#second comic i've ever produced ever

[itsfarashi]

Chance Encounters

This comic came about because I was wondering what it might be like if a few Silent Hill characters happened to meet each other pre-game.

[genericpuff]

I WANNA TALK ABOUT THE FUCKING EISNERS-

i've been finding lately that there are so many topics i still wanna talk about concerning LO and its development and they just don't happen because i get distracted or busy and my brain is like "ok we're just gonna pretend we've already talked about it even though we haven't" JFKDLSAJFDASKLFJSLKA

Let's talk about the Eisners and LO's recent 'win'.

I've already briefly mentioned in previous posts that LO has had a lot of its awards and accolades bought for it. This is especially true for both the NYT Bestseller label (seriously, none of those labels are ever earned, it's not some top 100 list that you compete on, it goes to whoever is willing to pay for it or whoever an editorial column wants to highlight) and, of course, the Eisner Award, which is not exactly an award judged by the industry's finest (the judges this year were made up of largely comic book shop owners and librarians).

But we're not here to talk about that. I wanna talk about what happened after LO won its second Eisner.

First off, the fact that it can be nominated at all when it doesn't even really fit the criteria for their submissions is sketchy at best:

see: "new, professionally produced long-form original comics work posted online in 2022." LO is not 'new'. Sure, it has new episodes, but I don't think that really follows the spirit of what they meant by 'new'. The Eisner doesn't seem like an award that should be granted to the same series twice, is my point, and that's one of the many complaints brought up in the absolute dressing down that LO got in its announcement post on the Webtoons Official IG page.

Of course, you can see for yourself right here.

But for the sake of fun, let's share some of the excerpts here.

(and yes I'm sharing a LOT of these because frankly I don't trust WT to not delete them in an attempt to hide all the shit that's being thrown at their precious "baby")

While names have been censored to protect the users involve, I will say one thing - this isn't some attempt from antiLO/ULO members to brigade the series' win, there are other comic creators in this discussion as well from the Canvas section who aren't pleased with seeing LO win another Eisner when there are multiple new series from this past year alone which deserve more attention than they're getting. Again, see for yourself if you click on the link above, the vast majority of comments on this post are expressing their disappointment and you can tell from how they've been sitting at the top while all the positive comments are being 'pushed' to the bottom - the like counts say it all.

All of this, paired with the fact that LO didn't win a SINGLE user-voted award during the Webtoonies, goes to show that the Webtoons audience is over LO. They're done with it. It's not relevant anymore, the only ones who still keep up with it are the stans and those holding on in the hopes that the story gets around to resolving the SA plotline and gets its TV show (which I've also mentioned has a real possibility of not happening, at least not now when it would count the most LMAO)

It still gets more likes than any other series on the platform (for now) but you can tell during its current hiatus that when LO is out of sight, it's out of people's minds - despite many of these episodes now being weeks old, their like counts aren't going up, no new readers are being pulled in. And the fact that a series with over 6 million subscribers can barely scratch 100k likes nowadays is... really something.

And that's on its free to read episodes, it's FP episodes - where views count the most because it's where LO makes its money and initial views - aren't even a fraction of what the free episodes often take well over a week to gain at this point.

Episode 252:

And the midseason finale, 253:

Compare it to Down to Earth which gets 70k likes on average on its free episodes (though its current new FP is sitting at the 1k mark), is LO still bringing in higher numbers than other series? Yes. But it's clearly falling to a point where it's going to be on par with every other comic on the platform in no time. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like after it comes back from this poorly-timed hiatus, when all of its official fan groups have also been shuttered preventing people from staying in touch within their own fandom.

Awards like the Webtoonies are, while largely just for street cred, still audience-based, and I really hope the fact that the people have spoken not once, but twice through their engagement with the platform - both through the comment section on LO's Eisner win and the votes in favor of other series in the Webtoonies - will be a major wake-up call to WT that they can't keep trying the same things over and over again expecting different results. They can't keep stuffing money into LO as if advertising or awards are the reason LO isn't pulling in the numbers it used to. They can't keep pretending that LO still has the merit and credibility that it once had 5 years ago.

It's like that comparison from Super Eyepatch Wolf talking about why you shouldn't take advice on how to be "successful" from Youtubers who got famous 5+ years ago:

"Say you decide you want to become a carpenter, and particularly, how to build a nice chair. Think about the kind of person you'd want to learn that skill from. Would it be from someone who has built nice chairs every day for 20 years? Or would it be the guy who built one nice chair five years ago out of a special kind of wood that doesn't exist anymore, who has no experience with the kind of wood available to you now?"

LO is a byproduct of a version of Webtoons that no longer exists. It was fortunate enough to join the Canvas section when the Canvas section was still only lightly populated, before WT started trying to sell the idea that anyone could become "rich" on their platform (an idea largely perpetuated by creators LIKE RACHEL who only became big because WT threw all of their money at them), before Greek myth comics became commonplace (again, something that's a consequence of Rachel/Lore Olympus) and before the romance genre became largely filled with problematic "dark" romances (again, see Lore Olympus).

Do you see the pattern of what I'm talking about here? A lot of what Webtoons became known for was a byproduct of Lore Olympus and series like it, because those series did phenomenally well, due to being in the right place at the right time, so WT went "hey, cool, this makes us lots of money! Let's do more of that!" Obviously this isn't to say that Lore Olympus is the root of all evil here OR that it didn't have its own merit back in the day, but if you make a series that blows every other series out of the water in stats, it's only natural for a company to want to pursue more series and story tropes like it in the hopes that it'll replicate exactly what comics like LO did, completely misunderstanding why LO did well in the first place. At the time, LO's art was unique for the platform, and it was tackling a story that was extremely popular on platforms like Tumblr so it naturally gained a crowd.

But that was five years ago. Since then, the WT audience climate has changed dramatically, as it always does every few years; and LO and WT haven't kept up. We went through a phase of BL, isekai, and now WT seems to be in an odd limbo because it's still clinging to a series from three whole lifetimes ago, especially now with so many of its other signature series either finally ending (True Beauty) or walking away from the platform entirely (Let's Play).

At this point, Lore Olympus is a chair that was nice five years ago, but has since started to fall apart - its paint is chipping, and its legs don't stand up so well anymore - and WT is still trying to sell it you as the exact same chair - with cheap new paint and a few bits and bobs attached to try and convince you that the chair is new - but it's long past its prime. This isn't to say that the chair itself doesn't deserve to exist, just that it shouldn't be given so much proprietary advertising and attention when there are so many other works on the platform that deserve to be uplifted and seen.

LO was good for its era, it was successful for a reason, but we're halfway through 2023 and it's painfully obvious that the comic and the platform's audience is ready to move on to new territories. Webtoons just needs to learn to let go.

[thinkingfandoms]

An accurate list of the best movies I've ever seen

This list also includes reasons that are all too objective and nonsensical. Avoid asking too many questions. And share what you think in the comments!

Hercules

Hercules is probably my favourite Disney movie. And I also think that's where my interest in Greek mythology started. Hades is my favorite villain from this company and he's such a mood.

The Prince of Egypt

Oh dear you don't know how much I love this movie. I know every song by heart and was lucky enough to sing them with my choir. I'm a big fan of animation and despite how old is this movie, I think it remains one of the best ever produced. I cried more times over this movie than over all the others on this list combined.

Friends & Family

I only discovered this film this year but it quickly became one of my favorites. I have never laughed for so many consecutive minutes at a movie. I approached it because it's unusual to see a gay mob-themed movie, but I immediately fell in love with all the characters and the final scene remains one of the most comic I have ever seen.

Treasure Planet

I have a soft spot for animated films about great adventures and self-discovery. Jim has been my only animated crush for years, and his story has always resonated with something inside of me (maybe the desire for adventure and his recklessness, idk). Plus, of course, "'I'm Still Here" is one of the most beautiful soundtracks ever created.

Howl's Moving Castle

One of the first films I saw by Studio Ghibli and my absolute favourite. The love stories created by this Studio are always wonderful, and this one is no different. Plus I always saw myself in Sophie (especially about the crush on Howl) and, well, there's Calcifer, what more do you want?

Les Choristes

Another thing I love: movies about music. It may be that I've been playing an instrument for years and singing in choirs, but I've always cried watching kids rediscover a new side of themselves through music and songs. And these songs are composition's masterpieces. I still remember them all by heart even though French isn't my native language.

A Christmas Carol

I'm slightly obsessed with this story, with Charles Dickens and with Christmas. I was born on Christmas Eve so you can imagine how close this theme is to my heart. I have seen several versions of this story though, and for some reason, this one remains my favourite. It may be that it's different from other more colourful versions and really shows the darkness behind the original story, idk.

How to Train Your Dragon

I literally grew up with this saga: I was 8 years old at the first film, 12 at the second and 17 at the third. I watched Hiccup grow up with me as a friend and Toothless as a fellow adventurer. I'll forever be grateful to Dreamworks for creating the best-animated saga that cinema has ever seen.

The Three Musketeers

This movie is so random that it's perfect. I watched it again recently (after like 8 years) and realized that maybe my daddy issues come from this movie: Luke Evans, Orlando Bloom and the freaking Mads Mikkelsen together, seriously? I'm not surprised it was one of my favourite movies growing up.

A Monster in Paris

The love I have for this film is enormous. I could never get over the beauty of the songs in it. The characters are so well written and Francœur will always be in my top animated characters. It's too amazing to be real.

Rise of the Guardians

I could talk for hours about this film and have not even touched the tip of the iceberg. I have an insane obsession with all the characters, starting with and especially Jack, my top animated crush for years. It's all so perfect that I don't see how people never nominate it when it comes to top animated movies.

The Hobbit

Again, I have serious problems with films about fantasy adventures. I have always preferred The Hobbit saga to its sequel because the story has always fascinated me more. And the main character especially: for me Bilbo >>>> Frodo. And then there's Thorin and Luke Evans. You know, daddy issues.

Mune: Guardian of the Moon

Another French animated movie, another obsession, another adventure, another animated character in my top. This is an example of how to do good animation. There isn't a colour out of place. The settings are authentic, the characters are original, and the adventure they make gets me every time.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

I'm maybe a Muggle, but I prefer Fantastic Beasts to the Harry Potter saga. That's not to say it's better, mind you, but it reflects me more. We all know how we Hufflepuffs (and Ravenclaws) have no real representation in the HP movies, so to be able to have at least one prequel saga starring a Hufflepuff (in which I also find myself far too much) as the protagonist is wonderful. And I have an unhealthy urge to become a magizoologist.

The Greatest Showman

It's the movie I have watched the most of these. I know every song by heart and every line too. It always manages to be a roller coaster of emotions. And it has Hugh Jackman in it.

The Boy Foretold By The Stars

I'm a big supporter of the Philippine's film company. This is one movie is gentle, funny, and not based on the usual drama between Christianity and LGBT+ people (which is what I thought when reading the plot at first). Moreover, another underrated thing, the Philippines' music company here has thrown in masterpiece after masterpiece of songs, perfect for this movie.

Bros

This is my top comfort film in the last year. It's like watching a Hallmark movie but hotter, much more sincere and gay. Very gay. And the relationship between the two main characters is so cute and sweet. And funny.

Top Gun: Maverick

I love this saga but especially love this particular chapter. I love Maverick and his relationship with Rooster, and all the other characters are so well-written. And don't get me started on the story... I LOVE it. There isn't much else to say except that Cruise is a great actor (and a terrible person).

Glass Onion - Knives Out

I love my silly little gay detective. And I have a little passion for movies and mystery series. I found this saga's chapter more compelling than the first one, and the characters gripped me more. Also I fell in love with the setting. Oh and then there are Daniel Craig and Hugh Grant.

[nonobadcat]

I keep on seeing afo going for kids and breeding his darling but what is he like after and how much longer till he wants another one

Daddy AFO? Oooooooohhhh..... I have so many thots thoughts on this.

Head cannon Word count: About 3k

CW: Breeding, Yandere, some Sub AFO x Dom Reader, gender neutral but mentions of quirk which allows pregnancy regardless of biological status

Warning: BNHA Manga Spoilers

To start my analysis, let me say that I strongly view AFO as a yandere. My basis for this Chapter 193 and Chapter 310 which can be summed up by two events and one word:

Vault.

I mean, short of Toga, All For One strikes me as the most cannon (platonic?) yandere that the series has produced. Therefore, using his relationship with Yoichi as the basis for how he treats family, by the power of the Yandere MTBI, I'd classify him as such:

Reverent - Based on the dialogue between the brothers in the vestiges world, AFO really seems to care that Yoichi come to the dark side. Yes, he belittles his brother's love of heroes and world view, but the tone he takes sounds like he's staging an intervention rather than just being a dick about it. I just get the feeling that, as twisted as it may be, his behaviors stem from genuine affection towards a beloved brother who could be his equal rather than a pet. When it comes to family, AFO is a lover, however sick and twisted that love may be.

Delusional - "I've always wanted to be a demon lord since I read it in a comic book" is the most chuunibyou thing ever said by a grown man. It's possible he's joking but I love this one played straight. AFO truly believes that blood will conquer all... it's just a matter of getting these silly heroic impulses out of his brother's head.

Manipulative - "I gave you a quirk brother dear. Why you no like me?!" (｀∀´)Ψ

Strict with the power to be lenient - Considering Yoichi was literally running around the streets screaming "DON'T TRUST HIM! MY BROTHER IS EVIL!" as AFO trololololed his way across Japan, AFO clearly shows leniency towards family. That said, after a while, Yoichi got locked away because he wasn't doing what AFO wanted. A true lenient yandere wouldn't have gone that far and it makes me believe all of AFOs leniency was part of his manipulations.

So... what does that mean for you and your family, dear reader? I think it depends on one thing: Did you find out who All For One was or did he successfully keep it secret?

Scenario 1: Married to the angel

Be it by hook, crook or by you being the dumbest darling on earth, AFO successfully kept his evil tendencies concealed from you and he intends to keep it that way. Think of this as the "Dad For One" life.

AFO is that husband.

225cm (7'4" for you 'muricans) of gorgeous silver-blond with a barrel chest and a smile that can melt polar ice caps, can you say trophy husband? He never forgets an anniversary, always brings a present when he's gone on a "business trip" and generally reveals in all your little quirks (personality or otherwise). Others will flirt with him, but your husband (Yes, he put a ring on that. He has old fashioned values after all) is firmly off the market. After all, his family is everything and anything that causes them grief just needs to... well... disappear.

Heaven forbid anyone even look sideways at his darling. There'd be an "unfortunate accident" in under thirty seconds.

"That poor man just got run over by a truck!"

"My word, the streets of Japan are so dangerous now days. It's a good thing I'm here with you. Oh! Look! Wouldn't your mother adore that necklace?"

Speaking of family, this AFO would be the "heir and a spare" type because the larger the household, the harder it is to hide his secrets.

"I feel awful leaving you out numbered when I travel so much, but my little brother and I were so very close. I hate to see our child grow up without that bond..."

When it comes to little kids, Dad For One is "fun dad". Kids need to go to the doctor for their shots? Mean-old-you will be taking them and daddy will buy them ice cream to soothe the ouchies. He's the father who will throw them up in the air as many times as they want, even if they puke about it. If you leave them unattended, there is no bed time. You'll come home to your children snuggled on the couch with Daddy, dead asleep in their pajamas (at least he got them dressed for bed) while the dvd menu is looping. (Yes, he still uses dvds. He's a "bit old fashioned"). You'll have to shake him awake, but at least he'll pick up the kids and move the entire party to bed.

...their own beds mind you. Not very Japanese of him but a man needs to get laid at some point.

Bath time is a totally different matter. Co-bathing is normal and he loves bonding with the kids in this way. Thank heaven the bathroom is a traditional style with a drain in the floor. Tickle attacks and splash time is so common that, by the time you get in the bath, there isn't much water left. Oh well...

Dad For One is not a hover parent. Your children need to learn from their own mistakes. After all, parents these days are far too clingy. When he was younger, he and his brother got into all sorts of trouble which is why he locked Yoichi in a vault and they turned out fine! The kids will be perfectly safe going to the playground by themselves because Machia will be watching them the entire time. They will get scrapes. They will come home dirty. They might wreck the neighbor's child because that brat had it coming. Kids will be kids.

Trouble at school? You'll be doing the lecturing and Dad For One will agree to the punishment without question. This is a united front type of relationship because we can't have you getting suspicious. Besides, they need to learn not to get caught from their mistakes.

And seriously... how many more manga is he going to buy the kids?! Honestly! You're going to have to move into a new house at this rate because of all the presents he keeps—

...that had better not be a puppy he's handing the kids or you will murder him.

Speaking of speaking your mind, All For One finds it amusing. You are the only one on earth that is willing to tell the Symbol of Evil what to do and he's willing to listen because that's his kink. When you get angry, he'll tap your nose, laugh in your face, hold you close and tell you that you are right. Always. Why? Because it always works. After all, he'd do anything to keep his family intact happy.

So... what happens the one time it doesn't?

Scenario 2: Possessed by the devil

Your husband tilted you chin up, red eyes piercing your soul. "Why are you asking questions when you don't really want to hear the answers, darling?"

So you figured it out, huh? Guess you now know why ignorance is bliss.

I see three potential outcomes to this mess:

Route 2 - A: The crumbling moral high ground

"I refuse to accept this! I want a divorce!"

Your husband leaned hard on the door, snapping the latch shut. The devil sneered at you, his eyes glowing with hellfire. "Oh? Is that so?"

You could fight him tooth and nail. You'll fail, but you can try. He had years to work Yoichi over and he's learned from his mistakes. Straight to the vault with you, darling. You might come out with as much between your ears as as an eager puppy, but he'll be happy to get you there, one denied orgasm at a time.

The children in this scenario are irrelevant. You won't ever see them. He'll spirit away the brood and pump you for everything he needs to bring them up them properly. They'll grow up strong and happy while you stay dumb and content at his feet. 

Route 2 - B: The conscientious objector

“Now I’m sure you’re somewhat intimidated by all this but it comes with some truly excellent perks.” He rubbed his cheek against your temple and took a deep whiff of your scent. “I have my own money, so your current financial status doesn't worry me. I have contacts in every department and company across Japan so you’ll never want for anything. I don’t value things like fleeting youth, so you’ll never be too old to me.” He clutched you tight. “And, perhaps because of my age, I do have old fashioned values. I am a strictly monogamous man, so you won’t have to share me with any other lovers.”

You snorted at the words “old fashioned values”.

Shigaraki pulled back and looked you in the eye firmly. “Do you not believe me?”

You stared back at him. “You kill people.”

“Well, no one is perfect,” he pointed out.

Okay... so maybe trying to leave is a bad call. The odds are not in your favor and, even if you manage it, he'll probably murder everyone you know you get you back. What would happen in that passive resistance scenario where you stay but you still object to his villainous ways?

Well folks, we call that a Hypnotic Nightmare (See AO3 - 261k words and rising).

...but seriously, this is probably the ideal situation from All For One's perspective. It's the best balance of entertainment while still knowing you'll be crying on his cock at the end of the night. Unlike Yoichi, you don’t really have the power to threaten him and this time he’s not stupid enough to hand his morality pet the means to defeat him.

Back to that chuunibyou AFO thing I mentioned earlier, this time, the villain gets the heroine and he loves it. 

In this scenario, both you and All For One would be in the most hate sex filled breeding war imaginable. After all, if one of the children is born with a quirk that can rival his, whichever side claims it would have an edge. All For One gets you as his spicy little toy who snarls at him while he pumps you full of his cum. You look so precious when you’re angry and watching your pregnant belly (your biology be damned, there is a quirk for that) swell with his children is about as exciting as a four year old getting a Puppy Surprise ala Christmas 1992. You better believe Ujiko would be sitting around helping AFO make quirk inheritance Punnett squares over the phone while your husband lovingly rubs away the morning sickness.

What about after the children are born? 

“You know I will tell them the truth about you, right?”

He smirked at you and took a sip of his tea. “Not if I tell them first.”

So what if you find his villainous side repulsive? He’ll let you play your heroic role all the same because watching you struggle gets him off. 

Go ahead. Teach the children right from wrong. You might give them grounding, but Daddy can give them anything. Which one of you do you think a child going to pick after that? Oh, the kids noticed you can’t leave the relationship? Not like they can leave either. You succeeded and one of them wants to play hero? Cute. They’re grounded, vault style. See what you made me do, darling? Daddy didn’t want to punish them, but however will they learn? What if they children went after another villain with such pathetic tactics? Their reeducation is for their safety, really. 

After all, as long as you are under his thumb, the children are too.

This version of DFO I see as much stricter than the scenario 1 DFO. The children will have set bed times, come when called, and speak properly to their parents. Why? Because of you. With his spouse actively working against him, he needs to set the tone early and often and the tone is “bow before the Demon Lord Daddy”. Also, “when your father gets home...” is not a threat, it is a sentence. We do not muck around and find out in this house. Children raised in this environment will need to be sneaky, manipulative little schemers, just the way Daddy likes them.

Now, this is not to say All For One is going to tolerate the children walking all over you. You are still his spouse and this is still Japan. Respect is due to both parents and the children will know their place. As long as it doesn’t conflict with Dad For One’s orders, you are free to handle them however you wish and he will support that. However, he does find it ever so sexy when you lay down the law.

By the way, there will be no need for “the talk” in this house. Sex, pregnancy and what makes up an healthy "happy” relationship is openly and hotly debated at the dinner table. There will be no stiff upper lip in this household. There will be blood and make-up sex (his idea, not yours). As a result, Nightmare children will not be ones to hold their tongue. These kids will call it like they see it and be very confident in their assessments. Be they brash like Bakugo or calm and analytical like Asui, your children will not be shrinking violets.

Speaking of which, no matter their personalities, All For One will bring out the best in them for all the worst reasons. While these kids are not going to be coddled little emperors, their natural talents will be catered to. Daddy expects the best, but only because he knows your children can bring it. Do a good job? He will brag about them all day long and reward them will all the attention and affection they crave. Do a bad job? Well now, Daddy is very disappointed because he knows we can do better. Looks like he’ll have to call in a favor to teach a lesson. It might be a very harsh one, but Ujiko can patch most things up.

Route 2 - C: Villains are your type

Your fingers curled around his tie, tugging him down to you centimeter by centimeter. "Let's talk about these assumptions of yours."

"Oh, what assumptions are those?"

A soft tongue flicked out to wet your lips. With a hellacious grin, you whispered in his ear. "You assuming that, just because I'm such a good catch, bad boys aren’t my type." You pouted. One finger traced small circles in his chest as you peered at him from under your lashes. "What if I told you I wanted you to be bad for me? Very.” The sound of metal clinked from his belt. “Very.” A zipper rolled down. “Bad."

All For One's heart throbbed in your hands. As you slipped to the floor, a low groan poured from his throat. Long fingers traced the edge of your face as naughty grin stretched over broad teeth. "I knew I loved you."

So, that's your kink? Okay. Buckle up because the ride is going to be amazing.

Being the Demon Lord’s consort is a tough job and you are happy to do it. Sexy clothing? You’ve got it. Coy, evil grin? On it. Taunting the heroes as you languidly, stroke that spikey white hair? Yes, we do that here.

We’re back to heir and a spare in this scenario. Since All For One has you involved in his world, he’s desperately torn between keeping you knocked up and having you beside him like the moon to his sun. It’s so hard.... to keep his hands off you when you’re sitting in his lap at every meeting, but if he’s too naughty you might end up on bed rest... and not in the way he wants.

Also, I see this AFO being subby (or at least a switch) in bed. After all, you might be the only person he can truly trust and that lets him try some new things. What you may ask? Well...

All For One moaned through the silicon ball as the pad of your finger slipped over his slick slit. Broad arms flexed against the jute rope just as you pressed your lips to his throat.  

“Now, now,” you purred, nibbling at his Adam’s apple. “None of that. I’m not done with you, my naughty boy.”

Kitten licks flicked their way up his thick neck until you reached the edge of his jaw. Coyly curling your palm around his pulsing hard-on you pressed it to your soft entrance. Red eyes rolled back under white lashes as he felt the damp heat ghosting over his cock. Incoherent whimpers of wanton pleasure hummed through the gag.

“It’s only been an hour,” you teased, adding another roll of your hips. 

With a dark giggle, you pinched his pink nipple between your teeth. When he shuddered, you pressed a kiss to goose pimpled flesh. The tip of his cock throbbed against your thighs. You smirked.

“We still have a long way to go. Don’t disappoint me.”

Any girl born to this relationship will be Daddy’s evil princess. Pampered and polished into a gem of villainy, this little one will want for nothing. Daddy didn’t get a her pony for her birthday, he got her a Nomu unicorn with a horn cannon (rip Pony Tsunotori). Your daughter be well versed in poisons (he’s a traditionalist and poisons have always been a murderess’s best friend) and expected to marry someone wealthy and powerful... so that she can strangle her spouse on the wedding night and take the throne in a violent coup d'etat. After all, he can’t spoil her forever. Children need room to grow and succeed on their own.

A boy is a bit trickier. Thanks to having a younger brother, All For One knows exactly how to handle young boys. However, being old fangled, its much easier to be severe on his own gender (thank you archaic sexism) than with a girl. I expect this to go very similar to the way he taught Tomura. Training will be more rough and tumble but the rewards will be sweet. AFO would adore his son in that “go on, you’ve got it!” sort of way. These two will be up late into the night as they read The Hero of Justice manga (only to volume 3) by flashlight. You better believe you're going to have to drag him off to bed if you want your son to get enough sleep for a growing boy.

Would he ever yield power to his children? No. Never. However, having someone near or at his level would help keep him on his toes. After all, we don’t want to slack off and lose the throne to some hero. Backstabbing dear old dad is encouraged, but don’t get too cocky. The punishments may not be lethal, but they will teach a lesson well earned. 

Also... can I just say that these kids are going to think Uncle Machia is a jungle gym because that simp is going to fall hard for Master’s little crotch goblins.

[craftypeaceturtle]

Something stupid...

I recently rewatched tmnt 2012 and thought... wow, there's loads of fully rendered and designed shops in the background. Has anyone ever listed them all for reference?

I didn't even check the fandom wikia so maybe someone has. But hey ho. I've done it now.

So here's all the shops and comics shown in the TMNT 2012 series, for your reference fellow writers and other insane people.

.

Comic books seen throughout the series:

'From the Sewer' (S1 E1, 08:09)

'Martial Pain' (S1 E4, 09:00)

'Famous Creatures of […] Town' (S1 E7, 22:49) **couldn't make out one of the words, sorry!

'Corps Cadares: The Dead Will Save the Earth' (S1 E11, 04:08)

'The Timely Times' (S1 E20, 09:43)

'Diabolical Dead' (S1 E20, 09:43)

'Barbarian' (S1 E20, 09:43)

'Space Heroes' (S1 E23, 10:08) -- Leo collects.

'Tales from the Cosmos' (S2 E2, 00:46)

'Dude' (S2 E4, 10:04)

'Modern Ninja Magazine' (S2 E7, 00:50) --Raph collects.

'Shock Techno' (S2 E10, 00:19)

'Weekly Weird News' (S2 E14, 28:17)

'Green with Envy' (S2 E16, 10:17)

'Split' (S3 E5, 05:45)

'Wingnut' (S4 E19, 00:12)

'Arachnid Man' (S4 E19, 00:27)

'Superb Man' (verbal, not physically shown- S4 E19, 00:29)

'Fantastic Four Food Groups' (S4 E19, 00:31) --heavily associated with Raph.

'Dracula's Castle' (S5 E17, 07:19) -- heavily associated with Mikey.

'Vampire Hunter' (S5 E17, 07:18) --heavily associated with Mikey.

.

Shops seen throughout the series: Book Store (S1 E1, 10:28)

Second Time About (S1 E1, 13:21) -- April stayed with her Aunt above this shop.

Vlad's Repo Depot (S1 E1, 19:31)

Kingfisher Antique/Rare Buy.Sell Jewelry (S1 E1, 21:30)

Fortune Cookie (S1 E3, 14:32) --Purple Dragon base

Rock Bottom Boxing Club (S1 E4, 10:27)

Old Chinatown Tattoo Company (S1 E4, 10:27)

Downtown Athletic Club (S1 E4, 16:08)

Futua-noid Electronics (S1 E5, 17:38)

Pet Supplies (S1 E5, 17:38) -- right next to an alleyway, so I would guess that this the pet store the turtles were bought from.

Mad Wax Records (S1 E5, 17:46)

Everything Store (S1 E5, 17:47)

Dim Sum Then Sum (S1 E7, 12:24)

Laundromat (S1 E7, 13:03)

The Olympia Diner (S1 E8, 02:35)

Tidal Wave Fresh Fish (S1 E8 09:24)

Balzac Chateau du Beuf (S1 E9, 00:32)

Pocket full of Rosies (S1 E9, 00:43)

Wolf Hotel (S1 E9, 13:48) --first met Shredder.

Chinese Herbs and Health (S1 E10, 15:28)

Antonio's Pizza-Rama (S1 E13, 04:53)

Produce City (S1 E16)

(Closed down) Maramba … Shop (S1 E14, 00:35)

Chilly Chillkins Refrigeration company (S1 E14, 21:03)

Roosevelt High School (S1 E15, 09:05)

Comics (S1 E15, 09:05)

Worldwide Genome Project (WGP) (S1 E15, 15:13) --used as Kraang base.

Sweet Dreams Ice Cream (S1 E17 00:27)

Madam Alahazam Fortune Teller (S1 E17 00:27)

Wam-Bam-Pow Comics (S1 E17 00:25)

D.W Yatt Apothecary Est.1875 (S1 E16)

Magic Middleton's Tricks and Costumes (S1 E21, 13:09)

Ziga's Transmission Allignment Collision Tune-Up Autobody (S1 E24, 11:46) --used as Kraang base.

Argosy Theatre (S2 E1, 01:19)

Newstand (S2 E4, 10:04)

Midtown Ice Rink (S2 E6, 06:29)

Barber Shop (S2 E8, 00:11)

Lox Schmear & Java (S2 E19, 17:21)

Bernie's General (S3 E5, 04:44)

Comet Cleaners (S3 E11, 03:29)

Play Pier (S3 E11, 09:03)

Auman Chemicals (S3 E14, 14:53)

Channel 6 (S4 E10, 07:40)

AMAS: Allied Martial Arts Supply (S4 E15, 13:24) -- Used to hold Shredder/Foot Clan's weapons.

Cowabunga Skates (S4 E17, 05:20)

Run Jump Kick (S4 E17, 05:20)

Dell Abate Ristorante (S4 E18, 06:25) -- Don Vizioso's restaurant.

Felipe's (S4 E18, 16:27)

Hicnight Hotel (S4 E18, 17:16) --Don Vizioso's base.

Mini Mart (S5 E3, 16:19)

Friendly Jack's Loans (S5 E3, 17:43)

Wan Dingo's House of Curiosities and Oddities (S5 E5, 13:28)

Shanghai Sternn's Stir Fry (S5 E10, 12:04)

.

Notes:

The episode timestamps might not be totally accurate since I was watching this on a... ahem... legal website.

The timestamps are from when you could clearly and obviously see the shop signs. Like, Ziga's is visible from like episode one but couldn't be clearly read.

Some of the comics were just in shop windows and not really associated with a character so be careful. That is not a list of every comic the turtles have read. Like the Timely Times has only been in the background, not read by a particular turtle.

There were LOADS of shops where the shop name was in Chinese (or Japanese, I don't know) and so I couldn't list. Most of the shops by the Chinatown arch weren't in english. That's why even Murakami's shop isn't listed here. Because the actual shop name wasn't in english.

Thanks for reading through this. Hopefully this was useful for... anyone out there.

[worldseer]

Do you mind if I ask your top 10 favorite characters (can be male or female) from all of the media that you loved (can be anime/manga, books, movies or tv series)? And why do you love them? Sorry if you've answered this question before.....Thanks...

Oh lord, top ten of ALL media I loved? Fuckin' hell. Alright, just to cheat, I'm choosing to do this in no particular order and sticking to one media because I frankly do not have the capacity to process top favorites all at once. TOP TEN OF MARVEL COMICS/MCU IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier - Heavily relate to his issues, I've been told I look like him, and overall I love his character. Been obsessed with his character for years now, and I want nothing more than for him to be happy.

Moon Knight/Mark Spector/Steven Grant/Jake Lockley - Steven Grant is heavily relatable to me, and Moon Knight in general has always been interesting to me. I learned about the character before the show itself, and even his design itself draws me in. I'm a sucker when his cape makes the crescent shape too.

Ghost Rider - Nonspecific simply because all the Ghost Riders I know are badasses. If I had to be a hero/have the powers of any Marvel character, I'm choosing this one. Love the idea of the character, and wish it gets a good adaptation for film/tv show soon

Nightcrawler/Kurt Wagner - Gender Envy. Also heavily relate to him because of similar issues. Consistently struggle if I want to be him or be with him.

Gambit/Remy LeBeau - I love a sarcastic man with a bit of fruitiness, and a smug ass face. Also his powers are interesting as well, and he's frankly a genius for using playing cards as his usual weapon (mass produced and several on hand).

Spider-Man - Also nonspecific, since I grew up on watching Spider-Man cartoons so I love Peter Parker, but also after ATSV I've gained an interest in Miguel O'Hara as well. Peter in the comics always has my heart however, some of the lines he has in them are iconic as hell.

Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto - He's a villain I can't ever hate, and probably has the second power I'd choose if I had to choose a power from a Marvel character. I too would cause mass destruction if it meant that me and people like me would stop fucking yknow- being killed and persecuted. And bro is (usually) old as fuck as he does this, still kicking ass.

Matt Murdock/Daredevil - Once again, relate due to similar issues. Also what's more funny than a sarcastic lawyer going out to beat the shit out of criminals every night? Plus it's a bit unfair that he looks hot beat up. . . iykyk.

Wade Wilson/Deadpool - Self explanatory.

Loki Laufeyson - Similar thing to Bucky and Kurt: obsessed with character for years and a part of me wants to be them. Might have kickstarted my discovery into being nonbinary honestly now that I think about it. . .

[randomshyperson]

Hey Mary I saw you mentioned in one of your fics (amazing work as always btw) that youre watching Hibike! Euphonium??? I've watch over 4 times so it's probably my favorite anime ever and I would love to hear your thoughts about it, how much you liked it, if you also ship Kumirei or nah?

~🦭

I saw your ask a few days ago and was waiting to respond when I finished the anime, and here I am. I can define my emotional state after finishing both seasons in two words: emotionally devastated.

Btw, this will contain spoilers if anyone bothers.

I watched the anime for the first time almost a decade ago, and I had only seen it because of Kumirei. I decided to give it a chance even though I knew beforehand they weren't canon, and I remember being really in love with the couple and being truly outraged when Kumiko ended up with that boy.

At fifteen, I had no idea about concepts like heteronormativity or comphet, or any of those more complex concepts I learned in college. And rewatching the anime today, I found Kumiko's relationship with Shuichi more comical than anything else. Her frequent and clear lack of interest in that boy throughout the entire anime turns any interaction between them into something comical and even frustrating, especially since everyone around her seems to insist that Kumiko should be with him simply because he has a crush on her. When I was the same age as the characters, it really irritated me, now as an adult I just felt sorry for them all. And I found it really frustrating how he got more development with Hazuki, and if the producers had focused on them, it would have made more sense than putting him with Kumiko who had an interest in basically any topic other than that boy.

But male characters aside, I just realized how much I missed female characters (or girls in this case) and their well-written and developed female friendships when I rewatched this anime. Hollywood could never.

Remember that I defined my state as emotionally devastated? Well, that's all the fault of the arc written for Asuka.

Her friendship with Kumiko is absurdly beautiful. The dialogue where Kumiko, who is the youngest between them, shouting about how Asuka doesn't need to act like she knows everything and that the two of them are just kids has easily become one of my favorites in any media. At fifteen years old, I had no idea the weight of several scenes, especially this one, or when Asuka is slapped by her mother? Insane. I had the pleasure and luck of being reminded of how beautiful and well-written this anime was. And the ending with Asuka graduating was deeply painful. Not because something bad happened (thank god), but that fact that she did it! She played for her father, got the best grades in Japan and will probably have a bright future ahead of her. But that means she's leaving and Kumiko still has two years there and even with that incredible connection, Asuka needs to move on. Living through high school while watching, I didn't understand what that scene really meant. The arrival of adulthood. But upon rewatching it I was in tears, completely in shock. For the good of my heart I simply decide that they met again in college.

Also, I still haven't rewatched the movie about the second year because I simply don't want to say goodbye to any more characters.

How difficult was it for the studio to write a band made up of students from the same year? I wanted everyone to graduate together. I guess it wouldn't hurt the same way if they did.

Now talking about what I didn't like? Well, there's just gone thing that really bothers me about this anime: Reina's feelings for her teacher. When I was fifteen, and I heard these teenagers talking about it, and I had no idea whatsoever about life, I didn't see it as a major problem. I even thought that Reina, so mature and intelligent, would turn 18 and embark on a failed romance before realizing that the only person for her was Kumiko, but now at 23 I absolutely hate everything about that matter. What bothered me most was that at no point was there a straight forward take on how the mere idea of this relationship is wrong. We even have a scene where the temporary Instructor makes jokes about the Professor being popular with the girls. I was very uncomfortable with how this subject was not closed in a concrete and absolute way, I would have liked to have seen at least one scene of Reina's parents guiding her about how she was confusing admiration for a talented adult man she has known since she was a child with love, but the anime insisted on a one-sided romance until the end, and it aged really badly.

I haven't had the chance to see both movies and the new season yet, but I really hope the matter has been closed because it was very uncomfortable.

Also, I've come to have a different view of Kumirei now that I'm no longer a teenager; I used to watch the scenes and be outraged, just hoping that they would kiss soon and realize how in love they are. Today, well, yes please just kiss, but also, I noticed an even greater complexity in their relationship. Slow Burn is very welcome, I even have the impression that their fifteen-year-old versions from the first season simply don't have the emotional maturity necessary to understand their own relationship. I know the studio probably won't make them canon, but I don't think I'll mind it as much as I would have a decade ago: I really like the idea that they took time to understand the depth of their feelings, and that the separation during college was perhaps what was necessary for them to realize how emotionally intertwined they are. I feel like as always, the fanfics will make it worth it.

[linaket]

I keep seeing hopeful things about the revival of web serial writing after Dracula Daily took off and I really, really, really want to be on board with these. I mean, I wrote a thesis about this exact subject in 2013. I love serial writing. I REALLY DO. I actively chose to write my main story as a serial and not in a more "traditional" manner.

But you see, the problem is this: The sharks are already in the water, and the web serial industry has become toxic. If it ever wasn't.

I don't mean people using Substack or individuals at all. What I mean is that it's an entire industry already that, in the past several years, has kind of gone from bad to worst.

There is a general idea that web serial writing isn't as good as traditional publishing. Yeah, there's so much of it out there. There are a lot of people getting their start writing this way. But that doesn't mean that's the only people out here, even if there are a LOT of them.

However, it does mean there are a lot of hopeful writers just ripe to be taken advantage of.

The problem in the last few years has actually come from media conglomerates snapping up platforms left and right. Many of these are coming out of overseas markets, because web serials are HUGE there and have already proven to be profitable. Naver, which owns WEBTOON, also now owns Wattpad [link] Kakao acquired three platforms in the last year: Tapas, Wuxiaworld, and Radish. [link]

Webnovel is under Tencent. Here's a fun article about that.

and from that article:

Cultivating native writers

The huge success of a handful of Chinese stories has been great for the platforms, but also unpredictable and hard to replicate. Within China, the industry isn't just built on that. It's also about the thousands of B-list or amateur authors constantly pumping out new works to keep readers on the platforms.

To recreate that overseas, Chinese platforms have begun to cultivate non-Chinese writers. And the platforms have plenty of experience from the two decades of competing within China.

Emphasis mine.

These companies are predatory at best. Webnovel has a notoriously hellish contract. Authors are paid pennies and expected to "pump out" content, and those writers have to produce 500-1k words at least 5 times a week or be in breach of contract.

The kicker? Most don't retain the IP for their work, let alone moral rights.

While we often cite "to become a better writer, you must write," there is a point where the stress of the constant churn doesn't allow a writer to grow.

I've had friends get cut out of revenue shares for their work because, technically, it is considered contract work. You were paid what you were paid, and whatever profits come from that go to the company. Often this is done on a second season, or slipped into an amended contract.

Check the fine print on any of the contests. Most include something about entries only being able to be posted on that platform (see even The Wattys) which, understandable, but exclusivity is a low gate. It doesn't seem like a big deal until you're trapped behind it and at the mercy of whatever platform is holding your work.

And these larger companies often release massive waves of censorship.

Recently on Tapas, novels (and comics!) were shadowbanned from the app if they had the word "kiss" in the title. This was just weeks ago. If you search "kiss" on the Tapas app, the main way that the audience accesses the site, literally nothing comes up. Have a tweet about it:

[link]

It's the newest wave of censors that have been placed on the platform... and the platform has issued no statement on this. What other words are banned? Who knows? Well, omega is another one. But no one was told that. It's been a lot of trial and error among members of the community to find out if anyone can even find their stories anymore.

In the last few years, many of the more experienced authors I've met and highly respected on platforms just... left.

Does this mean that serial writing is dead in the water? Of course not.

I really, really hope not.

But if anyone out there is interested in taking that route, there's some pretty basic advice that everyone has heard:

read the TOC of a platform thoroughly before posting.

do not rely on a platform alone to share your work. you never know when something might happen, and suddenly your work will be unavailable. (this is one of the reasons that I run from exclusivity.)

plan to build your own audience, in your own way. Most platforms already have a niche, and that is what they are going to push more than anything.

understand that marketing is on you, just like any other kind of self-publishing route.

if your interested in becoming a "premium" author for the sites, read your contracts COMPLETELY. Even and especially renewals.

be wary if anything seems to good to be true when it comes to these large platforms. it probably is.

My experience, like everyone's, is obviously limited. I understand that. Personally? I loved platforms, and building communities on them with other writers, but I am finding it difficult to trust my work on them anymore.

I'm trying to figure out my own way now. I'm not sure what that's going to look like, but I'm trying to think of something. Because I haven't given up. I can't. I committed to writing my story as a series, and I'll finish it as such, because it is what is right for that story.

Let me know if you've got any ideas.

[sherenelle]

Please do not take this as hate, you are gifted artist, but man I am bothered by your turtles being practically green humans. Have you thought about working on the anatomy of the face to make it resemble more turtle? Love your comics but man it makes characters look silly and badly thought trough at times.

First, if you don't want me to think about what you've written as a hate, then don't write it like this. There's probably another way to write a text like yours in a more constructive way...

Second, have you EVER taken the time to look through my gallery here on tumblr or on Deviantart? If you have done so, then you would know that I've done a view tries to work on the face's anatomy. This is just the way I like to draw them and what I'm to 100% most comfortable with.

Third, you know TMNT 2003 series? I think you could have asked the producers the same questions...

Fourth, if you were an artist would you like to hear from other people to suggest you working on a style that works for you for years?

Fifth, I don't like when people asking anonymous questions.

Sixth, if it bothers you so much, feel free to go to another artist.

Glad you love my comics, though! XD

[bittermause]

End of Year Review 2023

It is currently Christmas Eve-Eve at the time of this writing, which can mean only one thing; The End of Year Review for 2023. These past three years held a lot of significant changes and growth for me, most of which I likely wouldn't have experienced had I remained in that horrible part of the mid-west. Despite the mass 'rona pandemic and the constant mental health battles/challenges, 2020-2022 were very good to me and I consider them the best years of my life.

2023 is a welcoming addition to that train.

The first major reason were the goals I set at the end of 2022, all of which were achieved without fail (to a point);

I continued making animated shorts, but only produced 2. However, this was a good glow up year for The Boris Blobinski Show! I got to manage a smaller production team, consisting of my talented friends, and together we banged out a beautifully animated episode!

I got my contact lenses! However I haven't really worn them since I left the optometrist's office. I still intend on using these for when I go swimming or to the spa, but I can see why some people aren't crazy about this option.

I finally got my hair dyed, and it wound up being a vibrant cherry red. Had it done back in March, and most of my hair is still pretty red despite the roots coming in.

Been losing a small chunk of weight still, which means I was able to convert to smaller shirt and pants sizes.

I did a lot more exploring this year! I finally secured my Californian rite of passage by visiting In-N-Out burger, discovered a couple awesome local bakeries, and went to the movies for the first time in years. First major achievement was going to Universal for the first time ever and visiting Nintendo Land! The second biggest crowning achievement was the daytrip to The Ventura Harbor in April, where I got to board a small wildlife sea cruise and witness dolphins, whales, sea lions and seals.

I got back to working on comics again, and produced two short stories for a larger collective that is still in production. Second major reason were the events that weren't planned out of the gate, but were absolutely welcomed;

I saved enough money to get a new desktop PC built. My friend from Colorado flew down and spent the week with me, partially to help get the PC built to proper standards and to also spend some quality time together in person.

I started freeway driving practice mid-year; taking smaller steps to feel more comfortable driving in the faster/wider lanes without having my PTSD invoked. I have a long way to go, but even driving within a 5 mile radius is still worth celebrating, especially since I've actively avoided freeway driving for most of my life.

My best friend is finally coming to visit me at the end of December! I have not seen them in person since 2016, and it will be their first time visiting my apartment space as well.

As far as plans for 2024 go, here's what I have on the docket;

I will be going to an actual jury duty selection at the end of January for the first time. (Exciting, I know!) I'm curious to see what the process is like, but I hope I can dismiss myself from the proceedings. (Respectfully, of course.)

I plan on hosting another friend visit me around the Spring/Summer.

I will be working on a very ambitious episode of The Boris Blobinski show that will take up most of the first quarter of my year.

I will continue my weight loss regimen as I have started back in 2021. As of this writing I am now down to 186 lbs. This is actually pretty close to my first goal, but I want to continue this trend until I hit between 135-140.

I still want to do more local travel and discover new venues. I'm eyeballing Downtown Ventura and will likely add a few more intended places to my list.

Attend activity based events like Life Drawing and other art related functions. As an artist, it's important I find different means to shake the rust off of my skills, and as a human I need to start making efforts in social connections again.

Continue freeway driving practice to the point where I can actually go beyond 5 miles comfortably.

Continue working on my one shot comics, see if I can at least produce two more stories before building a website/platform to host them all.

Outside of Boris Blobinski, I want to be more active in the animation space again and make a few more originals outside of that project.

Lastly, I want to look into Toon Boom Harmony official Certification. I've worked with the program for over 10 years, both for traditional hand-drawn animation and character rigging, and I would love to have that piece of recognition. Hell, I am not against the idea of applying as an instructor if I can get that far!

Of course I don't think I'll be able to jump into everything as intended. I know 2024 will also be met with some unexpected surprises, but I'll gladly welcome them all the same. And lastly, before we pull the plug on this, I want to thank everyone involved in my life that has made 2023 a fantastic experience. You know who you are.

[gaykarstaagforever]

The 1990s comics "Rob Liefeld Revolution", along with the speculation boom that created AND immediately destroyed it, produced a lot of poorly-aged comic book jank. We know this.

What many of us do not know is that it also inspired a similar sea-change in that market that is always eager to rip off whatever is currently making the most money: Christian book stores.

Which brings us to Eternal Studios 1993 Archangels: The Saga.

(Just a note: this ENTIRE book is printed on slippy magazine-cover paper. I took these pictures in a room barely lit by a distant lightbulb and STILL couldn't get rid of the glare. Never before have I worked so hard on something so utterly pointless, and I post comics content on Tumblr dot com. God bless my phone for doing its best to make any of these even bearable.)

This "saga" apparently lastest exactly 9 issues, before the company, Eternal Studios of Houston, Texas (because of course) went bust. Or so I assume. I haven't found any information on them online, and I Googled for way longer than I'm willing to admit.

Archangels: The Short Saga is the story of a group of men who are given metal armor and vague superpowers by God to fight demons, or something. This is just the first issue and I've never seen any of the others, and this is just the origin story of one of the guys, so I don't know. And I won't be finding out, because a) the Internet doesn't know what this is, and 2) any of the physical copies of these cost between $30 and $60 online. Because Evangelical Christianity is an eternal grift, ever since it was started by an unemployed man who claimed to be a wizard, but then suspiciously didn't use any of his powers to stop himself from getting tortured to death. And then his 12 unemployed friends decided they REALLY didn't want to go back to work.

This comic fits well into the religion invented by those people, in that whatever their God is doing here, it doesn't make a lot of sense. He already has an army of angels who battle demons. Why does He need to empower human men to do it, too?

The art here is...well. Given the era, it is fine. It is a step above the typical Liefeld, in that basic human anatomy is understood and replicated. The most distracting thing is the mid-90s digital coloring, which absolutely loves that lensflare.

See?

Also, and I want to be clear here, "good" and "bad" assessments of art are, to me, vaguely technical determinations. Like, art can be good, but a book can still be stupid and boring. Conversely, art can be bad, but can still be used in a way that is rad as hell:

And if the 90s - in comics, and in general - are notable for one thing besides Nirvana and Friends, it is how radical to the MAX everything was. We were not doing subtle nuance in 1993.

I got this book as a gift in like 1997 (it is a 1996 "second printing"), and I loved these splash pages. I was about 5 years into comics at that point, but with limited access in my area and under the yoke of the Assemblies of God church, so this was edgy and cool to me at 15. I had many bad Christian comics at that time, and this wasn't one of them. So kudos on that...?

It isn't even badly written. It is vaguely preachy, but specifically about how drunk driving is bad, and I'm not about to argue that point, even if you're only saying that because JESUS.

The blue-and-orange metal suit man from the above screamy splash page becomes that because he is the shotgun passenger in this car (I think). He gets killed in this crash, and the Angel of Death harvests all the souls except his, because God needs him to be Metal Angel Superman. Because of...protests? And gang crime?

Evangelical Christians who live in the suburbs conceive of evil as exactly two things, icky hippie protests and urban gang violence. This was true in 1993, and is true now.

They also only know about "wild parties" from tracts Jack Chick published in the 1960s. Note how these cool 90s young people are smoking cigars and drinking brandy from Old Fashioned glasses.

Overall, as an intro to a series, this is fine. Weird metal He-Men are fighting the Devil in the name of God, and there have certainly been worse ideas, and worse introductions to them. But it also hardly encourages anyone to want more of whatever this is. Like, it's an American Evangelical Christian comic: even if there ARE any fight scenes, everything will end with some speech about how Jesus is better than pills and gangs, and some brawny white man in a polo shirt will do the Sinner's Prayer, then probably marry his best (blonde) girl. They all have one note, even if they're playing that note during the heady days of the 90s comics wasteland.

There is exactly one short video on YouTube about this book, and the guy is way too generous. Have you ever read this? Are you, along with me and that guy, one of the 10 people who remember this comic?

Those ten people include the three guys who made it.

God, that fucking slippy paper.

Paying premium prices for this shit is probably why they went bust.

[thesparkwhowalks]

OK, I wrote a whole-ass blog post about this for work last year (to celebrate Power Rangers' 30th anniversary) but that's tied to my real name and employer so here's the anonymyized, me-centric version: I am very much the person that I am today thanks to this woman:

That is Margaret Loesch. Buckle up, this one's a long-ass history lesson.

To start, we have to go all the way back to 1978. Japanese film studio Toei partnered with Marvel to create Spiderman, an adaptation of Marvel's de-facto mascot. To say it departed from the source material is an understatement: hip young motorcyclist Takuya Yamashiro gains spider powers and a giant, kaiju fighting robot from a dying alien and protects Japan from the invading Professor Monster and his Iron Cross Army.

It came out the same year as an American live action Spider-Man TV show. The Japanese one was a hit, the American one flopped. Moreover, Stan fucking Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, preferred the Japanese one. So the Marvel/Toei partnership continued. They co-produced three seasons of Toei's Sentai series, renamed Super Sentai thanks to the addition of giant robots. And Stan Lee liked that too, and pitched an American adaptation to TV networks. Well, he and his second in command at Marvel Productions: Margaret Loesch.

There were no takers. It just wasn't what the Saturday Morning TV market was looking for. So Stan and Margaret started working on their next big pitch: an X-Men cartoon! The team had gone from an also-ran to Marvel Comics' top seller in the previous decade, so it made sense to them to bring it to TV screens alongside the likes of Spider-Man and The Hulk.

A few abortive attempts, including a couple of backdoor pilots on Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends, were made. The most famous was the "Pryde of the X-Men" TV special (executive producer: Margaret Loesch) that the company self-produced and aired sometimes with their syndicated Marvel Action Universe block.

Still, no takers. It would prove to be Loesch's last big project with Marvel, as she was offered a new job as the head of the brand-new Fox Kids network.

One of her first acts in office was commissioning the creation of an X-Men animated series. Not only did she genuinely see the potential in what she'd spent so many years developing, Marvel's nascent partnership with Toy Biz meant the X-Men were already a hit on toy store shelves.

The show was a hit (hence the revival starting next week) and the network's programming kept expanding. Haim Saban, whose company had been hired to produce XTAS, pitched her an idea he'd been working on since the mid-80s: an American adaptation of Toei's Super Sentai TV series.

Needless to say, Loesch saw the value in that too and took a chance on the idea. The result was Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, which was in nearly constant production for thirty full years.

Batman: Animated Series, Spider-Man: The Animated Series, and The Tick all debuted during her tenure at Fox Kids. I don't know that I've ever seen it articulated this way, but the woman clearly believed that superheroes could be profitable again (the Smurfs/Snorks style kinda ruled the roost in children's programming at the end of the 80s) if they were done properly. And she was right.

My love of Batman, The X-Men, and the Power Rangers are the result of this woman's choices in shaping my childhood. Though she's not going to get any official credit, it's pretty appropriate that X-Men '97 is set to debut in Women's History Month because the original show was the leading edge of a wave of boy's action television that defined the childhoods of millions of millennials and it was put on the air by a woman.

[being-of-rain]

Just going to dump my thoughts on the latest Eighth Doctor audios news here! It's nice seeing lots of people interested in the new audios, but my first reaction was disappointment that there'll be no Liv and Helen this year. That makes 2023 the first year since 2013 that we'll have no continuation of that part of Eight and Liv's life. After continuing their story after the natural stopping point of Stranded 4, I had assumed there was a story arc or some kind of plan in mind, but I should know Big Finish better by now. Idk if that sounds cynical, I guess it is a little bit. Oh well.

Onto the positive, I am always excited about a new companion 👀 and Audacity Montague is one of the most names ever, I adore it. And I have a love of old names that are not really used as proper nouns anymore (I've always wanted to call a character Never). Producer David Richardson says in the news article "Didn’t Jaye recently play Hieronyma Friend in Time War: Cass? Ssshh... Spoilers...” and I'll be very interested if that's a plot point. Some kind of plot that somehow spans young Eight, leather jacket Eight, and Time War Eight would be perfect for me 😂 But I wouldn't put much stock in a line from a news article like that to mean anything, especially when it could just be explained away with the classic "they're related." (No mention that Griffiths played Jac on TV Dr Who. Maybe they're all related.) ...if the reverse was true, and Friend influenced/created Montague somehow, that could be fun. Time War reaches back to impact and harm a younger Eight.

Speaking of younger Eight, I'm so glad to see my boy back in his fancy clothes. Young Eight is the version of the character I first fell in love with, and I love seeing him with a new companion for a new run of stories! And delighted that other people had the same thought as I did on seeing the outfit: he looks like he does in the second half of his DWM comic run! (with the coat introduced by Scott Gray because he didn't like how Eight's original coat looked illustrated in colour)

The part of my brain permanently dedicated to configuring and reconfiguring Eight's timeline (purely for fun) wonders if this could place Audacity soon after Izzy (or Destrii. The coat is destroyed while the Doctor is travelling with Destrii, but of course that means little when the Doctor has a seemingly endless supply of some of his outfits). Also, David Richardson says "We’re long before Lucie Miller, the Ravenous, Baker Street or the Time War." Interesting that Eight's adventures with Charley isn't mentioned in that line-up... or not. That one probably really does mean nothing 😂

A two-part story set during Revenge of the Cybermen's Cyber-War really doesn't interest me at all, but it is written by Tim Foley, who's done some fantastic stuff. I'm more looking forward to the second box set, which has some titles that make me excited for some spooky winter tales (I love listening to those in the Australian summer, they cool me down).

[rpgworldcomic]

#733 - Howard Used "Mug"

Hoo boy babes, babettes, dudes, dudettes, and the various and sundry of those between and outside those permutations-- I am burnt! Not even out, just burnt. Crisped. My juices are locked in.

What are we talking about.

I haven't updated in 3 weeks! I am JUST as upset about it as you are! Probably moreso. It is taking every ounce of existence I have to muster the energy to type the sexy words I'm typing to you right now. (They are voluptuous; you may look but not touch. … Okay, maybe just one touch.)

The FIRST week I did not update because I was out of town, which in this day and age is not even an excuse, because I have the magical ability to carry a whole-ass computer with me in a bag. I can open it! The computer, not the bag. The bag, however, is also openable. (And must be.) I can open that computer, set it on some computer-having surface, and do all the things that are necessary to upload a page. Heck! On a lucky day I can do that from my PHONE! But I didn't do ANY of those things! Because I didn't want to!! Because I was spending time with family!! Because of a funeral!! I DO NOT WANT CONDOLENCES DO NOT POST CONDOLENCES I HATE CONDOLENCES THEY DO ME NO GOOD.

The SECOND week! …. I was depressed!! Not from the funeral, from general life stuff. You know, existence, capitalism, past horrors of trauma that loom daily. All those good things you surely suffer from too.

The THIRD week, my true love gave to me… Wait, no. The THIRD week, I was on vacation!! Yeah! I vacated! But that wasn't even why I didn't update! I was just DEPRESSED again!! Two weeks in a row! Golly gee damn! But you'll never guess what, we're going for three, baby!!

But I'm actually updating this time. I -assume-, anyway. I'm typing this immediately before finishing the page and uploading it to the various places that no one will read it.

I'm just running out of steam, fellas (and fellettes, see first sentence above). Not on the comic! No, the valve for steam is fully on the… on?.. position? For that? I don't know how steam valves work. I just have no steam in general. If you turn the little steam knob (again, no idea how steam works), you just get a little poot. A little steam poot. It goes "pbbt!" and makes a fart noise. Over and over. No matter how many times you do it. You'd THINK that if I'm running out of steam, eventually there'd be no steam for that fart noise. But no, dear reader, no matter how empty my take gets I will always have steam for a fart noise. If I ever DON'T make a fart noise, I'm dead. I might still make fart noises, depending on how my carcass decides to handle the festering gases built up by bacteria feasting on my delicious (again, sexy) body. [The gasses might slip out my rectum, is what I'm getting at here.]

Whew! All this talk of my delicious rectum has got me all heated. Not heated enough to produce more steam, mind you. That requires -liquids-, of which I am devoid, presumably. What say we all read the comic page above and/or below, shall we?

What? You already read it?? Because it's above the author note (in some countries) and you read the page before the author note, using the author note as a tasty delicious dessert?? Like I'm some sort of sorbet??? Like I'm some sort of delicious rectum sorbet????

I've been called worse things. See you all next week! Probably. I hope.

Man, this author note is long. You know what else is long? Ha haaaaa, that's RIGHT! The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America! Which is relevant right now, because shooty-fireworks day is coming up. So go shoot some fireworks (with guns, also available in America), but be safe (unless you're using guns, because you're already safe), and eat some hot dogs (the FOOD, not the sweating Schnauzer). Turns out I didn't know how to spell Schnauzer. I spelled it snauser. I also didn't know it was a breed, I thought it was a general term for dogs.

ALSO, dogs don't sweat you fucking idiot!! Ha haa get beaned.

[illmamnim]

As propaganda for Shahar in the @original-character-championship , here's some history

Back in 2014, I've created a set of characters that would later become our main cast: Shahar, Peter, Omer and Gil.

I won't go into each of them in this propaganda but I'll show them off once I have proper character sheets.

The world

In this world people have different abilities and those can be distinguished via eye colors.

Those without an ability have gray eyes, and are called and treated differently in each culture.

A brief of each major character:

Omer has Charisma, Gil has Illusions, Peter has Earth, Miss Basir has Plants, Shay has Wind, and finally Shahar:

Shahar

Shahar has red eyes because her ability comes from her grandpa - heat regulation. She can control her body temperature, from not producing any heat at all to burning like a well boiled soup.

Her story starts when 3 teens (Omer, Peter, Gil) start looking into her dad's old clinics after their parents have gone sick. Her dad asks her to go with them and make sure they don't find him and aren't suspicious of it.

She joins our group after they've found miss Basir- a traveling gardener who rides with her daughter in a van across the F.U.E (The country name (ish)(may change)). Shahar tags along without much contribution, only pointing out wrong paths and misinformation to make their journey come to dead ends.

However, after spending weeks with people on the road you're bound to find yourself attached to them, to some degree. Omer wasn't as annoying as he used to be, Peter seems to know everything and is always happy to answer her questions, Gil loves the same comics she does, Miss Basir knows just what to say to calm her down, and her daughter, Shay... Makes her feel things she never have before. They all do, in their way.

Shahr is full of guilt and shame over her father's actions, and her own. She's still leading them away from her father, this time not for him, but for her. What would they do once they find our she's been tricking them? What would they say if they knew that she's related to the man who almost killed their parents? They don't even know the purpose of all this. They still think Dr. Rephael is a good guy who can give their parents medicine.

As much as she tries, the crew still manages to find the doctor. Shahar tries to think of ways to discourage them from going, but it doesn't go as she planned- as any of them planned.

The doctor opens his door with warm hospitality, not at all surprised to see them, and offers them cookies and drinks. The kids explain their situation to the man, as Shahar seems to shrink into herself more than ever. The man listens politely, with that familiar expression of a doctor listening to their patients, and finally opens mouth to reply.

See, healers aren't people who can mend all wounds. Their ability helps your body heal itself by giving you ease, comfort and peace of mind- it feels just like talking to a loved one after weeks of being alone. So when the doctor finally tells them that he knows, that it was all a part of his plan and that their parents don't matter, it sounds fake. More than fake- it's surreal, as if they've finally managed to unlock the door but it's 15 feet in the air and they are seconds away from crushing into the hard asphalt ground.

The doctor explains his plan, Shahar's involvement and how he finally came to the conclusion that, to continue his plans, it's best to just poison this group and continue on. The crew looks down at the crumbs of sweets on their shirts and feel the taste of warm tea on their tongues, and nothing felt more bitter.

Now, a bit of an immersion break, because this is the end of season 1 and is yet to be fully constructed. But this story is intended to have 2 seasons at least (with either a movie special or a short season 3), and those characters has a very long way to go, with more people to meet, more challenges to overcome, and more talking and listening to do.

I really want to make this story into a comic and hopefully in college I'll even make an animated short with them. I still have a lot to learn to make this story what I want it to be, but I'm getting started, I'm building the plot and i have way too many google docs to prove it.

I hope this was a taste to get people interested. If so, send asks! I would love to talk about those little meow meows with more than just my 2 friends lwkzkws

[mckinlily]

i don't know if this is weird but i saw your tags on a post about batman initial exposure and you said you don't seek out dc things but have you read sorrowful and immaculate hearts by unpretty on ao3?

i have spent my life fully absorbed in all things batman, i've watched every show, movie, read decades of comics, and unpretty's bruce is my favorite. kevin conroy is a close second.

all that to say, you should read sorrowful and immaculate hearts. it is quality batman media. and if i ever win a billion dollar powerball i will find a way to produce it into the greatest animated series of all time.

Oooooo. I'm always on the look for good batman fanfic. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the rec!