#if they aren’t endgame so help me i will lose it

[torynicholz]

i’m sorry but keenry is literally the definition of a power couple

[softgreengrass]

The Gold

Natasha Romanoff x Reader

Summary: angst, au where clint dies on vormir instead of natasha, set a few months after endgame, relationship troubles😬

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: survivor’s guilt, breakup

Author’s Note: based on “the gold” by manchester orchestra and phoebe bridgers

You wake to birds chirping. Natasha has opened the window. She’s nowhere to be seen, probably in the kitchen or out for a run. All at once, a crushing melancholy falls onto your chest, the one that’s been appearing with increasing frequency ever since she returned.

She hadn’t wanted to come back; anyone could see that. She wished she was dead instead of Clint, instead of Tony. And she meant it. She wanted to be dead.

Because of that, it had never felt like a victory to you. You knew the others agreed —Wanda, Peter, Bucky— but that didn’t make it much easier.

Even the things Thanos hadn’t taken, he had changed.

You get up slowly, all too aware of the lump in your throat and the fragility of your heart. If Natasha so much as looks at you wrong this morning, you’ll lose it. Again.

You know she’s tired of it, of your mood swings and sensitivity, but it all stems from her and she knows that too. Those first few weeks after her return had set a certain tone.

Natasha is standing at the kitchen counter, staring at the coffee pot. You know why instantly. You always do.

“I forgot how he used to drink straight from this,” she murmurs.

“I know.”

You’ve grown used to Natasha’s blank stare: it doesn’t twist your heart the way it used to. Some days you think she found your biggest store of sympathy and dried it all up. You shuffle past her, open the freezer, and pull out hash browns.

“I was going to visit Laura today,” she says numbly.

“You visited her yesterday, baby,” you say, glancing up at her as you dump the hash browns onto a pan. “I think she’s okay for today.”

Natasha swallows. You can see the pain in her eyes, the sinkhole of regret. “I don’t have any other plans.”

“You could stay home with me.”

Your tone is neutral, but you know she picks up on the hope in it. And you can feel the distance that grows between you the longer she takes to answer.

“Come on, Nat,” you smile, like your eyes aren’t already stinging with tears.

“I want to be useful,” she pleads. “I… you’re too good to me here. I can’t be useful.”

It takes you a second to process what on earth she could possibly mean. Natasha stands quietly.

In another life, you could’ve said the words on your tongue. Could’ve told her that you need her like water, that the most useful thing she could possibly do is just be with you. But you know you can survive without her. At this point she must know that too.

And yet, there’s something yearning in her eyes, like she has faith in you.

The hash browns crackle and give you an excuse to look at them instead of her.

Somewhere deep inside of you, you know Natasha has always been fine without you. She doesn’t love you in the way you love her, in the way that would summon sympathy and energy out of thin air. She used to, maybe. It’s all bitter on your tongue.

She clears her throat. “I got an email. Apparently they want to give us medals.“

“You brought back half the universe. The least you deserve is a medal.”

You know what she wants to say to that. The silence is frustrated and thick, the lump in your throat quickly returning. You hate that nothing is easy anymore.

“I’m going to Laura’s,” she says eventually.

You can’t find it in you to respond; you can barely make yourself nod. The oil on the pan bubbles and spatters violently, and you realize that’s how your blood feels, singing your arteries and your veins and your heart.

When the door closes behind her, you close your eyes.

Your dad’s face comes to mind. “Don’t open your eyes for a while,” he used to say, his voice gravelly but gentle. “Just breathe that moment down.”

It had helped, especially in your teenage years when you were quick to anger and quicker to hurt. Regret used to swallow you whole. You had told Natasha that once, years ago, when you visited his grave together for the first time. She had been polite.

You don’t want to resent her. God, how you don’t. But the past couple of months have worn you down to the bone, and it would be one thing if she was fighting too, but she gave up on that cliff. You don’t know how much longer you can do all the caring for.

And it’s not like your relationship was perfect before, either. You had met her at a high point. It had always been a steady decline.

A hard wave of guilt nearly knocks the breath out of you, and you have to grip the counter to keep your balance. You love her. You’ll fight for as long as you can.

You eat the burnt hash browns right out of the pan, even though you don’t feel hungry.

By ten, Natasha still hasn’t come home, and you’re back in bed, blinking back more tears, since that feels like all you do nowadays. Now accompanying the gloom and guilt in your ribcage is an unrelenting discomfort. It’s that same old helpless feeling, the one that knows things are going to change and there’s nothing you can do about it.

The vertigo of it all rocks you to sleep.

You make it another week before one of Natasha’s nightmares wakes you up and you’re so full of discontent you can’t breathe. Still, you swallow it down and find her hand in the dark.

“Nat, you’re right here,” you whisper.

A squeeze of her hand and she opens her eyes, frantically looking around.

“It was just a dream.”

Wild eyes find your own; a sheen of sweat coats her face. Her breath heaves. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” The words burn in your throat. How many times will you have to tell her that?

Her head falls back against the pillow with a sigh.

Your eyes ache for sleep, but then there it is again, that realization that soon you might never be in bed with her again. You’re not sure how to appreciate it fully.

“Are you hungry?” she asks coarsely, staring up at the ceiling.

You’re not. “I could eat.”

She smears peanut butter onto toast into the kitchen, gives the first one to you. It must be the millionth time the two of you have been in the kitchen together, dark circles under your eyes and hair frizzy.

“You know I wish none of that ever happened,” Natasha says softly.

“Of course,” you furrow your brow. “I wish it didn’t either.”

“No, I mean,” she huffs. “I wish we didn’t change. I wish I didn’t change.”

It’s like something has pierced your heart. You can’t find anything to say to comfort her, because you wish that just as much as she does.

“I don’t want you to go,” she admits, her bottom lip quivering. “But I don’t want to hold you back just because I’m stuck.”

“Nat…”

She swallows thickly. “It’s your choice.”

You hate that you already know your answer, that you’ve known it for so long. You hate it.

Your arms wrap around her tightly as you take in her softness and her scent again. Her cheek is damp against your shoulder, your own eyes welling with relentless tears.

It feels like stiff fingers prodding at your throat and your chest: it makes you want to curl into a ball. You’re horrified at the idea of a life without her, especially one where you know she’s still walking around. But it’s either drown or freefall, and you need to give yourself a chance.

“I’m sorry, baby,” you mutter into her neck.

“It’s okay,” she whispers. “I’m sorry too.”

She holds you as wave after wave of bittersweet relief and regret crash over you, and you fall asleep in each other’s arms once more. The next morning she helps you gather your things.

[hawkinsp0st]

i just rewatched “the piggyback” and oh. OH. !!!!!!!

i kept getting hung up on why, if mint chocolate chip isn’t endgame, they would have mike saying i love you to el before the most crucial battle of the episode?

but it just clicked for me.

they show us his monologue to show that it doesn’t help.

look at that image. does it look like mike’s confession saved the world?

the final half of the ep: it’s bleak. we’ve never seen stranger things this dark. there aren’t monsters hidden behind walls or in labs anymore. hawkins is cracking open. this battle is a true loss for eleven, in every sense of the word.

mike says i love you to el at the climax of the episode. and then? they lose. they don’t “almost” lose—they lose. max dies. eddie dies. people in hawkins die. eleven loses.

the way the episode is set up, mike’s monologue marks the start of the episode’s climax.

if this climactic monologue was meant to be a positive turning point, the “falling action” that comes next would be something hopeful—a good example of this is the falling action of cinderella, when the prince is testing glass slippers on all the ladies around the kingdom. hopeful + a resolution is promised soon.

so if mike’s confession were setting up a win and a happy ending, we would’ve seen a victorious battle after that.

but this was no happy ending.

mike “confesses”, the battle takes place, and then the most heartbreaking sequence takes place in the falling action.

may i present to you the outcome of the battle that started with mike saying i love you: max dies. lucas and el are grieving her. hawkins splits wide open.

mike says “i love you”, and then they show us how his inauthentic confession was not enough. his love was not what the heroes needed in that moment, bc it isn’t true love.

they even give us an example immediately after of how love is enough to win, when it’s real. eleven gains strength through her love for max to bring her back to life. eleven’s love for max is why the gang has any hope at all right now. so yes, the show has proven that love can do it.

but mike’s monologue—pointedly—did not allow our heroes this victory.

tldr; the “you’re my superhero” monologue serves the same narrative purpose as the dead mario lopez flowers, and you can’t tell me otherwise.

[holylulusworld]

A fresh start (1) - Support Group memories

Summary: The world is safe. Thanos is gone. What now?

Written for my 16.666 followers celebration. Requested by @elle14-blog1​

Pairing: Pre-Endgame!Steve Rogers x Plussized!Reader

Warnings: angst, language, shy reader, plus-sized reader, mentions of loss of loved ones, support group, meet cute

A/N: This part takes place in the past. It’s how they met and a short prologue.

A fresh start masterlist

16.666 followers ‘16 days of requests’ celebration

Two years after the blip, support group meeting, …

“Welcome to our support group,” you shyly glanced up at the tall man holding out his hand. “I have never seen your face here before. Do you want to have a seat? We got tea and some cookies. I think Cherice will bring cake today.”

“I-uh,” you tried to swallow the lump in your throat. “Hi, I’m Y/N. I heard about this group. I thought…maybe I can support you too. I got a bakery across the street and made some cupcakes.”

You pushed the box filled with cupcakes into his hands. “I got cupcakes and some cookies. I know from my granny that people get hungry after talking. I mean…she was…Everyone came to my granny with their problems. She always had an open ear for them. Now she’s gone…”

“I’m sorry to hear, Y/N,” he softly said. “I wish we could’ve done more.”

“OH! No…no,” you shook your head. “My granny didn’t get dusted.” You gave Steve a weak smile. “She died a few weeks before all of this happened. At least I can visit her grave. I can talk to her and…” You sighed deeply. “I came here because I want to help. My granny would’ve done the same.”

“I’m Steve and we gladly have you around, Y/N. Do you want to help me with the chairs? The others aren’t here yet.”

“O-kay,” you looked the man up and down. He was a tall and handsome man, with his blue eyes, pink and plump lips, and the thick bead framing his face. He reminded you of someone, but this couldn’t be. Or could it?

“Great.”

“Do I know you?” you asked before you could stop your tongue. “Sorry, it’s just you remind me of someone but I’m bad at memorizing names.”

“Guilty,” he laughed nervously. 

“It is really you?” you gasped. “Captain…thank you for your service.” Without thinking twice, you hugged Steve, holding him tightly. “Sorry…it’s just…we all saw the pictures and you fought so hard for all of us. So…thank you.”

God, you felt so stupid. How could you just pounce on Steve Rogers? Captain America in flesh and blood. 

“It’s fine,” he softly said while running his hand over your head. “No one thanked me for failing them. I let the world down.”

“Captain, you didn’t fail us,” you hastily said. “You and your friends fought so hard.” You teared up. “We all lose sometimes. It’s just the way this world works. Sometimes you win, other times you lose.”

He smiled. Steve didn’t know how long it has been since he smiled. But right there, in this very moment, it felt right to smile.

“Still, I wasn’t strong enough.”

“I’m sorry,” you said. “I didn’t want to make you sad.”

“No, you—” looking at each other, like you are the only two people you didn’t recognize the room filled with the members of Steve’s support group.

“OH! We forgot about the chairs, Steve.”

The spell was broken when you turned around to help the others with the chairs. Steve watched you for a moment, a content smile on his lips.

“Please welcome Y/N, our newest member,” Steve introduced you to his support group. “She lost her grandmother before the snap. Y/N was kind enough to bring us cupcakes and to offer her support.”

“I remember your grandmother,” Semira, your former neighbor’s daughter said. You remember the cocky girl too. She always listened to the same song and sang along. “She was kind. Always was there for us.”

“She liked you too, Semira,” you whispered. You always were a little shy around too many people, or in general. But at that moment, with everyone staring at you, including Captain America, you felt even more nervous. “Granny was the heart of Brooklyn.”

“Do you want to talk about your grandmother, Y/N?” Steve asked. “Whatever you tell us will stay within these walls.”

“I only came here to help. You all lost so much more,” you dropped your gaze. “Please continue. I’ll get more tea and coffee for all of you.”

After the other members of the support group left, you and Steve cleaned the room for the next group.

“If you want to, you can tell us more about your grandmother next time,” Steve broke the comfortable silence.

“It’s fine,” you gave him a weak smile. “This is a support group for survivors who lost their loved ones in the blip.”

“We support everyone,” he looked down at you, features softening as he could see the hesitation in your eyes. “Or we can talk after the meeting if you want to, doll.”

Your cheeks heated up at the cute nickname. “I don’t want to waste your time. You already do so much. This world is…different now. Colder. Harder. You are a light in the darkness.”

He smiled. Again. For the third time that day.

“I lost my two best friends in the blip and Tony…we don’t know what happened to him. Maybe he got dusted too. I don’t know.”

“I’m sorry,” you grasped for his hands. “You lost so much and yet; you blame yourself for a fight all of us lost. Not only you.”

“Doll, it was my fault. I failed all of you.”

His eyes dropped to your hands holding his so larger ones.

“Maybe you need to take your own advice and talk about your feelings more. You listened to all of them but didn’t give away what’s hurting your heart.”

“Maybe you can listen to me from now on?” he asked, making your heart flutter. “I know we barely know each other. But I can talk to you better than to the people I know for so many years.”

You chewed on your lower lip. “If you want to, you can visit me at my bakery. I live upstairs.”

“I’d like that,” he said, offering you another smile.

After that day Steve and you became friends.

He often visited you at your bakery and you joined him at the meetings. If only to support the members and your friend.

You talked for hours after the meetings, sharing your feelings. Steve was a constant in your life for almost three years.

Until one day he said something making you fear for his life.

“We know how to undo the blip…”

>> Part 2

Tags in reblog.

[averagewriter-inthedark]

Love Across the Galaxy 🌌 | Helmut Zemo Imagine

Contains spoilers for GOTG Vol.3

Link to my Marvel masterlist

Characters & Pairings: Baron Helmut Zemo x Roman Goddess/Guardians!reader (romantic), The Thunderbolts—Baron Zemo, Bucky Barnes, Thaddeus Ross, Valentina Alegra De Fontaine, John Walker, Ghost, Justin Hammer, Taskmaster, Yelena, & Red Hulk (platonic), The Guardians of the Galaxy—Quill, Mantis, Nebula, Drax, Rocket, Groot, Kraglin, & Cosmo (platonic)

Content Warnings: profanity, light angst, fluff, mentions of death, fighting & violence, spoilers for GOTG Vol.3 (don’t read if you haven’t seen it!) | female!reader (she/her) | wc: 4.9k

Requested 📨 yes/no (rules for requests)

Premise: In which Baron Helmut Zemo, hater of the Avengers and desire to rid the planet of enhanced beings, becomes a member of the antihero team led by General Thaddeus Ross & CIA Director Valentina Fontaine where he meets the legendary group of misfits turned Guardians of the freakin Galaxy and loses his heart to a Goddess with a love for 80s music and talent for cutting of limbs.

Note: GOTG Vol 3 has permanently altered my brain chemistry and I cannot stop thinking about it. Truly the best film since Endgame & it’s inspired me cause I’m also back to loving Zemo again. I refuse to believe Marvel would give us a Thunderbolts film w/o Zemo so I will make sure he’s in this team.

After learning about all the Gods in Thor: Love & Thunder, picture you are Minerva, the Roman Goddess of Wisdom & War (Roman equivalent to the Greek’s Athena) and has cosmic powers similar to the Eternal’s Thena and has been with the Guardians since the events of the first GOTG film.

————————

Fall 2023

“I don’t see why we need these people to help us,” Zemo rolled his eyes, strolling beside General Ross with the rest of the team around them. Once outside the cool breeze hit him, ruffling the lapels of his coat as his eyes squinted from the bright light.

Ross lets out a tired sigh, “Because, Zemo, as much as it galls me to admit it this threat is far beyond what we can deal with. It’s not terrestrial and chances are these…” he had trouble coming up with the word, “let’s just say they’re more experienced for this situation.”

They all stop before the flight line. It’s clear all around them with no sign of an approaching vessel.

“Who are these guys again?” Justin Hammer popped some jelly beans in his mouth. John looks down at the file in his hands, making a face as he does.

“They call themselves…The Guardians of the Galaxy.”

“Oh God,” Bucky moans, immediately making mental notes to protect his mental arm knowing a certain talking animal was on the hunt for it. He was gonna have to sleep with one eye open.

Zemo raises his brow, “Friends of yours, James?” Bucky is not pleased by the assumption.

“I wouldn’t call them that.”

“Aren’t they part of the Avengers?” Ava’s tone is slightly disapproving. While Scott Lang and the Pym/Van Dyne’s helped her, she still got bad rep despite doing what she did to survive.

Zemo, not happy with the idea of working with Avengers, snatches the file from Walker.

“Not technically,” Ross replies while Zemo reads over the page. “They arrived with Thor in 2018 against the first battle with Thanos, remained an associate to the team while continuing whatever the hell it is they do in space, and returned in 2023 to defeat the purple bastard once and for all.”

“Did you fight with them, Bucky?” Yelena asks from beside the soldier.

“Yeah,” the memory appears in his mind. Specifically where he grabbed Rocket by the scruff and spun them in circles to cover more area as they fired off their guns. “Our interactions were brief…but memorable.”

The Baron had seen many things over the years, like the rest of humanity with the formation of the Avengers and reveal of intergalactic and enhanced beings, but to stay he wasn’t thinking, ‘what the fuck?’ by the picture in front of him would be a lie.

An earthling turned ravager, a blue mercenary, a woman with antennas, a genetically engineered raccoon, a living tree, a gray alien that could take down Thor, a man with a metal Mohawk, a telekinetic dog, and an exiled sword wielding Goddess. All misfits and outcasts, mostly space criminals turned superhero guardians of the cosmos.

Well….they were quite the bunch.

“They are not still with the Avengers, I take it?” Zemo wanders around, eyes lingering on the Goddess. White streaks adorned her natural hair color, eyes gold and lips painted with what appeared to be a permanent smirk. She wore a gold and white headpiece that had an owl extending its wings.

Name/Alias: Minerva, Goddess of War; Race: Deity; Planet of Origin: Caelum; Age: approx. 2500 yrs (39 Earth yrs); Occupation: Warrior/Mercenary/Defender of the Andromeda Galaxy; Allegiance: The High Council of Caelum (formerly), Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor, God of Thunder, The Avengers (formerly); Abilities: Cosmic manipulation, enhanced strength, agility, speed, & durability, thermal detection & mental teleportation; Specialization: artillery and battle strategy.

Ross let out a sigh, “only when the planet is about to go to shit due to an intergalactic threat. Which we’ve now got on our hands, but considering the Avengers are all on sabbatical I’m sending you in,” he checks his watch, “but I need all the extra hands and like I said, they’re experienced.”

Zemo stares at the blank sky, “How will we know they've arrived?”

“Believe me,” Ross mutters under his breath. “You’ll know.”

A loud rumbling noise caught everyone’s attention, gazes turning upward as a hexagon shaped breech in the sky revealed a very large spaceship in its wake, followed by the distinct lyrics of AC/DC’s ‘Back to Black.’

“Back in black. I hit the sack. I’ve been too long, I’m glad to be back. Yes, I’m let loose. From the noose. That’s kept me hanging about.”

“Oh my,” Yelena breathed out, hair flying back from the gust of wind. Zemo lifted a hand to cover his face from the leaves, as did the others, many wide eyed.

“I’ve been looking at the sky. ‘Cause it’s gettin’ me high. Forget the hearse ‘cause I never die. I got nine lives. Cat’s eyes. Abusin’ every one of them running wild.”

“Great song,” Justin voiced, grinning from ear to ear. The ship made its descent, music getting louder.

“‘Cause I’m back. Yes, I’m back. Well, I’m back,” it approached the tarmac, “Yes, I’m back. Well, I’m back, back.” wheels hit the tarmac, engine powering down but music still blasting, “Well, I’m back in black,” the ship doors opened, revealing steps extending to the ground, “Yes, I’m back in black.”

It was almost like a scene from a movie. Slow-motion if one will by how the Guardians exited their ship and stepped foot on the tarmac with AC/DC on full volume. All dressed in their new suits of red and blue leather with the Ravager flames on the chest.

Arriving in style.

Quill led with the rest flanking his sides. Drax munching on snacks while Nebula looked menacing and Groot towered over everyone. Cosmo had her tongue out in excitement, Rocket carrying his gun strapped to his back. Mantis’s chin held high, like she was on top of the world and Kraglin trying not to appear lost. Lastly Minerva was drinking a caprisun, Ray Bans covering her gold eyes.

Zemo tilts his head in amusement at the sight. He expected the Goddess, of war nonetheless, to have a more menacing approach like Nebula considering her reputation. But she was just as relaxed and laid back as Drax.

The Guardians walked several paces until they were directly in front of the Thunderbolts. It was then the music stopped, Ross being the first to address them. “You sure know how to make an entrance.”

Quill gave a smug grin, “We know.” Hands go to his hips, “You’re wearing a suit so you must be the boss man. Although I believe there’s also a boss lady we’re here to do business with.”

“Director Fontaine is currently occupied. She’ll be arriving in the morning.”

“I assume we won’t be knowing a damn thing until that happens, huh?”

Ross tightens his lips, “You assume correctly.”

“I told you we should’ve handled it on our own,” Minerva’s glances to Quill annoyed. Surprised by her voice, Zemo's eyebrows raised at her sudden input. Her accent was slightly Italian given her mythological origin is Roman.

Quill clicked his tongue, “We don’t have authority here, Minnie.”

“Midgard is part of the Andromeda Galaxy. Technically we should.”

Now the man was giving her a pointed look after Ross’s body language turned defensive, “I’d rather not get our asses thrown in Earth’s prison system. We go by the rules—the ones we established.”

Minerva grumbles under her breath, finishing the last remnants of her juice pouch, “Would’ve finished the job faster. They wouldn’t even know we were here.”

“Okay well, we’re doing things this way. We’re here as a team to work with a team. Right, Mr. Secretary?”

Ross’ disapproving eyes linger on Minerva, who in return rolls her own, before turning his attention back to Quill, “Yes. Now let’s move on shall we?”

He lets out a breath of relief, “Agreed.” Bidding a warning look to each of his teammates, they all wait for what the man in the suit has to say. Ross extends a hand to the people on either side of him.

“This is my team. All with different levels of skill and experience. Justin Hammer is our tech and weapons specialist,” Justin gives a wave, “Yelena Belova,” Ross points to the blonde in a white tactical suit, “former Black Widow and master assassin.” At the mention of Black Widow Rocket, Nebula, and Minerva all tense, faces becoming solemn at the memory of Natasha. They were the three remaining Guardians during the blip, becoming close with the Avenger.

“Ava Starr, she can phase through anything,” they all look impressed, finding the talent cool. “Antonia Dreykov, who we like to call Taskmaster.”

“Why’s that?” Kraglin asked intrigued.

“She has photographic reflexes and can mimic your fighting powers. Basically use your own moves against you.”

“Niceeee,” all the Guardians echo. Ross points to the two individuals in between Zemo and Yelena.

“Our super soldiers, Captain John Walker and I believe you all know Sergeant Barnes.” Bucky tightens his mouth with a curt nod.

“You still got that arm on ya?” Rocket muses, earning a nudge—well more like a kick—from Minerva. The rest of the Thunderbolts besides Bucky all become wide-eyed at the talking Raccoon…even though it said on the file he could.

But how the fuck else were they suppose to react to a talking raccoon?

All Bucky does is glare, “Don’t even think about it.” Rocket shrugs, “Worth a shot.”

“Why is that one carrying a giant frisbee?” Drax’s mouth is filled with Zargnuts. Walker, the man in question, becomes visibly offended.

“It’s a shield not a frisbee.” Zemo bites back a smirk at the soldier's tone. Not to mention the Guardians' reactions were priceless.

“A shield?” Mantis repeats confused.

“It’s a frisbee,” Drax mumbles.

“Like that circular object Minerva conjures to deflect attacks,” Nebula tiredly explains. Mantis’s mouth forms the shape of an ‘o’.

“And lastly,” Ross sounds just as exhausted as the cyborg, “Baron Helmut Zemo, former intelligence operative.”

“I am Groot,” Zemo’s attention goes to the tree alien, confused by his words. Minerva, seeing his expression, addresses it, “He says he likes your fancy cape.”

‘Cape?’ He thinks, but doesn’t comment on it and his perplexed reaction makes Minerva smirk. Instead Zemo says, “Well, I appreciate the compliment. Thank you.” Groot’s pleased, grinning wide like a child.

It’s then Quill’s turn to formally introduce the Guardians. The Thunderbolts bite back their own amusement at the nicknames and surprise of hearing the dog, Cosmo, speak through her suit with a distinct Russian accent. Afterwards Ross leads them all into the hangar, Minerva removing her sunglasses now that she was inside, allowing her gold eyes to be visible.

From there they all interact, awkwardly for the most part as they have no idea what the hell to do as they wait for further instruction. It soon becomes bickering and even challenging someone in hand-to-hand combat.

Well, what can you expect when a team of heroes meet a team of villains/anti heroes? Rivalry at its finest.

“Any day now, Quill,” Minerva groans, relaxing her stance. Across from her several feet away was Walker, confused by why she was taking so long to attack. They were standing in the middle of the squared off area with the teams surrounding them, but giving enough space to avoid being in the crossfire. Quill was scrolling through his Walkmen.

“What’s he doing?” Zemo whispers to Kraglin, eyes flicking back and forth from the human Guardian and the Goddess.

“Trying to find a good fight song. You know, get the vibes going.” Out on the square Minerva lets out a loud huff signaling her annoyance was increasing.

“Just give me another second—.”

“Quill.”

“I almost got it.”

“Pick a goddamn song!”

“Fine!” Quill shouts, randomly selecting the first one his finger hits. A second later Duran Duran’s ‘Hungry Like the Wolf,’ blasts through all the speakers attached to the Guardians arms. The antiheroes become perplexed, while also noting the song choice. Justin and Yelena started to bop their heads.

“Darken the city, night is a wire. Steam in the subway, earth is afire. (Do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do)”

Minerva smirked, retaking her stance. As she lifts her hands, cosmic energy around her consorts to physical matter, taking the shape of a spear and shield in either hand. Wide eyes take over the Thunderbolts.

“Woman, you want me, give me a sign. And catch my breathing even closer behind. (Do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do)”

“Wow,” Justin exhales. “In touch with the ground. I’m on the hunt, I’m after you.”

“That’s so cool,” Yelena muses, others muttering in agreement. “Smell like the sound, I'm lost in the crowd. And I’m hungry like the wolf.” Keeping his admirations to himself, Zemo watches the scene unfold in silence.

“First one to step or get thrown out of the square loses,” Bucky shouts over the music, “Ready….” Walker clutches the strap of his shield, Minerva twirling her spear once, “Fight!”

“Stalked in the forest, too close to hide,” Walker lets out a cry, charging at the Goddess. “I’ll be upon you by the moonlight side (Do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do,” Minerva blocks his attack, pushing back slightly only to crouch to swipe at his legs, “High blood drumming on your skin, it’s so tight,” Walker dodges her spear, but fails to avoid her kick to his chest, sending him backward. “You feel my heat, I’m just a moment behind.” He brings his shield up in time as her spear barrels down at him. “Do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do.”

They continue their one-on-one for several minutes, both coming close to getting the other out of the square and the song changing to ‘Cherry Bomb’ by The Runaways—a favorite amongst the Guardians. The entire time Zemo was mesmerized to say the least. Every move she made was effortless, showcasing strengths and ability to predict Walker's moves.

He hadn’t felt such attraction to a woman in so long. And here he was experiencing a feeling that was almost unfamiliar.

Ultimately Minerva wins the battle in what one would call a divine move. At the peak of the song, Minerva’s golden eyes glow bright resulting in the eyes of the owl headpiece to also glow and become animated. It takes form, coming to life and soars straight at Walker, throwing him off by covering his face.

“What the—uuugh!!” He’s flying through the air, back meeting the harsh ground with an audible groan. The owl leaves him, returning to Minerva and consorting back into a headpiece. When it does her eyes dim back to their normal hue. Her team broke out into whistles and hollars, meanwhile Walker’s were unimpressed.

“Guardians for the win!” Rocket cheered.

“I am Groot!”

“Never underestimate the power of Duran Duran!”

Minerva helps Walker up, “Not bad, soldier.” As she turns to head off the pad, her eyes lock with Zemo’s and a wink is sent his way. Heat rises in the Baron, glancing away to hide his smirk.

Oh boy, trouble was on the horizon.

Next Yelena went against Nebula. Their fight was even more intense and nearly ended in a draw. Eventually Yelena overpowered the cyborg and got her to step out of the square. It was a tie. Groot and Rocket teamed up against Ross in the form of the Red Hulk—which took a lot of convincing—the two claiming the win after fooling the General. Taskmaster beat out Quill, handing his ass to him which had the Guardians in a heap of laughter.

“I enjoyed that more than I should have,” Minerva teases, crossing her arms as she takes a spot beside Zemo. He glances at her, mirroring her expression.

“Not a common occurrence for your friend to lose a fight?”

She scoffs, “You’d be surprised by his record.”

Lastly Bucky went toe-to-toe with Drax, and of course Rocket had to yell, “Take his arm and give it to me!” And well….it ended with them tackling each other out of the square.They didn’t know who won at that point, so the teams were tied 2-2 initiating a debate on who should be crowned the best.

“Okay, let’s call it a day,” Ross announces, ending the squabbling between the groups. “Night’s upon us and frankly I could use a drink. We’ll return here first thing in the morning—7am sharp to discuss the threat and where to go,” he turns to Quill, “we’ve got sleeping quarters arranged for you all if you please. Otherwise my guess is you’ll remain in your ship?”

About an hour later, after both teams settled for the night, Zemo decided to take a walk around the flight line. It became a habit of his since joining the Thunderbolts. A way to clear his mind after a long day of briefings and training. He basked in the peace that came with being alone, but there were times he felt lonely and longing for company to share the peace with.

Ten years since losing his family and the pain never strayed. Yet, he managed to live with it. He accomplished his goal in 2016 when he tore apart the Avengers. Likely is to blame for the loss against Thanos resulting in half of the universe’s population turning into dust for five years.

Did he feel remorse for the consequences of his actions? Possibly. Did he regret it? No. At this rate he’s accepted the reputation he painted himself to be.

“Zemo, correct?” The sudden intrusion spooked the Baron, jumping slightly by the glowing eyes in the darkness. A moment later Minerva stepped into the lighting, eyes dimming to normal. She was still in her suit, though her hair was pulled back, white streaks seeping through the natural color.

“Yes, but you may call me Helmut,” he replied, nodding in greeting to the Goddess.

“Helmut,” she tests the name, “like the headwear people use when they ride bikes or spacesuits?”

“That’s one way to look at it, but yes I suppose so.”

“Interesting. What brings you out this late in the evening?”

He shrugs, “wanted to get away from the constant complaining of my comrades,” eyes go to the sky, “and I like to admire the stars.” Minerva moves to his right, glancing up as well.

“They’re much more incredible up close.” He peers down at her, not bothering to question her judgment. She lives in space after all.

“I bet so. I’m sure the view from here is nothing compared to what you’ve witnessed.”

She shrugs, “These stars you don’t even know if they’re still alive. It took years—possibly millions—for the light to reach Earth.” Zemo looks back up, focusing on the North Star.

“For all we know they burnt out ages ago.”

Their eyes connect, Zemo feeling a weight on his chest by the intensity of her gaze. It’s followed by unease when she says, “Natasha told me about you.”

Instantly he looks away, feeling an unfamiliar wave of dread. “Ah.” Here was a discussion he was not expecting, nor willing, to have.

But Minerva didn’t show criticism. In fact, her gaze and tone resembled understanding. “How do you do it?” The question took him aback.

“Do what, exactly?”

“Align yourself with people who go against what you stand for?” Minerva’s tone wasn’t condescending at all, only curious. “Most of your team are enhanced individuals—two are super soldiers to be exact. You went to many lengths to disband the Avengers and put an end to superheroes,” there’s a slight tilt of her head, eyeing the Baron with intrigue, “but you join a group consisting of people who fall between the spectrum of hero and villain where most are the exact thing you wished to eradicate. Not to mention led by two people you wouldn’t say you share similar moral values with. Why join them?”

For the first time in his life, Zemo was at a loss for words. Not a single word uttered as he tried to comprehend what Minerva had just confronted him with. How could he explain? Hell, he didn’t even know the real truth other than wanting to stay out of his cell. A big price to pay in exchange for freedom.

Minerva spoke again before he could respond, “I once committed an act similar to you,” the surprise is evident on Zemo, “Vengeance against those who were responsible for the death of my loved ones. It’s why I was exiled,” a frown appears, her attention returning to the stars. “So I understand you, probably better than anyone here. Understand why you committed those acts to destroy the Avengers. I don’t fault you for what you did—if I did it would make me a hypocrite. You’re not the villain Ross and the Avengers made you out to be.”

“How so?” His voice is strained, “what have you lost?” He didn’t mean to come off as defensive, but the conversation was bringing up emotions Zemo didn’t want to face.

“As Goddess of War all I knew was bloodshed. How to prevent it and how to fight it. Battle strategy was my domain, and the High Council knew better than to question my judgment,” she releases an exhale, “but Mars, the God of War and my brother, was my ultimate rival. He hated how much our father doted on me and agreed with plans I coordinated. It made him feel inferior. He’d do anything to prove himself.” Her tone remains neutral despite the painful memory surfacing.

Zemo remained quiet, picturing the scene as Minerva relayed it. Though stoic the Baron could see the pain and sadness lurking behind her eyes. Managing it as best she could for the sake of her friends. Who knows how many years it’d been since she lost whoever it was close to her. But the hole would always remain.

“To put it short,” she started again, bidding a glance, “Our home was under attack and his rash decision to slow down the enemy led to the death of my family—my husband and children.” Sympathy arose in the Baron, understanding her anguish, “An intentional move on Mars’ part because he believed I wouldn’t be fit to remain on the High Council after stuffing such a loss, therefore he would take my place as Head Commander of our armies and my father’s second Command.”

“He wasn’t exiled?” The question left Zemo before he could stop it. Confused by how the God avoided persecution for his crime, Minvera was shunned. “Your family was targeted.”

Minerva’s smile was bitter, “because their deaths were a result of war, the High Council viewed it as collateral. They failed to see Mars’ responsibility, believing he didn’t intend to kill them. So, I took it upon myself to bring justice. Not only to Mars but also the High Council.” Her smile fell once more, “I made sure they would pay. And they did, but it was far from over after finishing the job. Those who survived didn’t hesitate to throw me out to the wolves once I was contained.”

Zemo nods his head, “where did you go afterward if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I was imprisoned on Xandar for some time,” well they certainly had some things in common, “Once I escaped I became what your people would call a bounty hunter. Where it led me to meeting those clowns I now call my family,” she pauses before adding, “and escaping prison for a second time. Only it was to save the Galaxy.”

The laugh that escapes Zemo surprises him, “I guess it all worked out then.” Once more they lock eyes, twinkling against the stars shining down above.

“I suppose it did.”

Three Years Later

Zemo raced out the door the moment he awoke to rumbling that shook the foundation of his home. After three years he’d recognize the sound in an instant, only this time it was without warning.

An action that rarely occurred.

Throwing on his coat and house slippers, the clock read 2:30 am, flooding the Baron with worry. ‘What is she doing here at this hour?”

Usually when Minerva drops in she gives Zemo a heads up. A day or two’s notice, but recently he couldn’t get a hold of her and passed it off as the Guardians on a job. With the unexpected visit, so late at night, Zemo instantly knew something was wrong.

Hurrying out to the front lawn right as her ship landed, Zemo jogged to where the stairs extended. When they did, the doors revealed his Goddess, still wearing her suit, standing before him. Zemo noted the exhaustion painting her demeanor. Dark circles beneath her eyes, which appeared dimmer than usual, and scars indicating recently healed wounds.

His arms are around her the moment she’s within distance, her own around his neck, “This is a surprise.”

“Sorry I didn’t call,” the exhaustion was evident in her voice. Barely above a whisper causing Zemo to tighten his hold.

“It’s alright, darling. I’m just glad to see you are okay,” his hand runs along her hair, “wanna tell me what happened?” He hears her sniff, increasing his dread, “Close call?”

“Too many,” her voice cracks and there’s a pause. “We almost lost Rocket. We saved him thankfully, but then we nearly lost Peter. And I almost—,” she stops short, not wanting to relive her near death experience. “This was…it was too much for all of us, Helmut.” A kiss is pressed to her head, offering comfort.

“Let’s get you inside, mein schatz.” Zemo leads Minerva into the home, sitting her in the living room while he goes to put a kettle on the stove. Filling two cups of cherry blossom tea, Minerva’s favorite, he joins her in the living room.

After taking her first sip of the brew, Minerva removes the headpiece from her hair and makes herself comfortable before giving Zemo a play-by-play of the past three days. He stays quiet, listening intently but visibly reacts with each awful detail Minvera relays to him. From the unexpected attack from Adam Warlock, to the disgusting abuse Rocket endured at the hands of the High Evolutionary, to Quill nearly imploading in space had it not been for Adam’s change of heart.

Zemo’s knuckles turned white when Minerva spoke of what happened to her. Anger consumed him and he wished he had been there to protect her. Seeing his distress Minerva placed her hand on his, gently squeezing, “I’m okay, Helmut. I’m here now and we all made it out. There were many close calls, but we’re all alive and that’s what matters.”

Taking her hand, Zemo brought it up to brush his lips against her fingers, softly kissing her knuckles. “I don’t know what I would've done if I lost you, Minnie. I—-,” he stops himself to exhale, squeezing his eyes shut, “I would’ve found a way to fly across the galaxy to avenge you.”

“I know you would,” she murmurs, removing her hand but positioning herself in his lap. Arms snake around his neck, pulling him so they were inches apart. “I’d expect nothing less. Also I’d be a hypocrite considering I would do the same for you.” A playful smirk formed, “I was already plotting when Ross let you get captured by those bastards last year. Had it ended any other way, Ross would cease to exist.”

Zemo snickered, “I see we haven’t really changed completely despite our friends believing the opposite. Neither of us hesitating to return to old ways if it comes down to such circumstances.”

She smirks, “No, I don’t suppose we haven’t.”

“What a pair we are,” leaning in, his lips meet hers in a soft caress. Warmth seeping through his veins. That effortless high he believed he’d never have again after the loss of his family.

But he found it with a Goddess in the stars. Where love swept across the galaxy.

When they pull away after a moment, Zemo keeps his forehead against hers. Gold meeting brown. “I’m not sure I can let you go now, liebling. At least not for a while.”

“You never have to anymore,” her words have him startled, the man pulling away slightly to get a better look at her.

“What are you saying?”

Minerva’s gaze turns soft, though there’s slight nervousness, “After everything we all realized something. We found the family we were searching for, but some of us needed to find ourselves. Peter’s here on Earth to find his grandfather. Mantis is off on her own adventure. Drax and Nebula are on Knowhere to help raise the children we saved from the High Evolutionary. Rocket and Groot are leading a new era of the Guardians. And me,” she stops, emitting a gaze full of love that takes Zemo’s breath away. “I’d like to be here. With you, Helmut. If you’ll have me.”

If his heart could explode from the happiness Zemo was feeling it would. Tears were threatening to prick his eyes, the Baron willing himself to remain composed. “Oh, Schatz,” he croaked, cupping the side of her jaw. “I should be the one asking you that. Of course I’ll have you. I love you more than every star in the galaxy.” With that he kisses her, putting all his love and passion it causes her own eyes to water.

“I love you too,” she kisses him again. They remain on the couch, falling asleep eventually curled up in each other’s embrace. Their last thoughts filled with joy as they awaited the new adventure on the horizon.

An adventure just between them. A reinstated Goddess and a fully pardoned Baron opening the next chapter of their lives. Together.

[theangstyboiblog]

What Now? Stephen Strange x Sorcerer Fem!Reader

Stephen Strange x Master Sorcerer female!reader

Synopsis: Something that had barely begun was torn from your grasp five years ago. Each day since has been dark and filled with heartache. When Thanos is defeated and the world returns to some form of ‘normal’, you struggle to find just where you stand in relation to one Dr. Stephen Strange.

Will follow the events of Endgame and Multiverse of Madness.

Chapter 1: The Blip

Smoke still rises from the wreckage below. It’s a desolate, lifeless, cratered valley littered with the remnants of civilizations long dead and buried. You’re holding your side with your good arm, a good number of ribs broken. You aren’t sure if it’s the pain of broken bones or the realization that the unthinkable just happened, which stifles every breath you take nearly suffocating you. Your thumb habitually nudges the bare skin of your fingers, where your sling ring once was, the metal now lost in the rubble of flaming ruins and smoldering meteors.

“What happens now?” you ask the man standing beside you. You’re hoarse and you’re not sure he hears you. You start to turn and he begins to answer.

“I can’t tell you.”

“Stephen…” You twist too fast, a grimace marring your face. He steps towards you, concern wrinkling his forehead. Raising your hand you set it on his chest, steadying yourself. You look up, already opening your mouth to argue with him, but its as though he knows exactly what you’re about to say.

“I told Stark – I can’t tell you, or anyone, because if I do, we will lose everything.”

Your heart thuds in your chest as you take in his wide eyes, the quiver in the corner of his mouth. “You’re scaring me,” you whisper.

“I know,” he says, thumb grazing softly over the peak of your cheekbone. “I really wish you hadn’t come after me.”

“Would whatever’s coming, still have happened?” you ask, unable to stop yourself from leaning into him, turning your head to rest against his chest.

A soft chuckle leaves him. “Yes.”

“Then I’d rather be here, with you.”

He takes in a breath, a hiss of air between clenched teeth. “Remember that,” he murmurs, voice ragged, and you feel him start to pull away. “Please.”

You look up then, blinking in the sunlight, taking in the bloody gash on his cheek, the disheveled hair, the missing relic that was once strung round his chest. Your fingers run over the empty space over the front of his shirt.

“Strange!”

Turning together, one last glance thrown each other’s way, you find Stark and Peter in the center of the crater below, the younger helping the wounded man to stand. Tony’s side is bandaged with scraps, Stephen’s field dressing a quick makeshift attempt to stop the bleeding. He still needs to get to a hospital. You all do. Stephen’s hand warmly ghosts over the bare skin of your shoulder as he steps down. You follow. Then you stop in your tracks as the others come into view around the corner of a fallen building. Quill’s face is ashen, a terrified expression on his face and behind him, Drax seems to bare the same fear. Then Drax is gone. You think you’re seeing things – perhaps he stepped out of view. It’s as if he's vanished – no longer in sight and your mind struggles to make sense of what you’re seeing.

“Steady, Quill,” Tony says as the second man disappears in a cloud of ash. It rises up, carried on the wind.

You stand frozen, stomach twisting, dropping, tearing – you feel it all at once as everyone that’s left, you, Tony, and Peter turn to face Stephen. He stands with his back to you, shoulders slumped with exhaustion and perhaps something more. Defeat? He and Tony share a look before he glances over his shoulder, eyes finding yours.

“There was no other way,” he tells you, and there’s so much in those five simple words. An apology, an explanation, and an excuse. You step towards him as his gaze drops to the side, eyes becoming distant, face turning gray. He kneels down, hands reaching out to steady himself and you rush forward.

“Stephen—” But you aren’t fast enough. The second your hand meets his shoulder, he gives way, crumbling into a million pieces. “Wh—Where—” You retract your hand, as though avoiding the bite of a snake, eyes wide, heart pounding, lungs clamped still mid-breath. He’s on your skin, dust smeared between your fingers and you struggle between the need to get it off you and the panic of finding him.

This isn’t happening. This isn’t real.

And the sound that leaves you then is the sound of a knife slipping between ribs, wet and broken and bleeding with pain. You fall to your knees helpless, unable to stop the gaping hole growing in your chest. Ragged tears cut down your cheeks as you turn to the two people behind you. Stark stands alone, Nebula behind him. There’s no sign of Peter.

“Where are they?” you whisper, the words cutting your tongue.

And Stark, for all his previous glib, can barely bring himself to answer you. There’s a deadness to his gaze, and you know you haven’t simply lost. You’ve been defeated, ground into the dirt until there’s no point in living.

“They’re gone.”

READ PART 2 HERE

A/N: I am late to the Doctor Strange game, I know. But gah watched Multiverse of Madness last week and mmmmmmm. I'm in trouble y'all. Let me know if you want to be tagged in future updates!

[shadowsxgwynriel]

Why I ship Gwynriel and Elucien, and not El/riel

(Disclaimer: Obviously these are just my feelings so keep that in mind if you disagree with something that I’ve said)

Elain and Azriel

On paper El/riel as a couple wouldn’t necessarily be a bad one. Truthfully. But the issue for me is that I don’t think they really suit each other.

Elain and Azriel don’t have any of the spark that we normally see in SJM couples. If you take a second to look at any of her established couples you’ll see what I mean. Pretty much all of them at one point have disliked each other, verbally lashed out, or challenged/called the other out on their bullshit. We have yet to see any of this from Elain and Azriel. If anything, they are too nice to each other. And I’m not saying that it’s bad for them to be nice to each other but looking at SJM’s track record, it’s not pointing at them being endgame either.

A perfect example is when Elain was telling Nesta and the rest of the IC that she wanted to help look for the Dread Trove. Azriel said nothing. This was the perfect opportunity for him to disagree with her and explain his concerns, but instead he chose to wait until later when Elain wasn’t around to voice his opinion. Even after he heard Elain tell Nesta “You do not decide what I can and cannot do, Nesta.” and “You can’t have it both ways. You cannot resent my decision to lead a small, quiet life while also refusing to let me do anything greater.” he still went behind her back to undermine what she wanted. All he had to do was talk to Elain about it but he didn’t. If after two years of knowing her and he still can’t take the time to challenge Elain in her presence, then why should I care enough to want them together? All that tells me is that they aren’t as comfortable with each other as people like to believe.

I also don’t really think they had three books of build up. Did they have moments? Sure. But Azriel was still very much in love with Mor, Elain was in love with Graysen then she was sad from losing him, and SJM was also planting seeds for Elucien.

“Is he good—the lord’s son she’s to marry?” “The son, Graysen, is kind enough. As smitten with Elain as she is with him.” (ACOMAF)

“What a prize,” the king said, that black gaze devouring her. Azriel’s head lifted from where he was sprawled in his own blood, eyes full of rage and pain as he snarled at the king, “Don’t you touch her.” Mor looked at Azriel—and there was real fear there. Fear—and something else. She didn’t stop moving until she again kneeled beside him and pressed a hand to his wound. Azriel hissed—but covered her bloody fingers with his own. (ACOMAF)

Lucien staggered a step forward as Elain was gripped between two guards and hoisted up. She began kicking then, weeping while her feet slammed into the sides of the Cauldron as if she’d push off it, as if she’d knock it down— “That is enough.” Lucien surged for Elain, for the Cauldron. And the king’s power leashed him, too. On the ground beside Tamlin, his single eye wide, Lucien had the good sense to look horrified as he glanced between Elain and the High Lord. (ACOMAF)

Elain was still shivering on the wet stones, her nightgown shoved up to her thighs, her small breasts fully visible beneath the soaked fabric. Guards snickered. Lucien snarled at the king over the bite of the magic at his throat, “Don’t just leave her on the damned floor—” There was a flare of light, and a scrape, and then Lucien was stalking toward Elain, freed of his restraints. Tamlin remained leashed on the ground, a gag of white, iridescent magic in his mouth now. But his eyes were on Lucien as— As Lucien took off his jacket, kneeling before Elain. (ACOMAF)

But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in. Dark brown eyes met one eye of russet and one of metal. Nesta was still weeping, still raging, still inspecting Elain— Lucien’s hands slackened at his sides. His voice broke as he whispered to Elain, “You’re my mate.” (ACOMAF)

“Azriel,” Rhys said, “has been preoccupied with the same female for the past five hundred years.” “Wouldn’t the mating bond have snapped into place for them if it exists?” Rhys’s eyes shuttered. “I think that is a question Azriel has been asking himself every day since he met Mor.” (ACOWAR)

Eris set down his goblet and said, “You look well, Mor.” “You don’t speak to her,” Azriel said softly. (ACOWAR)

“I’m surprised you still can’t control yourself around him. You had every emotion written right on that pretty face of yours.” “Watch it,” Azriel warned. (ACOWAR)

“Good to know that after five hundred years, you still dress like a slut.” One moment, Azriel was seated. The next, he’d blasted through Eris’s shield with a flare of blue light and tackled him backward, wood shattering beneath them. “Shit,” Cassian spat, and was instantly there— And met a wall of blue. Azriel had sealed them in, and as his scarred hands wrapped around Eris’s throat, Rhys said, “Enough.” Azriel squeezed, Eris thrashing beneath him. No physical brawling—there had been a rule against that, but Azriel, with whatever power those shadows gave him … “Enough, Azriel,” Rhys ordered. Perhaps those shadows that now slid and eddied around the shadowsinger hid him from the wrath of the binding magic. The others made no move to interfere, as if wondering the same. Azriel dug his knee—and all his weight—into Eris’s gut. He was silent, utterly silent as he ripped the air from Eris’s body. Beron’s flames struck the blue shield, over and over, but the fire skittered off and fizzled out on the water. Any that escaped were torn to shreds by shadows. (ACOWAR)

“But—but he loves her. How can he sit idly by?” “He thinks she’s happier without him.” His eyes shone with the memory—of his own choice to sit back. “He thinks he’s unworthy of her.” “It seems like an Illyrian trait.” (ACOWAR)

“We know,” Mor said, and none of us dared glance at Elain. “We learned about it.” And even with the truth laid bare … none of us told him that Lucien had gone after her. Elain seemed to remember, though. Who was hunting for that missing queen. And she said to Graysen, stone-faced and sorrowful through all of this, “I did not mean to deceive you.” His father answered, “I find I have trouble believing that.” Graysen swallowed. “Did you think you could come back here—live with me as this … lie?” “No. Yes. I—I don’t know what I wanted—” “And you are bound to some … Fae male. A High Lord’s son.” A different High Lord’s heir, likely, I wanted to say. “His name is Lucien.” I wasn’t certain if I’d ever heard his name from her lips. “I don’t care what his name is.” The first sharp words from Graysen. “You are his mate. Do you even know what that means?” “It means nothing,” Elain said, her voice breaking. “It means nothing. I don’t care who decided it or why they did—” “You belong to him.” “I belong to no one. But my heart belongs to you.” Graysen’s face hardened. “I don’t want it.” He would have been better off hitting her, that’s how deep the hurt in her eyes went. And seeing her face crumple … (ACOWAR)

Graysen said to Elain, “Take that ring off.” Elain’s fingers curved into a fist. “No.” Ugly. This was about to get ugly in the worst way— “Take. It. Off.” It was Nolan’s turn to murmur a warning to his son. Graysen ignored him. Elain did not move. “Take it off! ” The roared words barked over the stones. “That’s enough,” Rhys said, his voice lethally calm. “The lady keeps the ring, if she wants it. Though none of us will be particularly sad to see it go. Females tend to prefer gold or silver to iron.” Graysen leveled a seething look at Rhysand. “Is this the start of it? You Fae males will come to take our women? Are your own not fuckable enough?” “Watch your tongue, boy,” his father said. Elain turned white at the coarse language. Graysen only said to her, “I am not marrying you. Our engagement is over. I will take whatever people occupy your lands. But not you. Never you.” Tears began sliding down Elain’s face, their scent filling the room with salt. (ACOWAR)

Lucien, haggard and bloody, panting for breath. As if he’d run from the shore. His gaze settled on Elain, and he sagged a little. But Elain only wrapped her arms around herself and remained at my side. “Are you hurt?” he asked, coming toward us. Spying the blood speckling Elain’s hands. He halted short as he noticed the King of Hybern’s decapitated head on the other side of the clearing. Nesta was still showered with his blood. “I’m fine,” Elain said quietly. And then asked, noticing the gore on him, the torn clothes and still-bloody weapons, “Are you—” “Well, I never want to fight in another battle as long as I live, but … yes, I’m in one piece.” A faint smile bloomed on Elain’s lips. (ACOWAR)

Elain just wrapped her arms tighter around herself, a few more tears streaking free. I spared Lucien the torment of debating whether to touch her, and linked my arm through his as I began to walk away, letting my sisters decide to follow or remain—if they wanted a moment alone with that burnt grass. Elain came. Nesta stayed. Elain fell into step beside me, peering at Lucien. He noticed it. “I heard you made the killing blow,” he said. Elain studied the trees ahead. “Nesta did. I just stabbed him.” (ACOWAR)

Lucien shrugged. “First—here. To help. Then …” Another glance at Elain. “Who knows?” I nudged Elain, who blinked at me, then blurted, “You could come to Velaris.” He saw all of it, but nodded graciously. “It would be my pleasure.” (ACOWAR)

“It has only been a few months. Graysen made it clear that the engagement is ended, but it might take her a while longer to move past it.” (ACOFAS)

“I don’t want a mate. I don’t want a male.” She wanted a human man. (ACOFAS)

By the windows, Mor sprang into motion, handing Azriel his gift. Torn between watching the two, I remained in the doorway. Azriel’s composure didn’t so much as falter as he opened her present: a set of embroidered blue towels—with his initials on them. Bright blue. I had to look away to keep from laughing. Az, to his credit, gave Mor a smile of thanks, a blush creeping over his cheeks, his hazel eyes fixed on her. I looked away at the heat, the yearning that filled them. (ACOFAS)

If even by ACOFAS he’s still giving Mor fuck me eyes and Elain is still not over Graysen and wants a human man, then how can I be invested in El/riel? And sure by ACOSF he’s looking at Elain with fuck me eyes but by that point it holds no weight for me. Why? Because he’s pretty much just transferred his lust for Mor onto Elain. And I can’t say what made Elain suddenly not want a human man because we haven’t gotten her thoughts. It could just be a case of her latching onto Azriel because he’s kind to her. Who knows.

As for the Bonus Chapter, let me just say that I don’t have a problem with Azriel having sexual thoughts about Elain. My problem is that it’s the only thing that Azriel had to say in his thoughts about her. Sure he made a comment about her beautiful face (which we know she’s beautiful because everyone says so) but he made the comment while wondering how it would look as he entered her. He could have easily made a mention of something like “her brown eyes sparkled when she laughed, filling him with warmth” or “her smile made his chest ache” or just anything about her and the way she made him feel, not his cock. But he didn’t. And my other issue is that Azriel hasn’t had a conversation with Mor, who he’s loved for centuries. How can I believe that Elain is really what he wants when he can so easily dismiss Mor without even talking to her or about her? And I also need Elain to talk with Lucien. Why did she suddenly start avoiding him after they ended ACOWAR on good terms? There’s a story there and one that needs to be addressed.

Azriel and Elain need to learn how to communicate with Mor and Lucien before I can ever see them as a couple. Because as things are now, Elain feels more like a consolation prize to Azriel and not a serious love interest.

Gwyn and Azriel

Here’s my favorite thing about Gwynriel: they have so much potential to be one of SJM’s best couples.

Unlike El/riel, Gwyn and Azriel do have the spark that we’ve seen in previous couples. We have seen that Gwyn isn’t afraid to challenge Azriel.

Gwyn asked Az, her teal eyes bright, “What do we get if we finish the course?” Az’s shadows danced around him. “Since there’s no chance in hell any of you will finish the course, we didn’t bother to get a prize.” Boos sounded. Gwyn lifted her chin in challenge. “We look forward to proving you wrong.” (ACOSF)

“Sadistic monsters,” Gwyn hissed as the three friends limped toward the water station, defeat heavy on their shoulders. “We try again tomorrow,” Emerie swore, sporting a black eye thanks to the swinging log that had knocked her on her ass before Nesta could grab her. “We keep trying until we wipe that smug look off their stupid perfect faces.” Indeed, Azriel and Cassian had just leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and smiled at them the entire time. Gwyn threw Azriel a withering stare as she strode past him. “See you tomorrow, Shadowsinger,” she tossed over a shoulder. Az stared after her, brows high with amusement. When he turned back, Nesta grinned. “You have no idea what you just started,” she said. Az angled his head, hazel eyes narrowing as Gwyn reached the archway. “Remember how Gwyn was with the ribbon?” Nesta winked and clapped the shadowsinger on the shoulder. “You’re the new ribbon, Az.” (ACOSF)

And that’s something that I have yet to see from Elain when it comes to Azriel. She’s never challenged him in any way. We know she’s capable of it, we saw her do it with Nesta and even Amren. So why not Azriel?

Then there’s the fact that it was Azriel who saved Gwyn.

“Azriel slaughtered all of them within moments. He didn’t hesitate. But I could barely move, and when I tried to get up … He gave me his cloak and wrapped me in it.” (ACOSF)

Like others have pointed out, SJM could have made it anyone who saved Gwyn but she chose Azriel. Another thing that sets up a future connection is Cassian thinking this about the library.

A sanctuary for females who’d endured such unspeakable horrors that he was always happy to carry out justice on their behalf. His mother had needed a place like this. But Rhys had established it long after she’d left this world. He wondered if Azriel’s mother had ever considered coming here, or if he’d ever pushed her to. (ACOSF)

This makes me think that SJM might have plans to bring Azriel’s mother to the library at some point in the future, and who lives in the library? Gwyn. Again, I feel like this was intentional.

And I’ve seen people question what a Gwyn and Azriel book would be about or say that it’ll just be a repeat of Nessian’s story. Okay, so there is actually so much that Gwyn and Azriel have to overcome individually, and there’s been hints at what the conflict could be in a Gwynriel book.

For starters, we know that Gwyn still feels guilt over her sister and feels unworthy.

“I knew Catrin would have been the first to sign up for training, so … I did, too. But even training these months hasn’t erased the fact that I let my sister die. You asked me once why I don’t wear the hood or the Invoking Stone. That stone is a sign of holiness. How can someone like me wear it?” (ACOSF)

Gwyn still has to learn how to forgive herself and know that she’s worthy. And there’s still the mystery behind her father that has to be answered.

“My mother was unwanted by either of their people. She could not dwell in the rivers of the Spring Court, but was too untamed to endure the confinement of the forest house of Autumn. So she was given in her childhood to the temple at Sangravah, where she was raised. She partook in the Great Rite when she was of age, and I, we—my sister and I, I mean—were the result of that sacred union with a male stranger. She never found out who he was, for the magic chose him that night, and no one ever showed up to ask about twin girls.” (ACOSF)

And we also know that by the end of ACOSF she went back to the library.

“Gwyn, despite the Rite, had returned to living in the library.” (ACOSF)

Why include this? I believe to let us know that Gwyn’s story is far from over. She overcame so much but at the same time still has a lot of healing left.

Moving onto Azriel. My poor baby bat has so much unresolved trauma due to what his so called family did to him. And we know that he’s still not over how his mother was treated.

There are some scars when it comes to how his mother was treated. Many scars. (ACOFAS)

And Azriel’s hatred for the Illyrians is another thing that I think has to be addressed, because he has so much rage and hatred for them. But what you have to realize is that by extension that means he has rage and hatred for himself too.

“I know you’re not Illyrian, but … amongst their kind, it is considered … inappropriate to touch someone’s wings without permission. Especially females.” Their kind. Not his. (ACOWAR)

“The Illyrians are pieces of shit,” he said too quietly. I opened my mouth and shut it. Shadows gathered around his wings, trailing off him and onto the thick red rug. “They train and train as warriors, and yet when they don’t come home, their families make us into villains for sending them to war?” “Their families have lost something irreplaceable,” I said carefully. Azriel waved a scarred hand, his cobalt Siphon glinting with the movement as his fingers cut through the air. “They’re hypocrites.” “And what would you have me do, then? Disband the largest army in Prythian?” Az didn’t answer. (ACOFAS)

It was healthy, perhaps, for Az to sometimes remember where he’d come from. He still wore the Illyrian leathers. Had not tried to get the tattoos removed. Some part of him was Illyrian still. Always would be. Even if he wished to forget it. (ACOFAS)

“Az gets to lead the Illyrians now?”“Don’t play stupid,” Rhys said coolly. Cassian rolled his eyes. But they both knew Azriel would sooner disband and destroy Illyria than help it. Convincing their brother that the Illyrians were a people worth saving was still a battle amongst the three of them. (ACOSF)

Plus there’s his insecurities, not feeling like he’s worthy, and anger issues that need to be addressed, along with his unhealthy codependent tendencies that we’ve seen in his infatuation over having a mating bond with Mor and Elain. Azriel has a lot of healing to do within himself.

Now let’s talk about Gwynriel being a repeat of Nessian. I hard disagree. Would they have similar moments? Sure, maybe. But so does a lot of SJM couples. And Gwyn’s personal traumas are different from Nesta’s and their personalities are different as well. Same goes for Azriel and Cassian. And if Gwynriel is just a repeat of Nessian then isn’t El/riel a repeat of Feysand?

As for what conflicts can be in a Gwynriel book? Well I can give you one big important one: how about the possibility of an Illyrian rebellion which was hinted at in ACOSF?

“You did good work getting the Illyrians back in order this spring, you know.” He braced himself. He’d been anticipating this talk since he’d spent four months with the Illyrians, soothing the jagged edges amongst the war-bands, making sure the families who’d lost fathers and sons and brothers and husbands were taken care of, that they knew he was there to help and to listen, and generally making it very fucking clear that if they rose up against Rhys, there would be hell to pay. (ACOSF)

So the Illyrians were at peace—or as peaceful as a warrior society could be, with their constant training. Which was what Rhys wanted. Not just because a rebellion would be a disaster. (ACOSF)

I personally feel that she’s saving it for Azriel’s book. We’ve already talked about his hatred for the Illyrians, but what about how the llyrians treat women? And at the end of ACOSF it was said that the illyrians wouldn’t be happy about Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn completing and winning the Rite.

Nesta’s eyes stung as Gwyn said, “So we climb Ramiel. We take the Breaking. We win to prove to everyone that something new can be as powerful and unbreakable as the old rules. That something no one has ever seen before, not entirely Valkyrie nor entirely Illyrian, can win the Blood Rite.” (ACOSF)

Gwyn laughed hoarsely. “The Illyrians are going to be furious about our winning, you know. Especially because I have no intention of being called Carynthian. I’m content with being a Valkyrie.” “Oh, they’ll be in hysterics for decades,” Emerie agreed, grinning. Nesta grinned back, slinging her arms around her friends again and sinking into the deep cushions of the couch. “I can’t wait to see it.” (ACOSF)

I for one would love to read about an Illyrian Rebellion, and that’s something that fits into Azriel’s book and that Elain has nothing to do with.

Finally I want to talk briefly about the bonus chapter. Or more so, I want to talk about this moment when Azriel gave the necklace to Clotho.

She deserves something as beautiful as this. I thank you for the joy it shall bring her. Something sparked in Azriel’s chest, but he only nodded his thanks and left. He could picture it, though, as he ascended the stairs back to the House proper. How Gwyn’s teal eyes might light upon seeing the necklace. For whatever reason . . . he could see it. But Azriel tucked away the thought, consciously erasing the slight smile it brought to his face. Buried the image down deep, where it glowed quietly. A thing of secret, lovely beauty. (ACOSF: Bonus Chapter)

That is what was missing from his thoughts about Elain for me. This screams mate behavior. And if you have a problem with everyone getting mates, take it up with SJM. I have no idea why she even bothered to have the “mates are rare” thing when it’s clear that she wants to be a fated mates author, and I honestly don’t have a problem with it. Maybe she can address why everyone is getting mates in CC3, because I can’t see her not giving Azriel a mate since she loves him so much and we know that Azriel desperately wants one. And with both his brothers having mates, I think it only makes him feel even more worthless and would explain why he thinks Elain could be his mate. Because in his eyes both his brothers have an Archeron sister, so why not him? But that’s not a healthy way of thinking.

Gwyn and Azriel both have some healing to do, and Azriel needs to learn how to get to know a woman on a deeper level before falling for her. Gwyn might not be the woman that Azriel saw coming, but I think she’s the woman that he needs and deserves.

Elain and Lucien

Elain and Lucien can be such a different couple for SJM. She’s never had a couple who knew that they were mates and chose to ignore the bond for two years. Can you not imagine the angst that this couple could deliver?

Sure, as of right now Elain is avoiding Lucien, but that doesn’t bother me. Like I’ve said, SJM couples have a spark. So Elain wanting nothing to do with Lucien while being all smiles and sunshine with Azriel, only makes me believe Elucien will happen more than El/riel, because SJM couples never have easy starts to their relationships. In fact, most dislike and want nothing to do with the other.

Lucien hadn’t explained the black eye and cut lip, either. He’d only asked Rhys and me if we knew of a place to stay in Velaris, since he did not wish to inconvenience us further by staying at the town house, and did not wish to be isolated at the House of Wind. He hadn’t mentioned Elain, or his proximity to her. Elain had not asked him to stay, or to go. And whether she cared about the bruises on his face, she certainly hadn’t let on. (ACOFAS)

And as for Elain …. My sister rose to her feet. “I should get refreshments.” Lucien rose as well. “No need to trouble yourself. I’m—” But she was already out of the room. When her footsteps had faded from earshot, Lucien slumped into his armchair and blew out a long breath. “How is she?” “Better. She makes no mention of her abilities. If they remain.” “Good. But is she still …” A muscle flickered in his jaw. “Does she still mourn him?” The words were little more than a growl. I chewed on my lip, weighing how much of the truth to reveal. In the end, I opted for all of it. “She was deeply in love with him, Lucien.” His russet eye flashed with simmering rage. An uncontrollable instinct—for a mate to eliminate any threat. But he remained sitting. Even as his fingers dug into the arms of his chair. I continued, “It has only been a few months. Graysen made it clear that the engagement is ended, but it might take her a while longer to move past it.” Again that rage. Not from jealousy, or any threat, but—“He’s as fine a prick as any I’ve ever encountered.” Lucien had encountered him, I realized. Somehow, in living with Jurian and Vassa at that manor, he’d run into Elain’s former betrothed. And managed to leave the human lord breathing. “I would agree with you on that,” I admitted. “But remember that they were engaged. Give her time to accept it.” “To accept a life shackled to me?” My nostrils flared. “That’s not what I meant.” “She wants nothing to do with me.” “Would you, if your positions were reversed?” He didn’t answer. I tried, “After Solstice wraps up, why don’t you come stay for a week or two? Not in your apartment, I mean. Here, at the town house.” “And do what?” “Spend time with her.” “I don’t think she’ll tolerate two minutes alone with me, so forget about two weeks.” His jaw worked as he studied the fire. (ACOFAS)

“You couldn’t say a single word to him? A pleasant greeting?” Elain only stared at the steaming kettle as she set it on the stone counter. “He brought you a present.” Those doe-brown eyes turned toward me. Sharper than I’d ever seen them. “And that entitles him to my time, my affections?” “No.” I blinked. “But he is a good male.” Despite our harsh words. Despite this Band of Exiles bullshit. “He cares for you.” “He doesn’t know me.” “You don’t give him the chance to even try to do so.” Her mouth tightened, the only sign of anger in her graceful countenance. “I don’t want a mate. I don’t want a male.” She wanted a human man. (ACOFAS)

Elain and Lucien have so much tension and angst that could be explored. But what does Elain and Azriel have? Nothing. They have no conflicts. And before anyone says that they have a forbidden love, they don’t. Let’s not forget this conversation between Feyre and Rhysand.

“So you’re saying she could walk away—and Lucien would have free rein to kill whoever she wishes to be with.” Rhys turned from the mirror at last, his dark clothes pristine—cut perfectly to his body. No wings tonight. “Not free rein—not in my lands. It has been illegal in our territory for a long, long time for males to do that. Even before I was born. Other courts, no. On the continent, there are territories that believe the females literally belong to their mate. But not here. Elain would have our full protection if she rejects the bond.” (ACOWAR)

So there isn’t really a forbidden love. Did Rhys warn Azriel to stay away from Elain? Yes. But could Elain herself approach Rhys and tell him what she wanted, if Azriel was really who she wanted to be with? According to what Rhys has said in the past, then yes. It wouldn’t be an ideal time for them to get together, but Rhys could simply tell them to be mindful of Lucien when he visits or something like that.

But what I really wanted to talk about was it being mentioned multiple times that the Night Court isn’t a fit for Elain.

Elain would love this place. So many flowers, all in bloom, so much green—the light, vibrant green of new grass—so many birds singing and such warm, buttery sunshine. Nesta felt like a storm cloud standing amid it all. But Elain … The Spring Court had been made for someone like her. (ACOSF)

And if I’m remembering correctly, Feyre also made a similar comment about Elain and the Sring Court. But it’s this thought from Cassian here that makes me wonder what SJM has planned for Elain.

Elain in black was ridiculous. Yes, she was beautiful, but the color of her long-sleeved, modest gown leeched the brightness from her face. It wore her, rather than the other way around. And he knew the cruelty of the Hewn City troubled her. But she hadn’t hesitated to come. When Feyre had offered to let her remain home, Elain had squared her shoulders and declared that she was a part of this court—and would do whatever was needed. So Elain had let her golden-brown hair down tonight, and pinned it back with twin combs of pearl. He’d never once in the two years he’d known her found Elain to be plain, but wearing black, no matter how much she claimed to be part of this court … It sucked the life from her. (ACOSF)

There was no reason for Cassian to have this long inner monologue if it doesn’t mean anything. He could have easily said something like “Elain was beautiful, but black didn’t really suit her.” Or something along those lines. And why add the “no matter how much she claimed to be apart of this court” part? It seems like SJM is trying to tell us something about the future for Elain.

And I’ll go ahead and address the “Elain would never leave her sisters” comments. You do realize that people move away from home all the time and still keep in touch/see their family, right? And who said that she would never go back to the Night Court? Is she not entitled to go out and explore the world away from her sisters? I think the issue stems from the knowledge that if Elain did leave, it probably wouldn’t be Azriel who accompanied her but Lucien, who travels all the time. Maybe it’s just me, but I would love to have a story about Elain (and Lucien) traveling to the Spring and Autumn and Day Court. Not only because Lucien has a lot of things that need to be addressed at all courts, but because I would love to learn more about the other courts outside of the Night Court.

When I think about Elain and Lucien together, I find myself getting more and more excited at the amazing journey that their story could be.

(I apologize for any mistakes that I might have missed)

[sugarcubetikki]

“She’s already beginning to understand she doesn’t need me. I saw it. I saw it in her eyes.”

Oh god I was thinking about this scene yesterday when Mike was talking about his fears here and I thought there was just something missing in this scene. I felt like Mike wasn’t saying everything he meant to because his fear of her suddenly not needing him just felt like it came out of nowhere if you read it on the surface for what it is.

I think this line though really ties everything he was saying together really nicely, I have no idea why it was cut because I think this line is key and gives us a lot of context here from where he’s coming from.

I think this line supports the way I’ve always interpreted this scene too. Mike saying that El was beginning to realise that she didn’t need him anymore and saw it in her eyes too just proves that he feels like he’s become so disconnected from the person she’s grown into when he saw it in her eyes he was also looking at an El he’s not familiar with.

He mentions that when he found her in those woods she just needed someone and his fear of her not needing him anymore in the same sentence. El isn’t the same person that she was in S1; Mike filled in those shoes as that someone El needed in S1 but throughout the show we’ve seen El grow and change as a person on her own, building bonds with other people, all away from Mike. In fact, Mike was either physically or emotionally separated from El throughout the show, in S2, she was quite literally forbidden to see Mike by Hopper (she developed a familial bond with him that season he filled Mike’s role in S1 in helping El grow) and in S3, Mike was regressing her growth and Max was ahem painted by Mike to be keeping El away from him (El builds her friendship with Max and she helps her grow as a person too).

The show has built up this disconnection/separation between them for the two seasons now and this season they showed us the issues that arise from that. They don’t grow together as characters. Their emotional needs and wants clash. Even this season, we have El going off on her own to grow independently, overcome her trauma and find strength in herself. Whereas most of Mike’s growth this season is with Will, he can talk to Will, he feels comfortable around Will, he understands him like no one else and Will’s feelings are the ones that get through to Mike at the end of the day to even deliver that stupid love confession.

Mike doesn’t want to lose El and he does love her but all of those aren’t just romantically he can’t truly love El the way she wants to be loved in a romantic relationship with her and El can’t love him the way Mike wants to be loved but the show emphasised that Will can and Will does. He has the same romantic needs and wants as Mike too.

In other words, Mike and El are just not going to last romantically, if they were endgame, they would’ve been written differently. They specifically wrote Will’s feelings being the one reaching to Mike for that monologue because Byler is endgame.

[distort-opia]

Hii! Hopefully you haven't gotten this ask before but I saw your post discussing aspects of batman and joker comics you didn't like and things you'd want for them to include. You mentioned some comics that you didn't enjoy their take of Joker. What are some comics you did enjoy for how they wrote them? Any ones that stand out to you? And why are they different from the usual ones you've read? Have a nice day<3

Hello! I'm taking this to mean comics with both Batman and Joker, and that I think have especially good characterization? Because well-written Batman-centric comics are not always ones with strong Joker characterization (or even have him in them), or vice-versa. If that’s the case, I'm not listing all Batman & Joker comics that I enjoy and think are great, but I’ll instead limit myself to comics that have characterized them in ways that stood out to me, and expounding on those.

Obviously, these depict characterizations that were personally interesting, not saying there aren’t others -- I barely managed to cut it down to the following as it is. But I hope I’ve answered your questions with this (inevitably) long post, and my apologies that it took so long to answer!

⯁  Batman: The Killing Joke (1988)

Including it because it’s too essential to Bruce and Joker as characters, and because it’s massively influenced my understanding of them. Feels like a betrayal if I don’t. This is a Bruce who understands how lethal his relationship with Joker can become and tries to stop it, obsessed and desperate with understanding Joker to begin with, but failing. A Bruce who offers rehabilitation and forgiveness in such a selfish way (over Barbara’s broken body), and a Joker who almost says yes. Joker especially is at his most vulnerable and alone here, which in itself is a rare way to characterize him.

⯁ Snyder’s Batman run

Here I am including Death of the Family, Endgame, and The Batman Who Laughs especially. They all deserve full-on essays, but since they’re already well-known, I will just say that... to me, Bruce and Joker feel so tragically well-written in these comics. I cannot help including them.

To put it in very simple terms, Snyder gets it. If The Killing Joke has Batman and Joker in their beginning, Snyder writes them so well as having battled the other for decades-- at their end. You’ve got a Bruce who tries his best, but who still fails miserably on occasion and makes selfish choices; someone who constantly walks a fine line between the best version of himself and the worst. Someone who’s tired, but hasn’t got any idea how to stop. And a Joker who’s come into his own as a terrifying entity of chaos, a monster whose humanity even Bruce has lost track of, but who is also a heartbroken desperate man, scared of losing the one person he’s made into his reason for living.

It does feel like Snyder writes a tragedy, when he writes them. Irreconcilable differences in beliefs, in ways of approaching trauma, in everything -- but still they cannot disentangle themselves from the other, even as it kills them.

⯁ The Joker: Devil's Advocate (1996)

Alright, I love Joker in this one, mostly because... I mean, it’s no secret he’s smart. And that he’s not actually insane, he’s very much in control of his actions. But in this comic, Joker is so caught up in his own ego and impulsiveness, gets so enamoured with the attention he’s getting from Gotham, that he gives zero shits about clearing his name and saving himself from the electric chair -- even though he started manipulating Batman into freeing him! In other words, he’s a dumbass attention whore [affectionate] and Bruce himself has to pull the most unhinged of moves to save him. And I say Bruce is unhinged in this because he hypocritically insists on the law being the reason he’s not letting Joker die for this one crime he didn’t commit; when he’s a freaking vigilante breaking laws left and right (even Gordon remarks on it and it’s great). Hell, Barbara pretty much asks him to let Joker die, and not even Joker himself is interested in surviving! But Bruce stubbornly carries on, obsessed with solving the mystery and saving Joker’s life.

What’s more, at the end he even gloats about it to Joker, basically claiming Joker’s life as his. Unhinged and very in-character behavior and I love it all around.

(Bruce. Light of my life. The people he kills from now on are also technically on you. But clearly we’re not thinking about that.)

⯁ Batman: Going Sane (1997)

Despite the “Batman is dead so now Joker stops being homosexually obsessed! He becomes normal and gets himself a wife!” implications of this comic, which I also hate in Batman: White Knight, I have to give DeMatteis his due. This comic is so well-written and has so many parallels and implications built in, both about Batman and Joker. It deserves a full essay too, but I will try to keep it as short as I can.

Bruce is just so dramatic in this one, and it’s so entertaining. His neuroses, especially regarding Joker, are very on point as well -- the depth of his obsession, his fear of doing even the smallest Joker-like thing because it would mean he’s becoming like the murderer who took his parents. And then, his reaction to Joker ‘killing’ him is so outraged. He cannot help hunting for Joker; he’s driven to do it and resents that drive. Because just like Joker has been doing this whole time, he’s also been indulging dreams of normalcy, which could never come to be as long as Joker was out there. Bruce doesn’t really believe Joker’s assumed a new identity just to have a normal life, he’s certain Joker planted a clue. He’s so convinced Joker doesn’t ever doubt himself (the way he has), and fails entirely to see how alike they really are. Because all along, from the moment Joker thought he killed Batman, he had forged himself a new self, a new identity, and became someone boring and unassuming, someone normal and sane.

Except they don’t genuinely crave that normalcy, that’s not... the truth. For either Bruce or Joker, and that’s the point of the story, in my opinion. Joker doesn’t actually revert back to his pre-acid-fall self, now does he? He doesn’t remember the whole of his past and just revert back to his original identity, when he thinks Batman (his audience) is dead. What he does is he invents someone new to deal with it: Joseph Kerr, with his real Joker identity clawing to get back to the surface the whole time. This is Joker’s tried and true method of dealing with trauma: erasing everything and creating a new self. Killing Batman is too much, so he invents Joseph Kerr to keep going, and I find that deeply in character.

Tbh, there’s so much more to say about Joker in this comic (I’d call this a Joker story more than I’d call it a Batman-centric one), but either way -- they’re both portrayed in such intelligent, interesting ways, and I really recommend reading it if you haven’t yet.

⯁ Batman: Secrets (2007)

This is one that is less well-known, and I will be the first to admit the art style makes it a bit difficult to follow. But this comic has a very interesting plot: Joker fakes rehabilitation and tries to sell a book about it, marketing himself as a victim. He does it by framing Batman as the perpetrator, luring him somewhere where cameras are rolling and making it seem like Batman is gleefully beating the shit out of him. Then he releases those photos (via blackmailing a reporter into writing fake news), enjoying and banking on his victim status all the while.

It has such interesting Joker and Bruce characterization. Joker especially because he fakes rehabilitation for book sales and Gotham’s attention, in the process seducing the head of the parole board deciding his release (in a manner reminiscent of Harley Quinn). All along he threatens lives and schemes, with Batman having to stop him, but after Bruce captures him they have such fascinating conversation (that references TKJ many times), with Joker trying to leverage a secret out of Batman. The whole theme of the story is secrets and what they do to people, or how they can be used against them -- but especially the way a secret is only one because you define it as such. It only has power over you because you allow it. And to get Bruce to confess one of his secrets, Joker tells him that not all his rehabilitation had been faked.

It’s... I really love this, actually. It’s obvious Joker didn’t change. He’s still Joker, still callous, still killing people -- he even decided he’d murder the person he was vulnerable with the second he did it. He used his own genuine vulnerability as a tool. But the vulnerability had been real.

Except Joker’s reaction to Bruce’s secret is the point of the whole comic. Bruce tells Joker that when he was a child, he unintentionally shot an animal to death. And Joker acts entirely disbelieving and disparaging, because he doesn’t get how that’s a secret:

Bruce himself confirms in later dialogue that he knows Joker doesn’t understand, that he’s clueless and will keep being clueless about what Bruce told him. And seeing as that bird dying and Bruce being unable to save it constantly gets juxtaposed with the death of Bruce’s parents... the secret he told Joker is so massive, for him, and Joker doesn’t fucking realize (“Someone like me, someone you don’t care about,” he tells Bruce. Hah. I’m pretty sure Joker said it to make Bruce feel more at ease, manipulate him, but I also wonder if he doesn’t believe it to an extent. The layers on this bitch of a conversation alone, fucking hell). Joker cannot empathize with feeling bad about killing; he literally killed someone because she made him feel anything to begin with. This wall between them persists every step of the way; and yet... that’s the best part of the writing, I feel. They keep contradicting their own words, their own actions -- because neither of them can help reaching out, when all is said and done. Bruce asserts he doesn’t believe Joker can change anymore, but at the end of the comic he says “People can change. Maybe even you.” Joker asserts there’s nothing that can be salvaged about him, but then he tells Bruce that the emotions he expressed when repenting were real.

They have such great, well-written interactions in this comic, God. There’s much more to say about it, but I’ve already given this one way too much attention. Just... if you haven’t read this one yet, I entirely recommend it.

⯁ Detective Comics (1937) #726 -- Fool's Errand

Another classic in the realm of Batjokes. Bruce is great in this too: so angry and desperate to save someone, projecting all the people he couldn’t save onto this one new person, inevitably having to admit his own helplessness in front of Joker’s intelligence and whims... But this issue stands out to me especially because of Joker’s behavior in it. To sum it all up quickly, Batman goes to Joker’s cell in Arkham to interrogate him about a man who’d been held in a cell next to his, who kidnapped a little girl and left her to die in the trunk of a car. Batman needs to get the information on the girl’s location out of Joker in time, if he’s ever to save her.

This is all significant because it’s not just any day this happens. It’s the anniversary of Jason Todd’s death. And Joker basically tells Bruce, “After all I’ve done, you’re still not letting me die, so you either play my game or get out.” And Bruce forces himself to play Joker’s game, but... that’s exactly what ends up being the problem. He’s forcing himself, and Joker feels it, and is dissatisfied by it.

Because Joker doesn’t find the back and forth fun, he tells Batman a location. The right location. Bruce gets to save the child this time, the way he couldn’t save Jason. And when he comes back to Joker, he obviously asks why.

Sigh. I think a big part of Joker does believe that this was the reason -- that he did it so Bruce would have hope, every time he lies, every time he sends him on a wild goose chase. But Joker’s body language in this comic is so interesting, and telling. He gets so subdued towards the end, curled into himself, back turned towards Batman, and... well, I think he partly told Bruce the truth as an apology. Compensation. He sees that Batman is too affected by this day, by what’s happening to this little girl and what Joker caused him to go through in the past, to pay attention properly and play along. It all depresses him and makes it difficult for him to put on the performance of being Joker, so there’s cracks in the façade. There’s this one tiny piece of body language that haunts me:

Look at Joker in that last panel.  Bruce gets carried away by the realization (communication via Morse code) and touches the wall spontaneously, getting into Joker’s personal space without giving it any thought -- but Joker flinches away, raises his arm as if to defend himself. That’s the automatic reaction of someone expecting to get hit, someone who’s used to it. It’s... interesting, to say the least.

⯁ Batman (1937) #663 -- The Clown At Midnight

This issue is a very famous piece of Joker characterization that I absolutely love and need to include. Hell, it’s a definitive Batman comic, period. It’s more of a short story, though; it’s got illustrations, but the focus is definitely the writing. The plot is that, after someone dressed like Batman shoots Joker in the face, he’s been recovering in Arkham for a while -- and yet still killing with Harley’s help, as Batman discovers. He goes to Arkham to figure out what’s happening, which is all part of Joker’s plan. After his face got destroyed and reconstructed, Joker’s coming up with a new self, and he of course needs to test it out against Batman. Morrison’s understanding of how Joker works, him putting it into words so elegantly and in such a terrifying, visceral way...

“Maybe he is special, and not just a gruesomely scarred, mentally-ill man addicted to an endless cycle of self-annihilating violence.” God. You did it, Grant, you broke Joker down to his bare essentials! Not just what he is, but what he desperately tries and wants to be. (This is something Snyder also understood so well and leaned into in Endgame, with Joker reinventing himself as something supernaturally more -- because he cannot be just a man, not ever that.)

And Bruce, too. He’s written in an intriguing way; he’s so methodical, so hung up on logic and self-control. Joker is the abyss and Bruce stares into it unflinching, and that’s why he wins. There’s this one line that lives in my brain rent free:

“[Joker’s] insanity is like an ocean he can barely stay afloat in; Batman’s is like a searchlight.”

Haha. I’m normal about this comic, I swear. Not like one could write a whole ass thesis on it. (Grant. Drop your location I just wanna talk!! How did you manage to put the essence of these two deeply complex characters in one sentence??)

⯁ Batman: Black and White (2020) #2 -- The Spill

This is a short little story, but it’s one of my faves. While Batman is chasing Joker in the Batmobile, some kind of electromagnetic bomb goes off and he crashes near the Gotham Bridge. When he comes to, he’s in the river, clinging to the wreckage and nearly drowning. He fires a grappling hook, but then Joker makes himself known, sitting on top of the car. He grabs the end of the cable Batman fired to save himself, essentially denying him his rescue.

The whole thing feels so... scorpion and the frog, to me. If the scorpion came back to watch the frog die, but he stood there holding the cable that kept the frog afloat and bragged about letting it die. But then the spillway broke and the scorpion gets pulled into the water too because he was still holding onto the cable, and then the frog saves the scorpion because they’re connected by the cable. And because it cannot help its nature.

It seems simple, and yet. Joker coming back and claiming to only be there to watch Batman drown, but clearly risking his own life in the process, means more than what he said:

This stood out to me, because Joker keeps monologuing about how they don’t actually have some mystic connection (the opposite of what he usually spews)! He can totally just let Batman die! He’s just here to enjoy the show, what do you mean he keeps stalling and holding the other end of what’s keeping Batman alive and not dropping it for some reason? Batman needs him, he doesn’t need Batman!

I always like it when Joker genuinely tries to let Batman die, but somehow he can’t entirely let it happen; he gives Batman outs. It’s the equivalent of Bruce not being able to let Joker die, not even when it’d be caused by external and (very) justifiable circumstances. Except it’s Joker doing it, so the denial and mental gymnastics are funnier to watch.

⯁ Batman Confidential: Dead To Rights (#22-25)

Alright, this one’s a Batjokes classic too, and it’s supposed to detail the aftermath of Joker being caught for the first time. It has such a great Joker I can’t leave it off this list. He’s so charming, so funny, so graceful and yet so terrifying... aaaaa, I adore him in this. And Bruce is well-written too. He obviously blames himself for the deaths Joker is causing, and he’s so obsessed with figuring Joker out, understanding him. But even though he disguises himself as Matches Malone to get more insight on Joker, he gets spotted almost immediately. I love how so many comics have this component of Bruce’s detective mind hitting a brick wall in understanding how Joker works, and this driving him to utter obsession.

And the poor man never does get an idea. He’ll keep trying and trying to deal with Joker, but fail.

⯁ Action Comics (1938) #719

This issue is not that complex or well-written, it’s just... interesting to me. It predates the Injustice video games and comics, but has a relatively similar plot. Joker poisons Lois Lane with a designer drug, and the only way Superman can save her is to inject Joker with a toxin that will interact with Joker’s blood and create the antidote -- but it’ll kill Joker in the process.

All along, Bruce keeps protecting Joker. He sends Clark out on a wild goose chase just so he can have enough time to talk to Joker himself and investigate some more. Then, when Clark is tempted to actually kill Joker, he stops him. He keeps arguing for Clark not to lose himself, not to become like Joker, but the woman Clark loves is dying and to be honest... Bruce, honey, you don’t really have a leg to stand on here.

And yet he does it, the mad lad! He convinces Superman to just let Lois Lane die. And she almost does, but then she recovers, because...

So you could say Bruce had a big suspicion that Lois wouldn’t die anyway, but he couldn’t be sure. And yet.

Bruce and Joker’s interactions are fascinating, but beyond that -- the way Joker gambles with his own life as if it means nothing just to break someone, keeps goading Clark into killing him in front of Bruce... I find it very in character. Then there’s Bruce’s utter stubborness and refusal in letting Joker die, going as far as risking someone else’s life in the process -- which he’s done before and will do again, but this time it’s the life of Clark’s lover. He talks Clark into letting Lois die! So you know, when he doesn’t kill Joker in Injustice even after he commits literal genocide and makes Bruce’s best friend kill his wife and unborn child... it’s even less surprising, I guess.

And here we are! I hope you had fun while reading through my rambles, and thanks for your patience in waiting. If you end up reading one of these you hadn’t yet, really hope you’ll have fun <3

[wonderfulworldofmichaelford]

Is It Really That Bad?

“Superhero movie fatigue” is the idea that, because of the recent oversaturation of the market with superhero movies combined with the increased interconnectivity of the stories and the push for elaborate narratives with movies serving as building blocks for franchises rather than standalone experiences, audiences are getting tired of superheroes and the genre is finally starting to show cracks and die off. This idea is incredibly flawed for a wide variety of reasons (Wakanda Forever’s success alone easily debunking it), but it’s kind of interesting seeing how opinions shifted towards these movies so quickly. Obviously the oversaturation thing is indisputable as the sheer volume of releases in the wake of Endgame can attest to, but when you’re releasing that much that quickly the weaker works are bound to stand out more. To really examine why people feel this way, one must single out the weakest link in the chain, and as far as critical and audience reactions go there is no weaker link than Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

The Ant-Man movies have always been a bit divisive among audiences, but I’ve always maintained that they are the most overlooked and underappreciated films in the MCU. They are low-stakes, lighthearted heist films with strong focus on friendship and family while making full creative use of the title character’s abilities. While by no means the greatest superhero movies ever, they were a breath of fresh air in between the bigger, “save the world/universe” films other superheroes got and were carried by a likable cast spearheaded by the charming and hilarious Paul Rudd. Maybe it was hard to want to call these films your favorite , but they’re even harder to call the worst or even really that bad.

That changed with Quantumania. Critics were pretty mixed on this one, but audiences were scathing, comparing the film unfavorably to Spy Kids 3: Game Over and The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl due to the cartoonishness of the CGI and the uncanny similarities shared between Mr. Electric from the latter film and this movie’s take on M.O.D.O.K. While the movie wasn’t some massive bomb, it was fighting an uphill battle from the moment of announcement and was losing handily with fans. Between this and Shazam: Fury of the Gods, people were proclaiming “superhero fatigue” was here to stay and Marvel was going down the drain… at least until Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 played that Uno Reverse card and restored people’s hope.

So with the fickleness of audiences taken into account and the lack of water the “superhero fatigue” idea holds, I decided to take a look at Quantumania and see what the fuss was all about. I mean, come on, it’s just an Ant-Man movie, right? Is it really that bad, or is the fatigue real after all?

THE GOOD

I’m absolutely elated to report that my boy M.O.D.O.K. was done justice.

Yes, they did indeed yassify him to make his ultimate redemption easier to swallow (audiences aren’t nice enough to accept a really ugly person being heroic in the eyes of executives), but for me the core appeal of M.O.D.O.K. is how absolutely goofy he looks combined with being a legitimate threat, and this take on him mostly delivers on the latter while delivering the former in spades. As soon as he revealed his face for the first time, I completely lost my shit, and every time he appeared after I was pretty overjoyed.

It helps that this reimagined version is the completely serviceable but otherwise unremarkable villain Darren Cross from the first film rebuilt as a cyborg. While the writing and comedy aren’t doing him too many favors, giving him more diverse and unique powers as opposed to just being Ant-Man, but bad is a great and inspired move, and Corey Stoll is clearly having a lot of fun hamming it up as this goofy cyborg death machine. His ridiculous heroic sacrifice coupled with his delirious dying christening as an Avenger by a confused Scott really helps cement him as the best thing in this movie. Move over, Cap! We’ve got a new perfect ass in the Avengers!

As bad as the effects can be, which we’ll get to later, there are some really fun and unique designs for the alien beings inhabiting the Quantum Realm. And despite the film’s issues utilizing Scott’s powers (again, we’ll get to it later), there is a really cool sequence involving millions of Ant-Mans working together just like real ants.

And now I must unfortunately give props to Johnathan Majors, a real-life asshole who is regrettably a good actor. He takes the generic, cookie cutter doomsday villain dialogue this film affords him and injects so much menace and intensity into him that it honestly makes him seem better written then he is. His multiple variants even get a silly, comic booky mid credits scene with a whole stadium of whooping and cheering Kangs that manages to be cheesy in a good way (aside from how shitty the Scarlet Centurion looks).

THE BAD

Unfortunately, Kang runs into the same sort of problems that plagued Gorr in Love and Thunder, but it’s exacerbated by the fact he’s meant to be the next big bad of the MCU. The film wants to sell you that this Kang is an unstoppable badass who has wiped out innumerable timelines and slaughtered countless Avengers (including Thor, a god)… and yet he ends up getting killed by the combined efforts of a swarm of ants, a goofy floating head, and fucking Ant-Man of all heroes. It is genuinely baffling that they thought the best way to hype up their next Thanos was to have him lose to the goofy heist guy who talks to bugs. It’s like if Guardians of the Galaxy debuted Thanos by having him get his ass handed to him by Howard or Cosmo.

It doesn’t help that in spite of Majors elevating the writing with his performance, he suffers like Gorr did from inconsistent characterization. We are shown in flashback that despite being evil he does have honor and is willing to keep promises… and then a few scenes later he goes back on his word to return Scott’s daughter in exchange for help. It certainly does him no favors that when he’s not inconsistent, he’s a bit too mysterious for his own good, leading to it being hard to really grasp what his personality is beyond being a generic doomsday villain.

It’s not as if the writing does anyone else well, though. Scott is still charming as ever thanks to Paul Rudd, but he’s also shockingly unfunny here. Much of this can be chalked up to his entire supporting cast being written out of the movie save for his daughter and the Pym-Van Dyne family. You could see the foreshadowing to this in Endgame, with the ending featuring Scott, Hope, and Cassie together without a hint of the rest of the family, but it takes full force here with only Jimmy Woo popping in for a non-speaking cameo. The removal of at least 80% of what made Scott grounded and relatable being dropped does nothing but hamper him and lead to him feeling incredibly generic.

It doesn’t help the Pym-Van Dyne family all end up being a bunch of assholes, aside from Hank who is now a silly old dad obsessed with ants and leads an army of hyper-advanced socialist ants into battle against Kang, which might make him the most badass character in the movie. It’s understandable the others can’t measure up to anything that cool, but just how awful they are is still pretty egregious.

Hope is bland and mostly inoffensive, but I think that just makes her worse; Evangeline Lilly is an anti-vaxxer, and if you’re gonna be anti-vaxx you need to really bring your A-game for me to overlook your moral failings for the duration of a film (like Letitia Wright in Wakanda Forever). She didn’t even bring her J-game. Then there’s Janet. Janet is a fucking horrible person. All she does in this movie is offer vague foreshadowing, conceal the truth from her family whenever possible, and reveal she once fucked Bill Murray during his awful, pointless cameo. Michelle Pfeiffer’s talents are absolutely wasted in a role where she exists seemingly to dump exposition.

Finally, there’s Cassie. Emma Fuhrmann’s portrayal of the character was one of the most praised aspects of Endgame, with her giving a very believable and emotional take on the character as a teen. For reasons beyond my understanding, they recast her with Kathryn Newton, and I’ve gotta say she is not even remotely believable as Scott’s daughter. She’s easily the worst character in the movie, to the point you have to wonder what the point of the recast was. Did they want Cassie to suck?

Then there’s the Quantum Realm itself. Aside from some cool alien designs, the Quantum Realm is unbelievably boring and does nothing to allow our heroes to use their skills in fun ways. The fact it’s rendered in really unconvincing CGI like an early 2000s Robert Rodriguez kid’s movie does nothing to beat those Spy Kid allegations. At least with those movies the cheap CGI felt like part of the charm; coming from Disney, one of the most powerful studios on earth, it’s just unforgivable.

But what ultimately kills this movie is that it is a film designed for literally no one. The story feels like an AI was prompted to generate a Marvel script written by an MCU hater, as it has every cliche associated with a mediocre superhero movie on full display. You have abysmal special effects and costumes, terrible editing, awkward humor undermining drama, and an absurdly high-stakes plot, the hallmarks of any bad superhero movie, but even then it manages to fuck that up. As high as the stakes are in the plot considering it concerns the literal annihilation of multiple alternate timelines, there’s not really a sense of thrill or urgency at play here, for instance. And every single problem is compounded by the fact they chose Ant-Man as the lead.

What makes Ant-Man’s solo films work is the low stakes and fun supporting cast, and that’s all absent here. Everything there is to like about this character is excised so he can be inserted into a plot to prop up the next big villain, which as stated above the film also fails to do. No character really develops here, there’s no personal growth at all for Scott, and it just ends up feeling like someone mashing action figures together rather than any attempt at a coherent story.

And his powers are never used in creative ways either! It’s all shrink-grow-punch, with the alien world leaving no room for things like enlarging Thomas the Tank Engine or shrinking down buildings. Nothing about this film allows the hero to be utilized properly outside of one scene; you could replace Ant-Man with almost anyone, even Hawkeye, and it would make no difference at all because in reality this movie exists to debut Kang, nothing more and nothing less. The hero never mattered at all, and in the end it just shit all over a good character for nothing.

IS IT REALLY THAT BAD?

This is, hands down, the worst film in the MCU.

Every other bad or divisive movie in the MCU at least has some semblance of understanding for story structure, even if they go about it in stupid ways. Thor: The Dark World furthered the relationship between Thor and Loki while still being part of a larger story; Love and Thunder at least told a self-contained story that exists on its own merits without tying in to some grand storyline; Black Widow at least developed its characters and made them feel like a believable if dysfunctional family; and Eternals is trying really damn hard, and has tons of fascinating ideas and concepts. Whatever you feel about these films, they at least have some grasp on how to tell a story, however tenuous a grasp it may be.

But Quantumania just doesn’t. It’s supposed to be an Ant-Man movie, but it doesn’t understand why people like the character. It wants to hype up Kang, but it doesn’t understand what’s needed to make him feel threatening. It wants to be an epic sci-Fi comedy adventure, but it’s not utilizing the right characters in the right locations to excel in any of these genres. And most of all, it’s trying to be an important and major foot forward for the MCU, but it’s structured in a way that is generic and, most damningly, pointless. It does not feel like this movie matters at all aside from a mid-credits scene, which wouldn’t be an issue if this film wasn’t so desperately trying to feel important. It says a lot about how hard this film failed when the audiences responded more warmly to a Black Panther movie with no Chadwick Boseman than to the film introducing the overarching big bad of the next few years worth of films and shows.

It’s not even just that this is a bad movie, though; it’s also boring. I actually fell asleep for a minute while watching this because there was nothing engaging. These aren’t the characters I cared about in previous films, there’s no emotional grounding at all. If Corey Stoll’s giant goofy head isn’t onscreen, what is there to give a shit about? Why not close my eyes and dream of something better?

The fact this film is above a 5 boggles my mind. How is this rated higher than She-Hulk? How does this have the same rating as Ms. Marvel? In my eyes this movie deserves a 2, max, and that one extra star is entirely because of M.O.D.O.K. I couldn’t even recommend this in a “turn off your brain” kind of way because it’s not fun or exciting enough to hold your attention even if you don’t think about it. It frankly disturbs me there is a growing coalition of people on Twitter trying to gaslight people into thinking this movie was good, because I genuinely can’t think of a single thing this film does well enough to justify watching it over almost anything else.

With all that said, does this prove that “superhero fatigue” is real? No. If anything, this film’s failure and the success and acclaim of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 prove the exact opposite. What we have is Bad Movie Fatigue. Audiences are sick and tired of sloppily-written, lazy, overindulgent CGI spectacles meant to advance decade-long storylines and sell toys. We want films with strong emotional cores, well-crafted stories, and characters we can relate to and empathize with. We want stuff like the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, The Batman, The Suicide Squad, or Peacemaker, and we’re not gonna settle for procedurally-generated cookie cutter slop that feels like it was made by someone who hates the genre. We want good movies, and if we can’t have that at least make an entertaining and stylish mess like Multiverse of Madness.

Quantumania is Marvel hitting rock bottom, but you know what they say about hitting rock bottom: There’s nowhere to go but up. The final Guardians of the Galaxy proved there’s still hope for Marvel; let’s just pray they never make anything as pointless and forgettable as Quantumania ever again.

[glittercake]

could you go into your writing process a bit? i’ve been a fan of your fics for years now, and i still find myself in awe of how you’re able to create these cohesive worlds and voices and dynamics and just how tight your writing is. like i never feel like anything should be cut and even if all the loose ends aren’t tied up, i feel like it ends right where it should. like i’m so curious to see how your brain turns out so much magic!!

Oh my gosh, this is so nice of you to say 😭 Thank you first of all!  Secondly, I'll try to map out my process for big wips below the cut! Hope it makes sense 🤭 But this ask literally put a smile on my face all day, so thanks again. 

So to start off, I usually have a good idea of exactly how the story should end. That helps big time with everything else. If I don't know kind of what happens in the middle and exactly how it should end, I really struggle. 

Then I have a separate doc where I write down all my notes or thoughts about the stories, and also do the outlines. The story ideas come either extremely randomly, like me falling down a rabbit hole of presidential assassinations on YouTube (y'all know what this resulted in) or they're a result of my friend and i spiraling about something in the DMs (lighthouse, boxing fic, soulmate fics, most of the horny ones too 😂)

I also like to gather some pics just to get an idea of what the characters look like in whatever universe I'm writing about, as well as the scenery and buildings/layout. So for example, i used these inspo pics for The First Gentleman:

So every time I open the doc to write I'd have these, the outline, and the notes open. Other visuals like the banner or graphics I make also help put me in the right mindset for the story.

So, before I start writing, I draft an outline. I try to keep it brief tbh, the longer and more involved the outline the more intimidating the story feels which means less chance of me actually writing it 😅 (there are about 3 outlines that will probably never see the light of day!) but brief doesn't always work so what i do, especially for long wips, is make a short bullet list for what needs to happen in each chapter.

This way i can accommodate plot bunnies, shift stuff around and kill the darlings before i get too attached, i usually also have a few key scenes in my head and i then fit them in here. Outlines also include stuff like a quick character write up like age, quirks, bad habits, cute habits or sayings they have (in Ain't No Grave they had this cute back and forth "keep up now" or in Ruins Bucky called everyone meatballs.)

This is roughly what a chapter outline looks like for me:

lmaooo. as you can see it's very informal. basically a scribble.

Usually when I'm super inspired, i can get going straight away, otherwise I let it turn over in my head a little bit until i come up with a good starting point. What also helps me cement the character voices and specific characteristics is re-watching whatever source media it relates to. So for me it's always Cap 2 & 3 and TFATWS, Endgame where Sam gets the shield, and Sam’s scene in AoU and Antman.

I prefer to write in order from start to finish. I find I lose interest too quickly if I don't. Having a point to work toward is easier for me. BUT at the bottom of the notes/outline doc I also have a section for scenes that I absolutely can't get out of my head and need to write down right the fuck now. For example Monica’s induction in TFG was written waaay before anything else, so was the sambucky reunion in that fic. But, because I placed it at the bottom of a separate doc, the fic was still technically written in order 😌 makes perfect sense, I know lol.

Then whenever I finish a bullet point in the outline, I color it off the list. This process helps me keep track of what has been done and what still needs to happen. Seeing how much I've completed also really helps to keep me motivated, plus the colors are fun! Helps with sticking to what i had planned too, i find if i don't follow outlines, the scenes and characterization kind of jump all over the place. Mostly i only have some time on weekends to write so knowing exactly what i need to write and how i need to write it beforehand is key to me. Having the outline done before I start means I have a week to play those scenes out in my head or play with the dialogue until it sounds right. 

If I get stuck, I read either a book or my favorite fics, do some art, or just leave it be until inspo strikes again.

And I think that’s about it. Don’t know if this is what you were looking for but there you have it 😂 

💕 

I’m always happy to get asks about my fics and writing, so don’t be shy!

[randomnameless]

That is racist of Dheginsea. Othering the children who aren’t responsible for their parents choices and demonizing them so they have no place to go, and so those children end up with resentment to the Laguz for the way they’re othered and treat. Not to mention it wouldn’t stop Laguz from willingly being with a Beorc despite the consequences, which further leads to both sides hating the other. Of course the narrative of how both sides wrote history to say they alone are descended from the Zunanma rather than admit both are closely related sub species itself furthers the othering as well, as it means there’s no reason to view the other species as deserving to exist when they’re the Goddess chosen people.

I think Dheginsea at least meant well, but he never truly considered the idea that his actions to preserve his species at the cost of a new species(as that’s what the Branded are) caused the same problems he feared for an even smaller minority.

No pbs anon!

That's why I really really really hate the Tellius situation, it's a "divide by 0" equation where no matter what, some people will be screwed at the end.

And that's the issue!

Of course protecting a minority from being persecuted is an obvious step on a path to protect everyone - but it's the ultimate railroad dilemna where you have to choose who is going to be rolled over.

Sadly I've tried to find the chapter from which the Misaha quotes were ripped off on SF but it's not from the endgame?

It's those lines :

"Misaha: All of the apostles have borne this brand. It is our greatest secret. The senators must never know. Because of this brand, I thought that I had been born of some great sin. It plagued me always. Guilt tore at me every day as I hid my mark from my people, deceiving them constantly about my true nature. Lehran: Oh, child...how can I apologize to you? Misaha: And yet, now that I’ve met you, I understand. There is no shame in my heritage. None at all. I will not live in hiding. I will reveal to the world that I am one of the Branded. They must see there is no shame in who I am."

Misaha thinks she was born from a "great" sin because of her brand, most likely hearing the stories of Deghinsea about brandeds being "parentless" children and "sins against the goddess".

But why is Lehran apologising here?

Is he apologising because he participated in that lie, or more twisted- Lehran apologises because if Misaha has a brand and cannot pass as a beorc in Begnion, it's because of "him" for not being a beorc? Is Lehran actually apologising for being born a laguz?? For befriending Altina and getting their first kid?

Granted, when Lehran has his breakdown because of chaotic energies before making the decision to erase both Laguz and Beorcs, it goes like this :

Dheginsea: “You, who have lost your birthright?”

Misaha: “And yet, now that I’ve met you, I understand. There is no shame in my heritage. None at all.”

Ashera: “In deference to you, I will place my faith in your kind one last time.”

Altina: “You… are the gentlest soul of them all, my sweet Lehran…”

Lehran: “Why? Why did I lose my power? Why? Why was my tribe stolen? Why, why, why?”

More than 800 years later, Lehran is still "not over with" losing his powers. Lehran who is kind and gentle, but who wants to help - loses his birthright, he cannot fulfill his promise to Ashera anymore - thus cannot help - his descendant is proud to be, well, his descendant - but he cannot help/save her (as if he had the possibility anyways!) because he lost his powers - and Deghinsea who inadvertently (I think Deg had no malicious intent here) reminds him that he is powerless...

Imo, it encapsulates everything - there is nothing wrong about Laguz and Beorc accepting each other, but why the fuck Laguz lose their powers? ?

As for the lie in itself and crossbreeding...

What do you mean by "weren't taught properly"?

That's precisely the point of that lie, the truth, if taught to the world, would be unearable for both Laguz and, to a lesser extent, Beorcs. Like, telling the truth to Laguz? "Don't fuck Beorcs or you will end up losing your abilities forever" ? But for Beorcs it's just "you're free to fuck Laguz, you'll create another being with superpowers and cripple the laguz that way!"

(also, I think it is most likely taught around, there's the joke UST between Elincia and Tibarn, and Bastian cockblocks Tibarn because they remember this tale?)

Yes, each side think they are the ones who descend from the Zunama - instead of learning the truth of how they "both" descend from the Zunama, but if both sides try to return to, idk, Zunama roots and the original "we were both one" myth, well, one side loses all of its powers, while the other get away scot-free.

So, are they that "closely related" as sub-species as they are supposed to be, in one species "dies" when it breeds with the other? We know they are, as they both descend from the same "ancestor/species", but the result of the two breeding says the inverse.

Of course the lie wouldn't stop Laguz and Beorcs who like each other a lot to live together and get kids, but the Branded's sheer existence, regardless of Deghinsea's words and edicts, is something of an anathema to Laguz, as we see with Vika and Miccy's base convo :

Micaiah: You always run away from me… Did I do something to offend you? Vika: No, I’m so sorry. I can’t explain why this happens. I get so jumpy around you. There’s just… something about you. Micaiah: Oh… Vika: Oh, but please don’t be sad! It’s not you. It’s me. I get… confused… sometimes. I really admire you, and then I get a bizarre feeling, and… Micaiah: It’s all right. Sorry to bother you. Vika: …No. Wait. Micaiah: Hm? Vika: I want to overcome this. I don’t like that I feel I must avoid you for some inexplicable reason.

Why Laguz, in general, feel Branded are people "they must avoid"?

Is it because to Laguz, even subconsciously, a branded's existence means one of them "died"? Or in a more metaphysical sense, because Brandeds herald the end of the Laguz race (because if more brandeds are born, it means more laguz "die" ?)

Misaha didn't only want to end injustices and racism against the Branded, she wanted to stop racism in Begnion against Laguz (thus by proxy, against Brandeds).

In conclusion, Deginshea's lie created discriminations against Brandeds, but I think it's more nuanced than a general "to protect one race he put another under the bus".

When Soren goes :

Hate… That I could understand. This was denial. They made me feel like I wasn’t supposed to exist at all. That my simply being alive was an affront to the world.

It's painful to read, because no one should ever think they shouldn't have been born, or their mere existence is "an affront to the world".

Tibarn puts it this way, talking about "an old song" :

It is said that the goddesses forbid laguz and beorc to procreate. If a couple breaks the taboo, the punishment is dealt to the laguz parent. She or he loses the power of the laguz and becomes something that does not belong to either species.

Deghinsea created the "taboo" and the decree, but he wasn't the one who created the "punishment".

Heck, the punishment is the reason why the "taboo" was created, to reduce the number of "punished" people, but also, and maybe, to find a reason why those "punishments" are given?

The sitation becomes unbearable : we have people who are shunned hated and at times even killed for "existing", and we have people who "die"/lose their abilities/are "punished" automatically when the first people mentionned start to exist (iirc Almedha lost her powers when she became pregnant).

For what it's worth, per Nasir, both Beorcs and Laguz came to accept the concept of Deginshea's decree :

Nasir: Even so, the taboo was broken several times over the next few decades. Usually no child was conceived, but when there was, it was swiftly covered up. The parents soon learned what it meant to bear a child who possessed both laguz and beorc blood. After they learned of the consequences, none of these parents ever rejected the edict forbidding it.

Of course comes the obvious question of did anyone even thought about asking a Branded their opinion on that decree ? Miccy is part of that conversation too, and reacts when "honor killings" of brandeds are mentionned.

But afaik, we don't have Miccy's pov about that edict - after this conversation - and the game sure as hell doesn't want her to talk to Lehran (all of his convos are reserved for Sanaki!) - whose fault is it that Lehran lost his powers, thus direct line to the goddess, thus will to live? Hers because she was born (or her ancestor's)? His, for loving Altina? Whose fault is it that Brandeds are shunned? Deghinsea, who made that decree, or Laguz in general who can sense what they are and see through them the extinction of their race, or an unfair "punishment" from whoever ?

As always, with complicated questions, Ike is nowhere to be seen, but even without Ike, what would be the best solution?

Of course, stop persecuting and denying the existence of Brandeds would be a good start.

And then?

When Laguz and Beorcs will argue againt about something stupid, reject coexistence because, to Beorcs, Laguz are beings that "stop existing" as soon as they shag? And to Laguz, who will feel cosmically "cheated" because they are the only ones who receive "punishment" from miscegenation, to the point of thinking maybe Beorcs are really the superior race?

It's why Lehran's tale is so sad, he wanted coexistence but was punished for it by his very own world - why did he lose his powers?

What kind of solution can be found in a world that pushes for equality between races, but also reveals when they coexist, only one race is "punished"?

That's why I mentioned the divide by 0 equation -

The Tellius equation has no solutions.

[zenon-karr]

I think this is the endgame and the 50s arc for them and why Tabitha made Jughead forget because baggage/trauma made them choose the wrong thing after high school when they go back to the future probably either to when Archie is going off to war and someone’s dramatic ass aka Jughead stops and begs him to go to New York instead OR they do a Time Capsule of the Time Capsule they did which sends them back to the future to when they bury stuff from the 50s so they have relics from when they time travelled and they know what they want so they can be able to make said decisions at the moment the timelines went wrong so then it saves Riverdale. I think it’s why Archie dreamed in s6 about carrying Jughead through the trenches in war coz he knows he should have went to New York and left Jughead behind.

For me the ending has to be different to what happened on s5b-6 otherwise they chars aren’t learning anything. I think this ending can work romantically or platonically with any endgame ships out of the core 4. Can work for bugvarchie or barchjabitha or barchjeronica. I feel like the core 4 will either end up with one or the other OR there’s no endgame and it’s just core 4 and they have other romance endgames or none! But since this was said I thought this is how the show ends. I was losing hope because I heard the 50s arc was only like 5 eps and in my head this works better with an entire season till the finale is when they go back to the future and this is the endgame like it ended in s5 only we explored a dark timeline v the right one and it closes with Jughead narrating the ending of his adaptation of Riverdale to the core 4 where Archie is also helping by doing the music or something and that’s why it cause a paradox coz it’s a paradox with the narrator Jughead and it conflicts with the endgame but our characters can’t see it yet.

[gunjounoflorseca]

“全人類ヒューマノイド/We are to be humanoid beings” Analysis or Whatever by firstname “bunny” lastname

My caveats

1. I have an extremely elementary understanding of Japanese, DeepL and language forums can only take you so far. Going off the English translation of the lyrics in the video and just doing my best with the written interview

2. Even more basic understanding of music theory, I am a simple college dropout vocalist

3. Never read hamlet, not an astronomer

This seems to be a work where every aspect of it is a different story expressing the same or a connected theme. We get different information in each part that pulls it all together.

A. Lyrics

B. MV

C. The music itself

D. To Be

BONUS: thing I just considered

It’s the feeling of losing humanity and the Earth, quite literally ⤵️

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terraforming_of_Mars

But also how this dynamic can fit in one’s personal life

LYRICS

So, first time through, it appears as a breakup song full of resentment and either a literal sci-fi horror romance event, or a little delusion. The protagonist, A, is going through a breakup full of cruelty, rage, and the feeling that they don’t know who they’re with anymore. A feels like their partner, B, isn’t even human anymore. A does consider if it’s themself that’s changed, but regardless, it’s over. A still feels deeply for B and wants the best for them, (though I don’t particularly trust them as a narrator) but it’s over.

The second verse is about how soon some humans, including B, are going to participate in the project of abandoning earth to move to mars. I’m unsure if A is also joining because of the “I hope your comrades on mars make you happy” line. Maybe when A & B get there they’ll just stop hanging out, though.

If we aren’t taking this literally, the event isn’t migration but something that pushed A too far and caused the breakup. I think understanding the original lyrics would help me sort out this part better. 😞

I also think it’s possible that the perspective switches between A & B due to the “to be” factor which I will get to!

I think the thesis statement of the lyrical story & themes are in the title and the English lyrics. Of course the title will stand out, and why use a different language if not to emphasize it? Maybe because it sounds different or fits better but she’s a very intentional and thorough artist.

For the final part with the title “humanoid” is repeated multiple times while the protagonist breaks down into total despair with the final line “in a room without you” it adds an enclosed feeling, as opposed to the video where those characters are out in the open. 「全人類ヒューマノイド」 is an endgame event, a terrible occurrence. Suffocating and life destroying.

For the English portions there are:

“Break up, it’s over / stay away from me”

And “I’ll never say you again 「愛してるよ」” / “I’ll never see you again” which strongly establish the breakup portion of the story. I think there could be a reading that maybe the couple will get back together, there are still feelings there, but with these ideas emphasized, that’s the ending for sure.

But my favorite is “survive in any form.” I think this speaks strongest to the overall message of 「全人類ヒューマノイド」 / “We are to be Humanoid Beings.” No matter what happens, even if you become “humanoid” rather than “human,” you will continue. It’s the theme of survival over humanity, staying in the relationship despite loss of love(/respect/care/whatever), staying alive and free despite having to carry the burden of death.

VIDEO

The characters are White, Black, and White2.

White is in extreme poverty, living on the street in the city and we see Black sitting in a run down building. While scavenging, White is caught by him and tied up. We also see her sitting under a streetlight and Black appears offering her hand. She takes it. Black leads her out of the city, over water and trails, feeding her and assumedly taking her out of poverty. The power shifts at some point, where still tied up, White drags Black through the dirt. When they’re far enough away from the city, Black unties her. She chokes him to death. We see a similar scene under the streetlight but instead of offering his hand, he walks past her. White breaks down sobbing. We see a montage of their time together and her life before they met. She returns to the city, now wearing his clothes. Under the streetlight, White stands before another girl, White2, wearing White’s previous clothes, and offers her hand. White2 takes it.

Notes:

- The rope and bottom of White’s shoes are bright reddish orange. I believe this represents the Mars angle

- In a scene under the streetlight a rat runs by and when she’s being led to a field, there’s a couple shots of frogs (that appear to be, anyway) having sex. Lucky!!! Very fitting!!!

- Throughout the video there are very quick shots and still images of White digging in trash and sitting curled up in the city. Sometimes the colors change and ummm it’s just a very good video

- I think it’s possible to read the end as White and White2 being the same person and the cycle continues inwards but I don’t think that’s the case. We see a shot of White2’s face and I think it wouldn’t be too hard to make it look like Saechi is both people. I’m going with the interpretation that they’re two different people.

I think this video tells a few stories. Taking it all very literally, where a man kidnaps a woman under the guise of helping her, she kills him, and then takes on his role to then do the same that was done to her, to another woman. I would watch this movie. I did watch this movie, it’s a music video. It’s very good. Did I say that it’s good yet?

Next, connecting it to the lyrics, it can be a regular bad love story. Someone emotionally vulnerable is taken advantage of and coerced into an abusive relationship. There’s power imbalance and struggle there and even though they break up, the victim carries that hurt and continues the cycle of abuse into their next relationship.

But I think it’s mostly about Mars. In capitalist cultures we (broadly speaking) don’t take care of the Earth, we don’t take care of each other, we don’t even take care of what we’ve made ourselves. We build and we destroy and we take over and then we leave it to rot when it doesn’t serve us. If you can’t make money, what use are you? People have debates on who “deserves” health and happiness based on how much work they do. This is also how we treat the planet. Is it worth saving or is fattening rich people’s wallets more important? If we move to Mars, we haven’t learned anything. We’ll do the same thing to her. We’ll do the same thing until we’ve died out. This story is a terrible tragedy and a simple statement. If we continue as we are, it’s inevitable that humanity will disappear.

MUSIC

I don’t have much to say here but I think it’s worth mentioning that I think the actual arrangement and music itself is part of this story building. It feels huge and dark, while building a lot of tension. There are a lot of instruments used but they compliment each other rather than blend together (in my opinion!) so it really suits the idea of a planet-altering event. I really don’t know how to talk about this 😰 the feelings the strings bring is a base feeling of tragedy and adding chorus, piano, guitar, in the way that they’re used really creates a kind of terror. The inhale at the end of the song makes me feel like there’s more to the story, too, going along with the cycle ending of the video.

“TO BE”

In the video description it says

原作「To be, or not to be」：大塚紗英

Original work “To be, or not to be”: Sae Otsuka

PART A

[I’ve just found out that there is a film with the same title but I’m pretending that’s not an option because I don’t know anything about it (curtesy)]

And that is the very famous phrase from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. I’ve actually been meaning to get into Shakespeare maybe I’ll start with this one? Info ⤵️

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_be,_or_not_to_be

Basically, this is the beginning of the speech where Hamlet considers if he should commit suicide or murder and if life is worth it despite so much pain. Is death a peaceful sleep or not?

Is it worth it to break up a relationship you’re so used to being in? Is it worth it to give up on Earth and try to survive on a planet you weren’t made for?

PART B

The official English title of the song is “We are to be Humanoid Beings,” something that surprised me! 「人類」 is not a word I’d ever consciously come across before so I was curious how it would be translated and thought it would be something like “All humanity are humanoids.” This shouldn’t have surprised me though because recent releases have a similar thing going (“ロマンスのはじまり /the beginning of romance” is officially “romance dawn” and “ロマンスは映画より奇なり / romance is stranger than films”became “romance is stranger than this sweet movie”). This is super telling to what the core idea is, like with the usage of English in the lyrics. She’s incredibly deliberate with her word choices.

“Humanoid” in English, and I think it’s the same in Japanese but forgive me if I’m missing nuance, is something that looks like a human but is not. Robots, aliens, monsters, that kind of thing.

“To be” is connected to Hamlet in the description but in addition to being an English verb it’s also a phrase meaning “future.” “Soon-to-be”, “bride-to-be,” “humanoid being-to-be.”

If we aren’t on Earth, are we still humans?

BONUS: THING I JUST CONSIDERED

There is also something to be said about gender here because Mars’s symbol ♂ is also used represent the male sex scientifically and culturally and Venus ♀, the feminine counterpart, is another planet people have theorized about terraforming/colonizing. I took the romance story as gender neutral/fluid rather than about a straight couple’s power dynamics. I think I could do a whole queer lens reading about why White2 is specifically a woman but I think it’s more to show that the gender doesn’t matter here? Abuse and hurt can take place in any kind of relationship. (Or she is who they had available/it would stand out more to have a guy in a dress.)「僕 」and 「あなた」 are what’s used for “I” and “you” which are neutral in English. 「僕」 is masculine but not uncommon to be used by women in lyrics and 「あなた」 is neutral but there are more masculine alternatives. (I don’t know if any of the other lyrics are particularly gendered, forgive me 😰) So it could be BF -> GF but I think along with the video with the story of GF -> BF it balances it out. Maybe! Just thought about Roman mythology and sailor moon for a moment and thought it was worth mentioning!

IN CONCLUSION: LETS TRY TO NOT DESTROY EARTH OR EACH OTHER, OK? 💕💕💕💕

[stefonshotline]

Finished vol. 2 and I finally believe Byler stands a chance

After Vol. 2, for the first time I believe Byler is headed to... SOMETHING.

Here’s why:

- Vol 2. was overall good but very predictable.

- Eddie died! That was basically telegraphed from the begining with the whole “not a hero” thing.

- Mike made a BIG ROMANTIC SPEECH where finally told Eleven he loves her. Called that out by episode 4.

- Will sorta kinda but not really confessed his feelings to Mike but Mike didn’t get it. Yup, also called it.

What I meant by all is the the Duffer’s brothers aren’t known for groundbreaking, shocking plot twists. So here’s a couple of things I’m counting as foreshadowing for Byler happening in some capacity:

- the close-up on Mike’s rainbow socks. Uh, what’s up with that? 

Couldn’t help but recall how Finn’s character on IT, Richie Tozier, who’s actually cannonly gay, also had rainbown details on his clothes, as a child.

I’ve been informed the sock’s are Argyle’s! Sorry, friends!

- The scene where Will is in the light while Mike is the dark, until he reaches and touches WIll’s shoulder and the shot lingers on them.

I was honestly so distracted by the very pointed symbolism  of that scene that I have no recolection of the content of their conversation. 

- Will and Mike placed close to each other/side-by-side a heck of a lot during the finale, but especially in the last shot where Eleven sort of wanders away from Mike.

Now, am I saying: REJOICE Y’ALL, BYLER IS GONNA BE ENGAME! No, i’m not saying that at all.

There’s so much politics involved with putting together a same sex couple in a hit television series, especially if it involves, arguably, the main boy character... So much can happen from here to when we’ll see these characters again!

So, what I am actually saying is that the things I listed stood out to me to the point for the first time since I’ve started watching ST, I felt the narrative was building something towards mutual Byler.

What’s that something gonna be? Well, my prediction is that next season, at first, we’ll just see Mike and Will super close again, kinda like in S2. Peharps we might get a bit of a twist, and Mike’s is the one chasing Will down a bit and asking to hang out and Will might or might not be available. Idk, we’ll see. The point it is, I feel S5 will focus on their friendship a lot.

People are gonna be shipping it like crazy, the word queerbaiting will be thrown around a lot, we’ll lose our minds thinking Byler is headed for canon. 

This is where things get tricky for me!

What to do with Mileven? Honest, friends, I actually felt their conection for the first time in a long time in Vol. 2, so I’m not hating, but Mileven forever seems like a doomed relationship to me. On a narrative standpoint, it’s just a dudd. Both characters’ development suffer from it and where can they even go at this point?

Regardless of what happens, I think Mileven might take a backseat in S5, and we’ll see much more of the individual characters doing their own thing.

I also predict they’ll toy with the idea of Mike being bissexual. Hell, after Vol. 2, I already feel they’re planting the seeds. It’ll of course be done very ambiguously so those who want do deny it, can still deny it. 

We might get villain!Will and Will dies at the end. Jonathan then tells Mike Will really loved him and WAH WAH WAH. Unfortunately, this one feels very likely.

We might get Eleven dying as a hero at the end. Will and Mike live on after a full season of building them up as endgame and the last shot of them is something vague that can be interpreted as friends or lovers, depending on whatever you want to read on. 

[sammysdewysensitiveeyes]

Made the mistake of watching Multiverse of Madness because it was free on Disney Plus (which I already pay for for things like the Simpsons, Muppet movies, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, The Owl House, etc.).

I just......really don’t like MCU Doctor Strange.  Why did they have to make him Wizard Tony Stark?  I mean, I get it, they are both brilliant, arrogant older men with facial hair who sometimes make bad decisions.  But I can’t stand the snarky quips in the Strange movies.  It worked in the Iron Man movies, because the movies had enough heart that I could still take them seriously (I realize mileage will vary about that), and Robert Downy Jr. brought charisma to the role, and they came out before the MCU was filled with a dozen movies about snarky, quippy super-heroes, so it felt kind of fresh and exciting way back when.

Dr. Strange is already facing an uphill battle for me to like him, because the first movie embraces the trope of “White man studies skill for a brief period of time and quickly surpasses people who have been studying their entire lives.”  But the “jokes” in both movies mostly fall flat, and make it difficult for me to like or care about Strange as a character.  If he can’t take this magic stuff seriously, why should I?  It gets worse in Multiverse, I really don’t need to see Strange going, “Illuma-whati?” or making fun of Black Bolt’s name.  It’s not even especially funny.  It’s okay for the character to be serious, and the movie to be serious, it was already leaning towards horror anyway. 

I’d rather watch a movie about Mordo, Wong, and Madisynn, the girl in She-Hulk who gets teleported into a demon dimension, stumbles her way into Kamar-Taj, and now hangs out with Wong watching The Sopranos.  America can join, too, maybe they’ll give her a personality and not just treat her like a plot device, as the movie did. 

And, of course, there’s the big issue of Wanda.  I really dislike MCU Wanda for various reasons, the main one being the white-washing and erasure of her heritage, but also just her portrayal in general.

I think the biggest problem is that the writers want to visit the big, “exciting” Wanda stories like Avengers Disassembled and House of M and the imaginary kids (even though those stories are controversial among Wanda fans, and some felt they were basically character assassination), but there isn’t nearly enough leading up to it.  It’s like the Dark Phoenix story for Jean - it always falls flat because there’s not enough time in a movie to tell the story properly.  TAS did a good job because Phoenix/Dark Phoenix was a saga that lasted several episodes.

Comics Wanda spent decades being an Avenger, and an unambiguous hero.  So it was easier for her to be redeemed after things like House of M/Decimation, and even then writers had to partially retcon it, and write multiple “redemption stories” like AvX (where she helps Hope repopulate mutants via Phoenix) and Trial of Magneto (and some X-Fans still hate her).  MCU Wanda doesn’t have that.  She starts out working with Hydra, attacking the Avengers, unleashing the Hulk on innocent civilians, and working with a genocidal robot because she’s mad at Tony Stark, as opposed to comics Wanda reluctantly helping the Brotherhood because Magneto saved her life and they owe him a debt.  They keep piling tragedies onto MCU Wanda, like losing Pietro and Vision, without developing the relationships enough for us to really care.  And she barely has time to be a hero (which she genuinely was at the end of AoU, and Infinity War/Endgame) before they had her go dark again. 

This is always an issue in the movies when they adapt comic book stories.  With limited time, they can’t develop characters or relationships the way they do in the comics, and they have to do their best to compress everything.  In some movies, it can work.  Then, you get movies like Civil War, where the Avengers breaking up barely means anything because they didn’t work together very long and half of them aren’t even really friends.  I dunno, I think some big comics stories just shouldn’t be tackled in the movies because they can’t be done well.

Anyway, comics Wanda, I’m so sorry, sweetie, I’m so sorry the MCU would write/cast you like that.