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tymime · 6 months

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Public Domain cartoon characters from the Golden Age of Animation (and beyond)

Revised and expanded version of this post: https://tymime.tumblr.com/post/648495121557585920/instead-of-whining-about-mickey-mouse-not-falling

While Mickey entering the public domain is exciting and all, I do think a lot of people are overlooking the many other animated characters that are available to use in their creative works. This list isn't entirely exhaustive, but it does highlight some of the most interesting and/or appealing characters, as well as ones that have the potential to be so.

Koko the Clown

One of the oldest cartoon stars from the Fleischer studio, almost all of Koko's silent-era cartoons are PD, and have been for quite some time. A handful of his appearances alongside Betty Boop are also PD.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit

Oswald's PD status has been greatly overshadowed by his fellow Disney star Mickey, but I believe that he deserves more recognition. All of the shorts produced by the Disney studio are PD as of this year, and let's face it, those are the only ones most people care about. Pegleg Pete's bear design is also PD.

Keep in mind that the blue shorts that Oswald wears in Epic Mickey and elsewhere are likely copyrighted, so I recommend steering clear of that.

I'm also not entirely sure you can use the name "Ortensia" for his cat girlfriend, since that name first appeared in Epic Mickey also. She was called "Kitty" back in the day, among other things.

All of Van Beuren Studio's cartoons

The Van Beuren Studio was active during the rubberhose era, and their cartoons, especially the earlier ones, are like a cruder, possibly even more bizarre cousin to Fleischer and Disney. They went bust in the late 1930s, and no one renewed the copyright later on, so the entirety of their output is PD.

Their most notable characters include Tom and Jerry, a pair of average Joes who always get into strange adventures. They shouldn't be confused with MGM's Tom and Jerry, and in fact they were called Dick and Larry when their shorts were rereleased for the home-movie market in the 1940s.

Also notable is Waffles and Don, who are basically just animal versions of Tom and Jerry. You might consider these two as a better alternative, just to avoid confusion.

There's also Cubby Bear, a pretty blatant Mickey Mouse clone, but unique enough that I don't think anybody’s going to confuse the two nowadays.

In the previous post, I mentioned a rumor that Disney threatened legal action over the character, but I can't find the source for that now. I may have been thinking of Milton Mouse, who was so extremely similar to Mickey that they actually did sue the studo for copyright infringement. So maybe don't try selling any Milton merchandise...

Finally, there's Molly Moo-Cow, who appeared in several Rainbow Parade cartoons in the mid-to-late 1930s. Molly is arguably not the most interesting character, but I have a fondness for her since we grew up with one of her shorts on a VHS tape.

Toby the Pup

Another very obscure character, about half of his cartoons are lost media. The little that does survive is hard to find online, but I think his design has appeal.

Dr. XXX

Disney's The Mad Doctor was never renewed for reasons unknown, though some speculate that the studio thought that the cartoon was too scary and decided to let it go. Fortunately for us, that means that this iconic character is now in the people's hands.

Goopy Geer

Goopy appeared in the three Merrie Melodies cartoons alongside his unnamed girlfriend. Despite his name and appearance being similar to Disney's Goofy, he actually made his debut about a month before (Goofy was named Dippy Dawg at the time anyway, so it was undoubtedly a coincidence).

Claude Hopper

Claude appeared in a single Looney Tunes cartoon in 1943 called Hop and Go, alongside a pair of Scottish rabbits who antagonize him. The cartoon ends with a very unfortunate depiction of Tokyo being blown up (World War II was still going on at the time), so it's no surprise that Warner Bros. decided not to renew this one. Despite that, he has a very appealing design (imo), so I think he has potential. (Also, he's voiced by Pinto Colvig, the original voice of Goofy!)

Private Snafu and Mr. Hook

Snafu and Hook were created for the US government, so according to the law are automatically public domain. The shorts were made to be shown to members of the US army and navy respectively, in order to teach them valuable lessons for fighting in WWII, but are nevertheless hilarious cartoons- animated by the Looney Tunes team with scripts by Ted Geisel- aka Dr. Seuss!

The Dover Boys

Also of note are the ComiColor cartoons from the Iwerks studio, Rainbow Parade from Van Beuren, and most of the Color Classics by Fleischer. These don't have any especially memorable characters in them, but I thought I ought to mention them.

Yes, Tom, Dick and Larry, Dora Standpipe and the villainous Dan Backslide are all public domain. A bunch of YouTube Poops were created after this fact was discovered by the internet a few years ago.

How Warner Bros. could ever let this one get away I'll never know. Their loss is our gain, I suppose.

Caveats and other concerns

Krazy Kat

Felix the Cat

All of the strips up to 1928 are definitely fair game. According to the Public Domain Superheroes wiki however, the entirety of the strip's run is PD. I'm not sure if it that's true, but the Fantagraphics collections don't credit any newspaper syndicate, so it seems likely. (Apparently the copyright status of newspaper comics are a whole can of worms on its own...)

At any rate, the strip's cast was pretty well set in stone by 1928, so it shouldn't be much of a problem. A large number of animated shorts starring Krazy are also PD, but those were pretty much in name only.

Flip the Frog

Felix was pretty much the first cartoon superstar, and almost all of his Golden Age appearances are PD now. Keep in mind that this does not include elements from the 1950s cartoon like his magic bag, or from The Twisted Tales of Felix, as amazing as that series is.

The character's name and appeance are still trademarked by NBC Universal however, so you might be able to use him in a minor role, but not much else.

I'm uncertain about this one. According to most sources Flip is PD, but according to the Thunderbean Blu-ray collection he's copyrighted by the Film Preservation Archives, whatever that means. Additionally, Flip himself is supposedly trademarked by Leslie Iwerks, Ub Iwerks’ granddaughter, though no one seems to be able to confirm that. I don't know how the trademark hasn't lapsed yet, considering that Flip hasn't appeared on any official merchandise or anything in decades.

Bosko and Honey

I believe there's nothing stopping anyone from using Bosko's classic design (later appearances at MGM and in Tiny Toons are still copyrighted), but the character himself is a bit problematic, considering that it's all but stated outright that he's a blackface caricature. Use with caution.

Foxy and Roxy

Noveltoons

Like Goopy Geer, Foxy appeared in three Merrie Melodies cartoons. Roxy's name originates from an episode of Tiny Toon Adventures however, so keep that in mind. Though I'm not sure what else you would call her (or if Warner Bros. would even care). Supposedly her original name was "Fluffy", but I can't find a source for this.

Like Bosko and Honey, later appearances in Tiny Toons are still copyrighted.

Noveltoons was a series produced by Famous Studios, the successor to the Fleischer studio. The characters include Baby Huey, Herman the mouse, Blackie the sheep, Little Audrey, and of course, Casper the Friendly Ghost. Only a small handful of the shorts are PD though, and Casper is trademarked, so one's options are limited.

Ginger Nutt (and rest of the Animaland cast)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

This one I'm not entirely sure about either, but Ginger Nutt's Christmas Circus has long been a staple of grey-market tapes and DVDs, so I'm just going to assume all of the Animaland cartoons are also PD. Considering that the series wasn't very sucessful, and is very obscure nowadays, it seems pretty likely.

If anyone has any insight on this, let me know.

Calvin and the Colonel

Now here's an interesting case. An all-time classic Christmas special, and yet large parts of it are PD because they accidentally put the wrong date on the copyright notice. Instead of the Roman numerals MCMLXIV (1964), it reads MCLXIV (1164), and according to the law at the time, that meant that the film immediately went into public domain.

Of course, Rudolph himself is still copyrighted, and will be until 2035 when the original book falls into the public domain. Even then he's likely to still be trademarked. Not to mention the songs featured in the '64 film will be copyrighted for a long time afterward.

Still, this means that anyone is free to use all the other characters, including Hermey, Yukon Cornelius, King Moonracer, Clarice, and all the Misfit Toys. It's a wonder no one seems to have taken advantage of this. And of course Santa and his reindeer have been PD for ages, especially Santa since he comes from folklore- and you can't copyright folklore.

This cartoon is based on and stars a lot of the same voice cast as the old-time radio show Amos and Andy, which, while not overtly racist, featured white actors pretending to be black. The cartoon obviously has animals instead, but still, tread carefully. Someone is bound to point out the characters' history.

Hoppity Hooper

Another one I'm not sure about. The Public Domain Superheroes wiki has characters from this show among its articles, but I wasn't able to confirm if it really was PD. It was created by Jay Ward, the same studio who made Rocky & Bullwinkle and George of the Jungle, but was also a huge flop for some reason, so that may be the reason why they let the copyright expire. Again, I'm not sure, but no one seems to care that the entire series is on YouTube, so who knows?

...Well, there you have it. Lots of obscure and forgotten toons waiting to be rediscovered and reused! If anyone has any more info or corrections, leave me a comment. I'd love some clarification on some of these.

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m-jelly · 6 months

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hey! hope ure doing well!

can i get a fic where reader is a very well know supermodel, is maybe even in VS, and is like considered very badass and iconic...and shes dating levi, and shes in rwality, compared to how others see her (alluring, confident, etc...) is actually just a sweetheart and is very shy and kind?

(also! absolutely adore ur account and work, truly! i hope u continue doing what u do, whenever u post something, it instantly brightens up my day, believe it or not💕 ur work is a huge comfort for me and im sure it also is for many others🫂 u deserve every last bit of recognition, jelly!)

Thank you so much anon. I've been feeling very negative these days, so it means a lot to know you're enjoying what I make.

Behind the camera

Levi x fem!reader

Modern AU, fluff, romance, being a couple, model reader, no body specific reader.

Levi is a fashion designer and you are his personal model.

@ladycheesington @levisbrat25 @nyxiieluna @li-anne @galactict3a @youre-ackermine @thebobaprincess @2moth-anon2 @cypidity @nbinairyn @bts-spnlvr12 @darkstarlight82 @emilyyyy-08 @notgoodforlife @demonic-bird

Confidence rolled off you as you posed for the cameras. People commented that the clothes were just made for you, which they would be very right. Levi was the designer and every single thing on your body was made just for you.

You had started off as Levi's assistant, then he asked you to model his clothes because you inspired him and then he realised that you were so inspiring because he was madly in love with you. Levi confessed his love and you became a couple. Most would be shocked at Levi because it took you two about four months to become a couple.

Levi had moved fast, which wasn't like him. However, he knew he wanted you, he knew he loved you, he knew you were his forever and he wasn't just gonna let that slip through his fingers. Now you were a year into your love and he had already picked out a ring for your engagement, he just needed to set up a perfect day.

He made a few notes on your outfit and thought about something else he could dress you up in. He gave you a gentle smile as you posed in such an alluring way, it just drove him crazy with love. He could see you were enjoying yourself as you worked.

The photographer ended the shoot and showered you with praise. As soon as he started talking to you your true adorable nature came out. He shook your hand. "Thank you so much. It's been a joy working for you."

You felt your heart race. "R-Really? You're too kind. Umm. It was an honour to have you as a photographer. You're incredible. You make anything look beautiful." You fidgetted a little. "C-can I get you a drink or something to eat? You must be so tired."

He blushed at your words. "Oh, I'm okay, don't worry."

You hurried over to the small fridge. "I've got an ice cold water here or a diet coke?"

He chuckled. "A coke would do great."

You opened it and handed it over. "You should get some sugar in you too. Have a cookie."

"You are so sweet."

Levi made his way over to you and called your name. "Don't forget about yourself."

You gasped in shock. "Oh! You're right."

He opened a can for you and handed it over. "Drink this. You should also take a seat as well, okay?"

"Ah, but everyone..."

He ushered you to a comfy seat. "Focus on yourself, okay?" He knelt and slipped your heels off. "You're important." He massaged your feet. "It's a good job I'm very focused on you, otherwise you'd be very sick."

You hummed a laugh. "You care so much about me."

He leaned up and kissed you. "Of course. You're my world."

"You're mine. I wouldn't be doing this job if it weren't for you. I count my blessings every day."

He glided his hands up your leg. "Darling, you are more magical than you think." He smiled a little at you. "We're going out for dinner tonight. I'm going to take you to the place we went to on our first date."

You squeaked. "Yay! I love that place."

Levi took your hands and showered them with kisses. "I love it too. We'll make tonight special." Tonight was the night, he was going to ask you to marry him.

#levi ackerman #levi #aot levi #snk levi #aot fanfiction #fanfic #levi x y/n #levi fanfiction #levi x you #levi x reader #jelly fanfics #levi x yn #levi ackerman x y/n #levi ackerman x you #levi ackerman x female reader #levi ackerman x reader

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synth-operator · 1 month

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requested by @luciledrakkhen !!! teehee

2) BUZZSAW MUTANT TOILET

Appearances: Ep 62, 66, 71, 74, 77 (Part 1)

Honestly, I will say first that I genuinely adore all of the mutant toilets. Buzzsaw is a Mutant Toilet that first appeared in episode 62, tagging along with Berserker Mutant Toilet until the end of the episode before the POV gets buzzsawed by him. Simply, he has a buzzsaw equipped on his right hand and has the body of a large cameraman. He is also wearing headphones along too with a very chattering mouth and teeth appearance.

In episode 66, he is seen chasing to saw off the head of a large cameraman before Polycephaly attempts to blind him and Buzzsaw gains his now iconic shades as protection. His chattering wide mouth disappears into more smug grin after almost getting blinded. Polycephaly calls him an "Ugly ass bitch".

After G-Toilet has finally received upgrades in episode 71, Buzzsaw appears again but this time in a more cold and intimidating opening. Simply walking, blasting and sawing any Alliance member in his way. His buzzsaw is now equipped with a laser canon in it and he seems to be equipped with two katanas and a jetpack. G-Toilet shows admiration to him, raising his eyebrows multiple times (or in rizz, honestly) before he flys off.

Episode 74 is the rizziest appearance of him. It seems he is to be close to the now Upgraded Berserker Mutant Toilet/ Rambo Mutant Toilet as they shook hands and grinned. For the poor pov in this episode, they were blocked by Buzzsaw with a extremely rizzed-up appearance in a matter of a sort of "Where you going?" tone before the pov is killed off by Swat Mutant Toilet.

He is the first mutant to appear first in episode 77, flying to stab and saw the Astro Toilet with his now Astro-powered katanas that he can pull and return back to him. He also has a helmet this time that serves as his face shield too. He is the second mutant to talk after Swat.

Now that's over with, he is honestly a very funny and badass mutant to me. He and Rambo Mutant Toilet are fighting for the spot in my 2nd favorite mutant. He is a very expressive toilet in appearance and personality. From being unserious to being cocky-like after putting the shades. I'm pretty sure that no one payed him not much attention until he literally puts on the shades and pull such rizz.

When he made that face in 74, I was genuinely flabbergasted that he was so zesty and flamboyant. I think it was that time that I think that Boom knows that SOME of us simp for these toilets. It made me laugh way too much in a sort of "OH MY GOD, STOP", very positive tone by the way. He's very silly, I like that too much from him. I'm very happy to see that he's gotten the recognition he deserves definitely way more, he's such an iconic mutant with his vibe.

#skibidi toilet #skibidi toilet fanart #skibidi fanart #dafuqboom #skibidi toilet tumblr #rodney rambles #buzzsaw mutant toilet #skibidi appreciation post

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reyggtv · 5 months

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I LOVE JOHANNA

Guys. I have to admit. I love Johanna. Johanna is THE perfect mother of all mothers in all of cartoon history. Why? First of all, most of her time was spent on raising one kid and one kid only because dumb ANDERS thinks that he can just get away with all of his problems including child support, and despite all of that, the fact is Johanna loves and supports Hilda more than anything. She is and WAS willing to give up EVERYTHING just so her own daughter could live a better and longer life. Two, she is an excellent graphic and art designer!! Her designs are truly iconic in the Trolberg architecture, even if that meant nearly having her soul taken away in the Tide Mice episode. She is a talented woman who absolutely deserves more recognition for her work. Three, SHE MAKES THE BEST CUCUMEBR SANDWICHES!!! How can you go wrong with Johanna's cucumber sandwiches?!?! I mean seriously, what other cucumber sandwiches have you tried before that could even remotely compare to the level of quality and perfection that is Johanna's delicious cucumber sandwiches. If you don't know how to make them, the recipe is in the Hilda's Sparrow Scout Badge Guide book, though honestly I would highly recommend reaching to Johanna and asking her to make you a cucumber sandwich herself, it’s is the definitive way to eat her cucumber sandwiches. And finally number four, SHE IS SO PRETTY LIKE OHMAYGAWD 😍😍❤️❤️ JOHANNA IS LITERALLY THEEEE MOST PRETTIEST WOMAN ON THE PLANET‼️‼️ I have a feeling that when they were choosing a voice actress for her, they wanted to have someone in mind who had the richest, soothing, and relaxing mother voice in the world and I think that Daisy Haggard voicing her was the best decision the Hilda team could have ever made. Not to mention her beautiful hair style and smile, Anders was fucking stupid for trying to leave her in the first place, but now I wish he wasn’t with us at all because I really really would like to date her now so can someone at Netflix please remove Anders out of the new season so I can be in it instead please? Thank you.

Anyways in conclusion, Johanna is the not only the best mother in the world, she's the best art designer, cucumber sandwich maker, store clerk, and everything in between as well as being the best looking woman in all of cartoon history don't debate me on that I don't care nothing is better than her unless maybe Bandit Heeler from Bluey thank you for coming to my TED talk.

#hilda #hilda the series #hilda netflix #hilda fan art #hilda johanna #hilda the show #Johanna please love me #I LOVE YOU SO MUCH JOHANNA

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khaopybara · 3 months

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tag game ✨

@mbjw saved me from saturday boredom and tagged me in this, so thank you jubs, i enjoyed these a lot.

1. why did you choose your url?

i love khaotung. khaotung was obsessed with the capybara song last year before i even knew who he was. capybaras happen to be a very common animal in the region i live. i was very happy they were getting the recognition they deserved. put them together, we have lovely khao + capybaras = khaopybara (i'm also super sure i've seen people here and on tw use this and i just stole it. i'm not creative especially when it comes to usernames).

2. any sideblogs? if you have them name them and why you have them.

i have two other sideblogs. @tuseryoo for all of the gifs i make so i can have all of them in one blog just because, so i feel like i'm not losing track of the things i create (even though i haven't updated that one in a while), and @captain-xandis that some moots might have noticed in their notifications bc i recently created that one to post gifs about critical role, but i always forget to check which blog appears on top of the thingy, so i'm constantly deleting and reblogging things in the right blog these days.

3. how long have you been on tumblr?

as of july 3rd, i've been here for 11 years now, so since 2013? which tracks with my super strong k-pop phase tbh.

4. do you have a queue tag?

nah, i have a queue going for gifs that are requests or for episodes that already aired, but usually i just post things whenever.

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

ha, i was into super junior. and i was experimenting with fandom for the first time at the time. that's it. i felt like tumblr was a lot more creative and pretty than twitter or facebook, so i stayed.

6. why did you choose your icon/pfp?

i am a mook defender and apologist. i also think aya is super cute and super pretty. i change icons so often though, i blame all the pretty women in qls these days for making me change it all the time.

7. why did you choose your header?

i am breathing and living for the heart killers and kantbison and unfortunately i'm dying from lack of content. the tattoo table kiss is going to change lives i think, so until we don't get the official version, i'll have this masterpiece displayed there somehow.

8. what’s your post with the most notes?

as of now, it's a 23.5 official trailer gifset of sun being jealous of ongsa with amazing 939 notes, but the gifset of lada protecting earn from hitting her head on the table is quickly catching up with 877.

9. how many mutuals do you have?

17 mutuals? i think that's right.

10. how many followers do you have?

843 if you count the main blog + side-blogs.

11. how many people do you follow?

... 27 blogs.

12. have you ever made a shitpost?

i mean, sure? i do get embarrassed by my own shitposts sometimes and i delete them tho.

13. how often do you use tumblr each day?

all the time. it's my favorite social media for sure. i get to see pretty things and my dash is much better curated than other apps. it's great.

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

i don't think i ever fought online. i block people with remarkable expedience tbh if i don't like their vibe or their tone or the shit they post, and i also make use of the filtered tags, so you know, no reason to fight.

15. how do you feel about ‘you need to reblog this’ posts

these exist? good for them. you shouldn't tell people what to do.

16. do you like tag games?

sure! i only started being part of them now, so sometimes i forget them, or i just don't see i was tagged, but i do enjoy them.

17. do you like ask games?

i don't think i've ever done an ask game but that's mainly bc i think people won't want to know and won't send any asks, and i'd rather spare my ego from that humiliation.

18. which of your mutuals do you think is tumblr famous?

i think many of my mutuals are famous in our ql bubble which makes it a little crazy that some are my mutuals tbh. that's most of them actually.

19. do you have a crush on a mutual?

i do have people that make me kick my feet when they interact with my posts like, twirling my hair, silly smile, giggling because they've noticed me. but actually crushing, imagining our lives in the countryside, with a kitchen facing the meadow in a fine spring morning, with two dogs and three cats, no.

20. tags?

i'm tagging @namtanfilm, @aylinaliens, @sollucets and @sherrymagic, @ayansukkhaphisit and whoever feels like doing it, and to those i've tagged, just ignore this if you want, too, no pressure.

#tag game #thank you jubs again for tagging me!#this was nice #and fun

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petit-papillion · 4 months

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I'm just happy this race put a spotlight on Alex Jacques and the F1TV team and feed.

I know a lot of people watch and love F1TV, myself included, but most people still consider Sky and Crofty to be the most popular feed, and I think the F1TV crew doesn't get the recognition they deserve.

I used to watch the Sky commentary back when I was a new fan, but then I switched back to F1TV and never went back. I find they're more technical, less biased, and honestly at this point the crew is familiar to me and I love their dynamics. Alex is a great commentator. Jolyon provides really good driver knowledge and isn't afraid to call them out. DC brings some humour alongside Jolyon. Hinch is awesome when he's around (I hope he's going to Montreal!), and I do like the analyses from Sam and Alex Brundle. And of course Laura, Will and Lawrence (though I know some people dislike some of them) are really fun in the pre and post shows.

The only person I didn't love on F1TV was Ben Edwards when he filled in for Alex - I just wasn't a fan of his style of commentary or his voice. I'm not sure if he's around this year.

But yeah, I love F1TV. If any of you are not already watching it and are able to access it, I definitely recommend giving it a shot!

Yeah, I think I am now a convert tbh. I really like Martin Brundle's technical comments, and Ted can unexpectedly blurt out some gems, but Crofty should reserve his puns for Free Practice, not iconic race wins. I was disappointed with his commentary for both Lando's first win (and he is such an unapologetic Norris fanboy!) and Charles's home win.

Funny story: I had the commentary set for Sky, but my cat Orion decided mid-race it was time for Netflix (i.e. stepped on the remote) and I had to scramble to change it back to F1TV. Took me quite a few laps to realize I was not listening to Martin and Crofty anymore, and I only noticed because the commentary was so nice and quiet. I should've just left it at F1TV at that point instead of switching back. Orion was on to something there, ha ha!

I do already watch a lot of the F1TV pre/post-show and analyses, so may as well fully commit now. I love Laura - she totally wears her heart on her sleeve. Kept getting choked up after Charles's win. And man, Alex Jacques's commentary for Charles's final lap was exactly what was needed there. I am absolutely going to re-watch the last few laps of this race with his commentary. Maybe I will be able to breathe this time...

#no promises on holding back the waterworks though #alex jacques #f1tv #i have a love-hate relationship with lawrence #been a bit more on the hate side recently #i always want to give will some lavender or something bec man does he get hyper ha ha #sam can ramble on about tech stuff forever #there really is something for everyone there #plus I also feel like crofty and brundle haven't been quite at the top of their game lately #misidentifying the driver #some other little errors slipping in here and there #martin needing to call out crofty more on his bullshit as well #anyway definitely time for a change for me #and alex my man you have convinced me now #anon ask

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starburstfloat · 11 months

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so i saw your tags on that reblogged post about hybe and removing the k from kpop, and i'm super interested in hearing your thoughts! and yeah i do agree that bts' music in recent years has lost a lot of what makes it unique :/

Oh I'd love to chat about it - thanks for giving me the opportunity to share more of my thoughts!

For those who don't know, we're referencing this opinion piece article that discusses, in an appropriately scathing tone, how bang pd/hybe executives are leading kpop to its demise by making poor creative choices for their artists (mostly BTS, but whoever comes after will evidently be affected by their creative decisions). Namely, releasing superficial bland pop music, in the attempt to remove the K from Kpop and make the genre more global and palatable for all audiences; essentially, taking away Kpop's core essence to appeal to the US music market.

Having been an avid kpop fan since 2010, and more of an observant media/pop culture enthusiast since 2016, the westernization of the genre doesn't come as a surprise to me. What does surprise me though are the masses of BTS army, whose demographic comprises the largest share of Hybe fans, who avidly support this trend. It's a reason I found myself getting distant to the fandom since the release of Butter, since the mere suggestion that BTS were losing their creative identity garnered hoards of angry responses of people retaliating with "well it's good they're getting the recognition they deserve!" and "it's catchy music for the radio, why would you be upset?"

I think what a lot of people who support Hybe's decision are missing here is that most of us don't really care if the lyrics are changed from Korean to English - if it's a good song, I don't care what language it's in. But that's not what bang pd means when he suggests removing the K from Kpop. He's removing the entire sound of kpop and, with most Korean artists not lyrically skilled enough to write their own verses in English, which will be the dominant language going forward for title tracks (at least for now; this may change as new waves of trainees and more stringently enforced English lessons hit the writing room), we're going to see most Kpop songs no longer written or produced by the members of the groups.

It's a bit ironic, since that's what kpop grew to embrace in third gen, especially with BTS's penmanship getting recognition from fans and non fans alike. BTS rose to fame for their authenticity, their songs crafted from personal experiences and imagination, and that's what attracted so many people to them, myself included. They had something meaningful to say. Then when they rose to popularity, the goal became to become as marketable as possible, and we witness a complete creative downfall at the start of the dynamite era, what the author of the article dubs the English Trilogy.

I could even look past the superficiality of a track if it's able to become something noteworthy or iconic. Consider the success of GIDLE's Queencard - a title track that rocks lyrics like "I'm hot, my boob and bootie's hot, spotlight, I'm Star Star Star". It completely dominated Korea's music charts this year, and saw success internationally too. Why? Firstly, the title references a well established Korean slang word (calling someone a King or Queencard in correlation to their cool aura). Secondly, it doesn't take itself too seriously. GIDLE said, Here's a camp song for the girls and the gays and delivered, without slapping on some forced heartfelt deeper meaning. Thirdly, the music video, from the styling and choreography, draws artistic inspiration from early 2000s films like Mean Girls and White Chicks - a creative choice that enhances the comical and vibrant tone of the track. Lastly, Queencard is so undeniably kpop - from the song structure, the vocal blending, the bridge, the choreo - it's kpop perfection. Is it a basic pop track? Yes, absolutely. But it's also bigger than that, for all the reasons I just mentioned, so it's a shame that hybe, in its pursuit of monopolizing the industry, sees something like that and goes, how about we just strip kpop of all its fun parts and give audiences the blandest cardboard cereal blend they've ever tasted? Evidently Jungkook's solo album Golden was this very attempt to experiment with a solely western style, detract from the vibrancy or intensity of what kpop was before. Where's the artistic charm in that? It's disappeared.

I guess it all comes down to the fact that hybe, and at this point we can assume the bangtan members too (since I don't subscribe to the "bang pd evil, members get no say in decisions" narrative that some people suggest) aren't concerned with the meaning behind their craft anymore, just the money.

It's a bit infuriating because I, and assumedly thousands of others who have been part of the kpop wave long before BTS's rise to fame, would happily pay big money to see live music from acts currently releasing quality music. But I guess that requires more effort, and for hybe that's the least of their concern.

#kpop discourse #let's gooo!!!!

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bp-zb1fics · 1 year

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omg ur zb1 as disney prince’s was so good i love me a good royalty type of thing!! now it has me wondering what disney princess they would be🤭 -🐰

Okay 🐰 anon asking me the logical next question, tysm 💜💜💜 we love and we are excited because some members could be the same princess as their prince ver and others are going to be totally different. So without further ado, here are my Zb1 disney princess headcanons: tired and sleep deprived ver. Same conditions from disney prince headcanons apply 🤣

Also just because I cast two different members for prince/ princess ver. in the same Disney movie does not mean it’s a ship. In most cases, they will be 2 diff movies.

Jiwoong: Cinderella

This man literally struggled through two failed groups and a lawsuit

Worked as an actor before finally achieving his dream

Like if that’s not a rags to riches story idk y’all

That aside, is definitely the type to forget something important once he reaches the peak of his life ( I’m sorry, what’s the name of our group again?)

Hao: Belle

there must be more then this provincial life - probably Hao at some point

Hao during the little prince skit giving peak Belle

Always learning, always reading

definitely no Stockholm syndrome in Hao’s fairytale

Hanbin: Elsa

Has always had powers but not confident enough to stand in the spotlight

But when he does?

It’s a slay y’all like this is the Queen

Into the Unknown? More like into Boys planet lol?

Took him awhile to reach final form like from pre debut to now but that the talents always been there

Matthew: Anna/Rapunzel

It’s just the vibe???

I can’t decide omg

Like he’s bubbly, bright and optimistic

So like wide eyed and excited to see the (outside) world

But also struggling to find his place in it?? Idk if that makes sense~

Taerae: Ariel

I’d want to keep his voice in a lil shell and just have it w me all the time lol

Collection? Oh you mean his rainbow colored closet of fashion terrorist pieces

Yes the guitar is the collection centerpiece

Y’all try to argue w me but like regardless of who Taerae’s prince is, they gon fall in love with that voice like yo

Ricky: Jasmine

A pet tiger? Like why am I not surprised~

Yes he is in fact the “sexiest” princess

Young and rich and sassy

Idk anymore the energy just fits

Gyuvin: Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

I’m sorry this man and the way he launches himself onto his bed like a flying tuna

It’s iconic

Yes he’s very pretty we get it

The reactions he’d make when some prince jumpscare a him in the woods

Hanbin, Hoetaek and Hao as the 3 fairy godmothers

Gunwook: Tiana

Almost there as a song literally being Gunwook’s BP journey

But he gets there!!!

Gets the recognition he deserves in that finale, literally transforming from “scary” who’s gonna pull the trigger man to jelly pop maknae~

Literally embodying the hustle like man works hard and it paid off

Yujin: Snow White

Bc he’s A BABY, Taerae as his prince just isn’t it, like this hyung just wants to adopt him

Snow White is literally the youngest princess so yes Yujin maknae on top rise

Probably gets jumpscared like he’s just singing about water and a monami pencil, who’s this man with a guitar

In this case, we got the seven Yuehua hyungs to look after Yujinie

No they will not sign over the adoption papers to you Taerae but you can have visitation rights

OK this was a lot harder then I thought and I am open to feedback, diff opinions tbh idk abt some of this I’m much tired yall best believe

#boys planet #boys planet headcanons #zb1 #zb1 headcanons #kim jiwoong #zhang hao #sung hanbin #seok matthew #kim taerae #shen ricky #kim gyuvin #park gunwook #han yujin #disney princess #disney headcanons #bp zb1fics answers

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soul-dwelling · 2 months

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Lengthy Barely Organized Remarks about Chapter 430 of 'My Hero Academia' and Lack of Closure

A lot of this is going to be stream-of-consciousness writing, for a few reasons: lack of time right now; a lot of ideas I have had the last few months reading this final arc; and a desire to get it all down on page the day the last chapter officially came out so that I can share my thoughts and put this series behind me for a bit until a question or a new idea or a fic I’m writing inspires me to re-consider the series overall.

In addition to talking about what I didn’t like in Chapter 430, I’m also going to talk about which details I think lack sufficient closure. As I’ll repeat throughout, maybe that stuff is saved for a sequel, an OVA, changes in the anime adaptation, another spinoff manga, or a fifth film. However, this is the last chapter of this manga, I despised how this manga made you need to read Vigilantes and see the films to make sense of stuff that should have been introduced and clarified within this own series (Oboro and Kurogiri; who Melissa is), and by that same principle, I do not appreciate this manga failing to wrap up pretty big details and, if I may be petty, pretty small details that I selfishly wish had been concluded.

The Chapter Needed to Give Izuku More Credit

As Reddit user mrwanton points out, it is difficult to enjoy the ending when it feels like Izuku does not get the credit we think he deserves.

I understand Izuku does not want the glory; I understand that other characters with more flashy appearances, superpowers, and continuing Pro Hero work will overshadow him. But as a reader, it is disappointing.

I am not asking for fiction to be realistic: I despise the “grounded in realism” argument, defining “real” is a fool’s errand. But I am asking for a story to be believable--and I can believe Izuku still getting celebrated. Dai’s ability to recognize Izuku by appearance alone as Deku shows that Izuku is a famous enough hero (lowercase or capitalized); I think that is supposed to be our recognition that Izuku is celebrated and famous, but it is admittedly difficult for readers to understand that point when we never see any other reactions to him.

Yes, I am asking for more than this dreaded timeskip: show old YouTube clips right after the war of people obsessing over all the students’ accomplishments; show clips of Izuku still doing Pro Hero work until he lost One For All; do not wait for a fifth film to show just what big or small deed Izuku did that used up the last of One For All--give it to us now. Show us that Izuku was beloved and that is why people still recognize him. You don’t need to give him a trophy, a statue--especially when the asinine Pro Hero rankings should have been abolished and not at all brought up in this chapter. But do give Izuku his victory.

The Paneling and Art Do Not Show

I despise the panel showing the older designs of Ochaco et al when the dialogue boxes are talking about her and her colleagues’ work on Quirk counseling. Show me their work in Quirk counseling. I don’t care what they look like with older designs; I don’t even like the older designs, especially as their costumes have barely changed. (Ochaco started this series a bit bothered by the costume she got; it’s been this long, I can understand her getting used to it or thinking it is now iconic and she can’t change--I don’t care, give someone, anyone, a new costume design that is different enough but better suited to their adult self.)

It’s the same way I feel about how we are told that Izuku is a teacher, but we do not see him at work in the classroom or on the field trip. I get it, this stuff can be saved for a bonus chapter, an OVA, a film. Again, I want it now.

Aside: The Art and Failure to Show Has Been Bad for Awhile

It doesn’t help that someone on the #MHA tag has been sharing a ton of panels from the manga going back to Chapter 1--and it’s reminding me, first, how much better the art and paneling looked in earlier chapters, and second, how the behind-the-scenes factoid sheets in the volumes show how bad at execution Horikoshi could be.

There is a list of the Class 1A students and how they trained with the Pussycats--and Horikoshi writes that he just didn’t draw those parts. We really couldn’t have stuff in the background showing Iida running? Even the training he has for the characters is boring: Ojiro just swings his tail to see how much faster and harder he can hit--that’s it? Koji practices yelling louder? No, show us Koji having to train his throat, hot tea, lozenges, something, anything, to make this a gag or visually dynamic--why are we only getting in writing what he did and not seeing it play out?

Overhaul and Shigaraki

Ever since the manga confirmed Shigaraki’s Quirk was a revised copy of Overhaul’s, I’m even more disappointed the story did not make it more obvious about that connection, and about the parallels for how each could have turned into the other, and the contrasts with how they dealt with their fathers (biological fathers or father figures).

And given how Shigaraki’s ending is presented as the best option (as gross as it is that putting him down is somehow considered by the story as the best option), I feel bitter about how Overhaul’s story ends.

I don’t like that his story ends as tragedy based around disability. I don’t like that losing his arms is treated as tragic. I don’t like that practically losing his Quirk is treated as tragedy. (I also don’t like that the manga seems to contradict what was either confirmed or hinted in the official encyclopedia that Overhaul was learning to use his Quirk with his feet--something that would have been so creative that it is all the more infuriating that we didn’t see it.) I don’t like how much this parallels Izuku, both in terms of making Overhaul effectively Quirkless as Izuku was because Overhaul now has no arms, and in terms of having both Overhaul and Izuku losing their arms. I don’t like that Overhaul had the same miserable childhood and upbringing as Shigaraki, Dabi, Toga, and Spinner--but he’s the one who gets punished, and has his misery extended to constant chastisement by the Boss (we’ll get to why his return to life also bothers me) while Shigaraki and Toga are considered to have had the best endings by being put down (again, the story implies that, I don’t think that was a good ending at all for them), Dabi gets a lackluster moment of closure with Shoto, and Spinner gets to tell his story.

I know what Overhaul did to Eri is not forgivable. I also don’t appreciate that his life is treated as a tragedy for what he did, while Shigaraki, Dabi, Toga, and Spinner engaged in actions that crossed over from “good” to “bad” just as Overhaul did. I’m not here to compare whether Overhaul or the other four did worse; I am talking about the binary choice of “good” and “bad,” and all five of them crossed it, but it feels like only Overhaul pays that penalty, and it bothers me that the way he pays it is to be disabled. There is no reforming for him, just getting yelled at by the Boss. There is no use of prison to reform him; again, he is just getting yelled at by the Boss. This doesn’t come across as parental love by the Boss for Overhaul--it just comes across as punishment.

I know treating Overhaul as some blorbo is gross. I know insisting on some badly written shipping moment with him and Nagant would most likely wreck her character. I also think it is a good writing philosophy to use character interactions to tease out the complexity that character potentially has, and it is bothersome that Nagant’s presence around Overhaul barely amounts to much, Izuku’s promise to Overhaul to see Eri again amounts to nothing and gives no insight into how Izuku rationalizes such a lie he made of a promise and any potential consideration he was giving to actually further traumatizing Eri to make her interact with her abuser again, and it just sucks that Overhaul and pretty much all of the Hassaikai are underdeveloped characters that I would have enjoyed seeing again, especially in this last arc. This is the final arc--bring back everyone. Give me the ending of The Batman where now you have even Batman’s rogues gallery helping stop the alien invasion. Show how their regard for Overhaul has changed. We got Rappa in a flashback in Vigilantes; maybe Team-Up Missions could have spent time developing the characters already available instead of insisting on a series of one-shot characters who never come back.

Now, onto the Boss: we really couldn’t have just had Eri or another Quirk heal him? We really just had to make it tech? I get that this is building off of the tech All Might used to fight All For One and to foreshadow the technological advancements that will give Izuku his mech suit--and I still don’t like it, it’s a swerve, it’s pulling from another power set that has not been the focus of this series--this has been a series about superpowers, not freaking tech, I don’t care about all the robots and computers and circuit boards, I want the far-out-there Quirks that no one ever imagined before that can show up as a deus ex machina to fix this problem! Why even bring up the Quirk Singularity if you are not going to pay that off?

And speaking of…

The Quirk Singularity Gets No Closure

It is going to be a slogan of this post that maybe fans should wait for a sequel series, a fifth film, an OVA, or the anime adaptation before talking about all the stuff that didn’t get paid off, such as Izuku’s father, what happened to the rest of Classes A and B and the other Pro Heroes, and, of course, the Quirk Singularity.

I don’t like the Quirk Singularity idea in theory or principle. I get the point of it, and I get how it builds off of what we have already seen: people like Izuku, All Might, and Aoyama whose bodies are not made to handle these Quirks getting too powerful. But that idea falls apart once Garaki can just mutate Nine and then Shigaraki’s body to make him into Mahito hand-man who can take on more and more power. If there was any payoff to this, that after Chapter 429, during this timeskip to Chapter 430, that Garaki or someone else made advancements to change human bodies to better adapt to their Quirks, that would give closure to this idea. Hell, maybe that could be a good moral and an antidote to the real-life anti-trans bullshit that is spreading like a terrorist plague throughout our world: here is a story that could tell trans people that there is an optimistic future where you can have the body that you identify with, you can live a happy life, your self and who you are is not constrained by societal expectations or even our current medicine, there is hope.

Instead, the Quirk Singularity and all its symbolic potential is overlooked in the finale.

Instead of all this talk about giving Izuku more tech to let him play pretend as Pro Hero, is there really nothing going on in this setting about advancements in biotech?

Underdeveloped Cast and Unanswered Questions

Where is Spinner now?

What was the deal with Compress and his ancestor? What is their story? What galvanized their philosophy? Why did Compress think his philosophy better meshed with the League more than the Heroes? Why was there never any interrogation about how Compress should have been a Hero and instead threw in with the Villains? How did the Villains help him further his cause, or is the point that his methods were actually defeating his goals and he was too narrow-minded and ignorant to see a better path? Why couldn’t we have had Compress after his capture finding a new application to improve society? Why didn’t we get a moment of horror as he realized he wasn’t improving society but destroying it? Or, is that the point, that he thinks everything has to be torn down and then rebuilt, hence why he has a mask reminiscent of V or the Question or Rorschach just to make that point clear? In other words, is he a chaos agent who thinks this will make a better world, or would he have seen that his methods unintetnaionlly undermined what he was trying to accomplish?

Where is Izuku's dad?

This Story Wanted You to Feel Bad and Be Disappointed

In case I don’t say this elsewhere:

A lot of people are upset how the manga ended--Izuku had to stop being a professional hero, Izuku no longer had a superpower. People are upset because they wanted to see him still be a Pro Hero, wanted to see him re-gain One For All or gain a new superpower, or get that mech suit earlier instead of waiting eight years to get it.

The thing is, that upset, even anger, is what the text is trying to get you to feel: that was the intended emotion it wanted to get out of you, so that, once Izuku gets that suit, it feels like we in the audience can let go of that upset, that anger.

I say all of that while admitting, no, I don’t like this, it still doesn’t work for me. It works for the story, I can see the craft to it, I see the message Horikoshi offers--but I also don’t like the story, I don’t like the choice, I don’t enjoy the craftsmanship, I don’t like the message.

Show Izuku’s Success as a Teacher

I love Izuku fishing for a compliment from Aizawa about how good he is at teaching; I despise Aizawa not acknowledging it; I hate that we don’t see Izuku doing much classroom teaching. We at least see him telling Kota where is their field trip and helping Dai apply his Quirk--but I want to see Izuku in the classroom doing traditional, boring, practical, lecture-heavy or Socratic-heavy teaching.

As I have said elsewhere, or as anonymous submissions said to me, this all could have worked better if we saw how Izuku’s work outside of Pro Hero work and in his teaching were contributing just as much value as Pro Hero work was, and it would have helped if we saw more obvious, more substantial, far more advanced societal progression in which non-combat and non-Pro Hero Quirk usage were more prevalent to address the systematic, psychological, emotional and mental health, physical health, societal, and financial improvements needed after the entire world went to hell thanks to Shigaraki and All For One wrecking Japan, killing Star and Stripe, and almost upending all global order and governmental systems.

Instead, Izuku was doing the good work of teaching--and the fans online keep treating that as no big deal, and I am struggling to determine how much of that is because those fans are fucking foolish and ignorant about the value of teaching, or because Horikoshi did not do a good job equating Izuku’s teaching work to the work of Pro Heroes, or because the story really should have hit the gas pedal on societal progress and made far more obvious, significant changes to society, even if that depended on handwaving and timeskips, so that this really did feel far more like a better world.

Speaking of which…

Show This Supposedly Better World

I already said some of this when talking about the paneling and artwork.

One of the first details about My Hero Academia that appealed to me is that, despite the story beginning with Izuku saying the message of this story was going to be that not all people are created equal, this society still had accomplishments at accessibility lacking in our own world, whether the little trivia tidbits that Ojiro can get his clothing changed on-site immediately to accommodate his tail, or the doors to UA classrooms accommodating people even up to gigantic size.

The problem is that these parallels to how our world could be more accessible to people with disability kept butting up against how the story was emphasizing that inequality still existed, that equity was not fully there, that discrimination still existed, and that accessibility was still denied. For every bit of improved accessibility in this setting, there was still Izuku bullied for having no Quirk, Mount Lady and certain people with giant mutant Quirks unable to live and work in confined spaces and, in Mount Lady’s case, having to work harder and be more of a showboat to pay off the collateral damage her giant Quirk was causing even as her Quirk was needed to save lives, and giant Quirk possessors unable to find housing and public transportation outside of convenient locations and instead put into NIMBYs or otherwise inconveniently located neighborhoods, discrimination against mutant-type people (with the English dub even having Jiro referring to Tokoyami as “bird-brain”).

And that’s not even getting into one really good do-not-interact post I found on Tumblr addressing the unfortunate implications that Izuku, in the finale and now Quirkless, hence a metaphor for having a disability, is given a mech suit without anyone letting him know ahead of time, hence taking away his agency and not even asking him whether this is what he wanted or would want and removing the choice from him.

Horikoshi Never Beating Perv Allegations

Oh, and another post on Tumblr had to remind me of the gross remarks Horikoshi made about what his thought process was designing Momo’s suit--because the creator still has to perv on underage girls. This is not addressing sexism or male gaze or fetishizing or objectification or the actual sex lives of, yes, teenagers--it’s just the creator perving on underage girls, and it is gross.

In other words, I appreciate the revision to Momo’s costume; I have ranted against that costume online and in conference presentations; I despise that it took this long to give her a better costume. And I don’t get how Mineta is still working and not in jail.

What Did Shigaraki Actually Destroy?

I’m getting tired, so I’m just going to link to someone else who talked about the question about what did Shigaraki actually destroy. It doesn’t help that, thanks to the Pro Hero ranking, the emphasis on strong Quirks, and the refusal to apply Quirks outside of Pro Hero work, these improvements we do get just strike me as inevitably leading to the same problems repeating yet again. I don’t care whether that is “realistic”; I want a story that ends with a view to how we can improve, not a reminder how we keep fucking things up.

Horikoshi’s Development of Izuku and Ochaco: Commit, or Don’t Bother

All of this being said, it doesn’t change that this ending is unsatisfying in a way that comes across as the story or Horikoshi not committing to the bit, not giving closure to what he himself introduced, hence making that lack of closure seem like it was done out of sloppiness rather than circumventing audience expectations and undermining tropes because, if he was circumventing expectations and tropes, then the story would have made it super obvious.

For example, while I appreciate the point made by others online that Ochaco and Izuku never seem to end up as a couple at the end of this manga, it also makes all of that come across as unappealing. When you are toying with the conventions of a romance story, then do nothing to give it closure, that disappointment is a legitimate feeling to have. Yes, it helps to progress the plotlines of Ochaco finding a way to reach out to Toga and make Toga’s legacy contribute to societal improvement--but it’s annoying that it doesn’t do the obvious detail we want in a romance, that being to give closure to that relationship.

Either hook up Izuku and Ochaco, or show us Ochaco’s point of view at the end for us to know she has moved on and that Izuku either missed the opportunity or was oblivious that Ochaco even liked him. It is fine and valid for Izuku and Ochaco to not be a couple; it is still annoying to toy with narrative conventions and then drop them as if the story was not setting up a relationship or a bittersweet conclusion that it would never work.

Shipping Is Good Actually

This is also why I prefer fanworks that go in wild directions in ships. I think MHA would have benefited if Izuku was already dating someone else in the supporting cast who gets little to no character progression in the main manga.

Yes, this would mean Izuku would not be presented throughout the manga as awkward around dating--which I would appreciate, getting to see his character progression to get used to dating or, you know, being aromantic, asexual, whatever we want to do with him.

And yes, this means that I am developing under-developed characters through shipping--which is a valid and helpful perk of shipping. What do you think character progression is unless it involves showing how a character is different depending on with whom they interact? Seeing how another character relates to the main protagonist would actually help develop that character, and just because it’s romantic does not cancel out the need to still also develop that character outside of shipping.

Shipping is opening the door to develop a character; the rest of the work is harder but necessary, and seeing as Horikoshi had more than 400 chapters and barely developed the large cast of supporting characters, I’m not confident he would have pulled it off if he had shipped Izuku with, say, Tsuyu, Shinso, or any other character mostly underdeveloped. And yes, even then, Tsu and Shinso are two of the already really developed characters, so, bad example on my part.

But an End Couple Can Be Cliche and Underdeveloped

I also have to own up to the potential that I’m being hypocritical or asking this manga to stick to cliches. What I’m asking for is that, if the intention was to undermine a cliche, make it super obvious. I can appreciate the argument that Ochaco’s path is a “take that” against similar cliches in ongoing shonen manga.

Hell, Fire Force shoe-horned in a pointless child to the protagonist--and made it a joke, whether intentional or not (given Ohkubo’s sloppiness, likely unintentional), that we the audience don’t know which if either of the two we see is Shinra’s kid and who the other parent or parents are. That didn’t come across to me as Ohkubo doing a “take that,” it came across as Ohkubo’s fixation on harem logic and refusing to offend readers who don’t want their favorite ship ignored.

While I see enough takes that Horikoshi provided a canonical ship in the form of Izuku and Bakugo, I don’t see it that way. It sickens me imagining that bully and that victim paired up, but I also can appreciate that reading when it is that intimate and that much concern by Bakugo--even as it still has its own problems (the bullying as I mentioned but, as another post on Tumblr put it well, the refusal of Izuku’s agency by never letting him in on the plan that his former classmates were trying to make a mech suit to get Izuku back doing Pro Hero work without ever asking him whether he’d be up for it or acknowledging to him that they don’t know whether the suit will work before they finish making it).

Did They Even Test the Mech Suit?

And speaking of the mech suit, and an odd aside: how did they figure out whether this suit would work? Who had to test it out? All Might? Bakugo? Some random schlub Melissa and Hatsume hired as a lab rat to do the field tests? Crash test dummies?

The Finale Kind of Ruins Merch and Video Games for Me

I keep telling a friend a tortured metaphor I have been using to talk about poor writing in certain franchises.

I despised how the Tomorrow-verse of DC animated movies wrapped up with Crisis.

That film came across as, the way I put it to my friend, just seeing a bunch of Funko Pops get smashed.

I don’t feel anything about these characters dying off, I just feel like I’m seeing consumer products broken like that Apple iPad commercial a few months ago.

I don’t want to anthropomorphize a Funko Pop, one of the least interesting product lines out there.

I want to anthropomorphize a pencil. I want that scene in Community where Jeff gets you to name the pencil, sympathize with it, craft a history and a biography and a personality for it--then snap it in half so that you feel something.

I don’t know whether the ending to My Hero Academia feels like a Funko Pop or a pencil. I am leaning towards the pencil, because I’m so bummed with how things played out for certain characters that it is going to be awkward for me to go back and try to 100 percent complete certain missions in the My Hero Academia video games when I know how Shigaraki, Dabi, and Toga end up. I don’t want to relive that; I don’t know how to get back to those games ever again.

Heck, I’m struggling to get back to writing any fics with these characters--but at least in the fics I’m co-writing, those characters get happier endings, even if some of them still die.

#long post #mha spoiler #mha spoilers

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a-trick-or-two-with-lepers · 1 year

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Hair Song Ranking - by Production!

I'm back again with a somewhat coherent tumblr post! Can you believe it? Anyway, I know I've already done a Hair song ranking, but this time, I'll be talking about multiple productions: the Original cast recording (1968), the 1979 movie soundtrack, and the Broadway revival cast recording (2009). I know, same formula as my Godspell post.

I am aware that the film version omitted a TON of songs, but I'll be keeping those songs in the ranking anyway. I tried to match the songs up as much as possible, so I left out some that only appeared in one version. Also, massive spoilers for anyone who hasn't seen the movie- it departs from the original script in several major ways, and I think this impacts the message of the story both negatively and positively. (My asks and DMs are always open if you want to have a conversation about it 👀).

And now: my unsolicited opinions!

Aquarius- Winner: 1979 Movie. I mean. Can you blame me? This is, like, the most ethereal opening to a movie ever. The arrangement in this version is my favorite of any recording I've heard of this song. The extended intro leaves plenty of time for the audience to get excited- the bass and brass hit every time- and by the time the vocals come in, you'd better be ready to be astonished. The soloist is amazing. 'Aquarius' is by far the most popular track from the musical, and Renn Woods, who was just 19 at the time, sings it with such power. I'm a big fan of Sasha Allen, who sings this song (as well as many others) in the revival cast, and Ronnie Dyson's original take is iconic, but Woods only got one song in the show, and I think she deserves all the recognition for it. I highly suggest taking a look at this article if you'd like to know more about her experiences.

Donna- Winner: 1979 Movie. I was 🤏 this close to giving this one to the revival cast; Will Swenson is one of my favorite portrayals of George Berger. But not even he could hit the notes Treat Williams (rest in peace 😔) managed in this song. I also enjoy the instrumentation and backup vocals of this one the most. It's gonna be really hard to compare Treat to anyone else- he's top tier, for me.

Hashish- Winner: 2009 Cast. I almost gave this to the movie again, 'cause I do think it did the best job at what it set out to do, which is, I assume, make the audience feel like they're in the blunt rotation. Only thing with that is, this song is on the same track as 'Donna' in the movie soundtrack, and it pisses me off, because whenever I wanna listen to the former, I have to either sit through the latter (which I'm not too fond of) or use one of my precious Spotify skips! So, I'm gonna go ahead and say I like the revival recording best. Like I said, this track isn't my favorite, but I like that this recording in particular gets straight to the point and doesn't drag it out.

Sodomy- Winner: 1979 Movie. Ok. I know I'm riding high on the movie soundtrack right now. I'm aware of my bias. But it's not my fault they put a fucking church choir in this song. It sounds SO GOOD, and for what?? Also, love Donnie Dacus. He's so damn cute in the movie, and I really like his voice. It's just strong enough not to sound breathy, but not so strong it overwhelms the track. Woof, my beloved 🥰

Colored Spade- Winner: 1979 Movie. Or as I know it: ".....😶..... and president of the United States of Love!" Also, yes, another movie win. I can't defend myself anymore. The recordings are just so clean. Whoever played bass for this one really went at it. Not to mention, Dorsey Wright put his whole Hudussy into his performance. I will say, there's a weird noise at the end of the recording- I can't even explain it, but it's funny as hell. Go listen to it.

Manchester England- Tie: 1979 Movie/2009 Cast. Yeah, I couldn't choose with this one. I'd say the movie has a slight edge over the revival cast- mostly because it's gay as hell and has both Treat Williams and John Savage singing. I do love the revival version as well, though, because I think it's more what the original composition had in mind. The fake British accent-shtick is missing entirely from the film. Actually, this is one of those songs where the meaning in the stage version is completely different from the film version. This makes it really hard to compare them. So, you get a tie. (Side note: I need to watch this clip from the movie at least once a day to stay healthy. Doctor's orders).

I'm Black/Ain't Got No- Winner: 1979 Movie. Shit, man. You can't put Kurt Yaghjian in a song and expect me not to go crazy about it. (Peep the profile pic). Once again, the arrangement of this version rocks my shit to an absurd degree. Every soloist SLAYS it, the instrumentation is crisp as hell, and this version actually combines songs that are usually broken up in most stage productions. I'm not saying it's necessarily better because of that, but it certainly makes it easier to listen to cohesively. Also, I don't know. The choreography for the scene just matches so well with the tune. And yes, I know I shouldn't judge a movie based on its cinematography when comparing it to stage productions, but it's really hard to ignore with this one. Even without that, this is one of my favorite songs from the movie. It's genuinely perfect. I wouldn't change a thing about it. Also, John Savage is just really adorable when he sings "I'm invisible." Sue me. At least I'm honest!

Sheila Franklin/ I Believe in Love- Winner: 2009 Cast. This one isn't in the movie soundtrack, so you're safe from its reign for now. Woo! Anyway, Caissie Levy slays. The original cast may have gotten this one if it included the little intro where everyone sings their bit about Sheila- I love that part. But I think the revival cast deserves this win.

Air- Winner: 1979 Movie. "But tumblr user a-trick-or-two-with-lepers, this one wasn't even in the movie!" Ok, and? It's on the soundtrack, and it's the best one. I'm sorry, I don't make the rules. It's a damn shame this didn't make the cut, 'cause Annie Golden did a great job with it! She sounds absolutely adorable. The other two versions are almost hard to listen to for me. It's not like I think the singers did a bad job- they're both very talented and I don't hate their versions- but the song is written to be somewhat annoying, I think. The voice Kacie Sheik puts on for Jeannie can be a bit grating at times. Maybe that just means I'm more of a vocalist-enjoyer than an actor-enjoyer, but in terms of listening value, this one goes to the tragically unused movie version.

10. Initials- Winner: 1968 Cast. An original cast recording win! Yay! I don't even have a problem with the other two versions, I just think it's really funny that this particular recording came out while LBJ was president. Dissing a current president in your broadway production has to be one of the boldest moves I've seen in musical theater history- though, this show broke a lot of musical barriers, so I'm not surprised.

11. I Got Life- Winner: 1979 Movie. I don't know why I spent so long thinking about which version was my favorite for this one. The movie version is like, one of my top tracks on Spotify. The whole scene is fucking perfect. I know this is supposed to be a Claude song, but Treat Williams as Berger owns it. It ranked number two in my 1979 Hair song ranking, and I stand by that placement. It has become one of my favorite movie scenes. The absolute joy that emanates from his performance is really inspiring. I will say, I like how they kept the 1948/1968 bit at the beginning of the OG cast recording, and Gavin Creel sings this song really well in the revival, but I'd be hard pressed to give this win to anyone but the one and only Treat Williams.

12. Going Down- Winner: 2009 Cast. This is another one that wasn't in the movie soundtrack, and I am PISSED that we never got to hear Treat sing this. Regardless, Will Swenson has the charisma cranked up to 1000 here. I adore how he growls out "Lucifer." This has become one of my favorite tracks from the 2009 recording. It is NOT believable that this man, or anyone playing Berger in these versions, is a teenager, but I've never cared about stuff like that. Well, except for the travesty that is the Dear Evan Hansen movie. Yeesh... Anyway!

13. Hair- Winner: 1979 Movie. The title track! I can back this one up, I swear. First of all: this is usually a Claude/Berger song, and while I really wish John Savage sang more in the movie, a second Woof solo is always appreciated. They keep more of the harmony in the intro, which I appreciate. This particular version of "Let it fly in the breeze and get caught in the trees" lives in my head rent-free at all times. I wish they'd used Hud's solo in the soundtrack, but I'm not too mad about it. Treat is, once again, hitting those high notes, and my ears thank him for it. Also, this is the only version that doesn't drag out the "why don't my mother love me" line, and I don't know why, but I kind of like it better that way?

14. My Conviction- Winner: 2009 Cast. This song is so cute. I love that someone of an older generation shows support in this show! And she's(?) trans?? Or a crossdresser. Never was sure which it was. Either way, I think all the performances of this one were really great, but Andrew Kober did it best in my opinion. Still, I'd love to see the unnecessarily horrified reactions to this in the 60s.

15. Easy to Be Hard- Winner: 1979 Movie. Yeah, I knew this was gonna win before I even started making the list. I'm sorry, I truly do love both other versions, and whenever I sing this song I use the original key, but the movie version is simply just. 😚🤌. That plucky thing they do with the guitar is so beautiful. The meaning of the song is amplified by how different the scene is from the stage versions. And the singer. THE. SINGER. FUCKING INSANE. Her name is Cheryl Barnes, and she owns my entire heart. This role isn't in any other version as far as I'm aware, and she doesn't even have a name. She just pops up and is like "hey lemme just blow you all away real quick." Fuck you Hud for being mean to her and her little baby. Still mad that he didn't get more flack for that on-screen. Point is- this performance is the best. I don't even like Jennifer Hudson's version more than this one, which is saying a LOT, 'cause I love that woman.

16. Don't Put It Down- Winner: 2009 Cast. This used to be a 'skip' song for me. But after listening to the revival recording more, I can safely call it one of my favorites. The harmonies are really clear in this version, and I find the satire of it really amusing. Crazy for the blue, red, and white! What a shame that they made it instrumental in the movie.

17. Frank Mills- Winner: 1968 Cast. I just found out this was sung by Martha Plimpton's mother??? I love her! This version is absolutely adorable. I really like her voice, and I think it captures Crissy's character really well. No shade to Allison Case, though; her version is just as, if not more, beautiful. The original just happens to be my favorite in this case. Also, I noticed how few wins they were getting and I felt bad.

18. Hare Krishna/ Be-In- Winner: 2009 Cast. This is one of those where I'd honestly be fine adding any of the versions to my playlist. The original seems like the perfect thing to get high to, and the movie version is accompanied by a literal drug trip scene, but this version is the clearest and most listenable to me. The harmonies are really present. I really like when they all sing, "Burn it, Berger, burn it!" Also, Dionne and everyone singing "Aquarius," is really beautiful and haunting. They're hyping Claude up, and then he doesn't burn it, and hhhhhggngnnnnngggghhh it's just really good.

19. Where Do I Go?- Winner: 1979 Movie. Is anyone really surprised anymore? This is hand-down my favorite song from the movie. Let me tell you why. The instrumentation at the beginning is like an auditory orgasm. The cinematography- I know, I know!- is really thought-provoking. The way every single person walking through New York just turns around, in sync, and stops, like they've suddenly realized how meaningless their lives are... And let me tell you. I fucking a-d-o-r-e John Savage's voice. I know most people won't- it's kind of whiny- but for some reason, I just can't get enough of it. It's so tragic that he didn't get more solos in this movie. Anyway, I have a whole ass analysis of this song on my blog, so check that out if you're interested. I also wrote an almost 40k word ao3 story using it as title fodder. Yeah, I'm shamelessly plugging my fanfiction. If I'm aware that I'm cringe does that make me less cringe?

20. Electric Blues- Winner: 2009 Cast. I almost gave this to the movie, because that really is my favorite version... for the most part. I think it goes on too long- I know that's because it fades into Claude's drug trip, but it gets tiring to listen to (for my short attention span, that is). That doesn't mean I don't really like the revival recording, though. Everyone has great energy, and this recording actually made me appreciate the song a lot more. Also, the end is really funny ("What the fuck! I was singing!")

21. Oh Great God of Power/ Manchester England (Reprise)- Winner: 2009 Cast. As far as I'm aware, this is the only one that actually has this song on the soundtrack. The original just has the Manchester England reprise. Anyway, I love this version to death. The first half is so gorgeous. I love how obsessed everyone is with Claude because, same. Also, I really like how they all sing "I believe in God!"

22. Black Boys- Winner: 2009 Cast. It took me a long time to warm up to this song. What made me finally like it was this recording. The scene in the movie was... strange, to say the least. But the women in the revival cast do such a good job with it. It's a bop!

23. White Boys- Winner: 2009 Cast. I know we're on a revival streak, but it felt wrong to split up the two boys songs. Besides, this is probably the best version of the three. Sasha Allen is fantastic as always. As much as I love Nell Carter's voice, the military recruiter guys singing in the track is too goofy for me to take it seriously.

24. Walking in Space- Tie: All. I knew this was gonna be a hard one to rank. I love all the versions so much. So, I'm just gonna take the easy route and talk about all three of them. The original is such a cohesive tune. It plays so smoothly, and I really enjoy everyone's vocal performance. It doesn't feel overdone at any point. The movie version is a bit long for my taste, but it's so good that it honestly has a right to be long. This part of the film drags a bit, but maybe I just don't like watching people suffer through war training. It's definitely impactful in that sense, though. I really like the first soloist; she has this lilting soprano vibrato that's very pleasant to listen to. I also like how militaristic the men chanting the colors sound in this version. Sasha Allen is the first soloist in the revival recording, and of course, she's perfect. She belts the whole thing, unlike the other versions' soloists. Her voice gives me massive chills, especially when she puts a bit of growl into it.

25. Four Score/ Abie Baby- Winner: 1968 Cast. All the love to Nell Carter and Sasha Allen, but this version is my fav. It's the least serious, which I think is what is was written to be. The soloist is doing this sing-talking thing, which I love, and she's funny as hell, especially at the end. ("Bang?! Ahahah, bang? Shiiiiit, I ain't dying for no white man").

26. Three-Five-Zero-Zero- Tie: All. Again, I'm not sure how to choose which of these is my favorite. It's just a really good anti-war song. Each one of the versions does it justice. I really like when a song makes me learn something, and I learned a lot from this song. For example: I learned what Viet Cong means, and I also learned that this song references a really interesting anti-war poem from the 60s titled 'Witchita Vortex Sutra.'

27. What A Piece of Work is Man- Winner: 2009 Cast. It was really hard to pick my favorite of the three. I didn't wanna hit you all with another tie, so I went with the revival cast. I think it has the smoothest transition into the Walking in Space reprise. The vocals are very clean as well. I wish they had kept this song in the movie; it's so pretty!

28. Good Morning Starshine- Tie: All. Dammit! I lied. I need to add another tie. They're all so good! The harmonies in the original are really, really nice. The movie version just puts me in such a good mood, and Beverly D'Angelo's voice is amazing! What a shame she didn't get more vocal parts in the movie. I really like how the harmonies start layering as everyone in the car gets into the song. This was one of the only moments I actually liked how they characterized Sheila in the film. But it was the revival recording that made me actually like this song- enough to want it in my playlists. Caissie Levy just has such a good voice. I also just love this song because it represents the last moment of hope and happiness in every version. It almost makes me want to cry, but I'll have to save my tears for this next song...

29. The Flesh Failures/ Let the Sunshine In- Tie: All. Welp. There goes my good mood. Fuck. This song... it doesn't matter who sings it. I will cry. Every time. It's so perfectly composed. In the original, when Claude sings his last few lines, he gets drowned out by the chorus, which symbolizes his meaningless death. Of course, the differences between the stage versions and the movie are stark, considering Berger dies instead of Claude, but the power of the message remains the same. The cinematography of this scene in the movie is so genius, it actually hurts to watch. The young men- the teenagers, the children- marching into the gaping maw of the warplane, Berger among them, singing a reprise of Claude's song. He knows now that he isn't seen as an individual by these people. He's a weapon. Disposable. He could be Claude for all they care. Fuck. It hurts just to think about it. The revival recording, though, might be the hardest to listen to. When paired with Aquarius Goodnights/ Ain't Got No/ Yip up the Sun, it never fails to make me sob. And I mean sob. The way Claude sings "Ain't got no" followed by gunshots, the way Berger screams for Claude, the brokenhearted singing of Sheila when she realizes Claude has died... I can't. I literally have to stop at Good Morning Sunshine when I'm listening to any of these albums if I want to continue having a good day, or else I'll be thinking about it all day. I truly believe this is the most intelligent and heart-wrenchingly stunning song ever written. Let the motherfucking sunshine in.

Well Gee Willikers. That was a ride. I love Hair like I love life itself, but BOY does that last song get me. Thank you SO SO SO much if you've read this far. I love you and I am kissing you tenderly on the forehead as we speak. I'm definitely in a bit of a Hair fixation right now- some may even call it hyper- and I had to have a somewhat productive outlet for it, so here you go! Hope you enjoyed ❤️

#hair #hair 1979 #hair the musical #hair 2009 #hair 1968 #broadway #musicals #hair musical #musical theater #60s musicals #ranking #song ranking #text post #my opinions

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cherry-velvet-skies · 2 years

Text

It's time for more Beatle Era Ratings! (I fixed the title 😌)

Episode 3: Johnny Boy 🥰

Moon Dog (Pre-Beatles Era)

Teddy Boy John somehow looks older than when John was actually older

He gives the vibe of a teenage boy who dresses to look older in order to get into an adult rated movie lmao

Formed a band and felt like the coolest guy in the world (and you know what he unknowingly created one of the greatest bands in the world so he's allowed to feel that way)

6/10 because he looks great but the look is not really for me

Twist and Shout (1962-63)

And just like I thought, he looks younger here than the previous era

John Lennon if he were an android in Detroit Become Human

He looks so uncomfortable dressed like this PLEASE 😂 someone help him

4.5/10 and I know the second they walked off stage he would rip this jacket right off lmao

Cuddle Bug (1964-66)

One of John's best eras and that's a fact

He's so friend-shaped I'm gonna cry

This haircut suited him so well and gave him an all-around adorable vibe

100/10 and I have a personal vendetta against anyone who ever made him feel bad about his appearance 😤

Blue Meanie Defender 3000 (1967)

If you ever wanna know what the people in the late 60s who experimented with any drug they could find looked like, just picture this mf

Bro saw God at some point and God was a walrus apparently

But this was when he actually got glasses instead of just being fucking blind all the time so I guess that's good

7/10 although I can't tell if being around him when he's high would've been nonstop laughs or literal hell on earth

AnD nOw YoUr hOsTs fOr tHiS eVeNinG (1968-69)

An absolute gremlin of a man

But I mean if I was in his shoes I would just randomly scream for no reason too so I get it

If Get Back taught us anything it was that mans hardly showered

6.5/10 the vibes are hella confusing but not terrible. Sense of humor was off the charts though

Bigger Than Jesus (1970)

So far John's Jesus era was the fanciest

The fur coat and wool cap are giving Bratz doll

Speaking of Bratz dolls John would've loved early 2000s fashion I JUST KNOW IT

9/10 he would've worn Juicy tracksuits religiously and ate us all up

I Sleep Well, Thanks (1971-72)

Exhausted dude at his office job who just wants to go home and get high

You know what scratch that he shows up high and has the nerve to act surprised when he can barely function

Survives purely off of spite

6.5/10 he wants to cause problems on purpose

I Am the Egg Man (1973)

I'm not even sure I have the certification to comment on this

Seeing John almost bald feels sacrilegious

He looks like one of those unhinged yoga instructors

2/10 I am very uncomfortable with the energy we've created in the studio today

Freelance Artist (1974-77)

In his academia era

His aura feels like one of those people who you go to their apartment and it's full of giant canvases with art that deserves way more recognition

That Elvis pin is iconic

10/10 and this entire photoshoot is honestly so beautiful I wish I could've included all the photos

Sexy Valet Driver (1978-79)

I absolutely adore the tie and waistcoat combo

It gives me an immense level of gender envy, and John is not immune to that lol I wanna look the way he does in this photo so bad

He looks both cute and handsome but I can't decide which one tips the balance

20/10 if I saw him dressed like this I would definitely compliment him (and maybe ask him out if I was feeling brave 🤭)

Eccentrically Reserved Fashion Designer (1980-∞)

Are we gonna pretend that he didn't look absolutely GLORIOUS this year

I think I have to say this one is a dilf era because oh my god

I secretly think John would've been a great fashion designer idk he seems like he has the correct amount of insanity to pull it off

542/10 and it's a shame we never got to see how he would've evolved physically, and even personality-wise, as the years went on. I feel like he would've been a better person as he got older and I wish we would've gotten to see it 🥺💕

#I was listening to music while doing this and I kid you not Imagine came on just as I was typing the last sentence #I guess that means John approves of my hot takes lmao he must've read them and been like yeah alright #john lennon #john winston lennon #the beatles #beatles #george harrison #ringo starr #paul mccartney

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neverchecking · 1 year

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I love that you picked up on the fact that Tia is calm and gentle and sees her Princesshood as working FOR the people. Because she IS Gentle, Calm, Affectionate, Respectful and Soft and no one will take that from her.

But she also has what she likes to call, "A Hundred Years Worth of Rage Issues." Because she was aware for all 100 years. She knew what was happening in Hyrule, and in the Beasts, and the only strength she had some years was her RAGE.

So she chooses to be Soft and Gentle. She chooses to remain that way even when Sage lashes out at her, partially for fear for Aaliyah and partially due to her appearance. She chooses to be calm when people get into easily avoided trouble. (She's not mad. She's just aware you know better.). She chooses to be steadily affectionate towards the world at large, despite all the shit she's been through.

But there are three things all men fear. A sea at storm, A moonless night, and the anger of a Gentle Soul.

And she's not particularly happy with the fact Sage isn't getting the recognition he deserves. (She could understand if he didn't have the Master Sword or the Champion's Tunic ie something iconic, but certain places should at least recognise the traveller/citizen who helped them several times.)

And Goddesses help Natura, if Tia ever meets her face-to-face, because while her emotions are valid, her actions were not.

(Tia: Why would I praise her for doing her duty? As far as I can tell, she's done the bare minimum.)

(Too bad she's interpreting all of Sage's Red Flags as 'Caution. Please Watch Your Step.' rather than the 'WARNING. Do Not Enter.')

I knew I loved Tia for a good reason. Everything about her character just butters my biscuit. And now all of that added with years of blood thirsty rage?

hfhfof

And when she chooses to remain calm even with Sage constantly snapping at her? FNNFF She probably understands that a lot of it comes out of the fear for his own companion and she just takes it in stride. She doesn't allow disrespect but she can excuse some of his actions because she's familiar with the grief.

And the thing is, Sage does have the champion's tunic and the Master sword. People just remain ignorant. And if that isn't the worst. Because that proves that their people are so brainwashed by Natura that they turn a blind eye. All of his good deeds are just credited to her. Because he was her knight. So she must've deemed it so.

Aaliyah's the same way. She goes about it differently, but she has the same thoughts as Tia. It fuels a very strong dislike, damn near hatred, towards Natura, but unfortunately she's forced to remain civil. I imagine Tia would be much in the same boat. This isn't her world. She doesn't have any power.

(FHFH Watch your step fnhifnf I CANT-)

#cinder rambles

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noir-renard · 2 years

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Okay so stop me if you've heard this one before, but I'm really happy to see the long-overdue recognition Goncharov is getting now (just in time for the 50th year anniversary too!)

BUT! Something I haven't seen anyone talking about is the 1987 stage adaptation of Goncharov, which is really too bad because it is ICONIC.

Like, okay, it's been a few years since I took American Theater History, but Goncharov was doing things no one else was doing. It did things no one has done since. This was a transformative adaptation to the point where it deserves to be recognized as its own thing.

I don't think I can possibly encapsulate everything this play is and accomplished so I'll focus on a few things, but I recommend looking up Taylor & Francis Contemporary Theatre Review for some articles on Goncharov (the play).

So, first of all, they had A Different Actor play Goncharov in Every Scene (*almost every scene, we'll come back to that). That in itself is absolutely buckwild, like this should have been a relatively inexpensive play to produce (small cast, minimal set, small stage, etc etc) but there were at least twenty four Goncharovs, possibly more. No one actually knows how many actors played Goncharov during its full run because they kept rotating the cast, but some estimates number in the hundreds; but there were never more than 24 during each performance. InSaNe, right?

But it doesn't stop there. See, the various Gonchs didn't wait backstage for their scenes, oh no. They sat in the audience. Pretending to be the audience, but was it really pretend? I really wish I could have been a fly on the wall for opening night. You arrive, you're excited to see this timeless film classic on stage (Theater purists will tell you stage theater is always better). The opening scene happens (you know the one lol), and you think, okay, this is fine, they're playing this by the book.

AND THEN THE GUY SITTING NEXT TO YOU WHO CAME WITH HIS WIFE STANDS UP AND WALKS UP TO THE STAGE, TAKES GONCHAROV'S HAT, COAT, AND TIE, DOES THE COSTUME CHANGE ON STAGE, AND STARTS THE NEXT SCENE!!

(and then the opening scene actor comes and sits down next to you, taking Gonch II's place, awkwardly squeezing past in the tiny seats to sit, asking you if he missed anything while he was in the bathroom??)

So you're confused, but the play is still going so you try to focus. Andrey is acting like everything is the same. Goncharov II makes a phone call to Ice Pick Joe, and he doesn't say he's ordering a hit, but you've seen the movie, you know what's up (this will be important later stay with me).

So there's another scene change, and sure enough, someone else gets up from the audience, walks to the stage, does the costume change, continues the play as if everything is normal and fine.

And this happens 23 times.

Now, you might think this is a novelty and that even if no one who watched the play talked about it to anyone who hadn't seen it, if you went back for a repeat viewing you'd know what to expect. But get this: they changed the order of the actors every night. And where they sat. And how they were dressed when they were part of the audience. So. Even if you knew it was going to happen, there was no way to predict exactly how it would happen!

Okay, so, I need to talk about the costume change on stage bit. Like, sure, kind of neat, but we all know there's a repeated motif in the film of Goncharov trying to fix his tie (symbolic of the "noose of time" tightening around his neck) but he never gets it quite right until Andrey fixes it for him.

And they did this in the play, too, but with a twist. See, up until the Andrey Ties The Knot Scene (lol subtle much), the Gonch who was leaving the stage would put the hat, coat, and tie on the new Gonch. So of course it wasn't quite right, all of these actors were built really differently! (Incredible costume design credit has to go to Nana Hastings here, like I don't know how she made the Sisterhood of the Traveling Goncharov work on stage but by god did she make it work)

Okay ajsjsjsb I keep getting sidetracked. Anyway. When Andrey fixes the tie and coat for the Goncharov on stage, this is, in fact, the final "actor" change. There are further scene changes, but now there's no one getting up from the audience anymore. And if you've seen the film, then it dawns on you: the Goncharov on stage is the one Andrey is gonna kill. Notably, the play reordered things a bit so the Katya Betrays Goncharov scene already happened before Andrey Ties the Knot, and the Gonch she tried to kill was a different Actor (yeah yeah symbolism of who you can show your truest self to we've all seen it).

So, back to the Andrey Ties the Knot scene (it's really important can I live). You might remember the argument that happens at the beginning of this scene in the movie. Well, in the play, the argument happens closer to the end. So if you know what's coming, the tension is building and building, and then the iconic line: Goncharov yells "how can you claim to understand me? To know what I want? To promise to give it to me? You don't even know who I am! I don't even know who I am!" Which, chills. But you see, at this moment, all the Goncharov Actors who've returned to sitting in the audience all stand up and yell the final line of this monologue with the Goncharov on stage. SO WILD. can you even imagine what that was like? You're so engrossed in the drama that you've forgotten the woman sitting next to you was on stage during scene 3. And now she's standing up and yelling! What's going to happen next??

Well. You know the line. Andrey sighs fondly, walks up to Goncharov, and says "I know you." And fixes Goncharov's tie.

And then it's intermission.

You're getting a snack in the lobby, and it's 1987 so you don't have access to a phone to tell your Goncharov Discord Server what you just witnessed. And what's going to happen next?? You still have half the play! (Or ⅓, at least!) But all that's really left is the betrayal scene. How are they going to stretch it out? You can't wait to see.

Intermission ends, you go back to your seat. It opens with Katya and Sofia. Ah, you think, so they've gone with the 'faked her death' interpretation. But then you notice the clock—which is front and center on the stage at all times during the play—has been set back. Is this a memory, then? A dream?

The question is never answered, but then Ice Pick Joe comes on stage and physically changes the hands himself. You see him get a phone call. You remember this—from the other end of the line. Goncharov is calling a hit. Ice Pick Joes accepts the hit. Hangs up. Walks to the clock. Moves it forward an hour, and leaves the stage. Another Katya scene, but she's changed into summer clothes. An actor you've never seen is on stage with her—this is her father, before he died. A death she feels responsible for.

The scene ends, Ice Pick Joe again. Same deal—a phone call from Gonch. He accepts the hit, and moves the clock forward. The next scene is an Andrey and Katya scene. There's so much subtext, it's hard to follow. Are they flirting? Plotting? Do they hate each other?

Ice Pick Joe again.

Now, at this point you start to notice something. There are fewer people in the audience than there should be (it was a small Blackbox theatre that got torn down in 1993, so I couldn't find any good photos, but it was small enough that you'd notice people missing).

You then realize that the ones going missing are the actors who played Goncharov. And then you see a pattern: every time Ice Pick Joe takes a call, an actor disappears. What does it mean?

This is never actually given meaningful resolution in the play, by the way, and the director refused to elaborate. What does it mean to you? Is all he'd say on the matter, but no one knew that while they were watching. Anyway I had to mention it because it's one of the wilder things this play did.

So there's all these out of time scenes staggered with Ice Pick Joe (until he dies RIP), and we "catch up". It's the final betrayal. Andrey is going to kill Goncharov, and everyone knows it, including Goncharov. "I never thought it would end like this." "You never were good at imagining happy endings," says Andrey. (I know you mouthed the lines don't lie no one can resist)

Andrey pulls the trigger, lights out—

When the lights come back up (RED LIGHTS) there's no body onstage, just the Goncharov costume. Andrey picks up the tie, the hat, the coat. He puts them all on. And he walks off stage.

AND THATS THE END OF THE PLAY. We don't see Goncharov actually die. We have no idea what happens to him. (When I tell you people have argued about this for decades, I mean it.)

The house lights turn up, you look around and see how empty the theater is. How many of the audience members were actors? You don't actually know. There is no curtain call. You walk out into the lobby in a daze, and all the actors are there, chatting. "Wild play, huh? I'm not sure I quite understood it, to be honest," they tell you. None of them break character. They are committed to the bit.

One of them tells you he enjoyed your performance. You think it might be Scorsese himself, though possibly it's Matteo JWHJ0715 in the flesh. Or maybe it was just another theater go-er trying to sound smart. Who knows?? Not you.

And that's Goncharov (1987), off Broadway in a nutshell.

It unfortunately only ran for a year because as it turns out, the theater owner had actual ties to the real mob and had to flee the country, and no one knew legally whether the play could run or if the theater counted as evidence—but that's another story.

The cast and crew of the play refused to move to a different theatre, though whether that was out of loyalty or fear, who can say?

#i didn't even touch on the symbolism of the tie #it seems to represents everything coming undone for Goncharov so Andrey fixing it is this hugely sentimental moment #but it actually foreshadows Andrey cinching the knot on Goncharov's fate #ISCREAM #someone please revive the play there'll never be a better moment #goncharov #unreality #long post

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