#I don't want anyone to think /I/ actually ship these two!!''

[eternitycongregation]

This is real. It annoys me so much; because while I do avidly ship the two of them, I don't project onto Aventurine as strongly as everyone else seems to, and that aspect of shipping appears to me to be the reason why there's such a hard focus on Ratio being Ave's rock (pun unintended) and source of comfort. Ratio fulfills the fantasy of someone gentle-hearted and reliable taking care of you while you're a whole mess and a half—which isn't a bad thing in itself—it just doesn't resonate with me when Ratio's character is flattened *and* the romance feels so one-sided, as Ratio isn't ever shown to *need* Aventurine as much as people depict Aventurine needing him. A romantic partner isn't just someone who exists to meet all your needs; they're a whole other person who has their own needs and struggles and will want your support.

I rarely see people talking, writing, drawing about Ratio's life and Ratio's family (or lack thereof) and Ratio's insecurities. His struggle with the siren call of chasing excellence and building your own sense of worth around academic achievement only to face the reality that you will never be good enough (and thus shattering your sense of self), with being ignored by the gods you know exist in the universe (people suffer irl enough with the idea of being abandoned by gods we aren't sure are out there, what more if they physically exist and you have proof they don't care about you particularly), with having no true peers because you exist in a weird space between social classes. I rarely see people depict Ratio feeling unwanted, because there's a difference between being desired for your looks, for your labor, for what you can provide for others...and being desired for who you actually are. These are running themes in his character introductions and character stories, but they rarely show up in fanworks.

At most people bring up headcanoning Ratio as autistic, but rarely do they actually explore how being autistic affects Ratio. It's more or less just "I find him weird/strange/eccentric" and slapping the label on him without really thinking about it. Autism is more than just intense interests people might find "weird" or a bunch of social quirks...it often comes packaged with a lot of physical, cognitive, and mental disorders and disabilities. I rarely see anyone depict Ratio with his own trauma, speech disorders, intellectual disabilities (this one in particular requires people challenging their biases), or anything else commonly (let alone uncommonly) comorbid with autism. It's almost as if anything that would shatter the image of him being perfect in everything he does (and by extent being the perfect partner to attend to your every need and help you in every struggle)...would make him undesirable. And it just feels weird.

Or some people who know a little bit of this and that recognized the melody of the Seikilos Epitaph in his character trailer...but I see little speculation on who might Ratio be mourning or in remembrance of that this composition is significant to him. Little thoughts out there of Ratio's relationship with death and loss and how a loss in his life affected him and his present outlook.

And most people don't really have a grasp on what a professor even does or what they're like, so I think I've actually never seen anybody talk about what struggles Ratio would have as an educator despite that being his entire thing. I personally think the adage "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." that people tell you as a kid to discourage you from wanting to become a teacher would haunt Ratio for a good while as he's struggling to find his place in the universe after failing, since he is the one who can't [become a Genius] and so he now teaches [to give others the chance to excell to great heights].

And so Ratio seems to never really be passionate about anything besides Aventurine in the ship fandom. His career is a backdrop and source of quips and comments rather than a significant part of his life and core personal values. The only way Aventurine is depicted as caring for him is to either physically protect Ratio from harm, shower him with gifts, or pamper him for Stress Relief (without discussing the source of stress beyond vague Work is Hard things)—almost never providing emotional support of his own. Not because Aventurine wouldn't know much of what goes on in Ratio's head at whatever point in the relationship being depicted, but because the artist/writer depicting them doesn't consider Ratio as needing any support or comfort and has no ideas for what that would look like at any point in their relationship. Ratio is there for Aventurine to contemplate the risk of falling in love and having something priceless to lose again; Ratio's suffering is only present to depict Aventurine's survivor's guilt; Ratio living and maybe starting a family with Aventurine is just for Ave to heal, have more reasons to continue living, and a means to pass on his memories to a new generation of Avgin...and Ratio is just the babydaddy.

Not my usual type of post but something that saddens me is the fact that in a shocking amount of ship content Ratio just seems to have no character apart from being Aventurines lover.

I'm not talking about him not being the focus in fics that aren't Ratio-centric, but it seems like he's nothing but Aventurines partner in the type of content I'm talking about.

He doesn't have his own flaws or problems, he's just there to be Aventurines boyfriend, nothing else. He's the comfort in the hurt/comfort but beyond that he's not even really there. It's the same with Genshin and Kavetham, I understand that it's mostly because both Kaveh and Aventurine are more popular in the fan base and there are definitely big problems with how people handle them as well, it's just disappointing to see my favorites constantly overlooked and watered down for the sake of shipping.

[wellzofyouth]

🔥 superbat superbat superbat superbat 🔥

BOY OH BOY DO I HAVE SOME HOT TAKES!!!

1. People who act like they're boring are wrong, but that's just a personal opinion at the end of the day. However, the idea of Superbat being a "sad wet black cat x golden retriever sunshine himbo" ship doesn't help against those allegations. Superbat is so much more than emo x sunshine. I've posted about this before, so I don't wanna get into it too much, but they have such an interesting dynamic pre crisis, and its by far my favorite relationship in the dcu.

2. I do not care about battinson x corensupes at all. Sorry lmao. The reason a lot of people actively ship them is because they're two cute, young, white men. That's it. They have no canon interactions whatsoever, and the movie hasn't even come out yet. I don't ship Superbat because I find them attractive, I ship them because I like their dynamic and storytelling potential.

Random batman hot take ig, but Superman does not and should not be in Battinson's universe at ALL. Anyway, the art is good, and I'm glad people like it, and its getting them into Superbat, but its so so so basic. It's like every yaoi stereotype comes true. I don't want to be a hater, but it's true, sorry. Live your truth tho. x

3. Inspired by my last post, but Superman fans who act like the Superfam are oppressed because of Batfam and Superbat enjoyers annoy tf out of me. Sorry. Superman is the most popular comic book character of all time (the first modern superhero, in fact), and he's not suffering because you have to scroll past Superbat and unfunny incorrect posts every once in a while. Literally join a Superman forum or a tumblr community (PLEASE WE'RE DYING) and shut up. Filter the tags if you don't like a character or ship. Like I barely ever complain about a character or ship I dislike because I filter and move tf on. Actually, this pisses me off a little more when I think about it because so many characters get dust from DC, and you're out here complaining about being a SUPERMAN fan?? I'm in your walls.

4. Sort of related to point one, but I do have to agree with the fact that Clark can get paid dust by Superbat fans. All of his edges tend to get sanded down to fit fanfic tropes, or he's like a full-blown overly masculine evil rapist. I don't think this is a serious problem because it happens on a massive scale to ever popular ship, but it does happen, and I do it notice it. Let him experience horrors beyond his imagining. Let him kill their simulated children to stop the universe from collapsing. Let him gaslight. Let him traumadump. Please let Clark be pathetic! 🥺 can anyone hear me?

5. I'm sorry, but if I'm reading Superbat fic, I don't want any Batfam shenanigans. Leave those damn kids at home! The Batfam is just too bloated at this point, and it almost takes up all of the fic if you try to include them all. Also, another random Batman hot take, but idgaf about the modern Batfam dynamic whatsoever. They're usually written in an annoying way, and I only enjoy the characters separately. But that's just me.

6. The original World's Finest is the best superbat material. I actually really like the new one, and I think they do an amazing job of adapting the dynamic to fit modern times while keeping the same spirit. But the original WF is superior to everything, even despite the shlock. If you see me posting about Superbat, I'm probably talking about Silver Age.

7. I hate to bring this up, but I've seen this discourse in the past and this accusation has even be leveled against ME personally, but Superbat isn't misogynistic because their love interests aren't included lmao. I hate that this is even discourse because it's so deeply stupid beyond a surface level. Yeah, the gay ship between two men isn't going to include women, who knew? Unless the content itself is overtly sexist or someone is spreading blatant lies about them, it doesn't matter.

I think some of you guys forget how much gay people are hated in the real world, so you internalize all the fandom you see and let it warp your worldview. Which is just so stupid. Also, I feel like you guys forget the fact that Superbat is the most popular ship with gay men (including me!), and they also enjoy it. Would you go up to a gay guy and demand him to be more inclusive of straight people?😭 I feel like I'm going crazy because this is always something leveled against Superbat specifically and never any other ship. Superbat isn't even involved in any ship wars??? I'm starting to think some of you guys have weird opinions on gay people because it's just absurd. Either way, keep that shit away from me.

(Also side note, the most misogynistic discourse in this fandom is dickbabskoryby far, and I feel like nobody talks about it? I've seen some pretty prominent people on here call Kory oversexualized and vapid--which has some pretty weird connotations--and babs an evil bitch. I feel like I'm going crazy when I see people ignore or even agree with it. Hello, can anybody hear me?)

8. That being said, a lot of you guys do use Superbat to replace women and not center queer men. Some of the ways you guys talk about bottom and topping is weird, and that's coming from the number 1 bottom Bruce truther himself. Stop trying to place heteronormative dynamics on them. They're not Clois but with men. They have their own thing. Ig this is a fandom wide issue tho so whatever.

9. SUPERBAT IS NOT OLD MAN YAOI EXCEPT IN SPECIAL CASES. THEY'RE MIDDLE AGED YAOI. THEY'RE NOT EVEN DRAWN WITH GRAY HAIR. REAL OLD MAN FUCKERS KNOW WHATS UP!

That's it to be honest. I can't think of anything else.

[1queasycrow]

Why I think it makes sense to lock Lucanis’ romance behind the city choice but not Neve’s

Alright Ive been sitting on this for a while now, it might piss some people off, such is the way of opinions.

Fair warning, this may not cast a flattering light over many peoples favourite Antivan prince. I am not intentionally bashing him, rather observing things about his character through his words, actions and the in-game lore we receive.

Alright, here we go.

On their upbringing

Since he was young Lucanis has been told he is special, he is important, he means something, his needs should be attended, yes it is in service to a position he does not want but that doesn't change the fact that Lucanis has always been told he matters.

Neve has been a blemish on the family, she has been told and shown that she does not matter, her whole quest asks you to tell her what she means to Minrathous (Dock Town). The city that itself constantly “stabs her in the back”. It has been driven into her that she should not expect more because she does not deserve it and and even if she did, people would not give it.

Here we have two very different characters starting points so one can see why, though Neve may be more vocal about it, Lucanis is 'worse' off if you do not save Treviso.

His needs, his city were not ‘important’ (perhaps not for the first time but still, very few times has this been the case). So it hits Lucanis harder.

With the exception of a Shadow Dragon Rook, Neve does not expect you to come to Minrathous, so when you don’t it is not a surprise, perhaps a disappointment but not one she wasn’t expecting.

On their state upon meeting Rook.

When we first meet Lucanis, it is in a prison which he has been tortured in for the past year, this is not a prime mental state to start any serious relationship (we will get to Lucanis/Neve later). Then when he gets home it is to news that his favoured relative (Catarina) has just been murdered. Add to the fact that he is likely taking in this new information, that he is not the Center of the world, and poor boy's head is probably spinning so fast it's liable to come off.

Contrast this with Neve’s world at the start of the game which could probably be best summed up with ‘same shit different day’; the venatori are zealots, the shadows are trying their damnedest yet still loosing and Dock Town remains its same old tragic neglected self.

On Neve/Lucanis if you save Minrathous

Disclaimer, I don't like Lucanis/Neve, it aint my jam and I think Neve deserves better. Not the point here because I am actually in support of the idea that this ship is wholly plausible even if you lock out Lucanis/Rook.

I think, that the reasons stated above are enough to put anyone off a romance but if you save Treviso Lucanis a) doesn't have to deal with some of them and b) isn't mad at Rook for the same reasons. So given that, it makes sense he would gravitate to someone else with a shared grief. He might have wanted Rook to save Treviso but he would never ask that of Neve, as one can surely see it would be akin to asking him to save Minrathous. Therefore it is logical that he would not be as upset with her. Can I guarantee their romance would be the same as Lucanis/Rook? No of course not, they're different people and that's how the world works, but that is a post for another day.

All of this is to caution against being accidentally bigoted towards the best damn detective in Thedas.

Thank you for coming to my THED Talk.

[burningcheese-merchant]

I've never really understood getting mad over what people ship or don't ship honestly, I like the two ships that you've mentioned you don't doesn't mean I have to be mad about it, doesn't mean anyone's wrong for liking or not liking different ships.

Maybe I'm just a multishipper but I've never understood arguing over which ones better should be canon or any of that either.

Basically I don't get it, you can not like a ship you can talk how much you don't like the ship or why but going out of your way to find and get mad about ships you don't like is stupid.

I'd say that's a good thing to think

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Shipping is just playing dollhouse. There's no rhyme or reason to getting mad over how someone chooses to play with the dolls. Play with yours the way you want and extend that gesture to everyone else. Play together if you want, play separately if you don't like their game. Play on opposite sides of the room and face away from each other if you really need to. But don't go swat at them or try to take their dolls or whatever. Shipping is already a touch childish, you don't need to go full tilt and become a tantruming kindergartner about it.

Hate the ship, love the shipper is the ideal for me. Plenty of people don't like BurningCheese. Plenty of them like ShadowSpice. Whatever, that's fine. We can still be buddies. Your life will end up really lonely really fast if you turn away every single person that doesn't march lockstep with you in every direction at all times lol

(And look. Since I'm here and on break. I will explain myself one single time. ShadowSpice just does not make sense to me. Square peg in a round hole. I try to give ships I dislike the benefit of the doubt, usually. I don't like Hollytaya but I understand its appeal. I've read a couple of fics and they were actually quite nice. I tried to read one ShadowSpice fic and I quit 3 paragraphs in. I just cannot do it. It makes me feel gross and itchy. I saw someone's explanation on here for why they ship it, don't remember who, and it still didn't add up. I felt like a toddler trying to read Finnegan's Wake. The gears just will not turn, not even with force. I can't stand them together like that, so I don't seek out any content like that. The occasional jab I make is where it ends. I'd otherwise rather talk about stuff I actually like instead of stuff I don't lol)

(Also I don't multiship. Hollyberry and Dark Cacao are the only exceptions. I like them together and with their respective Beasts. I don't do it with anyone else, I attach myself to specific pair bonds and simply refuse to let go. Whatever ships I like are the be-all end-all for me. But that's just me personally, more power to you if you think differently)

[crab-people-overlord]

Ok, so I reread my last post about Stan's characterization in fanfics, and I realized I focused too much on just the Kyman community. The truth is, some of the most frustrating mischaracterizations actually pop up in Style fics (and I say this as someone who writes Style). These same issues show up in K2 and other ships too, but since Style is literally centered around Stan and Kyle's dynamic, it hits harder here. *Quick Disclaimer:* Again, this isn't calling out ANY specific creators - y'all are talented af and I respect everyone's right to interpret characters their own way. I genuinely love this community. Write whatever floats your boat! I hope to one day be a lot of ya'll, fr. The way I interpret characters isn't gonna be the gospel truth, and anyone can write characters how they want! That's literally what fandom is about. But can we talk about some patterns? Because... (*gestures vaguely at everything*)

The "Smart Kyle/Dumb Stan" Phenomenon

Look, I love a good "Stan is occasionally an idiot" moment as much as anyone (the boy has his moments, let's be real). But there's this weird trend of making him consistently intellectually inferior to Kyle and I'm just like... did we watch the same show for the past two decades??

Also, fun fact (and I fkn hate that I even have to say this): this whole "Jewish character must = intellectual first and foremost" stereotype we keep falling into? Let's maybe... not? Especially since the show gives us a Kyle who's equally good at sports and just as socially competent as Stan. Part of what draws me to this fandom is how multifaceted all these characters are! Because if you actually watch the show? Kyle is smart, sure, but he’s also athletic, socially competent, and rebellious. He’s not just the token brainiac. Characters can be multifaceted!

STAN (Pls I BEG you he's more than just his depression and alcoholism):

Stan often demonstrates critical thinking, seeing beyond surface-level problems to deeper issues. This often expresses in a more critical thinking lens (emphasis on the word 'critical' and 'cynical', as demonstrated so often in the show such as the vote or die episode or when he tries saving kyle that psychic, etc). Stan often sees through bullshit- this is literally critical thinking at it's finest. And while again, you can characterize him as you see fit - I just don't get fics that characterize him as stupid when there's so much evidence to the contrary. While luckliy I don't see these fics as often, Stan characterized primarily as dumb genuinely makes me feel like I'm reading a completely different character as we have literally over two decades of him demonstrating a high critical thinking ability.

His cynicism isn't just him being negative - it's usually him being RIGHT and REALISTIC about shit

NOT easily manipulated (unlike certain best friends we know and love)

He literally leads entire movements when he cares enough

The fact that his depression and emotional sensitivity can sometimes get twisted into him being "less than" is honestly infuriating

KYLE (not just the smart one!!):

Kyle excels at moral reasoning and debate, but can sometimes get caught up in righteous anger. Hes the most consistent at standing up for society's greater good. This is something incredibly admirable, yet at the same time, can at times reduce him to seeing moral issues on an incredibly black and white angle compared to Stan and others in the show, just like Kyle's own mom.

He should be acknowledged for his backbone in standing up for what's right (he's so morally brave), while at the same time acknowledging that at times this causes him to lose some nuance and grey in situations that call for it

He's also known for being the intelectually and grade-wise best of the class. This is partially due to his own parental expectations of doing well in class as well as his own natural ambition and intelligence.

Top of the class but also the most consistently in the show not afraid to throw hands

Complex mix of rule-following and rebellion

Gets manipulated by Cartman more than he'd admit

Both show high ability to analyze complex situations, just through different lenses. Stan through a more critical, nuanced lens, and Kyle through a more consistently yet at times missing nuance lens. Neither are more 'right' than the other, so I hate any 'realistic' claiming fics (i fkn love crack fics lmao) that try to show otherwise.

The Depression Thing (🥺)

Here's what's actually infuriating to me: when works treat Stan's depression and emotional sensitivity as proof he's "less than." Like... my dudes... my buddies and pals... (me reaching out to my Canadian friends fr)... my fellow fans... that's not how depression works??

Stan's depression and cynicism sometimes get misinterpreted as lack of intelligence - something too many folks with depression get misinterpreted as. His coping mechanisms might be unhealthy (looking at you, alcohol), but they don't negate his ability to think critically or problem-solve. Using alcohol to cope isn't a sign of weakness (it's incredibly unhealthy, not saying otherwise)— but it's a sign of someone who's overwhelmed and trying to survive.

Society often equates emotional sensitivity with weakness, especially in men, and I'm so tired of it. Stan's emotional intelligence should complement his analytical abilities, not detract from them. There's a reason he gets called a "hippie" or "pussy," but these traits should be celebrated, especially when they're often mocked in boys.

Tropes I'm Begging Us All to Reconsider, in ALL representations of Stan and Kyle despite the ship:

Making Kyle the "rational caretaker" to Stan's "emotional mess"

Reducing Kyle to just the “smart Jew” stereotype rather than someone who equally breaks rules, etc

Both being smart in completely different chaotic ways

Stan's emotional intelligence as a strength

Their complex friendship that works BECAUSE they're equals

The classic 'sensitivity and addiction' = 'loser' and 'selfish idiot' trope that needs to die in a fire

Some things to remember:

Their friendship demonstrates equal give-and-take. This is canonical. And I would love to see more of a balance of this in fanworks as well.

kyle shouldn't just be the 'smart jew' with no flaws with stan being the 'sensitive' hippie'. they're both equally complex.

both are smart in different chaotic and different ways

Stan’s emotional intelligence being useful, not a flaw.

Kyle's moral compass spinning occasionally (because it does, just like everyone else on the show lmfao)

But seriously, write what you want! this isn't even me saying he can't even be written as an antagonist in a story just like any other SP character. Just maybe consider that Stan’s character is genuinely pretty complex (And Kyle's!). Reducing him to “the dumb/broken one” does him (and those who struggle with similar issues) a disservice. 💙

Understanding Stan Marsh: A Character Analysis and Response to Fandom Mischaracterization (Writing Depression/Addiction Responsibly):

I’m sure a similar analysis exists - but I haven’t found it so I wanted to make it. I’ve seen similar analyses about Wendy with her intelligence/tendency to serve as a villain in things like Style fics and Kenny with his own addiction as well as lower-class designations, which absolutely should exist. But I haven’t seen any about Stan in the same sense despite issues I’ve seen in fandom about his characterization and either blatantly disregarding and misunderstanding what depression is/or/trying to further their specific shipping agenda such as Kyman. And I think it’s finally time we fucking talk about it. This is due to me noticing a prolific increase in the ‘Stan Marsh is an asshole’ tag on AO3.

The Problem of Character Flanderization

Character flanderization (the tendency to focus only on a character's weaknesses) has always existed in fanworks, but the current treatment of Stan Marsh reveals a particularly troubling trend in how mental health and addiction are portrayed. This isn't about calling out specific creators - many (even most) write Stan beautifully, even in ships like Kyman. Rather, this analysis addresses a broader pattern of mischaracterization that does a disservice not only to his character but to real people struggling with similar issues.

Please note this analysis is not directed at any particular creator at all! I see SO many good characterizations of Stan, even in Kyman fics (I’d argue a lot of them do!). But I also see very unfair portrayals of him in some fics which at the end of the day show a complete disregard to addiction/depression and ignore his good traits in favor of furthering their own agenda. I’M NOT OKAY with this, and I think it’s time we talk about this as a fandom. 

 This trend often manifests in two primary ways:

Depression Mischaracterization:

Some of fandom's handling of Stan's depression reveals a profound misunderstanding of clinical depression that goes beyond simple character misinterpretation. The "You're Getting Old/Ass Burgers" arc isn't just about Stan being "negative" or "selfish" - it's one of television's most authentic portrayals of how depression manifests in young people. Stan doesn't CHOOSE to see everything as shit; his brain chemistry literally alters his perception of reality. This isn't character weakness - it's a medical condition that he fights against while still trying to maintain his relationships and sense of self.

What many fanworks miss is that depression often coexists with deep empathy and care for others. In fact, Stan's depression might partly stem from how deeply he feels things - his awareness of environmental destruction, animal cruelty, and societal hypocrisies. He continues to fight for causes he believes in and protect those he loves even while struggling to find meaning in his own life. That's not selfishness - it's remarkable resilience. The show demonstrates this complexity brilliantly: even at his very  lowest points, Stan still:

Tries to maintain his friendship with Kyle despite literally seeing him as shit

Continues to stand up for what he believes in when he realistically thinks it can make an impact

Attempts to understand and help others, even when he can barely help himself

Fights desperately to stay present in a world that has lost its color and meaning

When fanworks reduce Stan's depression to mere selfishness or use it as a convenient plot device to make him the villain, they not only mischaracterize Stan but potentially harm readers struggling with similar issues. They send the message that depression makes someone unworthy of friendship or love - exactly the opposite of what people with depression need to hear.

Alcoholism Mischaracterization:

Stan's relationship with alcohol deserves particular attention because it's portrayed with a nuance rarely seen in either animation or fanworks. The show presents a complex web of factors that contribute to Stan's relationship with alcohol:

First, there's the genetic component - Stan comes from a family with clear predisposition to addiction, particularly through Randy. But crucially, Stan never sought out alcohol on his own. He was introduced to it by adults who should have protected him, making his initial exposure a betrayal of trust rather than a character flaw.

What makes Stan's arc so powerful is how it captures the insidious nature of functional alcoholism. He discovers that alcohol makes an unbearable world bearable - it literally changes how he sees things from "shit" back to normal. STAN HAS NEVER EVER BEEN ABOUT getting drunk for fun; it's always been about self-medication to seem 'normal' to others in response to genuine mental health struggles. The show demonstrates how someone can be both struggling with addiction and highly competent - a reality many fanworks seem unable to grasp.

Even in the "bad timeline" of the Post-Covid episodes, Stan maintains his fundamental characteristics and ability to function. He becomes what's known as a "functional alcoholic" - not because this is healthy, but because it reflects a tragic reality that those who seem most adjusted often hide the deepest struggles. He learns exactly how much alcohol makes him functional versus dysfunctional, developing the kind of careful management that allows many real-life individuals with addiction to hide in plain sight.

When fanworks reduce this complex portrayal to "pathetic or asshole drunk Stan," they miss the point entirely. They ignore:

The environmental factors that led to his alcohol use

The relationship between his depression and self-medication

The reality that addiction often coexists with high functionality

And especially, and something I think a lot of you need to fucking understand - the way addiction can stem from trying to feel normal rather than trying to get high. Stan never ever tries to feel ‘high’ or even drunk. He ALWAYS is just trying to feel fucking NORMAL. 

This oversimplification doesn't just do a disservice to Stan's character - it perpetuates harmful stereotypes about addiction that make it harder for real people to seek help.

Stan's Core Character Traits

Stan consistently demonstrates practical morality alongside emotional depth. His quiet leadership often goes unnoticed - he's frequently the instigator of group plans alongside Cartman, but without the manipulation or need for credit. His relationship with Wendy shows realistic pre-teen awkwardness while maintaining genuine care and respect. These aren't the traits of a "simp" or an "asshole" - they're the complex characteristics of a well-written character dealing with real challenges.

Just rewatch the show for evidence of this - Stan at the same level of Cartman instigates things. And at the same level of Kyle, he tends to do it for the greater good of society. He’s just not as attributed to his actions because he’s naturally more quiet about it than both Kyle and Cartman are. 

TLDR- /Mental Health and Responsiblity in Writing:

The show's handling of Stan's mental health offers a masterclass in nuanced characterization that many fanworks ignore. His depression and struggles with alcohol aren't plot devices - they're part of a larger narrative about growing up in a world that often doesn't make sense. Writing Stan as a "pathetic drunk" or "selfish depressive" isn't just bad characterization - it's potentially harmful to readers who share these struggles

His depression on the actual show is shown as a legitimate struggle, not a character flaw

His relationship with alcohol is portrayed as functional and carefully managed - something maybe some of you would be surprised to learn that some of the most functional folks in your life actually are pretty good at hiding. Stan in his depression arc is ultimately meant to be shown as someone who is a ‘functional’ alcoholic rather than a ‘dysfunctional’ one. That’s not to say it’s healthier to be functional. But it’s ultimately the whole point of that goddamn arc - that even those who seem the most well-adjusted may be hiding a more sinister addiction. So I don’t really see the fucking point of writing Stan as someone who is so alcoholic to the point that it fucks up his entire life. 

The Shipping Problem

The rise of ships like Kyman often comes with an unnecessary cost: the villainization of Stan. This ignores the show's complex web of relationships - Stan's deep friendship with Kyle doesn't need to be erased or twisted to explore other relationships. The best Kyman fics prove this by maintaining Stan's character integrity while exploring new dynamics. Additionally, Stan's relationships with other characters, particularly his often-overlooked friendship with Kenny, deserve more attention and respect in fanworks.

Complex relationships can be written without villainizing other characters like Stan

Good Kyman fics prove you can write the ship while maintaining Stan's character integrity. 

Both Kyle and Stan canonically view each other as super best friends and equals- and this is because they literally ARE equals, even in a moral sense. Neither of them is better than the other. They have a deep connection to each other. Any fic written about either of them HAS to accurately represent this without making Stan to be a primarily weak selfish villain. This is so incredibly unfair to Stan’s character, and a massive representation of him. Same if it’s vice versa for a fic for Stan misrepresenting Kyle (though I’ll be honest - I far more often see Stan as misrepresented in recent works as a selfish asshole over Kyle). 

When writing Stan, consider:

His actions, even negative ones, should stem from established character traits

His struggles with mental health and substance use should be treated with nuance and care. Writing him as an asshole or complete loser (he can be a lil bit of a lovingly designated loser lol) is a slap in the face to those who do function quite well in the real world but with this particular struggle of depression and addiction. Don’t ignore Stan's many strengths, such as adjusting well to things in the moment both physically and intellectually. (He absolutely can be dumb about some things to the extent that it's humorous, but he is not actually dumb - he consistently shows some of the most complex critical thinking in the entire show, even compared to Kyle. And it makes no sense to disregard this aspect of his character.) 

His relationships with other characters should reflect their canonical complexity.

If writing him as antagonistic, ensure it serves character development rather than plot convenience.

Stan deserves better than reductive characterization. His struggles with mental health and addiction make him more relatable, not less worthy of respect. Writers who reduce him to his lowest moments not only do a disservice to a complex character but potentially harm readers who see their own battles reflected in his story. We can and should do better - both for Stan and for each other. He is literally meant to be written as the person most relatable to general society, after all.

[skyborneveggie]

Ooh for the 'send me a character' game:

Part of me wants to say Killua, because of your recent hxh reblogs...

But I'd of course also like to hear more Matsuda thoughts from you. So take your pick-- whichever you're more in the mood to talk about :)

Ahhh two of my favorites 🥺, can I do both? :>

First Matsuda! Since this has been primarily a dn blog for a while now ahaha.

favorite thing about them: I think out of everything, what I find to be most admirable about Matsuda is his ability to persevere & continue on despite knowing that others see him as useless; and despite himself even having internalized that opinion of himself. It's bittersweet, the way he tries to let it roll off his shoulders & not let it dissuade his enthusiasm for his work. He tries so hard to be like "if this is who I am, then so be it," and then embrace that role for all it's worth in the name of the objective.

least favorite thing about them: Does this mean least favorite thing about how they're written; or thing I'd like least about them if they were a real person? Regardless, the one & only scene of Matsuda that I don't really care for is the one where he seems gleeful at (what he thinks is) Light cheating on Misa with Takada.

favorite line: "I have to kill him. This guy has got to die!" CHILLS every time.

brOTP: Not exactly brotp, but I do enjoy the father/son dynamic between Matsu & Soichiro. Also, another not-brotp, but I think the Matsuda & Mikami dynamic could be interesting, as they both come to terms with the mutual loss of their pedestalled icon. Perhaps a wary & melancholic understanding, that they can't find with others.

OTP: I loveee toxic Matsulight. I love the idea of Light being attracted to Matsuda through a subconscious sense of empathy over their similarities, but also being in denial that such similarities exist. I also love the idea of post-DN Ide patching Matsuda up after Light's imposed destruction, taking care of him & helping him heal. Honestly, I could ship Matsuda with anyone because to me he is just so lovable~

nOTP: Sayu/Matsuda. Just because for personal reasons, I want Sayu to escape the narrative 🥺. She still has her entire life ahead of her, and I want her to have the chance to branch out & heal & become a new person. I don't want her to feel like she has no choice but to cling to the people she knew before everything changed, as a way of trying to hold onto a previous, untraumatized version of herself. I don't want her entire life to be mired in decisions based in trauma & grief.

random headcanon: Idr who it was, but someone mentioned they headcannoned Matsuda as secretly really enjoying being Misa's manager & that he considered switching careers after the Kira case. I really like this one, I feel like Matsuda was actually a really good manager. He had the right amt of enthusiasm & booked Misa some really good gigs.

unpopular opinion: I'm not sure if it's an unpopular opinion, but how Matsuda is highly influenceable & lacks conviction/faith in his own ideals! To quote you since you summarized it so succinctly, he's "heavily motivated to act in the way that makes the people he looks up to proud, rather than his choices flowing primarily from his own principles necessarily." I feel that because of this, while he is very sweet & wholesome, he tends to edge more towards morally neutral than morally good for me, and has a capacity to be swayed towards bad.

song i associate with them: I'm not very good with songs for characters, but perhaps Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls for post-dn Matsu? A bittersweet but hopeful song about trying to find your way out of the muddled grey and black and white, and trying to come to terms with the fact that there may no answers as to the "why".

favorite picture of them: How could it not be this lol

Now Killua!!! Omg thank you for asking about him, I love him very much & have cosplayed him before <3

favorite thing about them: It's hard to put into words, but I really appreciate Killua's vulnerability, both physically & emotionally, especially in juxtaposition with his combative strength. I find it poignant to the themes of hxh that Killua's special combative abilities have come at the expense of his personal & bodily autonomy, and that this is shown through implication to be the terrible thing that it is. I also really love that despite trauma, he is able to let himself just be kid & form meaningful connections & allows himself to find joy 💜

least favorite thing about them: Related to my favorite thing, I find it incredibly frustrating that Killua is incapable of letting any vulnerability leak out in front of Gon!!!! Killua has a lot going on internally & goes through a couple breakdowns followed by moments of self-realization, but always away from Gon's perception. He doesn't even tell Gon he tore his brother's nen needle out of his forehead iirc 😭. Part of it, I think, is that he doesn't want Gon to treat him any differently, he just wants to pretend he's a normal kid with no trauma to weigh him down & have fun freely. Which is completely understandable. And he's also just a kid, who doesn't fully understand or know how to express emotions. But it is very painful to watch him go through so much internal turmoil while holding onto the image of Gon as his guiding light; while Gon has no idea anything is happening in his friend's mind at all. 😭😭😭 (There is a very good post here about their miscommunication.)

favorite line: "Yep... I'm so humble :3", when he's demonstrating the difference in power between Hisoka, Gon, and himself. Adorable moment!

brOTP: Killua & Leorio get along just like squabbling siblings lmao, but you can tell they have a fondness for eachother. I feel like Leorio is the older brother Killua should have had 🥺🥺🥺

OTP: Killugon is so dear & sweet! I feel like their friendship is built up so masterfully; where two people who it feels like shouldn't get along, fit together perfectly. And then they seem to keep on going perfectly, until all of a sudden the cracks come out, and they don't anymore, and they both have to grow up a little to fix it.

nOTP: Killupika. I don't hate it, but I can't really see it either. From my two watchthroughs, Killua & Kurapika's interactions didn't seem to leave much of an impression on me because I cannot remember them 😅

random headcanon: I enjoy the fic trope that the reason Killua is the Zoldyck heir because of his white hair. Usually I've seen it in conjuction with white hair being symbolic of containing stronger power, but I like it best when that's not the case & it is solely tradition for the white-haired child to be the heir. I find it very amusing and canon-type silly lol.

unpopular opinion: I have only seen the anime so perhaps it is different in the manga. But I remember thinking on my second watchthrough that while Gon said some very harsh things during the palace invasion, Killua's insecurities during this arc started before then when Gon simply said "let's go," and Killua didn't know if he meant it as a friend or teammate. Tbh I think that insecurity is something Killua needs to work on on his own for a while, & that the temporary break might be good for them. They are both two very traumatized kids who have problems with boundaries & communication. I feel like they need a little time to figure out their own needs & wants & identities, without imposing or being imposed upon by each other.

song i associate with them: Again I'm not very good with songs for characters, but maybe White Foxes by Suzanne Sundfor, as a visceral song about wanting to leave your constrictive gilded cage and embrace a more organic, freeing existence.

favorite picture of them: Early style sketchy Killua <3

[ranger-kellyn]

i say this as someone who has been working on taking this to heart as well, but like......babes....y'all have GOT to let go of the need to have your art is interpreted exactly as you intended it to be. you're fighting a losing battle. nobody, literally NOBODY. will interpret it exactly as you intended it to. that's the beauty of art!

stop needing to control every little thing!! let people interpret it how they want!! even if it's the exact opposite of your own intention!

and i know this is easier said than done, but stop stressing about the bad faith takes as well!!! that says way more about them than it ever will about you!!! block and move the fuck on. or turn off comments! most places let you do that now.

if you're literally so pressed about someone interpreting your art "wrong", you should probably just use geocities or something else and make your own website to host your work, or just stop posting on such public websites in the first place. you will never be able to control how people interpret things, so stop stressing about things you literally have no control over.

[lunarharp]

What led to this (orufrey comic, cw an uncomfortable/creepy scene)

[sysig]

is this where u take the requests? if not, apologies lol still learning tumblr, I WAS WONDERING IF MY VARGAS RELATED REQUESTOBER REQUEST COULD BE JAKE/NNY? i feel like jake/nny is SO looked past like its actually so cute, they could be doing anything THANK U IF THIS WAS THE WRONG PLACE SORRY MWAH MWAH X

Day 12 - Once you had one hole in your skin, you've had 'em all

[vaguely-concerned]

just going about my day idly contemplating how some of the ways hawke can interact with a romanced anders are not at all unlike how they interact with leandra (and a bit of carver too, especially with a purple hawke), and then thought about my hawke in the timeline where he romances anders and was hit straight in the face with 'was he ever actually in love, or was he just desperately trying to renegotiate with his mother's ghost in any way he could' and now i need to lie down. this is the power of dragon age 2

[transmimir]

Hello fellow selfshippers, a question for the community:

Would anyone be interested if I took the time to write a resource to help people write better gender neutral, male, and trans+nonbinary readers in general? I know i'm not the only non-fem and non-cis person in the community whose felt frustration over the lack of representation for us in reader insert fanfiction, and the disappointment when finding some, but it's clearly written without any research into how to portray those different perspectives from yourself. I've honestly reached such a stage of frustration because, even having f/os from massive fandoms, I've still been scrolling through mountains of f!reader fics with either zero or just a handful of m!readers that it's made me retreat heavily from the community as a whole because I just don't feel included or cared about. Does anyone think that this would actually help the community as a whole? Are there any authors who do want to make this kind of content, but are too scared because they don't know how to write from this perspective? I want to gauge interest before I attempt investing the time in it or if it'll just be something that ends up lost to the ether. I'd appreciate rbs to get some more eyes on this <3

[necrotic-nephilim]

do you ship helena bertinelli with anyone? if yes, then which characters and why? what's your favorite helena ship? do you have any helena rarepairs? (i know you've talked about helena/steph and you're so right about it, it's a very interesting ship)

!!!! i have so many ships for my best girl ever yes oh my god thank you for asking.

my top pairing is probably Vic Sage/the Question. Vic is the basic answer, but man. i love them so much. no couple has matched each other's freak like that have. Justice League Unlimited is a great adaptation of Helena in general, but it also did a great adaptation of Helena and Vic's relationship. how he just dedicates himself to helping her with no expected return, but also wants to make sure she doesn't go too far in a hunt for vengeance that never ends for her. i think a lot of characters often want to change Helena or expect things out of her for their own needs, like the Batfam and the BoP. but Vic is one of the few people who just wants her to be better for her own good. when he tries to stop her from killing it's not because of his morals, it's because he doesn't want this crusade to consume her. and i just. man i think about them a lot. Helena rlly likes weird little men who give themselves wholly to her.

Zinda Blake/Lady Blackhawk is also a top ship for me. tbh i just like Zinda. but i do love how Helena and Zinda interact, being the more rough and tumble members of the BoP. they're both outsiders, in different ways. Helena is an outsider of the Batfam and Zinda is literally from a different time and an outsider to the current world. their friendship is so genuine and i think if Babs and Dinah can have. whatever homoerotic nonsense going on during BoP, then Zinda and Helena deserve some homoerotic nonsense too. as a treat.

if we're willing to count New-52 Helena, then i enjoy Helena/Dick/Tiger. i think Helena and Dick being a past relationship is really important in pre-Flashpoint for Helena's development, though i don't ship them as a serious couple beyond a fling. but in the New-52, i think this throuple be fun. Helena and Tiger respect each other as two very driven, no-nonsense agents and then well. they both clearly have some kind of thing for Dick. so it's fun finding the balance of how they could all work together romantically.

and ofc. it's a crime to mention Helena ships and not mention Renee Montoya/the Question. every time they interact it's really fucking gay. it's so gay that Kate Kane, Renee's own ex, assumed Helena and Renee were gay. i cannot be convinced against this ship. i genuinely think this ship should be canon. i mean. DC did tease us with this moment from an alternate universe and it's lived rent for me since. fucking criminal for us to only get one panel of what we could have if DC let Helena be a fruit in the main universe. being in love with Helena Bertinelli should be a right of passage for the Question mantle, i personally believe. if you asked me like. genuinely who i want to see Helena date in the current comics, Renee is my top pick. (i would say Vic but he's fucking dead and the New-52 butchered him so rip my mans-)

lois lane (2019) #10

besides those ships, just about every ship for Helena probably falls into the category of rarepair. like you said i've talked about my love for Helena/Steph before bc god. i think it should be a thing more people ship. once i finish the fic i'm writing about them i will convince others to like it.

i also think Helena/Cass could be fun. in a *lot* of ways Helena and Cass are narrative parallels to each other. Helena was a victim of her family being murdered at about the same age Cass was forced to be a murderer. Helena grows up to believe in lethal justice because of this, and Cass grows up to be staunchly against it. Cass' Batgirl suit was made *by* Helena. they both want to be protectors of the most vulnerable people. they balance each other out in a lot of ways and i think they should kiss about it.

also probably a rarepair, i think Helena/Lady Shiva is fun. their fight during Birds of Prey (2010) had... questionable moments for Helena's characterization, but i do love so much that Helena knocks Shiva off her feet and gains a deep respect from Shiva. like. Shiva gives her a nickname and shows her admiration. i would like to see fanfic where Shiva continues to be weirdly admirable of Helena and bothering her non-stop. they could be a fun fucked up toxic yuri moment. this is just. so gay to me.

birds of prey (2010) #6

my most rare Helena pair would probably be Helena Wayne, actually. but specifically Helena Wayne of JSA (2022). ever since, for some reason, it was made canon that the current Helena Wayne was named after Helena Bertinelli and took the name Huntress to honor her i *cannot* stop thinking about them meeting. because in-universe it makes *no* fucking sense for Bruce to name his kid after *Helena Bertinelli*, someone he's regularly at odds with and doesn't like. it's clearly an awkward explanation to try to make the whole two Huntress situation make sense. (it's almost as bad as Helena Wayne in the New-52 using Helena Bertinelli as an alias.) but because it's such an odd choice, i do think it could be fun for Helena Wayne, when she's back in time to see Bruce, to find Helena Bertinelli to get to know the woman she was named after and Helena Bertinelli just being. baffled by the idea of *Batman* naming his kid after her. it could be a fun fucked up moment.

my other super rarepair is Kara Zor-L/Power Girl. they had like. one meaningful interaction of JSA Classified and it's been PLAGUING me. something about when Power Girl doesn't remember her past and she's seeking a friend, she instinctively goes to find Huntress? but it's wrong bc this isn't *her* Huntress and neither of them understand why Power Girl would seek Helena out? god it's so good. i'm always a big fan of ships where one person in the ship is *so* obviously using the other person as a replacement for someone they lost and they both know it. it's such a doomed angsty thing where you could play with Helena actually really liking Kara, but knowing that she's just a replacement for Kara's Helena Wayne. good fucked up shit man.

and lastly: i really ship her with Dawn Granger/Dove. there's no canon basis for this, they didn't have a ton of interactions even when they were both on the BoP. but there's a very kind innocence to Dawn that contrasts Helena's violence really well. and i do love a ship with a corruption kink vibe to it. let Helena corrupt Dawn. i could write such fucked up porn about these two.

[bnhatrashsideblog]

"Camie Edit" and fuckers only use the one damn scene of Toga impersonating Camie agshdhhdncd

[flying-cat]

here's my ao3 or whatever i have one (1) shuake fic posted and i kind of hate it because i think my writing is cringe but i refuse to delete it

[onepiece-polls]

I love your polls and it’s great you try to be on both sides to give fair chance to everyone, but the way you talked about shanks/buggy is crazy They’re fine together but in canon they’re brothers and your shipping googles got so tight you actually sounded like you could believe they’re anywhere close to canon which is u know stupid af

lmao, okay, this came out of nowhere 😂 Like... I talked about that months ago. But okay.

Anyway, Shuggy is canon. They're making out behind you right now.

[microwavetoaster-selfships]

Okay sooo...in relation to my last post, which I will try and not verbatim, I am considering having this blog still be its own thing for Cars and all that jazz, still serving as my 'main' blog. And then having a separate blog(ONE. JUST ONE.) Where I put alllll my nonsensical ramblings or gushing or whatnot over other characters there. So it will be two blogs total. Just this one serving the same purpose it always has, and then a second one that will just be a jambalaya of "Oh I wonder what Kane has dug up in the mines this time. Let's go find out!"

How I am going to merge everything from my other blogs, I'm....not too sure. Since it'll all be just one big bang of different fandoms that'll sway a lot from how much I am or amn't fixated on them, I probably won't go too crazy with making different links to things like my S/Is story with them or whatnot, and I will just cut it all down to one carrd so there's not like five different ones to read through.

I think I will keep the other blogs simply as archives, if you will, just because sometimes I like to look back at myself losing my own mind. But I won't post from those blogs anymore, they will simply just be...floating around.