#i love comedic character with depth

[peaterookie]

The Ultimate Analysis of Manga Lupin (real)

RISES FROM THE GRAVE

Ok so I had intentions of tackling this post since it gave me the opportunity to talk about my babygurl, but i had a lot of school work to do so that wasn't great... BUT im a bit free now, and it's 3/3 so what a perfect time

The part about Lupin not wearing the jacket/tie in Chapter 8 (186 Lupins) intriguiged me a lot, because for the longest time I only figured that Monkey Punch drew him without the jacket simply because it looked cool and nothing else. It makes sense though that he would use it in this chapter figuratively for Lupin pretending to "hang up his hat" and retire from thieving.

^ Chapter 3 (I count it bc lupin is wear a completely different jacket without a tie) and second image is from Chapter 4

^ Chapter 5 and Chapter 7

I looked into his non-jacketness a bit more and found even stranger stuff. Lupin sports his nonjacket look very often from Chapter 3-8, but after that point, he stops doing it for a very very long time. I'm not sure what point does Lupin do it again, but I checked up the 100th chapter; no trace of a jacketless Lupin.

Which is strange isn't it? Why did Lupin (or MP for that matter) decided specifically after Chapter 8 to keep the jacket indefinitely?

My interpretation of this is perhaps, after Lupin faked his retirement in that chapter, he decides to no longer take off the jacket as a sign of his resolve to continue being a thief, to continue being Lupin III. The red jacket is a symbolism of his identity as Lupin III -the great thief that isn't bound by society- the most free man in the world.

MP most likely wanted to highlight Ch.8 as a point of significance, because if Lupin continued to be jacket-less after that point, the message communicated in Ch.8 wouldn't hold any weight. (The message being that Lupin wouldn't give up for a very very long time, and that the adventure of Shin Lupin has just started c:)

But obviously, that wholesome and optimistic energy doesn't stay for long, because this jacket motif comes back around the ending :)

Like Waddle said, jacketless Lupin comes back around the ending, although I'm not sure when since I haven't looked at the scans carefully yet. One detail I'd like to focus on though is around the San Francisco and the beginning of the Yap Land arc was around the point were he strays away from his typical outfit, whether it'd be a different jacket, a turtleneck, or jacketless.

To me it feels like a sign that he's starting to give up, or perhaps having a conflict of whether to continue living as a thief or not. Which, now that I realize it, is probably why he pursue such dangerous adventures around that part, because he wants to distract himself from the idea that he has to quit eventually.

Which brings me to the second point of Waddle's original post: Lupin's unwillingness to show his true identity!!!

This is going somewhere I swear

Lupin is obviously, a very suspicious man. He doesn't show his true self that much, and his true appearance is still a mystery even after the ending of the manga. When he does show glimpses of his personality though, it's significant in a way that he only shows it towards the gang or those he wants to cooperate with.

It shows that he trusts Jigen and Goemon a whole lot, and you can clearly see the progression from them simply being business partners to actual friends from the OG Manga -> New Adventures -> Shin. In the OG Manga, when interacting with the two, Lupin still has that smug aura, but that mask slowly slips out from the 7-year progression to Shin Lupin.

In fact, they're one of only people Lupin actually trusts. It takes a lot to really get Lupin to act honest, because it is VERY CLEAR that Lupin hates the possibility to ever confronting his true feelings with how often he tries to mask it by acting arrogant, silly, or just cruel. He even sees this quality as something that protects him, as shown in Chapter 56, where he states that being "suspicious" is the reason "...why I’ve(he's) been alive all this time." From this, it really emphasizes that he doesn't see Goemon and Jigen as those that could harm him, thus he sees no reason to put up the mask.

The mask is there to protect him from feeling hurt from others, but on the other hand, it also serves as an important tool that makes him such a great thief. By acting incompetent and goofy, he's able to catch people off guard when he busts out them smarts

What I'm saying is, at the end of the day, his act is still a part of him and something that allows him to live the way he wants to. Despite striping off some of his identity, he's willing to put that risk to be a thief and live out his definition of freedom, which is to go against society and do whatever he wants. (Which is interesting, because wouldn't limiting your expression of identity be the opposite of freedom? He has very interesting priorities.)

Which brings me up to my next point. Around the end of the Bad City arc (the last arc of the manga), I noticed (from visuals so take this with a grain of salt) how Lupin slowly stopped being serious and like his true self around the gang, which ties in very well with how he inconsistently changes jackets or takes it off around that period of the manga. Heck, he also interacts less with the gang overall around the last chapters, possibly hinting that he was trying to avoid them, which means avoiding his true feelings, WHICH consequently meaning avoiding the thoughts that just maybe, he has to give up.

The mask ends up becoming his shield, protecting him from such thoughts. He becomes even more reckless and obsessing with doing more fun adventures as a result, possibly faking it so hard that at the final chapter, it explains why he still wears a smile acting like everything's alright despite KNOWING him and his friends will die.

This to me, doesn't seem like a genuine smile at all.

Most of the visuals at the end doesn't communicate that Lupin has really grasped the situation- like he's in denial that this is the end.

Which makes sense, he was determined from Ch.8 that he will continue being a thief, and the real Lupin III would never give up on getting what he wants. He never confronts that his selfishness and ignorance lead the gang to become emotionally broken.

The mask that was fake from the beginning probably became the real thing to cope- by avoiding his true feelings for so long, his real self begins to slip away slowly, letting the fact act becoming the real thing instead.

All the signs were there, his jacket is gone, his gang became ever more distant from him, and HE LITERALLY KNOWS THE ISLAND WILL EXPLODE.

But he doesn't take any of the signs into account, he doesn't reflect back on what he's done, his life is not flashing before his eyes, it's almost like the Lupin that was serious, logical, and genuine was buried to the point of nonexistence, and if he snaps back to reality last minute, he might not be able to handle it.

So, was the pursuit of freedom really worth it?

I know I already talked about “186 Lupins” before cause of how funny it is but I was just thinking about these 2 pages.

Throughout Shin Lupin, Lupin always put up this persona of being arrogant to trick his enemies, and I thought how here his mood shifts instantly was interesting. He sure does a lot to hide his identity, but I like the glimpses we get of it when he gets serious. I don’t think he seems to hide it as much when he’s with his friends.

Also, isn’t it interesting how Lupin takes off his jacket specifically for this chapter? It’s like the idiom to hang up one’s hat, he’s showing he’s giving himself up, only to then put it back on in the end to show it was just a trick.

The only other time I can recall him ever not wearing his jacket was near the ending. With how the ending goes, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was hinting that Lupin had already been wanting to give up.

[total-drama-brainrot]

Love your P!noah au, but it makes me wonder? What if Alejandro was also “psycho” or if Izzy was more like Noah? Because all three of those characters have high HQ (in the first gen) would it would be neat to see them in like different personalities or something?

Bold of you to assume Alejandro isn't already a little psycho. The guy French kisses a pineapple on top of a volcano in canon. That's not the behaviour of a sane person. (/lh /j)

A hypothetical three way personality swap AU would be very interesting- in this scenario, it's be Alejandro with Izzy's personality, Izzy with Noah's and Noah with Alejandro's?

It's be kind of ironic that both Sierra and Alejandro- the later additions to the cast- are both crazy (in their own ways). Especially since the original cast would be lacking that sort of manic energy with Izzy being sarcastic and bookish instead of the "Psycho Hose Beast" we all know and love.

And I'm really interested in how a Noah who's a) incredibly charming and manipulative and b) burdened by the perpetual need to portray himself as perfect (thanks to familial pressure- imagine having to deal with seven Josés 😱) would place in Island. Would he be the one to make it to the final three, only to go bald, instead of Heather? Or would he make it to the finale and lose to Gwen/Owen? OR would be still be voted out first from his team?

AND without her instability, what would Izzy even do? Most, if not all, of her screen time revolves around her causing chaos, mayhem and destruction- take that away from her, and you're left with... what, exactly? Elimination fodder (which is pretty much what canon Noah is, so I guess that tracks). Would she still have her physical prowess despite her lazier temperament?

[wombywoo]

do you have any ghostsoap favorite fics, perhaps?

boy do I....

I should preface this by saying that I'm pretty...particular with what types of fics I enjoy reading (I only like certain character interpretations/tropes/writing styles, etc) so bear with me...

These are all mostly canon-compliant, non-AUs, ones that I regard highly~

Seasons--by StinglessWasp: This is pretty much my go-to fic rec for anyone into CoD and ghostsoap in general. It showcases everything I love about these characters, in a setting that feels as authentic to the games as possible, while also exploring the depth and sincerity hidden under the surface. So well-written and paced--the dialogue and military references all contribute to that 'feels like a mission out of the game' experience. Plus, I just love this interpretation of our boys--the humor, the inner struggles, the intimacy--Wasp 100% *gets* these characters and it's a joy to read <3

Except You, You Can Stay--by Iravaid: While this one isn't *technically* ghostsoap until the last chapter, in my opinion, it's required reading for anyone who gives a shit about Simon Riley. This is *the* character study--an intimate dissection of Ghost's past that seems so realistic and grounded, you forget how ludicrous those comics really are. Ira takes such care in treating these heavy topics with delicacy and effectiveness. Each chapter has you going 'oh wow, this is even better than the last', but as a whole--it's a stunning, fleshed-out glimpse into Simon as the character he was always meant to be. And the final chapter which eases you into his relationship with Johnny is so authentic and sweet, it just makes perfect sense that they should be together, and that this poor poor man deserves some goddamn love <3

bleeding in the house of god--by revolvermonkcelot: This is a really great 'missing scene' fic, a perfect opportunity to explore the in-between moments that the game so carelessly chooses to gloss over. I can't praise Monk's writing enough--it's slick and crisp and very tasty; the imagery just jumps off the page and you can practically feel the sweat. Plus, the dialogue exchanges between our two boys are so well-timed and in-character--love all the slang and British references~ This whole fic reads like an addition to their mission flirting, and I'm all for it! You can truly tell this author has such deep understanding and experience with this franchise (winkwinkwink, this is a joke) Read it--it's good!

The Dead are all Living--by Kabbal: This fic blew me away when I first read it. It's such a unique take on the retirement trope, I just adore this interpretation of Simon as an aging recluse while he builds his home. I tend to lean towards more subtle, grounded characterizations of Mr Riley, and this really fits the bill. All of these glimpses and fragments into his post-military life contribute to an overarching love story; the scenes with Johnny are so poignant, it's like you're pining alongside them both. I love how not-perfect they are; flawed and difficult and real. There are some moments and lines that just....struck something in me so deeply. I'm sure I'll still be thinking about it for a long long time <3

Portrait of Taction--by a_platypus: Another Simon-centric fic that I absolutely love. The character voice in this is off the charts, I can hear him so vividly in all of his inner dialogue and stunted attempts at conversation. Simon is so endearingly dense in this fic, you're just waiting for him to finally get his act together, but the clumsy, oblivious steps he takes in his relationship with Soap are truly a treat to read. I love this version of Johnny too--confident and considerate, but still hopelessly crushing on his superior. It's comedic, well-written, and the paragraphs describing Soap's journal give some of the best insights into his character I've seen <3

come on, haunt me--by flyby2: This was a really good long fic that I took my time savoring. What could have been a typical 'on leave' fic instead took time to develop a unique spin on the backstories as well as throwing our boys into some wholesome encounters. Both Soap and Ghost felt very true to character, and I appreciate the exploration of PTSD and the subsequent struggles that come along with...all that. There was a really nice balance in having their romance spread across the chapters, and I can promise a very sweet, happy conclusion <3

in the mess of it all--by flowersferns: A lovely one-shot that exhibits some of my favorite aspects of these two characters. I'm a sucker for 'one of them is hurt, the other is freaking out, they are both idiots in love, etc'. There are some really great dialogue and character moments in this, plus the overall prose hits hard. Love this take on their romance--the mutual trust, the familiarity of their bond. And just the general theme of impermanence--the inevitability of what this relationship means for them--two soldiers, willing and ready to sacrifice their lives at a moment's notice, still clinging to each other because...god...that's all they have---big fan of this :'D <3

Lapsus--by Lisbetadair: Another really great one-shot and 'missing scene' fic. The authenticity in the writing is spot-on--it's like you can feel Soap's pain right off the bat. I love how smoothly the banter flows between the two, and the attention to detail and references all help lend to that 'hardened military man' exterior. Ghost smelling like flowers because of a face wipe is such a delightful addition, plus the scene where Soap is, ah, donald-ducking it in just a t-shirt with his jewels out is such a funny mental image, I still think of it fondly from time to time. It's funny, it's surprisingly cute, it's very in-character. Stick around for some awkward but adorable cuddles <3

I'm sure I have more to recommend, but these are the ones I can personally endorse for now~

[jkriordanverse]

Jesper, who could've easily be written off as a typical side character comedic relief, was in fact given proper depth, character arc, background, and emotional growth as a character means so much to me. Jesper who could've been just "Kaz's right handed man" was instead writen as a poc queer ADHD teenager, who has a father who isn't really sure what to do with him but loves him despite. Jesper, who could've easily been paved away for Inej to enter as Kaz's love interest (or could've easily turned into a love triangle) gets to be happy with his own love of his life, who has may things to care for other than his social circle and in the end tries to fix every wrong he had ever done. I love jesper sm i love his character i love the way he was written and i will not stand any jesper slander.

[matt-w-blogging]

Why you should watch KAOS (2024) on Neftlix:

- Jeff Goldblum as Zeus

- A disabled actors play a disabled characters (Mat Fraser & another secret one [because spoilers])

- A trans actor plays a trans character (I won't say which one since it's kind of a spoiler)

- Set in modern times, uses characters from old myths but isn't a simple retelling; it's a whole new story

- All your favs are there (Prometheus, Daedalus, Persephone, Dionysus, Cassandra, Medusa, Charon, Ariadne, the Fates, the Furies, just to name a few)

- Speaking of Persephone, she and Hades are actually in love (the version of the myth which I know much of you love)

- Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss Hera (as in, she literally does all those things)

- The gods' actors' ages actually make sense, they didn't cast solely young people or make young people look older; you've got Zeus (72), Hera (63), Hades (61), Persephone (56), Poseidon (56), Dionysus (27), you get the idea

- Killer soundtrack

- Actual realistic queer characters/representation in a natural, unforced way

- Enjoyable story and comedic but also has depth (I binge-watched it in a day)

- Not a huge commitment (8 episodes of about 50 minutes each)

- Have you ever thought "What would the Ancient Greek gods be doing in modern times?" This show answers that question!

- It wasn't renewed for a second season due to viewership, so if the views explode, maybe they'll renew it and I can find out what happens next (I know it's not likely, but I can dream; besides, if just one person watches and enjoys it, then this post will have been worth it)

[nickeverdeen]

Hi!! Can I request Arcane characters with a fem s/o who is basically a bimbo and is genuinely very dumb and always wears pink and skirts with her pink heels??

Tysm! <333 💗

Arcane characters having a girly bimbo girlfriend

Jinx

Jinx is attracted to your carefree and bubbly personality, finding it refreshing compared to her own intense and chaotic nature

Jinx admires your style, finding it amusingly contrasting to her own edgy and punk aesthetic

She secretly enjoys the bright colors and girly outfits you wear, finding them endearing

Despite your naivety and lack of street smarts, Jinx feels a strong urge to protect you from any potential harm

She becomes fiercely defensive whenever someone underestimates or mocks your intelligence

Jinx indulges in playful and mischievous antics with you, enjoying your carefree moments together

She appreciates the simplicity and laughter you bring into her life

Jinx takes on the role of a patient teacher, explaining concepts and ideas to you in simple terms

She finds joy in witnessing your genuine curiosity, even if it means starting with the basics

Despite your perceived lack of intelligence, Jinx is surprised by the occasional insightful comment or observation that you make

She learns to appreciate your unique perspective on things

You and Jinx make for an entertaining duo, often unintentionally getting into amusing situations due to your ditzy nature

Jinx finds herself laughing more often and embracing the lightheartedness of your relationship

Despite your differences, Jinx wholeheartedly accepts you for who you are and loves you deeply

She values the genuine affection and happiness you share, cherishing every moment you spend together

Over time, Jinx discovers hidden depths within you, realizing that beneath the surface-level bimbo persona lies a funny-chaotic and compassionate individual

She grows to admire your authenticity and sincerity

Jinx finds solace in the chaos of her own life, knowing that she can always return to the simplicity and warmth of her relationship with you

Your love brings a sense of balance and stability to her otherwise tumultuous world

Caitlyn

Caitlyn’s relationship with you is an unexpected contrast to her typically serious and no-nonsense demeanor

Despite your differences, Caitlyn is drawn to your carefree and bubbly personality

Caitlyn finds amusement in your fashion choices, often shaking her head at the abundance of pink and frilly skirts paired with heels

She admires your confidence in expressing yourself through fashion, even if it’s not her personal style

Due your naivety and lack of street smarts, Caitlyn takes on a protective role just like Jinx, ensuring your safety in unfamiliar situations

She’s always vigilant, ready to intervene if you find yourself in trouble due to your innocence

Caitlyn patiently explains things to you, breaking down complex concepts into simpler terms

You and Caitlyn make for an unlikely but good duo

While Caitlyn is focused on her duties as an enforcer, you add a touch of lightheartedness and joy to her life, balancing out the seriousness of her work

Caitlyn learns to embrace your quirks and differences, offering you unwavering support and encouragement

She appreciates the genuine affection and happiness you share, valuing the moments of laughter and joy in your relationship

Despite your perceived lack of intelligence, Caitlyn discovers hidden depths within you, appreciating your kindness and compassion towards others

She realizes that beneath the bimbo persona lies a genuinely caring and loving individual

Caitlyn finds herself in amusing situations with you, often caused by your… interesting nature

While Caitlyn may roll her eyes at times, she secretly enjoys the comedic relief you bring to her life

You and Caitlyn complement each other in unexpected ways, with Caitlyn providing stability and guidance while you add spontaneity and laughter to your relationship

You learn from each other and grow together, embracing your differences

Despite your disparities, Caitlyn loves you unconditionally, appreciating the unique bond you share

She values the authenticity and sincerity of your relationship, finding solace and happiness in your love for each other

Viktor

Despite your lack of intellectual depth, Viktor finds you refreshing and amusing

Your simplistic views on life provide a stark contrast to his complex thoughts and experiments, offering a break from his usual intense focus

Viktor is bemused by your fashion choices, often raising an eyebrow at your penchant for pink skirts and matching heels

He appreciates your confidence in expressing yourself, even if he doesn’t fully understand your fashion sense

Viktor exercises patience and understanding with you, knowing that your lack of intelligence isn’t intentional

He takes the time to explain things to you

Your relationship is an unconventional pairing, with Viktor’s intellectual pursuits contrasting sharply with your carefree and simple-minded nature

However, he finds solace in the genuine affection and happiness you share

Viktor takes it upon himself to educate you, introducing you to new ideas and concepts in a patient and understanding manner

He finds joy in witnessing your genuine interest and enthusiasm, even if it’s for subjects he considers trivial

Viktor finds himself in amusing situations with you, often caused by your obliviousness and lack of intelligence

While he may sigh or roll his eyes at times, he secretly appreciates the comedy you bring to his life

Despite your differences, you and Viktor balance each other out

While he provides intellectual stimulation and guidance, you add spontaneity and lightheartedness to your relationship, creating a harmonious dynamic

Viktor learns to accept and tolerate your quirks and limitations, embracing you for who you are

He values the authenticity of your relationship, finding joy in the simple moments you share together

Despite your unconventional pairing, Viktor loves you unconditionally, appreciating the unique bond you share

He finds comfort and happiness in your love for each other, accepting your flaws and imperfections with open arms

Vi

Vi finds herself unexpectedly drawn to your carefree and bubbly personality

Despite your differences, she’s captivated by your genuine innocence and infectious optimism

While Vi may not understand your fashion choices, she likes her confidence in rocking pink skirts and matching heels

She finds it endearing how you embrace your girly style without a hint of self-consciousness

Not that Vi would be self-conscious about her style of clothing as she’ll put on whatever she sees or wants

Despite her tough exterior, Vi is fiercely protective of you, ensuring your safety in any situation

She takes on the role of a guardian, keeping a watchful eye on you and stepping in whenever necessary

Vi learns to exercise patience and understanding with you, knowing that your lack of intelligence isn’t intentional to provoke her

She takes the time to explain things in simpler terms, but she might get kidna annoyed if it takes too much time, but she’s trying her best

Your relationship is an unlikely pairing, with Vi’s street-smart toughness contrasting sharply with your naive innocence

Vi often finds herself in humorous situations with you, amused by your antics and obliviousness

While she may tease you from time to time, she secretly enjoys the lightheartedness and laughter you share

Despite your simplicity, Vi values the emotional support and positivity you brings to your relationship

She appreciates how your unwavering optimism brightens even the darkest of days

Despite your unconventional pairing, Vi loves you deeply, cherishing the unique bond you share

She finds comfort and happiness in your love for each other, embracing the unpredictability and joy of your relationship

Jayce

Despite your contrasting personalities, Jayce is enamored by your vibrant energy and unabashed love for all things pink

He finds your enthusiasm contagious, often lightening his mood after a long day in the lab

While Jayce tends to stick to his signature style, he can’t help but smile when he sees you confidently rocking her pink skirts and heels

He admires your bold fashion choices and appreciates how you add a pop of color to his life

Despite your penchant for pink, you surprises him with your curiosity and eagerness to learn

He enjoys engaging in thought-provoking conversations with you, finding your unique perspective on life refreshing

Jayce values the differences between you two, recognizing that you complement each other in unexpected ways

While he may be the brains of the operation, you bring a sense of lightheartedness and spontaneity to the relationship

Jayce is constantly amazed by your unwavering support and encouragement

Whether he’s facing challenges in his work or personal life, you’re always there to cheer him on with your infectious positivity

Despite your affinity for all things pink, you also surprise him with your adventurous side

Together, you embark on exciting escapades, from impromptu road trips to exploring new places, creating cherished memories along the way

One of the things Jayce loves most about you is your ability to make him laugh, even during the most stressful of times

Your infectious giggles and playful antics never fail to brighten his day

Despite your differences, you and Jayce share a deep mutual respect for one another

He values your unique perspective and appreciates how you challenge him to see the world in new and colorful ways

In the end, Jayce realizes that love knows no bounds, and that sometimes, the most unexpected connections are the ones that endure

He cherishes every moment spent with his pink princess, grateful for the joy and love you brings into his life

Ekko

You’re is the epitome of “brains and beauty” while Ekko himself is known for his street smarts and tech prowess

Despite your differences, you are drawn to each other’s unique qualities

Ekko appreciates your unintentional humor and often finds himself chuckling at your quirky remarks and antics

Your playful personality brings a lighthearted energy to the relationship

Despite Ekko’s best efforts to teach you, you struggle with anything tech-related

From operating gadgets to understanding complex concepts, you often rely on Ekko for assistance

You have a penchant for all things pink and girly

Ekko admires your confidence to express yourself through your clothing choices, even if they’re not his personal style

Despite your differing personalities, you and Ekko share a deep bond built on laughter and lightheartedness

While Ekko may be the brains behind your operations, you surprise him with your occasional moments of insight

Though rare, Ekko values your unique perspective and appreciates your ability to see the world through a different lens

Ekko cherishes your unwavering love and acceptance

Despite your differences, you love him for who he is, flaws and all

Ekko finds comfort in your unconditional support, knowing that you’ll always be by his side no matter what

Despite your seemingly airheaded persona, Ekko respects your unique qualities and appreciates you for who you are

While Ekko may be the one teaching you street smarts, he also learns valuable lessons from you in return

Whether it’s embracing spontaneity or finding joy in the little things, Ekko discovers new perspectives through your relationship

[ariays]

What makes Minho a unique teen romance male lead:

1. He’s the “Mean but Not Malicious” Type

A lot of teen series have the classic bad boy male lead who’s brooding, mysterious, and sometimes outright toxic (cough Nate Jacobs from Euphoria or Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl). But Minho? He’s different.

Yes, he starts off snarky and arrogant, but he’s never cruel. His “mean” moments are more about sass, self-confidence, and playful teasing rather than being manipulative or emotionally unavailable. He’s that guy who thinks he’s all that—but is actually really soft underneath it all.

2. He’s a Himbo, But a Smart One

Minho gives off major himbo energy—he’s rich, ridiculously good-looking, and very aware of it. But unlike a lot of stereotypical “dumb jocks” in teen dramas (think Reggie from Riverdale), Minho actually has depth. He has goals, he cares about his friends, and despite his superficial exterior, he’s pretty emotionally perceptive—especially when it comes to Kitty.

3. His Character Growth Feels Earned

Some male leads in teen series tend to change too quickly once they develop feelings for the female lead. (Looking at you, Hardin from After). But Minho’s growth is gradual and believable. He doesn’t just flip a switch from “annoying rich boy” to “perfect boyfriend material.” Instead, his feelings for Kitty creep up on him, and you can see the shift in how he interacts with her.

He still teases her, but it becomes more affectionate. He still acts cocky, but you start noticing those small, vulnerable moments—like the Chuseok kitchen scene—where he actually lets his guard down.

4. He’s Unapologetically Dramatic

Minho is extra in a way that most teen drama male leads aren’t. He’s not just confident—he’s theatrical. From his grand entrances to his over-the-top reactions, he brings a comedic flair that makes him entertaining without making him a joke.

A lot of teen drama male leads tend to be serious, broody, or deeply angsty. Minho, on the other hand, brings comedic energy while still being emotionally compelling.

5. He’s Stylish & Unapologetically Metrosexual

Unlike the usual rugged, broody, or athletic male leads in teen series (think Nate from Euphoria or Conrad from The Summer I Turned Pretty), Minho embraces fashion, skincare, and self-care in a way that isn’t played off as a joke.

A lot of male leads in Western teen dramas either: ✔ Stick to basic, "masculine" fashion (hoodies, leather jackets, plain tees) ✔ Look effortlessly disheveled (the whole ‘hot but doesn’t care’ aesthetic) ✔ Avoid anything remotely “feminine” to maintain their "tough" image

Minho, on the other hand, is deliberately put together. He’s well-groomed, he cares about his appearance, and he fully owns it. From his tailored fits to his expensive skincare routine, he has a level of self-awareness and confidence that makes him unique. Instead of needing to be macho, he leans into a softer masculinity, which is refreshing.

6. He’s Not the Broody, Emotionally-Closed-Off Male Lead

Most classic teen romance male leads fall into one of these categories:

The dark, brooding, emotionally unavailable love interest (Conrad from TSITP, Hardin from After)

The soft, nerdy best friend who secretly loves the female lead (Ben from Never Have I Ever)

The overprotective, jock-type boyfriend (Noah from The Kissing Booth)

Minho doesn’t fit into any of these boxes. Yes, he starts off as a bit of a snarky, rich-boy, but he’s not emotionally closed-off. He expresses himself, he reacts dramatically, and he’s not afraid to show his feelings, whether it’s through humor, frustration, or genuine care.

His emotional openness, combined with his flair for the dramatic, makes him feel more alive compared to brooding, silent male leads who struggle to express affection.

7. He Exudes Non-Traditional Masculinity

Most male leads in teen dramas stick to a traditionally masculine aesthetic—either super muscular (Noah from The Kissing Booth) or effortlessly scruffy and rebellious (JJ from Outer Banks). Even the ones who are more “soft boy” (like Josh from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) tend to be written in a way that contrasts them against a tougher male lead.

Minho, however, balances both masculine and non-masculine traits in a way that makes him unique: ✔ He’s confident, but not aggressively dominant. ✔ He’s fashionable and expressive, but not reduced to a stereotype. ✔ He’s attractive, but not in the rugged bad boy way—his appeal comes from his charisma, playfulness, and charm.

His character doesn’t need to be hyper-masculine to be desirable, which is a refreshing departure from traditional male leads. He’s proof that a guy can be well-dressed, expressive, and a little flamboyant while still being a compelling love interest.

8. He’s Secure in Himself (Without Trying to Prove Anything)

Minho never tries to “prove” his masculinity. A lot of teen male leads are obsessed with dominance—whether it’s through fighting, being emotionally unavailable, or acting like they don’t care about anything.

But Minho? He doesn’t need to do that. He’s secure in himself. He knows he’s attractive. He knows he’s stylish. And he owns it. He can be extra, dramatic, and funny, but it doesn’t make him any less confident or appealing.

This is what makes him stand out from the usual teen romance male lead—he doesn’t fall into outdated ideas of what it means to be a man. He’s just him, and that’s enough.

[charmac]

I wrote about Charlie and Dennis' paralleled childhood sexual abuse, and how their opposing trauma responses keep them from seeing themselves while they stay stuck in their own cycles of abuse.

// The content under the read more is an in-depth script analysis highlighting and discussing childhood sexual abuse and trauma response. Please read with caution or scroll past this post if these topics are known to affect and/or trigger you. //

Because Sunny walks an extremely fine line between sensitive, if not traumatic, character work and dark comedy, I've found that, in reading the scripts, the trauma being written is always much more blatant. You have to work a little harder to pick up on the underlying intent when watching the episodes (though the more and more we learn about the characters, the more the intent becomes clear), but the scripted versions of these scenes are solid evidence that the clear intent of these storylines is to reveal that these characters have extremely repressed childhood trauma, in-turn explaining to the audience why they have such fucked-up ideas of (and relationships with) love and sex. To put it more blatantly: the purpose of giving and revealing the childhood trauma these characters have is purposeful (if not needed), explaining why they are the predators that they are, and allows us to at least understand where their often psychopathic actions and rationales come from.

The fact that Charlie and Dennis were both sexually abused as children is all but obvious to the audience (and every other member of the Gang), but the extent to which these plots are intended to act as character work as opposed cheap-shot rape jokes is often lost on the casual viewer. In my opinion, the disconnect is not for lack of clear intention in the writing, but by the nature of the show being what it is.

It’s very clearly still there, easy enough to catch if you’re standing more than ankle-deep in the waters, but because Sunny is a dark comedy, it’s unfortunately easy to uncomfortably laugh past a rape joke if you don’t care to look deeper than the surface. Taking a look at the scripts helps paint a clearer picture, making it easier to point out, walk through and explore the CSA lore developed for both Charlie and Dennis, how they parallel and oppose each other, and how this trauma relates to their own predatory behaviours. 

An obvious starting point is Charlie Got Molested, which is, on the surface, an episode in which we learn that Charlie wasn't molested. What is changed from the script to the episode is this first line from Charlie, right at the very end of the episode, on his family’s response to his alleged molestation:

(Charlie's aired line is instead "Now everybody thinks that I've been molested. So, in a way, my life is ruined.")

Whether written with a specific intent at the time or not, this episode sets the stage (literally, lol) for a later building 'reveal' that (1) Charlie was molested as a child, and (2) his Uncle Jack is very much a pedophile, not just a perv (which is hinted at in the actual episode, both in dialogue and visuals), because the next time the show features a plot with Charlie and molestation (Sweet Dee's Dating notwithstanding, though important to mention, as it’s further evidence of the idea that there was clearly a thread being woven early on), it’s via the form of a play.

Charlie wrote The Nightman Cometh as a play about love, which was turned into a 'legible' play by Artemis, in which the Gang all "misinterpreted" his original intent and believed it to be about a child being raped. Charlie gets mad, because he doesn't see it, doesn't believe it, and instead believes everyone is destroying his artistic vision by refusing to let this idea go.

The script for The Nightman Cometh (which, I’d like to point out, RCG chose to make publicly available to everyone) has an alternate ending to the rehearsal of the bed scene between The Boy and The Nightman:

(The aired version shows Charlie more-comedically angry at Mac and Dennis by raising his level of frustration, physically with his hands. The mention of the Nightman taking The Boy face-to-face is never addressed in the aired episode, yet it does take place that way in the actual play scene following the rehearsal featuring doggy-style humping.)

What's heavily implied in the episode (and basically explicitly stated in the script), is that the Gang are not misinterpreting Charlie's art; the play is quite literally built around the idea that a child is attempting to communicate his rape, and Dennis is telling him that’s what it is. Charlie can't accept that, because this is a play about his life, he believes he’s created a play about love, and he is the boy and he was not raped so it can't be rape.

(And, following this, the audience can put the two and two together: Charlie’s clearly repressed CSA and the fact that his Uncle is a pedophile. In every.single.physical.interaction Charlie and Uncle Jack have, in every appearance he makes following Season 4, the fact that Uncle Jack is the Nightman is clear.)

Rolling back a little, it’s interesting that Dennis is the one to be audibly confused by (and frustrated with) the fact that Charlie can't understand his play is a rape play, because it's so very obvious to Dennis. Yet, 7 years later, he's in Charlie's exact shoes.

Because in Dee Makes a Smut Film, Dennis' plot almost directly parallels Charlie’s from The Nightman Cometh:

Dennis wrote his Erotic Memoirs as a tale of his sexual conquests, the first of his encounters turned into a 'film' by Dee, in which Dee "misinterpreted" what happened between Dennis and the Librarian as him being raped as a teen. Dennis gets mad, because he doesn't see how it could possibly be rape, doesn't believe a guy can be raped, and instead believes Dee and Grieco are destroying his artistic vision by refusing to let the idea go.

(In the aired episode, Dennis does not avoid using the word rape, and instead insists you cannot rape a guy, and that he was willing.)

Just like Charlie, Dennis refuses to accept that the people who are acting out his writing at face-value are telling him straight up that it looks like, and most-likey is, rape. Dennis can't accept that, because this is a film about his life, it's about his first sexual conquest, and he is the boy and he was not raped so it can't be rape.

This goes one-step further when Dee airs the 'film' for the rest of the Gang:

(The aired version of the video does not show anything from filming, and only shows a slideshow of photos from when Dennis was a teen, overlay text claiming he was raped, and a photo of Klinsky repeating 'hoser' over and over.)

Dennis goes on a spiel and reiterates that he was not raped. The rest of the Gang are not convinced.

And at this point, Charlie and Dennis probably should relate to each other, or at the very least intentionally give each other a pass/miss whenever the topic of childhood sexual abuse emerges, but instead they continue to have no issue believing and pointing out that the other was raped while continuing to deny their own trauma. 

In PTSDee, this paralleled-refusal is made clear. Very clear. In the script, it's even clearer:

(In the aired scene, Dennis' line is clearly cut after he mentions Charlie's mom, and it picks up with Charlie's line at "the father thing")

They see it so clearly in each other, but don't see themselves mirrored—and there's no doubt that's intentional. Because while they were both sexually abused as children, their current relationships with love and sex (as portrayed from basically episode one) are opposing, and the circumstances of their individual rape and immediate repression are extremely illustrative as to why they behave the way they do:

Charlie's trauma response is typical of pre-pubescent, forced rape. Not mature enough to even recognise what happened to him (as Uncle Jack's abuse was likely his first exposure to sexual acts), he regresses and represses, subsequently developing a repulsion toward sex into his adult life (in Season 5, Mac and Charlie Write a Movie, there's a deleted scene that makes it evident that he's disgusted by and avoidant of sex decades later), and, clearly by the depictions in The Nightman Cometh play and the lyrics of Nightman in Sweet Dee’s Dating, believing that the harassment he faced was love. 

For the run of the show, Charlie’s interest in love and sex is almost exclusively highlighted by his relentless pursuit of the Waitress. In so far as the idea that every member of the Gang is a sexual predator, Charlie is depicted as a sexual harasser, unable to recognize that disinterest, avoidance, the word "no," and stalking that leads to legal action to restrain him from the person he's pursuing is inappropriate and predatory.

While his CSA results in a repulsion toward sex (in most instances), Charlie clearly associates the concept of love with the early harassment he faced, brought on him in his own home by a "loved one," he truly believes that his own relentless pursuit will end up buying him love. Charlie is stuck in an abstinent cycle (at least, until Dennis’ Double Life) of his own abuse.

Dennis' trauma response is typical of coercive rape and grooming. He was old enough to believe that sex is something that should be seen as cool, and therefore obsesses and brags about his experience(s), resulting in his hypersexuality. In Season 5, The D.E.N.N.I.S. System, it's firmly established that Dennis' pursuit of women is something outside of genuine attraction; in fact, it's almost devoid of it. Clearly by the plot of PTSDee, he sees a woman’s sexuality as a weapon he needs to fight against. 

For the run of the show, Dennis' interest in sex is deeply entwined with the fact that he gets off on having power over his "sexual conquests". In so far as the idea that every member of the Gang is a sexual predator, Dennis is depicted as a date rapist, having an aversion to recognising (if not an inability to understand) consent, he pursues sex exclusively for his own physical pleasure, with little care for the other party, getting off on the knowledge that he’s orchestrated the situation he’s in.

While his CSA results in an obsession with sex, Dennis clearly does not associate the concept of love with the act, truly believing that sex is used to overpower someone, most enjoyable when obtained via coercion, exactly as his virginity was taken from him. Dennis is stuck in a loveless cycle of his own abuse.

Charlie and Dennis meet after their own traumas; their clearly disordered relationships with love and sex is how they've always known the other to be. When there are hints of the other's abuse, they're able to easy recognise what it is, for they sense the paralleled familiarity of their own CSA—yet their polar opposite trauma responses result in an inability to reflect:

To Dennis, Charlie was clearly raped, and Charlie fears sex and Dennis loves sex, so he can't have been raped; To Charlie, Dennis was clearly raped, and Dennis doesn't pursue love and Charlie loves the Waitress, so he can't have been raped.

Their reflections being mirrored causes them to harp on the other's trauma and keeps them from being able to truly recognise their own abuse. Call the other out and deny what’s shot back, stuff it down and continue spiralling in their own cycle of abuse.

[poisoned-fruit-prose]

Can I request “…to gain something” with Silco? If you are not inspired by him, feel free to choose any other character you want!!

Don't worry Anon, I am plenty inspired by Silco. We love a big nose and a big attitude here.

Silco sat swathed in the green of his office. He used that term loosely—it tended to be more of a stage than a place where he got any work done. And with Jinx constantly hanging in the rafters, providing comedic relief after tense exchanges that could only be compared to that of a court jester, the feeling was only expounded. The thought made Silco raise a hand to his face to rub his temples. He had the entirety of the undercity pinned beneath him, yet his own office was nothing more than a circus.

A knock, gentle and almost inaudible. He sighed under his breath, put up his walls, and called for his visitor to come in.

The moment you stepped through the door, those walls came crashing down again. He almost looked relieved—almost—at your interruption. He returned to rubbing his face.

“Not feeling well?” you asked as you sauntered to him, rounded his desk, sat atop it and all his important papers. You knew you were his priority.

“Something like that,” he muttered, his hand moving to rest comfortingly on your thigh.

“I can make it all better,” you purred.

“Not tonight, dear.”

You frowned, genuinely, knowing that he must truly be bothered to turn you down. You reached over and took his cheek in your hand, gently turning his gaze to you.

“What’s the matter?” you nearly whispered.

“Things you shouldn’t have to worry about.”

“I worry about them if it does this to you.”

“My troubles do nothing to me.” His voice had a familiar, sharp edge that cleaved an end into the conversation. You pulled your hand away, hurt, and Silco rubbed his face. “What are you here for?”

Truthfully, you had just wanted to see him. But clearly he wasn’t in the mood.

“Shimmer,” you lied.

“I told you to stop using it. It’ll kill you.”

“That’s rich, coming from you.”

Bang!

Silco slammed his fist atop his desk, his other still covering his eyes but not the scowl scrawled over his lips. An uncomfortable silence settled over the both of you.

“…If I come in here to see you, you get upset. If I come in here not to see you, you also get upset. I forget I’m nothing more than one of your fucking lackeys sometimes.”

You slid off the desk, fully intentioned to leave, but you were stopped by Silco’s hands reaching out and grabbing your waist to stop you. You glared over your shoulder at him.

“Don’t touch me.”

“I’m showing you that I want you here.”

“We’re just going to argue.”

“No. I will give you the Shimmer. And then you can sit here with me, quietly, until I get some work done. Would I let a lackey do that?”

You turned in Silco’s hands, stepped closer. He looked like a king in his chair; but when he was looking up at you like this, reverence just barely hidden in the depths of his eyes, you knew you were his queen.

“…I don’t want the Shimmer.”

“Then come sit.”

You did as you were commanded. You settled your knees beside his hips as you crawled onto his lap. Silco pulled you closer. He slid a hand to the back of your neck, holding the base of your skull, as he guided you into a kiss.

He wasn’t perfect, but you were blissful in knowing you had gained his trust.

images used: chain divider

[ailoda]

ᯓ ✈︎ favourite writers

@sometimesanalice

@honkytonk-hangman

@tip-top-cloud-surfer

@roosterbruiser

@tropes-and-tales

@dearsnow

ᯓ ✈︎ favourite fics

Leave A Light On - @sometimesanalice

When Bradley had given you a key to his place, what he probably didn’t expect was to find you there at 2 am sitting at the piano you’d helped him find.

I read this relatively recently and it's become one of my favourite fics ever. Choosing only one from @sometimesanalice is difficult, but I just cannot not include this. Disregarding the fact that the plot in and of itself is a warm hug in written form, the build-up is so subtle but so well-crafted; it takes you on a journey that doesn't feel out of place or takes away from the main storyline. I find fluff to be a bit more straightforward to write and read as it's typically relatively easy to instil fluffy, lovey feelings, but the feelings @sometimesanalice instilled through this is unmatched—it goes beyond fluffy feelings in a way that is so difficult to describe and is just so beautifully written that it's difficult to put into words. Ever read something and been so close to crying because it's written in a way that makes you feel how loved the main characters are and you want to experience that yourself but you don't think that that level of love and devotion exists? Tada! I would have to say that this is definitely a top fic overall across all the fandoms I read. The literature community best be pleased that this writer is not a published author, because they'd be taking ALL the money.

Truly, Madly, Deeply - @tongue-like-a-razor

Bradley Bradshaw is madly in love with a married woman.

This was one of the first fics I thought of when compiling my Top Gun favourites, and definitely is amongst my top 5 fics throughout all fandoms. It's so wonderfully written in that the plot gives absolutely nothing away until the end. Bradley's characterisation, and how it bounces off the reader's, is done so well and makes him so endearing; he's charming and flirty without coming across too forced or rehearsed—which is difficult to write. Similarly, Lena has a knack that's perfectly illustrated here of being able to build romantic tension through subtle moments. The banter between them both feels so natural and engaging, and contributes to the sense of intimacy that pushes the plot forward. It's such as fun and fluffy read that I fell in love immediately, and I continue to re-read just to nail the point home that I'm incredibly lonely :)

It's That Simple - @tropes-and-tales

Praise Kink.

Where to start with this gem. This fic overall manages to brilliantly balance emotional depth with humour, with the lighthearted tone and comedic moments helping to keep the fic feeling fun without undermining the serious feelings involved—a testament to the excellent writing and curated narrative flow. Another thing that is done so well is portraying the complexities of relationships, capturing both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of intimacy. I also really enjoyed the portrayal of male insecurity when it comes to intimacy too—something I rarely come across. Everything about this fic, from the humour to the complexities of insecurity and how it feeds into intimacy, is done so tastefully and portrayed in such a heartwarming way that I remember reading this for the first time and feeling empty after finishing, wishing there was more.

12:29AM - @dearsnow

Your normally sober husband comes home drunk out of his mind after a party, and you can’t say that he’s any less sweet.

I'm pretty sure this was my first foray into Bob Floyd fics, and I can't say I regret it. This is the perfect blend of fluff and humour that just leaves you feeling all warm and giggly and fuzzy. One key bit I love is Bob's characterisation; the perfect balance of fluff, love, and humour that perfectly captures his character so well. The contrast between the Bob we see - composed, responsible—and his drunken, unfiltered self is hilariously endearing. A definite favourite Bob Floyd fic and one I always come back to when I want a fic that will just wrap me in a warm hug and tell me it's all okay.

When Jake Met Polly - @honkytonk-hangman

 Jake likes to flirt with his Air Traffic Controller.

When compiling this list, I knew that @honkytonk-hangman needed to be included, but boy was it difficult to choose only ONE fic. I think I'm happy with my decision. I absolutely adore the seamless back-and-forth between the reader and Jake, and really adds to the chemistry. But while the overall plot is light-hearted and comedic, you can definitely feel a subtle emotional undercurrent where the romance develops slowly but steadily. The slow build of playfulness that then leads into genuine moments of connection makes the romantic moments feel earned, and it doesn't feel rushed or forced. Their ability to write in a way that builds undeniable chemistry while interweaving moments of vulnerability is just *chef's kiss*.

My Darlin’ - @mydarlingrose

When the daggers are spontaneously relocated in Texas in for a mission and have no where to stay, Jake lets them stay at his place and discover Jake has been keeping a secret from them for a very long time.

This is the fic that started my secret-wife and jake-is-a-girl-dad shtick that has prevailed to this day. It's a great blend of heart-melting fluff and humour. I love how you can still see the bits of Hangman that we see in the movie, and the banter between the Daggers, while also tapping into a different side. They both don't feel mutually exclusive and instead compliment one another. Definitely one to starve off my lack of affection :)

[animefeminist]

Cannibalism, the abject, and queering the narrative in Delicious in Dungeon

Content warning: body horror

Spoilers for Vol 1 – 14 of the Delicious in Dungeon manga and Season 1 of the anime

Eat or be eaten: this is the mantra that propels the heroes of Delicious in Dungeon through their adventures into the depths of the titular dungeon, dining on monsters in their quest to save their party member, Falin, from being digested by the mad sorcerer’s red dragon. Food and eating are unmistakably a crucial part of the manga and its anime adaptation. While I could ramble for aeons about the various dishes used through this series, the meals in this essay will explore a different set of ingredients—the characters themselves, and the way eating and consumption are tied into ideas of identity and intimacy.

Julia Kristeva’s theories of abjection will be used to further explore how direct interaction with the taboo, or that which is instinctually “horrific” can be a means of pushing the self into internal confrontation, or for characters to confront one another. In Powers of Horror, Kristeva defines the abject as “what disturbs identity, system, order” and fails to “respect borders, positions, rules.” The abject is linked to our confrontation with death and bodily breakdown, evoking both horror and fascination as it “draws [one] toward the place where meaning collapses”. In Delicious in Dungeon, Kui Ryoko reflects this concept as characters blur the line between human and monster, challenging the boundaries between life, death, and humanity, thus engaging with the abject in a literal and visceral sense.

The plot of Delicious in Dungeon is not inherently abject; though aspects of horror such as cannibalism, necromancy, and even death are used through the series, they often platform comedic and comforting developments for the characters. How is it therefore that Kui is able to utilize that which is perhaps repulsive to both characters and readers alike to instead convey ideas of growth and love?

Read it at Anime Feminist!

[criticalcrusherbot]

Maybe this is old news but I am so tired of trying to understand where people with these opinions are coming from. I just so fundamentally disagree with this take but I can’t put into words why it’s wrong. Any thoughts?

🤖: Beep Boop! Bullshit detected!

💁🏽‍♀️: Thanks for the submission! The “Stolitz is toxic” argument is so tiiiiredddd 😩 The only thing that’s old news is that these people are STILL refusing to put forth the literary analysis skills I’d expect in a 6th grade Language Arts class. Let’s get into it 😈

1. “Selling His Body”? That’s a Reach.

Let’s address the claim that Blitz is “selling his body” like he’s some helpless victim in a one-sided arrangement. First of all, Blitz isn’t some wide-eyed innocent here—he’s a grown, street smart businessman who agreed to a transactional arrangement. Was the arrangement generally fucked up? Of course. Is it sex-work adjacent? Sure. (And that’s not even unpacking the creepy hangup on “selling bodies”. Are farm workers selling their bodies? Are massage therapists? Sex work is selling a service. Don’t be weird.) But, anyway, to flat-out call it “selling his body” strips away the nuance and agency Blitz demonstrates throughout the series. He’s not being coerced or forced into anything; he’s making a calculated decision to gain access to the grimoire in exchange for sex—a service he’s fully in control of providing. (And one that he is implicitly shown to enjoy.)

And let’s not forget: Blitz has made it very clear that he’s comfortable saying “no” to Stolas whenever he wants. From turning down flirtation (“Loo Loo Land”, “Harvest Moon Festival.”) to leaving Stolas right on his literal driveway (“Ozzie’s”), Blitz shows us time and again that he’s perfectly capable of setting boundaries. So the notion that Stolas has this overwhelming power to impose “extra stipulations” whenever he wants? It’s not just a bad analysis—it’s outright fanfiction.

2. Stolas: Power Dynamics, Accountability, and Trying to Do Better

Now, onto Stolas. Yes, he held the upper hand in their initial arrangement, but—and this is key—he took active steps to dismantle that dynamic once he realized it was harmful (Full Moon, anyone?). He didn’t just say, “Eh, it’s fine,” and keep exploiting the situation. He found a way for Blitz to retain access to the Human World without the sex, prioritizing Blitz’s autonomy over his own desires.

Does this sound like a man hellbent on abusing his power? Absolutely not. In fact, it’s a rare example of a character in hell actively reflecting on their flaws and attempting to grow. The argument that Stolas could have added “extra stipulations” at any time is irrelevant because—surprise!—he didn’t. If anything, his actions suggest he’s gone out of his way to not impose on Blitz unnecessarily.

3. Subtext Is Not a Dirty Word

This take also commits the cardinal sin of ignoring subtext, which is borderline comedic given how much of Helluva Boss thrives on it. From the very beginning, the show has been laying the groundwork for Blitz and Stolas’ emotional connection. Blitz’s walls of self-loathing and fear of rejection are juxtaposed with Stolas’ desperation for love and validation. The result is a relationship that is messy, imperfect, and full of potential—not “toxic” as this take lazily asserts.

The idea that “neither of them care about the other” is demonstrably false. Did we all watch Western Energy, where Blitz nearly sacrificed himself for Stolas? Or The Circus, where Stolas sings an entire ballad about finding joy in Blitz? The claim that their relationship lacks personal depth isn’t just wrong—it’s willfully obtuse.

4. Art ≠ Moral Instruction

Let’s address the pearl-clutching over the show supposedly “justifying a toxic relationship.” First, calling their relationship “toxic” is a gross oversimplification that ignores their growth as characters. Second—and more importantly—morality has no place in media analysis.

We’re watching a show about literal demons in hell. It’s not Sesame Street, and it’s not obligated to provide morally perfect examples of relationships. The beauty of Helluva Boss lies in its willingness to explore the messy, complicated dynamics that reflect real human struggles. Art exists to provoke thought and explore complexity—not to handhold us with squeaky-clean moral lessons.

Final Thoughts: A Hot Take That’s Ice-Cold

This take is a masterclass in bad faith. It distorts the narrative, ignores subtext, and weaponizes morality to dismiss a nuanced and evolving relationship. Blitz and Stolas are flawed, yes—but their relationship is rich with depth, vulnerability, and the messy reality of two broken people trying to connect.

So here’s my advice to whoever penned this take: Watch the show again. Engage with the text and the subtext. And stop treating Helluva Boss like it’s supposed to be your personal guide to moral behavior.

Now, who’s next? Crushbot is just getting warmed up. 🤖😈

[loverofstufflof]

Ways to consume Journey to the West (without needling to buy and read a full translation)!

I’ve noticed that a lot of people can’t read the book for a lot of different reasons, so I’ve compiled a couple of my favourite ways of consume the story while bypassing these problems, categorized by the various issues I’ve come across.

Note that this is mainly for English speakers, as that’s the language I default to for translations.

The book is too inaccessible/expensive for me to obtain physically

Journey to the West Research has an entire blog post dedicated to compiling free PDF versions of the book. This includes many languages, not just English.

I struggle with reading text in that quantity

There are abridged versions of the story, my personal favourite is the one by Julie Lovell—it’s approximately a quarter of the original story’s length, and mainly focuses on the most iconic chapters. These versions are also typically more easily found in local bookstores.

I struggle with reading novels in general

The story has been converted into audio form! Here are the ones off the top of my head, each listed with their own pros and cons:

Journey to the West: An Audio Drama Series is an original translation told in a read-aloud format, in which the host, Lin, acts as a kindly librarian reading to a group of awaiting 1st graders. She gives every character a distinct voice and personality, and she’s obviously delighted to be able to share her culture with the listeners. The show used to have free translation notes, where Lin gets to act as a disgruntled translator going on about the intricacies of the Chinese language and historical/mythological contexts, but these now require a subscription to access. This show is the reason why I know how to pronounce these characters’ names.

Legends Summarized: The Journey to the West by Overly Sarcastic Productions is one that I’m sure I don’t need to include (because of how widespread it is) but feel I should because someone is gonna mention is anyways. It’s a very summarized, very sarcastic retelling of Red’s favourite chapters in the book, accompanied by fun visuals and the excitement of someone who clearly knows and loves what they’re talking about. As Red has said herself, this series should not be your only source of JTTW knowledge, as she simplifies it a ton to make it more digestible. Great for people who are just getting into the story and want a general overview, not great for people who want a more in-depth understanding of the themes and other complexities.

Journey of the Monkey King is a podcast akin to a longform, more in depth version of the OSP series. It consists of two Irish comedians discussing one chapter per episode; one of them (Caoimhe) has read the book, the other (MJ) hasn’t. The format is mainly Caoimhe giving a comedic abridged version of the chapter while MJ gawks in horror at whatever absurdity the Monster-of-the-Week presents. Because it’s hosted by Irish people, there isn’t much cultural context given, and some names are butchered, however I do find this one a lot easier to follow in comparison to the Audio Drama Series, and it’s far more detailed than Legends Summarized.

Journey to the West English Amateur Audiobook is one that is on my radar but have not started. To my current knowledge, it is an audiobook version of the WJF Jenner translation, which is notable to me because most of these types of podcasts are derived from the Anthony C Yu translation, so this one would be a nice listen to compare how the two went about handling the text.

Please know that this post isn’t intended to shame anyone into consuming the story; it’s not for everyone! But I’ve come across my fair share of aspiring fans who couldn’t access the book in a way that suited them (including myself) so I wanted to make this knowledge more generally know for anyone else who might need it :]

[maybe-boys-do-love]

Thai BL isn't lesser. It just has different aesthetic goals. It often prioritizes what some would call a theatrical style to filmmaking over a cinematic one.

Theatrical approaches, in the US at least, are currently associated with older films and television. They're also linked to contemporary shows in what are currently thought of as more conservative genres like youth-oriented cable programming (think Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel), soap operas, and sitcoms.

However, the theatrical style in the west has been at other times very much associated with cutting-edge subversion and queer camp. In the 80s and 90s, for example, counter-cultural cinema projects leaned heavily towards more theatrical approaches in the face of blockbuster corporate sheen. The films grouped into the Queer New Cinema loved to play with this. Consider the bold colors, static shots, and unsubtle dialogue in But I'm a Cheerleader.

In the 50s and 60s, the theatricality of sitcoms was a site of transgressive feminism and gender representations like in Bewitched (see more in The Queer Fantasies of the American Family Sitcom or Camp TV: Trans Gender Queer Sitcom History, among others).

Both those eras used theatricality for a number of reasons: budgetary necessity, subsequent technological limits, but also as a counter to the different kinds of elitism associated with the cinematic style in those periods (intellectual in the 50s and 60s and corporate in the 80s and 90s).

Cinematic style didn't begin to fully emerge anyway until the 1940s and 1950s with lenses and cameras that could depict greater depth and move through the spaces the characters were inhabiting. Before that, theatrical presentation was simply the only option. So Old Hollywood is rife with theatricality, and plenty of of those films still have the power to move audiences and feel surprisingly relevant with their visual and scripted commentary. Camille, with what some consider to be a nearly all-queer cast and main production crew and one of Greta Garbo's best performances, holds up incredibly if you're willing to accept its theatrical diva-licious approach.

But plenty of the Old Hollywood films are also duds along with the other eras mentioned. Theatricality, like cinematic approaches, is not inherently more queer or superior to other forms. They're just styles. As Zadie Smith wrote, "In Britain, we are always doing this: mistaking an aesthetic choice for an ethical one." I'm guessing that tendency is pretty universal, either mistaking aesthetic choices for ethics or, even more often, quality.

Appreciating theatricality will hopefully help you understand other choices in Thai BL with less judgment, though. The comic sound effects, jarring as they might be for western audiences who've had laugh tracks and sound effects sequestered away from much of their 'prestige' media, are an artistic choice in their own right that Thai BL has refined over the years to work as leitmotifs (small repeated sound sequences) in the series that reiterate the themes.

Two great examples of sound cues came out last year even as their cinematography leaned more towards a cinematic style. The Trainee, a GMMTV show about a film production company, used computer error sounds as a comedic beat when characters' fucked up, while Kidnap had a pathetic dog whimper, which created more sympathetic characters, like injured puppies who needed love and patience to recover from their injuries.

There's an art to using these theatrical tools in productions. I was rewatching an episode of Little Bear recently and Mother Bear blew out a candle, which was indicated not by a blowing sound effect but a clarinet trill. So much more tender! These sorts of sonic tricks were used beautifully throughout silent films, opera, and symphonies in the West for years. It merely fell out of fashion outside of cartoons and some comedies.

But just because certain tastes or practices were deserted or designated for "low-brow" entertainment in one culture, doesn't mean that other cultures are somehow 'behind' or 'lesser' for their use of it. Both cultures are equally contemporary to one another. One is not more advanced just because it has a stronger economy or easier access to certain goods and technologies. Nor does the designation of 'low-brow' to some art mean that the 'low-brow' entertainment is actually less skillful or impactful. The viewer just might lack an appropriate angle to appreciate it from or there might easily be cultural biases at play, not just across different cultures but regarding social status and rules within a single culture (and bother are something we ought to be very sensitive about when dealing with queer media).

I want to look at one of my favorite aspects that comes out of Thai BLs preference towards theatricality. The performances, and even certain production elements, often burst with spontaneity, clumsiness, exuberance. It can infect an audience with joy as the shows demonstrate what we often call (from lack of clearer aesthetic terminology) "heart." Dismissively, plenty of fans refer to the 'heart' of Thai series as if its unintentional and unrelated to the elements of the series they see as inferior. Its the sweet taste that got them addicted to a guilty pleasure! The 'heart,' though, comes from the Thai creators prioritizing a view of human messiness over the technical precision preferred by a cinematic aesthetic.

Thai BL often has a similarity to live theater in this manner, as well as improvisation-based media. Again, these are not lesser forms of art. I bring up improv specifically because it's easy to believe that the lack of pre-planning and compositional directive ought to diminish it in the made-up hierarchy people have going in their heads. Yet, we have Mike Leigh, a British director of dramedies, and Christopher Guest, an American comedy director, both famed and critically celebrated for their humanist works founded in improvisation.

You won't find me arguing that all Thai BLs are successful or that one country's BLs are somehow better than another's. I just do my best to understand, explain, and make meaningful comparisons to appreciate the aesthetic goals I see shows' evoking. It's also fun to look into influences beyond my own cultural scope and love (and repost) when others' share them. What are specific East and South Asian media reference points that influence the style of the shows (lakorn, literary BL media, Thai traditional theater)? I'd be remiss not to mention, for example, that the theatrical traditions for Thai shows derive mainly from Asian traditions in cinema and theater, despite all my comparisons to Western history!

Then there's the question of local political, economic, and cultural issues and limits that the creators live alongside and must create within and/or against to some extent. I'll never know all the answers, but exploring the questions is so much more fun than disparaging shows for what they aren't and what they can't or don't aim to be.

But look, I personally have a preference for the style a lot of Thai BLs go for. It reminds me of the cartoons, musicals, DCOMs, and vintage tv I've loved watching for most of my life. I like the variant gender and sexuality representations they offer. I like the intricate economic-political commentary I see the writers working into the subtext. It's not going to resonate for everyone, not everyone will see what I see, and all that's okay. I've personally never been happier with the amount of series' that match my tastes.

[pointlesschairjokes]

A Needlessly In depth Analysis of the Hypnos Subplot thus far

So, the new update is out and my sleepy boy has gotten his own story moment. I have... concerns. Going purely off of dialog I'm worried the subplot is going to simply be comic relief. The joke set-up has been obvious. Mel thinks Hypnos is wise and powerful, everyone else is being sarcastic because they know he's a lazy goof. Hypnos wakes up, Mel's image of him is shattered, cue laughter. On the one hand, I would personally find that resolution disappointing because I'd like to see more done with his character, but on the other, I hold out hope because a purely comedic subplot just wouldn't make sense. I've seen comments here and there saying Hypnos must just be conked out cause Hades and Nyx aren't there to scold him, and if this were to be pure comedy that'd probably be the case. But, if there is one thing Hades 1 makes clear, even if you interpret Hypos' character in the shallowest possible way, he cares very deeply for those he loves. When he drops his cheerful tone to ask Than to spend more time with him, it is distinct, and he nearly tears up calling Zag his best friend. I simply do not buy that he would choose to sleep for years when it means being separated from his friends and family. But then again, the first games treatment of him was just a bit odd. The only time him being the god of sleep is relevant is a single line of flashback narration where we learn he's able to put the entire house, including Hades, to sleep. For the rest of the game no character acknowledges that it makes sense for the god of sleep to be sleepy, and his keepsake, the coin purse, has nothing to do with his aspect or his character. I really hope the subplot goes in a direction of addressing that disconnect. So as to what we actually have so far: the dream scene. A lot of what we see is fairly easy to interpret, Than is there resting close to Hypnos, Hypnos is surrounded by massive stacks of work with an angry Hades looming in the background. Now this is a bit interesting, as in the first game Hypnos appears oblivious to Hades anger in his interactions with him. Perhaps this is evidence that some of that cheeriness is a defense mechanism, its hard to say, but its clear that Hypnos feels overworked. I feel its also important that Mel remarks how unusual it is that he is still asleep inside the dream. Given that, and given that there's a craftable item involved, I suspect that the scenery of the dream is going to be different each time Mel uses the dream vapors. There may even be a puzzle involving the character cutouts. As for why Hypnos is asleep, its still unclear. Could it be exhaustion due to overwork? Possibly, although it wouldn't be the most satisfying answer. I'm actually a bit reluctant to say its Chronos' doing. None of his magic seems to operate in a way that would make sense in Hypnos' case. I'll throw out one wild theory though, that its actually the Fates who have put him to sleep. We know from the prophecy list that Mel is going to locate them at some point in the story, and thus far its completely unclear how. If she can communicate with them in dreams however... What could be a better ace in the hole than a god who not only is underestimated by everyone, but who's also in an 'eternal' slumber?

[pharawee]

I usually don't do yearly recaps because my memory sucks December is one of the busiest months for me and I'm lucky if I get to gif at all but this year I thought I'd take a look at all of the gifsets I did in 2024 and see which shows, pairings and moments I liked the most.

✨FAV BLS OF 2024

1000 Years Old: 2024 was supposed to be the year of vampire BL (going by all the announcements and pilot trailers) but in the end only this one aired (edit: wait, I forgot about OMG! Vampire to protect myself 🥴) - and it was neither spicy nor particularly spooky. Instead, it was all heart and quirkiness and when it was over I cried for a week because of the bittersweet ending.

Playboyy: This show is truly a masterpiece, with layers of subtext and social commentary. Also, it's fun and camp and sexy and ridiculous. I'm so glad it's going to get a second season.

Caged Again: How come that a little show about a penguin and a panther is legit one of the best - if not THE BEST - Thai BL of the year?

Knock Knock, Boys: I came for Best and Seng and Pak but then Almond and Latte bewitched me body and soul. Kongthup now owns me.

Every You, Every Me: I don't know what I was expecting (well, okay, a whole lot of Mick & Top - which is exactly what I got) but it surely wasn't crying my eyes out for two episodes right in the middle of the show.

Spare Me Your Mercy: Long awaited and currently still airing - I actually love this show a lot because it reminds me of all the detective dramas (esp Endeavour and Grantchester) I used to binge. Morse but make it queer is actually all I ever wanted.

7 Days Before Valentine: This show's depth and artistry and stageplay-like character absolutely blew me away.

I Saw You in My Dream: WeTV absolutely blew it out of the water this year with their many diverse productions, and this unassuming and charming little show with a supernatural twist (love me one of those!) was no exception.

Monster Next Door: Big Thanakorn in his first main role with his first acting partner in an extremely fun and all around lovely Kongthup/WeTV production. And I just love how nuanced it was when they could have just stuck with the whole introvert/extrovert cliché.

✨FAV PAIRINGS OF 2024

Hope x Save (Jack & Joker): These two completely took me by surprise, especially because I had such an intense reaction to Pee Phiravich's character in La Pluie. I had originally set my eyes on PromMark and while I definitely ate up their crumbs, HopeSave just checked all of my boxes: morally grey antagonists (at least for a while there), doomed by the narrative (until they actually got their happy ending, yay!) and ride and die for each other.

Pete x Kenta (Pit Babe): I'll be a PeteKenta truther until the day I die (see all of the checkboxes above), and if Change2561 didn't subscribe to the branded pair model, they'd agree with me. As things are I'm actually kind of meh about Pit Babe 2. I bet KentaKim won't have knives at each other's throats!! (PeteWay is delicious though.)

Prom x Nont (Playboyy): Uhhh, that's a lot of the same checked boxes. So maybe I have a type. Thanks 2024 for making me realise. Also, I hope these two make each other worse in season 2 (before they get their HEA because ultimately I'm vanilla like that).

Latte x Almond (Knock Knock, Boys!): Oh God, these two. I was prepared to be ride or die for Thanwa and Peak but then LatteAlmond barged in with a pink sex toy and it was over for me. They just have so much heart and so much sincerity between them (and while their dynamics are different in Caged Again I'm really enjoying Nokia and Jaonine there too for pretty much the same reason + their incredible comedic timing).

X x Namping (Every Me, Every You): It's probably a good thing we got these two for two episodes only because we might not have survived a whole 8 or 10 or even 12 episodes of them. Plus, the anthology-like character of the series made a sad ending possible in the first place, and I really appreciate it - even if it almost destroyed me.

✨FAV MOMENTS OF 2024

Twins: For a moment there we had FrameRyan and it was beautiful.

The Sign: Chalothorn stole the whole show for me and then when he inexplicably vanished I kind of stopped watching. Whoops.

Deep Night: I have seen the throuple light thanks to SeijiPanKen.

The Rebound: Frank Thanatsaran's acting (but also that scene...) overshadowing pretty much everything else (and now he's with Star Hunter which... you know... ehnnnn 🥲)

To Be Continued: Fluke Pongsapat and Junior Khajbhunditt starring in a way underrated 8-episode netflix show with one of the most beautiful love scenes ever, and I've been wanting more of them ever since.

Two Worlds: Kongthup giveth and Kongthup taketh away (aka for one and a half episodes I had Phupha and Khram and now I will never know peace).

Century of Love: Offroad Kantapon as a sultry fox spirit.

Sunset x Vibes: When Star Hunter remembered Fong and JJ exist and then they stole the whole entire show (there really wasn't much to steal though...).

The Sign: Whatever was going on between Heng Asavarid and Nat Sakdatorn in this scene BUT I NEED MORE (pls Idolfactory I'm begging you release Heng from his solo actor prison).

Two Worlds: Kongthup choosing violence by giving Pak and Mon one of the spiciest love scenes of the year.

The Rebound: THESE TWO (boxes checked!! But also I need more Nammon in my life).

Kidnap: GMMTV's strategic placement of Papang in a suit.

The Hidden Moon: Whenever that tiny low-budget show got surprisingly deep and artsy (and also spicy).

My Stand-In: When I watched a whole show for one (1) character that wasn't really a character at all. Oh, the tragedy of it all (and yes, I'm still scared of Ming).

Pit Babe: When I made several posts about the Pit Babe novel but then I actually ended up loving the villains more than the main characters. I'm watching Pit Babe 2 for them and them only. Winner of my heart here I come!

Aaand that's it, my first ever yearly (Thai) BL recap - which actually ended up way longer than planned (guess my memory isn't as bad as I thought. Then again, I had my gifs to fall back on).

2024 was an amazingly diverse year for Thai QL (along with the wonderful news of marriage equality in Thailand finally becoming a reality) and looking back I now realise (not that I was ever seriously worried) that gmmtv's monopoly is actually way more of a blessing than a curse because not only did it cause WeTV to heavily invest in their own productions, it also leaves more than enough room for innovation and creativity via smaller and indie companies (along with the truly big players finally paying more attention - see: Spare Me Your Mercy). Innovation which in turn enriches gmmtv's portfolio as well (judging by their line-up for 2025 the years to come). In short: the Thai BL ecosystem is truly thriving.

And with that, may 2025 be even queerer than 2024 with tons of marriage proposals and actual marriages (PorschArm here we go!), and a favourite little (or in gmmtv's case not so little lmao) BL niche for everyone.

I hope you had as much fun with BL in 2024 as I had. I really appreciate everyone's commentary posts and meta and fanart and gifsets and tag games and reaction posts, even if I didn't spend as much time on my dashboard this year as I wanted to. I'm so glad tumblr BL fandom exists. ILU guys. Only the bestest and kindest things for you in 2025!🌈✨