#i have so many ideas but I need to read the comic proper to make things make sense

[sparkleresthold]

Would you look at that, even more SG stuff!

Although I don't know that much about the idw comics (just started reading them) i really wanted to draw Overlord and his luscious lips. One thing led to another and it became a Blade Runner redraw.

Some headcanons under the read more

-I imagine him as a Tigatron type of character. He's very calm and soft-spoken, and although made to fight, he craves peace. At one point during the war he becomes so repulsed with the carnage and cruelty displayed by both sides that he withdraws from the conflict entirely. This leads to the decepticon's defeat.

-He turns Garrus-9 into a safe haven for both cons and bot deserters alike.

[gingerale13]

Meet the (1850's) Sniper!

Gonna start making full ref sheets for these fools.. Scout is up next. If you haven't seen it, here's the first part comic thing of these HC's for the OG mercs B)

Yapping / backstory under cut

I think the name "Team Fortress Original" sticks better than "1850s Team Fortress" so THATS THE NEW TAG GUYS!! but I'll be using both . Just in case.

Full post coming soon but u should drop your headcannons and ideas about these guys if any 🙏

GENERAL INFO ABOUT NICK BUNDY:

This fella was born in modern-day Tennessee, and left his parents' homestead as soon as he figured out he was good at trapping / hunting (17). Not that he hates his parents—he just craved adventure in the outdoors.

Nick was lucky enough to have been educated on reading and writing by his parents, and he writes in a journal to keep his skills sharp. He's been hunting and selling fur / meat to keep his supplies plentiful, and living a life in tents outdoors for quite a while.

As he wandered the Eastern mountains, Nick came into contact with many different kinds of people. This lead to him trading & becoming friends with a Cherokee Native, visiting every few months to hang out, trade, and learn about natural medicines and how to play a flute.

He worked up a good name selling pelts and expertly shot trophies.

It wasn't long before he discovered that people would pay for his good aim in other scenarios, too.. After a few jobs of killing rogues, thieves, and bandits for money, Nick comes to terms with the idea of killing people as a full-time thing. Mercenary work.

It's about then that a mysterious woman offers him a deal — fight in a war over gravel for the rest of his life, with the reassurance of respawning.

(Albeit, the respawn machine definitely needed some work, as it functioned more so as a powerful long-ranged Medigun. Plus it took forever to heal you.)

Now, with semi-proper housing and a team of 8 other mercinaries bothering him, Sniper finds good money (not purpose) working for RED.

(He's 27 when he starts fighting the Gravel War)

Main lineart vers

He's got the most BORING character design

[thankskenpenders]

And now for something new

So, here's something I was never planning on doing, but I just couldn't shake the idea... Thanks Ken Penders is gaining a sister blog featuring an entirely different comic franchise!

Introducing... Thanks Steve Ditko, a blog where I read the Earth-616 Spider-Man comics, starting all the way back in the '60s! It's gonna be much more casual and less thorough than how I run things here on TKP, though, which I'll explain in a sec.

If seeing me post weird bits from old Spider-Man comics sounds fun and you need no further info, then just head right on over to Thanks Steve Ditko. But for longtime TKP readers, I know you probably have questions...

Number one: Why?

Spider-Man's always been my favorite superhero, and with the Spider-Verse movies kicking ass and my excitement building for the new Insomniac game, I've been in a Spidey mood. Inevitably, a thought occurred to me: Maybe I should actually read the comics that everything else is built off of and see the wildly varying contributions of all the original creators, rather than filtering them through big budget adaptations. If I can power through One Piece and all these other manga with hundreds of chapters, it can't be that hard... right?

And, well, after a few issues I quickly realized that my options were to either clog up my other accounts with random Spider-Man panels for years, or to just make a side blog. And so the side blog was born.

Two: Will this blog replace Thanks Ken Penders?

NO!!!!!!!!!

Okay but prove it

To allow the two to exist side-by-side, Thanks Steve Ditko will have a different format than what Thanks Ken Penders developed. Rather than an in-depth guided tour that critically analyzes every story beat of every issue, TSD will just be a place for amusing panels and brief thoughts as I casually read the comics at my own pace.

If you've seen me make a few tweets about reading Spider-Man recently, I'm basically just moving that to a dedicated Tumblr. It's a place for me to dump these things so that it doesn't fill up my media tab on Twitter for the next decade. (You know, assuming Twitter is still around in a decade.) There will be many issues where I only post two panels that I thought were funny. There will be issues where I don't have anything to say at all. Maybe I'll reach a run that I just cannot get into, and I start skipping around more. Who knows!

This may sound similar to what I thought this blog would be before it blew up. Aside from the simple fact that there's already mountains of Spider-Man commentary out there and therefore less of a void for me to fill, one of the main steps I'll be taking to avoid repeating the past is not enabling an ask box on TSD. I do not need people to ask me to go into ten times more detail on everything. I do not need to write seven essay-length responses to questions about Spider-Man minutiae every day. I do not need a place for people to chide me for not covering certain scenes, issues, or ancillary series.

It also won't have any kind of update schedule. I'm trying to keep it very casual. I'm reading these comics at my own pace, and if I feel like sharing a moment or commenting on something while doing so? It goes there. That's it.

(On the subject of format changes, I'm also listing the issue, writer, and penciller in the body of every post. This is a thing I wish I'd done on TKP so that people didn't misattribute every weird Archie Sonic panel I post to Penders.)

Three: So when will TKP come back from hiatus? You said it'd come back after you finished SLARPG!

I don't know! Sorry. I have a couple things on the backburner right now for TKP, but I'm not sure when I'll get back to proper updates where I read more comics.

I wanted to bring TKP back this year, and that's still possible. The main hurdle is that I want to reread my own archive (again) as a refresher, which is, uh. A lot of posts. I've developed a high standard for myself on here, and I feel like I wouldn't be doing my job right if I forgot half the ongoing subplots and character arcs and didn't bring them up in my analysis. Especially when I'm discussing the work of an author as obsessed with continuity as Ian Flynn. Unfortunately, the nature of this blog means that every time I go on another long hiatus for Life Reasons I have even more comic continuity to catch up on than last time.

(This is a big part of why I'm making Thanks Steve Ditko an extremely casual blog instead of promising to become a Lore Expert on 60+ years of Marvel.)

Mostly I've just been very burnt out this year after having finally finished a video game that took almost eight years to make. I haven't really had the energy for any creative projects, including TKP. But I feel a little bit of a spark here with Spider-Man, so I'm chasing that feeling to try to get back into the swing of blogging about comics - no pun intended.

So, basically, bear with me on this as I start this low-energy side project. But hopefully folks will enjoy Thanks Steve Ditko as its own thing, too.

Look forward to goofy shit like this

[thedarlingdearestdead]

Distraction:

Summary: Confined to a room to catch up on paperwork, Anakin's ADHD brain won't let him function. He ends up just trying to distract you.

Warnings: None. Slightly suggestive? Mostly fluff.

Word count: 1,485

Anakin’s heart fell when he walked into the room. He had been sent to the offices over his holo, summoned by his Master. He had hoped it would be training, or a new mission, or maybe even a social call! 

The offices were not his favourite place in the temple, so he didn’t go there often. Today they were occupied by a few different Jedi, all working away. It was a mind-numbingly boring place. 

And alas, there Obi Wan was, leaning against his desk with an incredibly exasperated, disappointed look on his face. His legs were crossed in front of him and he stood with his usual air of authority and piety. The space was littered in papers. 

Anakin swallowed and filled with dread as his Master raised an eyebrow at him. None of those folders had been so much as opened. None of the books read, or forms filled out. The pile was almost comically big.

In Anakin’s defence, he had been busy. But he also remembered his promise to Obi Wan upon taking the role of General in this war. That he would do it properly. 

“So your holo is working then?” Obi Wan said, unamused. Obi-Wan crossed his arms and fixed Anakin with a stern gaze. "Anakin, do you have any idea how important these reports are? The Council relies on timely and accurate information to make strategic decisions."

Anakin scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, Master, you see... I've been a bit busy with the whole 'saving the galaxy' thing. You know how it is."

Obi-Wan sighed, his exasperation deepening. "Saving the galaxy is indeed important, Anakin, but that doesn't mean you can neglect your responsibilities as a General. This paperwork is part of your duty."

He’s heard it so many times before “I know, Obi Wan.” 

"As much as I appreciate your combat skills, you can't solve everything with a lightsaber. The Republic also needs proper administration."

“I know, Obi Wan.”

“You understand?”

“Yes Master.” Replied Anakin, head tilted down slightly, feeling reprimanded and surly. 

“Good. Then you won’t mind that I’ve taken you off the Bandomeer run.”

“Wha-what?! You can’t do that!”

“Oh yes I can. You need to maintain all aspects of your responsibilities, otherwise there’s no point to any of it.”

Anakin gaped, feeling utterly betrayed. He had no words as he looked at his Master’s resolute face.

“I’ll be back in a few days, by then I hope you will have caught up.” Obi Wan did not enjoy the dismayed look on his Padawan’s face - ok maybe a little. But really Anakin had to learn this lesson. Lives can be saved by having these sorts of communications and records completed. It was of the utmost importance he got on top of things. 

He went over to his still seething Padawan and gestured for him to move behind the desk, to get to work. 

Anakin hadn’t noticed before but on the table next to his, you were filling out your own paperwork. You had been uncharacteristically quiet during his exchange with his Master, strangely focused, almost interested, in your papers. 

He turned back to Obi Wan, “Do I have to start now?”

“Yes Anakin, sit down next to Y/N and maybe she can show you how a proper Jedi attends his duties.” His Master looked almost smug and Anakin noticed Y/N bite her lip to hide a smile. 

Anakin felt thoroughly put out as Obi Wan left. Suddenly overwhelmed in the face of his work, and desperately annoyed he wasn’t to be going on his mission. He hated sitting still, he hated writing, he hated the uncomfortable chairs, the smell of old papers and stale caf. 

He leaned back in his seat and let out a groan which made you bristle. He noticed. He ran his hand through his hair. And sighed again loudly to see if you’d say something. You didn’t. 

He supposed he should get a move on. He stretched out his long arms,  not an easy thing in such a cramped space, he noted. He was about to grab the top piece of paper when he realised he didn’t have a pen. So naturally he started to look for one - and he did so in the most annoying way possible. He opened every single draw in his desk unit, finding nothing. He moved all the stacks of paper from one side of the desk to the other, and then reversed the entire thing. 

First, he was stuck doing paperwork instead of going on a mission, and now he couldn't even find a pen to start the tedious task.

He looked helplessly around the room and finally to his right where you were sitting. Your hand was out, eyes still glued to your papers, holding a black pen. 

“Thanks” He said, putting on his most charming smile. But you don’t reply, your hand just fall deftly back down to your work. 

Anakin couldn't help but feel a little put-out by your lack of response. He was used to getting attention and he didn’t want to do his work. And there was something different about you right now. You were really focused, and he found that strangely attractive.

He cleared his throat and leaned over towards you, trying to peek at your work. "What are you working on?"

You looked up at him, surprised by the sudden intrusion. "Just some mission reports," you replied curtly.

“Same.” He said, gesturing to his pile. The look you send him is utterly unimpressed. 

He leaned back in his chair and tried to focus on his work. He couldn’t though. He started tapping the end of his new pen on his work. Trying to get his brain to think, to process the information. His leg was bounding up and down. All in all he was an image of energy and impatience and it make your skin crawl with annoyance. 

“Can you stop that?”

Anakin looked at you innocently, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "Stop what?" he asked, even though he knew exactly what you were referring to.

Your irritation was growing by the second, and you shot him a pointed glare. "The tapping and the bouncing, Anakin. It's distracting."

He chuckled, clearly unfazed by your annoyance. "Oh, come on, Y/N, it’s part of the process. Besides, I thought Jedi were supposed to be masters of concentration. It shouldn’t stop you from completing your work, surely?”

He was goading you, definitely trying to draw you in and cure his boredom.

You rolled your eyes, determined to stay focused on your task. “You better get started Anakin, you don’t want your master to have to extend your break from active service.”

“Hey! Woah! That’s a bit uncalled for, don’t you think?”

“Do you think he wouldn’t?”

Anakin stilled. He really wouldn’t put it past his Master to do that. After several minutes of futile attempts at focusing, he let out a deep sigh. "I can't do this," he muttered under his breath. He couldn't shake the feeling of restlessness, like he was trapped in this small room with no escape.

You looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. "Can't do what?"

"This," he gestured to the pile of paperwork. "I can't focus. I just keep getting distracted."

You let out a small chuckle, but it was void of amusement. "Maybe you should try meditating on it.”

Anakin sighed dramatically, his frustration evident. "Meditating won't help, Y/N. I've tried. I need something... more stimulating."

Your eyes met his, and for a moment, there was a charged silence between you. Anakin's gaze held a hint of mischief, and you couldn't help but feel a tiny bit sorry for him. Despite your annoyance with his antics, he did seem to be suffering somewhat, even if it was his fault.

You tried to maintain your composure, but your heart was racing, and you found it increasingly difficult to focus on your work. "Anakin, we have to finish this paperwork."

Anakin's lips curled into a smirk as he continued to inch closer. "Who says we can't multitask, Y/N?"

Before you could respond, he gently brushed his lips against yours, a soft, lingering kiss that left you breathless. It was a brief moment of stolen passion in the midst of the tedious paperwork, a secret indulgence that neither of you could resist.

When you finally pulled away, your cheeks were flushed, and you couldn't help but smile. "Anakin, we can't do this here."

He grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “Why not?”

“Because you haven’t earnt it yet.”

He looks at you appalled. “No, no, no, no. We are not playing that game. Don’t do that!”

“I’m not doing anything!… Until… you do… your work…” You drag out the words and grin at him wickedly. 

He collapses into his chair with a overly dramatic sigh, he makes you laugh. 

[serknighted]

Danse & Hancock's parallels are eating my sanity slowly so by God I will write them here

So. Usually incredibly shy about posting my feelings about characters and my interpretations of them, but I don't think I can sit idly by without addressing 1. how much I love this post about Danse and how his story ties back to the isolation and loneliness of autism, and 2. how much I need more content between Hancock & Danse to exist, because my god sometimes I forget they hate each other in-game. (I strongly suggest you read the post mentioned & linked, they do a fantastic job framing Danse in a way I don't think I could fully articulate)

Danse & Hancock both have stories filled with themes of intense loneliness. Despite their hard work, effort, and prowess in the things they love, it doesn't take good sight to realize that neither of them are very well liked. It's not that they aren't respected, but whether it's Danse's all-too-formal approach to speaking, or Hancock's combination of hard drug use & almost constant overbearing presence (on top of years of slander from bigger cities, but we'll get into that), people see them as a tool of success and a good asset to have around, but not much of a friend, so to speak. Especially in Hancock's case, many people he is overly-affectionate with are often more annoyed by his presence than anything else (even if they do like him).

For Hancock, despite how much he claims to not relate to the isolation of the common ghoul, he's likely over-exaggerating his charisma in an effort to make himself more easily approachable, mostly for his own peace of mind rather than for others. While he sounds quite passive about things many others would react strongly to, I feel it's a combination of him having replaced a layer of how he truly feels with an element of sass on top of the drug use that makes all the trauma more easily bearable (to mixed effect).

One of his lines that has always struck me as conflicting with how he portrays himself is a common generic line he has while traveling with Sole Survivor, praising them for "living out the day" when most others could not. Hancock has seen so many people die to the brutal hands of the Commonwealth; whether it be Vic and his boys gunning down innocent drifters, seeing people succumb to the elements, or, in this case, simply not surviving their travels with him, Hancock seems to have a track record of never properly establishing proper bonds with others before they either die, or decide he's too overbearing to deal with further. He's one of those characters who desperately wants to have a deeper connection with those he loves, but he has consistently lost the chance to do so before he was ever ready, and so he chooses to fill the void with meaningless sexual relationships and one-night stands- anything to make him temporarily forget how much he hates himself and his almost comical lack of social understanding. It's a train of thought that I, as an autistic person, can really understand and relate to-- the desire to know people, but always feeling like no matter how you portrayed yourself, no one seems to want to be around you if you don't provide them with what they desire. It's caused him to deeply undervalue both how much he's done for people (since he believes its expected of him to constantly bend over backwards for the needs of others), and himself, all at the same time.

I don't think Danse fully recognizes how lonely he feels, a lot. He's been so heavily indoctrinated by the Brotherhood of Steel into believing that this is how he should be treated, that his work is for the betterment of humanity, that his sacrifice is a necessary one. The way he speaks almost carelessly about late brothers and sisters in arms makes me think really hard about how rooted this idea of only existing for the "greater good" is. Individuality is questionable & almost taboo, being different is outright abominable. It's the reason why the rhetoric of "Us vs. Them" works-- the BoS as a collective believe that they are doing good for all of humanity, and any outlier to that "perfect" formula is a threat not only to the BoS, but to everything they know. Danse is expected to bend over backwards for people, and no longer questions his loneliness or isolation, as he has all but given up his sense of self for what he believes is right. Another thing that I and many of my autistic friends relate to; a sense of justice so strong that it's overpowering. Like us, Danse is willing to sacrifice anything to do what's right... including himself.

Knowing this, it's easy to understand why he hates Hancock, and that backwards mindset is the reason Hancock hates him. It's an especially vicious cycle that constantly feeds into itself if unchecked, and Hancock knows that he alone cannot convince Danse to break that cycle. Hancock knows he can't beat Danse in a fight; all he has are his words, and logic is useless against an enemy that heeds to no truths. Even after Danse discovers his true nature... you can't expect him to unravel the years of constant reassurance that what he was taught was right in a single night. "Rome wasn't built in a day," and no one gets over their trauma so quickly, either. It's traumatic to have an explanation as to why people hate you. A catch-all reason to people's fear and distaste to you, that is also something you can never, ever change. Danse would sooner hate himself for what he is than accept those he used to murder without a second thought. It's the difficult reality of anyone attempting to unlearn painful conservative narratives; the shame & guilt of hurting others that are more similar to you than you ever wanted to know is sometimes more painful than realizing what you really are.

Hancock, albeit not even close to "recovered" from his mental woes, is much further along the path of acceptance to Danse, but not far enough away that he wouldn't understand where Danse is coming from. For so long, he sat idly by and watched people get hurt, even during his time in Diamond City. The constant conditioning to accept other people's pain as long as it wasn't happening to you still eats at his consciousness; just like Danse, he knows it was wrong to accept it, but the guilt makes it harder to deal with. He, of all people, would understand what it feels like to try so, so hard to fit in, to be normal and accepted, but never quite hit the mark of understanding where he fits in society. That's the reason he is the way he is now; his signature, his "Hancock," is to be as loud and out-of-place as possible-- a constant rebellion against what people expect him to be, a rebellion of oppression and unfair treatment. Danse's sheer existence is an involuntary rebellion of all BoS values, and even if Hancock would be hesitant to become close to Danse for a long while, I think he would be impressed by him, in the end, and more importantly, understand where he's coming from.

Their combined interest in both protecting the people they care about as well as the collective societies those people come from, as well as how nerdy they both are about US history... I think, eventually, they will realize how similar their lives were, how similar they are to each other, and maybe even find some comfort in knowing that they aren't alone in all of the waves of shame, guilt, and loneliness. That there is an overarching group of people who understand them, and that they do have a place in this world. I think once they recognize that similar traumas can manifest in polar opposite conditions (ones that they used to have a narrow, black-and-white outlook on), they'll also find that there is no real reason to hate each other anymore; the world has told them that they must hate each other, but they no longer have any need to listen.

TL;DR autistic Danse & Hancock ftw

[s-sputnik-k]

me: starts watching x-men (2000), is excited to finally be getting into the proper xmen release order

also me: has to immediately pause and take a long sigh and repeat to myself "it's based on comics from the 60s, it's fiction, it's fun sci-fi/superhero stuff, it's fiction, it's made up" when the first line talks about evolution making humans the 'dominant species'

I think I just need to rant, bc I love x-men but even in the newer films the repeated talk about humans being superior or dominant just really irks me. like at this point I think it's not even malicious, it's just genuine ignorance or misunderstanding of evolution (or a rule of cool situation, which is fair enough because, again, it is fiction). but evolution is LITERALLY just becoming more suited to your environment through natural selection. that's all it means

like, first of all, what is the metric for superiority? is it complexity? because I'm sure there are single cell organisms that are extremely suited to their environment. there are also mushrooms with thousands of sexes (my information did come from tumblr, ik, misinformation central, but I do tend to read into the fun facts I learn here afterwards)--we are definitely not the most complicated organism we know of. hell, fungus is so complicated, we put it all in one category when really, we have no idea what most of it has in common other than the fact that they aren't a plant, animal or bacteria (simplified bc I'm not bringing up a classification chart for this)

so maybe it's about longevity. I mean, humans have only existed for, what, 300,000 years? there are so many living things that have existed for significantly longer! and even if we assume optimistically that humans will last much longer into the future, we still aren't winning on an individual lifespan basis. there are literal sea sponges that live longer than us

so, alright, fine, maybe it's about intellect--that is one of our best traits as a species. but intelligence is just one of many, many factors in a particular living thing's evolution. for many creatures, it's better that they aren't intelligent. I'd be willing to bet there are creatures that have evolved to be less intelligent after it became unhelpful. our massive, energy intensive brains are extremely draining (not to mention dangerous in childbirth); some animals can't even justify having colour perception, why would they need to be able to do algebra? it's like if honeybees decided to measure the evolution of all animals based on how well they spread pollen or make honey. like, it's just not a helpful or relevant metric unless you are a honeybee

so, yeah, humans aren't more evolved, we aren't better evolved, we're just. evolved. we are what we are, based on changes in our environment, random mutations and natural selection. and Charles would KNOW THIS but I understand that talking about human evolution and how it led to mutants having cool powers is an engaging way to start a film about, yknow, human evolution and mutants with cool powers

so, I do eventually finish my heavy sigh and unpause the film. because I love these characters and this story, so I will simply close my ears the next time charles says the word dominant, and pretend it didn't happen so that I can enjoy the film without going on another rant

[yanderes-galore]

Yandere joker x hero reader like reader used to work for the Justice League with Batman

Sure! The version of Joker is kept general. Heavily implied to be from the general comics, though. I haven't written for Joker in years so I hope he's in character :)

Yandere! Joker with Hero! Darling

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Sadism, Torture mention, Unstable mental health, Manipulation, Blackmail, Obsession, Delusional behavior, Kidnapping mention, Jealousy, Murder mention, Vague "relationship".

It's hard to get a proper personality for Joker when writing his character, as he is described as "unpredictable".

If you were a hero that used to work for the Justice League alongside Batman, he takes sadistic joy in this.

You knew Bats!? Well, then you'll get along just fine!

He's probably going to hunt you down as you know his pal so well.

Finding peace after retiring from hero work, or even being a hero still is nearly impossible.

No, now you're going to have to deal with the plague known as Joker.

He gets so upset when you contact Batman about him.

Him coming to see you is supposed to be private!

He probably met you when you helped Batman capture him once.

You're not like those Robins he carries around.

No, you're much more fun!

It's then that the Joker sets his sights on you.

You'll be trying to do your own thing and the clown prince himself barges in like he knows you personally.

"Hey there, doll! Mind if I join you?"

He usually addresses you by some sort of nickname based on your alias and makes himself at home wherever.

He becomes more and more troublesome as time goes on.

You already saw him as a threat, the feeling intensifying whenever he tries to physically touch you.

He makes it a goal to become closer and invade your privacy and mind.

His laugh echoes in your ears and you find him an annoyance.

You're very confused as to why he's so friendly with you.

Batman shares the same confusion.

You have an effect on him.

Joker comments with disappointment that whenever you call Batman for help, it's as if you're treating Bats as his babysitter.

"Come on, dear! We're all adults here aren't we? Why can't we have any fun without a supervisor?"

He will soon get tired of you crying to Batman when he's around.

It's best not to flare his temper.

Joker would find a lot of joy in playing around with a hero! darling.

You are great to use as leverage against Batman and he loves the idea of tainting your mind.

Joker would kidnap you and he'd kill for you, when he will is unknown.

The entirety of the clown prince is a game of chance.

He's nearly impossible to read and is a bomb waiting to explode when around you.

There's no doubt he gets jealous of other heroes or civilians around you.

Which leads to murder... that part is somewhat predictable.

He'd hurt you and find it funny.

He seems like the type to toy with his darling.

Although, he probably has a soft spot for you

He knows he can't kill you, no, he needs you.

Instead he relishes in the idea of tormenting you and making you rely on him.

Although, that isn't always his motive.

Joker does like your smile and laugh....

A pleasant sound and a sight for sore eyes.

A delightful counterpart to his haunting laugh and grin.

The Joker has a soft spot for you which can be used, both for and against you.

You can lure him in for capture.

That or the Joker can make how he feels about you known to blackmail you.

If you don't play his game many could get hurt.

You're too soft to want that, right?

He'd break into your home easily, just to greet you with a playful yet deranged smile.

"Looks so boring in here... how about some company?"

He probably likes to feel your touch.

He's insane but he'd probably be touchstarved.

He's seen crying in the comics on the laps of flings or Harley so he's clearly unstable.

He'd do the same to you with no warning.

Joker likes the idea of playing with a hero's emotions and bringing them to their knees.

But he also genuinely craves your affection.

To you, Joker is a disease.

He plagues Gotham and should be Batman's problem.

So why did you have to be wrapped up in the clown prince problem?

The Joker is a parasite to you, clinging to you and refusing to let go.

You're cursed with him and soon... no one will be able to help you.

"Why so quiet? Come on, where's that laugh? Don't be such a downer like Bats, dear... he's such a bore!"

[teadragondreams]

Thoughts on Nicole Maine's Secret Six (Organized [kinda])

Now that I've done some preliminary information gathering from stalking the appropriate tags and wiki articles, here are my thoughts on each member of the new Secret Six lineup! Keep in mind that I barely read the greater DC comics whatsoever.

Jay Nakamura (Gossamer)

Positive Asian representation in the Secret Six!? FUCKING FINALLY--Mostly with him and the other new members I'm anticipating some sort of soap opera style drama happening alongside the main plot-- and that isn't a detriment, it would be an active bonus.

Jon Kent

From what I've seen, much in the style of Dick Grayson temporarily taking on the Batman mantle, Jon *was* Superman for a while. Does he have a hero name specific to him or is he Superboy again? How many Superboys are there actually? (From what I've seen it seems to be just as complicated at the Batfamily-- but GOD am I SICK of the batfamily--) Anyway. I doubt they're going to have any continuity with the 2011 timeline but just imagining the interactions he could have with Black Alice or Catman if so--"Hey weren't you guys teammates with that guy that shattered my Dad's bones?!"

Dreamer (Nia Nal)

Read a part of that scene she has with Waller (I believe it was from Dream Team but not sure on that), but the fact that she actively scrambled Waller's memories and now this new series is in the aftermath of that ? Whoo boy is going to be fun! Especially becausefrom what I've gathered--Nicole Maines *is* Nia Nal, and probably has a clear direction with where she wants to take the character, right?

Black Alice (Lori Zechlin)

I love Lori! She's always been one of my favorites, especially because she is always accidently pushing the found family agenda with other members of the six. I know she'd made a few appearances around in other series like Suicide Squad and Night Force, and that's where her newer design comes from. But there are so many directions her characterization might go in this series that I'm just praying she doesn't get shoehorned into 'annoying kid member of team' because she's so much more than that! More of that "I feel tremendous guilt about possibly giving my dad cancer and purposely joined a team of mercenaries".

Catman (Thomas Blake)

Gotta love the Tomcat. I love how his design skews him back into "batman impersonator" but gets rid of that stupid hole in his cowl for a bang they gave him in DC Pride. I liked that story with him and Ghostmaker but I couldn't get over that stupid bang!! Addtionaly because he has so much internal conflict about what the hell he wants to do with his career as a mercenary/anti-hero/vigilante. His underlying attempts to be *good* to be *better* makes me glad to follow what he does. But honestly, I'd be even more glad if he was more of a supporting role in this mini-series, because his presence as a father/older brother figure (mainly seen in the 2011 run) are just incredible. Also I hope they don't make him the butt of too many eg(g)regious jokes.

Deadshot (Floyd Lawton)

Twenty bucks says they'll be at least 3 panels with him and Thomas in the hit or kiss zone. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Honorable mention section for that one issue cover that shows some of the previous members of the Six.

Bane

HOLY SHIT IT'S BANE!!! I literally almost cried in joy when that one Christmas special issue came out at the very moment I was like "I need to calm down with my Secret Six obsession it's not like there's ever going to be any new official material with them" and now boom. making this post. Super excited to see the big guy on a team again.

Scandal & Knockout

RETURN OF THE POLYCULE??? Not much to say here, I'll lament Scandal once again not being on the team proper, but I guess they've ditched that "all eight of us in this commercial are apart of the Secret Six" idea and are keeping the team to actually Six.

Jeanette

So happy to have you back queen, wish it was you on the front lines instead of your crusty little bf but understandable. I hope it's brought up again that she's like a majorly successful entrepreneur because it's so funny that she chooses to associate with these weirdos.

Chesire

I hugely disliked how Cheshire was treated in the OG Villains United Run. I'm fine with her being an antagonist, Jade could be a great antagonist!-- but I sincerely hope they avoid the stereotypes used to previously characterize her.

Ragdoll

I love this little freak! I am one of the (2.5)frequenters of the peter merkel jr tag. As long as A) the stupid little clown ruff remains and B) they let her be as much of a weirdo as possible, I will probably not have *too* many complaints.

Mad Hatter

peter merkel jr for the second time in your life you have the opportunity to do the funniest thing ever.

[project-reaper]

Moving forward into 2024!

I haven’t really had a proper chance to say Happy New Years, so this will have to suffice, with a little breakdown of what’s been going on and what’s to come!

WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO

I’ve been spending the better part of the last year working on new projects and endeavors. Both with Time Gate and outside of it. From vendoring at markets and working expo’s for the first time to working on art pieces completely outside of Time Gate, 2023 was a hell of a year and it makes me all the more hyped for 2024. That said, I’ve been carrying a weight with me through 2023 that’s made it difficult to enjoy it to the fullest - the weight of knowing that [AFTERBIRTH] is still on hiatus.

This isn’t the longest hiatus that I’ve been on, but it’s certainly starting to approach the record and I wanna get it back on track. Like getting back in shape after spending an entire winter hibernating and eating nothing but junk food, getting back into drawing [AFTERBIRTH] on a schedule is gonna be a process of rebuilding good habits and learning what I can do better to keep those habits alive and well.

The fortunate side to taking hiatuses is that it always does give me a new sense of perspective. In this case, I learned that I put myself through a lot at the start of [AFTERBIRTH]’s production. Like, way more than I realized. At the time I thought I was super capable - and I am! - but now in hindsight I can recognize it wasn’t healthy or sustainable for me to manage that sort of output all on my own. I’m still grinding away at comics like I always do with those other projects I’ve mentioned, but it’s still nothing near the amount of work I put myself through just to meet my own deadlines with [AFTERBIRTH]. I also have this thing called help now in the form of a background artist who’s been working with me on those other projects, which has been an amazing and enriching experience.

Having that time away from [AFTERBIRTH] not only gave me the breathing room I needed to recuperate from the burnout I got myself into, but also got me out of the routines I had stuck myself into, which has given me some new tricks and skills that I’m really hyped to bring back into Time Gate with me.

This does, in a way, mean that I’ve had to really reflect on Time Gate, a lot. It’s a project I’ve been writing since I was a kid, and drawing as a webcomic since I was around 18-19. It’s changed a lot in that time, but I’m finding while a lot of those changes have been reflected in the comic as it is, there are still so many more I want to make - because like the comic, I’ve changed a lot, too, both as an artist and as a person, and considering Time Gate’s always been a sort of personal extension of myself, I no longer resonate with a lot of parts of it that I’ve since outgrown. It’s not so much that I want to hide or take for granted those parts of it that are ‘uglier’, but I want the writing and art to be expressed in the best way it can be because at the end of the day, I’m trying to tell a coherent story that’s enjoyable to read and experience. I’m also the sort of person who learns best by just getting their hands dirty and learning what not to do, and boy, have I spent a lot of years doing just that through Time Gate.

GOING FORWARD

So, going forward, I’ve adjusted my schedule with my other projects to accommodate the time I need to both get back into Time Gate: [AFTERBIRTH] as well as prepare for the upcoming convention season. I’ve got a bunch of plans for this year’s markets with new ideas for prints and stickers and other goodies that I’m really excited to make! And I just, overall, want to pull myself out of the burnout funk. You can’t force recovery to happen on your own time but there does come a point where you gotta start taking steps otherwise you get stagnant, and I feel like that’s where I’ve been the last few months.

AFTERBIRTH FORMAT CHANGE

[AFTERBIRTH]’s format will be changing back to page format in its second season. Vertical format works for some projects and stories, but not for Time Gate. It’s been fun, but part of learning what I’m best at is learning what I’m not best at and the vertical format is too limiting for what I want to do with Time Gate in the future. Color will still be remaining!

REAPER RECOMPILED

I will also be working on the Recompiled editions of Reaper. These will predominantly be the first few volumes redrawn and rewritten to accommodate a tighter story down the road. I know, I know, “don’t get trapped redrawing/rewriting stuff”, but I feel the changes that I wanna make are so necessary that they’re part of what’s holding me back from continuing with [AFTERBIRTH] into Thread of Fate and beyond. There are a lot of really silly and otherwise unnecessary writing decisions I made back during Reaper that I currently feel aren’t working for what I’m trying to accomplish in its sequels, and let’s face it, I wrote it almost ten years ago when I was still very much learning, so it’s due for an upgrade. It'll be the last time too, because it'll be putting us on Loop 9999 and remember what Matty said about surpassing 9999-

This will be something I’ll be picking at slowly but surely. When it’s ready I’ll basically be replacing the old pages and updating any new mirror sites with only the new version (I’m currently planning on trying out NamiComi and Lemoon and of course I'll be continuing to post on ComicFury and GlobalComix).

THE BIG GREEN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM-

All of that will basically be working towards my biggest step - getting the flying fuck off Webtoons. Because let me tell you, I've basically spent the last two years like this:

Y’all know that I’m not really one to roll over and take shit from massive platforms, and Webtoons is no exception. I’ve been posting to it since 2016 and I’m very very much done with it; just like with Tapas it’s no longer the site it used to be and there’s fresh competition entering the market that I’d rather put my focus on. At the very least, I want my independence back, if I’m gonna be stuck having to market and network my own work anyways I’d much rather be doing it for my own site or platforms that aren’t constantly undercutting its creators by removing core features and not implementing necessary ones. I as well as many others have been doing our own investigating into Webtoons and we’re basically feeling like canaries in the mineshaft right now, picking up on some massive warning signs that we want to get ahead of. The worst that can happen is that I pull the same stats I pull on Webtoons somewhere else, what a tragedy that would be LMAO

LIVESTREAMING

And then of course there are my livestreams. Like learning the hard way that I shouldn’t have been drawing [AFTERBIRTH] on such a strict schedule, I’ve learned that streaming on the schedule I used to be streaming on just ain’t for me. Call it the ADHD but I’d much rather stream when I have something to legitimately talk about or showcase rather than force myself to stream even on days when I’m really not feeling up to talking. And I’d like to get back into doing actual video editing content, whether it’s speedpaints or gaming videos or commentary stuff, whatever have you. Now that I have a proper PC rig that’s actually built to do heavy duty stuff, the possibilities of what I can create are a LOT more vast and I wanna take full advantage of them!

That said, if you wanna see an example of what the streams will look like when we return, check out this lil’ time lapse demo:

Definitely couldn't do that on my old setup! It might not be regular streaming like before, but it’ll damn well be higher quality and more fun to watch haha

WELL THAT WAS A BIG WALL OF TEXT WASN'T IT

So yeah! That was a lot of words but I hope it clears up everything that's been happening on my end. Thanks for following along with my work all these years, whether it’s Time Gate or my lil’ secret projects or my streams, through all the ups and the downs. Long-term projects like these may take their toll but there’s so much joy in seeing them change and grow over time, and I want to fully embrace and reflect that growth as best as I can through what I bring you guys.

Thank you all so much, let’s make 2024 a good year <3

[misstictart]

Part five! Let's give this a little boost by answering three questions this time!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 - you're here! Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9

20 – Is your OC likely to participate in the city’s events? (think of the meetings in the city hall, concerts, conventions, school shows, sport events, the jellyfish festival, Reverend Lovejoy’s sermons, etc)

She's usually too much of a nervous shut-in to go to events on her own. Even the idea of going to the cinema alone stresses her! But as long as she's with someone else, she'll make the effort to get out of her comfort zone (literally).

You've seen the jellyfish festival example with Bob:

But here are other examples with the previous dates I mentioned here!

While dating Comic Book Guy, she used to go to the sci-fi con wearing matching cosplays! Even if they stopped dating, they still go to other cons once in a while just to hang out!

And when she dated Patty, they went here and there, but the notable thing was when Claryce went to the Sunday mass with her - mostly to participate in her partner's casual activities. Notable yes, because Claryce is atheist! And as you'd expect it, she found it incredibly boring, even if it was still nice to spend time with her girlfriend. As I said in the previous ask, their relationship didn't last because of their clashing personalities- and Selma was relatively relieved when it ended, as Claryce's tendencies awfully reminded her of her very own ex. :') This also allows me to show that Claryce is quite the touch starved girl, loving to snuggle at any given occasion. While Patty found it overwhelming in the long run, Bob adores the attention.

22 – What’s your OC’s stance on politics? Do they actively participate in events and advocate for change, or are they more likely to shrug it off and see what happens?

If she weren't so stressed about external judgement and too overwhelmed with crowds, she'd be openly radical left and participate in strikes- but instead she just spends her time complaining online about how neither the Democrats or the Republicans are answering the city's (and the country's) needs, and reluctantly votes for the lesser evil.

She often debates with Sideshow Bob, who would try to make her understand his Republican ideals. Even if they surprisingly still got along after some clashing arguments, they preferred to limit the political talk to the usual complaining. At least there are some things they can agree on.

But she still likes to mess with him, once in a while.

23 – Hmmmm donuts…. Where would your OC stop by for a snack? Any food or drink they love in particular?

Sadly with her freelancing job and her part time at the school library, she doesn't have enough money to treat herself with quality meals, and she's absolutely AWFUL at cooking- yet she would never want to eat anything at any fast food, especially Krusty Burger. (She read way too many things about the awful quality of the food!!)

So she relies on what she likes best and that doesn't require a lot of preparation. Instant ramen. As for drinks, she'll stick with coffee and beer, although she does love to drink fruity cocktails when she can afford it.

Her freelancing job doesn't give her a lot of free time- so she developed bad eating habits, such as skipping meals or eating too fast. The only proper food she gets to eat for free are in the Springfield Elementary school! Or whenever Sideshow Bob shows up to stay at her place.

Speaking of which. The first time Bob actually stays in her flat (something I plan to work on someday), he found her place (and Claryce) in a disastrous state...

Allow me to illustrate it in a comical way (even if, important note, depression is a bitch and not funny at all!!):

Bitch Claryce, you live like this?

In exchange of Claryce sheltering/hiding Bob from the cops for a while, he suggests her to let him clean her flat and cook healthier meals for her. While she is a bit reluctant at first to help a criminal... she'd be lying if she said she didn't miss him. And in a way, it would allow her to get to know him a bit better, too. The real Sideshow Bob. Oh well, it's worth a shot! Aside from Bob's lovely plates (she especially loves his croissants in the morning and whenever he cooks fajitas, her favorite "cheap" meal) - whenever she gets the occasion to eat in a fancy place (French and Indian restaurants are her favorite!), she doesn't say no to some good wine. And as for her favorite delicacy, she looooves eating snails since the day she tried them in France!

On a last note, on the family side - she also enjoys going to Luigi's with her uncle and the Italian Mob once in a while! (Even if his pasta can't beat the incredible lasagnas or carbonara her mother cooks. ♥)

[dukeoftheblackstar]

got any plo koon fic recs? looking for some new stuff that's good. one shots and long fics welcome! I'll take anything i can get

Shamelessly promoting my own:

Dom!Plo ask by yours truly, submitted by the lovely @mild-disorganization

Some tired dad!Plo headcanons maybe?

And for some that I have read and adored:

Plo Koon Masterlist by @my-head-is-an-animal (Mixed)

Thigh Kink with Plo by @saradika (NSFW)

Not a fic, but hella spice by @saradika (SFW & NSFW)

Friendship - Plo Koon & Wolffe by @wild-karrde (SFW)

PloKit Art (their entire blog) by @uiro-mgmg1 (NSFW - mostly art)

SFW & NSFW Alphabets for Plo by @samspenandsword

My favorite ♥:

Sovereign (PloKit, idk if you're into it, but I am) by @tits-fisto (NSFW but very wholesome)

The Tiniest Councilor by Quiet_Shadow (SFW)

Name and Soul by @decepticonsensual (SFW)

Haven't read but is on queue when I have the mood and will power to actually read and not thirst for our Kel Dor Emperor ♥

of claws and tusks by my bestiecakes ♥ @saengak <- Apparently, it's hella angsty and I reserve the angst for weekend when I'm not out here thirsting for this King.

in deditionem by my bestiecakes ♥ @saengak <- I've seen them write ♥, it makes me squeeeeeeee ♥

Helium by @cynderiaopus who also made my current bomb AF pfp of Plo steepling ♥

Other materials and interesting read:

@exosorcery has very interesting comics and posts about Kel Dors in general. Here's one specific of Plo Koon:

A few faves from them:

@veny-many for their AUs and Plo Koon & Wolfpack Art (also includes others) <- Presenting you the bebbis ♥

My faves:

The entire post AU 66 where Plo lives is a quintessential to any post AU 66 imho because I'm heavily invested in this and I'm about to cry because I need to organize my bookmarks (and update this) so I can give you the proper start to fin link.

I'd post more from @veny-many and @exosorcery, but if you spend a good 10 minutes scrolling, you'll be there forever. Quality art content!

You may also want to check World building and ConLang Kel Dor study, apart from their OC x Plo Koon art. Big thanks for this neat document by @plokoonsdisapprovingeyebrows

[[ @plokoonsdisapprovingeyebrows I hope it's okay to share. If not, I can take it down ♥ ]]

So far just these at the top of my head. Thank you for the Plo-related ask :D! I enjoyed sifting through my bookmarks ♥

Don't forget to give love and reblog, comment, follow these amazing people who do so much for the Plo Koon, Dorin, Kel Dor tags ♥

[theflixdiaryproject]

"I want to be a proper dragon like the dragons in all the story" - Firedrake

Firedrake, a young silver dragon (voiced by Thomas Brodie-Sangster), embarks on an adventurous journey to find the fabled Rim of Heaven to save his dragon clan. along the way, he teams up with a boy named Ben (Freddie Highmore) and a quirky forest brownie named Sorrel (Felicity Jones), facing both friends and foes on their quest.

read my review below (may contain spoilers):

watched Feb 11th, 2024 on netflix

I really wanted to love Dragon Rider (a.k.a Firedrake the Silver Dragon). dragons are one of my favourite mythical creatures, so I had high hopes for this movie. unfortunately, it falls short of being memorable. it isn’t bad, but it doesn’t blow me away either. the story is solid and ticks all the right boxes, but at the same time, it feels very basic. I find it predictable, and that makes it less exciting to watch. the animation is fine, but it’s not breathtaking. Firedrake himself looks cool, and I think his design is one of the highlights. however, the villainous dragon feels very disappointing. for something that is supposed to be evil and scary, it looks more funny and comical. I don't think my cat would even care much about it! it’s hard to take the villain seriously when it’s presented this way. the characters are decent, though none of them really stand out. Firedrake is likeable, and I enjoy some of the antics with his companions, Ben and Sorrel. they bring some energy to the movie, which keeps it from being completely boring. however, their personalities are nothing special. I’ve seen characters like them in many other movies, so they don’t leave a lasting impression.

the journey itself follows a very familiar formula. it’s a typical quest story with a beginning, middle, and end that you can predict from the start. I don’t mind if the idea is not fresh, but I wish they added something new or exciting to make it more engaging. my attention slips several times while watching, and honestly, I don’t fully focus until the climax. the movie just doesn’t grab my attention as much as I hoped it would. this movie is light and doesn’t require much brainpower, which is fine if that’s what you’re looking for. it feels more like a movie for kids, and I think they might enjoy it more than I do. if you need something simple to put on for children or while babysitting, this could work. but for older audiences or anyone expecting a deep or emotional story, it will feel lacking. in the end, Dragon Rider is a middle-of-the-road movie. it has its moments, but it’s not something I’ll remember for a long time. it’s not terrible, but it’s not great either.

final verdict: I have mixed feelings about it

maturity rating: 7+ genre: animation, adventure duration: 1h 31m (91 mins) countries of origin: Germany, Belgium, Spain, UK language: English screenplay: Cornelia Funke, Johnny Smith major cast: Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Felicity Jones, Freddie Highmore, Patrick Stewart

[cowboy-robooty]

hiii! I was going through your acc today (well now that I say it out loud, it sounds weird) and I wonder how many AUs of you have cause I’m curious

omg i wrote an entire thing and the draft didnt saveeeee.... divine intervention saying STFU ALREADY. wwwww im glad to hear you read my blog like the morning paper though *angel emoji* i need to blog on here more often.... well... wiener is dying in the california fires rn. so thats why you been seeing im talking about whatever all the time LOL.

anyways if you mean only hetalia aus then I have my angel demon au (you probably know it) and my idol au that I have not released publically online yet but GOD I HAVE SO MUCH SHIT FOR IT LOL. Whenever I make an au i get really invested as you can tell and tbh im always pondering if i should just make this shit my ocs. but mehhh idgaf im never making an actual tv show or comic even though i envision it in my head so who gaf i keep it as itager yatta! I want to release more about my aus and such but I always somehow get so caught up in making things properly organized and such bc i get so wrapped up in world building..... i need to just post whatever and let those who like it search around my blog to learn more -_- I hope everyone will like my idol au when I release it though. You all know I'm Japanese and i think this au really proves I am since I have the gene that compels mangaka to make a series where the premise is like "I won a cereal voucher for an ultra rare prize that the moon goddess wanted but I lost it somewhere and now we have to fight a bunch of villains very obviously based off characters in sherlock holmes to get it back" and then they just roll with it. because my idol au is kind of a bunch of bullshit but its because it's based off that one idol italy drawing I drew over a year ago for wiener and i went "okay. what could make germany become an idol manager? hmmmm.. okay this is the only possible way [most dumbass idea ever]"

If you also want to know about my aus for other fandoms uhmm i have my au for the boondocks where tom and sarah divorce but its like a whole episode thing and tom ends up dating pretty boy flizzy and at first grandad n the boys are kinda weirded out but flizzy is a millionaire and immdiately after grandad is homophobic to tom in the lowkey sense (that tom doesnt notice) tom is like "thanks robert for being so supportive. well I've got to get going, fitzgerald (it would be fucking hilarious if flizzy's real first name is fitzgerald) and I are going jet skiing with post malone. Yeah, and afterwards were having wagyu sushi lined with gold leaf caviar and dodo bird! How fancy right?" and grandads all like DODO BIRD? AINT THAT EXTINCT? etc etc and increasingly he sees that actually tom dating pretty boy flizzy is amazing bc flizzy is rich and spoils him. and hes like BOYS PERHAPS I WAS TOO HARSH ON THE LGBT COMMUNITY. and riley even gets in on it too cuz flizzy is a cool ass rapper and hes like shiiiiiiiiiiiit hes kinda gangsta af though. and like after this ep they turn out as a real long term couple for the rest of the series. theyre in the bg and shit and come in to help when some bullshit is going on as usual yk. I need to think more about how to make it a proper episode with classic boondocks flavor social commentary though. I want to make it a doujin one day and have my black in-law friend help me with the script bc im not going to say the n word but its not really boondocks dialogue without it so i will need him to collaborate with me.

i also have my golden kamuy aus too. the yaoi ogata au is a big one but this post is becoming gianormous so send me another ask if you'd like to be introduced to yaoi ogata. and i have my usakado au that isn't really an au but I have a very specific way I want this ship to occur. because I don't think it's canon at all but if it were to happen the only way it could (and should) is if kadokura is about to be trampled to death by noahs arc bc of his luck but then in a twist of events usami ends up getting trampeled. and kadokura thinks that this is good luck but actually its his regular bad luck bc after usami heals from the incident he has critical brain damage that transfers his lust and yandere obsession from tsurumi to kadokura (being loved by usami is worse than dying LOL). And it spirals from there. I want it to also have a lot of biblical references because I think it really fits usakado to have kadokura like a jesus marytr since his bad luck will counteract usami's unending lust for world destruction. Since by being together the bad luck makes it so usami always fails at the crazy shit hes trying to do and it's like kadokura is protecting the world from usamis insanity by taking it all..... figuratively and in the ass too! how beautiful is that?

[kryptonbabe]

Archaeology vs. Paleontology, how it feels to be elegantly told by Hawkman that you're dumb

From All-Star Comics #61 & 62 (1976) by Gerry Conway, Keith Giffen & Wally Wood

I'm currently reading a JSA comic in which an astronaut flies to the surface of the sun and, instead of dying, becomes a powerful being capable of manipulating high levels of energy. I'm having fun, so I don't care about the science of it. However few pages later I get the panel above... Mixing up archaeology and paleontology? Now this is too much, that's where I draw the line! (Although I was too quick to judge, and Hawkman had my back all along).

I have no idea what is the scientific field of Dr. Kliburn's studies, but when he says: "Mucking about the ruins of Egypt, exploring ancient Inca pyramids, digging up dinosaur bones in Arizona -- all of that makes sense for an archaeologist" to Carter Hall a.k.a. Hawkman, an archaeologist, he badly mixes things up making dinosaur bones part of an archaeologist job. So ok, studying the remains of life is the business of many branches of science, and both archaeology and paleontology study the remains of organisms, but there's a difference in the type of remains they study.

Archaeology is the scientific study of ancient and recent human remains and artifacts (bones and teeth, ancient cool pottery, statues, funeral urns, tools, vases). Think: Lara Croft; Indiana Jones (I'm not saying he's good at his job though!).

Paleontology is the scientific study of all past life on Earth (dinosaurs, extinct fungi, plants, saber-tooth tigers etc), primarily through the study of fossils - so way beyond the remains of humans and their artifacts. Think: all the smart people in Jurassic Park; Ross, from Friends? (Oh boy we need better representation).

A little about objects of study: fossils studied by paleontologists and archeologists include bones, shells, body imprints, wood etc; so these fields of study might overlap (i.e. similar tools and excavation techniques), though their goals are different. Fossils can be remains of anything, there are different kinds of it. Trace fossils for example are like footprints, nests, or handprints left behind by creatures.

Above are the pictures of two cases of trace fossils, but while the study of the human footprints fossils on the left is a job for an archaeologist, the study of the non-human footprints, on the right, is a job for an paleontologist.

Now, what about poop? You might be asking yourself... and yes fossilized poop is also a fascinating object of study, they are scientifically called coprolites and by analyzing the fossilized poop of the Neolithic workers who built the the Stonehenge monument archaeologists found them littered with parasitic worm eggs. I mean... disgusting, but how cool is that we are able to learn that? They made these amazing structures which some people atribute to aliens and super advanced technology, but they had no idea they were eating infected meat, and that's such a human thing to do!

On the other hand when paleontologists study and collect animal fossil coprolites they find out more about that animal's way of life, their ecology, their environment, which is super important considering we can only study their remains. One of such early paleontologists, and true icon in the field of collecting ancient dinosaur feces and bones, was Mary Anning, a pioneer of paleontology in the early 1800s (she's cool as heck)!

Now that we establish that: I'm sorry Dr. Kliburn, but that is obviously a human remain, therefore a job for Hall Carter, an archaeologist! He also mentions a fly trapped in amber (and I know it is a sort of metaphor, but), that would be a job for an paleontologist... Kliburn is a really confused man. And Hawkman is just too polite to bluntly correct his colleague, instead he chooses a more subtle approach:

By emphasizing that the "proper study of mankind is man" Carter very elegantly corrects Dr. Kliburn's wrong assertions, indirectly pointing that his field is the study of mankind and their artifacts, not other aspects of nature, he won't be looking into flies preserved in amber or excavating dinosaur bones in Arizona (although... to Kliburn's merit, Arizona is indeed a state with a rich fossil record with many different dinosaurs and other animal bones and trees preserved). A very polite way call someone a fool.

I'm guessing that the writer, Gerry Conway, was probably aware of the difference between the two occupations and interested in making a tongue in cheek comment on it. Not that comics need to be scientifically correct, far from it, I love it when they're not. But I also love it when we can use them to learn something.

Further indication of that point is that if we take a look at Hall Carter's home in the above panel, we don't see any signs of animal remains, we do see what look like human artifacts, tools, weapons and masks. It is clear Keith Giffen and Wally Wood, the artists of the issue, are aware of an archaeologist's objects of study. And if you're asking yourself who the uninvited guest is: yes it is Dr. Kliburn himself attempting to rob Hawkman's house...

Dr. Kliburn dies that same issue by the very human fossil he was trying to steal. So that's what you get for mixing up two serious and interesting scientific fields... Thank you for reading this!

[drifting-pieces-blog-blog]

I feel like we don't talk about the antisemitic implications of the reveal that Marc is "half demon" in Marc Spector: Moon Knight it's not just weird and not foreshadowed at all it's playing into the whole "Jews are children of satan" thing

I wanted to let you know that I'm not ignoring your ask, but I also haven't had the time to do a PROPER response. But trust me... You've given me something to think about.

It has been.... more than a few years... Since I actually read Marc Spector: Moon Knight. And I have to say, it is a difficult run to read for a LOT of reasons. And the main reason is the absolute butchering of character that is done and the loss of everything Moench worked to establish.

I peaked a bit at the section you are talking about to get a general idea. It's..... it's a wild read. Possession and blood lines and then there's the whole side plot with Frenchie and the desperate attempt to work in main marvel characters like Dr. Strange... Not to mention the massive in and out plot they kept imitating with The Punisher? What was that all about?

I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to review and read through this section. Let me tell you, I was tempted to skip it and get to the good stuff... But that wouldn't be fair to any of you.... Or myself... Who tries to make a claim to know all about Moon Knight and who has forgotten so much about it.

I have an idea on how to do it and it's going to take a lot of time and digging. I need to sit down and look up dates, a few historical events, and the writers (They could NOT get a solid writer for this run and it SHOWS).

Unfortunately (or fortunately?) My life is incredibly busy right now and I've been putting a massive amount of time and effort into something very big and this has left little room for Moon Knight things.

Once I am at a good relaxing point in this big life event and have some dates figured out, I plan to sit down and start digging into this nightmare of a run.

I can't say for sure about the antisemitic writing in this run, as there are SO MANY writers and special guests and plots and who knows what Marvel was doing at this point in history... (Cocaine. The answer was cocaine. It's the right time line for it and that is what I'm going with). But You absolutely have given me reason to look into this historically and check out Marvel as a company during this time and look into the story. Especially since I know this was right after the mass writer Exodus to DC and that Marvel was now splitting attention between building an animation industry as well as trying to build up a struggling comic mainstream production line.

(Fun fact, Moon Knight was one of the first widely distributed mainstream comics that was shipped to ALL comic stores on a regular schedule basis).

Anyways, thank you for the ask and thank you for giving me an idea on how to approach this... exciting....run!

[thiswaycomessomethingwicked]

2. Do you read/reread your own fics?

7. How many ideas for fics do you have right now?

14. If you could see one of your fics adapted into a visual medium, such as comic or film, which fan fic would you pick?

22. Do you know how your fic will end before you start writing?

27. Is there a fic you were nervous to post/share? Why?

yessss thank you!!

2. Do you read/reread your own fics?

I do! Most fics I write are because I want to see a very specific plot, or a very specific approach to the characters that I have yet to see. So I'm always first and foremost writing for myself, the audience is second.

And yeah, I for sure reread my fics. It's fun!

7. How many ideas for fics do you have right now?

too many lol

Stuff I've actively tinkering away on but haven't published anything yet:

Sequel to What Makes a King ; there's a Vetinari/Downey in the works that I've been rather quiet about ; there's a Shardlake/Barak "but what if possession was real" fic...

Stuff I noodle around in my head that may or may not see the light of day:

What if Downey was a really, really fucked up kind of monstrous werewolf. What then? ; Grima Becomes King - there's shenanigans of working for Sauron, of course. But then there's a bit where he betrays Sauron and everyone is shocked except Eomer who stares into the camera and is like "folks. His name is Grima I-Betray-Everyone-At-Least-Once son of Galmod called Wormtongue. How is anyone surprised?" ; some vague Downey & His Illegitimate Daughter something something - it's very loose ; Krennic and Tarkin part III of the fractal and butterfly series this time with more Space Millenarianism but they're actually getting close to ending the world/universe ; Napoleon & Arthur Meet Grendel and Lots of People Are Brutally Murdered in Fucked Up Ways ; Napoleon Returns to France but this time there are Murder Fairies ....

ummm I think those are the main ones that occupy my thoughts

14. If you could see one of your fics adapted into a visual medium, such as comic or film, which fan fic would you pick?

film/tv series for sure - and I'm really torn between Thus Always, What Makes a King, and San Giovanni. Because I want to see all three on the screen, it'd be so fun.

22. Do you know how your fic will end before you start writing?

Generally. I usually have some idea of the broad overview of the story. So I know the big beats before I start writing/shortly after I start. Sometimes I need to get a chapter or two out of me before the story has enough movement to take proper shape in my head.

27. Is there a fic you were nervous to post/share? Why?

I was initially nervous to post my Tarkin/Krennic stuff because I was intimidated by the fandom. I worried people wouldn't like my stuff, but that didn't end up being the case at all.

Otherwise I'm not sure I was ever nervous about sharing what I've written. Even the stuff I've gotten weird hate over (it's all the Grima/Eomer stuff), I was never nervous about it. I suppose I don't see the point? People are generally happy when there's more content.

I know most of fandom is very much: Oh yay there are two cakes!

addenda: oh you know, I'm a little nervous about the Shardlake stuff at the moment. But I won't be by the time I finish and stick it up. And I'm only a little nervous in the sense of "new fandom, I know 0 people here" sort of way. Which will leave as soon as I post.

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Thank you so much for the kind asks!! <3 <3 <3