#great acting from craig this series too

[zirafail]

he looked GREAT in bte/s9 and NOBODY talks about it. let’s change that!!!!!!

(also the fps is terrible because pirate websites hate me!!! will be fixed for the next edits :P)

[bettyfrommars]

I'm on Fire

biker!eddie x fem!reader

Part 16: All Along the Watchtower

series masterlist playlist

18+ONLY

There is a lot of healing in this chapter, some smut and allusions to smut, alcohol consumption, lots of love, but also some new characters drop into the scene and there will be some angst at the end. If you have come this far in the story, you know what to expect. There will be song lyrics from the band Tool. Steve with an OC character. Mention of healing wounds, a dead body, chemo treatments, and plenty of unprotected sex.

word count: 6.8k

a/n: I mentioned in a post the other day that, instead of 2 final chapters of 10-11k, that I'd be splitting them up and doing four more posts with less words, so there will be several more parts to come. I know it's been almost 2 months since the last chapter, but I'm looking forward to giving this most of my attention for the rest of the year. I have so much love for those of you who are still with me.

"There must be some kind of way outta here Said the joker to the thief There's too much confusion I can't get no relief..."

-- Jimi Hendrix, All Along the Watchtower

The aftermath of everything that conspired in the parking lot that night was a whirlwind.

There were way too many witnesses for the cops not to get involved, but there was also an underlying mutual respect for an outlaw level of revenge justice when someone hurts one of your own.  When bystanders and club members were questioned as to who made the final killshot, there was a contagious memory loss that made everyone shrug and shake their heads. 

Collectively, no one saw anything.

Everyone saw Wayne, but also—no they did not.

Wayne was going through chemo treatments and hadn’t been an active member of the club for years; no one in law enforcement would ever expect him to be involved, and everyone silently agreed to keep it that way. 

Charlene caught a stray bullet in the shoulder, and even lied straight-faced to the police about what had happened.  She waited for someone to blame her, somehow, for Craig’s death, but no one pointed fingers, they all just acted like their memories had been erased.  Inside the ambulance on the gurney, she caught Steve looking across the parking lot at her just before the EMT’s shut the doors.  His expression remained unresponsive, but he stood and watched the vehicle leave the premises before turning to limp over to Astrid’s truck.

Steve was not in great shape, either, and he almost fell twice when he first tried to stand.  Robin caught him on the second stumble and had him brace his arm around her shoulders.  The EMT’s tried to get Steve to the hospital, but he refused.  Partially because he hated hospitals, and also because there’s no way he could afford a meat wagon escort, let alone whatever bill he racked up while in their care.  A handful of ibuprofen, a bag of frozen peas, and some patched together magic from Astrid’s medical bag would have to do.  

Before the medics arrived, Eddie grabbed his leather jacket out of one of the saddlebags on his bike and had it wrapped around your shoulders as he pinned you close to him with both arms, as tight as he could without hurting you.  “Baby baby baby I’m here, I’m here…never gonna let you go…” he hushed it over and over, trying to calm himself as much as you.  You found his eyes were wet when he tipped your chin up gently with his finger, pressing kisses across your skin that was sprinkled with dried blood.  He parted your mouth with his tongue, just slightly, letting it graze your top lip.  His voice trembled when he said he loved you before sealing the words with another soft kiss.  

Still observing from the steps of the hotel, Melanie watched the interaction between you and Eddie, and the realization that he would never be hers ever again finally sank in, hitting the pit of her stomach like a lead weight.

Eddie sat next to you on the back of Hopper’s Bronco and held your hand while you told the Chief about your abduction.  Anger curled Eddie’s lip when you recited the horrific events, and his eyes narrowed on Craig getting zipped into a body bag, wishing it were possible to kill someone for a second time.  

You sprained your ankle, and had a few surface cuts and bruises, but most of your trauma was internal.  You told Eddie you were fine, but he wouldn’t rest until the EMT’s checked you out.

Eddie got the shower temperature at your place just right before helping you in with him so that he could gently wash the blood from your face and shampoo your hair.  He took his time soaping every part of you; even had you put all of your weight on him so he could clean your feet with meticulous precision, being extra careful with your bad ankle.  He wanted every trace of Craig and all that had happened to be washed away.  You swept his wet hair back from his face as he stood to full height, and wrapped your arms around his neck to bring his forehead to yours.  

Things got slippery and before you knew it, you were moving Eddie’s hand down between your legs as the steam rose up around you.  He didn’t think you’d be ready, not after such a traumatic experience, but then he could feel the slick that had nothing to do with shower water.  He ran his big, calloused fingers through your folds, and then worked that button at the top of your slit until it hardened under his fingertips.

You clung to him, letting go of erotic sighs between deep, sensual kisses that felt like you needed each other’s oxygen to survive.  “I’ve missed you so much,” you said into the crook of his neck, grabbing the hard curve of his cock to pump at the tip.

“Let me take care of you, baby,” he hushed, dipping two of his fingers inside to give your muscles something to clench around.  

A few deep thrusts and then he spun you around, holding you tight so that you wouldn’t slip.  The fingers of one hand found your clit again, rolling in circles there, while his other hand came up to cup your breast and pluck at your nipple.  You shuddered and tilted your head back so he could suck and nibble at your throat.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he murmured.  “I’m going to spend the rest of my life making you mine.”

You writhed in his arms, reaching back to hold his head, while his fingers kept pace and your cunt fluttered.  You could feel your knees giving way.

“That’s right, my baby, give it all to me.”

“Fuck!” One more whimper and the orgasm shattered you, making you tremble and sink against him.  The thought never occurred to  you that you would fall because he had you locked so tight in his embrace.

His hard length rested between your asscheeks, and you turned around to take it into your hand and face him.  He held your chin and found your mouth again, pitching his hips into your hand until ropes of his cum were shooting against your leg and into the tub.  You took the head of his cock and rubbed it along your slit to spread his seed there, and then took your fingers into  your mouth and sucked them clean. Eddie groaned at the sight, grabbing your face again to kiss you long and hard.

The rest of the sex that night was slow and tender, full of breathy words of devotion as your bodies met and became one.  Fingers laced, and your legs wrapped around him. Eddie rolled his hips so that you could feel every inch of him inside of you, and you matched his movements, watching his eyes flutter before they opened to meet yours again, lips grazing.  For a moment, it was hard to tell where he ended and you began, and you wanted to stay like that forever.

Even though Craig was gone, Eddie was still reluctant to leave you, and he came by several times a day while he was working the tow truck.  He brought you soup from the diner, and picked up a potted plant, because he didn’t want you to have to watch flowers die in a vase.  He even got special tuna treats for Charlie and stopped off to rent videos for you to watch with you on the couch after he showered and returned from his place.  

Besides the time it took to talk to Katie and let her know what happened before she went over to Robin’s, Eddie was the only person you interacted with for the week before it was time to go back to work.  You tried to return sooner, but Shana refused.  You needed the loud music and the crowds of the Velvet Hammer, they were such a welcome distraction from your thoughts.  

It was a part of Eddie’s routine to buy groceries for Wayne every so often, now that he didn’t have as much energy because of chemo, much like Wayne used to do for him back when he was a kid, and his dad would disappear for months at a time.  You pulled together the ingredients for one of your grandmother’s favorite casserole dishes and made dinner for them both at the trailer one night, sipping on wine, and listening to your boyfriend and his uncle reminisce on stories from back in the day. 

You were taking everyone’s dishes to the sink when you heard Wayne say to Eddie, “that one is a keeper,” and it made your eyes water, for whatever reason.  Maybe because you know how much his uncle’s opinion meant to him.

—----

Steve had to be back at work the same night as you, and an hour before, Astrid straddled his lap in one of her silk robes to apply some ointment on his face while he ran his scarred hands up and down her bare thighs.  Her skin was soft and smelled of cocoa butter, and her long, curly hair draped over their shoulders like a curtain to keep them safe.  

“Don’t punch anyone tonight, okay?” She whispered, scooping hair behind his ear as she tended to the ugly gash on his cheek under the ugly yellow coloring around his eye. “Your fingers need a chance to heal.” 

Steve had been at her place on and off since the incident.  He’d stay the night, and then be up before the crack of dawn to be back at the house when Oliver woke up.  For the first time ever, he canceled a few tattoo appointments so that he could get the rest that the girls had been begging him to take.  He hated not having something to do; it made him bounce his knee and grind his teeth so that the muscles in his jaw bulged.

Steve worked a piece of gum inside his mouth and took in Astrid’s face from under hooded eyes, scooting her hips flush to his body, digging his fingers into the meat of her thighs.  “Why don’t you come by and see me tonight? I’ll buy you a drink. Maybe I’ll put you on the sink in the bathroom and have some fun like old times.”

One side of her full mouth lifted in a grin.  “Tempting,” she leaned in to touch her nose to his. “But I think I might sit this one out.”

“You can sit it out on my face, sugar,” he brought the bright green gum between his front teeth and held it there until she took the chewed piece into her own mouth.

“We’ll see,” and then she slid off of him, resisting his tug on her arm to pull her back down.

He rolled his head along the back of the couch, watching her walk behind him.  “Can I at least have my gum back?”

“No,” she answered flatly, disappearing into the kitchen.  

—-----

You and Eddie rolled up to the Velvet Hammer just after Steve, and he was finishing a smoke, still straddling his bike in the parking lot when he offered you a raised eyebrow and a two-finger wave.  Eddie slid into the spot next to him, facing the red brick exterior, and shut the engine off, planting his feet on either side to keep the beast steady.

“What is this? Bring your old man to work day?” Steve snaked his tongue out over his bottom lip, exhaling smoke from his nose. He had his sunglasses pushed up on his head, squinting against the glow of the sunset, one arm crossed over his chest. 

You giggled to yourself while you dismounted, pulling your leg through to avoid the sissy bar that had been at your back. You were used to Steve and his banter.  If he was teasing you, it meant he cared about you; it was a bit of a rite of passage.  He’d never admit it out loud, but you were special to him now—you were family, and he would look after you like he looked after his own. 

“Well,” Eddie took his helmet off and tucked some hair behind his ear, giving his friend a pointed look.  “I hear that the security here really sucks.”

“I told him he didn’t have to babysit me tonight,” you piped up, adjusting the backpack on your shoulder that had all of your work clothes inside. Eddie curled his fingers at you, asking for your helmet, so you passed it to him.  “But, what can I say? He’s growing on me,” and then you pressed up against his chest, making him puff air out of his nose at the sudden contact, and you kissed the side of his neck. 

“I’ll grow for you sweetheart, if you keep it up,” he mumbled.

Steve snorted and threw the butt of his smoke to the pavement.  A wave of sudden melancholy washed over him at the sight of the two of you.  

He’d been battling with himself the past few days, fighting the urge to call Charlene, to make sure she was okay, even though he hated her guts for what she’d tried to do to his family and everyone else.  There was a deep pit of loneliness in her, and when he’d stared into the void, the void had stared back.  He recognized a part of himself in her, like a dark foreshadowing for his life 15 years down the road.  A life of jumping from partner to partner, trying to gather every crumb of attention because he refused to let one person love him.  He told himself that Robin and Oliver were all he needed, but one day Robin would have her own life with a partner, perhaps with Katie, and Oliver would move out and become his own person.  He thought about Astrid, and how his mere presence in her life held her back from finding someone who could commit to her and give her the comfortable life she deserved.

“See you inside, freaks,” Steve pulled his sunglasses down over his eyes and favored his right leg with a hitch and a hop on his way to the building, making his wallet chain bounce out to the side.  

“Should he be riding his motorcycle with that bad leg?” You asked with your mouth on the leather of Eddie’s shoulder.

“Probably not,” Eddie breathed, watching his friend go.  “But you can’t tell Steve shit.”

Eddie escorted you to the back door in the alley and waited for you to be inside before he went around to the front to take the bar entrance.  He didn’t plan to stay the whole night, he’d leave for a bit in the middle of your shift and go do some work a the shop, but the fear of losing you—as he had so many people in his life—was still lingering like barbs in his heart, and he only hoped you didn’t get tired of him being around all the time.  

In the narrow locker room, you shared a space with Jackie who was also getting ready for her shift. She hugged you violently, and it startled you, because she was not prone to physical displays of affection.  

“Bitch, you had me scared to death,” she gushed.  “I almost puked from relief when they said you were okay.”

She had her heels on and her already tall, voluptuous frame towered over you.  “I missed you too, hooker,” you gave a lopsided grin once she stepped back to look at your face, noting the healing cuts over your lip and eyebrow.  “You think my battle scars will milk some extra tips out of people tonight?”

The comment made Jackie scoff a laugh, but her eyes were glossy with emotion, giving a few light squeezes to your shoulders.  “You sure you’re good to work tonight? I know Shana would let me cover for you.”

You heaved a long sigh and clanked the metal of your locker open.  “The last thing I need is to be at home with my wheels spinning for another night.” Everyone was treating you like glass, and all you wanted was to feel normal again.

Even though you were relieved that the terror that Craig had put you through in your life was finally over, you mourned his death in your own way.  He had a mother and a sister out there somewhere who loved him very much and would be devastated by his passing.  You’d also never watched someone get shot and killed right in front of you before, and you hoped that you never had to see such a thing again.  

Jackie adjusted her red and black Velvet Hammer cap sleeve tee that was tucked into her leather miniskirt, and moved over to apply her maroon lipstick in the mirror, making her mouth into an O shape. The music from the main room was loud when someone opened the hallway door to head over to the kitchen.  “That guy John was here asking about you the other day.  Remember the big tipper who wanted to be your sugar daddy?”

“I think so,” You said it absently, as if you weren’t sure, pulling your tiny red shorts up your legs.  

“He came in alone, sat at the bar for a drink, and I overheard him asking about you, if you were okay,” she unzipped her purse and dug through it.  “I guess he heard about what happened.”

Yes, you imagined that he had heard about what happened. You wondered how much Charlene had told him.    

Jackie punched her beige time card into the machine on the wall and you followed suit, deep in thought over why John was trying to track you down at the Hammer instead of calling you on the phone.  

“Honestly, I’ve missed the fuck out of you,” Jackie said over her shoulder, pulling open the hallway door to the sea of cigarette smoke and the song Wave of Mutilation by The Pixies.  “The new girl gets on my nerves.”

You barely had time to ask who the new girl was before a familiar face framed by a platinum blonde bob stood in your path wearing a matching shirt with a tray full of what looked like Jägermeister shots.  

It was Erika.

“Oh, you must be the new girl,” you were a bit flustered, but on your list of worries, she was very low.  You could tell she was nervous to see you, and wobbled the tray, chewing her gum nervously.

“I hope you don’t mind,” she said in a rush. “That I got a job here, I mean.  My sister is friends with Shana and I really needed the money because—-”

You shook your head and gave her a genuine smile that harbored no animosity.  “Of course I don’t mind,” you shuffled around her to get to the bar, thinking about how she seemed a bit afraid of you, and there was no need to be. “Did you say hi to Eddie? He’s here.” You reached around to tie a short apron with pockets around your hips. 

Her mouth gaped like a dying fish a few times. “Well, I, no…not yet…I mean, I won’t, if you don’t want me to.”

“I don’t mind,” you glanced up and caught Eddie’s eye at the bar.  You thought about all of the obstacles, all of the crap life had tried to throw your way to tear the two of you apart, and you’d both weathered the storm to find you were closer than ever.  You trusted Eddie with your life, and you knew that he only had eyes for you—he proved it to you every day.  

“I wanted you to know that what you did the other night was really badass,” Erika leaned in, eyes sparkling when they met yours.  And there it was, an understanding, a mutual truce, an unlikely friendship broadening on the horizon. 

Well, a friendship was unlikely, but a truce, at least.  

You didn’t know how to take the compliment, but you thanked her, and told her that you liked her earrings, and then you winked at Eddie before heading over to check on your first table.  He was at the bar having a Coke and talking to Thumper, who was also a patron that evening, and you could see that he was nodding, pretending to hear what his friend was saying, but all the while, his attention kept shifting to you.  

It was one of the last warm nights before the fall weather hit, and so Steve was sitting on his stool out on the pavement, propping the door open with the weight of his back.  He surprised himself by realizing he wasn’t in a flirtatious mood.  A few hotties who smelled like heaven were basically ready to gobble him up if he let them, but he barely gave their ID’s a glance and waved them through.  

He had a thick rubber band from the cash register that he was playing with, stretching it wide with his thumbs. Caught up in one of his daydreams, the rubber band accidentally shot out and almost nailed the person who was stepping up onto the sidewalk.

Astrid ducked just in time for it to zing through her hair instead of nailing her cheek.  

Steve experienced a bolt of recognition a second too late and was on his feet, almost knocking the stool over.  “Shit, baby, I’m sorry,” but then she started laughing, and they were both smiling when they kissed, teeth knocking together. 

She took two steps back so that his eyes could drink her in; the dark maroon dress with a slit up the thigh and generous scoop neck, it was one of her many handmade pieces to make room for her ample hips and hourglass shape.  Instead of a shawl, she had on a jean jacket this time, fingers and ears adorned in subtle gold jewelry.  

He pushed some thick curls away from her face and planted his lips on her forehead as he spoke.  “I missed you.”

“You just saw me a few hours ago,” she tilted her head back to lock her dark eyes onto his. “I came to make sure you behave yourself.”  

His smile was rueful—dangerous, even. He wiped his tongue over the point of his gold tooth. “You can’t come here in a dress like that and expect me to behave, sweetheart.”

A group of partiers went to try and stumble through the door, but Steve was quick to shove his hand against the doorframe, blocking them with his tattooed arm.  “Need to see ID’s first,” his tone was suddenly that of gruff, tough bouncer Steve, and not the sweet little loverboy from a few seconds ago. 

Once he’d given them all a stern look, he hurried back to grab for Astrid’s hands again, rubbing his thumbs over her knuckles. “What’s your poison tonight darlin’? Just tell Shana to put it on my tab.”

She wasn’t about to let Steve pay for her drinks, but she nodded.  He tucked a padded stool from the bar just inside the door close to him while she was ordering her gin and tonic, giving Eddie a shoulder squeeze as she waited.  When she looked over at Steve again, he patted the seat a few times eagerly so that she would know where to go. 

—-------

A while later, as the bar filled up, Eddie was moving his head to the beat of the Muddy Waters tune “I’m your hoochie coochie man” when you came over to give him a back scratch and tuck his hair so you could smooch his ear.  The 1958 film The Crawling Eye was playing on the screen above the bar.

“What do you say? Can I be your hoochie coochie man, babe?” he muttered.  And then, dropping his gaze to his drink he added softly: “My mom loved Muddy Waters.”

One of the many layers you had yet to peel back on the onion of Eddie Munson was his relationship, or lack thereof, with his mother.  You always got the feeling that he didn’t want to talk about it, but more and more, you could feel him opening up on the subject and referencing her, wanting to finally let you know more about that facet of his life. From Robin you knew that she passed away when he was young, but that was the extent of it.

“Your mom had good taste,” you tipped his chin so that he could see your sincerity.  “I wish I could’ve met her.”

“Me too,” he blinked his glossy chocolate eyes a few times and took a hard gulp. “I think I might head over to the garage for a couple hours, but I’ll be back to pick you up.” 

“You should stay,” Shana, sporting a freshly shaved head and a new tattoo just above her ear, slapped the flat of her hand on the wood of the bar in front of him to get his attention, and then she gestured to the stage.  “Divine Filth is playing tonight.”

You could tell that finding out that one of the local bands, Divine Filth, was playing at the Hammer was a welcome surprise for Eddie when you saw his face light up.  They were another metal/rock band from a few towns over, you found out, and one of his friends was the lead singer. They’d played dozens of shows with Corroded Coffin over the years, and Eddie used to play lead on a few songs with them.  

“They just got back from Pedal to the Metal,” Shana continued.  Even you knew that Pedal to the Metal was a huge 3-day rock festival that happened every year up near Chicago, and even Eddie’s band had played there once. 

You saw that Eddie was contemplating the news, and weighing his options, gnawing on his bottom lip.  You decided to slide down closer, resting your elbow on the bar.  “Can’t whatever you have to do at the garage wait? Or maybe one of the guys can handle it? I’d love for  you to stay.”

His eyes snapped to yours, and his response was quick.  “Yeah, I mean, I’ll stay if you want me to.”

That was all he ever wanted, for you to tell him what you needed.  For you to say that you needed him.  

You put your forehead to his, fingers twirling in the baby hairs at his neckline. “Stay and be my hoochie coochie man.”

He mouthed a few words to the song against your lips before sinking in for a kiss.

Then, he pushed his soda aside and ordered a beer.  Thumper caught wind that he suddenly had a drinking buddy and gave the signal for two shots of “their finest”.  

—-----

Meanwhile, at the other end of town, Katie was at Robin’s again. She’d been staying there every night since it all happened.  Partly to give you and Eddie some space, but also, on her trip, she’d realized that she didn’t want to be away from her girlfriend any longer than she had to.

She was in love, like head over heels, for the first time in her adult life.

Once Oliver was fast asleep in his bedroom, the two were hustling to take their clothes off, gushing words of love in breathy whispers in the dark, needing to be as close together as possible. Robin was three fingers deep when Katie admitted that she’d never loved anyone this much before, and it made Robin go still, to ask her if she meant it, and to tell her she felt the same.

After their orgasms, Robin was straddling Katie’s lap, tasting her own release on her girlfriend’s tongue, when she decided to finally open up about what had been on her mind lately.

She’d meant to work it into conversation, but instead, she blurted it: “Do you want to move in here? With me…with us?” Her mouth dried up after she asked it, wondering if it was too soon, too ridiculous.  She swallowed hard, making a click noise in her throat. “I talked to Steve about it.  I haven’t talked to Oliver yet, but I will.”

Katie bucked her hips up so that their swollen lips brushed together, still dripping with cum.  She was quiet as she let the idea sink in.

Robin tucked some hair behind her ear and glanced down, reading her silence wrong. “I know it’s not a huge house, and we only have the one bathroom, and I get that it’s not very glamorous to shack up with a woman who already has a kid and a life partner.  But I think that I, I think that we, could—”

“You know I’m not the glamorous type,” the other woman interrupted, catching Robin’s chin to run her thumb along her bottom lip. She locked eyes with her. “We could always get a bigger house one day, down the road, all of us. I’m not worried about that.”

“So, you’ll think about it down the road, maybe?” 

“Robs, I don’t want to spend another night without you in my bed.”

“You don’t?” She was surprised, but also, not sure if she’d answered her yet or not.  

Other than her brother Dan who lived across the country, and a mother she’d never been close with, Katie had rarely known the comforts of family, but she had found what she’d always been missing within the cleave of the Harrington-Buckley clan.  It wasn’t a living situation that would suit everyone, but the idea of making a life in that corner of the world had her insides glowing.  She’d need to discuss it with you, and give you plenty of notice if you were okay with it.  The way things were going with you and Eddie, Katie had a good feeling that the two of you were considering the same merging of households, anyway.  

“I’d understand if you didn’t want to.  I know this is an unconventional situation, and I wouldn’t blame you for—”

Katie cut her off and put her hands on either side of Robin’s face. Her words bubbled in her chest, a smile soft on her lips. The “yes” she spoke was followed by a nudge of the nose, a suck on her bottom lip, and then she was repeating it over and over as Robin pushed her to the bed and got on top of her.  

—--------

You were able to catch the way Eddie’s demeanor softened once he started to relax and ease into the evening. He was laughing at Thumper’s theatrics, chuckling so hard, the apples of his cheeks turned pink.  Steve led Astrid by the hand to one of the only two bathrooms at one point, and the next thing you knew, there was a line of 3 or 4 people waiting to use it, so you had to give the door a polite knock, loud enough to be heard over the Jimi Hendrix song that was playing.

Astrid came out adjusting her dress, with no lipstick on, and Steve followed, wiping his mouth suspiciously, and palming the bulge in his jeans.  He chuckled at the way your head was cocked, and mumbled a cheeky, “I was on my break,” before heading back to his stool.  

When the members of Divine Filth showed up from the back entrance with their instruments, you could tell who the lead singer was immediately; she had a distinct presence.  She was small but poised, hair dyed black with one side of her head shaved, and the other side long down to her shoulders.  She had on leather pants and a ripped shirt cropped at her waist, with tattoos on her biceps.

She looked around the room, taking stock of the place as the other members went to set up.  You were standing to full height after setting some drinks down at a table full of Hell’s Belles when you watched her spot Eddie.

She let out a squeal and headed over to him with a bounce in her step. Eddie sprang off of his stool to return her embrace, lifting her up off her feet in an enthusiastic hug.  The second her feet touched the ground again, Eddie was waving you over, wanting to introduce you.  

“This is my girl,” he pulled you flush to his side the second you were within arms reach.  “Baby, this is my friend Nancy, the lead singer of Divine Filth.”

Nancy Wheeler stuck her hand out for you to shake and told you that she’d already heard a lot about you.

“Yeah, from who?” Eddie was curious because it had been almost a year since he’d talked to Nancy.  

“Robin,” she said, and of course, Eddie should have known.  She shrugged, “we catch up every now and then. Steve gave me some new ink a few months ago.”

There was melancholy in her voice, and you’d find out later that Robin and Nancy had a brief thing once, back in high school, back when they were always in detention together for destroying school property.  Nancy was a pyro in her own right.  She had fond memories of letting Steve practice tattooing on both her and Robin in her parents basement while drinking beers they stole from the QuikMart.  

“Robin couldn’t make it out tonight,” Eddie let her know in a cautious tone, wondering if she’d had her hopes up.

“Oh I know, she told me,” she said in a rush.  “She’s with someone and she’s happy and I’m happy for her.” And if she wasn’t, I’d do something about it, she thought to herself.

You couldn’t tell if she meant every word, or if she was trying to convince herself as she spoke them.  

“So, big boy,” Nancy put a hand on her hip, wanting to change the subject, and raised an eyebrow at Eddie, clapping him on the arm.  “You going to grace us with your presence on stage tonight?”

Eddie immediately started shaking his head to decline, but you were quick to turn to him with those wide, hopeful eyes, and it made him pause.  “Maybe,” he mused, noting your intense interest, and then turned his attention back to Nancy.  “My girl has never seen me play before.”

“No shit?” Nancy was genuinely surprised, jaw going slack.  “Dude, your man kills it up there.  He’s got star power, and I wish he’d get his head out of his ass and come out to do more shows with us.”

“Yeah, well, there’s a little thing called running your own business, and I don’t recommend it,” Eddie grumbled, as one hand reached for the next beer Thumper was passing him and the other smoothed circles on your back.  

There were tables waiting, and more people coming in, so you excused yourself and snaked your arm out from around Eddie.  He took hold of the back of your neck and guided you back to kiss the side of your head one more time before you were out of reach again.  

There was one dancer shimmying down the pole to the song Stinkfist by Tool, and it was the last performance of the evening before Divine Filth started their set.  Nancy was up on the stage riser helping to situate things where she wanted them, and the tips were flowing into your pockets just as fast as patrons were knocking back shots.  The front door that had once been propped open by Steve’s body was shut now, locking the bar in a dim, red glow, billowing in a smog of nicotine fumes.  

“… Just not enough, I need more

Nothing seems to satisfy

I said, I don't want it, I just need it

To breathe, to feel, to know I'm alive…”

Astrid had gone home by then, and Thumper was casually watching the door as Steve made his way over to see Nancy, and every time the door opened, you took a deep breath of the fresh air, trying to clean out your lungs. This time, when you felt the gush of cool breeze flush your skin, you were on the way across the room with a drink order, and you absently looked up to see who was coming in.

“… Finger deep within the borderline

Show me that you love me and that we belong together

Relax, turn around and take my hand…”

You stopped in your tracks when you saw who it was, one foot paused in the air behind you, mid-stride.

There, silhouetted against the backdrop of the street, stood Charlene.

The black bodysuit she had on made her look like Sandy from Grease, but her shoulder was wrapped in a bandage, and standing next to her was a guy in a red shirt, jeans, a wallet chain, and a leather MC kutte with the insignia for Lucifer’s Own on it.  He was maybe 30, looked like a blonde version of Rob Lowe, and he had his elbow out for Charlene to hold onto.  

Now, you didn’t know all of the politics about biker etiquette, or any “turf” battles like they sang and danced about in musicals, but it was well known that the Hammer was a Coffin Kings bar, and you’d never seen another insignia step foot in the door, other than Hell’s Belles and Eastside Reapers, since you’d started working there. 

Thumper caught sight of the guy who had just come in the door and spun on his stool, about to stand up, but Eddie snatched his arm, and you were sure he stiffly told him to sit back down.  Eddie found your eyes over a few shoulders that were pressed together in the crowd, and you exchanged a weary look of disbelief.  

The blonde biker gave Thumper a feral grin, wiggling the tip of his tongue between his teeth.  Charlene seemed more reserved than normal, not as full of herself, and she was very preoccupied with searching the sea of bodies.  

You had a good feeling who she was looking for.  

You were glad that Erika was there to motion them over to a table that she had just cleaned off.  It was in the corner, further away from the bar.  

You were just about to go over to ask Eddie who Charlene was with when a customer blocked your path and gave you a multiple drink order out of the blue, and you had to tell them to give you a second while you caught your bearings.

Now you were trying to see where Steve was, to play interference, but it was too late.

“… I can help you change

Tired moments into pleasure

Say the word and we'll be

Well upon our way

Pain and comfort, deep within you

Till you will not want me any other way...”

You spun on your heel to find that Steve had already spotted the newcomers.  You watched the muscles in his face tense, standing with his fists balled at his sides for a few seconds, and then Eddie was there, in his face, pushing him back, trying to get him to keep his cool.

The blonde biker at Charlene’s table put his feet up on the seat next to him and lit a cigarette, seemingly without a care in the world.

“It’s not worth it, man,” Eddie grumbled to Steve, holding his hand on chest. “Let’s just have a good time tonight, forget about them.”

Steve’s eyes were locked in the distance, sunglasses now hooked onto the front of his shirt.  “What the fuck is she doing here with Billy Hargrove?”

“Who knows what kind of game she’s playing,” he moved to try and block Steve’s view of them.  “Listen, if he crosses a line, we’ll bounce him, otherwise we let it ride, got it? There’s too many eyes on us here tonight to cause a scene, especially after last week.”

In a strange turn of events, Shana, the manager, came out from behind the bar and went over to greet Charlene and her companion.  She shook both of their hands, and the two women appeared to know each other. 

“...Knuckle deep inside the borderline

This may hurt a little but it's something you'll get used to..."

“Hey,” you squished your way in between some people at the bar, and caught Shana’s attention when she returned.  “How do you know those two?”

Shana cracked open a few beer tops as she spoke.  “She’s some rich lady, I only met her yesterday.  Stephen, one of the owners, sold his share of the Hammer to her and moved to Florida literally in the middle of the night.”

“… I'll keep digging

Till I feel something

Elbow deep inside the borderline

Show me that you love me and that we belong together…”

You made a sour face, trying to understand what Shana was telling you, but then, realization dawned just as she was sharing the final bit of information with you:

“Charlene Gregson is part owner of the Velvet Hammer now.”

Part 17

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I love you all! I have some fun things planned for the few final chapters of this story, I'm even working on a holiday special💗 Your thoughtful commentary and reblogs always mean so much to me.

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Taglist: @notsobubblybaby @unfocused81 @aysheashea @etherealglimmer@manicmagicmayhem @dream-a-little-nightmare@chaoticgood-munson @emxcast @rhirojo @bexreadstoomuch @micheledawn1975 @falling-solar-system @secretdryrose @whatwedontdointheshadows @miarosso @seventhlevelofhell @corrodedcoffincumslut @lofaewrites @goldyghoul @chloe-6123 @kelsiegrin @chelebelletx @stylesxmunson @dandelionnfluff @clincallyonline17 @tlclick73 @eddiemunson95 @sidthedollface2 @hideoutside @truffleshuffle12 @tenthmoon @texasblues@emilyslutface@mmunson86@onegirlmanytales@laylaloves-ed@dashingdeb16@eddiiiieeee @ick90 @dashingdeb16 @polyestermonster @trixyvixx @atomickaratel8dy @kiyastrf94 @allthingsjoeq @eddiesxangel @razzieth @corrodeddeadlydoll @erinekc

[ordinaryschmuck]

Hey, do you remember this irritating little turd?

Yeah, that one. From Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends. Remember how it was frequently annoying how he was constantly antagonistic towards his friends, made his own best friend be constantly annoyed by him, and was just sometimes the worst character in the show? Turns out that there's a reason for that.

Apparently, Craig McCracken WANTED Bloo to experience this neat little writing trick called "Character Development." But Cartoon Network, wanting more of an episodic sitcom, gave a big fat no to that idea. Because they wanted this series to have no continuity, they had to make sure that the characters couldn't develop. And that is...nonsense for a number of reasons.

#1

These shows came out the same time as Foster's:

The continuity wasn't MAJOR with these shows, you can still watch any episode at random from either of them and still have a good time. BUT they still had this sense of subtle progression where characters, villains, and little touches in the story. Granted, they're both more along the lines of action adventure stories instead of sitcoms, but KND is a lot more or less the same as Foster's in terms of characters going on goofy adventures and being a comedy for kids. It just so happened that the comedy could be taken a little seriously at times. Besides...

#2

Sitcoms CAN have character development and continuity. You can watch any episode of either of these shows too, BUT there's a noticeable sense of character progression and continuity from all of them. Sometimes it's something simple as a character dating someone else at a certain point or a change in location or even when a character is working a certain job or not. Character development and continuity can still exist and work in making an episode enjoyable without previous context, but seeing these characters grow, even in subtle ways, is great. Mainly because...

#3

Character development is NOT a bad thing. Far from it, in fact. If anything, it makes watching a show more interesting as you can look back at how a character USED to act with a fond nostalgia of "Man, remember when they used to act like THAT?" And then look at how they CURRENTLY act with the sense of, "Wow, this character's really grown up in the last few seasons." And while it feels SLOW in some cases, it gives the sense that the character can learn, grow, and BE BETTER despite how they might have started off. Even Foster's understood this, because...

#4

The Show HAS character development AND continuity. Like how Cheese just didn't exist in the show until a certain point and became a main stay for the entire series. Or how Goo was introduced as another main stay character. Not only that, but after her introduction as this overly imaginative little girl, she learned her lesson to cool down her over imagination so she wouldn't cause the exact same problems in the future but still faced a NEW problem with her imagination that she and the others could learn from. Like it or not, that IS character development AND continuity. It's just that other characters can experience it instead of Bloo. But fine. They wanted to make Bloo a stagnant character who never changes? Sure. I can accept that...Except for one last thing.

#5

DID THEY HAVE TO MAKE HIM SO IRREDEEMABLE?! In fairness, the bus episode IS entertaining, but that still shows how Bloo, as a character, went through regression instead of development. He's not the same as he started in the first season. Heck, he's not the same as he was in the FIRST THREE EPISODES. There, he was written as brash and a bit immature, but still apologetic and polite in certain spaces. He was even about to object to Wilt giving him the bed, but Wilt was too polite to let Bloo refuse his offer. If this was the Bloo in future seasons, he would have guilt tripped Wilt into giving him the bed and would have been the first to suggest Wilt would sleep on the floor.

If the show wasn't allowed to make Bloo develop, I can understand that. Networks and studios can kiss all the asses. But when it got to the point where I couldn't understand why Mac was friends with Bloo anymore, it leaves me wondering why they had to highlight his worst qualities instead of his best ones? To quote MY favorite character in this show, "I'm sorry, but that is NOT okay." The writers have my sympathy, it's not easy trying to appease your network overlords while still making the show good. But if Bloo's an example of anything, it's that studios should trust showrunners more and that character development is NEVER a sin.

[mythicaldemigoddess-of-deltarune]

Buttercup Lifts Couch & Mammon Becomes A Dad...? (2024)

------------------

Credit for Steven Universe Series goes to Rebecca Sugar

Credit for Hazbin Hotel & Helluva Boss goes to Vivienne "Vivziepop” Medrano

Credit for Invader Zim goes to Jhonen Vasquez

Credit for Undertale & Deltarune goes to Toby Fox

Credit for Transformers goes to Hasbro & TakaraTomy

Credit Transformers Animated Series goes to Sam Register & Matt Youngberg

Credit for The Powerpuff Girls goes to Craig McCracken

Credit for Danny Phantom goes to Butch Hartman

------------

if anyone is wondering, Pink-Pearl is suppose to still look like her original gem humanoid but she is also suppose to be a Moth, and well if Lonely-Pearl was a Moth in her corrupted form, it would make sense that Pearls in a Crossover between Helluva Boss/Hazbin Hotel and Steven Universe, they would be Moths but still look a bit how they originally looked.

I want to call Pink-Pearl by the nickname "Vollie" but it's okay not everyone calls her that, and it would be interesting in a Crossover Fanon Timeline she forms a friendship with Verosika.

and yes I gave that Soundwave a bow on their head, it is suppose to be one of those Sound-Wave copies of the Original Sounwave.

I have had the idea for a while, that Lancer mistakes Mammon as his Dad, just in a different outfit...

I worked on this drawing around January and I'm just now posting it on February...it was not great a few days ago, I know during my trying to write a theory that has to do with Sari that of course has to do with a Crossover with Hazbin Hotel and TFA...

the connection kept going on and off, and yeah I ended up noticing a bit too late that I forgot to put the word "just" and well it is called "Hazformers Theory: What Sari Could Be Doing With Her Autobot Friends MIA" but even when I was trying to write it, the connection kept going off on me, and it was only making me more mad and feeling not so happy...so even when I got lucky and was finally able to post it, but when I wanted to log back on to fix and edit what I notice I forgot to put down on it...and yeah I had finally got around to it today...

but I was having some trouble logging back on, which I think it was because of the connection going off and on me again, and it might of possibly messed up my password, cause when I did try to use it again today......it didn't turn out too well, I still couldn't get on and at some point I had to make a new password just so I could post not only some new fan theories, but also this drawing and that

I seriously wasn't having a good day, I couldn't really get to sleep and well I do feel a little tired right now, it doesn't help that what happen was I guess a bit stressful...

and anyway Peridot is being Feral and is suppose to have Doe Ears and a Tail, like Peridots end up with Deer like appearance.

Alastor ending up adopting her and having her on that very thing that we see her have on her in one of the episodes of Steven Universe, well it can be one of the ways to keep her from running off when she gets all feral...like it only comes off if she calms down and doesn't act all feral.

and even when you make the drawing big, to read what is being said...

here is what Mammon is saying...

"when did I become a Dad…? I don't remember having a kid…unless Stella has been keeping it a secret from me. oh man, do I need to marry Stella?! I'm NOT ready yet!!! I need to call Stella and tell her to pick up our little acciden-…cough I mean Son."

also in this drawing, Buttercup Utonium is 22 years old, so this is the much older future self of Buttercup.

I think I will post one more thing, than I will be heading to bed to get some sleep...I rather post it now than wait until either tomorrow or in a few days...plus if I'm able to, I may talk more about that Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss Theory that has to do with Soul-Partnership Contract...

anyway hope some find it funny that Lancer thinks that Mammon is his Dad, and making Mammon very confused...also I like the Mamtella ship between Mammon and Stella.....their ship name still sounds like a type of food you put on toast, and I don't know if many will end up using that Mamtella ship name or not, so far I'm the first to call those two by that ship name. XD

[signor-signor]

Trending 27th - March 2024

Talking to Craig McCracken

If you had a chance to talk to Craig McCracken, what would you say to him that not only complements him on the work he’s done in the past 30+ years, but also reassures him that there’s still interest in the plans he made for S3?

As someone who grew up watching Cartoon Network in the ‘90s, I would tell him…

“Hi, Craig-o, pleased to meet you! I’ve known your work since the early-mid nineties. I believe you were involved in 2 Stupid Dogs and Dexter’s Laboratory. It must have been a real treat getting to know some history behind Hanna-Barbera. I know it was for me. When I first saw a piece of your own work, it was on the side of a box of Fruity Pebbles promoting World Premiere Toons - one of the characters was Bubbles of the PPG. I gotta say, you’ve been one of my inspirations growing up.”

When it gets to the point where I talk about WOY, I would say this to him…

“I remember when I got into Wander Over Yonder. When I first saw your early sketches of him, I thought of Cantus the Minstrel from Fraggle Rock. And what can I say? I’m a sucker for anything related to Muppets. How about Jack McBrayer? He’s the perfect choice for the character’s voice! WOY marks the first time I got to hear Jack sing. It’s the show that provided the springboard for shows Disney apparently loves best, specifically Star vs. the Forces of Evil and Big City Greens - those shows wouldn’t have been picked up if it wasn’t for Daron Nefcy and the Houghton Bros.’ involvement in the first season. It’s also the first show where Andy Bean provided music for a TV series and where people like Noël Wells got to try their hand at voice acting. The show has made a lot more history than you can possibly imagine, so please don’t take it too lightly.”

Now comes the part where I talk about the elephant in the room, or rather, the ape in the space capsule…

“To be honest, I really looked forward to watching episodes of the show during its run. When I looked at your announcement about the premature cancellation and the plans you’d made for that third and final season, I was totally perplexed. Disney let Fish Hooks go on for three seasons regardless of content - was that because no one turned deaf ears or blind eyes to it? I always assumed they’d treat WOY the same way they treated FH.”

“Somehow it just doesn’t feel right to let your show bite the dust just because the “higher up bosses of bosses of bosses” didn’t see the need to make more, especially not after you made most fans aware of the existence of the plans for S3 and led them to believe it was guaranteed to be amazing. Why do you think I haven’t given up on WOY? And why else would I have Kid encourage viewers to watch the show (Kid Cosmic was great, by the way, one that definitely ended in victory)? I cannot think of any other show that was canceled one week before S2’s premiere, seven months after the S1 finale, five months after writing on S2 wrapped up, five months after your pitch for S3. You, Craig, are one of the most experienced cartoonists in the business and you don’t deserve to be treated like this.”

“To let you know just how determined I am to right this wrong, I worked four months on an Illustrator piece featuring over 140 individuals, built a LEGO Star Nomad (when I showed it to Dave Thomas (@owner-of-wendys), he said, “Dude… that Star Nomad is incredible. Well done!”), and wrote a pre-S3 shorts idea where Andy the Watchdog interviews refugees on the ex-secret planet. Heck, I even had to figure out what Star Force Enforcement Force look like and how the plot of S3 might play out.”

“@peepsqueak started the SaveWOY campaign, and I’m seeing to it that it shan’t be in vain. I know you’re busy with your other projects, but there is still a show waiting to be completed on your own terms. Until the time comes, keep making people smile! Darkest times call for sunniest of smiles!”

[quartings]

College Adventures Special Episode VIII: Interview with Lauren Faust!

I promised I'd get to meet a big name in animation, and here she is! This semester I managed to get into a class taught by THE Lauren Faust, creator of MLP: FiM and DC Superhero Girls!

Sadly, I'm not a die-hard fan of any of her series, but I tried my best to get and compile information that fans would be interested in!

Back when she was working on MLP, Lauren was grateful that her fellow TV coworkers gave her freedom to tell the story she wanted to tell instead of letting to toy marketers bully her. (According to my friend, the show sold out a lot more once Lauren left, though)

A change from executives she wound up listening to: Originally Pinkie was a pegasus and Rainbowdash wan't, because Lauren thought wings would make Pinkie's hyperactivity stand out even more. Their species eventually got swapped in the final cut of course.

Lauren really wanted DC Superhero Girls and Wander over Yonder to be 22min shows, but executives forced her to make them 11min. Shame, because I do think being 22min would have been better for both.

A big reason of why Lauren always wants to make "Girl shows starring girl characters made by girl staff" is because executives often tell her that animation is for boys only and to make her shows more "boy-oriented" (Seriously, with people still like that in this day and age, it's really a lose-lose scenario)

I also got to see the pilot animatic for her rejected Netflix series Toil and Trouble! I don't think I'm allowed to say too much about it, so I'll provide a non-spoiler review!

The pilot was really fun and the animation+writing much more mature than Lauren's previous shows. It did a good job at making the characters really likeable, too! Toil is a great protag and her voice actress did an amazing job! My only issues are- the first 5 minutes are VERY exposition-heavy about the rules of magic, ghosts, and familiars. The third act goes by a bit too fast, too- Toil literally says the moral of the story in way too much detail, then solves the problem pretty easily soon after. I wish the pilot was split into two episodes, so both these issues could be automatically solved- it would also give the show's many side characters room to breathe, too!

Despite Toil and Trouble being cancelled, Lauren is pushing on ahead and continuing to work on more unannounced projects!

Her favorite series that she's worked on is Foster's Home, because she feels that she and her husband Craig both contributed equally to it! She also really liked the relative freedom she had in directing action on DC Superhero Girls.

I was surprised to hear she didn't have that great a time working on MLP because of the creative restrictions from higher-ups. But she's still really happy and grateful the show got such a dedicated fanbase!

While she's fine with fandoms, she dislikes the idea of pandering to them with fanservice or validating headcanons. She said if there was any of that in her shows, someone else on the creative team did it, not her.

Her storyboarders on MLP originally didn't take their job seriously because they were making a "little kids show", so Lauren had to whip them into shape and make them try harder.

Re. Foster's Home: The "Frankie is an imaginary friend" theory is false. None of that was ever the intention from the writers.

For DC Hero Girls: Originally, Cheetah's dad was supposed to have hunting trophies in his room. But because British censorship laws mean you can't show trophy hunting in cartoons (even as a bad thing the bad guys do), they had to negotiate it down to make sure none of the trophies were of endangered animals in the final product.

But yeah, those are the highlights from my time with Lauren Faust! Hope you all liked it- and if you do want to hear more about Toil and Trouble, let me know! I'll see what I can do! But that's not all- I've actually been scheduled to meet up with another very famous animation showrunner in the coming weeks, so expect another big interview post very soon!

[sleepymarmot]

Glass Onion

Yes, I had been waiting for this movie for a while and dropped everything to watch it the day of release. What about it?

Liveblog

Is it bad that I’m already like “I want all of these people to die”? Well, maybe not Lionel I guess.

Lol a bit of sci-fi to justify the actors not wearing masks for the entire movie

Is the bad CGI robot some kind of Star Wars legacy? :D

Aww, poor Benoit Soo, one of the guests plans to murder the host for real, and invites a detective to frame another guest?

It’s been 30 minutes, can people start dying please (Not Andi though, that’d be uncool)

Love the scenery, and Craig’s outfit is nice

Cool shot where Andi has the same expression as the Mona Lisa

“This is reckless. And you’re gonna get somebody killed.”

Okay, so far we’ve established the motive for: Peg, Duke, Lionel, maybe Claire. What about Birdie? And the random guy hanging around? And Andi? Is Andi automatically disqualified because we saw her destroy the box? That could be a real alibi or a red herring.

Nooo, so awkward, I can’t watch this Oh, he did it on purpose, that makes it a bit less painful

Huh, he didn’t mention Andi in the monologue...

Oh good, exactly an hour into a murder mystery, someone finally died! Yes, yes, of course it was an attempt on Miles’ life, I thought we’ve already established he’s who everyone wants dead. Cool trick to keep Norton among the active cast, I thought it was weird for the most famous actor to play the victim. (It’s nice to see Norton again btw, I wondered a while ago why I hadn’t seen him in new movies recently.)

Lmao the lights! Now this is fun

Oh no, Andi! :(

Plot twist!! Well now he's responsible for an innocent woman’s death, that’s going to give him a motive to find the killer

This shit is wild

Hell yeah she’s alive!!!

Is she going to attack the Mona Lisa?..

I feel bad about the painting. The way this was framed as a triumphant moment has the same energy as that Tumblr post about destroying famous paintings because rich people like them.

Review

[Additional spoilers for Knives Out, The Last Jedi, Midsommar, and The Handmaiden]

The film takes too much time to get started. The characters are too flat to carry it until the plot actually launches. Only gets good after the plot twist. The secondhand embarrassment scenes are excruciating.

The plot: “rich people bad, the detective teams up with a pure-hearted woman of color and helps her win”, take two. Are they going to make a whole franchise out of this? Not a great foundation for murder mystery: just look for the most entitled white man and that’s your killer.

Benoit Blanc himself, though, is a good character to build a movie series around. A classic independent detective with a kind heart and a taste for adventure — I want to see more of him. Many people have said it already, but I want Blanc to replace Bond as Daniel Craig’s #1 role.

The biggest strength of the film were, of course, all of the clever and fun twists and reveals. As you can see from the liveblog, I was misdirected very successfully and loved it every time.

And now for the biggest flaw of Glass Onion in my eyes. Just like Knives Out, this film has an extremely fun outer layer wrapped around the heart that I find a genuine downer. Most of the shallow, annoying characters got off scot-free, and what was harmed the most in act 3 was an innocent painting. I’ve already seen The Last Jedi, I don’t really need the same ending scene as the Canto Bight storyline — except worse because the writer doesn’t see the difference between “rich asshole’s property” and “priceless piece of art”. Which is a bad enough take to see on Tumblr, but straight up baffling to encounter in a high budget movie, written by a professional filmmaker. (Amazing timing, though. How did they manage to release this not only in the middle of the Musk major meltdown/Twitter takeover but also soon after the Van Gogh soup discourse?)

In retrospect it also reminds me of a couple of other famous scenes with a female protagonist involved in destruction, and the comparison is not in Glass Onion’s favor. Midsommar also ends with the heroine and a huge symbolic fire, but it’s a horror/drama, and the event takes not only the lives of those caught in the fire but the soul of the heroine. The Handmaiden, on the other hand, features a scene of art destruction that is genuinely positive and cathartic, but the nature of art and the role it plays in human lives is radically different.

[Edited to add] I’ve seen people who liked the ending defend it by saying that people are more important than art. The thing is, if this were framed as the trolley problem — if destroying a priceless work of art were presented as the only way to save an unknown number of lives — I would feel differently. Instead, the film seems to want the viewer not to value the Mona Lisa just because the rich amoral characters do value it.

In a more Watsonian and practical sense, I don’t see how this is a win for Helen. She was the one who burned the painting. The fuel played only a minor part, the painting would have been destroyed just the same without it (in fact, that’s what expected Miles’ lighter to be for). But even if it were otherwise — okay, so this new fuel can easily cause a fire; well, so can electricity and gas if you’re not careful! Not great for PR of this specific product, but not a death sentence either. Most importantly, it’s the person who committed arson that will be charged for it, not the person who unwittingly provided the fuel for the fire.

I did have a good time, to be clear! Very worth watching unspoiled. The release was timed well: the overall lighthearted tone, clever twists, vibrant visuals (bright colors, stylish outfits, idyllic location) make this a good holiday movie.

I’m having trouble with a numerical grade (the worst part of IMDB and Letterboxd is that they make me care about grading, even though it doesn’t work with how I think about media at all). Glass Onion feels like a 7, but I gave Knives Out a 9 and they don’t feel two whole grades apart.

[fredseibertdotcom]

Larry Huber, official Oh Yeah! Cartoons portrait, 1998

Larry Huber.

Starting out in the cartoon business at 40 years old was pretty daunting. I had worked on some very short form animation in my previous lives, but cartoons? Completely different. Characters, layouts, storyboards, voice acting... A whole new world. When I first met with Hanna-Barbera’s senior staff –veterans all– I told them the truth. 

“I watched, and loved, cartoons as a kid. I don’t know much about making them. But, the good news is that you do. So I’ll listen to you about what we ought to do.”

At least, I thought it was good news. But honestly, pretty much only Larry Huber stepped up to help. And he’s been stepping up in my cartoon life ever since.

Larry’s a complete pro. He came to Los Angeles and studio art and animation, started in the business in the early 70s. He knows everything about the actual making of cartoons, which is great. But, better yet, he’s got great judgement, and though he would like to convince some people that he’s a curmudgeon, he’s one of the most caring and generous professional a newby, or a professional, could have as a colleague.

And that’s what he’s been for me. Actually, and more importantly, it’s what Larry has been for dozens of folks who made short films and series at my productions. Starting as the supervising producer on What A Cartoon! (he even designed the opening titles), coming on as my co-executive producer on Oh Yeah! Cartoons and Random! Cartoons, and continuing to help filmmakers on individual shorts at Too Cool! Cartoons and GO! Cartoons, and series spin-offs like Bravest Warriors and Bee and PuppyCat.

Larry’s got the obvious skill set –art, animation, storyboarding, directing, producing– but, I have to say what’s always blown me away is his instinct for filmmaking story. Obviously, there are a lot of ways to tell a story, whether it’s a short story or a novel. But, a film story has it’s own logic. And honestly, Larry is one of the few people I’ve met over the years that really gets it. I’m jealous, because I don’t really. At least, not like Larry.

And wow, what a mentor. My instinct for years has been that if you can pair a veteran professional, with the right first time wanna-be, usually young, professional, the results could be spectacular. Larry is the absolute proof. From Donovan Cook/2 Stupid Dogs, Genndy Tartakovsky/Dexter’s Laboratory, Craig McCraken/The Powerpuff Girls, Butch Hartman on all the shorts he did that led to The Fairly OddParents, Rob Renzetti/My Life as a Teenage Robot, Pendleton Ward/Adventure Time... I could write a whole post on just the young’uns he’s mentored. Including me (though I’m only a few minutes younger than him), I didn’t even know what a layout was before Larry filled me in.

With all the help he’s given others, it would remiss of me not to mention Larry’s co-creation, with Bill Burnett, of the fantastic ChalkZone, his series that ran on Nickelodeon for 40 episodes in the 2000s.

OK, I’ll spare you on the warm person that Larry is, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, collector of HO trains and a cowboy and Civil War fan/scholar.

To me, Larry Huber made my professional life worth it. Thanks bud!

I’ve posted often about my mentors, the people I’ve learned the most from. And I’ve noted how often how many of them beg to differ as to whether or not I should credit them as such. So, I’ve calmed down in my titling. But still…

Larry Huber illustration by David Feiss

[fearsmagazine]

FOLLOWERS - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Terror Films

SYNOPSIS:  “What starts as hilariously bad YouTube videos develops into a warning to the world about a shocking new strain of supernatural serial killer. Jonty, a failing influencer with an ambition to reach over a million followers, will stop at nothing to become famous. A new start at university brings with it hopes of a resurgence in his popularity when a demonic presence appears in his student house. Jonty decides to stream his and his housemates’ experiences with this supernatural entity to gain the fame and fortune he’s most been craving. But at what cost?”

REVIEW: FOLLOWERS leans heavily on “from the producers of Anna and the Apocalypse and Monsters.” I gleefully jumped into this film due to my enjoyment of “Anna and the Apocalypse,” a Christmas zombie musical. I loved it! There is a bit of that spirit running through FOLLOWERS, but it is a bit more mean spirited.

At its core it is a “found footage” film with a bit of a twist to it. It has this slight feel of “Big Brother” meets the BBC series “Ghosts.” The main focus, Jonty, is an influencer who is trying to regain his status and followers after his previous nefarious actions. The supernatural elements of the tale are more for window dressing. The story is more of a cautionary tale of influencer culture and the lengths they go to obtain and maintain followers. One of the truths they spotlight is how many of these followers might be aware of the scam these influencers are running and still go along for the ride against their better judgment. There are some interesting moments. I was not sympathetic for any of these characters. I did like the villain setup, but what she is actually doing is trying to create a spectral servant, much like a classical zombie.

Other than the principle cast, the majority of the other actors are social media people and 70% of the film was shot by the actors. As such, the majority of the effects are visual. Given everything done over the years by the J-Horror Films, who took it to a new level, the effects here are solid, they’re just not scary enough. The film doesn't cut too often to the folks who are trying to piece together their version of the story as to be distracting. The cinematography is decent, the score helps serve as a reminder you're not actually watching a found footage film and the locations are functional but nothing special.

I enjoyed the cast, especially the four principals. Harry Jarvis brings a lot of energy to his role of Jonty Craig. He is so unlikeable, but yet there is something charming about the scoundrel. Actress Nina Wadia’s Becky Dubar has a great character arc. Clearly there is something weird about the character but she delivers this slow transformation that adds a nice air of mystery and suspense to the film.

Unfortunately, director Marcus Harben passed away before the US release of the film. In his time as a filmmaker he made ten films. Even though it utilizes some tried and true elements, FOLLOWERS has a fresh feel to it that blossoms in the final act. Harry Jarvis and Nina Wadia bring a lot of energy and creativity to the film that keeps it an entertaining and engaging view. The overall tone isn’t exactly a horror film. It’s more of a plot device that allows them to explore the larger themes of influencers and social media. Come to think of it, that can be a real nightmare!

CAST: Harry Jarvis, Loreece Harrison, Daniel Cahill, Erin Austen, Nina Wadia, Orion Lee, David Sterne. CREW: Director/Screenplay - Marcus Harben; Producers - Giles Alderson, Steve Jarvis & Tracy Jarvis; Cinematographer - Alan C. McLaughlin; Score - Jim Lang; Editor - William Honeyball; Production Designer - Alice Cousins; Costume Designer - Leena Mistry; Visual Effects Supervisor - Ben Honeyball. OFFICIAL: N.A. FACEBOOK: N.A. TWITTER: N.A. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/GejB82nnqGY RELEASE DATE: On Digital and On Demand March 24th, 2023

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay),  or 👎 (Dislike)

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

[dailyblognews]

Tips to Engage More with Palm Springs International Film Festival

Camelot Theater, situated on celebrated Palm Gully Drive in Palm Springs is home of the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival every year in mid to late May. The festival highlights film understandings of a large number of the great secret books composed by Lyons during his lifetime. These works went from the dark to the varied and normally were seen through the eyes and the point of view of the lawbreakers about whom he composed. His works were intensely weighted with wrongdoing and the sexuality of the period. Lyons, a previous Palm Springs city councilman helped to establish the festival with his companion Craig Prater in 2001. The Festival goes on for three days highlights numerous b-films from the forties and fifties and incorporates interviews with Hollywood stars some of whom acted in them. Afterward, Lyons added more current films, for example, Raw Fiction in 1994 which he got a kick out of the chance to call Neo Noir.

Lyons was brought into the world in Los Angeles in 1946, moved to Palm Springs when he was eleven and graduated school in 1967. He worked in the privately-owned company for a period and afterward started to compose secret books. In his most memorable book The Dead are Tactful, he started his vocation long interest in the shabby side of crime. The New York Times praised his sharpness of his style, the flawless preparation and the aversion of hokum. Lyons facilitated the yearly festival dressed for the part. He frequently wore purported hoodlum outfits and the crowd wearing horde clothing too. He frequently welcomed other secret essayists, for example, Mickey Spillane and Hollywood entertainers, for example, Rhonda Flemming and George Montgomery who gazed in the film The Brasher Doubloon to join in and address gatherings of his fans.

This year my significant other and we intend to go to again as we typically do, love the highly contrasting noir films of the 50's time. We are particularly restless to see the screening of Trial in Fear the Blake Edwards coordinated film featuring Glenn Portage and Lee Remmick. This year’s opening was facilitated by Stephanie Powers, star of the hit TV series Hart to Hart which co-featured Robert Wagner. Miss Powers will be available for the appearance which was delivered in 1962 and will likewise remain for an interactive discussion as does all of the Festival withHarold Matzner. A bunch of Hollywood stars have recently gone to the festival including June Lockhart, Wear Murray, who showed up in a Hatful of Downpour in 1952, Julie Garfield, little girl of John Garfield who showed up in the 1952 creation of He Ran As far as possible and Tommy Cook, entertainer and maker of Cry of the City delivered 1948. Mitchell Sussman has been a TV maker for the beyond a quarter century. In that time he has created experience travel programming for such organizations as Movement Channel, PBS, Fox Sports Net, Star television and numerous others.

[toointojoelmiller]

^Me trying to put my thoughts on this into words

Okay prepare for massive amounts of copium:

A lot of people struggle with the difference between Part 1 Ellie and Part 2 Ellie.. I don’t. I wish she was happier lol don’t get me wrong (if I had my way it would be J+E + moon ranch forever), but to me the contrast between Part 1 and Part 2 Ellie is unfortunately a pretty natural progression…

Part 1, despite the devastating ending, is a HOPEFUL story – it’s really about Joel finding his reason for living again, and loving Ellie. Ellie is the light – literally the hope – that leads him out of the darkness. She’s also fourteen, and we see her through Joel’s sort of lens and we are always being reminded of her youth. She’s got this “mission” (making a cure, making her immunity mean something other than she survived when her bet friend/girlfriend died) that is guiding her and keeping her steady despite all of the attachment trauma and grief she is struggling with that should really bog her down more than it does (and of course, it eventually does, once her mission comes crashing down). I think this is well represented in Part 1 and in the HBO series, even though the versions of Ellie are slightly different.

Part 2 is about what comes next, because love is never enough. It’s about how life is painful and messy, and how sometimes that is BECAUSE of what love does to us... and how you can’t love ever without it ending in grief… and in particular, just how destructive the pain of loss can be when your ONE PERSON is gone. Ellie’s different because she’s grown – her dream of a cure is dead – the world is just a lot darker, at 19 vs 14. Joel loving Ellie with all of his heart wasn’t enough to keep her from getting hurt by the world (just like in real life, no matter how much parents love their kids bad shit WILL happen to them, and life WILL punch them in the face like it does for all of us). Joel loving Ellie so unconditionally and giving her love was more than she knew how to handle, really, (orphan things), and she can’t understand his “betrayal” for what it is – an act of love. When he’s gone she is LOST, and ends up modelling exactly what she learned from him… fall apart. Take out your enemies. Make people suffer for what happened to the person you love.

So, to ME – the progression of Ellie’s relationship with violence feels pretty natural.

Here’s why I don’t personally take issue with the violent heart bit they added to the HBO show -

I feel like (pretend) Craig and Neil suck at explaining themselves LOL.

Ellie in Part 1, due to the world she has grown up in and her experiences, is at risk of engaging with violence as a coping/trauma sort of response thing. Gives her control in a fucked up world. Lets her protect her people. Just like Joel. They live in a world that basically requires violence from you – otherwise you and people you love will die. And Ellie knows that – she saw it first hand, killing Riley. And all of the violence and death that came after.

I know Craig made that comment saying “David’s right”. The way I take it is not, “David is right, she is a violent person” or “she loves to hurt people”… I take it as David recognized how Ellie has a fighters/survivors heart – and that means she is CAPABLE of great violence. Which not everyone is!! (Hence how Joel and Ellie are our bamf anti heroes). To David, violence is always a justified thing if it leads to you getting your goal, and he looks at people as either worthy of living in this world (fighters/leaders) or not (sheep). So he sees Ellie as “a violent person” with a “violent heart”. He’s a monster, and he isn’t capable of understanding the relationship Ellie (and Joel) have with violence, where it is born out of LOVE and suffering and loss. There’s a difference there that David totally misses. But his comment about her proclivity to “violence”, not too far off the mark imo.

Super curious to hear if any of y’all agree or disagree w me.

YES I AM COPING HARD WITH THIS. LIFE SINCE PART 2 IS NOTHING BUT A COPE.

massive TLOU 2 spoilers

I hate this “violent heart” shit. Apparently, Ellie seeing Joel brutally tortured and murdered while she is held down and forced to watch is not enough to explain her murderous rampage in TLOU 2. They have to tell us she’s also doing it because because she’s irrevocably, uniquely fucked up and violent. And who is the person to deliver this message? The pedophile that tried to rape and murder her. So will David be vindicated in season 2? It seems like he already kinda was. Yes, Ellie brutally killing him was supposed to show she’s fucked up and violent. Chop a pedophile up a bit more than necessary because you are traumatized, terrified, disassociating, and desperate for it all to stop? Sorry hun that’s really fucked up I guess you really do have a violent heart. I’m glad we had the illuminating words of a serial groomer rapist cannibal pedophile cult leader to tell us our protagonist is a bitch. In a story where we’re supposed to have empathy for the characters, one of them gets labeled as “violent” as if they’re demented. The creators said this “violent heart” stuff was meant to set up Ellie’s arc in s2/the 2nd game so wtf??? I hate to be pessimistic but it really seems like the writers are steering the show towards an “Ellie proved David right” moment.

[cool-island-songs]

do u have any more fic recs? 🥺👉🏼👈🏼

Oh GOD anon, so many! I'm going to do Creek but it won't be comprehensive, as I've been reading Creek fics since I was 13 and so much has been deleted. If there was a specific ship you were interested in instead, please feel free to send another ask. Also, I love to talk fic and SP generally! Send me asks/dms whenever

This is quite long, but I’ve bolded and hyperlinked most author names and fic titles for easy access. I should note I was out of the fandom entirely from ~2010-2020 and my memories of that first time around reading fic are spotty at best. I will almost certainly add fics as I remember them, and will append those to the orphaned/misc. section at the bottom

- Just recently found AndThenIDied who has a zombie Creek fic from 2012 that is in progress and rly cool, Rotten (previously “He Likes His Rare”). Also ft. Bebe/Tweek friendship/zombie ass-kicking partnership. This writer also has a few oneshots, my faves being Lunch Break and It Had to Be You.

- apollos writes one of my favorite Tweek voices; the rhythm of his speech is perfect and the judicious use of exclamation pts rly effectively conveys the way he struggles to control his volume/outbursts. The multi-chapter Love in the Bodies of Elephants Too is my fave canon-compliant fic to tackle the “fake dating“ ambiguity trope that cropped up in the wake of TxC. It makes sense that Tweek would have everything but the acknowledgement from Craig that they are gay boyfriends deeply in love. It’s just rly heavy and beautiful and one of my all time faves. Also love oneshots Doctor’s Orders and Second Act Breakup (Third Act Makeup), and the devastating Swimmers in the Sea of Inevitability (one of my fave Creek angst fics). This author has a good deal of Style and Kendy too

- applecrumbledore’s Seven days of alien summer. I’ve rec’d this before and I’ll rec it again. Perfectly encapsulates that nostalgic small town vibe of early South Park (alien abductions certainly don’t hurt). Stan describes C+T as “easily two of the weirdest guys they knew. Craig was a science geek who smoked like a chimney and never smiled. Tweek was bratty, cynical and utterly charming; the worst thing about Tweek was Craig [...] They were inseparable in a way that was half deeply romantic and half Children of the Corn.” V refreshing to read a fic w/ Style and Creek where they aren’t excessively at odds (and one that reflects Stan + Kyle’s canonical preference for Tweek over Craig). Cartman is also so spot-on

This author has two orphaned Style-centric fics, neither of which contain explicit Creek, but I’m going to link them here bc the author confirmed these are their fics in AO3 comments and someone messaged me last time I mentioned knowing what they were: the amazing dirt wizard (the only time I’ve ever been into Cryle) and missed connections (contains side Kyman)

- Captain Dude (Handbag Murder) is an excellent writer and I recommend checking everything out. I conceive of Craig quite differently, but it’s hard to care when everything is so internally consistent and well-fleshed out. There are 3 recurring themes in the cap’n dude catalog to which I’m v drawn: the exquisite pain of unrequited love, not knowing where you stand, and dry humping. This author is also uniquely skilled at articulating that very teenaged phenomenon of having outsized romantic/sexual expectations and then finding the reality to be something else entirely, as in the multi-chapter fics Tinder Surprise and COSMIC ORDER, NATURAL LAW. My personal faves are unfinished multi-chapter The Ex and oneshots Joyrides through the second circle, Leave the Lights on: An irrational fear of the dark. (absolute fave!), ChaosTheory, This doesn’t constitute proof that blonds have more fun, and (UN)Speakable. PRISM (non-shippy, doomsday setting) is also great. These are all top Tweek/bottom Craig

- @cheylouwho has a lot of great Creek fics, my faves being Mine, Mine, Mine and the Pastor and Imp series. The former is a play on yandere Clyde, which was apparently a meme ~2014. I have questions about yandere Clyde but also instinctively love it. It’s as if the Cryde community came to life and was like I will k i l l that little blond bitch if u write one more uwu fic w/ him and my Craig!!! Linked the author’s tumblr acct above bc I’ve found her posts about SP fandom past informative. She also runs the South Park Fanart Archive tumblr

- Already rec’d Del’Mareve’s your princess is in another castle, which the author describes as “an AU in which everyone can kick some ass”, but I’ll rec it again and again for one of the most fascinating interpretations of Tweek I’ve read. His dialogue is so spot-on and I love that he’s sexually fluid. There are great Craig/Tweek fighting scenes, and their opposing moral outlooks come into conflict, which I always find compelling. This writer also has an interesting Tweekstophe oneshot Viens Avec Moi and a Bunny oneshot on that ff.net account

- Eerily writes so beautifully. My fave is The Gentle Sin, and I also love the unfinished multi-chapter Small Lifeforms. Also, Oculus??? Are you kidding me???? I have so many regrets at leaving the fandom when I did reading fics like Oculus. Name above links to the AO3 acct - here’s the ff.net acct

- Flynncantation’s unfinished multi-chap Down the Rabbit Hole, a mysterious fic w/ a non-linear narrative and supernatural elements. It’s quite different as Tweek has so much going on in his life that has nothing to do with Craig, that Craig can’t necessarily help him with, and that may even preclude Craig being in his life. I recommend checking everything else out too. I particularly love oneshots Kicking In ft. nasty bottom slut Craig, Step On My Heart (I Like It) ft. Pete Thelman POV, Dick Sucker Tucker, Drag Me Away, Double Bluff, and Along Came Earth.

- gremlinteeth’s Ladies and Gentlemen We are Floating in Space - fic where Craig and Tweek never speak after their fight in T vs C. Lots of violent homophobia, but it helps bridge the gap between old South Park and new in a way. The Tucker family vibe is so homey and sad and divorced, and I love this Laura Tucker. There’s no real smut, but the sexual tension is amazing. Craig is so in love with Tweek, and absolutely terrified of all that entails. Contains the best depressed alcoholic Stan and subverts a lot of tired SP high school fanfic tropes all around

- @guineasaurusrex‘s ongoing multi-chapter What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? - a unique and beautiful reinterpretation of the fake dating trope w/in a never-met college AU setting. Contains the most realistic depiction of Tweek’s parents’ emotional abuse I’ve read. The abuse isn’t dramatized; it’s actually quite a funny fic that just happens to capture that aspect of Tweek’s life like no other. As w/ gremlinteeth’s fic above, I didn’t even notice the lack of smut bc the chemistry between Craig and Tweek is so palpable. Above all, I love how easily Tweek sees through the front Craig puts up that has everyone else fooled, but doesn’t at all realize Craig isn’t used to being seen that way. I love Craig’s vulnerability tbh; it’s one of the most beautiful things ppl zero in on in the Creek dynamic imo, when Tweek can see parts of Craig no one else can.

I also rec the two other guineasaurusrex fics on AO3 - the hilarious two-shot Signs Point to Yes, and the unfinished multi-chapter Plain Sight, also v funny and different

- No one particularly needs me to rec hollycomb. If you’ve ever searched the SP ff.net or AO3 archives and sorted by kudos/faves, you know about hollycomb (as well you should)! Her style is so distinctive that, reading her fics now, I know for sure I read them as a teen despite memory loss from that time. Style was usually her focus, but I recently found two Creek oneshots on her livejournal I don’t think I’d read before: Fight or Flight and Instinct and Innovation. In addition to the oneshots themselves, I rly enjoyed her replies in the comments as I’ve been reflecting lately on the drastic power imbalance common in the Creek dynamic of the mid-late 00s. She mentions in one comment conceiving of the Craig and Tweek relationship as a sort of naturally occurring D/s dynamic

The main reason I read Style/K2 was that I’d get sick of the one-sided nature of the Craig/Tweek relationship as it was commonly written in the mid-late 00s. In a good chunk of these fics, there would be little to no attempt to establish what, if anything, Craig might get out of being w/ Tweek. I appreciate these hollycomb oneshots, her Style-centric Leave the Pieces, and I Came a Long Way to See You by @skrtomg for actually delving into Craig’s motivations for wanting to be with Tweek. All four paint a compelling picture of a dominant asshole Craig who needs sweet pathetic bb Tweek just as badly as Tweek needs him. He needs to be needed, for someone to think him strong and capable. The SekritOMG fic goes the extra length of giving Tweek a diagnosis that accounts for his extreme dependence on others, and it becomes apparent that Stan and Kyle understand little about the inner workings of Craig and Tweek’s D/s relationship, just as Craig doesn’t see any appeal in their normie vanilla domesticity (also just rly love the bit where Kyle conspicuously checks out Craig’s dick and probably balls. Good for him tbh).

My fave hollycomb Craig is film hipster virgin Craig in Other People’s Tupperware. This fic feels like a glimpse into a version of Craig that doesn’t have a Tweek to make him feel strong and sane in relation to. The nature of that sort of dynamic is articulated more explicitly in hollycomb’s That Was Now and This is Then from Token’s perspective: “Tweek is supposed to be the needy one, but that's why Craig loves the kid and built this whole dysfunctional empire around him: Tweek is Craig's emotional scapegoat. He freaks out so that Craig doesn't have to.“ Kink Meme chapter This Means War also contains some reference to the Creek dynamic w/in the broader context of CATG vs the main four (Stan joking that CATG “were twisted versions of their own group”). I def recommend checking these fics out, particularly if you’re interested in seeing imo the best iterations of this particular Creek dynamic that was popular over a decade ago, and remains influential to this day.

- IDRC’s The Ring. This is the most himbo Craig I’ve ever read and I love the way Tweek is imagined as a young adult here. He has serious trust issues and a dramatic little story about Craig from when they were kids, but it plays out in a way I found v realistic. Also, Boxer Tweek! Boxer Craig! Angry fighty sexual tension and lots of drunk/himbo sex

@ladyfeldspar is a long-time Creek fic writer I’m positive I read back in the day. My fave is oneshot Crushed bc it portrays Craig pretty typically for that time (Tricia calls him a f*ckboy in TFBW for a reason!), but Tweek is more forward than was the norm for ‘08. The only fic I can recall to make the point that Craig’s reasons for liking Thomas are a terrible basis for a relationship. I rec checking out this author’s catalog; the ongoing multi-chap Wrong Number has a v different Craig than in the above oneshot. Every update, my desire to head on down to the self-esteem store and pick some up for me and Craig increases exponentially. Once I find out where it is, it’s over for you hoes 😔

LWTIS oneshot To All The Demons Under My Bed for a light-hearted imp Tweek/reggo Craig oneshot. I just think this is a v well-characterized Craig. Alien fic The Importance of A Well Maintained Spreadsheet (And A Good Label Gun) is also cute

- mareepysheepy's unfinished multi-chapter From Ashes. Many imp Tweek/pastor Craig fics portray the dynamic as Tweek maliciously tempting Craig into breaking his vow of celibacy. This is different, and at the same time the version of that that makes the most sense to me going off of their usual personalities in canon. The past Cromas dynamic is also unique, far more fleshed-out than most, and I stayed up all night reading this the first time. Love all this writer’s fics, esp oneshots Right Message, Poor Delivery, A Canopy Dotted With Stars, Family is What You Make of It, and Along Came A Spaceman, the Craig POV counterpart to Flynncantation’s Along Came Earth linked above

Quite like Mattycakes’ Meth Baby, Tweek Hated Parties, and Love Bites, among others

- I've already rec'd metrophobic's Tweeker Nation at least twice, but I love the whole metrophobic oeuvre. Metrophobic writes my absolute fave Tweek and Craig voices. They’re both such weird nasty little sluts and so sickeningly in love. I often find myself rereading Empty Spaces which is based on an old kink meme prompt about spanking Tweek to orgasm. I like how metrophobic's Creek sexual dynamic developed after this one, as Tweek is a classic sub/bottom in this, and I hc him as at least a bratty sub (he just runs his mouth way too much not to be, but that is a somewhat newer development). But as someone who was shipping Creek back when their fanon dynamic was largely extremely imbalanced, it's wild to read something that slots Tweek into a trad sub role, but fully articulates the way the sub is always ultimately in control. He also has his own life outside Craig in a way that subverts the older common Creek dynamic where Tweek is just some Craig hanger-on. I find this piece to be a fascinating and nuanced bridge b/w old and new Creek dynamics (also hot). Other faves: Grown-Up Abduction Isn’t Funny Either, The Right Time (“I dunno if I can say it again yet,” Craig replied. “That took a lot out of me.” - Craig after saying ‘I love you’ for the first time T~T), this take on imp Tweek/pastor Craig, Little Glass Flowers, Poor Baby, Solicited Dickpics, and Certified Organic.

If a fic writer can sell me on a character or ship I didn't gaf about previously, I think they got somethin' special, and metrophobic got me on Clenny in Guts and Pumpkin and Honey Bunny

- PBJellie similarly got me caring about Butters and Pip in a way I just hadn't previously in fics. There’s no attempt to elide their flaws or make them any less annoying, and they’re all the more human and engaging (and, quite frankly, themselves) for it. The characterization is always on point for a wide range of SP characters, and the setting feels like SP in all its sleazy glory. Interesting Pip/Tweek dynamics in Collectively Unconsciously Composed and in Oats We Sow (both A/B/O multi-chap fics), as well as in A Tale of Two Roommates ft. obnoxious bratty grad student Tweek.

Other faves: Strictly Business, Laundry Day, Going Going Gone, humor oneshots Craig Tucker Hates Green Beans and The Noirette

- As w/ hollycomb, I probably don’t have to tell you about Qindarka’s Aisle 10 (it’s the most favorited fic in SP on ff.net), but I’d never read it til last year, having left the fandom right before it was first published. It’s amazing. Tweek is his own, fully fleshed-out human being, rather than a spare appendage of Craig’s, and he knows it! This little speech of his always blows me away:

“No, you never care. About anything. Least of all about me. You’re just curious, because I’m this weird twitchy kid that steals sh!t, am I right? Am I interesting, Craig? Am I adorable? Wanna make a movie about me?”

He’s the anti-manic pixie dream boy, and it’s so good. It honestly feels like they lifted sassy Tricia directly from this fic when they finally gave her lines in The Fractured but Whole (and after reading cheylouwho’s post about former fans going on to work on the show, I’m not so sure it’s out of the question). I also really like this unfinished short fic by the same author: decent fiction

-rachhell has excellent fics w/ a more traditionally dominant Tweek, including Out of The Woods, drabble collection little sins, We Might Be Exactly Like We Were, tons of Creek in this 2017 Kinktober collection, and the extremely painful degausser. That last one hurt my feelings and made me hate deploying gizmo Ike in phone destroyer lmao. Exquisite angst

- Sun_Sparks‘ everything is fantastic, esp the cute multi-chapter Practice and Execution, sexy oneshot Mr Right Now (ft. top Tweek), and I really love A School Reunion which looks to be abandoned, but has a really funny & fun drunk Stan

- @tlinrookie​‘s ongoing multi-chapter This Must Be the Place and oneshot The Block which seems to be set in the same verse. I love the Kenny/Tweek friendship dynamic in the former and overall how well this author depicts intimacy. There’s so much palpable love and warmth in the sex scenes. Countdown is another fave and I suggest checking out the whole catalog

- towards‘ fics delve deeply into Tweek’s meth addiction and mental health problems. My fave is the short but powerful oneshot All good things. This is another of my top Creek angst fics

- tweeksqueak‘s Hale-Bopp is so good and weird. I love aliens in SP fanfic

- I love @wintergrew‘s SoT trilogy The Thief (in progress rn), but my fave is the recently completed Kill All Your Friends. I never even had an MCR or vamp kid phase. It was just really good. Recent oneshot Storms is also excellent. I really admire how well this author does a kind of ensemble cast of characters

- Wiw has some great Creek fics, my faves being oneshots How To Not Manage a Store and Drillenisse

Orphaned/miscellaneous fics I love:

- non-con pastor Craig/imp Tweek oneshot Head’s A Crying Wasteland

- hilarious oneshot Boyfriends Close-Up with a Wide twAngle Lens Wearing Hats

multi-chapter unfinished You’re the Blood, I’m the Seed - past non-con & CSA - very heavy, but well worth it, as it is a fascinating and well-written and -characterized fic

- Talk Like Crab, Taste Like People - Tweek was adopted by crab people, like what more do you even need to know

- alright alright has 8 works w/ Craig and Tweek that are locked, but worth checking out if you have an AO3 account

- unfinished multi-chap Underground by leopharry is also locked, but I love this Craig. he feels v on the spectrum to me in a realistic way. boxer Tweek!

- demonhunter Tweek/reggo Craig oneshot spirits in my head and they won’t go

- oneshot do you like fish sticks by VagabondDiesel - not remotely shippy, but I love a psych ward setting and T+C both v well-characterized

sunflower yellow doesn’t even begin to describe you by xShieru

Intoxicated by IvoryWhiskers - from 2006!

shake off your flesh. by murkmurks - v different imp Tweek interpretation w/in a fascinating old south inspired setting

Parental Supervision by Enisy - Craig brings home a girl and Thomas Tucker is v confused

Monotony and Rhythm by X180

Feeling Strange and Looking Rotten (and also everything) by scarlettshazam

Overrated by Kafrazel

edit: ppl/fics I couldn’t find at the time/forgot due to brain of swiss cheese

- @thelotusflowers‘ whole body of work - my faves include gently (have read this like 5 times), The Short Film, how do you know if u r gay, and her amazing collab with @lexis-grey Glad You Came! Here is lotus’s AO3 - she also has much Cryle and Stenny

- the aforementioned LexisGrey and her wonderful fic Claws and Guns - it contains catboy Craig, so stop what you’re doing right now and go read it! - as well as her unique fake dating fic Fake it till you make it, and sweet soulmate AU oneshot The Symbol of Love

- @cityoffireflies​ writes a fantastic feisty Tweek and I recommend checking out everything, but my faves so far are the Two lives intertwined series, cute oneshot Dunk, rife-with-sexual-tension oneshot 7 Minutes in Heaven, and the fabulous slutty revenge Tweek fic that got me screaming in this author’s comment section, What If. The Tweek rarepairs, and Twomas, and other Thomas ships, and miscellaneous beloved blond boys from one-off episodes have never been better loved and cared for than in this author’s fics, and it’s a beautiful thing

damn expensive eggs - my fave fic is looseleaf and liquid fiction, also has a few fics w/ trans guy Tweek. I rec checking it all out

ripped open by 8inthemourning

rly love Out of This World (Babe) and this Creek Tumblr Prompts collection by scribespirare

cocoacremeandgays’ Three Sides series (quite dense w/ heavy subjects) and beautiful oneshot The Black '81 Ford Thunderbird   

@hagspice​‘s everything, including Your Mileage May Vary ft hot twunky baker Tweek, Let Me Entertain You, Impure Thoughts, and wonderful oneshot High Voltage ft. Craig bottoming for the first time

@otherluces‘ awesome band au fic He’s With the Band - also loved The Best Man. Please check out all the Luces fics - there’s beautiful Clenny 😭 Twoken fic w/ bg Creek Maybe This Time may be my fave

@alice-intheunderworld‘s The Bitch is Back - ghost Kenny, ghost Kenny!!! - (co-written with @jewboy-kahl, whose Head Over Heels I also loved), stoned CATG oneshot I’d Be Your Next Choice, Right?, and v cute flirty tattoo artist Tweek in oneshot Rocket Man('s Ass) - AO3 acct here

Plasma_gore(FanFictionIsMyWeakness) - I Want It To Hurt A Lot, Actually (amazing HS fic with unique, well-grounded characterizations. It feels extremely authentic to the high school/young adult experience, and is also the first time I’ve ever been like ‘Yeah, alright!’ about Staig, which is a side ship), as well as the sequel After Thunder Comes Rain (Please Don’t Let This Hurt Anymore.), and wonderfully filthy smut oneshot Sexcapades

the un-titled series by Aquaphobe - unresolved is the main work in the series and seems to be ongoing. A lot of deep, well-fleshed out Thomas going on here which I am always here for, and I love the way that trope where Thomas is kind of a device to cause jealousy in Tweek is given real grounding. Fascinating stuff going on w/ Kenny’s deaths and the unreliable narration as well

Really love Slowly, Thru a Vector (past ref’d CSA/non-con), and cute and funny oneshot tweek doesn't wanna make some real motherfucking money by Tweekpuncher

DoAsIWill has the great long multi-chapter The Roommate, but my fave is The Strength of Suction ft. Goth Tweek!

zombie fic Destroyer by sadboys. Was also v intrigued by As if I’d tell you. feel like these Tweeks are uniquely well-fleshed out and autonomous in so few words

Craig’s New Car by Pinkclip (also a great Kyle solo oneshot on there) 

@englishknightsky’s sweet and cozy sickfic Get Well Soon, among other oneshots

UrsaMajorStories - love The Gods Watched Over us for a unique take on Incan Craig/explorer Tweek, as well as the locked hypnosis (!!!) smut fic Mesmerize Me

Shared Psychosis - interesting take on another character becoming aware of Kenny’s deaths, also ft. BPD Kenny and psych ward setting which I love

[louisupdates]

After a series of big signings last year including Louis Tomlinson, 5 Seconds Of Summer and Craig David, BMG is set for another strong performance in 2022.

So far this year, the company has already announced a big deal with Rita Ora, as BMG continues to attract stars previously signed to major labels. Following albums with Columbia and EMI, Miles Kane recently released his first album with BMG, while Johnny Marr’s LP on the label is out this month.

The company’s roster has expanded along with its streaming presence. BMG maintained its 1.3% market share on Track Streams in 2021, according to Official Charts Company data. The company registered 1.64 billion streams, a 4% year-on-year increase.

“We're really pleased with the growth in our streaming business in ’21,” said Gemma Reilly-Hammond, BMG label co-head and vice president of marketing. “It was definitely something that was a key strategic objective for us to do.

“We’ve really strengthened our streaming team. James Farrelly joined us [from Marathon Artists, as director of streaming], which was a great hire, he's been brilliant, along with Simon Rugg [senior streaming manager] who was with us already, he’s also brilliant. They have done a great job of strategising and mapping out the plans. So it's down to roster and strategy, and I think both have come together beautifully actually. “

“We’re really pleased with how we're working with the DSPs, we've got a much firmer footing than we've ever had,” she added. “We're seeing some great results, not just in terms of volume of streams, but also editorial support across all the DSP partners. So yeah, we had a really good year and took a massive leap forward, I would say, on streaming last year.”

BMG had success on DSPs from launch with KSI, as well as growing Kylie Minogue’s streaming business since her signing.

“Kylie has been amazing,” said Reilly-Hammond. “Disco versus Golden, in terms of the streaming, has shown remarkable growth. We’re so happy with the streaming results, it just keeps going and going. The global footprint that's now been carved out - again - for Kylie is phenomenal.

“What we're really pleased with is that we're not just seeing growth in streams, we're seeing very meaningful growth in followers as well. The core audience and the engaged audience has grown dramatically for Kylie on Disco. So we're exceptionally happy with that too. We’re seeing lots of growth across all the key metrics for numerous projects. So we figure that we're doing something right there.”

Reilly-Hammond confirmed that BMG will continue to build the roster with signings in 2022, following a series of big deals last year.

“We’re ambitious,” she told Music Week, highlighting the impact of Duran Duran. In October, the band peaked at No.3 in the UK with Future Past, which has sales to date of 36,160.

“Similarly to Kylie, what we've achieved with Duran Duran and how that's evolved, the results we've seen from that across the world we're really pleased with,” said Reilly-Hammond. “We've had some really strong successes with more to come.”

BMG’s eye-catching signings last year included two global pop acts who are now independent following spells with major labels: Louis Tomlinson (formerly with Syco/Sony Music) and 5 Seconds Of Summer (Universal Music’s Capitol).

“We've started on 5 Seconds Of Summer, we’ve kicked that off already,” said Reilly-Hammond. “We put an anniversary track out in December, which marked their 10-year anniversary. It's a track that went out to fans, and then we'll look to kick everything off fully a bit later this year.”

“We can't wait for Louis [Tomlinson], it’s a really significant signing for us, we're looking forward to bringing that out in the world. So we’ve got lots ahead of us.”

Following a highly successful spell at Insanity, Craig David has now moved to BMG. Ahead of the album, 22, released on May 13, Craig David’s MNEK collaboration Who You Are has peaked at No.39. It has so far spent 12 weeks on the chart (107,930 sales - Official Charts Company).

“Craig is a big one for this year,” said Reilly-Hammond. “Who You Are, the track that we put out last year, has just been really sticky. It's just stuck around and has been performing really well for us. So it's a really good indicator of what's coming and for the album in May. Craig and his management team are fantastic to work with. So we're enjoying that one very much.”

[toondisneypunx]

Movies and TV shows I have been watching recently (March 2022 - July 2022)

1. Dog (2022)

Rating: 8.5/10

I absolutely loved the storyline and especially, the journey. I loved how they showed how emotionally attached the dog was to the owner. I cried at the end of the movie. 

2. Turning Red (2022)

Rating: 9/10

I thought I was going to hate this movie because of how cheesy the synopsis seemed. However, Pixar and Domee She have proven me wrong with this movie. I loved how while the film tackled topics such as puberty and menstruation, it also showed great elements of Chinese culture. All the pop culture references from the time period were also spot-on. 

3. The Batman (2022)

Rating: 9/10

I am personally not the biggest fan of DC Comics, but I quite enjoyed this movie. The directing was absolutely consistent to the tone of the film. The only complaint I had is sometimes the movie felt too prolonged. 

4. Amphibia (Season 3b)

Rating: 10/10

The last of Amphibia was absolutely amazing. The finale made me cry and I’m am glad I got to understand King Andreas’s backstory. 

5. The Owl House (Season 2b)

Rating: 10/10

There's a lot of suspense within the latest episodes of The Owl House. Each episode would leave me wondering what would happen next in the show. I also loved how much development the character Hunter had. 

6. Little Witch Academia (2017-?)

Rating: 9.5/10

While I don’t usually watch anime, I quite enjoyed this series. I loved the story and characters and noticed how The Owl House was heavily influenced by this show. 

7. Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Rating: 8/10

I really enjoyed the horror elements of this movie. However, most of the plot was unclear and all over the place.

8. The Bad Guys (2022)

Rating: 7.5/10

I loved the art style of this movie, as well as the concept. My biggest issue with this movie was the predictable villain plot twist, as well as reliance on toilet humour and trends. 

9. The Powerpuff Girls (1998) (Season 1 only)

Rating: 10/10

Definitely one of Craig McCracken’s best works. I loved how even though the show stuck to a certain vibe, it was not repetitive at all. I was unable to watch the other seasons because my Hulu subscription got cancelled.

10. Lightyear (2022)

Rating: 6.5/10

I was excited for this movie because we would understand the origins of Buzz Lightyear, however, it was underwhelming. Even though Pixar usually does a great job with their movies, Lightyear felt bland and did not follow the plot well. The Zurg reveal was also underwhelming. A few positives are the animation style and the voice acting, though. 

11. Stranger Things 4 (2022)

Rating: 10/10

I have kept up with Stranger Things since the release of the second season in 2017. The fourth season, while it was a long wait, did not disappoint at all. I enjoyed all the horror elements as well as the new characters such as Eddie Munson and Argyle. 

12. Minions: Rise of Gru (2022)

Rating: 7/10

I had low expectations for this film because the original Minions movie felt like a cash grab. However, I enjoyed all the 70′s references and actually laughed at a few scenes. I was glad to learn Gru’s origins as well. The biggest downside to this film was the predictable and stale plot. 

13. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Rating: 10/10

I have put this movie off for so long and I finally watched it. I am a huge fan of Beetlejuice and this film captures the same vibe, as well as casting Winona Ryder in it. The film is entertaining and brings mystic to the story. 

14. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Rating: 9/10

Thor: Ragnarok is one of my all-time favourite MCU movies. I’ve anticipated for this movie since it’s announcement and it did not disappoint. I loved the introduction of new characters, such as Zeus and the humour was well fleshed out. 

[fantomcomics]

What's Out This Week? 2/9

Another week, another bumper crop of great comics to peruse!

Norse Mythology III #1 (of 6) - Neil Gaiman, P. Craig Russell & David Rubin

#1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman and Eisner Award-winning comics legend P. Craig Russell breathe new life into the ancient Norse stories by taking readers through the creation of the Nine Worlds to the epic origin and adventures of Thor, Odin, and Loki all the way to the end of life-Ragnarök. The sea giant Aegir avoids having to throw a banquet for the gods by setting Thor and Tyr off on a wild quest to find a cauldron and pitting our heroes against a multiheaded giantess, fire-breathing sea serpents, and more bizarre mythological creatures.

Hellboy & The B.P.R.D. 1957 Forgotten Lives One Shot - Mike Mignola, Chris Roberson & Stephen Green

Hellboy and Professor Trevor Bruttenholm team up for some quality father-son time at a New York potter's field where they try to unravel the mystery of a spectral being haunting the packed graveyard. Upon arrival, the two of them quickly realize there may be more things haunting the buried poor at the mass grave than meets the eye . . .

Land Of the Living Gods #1 - Isaac Mogajane & Santtos

It is said that when the world dies, the spirits of the first people will return to witness the last days of humanity. Well, the spirits have arrived, and the end is here. But not everyone has given up hope. Naledi, a teenage girl living in the deserted city once called Johannesburg, has always believed that there is a land, hidden away in time where the gods still live. And where there are gods, there are miracles. Perhaps even miracles that are big enough to save our dying planet. And so, after a lifetime of isolation, Naledi will head out into the unknown with little to hold onto but her faith - and her magical pet plant, Buyo.

Faithless III #1 (of 6) - Brian Azzarello & Maria Llovet

The final act of Azzarello and Llovet's erotic thriller masterpiece! Nine months after her mysterious disappearance, Faith suddenly drops back onto the map. While the art world debates whether her disappearance was a piece of performance art or all just a publicity stunt, Faith retreats to Louis's studio to recover from her journey into the unknown. But Ginny begins to realize that something is very much amiss with Faith. Where was she for nine months? And why does Faith suddenly seem so obsessed with Ginny's son Jacob?

Life Zero #1 - Stefano Vietti & Marco Checchetto

Where were you when the cloud arrived? Where were you when the world changed forever? Where were you when people started dying? Ablaze is proud to present Life Zero by Stefano Vietti (Dragonero) and Marco Checchetto (Daredevil, Avengers, Old Man Hawkeye, Wolverine), with colors by Andres Mossa (Wolverine, Avengers, Secret Wars 2099). At the limits between science fiction, action and horror is LIFE ZERO!

Cult Of Ikarus #1 (of 4) - Jenna Lyn Wright & Karl Slominski

Tossed out by her foster family after one-too-many rides home in the back of a cop car, Hunter packs up and sets out on a mission to find out who she is. A mysterious book - her only link to her parents - leads her to discover a covert world of magic and danger running parallel to our own. One punk rock show, two whiskeys, and three vicious vampire assassins later, Hunter's on the run from the ancient, deadly Cult of Ikarus. Hunter came looking for answers. What will become of her once she gets them?

Archie Love & Heartbreak Special - Thomas Pitilli & Various

AN ALL-NEW ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY PERFECT FOR FANS OF ARCHIE'S MODERN COMIC SERIES! Join Archie and his friends on a date night at the Riverdale carnival! First up, Betty wants to know: If Jughead was interested in dating, what would the perfect date look like? Jughead shares his POV on love while Archie and Veronica's relationship is on the rocks! Can Kevin Keller help Archie save his romance? Maybe not, since Kevin's caught up in his own romantic dilemma, and is worried about being in over his head on his own date! Who will end up together? What relationships are on the verge of collapse? Who will find true love?

5 Seconds Before The Witch Falls In Love GN - Zeniko Sumiya

A magical enemies-to-lovers yuri romcom! Solitary witch Meg likes to be mischievous and make trouble in the forest for her nemesis, Lilith the Witch Hunter. But when an altercation goes sideways, and Meg turns Lilith into a cat, a cascade of unfortunate events means witch is now responsible for saving witch-hunter! Sparks were flying between these antagonistic ladies before-what will their relationship be like after this cat-astrophe?

Whatcha snagging this week, Fantomites?

[indigoperegrine]

Esquire Magazine: Ben Whishaw's Disturbed Dramas

The actor has built a career portraying both troubled young men and national treasures. He talks to Esquire about playing junior doctor Adam Kay in the BBC’s adaptation of This is Going to Hurt, why he is drawn to disturbed characters, and not standing still for too long.

Olivia Ovenden for Esquire

Ben Whishaw is in the market for a new way to unwind. When the pandemic took hold in early 2020, he returned from filming in Chicago to London, where he lives with his partner Mark Bradshaw, a composer for film and TV, and, as a distraction from the news, pursued an interest in developing photos. He wasn’t very good at it, but there was something appealing about the way it demanded his total attention. “I’m thinking, maybe I should go climbing?” he says tentatively on a Zoom call from Paris, where he is shooting Passages, the new film from American indie director, Ira Sachs. “Very good for the body. It uses all of you,” says Whishaw. “In fact, I’m going to find a climbing wall and go immediately.”

Climbing is ripe with metaphors for Whishaw’s approach to acting, a career that he treats as a series of challenging moves, coupled with a determination not to look back-wards. When we speak in December, he still hasn’t seen No Time to Die, the third film in which he plays Q to Daniel Craig’s 007.

“I hate watching myself,” Whishaw says. “I’m always so disappointed. I know you just have to get over it and I’m not the only person in the world, but that’s how it feels to me. I do think if you were really satisfied, if you watch some-thing like, ‘Fuck, I’m so good in that,’ then that would be pretty weird.”

Even at 41, there is a teenage restlessness about Whishaw, dressed in a black hoodie and hiding behind contorted arms when reaching for the right words. He has kind eyes but a serious face, though the seriousness is often dispelled by bouts of laughter. He has spent the morning working on a Russian accent and at one point stops to apologise as he can hear the Slavic intonation he’s been practising invading his head. In real life, the actor, whose credentials include studying at Rada and, to great acclaim and aged just 23, playing Hamlet at The Old Vic, rarely strays far from softly spoken RP.

Read the rest at Esquire Magazine.