#Planet spark reviews

[bobdylan-n-jonimitchell]

"Dylan, Mitchell Create New Moods"

David Heller for The Vidette, Illinois State University, January 31, 1974.

[moonsaver]

You've had the unfortunate privilege of being on the recieving end of Sunday's influence.

He's no ordinary man, at least by status. Penacony, although now a huge tourism spot, had it's plethora of secrets, and The Family seeks to keep it as just that. With secrets comes trouble, and with trouble comes opportunity. Sunday is a man who seizes it when he has the chance.

And you suppose his nature has rubbed off on you. The moment a flicker of freedom sparked before you, you didn't hesitate to seize your opportunity, grabbing tightly, and running into it headfirst.

The fact you've made it this far surprises even you, as your legs ache from the sheer amount of distance you've had to cover on land, the splinters and cuts on your feet burning as you drag yourself as far away as you can, hop planet to plant if you must, to escape Sunday at all costs.

Of course.. you haven't been in the best physical condition ever since you decided freedom was worth it. Hair messy, fingers bruised, and your lips bloodied as you gnawed on them continuously from the sheer dread and fear. You've managed to make it on Belobog's icy cold planet that's only starting to warm up, and to your dismay, the snow only worsens just how bad your splinters and cuts hurt.

It's not long before you make it to the city. You go through a lengthy procedure and are finally taken in, provided for and hidden under wraps by your own request. You suppose the silver-haired girl didn't need much convincing from the long struggles your body seems to have endured.

However, word reaches fast.

Its also not long before there's representatives and ambassadors sent from different branches of the Families in Penacony, and a few unfamiliar names. Your ears stay close to the wall as you try to make out their words.

It seems Sunday has chosen to brand you as a dangerous, wanted criminal instead of his lover. But perhaps you'd prefer that?

And the countless visits put a strain on legal relations. The silver-haired girl has to let up with resignation, and informs you Belobog cannot house you. Not anymore.

However, even in your desperate, anxious state, you can clearly tell Sunday was desperate. It seems he's managed to rope the IPC into it aswell, given the talkative, sly blonde man who keeps droning on about how excited he is to help Sunday out as a favor. You get the impression he's not keen on really making friends, but rather debts.

As for Sunday.. he hasn't heard from you in a few weeks. It's been your longest time missing, evidently. He sighs grimly as he reviews reports, clearly fabricated. The last time you really were seen after the expedition of that retrieval group, was with none other than Aventurine.

That peacock just loves seizing his opportunity, doesn't he?

[wifetomegatron]

perceptor wants to study you. afab!reader. nsfw! drabble. skirt mentioned.

Perceptor is a scientist. It is his job to learn. To observe. In many ways, when the situation calls for it, it is also his job to solve things. The most reliable questions to answer were equations, solid and truthful: numerical variables were tangible enough to pull apart and rebuild without straying too far from his reality. They only have one answer.

But you were different. A moving target that never stood still. Always changing and taking him by surprise. You were a blow to his ego. And that caught his attention. A beauty that had no source in his stout and unyielding world. The possibilities were endless.

He wants to drink you dry.

" Open your mouth."

His voice was barely short of a whisper. Do all humans have this ability to render sentient beings speechless, to rob the room of any sound? Maybe they are also capable of manipulating magnetic fields: of defying the laws of gravity to knock their opponents off their axis. That would be dangerous. It was a good thing that you didn't see him as a threat. Not when you were looking at his past your lashes, eyes coy — fingers drawing circles around his shoulders.

" My," You hummed, " How bold of you, Perceptor."

Have you always had this lilt to your voice? He searched his processor for a comparison — the water running down the creek back in your green organic planet, the lonely echo of bullets as they ricochet, the tentative hum of a spark as it reignites. None of them comes close. He feels sick. Dizzy. Maybe he needs to go and see Ratchet.

" Open your mouth, please."

He repeats himself. Voice surprisingly level, even though it felt like his vocalizer was going to snap. And that earned him a smile. He did nothing to warrant your laughter, and yet you indulged him like you always do. Tongue — pink and wet — peeking past the row of pearls you call teeth as you tilt your neck gently backward. His hand moved instinctively, dwarfing the back of your head for support. 

He pressed the pad of his thumb flat across the soft surface and felt the metal sink. Your eyes fluttered shut, legs, slightly parting to let him slot his body in between. He held you in place. Chest to chassis, the thin fabric of your shirt did nothing to hide the subtle race of your heart.

Sinew and muscle, humming, unlike anything he's ever heard. 

This is for science, Perceptor tells you, retracting his servos to pick up his PADD, mind bursting with a flurry of thoughts. He couldn't even remember what he wrote down. He will have to review it later. 

He runs a few more exams. Medical needs it. And yet he had offered himself to run them. He says it was also crucial for his research. 

What kind of research, Ratchet had asked him.

A personal one, he had replied.

No one stopped him, especially not when you were so eager to help.

He kissed you on the lips. Tentatively, once, twice. You sighed into his mouth. Lips soft. Too soft. He needed to know if you were just as delicate between your —

This is for science, Perceptor tells himself, already sinking onto his knees. You were a plethora of texture, so different from his biology. So far from the mundane. While he clings almost religiously to the dependable — facts, numbers, metal — the purest, rawest form of science is the unknown. He nudged your knees with his nose, wider, and you wordlessly complied. 

Every scientist is an explorer at heart. And what is more unfamiliar than the feel of your skin? 

Perceptor rubs up and down your thighs, feeling you shiver. His cooling fans clicked to life, reacting, responsive. And this pleased you. And you pleased him.

Prettiness is symmetry, all things in the right place. And yet you were an artifact of unknown beauty, with no origin, no source. All things have to start somewhere — stars were born out of gases, sparks out of a mass of positrons supercharged by energon. But where did you come from? So alien. So different.

If the Earth was your creator, then you must be molded out of clay, shaped by her gentle hands, not carved, for he was sure even under his touch you would break. That the slightest misplace of pressure would shatter and scatter you into pieces.

But humans were known to be resilient. He likes to call you generous instead. Ever so giving, ever so kind.

Today, you wore what you called a skirt. Isn't it pretty? He doesn't have much to say about its color other than that it was practical and worn with a purpose. An invitation.

You mewled in encouragement when he pressed a kiss square against the plush, wet slit of your cunt.

Perceptor is a scientist. It is his job to learn. To observe. In many ways, when the situation calls for it, it is also his job to solve things. And there is still so much he wants to learn from you. He wants to map every sensitive spot that made you gasp and writhe. He wants to chart every delicate twitch, every clench. And with your body arching atop his table — sweat dripping down your brow, you were his muse.

But make no mistake, this was a symbiotic relationship. You were also studying him, changing him. ( He was certain you've ruined him for anyone else.)

Perceptor knows he should have stayed as an objective observer, standing on the sideline. Yet you were a very seductive hypothesis, just waiting to be kissed to life. There was lubricant leaking down his chin as you reached your high, nails scratching the back of his helm. Objects cluttered off the table in the distance, yet he continues to drink.

You broke his idea of truth, and Perceptor lets you.

[astroamorsworld]

What does this Jupiter in Gemini transit mean for your rising sign?

If you guys would like to show your support, you can buy me a coffee here :)

I'm starting to compile a list of reviews for readings on my masterlist so check it out if you'd like 😊

If you guys would like a reading, fill out this google form and if you have any questions then feel free to DM me :)

Enjoy!

Aries Rising: Jupiter's shift into Gemini brings positive energy to your communication zone (3rd house). This is your chance to broaden your horizons through learning, conversations, and short trips. You might take a class, learn a new language, or travel somewhere that ignites your curiosity. This transit can also enhance your relationships with siblings, neighbors, and classmates. You'll find it easier to connect with others and express yourself clearly. Be mindful of a tendency to overthink or gossip, but overall, this is a time to expand your network and explore new ideas with an optimistic outlook.

Taurus Rising: This transit activates your second house of income and possessions. You might find new ways to make money, perhaps through a side hustle that taps into your talents. Embrace your natural Venusian charm and explore opportunities that combine your love of beauty and practicality. It's also a time to reassess your spending habits and cultivate a more abundant mindset. Remember, feeling secure financially allows you to relax and enjoy the finer things in life.

Gemini Rising: The planet of luck and expansion, has moved into your first house of self. This is basically your personal New Year! This transit brings a surge of optimism, confidence, and a thirst for knowledge. You'll find yourself naturally drawn to new experiences and people that broaden your horizons. Embrace your inherent curiosity and explore anything that sparks your interest. This is a powerful time to step into your most authentic self and share your unique voice with the world.

Cancer Rising: Jupiter is activating your 12th house of subconscious, dreams, and hidden desires. This can feel introspective and even a little mysterious. Embrace this inward journey – it's an opportunity to heal past hurts, release limiting beliefs, and connect with your intuition. Practices like meditation, journaling, or therapy can be helpful in navigating this introspective phase. While social interaction might take a backseat, this time spent within fosters personal growth and paves the way for future abundance.

Leo Rising: Jupiter's transit through Gemini activates your 11th house of friendships, groups, and long-term goals. This is a fantastic time to expand your social circle and connect with like-minded individuals who inspire and support you. You might find yourself drawn to collaborative projects or causes you're passionate about. This transit is all about building a strong support system that fuels your ambitions. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and network! Your natural charisma and leadership qualities will be magnetic, attracting people who share your vision. This is a powerful time to plant seeds for the future, surrounded by those who believe in you and your dreams.

Virgo Rising: Your focus shifts towards career and public image (10th house). This transit brings a lucky boost to your professional life! You might find exciting new opportunities arise, or receive recognition for your hard work and expertise. Embrace your natural Virgo-like diligence and strive for excellence – your efforts are likely to be rewarded. This is also a good time to expand your professional network and connect with mentors or influencers in your field. Jupiter's optimistic energy can fuel your ambition and help you achieve your goals. Remember, Virgos, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges. This transit encourages growth and advancement, so shine your light and let your talents be seen!

Libra Rising: Jupiter in Gemini activates your 9th house of travel, philosophy, and higher learning. This transit ignites your curiosity and desire to broaden your horizons. You might embark on a long-awaited trip, delve into a new culture, or pursue higher education. Embrace your natural Libra charm and openness to different perspectives. This is a powerful time for personal growth through exploration and learning. Jupiter's optimistic energy encourages you to seek out knowledge and experiences that challenge your beliefs and expand your worldview. So, embrace the journey, Libra risings, and get ready to discover a whole new side of yourself!

Scorpio Rising: Prepare for a transformative journey in your realm of intimacy and shared resources (8th house). This transit can bring a deeper understanding of your closest bonds, both financially and emotionally. Jupiter's expansive energy encourages open communication and vulnerability within partnerships. It's a good time to explore taboos or hidden aspects of your relationships, leading to a more profound connection. You might also find opportunities to manage finances jointly or explore investments with a trusted partner. Remember, Scorpio risings, true intimacy thrives on trust and open communication. Embrace this transit to strengthen your bonds and unlock hidden potential within your closest connections.

Sagittarius Rising: With Jupiter, your ruling planet, moving into Gemini, it activates your 7th house of partnerships and commitments. This transit is all about expanding and enriching your connections with others. On a personal level, you might find yourself drawn to new partnerships, both romantic and platonic. Jupiter's optimistic energy fosters a spirit of cooperation and compromise, making it easier to find common ground with others. Existing relationships can also deepen and strengthen during this transit. This is a fantastic time to explore collaborations, negotiations, and strengthen your bonds with significant others. Remember, Sagittarius rising, your inherent optimism and openness are magnetic. Embrace this transit to connect with like-minded individuals who challenge and inspire you. This is a powerful time to build strong, supportive relationships that enrich your life on all levels.

Capricorn Rising: This transit brings a lucky boost to your health, habits, and work environment. Jupiter's expansive energy encourages you to find ways to make your daily routines more efficient and enjoyable. You might discover new healthy habits or explore alternative wellness practices that improve your physical and mental well-being. This is also a fantastic time to learn new skills or refine existing ones, boosting your productivity and satisfaction at work. Remember, Capricorn rising, taking care of yourself is the foundation for success in all areas of life. Embrace this transit to optimise your routines and create a work-life balance that fosters both achievement and enjoyment.

Aquarius Rising: With Jupiter gracing your 5th house of joy, romance, and self-expression, prepare for a playful and pleasure-filled year. This transit is all about embracing your authentic self and exploring activities that bring you genuine happiness. Whether it's reigniting old hobbies, pursuing artistic endeavors, or simply having more fun, Jupiter encourages you to express yourself freely. Romantically, you might attract new love interests or deepen existing connections through shared enjoyment and lightheartedness. Remember, Aquarius risings, life shouldn't be all work and no play. Embrace this transit to tap into your creativity, reconnect with your inner child, and experience life with a joyful spirit.

Pisces Rising: With Jupiter lighting up your 4th house of domesticity, family, and emotional foundations, this transit brings a wave of optimism and expansion to your personal life. This is a fantastic time to focus on creating a warm and inviting home environment. You might redecorate, make renovations, or simply spend more quality time with loved ones. Jupiter's expansive energy encourages strengthening family bonds and deepening connections with those who provide you with a sense of security. It's also a good time to explore your ancestry or reconnect with past family traditions. Remember, Pisces rising, a strong foundation at home fosters a sense of peace and well-being in all areas of life. Embrace this transit to nurture your inner sanctuary and cultivate a loving and supportive home environment.

Check my pinned post for more!💖

[kyamo18]

Well, yes, I wanted to draw this as a short story.... Maybe I will do that in the future, but with different events.

On the planet Cybertron, in the darkest point, an isolated laboratory where a genius scientist was standing, alone in front of his computer screens, observing.

(Keyboard pressing sounds followed by tired sighs)

“The world has reviewed its experiments with the Thousand-Year Cybertronian State over and over again and over again...”

The fate of all geniuses is solitude with their research and work... Focus Shockwave "The world is talking to itself"

Shockwave : If I use the golden square formula instead of the golden triangle...

“Someone is watching from afar and quietly approaching.”

Shockwave : No no no this won't work maybe I should use more amgaspark

"Shockwave was at his peak until someone placed his hand on his large metal chest."

Shockwave : Aahhhh.... What!?

*He looks behind him and sees his work companion, an intelligence officer*

Shockwave : Soundwave?... what are you doing here?

Soundwave : I got some free time from our leader

Shockwave : This is not the answer to my question! Why are your hands pressing on my chest?

Soundwave : I just feel cold... Your chest emits so much heat that it is suitable as a heating source

Shockwave : illogical! You have indoor heating and you haven't told me why you're here yet

Soundwave : It's broken... *moves his hands away from his chest shockwave* Does it bother you that I'm here?

Shockwave : *turns around and speaks to him face to face* If that's the case, I can fix you...and no, it doesn't bother me that you're here.

Soundwave : Negative....shockwave You don't look well...Did I harass you?

Shockwave : *He walks away to pick up his work tools* No... it's not you that's bothering me

Soundwave : Do you want to talk about it?....humans here call it "heart talk"

Shockwave : It doesn't make sense. We don't have hearts. *Ends preparing his tools*

Soundwave : Positive... You're right, but we have sparks

Shockwave : This doesn't change anything soundwave... You have to stop likening our complex lives to the simple lives of humans

*Soundwave pushes Shockwave to the ground and becomes on top of him*

Shockwave : uuuhhhh.... Soundwave?

Soundwave : Who told you that human life is simple? Or is it less complicated than our lives?

Shockwave : Oh, didn't you like my opinion? *speaks arrogantly*

Soundwave : Negative... shockwave, you are not well. It is not your habit to say things without support by a scientific experiment

Shockwave : And what do you know about me *looks to the other side*

Soundwave : *comes closer to Shockwave's face* You know I can read your thoughts

Shockwave : Well... good luck finding something inside my head full of equations

soundwave: I admit it's not easy when you think about numbers... but I can tell you feel lonely

"Shockwave finally looks at Soundwave's face which was very close to him"

Shockwave : soundwave....you're so close

Soundwave : Positive...you feel lonely then! So you needs attention *comes closer and presses his body against Shockwave's*

Shockwave : What you're doing is illogical...

Soundwave : But it works *hand caresses shockwave*

Shockwave : soundwave... /////

Soundwave : Your body reacts perfectly. You love this

[timetravelersdoctor]

How do you think the Decepticons (TFA and TFP) would react if they saw the acts committed by Megatron (BW) during the events of Beast Machines?

Let's review the charges:

-He created a deadly virus that he released throughout the planet Cybertron, infecting almost the entire population, the survivors were hunted.

A virus suddenly sprending over the whole planet. Everyone was infected, many deactivated... Most just disappeared. -Nightscream

-Those captured were stripped of their sparks that were locked with a method that prevented them from joining the All-Spark, being trapped in the physical world, their bodies were torn apart to create his Vehicon army from those parts. He literally has a place completely full of corpses which he throws away as if they were nothing more than garbage.

This place is where Megatron stole every Spark on Cybertron -Blackarachnia Megatron stole all this parse and use their bodies to create mindless Vehicons -Optimus Primal

-His army was deprived of free will, so that they were just puppets that he could manipulate. He planned to rebuild the entire population of Cybertron so that they were just mindless zombies who only obeyed him, who was the only one with an individual mind.

The wave of the future, Cybertronians without Sparks, no more individual minds, just one single guiding intelligence... Mine. -Megatron

-The saved sparks were absorbed by him, ending his existence forever. Macabrely quoting: 'til all are one.

The sparks! What are you doing?! Fulfilling my destiny, Optimus Primal. Uniting every spark on Cybertron into one perfect being... Me. -Optimus Primal and Megatron

-Attempt on Cybertron's life, when he shot at his organic core. Optimus warned him but he didn't listen. He literally planned to destroy all of Cybertron in order to, according to him: Rebuild it in his image. Something he planned to do with more planets.

If you unleash the key program, you'll destroy all Cybertron No planet is alive, Optimus, merely infested, and I intend to restore it to its natural condition. -Optimus Primal and Megatron Destroyed? I will recreate, in my own image. -Megatron

-In his final fight with Optimus he absorbed all the saved sparks making him and Optimus the only Cybertronians alive. He wanted to extinguish most of his people to be the only one in charge.

My great ascension is finally complete! YEEEEESSSS! -Megatron

Hi Thank you for the Ask!

Tfp Megatron: Megatron thinks that BW Megatrons actions would make Unicron proud. it's disturbing and he doesn't know how to handle the fact that he's a little impressed that he managed to to that on his own.

Tfp Soundwave: He's glad that BW Megatron is from far in to the future because by then he'll be long gone and it won't be his problem to deal with. it's the stupidest plan to have ever been put into action and he deals with Tfp Megatron.

Tfp Starscream: Plans and more plans Starscream in thinking of ways to get rid of BW Megatron ahead of time because not even he would want to be the last Cybertronian alive. He does think it makes sense that BW Megs would be insane enough to do that considering that he works with Tfp Megatron

Tfp Shockwave: He sees no logic in BW Meg's actions. why did he go so far, how was he going to recreate the planet, did BW Megatron even know if he would succeed? Shockwave refuses to believe that BW Megatron is the descendent of the first (technically second depending in the continuity) Megatron

Tfa Megatron: Tfa Megatron doesn't see the merit in what BW Megatron did after all the entire point in the original war was to end the caste system not recreate the universe into his image. He thinks realistically and is very surprised that BW Megs got so far into his plan.

Tfa Lugnut: Lugnut is very glad that Tfa Megatron is smarter then BW Megatron because he genuinely thinks that he would not be loyal if Tfa Megs was anything like BW Megs. He's not the smartest Decepticon out there but he's also not that stupid.

Tfa Blitzwing: Blitzwing thinks that BW Megs is far more insane than himself. He hates learning of all the things Megatron did to create vehicons. no one should ever be changed against their will in his mind, he knows exactly what that's like.

Tfa Starscream: He thinks BW Megatron is an idiot that should have been dealt with a long time ago. he's very disappointed that BW Megatron almost succeeded in doing the dumbest thing ever.

[morgenlich]

will write a more detailed review tomorrow probably but main impressions walking out:

-i liked that they showed paul’s eyes becoming bluer over time. it was subtle but a good detail

-why did they never drop irulan’s name……….

-yeah the cinnamon tography………the use of color (and lack of it). the use of harsh lighting except in intimate scenes (my planet arrakis is so beautiful when the sun is low……)

-good god the acting. the acting.

-i won’t credit zimmer himself for the score. it does slap tho kudos to his workshop

-it’s impressive that after two (2) nearly 3-hour movies, it still feels like the spark notes version…..maybe movies aren’t actually the medium that the story should be told in….maybe they should consider….a miniseries……………

[ninja-muse]

Another month, another last-minute book review, but don't let that fool you. Infinity Gate is a winner! It's also pure Carey—compelling characters, smart world-building, themes that drive at the heart of human experience, writing and story that just don't stop.

First of all, if you've seen the blurb for this book, you probably think it's about the potential benefits of parallel worlds to one devastated by climate change, or possibly that it's about people fighting sinister AI. This is, in fact, what hooked me. It's also fairly inaccurate.

This is a story about how we define "human", that gets more into the discussions we're having about fascism and dehumanization and xenophobia, than the discussions we're having about AI, algorithms, and where "tool" becomes "crutch" or "means for layoffs". Does a person have to look like you to be seen as an equal? Do they have to act like you? Think like you? If they don't, is it okay to oppress, enslave, or murder them? If you say no but your society or government says yes, what then?

(Unsurprisingly, this is also a novel about control—who has it, who doesn't, who wants it, and why.)

But! The parallel worlds and the fights about AI are no less interesting, exciting, inventive, or important. It's clear that Carey's thought through the usual parallel-world-story premise of "if every turning point sparks a new world, then anything could happen" with more creativity and more clarity than most other authors. Yes, there's a world of civilized rabbits, but it's not a happy, cute world because no matter the species, people still have wants and fears and assumptions. Yes, an interdimensional empire would be pretty great in a lot of ways, but it's also run by, you guessed it, people.

I'm making this sound like a thinking book, not one where things happen. So let me clarify: THINGS HAPPEN. So many things. A lot of happening. There's a physicist who cracks interdimensional travel, which doesn't go as she planned. There's a guy on the fringes of society who's faced with hard choices. There's a schoolgirl, and a government bureaucrat, and a military unit, and meaningful friendships, and a prison planet. There's a conspiracy that maybe isn't, and a conspiracy that definitely is, and a questionable war, and all sorts of AIs. It's frankly surprising how much Carey manages to fit in 500 pages, and how he gets it all flowing and making sense and never once losing track of his story and message.

Which is also not to say I thought this book was perfect. It's sometimes a bit too messagey. The characters, while rounded and believable, sometimes fit the themes a little too neatly. There were bits I read faster less because I wanted to know what happened and more because I didn't quite care about what was happening just then. I am, however, perfectly willing to believe a lot of that's because I can't divorce "reading-me" from "literary critic/editor-me" and that other readers will not have these problems, or these levels of them.

The important thing is, though, that this book was fun. Fun and smart and full of SF coolness and unpredictable and well-written—and pointed, angry, punchy, thought-provoking. Everything good science fiction should be, in other words, and I don't know if anyone could've done it better. The sequel went on my TBR as soon as I saw it announced.

[farfarahleeya]

With the rise of Instagram Reels and TikTok videos, it seems as though blogging has become a thing of the past... or has it? Let's see if blogging is still relevant in the age of Instagram and Tiktok.

The Early Days:

Blogging first became a thing when Justin Hall created what he called his "personal homepage" on Links.net, where he reviewed HTML examples from other online links (Zantal-Wiener 2020). 3 years later, Jon Barger, a fellow blogger, coins the term "weblog", reflecting the process of logging the web. Another 2 years later, Peter Merholz, a programmer, shortens the term "weblog" into "blog", to which Merriam-Webster would declare as the word of the year in 2004 (NDMU 2018).

~ TLDR ~

1994 - Justin Hall's "personal homepage" on Links.net

1997 - Jon Barger coins the term weblog

1999 - Peter Merholz shortens "weblog" -> "blog"

2004 - Merriam-Webster declares "blog" as their word of the year

The prime time of internet exploration (for the masses) between the late-90s and early-00s are also home to the births of iconic blogging platforms such as Blogger and WordPress (NDMU 2018).

These early days were the chance for the readers and writers of the world to digitalise their bibliophilic habits as they ventured new ways to connect with bookworms across the globe.

The Evolution:

Right in the midst of blogging's mainstreaming years, the public launching of YouTube in 2005 sparked the evolution of blogging. With that, the wonders of blogging were no longer confined to the wordsmiths of the world.

YouTube's culture of video blogging, or vlogging, appealed to those who preferred audio and visual stimulation, thus continuing the reach of blogging as a whole (Maslanka 2017). This video blogging culture brought forth most of the blogging cultures still in tact today, such as the aforementioned Instagram Reels and TikTok videos, which are forms of blogging that invoke creativity in a different medium than what blogging first started as.

The Question:

lyrics captured from Spotify

So blogging evolved from choosing the right writing style to choosing the right background music, but what does that mean? Does no one do the former anymore? Is everyone just trying to accomplish the latter?

Take, for instance, you feel like cooking something new. Some people would turn to a cooking channel on YouTube, while some prefer clicking on the recipe blogs that their search engine compiles for them. My friend would rather watch a video about the newest technology, whereas I would like to read about it in a blog post instead.

It all comes down to personal preference.

Numerous blog platforms are still around and are home to a growing number of blog accounts that cater to different genres of digital communities; because just as many people there are on this planet, exists a vast range of interests, preferences, and personalities. These aspects result in the creation of digital communities that almost anyone can find a seat in. These different groups then evolve within themselves to create their own set of cultures, norms, as well as trends.

So perhaps someone who spends their days watching Instagram Stories and TikTok Lives may seem to think that blogging is a dying flame, but to someone who replies to tweets and writes fantasy fiction on Tumblr, would disagree. In fact, posting short snippets of your day or sharing your thoughts in a tweet is a form of blogging in itself, specifically known as microblogging. Microblogging is an example of blogging cultures trickling down to make room for the readers and writers of the world who enjoy doing so, but in a more casual setting.

It is also important to note that personalities are not a black and white thing. Preferences are not an either or situation. There are many people who enjoy both reading blogs and watching videos.

・・・・・・

Besides leisure pursuits, blog accounts can also be used professionally. Setting up a portfolio blog could serve as a digital gallery of one's work (ThemesKingdom 2019). For example, a programmer's portfolio blog could include the programs they have coded or their experiences with different programming languages. The inclusion of a portfolio blog to a resume helps future employers grasp the personalities, morals, and ethics of the potential employee.

And along the lines of career-oriented blogs are money-making blogs; a solid option for the adventurers who seek a non-conventional career path. These type of blogs often rake in revenue through brand partnerships, affiliate links, premium content or private consultations (Polner & Bottorff 2023).

The Answer:

Definitely! I would confidently say that blogging is still relevant in the midst of Instagram and TikTok's uprising.

While there is no denying that Instagram and TikTok may be more popular amongst certain demographics, the future of blogging continues to march on, because as long as there are bookworms around, blogging will remain relevant ⋆｡⋆☂˚｡⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆

︵‿︵‿ References ‿︵‿︵

Maslanka, M 2017, The Vlog Blog: History of Vlogging, MotionSource, 28 July, viewed 27 September 2023, <https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/history-of-blogging>.

NDMU 2018, History of Blogging, Notre Dame of Maryland University, 22 March, viewed 27 September 2023, <https://online.ndm.edu/news/communication/history-of-blogging/>.

Polner, M & Bottorff, C 2023, How To Start A Blog And Make Money In 2023, Forbes, 31 July, viewed 29 September 2023, <https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/start-a-blog/#:~:text=Blogging%20Is%20a%20Fast%20Way,can%20start%20earning%20any%20money.>.

ThemesKingdom 2019, 5 reasons why you should include a blog in your online portfolio, ThemesKingdom, 29 May, viewed 29 September 2023, <https://themeskingdom.com/blog/reasons-to-include-a-blog-in-online-portfolio/>.

Zantal-Wiener, A 2020, A Brief Timeline of the History of Blogging, HubSpot, 19 October, viewed 29 September 2023, <https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/history-of-blogging>.

[popculturebuffet]

Transformers More than Meets the Eye Retrospective: Dark Cybertron Part Deux (Patreon Review for Brotoman.EXE)

Hello all you happy people and welcome back to my more than meets the eye retrospective! It's the end of an era as we finish dark cybertron and bring an end to season one of IDW's transformers books. It's been a long road but we're finally done with an epic finale full of giant robot fights, douchebags getting suplexed and bisected dictators. IT's a good time.

To recap the last part:

Or for the long version, look at this link

When we last left off: Optimus was left at the mercy of a genocidal tyrant who wouldn't shut up, half the lost light was fighting for thier lives , the other half might of exploded , Starscream had concrete proof Primus hates him, and Bumblebee mostly stood around not doing much, which for once was actually the right call. Under the cut we finish that as three autobots debut, an autobot dies and another takes his place, and Shockwave tries to rewrite history without solving a mystery first, the blasphemy.

We open part 7 back on the Lost Light for the first time in a while as Hound is in command

Hound.. is a vetran soldier. I don't know much else and frankly I forgot he was on the ship, and had to look up if he leaves it after this season.. and he doesen't. How he's somehow in the chain of command is beyond me. I mean Blaster is still on board. How does Blaster rank bellow Hound? Blaster has casettes baby. He can do sound stuff.

Anyways the Amonites retreat, giving swerve a chance to realize he missed a call.. and everyone else to realise Magnus now has a LOT of problems as their all headed into Metroplex's eye. Impressive, not healthy you get it.

Inside the rodpod did explode but everyone was outside, so their safe though a legend was truly lost that day.

The Rodpod I

2013-2014 "An Embarrassment to Everyone but Rodimus himself"

- The TF Wiki

Skids does figure something out though: Turns out the reason the arrows looped them back around is that metroplex keeps shifting inside. They also notice Whirl's missing which can't be good. Speaking of can't be good Swirl calls.. and he's DEAD SERIOUS. How reality didn't fold in on itself is beyond me.

Yeah turns out the stuff they found in the water of Planet Danzig creates a "death plauge" And they need to get out now... then they need to get out now FASTER as the amonites are coming.

Back with Nova who continues to prattle about how he controls this unvierse, they can't beat him, his cybertronic turds smell like lilacs. Importantly it turns out I was wrong. the brand new space bridge isn't bumblebee, who escaped but Kup. Hazards of doing this in two parts without reading the second half first. Yes good ole Kup was apparnetly sucked into the dead universe during the infestation event, thank you editor box things, which wasn't on comixlogy unlimited at any point so I never read it. IT did feature the ghostbusters though so there's that.

Point is Kup's in danger. Our heroes , who have been taken from their prison cube to Nova's fortress, can't just up and run with him as his robot bones are brittle and he'll just snap if they move him. He then has nightbeat take thema way.. he dosen't say take them away but he damn well was thinking it.

Back with Shockwave he also mutters about how his plan is far from endgame but is less smug about it so I give him a pass. He's not happy Galvatron tore their space bridge in half but even without the ore he can fix this and has Galvatron carry off a bisected megatron, not trusting waspinator becuase "those damn kids always getting on my metallic lawn and such"

Back in prison turns out Nova has a reson to keep our heroes alive besides the sound of his own voice just not sounding as sweet if he's not berating someone else. He wants their sparks. Turns out Kup isn't a STABLE portal and thus if he wants to escape, he needs fresh sparks to keep the old man alight.

Things seem bleak.. when Rodimus gets an idea. He tells Nightbeat to look at his hand. While cyclonus wonders what the hell he's on about, which on a normal day would be entirely resonable with rodimus, turns out Rodimus has figured out how to free their old pal: The only time he's seemed like himself.. was when he was figuring out cyclonus, deducting the shit out of him. As he puts it it's shadowplay 101 to take away the part of a person that's most .. them. To supress it. So by giving Nightbeat a mystery to solve it fights it. Optimus is doubtful.. but is inttantly proven wrong: nightbeat HAS been trying to fight the brainwashing this whole time but Nova's so strong... but Rodimus presses on..

The answer of course is 190. It's a brilliant play and a brilliant scene: Rodimus rescues his friend.. simply by knowing him better. Rodimus may have a bunch of issues and the truth of this tally is a lot of them rolled up into one... but his strength is in people. He knows how to play them.. but he also knows how to comfort them, and forgetting that is what lead to most of his issues in season 1, ignoring what THEY needed or who THEY were. It's telling that after all he did and went through his two big moments int his crossover both come from empathy instead of his ego.

Nightbeat frees them while Rodimus prepares to come clean about what's been going on on the lost light.

Back on Cybertron Bee ambushes Galvatron and Waspinator, going full badass and telling Galvatron what he wants what he really really wants and he's sick of not getting what he wants what he really really wants. His blaster dosen't do much, immediate failure is Bee's brand after all, but it does distract him long enough for Bisected Megatron to shoot Galvatron and give us the greatest line ever

Bumblbee isn't happy with Megs chipper attiude, figuring the desolation of Cybertron is making him smile. That isn't, despite all his MANY flaws, Megatron loves this planet... he is however more than a little happy Starscream is in so much pain right now. Scoops calls Starscream out for using his position as Chosen One for his own personal gain while Starscream seethes.

Back with Team Magnus, turns out Whirl was being useful for once in a way that wasn't "shooting someone in the face" or "being hilarious" He was torturing an ammonite for informatoin, which isn't necessarily good but at least got us the info we need; Turns out the ammonites were still miffed and turns out I was wrong again: Whilr didn't END their war, just caused it to kick up with his murder, and they wanted payback.. and naturally Shockwave is behind this, having beefed them up in exchange for their help. Just as naturally the amonite explodes ove rit. Our heroes don't have time to process though as they get some fairly weak threats from above as two new players enter the game

Yup turns out Cybertron isn't the only planet with life as we meet Nautica and Chromia. Chromia won't play much of a roll HERE but is vital to another book whose lead we'll meet soon, but Nautica is a major part of the rest of More than Meets The Eye/Lost Light and i'm so happy to finally have her here. So ends part 7

Part 8 begins and ...

hey hey it's time to come over and have some fun with Megzy Taxi!

I will never get enough of this image. Megatron holdling his own legs, riding Bumblbee like a prom limo. I'm honestly disapointed Megs eventually gets put back together, I love this nonsense.

Back with Team Fuckup, prowl takes the lead.. and for once LISTENS to what someone else actually said deciding to be logical, reluctantly teaming up with soundave and telling Starscream to get his shit together. As for Rattrap he brought them here, as he really dosen't want god emperorship of a burning city.

Back with Team Magnus, Getaway disarms the standoff by revealing Nautica's autobrand. The Amonites break in and the team splits off: Ratchet and Magnus go with the new kids while Whirl and the others stay behind to keep the amonites off their backs. Ratchet breifly questions Chromia about her prounounds before deciding to drop it because the apocalypse is more important than finding out there's female robots.

The duo lead him to Metroplex's brain which is in his right shoulder

And we meet the final member of this trio, and while I love Nautica, she's easily the biggest introduction here for both the IDW comics (If not MTMTE) and transformers as a whole

We'll learn a little more about her as we go but windblade was a hyped intro... though apparently a contriversal one as she was part of a vote for a new transformer design.. and wasn't the one that won it. Protip DON'T do a fanvote if your not going to honor. Her Kabuki design didn't help, though I personallyt hink it's great; it gives her some unique flair.

Windblade's become important, being ported into both the Robots in Disguise cartoon and Transformers Cyberverse along with the movies. It's likely because the autobots didn't exactly have a tone of female characters, and Windblade's unique deisgn makes her stand out. Either way she's a welcome addition to the G1 pile.

Back with Team Rodimus, Rodimus finally explains the number: after a short recap of what happened with overlord and how he let Drift take the fall, he explains he told Magnus then the crew then invoked the crisis act: he let them decide if stayed as captain or not. He won.. but he carved the tally as a reminder of who he has to win back.

Optimus is.. less than sympathetic

It's unflinching harsh ... but i've come to accept it on this re-read as what Rodimus needed. We all need someone to tell us we're not as bad as we think we are, especially if your me or rodimus and have a lot of self hatred. But in this instance... Optimus is right. He's not here to tell Rodimus "You did all you could do". He fucked up horribly and SHOULD have just straight up resigned. He got two bots killed, lied to all of them, and then lied again and let drift take the blame. Rodimus is a good bot.. but he wasn't a good leader and Pipes and Rewind paid the price for it. Rodimus.. simply didn't want to give up: he wanted to still be the captain and redeem himself. And he COULD redeem himself without being in charge.. but hta'ts just not who he is. Everyone has to see him doing it. Has to see him. The attention has to be on him.. and Optimus knows this.

I will grant Rodimus stepping down wouldn't of been the best call either: Magnus is holding in there but just went through it, drift is gone, and as we saw today apparently hound's next in chain of command somehow. The only one who could POSSIBLY take over the roll and be okay coming out the other side at the moment is Ratchet and it's a roll he dosen't want. Rodimus shouldn't really be in charge.. but who else is there? And when we answer that question, will Rodimus, or ANYONE like this answer?

For now though those questions remained unanswered, as Kup is back up.. only to get a cyclonus chucked at him. Nova Prime is back, he's pissed and he challenges Optimus to a fucking challenge. One shall stand, one shall fall.

Back with Team Magnus, we get more of Windblade's deal: while the term dosen't come up yet, she's a Cityspeaker. She can communicate with titans like metroplex: while he can't TALK she can read his brain patterns. As for how this trio ended up here they were on Thunderclash's ship when they picked up Alpha Trion, who is usually with metroplex. He told them about Metroplex's crash and couldn't help him because he was so very close to something else and since the Vis Vitalis can't travel too fast due to Thunderclash's condition, Team Windblade volunteered for it and have done what they can.. but it's not enough.

Thankfully Magnus flashes on WHY they were brought here: to give Metroplex a jump using the quantum engines the same way they saved thunderclash. Magnus asks him tow ake up one last time.. and they hope: for a jump that will both revivie the titan and take the lost light and everyone in the titan home. "Burn bright metroplex, one last time".

Speaking of cybertron things aren't going well for Team Fuckup

Their attempts to attack the Necrotitan are failling, it's stomping i'ts way towards the triage center they have set up... Prowl flat out admits they need a miracle.. and sure enough a certain someone has been called many things..

I applaud the artists for all this glorious physical comedy with bisected megatron. While part of it's in the dialouge, props to Roberts and Barber, the visuals with this have been amazing

Prowl pulls a prowl and decides to just..try and shoot megatron. Despite megs both apparently having more of a plan than they do and being half a person and probably being able to easily survivie a shot to the head.

Turns out though Bee's faith.. was misplaced. Megatron hasn't changed and his plan is the truly awful "Evacuate like hell, let me call the DJD and we'll retake cybertron" Bee promptly drops him and calls him out, getting to the heart of things; Megatron was a freedom fighter.. but he isn't anymore. It's a cause he forgot for a campaign of terror, a talking point he ONLY brings up when he needs it. It's a good speech from Bee too. I don't have enough space for the panels sadly but you should still heart it in some form

"When I was in charge I stared into the darkness so long I let it consume me. I looked at our endless war, the friends we lost, the world we destroyed. But what I should have seen is our perseverance: we don't give up. And i'm not letting cybertron fall to anyone, not again. We make a stand for everything that's worth standing for. Our sacrifices won't be for nothing, We'll face shockwave and this monster together... and this time the good guys win.

And as he says the last part... hope arrives

Part 2 picks up right where this left off, as we're now down to just two main plot threads

Still some jumping around, jumping around get up get up and get down to be had, but it's now more contained. The Lost Light is back as Swerve proudly announces, and our heroes , fittingly crash into the planet. Bumblebee stumbles back into idiot mode a bit being genuinely shocked their somehow alive... in a comic where he's already seen Megatron and Metalhawk both come back from certain death. As Megs himself put it "Since when does anyone stay dead?". It's not a good sign of your ablility to lead when the previous leaders of both factions both didn't buy the explosion as a sign of death.

Remember: if there's no corpse and you didn't see their body turn ot ash or dust in front of your very eyes like poor hardhead, then there at least POSSIBLY alive. Say what you will about Rodimus as a leader, I have, Optimus has, Getaway has and will again, he knows damn well if there's no corpse or flaming bits of autbot in the atmosphere, their probably okay.

This plot point has always bugged me: NO ONE bothered to investigate and everyone just.. assumed they were dead. I get if they didn't have the resources but it dosen't sound like anyone tried. A loud explosion with again NOTHING left happened.. and they just assume the Lost Light's gone. I get the lost light couldn't contact them to prove they weren't dead.. but this is also a giant army that's had tons of bots go missing for less. Part of the Lost Light's mission is picking up various stragglers scattered throughout the universe who may not know the war is over. You see why maybe I didn't give everyone the benefit of a doubt going up the ass of a guy who can't bother to do the basic things to check if someone's actually dead!

So.. back to the good part. Inside Metroplex , Windblade understandably asks if he Mags knew he was throwing Metro at another titan. He wasn't, but figures Metro knew he was needed to fight another giant robot. Giant Robots can just.. sense these things.

The crew of the lost light reunites with Hound filling them in on why their here, and why they didn't call sooner: they did.. but STARSCREAM answered, something Hound and Blaster are pissed about. Also when Hound mentions the thumb, Prowl just.. can't reissit making a pissy comment about how "I thought you were looking for the knights of cybertron"

Megatron has a plan.. and this time it's not "Let me take over again that worked out so well the first time". He just needs a hand getting his half a body over to Metroplex's thumb.

Back with Team Rodimus Optimus and Nova have been punching each other, but turns out Nova has a secret weapon: adaptive armor. He can turn into any previous prime and thus uses this to gain the upper hand.. then turns into Optimus because he hasn't reminded anyone what a dick he is in the last 10 minutes. He starts to hit a wall as Nova continues to punch him, with Optimus finlaly breaking and reiterating why he's so intent on not being called Optimus Prime anymore: If he carries on the legacy of such horrible men.. he's endorsing it.. and them. All they did.

Back with Team.. .Something, things aren't looking good. Whirl is getting tired of killing people, which he admits is a bad sign, and Megatron prepares his hail mary: use the ore inside him and his space bridge self to bring the thumb back to metroplex. Bee dosen't know if he can trust him and Megs smiles as he peaces out.

Back with Optimus, Rodimus does what he does best: give a hell of a speech, this time explaning WHY he's always wanted to be a prime so bad

"You're wrong I never wanted to be Rodimus Prime, not deep down. Deep down I always wanted to be you. The real you not Orion Pax. When you became Optimus Prime, when you assumed the title the world didn't know the truth about Nova, Nominus and the rest. Back then being a prime meant demonstrating, no embodying certain standards. It meant decency, integrity and morality, all the things chancers like me pretend are unfashonable because deep down they scare us. And they scare us because we try to live by them but can't. Well guess what: you can. You can and you do every day. Thanks to you the word prime still means decency, morality and integrity. Listen the world will always need a prime.. but only if that prime is you. "

With this Optimus FINALLY snaps out of his self loathing and easily overpowers Nova. Turns out the real reason Nova dominated wasn't that he "controlled the universe". it was confidence. He used Optimus' own self loathing against him and once that was gone... and he made the additoinal mistake of hurting Rodimus... it was over.. was was the life of Orion Pax

With that Optimus is truly back.. I mean I never stopped calling him that but neither did half the cast. Our heroes are kinda stuck for the moment so we go back to Cybertron.

Team Fuckup is back to it's faviorite pastime: arguing. In this case Prowl is pissed at bumblbee's plan and our buddy once again has had enough of Prowl's shit over the course of the last season and chokes him breifly. If it were ANYONE ELSE this would be horrifying but it's prowl so

Scoops reveals the prohecy to starscream.. and the important part is the endgame as we finally get a sense of waht Shockwave's REAL plan is: to remake time and space as a constant present: no past, no future, just one NOW, one point in time. Forever. A stagnant nightmare that never questions or wants more.

For now though it LOOKS like our heroes have won as Megatron does what he promised and with his body back in full, Metroplex heals. now at full strength he easily finishes the Necrotitan and his intenral systems finish all the amonites.

Back with Shockwave though.. all of this was to plan.. or at least not so off plan he can't easily adjust: he has all the ores lined up, he has everything he needs, now he just needs to close up loose ends, having Metalhawk take Waspinator away.. and preparing to turn Galvatron into a battery. Good news is Metahawk seems to be recovering.. and thus only hides Waspinator. Good poor dude has been through enough and was entirley played. Unsuprisingly everyone else involved was a disposable pawn, with only Jhiaxus being in on it.

This sudden but inevetible betryal is also a good time to talk about the villians of this piece.. and how most of them are... meh. Shockwave himself is good, but spends most of the event in the shadows, despite us knowing i'ts him. The rest though are kinda one note, either fairly generic minons or in the case of Galvatron and Nova Prime, archetypes i've seen better. Owl House and Amphibia both did a better job of "villian who wants to return things to a worse time they think was a golden age", with more reasons why than "I'm an evil asshat." They fit their narrative pieces as "Sizeable threat who will be back later", and "The living embodiment of everything Optimus hates about being a prime".. but there's not much beyond that. Nova is just an expansonist colonalist asshole who won't shut the fuck up. That's all he is and neither book really built up how awful he is enough to make his return this big gasp. He's a big threat, he's evil and his murder of hardhead is legitly sad.. but he's ultimately just a gloating dickhead who goes down the minute Optimus looses his self loathin, excuses himself and lets hope in.

The story spends 3/4 of it's story.. on anatagonists who just aren't that intresting, and it's one of Dark Cybertron's biggest weaknesses. If your going to have a big bads minons take center stage they need to be charasmatic. These two dipshits weren't. I will give credit where i'ts due: the necrotitan was decent. I wish it had a less generic design.. but th eidea of this unstoppable giant monster of a transformer that simply by MOVING FORWARD decimates all in his path and whose one action decimates the one city cybertron has left, is terrifying and mostly well done.. but his generic design and taking up so much of the story makes it get tiresome fast.

So with issue 10 we're at a break in the story: the Necrotitan is FINALLY down.. though it's far from over. We also FINALLY get shockwave's plan and how all the pieces connect. In short all the various ores he seeded throughout his minons, such as putting death and ressurection in the necrotitan and change and life from metroplex. So all this, all these interactoins and plans.. was to get all the energy in place fo rhim to unmake the universe.

The idea of this .. isn't bad: that this complex as hell plan was all a masterstroke and he's almost won. The problem is it dosen't work narratively: the ores come up only in the setup for robots in disguise and overlords backstory in more than meets the eye. They aren't really that important.

Not helping is that Shockwave having this big plan in the background.. was something ANYONE reading this would guess> he's on the cover of the first issue, nova and galvatron both come off more as patsies than the actual plan and their plan of a new "golden age of cybertron" dosen't really fit Shockwave. Shockwave is a being of pure logic, why would he be nostalgic for an age of cybertron that failed horribly and lead to everything falling apart. He sees all the angles.. and thus sees WHY Nova and galvatron's day was done.

Instead we just spend most of the plot wondering how all this connects and it's just "oh the thing tha'ts associated with him was it, cool'> the actual PLAN is good, Shockwave wants to rewrite history to be one singular repeating moment, taking the complications and troubles of time away even if it takes the good with it. It's a truly horrifying concept, a world that can never change or grow and will jus stagnate in stasis for all time. The buildup to it just dosen't work. It makes all this epic battle.. come off like a distraction rather than some masterstroke. There were easier ways to pull this off in and out of universe.

Back with Team Fuckup who are slowly not livnig up to that name, Bee apologizes for choking Prowl for his insolence but Prowl's cool with it he deserved it. He's less cool with the fact their taking a break as Shockwave is still out there, but Bee insists they'll deal with it.. but deserve at least a second ot bask in having the lost light back. Unfortunately he also asks if Prowl has anyone he wants to see.. and we cut to Chromedome, with Bee blisfully unaware of HOW bad Prowl fucked over the lost light. At least for Domey's sake he's decided not to dig into metroplex's memory when asked: he's done enough of that shit and is finally saying enough is enough. No more.

Onto Megatron whose getting patched up and admits it probably isn't easy for Ratchet.. though weirdly, and in a sign of things to come despite Ratchet assuming Megatron's talk is intimdation.. Megs GENUINELy seems to be trying to make conversation and is complementing ratchet. It seems Bumblebee really got to him.

Back in the dead universe our heroes are stuck playing a game of "who wants to sacrifice themselves" before Rodimus tells them for the love of god stop it. No one's doing the big heroic sacrifice, they can find another way.. and sure enough.. Cyclonus hears singing.

We cut to swerves where sadly we don't get a ton of charcter interaction. The dinobots sing a bar song, some guy talks to brainstorm, and we DO get Swerve meeting his hero in blur.. only for Blur to find him annoying. Story of the poor guys life. It's not BAD character interaction what we get but it feels like Roberts and Barber were more intrested in plot progression than actually crossing over these casts, having them trade stories and really interact. There's a good moment or two like Hound pointing out how weird it is that after centureis of shooting their all having drinks, but in a 12 issue maxi series it's telling it took THIS long for any of the main casts of both books to interact and we're only putting aside one issue to do it that much. Part of the point of a crossover is to have interactions you normally CAN'T have. None of the lost lighters really get a chance ot talk to bumblebee or the others outside of a line or too.

We do get a good moment with Megatron at least: He calls bee in.. and asks him a question.. when does he think Megs came closest to victory? Bee of course is just a tensy bit horrified by the question.. but it has a point

It's a setence that gets to the heart of Megatron's arc here and beyond: that he really did have a point, really stood for something once: he was fighting simply so his people could be free... and the second he started a war, he lost sight of that and became a dictator.. and now he sees what he's become and dosen't much care for it. It's the start of one of the best arcs in all of More than Meets the Eye and one of the larger reasons why do this crossover: Without it we miss the start of one of it's best characters. We saw megatron in RiD and before this.. but it's here that Roberts fully takes the wheel after hinting what he could do in Chaos Theory and it is glorious.

So speaking of Glorious, Prowl tracks down Chromedome, who understandably has been avoiding his ass and wants to confront him for the whole memory erasure thing.. despite the fact doing so also cost Chromedome a lot, and was done ENITRELY because Prowl is an egotistical jackass who can't let go of control over his ex and who smuggled a dangerous criminal on board a ship because he can't let the war fucking go for five minutes. It shows Prowl is TRYING to change.. but still can't accept WHY he needs to, that he's got control issues. I mean it took bee fucking choking him for Prowl to actually start listening to him. Prowl wants to change.. but can't as long as he can't accept the consequence sof his own actions. On the bright side, Chromedome is REALLY not in the mood to take his shit and that leads to the greatest panel in all of comics history

Keep in mind Chromedome WARNED him. He fucking warmed him to get the fuck away. And he didn't so Domey POWERBOMBED HIM OFF A CLIFF. his expression of pure terror is just.. gold. Even after the poor guy DIED a heroes death he still can't accept rewind.. and boy did he pay for it.

So we get a brief intermission from this fight as Magnus asks Chromia if he can talk to metroplex, but the poor guy's mostly inert. He wants to ask about the knights... people had BEFORE but he figures with the raised stakes etc he might. no luck though.. Chromia already tried.. but he said no one deserves to know. Keep that in mind.

Magnus has to go break up a fist fight though, and Prowl is somehow getting lower than mocking someone's widow telling Chromedome everyone's too focused on the day to day and "HE NEEDS TO GET SOME PERSPECTIVE" and NO reaction image can represent the level of facepalm I gave over that.

Magnus breaks it up. Prowl is ONCE AGAIN a prick who ONCE AGAIN can't read a room telling Magnus "manhandling a senior officer is hardly behavior of the duly appointed.."

First off. You aren't you old crone. Autobot chain of command right now has you as Bumblbee's first officer. Rodimus is on Bee's level.. and Magnus is HIS first officer. Ergo, your on the same fucking rank.

Magnus corrects him.. he's not the duly appointed enforcer of the tyrest accord, but he STILL can make a citzen's arrest and lays out just why prowl sucks. And hearing this from someone as logical, as defferent to authority as magnus.. fucking slaps.

See this scene.. is why I fucking hate Prowl. He's confronted with the blood on his hands.. and refuses to accep tit wasn't worth it. The ends didn't justify the means. People DIED due to him.. and he still thinks it's okay. Magnus said it better than I could've dreamed but what the hell; Where does it fucking end? And how far is prowl REALLY from the people he's trying to stop? The events of the last two arcs are almost ENTIRELY on prowl not giving a shit who got hurt if things went wrong. A huge chunk of the unvierse nearly died.. and Prowl can't accept it wasn't worth it.

And here's the kicker: It really wasn't. There wasn't some greater good acheived. Putting Overlord on board caused Red Alert to self harm, killed Pipes and Rewind, and did more damage to Chromedonme's psyche, not to mention sent Drift off the ship. His black ops against tyrest, while well aimed... only caused the fucker to esclaate and had the lost light, the very people he clearly resents most in the world, not been there, genocide would've happened. Prowl is an arrogant, egotistical piece of shit who can never accept that while the FIGHT isn't nover, the war is, and he can no longer justify dooing horrible shit with it. And even if he could.. it's no excuse. Prowl just wants to do what Prowl wants to do without any consequences, and dosen't understand that's not what the Autobots stand for. Even at his weakest.. Bumblbee at least got THAT. He got that the way he was starting to think was wrong. He came out of loosing Iacon better.. Prowl came out the same. And all of cybertron ins going to pay for it. Thankfully for my blood pressure and for our heroes.. the lost light no longer has to foot the bill.

Magnus parts after the constructicons want to throw hands, not helping Prowl's case, and points out he's glad he has friends because "you'r the lonelist person i've ever met. "

So we end part 1 with Scoops revealing where he got all this.. Senator Shockwave. Yup.. and to confirm things are about to go sideways again, Metalhawk returns iwth his team and shoot starscream. Not fatally bu tonly because he's delivering a warning... just in time for Shockwave to send every last amonite there way, millions descending on the planet.

Part 11 and the cover, which is still shown in the trade loudly proclaims THE DEATH OF AN AUTOBOT. Sadly it's not prowl.

With the amonite's swarming Bumblbee has a plan RUN THE FUCK AWAY. Though it's for godo reason: with this size of event evacuation is SEEMINGLY the only option.. only for Perciptor to burst his bubble: This is happening EVERYWHERE. Ther'es no running.

Back with Shockwave he slowly becomes everything, everywhere, all at once, living all his timelines at once as they converge. Jhiaxus couldn't be a prouder mad scientest papa: turns out he's so into this.. because the student has become the master, easily succeeding him and both have the same goal.

Bumblbee regroups but to do so he has a big ask, one Magnus relays to metroplex; keep the amonites busy. He gladly agrees, though Windblade's a bit thrown off by magnus opening a conversation with "the world is ending". She.. she's new here.

Bumblbee assembles his own team to take down shockwave: Himself, Magnus (raw power), Getaway and Skids (Secret Agent Men), Brainstorm (Dead Universe Expert) and Megatron.. and whie Bee tries to sugacoat it, he knows what he is. It's made tricky by the fact they stil lhave an army to go through.. but Skywarp shows up with Team Metalhawk, including Starscream whose back to his normal level of ego and overconfidence. Missed that. Skywarp can take them directly in, while Soundwave plans to hold the line for megatron.. though ti's very clear Megs has changed... and has plans for when he gets back.

While they do that Prowl.. does something useful after his jackass parade last issue and forms devistator with the constructicons.. he dosen't want to and bee isn't happy to see it but metroplex needed backup.

So the team splits up with most of them taknig on mooks and screamer going for Jhiaxus, who turns out to have reactive armor. Starscream's got to prepare for one of his greatest weaknesses: a fair fight.

Meanwhile with Bee and Megatron, the duo find Galvatron whose injured. Megatron plans to just finish the bit but Bee gives one last speech to his new best buddy: He encourages him that this ten eyes for an eye attitude of his has caused nothing but an endless cycle of vengance and death with no defendants and points out anyone can be allies.. that goo dor bad.. they can make a new future and that Galvatron could be part of that. is it a tad naive? perhaps.. but it's a still a long ways from the bot who rejected metalhawk and the nails because they didn't fight in the war. Bumblebee's finally realized that to make ANY future.. they have to try something diffrent.. sadly.. he dosen't get to live long enough to do anything about it.

Bumblebee.. is dead. He finally turned the corner and he's gone. And it's telling how much of a turnaround he had during this crossover as i'm geninely heartbroken by it: bee really HAD turned around as a leader, realized how he failed, put his heart and soul into making things right, even turned the staunchest decepticon to his side with words instead of his fist.. and he dies suddenly, tragically and not even all that importantly to shockwave. He died.. because he was there and he could stop his plan maybe.

Megatron is livid as he prepares to fight shockwave who brags, but unlike Nova Prime actually pulls it off.

Back with the others, Magnus is about dead... when Brainstorm starts to feel a little woozy man.. then opens a portal: Optimus and Co have escaped.

Final issue. Whirl and Arcee hang out, sadly the only time they do though she wishes they had more. I forgot to mention she got a new paintjob, a new beginning.

Back with Team Optimus, it's explained HOW they did it: they heard the singing, realized they could make a gate and used Nova's corpse for their end, brainstorm for the other since he experimented so much with the dead universe. Problem is Cyclonus, Nightbeat and Kup all start to drop: they can't surivvie outside the dead universe and SOMEONE need sto carry them back.

So Rodimus and Brainstorm take the wounded back, with Brainstorm finding out he probably needs some of his magic juice himself. While he cooks that up a lot of fighting happens: the metroplex trio join in the fight though neither windblad nor nautica is that experinced, and Starscrema beats Jhaixus as Jhiaxus used some fancy shoulder blades.. and thus told screamer he had them.

At the end of all things Megatron denies he and bumlbee were friends.. but ti's clear they were. He's also horrified by Shockwave taking his idea that all bots are equal as meaning they all mean nothing. Optimus and Magnus arrive for backup.. but can't too much.

So both decide to take a crack at "I know your in there somewhere fight it". Optimus tries appealing to his old friend, the kindly senator he was before the senate turned him into the monster he is. This get shim shot and Megatron decides to try something else.

The impossible has happened: After realizing just how far he's fallen, what he's lost... Megatron.. has become an Autobot. For his people. For his future. For himself. And for his friend. It's honestly a brilliant idea if a risky one: take the greatest transformers villian.. and see what happpens when he truly tries to change. It reminds me of the many times my boy Magneto has reformed. And while it's a gamble, many fans apparently were not happy with this face turn... it's one that pays off as the series goes in my eyes. Megatron is trying to be better.. but it's both a process.. and something that won't go down well with those on the other side of that gun.

It's also something that's amazing it worked so well: before this in a lot of works Megatron was a bastard and you'd be forgiven for thinking this was an idea Hasbro kinda shoved in there.. because it was. Roberts confirmed at one of the cons that this was a mandate by them and he got the job. It's why this reformation takes place over 6 issues.

It's a testiamte to roberts and barber though.. that despite having to do a full 180, crazy.. it FEELS entirely organic to the story: Roberts had done enough background setup with megatron and had a full time travel story planned, so the framework to include him and have it mean something was THERE. He had to speed run his redemption but the fact he accomplished that in a few scenes and made it convincing.. is amazing. It's why i'm glad earthspark went with a reformed megatron as this arc is incredible from the jump depsite all this... and I can't wait to get fully started later this year. It's one of Roberts best acomplishments and i'm excited we're finally to it.

For now though .. it manages to reawaken the senator and in a truly heartbreaking scene they want to just let him go: after all, it's not SENATOR Shockwave's fault, it's what he became.. but The Senator CAN'T stop it: the time tive's part of of him.. and Optimus swears to remember him as he was before , with his new friend's help, putting him down.

So with that we have a few teases for the future: Starscream of course is back to normal, though the autobots, and cyclonus, make it clear he won't be able to slip back in THAT easily. Meanwhile poor soundwave breaks down a bit as he realizes what Megatron has done, and can't fahtom the betryal.. and galvatron steps in to be his new dad, setting up RiD season 2. Which thankfully is now out of my hands.l What matters is Optimus and Megatron. optimus makes sure this wasn't just a clever trick.. and it wasn't. That makes this complicated.. but the two step out of the ship, ready for what's next.

So Dark cybertron.. is mediocre. It has some really good scenes in it: Team Windblade are all great new additions for thir short time screen, the stuff with rodimus and optimus is truly special, Megatron's face turn is well done and Prowl gets powerbombed off a cliff.

Overall though.. it feels padded. It has good ideas, the necrotitan makes for cool imagery, but it tries to stitch so much together to make this big epic with enough space for everyone and everything, that instead feels bloated. While some GOOD shit like the antics of bisected megatron probably woudl've been cut down if this were 6 or 8 issues, the story would've been a lot tighter. We get a LOT of ground repeated: Prowl is pissy with bumblbee, Scoops yells at starscream. Nova Prime won't shut the fuck up. For all the great scenes ther'es a good chunk that's just the same shit happening again and again with only slight progress.

And as i've said it dosen't really "cross over" all that mucH: the casts of each book are largely seqestered from each other, so we never really get any conversation about how the lost light feels now they've had the journey and seen the consequences of leaving (i.e. starscream), or how those who stayed pooped the bed. We don't even get reactions to Bee's death.. the story just.. ends before anyone else finds out.

Dark Cybertron is really like a lot of event comics: it's longer than it needs to be, interrupts the flow of a good book to happen, and the consequences of it are better than the story of as a whole. It was slightly better on re-read and overall is better than robots in disguise, having more character development and less arguing.. but it dosen't save a bloated, messy story that wastes i'ts potetial trying to wring the maximum issues out of the story instead of doing it at it's best.

Next Time: We break from the lost light. Again. First up next month for SUPER MAY we ask the question "What's so funny about truth, justice and the american way?" Then it's Mighty Morphin Summer Baby! As I mentioned last time, we'll be ping ponging between BOOM!'s power rangers comics. I do have a special treat or two planned for the Franchise's 40th anniversary, a review of the movie, covering the first windblade mini series, but both are tbd at this point. I HOPE to cover them by the end of hte year, but it largely depends on my schedule. If all goes well you should get aan extra slice of transformers in August and MTMTE should be back by september.

When we return Season 2 begins! Megatron is the captain now, Rodimus is salty about that, and we see how everyone else adjusted to their new decepticon overlord. Thanks for reading.

[redpiperfox]

My Girls are Back so you will Suffer me and my album review screaming about how much i love them :3

Hi hello we're BACK baby!

In a month of back to back to back bombardment of absolute bangers of kpop comebacks, Itzy returned with all their flair and confidence, proudly as a complete group again, and I have eagerly and patiently anticipated all year, and my expectations were exceeded, so here's an album-listen-thru-and-scream from me :D

Gold

A bold album opener! A performance gem! A blend of bright kpop performance sounds, pop rock, and hip hop! It's a cake mix of fun, high-energy Itzy, and Delivers for a flashy comeback in every category~ I love how the teasers marketed and prepped for the sight and sound of this title, and the visual of not shying away from a bright and fun image, and showcasing their performance energy with crowds of dancers. I love this hip hop style the song draws out from each of them, both vocally and in the choreo, they stylistically make the song their own in performance. It never really feels like anyone outshines anyone else, and I LOVE that. The lyrics are confident and chill, and I can see this song absolutely bringing a crowd to it's feet during their tours, singing along, energy high.

Imaginary Friend

WORLD PAUSE. SIT DOWN. LISTEN TO THIS AGAIN. NO, NO AGAIN. CLOSER. AGAIN.

This song is PERFECTION, girlies were right about it being their fine wine song, and wanting to shove headphones into everyone they pass to listen to this, this is an ascension of the promoted bsides from the past several comebacks (nomb, mr vampire), highlighting their vocal growth and unique tones, while also continuing the legacy of providing a song of comfort for their niche of Different Girls in the beautiful and comforting imagery of the lyrics. I am absolute blown away and impressed. This is like a Bet on Me, a comfort song through and through for both the girls and the listener, but there's not a hint of self-doubt that's trying to be overcome in Bet on Me, it's just the ghost touches and warm golden embrace, woven in every bit of vocalization and harmonization of the track. The choreography-- also member influenced?!-- has this absolute beauty in the details, and the music video is a cinematographic film festival of aesthetics and imagery, it's something new and fresh and absolutely matured for Itzy that makes me HYPED for them, i cannot wait to see them continue with it! And I am so giddy that they're confident with it to promote it as a second bside, and I want everyone to listen to it and scream with me.

Bad Girls R Us

I couldn't stop thinking of Toys R Us when I first saw the title I'm sorry XD BUT MAYBE THAT'S SOMEWHAT APPROPRIATE-- The track feels like riding a mall escalator, the girls giggling and window shopping, daylight adventures, that edge of girlhood where you don't really care about what people think because maybe you aren't even aware people are thinking anything about you. The lyrics, however, are the other side of the worst of girlhood, an older sister taking the younger tweens out and telling them not to let the world get them down. It's that everyday glitzy shine. The tracks and vocals mix power and gentleness to perfection.

Supernatural

After Bad Girls R Us, the sky darkens to twilight, street lights in a cityscape, and then being thrown somewhere out into the stratosphere, into the delicate pink and purple, glittery space aesthetic. Low light, bright little sparks. Their vocals glide and dance on top of the track, like toes dipping into the rings around a planet as we fly past. Beautifully produced and mixed and elegantly executed vocally~

Five

[CRYING IN THE CLUB BRB] I am a SUCKER for a song devoted to the love and commitment of the group, and this such a closed door house birthday party, a group of friends chilling together, and I absolutely ADORE. The production is a perfect mix of the more laid back theme of this album and the Itzy hip-hop influence in the post-chorus, the production a cute little 8-bit spaceman that's spun out from the previous drifting of Supernatural into it's own little supersonic space ship. This song takes me right back to debut Itzy, when they were traveling the world for Mnet variet, snuggled up on a boat on the Seine. It reminds me of when Trust Me (Midzy) came out, but unlike then when doubt of the group's direction and routine hate started pouring in and the song sounded more like a pleaing promise, this song has it's backs turned to us in a way, hands around each other no matter what people think or say outside of them, and that imagery makes me smile. And the fact that they've been holding onto this song for so long, and decided to release this with the return of Lia to complete the group absolutely Makes This, YES.

Vay (ft Changbin)

STAYMIDZY NATION RIIIIIIIIISE OUR TIME HAS COME!!!!!! okok let me control myself-- heavy beats, unexpected sampling, catchy and rap-influenced, such a Changbin track, absolutely kills it! Powerful steps, big sunglasses, cocky smirks, this reminds me of Checkmate bsides and upgraded debut era bsides, this fits into the album like a puzzle piece. It mixes laid back confidence with powerful declarations. The vocals are layered to be so aesthetically pleasing, and gives the girls the feeling of a bump draft in self-esteem, a return to their essence! I love their vocal tones, the raps, and Changbin's verses slotting themselves right in between. The lyrics are a fun tribute to the girls and their concept, as well as their attitude that they tell themselves and tell everyone. The concept of "Vay" being a way that splits and they follow the unique path is so fun, and is so Changbin XD I also love this idea of him tying together this little theme we have in JYP nation of supporting and borrowing concepts and lyrical ideas, Itzy now joining the shining star concept with this track next to NMixx (See That?) and Skz (S Class), and little hints of crossover (La Vida Loca - ChkChkBoom). And I would be remiss to giggle and praise this track without mentioning the recording behind is absolutely DARLING and I love friends supporting friends, and the fact that this track takes up half of an hour recording behind is a testament to a good producer and even better friendships, go watch that!

Finals Vers

I won't rehash and bore you all with my love of the BTB album songs, you can see my thoughts on those tracks on this review, but Lia! I was surprised by the lines she made hers because my guesses had been a little different, but she absolutely made them hers! The three promoted tracks feel more complete with her tone, and I cannot stop listening to the new Mr Vampire (uh, it actually never left my On Repeat playlist, and it never will with the new version XD) She brings a sassyness and elegance to Born to Be and Untouchable that you didn't even know was missing till you hear it. And she fits seamlessly into Dynamite and Escalator, giiiiiirl it's good to have you back ToT

Everything about this era is detailed to perfection, from the marketing of the album as a "phone" with apps concept, and Chaeryeong's gold hair, to the behind content, and every little detail in between. I hope Itzy go into their next touring season with a lot of love and confidence and no media or numbers get them down because they've earned all their 10s~

[yunnathearcher]

This Mars in Cancer in transit can be tough on the home life, private life, our experiences with mothering/nurturing and our relationships with women and maternal figures. Be kind and gentle with yourself and each other.

Moon enters Leo - last quarter moon; a time of release and letting go. Self-expression flows with ease, say how you feel and what you mean. The desire to be truly seen is high. This is a solid lunar mansion for partnerships & strengthening the connection between lovers. Moon will trine Venus in Sagittarius, romance, adventure, self-care, creativity, great food, good vibes, home decorating, socializing? All favorable.

Jupiter Day Vibes: Having conversations with mama..

Jupiter rules Sagittarius & Pisces (traditionally). Jupiter is the planet of expansion, faith, abundance, prosperity and law.

Mars in Cancer sextile ℞ Uranus in Taurus Emotional drives spark innovative ideas and potential changes to traditional structures- if you let them. Be careful with sudden impulses, expressing them and repressing them. Emotional pulses have the potential to lead to fruitful endeavors, after careful review. Choose responses over reactions.

Mars in Cancer squares Juno in Libra Conflicts in meaningful partnerships, breakdowns and breakthroughs. Protect the women and the children. Be careful with misdirected anger. Honor the feminine energy within by asserting yourself with emotional maturity and intelligence.

[blazehedgehog]

Pinned Post

Since Tumblr is moving away from custom themed pages it's easier to just have a pin.

Hi! My name is Ryan, but everybody on the internet calls me "Blaze", as in BlazeHedgehog. I've had that internet username since at least 1998 or even 1997, where I picked it for myself as a high school freshman in the computer science lab. I was trying to fit in with other Sonic fans, you see. I just never felt like changing it (and now it's sort of like "my brand.")

I'm the founder of SAGE (The Sonic Amateur Games Expo), though I haven't had an active role in the event in a good while now. I still occasionally dabble in making games, and depending on who you ask, one of those games changed the face of an entire community.

Since then, I've been growing a slightly popular Youtube channel, and I occasionally stream on Twitch. I've been doing both of those a long time -- my Youtube channel dates back to 2006, and I've been livestreaming games since before Twitch even existed (Who here remembers a service called "Mogulus"?) I even used to run multiple Shoutcast radio stations back in the day!

In terms of this blog, it is largely an ask blog. I try to make sure at least one post goes up every day. Most people ask me questions about Sonic games, but feel free to ask me just about anything as long as it's not rude or too personal. Just be aware it might take a week or two for the answer to get posted, depending on volume and interest.

I wrote a big long intro post for the now defunct Cohost. If you'd like to know even more about me, that follows under the "keep reading" tag:

I still care a lot about fangames, and people's right to make fangames. SAGE was founded on the ideal of normalizing the fangaming scene in the eyes of the mainstream. Back when I first started, fangames were often considered another form of piracy. I wanted them re-categorized to be in the same realm as fanart or fanfiction. Whether or not SAGE accomplished that is anyone's guess, but the world is a lot more accepting of fangames these days regardless. A lot of cool people have featured their games at SAGE over the years, including the developers of Sonic Mania, Spark the Electric Jester, and Freedom Planet. SAGE is genuinely one of the things I am most proud of starting in my life, even if I haven't had a managerial role in over ten years.

I have been interviewed about SAGE and how it relates to the fangaming community. Both times I've been interviewed, I was granted permission to post my (very, very wordy) interview in full, if you'd like to read them:

Cultured Vultures: The Weird and Wonderful History of Sonic Fangames

Le Monde: When There’s No Good Sonic Games, Fans Develop Their Own

I was known for a few fangames in my time. I have a Youtube playlist where I've commentated over some of those games.

I've tried to transition to making original games, the most recent one being OverBite in 2016. OverBite was a game I created for a game jam, with the intent on making it a bigger, more robust thing to sell later on down the line. The game jam version you can download today is a little basic and boring. It was created over the course of 33 days and I did nearly everything alone -- coding, art, level design, all of it. I custom-built the physics engine, I custom-built the AI, almost none of it was using prefabs or existing example code. The only outside help I received was music, which was provided by my old friend Malcolm Brown (who really needs a better online presence for links like this).

Circumstances got weird (it's a long story, and this post is long enough) but the short of it is OverBite is permanently on the backburner until further notice. I'd love to go back and flesh it out some day, and really make it something special (I have a giant design doc for it!), but I have to focus my attention elsewhere.

I registered a Youtube channel in 2006, back in the early days before they were owned by Google. Around 2009, I did my first formal video review, for Sonic Unleashed. I was inspired by the style of Gametrailers (now Easy Allies) at the time. From there, I started taking my channel a little more seriously, and recently I have had the impetus to take it very seriously.

I have been livestreaming since at least 2009, as well. For reference, that's before Twitch.tv existed, back when the site was called Justin.tv, and was pitched more as people livestreaming their bedrooms with a webcam (what is now called "Just Chatting" on Twitch). I jumped around between sites like Mogulus.com, Livestream.com, and uStream. In 2012, I teamed up with a friend, Imran Khan, to stream Sonic 06 for charity. The 18 hour marathon raised more than $1000 for relief after the Japanese tsunami disaster of the same year. When I stream nowadays, I do it on Twitch, here. Archives of past streams can be found here and here.

I used to be a paid, professional games media writer for the niche site tssznews.com, but that site imploded after I worked there for 12 years. It ran out of money, the head didn't want to run it anymore, and after an embarrassing social media gaffe, permanently closed its doors basically overnight without warning anyone else. While at TSSZ, I helped break a lot of their biggest stories. A slowly increasing amount of my TSSZ work has been archived at Last Minute Continue, and you can always use the Wayback Machine. I also have plans to archive my "professional" writing on my own site, bltn.net, eventually. Some day.

(Since writing this, I have also uploaded a large chunk of archived TSSZ articles to The Internet Archive.)

I'm also an artist, or I was. Most of my other creative outlets eventually took precedent, but I still try and retain some artistic skill. There's a very dusty DeviantArt profile out there, and an art tag on my tumblr blog you can check out. Carpal tunnel has made drawing a little frustrating these days, however.

Is that it? I guess that's it. There are even more links to things that aren't necessarily worth a paragraph on the Linktree, and not to hustle you after reading all of that, but boy it would be great if more people supported me on Patreon so I can use all this stuff to help pay my bills and get me to a more comfortable place in life. Twitch subs and Patreon donors get early access to my Discord and yadda yadda yadda...

Oh yeah, and I even turned on Youtube Memberships recently.

[risu5waffles]

Sombre and sTENtorious Came the Call

Welp, maybe our last go around for one of these, so let's do it right.

Cute enough early effort from brett169. It's got all those early LBP hallmarks, but you can see the creator is stretching to do something big wiv it. There are a lot of little secrets and scorebubble caches, and i do always love to see those. Unfortunately, it's ultimately broken in LBP3. i don't know quite what it is, but Collected Object enemies from LBP1 are never treated well in 3, and even before we get to the one blocking our path, we pass by enemies that look like they've shaken themselves apart before we got there. It's not even something wonky about being in a community level, like the creators have mucked wiv the objects or something; the Redcoat enemies in the PotC DLC get up to some really weird shenanigans. Come to think of it, if i'm remembering right there's a set of chattery teeth in the DC DLC that's bugged in a way that'll keep you from getting 100% prizes there.

This one was sure a little bit of a lot and no lie. Edgy little murder/mayhem platformer, but at least is its own thing, and not another Friday the 13th knockoff. i'd be lying if i said the level was all that good, but it has its moments. The paintball rain was a fun, old-school effect; and it was kind of... cute's not the word, but the way you can choose to put that guy out of his misery (and get a prize!) or torture him more was definitely something. The whole level is definitely something for sure.

Oh my gosh, this level. This level here? This was so freaking cool it's actually kind of silly. chronos had mentioned on stream that the rotating level thing was a bit of a trend in LBP1 for a hot minute, but i don't remember playing any that committed to the bit as hard as this one. You've got mazes. You've got traps. There are all sorts of mechanisms to help you navigate. There's that neat little contraption you ride, when you grab it, it puts out bumpers to stay in place so you can control when you fall? And all that's before you get to the surface of the planet, all the buildings up there, and you parkour(ish) to get up to the Moon, and ride a shooting star to the scoreboard? Like, what the actual fuck, tho'? How do you make something that goes this damn hard and is this damn cool?

We talked about this one a lot last time, and i don't know that i have more in the tank for it now, but i still think it's really good, even for its flaws.

We talked about this one a few weeks back, when we covered Librarian's Mansion 2, and it's still as charming as it was then. i really, really wish i'd had the chance to play through some of the levels introduced here, i imagine they were pretty fun. i got the chance to talk a bit wiv Goof-master, and they seem a pretty nice kid. Very excited to create. i hope whatever their future looks like, they don't lose that spark. To be honest, most everybody i've met through doing reviews has been pretty cool. i've been inordinately lucky in that.

This is just a little giveaway level i found, tho' i don't remember why i found it. i already had a mostly complete logic bit set. Ended up working out for the best, tho'; i didn't have the old Global lighting and water logic bits, because i never used them in a level, but damn if they don't look fine. It's one thing i always appreciated about LBP1 logic, since there was a stronger possibility the pieces would be visible in level, Mm went through the design effort to make sure they would look nice as objects, the logic pieces from LBP2 on are all very readable when you have them in a chip, and that is really important, but they almost always stand out like a sore thumb when you see them in a level.

It's cute and everything, and i bet it was fun wiv a friend; but if you lose your bike, you're just fucked, and that's no fun. Honestly tho', i'm way more interested in the creator. lust-for-1985? What does that mean? What does that even mean?!

i can't rag on this level too hard, and honestly it's a good example of why we shouldn't just go and tee off on someone 'cause we don't click wiv what they've made. POBFISH's bio tells us they've got MS, and (at time of writing) were having a time of it. Also, interesting and appreciated, they updated the bio wivout erasing the previous bits, so we see them start at 44yo, to 45, a jump to 50 and expecting 51. That kind of sits wiv you a bit. When did they write that. Did they make it to 51? Did they stop updating because they stopped playing because they were done wiv the game, or because they were done? The level is... i hope they had a good time making it and playing it wiv their friends. i didn't have a bad time wiv it; the fish-vehicle-thing was a hoot. But there really wasn't much in there besides that. Well, it's not in me to throw shade here.

The gameplay here isn't too much to write home about; i feel like it struggles to maintain momentum, and there are bits that just don't parse super well visually. But dang if i didn't love the environment. Excellent use of extra layers and depth of field in the cameras to give the feeling that it's really expansive. Lots of movement, and decorations. Very solid choices in materials. Just all around nice to spend time in, and that's worth admission alone.

i appreciate this one, but i just can't bring myself to like it. The pace is just all over the map, and the timing on the hazards feels just tight enough to rack up a lot of needless deaths. It's got a lot going on, and it feels like it stays pretty true its theme, but at the end of the day, it really wasn't much fun.

-------------------------------------------

And that's that. Still thinking of how i want to handle the DLC review bits, but unless Sumo gets the servers back up, that'll be our last TENspot. i'll be honest wiv you, but it's melancholy as heck.

Thanks everyone for all the support for this Archive project. And just for everything up til now. You've made a major impact on my life, and i could never repay you for it. Keep yourselves safe, and remember that you're loved.

[invadernurse]

Catching Flies (Revised) Ch. 12

Chapter 12: EMP (Egotistical Megalomaniacal Psychopaths)

Overall rating: Teen

Summary: You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. That’s what they say anyway.

Teacher!Reader makes the mistake of trying to help the two most troubled kids in your class. This leads to forming a science club, learning some childhood psychology, adopting an alien older than you, and somehow catching Professor Membrane’s interest.

Afab Non-binary Reader;

The reader does have a last name: Nemo– which means no-name.

Chapter One | Previous Chapter

Master post |Ao3

"We must do something," Zim swore the next day as he and Dib sat in the back of Boltzmann's class, the man droning on overly simplified astronomy. It often left Zim bored beyond belief, and he and Dib used the time for other homework or the Science Club project. 

Afterall, they had both been in space and traveled to the planets the science teacher was talking about, as well as others the teacher had never heard of. 

However, today the two were glaring at the middle aged man with an intensity that would kill if it was possible. Boltzmann, to his credit, was doing a rather convincing act that he hadn't noticed, not that he would even admit to himself the seed of fear that had taken root as he continued with his lecture about the sun. 

"To have such a disgusting inferior worm insult his superior," Zim continued. "It must be corrected."

"If Mx. Nemo or Dad found out, though…"

"Ha! Zim fears no one! Even if your parental unit is nearly as tall as the Tallest, and surprisingly intelligent for a human…and attentive."

"Wait, was that a compliment?" Dib's guess caused Zim to splutter, his green skin darkening. 

"That's not the point here, Dib worm! The point is that these foolish human bags of meat must pay for their idiocy!"

Despite himself, Dib agreed silently. He was still trying to figure out if Zim was honestly angry on Mx. Nemo's behalf, or just because Meyer and Boltzmann interfered with their club. It was like the focus and drive Zim had for conquering Earth had been redirected towards the science club. 

Well, at least it was for good. Somewhat. Okay, it wasn’t directly for evil, so it was a win either way. 

"Now once in a while, the sun releases solar flares. If such a powerful solar flare hit earth, it would wipe out all technology. Thankfully…"

Boltzmann continued on, but the idea stuck with Dib, causing him to smile. “You know, I think I know a way we could get back at the school and no one would be the wiser. 

--+--

You had finished your argument-slash-essay to Principal Meyer as well the board of educators, and felt a swell of satisfaction. Surely this would make a difference. This would get things changed back to normal. If not better, if the Board had any common sense. 

Which you were starting to doubt, but you still had a shred of hope. 

The lights flickered first, making you frown but not worry too much, after all, brownouts happened occasionally. The school was old and its wiring wasn't meant to accommodate so much ‘modern’ technology. So you merely shrugged it off as you resumed reviewing your work, looking for any errors. 

You had to be perfect for this. If you wanted to be taken seriously, there couldn’t even be one small punctuation error. 

The lights above suddenly cracked and snapped. You screamed as you instinctively ducked and covered your head as sparks and glass rained from above. 

By the time you gained your senses, all your hard work had blinked out of existence. 

"No...No!"

--+--

"Sir, there's been a sudden electrical outage affecting the inner city and surrounding neighborhoods."

Professor Membrane sighed, but didn't look away from the display of his neutron microscope. "I assume that it was R&D 13? Or did Carl use the microwave and coffeepot at the same time again?"

"Actually, sir, it showed a rogue emp. Our defense systems deflected it, thankfully."

"An emp?” That made him look up from his work and to his assistant. “Who would...was it an attack?" There had always been fringe groups  that were either jealous or angry at Membrane Labs, though none had gone to these sorts of lengths. Usually it was bad internet reviews, small little protests outside their complex, or an opossum locked in his car. 

"Actually sir, it came from one of the nearby schools…" 

An odd feeling developed in Professor Membranes' stomach. Dread, he realized after a short moment. That was definitely dread causing him to feel ill. "Which school exactly?"

"Innercity middle skool," was the answer he received, expected, and the one he had feared. 

Because he knew exactly who was to blame. 

--+--

"I think that was stronger than we intended…" Dib said as he watched from the rooftop of the school while lights flickered and cars stopped in the distance. The large machine Gir and Minimoose brought from Zim’s lab whirred quietly as it powered down, but yet the EMP wave just kept traveling farther and farther .

 Zim didn't hear Dib's comments as he continued his maniacal laughter, Gir echoing along as well. 

"Pathetic Earth technology! Bow before the Irken empire! Mwahahaha!" 

Minimoose floated next to Dib, its usual smile a little wider as usual. It bumped into Dib’s shoulder, trying to get the boy to enjoy the victory as well. Except, it was hard for him when he could see the effects travel farther and farther. 

"We are in so much trouble."

"Dib! You need to celebrate our accomplishment! We have shown these stupid teachers who are superior! They shall bow down before the mighty Zim and Dib!"

"We've shut down half the city!" Dib shot back, shock turning into anger. "This is worse than when I raised the dead that one time! Dad is going to be pissed!" 

The excitement faded from Zim as realization sunk in. He wasn't an Irken invader anymore. He was an… an ally of the humans--something that still made him feel queasy in the squeedlyspooch. 

His new Tallest was going to disapprove of this. 

"Well, if your stupid technology wasn't so vulnerable to a basic EMP!" Zim spluttered, crossing his arms. 

"It's not my fault you failed to calculate the power output properly!!" 

"Oh no! You are not blaming this on me! It's your equipment and Gir was the one playing with the dials!"

"I am not responsible for Gir!"

"He's your robot!"

"He's his own person!"

"He may be sentient, but he is too childish to be held responsible!" 

"And you expect me to be responsible for his actions?!"

Before Dib could answer, the roof-access door slammed open behind them. Both boys froze as one of the janitors glared down at them. "What are you little snots doing up here!" the janitor roared. Minimoose squeaked in fright, spinning and darting to the sky. Gir quickly followed suit; jumping off the roof of the three story building, his cackling scream cut off suddenly as he crashed into the cars parked below. 

Dib was tempted to follow, but doubted he would be able to sprint away like Gir after a fall like that. Zim glanced over the edge as well, spindly legs emerging from his pak until he caught Dib's eye and the human shook his head. Zim snarled but allowed the pak to remain in its incognito state and turned back towards the janitor with a snarl. 

"You may have caught Zim this time, but it means nothing! Nothing!" 

--+--

The teachers were gathered in the cafeteria, with the short-statured Principal Meyer standing on the table as everyone threw out their ideas. All worse than the next, in your honest opinion.  You sat at the back of the cafeteria, watching the ensuing arguments with a headache. 

You had a few ideas yourself, but none you wanted to voice. After all, if what you suspected was true, then you weren't about to let these fools know. The only one you trusted enough to discuss your thoughts with was Professor Membrane, and at the moment you had no way to contact him. All the computers, laptops, and even your old flip phone were fried. 

It could have another source, you tried to reason to yourself. Natural or otherwise. You were likely just being paranoid. Dib and Zim weren't the cause, they couldn't be the cause, they were just child…ren.

Just as you almost convinced yourself of that, Ryan the Janitor dragged the two boys in by the scruffs of their shirts. The whole cafeteria went silent, all eyes focused on the two twelve-year-olds. 

"I found these two loitering on the roof with some odd machine," the janitor started. "They were up to no good, I tell ya." 

Even if they didn't have anything to do with the disaster as you desperately hoped, they would be used as scapegoats. These idiots didn't care about logic or anything like that. They wanted someone to blame, and the janitor had just delivered their favorite disobedient students. 

"I knew it!" Boltzman slammed his fists on the table as he stood. "You two are nothing but trouble makers! You're going to be expelled for this!"

Others started to echo the sentiment. You watched in horrified shock as Dib paled and Zim started to snarl. "No...no!" You stood up and marched to the two, standing protectively in front of them. "You really think these two had anything to do with that EMP? They’re twelve years old! They-they were up there because of a project we had running." That was a bold face lie, and you could tell a few of your fellow teachers didn't quite believe it--Boltzmann being the most skeptical.  You swallowed the lump in your throat and plowed on, trying your best to remain calm. "We were studying atmospheric data over the school, and they were supposed to be downloading the data." 

"That club was supposed to be under my jurisdiction," Boltzmann argued, crossing his arms. 

"Well, yes, but we just wanted to finish this one project before you officially took over." You didn't dare look down to Zim and Dib as you held Boltzmann's glare, hoping neither of them gave away your bluff. 

Thankfully, before anyone dared to call you out, the cafeteria doors slammed open again, this time allowing Professor Membrane into the makeshift conference room.  You didn't know whether to relax at his sudden appearance, or if it meant you were in even deeper trouble. 

Of course, even with the situation tense, Meyers was all too happy to try and sidle up to the famous scientist. "Professor! We were just trying to reach you. Other students have been sent home, but it seems like Dib here, um--"

"Happened to be doing something benign at the wrong time," you stressed, hoping to whatever higher power Meyer would play along. Surely he wouldn't try to accuse Dib in front of his father.

Even though you wondered if the Professor already suspected the two to be involved. 

"Y-yes," Meyers reluctantly agreed, shooting looks between you, the professor, and the children in question (who thankfully remained quiet). "Both misters Membrane and Irken were… somewhere students aren't normally allowed. But I understand that they had Miss Nemo's permission…."

"Mx," Professor Membrane said, and you thought he was talking to you for a moment before your realized he was correcting the principal, making your heart clench. "I believe that is their preferred title." 

 The Professor Membrane was correcting others of which pronouns you preferred. Meyer nonetheless! If you weren't already harboring a low-key crush by him, you were now. It had been a very, very, long time since some stood up for you, and to have him of all people to do it…,

Well, it meant a lot.

"Ah, yes. Mx." Meyer gave an insipid smile, "It's all very confusing and hard to remember that very…special title, especially in stressful times, as I'm sure you can understand." 

"Perhaps for those intellectually challenged,” the professor responded flatly and you had to bite back a laugh, barely covering it with a cough that echoed through the room. You kept your hands over your face, hoping that no one would notice the blush that was surely spreading across your face.  “Which, as the principal, I hope you are not.”

“N-no, not at all! I fully appreciate Mi-Mx Nemo’s individuality." Meyers spluttered, his face turning red in both anger and embarrassment. Dib and Zim didn't bother hiding their amusement, their snickers quiet but their grins wide. 

You were over the moon and wanted to smile as wide as the celestial object, but bit your lip instead as you tried to discreetly hide your expression.

“I just… Well…" Meyer floundered for words as he looked between you, the boys, and Professor Membrane. "Anyways! I am glad you came to pick your son and his friend up! Safety is very important!” 

--+--

Somehow, you end up following Professor Membrane as well as he led both Dib and Zim to the car parked outside. No one dared to argue when he had suggested you accompany him to explain to Zim’s parents what happened (making you wonder if he knew about Zim’s home life after all.)  

It wasn’t until you were seated in the passenger seat, the boys buckling themselves in the back that your calm facade broke. "What the hell were you two thinking?!” You snapped as you turned to face the two. “An EMP? Why?! How?! Why?!"

"You said that twice…" Dib cautiously pointed out, and you simply glared at him.

"I think Mx Nemo is right,” Professor Membrane added as he drove down the desolate streets, one of the very few working vehicles on the road. “An explanation is in order."

"We wanted to get revenge for their disrespect!" Zim snarled, not even bothering to deny their involvement.  "No pathetic earth scum is allowed to insult Mx Nemo like that!"

"It was supposed to be contained to the school," Dib clarified, "but things got a little out of hand. I just can't figure out how, unless we accidently reversed the polarity of the neutron flow…"

"Psh, if we did that, Dib-brain, it would have affected the entire parsec." 

"Except MLabs has a stabilizing EM field around the city, mostly to contain our own experiments,” Professor Membrane added. “If the neutron field had been reversed, it would have severely limited its effects. I would be highly interested in seeing your generator…"

Right. He was about as big of a nerd (affectionate, of course) as the two boys.

Yet your worry compelled you to interrupt. "All due respect, Professor, but I think the boys need to understand the consequences of their actions," you said out before turning towards the two again. "I understand you meant to defend my honor, but it wasn't your place. The damages you two caused are going to affect the entire city. All of my electronics are fried, so I can only imagine the damage done city wide!"

There was a stab of guilt as you saw the expressions of their faces, a mix of guilt and shame. You realized that you probably sounded a little too severe. You hadn't meant to snap at them; not when you wanted so hard to always be calm and collected. To be a better role model than you were ever shown. 

You took a deep breath to center yourself. "I'm sorry, boys. I didn't mean to yell,” you apologized with a softer tone of voice. “I… was just frustrated and worried. This kind of thing can have serious consequences for you, more than being stuck in detention or even suspended. You two have so much potential, so I don't want anything to happen to ruin your future." 

If anything, Zim looked even more embarrassed, though you could understand. Having someone care about you after a life of neglect could make things awkward. "I do have to admit, however, that building something like that in under a day only proves you two are geniuses." 

Zim snorted, still avoiding your gaze. "Please, that was boringly easy. Even Dib could have made it in his sleep!" 

"I don't know about sleep, but yeah, it did turn out rather easy." 

You just smiled at the boys before settling in your seat properly. You glanced over to the Professor, hoping you didn't overstep a boundary by scolding his son in front of him. But he met your gaze briefly and gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable as usual. 

--+--

With traffic being the lightest you had ever seen on the usually congested highway, you reached the Membrane residence in record time for crossing the city. The boys quickly escaped the awkwardness of the car and ran for the house, but you weren't so quick and lingered next to the car with Professor Membrane. "I should have known they would go and do something like this,” you started as you slowly walked towards the home, Professor Membrane drifting towards your side. Or maybe you were drifting to his side. “I should have been more responsible. I should've…"

You were silenced as Professor Membrane laid a gentle hand on your shoulder, though you couldn’t help but notice how large his hand was compared to you, how easily it covered your entire shoulder.  "If I know anything about those two, it's that their actions are completely unpredictable. That's why I admire you and your continued efforts." That made you look up in surprise, your face flushing, but he only continued as he looked towards the house, seemingly lost on a tangent. "I don't know of many others, if any, that would try as hard as you do when it comes to Dib and Zim. In fact, I'm sure many of my colleagues would be yelling and cursing right now. Your patience and compassion is remarkable."

"I, uh, well, thank you," you stammered, sure you were as red as a cherry. "I mean, I don't really think it's special, those two just...need a little extra attention. They're really not that bad." 

"Agreed, they could be much worse." There was a loud bang inside followed by muffled laughter that was undeniably Zim. It was Membrane’s turn to groan, rubbing his forehead. "But they are very, very trying at times."

It made you laugh quietly, and you felt brave enough to touch his hand that was on your shoulder with your own. "I know exactly how you feel." 

He turned, and you caught sight of dark eyes behind his goggles. Your breath caught slightly as you realized how close you two were standing, and how others might perceive your situation. "Well! Um! I guess we'll have to postpone things as far as the project goes! Well, I mean maybe they can focus on it since your neighborhood looks rather unaffected, though I won't be able to help. Not that I was ever much help to begin with."

You internally screamed at your awkwardness, wishing you could just disappear. Just as you were getting more comfortable around him! It was always open-mouth-insert-foot, making you wonder how much of the professor’s patience was from pity.   

Instead of acknowledging your little blunder, Professor Membrane tilted his head. "If you want, I could work on your phone before I take you to your home? The pulse would have wiped it clean, but I could at least get it working so you have some way to communicate." 

You frowned, more than slightly confused, but did as you were told. While you were not scientifically inclined, you had thought that EMPPs destroyed electronic devices (or so said the movies you watched).  Except when you pulled your phone out, it was Membrane's turn to pause. "What is that?" He asked after a long moment.

"It's my phone," you replied defensively.

"That thing is a dinosaur; it belongs in a museum."

You looked down at your phone. Okay, it was around ten years old; a flip phone you had bought when you entered college. But you never exactly had money to spend on something better. Not between everything else. 

"It works," you defended before habitually trying to turn it on and of course, it didn't. "Well, it used to."

"I'll see what I can do, but I believe I have the perfect idea to repay you."

"What? Oh no, Professor, you do not need to repay me! It was a mistake, an accident. While the boys are definitely at fault, I think they learnt a lesson today and…"

"Mx. Nemo." If his interruption didn't silence you, his hands wrapping around yours certainly would have. "I can only estimate how difficult your job, your life, is going to be now. Please, allow me to assist you." 

He seemed so heartfelt and sincere, and honestly you were more than a little starstruck. "Okay," you finally agreed as you stared up at him. How could you not, being able to see his eyes like that, the edges wrinkling slightly as he smiled. You probably would have agreed to almost anything, to be honest.

Okay. Maybe it was more than a little crush. 

[e-the-village-cryptid]

What did you think of Rogue One?

Ah boy. Ok. First, a disclaimer that this is just my opinion, not me declaring some objective truth about the movie. Just because I felt one way about something doesn't mean I think everyone has to feel that way. If people really liked the movie, I am honestly happy for them! And if you really liked the movie to the point where someone disliking it will upset you, you may want to stop reading now. That said, here's my review.

Overall, I'd give the movie 2.5 stars on a scale of 1-5. Maybe 3 if we're being generous, because it was fun to watch in a casual way at some points, and some things were done well— Jyn's character and Galen's moral quandary were the high points for me. Everything else, though— storytelling, sense of place & visual feel, dialogue, characterization, most of the action sequences, overall plot— was disappointing to me. There was very little originality to be had in any of it, and although of course things don't have to be wildly original and never-been-done to be good, it felt like I'd already seen this movie a hundred times, except done better. Most of all, the majority of it felt flat and lifeless. It would have been extremely forgettable to me if not for Andor having already made me care about some of its characters.

Things I liked:

Jyn as a character. She has an interesting backstory, was well-acted, and has a depth and dimension that I feel the other characters were missing. I am very curious why, upon seeing that movie, the decision was made to dive into Cassian's backstory instead of Jyn's (although of course I'm glad we got Andor!). I think Jyn's time growing up being trained by Saw Gerrera would make quite an interesting story. (Watching her singlehandedly wreck like 12 people while Cassian watched in awe was definitely fun, haha.)

Galen's choice. I think this posed a truly interesting question. Was it true that the Death Star would have just been built without him? Would the destruction of Alderaan have happened without him? Did building in the flaw make up for the fact that he still in fact built it? Did his choice save lives or destroy them? Did he do it because he truly believed he could save lives that way, or because he was just trying to stay alive himself? Was it bravery or cowardice, or both in some strange combination?

K2. He was fun to watch, good comic relief, and I empathized with him a lot.

The death scene on the Scarif beach. Beautifully shot, acted, and directed. No notes.

The music. Lovely, orchestral, classic Star Wars scoring.

Things I didn't like:

My main issue with the movie is how flat everything felt. The characters, the setting— everything felt lifeless. It was hard to get emotionally invested because nothing felt like there was a true spark of life behind it. I'll go by points here.

The settings. The visual effects fell flat to me, but even beyond that, there was no humanity behind places like Jedha. It felt like the extras were told to mill back-and-forth aimlessly in front of the camera, rather than being given something to do that would give us a background glimpse into the culture of a place, as on Ferrix in Andor. The lack of depth to the setting made the locations feel like sets, not planets, and made it hard to feel a real sense of place and emotional connection.

Pretty much every character except Jyn was completely one-dimensional. None of them felt like real people at all, just devices to move the plot along. They each had their character archetype and were not allowed to deviate from it at all, and their choices came not from their characterization or their motivations, but from whatever the story needed in that moment. Their decisions felt contrived, making the characters not believable as people.

Many parts of it felt afraid of genuine emotion. It would pull back on the sincerity right as people died, refusing to actually let the emotional impact hit. Maybe this is a function of being directed at a younger audience, I don't know, but to me it felt like a refusal to take the world and people seriously in a way that affected my emotional investment.

The plot felt like a straight highway where you can see right through to the end and there's nothing by the wayside but endless fields of corn. I'm not even asking for twists, it's just... there was just not much there at all. No real arcs aside from the main one of getting the death star plans, no interesting or unexpected wrenches in the main plan, just... bland.

The action sequences were almost comically cliched. Nothing wrong with some well-used tropes, but after the second time Jyn wound up hanging off some ledge by one hand and had to dramatically haul herself back up, I could no longer keep from rolling my eyes.

Much of the dialogue was stiff and not believable. It didn't feel like people talking, it felt like the writers trying to deliver information.

The blocking was often very contrived and awkward to the point of feeling goofy.

Wow, they really managed to pull the "magical Asian" trope AND the "blind but can ~sense~ everything around them so don't worry they're not actually disabled" trope in one character. Really being efficient here.

(Also, not a critique but I am so genuinely confused on why they were all so dismissive of Chirrut. They treated him like just a wannabe, but... The man can literally dodge bullets and read minds, why the fuck is that not impressive or even like... useful to any of you?? Truly baffling, I do not understand it at all. "He's not actually a Jedi, so his ability to do crazy levels of Force magic that none of us can do doesn't really count" huh????)

(Also not a critique, just another thing I'm confused about now after watching— Why has Saw been so vilified, in canon and by fandom? "He's an extremist" everyone here is literally involved in a violent rebellion, he's doing the same thing "He's uncooperative with the other rebels" Rogue One also went rogue, because the other rebels were wishy washy and unwilling to commit "using Bor Gullet to read people's minds is so unethical" no more unethical than shooting your own source in the back of the head. What happened to enjoying grey morality? Anyway I stan Saw forever.)