I wouldn’t say he’s particularly unpopular either just he gets left out of the MCU narrative in favour of other Iron Man kids like Peter and Morgan, who I also love and would die for, but the fact that Harley has been ignored when. lets be honest. he’s the perfect set up for a new Iron Man if there ever would be one. Also SHARON CARTER, she deserved SO much better than the MCU gave her. Hoping Falcon/WS gives her some well deserved spotlight.

SONIC: On God I love Big the Cat. He’s large and full of happy : )

Send me a number for a Salty Ask !

#ask games #answered #anonymous #Anonymous

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crowdvscritic · 4 years

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round up // JULY 20

New music is saving 2020! This is one of my most music-and-musical-heavy Round Ups yet, not even counting the Beverly Hills Cop theme I’ve been whistling and dancing to around my apartment this week. (Don’t judge—you’ll do it to if you watch any of those movies.) And speaking of movies, I’ve got three new movies from 2020 to recommend! When theatres reopen I might go every week even if there’s nothing I’m excited to see, but I’m thankful for VOD movies to tide me over in the meantime.

July Crowd-Pleasers

This Twitter Thread

I’ve laughed out loud so many times I don’t care if this thread is made up. An anonymous Frenchman is documenting the “adventures” of a British family with a vacation home next door and no clue what Brexit actually means. This journey is a sardonic roller coaster, but I appreciate this tweeter isn’t devoid of empathy.

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

An insanely satisfying legal thriller that will have you shouting at your TV. Matthew McConaughey is a hot shot lawyer who doesn’t care if his clients are guilty, but he starts to reconsider that position with his newest (Ryan Philippe). What seems like a cut-and-dry defense of a man wrongfully accused escalates into so much more. I’ll stay scant on the details so the twists can surprise you as much as they did me. Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 8/10

Summer Jams

2020 has gotten, um, a bad reputation, but I’d like to give it a shout-out for one of the best years of summer pop music in a long time. The last time I remember jamming to this many songs on the radio was 2013, the summer of “Mirrors,” “Get Lucky,” “Roar,” and “I Love It.” Thanks to Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, the Jonas Brothers, and Doja Cat, I keep flipping through radio stations looking for the next new song that will make me bop. Enjoy a round up of my favorite summer songs of 2020 so far on Spotify above.

Focus (2015)

As noted last month, I love when a heist movie can pull a fast one on me. Focus may not be a creative height of either Will Smith’s or Margot Robbie’s careers, but it’s a romantic and funny story of two con artists with just enough plot twists to keep me guessing. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 7/10

Love Crazy (1941)

William Powell and Myrna Loy appeared in 14 movies together, and their chemistry in this zany romantic comedy shows us why. The premise starts with their married characters planning an eccentric anniversary celebration, but somehow it escalates to a legal declaration of his insanity. (Unlike My Man Godfrey, Powell is the comic instead of the straight man this time.) While how we talk about mental health has changed much in the last 80 years, this comedy is so screwball it can’t be taken seriously as commentary. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 7.5/10

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell star in a musical light on songs but huge on charm, laughs, and diamonds. In a perfect world, we would have gotten more musicals directed by Howard Hawks, but if we could only have one, this is proof we’re not living in the darkest timeline. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 8.5/10

Double Feature — Very Silly Spoofs: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) + The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)

I’m very late to both of the parties for Monty Python (Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 8.5/10) and The Naked Gun (Crowd: 9.5/10 // Critic: 8/10), so all I need to say about these absurd comedies is the hype didn’t ruin them for me.

Fast & Furious (2009)

In a strange turn of events, I finally succumbed to watching all Fast and Furious flicks. (Blame it on quarantine.) While my favorite remains the spin-off Hobbs & Shaw (maybe because it’s so unlike a normal movie in this franchise, sorry), the fourth movie is another highlight. It features one of the best character team-ups before the stunts become hilariously unrealistic and acknowledges some of the moral complexities of the plot, which is surprisingly uncharacteristic for a movie series about, um, criminals. Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 7/10

Double Feature — Action Crime Movies Based on True Stories in the ‘70s: Donnie Brasco (1997) + The Bank Job (2008)

In, Donnie Brasco (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 8/10), Johnny Depp is an FBI agent undercover in the Mob, keeping an eye on Al Pacino. In The Bank Job (Crowd: 8.5 // Critic: 7.5/10), Jason Statham is caught up in an MI6 plot to save political face by breaking into a London bank. Both are tense, twisty, and somehow true.

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Jim Gaffigan: Cinco (2017)

While he’s best known for jokes about food, I’ll always appreciate how his self-deprecating jokes are never really just about his appearance or his many children, though he’s funny enough he could get away with that.

Covers by Switchfoot (2020)

Harry Styles! Vampire Weekend! My music tastes past and present collide in this album of bops Switchfoot covered this year.

Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)

This is really just a plug to watch all three Beverly Hills Cop movies for Eddie Murphy at his funniest, Judge Reinhold at his most underrated, and a score so catchy you’ll be dancing to it for days. Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 7/10

July Critic Picks

Hamilton (2020)

Who knew? Listening to the Hamilton soundtrack is not the same as watching it in the room where it happens. I reviewed the filmed production with the original cast for ZekeFilm, which was a treat since my May theatre tickets were cancelled. At least we’re not dealing with formal duels in 2020! Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 10/10

Double Feature — Journalism Films Based on True Stories in the ‘70s: All the President’s Men (1976) + Zodiac (2007)

Maybe it’s just because I have a degree in Journalism, but I appreciate a story about a good story. In All the President’s Men (Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 10/10), Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman are digging into the Watergate scandal at The Washington Post even when no one else thinks there’s anything to investigate. On the opposite coast in Zodiac (Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 9/10), Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. are hunting the Zodiac Killer at the San Francisco Chronicle with the help of police officer Mark Ruffalo. This double feature focuses on reporters so committed to their work it comes at personal cost, but it highlights the need for people who are that committed to the truth to make our society function.

Greyhound (2020)

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a studio in possession of a good World War II script must be in want of Tom Hanks, and we can always feel the warmest gratitude for any means of uniting them. I reviewed the film Hanks wrote himself for ZekeFilm. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 9/10

Dark Waters (2019)

Mark Ruffalo plays a real-life lawyer who helped investigate DuPont and change legislation on chemicals. A different kind of legal thriller than The Lincoln Lawyer, but yet another movie confirming Mark Ruffalo is a treasure. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 9/10

These Pieces on How We Interact With Media

I’m a believer in good journalism (see above), so I appreciate when writers do some self-examination on their own craft. I’ve been on an Instagram break the last few months because it’s been contributing to an anxiety spiral re: world events. It’s easy to talk in hyperbole, to complain, and to dehumanize others on the Internet, and I know I’m guilty of all three, so kudos to these writers for speaking on them.

“The Power of Media and Misinformation in the Age of Coronavirus,” DarlingMagazine.org (April 20)

“My Big Old Rant,” SeanDietrich.com (July 10)

“Kanye West and the Media Are Once Again Playing a Dangerous Game,” Vulture.com (July 13)

Brightest Blue by Ellie Goulding (2020)

You might know Ellie for her electro-pop hits, but I’ve always preferred her ballads that let her unique vocals shine. Brightest Blue is another collection of both styles, and it’s another strong outing from one of my favorite singers.

West Side Story by Richard Barrios (2020)

The making of West Side Story is a classic collision between art and commerce. This new Turner Classic Movies book details the many conflicts between the creative team, cast, and financiers to make one of the most beloved musicals and most Oscar-winning films in history, and you might be surprised it made it to the screen at all after reading it.

The Vast of Night (2020)

The Twilight Zone-esque movie is all about some weird happenings over the airwaves in a small town. Two high school students, one a nighttime radio host and the other a phone operator, team up to investigate a mysterious noise they’re hearing. The filmmaking is unconventional but gripping, and the story has major Stranger Things vibes, which is only helped by the fact that one of the stars looks a lot like Sadie Sink. (FYI, her name is actually Sierra McCormick.) Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 8.5/10

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folklore by Taylor Swift (2020)

It’s tricky to put into words what new music from Taylor Swift means to me because her words have been part of my life for over a decade and I admire what she shares of her creative process so much. Her unexpected eighth album is nothing like Lover—instead it’s a sonic and poetic continuation of songs and themes from Fearless and RED, her two most sock-me-in-the-gut-and-how-did-you-get-a-hold-of-my-journal collections. Just 11 months ago she released an album I said was her best yet, but I’m saying it again and even faster than last time.

Bonus: Enjoy this piece about the inspiration for her song “Last Great American Dynasty” from St. Louis Magazine.

Westworld (1973)

Before Jurassic Park, Michael Chrichton wrote and directed another sci-fi adventure set at a theme park with a Hunger Games flair. Here we go to a Western-themed resort where almost-human robots serve patrons’ every whim—that is, until they start rewriting their programming. At least we aren’t dealing with homicidal robot cowboys in 2020! Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 9/10

Also in July…

I wrote a tribute to Olivia de Havilland after her passing at 104. She’s best known as Melanie in Gone With the Wind, but I’ll argue that’s not the best showcase of her talent.

The Best Picture Project continues with Clark Gable! He starred in 1934’s It Happened One Night and 1935’s Mutiny on the Bounty, but I’m only recommending one of them for your viewing pleasure. You can scroll a little further back or read the reviews here:

It Happened One Night – Crowd // Critic

Mutiny on the Bounty – Crowd // Critic

On SO IT’S A SHOW?, our pop culture references spanned 250 years with 1976’s Rocky and the 1726 novel Gulliver’s Travels. We found a crazy number of connections between Gilmore Girls actor Milo Ventimiglia and Sylvester Stallone, and we figured out what the hey the word “brobdingnagian” means.

You can keep up with everything I’m watching in real time on Letterboxd, where I’ve rounded up my favorite journalism films, including All the President’s Men, It Happened One Night, and Zodiac.

Images: Switchfoot, Media, Ellie Goulding, West Side Story. all others IMDb.com.

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bluriginals · 7 years

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Blu Blogs: First Thoughts on OK K.O.!: Let's Be Heroes

So after a long day of highs and lows, I arrive home at around 5:40 pm with little expectation for anything big. I'd already heard about the teaser picture of Metal's leg and how Smash is totally, maybe (stay-tuned-for-more-news-because-this-is-how-Nintendo-rolls), coming to Switch . At best I was expecting the highlight for the new content to be some cute new thing related to NEO-KOSMOS (even though we just got a new update the day prior). But no. We got something big, something unexpected. We got...

STEVEN UNIVERSE: SAVE THE LIGHT (A SEQUEL TO THE 2015 APP ATTACK THE LIGHT) WHICH IS A FULL FLEDGED CONSOLE RPG WITH PAPER MARIO GAMEPLAY, 4 PLAYABLE PARTY MEMEBERS BEYOND THE 4 MAIN CRYSTAL GEMS AND A NEW STORY WRITTEN BY REBECCA SUGAR YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES

But that isn't what we're here for today. Today we're here to talk about the long-awaited show 3+ years in the making: Lakewood Plaza Turb--

Oh.

So I log onto tumblr and the first thing I see is this:

So my eye is immediately drawn to the girl because girls are cute she's in the foreground, and I just don't recognize her. I look at the other characters and think "wait is that rad and k.o. what the HELL is going on". So logically, that means the girl is enid, ergo something is going on relating to Lakewood Plaza Turbo. I read the comment below that said "woooo OK KO! theshow i’ve been boarding on for over a year is finally announced!!!!"

I immediately have SO. MANY. QUESTIONS. Is the series getting another app? More shorts? A game? What's going on?! And as I scroll down the truth comes alll the more clear:

Lakewood Plaza Turbo is finally becoming a show.

REDEMPTIOOON SOOOOOOOONG

But not without some changes (ala Steven U). The artstyle, name of the show, and theme were all changed and just like Steven U my kneejerk reaction was "what the fuuuuck IIIIIIIIIIIIIIS this shit?". And also like Steven U it quickly grew on me and I accepted that this was the righteous path. Well, the artstyle and theme anyway, I'm still a bit iffy on the name. But enough context, let's talk about the show!

ok i lied, more context. so part of what contributed to my kneejerk reaction was the fact that Lakewood Plaza Turbo was in development purgatory for 3 years and in that time we got the app/shorts, but also in that time shows that had been in circulation for less time like We Bare Bears and Magiswords had gotten onto CN without seemingly as much struggle. I'd just given up hope for the series becoming a show and on top of that I'd even begun to lose my liking for the pilot, but then again Early Installment Weirdness is my Achilles heel of Tropes so make of what what you will. So when I saw the show come back in such a different form I was instantly turned off. Just from how it looked I was getting Teen Titans Go! & PPG16 vibes: a loss of the show's soul.

The artstyle looked so rudimentary and basic and the theme/intro wasn't doing it any favors, with its lyrics being very non-infortmative to the premise of the show: all fluff no substances. I had come to really like Lakewood Plaza Turbo's theme because its lyrics just felt as though they encompassed the tone and subject matter of the show: stupid(in a good way)ly-awesome with a video game/anime flare). But this was just....a non-event. And once again, the simplistic artstyle is so lame! Until I began to think of it another way...

Lakewood Plaza Turbo/OK K.O.! are clearly rooted deeply in gaming/anime culture and in some ways the new theme, title, and artstyle reflect this. Starting with the new theme, check out the opening shot of it panning from space all the way down to the plaza and the shot of K.O. staring down Lord Box Man with the opposing sides behind them.

Not only is this shot really badass, but it just REEKS of anime influence! And that extends to the theme! The simplistic subject matter and referenec to being friends/heroes feels very reminiscent of 90's anime with Engrish lyrics that have a very simple, positive vibe. It fits! The subtitle "Let's Be Heroes" also reflects it but I'm not as fond of it. You know it's going to be akin to "Adventure Time with Finn and Jake", "The Amazing World of Gumball, "The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack" and "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius": extra parts of the title that'll all be abandoned in advertising and common discussion in a year. Regardless, the title/opening grew on me. And the artstyle? Awesome! While initially reluctant I came to realize that Lakewood's artstyle wasn't all that impressive. I never really liked K.O. and Enid's noses so the cute little square Elmo/Stan Pines gumdrop is cute.

Precious.

And in general, Lakewood sort've had a generic 2010s base artstyle. It definitely had defining features such as the eyes, aforementioned noses, and character designs but the colors used along with the thin lines didn't do much to set it apart. The new proportions, radically unique way of drawing things, and scraggly crayon-like lines should help. I initially thought the style was too squishy and inconsistent but not in the good, Ren and Stimpy/Steven Universe way. But after I got addicted to the visuals in the opening, I began to really enjoy the style and see the merits of it. Especially in this shot.

It looks SO cool.

I have no idea what this artstyle resembles but the closest I can attribute it too is Sonic CD/Mega Drive and Mega Man which I LOVE.

Also forgot one thing! Both Mega Drive and OK K.O.! have scraggy outlines

It does wonders for K.O., Carol, Lord Box Man (especially Lord Box Man, the way his mouth is drawn all muppet like gives him a real sense of dimension and it's great),

Perfection.

and the other tertiary/background characters but Enid, Rad, and Mr. Gar...

Umm....

Yeaaaaah. Now granted, that opening shot of them isn't doing many favors since admittedly they look REALLY bad (mostly Enid), but even without it they still look a bit. The simple geometrics really makes Gar and Rad's muscles look not very good due to how, well, simple they are. Enid on the other hand suffers an almost opposite issue—her legs are sometimes drawn with definition/shape (like with the black and white photo storyboarder's picture from the beginning of the Blog) which makes sense considering she's probably based on Chun-Li. Other times, like the picture just above this paragraph, and this one:

Her legs are basically parallel lines that bend. Even worse is that shot above seems to be from an actual episode, meaning Enid will likely look like that a lot. In general, I think I don't think I'm happy with the new design choices for Enid. Not only is there the leg thing, but her ponytail and bandaged torso from Lakewood were a lot more appealing.

Even so it's not impossible to make any of these design choices look great. Just check out the official poster and you'll see all of them, especially the 3 we've been talking about for the past while look great.

One last thing to note on Rad/Gar/Enid's proportions: The strange Garnet-esque chest proportions on Enid and Rad's shirts despite their lower torsos indicating that there's nothing under said shirts.

Enid is a bit more understandable, as nothing about her lower torso indicates that something should be up there but this man Rad is /shredded/. You should definitely be able to see his biceps leading into the shirt, as made evident by Mr. Gar. These don't necessarily detract from the excitement of the show, but they're worth note and could become problematic if made out to be very obnoxious out of proportion in show.

Two more design changes to note before we wrap up: K.O. has a darker skin tone (which I like) and now has buttface.

Buttface, along with flat simplistic colors and thin lines will go down as the defining aesthetic traits of the 2010s.

And also Rad's antenna have gone from being on the front of his forehead to in the middle of the top of his head, which looks a lot less awkward tbh. Overall good choice.

Despite the many issues it has, the artstyle still looks pretty different from everything else we have atm, and the simple way the characters are drawn should be beneficial as with said simple characters action scenes will be a lot easier to make and thus we'll be able to get higher quality, well-animated fight scenes. Despite the bad initial reaction, I have high hopes for OK K.O. Long as they keep the tone and spirit of Lakewood Plaza Turbo alive we could be looking at the next big show. Oh, and great on Ian for percerviering and becoming the second African American to create a CN original. Can't wait to see the young K.O. rise up to greatness just like his creator.

p.s. for being the defensive teammate, steven's hp sure is garbage in that screenshot of attack the light

#The Bluriginals Blogs #OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes #OK K.O.#Lakewood Plaza Turbo

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faycobjones · 6 years

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Relevance in Rap Music / Staying Power

Stories of Rich Boy, Eminem, El-P, Cardi B & Many Others...

“Gator skin seats call be Dundee”

I first heard Rich Boy’s “Throw Some D’s” in a convertible on my way to a middle school baseball game I was slated to pitch. I made the song my own, D’s were no longer shiny car rims, or fake titties, but strikes in a ballgame. The song and I maintained a mutual admiration for each other as it had its long late 2006 summer run to the top of the charts and my baseball team won the championship. Thinking back on the song now, those memories are still vivid. Time capsule music sound tracking an important summer for me. The memories created that summer won’t fade, but Rich Boy’s memory already has. Staying relevant in hip hop has always been tricky. It becomes more of a PR game than a music one and some rappers can’t adapt. 50 Cent, arguably the generation’s most charismatic hook maker filed for bankruptcy, while DJ Khaled, a man who doesn’t have a verse to his name, is working on his 11th studio album (the 10th one went platinum.) Hmm…

Most rap veterans have mastered the art of maintaining relevance with or without releasing quality music. Ice Cube’s success at the box office and Dre’s commercial endeavors are just a few instances immediately coming to mind on the no music entrepreneurial scale. Legends continued to push genres to new sonic heights (Lou Reed on Yeezus), while others subtly stopped by to let you know they still got it, adding to their legacy even in a time of crisis Fuck that 0-8 shit. Other rappers maintained relevance from releasing quality music. A lot of the quality I’m referring to came from independent rappers. El-P, Definitive Jux label CEO and Run the Jewels maestro helped perpetuate that movement releasing quality independent rap music featuring talented artists at a prolific rate. Underground rap had MF DOOM, a few other critical darlings while radio had their ignorant crunk hits while most of the other one hit wonder rappers who couldn’t stand of their own two feet fell off.

This left Eminem, the most successful rapper of all-time in a bit of a limbo. His 3 album run over the course of early 21st century shook music to its core. His music took home multiple Grammys while the United States Government tried banning its release. Pissing people off, using TRL to infiltrate the impressionable minds of suburban white America, and cementing his cred as one of the greatest emcees, it did exactly what he wanted. Eminem is still relevant for that specific greatness, evoking an unforgettable moment in music history. But that moment, his infamous performance of The Real Slim Shady at the 2000 VMAs was the one America would never forget. The moment where millions of Catholic mother’s watched their sons rap back horrific lyrics to a man who looked just like him. I remember the look on her face. In 2000 the track was catchy, polarizing, funny, compelling. In 2018 the track comes off differently. It comes off cartoonist and filled with played out cultural references about Tom Green and the Discovery Planet. In 2018, ‘The Real Slim Shady’ is still featured as a concert centerpiece. In fact, Eminem hasn’t played a headlining set without it since its conception. Eminem was performing fans no longer interested in rap music.

Countless rappers have came and went since that summer I first heard Rich Boy in a convertible. I actually caught myself daydreaming about the recent relics of the unforgiving genre. Ironically, Iggy Azalea came to mind. “These expensive. These is red bottoms, these is bloody shoes.” Suddenly, I stopped wondering about whether or not Iggy Azalea pawned her Ferrari yet. Just like Rich Boy 12 years ago, in a very similar situation, Cardi B demanded that I give her my undivided attention. She seemed so sure of herself, both equal parts untamed and vulnerable. She was oozing charisma through the speakers. To me, it was a one listen record. This was the song of the summer.

Her attitude amplified after knowing a bit about her. Cardi B has worked shit jobs, stripped for money, seen dark days, familiar with hard times. Her uncanny ability to use that as her superpower is something to behold. I’ve never seen such unadulterated authenticity on social media, TV… anywhere. She parlayed her viral tabloid presence into rap superstardom. Many have tried and failed. No one was Cardi B. That same individuality is on full display on Invasion of Privacy, her debut album released on the back end of the success of Bodak Yellow. Invasion had far more to offer than just the track 4 club banger take took over summer radio. The album was curated with a meticulous perfection. Cardi was given all the time in the world to showcase why she belongs in the best rapper alive conversation with the draw dropping ‘Dreams and Nightmares’ inspired Get Up 10. Well placed features also took some pressure off her, adding texture and substance to an already scintillating album of wit, style, and craft. The Drip beat was made for Migos, Chance the rapper was the perfect ray of sunshine in the albums midsection, and SZA was the perfect touch on the standout closing track ‘I Do’.

Cardi B is a household name in an arena that doesn’t support too many women at once. Cardi seems to have all the makings of a rap star with staying power. It’s been about year since she’s ‘Came Thru Drippin’. Since, she’s been nothing short of ubiquitous. She is currently working on a follow up to her successful debut release. The first single, appropriately titled ‘Money’ underperformed on the charts. Whether or not we will see a fourth and fifth Cardi B album remains to be seen. When it comes to women in rap, the odds are against you. Remy Ma, Eve, and Lil Kim have never released fifth albums. Nicki just dropped her fourth.

It’s imperative that Cardi B maintains the formidable cred she’s established as a lyricist. Being able to body you on a verse is essential to her mythos. Music has to come first, but outlasting relevancy for Cardi may come in a different form. Already, she is teaming up with T.I and Chance the Rapper to host ‘Rhythm and Flow’ a Netflix show similar to the Voice but for aspiring rappers. Cardi will be a judge, and judging by her past transgressions she’s going to have a lot of ridiculous shit to say, most of which will make a bizarre amount of sense. Relevance in hip hop is not channeling your inner bars or how long you can go without taking a breath. It’s about recognizing you’re a great rapper because of your idiosyncratic take on the world. Young Thug’s take on language. Cardi on giving good blowjobs. Outlasting relevance for Cardi B relies only in her hands. She hustled her whole life. We just might get album #5. I wouldn’t bet against her.

Jake James

#cardi b #journalism #op-ed

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