#a) we are seeing things through sonic’s perspective

[controlcha0s]

i have Far Too Many thoughts about shadow + savior complex

because first of all is the obvious point, maria. he holds his promise to her above all else, it has essentially crystallised into the center of his moral code. fight so that others can have a chance to be happy. agency vs destiny is a really important theme when it comes to shadow, as he’s always struggled with that agency and sense of self. however, i do think it bleeds over into an unhealthy degree in that he puts a lot of responsibility upon himself. this is combined with the fact he’s the ultimate lifeform and aware of that power. shadow is capable of a lot and therefore believes himself the most qualified for a particular situation (cough cough trying to take the inhibitors from sonic and fix the shatterverse in prime).

he also has his “lone wolf” tendencies, which is a combination of factors. shadow’s exterior is very rough and laconic, but he’s not necessarily an edgelord. it’s those traits along with being mature and calculating which makes him come across rude or cynical. he expresses care and respect, just in his own ways. but by default, he will take matters into his own hands and resist accepting help, and that’s on trauma :)

[thankskenpenders]

IDW's Fang the Hunter miniseries! All four issues are out now! I don't have as much to say about it as I did with the Knuckles show, but I do have some thoughts.

So! This is a pretty fun miniseries. I liked it.

It's fun to see Ian get to write a four-issue arc starring the Hooligans, his precious boys, with a B-plot showing Sonic and Tails' perspective on this little adventure. As always, Ian captures the characters' voices well. In particular, I really liked Bean in this, who despite being a slapstick screwball is actually a pretty perceptive guy. He often acts as sort of a voice of reason for Fang, seeing right through his sweet talking and pointing out how badly all of their schemes go but sticking around nonetheless just for funsies. And the art (illustrated this time by Mauro Fonseca for the first issue and Thomas Rothlisberger for the rest) is as good as we've come to expect from IDW's Classic Sonic output. Overall, this is a fun little romp that captures the vibes of the Classic era very well.

...But...

Well, as I've said before with the Amy and Tails anniversary specials, I feel like we're kind of seeing diminishing returns with these Classic spinoffs. They're fun, sure, and very nice to look at, but their writing always leave me wanting more.

A big part of this is just that there's just less to work with compared to the Modern universe. The Classic cast is much smaller, and within that cast there are a bunch of characters currently going unused, some of which are currently off-limits. Aside from the appearance of the Witchcarters in Tails' special, we've pretty much just stuck with the cast of Sonic Mania and the Hooligans, as established in the first special. No Chaotix, no Battle Bird Armada, barely any Honey. (Classic Vector was able to get a tiny cameo in the Amy special only because he was so obscured that it gave the IDW team plausible deniability to say it was actually a different character if Sega complained.) It's a very small box, and Ian's recent Classic comics haven't particularly expanded the boundaries of that box. They're just excuses to play the hits for old times' sake. And that was a lot of fun the first time around, but the novelty is starting to wear off for me.

I will admit, sure, the tighter focus on a specific set of characters from the games is a big part of the appeal of these Classic comics. They're simpler. They're nostalgic. They're shining the spotlight on characters that can't be used in the main series. They're the slavishly faithful old school Sonic comics that we could never get in the '90s, because the comics we did get diverged into their own continuities with tons of new characters. I get all that.

But the thing is, the Sonic comics have always added all those new characters because you can just do so much more with them. The game cast is great! But they're corporate mascots Sega keeps on a tight leash. You can do so much with a character like Sally or Surge that you could never do with any of the game characters, and by pushing into new territory with these new characters you can also bring out interesting new sides of the game cast. Maybe Sonic himself can't have some crazy complex character arc, but you can see how he'll respond to the things going on with these other characters, and how these other characters' arcs are informed by their relationships with Sonic.

So I look at the Fang miniseries, and I'm like. This was pretty fun. But by the end, what was the point of the story? What did we learn about the Hooligans as characters that we didn't already know? Is the point just to depict an adventure where things go off the rails a little and Bean and Bark end up a little miffed, explaining why they weren't with Fang in Superstars? There's potential for an arc there about the dissolution of the group, but it really does come off more as the type of spat these three probably get into all the time before coming back together for the next job. It's neither super dramatic nor super funny, feeling more like it ends on a fairly matter-of-fact note where Fang's like "welp, time to go do the events of Sonic Superstars" at the end, not particularly plussed by anything that happened in this arc. What we're left with is four issues of the Hooligans encountering recognizable characters and visiting recognizable locations from the Classic games, with little that really feels new or fresh here.

Ironically, the most interesting story element to me here (aside from Bean's characterization) is its tie to the main comics, something previous specials couldn't do since Sega had yet to reunify the Classic and Modern timelines. The plot of this comic revolves around Fang following the myth of the "eighth Chaos Emerald," riffing on both old playground rumors and Sonic the Fighters. What they actually end up finding isn't an extra Emerald, but rather the Warp Topaz that would eventually end up in Starline's possession in the Modern era, having apparently been found by the Hard-Boiled Heavies in the cave seen in the 900th Adventure special.

That's kinda neat, and the abilities of the Warp Topaz are used in fun ways. But this isn't exactly something to write home about for people who aren't lore nerds like me. There isn't a particularly meaningful connection between Fang and Starline's arcs here due to the presence of the Warp Topaz, it's just a thing for the wiki. Again, Ian's in his connect the dots mode a little more than I'd like here.

(...So wait, if Starline didn't find the Warp Topaz himself, did he track down the cave where the Heavies found it to leave that "greatness began here" graffiti? Eh, I guess that sounds like something he'd do. He's known for nothing if not his obsessiveness.)

So, again. This was a pretty good miniseries. This all makes it sound like I hated it, but I did like it overall. I particularly liked seeing the Hooligans fight the Hard-Boiled Heavies. But it leaves me feeling less fulfilled than something like Scrapnik Island or Tangle & Whisper or Imposter Syndrome. I get that, by the very definition of the word, Classic Sonic is always going to remain trapped in amber to some extent. This isn't the version of the franchise that's supposed to grow and change. That's what Modern Sonic does. Classic Sonic will always be trapped in the early '90s. I'm not asking for them to add a dozen new characters with complex dramatic arcs to the Classic comics, since that's not what Classic Sonic is about. But I think the other Classic Sonic stories not written by Ian - i.e. the driving school story by the McElroys and the two stories about Amy by Gale Galligan - show that you can tell fresh new Classic Sonic stories that aren't just about remixing the hits from the games.

If we're going to continue getting Classic Sonic comics from Ian (and I hope we do!), then I just hope he's able to find a better balance between familiar and new ideas, like he and Evan do so consistently with their Modern Sonic output.

[welcome-to-green-hills]

Bye mystery what are your thoughts on the whole ‘SoNiC cAn’T cRy’ rule on Twitter and from some writers? I find it stupid. He should be allowed to cry.

Hi Hon!❤️✨

Ummm… I feel that we’re missing a bit of information here. It’s became a bit of a meme on Twitter. And I think that the “meme” kinda lost its translation, if you know what I mean.

I’ve looked through fan Wikis, Reddit, Twitter, and other social media outlets to see what these mandates are. I found a Reddit post implying that there are regulations, but suggests that these are for IDW comics only (IDW Reddit, 2020).

Sonic is absolutely allowed to cry, he doesn’t cry in front of others (Ohshima, 2019). To him, in tears are a private feeling. The tears of grief and loss are for him to experience by himself. And that’s not a bad thing. It doesn’t mean that he’s not allowed to cry. It just means that it’s an emotion he feels and experiences himself. Something that he needs to listen to in order to make peace with it.

Let me put into this perspective; when we cry, we’re feel many emotions. Sometimes it’s hard to understand what emotions were feeling and how many we feel when it’s released. And sometimes feeling everything can cause sensory overload. If one cannot begin to identify what we’re feeling at that moment of time, do we really want to share that with others yet? Not necessarily. Sometimes being alone is the best thing. Being alone allows one to contemplate on why they’re feeling all of these strong emotions and provide a sense of inner peace. Taking a step back to feel our emotions allows ourselves to search within our heart and mind to understand we are so moved to begin with. There are times that I may not want to be near others when I cry. Sometimes I need to be alone. Being alone allows me the chance to sit and contemplate on what my heart and mind want me to hear.

I’ve shared with you all in the past that it’s okay to cry. Everyone should cry. What I haven’t done a good job in communicating is that you don’t always have to share your thoughts and feelings right away. I’m sorry for that. When we cry, it’s message from within our heart and soul that is screaming for attention. Sometimes crying and anger and any other strong emotion is your body asking for attention. It’s a message that needs to be heard and reflected upon in order to understand. This message helps us grow and become a better version of ourselves. It’s personal growth. It’s a lesson that only you can understand and appreciate what it’s teaching you. The message needs to be internalized before it can be shared with others. And sharing with others is entirely up to you! Feeling a strong emotion and healing from it could be private. It gives you a chance to look back from where you began and fully appreciate the growth that you’ve made from it.

I can completely understand where this misleading information comes from. He’s not emotionally constipated/out-of-tune as some fans claim. This does not mean that Sonic doesn’t trust his friends. Not at all! He’s very open and honest with others. Taking the time to be by himself to cry allows him a chance to release all of the emotions inside before he shares what he feels in his heart. He needs that peace to understand why he’s feeling the way that he feels in order to properly heal from it.

Does that make sense? I hope it does. If you need further explanation, let me know. I’m more than happy to reexplain if needed! I hope that this answers your question, my dear!❤️✨

[kingmaxstatic]

In Defense Of Lanolin, A Post About Perspective, Flaws and Development. (Part 2: Lanolin's Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice.)

Read Part 1 Here!

Like I said, the OG post was so long with JUST me bringing up the specific events I had to, eventually, make a part two. In this part I'm gonna be discussing Lanolin as a character! Moreso why she's probably the way she is currently! I'll also be discussing her role as a character.

Posting this here as well! I'm not saying that people disliking lanolin is bad but I do think the hate is over done!

Lanolin was introduced to us in issue 2 (WOW she was early in) She didn't really have much of a role at the time. She was a background for a while before being being re-introduced with a whole new look and personality during the Urban Warfare arc!

However she does go through more than that! In multiple arcs you can see her in the background. Most note worthy being her outfit change becoming more battle ready more time you see in the metal virus arc!

Her sense in style goes from something you'd wear during the summer time for a nice day out to something you'd wear for battle. I think that says a lot about what she went through. She goes from the jittery little thing to someone more strong.

So let's get this out of the way, Lanolin is traumatized by the badnik raids and probably even more so by the Zombot virus (and EVERYTHING ELSE she was caught up in)

"I never wanted to feel so helpless and unprepared again."

I feel a lot of Lanolin's "bossy" and "brashess" comes this. She acts the way she does because she doesn't want herself feel that way ever again. Trauma changes people, speaking from experience.

Whisper is also an example of this being shown in IDW sonic. She seems much bubblier in the past but now she's quiet and reserved because of the death of her team mates. I also want to add something ELSE to this (not to pull these events out again).

"I didn't want ANYONE to feel that way."

cut to me in a therapist chair. I believe a lot of the causes of Lanolin's biggest blunders does come from a place of not wanting anyone to feel helpless in the way SHE did. It's why she goes to protect the "new scared guy" (and manipulator with years of experience). It's why she reacts with such fear when the track breaks. It's all done out of this desire.

It's her moral code.

Also I think whenever she fails this it sends her into a pit of self loathing and I have the panels to prove this check this out. Take a look at this.

THAT right there is Lanolin's guilt. Can we talk about Lanolin's Guilt? PLEASE sonicblr I've been dying to talk about Lanolin's guilt with you ALL DAY okay?/ref

Lanolin openly acknowledging that she's afraid of failing others (in the sense of making people unsafe) in Urban Warfare (I feel at least) is a small but important key to understanding Lanolin's mindset. Lanolin feels GUILT every time she's done something to hurt others. It's why her eyes go so ghost wide when the track breaks.

Because she's put people in danger.

NOW I think Lanolin's biggest flaw is that she's not only blunt but I think she forgets that she can ALSO put people in danger (on accident, of course). When she realizes it I think it mentally comes crashing down for her. Girl DOES NOT handle failure well.

(screenshot added because it's cool, her powers are cool)

Lanolin's role in the comic is pretty clear as day, at least to me. She's the straight man! (Well probably not straight and not a man) Basically a straight man in media is someone who takes things seriously. It's their job to point out the utter bonkers stuff going around them and go "what?????"

Which is one of the first things we see her do in the first scenes she's in! I personally love how much her personality clashes with the others, adds some nice chemistry to the mix!

Characters that are typically characterized as "serious" will ALWAYS clash with the goof balls. It's the charm of the dynamic.

I don't know why people hate her so much, genuinely. She shares a lot of character traits with some fan favorites! I do think there might be a uh... bigger reason as to why people hate her.

"Max. What the hell are you talking about?"

Haha. Well. There's two characters I want to discuss for this that do share traits with her and are fan favorites. Other than characteristics.. there is one key difference I want to discuss between Lanolin and these two characters. And this is the hard part where despite the meme I talk about more difficult subject matter.

"What's the main difference between lanolin and these fan favorites?"

ah! Well uh.

Their Genders.

(and well alliance for Starline shurgs very loudly)

Yeah this is unfortunately discuss fandom sexism. It's not lost on me that people absolutely ADORE Shadow and Starline. Characters that are often ones to resort to whatever tactics they deem necessary to achieve their end goals. These tactics can include violence. Hell we know Starline is down right PETRIFIED of failure (issue 50). Shadow is also known for taking charge on things and boldy assuming stuff (SA2). Hell he even assumes himself to be an android at one point.

These are both characters that share a LOT character wise with Lanolin. I know for a FACT if Shadow was the one who kicked Silver out of team dark he'd still be loved. If Starline was in Lanolin's place you'd have people going "Oh guys hear me out owo,,". You know it's bad when I've seen more genuine hate and vile spread about the traumatized teenager than the grown man who canonically helped caused a zombie outbreak (and so much more!!!). I'm saying this and Starline is my favorite Idw character! Keep that in mind while reading all of this!

People would've adored Lanolin if she was a guy. I'm betting it RIGHT now. She wouldn't be "bitchy" she'd be "determined and strong". She wouldn't of "gotten what she deserved" there would've been posts about how it "wasn't his fault <:[[[[".

Why do I say this? Because I've seen this happen in fandom.

Again

And Again

And AGAIN.

HELL Even to the extent that people have called Mabel Pines, A 12 YEAR OLD. A Manipulator. Princess Bubble gum wasn't being nice to Finn she was "leading him on". Rose Quartz wasn't a morally gray figure she was "a reckless person".

Lanolin isn't "just doing her job and making a mistake" she's "being a bitch and getting what she deserved".

I'm gonna keep it real with you guys, I was considering deleting this last part of the post but I genuinely think it needs to be said, Lanolin's hate feels SO deeply rooted in sexism. Espically with all the talk of her "getting what she deserved". I'm so stuck on that because it feels so... gross. Saying you want her cooked. Saying you want her dead. Feels so gross. She's a teenager, most likely. Even then she openly acknowledges she's inexperienced.

She's learning, let her learn. Like everyone is letting Surge learn.

Am I saying everyone who hates Lanolin is a sexist? No. Am I saying that Lanolin would've been given more slack if she was a man? Abso-fucking-lutely.

WHOA that got super serious real quick haha! Well!!!! That's the post! Sorry guys I tried to keep this one light hearted but I genuinely felt like I had to get that last part off of my chest. I really hope the next "character deep dive" I make is more light hearted. Thank you for reading!

[omegalomania]

no ok like. i know this is The YBC Blog and all but i really truly need to go off about how GENUINELY fucking fascinating the whole "young volcanoes" video is on a metatextual level. like the entirety of the youngblood chronicles says a WHOLE hell of a lot about the band in terms of the metaphors it's painting wrt the hiatus and reformation and the fact that they took this particular song (sonically incredibly airy and cheerful, lyrically desolate) and turned it into the dinner party from hell. this is a story where an external force chops up the lead singer and hollows him out and then serves his organs to the rest of the band. theyre made to consume him, literally, against their will!!! and thats not all!! they are vividly hallucinating at this point, because theyve been heavily drugged - again, against their will! - and they see this whole thing as a joyous affair. in their blitzed out brains, this is them reuniting after the harrowing experience of being kidnapped off the goddamn streets! and then they have this fucked up trippy GROUP HALLUCINATION where they are literally EATING PATRICKS ORGANS. and in the real world, none of them can see this happening - except patrick. patrick is not blindfolded. patrick can see them being forcefed his own viscera and he's too fucking high off his ass to do anything about it. in fact, in reality, he barely acknowledges his bandmates at all.

like just thinking about this from a metaphorical perspective. its fucking fascinating innit. the band literally cannibalizes patrick against their will, and he cannibalizes himself against his will, and they are all made to believe this is something that they want to have happen. they are misled and drugged into this. they eat him alive. they eat him ALIVE. and they are made to think they're having a great time doing it.

the band consumes itself for the seeming entertainment of the onlooking vixens. and they don't explore this through the avenue of pete, who the rest of the band regularly cites as the creative impetus behind the band, but through patrick, the voice. the mouthpiece. the one who sings the words. this is the third fucking video they released when the band came back from hiatus. and its this. it is the band being forced to consume the lead singer and primary composer from the inside, and him participating in this forced consumption.

it makes me grip my head and scream. we witness this horrifying incident so early and things only get worse and worse from there. for all that patrick kills joe and pete later in the narrative, they have patrick's blood on their lips first, staining their mouths, slicking their insides. and, like the case with patrick, who has been warped into something violent, they don't do this willingly; it is done to them. we see what true and genuine hatred of music and creativity has motivated the vixens to do. and in contrast we see, by the story's end, the thesis statement that the defenders of the faith love each other beyond any earthly horror that can be inflicted upon them. how unbelievably unfathomably fucking captivating for this to be present at the very start, this warped perversion of that kind of love. what else is friendship and brotherhood but this. what else is love at its most destructive and possessive than this. we are friends, we are brothers in arms, we are companions until the bitterest of all bitter ends. we have wrought immeasurable horrors upon each other. we have consumed each other. we have eaten each other alive. we all have each other's blood on our hands and in our mouths. if save rock and roll is the brightest and most elevated declaration of love imaginable, then young volcanoes is the darkest and most twisted. we don't want to be here. we're having the time of our lives. we're trapped. we're screaming. we missed you. we are better together. we are destroying each other. we love you. we love you to the most twisted and horrific and absolute endpoint imaginable. we love you. they won't let us stop loving you. we love you. they won't let us stop. we love you.

[benis-chillin]

IDW's Fang the Hunter and the failure of Neo-Classic Sonic

(In case you're stupid, this is an opinion piece made for discussion)

Greetings, boys and goyles. I'm Benis, otherwise known as Benis Chillin, Sonic lore enthusiast and fanfic writer. I say the latter part because I want people to know that I'm well aware that many of my criticisms are based in the fact that I'm a writer, and unlike most people, I try to run more by objective canon than my whims. I explain it more here.

And per those standards…The current state of Classic Sonic SUCKS.

Now, I am a Modern Sonic fan through and through. I LIKED the 4 main Classic games when I played through them, but Sonic Adventure was the one that truly hooked me in. The world established by that game, and the ones that followed, just have my interest more, and I would prefer things be made in service to THAT.

However, to the greater detriment of society, Sonic Generations happened, and Classic Sonic was reestablished as part of the brand after years of Modern Sonic being THE face of everything, with even collections of Classic games using Modern Sonic artwork. And with the environment of the internet in the 2010's, it's no surprise that they decided to let Classic be its own sort of "brand" with Sonic Mania(bleh)and Forces(less bleh).

But they had a fun spin on it: A split timeline.

As explained above, Classic Sonic was given his own little mini-continuity to run around in, which is actually a brilliant idea, from a brand perspective. Original Classic Sonic had the creative freedom to do whatever the heck he wanted to, since he was the main Sonic. However, new Classic material, or Neo-Classic material, as I shall now refer to it, if left in the main timeline, inherently has the “prequel” problem where things HAVE to have some kind of hook for it to really be worth having another branch of the brand available. I wouldn’t say EVERY brand has this problem, but even the most masterful uses of that format have to deal with the fact that the future is predetermined, and Neo-Classic Sonic material just does not have the leg room to work around that problem.

So, split the timeline, and just do whatever with it. It’s an AU, go nuts! Let a part of the brand reset and grow in a different way for that audience who isn’t into that Modern stuff!

And we had a promising enough start with the 30th anniversary comics! Full of interesting returns that you didn’t really see in the mainline books. Heck, we got an actual look at the design of Metal Knuckles, that was pretty rad!

Bark, Bean, and Fang also had an appearance that made their old Archie team somewhat canon, after they only appeared as illusions in Mania.  Sure, these characters were neat in the Archie comics, but getting a proper form of that in a continuity free of that Satam Stank was nice. This particular comic being a separate thing from my main love, while not diving into the weird stuff that would turn me off from it, inherently made the comic more interesting, even though I’m not much of a Classic Sonic fan.

And so this sentiment continued through the next specials, but something else began to shift on Sega’s side. The dumbassery of single timeline was stated to be the new status quo, and they started acting as such with new Sonic material.

Sonic Superstars came out, too, and my feelings on that are known. Now, after his appearance in the comics had been a bit of a treat, even if you didn't like him, Fang was in an official Sonic game again, with 3D renders to boot!

...But he was still the same jackass with barely any personality that he was before. Because Superstars was TRYING to be like 3&K with its storytelling, while lacking basically every element that made 3&K's storytelling work. Combine the lackluster story and music, both of which were caused by the idea of it being a Neo-Classic game, with the fact that the graphics were 3D, and now the question is being raised of, "Why wasn't this just a Modern Sonic game?" 

Cause from an outsider's perspective, it being a Neo-Classic game only served to hold it back in a ton of ways!

For example, the character of Trip. She seems well liked in the Sonic fanbase, but Sega's kinda funky with how they handle characters being both Classic and Modern. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Eggman, and Metal Sonic seem to be allowed to exist in both parts of the brand, but that's it. 

Knuckles Chaotix is said to be canon, but the Classic Chaotix are unlikely to appear anytime soon since Sonic Heroes soft-rebooted them. Mecha Sonic was allowed to appear in the Modern "Scrapnik Island" mini-series, but I suspect it's seen by Sega as a "modern reboot" rather than a character being allowed to co-exist between the two brands again. Heck, they didn't even have the guts to show the Classic versions of the characters during the flashbacks, even though logically, they were still referencing 3&K.

 So will Trip be allowed to appear in any meaningful way in the future? Probably not, the way things have been going.

So, if all Classic characters can only appear in Neo-Classic material, then the Neo-Classic material has to be as good as it can be, right?

Well, that's where the Fang mini comes in.

Written by Ian Flynn, who has very much been showing how utterly stretched he is across so many Sonic projects lately(even if I would still regard him as a fairly decent writer, just...Has his limits), the Fang mini is the epitome of BORING! 

The basic story is that Fang and his gang are seeking out, "The eighth Chaos Emerald," visit a few people who tell him it doesn't exist, and then Eggman sends him to deal with the Hardboiled Heavies going rogue.

Along the way, Fang is just randomly a dick to his friends, and they end up abandoning his ass at the end because this comic is, for some reason, a direct prequel to Sonic Superstars, and we apparently needed an explanation of why they weren't there?

If my summary didn't sound that bad to you, it's because you don't have to go through the grueling wait that being an IDW Sonic fan entails.

Seriously, the wait between issues of IDW Sonic has become a real problem the past few years. Ever since the Metal Virus ended, the main book has had a massive problem with pacing. 

And sure, there are arcs and ideas I like there, I AM a fan, but not a lot HAPPENS in each issue compared to earlier in the book's run. Even re-reading them, the pace is oddly slow for a book about a fast character, and the issue especially persists here...On top of the main book being paused for a bit so THIS shit could come out.

(Current arc is doing better, though, so hope they keep that up)

Issues 1&2 are wasted with Fang harassing Sonic and Knuckles for a bit that, guess what? Goes nowhere! And then we briefly divert to Fang and co. in a watery old Eggbase so Eggman can capture them and actually get the plot going…3 issues into a 4-issue mini! Then, we finally get to the main event, where all will be revealed! And…

It's the Warp Topaz from the main book. The Hardboiled Heavies found it in a cave, where nobody ELSE knew it was, so it can't be the source of the 8th Chaos Emerald rumors.

Like I told ya, that went NOWHERE!

So they fight the bland-as-shit Heavies, Fang adds the Warp Topaz to his hover bike thing, and the airship is wrecked, leaving Sonic and Tails to have no idea what just happened, their involvement being a complete wash.

And our story ends with Bark and Bean rocketing off in little hovercars that just raise the question of why they didn't use those when Fang threatened to kick them off in Issue 2, since he has no say in whether or not they launch.

I actually managed to ask Ian Flynn about this on the Bumblekast, and this was his response:

Worth noting that the final issue has an additional editor that didn't work on the previous issues. Not saying EVERYONE'S blameless in this, but if I had to choose a weak point…

This mini-series encapsulates every little issue the Neo-Classic line has had since they officially eschewed split timeline.

 It feels the need to go out of its way to explain shit that doesn’t matter, like where Bark and Bean were during Superstars, Fang having the Warp Topaz, but not using it during Superstars creates a gaping plot hole that will not wash away, and it not going away at the end brings up a lot of timeline issues that I can only hope that Knuckles special resolves! 

In fact, why didn’t HE get the mini!?

Even in his Classic state, Knuckles has a LOT more to carry a story with! From the secrets of his island, to the mysteries of his people(which Adventure and the Frontiers promo animation hinted at), to even just doing his own treasure hunts! Heck, you could even pin him against both Fang’s crew and the HBH, and you’ve got enough of a banger to hold 4 action-packed issues right there! 

But no! Instead, we get a book that seems written to depend on the personalities of the protagonists…When said protagonists barely have any personality.

Like, let’s consider Team Chaotix from Sonic Heroes ALONE. Vector is the loud, bombastic leader with a love of music, and true detective skills, as showcased by him figuring out that their employer was Eggman on his own by Rail Canyon. Espio is the disciplined, if a bit full of himself, ninja, taking down the bad guys with stealth and precision, while also being somewhat melodramatic. And Charmy is the excitable ADHD kid of the group who may occasionally want to go off-track and play around in the giant casino area.

These characters are simple, yet so full of personality that you immediately like them(unless you’re a 2010’s YouTuber). THESE guys can hold a narrative.

By comparison, what do Fang’s gang have after 3 comic appearances and Sonic Superstars?

Fang is a hired goon who has goons, Bean is “funny” bomb man, and Bark is the silent strong guy with a soft spot.

That is really it.

And this was FINE back when they were still in “Sega forgot us” territory. Being obscure oddities that we would rarely get in stories actually did a lot of heavy lifting for their more limited personalities. Despite what the current writers seem to feel about such limits, judging by Silver and Blaze's current "vacations" in the main book, characters being rarer can actually endear you to them.

But now, these guys aren't really that rare. In fact, I’d say they’re about equal to Team Chaotix in terms of mass media exposure within the past 5 years, and they’re considerably lacking in comparison. 

Hell, even compared to the characters created RECENTLY in IDW and the Modern games, they're pretty lackluster. Yet I'm supposed to care about these assholes just as much as those guys?

Which, really, is how ALL of the Neo-Classic media feels these days.

Look, I get that Neo-Classic Sonic media doesn’t want to step on the toes of Modern Sonic. I do. But I really think it needs a good shake-up.

Quit treating it like it’s this special thing, because it isn’t anymore. Find a more solid identity for this branch of Sonic if you want it to survive, cause THIS doesn’t cut it anymore.

AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT TIMELINE SPLIT ESTABLISHED IN A MAINLINE GAME, DAMNIT! THERE’S A STORY IN UNDOING THAT! TELL IT, OR I WILL!

[skaruresonic]

I vaguely remember people justifying Lanolin's disposition with "well it's a character flaw, God forbid we have unpleasant women"

But since we lack the context to explain why Lanolin is Like That(tm), it's just a bitter pill we have to swallow. Not that context would have exonerated her of her behavior, but it certainly would have done some work to mitigate the knee-jerk "dude, the fuck is your problem?" I feel when she glares at her teammates for no real reason. You can have unpleasant women without making them complete unlikable assholes for no reason.

She hasn't earned her authority; she orders the others around as if she does. The book doesn't explain her rigidity as the result of anxiety or trauma and she's always explaining things through a soldier's perspective.

I expect cleanliness, organization, and discipline from you. But I won't afford you the benefit of the doubt - one strike and you're out, Silver. It doesn't matter that you literally helped save the world. That's old hat now.

She's just plain willfully obtuse. She doesn't seem to recognize, let alone care, that Whisper is suffering from trauma and that, despite it, maybe if both Silver and Whisper are saying something's up, it should be looked into? At least? Instead of assuming the worst about them and thinking they're hazing the rookie for no reason?

Tangle, yeah, maybe, she's loud and brash and I could see how her antics would get on somebody's nerves. But does even Tangle warrant being glared at like she's a leper?

I don't even think Lanolin really counts as a part of the #girlboss polycule because the only people she doesn't glare daggers at are boys she likes, like Duo and Sonic. Much feminism, many wow.

It's frustrating because she sees no character growth. Not even someone to check her. To stand up to her, tell her to pull the stick out of her ass, the war is over, and stop treating her supposed teammates like crap.

Like, why does Whisper have to "stop fighting" and get over her trauma already but Lanolin is allowed to march around like a drill sergeant because of her supposed trauma? Make it make sense bruh

[libelelle]

OBLIGATORY DISCLAIMER. my opinion on Silver is by no means the single correct one nor do i think it should be, do what you do idc. we're all here throwing him at a wall repeatedly for fun

Ok so. whats the point i wanted to make. oh yeah right

SILVER THE HEDGEHOG!!!! FUCK!!!!

his character is so interesting this is a character for sure. im screaming and crying etc etc. the unfortunate part is NO ONE GETS HIM. i see a lot of interpretations that cherry pick his personality and experiences and it just! isnt it! he is a complicated character!

trying to simplify him down to 🥺innocent soft boi🥺 doesn't work, not only cause you're ignoring his DEBUT GAME (NEVER FORGET HE TRIED KILLING SONIC) but also because you just disconnected him from his entire backstory and motivations. i see people making Silver into a "cinnamon roll" guy and it always makes me grimace because... do you know WHY he is clueless. do you know why he doesn't get things or is too trusting or this or that. its because he grew up in the apocalypse alone. he hasn't experienced anything normal or healthy in his entire life. and since these traits, which are used to make him into the innocent cinnamon roll, are a result of growing up in a very abnormal environment, are symptoms of having never been in social situations and never had a normal day-to-day life. this means you can't ignore the OTHER characteristics that result from it. by this i mean hes very independent, very stubborn and aggressively mean (i recommend watching any of Silvers interactions in the Rivals games. he is extremely confrontational and a very good example of the kind of behaviour i'm talking about). but since this doesn't fit the bill for the character that you want him to be, you remove the context. him being clueless has nothing to do with his background. hes anxious cause hes a smol bean, not because hes been drowning in responsibility and trauma for as long as hes been alive. hes kind because hes innocent, not because he chose to be despite it all

"but linnea! what about IDW! hes very innocent in that!" INCORRECT BUZZER. IDW is not the same. i'll admit, the writing isn't always what i want or expect for Silver, but there's something important for you to note here

Silver is ✨Recovering✨

from my perspective at least. what i see is Silver, who has actively been working together with other people for MONTHS. he has friends, a support net, as well as hobbies. these are things he didn't have before, and being with these people, in both calm and hard times, helped him. So what we are seeing isn't the trauma responses, we're seeing the result of being acclimatized into a healthier and safer position. that's why there's a change in behaviour. this doesn't mean hes a soft boy now. AGAIN hes complicated. be careful not to boil him down to a single trait. in IDW we still see moments where he experiences difficulties because of his past. examples include when he met Whisper, Failed Social Interaction and said this:

he struggles with boundaries! of course he does! he's still getting the hang of being around people

then also recently when he came to help Sonic in 58:

he is struggling!! with nothing to focus on! his default is fight fight save the future fight!! he's not used to normal life and that makes him anxious and frustrated, unable to focus on things he cares about, as we see in the future growth comic in the 2022 annual

there are likely more examples but idc. need to finish this post. continuing, Silver is complicated, meaning that even when he is aggressive and tunnel visioning on a task, he has more going on. one thing i fucking lovee LOVE love about Silver is that he has hope. fuck if i were him i think i'd have given up. THOSE horrors? every day? no thanks

Silver feels anguish and frustration and fear. this being said even at his angstiest moments he has hope. you cannot look me in the eye and tell me that Silver fought through every horrible disaster, coming back to a newly devastated world every time and decided to continue with no hope for a better future. he is determined and he has hope, even if he has to fight tooth and nail for it. Usually when i think about Silver and his odd optimism, i go back to '06, when he's having his moral crisis over killing sonic.

"To kill someone to save the world... is that really the right thing to do?"

it would've been understandable if he decided it was the right thing to do, even if sonic was someone who was kind and loved, because that's just how bad the world is. maybe its just me, but the way this thought broke through in spite of his bull headed focus on destroying the iblis trigger speaks to me about his nature as a person. even coming from the bleak world he came from and even with the tunnel vision he had, he still considered this one persons life to be important too.

he is, at heart, a very gentle and kind person. he is, at heart, someone who is strong and who wants to help others. a version of Silver that is sad all the time, unable to see the good in the world (a phenomena i don't see much of thankfully) isn't true to Silver as a character because its missing that core trait to his character, that he wants to help because he cares.

Silver can't be one or the other. one way ignores his background and his trauma, which leaves out important parts of his personality, the other just abandons a very integral part of who he is.

the point really is to say that (slaps roof of Silver) this bad boy can fit so much layers!

[elizabethrobertajones]

so after taking like half a year to watch the second doctor, I burned through Pertwee Doctor in what felt like a week. I was fully ready to formally induct him to the hall of favourites somewhere around the top, pending the wikipedia search to check he such wasn't a terrible guy IRL it made it into the personal life section as per the last 2, and -

[refuses to be in a film when a producer won't hire a gay friend]

good start, good start (already liked everything else I read but this is an incredible character merit mark for a guy in the 50s)

[the doctor is literally just him being himself on camera]

Oh, so I just want him to be my friend, I see

[he said the catalyst for leaving was the death of Roger Delgado among other changes in the last year]

Wait WHAT - is that why there was no more Master later on -

[Delgado died on location filming in Turkey, his own wiki page repeats that this was why Pertwee wanted out]

NO NO NO NO NNOOOO

HOW IS THIS HUGE BIT OF DOCTOR WHO HISTORY SOMETHING I NEVER HEARD ABOUT? I GREW UP IN SCI FI CONVENTION SPACES BUT EVERYONE JUST TALKS ABOUT TOM BAKER LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED BEFORE?

WHAT THE FUCK.

I am DISTRAUGHT, the Doctor/Master stuff from the first few seasons of the 3rd Doctor was absolutely INCREDIBLE television. I'd been assuming Delgado maybe had somewhere else to be. Heartily recommend watching that entire run of the show if you don't want to start any earlier.

Well, anyway. :(

I know people don't like the weird James Bond swing it all took with him but the show had been getting more action-y anyway under the 2nd doctor and then a guy who had literally been in the inner circle with all the WWII creatives like Ian Fleming and probably helped INSPIRE James Bond gets the role, I'm feeling like we're blessed and privileged from this perspective of getting to watch it as a historical artefact. I'm assuming based on the vague things I know about the 4th Doctor, the first I'm meeting with any preconceptions, that he's obviously not capable of bringing THAT to the table because that was no ordinary skillset, Pertwee was clearly a top 0.00001% of actors and Guys Who Had Lived A Life, who happened to be doing a silly BBC sci fi show. I'm expecting it to tone back on all these things.

And then in hindsight from the Doctor Who revival era, all the nonsense he brought, aside from the Venusian Karate and flying car and a few other extreme eccentricities, end up being stuff that feels much more modern and like the kind of antics the Doctor gets involved in. Like, he took the sonic screwdriver from being a couple of times joke into a multi-tool with the first joke about it not working on wood after he uses it through many episodes to escape or explode things, all of which is so common nature to the Doctor nowadays.

He also had far more of the casual behaviours we think of as The Doctor now, especially way less circumspect name dropping of historical people and a sense of having lived all around time and space, sometimes for extensive periods of time (he clearly like. LIVED on Venus to pick up all the various throwaway jokes about Venusian culture to explain things he does lmao). Weirdly, despite knowing he was a timetraveller from the jump, the previous two doctors were quite close-lipped about who they knew and had met, and rarely namedropped.

In any case, carrying on into 4th doctor era cautiously because I am 1: sad and 2: deeply let down by my perception of Whovian culture as I've been exposed to it, which sets a ridiculously high bar for Baker as the high watermark of Who and meanwhile I have just bid farewell to watching one of the most electric actors I've ever seen in anything ever while feeling wildly upset on his behalf that there isn't a bonkers appreciative fan culture for everything he did and he's written off as one of the quirky weird early doctors you don't need to bother with.

(AND THERE WAS WRITTEN QUEER DOCTOR MOMENTS. AT LEAST 2-3 OF THEM, GENDER AND SEXUALITY-WISE. HE GOT TALKED TO IN POLARI. ON TV IN 1972. THAT DOES NOT HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT.)

[noonaishere]

Online/Offline [C.S] - forty-eight | today’s prize is: Cash!

The game ended when Mick and Ryujin pulled a last minute Hail Mary and managed to kill San and Yeji. ‘Defeat’, the title said as it ended, the bean-shaped spacemen appearing on screen.

“Wow….” Yeji said. “We’ve known each other how long Mick? And you just kill me like that.?”

Mick laughed. “Hey, I don’t know why you thought I was so trustworthy when Cat correctly sussed me out for faking Keys.”

“It was literally Keys!” You shouted. “How did none of you believe me?”

“Um, I think I know.” San said.

“Don’t you dare.”

Bracken laughed loudly into his mic. “Please, Morn, tell us.”

“In the game before this, you:” San addressed you pointedly, “Voted the other imposter out, threw me under the bus, got Bracken voted out for faking something he didn’t fake--”

“Don’t forget that she reported my kill and then voted me out,” Ryujin added.

You laughed.

“Yeah, you reported your teammate’s kill and and then voted her out.” San amended his previous statement.

“And we won! So I don’t think I really did all that bad of a job. And also, that’s no reason not to believe me this time!” You laughed.

“Better than when Morn and Bracken won earlier because Yeji was third impostering so hard,” Ryujin added.

“Hey! I thought it was Mick!” Yeji shouted.

You all laughed.

“Cat, are you going to clip the part from earlier when we were in Decon and you divided Morn and Mick from the group?” 

“Yes, oh my god that was so good.”

2304273408: slut

For some reason that caught your eye, and your attention snapped to your chat. You saw it for a second before it disappeared and you would have thought you were seeing things if you didn’t already know that Quack was fast on the draw when it came to hate comments.

“Cat?” San asked.

“Yeah, sorry. What’d you say?”

“I asked what that looked like from your perspective.”

“Oh, it was like… you guys were almost done with tasks and I don’t know about Yeji, but I was panicking--”

“Oh, no, I was also panicking.”

The two of you laughed.

“So when me and her happened to walk over to Decon at the same time and I realized that there was a slim chance we could win, I spammed the button closed as fast as I could and managed to separate you and Mick from the group and we were able to kill you.”

“When I saw the doors start to close, I was like, ‘This is our chance!’” Yeji laughed.

“Wowwww…” San trailed off. “I’m going to watch that clip when you post it, it sounds good, actually.”

“Yeah, I was about to be mad, but it sounds like a great bit of tension.” Mick admitted.

“It was very cinematic,” Ryujin added.

“Okay, do we want to take a break? We just played four games in a row and I don’t know about you but I need more water.”

A chorus of ‘Yeah’s and ‘Yes’s answered Mick’s question.

“Okay, so… ten minutes?”

“Sounds good,” you answered.

Everyone muted as they took off their headphones and stretched or went to the bathroom or got snacks. You went to the bathroom and refilled your water and sat back down to the sound of crunching.

LeaBea: crunch munch crunch QuackIsWhack✅: So noisy A🌲SurroundedBy🌷s: MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH JohnnyYuta: CRUNCH CRUNCH

“Who’s munching and crunching over there?”

“Me.” San answered.

“Are you starting an ASMR channel?”

“Ohhh,” he said through whatever it was that he was eating. 

You heard him drag his mic closer and he began chewing the chips slower so he could exaggerate the sounds. Your brain went tingly and you spasmed at the sound.

“Gah!” 

“What was that?” He laughed.

“Ugh, you made my brain go all silly for a second and I got the jitters.”

YangYangGangGang: ASMR BRAIN!! A🌲SurroundedBy🌷s: SONIC ATTACK! JohnnyYuta: IT’S SUPER EFFECTIVE!

“Noooo, shut up!” You laughed.

“Me or your chat?”

“My chat’s making fun of me.”

“You seem to get roasted by them quite a bit.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure if they’re friends or enemies at this point.”

A🌲SurroundedBy🌷s: FRENEMIES JohnnyYuta: I love that skirt, where’d you get it? So retro

“Oh my god, Yuta and Tree are right: we’re frenemies.”

San laughed. “That… doesn’t seem good?”

“They’re kidding. We’re buds.”

JohnnyYuta: Best buds A🌲SurroundedBy🌷s: The bestest JohnnyYuta: The budest YangYangGangGang: The buddhist SleepySheepy😴: The boobist LuciPURR: Booba? MinHoe: Aww, I want boba now :(

You laughed at them and the rest of your chat went back to talking about whatever they had been chatting about while you were gone. 

You heard a sigh as Mick and Bracken sat back down at their desks, shortly joined by Yeji forgetting her mic was muted and Ryujin reminding her.

“Hmm…” Mick’s icon lit up as he thought out loud.

“Got something for us chief?” Ryujin asked.

He chuckled. “No, someone in my chat just asked why we don’t bet on the games we play.”

“Ew.” You said. “Life is enough of a gamble, I don’t also need to bet money on it.”

“I don’t have enough money to bet,” Yeji laughed.

“And like, what would happen if one of us is really good at a game and keeps winning and winning all the money? Then we’d end up never being able to play that game again.”

“Mhm.” Ryujin agreed.

“Also,” you added, “Keeho can’t bet. He’d be canceled right out of kpop.”

“They’d cancel him out for that?” San asked. 

“Yeah, it’s like an image thing. Gambling is right up there with drugs and bullying on the list of Things That Will Destroy a Career."

“Strangely enough,” you said, “plagiarism is not on that list.”

“Are we talking about the incident where that well-known-producer-I-won’t-name stole a nightcore song and didn’t even get in trouble when everyone found out?” Ryujin asked.

“You know the one.”

“Shots.” She said with a laugh.

You chuckled. It happened a few years ago, but it still made you mad.

“Well, chat, you heard the team!” Mick said to his own chat.

Bracken laughed. “What if we just did a prize at the end?”

“We’re not actually considering this, are we?” Ryujin asked.

“I don’t know, it could be fun. What do you think, Morn, you haven’t said anything.”

“Oh… I wasn’t sure if I was allowed, since I’m just a replacement for Keeho.” “You’re a part of the group, Morn.” You reassured him.

“Oh… really?”

“Yeah, we all like having you around.”

“Mhm!” Yeji agreed through whatever food was in her mouth.

“Yeji, chew before you choke yourself. And yeah, you’re cool, Morn.” Ryujin added.

“Definitely a stand-up guy.” Said Mick.

“Which is weird, because he’s probably sitting down.” Bracken added.

You all laughed. 

“Oh, um, thanks guys,” San said.

“Anyway,” you went back to the earlier topic, “for those of you in the chats who are wondering, Today’s prize is: Cash! Because we didn't know what to get you for your birthday anymore. We feel like we don't really know you since you moved out of the house, Susan. You never call.”

San laughed loudly.

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rachs-words •

[descendant-of-truth]

Well guys I did say in one of my tags that the Prime!Shadow analysis would be for another time and that time is now because I'm mentally shaking him around like a ragdoll trying to figure out his secrets

What I want to highlight is just, the sheer number of ways he's been set up as the odd one out in the first third of the season alone, and why I find that so interesting. So let's break that down for a minute:

The first thing we learn about him is that he's not Sonic's friend or enemy, but a secret third thing - his rival, as specified later

But despite having a clear label for it in episode 2, Sonic finds this particular dynamic "complicated." Shadow is the only person in his life that falls under that category, and it shows in how he describes him.

"He's a real buzzkill" (negative), "and he rollerskates!" (said with admiration). Sonic complains about Shadow and compliments him in the same breath, which is hilarious but also good for character building

In that same scene though, Shadow momentarily breaks into Sonic's narration to tell him that they're air shoes, not roller skates, which is ALSO funny but once again, he's the only character to do this. Even if it's for the sake of humor, Shadow is given a sort of... protagonist privilege, if you will. He's the only one to break the "Sonic POV," something he does not just this once, but multiple times over the course of a few episodes.

Now, there are other scenes that are from the perspectives of characters that aren't Sonic, but what makes Shadow's scenes different from theirs is that his are used specifically to show that Sonic can be an unreliable narrator.

The very first scene in the show after Sonic happily describes his status quo is the event with the Paradox Prism. A moment that Shadow was 100% there for, albeit towards the end, but who is conveniently left out until we return to the scene in later episodes.

And the framing is just. so deliberate on a rewatch that it hurts, because this is one of the very first shots we see of the show:

...and it takes place directly after Sonic knocks Shadow into a wall and runs away.

Literally the INSTANT Sonic takes his eyes off of Shadow is when the show's story begins, and it starts with Sonic narrating and completely glossing over Shadow's existence

(Is anyone else going insane over this. is it just me. does the implied mental gymnastics happening here make anyone else feel like they're vibrating)

Anyway as I was saying, removing Shadow from the scene with the Prism (even cutting out his voice when he shouts "Chaos Control") keeps us in Sonic's perspective just enough to share in his confusion when he starts to remember the incident more clearly.

(It also implies that he didn't consider Shadow to be important enough to take note of in the first moment we watch the scene, which. oof, sorry Shadow)

He's also missing in the scene where Sonic is first traveling through the void, despite showing up like two seconds after him - another instance where we're kept in Sonic's perspective just enough to miss the bigger picture that has Shadow in it.

Meanwhile, scenes from Shadow's point of view give us all sorts of information; the fact that Chaos Emeralds exist, more detailed effects of Sonic's speed-amplified explosion (it gave him a vision of some sort, which I'm convinced is implying something important about it beyond "it blew up part of a mountain"), how exactly he ended up in the void, why Sonic was late to the fight with Eggman, all that good stuff

It's a pretty consistent theme with Shadow, actually. He's always there to represent the bigger picture that Sonic isn't seeing.

...partly because Sonic keeps forgetting about him, in contrast to Shadow being the only other person to remember who Sonic is.

(I didn't know where else to fit this point in, but Shadow's lost in the void while Sonic is bouncing back and forth between worlds like it's a professional sport. Narrative foils and all that, we love to see it)

But there's another way that Shadow is made distinct from everyone else Sonic knows from the original world, that I think is going to have a big effect on his character development: Shadow doesn't care about sparing Sonic's feelings.

A lot of the conflict between Sonic and his friends is based on the fact that Sonic doesn't listen well, but another thing to consider is that his friends don't really... tell him when he's made a mistake, or what their point of view was, or what exactly he was doing wrong.

Tails? He could have explained that telling Sonic there was a trap was supposed to be a cue not to attack Eggman, and that he thought Sonic knew that, and so him attacking anyway felt like blatantly disregarding his warnings.

Instead, he brushes it off with an "it's fine."

Amy tries to explain that the palm tree gift has a lot of sentimental value to everyone, and yeah that whole situation went poorly, but it doesn't seem like she ever communicated to Sonic that him disregarding it hurt their feelings.

If he was just told that he messed up and explained how he did, you know he would have tried to make it up to them, like how earnestly he apologized to Tails. He could have been working on these problems a lot sooner, but because the others want to preserve their friendship with him and don't like getting into arguments, they don't communicate with him.

Shadow has no such hangups about their relationship. He tells Sonic exactly what his problem is.

...even if Sonic doesn't seem to hear him, and Shadow should really work on the whole "punching to get his attention" thing.

There's a lot of room for improvement here, but my point is that Sonic needs someone to be this upfront and honest with him. Straightforward communication is clearly what he understands the most - Thorn simply asking him (albeit rudely) what he knew about togetherness was all it took for him to really start thinking about that, though admittedly the circumstances around the question probably helped.

And because Shadow has been set up as the only person who still knows and remembers Sonic, the one who has a wider perspective on things than he does, and cares enough about him as a person to try to get through to him in the first place without being held back by a need to maintain a friendly stance with him... he's the perfect person to help accelerate Sonic's character arc.

And, y'know, hopefully Sonic can do the same for him - though it's hard to say what exactly Shadow needs help with (beyond Not Punching People) that Sonic could contribute to, given his little screen time so far.

Case in point: this show is setting up Shadow to be Important in a way that only Shadow can be and I for one am hyped to see it all play out

[pico-digital-studios]

Into, Across and Beyond! Scripting: Outmatched in his Prime

During Tails of Trials's prologue, Sonic Prime was on the move as per usual, catching sight of Eggman and his usual antics of trying to find the Chaos Emeralds.

Sonic Prime: Alright, Egghead! What are you up to this time?

Eggman Prime: Ohohohoho! If it isn't Sonic! This time, I'm not going to spill it, as if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise. But, of course, you just had to get in the way AGAIN, so I'm going to put an end to that!

He summoned one of his Egg Mobile attachments to attack Sonic with.

Sonic Prime: *yawn* Never gets old!

The two engaged in battle, and as you'd expect, Sonic kept the upper hand in it all, taking the giant talking egg down a peg and sending him and his Egg Mobile down to the ground.

Sonic Prime: Looks like you lose! Again!

Eggman Prime: Why, you little...!

However, neither of them noticed a glitchy portal opening underneath, with the perspective panning to a digital Emerald tracker built into some software.

Sonic Prime: Uhh... What's that?

A catcher claw thrusted down at high speeds, crashing into the ground and propelling the arch-nemeses backwards. As the smoke cleared, Sonic saw it in more detail, having encapsulated one of the Chaos Emeralds in a glass dome.

Sonic Prime: That ain't good!

Eggman Prime: Of course it isn't!

Sonic spindashed at the claw, shattering it in a single blow and freeing the Emerald within.

Sonic Prime: What is that thing, anyway?

Eggman caught one of the parts from it and examined it.

Eggman Prime: Whatever or whoever this claw belongs to, it's clearly far more advanced than one of my usual creations. And from what we just witnessed, they're targeting wherever the Chaos Emeralds are at.

Sonic Prime: Well, whatever it is, I'd better go take a look!

As he dashed off to investigate, another portal opened within his proximity, this time with a pulling force. He spotted it and tried to outrun it, but the pull was getting stronger than he could run, forcing him to step up the game.

Sonic Prime: Come... on...!

Suddenly, some debris being pulled in hit him square in the face, sending him flying right inside.

Sonic Prime: WOOOOOAAHHHH!!!

As he fell through the portal, he noticed a death trap being formed around him, alongside flashes of the vast multiverse around him.

Sonic Prime: Here we go again...!

Sonic was quick enough to slip straight out of the trap before it could be fully set up, though the vortex leading back home got sealed off (which meant that even SHADOW couldn't help him out of this one).

Sonic Prime: Oh, great...

He landed on a floating platform, trying to decide his best options for stopping whoever was behind this one.

Sonic Prime: Alright, who sent me here?!

He heard what sounded like Eggman's laughter, but deepened and HORRIBLY distorted.

Sonic Prime: Something tells me this ain't Eggman.

A platform flew down to Sonic's level, revealing a version of Eggman with green clothing, but no goggles; instead with blackened eyes and a sinister red glow from them.

Sonic Prime: Who the heck are you?!

??. ????????: If it isn't Sonic Prime himself. My name is Dr. EggOmega, the soon-to-be NEW ruler of the multiverse!

Sonic Prime: Uh-huh, yeah. Hey, so, could you be so kind as to take me back home before I turn you into devilled eggs?

He laughed in a twisted manner again.

Dr. EggOmega: I'm afraid that's not going to be happening. And smug as ever, I see. You think some measly hero, let alone a type of Sonic, ALWAYS has a chance against Dr. Eggman? HA! Don't make me laugh. I ripped that hope to pieces for my Sonic long ago. And soon, with the power of MY Chaos Emeralds, all other universes shall follow, including your own.

Sonic Prime: *yawn* (sarcastic and taunting) Oh, no! Please! Don't make me cry!

He got into a battle stance.

Sonic Prime: Let's dance!

He leapt up to attack EggOmega, but was immediately grabbed and thrown into the floor by the twisted doctor.

Sonic Prime: OW!

Dr. EggOmega: It's all the same for your heroic delusions. That is, until you finally realise my TRUE power extent!

Sonic Prime: I've faced worse than you, "Eggman"! You can do your worst, but you're never gonna beat me!

He launched a full power spin attack at the doctor, but to his shock upon impact, EggOmega didn't even FLINCH.

Dr. EggOmega: HAHAHAHAHA! Was that seriously the best you could do?

Sonic Prime: What the-?!

Sonic ended up on the receiving end of a much, MUCH more powerful attack, catapulting him right into another dimension.

Dimension MP-2021: Green Hill Zone

Sonic wearily woke up after a hard impact with the ground.

Sonic Prime: Ow... What the...? Where...?

He got up, brushing some dust off of him. He recognised that he was in A Green Hill, just not his own, judging by the surroundings.

Sonic Prime: Hello? Anybody there?

He could tell the island he was at was inhabited, as he could hear traffic past the hills, so he headed out to investigate. Once he got to Spring Yard Zone, he caught sight of OMT!Tails simply sorting out another of his Fang's usual antics in the city.

OMT!Tails: Hang that gem back, Fang! It's not yours!

Sonic Prime: Hey, that version of Tails looks familiar!

OMT!Fang: Not this time, fox! This jewel'll fetch me one handy profit, mate!

OMT!Tails: It's not meant to be in the hands of thieves like you. Give it back, or else!

OMT!Fang: Okay, you little rat. Let's play it serious, then!

On cue, Sonic leapt on top of the Marvellous Queen and behind Fang.

Sonic Prime: Boo.

OMT!Fang: Wha-?!

Considering OMT!Sonic was dead, Fang was absolutely baffled.

OMT!Fang: How?!

Sonic Prime: How... what?

OMT!Fang: Yer supposed to be dead!

Sonic Prime: Dead? Wh-? (smirking) Why, yes...! (in a ghostly tone) And I still am~... And I've been watching you, Fang~... messing with my little buddy~. Repent~... Repent~! Or I will haunt you 'till the day you die~! Woooooooooo~!

OMT!Fang: GAH! Get away!

OMT!Tails took the opening to uppercut Fang and send him flying out of the Marvellous Queen onto the ground.

Sonic Prime: ... (to OMT!Tails) Why am I dead again?

OMT!Tails: I'll explain more to you once Fang's back behind bars.

They jumped down to the ground as Fang slowly got back up.

Sonic Prime (whispering): Quick! Pretend only Fang can see me!

OMT!Fang: Urgh... What is with you and your ambushes?

OMT!Tails: You looked away for a moment, so I just had to!

OMT!Fang: B-But Sonic's ghost was there!

OMT!Tails: Ghost? What are you talking about? Detective Ghost, or some apparition pretending to be my friend? I've seen it all.

Sonic flashed a devious smirk at the weasel, and in response, Fang shot one of his cork bullets at Sonic, only for the Blue Blur to casually dodge it like it was nothing.

OMT!Tails: What were you even aiming at?

Sonic Prime: Always watching~.

OMT!Fang: How come you can't see the-?! Wait a minute... That's no ghost.

Sonic Prime: Eh. Knew I couldn't hold the illusion forever.

He ran circles around Fang, making him really dizzy and causing him to tumble onto his backside.

Sonic Prime: And that takes care of that! Where do we meet at?

OMT!Tails: At my workshop. Just at Emerald Town.

Sonic Prime: Great! See ya there!

He sped off as Tails followed, leaving the cops to arrest Fang and haul him off to jail. On his way to the workshop, though, Sonic saw the memorial statue of his alternate self in the ceremonial area north of Emerald Town, looking at it and feeling sorry for the guy.

A couple of minutes later, they both arrived at Tails's workshop.

Sonic Prime: Right. Question from earlier; why am I dead in this dimension?

OMT!Tails: ... Have you ever heard about entities that dub themselves "EXEs"?

Sonic Prime: Yeah... Had to face down SEVERAL of those guys one day. Same day you saw me with Metal X. I'm... guessing one of 'em was behind the loss of your Sonic, huh?

OMT!Tails: Yeah... My Sonic gave up his life destroying the creature known as OMT, and since then, I've been protecting my home in his stead.

Sonic Prime: Alongside this "Detective Ghost" you mentioned?

OMT!Tails: Yeah.

Sonic Prime: So what went down that made you a multiversal traveller, of sorts?

OMT!Tails: You can blame Eggman Nega's interdimensional energiser for it. It brought five heroes over to my dimension that I had to help get back home, and then all sorts of other stuff happened.

Sonic Prime: Ah, the Egghead from Blaze's dimension, huh? Geez, he makes my Eggman look sane.

Nitro, April and Nine warped in down in the Blur HQ, making their way up to the workshop.

OMT!Tails: So what made you end up here?

Sonic Prime: Some strange portal opened up back home, and I can deduce it's a nastier version of Eggman that's behind it. Plus, some kinda catcher claws were goin' after the Chaos Emeralds.

OMT!Tails: The originals... So if that Eggman gets his hands on them, we could be in big trouble.

Sonic Prime: You said it.

OMT!Tails: So what do you know about this version of Eggman?

Sonic Prime: Well, he wears green, smells like omelette, and rambles about how he defeated a version of me.

OMT!Tails: Gosh, this isn't good. We need to find a way to stop him before he can carry out whatever he's planning.

Sonic Prime: Yeah, we gotta step up our game and stop this "Dr. EggOmega" before things fly south.

Nine got upstairs first, seeing Sonic Prime but barely reacting other than in a sad state. Sonic Prime, in turn, saw him, expressing surprise that he could no longer hide.

Sonic Prime: Nine?

Nine: S-Sonic?

Sonic Prime: Oh, gosh... I never thought I'd be seeing you again, in some form. How have you been?

Nine: Well, thanks to Tails there and many multiversal companions, I've definitely gotten better.

Sonic Prime: I'm so relieved to hear that, little buddy.

Nine: Did you tell your "real" companions in your world about what went on in the Shatterverse?

Sonic Prime: Gosh, I wish I could've done, but the call of adventure meant I didn't have the time.

Nitro and April saw Sonic Prime for themselves as well.

April: It's really him!

Nitro: Heh, never thought I'd be seeing Sonic Prime outside his own adventures.

Sonic Prime: Heh, yep! The one and only in-person! Wasn't there more of you guys, though? I'll explain what's going on when they get here.

A little bit later, OMT!Mina, CR!Sonic, CR!Sonia, CR!Manik and Hog showed up for a brief meeting to discuss the matter at hand.

OMT!Tails: I can't even track EggOmega's energy. His signal keeps on shifting.

CR!Sonic: Then what signals can we pinpoint?

OMT!Tails: I've managed to pinpoint seven different locations, two of which I've no information about.

Sonic Prime: Well, sounds like we've got a lot of work to do. I'm just glad I'm not doing this on my own like with what happened at the Starfall Islands for most of the way.

Hog: So where are the signals coming from?

OMT!Tails: They seem to be linked to a set of seven statues based on Sonic, each present in one of seven different universes. Those universes seem to be Dimensions SRB-1998 (SRB2/Ring Racers), EDU-1996 (Sonic's Schoolhouse), MOV-2019 (Movieverse), IDW-2017, ZONE-SM-1992 (Luna Zone), EXE-2013 and GMT-811.

Nitro: That's definitely quite a lot of different options. Why don't we start off at Dimension SRB-1998, then we can work our way up from there?

OMT!Mina: Good call. We might also find something of use to us there. So who's going in first?

OMT!Tails: Me and Hog should start this trip off!

Sonic Prime: Hog?

Hog: Ihop!

Sonic Prime: Is that how he greets people?

Hog: It's kinda been a thing for me for a while, I'm not gonna lie.

Nine: We'll follow in after you guys once you've figured out what's going on there.

OMT!Tails: You got it!

A small while later, when the rest of the Blur Gang were gathered together, the kids were looking at one of the monitors.

CU!Sonia: That's the "EDU-1996" dimension, right?

April: It's some kind of schoolhouse.

CR!Manik: Hmm... I feel the place could warrant some investigation on our end.

CR!Sonia: Oh, for... Manik, we're seriously not going to school at a time like this, are we?

Smol Devy (confused): What's wong with school?

CR!Sonia: I mean, it's fine and all, but I've been quickly bored from it.

April: It'd be easier for the five of us to go in there. Besides, since we're the youngest in the group, we'd be less likely to attract unwanted attention than if we did bringing some of the others.

CR!Sonic: You kids planning on investigating that spot, huh?

CR!Manik: Yeah.

CR!Sonic: Well, please feel free to. It could save us an extra bit of time ourselves doing this!

April: Sweet!

CU!Sonia: We won't let you down, otherworldly dad!

CR!Sonic: Heh, I believe in you kids.

Mr. Needlemouse: Wait. Why do THEY get to go to a school dimension?

CR!Sonic (snarking): Because shut your yap, that's why.

The portal into Dimension SRB-1998 was ready to go.

OMT!Tails: Ready, Hog?

Hog (smirking): Born ready!

OMT!Tails: Then let's do it to it!

They leapt in.

Sonic Prime (to Nitro): Hey, kid?

Nitro: Yeah?

Sonic Prime: You said you know the Sonic from that "MOV" universe, right? You met before?

Nitro: Mhm. He's the one who's a movie in your world.

Sonic Prime: Heh, my Tails was watching him the other day. We should go and check that out as our own duo team later. Just in case the Baldy McNosehair of that dimension's still causing trouble.

Nitro: You got it!

OMT!Knuckles, OMT!Amy and OMT!Cream came down into the HQ as well after hearing about what was going on.

Nine: Hey, guys! You just missed Tails. He already headed to another dimension to help deal with a threat that could shatter the multiverse.

OMT!Knuckles: And who is this threat you speak of?

Sonic Prime: He called himself "Dr. EggOmega". I couldn't even dent him alone, let alone counter his attacks.

OMT!Amy: We'll do our part to help! You can count on us!

Sonic Prime: Sweet! Thanks, you three.

Elsewhere, Eggman Prime was following the trail of where Sonic was sent to, with Orbot and Cubot in tow.

(Orbot and Cubot sprites by Sakura236699)

Eggman Prime: This space between worlds feels... much more complex than I used to know.

Orbot: B-Boss, I don't think we should be here...

Cubot: Y-Yeah, what if Sonic got wiped out? We could be next!

Eggman Prime: HEY! No-one wipes out that blue pest but ME! Grr... Stupid multiverse, stupid random portals... Try and take away my opportunity to finish that blue goober, will you?!

He looked around, already pretty baffled after his last couple of multiversal tangos.

Eggman Prime: Alright, blue vermin! Where are you?!

Eggman caught sight of a VERY sinister smile with two glowing green dots in one of the portals, emanating a distorted laughter.

Eggman Prime: Huh? Who's there?!

Dr. EggOmega: The TRUE ruler of the multiverse, my foolish counterpart!

Eggman Prime: And who the hell are you?!

Dr. EggOmega: I am Dr. EggOmega!

Eggman Prime: Alright, Dr. I Don't Care! Where's the hedgehog?!

Dr. EggOmega: He's stranded in another dimension, right out of my way to prevent him from interfering with my plans to crush the ENTIRE multiverse! The foolish quickster stood no chance in a one-on-one fight against me, so what makes you think YOU will, Ivo?

The doctor responded in earnest by firing a beam of energy at the portal in a bid to obliterate EggOmega on the spot.

Eggman Prime: Like THIS.

However, after a moment of silence, EggOmega responded with THE most deranged and sadistic laugh Eggman had ever heard.

Dr. EggOmega: I WOULD have shared the spoils of my conquering with you, but it seems like you're too full of yourself as usual to want to accept it!

Eggman wasn't chuffed with how much of a hypocrite EggOmega was being.

Eggman Prime: No, thanks! Taking over more than one universe has been enough of a hassle as it is. I've got my own world to rule, buster, and I wouldn't have it any other way! Now tell me where Sonic is!

Dr. EggOmega: You'll just have to track him down yourself if you wish to find him. Just remember this, Robotnik. No matter what form it takes... the end comes for you all! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Dr. EggOmega slinked away into the portal as it closed, the last few words echoing in Eggman's mind as he came to a conclusion of just what EggOmega was planning to do.

Sage: "The end"? Father, does he mean...?

Eggman Prime: I can tell he must mean THAT thing from the Starfall Island. Anyway, let's get back to tracking down Sonic! I can tell this ripoff of me somehow means business.

They continued on their way.

NEXT POST

[hadesknockedupintheunderworld]

Hi! Phantom Fleetway here! I've been wanting to ask for a bit, but Tumblr is being weird, so I'm on Anon for now.

But, I wanted to ask you, any opinions on Surge/Elias, Silver/Mephiles, or Infinite/Fleetway Super Sonic?

Sure thing!

ㅤ

Surgelias

Honestly, I didn't really get this one at first, but it grew on me.

A friend of mine shared with me a fanart piece they found on tumblr of Elias covering a sleeping Surge and Kit with blankets and kind of just looking at a sleeping Surge with the purest love in his eyes about it, and then we scenario talked.

And I think my sweet spot for an au of them meeting would be something like just after he exhiles himself. This is a point where Elias is still feeling pretty bad about himself in terms of how he ran the kingdom of knothole, but before he's been living his small village life long enough to be stronger and more jaded than before. Then for Surge and Kit the sweet spot would be just after the overpowered arc. Kit is retreating with Surge in arms to try to get her to a safer place. Ideally (as my friend and I worked out) the three would meet in the middle here, Elias wouldn't know enough about them to judge them harshly, and the three would sort of lean on each other (after the event where they agree to help each other out) for the time being.

I can see Elias coming to care for Surge and become interested in her in a way that's a bit similar to how I see him becoming interested in and caring for Sonic. And if he gets to know her well enough (and they go through enough together) I can see him coming to love all her edges as well.

As for Surge, I'll be frank. I see her on the aroace spectrum to begin with, and to me she doesn't really express or feel feelings like love in the same way most people do. When it comes to Elias, more than likely her brand of attachment will show itself not through fluttery feelings and soft love and care. Rather, on the surface he kind of just seems like a guy who is her companion whom she only relies upon when strictly necessary, but in reality I can see her being just...a bit possessive. Her brand of attachment here would be shown by her being unwilling to just let him leave her life now that he's become a part of it.

In the end though, ideally for me there would be some onesided kitlias on Elias's end as well. If the scenario was right enough for him to fall for Surge, I think he would naturally start to grow a bit attached to Kit as well.

Of course, there are plenty of ways an au like this could be taken, especially if Elias learns about things they've done or they try to kill Sonic in front of them.

My secondary ideal dynamic between them would probably take Elias's characterization about the time he starts the secret freedom fighters. I think it would be neat for (kind of Geof/flias style) Elias to have more tension with Surge (potentially after witnessing something like her actions during the overpowered arc?). On one hand, I think they could have a lot of neat tension as enemies to each other (with Surge being the trickster type who isn't a good person but also will help save the world at the end of the day and Elias being highly suspicious of her), and, on the other hand, I think they could have something closer to the surg/isper style of tension in a scenario where they used to be enemies (and possessed the previously mentioned tension about it) before Surge decided to join the restoration/freedom fighters/etc and Elias has. Thoughts and feelings about that.

So yeah I can see the potential for them if their relationship is crafted just so

ㅤ

Mephilver

Although Mepha/dow is my favorite Mephiles ship, I think at this point I can confidently say that Mephilver is a close second

Ironically, I'd thought at first that it would be my #1 favorite based on what I'd seen of the ship from an outside perspective (from fans and antis alike). What had drawn it to me was this description I kept seeing of Mephilver as this toxic ship where Mephiles would be grooming/manipulating Silver to a great degree, making Silver dependent on him. I had thought that their relationship was that of a hedgehog and his trusted mentor who'd been manipulating him to do his deeds all along, and who was ultimately not very good to Silver (see: people talking about how the ship would be inherently abusive or saying that it straight up is).

Or, in short, I thought that when I finally played Sonic 06, I would see that Mephiles was a major figure in Silver's story who had been emotionally manipulating him, taking advantage of his naivety/trust to drive him to do ultimately dark deeds (while making Silver believe he was only enacting justice), and even perhaps been at least lowkey abusive to Silver.

And by god was that an incorrect assumption. Kids, never assume you know what a Sonic game's story, canon character relationships, or characterizations are like based upon fans or anti fans talking about the thing publicly. Take the sonic fandom wikis with a hint of salt too.

At the end of the day, I was actually disappointed by the lack of Silver and Mephiles having any kind of relationship in Sonic 06. Mephiles just kind of shows up to convince Silver and Blaze to kill Sonic (asserting that Sonic is the reason Iblis was released), and then maybe shows up again in Silver's story once or twice after that to be like "Hey, did you kill Sonic yet". Like. There's nothing there. Not even a miniscule part of me could understand how people who had played the game or watched cutscenes could so confidently assert that Mephilver was a "bad problematic abusive ship" based upon their canon relationship which is why I just assume most loud Sonic fans haven't seen 06 outside of clip compilations to laugh at, the sonic fandubs, or jokes about it in general

And so it was actually Mepha/dow who entered my heart as #1 due to their canon relationship dynamic (the fact that Mephiles puts significantly more work into trying to convince Shadow to join him).

But...that doesn't mean it was over for Mephilver for me. While they sadly just don't have the canon interactions to back up any kind of interesting relationship for me, I do believe there's a lot of potential for them. So I like to imagine scenarios in which Mephiles HAD turned himself into a trusted figure in Silver's life (manipulated him, and had less than a pure relationship with him). I like to imagine post canon au scenarios in which Silver (who is very vague on the events that occured in 06) takes in Mephiles, and the two become closer while Mephiles grows in power once more in the background. I like to imagine aus in which they're both a bit unhealthily attached to one another. There's also the potential of an au where Silver sees their relationship as God x his most devoted believer and number 1 guy, and Mephiles playing into this (examples being Mikami/Light, Ixis Naugus/Geoffrey, etc). And I also like to imagine scenarios in which Mephiles explicitly wants to keep Shadow by his side as his partner, and Silver as his...pet more or less (his agents of chaos who would ideally (in Meph's pov) assist him in the destruction of space and time).

There's just so many possibilities with them. And where Mepha/dow is interesting in the way they'd ideally be closer to equals/a power couple, Mephilver is interesting to me for its lack of balance and potential unbalanced power dynamics.

ㅤ

Fleetfinite

Okay yeah this one compels me

While it's neither my favorite Infinite nor my favorite Fleetway SS ship, I read one really good fic about them and saw some fanart that won me over pretty fast.

Two people who want to kill each other and do try to rip each other apart but also kissing about it is...kind of my jam. And that works with them, since Infinite loves having a good fight with someone who can stand up to him and Fleetway SS (I should mention now that I haven't yet finished StC so take my Fleetway SS thoughts with a grain of salt) seems to enjoy killing and maiming (especially while hyped up on a great deal of chaos energy).

I think I've also seen depictions of these two on tumblr where Fleetway SS often annoys Infinite (essentially being the kind of hedgehog who is willing to fight and claw into Infinite as well as just around to annoy him and ruin his day).

For me, no matter whether Infinite wishes Fleetway SS would leave him alone, wishes to kill Fleetway SS so badly it makes him look stupid, or is genuinely that afraid of him and wants to get rid of him, their potential dynamic is interesting to me. Likewise, whether Fleetway SS just gets enjoyment out of tearing into Infinite within an inch of his life (or potentially actually trying to kill him) for funsies or becomes specifically attached/attracted to him (and. Does everything short of killing him about it), it's interesting to me.

ㅤ

Thank you for the ask! It was really fun to get to think about these pairings and talk about them for a minute🥰

[tomorrowxtogether]

Tomorrow X Together on new music, US tour: 'Never expected' fans to show 'this much love'

Members of Tomorrow X Together, the wildly popular K-pop group, have come of age during a rapid ascension in the music industry. Quickly after the quintet debuted in 2019, they started winning top awards and peaking on both Korean and American charts. Last year, the group's third album hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200, they headlined Lollapalooza and won a MTV Music Video Award.

Since their beginning, TXT's music has kept to the narrative of a boy's journey through life. As the members themselves have matured in the spotlight, the process of growing up has been influential for the discography.

Just as people reach reflection points on the cusp of moving from one part of life into the next, TXT's newest release, "minisode 3: TOMORROW," finds the guys contemplating their past and hoping for the future.

"This album is all about being reminded of the promises of the past and going on a search for 'you' who I shared a promise with," Taehyun, 22, told USA TODAY.

'minisode 3: TOMORROW' furthers Tomorrow X Together's narrative

This album is Tomorrow X Together's third under the "minisode" title. These releases have always been a bridge that connects the larger chapters in quintet's music.

As for "minisode 3: TOMORROW", it speaks about life and reality, said Soobin, 23, the group's leader.

The new album references Tomorrow X Together's prior moments, highlighting how nostalgia intersects with growth.

"We had a look back on some of the lyrics of our past songs and the music videos like 'Nap of a star'," said Taehyun. Lyrics in the lead single "Deja Vu" also give nods to some of the group's first singles "9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)" and "CROWN".

With this album, the members wanted to capture their unique identifying quality: Storytelling.

Over the years, the members have become more involved in the creative process, said Hueningkai, 21. "As we try and channel our honest, personal stories into the album, I think it helps me realize more and more who I am as an artist."

Understanding Tomorrow X Together's creative process

The members have become more ambitious when it comes to sharing their perspectives within their songs. "Rather than drawing inspiration from an outside source, I think it provided us with an opportunity to look back on our own lives," said Soobin.

"It's a crucial part that we cannot miss out on in order to make sure our stories more compelling and convincing," said Taehyun.

In particular "Deja Vu" is full of impact, said Beomgyu, 23, exhibiting "how much we've grown and how far we've come." The song infuses rage and emo rock, underscoring TXT's versatile sonic range.

Tomorrow X Together US tour, reflecting on debut anniversary

In support the latest release, TXT is set to embark on its third US tour May 14. The group will be performing in eight cities including Los Angeles, New York City and Washington D.C.

The members are looking forward to seeing their fans and visiting cities they haven't been to yet. As for the shows, Beomgyu said there's "so much in store," adding, "I'm excited to show you guys what we have prepared."

The group celebrated its half-decade anniversary March 4. The last five years have been filled with many accomplishments and accolades. Stand-outs included performing at stadiums for Soobin to attending and performing at the MTV VMAs for Beomgyu.

For Yeonjun, 24, he is thankful the members have made it safely to this point and he hopes to continue this in the future.

"The most important thing would be that we will still be together all the members and our beloved MOA," said Yeonjun. "My hope is that a decade into our debut, we would still be dancing and singing in front of our fans together."

On theme with "minisode 3: TOMORROW" and its reflection of the past, the members are proud of how far they have come.

"I never expected that I would end up receiving this much love and I think it's a huge blessing and I'm so grateful for that," said Yeonjun.

[randomthefox]

Honestly, I believe the knee-jerk defense of IDW by its stans (though to be fair, what I'm about to describe applies to more fandoms than just IDW) comes from inability to understand one aspect when it comes to genetal critique.

All of their overemotional rants, strawman fanarts, memes, insults, walls of text can be boiled down to a single sentence.

"Well, I like it, so shut up!"

But here's the thing, who cares what you like?

When people criticize the way writers approach an established character and setting, personal likes/dislikes factor very little, if not at all. Some people out there literally eat feces, so does that mean all the local supermarkets should now stock shelves full of canned shit? And if you don't want to eat it then you are just a hater who wants everyone to only eat pork?

Or how about another franchise with a split fandom for an example: when Chris Avellone in Knights of The Old Republic 2 manages to do a thorough deconstruction of Star Wars' setting without destroying the player's immersion or breaking established laws and rules of the series in half, it's a good example of an author's approach. When Disney ignores it's own established logic to prop up a mid love couple, nullifies feats of established characters and also drags them through the mud for the sake of muh gray morality, that's an objectively bad work no matter how many "hints of potential" you see in it.

But since consumerism has successfully fooled people into thinking that expressing critique of the work means that the person who likes said work is a bad person, you get such reaction.

Yeah that's a very good point. And since they're narcissists devoid of the capacity to put themselves in someone elses shoes and try and understand something from another perspective, they think everyone else thinks the same way they do. That's why they always respond with "omg Sonic isn't ALLOWED to do anything" and stuff like that when we criticize the comic. Because they think WE'RE approaching media analysis the same way that they are. They think we're basing our appraisals and criticisms off of our personal desires and opinions.

The fact that we're basing our judgement off of an objective appraisal of the source material of the video games is INCOMPREHENSIBLE to them. Because A: they hate the video games and literally cannot conceive of the notion that anybody likes them, and B: they view all art as "this needs to personally appeal to me or else it's bad" and again LITERALLY CANNOT CONCEIVE OF THE NOTION THAT ANYBODY WOULD HAVE A DIFFERENT STANDARD OF CRITICAL JUDGEMENT.

[paragonrobits]

Hobbes, from Calvin And Hobbes, has always been one of my all time favorite characters. Including Kirby and Yoshi, he's one of the earliest characters I hyper-fixated on that I am AWARE of having done that. There's probably a lot of interpretations to be made from that. Along with Vivi (Final Fantasy 9) and Knuckles (Sonic the Hedgehog), he's a character that lives in my brain so long and so ferociously that most of my online persona used Hobbes-Vivi-Knuckles as an acronym just because i liked them so much

so, naturally, when i eventually went to fanfic ideas, Hobbes poses a few unique challenges as a character to focus on.

Most specifically is that Hobbes' ambiguous nature makes it difficult to really figure out how he interacts with others. He does do it, in his own strange way. Part of his source material's dynamic, however, is that we see everything through Calvin's lens of perspective. When Hobbes does stuff, its done filtered through Calvin's perspective.

(This also makes C&H a fantastic training for the concept of the unreliable narrator, not as a negative concept or villifying the viewpoint character, but simply stating that their POV is not necessarily what Really Happened, in an objective sense, or that there is even a concept of objective-ness at all, but that's besides the point.)

So how exactly do you write a character who specifically is always interacting with one viewpoint character, who has thoughts and feelings and independent action, and has his own perspective, but is always specifically linked to another person? We know what he SAYS, and what he DOES, and how those infer character and perspective, but because he almost never really does things unrelated to Calvin himself, it makes it hard to figure out additional aspects of his character that would be simply in other stories.

One obvious way to change things up is to drop the differing reality perspective gimmick and make Hobbes just a tiger-thing that lives there. I think, back in the day, this was a pretty common fanfic approach, and perhaps not coincidentally also leaned very hard to giving them an explicitly brotherly relationship, or outright had Hobbes adopted by Calvin's parents. This opens up some things, but the central problem remains:

how exactly do you write new aspects of his character, or find innovative elements WITHIN his canonical character, when a lot about him is simply inferred by what he says and does with Calvin, and not always in a way that communicates character in an explicitly true way?

This, funnily enough, makes him not dissimilar to Homestuck's characters. One of Homestuck's particular quirks is that the story is communicated primarily through conversation logs between characters, and brief narration from a viewpoint character OR an omniscient narrator. A key point here is that we, again, hear what they say and do, but we do not see things directly from their perspective. This means that just about EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER is an unreliable narrator. We can infer things, but it can be very difficult to work out what they think and feel based on WHAT they say but you can't always take it at face value.

You must, instead, analyze what they say and do and determine how much of it is their own persona vs it being authentic in some way. This is harder for some characters than others; for instance, when Terezi plays with a mock trial that ends in her hanging a plush toy, is this just another example of the brutality of her culture that even her imagination is violent? Is she a brutal, draconian pseudo-lawyer that looks for opportunitiess to indulge her bloodlust with the flimsiest of excuses?

Or, as I think, is the fact that she is doing this to a senator (an assuredly high position, presuming it even exists in her world), over embezzlement (a crime that, given her world's brutal nature, probably isn't seen as a crime at all), a hidden sign that she is more genuinely Good than she believes herself to be, as this is about making someone face punishment for an abuse of power? Her being more noble at heart than her self-doubt lets her believe?

Hobbes works in a similar way. Through his interactions with Calvin, we can infer a few things about him. He's very philosophical, much like Calvin. Unlike Calvin, if things are bad, he simply accepts them and tries to deal with it as best they can rather than raging against it. He's mischievous, playful, has a vindictive streak that flares up before it cools down, he's a LOT more openly whimsical than Calvin ("WHAT'S THE POINT OF BEING COOL IF YOU CAN'T WEAR A SOMBRERO" says Hobbes). He is not nearly as pessimistic about the nature of people as his real life inspiration, but he clearly sees humans as colletively taking the world to Hell in a handbasket but in a melancholy 'I suppose this is how the world is' sort of way.

Part of all this is that, at his core, he IS a tiger. His nature informs his character in a way not exactly common to comic strip characters that are talking animals or animal-like beings; he's fierce, food-motivated and doesn't really sweat the small stuff. He's not disinterested in the tragedy of the world, and indeed in some way he functions as a moral compass of sorts, but he doesn't really agonize about it. This even informs his character design; his very long body, proportionately short legs and long arms make him look charmingly odd, but when he moves on all fours its surprisingly realistic, and his proportions look the way they do because its basically what a tiger WOULD look like if they could stand up without any other alterations.