#songbird for a vulture

[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.

[july-19th-club]

just remembered that when i first got really into turkey vultures i learned about airplanes bc i had to go look up 'dihedral' because the turkey vulture is one of the best soaring birds we have in my area and it's because of not just their wing shape, which is both more tapered toward the tips AND more spread out, excellent for taking advantage of wind currents and, say it with me everyone, thermals but because of their dihedral, which is the upward angle at which the wings sit, which allows them to soar without expending much energy for such long periods of time anway i quickly forgot all about how dihedral works on airplanes because i was too busy with my best friend cathartes aura aura anyway who wants to talk abt the noble turkey buzzard im simply dying to talk abt the noble turkey buzzard

[greencheekconure27]

Down with the "crows/ravens are creepy unnatural omens of evil to come" trope. Enough.The owls and vultures too

From now on, all creepy unnatural birds shall be portrayed by cute chirpy species such as canaries and robins or ducklings or fancy elegant ones like peacocks and birds of paradise and swans.Imagine how creepy giant a flock of birds of paradise hanging out in an abandoned Scottish castle would be compared to crows.Crows are just...normal.Omniously crowing peacocks or chirping songbirds.Instead of vultures circling our dying hero imagine a huge cloud of blue tits.Swans sitting in a tree outside a cursed house, hissing.Villain fussing over a cage with bright-coloured,suspiciously bloodthirsty canaries or budgies ( I have budgies.Evil budgies aren't even that much of a stretch, trust me😂). Ever-growing horde of fuzzy yellow chicks following you everywhere with unnatural persistence.Now that's terrifying.

[thedisablednaturalist]

I have sad news

A beautiful Carolina Wren was building a nest on my parents porch and I've been enjoying watching her for the past few days. Unfortunately when I went out today I found her laying dead on the ground. She must have just died as she isn't rotted or bleeding. She also hasn't fully stiffened up.

CW: DEAD ANIMAL BELOW

She's absolutely gorgeous and in impeccable condition, I was wondering if it'd be possible to donate her to an ornthinological collection (I'm very close to the Smithsonian)? I've also seen it suggested that it be given to animal control for testing. I do not have the skills nor materials to preserve her (also I think you need a permit?) I have no clue how she's died, hopefully not by disease (ive thoroughly washed my hands). She's currently wrapped in some paper towels and put into a Ziploc bag in my freezer.

[carrioncall]

I was late for work a few days ago because I just had to stop and get a picture of this guy—I love how the eyes are always the first to go :)

bonus feet pics:

[unfinched]

“Attack!” The demoness tucked a red rose into Finch’s hair before she scooted further in against his side, lifting his arm and draping it over her shoulder. “I made you a little a cake if you want it! If not, that’s okay. We can do whatever you feel like!” She squeezed him as she leaned in for a kiss. // :p //

"Aah, noo!" He giggled, faux-shielding himself from his girlfriend's onslaught, but more than keen to kiss her in return. "Mmh- that was nice. Thank ye fer m'floower." Finch's fingers tapped her shoulder to some unknown rhythm. He gave her a little wink and pointed towards a corner of the room as though pointing out paparazzi, posing. While he was usually frustrated at Robert meandering in his house during private moments, Finch didn't have the heart after seeing the proud thumbs-up the man gave him. He'd tell the old sod off later. When he looked back at Cici, Finch's eyes wandered over her face, utterly infatuated. Unable to believe his luck even now. "A wee cake." Incredulous, he shook his head and rubbed Cicero's cheek with his thumb. "Who woould'ae thought. The eye of mae stoorm, she stops only t'bake, eh? Dinnae think there's anythin' ah'd like moore, long as ah can keep starin' at ye laek a git."

[glitch-in-the-code]

I love taking songs and changing the tone of it to fit my blorbos

[somanypolls]

i did my best to include lots of birds. sorry if i missed your favorite or miscategorized it! i am no bird expert

[arcane-gold]

hey, little songbird, look all around you. see how the vipers and vultures surround you? they’ll take you down, they’ll pick you clean

ganymede belongs to @quortknee ☀️♥️

[geekroomsell]

MARVEL LEGENDS FOR SALE!

Shipping is $9 for each figure unless otherwise noted. I combine shipping if you want more than one.

If you are interested in any of my items, send me a direct message or send me an email at mikeofmerr@gmail.com.

All action figures and graphic novels are in great condition and have been on dispaly in a smoke free home. Some books have never even been read.

I have them listed on ebay if you’d perfer to go that route. I have a 100% rating. Look for mike_of_merr eBay.

Mysterio - $40

Vulture BAF Complete - $25 (shipping $10)

Falcon - $10

Songbird - $10

Black Panther - $10

Scarlet Witch - $30

Captain Amercia - $20

Hulk - $30 (shipping $10)

Black Widow - $15

Hammer Head (no tie, JJJ, or Chameleon head) - $8

Marvel Girl - $8

Absorbing Man BAF Complete - $60 (shipping $12)

[monochromatic-minds]

The little girl in Illyria's arms is busy chewing on her favorite thing to gum on, her mama's hair. Though if any ladies on the deck with possible milk beneath their shirts, the baby's hands tend to try to grab.

@velcoriaexploration

{ღ}: "Ah, seems it's about time I cut my hair, I guess...That's really not good for you, you know...I know you're not hungry either, I know those little hands like to get grabby when you are."

Seems her youngest had the same habit of chewing on everything that Illyria had when she was a baby; She only hoped the child would grow out of it eventually.

"...In any case, I don't particularly appreciate having my hair washed with drool...Maybe I should hand you off to your father or granny."

[longdeadblonde]

Once again praise to @unfinched. YOUR HONOR I LOVE THEEEEEM. 

I AM ONCE AGAIN ASKING YOU TO COMMISSION HIM @ JOLTERGIEST. 

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Nearing the end of the first day of the CNCYXE2022!

Nearing the end of the first day of the CNCYXE2022!

Nearing the end of day one of the City Nature Challenge. Quite a few waterfowl are back, and a lovely array of dark-eyed junco are seen. Some amazing pictures making the scene, two turkey vultures soaring overhead, and a cute playful North American River Otter peeking out of the water giving a smile! A mourning cloak butterfly loved the warm weather today. So these are just some tidbits of what…

[promptsbytaurie]

anything with wing clipping. i once tried to do research on it for a fic and,, it is SO angsty

i got u fam <333 (i have way too much brainrot on this bear with me LMAO)

tips for writing ✨wingfics✨

!!please credit/tag me if you use this!! i'd love to see what you write!!

physical differences:

area where wings connect to their back is insanely sensitive!!

feathers falling e v e r y w h e r e

wings are big!! if the wearer hasn't had them for long, or is younger/inexperienced, they're gonna knock shit over

~birb noises~

they're actually really good singers with insane lung capacity, a lot of them are/could be opera singers

thin bones, so they're super light and even though most think it's embarrassing to be picked up so easily there's always One Dude who's like 'carry me everywhere'

smaller birds = smaller people. most wings correspond to a specific species, and hummingbird varieties are notoriously short (though never say that to their face, they will probably murder you <3)

unless the avian is a kind of waterbird (penguins, sometimes eagles) going into water will clog their wings and they could drown!! adding onto this i imagine that avians have special bathtubs and brushes and stuff so that they can properly clean their wings

on the flip side if an avian does NOT clean their wings they can get tangled or matted which a) is super painful b) could impact their flying and c) could cause sickness !!

dislocated wings >:(( this happens about as often as dislocated shoulders do with regular people. this can be caused by a couple things like blunt force, trying to manuever/twist wings in ways they aren't supposed to go, or flying too often/straining wings.

psychological differences:

preening!! it's intimate, but doesn't have to be romantic/sexual. obv there is room for very fluffy and romantic moments but it can be either way

flock!!! it's kinda like a family or a pack

the urge to Make a Nest and Only Let the Flock In

once the Flock is In the Nest then the Flock Will Not Leave Ever

molting!! old feathers fall out to allow new ones to grow in !

molting is basically the bird version of a period except all birds have it once or twice a year. they're more emotional, super sensitive, and extra clingy during molting!!

if an avian gives you one of their feathers it's basically a version of marriage, except it doesnt have to be romantic. its essentially a promise, like a 'we're with each other forever' kinda thing.

just as humans have discrimination, i imagine that avians have it too. more common species like songbirds, ravens, or crows are probably valued in society way less than those like eagles, doves, or parrots, and there could also be stereotypes against species like vultures or condors.

on wing clipping:

in my mind wing clipping is a lot like trimming your fingernails realllly sloppily, except the difference is that you should NEVER clip an avian's wings.

what i mean by fingernails is that the nails themselves don't hurt but if you do it sloppily there are Consequences: clipped too short -> irritated skin. clipped inconsistently -> sharp edges, snags on everything INCLUDING other feathers

huge violation of boundaries/self!! clipped wings -> can't fly. flying is integral to avian health and if they can't fly their mood and mental health will fall drastically.

clipped feathers take a long time to grow back, and therefore clipping has long-term effects. it also damages the feathers themselves (obviously) in ways that sometimes can't be healed

if an avian's wings are clipped their trust goes DOWN and their insecurity goes UP. its likely that if someone else tries to touch their wings they will freak out

clipped wings also make avians more jumpy and paranoid because they've lost their major way to escape/protect themselves: flying away.

angst potentials in wingfics (spoiler: there's a lot):

like i said, clipped wings -> can't fly. write about an avian's first time flying again. (not super angsty but still)

SUPER angsty: write about the actual act of wing clipping.

an avian is neglecting their wing care and tries to hide it.

relationship between a 'noble' avian (eagle, dove, etc) and a 'basic' avian (crow, raven, etc) and society's dislike of the relationship.

or maybe avians are a minority in a human world, and an avian has to hide their wings to be safe.

hope this helped!! <33

[jigsaw-block]

The albatross, crane, and the crow's models are all done.

The vulture, the toucan, and the flamingo, as well.

Now, the hoardgull, pelican, and songbird models are finished.

These are all for my mod, Valley of Plenty! Though it's kinda an art project too, I really like modeling birds. I have a tag for the mod, everything I've posted is under that tag (on this post too!), and I'm doing an AMA right now for it, but...

Similar to the last poll, which bird(s) should I model next?