#i'm here preparing for the hole to reappear

[spotforme]

maybe i should start sleeping with a reeeeally long pole so i could open the door without climbing down from the cieling

[kradogsrats]

For @dragonprincedrabbles generator prompt: Soren + Terry, "Vague." Ostensibly.

—

"It was around here," Terry said, looking carefully at Soren. "Somewhere. I think."

Early morning sunlight crept slowly into the Valley of Graves, where King Ezran inspected progress on the monumental wall relief that would honor the three archdragons who'd given their lives to stop Aaravos, for however small a handful of years. Four, if you counted Avizandum—he may not have technically been alive, at the time, but Soren knew Zubeia would have wanted him included.

"It's hard to tell, without the dragon bones. They were a pretty prominent landmark, at the time." Terry put his hands on his hips, turning away to survey the area with a critical eye. "Kind of weird to see the place without them, actually."

Queen Janai had declined King Ezran's offer to repatriate Sol Regem's remains, so the skeleton had been disassembled and carted away under guard to Queen Aanya in Duren. She and King Ezran were constantly exchanging letters about ongoing projects with names like "Ruby Fire" and "Solar Flare." The Crownguard's first and only concern was the safety of the ruling monarch, so Soren didn't give it any more thought than that.

It wasn't like he had any standing to do more than silently worry, anyway. Opeli and Corvus were always fretting over things like the King's state of mind, which plans he might later regret—even his relationship with his brother, still fractured months later, with no sign of future repair.

Callum might not have been on the wrong side like Claudia, but Soren could see the glimmer of her furious pride, in him. Her fierce, unquestioning love. Her obsession. All the things that, when it came time for her to choose, had made her choose wrong. Over and over and over again.

"I might still be able to find it, in the ground," Terry added, looking back at him. "It depends on how many other skeletons are down there."

"Okay, I'm gonna need some context on this one, Super Salad," Soren replied, pulling one arm across his chest to stretch out his shoulder. "Find what?"

"The spot where we—where Claudia and I buried your dad."

Soren froze mid-stretch. He'd looked for Viren's body in the ruins of the castle, because of course he had. Why wouldn't he? His father had died more than once, already—it was only sensible to want confirmation that he was well and truly gone, this time.

They'd pulled bodies from the rubble for days, and Viren's hadn't been among them. Neither had they found the staff, until it reappeared in Claudia's hands at the Moon Nexus.

"She told me Katolians usually burn your dead, but we didn't have the time or materials to prepare the body for that," Terry continued, sheepish. "So I helped her dig the hole, and she built a little cairn to mark it. The stones probably got scattered during all the fighting, later on."

Soren had lost his father more times and in more ways than he could count—nearly as many as he'd lost Claudia. He would have thought it'd stop hurting, by now. A grave for those losses shouldn't mean anything at all.

Terry looked out over the Valley again. "I just thought you might want to know. Maybe put up a better marker."

Soren grimaced—he'd held the shoulder stretch well past the twenty seconds his stretching routine demanded, throwing everything off. He squinted up through the sunlight at the rough forms taking shape on the memorial wall. King Ezran was engaged in an animated discussion with the lead architect, who appeared to be having some kind of dispute with the Sunfire elf mages over the engineering of the monument's eventual ever-burning flame.

"Yeah, well," he said, switching arms to stretch his other shoulder. He didn't look at Terry. "I didn't."

[julie-sufan]

The In-Depth Look at Julie-Su Part 7: Knuckles #24-28

The cover for issue 24 is a accurate portrayal of Julie's role in the issue. She hangs upside down then there's a explosion that frees her. There's a big plot hole due to the fact that when Knuckles & Julie-Su were kidnapped in issue 23 they were with the Chaotix. The Chaotix do not show up in issue 24 at all. They were just forgotten about again. Sigh.

Issue 25 takes place right after the events of the previous issue with Knuckles examining some robot head left over from the Dark Legion Headquarters.

Another plot hole I remembered while looking at this scene again is that Julie-Su has already met Knuckles's Dad back in issue 22. But according to this scene it seems like Knuckles didn't even know his dad was alive. Didn't Julie tell him? At all? It seems like a very important thing that she should have told him about.

Speaking of forgetting Knuckles leaves Julie behind. He doesn't rush back to tell her that something came up and they'll meet up later. He doesn't even bother to leave a note. Just walks away as if to say she's not of any importance to him overall. It's kind of similar to how Penders himself has treated Julie over various issues.

Needless to say she's enraged and I don't blame her one bit.

Issue 26 features Julie-Su on the cover drawn by Manny Galan. He does not draw the main story but the back up story instead for the next three issues.

The issue starts with Julie-Su still very angry at Knuckles for leaving her behind. (The editor's note on this two page spread explains what happened last issue.)

I went to look up to see if Julie's brown pouch with a strap was a actual product and it is.

Maybe it's just me but if Julie really wants to not think about Knuckles for a while perhaps walking into a city full of Knuckles knockoffs won't help.

Speaking of here's a Knuckles variant with a ugly green belt.

Ugghhh that summer hat does not go with her outfit at all. The colors clash too much. I would have picked this hat instead.

Awkward!

Onto to the back up someone who will become a important character in Ian Flynn's run reappears. She was last seen way back in 1995.

It's a little surprising that a character with such in a significant role in the main Archie Sonic comic emerged from a Knuckles back up story. Along with Julie-Su I miss Fiona so much.

A stealth type Knuckles certainly isn't.

Looks like the setup for a stage play production with that lighting and color choice.

End of issue 27. Issue 28 starts up with Lara-Le visiting Julie first thing in the morning.

I'm not going to lie in the summer when it's extremely hot & humid during the night I'll also wear a very long pajama shirt that goes past my knees. It's much more comfortable then wearing short shorts. Although it doesn't make sense that she's still wearing her gloves.

Lara-Le with miscolored red hair makes her look way to similar to Lien-Da in my opinion.

After their talk Julie-Su gets ready for her date with Knuckles. But what he doesn't know is that she's actually preparing to take him to a surprise birthday party.

The next scene would have made me so happy if it wasn't drawn the way it was. I remember back in the day fan artists redrawing this exact scene because while the idea behind it is sound the execution is not.

It looks like he's trying to eat her face. Nom nom nom.

Coming up: The end of the Knuckles comic & Julie-Su's backstory.

[sirenwitch]

I'm not here when I disappear.

I fall down my rabbit hole only to reappear.

Study the soul and then let me know.

I've done my fair share to prepare.

Embrace the smell of the yellow roses.

I'm not god, it's not my job to forgive.

Sorry can't fix what's broken.

Under the water I feel free in another world.

Paint the skin red to ease the dread.

I already lost my head.

Let me out of this carousel of coffins that's your circus of chaos.

Be yourself not somebody else.

[grey-spark]

What if Daddy Longlegs is, in a way, a representation of Sunny's dad?

Sunny is a child, so it's normal he sees him as really tall.

His dad has a fedora. He almost never see him wearing it, but it doesn't mean he never wear it in Sunny's presence.

Kids often see their parents as beings of knowledge. Wich would explain why Daddy Longlegs knows the origin of Headspace.

And we only see visuals details of his dad in the familly picture. Beside that, he's always a shadowy silhouette.

What do you think?

That's a serious possibility. Take a look at this:

If you add a coat to the rack we see next to the front door, (like I did in this artistic depiction) it almost looks like Daddy LongLegs in the darkness. It make sense he'd be based on a coat rack since that's the object you use when you're preparing to leaving the house.

Now, whether he's Sunny's Dad is a different story. It makes sense on some level. It's his hat, and Sunny Dad left over the Truth, or rather Sunny's unwillingness to face the truth. So to have his dad be the voice leading him out would make sense. But there are some holes, like why is he in Pryfly Forest of all places? If his dad was as nice as LongLegs why would he abandon Sunny? There's also someone else competing to be Sunny's Dad. Okay, while we're on this topic we need to address Jawsum.

In the lost Library, it says that either Sunny or Hero's Dad was helping build the treehouse. But the way the sentence is structured it (annoyingly) doesn't really specify which. This is relevant because Last Resort is strongly associated with the construction of the treehouse. Which means, Jawsum is either based on Sunny's Dad or Hero's Dad. But I'm not sure which. There are good arguments for both sides. I'm genuinely split.

On one hand, Jawsum is a boisterous back slapper seen wearing cargo shorts just like Hero's Dad. He has a strong connection to Hero. Even seen in a picture with him, that could easily be based on a photo Sunny saw in Hero's house. Also, the Lost Library message leans towards it being Hero's Dad's truck since Hero's name was mentioned last.

On the other hand, Jawsum is based on the poker game and computer given to him by Sunny's Dad. And we also know his dad built all the shelves in Sunny's House; telling us he is a builder. Its also his backyard. And finally:

It all comes full circle. The hat his dad wears is right next to Jawsum's desk. That might be the smoking gun, but I'm not convinced either way. This leaves us in a messy place. Is Jawsum based on Sunny's Dad? Hero's dad? Both? If so, is his dad also Daddy LongLegs, who also wears a hat and also has "Daddy" in his name? Here is what I can say confidently...

Daddy LongLegs is likely based on a camp counselor from Sunny's trip to Summer Camp.

The Summer Camp is only mentioned ONCE in a one-off joke comment when Kel is threatening Angel:

But apparently, its a BIG DEAL to Sunny's subconscious. Not only does Daddy LongLegs look the part of a camp counselor. The rafting activity also reappears in Humphrey. Another area that represents Headspace in microcosm, and the only other character to reference the cycle of blissful ignorance.

Point being, Summer is a big deal in OMORI. Even the last photos taken in Basil's album are on the last day of Summer, September 22nd. Summer represents the good times they used to have. The head counselor and Daddy LongLegs can be considered the ruler of Summer Camp and by extension, the ruler of Summer itself. One who has a responsibility to bring activities to a close.

Welp. That does it for the Daddy LongLegs post. One of the more interesting characters who can teleport from Headspace and Black Space at will. I like to think he's Humphrey's archnemesis. He's also vaguely based on the Slender Man creepypasta, another artifact of 2014. Sorry for the late response, but hey, at least I got to post it on the 22nd.

[emperorofvos]

How to rescue a stray Starscream

Starscream knew it was wishful thinking to imagine his alternate would open the door just because he knocked. The good news was he heard the definitely sounds of something scurrying around past the heavy metal walls. He was even pretty sure he heard a blaster engaging. That probably meant the mech he was looking for was in there, at least, and he was in decent enough shape to try and defend himself.

"Hold on!" he calls, hoping that his voice can carry through to wherever his alternate is hiding. Surely the sound of his own voice will, if nothing else, give him pause before firing at his intruder. He creeps around one corner of the building, finding a window with a hole in it that can allow him to be more audible inside. "You wouldn't want to shoot yourself, would you?"

Some moments of silence pass by, and Starscream is about to shout again when he hears a "What the frag?" from inside. The other, identical voice doesn't sound far, so Starscream goes out on a limb and reaches a servo through the broken window. He offers a simple wave.

A pair of familiar red lights appear. Starscream knows his own optics when he sees them, even if they're a bit more dim than they ought to be. "What is this?" says his other self, his vocals tense. "There were no clones left. None that I made. Makeshift is long dead. So what are you supposed to be?"

"Not a clone." Not in the way he was thinking anyway. "And not a disguise."

A dry bark of laughter pierced the dark space his alternate hid in. "Then what? Am I going mad?"

"No," Starscream answered evenly. "And I'll prove it." His servo retreats briefly only for both of them to reappear holding something he'd brought along in his subspace. He knew his alternate had to be low on energy, but he brought more than a plain energon cube. No, he brought an entire energon dessert, prepared by his own city's confectioners.

If he knew himself, he knew a taste of sweet decadence would prove a most powerful temptation. "Could a hallucination give you a gift? Go on and take it; it's real."

The duplicate pair of optics did not come closer at first, only blink and flicker with obvious focus to look for any signs of treachery. Starscream attempted patience, but his own bait was working against him. "Look here, I don't have all solar cycle, and I'll have this myself if you're just going to let it go to waste."

The threat of someone else taking the energon seemed to spur his alternate to action. The other Starscream approached, wings and hackles raised in a defensive stance, and snatched the dessert from the matching servos as soon as he could reach it. Starscream studied his alternate as he stood back just a bit. He looked quite glad to find the food he'd been given was truly real. Starscream knew how desperate he had to be for energy to let another mech, even himself, dig into the semisolid energon with his servo to scoop it to his mouth. Though he attempted to return to the obscurity of the shadows, Starscream could also get a sense of the state his frame was in. There were scratches all over him, patches of dirt, dents here and there. One corner of his mouth seems the slightest bit eroded. Worst of all, the tip of his red crest had apparently been broken off. Starscream frowned. This would not do at all.

"Look," he began. "I'm going to get right to it. I've come to get you out of here"

His alternate only momentarily paused in his eating, glaring at him from the side of his optics. "You still haven't explained what you're supposed to be."

"I'm you," Starscream tried to explain. "Not a clone, not from the future--well, not from your future, but--ugh! Look, you remember theories of the multiverse, don't you?"

"Yes? Wait, you're not telling me you're--"

"Ahah, see, I knew you'd catch on fast! Well there you go, now you get it, so come with me and--"

"Hold it!" his other commanded. "You expect me to accept such an incredulous idea just like that? If you're about to tell me you're from another universe, how are you here, how did you find me, why did you--?"

"Look, look," Starscream groaned. "There's time for that later! Why don't you just get out of there already and come with me to my Vos!"

"Your Vos...?"

"Yes!" Starscream gripped the bottom edge of the window he was looking through. "My Vos, where I rule. It's in the process of being rebuilt, you can live there--"

"I can live here," his alternate growled, taking a step back. "What is this? Some kind of rescue? I don't need the help of some multi-universal nonsense! I can survive here, in my own home, my own Vos!"

Starscream sighed. Really, he could be so stubborn at times. "There is no point in keeping up this struggle. I know your pride won't allow you to take handouts from other mechs, but think of this as you helping yourself," he told him. He knew he had to keep a delicate balance when speaking to his alternate. Motivation and not scolding. Compassion but not pity. "You lived through your war. You deserve a better reward than this world has to offer."

"You expect me to believe that I can be whisked off to another world, another Vos, like the one I dream of?" his alternate challenged. "Do you think I'm an idiot? Do you think I should believe you just because you could give me real energon?"

"I know it's an absurd thing to consider," Starscream replied. "But really, is there anything you have to lose by trusting me?"

That gave his alternate a moment pause. He finished the last of the energon and held the dish close in a subconscious need for protection. "You expect me to just run away to another world," he finally says. "This is--this is my world. This is my fate. What does it make me if I just run from it all?"

"Forget your stupid pride," Starscream growled. "Wake up already. There's nothing left for you in this world, and this isn't the fate you deserve! I'm giving you what you want the most, a chance at another life, so just come and take it already, and let me bring you home!" He reached his servo farther through the window, holding his palm upward and waiting for his other self to just take it already.

His duplicate made him wait a bit as he fully processed his words and the promise laced within them. Finally, he made his slow approach forward, his wings dropping low in submission, until he was close enough to lay his identical servo over the other's. "I don't understand..." he finally said. "Why do something as insane as cross a universe to save me?"

Starscream grasped his alternate's servo gently, knowing how starved he would be for delicate touch. "Because I have to save myself if no one else will."

"Steve, set a bridge to take us home."

[what-is-your-plan-today]

My ramblings and thoughts on US Election day...

Someone on our early morning work call asked me why I was concerned enough about the election to take tomorrow morning off so I could watch it live this evening in the UK. And more so I was given the line again about Trump being better for the UK Post Brexit than Biden would.

Maybe he would be, I don't know, but my response was simple. You see, watching the American election as a Brit is like watching a giraffe on fire running through a fireworks factory. There’s nothing you can do about it, you can’t stop thinking about it and it’s really concerning because you live next to the fireworks factory.

Given the state of our own piss poor Government and Brexit, the thought of Trump getting back in petrifies me for 2 main reasons.

One

I dread to think what fucking 'relationship' BoJo and Trump will continue to forge going forward and how this will impact the utter shit storm that is Brexit.

Back in 2017 when Darth Mayder was PM, she visited the White House and a number of things were discussed, one of which was Brexit. Trump's advice involved Britain threatening to leave the EU within 90 days, intimidating Brussels “with litigation” and embarking on a fast-track US-UK trade deal. In other words, he wanted a rapid hard Brexit. And he did so with 2 motives. The first was mercantilist. Maybot's plan would have forced Britain to conform to Europe’s tariff schedule during a transition period of two years — and likely for far longer. That would have killed American appetite to parley with the UK. Not to mention it would have diluted British food rules to permit mass US imports and scrapped the National Health Service’s role as a price setter, rather than a price taker, for pharmaceuticals.

Such a deal might have been possible before the US midterm elections. But Democrats made it clear they would block any US-UK trade deal if a border reappeared between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland...well shit...would ya look at this.

Who could possibly have thought it?

So whilst Trump's 'advice' is now kind of irrelevant as were 3 years into the whole bollocks process now anyway, I'd LOVE to watch the Tories and Brexit voting wankers crawl their way outta this hole if Biden does get in and the Democrats do indeed stick by their statement. Because a greater relationship with our US cousins was banded as a huge pro from Brexit...

L O L.

And yes, it probably would make things worse for the UK in the long run...possibly...as we can't reverse Brexit now as far as I'm aware, but im sick of being told to "get over it" and "concentrate on coming together to rebuild and make Britain great again" (yes, that IS the slogan used). Well, I didn't burn the house down, so you can fucking rebuild it yourselves.

And then we move to Trump's second motive for wanting Britain to act like cunts in Brexit- the fact his kindred spirit is Nigel Farage. A man who makes Boris look like a cuddly little kitten. He's a vile right wing racist and Trump gives that fuckwit credibility. Which is bad. Very bad in my eyes.

Two

Linked to above, we have SHEEP in this country. And I don't mean the 4 legged type that give us wool. I mean the idiots that merely repeat rhetoric. That swallow right-wing bullshit without so much as a fact check. That believe immigration to be the cause of all ills. That call all Muslims terrorists. That have no respect for anyone outside their little white, Nazi-saluting communities. That you could literally smack in the face with every, single FACT known to man and they'd still dismiss it and tell you that "Islamics are taking over."

The master race, ladies and gents.

Whilst Trump has been in charge, here in the UK that's rocketed, as the ideology is echoed by the Tories and other RW parties who cite him as "having the right ideas." Biden might not be perfect, but him getting in shuts that bollocks down once and for all.

So, to summarise, I sincerely hope that after 4 years of that lunatic running the asylum so to speak the votes go the right way...or should that be left, you get my drift.

My thoughts are with you, and my friends who I spoke to early this morning/last night in Texas, Cambridge and Florida who are all preparing for a shit storm.

I'm with you all... don't fuck it up like we did, please.

Coz maybe if you don't I might escape and come live over in NE...

[iamhaaru]

INFATUATION

(Fan fiction- Min Yoongi)

“Get the hell out of here!" she yelled on top of her lungs. The man who just bashed in her room without knocking put his fingers in his ears and responded with the same tone, "YAH! Don't scream!"

"How am I supposed to not scream when you just bashed into my room without any notice, PARK JIMIN?" she was pissed at her twin brother. Jimin, on the other hand, loved bothering his three minutes younger sister.

He sat on the side of her bed and smiled at her. Seeing that smile, Ji-Hye knew something was unlikely.

"What do you want this time?" she asked with her hands crossed.

"Can't I just simply smile at my lovely sister for no reason?" he questioned, trying to sound as innocent as possible with puppy eyes. She shook her head in rejection.

"Even I don't believe my own words," Jimin whispered under his breath. "YAH, PARK JIMIN! I heard that!" she uttered loud enough for Jimin to come back to reality. She raised her eyebrow and mouthed 'what?'

Jimin scratched the nape of his neck and asked in the softest voice possible, "Can you cook for my friends? They are coming over for dinner."

"Not happening mister," she spoke and tried to flick his forehead but Jimin was fast enough to catch her hand and squeeze it mildly and pleaded.

Jimin knew about her infatuation on Yoongi and notified, "Yoongi will also be there, little sister." A proud sneer was visible on his face.

"Aish…you sure do know how to get things done by me," she replied, trying to appear annoyed but her inner satisfaction was a shred of clear evidence that she wasn't annoyed.

A pair of manly arms wrapped around Ji-Hye's waist as she was cutting the vegetables. She turned around and pointed the knife towards the owner of those arms and gave him a death stare. Her eyes were as if they were red fumes burning out of anger.

"Listen carefully Jimin, if you want peace in this house then stay away from me. Otherwise, I won't proceed with the cooking for the six men."

Jimin always loved to disturb his sister. It was almost like their routine. He cleared his throat and stated, "Correction, you're cooking for seven men, that includes your handsome and kind brother." He said it as a matter of fact and pressed her nose.

"Aish..handsome and kind brother," she muttered through gritted teeth. Jimin chuckled at her reactions and ran his fingers through his hazel brown hair like he always does.

"Please don't forget that YOONGI would also be here. So try to put some effort to impress him," he teased.

"PARK JIMIN!"

She ran after him with a wooden spoon in her hand. The siblings ended chasing each other when they heard the doorbell ring. Jimin peeped through the see through-hole of the door and signalled Ji-Hye to get back in the kitchen as the boys were here.

Jimin escorted them. "Welcome guys," he beamed. The boys were occupied in talking and laughing until the aroma of the cooked food started to reach the living room from the kitchen. Jin stepped into the kitchen and greeted Ji-Hye.

"Let me help you," he proposed. She kindly refused but he insisted. Soon they both got involved in their friendly conversations and continued with the dinner preparations. Sometime later, Jin whispered to her ear, "I know you secretly fancy Yoongi." She was frightened at his words.

"And Yoongi knows it too," he finished his sentence and stood upright. She was completely bewildered and nervous. Fear was visible on her face as her secret was disclosed.

Jin giggled and stroked her hair.

"How did all this happen?" she asked.

"Your actions are very understandable, Ji-Hye," he replied. Jin then continued, "The way you stare at him continually and the way you smile upon hearing his name and et cetera."

"Is it that obvious?" she asked, almost whispering. Jin acknowledged.

"What do I do now?"

She was terrified. Jin held her shoulders and gave them a light squeeze. He bends a little to reach her eye level and said, "All you have to do is be yourself and confess your feelings to him because I'm pretty sure he likes you too." His words of reassurance gave her the confidence she needed and a little smile crept on her lips.

Dinner was served by Ji-Hye and Jin. Jimin felt a poke in his arm and looked over to Taehyung who motioned him to help his sister and the older guy.

"Let me help you, my little sister," Jimin said, advancing for the dishes. Ji-Hye just rolled her eyes and replied, "Sure, my three-minute older brother."

The boys were already seated on their seats. The only empty seat left was next to Yoongi's. Ji-Hye hesitated to sit next to Yoongi. "I'm not hungry. You guys can carry on without me," she spoke.

"Come sit with me," Yoongi said, smiling. Ji-Hye's heart was beating faster and her hands were sweating out of nervousness. "I don't bite, Park Ji-Hye," he added. She finally gave in and took the seat next to him.

They all praised her cooking skills and she thanked them back, politely. When the boys were caught busy with their talks, Yoongi bends over to Ji-Hye's ear and murmured, "After dinner let's go to the balcony." His lips were so close to her ear lobe that she felt his hot breath and that was only enough to send a shiver down her spine, making her nerves and butterflies to begin a war.

As soon as the dinner was over, the siblings cleared the table and did the dishes together. Meantime, Yoongi went to the balcony and the rest of them settled in the living room.

As the dishes were done cleaning, Jimin noticed that his sister wasn't accompanying him in the living room. He grabbed her hand and asked, "Where are you headed to?" The smirk never seemed to leave his face as he knew where she was going. She removed the grip and glared at him.

"You're going to the balcony, more specifically to YOONGI, right?" he asked.

"None of your business," she responded.

Jimin and the rest of the boys knew about their infatuations but waited for them to confess themselves.

The weather was nice. The breeze was moderate. The night sky was a mixture of dark blue and violet colours with scintillating stars. As he heard her footsteps, he turned towards her direction and a little smile flashed on his face.

"Hi, you wanted to see me here," she said, rather too shyly. Yoongi caught her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. He pointed at the stars and said, "Aren't they beautiful?"

"Yes, they are." Her smile became brighter than before when she was with her brother. She suddenly heard some footsteps from a bit far distance and felt some presence.

"Do you hear that Yoongi?" she asked, suspiciously. He lied, "It's nothing." He understood that the boys were secretly watching them.

There was an unexpected change in the weather pattern. The gentle breeze became stronger and lightning struck all of a sudden which was soon followed by the thunder sounds. Yoongi quickly hugged her and stroked her back gently, whispering, "It's okay, don't be afraid."

Ji-Hye gave him a puzzled look and said, "ummm…I'm not afraid of the lightning nor the thunder." Yoongi's face was red in embarrassment. "It's okay if you want to hug me. I don't mind," she quickly added with the intensified blush developed on the apple of her cheeks. Hearing this, Yoongi's smile reappeared.

Yoongi held her shoulders and gazed straight into her eyes and said, "Before it starts raining, I have to tell you something, right now, right here."

"I'm listening," she answered.

"I like you, Park Ji-Hye."

"I like you too."

As soon as she said those words, the rest of the boys didn't waste a single second to come out of their hiding spot and congratulate them.

"I never knew there was a sweet and soft corner in Yoongi," Jin smirked.

[ty-talks-comics]

Best of DC: Week of August 7th, 2019

Best of this Week: DCeased #4 - Tom Taylor, Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Gaudiano, Rain Beredo and Saida Temofonte

This book went out with a bang and it’s only been four issues of the six!

Captain Atom is one of the strongest heroes of the DC Universe. He’s right on par with Superman and under the reigns of the government, he’s an asset that they have complete authority over. The Atom, likely Ray Palmer, has dived into the body of an infected girl to see if there were a way to solve the crisis before it gets any worse, but then he goes dark. Captain Atom tells Amanda Waller to just way for The Atom to chime back in, but she orders him to go outside and clean the mess up. 

He does so, but soon realizes that something is horribly wrong. The next thing we see is The Atom tearing his way through Captain Atom's body, infecting him with the Anti-Life Virus.

We cut to the aftermath of the last issue with Clark bringing Martha Kent to the Daily Planet, crying about Jonathan as the entire Kent Family embraces each other over the loss. One of the big themes of this issue is the loss of family as there will he two big examples later on, each feeling more devastating than the last. 

Soon after Superman returns, he's ready to go back out there and rescue more people, but Dinah reminds him of the danger everyone could be in if he were to become infected. He counters that with the fact that he's been using x-ray vision to counter the effects of the virus as it's transmitted through screens. Lois makes a transmission to any hero or villain still alive and tells them to all come to the Daily Planet building. 

It's one of the few bits of hope that we get in this issue as we see that some people have boarded up their homes, some of the Titans are still alive and even Lex Luthor is listening in. Best of all, the transmission makes it to Themyscira and Wonder Woman makes her presence felt as she tells her mother and an arriving Mera that she's going to Metropolis. 

In Keystone City, Superman and Green Lantern Canary find Flash and Kid Flash who are doing their best to stay down as them becoming infected would be a nightmare for the world. In Gotham, Harley is being rescued by Ivy, who kills the infected versions of Catwoman, Huntress, Batwoman and Batgirl. I really liked this because, on top of finally getting one over on the Joker, Harley is saved by the true love of her life, albeit in a gory and bloody manner that I'd hoped I'd never have to see for some of my other favorite characters. But they do make for a really adorable couple. 

Back in Metropolis, however, things have taken a horrible turn for the worse. Hairsine struts his stuff in an amazing double page spread that shows an infected Giganta tearing her way through the city like a Kaiju. She looks absolutely monstrous with a giant scar running down her face, eyes and clothes caked with the blood of untold tens or hundreds of people that she's likely killed or eaten. With only Black Lightning, his daughters, Green Arrow, Robin and Superboy to defend the Planet, things look incredibly dire.

That is, until a surprise Batwing appears and distracts her… only to get knocked out of the sky, but saved by a returning Canary, Superman and the two Flashes. Wonder Woman also appears and prepares to cut the head off of the infected Giganta as she is knocked over by Superman. However, he stops her, pleading that there may still be something left there.

The little bit of hope that he may have had is crushed as Cyborg reappears and blows a hole straight through her head, explaining that none of them are alive anymore. While it's a mostly clean shot, the few bits and blood that do fall out feel gnarly as hell and her dead eyed expression is enough to send chills down the spine. 

While the other heroes are talking, the Batwing's hatch opens and Damian somehow expects it to be Batman only to be met by Alfred. He hugs his grandson and tells him Bruce's last words before his untimely passing and we're brought back to another tearful embrace.

*HEAVY SPOILERS AHEAD*

But this somber moment doesn't last as Hawkgirl appears, crashing down into Diana's arms, telling everyone that Captain Atom is infected and that he's about to explode. Superman and Wonder Woman do their best to contain it, but the sheer power of Captain Atom proves too much as his eruption destroyed Washington DC, then Baltimore and eventually...Metropolis where Black Lightning tells his daughters to close their eyes as he embraces them, the bright light engulfing them all.

*SPOILERS OVER: PRESS ON*

DCeased has gone way beyond the gimmick that a lot of us thought it might have been. Exploring themes like the loss of family, love and hope versus hopelessness, we see these characters placed in a new light where they have to adapt to a harrowing situation that no one was prepared for. Black Canary taking over as Green Lantern after Hal gets infected is a new and fresh take for her and she absolutely fits the role like a glove. Superman having to dissociate in order to keep himself focused on saving people gives him more depth as it clashes with who he is as a hero. Diana is far more willing to cut the head off of Giganta where normally she would try to talk her down or knock her out, she’s ready for the high stake over the situation. Also seeing Damian actually show his feelings, crying as Alfred hands him the briefcase of Batman’s gear, gives a lot more humanity as he’s been showing a lot of it because this is legit one of the first times he’s been truly afraid and didn’t have a plan. 

Trevor Hairsine’s art by itself is enough to sell the book on. It has a flavor of horror that hearkens back to some of DCs Vertigo stories, but also has the color and flair of normal superhero stories. The feelings of despair are very clearly shown and the gore, for how little there is in this issue is still unsettling to see. It’s all very high quality and appropriate for the story. Unlike most Marvel Zombies books, I’m actually scared for everyone here and I love it. High recommend. 

---------------------------------------------------

Jarro is the best new member of the Justice League and I will not be persuaded of the otherwise. 

Runner Up: Justice League #29 - Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Bruno Redondo, Hi-Fi and Tom Napolitano

Since the events of No Justice (2018), the Universe has been without Starro, the sentient and powerful telepathic starfish that served as the Justice League's first ever villain. In an uncharacteristic act of heroism, the conqueror sacrificed his life in an effort to save the universe from being destroyed. All that was left a small part of him that was kept in a jar and maintained his sense of heroism, becoming Batman's newest son, Jarro.

Jarro is the epitome of "doing his best" as this book involves him single handedly taking on the Legion of Doom. 

Lurking in the shadows of the Hall of Doom, listening to their top secret plans, lies Jarro dressed as Robin! He waits for the perfect moment and strikes at Lex and the others! They're all stunned that someone had the knowledge of their location and the gall to attack them. They all think that they can overpower him, but forget that Jarro still has all of the memories of his former self and creates an energy weapon that knocks them all back, including Sinestro and his constructs.

Though things take a turn, even after Jarro manages to take control of Braniac for a moment, and Lex gains the upper hand, pinning Jarro to a wall. As he's about to lay the final blow, the Justice League arrives to save their companion!

Throughout the book, however, there are numerous questionable things that makes it seem like it's just too good to be true. Jarro is referred to as Batman's favorite Robin by Sinestro. How did Jarro even find the Hall of Doom and how did the League track him? Hell, when Batman sees Jarro, he SMILES. That's a huge red flag. 

When Jarro begins to spawn more stars and takes over the minds of the Legion, Batman chides him for his actions and eventually realizes that he's had a star on his face the whole time. Jarro had been showing the good guys a vision where the League wins after deciding that control is the only path to victory after the shared vision he had with Starman in the last issue. 

It's all very reminiscent of any time that the Black Mercy plant is used and while what Jarro did was horrible, Batman manages to convince him that everything will be okay. So he releases the hold on everyone, jumps on Batman's shoulder and tells the others to prepare for war. 

What this book does best is simply allude to the idea that not everything is as it seems. It has little hints planted with things that only a could would say about themselves or their parents thoughts. Told through Jarro's perspective, it's good to see that Batman has raised him to be a being of hope and a cute one at that. Even his little Robin costume made me absolutely giddy and excited for the little guy.

Once again, it's Batman that has to save the day because he's always the most sound of mind. Though what this story does is shine a light on just how powerful Jarro could be. He managed to take over the minds of the Justice League without anyone being the wiser and shows just what an asset he is. It's even implied that he has a potential that even he can't see yet and I'm excited for his future.

[tamsywindsup]

Chapter 207: Stars and Oil, Part 3

// SPOILER WARNING!!! DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE CHAPTER YET.

Opening words: “Choso reappears in Tsukumo’s critical moment! His plan is...?!”

》 Kenjaku: "So heavy!!"

》 Choso: "Are you watching... my little brothers? I'm going to kill our faaaaather!!"

》 Yuki: "This is getting interesting, fallen warrior!!"

*fallen samurai — the kanji is 落ち武者 (ochimusha), which means "fallen warrior". I personally prefer "fallen warrior".

》 Yuki: "You've been a great help, big brother."

The term used here wasn't just a mere thank you like "arigatou" or even "domo". Yuki said 助��る (tasukaru), which is spoken when a person is "saved" by someone else — in the sense that the rescuer helped that person escape from an undesirable/troublesome situation. 助かる (tasukaru) is used to give respect and it also conveys a deeper gratitude to the person/people who helped you out.

》 Yuki: "He got out [of Garuda's hold] during the time when 「Bom-Ba-Ye」 was weakened 'cause I was using Reverse Cursed Technique."

》 Yuki: "...he crushes everything with Cursed Spirit Manipulation!"

John Werry, have you forgotten what Geto's CT is? 🥹

This is just me nitpicking but I think "mini Uzumaki" sounds much better.

》 Kenjaku: "Your weight does not change when you use 「Bom-Ba-Ye」... That must mean even if your density increases, your durability remains the same."

When I read "tensile strength", my eyes hurt. I do believe the kanji in this context meant durability, or toughness. (And guess what? I asked my friend and she told me that the kanji 強度 means "tensile strength" in chinese 💀)

Closing words: “Direct hit!!”

–

My thoughts:

Good chapter! The battle was so intense that it could pass off as one of the close-to-end-of-series fights, y’know? All three of them are Special-Grade sorcerers and I believe Gege is trying to reiterate to us with this battle.. that if one cannot use RCT or if they run out of cursed energy, then it's basically endgame. And ultimately, it also boils down to who has the highest durability to tank the physical blows once their CE runs out. Hats off to Yuki and Choso for their strategy to try and deplete Kenjaku's CE as well as tire him out physically since right now we can assume that Kenjaku isn't like Gojo who doesn't run out of CE, or like Yuuta who has abundant amounts of CE. But with that ending, things don't seem to look real good so what's gonna happen next?

Kenny using Rasengan on Yuki was purely intentional, I bet. Especially after he has confirmed that she’s capable of using RCT. Since CE has been said to originate from the belly, it’s not surprising he pulled that move against her. But ayo, I was definitely taken aback by the mini Uzumaki, it’s so smollllllllll. With that hole in the stomach, I'm not sure if she’d be able to channel CE to perform RCT on herself, but maybe she still can do it since Hakari did it too haha. Nevertheless, being the gutsy woman that she is, chances are Yuki will gamble everything she’s got and finish this fight strong. Reminder that she's a Special-Grade who's said to be able to overthrow a nation, so I don't believe she's gonna get offed in the next chapter, as such please don't worry, Yuki stans! Perhaps, like everyone's been hoping for, we might get to see her expand her domain - though, the effectiveness might be significantly weaker.

Choso isn’t in good shape either and will need time to recover from “Gravity” technique. But even if he plunges in to help Yuki, he’s not gonna be able to keep up. Between him and Yuki, IF one were to die, I’d say it’s most likely Choso. Just continue to say our prayers, alright, guys? :’) Meanwhile, Tengen.... isn’t going to do anything much, is she?

If you ask me, the best conclusion to this battle is... Uraume showing up to grab Kenjaku's arse outta there, and they'll cop Tengen on the way too. Maybe Uraume's gonna announce that the preparations are now ready..? A popular take right now is that Tengen will merge with Yuki, which is plausible, but I think it’d be better if the merger doesn’t work in the way they wanted it to. Seriously if it does happen and the both of them think that Kenjaku’s plans will be hindered, please tell me that they're ded wrong. I can't see him being stopped right now, not yet. Kenjaku's gonna remain as the final boss until Sukuna has properly reincarnated in a body of his own.

Meanwhile, I’m still waiting on the secret that Tengen’s hiding from us all. Yeah, no problem, just keep us waiting some more, Gege-chan. You enjoy doing that to us anyway lmaooooo.