#also i will always highlight how lyrics lack of self care is both 1) they dont know how to care for themselves 2) theyre super depressed

[lunarscaled]

They're taking a nap, head pillowed face down on their forearms at the table, and Raum (seeing an opportunity to sate his curiosity) gently twirls a wayward strand of Lyric's hair around his finger. [ pssst. i'm really glad to see you're back!! <3 ]

-> There was something to be said about not letting their guard down around someone as powerful as Raum if they valued their sanity and soul intact. If anyone else had dared to do it, Lyric would have promptly given them a hard smack to the back of the head to wake them up, uncaring if someone's ego felt wounded or not. And yet here they are, asleep in the middle of their research once again with their face cushioned only by their arms above their book and notes and drying inkwell; they had likely claimed they were only resting their eyes for a moment before they found themselves fast asleep in that very spot ( and if it was them, or the tea, or insomnia catching up... who was to say? ) The typically vigilant magi, ever aware of their surroundings down to even the unseeable minute things, inhaled one long slow breath before breathing it out at the same place---a sure sign of their slumber.

-> With no awareness to swat his hand away, Raum is free to investigate it's texture all he likes. Lyric's hair is dense down to the roots, loosely coiled and springy: it's rich russet color was their mother's just as much as their own. Despite it's plush, rich appearance the hair around his fingertip is rather dry, splitting ends from lack of care, knots every so often if he looked close enough. Like many things about Lyric's life it was clear: they had never been taught how to care for their hair, and it's quality has suffered. What should be soft, bouncy, strong hair had become brittle and dulled by harsh, cheap shampoo ( hand soap. sometimes it was hand soap. ) and inconsistent washing, it's ends uneven from many years of self-given haircuts before they abandoned it all together. The split ends make its appearance seem all the more unruly and frazzled, even the lock curled around his finger shows signs of breakage that could have been avoided. It had gotten only minimally better since Raum started doing the shopping, if only because Lyric couldn't buy a single-purpose soap for every part of their body any more. For someone who might have hoped their hair was lush and rich as it seemed it could be, it was probably disappointing to realize how much Lyric's self care lacked when examined up close. ( their hair wasn't the only thing that way, of course. their dried, calloused skin; how they treated wounds; their clothes with many patch marks. every part of lyric screamed that they felt their own body didn't matter. pampering, or even basic self love, was far beyond them. )

They shift a bit in their sleep, unconsciously making themselves more comfortable for rest even as his long, leaned form with the small of his back against the table edge treats itself to an indulgent inspection of their features.

[gale-gentlepenguin]

Gale Reviews: Animaniacs 2020

(CREDIT TO @knightsweeties​ for this rendition of Gentlepenguin support her work and webcomic)

This review will be a bit different then my other reviews, where I just gush about what I saw and give the highlights.

Im going to be dividing it into several sections.

1. Overview.

2. The Good

3. The Bad

4. The Zany (How does each character compare to the original, Yakko, Wakko, Dot, Pinky and Brain.

5. Final Thoughts

With That settled, lets get to it. I’ve got Baloney in My Slacks.

Time to review the Animaniacs

1. Overview

Animaniacs 2020 is a reboot of the Original series that stopped after 1998. Now 22 years later Yakko, Wakko and Dot now face the challenge of being relevant in the age of the smart phones and absolute chaos. Can the Warner siblings show they are Zany to the max even in the chaotic year of 2020?

The interesting thing about the Animaniacs 2020 reboot is that it can be seen  as a sequel series. Since it takes place AFTER the original series.

2. The Good

Yakko, Wakko and Dot are solid. The new theme song is very fitting. 

They still make fun of all the things they should. They have good parodies, hilarious jokes, and there was not a segment that they were in that didn't give me at least a bit of a chuckle.

I was worried on what they would do with Dot, because of the trailer. Especially with cliché ‘#Feminism’ tropes being pushed. (the ones that are clear market grabs and aren't because people actually care. You know what I am talking about ). But everything was handled relatively well. In fact, Dot’s Suffrage song is one of my favorite parts of the new series. Dot was always feminist, so nothing they did was out of character for her regarding this and I am glad. Also her First Lady song was great. For the most part, Dot was phenomenal and I found myself laughing more often at her jokes more than the other two.

Yakko got some interesting character development, and even comes off as more mature. I will say

Pinky and The Brain: OMG PINKY AND THE BRAIN! I don't know how they did it, but outside of the animation improvements, these two fit SEAMLESSLY into the new age! I don't think there was a single Pinky and the Brain segment I didn't like. All of it was hilarious. Brain and Pinky’s dynamic is explored further and we even get a heart clenching back story on WHY brain wants to take over the world. 

The songs are just hilarious, and it is just as self aware as before. The meta jokes are great.

3. The Bad

Okay, so outside of the Warner siblings and Pinky and the brain. The other animated bits, where they were trying new characters.... They were lacking.

Like the contrast between those segments and the main cast are as large as night and Day.

Also, I miss a lot of the extended cast (Slappy squirrel and the hippos especially)

They have one episode that explains what happens to them (which is my personal favorite episode, especially with the plot twist that I didn't see coming).I get why some of the characters didn't come back. But you're telling me SLAPPY SQUIRREL isn't good enough for this? Bull s***

They played it very safe with this season.

That isn't bad, but its clear that in some instances they held their punches.

The show also makes it clear that this was written in 2018, not 2020.

This is a double edge sword.

On one hand, this means they don't have to be 100% on the ball with everything happening in 2020 (which is perfectly fine, I think we could all use a break from 2020) 

But on the other hand it also means you get a lot of the jokes that had been topical at the time but done to death by this year. Thankfully the jokes were still somewhat funny so it wasn't too bad, (some were hilarious) but others fell flat.

I miss Hello Nurse, but the reason she isn't in the show canonically is actually very in character (but the reason she isn't in the show in general is ANNOYING)

4. The Zany

For this I will be comparing how I feel about each of the characters and how they stack up compared to their previous iterations.

Wakko:

He was pretty much the same. Like I really can't distinguish much between the two. Wakko’s antics are timeless and his character was not changed much, if at all through this. So if we are giving a most in-character character for a reboot, Wakko wins.

So 1990′s Wakko = 2020′s Wakko.

Yakko:

This iteration of Yakko was a lot less girl crazy and more centered on his comedy. Yakko double downs on his puns and Jokes, showing that his banter is something he truly focuses on. I think the reason for this is because the show needed to tone it down. 

Yakko’s smart Alec routine felt more reminiscent of Bugs bunny rather than his traditional style. But, the change makes sense. 

Yakko’s comedic jokes are still the best and when he gets a good joke, Its hilarious.

Overall, giving Yakko more Dry humor and less gags actually did hit rather well.

So I would say

1990′s Yakko >= 2020′s Yakko. But maybe season 2 will have me change my mind.

Dot:

The show has me rather split on my opinion on dot, and its not the reasons you think.

Whenever they give her a joke regarding women or anything feminist. It is handled really well and she gets the jokes great.

And her general jokes are handled well, but then there are instances where, she is just a less funny Yakko. I found some of the deliveries of jokes or bits Yakko would have done in the past and Dot just delivered them in a way so similar to Yakko, it was practically interchangeable. I think the problem also is seen in the new theme song. They changed the original lyric from “Dot is cute” to “Dot has Wit”. But they also kept Yakko’s original lyric of “Yakko yaks”. 

I still think Dot is great and I really think the reboot can help Dot shine even more, but the new show needs to find a way to differentiate Dot and Yakko’s humor more.

1990′s Dot >= 2020′s Dot. I do think that Season 2 will improve on it, but they need to be willing to push the envelop more.

Pinky and The Brain:

Perfectly captured.

Pinky and the Brain are timeless. Both of them play off of each other very well. There were instances that I found myself enjoying them more then the original. The two are able to play off of each other flawlessly and these segments of the show, they don't hold any punches.

Honestly, they are the best part of the reboot and if you could only watch one part of an episode, watch the Pinky and the Brain segments. They are the best parts 9 times out of 10.

1990′s Pinky and the Brain =< 2020′s Pinky and the Brain

Final thoughts:

Overall, I give this show 8.0 /10

I think there can be some improvement and I am sure by season 2 the show will be willing to throw more on the wall to see what sticks.

The meta jokes, the bits, the cultural jokes usually land and aside from nitpicks, the show is wonderful.

I do think there are a few things lacking but I think that it can improve more.

I can't wait to see season 2, and I will be sure to bring toast for the Baloney in their slacks.

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[thesayseries]

10x10: Maxwell VanHook

1. What is the first thing you do in the morning?

When I wake up, the first thing I do is turn over to my best friend, Streak “the Creep” VanHook. My dog and I usually share a glance. Though he can’t speak, I know we’re likeminded in thought. We both don’t want to leave the warmth of the bed.

2. Currently, you work in the design industry for a very notable sportswear company. How     would you say your design work is contributing to culture?

I work for the second largest sports apparel company in North America. I love my job. I’ve been very blessed to be apart of a team that cares not only about the products we sell, but the community we sell those products to. With that being said, I believe that my design work has less to do with the performance of the product and more to do with the mindset of the person wearing it. My designs are about creating an experience. An interactive digital platform that can inspire.

3. When you were younger, what was your biggest insecurity?

I don’t recall having much insecurity as an adolescent, but if there was one thing that made me self-conscious as a kid, it had to be my skin color. I entered into middle school at a time when “light was right”. Things became increasingly difficult when Dave Chappelle released his (infamous) Rick James skit. Overnight I went from being called Maxwell to “Brother Darkness”. When Twista released “Slow Jamz”, I became the “Dark skin friend” that looked “like Michael Jackson”. At times I was disillusioned with my color. In retrospect, going through that period was a blessing. It gave me tougher skin and it allowed me to see the beauty in difference. It also forced me to become quick-witted with a sharper tongue. It was pivotal in my ascension as a man, and (it) helped me find comfort with my identity. But now a brother definitely has the “skin for the win”!

4. Speaking of culture, with much focus on the black man’s position in society…do you feel pressured to be the anti-stereotype?

 No. I understand the plight of the black man in America. I also understand media’s skewed representation of colored people. I am the antithesis of that but it has nothing to do with media. My dad has instilled legacy and tradition within me. I come from a lineage of first generation teachers, freedom riders, and civil rights activists. If I carry myself a certain way, it is out of respect to the shoulders on which I stand. I have a responsibility to those who came before me and I try to set an example for those who I will pass the baton to.

5. Someone  tweeted something like, “Don’t tweet #BlackLivesMatter” when you     discriminate against black women and black homosexuals.” Thoughts?

I’m not sure if I have any profound thoughts on this. I do think it touches on something I have been feeling for some time. The general lack of compassion for something that is dissimilar. This is upsetting. If you turn a blind eye to certain injustices, can you be a champion for any injustice?

6. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from your grandmother?

My “Grampy” is so full of love. If she has imparted anything to me it would have to be how to live with love. Not having any apprehension about giving love despite what you have been through.

7. Can you draw your ideal lover’s heart and brain? I know, random, but this should  be fun!

OOOOOOOOOOO! If I could play Frankenstein...my ideal lover would have to be weird. Someone who won’t always try to categorize or define things as strange because they don’t understand it, or because its not what they are use to.  I believe humans are creatures of dimension. She’d have to know the lyrics to Robert Frost and A$AP Ferg. I would want her to be selfless. Not necessarily to benefit me, but I would want her to unselfishly give to those around her. Someone adventure with spontaneity, but  [she would] still enjoy lazy days filled with nothing. Please apply if you love art!

8. What do  you often remind yourself?

It might not be because I’m black.

9. You post  “Natural Girls Be Like” photos on your Instagram. Are you mocking or celebrating? What’s your take on the “movement”? Remember, you can be honest with me, Max! Lol. But I will side-eye you if...

Let me preface this by saying how much I love the movement. I think it highlights an interesting topic: Identity Ignorance. I have had far too many conversations with black females about hair. What hurts is when you realize that black people have been culturally conditioned to alter the texture of their hair. Now I am not against girls who relax their hair but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT tell me it didn’t start as a form of cultural assimilation. Especially if you have no idea who Willie Lynch and Madame CJ Walker are. My posts are mostly done in jest. I think the amount of hashtags natural girls use is hilarious. However they can also be kind of condescending.  

 10. How are you doing today?

I’m super blessed. I have an abundance of love in my life. I’m meeting new people who want to see me grow. I keep getting opportunities to travel to places I’ve always wanted to go. 24 is amazing for me.   

                                               ***Any last words?

You guessed it…you was right.