mk-wizard

[mk-wizard]

Hello. As part of my hiatus, I am going to unplug from my social media and such until September. I need this break to be ready to rock during the fall which is when all the big art challenges also begin.

[mk-wizard]

Sorry to come in here again, but I don't know where else to take this:

What are your thoughts on Black Panther/T'Challa x Spectrum/Monica Rambeau, or his other girlfriends? Normally I prefer him with Storm, but I just saw this fired off somewhere, and that feels like it could be a good romance to me.

Sorry, I just have a rambling mind at the moment and too few Marvel fan friends.

I'm afraid I don't know anything about those characters beyond the film so I cannot judge.

[mk-wizard]

I'm just going to put this out there as someone who agrees with proper representation, is a fan of Breakdown x Knockout from Transformers Prime and Ruby x Sapphire from Steven Universe, and who is 200% convinced that Starscream is bi and was attracted to Knockout...

Remember, a character being LGBT+ doesn't mean they have to wind up with anyone. You can be gay/bi/pan/lesbian and only be seeking friendships among your peers because you already have someone who is unseen, none of them are your type or you just don't want a relationship yet. You don't need to pair them up with anyone just to prove their "gayness". After all, romance is not a hobby or an accessory. Nor is it an opportunity for fanservice. Plus, even those who aren't straight have every right to keep their love life private and not make it into a show or just hookup superficially.

Like Garnet who is another LGBT+ character said; love takes time, work and you need to really know each other. Also, just being merely physically attracted is not grounds for a full blown relationship. If anything, one of the things I respected highly about Prime was that Starscream and Knockout both had this unspoken agreement that their friendship should just stay a friendship because they didn't want the same kind of romantic lifestyle. Knockout believes in marriage as he was actually married to Breakdown and had long term plans to live a quiet private life while Starscream wanted to seek glory, fame and fortune while living in perpetual excitement of which he felt no need to marry. Heck, I don't even think Starscream wanted kids though it's hinted that Knockout wanted to adopt.

It is ok and in fact a very positive and beautiful to show a gay/lesbian/bi/pan character show that level of maturity, restraint and awareness when it comes to romantic love. Or even end the relationship if they see that it's not working out or toxic. To me, doing that is a good representation of LGBT+ romance because it shows that even gay/lesbian/bi/pan people have standards, self respect and are adults.

Remember, if you're only introducing a gay character just to pair them up with someone who them making out like teenagers who need to get a room, that's not representation. It's objectification. Have them act like people and that means accepting that some people just don't match. And that's ok.

Everyone kisses a lot of frogs before finding the one.

[mk-wizard]

That is why I tend to like couples that actually could work even if they are kind of "vanilla". Like... in a healthy and successful relationship, you aren't supposed to have drama. Yes, you inevitably face challenges, hardships and drama, but not from the relationship itself. Suffering is a part of life, but despite what they say, love is not pain nor is it supposed to be. Love failing is pain, but even that can be controlled.

If what you're seeking in a relationship is a thrill ride, you're not really seeking a relationship or you're not mature enough for one yet. The end goals of every relationship are stability and permanency. Two thing society takes for granted now.

Call me old fashioned, but it's also why a lot of my ships usually 90% of the time end in marriage or at least cohabitation. Not necessarily with kids, but at least them being together for good is the end goal. The other 10% are ships that just don't work or crushes that came and went while never amounting to anything.

Like for example, I like the idea of Arcee having been in love with Cliffjumper and I do think she was, but I don't think it would have worked out. Number one, because I believe Cliff just saw her as a friend. Number two, he admires Arcee and respects women like her, but she is the kind of woman he wants as a wife. As I mentioned in a previous post, Cliff's type is more traditional, quiet and intellectual. Arcee is lovely, but not those things.

I also like the idea of Agent Fowler and June Darby having tried their hand at dating, but it doesn't work out because June doesn't want to invest a second time in a relationship that feels more like a gamble. She wants a man who can be a husband and father to Jack and Fowler's job is too demanding to ensure that kind of stability. Also, marriage is something June believes in a lot even though (in my fanfiction), she's actually an unwed mother. It's more than just the romantic and spiritual aspect. To her, marriage is insurance and a promise. Fowler is actually divorced so his opinion on marriage is not the same. Despite loving June a lot, he accepts that they are not right for each other and graciously lets her go allowing her to go to Wheeljack. The context of that is that June turns out to be a Pretender. Not to worry. Fowler finds someone who is more his match which is another message I aim to tell: ending a failing relationship is actually a good thing because it frees you both and gives you a chance to be with someone who actually IS your match.

Just curious, and I know it's a hot topic but....what are your thoughts on Rogue x Gambit? I'm not too keen on them anymore if I'm being honest, but....well, I've seen valid arguments against them, and I just wanted to hear your opinion.

I warn you that my critique is going to be harsh...

I used to find Gambit having a crush on Rogue cute until that episode where Morph impersonated her and then Gambit tried kissing the real Rogue while she was taking a nap without her consent. Even as a teen girl, I knew it was wrong.

Since then, the relationship's red flags came all around me especially with how Rogue acts when she can't touch him vs. when she can. Everything about the relationship is just based upon lust, frustration, and is the most unhealthy thing I have ever seen to the point where it's not even a relationship. It's just over glorified friends with benefits.

Whenever Rogue isn't able to touch Gambit, she treats him the way she should in that he is a total obsessed creep who needs to back off which he rightfully should. Initially, Rogue was not interested even if she could have been able to touch him and one point, he started to mellow down. However, whenever Rogue can touch him, she can't keep her hands off him and that too is creepy not to mention hypocritical. They are NOT a match romantically because beyond the physical aspect, they don't even have a real emotional connection as anything beyond friends nor do they respect each other. Gambit is creepily fixated on Rogue and Rogue needs to make up her damn mind about the guy.

To me, this is just a case of two people not even really liking each other, but just love making out together thay much for self validation, a desperate attempt to feel something like some kind of high and they cannot seem to address their real trauma. It's a really sad situationship really because neither Gambit or Rogue are bad people and do want a genuine connection with someone, but due to the terrible writing at Marvel and its refusal to write healthy romances, they have reduced each other to being one another's "therapy pets".

In short, they're not a couple. They're friends with benefits who are merely addicted to each other's kisses and attention.

NEVER get into a situation like this.

[mk-wizard]

It is not uncommon for fandoms to be drawn to unhealthy romances. Just look at Transformers. Don't ask me why. I would rather not answer, but I never liked Rogue x Gambit.

It's ok to show that not every single romance works out. In fact, it is a good thing to show that to kids and to show more situations where things didn't work out amicably before doing something one regrets or they go as far as requiring divorce. Just pull the brakes during the dating phase.

However, doing that also implies dating for a purpose rather just for fun which fans don't tend to consider. They are very much just into the fan and "looks hot" aspect most of the time. However, I think it would be a good thing if the media in general brought back more self control and more methodical thinking when it comes to choosing a partner especially for life.

It's one of the reasons why in Transformers Prime I respect how things between Starscream and Knockout just remained platonic even though there was an attraction (I'm convinced Starscream is bi). Knockout just became a widower and Starscream was in a low point in his life. Hooking up just as an attempt to medicate their feelings would have lead to regret. Instead, they were mature adults about the situation and mutually agreed without having to say it that they worked best as friends. It's one of the few things I find Prime did RIGHT and truly progressive in a way we don't consider. Just because two characters are LGBT+ doesn't mean they have to get together. Being non-straight doesn't mean you're promiscuous or that you can't be just friends. That is something in the media that never sat right with me when portraying LGBT+. In most media at least. They ALWAYS have to have a lover just for the sake of it or hook up. Nobody can be friends or professional and nobody can have standards if you're LGBT+. To me, that's not good representation.

Just curious, and I know it's a hot topic but....what are your thoughts on Rogue x Gambit? I'm not too keen on them anymore if I'm being honest, but....well, I've seen valid arguments against them, and I just wanted to hear your opinion.

I warn you that my critique is going to be harsh...

I used to find Gambit having a crush on Rogue cute until that episode where Morph impersonated her and then Gambit tried kissing the real Rogue while she was taking a nap without her consent. Even as a teen girl, I knew it was wrong.

Since then, the relationship's red flags came all around me especially with how Rogue acts when she can't touch him vs. when she can. Everything about the relationship is just based upon lust, frustration, and is the most unhealthy thing I have ever seen to the point where it's not even a relationship. It's just over glorified friends with benefits.

Whenever Rogue isn't able to touch Gambit, she treats him the way she should in that he is a total obsessed creep who needs to back off which he rightfully should. Initially, Rogue was not interested even if she could have been able to touch him and one point, he started to mellow down. However, whenever Rogue can touch him, she can't keep her hands off him and that too is creepy not to mention hypocritical. They are NOT a match romantically because beyond the physical aspect, they don't even have a real emotional connection as anything beyond friends nor do they respect each other. Gambit is creepily fixated on Rogue and Rogue needs to make up her damn mind about the guy.

To me, this is just a case of two people not even really liking each other, but just love making out together thay much for self validation, a desperate attempt to feel something like some kind of high and they cannot seem to address their real trauma. It's a really sad situationship really because neither Gambit or Rogue are bad people and do want a genuine connection with someone, but due to the terrible writing at Marvel and its refusal to write healthy romances, they have reduced each other to being one another's "therapy pets".

In short, they're not a couple. They're friends with benefits who are merely addicted to each other's kisses and attention.

NEVER get into a situation like this.

[mk-wizard]

The ephemeral but beautiful "fantasy" flower world.

[mk-wizard]

Transformers: Mercy is launching its first GOFUNDME! It has a larger goal of $10 000 CAD and I hope we can get some momentum for it. Every little bit helps though! I haven't been making a lot of money irl lately but I'm still trying to keep the art scenes flowing to make this game possible! I'll make a YouTube announcement later, just getting this started.

Description:

Hi, I'm Emperor Kumquat!

For years I have been writing multiple storylines for a massive Transformers: Prime choose your own adventure story fan sequel intended to be a free game on YouTube. You play as Predaking: a powerful but young character who has the chance to change the world and himself for the better or worse. And it all begins with your choice of what to do with Starscream: Will you kill him, or show mercy?

I write carefully crafted plots faithful to the lore of Transformers: Prime, expanding it creatively and adding in new characters. Each storyline has its own unique feel and takes you on an emotional journey with its plot and plot twists. Feel excitement and anxiety trying to navigate survival game portions against villains like Overlord and Tarn, and run for your life from Sunder! Reviews have also revealed this story's potential to make some cry...

You can see what TRANSFORMERS: MERCY is all about to know exactly what passionate and carefully planned work you would be supporting. Branches of stories are fully written and posted on AO3 (with choices) and fanfiction.net (guided playthroughs). This game has already collected around 1000 pieces of art from 100 volunteer and paid artists, most of which are viewable on my Ko-Fi page emperorkumquat. Example chapters in their complete video forms exist on the YouTube channel @Emperor Kumquat and the second channel (for official uploads) @Transformers: Mercy.

Until now, this story game has been funded entirely out of pocket and from the donations of kind supporters. However, much more art work is required to progress the development of the stories from written form into video form. 100% of donations will be used to pay passionate Transformers artists within the fandom (for the most love in every image). Transformers: Mercy is a project of high moral standing which supports artists in college or in difficult financial situations. It is anti-AI and beWelcome to Transformers Mercy lieves in the beauty of developing one's own skills. By navigating my Ko-Fi gallery and Tumblr blog (@emperor kumquat), you can see for yourself my commitment to supporting artists.

Transformers, of course, belongs to Hasbro! I am not affiliated with Hasbro, which is why Transformers: Mercy includes mature themes of violence and death (no sexuality!). This project is free to read or watch and all donations are immediately transferred to artists as soon as they come. I make no personal profit from Transformers: Mercy.

[mk-wizard]

I find it cute that they look like toys. I am still undecided about how Megatron transforms into a bull. I guess it's new for me, but it does work and I like how his armor looks. He reminds me of a knight.

I really like how they look like toys. Real physical ones at that. Their designs look really sick and perfect enough to make their toy aspects stand out in a really cool way, I do applaud

[mk-wizard]

Just curious, and I know it's a hot topic but....what are your thoughts on Rogue x Gambit? I'm not too keen on them anymore if I'm being honest, but....well, I've seen valid arguments against them, and I just wanted to hear your opinion.

I warn you that my critique is going to be harsh...

I used to find Gambit having a crush on Rogue cute until that episode where Morph impersonated her and then Gambit tried kissing the real Rogue while she was taking a nap without her consent. Even as a teen girl, I knew it was wrong.

Since then, the relationship's red flags came all around me especially with how Rogue acts when she can't touch him vs. when she can. Everything about the relationship is just based upon lust, frustration, and is the most unhealthy thing I have ever seen to the point where it's not even a relationship. It's just over glorified friends with benefits.

Whenever Rogue isn't able to touch Gambit, she treats him the way she should in that he is a total obsessed creep who needs to back off which he rightfully should. Initially, Rogue was not interested even if she could have been able to touch him and one point, he started to mellow down. However, whenever Rogue can touch him, she can't keep her hands off him and that too is creepy not to mention hypocritical. They are NOT a match romantically because beyond the physical aspect, they don't even have a real emotional connection as anything beyond friends nor do they respect each other. Gambit is creepily fixated on Rogue and Rogue needs to make up her damn mind about the guy.

To me, this is just a case of two people not even really liking each other, but just love making out together thay much for self validation, a desperate attempt to feel something like some kind of high and they cannot seem to address their real trauma. It's a really sad situationship really because neither Gambit or Rogue are bad people and do want a genuine connection with someone, but due to the terrible writing at Marvel and its refusal to write healthy romances, they have reduced each other to being one another's "therapy pets".

In short, they're not a couple. They're friends with benefits who are merely addicted to each other's kisses and attention.

NEVER get into a situation like this.

[mk-wizard]

I love it too though, I'm attached to the class two window chestplate.

ROLL OUT!

I really liked his new design

[mk-wizard]

Superman & Lois by Jake Bartok.

[mk-wizard]

Another Oplita found in Hot Motor Oil by Alex Milne. The full picture made by @/COMETxsyhy on Twitter.

[mk-wizard]

Superman & Lois by Malia Ewart.

[mk-wizard]

Ok. I have to step in and say something because I am an artist, a woman and fan of Red Sonja as well as the other medias of that time like her. The problem is not how a character looks that makes them objectified and offensive especially not when it clearly shown that their personalities are noble, respectable, honourable and disciplined. And even if they are promiscuous, so what? A character is not obligated to align with all our decisions all the way down to the letter and that extends to lifestyle as well as how they dress. How many people in real life dress or decorate their bodies in ways we wouldn't decorate our own after all? It doesn't make them evil or dirty. It makes them an individual. At the end of the day, all you can tell from them is how they look. A lot of people who dress in eccentric or skimpy outfits are in fact good people and many people who dress in conservative quite styles turned out to be criminals. To me, the true sexism in our media is that we cannot accept this reality or apply these facts to female characters. It doesn't matter how heroic, how noble or how inspiring they are. If they don't fit a specific dress code, occasionally practice a vice or two, or just do or say things we don't agree with, we have to backtrack and "fix" that. Also, to demand to remove all of the female character's beauty. To me THAT is sexist because it is only female characters who are put though this ringer and forced to fit this unattainable standard where no matter how much we change or how sterilized the female character becomes, she’s still never good enough. However, when it comes to male characters, we have total artistic freedom. It's not right and it's not fair. Artists and writers should be able to write a character of any gender how they like and dress them how they want. They are under absolutely no obligation whatsoever to follow someone else's standard or fantasy. If the artist wants the female character to dress sexy and/or be loose, it's their right. No real women are being harmed in the process. With that said, focus that energy on helping real women in the real world instead.

Red Sonja doesn't need our help or a wardrobe change because she can handle sexist men just fine on her own. Also, she's fictional. A real woman or girl could need our help. Save them not Red Sonja.

[mk-wizard]

Confession: I have a thing for character who start off as being unlikable, but as you get to know them and see them mature, they earn your live. I feel like characters like this are the most real and are the kind we genuinely become to most invested in because we literally fall in love with them. It is also a very common thing in real life where we initially misjudge people or as kids, people were complete and utter brats, but grew up to be respectable adults.

It is why I feel characters like Wheelie, Daniel Witwicky, Mikaela Banes and Blurr have so much potential when I look at them now in my adult life. That was the point. You weren't supposed to like them right away, but after getting to know them, you saw their inner beauty and saw them grow. So far, we only got that with Blurr and only halfway with Mikaela Banes.

In my own fanfiction, Wheelie is destined to become the next Trion and already exhibits some divine abilities like empathy and the power to heal. Daniel is only a brat because honestly, he is tragically neglected by his parents who only show parenting to him by throwing money at the poor boy. In other words, he is only naughty because he honestly doesn't know how to act and borderlines on believing that he isn't lovable, but goes on to be taught better by his cousin Ruby Rose and is a good kid deep down.

Some people are only bad because they're misguided and I like seeing that growth. It's the type of redemption arcs we often take for granted because the characters never were actually evil or villains. Just not likeable either due to being misunderstood or just being immature kids who didn't know any better.

And yes, I will stand on the hill that Daniel Witwicky can be reimagined to be likable. He's not a monster. He's a kid. And kids grow up. I can confirm this as a mother.

[mk-wizard]

I really liked this series and Muderbot's character development. A true case of a "tinman" finding a heart while also showcasing that it is ok for it to be imperfect.

if anybody needs me I’ll be checking the perimeter 🥲

[mk-wizard]

Transformers Pretenders (epic Transformers / GI Joe / Barbie crossover)

Ladies, gentlemen and everyone dear, here it is. At long last, a take on Pretenders that works. The answer was right in front of me the whole time with how I wanted to do an epic triple crossover involving Transformers / Barbie / GI Joe. The links between the three is that Optimus Prime and Admiral George Isaac Joe Roberts (GI Joe) fought in the war together and Joe is also the father of Barbie and because they are so close, Optimus is the godfather of Barbie and Ken's daughter Ruby Rose (named after a flower native to Cybertron). It's a wholesome action family comedy with magical girl themes.

The story technically begins upon Ruby Rose's birth and she was born very sick and not going to make it at just a few days old. Taking pity on his friend's granddaughter, Optimus used the Autobot Matrix of Leadership to heal Ruby Rose. As a side effect, she became a technorganic being that is half human and half Transformer as she technically has CNA and she sported kinetic pinkish red hair. However, she seemed predominantly human with the exception of being able to operate simple electronics with her mind and even store data in brain like a CPU. Since that day, Optimus has become her godfather.

However, that all changes on Allspark day which is also coincidentally Ruby Rose's birthday specifically her sixteenth one. During an attack on Optimus of which some strange evil bots of an unknown faction working under a dishonourably discharged scientist from Joe's ranks Dr. Henry Arkeville, they try to steal the Matrix. Unfortunately, they wind up shattering it to pieces instead and they become scattered all around the world. This sparks a chain of events where Ruby Rose's other Transformer abilities awaken most notably her ability to take on a powerful bot form and she can sense the presence of Matrix shard. She is dubbed as a "Pretender" and she now assists Optimus at putting the Matrix back together again before Dr. Arkeville and the forces of evil do while also discovering the extent of her powers.... and that Ruby Rose is NOT the only girl out there Optimus healed sixteen years ago.

This is a G rated story with a LOT of goofiness and cartoon physics that are akin to Tom and Jerry or the Looney Toons. It does have serious moments and deals with topics relatable to kids and adults such as the importance of respecting your home and keeping it clean, overcoming your fear of the dentist, not getting ahead of yourself and so on. It also takes place after the war (seriously, there should be more stories like that) so the Decepticons are NOT the enemy though they are not exactly allies either.