#enjoy s2 yall

[arcanegifs]

A few reminders from my blog before Arcane S2 airs:

Everything that is related to S2 has been and will be tagged as #arcane season 2 spoilers. Please filter/block the tags if you don't want to see anything

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My two sideblogs, arcanegifs and arcanescreencaps, are run by a single fan. I have my own biases/faves as well. I cannot make everything and everyone in such a short period of time.

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Comments in my posts and my askbox will remain closed indefinitely, but feel free to reach out if you are mutuals with my personal blog.

Enjoy S2 and have fun!

[arcanescreencaps]

It’s too late to point the finger now. Vi returns in the final season of #Arcane, this November on Netflix. | source | 4000 x 4969 upscale

[danandfuckingjonlmao]

so five and lila being a thing is going right next to allison literally sexually assaulting luther in the box of things we are absolutely under no circumstances accepting as part of canon right

[jesncin]

Coddling Colonizer Guilt

"Performative diversity is when MAWS features a Native American variant of Lois Lane in the multiverse episode only to end the season on a Thanksgiving episode."

...is something I like to joke with my friends as a shorthand for referencing MAWS' squeamish approach to politics while still trying to reap the clout of "diverse representation". I want to get my thoughts out there and perhaps start a discussion over why this feels off.

Some disclaimers: Firstly, I'm not Native American. Understand this is an observation I'm making from an outsider perspective with no personal authority. I'm just a disappointed Asian Lois Lane fan. Secondly, I know the MAWS crew/creators had no malicious intent in any of these (what I consider) poor writing decisions. I'm simply here to challenge and analyze these narrative and visual choices.

MAWS takes a fairly controversial take on Superman mythos so far. Unlike Superman's historic roots as an allegory for Jewish immigrants with Clark coming from a Kryptonian socialist utopia (leading the imperfect people of Earth to a better tomorrow), MAWS chooses instead to reimagine Superman as a descendant from a planet of "alien invaders". If the leaked(?) concept art (warning potential spoilers for s2) is to be believed, Clark is the direct descendent of the leaders of the "Kryptonian Empire". Supposedly gone are the parents of Superman being scientists that warn of the destruction of their home planet- instead we have the "proud, loving, brilliant" "leaders of the Kryptonian Empire".

While we don't know if this is the direction the show is going in, there are already cryptic hints of it being planted and thematic elements set up that point to it being a possibility. Clark had spent a majority of the season wondering what/who he is (being incapable of talking to Jor-El's hologram because of a language barrier) only to find out his supposed origins in episode 9. He's devastated learning that he's an alien invader and, once he regroups with his friends, angsts about believing he's a weapon sent from Krypton to invade Earth. Asian-Lois Lane and Black-Jimmy Olsen assure White-passing-alien-man Clark Kent that he's different and not like other colonizers. Clark ultimately saves the day, proving he's an exception. It's curious then that the season ends on Thanksgiving.

As I've mentioned before, MAWS is exhaustively squeamish with getting political. Whatever happens in the show that resembles "themes" is quickly contradicted with very little consistent internal logic. One minute Superman is supposedly a threat that "wipes out good American jobs", should "go back to where he came from" and Lois makes a hope speech about how we shouldn't treat people who "are different" and "don't look like us" (??) with cruelty (so Clark's an immigrant going through xenophobia?) and the next he's a redeemed colonizer (a more prominent thematic arc). One minute Clark is "different" and scared of being othered- likened to a gay couple and allegorically closeted, and the next his friends call him out for being a lying liar for not disclosing his marginalized identity within a week (the narrative frames Lois and Jimmy as being in the right). This show's writing is non-committal with what it wants to say, and largely goes on vibes. That is to say I don't think the writers intended for the themes of colonizer guilt to accidentally tie into Thanksgiving as a set piece for their final episode.

I'm sure the reason the writers chose Thanksgiving as their final episode is because it's "relateable". Half the episode is dedicated to slice of life family reunion shenanigans and the dang turkey still not being cooked through. But in choosing Thanksgiving, the writers told on themselves here with their biases. The existence of Thanksgiving implies the existence of genocide (of Native American people) by colonists in the MAWS universe. And yet Black Jimmy Olsen doesn't know what racism is (Mallah and the Brain give him a judgmental stare as Jimmy admits he can't relate to being violently marginalized) and Asian American Lois Lane doesn't understand immigration and xenophobia (constantly being entitled to Clark's immigrant identity, being incapable of comprehending why he would keep it a secret, because secrets are lies). The MAWS crew wanted a "relateable" set piece but in doing so ended up reinforcing the historical revisionism the holiday entails. A foreign colonizer sharing a meal with his friends of color on Earth, whose culture, history, and identity are all white washed.

I would like to challenge this idea that Thanksgiving is somehow the "relateable" choice. Why pick this holiday? Why not celebrate Thanksgiving as a National Day of Mourning (as some Native Americans do)? Why not pick any Jewish holiday as a nod to Superman's creators (ignoring this version's colonizer interpretation for a second)? Why not pick Lunar New Year, a holiday celebrated by many people including Koreans (Seollal in South Korea)? It could've been another fun opportunity to showcase Lois' heritage, and create a fusion of cultures from Jimmy and Clark's families. At its most non-political and secular, why couldn't they pick any weekend? This is what happens when a show doesn't consider its world building and setting in a holistic way. MAWS will nod to xenophobic rhetoric, portray allegorical queer marginalization, and make the vaguest nods to systemic bigotry (Prof Ivo displaced a whole neighborhood! Yet we never hear from those figurative displaced people). But it does nothing to discuss any of that on a deeper level. Its characters of color don't know what racism is and Thanksgiving is just a fun family reunion, guys.

All this and they had the audacity to sneak in a Native American Lois Lane in the multiverse episode?? Why is she, out of all the Lois Lanes in this screencap, the only one in full traditional wear? Why isn't she in a smart casual business fit like Black Lois and STAS white Lois? Would she not have been recognizably Native American to the non-Native audience otherwise? Isn't this tokenizing? Do you think she has a xenophobic dad in the military like Korean American Lois does?

But that fits MAWS' approach to diversity, doesn't it? Surface level cultural nods, maybe make Lois wear a hanbok one time, and let the audience eat it up. Never mind that both Korean American Lois and Native American Lois have been stripped of their culture and history in every other aspect.

I use the word "relateable" a lot here, but I think the important question to ask is "relateable for who?". 'Immigrant' is too charged a word, so MAWS universalizes Clark's marginalization to "being different". Superman isn't even an immigrant in this version, that was all a smokescreen for the twist that he's actually a descendent of colonizers! Being wracked with colonizer guilt is way more relateable to the white audience than being an immigrant, surely. Thanksgiving is more relateable than celebrating any culturally specific holiday our "diverse reimagining" could have represented. Characters of color being functionally white (in a way that doesn't threaten middle America) is way more relateable. MAWS is a show that doesn't want to delve into Native American history. It would rather put a Native American Lois hologram on a pedestal and call it a day.

[h3lian]

returning to my roots and drawing Jayce again—- you don’t understand I NEED TO;;;

[severance-official]

This video is a thoughtful analysis of the audio components of Lumon’s technology.

[demonir]

So Good Omens fandom, how we doing?

Original under cut ↓

Meet me next year for a fully drawn background <3

[sokuly419]

**Anything mentioned in this post related to season 2 is strictly my own speculation unless it was in the official trailers and teasers. I know there were some leaks. I’ve heard some but I won’t be repeating any of of the things I personally heard about.**

Since we’re 6 days away from Arcane’s return, I think everyone needs to be aware of some things. There are going to be a ton of Cait haters for whatever reason. Both Vi and Cait are going to be painted as the “bad guy”. It’s already happening. And it’s really not fair to either of them.

This is not meant to be an anti-Jinx post, but just something to think about.

Cait is, as far as we know, the only one of those three not directly responsible for someone’s death. She could have killed Sevika but didn’t. We know she’s an excellent shot. Cait spared her, even if she was moments from killing Vi. She shows compassion constantly, and to a fault at times.

Vi has both killed and severely hurt plenty of people. When she went to save Vander, fighting with Jayce (who also killed people), and knocking that big ass sign down on Silco’s shimmer goons just to name a few instances.

Jinx, as we should all know, has killed a lot of people. Two were her friends that were practically family, an accident. Then several Enforcers during Progress Day. More Enforcers at the bridge scene when Marcus is killed. Yeah, yeah, ACAB and all that. But that doesn’t mean she should be free of the murders. Neither should Vi. But what about Jinx’s mental state? That is a factor, yes. But not a complete excuse seeing as she shows little to no remorse, even seeming to enjoy it.

Again, not anti-Jinx post. I like her character but she’s not my favorite. She’s complex. She’s interesting. She’s chaotic. I love it. Unfortunately, I’ve been seeing A LOT of Jinx followers that are just brushing it off and painting her as some “hero” figure. Not all are like that, of course, but I’ve seen a lot personally and it’s just… frustrating that they’re almost ignoring what Jinx has done. Again, this is not every Jinx fan. I know some of y’all are cool about it.

Cait gets a lot of hate because 1) she comes from money and 2) cop. I’m sure there’s other reasons but those are the main two I see. But what’s not coming up in Jinx fan-circles is that Cait definitely changed once she saw what was actually happening in Zaun. She even called her own mother out about the government that doesn’t give a shit. Cait herself is traumatized directly related to Jinx. Again, Enforcers being killed in front of her AND Jinx kidnapping her from her fucking shower. She didn’t even have time to get dressed. I imagine Jinx made her get dressed at gunpoint but that’s my own theory. And now, if Cassandra is dead (likely based on trailers), Cait has every single right to want revenge. Jinx killer her colleagues, violated her privacy, and then (presumably) killed her mother. Cait has her own trauma break because of it and wants revenge.

Yes, Jinx is 100% traumatized and that plays a huge part in her character. But Cait and Vi are also traumatized as fuck. They all handle it in different ways.

I think in season 2 we’re going to see Cait likely killing people and showing us how good of a shot she really is. We already know Vi is going to have a moment where she breaks too, but turns to pit fighting and alcohol. Jinx… feels like a wildcard again. Especially once Noxus gets involved.

Not a single person in Arcane is completely “good” or “bad”. I can’t speak much on the other characters in depth like Cait, Vi, and Jinx since I’m not nearly as invested in them.

If you made it this far and are thinking of dropping spoilers to get me to hate Cait, I’ve heard more than I wanted to already. And I’m still going to defend her from the unbridled hate she’s probably going to get again. She’s grieving. She has trauma. She’s allowed to be pissed the fuck off and want revenge. She’s not the bad guy. No one is (except maybe Noxus???). And no one is the good guy.

So let’s all just get along and enjoy the damn show.

For the record, Cait isn’t my favorite either. She’s a close second. It’s gotta be Vi for me. Sorry, not sorry.

Edit: any spoilers from the leaks that are put in the comments will be deleted as soon as I see them. Immediately and without hesitation. Things may have been ruined for you, but don’t ruin it for others. I’ve seen and heard about some of the leaks. I don’t need to be told about what some individuals do.

Keep that shit to yourself. Not everyone wants the spoilers.

[gamsdoodles]

the scar i give tj over his blue eye is from this fight

[littencloud9]

i don’t think it’s wrong to feel wary about yingdu chapter and being confused with all the questions it left us. i also think you people are forgetting that this is a prequel

[arcanegifs]

rewatch the show yall. it gets even better if you do.

[short-king-enthusiast]

God I LOVE how COMPLEX and ANGSTY their first time was. Stede was OVERWHELMED. With sadness? Guilt? WHO KNOWS but he just needed to FEEL SOMETHING POSITIVE. and because Ed has been thirsting for him for half a year he HAPPILY OBLIGED

But what's this now? They broke their rule that was there was a good reason. THEY'RE WHIM PRONE. They moved too fast. A step in their relationship that they wanted to be slow and special was taken by a SURGE OF STRONG EMOTIONS and now they're CONFLICTED. It's more real now and more real means more to lose.

Ed saying "last night shouldn't have happened" he didn't mean it but a part of him did !!

He didn't want it to happen the way it did! While Stede was reeling after he killed a man. The thing Ed didn't want him to do because this is the life he wants to escape. Escape it WITH STEDE. But it's too late for that and now they have to move forward together but THEY CANT BECAUSE ED THINKS STEDE WONT CHOOSE HIM OVER PIRACY IM FLAPPING MY ARMS WITH JOY THE ANGST IS INCREDIBLE THE FINALE IS GONNA BE SO GOOD

[always-a-joyful-note]

I've been watching Idolish7 and though I suspect we'll probably get some sort of explanation of why Kujo the elder is literally insane, it's not gonna convince me of anything regarding him. I mean, even narratively speaking, the fact that the only two people who followed him were literal children driven to a desperate corner through family debts while every other adult (old Re:Vale, Sogo's uncle, and even probably Zero himself) refused him.....well. That says nothing good about the man no matter how tragic and desperate his reason is and someone please save Aya and Tenn or tell me they do or -

[executionerspity]

Jigokuraku Ask Meme (aka send a character and I'll answer the related question):

Chobei: What makes you feel unstoppable? Fuchi: If you could ask your future self one question, what would you ask and why? Gabimaru: Is it easy or hard for you to accept help from others? Gantetsusai: What’s your favorite nickname someone has given you and how did you get it? Gui Fa: If you could have one book suddenly exist without having to write it, what would you want it to be like? Hoko: If you could change your relationship with any one person, would you? If so, which one, and how? Isuzu: How can someone earn your trust? How can they lose it? Ju Fa: Do you enjoy planning ahead or taking things as they come? Mei: What are your standards for someone being beautiful? Mu Dan: Would you rather have flight, invisibility, or teleportation? Why? Nurugai: What's something most people have but don't appreciate? Sagiri: What are your hopes for what the future holds? Senta: How do you hope people describe you, and how does that compare to how you think they do? Shion: Where is the most beautiful place you have ever seen in person? Ran: If you had to lose one sense (hearing, taste, touch, sight, or smell), which would you give up? Why? Rien: What are you most excited about for the future? Tao Fa: What's one pet peeve of yours? Shija: What’s your game plan in a zombie apocalypse? Shugen: If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why? Tenza: What's something you haven't truly wrapped your head around? Toma: What's a skill you’ve never had a chance to learn despite wanting to? Yui: What's a goal you have that's important to you, and how are you hoping to reach it? Yuzuriha: What's something you regret not doing in the last year? Zhu Jin: What's your least favorite chore to do around the house?

P.S. If you're reblogging this (especially from someone other than OP) and that person reblogged this in the past 24 hours, please heavily consider sending an ask to that person!

[aqua-ginger]

Christmas came early! And so did the last chapter of my fic! Enjoy

[bearsbeetsbeskar]

lots of ppl are happy about the mando movie but I am over here like: