#famous five art nostalgia

[papillon82fluttersby]

Famous Five Art Nostalgia – Masterpost

Click below for an easy way to navigate through my "Famous Five Art Nostalgia" posts!

HERE YOU'LL FIND THE LINKS LEADING TO THE ILLUSTRATIONS AND PLOT SUMMARIES OF THE ORIGINAL SERIES BY ENID BLYTON:

Introductory post

Publishing overview

📜🏰🪙 #01 Five on a Treasure Island / Le Club des Cinq et le trésor de l’île

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1962) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1983)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1982)

Part 4A and Part 4B: illustrations by Jean Sidobre – Vermeille (1971)

☃️🎄🔦 #02 Five Go Adventuring Again / Le Club des Cinq

Part 1: illustrations by Simone Baudouin (1955) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1982)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 4A and Part 4B: illustrations by Jean Sidobre – Galaxie (1975)

🛶🥫👒 #03 Five Run Away Together / Le Club des Cinq contre-attaque

Cover art

Part 1: illustrations by Simone Baudouin (1955)

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1976)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 4: illustrations by Annie-Claude Martin (1984)

Part 5: illustrations by Anne Bozellec (1991)

⛰️🧺🌫️ #04 Five Go to Smuggler’s Top / Le Club des Cinq en vacances

Part 1: illustrations by Simone Baudouin (1956) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1973)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 4A and Part 4B: illustrations by Jean Sidobre – Vermeille (1976)

🎪🐵👑 #05 Five Go Off in a Caravan / Le Club des Cinq et les saltimbanques

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1965) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1976)

🧣🔭⚗️ #06 Five On Kirrin Island Again / Le Club des Cinq joue et gagne

Part 1: illustrations by Simone Baudouin (1956) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 3: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1975)

🏕️🚞👻 #07 Five Go Off to Camp / Le Club des Cinq va camper

Part 1: illustrations by Paul Durand (1957) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1982)

Part 3: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1977)

🚲🦉🚪 #08 Five Get into Trouble / Le Club des Cinq en péril

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1969) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jeanne Hives – Idéal-Bibliothèque (1962)

Part 3: illustrations by Simone Baudouin (1957)

Part 4: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 5: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1979)

🍒🌲🚁 #09 Five Fall into Adventure / Le Club des Cinq et les gitans

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1960) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1973)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1982)

Part 4A and Part 4B: illustrations by Jean Sidobre – Vermeille (1975)

🍂🥾🎒 #10 Five on a Hike Together / Le Club des Cinq en randonnée

Part 1: illustrations by Simone Baudouin (1958) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 3: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1976)

📰👀🐍 #11 Five Have a Wonderful Time / Le Club des Cinq en roulotte

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1960) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1974)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

🌊🎟️🐴 #12 Five Go Down to the Sea / Le Club des Cinq au bord de la mer

Part 1: illustrations by Aldo de Amicis (1959) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 3: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1984)

🐎😶‍🌫️🚂 #13 Five Go to Mystery Moor / La locomotive du Club des Cinq

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1961) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 3: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1987)

🐩🏖️🎡 #14 Five Have Plenty of Fun / Enlèvement au Club des Cinq

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1961) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1983)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

🏚️🏺💼 #15 Five on a Secret Trail / Le Club des Cinq se distingue

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1968) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jeanne Hives – Idéal-Bibliothèque (1961)

Part 3: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1977)

Part 4: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

🛩️🦋🐷 #16 Five Go to Billycock Hill / Le Club des Cinq et les papillons

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1962) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 3: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1983)

❄️🛷⛷️ #17 Five Get into a Fix / Le Club des Cinq aux sports d’hiver

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1964) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1978)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 4A and Part 4B: illustrations by Jean Sidobre – Vermeille (1975)

⛏️💎🗡️ #18 Five on Finniston Farm / Le Club des Cinq et le coffre aux merveilles

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1962) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1979)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 4A and Part 4B: illustrations by Jean Sidobre – Vermeille (1973)

🧭🐒🔔 #19 Five Go To Demon’s Rocks / La boussole du Club des Cinq

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1963) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1975)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

⛳ 🪣🌬️ #20 Five Have a Mystery to Solve / Le Club des Cinq et le secret du vieux puits

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1966) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1978)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1982)

🙊📓🕰️ #21 Five Are Together Again / Le Club des Cinq en embuscade

Part 1: illustrations by Jeanne Hives (1967) + cover art

Part 2: illustrations by Jean Sidobre (1981)

Part 3: illustrations by Umberto Nonna (1981)

Part 4: illustrations by Jean Sidobre – Vermeille (1973)

~~~~~~

CLICK HERE FOR THE MASTERPOST TO THE CONTINUATION SERIES ‘LES CINQ’ BY CLAUDE VOILIER

~~~~~~

CHARACTER PORTRAITS:

Tinker

Jo

Joanna

Aunt Fanny

Uncle Quentin

Anne

Dick

Julian

George

Timmy

BONUS George + Timmy

~~~~~~

FFAN Wrap-Up & Recs

[hd-junglebook]

The Art & The Muse

Pairing: Luke Hughes x Artist!Reader

a:n currently spiraling at the moment so don't be shocked if I release five more fanfictions that I wrote 30 minutes before posting with no proof reading. lol.

Masterlist Link

Summary: A struggling artist finds inspiration in the most unexpected place - a painting class which the famous Luke Hughes has joined. y/n is in awe at his beauty, finding herself fascinated by his masculine beauty.

Prologue

word count - 1568

Luke let out a deep sigh as he sank back into the worn leather of his favorite chair, relishing the rare luxury of a day off. No early morning practices, no media obligations, no road trips - just him, his apartment in New Jersey, and the peace and quiet he craved.

Well, almost quiet. Luke could hear the muffled sounds of his older brother Jack clattering around in the kitchen, no doubt raiding the fridge for a snack. Luke rolled his eyes and tried to tune it out, savoring the silence. He loved his brother, but sometimes Jack's boundless energy and enthusiasm could be a bit much, especially on a lazy Sunday like today.

As if on cue, Luke heard Jack's familiar voice echoing down the hallway. "Hey, Lukey! Get your butt out here!"

Luke groaned, resigning himself to the inevitable interruption. "What is it, Jack?" he called back, not bothering to move from his comfortable spot.

Jack appeared in the doorway, mouth half-full of what looked like leftover pizza. "Dude, you need to find a hobby or something. All you do is sit around and talk to girls all day."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Jack gestured emphatically, spraying crumbs. "Go out and find a girlfriend or something. Do something productive for once!"

"Close the door," Luke said tiredly, waving a hand.

Jack just laughed and turned to leave, still chewing noisily. "Whatever, man. Your life is boring."

Luke waited until he heard the click of the door, then let his head fall back with a groan. Sometimes he wondered how he and Jack could be brothers, let alone teammates. While Luke treasured his rare days off to recharge, Jack always seemed to have boundless energy, constantly looking for the next adventure or party.

A girlfriend, huh? Luke mulled over Jack's words. It wasn't that he was opposed to the idea, exactly. He just hadn't felt that spark with anyone lately. Between his grueling hockey schedule and the demands of his public persona, it was hard enough to find the time and energy for a social life, let alone a serious relationship.

Still, maybe Jack had a point. Luke had been feeling a little...stagnant lately. Perhaps it was time to try something new, step outside his comfort zone a bit. With a decisive nod, Luke reached for his phone.

Luke drummed his fingers against his thigh as he scrolled through the endless list of activities and classes, feeling increasingly discouraged.

His brow furrowed in concentration as he skimmed through the options, mentally crossing each one off as it failed to pique his interest.  Maybe Jack was right - he really was in a rut, stuck in the same old routine day after day.

Just as he was about to give up with a heavy sigh, a flash of inspiration caught his eye. An ad for painting classes at a local art studio.

Luke felt a faint tug of nostalgia as he remembered the hours he used to spend painting with his mom back home in Michigan, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips as the memories surfaced. It had been years since he'd picked up a brush, but the idea of reconnecting with that creative outlet was strangely appealing.

Intrigued, Luke clicked on the website and started browsing through the class schedules, his blue eyes scanning the page intently. The next session was in just two days - perfect.

Without overthinking it, he quickly signed himself up, a spark of determination lighting in his chest. With a decisive nod, he shut off his phone, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

With a newfound spring in his step, Luke headed out to the living room where he could hear Jack clattering around. "Hey, Jack?" he called out, drawing his younger brother's attention.

Jack poked his head out from the kitchen, mouth full of what looked like leftover pizza. He quirked an eyebrow curiously, his cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk's.

Luke wrinkled his nose in mild disgust at the display, but pressed on. "I, uh, took your advice. I signed up for a painting class that starts in a couple days."

Jack's eyes widened in surprise, a spark of amusement flashing across his features. He let out a bark of laughter, pizza crumbs flying. "Painting? Seriously?" he asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

Luke shrugged, feeling a slight twinge of self-consciousness creep up his spine. "Well, I figured it was worth a shot. Gotta try something new, right?"

"Hey, that's great!" Jack grinned and clapped him on the shoulder, his infectious enthusiasm cutting through Luke's lingering doubts. "Who knows, maybe you'll meet some cute girls there or something."

Luke rolled his eyes, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "That's not really why I'm doing it, Jack."

"Sure, sure." Jack winked and grabbed another slice of pizza, seemingly satisfied with the conversation. "Whatever you say, bro."

Luke shook his head fondly and turned to head back to his room, a newfound spring in his step. Maybe this whole "trying new things" thing wouldn't be so bad after all.

…

Luke pulled his beanie down lower over his sandy blond curls as he stepped out onto the street, trying his best to stay as inconspicuous as possible.

He had thrown on his most unassuming outfit - a simple t-shirt, jeans, and a well-worn pair of sneakers - before hesitantly heading out the door, Jack's cheerful "Good luck!" ringing in his ears.

As Luke made his way down the sidewalk, the nerves started to kick in. What was he doing, really? Signing up for an art class on a whim - it was so unlike him.

The old Luke would have scoffed at the very idea, content to spend his rare days off lounging at home or chatting up pretty girls at the local bars. But that Luke felt stale, stuck in a rut. Maybe it was time to try something new.

Still, Luke couldn't help the self-conscious twinge that made him want to turn right back around and high-tail it home. He could already hear Jack's teasing laughter, the endless ribbing he'd have to endure. But Luke steeled his resolve, forcing his feet to keep moving forward. He'd come this far, might as well see it through.

Luke rounded the corner, nearly colliding with an elderly couple out for an afternoon stroll. "Sorry, excuse me," he murmured, deftly sidestepping them.

The last few minutes of his journey passed in a blur, and before he knew it, Luke found himself standing in front of the art studio, its glass door beckoning him inside.

Taking a deep breath, Luke pushed open the door, immediately greeted by the soothing scent of lavender. His eyes swept over the space, taking in the rows of easels and the vibrant paintings adorning the walls. A petite woman with a thick accent approached him, a warm smile on her face.

"Hello, welcome! Can I help you?"

Luke cleared his throat, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious. "Uh, yeah, hi. I'm Luke - I signed up for the painting class?"

"Ah, yes, of course!" The woman's eyes lit up with recognition. "It's so wonderful to have you join us. I'm Helena, the instructor. Let me show you where you can set up."

As Helena led him over to an open easel, Luke felt a flicker of genuine interest. He followed Helena through the halls of the art studio, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of intimidation.

The walls were practically bursting with vibrant, expertly-crafted paintings - from sweeping landscapes to intricate still lifes. He found himself glancing around in awe, suddenly self-conscious about his own artistic abilities.

Helena continued to speak animatedly, her hands gesturing as she explained the layout of the classroom and the materials available. Luke nodded along, trying his best to appear engaged, but his attention was diverted the moment they passed by a particularly striking piece.

The painting was dark, with soft whites and deep blues creating a moody, almost mystical atmosphere. But what truly captivated Luke was the subject - a male figure, rendered with such realism and attention to detail that it almost looked like a photograph.

The sculpted planes of his muscular torso, the veins in his hands, the play of light and shadow across his skin - every element was meticulously crafted, drawing the viewer in with its hypnotic allure.

Luke found himself stopping in his tracks, unable to tear his gaze away. It was as if the man in the painting had somehow come to life, his masculine beauty radiating off the canvas.

Helena let out a light laugh, drawing Luke's attention back to her. "I see you've noticed one of our more...popular pieces," she said, a knowing smile playing at her lips.

Luke felt a faint heat creep up the back of his neck, suddenly self-conscious about his obvious fascination. "Uh, yeah, it's...it's really well done," he stammered, clearing his throat.

"Indeed." Helena gestured towards the open doorway of the classroom. "Shall we? The class is about to begin."

Luke nodded, stealing one last glance at the captivating painting before following Helena into the studio. As he took his seat at the easel, he couldn't help but wonder who the artist was behind such a stunning work. And more importantly, would he have the chance to meet them?

…

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[cantsayidont]

August 1984. This won't change anyone's feelings about cult movie perennial THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI: ACROSS THE EIGHTH DIMENSION one way or the other, but if you're wondering what the hell the deal is supposed to be with Buckaroo Banzai and his team, the answer is, "It's an obvious pastiche of the pulp hero Doc Savage."

Launched in 1933, Doc Savage was one of the leading adventure heroes of the pulp magazines. Doc (whose full name was Clark Savage Jr.) was scientifically trained from childhood to the peak of human perfection, singularly adept in everything from mechanical engineering to medicine to martial arts. He had a secret headquarters called the Fortress of Solitude and a whole array of specially designed vehicles and equipment, but he was also a public figure, with offices in the Empire State Building. Doc had a team of eccentric, highly specialized aides — Monk Mayfair, Ham Brooks, Renny Renwick, Long Tom Roberts, and Johnny Littlejohn — who each had a particular skill and a couple of distinctive personality traits (for instance, Monk was a skilled industrial chemist, but also an "ape-like" brute with a ferocious temper). They were sometimes aided by Doc's cousin, Pat Savage, who was almost as capable as Doc, although he tried to keep her out of the fray because she was (gasp) a girl.

This was a fairly common pattern for pulp heroes. For instance, the pulp version of the Shadow (who was distinctly different from the radio incarnation) relied on a whole network of agents, some appearing only once or twice, some recurring across many of his published adventures. From a narrative standpoint, the agents and assistants had two principal purposes: The first was to offset the rather overpowered heroes — pulp heroes didn't necessarily have superhuman powers, but even those who didn't tended to be preternaturally skilled at nearly everything, so it was convenient to limit their direct involvement in an adventure to crucial moments, and let the assistants (who could be much more fallible) do much of the legwork. The second object was to beef up the characterization. Doc Savage was morally irreproachable as well as absurdly multi-talented, so there wasn't a lot to be done with him character-wise, while maintaining the mystique of a character like the Shadow required him to remain a fairly closed book.

Although the pulp heroes were a huge influence on early comic book superheroes like Superman and Batman, some of these conventions didn't translate well to other media: In a 13-page comic book story or half-hour radio episode, having too many characters was cumbersome (and expensive, where it meant hiring extra actors), and comic book readers normally expected to follow their four-color heroes quite closely, even before the breathless internal monologue became a genre staple. So, Superman inherited Doc Savage's Fortress of Solitude, but not his "Fabulous Five" assistants, while heroes like Batman and Captain America generally stuck with a single sidekick rather than a team of aides. Even the late Doc Savage pulp adventures (which ended in 1949) de-emphasized the assistants to keep the focus more on Doc himself. Ultimately, the pulp heroes didn't really have the right narrative center of gravity for visual media, which is why they've become relatively obscure, despite repeated revival attempts. The 1975 Doc Savage movie with Ron Ely, for instance, was a notorious commercial flop, and elements like Doc's childishly bickering assistants seemed odd and dated, even taking into account the film's nostalgia-bait '30s period setting.

What BUCKAROO BANZAI tried to do was to bring that old pulp hero formula into the modern era with a big infusion of '80s style and humor. Like Doc Savage, Buckaroo is a wildly gifted polymath (in the opening scenes, he rushes from performing brain surgery to test-driving his Jet Car through a mountain), so famous and important a personage that he puts the president of the United States on hold, and he surrounds himself with an array of brilliant, eccentric aides with silly nicknames who play in his rock band when they're not fighting crime or doing advanced scientific experiments.

Alas, judging by the poor box office returns, general audiences were no more amenable to the '80s version of this formula than they had been to DOC SAVAGE: MAN OF BRONZE nine years earlier, even with the 1984 film's extraordinary cast and memorably witty dialogue. Granted, even many of the movie's most diehard fans are baffled by the convoluted plot — a crucial expository scene where the leader of the Black Lectroids (Rosalind Cash) explains much of what's going on is nigh-incomprehensible without subtitles or closed captioning — but beyond that, THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI is essentially an extended riff on a particular slice of pop culture that had long since dropped out of the public consciousness, which is both part of its charm and also its commercial undoing, at least as mainstream entertainment.

(Also, if you're wondering, yes, the TOM STRONG series by Alan Moore and Chris Sprouse is also an obvious Doc Savage pastiche, although at least some of its plot and character concepts were probably retoolings of unused ideas from Moore's earlier Maximum Press/Awesome Comics SUPREME series, which was an extended pastiche of the pre-Crisis Superman.)

[summerstrash]

having complex feelings about the x-factor 2024 announcement.

pros:

Pyro and Frenzy are there. Be Gay Do Crimes Twink + The Giant Woman I Always Want To See = Good Shit.

The guy who's writing this book is well-known for his one-shot rewriting the Hanna-Barbera character Snagglepuss as a mid-century homosexual playwright. Considering that Pyro is here, this is promising.

Alex is no longer wearing the classic costume, which reduces the chances of him being forced into the Goblin Gown significantly, forcing his arc to rely less on his sexual objectification.

The solicit seems to imply that social media will act as either a framing device or a plot point, which I like the sound of.

Alex and Frenzy serving on a team together rockets her to the #1 spot on the list of Potential Alex Summers Sex Mistakes, since she's a slightly bitter Scott ex with BDSM inclinations.

My longtime Twitter mutual Gail Simone called it a gem of the line, and I'm inclined to trust her judgment on many things.

The writer specifically namedrops Alex and Frenzy as characters he's excited to write, which implies they'll see at least some focus.

The artist is Bob Quinn, a guy I quite like and who sent me free art once for my birthday when Knights of X was delayed.

As someone who hasn't read much X-Factor from the 90s due to my ongoing feud with a particular writer from that era (iykyk), I'm kind of looking forward to seeing what X-Factor as a government team is like, as opposed to X-Factor as an investigating body.

cons:

Alex in a leadership role is never a good sign. Bad things happen to Alex when he leads.

Not a huge fan of the fact that the current known roster includes three white guys and two WOC, with one of the WOC also being a visible mutant who has fur instead of human skin, and the other being a medium-to-dark-skinned black woman famous for being buff and angry, and the three white guys are all blondes, ranging from "dumpster twink" to "hunk"

Alex working for the U.S. government feels like a microagression against me personally, as I've been very vocal about thinking that Alex needs to finally come to terms with the fact that clinging to mainstream institutions and dominant social groups will only ever hurt him, and I was hoping the Hellions or Limbo could be that for him in the Krakoan Era

The marketing seems to imply a different tone and genre from the domestic/workplace horror-comedies Alex has been part of for the last five years, and I don't know how I feel about that yet.

Greg Land is doing the covers, and I hate that for me.

"Who will die?" Of the characters we have announced so far, Alex is the most expendable. He's one of three blond white guys, and while Warren seems to be taking center stage as the Face Of The Team, and St.John's movie counterpart is returning to theaters this summer in Deadpool & Wolverine, so I doubt they'd kill him off in comics at the moment, Alex feels kind of superfluous as a co-leader, and he also is just...less loved, I think.

"Who will fall in love?" Again, worried for Alex because one of his, like, three recurring stories is "gets picked up by the scruff of his neck by a girl way out of his league so she can use him to self-actualize while playing at transgressive forms of heterosexuality." We don't really have similar core recurring storylines for other announced characters.

"Who will be the first to sell out?" Honestly I feel like St.John might be the answer to this question. He's a novelist. Novelists have egos. He's worked for the U.S. government before, under Mystique. And I guess this kind of makes me sad.

The fact that the whole cast hasn't been announced yet fills me with fear that Lorna will be in this, mostly because a fair chunk of FTA seems to be focused on catering to nostalgia on some level, and Alex/Lorna is very 90s. And frankly Dr. Dane should be doing better for herself than the man that left her at the altar for a gay man's girlfriend.

So yeah, I have complex emotions about all of this and will be watching with a fair amount of suspicion as we draw closer to the release date.

[angstics]

my chemical romance has always been a band about death. bullets' bonnie and clyde, three cheers' resurrection-rampage plot, black parade's dying main character, danger days' "where the good guys die and the bad guys win". the vampires and corpse-like make-up and lyrics constantly looking to the end. 1000+ hits when you google: "death-obsessed" "my chemical romance". gerard way's "if we never play another show again, keep yourself alive" in 2008, when the band had an exhausting few years and an uncertain future (video, article).

it took a few years, but the band eventually played its last show. it wasn't just a break or dissolution. the band died. their final song was released posthumously in 2/14 and it was titled "fake your death" -- not a hint at reunification, but a finale that put to rest who they were as my chemical romance. as gerard way said: "i don't think my chemical romance is supposed to happen again. i think it's supposed to stay beautiful forever; it's a beautiful thing. it's supposed to die young in the car wreck" (kerrang , 7/14).

dying young has haunted my chem as long as death has. every single main character of theirs' was both dead and young: irl demolition lovers on the LOTMS cd, the patient being "too young to die", the fab four being teenagers according to the killjoys: california comics. even gun's "never gonna have a son" and "if im old enough to die for your mistakes / then let's go". even helena, who is directly about the ways' grandmother, is played by a young actor -- with make-up matching the bands'. there were fears surrounding gerard's health ending the band then at one point his life, as stated by brian schechter in LOTMS. after the band ended, mikey and frank had near-death experiences. gerard released hestiant alien's how it's going to be, a song about "waking up from the dream and realizing it's not exactly what you wanted" (video): "you said we'd all be dead by twenty five" and "we're just bored you're still alive". the entertainment industry is marked by the iconization of artists who died young. the 90s - 00s was a time + place defined by DARE and AIDS and young veterans. the band coincided with BIG life changes (sky-rocketing careers, new families).

this is all to say that my chem tightly links youth and death. there is also a great emphasis on death as a performance -- dedicating songs and albums and theatre productions and art and stories and appearances to it. the aesthetic of death.

though the band died young, its people didnt. years went by. my impression as an outsider to that time is that even without reason (least of all from these fuckin guys), hope didnt die. it laid dormant. the group friendship and musical relationship was revived sometime 2017 - 2018 because of a family bbq (podcast, quote). that was two years of possibility before they decided to return in 2019. after some hurdles where hope never diminished, they began their first tour after a decade -- filled with projects and personal hardships and children growing up -- in 2022.

this tour has been marked by their visible and stated joy. not a nostalgia tour, not an album tour, but a chance to "reintroduce ourselves to the world" (podcast, quote). the sources of joy are endless (isnt that just so beautiful??) one of them is discovering the link btwn living and old age.

theyre still about death, theyre still about youth, theyre still about drama. gerard's dressed as princess diane and joan darc, famous women who died young. the when we were young night 2 costumes are bout the horror of aging but not changing. it's a forever mcr theme.

[missingspaceships]

was listening to music from when i was a little kid for nostalgia purposes and now i'm thinking. a twist on the concept of famous steddie where steve hosts a children's show? with a sort of sesame street, mister rogers-style hopeful perspective about the world, but also something hi-5 or imagination movers-esque with fun hijinks and silly songs (i have no idea what shows people watched as kids so those might not be a good reference sorry). it is definitely a kids show, and steve has to wear silly outfits and make goofy jokes, and some people refuse to take him seriously. but also he's just so genuine and kind. he knows what it's like to feel lonely as a child and he wants to offer a space where kids feel safe and loved, even if it's only on tv.

and there's something hilarious and adorable about how seemingly extreme opposites steve and eddie are in this scenario? like steve is mister wholesome, meanwhile eddie munson is a heavy metal icon whose music is the exact opposite of family friendly. but when it comes down to it they both want the same thing: for their art to make people who are different or isolated feel less alone.

i feel like robin might help with composing the show's music (although she's probably got her own solo non-children's music projects as well). the rest of the party does guest spots, like will teaching a beginner's art lesson or dustin doing a science experiment. eddie eventually guest stars too. steve casually and happily introducing his husband to his audience does a lot for normalizing queerness in children's programming. it's also just a really fun episode, and eddie does the equivalent of a metal song but for five year olds. it's like that time mcr was on yo gabba gabba

[fierycavalier]

25 Questions

Tagged by the bestie @what-breaks-my-heart

1. Why did you choose your url?

My url describes me! I came up with it while watching Whiskey Cavalier, a short-lived show from 2019 that I very much enjoyed.

2. Any sideblogs? If you have them, name them and why you have them.

Yes. I have one that's for more personal posts, although I go through phases using it. There's a 2nd one that I don't really use.

3. How long have you been on Tumblr?

I remember my first post was about how I'd just been accepted to my university, so it was spring of 2010. I remade my blog in 2015, though.

4. Do you have a queue tag?

Nope!

5. Why did you start your blog in the first place?

I'd used another blogging site but didn't like the format, so I switched to tumblr. It was purely personal posts to start, I didn't really join any fandoms until 2011 (thanks @magnetocerebro !)

6. Why did you choose your avatar?

It was the last time I took a selfie that I liked without caveat.

7. Why did you choose your header?

Ace's expression and the quote really vibed with my ongoing wrestle with grief and nostalgia.

8. What's your post with the most notes?

This one of my cats! I blazed it because my boys are cuties.

You can check yours here.

9. How many mutuals do you have?

42, the Answer to the Ultimate Question, so a pretty great number if I do say so myself

10. How many followers do you have?

263.

11. How many blogs do you follow?

205.

12. Have you ever made a shitpost?

not... intentionally? the best shitposts are sincere imo

13. How often do you use Tumblr each day?

regularly. just assume that i'm here lol

14. Did you have a fight/argument with another blog once?

Another blog (and its friends) got mad at me but I blocked them all (10/10 recommend)

15. How do you feel about 'you need to reblog this' posts?

It's a great way to ruin a perfectly good post. As a rule, I won't reblog.

16. Do you like tag games?

I do! But they're a pain to do on the app, so I save them as drafts to do on desktop, and then forget to to do them :(

17. Do you like ask games?

Yes! Except the part where I can't remember anything about myself as soon as someone asks

18. Which of your mutuals do you think is Tumblr famous?

All my mutuals are famous in my heart.

19. Do you have a crush on a mutual?

If you allow for a wide interpretation of crush, then yes

20. What is the last song you listened to?

Down Bad by Ms. Swift

21. What are you currently watching?

I just finished episode 5.8 of Elementary!

22. Sweet/savory/spicy?

Savory first, then sweet to finish.

23. What is your current relationship status?

Super married.

24. What is your current obsession?

dramione fan fic & art <3

25. What are nine albums/songs you've been listening to lately?

TTPD (the anthology) - Taylor Swift Clancy - Twenty One Pilots Eastern Montana - George Winston GUTS - Olivia Rodrigo TIM - Avicii Found Heaven - Conan Gray five seconds flat - Lizzie McAlpine Infinity On High - Fall Out Boy Tourist History - Two Door Cinema Club

tag you're it @florida3exclamationpoints @magnetocerebro @holliano @thankyouforyourcooperation @themarydragon @oceanodedoces @constantvigilante @goyurim

[aew-kun-age-regression]

-Miscellaneous Masterslist-

(part 2, cause I can't add anymore links to part 1)

Moodboards

Caregiver!Indiana Jones StimBoard (Indiana Jones)

Caregiver!Commander Mills StimBoard (65)

Caregiver!Elmont (Jack The Giant Slayer)

Caregiver!Ahkmenrak (Night at the museum)

Caregiver!Jedediah & Octavius (Night at the museum)

Caregiver!Holly (Red Dwarf)

Caregiver!Larry Daley StimBoard (Night at the museum)

Caregiver!Klaus Mikaelson (The Vampire Diaries)

Caregiver!Elijah Mikaelson (The Vampire Diaries)

Cozy Christmas Moodboard

Twin Stars StimBoard (Sanrio)

Caregiver!Noob Saibot (Mortal Kombat)

Valentine's Day Moodboard

Personal Regression Moodboard

Regressor!Nimona (Nimona)

Caregiver!Larry Daley (Night At The Museum)

Regressor!Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit)

Caregiver!Nicky Harper (Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn)

Ballet Moodboard

Nostalgia Moodboard

Mermaid StimBoard

Applejack Moodboard (My Little Pony)

Soft Moodboard

Twilight Sparkle Moodboard (My Little Pony)

Rainbow Dash Moodboard (My Little Pony)

2000's Punk Aesthetic Moodboard

Personal Roadtrip Moodboard

Stuffie Moodboard (Roxie - Individuals Stuffie)

Stuffie Moodboard (Yellow Bunny - Individuals Stuffie)

Fluttershy Moodboard (My Little Pony)

Rarity Moodboard (My Little Pony)

Pinkie Pie Moodboard (My Little Pony)

Rainy Day Moodboard

Self Indulgent Nostalgia Moodboard

Famous Five Moodboard

Stuffie StimBoard (Tuppy - Individuals Stuffie)

Self Indulgent Nostalgia Moodboard

Dork Diaries Moodboard

Fem Doll Moodboard

Teen Nostalgia Moodboard

Caregiver!Larry Daley (Night at the museum)

Camp Moodboard

Nature Aesthetic Stimboard

Winx Club Moodboard

Deer Moodboard

Bluey Moodboard

Caregiver!Karlach (Baulders gate 3)

Wild West Themed

Personal Teen/Tween Themed

Summer Themed StimBoard

Teenre Sleepover Themed

Regressor!Princess Peach (Mario)

Babre Themed

Mermaid StimBoard

Caregiver!Steve (Blues Clues)

Neo/Matrix Themed

Caregiver!Donna Noble + Regressor!14th Doctor

Regressor!Arnold Rimmer StimBoard (Red Dwarf)

Nostalgia Moodboard

Regressor!Spider (Heartbreak High)

Summer Themed Moodboard

Personal Teen/Tween Themed StimBoard

Fanfics/Stories

Headcannons

Caregiver!Rosa Diaz Headcannons (Brooklyn 99)

Playlists

Art

Ghoulia Yelps (Monster High)

DNI Banners

Dinosaurs

Jedediah, Ahkmenrak, Octavius, Larry (Night at the museum)

Hiccup Haddock (How to train your dragon)

Havik & Reiko (Mortal Kombat 1)

Kabal (Mortal Kombat 11)

11th Doctor, Amy & Rory Pond (Doctor Who)

JJ Maybank (Outer Banks)

Winx Club

Dork Diaries

Gabby's Dollhouse

Andrew Spencer & Mia Brooks (Love, Victor)

Bunny

Jane Margolis

Paci Icons

Midas (Fortnite)

Dave Lister (Red Dwarf)

Syzoth (Mortal Kombat 1)

Michelangelo (TMNT 2012)

James Conrad (Kong Skull Island)

Carmen Berzatto (The Bear)

Mileena (Mortal Kombat 1 & 11)

Cinnamoroll & Pompompurin (Sanrio)

Sebastian Castellanos (The evil within 2)

Howl Pendragon (Howls Moving Castle)

Victor Salazar (Love, Victor)

Dipper (Gravity Falls)

Spider (Heartbreak High)

Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad)

[xellandria]

Oc Ask Meme!!

7,26 and B for Alexander

(https://www.tumblr.com/xellandria/725141210645315584/uncommon-questions-for-ocs-and-their-creators for ease of access)

oh no this post is going to contain art from twenty years ago, run for the hills! Also this got long lmao whoops

7. What triggers nostalgia for them, most often? Do they enjoy that feeling? For a long time, Alex had a heart-shaped pendant necklace that belonged to his first love. They were in that "this person can do no wrong" puppy-love stage of infatuation that a lot of early relationships (especially between young people) get when she was murdered and he was forced to flee because he was accused of killing both Mephala (framed) and the town's sheriff/top law enforcement guy (valid, sort of). It was the only possession of hers he had to remind him of her, and the memories associated with it were intensely mixed (a: her, but also b: murder), and after Mephala's fridging he carried it with him for a long time (somewhere between 20-200 years, depending on how my timeline for other events that aren't set in stone yet end up shaking out).

Do you know that thing that you do sometimes when you're really depressed and feeling self-flagellating where you already feel bad, so you intentionally start thinking about a Bad Thing that happened so your life can suck extra hard? And how obviously thinking about it makes you feel worse, but there's a weird undercurrent of pleasure and satisfaction at the ability to hurt yourself like that? It's weird to think of him like this because in the "present day" he's a very happy-go-lucky kinda guy like 97% of the time, but there was definitely a period in his past where he was that kind of angsty, moody teen.

And then, fourteen pages into the comic, the doofus accidentally left it behind on a bar countertop while escaping from some bounty hunters :V

28. What is their preferred mode of transportation? Alex is a big fan of the persistence predator's famous "walk 'em to death" strategy! So are a lot of my characters, I'm realizing (because other methods of transport like wagons and cars and bicycles and scooters and such suck to draw I guess, lmao). I think Alex would be an indifferent equestrian; competent enough to stay on the horse (once he learned, which I'm not sure when he would have done), but very much a sack in the saddle. While he can fly, he prefers not to because he haaaaaaaaaates his wings; there ARE humanoid creatures with wings on Meir, but a lot of them don't interface well with most of society and have a bit of a Reputation, so there's a bit of a stigma there, and people tend to stare. Alex doesn't mind being the center of attention, but he definitely prefers it to be for the things he's doing, not the thing he is.

At some point recently I said (probably on twitter) that I'd only drawn him with his wings three times: once for a "sexy" wallpaper, once for a NaNoMangO pregame meme, and once just recently for the ref sheet I posted a couple weeks ago. While I was going through First Target again for this ask just now I realized it's actually been four: his wings came out when he was fighting Viktor (which, now that I've remembered, made me go "oh yeah, that was important cos people witnessed that he wasn't human which made them go after him extra hard," it's funny the kind of details you forget after twenty years, rofl)

Edit: FIVE times, actually: I forgot I did one of those "what's your god tier" memes in the height of my Homestuckdom and he got Thief of Life.

B) What inspired you to create them? In seventh and eighth grade, in the late 90s, my friends and I were all role playing on various portions of Yahoo!'s social outlets, both in their chatrooms (Aenye, aka Ayenee aka A&E aka the Arts & Entertainment section) and on their groups (okay in fairness that was mostly just me, I don't think my RL friends indulged in that bit). I "GMed" a lot of stuff for my friends in the chats, and we had a fairly expansive storyline going, but a lot of it was pulled from things we were invested in at the time and a lot of characters were straight up just whichever media characters we were crushing on at the time, sometimes with the barcodes sanded off and sometimes not. One of the characters I "mained" at the time, both in RP with my RL friends and in various RP groups (which were mostly mixed-anime isekai-style things or directly based in the world of the anime/manga Slayers), was Xellandria Butadientium.

Xellandria Butadientium, Xella for short, was heavily, heavily, heavily based on Xelloss Metallium from Slayers, a smiling "trickster priest" with a deliciously malicious side and very obscure motivations. She was in competition with every other Mary Sue OC in those groups for Xelloss' attentions, though even at the time I (and she) was less interested in romance and sex than in just Being There and I dipped out of several groups once whoever was playing Xelloss there indicated their interest in eRPing (I was like, fourteenish and assumed I would care less/more when I got older. That, uh, never happened :Y)

When we moved on from Yahoo onto our own private forums I started redesigning some characters to be less obviously derivative and wholesale replacing others, and Xella was one of the ones hit with a redesign. She kept some of the things that had become "iconic" to her by then, but I tried to move away from the rest.

The problem here was that there were five main characters in The Bloodraven Chronicles, and only three of us bay area girls RPing; I was responsible for three of the five. One was Xella, one was James (another character who started his life being based off Xelloss, at least visually), and the other was straight up just Xelloss. That wouldn't do if we were making this an original story, which we all* had it in our heads at the time to do (because that was Just What You Did, we were formulating Aslua Studios who were going to Make It Big doing Things related to this story!). So, as Xella was originally a genderbent version of Xelloss who eventually evolved into her own thing, I figured I would just do it again, but in reverse!

Thus, alleX, who evolved over the next couple months into Alex, and whose design was finalized in September of 2001, just in time for me to be noodling around with the idea of starting a webcomic, which I would start posting to KeenSpace in November of that year.

Alex's personality takes a lot of inspiration from those old Xelloss roleplayers, though it leans into the more "human" versions, where he was less inscrutable and more just kind of silly. Nowadays he's pretty happy-go-lucky, which you would not know from anything in this long-ass post, l m a o

Anyway to cap it off, have a bonus visual chart of all this, from one of those "1 like = 1 answer" things on twitter about his D&D AU version:

(* I am reasonably sure, in retrospect, that my friends were just going along with my own desire to Make It Big (With Art) and that they had no real stake in it. In fairness, this was the correct decision/response on their part, but you know.)

[moiloru]

🤠 Cowboy Bebop Review! 🚀

Hello, and welcome to a new anime review! We're headed back in the 20th century with the famous Cowboy Bebop!

Cowboy Bebop aired in 1998, making it the first anime I ever watched that's older than me. It has twenty-six episodes, and an additional movie aired in 2001.

This anime is some good old action with an adult cast and some sci-fi elements. It's different from what you'd see nowadays... which makes sense since it aired twenty-five years ago.

Cowboy Bebop is one of the most acclaimed anime of all time, especially by people who grew up when it aired. Is it due to nostalgia? Perhaps, though there are definitely reasons it's praise-worthy. I probably wouldn't go that far, still.

Let's start by talking about the plot. Well, it takes a few episodes to get used to, and I regret that you truly understand what's going on pretty late into the story. The overarching plot could be more straightforward since the attention is put on the current action.

The composition of the episodes (called "sessions") is pretty good, especially in specific episodes, with the right balance of seriousness and humor. Some do feel like fillers, though, and only give a few backstory elements.

While it may take time to get used to the plot, the ending certainly packs a punch. Everything falls into place, and the final episode was my favorite by a mile. It honestly kind of redeemed it for me.

The movie has a much clearer storyline! It focuses on a new villain and has a little bit of everything - and I particularly liked the beginning of the film with great humor!

Honestly, the anime deserves a comedy tag with how funny it can sometimes be. It obviously has some darker/more serious moments, but it did make me laugh quite a bit.

That is all thanks to the main cast. Apart from the protagonist, I didn't think any of them was amazing, but together, they make for an excellent group. Their quirks are amusing, and the emphasis on their backstories was greatly appreciated here.

The rest of the cast, though, is pretty meh. Some oneshot characters are okay/good, but the rest is pretty forgettable. At least, both the anime and the movie have recognizable villains, so that's something.

Character development in Cowboy Bebop is touching! I really disliked one of the MCs at first, but I grew to like them better thanks to their development! It's bittersweet at times, but good, nonetheless!

One undeniable strength this anime has is the music. OMG, the OST is amazing and so fitting. You can hear the 90s vibes, and it's undoubtedly the best thing about Cowboy Bebop. Great opening, too - with very unique vibes.

The animation holds up for something that aired so long ago, and the art looks especially pleasant. Back in 1998, this must have been like seeing Demon Slayer now, honestly. I'm pretty amazed they could animate something so well back then. Kudos here.

Overall, Cowboy Bebop is a good anime with some great moments but, unfortunately, some lows, too. Sorry to the fans, but I do believe it is slightly overrated, though it remains a very enjoyable watch that I would definitely recommend.

Down below is my tierlist for the characters in this anime! Thank you for reading this review!

[papillon82fluttersby]

Famous Five Art Nostalgia – Character Portrait: Anne [Annie]

Introductory post

Masterpost

Character profile (adapted from Wikipedia):

Anne is the youngest in the group, and generally takes care of the domestic duties during the Five's various camping holidays. As the youngest (ten years old in the first book of the series), she is more likely than the others to be frightened, and does not really enjoy the adventures as much as her brothers and her cousin. She sometimes lets her tongue run away with her, but ultimately she is as brave and resourceful as the others. She likes doing the domestic things such as planning, organising and preparing meals, and keeping where they are staying clean and tidy, be it a cave, house, tent or caravan. In Smuggler's Top it is suggested she is claustrophobic, as she is frightened of enclosed spaces, which remind her of bad dreams. But the adventures invariably lead the Five into tunnels, down wells, and into dungeons and other enclosed spaces, demonstrating how brave she really is.

Anne keeps the same general characterisation in Claude Voilier’s continuation series ‘Les Cinq’, although she occasionally insists that her brothers and cousin take part in household-y chores.

Eileen A. Soper, #03 Five Run Away Together, 1944

Click below for more portraits from every illustrator I could find!

(in chronological order)

Simone Baudouin, #02 Five Go Adventuring Again, 1955

Simone Baudouin, #03 Five Run Away Together, 1955

Paul Durand, #07 Five Go Off to Camp, 1957

Paul Durand, #07 Five Go Off to Camp, 1957

Aldo de Amicis, #12 Five Go Down To The Sea, 1959

Jeanne Hives, #13 Five Go To Mystery Moor, 1961

Jeanne Hives, #19 Five Go To Demon’s Rocks, 1963

Jeanne Hives, #19 Five Go To Demon’s Rocks, 1963

Jeanne Hives, #20 Five Have A Mystery To Solve, 1966

Jeanne Hives, #08 Five Get Into Trouble, 1969

Jean Sidobre, #19 Five Go To Demon’s Rocks, 1975

Jean Sidobre, #10 Five On A Hike Together, 1976

Claude Pascal, #LC14 Les Cinq vendent la peau de l’ours, 1977

Claude Pascal, #LC14 Les Cinq vendent la peau de l’ours, 1977

Claude Pascal, #LC19 Les Cinq en croisière, 1980

Buci, #LC21 Les Cinq contre les fantômes, 1981

Umberto Nonna, #15 Five On A Secret Trail, 1981

Jean Sidobre, #14 Five Have Plenty Of Fun, 1983

Annie-Claude Martin, #LC22 Les Cinq en Amazonie, 1983

Yves Beaujard, #21 Five Are Together Again, 1988

Anne Bozellec, #03 Five Run Away Together, 1991

Paul Gillon, #16 Five Go To Billycock Hill, 1994

Philippe Munch and Jame’s Prunier, #16 Five Go To Billycock Hill, 1999

Philippe Munch and Jame’s Prunier, #20 Five Have A Mystery To Solve, 2001

Frédéric Rébéna, #05 Five Go Off In A Caravan, 2010

Auren, #LC03 Le marquis appelle les Cinq / Les Cinq mènent l’enquête, 2022

~~~~~~

Thanks for reading!

[thescrapbookingscientist]

Bimonthly Media Roundup

- Jojo's Bizarre Adventure (Anime) - As a celebration of multiple successful years of our weekly anime nights, my friends and I have decided to rewatch the anime that started it all, JJBA (or at least the first few parts). I'm actually surprised on how much insane stuff I forgot from Parts 1 and 2 given it's really the later parts that start to get truly out there but I guess it's Jojo's bizarre adventure for a reason, even part 1 is a pretty different experience than a normal anime. Admittedly I drifted in and out of Part 1 when Dio wasn't on screen, but Part 2 is carried by having the charismatic and lovable Joseph Joestar as it's protagonist, so that' been a blast. In general it's nice to watch something that has fun and doesn't take itself too seriously sometimes.

- The Umbrella Academy (TV) - Wow okay well I'd heard that this season was bad but man that sure was rotten huh? While I thought Season 3 was weaker than the previous two, it did still have it's moments, namely some fun bonding time between the siblings, Umbrella's famous musical numbers, some neat set-pieces, and a nice little wedding to close out the season. This season had none of that, and even in the first episode it was obvious that the charm had been completely sapped away. A lot of the criticism I've seen points towards the notably awful moments of the season, like Five cheating with Lila, the powers being inconsistent and lame, the overly contrived marigold stuff, and the everyone dies ending, which I agree are all bad, but I'm more disappointed by the lack of any good moments rather than the outrageously bad ones. The whole season was just so bland and depressing, the characters were all miserable caricatures of themselves, the comedy was gross/awkward/ and wholly unfunny, the only memorable musical moment was an annoying as hell one, and everything going on in the plot was contrived nonsense that didn't fit at all with the previously established canon. Obviously ending your show themed around adults dealing with the aftermath of child abuse with "actually it is your fault that your loved ones are suffering and actually your abusive father had kind of a good reason for what he did and the only way to fix things is for all of you to erase yourselves from existence completely as there's no other way to break the cycle" is thematically the worst thing you could possible do, though the anatomy of the season has drained me of any will to be mad at the ending so much as just apathetic towards it. It's pretty sad to see it go out like this, while TUA was never a top 10 favorite of mine I did have fun with it, it sucks that the last 4th of the show was bad enough to taint the product ass a whole. Though to be honest, I can't remember the last live action show I watched that didn't end in some flavor of disappointment, maybe stopping in the 2nd season is just the way to watch TV now.

- Cowboy Bebop (Anime) - Continuing our journey into the top rated anime of all time, my sister and I have now blown through Cowboy Bebop. While I would still say it's a little overrated, it's prestige at least partially the result of nostalgia and lack of variety at the time, unlike Steins;Gate I do think it at least deserves to be remembered fondly, it really is a solidly good show, and great in many aspects. The Show's standout trait is certainly it's style - the art, aesthetic, and world of Cowboy Bebop is beautiful and unique with detailed lived in backgrounds of it's various grungy Sci-fi cities, lovingly detailed spacecrafts, post-apocalyptic environments, and thoughtfully designed background/side characters that help the world feel grounded and charming. The 4 leads are also all solid, with great designs, interesting backstories, and enough variance from their standard character types to be interesting on their own. I do wish they had more instances of working/hanging out together, as while they do definitely all have a notable dynamic with each-other they spend the majority of the show by themselves, either on individual adventures, flashbacks, or even just hanging out alone on the Bebop. While they are interesting on their own, most of the comedy, charm, and emotionally hard hitting moments of media come from intro-personal relationships, so the show does suffer a bit by not having those be as strong as they could be, particularly near the end. That being said I do miss the episodic story telling of the show that's missing in most modern media, while not every episode is a hit most of them are pretty entertaining, and it's nice to see so many different stories play out in this environment. Faye's backstory in particular is pretty strong, as is slowly gets unraveled and has you going "oh yeah, this would definitely happen in a future created by humans", and while her outfit confounds me I do quite like her 90's anime woman femme-fatale design, it's nice to see adult characters that look like adults in animation. Spike's is less interesting to me as while I like the character fine enough (His fighting style being a standout) I don't think the show does anything interesting enough with his ex-con backstory to separate it from the multitude of other media with neigh identical plots, and it leads directly into the rather lackluster ending of an otherwise solid show. I think that's a controversial take on my end, so I'd like to clarify that it's not the tragedy of the ending that bothers me, it's the pointlessness of it. No it doesn't remotely compare to something as bad as TUA Season 4, wherin the pointlessness comes from the writers incompetence, but I just don't jive with the philosophies being presented. I'm more of a "There is no intrinsic meaning to existence so live as freely and cringely as you can as there will always be new opportunities for connections and joy" girlie rather than a "Your past may haunt you but you can give your life purpose by confronting it even at the cost of your future" girlie, you know? It would be fine if the pointlessness was intentional or the tragedy was a reflection of the inherent evils of capitalism or the human soul or whatever, but as it is it's just kind of a bummer. Oh well, honestly it's only a small portion of an otherwise great show. I'd be remiss not to mention the soundtrack before ending this, which is also quite charming with it's heavy western influence. I'd say charming is my main takeaway from the show overall, there's a lot of attention to detail in the character animations, setting, and writing that make for a very pleasant watching experience, I'd reccomend it as a whole.

- Jujutsu Kaisen (Anime) - Yup.

- Malevolent (Podcast) - Been on and off with this as my work has gotten a little hectic and I don't always have time to pay attention to a story heavy podcast, but overall Season 3 has been fun. I'll save my thoughts for later but its nice that we are getting some relevant secondary characters and John and Arthur admitting they care about eachother as a baseline is progress.

- Persona 5 (Video Game) - Thinking of maybe going back and finishing this as I've seen some fun fan material and remembered how much I like the games cast, style, and play-style. Too bad the anime is notoriously bad or I'd put it on as background chill time.

- Trash of the Count's Family (Webcomic) - Caught up with the newer chapters after taking a couple months hiatus. I am enjoying it,though I don't know if this is the fault of the adaptation or what but the pacing feels way too fast lately. It's cool that the cast gets to travel to exotic fantasy locations and meet odd new people but when they spend less than a chapter with each one it really feels like a missed opportunity. The underground perma-night Elf Death city seems so fun, can we please explore it a little - especially since they apparently got to spend a whole week there that we weren't allowed to see? I like Cale, and I want to like this huge found family he keeps collecting, but rarely do any of the characters get any real focus outside of how they'll be a future asset to Cale. Let them participate more in the story please, give them a chance to be more than a loose collection of character traits.

- Cult of the Lamb (Video Game) - This has been a fun time, I've blown through the base game and had a great time growing my cult and unlocking all the fun new things my little cultists can do, like the tailor, breeding, and alehouse. The graphics are very cute and the absurdity of some of the requests and situations make it fun to play and talk about, so huge props there. I've slowed down since reaching the post game, though there's still plenty of content left there for me to get into. Overall I'd recommend the game, it's cute, fun, and has a good bit of lore that's fun to discover. That being said, I will say that the dungeon crawling aspect of the gameplay can get a little tedious after awhile due to lack of any real variety, as the different fleeces and weapons don't really change the play-style up significantly enough to feel distinct each run in the way Hades or Persona games tend to. This isn't a huge problem for a shorter game, as I can't say there's no fun in fighting, but the switch version of the game can get pretty glitchy and will occasionally crash your progress, making going back to do a run pretty frustrating. It's still worth your time, but it may be better to go for the PC version.

- Genshin Impact (Video Game) - Yup.

Listening To: Good Luck Babe, Red Wine Supernova, My Kink is Karma, Casual, and HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan, Harpy Hare by Yaelokre, The Main Character by Will Wood, Dial Drunk by Noah Kahan, Save a Horse, Ride a Cowgirl by Chloe Breez and Annapantsu, Too Sweet, Lunch, Bitter, and Stick Season covers by Reinaeiry, Tounges and Teeth and Metaphor by The Crane Wives, Espresso, Taste, and Please Please Please by Sabrina Carpenter, Like a Prayer by Madonna.

[brrrrrisonha]

Experiencing the Height of Opulence: Luxury Train Journeys Around the World

Traveling by train is often associated with the charm and nostalgia of a bygone era. However, when it comes to Екатерина Смолла luxury train journeys, it’s about much more than getting from one point to another. It’s about experiencing the journey itself in the utmost comfort and style. Here are some of the most luxurious train journeys around the world that promise opulent accommodations, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.

1. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is perhaps the most famous luxury train in the world. This legendary train travels between some of Europe’s most iconic cities, including London, Paris, and Venice. The train’s Art Deco interiors, with polished wood and plush furnishings, harken back to the golden age of travel. Guests are treated to gourmet dining prepared by expert chefs, and the service is impeccable. Each journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a step back in time to a more elegant era of travel.

2. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland

The Belmond Royal Scotsman offers an intimate and luxurious way to explore the Scottish Highlands. Accommodating just 40 guests, this train ensures a personalized experience with spacious, beautifully appointed cabins. The journeys include visits to historic castles, whisky distilleries, and scenic lochs. Onboard, guests can enjoy fine dining, a spa car with treatments using traditional Scottish ingredients, and an observation car with panoramic views of the stunning countryside.

3. The Maharajas’ Express, India

The Maharajas’ Express redefines opulence with its regal interiors and exceptional service. Traveling across some of India’s most iconic destinations, such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Mumbai, this train offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. Each cabin is adorned with luxurious furnishings, and the dining cars serve gourmet Indian and international cuisine. Excursions include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, tiger safaris, and private tours of palaces.

4. The Blue Train, South Africa

The Blue Train offers a unique blend of African heritage and modern luxury as it travels between Pretoria and Cape Town. This rolling five-star hotel features elegantly decorated suites with marble bathrooms and gold fittings. Guests can savor fine dining paired with some of South Africa’s best wines, all while enjoying the ever-changing landscapes outside their window. The journey includes stops at historic sites and provides a luxurious way to experience the beauty of South Africa.

5. The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

The Rocky Mountaineer is renowned for its breathtaking routes through the Canadian Rockies. Offering various journeys between Vancouver, Banff, and Jasper, this train allows guests to experience some of the most stunning scenery in North America. The glass-domed coaches provide panoramic views, while the GoldLeaf Service includes gourmet meals, complimentary beverages, and exclusive outdoor viewing areas. The Rocky Mountaineer is an ideal way to explore Canada’s rugged natural beauty in style.

6. The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a luxurious way to travel between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. The train’s elegant interiors are inspired by colonial Southeast Asian design, with rich teakwood and sumptuous fabrics. Guests can enjoy fine dining, crafted by internationally acclaimed chefs, and explore vibrant cities and tranquil countryside on curated excursions. The train also features an observation car, perfect for taking in the lush landscapes of Southeast Asia.

7. The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, Russia

The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express offers an extraordinary journey across Russia, from Moscow to Vladivostok. This two-week trip covers over 6,000 miles and includes stops at historic cities, remote villages, and natural wonders. The train’s luxurious cabins, complete with en-suite bathrooms and underfloor heating, ensure a comfortable ride. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals, served in elegant dining cars, and partake in various cultural and educational activities.

8. The Andean Explorer, Peru

The Andean Explorer, operated by Belmond, is South America’s first luxury sleeper train. Traveling through the Peruvian Andes, this train offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, high plains, and ancient Incan sites. The train features luxurious cabins, a spa car, and two dining cars serving Peruvian cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Highlights of the journey include visits to Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon, and the city of Cusco.

9. The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, India

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels offers a luxurious journey through the vibrant state of Rajasthan. The train’s interiors are inspired by the royal palaces of India, with lavish decor and modern amenities. The journey includes visits to iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort, and the temples of Khajuraho. Onboard, guests can enjoy gourmet dining, a spa, and a bar lounge, all designed to provide a regal travel experience.

10. The Shongololo Express, Southern Africa

The Shongololo Express offers an adventure-packed journey through Southern Africa, covering South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. The train’s comfortable cabins and elegant public spaces provide a relaxing environment for the multi-day journeys. Guests can partake in a variety of excursions, including wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and visits to historic sites. The Shongololo Express is perfect for travelers seeking both luxury and adventure.

Conclusion

Luxury train journeys offer a unique way to explore the world, combining the romance of rail travel with modern comforts and opulence. Whether you’re traversing the rugged Canadian Rockies, exploring the vibrant cultures of India, or marveling at the pristine landscapes of Africa, these journeys promise an unforgettable experience. Embrace the elegance of train travel and discover the world’s most breathtaking destinations in unparalleled style.

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5 Indian Paintings By Satguru’s That Beautifully Capture India’s Landscape

Painters all over India have always tried to capture the emotion within Indian cities or villages through their colorful strokes on the canvas. The historic interest, nostalgia, and historic appeal of these paintings make them popular among both art enthusiasts and common folks.

In this blog, we will talk about five such Indian paintings that beautifully capture the emotions of different Indian—real and fictional—locations. We will also briefly talk about Satguru’s, which is an all-in-one destination for all your decor items.

1. Mumbai City #2 by Debashis

Mumbai is the city of dreams. The city that never sleeps. Many artists and painters are enchanted by the beauty of this coastal city. May it be the infamous Marine Drive or Gateway of India, artists have always tried to capture the calmness of these places that make Mumbaikars forget about the chaos. This Indian art painting depicts Mumbai’s famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. This more than half-decade-old building always leaves tourists and Mumbaikars in complete awe. This painting captures the famous building in Mumbai. A must-buy for Mumbaikars.

2. Temple Cityscape by Mukesh Mandal

There are approximately 6.48 lakh temples in India. This painting depicts a fictional city that loosely resembles the northern cities of some areas of Varanasi and Vrindavan. The hand-pull rickshaw, crowded roads, and classic taxis give you a very rulery vibe, which is perfect to hang in a traditional-themed living room.

3. Harishchandra Ghat by Panchu Grami

Harishchandra Ghat is a real location and one of the best places in India that everyone should visit at least once. It is right next to the infamous Manikarnika Ghat in the ancient city of Kashi (Varanasi). The spiritual vibe of the city beautifully complements the calmness that it presents. This Indian traditional painting depicts the banks of the holy Ganga, a few ferries, and the ghat is a beautiful blend of traditional Indian art with a contemporary twist.

4. Red Fort by Yuvraj Patil

Also known as Lal Qila, the Red Fort resides in the heart of old Delhi. It is an architectural marvel that has attracted tourists and is considered a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s also a venue for flag hoisting on Independence Day and Republic Day. The Indian painting by Yuvraj Patil shows his depiction of this world heritage, especially with the colors he used.

5. Laal City by Sanjeev Mandal

Laal City by Sanjeev Mandal depicts the heart of West Bengal: Kolkata. This historic city was once the capital of British India. The city is a blend of warmth and cultural richness. Sanjeev Mandal has beautifully depicted a rainy day on a busy Kolkata street. The painting brings realistic detail to the city's unique architecture, providing a truly mesmerizing visual experience.

NOTE: All of the paintings mentioned in this blog will be shipped in rolled form, without a frame. You can contact Satguru's if you wish to get the painting along with the frame.

Winding Up

These five paintings by Satguru beautifully capture the emotion of Indian cities. Each piece offers a unique perspective and showcases the beauty of life in India. Don't miss the opportunity to bring a piece of Indian culture into your home with these stunning artworks.

If you are looking to buy affordable paintings you can check out Satguru’s. They are one of the best decor shops in Mumbai that have amazing collections of items like God idols, showpieces, dinnerware and more. Their painting collection includes traditional, spiritual, and modern art paintings. Visit their website to learn more about their products.

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Top 5 Spooky Halloween Auction Highlights From 2023: Fright Night

Every year during Halloween, fans and collectors wait eagerly for the jaw-dropping treasures from auctions. 2023 was no different when Auction Daily take "Fright Night," an auction with a theme of Halloween event that brought out an assortment of awe-inspiring objects. There were a myriad of frightening things. Five stood out as the best, most frightening auction highlights for Halloween. Let's take a review of these terrifying items that shivered auctioneers as well as thrill-seekers alike.

1. Wendell Thompson Perkins' Pumpkins:

Wendell Thompson Perkins, a masterful craftsman famous for his intricate pumpkin carvings, created three pumpkins that captured Halloween's spirit. With meticulous attention to detail, the hand-carved gourds had intricate designs that told an eerie, unique story. The pumpkins, made from rare, translucent-white Lumina pumpkins, gave off an atmosphere of magic and stood out as the event's highlight. The bidders were captivated by the artist's skill and eagerly competed to win the chance to bring the ethereal pumpkins to their homes.

2. Halloween Jack-o'Lantern Candy Container:

One of the more famous Halloween symbols, The jack-o'lantern took on an unusual shape in this antique collectable. A candy container from the past with the form of the smiling jack-o'lantern took us back to the Halloween customs from the past. Made of frosted glass and decorated with an eerie glowing glow, this container was filled with candy that delighted generations of kids. It's now sold to auctions with its captivating charm on Halloween and collectors alike.

3. Steiff Scary Cat Steiff:

Renowned for creating some of the most sought-after animals for stuffed toys, made a terrifyingly cute collectable in the shape of the "Scary Cat." The soft feline, designed to capture the spirit of Halloween, was adorned with sparkling green eyes and black fur. This Steiff Scary Cat sent shivers through the spine and won the hearts of potential buyers. The exquisite craftsmanship of the piece made it a must-have item for anyone who collects Halloween-themed memorabilia.

4. Candles to celebrate Halloween Candles: 

The dim flickering of candlelight plays an essential role in creating the dark ambience of Halloween. A collection of antique Halloween candles featuring traditional ghouls, witches and jack-o'-lanterns lit up on the auction floor. These rare and valuable candles, made with the greatest attention to detail, brought life to the creepy tales that were told in the evening. These candles weren't just lighting sources but also enchanting works of art that evoked the spirit of Halloween.

5. Christopher Radko Garlands: 

No Halloween is complete without the eerie garlands to set the tone for a haunted celebration. Christopher Radko, a celebrated name in holiday decorations, has presented a collection of Halloween-themed sprays that enthralled auction attendees. The bouquets, with witches, black cats, Broomsticks, and skeletal creatures, gave an eerie touch to any Halloween décor. The exquisite artistry and meticulousness were evident in these Radko designs, making them popular for auctions.

The spooky Halloween auction highlights made it to "Fright Night", hosted by Auction Daily. Auction Daily is a website renowned for showcasing the most unique and rare objects for collectors, offering an ideal venue for these creepy objects to search for new owners. People from all over the globe gathered online to join this fun-filled event in which the excitement of Halloween and collecting collided.

In the end, "Fright Night" in 2023 featured some of the most captivating and spine-tingling Halloween-themed items ever to be auctioned off at an auction. From the amazing Halloween carvings by Wendell Thompson Perkins to the adorable yet haunting Steiff Scary Cat and the old-fashioned Halloween candles that added the embers of nostalgia to the evening, every item captivated the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors of Halloween. Christopher Radko's garlands, with a vintage jack-o'-lantern candy bowl, completed the top five best of the show, proving that Halloween isn't just a party but an occasion of celebration for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Each year, as Halloween draws nearer, the magic of these unique objects will remain a spell for those who love the spirit and creativity of the holiday, ensuring that they will remain treasured pieces in homes owned by collectors and admirers of everything creepy. One platform that stands out in the realm of online auctions is Auction Daily. It serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the auction world, offering a wealth of information, including auction previews, auction calendars, auction news, and connections to prominent art, antique dealers, and painting dealers.

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Assessment 1

2. conduct research into their life stories

Jack Stauber - introduction and inspiration

Jack Stauber is a 27 year old internet personality born and based in Pennsylvania, USA. He studied at the University of Pittsburg and graduated with a major in junior marketing and a minor in studio arts. He’s a very popular YouTuber, with most of his music and animated works being used in internet memes, and featured on Youtube, TikTok, and other social media services. 

He is best known for the Retro and VHS aesthetic feel to his animated work, as well as his constant use of mixed media. He often incorporates elements of live action, 2D animation, claymation, and crude 3D computer animation into his works. He is also known for his surreal, weird, absurdist art style that can at times be very disturbing. 

His music — both independent and the ones accompanying his animations — mostly falls under the genre of Avant-pop, synth-pop, hypnagogic pop, and indie-pop. But he often mixes elements of other genres like folk, jazz, lo-fi, and rock into his music. His style of singing is very varied and unique as well, being able to hit deep lows and high falsettos. This flexible vocal performance adds to overall feel and tone of his pieces.

His work often evokes a sense of anemoia (nostalgia of a time or place one has never known). The poorly drawn MS paint animation, morphing claymation, and quirky live-action shots fused together into a surreal fever dream is what makes his music videos so special. It's perfect to watch it at 3AM. It feels abstract and scary, but can be relaxing and meaningful at the same time.

Stauber's creations always evoke a deeply profound sadness, conveying all of the innate helplessness and dread we feel on a day to day basis, but in a way we can't ignore. Its the perfect medium for the kind of stories he wants to tell. 

Jack spent most of his childhood surrounded by vintage items from the 80s and 90s, which would later serve as a big inspiration for his art style and music. He also says he was influenced by many of the cartoons and tv shows he watched as child. One big example is Rugrats, which Jack claims was his favourite cartoon growing up, and he used to really love Klasky Csupo's art style in the show, especially in the pilot episode. Klasky Csupo’s influence in Stauber’s work can be most seen in  “five” and “hot dogs.” Stauber has also included some audio clips from Rugrats in his work as a homage to Csupo.

Stauber also claims that his favourite movie — Pink Floyd's “The Wall” — was a big influence when it came to his creepy and surreal art style. Some other cartoon influences include pink panther, merry melodies, and Fleischer Studios cartoons. When it came to his claymation work, Jack says that Bruce Bickford (a famous claymation animator known for his surrealist art style) was a big inspiration.

A lot of the music that Jack listened to growing up were also a big inspiration behind his music. Jack said that he listened to a lot of "campy alt" music from the 80s from his mother, and a lot of "good ol' dead and jazz funk" from his father. Jack also said that in high school, he used to listen to a lot of art rock and experimental pop

He initially started creating music on Soundcloud in early 2010,  and also joined an band known as Joose, where he became the lead singer.