#I have the feeling this comic sums up a big part of their relationship pretty good.

[kiruamon]

Cursed Princes AU - Sleep Spell

Moon has enough of your nagging.

Moon: *casting a sleep spell on you*

Later, when Moon finds out that you were just so exhausted that you kept sleeping even after the spell lost its effect:

He will lay you in his bed until you are waking up again.

_

Also I maybe doing some writing for this au. Okay not maybe. I'm doing it. But it's slow progress. (And when I'm done with the first chapter I still have to translate it into english. And also I'm working on the comic parts/sketches for the Grey World AU. Also, also there are the other stories I have in wait... So yeah.) Just wanted to let you guys know.

[scarlet--wiccan]

Hi I have seen some of your post about Wanda, Pietro, Billy and Tommy and I agreee that their Romani heritage has always been stronger and their culture. That said, I wanted to ask your oppinion abou the retcon. Do you think it´s better to leave it so Wanda and Pietro keep being completely Romani while marvel develops Magneto´s family with Anya and Lorna? or do you want the retcon changed?

Wanda and Pietro were "completely" Romani even when Magneto was canonically their birth father. This is not a question of fractions or percentages-- that's not how these things work.

I wrote this last week, and it pretty much sums up my feelings about the retcon:

So, as much as I think the retcon was bad because it fucked with continuity, and it broke them away from their Jewish background, I think it was better for their growth and their storylines— especially Wanda. Mutant drama was not serving these characters well, and it had not been for a very long time. There is a part of me that actually likes their new backstory more than the original. In the current version, Chthon and the Evolutionary prey on the Maximoff family specifically because they are Romani and they come from a particular Romani cultural tradition. Those themes about racism and the ways in which Wanda has been exploited and ostracized are able to be more literal now, which is good because modern writers are finally interested in having her face her traumas head-on and take back her power. That never would have happened if she was still being defined as a ~crazy~ mutant reality warper. Again, that doesn’t mean I think the retcon is okay.

The retcon never should have happened. It was an editorial intervention motivated entirely by an IP dispute between Fox and Marvel Studios. It undermined decades of continuity, particularly some of Wanda's most prominent storylines in the last 10-15 years. And yes, it constitutes Jewish erasure. That's a big problem.

It also took Wanda and Pietro out from under the shadow of House of M for the first time in over a decade, which directly led to better character growth, restored a lot of their dignity and agency, and allowed both characters return to center on what actually makes them interesting heroes and protagonists.* I like the characters that Wanda and Pietro are today, and those characters would not exist if the retcon hadn't happened.

Even Trial of Magneto-- which, for all its flaws, finally put the Decimation to rest and resolved Wanda's turbulent relationship with mutantkind-- probably would not have happened if not for the retcon. Wanda needed to be made external to the mutant world, and be given back her power and mastery as a witch, in order to return to X-Men comics as an agential character capable of doing what needed to be done.

In my opinion, the window of time in which Marvel could have reversed the retcon closed as soon they started establishing an alternative backstory. Doubling back again would just be too messy. I would rather get a few more years of consistent, actually good storytelling which serves Wanda and Pietro as characters, rather than circuitous continuity distortion.

For me, personally, things that make Wanda and Pietro interesting characters with interesting storylines are

Where they come from (Wundagore) and the things that happened to them there (Chthon, the Evolutionary, general racism and systemic violence)

They ways in which they are constantly ostracized, othered, and misunderstood everywhere they go, but especially in America. This may be attributed to mutant identity, to their race, to Wanda being a witch, or to Pietro being generally too weird and different because of how his speed powers work.

Their intelligence, worldliness and love of learning. Wanda and Pietro are both true polyglots and are both very studious despite their lack of formal education-- for Pietro, this is partially attributed to his speed, which allows him to study and master skills at prodigious rates. Wanda's just really smart.

Related-- Wanda's career as a witch. It's something she chose for herself, and it's something she mastered through study and practice. People forget this, but back in the 80 and 90s she was on her way to becoming a real expert in her field. I think we're going to see her at the top of her game in the new Scarlet Witch solo next year.

The cycle of loss, separation, and reunion that has followed the Maximoff family through each generation. This is a really rich vein of character pathos that a lot of readers seem to dismiss out of hand as ~crazy retcons~.

As a Romani reader, I also find that all of these elements become deeper and more resonant when placed in that context. I hope that more readers and writers will come to understand that one day, because it will not only help humanize these characters and give them greater poignancy, but also because I think it would help gadje see how to bring humanity and dignity to fictional Romani representations.

[incurablyromanticsblog]

Don't know how people are gonna feel about this but Loki should've been dealt with the way they dealt with Lucifer (from the Netflix show) I mean while the show straight up dismissed loki's feelings, lucifer netflix really showed us the natural and organic character growth with ups and downs while still maintaining the comic hilarity (WHICH WASNT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE MC). It's love interest and side characters are all original characters dealt as independent characters rather as brownie or plot points.

And the scenes that prompted me to think this?

1. Lucifer asking his Mazikeen to cut off his wings because he's moved past being a pawn in his father's 'Great Plan'. We could've had loki come to this conclusion and tell Mobius (who would've been an actual all out ally who was forced into doin lg what he did) that he no longer wanted any place in a land that hated him. (Once again like Lucifer calling the silver city hell)

2. Lucifer actually being the way he's supposed to be (angel of light, light bringer etc.) We could've had Loki act like the way he Actually Is. Not like how @iamnmbr3 so eloquently put it 'like larry the dumb lookalike'. We could've had Loki being stern yet having that air of sarcasm and wit that he had in his the films. His eloquence, his physical prowess (none of the falling flat on his face stuff, a lot of people talk about how he was trying not to hurt the people in ep 2 but srsly Loki would just immediately disarm them), and most of all his agency and refusal to cower or the pathetic attempts at lying.

3. Costumes. The lucifer netflix team had an extensive costume department that ironically pales in comparison to what disney is capable of but still we see Lucifer have a wide array of clothes and styles. Have Loki take the first chance to change his clothes. If he wants the 50s aesthetic have at it! he can wear the tuxedos and the nice leather. Or maybe change into some nice Viking-inspired leathers and battle armor. Have him as a pirate, or a knight or a cowboy. You're traveling through time good man! you can at least hit some of the cool spots.

4. In depth analysis of lucifer's mental health. the only episode of the Loki tv show I liked (loose term) is the first one cause it's the only one that gave a fraction of what we were promised: an insight into loki. That's it.

5. Lucifer's organic growth. This is self-explanatory. Loki watched one video and was good. Very good five stars. I understand that they only had six episodes but come-on. You could've had the subtle changes through out all the eps and lead to the big finish finally. With each episode focusing on certain aspects of Loki.

5. Lucifer's exploration of self-loathing. This deserves to be a separate point because Istg it was done so well. Basically lucifer messes up and he's faced with the hatred that's been conditioned into him (not unlike Loki) and then he learns what it is and actually tries to love himself. And not by kissing a female variant of himself (ew and also respect the gender fluid persons). He actually saw the good in him by reflecting and his actual good friends helping him.

6. Lucifer actually wanting to be good. Look Idc what shut mike waldron wrote, loki is not selfish when his whole arc has been doing things for asgard, thor, odin, frigga etc. We all know that New York was mind control, I do not know why it's being swept under the rug. But here's the thing, that self loathing I mentioned earlier is a huge part of Loki thinking he's some monster and intent on proving it.

7. Lucifer facing his 'devil-face'. Loki should've come to terms with his Jotun heritage. The TVA could've had a case in Jotunheim concerning the Royal Family and Loki could've seen the entirety of Jotunheim and it's people not just that most-likely war propaganda the Asgardians force-fed him. Maybe have him meet his siblings or better yet his mother. There's a very nice fic on A03 called Asgardian Galdr that deals with this beautifully.

8. Luicfer having a Breakdown and Crying: First off this happens gradually, his problems pile up etc etc. and he faces off his father and gets angry until he finally breaks down. And basically God says, "I'm sorry but i can't fix you," And Lucifer in all his grief and desperation asks, "But you're God,'. I know we talk a lot about Loki being made weak in the Show but that's specifically about him being made weak and helpless to make Sylvie seem like a stronger character (Don't get me started on the Sif and Narcissm scene istfg), But maybe seeing Loki try awkwardly to be good and near the finish of the show we see it blow up in some angsty way? only for some conversation like this to happen and have Loki understand that being good is something that is innate and something he already had the potential for all along. Maybe learn that he's not lawful good but as always the morally grey character we know him as. (Protector of misfits, god of outcasts i.e all the shit Marvel shat on) and rise as the God of Chaos and Stories against the rigid bonds of The TVA and essentially Kang.

9. Lucifer having a nice healthy romantic interest and relationship. Lucifer and Chloe's relationship is more often than not the main point of the show but no matter how much it is focused on it remains health, organic and not a weird allegory for something disgusting. Even if Sylvie weren't a Loki (once again ew) the whole dynamic was toxic. She constantly put him down, and invalidated his feelings (Sounds like Odin huh?) and guess what Loki fell in love with her after one day, one conversation of what love was and Mobius calling her his girlfriend (he also said that it was freakish and i agree). We could've had Sigyn sweet lord. (I'll make another post about this)

10. Lucifer's Sexuality. There is a whole episode in which Loki's paramours are getting murdered and they all vary from men to women to all that comes in between. And there's no shame, no offensive jokes. Have Loki flirt with dudes, i understand ms.karen that this is for children, don't worry the casual sex ;) was offscreen. Have Loki turn into a woman and flirt with woman cowards, maybe make some questionable remarks about horses (That make Sigyn laugh)

11. Lucifer's Powers: lemme sum up, Lucifer can, let's call it, use compulsion on people. He is known for his strength and prowess and abilites to grant favors. Have Loki shapeshift into animals, absolutely mauling people. Have him use his silver-tongue to coax people into making or changing history (Yes Brutus, Caesar is getting to be a bit much, say have you heard how sharp knives are?)

I'm pretty sure there's more that i can't remember rn. And here is one thing i would like to make very clear.

You are not bad for liking the show or hating it whatever. The problem is that the show framed a lot of bad things as good (Anything the TVA did, Mobius' torture session with Loki, the way Sylvie treated Loki only for them to become romantic partners, the Sylkie fiasco as it was offensive to genderfluid people and the bare fucking minimum of LGBTQ and POC rep). The show was also marketed specifically to make us think hey! Loki might actually be the main character only for it to blow up in our faces. We were also promised an actual plot rather than a constantly plot twisting concept that could've been worth something.

Also i'm still working on a Loki fic rn after which i will write a Loki(TV) Rewrite but unitil then ig.

[batmanego]

Genuinely interested in the post you’ve made about how marvel comics were made from Jewish fantasies from a position of the marginalized and I’m begging I really want to know more. Google doesn’t have satisfying answers…. Pls help. If they are indeed from Jewish fantasies mcu hasn’t done jack shit about representation and i can feel my mouth twitching just thinking about the possibility

BOY i could use this as an opportunity to share my own research paper BUT i shan’t as it’s not done yet lmao.

it’s not that MARVEL superheroes specifically were made as jewish power fantasies in the wake of the antisemitism that preceded and continued through and after ww2, but it’s that ALL* superheroes of that time were — they were meant to be read as jewish and/or they were created by jews. jews were scared, so we created heroes that could save the day AND prove to everyone else that we werent evil.

i’d read this as an introduction to the concept, and this if that’s a bit too dense. this article gives more context for the specific relationship between superman and his creators. lord forgive me for linking a screenrant article but it’s the only one i could find: here is some info about my beloved moon knight, here is a jstor piece on the x-men as jews. the list goes on.

““I don’t think that the central role played by Jews in film and comics from the outset was due to special abilities or talents in these areas,” says Dr. Ben Baruch Blich, a senior lecturer in the department of history and theory at the Bezalel Academy of Arts. “What caused it was the open and latent anti-Semitism that prevailed in the United States at the time. Since daily newspapers [in the U.S.] refused to accept illustrations or comic books made by Jews, they had no other choice. For example, Siegel and Shuster, who were only youths then, could not find jobs at mainstream comic book networks, so they joined Gaines. The same was true for cinema. This was a restriction that forced Jews to develop a new approach.”” <- quote from the second article that sums some parts of it up pretty well!

also consider reading ‘from krakow to krypton’ by arie kaplan and ‘is superman circumcised’ by roy schwartz.

sadly, the state of modern day comics and their adaptations means most of this has been swept under the rug. even with characters who are arguably canonically jewish (see: bruce wayne, whose maternal cousin is jewish, meaning that he would ALSO be jewish) there’s a real lack of acknowledgement from both the current writers/artists and from fans.

*NOT ALL OF THEM, BUT THE BIG “ORIGINAL” ONES. see: captain america, the hulk, iron man, thor, batman, superman, spider-man, the x-men, the fantastic four, arguably the doom patrol, etc etc etc. you get the gist.

[tomatograter]

hey dirkjake guy , what makes you so interested in dirkjake so much ?

if I were to answer this with total accuracy we would be here all day and i’d have to hand you a 60 page peer reviewed thesis but since I don't have that time and i’m assuming you also don’t; There’s a LOT of things to work with if you read dirkjake as more than just… a vehicle for dirkcentric character angst. And they’re pieces actively embedded in the story! That matter! I like building fanwork around a textual basis and these two quite literally go as far back as being part of the guardians setting up SBURB beta in Act fucking 2. You can mine motifs until you’re dead. Here’s a contained, though by no means complete, list of things I particularly like about them:

1) Dirk and Jake both have highly imperfect experiences with their own gender/sexuality, partly out of societal pressure and partly because the story has decided what they ought to be. You've got two gay characters who are both a man in the WRONG way; Dirk overcompensates masculinity so hard he thinks of himself as too brash, imposing, damaging, nearly sizzling arsenic. Jake is expected to be the most perfect dude that has ever Het'd and fails in every feasible way because its not who he's comfortable being. He's not a wife-hunting casanova, He's just kind of a blatant useless fruit. Each of them thinks the other has it together and is doing sooooooooo much better than themselves, though.

I like that even though the adoration is mutual, the relationship is not smoothed out. It's not perfect from the get-go, and it's easier to make it awkward before making it good. We see them at their most immature, they have plenty of flaws, and they're extremely self-sabotaging in the way that isn't "cute" (or romantically convenient) but rather realistically concerning. I like seeing them working through it & maybe relapsing & putting in the effort to be better. They mean a lot to each other but have no idea how to go about it without putting on a show, it's comical to the point of being endearing. 

...And they're still the one person that makes the other feel like more than just a sum of poorly stitched frankenstein parts. 

2) Moving onto The Cringe Axis Of Relevance: Dirk and Jake are inextricable from the overarching plot and cyclical nature of Homestuck itself, Dirk as a motivator and Jake as a escapegoat. You could technically “pin” the “blame” of more than a dozen game changing plot events on them, and sometimes they’re not even aware of it. Beta Jake is HIC’s bastard child, a Dirk splinter is a core component of LE, Jake Harley translates the ancient runes in the frog temple containing the game code & is the one to release SBURB worldwide, eventually going on a time-displaced quest to get the game in motion; Ultimate dirk, funnily enough, is trying to do the exact same thing but much more shittily after borrowing one of Jake’s company ships and copying jadebot’s schematics for the purpose of making a robot daughter to forcefully restart Homestuck, The Webbed Comique, after its over. (Mom lalonde was Grandpa’s assistant & vaguely familial protégé, if you remember. Funny how that works!) And this is just like, in the text. Rose in the candy postscript directly drops it: 

I guess plagiarism is a backwards form of flattery :/

Alpha Jake in turn ends up flooded with promises of giving LE’s his first defeat, kickstarts a thousand little conflicts throughout act 6, brings dirk back to life with a kiss, sends the bunny back in time in the box (he was jade’s secret penpal that far back!), eventually only knocks caliborn on his ass because *Dirk* gets hurt in a fight, then it turns out davepeta is his sprite and actually the one fated to defeat the final boss, and that’s just the major stuff. Alpha Dirk & his dastardly AI-self messily usher the alphas into a new session, we only discover what the hell is up with alpha earth through dirk’s 20 page pesterlog gifted on jake’s birthday, Hal’s existence partly relies on Jake’s unending support- and so does Brain ghost dirk’s existence, for that matter. In big-scale and small-scale stuff alike, they’re tied up.

3) Overabundance of referential motifs: Homestuck is practically a big collage of character-relevant media. You can talk about things like some of jake’s favorite superheroes being similar to dirk, or how dirk and jake’s romance is jokingly compared to the Princess Bride via their planets/personalities/BGD literally quoting the movie and acting out the same sword movements, or how they both have a thing for artisanal puppetry, or how dirk is a history buff while jake is a time-displaced verbal oddity, or how Dirk's concerns with narrative philosophy and clean logic make him squarely Apollonian in certain lit terms & that is perfectly opposed by Jake's haphazard Dionysian approach! Or how Grandpa has an orange-lit room of knights and a replica of Iron Man’s armor (widely known for his fragile heart) to stand in for Dirk while Jake has his knight genre movie posters and dreams up dirk to serve the same role, or how the brobot, built with jake’s help, eventually has a nervous conniption and rips his heart out so it can be used as a battery - and while the moment is reminiscent of aradiabot's blue blood breakdown, the heart is actually the same kind grandpa had installed into jadebot; as both were created to protect someone dearly beloved.

Funny how that works x4

Or just how like, Jake fantasizes about Avatar while kissing a poster but mentally he's having an elaborate dream of putting Dirk in the role of the movie's lead to prove how Awesome And Perfect life can be. Or how brain ghost dirk tells jake he looks good when he's feeling like shit and jake, in turn, says his gay little prince outfit looks pretty sweet and not dumb at all, in a sort of covert pep-talk system covering for both of their masculinity hang-ups. That works too.

4) They're the only ship I can confidently compare to Shrek, the Movie, and make that into insightful commentary.

And lastly:

[ordinaryschmuck]

What I Thought About "Knock Knock Knockin' on Hooty's Door" from The Owl House

Wow. They are really pushing it for that secret message, huh?

Anywho--Salutations, random people on the internet who certainly won’t read this! I am an Ordinary Schmuck. I write stories and reviews and draw comics and cartoons!

I think it goes without saying at this point that Season Two of The Owl House is setting itself up as a season without filler. Now, filler episodes aren't always bad. Yes, it hurts when a series turns away from the main plot for a week. But at best, they're utilized as a chance for the writers to play around with the characters and developing said characters without it relating to the overarching story. So, some people who see that consider it a bad thing that a series doesn't have that many filler episodes.

I like to call those people: F**king morons.

Don't get me wrong, I see where some of you are coming from. And I'd be willing to agree...if The Owl House was a plot-driven series. Which it's not. It is a character-driven series. Because for every plot thread and narrative that the show presents, they always relate to the characters and develop them further each time these threads get brought up. For example, look at "Knock Knock Knockin’ on Hooty's Door" (It pains me just to write that). Several narratives move forward, and it’s all done to make the characters grow. And to explain how requires going into spoilers. So keep that in mind as you continue reading.

Now, let's review, shall we?

WHAT I LIKED

Hooty: Might as well start with the character that this episode is about.

To tell you the truth, I wasn't a huge fan when I found out we're getting a Hooty-centered episode. I've grown to love him over time, but he is a comedic character that's best used in small doses. Primarily due to how his voice is grating to me (My ears are still bleeding...). With that said, I do really love his contributions in "Knock Knock Knockin' on Hooty's Door" (Seriously, there couldn't have been a less awkward title?). Hooty's antics when trying to help everyone are as hilarious as they are heartwarming. He deeply cares for his friends but just doesn't understand how his plans could do some unintended harm, which is pretty lovable if you ask me. We also get some surprisingly great insight into his character, as he feels insecure about basically being the comic relief who doesn't really do that much other than being funny. Rarely do you get that level of dimension from a comedic character, and it's even more uncommon for that to work out as well as it does here. It once again proves just how competent the writing is in this series to the point where we get an episode about Hooty, and it's funny and heartwarming instead of being annoying. And whoever is responsible for that, you're the best.

Lilith’s Letter to Hooty: I mean it when I say that I love how Lilith kept her word about her and Hooty becoming penpals. Their friendship was something I would have never expected to love, and I'm still shocked that it works so well, so seeing it continue like this just warms me to the bone. Plus, it is pretty sweet that Lilith's kind words are what inspired Hooty to do what he's done in this episode...meaning it's Lilith we should thank here--SON OF A WITCH! Even when she's gone, she's still working her way into my heart!

King going through Puberty: What?! KING IS EVOLVING!

(There, I made a Pokemon reference. Do I get my cookie now?)

Eda Keeping Herself Awake to Train Herself: I'm willing to bet a large sum of money that this has everything to with Raine getting captured last week. If Eda was still the most powerful witch in the Isles, she might have actually saved them. But she isn't, and now the love of her life is in the clutches of a tyrant planning something that could potentially be the end of everything. So I can understand Eda pushing herself to her limit to get back on top again, as I would probably do the same. It's not healthy in any way, and Eda would be doing more harm than good. But when it comes to the people you love, logic doesn't always win out in the end.

Luz Wanting to Make her Way into Amity’s Heart by Making the Echo Mouse Happy: ...That's it. I Just...I just love everything about it, ok?

This was also when I knew that I was wrong to doubt that there would be zero Lumity in this episode. I realize my follies now, and I humbly apologize.

Hooty Teaching King About Demons: This was so funny. So, so funny. Probably doesn't come as a surprise, especially since The Owl House proves itself as a comedy before, but the jokes have never hit as frequently and as hard as they did here. From Hooty getting offended by King's dance to him and Dana's insert wanting a "DNA sample," everything managed to successfully make me lose my s**t. It does come at the expense of King suffering, but I can stomach that much more than if it were Eda or Luz. And, as a bonus, we get lore about how demons work, added with another great joke of King getting in trouble with Hooty for saying he already knows this stuff. Humor isn't always the show's strong suit, but when it works, it f**king works.

King Wanting to Know What he Is: But despite how funny King's vignette was, we still get to see more of his character grow. We learn that he's frustrated now that there's this big question mark over his life now, feeling extra angry that his father "abandoned" him to leave such a present mystery. It shows the hidden resentment he has that Lilith inadvertently brought out, made even worse when King's father hasn't responded to the video yet. King hasn't really gotten that much development until "Echoes of the Past," so it's pretty cool that the writers haven't really slowed down on it. Especially when it leads to these great moments of King venting his frustrations.

King’s Shouting Powers: KING learned FUS RO DAH!

(And now that's a Pokemon reference AND a Skyrim reference. WHERE'S MY GOSH DANG COOKIE!?)

Eda’s Nightmare: If King's vignette hits you hard with the laughs, Eda's will absolutely hit you harder with the feels (never make me say "feels" unironically again). Knowing that Eda's life got thoroughly screwed over by the curse is something we could figure out on her own. But seeing just how much the curse ruined her life and tore apart relationships that mean the world to her really does a swell job at ripping apart the soul. What's even more tragic is, technically speaking, it's all sort of Eda's fault too. She kept hiding the curse, refusing to be a burden to others who would do all they could to help. If she had only been open and honest, things probably wouldn't have changed much, but they most likely would have been better than they are now.

Eda Attacked her Father as the Owl Beast: ...I don't know what I was expecting when "Keeping Up A-Fear-Ances" hinted that there was some possible tension between Eda and her father...but it definitely wasn't this.

The fact that we see blood where his eye used to be doesn't make things any happier, either.

Raine Broke Up with Eda: Before we get into anything else, let's celebrate the fact that it's now confirmed that Eda and Raine really did use to date in the past. Because this show is just f**king phenomenal with its LGBTQA+ representation!

But, seriously, this is a fantastic reveal that goes far beyond just shipping...well, sort of. It shines a new light on Eda and Raine's interactions from last week, revealing that while they're not a couple anymore, they still very much love each other. It helps make their last interaction especially tragic, as they were both on the same page now and could very well be together again. Only for them to be forced apart for the second time in a way that's much worse than the first. And I frickin' adore that this series changes the impact of one episode one week later. Again, it shows just how competent these writers are, and kudos to them for making something so...perfect.

The Moon Person: WHO THE FU--Nope. Nope! We have more than enough mystery bulls**t to deal with through CreepyLuz and Philip Wittebane, so I am PUTTING YOU ON THE BACKBURNER FOR NOW!

(They're probably nothing more than a one-off character, anyway)

The Owl Beast and Eda are Connected: Through visuals alone, we, the audience, can clue into what the curse really means. The Owl Beast doesn't want to be a part of Eda as much as she doesn't want it to be a part of her. Whether they like it or not, and they very much don't, they're stuck together. The thing is, and this is what I love the most, they still decide to make the best of their situation rather than let it ruin their lives even more. This might be the best possible turn Eda's curse could have made. It'll still affect her, and there are probably more negatives than positives, but at least now, it's not the worst thing in the world. And I feel like that's all anyone can ask when in a position like her own.

Eda's “Pretty Dream”: I don't know what emotions are toiling inside me more with this moment. Awe and wonder over how beautiful Eda's dream is, or heartbreak over the implication that she has only had nightmares since getting cursed...I'm gonna say both. Yeah, it's definitely both.

Eda’s Harpie Form: Well, fan artists are gonna have a field day with this...especially the freaks.

(You know who you are. And you're weird!)

Luz Calling Amity a “Cotton-Candy Haired Goddess”: ...Have I ever mentioned how much I love this show?

Hooty Kidnapped Amity: ...Hooty, if your stupidity wasn't charming, I would be more than willing to call the authorities over how you kidnapped a girl in your version of a knapsack and locked her in the basement. For that is going to ring SO MANY alarm bells in people's heads.

Amity and Luz Stuck in a Tunnel of Love: *Smacks lips* Mmm. The adorable awkwardness of this moment is just *chef's kiss* magnifique!

Luz being afraid of getting made fun of:

Amity’s look of hope: I mean...just...f**king--LOOK AT HER:

That is the look of a girl who, while embarrassed as hell, still is ecstatic to learn for a brief moment, everything that she is hoping for has a high chance of being real. Who, in their right mind, wouldn't go "Aw!" at something so pure and innocent?!

Luz Destroying the Tunnel of Love: This is how to effectively utilize dramatic irony. The audience can understand why Luz is tearing the place apart because she explicitly states that she's afraid of Amity rejecting her in the end. They also know that's bogus, thus making it extra painful to watch Amity's heart break more and more with each second (which is perfectly represented through Amity's expressions). You feel bad for both of them, and even worse when you know that it can easily be prevented by the simple art of communication. That's what makes it great dramatic irony. Knowing the point of view of each character results in a scene that evokes emotions in two different ways.

Hooty’s Breakdown: This was...genuinely hard to watch. Not that it was badly written, far from it. It just...hurt seeing how destroyed Hooty was when he realized he failed the people he has such an admiration for. On the upside, a wholesome moment follows soon after as the Owl House gang tries to reassure Hooty that he's done a lot of good that night. It's a pure action that shows even though Hooty gets on their nerves all the time, they still care about him...damn it. I think I'm gonna cry.

Eda’s Advice for Luz: ...Eda...You're the best.

You found out that your surrogate daughter wants to ask a girl out, and not only were you quick to deliver the best possible advice ("Just go for it!"), but you also quickly reassure her that it doesn't need to be perfect.

And you know what? That's it. Eda is the best cartoon mom! She might not technically be Luz's mom, but I don't give a s**t because she is the best!

Luz and Amity Ask Each Other Out: Shh-sh-sh-sh...

Do you hear that?

...

...

...It's the sound of dozens of Lumity fans collectively losing their s**t...and I'm one of them.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

HOO-HOO-HOO-HOO!

IT!

IS!

CANON!

AH-HAHAHAHAHA!

HOLY S**T! Holy s**t! Holy s**t...might just be the best way I could possibly describe this! Finally, after all the waiting, speculating, and praying, THESE TWO IDIOTS FINALLY GOT TOGETHER! AND IT WAS PERFECT! I mean, it was awkward as s**t, but that's what makes it perfect! You know why? You wanna--Hey! *snaps fingers*. You want to know why? It's because they're teenagers. Of f**king course, it's going to be awkward! This is their first relationship, so there will be a lot of missteps along the way. And that, in itself, brings me to the best (second best part?) thing about it happening in episode eight of the new seasons. Most endgame couples get together in the climax or even at the end of the series. But to have them get together this early on, means there will be quite a few episodes dedicated to showing them grow as a couple.

And better than that--EVEN F**KING BETTER THAN THAT--dozens of kids are going to see these two, a realistic depiction of young love that just so happens to involve two girls, and are going to learn once and for all that there is nothing wrong with being who they are. That fact alone is f**king incredible. Yes, it sucks that season three got cut short, and we'll have even less time with Luz and Amity, but knowing how many kids have felt seen today almost makes it worth it in the end.

And if I see one mother f**ker saying this was poorly paced, I might just hunt them down for SPORT...Sorry if that was an overreaction. I'M JUST SO HAPPY! Because they're happy! Look at them. Listen to them! It's so...GAH-HAHAHA!

��They’re adorable! And deserve all the happiness!”: You're darn right, Hooty! You're darn right.

King’s Father(?) Shows Up: What the--WHAT?! They're doing this now?! Here?! After everything else?

Oh, man. What could this mean? What dynamic changes will this cause in the main cast? How could the writers fit this in during the next two episodes? And what--

Hooty Eats the Letter: ...Pfffft--HAHAHAHA!

Oh, man...I should be mad, and I wouldn't blame others if they are...but that is too much of a brilliant f**k you that I can't help but appreciate it. Bravo writers. Bravo.

WHAT I DISLIKED

...Dislikes? Dislikes? You would honestly believe that after everything I witnessed in this episode, that I would have the gull to list anything wrong with it?!

HOW DARE YOU ASSUME THAT I WOULD BE SO CALLUS TO--Actually, I do kind of have an issue with the episode's title. It's just too much of an awkward mouthful for me to get behind. I understand that the writers wanted to sneak the K into the secret message, but were there really no other titles starting with K that they couldn't come up with?

But that's just a personal issue, and in no way do I think anybody else would feel the same way. Especially with how well-written everything else is anyway.

IN CONCLUSION

"Knock Knock Knockin' on Hooty's Door" (title aside) is another A+ episode. It was hilarious, heart-wrenching, and downright adorable while keeping me entertained with every minute. I'm sure there are some issues I was willing to ignore due to how expertly written everything else was, but why bother looking for the chinks in the armor when I could just enjoy a perfect episode for being so...perfect! Some of you might be willing to disagree with me, but to that, I say: Don't knock it till you've tried it.

(Now, if you don't excuse me, I'm going to go lie down. It's...It's been a day.)

[number5theboy]

Why do you think they didn’t include the dna thing in the show for five? I thought it would’ve been pretty cool

Buckle up, Anon, this got long. The short version is that the show didn’t really need the DNA experimentation to make Five who he is; they frame him and his relationship to and motivation for killing differently, as well as make him more affected by the lives he takes than he is in the comics. And for my two cents, I think it’s good that they left it out of the show; I prefer the framing in the show, as I think the whole DNA experimentation is not that well-written and could have been explored in a better, more interesting and complex way in the comics. The show decides to take a different route and makes Five’s relationship to killing an internal tragedy that the more externally motivated conflict in the comics, and I think it’s more powerful for it. In more detail, that means as follows.

In the comics, specifically Dallas, Number Five tells Allison of his time at the Temps Aeternalis (what the show made into the Commission). He was their best assassin, subtle, efficient, ruthless, chosen for all the big jobs. More importantly, Five felt - and still feels - complete detachment from killing, to the point where he started questioning his own response to it all. He did some digging and found out that upon extracting him from the apocalyptic wasteland, the Temps Aeternalis operated on him and fundamentally changed his being. There were the things he knew about – reinforced and enhanced his body, gave him back his youth, made him immortal – but they also, without his consent or knowledge, bound his DNA to that of history’s most famous killers. The idea is that he is the perfect killer because he is all of them; he is a weapon that encapsulates every weapon that came before it. In theory, that’s a neat idea and an interesting source of conflict, but there are things that irk me about it.

First of all, I’m just not that into the whole idea of killing being embedded in one’s DNA??? It’s such a bioessentialist idea and I really dislike all implications that come with it. The comic says that the surgery basically rid Five of all empathy, and just equalling lack of empathy with capacity to kill is not a good look at all, it’s pretty gross. It’s why I don’t like the idea of Five’s DNA being bound to the DNA of killers in general.

And even if you ignore that first point, the way it is written in the comic is not really good either and actively undermines the point it’s trying to make. Five’s DNA is bound to history’s most notorious killers and assassins, which is a dumb move, in-universe, if you’re trying to make the best, most efficient assassin, because the best killers are the ones that were never caught, not the ones that were. Five namedrops a few in his speech to Allison, namely Mark David Chapman, Charlotte Corday, Balthasar Gérard, Luigi Lucheni, Gavrilo Princip, who are all very notorious for killing, hold on to your seats, one single person each. They killed very high profile people, but none of them was actually a trained assassin, and none of them got away with their murder. They were all caught very quickly and died in dismal conditions. The way it’s written makes for a pretty impressive and well-formulated speech, until you realise that it’s not that impressive to be a better assassin (through being a sum of their parts) than these people, who killed once and never again. If Five was really made to be the perfect weapon, it should have been by harvesting knowledge from actually adept killers, who were never caught because of their skill, but that makes for a less flashy speech and less impressive/well-known comparisons that could be drawn. It reads to be about reputation rather than skill, and ‘killer’ is not a thing that’s in your DNA anywaya. The way this entire thing is framed makes me uneasy, to be frank.

And as I’ve said, I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad idea to tie Five into a history of killers and assassins. I really like the resolution, if you could call it so, where he accuses Carmichael of having cut out his humanity with a scalpel, as if it were a malignancy. This idea of non-consensual body (and personality) modification is good and interesting, I just dislike how it is tied to DNA and to killers for their notoriety rather than their actual skill, because it diminishes what could be a very interesting conflict. The whole killer DNA thing has not been followed up on since Dallas, it has not been mentioned even, as far as I remember. Five kills Carmichael, gets his revenge, and that’s it on something that he deeply dislikes about himself. They made him a monster on such a fundamental level that he can’t really fight it anymore, and all these implications could be explored, but they’re not. This could have been handled and written so much better. Get rid of the whole bioessentialism implication, still have him be modified to be the perfect weapon with better reflexes, but in addition have him learn by observing killers and assassins, and have him grapple with the fact that he is not really himself anymore because he was made and conditioned not to be.  

The show takes a different route, one that I personally find so much more compelling. They do away with the whole DNA business, but they keep in the fact that Five hates what he’s become. This time, when he accuses the Handler that she made him a killer, what does she throw back at him? “You’ve always been a killer. I just pointed you in a direction.” The idea, which is constantly expanded upon, notably in the Wisconsin assassination in Season 2, is that there is a part of Five that is good at being an assassin, that he is good at everything that entails, not because an external force like the Commission made him to be so, but because he decided he could be. Comic Five never gets a choice in the matter. The operation is done before he gets trained and sent out into the field, all his killing is done with the DNA modification already, we don’t know how pre-operation Five would have acted in those situations. Show Five is given a choice, to stay in the apocalypse or become a killer, and he chooses the kill.

I’ve talked about this before, but I really like how in the show, Five being stuck in the apocalypse for forty years is tied into his outlook on being an assassin. Five is the best assassin not because he is the best at killing, but because he is the best at surviving, which he’s been doing for decades. What he does best is self-preservation, and if that entails killing? Committing war crimes? Then so be it. He has already seen the very worst that can happen to mankind, complete annihilation, and if he has to kill dozens, hundreds, thousands to prevent it, then he will do so. And it goes beyond that too. It’s established that Five has been good at adapting to new situations since he was a child. He is curious by nature, and very driven to develop his skills to perfection. This is all part of his character and it feeds into him being a good assassin. The fact that he chooses to kill, that he takes the Handler’s offer, fits his personality as it is presented to us viewers.

The show also shows us the flip side, shows the parts of Five’s personality that explain why he hates that he is good at killing. He has seen so much violence and death that he is desensitised to it to the point where he can enjoy the kill in the moment. He takes pride in his skill, but he dislikes that it’s his skill at all. He is so tired of violence and the fact that he keeps perpetuating it through the choices he has to make, the situations he finds himself in. He loves his siblings and wants them to survive, to get to have the life he never had. He is selfless and willing to sacrifice his life if it means everyone else gets to live. And he has a sense of good and evil, much of which is very much a grayzone, but he is always aware that the Commission is an evil organisation that robs people of their free will, that he is part of that, and that is a hard line he draws (or at least he was until 2.10 where the writers suddenly threw out his moral compass regarding the Commission. Hate that. Absolutely terrible writing choice.). Something I also want to mention here is that very clearly, Show Five has low empathy. Different from the comics however, it’s not because his DNA was modified with killer DNA to erase all empathy, but it’s just because he is like that, and from the way his siblings react, has always been similar to this. He has a hard time emphasising with his siblings’ stories of pain and abuse, or with any of the random people he comes in contact with. The closest he gets are the ones whose experiences are most like his own, the other Commission assassins. And this low empathy is not framed as something villainous, it’s just part of Five, and it’s not integral to his role as an assassin.

What all of this character work does is that it moves the conflict that Five has to the inside. Show Five is struggling with himself first and foremost. Comic Five killed Carmichael in an act of very deserved revenge for what he made him to be, and the topic of why he is the way he is is never brought up again, because the DNA is modified, there really is no way back. Show Five comparatively has to shoulder much more blame himself. Comic Five never asked to me modified, never consented to having his humanity stripped from him. Show Five stripped away that humanity himself, bit by bit, decision by decision. There is something so genuinely tragic about the fact that the cost he had to pay to save humanity was to give so much of his own humanity up, that the first thing he learned to do when he came back into contact with human life was how to end it. I find Show Five’s arc so endlessly compelling because it is about choice and the consequences it entails. It is so, so good.

And this doesn’t mean I don’t like Comic Five. I fucking love Comic Five. He is an awesome character in his own right, and some things I wish the show had kept more true to the source material than they ended up doing. But the DNA modification is 100% not one of those things. I think the show has found a more compelling way of approaching Five’s relationship to his being an assassin, a lot of which is still lifted from the comics, but it replaced that one element I really don’t enjoy with something that I find much more interesting from a character perspective, and that I am excited to see more of.

Because ‘you took away my humanity and every day I have to fight to not slip into complete monstrosity’ is a good conflict that has the potential to be great, and it really deserves more exploration in the comics. But ‘I took away my own humanity by choosing to be the monster every day until I have brought about change’ is a truly fascinating conflict that I adore to bits.

[khaleesiofalicante]

Creepy giggling

It's here

FAKE DATING AU MY 😍

My phone's at 20 I'm gonna kill someone

I AM FREAKING OUT

LIKE SQUEALING

MY MOTHER IS SO CONCERNED

Wait lemme get my laptop

ok let's go I am comfortable

This is an apology for tlnd...

well this shall be fun

It all starts when Jace opens his big mouth.

Oh my I am scared

MY BOY IS THE CEO OF THE LEADING COMPANY YESSS

so proud

Aww, his parents were cool about it 🥺

But honestly though, he is one more proposal and matchmaking website away from giving it all up and becoming a monk or something.

I ALMOST CHOKED ON MY GUM

HE'S SO DONE WITH THEM

This reminds me of sum shit my oc pulled smh

Alec ffs just ask him out

sorry too soon

alec is so precious

oof a crush on your childhood best friend

It’s been 12 goddamn years and Magnus still doesn’t know Alec likes him.

As in, likes him likes him.

yes bby we're not 12

I WILL SMASH YOUR HEADS TOGETHER-

ok but ik how scary it is but like shoot your shot

Every time Alec tries to talk to the other man about how much he loves him; he just completely forgets how to make a coherent sentence.

Biggest fucking mood

PLEASE DRUNKEN CONFESSIONS-

LMAO

“Jace is married to his high school sweetheart and Isabelle and Simon have moved into together,” his mother would tell him as if Alec hadn’t had a front-row ticket to these relationships since he was a teenager.

“You need to find someone too, son,” his dad would say. “We are not getting any younger.”

“You don’t even have any grey hair for god’s sake!” Alec had grumbled. “Why don’t you go bug Max to date someone!”

“Max is twelve, you dick!” his sister had rolled her eyes at the time.

THIS IS FUCKING HILARIOUS ISTG THIS FAMILY

poor alec seeing his siblings meet their soulmates while he's in love with his best friend

it be like that sometimes

He wasn’t clowning in every aspect of his life, thank you very much.

so proud of him

Oh no Jace no

PLEASE THE BOY IS TRAUMATISED HE'S CHUGGING COFFEE

“I think,” Izzy says, removing the pencil from the hair bun on top of her head. “You should ask Magnus out.”

I AGREE WITH IZZY

DO IT BOY

OMG THE SHADOWHUNTER CHRONICLES

MY SMART BABIES

they are so cute

I AM SO HAPPY FOR THEM

THE SHADOWHUNTER CHRONICLES IS DOING SO WELL

omg Magnus is an artist

I wanna say something very inappropriate-

Idris Comics is a family business and it had felt wrong to do it without Magnus.

If this is the only way he would have Magnus as a part of his family, then Alec didn’t mind.

GONNA CRY BRB

this is so precious

Magnus’ art is magic.

Alec wanted it to be the first thing his readers saw when they took the book in their hands.

He wanted them to see Magnus. He wanted them to see the magic.

And they did.

Magnus is indeed the best thing to ever happen

all this love for him makes my heart happy

YOU NEED A MODEL FOR THE SPIRAL LABYRINTH?? MAGNUS FUCKING BANE

I need to know everything about these comics...

DUDE MAGNUS IS RIGHT THERE FOR THE HIGH WARLOCK POSITION

that conversation about diversity YES

zoom meetings are hell

I WANNA FUCKING HUG MAGNUS

I AM FEELS

MY TALENTED PRECIOUS BADASS BABE

I AM GONNA CRY-

the cover is gonna be so good I KNOW IT

Ayy she's in long island

noice

PLEASE MY GUM ALMOST WENT DOWN MY THROAT AGAIN I AM LAUGHING SO MUCH

Ah shit. Here we go again.

I HEARD THIS LIKE THAT MEME/VINE (?????)

WHO IS JUSTIN HAWKBLUE AND WHERE DO I KILL HIM??

jkjk

alec you not good lying

PLEASE THEY GOOGLED HIM I AM DEAD

good damage control jace

AASTAIR

Yeah, jace i'd like to know too 👀

Uh, Jace-

WELL END OF THE MONTH IT IS THEN

I CAN'T BREATHE THEY WANNA MEET HIM

GOOD LUCK BABE

“Uh,” Alec starts to sweat more. “I can tell you, his name. Sure. Because he has one. He has a name. He has two names actually. First one and last one.”

“Well?” his mother prompts.

“It’s a pretty name,” Alec blabbers. “I like his name. It’s a good name. His parents gave him the name.”

IF I CHOKE ON MY GUM THIS IS THE REASON

alec I am sure his name is amazing

Izzy – the only god he will ever worship

Mood

“Why does he sound very confident about this crazy idea?” Alec asks his sister.

“He reads too much fanfiction,” Izzy grumbles.

“Fanfiction is the cornerstone of modern literature,” Jace says firmly.

IT IS

Bestie it'll be fine dw

hopefully idk im hungry

“We have more than one person who might be willing to do this? Should I be concerned? Should I be talking to human resources?”

ALEC LMAO IM DEAD

oh my god she made a presentation...

MA'AM, I LIKE WOMEN YOU CAN'T DO SHIT LIKE THIS TO ME-

oh my god, it's perfect as well...

I AM GONNA DIE

“Just make sure to hide the body,” Clary tells him. “Jace’s instructions for his funeral are beyond my budget.”

“Are a golden casket and a farewell anthem written and sung by Taylor Swift too much to ask?” Jace demands.

“Yes,” the rest of them reply in unison.

I WANT THAT FUNERAL

it sounds perfect

i mean Simon's right-

jace ily though

fake dating >>>>

I wanna marry Magnus and have his babies, Alec wants to say.

mhm yeah same it truly is a great time to be alive

anyway alec bby you are so right

the candidates are nice

“Hot and unavailable,” Izzy clarifies. “That’s his type.”

Yeah same dude

sighs

no one ever warns you about the yearning that comes with it...

“No, it’s a fanfiction,” Simon points out.

It is.

THE 4TH WALL IS DOWN

ok I am alone time for some ts karaoke while I read

NOT LEON

mad woman by ts is so relatable though

what's the Christmas party incident though 👀

“Dude, you are not gonna marry this guy!” Jace groans. “It’s just for a month.”

well, he is-

LMAO YEAH GOOD LUCK WITH RAPHAEL-

y'all find Andrew Scott attractive?

man's mediocre at best

oh, he gay??

noice

MAGNUS MY LOVE

“Why do you have a shirtless picture of Raphael on the screen?” Magnus asks a perfectly valid question. “But more importantly, where did you get a shirtless picture of Raphael?”

OH MY

HOW IZZY HOW

Magnus walks up to Alec, pops up on the conference table in front of him and takes a sip from Alec’s coffee, and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand before passing the mug to Alec.

Alec tries not to swoon from the intimacy of it all.

I ALMOST SOBBED AT THAT

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH

alec...ask him out

DO IT

“I thought I was the glue,” Jace pouts.

"You are more like the fungus we are trying to get rid of,” Alec clarifies.

PLEASE ALEC-

I mean jace did get us into this mess

And Alec just…wants to fucking kiss him.

DO IT

LITERALLY, DO IT

I AM SO HYPED SINGING TAYLOR SWIFT TRYING NOT TO CHOKE ON MY GUM AND LAUGHING BECAUSE THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER

PLEASE THEY ALL KNOW IT WILL BE SUCH A DISASTER WHICH IS WHY HE ISN'T ON THE LIST AND JUST-

giggles like a 5-year-old

“Alexander,” Magnus looks at him. “Do you think this is a bad idea?”

Magnus has this soft smile on his face and he is wearing a scarf that matches the color of Alec’s eyes and he still has a little bit of foam from Alec’s coffee on his upper lip and Alec just…

“No,” he replies. "I don't think this is a bad idea."

just...the preciousness of this scene

I love them so much and I have 26 thousand words of them and my favorite trope

Dani you're doing god's work

“There you go,” Magnus jumps off the table. “Magnus Bane saves the day again!”

My love ❤️

HE TOOK ANOTHER SIP OF ALEC'S COFFEE

BOYFRIEND

SEE YOU LATER BOYFRIEND

SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP

“There are literally thousands of fanfiction as to why this is a bad idea.”

AND I CAN PRESENT YOU THOUSANDS OF FANFICTION AS TO WHY THIS IS A GOOD IDEA

never forget the happy ending tag

“My life is not a fanfiction, Fray!”

“Sure feels like one though,” Izzy comments and closes the presentation.

love how do I break this down?

gonna make myself some of that lemon tea that I experimentally got and now I am hate drinking

“I’ll cross that bridge when I get there,” Alec shrugs.

Me about everything in life

Alec doesn’t knock on Magnus’ door. He just walks in.

Partly because they are best friends and partly because Magnus never locks his front door when he is home.

THE DOMESTICITY OF THIS

Magnus bby YOU CAN GET ROBBED

fuck my friends are pranking my other friend over text in our gc and it's making me very uneasy

or maybe im just bad at this

anyway

Magnus knows it's him. Alec hasn’t even spoken but Magnus still knows.

SO PRECIOUS

THEM THEM THEM

I am gonna try and get back into this and stop worrying about my friend group

muted those unhinged bitches

HE MADE A 5 POINT PLAN

ACTUALLY ON THE FLOOR FOR THIS MAN

im too nervous to read (the friend gc thing) fuck

gonna be back

the prank feels too insensitive

fuck not the place

okay uh anyway

I am totally not chugging hot tea like water to hide tears it's fine

ok I left. mental health first.

“We have our quarrels,” Magnus amends. “But you forgive me because I am too cute for you to stay mad.”

“Sounds fake but okay,” Alec nods and sits down on Magnus’ bed.

Sounds true asf to me

he is too cute to stay mad at

my love

Alec, he WANTS to be your boyfriend

so like-

Oh

you'll get through it, baby. if artist's block is anything like writer's block then im sure it sucks ass

you'll get there.

YES TELL THE FIVE POINT PLAN

SO SEXY OF YOU

“I don’t know,” Magnus shrugs. “You’re just the kind of guy who goes after what he wants.”

Not really. He is the kind of guy to pine after what he wants for 12 goddamn years.

LMAO YEAH OKAY SAME-

“Then you fell in love with me because I am the hottest and smartest and kindest person you have ever met, and you realized you can’t live without me,” Magnus announces dramatically.

flops down

so true

I am love him

Magnus makes me so happy

you're so smart ily

AYY THEY ARE LIVING TOGETER

And he reads fanfiction too, okay?

He knows about the inevitable scene where Magnus walks out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel and Alec practically gets to see him half-naked.

Okay, that sounded way less creepy in his head.

Babe....

fucking mood is what you are

send pics

I MEAN DON'T-

IT IS 3 AM MY MENTAL HEALTH IS BAD I AM CONVINCED MY FRIENDS HATE ME AND I NEED MORE TEA DONT BLAME ME

HE STEALS ALEC'S HOODIES

SCREAMING

“Our friendship has been through worse,” Magnus comments.

“Jace and Clary’s wedding?” Alec chuckles.

“I was this close to killing you,” Magnus huffs.

I NEED THAT STORY NOW

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE WEDDING

“You are lucky you are pretty,” Magnus sighs and turns back to the laptop.

I DIED

ISTG THESE TWO

AHAHHA PEOPLE THINK THEY ARE DATING

I wish

“Move to a different continent and get a new identity?”

Yes

that is easier

Magnus rolls his eyes. But those eyes are still very soft. “You could date. Someone. For real.”

“I know,” Alec manages a smile. “I just…I don’t want to. I don’t want to date anyone.”

Magnus nods, turning away again. When he speaks, his voice is low. “I know, Alexander.”

THIS IS WHY MAGNUS DOESN'T ASK HIM OUT FUCK

SMH I WILL LOCK YOU IN A CLOSET TILL YOU TALK TO EACH OTHER

honey, he didn't ask because he thought YOU didn't want anything

FENG SHUI

LIKE FROM LMLT

Magnus what do you expect when you gave them all spare keys 😭

Alec honestly has no idea how he isn’t supposed to fall in love with Magnus when he says sexy shit like that.

ikr??

he's making a fucking pros and cons list

“Okay second point,” Magnus says and sits on Alec’s lap. Alec swallows a moan successfully.

HE JUST CASUALLY-

OH MY GOD

HIS PHONE BACKGROUND

CHAIRMAN

gasp

the book cover is so pretty

It is a blue and black design, depicting an ocean that is the exact color of Alec’s eyes. There is a sleek, black arrow rising from the ocean – the weapon of the main character in the story.

Alec remembers falling in love with the cover the moment he saw it. He remembers wondering what or who Magnus must have been thinking of when he painted that cover.

You

he was thinking of you

BYE MAGNUS JUST BURIED HIS FACE IN THE CROOK OF ALEC'S NECK

THIS SHIT IS SO CUTE I AM GOING TO SCREAM

“This is not a photoshoot, Alec,” Magnus chuckles softly. “You just need to act like you are in love with me.”

See. Alec can’t do that.

He can’t act like it.

Because he is very much in love with Magnus.

so dont act

just be you

“I am happy when I am with you,” Alec clarifies

I AM LOSING MY SHIT

THEY MAKE ME SO HAPPY

Magnus rolls his eyes and then buries his face in Alec’s neck again. But this time he licks the side of Alec’s throat like the heathen that he is and Alec…Well, he laughs.

Because he is ticklish and this whole situation is hilariously funny.

Falls off bed

HOLY SHIT

They really look like two people in love.

BECAUSE YOU ARE

SHUT UP MAGNUS KISSED HIS CHEEK

SCREAMING CRYING SHAKING

MAGNUS STEALS HIS CLOTHES

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

OMG THE PET NAMES

alec is like "I wanna kiss him" AND THEN DOESNT

BOY-

oh

OH

HE'S GIVING HIM THE LIGHTWOOD RING

FUCKKK

“You look cute,” Alec says – because why not?

He really does

honey if they dont like you i'll finish them off

“Well, then it’s a good thing you are not my real boyfriend then,” Alec manages a smile – even though saying that shit makes him want to cry.

ALEC FOR FUCKS SAKE

“Yes. But also, I look cuter when he is nuzzled in my chest,” Magnus smiles softly, picking up the feline and nuzzling him to prove the point.

Alec sends Chairman a glare. Lucky bastard.

I know another someone who will look even cuter ❤️

PLEASE JUST CONFESS

MAX BUDDY HEY

THEY ARE HOLDING HANDS

well this is awkward

LMAO WHAT

MAX IS CRYING I AM DEAD

the covers are just that good

of course, they are

it is Magnus bane

what's wrong? Magnus?

Magnus' studio 🥺

is it filled with paintings of alec?

Magnus, are you pulling a Julian?

The notes on the refrigerator. Their toothbrushes next to each other. Saying good morning over a cup of coffee every day. Saying goodnight and being the last person to see each other before they go to sleep.

The cooking together. The eating together.

All of it feels so goddamn domestic.

Magnus had asked Alec if he can take out the trash last night and Alec had briefly had a panic attack about it.

Because this is the kind of shit people who actually were in relationships did.

I WILL ACTUALLY CRY

THIS IS SO FUCKING SOFT

“You’re home!” Magnus beams from the kitchen.

Alec tries very hard not to sob.

same alec same

IT IS 5 AM I STARTED READING OLS IN THE MIDDLE

the face claim for the high warlock is your fake bf ❤️

IKR?? TF IS GO WITH YOUR GUT

Alec grabs it and puts it away. He pulls Magnus by the hands and cradles his face gently.

I AM FREAKING OUT

I AM GONNA CRY

THEY ARE IN THE KITCHEN AND ALEC IS HOLDING HIM

MY LOVES

i...i have no clue about marvel or dc...

“This is what happens when she sees this face every day,” Jace grins at them. “No one will ever be good enough.”

“Permission to spit on his face?” Alec asks.

“Permission granted,” Clary nods.

LMAO

I LOVE THIS GANG

“You want me to spit on your face?” Magnus raises an eyebrow.

Magnus has no hesitations

YES MAGNUS AS HIGH WARLOCK

THAT IS LITERALLY WHAT I HAVE BEEN SAYING

holy shit that's beautiful

Magnus is quiet for a long minute and then he gives a little grin. “He is kinda hot, I guess.”

Understatement of the century.

UNDERSTATEMENT IT IS

Alec takes hold of it gently, and he looks Magnus in the eye. “Because I can’t think of anything more magical than you.”

Magnus stares at him, as his lips part ever so slightly.

Then a small smile appears between his lips as he leans forward and kisses Alec on the cheek, before resting his head on Alec’s shoulder.

CAN YOU HEAR MY MUFFLED SCREAMS

hdcuhkdchjdcu they fell asleep together

“I am falling for him even more!” Alec laments. “That’s not helpful.”

me looking at my crush...

NOT HELPFUL UH ANYWAY

Alec stares at the picture of a random woman – with impressive breasts.

Well, he thinks so.

He doesn’t know what kind of breasts are impressive.

The only kind of breasts he likes are chicken breasts.

FUCKING WHEEZING

chicken breasts are good though

THE GAY IS STRONG IN THIS ONE

“Except for some people. Remember Camille?”

Alec makes a hissing sound like a snake and Izzy giggles at that.

ALEC IS SUCH A HUGE MOOD

i just send that chicken breast scene to my friend and said "You"

“Blue eyes and dark hair?” Clary squeals.

“I have those!!!” Alec yells.

YES YOU DO!!!!!

CONGRATS BOO THANG

“Look, man,” Clary sips loudly from her straw. “If you wanna reach heaven, you gotta die first.”

“Am I like super drunk or did that just make sense?” Alec asks Izzy.

no no that makes sense

but also THANK YOU IZZY

“Listen to me, you touch starved slut,” Izzy jabs a finger into his chest.

TOUCH STARVED SLUT LMAO THAT'S ME

alec please she's right

y'all gonna get married at the end

He is so not tricking the love of his life into marrying him.

Unless Magnus is into that sort of thing, of course.

Then they can take this fake dating into a fake marriage and then they can fake kids and live fake happily ever after.

YOU LITTLE SHIT I AM DEAD

HIS OUTFIT

HIS LOOK

I AM SWOONING

SIR IM ON MY KNEES-

Alec feels like he is about to see god.

Or maybe is already seeing god.

It’s all very unclear.

DUDE SAME

How the frick frack is he supposed to go back to Magnus’ apartment and pretend like he hasn’t just seen Magnus like…that?!?!

I will refrain from commenting something horny and inappropriate

damn, am I okay today?

Because fuck gender stereotypes, apparently.

So sexy of him

I got myself cereal

magnus you're so perfect ily

He is trying so hard, which is funny because Alec doesn’t know of a single person who doesn’t like Magnus.

Maybe there are people like that out there and Alec doesn’t know them.

Which is a good thing because Alec has some questions for those assholes.

I HAVE KNIVES-

i will not hesitate to murder someone...

If Magnus is trying so hard for a fake relationship, then how much must he try for a real one?

Did they deserve him? Any one of them? Did they deserve all that love and effort?

not sure about the other but he's trying BECAUSE HE LOVE YOU

HE LOVES YOU FOR REAL SO MUCH

The entire world must know and see the beauty and magic of Magnus Bane.

FUCK YES

HIS MOTHER'S ALIVE AND ASMODEUS IS NOWHERE TO BE SEEN YASSSSSSSSSSSSSS

This is what heaven looks like

AWW THEY ARE DISCUSSING WHAT MAGNUS WILL CALL ALEC'S MOM

“The Joker is a little intimidating,” Magnus snorts. “The Lightwoods are something else.”

“If you want to make a good “first impression” then maybe don’t compare my family to a psychotic supervillain.”

True. both statements

it's his first time meeting parents 🥺

“I am not going anywhere,” Alec replies before he could stop himself.

Because he is an idiot, you see.

I COULD CRY

“What if they don’t like me?” Magnus chews on his lip.

Alec finds the question absolutely ridiculous. But he says, “Then I’ll disown all of them.”

LMAO ALEC

JHCDYUKDFYUUDIF THE CHAOS

I AM DEAD

“Mooooooom! How do you know when the roast chicken is roasted enough???”

Same energy as me asking my mother today "how do you know the oil is hot?"

MAX IS SUCH A CUTIE

Well, it doesn’t really matter if he understands or not. Magnus does and that’s all that matters.

THIS!

lmao max caught them

I mean the save was good

Because if they stay, his parents will except the two of them to share a room and Alec is NOT ready for that shit, okay?

He has read fanfiction. He knows how this goes.

BABE THAT'S WHY I AM HERE

GIVE ME MY ONE BED SCENE

aww his conversation with robert 🥺

WEDDING INVITE DOODLES AHHHH

oh no

jace what did you do this time?

oh it isnt jace this time

LMAO MAX

Because sometimes normal stuff was way more intense than sexual stuff.

ugh ikr

MAX MY LOVE

“When Simon told us the story for the first time, I couldn’t…I couldn’t get this dude out of my head.”

“How very gay,” Magnus drawls.

how very gay indeed

as all the best things are

MAX FANBOYING IS THE BEST

MAX BJSUIHSDCUHJHDC

magnus love what's wrong?

His mother reaches out towards Magnus and cradles his face with a gentle hand. Magnus looks a little taken back if anything.

“Thank you,” she says, her voice a whisper. “For making my Alec so happy.”

DUDE

DUDE SHUT UP

I AM SO EMO RIGHT NOW

i am worried is magnus okay?

AYYY LET'S GO OUT

“Business idea,” Alec says. “A bar where you can get drunk in your sweatpants, and no one will judge you.”

“Sounds sad,” Magnus pokes out his tongue.

Sounds amazing

he's so fucking gorgeous

Who's this red head

name

address

I COULD CRY RIGHT NOW

MY LOVE

MY LOVE

TEARS

I AM ACTUALLY SO FUCKING HYPED UP

they are so....

cute

And for some reason, that turns Alec on.

Because he is an absolute mess of a person.

JNKSXUUIDC ALEC

magnus are you okay honey?

wait a sec did alec walk across the bar to the bathroom with a hard-on

why is this funny to me

i am worried for magnus

LMAO ALEC WHAT DID YOU DO-

with the perfume i mean

BODY SHIMMER

HE USED BODY SHIMMER

FUCKING BODY SHIMMER

god i love this man

alec is freaking out

HE IS SO FLUSTERED I AM GOING TO SCREAM

“Unless it’s a bunch of paintings of me,” Alec laughs nervously. “Then that’s creepy. And I am getting out of here.”

so not a julain?

oh

OH

I AM SO FUCKING EMOTIONAL RIGHT NOW

ALEC BOUGHT HIM A TICKET

I AM GONNA CRY

Goddamn, these moms and their Facebook accounts!

ikr???

AYYY SHE KNOWS

HE'S GOING TOO

saroja is pretty...

“Now, let’s see,” the woman frowns and moves to Magnus. She scans him from head to toe. Magnus rolls his eyes. “So skinny. Have you not been eating properly? Do you have stomach problems again? Do you go poopoo every day?”

“Mama!” Magnus groans. “Stop embarrassing me in front of Alec!”

“I think it’s a perfectly valid question, Magnus,” Alec says, biting the inside of his cheek. “Do you go poopoo every day?”

do you magnus? 🤨

ONE BED AYYYYYYYYYYY

aww he fell alseep

AYY ALEC IS HELPING HER COOK

THEY ARE SHARING STORIES

MY LOVES

Saroja shudders at the name and throws a pinch of salt around the room as if she is warding off an evil spirit.

LMAO MOOD

Magnus feels the same apparently since he lets out a sigh and says, “Have you ever seen something so beautiful that it makes you wonder how the hell it’s real?”

Alec looks at Magnus then. “I think that every day actually.”

I would die for them

THEY ARE SO PRECIOUS

MAGNUS GETTING THAT ARTISTIC POP IN HIS BRAIN

BEEN THERE

oh. oh it's perfect

it makes so much sense

“I know,” she says gently and looks at Alec. “But remember. You can always make a new home.”

Yeah...

she's right

he went to take a picture...

dude im so...

OH MY GOD THEY ARE KISSING

I ALMOST SCREAMED

IT IS 6 AM

I AM MUFFLED SCREAMING

fuck no

it wasnt a mistake though

fuck im gonna cry

simon and alec's friendship 🥺 🥺

“Dude. We have all known Magnus since high school,” Simon points out. “Do you see him kissing us? Or taking us to Indonesia?”

“Yeah well,” Alec tries to come up with an argument for that. “I’m prettier than all of you.”

I CACKALED

True

magnus' portrait...

what if i cried dude

HE IS WEARING THE LIGHTWOOD RING IN THE PORTRAIT I-

TEARS

FUCK THE CONFESSION IT'S HERE

I AM CRYING DUDE

“What the-” Magnus groans and pulls Alec closer. “I agreed to be your fake boyfriend. I let you move in with me. I let you introduce me to your family as your boyfriend. I took you to my home and I have never done that with anyone! I showed you my studio. If that wasn’t enough, I fucking kissed you. Why do you think I did all of that?”

“Uh,” Alec says. “Because I am pretty?”

BABE-

I mean yes you are very pretty

but like-

dude come on

THEY KISSED AGAIN

FOR REAL

SOME REASONS NOT TO DIE RIGHT HERE

JACE BABY YOU NEED TO SHUT UP SOMETIMES

I LOVE YOU BUT WHAT

I am so in love with these dorks

Dani I don't even know where to start. You took my favorite trope and my favorite people and made it into perfection. It was amazing. The fic was everything and more. It's beautiful. I screamed so hard when I saw it was out and as squealing all through out the fic. It's perfect and I'll talk more about it in the morning because I am exhausted and my laptop's very close to dying.

Ily <3

Me reading this whole thing and wondering if you’re gonna choke on gum or not 👀

I LOVE YOUR REACTIONS.

Do you know, your reactions are like a fanfic itself? They are a gift to this world.

My favorite part was when you celebrated Magnus’ mom and the absence of asshole-deus 😎 we love to see it 💚💚

I’m glad to is fic brought you some serotonin. Keep it going babes!! Also your holiday is so close!!!! Can’t wait for you to chill 🌈

Ily too 🌙

[clarste]

Since it's been a few weeks, what's your opinion on Chapter 8 of Arknights? Reading about your opinion on other pieces of Arknights has been very nice so far.

I find this enemy description inordinately amusing so I will start with this before going to spoilers below the break.

1) First of all I am a sucker for flashbacks following the villain, so the basic structure of Chapter 8 was right up my alley. Even if Talulah's arc was more or less predictable—who among us did not expect Alina to die? I think some people might feel that it was a little too long, but honestly I think it said everything it needed to say and frankly there is nothing more important the chapter could have said. If anything, the parts that weren't about Talulah would be first on my chopping list if I were editing this story down. In particular, the whole bit with Kal'tsit and the sarcophagus and all that had almost nothing to do with the themes of this chapter or the Reunion arc, so they seemed especially superfluous. Even if that story might have been interesting told on its own.

2) Talulah. The main character of this chapter, obviously. I think there are two different angles to approach her from that seem almost mutually exclusive, which are that A) she is a tragic figure who started with noble ideals but was pushed to her limits until she became a ruthless shell of her former self and B) she is literally possessed by Kaschey, ie: the Deathless Black Snake, who is the immortal spirit of Imperialism manipulating the country of Ursus into a constant state of war. From what I've seen of people’s reactions, I think most people focus more on angle B, which makes sense because that is literally true in the story, but what I took from it is that it's a lot more ambiguous than that.

What I mean is that the story is constantly emphasizing that the Deathless Black Snake can only take action as long as Talulah agrees with it. It's more insidious than just an external ghost taking control of her (and thereby freeing her of responsibility for her actions), it's a philosophy that was planted in her by her mentor, a way of thinking, an idea. A living meme. So when I say that it's the immortal spirit of imperialism, I don't mean that as a joke, it is the embodiment of imperialism itself, of imperialist ideals and goals, manifested in this particular person the moment she starts seeing her enemies as obstacles to be eliminated instead of people with their own motivations. I certainly don't think that the trigger for the transformation was set arbitrarily, that's just Who She Needed To Be in order to buy into the ideas that Kaschey and the Snake had taught her from a young age. It’s also an ancient god taking physical control over her, but hey, it's fantasy.

Ultimately, we didn't defeat the Deathless Black Snake in battle, we just gave Talulah second thoughts. And she will live with what she's done for the rest of her life.

3) Amiya. In this chapter, more than anywhere else, it's clear that Amiya is the main character of Arknights. Sure, we have whatever Kal'tsit is plotting, and whatever the hell the Doctor is, but that doesn't actually matter. In fact, they spent this entire chapter walking around in the basement and never once interacting with Talulah. The Doctor shows up at the end with no idea what's going on or what happened, which is quite comical when you think about it.

By contrast, Amiya sees the big picture. Of the three people on top of the tower during the climax, only Amiya knows what both Talulah and Chen have been through, or indeed what she’s been though. What brought them all to that point. She is watching all these flashbacks right alongside us through her empathy powers. Which, as I've mentioned before, is really the best superpower in this setting: the power to see the world through someone else's eyes, and to feel the pain that drives them. And we, the players, feel what she feels. In a certain sense, she's even more of a player avatar here than even the Doctor, which I mean in the best possible way.

And of course her empathy gives her cool shounen superpowers that are suspiciously similar to Emiya Shirou, but I will allow it.

4) Chen. Chen is honestly kind of the weak link here, imo. While of course we've been following her character arc since chapter 3 and I don't mind where they've taken her, it ironically kind of felt to me like she had no personal stakes in the final battle. Which is odd since the story seemed to be hammering that it's all personal for her, what with Talulah being her long-lost sister and all that. The problem (imo) is that her close relationship with Talulah is all Told-Not-Shown, and also that Talulah is being possessed by the Deathless Black Snake, so it kind of feels like she's being left out of the loop, both in terms of knowing the facts and also emotionally.

I'm not saying she doesn't get any good lines, or that her banter with Amiya isn't cool or funny, I'm just saying that what should have been a big emotional moment at the climax of the story just sort of fell flat for me, and I was left wondering "wait, why is Chen here again?"

That said, I did enjoy her bit afterward where she's like "you need to stand fair trial for your crimes, Talulah, but in this world that discriminates against the Infected, there’s nowhere worthy of giving you one." I feel that sums up the game's stance on these things quite succinctly.

5) Rosmontis. Rosmontis had sort of an interesting arc here because it separated her from Amiya and I almost want to say that was a good thing? While I thought her relationship to Amiya was one of the most interesting things about her in the previous chapter, it almost feels like it was preventing her from forming bonds with other people and becoming a more well-rounded person? I guess what I want to say that is that Rosmontis was being coddled, sheltered, treated as a child. While some would call her a monster, Amiya was always around to say "no no no, don't listen to them, you're cute!" And while that was certainly nice of Amiya, it feels like what truly made her accept herself was almost the opposite: being accepted as a monster (or rather, a person with monstrous powers) by people used to fighting alongside monsters. Being told that she's allowed to hate the people who hurt her, and to be ruthless to her enemies. That her own emotions, both good or bad, are valid. For the first time, she felt human.

What you'll note, of course, is that these aren't exactly heroic virtues, and in fact they're kind of similar to what Amiya rejects and what got Talulah into so much trouble? Honestly I don't know if I would say Rosmontis is a good person right now, but what she is doing is thinking on her own for the first time, and deciding what's right and wrong for herself. It sounds almost malicious to put it this way, but it's like Amiya and Rhodes Island were trying to mold her into someone she's not. In some ways the opposite of what Kaschey did to Talulah.

I don't think her story is over yet, of course, but I found it an interesting direction to take. Rosmontis is on the path to find her own justice, which may or may not align with Rhodes Island's.

Also, kitty:

6) W. Back when I was doing a write-up for chapter 7, I said that maybe she would have been better off being recruitable in chapter 8 instead of 7, because it seemed a little early in her arc for that. I was wrong. She wouldn't fit in for chapter 8 either. Honestly she probably shouldn't be recruitable at all right now, not that I'm complaining as someone who uses her. Just, you know, narratively she is not at a place where she would consider joining RI, and in fact she ends the chapter pretty much going "later losers, I hope we never meet again." Which implies that the W in my squad right now is like a totally different person who is either from an alternate dimension or the future, after a lot of character development. That's not like the worst thing ever, it just seems a little weird to have her right now. W's story isn't about Reunion and never was. It's about Theresa and Babel, which as of now we are still only getting little hints of. I'd be glad to see that story when it happens, but until then W's just kind of there.

7) Themes. For some reason, this one line in this chapter really hit me. While it's not literally true, especially if you count all the former child slaves or feral children and whatnot, it does feel broadly true that most of the characters come from middle-class backgrounds. Like, your Krooses and Orchids of the world. Kal'tsit goes on to explain that this is because RI can only really recruit in cities, and that rural Infected tend to get thrown into the wilderness on their own and have no idea that RI exists.

Interestingly, this idea also sort of comes up in Talalah's side, when it's revealed that Talulah is the daughter of a duke, making her followers hesitate for a moment. While I don't recall it being explicitly spelled out, the implication was obviously that she's not "one of them" and this might be a cause for distrust. But what are "they' exactly? Clearly she is in fact Infected, she made sure of that herself. But she wasn't abandoned in the same way her followers were. She had a choice, and chose to side with the Infected. Which is honorable of her and all, but it also indicates a fundamental disconnect between them because they never had a choice. She could've used her influence to hide her oripathy and be treated like a normal person (as we saw happened with both Chen and Patriot), or used her wealth to get sent to a fancy private hospital like Rhodes Island, with the latest medical technology and treatments.

So while the story focuses on the discrimination of the Infected, it's clear here that that's not really the only thing going on. Being Infected means little to those in power, while for those without power it's just an an excuse to intrude on their lives and make sure they aren't "harboring any Infected" or whatever. Basically the story starts discussing intersectionality, which I found interesting.

8) This is a good line:

[sineala]

The gay Invaders

Hi, internet! Today I'd like to talk about one of the chronologically-first canonically-gay couples in Marvel Comics history: Brian Falsworth (the second Union Jack) and Roger Aubrey (The Destroyer). (I mean "chronological" in terms of in-universe timeline rather than RL publication date; I'm pretty sure Northstar is still the first to publication as far as unambiguously-gay Marvel heroes go.)

If you are a fan of reading or writing about Captain America being queer, you should care about Brian and Roger, because they were two of Steve's fellow Invaders in the 1940s, meaning that they are two of the people on the list of Steve's Old Gay Friends And Teammates, because, yeah, Steve sure had a lot of canonically gay friends during the war. Probably more than you'd think he would have had in the forties! (The other two are Percival Pinkerton, who's part of Nick Fury's Howling Commandos, and of course Steve's childhood friend Arnie Roth. Pinky is gay by word of Stan Lee, IIRC; Arnie was as canonically gay as DeMatteis could make him in the early 1980s, so they didn't say the word "gay" but it's really, really not subtle. Steve compares what Arnie feels for his "roommate" Michael to what Steve feels for his girlfriend Bernie. Yeah.)

I previously made a Tumblr post about Brian and Roger, rounding up some of the canonical evidence of their relationship, but that post is six years old now, and in the intervening years, Marvel has thoughtfully put the rest of the 70s Invaders run on Unlimited as well as the two Citizen V miniseries that star Roger and retcon his relationship with Brian as romantic. So I've read them now, and I've got panels.

Okay. I should probably begin by saying that Brian and Roger are not canonically gay in their first significant appearance together, which is in Invaders vol 1 #19 and #20, published in 1977. Roy Thomas does not seem to have intended them to be a couple, and they aren't canonically one in any of the original Invaders run. However, if you enjoy gay subtext, it's very nice.

This whole arc is the one that introduces Roger in modern canon. He's been brainwashed by the Nazis and the Invaders rescue him and get him back to his normal self. But in #19 we get his backstory in flashback, as related by Montgomery, Lord Falsworth (Brian's father; yes, MCU fans, the name should look familiar) and it turns out that Roger and Brian were basically best friends since childhood:

They were the dearest of friends!

Anyway, they both ended up captured by Nazis, they presumably changed their minds about appeasement as a policy, Brian got out and joined the Invaders, then they had to rescue the brainwashed Roger, and it's a fair amount of fun in a two-issue arc.

The subtext is even more prominent in Invaders #34, in which they find out that someone going by the Destroyer (which is Roger's codename) has been doing villainous deeds, and the Invaders worry that Roger's gotten himself brainwashed again. Brian immediately insists that it can't really be Roger because he knows Roger and Roger Would Never:

Unsurprisingly, Brian is right. It's not really Roger; Master Man is impersonating the Destroyer, and the villains have taken Roger captive, and the Invaders break him out and there is an extremely significant moment where it just so happens that Roger has to catch Brian, saving his life for a change, and they stare deeply into each other's eyes and Brian seems to be having difficulty finishing his sentences:

Some people who read this therefore concluded that Brian and Roger were extremely gay for each other. While ordinarily this sort of shipping is mostly confined to fandom, in this particular instance, one of the people who started shipping Brian/Roger was Fabian Nicieza, and Fabian Nicieza, as you probably know, writes comics for Marvel. I think you see where this is going.

However, first I must inform you that, sadly, Brian has been canonically dead for years. Captain America vol 1 #253-254 -- the two-parter about Baron Blood in the Stern/Byrne Cap run in the 80s -- establishes that Brian died in a car accident in 1953. (This is also the run where Joseph Chapman -- a friend of Jacqueline Falsworth's son Kenneth -- becomes the third (and current) Union Jack.)

(Roger then appears in a bunch of T-Bolts issues; I assume there's nothing interesting there on the gay front because I feel like someone would have told me. I should probably read more than three T-Bolts issues someday.)

So, anyway, in 2001, Fabian Nicieza wrote a miniseries called Citizen V and the V-Battalion. Roger, who is still superheroing as the Destroyer despite being pretty old by this point, is part of the titular V-Battalion, and he has a very prominent role in this miniseries. And in #1, we have the usual splash page of character backstory, and there's a very, um, interesting line there:

Regarding Brian and Roger's relationship, the narration informs us: "It sounds much gayer than it probably was."

This is interesting, obviously for a couple of reasons. One is that, up to this point in canon, as far as I can tell, literally nobody thought any of this sounded the slightest bit gay at all. (Other than, I guess, Fabian Nicieza.) The other reason is that, as we soon find out, it actually was as gay as it sounds. Thanks, Fabian!

In 2002, Nicieza wrote a second miniseries, Citizen V and the V-Battalion: The Everlasting. Issue #1 opens with a flashback set in 1953; specifically, we see Brian's funeral:

Roger is extremely sad, and when Lord Falsworth expresses his sympathy about the death of Roger's "friend" and saying that he knows how much this hurts him, Roger mutters under his breath that he doesn't have the slightest clue:

All is revealed on the next page, when one of the other characters tries to ask Roger about superhero business and Roger snaps at him because, as he says, "I just watched my friend die in my arms."

Except "friend" isn't the word he starts to say:

Yep. That would be "lover." So Roger nearly outs himself. So, yes, now it's absolutely canon. Hooray.

Later on in the issue, which is set in the present day, we have a couple pages of Roger staring at pictures of the two of them and continuing to be sad:

Yeah. They were a couple.

So the question you -- being a Captain America fan -- might ask yourself is, okay, did/does Steve know about any of this? (The reason I started looking all this up was because I wanted to know if Steve knew.) I don't know if we have a panel of Roger specifically admitting any of this to Steve (and if we do, I would like to know about it), but I would be comfortable saying that Steve probably knew back then -- because, well, he seems like the kind of guy who would actually have been fine with it in the 40s, what with all his gay friends -- and also that I can't think of a reason why he wouldn't know now. Because he's definitely worked with Roger again in fairly recent comics, and also Roger is very much out, these days.

In fact, New Invaders #4 (2004) opens with Roger attending Pride:

So, yeah, he's out.

(Then he has to fight, as far as I can tell, homophobic Nazi vampires. They're yelling slurs in German. Great.)

In All-New Invaders #10, which is from 2014 (and which is not the same series as New Invaders), Roger shows up to help out the Invaders, and in passing, he just happens to mention to another character (Joseph Chapman, the current Union Jack), that he is in fact gay:

He and Joseph don't really like each other much; as far as I can tell, their acquaintance in New Invaders consists of Joseph being vaguely homophobic and Roger being bitter about him being Union Jack because he actually wanted to be Union Jack himself to honor Brian's memory -- you know, that thing superheroes sometimes like to do to honor their dead superhero significant others, viz. Hank when Jan was dead after Secret Invasion -- and now Union Jack is this annoying kid and not, y'know, the love of his life. This exchange from New Invaders #4 seems pretty representative of their relationship:

Anyway, yeah, he's pretty obviously out.

Steve isn't actually present for this conversation in All-New Invaders, but he mentions in a later issue of this run that he knows what Roger and his pals have been up to, plot-wise, so I feel comfortable assuming that he's talked to Roger at some point in the previous ten years or so, and therefore, since Roger is completely out at this point in canon, there's no reason Steve shouldn't know now.

On an unrelated note, it's also a fun issue if you're a Steve/Tony fan because this is clearly running in parallel with Hickman's Avengers run, which means that he spends half a page telling Namor that he's mad at him and the rest of the Illuminati (but mostly mad at Tony because... he's just obsessed with Tony in this run, I guess?) about the mindwipe:

This is the sum total of my knowledge about Brian and Roger. No, wait, I know one more thing, which is that Brian was a character in the late, lamented mobile game Avengers Academy, in which he was also actually gay; Roger does not seem to have been there. There's a CBR article that you can read about the whole thing, which mentions some of these details from the comics in passing. (I have no idea why it says that their relationship was alluded to in the Stern/Byrne run; unless I missed something big, the only thing those issues do is establish Brian's death. As far as I can tell, no one is gay in them.)

So, yeah, that's Brian Falsworth and Roger Aubrey, the two gay Invaders. Steve sure has a lot of gay friends.

[thevindicativevordan]

On Wonder Woman

My first attempt at this devolved into me rambling about Diana's continuity, which is extremely meta if you're at all familiar with Diana's publication history.

I like Wonder Woman a lot, but I feel like I should still like her more than I do. While she's my favorite DC heroine she's at the bottom of my top 5 favorite superheroes, and part of that has to do with the core problem a lot of people have: people like the idea of her, but they generally aren't as huge fans of her actual stories. I myself really enjoy the Azzarello New 52 WW run and the Greg Rucka WW Rebirth run, and those two runs are pretty much diametrically opposed to each other in how they view Wonder Woman and her world, which epitomizes the real world arguments over what Diana's character and role should be.

Lots of people think she's the killer, the "warrior", and a lot of writers struggling to see where she fits in with the other two members of the Trinity have also latched on to that idea. I think part of the problem is that she lacks that one iconic story that completely summarizes her character and touches on all the major aspects of her world.

You may not like Dark Knight Returns, but I think we can all agree that for better or worse, it's defined the modern Batman. All-Star Superman isn't quite as well-regarded as DKR in terms of being one of the definitive works of comicdom, but most modern Superman fans will point to it as the story that sums up what Superman is all about. WW doesn't have a big story like that. She has runs that her fans love, Perez, Simone, and Rucka tend to be viewed as the definitive modern writers among the hardcore WW fanbase, but there's no one story Diana has that has really punched through to the mainstream as a must read. Until such a story happens, we're all left to pick which of the various Wonder Women DC offers is "ours" without much in the way of consensus.

"My" Wonder Woman is not a killer. Her iconic weapon is the Lasso not a sword. Her most important family relationship is with her mother Hippolyta. She's pansexual, and my ultimate "endgame" relationship for her would be a polyamorous throuple between her, Steve Trevor, and Artemis (the Amazon) mirroring her real world "father" Marston. She's an idealist and an optimist with strength on par with Superman, and she's got some of that blue blood arrogance and warrior spirit that Batman has. Her archenemy is Circe and Cheetah is her "Two-Face", the number 2 Rogue Diana feels responsible for. What makes her different from Supes and Bats is that Diana is on a radical mission to upend the status quo from the very start, her goal isn't fighting crime so much as teaching Man's World the Amazon Way.

These are all opinions that I've come to hold as a result of the various WW runs I've read over the years, especially Greg Rucka's Rebirth run which really got me to appreciate Diana's "classic" supporting cast and Rogues Gallery. Others will hold vastly different opinions based on the WW media they've been exposed to, with only the first WW movie acting as a sort of baseline for the WW fandom (although even there, plenty of WW fans prefer her debuting in the modern day with Bats and Supes). There's a ton of WW comics starring her or her Wonder Family in the pipeline, but still no WWTAS (Krypto beat her to it!) or video game which I really think would help get more people invested in her larger world.

Hopefully we get that one big WW story (still bummed Rucka couldn't make Diana's Daughter work) or that cartoon series that really captures all of Diana's nuances. Until then I will continue to enjoy all the content she's getting, but I think the "who is Wonder Woman?" debate will continue to rage.

[orlissa]

So now we have “BatCatPussyGate” or whatever, and I have some thoughts on it—I mean, it does intersect with my area of research.

In case you missed it: a scene where Batman goes down on Catwoman was not included in the Harley Quinn animated series, because, basically, a Batman who gives oral is bad marketing, and makes merchandise hard to sell (they did use the word “toy” in the statement, but you just know they meant action figures aka collectibles aka whatever older male fans buy). It is not even the first such scandal involving Batman in recent years, but we’ll get to that later.

There is a LOT to unpack here, so let’s get started. I’ll try to make it as coherent as I can, but this post still might be a bit of a mess.

First of all, we have to make one thing clear in which Marvel and DC differ from each other (I think I might have talked about this before, but it bears repeating): it’s what I like to call “hierarchical structure of characters.” Basically, Marvel’s structure is like the nervous system: there are interconnected nodes, but no one, clearly defined center. The Avengers are important, but so are the X-Men, and Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four… Plus Wolverine has been an X-Man and an Avenger, Spider-Man has his own lore, but he has been a member of the F4… you get the picture. A big pro of this structure is if that one node falls (a series doesn’t sell), it’s no big deal, because the system remains standing, so, basically, you can experiment with stories. If it doesn’t stick, it doesn’t stick, you move on. DC’s structure, on the other hand, is more like a spider web: you have the Holy Trinity—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman—in the middle, and everything else connects through them. And if the center falls… everything falls. Which means that even though the Holy Trinity has HUGE cultural visibility (greater than of any single Marvel character), they are pretty much set in their ways. They cannot change much, because what they are now is what sells, and any significant change in representation might lead to failure, which then in turn would lead to the failure of the whole spider web. (I have a like 40 pages long paper on how, because of this, Wonder Woman needs to continuously appeal to both the male—sexualizing male gaze—and the female—identifying female gaze—gazes, compared to Carol Danvers, who keeps jumping between the two ends throughout her publication history.)

And within this scheme, Batman is the picture of hypermasculinity. He is powerful, intelligent, cannot do wrong, closed off from his emotions, and women fall for him, even if he cannot properly commit to a romantic relationship (this last thing is something that goes back to the Silver Age of comics, because male heroes just cannot have love, because nothing can be more important than their vigilantism, while female superheroes are lesser, because they are ready to hang up their capes for love).

Then what does academia has to say about this? Note: I’m going to be talking a lot about stuff that film criticism came up with, but since both movies and comics are a visual narrative medium, I’ve found that you can pretty much project everything about movies to comics.

So, first of all, one big shortcoming of feminist film criticism is that (not entirely unjustly) it is mostly focused on how women are portrayed in movies—especially how they are oppressed and objectified, while it leaves men/male characters… unstudied. Masculinity studies exists, but it’s pretty new and marginal. The availability of male bodies in film to the female gaze is also mostly unexamined (but I’ve dabbled in it! Talking about sexy male bodies in a detached academic manner is fun!), and it’s somewhat of a problem.

Richard Dyer studied the peculiarities of male pinups, and he came up with three instabilities: 1, it violates the codes of looking (because traditionally it’s the men who look, and women who are being looked at), 2, it rejects passivity (because being looked at is read as being passive, and the male body is supposed to be active, so, usually, male and female pinups are posed in a totally different way), and 3, it breaks the myth of the phallus (male power signified by the penis)—because once we start looking into it, we’ll discover that the phallus just… cannot live up to the hype. Therefore not studying the male body/male presence and focusing on the female body/presence actually serves the patriarchy, because the phallus can only keep its central, dominant position until it remains unexamined. Once we look into it, we discover that it’s not that great, and then we can displace patriarchy.

And then what does it mean in practice? Here comes the other Batman scandal I mentioned: about three years ago, DC came up with their new line of comics, where the big draw was the total lack of censoring. It was promised to be super bloody and full of gore and cursing and stuff. The first series of this line was Batman Damned, and the first issue featured the… batawang. I mean Batman’s penis. Returning from some mission, Batman starts undressing the moment he steps into the Batcave, stripping naked, and on some panels one can clearly see… little Bruce. It had no point. It could have easily been brushed out, and it would not have looked out of place. Or course, the internet had a field day with it, about the same way they are having a field day with his lack of oral sex now. It grew so big that within a couple of days DC announced that they’d airbrush out the batawang in the second printing and in any subsequently sold digital editions (which then caused the price of the first print editions skyrocket, to some $300, I believe). So to sum up: DC showed Batman’s penis for shock value. Seeing Batman’s penis wasn’t awe-inspiring, a show of power, but the butt of the joke—because examining the phallus shows that it cannot live up to the hype! So Batman’s power, his standing as a masculine ideal/male power fantasy was misplaced in a moment. (Something similar was happening behind the scenes of the Watchmen series as well: when Tom Mison had a full frontal nude scene, they actually used a penis-double—as there was no shot where his face and penis was shown at the same time—now imagine the casting for that role!)

In some way, this is happening now as well—not showing Batman performing oral sex is not because it “hurts toy sales;” it’s because it breaks the myth of the phallus, thus it breaks the myth of the Batman as an immaculate male power fantasy. Batman receives—power, admiration, and, of course, sex. But within the framework of sex, he needs to be the one that dominates, the one that mostly on the receiving end of the pleasure. What is important is that 1, he gets the woman and 2, he gets off. Whether the woman gets off is unimportant within this framework, because it doesn’t serve the myth of Batman/the male power fantasy. Within the fantasy, women need to want to sleep with him because he is Batman (because the male reader identifies with Batman, and he needs to feels as if the women in the comic want him just because he is him/Batman), but if he performs oral sex on the woman, it presupposes an active need for effort from his part from her to want him. It gives her agency, which elevates her to a partner, not an object to-be-looked-at.

So if Batman performs oral sex, his body will be put on display as something beyond the realm of the male power fantasy; it will be examined, and thus determined he is not all-powerful. His dominance within the narrative will be questioned. The role of the woman will be elevated. The patriarchal dominance displaced. So, yeah, that’s why Batman can’t give oral—not because it will hurt the toy sales.

I mean, it might. But because it will hurt Batman as a hypermasculine ideal

[ghosthan]

what would you say are the differences between 616 Tony and MCU Tony? 🤔

Hi anon! Many people have talked about this and I'm certainly not the authority on the topic, but I’ll try my best to explain some of the major differences that I have noticed! Thank you for asking and I’m sorry it took me so long to answer you.

Important to note: neither version of Tony has had a totally consistent characterization. Depending on who you ask and which comics/movies they've consumed, they might give you a different answer here and not be wrong.

616 Tony is even harder to put into one box because his character has been around since Tales of Suspense in the 1950s. That’s a long time. Things have changed over time, under different writers, changing political atmospheres, and outside pop culture influence (including influence from the MCU, unfortunately, in recent years.) You get the picture. So I’ll be making some generalizations and try to be clear about which eras I’m speaking when I make these comparisons, but ultimately, if someone wanted to be contrarian, you could probably refute a lot of what I say here if you cherry pick canon. Which is fair enough! That’s sort of the fun of comics, there’s so much to choose from and something for everyone.

So here are some observations from me, under the ‘read more’.

1. Physical Appearance

This is sort of an easy one, but worth mentioning!

MCU Tony does not look like 616 Tony. RDJ is great, but he would not be most 616 fans’ casting choice on looks alone. MCU Tony is tan, a Malibu man, with brown hair and brown eyes, and RDJ has sort of round facial features (a funny sloped nose, big, round eyes, round forehead, not a particularly sharp or classically “superhero masculine” face.) As you may know, this lends well to certain fanworks and tropes, such as Tony having Bambi eyes.

Or Tiny Tony. He is not actually canonically small, but he's smaller in the MCU than in 616 and from what I can tell, a portion of fandom has latched onto that. He’s a grown man, but RDJ is pretty short, and of slighter build than 616 Tony. RDJ is 5′9, but they make him act in heels, and I believe his canon MCU height is 5′11. Another popular trope I’ve seen is shrinking Tony in fanfic/fanart for a dramatized height difference with Steve, making him weak or fragile; this is fine because everyone has their own taste, but for the official record, he’s a capable, strong guy! Especially in earlier stages of the MCU, in which he’s a bit younger. Tony isn’t just a brain; he carries out his plans with his own two hands! He builds his armor, he remodels his lab, he survives hand to hand combat when he doesn’t have the armor. Muscles!

616 Tony is 6′1 without armor and 6′6 in armor (making him taller than his 616 Steve counterpart in armor and very close to the same height out of armor!) 616 Tony is generally paler with black hair (sometimes the classic blue-black I love so much) and blue eyes, and it obviously depends on the artist, but he has a pretty typically ‘masculine’ face and build. Generally he is drawn with a squared jaw and a high bridged nose (such as in the Extremis storyline, or drawn by Marquez), but again, this varies from artist to artist! Here's some examples of 616 Tonys.

Wait, you might be saying, but I have seen comic panels where Tony has brown hair/brown eyes!

Yep. Due to a combination of forgetfulness, inconsistency, and the MCU bleeding into the general consciousness of the comics, sometimes Tony is randomly depicted in the image of RDJ, or if not in his image, at least visually inspired by the MCU-- hair color and style, eye color, dialogue, etc.

616 fans don’t typically love this; he’s very handsome when drawn this way, of course, (look at him!) But it isn’t really the same character.

Also, MCU Tony has (at least for some of his movies) a reactor built into his chest. While 616 Tony has, at times, been more or less physically connected/dependent to his tech, he doesn’t have the built in reactor (most generally speaking, there are times in comics when he temporarily has the tech built in, but this isn’t really the status quo.)

2. Relationship with parents/ family history

While it is definitely implied in the MCU that Howard was not a good father to Tony, (such as in Iron Man 2 when Tony says “You're talking about a man whose happiest day of his life was shipping me off to boarding school” and “He was cold, calculating, never told me he loved me, never even told me he liked me”), Tony has a different sort of attitude toward Howard in MCU than in 616. It’s kind of weird, and hard to discuss. To me, it seems implied that MCU Howard was emotionally abusive to Tony based on what Tony does say about his childhood, and yet, the films kind of randomly give Howard weird moments of “Well, he tried his best and deep down he loved me the whole time!” forgiveness. MCU has a Howard kink and I'm very cringe-face emoji about it.

For example, Iron Man 2 shows that old film reel of Howard talking about how Tony is the greatest thing he ever created, and in Endgame, when Tony goes back in time, he meets Howard and has a very weird interaction with him in which Howard declares he would do anything for his son, (to his deeply damaged son who is a new father himself.) Yet, for all his talk, it's his actions that speak, and his actions left Tony damaged, traumatized, and emotionally inept at forming healthy relationships. So.

Sorry. I’m a little bitter. I'm just uncomfortable with how they sort of set up an abuse history but then treated it kind of lightly and Howard gets off the hook as "well, he tried his best" without really acknowledging the hurt he caused.

Avengers: Endgame 2019

I won't go super in depth into the abuse stuff because it's a little touchy and could take up a lot of this post. But.

I’m not against any reconciliation and I do appreciate the fact that a lot of times, victims of abuse feel a desire to forgive and reconnect with their abuser-- my issue with the MCU depiction of Tony and Howard is that Tony never really gets the vindication of his abuse being recognized for what it was before he forgives Howard. To me, that’s not forgiveness as kind of... gaslighting himself that it wasn't as bad as he remembered his own experience being, because of a sense of nostalgia and grief. It’s not the same, and I have issues with it.

However, a lot of my opinion is based on subtext and it is just my opinion; with depictions of abuse, different people are going to react differently, and other people may have found these scenes touching and gotten something positive out of them, and that's totally fine too!

It’s also a bit difficult to talk about Tony’s relationship with Howard in 616, for a few reasons: shifting timelines, lots of canon that I have not read all of, and the fact that it really is difficult to sum up such a complicated relationship.

Right off the bat, I’ll address the basics. I used the same scene in another ask, and I think it's frequently cited in any meta regarding Howard, but in Iron Man Vol. 1, we see more into Tony’s childhood and see Howard verbally abusing his family, drunk, at the dinner table.

Iron Man Vol. 1 #285

We get this scene with adult Tony’s retrospective commentary on how his own issues that he blamed himself for were actually a cycle starting with his father, the insecurity and abuse and alcohol, and that he realizes how much this has influenced him. Both MCU Tony and 616 Tony have some form of “stop the cycle of shame” arcs, but I don’t really see how this works narratively in the MCU because Tony makes excuses for Howard and continues to blame himself for a lot of his own personal struggles, whereas I think there’s just a bit more nuance in 616.

But uh. This isn’t totally true, and in recent years, things got real weird. I choose to ignore this chapter of canon, but in the Dan Slott run, Tony Stark: Iron Man, Tony’s whole backstory gets imploded. For one thing, the little of Tony’s childhood it shows in a flashback is uh. Uh. Well, it’s certainly out of character compared with previous 616 material, depicting Tony as an overly confident poor sport.

Basically, Tony is adopted. Tony has an evil brother. Tony’s biological parents make an appearance, as do his ‘classic’ parents, Howard and Maria. It’s just weird. It’s kind of out there. I’m honestly not a huge fan of this and ignore a lot of it, but it is certainly a difference between MCU and 616.

3. Personality

I’m going to be very general. Both Tony’s have an outer self which they present to the public and an inner self, but they’re a bit different. Both Tony’s have struggled with self loathing, but I think MCU Tony’s actual self worth is a bit higher, even just at some points in time. Even if his ego is part of his facade, I think he does believe some amount of the “I’m awesome”, even if just when it applies to his own work/inventions/saving people. Not to say that these moments of fluctuating self esteem make him egotistical, but this combined with his egotistical act and snarky, non-stop sassy dialogue, he’s quite different in general personality from 616 Tony, who is much more reserved.

Some more recent iterations of 616 Tony have been adapted to reflect the snark of the MCU, but he’s not so snarky and he tends to approach things more seriously. This is not a dis on MCU Tony; I think MCU Tony uses false ego and excessive sassy jokes as a means to deflect and control, which I think is very interesting and it’s nice to see this explored more in depth in fic where you get to see the thought process behind the bravado. MCU Tony is a partier, a good times guy, especially during Iron Man 2, in which he really does disregard consequences to have fun (driving his race car, partying drunk in his suit, letting pretty  girls play with the armor, shooting off repulsor blasts for fun in a crowded room); I’m not bashing MCU Tony-- I think he had psychologically understandable reasons for behaving this way, the man was dying-- but 616 Tony really doesn’t act this way generally, and I think it’s a personality difference more than a difference of one being “better.”

616 Tony handles his stress differently, and they just have different psychological patterns, I think. I’m coming up kind of blank trying to think of a good comparable 616 arc, (sorry, I’m brain dead) but a less-than-perfect  example might be Tony’s brain delete arc; he’s “dying”, like in Iron Man 2 he  knows his expiration date, (circumstances are quite  a bit different), but he throws himself more into work, into a cause, and as he really fall apart, we  see him spiral into self doubt, remorse, fear, and insecurity, sort of falling into  himself with lots of manly tears and calling himself pathetic.

(Some things happen in this arc that a lot of people find Gross. I also find these events gross. But. I don’t count the sex in “World’s Most Wanted” as partying to cope with personal mortality, because I think both character involved are in “end of the world” mode, and it’s more seeking intimacy for comfort than partying to numb the hurt. Does this distinction make sense? No? Perfect, moving on.) 616 Tony is generally much more humble.

Whereas MCU Tony, I think, tries to outrun those feelings via parties or making dozens of new suits, or seeking comfort by comforting others! Gifting things to people, building things for people, highly personalized individual living quarters, teaching Nebula games and trying to show her a fun time when they were in peril together.

They have some traits in common, for sure! But canon being inconsistent both in the MCU and in 616, my observations aren’t the rule, because I’m kind of cherry picking and going based on limited memory. But off the top of my head, they’re both extravagant gift givers! Recall Tony gifting Pepper the giant bunny in Iron Man 3, and compare this with Tony carrying a mile high pile of Christmas gifts after shopping with Rumiko in Iron Man Vol. #3.

I would say that while both Tony Starks are considered humanitarians, this is much more fleshed out and supported by canon in 616. Some examples of his philanthropy in the MCU: Tony makes charitable donations of art and money, Tony has an organization which provides disaster relief/cleanup which is referenced in Spider-Man Homecoming, Tony has an MIT grant for students and staff members. But to be honest, a lot of his MCU philanthropy is only mentioned in passing, or is largely handled by other people on his behalf and on his dollar.

In 616, we see Tony using charity almost as a means of therapy: it’s something he does very privately, not in the public eye (at least, not always), and it’s something deeply personal to him. One example that immediately comes to mind is Tony’s home for disadvantaged girls in Iron Man Vol. 3, and we see scenes of Tony basically driving the streets at night, picking up underage prostitutes, feeding them and listening to their stories before bringing them to a home he’s established where he knows all the residents, and provides educational opportunities and protection.

Another more recent example in canon that the Tony fandom loves is that Tony canonically holds babies at an orphanage. Sorry I don’t have panels for all of this, this section got long and I have been working on answering this ask in a very scattered way for a very long time.

Both Tony’s are romantics, I literally could write a whole other post about their canon love life similarities and differences, but I will briefly say that while MCU Tony does the long on and off, and eventual ultimate commitment, to Pepper Potts, 616 Tony is a serial monogamist; he is always falling in love, and he’s definitely not a playboy, but the hero-ing, self loathing, and lifestyle make it very hard for him to keep anyone in his life, and most of his partners fuck his life up and betray him. Needless to say, 616 Tony is not married, and certainly not to Pepper Potts.

Oh, and I guess this is so obvious I almost forgot to include it, but a huge similarity between both iterations of Tony is that they both constantly use their own life as a bargaining chip, and will pretty much die for anything. Or be the bad guy for a good reason (at least, in his own mind... see Civil War, or Hickmanvengers; 616 Tony, especially, does not shy away from making the hard decisions, and this leads to a lot of guilt and tension in his  relationships-- often with Steve because 616 Steve/Tony angst fans are well fed, I guess)

Remember that time Tony had Steve’s mind wiped because Tony felt that Steve’s inflexible morality might hinder the Illuminati’s ability to save the world? And it eats Tony up inside and erupts into a homicidal fight when Steve finally gets his memory back? Me too.

Tony Stark as a character is defined by sacrifice, both of his own life but also of his own happiness and reputation and conscience, I think, in a lot of ways, and we see this in many universes. I could go on about Tony’s propensity for sacrifice in the less obvious ways, because I think in terms of heroic sacrifice, Tony has done a lot that other heroes wouldn’t be able to do because of moral inflexibility and conflicting philosophical schools of thought; Tony really is the “whatever it takes” type, and often believes the ends justify the means if he deems a threat worse than the potential wrong that could be done in preventing the threat. We see this a little bit in the MCU in the creation of Ultron, and in Civil War with the Accords. But there’s a whole lot more going on there I don’t want to get into.

4. Alcohol

MCU Tony’s alcoholism is never really explicitly explored. He is shown drinking in Iron Man 1, and in Iron Man 2 he drinks a lot and makes a fool of himself publicly, but MCU Tony doesn’t get any specific narrative arc focused on his drinking, and if I recall correctly, I don’t think he ever refers to his drinking as alcoholism in the movies? Also, while his binge drinking and embarrassing behaviors ostensibly stop after the events of Iron Man 2, he is shown drinking on screen at least one other time after that which I can remember, and it wasn’t a “falling off the wagon” moment, and an alcoholic in recovery such as 616 Tony would not take a drink casually. This article sheds a little light on some decisions made about Tony and alcohol in the MCU.

Alcoholism is a huge part of 616 Tony’s personality, which I went a bit more into depth about in this post, so I won’t repeat myself too much.

5. Their relationships with the Iron Man armor

A few points here: MCU Tony is famous for the “I am Iron Man” line being repeated throughout the franchise after he blows his own secret in the end of the first movie. MCU Tony sees himself as one with Iron Man, and the suit is the tech that enables him to be this version of himself. He sees Tony Stark and Iron Man as inextricable: you cannot separate them, and his identity is public. He, as Tony Stark, is an Avenger.

You may remember MCU Tony’s induction into the Avengers; in Iron Man 2, Nick Fury is forming the Avengers and tasks the Black Widow with going undercover to assess Tony to be a part of a hypothetical initiative. “Iron Man yes, Tony Stark no” and the comments about Tony as a narcissist may be funny, but the fact is, the snark and erratic personality of MCU Tony at the time of the formation of the Avengers in the movies is not at all like the Tony of the comics, at the time of the Avengers being formed. 

In 616, things are quite a bit different! Tony invents the Iron man armor to save himself (like in the MCU) and uses it for hero-ing, but in secret. He works very hard to protect his identity as Iron Man, and for a long time, as far as the world is concerned, Iron man is a mystery man piloting armor built by Tony, hired as Tony’s personal body guard, (hence the 616 Steve/Tony fandom’s proclivity for identity porn as a trope!) When the Avengers form, Iron Man is the Avenger, close friends with the Avengers, (particularly Steve!) and Tony Stark is just the benefactor of the Avengers, providing them with a place to live and finances with which to operate.

In the very early days, Tony did not have the “reactor” like in the MCU, but his chest plate did keep him alive, leading to some very dramatic shots of Tony charging up using a wall socket, lamenting the plight of a secret hero.

616 Tony, generally, and especially in some of these earlier comics, was quite reserved, rather serious, and very angsty, (in private of course.) He may be wealthy, but speaking generally, he’s much less ostentatious than MCU Tony, less of a show off, less into flashy things and grand gestures. Of course, this isn’t always true in the comics, and some iterations of Tony are more like this than others, but MCU Tony is showier, sillier, and more of a fun-times guy. Any MCU fan would find those panels quite contrary to the Tony Stark you know:

Iron Man 1

Iron Man 2

I think I would say that while MCU Tony sees himself and the Iron Man identity and the  armor as all being inextricably connected, we see a bit more compartmentalization with 616 Tony, who pretends that the armor is a whole separate person for years when his identity was private, and we see instances in older and newer comics, in which Tony  is uncomfortable with some aspect of himself as Iron Man (for instance, during the second drinking arc, Tony temporarily swears off being Iron Man entirely, or for another example, when Tony is in a comma and Tony AI exists during Secret Empire, Tony “lives” in the Iron Man suit, and I think this could be interpreted as a meta parallel to Steve during this arc; Steve has had some core aspect of his character inverted, Captain America becoming Captain Hydra, so Tony experiences a similar inversion-- Tony Stark and Iron Man are forcibly merged, in a way that Tony seems deeply uncomfortable with, if his digital drinking relapse is any indication. But I digress; sorry for the tangent.)

Okay this post is inexcusable long, and very, very tangential, and I don’t feel like I’ve really covered everything I wanted to. But it has been sitting in my inbox for too long and if I don’t post it now I never will, so I hope this long, rambling thing has been a little bit helpful to you! Thank you so much for asking, I had a lot of fun rambling about this.

If you want to read a similar post, but well written and organized, with other insights, this post by Sineala answers a similar question!

[kamari3]

I have a question about Underlust(main story not fanart), and was redirected here by Alaina. What exactly sort of content does it contain that makes it 18+? Because even saying 'sexual stuff' or 'NSFW' covers a big range, I feel. I don't really like a lot of that sort of sex stuff but I have absolutely enjoyed stories containing it before, I know how to skim and self-moderate to some degree if the story is worth it to me. BUT, that's a lot harder for me with images than with just text. Thoughts?

hahaha oh gosh i usually get questions like this on my art/ask blog @kamari333 !! gonna feel weird seeing this level of undertale coming from me over here XD ok so lets look at underlust

please forgive the sloppy typing i'm on my phone (as per usual)

edited to add a readmore-

underlust was made by @nsfwshamecave years ago, back when they, Niel, was using that blog for the sake of freedom of sexual and self expression. that was their horny on main blog. so, reason #1 that underlust is NSFW is because the creator of it was primarily NSFW and asked us to treat it that way so kiddos didnt end up crawling all over her lewds

reason number two is that Niel made a lot of lewd content using Underlust. a lot. it was super great. just- just the absolute motherload of undertale themed smut. (god i miss them). they shipped sansby, they shipped papdyne, they ESPECIALLY SHIPPED PAPYTON and in my opinion underlust is the BEST papyton ever! they shipped OCs and they shipped papcest and sanscest and occasionally fontcest but not as much and it was just- All The Ship Must Sail ok? ships everywhere and ships shipped with a cargo full of 5-star lewds

now we get into the meat of Underlust: the story. Niel never managed to write the full thing before they quit the fandom for personal reasons, and what they did write was out of order and fragmented between asks and disorderly posts, so i'll do my best to kind of sum it all up chronologically... Please keep in mind there may be some stuff in here that could upset you so i'll try to put tags for trigger warnings i think of as i go

Toriel and Asgore are about to have a kid, but the moment they are born, the child dusts. its implied its a miscarriage. In one ask, where someone asked Toriel about Asriel, all Toriel could answer with was "Who?" because she never even had the kid long enough to give them a name. So Uh. That kind of heavy content isn't necessary safe for kids.

The kiddo's dust somehow gets onto a rose that grows underground and thats how Rosie the Rose comes into existence.

At some point, a fully adult Chara falls and shows off a lot of horny on main energy. they are a huge sadist. I will say I am uncertain about the specifics of their canonical relationship with the dreemurrs.

Gaster studied the traits in Chara's soul, trying to make something to help with all the not-making-baby syndrome going on among the monsters (which, my phrasing aside, was pretty serious for a population of creatures with dwindling numbers). He tested on himself and his two sons, but only ended up putting them in a constant state of heat. thats LUST. Niel never went too deep into the lore of what exactly LUST is, so I have my own personal headcanons quietly on my side of the fandom haha.

Eventually everyone of adult age got the LUST. So now just about everyone in the underground, save the few kids, have horny on main syndrome. it doesnt actually help with the baby making though.

So there is another reason underlust is NSFW: constant heat, and human experimentation.

Fast forward and then the most fleshed out part of Underlust happens: The Events of the Papyton comic. You can still find these floating around online, reposted on pillowfort and in my discord haha.

Prepare for spoilers.

Prologue: Papyrus is lonely and super super wants respect, recognition, and love. So he goes to Undyne to train to get into the Royal Harem. Its implied that the job of the Royal Harem isnt just to fuck Asgore (who lost his wife at some undisclosed point- Toriel is in the ruins now) but to fuck everyone in the underground who wants/needs the sex. So like, its a government funded brothel? Undyne does train Papyrus (which apparently includes endurance training and edging- the one picture we got was pretty hot ngl- for a lesbian undyne knows her way around a dong), but she sees right away that even though he is amazing at sex, he doesnt have the right mindset to be in the harem. Pap is too emotional, too clingie. so she isnt letting him in.

On Mettaton's Side: Alphys builds mettaton a body that he loves and syncs with instantly. He goes on his quiz show to debut his body and hes happy with the attention, but after the show, two guys from the audience corner him outside and... uh... rape him. No sugar coating that. It is very violent and noncon. Tonton is permanently scarred in body and soul after that.

So theres more content thats NSFW and probably doesnt need to be in kid safe spaces. The whole rape thing.

Alphys finds him and even though he cant just leave his body, she helps fix him up and modifies his look so he is more comfortable.

But, uh... He is Not Okay. That was seriously traumatic and even though he pushes through it for his quiz show he has a lot of issues since most of his audience isnt interested in the science or history or learning part, they just wanna catcall him.

But he gets this one Fan who calls in correct answers and sends him really sweet fanmail.

And its Papyrus. Papyrus is Tonton's number one fan.

And eventually Papyrus goes to the show live and asks Mettaton out on a date. Its cute as balls. Just. A montage of fluffy respectful date fun and just- SCREAM. its great!

And then Mettaton's rapists show up. And they make to do it again. Papyrus tries to stop it but he gets beat up. He does encourage Tonton to fight back. which he does. and almost murders them. He's super emotional and says some mean things to papyrus too.

But stuff happens. Forgiveness. Healing. A kiss. Listen it's a story about how your trauma doesnt have to define you and it's definitely not for kids but its a good fucking story ok?!

Theres also a sidestory about mutual pining sansby which is also cute as fuck.

The themes of Underlust are sexual expression, how appearances can be misleading, how trauma doesnt have to define your life and how you can heal, and most importantly, that Love is more important then Lust.

The story was never finished, but there was talk and visual hints of adding themes of like how asexuality is valid and you can love people without sex, and how having sex and being unashamed doesnt making you gross, and platonic love being just as good as romantic love, and all this great stuff, but at the time niel was having more fun making lewds and just living her best life, so a lot of story and thematic elements were left unfinished

So... yeah. That's Underlust.

The cliffnotes version anyway.

The designs are amazing and iconic af. I especially love Blooky being an angry stoner. Asexual Nonbinary (21yo) Frisk is great! Its a beautiful AU with a lot of love in it and it makes you feel like its safe to be as lewd or not lewd as you want to be. But it is NOT an AU for kiddos. Not at all.

[evelhak]

“Ancient” wlw ships

This is such a self-indulgent post but I need to get my thoughts out. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about all the girls I shipped in fiction when I was a kid and didn’t realize I was shipping them.

I mean, they pretty much all had boyfriends or ended up marrying a man, and I was pretty much on board, in my eyes it was just some part of the story that needed to happen, because it always did. I think the common thing with these characters was that the female best friend was, at least more often than not, narratively more important than the guy, or just seemed to have a much greater emotional impact in the story.

Thinking about this has been so fun and eye-opening that I just feel like sharing a list of my biggest ancient wlw pairs that I only now, years later, realize were totally in love in my mind, I just didn’t have a concept for it yet. I’m sure that’s relatable for some people, but maybe there’s someone out there who was shipping these same characters??

This will include mild spoilers. And it’ll be long.

1. Cornelia & Elyon from W.i.t.c.h.

I COMPLETELY lived in these comics when I was 8-12 years old, and nothing in it was as compelling to me as Cornelia and Elyon. Guess I was already a sucker for best-friends-to-enemies-to-friends-again, even though I didn’t realize I also wanted them to become lovers. Best friends was all there was to me back then, that was the name I assigned to the highest form of love in my head. Which I still don’t see as invalid? I just didn’t realize I would’ve related to the romance aspect between best friends a hell of a lot more than I did to any of the relationships the W.i.t.c.h. girls had with their boyfriends. Cornelia and Caled was almost as bad as Buffy and Angel! Cornelia and Peter was just boring af. All the other W.i.t.c.h. girls’ boyfriends were all equally boring to me except for Will and Matt, but that was because their struggle to admit their feelings for each other was written in a funny way, not because their relationship had any actual depth.

But Elyon and Cornelia would’ve been perfect! I mean if your best friend has the ability to understand you so well, that with her magical intuition, she can draw you a picture of a guy you’re going to fall for, a guy she has never met... why would you even want to be with that guy anymore? Why wouldn’t you just be with her instead?? What Cornelia and Caleb had was limerence (I actually applaud the comics for eventually treating it as such and showing how it was harmful to both of the characters!) but what Cornelia and Elyon had was true love that transcends dimensions. Cornelia never gave up on Elyon, not even for a moment, after she became the W.i.t.c.h. girls’ enemy, and when she was in trouble, Cornelia had a hunch from another dimension, and she didn’t hesitate to come to her rescue. (The fact that during the same mission she also manages to fall for the dude Elyon drew for her in the past seems more like an accident, to be honest. The real deal was patching things up with Elyon, it was both more emotionally impactful AND more plot-relevant!)

It was also really sad to read the comics sometimes, because Elyon was absolutely my favourite character, and she wasn’t around much after the first arc, being a queen in another dimension. But every time there was a flashback to when Elyon was still living on Earth and being cute with Cornelia I was like MOOOOORE.

2. Sora and Layla from Kaleido Star

If you haven’t watched this anime you’ve missed. SO. MUCH. This is probably my favourite anime ever. And it features another type of ship I LOVE. Which is partners in some sort of activity, usually sports. When it’s written well it’s just so impactful and intense. These girls are routinely risking their lives in their passion for acrobatics, so they need to have absolute trust in each other. And oh boy is the relationship between them written well. I love it when two characters initially don’t get the way the other thinks or sees the world, but as they grow closer, it’s the other’s way of thinking that really unlocks something huge for them.

Also what’s so compelling about Sora and Layla is that there really isn’t anything like them in any other anime, that I’ve come across, at least. These partnerships are always between two guys in a sports anime, the partnership is at the heart of the story and the emotional stakes are so high it’s no wonder most people don’t want to ship these guys with their intended female love interests. Kaleido Star takes this even further because the guy who is in love with Sora is literally a joke, or the fact that he’s in love with Sora is a running gag, and nothing more. All the focus is on Sora and Layla as partners, and how they change each other's lives for the better.

Also the way Sora pines for Layla when she’s away or not paying enough attention to her is SO... I mean you don’t even have to think it’s romantic for it to absolutely melt you. Although it feels pretty heavily romantically coded, and it doesn’t even feel like queer baiting, because it’s just SO real and honest. And how Layla can’t stop thinking about how Sora is changing her as a person. There’s no question about the fact that the relationship between these women is the true meat of the show.

3. Anne and Diana from Anne of Green Gables

I read these books over and over again as a kid, and the Netflix show renewed my love for these two. They are kind of ridiculous, but SO cute. Looking back, it seems obvious that they had a crush on each other, they were just SO giddy all the time they were alone. Sure, you can excuse all their romantic gestures (like changing locks of hair, and vowing to never leave each other with joined hands and grand words) with saying Anne just romanticizes everything, but it never really felt like just that to me.

I’ll never forget how devastated Anne was about Diana getting married, and I don’t remember the wording but initially she wished she could keep Diana to herself for their whole lives. And every time they talked about marriage it was something they were both gonna do not as individuals, but rather the emphasis seemed to be on the shared experience, and how their children would be best friends and all that. It was all about them together. Like their romantic fantasies were nothing without the other somehow in the picture.

I don’t hate Anne and Gilbert but I don’t love them either. Gilbert has always been just sort of “meh”. He’s okay, but also the kind of love interest that can never compel me much.

4. Chocolat and Vanilla from Sugar Sugar Rune

Seriously, this would have been SO GOOD if it was canon.

Think about it, best friends, chosen to compete against each other for the throne. These witches go to the human world to attract male attention and collect feelings from the men, turning the feelings into heart shaped crystals and whoever collects more will be the queen. I mean... the story was good as it is but if they had ended up together and been queens TOGETHER?? That would have been the best story. It could have had SUCH a compelling best-friends-to-competitors-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers storyline! There would have been room for so much character development.

And if my memory doesn’t betray me the story would not change much at all if they didn’t end up with the guys they do end up with! Especially Vanilla’s guy is like an afterthought and Chocolat’s guy is... well, a sum of my least favourite tropes, including the one that will remind everyone about Mortal Instruments a LITTLE too much, so he can get lost for all I care.

I cried many times while reading this, and it always had something to do with these two girls.

5. Yoko and Liao from Yoko Tsuno

Okay, these two might have a problematic age gap, I’m not sure, but I didn’t know of that possibility as a kid, they just looked the same age to me. I was a huge Yoko Tsuno fan as a pre-teen, and there were so many interesting female adventurers in this series but for some reason the dynamic between Yoko and Liao was my favourite, even though Liao only appeared in one album. I just really felt like I needed to see more of these characters interacting and where their relationship would develop.

There was something about them that seemed rather original to me then, and a nice change. The reader had already gotten used to Yoko as the hero, she was always saving the day everywhere, she was like The Doctor in a way and not only because she time-travelled. She is simply badass. In Liao’s story there’s a prophecy about a girl who speaks to a dragon and saves everyone, and Yoko thinks that girl is her because she’s from the future and knows the dragon is a machine, but it turns out to be Liao, and that was somehow really satisfying. Yoko treats Liao obnoxiously in the beginning, doesn’t give her much credit, but is deeply humbled after Liao needs to save her ass multiple times because she’s just too sure of herself. It was cool to see how Yoko really needed to grow in this story and realize her limitations, and how wrong she was to treat Liao the way she did and look down on her just because Liao was physically weak, had a temper, and came from a much earlier time period than Yoko.

By the end they are clearly very attached to each other (Liao weeping in Yoko’s arms and Yoko confessing how full of herself she was when they met) and respect each other, and I just really would’ve liked to see where they would go from there. I thought about them meeting again A LOT when I was a kid.

That’s my big five! :D I could go on but this is already long, I need to sleep, and these are the characters that I’ve been thinking about the most lately. If you read this far for some reason it would be cool to hear if you have any similar (or different) experiences.

[makeste]

not a cavalcade of Katsuki panels

damn, anon. you stone cold came for me with that last part. and just fyi to all onlookers, this was before I had posted the headcanons ask proving this exact point lmao.

but a challenge has been issued now! so I will do my best to pick a variety of impartial panels featuring a veritable medley of characters. not sure I can really provide much in the way of insightful analysis of symbolism and metaphors and stuff, but I can certainly type a lot of words about the pretty pictures, and about how cool people look when they’re standing around all serious surrounded by clouds of billowing smoke.

why I like it: I figured we’d start off strong. no point in holding back. can the other panels possibly even hope to compete. maybe. we’ll see.

why I like it: because, you see, he punched a giant robot, and it exploded. you see that, there? and the text was all “SMAASH” in humongous comic book letters, and it was pretty cool. also Deku is very tiny and the robot is very big. and just to clarify, most of the time if a tiny fifteen-year-old child tries to punch an 80-foot robot, it’s not actually going to go all that well, and the robot probably will not explode. but in this case it did! and so this is a very novel and unexpected outcome, which makes it all the more visually striking, which is a very good thing to be when you are trying to show off the brand new superpower which your protagonist just inherited, and letting people see it in action for the very first time.

why I like it: so you may have noticed we just skipped a whoooole bunch of chapters lol. this is because there are almost 300 of them, and so I’m going to have to use a bit of discretion. anyway so this is a gorgeous panel. just, everything about it. the lighting; the expressions; Shouto’s hesitation; and his mom facing away, not looking back yet, and us not yet knowing how she’ll react. and the fact that they’re visually separated by as much distance as possible -- at opposite ends of a two-page spread -- and yet they’re so close, closer than they’ve been in years. mm. anyway it’s pretty.

why I like it: first of all because there’s nothing like seeing a deserving character get punched in the fucking face, and few characters IMO have been as deserving as Stain. and second because this is Deku, showing up to save the day out of nowhere at the last minute, because excuse you, but he’s a motherfuckin’ hero. sorry to interrupt your evening plans of stabbing a kid while lecturing him about why, philosophically, he deserves to die. but I’ve got a package here for a Mister Stain. it’s from Mister Smaassh, with two A’s and three S’s.

why I like it: fyi, anon said nothing about a cavalcade of BakuDeku panels. you didn’t think I’d let that loophole go to waste, did you? but nonetheless I will try to restrain myself until we get to the second ground beta fight. anyway, I like this panel because All Might’s canonically 7′2″ self looks about twelve feet tall here, and he is just TOWERING over these two boys, who’ve been tasked with somehow outwitting him during this curiously sadistic final exam. and it’s just an interesting perspective, because we know they both look up to him, and here they are physically looking way, way up, up, up at him.

why I like it: now this is how you do a villain entrance. I love absolutely everything about this. the sheer scale of destruction, and the way he’s just sort of casually hanging out there in the middle of the panel almost dwarfed by all this dust and smoke and carnage, and yet is unquestionably the focus of the page. the way that you can’t actually see his face, not yet. not until the end of the chapter. the way the clouds are drifting so calmly and peacefully in the night sky in stark contrast to the horrific events that are about to take place on the ground. this panel gives me literal chills, especially when I think about All for One’s creepy theme music playing in the background.

why I like it: this panel is so iconic to me that it’s one of the first ones I immediately knew I had to go and find when I got this ask. this entire fight is perfection from start to finish, and there are other panels that are more artistically striking if I’m being honest (in particular, the ones where he’s half-transformed with his face perfectly split down the middle between Muscle Might and Skinny Steve). but there’s just something about his determination in this panel, though. something about the fire in his eyes, and the way he clenches his fist. “my heart is still the heart of the Symbol of Peace.” I remember being sooooo fucking anxious when his true form was revealed, wondering if this was it, if the people watching were going to turn on him, if he was going to lose both the fight and their faith. turns out I was wrong on both accounts. basically what I am trying to tell you guys is that this panel was and is still the most badass thing I’ve ever seen.

why I like it: because he’s just a frail old man doing what he can to protect the last flickering embers of the thing that enables him to fight on. there’s something so fucking desperate and yet so determined about this image. he knows it’s futile, but still he persists.

why I like it: damn it was hard to find a “you’re next” panel with just the right angle I like best. this is probably as close as it gets, but I kind of wish Deku was somehow visible in this image as well. but at any rate this is an amazing moment, and All Might is dramatic af for basically no reason but IT’S BADASS. “no I’m not going to actually look where I’m pointing. it’s cooler this way.” or was it because he wasn’t sure if he could keep the emotion off of his face if he actually turned and looked? in this moment of knowing that it was finally over for him, that he would never be the Symbol again, and knowing that he had no choice but to move on and entrust that burden to the next generation? damn.

why I like it: I... fucking... okay, here’s a fun fact. did you know that I still get emotional over this panel almost a full two years after reading it?? obviously a good 84% of it is the context -- All Might losing his power; Deku being forced to take up the mantle before he feels ready; All Might feeling responsible for him; and both of them being so desperately grateful to have each other in that moment. but don’t underestimate that remaining 16% either though! this is just an extremely well-drawn hug, on top of everything else. All Might pressing Deku’s head to his shoulder with his fingers laced in his hair is some mighty fine fiercely protective hug tropes there, you guys. and the way Deku is clinging to his shirt so tightly his knuckles have probably gone white?? while he cries?? while both of them cry? ON THE BEACH? WITH THE WAVES LAPPING SOFTLY AT THE SHORE IN THE PEACEFUL NIGHT AIR?? jesus fucking christ. this hug contains more emotions than I am capable of carrying inside me at once. I just sort of have to let them flow in and out little by little until they finally subside.

why I like it: you bet I skipped right from Kamino straight to Deku VS Kacchan Part 2. no regrets. anyway, so these two panels are an absolutely gorgeous one-two punch. so much has changed from the days when they were innocent little kids marching off into the woods to have adventures. they’ve changed. their relationship has changed. and yet, at the end of the day, Izuku is still willing to follow Katsuki even without being given any kind of explanation. and Katsuki still seeks out Izuku when he’s on the verge of having a spectacular emotional breakdown. because he doesn’t know who else to turn to. and because despite everything, there is trust there still, on some deep, fundamental level neither of them fully understands or knows how to acknowledge. anyway, so these two panels just give me a ton of feels all about the passage of time and how everything changes and how you can’t get back what’s lost, but also sometimes if you look deep enough you find that parts of it were never fully gone.

why I like it: because in a striking display of dramatic main character energy, these boys decided to stage their life-changing destiny-affirming rival fight on the coolest possible stage in the middle of the goddamn night. and then Katsuki made it even better by producing WAY MORE SMOKE than his attack by all rights should have produced! and then they went and crouched down all symmetrically so as to more poetically make intense eye contact at each other. I really like panels with smoke and/or dust clearing dramatically. there are like four more of them coming up on this list. what can I say. it’s cinematic.

why I like it: I actually had this one as my icon for a while. it’s rare imo to see an action panel that’s so balanced and has so much going on and is so clean and easy to read. both of their poses are so dynamic. I like the way the arc of Izuku’s kick is drawn, and I love the way you can clearly see that Katsuki propelled himself backwards with his quirk in order to dodge it. it’s just a really cool little panel that for me perfectly sums up the general feel of this fight, and its awesome choreography.

why I like it: actually you know what, before I go any further, let me skip ahead a bit and add three more panels with this same energy.

I just really, really love these rare moments when all differences between them are momentarily forgotten and they’re just two teenage boys caught up in the intense pressure of an awkward social situation. the one enemy neither of them is the least bit equipped to handle. anyways Horikoshi clearly enjoys it too because he seems to delight in drawing it over and over and over.

why I like it: because it’s more billowing smoke and dust. because it’s Endeavor, the guy we all swore we would never ever root for, and then 160 chapters later Horikoshi pulls this shit without an ounce of shame. because it’s All Might’s pose, but tweaked juuuuuust enough so that Enji can avoid copyright claims. because he knew that pose well enough to know which arm not to use. because Endeavor is a profoundly flawed human being, wholly incapable of filling the void All Might left behind. and yet he still tries. because it’s better than nothing, and because it’s all he can do. it’s the one thing he can do, his sole redeeming virtue. he tries. he doesn’t give up. anyway so yeah, Horikoshi didn’t have to take the single most unlikable person in the entire manga and give him the world’s most controversial and openly scorned redemption arc. but he did! and I think it’s one of the best things about this entire manga.

why I like it: because nothing in BnHA is just black and white!! it’s messy and layered and complex, just like in the real world. Shouto despised his dad for almost his entire life. with good reason! Enji was abusive and selfish and treated his son more like a prized possession than a person. we as readers are fully aware of all of this, and we sympathize with Shouto 100%, and that’s completely by design. Horikoshi is well aware of this. so for him to still give us this little moment, where Shouto is so relieved that Enji survived that he drops to the floor and presses his face against his hands in this little prayer gesture -- whatever you think it might mean -- is just so fucking powerful, and again speaks to his commitment to refusing to let anything in this series be completely clear-cut and unambiguous. I love that the characterization of Shouto and Natsu hating their dad exists side by side with the equally authentic characterization of them being terrified that they’re about to watch him die. because those two things aren’t contradictory! sometimes that’s just how it is. anyway so this is a beautiful moment of nuance that instantly adds so much to this relationship with just a single panel.

why I like it: for once the symbolism is so obvious that even I can’t fail to miss it! Izuku’s face half in light and half in shadow as he thinks about the power bestowed on him. “All for One’s power.” anyway so in my mind Izuku having AFO could not be any more fucking foreshadowed if he was wearing a freaking t-shirt with the Musketeers saying on it and the background was peppered with little Sistine Chapel-esque images of AFO giving his quirk to his brother lmao. but regardless of how it does end up playing out, this is nicely done.

why I like it: I wasn’t sure whether I should include this image, given that I just made a whole separate post about it a few days ago. but I just really like it, okay. this is one of the all-time great entrances in the series. Bakugou being perched on that pole for absolutely no reason other than to add visual interest. Todoroki’s hair blowing dramatically in the wind. Katsuki’s frayed pant hems and characteristically asymmetrical facial expression. the fact that you just know both of them spent the ride home with their faces pressed to the windows of their taxi cab hoping desperately for an opportunity to break in their brand new licenses, and then lo and behold. that’s amazing you guys. it’s almost like you’re main characters or something.

why I like it: they did great.

why I like it: because I lost my fucking shit at this fucking reveal and can you even blame me?? we knew coming in how much trouble Endeavor and Hawks had dealing with just one of these Noumus, and then Horikoshi goes and divulges that the villains have at least A DOZEN MORE waiting on standby. including Hood right there in the foreground, which is a fantastic touch! this panel, for me, almost instantaneously established the League as a legitimate threat once again, and gave me the kind of spine-tingly evil vibes I hadn’t felt since the Kamino arc. and while the payoff might not quite have lived up to my expectations, the Mirko fight at least was more than worth it.

why I like it: BILLOWING SMOKE AND DUST CLOUDS. you just see this vast landscape of destruction that Tomura has oh-so-casually wrought, and this once-powerful enemy utterly defeated on his hands and knees bowing before him. and it’s just like, oh. Tomura just became a fucking king, didn’t he. he finally stepped up and became the main villain. really the main villain, not just an awkward fumbling NEET whose adopted dad is not-so-secretly pulling all the strings. he did this himself. he went out and conquered and Awakened and won himself a fucking army. and he’s just standing there so cool and casual in the aftermath of it all. and then he goes “oh wait, you guys have money right, that means you can buy us the good sushi.” yes, Tomura. yes.

why I like it: um because this panel is fucking amazing?? hello?? do I really need to explain this one. the detail is jaw-dropping. he’s got the little scars which are either from the head wound that caused his death, or from his Noumufication. his expression is fucking heartbreaking, and the transition from Kumo to Kuro is so subtle and seamless, and yet it distinctly is both of them. this panel is gorgeous and fucking haunting and almost made me gasp when I first saw it.

why I like it: the decision to have the night sky take up so much of the space in the panel was [chef kiss]. nothing says existential like the night sky on a cold winter’s night.

why I like it: this is the best panel in the entire fucking series.

why I like it: dude. showing his actual family holding onto him with their hands in the same spot as the severed fashion!hands was a stroke of genius in and of itself. but combining that with the emotional tension of them desperately trying to hold him back and protect him from AFO?? that’s just so fucking smooth it’s almost inhuman. just how much meaning can you cram into a single image?? sometimes I wonder just how far in advance Horikoshi plans these things.

why I like it: guess I’m just a big fat sucker for panels of Tomura calmly standing around in the ruins of his own senseless destruction. the sense of scale on this one is really great, too. and yet again, those dust clouds. gotta love it.

why I like it: because Tomura literally appears out of nowhere, like he’s ripping a hole through the fabric of time and space. it’s so fucking sudden and he looks evil as FUCK, and Deku and Kacchan are totally caught off-guard, and it is scary. this is one of those panels that made me say “holy shit” out loud. in fact I practically screamed it. and the angles are all funky and weird, and the sky is all BLACK FOR NO REASON, and it really just feels like Tomura could reach right over and just MURDER THEM like it was nothing. just like that. this panel is so incredibly effective at conveying how hopelessly outclassed the boys are. they’re not even in his league, and it’s honestly terrifying.

and on that happy note, we have come to the end of my list of favorite panels! and I gotta say, it’s really gratifying that a good deal of them are from this year alone. I said it in another post a few days ago, but imo the overall quality of the series has been insanely high as of late, and it honestly just blows my mind whenever I stop to think about it. the art is still this good six years into the game. the story is still this good. we are spoiled goddammit.