#all themes and strengths and subtleties

[ashanimus]

Jesus fucking Christ did the entire earthspark team turn over this is ASTONISHINGLY terrible

Like I really liked this show but it’s like they scrapped everything that made it special in favor of a reset to a status quo of “decepticons bad becsuse they bad” that never existed in this snow to begin with combined with “collect macguffin shards” with the same vaguely concussed energy of the average episode of Inuyasha filler. Add multiple, bizarre and unasked for helpings of intensely boring and unforgivably lazy new characters (and more cast was the LAST thing this project needed) and the insult of sidelining the good characters who already needed more attention…holy shiiiiiit

Like. Again. Super soft sport for earthspark season 1. I still had reasonable transformers expectations for tf media. But man how do you drop every single ball so hard I want to know what the fuck happened on the back end this is a *disaster*

[inbarfink]

After all these years, ‘I Remember You’ is still one of the great highlights of Adventure Time Storytelling. And not just in the basic ‘what???? Silly children’s cartoon does something SAD??? HOLY SHIT MIND BLOWN’ way. But with the execution of that Something Sad. How it manages to pack so many Complex Emotions into just 11-minutes of television. And especially the way it utilizes the basic Adventure Time format for that purpose.

So Adventure Time is a Board-based show. Each episode has an outline pitched and written down by the writer’s room, and then this outline goes to a team of (usually) two Storyboard Artists who develop that simple outline into a full story. And with the show’s art-style deliberately eschewing staying perfectly ‘on-model’ in favor of having the animators take direct reference from how the different storyboarders draw the characters

And the show being generally extremely versatile in terms of themes and tone - AT has allowed a lot of their Storyboarders to really express themselves and their unique artistic vision as part of the Big Collaborative Narrative that is Adventure Time. 

Now, the Boarders who worked on ‘I Remember You’ are Cole Sanchez and Rebecca Sugar. These two were a Storyboarding Duo from the start of S4 and until Sugar left the AT Crew during S5, and they always struck me as a curious combination. I think really from all of the individual boarders working on AT during that time, these two really are the closest to having like… Totally Opposite Artistic Sensibilities as boarders. 

With Sugar favoring a style that is very loose and sketchy and also very rounded. Focusing on expressions and subtle body language and lighting. And being famous for going deep in depth into Big Moments of Emotional Catharsis

And Sanchez having a very clear art style that emphasizes strong silhouettes and clear lines that suggest flatness. Focusing more on major poses and the character’s positions in the space. And having just a really great eye for AT’s brand of silly humor.

Like, I almost kinda suspect these two were paired together so they can each cover for the other’s “weakspots” in writing ‘Adventure Time’. 

And there were a few episodes that did some really interesting stuff with this very contrasting pair - ‘Jake the Dog’ is another example. Giving most of the Farmworld scenes to Sugar and most of the Time Room scenes to Sanchez both plays to their personal strengths as storyboarders and helps to emphasize the strong emotional contrast between these two scenarios. 

And ‘I Remember You’ is actually kinda unique among Adventure Time episodes cause… Most episodes will have the two boarders alternate between working on the episode throughout it. Like you’d have Boarder A draw a bit and then Boarder B and then Boarder A again… But “I Remember You” is divided between Sanchez and Sugar… basically perfectly in the middle.

So the entirety of the first half of the episode was boarded by Sanchez

Until Ice King pushes Marceline and then leaves the room in shame.

And then, Sugar takes over.

And, like, even if you don’t know anything about the Behind the Scenes of Adventure Time or who Cole Sanchez and Rebecca Sugar even are - the Shift is noticeable. The shift in tone, in narrative focus, in the subtleties in which the characters are drawn. 

The entire first half of the episode has this thin veneer of just being a Silly Goofy Ice King Episode. Sanchez’s talent for Adventure Time’s brand of comedy is on full display… but there is also this underlying feeling that Something is Happening just under the surface. And these hints of the Big Emotions of ‘IRY’ expressed via Sanchez’s kinda goofy style really create this balance between putting the audience into a false sense of security that this is just a Very Normal Episode about two characters hanging out and the Tension constantly brewing in the subtext. 

And then it all comes to a blow.

And then the Shift happens. And now we are in Sugar’s court.

And this subtle shift in the artstyle and storytelling also coincide with Marceline finally openly expressing her feelings and the Reveal of Simon and Marcy's shared past. The episode changes focus from Ice King's silly antics to Marceline's feelings. Everything changes, everything in the first part of the episode gets recontextualized and... even on the most basic level, the episode is now Noticeably Different.

I would almost say that Sanchez’s half of the episode has Ice King define the tone, while Sugar’s half of the episode has Marceline define the tone. But more than anything it’s the catharsis. The reveal and release of those emotions that were building up so expertly through the Sanchez half of the episode. All of the Sugar-boarded scenes in this episode are really heartbreaking on their own, just through the tragedy of the story and Sugar’s expert knowledge of howto convey emotion in the visual medium - but it’s so enchanted by what came before it.

“I Remember You” is truly a great testament to how ‘Adventure Time’ could use every aspect of its medium to tell a great story in such a short time.

[mdhwrites]

Was Boscha Mistreated In S3?

TL:DR Boscha is actually one of the best written parts of S3, mostly because she actually has some efficiency to how she was written. This does not mean the writing succeeds in its goals because the misguided priorities and management of S3 of TOH is why this isn't some sort of praise. It is the ALMOST success in three specials that I think are objectively a complete failure of writing.

@hinobodyishere wanted a follow up to their previous ask about Boscha and I at first dismissed and deleted it, partially due to misinterpretation. That since we did get Boscha in S3, how was she handled? Was she given respect in regards to the trauma foisted upon her?

Well... Yeah actually. For the most part she is. They genuinely tried to give her a sympathetic character arc and their fumbling of it didn't have to do with disrespect, it had to do with one of the DUMBEST decisions of all of S3 I think. Not one that breaks themes just... Why would you do this? I have NO explanation for why the choice while I can at least tell you a concept for why other things were done.

But let's start with the good and that's that in a season that has some of the absolute least efficient storytelling I have EVER seen, especially in terms of wrapping shit up, Boscha keeps her biggest strength as a character and that is weirdly subtlety and in turn efficiency. Anyone who loves Boscha can probably back me up on this that so many of her weird quirks as a character come from small choices. I've talked in the past about how Amity is the ONLY person she never is mean or cruel to, even once Amity abandons her and that shows how subservient she was to Amity, not the other way around like most people portray it. This also coincides with her response to Luz coming to die. "Wow, you're a really good friend." And that implies she genuinely does understand friendship and loyalty and from what we can tell, she may be mean to even those around her but she is ALWAYS loyal and faithful to those she cares about. She knows what being a good friend is.

I bring this up not just to praise Boscha but also to lead into her trauma. We are explicitly shown her losing essentially her last two friends. Any trace of what her past was is GONE because of the Collector (your reminder that the Collector is a fucking monster btw). She is the last of her friend group. The last one still carrying the torch for what she thought reality was before Amity kicked her to the curb out of nowhere. Skara presumably did the same to be a part of the Entrails. Her reality is already fracturing and it was her own failure this time to protect them that led them to die. She is all that exists of the Banshees anymore. This is reinforced by how Miki manipulates her. She threatens Boscha with being in danger. With being vulnerable, something she's not used to because she always saw herself as Queen Bee and either sharing a throne with Amity or by herself. She is desperately holding onto what little she has left.

Willow's scene next is... Up and down to put it mildly. It is mostly to dogpile on the already heavy and EXTREMELY forced shit they're doing with Willow. A reminder: No one is asking fuck all of Willow this episode, few EVER have, and yet 'Dependable Willow' comes out of fucking nowhere. So while Boscha talking about the weight of responsibility is actually good for her, it is in line with the rest of Boscha's feeling that she's pressured to keep walls up against the world, it's not really anything new and it has little to do with her current trauma. At best, it helps explain why she's leading Hexside because she's the one who actually will take responsibility.

Then we get to the scene I mostly LOVE. Yes, I am a Lumischa shipper but I don't like it for the unrequited love angle. Like I said before, Boscha has lost EVERYTHING. She has lost way more than any of our 'trauma' victims amongst the Hexside crew. Even Hunter was never alone like she has been for MONTHS after having to watch TWO of her friends die instead of just one like Hunter did. The closest he ever got was the time between Hollow Mind and Labyrinth Runners which was like what? A week? It is genuinely incredible how shitty Boscha's life has been the entire time since the Collector showed up. Miki isn't even really a friend. She feeds into Boscha's fears and paranoia. She is actively trying to pull out the most damaged and worst parts of Boscha, essentially using her PTSD against her, for again, MONTHS.

So here is her chance to get SOMETHING back. To reverse the original sin that shattered her world. Finally, the Blight mentality that she must have at least gotten some of from Amity that she's lived her life with can come back. Amity can come back. That's why she's desperate and pleading with her. Then-

"Boscha, you're hurting me!"

I... There is something about the delivery of that line that makes my skin crawl in a way I can't 100% justify. It's not even out of character. It's her last chance after all so she'll go pretty far to keep Amity there. It's just... Not many characters physically hurt each other and Boscha doing it here comes across, especially after the faux confession, like a needy ex getting ready to assault their old lover. For an episode that is essentially trying to redeem Boscha, I don't think it's a good choice. She's been villainous enough already, you didn't need to go that extra step but that may just be me.

But, writing wise, this scene is correct. It is her darkest hour. The moment that forces her to self reflect and choose a path. Is she a Banshee, or is she a slave? Does she stand proud like she always has but now for the right reasons or does she cower in villainy?

And we don't get a proper climax. Then again, neither did the episode.

We're going on a tangent but bear with me because it sets up what I think needed to happen. See, Boscha showing up and promising to kick Kikimora's ass off screen is... Bad. It's not a climax, it's instead tepid and weak, complete with, in the SECOND TO LAST EPISODE, "Don't think we're square" or whatever the fuck Willow says to Boscha. Why? Why are you STILL kicking narrative cans down the lane instead of actually giving any fucking resolutions? It's so indicative of the entire problem of S3 just having no fucking clue, nor interest, in wrapping anything up or giving any sort of real satisfaction to narrative plot points IT CREATES.

Worse yet is tying this around Kikimora of all people! I actually don't hate her as a character but like Boscha, the minute Belos is dead, her utility is over. Her dramatic weight has been gone for over half a season because ever since Falls and Follies, she's been a gag character. Yet, she's canonically beaten our main characters as many times as Belos has and unlike Belos, the main cast has never beaten her themselves, especially in a fair fight if you want to count Hunter's fight against her while she's drugged as a win against her. This is a character who is going to get the same reaction Luz gave: "You again? REALLY!?" because like... Why? Of all the characters to bring back, why bring back Kikimora as a final antagonist? I actually do have explanations for that, it's part of why S3 could never have been good even with a longer version of itself, but different blog.

No, it is the fact that despite bringing her back, despite giving her another objective win against our heroes... She isn't beat. We actually don't even know if Hexside succeeds in beating her. In this adventure show, the villain could have just peaced the fuck out and kept doing whatever she wanted instead of getting her ass beat and giving us a real action scene, something that is sorely lacking in For the Future. It makes no sense narratively, by genre convention, or thematically. And don't claim they ran out of time because that means they kept Kikimora through however many drafts it takes to make an episode and somehow decided to never write in how to actually give a climax to this episode that isn't just Camila and Luz talking about a subject that ANY villain could inspire by kicking Luz's ass.

So. What should have been here?

My suggestion is a roughly three minute trick, maybe less. I'm not asking for a lot of time, you can probably get it from not bothering to show Belos during the main portion of the episode and let him showing up at the Collector's Castle be his whole appearance because the foreshadowing of Caleb leads to literally nothing. In this fight scene though, we'll get our redemption.

Luz is lost and they're still struggling against Kikimora. Suddenly, Kikimora gasps and fires past them. Her shot shows scattered stone and smoke... And Belos walks through it. He smirks at Kiki and asks, "Ah, I see you're still as impulsive as ever." Kiki fires again as Belos gets past Hunter who is seperating the others from Belos. They all see a stone pillar rise at the last second and explode. Amity sees Belos wink at her while hidden by the smoke and looks across the way. Emira winks back at her.

Belos waves a hand and from the Earth, an abomination of rock, dirt and plant begins to rise. He speaks again but we don't look at Belos, we see Emira with Barkus next to her down a potion, her eyes glow with oracle magic and she speaks through that, channeling Belos more purely than she could otherwise. Kikimora screams at him that he's dead and starts to pummel the abomination when a screech sounds from above. Viney drops a potion from Puddles and it crashes into Kikimora's cockpit. From it, tentacles comes out, trying to grab Kikimora but instead knocking her out of it. She falls. The ground zooms close. She shuts her single eye to brace for impact.

It doesn't come.

She opens her eye. She is met by three.

Boscha keeps her face close and her voice low as she says, "You tried to silence me. You tried to take the last thing a Banshee has to her. The thing that anyone who knew our team, knew my friends, would be familiar with. The only thing that'd confuse them is that it's not a nerd in my hand but a little snake. I for one welcome the change." Boscha's face is lit up and you can see fire dancing in her eyes as she says, "Now, like a Banshee, let me hear you SCREAM!"

And Kikimora's scream scatters the birds as a pillar of flame erupts. We don't see the body, to keep it ambiguous and for pacing. Instead, Viney shows up to give a bit of healing and tell them they can go, we've got this. Then everyone leaves and joins back up with Luz to be kidnapped by the Collector.

In this version, we get a real climax and an actual send off to Hexside. Besides Skara, who could be shown coordinating things for a moment, we get a send off of all the named characters we know. I didn't mention Matt but his construction magic is there. So is illusions. So is a lot of types of magic working together, you know, like the show says is better, to pull this off. True unity between more characters than we get in the FINALE. And then a final moment for Boscha to make it clear she's still her but she knows who deserves her rage now rather than using it simply to stay on top.

It is A resolution to the core plot of the episode. You know, that thing that never happened, instead we got the SECOND resolution of Luz's character arc and that was it. Even if people might have still called it filler, it would at least have served as not just a cameo for Hexside but a curtain call for it that also highlights the changes to the kids there that Luz introduced. It would have SOME sort of point besides being there for Willow/Huntlow fans and a very forced "I want to be understood" that only makes sense from a meta perspective and makes Luz look like an over demanding bitch in canon.

But we didn't get anything like that. Why? ...I don't fucking know. I use a lot of words to try to explain shit but I've got nothing for you. The best I can is that it's because the writers felt obligated to include Hexside but no one actually cared about it or its characters and I just don't know why you would write that way, not when you had so much else to wrap up.

But for wrapping up this blog: Boscha continues to be one of the most weirdly nuanced characters of all of TOH and I kind of have to assume at this point it was entirely on accident. If attention would have ruined her, I would rather they disrespect her and let her stand tall as the time the broken clock was right. See you next tale.

======+++++======

This is your reminder that at chapter 28, Boscha hijacked my over 300k word behemoth, with over 100 chapters, and essentially became the main character of a story that was supposed to be Lumischa. I LOVE writing this bitch and have thought way too much about her.

I have a public Discord for any and all who want to join!

I also have an Amazon page for all of my original works in various forms of character focused romances from cute, teenage romance to erotica series of my past. I have an Ao3 for my fanfiction projects as well if that catches your fancy instead. If you want to hang out with me, I stream from time to time and love to chat with chat.

A Twitter you can follow too

And a Kofi if you like what I do and want to help out with the fact that disability doesn’t pay much.

[imthepunchlord]

Can we know more about your animula?

Yes!

Their term is Latin for little soul, and it's a nice little pun off animal.

They are more of what I wanted from kwamis. No mentality of children, no mob mentality when together, and no slaves of humanity. Personalities mainly work off animal archetypes as a base.

I've gone through varies ideas on what to do with them, from doing something global to something more Europe centered and working off virtues to doingan original zodiac to matbe tying them to the Arthurian legends. What has remained consistent is keeping colors and elements in mind, as well as concepts of strength, heart, mind, and soul.

I've also gone back and forth on many but 1 power to lesser but multiple powers.

Recent planning of the Bugettes has me thinking I should just work off the theme of colors, as I'll have guidelines but still be able to be flexible and creative with the idea.

I do know for sure is that I want the main focus to be gather them all questline, like Cardcaptor Sakura, Xiaolin Showdown, Jackie Chan Adventures, ect.. And as the leads were trying to gather them up, they were dealing with two warring factions that also sought to have all animula: the Dawnguard and Twilightvigil.

Bee and Peafowl I knew I wanted to be major leads to focus on, so was Cat but not a 100%.

Peafowl I wanted to go to a lead based on Marinette, as I do genuinely like her a lead, and the peafowl!Marinette design I've done with first with animula.

And what was fun is that the Peafowl anumula, who's name I still haven't found, was going to be vain, bold, and theatrical, paired with a human who in contrast is humble, has potential to show off her brilliance but doesn't really aim for it, and rather subtlety to flashiness. Claire and Renae are the two names that float around for her, and maybe she has a twin brother, maybe not.

Bee I thought to go to a Texas cowgirl, and her set up was being a lone ranger who got Bee to learn to work with others.

I've also wanted to do a lead based on Toby from Trollhunters because I really love him and felt he got shafted so hard.

And that covers the over all basics of the animula concept. I don't know if I could do it as a book series or comic, would love to, but it's always been fun to think about and explore.

[salsaseth]

After hearing my friend, James bring it up in a call, we started watching Lily Orchard's video about Pokemon to see all the bad takes in it.

When she starts playing the DS games, she uses a mod to smooth out the aliasing and uncap the game's framerate to 60. And gah damn does it look fuckin bad. Even worse is during the 3D games where she uses another mod to smooth out the 3D models and it looks like peeled oranges. Unnaturally smooth. But it does get funny when she talks about the game running like garbage when she's fucked with the game's logic. Like no shit, it's running at a framerate it was never meant for.

Something really funny also begins in the DS games. I don't know why, but she replaces one of the starters with Ralts, cuz she's got some favoritism for Gardevoir. All well and good, but you know, Ralts is weak as shit until it learns confusion and it's still frail. So it gets its ass kicked all the way until it evolves into Gardevoir. But because of how much asskicking it receives, and I swear this is true, she suspects the game is artificially raising the strength of the enemy pokemon, as a way to explain for why's she losing.

Almost as if the game is designed to use a stronger than average pokemon to get you through the early game. ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) Still, I don't fully understand why she refuses to use the regular starters. Especially when you can catch Ralts and Kirlia for most of the games. save for black and white. Speaking of.

One takeaway I've had from listening to it is what she says is more revealing about herself than what is intentional. The most telling thing is when she's going off about the Black and White characters for speaking about their ideals and opinions. I mean, she mashes through that with the A button (VISUAL NOVEL HATER SPOTTED), so it's when she's paying attention. I don't know if she just doesn't know what the game is supposed to be going for, or if she's just purposefully ignorant for the sake of contrarianism, but the game's themes are about truth and ideals. The truth is out there, but the ideals we have shape our perspective of the truth. Even Cheren, who represents the truth, is still shaped his ideal. It's a little more deeper than, 'Characters excited that they all have opinions,' but what do i know?

She rails against these characters, N in particular for having opinions and speaking them out. Meanwhile in X&Y, which its cast and characters are there to mostly stroke the character's dick, she vastly praises and prefers these characters to the ones in B&W. Hmmm. Characters that have opinions and speak them out are hated, while those that don't and heap praise on her are loved. I wonder if this says anything about her?

The video gets pretty boring the longer it goes on. The hot take well starts drying up and it quickly becomes a bad screenshot let's play. "Then I did this, and then I did that!"

That's all I got to report. Besides the shoehorning in of lefty takes. I don't know if it's because she's not funny or if she wields everything with as much subtlety as anvil-nunchuks, but when there's an opportunity to make a joke with a leftist-slant, it's as heavy handed as a Titan's ballsack and as funny as stale bread. I'm a leftist bastard myself, but every time the jokes were shoehorned in, I'm like, "The funny? Where is it?!" Especially when it was about Looker and Nanu. I get not liking the police, but this isn't the time or place for it. Leave the jokes to the professionals. Like my friend Plate. Several unemployment jokes were made at Lily's expense, and each one was funnier than the last.

I'll report back if there's anything worth commenting on. Me and the friends got to the end of Sun and Moon, so we have SwSh and SV left.

And if you had time to read this 'post', Lily, I think you had time to 'post' your resume to get a job ;D ;D ;D

[byoldervine]

Hi! I just found your blog! I was wondering if you had any tips on writing a good, strong first chapter or two for fan fiction? I’m doing a cross over and I always have trouble in the beginning of my stories. I would love some advice! Thank you!

Welcome to the blog! It’s been a good long while since I wrote any fanfic, let alone started one, but I’ll see what I’ve got up my sleeves!

1. Open with a question. This doesn’t mean the first line has to be a literal question, it just means that your first line should make readers ask questions in their mind that encourage them to continue reading. If you open with something self-explanatory like “I woke up and opened the curtains”, that does give an idea of the scene and the time, but it doesn’t add any incentive to read on. Reframing it to something like “Opening the curtains might have been a bad idea”, you create intrigue; why was it a bad idea? Did they see something bad out the window? Additionally, it can take you straight into the action, which works well with my next tip

2. No need for introductions. With original writing you often have to set the scene more and ensure characters are introduced and well-established, and that often comes with the advice that you shouldn’t introduce too many new names and faces in the same chapter, but in fanfic you can safely assume that your readers are familiar with the characters and world already, meaning you can jump straight into the plot and throw as many canon characters at it as you like. Take advantage of this!

3. Vibe check. Your opening chapter can set the theme or tone of your fic, so pay attention; if you want something lighthearted and funny, have everyone cracking jokes or just generally not taking it all seriously. If you want angst and trauma, it helps if the tone is more serious. If you want romance, have that vibe either through a love at first sight deal or by using other established couples to set the mood. Even if by the second chapter the vibe has changed so you can build back up to it going forward, it’s nice to have that overall feel in the first chapter so you know what you’re getting into going forward; if readers like the initial vibe, they’ll like the fic. It gives them a taste of what’s to come

4. Take advantage of quirks. With original writing, the author has to pave the way for subtle quirks and mannerisms and dynamics to be recognisable by the reader - but in fic, you have the advantage of the readers already being familiar. You can use this to make characters feel more alive and, well, in-character, and thanks to their pre-established characterisation you can utilise it from the start. Maybe there are subtleties in their actions that you can take advantage of plot-wise? Or in your case with the crossover, it could maybe signify to Crew A that Crew B are very tight-knit and know each other and their strengths and weaknesses well

5. Have fun with it. Fic writing tends to be a lot more unserious than original writing; you certainly do your best with it, but everyone knows that it’s just for fun and won’t hold you to the expectations of a professional like some people sadly would for those writing original fic for the same reason. In any case, you can take a breather with fic writing, and ultimately the only way to do it wrong is to not have fun writing it

It’s a little difficult to give pointers that are purely fic-related, especially when I’m unfamiliar with the crossover plan, so it also might be beneficial to read other fics of those fandoms and any crossovers you can find if possible! Best of luck with your fic!

[chai-en-kaadhale]

I also hate how in dune part 2 they entirely retconned the bit with Paul crying over killing Jamis

Paul giving said tears to the dead is a huge point because of the amount of respect he gained for it, because unlike the movie might have you believe, giving water to the dead is honoring them

like REALLY honoring them

and I also hate how Paul was disliked for killing Jamis in the movie?? Jamis went into that duel knowing one of them would die because that's HOW IT WORKS, so the fact that Paul won originally proved his strength as a fighter- he won the hearts of the Fedaykin and shit

I also hate how nonchalant Jessica was about it (that being said I never watched part 1 so I may be wrong) because she made a point at every minute possible to make sure Paul KNEW that killing Jamis was wrong and that he shouldn't ride that high

Basically their handling of Jamis' death was just <<<<<<<<<<<<

I mean I can level with some decisions. Chani constantly yapping at us about the themes and ideas that we're supposed to get on our own which makes it hit harder? Paul suddenly becoming a good guy who openly doesn't want to go with the Bene Gesserit's plans and the Bene Gessirit having the subtlety of my friend with every other boy she's into? Sure, lots of moviegoers tend to have the literary analysis skills of a fish

BUT WHY WOULD YOU JUST. CHANGE ALL OF THAT

LIKE ALLLL OF THAT

WHY

[nilolol30]

so l Saw you were asking for requests !!

what about the traffick light trio with an ice demon princess s/o ( headcanons pls)

I think of the shenigans !

Ty!!!

I didn't know if you wanted it platonic or not so I didn't make it specific sorry if this is a bit short

Mk

• Omg he has so many questions.

• Asked if you could make ice sculptures like the ones he's seen in those really fancy party's or restaurants.

• If it's a hot day he'd ask if you could make a small pile of snow if you agree he'd have a snowball fight with you.

• Wonders if you're somewhat related to the snow queen story he heard about once.

• If you invited him to your place he's gonna act like he did when he saw Mei's place you will have to supervise him constantly unless you want a priceless artifact broken.

"So when you use your ice powers do you get cold? Can you even feel cold? Can you feel warmth?"

Mei

• Thinks of so many fighting duo moves you two can do together.

• During party's she might ask if you could cool her drink for her she won't hesitate to pull the puppy eyes.

• She's a little curious about your family history she won't pry but asks subtlety and drops it if she thinks you're uncomfortable about it.

• If she's watched Frozen she begs for you to make a living snowman unfortunately you'll have to explain why you can't create a sentient living being.

• She has so many winter theme outfits that complements both you can her.

"Aww my drinks all warm...if only there was a amazing cool princess that can cool it up! pretty please"

Redson

• He holds some respect towards you not only because of you being "a fellow royal" or something like that but you have power and strength.

• If you ever pick up his habit of calling people peasants he's going to be so prideful. (that one meme of the lil minx licking the baby one y'all know what I'm talking about)

• Begs asks for you to join him in his schemes on taking over the world.

• He is a fire demon so I'd think he's never really experienced the feeling of cold so when he around you and your presence cool the entire room he's surprised and curious.

• Often invites you to dinner with his family his mother and father assumed he's courting you (the way that ends is up to you).

"If you join my plan those insufferable peasants won't stand a chance!!!"

[romanceyourdemons]

i don’t have much to say about brain damage (1988) except that it’s a really good body horror film. like most body horror films, it has themes of addiction, sex and sexuality, abusive relationships, and the borders of personal identity, which this film very effectively explores through the mechanism a very funny little stop motion monster and lots of goop and gore. the effects are practical, the budget is low, the story is simple and to-the-point, not wasting time with subtlety—and, perhaps most importantly, it stars some of the prettiest boys i’ve ever seen between the years of 1984 and 1991. it was a very fun experience, sporting all the strengths of the genre without falling prey to classic weaknesses such as an overly grandiose plot or meandering ending, and i would definitely recommend brain damage (1988) as one of the best comedy instances of the body horror genre

[maria-de-salinas]

20 Questions Game

Thanks for tagging me @ashesandhackles

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

19

2. What's your total AO3 words count?

831, 605

3. What fandoms do you write for?

HP

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Regretfully Yours

The Bollan Cross

The Alchemist

Vulnera Sanentur

We'll Sing Like Birds in the Cage

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Yes. It never stops blowing my mind that someone read something I wrote and then took the time to tell me about it. Actual real people that I get to talk with. Incredible.

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I'm a pushover for happy endings so none of them are really angsty, but What the Moon Revealed is close

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Regretfully Yours is pretty fluffy towards the end

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Someone once said that my OC Graihagh was really fucking stupid. All I can say to that is, if you're looking for confident, well-adjusted heroines who make good decisions, you're barking up the wrong tree. We serve girlfailures here, sir.

9. Do you write smut? If so what kind?

Yes. I've written everything from angsty PWP to fluffy relationship smut, but what I really love is throwing characters into situations where all their fears are exposed and they're totally vulnerable.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

None yet, but Snape works so well as a brooding Regency gentleman that a Jane Austen crossover is bound to materialize at some point

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

not that I know of

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I think so! Someone asked if they could translate Paradigm Shift into Chinese and post it to Lofter, which is similar to tumblr in China. It's really incredible, this global community we've built through AO3.

13. Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

no

14. What's your all-time favourite ship?

Hmm, maybe Anne/Wentworth

15. What's a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

At one point I started some Snegulus but I just couldn't make it work. Not sure I'd want to finish that though--I'm more drawn to Snack.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Characterization, building relationships between characters

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Sometimes the writing/theme/dialogue is too on-the-nose; I'm not great at subtlety or finding that line between revealing too much and revealing too little. I can be a little too cautious at times, and then there's action--sometimes I'll get stuck for days trying to get the character to walk across the frigging room.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

Love it when others do this, and I love to do it! There may be things a character can express in other languages that they can't in English, or the language may be fundamental to them in some way. I loved adding snatches of Manx Gaelic to Vulnera Sanentur; my OC was raised as an English speaker, but the language is so deeply rooted in her psyche that it gives voice to unutterable longings.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Harry Potter

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

This is probably cheating but the whole Vulnera Sanentur series

tagging @marshmallowmcgonagall @celta-diabolica @bunny-bopper @logicgunn @scattermeamongthestars @writer-or-whatever @typingkeys-11 if you'd like to!

[autolenaphilia]

Tell me I'm worthless by Alison Rumfitt

The horror novel Tell Me I’m Worthless by Alison Rumfitt from 2021 is very blatant about what it’s about. It’s a haunted house story, that uses gothic horror imagery to tell an anti-fascist allegory.

In fact it’s barely even allegory. The house is named Albion, representing England and the myriad forms of fascism in that country. The way its haunts people are clearly the influence of fascism. It borrows the idea from horror fiction of a haunted location influencing the thoughts of the people who dwell within (The Haunting of Hill House is brought up explicitly). And the influence in this novel is just plain fascist thinking. The supernatural events caused by the house sometimes literally take the form of fascist symbolism.

The book is also obvious about its hauntings also representing the trauma and grief fascism can create. The opening part of the book takes place after the two main characters Alice and Ila visited the house and got hurt by it, losing their friend Hannah to Albion. The novel eventually describes what happened then, but the first part takes place afterwards. Alice and Ila continue to be haunted despite leaving the house, because the hauntings represent their trauma and grief. The house used its influence of fascist thought to turn them against each other and ruined their relationship. They literally have scars from how they hurt each other. And they also lost their friend Hannah to the house. So the hauntings take the form of fascist symbols, but the women also have visions of each other and of Hannah. And of course the house is England, so still living in the country they are still affected by it.

It’s all very obvious what it is about. It’s so blatant at times that the hauntings are often silly in the way horror stories can often be. The book literally opens with a haunting of a poster of the singer Morrissey, whose image becomes a vector for the hauntings because he is more or less an open fascist now. That is funny. And I won’t spoil it, but when the book describes what happened to Hannah in the house, it’s gruesome, but even more funny than the haunted Morrissey poster.

Overall, the book is as subtle as a sledgehammer about its themes. Subtlety is not one of its strengths.

Yet it’s a sledgehammer to the face. It’s emotionally effective. There is some really good writing here, with some great use of stream of consciousness. There are some intelligent explorations of fascist thought, it’s ideology, it’s dreams and nightmares. There is depictions of rape, but it’s not for shock value, as the book also explores the nuances of who is believed when rape accusations are made. The heavy themes are explored with enough depth to actually disturb the reader.

Even the sillier supernatural events are fun, as silly horror can also often be, and I get the sense the book has a sense of humour about itself, so it might be intended to be fun.

And there is a complexity to the portrait of fascism. If the book lacks subtlety, it definitely has nuance. It knows fascism can take many forms and aspects, and people are vulnerable to supremacist ideology according to their privileges, even if they don’t buy the whole package. And they still reinforce the overall fascist political project, even if they aren’t aware of this.

The main character Alice is trans, but she is still white, and under influence of the house, she has anti-immigrant and racist thoughts. Her former lover Ila is a Jewish lesbian woman of colour, but she still is cis (or thinks she is), and becomes part of Britain’s TERF movement, who use and abuse her. They were once lovers, lesbians and marginalized in different ways, but the house and its fascist ideology still was able to make them hate and hurt each other, and destroyed their love and friendship. The complex public image of Morrissey, the bisexual indie rock singer English gentleman fascist, literally haunting Alice is both ridiculous and appropriate.

It’s intelligent writing. It works for the novel as a story thing, because it makes the characters feel complex. They are victims of fascism, but also perpetrators, so the book doesn’t fall into the one-dimensional victim trope that anti-fascist fiction can often fall into. Even as the book’s ending suggests love can resist the influence of fascism, because of this moral complexity and the darkness of the book, it doesn’t feel cloying at all.

It captures the complexity of fascist and supremacist thought. It’s a book about fascism that doesn’t reassure the reader that they are immune to fascist thinking because of their identity (a fallacy white queer people are often vulnerable to). That even if you are a marginalized person, you are still vulnerable to its thought patterns. The book is a horror novel, and I find that pretty scary.

[flamesbetween]

i decided to take that daemon quiz for all the scratchverse chars so here are the results:

Seth (Scratch):

Reserved, quiet, and hard-working, with a tender heart and calloused knuckles. Crazy social anxiety, but also has this zone they get into for performing.

Milk Snake (Serpent)

wow I love Themes and Symbolism —

Serpent: "Those who have serpent daemons are sly and observant people whose aim is to endure. They are mysterious and private, deeply intellectual and preferably three steps ahead of everyone else. They live in the big picture rather than day by day, and their vanity is well-deserved."

Milk Snake: "You are a private but polite individual who looks before they leap. [...] Milk snakes are tactful and shrewd people with high standards, preferring their comfort zone but calm in the face of change. They are classically passive aggressive and hate conflict, willing to take advantage of others to avoid negative attention and regain their peace."

I'd say it's not 100% spot on, as Seth isn't really that manipulative, but it's fairly close. If I were to go through the options and pick I might go for a boa instead, or maybe a vine snake, but milk snake still works, at least to some extent.

Annie (Electrojet):

Annie is shrewd, not very personable, strong beliefs. Firm, confident in certain situations, but anxious in times of change, not talkative, except for info dumps or overexplaining, etc. (#autism)

and according to the quiz she is:

A little owl:

Owl: "Those who have owl daemons are intelligent and precise, though unlike other bird daemons they exude pure logic. They are observant and critical, preferring [subtlety] and independence when it comes to pursuing their goals."

Little owl: "You are a private and dutiful individual who is selectively affectionate towards those you care about. More so than others with owl daemons, those with little owls are sensitive people, not terribly ambitious and more concerned with planning ahead and developing their inner strength. They're very self-sufficient and have no qualms about communicating that to others."

Fits her pretty well, imo

Naomi (Geckonyx):

Naomi is talkative, social, lots of friends/acquaintances, always speaks her mind. Loves to learn, a little competitive. Also goes to therapy, talks about her feelings. Morning person.

Result:

Magpie (perching bird)

Perching bird: "Those who have perching bird daemons are intelligent and like finding patterns, though unlike other bird daemons they are more chatty and social. They enjoy putting their inner thoughts into words and wearing their heart on their sleeves."

Magpie: "You are a clever and cryptic individual who has a talent for graceful communication. More so than others with perching bird daemons, those with magpies have insatiable curiosity and tend to get distracted by possibilities. They love hidden meanings and uncovering the unknown."

I'm not so sure about graceful communication or crypticness (although, as a stealthy character…) but she is generally clever and curious so it still fits

TJ (REfactor):

A boisterous, friendly guy who deals with his neuroses by being extremely chill and yet very high-strung. Moves too fast but is incredibly devoted.

Squirrel monkey (primate):

Primate: "Those who have primate daemons are socially savvy and charismatic people who know how to get on people’s good sides. They’re often inspiring leaders, though just as often manipulators with strong intuition. They have a gift for understanding and are led by their insatiable curiosity."

Squirrel monkey: "You are a playful and light-hearted individual with insatiable curiosity. More so than others with primate daemons, those with squirrel monkeys are cheeky and get by [on] the skin of their teeth. They are humorous people with a quick energy about them."

Diana (Doctor Wormwood):

Diana is extroverted, sometimes intense, very polite except when larping or doing theater tech stuff, very repressed, very angry. Kind of a perfectionist. Bad at prioritizing her own needs.

Badger (Mustelid):

Mustelid: "Those who have weasel daemons are sneaky and inquisitive people who don't take no for an answer when there's something they want. They aren't afraid of breaking rules to get to where they want and are naturally subtle and cheeky individuals."

Badger: "You are a hardworking and confident individual who readily stands up for themselves. More so than others with weasel daemons, those with badgers are competitive and crave success, and they dutifully plan ahead to achieve it. They are private but typically peaceable people, always putting their ambition and sense of organization first."

Angel (Novaglow):

Angel is playful and lighthearted, theatrical and carefree, very sociable and always up for a challenge.

Ocelot (Wild cat):

Wild cat: "Those who have wild cat daemons are proud and confident people who radiate strength. They aren't necessarily the most talkative, but they have the largest presence in the room wherever they go. As natural leaders, the companions of these individuals know it's their way or the highway."

Ocelot: "You are an intuitive and focused individual who is deeply private. More so than others with wild cat daemons, those with ocelots have clear perspective and an interest in discovering what's happening beneath the surface. They are very socially aware and weigh all possible outcomes before making a decision."

Interesting 🤔

I think, of the wildcat options, tiger is actually a better fit, but ocelot isn't too far off at all.

Tiger: "You are a courageous and confident individual who emphasizes balance in your life. More so than others with wild cat daemons, those with tigers are deeply introspective and see their raw emotions as power. They are patient and practical people who have learned just how much they can bite off before they can't chew."

Tama (Le Grand Chevalier):

A diva, a star, very bombastic person with big aspirations and goals.

Stoat (Mustelid):

Stoat: "You are an independent and strong-willed individual with no lack of confidence. More so than others with weasel daemons, those with stoats have a nervous and energetic energy, and are forceful people who would rather ram right into conflict than avoid it. They aren't the hardest of workers, but they're exceptionally stubborn and have an impulsive streak."

Sonam (Solomon):

Withdrawn, closed off, stubborn, a slow-burning but explosive temper.

Barn Owl:

"You are a loyal and perceptive individual who tackles adversity with patience. More so than others with owl daemons, those with barn owls are shy and passive, notorious planners that aren't particularly ambitious, but able to be flexible and adapt to changing situations. They are devoted to their loved ones and dependent on their support."

"a melanistic barn owl may be indicative of a secretive and ostracized person"

Micaela (Veritas):

Headstrong, stubborn, working to dismantle the system from the inside, but also a romantic at heart with a fondness for puns and the great outdoors. Lives on a boat, which ended up relevant because:

Elephant seal (Pinniped):

(LOL)

Pinniped: "Those who have pinniped daemons are cheerful and imaginative people who know how to work hard and play hard. They are known for their boundless creativity and often have their head in the clouds, excelling exceptionally at one area of their life."

Elephant seal (LMAO): "You are a loud and competitive individual who doesn't mind rocking the boat. More so than others with pinniped daemons, those with elephant seals are gregarious and like to brag about their successes. They are creative and strong people who know it."

Pink Gemini:

Very patient, very good at smiling rage. Flaky, inconsistent, showoff, rakish, very competitive. Slightly lackadaisical/"lazy" (adhd) and prefers to slack off, not work hard etc. Life is a game to her, but also she is winning. Or trying to. She is often super manipulative and leading in her charms, but occasionally very blunt. Very spontaneous.

Kookaburra (Cavitave):

Cavitave: "Those who have cavitave daemons are proud and talkative people who are natural showoffs. They thrive in the spotlight and are naturally charismatic and admirable people, though they aren't known for being particularly patient or sincere."

Kookaburra: "You are a confident and gregarious individual who likes to laugh through life. More so than others with cavitave daemons, those with kookaburras are lazy and optimistic, but still maintain an edge when crossed. playful and affectionate people, which often masks their competitive side and the high standards they hold themselves and everyone else to."

by far the funniest result to get for a character I've described as a cross between Harley Quinn, the Taskmaster, and Deadpool.

Black Taurus:

Very closed off, obedient, but does not want to be doing bad things. She is desperate, powerful, very quiet, antisocial, and dependent on others. Super protective. A follower, not a leader, but immensely stubborn and does actually have morals. Devoted above all else to providing for her brother and making sure he is safe.

She does not take time off, she does not play, she is not free to be herself. But when she puts her mind to something, it gets done. She is also far too trusting and gullible, while also being distrusting. It's an odd balance.

Chow (Domestic Dog):

Domestic dog: FUCK. SHE SURE IS. "Those who have domestic dog daemons are loyal and service-oriented people who love to be in the presence of others. They offer guidance and protection to those they cherish, though are typically obedient to an individual, cause, or service."

Chow: "You are an aloof but protective individual who is hard to get to know but easy to love. More so than others with dog daemons, those with chows hold others at a distance until they know they can trust them. They are the guardians of their friends and strong-willed when they know something is wrong. A darker-colored chow may indicate someone more independent and private."

I also looked at the other options and considered rottweiler but imo chow works pretty well

Nekromantis:

Gaslight gatekeep girlboss

Snow leopard (wild cat):

Snow leopard: "You are an intuitive and self-reliant individual who maintains a balance in their life. More so than others with wild cat daemons, those with snow leopards are known for their independence and quiet wisdom. They are often socially removed, deeply internal and concerned with philosophy or big picture issues."

Like money and profit. Lmao.

Lilith (The Psykopomp):

Walled-off, bitter, envious, dramatic and secretly in need of tenderness and being known.

Caracal (wild cat):

Caracal: "You are an observant and thoughtful individual who is deeply private. More so than others with wild cat daemons, those with caracals are independent and self-preserving, excelling in the specific area of life they've carved out for themselves. They have strong boundaries and prefer to only depend on themselves."

Cyberstorm:

Internet troll, porn addict. Wildly antisocial but also very outgoing online, but very introverted irl, with basically no friends.

Falcon (raptor):

Raptor: "Those who have raptor daemons are intellectual and precise, though unlike other bird daemons they also symbolize active and ambition. They are logical but confident, often preferring to work alone in relentless pursuit of their goals."

Falcon: "You are an intense and shrewd individual. More so than others with raptor daemons, those with falcons are highly tenacious and obsessive over their goals. They are efficient and driven, observant people who become restless when they have nothing to focus their attention on."

Miserychord:

Considers themself to be a mercy killer, but ultimately they have been led astray by the notion of humanity's supposed inherent evil.

Sphynx cat:

Domestic Cat: "Those who have domestic cat daemons are proud survivalists who look before they leap. They have a special connection with luck and like to expand upon their natural talents, though you can expect them to get going when the going gets tough."

Sphynx: "You are a mischievous and outgoing individual who is known for their wit. More so than others with cat daemons, those with Sphynxes tend to be cunning and ambitious. They always have their eye on the prize and hate being bored. A solid-colored black Sphynx indicates someone more ambitious and devious."

Such a funny result for the dark mori-kei goth psionic bowman.

Luce (Arcana Royale):

(Diana's older brother) Idealist, like, wow. Very Law Abiding. Gets up early, stays up late. Wants to be part of something big, wants to live up to expectations, never let anyone down. Can be a little self-absorbed/arrogant and prideful lol, does not like to sacrifice his pride or be humiliated, even though he wants to always help those in need. He is more calm than Diana, but still can get pretty rowdy. More patient, still intense.

Fjord horse:

huh.

Equine: "Those who have equine daemons are free-spirited and victorious, known to follow their hearts in pursuing their dreams. Though willful, their dislike for conflict lands them in positions of helping others. Even still, their deeply value their own ideas and are led by their big dreams."

Fjord Horse: "You are a strong-hearted and plucky individual who doesn't let anything get them down. More so than others with equine daemons, those with Fjords are eager to rise to challenges and have boundless determination. They are known for their hardworking, gregarious, and supportive nature."

Daniel Saint-Fleur (The Harvestman):

Oh buddy. Closed off, private, untrusting, deeply repressed, afraid, dutiful, unhappy, resigned to his fate as nothing more than a weapon. Would recoil at the idea that he is selfish, because of the way he has been groomed. Thinks he is lazy, worthless. Driven in like… being perfect.

Got a fucking...

Bandicoot (Marsupial):

Marsupial: "Those who have marsupial daemons are protective and giving people who typically have an unusual or quirky perspective on life. They are creative individuals good at inspiring their loved ones, notably quiet until something riles them up." Interesting…

Bandicoot: "You are a private and anxious individual with a determined streak. More so than others with marsupial daemons, those with bandicoots are independent people who don't often trust others; they have strong boundaries and are defensive when they're pushed. They're very proactive and focused on accomplishments, and are intense about ensuring the success of their projects."

It's like, on the money And Yet. SO fucking funny. Guy rolls up in all black, leather duster, steel horse of a motorcycle, skull mask, double-wielding blue-glowing mana revolvers… and his familiar is a bandicoot.

Instachill:

Judgmental, easily annoyed, "get out of my way!" Surprisingly charismatic/socially skilled despite being kind of harsh and standoffish. Not willing to sacrifice everything, or even just pride, just for some dumb goal; driven but knows when to quit. Extremely competitive and cutthroat. Not nice.

Osprey (raptor):

Osprey: "You are a precise and observant individual who seeks to master challenges. More so than others with raptor daemons, those with ospreys are more emotionally in-tune with themselves. They are patient but decisive when they are moved to act, and are unafraid of authority who go against their moral compass."

A sea bird is weirdly fitting for cold powers.

Unnamed Mushroom Lady:

(I'll get to it.)

I'm weird. I'm a weirdo. I don't fit in. And I don't want to fit in. Please love me. Opinionated esp about the law and its unfairness. Thinks she is the smartest person in any given room. Kind of arrogant. Fiercely independent. Very adaptable.

Pika (Lagomorph):

Lagomorph: "Those who have rabbit daemons are observant and prosperous people known for their anxious energy. They prepare for the worst and never expect the best, and they most relish their creative downtime with others in the comforts of home."

Pika: "You are a dutiful and stubborn individual who always plans ahead. More so than others with rabbit daemons, those with pikas are introverted and like their alone time, and prefer to go about things independently. They are proud people who most value their own opinion, and they don't hesitate about asserting themselves to others."

Geoff Rust (Ozymandias):

Asswipe. CEO. Like if Norman Osborn was Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk.

Lion (wild cat):

Lion: "You are an authoritative and courageous individual who has a large sense of dignity. [...] Those with lions are drawn towards leading causes and have a natural brash and self-assured nature. They are proud and just people, whose confidence makes their tempers flare when challenged."

"When deciding on your daemon's appearance, consider if your lion bears a mane. A lion with a dark mane could indicate an individual who is commanding and private. [...] Large manes would imply someone who is established and overflows with confidence."

I mean, if we go by His Dark Materials rules it would be a lioness but if we're just assigning him a fursona, I'd do a big, dark mane.

Worst part about Rust getting a lion is he would be soooo fucking smug about it too lmao

I also did some for minor/supporting characters but this post is too long so I'll just do a bulleted list:

Irma: Sea lion

Bijou: Komodo dragon

Casey: Clydesdale (imo white or gray prince charming style)

Mark: Woodpecker (either pileated or downy imo)

Saleha: Ladybug 🐞

Deacon: Blue Jay (LOL) (Steller's Jay)

Mei: Roadrunner

Mar: Cape Buffalo

Madelyn: Wildebeest

(For reference: all the possible results are on this spreadsheet made by colombiche)

[themovieblogonline]

Didi Review: A Resonant Journey Through Adolescence

In his directorial debut, Sean Wang presents a heartfelt and resonant coming-of-age comedy-drama in Didi. Set in the culturally rich and complex backdrop of Fremont, California, the film explores the nuances of adolescence, family dynamics, and identity through the lens of a 13-year-old boy navigating the turbulence of growing up. The film stands out as a remarkable portrayal of the universal struggle of finding one’s place in the world, particularly as an Asian American teenager. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6gve8GtSuU Capturing Adolescence with Heartfelt Authenticity Didi captures the essence of adolescence with striking authenticity. The film centers around Chris Wang (Izaac Wang), a 13-year-old boy grappling with the challenges of growing up in a multicultural household. Set against the summer of 2008, the story unfolds with a careful balance of humor and drama, echoing the everyday struggles of a teenager trying to navigate friendships, family expectations, and self-discovery. The narrative is driven by Chris’s interactions with his family—his mother Chungsing (Joan Chen), his demanding grandmother Nai Nai (Chang Li Hua), and his older sister Vivian (Shirley Chen). Chris’s father, who remains a distant figure, supporting the family from Taiwan, adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamics. The tension between Chungsing and Nai Nai over parenting and cultural values provides a poignant backdrop to Chris’s personal journey, highlighting the generational and cultural gaps that often exist in immigrant families. Sharp, Nuanced Screenplay Wang’s screenplay is both sharp and nuanced, capturing the awkwardness and vulnerability of adolescence with a keen eye. The dialogue feels natural, with the banter between Chris and his friends Fahad and Soup, as well as the bickering with his sister Vivian, providing a window into the everyday life of a teenager. The film also delves into the challenges of identity and cultural expectations, particularly in Chris’s interactions with his peers and his crush, Madi. The film subtly addresses the microaggressions that come with being an Asian American teenager, without turning it into a didactic lesson, making the narrative feel all the more authentic. A Standout Cast Led by Izaac Wang Izaac Wang delivers a standout performance as Chris, embodying the character’s awkwardness, confusion, and resilience with a sincerity that makes him incredibly relatable. His portrayal of Chris’s emotional journey—from the excitement of a first crush to the pain of social rejection and the struggle to fit in—is both touching and believable. Wang’s ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety adds depth to the character, making Chris a protagonist worth rooting for. Joan Chen’s portrayal of Chungsing is another highlight of the film. Chen brings a quiet strength and vulnerability to the role, making Chungsing a deeply empathetic character. Her chemistry with Wang is palpable, and their mother-son relationship is one of the film’s emotional anchors. The scenes between Chungsing and Chris are some of the most powerful in the film, as they navigate the push-and-pull of parental expectations and adolescent rebellion. The supporting cast, particularly Shirley Chen as Vivian and Chang Li Hua as Nai Nai, also deliver strong performances. Shirley Chen captures the complexity of being an older sibling on the cusp of adulthood, while Chang Li Hua’s portrayal of Nai Nai adds a layer of traditionalism and cultural weight to the family dynamic. The ensemble cast works harmoniously to bring out the film’s themes of family, identity, and belonging. Strong Direction Paired with Thoughtful Cinematography Sean Wang’s direction is confident and assured, especially for a debut feature. He has a clear vision for the story he wants to tell and how he wants to tell it. Wang’s ability to balance humor and drama, while maintaining a consistent tone throughout the film, is commendable. The film’s pacing is steady, allowing the characters and their relationships to develop naturally over time. Wang doesn’t rush through the emotional beats, instead allowing moments of silence and reflection to resonate with the audience. The cinematography by Sam A. Davis is another strength of the film. The visual style captures the suburban landscape of Fremont with a warmth and familiarity that complements the story’s themes. The use of natural light and muted colors gives the film a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of summers past. Arkapaw’s camera work is unobtrusive, allowing the performances and the story to take center stage, yet it is also capable of capturing the quiet beauty of everyday moments—whether it’s the sunlight filtering through a window or the intimate space of a family dinner. Themes of Identity, Family, and Belonging At its core, Didi is a film about identity and the often painful process of self-discovery. It explores the tension between individual aspirations and family expectations, a theme that resonates strongly with many first-generation immigrants. Chris’s journey is one of learning to balance the different aspects of his identity—being an American teenager, a son, a brother, and an aspiring filmmaker. The film also tackles the complexities of friendship and social belonging. Chris’s interactions with his friends and his crush, Madi, highlight the social pressures and insecurities that come with adolescence. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the awkwardness and discomfort that often accompanies these experiences, making Chris’s journey all the more relatable. Subtle but Profound Emotional Impact The emotional impact of Didi is subtle yet profound. The film doesn’t rely on melodrama to convey its message; instead, it finds power in the quiet moments of connection and understanding between characters. Whether it’s a mother’s quiet confession of her own dreams or a sibling’s wordless gesture of support, the film’s emotional resonance lingers long after the credits roll. Final Thoughts: A Remarkable Debut Didi is a beautifully crafted and extremely moving film that marks an impressive directorial debut for Sean Wang. With its authentic portrayal of adolescence, strong performances, and thoughtful exploration of identity and family, the film stands out as a resonant and emotionally impactful coming-of-age story. Wang’s ability to balance humor and drama, coupled with the film’s strong visual style, makes Didi a memorable and heartfelt experience. Read the full article

[vector-art-bundles]

Exploring the Black Panther: A Symbol of Strength and Grace in Design

The black panther, with its captivating presence and silent strength, stands as a powerful symbol across different cultures and contexts. This mysterious feline embodies a unique blend of grace, power, and mystery, making it a favored subject in art and design. In this article, we delve into the symbolism of the black panther and how it is expertly captured in the "Stealthy Black Panther Vector Art" pack—a versatile graphic collection ideal for a wide range of creative projects.

The Black Panther as a Symbol of Strength

Throughout history, the black panther has been revered for its strength and ferocity. This elusive predator is often associated with leadership, courage, and fearlessness. In many cultures, it represents the warrior spirit, embodying the idea of fighting against all odds and emerging victorious. The "Stealthy Black Panther Vector Art" pack brings this symbolism to life, offering detailed silhouettes that capture the panther’s poised and powerful stance, perfect for designs that seek to convey strength and resilience.

Grace and Stealth: The Duality of the Panther

Beyond its raw power, the black panther is also a symbol of grace and stealth. Its ability to move silently through the night, unseen by both prey and predators, has made it a symbol of subtlety and elegance. In design, the panther’s sleek silhouette can be used to convey a sense of sophistication and mystery. The "Stealthy Black Panther Vector Art" pack includes a range of files that highlight the panther’s elegant form, making it an excellent choice for projects that require a touch of refined beauty.

Versatility in Design Applications

The symbolism of the black panther is incredibly versatile, allowing it to be used across various design applications. Whether for branding, apparel design, interior décor, or digital content, the panther’s imagery can adapt to different themes and messages. The "Stealthy Black Panther Vector Art" pack provides a variety of file formats—SVG, AI, EPS, PNG, JPEG, and PDF—ensuring that you can easily incorporate these designs into any project, from t-shirts and tattoos to murals and marketing materials.

Commercial Use and Creative Freedom

One of the standout features of the "Stealthy Black Panther Vector Art" pack is the freedom it offers for commercial use. Designers and businesses can create and sell derivative works with these graphics, making the pack not just a design tool but a valuable asset for commercial projects. It’s important to note, however, that while the pack allows for the creation of new products, the resale of the source files or their online distribution as standalone graphics is prohibited. The receipt of your purchase serves as your official license for commercial use, so be sure to keep it safe.

Conclusion: Embracing the Black Panther in Your Designs

The black panther’s rich symbolism of strength, grace, and mystery makes it a compelling subject for creative projects. By integrating this powerful symbol into your designs, you can create works that resonate deeply with audiences, conveying messages of power, elegance, and resilience. The "Stealthy Black Panther Vector Art" pack offers a versatile, high-quality collection that allows you to harness the full potential of this majestic creature in your creative endeavors.

Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or add a subtle touch of elegance to your designs, the black panther is a symbol that delivers. Explore the possibilities with the "Stealthy Black Panther Vector Art" pack and let your creativity take the lead.

[heartypearl666]

The hidden beauty of Ghibli films

When discussing the magic of Studio Ghibli, it's easy to be captivated by the surface-level enchantments: the whimsical characters, the breathtakingly detailed landscapes, and the fantastical stories that transport us to otherworldly realms. However, the true beauty of Ghibli films lies beneath these enchanting visuals, in the subtle, often unnoticed elements that weave through every frame. Here are some of the hidden gems that make Ghibli movies extraordinary.

In a world where animated films often rush from one high-energy scene to the next, Ghibli movies stand out for their moments of quiet reflection. These serene interludes invite viewers to pause and breathe, mirroring the natural rhythms of life. Whether it's Chihiro's contemplative gaze across the river in "Spirited Away" or the gentle rustling of leaves in "My Neighbor Totoro," these moments of stillness are imbued with a profound sense of presence.

Studio Ghibli's characters are rarely confined to simple archetypes. They are complex, multifaceted beings with strengths and vulnerabilities that make them deeply relatable. Take, for instance, the witch Yubaba in "Spirited Away." Though initially perceived as a villain, she reveals moments of tenderness and maternal care. Similarly, in "Princess Mononoke," Lady Eboshi is both a compassionate leader and a ruthless industrialist, challenging the black-and-white notions of good and evil.

The reverence for nature in Ghibli films is not just a theme but a pervasive ethos. The natural world is portrayed with a reverence that reflects Japanese Shinto beliefs, where every rock, tree, and stream has a spirit. This is poignantly depicted in "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," where the protagonist's deep connection with the environment underscores the narrative. The lush, detailed landscapes are not mere backdrops but integral characters in their own right, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life.

Ghibli films often address pressing social issues with a subtlety that invites reflection rather than didacticism. "Grave of the Fireflies" is a haunting portrayal of the human cost of war, while "The Wind Rises" explores the tension between artistic passion and the moral implications of one's creations. These films provoke thought and discussion, prompting viewers to consider broader societal issues through the lens of deeply personal stories.

One of the most enchanting aspects of Ghibli films is their celebration of the mundane. Everyday tasks and simple pleasures are depicted with a reverence that elevates them to the realm of the sublime. In "Kiki's Delivery Service," the young witch's journey of self-discovery is marked by ordinary challenges and triumphs, from baking a pie to making new friends. This focus on the everyday imbues Ghibli films with a warm, relatable charm.

The scores of Ghibli films, often composed by Joe Hisaishi, are integral to their emotional resonance. The music is not just an accompaniment but a storytelling device that enhances the narrative's emotional depth. The hauntingly beautiful melodies of "Princess Mononoke" and the whimsical tunes of "My Neighbor Totoro" linger in the hearts of viewers long after the credits roll.

The hidden beauty of Ghibli movies lies in their ability to capture the essence of human experience with grace and nuance. They remind us that magic exists not just in the fantastical, but in the quiet moments of reflection, the complexities of human nature, and the simple joys of everyday life. Each Ghibli film is a testament to the power of storytelling to touch the soul and awaken a deeper appreciation for the world around us. So, the next time you watch a Ghibli film, take a moment to savor the hidden beauty that lies beneath its enchanting surface.

[dangal-play]

Explore The Top 10 Must-Watch Hindi TV Shows Online To Stream Now.

Introduction:

In the vibrant world of Indian television, Hindi TV Shows Online hold a special place with their captivating storylines, diverse genres, and rich cultural narratives. Whether you enjoy intense dramas, supernatural thrillers, romantic sagas, or mythological tales, a Hindi TV show has something for everyone. Thanks to digital platforms like Dangal Play, streaming these excellent performances has never been simpler.

Here are the top ten must-watch Hindi TV Shows Online you can stream on Dangal Play:

Mann Sundar:

"Mann Sundar" tells the story of a young woman whose life changes after she marries a conventional family. The episode explores her attempts to balance her contemporary outlook and her new family's traditional traditions. With its engaging plot and likeable characters, "Mann Sundar" is a pleasant watch for those who appreciate family dramas with a contemporary touch.

Mann Atisundar:

"Mann Atisundar" is a heartwarming family drama that explores the life of a young woman who attempts to maintain her family's unity despite numerous obstacles. The show emphasizes inner beauty and character strength. Because of its realistic plot and outstanding acting, it is a hit with audiences of all ages.

Nath:

"Nath" is a captivating social drama with an engaging plot that tackles essential societal concerns. The program's main themes are the struggle against injustice and the path to self-empowerment. With its compelling message and dramatic performances, "Nath" is a must-see for anybody who values significant content.

Phir Laut Aayi Naagin:

"Phir Laut Aayi Naagin" is a suspenseful supernatural thriller that follows the life of a serpent woman who can change her shape. The show is captivating because it blends drama, fantasy, and suspense. The fictional character is followed as she returns to exact revenge and defend her loved ones from wicked forces. You'll be gripped from start to finish by "Phir Laut Aayi Naagin"'s gripping story and impressive spectacular effects.

Baazi Ishq Ki:

"Baazi Ishq Ki" is a passionate romantic story that delves into the subtleties of betrayal, love, and trust. The drama revolves around the turbulent relationship between its two main characters, who are caught up in a complex web of feelings and events. Because of its potent performances and plot twists, "Baazi Ishq Ki" is essential viewing for lovers of romance and drama.

Devi Adi Parashakti:

"Devi Adi Parashakti" is a mythological television series that tells the stories of the Goddess Adi Parashakti while exhibiting her many guises. The program vividly depicts the epic tales of Hindu mythology and has significant cultural and spiritual value. Because of its vast sets, intricate costumes, and captivating narration, "Devi Adi Parashakti" is ideal for people who appreciate mythological dramas.

Jai Hanuman Equals Sankat Mochan Naam Tiharo:

"Jai Hanuman Equals Sankat Mochan Naam Tiharo" is another mythical series that centres on Lord Hanuman's life and exploits. The show highlights his adoration for Lord Rama, his extraordinary exploits, and his function as the one who removes barriers. Those who enjoy spiritual content and the timeless stories of Hindu epics will find great enjoyment in this series.

Sindoor Ki Keemat 2:

"Sindoor Ki Keemat 2" continues the well-liked drama series "Sindoor Ki Keemat." The characters' lives in this drama are still being explored as they deal with love, family conflicts, and social expectations. The intense tale drama and emotional depth make "Sindoor Ki Keemat 2" a must-see for fans of family dramas.

Purnima:

"Purnima" is a heartfelt family drama about a young lady named Purnima. The show depicts her hardships in her personal and familial life, along with her victories and struggles. The realistic characters and passionate narrative make "Purnima" a must-see for fans of emotionally driven dramas.

Prem Bandhan:

"Prem Bandhan" is a love drama about two people from different backgrounds who have an arranged marriage. The program explores their path of love, comprehension, and overcoming challenges to start a life together. Thanks to its captivating storyline and superb acting, "Prem Bandhan" is an enjoyable film for romance lovers.

You can even watch shows such as Bindiya Sarkar, Aaina Roop Nahi Haqikat Bhi Dikhaye, and Sindoor Ki Keemat only on Dangal Play.

Conclusion: The vast array of Hindi TV Shows Online contains many tales that represent the spirit of Indian culture, feelings, and customs. From mythical stories to violent dramas and spooky thrillers, there is something for everyone. Platforms like Dangal Play make it simple to access these compelling shows, allowing you to watch high-quality entertainment from the comfort of your home. Sit in your preferred location and enjoy watching these ten best Hindi TV series online.