#rock and riot

[wlw-webcomic-bracket]

[skippiefritz]

GO READ ROCK AND RIOT RN

[morebedsidebooks]

LGBTQ+ Characters in Comics from the 21st century I like

A few years back I did a post on LGBTQ+ characters in comics from the 20th Century I have a soft spot for. When it comes to the new millennium, the last two decades have seen an explosion of such comics and characters. So here is my short little follow up for the 21st century.

  Jade

Starting off the new millennium the French comic series Djinn with Belgian writer Jean Dufaux, illustrated by Spanish artist Ana Miralles would run through three arcs for 15 years. I’ll never forget the first time during a comics exhibition I saw an absolutely captivating illustration of the character at the heart of the series, Jade. A fascinating, queer, and amoral enigmatic figure, Sultan’s favorite in the last years of the Ottoman Empire spoken of as a djinn who also seems the key to an immense treasure.

  Fumi Manjôme

With little nods to Japanese girls’ literature and culture Sweet Blue Flowers by Japanese artist Takako Shimura is an enduring yuri series around high school girls and maturing. The shy lesbian Fumi and messy feelings are a major focus. Later adolescence can be an emotional time for anyone. Shimura softly explores when and how her characters mourn disappointments and disenchantment along with finding their identity.

  Kevin Keller

Archie Comics were a staple of my childhood. The quintessential US slice-of-life comic focusing on a group of teenagers goes way back to 1941. However, the 21st century saw a reinvigoration of the Archie brand. Among the successes the gay Kevin Keller created in 2010 by US comic artist Dan Parent debuted in Veronica #202 and has since enjoyed huge popularity. Eventually, I was also drawn back as an adult reader with the gang grown up in the Life with Archie series. In 2012 Life with Archie #16 saw Kevin not only following in the footsteps of his dad as a soldier in the Army but marrying Dr. Clay Walker. Despite protests from bigoted groups the installment of the series would be another sold out hit earning Kevin the designation as “most important new character in Archie history.” Further a character that has also represented fighting the epidemic of gun violence in the US going on in the series to become a State Senator on the issue.

  Richard III

Japanese artist Aya Kanno inspired by Shakespeare’s tetralogy Henry VI, Richard III and the famous 15th century War of the Roses in her series Requiem of the Rose King goes in a different direction, making her Richard intersex. Only the first of many choices in this girls’ comic which has also garnered attention from other well-respected artists. YMMV but the saga of this Richard has consistently been one of the more compelling examples over the last decade.

Lisa Williams and Ally Carter

Beginning as fetishistic illustrations and short strips by Croatian artist Stjepan Sejic (under a pseudonym) on DeviantArt, BDSM comic series Sunstone was a notable read for me in 2015. With genuine class and smart use of humour, the characters Lisa and Ally and their growing relationship are wonderfully relatable on many levels.

  Ace

If you love the movie Grease but crave something 1950’s vintage queer the webcomic Rock and Riot by Chelsey Furedi might fit the bill. The cast is as wide and beautiful as a rainbow. Among the many teenage delinquent characters is the 17-year-old agender, asexual, demiromantic Ace. And founder of their own gang the Bandits and who definitely does things their own way.

  Ionel

Another of the top titles from the 2010s I first came across the exquisite mystery webcomic Heart of Gold in the (now defunct) digital magazine Sparkler Monthly. The atmospheric ongoing series features Ionel a panromantic asexual pianist with albinism who is losing his sight and a gay priest Father Dunant who is known as a faith healer.

  Milagro Villa

I’ve seen feathers, wings, and birds stand in for representations about abuse and trauma before. In the short comic Songbird For A Vulture US artist Naomi Franquiz does exactly that. Crafting one of the most poignant examples of an abuse survivor, found family, and healing included in Power & Magic The Queer Witch Comics Anthology.

  Ed Fiedler and Lucardo von Gishaupt

Forgive me the terrible pun but I’m a sucker for vampires, especially the queer variety. Letters for Lucardo by Finnish artist Otava Heikkilä is a delightful erotic comic series with a romance between vampire Lucardo and the older Ed.

  Ryô Watari

I’ve gone on about self-actualization in fashion before. Series Boys Run the Riot by Japanese artist Keiko Gaku acutely presents a comic about trans teenager Ryô building confidence, friendships, and a street fashion brand.

[aroaessidhe]

Chelsey Furedi, author of PROJECT NOUGHT and ROCK & RIOT just opened her store, with some prints/merch from both comics! If anyone on here is interested (seems like they’re selling out fast!)

[andrewknightley]

Me watching grease for the first time: woah this is cishet rock and riot

[canon-lgbt-characters]

Clyde from Rock and Riot is bisexual !

[artzychic27]

How about a miraculous rock and riot au?

CUE ROCKABILLY MUSIC!

It’s Paris in the 1950s

Two rival gangs are on top at Francoise DuPont, the Venoms and the City Royals

The Venoms consist of Zoé Lee, Reshma Leghari, Lacey Greene, Aurore Beauréal, and Mireille Caquet

The City Royals consist of Austins Armbruster, Boulet, Quinlan, and Tomassian

One day at school, Zoé has her first disaster lesbian crush when she comes across Cosette Bellamy and sets out to try and impress her and hopefully strike up a conversation which will lead to them going on a date

Her plans all suck at first until it’s the end of the day and Zoé friggin talks to them! They hang out, Cosette meets the gang, and a while later, they’re dating but no one knows because… It’s the 50s

Later, it’s another turf battle between the Venoms and the City Royals. The turf being fought over? The bleachers

Zoé remains calm and civil until Armbruster says some sexist shit, making her snap and tackle him into a nearby lake. The fight ends as a draw because they need to fix their hair

When Zoé calls them on their old-timey rotary phone and vents about Armbruster, Cosette suggests a night out, and Zoé happens to know just the spot

The Drive In!

It’s going nice at first until Cosette notices (Read: Hears) some couples making out, and Zoé is quick to assure them that she wouldn’t try anything and goes off on another disaster lesbian rambling until Cosette kisses her

But… They’re not the only ones sneaking around. A few cars over is Austin Tomassian with his date, president of the Thespian Club, Jean Duparc

They’ve been keeping their relationship a secret from the other Austins for about… Two years now

Jean confesses that he’d like Tomassian to finally come out to them, but he becomes petrified by the mere thought of it… But, he doesn’t like sneaking Jean around like he’s some dirty secret, either

Before they can talk some more, Armbruster suddenly turns up and honks the car horn, interrupting their date. Armbruster, Boulet, and Quinlan question Tomassian why he’s with Jean until Jean explains that Tomassian was just thanking him for helping him study for a test

And the excuse works like a charm… Only now, they’re having their date with the Austins

After that disaster of a night, it’s a new day at school and the Venoms and City Royals are at it again. This time over a parking spot. Before either of their cars can reach the spot, a motorcycle beats them to it

The rider is none other than the new student, Marc Anciel. Noticing the other students fawning over them, one things clear to both gangs, they need them to join

But Marc doesn’t give two shits about either gang and just wants to be a genderless badass motorcyclist

After finally managing to ditch the Venoms and City Royals, Marc takes refuge on the bleachers… Only for Mireille to find them

While she assures them she’s not trying to recruit, Marc remains skeptical… Until Mireille explains how she used to be a member of the City Royals until Zoé noticed how upset she was

This confession helps them to become friends and gets Marc to inform Mireille that they’re already the leader of their own gang, the Nukes (Cuz they nuke gender)

The Nukes consist of Marc Anciel, Denise Cabello, Simon O’Connor, and Ismael Prisk… And by unofficial extension, a certain redhead Marc’s been hanging out with

More Cosette and Zoé content!

Zoé’s bemoaning the fact that she and Cosette rarely spend any time together until she recalls a club on the outskirts of town, one that’s inclusive

But… The night they go, the bouncer will only allow Zoé in due to new management

Cosette assures Zoé that it’s fine, but Zoé’s not leaving without threatening the bouncer by informing his wife of his affair. With that threat, Cosette falls in love with Zoé even more

They settle for a date by the Seine, nice and private where they can kiss all they want

When they get to discussing prom, Zoé has serious doubts they’ll be let in, but Cosette makes a bet with her

Cosette: If we’re accepted, then you owe me a dance.

Zoé: It’s a deal.

During one class, everything’s going totally normal… Then Jean decides to “accidentally” push Tomassian’s books off of his desk and offers to help pick them up because Quinlan will pound him if he doesn’t help

When everyone’s gone to lunch, Jean and Tomassian have some much-needed alone time that ends with Tomassian pinning Jean to the floor… But then Zoé walks in on them because… she left her jacket

After school, the two secret couples meet up at the diner and explain how they started dating, their preferences, all that

Long story short, Cosette is bisexual and isn’t cisgender, Zoé’s a lesbian, Tomassian is gay, and Jean’s pansexual and demiromantic. But since it’s the 50s and those terms haven’t been spoken yet, they say

Zoé: Well, I never liked men.

Cosette: I just think everyone’s pretty is all. Also, I’m a girl but at the same time, partially? I’m not sure.

Tomassian: I just… Never got into girls.

Jean: I’m with Cosette, everyone is pretty, but I need to know the person. Like on an emotional level.

This sweet moment is interrupted by the Venoms and City Royals barging in

Just when they think their covers have been blown, Aurore’s freaking out over Zoé being on a date with Austin

Zoé/Tomassian: …

Cosette/Jean: …

Zoé: … *Holds Tomassian’s hand* You can’t stop love, Aurore!

And now, as of this moment, Zoé is no longer a member of the Venoms and Tomassian is out of the City Royals

… Well, that happened. Let’s see what the Nukes are up to. Ah, yes, forging essays and other assignments for cash

They’ve been doing this since Middle School. Ismael’s the lookout, Simon’s the dealer, Denise is the distributor (No one ever suspects the one in the skirt), and Marc is the brains behind the whole operating

While Simon is handing business with another student, three angry students storm up to him and flaunt their failed assignments and vow to never order from the Nukes again

*Later*

Ismael: Boss. We got ourselves a problem.

Marc: … *Turns around in their swivel chair with Nathaniel in their lap* Lay it on me.

Turns out what happened is that they sent out a bad batch of papers, which is bad because now no one will buy from them again

Marc urges them to all come up with a plan… They’re screwed… That is until Marc reminds them about the final exams. They can’t predict the questions, but they can write them

Its an easy job, all they had to do was replicate the old tests and boom, sneak into the school, dodge the janitor, replace the new tests with the old and boom. No one will know

And just for the hell of it, Simon adds ‘Other’ with the ‘Male’ and ‘Female’ boxes

Back with Zoé and Cosette: Aurore, Reshma, and Lacey still aren’t talking to Zoé. Mireille’s the only one and Zoé considers confessing, but this feels different to her

Cosette explains to Zoé that it’s the lie her friends are so upset about and that it’d be better to tell them all, but Zoé’s still having some doubts and is worried they’ll see her differently

Cosette’s able to assure Zoé that everything might work out in the end right before it kisses her and right before Cosette’s dad (Cool parent by the way) walks in the room

And Zoé, like any disaster lesbian, leaps out through Cosette’s bedroom window before Mr. Bellamy could see her

Now with Jean and Tomassian- Sleepover at Jean’s house!

Jean loves that he gets to see Tomassian with his glasses on all the time and not when they’re in private

And Tomassian is relieved to no longer have to keep up a certain image and finality gets to be his sweet, flustered, sometimes romantic self

Of course, they’re gonna cuddle in bed and kiss each other until they both fall asleep

Flashback to the day the Venoms and City Royals were formed, why Armbruster hates Zoé, blah blah blah… Present day

The remaining City Royals are out recruiting when Reshma, Aurore, and Lacey confront them, demanding that they do something about Tomassian, but since Tomassian’s no longer a City Royal, they aren’t doing anything

Things get heated and they start to draw in a crowd… Then Reshma high kicks Quinlan in the nose

It’s an immediate detention for the Venoms and City Royals, even Zoé and Tomassian

Arguments break out again, and Aurore demands an explanation from Zoé. Having enough, Mireille tells them all to cork it and even comes to Marc’s defense when Lacey uses the wrong pronouns

Having enough and just wanting everyone to shut up and stop repeating the same questions, Reshma asks Zoé why she was so drawn to Tomassian in the first place until Zoé finally snaps

Zoé: IT’S NOT TOMASSIAN!

Everyone: …

Zoé: … I don’t want to lie anymore.

Mireille: Zoé-

Reshma: Lie about what?

Zoé: It’s Cosette… I’ve been dating Cosette…

Everyone: … COSETTE?!

Austin T: … Zoé’s not the only one!

Austin A: You’re dating Cosette, too?

Austin T: What? No- I… Jean’s always been my best friend… I love him. I love him so much!

Reshma: Wait a minute. Zoé and Cosette… Jean and Austin T… You mean… I’ve been keeping my relationship with Lacey secret this whole time for nothing?!

Lacey: Babe-

Aurore: Holy shit!… I like girls, too! The-their soft skin, their beautiful eyes, their curves- Oh, God! I love them so much!

Austin A: *Sobbing* I thought I was the only one!

Austin B: Wait, you have a boyfriend?

Austin A: Not exactly. They’re that person from the other class who wears those hockey jerseys, Beck…

Mireille: Now wait a gosh-darn second! Is there anyone else who’s going to come out?

Everyone: …

Austin B: … *Raises his hand* I don’t like anyone.

And with… That out of the way, things are back to normal… Sorta

Let’s see what Marc’s up to- Oh! They’re on a diner date with the one and only, Nathaniel Kurtzberg

Everything’s going well, a platonic kiss here… Then Marc catches feelings and runs out the door where they find the Nukes spying on their date

Marc: Fellas! Thank God you’re here. I need your help!

Denise: Having a crisis?

Marc: I think I like Nathaniel!

Denise: You’re realizing this now?

Marc: But I’ve never liked anyone before! I thought I was-

Denise: *Cups Marc’s cheeks* Honey. There can always be exceptions.

Ismael: *Hugging Simon’s arm* You should ask him to prom!

Marc: I couldn’t! That’s…

Ismael: C'mooon, Marc! Go!

Marc *Pushing them away* Alright, alright! Off with you!

So instead of a diner date, Marc takes Nathaniel out bowling to try and impress him. Then it all comes down to it

They ask Nathaniel out… On a group date with the Nukes… Fuck

Simon, Denise, and Ismael are not letting this go and call Marc a disaster every chance they get. Then they help them ask Nathaniel out the right way, and it involves a record player

Nathaniel: *Looks out his window to see Marc holding a record player over their head and with the Nukes singing backup*

Marc: Well I’m sure I’ve met the sweetest boy in town. His smile gets me jazzed, with him I’m never down! I don’t care what people think, so let’s prove them wrong…

*Nathaniel runs outside, and Marc runs over and takes his hands*

Marc: Nathaniel! Will you go with me to prom? *Nathaniel kisses them*

*The Nukes cheer as Denise tosses rose petals*

Now as for Cosette and Zoé. Cosette knows their girlfriend well, enough to know that Zoé will be so distraught over Cosette figuring out she wanted to ask them to prom and would sigh all dramatically while hanging upside down from a tree that they had the Venoms drive right past them with a sign hanging upside down from the back of their car reading, ‘Wanna go to Prom With Me?’

Bisexuals may be disasters, but they’re smart

Jean’s promposal is pretty simple, nothing flashy, just a note… Which Tomassian can’t read because he doesn’t have his glasses on

Then he just comes out and asks because they can’t find Tomassian’s glasses anywhere right before kissing him

At school, everything’s going just fine and well… Until Damocles makes the following announcement that anyone not conforming to 50s standards will not be allowed into prom

Of course, the Venoms are pissed and are putting a plan together to go to prom with their dates and wear the clothes that they want. Of course, that would involves teaming up with the Nukes and City Royals

The City Royals and Jean are lounging in the courtyard when Beck approaches them. While Austin A is all flustered, Austin Q strikes up the conversation and Beck informs them all that the Venoms want to meet with them after school

They do and prepare for a fight, but Zoé makes it clear that’s not what they’re here for.

Realizing that this is about prom, Austin A brushes her off because it all comes down to their gangs

Mireille: City Royals, Venoms, Nukes, what’s the difference? Why do we need teams anymore?

Cosette: Mireille is right.

Mireille: I always am.

Hearing this, Zoé stands her ground and offers a truce. Austin A is reluctant until Beck brings up that they want to get a photo with him

But before anything gets serious, Aurore reminds the City Royals they need to apologize to Mireille for not helping her in her time of need

And while they do apologize and Mireille forgives them, she hugs the City Royals (Plus Jean and Beck) except for Armbruster

Armbruster: *Pouts* Where’s my hug?

Zoé: Alright, Armbruster. So we’re all on?

Armbruster: Let’s give ‘em a prom they’ll never forget.

It’s the night of Prom

Zoé: *Through a walkie-talkie* Armbruster, come in Armbruster!

Austin A: What about my codename?

Zoé: I’m not calling you Elvis.

Austin A: Ugh, fine! What’s the situation?

Zoé: *Waiting outside the school with Cosette* Things are looking clear from here. Any updates on teachers?

Marc: *Standing at the side of the school with Nathaniel* Marc here. The faculty already seems to be inside the venue.

Zoé: Should we just go ahead with Plan A? Walk right in and hope the adults are too drunk to care?

Marc: We could probably… *Nathaniel taps his shoulder* Wait- What is…

*Nathaniel points to Adrien and Nino crying on their way to their car*

Marc: … I don’t think it’s going to be that easy.

Zoé: … Cosette, looks like it’s time for Plan B. *Gets up on top of her car* Alright, everyone. It seems like we can’t take the easy route. I never expected to be standing here in front of all of you, but we want the same thing! This is our night! We wanted to rock and roll… but now… We have to ROCK AND RIOT!

Everything’s calm at prom… Then the Venoms and City Royals drive their cars right through the entrance to the prom

While the teacher chase after them, they steal snacks, do an amazing group photo bomb, Quinlan kisses someone else’s date for the hell of it, and Nathaniel, Zoé, and Tomassian carry their dates out bridal style because heels are evil!

And the very moment they left, students started dancing with same sex partners and wearing whatever they want

The Venoms, City Royals, and Nukes find themselves in the woods and just lie down on the ground because starting a riot is exhausting

Cosette: I think you owe me a dance now.

Zoe: What? They didn’t let us in. We weren’t accepted.

Cosette: Look around.

*Jean and Austin T are cuddling, Reshma kisses Lacey’s forehead, Austin A and Beck are making out, Ismael, Austin Q, and Austin B fist-bump, Aurore and Mireille are lying against each other, Marc and Nathaniel are wrapped in each other’s arms, and Simon is wrapped in Denise’s arms*

Cosette: So… Mind if I have this dance?

[sunshinetomioka]

A qsmp AND rock and riot fan? Be still my beating heart

Ahah what a pleasure to see there's other people who love both !! I pretty much discovered both at the same time !!!

[actuallyasexuality]

Ace recommendations

Welcome to ace recommendations, where I will recommend pieces of media that i have read/watched that either is about being asexual, has an asexual character in it, or is created by someone who is asexual.

Today's recommendation is "Rock and Riot" a webcomic by Chelsey Furedi.

Rock and Riot is a comedy takes place in the 1950s, and follows 2 rival gangs consisting of high school students. The webcomic is a quick read. The people in the gangs begin to realize that maybe they have more in common with each other than they thought and work to defy societal expectations.

There are a lot acespec characters in the webcomic.

Carla (she/her) who's kind and confident, Edd (he/him) who's chill, and Dett (she/they/he) who's cunning and flirtatious are all asexual.

Rolly (she/her) who's trustworthy, Ace (They/them) who's mysterious, Skip (she/he) who's a protective book-worm, and Sasha (he/him) who's active and reserved are all demisexual.

And Gene (he/him) who's shy and smart is greysexual.

Rock and Riot can be read for free here on Tumblr or on Tapas.

[99procent]

I just released my very first raw instrumental song, I would be really happy if u can listen and rate, thanks!

[wlw-webcomic-bracket]

[annabellesmells]

Tapas Webcomic recommendations

Ok, so I am in dire need of tapas recommendations, (so much that I turned to Tumblr 😒) so here are some of my favorites:

-Heartstopper (obviously)

-Jamie

-Rock and Riot

-Sunflowers and Lavender

-It's Kind of a Funny Story

-Humor Me

I prefer LGBTQ+ romances, but I can also still enjoy plot driven stories like Humor Me, and I don't want anything too sexual.

Sorry If this is super random and kinda long, but I'm desperate. T^T

[shibabutch]

have you read rock and riot?

never heard of it, but I Just checked it out and it looks cute! These two might be my favs:)

[jeffcbliss]

Magic City Hippies - Innings Festival; Tempe, AZ (2-26-23). @magicityhippies

Photo: Jeff Bliss

[restingcorpse]