#august in review

[galina]

Anyone's Ghost, August Thompson – enjoyed this advance review copy way more than I expected, it broke through my cynical shell and turned me into a soft wobbly mess. An angsty cheesy beautiful queer love story that will be a perfect crying-on-holiday read, comes out in July.

[helielune]

for all those who have never watched infinity train! (if you have seen it just wait a week ok? ok)

[helenaredamancy]

august of another summer, and once again

the pond by mary oliver // nothing twice by wislawa szymborska // late august by margaret atwood // august by alex dimitrov // paradoxes and oxymorons by john ashbery // again august by haley mlotek //

[staiyn]

Text memes, Master and margarita

Can't get enough of them, I relate so much to behemoth

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ CATHERINE'S YEAR IN REVIEW : 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 ✧• ─

𝟗 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : It was announced that Catherine & William made a private donation to the Up Against Time Campaign.

𝟏𝟏 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : Catherine and William appeared in a video with British celebrities & sporting legends to celebrate Team GB's success at the Paris Olympics. 𝟏𝟎 - 𝟏𝟏 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : Catherine & William along their children attended the Gone Wild Festival in Norfolk.

𝟏𝟓 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : Kensington Palace marked The Princess Royal's birthday.

𝟐𝟐 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Buisness Taskforce's Apprenticeships Fund was announced.

𝟐𝟒 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : Catherine & William posted a personal tweet wishing the best of luck to Paralympics GB.

𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : Catherine, William and their kids joined other memebers of the Royal Family for a Sunday Church Service at Crathie Kirk.

𝟐𝟗 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : Royal Foundation announced the plans to provide extra Funding for the National Police Wellbeing Service's Police Treatment Centres.

[leftneb]

art vs artist but also a yearly art rewind because appearantly I've been drawing car people for exactly 8 months! seriously cannot thank you all enough for sticking around and being such a lovely community 🫶 looking forward to another year of insanity in 2025, happy holidays and merry christmas to all those who celebrate!!!!!

[ekholocationn]

pulling together my art summary a little early this year!! normally i wait until the end of december but i was in the mood today

this year i prioritized bigger projects over individual illustrations, such as the shuake animatic, eva arc video, and last but DEFINITELY not least, preparations for my ongoing novel release. im very proud of everything i accomplished this year; i think i did some pretty cool stuff :]

☆ masterpiece of the year ☆ | jan | feb | mar | apr | may | jun | jul | aug | sept | oct | nov | dec |

template by papakkapao

▽ previous years under the cut ▽

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

Review: Metal From Heaven by August Clarke Rating: 5/5

I received an ARC of this title through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Marney Honeycutt works in the Yann I Chauncey Ichorite Factory but when their sister leads a workers' strike that turns into a massacre, they are suddenly all alone. Touched in the head by the metal they worked from birth, Marney has to get out of the city. They fall in with a gang of thieves who whisk them away to a mansion high in the hills by the sea. But Marney will come back. Because they are going to kill Chauncey and they're going to marry his daughter to do it.

August Clarke has done it again. I was captivated from the very first page by Clarke's signature dizzying, dazzling prose. I was utterly immersed in this rich world that blends fantasy and science fiction absolutely perfectly. I loved the different cultures, I especially loved the way Clarke emulated butch/femme lesbian culture, I loved that trans-ness was just part of the world and Marney never had to fight to be who they were.

The queerness really was my favourite part. It was so nice to finally read a book about a trans stone butch that feels like the trans stone butches I know. Marney felt and talked and behaved like so many of my friends do and that representation is so sorely needed. I have a list of friends a mile long to recommend this book because I know they ache to see themselves and their lives represented in media. I'm very grateful that August Clarke is able to do that with their books.

And the prose! Clarke has such a specific way of writing that just latches into your brain and doesn't let go. It flows so beautifully but has a staccato edge that I can't get enough of. I especially enjoyed how Clarke intermittently used second person to elevate how Marney was telling the story and the reason why they were doing that became so satisfying as the story went on. It was utterly brilliant.

If you are looking for a truly unique speculative fiction story that centres queerness and working class people in a story of revenge, I implore you to pick up Metal From Heaven and allow yourself to be swept away in this enthralling book. It's an absolute masterpiece.

Metal From Heaven releases October 22nd, 2024!

[masterfuldoodler]

Top Art Post for each month of 2024

January - (meme comic)

February - (Wingfeather Saga fanart)

March - (oc art)

April - (The World Ends With You fanart)

May - (Kingdom Hearts fanart) TOP POST

June - (Kingdom Hearts meme redraw)

July - (ArtFight attack)

August - (artistic recreation of life)

September - (oc art)

October - (My Hero Academia fanart

November - (Kingdom Hearts fanart)

December - (oc gif)

[fyrix]

“…Do you remember when we were small?”

Oh my god, do yourself a favor and stick it through the slow beginning. This book shattered me in the best way possible. I have not read a more morbidly beautiful book this entire year, and the way it’s written is so different and interesting. No part of the book is hard to read per se, but for those who don’t like a slow start, this is the one to give a chance, you won’t regret it.

5/5 💫

And of course, thank you August Clarke!

[animehouse-moe]

I Miss The Case Study of Vanitas Because Sex

Okay, please forgive me for the clickbait-y title, but I just had to take it. The whiplash is too fun to me. Anyways, yes, I miss The Case Study of Vanitas (both as an anime and manga, since we've not gotten vol 10 in English yet) because of sex. Not the act in and of itself, but the appeal, the tension, the experience. Animanga isn't nearly as sexless as North American media, but it presents its own unique challenges and issues. So, if you don't mind, please humor my little foray into an attempt to explain the decoupling of fan service and sex appeal, with The Case Study of Vanitas as a medium.

⚠️Warning: I've done my best to keep it spoiler free, but by nature there is mild spoilers in regards to characters and certain interactions.⚠️

Is The Case Study of Vanitas about sex? Well, obviously not, no, it's about vampires. But as much as it's about vampires, it's also about despair, hope, penance and revenge, and the intricacies of the human condition. It just happens to feature vampires as the selling point. And I believe therein lies the best explanation of Vanitas: it's not about sex, but rather contains those aspects as a part of the people that exist in its world.

Fanservice has become a rather perverted term. Rather than appealing to a broad range of applications, fanservice tends to exclusively apply to displays that are sexual in nature (most typically in regards to catering to male audiences). In that way it's not particularly awful in how the term itself has shifted, but the use of fanservice is borderline pathetic in most series. A gaudy display of body parts, it hangs on excessive scale and movement to catch the eyes of touch starved individuals. I don't need a ballooned bosom besetting my vision before bobbing about in a baroque display for all too long. That's not the point.

But what is the point? Well, I've prattled on long enough so here's an example.

A look in the eyes, the right lighting. Even simple posing. Sex appeal is not limited to explicit displays of sexuality, but is rather the personification of both the character's intent as well as their external perception.

There are so many moments in this series that are in no way explicitly sexual, but can easily be perceived to have sex appeal or sexual tension.

But then, how would that appeal not feel weakened? It's a good question, honestly, and an important one to ask. When you display the chest of an underaged girl enough times, it won't elate the audience enough to be perceived as "good". It's a universal issue with storytelling, so how does Vanitas get around it?

My answer (and perhaps not the only answer) is how this appeal and tension is derived. I had sort of said it earlier, but didn't really explain. Its source is the very nature of the characters and world. It is not an external force exposing these facets, but the machinations of the plot and its pieces themselves.

Have a look at this example here. Vampires are hot, right? Their power, broody nature, and the concept of the unknown have played into their eroticism and appeal since time immemorial (seriously, look up Carmilla). Vanitas pounces on that concept and immediately plays into it. We don't get blood sucking every episode and every second, no. But we get it enough to provide variation, it appears at the right time to provide another layer to the nature of the story and characters.

Anyways, the example. Lord Ruthven and Noe. Two vampires, engaging in something strictly non-sexual. He is simply biting Noe. But the posing, the nature of the layout. It presents tension. It presents Ruthven's ownership and commanding nature of Noe in this moment. Domination and subjugation.

Even more is this sequence. The commanding nature that presents a clear power dynamic. The phrasing. It absolutely exudes sexual tension. But nothing of the sort is apparent in the actual interaction.

So what's the deal here. I know I had spoken on how characters themselves can convey tension and appeal without explicit intent to do so, but how can circumstance and interaction play into it as well?

Another lovely question. What comprises the act of sex? What are the pieces that elate, entice, and encourage someone? Well, aside from the answer that it's down to the individual, there's a few core pieces. The "top and bottom" dynamic is certainly the one that appears the most when dealing with pairs. Another, while a bit unseemly and slightly (?) taboo is the concept of fear and violence. Of course, I don't mean in any serious context, but the concept is how those things make you feel, and that they stem from that similar power dynamic. Perhaps that's the best word to describe it with: power dynamic. It's all about how two characters interact with each other, where they stand in relation to one another. The above image is the perfect example of that, and the following is how to build on it.

Vanitas and Jeanne, an incredible combination born not out of a mutual desire for the other, but the sheer interest of one and the needs of another. It's a one sided love spurred on by the actions of one that encourages the other to let loose. It creates the interesting dynamic of a power bottom that remains refreshing alongside the other relationships that exist in the story.

So here's a clip of that dynamic.

The way the camera and characters hang on each moment, the way the layouts aim to both obstruct but also apply razor focus. The voice acting. All of it, every single moments provides for that tension and appeal, and it extends past the act of sucking blood and into the souls of the characters themselves. A terrible plead that spills from blood stained lips, a promise that comes from the origin of that crimson.

This "sex appeal" and "sexual tension" is not something manufactured, but the absolute core of these characters. The act of domination, the incredible an undesired need of a substance, the mental fractures eroding at the ego of a person. All of these moments stem from the very souls of the characters and bubble up to the surface in these forms of expression. Where words will not do, actions speak in their place.

Also, Vanitas moaning. Yes please. The greatest benefit to this series is the fact that it's willing to lean into the men as well. This is not "just" for the guys (and lesbians), no. This is for everyone, but especially those that enjoy a side of insanity and toxicity to their romance.

So that brings us to the end. Vanitas is not "about" sex, Vanitas is sex and is the purest way to deliver on fan service while providing sexual tension and appeal. It's subtle, subdued, infrequent and benign. It does not bend to the desires of the viewer, but rather stems from those of the characters. And so many series need to take note. "Lucky Lecher" and perversely excessive displays have no home in my heart when there are far more artistic and desirable sequences that can be produced.

[jessread-s]

Thanks to @chloegong and @sagapress for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Art torn with the permission of @artbysmashley

✩⛓️����️Review:

Seeking out the next fantasy book that will destroy you? Look no further! 

Picking up where “Immortal Longings” leaves off, “Vilest Things” follows Calla Tuoleimi as she serves as royal advisor to August Shenzhi, who has risen to the throne. Only Calla knows Anton took over August’s body to survive her betrayal. The two must set aside their conflicts when Otta Avia awakens and her secrets threaten the very fabric of the monarchy.  

This book outdoes its predecessor with more power (but in the wrong hands), more repercussions, more politics, more tension, and even more  betrayals. Gong truly has a knack for making her readers suffer and I’m not sure what this says about me, but I endured every cliffhanger, volatile exchange between Calla and Anton, and unanswered question happily. 

“Vilest Things” is told from multiple points-of-view and I was captivated by every single one. Gong makes each perspective necessary in advancing the plot forward and unraveling what larger is at stake. As a result, I was equally frustrated and excited to follow a different character at the start of each chapter and discover a new piece to the puzzle. 

I am obsessed with the world Gong creates in “Immortal Longings”, so I really enjoyed how she expands upon it in this book. Gong completely engrossed me in Calla and Anton’s journey beyond the walls surrounding San-Er and into the outer reaches of Talin. Each province they cross into is accompanied by descriptions of the region and its customs to make one distinctive from another. The secret that draws them out there in the first place adds an element of mystery relating to the kingdom and its history that kept me on the edge of my seat!

 Calla and Anton’s begrudging alliance on their travels had me in a chokehold! The events at the end of book one obliterate all trust established between the two of them, bringing their relationship right back to square one, and their toxicity festers because of that. Both still have residual feelings, but allow their stubbornness to keep them apart. Otta also serves as a source of tension for Calla and Anton’s relationship and nothing was more agonizing than watching Otta manipulate their perceptions of each other. The angst and mutual pining, however, makes it all worthwhile.

Fair warning: “Vilest Things” ends with the most brutal cliffhanger. I thought the end of “Immortal Longings” was soul-destroying…but this is a whole other level. I could do nothing but watch it play out and I fear I might be scarred for life. Chloe if you’re reading this, I’ll forgive you in exchange for book 3. 

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

[chiliger]

Wooo boy what a year! It was so hard choosing which piece to use for each month, I don’t think I’ve ever created so much completed art before.

This was truly the year of the clone troopers, and it’s safe to say that I just can’t get enough of these guys 🧡

Thank you to everyone who has followed along and enjoyed and supported my work. Here’s to another year of art!

[atlsanc]

~Spider-man, spider-man,

does whatever a spider can~

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An older post for spider man: across the spiderverse! I really like both movies and can't wait for the second part ahaha so here is a pagespread for the movie 🕷

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[staiyn]

Silly Wizzard

Laughed my ass off while drawing, had to take breaks to not become insane and question my reality 🤭

My two silly wizzards Woland and Zwackelmann

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 ✧• ─

𝟕 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : Homelessness : Reframed Exhibition opened at Saatchi Gallery.

𝟗 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : William released a personal tweet announcing the end of London Air Ambulance's Up Against Time Campaign. Subsequently, it was announced that William & Catherine made a private donation to the campaign.

𝟏𝟏 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : The Prince and Princess of Wales appeared in a video with British celebrities & sporting legends to celebrate Team GB's success at the Paris Olympics.

𝟏𝟎 - 𝟏𝟏 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : William & Catherine and their children attended the Gone Wild Festival in Norfolk.

𝟏𝟐 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : William marked International Youth Day.

𝟏𝟓 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : Kensington Palace marked The Princess Royal's birthday.

𝟐𝟎 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : The Prince of Wales wrote a letter to World War II veteran Manette Baillie, ahead of her becoming Britain’s oldest skydiver for her 102nd birthday fundraising efforts.

𝟐𝟒 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : William and Catherine posted a personal tweet wishing the best of luck to Paralympics GB.

𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : WillCat & their children joined other members of the Royal Family for a Sunday Church Service at Crathie Kirk.

𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : William released a statement of condolence on the passing of Sven-Göran Eriksson.

𝟐𝟖 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : William attended the Memorial Service of Lord Robert Fellowes.

𝟐𝟗 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 : Royal Foundation announced the plans to provide extra Funding for National Police Wellbeing Service's Police Treatment Centres.