kairiaka

[kairiaka]

[In between work.]

As I wait for the restock, I started making Shadow. Wish me luck.

[Taking this time to remind: Those looking for the BAB Shadow restock -- do NOT harass the employees. That goes for social media as well. They heard, now just wait. They don't get paid enough for this foolishness.]

[kairiaka]

The best movies have heart-- otherwise, they're just soulless cash-grabs.

[kairiaka]

I think Tumblr is the best social site, mainly because it has a Block button and Filter Control. No other place does that.

[kairiaka]

there are three kinds of songs on my WIP playlists:

- songs with lyrics that fit the story perfectly

- songs i begrudgingly added even though the pronouns are wrong

- songs that have nothing to do with anything but i listened to them a lot when i was writing the first draft and my brain has forged a permanent association

[kairiaka]

🦔🌭Here's a Sonic screenshots out of context as we wait for Sonic 4!🌭🦔

[kairiaka]

My Thoughts (Warning: Spoilers)

1. ... Here's a fun little liptus test for people:

Anyone who cheered when Maria died-- cut 'em out. Cut 'em out, you don't need them.

Same goes for anyone rooting for the death of Tom.

Speaking of Tom...

2. I knew there was a chance he was going to die when Shadow was introduced in 2 -- I just didn't know how Shadow was going to do it. But when Tom and Sonic are in the old cave at the beginning of the film, my gut started twisting with anxiety.

Thanks goodness he's fine (though it seems that Shadow might of broken his ribs).

That being said, I'm glad it went down the way it did. Shadow seemed genuinely concerned for a moment before doubling down. But because it Walters ...

Speaking of Mr. Olive Garden:

3. He lied.

Walters lied. About everything.

I was already giving him the side-eye after what he did in 2, but this really...

The first two films really get re-contextualized with this new information. (I really don't think he actually invited Sonic to brunch...) What were they planning to do to Sonic (and Tails) after getting them back to headquarters?

He lied. He lied about G.U.N., he lied about Shadow, and he lied about G.U.N.'s involvement in The Incident. It literally took the brothers (w/ Stone and Eggman) going to the base to get a hint what actually went down.

And that wasn't some senile old man forgetting details-- he purposefully painted Shadow as this monster so the boys would fight/"take care of the problem".

Also-- wouldn't surprise me if he's still alive. Probably lied about that too (and making a poor kid-- who he'd captured at his aunt's wedding -- grieve for no reason).

..Still, he did make me laugh. He will be missed.

4. Related to Walter's death(?)-- if the man truly is dead, his colleagues are heartless bastards. They didn't stop to mourn, check for a pulse-- nothing. Just frisked him for the key and made assumptions.

G.U.N. is cold-blooded.

5. Stone is the best (and deserves better than Ivo)

His entrance? Absolutely badass.

Still in loyal/in love with the Doctor? Yes, though he's not as unhinged as in 2. Perhaps he realized he had an unhealthy obsession and took a few steps back, maybe he's going to therapy---

Well, if he wasn't, he probably is now.

(The Livestream though..)

Stone needs a hug.

Also, I think Stone might actually be able to just roam freely now. He's not technically a criminal (one could argue that he was just following the Doctor's orders), and how can you charge a man for harboring a person who doesn't exist?

Does he go back to the Mean Bean? Is he hellbent on making a certain blue hedgehog pay for taking away his family? Is he patiently waiting for Ivo's return, since that man does have a funny way of not dying in incidents that would otherwise be considered fatal?

I don't know.

5. The Base Scene

That was some peak funny-terror. People were yelping, then laughing in the theater.

Good stuff.

7. The Robotnik Siblings

Perfection. No notes. 10/10, Peak Cinema.

... I was a wreck, but loved every second of it.

If we got a spin-off of just them being rascals at the base, I would go feral.

8. Gerald Robotnik

When I was a little kid, I remember watching friends play SA2 (I'm terrible at Sonic games) and Shadow the Hedgehog and wondering what Gerald would have been like if he hadn't been taken out by G.U.N.

... I think this is it.

I know some people who were actually upset at his portrayal, but I think it's accurate.

The man's been festering with grief for the last 50 years. If Shadow isn't okay-- and he was on ice the entire time-- why would you think Gerald would be alright? Plus, he has that quill that's frying his brains -- it's natural, after shocking yourself that many times-- you're a little crazy.

Also, I think he sincerely cared about Shadow at one point. But ...

9.

"Let's face it... You're no Maria."

This was the only time I've felt bad for Ivo Robotnik in this series. That man's heart shattered. And the way he looked at his hands as Gerald continued his rant about no one caring about him... ouch.

10. ...Knuckles is a better warrior than I.

Knuckles is powerful -- he was boasting about it the whole 1st half of the film. But when he stood down... *exhales*

That's strength.

And the thing is: I know he understood what Sonic was going through. He was literally in that position a few months ago. He also knew that he could put the hedgehog in the ground in a heartbeat.

...But he didn't. He let Sonic take the Master Emerald (because-- let's be real: that emerald was unguarded), because he trusted Sonic to make the right choice.

11. Shadow's Taunt

I have to admit: the punch was satisfying and well-deserved. The entire time, Shadow had been aggressive, but he never mocked anyone-- especially someone who he, as far as he knew, had murdered. It was a new low.

But, guys...I think Shadow wanted Sonic to end him. Maybe he thought of it as some sort of divine retribution or something (or maybe he wanted to see Maria again), but the way he pointed to his chest and kept goading Sonic to finish him off...

I don't know, it just broke my heart. Shadow is hurting, and traumatized, and the only person he had left in his family was telling him the world needed to burn. He was tired and wanted it to stop.

(The conversation on the moon made me choke up too. Quality writing right there.)

12. Handling the Trauma

I'm glad it wasn't a contest between the characters. All the kids are traumatized.

I was also worried, going in, that our heroes were going to say "This isn't what Maria -" to Shadow. It wouldn't have been their place to say that, and the Movie Team knows that.

The only person who poses that question is Shadow, and it's to the only other person who knew and loved Maria the best -- Gerald. (Granted, Gerald's hellbent on destroying the world, but still!)

Also, Shadow is written so well here. I knew he wasn't going to be an edgelord (given the history of Sonic Movie Team), but this is the most well-rounded version of Shadow I've seen in canonical media in a while (aside from Generations -- it really was the Year of Shadow last year)

13. The Livestream

I really thought we were going to get a "I've come to make an announcement" reference.

Also, I really want Ivo to be alive-- just so he can apologize to Stone in person.

14. The Wachowski Brothers

I just love this entire sequence. I love these brothers, and I love this family. May they prosper forever.

And

15. Sonic CD Tease

We got two characters for the price of one (also: Shadow is fine -- too many people didn't watch til the end and think he's dead).

Their designs are flawless, and the way the theater screamed at the appearance of Metal-- and even louder for Amy-- I think 4's gonna be fun.

Amy's intro is perfect and I trust the Movie Team to do her justice. Also, it seems like they've added back some of Amy's quills (on her head now-- 7 tufts, like Sonic and Shadow), but she looks like a hedgehog. Her nose is larger and elongated too (at least compared to her in the games). Her Piko-Piko Hammer (and her bracelets) seem tarnished, and her gloves might be slightly torn in spots -- she's been fighting these things for a while now, hasn't she?

But the big question: Who built the Metal Sonics?

I don't it was Stone. I'd like to think that he's not going to seek revenge (mainly because it's not Sonic's fault Ivo's dead).

It might be a rogue G.U.N. agent (there are quite a few of those running about). They've probably collected the quills (and probably the rings lost in Siberia) and made the robots.

Maybe it was Rockwell? ... Nah, she'd never trust a Robotnik design, and she hates the aliens.

On the off-chance, it's Robotnik -- why? Were they an experiment that's gone rogue, or is the doctor still alive and wanting world domination?

I guess we have to wait for 2027.

Sonic 3 is now available for everyone to go see!

Which means I can talk about it freely...

And I have some thoughts.

[kairiaka]

I said I was going to do, and I'm going to keep that promise.

Here is the rough draft of the Episode list. 26 parts in this series, will be a mix of essays, pics, and (non-committal) videos.

If you have any comments or suggestions, leave them below.

[kairiaka]

So, Build-a-Bear has announced a restock (though, fans: PLEASE, leave the employees alone-- they aren't in charge of stock and they aren't getting paid enough for this nonsense). Just keep an eye on the site.

My offer/announcement still stands. If the problem persists, I'm disrupting the market.

Also, I've been informed that the Scalpers are now charging $700 for Shadow

Bonus: Have a hedgie photo.

So, About the Shadow Build-a-Bear...

I was on the fence about him, then lost my chance (and patiently check the BAB site occasionally).

The real question I have: ... why are yall paying $500 for a mass-produced plushie? You could get a custom one commissioned for that kind of money (and in most cases, still have change!).

I mean: I get it-- it's Shadow. But, really? Buying the whole set of Sonic BABs wouldn't cost you $500 (even with the sounds and accessories).

In conclusion: If they don't restock -- or the scalpers grab them all first-- I'll make him . And if I make them, I'm going to undercut the scalpers... significantly.

[kairiaka]

Sonic 3 is now available for everyone to go see!

Which means I can talk about it freely...

And I have some thoughts.

[kairiaka]

Burnout: Mystery Isekai Edition

I started writing this story in 2022, and it was supposed to be a satire.

The problem? ....Well... That is....

Too many things that I branded as "utterly ridiculous" are becoming reality, and I don't know how to feel about it.

Freaked out? Scared? Wierd? I don't know!

In the realms of a webnovel, it's not too out-of-pocket... but it's hitting to close to home right now. And I fear it's going to get a lot worse in the foreseeable (4+?) years.

It's all outlined and ready to go (and the first vol is 75% complete-- albeit fragmented) -- But if it takes me a while between updates, it's because I'm bracing myself to write.

And if I write some fluff between the intervals -- it's a treat for both the readers and the author.

I'm not changing anything structurally -- I'm sorta locked in-- but it's definitely not the funny romp I was hoping for.

Maybe next book.

[kairiaka]

So, About the Shadow Build-a-Bear...

I was on the fence about him, then lost my chance (and patiently check the BAB site occasionally).

The real question I have: ... why are yall paying $500 for a mass-produced plushie? You could get a custom one commissioned for that kind of money (and in most cases, still have change!).

I mean: I get it-- it's Shadow. But, really? Buying the whole set of Sonic BABs wouldn't cost you $500 (even with the sounds and accessories).

In conclusion: If they don't restock -- or the scalpers grab them all first-- I'll make him . And if I make them, I'm going to undercut the scalpers... significantly.

[kairiaka]

Starting 2025...

I currently have a little more time on my hands (due to an unfortunate lay-off) , so I only have one goal for this year (aside from the obvious):

Cultivate my Social Media presence (and become a stronger artist).

[kairiaka]

2024 kicked my butt, but I'm still standing.

[kairiaka]

Revisiting the Layer: Episode 00 -- The Plot/The Notion

Angelic Layer is now 25! Unfortunately, it seems that CLAMP is ignoring the franchise's anniversary.

So, from now to July 2025, I'm taking on the mission to celebrate this series (and to raise awareness about it). This includes a series recap, merch & media discussions (or the lack thereof), and a full-on breakdown of how the game would work IRL.

Stay tuned for more!

[kairiaka]

Not to mention -- Scarecrow's only got one song. Tin Man and Lion sings more than once (Tin Man has "Slide Some Oil to Me" and "What Could I Do If I Could Feel", while Lion has his solo piece-- "Mean Ole Lion"-- and the duet piece, "Be a Lion"). Heck-- even the Wiz and Glinda have more than one song!

Now, what might work-- let him sing both. The optimistic Scarecrow thinking he might make it, but the crows telling him otherwise.

I'm watching The Wiz (1978) for the first time since I was like 5 and something fun I just noticed is that although You Can't Win replaced I Was Born The Day Before Yesterday, Scarecrow (1978) still references it when he says "I think I'm gonna make it this time" (which is a repeating lyric in the original song). He (Scarecrow in 1978) also says "If I only had a brain" which I think has to be a reference to his 1939 counterpart. I wish they kept in the "I hope my hat can handle it" line since this Scarecrow has a hat but for The Wiz (2015) they kept in that line despite Scarecrow 2015 not having a hat, but it’s there because Scarecrow 1975 had a lovely little hat atop his head.

You Can't Win was originally written for The Winkies and was performed as such in the pre-Broadway tryout in Baltimore. For those unfamiliar, The Winkies are enslaved by Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West (in the 1939 movie they're the ones that look like guards, but in the 1978 movie they work in Evillene's sweat shop and are the ensemble during Everybody Rejoice/Brand New Day). For the Scarecrow, You Can't Win is the Crow's Anthem, and it makes sense there, but I'd love to see a production of The Wiz that puts it back where it was in Baltimore, because the song is sad enough with just Scarecrow singing it, but imagine, an entire ensemble singing it! Then that same ensemble getting to sing about a Brand New Day scenes later? That'd be very intriguing to see!

[kairiaka]

Tony's Chocolonelys are really good. You can also get them at Safeway, Sprouts, and Wegmans.

[kairiaka]

Picking the Pen Up Again...

While working on my Art Fight profile this year, I realized something very vital:

I've been sitting on a decade (or older) of stories & characters that I've never breathed to a soul.

It was fear mostly-- of what I'm not sure anymore. Maybe rejection? Maybe people IRL finding it and bringing in the end of the world? Maybe saying "the wrong thing" ?

Either way, there are a stack of stories I want to see the light, regardless of how stupid I thought they are, because -- well, I'm still proud of them. Some are fully developed, and others are a bit fragmented. I just need to talk about them.

What I'm trying to say is : I apologize in advance for the upcoming waterfall.