#Super Fireworks Pro Wrestling

[rosesinmaii]

Nintendo Fun Club News, 1:2 [1987]

The second edition of the Nintendo Fun Club, run by Howard Phillips and Gail Tilden, was released in the summer of 1987. The magazine was a free-to-join subscription to explain tips and tricks in games, as well as sneak peeks at upcoming games, and reader columns to talk about high scores. It came with coupons at times for discounts and free merchandise/games. There were only seven issues before it was obliterated to create the (paid for) Nintendo Power Magazine. Images have been used only for demonstration, and are sourced directly from the magazine unless otherwise stated (in which a full link/reference will be provided). The second issue was eleven pages long -

Page 1

The front page is dedicated to an article on the Legend of Zelda [1987], briefly covering the lore, gameplay, and the cartridge's memory system. The side passage, a message from Howard Phillips, advertises what's included in the magazine, and encourages readers to write into the magazine. Depicted in pink doodles are Oktoroks and Tektites on the edges of the main feature.

Page 2

The second page describes three video games, the first being Volleyball's NES port [1987] - highlighting the speed of the game, describing how the competition and training/tutorial's set up, and noting the game's presence in the Pro's Corner later on. There are pink volleyballs, and a pixelated drawing of a player character on the left.

The second game on the page is Slalom [1986], a game based on a skiing style of the same name. It advertises the game as emphasising speed, as well as being a competitive game to try and beat your friend's high score. The lower portion of the page depicts the player character, about to begin skiing towards a mountain.

The third and final game on the page is Pro-Wrestling's NES port [1987], describing special moves of each individual enemy in the game- claiming such knowledge to be vital to beating the game. It also describes the final boss, the Great Puma, and how difficult the final fight is. The article is dotted with black-and-white profile images of various fighters from the game.

Page 3

The third page is entirely dedicated to the "Pro's Corner," tips and tricks on beating various games. Much of the page talks about Super Mario Bros., with the tips described including;

Continue playing by holding A > Start after a game over

Pressing B to double flagpole points and fireworks when the timer ends in 1, 3, or 6.

Slipping through dungeon walls by crouch jumping at a specific angle.

Defeating Bowser in a specific way to allow one to have the Fire Flower while remaining in Mario's smaller form.

Passing through attacking clouds by moving left on impact.

How to defeat a Lakitu

Defeating Bowser when the clock strikes 0 to get 50k points

Creating a coin loop in World 1-2 for infinite coins

Defeating "Turtles" (which I believe are Koopa?)

How to access Minus worlds by breaking specific blocks.

There are also tips on Slalom;

Increasing speed by skiing in a line, staying on the snow.

Making turns should be short and fast

Tapping A > B quickly can get the player up faster after falling

Avoiding sledders by remaining on the far left/right

Freestyling can increase Bonus Points

Finally are features on Pro Wrestling;

Pinning an opponent too soon can lead to a counter attack

Out of ring attacks are not considered illegal moves.

Dropping an opponent at the right time gives one time to defeat them.

Page 4

Advertisement for the NES Advantage- a new joint stick for the NES to "match the feel of the arcade." Designed by Lance Barr, an employee at Nintendo, the controller is weighted to remain in place while placed on a table and used. It has "turbo and slow action features" to provide greater control over movement. There are two adjusters, one for each of the two buttons (A and B), as well as an S adjustor to slow the console. After emphasis on the movement developments it provides, the article discusses the controller's intent to suit the aesthetic of the NES.

Page 5

The top half of the page is a feature on the Second Annual Recycled Robot Contest- building robots out of recycled rubbish, held in Washington on April 17th, 1987. The prize was a NES Deluxe Set, featuring R.O.B.- an accessory to the NES that could act as a second player in certain games. It describes the five-year-old winner's robot as such;

"This handsome fellow had styrofoam legs, milk carton feet, cookie tin hips, and a Raisin Bran box chest. Other appendages included tennis ball can arms, and light bulb hands. A well-read robot, the winning entry was covered from head to foot with colourful magazine articles. Also health-minded, he sported toothpaste tubes and a vitamin bottle." [Source: Nintendo Fun Club 2, Summer 1987, 5]

The lower half of the page is for Sneak Peeks, focusing on two games with a "Password Memory," where a code is given after a level in a form of saving. On the left is Metroid [1987], and on the right is Kid Icarus [1987], describing the lore, goals and gameplay for each. It advertises the next issue's sneak peek, Punch-Out.

Page 6

This page lists a selection of games licensed for the NES, as well as noting the seal of assurance on officially licensed games. Some are yet to be released as of publication. This includes;

BANDAI AMERICA - M.U.S.C.L.E.; Ninja Kid; Chubby Cherub; Stadium Events; Family Fun Fitness Accessory; Super Controller Accessory

BRODERBUND SOFTWARE - Lode Runner; Spelunker; Deadly Towers; Raid on Bungeling Bay

CAPCOM U.S.A - Trojan; Commando; 1942; Ghosts N Goblins; Section Z; Makai Island; Speed Rumbler; Side Arms

DATA EAST - Tag Team Wrestling; Karate Champ; Burgertime; Ring King; Karnov; BreakThru

IREM CORPORATION - Sqoon

KONAMI - Gradius; Track & Field; Rush 'N Attack; Castlevania; Double Dribble

SNK - Ikrai Warriors; Athena; Victory Road; Psycho Soldier

SUN CORPORATION - Spy Hunter

TAITO - Elevator Action; Legend of Kage; Arkanoid

TECMO - Rygar; Mighty Bomb Jack; Solomon's Key; Star Force

Page 7

This records the top ten scores in the High Score Competition for Super Mario Bros., advertised in the first issue. The top five scores are all 9, 999, 950 points, with the lowest on the board being 9, 997, 600. The next issue's competition focuses on The Legend of Zelda, and requests readers to write in upon defeating Ganon- the first ten would be published in the next issue. The sidebar features Howard Philip's average work day, and what he'd been doing during the week.

Page 8

This page is mostly advertising merchandise- scorepads for the High Score Competition for Super Mario Bros., Excitebike, and Hogan's Alley, as well as various Mario/Fun Club-branded T-Shirts, sweatshirts, and strategy guides- with an order form attached.

Page 9

The top half of the page is for letters, with three featured and responded to. One asks about upcoming contests, another asking about other licensed games, and the final expressing enthusiasm for the magazine and asking about subscription details.

The lower half talks about setting up a local Fun Club- creating a group of friends, meeting in a local public space, and advising kids on how to reach out to others to make little fan clubs. I don't have much to say about this, but god it's cute. There's some messed up little Goomba drawings there too.

Page 10

A crossword puzzle, themed around Super Mario Bros. [1987]. Not to flex, but I beat this thing in like three minutes. One at a time, ladies. /silly

Page 11

The final page of the magazine with a feature lists several video games- a total of thirty "top titles." This includes;

"Robot Series" - Stack-Up; Gyromite

"Light Gun Series" - Duck Hunt; Gumshoe; Hogan's Alley; Wild Gunman

"Adventure Series" - Kid Icarus; Metroid; Super Mario Bros.; The Legend of Zelda

"Programmable Series" - Excitebike; Mach Rider; Wrecking Crew

"Sports Series" - Baseball; Golf; Punch-Out!; Pro Wrestling; Soccer; Slalom; Tennis; 10-Yard Fight; Volleyball

"Action Series" - Balloon Fight; Clu Clu Land; Ice Climber; Pinball; Kung Fu; Urban Champion

"Education Series" - Donkey Kong Jr. Math

"Arcade Classics Series" - Donkey Kong; Donkey Kong 3; Donkey Kong Jr.; Mario Bros; Popeye.

Disclaimer - None of the above information has been produced by the poster. All information provided has been sourced from Nintendo Fun Club 1:2, Summer 1987, a product of Nintendo. It in no way attempts to act as a substitute for the original work, nor claims ownership of any information or product mentioned. In line with Fair Dealing Rules in the UK, where this blog is based, it is entirely for educational uses, and is in no way for commercial purpose or monetary gain. All rights belong to Nintendo.

[wrestlingmgc]

Blast Queen Champion Hiroyo Matsumoto

[vulturehound]

31 Days of Deathmatches - Day 26: Hiroyo Matsumoto vs Nanae Takahashi Blast Queen Title

31 Days of Deathmatches Day 26: Hiroyo Matsumoto vs Nanae Takahashi Blast Queen Title

(more…)

[explicitmoxley]

[0dde11eth]

Beach day: family version

• Lambert eating a raw fish cause he didn't know that they packed hot dogs (even though he was present for packing and hauling everything)

• Eskel is strict about everyone wearing sunscreen. "Melanoma has killed more people than kikimoras"

• Eskel has to wrestle the sunscreen away from Lambert when he begins eating it.

• Jaskier super excited to do stuff so geralt has to kind of pin him down to make him apply sunscreen. Eskel lecturing jaskier when he starts trying to wiggle free.

• Sand castle contests: geralt insists his sculpture is of jaskier, but everyone else says it looks like a zeugel. (Jaskier laughs so hard he cries, and kisses geralts forehead in thanks)

• They make sure to bring a ball for jaskier and Lambert to chase to tire them out

• Papa vesemir falls asleep with his hand on his stomach so that he has a white handprint tanline

• The wolves showing off how high they can jump off cliffs

• Aiden napping in the sun

• Aiden hissing and Smacking the crap out of Lambert when he dumps a bucket of ice cold water on aiden

• The wolves (especially geralt) bring jaskier interesting shells and rocks. They preen when he praises them and fusses over how pretty they are. (They are less excited when he insists on bringing them home. That bag becomes very heavy, but jaskier makes geralt carry it for him)

• Lambert insists on making a bonfire (one that is wayyy larger than necessary).

• Lambert and jaskier are NOT allowed to be the ones who shoot off fireworks. They still find a way

• Papa Vesimir knows how to get sand out of everything (bags, tents, etc.) within minutes. He refuses to share the secret with everyone else

• Lambert gets a leech on him, under his swimsuit. Aiden tells everyone immediately, making Lambert blush redder than his hair

• Eskel is the one who blows up all of the floaties even if he barely uses them

• Lambert writing a swear word onto people's backs with sunscreen

• Lambert won't touch the veggie tray, despite vesemirs best efforts. Coen steals all the watermelon when nobody is looking

• Jaskier has a speaker and a Special Beach Playlist

• Coen crushes everyone at Beach volley ball. (He can also surf like a pro, but he's not allowed to when Lambert is present. Lambert gets jealous and has almost drowned several times trying to show him up)

• The pups making a contest of catching fish, snail and muscles and other small critters

• they make smores: Lamberts marshmallows always catch fire. Eskel can roast and make the perfect smores. Geralt eats each component separately. Jaskier essentially a larger toddler with how sticky he becomes.

• Vesemir (the driver) is the only one awake on the trip home. His pups are all passed out in a pile in the backseat

[tedturneriscrazy]

Here we have Reaching Out, what I'm gonna call the first of the Rebecca Rose Trilogy (if you know, you know):

Oh, so that's how Luz is charging her phone

That reminder's gonna come up again later, isn't it

I totally believe Luz when she says she feels great. Yup. Absolutely.

Oh, so a light, relaxing day

Ah, Luz basically discovered Featherfall

...How often does that happen, King? (Who am I kidding, this is the Boiling Isles)

Something subversive about a house building a door

Lmao Luz stalking Hunter on Penstagram with Eda's scroll

Wait, "RULERZREACHF4N?!" Does he know who wrote that?

He's sending Willow pics of Flapjack wjtjoeowk

Luz, you've lived in this for too long to get away with that

Wonder what that ritual might be...

And here comes Amity with the convenient plot hook

Bonesborough Brawl? Well consider my inexplicable urge for a pro wrestling AU intrigued...

Didn't see or hear

Emperor's Coven tryouts? I thought we were over that...

Way to blow off an attempted moment of connection there, Alador

Uh, nice disguise

And there, Amity straight up saying she doesn't want to join a coven! Maybe now that one section of the fandom will shut up. (Spoiler: they won't)

I could go on about the details in that photo, but the fandom will have already done that many times over by the time this goes up

"You should know I always go for the chaotic route!"

(Good screenshot #1)

Of course Eda knows all about the Brawl

Hmm, voice imitation. Wonder if she learned that one from the twins?

Ah, Luz calling Amity boo

Oh, speaking of the twins

Oh, so their default appearance has been an illusion this whole time. Interesting...

Well now we know what's up with Emira's gem

Boy, Em and Ed are a lot more distinguishable without those concealment stones. Also, I like they both look without them

Oh Luz loves it!

(Good screenshot #2)

Oh hey, Wrath again

Way to rub it in, Eda

"Imprisioning my student/child" Ah, the Mama Eda fans loved that one

Also, we now know where that one screenshot came from

Figures she would have a backup plan

I hate that I mentally followed "You know the rules" with "And so do I." I've been on the internet for far too long

I'm getting some "Blind Bandit" vibes here. I believe Kevin Michael Richardson did a voice in that, too

"The Mighty Mittens" lol

That surfing in on the abomination goo was really cool, though

Luz being supportive gf in the crowd❤

Uh oh, the thoughts return...

There's obviously more to this "ritual"

*sigh* Luz, you are very clearly not okay

Ah, so she is entering

Avoiding discussing the issue until it comes to a head? Couldn't be

Good to know there continues to be blushing aplenty. Ooh, just thought of a joke! Those two must be a neighborhood in a New York borough, because they're blushing queens!

Anyways...

I think it's too late for that, Amity (Get it? Because of Luz's poorly disguised emotional distress?)

Ooh, Em knows healing magic!

Pfffft Batric

(Yes, I do know that that's the bat from Adventures in the Elements)

(Also, first thing that came to mind: "No, this is Batric!")

Ooh, separate twin development. I know of a certain fic author who would appreciate that

Skin badgers? Sounds gross

Third ooh in a short time frame: Edric knows beast keeping magic!

"Nah, too close to Eda" lmfao

Hooray, he gets to help!

Whoops. Oh well, Ed is from a rich family and he has a thriving black market fireworks business, I'm sure he'll be fine

Dang, Batric is very well trained to just hover there

Luz certainly knows how to make a dramatic entrance

Also, Spellraiser 10/10 name

And another promo shot

And of course Amity is loving the way Luz looks here

(Good screenshot #3)

Yes these Good Screenshots are all Lumity related, what of it?

Putting that new glyph to use, I see

A nice reminder that Luz is good at this

Alternaring montage scenes? Guess we got two sporty episodes in a row

Super Saiyan Goat Granny

King still calling Wrath Eda's boyfriend

I did not have Edric and King bonding moment on the bingo card, and I don't imagine many other people did, either, but it's nice

Oh dear, here we go again

This is starting to look more and more like a trauma response...

Well then, that thing is back

That was probably not the best idea...

Yup. Trauma response. Poor thing

This won't end well

Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies...

(Okay, maybe a bit harsh, Luz isn't quite Todd Howard)

Final battle?

Or not

Yikes...

And still with the denial...

Wrath still filling the designated jobber role, I see

"I already have one" Well then

Oh, Mittens is pissed

"Either of you" ooooof

The way that line was delivered hits hard

That serum probably isn't gonna work as intended

So are we finally ready to talk about our feelings, Luz?

Oh, the Grom tree, that seems...purposeful

....oh

This is gonna be heartwrenching, then

(Also we finally find out what happened to Luz's dad)

God, this face. Drives the point home that it is, in fact, a Big Fucking Deal

Jesus Christ the way her legs gave out

I don't think I'll be over that for a good long while

To use an AO3 tag: Amity Is An Awesome Girlfriend

Oh, and just for the sake of evening things out a bit:

(Good screenshot #4)

The smallest change to a formula can have dire consequences. That was a lesson I learned while going to college for my chemistry degree

Hell yeah, Harpy Eda time!

Dick move, Al

Meanwhile Eda eagerly helps Luz. Slick contrast

Ayyy she gave the same look from Grom

"You're welcome" OHHHHHHH CALLBACK ECHO GET REKT

"Were you always able to do that?" I mean, maybe she had the potential?

Boy, Eda let him off easy, all things considered

Oh, Wrath you've fallen far since that first episode

"Not inviting to magickind" In other words, Philip/Belos fully intending to wipe out magic altogether

Niceeeee

(Good screenshot #5)

Hey, nobody said they all had to be Lumity related

Lol Emira

Ah, so Odalia did want Amity to join the EC

Also, Alador is deeply uninformed about the lives of his children

Oh my god he's expressing willingness to do the barest minimum, Dad of the Year! /s

Hug: Denied

Well, now we know how it works when glyphs are a bit off

Wow, Luz looks so exhausted, poor baby

This screenshot says more than I could about this part

And back at the Noceda household to drive the sadness home...

Holy shit, this episode...wow.

I wasn't sure if, when, or how anything was gonna top Knock Knock Knockin' On Hooty's Door, but they went and gone done did it! Just...the cute Lumity moments, the separate development of Edric and Emira, Eda being the schemer and mom she is, the badass action scenes, and the way it shows how someone grapples with grief even years after a loss! Just a few things off the top of my head I could list that made this fantastic! I've seen quite a few people say this was one of the best episodes, if not the best, and I'm inclined to agree.

This show just continues to deliver and amaze.

[ironhusband]

Rhodeytony seasons of love master post of headcanons

What I didn’t miss too many days and decided to make up for it this way, not at all!

Rhodey is a rocket scientist and Tony is an engineer so you would expect that if they followed the recipe for fireworks, everything would be A-Okay. But of course, those two genius boys can’t ever let anything be simple. So when they try to make fireworks for Rhdoey’s family fourth of July party, there might have a close call with Tony’s fingers and the grass in Rhodey’s yard is burned to the crisp. Mama Rhodes is Not Happy.

Rhodey doesn’t often get drunk without Tony, but during the era between Ultron and Civil War where Tony is retired, Rhodey is a new Avenger and they miss each other terribly, the team makes Rhodey drink two shots of Nat’s too strong booze, and he maybe leaves him a voicemail before being wrestled into sleep. “Toooooony,” he whines into the phone, “I love you. I love you very very much. Did you know that your friends are the best? Because they are! Sam, you are the best! Tell Tony you are the best. No, but for real though, I miss you. I miss you, I miss you, I miss you. You should leave your stupid Malibu house and come live with us. Your friends are the best. And you are the best. It will be so fun. And then I won’t miss you anymore...” The next morning Tony calls him and tells him, “that’s the worst way you could have asked me to move in with you” but by the afternoon boxes start showing up.

Tony is often up by 3 AM so 3 AM voicemails aren’t uncommon, even if Tony hates leaving them (”it’s not 1993 who has an answering machine?”). He especially stays up and leaves voicemails when Rhodey isn’t there to drag him to bed. He’s usually a little bit manic, and just a tad longing at that time. But Tony’s sane enough while leaving them so it’s mostly just ramblings about Rhodey’s suit and its modifications and muses about Tony hijacking a military plane to see him. Rhodey sometimes uses them as a way to relax when he’s away and missing his husband.

None of them knit the ugly sweater. Roberta does. Tony cries when he gets his first ugly sweater from her because he knows more than anyone it’s a right of passage into being a Rhodes, and he finally gets a family. Tony wears the sweaters all the time because it fells like knowing someone cares for him. Rhodey, however, isn’t that touched by the ugly sweaters, and resumes to be seen with them. He doesn’t touch Roberta’s ugly sweaters on any day but the extremely cold or laundry day. That is why Tony is Roberta’s favorite.

Neither of them screams first in the haunted house. Our two prankster boys pull all their resources in Halloween and create a haunted house out of their MIT dorms, making everyone scream. Some of the things they invent for the house shouldn’t even be possible so people scream more than at any haunted house because they are convinced there’s magic involved. It makes Tony and Rhodey fall to the ground laughing.

Rhodey pulls Tony back in for the lazy day. Not only because Tony’s mind is so busy that he gets up way too early because he’s dreamed of an equation, but also because Tony gets up way too early for the time he fell asleep, and Rhodey wants to make sure his boyfriend gets at least some sleep. Besides, Tony needs to learn what a lazy day is and Rhodey wants cuddles when he’s finally home.

Tony is on the fall festival’s planning committee out of spite (one of the students there KICKED HIS CHAIR) and pure mischief and makes sure to ruin it in some way every year, or at least antagonize everyone else. He and Rhodey scheme every year how to torture the planning committee.

Tony wins Rhodey a stuffed platypus at the carnival and Rhodey wins Tony a faulty tape recorder. I have this exact scene in road trip fic.

Tony is the ice skating pro because he was a dancer as a child and part of his training was ice skating, but even he can’t skate without falling on his ass with how tightly Rhodey is holding on to him. Tony never takes Rhodey ice skating again, but him, Natasha, and Jeanette all have fun while ice skating together. Rhodey is upset about not getting ice skating dates with his boyfriend anymore, especially with how tight he gets to hold on to Tony in the ring. But he still likes to watch videos of Tony mastering the skill.

Rhodey makes the best hot cocoa! He learned the secret recipe from Mama Rhodes and will not share it, not even with his husband. Tony always pouts over not getting the recipe (”you’ll butcher it, no way”) but he’s happy to have his husband to make it for him, because it tastes like heaven and he’s the luckiest person on Earth for it. The Avengers also enjoy Rhodey’s hot cocoa in the winter and also try and figure out the recipe. None have succeeded so far. Mama Rhodes is delighted by so many superheroes enjoying her recipe.

Cuddling ensues when they get snowed in. Tony hates the cold and the boredom it all entails so he’ll leech on to Rhodey for warmth and entrainment. Tony sort of gets on Rhodey’s nerves by the end of it, but he finds Tony super cute when he falls asleep on his chest. It ends with Tony making himself so insane he creates robots to shovel all the snow away. It somehow works. 

Tony doesn’t much like the holidays because they bring back too many bad memories but he finds how Rhodey’s excitement adorable. Rhodey’s near childlike joy at getting presents on Christmas morning makes the holidays bearable for Tony. Rhodey insists they create their own traditions (like his parents did) when they get together and rent their own apartment during their MIT days, and so they create a few. During Thanksgiving dinner, they each get to make one dish and they order the rest of dinner to make up for the lacking food (Rhodey only made the turkey Tony only makes the cranberry sauce). Their tree is purely for decoration as they exchange gifts privately with each other, and it’s a rule that they must make all the decor for the tree. As they grow up and get more family members, the thanksgiving tradition is stopped but they leave the Christmas ones and create a few more traditions. For Thanksgiving, their small tradition is getting each other a gift card for a restaurant they recommend, a memory from the old times. They never eat at the table, but instead set up a buffet and allow people to mingle on the couches while they eat the food. Tony does the shopping for Thanksgiving and Rhodey does the cooking, except the cranberry sauce, because it’s easy and Tony can handle it. For Christmas, they have a lazy day in bed instead of wake up to see their presents. The Avengers might leave them presents under the tree but Tony and Rhodey only care about the gifts they give each other. Every new bot gets its own sock stocking and they let the bots decorate their socks. They both leave the suits in a random square in New York with the sign “they want to be dressed for the season!” and watch the different creations of Iron Man and War Machine “snow”men. It happens a few years in a row.

Rhodey hides the mistletoe right above Tony’s workshop door because he knows Tony’s always there and he’s one of the only ones allowed in, so Rhodey’ll get plenty of kisses. Plus, he gets some adorable pictures of Tony kissing his bots.

Tony hides the mistletoe in frequently-used spaces (notable mentions: Fury’s drawer when he leaves his pencils and the hanger on which Clint hangs his arrows) because he’s a little shit, and wants everyone to hate him. “I’m going to make you some of my hot chocolate, Tony,” Rhodey says as he opened the cupboard for the pot. Tony desperately tries to hide his smirk, “okay, hubby.” It takes a few minutes before Rhodey says, “fine, I’ll kiss you, but no hot chocolate for you.”

The season which reminds Tony of Rhodey is spring. Because Rhodey is just as lovely and beautiful as the season is. Spring reminds him of Rhodey’s passion and intelligence, the way everything turns green so quickly reminds him of how quick Rhodey is to develop an idea. It reminds him to pick flowers for his husband and finally being in the season to buy Rhodey’s favorite fruit, strawberries.

The season which reminds Rhodey of Tony is winter. Because Tony hates the winter. He hates Christmas and snow and rain. He hates the cold and the blackouts. So whenever something especially winter happens, like snowmen building or Christmas shopping, Rhodey thinks with a fond smile “oh, Tony would hate this”.

[katsukikitten]

Hewwo! I was wondering if you could do a Bakugou x Fem Athlete reader? I use to be a wrestler and when I watch bnha and see their workouts/training, it brings me back to the good times where i use to slam ppl into the floor lol (im soft i swear-). Maybe reader goes to a boot camp and doesn't see bakugo for awhile and they come back hella buffed up and can even lift Bakugou with ease, maybe they're a weightlifter?? Idk but i wanna see bakugo shook at his strong gf lol

I hope you like this my dear.

You were what most people called a behemoth.

A thick woman with muscle on an athletic build instead of thick hips. Your shoulders were broad, strong and could carry the weight of the world.

And often times it did.

It used to bother you that you were not as femme as other girls. As cutesy and petite until one day you came to the realization that you'd never look like the women on the front of magazines.

And that was a o fucking kay. And everyday since then you fought with yourself and your self image.

Because bitch you were a queen.

And being a confident cut throat queen added to your muscular stature had most *boys* avoiding you like the plague.

But that was fine because you were looking for a M! A! N!

Although you didn't know you'd find him so soon and in such an odd package.

It took one deadly smirk aimed at you for you to fall head over heels.

And it took one knockout punch for him.

Depsite the mutual feelings the two of you only ever interact or text to spar. You too worried that you're reading into his excitement too much. Thoroughly convinced he only sees you as a bro he can actually go all out with.

While he is too fucking oblivious to even realize he had feelings for you. Paying you compliments and even bragging on you in class with simple songs of praises such as "Tch. Y/LN would break your puney fucking arm in a wrestling match Kirishima!"

The doting ash blonde would eye you then, smiling proudly daring anyone to test your strength.

And double daring anyone to comment on that powerfully beautiful body of yours.

If he heard a single off colored comment or joke about you, whether you were there to defend yourself or not he would step in. Hands popping with unkempt rage as a shit eating grin erupted on his kissable lips.

The thought of him defending your honor had your cheeks burning with blush as you waltz through the thick doors of the gym, exactly where Kirishima said you could find him. Silently thankful that he is wearing headphones with music loud enough that he does not hear the door shut as you spy his damp, sculpted back pull his body upward as he counts with barely a grunt.

Well into the upper thousands as your heart flutters, body heating to the point that your kneecaps melt. Struggling to stand you turn on your heel, losing the nerve to tell him goodbye although you will only be gone for a short month. Still you wonder if you should send a text, thumbs hovering over the lit keyboard debating if he would even want to read a stupid message from a lousy extra like you.

And it wasn't like you'd get a reply while you were gone and even if you did where you were going your phone would be no better than a glorified iPod touch with the lack of signal out in bumfuck nowhereville.

You decide against it sliding your phone into your leggings pocket as you tighten the straps on your book bag setting out for what will hopefully push you in the right direction.

Camp is hard as you knew it would be. You were training with the best strength oriented quirk pro heros in the game! Sending you through grueling obstacle courses with semi truck tires and endless pits of sand and mud.

Not to mention you were pushed to the point of puking more often than not. Still you somehow made friends in between the exhausting training and gnarly cafeteria food. Laughing, helping one another and even exchanging numbers with promises to text when a mythical bar of service was found.

Cool water drips form your hair as you plop down on the bottom bunk with a sigh, your bed mate pokes her head out to look down at you. Meanwhile you stare at the last text your friend Mina had sent you for the umpteenth time this week. A photo of you and Bakugo sharing a rare laugh during training both of your cheeks flushed and hair clinging to sweating foreheads over a joke long forgotten. But the feeling would never fade.

You damn her silently for being so sneaky and sneaky enough to catch both you AND Bakugo off guard.

"You've been sighing like you're s/o is away at war!" She chides, "So who are you staring at?"

This gains the attention of the other two girls in the bunks across the way, eyes gleaming at the thought of sharing crushes. Heat flushes your skin bright pink as you attempt to lock your phone but swift hands above snatch it from your normally steely grip.

"Oh." Is all she says as she looks closely at the photo, Bakugo shirtless with, dripping with sweat and wearing his best smile as you're three quarters to the camera cheesing hard as hell.

"Well shit I'd be sighing too. Your man is hot as hell! Does he train with you?"

"A..ah he's um not.." Fear grips your windpipe as you try not to sound creepy as fuck for looking at a picture of what is only your classmate. You clear your throat, "We're just sparring partners."

"What?!" She zooms in on his face before showing it to the other girls and yourself as best she can out of your reach, "My sparring partner never smiles. Make him your man!"

"I'm not his type, Kimi!" You rush out, embarrassment having you cover your face. Shit you'd never be his type.

You couldn't imagine anything more than a petite fiery or even just plain shy girl who wore dresses and heels. A woman with all the right curves that would dangle from his arm as he showed her off. Not some brute who could practically snap any man in half.

Your heart sinks into your gut, tears threatening to spill.

"Then what's his type?" She asks dryly above you. Mind racing as you think of how Bakugo looks at the opposite sex, hell even the same sex in your class and you come up with the same face each time. He wears his ever agitated snarl and that's if he even glances their way. Scarlet eyes narrowed into slits save when the look at you. They are narrowed only from the effects of his upturned lips.

"I reckon he ain't got a type then?" She says staring down at you from over her mattress. You avoid eye contact as you speak.

"I...I just can't see him with me. I'm all bulky and burly like." You flex your banded arms for emphasis before pointing at your bunk mate above, "While you're more toned and that of a fitness magazine model."

"So what? So fucking what! Haven't you seen me oogling you all week? Or the other women who would kill to have your gains! We see it sis, we see it and stan it. You carry muscle where most women DREAM to!" She jumps from the top bunk lifting your shirt up to your sports bra," Abs bitch, you've got washboard abs! Meanwhile my stomach can barely become flat. And your back! Ugh don't get me started how you're stronger than super girl with that toned back and beautifully rounded ass. Why are you selling yourself short?"

Your lack of answer is met with a harsh slap on your stomach before the timed lights in the cabin die out.

"The first thing I want you to text me about is how you asked that hottie blonde out." She threatens before jumping to the top bunk like an agile cat.

The month ends with tight hugs and a long ride home. You welcome the scenery of the winding roads and mountains as the train speeds past, muscles screaming from the month before.

And stomach growling wanting nothing more than a home cooked meal. If you did the math right on the chore wheel. You'd be coming back to Katsuki's cooking. You slip in and out of conciousness dreaming of spicy grilled chicken.

A surprise waits for you as you get off at your stop for the train. The platform crowded with familar bodies of class 3A

as you dismount from the steps.

"WELCOME HOME Y/N!" They shout in unison as Mina and Urarka rush in for a hug. You pull away laughing before your eyes scan for a blonde and when they come up empty your stomach twists for a moment. Mina pulls your thoughts away as slips her pink arms through yours guiding you towards the exit of the train station. She fills you in on the things you'd missed that fun summer month.

Swimming, fireworks, watermelon.

All activities that they planned to do again of course, espeically now that you were back. Not to mention her now boyfriend, Kirishima who, always the gentleman, took your bags to carry on your soon to be journey down six blocks back to UA, to home.

Still you wish Bakugo would have come to greet you too, you pull out your phone for a moment. Ready to text Kimi how you were gonna be forever alone, instead you lock your phone angrily shoving it into your bag.

With each step closer towards the dorms your body becomes heavier, weighted down with your mood drop that you brush off as "I'm just tired Mina-chan" endlessly until you reach the dorms.

The class floods into the their third year dorms as the smell of food wafts over your senses, causing mixed feelings to fist fight in your stomach.

"I'm just gonna get some sparring in before dinner." You smile at Mina, as you head out clad in your ever present athleisure wear, short black shorts and a tanktop.

The outdoor punching bag takes the brunt of your anger, of your disappointment and mostly your own self loathing over being upset over your training buddy not coming to greet you.

Still it stings to know he didn't even bother to show up. Hell he didn't even greet you at the damn door to the dorms!

Arching your fist you slam it into the bag that bursts open as the chain snaps, soaring into the treeline behind the dorms. You huff, back turned before your stomach growls, begging to be fed.

You collect yourself as you hear the sliding door to the living room open.

"Oi! Y/N!" His voice comes out biting as he approaches. You look to the source damning your heart for fluttering at just the sight of him. You notice his skull shirt seems a bit tighter than when you last saw him, muscled arms flexing as he keeps his calloused hands in his pockets. Harsh eyes look you up and down. Roving over your body making you feel naked beneath their intensity as he silently assess your thick frame. Scarlet lingering on exposed soft thighs that he may or may not imagine himself between sometimes. It took the entire month of his "sparring" partner gone to realize she may have been more than just that.

He fights the blush on his cheeks before a devilish grin overtakes his normal snarl.

"Atta girl, coming back stronger than ever. Bet you kicked some ass at camp huh?" His praises has your heart soaring as your body moves on it's own. Anger melting into warmth as you scoop up the muscled man into a bone crushing hug, giggling as you swing him in a circle. That is before you realize your giddy action could make him seem weak, something Bakugo loathes. You set him down with several rushed "Sorry"s before he grips your wrist tightly. Eyes boring into yours as he struggles to keep his breathing even.

"No I should be the one who's sorry." He growls.

"For what?" He answers as he pulls you closer to him until your lips crash into his. Hands roving up your toned arms before strong fingers pull at the hair at the nape of your neck deepening the kiss while you turn into putty in popping hands. After a few moments he breaks free, looking over your stunning features.

"For not fucking doing that sooner. For not fucking realizing that I admire more than just your strength." He looks away slipping his hand into yours as he pulls you back to the dorms, "Come on! I didn't make my girl's favorite just so it could get cold damn it!"

He drags you into the house as you watch after him before you snap a photo sending it to Kimi with a caption underneath.

"He beat me to the punch."

[silhouetteofadancer]

Hi, there, excuse me but can you tell me if Kota is/has ever been not human in Kayfabe? Was there ever any supernatural element in the stories he were involved in?

Hi anon! Ok this question is really interesting thank you! Most of his matches where he has not been human are from ddt, and yes, it has been involved supernatural elements like voodoo, super move-attacks like videogames characters, fighting against a blow-up doll called Yoshihiko (one of the strongest wrestlers in the world that once beat Ibushi), challenged Hiromu Takahashi's grandson Daryl Takahashi Jr. and I think the best example of all time is when he burned his own chest while he was playing with fireworks (his favorite toy lol), for not to mention the lots of moonsaults he has done in his entire pro-wrestling career from very dangerous places and the uncountable neckbumps.

Now, actually I have zero proves but at the same time zero doubts that Kota Ibushi is not even human in real life.

[princedevitto]

The Golden Lovers Story, Most Beautiful Gay Story in Wrestling Industry

Kota Ibushi (left) and Kenny Omega after their reunion match in Honor Rising 2018. (doc.Voxcatch.fr)

For those of you who watches pro-wrestling probably glad with reunion of Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi dubbed as Golden Lovers. Both man has been long known as one of prolific tag team in pro-wrestling business, especially in Japan. Golden Lovers most notably known with their heated rivalry with Apollo 55, Ryusuke Taguchi and Prince Devitt (now Finn Balor in WWE). But did you know that Golden Lovers is more than meets the eye? They’re not just a tag team, they like brother to each other or you could say long lost sibling.

Story of Golden Lovers is a complex one. For me, they are bromance goals, some would say a happy gay love story but i don’t care as long as they delivers and produce great matches. This story begins around 2008 when Omega’s friend showed him videos of Kota Ibushi working with Japanese promotion, Dramatic Dream Team (DDT). This promotion most notably known because of their comedic matches. Okay, after that Omega seems hooked with Ibushi and thinks that is his destiny to fight him. So he create a challenge video then uploaded it to Youtube. Luckily, DDT saw the video and invite him to Japan and they agreed for a match.

Their first encounter happens in summer 2008 when Ibushi winning after a phoenix splash from top of vending machine. Yes, you read that right, a vending machine. This match also involving scene at the parkit lot and boxes of werehouse. After the match, these duo fell to their emotion, Omega indeed crying covered in sweat. This led to Ibushi responds by saying i love you to Omega.

Early 2009, Omega finally sign a contract with DDT and offically making him part of the roster. DDT claims that the Canadian one is full of potential and could be a great rival for Ibushi. But Omega and Ibushi says no, they don’t want to fight each other they want to be a team, a tag team. Somehow DDT agreed and named them Golden Brothers because their different ethnicities. Later both says they have different name in mind. Thus the Golden Lovers is born.

At first, their gay gimmick seems creepy and many jeered towards them. As time goes by they become beloved and multi time tag team champion in DDT. Golden Lovers become fan favourite with their combining of gay gimmick and multiple sync moves, they put on some of the best chemistry back then. Omega also said that their end goal is marriage. About a year after formed, they go to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) to rise their name in wrestling business.

In NJPW they engaged a rivalry with Apollo 55 and on October 11, 2010, they win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, in a match that later named as 2010 match of the year by Tokyo Sports. Golden Lovers then defends the title in their home promotion against former champion and team of Gedo and Jado. Their run ended early January 2011 when they lost the title back to Apollo 55.

This is the time when things start to run differently for both of them. They still formed Golden Lovers, but Ibushi getting more singles opportunites and wins championships. Many wrestling journalist saying what differ them is their talent. Ibushi is naturally talented while Omega is kinda hard working and never give up person, they like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of professional wrestling. This led to their second encounter when Ibushi succesfully defends his KO-D Openweight championship.

As time goes by, they are getting less and less fight side by side. Yes they twice won KO-D six man championships with temporary third man. But Ibushi making less appearance for DDT as he signs full time contract with NJPW, making him exclusive for both promotion. With NJPW, Ibushi entered a heated rivalry with Prince Devitt where both competing for IWGP Junior Heavyweight title and Best of Super Junior series. He even briefly goes up to heavyweight classes to be a part of G1 Climax tournament.

Meanwhile, Omega starts his time as singles competitor in DDT. Winning single titles such as KO-D Openweight championship and DDT Extreme Division Championship defeating like of El Generico (Sami Zayn in WWE) and Isami Odaka.

In 2014 Ibushi announce that he move up to heavyweight class. Later that year, Omega signs full time contract with NJPW after his DDT paper expires but still remain in junior heavyweight class. October 2014, Golden Lovers wrestle their last match for DDT in winning way. Month later, Omega make his debut under NJPW contract and revealed as the newest member of Bullet Club, very popular stable in NJPW consisting of foreigners who works in NJPW or simply called gaijin.

Their first meeting in NJPW came when Omega cost Ibushi a IWGP Heavyweight match against AJ Styles, which at that time is the leader of Bullet Club. While Ibushi compete in heavyweight class, Omega makes a name for himself in junior heavyweight division. He wins IWGP Junior Heavyweight title on January 4, 2015 at Wrestle Kingdom 9 defeating Taguchi, then succesfully defend it against Mascara Dorada (Gran Metalik in WWE) and Alex Shelley. On July 5, he lost the title to KUSHIDA and won it again two months later before lost it back to KUSHIDA on January 4, 2016 at Wrestle Kingdom 10.

A day later, Omega and the rest of Bullet Club turned on AJ Styles and named as the new leader while simultaneously declared he is now heavyweight. While Omega rose to main eventer scene in NJPW the opposite happened to Ibushi. Having two full time contracts burnt him out as his neck injuries keeps nagging him. He then subsequently waive those contracts and becoming freelancer. He also participates in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) inaugural Cruiserweight Classic tournament. Ibushi made it to semifinal where he defeated by then champion, TJ Perkins.

While Ibushi battling in CWC, Omega entered 2016 G1 Climax tournament and wins it, the first gaijin to do so. Eventhough they’re apart, they keep referencing each other. Omega always does Ibushi’s move along G1 Climax, while Ibushi’s gear includes a wing symbol referencing Omega’s finisher move One Winged Angel.

After winning G1, Omega state that he is now surpassed Ibushi as singles competitor while saying he’s waiting for Ibushi here in New Japan while doing his best. Ibushi then responds in separate interview,”You’re lonely aren’t you? Well, i’m right here. Waiting.” As time goes on, both are live their separate lives. Omega making historic three six stars matches with Kazuchika Okada and become first NJPW United States Champion, while Ibushi doing comedic wrestling things such as set up fireworks in his chest, wrestle a sex doll, and fought in merry-go-round theme park and dressed as cartoon character, Tiger Mask W, in NJPW.

And finally the G1 climax season come. Omega of course participates as defending champion. Surprise came when Ibushi also announced as participant but both are placed separate block. Through the G1 Climax there’s a hope that former Golden Lovers will meet each other in finals, including me. Sadly that’s not happen, only Omega makes it to finals. He then lost to eventual champion, Tetsuya Naito. At the backstage after the lost, Ibushi comes to see wounded Omega. They briefly talk before slowly push Ibushi away. This is also first time both meet after 2015 betrayal with AJ Styles.

Ibushi then engaged a rivalry with Bullet Club member, Cody. Both met at Wrestle Kingdom 12 and the golden star emerge victorious following phoenix splash. This match also has tremendous spot when Cody cross-rhodes Ibushi from appron to floor. A day after WK12, Cody is victorious in tag match against Ibushi. After that Cody and Bullet Club trying to beat down Ibushi. When former WWE star wants to hit with a chair, Omega comes and save Ibushi from beat down. He’s risking to lose Bullet Club after once he leave Ibushi for Bullet Club.

Weeks later, Omega lost the US championship to Jay White. After the match, fellow Bullet Club member, Hangman Page, come to the ring, snatch the belt and challenge White. But Omega neglect him and give the belt back to White. An angered Cody then give Omega cross-rhodes and put Omega’s Bullet Club status questioned. Ibushi then runs in through the crowd to save Omega from further beatdown and offers a handshake.

Omega refuse the handshake and seems self-loathingly after betraying Ibushi. When he want to leave Ibushi pulls him and both man shares hug while embracing tears, cheers, and confetti. The Golden Lovers are finally back together.

In an interview after that, Omega declares he always thinks The Golden Lovers are the best team and he miss it. Their relationship probably one most important things in his life. The Canadian also saying that he always waiting for Ibushi, that’s why he doen’t leave NJPW. Golden Lovers also do a adoreable documentary about their reunion and training to together to find rhythm again. And finally at Honor Rising 2018 on February 23 and 24 these duo fighting again side by side againts some Bullet Club member.

For myself The Golden Lovers storyline is probably one of tear jerking moment in professional wrestling. It’s hard to say whether it’s real or kayfabe (wrestling term for fiction story), they stands in blurred line but the fact is many people touched by this happy gay love story. This also proof that gay isn’t a taboo thing in wrestling business.

Professional wrestling is a form of mixed art with athletic sport. There’s no room for homophobe people especially when Omega is reportedly literally bisexual. Like The Rock says, it doesn’t matter if true or not. Just let them deliver storyline and we criticize it in well manner fashion.

It’s interesting where this storyline goes. So many speculations created by internet wrestling community, whether it’s Ibushi joining Bullet Club, Omega kicked out, or there’s gonna be new faction formed. One thing to say from me, i don’t want any betrayal again in Golden Lovers. They’re like meant to be each other. I prefer both battling each other for coveted prize, maybe Kenny Omega vs Kota Ibushi in IWGP Heavyweight championship match? I hope it comes true.

P.S:  Big thanks to Simpsons Reference (@EffingBoring) on twitter for his shared information in his tweets. Also for profightdb.com and cagematch.com for their stats and tokyo-sports.co for interviews that quoted.

[nintendroid]

Nintendroid and Retro Cat Adventures vs Wrestling #4 - WWF RAW (Super Nintendo)

WWF RAW Holds a special place in my heart. It was the first wrestling game I ever played, just as I was getting into the world of Pro wrestling. While bigger and better wrestling games came into my life the older I got, I never forgot WWF RAW.

Putting my nostalgia aside, I feel that WWF RAW is a good wrestling game. The gameplay is accessible, it captures the early 90’s WWF feel, and they're a variety of match options for single and multiplayer. Many hours were spent playing it on my own, as well as having 5-star bouts with my cousins and little brother. When I wasn't able to wrestle my brother due to parental interference or I got tired of beating my action figure collection, WWF RAW gave me a whole new outlet for my wrestling fandom.

WWF RAW is the third in a handful of WWF games developed by Sculptured Software and published by LJN and later Acclaim. Gameplay stays consistent in the series with minor tweaks added.

In-ring gameplay is consistent with its predecessors. You can punch, kick, shoulder tackle opponents. The core mechanic is the “lockup”. As you lock up, you'll notice a meter above the wrestlers. You consistently tap buttons in hopes of letting your meter fill up to perform moves like suplexes, body slams, finishing moves, hip tosses, whatever else.

Each wrestler has a life bar or “stamina” meter. It depletes the more you whip on your opponents. Once their life bar is empty, you can cover them for a pinfall. However in the “brawl” option, the match is over when a player loses his life bar, no pinfall needed.

My personal favorite things about this game is the freedom. You can brawl on the outside, hit your opponent with a nearby chair and bucket, jump from the top rope onto your opponent outside the ring and beat up the referee with no real consequence. WWF RAW live up to the old phrase “anything can happen in the World Wrestling Federation” well.

I mentioned you can beat up the referee and it's hilarious. It's not an important part of RAW but it's one of those little details that makes this game so fun to play. If the referee is counting you out, your tag opponent can walk over, punch him in the head and break the count. If you're running the ropes, you can knock the referee out for a period of time. Knock him out three times, he gets up, waves his arms like “to hell with it” and leaves the ring for the rest of the match. Don't you wish you could do that in other sports games?

The roster is stacked. The Hart bros, Diesel, The Undertaker, Razor Ramon, Shawn Michael and more. I would go as far as saying the best roster of any of the WWF Super Nintendo titles. All have the same moveset outside of their finishers and “super moves”. They all have their own individual stats but outside of the 123 Kid’s running speed. They’re not noticeable.

The music is good. While the matches themselves have no BGM, the select screen and opening all contain 16 renditions of RAW’s opening theme and the wrestler’s entrance themes. They're all well done. It's weird however hearing Shawn Michaels “sexy boy” theme sans lyrics.

They're a nice variety in match options. You have one-on-one for exhibitions, brawl exhibitions, tag team and survivor series (with up to four players) royal rumble, where you try and throw everyone out of the ring and your tournament modes, where you beat everyone for the single or tag team championship. Good list of options and a far cry from the bare bones Super Wrestlemania from a couple years before.

Nitpicks? I have a few but they're really minor. Although the wrestlers have different stats like height and weight, they all look the same in-ring. Even the 400+ pound Yokozuna doesn't look his weight. While the character sprites all look good and they look like who they're representing, they all have the same face. Squashy, squinty eyes and straight mouths. It looks more like a caveman league.

My second nitpick is the super moves. Each superstar has a unique “super move” they can pull off with a button combination e.g. Owen Hart spins around the ring like a top, 123 Kid jumps 20 feet in the air for a splash. He super moves are ok, but they're out of place here. They're complicated to pull off and they’re better suited for an arcade game.

My last nitpick is the ending *SPOILER*. I tried so hard to beat this game when I was a kid and can still remember the day me and my cousin beat it as a tag team. The camera pans above the crowd, fireworks go off and…white text congratulating you on the win. Where is my championship belt!? As awful as Wrestlemania for NES was, you at least got the heavyweight belt at the end of the game! I'm ready for the strap brother!

With my nitpicks out of the way, WWF RAW is a fun and entertaining wrestling title. I recommend it to anyone that's a fan of that era. It's a party game, so have some buddies over before a big PPV and go nuts.

I award WWF RAW with the “King of the Ring” rating. While too good to be a midcard champ but not quite a world champ, it’s definitely a top contender to be around for years to come. I’d easily put WWF RAW over Billy Gunn no question.

[keepingthespiritalive]

ZERO1 Results for August 20, 2017

ZERO1 Results for August 20, 2017

Pro Wrestling ZERO1 ‘Super Fireworks’ 8/20/17 (Sun) 13:00 @ Act City Hamamatsu in Shizuoka (1) Ricky Potts & Ikuto Hidaka vs. Sean Guinness & Tatsuhito Takaiwa ♦Winner: Guinness (12:18) with a Diving Foot Stomp on Potts (2) Hideki Suzuki vs. Yoshikazu Yokoyama ♦Winner: Suzuki (4:18) with a Reverse Full Nelson (3) Shinjiro Otani & Yusaku Obata vs. TARU & Takuya Sugawara ♦Winner: Obata (11:32) with…

[wrestlingmgc]

Blast King Champion Yoshihiro Takayama

[torontocomics]

FEBRUARY 21, TORONTO: The Toronto Comic Arts Festival continues its incredible 2017 Festival announcements with its Kids and Young Adult Guests and Programming! Perfect for kids and teens as well as everyone who loves comics for young people, TCAF's extensive Kids and YA Programs offer a chance to meet and interact with some of the biggest names in publishing!

TCAF KIDS DAY 2017: SATURDAY MAY 13

Now in its sixth year, TCAF Kids Day 2017 returns to St. Paul's on Bloor, 227 Bloor Street East (at Church). A full day of programming for young people, including live presentations, draw-alongs, author signings, activities, and much more! Best of all, it's completely free, and none of the activities require tickets: just show up and enjoy! The full details of TCAF Kids Day will be revealed in March, but you can count on many of the great creators listed below taking part! TCAF Kids Day starts at 10am, and concludes right around 5pm.

TCAF KIDS AREA @ TORONTO REFERENCE LIBRARY: SATURDAY MAY 13 & SUNDAY MAY 14

In addition to our special-venue, one-day-only event, TCAF will have an on-site space for kids both days, all day, at Toronto Reference Library in the Beeton Auditorium. There'll always be something fun on for the younger set, so swing by and meet authors, take part in activities, and more!

KIDS & YA FEATURED GUESTS!

TCAF has always been lucky enough to have some of the biggest names in comics for young people attend the Festival, and this year is no different! Check out this list which includes Governor General's Award-Winners, picture-book makers, manga creators, cartoonists galore, and some of the biggest names in Young Adult publishing!

Isabelle Arsenault and Fanny Britt are the team behind Jane, the Fox and Me. It was the winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award for Children’s Illustration (French) and the Joe Shuster Award for Best Writer and Best Artist. It was also named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book. They're attending TCAF to promote Louis Undercover, out this Fall from Groundwood Books.

Svetlana Chmakova is an award-winning graphic novelist, with over 10 books published, and work translated into 13 languages. Her full-length manga series include the fan-favorite romantic comedy Dramacon, the award-winning urban fantasy Nightschool: The Weirn Books, as well as the manga adaptation of the NYT bestselling Witch & Wizard by James Patterson. Svetlana's current work is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning middle grade graphic novel Awkward, as well as its follow-up Brave published by Yen Press (and debuting at TCAF 2017!).

Elise Gravel is an author illustrator from Montreal, Quebec. A prolific artist, she currently has over thirty children’s books to her name which have been translated into a dozen languages, including I Want a Monster! and The Disgusting Critters series. In 2012, Gravel received the Governor General’s Literary Award for her book The Great Antonio, about the famous Montreal strongman with a heart of gold. Elise will debut her sketchbook, If Found... Please Return to Elise Gravel, with Drawn & Quarterly at TCAF 2017.

Matt Forsythe is a cartoonist and illustrator known for his award-winning comics Ojingogo and Jinchalo, as well as being the lead designer on Adventure Time from 2012-2014. His picture books include My Name is Elizabeth, Warning:Do Not Open This Book, and it's follow-up, Please Open This Book. He is attending TCAF in support of his latest picture book, The Gold Leaf, which was done in collaboration with Kirsten Hall.

Jarrett Williams is best known for his pro-wrestling/adventure series Super Pro K.O.! for Oni Press. When he is not drawing graphic novels, he’s working on covers and back-up comics for Invader Zim (Oni Press), Adventure Time (Boom Studios), and Powerpuff Girls (IDW). He currently writes and draws Hyper Force Neo for Z2 Comics.

Welcoming First Second Back to TCAF!

Industry leaders in Kids and YA Publishing, First Second Books celebrated its 10th Anniversary at TCAF last year, and are returning to TCAF 2017 with a truly incredible list of participating creators!

Scott Westerfeld is the author of the worldwide bestselling Uglies series and the Locus Award–winning Leviathan series, and is co-author of the Zeroes trilogy. His other novels include the New York Times bestseller Afterworlds, The Last Days, Peeps, So Yesterday, and the Midnighters trilogy. He is attending TCAF to debut Spill Zone, his first comics work, published by First Second Books.

Shannon Hale is the bestselling author of many books for children, including the Ever After High series, Princess Academy (Newbery Honor book), and The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl MG novel. She co-wrote the graphic novels Rapunzel's Revenge and Calamity Jack and the chapter book series The Princess in Black with her husband Dean Hale. She is attending TCAF to debut Real Friends with artist LeUyen Pham, published by First Second Books.

LeUyen Pham is the bestselling illustrator of The Princess in Black series with Shannon and Dean Hale.  She wrote and illustrated Big Sister, Little Sister and The Bear Who Wasn’t There and is the illustrator of many other picture books, including The Boy Who Loved Math. She attends TCAF to debut Real Friends, published by First Second Books.

In addition to these Featured Guests, TCAF is proud to welcome even more great creators from First Second Books for 2017, including:

Faith Erin Hicks - debuting The Stone Heart, her latest in the Nameless City trilogy. Other graphic novels include Friends with Boys, the Bigfoot Boy series, The Last of Us: American Dreams, and the Eisner Award–winning The Adventures of Superhero Girl.

Molly Ostertag - artist of the award-winning webcomic Strong Female Protagonist. She is debuting Shattered Warrior.

Matthew Loux - creator of Sidescrollers and the Salt Water Taffy series. Artist of F-Stop, Good Night Gabba Land. His latest book is The Time Museum.

Mike Cavallaro - artist of many books, including Parade (with fireworks), The Life and Times of Savior 28, the Foiled series , and Decelerate Blue.

Mike Holmes - debuting Secret Coders: Secrets & Sequences, the latest volume of his series with Gene Luen Yang.

George O'Connor - creator of the Olympians series as well as such graphic novels as Journey into Mohawk Country and Ball Peen Hammer.

Farel Dalrymple - creator of the highly acclaimed Wrenchies, Pop Gun War: Chain Letter, and IT WILL ALL HURT.

Box Brown - Ignatz Award-winning creator of Andre the Giant: Life and Legend and Tetris: The Games People Play.

Pénélope Bagieu - Already announced, Penelope Bagieu returns to TCAF 2017 with her First-Second Published Graphic Novel California Dreamin'.

Alison Wilgus - author of comics, prose, and animation, Alison Wilgus attends TCAF in support of Science Comics: Flying Machines.

But Wait, There's MORE!

Did you know that this year, almost one third of TCAF's more than 400 exhibiting creators ALSO make comics and graphic novels for young people? It's true! Stroll the exhibition floor to meet famous creators like Cecil Castellucci (Soupy Leaves Home, Dark Horse), Gigi D.G. (Cucumber Quest, First Second Books), Becky & Frank (Capture Creatures), Britt Wilson (Cat-Dad, King of the Goblins, Koyama Press), Ru Xu (NewsPrints, Scholastic Books), and literally dozens more! Best of all, we've made them SUPER-EASY to find on our website! Just visit the Kids Creators [Link] and YA Creators [Link] tabs on torontocomics.com.

In Closing...

TCAF is thrilled to continue to provide programs to comics readers of all ages, and we would like to thank all of the publishers who make our great kids programs possible!

[explicitmoxley]

[brittanyyoungblog]

Real Life Love Stories: Valentine’s Day Edition

It’s easy to make fun of Valentine’s Day or try write it off as cheesy—there are all the hearts, chubby cupids, storefronts covered in various hues of pinks and reds. But Valentine’s Day is about more than a dinner out or a bouquet of flowers. It’s an opportunity to do something romantic, to tell someone how you feel, or even take a chance on someone new.

The people in this month’s featured real life love stories from the archives of the online dating site and app Zoosk did just that. All their stories feature Valentine’s Day in some small form. Whether the day gave them inspiration to say hello, became their first date, or was the reason they came together, all these real life love stories wouldn’t have happened without this cheesy, silly little day.

Debby and Robert “Robert works a late shift so he asked if I would still be awake when he got home at 1:00 a.m. I said sure. I stayed up and we talked that night, or I should say morning, for almost three hours.”

I had been online dating for nine months and was beginning to think it was hopeless, when on Feb 9, 2015 I got a message from Robert. We started chatting and exchanged phone numbers that same night. Robert works a late shift so he asked if I would still be awake when he got home at 1:00 a.m. I said sure. I stayed up and we talked that night, or I should say morning, for almost three hours. And we continued to text or talk every night after that. Then, on February 11th he asked me, “Would you, could you, be my Valentine?” Of course I said yes! We had our first date on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, and it was FIREWORKS at first site. It feels so right between us… like we’re supposed to be together and have known each other forever. It’s such an amazing feeling that it’s hard to describe.

Gary and Karen “We met on Feb 13th, just before Valentine‘s Day, which could be an awkward time to begin a relationship, but for us it was perfect.”

While looking for people online, I was initially attracted to the devotion that Gary relayed when telling the story of his marriage and his wife’s death in his profile. I wrote him just to say I was sorry for his loss, and that I wished him well in his search. But then we started writing back and forth—we wrote very honest, heartfelt messages and shared our histories with each other. I travel a lot for work and had several trips to make that delayed our meeting by almost a month, so by the time we met we had written and talked on the phone at length. We met on Feb 13th, just before Valentine‘s Day, which could be an awkward time to begin a relationship, but for us it was perfect. Almost from the moment we met, I think we both knew this was it. We enjoy so many of the same things, and it seems our primary difference is Bears vs. Packers. We are both very loving, optimistic, laid back types of people, and we laugh through our days and our nights. We are both lovers of family, pets, travel, and it seems that each new encounter deepens our love. About 10 days ago we made a formal commitment with a ring. I cannot wait to spend my life with this uniquely amazing man.

Erika and Ernest “It was storming in Alabama and Georgia, but through the rain he came to meet me for the first time.”

I received a message from my soulmate Ernest on February 9, 2014 and I quickly responded. I didn’t even look to see where he lived and lol, to my surprise he lived in Auburn, Alabama and I live in Atlanta, Georgia. That scared me at first but he quickly reassured me. Well, a few phone conversations and text messages later we decided to meet. And on Valentine’s Day at that! He said he would do whatever it took for us to be together. It was storming in Alabama and Georgia, but through the rain he came to meet me for the first time. It truly was love at first sight. My daughter loves him and his son loves me. We don’t always know what the future holds but we know we are together in it.

Jenn and Andrew “I never expected that he would contact someone like me. He seemed so out of my league!”

One day I was scrolling through Zoosk and I came upon Andrew’s picture… He was handsome and his profile looked like he lived an interesting life as a fire fighter and an outdoors man. I liked his profile, but I never expected that he would contact someone like me. He seemed so out of my league! But one day he messaged me and we hit it off. We spent weeks and weeks talking on the phone and staying up late just talking. Then on Valentine’s Day he met me at my job as my surprise Valentine. Ever since then we haven’t left each other’s sides! Seven years later we have a son, a second baby on the way, and our wedding will be in September of this year!

Tammy and Griff “Your partner should be your best friend, your cheerleader, your lover, your hero… Your reason to smile, again.”

After nine years of being alone and raising my son alone, I had just about given up on love. I found the dating site Zoosk and thought half-heartedly… Eh I’ll try it and if anyone answers me that’s worth my time, then maybe… Then one night in February, when it was just creeping in on Valentine‘s Day and I was feeling a little sad, I saw this man’s profile that caught my eye… He said he was a Packer fan or something like that. So, me being the wisecracker that I am, I messaged him and asked, “How did you end up way down here from Green Bay?” I guess my knowledge of sports hooked him, because we exchanged numbers and we talked about pro-wrestling for about six hours straight! About a week later, we had our first date, and the rest is history. We were married in Las Vegas, three months after our one year dating anniversary. I believe a relationship should build and that your partner should be your best friend, your cheerleader, your lover, your hero… Your reason to smile, again.

Doyal and Debbie “It was like the people around us were coming and going in super fast motion as we stayed in slow motion.” 

When we first started chatting we just had simple and causal hellos. Then right when I was about to say goodbye Debbie asked me a riveting question… “Do you know the difference between chemistry and energy? Do you believe in a soulmate?” The question resonated with me because I understand metaphysics, quantum physics, and spiritual energy… I just knew I had to meet her. We met at a restaurant and sat and talked for five and half hours. It was like the people around us were coming and going in super fast motion as we stayed in slow motion, not wanting the day to end. Since that day we have never been apart and she definitely completes me. On Valentine’s Day Debbie knocked me out of my mind with a gift. It was a letter that she wrote to my mother (who passed away 25 years ago) thanking her for the greatest gift that she could of ever given her… Me.  Debbie put this letter in a helium balloon and we took it up to a mountain and released it to the heavens. She also bought a star and named it Judy after my mother, so when we look out into the night stars we can find her. She has three wonderful children (two with special needs) and I have two wonderful children and we all have found love and friendship with one another.

The post Real Life Love Stories: Valentine’s Day Edition appeared first on The Date Mix.

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