#Strong Female Protagonist

[characterswithcolorsnamesfight]

Prelim Poll 5

Propaganda here

[burynr08]

Cassiopeia Black has a bit of a crush on her Potions professor.

Severus Snape x OC

[littleeyesofpallas]

I have always loved Molly Knox Ostertag's work, in particular the really cute, heartwarming tact of the Witch Boy trilogy's trans allegory and the way it feels so well built to walk that fine line of appropriately nuanced but still perfectly digestible for its intended teen audience.

Well The Deep Dark is more of precisely that style of writing and it blows me away just as much now as Witch Boy did the first time I read it. It's exactly the kind of book I wish I'd had as a kid, and the sort of thing that lights a little hopeful flame in the jaded dark corners of my heart. It's the sort of thing that helps me feel optimistic about a generation of kids who will grow up with this kind of story as their formative personal mythos.

I know I don't usually do reviews or recommendation on this blog so I dunno who this is for really, and it certainly won't have any particular reach, but if you find yourself with the chance to, I really can't recommend The Deep Dark enough. And of course everything else Molly Knox Ostertag has had a hand in, even the one's she's not been the sole author on.

[battlecrazed-axe-mage]

I'm making this its own post because the other one's enough of a shitshow already but yeah!! It was one of my absolute favorite webcomics back in the day and I'm lowkey sad it'll probably never be finished and like I knooooooow D20 was a better opportunity and that Molly Ostertag also has a ton of stuff going on...but pls...I beg...come back and finish ur comic someday pls 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

[katenewmanwrites]

Racing Hearts - Aesthetic

[strongfemaleprotagonistfan]

Feral cant get piercings, but im sure she’d rock some gnarly clip ons!!!!

[allfallsdown]

nothin’ hurts like the almost, almost, almost.

[checkoutmybookshelf]

Discovering Hopepunk

Did y'all know that the best thing in the world is friends who teach you new words? Because it's thanks to a friend close enough to be a brother that I have a word for what Naomi Novik's incredible Scholomance trilogy is. Time to meet hopepunk.

Hopepunk is brand-spanking new on the literature scene, and the term itself is attributable to author Alexandra Rowland, who coined the term in 2017. Collins English Dictionary picked it up in 2019, which is how you know it had enough traction to be legit.

So what is the definition of hopepunk? Rowland described it as "the opposite of grimdark" that is composed of "one atom of justice, one molecule of mercy, and the empire of unsheathed knives." Collins Dictionary is a little more precise in their definition: "A literary and artistic movement that celebrates the pursuit of positive aims in the face of adversity."

Novik's Scholomance trilogy begins with the world's deadliest boarding school and concludes with the truth of how a maw mouth is made, and all of those elements should objectively combine into a grimdark trilogy. And yet. El, her himbo hero, and kickass girlsquad refuse to go quietly into darkness and despair. They embody hope, resilience, and resistance to the toxic social order they have been raised I and are expected to perpetuate if they survive graduation--and that is the furthest thing from a guarantee.

El's journey from furiously pissed-off outcast and loner to Golden enclave crusader is never not compelling, and the insistent kindness for its own sake and radical hope that spits in the face of literal monsters in the literal walls means that hopelessness never touches this narrative. Sometimes things are *really bad* but it wouldn't be a story otherwise. The difference is that while George RR Martin is determined to beat the hope out of both his characters and his readers, Novik and El will beat it into you if they have to.

[tuxedosaurus]

Is it just me or does every superhero “deconstruction” other than Invincible remove magic and aliens from the equation?

I finally checked out Strong Female Protagonist, and I was wondering what seemed off to me because it’s got good writing so far… and then it I realized that every superpowered person is basically a mutant like the X-Men.

Worm, The Boys, Watchmen, Powers… all of them omit magic and/or aliens, two CRUCIAL aspects of superhero worlds as defined by DC and Marvel!

And I think because it’s just too hard for most people to reconcile these inherently fantastical things with trying to do a “realistic” story.

[awgeezitsthetoiletnator]

i fell into a rabbit hole of old nd stevenson comics / writing while looking for a specific quote, and i was reading about him hanging out with his now wife molly ostertag and her friends after a toronto comic convention (linked here; warning that the article is pretty old and uses his deadname) and i realized something…

is that… brennan lee mulligan in his tony pepperoni t-shirt

(for those who don’t know, molly and brennan co-created the comic strong female protagonist)

[parsnip-problems]

Am I upset that the comic Strong Female Protagonist will not get an ending? Yes yes I am. Do I think dimension 20 should do a super hero season set in that world after the events of the comic YES I NEED IT!

[burynr08]

Blood Ties and Betrayal: Book Four - Chapter 9

The Fourth Dragon

Severus Snape x OC

Also available on ff.net, Wattpad, Quotev, and Webnovel

[malencholic-nyx]

Am I the only one who admires this character and desires to become equally fearless, badass and bold???

The more someone tries to stop me, the further I excel..

–Maya from beyhadh2

[ahb-writes]

"Not worth your time."

(from Kim Possible S3E12: "So the Drama")

[koifishart]

I want to be Your Koi Fish

Warning: +18 content, criminal underworld, intercourse, strong language - and so on

Fanfiction based on: "Baki" by Itagaki Keisuke

>29<

The clean air of Okinawa was soothing to him, but the balance in the universe was kept by his wife's stubborn grandfather, still counting on Hanabi to leave husband to take over the school. Fortunately, she clung to his side, giving Shigeru no hope of changing her mind. The night before, they had given him a taste of the failure of a great plan to break their marriage. It started out innocently enough, sweetly, delicately, that finally Hanabi would scream at the whole house how much she loves Hanayama and how much he has to keep going. He had noticed long ago that for her the concept of shame didn't actually exist, the more willingly started to implement his little project, knowing that she would most likely be pleased. Thought it would bother him, but he liked the earring in her tongue, cool and hard, lending a special sensation. Hoped the schemer hadn't fallen asleep, and if he could, woke up.

They were sitting in the living room, shutters wide and doors leading to the inner garden. They drank green tea, so amazing...he never had the chance to drink. It turned out that Shizuka, despite a complete lack of talent for cooking, was brilliant with the traditional brewing of matcha. Even Tokugawa praised the skills of the red-haired woman to the heavens, to which she merely bowed with a slight smile. The astonishing calm was interrupted by the noise from before the entrance. If you think about it, during the trip from Tokyo, Tokugawa mentioned that someone was missing... Kaoru sensed someone's presence, familiar, strange and strong. He, Hanabi and Baki went out to see who they were dealing with. In front of them stood a man over two meters long, with short-cropped blonde hair and pale blue eyes, built tighter than he remembered.

- Onii-san? - young Hanma was surprised. - What are you doing here? And... Are you kind of...taller?

- Or you shrunken. - he replied evasively. - Tokugawa gave me the address and ordered...ooou...

Jack clearly focused on the person behind them. Hanayama turned around. Tall, blonde, green-eyed, again dressed in tight jeans and a bright floral corset, she fastened a strap of high-heeled sandals around her ankle. She regarded the newcomer with a critical glance, without a trace of emotion. Elder Hanma looked as though his brain had flown through his ears. An effect so similar to all those guys drooling over his wife. Indeed, with all four of them, it seemed, most men's minds would run away to nothing, being replaced by wild lust. Immediately after the eldest of his father-in-law's daughters, Kureha appeared unhappy.

- ...he said to be present, but nothing about the lovely company. - he finished swishly, so unlike himself. - Hi. Are you a predatory kitten?

- If only I don't bite you something, little boy. - she replied impassively.

- I'd love to check it out. - he muttered as she stood next to him.

He barely registered movement. Ayame reacted immediately, delivering a high kick straight into the tall blonde's jaw. Apparently, the heels had their advantages. Maybe that's why Hanabi was so eager to wear them. Her oldest sister didn't really need her height - she was 175cm barefoot, if not a little bigger. Hanma hit the ground with great force, spitting blood. Baki was stunned and Shinogi seemed to be pleased with the development of events.

- Pff...sucker. - she said, straightening her blonde hair. - Bunch, come on, no time!

At dinner he tried again. It was a pity to see Jack Hammer go to waste. His sister-in-law was a relentless woman, and he didn't seem to see it. He pressed on to her, tried to get attention, and she was successfully ignoring him.

- Oh, don't tell me I'm not moving you... - he muttered, leaning over to her.

- ENOUGH OF THIS. - she growled firmly, reaching her hand toward his bruised jaw.

Think he was counting on a kiss, and in return Ayame...dove with chopsticks in Canadian mouth. She grabbed something and took it out. Tooth. Sizeable, with quite a bit of roots, but somewhat crooked, like a tree that has been forced to grow amidst obstacles.

- Beautiful eight, boy. I don't think I've ever seen a wisdom tooth like this. Completely degenerated, the enamel is almost gone, even though the dentin looks healthy. Do you bite metal nails with it or what? - she assessed, sitting down in her seat.

- How do you... - he groaned in shock. - But my jaw is made of steel!

- Oh, your teeth are indeed strong, I don't deny it. Most would hurt like hell in this condition! - she snapped. - They're not holding up well, that's their problem. You stuffed yourself with steroids, anabolics and other crap to gain muscle strength while your body was paying heavy taxes. Are you proud of yourself?

- How dare you, woman... - he hissed, propping his arms on the table.

- Are you such a tough guy? Let's check it. - she replied bravely. - Tonight, in the training room.

She wasn't kidding. She was waiting for him in a traditional-style red top and light-colored pants. She tied her blonde hair in a high ponytail to keep it out of her eyes. The three children sat on the side, perfectly still. She stood up as he appeared in front of her, wearing only shorts, snapping his knuckles. The style she used must have been very old, until Retsu, after a moment's thought, deciphered that it was northern Shaolin kung fu. In fact, shouldn't have known it, and for some reason she was at least a master of it. Dodged attacks with ease, quickly unleashing her own, very explosive.

- I told you Kitsune learn very quickly. - Shigeru said with a shrug. - The highest degree of initiation and skill in the art that suits their temperaments is only a matter of time. Ayame is like a flame, just upset her and she will explode and incinerate everything in her path.

As soon as Jack tried to pin her again, she jumped back for a kick. The force she put into it, put her opponent on his shoulders. Hanayama wasn't sure he heard the crackle of the floor under the mats. Baki, sitting next to him, couldn't believe his eyes...as probably all the people gathered.

- Mom is like Master Tigress from "Kung-Fu Panda". - commented dark-haired Rozu.

- You have such brilliant genetic potential and physical conditions, and through your idiotic rush you ruin everything... - Ayame huffed, resolutely refraining from spitting next to him.

>>><<<

She couldn't watch people like that go to waste. Maybe it was because she grew up in a family where you must be the best in your field, maybe she was just like that herself...but she couldn't let him go to waste. And he had been doing it successively, in her eye for several years. She lied about his teeth. They were indeed sandpaper-wiped-out, but she pulled out the one had damaged in front of the house with one smooth kick. She hoped it would wake him up. Sighed heavily, lowering her bare feet onto the cool grass in the inner garden. Ayame liked to sit outside on the terrace from time to time and not think about anything, although the latter, as a rule, never worked out.

- Can't you sleep, sucker? - she asked quietly, still looking ahead.

- How did you know about chemistry? - Jack said, sitting down next to her.

- I'm a good observer. - she muttered evasively. - If you don't take care of your health, you slap a wheelchair in your fifties, or even faster. I guess at such a young age you hardly think about it, but believe me, you don't want to.

- I'm not going to live long. - the man snorted. - The plan was that I would do whatever I can to be the strongest...

- So what, are you doing good? Probably not, because you get weaker with each dose. - she assessed, glaring at him. - My guess is Kureha's behind it. He is usually well-meaning, but he is bathed in hot water, especially on the subject of sports...

- He warned me once that I would kick the calendar faster than I think.

- So why...

- Teach me. - he demanded. - I want to be even stronger.

- I have neither the predisposition nor the time to teach anyone. However, if you stay in Okinawa and ask Yui nicely, she will definitely take you in. - she replied firmly, standing up and heading for her room. - Relax, my sister doesn't bite. However, I'm afraid that you will be forced to give up what you consider necessary...

>>><<<

He slowly began to drag on. He missed the hustle and bustle of the city he was used to. Fortunately, Kizaki called saying that they absolutely had to come back. He and his wife were leaving just as Shigeru and Tokugawa locked themselves in their room to discuss the possibility of another tournament. He didn't think his affinity with Master Soga would make him participate, quite the opposite.

For several days, he had heard information about a strange person wandering around the city. He was...specific, traditionally dressed, with two swords attached. The police became interested in him mainly due to the openly carried weapon. News on TV every now and then informed about his next actions, killed people, but still no one knew his identity. He hadn't heard of any incident on Hanayama territory at the time, nor was there any indication that he was a member of any of the mafia families. He came out of nowhere, many wanted him back there. He neither burned him nor chilled, until he stuck a finger into Clan Fujiki. But it started to get dangerous, so much so that the Chief Police General, Utsumi Shunzo himself, knocked on Hanayama's door. He never had a problem with Hanabi hanging around somewhere, but this time he couldn't let her listen to the conversation. He had an overview of the matter, guessed what the man was coming with, and knew just as well what his wife would say. She couldn't find out what he was planning, she had to be safe, and this time safety meant ignorance. She wasn't pleased, but looked as if had come to terms with his decision. He received the guest as he should, there was even a whiskey on the table. He could see that Chief was wondering if had hit the right place. In fact, not every twenty-year-old looks...like him. He thought that mere presence was enough for the interlocutor to weigh his words, but the Utsumi tried to speak to his conscience - he was to lend his skills to DEFEND THE COUNTRY. Ha! Good! Need the nerve to propose something like this to a representative of the underworld. He spoke beautifully about how his proposal would most likely be welcomed by a man of this caliber and status. Kaoru guessed that they were getting some training in flowery talk or successive persuasion at the higher levels. It didn't work this time, he wasn't going to suddenly start working for the police, not even for a moment. The distance between them was too great. He wasn't even convinced by the story of a half-cut friend. Until Kizaki came with the information that the TV man was indeed Musashi Miyamoto, one of his next victims was Retsu Kaioh, and he himself...was heading towards Shinjuku.

It would be rude not to welcome a visitor to your lands.

_____________________

* Onii-san - the term "big brother" or sometimes the person towards whom we feel fraternal 

[philsthighpower]

Watching love to hate you and just feeling completely cringed out at the weird ''not like other girls'' rhetoric they have going for Mi-Ran.

Like I like her character so much. She has very valid reasons for not liking men, and as the show goes on, she is validated through it. She has seen women she knows and doesn't know be abused, hurt, and outright disrespected by men, and so is wary of them.

Kang Ho's character, however, is not quite as clear. Bro hates women because his ex broke up with him in a bad way, and so just is downright misogynist to every woman he meets calling them gold diggers?

Then they have the audacity to put in what is meant to be a cute relationship moment his inside monologue basically saying that every other woman is a backstabbing gold digger who is dumb and selfish but NOT HER?! Like WTF?! She's NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS?! Be so fr rn.

Are we as an audience meant to like him? Like I'm asking this for real. Because every time I try to do so, he says something so blatantly misogynistic that I want to reach through the screen and slap him. And we are also meant to believe that the biggest feminist Mi-Ran would date someone who so openly disregards other women as weak and selfish? And accept her role as the exception to his hatred of women. As if!