#i MIGHT thug out the comic

[nu1lst4rs]

bllehhgg first week of school and i jave ten thousand exams!!! theophagy will be withheld until further notice (like 3 monrhs. i hayte school.)

anyways.. uhm throws this stuff onto everyone to make up for it

(this is a headmate!! /sys please be careful of that but idgaf about using it as ur pfp or something.)

[velnna]

I know you generally work fast but I'm curious on how long on average it takes for you to get out a page of ThUG? I haven't had the opportunity to read it yet (it looks SO good) but I'm making the assumption a page is the size of an average print comic style versus webtoon scroll episode length format. Also curious on what short cuts you might take to get them out faster/more efficiently. I'm currently planning a comic in a similar format and am trying to plan my process ahead.

Thank you!

I don't do whole pages in one go (I do all the thumbnails then all the lineart then all the colour) so it's hard to tell exactly how long but maybe around 3-6h per page? Which makes a chapter (25-30 ish pages) take around 150 ish hours. I definitely prefer this to the webtoon format for a number of reasons, one of which being the satisfaction you get seeing a bunch of panels come together versus having to scroll through them separately.

In terms of speed, my entire process is pretty optimised for it, both in comics and outside. I stick to an A5 format and downsize it further (I tend to work with pages at 1000px width and 300dpi) to keep myself from overworking details. If an eye closeup feels tiring to get right or loses proportion, my resolution is too high

I also use textured brushes and leave the lineart more like a clean sketch, which allows me to not only skip straight from thumbnails to it but also to skip work on backgrounds, objects and figures at a certain distance

The main point of comic work is to convey emotions, movement, etc, not to draw everything accurate all the time, and that's probably the biggest lesson I've learned over the past years. You want your art to evolve in a way that means even without a lot of shading/linework/detail the scene gets properly conveyed, imo

Aside from that, I skip work on SFX and just. Write the sounds down or sketch motion lines as basic as they get. That's a stylistic choice but it works for me. And I have a workspace + automated actions + keyboard shortcuts that are all sort of optimised to make me move as little as possible between tasks and screens etc

[aismoker]

"When I came out of prison, I expected to find my son just like I left him: a slightly geeky kid who was into science and comic books. I had not taken into account, that with me being in prison, the Family would be searching for a replacement, nor that they would put their eyes on my son.

You can imagine how shocked I was when I came home seeing a cigar-smoking tattooed thug sitting in my kitchen where my son used to sit. I have to be honest, I liked what I was seeing. Being a member of the Family had brought the best out of him. They had turned him from a boy into a man. I don't like to admit it, but he didn't look that different from me back im the days.

I might have lost a son, but I definitely gained a brother. Together they would be unstopable."

[ghostieyanyan]

Could you do a Demon!Poly!Scarabia x AngelF!MC comic?

In which Jamil and Kalim are a couple of Demon Kings, but they felt that something was missing, or rather someone. And one day while walking through the forest, they find/meet MC, the Princess of Angels with her back bleeding, which leaves them both worried, so after using a spell to heal their wounds, they discover the truth about the Kingdom of Angels, that they pretend to be good just to have the adoration of humans and fight and kill demons for no reason and for power, and when MC protected and saved a demon who was going to be killed unjustly, her own parents ripped off her wings as "punishment for defending an evil demon", and before they could do anything else with her, MC fled to the forest, it turns out that this demon she saved was Najma, Jamil's sister who had been missing for a week, So as a thank you, Jamil and Kalim decided to welcome MC into their kingdom to help her hide from the angels, in addition to helping her expose the true face of angels to humans, but for the MC to be able to live and survive in the Demon Kingdom, she would have to drink a drop of blood from both kings of the kingdom and she did, and because of the blood, MC regained her wings, but now they were black. And during that time, the three began to fall in love with each other, and after exposing the truth to humans and the angels being banished, Jamil, MC and Kalim got married.

This was MC's angelic appearance before she had her wings ripped off and became part demon after drinking the blood of the JamiKali:

What do you think?

hehehe... i love it x3 ive thought about different story lines to do and i think i thought of one that you might enjoy. hopefully lol This is isnt going to be in the same setting as the orginal demon au but it'll still use demons and angels

~Oh no! Youre still a good angel~

Yan!Demon!Jamil x Angel!mc x Yan!???!Kalim

Warnings: yandere, themes about heaven and hell, murder, blood, kidnapping, stalking,

~~~~~

You were a freshly made angel. Made to guide innocent souls into the pearl gates of heaven! This isn't your first human and it wont be your last! You take pride in helping souls see the light and spreading that joy in the world until their last moments.

You learned to love the souls that you guide. Watching their growth and struggles, then watching them over come their struggles and become an amazing person that others can find strength in. doing your job is your heavenly pleasure.

This time, you were assigned a human named, Kalim Al-Asim. An innocent human that finds mayhem everywhere he goes. Assassins that try to kill him through food being poison to just being jumped in the streets.

Your heart broke watching this sweet boy being chased by thugs left and right. You knew you had to do something.

when you got to his home, with a little invisibility spell that makes you undetectable to mortal's eyes, you noticed that this boy's life, besides the murder attempts, was actually very nice. His family takes great care of him and they make lots of money.

"maybe that's why there's so many murder attempts made? why do humans care so much about these physical items..?"

"It's because human's need to sin."

You jumped at the mysterious voice and turn to find eyes piercing at you. It was a man! He was standing in the shadows so you couldn't make out his features. You stayed quiet and still. If this is a ordinary human, then he shouldn't have heard you, or even see you. But if he isn't an ordinary human, this could mean trouble.

Neither of you made a move, it was almost like either one of you were waiting for the other to jump...

Something finally happened as Kalim walked into the room you both were in to grab a cup of water. Kalim stayed for a bit until he went back upstairs to go back to sleep.

Once you heard Kalim's bedroom door clicked shut. The shadow jumped at you. you nearly dodged it but quickly ran to the balcony, opened your wings and took off.

even though you could cast a spell that made you invisible to mortals, it doesn't mean that the noise you make will be muted.

you were about to return to your home until something slams into you, grabbing you in mid air.

When you opened your eyes, you saw the same eyes that were looking at you before. this time with the help of the moonlight, you saw his features. dark skin and black hair, he had blacked out eyes with the pupils being grey. He wore black, red, and gold accents clothing. But the more important parts of him are his pointy ears, black wings and.. horns.

"Hello there~ I'm Jamil Viper. I'm the demon that was assigned... to you."

You tried your best at struggling but his grip on you was too strong. But what does he mean assigned to you? doesn't he mean, assign to the human..? you eventually stop your struggling to talk to him, maybe you could wait until he's distracted and fly off..?

"Youve got me. What are you gonna do now..? ...Cut off my wings? um..."

you drew a blank thinking of other torture methods. Then again, that is a demon's strong suit, it probably comes to them like second nature..

"Why in the realms would i do such a thing? You're wings are one of your greatest charms~"

Jamil pulls you close, speaking right to your face.

"I'll let you protect that HUMAN. But mind you, i will come back again-"

Black shadow-like clouds form, swallowing him up.

"- and when i do, i will collect."

You shut your eyes, still feeling his hands around you until the very end. when you open your eyes, he was gone and you were alone in the night sky...

~~~

The past few days, you've been on edge. both worried that the demon might come back to hurt Kalim or you. You tried your best to stay focused but you kept feeling the piercing eyes like someone is watching you.

The things that Jamil said is still stuck in your mind. the wording was strange. You weren't used to dealing with demons and you didn't have time to ask any other angels about it so you just have to go with your instincts... and what your instincts is telling you to do right now is to protect Kalim... as best as you can.

To say this was a hard mission, was an understatement. You loved your job, but with the paranoia about Jamil and protecting Kalim. you felt like you were on a fine line...

You were scared that if you weren't careful, someone might get hur-

"my my~ You look awful.."

You spun your head around and saw Jamil, standing by the door way. He had a knife in one hand and rope in the other. You grabbed the nearest weapon, a knife, and threw it at the demon!

Jamil smirked and faded into the mist, leaving the knife.. imbedded into one of Kalim's maid that was just passing by!

She stumbled a bit before leaning against a nearby wall for support.

Your body became ice cold as you rushed to the maid's side and inspected her wounds. She was coughing a lot of blood and she held her wound with one hand. Tears ran down her face as she looked around confused and scared. You tried your best at helping her but it was useless. she was gone in minutes and no one was around to help...

You felt cold, this has never happened before and you weren't prepared for this kind of event. the angels gave you advice about "things you should know about humans", but they never mentioned anything if you were to accidently take a life!!!

You heard Kalim yell. You turn to look at him as he runs to check the maid.

"Oh no! Oh no! I'm so sorry!! ugh... ill have to call her loved ones..."

Hot tears started to fall from your face. what were you suppose to do..? What's gonna happen to this person? what's gonna happen to you?? all you could really do was hold the body in your arms and kept repeating "I'm sorry"s.

"My my~ what will the heavens think of this..? their sweet angel... murdering an innocent soul"

You slowly turns to see Jamil looking down at you, with a sickening smile. You felt so many feelings you've never felt before. Rage, hatred, disgusted, sadness, depression, and... fear.

Jamil walks towards you and kneels to your level.

"Heaven might not accept you now. But we will~"

"Don't worry, angel~ you're still a good angel to me~"

You slowly turn to look at Kalim. he was looking straight at you, giving you his bright smile.

Jamil tried to reach out for you but you quickly pushed him to the side and took flight. Maybe if you explain to them what happened, they'll forgive you. You open a portal and tried flying through. Not only did you fly through but the portal failed. Instead of going to your sweet home to feel the warmth of your angel comrades, you felt the burning feeling of your wings changing from white to black.

It felt horrible. felt like hot tar was being poured on your wings. you screamed in pain. the pain got so unbearable that you couldn't maintain altitude. you started to fall.

you watched as this was likely the last time you'll see the pretty blue sky and those comfy white clouds...

You watched as your tears fall in a different pace than you...

You watched as your halo disappears from your head...

You closed your eyes as you just felt numb to everything. allowing yourself to just fall.

you felt something strange, when you opened your eyes, you looked and saw Kalim with Jamil! Kalim with his horns and tail...

They were both looking at you, smiling. A smile that made your stomach turn.

Everything finally clicked.

They lure you in with the innocent human act!

Youve should have known from that first night, when you ran into Jamil. How Kalim conveniently joined both of you. The stares from Jamil, in the shadows, and Kalim, in the daylight, that stayed on you a little too long.

And that maid... that unfortunate maid. She wasn't suppose to be there... unless it was all planned.

Jamil made sure to were uneasy and paranoid and Kalim made it so that if your fight or flight kicks in, you'll fight to protect a "poor defenseless human"

They wanted you to fall...

You were tricked by these TWO HORRIBLE DEMONS!!!

~~~

~~~

[sinisterexaggerator]

I'll Put It On Your Tab

Wrecker x Gen! Reader

Warnings: Threats made with a blaster. Violence. Attempted robbery. A broken bone or two. Fluff, and a kiss. "Established" relationship vibes.

962 words

Notes: I decided to write a series of "goodbye" ficlets where the reader takes / removes something from each of CF99 as they part ways, however this one deviated a little bit from that path. In this case, the story is left open-ended.

For you, @allsystemsblue. I know you love Wreck. :D

Crosshair || Echo || Hunter || Tech

---

“I don’t want any trouble,” you pleaded, hands held high above your shoulders with arms bent at the elbows. The masked man before you held his blaster level with your abdomen, making a motion for you to fill his sack with all your credits.

“Everything,” he growled. “Put it in the bag.”

Trembling, you rushed to comply, your hard-earned money being forfeit to this brute who was sure to kill you if you did not obey his brusque command.

Your business was Mantell Mix in Ord Mantell City; you barely made ends meet as a simple street vendor. You had a few faithful customers, some more so than others, but otherwise you lived day-to-day off cartons sold. He was sure to clean you out; you would have to eat your product or starve until tomorrow, though the alternative was death.

You supposed you might just count your blessings and be thankful should he keep his word and spare you.

“Hurry up!” he barked; you jumped despite yourself, dropping your remaining profits on the ground for them to scatter at his feet. You gasped, afraid for any repercussions, immediately falling to your knees before him to quickly gather what you could to placate the increasingly impatient man.

“Karkin’ imbecile!” he hissed, pushing you backward by the heel of his boot. You fell onto your rump, staring up with horrified, wide eyes as he took aim at the space between them, tears threatening to fall as your heart crashed wildly behind your ribs.

“I’m sorry—” you began, tilting your head farther, fear expelled to be replaced with elation as your knight in not-so-shining armor loomed above your attacker, massive arms folded across the broad expanse of his chest.

“Is this guy bothering you?” Wrecker asked, almost comically so. He could not help himself, loving to make an entrance, no matter how dire the situation, it seemed.

“Yes!” you exclaimed, scurrying back on the palms of your hands before you attempted to stand. In that same moment, the perp and his half-filled sack of money swung around, Wrecker squeezing the barrel of his blaster so tightly, that he crushed it under the pressure of his fist.

“Why don’t you pick on someone your own size,” the clone demanded beneath his bucket, though this man was nowhere near the height of your darling hero. You watched with bated breath, your would-be robber struggling in vain within his grasp, his mutilated weapon tumbling awkwardly from his grip.

The sack of money had been abandoned, your assailant of the mind he would need both hands to ward off this towering giant who had made it his job to protect you. Though you thought to retrieve what was yours, you did not move a single muscle, watching the scene unfold as you silently thanked your lucky stars.

“Piss off!” the thug seethed, a flurry of motions catching your attention; something glinted in the streetlight above your humble cart.

“Wrecker!” you cried out, a hidden blade unsheathed. He appreciated your warning, but it was not necessary.

A twist and then a crack. The knife was just as easily discarded. The man screamed, though his cry of pain was momentary. Wrecker’s plastoid helmet had met with his skull, knocking him flat in the dirt with a resounding thud.

As soon as he was down for the count, you endeavored to wrap yourself around him; you hugged your rescuer as tightly as you could, though your arms would not even begin to enclose the entirety of his waist.

“Thank you,” you breathed, gazing up. Wrecker chortled nervously, rubbing the back of his head absentmindedly, even though his gear was in the way.

“Aww, it wasn’t nothing.” He shyly brushed away your gratitude. Wrecker always felt that way with you – shy -  though he was not sure what it meant.

You reached; you wanted to see his handsome face. He was beautiful to you, regardless of his many scars.

Wrecker obliged, craning his neck so that you might remove his helmet and set it off to the side. He smiled down at you, a twinkle sparkling in the umber depths of his good eye.

For a moment, he seemed proud. “I sure showed him!” he announced happily.

“You did,” you assured him kindly, unable to help yourself as you traced the raised lines spidering across his skin. You repaid his smile with one of your own, turning to rummage through your cart.

“I have something for you,” you said, withdrawing a fresh carton of his favorite treat. You took a piece between your fingers and offered it to him. He hesitated, finally bending down to gingerly take the small kernel between his teeth.

“Mmm,” he hummed, politely chewing with his mouth closed.  You offered another, this time replacing it with a press of your lips to his when he least expected.

Wrecker’s eyes rounded to saucers before he gradually relaxed, the surprisingly gentle man taking up either side of your face in the curves of his palms. His fingers came to rest just beneath your ears, the rebel clone using this opportunity to draw you in.

“This is better than Mantell Mix,” he mumbled against you; you tried to suppress a laugh, having meant to deepen your connection.

Instead, you grinned, opening eyes that had been shut so that you could lovingly regard him. You returned your hand to his face, cradling his jaw. “I owe you my life,” you whispered.

You thought you saw a hint of a blush as he stumbled to reply. "Uhhh- I'll settle for that," he bashfully requested.

You could barely contain your glee as you rose up on your tiptoes to kiss him one more time. "I'll put it on your tab,” you quipped playfully.

[popponn]

some what if and a passing humor.

characters: isagi, chigiri, sae, shidou, aiku, kaiser.

notes: the amount of time and fun i spend on this is something. writing aiku and shidou for the first time feels funny. nonetheless, i hope i get everyone okay. warning: yeah the question is 'what if we ever broke up' like that song ; a fluff, some more comedic than others ; shidou is shidou, but still a fluff; minor swearing.

you truly didn’t meant anything by it. dare you say, it even actually came from a place of fondness, actually. you watched your boyfriend on your side and thought, “ah, I might not be able to live without him anymore.”

how serious that statement was—you didn’t really want to examine it when the atmosphere was this light. that was probably why without much rhyme or reason, you asked him, “hey, what if i ever break up with you?”

isagi

yoichi’s first response to that was chocking on his bottled mineral water in a manner that was less handsome and more comical. you immediately jolted towards him and patted his back as he hacked out rough coughs. it took sometime for it to calm down, but even afterwards panic was still clearly swirling in his eyes.

gone was the calculative striker and the crybaby yocchan who hadn’t emerge since he was 4 nearly made a come back. with the two of you still pressed side by side on the sofa, yoichi immediately asked you why in the world are you asking that. he didn’t say it, but anyone with half a brain would figure out that his brain was working overtime at the moment. did he do something? did he forget something? did he fuck up something?

the moment you answered it was a mere passing thought of what if and assured him that you really had no intention of doing that for anytime soon—which in total took almost 10 minutes—it was after all that yoichi could finally breath normally. with an exhaustion that he only experienced after a full 90 minutes of intense match, yoichi slouched against the sofa. he genuinely looked like he was so stressed he would cry and you seriously felt bad. as an apology, you hugged him and leaned his head against your shoulder.

“I’m okay. It’s just…” Yoichi tried to assure you, before pausing for a moment and heaved out a heavy sigh. Burying his head on your shoulder as he wrapped his hands tighter around you, he admitted, “…actually, yeah, I totally panicked just then.”

“I’m seriously sorry. Just forget it, okay? It’s just a question after all,” you said again, combing through his locks in attempt to cheer him up.

Yoichi laughed pitifully. He shifted for a few times, trying to find a more comfortable position to cuddle you. As he attempted the impromptu cuddle session, Yoichi finally continued, “…just a question, yeah?”

When you nodded and the two of you settled with you laying on his chest, your legs intertwining with each other’s, Yoichi finally gave you an answer, full of determination and sincerity. “Definitely will try to win you back. I’m not giving up on you so easily. I know in a way that’s pretty selfish but, yeah, I will definitely make you happy—but, seriously, don’t try to do that!” Yoichi insisted as you laughed at the lame ending of his bold proclamation.

chigiri

hyoma looked so offended you genuinely thought he would throw the hairdryer in his hand to your face. thankfully and unsurprisingly, he didn’t. instead, he put it down with a terrifying calmness and suddenly there was a hyoma face in front of you with an intense stare trained on you. if this was a drama, it would be romantic, maybe, but honestly in reality it felt like having a thug was threatening you.

you nervously supplied that it was just a question and pushed his face away with a finger on his nose. hyoma’s glare didn’t falter even as he distanced his face away from you. with sharp gaze still staring straight at you, hyoma demanded what did you mean by just a question. yet again, you noted how this felt like entering a duel with an angry big cat—it was terrifying. then you saw how his eyes sparkled differently under the bedroom light and it hit you that you might had done a mistake.

panicking, you threw yourself towards him and hugged him as tightly as you could, blurting out an apology. hyoma didn’t move for another few seconds, his hands slowly sneaking up crawling up from your hips before it rest snugly, wrapped around your waist. he took your face in his hands, wordlessly asking for you to look at him. it was then you saw how his face rested in a pissed pout resembling an angry child.

“Don’t joke like that again. The hell is that question for?” Hyoma asked with a harsh tone, the polar opposite to the hands that gently pinched your cheeks.

“Sowry, Hwoma,” you apologized all whilst accepting his bullying. Hyoma’s expression didn’t budge, conflicts written all over his face.

“I seriously will be pissed if we break up, by the way. So don’t you dare,” he added petulantly. “I said that I promise that I will give you the best of everything. If you just suddenly walked away—”

You smiled at his words, feeling his affection through his coarse wordings and weak stretches on your cheeks. Seeing your smile, Hyoma pushed his forehead against yours again, “I’m serious. Ugh. Seriously, you piss me off sometimes. I will step on your feet next time you pull this sort of shit again.”

sae

sae made a face that reminded you of cats in videos when they got a cheese thrown into their face. and it stayed like that for around ten seconds. eyes wide, mouth in a straight line, while horror and shock etched itself there. then, he recovered and the sour face he made immediately made you wonder if maybe it was time to apologize already.

but before you could say anything, sae made a bitch face that was somehow both pissed off and taunting. it was pretty amazing to see in action, while genuinely pissing off and scarring you off at the same time. his position didn’t even change—his head was still propped with one hand while his legs were still propped up on your lap as if he was some expensive pet who owned the place—and he still stayed silent, yet somehow you knew he was calling you names no proper human should probably ever say. especially to their partner. but, then again, sae indeed sometimes came up with some of the weirdest things through his wording alone.

it took you a few minutes to crack before you finally looked away. without seeing, you knew sae’s eyes just stared at you even flatter—which was amazing, considering how flat his usual stare already was. then another minute passed, you remembered how stubborn sae could get when you realized that the stare you refused to meet won’t wane just like how his legs suddenly were immovable boulders on your thighs. Thankfully and unfortunately, sae decided that your spirit was damaged enough for him to finally speak.

“That joke was shitass,” Sae commented, clearly holding back. You genuinely wondered if these last few minutes were spent by him trying to tame his unholy, uncultured wild words into simply ‘shitass’.

You took a glance towards him, meeting his gaze from the corner of your eyes. You gulped apologetically, “…I’m sorry.”

“Also, wouldn’t it be you who would probably do something if we break up?” Sae asked in a tone most people used to point something out. You wanted to rebut him, saying that it was not an answer. But taking into consideration how his personality is and how this staring contest seemed to be tearing your morale into shreds, you simply nodded weakly with a swallowed pathetic whimper of a bullied koi fish in a cat mouth.

And turned out, it still wasn’t enough and Sae’s silent stare was still flat enough to make you want to cry. But before you could wail like a child for real, he suddenly sighed and got up. Then a hand was in front of you, his palm inviting you to take it, “We will walk around for a bit. I need some air.”

shidou

you really didn’t know what you expect when ryusei walked wordlessly towards the nightstand and took out four suspicious little packs. you definitely did felt torn between finally ending him there and then or just smile in the way possums pretend to die. put it simply, suddenly maybe breaking up with him didn’t sound like a terrible idea. maybe he really was after your body only.

then, when you tiredly voiced these outs, ryusei was suddenly wrapped around you like a koala baby with bright eyes as he whined to you about how you shouldn’t say that. in his very shidou ryusei way, where words like explosions and such were used. by the time he said ‘firework hottie’—or something—you decided to tune him out, despite your reluctant amusement, and just quietly explained that it was a joke.

turned out, that was a trigger was him to immediately switched out his cuter side, let you go, and went back to his usual countenance. the packs returned to your sight once again and you threw a pillow to his face. ryusei laughed and while he didn’t avoid said pillow, he did indeed came back with a revenge through a pair of warms wrapped around your waist. this time, you half expected him to continue on laughing whilst trying to push the protection to your hand, but a few seconds passed and his expression grew somber.

“But, then doesn’t it mean it wasn’t mean to be? In case things did ended up boring between both of us,” Ryusei gestured between the two of you with a lax flair that was only accentuated by him lying on his side. “Though, I can just make it explode between the two of us again, you get it?”

You stayed silent for a minute. You considered translating his words in your brain, before deciding not today, “No. I don’t.”

Ryusei sighed, before nuzzling his face to your stomach, “Gee—you are boring sometimes, Babe—”

With no hesitation you immediately trashed around and tried to get him off you. Ryusei didn’t budge, but not without getting a knee straight to his face. Still, it didn’t stopped him from wrestling to both stop you and get you lying down beside him, snickering somehow, “Ow—Come on, I know you get me! Like, can’t you feel it between us? This sort of thing won’t go down that easily. If it did, either you and me will spark it back on like nothing happened and you know it, right? My pleasure to do it as many time as you want though.”

aiku

in a manner that only a man with at least three pages long of shitty dating and commitment issue history could do, oliver let out a rueful chuckle. he leaned back against his seat and looked up without much change in his expression. it was at this moment you were reminded of the fact that your boyfriend that by, probably, miraculous feats decided to put his commitment in you, was one mysterious motherfucker who hides many things behind easy smiles and friendly mannerism.

you debated whether you should push him to answer you or just laugh the question off as a thoughtless impulsive thought being voiced out. though, before you decided on anything, oliver beat you to it with a teasing joke of his own. without any gravity in it, he mused out loud if this was the day you finally decided that he is a man unworthy of someone like you.

you replied back that it would only be possible if he was unserious like any of his previous relationship. then, that joke died down at the last syllable when you saw how he just smiled at you, not quipping out any other jokes. for a moment, you froze and genuinely thought that you misunderstood the nature of your relationship. thankfully, oliver seemed to catch whatever your face made and smile widely as he stood up, walking over to your seat with just a few strides.

“Then,” Oliver began, with a tone of finality. “I suppose that’s not happening anytime soon, hm?”

You, who just nearly arrived on a conclusion that would made this exchange not funny and light, still froze in your seat. It was only after Oliver crouched down before you, resting his hands on your knees that you could blink again, “…I…uh.”

Oliver, still with many sides you would have to discover, stared at you looked at you with a gaze you couldn’t exactly comprehend. His voice was still smooth and his, as he said, “Though, just in case you need a reference, don’t do that, ‘kay?”

It wasn’t long, as it only lasted for a mere second. Yet, undeniably, Oliver made a face that was soft, odd, and unfamiliar. It felt like a new thing—one that he trusted to you since some times ago, yet you realized just now. In a way, describing it was a bit impossible, but seeing it felt like an answer to everything all of sudden. Then, time moved on and a grin that was more usual with his rhythm showed up again, as crooked as how it usually is, “Like, come on, you have to admit I’m a catch, right? Plus, look at us—we are totally some teenagers’ dream love story right now. Me who—yeah, yeah, ouch. I won’t continue, no need to pull my hair—ha ha!”

kaiser

michael’s eyebrows seemed to be confused between furrowing out of irritation or raising up to his wide ass forehead out of amusement. but as the two you continued walking amidst the crowd, his lips decided it for him and curved itself into a smug smirk that was the textbook definition of annoying. in a heartbeat, you regretted asking him.

without stopping neither his nor your steps, michael brought his face closer to you with a grin that grew softer and somehow more teasing in the process. and while his visual was pleasing, the moment he launched into a spiel of how you would never be able to leave someone of his caliber. that if anything you would be the one left behind.

when your face soured at his wording, an almost uncatchable flash of seriousness entered his tone. he raised an eyebrow at you one last time, before tightening his finger around yours and pulled you closer to his side slowly. in a tone that was too prideful and composed, as though he didn’t just try to get a rise out of you, michael muttered out a quick comment on how it got more crowded. you noticed while it did, it wasn’t by much that it warranted the two of you being glued side by side. whilst you decided to not point it out, you nudged at him to just answer your random question.

Once again, Michael scoffed, his attention landing on you through his glance, “Again? Didn’t I say that if anything—”

“I heard you the first time. I just want to hear your answer,” you cut him off simply, not taking the bait this time.

Michael turned to stare at your face intensely at that. It was a bit unnerving, with how terrifying his eyes could get, but out of trust on his spatial awareness to get the two of you out of crashes and in the name of curiosity for a trivial question—you stared back. “…seriously? You really are something sometimes.” And as the two of you neared the ending of the crowded sidewalk, Michael finally relented and answered with a heavy sigh.

“As if I would let you leave that easily,” Michael turned his gaze back to the front as the two of you continued to walk. Through his bangs, you couldn’t quite catch his expression. The tone he was using did made you feel bad though. As he continued to talk, you made a note to also firmly hold his hands and do something nice for him later. “I will show you how fucking shit your decision was and then you will crawl back to me. I will make fun of you and get you back if you are entertaining enough. There you go, my answer. Now, will you just act cute and say sweeter stuff?”

[scarlet--wiccan]

Oh God I was really hoping the backstory that was leaked for Billy was fake... just heard about the new episode and it turns out it wasn't. why would they choose this over adoption or reincarnation-

It's bad! I really feel like the M C U goes out of its way to interpret these characters in bad faith and come up with the worst possible versions of their stories. I've said this before, but everything about Wanda's origins and the nature of her power seems designed to make her an objectively worse person who is more directly responsible for causing harm than her comics counterpart, but is also weirdly set on punishing her for existing and having trauma. She's simultaneously more doomed by the narrative, and infinitely less deserving of redemption.

With Billy, they took a situation that, while complex and, at times, difficult to parse, is ultimately miraculous and joyful, and they made it just.... incredibly grim. There is no real distinction between Billy Maximoff and Billy Kaplan in the comics-- they're the same person, given a second chance at life and the great fortune to reconnect with his original family, in a way that doesn't invalidate or erase the second. And, again, I want to emphasize that when YA and CC were written, Wanda had Jewish heritage, so I don't think there needs to be any awkwardness in the transfer between the Maximoff and Kaplan families, and the text never does anything to imply that Billy's cultural upbringing is any less valid, or any less central to his character after his origins are revealed.

Here, they created a false dichotomy between the two characters, killed one them off, and made the other into a body-snatcher. That is so much darker, and so much more tragic for the Kaplans-- and it creates uncomfortable questions about their relationship, and Billy's identity, that I don't think can ever be neatly resolved. I will say that, thus far, I don't think the show explicitly disavows "William's" heritage, or writes off Billy's relationship with the Kaplans, the way some people are reporting. He doesn't actually remember his life before the switch, so it's not a total takeover, and at points, the episode seems to imply that he's somehow both, and neither-- a new gestalt.

But I don't trust these writers to execute that concept with integrity, or even consistency. In WV and MoM, Wanda's motives, sense of self, and relationship to her powers repeatedly change at the drop of a dime, and we're seeing the same thing, here, with the abrupt change that takes place when Billy reveals his identity. The shift in personality, escalation of power, and the vague implication that he's been masterminding this whole excursion makes no sense with the established timeline-- this is all happening within 24 hours of him even learning that Wanda had kids, let alone that he might be one of them, not to mention hearing about both Agatha the Witches Road for the first time. And up until that point, he really was just an earnest kid. The heel-turn feels silly and juvenile, and the needle drop at the end of episode #5 underscores that a little too perfectly-- his "bad guy" act is just as ill-fitting and unsubstantiated as the Eilish's edgy, wannabe-thug aesthetics.

Obviously, the most important issue here is not the quality of writing, but where this character falls into the spectrum of whitewashing and erasure. The fact that Locke is not Jewish but, before the switch, is playing a Jewish character-- and, specifically trespassing on prayer and religious ceremonies-- is a problem. I've seen a lot of different opinions expressed by a lot of different people within the community about who can or can't play Jewish characters, but I think we can all agree that this is worth criticizing, especially given the larger context of repeated erasure and historical distortion against Jewish and Roma people in this franchise.

But I also want to emphasize that, because of what was done to Wanda, and the franchise's insistence on conducting blatant anti-Romani racism, there was never going to be a truly authentic or acceptable version of this character. Now matter how they cast the role, a significant part of his background had already been erased, and he was already saddled with significant racist baggage. I am very, very tired of white people and Young Avengers fans overlooking that fact.

[fbfh]

thinking about getting rescued by Connor and Murphy Macmanus. you're making ends meet, living in a shitty apartment in boston when some jackass in the russian mob decides that extorting your landlord isn't enough anymore. you come home to find huge, scary thugs roaming the halls of your building, banging on doors and demanding money. they try to shake you down, but you... you're not going to give up, and you're certainly not going to let them win without a fight. thankfully, god doesn't hate you quite as much as you worried he might, because you live in the same building as Rocco's girl. she sees what's happening out there and makes a call. the russian mob doesn't find your plucky attitude as endearing as you'd hoped, and you're about to pass out when two mysterious figures burst in, shooting up every gangster in the place. they get closer to you, muttering something to each other you can't make out, and one of them gently picks you up before everything goes black.

you wake up hours later just before dawn in... the shittiest, crustiest apartment you've ever seen. you're still a little out of it, and two guys - who you can only assume are the same ones from before - crouch next to you, speaking in gentle voices and comforting irish accents.

"You're alright sweetheart." the first one says. you think he's the one who carried you out.

"You're safe here." the other adds.

"Those assholes got you pretty good-"

"Put up one hell of a fight though," the second one chuckles, earning a smack on the back of the head from the first.

"Just try to get some more rest, and we'll check on you soon."

you try to agree, but you're exhausted and out like a light before you know it, managing a "hmmmf" in response before you pass back out.

you wake up properly a few hours later, and it takes you a few moments to orient yourself, to realize you're not in this apartment because of a drunken one night stand. you stretch stiffly, still achy and sore from the fight, and stand up to quietly look around. the apartment is empty, but it's worse than you thought it would be. this place is... a dump. a bachelor owned dump, based on the comical lack of furniture or decorations. you don't know what you're supposed to do until those guys get back, but you don't... not trust them. not yet, anyway. so you tidy up a little. you throw out the trash and wipe down the counters and tables. you spray a little lemon cleaner on the windows and make their beds. you find a pile of pillows and blankets on the ground, and realize they slept in the other room so you wouldn't be uncomfortable.

when Connor and Murphy return in their bathrobes pajama pants and work boots, hang their rosaries up on the nails by the door, and set down the breakfast foods and ingredients they just got from the corner store, they pause. something feels... different. there aren't any coffee rings in the kitchen, or tumbled piles of beer caps from their numerous contests seeing who can make the highest stack. things smell fresher, feel... nicer. you walk into the kitchen, hanging up a fresh dish towel over the oven rack when you notice they're back. you startle a little, and they both smile.

"Oh!" you exclaim, "Sorry... I didn't know when you guys would be back, so I just tidied up a little. I hope you don't mind." you say, almost sheepishly. they share a look, then turn their attention back to you.

"You did all this?" asks Connor, then he nudges Murphy. "We got ourselves a regular snow white."

Murphy laughs, looking at your handiwork.

"I didn't know it was possible." He says back to his brother. "The kitchen floor is white. Did you know the kitchen floor was supposed to be white?"

The Macmanus brothers like you. they find you sweet, and charming. they want to protect you and keep you safe from the scum in this city. since your apartment building is still a mess and crawling with members of the russian mob, you let them convince you to stay for a few days. of course it doesn't end up being just a few days, and no matter what a rough day they have cleaning up the city, they're always excited to get home, flop down on the couch (the one you got them, and the only thing tying the interior look of their apartment together) crack open a couple cold beers, and spend the night with their best girl.

[elisajdb]

Arrested

Summary: After picking up Gohan and Goten from the police station after Gohan's arrest, Goku and Chi-Chi are reminded of an arrest in their youth.

“Get inside and not a word from either of you! I don’t want to see or hear you speak for the rest of the night!”

Chi-Chi losing her temper wasn’t new but never before has she been so angry with her sons. Gohan saw his mother angry like this but it was always with his Dad and never with him or Goten. Gohan looked at his father for help. He only shook his head at Gohan warning him not to speak.

Goten hadn’t understood that message and looked at his parents with one important question on his mind. “Does this mean I won’t get dinner tonight?"

Goten was always Chi-Chi’s sweet baby. He could do no wrong in her eyes until tonight when he caused the mess that got him and his brother in trouble. “You won’t get dinner or dessert for the rest of the week if you don’t get in the house and go to your room!”

Goten’s mouth fell open. He looked at his father who shook his head and warned him to not speak.

Shoulders slumping, Goten entered the house followed by Gohan. Chi-Chi followed her sons. So caught up in her anger, she didn’t know she slammed the door in Goku’s face as he tried to come in after her. Goku wasn’t mad. It wasn’t the first time Chi-Chi did it. She was always last to enter the house after their boys. Now Goku was the last one to come in. The family was still getting used to him being around again. Last week, Gohan accidentally brought home extra firewood forgetting Goku brought some home.

Goten looked mournfully at the dinner plates on the table and the food on the stove and counter. He wanted to ask again about dinner but quietly went to his room. He angered his mother enough. Gohan followed his brother.  

“Gohan.”

Goten kept walking but Gohan turned to his angry mother and his father quietly entering the house.

“What were you thinking? Do you know what you risked tonight? A good school. A good future. If not for your father, this scandal would have followed you for years!”

“I tried to stop it, Mom, but Goten---”

“Did I tell you to speak?!” Chi-Chi snapped at him.

Gohan looked at his father who had his hands up and shook his head warning Gohan to not say anything.

“You’re Goten’s Big Brother. You were to look after him. You convinced me to allow you and Goten to go to the comic convention and you get yourself arrested! Do you know how I felt getting the call you were at the police station and my baby was exposed to criminals and thugs?! I feared this might happen to Goten and Trunks but not you and Goten!” 

Goku leaned against the counter during Chi-Chi’s tirade. He quietly snacked on the roast beef that was part of tonight’s dinner.

Gohan was unsure of what to do. Does he stand silently while his mother berates him or explain again what happened? Goten wanted to go to the convention and Gohan offered to escort Goten. The day went well until Gohan and Goten saw a booth where an artist sold Saiyaman comics mocking Gohan. Gohan was insulted and kindly told the artist how inaccurate it was and offered to tell real stories of Saiyaman. The artist refused. Goten angrily told the artist that Saiyaman was a great hero second to his father and the artist should stop making art that made Saiyaman look back. The artist still refused.

Goten fired a Ki and burned all the Saiyaman comics. Gohan put out the fire. The angry artist tried to strike Goten but one punch from the child knocked him out. No one saw the punch thrown but seeing the middle-aged, pot-bellied man lying on the floor unconscious, everyone assumed Gohan did it.

Gohan allowed himself to be arrested to protect his brother. He also knew no one would believe Goten threw the punch. Goten confessed to hitting the artist but no one believed him. He rode in the police car with Gohan. Gohan made the embarrassing call to his parents. With his father’s teleportation trick, his parents arrived a minute after his call ended. The artist arrived at the police station and accused Gohan of striking him and setting fire to his comics. He wanted to press charges. Chi-Chi begged the commanding officer to not charge Gohan. She spoke of his youth and exemplary record but it was Videl who saved the day. Her connection at the precinct called her to let her know her classmate had been arrested. Videl vouched for Gohan’s character and talked with the commanding officer to release Gohan and not press charges. He was willing to oblige but the artist wanted to press charges. This prompted Goku to spill that Gohan is Saiyaman. Forced to reveal himself, the artist was forced to drop his charges after Videl suggested Gohan could sue him for libel. With cash compensation for the burned comics, all charges were dropped and after Goten got a gag mug shot, the family of four returned to Mount Paozu where Gohan explained what happened.

His mother knew the truth so Gohan was confused about her questions. “Mom….”

 “Did I tell you to speak?!” Chi-Chi screamed. “Go to your room!”

Gohan looked at his father who shrugged. Gohan turned and left.

Chi-Chi sighed and sank herself in a chair at the kitchen table. She pulled out Gohan and Goten’s mugshots and laid them on the table. “I do not believe this, Goku. Our Gohan was arrested. Our Goten was in that delinquent place with criminals and thugs.”

“It was a situation that got out of hand,” Goku knew he will have to talk to Goten about what he did, “But it worked out.”

“Yeah, it did,” Chi-Chi sighed again but she hated it happened. “If I were there, I would’ve punched the artist myself.”

“I know.” It was in Chi-Chi’s nature to defend her family. It’s why he couldn’t stop grinning at the situation. He barely kept it in at the station. “And it’s your fault.”

“My fault?”

“Goten started it because he defended Gohan. Defending anyone in this family is a trait our sons get from you. Did you forget you got us arrested?”

“Me?!” Chi-Chi jumped from her seat. They had this argument for years and it was never settled on who caused the arrest. “You got us arrested!”

******

Seventeen Years Ago

Chi-Chi fought the urge to cover her ears as the music thumped loudly. If it was loud as she, Goku and Aki waited outside the club to get in, how bad would it be for her ears when she was inside?

Maybe we shouldn’t have come.

Clubs weren’t her or Goku’s thing. She was sheltered in the village she grew up in under a stern but caring father who ruled it. She was raised to be a wife and mother. She covered one marrying Goku. They were still working on the second part. It hasn’t been forever. They have been married for four months. In her small community, most girls who married were pregnant within the first two months of marriage. She and Goku passed that with no pregnancy announcement.

It'll come Chi-Chi told herself but it did bother her how she and Goku hadn’t conceived yet. They were intimate enough. During the first couple of weeks of marriage, they were animals in heat. At least Goku was. Intimacy was a new experience for both but the feelings excited Goku more than Chi-Chi expected. He wanted to try intimacy many times and lately suggested different ways they can do it.

Two days ago, Aki visited them. Aki grew up in Chi-Chi’s village. He was her friend but Chi-Chi saw him as Goku’s friend, too. He was the first in her village to welcome Goku. In some ways, Chi-Chi thought Aki acted like a big brother to Goku showing him life outside of fighting and helping Goku understand things a man his age should know.

It was his idea they come with him to Neiro, a club in Orange Star City.

“You’re young with no responsibilities,” he said. “Have fun before you have kids.”

Goku was excited about the fun they spent touring the city and eating all the street foods but sometime between dinner and waiting outside the club, Chi-Chi suspected Goku was into another type of fun.

More than once, Goku brushed up against her as they moved in line. Chi-Chi noticed Goku got like that some mornings and nights when his body needed her but in public, he knew how to behave.

Except tonight. He was oddly attentive touching her with his hands and hips. Chi-Chi wasn’t sure where this need came from. He behaved all day. Even at dinner, he was his normal, jovial and hungry self but something happened after dinner when they left the restaurant and walked two blocks to the club.  

“I like your outfit,” Goku whispered as they waited in line.

That surprised Chi-Chi since Goku never commented on her clothes. She thought the ones she wore tonight were risqué for her. She fluffed her straight hair into big bouncy curls, and wore a purple mini-skirt with a matching low-cut halter top that flashed her midriff. She felt naked but the woman at the shop she visited told Chi-Chi this was appropriate club clothes and selected the outfit and makeup for her.

Aki picked out Goku’s clothes since he was clueless about how to dress for clubbing. He wore a black popover shirt that was left unbuttoned and exposed a nice tease of his muscled chest, charcoal chino pants and a silver chain Aki thought fitted Goku’s ensemble.

He looked good and Chi-Chi noticed she wasn’t the only one admiring Goku. It was something she was getting used to. She was happy to marry a handsome man but that didn’t mean she cared for so many women to ogle her husband in front of her. Sometimes Chi-Chi wrapped her arm around Goku’s or sent the women dirty looks to remind them Goku is hers and no one should dare try to make a move on him.

Goku wasn’t the only one to get looks. Chi-Chi noticed a few times men looked at her. Chi-Chi wasn’t concerned. She didn’t have any interest in the men but it was surprising how it bothered Goku. More than once she saw a glare on his face Chi-Chi last saw on Goku at the Tenkaichi Budokai. He directed it at men walking by and doing a double take of her.

Chi-Chi received looks when she was out with Goku while modestly dressed and Goku never reacted but tonight, he was bothered and looked itching to fight anyone who got too close to her.

Noticing their anxiousness Aki went to the bouncer and spoke to him. The tall, muscled man listened to what Aki said, looked at Goku and Chi-Chi and waved them forward.

Though relieved to be moving, Chi-Chi was curious. “What did you say to him?”

“I told him Goku won the Tenkaichi Budokai. He’s a fan. Enjoy the free pass.”

Enjoy the free pass. Aki said something similar during dinner. Goku ate a lot and their bill was high. Chi-Chi offered to pay because she knew Aki wasn’t wealthy but Aki told her to ‘Enjoy the free pass.’ “Did you tell the restaurant about Goku? Did we get a free meal because of it?”

Aki led them into the club. “Goku’s a celebrity. He saved the world. Take advantage of it while you can.”

Chi-Chi held Goku’s hand as they walked inside but had one hand over an ear. It was loud as a thumping bass line played by the DJ vibrated through the room. “I won’t exploit Goku for special privileges.”

“It’s not exploiting. It’s taking what’s offered to you.”

“It doesn’t seem right.”

“You can always go outside and wait in line,” Aki suggested with a sneaky smile.

“No way!” Goku wasn’t allowing that. “Too many guys are lookin’ at Chi-Chi. I ain’t leavin’ her alone.”

Aki and Chi-Chi were surprised by his outburst. Goku never acted this way before. “Don’t worry, buddy. Our Princess can take care of herself.”

They reached the edge of the dance floor. Aki tried to pull them on but Chi-Chi was too hesitant and Goku wasn’t doing it if Chi-Chi wasn’t so they made their way to the bar watching and waiting for a seat to come empty. After thirty minutes a woman left her seat. They rushed over so Chi-Chi could occupy it.

Aki signaled a bartender over. Chi-Chi didn’t know anything about ordering so Aki chose for her. “The lady will have a cosmo. I’ll have a rum and coke. My friend,” Aki sized up Goku wondering what he should drink. He was even more clueless than Chi-Chi. “My friend will have a whiskey smash.”

As they waited for their drinks, Aki noticed Chi-Chi swaying to the music. “It’s not bad, is it?”

“It’s a little loud,” she swayed in her seat, “but it has a nice beat.”

“How about you, Goku?”

Goku waved his hand over his mouth as a guy next to him lit up his cigarette. “Kind of smoky and loud.”

Aki shook his head. “This is why I wanted to get you out of the mountains. You’re getting too sheltered and isolated. You need to live.”

“We are living.”

“Really, Goku? What do you do all day in the mountains?”

The bartender returned with the drinks. “We explore Mount Paozu,” Chi-Chi sipped her drink carefully. Hmm. Not bad. “Goku and I talk a lot.”

Aki rolled his eyes. “Boring.”

“We have lots of sex!” Goku knew that was boring. He sipped his drink testing it before drinking the glass in one gulp. “What?” He noticed Chi-Chi and Aki's shocked stares.  

“Goku….” Aki was slightly concerned, “you should drink that slowly since you don’t drink alcohol a lot.”

“Goku,” Chi-Chi was embarrassed, “don’t tell him about our intimacy.”

Goku didn’t think he said anything wrong. “I didn’t say what we did. I said we did it a lot.”

Aki finished his glass. “You can argue about what’s private and not private, I’m gonna hit the floor.”

While Aki blended with the other adults on the dance floor, Chi-Chi and Goku watched. Goku ordered another drink; this time a Jack and Coke while Chi-Chi finished her Cosmo. Goku finished his drink in a single gulp. “Go easy on the alcohol, Goku. It’s making your lips loose.” She looked at him suspiciously. He wasn’t a drinker. Her father introduced him to varieties of beer. Goku tried them all but didn’t find the taste appealing to have more than one can of beer. Now Goku seemed invested in drinking.

“The drink isn’t getting to me.” Goku placed his hand on Chi-Chi’s left thigh and moved it up her skirt. “Your clothes are.”

“Goku,” Chi-Chi suppressed a moan as Goku nipped her neck. “We’re in public.”

“We ain’t the only ones.” He cocked his head to a couple three seats from them kissing. “Like Aki said. We’re young. Let’s have fun.”

“Whoa!” Chi-Chi blushed at the couple. They weren’t kissing. They were making out! They had no shame or care of anyone watching. They wanted each other and wanted everyone to know it. It was admirable and a bit erotic as Chi-Chi thought of herself and Goku being so expressive. She knew she had a handsome husband and loved he was hers and no one else could have him. Maybe it was the alcohol, the beat of the music, the heat of the bodies in the room, or the stimulation of the kissing couple combined with Goku’s groping but Chi-Chi felt herself getting pulled into the world around them.

They were young, as Aki said. They had no responsibilities yet. They only had each other. They slept in as late as they wanted. They stayed and left home as they wanted. Some days, Goku would pull her on Nimbus and they were off to some unknown destination.

When they have children, they can’t be this carefree. They will be regulated to schedules.

Maybe we should have fun.

Chi-Chi hopped off her stool. Goku took her empty seat so she could have it back when she was done. He ordered a third drink. Chi-Chi shook her head and waved for him to join her on the dance floor. Chi-Chi was young and sheltered but she had a quick eye. She had to learn martial arts. She used it to study the women on the dance floor and mimic them.

“Think of it as a fighting technique,” Chi-Chi swayed to the music with her hips swinging to the pop beat. She mimicked other women raising her hands over her head. She dropped her head back so the multi-colored lights of green, pink, purple and blue danced over her smooth and toned skin. The muscles of her stomach teased Goku as her halter top raised up her stomach.

Goku smirked admiring how Ch-Chi performed for him. His eyes trailed her bouncing hair bopping to the music. He went lower settling his eyes on Chi-Chi’s breasts bouncing in her tight halter top. My pillows.

When Chi-Chi came out of the hotel bathroom dressed in a halter top and short skirt, Goku didn’t react. The clothes were shorter than what she usually wore unless bedtime. He liked it but that was it. When they left the restaurant, the sun had set and the sky was dark except for the glow of the full moon. Walking two blocks from the restaurant, Goku noticed Chi-Chi then. He was annoyed initially. Only he should see Chi-Chi like this but a part of him liked seeing Chi-Chi dressed this way. There wasn’t a reason for Chi-Chi to hide her attractive body. He wanted the world to see how appealing his wife looked. Look was all he would allow. If they dare touch as some men wanted to do……

Goku shook his mind clear of those thoughts. He wanted to admire Chi-Chi; watch her dance for him and coax him to join her.

Drinking his third glass, the smooth lyrics of the pop mix and guitar riffs pulled Goku to move his body to the music while his eyes stayed glued to Chi-Chi’s body as she danced.  

“Come on,” Chi-Chi encouraged him. “I won’t bite.”

“I wished you did.”

Chi-Chi winked at him. “Later.”

“Soon,” Goku promised when his eyes flicked to the side when movement caught his peripheral. A man moved in, put his hand around Chi-Chi’s waist and turned her so she danced with him.

Chi-Chi paused as she stared up at the man. He had more inches in height over Goku and muscles that suggest unnatural development. His physical build must have been the motivating factor in this fool thinking he could take Chi-Chi from Goku and dance with her. Chi-Chi took a step back from him but the man took a step forward not allowing the distance Chi-Chi wanted.

Goku knew his strength. He was stronger than everyone in the room. So was Chi-Chi but because of how much stronger he is, Goku always controlled himself. It wouldn’t be fair to beat up on anyone so beneath him in strength but if someone dared to touch what was his, power levels didn’t matter.

Rage flooded as he put down his glass and was on his feet not caring when someone immediately took his seat. Nothing mattered except dealing with the brute who dared to touch Chi-Chi.

“Dance with me,” Goku heard the guy say.

“No,” Chi-Chi refused him. “I’m a married woman.”

The man looked around. “I don’t see him. Any real man….” He stopped when he saw Goku. Instead of slinking away, he laughed. He had more muscles and height than Goku. That was enough for him to think Goku would be cowering to him. “It’s just a dance. Not an affair.”

He reached for Chi-Chi when Goku grabbed the guy’s shoulder. A light squeeze from Goku had the man’s knees buckling. “Dude…..” he winced as Goku squeezed harder. “Calm down.”

“You touched my wife,” Goku’s voice came out as a growl. Even over the music, Goku knew he was heard.

He was outmatched by Goku but the man still had his pride. He was popular here and he couldn’t let this punk embarrass him. He closed his right fist. He can get one shot. He swung his fist to punch air where Goku’s face was and was immediately lifted off his feet and received a free flight from the dance floor to a table near the bar.

Music and dancing immediately stopped. Bouncers came onto the dance floor. Aki looked at Goku. One look at his friend’s face told Aki the bouncers will land in the hospital if they came near Goku.

“It’s okay.” Aki got between Goku and the bouncers. “My friend is Son Goku. He won the Tenkaichi Budokai. Stupid,” he pointed to the musclehead who was picking himself off the table, “wanted to challenge him. He’s crazy, right? Who challenges the guy who beat the son of King Piccolo?”

People around nodded agreeing and murmuring it was stupid to challenge the winner of the Tenkaichi Budokai to a fight. The man in question stormed out not wanting to hear the jeering. The bouncers left the dance floor and the music resumed.

“Geez, Goku.” Aki wondered if inviting Goku and Chi-Chi out was a good idea. “What did he do?”

“He touched Chi-Chi.”

“Oh.” If this was any other guy, the reaction would make sense but this was Goku. He brushed off Kaifun’s interest in Chi-Chi but a random guy causes Goku to get physical?

Goku turned away from Aki to return to Chi-Chi who stared with flushed cheeks. “Are you all right, Chi-Chi?”

Chi-Chi nodded. “I’m fine. I can’t believe you did that.”

Goku was surprised he did it, too. Kaifun was very clear of his attraction to Chi-Chi and wanting her but Goku never did anything to him. Tonight, Goku wanted to break the meathead’s face for touching Chi-Chi. He was on edge tonight. There was something about how Chi-Chi looked and smelled tonight that drove Goku wild. He wanted her. He wanted it known Chi-Chi was his and no mercy will be given to anyone trying to take her from him.

As if to give a warning to not repeat what the dumb brute tried, Goku cupped the back of Chi-Chi’s neck and dragged her against him for a passionate kiss. Her sweet and sultry taste tinged with her Cosmo drink made Goku groan against her mouth.

For Chi-Chi, it made her wet. Watching Goku be so manly, so masculine handling the idiot excited her. He didn’t protect her like this. He knew she could handle herself but seeing him step in and show Chi-Chi was his and no one should touch, made her want to jump him.

When his lips touched hers, Chi-Chi kissed back without any hesitation. Her hands fisted his shirt as he grabbed her ass and pressed her against his growing shaft. The moan from her made him jerk his cock against her in response.

Aki wanted Goku and Chi-Chi to celebrate being young, free and in love but he wasn’t expecting this. The most affection he saw of them was the quick peck at the wedding and Chi-Chi sometimes kissing Goku’s cheek. This made him blush.

“Ah… I see. They both got that edge in them.”

Though raised to keep such affections private, Chi-Chi wasn’t embarrassed about the display from her and Goku. She wanted to be watched. She wanted all to see she and Goku were staking a claim on each other. Goku was hers and she was his.

But kissing wasn’t enough. They both could feel it. They needed more. Maybe it was the alcohol or the music or the lust coursing through them,  but they wanted each other right here on the dance floor.

Chi-Chi pushed back with the little clarity she had left. Her breath came in heavy pants that made her breasts jiggle. She saw the lust in Goku’s eyes and felt it swell against her. How she wanted Goku to throw her over his shoulder and sprint her out of here but she wore a skirt and didn’t want that flaring up to show the world only what Goku has seen.

“Let me freshen up and we can get out of here.”

“Hurry,” Goku growled at her. His patience was thin.

Chi-Chi quickly walked off the dance floor with Goku’s eyes on her shaking hips. Oh yeah. He was riding that hard tonight.

“Goku,” Aki put a hand on Goku’s shoulder. “Let’s get you some water. You need to cool off.”

Aki and Goku reached the bar. Aki ordered another drink for himself but cool water for Goku. “Damn, Goku. Calm down. She’s your wife and I support that but she’s my princess and…..” Goku’s glare quickly caused Aki to correct himself. “But she’s your wife and that’s a higher authority. I know you want her but the dance floor is not the place to fuck.”

The bartender handed Goku his water. He quickly guzzled it down. “I know.” The cool water cleared some of his lustful mind. He asked for more water. “I don’t know why but I want Chi-Chi really badly right now.”

“That’s cool,” Aki sipped his drink. “Just wait until you get your hotel room.”

“Hi,” a sultry voice called to Goku. He turned to see a beautiful woman with long red hair and emerald eyes smiling at him.

“Damn,” Aki whispered of the woman. She was a beauty and stacked with her 40C breasts wrapped in a gold halter bra, slender waist and curvy hips in a gold skirt that barely covered her ass, and long, toned legs and perfectly manicured toes in four-inch stilettos. While Aki examined her head to toe, Goku’s eyes were on her face.

“Hi,” he said as if greeting someone casually on the street.

The woman puckered her red lips at Goku. “You won the Tenkaichi Budokai.” She touched his arm. “I can see why. You feel strong.”

Goku looked at the woman touching his arm. He jerked her hand off. “I am strong. Who are you?”

“Happy if I get you to come home with me.”

Goku frowned at her. “Sorry, Happy. I’m going home to my wife.”

The woman was shocked at the brushoff. Aki picked up what Goku hadn’t caught on from the insulted woman. Aki also didn’t want Chi-Chi to return and misunderstand the situation. He got between Goku and the woman. “My name’s Aki. I’m Goku’s friend and I’m single.”

“I’m Salli,” she pushed Aki aside. “I’m not interested.”

Goku frowned. He didn’t like Salli rejected Aki and he didn’t like she lied to him. “I thought you said your name is Happy.”

Salli slipped her hand inside his shirt to touch his chest. “It can be whatever you want.”

“How about ‘Cheap’?!” Chi-Chi’s voice was heard behind Salli as her red hair was yanked and her body pulled from Goku. “Keep your hands off my husband!”

Salli turned to Chi-Chi. One look at the wife of Son Goku and she wasn’t impressed. “Gah. Was he drunk when he proposed to you? Or,” she fluffed her hair, “were you the best of the poor offerings around him?”

Rage poured into Chi-Chi. How dare a subpar woman insult a great beauty like her? “I’m the daughter of King Gyumao, the wife of Son Goku and the strongest woman on the planet.”

“Um,” Aki tried to intervene, “I don’t think your title matters here.”

Chi-Chi ignored Aki. “I’m smarter, stronger and far prettier than you and anyone who tries to take my Goku from me.”

“Daughter of a King?” Salli scoffed. “Never heard of him but you must come from a cheap kingdom to afford those fake wonder twins.”

“Oh, boy,” Aki muttered under his breath.

“Fake?!” Chi-Chi screamed. “Everything is real!” Chi-Chi lunged for her only for Goku to secure his arms around her waist and pull her back. “Let me go, Goku!” Chi-Chi kicked at Salli. “She can’t get away with touching you and insulting me!”

“It wouldn’t be right to kill her,” Goku calmly told Chi-Chi as he flipped her into his arms and carried her out of the club like a bride while Chi-Chi screamed and cursed words a bride wouldn’t say.

Goku carried Chi-Chi outside to a secluded alley around the club. He placed Chi-Chi on her feet. He tried to be reasonable and keep his cool but watching Chi-Chi stake her claim over him in front of everyone excited him. Chi-Chi’s anger was a turnoff for some men. It scared others but for him, it made him hard. The patience he had to wait until they were back at their hotel was melting fast.  

“Why did you do that, Chi-Chi?”

“She made me angry.” Chi-Chi was proud she married a handsome man. She accepted women will look but didn’t tolerate anyone touching her husband and insulting her. “That cheap woman came onto you knowing you’re married.”

“You know I wasn’t interested.”

Chi-Chi knew that but the women did something far more insulting. “I don’t tolerate anyone thinking they can take what’s mine.”

Goku growled low in his throat as the full moon shined on them. Why did she have to say that? They definitely won’t make it back to the hotel. He needed her now. “I need you, Chi-Chi.” He kissed Chi-Chi out of his mind with lust. “I can’t wait.”

“Don’t,” Chi-Chi welcomed his kisses. Her lips meshed with his as his body pushed her against the brick wall. She could feel his cock, long, hard and thick rubbing between her thighs and making her wet between hers.

Moaning into his mouth, Chi-Chi’s tongue thrust against Goku’s. His whiskey-flavored tongue drugged her and lured her deeper into the carnal lust they were experiencing for each other. “This is crazy,” she murmured between their kisses. So wild and deliriously crazy! They were in a dark alley kissing. Goku’s hands were on her thighs pushing up her skirt with his hands nearing the spot she wanted him to touch. It was scandalous. Indecent and she loved every moment! “But if you stop, I’ll kill you.”

“Ain’t stopping,” Goku pushed aside her panties. He moaned into Chi-Chi’s neck as he felt her wet heat drench his fingers.

“Hurry.” Chi-Chi didn’t want to come to her senses and talk them out of this. She wanted Goku pumping deep and hard inside her. Impatient, she reached into his pants and cupped his hard length.

“Fuck!” Goku cursed against her as his head fell on her shoulder. Normally, Chi-Chi would admonish his cursing but hearing the pain and desperation in his voice aroused and sent an exciting thrill through her.

“Put it in,” Chi-Chi told him. “I can’t wait.”

Goku couldn’t either. He hiked her feet off the ground, spread her against the wall and with her panties pushed aside, Goku slid in fast and hard.

“Fuck!” Now it was Chi-Chi who shamefully cursed as Goku stretched her with his hard heat. He always took his time entering her but mad lust drove both for him to take her fast and hard.

Goku pulled out and sank deeper as Chi-Chi’s legs stayed wrapped around his waist while she clawed his shirt and took everything Goku gave her. They were in an alley with people around the corner; some were walking by unsurprised by the act but for Goku and Chi-Chi, it felt intimate as they focused on each other as they always did during intimacy.

“Hard,” Chi-Chi whispered into her as she pulled Goku closer. “I’m the strongest woman in the world. You know I can take it.”

Her request snapped what little control Goku had left. He tightened his hip and pulled out before thrusting in deeper and harder than before. He set a rough pace into Chi-Chi while his lips pressed hers to silence her escalating moans. He could hear Chi-Chi’s skirt scrape against the brick wall but Chi-Chi didn’t seem to care as she moaned and whimpered against him while scratching his clothes. He could feel her slick channel fluttering around his shaft.

“Ngh!” he grunted at her tightness. “You’re gonna make come first if you keep strangling my cock like that.” He saw her smirk. Oh, she would like that and would lord it over him. “Can’t have that,” he whispered as he went faster thrusting in her, slapping their skin together until Chi-Chi buried her mouth in his neck moaning his name through her release.  

Her strangling walls broke him as he jerk inside her and released a flood of his cum as his orgasm took him. As Goku panted against her neck, Chi-Chi reveled in the sensation of Goku’s release in her. For several moments, both were a panting and shaking mess. Goku slipped out with some of his release coating Chi-Chi’s thighs. Goku smiled at her blushing face. “Sorry,” he apologized.

“I hope you are.”

The words didn’t come from Chi-Chi. It came from a deep voice a few feet from them. Goku turned while Chi-Chi looked over his shoulder to see a police officer glaring at them.

“What a night,” Aki murmured to himself as he walked into the police station. He was still in the club having a drink with a woman when he heard someone say, “That guy that won the Tenkaichi Budokai got arrested.”

Aki paid for his, Goku and Chi-Chi’s drinks. He ran outside to see Goku and Chi-Chi being driven away in the back of a police car. King Gyumao will kill me if this gets out. He hailed a taxi and followed them to the nearest precinct. Aki tried but wasn’t allowed to talk to the commander of the precinct until after Goku and Chi-Chi were put in a cell.

“Putting my friends in a cell isn’t necessary,” Aki explained to the police sergeant. “They are very kind and harmless people.”

“Harmless?” the office read the report. “The guy broke his cuffs and almost broke the arresting officer’s hand when he tried to put cuffs on the woman.”

“Well,” Aki awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, “my friend is protective of his wife and he doesn’t know a lot. He grew up in the mountains.”

“He assaulted an officer doing his job arresting them.”

“Arrest for what?”

“Having sex in the alley.”

“Publix sex?!” Aki yelled. “Goku and Chi-Chi?” That couldn’t be right. Goku would do it but there’s no way Chi-Chi would allow it.

They were getting hot and heavy in the club.

“Can’t we handle this discreetly?” Aki pleaded. “They’re good people. Chi-Chi’s never done a bad thing in her life. Her father is King Gyumao of Fire Mountain. Goku is winner of the Tenkaichi Budokai. He saved the world. He was the one who defeated King Piccolo.”

The officer stopped walking. “King Piccolo?” He pointed two cells away. Chi-Chi could be seen by the bars looking out. “He killed King Piccolo?”

“And defeated his son at the Tenkaichi Budokai.”

The officer’s face got a shade lighter. “I was at the capital when King Piccolo attacked. King Piccolo fired some beam at me and everything went dark. I don’t remember anything except waking up at my funeral. I scared the hell out of my wife when I opened the casket.” He looked at the cell holding Goku and Chi-Chi. “Are you saying I’m alive because of him?

“Yeah,” Aki solemnly confirmed for him. “I’m telling you my friend is a good guy. It’s my fault they got arrested. I’ve been on them they should have fun before they have kids. I guess they got carried away.”

The officer looked at the cell holding Chi-Chi and Goku. He grabbed the jangles of cell keys at his hip. He sighed as he continued to their cell. “Next time suggest they go skydiving.”

“Will do,” Aki promised. King Gyumao won’t kill me!

When they reached the cell, Goku sat on the dirty bench grinning at Aki while Chi-Chi’s face was scarlet in shameful embarrassment. The officer opened the cell. “You’re free to go. All charges will be dropped.”

“Thank you.” Chi-Chi bowed before the officer. “We’re so sorry.”

“Your friend explained. I understand.” As Goku stepped out of his cell, the officer extended his hand to Goku. “I’m told you killed King Piccolo. He killed me three years ago.” He shook Goku’s hand. “I guess me and my daughter owe you.”

Goku was taken aback. “King Piccolo killed your daughter?”

“No, but my daughter was born a year ago.”

It took a moment for Goku to understand. “I see.”

“We’ll give you your souvenir for the night and remove any traces of your arrest,” the officer told him. “In the meantime, seek your thrills elsewhere.”

Ten minutes later, Goku, Chi-Chi and Aki stood outside the precinct. Chi-Chi frowned at the souvenirs. It was their mug shots. “I can’t believe you’re smiling.” Chi-Chi shook her head at Goku’s grinning while she looked terrified.

“I did say the dance floor isn’t the place to fuck but I didn’t mean the back of the club is either.”

While Goku laughed at Aki’s joke, Chi-Chi didn’t find it funny. “How long have you been holding that in?”

Aki grinned. “Since I learned why you got arrested.” Now the matter was settled Aki couldn’t help but get some good-natured ribbing in. His prim and proper princess was arrested for having sex in an alley. So many jokes will come from this. “So…. Chi-Chi,” Aki was grinning and Chi-Chi knew what he will say. “Are you finally seeing the benefits of taking advantage of Goku’s celebrity status?”

Goku saw the benefits. “It did get us out of our situation, Chi-Chi.”

“Maybe there are some benefits.” Chi-Chi suddenly thought of one. “And I will use one now. If you tell anyone about this night, I’ll have Goku kill you.”

Aki laughed. His princess was mad and embarrassed about this night but she wouldn’t hover homicide over him. “It’s embarrassing now but in a few days….” Chi-Chi shook her head. “Weeks?” Chi-Chi kept shaking her head. “Years? Aw, come on. Goku wouldn’t kill me. I’m your friend. I’m not Kaifun.”

“Goku does anything I want him to do. Isn’t that right, Goku?”

Aki looked passed Chi-Chi to Goku who nodded. “If Chi-Chi wants me to, I’ll do it.”

Aki couldn’t tell if Goku was joking or serious but he wasn’t going to take that chance with the world’s strongest man. “My lips are sealed.”

**********

Chi-Chi stared at the photo from seventeen years ago. So many times she wanted to burn it but Goku insisted they keep it. On the rare times they thought of that night, they looked at the photo.

“We should put this photo with the ones our boys took and frame it.”

“I’ll kill you myself if you do that,” Chi-Chi threatened. Seventeen years later, Chi-Chi was no longer embarrassed. It was during Goku’s second death when Chi-Chi finally laughed at their embarrassing night. “It was stupid but kind of fun, and with no real record kept, harmless.”

“Just like Gohan and Goten,” Goku reminded Chi-Chi. “Come on,” Goku linked his hand into Chi-Chi’s. “Let’s tell the boys you’re not mad anymore.”

Chi-Chi thought of her yelling. Goten will brush it off but she imagined Gohan took it hard. That boy acted like her in many ways and if she knew him as well as she thought, she knew Gohan felt horrible and embarrassed about this night for himself. He was always a good student and good person and to be taken in by the police, even to protect Goten, had to be mortifying.

“Let’s talk to our boys over dinner.”

“And tell them about our night to make them feel better,” Goku suggested.

“No way.” Chi-Chi could laugh about that night but she vowed to take it to her grave.

“Why not?”

“Do you want to traumatize Gohan on why we were arrested? Child services will be after us if Goten learns about it.”

Goku hadn’t thought that far ahead. “Guess you’re right but when they are older and have families of their own…...”

“No, Goku.”

And so the secret remained until one day, when a curious five-year-old Pan helped her Grandma Chi-Chi through her yearly spring cleaning, discovered a framed photo of Grandpa Goku, Grandma Chi-Chi, Daddy Gohan and Uncle Goten’s mugshots buried in a worn box in the back of her grandparents’ closet.

[b-skarsgard]

Credits and a very big thank you to @/TheCrowUpdates on IG&Twitter for sharing!

Someone was going to revisit The Crow.

We just didn't know who. Since 2008, fans of Alex Proyas' 1994 dark superhero movie - about a murdered rock musician back from the dead to seek revenge - have watched reports roll in about who was going to do it.

Names of possible stars were attached and detached before it was ever confirmed they were true: Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, Mark Wahlberg (twice), Jason Momoa (that one got as far as leaked test footage). Potential directors included Blade's Stephen Norrington, 28 Weeks Later's Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Corin Hardy, and more.

At one point in 2010, hopes were raised when there were rumours that Nick Cave was doing some form of script revision - The Crow is a graphic novel and a film that held music close to its goth black heart. For a while, everything went quiet. And then: someone actually revisited The Crow.

When Empire asks director Rupert Sanders why, after all these years, it was him, he laughs and says, "Tenacity." He adds, "Sometimes these things just have their time.

They work when they're supposed to work. I just feel that this was probably the right iteration." He also thinks it's a case of how it was made, not why: outside the studio system, for a fraction of the budget of current superhero movies, and far less than Sanders himself has worked with in the past (his first film, Snow White & The Huntsman, cost $180 million). "People are calling it a Hollywood remake and it's really not.

There's nothing to do with Hollywood in this movie at all — it's a very scrappy indie movie," he says. "[And] because of that, we were able to remain close to the centre and the darkness and the violence that's in the graphic novel. The only reason we could do that is because it's not a studio movie."

Given how fervently the fanbase protects the first movie, some might also add another word in addition to tenacity: bravery. This was the film in which Brandon Lee, playing Eric Draven, tragically lost his life in an accident on set with a prop gun at the age of 28. This was the film that wasn't just a film; it remains a hallowed target of worship. If you are of a certain age, you will remember how posters for The Crow hung for a weirdly long time in the video shop, how you wore out the soundtrack on your Walkman, how on more than one occasion someone told you that the set was cursed, actually. For some, the idea of revisiting The Crow is as impossible as waking the dead.

In order for Sanders to get it made, he had to sweep aside all of the cult-film baggage that came with the job. He ignored the "probably hundreds" of versions of the script that were floating around. He had to go right to the beginning and hatch his own bird.

James O'Barr's original telling (the character's self-titled miniseries ran February-May 1989), The Crow is a comic about revenge. Eric and his fiancée, Shelly, are assaulted by a gang of thugs after their car breaks down. Paralysed by a gunshot wound, Eric can only watch as she is raped and murdered in front of him, before later dying himself in hospital. When he is resurrected by a crow — those supernatural beings who can bring people back to put the wrong things right - he wreaks vengeance on those who hurt her. The idea all stemmed from an event in O'Barr's life: when he was 18, his fiancée was killed by a drunk driver.

He put the hate and other feelings on the page. O'Barr later said on stage at Comic-Con that the comic, to him, was a Cure song—Sanders was there at the time and heard him. It was an idea that stayed with him throughout the process. "[The Crow] has that kind of comfort of melancholy," he says. "There's something about listening to a Cure song that makes you feel that it's okay to feel how you're feeling."

Sanders didn't rewatch the 1994 film; he reread the graphic novel, once, and then let the ideas permeate. (Sanders is an art-school comic-book guy — he's been trying to to turn Charles Burns' Black Hole, a story about sexually transmitted, grotesque physical mutations in teenagers that renders them social outcasts, into a movie for 20 years.) He even made a Black Hole short film, and says it's the closest DNA in his work to The Crow - you can watch it on his website). He researched the spiritual history of crows across cultures: how they are believed to exist between worlds as messengers between the living and the dead, how they are both symbols of change and harbingers of death. But above all, what Sanders saw in The Crow was not a revenge story at all: he saw a tragic love story.

"We've all lost someone in life, or we all will lose someone in life, and we're all going to die. It was really about losing someone and being selfless in trying to get someone back."

For a love story to work, Sanders needed to find a man who could believably be both "tender and terrifying" — he couldn't cast the monster and work backwards. Having almost worked with Bill Skarsgård on another project that fell through (an adaptation of Tim O'Brien's Vietnam-war book, The Things They Carried), Skarsgård was already on Sanders' radar. When he mentioned the idea to the actor, Skarsgård needed very little convincing. But before he did his self-tape for the casting process, Skarsgard wanted to spend a week with Sanders exploring the character.

"That kind of dating phase was what I needed, to know that I really wanted to do the movie," says the actor. They swapped films, music, and YouTube videos, and worked together to get a sense of who this character is. Sanders suggested Skarsgärd watch Jacob's Ladder (Adrian Lyne's 1990 film about a Vietnam-war veteran suffering from horrifying hallucinations; Skarsgård loved it), a documentary on the SoundCloud rapper Lil Peep ("I wasn't really familiar with that world at all; it came after my teenage-rebellion years"), and a lot of documentaries about drug use and homelessness. It was all in aid of figuring out Eric's journey up until the point we meet him in the movie, when the suicidal man sees his salvation in the love of Shelly. We won't even see this backstory on screen.

In Stockholm, where he was born and still lives, in the depths of pandemic times, Skarsgård made his self-tape in a studio with some friends. There was no script yet, just a couple of scenes. For the final one, he performed it in traditional Crow make-up.

Did he apply it himself, as Brandon Lee does in the broken mirror? "Definitely not!" he laughs. "I had someone help me do it —a professional. I've been down that hole before where I've tried to do my own make-up. It turns out that my skill doesn't translate that well into that."

Skarsgård has also been here before with the white make-up, the cult favourite character, the weight of decades of history —he went through all of this playing Pennywise the clown in It. When asked if he felt the pressure of stepping into a role with so much noise around it, he speaks with the clarity of someone who has been bruised before but is now prepared (and knows to ignore the internet). "I think I would have been more hesitant if it felt really close to the original—but the fact that it felt so different from it, the separation of it [made it feel like I could] make this my own thing, as opposed to trying but failing at something that's already been done."

As soon as he took the job, Skarsgård "never thought about this as The Crow". He was interested in the psychology of the character of Eric — in his journey from suicidal, to saved, to nihilism. "That became very important to me — that it's not just a guy putting on make-up and thinking he's badass and saying catchy one-liners. This is someone who has lost everything, and the only thing that he has left is his hate. And hate is destructive. When he becomes this sort of superhero, he's become a monster that he doesn't want to be." Skarsgård buried himself in the psyche of the character, as he routinely does with every role, possibly to his detriment.

"Honestly, I don't know any other way of doing it," he says. "You have to go there. You do get a little bit consumed with that state of mind. I was kind of burned out at the end of it, for physical reasons, mental reasons, all of it. It was a lot."

But he says it was all worth it: all the hours of tattoo application, the nights submerged in a tank of syrup made to look like oil, and the time-consuming effort of trying to get the continuity of black tar blood-splatter just right. There is only one thing he would change if he could: his... entire body. When he came onto The Crow, Skarsgärd had just finished filming Boy Kills World, an action movie where he plays a martial-arts expert.

He was in insane shape. He was eating raw meat and training six days a week. "I felt very strange being in great shape for Eric as the person Eric, he says, after detailing the extreme training schedule and diet he kept over the nine months that spanned both films. "I wanted him to be really skinny!" he laughs. "He was not a person that worked out, ever. In a perfect world he would have been a lot less fit in the first half of the movie."

In the 1994 version of The Crow, Shelly is dead before the opening credits. The film opens with her, bloodied on a gurney in the rain (it can't rain all the time, but it does in this movie), being loaded into the back of an ambulance. In Shelly-POV flashbacks we see the faces of her violent, laughing rapists.

Shelly is not so much a character as a reason for The Crow to exist: a plot device to give our male hero something to avenge. This is something Sanders wanted to correct in his telling of the story. To him, Shelly was the "emotional engine" of the whole film. It needed a woman so "magical" that we would miss her like a vital organ when she was gone.

"Without us falling in love with her as he does, we can't go on that journey with him," he said. "We can't be complicit with what he does to gain her back." Sanders had only one person in mind for the role, someone otherworldly and haunting enough to carry it: the genreamorphous, avant-garde musician FKA Twigs.

"I felt honoured," says Twigs, on being asked to make such an impression in her first-ever starring role (prior to this, her only feature credit was in Alma Har'el's Honey Boy) and being given only a third of the film to do it in. "But at the same time, I really did know that I could do it."

She and Skarsgård met on a balcony in the hotel in Prague where Casanova used to stay.

They read lines, became friends, and soon Twigs was so invested in the story of Eric and Shelly that she was standing at the monitor on set, watching herself die, sad that their characters were being so cosmically ripped apart.

"[Sanders] would always look at me and be like 'Oh, I know, Twigs! They can't be together!' And I'd be like, 'But I want them to be together!'" she laughs. "He knows I have a real, genuine interest in their love and what love means to a lot of people in the world. I believe that we need more stories like this.

Where two people can love each other so wholly and so beautifully amidst so much darkness and uncertainty. That, to me, echoes almost what we're going through now."

Meanwhile, Danny Huston plays the bad guy in all of this - but he goes to great lengths to explain that unlike other battles between good and evil, the lines here aren't so clearly drawn. "It's messy, it's human, it's inky," he says, remaining mysterious about his character's true desire and identity. (Says Sanders: "The devilish people in your life are the most seductive, the most charming, and the most flattering. There's something about Danny that just really personifies that.")

Huston says the film reminds him most of Powell and Pressburger's A Matter Of Life And Death — "That would be the, uh, gentle version of our film," adds Sanders - in which love is tested in the hinterland between the living and the dead.

The character is fascinated by love in the manner of a demigod who is above it. "Love can be flawed. And it can be childish. It can be saccharin. It can mislead you," Huston says. "But yet, it's what makes mortals tick.

It's what makes them sacrifice. Is that enviable? I suppose it is, when you have never felt it."

Rupert Sanders' take on The Crow reportedly cost around $50 million. Not peanuts, but less money than is spent on your usual superhero outings. And a lower budget, like love, can come with sacrifice.

But the cast and crew were tenacious and brave enough to, in the words of Skarsgård, go there, wherever "there" was.

"It wasn't an easy journey, that's for sure," says Skarsgard. While the role took physical and mental tolls on its male lead, Twigs was willing to face her greatest fear to make it work: deep water. She spent days in the tank, with a nose peg on, trying to control her beating heart. Elsewhere, Sanders was inverting severed heads into plastic dummies to get two effects for the price of one, drawing in Eric's sketchbooks, throwing blood around the set, never sitting still. And when the crew's numbers dwindled in the final days of filming, it ended up being just Sanders with a camera, a light, and a guy with a crow on a leather glove. (The director says that crows - in spite of all their dark mythology — are good companions and lovely to work with.)

Later, when it was all over and Twigs saw the trailer, she was surprised. "When we were making the movie I didn't really have a sense of how magnificent the scale is," she says.

"Maybe it's because it's one of my first films, but it's hard to tell when you're in it. It's a huge, wild, big-scale, giant film! But when I was doing it, it just felt like we were in this little family, running around Prague for three months."

Sanders hopes this could help form a new model in how cinema might counter shrinking audiences - not just for comic-book movies, but for films in general.

"You have to be more adept at making things more effciently, that are emotionally resonant, and not just spectacle," he says. "I really hope we're in for another kind of Easy Riders, Raging Bulls period of having to make these more down-and-dirty films that still feel like big epic movies [but] are weirder and stranger."

Inevitably, there will be opinions about the new version of The Crow. Sanders isn't worried. "You can never please everyone when you're working with existing material—but I look at it as Kenneth Branagh doing a Shakespeare play that Gielgud did [before him]," he says. "That was a seminal performance, but it doesn't mean that's it and everything stops." It's been 30 years since the last film, and he hopes that in the same way the film excited 17-year-olds back then, his version will do the same for kids who are 17 years old now.

"This is for this generation. Probably 30 years from now they will be berating anyone who tries to make another version of it because this was the version they grew up on," he predicts. "It's cyclical." At least this time around, fewer cassette tapes will be harmed in the replaying of the soundtrack.

THE CROW IS IN CINEMAS FROM 23 AUGUST

[lesbianxreader]

I finished the first chapter. Hopefully it makes sense it’s been a few years since I read the comics honestly. They’d be so cute together fr tho!!! Pleaseeeee make them date!!!! Ugh! 😩 the chapters are going to take turns based on POV this ones gonna be Jargalas POV. 18+ only because I write smut sometimes. Also this wasn’t proof read at all 😅💁🏻‍♀️

The night was alive with chaos. My Creeping Crystals were giving it everything they had, holding the line against the Triple Threats. They thought they could stroll into my turf and take what was mine? Not tonight. Not ever.

I drove my heel into the ground, sending a wave of earth toward an advancing thug. He stumbled, and one of my crew knocked him out cold. The earth beneath my feet felt steady, solid, grounding me as I fought to protect what was ours.

“Let’s show these good-for-nothing Triple Threats who owns these streets!” I shouted, my voice cutting through the noise. Around me, my crew roared in agreement, pushing back against the onslaught.

I ducked and spun, sending a slab of earth flying into another thug. My adrenaline surged, and I found myself scanning the fight for their leader. They had someone new, didn’t they?

“Where’s your new leader?” I called out, voice sharp and mocking. “He too scared to show his face?”

For a moment, I thought I’d hit a nerve. One of their lackeys—Shady Shin—yelled out over the chaos. “Boss, the Creeping Crystals got us outnumbered—what do you say we skedaddle?”

I smirked. Typical.

But before I could enjoy the moment, a new voice cut through the noise. “That strategy might have worked on your old leader, but not me!”

I turned toward the sound, and there he was—Tokuga. He stood atop a rooftop, twin swords gleaming in the dim streetlights. His eyes locked onto mine as he leapt down into the fray.

“This fight isn’t over till I say it is!” he roared, slicing through my crew like a whirlwind.

I gritted my teeth and stepped forward, bracing myself. “The Triple Threats might as well give up!” I shouted, my voice ringing with defiance.

Tokuga’s sneer was infuriating. “Make us!”

He moved faster than I expected, closing the distance between us in the blink of an eye. His swords flashed, but he didn’t strike to kill. Instead, his fingers jabbed at my arms and shoulders in a series of precise, calculated movements. My body stiffened as the familiar numbness of chakra-blocking set in.

“The Creeping Crystals might as well give up,” he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.

I clenched my teeth and glared at him. “Make me.”

He chuckled, raising one of his swords. “My pleasure, Jargala.”

The blade was poised to strike when the shrill sound of sirens pierced the night. The fight ground to a halt as cables of metal shot down from above, and the Republic City Police descended.

Lin Beifong hit the ground like my knight in shining armor, her metalbending squad right behind her. She was a whirlwind of precision, taking down Triple Threats with practiced ease. Her eyes found mine, and for a moment, I saw something in her gaze—concern, maybe.

I smirked through the stiffness in my body, giving her a small, reassuring nod.

“This isn’t over, Tokuga!” I shouted, calling to my crew. “Fall back!”

The Creeping Crystals retreated, the sound of their footsteps fading into the shadows. I glanced back once before disappearing into the alleys. Lin was already taking control of the battlefield, bending metal like it was second nature.

Tokuga might’ve won the battle, but the war for these streets was far from over. I’d make sure of it.

Back at my apartment I take a hot shower trying to ease my muscles before I hear my phone ring.

“Chief Beifong to what do I owe the honor of this late night call?” I say teasingly. I know she’s worried about me I could read it on her face.

Lin speaks her tone softer and more gently than usually. “Don’t start with me Jargala I wanted to make sure you were ok.”

I wince, I hate being the object of someone’s pity. “You saw me walk away, I’m not dead am I?” I snap at her.

“I saw you leave yes, but you were pinned there for a minute. For a second I thought I lost you! You can’t keep doing this Jargala, I can’t take watching you put yourself in dangerous situations.” Lin sounded irritated. The thought that she may see me as weak made my heart sink.

“It’s my crew Lin, I can’t just sit back and let the triple threats walk all over us! Besides I’m not some damsel in distress I can handle myself!” I protested.

“I know you’re strong, and I know you can handle yourself. I just hate seeing you cornered, outnumbered. What would happen if I didn’t show up?” Lin spoke quietly as she contemplated the possibility of losing her.

“I appreciate the call but I’m fine… I’ll be more careful from now on ok?” I say trying to ease her mind.

“You mean something to me, I want to get you out of this life eventually and to do that I need you to stay alive!” Lin said sternly.

I roll my eyes knowing I’m never going to leave this life. “Careful Chief, you’re starting to sound soft.” I tease her.

“Too late.” Lin says with a chuckle. “But seriously Jargala I can’t keep showing up every time things go south.” She scolds me.

“I know, I know. I’ll be more careful I promise.” I roll my eyes again. “You should get some rest, you have the whole city to protect tomorrow.”

“I can’t sleep, I need to see you’re ok.” Lins voice drips with concern.

“Ok I’ll meet you in the tunnels again. Same place as last time.” I say sheepishly.

“Thank you, I’ll see you then.” Lin hangs up the call.

[thevindicativevordan]

Comics this week ?

Superman #19 - Speaking as someone who has huge gaps in their Legion knowledge, I loved Time Trapper's boast to Superman that the two of them are eternal and will wage war until the end of existence. And when he lowered his hood at the end and revealed himself as Doomsday I actually cackled. Of course, who else could endure until the end of time? And Doomsday's evolution ability actually works with how the Time Trapper (as I understand) has very vague powers and actually shifts (you might even say evolves) with how time changes. Alright Williamson, for the first time since I read DoS you've got me interested and excited for a Doomsday story. Doomsday talking about Superman's immortality harkens back to the Knight Terrors tie-in, if this is something Williamson has had on his mind for a while, optimistically he has something to say about it. Atomic Skull is confirmed to have reverted to being a bad guy, signaling what I expect to be an editorial push to undo the majority of the "redemptions" we've seen villains undergo recently. I bet Livewire reverts when "Superwoman" starts getting more attention and press than she does. Lex will presumably revert after getting his memories back to synergize with the movie. Mora on art is a beauty, this is probably the most enjoyable the book has been since Campbell stopped being the regular artist.

Absolute Wonder Woman #1 - Great first issue. Thompson proved she knows what the core of Wonder Woman is via that scene with baby Diana first scolding, then kissing, the baby dragon/demon after it tried to cook her. Sherman's art evokes this gothic atmosphere that suits a Wondy raised in hell perfectly. My favorite portion was the flashback to Circe raising Diana as her daughter. Seeing that spread of how their home evolved as Diana grew up hit hard for some reason, and I'm eager to uncover the mystery of what happened with the Amazons, why were they exiled, why was Diana spared, etc. However the modern day portion was weak. The Harbingers seem like generic evil monsters, at first I wondered if that was the Absolute Center given it was a floating island that spewed out dinos. We'll see what Thompson has planned for them, but they didn't immediately grab my interest the way the Party Animals over in Batman did. Credit to Thompson however, unlike Snyder she actually showed Diana struggle and did a better job of portraying this Wondy as a hero who is on the backfoot while Snyder had Batman blow through thugs as easily as his mainline counterpart.

Zatanna: BDTH #5 - I enjoyed it as an Elseworld take and thus wasn't too bothered by her dad being evil here. Tamaki's writing was solid albeit nothing exceptional, the real star was Javier Rodriguez. His art is what made this book fantastic! Would love to read a sequel that explored Zatanna with her daddy issues resolved up against a new threat. Glad to see Diana show up at the end to recruit Zee alongside the expected Batman cameo, anything that shows Zee and Di having a long history of friendship makes me happy.

Nightwing #119 - Was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly Watters shifted everything from the lighter tone of Taylor to his own darker style. Dick flooded Bludhaven with money in Taylor's run, which made it more attractive to criminals, which of course also brought in supercriminals. Watters has a good handle on Nightwing's voice, "anyhow time for jail" made me laugh. Jokes are there but he also writes Dick as serious and, when he needs to be, downright scary. Soy's art is great, he's long been a favorite of mine and I both his portrayal of Bludhaven as well as his designs for the villains.

Incredible Hulk #18 - My token Marvel book of the week! Earls' art is improving imo, and the section where Hulk tries to rip Banner out of himself was grotesque, man I love Klein's art. Hmmm, is the One Below All still protecting Hulk somehow? Or is this something else keeping Eldest from taking control of Hulk?

[velnna]

The more I learn about your comic... The more I fall in love with it. Especially your bugs! Like can you explain more about them? I'm really curious about them (from the full bugs to the hybrids and anything else that comes to mind).

Anyway your art is wonderful and I adore seeing it on my dash. And you can info-dump too. If you want ofc.

Thank you!

The worldbuilding is a work in progress (as it always is, but the first chunk of the comic itself is pretty self-contained so we've been slowly tinkering at the rest of the world and creatures as we go without affecting it much), so we mostly have loose rules and ideas for the bugs as a species. Or anything in between for that matter.

For all intended purposes, bug people are all the same species and can usually cross-breed within mechanical constraints, as well as mix with the elves we threw into the mix. Genetics? Don't know her. We operate on Sims logic here.

A full bug has roughly a human lifespan, with some variation depending on the type of bug it's closer to and some type-specific quirks. The one we've explorer the most, as it pertains to Ashton and the latest batch out of the oven, is the ability that some types might have to undergo metamorphosis, usually at the expense of lifespan. This is Ashton btw

And this is Ashton pre-metamorphosis:

Something like this isn't super common tho! So despite me drawing a bunch of butterfly or moth people they generally don't get to that point and stay looking more like funky lizards with many arms

Bugs can have many arms or legs or eyes, funky colours, exoskeletal bits, antennae, or look pretty close to your average human/elf with hidden bug features. Dahlia for instance is a vaguely spidery bug but can easily hide a bunch of her eyes and secretes venom thru hidden glandes so you could mistake her for an elf

Meanwhile it'd be very hard to mistake someone like this guy for anything other than a horned bug

If u catch my drift.

Some bugs are small! Some are huge. Some are out there committing atrocities

Some dont look like bugs at all

They're generally not as physically strong as the average elf but more resilient in a cockroach kinda way. They can have a chaotic range of circulatory systems and internal organs that sometimes just make them really hard to kill and its also pretty hard to keep track of every variation of the species and their quirks.

That being said in a lot of places they're super common and coexist with elves just fine, mix up and it's also not super uncommon to have half breeds like our man Staeve (the ThUG edition). The closer you get to elf the longer you live and less "non human" traits you have. There's also a bunch of different types of regular ass elf and it all falls under the elf category unless we decide to name them something else down the line.

Then you've got a smaller category of super elves that have been isolated for so long they never blended with anything else, are more attuned to magic and in general have a sort of mythical status amongst everyone else. They also have the longest lifespan at around 250 ish years.

That's sort of the TL;DR for now! Ollie and I have started to put all the info we've got into a single repository and do want to start sharing it (probably as patreon posts for now) because comics are slow and the scope might not encompass that much of what we want to explore of this world. And the chaotic idea machine never stops

Here's a metamorphosis meme for ya

[meili-sheep]

So I need people to hear me out for a second.

I'm a fan of Jason actually being Lady Shiva's kid for a couple of reasons. Mostly because I think it would set up some really fun and interesting dynamics between Cass, Jason and well Shiva and Talia. But generally it's a guilty pleasure of mine as I can't typically justify in my head how Jason ended up in Gotham with Willis (Or how Willis would even know Shiva). But this is where you need to hear me out there is one universe where i think it would work though and that's Batman the Adventures Continue the spin off comic of Batman the animated Series.

Jason's story is already so different in that because well... Tim kind is Jason in BTAS. Any Jason is introduced to us by fighting off a gang by himself. And we aren't given a lot on Jason's background other then he was an orphan and had a brother who died because of the gang he decided to beat up. So that ambiguity does give more room for things to be reworked and Jason being more naturally good at fighting would lend a little more creditability to being Shiva's son here.

Now you might counter point me with Jason having a brother. One he clearly cared about because he decided to take on a whole street gang for him and eventually named himself after (The Red Hood) but we could just give ourselves another little Catherine situation where Jason just ended up with his brother and/or his brother's family before they passed.

To my memory Shive doesn't show up in BTAS or any of the DC Animated Universe. But think about it. Red Son Rising ends ends with Jason telling Bruce to be with the Robin who needs him and getting carried away by a current only to end up with Slade. There is already potential there with Slade pretty clearly wanting take over Batman's mentor role and potentially even get to Batman through Jason based on what happened in Mentors.

And I hope your still with me here because here is how I'm thinking it would go. Slade starts noticing things about Jason's skill and natural ability. And Having already heard about Shiva having a kid starts looking into it. Tell Jason all this trying to play on Jason's desire for a family who would accept him as is and trying to earn his trust through this. You could also at the same time have Cass appearing in Gotham. And having Bruce being reminded of Jason in Cass's natural gifts. You could have Bruce running her DNA and having a sibling match to Jason here and you could work in an angle of Cass feeling the need to bring Jason back not for just herself but to fully be accepted by Bruce. You could just do so much with the conflicts between Slade and Batman, then Jason and Batman and Slade and Jason. Because I think Jason wouldn't be that trusting of Slade here but Jason remembering his brother and learning of more family I think he'd go for it regardless, then is conflicted with Shiva and Cass being with Bruce.

So lot of good character conflict. Lots of new dynamics and to me a pretty reasonable set up for it. And Jason's dad can be who ever! Some random thug, Willis or Joe Todd, David Cain, Richard Dragon pick your poison. I just need more Cass and Jason (And letting me ignore how they went THE ANGRY ROBIN route again.)

[ecargmura]

Bucchigiri?! Episode 10 Review - A Drastic Change

Matakara has gone to the dark side! The transition was rather quick. He’s been behaving unlike himself and even beating up harmless people like Hagure by orders of Ichiya in order to get rid of the monster he keeps seeing. The episode was rather intense because it shows how much he has changed.

The normal people in that world might see it as Matakara going through an emo phase due to his brother’s “death”. It must suck for Zabu and Komao knowing that their friend has changed in a bad way and there’s nothing they can do to stop him. They see him beat up random thugs and it persists to the point that Zabu goes to Kenichiro about it. I feel like Zabu is under appreciated as Matakara’s friend because that guy does genuinely care for Matakara.

This episode mainly focused on Matakara’s change, so Arajin took a backseat. After hearing about Senya’s true intent from Akutaro, Senya became MIA for the entire episode and only showing up towards the end. What is Senya’s true goal? Also, the fact that Arajin is not simping for Mahoro and is actually listening to her for once is surprising. He usually ignores her words and simps, but he’s actually taking it to heart this time around. While his concern for Matakara is present, he was more concerned with Senya being unresponsive. He only shows concern for Matakara when he sees the drastic change his childhood friend up front.

Matakara’s fight against Jabashiri and Marito were the highlights of this episode. While Jabashiri and Matakara always had a bit of a rivalry as they were equal in strength, Matakara clobbers him here. It doesn’t help that Jabashiri was fighting seriously because Matakara hurt Hagure. For Marito, the battle between them was well-animated as this is a MAPPA show. It’s shocking to see Marito lose his second fight to a genie-infused fighter as the first instance was Arajin back in Episode 1. The ending of their battle was rather brutal as he just brutally stomps on him. It caused Mahoro to faint, so you know how bad it is.

Ichiya is a bit of a mystery. He wants to use Matakara in order to get revenge on Senya, yet what his beef is as yet to be revealed. When will it get revealed? Will Senya spill the beans? Ichiya is very manipulative as he does emotionally manipulate Matakara very well.

Akutaro gets degraded into comic relief as he’s seen taking care of the camel in the school. First off, how did he get in? It sort of sucks if he’s just comic relief now as he had a fantastic evil laugh in the beginning of the episode.

What do you think Senya’s intentions are? How will the rest of the episode will play out? Is Mitsukuni actually alive? What are your thoughts on this episode?

[twistedtummies2]

Year of the Bat - Number 4

Welcome to Year of the Bat! In honor of Kevin Conroy, Arleen Sorkin, and Richard Moll, I’ve been counting down my Top 31 Favorite Episodes of “Batman: The Animated Series” throughout this January. We’re getting close to the end now… TODAY’S EPISODE QUOTE: “Gotham can be a Wonderland, Alice! Tonight, let me be your guide.” Number 4 is…Mad as a Hatter.

If you know me very well, this episode being in my Top 5 is no surprise at all. If you don’t, then you might be a little surprised. While “Mad as a Hatter” is certainly a well-liked episode, by all accounts, I doubt too many people would name it as being anywhere on-par with stories like “Mad Love” and “Heart of Ice,” two other villain origin stories that I covered in my past two entries. I, however, am not most people: while I love Harley Quinn, and I cannot deny the power of “Heart of Ice,” this story is something close to my heart in a way those two simply are not. This episode is the origin/first appearance of one of the Dark Knight’s slightly more unsung villains, the Mad Hatter. In the story, the Hatter is a highly repressed and socially awkward neuroscientist, by the name of Jervis Tetch. Jervis is an eccentric fellow, who has a bizarre obsession with the “Alice” stories by Lewis Carroll. The strange scientist has created a special headband and cards, which – via highly sophisticated nanotechnology – allow him to control other people’s minds. It’s then revealed that Tetch has unrequited feelings for his secretary (probably not-coincidentally named Alice Pleasance), and – when her boyfriend, Billy, seemingly dumps her – Jervis seizes the opportunity to use this newfound power to try and sweep Alice off her feet. At first, things seem to go well…but unbeknownst to Jervis, after he drops Alice off at home that night, she and Billy make up and even get officially engaged. This sudden development causes Jervis to snap, and he becomes the Mad Hatter: determined to claim Alice as his own, hang all the consequences, and willing to put half of Gotham under his thrall, if necessary, in order to do so. Naturally, Batman can’t allow this; he’s already on Tetch’s trail, after a (presumed) misunderstanding with some street thugs. Now, he must rescue Alice (and Billy) and stop the Mad Hatter before things get any madder.

The Mad Hatter has long been one of my favorite Batman Villains, and I am 99% convinced that the specific version found in the DCAU is the main reason why. In the comics, the Hatter has always been an…iffy character, to say the least, as he’s typically depicted as a rotten-to-the-core little creep with many perverse desires. He’s a villain who’s meant to just be punched in the face, so to speak. Other adaptations have gone in other directions, but I think the version found in the Animated Series handled it the best out of anybody. This is, without a doubt, my definitive take on the Mad Hatter. Part of the reason why is the character’s voice: he’s played by Roddy McDowall, and in fact, the Hatter would be McDowall’s last proper character, as his final appearance in the DCAU – a Superman crossover episode called “Knight Time” – was released posthumously to McDowall’s passing, and a somewhat earlier episode, “Animal Act,” was released not long before his death. This was quite the role to cap a career with, and almost seems an inevitable one: McDowall had previously played a somewhat similar character, the Bookworm, in the 1960s Adam West show. He also was the narrator for an abridged audiobook version of Tim Burton’s Batman (where I swear he plays the most polite Batman in the history of anything). Not only that, but McDowall also played the role of the March Hare in a 1985 TV Miniseries of “Alice in Wonderland.” With credits like these, and his mellifluous voice, he was absolutely perfect casting for the part.

The other reason, however, sits with his origins. This by far the most sympathetic and fascinating take on Jervis Tetch I think we’ve ever been given. It’s easy to relate with the idea of unrequited love as the cause for someone’s descent into darkness, and at the start of the story, Jervis is really very nice. He’s a bit odd, and there are some subtle hints that he’s already on a slightly uneven keel, but he doesn’t come across as truly evil. There’s also an interesting dichotomy with the way his alter ego acts in relation to the rest of his life; it sort of reminds me of Catwoman’s setup in “Batman Returns,” of all things. At the start, Jervis is awkward, shy, panicky, and keeps a lot bottled up. Once he dons the top hat and trenchcoat of the Mad Hatter, however, he becomes a whole different person: he’s more charismatic, more confident, more flamboyant, and – thanks the power of his control chips – he has absolute control, something we get the sense he hasn’t had a lot of in his life. It’s only when his advances are so brutally shot down – when he finds out Alice, after all that, is ENGAGED to Billy – that he REALLY goes off the deep end. There’s some ambiguity and unanswered questions with his background – we don’t know why he’s obsessed with Wonderland, why he’s created these control chips, or even whether or not he intended what happened with the two aforementioned street hooligans – but that actually only makes him more interesting, as it gives the audience a little leeway to come up with their own thoughts, while still presenting a comprehensive understanding of why this Hatter is Mad.

Being a Wonderland-obsessed oddball myself, I’ve always felt a sort of dark kinship, for lack of a better way of putting it, with the concept of Jervis Tetch. That character concept has never been so splendidly handled as in B:TAS, and “Mad as a Hatter” is a phenomenal first impression for the character. I need no other reason to place it so high in my personal ranks.

Tomorrow we move into the Top 3 of the countdown! Hint: “Look at us. We’re all freaks and monsters. And who made us this way? BATMAN!”