#Batman’s greatest heroic moments

[justsaying4041]

What Batman is the Greatest Hero - Period!

Batman, the Dark Knight, stands as one of the most iconic and enduring superheroes in popular culture. Unlike many of his peers, Batman does not possess superhuman strength, speed, or magical abilities. Instead, he relies on his intellect, physical prowess, and unwavering commitment to justice. This makes him not only a unique character but also one of the greatest heroes ever. Here are several…

[jellofish-plant]

Justice League Relationship Headcanons (Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, The Flash)

Pairing: Clark Kent (Superman), Diana Prince (Wonder Woman), Bruce Wayne (Batman), Hal Jordan (Green Lantern), Barry Allen (The Flash) x Reader (platonic and romantic interpretations available!)

Warnings:

Mentions of superhero duties and high-stakes situations.

Light angst in dealing with their heroic responsibilities.

Fluff, humor, and moments of deep connection!

Summary: Forming relationships with the iconic members of the Justice League means navigating both the extraordinary and the mundane. From Clark Kent’s quiet, protective love to Diana Prince’s warm, passionate nature, these headcanons explore the unique dynamics of what it’s like to bond with some of the world’s greatest heroes. Whether romantic or platonic, each hero brings their own charm, warmth, and complexity to a relationship with you.

Relationship Headcanons

Superman (Clark Kent)

Clark is the epitome of wholesome love. He always checks in on you, even when he’s halfway across the world saving lives.

He loves quiet, domestic moments like cooking breakfast together or stargazing in Smallville.

Clark is incredibly supportive of your dreams and constantly encourages you to pursue them, no matter how big or small.

He has a habit of leaving little handwritten notes for you to find, filled with kind words and reminders of how much he loves you.

When he’s with you, he’s just Clark—no cape, no responsibilities, just a farm boy in love with you.

Wonder Woman (Diana Prince)

Diana is a hopeless romantic who loves grand gestures, like gifting you flowers she picked herself or reciting poetry under the moonlight.

She adores sharing her Amazonian culture with you, from stories of Themyscira to teaching you their combat techniques.

Diana’s protective nature shines when you’re in danger, but she never underestimates your strength or abilities.

She loves discussing philosophy and ethics with you, valuing your perspective and insights.

Diana believes in cherishing every moment, often reminding you that time is precious and love should be celebrated every day.

Batman (Bruce Wayne)

Bruce is subtle but deeply caring. He’ll quietly ensure you’re taken care of, whether that’s making sure your car is repaired or leaving your favorite tea in the kitchen.

He values your presence in his life as a grounding force, someone who reminds him of the good he’s fighting for.

Bruce struggles with vulnerability but trusts you enough to let his walls down over time.

He’s a night owl, so you often find yourselves sharing quiet conversations in the Batcave during the early hours.

Despite his serious demeanor, he has a soft spot for teasing you gently, especially when you call him out on his brooding tendencies.

Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)

Hal loves adventure, and that extends to your relationship. He’s always planning exciting dates, like flying over scenic landscapes or visiting alien worlds.

He has a cocky but charming sense of humor, often using it to make you laugh or lighten the mood.

Hal is incredibly loyal and makes sure you know you’re his priority, even when duty calls him to the far corners of the galaxy.

He’s surprisingly sentimental, keeping small mementos from your time together in his ship.

Hal adores showing off for you, whether it’s through his flying skills or creative uses of his power ring.

The Flash (Barry Allen)

Barry is full of energy and always finds ways to keep your relationship exciting, from surprise dates to goofy antics.

He loves cooking for you (even if he tends to burn things) and insists on trying out new recipes together.

Barry often uses his super speed to make your life easier, like zipping around to clean the house or grabbing your favorite snacks in seconds.

He’s a big fan of cuddling and will happily spend hours on the couch with you, watching movies or playing games.

Barry’s optimism and humor are infectious, making every moment with him feel lighthearted and fun.

Platonic Headcanons

Superman (Clark Kent)

Clark is like the big brother everyone needs—always willing to listen and offer thoughtful advice.

He’s the kind of friend who’ll drop everything to help you, whether it’s fixing your car or talking through a tough decision.

Clark loves introducing you to his family in Smallville, especially his mom, who insists on cooking you a feast.

He’s a huge cheerleader for your achievements, no matter how small, and makes you feel like a superhero in your own right.

Clark’s warmth and kindness make him a comforting presence, especially when you’re feeling down.

Wonder Woman (Diana Prince)

Diana is endlessly encouraging and always helps you see your inner strength.

She enjoys teaching you self-defense, but her lessons often turn into bonding moments filled with laughter.

Diana loves sharing stories about her life and hearing about your experiences, seeing them as equally valuable.

She’s fiercely loyal and will stand by your side through anything, offering both wisdom and support.

Diana values your perspective, often seeking your input on missions or philosophical debates.

Batman (Bruce Wayne)

Bruce is the friend who’s always looking out for you, even if he doesn’t show it overtly. He’ll have Alfred check in or send something you need before you even ask.

He respects your independence but subtly ensures you’re safe, often running background checks on people in your life.

Bruce’s dry sense of humor comes out more often around you, especially when you call him out on his habits.

He admires your resilience and often finds inspiration in your determination to overcome challenges.

Despite his guarded nature, Bruce values your friendship deeply and considers you part of his inner circle.

Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)

Hal is the fun friend who’s always dragging you on spontaneous adventures, whether it’s a road trip or an impromptu party.

He loves teaching you about his intergalactic adventures and even lets you try using his power ring in a controlled environment.

Hal’s laid-back attitude makes him easy to talk to, and he’s great at diffusing tension with his humor.

He’s the type to hype you up and remind you how amazing you are, even when you’re doubting yourself.

Hal’s loyalty runs deep, and he’ll always have your back, no matter the circumstances.

The Flash (Barry Allen)

Barry is the friend who’s always checking in, whether it’s through a quick text or literally running by to see you.

He loves sharing his latest experiments or inventions, often roping you into helping him test them.

Barry’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he’s great at cheering you up when you’re feeling down.

He’s the first to volunteer for any project or plan you have, bringing his energy and optimism to the table.

Barry treasures your friendship and often goes out of his way to make you smile, whether through a thoughtful gesture or a goofy joke.

[midgardianqueenreturns]

“MHA contradicts its own theme! It’s about how anyone can be a hero but Deku had to get powers to become one, he should have been like Batman…”

(Deep Breath) My Hero Academia’s theme is NOT “anyone can be a hero” (at least in the way you think); it is “anyone can have a heroic heart” or “Anyone can be a hero in their own way” (which does not always mean as a pro).

I think a lot of people misunderstand what the scene where All Might apologizes and tells Deku he can be a hero was supposed to mean. All Might changing his mind wasn’t about Deku’s effectiveness against the slime monster; it was about his selfless and heroic spirit in that moment inspiring him. He even says he’s offering Deku One For All to “give him a fighting chance” showing he still knows that the possibility of a Quirkless pro-hero doesn’t have much of chance. He was just reminded of how he had a heroic heart before he received One For All and remembers a Quirkless individual like Deku can still have the heart of a hero even if they lack the ability and he wants to give him that. Some people have the heart of a hero but don’t possess the inherent qualities needed to be a pro and Deku is an example of someone who got lucky enough to receive that chance. Yes, it is unfortunate and unfair how he couldn’t do it on his own, but the inherent unfairness of the world is part of MHA’s theme: “All men are not created equal” are the first words of the story. When Deku says “This is the story of how we all became the greatest heroes” who is on the panel with him? Kota and the heteromorph lady. Now, even if you are to argue there are hints Kota might grow up to be a pro-hero, I don’t think there was anything suggesting the heteromorph woman is going to be one, but that isn’t the point; they were heroes to Izuku in their own way without being or acting like pros (at least in combative ways); sticking up for him when he needed it. In the first movie, Melissa, who like Deku is born Quirkless but unlike him never receives a Quirk, says she needs to keep studying if she wants to be a hero and clarifies when Deku assumes she means as a pro. Melissa will never be a pro hero but she is still a hero in her own right because her gadgets will in turn help other heroes. Not everyone can be a pro-hero, but anyone can have the heart of a hero and be a personal or indirect hero to others even if they cannot or never will be a pro. I guess in a way the theme IS “anyone can be a hero” BUT before you say I am conceding, only if you expand the definition of hero beyond being a pro (which most people don’t when they make the argument I quoted at the start). In that case, no, Deku getting OFA does not go against MHA’s themes in the slightest, if anything it enhances them.

[noisycowboyglitter]

Understanding the Superman Wonder Woman Comic Heart Dynamic

"Superman and Wonder Woman: A Comic Book Romance for the Ages"

In the vibrant world of DC Comics, the legendary pairing of Superman and Wonder Woman has captivated readers with a love story that transcends the boundaries of the page. This iconic

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romantic duo, often referred to as "The Supercouple," has enchanted fans with their unwavering devotion, unparalleled power, and the unique challenges they face as two of the most formidable heroes in the universe.

The "Superman and Wonder Woman Comic Heart" concept celebrates the sublime and tumultuous nature of their relationship, where the passion and connection between the Kryptonian and the Amazon princess are juxtaposed against the immense responsibility and cosmic-level threats they must confront. Whether it's the tenderness of stolen moments amidst the chaos of battle or the heartbreaking decisions they must make to protect the world they've sworn to defend, the bond between Superman and Wonder Woman serves as a captivating exploration of love, sacrifice, and the true measure of heroism.

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Through dynamic artwork, evocative dialogue, and the sheer force of their combined abilities, this comic book romance has become a beloved and iconic representation of the power of love to transcend even the most extraordinary of circumstances. It's a timeless love story that continues to captivate and inspire readers, reminding us that the greatest heroes are often those who fight for the ones they love.

"DC Comics Valentine's Day": A Superhero-Inspired Celebration of Love and Heroism

As the world celebrates the timeless tradition of Valentine's Day, the iconic characters of the DC Comics universe offer a unique and captivating spin on the festivities. "DC Comics Valentine's Day"

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seamlessly blends the enduring power of love with the extraordinary feats of some of the most beloved superheroes and supervillains.

From the passionate romance between Batman and Catwoman to the dynamic tension between Harley Quinn and the Joker, these larger-than-life figures bring an added layer of excitement and intrigue to the celebration of affection. Imagine heartfelt messages adorned with the emblems of the Justice League, or playful cards featuring the mischievous antics of Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn.

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This DC Comics-inspired twist on Valentine's Day taps into the universal human desire for connection, while also embracing the fantastical and heroic elements that have made these characters iconic. It's a celebration of love that transcends the boundaries of the ordinary, inviting fans to immerse themselves in a world where the extraordinary and the emotional intertwine.

[twistedtummies2]

Gathering of the Greatest Gumshoes - Opening & Rules

I know I only just finished a big countdown this past January, but this one has been on my brain for a LONG time, and I think the time has finally come to unveil it before the unsuspecting world. Be very afraid. Ha Ha.

Anyone who knows me probably knows that I love crime stories. From Whodunnits, to noir-style thrillers, and to everything else in-between. I’ve always loved detective stories, of pretty much all sorts…and a big part of what makes a great detective story is, of course, the detective or detectives on the case. Whether they’re facing an arch-nemesis or just trying to figure out a baffling mystery no one else can solve, detectives are probably one of the most quintessential kinds of protagonist characters: they’re people who essentially make order out of chaos. They come into a situation filled with fear and uncertainty, and they do everything in their power to fix the problem. Sometimes it’s a job, sometimes it’s a weird hobby, sometimes it’s done in a vigilante fashion, but all methods fulfill the same basic function: bringing a just and rational solution to a most unfathomable problem.

I decided it would be fun to do a countdown talking about my favorite sleuths, and…I’m going to be honest, this might be the single hardest countdown I’ve ever made in my life. There are SO MANY characters I love who fit the bill, and choosing and ranking the ones who would make it here was very difficult. To pick and choose who would or would not count, I had to develop a LOT of rules, determining which characters would be selected. I’ll go over some of the basics here…

No “supernatural detectives.” These are characters who don’t so much catch criminals so much as fight monsters, aliens, ghosts, and so on. This includes characters like Kolchak (Kolchak: The Night Stalker), Ichabod Crane (FOX’s Sleepy Hollow), Harry Dresden (The Dresden Files), Lucifer Morningstar (Lucifer), and…anybody from “Supernatural” or “The X-Files.” While there will be some detectives on the list who face inhuman foes, their stories fit more in the vein of crime fiction than horror/fantasy fiction, which is where I feel most of these characters really fit.

No characters who are technically detectives, but where the focus isn’t necessarily on them BEING detectives. (One example is Inspector Javert from Les Miserables.) Similarly, with one exception, no characters who aren’t the focal sleuths of their respective series. (An example here is Inspector Lestrade from Sherlock Holmes.)

No characters who are more “superheroes” than “detectives.” Characters like Batman can count, because they’re essentially “super detectives.” However, characters like Superman or Spider-Man do not count; both have their “detective moments,” but that’s not really the focus of their stories or characters, typically speaking.

No characters who are “noble criminals.” These are characters who aren’t so much “detectives” so much as anti-heroic or misunderstood hero figures that fight crime by committing crimes. Characters like Arsene Lupin, William James Moriarty, or the Netflix version of Carmen Sandiego do not apply to this countdown. Similarly, characters who can be classified as "crimefighters that aren't detectives," who straddle a fine line between these sorts and more direct heroes - like the Green Hornet or the swashbuckling Zorro - will not be counted, either.

Finally, no parody or pastiche characters. Comical detectives are allowed, but they have to be their own characters, not satires of pre-existing figures. Tied to that, detectives with multiple interpretations will only be eligible for one spot on the list. Characters like Sherlock Holmes, for instance, have been spoofed, adapted, and reimagined countless times. It would be greatly unfair to include multiple entries with the same basic character over and over again. So you won’t be seeing anybody like Basil of Baker Street or Sherlock Hemlock here.

There is a lot of gray area to be found with many of those rules, and as I do think I mentioned, one or two exceptions may be found. Even with these strictures in place, I had to leave many characters I love out of the running, and I’m pretty sure I might have even forgotten a few I enjoy. There’s just only so much room I can make. So if a favorite character or franchise you’re familiar with doesn’t appear anywhere, just know it’s either because I don’t know them, or I just didn’t have room for them.

With that said…it will soon be time to get a clue. Tomorrow, I shall post my requisite Honorable Mentions – Twelve Terrific Detectives who almost made the cut, but not quite – and then the countdown will begin in earnest. Welcome to an event I like to call…A Gathering of the Greatest Gumshoes!

[trulyinspiringmovies]

Batman: Under The Red Hood

“Batman: Under The Red Hood” is one of the many Batman animated movies that solidified who Batman truly is to my young teen self.

Batman is haunted by his greatest failure, the death of Jason Todd. Batman failed to save Jason, his second Robin, from a brutal beating from the Joker and an explosion that killed him. Five years later, a new villain called the Red Hood is taking control of Gotham’s drug empire. This catches the attention of Batman, who notices something familiar about him.

Everyone knows that Batman has one rule: to never kill. I mean, it’s a heroic trait that separates him from the evil that he constantly fights. At least, that’s what it’s thought to be. “Batman: Under The Red Hood” is an exploration of the victims of his rule. This movie asks the question: “Who is Batman’s rule really helping?”. Also, I know this movie is an adaptation of the comics, but I’m reviewing the movie, so try to talk about both, depending on whichever one helps highlight my point better. It’s cool to see how a fan-voted decision to kill off Jason Todd in the comics evolved into a seriously complex exploration of Batman’s character. This movie is short, but in 75 minutes, “Batman: Under The Red Hood” managed to capture the love Bruce had for Jason, the weight put on Bruce after the tragedy, and the ideological clash between the two in such a convincing way. Bruce Greenwood is an amazing voice actor the caped crusader, and that’s saying something considering Batman already has an iconic voice actor in Kevin Conroy. Greenwood is still able to sound exactly like the Batman I have always envisioned in my head. Jensen Ackles blew me away during this rewatch. Now that I have a more critical eye for performances, I can see that Ackles brought his A-game to this movie. The emotional moments hit that much harder because you can truly feel the tormented soul of Jason Todd through his performance. John DiMaggio is always a win in my book and I loved his take on the Joker. Although the comics did most of the heavy lifting in terms of the story, there are still choices made in this movie that sets it apart. I don’t mind the small change made in the final confrontation between Batman and Red Hood because it still works for me. It just conveys a different, but equally plausible reaction from Batman that doesn’t detract from the impact the scene was going for. The cherry on top of this amazing movie is the action. I crave to see this in live action one day, but the way Batman moves in his animated movies is the truest form of Batman in my opinion. Ben Affleck’s warehouse scene comes close, but I just need more of that in my life. If you know nothing about Batman, but want to know what all the hype is about, then I highly recommend you start with this movie. I guarantee it will make a fan out of you.

★★★★★

Rewatched on August 28th, 2022

[ultrahpfan5blog]

Retrospective Review - Batman: Under the Red Hood

Batman: Under the Red Hood was a film that caught me completely by surprise when I first saw it. When this film released, I was biased against everything that was not DCAU in animated form. I didn't expect to like this film at all. I am not even sure I had red the story arc on which it is based, but I knew the history of Robin in DC comics. When I watched it, I absolutely loved it. To this date, this film ranks maybe second only to MOTP in Batman animated films for me.

Death in the Family is a very iconic story arc and the Under the Red Hood story arc is basically the resurrection of Jason Todd as the Red Hood, which is the moniker he has kept since then while going through various heroic and villainous phases. The movie is not quite a literal adaptation of the story arc, the way Year One was, but it gets most of the important basics of the story arc and the general structure. There are some characters included who were not in the story and some characters in the story arc who were excluded in the movie. But most of it is cosmetic changes. The essence of the story is still the same, which is Batman confronting his greatest failure. And that is a gripping and fairly tragic story of an estranged father and son whose directions in life have become different. The film starts with a piece of death in the family, with Joker killing Jason and Batman's failure to rescue him, and then it fades into current times where we see Red Hood taking over drug suppliers and their businesses and causing major issues for the Black Mask while Batman and Nightwing investigate who Red Hood is. The film approaches the central story as a mystery that is gradually uncovered. You get a nice view of the Batman and Nightwing dynamic in the first act and how that is probably the healthiest relationship that Bruce has with any of his former Robins. There is plenty of fun action sequences from the very beginning but the way the mystery uncovered is also very cool. The shock that you see in Bruce and Alfred, when they realize Jason is still alive, is palpable and heartbreaking. The film builds up very nicely to the first official confrontation between Batman and Red Hood.

The buildup to the official reveal is great and there are flashbacks interwoven throughout the movie of Jason as a kid and as Robin. The elements of Jason that were problematic such as his anger when he become a little older, are also shown. The film is wise to remove some of the more convoluted aspects of Jason's resurrection in the comics. The film's streamlining of the story is very effective. The inclusion of Joker in the storyline in a more expanded capacity is great. It adds a lot of substance to the climax of the movie. The Batman and Red Hood scenes, which are the crux of the movie, are very well handled. The first sequence where Batman comes in to team up with Red Hood and save him from the hired assassins is cool. It shows that he still has that protective fatherly instinct and Jason's faith in Bruce coming to save him, but also the fundamental conflict between them. The entire climax though is the real highlight of the movie. Where Batman and Jason fight, leading to the emotional confrontation which leads to the crux of Jason's ideological fight with Batman. We see Jason's facade crack and at the center of it all he is just a boy who is hurt that his father figure didn't avenge his death. Its a fantastic scene because not only showcases Jason's pain but also the strength of Batman's moral character. Its a scene which spells out why Batman has that no kill rule and how much he actually wants to kill Joker but he doesn't do it for his own sanity. Also, its a terrific Joker moment, who revels in the chaos he is causing, even though he is beaten up and tied to a chair.

I honestly don't have much in terms of complaints. The film has some exposition heavy dialogue. Stuff like the crooks explaining how Nightwing is the first Robin that Batman had. That's dialogue that is very much targeted at audience members who don't know who Robin is. There are similar instances throughout. They do make Black Mask out to be a bit of joke in this movie, because he is pretty hapless against Red Hood, then gets almost killed by the Joker when he hires him to get rid of Red Hood and has to be rescued by Batman. But these are honestly minor complaints. Its a well paced and well voiced film with really strong animation.

In terms of voice acting, after Kevin Conroy, Bruce Greenwood is my favorite voice for Batman. He has the right baritone and he conveys grief, anger, and regret through his performance. Jensen Ackles is the other big star here. He has that youthful arrogance in his voice which works big time, but he also is fantastic towards the end when Jason has to break down and show emotion. John Dimaggio is brilliant as the Joker. Apart from Hamill, there aren't too many Jokers that work for me but Dimaggio is fantastic. He wisely plays it different than Hamill and he is pretty dark and demented in his portrayal. Neil Patrick Harris is also excellent as Nightwing. Its a pity he disappears after the first act but he has the upbeat vibe that works well with Greenwood's Batman. Wade Williams as Black Mask is pretty fun. Jason Isaacs as Ra's al-Ghul and Jim Piddock as Alfred, round out the cast.

Overall, this is a top notch Batman animated film. Its my favorite outside of the DCAU and works really well as a standalone story. Brandon Vietti, who developed and produced Young Justice along with Weisman and also had Greenwood as Batman, does a real good job with this film as director. I find this film to be underrated because I think its a lot better than most of the DC animated films that have released in recent times. A 9/10 for me.

[heavenboy09]

10 Years Ago Today

October 9

The CW presented The Beginning Of A New Era In Comic Book Superhero Television & Began A Series of Other Superhero 🦸‍♂️🦸🏼‍♀️🦸🏿‍♂️🦸🏿‍♀️ TV Shows that would be Related to This Show & Have Many Adventures Together In Shared Universe known as

THE ARROW 🏹 VERSE

The CW Debuted One of The Greatest Well Aimed and Famous Archer's 🏹 Of All Times was born.

His birth into the Role of a Infamous but well regarded Vigilante with a Bow and Arrow 🏹

Begins and Ends with Him as Broody and Party Going Billionaire Playboy.

Born into the life of Wealth and Had his Life changed in a single moment, when he was Shipwrecked and Stranded on a Deserted Island 🏝....... FOR 5 YEARS.

Where the death of his father realized after all these years of who and what he was meant to be. A Survivor...

He would right the wrongs that people did and the wrongs of his father. Everyone and Anyone he had every known.

Will Know A New Man when he escapes the Island that has kept him marooned for 5 Years.

Now. This Young Man once thought lost and presumed Dead.

Has Returned to his Beloved Home where everyone has accepted and honored his return.

STAR 🌟 CITY

Here in this Glorious city of his Birthplace.

His Adventures

His Heroics

His Loved Ones

His Sacrifices

His Trust and Betrayals

His Enemies and Villans alike

His Mission and His Sole Purpose will begin here. For One Reason and One Reason Only.

TO SAVE HIS CITY🏙

His Skills are Impressive and Accurate.

His Physical Strength is Determined and Disciplined.

His Knowledge of How The Criminal Underworld works goes Deeper then you realize since his presence hasn't been seen for 5 Years.

And His Tools of Choice to aid him in his Fight against the Evil that plagues this City and the World 🌎

IS A BOW AND ARROW 🏹

To Some, He is regarded as A Vigilante dressed up to be a Modern Day Robin Hood.

Stealing from the Rich and Giving Back to The Poor.

To Others, He is a Well Trained and Armed Archer 🏹 of Great Archery Skills and a Expert in Most Forms of Hand to Hand Combat.

To His Loved Ones. He is a Young but Dashing Bad Boy Billionaire Playboy with a Heart of Emotional Sentiment to others. But a Cocky, Broody, Arrogant Hotshot to most.

To His Enemies. He is a Force of Reckoning to all who cross his Path of Righteousness and The Mark of Swift Justice ⚖

To all of his Villains out there.

There is only one thing he say as you look into the Eyes of The Green Hooded Hero.

YOU HAVE FAILED THIS CITY 🏙

HE IS NO BATMAN🦇 , BUT HE IS THE NEXT BEST

But to all who know him and who have yet to get to know him.

HE IS SIMPLY

THE BLONDE 👱‍♂️ HAIR BILLIONAIRE PLAYBOY OF QUEEN INDUSTRIES, STAR 🌟 CITY.

OLIVER JONAS QUEEN 👱‍♂️

AND HE IS THE STAR CITY VIGILANTE

THE EMERALD ARCHER 🏹 ALSO KNOWN AS

THE GREEN ARROW 🏹 💚

DC COMICS & WARNER BROS TELEVISION 📺

THE CW NETWORK PRESENTS

STEPHEN AMELL

IN

ARROW 🏹 🟢

DESTINY LEAVES ITS MARK 🏹

AIM 🎯 FOR JUSTICE ⚖

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY TO ARROW 🏹

[deathwishy]

×Childhood Friends×

Marinette never forgot the boy with steel eyes and silver tongue.

They met when she was ten. Her parents were hired to do the catering at a party, one to celebrate the opening of the Parisian branch of Wayne Enterprises. Of course the Drakes would be there. They too were planning to expand Drake Industries to Europe, and while it would have been best to be the first ones in Paris, it could still be beneficial.

Tim was twelve at the time, and already knew who Batman was. His parents left him alone most of the time so he had plenty of opportunities to analyze and admire the vigilantes at night. The days were filled with tutors coming and going, a nosy nanny and tons of homework to be done. Thankfully, Batman didn't usually come out in the light of day. He didn't actively try to figure out their identities most of the time, but when he saw the first Robin executing a complicated maneuver, that could be done by only a handful of people, the pieces fell into place. But he kept quiet. He erased every piece of evidence he collected, paper and online data, anything that could lead someone else to the same conclusion.

Marinette was sitting with her parents in the kitchen, sometimes helping her papa with arranging sweets on plates or bringing them to the guests. She liked helping her parents when she could.

Marinette met Tim in the garden of the hotel. He excused himself from his parents to go take photos of the Eiffel Tower, that was close to where the party was. Marinette got out to take a breath of fresh air, the kitchen was hot and her parents didn't need help at the moment.

She noticed him sitting on a bench, looking at his camera.

"<Good evening!>" She greeted him in French.

He was startled, almost dropping his camera.

"<I'm so sorry! I thought you heard me coming.>"

It took a few seconds for Tim to adjust his eyes from the light of the camera display to the darkness of the garden. There was a girl, of mixed descent, in a simple bubblegum pink dress. Her hair was as midnight black, long and tied in pigtails. He gave her a little smile.

"<Not a problem. I was just setting my camera, it needs to be adjusted to capture the lights of the tower better.>" He tried to hide his American accent, but he knew she still caught it.

"You're American, yes? If you'd like, I can speak English too. Mama said it's good to know something else other than French. I would like to practice as well."

Her English was good. Riddled with a thick French accent but still understandable. He nodded and patted the bench, signaling that she could stay too. She sat down with a bright smile. She extended her hand.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng."

"Timothy Drake. But you can call me Tim."

And so they met. They shared their art interests, his love for photography, her love for drawing. She mentioned her growing interest in fashion and he shared his love for IT. They were so different yet so alike. She was form a middle class family of bakers, that loved her with all they had, he was from a rich family, had all he could have ever wanted, except for the love of his parents. But he didn't mention that.

She was entranced by his fervor when talking about his local heroes, or vigilantes, as he called them, and found that she could listen to him all night. He found that he could talk to her just as long, easily, as he could never before. He was happy to bring that sparkle of interest in her eyes.

But the bubble of happiness was soon burst by one Janet Drake.

Tim knew he was in trouble. Others couldn't see the fire behind her gray eyes, only Tim could. He shot up from the bench, startling Marinette in the process.

"Timothy. We have to go." Marinette shivered under her cold gaze, even if it wasn't directed to her. But what mother could look at her own son like that?

"Good evening, Madame." Marinette tried, but soon stepped back, almost cowering under the woman's gaze. Even if it was only for a second.

"Now."

She made one motion with her head, turning on her heels, and heading back into the building. Tim only waved and soon disappeared with his mother. Marinette didn't even get the chance to say goodbye. But she felt like it wasn't the last time she would see Timothy Drake.

                                                        ...

The next time they met, he was Robin. She was Ladybug. She was thirteen, he was fifteen. They didn't know who each other was. Being in Paris brought a longing in Tim's heart for a lost friend, but he knew he couldn't search for the pigtailed girl. Marinette felt her heart ache, missing the American boy she once befriended.

Batman came to Paris shortly after Stoneheart. After speaking to Diana, she granted her passage into Paris along with Robin and Batman to try assess the situation and develop a battle plan.

They set the meeting in the outskirts of Paris, in a abandoned building to try and hide the presence of the Justice League and keep their involvement a secret. They didn't need Hawkmoth on watch 24/7 after an angry superhero he could akumatize.

Ladybug swung through a broken window, Chat Noir jumping through moments after. They both landed at the same time, in front of the American heroes.

"Ladybug, Black Cat, it's an honor to meet the new wielders." Wonder Woman greeted with a slight bow. Robin followed suit, even if a little wobbly. Batman only bowed his head.

"There is no need for that," Ladybug blushed, bowing in return. "We haven't done any heroic feats worthy of such respect yet."

"Being chosen is always a reason to pride with, Ladybug. And the defeat of Stoneheart is quite remarkable for someone as young as yourself."

Batman frowned. Just how young were they?

"My lady is always modest. She doesn't believe me when I say she's incredible."

Ladybug rolls her eyes and punches Chat, making him giggle. Robin was eyeing him, scrutinizing every aspect. He had an extensible staff, like his, but obviously magic. His fighting style would match the Bats better, and Ladybug's yo-yo was very much like Wonder Woman's lasso. They already knew she would go to Themiscyra to train with Hippolyta but a bit of the Bats teachings would not hurt.

"As you know, miraculous magic protects our identities. It's the same thing for Hawkmoth. It will be hard to find and figure him out, unless we have irrefutable evidence." Ladybug began, opening her yo-yo.

"What we know so far is that he wants our miraculous, the Ladybug and the Black Cat. Our Kwami said that by merging the two, the wielder is granted a potentially reality altering wish. Unfortunately for now, that's all the information we have on him. It's going to take some time."

Through all her explanation, Batman was already thinking. They couldn't stay in Paris, even if the chance was small, they could be akumatized, that wasn't a viable option. Even an akumatized Robin would be a major problem. He had two years of training, the new heroes had almost none. He could see that Chat Noir had some, maybe fencing or swordplay by his posture and slight gestures. The girl maybe had some light self defense training. Maybe gymnastics recently.

"Ladybug shall come at times to Themiscyra to train with the Amazons, Chat Noir, you will go with the Bat."

Chat Noir began fidgeting.

"Um, my home life doesn't allow me to introduce intense training into my schedule. The best I can do is go out at night. My d... My parents don't know about this and with my obligations I can't just leave."

Robin, no, Tim knew as soon as Chat Noir opened his mouth. In that moment, he could see himself in the leather clad superhero. The controlling parents that had such high expectations of him, the suppressing nature that made him not even dare question their word. He was going to say that his dad doesn't know about it. So either his mother knows, which is unlikely, or he only has his father.

Tim was almost sure that Bruce came to the same conclusion. It would have been harder for someone that didn't personally know but he was the world's greatest detective for a reason. Batman nodded.

"Actually it is best if we do it at night. Maybe there will be less of a chance for someone to get akumatized. But not much, you still need sleep."

Chat Noir nodded vigorously, now smiling.

After going over some details regarding the training, the two teams went on their ways.

Chat Noir, happy that someone understood and actually made a compromise that worked for him too.

Ladybug, with a heavy heart, thinking about the battles ahead. And maybe about a certain boy.

Batman and Wonder Woman, both trying to not burn down every building in Paris in search of Hawkmoth.

Robin, with sorrow in his heart, for the boy that is like he once was, for the girl that was so close yet so far, for two kids that had to fight the battles of adults.

                                                         ...

This time, they met as Robin and Marinette.

It was in the same year, only a few months later. Robin was perched on a rooftop, waiting for Batman to finish the training session with Chat Noir. They had to zeta tube back to Gotham that night to go on patrol with the rest. There was an unusual rise in criminal activity and they needed all hands on deck.

"Mister Robin, sir!" there was an almost whisper from a balcony on the building next to the one he was sitting in. One on top of a bakery. There was someone there. They looked around and then signaled with their hand to come over.

There was a girl there, one that he recognized almost immediately. She didn't have the same long hair, but it was still tied in pigtails. She was taller and her voice changed a bit but he knew it was her. The girl from the garden, Marinette. He leveled his breath and jumped the narrow gap between the buildings on her balcony, on a shadowed portion.

"Is there a problem?" He asked, checking out the surroundings at the same time.

"No, sir, I just wanted to give you something." She reached to the table and pulled up two boxes. They looked like pastry boxes.

"I don't think people are supposed to know about you being here but I saw you a few times already. I don't know if anyone else did, I didn't ask around and haven't heard anything, but I wanted to thank you for helping Ladybug and Chat Noir, assuming that's what you're doing, so I made some pastries as a 'Thank you'. And, ah, again, thank you. I know that maybe things in Gotham can get pretty hectic and you are coming here too so, ah, I thought these can help, even if a little bit."

Robin listened through her rambling. She got flustered and started fidgeting midway through so he took the boxes from her hands when she stopped to breathe.

"Thank you, that is very considerate. We prefer to not make our involvement in Paris known so it would be appreciated if you still kept quiet."

She nods, smiling, then adds. "I sometimes leave some out here for our heroes too. Feel free to pass by anytime."

He gives her a little smile, then cups his ear when his com comes to life.

'Robin, rendezvous point. I'll be there in 5.'

"I have to go now. It was nice meeting you."

She takes a step back, he pulls out his grappling gun, boxes secured at his chest, and with small waves, he leaves the balcony.

                                                            ...

When they came across each other again, it was a year later. He was Timothy Drake. She was Ladybug.

He started working at Wayne Enterprises with his father. The parisian branch had some odd numbers so they came to Paris as Tim and Bruce to investigate, but didn't go out as Batman and Robin. Unlike Ladybug and Chat Noir, they didn't have magic to protect their identities. Unless there was an emergency, they would lay low.

Then there was an akuma attack.

They were walking to the hotel when Dark Cupid attacked them. He only shot Bruce. Ladybug took him out of his way when he froze in place, shocked by his father's sudden hatred.

"Are you alright?" The heroine asked him when she saw that he didn't move. He was still thinking. "Don't listen what he said. Dark Cupid's power is to transform love into hate. There was nothing real about those words, trust me." She pulled him into a hug when she saw tears rolling on his cheeks. He embraced her back, for a few seconds, the pulled away.

"Go and kick his ass."

She grinned, made a salute, then threw her yo-yo, going full speed towards the akuma.

She swung with a new vigor, recognizing her old friend. She was happy to see him again, even if only for a little bit.

Even though he knows that Bruce didn't mean what he said, it still stung a bit. He didn't remember what he said or did after the cure was cast and Tim didn't want to tell him. But Bruce still knew that is hurt him.

                                                          ...

When Hawkmoth was finally defeated she was 18. She decided to join Batman in Gotham. The balance had to be restored in the city that drowned in chaos and destruction. A year later, at the beginning of her first year of university, they met again.

It was in a nice coffee shop, not far away from the campus. She waited in line with Adrien, who was rambling about a blue eyed boy he met when he was in Metropolis with Chloe for an interview with Lois Lane.

The bell at the door rings and sort of by instinct she looks over. Two boys enter. Both black haired, one with blue eyes, one with green.

When they make eye contact, she knows that he recognized her too. She smiles and waves. He does too, now coming towards her. Adrien leans towards her, whispering. The other green eyed boy does the same to his brother.

"Who is he?"

"Who is she?"

They both smile, eyes locked on each other.

"A childhood friend."

Some fluff, some angst, a lil' bit of everything. I'm not good at writing outright romance but I'm a sucker for friends to lovers. And Adrien sugar is my jam. He is a smoll cinnamon roll that needs to be protected.

Do comment, constructive criticism is always welcome.

@timari-month-event

[a-fluffer-nutter]

Pep Talk

A/N - Here is a shorter fic of Barry Allen/The Flash being stressed out as the Justice League was in the dawn of their existence. Diana somehow makes him feel better. Enjoy!

Word Count: 735

           He wasn’t entirely sure if he was ready for it all, the whole world saving thing. Barry was not that old, definitely the youngest of this dysfunctional crew of heroes, if that’s what they really were. Barry didn’t consider himself a hero. He just was a guy that could run really, really fast. That’s cool and all, but like his teammate was Superman. Yeah, the Superman.

           Barry paced in the kitchen area of their facility, a secret base if you will. Bruce Wayne had purchased a large piece of land to convert into a training and residential area for the Justice League. Yes, Barry thought the name was hilarious too, even if he played a massive part in the naming of their team. Now, Barry wasn’t super wealthy, so when the richest man in the entire world told him that Barry was going to receive a large room in this giant, middle of nowhere, hidden facility, Barry got excited. Very excited. Taking all of his belongings, he moved to the top secret facility and has been living there for about a month now. Despite this, Barry didn’t feel very heroic compared to the others. He had been watching Batman in the news lately, and damn, Bruce was a hero. That man was incredible. Barry, despite helping to save the world, didn’t feel like he so much belonged in this exceptional group of misfits.

            This is where Diana came in. She had moved into the facility as well, though kept her office and job as an archaeologist and curator. It’s not like she had any issues travelling far, she could fly, which made Barry very jealous. Sure, he could get anywhere in the East Coast in less than an hour, but flying was so much cooler.

           “Hello, Barry,” Diana walked into Barry’s room, though the door had been closed for some time. Diana wasn’t one for privacy, Barry had noted early on in this living situation. Barry was sitting in front of his computer, reading through countless news stories on his heroic companions. Though once his door opened, her immediately clicked off, so only his screen saver was showing. “You are very stressed.”

           “Um, thanks?” Barry bit his lip, fighting off a bark of a laugh. Diana was very blunt, as was practically everyone else in the team. At least Cyborg was chill.

           “What is the matter?” Her smile was very sweet, though her eyes had the intensity of a lion biting into the throat of an antelope. “I can help.”

           “I am just stressed, no reason to it,” Barry sighed, leaning back in the rolling chair. “That’s it. Goodbye, Diana. I’ll see you at dinner.”

           Instead of leaving, Diana walked further into the room and stood directly behind him. He unconsciously sank into the chair, still intimidated by the powerful woman. Then, out of nowhere, she began to dig her fingers into his belly.

           “What the hell?” He choked out, cackling wildly, thrashing in his chair.

           “This is a way I was taught that humans can make each other feel better. It seems to be working well on you,” Diana beamed, smiling nearly as wide as he was. “You are no longer frowning.”

           “I can’t frown if I tried,” Barry squealed, letting out a snort as she poked his navel. “Okay, stop! I’ll tell you why I’m stressed.”

           “That was easy,” Diana pulled her hands away and clapped once.

           “I just feel like I’m not a good enough hero to be part of this group,” Barry let out after a few moments of taking in deep breaths, his lungs in desperate need of refilling. Diana frowned down at him, making Barry feel bad about his words.

           “You are the greatest of heroes, Barry,” she said firmly, eyes full of pride. “You are one of the bravest men I have ever met. I am thankful to have you by my side.”            “Wait, really?”

           “That is the truth,” Diana nodded, then pat him on the top of his head.

           “Thank you, Diana,” Barry replied, though she was already walking away. Her job was done in her eyes, and while Barry was very confused by that whiplash interaction, he somehow felt better. Sitting up, Barry relaxed his shoulders and held his head high. He was a hero, and despite Diana not being the best at pep talk, she made him feel heroic, and for that, he was grateful.

[oneirataxxiaa]

SOULMATE AU HEADCANONS

 villains

KLARION THE WITCH BOY

hearing thoughts

it wasn't unusual for someone to become startled out of no where.

look around like someone was calling their name.

sure, hearing your soul mates thoughts was interesting, and helped many to find their soulmate. because when you saw them, you just. . . knew.

however, you had no control over it, and sometimes it was just a random sentence that connected your minds for a moment.

anything as mundane as 'shit, I forgot to get milk' to things that could lead you to your soulmate such as locations or names.

everyone held onto every last word that their soulmate said in their mind.

most kept journals of what their soul mates said to try and make connections between things. It worked a lot of the time.

you where curious when you were on your early teens, so you began to write down what your soul mates thoughts were.

when your parents found the journal, they became worried. the thoughts that crossed your soulmate mind were far from good.

mentions of attacks, magic and the justice league instilled fear in your parents that your soulmate was a hero.

heroic soulmate relationships always went bad they said.

oh boy were they wrong. so wrong.

it started when you were late for the bus to school. it was your last year and you couldn't afford to miss any classes.

when you did miss it, you scoulded yourself and complained.

'great, now I have to walk all the way to star city high' you grumbled and started the forty minute walk.

what you wouldn't give to have your city's hero's speed right now.

however, one second you were walking, and the next you were falling.

the concrete ground outside star city high was not comfortable, and as you pushed yourself to your feet a voice chuckled behind you.

'less then graceful, but not bad for your first teleportation I do have to say'

the red eyes put you off for a second as you tried to figure out what just happened.

but that thought process was broken because the second you looked at this boy with horns, you knew.

your soulmate was a villain.

it takes a little while to get used to the idea. you're not exactly ready to jump into a life of crime, you're just trying to graduate.

klarion doesn't understand at first, but after sitting him down (it took forever, that boy hates being in one place too long) and explaining everything. he gave you a little more space.

if you ever need anything, he's there, on the spot.

the light is alerted of your status as Klarions soulmate and you are marked. marked as someone that NO ONE within the light or their allied organizations can touch.

or so help you, Klarions coming for you.

ICICLE JR

shared temperature (I had too)

Jesus christ

you were always so god damn cold.

you couldn't help it, your soulmate must have lived in a freezer or something his whole life because now you were getting weird looks walking around in 30 Celsius heat in a thick cotton hoodie and long pants.

your teammates never understood how you could be so cold.

being on the team as an old sidekick of the flash, you usually stuck around Wally in the early days. the two of you having trained together with Barry, though Wally for longer.

he taught you how to heat yourself up by vibrating your body.

whenever you got too cold you'd just turn into a blur, freaking out your teammates when it was unexpected.

"my god y/n! warning next time" Artemis yelled when you two were walking to the kitchen with drinks and you just started moving quicker then she could see, startling the drink out of her hands.

"sorry arty, not my fault, blame my soulmate for being so cold!" you laughed it off.

Robin (dick) got curious and started looking into it. it wasn't long before he came to a conclusion.

he sat you down in the lounge of the cave and started pacing.

"robin I feel like I'm being put on trial, what ever you think I ate, it was wally"

"I think your soulmates with Icicle Jr"

"excUSE ME, no ROBIN GET-you can't just walk off after saying that- ROBIN"

it makes sense though, but you have no proof. so, they decide to test it in the next battle.

a few of robins heatbombs later and suddenly your ready to trade your coat for a tank top.

Icicle is on the ground, most of the ice incasing his skin melted, though his skin is still tinted blue.

"I KNEW IT" robin yelled.

you paused, before walking forwards and offering a hand for the boy to take.

he's confused, definatly, cause he has no idea what you and robin know. and why was it just the two of you facing him, where was the team?

"sorry about him, he gets excited"

"uh- what is he talking about?"

it's awkward beyond hell when you explain what robin figured out.

there's a lot of stuttering, and speedy foottapping on your part.

he just seems to be turning a darker shade of blue as the seconds tick on.

"and, I uh, he figured that out because you were cold all the time?"

"yeah, world's greatest detective I guess?"

"I thought that was Batman"

it's. . . . a slow relationship.

you're both new at the whole soulmate thing, and the whole relationship thing.

plus your on opposing sides, which helps no situation.

battles usually consist of you speeding past him, giving him a kiss on the cheek before pushing him away from the battle.

"sorry cam, gotta run!"

you inherited the bad puns from Barry.

bonus: he always buys you new jackets and coats when they are ripped or destroyed on missions. you're still cold all the time. Unfortunatly.

I could only really think of these two for this, so if you have any suggestions, send them my way!!

TAGS

young justice : @silverdecepticon93

want to be added to the tags? Just ask!

[usually-abnormal]

Even More Incorrect Quotes

@at-the-exd-of-everythixg bc muses

Donnie, sarcastically:“I figured a random Kraang would be no match for the world’s greatest superhero. Ohh wait, no. That’s BATMAN! And you’re not Batman, are you? You will *never* be Batman.

Timothy: “HEY, FUCK YOU!”

Donnie:…

Timothy:… *Ahem* That uh…cut surprisingly deep.

***

Creature after Victor destroyed his bride: “GODDAMN IT, FRANKENSTEIN! I’M SICK AND TIRED OF YOU KICKING MY HEART IN THE DICK! WELL NOT THIS TIME. PREPARE TO FACE THE WRATH OF A PISSED OFF MONSTER WITH DADDY ISSUES!!”

***

Eclipsa, addressing the MHC during her coronation: “I’d like to take a moment to say that I couldn't have done it without the help of each and every one of you.”

Hekapoo: “ Aw, that's a nice thing to say-“

Eclipsa: “Of course, I'm not a liar, so I'm not gonna say any of that.”

Rhombulus: “Oh shit...”

***

Piper, seeing Zethes for the first time since the Doors of Death Quest:”You’re looking very alive…?”

Zethes: “Ha! Only on the outside.”

***

Nessa: “So I can either bake these cookies for 10 minutes at 400 degrees or for 1 minute at 4000 degrees.”

Mattie: “That's…not how you bake cookies?”

Nessa: “Floor it?”

Mattie: “NESSA NO!”

Elsie: “How about 4000,000 degrees for 1 second?”

Sophie: “Nessa, you’re goin’ to burn down the house!”

Nessa: “I'M GOING TO HARNESS THE POWER OF THE SUN TO MAKE COOKIES!”

Mattie: “Nessa…please…”

Elsie: “Yes Nessa…”

***

Mattie talking to Samson: “With all due respect, which is none, go to hell.”

***

Nessa: “I'm looking for my boyfriend, Finn?

Sal: Chubby, likes rabbits, cries when you call him a "bitch baby?”

Nessa: “That’s him.”

***

Mattie, talking to Hulk before he tries to sacrifice himself for greater good for the third time this week: “There's a word for people who always do heroic things.”

Hulk: “Heroes.”

Mattie, grabbing Hulk by the shoulders frantically: “Dead! The word is DEAD.”

[arkaniist]

I wrote 2.5k words about Tolkien, WWI, Le Morte d’Arthur, the Iliad and Odyssey, and more, all bundled happily in an essay about queer subtext in the Lord of the Rings revolving around the relationship between Sam and Frodo. I posted about this before, and someone asked me to post the essay, so here it is!

Homoerotic Subtext in the Lord of the Rings

In June of 1916, J. R. R. Tolkien shipped out from England to France to join his comrades on the Western Front. In July, he would participate in one of the bloodiest struggles of World War 1, the Battle of the Somme. Just a month later, he would be struck with Trench Fever, placing him in convalescence or behind a desk for the remainder of the war. Though his front-line experience was short, there is no denying the effect that the war and the loss of his closest friends had on Tolkien, nor the influence it had on his writing in the post-war years. Much has been written on that topic already. However, there is one aspect of Tolkien’s time in the service which is underexplored when it comes to the literary critique of his legendarium – of which the Lord of the Rings is but a piece – and that is his exposure to the widespread homoerotic attitudes which were a common undercurrent in the British armed forces during that time.

Homosexuality has always been an overlooked behavior on the front during wartime, even as it passed from common practice to taboo. One reason for this might be that people who are worried about being shot to death in a trench have other things to worry about besides who their mates might be kissing. Another might be that facing death brings a greater appreciation for love to the front of the mind, and it does not matter which gender that appreciation is directed towards. As a result, we find many examples in literature and letters of men expressing chaste but deep homoerotic love for other men. In The Great War and Modern Memory, Paul Fussel writes that in WWI-era battlefield poetry, one could not fail to notice ‘the unique physical tenderness, the readiness to admire openly the bodily beauty of young men, the unapologetic recognition that men may be in love with each other.’ (303). “War poetry has the subversive tendency to be our age’s love poetry.” he quotes Richard Fein. In that case, we must examine war literature for the same sentiments.

Most common in officers towards their men, we find ‘something more like the “idealistic,” passionate but non-physical “crushes” which most of the officers had experienced at public school. … What inspired such passions was — as always — faunlike good looks, innocence, vulnerability, and “charm.” The object was mutual affection, protection, and admiration.’ (Fussel 295) This makes sense, as ‘the tradition in Victorian homosexuality and homoeroticism [is] that soldiers are especially attractive. What makes them so is their youth, their athleticism, their relative cleanliness, their uniforms, and their heroic readiness, like Adonis or St. Sebastian, for “sacrifice.”’ (Fussel 302) In the Lord of the Rings, we find Frodo described as ‘taller than some and fairer than most, and he has a cleft in his chin: perky chap with a bright eye.’ (Tolkien 163). At his coming-of-age birthday party, he inherits the great evil that is the One Ring from his great uncle; he is an unintentional sacrificial lamb. Later, when he volunteers to take the One Ring to Mt. Doom knowing that it is likely a one-way trip if he can even make it that far, we find in our protagonist a young, beautiful, self-sacrificing hero.

Fussel writes that ‘although the usual course of protective affection was from superior to subordinate, sometimes the direction was reversed, with men developing hero-worshipping crushes on their young officers.’ (297) Enter Frodo’s counterpart and co-protagonist, Samwise Gamgee. Tolkien wrote in a 1956 letter to a fan that “My ‘Samwise’ is indeed (as you note) largely a reflexion [sic] of the English soldier—grafted on the village-boys of early days, the memory of the privates and my batmen that I knew in the 1914 War, and recognized as so far superior to myself.” (Letter 187)

A batman, in military parlance, was a soldier who, as well as fighting, oversaw an officer’s kit, cooking, and cleaning. (Garth) However, Sam is so much more than Frodo’s servant, though they start the journey as master of the house and gardener. Sam shows an incredible dedication to Frodo that cannot be explained as mere class-based loyalty. Take this passage from Return of the King when the enemy has captured Frodo. The Hobbits are separated, and Sam is up against what seems like impossible odds – faced with the task of raiding an entire tower he assumes is filled with enemies, alone, armed only with a short sword. He does not even know where Frodo is or if he is still alive:

‘… Except for that little frightened rat, I do believe there’s nobody left alive in the place!’

And with that he stopped, brought up hard, as if he had hit his head against the stone wall. The full meaning of what he had said struck him like a blow. Nobody left alive! Whose had been that horrible dying shriek? ‘Frodo, Frodo! Master!’ he cried, half sobbing. ‘If they’ve killed you, what shall I do? Well, I’m coming at last, right to the top, to see what I must.’ (Tolkien 887)

… He cared no longer for Shagrat or Snaga or any other orc that was ever spawned. He longed only for his master, for one sight of his face or one touch of his hand. (Tolkien 889)

Besides demonstrating Sam’s willingness to face certain death rather than leave Frodo, this passage is a perfect illustration of another one of Tolkien’s literary inspirations besides the Great War. Tolkien was a scholar of European mythology, drawing inspiration for his legendarium from epic myths like the Old English Beowulf and the Finnish Kalevala. Read the following lines from Le Morte d’Arthur regarding King Arthur’s death:

Then Sir Bedivere cried: Ah my lord Arthur, what shall become of me, now ye go from me and leave me here alone among mine enemies? … And as soon as Sir Bedivere had lost the sight of the barge, he wept and wailed, and so took the forest… (Mallory, Book 21 ch. V.)

Alas, said Sir Bedivere, that was my lord King Arthur, that here lieth buried in this chapel. Then Sir Bedivere swooned; and when he awoke he prayed the hermit he might abide with him still there, to live with fasting and prayers. For from hence will I never go, said Sir Bedivere, by my will, but all the days of my life here to pray for my lord Arthur. (Mallory, Book 21 ch. VI.)

These Medieval warrior relationships themselves draw from an even older literary tradition, one with not so much covert homoerotism but overt homosexuality. Ancient homosexual pederastic relationships like that of Alexander and Hephaestion or Achilles and Patroclus form the model for many close male warrior literary relationships. Compare Achilles’ reaction to Patroclus’ death in the Iliad to that of Bedivere to Arthur’s and Sam to Frodo’s:

A dark cloud of grief fell upon Achilles as he listened. He filled both hands with dust from off the ground, and poured it over his head, disfiguring his comely face, and letting the refuse settle over his shirt so fair and new. He flung himself down all huge and hugely at full length, and tore his hair with his hands. … Antilochus bent over him the while, weeping and holding both Achilles’ hands as he lay groaning for Antilochus feared that Achilles might plunge a knife into his own throat. (Homer, Book XVIII)

Near-suicidal grief at the loss of the beloved is a common theme between the three of them. Achilles lives to avenge Patroclus, Bedivere lives to pray for Arthur’s soul, and Sam, as luck and Tolkien would have it, lives to save Frodo, who was not dead after all, though it was a close thing. Sam’s joy at finding Frodo alive is as poignant as his grief at having thought he lost him – unashamed physical affection and more tears follow the discovery of his master.

[Frodo] was naked, lying as if in a swoon on a heap of filthy rags: his arm was flung up, shielding his head, and across his side there ran an ugly whip-weal.

‘Frodo! Mr. Frodo, my dear!’ cried Sam, tears almost blinding him. ‘It’s Sam, I’ve come!’ He half lifted his master and hugged him to his breast.

…

‘Well, you have now, Sam, dear Sam,’ said Frodo, and he lay back in Sam’s gentle arms, closing his eyes, like a child at rest when night-fears are driven away by some loved voice or hand.

Sam felt he could sit like that in endless happiness; but it was not allowed. It was not enough for him to find his master, he had still to try and save him. He kissed Frodo’s forehead. (Tolkien 889)

Tolkien’s earlier description of Sam as a combination of village boy and batman fits neatly with Fussel’s declaration that ‘to the degree that front-line homoeroticism was sentimental it can be seen to constitute another element of pastoral.’ (Fussel 300) In the Lord of the Rings, the Shire – Sam and Frodo’s home – represents the ultimate ideal of Pastoralism. In the Shire, Hobbits live community-focused rural lives with minimal conflict, drinking and feasting and partying, with little to no exposure to more advanced societies of the East. In that light, the entire quest of the Lord of the Rings can be seen as a removal from the Pastoral – the world becomes darker, less hospitable, and less natural the further East the Hobbits travel until they reach their end goal: a blighted, unnatural wasteland dominated by machinery.

As Frodo falls further and further under the sway of the One Ring, he forgets the Shire. He loses his connection to his pastoral home. Nevertheless, ever at his side is his loyal Sam, who recalls even in the darkest moments the comforts of home. Sam is Frodo’s link to the pastoral ideal when his suffering is the greatest. Sam’s yearning for the pastoral often comes up in the form of recalling Frodo as he was in the Shire. This is exemplified by the following passage near the end of their quest, just after the One Ring has been destroyed:

‘Well, this is the end, Sam Gamgee,’ said a voice by his side. And there was Frodo, pale and worn, and yet himself again; and in his eyes there was peace now, neither strain of will, nor madness, nor any fear. His burden was taken away. There was the dear master of the sweet days in the Shire.

‘Master!’ cried Sam, and fell upon his knees. In all that ruin of the world for the moment he felt only joy, great joy. The burden was gone. His master had been saved; he was himself again, he was free. (Tolkien 926)

While Sam represents and thus easily returns to an idyllic pastoral existence after the war, Frodo remains haunted by his experiences. Finally, we reach the real end of Frodo and Sam’s journey, the temporary separation before the eternal unification. Frodo and Sam go to see off Frodo’s uncle, and there Frodo reveals he will be passing into the West as well – a form of eternal life in Middle Earth, but one that is forever separate from the rest of the world:

‘Where are you going, Master?’ cried Sam, though at last he understood, what was happening.

‘To the Havens, Sam,’ said Frodo.

‘And I can’t come.’

‘No, Sam. Not yet anyway, not further than the Havens. Though you too were a Ring-bearer, if only for a little while. Your time may come. Do not be too sad, Sam. You cannot be always torn in two. You will have to be one and whole, for many years. You have so much to enjoy and to be, and to do.’

‘But,’ said Sam, and tears started in his eyes, ‘I thought you were going to enjoy the Shire, too, for years and years, after all you have done.’

‘So I thought too, once. But I have been too deeply hurt, Sam. I tried to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me. It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger: some one has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them. But you are my heir: all that I had and might have had I leave to you. … You will … keep alive the memory of the age that is gone, so that people will remember the Great Danger and so love their beloved land all the more.’ (Tolkien 1006)

Here we see Frodo acknowledge that this separation splits Sam’s spirit – part of Sam goes to his home and family, but part always goes with Frodo. Frodo encourages him to live the rest of his life fully in the Shire, and when the time has come, he can reunite with Frodo in the ‘afterlife.’ Contrast this to Patroclus’ final request of Achilles in the Iliad:

“One prayer more will I make you, if you will grant it; let not my bones be laid apart from yours, Achilles, but with them; … let our bones lie in but a single urn, the two-handled golden vase given to you by your mother.” (Homer, Book XXIII)

Furthermore, the resolution in the Odyssey, as Odysseus reassures Achilles that his will was done:

Your mother brought us a golden vase to hold them—gift of Bacchus, and work of Vulcan himself; in this we mingled your bleached bones with those of Patroclus who had gone before you… (Homer, Book XXIV)

Return of the King ends with Sam riding home with a heavy heart to his family after watching Frodo’s ship depart to the West. Like the Iliad and Odyssey, we must read a bit further to determine what eventually happens with Frodo and Sam. The Lord of the Rings has a massive amount of supplementary material, including maps and family trees. In Appendix B, we find a chronology of the years before, during, and after the main novels. It reveals that at age 96, after the death of his wife, Samwise rides out to the Havens and passes over the Great Sea to unite with Frodo for the final time.

Queerness is often overlooked in serious examinations of literature, especially when the voices of cishet men dominate the discussion, as they do in Tolkien scholarship. Tolkien scholars have repeatedly dismissed the idea of homoeroticism in Tolkien’s works as silly fangirls making things gay for titillation, which erases queer voices and condemns queerness to the realm of the unrealistic and ahistorical.

I have been a fan of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit since I was queer child struggling with gender identity and sexual attraction. In sixth grade, I received my first copy of the Lord of the Rings, and I read it voraciously until the pages started to fall out. Although I did not fully recognize the homoerotic undertones back then, I still yearned for the deep, lasting, emotionally fulfilling, and life-changing same-sex relationships I saw in those books. Even 20 years later, as a queer adult, the idea that I might share something so intensely personal with my heroes is vitally important to me. J. R. R. Tolkien died in 1973. He was a devout Catholic who maintained a lasting friendship with a gay poet and spoke with great esteem of a novel about gay men written by a lesbian; one can hardly imagine what he might have said about the idea of queer subtext in his writing. But if I, a queer reader, recognize some essential part of myself in Sam or Frodo, if I see my bonds in their bond, is that not enough to warrant an entrance into the discussion and serious consideration? Whether you see their relationship as a purely platonic friendship or a great romance of the ages, Sam and Frodo are in love.

Works Cited

Fussel, Paul. The Great War and Modern Memory. Oxford University Press, 2013

Garth, John. “Sam Gamgee and Tolkien’s batmen.” 13 February 2013, [msg for link].

Homer. The Iliad. Translated by Samuel Butler. Project Gutenberg, 2000. [msg for link].

Homer. The Odyssey. Translated by Samuel Butler. Project Gutenberg, 1999. [msg for link].

Malory, Thomas. Le Morte d’Arthur, edited by Caxton, William, and Sir Edward Strachey. Project Gutenberg, 2014. [msg for link].

Tolkien, J. R. R. “Letter 187.” The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Tolkien, Christopher, and Humphrey Carpenter. Houghton Mifflin, 1981.

—. The Lord of the Rings. HarperCollinsPublishers, 1994.

[thattimdrakeguy]

ROBIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY - REVIEW!! - The GREAT, the okay, the meh, the wait what, and the freaking awful

None of the stories I’d consider bad in this besides the Super Sons one.

They have flaws, some don’t have any but aren’t that great, and just weird choices, with some disappointments.

I’m just gonna be honest about each story because that’s all I can do.

--

DICK GRAYSON’S FIRST STORY: Really freaking good.

My favorite story is probably the first one:

Like the art is the best in the whole issue, and the only real flaw is how mean they made Bruce through-out it.

It’s yet again another story of how and why Dick quit (I guess he didn’t get fired this time) being Robin, but it’s just nice. Nice pacing, timing, dialogue, good art, and because the people working on it are 80s writers and artists, it keeps it feeling classic.

Which is great for a little showing of the 80s world, and I’m no big 80s DC guy at all, but it’s a really nice flashback for that.

One thing that was disappointing but I won’t count as a flaw (since it’s really not, just a wasted opportunity) is that this kid didn’t end up being Tim:

It looks like a young Tim, it’s drawn by the first artist on Tim’s Robin ongoing, written by his creator, it’s about the history of Robin, and he’s an overeager Robin fanboy-- like why wasn’t this kid Tim? He even has that dorky bowlcut Tim had when he was little, just less 80s styled.

A missed opportunity honestly.

The story though shows Dick’s compassion, talent, frustrations as he became his own man, his views on Robin, some of his sense of humor even. So his characterization is pretty great, but it is written by the man that grew Dick his own unique character to begin with, and it’s great to see this story keeps it up. (Prolly gonna find out this is an old script, but hey, it’s a good one.)

A weird retcon story, but it’s a nice callback to the 80s, and I think it’s really well-done beyond Bruce being a controlling grumpy prick to the point it feels like parody.

--

DICK GRAYSON’S SECOND STORY: It’s just alright.

Where the first story is a flashback to the 80s, this is a direct flashback to he 90s, with the writer and artist that started his ongoing solo.

And it’s good. Like I had a lot of fun reading it, good heroics, feels of it’s era, but like the last story that’s the fun.

There’s nothing really to say about it besides it’s good. There isn’t anything too standout about it.

--

DICK GRAYSON’S THIRD STORY: It’s forgettable.

I forgot this was a thing in this, and it just feels like a waste of page.

It’s in no way bad that I seen, but it’s so very bland and one note. Titans fight and Dick acts as leader. Very generic.

The art’s really good though.

--

DICK GRAYSON’S FOURTH STORY: It’s better than that last one at least.

Unlike the last one, this feels like it at least has a point to be here, and it actually feels like it makes sense to be in he 80th anniversary as well.

I’m not a personal fan of the “Grayson” series, it just sexualized Dick too much honestly, made him cheesier again a bit, and the writing was a little on the off-side in a way that just made it all feel empty besides a few moments, but I never read the whole series to be a great judge on it.

But also because of that, I have no idea who these people are for this story to be grand. What makes it feel like it’s worthy of being here though is trying it back to the history of Robin like the first story with these little bits.

Without these moments though, you wouldn’t have a clue why this is there.

Also Dick just suddenly wears this:

Which is super duper off-putting. But Oh-ho gotta have sexy Dick in there somewhere I guess. Just-- wow, was that super sudden.

--

JASON TODD’S STORY: It’s good but this kid doesn’t look right.

The story is very simple and sweet, and I think it works a lot given Jason and Bruce’s complicated relationship.

It’s even written by Judd Winnick who did Under the Red Hood, which is awesome.

But who is this kid they keep calling Jason exactly? It irrationally bugs me, because all the art has been super spot on till this story. They even write him well, but it just genuinely doesn’t look like post-crisis Robin Jason.

Like to show what I mean--

You read it and this is how the kid speaks.

Super snarky,

a bit of a rude edge to it,

practical sounding but rough teen-ish still

yet still mature enough to feel like he can handle himself.

So you might place this around when Jason was 15 given he’s Robin, and when he was 15 and when they gave him a unique design finally away from a generic silver age Robin, he looked like a young body builder--

Like this is what Jason Todd looked like when they settled his look away from a Dick clone:

A young body builder type, strong jaw, working out, mature features for his age

So who the heck is this?

Like this isn’t what Jason looked like besides pre-crisis, but this is post-crisis Jason. They already settled what he looked like during that 80s run, and this isn’t it. He’s not supposed to look like a generic silver age Robin anymore.

Even beyond it not looking like what Jason’s supposed to, it doesn’t fit the dialogue. He’s written as a practical, snarky, yet in his own way still mature teen. Soooooo why’s he look 5?

It’s so off-putting and it bugs me.

However, beyond that, I really like the story, and at least the artist was good at drawing adult Jason.

Them representing Bruce’s and Jason’s complicate relationship of distant but still caring is something I really enjoy. It’s so much more true to character rather than acting like Jason is just a part of the family like nothing ever happened.

More of that dynamic for them, please.

--

TIM DRAKE’S FIRST STORY: It’s pretty good, but it’s missing something.

Not the highest praise ever, but I do like this story. I enjoy it’s setting at Tim’s school. High school was a constant setting for Tim’s comics in Robin, and they rarely ever treat it like that so I enjoy this story bringing it back.

I really enjoyed the connection  between extracurricular activities and what he does as Robin. It’s that blend of relatability and heroics that really made Tim work as a character. So that’s also great they brought back.

One of my favorite things that they bring up is Tim being into eSports, cuz it reminds me of how much Tim was into video games. It’s a very modern version of him being into the arcades in the 90s. Which is great.

However a downside is that it doesn’t really focus on Tim as a character like the other stories did with the other Robins.

Nothing about his never give up attitude, his insecurities, his underdog likability, how hard he is on himself, or things like that.

In-general this story says nothing about his personality besides a mention that he’s geeky. Which is a pretty big let-down because it keeps it from being any better, despite it already being good.

Freddie William’s art is also very hit or miss. It’s so crude sometimes, and Tim seems so buff compared to before in his actual Robin run. It’s very displeasing given that his early Tim work was top 5 Tim art material. However I still enjoyed that they brought him back even if he can’t draw Tim as well anymore. Tim’s still good in the babyface in most panels at least.

BUT-- this is still a pretty good Tim story. It’s just lacking.

Like it just should’ve been more about Tim as a character since it’s a Tim Drake story.

--

TIM DRAKE’S SECOND STORY: It’s honestly just pretentious.

Tim doesn’t talk like this. Tynion has a melodramatic tone to his characters that works great for characters like Batman, I’ve actually quite liked his Batman run so far partially because of that, but it doesn’t work for Tim.

This is not what Tim talks like. It’s so very unnatural sounding for a kid. Yet Tim talks in this incredibly dramatic tone except for a few light hearted spots, when I feel like it should be the opposite.

It’s also trying hard to be a character study, but again it’s so unnatural. It sounds like a fan describing their view of the characters, not the characters themselves. Like since have these guys became each others therapists?

And then he has Dick say these things that makes Tim seem like a Gary Stu and the greatest most talented guy ever.

Also having Tim hang out with Jason when Jason’s using guns even though Tim’s insanely against that sort of thing.

They even have Damian talk like a typical fan person who dislikes Tim based off of superficial things for a bit.

The fact it treats that Detective Comics Rebirth part of Tim’s character history as uber important is also a bit pretentious of the writer given he wrote that too. Despite Tim only being in that run for like three arcs and wasn’t even in-character for most of it.

Best part of it, is the vague acknowledgement that Tim didn’t want to be anything else but Robin to me.

Otherwise it just reeks of awkwardly written fan fiction.

Honorable mentions of quality though, is Dick and Tim being brothers train riding, and Damian’s mini-adult coming out. I’m so sick of them making Damian a generic kid sometimes that I actually liked this part even if it’s through a snarky filter.

--

STEPHANIE BROWN’S STORY: Better than expected, it’s actually pretty good.

I actually really liked this story. Overall I think Steph’s actual Robin run sucked, this is still a good story if I can get past the era it’s set in.

Unlike Tim’s stories, this actually uses her character.

How reckless she can be without it being super exaggerated, her attitude, love that they brought back the diary format for her inner-monologue too. 

There’s not much to say besides I’d actually consider this one of the best stories in the thing, except for the fact Steph clearly disobeys Batman and she was said to get fired for that. That’s a decent plot holes for me.

I super love the detail of Tim being so small that Steph can’t fit in his uniform. That cheered me up.

Them bringing back her Robin era artist was also great. Unlike Freddie Williams, their art actually really improved.

DAMIAN WAYNE’S FIRST STORY: The genuine worst story in it.

It’s so-- baaad.

Fan service can work if it’s in good quality. Like being in-character, or a nice homage. The train riding in Tynion’s story was that.

This isn’t that.

Damian and Jon didn’t get along right away, not even soon enough for this “mostly” part to feel right as a joke, because they obviously didn’t get along mostly right away. They fought a lot. They even show it on the full page them fighting, but they downplay how long they did fight just for fanservice. It took a long time, and even when they did it was still contrived.

Then they have Damian and Jon in the same class, when they aren’t the same age for that to make sense..

They even have Jon help Damian on his tests when it’s constantly shown that Damian is a brainiac who wouldn’t need that.

It’s literally even in the history summary at the end that he’s highly intelligent. So he probably wouldn’t even ever need a study partner considering he’s even said to have actual PHDs anyway. Which makes the study partner thing just plain out of character.

There’s also panels that straight up feels like oddly specific deviantart fetish art, which is so nasty. Especially considering that I know damn well that’s there’s pedophiles who make this same kind of oddly specific fetish art on there. So much so I had to stop using the site cuz of the anxiety it gave me.

And they downplay how mean Damian can be too Jon so much that it irks me.

This is the worst story in the whole comic, genuinely. Nothing good is in it, besides some decent enough art.

It’s certainly pandering to it’s fandom, but to certain parts it really shouldn’t be.

(This sort of stuff was still happening in their miniseries. Jon really shouldn’t want this as a brother. That’s stockholm syndrome.

--

DAMIAN WAYNE’S SECOND STORY: It’s better than the last one, but somethings missing still.

Unlike the last one avoiding talking about Damian’s actual character besides to play it down. This one actually uses it.

It’s just so quick, and empty feeling at the same time that it’s missing something. A bit like an inverse of Tim’s first story. Tim’s story had the setting and interesting story format, but no real character, while this has a lot of usage of the character but no interesting setting or story.

A lot of Damian’s character is that he’s not a natural Robin as far as attitude goes. He isn’t a typical Robin, and I enjoy how they play into that rather than be afraid of that. It’s what makes this actually work for me.

Although it makes you question why he’s still Robin, I consider that a good thing, because YOU SHOULD. You want the character’s to actually acknowledge things as if they’re real and not just ignoring things.

He’s not typical, he’s unique for better or worse. That’s Damian, and that’s what you should show of him.

This goes into why Damian’s the exact opposite of what a Robin normally is. That’s great.

But it’s missing anything memorable about it. However I think that’s cuz it leads into a future issue of Teen Titans which gives it a reasonable excuse.

I’m really hoping it leads into something.

Although i have a feeling they sadly might do the same thing as typical and ignore Damian’s actions more. Avoiding any genuine feelings.

--

OVERALL

It’s not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Only two stories I’d actually call bad, which is a lot less than I thought With just occasionally sloppy art, not even what I’d call back, but just crude or not drawing the character accurately which will annoy some more than others.

When I heard of this book I got so worried, but only two stories is actually almost relieving how little that is given the potential ego-driven things they could’ve done, which only those two stories then.

To me, I say it’s worth a pick-up, just rip out a story or two to keep it friendlier to revisit

Mostly was just really missing that extra heart in a lot of the stories.

[wonderfulworldofmichaelford]

Psycho Analysis: Count Dracula

(WARNING! This analysis contains SPOILERS!)

So, in all my time doing Psycho Analysis, there have been a few villainous characters that, while extremely obvious, have such large and daunting scopes that it seems a bit scary to think I could accurately analyze them. Characters like Disney’s Pete or Bowser come to mind. Both are obvious 11s, but where to even begin with them? And that is a similar problem I faced with the villain who is arguably the single most important foe to ever grace fiction: Count Dracula.

How on Earth is one supposed to talk about a character who has spanned so much media and has remained an enduring fixture of pop culture for over a century? The guy has been in movies, comics, books, video games, plays, cartoons, musicals, songs… and he hasn’t even been a villain in all of them! How does one talk about such a villain with such a broad, all-encompassing scope?

The obvious answer is, of course, to talk about him in a broad sense and how he has affected culture, of course! This one’s going to be a little different than usual since I’m focusing more on the concept of Dracula than one single version, so there’s a lot of Dracula’s to go over here:

Performance: Throughout the years, Dracula has had many actors take a shot at him, though I think the finest takes are courtesy of Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee. The former is basically what cemented Dracula as a sexy, Gothic horror icon, changing the far less attractive man from the book into a seductive monster that would color numerous adaptations after. Lee’s take brings the sexy, but is also far more violent and monstrous, mostly because Hammer horror films were all about that bright red blood, so gotta have someone spill it all!

If you’re looking for more flamboyant, hammy Draculas, Richard Roxbourg of Van Helsing and Duncan Regehr of The Monster Squad have you covered, playing Dracula at his most deliciously, monstrously evil. However, the hammiest (and thus most amazing) Dracula was Michael Guinn’s take in Symphony of the Night, with the entire opening exchange between him and Richter Belmont being a testament to the joys of chewing the scenery.

More comedic takes on Dracula have popped up over the years, with the most notable ones being Adam Sandler’s lovable, fatherly take on the character in the Hotel Transylvania films and Phil LaMarr’s performance on Billy and Mandy, where he plays a ridiculous, possibly senile version of Dracula who is abrasive and hilarious in equal measure.

Basically, when it comes to Dracula, you can easily find any sort of performance to suit your needs and give you what you’re looking for.

Best Scene: Over the years, Dracula has had a great many fantastic moments under his belt, so many fantastic scenes and boss battles… but for my money, the single greatest moment Dracula has ever been in is the opening battle of Symphony of the Night. Just watch this cheesy melodrama unfold and try and disagree with me:

Though, of course, his death in the animated series sure is a contender:

Best Quote: From the above scene, we have “What is a man? A miserable little pile of secrets!” among moany other meme-worthy bits of dialogue from Dracula. 

On the subject of Castlevania, from the TV show we have Dracula at his most tragic and pitiable, especially when he delivers these fantastically tragic lines like “ It's your room... My boy... I'm- I'm killing my boy... Lisa... I'm killing our boy. We painted this room. We... made these toys. It's our boy, Lisa... your greatest gift to me... and I'm killing him. I must already be dead.” and “Your greatest gift to me... and I'm killing him." as he does battle with his son, Alucard.

Then of course, we have the legendary moment from The Monster Squad where Dracula drops any pretense and starts strangling a little girl, screaming in her face "Give me the amulet, you bitch!" It’s so deliciously, horrendously evil!

Final Thoughts & Score: It’s very strange to think of how much all of fiction owes Dracula. The original book invented a lot of traits (the lack of reflection being one) and popularized others (such as shapeshifting and weakness to garlic), but at the same time also predates a lot of things modern vampire fiction takes for granted. The Dracula of the book has no weakness to sunlight and gets younger as he drinks blood, starting as an old man; in fact, Dracula in the book is entirely lacking in the Gothic sex appeal that almost every adaptation of the character after would give him. He was also not very seductive, instead outright attacking women if he wasn’t hypnotizing them. Hell, he wasn’t even explicitly Vlad the Impaler in the books!

More than any other villain I’ve covered so far, Dracula is truly deserving of an 11/10. Even Count Orlok owes him a debt, seeing as Nosferatu was just a blatant ripoff. Hell, aside from villains from old mythology, I don’t think any villain can lay claim to the sort of scope Dracula has, having forever altered vampire fiction even as certain elements of him become lost in translation.

But what of some of his other incarnations over the years? How do they fare in terms of score? Well, I’m certainly not going to be incredibly thorough and list every Dracula ever, but here are a few I’ve encountered:

Obviously it’s unfair to give the Bela Lugosi incarnation anything less than an 11/10, mainly because this is the Dracula who pretty much inspired most other interpretations of Dracula after him. He’s suave, Gothic, attractive in that dark and mysterious way… it’s no wonder Lugosi’s Dracula became such an iconic fixture of cinema. Then we have the other classic Dracula, Christopher Lee’s take. I think he’s only a 10/10 because I feel like Lee’s tenure is a bit more overlooked and Lugosi tends to supplant him in terms of iconic status.

Castlevania as a franchise is specifically built qround defeating Dracula as the heroic Belmont clan or some adjacent vampire hunter. So you’d better hope that the big bad and master of the magical castle the game takes place in is impressive, right? Well he most certainly is; while he’s not completely fleshed out in every appearance he has some, like his iconic portrayal in Symphony of the Night, really help sell the idea this incarnation of Dracula is a rather tragic villain, though at other times in the series he seems to revel in being a monster far more than that interpretation would allow. Notably, the Castlevania show went with the more tragic approach to great effect, with Graham McTavish delivering a fantastic performance that swings from being genuinely terrifying to hauntingly emotional (just watch the scene where he breaks down upon fighting Alucard and realizing he’s killing his own son). Both game (in a broad sense) and show Dracula get a 10/10, for different reasons.

Duncan Regehr portrayed the Dracula in The Monster Squad, and it is quite obvious he’s having a hell of a time. He’s just wonderfully hammy, and he might be one of the most evil Draculas ever seeing how he called a little girl a bitch and tried to slaughter children with dynamite. This one’s a 9/10 for sure. I honestly think he’s the best take on the character, but his movie is sadly too obscure to really give him that push to being a truly iconic portrayal. He just captures the menace and charisma of Dracula so well, it’s a shame more people don’t know about him.

Van Helsing had a Dracula, played to hammy perfection by Richard Roxburgh. Say what you will about the rest of the film, but any Dracula movie that features evil bat monster Dracula fighting fallen angel werewolf Hugh Jackman in a battle to the death over Frankenstein’s atomic heart is worth at least an 8/10. For a more minor role, we have the Dracula who appeared in the blaxploitation classic Blacula. While he only appears for a bit at the start, long enough to curse an African prince with vampirism and dub him “Blacula,” this Dracula firmly cements himself as one of the most evil Draculas ever, gleefully participating in the slave trade. I believe that’s another 8/10 right there. On a related note, Blacula serves as a chief inspiration to the Billy and Mandy incarnation of Dracula, who is a cranky old black man with a big mustache and lots of sass (in fact, he’s accidentally closer to the original book’s depiction than most other Draculas). Sadly, as a more neutral chaotic comedic figure, I can’t give him a rating, but boy is he a riot.

Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf features a more comedic and zany Dracula, one who participates in some good-old-fashioned Wacky Races cheating in an attempt to keep Shaggy as a werewolf forever. He’s mostly amusing for a oneshot villain, so I’d say 7/10 is fair. Speaking of oneshot villains, Dracula also showed up in an animated straight to video movie for The Batman, where he did things such as turn Joker into a vampire and get killed by Batman. He’s probably a 7/10 as well.

And then there are all the heroic takes on Dracula, such as the version from Dracula Untold or the “overbearing but endearing father” take on the character from the Hotel Transylvania movies (though that rap Adam Sandler does at the end of the first movie is pretty heinous).

And this is not an extensive list by any means. There are so many Draculas I haven’t watched yet, so many different takes I haven’t read the adventures of. And that, I think, is what makes Dracula such a great villain. He is a character who any writer can bend and shape to fit a plot, a villain who can serve almost any purpose and who can fit in almost any fantasy story imaginable. Dracula is incredibly versatile, and whenever he shows up in a work, things almost always get better for a bit. And keep in mind, this is a character who has been around since the year 1897, and yet he is still a household name that even people who have never read the books or seen the movies can accurately describe and recognize.

Is Count Dracula the greatest villain in all of human history? It’s debatable for sure, but I don’t think there’s any denying he’s up there considering his scope and influence and how he helped mold modern vampire fiction into what it is today. If nothing else, Dracula is still wildly influential.

[wazafam]

When most people think of anti-hero or villain teams in the DC Universe the immediate group that comes to mind is the Suicide Squad. It's certainly a novel concept: A bunch of street-level villains getting bombs stuck in their head and sent out on the kind of missions that no one else is crazy enough or desperate enough to attempt. It's resulted in some pretty classic comics too. No disrespect to Rick Flagg and company, but DC's got a much better villain team on its roster; a gang of damaged or outright deranged misfits who take on some of the most twisted quests ever to pop up in the DCU, that's when they're not hooking up stabbing each other in the back. Behold, the Secret Six in all their unstable, lovable glory.

While a TV adaption was once optioned by CBS, the Secret Six has always been an obscure title. The team originally started as a spy comic of sorts in the 1960s, followed by a reboot in the 80s. The most beloved and interesting version of the team came to form with writer Gail Simone's Villains United mini-series, created as part of the Countdown to Infinite Crisis tie-ins.

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Led by a disguised Lex Luthor under the moniker of Mockingbird, the team consisted the Suicide Squad's own Deadshot, and a cadre of D-list villains and new creations like Catman, Cheshire, Knockout, Ragdoll, a random Parademon, and Scandal Savage. While many team-members would be killed off over time or switched with more high-profile characters, Catman, Deadshot, Scandal, and Ragdoll remain mainstays of the team through all of Simone's initial run on the series. While they initially started as villains bent on world domination, in truth, the Six are a lot closer to outlaws or mercenaries. They take on various jobs, some heroic and some outright despicable. Really anything that puts meat on the table. It should also be worth noting that they're all a bunch of weirdos.

Villains United proved to be lightning in a bottle that would spawn an entire run. The series about a group of oddball characters that don't fit in with heroes or villains struck a perfect balance between black comedy and character-driven drama. Every character in the series gets such a unique and fitting characterization. Deadshot is a pornstache personified; Floyd Lawton has never been as skeezy or charming as he is under Simone's pen. Ragdoll is essentially a violent contortionist version of  Dean Craig Pelton from Community. Scandal Savage is the badass lesbian ninja and daughter of Vandal Savage, who serves as team leader and voice of reason throughout the series. Lastly, Catman is probably the most remarkable character on the team and the closest thing to the protagonist of the series. Before Secret Six, Thomas Blake was written as an overweight loser who was eaten by a talking Gorilla in Brad Meltzer's Green Arrow series. Simone rewrote the character from the ground up and created one of the most layered and cool Batman knock-off's ever. He also snarls like a cat when he fights.

Related: Harley Quinn Claims Deadshot's Power in DC's Suicide Squad

Apart from the main four team members, Bane and an immortal banshee named Jeannette round out the team for the rest of the series. While Jeannette is simultaneously a frightening and charming character with a unique backstory, Simone's take on Bane is one of the best. Secret Six sees Bruce Wayne's greatest foe trying to turn a new leaf. He's kicked his steroid habit and is acting with utter honor, Bane also immediately tries to be an upstanding father figure to any distressed young woman he sees, resulting in a hilarious running gag throughout the series.

Secret Six is a mature book in every sense of the word. It's packed to the brim with sex and violence, to the point where it's absolutely incredible that DC allowed some of the stuff in the book to happen. Catman bites a man's face off, there's a sex scene between Mad Hatter and one of his hats, and almost everything that comes out of Ragdoll's mouth is jaw-droppingly obscene. But apart from all the blood, and bad words that usually get things pulled off TV, Secret Six features intricate character development and some very grown-up storylines. They find themselves rescuing a group of enslaved Amazons (after they're hired to guard the prison of course). Catman's infant son is kidnapped by a group of psychotic criminals, leading him onto a bloodthirsty rampage. Scandal grapples with the death of her girlfriend for a large part of the series. Then of course there's that trip to hell.

Related: Batman: Bane Just Returned in the Last Way Fans Expected

"The Secret Six goes to Hell" may sound like the title of a schlocky horror movie, but it reads like something far different. Each character comics to the realization that they're damned no matter what. While Deadshot and Ragdoll aren't particularly shocked about their own fates, it's a surprise for the rest of the team. For Bane in particular, it's heartbreaking. The series had served as a moving redemption story for the Man Who Broke the Bat, discovering that he won't truly change is a pretty haunting conclusion. However, he's since proven to be pretty irredeemable.

While there are lot's of very dark moments in Secret Six, the tone of the book is never dreary or bleak. A slice-of-life feeling is prevalent in the series that is absent from the bombastic, multiverse shattering world of superhero comics. It's not uncommon to see members of the Six eating dinner together or chilling out in a hot tub. One issue sees Catman pick up a tub of ice cream for a depressed Scandal Savage. Deadshot and Jeanette end up in a fairly healthy and supportive relationship together. And speaking of romance, the other members of the team set Bane up on a date and it's as hilarious as it sounds. Refreshing little asides like this differentiate the book even further from standard superhero fare.

Related: The Real Reason DC's CATMAN Has Basically Disappeared

There will never be another team like the Six. No other series from the Big Two will ever be packed with this much humor, tragedy, and outright weirdness. Where else can you see a joke like Catman transform into a compelling character or Vandal Savage get stabbed in the neck with some chopsticks by his own daughter? Where else can you see Bane try to make his team-mates go on a diet or Deadshot get in a Western style duel with Deathstroke? And on that note, there's even a one-off issue that sees an Old West version of the team, and it's awesome too. Gail Simone created one of the  ultimate villain comic book teams. A unique series about a group of terrible people who love each other taking down worse people that don't. The Secret Six is one of the funniest and most badass teams in all of comics, and they don't need to be implanted with bombs in their necks to do it either.

Next: Suicide Squad Could Be Adding The Perfect Batman Villain

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