#ace lead character

[iwritenarrativesandstuff]

Suddenly remembered something I wanted to say re:Akechi, because I think it's really core to his character (at least the way I interpreted him?) and I feel like it explains a lot of his contradictions. Essentially, he is incapable of seeing himself as just a person - he's either the greatest hero/detective ever, or he's some violent monster, and it's like there's no in-between. It's very in keeping with his obvious superiority-inferiority complex, but it goes deeper than that too; when he's in a role, it seems like his self-perception kind of changes too depending on how he is perceived by others. He really does get a confidence boost from being the Detective Prince. He really does shut down emotionally as the Black Mask.

They're masks that he's made, and it's not that aspects of them aren't based in truth to some extent, but I think it goes to show why he's not actually that fantastic a liar (imo, I found the outright lies pretty obvious), but he is a very good actor. He's either an angel or a demon, and never a person, but there are conditions to that. He is an angel when he is perfect - to society. He is a demon when he is vengeful - again, to society. He is never a person, because he never was seen as one - to society. He was disregarded. To be anything of value or notoriety, whether that's hero or villain, he has to be wildly more or less than who he actually is, and he's been building these masks up for so long that I really think he lost sight of the actual person behind it all. And I don't think he wanted to see that person anyways, because that person "wasn't good enough" and I do think he'd rather be anything other than himself. That trickery, that deflection from the person within, in itself brings him pride and satisfaction. He wants to be loved and needed instead of being cast aside, but I also think that if he can't have that then he'd much rather be hated than never have mattered at all. He weaponizes his own loneliness - if he can't ever be accepted then he'll build his own pedestal apart from everyone else.

It's so fascinating too, because I just wonder how much of this he was consciously aware of pre, during, and post engine room. There's this recurring thing with him where he goes "I can only be myself" etc but I just want to shake him because, well, who is that, Akechi??? Or, who do you think that is? Do you actually have an answer? Is it predicated on your actual feelings or solely on your success at fooling everyone around you? Is there any part of you that you actually like that isn't based on a painstakingly constructed mask? Isn't it all mostly lies to deflect from the truth? Isn't it all founded mostly on truth, nonetheless?

It drives me insane. And I think this is a big reason why he breaks so hard in the engine room, because so much of his mask requires his "audience" to perform in a particular way. And here he is, and the Thieves have beaten him, so there goes the first mask, because he's no longer "perfect". He swings wildly into the ugliest sides of him, but this mask is broken too, amidst him vehemently and desperately denying that he has any other emotions than hatred and rage, or any other needs or desires than vengeance. And after that, it's just him. And they should reject him, right? That's what happens. He's not useful, he's not needed or perfect, his hands are stained with blood. But the Thieves, again, don't play the role he expects them to. They, despite everything, relate to him - because he is in fact very similar in a lot of ways and they acknowledge him as a person - not a hero, or idol, or villain, or tool, or unwanted child - but as a damaged teen like the rest of them. And he does not know what to do with that. His identity is intrinsically dependent on getting the right reactions from other people as a form of ingratiating himself - if he does not get that reciprocal reaction he's looking for, his act falters, and, I really do believe that so does his self-perception. That's why you see different aspects of him seep out when he's spending time with Joker, because Joker does not react the way he expects, and Akechi both does and does not like this, because it leaves him feeling both intrigued and vulnerable.

I do think this particular aspect of his character is something a lot of the Thieves don't fully grasp - certainly, I think Joker "I need the mask" Persona 5 understands to a degree, but the sheer degree of reliance and the level of pride attached to it is something that confuses him a little, I think, especially in Mementos Mission. I think the thief that comes closest is actually Morgana, who has a similar superiority-inferiority complex and a desperate need to be seen as competent and useful lest he be discarded. (This is a big part of why the rather lackluster writing with Morgana's arc frustrates me so much because I really do feel it was meant to be contrasted with Akechi's, but I digress.) Morgana is the one to make that emotional appeal to Akechi, which makes a degree of sense - Morgana struggled all along with finding a place in the world. His form leads others to underestimate him; he visually doesn't fit in. He's acting out the role of a chivalrous and cool phantom thief but is more pragmatic with how he views relationships, at least at first. He wants a place to belong where he is appreciated more than anything but his pride won't let him spit it out. Accepting that he belongs and that he is loved even if he really did have nothing of value to provide is a big part of the resolution of his arc. He tries to offer that learned lesson to Akechi in turn ("Follow your true feelings. Even if you think people hate you, or don't want you around-"), but Akechi just wasn't in the right space to listen. There's also an important distinction between the two - Morgana envies humans and looks up to them. Akechi envies humans and looks down on them. Morgana is perfectly happy once he is assured a place amongst the group, but Akechi see-saws wildly between wanting to belong and wanting to be a step above the rest and separating himself further. So while Morgana actually really did cut to the core of the issue, his appeal would never have worked at this point because a) Akechi's pride is dependent on him maintaining his solo act, and b) he just got outed as not actually hating Joker in front of seven other people including Joker himself lmao.

So, uh, sorry, Morgana. Points for trying.

[tangents-within-tangents]

Local Ace overthinks headcanon and shipping culture

Happy ace week, my friends! Imma be posting some aspec hc's this week so I felt the need to overexplain my personal stance on orientation headcanons and such

To start, as with any and all fandom things: to each their own. People can do whatever they want, and (for the most part) I can choose what I do or don't engage with. I know that hc and shipping and stuff is mostly for fun, or for seeking/creating representation, no hate to anyone who does it and enjoys it.

But also sometimes things can be problematic and I can still be bothered by those things. Even things that are 'just for fun' or 'not for you' can impact and reflect our views and behaviors, so it's still worth speaking about.

Aro/ace-spec identities are really diverse and complex, and we're really underrepresented as is. We have historically and chronically been plagued by problematic misconceptions and tropes, both in canon representation (or lack thereof) and fanon mindsets. Some of the main issues to be aware of with this topic specifically:

The majority of (sometimes unintentional) representation being non-human characters (like aliens and robots) implying that sex/romance = humanity and/or a fulfilling life. (Here's some video essays that touch on this: X X)

Related stereotype issues like racist or ableist de-sexualization and infantilization of certain groups like Asian men, physically disabled people, or people with autism. (It's an intersectionality thing bc yes those people can be aro/ace as well but it's still complicated) (more video essays! X X)

Common erasure of historically aspec characters in favor of allo plotlines bc that's "more interesting/realistic". Or ignoring canonically established aspec characters in favor of allo shipping (often excused by the fact that some aro/ace people do have sex/relationships, which is true but the complexities and nuances are often ignored and there's lots of double standards) (Here's some posts that touch on this: X X X)

Amatonormativity's over emphasis on sex/romance as a fundamental and necessary part of life, which is often reflected in how media and shipping culture are generally allo-centric, and it can just get pretty pervasive at times (note: we aren't a monolith obv, some aro/ace people enjoy it and participate too, but others don't and it is hard to avoid) X X

So while I know there's lots of reasons for shipping and headcanoning, and for the most part there's nothing wrong with it and people aren't trying to do these things, there are still issues that exist. Honestly seeing posts talking about these things has been really validating for me bc it let me know like yeah this is a problem other's have noticed too and I don't have to just accept it.

So with respect and awareness of nuance, ship and headcanon however you want. The rest of this post is about my own personal preferences and such. I'm not necessarily trying to persuade anyone here, I just have some thoughts I want to put into words:

For me personally, when it comes to characters' sexualities/gender identities/etc, I prefer just to stick to whatever is established in canon (or in confirmed intentional coding), and, if nothing is specified, headcanons that are based in canon evidence (more like theories I guess, as opposed to reimaginings or straight-up projection that knowingly ignores parts of canon. Which is fine and fun if that's what you like but to me there is a distinction). This is because:

1: While fandom culture is all about freedom and creativity, I do think it's important in this day and age to recognize actual canon representation and strive towards that because that is what will reach more people and have impact (and personally I think that writers' intentions should actually be given more thought/value)

2: I think that shipping/hc/fandom culture in general tends to perpetuate amatonormativity (specifically in devaluing/erasing friendship and non-romantic love), and sometimes leads to harmful parasocial queer speculation in real life (though again, I know that's not the intention but it's still a thing).

3: Generally, unless it’s explored as a part of a reimagined fic or something, just saying a random character is aspec (or whatever identity) when they did not present that way at all in the actual media doesn't really help me feel seen.

For example, I've seen a lot of people headcanon Mabel Pines as aromantic and that really threw me off bc in the show she is obsessed with romance. Like if other's see themselves in her that is great I won't stop you (the idea is that her crushes are comphet, which is not something I personally struggled with, and maybe I could see it if I rewatched the show with that in mind) but when I watched the show, I specifically did not connect with or relate to Mabel BECAUSE of my ace identity (yeah this post was mainly about her lol) so it just doesn't do much for me to claim her as aspec, in fact it feels counterproductive.

Sometimes it can feel really tacked on too, like 'well it's not confirmed that this character has sex so they could be ace', or 'some ace people do have sex so they can still be ace.' And like sure yes they could be but often it's like a kid show or something so none of the characters' sex lives are relevant or explicitly confirmed. Just bc they aren't not ace doesn't mean that they are, or that saying they are is meaningful if the character/story doesn't actually speak to anything related to the ace identity or experience. (This can happen with canon characters too, like Sponge Bob being asexual means absolutely nothing to me, especially since I get the sense that the creator said that more in a 'sea sponges reproduce asexually' type of way :/ )

So basically, in terms of representation I prefer the theory/interpretation type of headcanons that have supporting evidence of some kind, because that evidence is what makes me see myself in a character and feel represented in some way by them. So that's the type of headcanons I'll be posting, and that's why I'll be discussing evidence and explanations, even though I know plenty of people have fun and find value in just claiming identities without any of that.

Another thing I feel the need to overexplain is kinda the reverse of that. I think it's important to recognize that a character does not have to be a certain identity for you to see yourself in them. Like that sense of relatability and representation is still valid even if they aren't, and I think it's good to leave space for that ambiguity.

This is coming mostly from the fact that I have always valued platonic relationships (between any and all genders) long before I ever knew I was ace. I've always wished that was better normalized and represented in media and real life. I think that is just as important as queer representation, and sometimes they can counteract each other.

Like yes Min and Ryan could be gay and if that's what the writers were going for despite restrictions, or if people see themselves in that, great! But I would also love for this story to give a close friendship this much narrative value for once.

Merida does not HAVE to be aro/ace (or lesbian) to not want to be forced into marriage with a stranger at the age of 16 (in fact she specially says "I'm not ready" and "not yet"). But regardless, aspects of her story are still really relatable to us and applicable to living in amatonormative society.

Mako and/or Raleigh do not NEED to be aspec for this glorious refreshing no-romo moment to happen (nor does one need to be aspec to appreciate it)

And maybe claiming them as aro/ace could even undercut the power of this platonic bond (like saying the only way they could not be interested in each other is if they are not interested in anyone (same if you said they are gay, as if that's the only possible way for a man and woman not to be attracted to each other)). But it's still a moment lots of us aspecs love because platonic relationships AND aro/ace characters do go hand in hand and BOTH are so rarely portrayed in media.

So these ideas also play into my preferences, and I want to acknowledge that my headcanons don't have to be definitive (which like I know that is normal amongst fandom culture anyway) but are more about pointing out aspects we can see ourselves in and relate to, especially in a media landscape that is so lacking in representation and understanding of our identities.

[spacejammie-eimmajecaps]

It's ace week and SGB has a variety of aspec characters, so I figured it's a good time for a new promo post!

This is an AroAce!Matsukawa centric coming of age story that focuses on the following things:

-having a father with high expectations and very narrow minded ideals

-trying and repeatedly failing to live up to those expectations despite a great deal of effort

-eventually realizing it was never possible to live up to those expectations

-the ways people change (or refuse to change) over the course of their lives

-how relationships evolve when feelings and circumstances become more complex

-to whom loyalty is owed and at what cost

-not understanding what the big deal is with romance and sex, but also thinking those things are unavoidable because everyone makes it seem like that

-finding people who are similar, understanding, and supportive

-a long journey of self-discovery and (eventual) self-acceptance

Generally speaking, it has fluff, light-hearted events, occasional silliness, emotional moments (of both the pleasant and unpleasant variety), humor, and angst.

It's also, and I cannot stress this enough, a slow burn. So slow. So very slow. As of right now it's 383k words, and it's around halfway done. That kind of slow.

So yeah, give it a look, let it draw you in.

It'll be fun :)

[your-blorbos-are-queer]

the leading player from the musical pippin is aegosexual (headcanon)

submitted by @loganschwarzy

[e1dritchqueer]

There's something really special about Witch from Mercury to me that's only just clicking now. Like the first season was wonderful but it also felt kinda mired in some "oh the gundam is actually good" and the whole he trope of "oh ahaha it's a high school but also there are mechs but don't worry it's all cool". However those foundations I feel were largely placed to be broken. Like the prologue shows that well enough but the second season even better. The facade of high school is breaking as the true landscape of corporations waging war is revealed. The optimisim that Sulleta carries is being twisted and rexamined, she hasn't lost a mech fight yet. That's kind of terrifying. and then like ALL the stuff with Guel, the high school bully, to someone trying to be a better person through Sulleta, till THAT all falls apart and he finds himself at the other side of the war and opression his father built to perpetuate. like GAH it's so good,

[im-still-watching-anime]

girl WHAT😭😭

[vellichorom]

hi!

I don’t really know how to tumblr but have you got any tips on making a good narrator design? You’re my biggest inspiration rn and your art makes me happy every time I see it :)

AW ~ ! BLESS YOUR HEART, THANK YOU !!! that means EVERYTHING to me, truly it does.

as for tips, I'm afraid I don't really have any to offer! given the nature of The Narrator's character, the most prominent feature being that he canonically has no physical presence that we can see + he reveals very little about himself - even if you consider anything ever SAID about / from / regarding him, he could really look like or be anything that you want!

howEVER you see him when you hear him speak or consider his personality any, throw that baby on paper!

the ONE thing I feel I could say is, try not to let " attractivity / sexiness " be your only driving force. yes, I'm calling it out. please take notice how the vast majority ( not all ) of narrator designs are usually " conventionally attractive / meant to be obscenely handsome " -- & while that wouldn't INHERENTLY be an issue, do bear in mind that there are PLENTY of other body types, features, shapes, & accessories to consider when you design this formless character.

& hey! if you find The Narrator attractive, that's fine! if you personally see him as a highly attractive man & want to depict him as such, I mean - that's fine too!

but a compelling design for ANY character does not begin & end with how hot they are or are supposed to be, & if you think otherwise, you gotta stop & consider WHY you think that, you know? also for the love of god do not design a character solely for the attention or clout of others, it's really not worth it. take the time to cook something up that YOU yourself will enjoy the very most.

TLDR ;; i suggest not thinking with your dick here but you can do WHATEVER you want forever 👍

[puppetmaster13u]

SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP OVER YOUR IDEAS FOR THE TRANSFORMERS X DC AU

I ALSO LOVE THE OH 80'S SERIES AND ALL ITS WACKY BULLSHIT

IF YOU MAKE EVEN CRUMBS OF THIS AU I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER

Well, since you asked so nicely lol

Bruce - So, came to earth Superman-style where he was in a pod that crashed into someone’s yard, this being the Wayne’s backyard, where they just kind of took him in as their strange metal-child Still human-ish sized, if a little tall- so more of how the cassettes were sized in the original animated series & I wanna say he’s originally designed for subterfuge & information gathering Design-wise I am thinking he has antennae of sorts on his head that mimic the cowl’s “ears” and honestly I think he should keep the cape because that’s just sort of iconic & he definitely uses it to hide his form, since while most would assume armor someone might notice eventually he isn’t exactly fleshy His holloform is definitely designed after the two Waynes, seeing as they raised him for several years alongside Alfred (Fuck it they were probably together as a poly trio) No clue for what he transforms into, but I am tempted for either some sort of drone or a well, bat, or some combination of the two, like a cybertronian bat-creature 

Kate - She definitely also came from a pod & is from the same parents as Bruce, though I wanna say she landed/crashed a bit later than him, hence why they claim they’re cousins in human/holloform I want to say she’s more battle-designed than Bruce, while he’s more designed to go unseen and gather whatever info- though who knows with how they’re not exactly on cybertron anymore- hence why she has a hint more color than him Once more, no clue of what she’d transform into, but I do think she’s slightly larger than B in their normal cybertronian bodies & has the same antennae-horns as him (I am open to ideas for her) 

Ace - Now Bathound, the doggo boi, usually a normal dog, but I am just saying that the other transformers did straight up build other cybertronians from the dinobots to the aerialbots to trypticon, though they need the Allspark (which is back on Cybertron) to create full on minds/souls (in most cases) 

Now I'm not sure if Alfred would be a normal human dude, or if I should make him an old-ish cybertronian as well who turns into one of those older jets.

[greenreticule]

listen: asexual peter spankoffski

there's a lot of textual support in the play itself. i'm not saying it's canon, but i am saying it's a very easy lens through which to read nerdy prudes must die:

pete:

wants a romantic relationship

appreciates physical contact from people

but there's a pretty consistent line drawn in the sand

he isn't judgemental of other people wanting to have sex; we can see that contrast VERY clearly with the allosexual, sex-negative grace. but any time richie or ruth try to suggest pete himself wants sex, he pushes back against it hard.

this fits pretty well with a sex-positive, sex-averse, and alloromantic flavor of asexuality.

[transpanda-1]

What really sucks about Dual Destinies is it almost had a core emotional theme about listening to people who struggle to communicate or even process events that happened, but because Athena wasn’t allowed to be the main character that was never allowed to be realized.

We’d go so far as to say DD completely gutted itself because the actual main character is treated like an assistant instead of the protag. It’s also probably why Athena reads poorly by ���outing people”. She’s barely given the time of day to do anything but that, and all times she actually helps someone process trauma or their own condition she’s quickly shoved back to the sidelines.

Like we’re gonna craft an immediate thought: the whale from the whale case. Obviously people struggle to identify what it’s feeling because, it’s a fucking whale. But Athena’s special sauce is she can sense emotions no matter who they’re coming from. Imagine if that case played out where Athena won the day by trying to listen to it as closely as possible.

[snobgoblin]

Boy you really like green people

SIR YES SIR 🫡 in this house we stand for the flag

[larrythefloridaman]

two very different kinds of siblings

[acaciapines]

on today's episode of 'acaica's background thoughts for the dess raises kris au': okay but lets be serious do dess and chara actually stay together in the end--

[unproduciblesmackdown]

truly lmao 2024 lambda literary award finalist wynnstannery

[candy-ac3]

So me and @unfunnyaceartist realized that I’m the second coming of Vivziepop, here’s why

1. Very massive world building that the world needs two different projects to explain a majority of it

2. The spin off being more comedy based while the first is more serious

3. Almost everyone in both projects are gay

4. Moth has wings used as a cape (granted my oc wings were based off of Valentino’s but still)

5. Musicals

6. Had the characters of the main show in head for years before going to make a pilot

7. Favorite character they made for the thing having antlers and barely changing

I’m sure there’s more but that’s all I can think of on the spot

I will try to be a better Vivziepop then Vivziepop

[ollylotl]

hey so... um.... when vyncent and william go to fucking court for like medical malpractice or whatever number of laws they've just broken can we finally get the ace attorney bit or...?