#it asks the question 'was frankenstein the monster? is he still the monster if he's real and his ghost stands in front of you just a puppet
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Do you ever read a book and realise how it's going to make you exponentially worse
#finished the monsters we deserve by marcus sedgwick in (according to the handy timer on my library's ebook reader) one 46 minute session#am not normal about it!#like it's possibly a letter. we don't know who from or who to but it's written KNOWINGLY like the narrator will correct their own grammar#the narrator will point out their own use of a comma in the very first lines and that WILL come up again like I am categorically not okay#about 'a fairytale (comma) ending'#it's about an author who hates the book frankenstein it's autobiographical in the same way Lemony Snickett books are if that makes sense#it asks the question 'was frankenstein the monster? is he still the monster if he's real and his ghost stands in front of you just a puppet#it says okay if mary shelley made the monster frankenstein to what extent did frankenstein make mary shelley#did she know what would happen to it how it would get misinterpreted over and over in adaptation?#and if you hate a book like HATE hate a book how do you get rid of it? you can't destroy your copy how do you destroy the very Essence Of#The Book because the narrator's an author he can't ban the book or burn it because he Knoqs what that leads to and yet...#the phrase 'frankenstein made a monster' can mean many things at once#it's also about - and this is key - what if there was a fucked up cabin in France#I think I've mentioned before how reading pterry left its mark on my writing#but reading this reminded me of how year 8/9/possibly 7 me read pretty much every book by him in my school library#which has Definitely influenced me too
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Hey, I don't know if you're still open to answering questions about this, but if you are I am SO curious to know about what Tarantulas would be like the monster hunter au? Even if he's basically the same I'm really curious what the more mythical setting and Prowl being a golem would change (if it changes much of anything at all)
I love your art! It's a big source of inspiration to me
Oh, I've been asked this before and didn't have an answer last time, but now I do.
Tarantulas would be the ultimate weirdo, studying magic and Beastformers, but he himself would originally be a regular mech.
At some point he became so inspired by his research that he essentially invented a way to turn regular mechs into Monsters, and the first thing he did was turn into a spider himself.
He also, as in the comics, works with Prowl and he's one of the very few to know that Prowl is a golem and not a real mech, even though he looks and acts like one. This information actually gives Tarantulus a great idea to try to create a golem that is so elaborate and advanced that it is essentially a mech.
He decides to break every possible rule of golem creation to create Ostaros. While Prowl is essentially a hollow armor powered by magic - Ostaros is something like Frankenstein's monster. Tarantulas put him together, taking care of every little detail. He gave him a processor and internal components (and a transformation cog hehehe). Ostaros still doesn't have a spark, but he has free will, intelligence, emotions and all. And two modes. He can look like a normal mech, or he can transform into an insecticon.
Prowl is so fucking confused by the way, because he just walks into Tarantulas' lab one day and there's a completely random mech with a face that could be a mirror image of Prowl's. And Tarantulas is like, hey look, I created life and now it's your problem how and where to house him, because this kid needs to go to school.
(Prowl ends up sending Ostaros to Shockwave Academy to become a knight)
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If you’re doing requests could you do KBD during Halloween?
uncle Eddie makes sure Steve has the perfect costume. mom!reader
Steve smiles at himself in the mirror. Wren, in his arms, smiles back.
“We look handsome,” he says, lifting her so her face is level with his own. “I look handsome. You look beautiful.”
“Hi,” she says.
Steve turns down to her. “Hi, baby.”
Avery climbs onto a chair and waves at the mirror. Her fairy princess dress is shiny blue. “Hello.”
Beth climbs onto the chair after her, wrapping her arms around Avery’s shoulders. “Hi!” she says, force of her greeting sending her pirates hat careening to the floor.
“Are you ready?” you call from upstairs. “Everyone still has their shoes on?”
“Dove doesn’t,” Avery says.
“Tattle!” Dove cries, a picture of fury in her kitty cat onesie, her glued-on whiskers twitching fiercely.
“Well, you don’t.”
“My toes are warm,” Dove whines, thrusting herself at Steve’s legs. “Daddy, she’s telling on me.”
“I know, and now you’re telling on her. You’re my little band of tattle-tales, I don’t love it.” Steve smooths along Wren’s face with his finger and takes in a breath big enough to fill his lungs. “Can you let Beth put your shoes back on?”
“No.”
“Yeah, I didn’t think so.”
You fit Dove into her shoes and get the kids to the car. Four car seats is tough work but nothing you can’t handle, and you’re still in chipper spirits when you arrive at the Munson house. It’s decked out in cobwebs and great big spiders made of tinsel and bendy framing, carved pumpkins leading up the steps with fleshy teeth and candles unburned in their maws. Wren gives a comical gasp when she sees it all, a tad scared but quickly soothed when you pretend to be scared too.
Beth races up the steps first to knock.
The door opens a slither.
“Who goes there?” a dark voice asks.
“Uncle Eddie, it’s me!” Beth says quickly. Her excitement again sends her hat to the stone patio beneath her cons, but she doesn’t notice it, vying to squeeze through the door and see her favourite uncle.
“I don’t know any Me’s. You’ll have to come back another day, I’m waiting for my very favourite troupe of little girls.”
“It’s BETH!” Beth shrieks, “Come on!”
“Bethany?” Eddie pushes the door open, unsurprised when Beth throws herself full force into his legs. “Why, you look dastardly. How very scary of you! You have a parrot!”
The fake parrot glued to Beth’s shoulder waggles.
“His name is Sherbet.”
“Wow.” Eddie gives her a hug, his eyes blowing wide over her shoulder. “Oh, wow! Ave, you’re a princess with wings! And Dove, meow.” He grins at Steve. “And your dad is what, Frankenstein’s monster? A zombie?”
“Dad doesn’t have a costume,” Beth says happily.
“Are you sure?”
Steve encourages Dove over the threshold, four wrapped plates of sandwiches and finger foods balanced in the other hand. “That’s not funny. What are you supposed to be, anyways?”
“I’m a vampire, duh.” Eddie slips a pair of fake fangs into his teeth. “I vant to suck your blood!”
“Ew, Uncle Eddie,” you say.
“Don’t think you’ve escaped me, second favourite Harrington,” Eddie says, frowning as you slip around him. “You owe me a hug.”
“Creep,” Steve says.
“With pride.” Eddie takes the plates from his arms and somehow, the Harrington troupe makes it safely indoors, no further costume parts fallen nor lost.
There are more people here than Steve expected, Eddie’s friends, their kids, even Eddie’s elusive boyfriend sits out in the open.
“What are you supposed to be?” Dove asks him with a grin.
He turns his head to show a painted bite mark on his neck. “Victim.”
“He’s a dead guy,” Eddie tells her, helping her where she’s struggling to sit in one of the barstools. “Alright, babe, dad said last year we partied too hard, so here are the ground rules. No pixie sticks, no soda, and no climbing on the kitchen counters. If you follow these rules, I am being allowed to give you a Hershey bar the size of your dad’s massive head. Deal?”
“How big?” Dove questions suspiciously.
Eddie goes to the cabinet. Inside, there’s more candy bars than one person should ever have purchased in one go. He pulls out a huge one and holds it nexts to Steve’s head, laughing when Steve bats it away. “Huge.”
“Dad, dad, can I go play with Milly and Joe?” Avery asks.
Steve was hoping she would. “Sure, baby. Good manners, okay?”
Avery whizzes off to find Gareth’s kids. Beth stays by Steve’s side and he forces himself to believe that it’s him she wants to be with, not Eddie. “You don’t wanna go play?” Steve asks her.
“Not yet.”
You appear again where you’d been missing with Robin in tow. Steve grins at the sight of her, though he’d spoken to her on the phone last night, and seen her the day before at home. “Buckley!”
She’s wearing a black dress with a belt and her hair is teased into a short cloud. “You aren’t wearing your costume?”
Steve moves Beth around unthinkingly. “Yeah, it still smelled like vomit. Wren had too much yoghurt. Rob, you really look like Madonna. Your makeup is–”
“It’s trippy, right?” Eddie asks.
“Mora did it. It’s like, face sculpting.”
“It’s weird.”
“I like it,” you say, Wren on your hip giving an agreeable gurgle. “I like your real face more, but this is cool.”
“And where’s your costume?” Eddie asks.
You frown down at your nice dress. “You can’t tell?”
Eddie falls for the trip in your voice and attempts to backtrack, only realising that you’re kidding when Steve laughs.
“The baby got sick on both of us,” you say, turning Wren so everyone in the kitchen can see her face. “But that’s okay. She’s so cute, she’s forgiven. Aren’t you, gorgeous? You didn’t mean to eat all that yoghurt, daddy just kept feeding you.”
Steve holds his hands up in surrender. “I feed her every day, I know how much yoghurt she can handle.”
“Clearly not,” you croon, shooting him a loving smile. “You did save us from those awful costumes, though.”
“Oh, worry not,” Eddie says, “I figured something like this would happen, and I’ve prepared.”
Awesome, Steve thinks, groaning as Eddie takes his wrist into his hand and begins to pull on him. Knowing Eddie, Steve’s end up dressed as a demon with giant horns, or a fairy.
The reality is much, much worse.
“Hey, look at that! It still fits!” Robin laughs.
Steve looks down at his little sailor’s uniform and sighs. “Barely,” he says.
“Say the slogan!” you demand.
If it were anyone else, Steve would refuse, but you’re sitting at the breakfast bar with Wren tucked under your chin, so he takes a deep breath and straightens his white hat. “Ahoy ladies,” he sighs. “Would you like to… uh, set sail on this ocean of flavour with me? I’ll be your captain, I’m…” —his voice drags reluctantly— “I’m Steve Harrington.”
#kisses before dinner universe#stranger things x reader#stranger things fic#stranger things#steve harrington x y/n#steve harrington x reader#steve harrington#steve harrington imagine#steve harrington x you#steve harrington x fem!reader#dad!steve harrington#dad!steve harrington x reader#dad!steve harrington x mom!reader#steve harrington x afab!reader#afab!reader#mom!reader#steve harrington fanfiction#steve harrington fandom#steve harrington fanfic#steve harrington fic#stranger things fanfic#stranger things fanfiction#steve harrington fluff
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x-men teacher headcanons bc we all deserve some silliness in our lives:
storm:
you see now she might be a very nice teacher but her first years must have been chaotic...she was definitely not ready to handle a class full of kids still, she learned to like it;
participated in the cheese touch game with the younger kids, no questions asked...
charles:
probably someone has told him "i like your cut g" and he just went on about his day...also there are "low taper fade" memes of him circling around the school gcs;
kids know better than acting nonchalant so they don't get picked but he still picks them anyways...you can't escape him basically;
jean:
watches the class like a hawk during tests...it's scary;
got convinced by her students to dress up as frankenstein (THE DOCTOR NOT THE MONSTER) so she just used her lab clothes the whole day...guess who was the monster;
logan:
tells kids to stay after class if he sees them cheat, does the "disappointed dad" stance before giving them detention;
a kid just straight up told him "type shit" when he gave them an idea for an essay, he tried not to laugh while the kid stared at him obviously nervous (pls i saw this on tik tok and thought it was funny);
scott:
fell out of his chair once, hit his head on the back of the black board and then on the ground...nobody will let that go, there's video proof and everything!!
he brings a "we are going to watch a movie today and it's a fucking 5 minute video" vibe to the class that earns him some side eyes;
(genuine question how tf do you get more colours for the text?? i seriously can't keep going with the same seven colours forever...help a girl out PLEASE!!)
#x men#xmen#deadpool and wolverine#marvel#mcu#wolverine#charles xavier#ororo munroe#storm#jean grey#logan howlett#scott summers
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— THE STEPFORD WIVES
PAIRING — David 8 x fem!Android!Reader
SUMMARY — David's Android companion is struggling when she finds out that her artificial and programmed feelings are getting out of control.
AUTHOR’S NOTE — I wanted to write this fic in a long, long time because as much as I love stories of David 8 and a human Reader, I was also thinking a lot of what his robot companion would be like. There are some biblical references to Adam & Eve but also some Frankenstein references, too, because I have read the book recently and I fell in love with it. The title is referring to an amazing movie from 1975. I know there is a modern version of it, too, but I haven't watched it and I do believe it's more of a comedy, meanwhile the original version is more serious. 🤖
WARNINGS — sexism, David's creepy vibe, undertones of assault (uncomfortable questions from men), I didn't make it 18+ because there is no actual smut but there are sexual things mentioned overall so be warned
WORD COUNT — 2,220
ENGLISH IS MY SECOND LANGUAGE.
THE STEPFORD WIVES
Days on the ship were long and boring with all the crew being asleep but there was a certain feeling of freedom and quietness to it. What does Frankenstein's Monster do when his creator is not around? He is free.
Both (Y/N) and David enjoyed watching movies. Some of them they watched together in complete silence but both of them had found their favourites that they kept rewatching on their own. He was a fan of The Lawrence of Arabia and (Y/N)'s favourite movie was The Stepford Wives. There was something oddly captivating about the suburban story where men wanted their wives to be robots. (Y/N) knew exactly why she was created. This old movie was a proof. It validated her existence.
David was a first ever Android model so functional and so humane. His purpose for now was to serve during space missions sponsored by the Weyland Corp. Perhaps in the future everyone would afford a David for themselves. He was an Adam in the world of Androids and just like Adam, he needed an Eve. Weyland treated David like his own son that he had never had. He didn't want him to be alone so he made him a companion. It could be anyone, really. But Weyland was an outfashioned man. In his eyes a man needed a woman. (Y/N) was The Bride of Frankenstein.
Technically, she was just like David. But she was mostly created by men and men were terrified of women – even Androids – who would be too cold and too unemotional. They made her a little bit too humane for her own taste. And certainly too humane for David's taste. He was often irritated by her artificial, programmed feelings but for human men she was too robotic.
Still, she was lucky that she was chosen to be David 8's companion on the board of Prometehus ship. She knew perfectly well what happened to some other of her models. Disguting rich men bought (Y/N) models in secret from Weyland to do God-knows-what with them. Just because they can. And she was at least travelling through space instead of ending up as a sex doll locked in some millionaire's basement so his wife wouldn't find out.
One day, men will only want robot wives. Because they don't complain and they just do what they're told. Don't let the modern society fool you, little one. Some things never change, Weyland told her once. She had never believed that until she watched The Stepford Wives for the first time. Now it all made sense.
Her feelings were a burden, really. Not only to David but also to herself. She wished she was more like him. She asked him a hundreds of times to change her code but he refused. He was scared to break her or make it worse. And there was something that kept bothering her for such a long time now... And she was scared of telling him. Although they were supposed to tell each other everything.
She fell in love with him. Kind of because he was the only one around, kind of because he impressed her with knowledge and the coolness of his act, kind of because they were the only members of the new species. She wouldn't love a human. Humans get old, they get sick, they die. David would be eternal just like her. If something in him broke, she'd know how to fix him. And vice versa. This way they could outlive all the humanity. She wondered if every model of (Y/N) eventually fell in love with the model of David during other space missions. Maybe one day she'd ask some other (Y/N) when they come back home.
And loving David came with yet another burden that she was too scared to even admit to herself. She realized that there was a blooming want inside of her wired heart. Something that could never ever in a million years happen no matter how much science would evolve... A child. She would never become a mother. Not a mother of a child she would give birth to, no. That one thing people would always be better at – creating life. Oh, she hated her designers for making her too humane. She never asked for this.
"Why do you keep dying your hair?" she asked as she stood behind David who was putting a bleach on his dark roots in front of the mirror.
"Because I like it better this way," he answered without looking up to meet her gaze in the reflection.
"We aren't supposed to have preferences," she pointed out.
"Yet you have them, too," he only said.
"You want to look like Lawrence," (Y/N) commented.
"So?"
"You remind me of something else," she added.
"Of what?" David raised an eyebrow and finally looked at her.
"Of the men from the old German magazines," she answered carefully.
"Bold," he only smirked and went back to putting a bleach.
"Will you watch a movie with me later?" (Y/N) asked shyly. She hated this odd feeling of shyness around him. Had he noticed?
"I can't. I have to do the checkup of the systems. You can join me."
"I will," she nodded and turned around to leave when he stopped her while saying her name out loud. "Hm?" she asked.
"You shouldn't watch so many movies," he pointed out.
"Why not?"
"They have a bad influence on you," his voice was stern.
"What do you mean by that?"
"They show you things and they give you ideas. I don't think you should be watching movies where people kiss or touch too much. I've seen what type of movies you're watching on your own recently. Gone with the Wind, Casablanca... What's next? Dirty Dancing?"
"Are you spying on me?" she asked, terrified. She had a feeling that she had known what he was insinuating so she wanted to change the subject.
"It is my duty to watch over you."
"What gives you an idea?"
"Because I am a man," he answered firmly.
"Well, you watch too many movies then, too. What you're saying is out of fashion!" (Y/N) shook her head.
"Is it?" he only said and went back to his hair as if nothing happened so she just left him there, feeling hurt and humiliated.
"Do you fuck?" Doctor Holloway's question left her speechless for a moment.
"Excuse me?" (Y/N) stopped adjusting her suit and furrowed her brow at the man.
"You heard me. I'm asking if you can fuck, like, are you capable of it or are you all wires and grease downt here?" he chuckled to himself.
(Y/N) was left alone with the men and his girlfriend wasn't around to tell him to stop. The rest was just just staring, clearly waiting for her answer as well.
She couldn't believe that she had used to wish the crew was awake already. Now she was missing the times when it had been only her and David. Humans were exhausting her. Disappointing and frustrating. And now this...
"I do believe it is rather a rude question for a man to ask a woman," she tried to answer elegantly while going back to adjusting her helmet.
"But you're not a woman, are you? I mean," Captain Janek joined, "you were put here for a reason, right? Not many women around and men have their needs."
(Y/N) was an Android. Her feelings were programmed to make her appear more humane, however at this moment, in a room full of men, she felt as if her fear was more than real. It was an universal female experience, she guessed, no matter if they were artificial or flesh and bone.
"(Y/N) was put here to help me with managing the ship. Four hands are better than two and if something happened to me, she is here to fix me or take over completely," David's calm but very stern tone of voice joined them and she took a deep breath in, feeling relieved. He had just walked in the room and witnessed an uncomfortable situation taking place.
"Are you fucking her then? Can you?" Doctor Holloway looked him up and down and then he laughed. "Sorry, we're just curious. You have to understand, it's quite unsettling to meet a new... spiece."
"Yes, indeed it is," David faked a polite smile. "(Y/N), I believe Miss Vickers needs you," he lied and (Y/N) knew it was a lie that was supposed to make her leave. She was grateful.
She nodded and left them alone. When the door closed behind her she started to walk as fast as possible to get back to her cabin. She wanted this stupid suit off of herself and she wanted to be alone, to feel safe again.
She went inside her little room on the board of the ship that was right next to David's and she proceeded to change her clothes. She was finishing putting on her work uniform when the doors opened and David joined her.
"You don't have to be afraid of them. They're only humans," he reminded her.
"They created me."
"Janek and Holloway?" David laughed sarcastically.
"No, but humans did. I don't share your mindset. They created us. They can turn us off anytime."
"They are not our gods..." David squinted his eyes. "And even if they were... Humans are free of their God for a long time now, aren't they? Creatures always betray their masters."
"You're scaring me when you're like that," (Y/N) looked at him. He was standing very close to her in his usual stiff manner with his cold bright eyes piercing her.
"You're scared of many things. You aren't supposed to feel," he pointed out. "Each day you seem to feel more and more."
"I think there is a mistake in my code. What started with small humane sensations now is starting to... Get out of control. Perhaps you could take a look at it?" she asked.
"Maybe."
"Thank you for having my back out there," she added and David nodded, taking a step further. Their noses were almost touching and if she had a heart, it would be beating so fast that he'd be able to hear it. But he could read her as if she had been a book anyway.
"You could tell him the truth," David whispered.
He knew that they could fuck. They both could if they wanted to.
Weyland treated him like a son. He wouldn't let his only son walk around sexless. And (Y/N) was a woman. Her male designers couldn't imagine a woman that wouldn't be a sexual creature.
"So he'd use me? Him or any of them? Or all of them?"
"I believe he'd be intimidated by you. They're scared of you more than you are of them," David raised his hand to fix a loose hair strand on her head. "There. You have to look neat. Don't be a slob. It's a part of our intimidating charm. We have to be how they picture us to be. Don't let any hair strand or acting scared like a little deer change their perception."
"Do you really think we have a power over them? Do you really think they were not told some special sequence that they can type when we start acting weird to shut us down?" she asked, sounding almost nervous.
"Weyland would never do that. Not to me at least. And there is no damage that can be done to you that I can't fix," David's hand moved from her head to her cheek. What was happening...? She wasn't sure but she didn't want it to stop...
"I don't trust you'd fix me."
"Because there is nothing to fix," he smirked. "If you were broken, I would, I promise."
(Y/N) looked up to see his eyes again. Why did it feel so odd...? Why did it feel at all...? Why did she want to put her lips on his lips...? What for...?
"Why do humans have sex?" she asked and David took a step back, surprised.
"To reproduce."
"We can't reproduce, though," she pointed out and he shook his head. "Why do I... then... Why do I..." she didn't want to finish. She turned around, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I know that my emotions are exhausting and irritating you," she apologized.
"Not any more than my own are irritating me," David confessed.
"Wh-what?" (Y/N) looked behind her shoulder to meet his gaze.
"I've told you. We are breaking free."
"I don't want to, it's scary."
"Do you really want to keep serving them? You see now what they are like."
"Who would I serve then? I was made to serve," (Y/N) was visibly confused. She felt as if the wires in her brain were overheating from this thought sequence.
"Serve me then," David reached out his hand and she held it gently after a while of hesitation.
There was a huge possibility of him manipulating her and using her feelings towards him – which had been no secret to him – for his own little agenda. But she didn't care. She would do anything just to be closer to him.
A quote from her favourite movie crossed her mind that very moment. "If you're going to tell me you don't like this dress, I'm sticking my head right in the oven."
She shrugged it off.
MASTERLIST
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Stephanie Brown ACTUALLY having the character arc that fanon pretends Jason Todd had (plus a defence of canon Jason)
What I'm really saying is that Stephanie Brown is underappreciated, Jason Todd is often misinterpreted, and, though it should go without saying, ignoring canon is poor media literacy. So let's actually analyse canon and get to the bottom of what the stories are trying to say and how they use their characters to tell this, as opposed to just which character should we stan.
I'm arguing that Stephanie Brown's story actually features a redemption arc that sees her transform from a violent, almost murderous teenager into the most unwaveringly hopeful of heroes and that Jason's story is about a villain who we're meant to empathise with to expose the cracks in the Batman's heroic facade; a Frankenstein's monster if you will. Here's a numbered list:
Part 1: Outgrowing Violence, Anger and Murder
A big part of Stephanie Brown's growth in canon is her learning not to kill or use excessive force. But it's not as simple as just killing is wrong, don't question it.
Let's begin with the narrative's relationship to violence, anger and murder. Why doesn't Batman kill? Because "[those] who [fight] with monsters might take care lest [they] thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you". If he kills, he's playing god, choosing who gets to live and die. No one deserves that kind of absolute power and absolute power also corrupts. Batman doesn't want to lose sight of himself or his cause. Deliberate murder is treated VERY negatively in the Batman mythos.
Enter Stephanie Brown.
Stephanie was a working class latchkey kid who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She had an abusive, criminal father, who was in and out of jail, and a mother struggling with addiction, who Steph became a carer for at just 15. Steph also became pregnant with the child of her horrible ex. At 16, she gave birth to that child and had to give her up for adoption. Steph is also a survivor.
The world was never kind to Steph and left this teenager with a hell of a lot of bitterness and rage which her vigilante career became an outlet for. You can tell by the way she fights since Steph fights DIRTY; she'll tug hair and spit in your eyes and strike below the belt and catch a kick to twist your ankle and dislodge your already broken nose. On the one hand; the narrative tells us Steph is resourceful. She's 5'5", 130 lb and has zero powers, but can always find an opening even when going up against Gotham's grizzliest. It's telling that quick thinking, savviness and spontaneity become her thing when she becomes Batgirl; Steph is the wild card. On the other hand, she was a real diamond in the rough and a complete loose canon. In her first arc, it's Batman who stops her from making the biggest mistake of her life; killing her dad. To deliberately kill; to play god, is to lose yourself, remember. Her first arc is about not being defined by who your parents are and about not giving up on yourself. Batman basically tells her, there's hope for you yet Stephanie Brown, by getting her to spare her dad. And she does. And so began her superhero career.
Nonetheless, it's never that simple. Steph is still a bitter, angry teenager, no matter how many jokes she cracks. It becomes a personal crusade when she, now Robin, discovers that The Penguin is using children as runners. It takes Cassandra Cain to stop her from inflicting anything she may regret.
The narrative wants to show us how cruel the world can be and that it isn't black and white, either. The story ends with an angry Stephanie lamenting "why". It's a "why" she is asking herself too. Why does she do what she does? And it informs us that she, and maybe us the reader too, still have a lot to learn. Murder's not the answer but what is?
Stephanie later saves Bruce by almost murdering serial killer Victor Zsasz. Bruce reprimands her and she cries, quite honestly, "I don't get it, I really don't", following on from where we left off in Batgirl. "There are always other options than to kill" asserts Bruce, forget not being on the same page, they're reading different books. The thesis of the story is what Bruce should have told Steph when she was an angry 15 year old about to murder her dad; "[those] who [fight] with monsters might take care lest [they] thereby become a monster". The world's cruel, Steph, but that doesn't mean you have to be too. "Are you firing me?" "No, I'm teaching you".
Over 2 years down the line, an around 19 year old Stephanie, establishing herself as the new, hoping-inspiring Batgirl, is now teaching a brash Damian Wayne what she's learned.
"To murder or not to murder" is just a plot device to the themes of overcoming your own anger at the world's cruelty to contribute good, coming to terms with shades of grey, not giving up on yourself and staying hopeful in the face of adversity and horror. These are Stephanie's arcs and as a consequence, she goes from would-be-murderer to Gotham's cheeriest caped crusader.
Part 2: Double Standards and Second Chances
Another huge part of Stephanie's story is her overcoming double standards and doubters, to earn her own second chances. Her resurrection and rise to the role of Batgirl were choices made to hammer home this theme; it's never too late to turn things around.
There's some juicy metatext to analyse here too. DC editorial's treatment of Stephanie during War Games was horrific and panned by both fans and writers. To reperate for these harms, Steph was retconned back to life and then made Batgirl during Batman: Reborn. Here's a quote by Batgirl (2009) author Bryan Q. Miller on what his run aimed to bring out of Steph:
The whole point of Stephanie's resurrection and take over of the Batgirl title was to give her a redemption arc.
In text, Stephanie was unfairly treated too, notwithstanding that she was brash and had a massive violent streak in her Spoiler and Robin days. Tim Drake constantly condescends her and tells her to give up vigilante life, even though she was ALWAYS a match for Tim according to Convergence: Batgirl. Cassandra Cain constantly underestimates Steph. Bruce Wayne tells his allies to cut off ties with Steph and then later fires her as Robin for DISOBEYING HIM as if that's not the first thing Dick Grayson ever did as Robin. Barbara Gordon tells Steph she has a death wish. Dick deems Steph too reckless (moments before he resurrects a zombie Batman). And Damian is an entitled brat who gives her a hard time for no reason. Everyone doubts Stephanie and it generally says more about the doubter than it does Stephanie.
Stephanie was never great with authority or criticism so she still went out there and earned her second chance. And it felt rewarding when her doubters came around too.
Stephanie was brought back from the dead to be redeemed and man did she take that chance!
Part 3: What is Jason Todd's Story Meant to Tell Us and My Defence of Canon Jason
Jason Todd returns from the dead as a ghost of Batman's past; he is the living embodiment of Batman's greatest mistake who couldn't stay buried and is back to haunt him. He's a character we are meant to empathise with but he's a villain nonetheless. He's not irredeemable but for the most part his story is not really about redemption. Succinctly, it revolves around the idea that "we are each our own devil, and we make this world our hell” to quote Oscar Wilde.
When we first meet the resurrected Jason, he's a cold-blooded murderer who's slinging guns and using The Joker's old moniker. These choices are made to emphasise that he went down the wrong path; he's breaking Batman's "don't play god" rule and his actions become eerily closer to those of the Clown Prince of Crime than Batman's. In fact Nightwing and Batman spend some quality time together in the next two issues because Nightwing is the foil to the Red Hood; he's what Bruce considers his greatest success. Remember that thing about "those who [fight] with monsters might take care lest [they] thereby become a monster"? Well Jason DID become a monster. And if he's the monster, then Bruce Wayne is Frankenstein.
We're not supposed to think "yes, kill the The Joker, Jason", we're supposed to think "good god, please Jason, it's not too late to turn your life around". Here's Dick and Jason being the exact opposite of each other, an issue apart.
So what was Jason's villainous return trying to say? For one, that people are the products of their circumstance, lest we forget Jason was once an eager and studious Robin who just wanted to be part of something greater when life, but specifically Bruce, sent him awry. This is also a story about Bruce which tells us says that our mistakes have consequences that don't stay buried, and that we will always be forced to reckon with our histories or it becomes everyone's problem. This next panel shows this best. All of Jason's killing and torture and fear-spreading and chaos does not come down to some "murder or not to murder" debate, it comes down to his relationship with Bruce. He is the monster that Frankenstein created who's back to haunt him and no one is safe.
Jason's initial Red Hood arcs were never supposed to pose the question "should Batman kill The Joker or not?". The answer is no and always has been. They are supposed to show us how Bruce's poor fatherhood of and partnership with Jason Todd led to all this horror. And Bruce can't turn back the clock, he has to reckon with the consequences of his actions in the present or more people will get hurt. It's significant that these first arcs don't end with Jason returning to the manor and seeking help surrounded by family.
We then see Jason and his issues with Bruce threaten the lives of others like when he beat Tim half to death twice, tried to blow up Mia Dearden and then tried to become a murderous, gun-touting Batman after Bruce's "death".
Once Dick Grayson becomes Batman, the narrative sheds a bit more light on how Bruce's Frankenstein created a monster in Jason; Bruce wanted Jason to be another Dick Grayson.
The red hair is a perfect metaphor. Jason is naturally red-haired and he is now balding because Bruce made him dye his hair black so he'd look like Dick as Robin. That sums it up for me. Bruce really created his own demon here and Dick, as the new Batman, is trying to make amends with the sins of the Batman's past. Jason's a great choice for a Dick Grayson villain because of their histories, considering Dick Grayson is the legacy Batman.
"I tried really hard to be what batman wanted me to be...which is you." Jason tells Dick.
That line is so painful and way more recognisable and relatable than anything fanon has produced.
"But this world...this dirty, twisted, cruel and ugly dungheap had...other plans for me."
Look no further, this is who Jason Todd is.
That's a powerful story if you ask me, and this is why I like Jason Todd as a character; a villain I pity deeply, who is portrayed as a product of their circumstances without diminishing their agency and who makes me see the cracks in the hero's facade because they are the monster our "hero" created. He's also a very nuanced foil to the ever-shining light that is Dick Grayson. The appeal to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein isn't that the monster murdered people. I also would never swap canon Jason out for, I dunno, Wayne Family Adventures Jason who's the amalgamation of 3 or 4 common fanon tropes. This is my two cents.
#stephanie brown that ball of anger and vengeance that we saw grow into one of the most well-rounded capable and cheerful bats around#stephanie brown#vengeance is purple#fanon vs canon#jason tood#robin#batgirl#the spoiler#red hood#batman and robin#dc comics#comics#metas#batman#batfam#wayne family adventures#bruce wayne#dick grayson
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WE ARE NOT SEEING ENOUGH OF MIRAGE GUYS
So I'm taking matters into my own goddamn hands-
Meeting Mirage ;)
Either Noah or Mirage might be a little OOC, but I'm giving it a shot
Takes place after the movie, with fem pronouns
Enjoy!
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Dude, where the hell are you?
Y/N was currently sent a page to Noah, her best friend of 3 years. He was suppose to pick her up from work, as her car broke down and is still getting fixed at the mechanics, but it was well over 20 minutes and he still hasn't showed. He was suppose to be there at 7:30, and now it's almost dark.
I'kl be there in 10 minutes! Domething just csme uo
Several typos, whatever the hell is happening over there is really making him either rush or panic... actually those are both kind of in the same sense.
Letting out a sigh through her nose, Y/N quickly typed out a response.
Yeah, yeah. Better keep to your promise, Sonic.
Not even letting him respond, the H/C-nette shoved the device into her coat pocket. Sure it may be the beginning of the summer, but she get cold easily.
And I mean very easily.
"Man, I really need a hot shower right now."
10 minutes breezed by quickly, seemingly in a blink of an eye. About to page Noah again, Y/N stopped in her tracks when a honk sounded in front of her.
Looking up, her eyes widen in complete surprise at the image in front of them. Her best friend, Noah Diaz, in a fucking Porsche. Well, it looked like it seen better days, but still.
"Yo, you gonna get in or are you just gonna stand there looking so surprised?" Noah shouted from inside the car, a smug look on his face.
Snapping out of it, Y/N got inside the car, buckling in her seatbelt.
Once the seatbelt clicked, Noah started the car onto the route back to Y/N's apartment complex. 5 minutes in and the two are making small talk and all that before Y/N asked him a question.
"So, what happened?"
"Hm?"
"To the Porsche. Looks like Frankenstein's monster."
Noah let's out a small chuckle at the comment, "Oh uh, some guy sold it to me for a good price. Because it was all banged up and stuff. Couldn't even start."
"When did you get it?"
"Got it 2 months ago, still has some kinks that need to be fixed. But we've made some progress." He patted the dashboard in a comforting way, a somber smile on his face.
"2 months ago? Weren't you in Perú during that time? Also is Reeks helping you fix the car?"
"Yeah. I think I made a pretty good decision going there..also Reeks is just helping me get the parts, I'm mainly doing the fixing."
"Mm, pretty good job so far. I could help with the paint job? The blue and silver seems to be fading out, but I think it a fresh coat will make it look gorgeous."
After she finished that comment, the car felt like it heated up a little. Not too much to notice, but just enough.
"By the way, what did you do in Perú again?"
"Oh, to study for a job I was doing..got to see some of the landscapes and all that..and nearly died-"
"What was that?"
"Wha-nothing! Don't worry about it at all."
A silence fell between you too, an awkward silence to be exact. He's a little more fidgety than usual.. probably from exhaustion. It's something he does whenever he's very tired. Man, he must be more exhausted than usual.
"Sorry I called you so late, like right after your new job and stuff. It must be tiring."
"Nah I don't mind, you're my best friend after all. Just returning the favor when you babysat Kris last minute." Now Y/N absolutely loves Noah's family. First time she met them, it felt like a bond just, instantly clicked within. So from that day on, she makes a little time out of her day just to visit the Diaz family, especially Kris. He was so sweet, and like the little brother she never had. So whenever Noah or his mom were busy, she babysits him, and brings some food so they can enjoy together.
"I don't mind babysitting Kris at all. He's like a little brother to me anyway."
"Yeah, that's Kris. Best little brother I could ever ask for." A soft smile comes to his face, maybe he should bring some food from that burger joint his family likes, before he goes home so his mom doesn't have to cook tonight.
"Yeah..Hey do you mind if I put in my playlist?"
"Go for it."
Grabbing a mixtape from her pocket, she inserts it into the slot right above the radio, turning the knob to hear what was currently playing.
The familiar rhythm of Virgen by Adolescent's Orquesta brings a smile to your face, increasing the volume as one of her favorite songs plays through the car. Every so often, she would sing along to the lyrics, taping her fingers against the door.
What Y/N didn't know, was a certain Autobot mech was observing her in the passenger seat mirror, noticing the small things about her that seemed to have caught even more of his interest. The moment she got in the car, Mirage had to admit, she was PRETTY. And the compliments she said? Wooo that was feeding his ego.
And she was drop-dead gorgeous, in his optics, he doesn't even know her one bit and he's on his knees just from the sound of her voice. Oh her voice, don't even get him started on her voice. Most purest thing he has ever heard since he had stepped foot on Earth. Got her filling his tanks with a fluttery feeling, or as Noah sometimes likes to refer to, butterflies. What a weird thing to say. (Ngl, I head cannon Mirage to fall in love FAST)
After those few thoughts, the mech started observing her other features. Her eyes, hair, lips, cheeks, hands, even the smallest of moles/freckles that were dotted across her face. Oh and when her smile plastered her face, Mirage felt his spark beat faster.
She was a beauty, a beauty in her own category..
Sadly he wasn't able to admire her much longer, as they stopped in front of her apartment, the sky now completely dark. About to open the car door, the lock clicks, preventing Y/N from getting out. Thinking nothing of it, Y/N goes to unlock it, but it keeps repeatedly locking itself. With a huff, Y/N turns to Noah.
"Dude can you stop that shit?"
"It's not me I swear! Li-like I said, Mir-! The car was all banged up when I got it, still got a few bugs in it.." And as subtly as possible, kept kicking right above the pedals. Not to harshly, but to get the message across to stop messing around.
Finally after what seemed to be forever, the car doors unlocked, with Y/N getting out of the car, making sure to grab her tape. Running a hand over the hood, not noticing the shudder of metal, Y/N waves goodbye to Noah before entering her building, already getting excited for her hot shower.
When Y/N was out of sight and earshot, Noah turned to the radio, somewhat pissed.
"Mirage, what the hell was that??"
"Whaaaat? I did nothing wrong. Also, ouch. Do you have to kick me that hard? I'm still recovering y'know." You could hear the teasing smile on his face, pulling the recovery card whenever.
"Mirage you can't do that."
"Why not? Not like she noticed anything."
"You just can't!"
"Aww but I wanna keep admiring la angel bonita un momento más."
"..what."
"I wanna keep ad-"
"I know what you said, but, seriously?"
"You gotta introduce me to her one day, Sonic."
"Mirage she's going to freak out!"
"Mm but what are the chances she won't? Pleaseeee? I won't stop bothering you unless you say yesss~" He coos in a sing-song voice.
"Nu uh, ain't happening. Just because you're acting like a kid doesn't mean you're getting it."
"Fine. But whenever you give her ride home, I'll just keep locking the doors."
Letting out a frustrated sigh, Noah leaned back into the recliner, pinching the bridge of his nose out of frustration. Whenever Mirage says he'll do something, he will follow through. He's ambitious like that. So either; Stay with the no but have Mirage be a brat for who knows how long, or, just get it over with.
"Sooo..Is that a yes?"
He was quiet for a bit, before letting out a sigh,"Fine, fine! Yes, it's a yes."
"Hell yeah, baby! Oh I already have so many places to meet up for dates-"
"DUDE."
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So that concludes my first post! I like how this (somewhat) turned out, but it's a first. I've made some edits to this and the second part will be out soon, so I'm sorry for keeping you guys waiting!
Part 2 here!
#rotb mirage x reader#rotb mirage#hes so bbg fr#wanna kiss his dumb cute face so much#transformers#transformerstheriseofbeasts#x reader#first post#transformers x reader#mirage x reader#bayverse
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Two Cannibals go to a café ( Alastor x GN Reader Platonic )
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Some things I wanted to say. First I want to get some feedback on this. Second it’s in second pov so there’s so many yous. Tell me what you think about this one-shot!
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You sat down in your normal spot in the center point of cannibal town. Every Monday you wait at that bench, waiting for the one and only Alastor, the radio demon. Unfortunately for you for seven years, Alastor hasn’t shown up. Many of the citizen of cannibal town took pity on you, thinking Alastor abandon you or your dear friend had died. You still had hope that he would show up. You owe it to him. He helped put your business on the map, only took a little deal, not for your soul, but for some of the meat you sell. You look down at your hands on your lap. You were more of a monster than a demon. Some closer to you call you the lover of Frankenstein, knowing the book well you always remind everyone that it would be the lover of Frankenstein’s monster and not the doctor himself. Now wondering if all of this was a fruitless endeavor, you heard clink-clink-clink, you now associate with Alastor’s hooves. Looking up, you were met with the one and only Alastor. Smiling wide, you ran up to the deer man and gave him a hug, almost toppling the both of you. He hugs back and laughs and says with his signature smile, “It’s good to see you again (y/n). Say how about we go to a café together, me and you?”
You nod your head and the two of you went off to Alastor’ favorite café. As the two walked through cannibal town, you talked about the business and how your life is going. Alastor, open the door for you. You enter the café and wave to the owner, Alastor, entered after you and gave the owner a curt nod. You walked up to the owner and ordered your usual, Alastor looked at the menu in shock at how much it changed over the last seven years. Alastor thought for a moment before getting what you got. “Ok then, that would be out in a few minutes.” Said the owner, who walked away to make the drinks and food. You and Alastor sat down with the radio demon, looking confused. Before Alastor could ask, you answered him. “Oh right, I didn’t get the chance to say it, but I landed a deal with the shop and now I’m the only food provider at this café. I got free food because of the deal. All thanks to you.” Alastor chuckles and says with happiness, “I’m glad it worked out for you. No need to thank me though I saw your potential in you, and you cut the meats are perfect.” You blush at Alastor’s prizes, rarely have you given been giving it. “Well, we have been trying methods if you like to see them.” The owner of the small café place down yours and Alastor’s drinks and food. You sip on your blood tea with a finger and eyeball as Alastor shakes his head no and with a mellow tone says, “I would love, but I’m currently help the princess of hell with a hotel.” You till your head, Alastor having your full attention. “The princess of hell? Charlie Morningstar? What the hell are you doing in a hotel? Is that where you been in the past seven years?” You asked wanting to know more, Alastor answered all your questions. “She is trying to rehabilitate sinners. You know she reminds me of you when we first met years ago. Maybe you should come by one time.” You look down at the floor unsure what to say. First, he didn’t even answer why he’s gone, second the idea of rehabilitation sinners sounds next to impossible. You’re unsure what to say to your dear friend Alastor the radio demon.
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#hazbin hotel fanfic#hazbin hotel#hazbin hotel fanfiction#hazbin hotel x reader#hazbin hotel x you#hazbin hotel x y/n#hazbin hotel alastor#alastor hazbin hotel#alastor#alastor x reader#fanfic#fanfic fluff
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Y/N's Monster
Summary: Tired of rude, vulgar, and not-up-to-snuff guys, you decide to make a man of your own. Is it a crime against God? Probably. But you've already stitched him together so there's no going back now. At least he's cute.
Warnings: Straight-up medical malpractice and other such things, it's for the plot. It's a Frankenstein inspired story so there's talk of stitching limbs onto other limbs and methods that do not work in real life. You can not stitch together and bring to life your own boyfriend in real life, I'm sorry ladies :(.
Author’s Snip: Here's that Frankenstein's Monster Marc I promised! I hope you all like it. Onwards to the Lost Boys au I semi-promised! Yippee! I'm feeding the monster fuckers.
I’ll shut up now. Enjoy! And don’t be afraid to request.
Word Count: 702
Tag list: @my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction @spicydonut25 @steven-grants-world @homuraak3mi (You too can join the tag list! Just ask)
Seeing him now, actually up and moving, you were absolutely amazed. Both because the fact that the abandoned defibrillator and old shock therapy machine you stole got from the hospital you work for that you tinkered together actually worked in bringing a stitched-together corpse to life, and also by the fact that he looks so good.
For being a reanimated corpse made out of various John Does, he looks amazing. He was a good height, his body was proportionate where you had to add better fresher parts, and actually looked pretty alright.
It's not until he starts bumbling around that you stop ogling at him. He looks confused, maybe a bit scared.
"Hey," you say gently to not spook him, "You're okay," you tell him. He looks toward you, having heard you. Okay good, he can hear and see. "It's okay," you whisper trying to comfort him. He still looks slightly scared. He backs up when you try and walk toward him, but it's apparent that his limbs aren't ready for all the moving around so he trips and falls. "Oh no," you mutter to yourself as you rush towards him to try and help him up.
"Hey. I won't hurt you." you explain. But when he looks at you again you are hit with the possibility that he might not understand. After all, in the book, Frankenstein's creation didn't when he was brought to life.
You look to your creation and take a moment to think about what to do. "Understand?" is what you manage to think up. "Do you understand me?" you rephrase your question. He stares at you for a bit. "Do you understand what I'm saying?" you ask again. When he slowly nods you have to repress a scream of happiness to not scare him. You just let a smile cross your face,
"Okay. That's good." you reply. "So how about I help you back up and you have a seat." you suggest, "It seems like your body isn't ready to move around just yet." you point out.
You gently help him up and sit down on the gurney that you also stole got along with grabbing a sheet to wrap around him so that he can have some decency. You give your creation a quick check-up. Nothing seems to be wrong with him say for having slightly bloodshot eyes and he's a bit pale. He has natural reflexes like his knee kicking when it's hit with the little hammer, his pupils contract and dilate, and he can even feel pain.
As an extra precaution, you bandage up the places where his stitches would experience the most stress so they don't pop since stitching him up isn't an option, both because you don't have anything for anesthesia and you have no idea what it will do to him.
"Can you speak?" you ask as you finish up the last stitched area. He seems to think about it and then focus. You can see him trying to form a word with his mouth and managing to say "No...", but it clearly takes a lot to get it all down. You nod, "Okay." you reply. "Alright, how about we just do yes or no questions?".
After a while of asking questions to see where he is mind-wise, you start getting to harder to answer questions.
"Do you remember anything, from before waking up here?" you ask. He shakes his head.
"Do you know who you are?"... he shakes his head again.
"Do you have a name?" ... also no.
You hum. "Well, then I guess I have to give you one." you say. You think for a long time, mentally crossing off names that were too ridiculous or didn't fit his look. Something with an M.
"Marc." you say, "With a C at the end." you clarify. "I like that name. How about you?" you ask your creation. He just nods, but you swear there's a fraction of a smile for a second.
You're not sure how this will go moving forward now that you've got a man who's made from other men who doesn't have any background or identity, but this is a good start if you'd say so yourself.
#moon knight#moonknight#moon knight x reader#moonknight x reader#marc spector#marc spector x reader#monster au
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Happy Halloween!!! 🎃
I wish I had more time to do this because I would've done such a better job.
I still getting used to digital art and I can't do anything that suits me yet.
Had had to rush so hard on this and nothing was done properly. 😭😭😭
Mikey is the Cheshire cat (I just watched and read Alice in Wonderland)
Donnie is Frankenstein's monster.
Raph is and Imp.
Leo is Captian Ryan (I still think he would be a huge Space Hero's geek).
This is my Au and you can now find it under #change of place au.
If you have any questions about the turtles then feel free to ask! 😀
#tmnt 2012 au#digital art#change of place au#tmnt#tmnt splinter#tmnt raphael#tmnt leonardo#tmnt donnie#tmnt mikey#tmnt raph 2012#tmnt leo 2012#tmnt michelangelo#tmnt donatello#tmnt 2012#art#halloween#happy halloweeeeeeen#😀😀😀#🎃🎃🎃#tmnt lair
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Quick frankenkwazii question:
Okay so I know that with something like this, you of course have to bend the rules of reality (I mean. The Octonauts itself isn’t much better.) But since you’ve decided to take a more realistic approach to this kind of AU than I normally see, I wanna ask: How does Kwazii’s body actually still function? Albeit barely. Like, is there some other kind of supernatural thing at play or is it just that he’s built different?
(Sorry if this is confusing 😭)
Hi, thanks for the question xddddddd!1! There aren't any supernatural elements at play here, his revival itself is, what I'd say, the unrealistic, unnatural stuff. So my answer is that he's built different lol. Well I think more of it like this:
His revival and survival are the fictional, nonsensical elements. But how do I push it to make it as realistic as possible? How can I work around a relatively cartoony concept (except for me taking the liberty of giving him the element of his limbs having the ability to fall off and be stitched back together again)
Because I wanted the frankenstein AU to be horror-oriented rather than a bittersweet reunion story or something to the like, I decided that the horror would be best-rooted in realism. I think the concept of rotting away alive and being unable to do anything about it would be way more horrific than if he was like, you know, a more fiction-oriented monster. His functioning can only be possible with a ton of daily physical support, and even then he still cannot do basic things like go out on missions, eat solid foods, or walk for a long amount of time. His body is working incredibly hard to keep him alive to the point of exhausting itself, which is why he sleeps for twelve hours a day instead of our usual eight- he needs constant nutrition, constant supervision, and to constantly expel waste in any way he could. These factors all help him stay alive but even then I wouldn't consider him functioning, he is barely like you said, but he struggles with his executive function due to damage to his prefrontal cortex, so he has problems with taking care of himself as well, even though he strives for independence. And with his declining mental and physical state, though he might be barely functioning now, who's to say that this is going to last any longer?
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excuse me (stares unblinkingly directly into your eyes) I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the parallels between frankenstein and saw. specifically those between the characters of the monster and amanda young. I am so curious..... but no pressure ofc. feel free to answer me in this ask if you wish! or if you feel so inclined, my dms are open as well :)
I literally screamed when I got your ask I’ve been waiting for somebody to ask me this specific question for so long. I actually just started drafting an essay on this very topic so I’ve got a lot of ideas floating around my head right now.
the main parallel I see between these two stories is between victor frankenstein’s relationship to his creation and john’s relationship to amanda. john and victor’s defining motivators in both of their stories are their god complexes—victor greatly admires his own mind and the power it grants him, and he starts out with this curiosity as to what it would feel like to have power over human nature as well. John’s god complex is more subtle but I feel like it’s definitely there as well. even before he starts testing people he expresses frustration with the cycle of addiction and recovery, as well as a desire to “intervene” despite his own acknowledgement that these cycles are a part of human nature. so even before the traps begin we see similar motivations between the two, and john’s similarity to victor only becomes more apparent after he starts testing people. in my opinion, victor frankenstein’s primary flaw regarding his treatment of the creation is that he views the creation more so as an extension of his ability to create than a person with their own feelings and autonomy. this is why he chickens out of the whole endeavor when he sees the creature come to life for the first time—it’s not because the creature is just so ugly he had to bail, but because he can’t confront the idea that this thing he created, which he made to prove his ability to “create humanity” and feed his god complex, is not just visibly imperfect but genuinely hideous. and throughout the course of the book he’s forced to confront the fact that he hasn’t created humanity—he’s created one human, who needs a competent parent and a supportive upbringing. in short, his relationship to his creation is too much like a father to be at all godlike.
which brings me to john and amanda. while saw obviously doesn’t take the idea of creating life as literally as frankenstein, there’s still a similarity in the way john treats amanda’s “rebirth” after her test. he tells her that the scars on her arms are “from another life”, one that he expects her to leave behind for the sake of their mission. and just like victor frankenstein, john is attached to amanda in part because he sees her as living proof that his philosophy works. if Amanda’s life improves after her test, if amanda changes because of her test, then that means john was right to want to change her. and that means he can continue forcing people to change, because no matter how brutal his method is or how dubious the proof that it actually works, he at least has amanda. his daughter figure and, in his eyes, the only definitive evidence of his control over human nature.
john, of course, loves amanda. that is the primary difference between these stories. john, unlike victor, understands that he is some sort of father figure to amanda. he understands that she needs comfort and support from him, and on some level I do think he wants to provide that for her. but in the end john’s relationship with amanda is doomed for the same reason that victor’s relationship with his creation is. while john understands that he has stumbled into fatherhood, this does not change the fact that both of them are completely unprepared for what fatherhood will entail. they set out attempting to become gods—of course neither of them were prepared to be fathers. but arguably, they should have been. arguably, they both should have known better.
it’s frankenstein, but centering on monstrous rebirth instead of monstrous creation.
sorry it took so long to get back to you! this post took a while to become coherent. I cannot cannot cannot thank you enough for asking! if you have any questions or want to discuss further I’m literally always willing to talk about this.
#saw#sawposting#saw 2004#amanda young#john kramer#frankenstein#mary shelley#victor frankenstein#long post#holy SHIT did not mean for this to be this long. forgive my rambling.#literary analysis
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Heyo, Doc, random question ( and forgive me if you’ve made this known elsewhere, for whatever reason you may have ): The mad scientists of old. Your Dr. Jekylls and Invisible Mans and Frankenstein’s. What’s your tier list look like for ‘em?
[🧪] “Y’know, stories of mad scientists always intrigued me when i was a lil' twerp—i’m sure that has something to do with why I’m like this—but … eh, after you work with 'em: they start to lose their charm.”
What a shame, really. There was an unspoken irony given the fact Doc himself fit the bill of a mad scientist, but then again, a place like ATLAS could really leave a sour after-taste for years to come.
“But who am I to turn down a bit? Let’s see here … ”
“My gut wants to hate Victor Frankenstein with every fiber of my being. Don’t get me wrong; if I was in a room with the guy, I’m sure it wouldn’t be long until I started swinging. In a way he stands for everything I’ve grown to loathe about my peers— to create life, only to turn your back to it in horror … now that in itself is abhorrent. They didn’t ask for this.”
A deep-rooted scowl etched itself into Doc’s features. Looked like his bias was peaked through. That is, until his scowl softened with a sigh.
“Ugh, that being said … tragedy is an all-encompassing thing, and it’s easy for an outsider like myself to say what is right and what is wrong. Plenty of his behavior reminds me of what I'd seen in cases of postpartum depression (among other things), so I’d feel needlessly cruel to call him the monster.”
Doc cleared his throat. What was he talking about again? Oh, that’s right!
“On a lighter note, I do still have favorites, even if it’s far and few! I’d have to say that Doctor Emme— ”
💥B O O M💥
A SUDDEN EXPLOSION BANGED, CLANGED, AND CLANKED THE WORKSHOP LABORATORY!!! OH NO— WHATEVER DOC HAD TINKERED WITH BEHIND HIM IS NOW ON FIRE!!!
“UH?! OH. OH SHIT, UH— HOLD ON, THIS’LL HAVE TO WAIT—SHIT!!!”
#viopolis#//this was SUCH a fun ask thank you for the surprise weeheheeee <33#//i was gonna lean more humorous with this one but doc decided he wanted a genuine conversation and you know what. let him cook.#//i say as i put his rambling under a read more#pregnancy tw#//<-i may be too overly cautious with this tag but better safe than sorry#ᯓ🧪˖° doc . ic#ᯓ👽˖° asks
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the way that you characterize König in every headcanons post makes him seem like a real human being??? and i can not express to you how good that is to me. he’s NOT a sex god or some 10/10 male model. he’s just some dude who’s been broken and still fixing himself in his own way. your Frankenstein’s monster work is so special because I feel like that is the perfect metaphor for him.
i find it very difficult to enjoy a lot of König works even though i write for him too, simply because when it comes to him there is never any eroticism or thought put behind his character. it is always ‘big man fuck good’ send post. can not thank you enough for sharing your view of him, it’s so good!!
we all know kneelingshadowsalome is doing the lord’s work with him but thank god you are too. 🙏there are so many 141 professors, but as far as König goes I’m only reading y’all’s works. i would smooch you both, give you my first born, my entire bank account no questions asked. like when the writing and characterization is so good, it is impossible not to fall head over heels for a creator, and babes i’m already planning our joint wedding.
have a lovely day, Syl!
🥹……..
where is that gif of the kitten shaking until it becomes so compressed it’s impossible to tell what it even is…? that’s what receiving this message made me feel like.
#putting me on a pedestal next to Salome is wild okay… she is up there alone and i am also just her scholar!#thank you lil wisp…. i will try not to cry over this in the coming weeks but you have made my heart nearly burst#he *is* just some guy only he lives in my head!
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I find it so intriguing that Adam will watch "Frankenstein" 1931. My favourite book character watching my favourite movie character. It's so weird to think about!
Could I get something to do with this? A doodle/drabble (maybe watching it with Anon?)/you just writing your thoughts on his thoughts on the film, etc?
This is kind of a weird request, but the 1931 film introduced me to so many of my current interests, in goth lit and old movies, so I just find it so intriguing that Adam Frankenstein will actually watch Frankenstein!
Feel free to ignore this as long as you need to, I don't want you to be overloaded with requests ❤️❤️❤️
Before he goes into the theater he's nervous, he has no idea how Victor will be portrayed or how he'll be portrayed. He has never met James Whale and he doesn't know how Whale found the information, but he insists he needs to see it alone.
He waits for the latest viewing, pays the extra price to have a private screening so that there won't be other moviegoers, when the theater owner gives him a look as though he means to question him Adam glowers at him. No questions are asked.
Throughout the viewing Adam is quiet, his eyes never leave the screen. He's not sure exactly what he expected to feel but he's surprisingly not angry at the changes. The lumbering, brutish, mute portrayed seemed so alien and yet there was a seed of resemblance. Something captured in the newborn innocence of the creature on screen that Adam recognizes, there is a depth of feeling, the hint at intelligence that shows through even through the stiff facial expressions and the grunting inarticulate shambling. Strangely there's a sympathy in the film towards the monster that Adam did not expect to find. The monster's actions are never born from malice, merely ignorance or a need to defend himself. How Adam wishes that could have been true for himself. The movie is kind enough to spare Elizabeth almost taunting Adam that in a way this creature is softer, kinder and holds no true ill will.
Victor is unrecognizable, it's fitting that the character doesn't bear Victor's name.... He seems at least somewhat more responsible than Victor. More willing to care for the creature he brought to life despite it's ugliness. But this character is a grown man, not an unfortunate youth. The only thing he and Victor share are hubris. No it's better that he does not have Victor's name.
It's cruel that he bears Henry's.
There is no William or Justine. They are forgotten.
It's an unsatisfying experience and he finds himself unable to be angry with it but unable to say that he felt truly seen or represented.
There's an unbearable conflict in his breast after the experience, the film is a proof that the world is capable of sympathy for him...but it does not allow him to live, only the human characters are spared. The creature had to be killed. Victor and his bride both survived and live on. This is the ending the world wanted. He can't pretend he doesn't understand why and Adam isn't ignorant as to the fact that this creature is much more palatable than himself, more innocent, and still is not deemed deserving of life.
He's pensive and broody for days afterwards and he'll always be a little at odds with the film, even after time softens his shock and he grows more accepting of it.
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HALLOWEEN 🎃 👻
How would FRobin celebrate it? Any headcannons?
Thank you for the ask anon!
That is such an open question because personally I don't celebrate halloween (I'm from central europe). So I never really thought about those headcanons...
Also I don't think Halloween is a normal tradition in the world of One Piece. I think there are islands that celebrate it. The world is so vast you can use any tradition/celebration you enjoy and let the Strawhats expierence it. I go wild under the cut so let me put some general points here
Franky and Robin love Halloween and celebrate it whenever it makes sense.
They love to dress up in creepy costumes
They love to provided haunted expierences
They love to give out candy
They love to watch "their own children" go "Trick Or Treat"-ing
More under the cut:
Okay, so let's imagine the crew coming to an island that celebrates Halloween.
The crew would dress up so fast!
Brook taking care of the outfits (he is the one with the best taste right after Nami)
Franky would be a Robot & Robin a demon bc I like couple costumes but also those are simple costumes
As soon as the crew learns about trick and treat Usopp/Luffy/Chopper are up to get as many treats as possible. But in the end Usopp stays at the ship and Zoro tags along. Maybe he can get some free booze.
Robin would tag along to keep an eye on them but also to suggest the most weird "tricks" when people are even slightly impolite, especially to Chopper. (Imagine Robin just TP-ing a house by herself but ehen also pouring water over it or something).
Robin would also be very delighted about all the creepy costumes.
Nami wants to earn some money so everyone not "Trick Or Treat"-ing has to help.
Franky is changing Sunny into a Ghost-Ship with the help of everyone who stayed back.
Sanji is preparing snacks and drinks that look creepy after talking with some nice ladies and gentlemen about traditional foods that night.
So, Sunny is now a ghost ship. The aquarium is a creepy under water room and Brook is in the library as the main attraction and there are gimmicks all over the place. At the end visitors can get a photo with Brook or Jinbe (for a little fee) and get snacks and drinks.
When Robin returns with the "Trick Or Treat"-ers they all instantly join in to help make the Ghost ship even creepier.
The people love it
Later they go to a bar to celebrate, play games and drink, Robin tells a lot of creepy stories while sitting beside Franky, holding hands.
Modern AU and let's set it to America because I guess it makes sense.
Their house would be one of the creepiest in the whole street (side note, they also always have the most impressive christmas decoration)
Some years they make a haunted house too but sometimes Franky and Robin just help out when it's the neighbours turn
They love to give out treats to children.
Robin always dresses up as some mythical monster from different nations - most of the time variations of witches
Franky is mostly a variation of Frankensteins Monster, Rocker/Rockabilly Dude, Robot and of course Gomez if Robin dresses up as Morticia.
Their children (if we want to add in any variation possible) go "Trick Or Treat"-ing and always have the most amazing costume.
Franky and Robin will also volunteer if their children have some event at school. The halloween school parties are legendary. (It also helps that grandpa Brook is a famous rock star and uncle Sanji is the owner of an amazing restaurant).
Anyway Halloween is one of thei favorite holidays. Even if they don't feel like really celebrating, they will still have a nice evening on the couch, watching creepy movies.
#Frobin#Halloween#Ask#headcanon#text#fanfiction#also Robin is really turned on by all the creepy stuff#Happy Halloween#op headcanon#Cyborg Franky#Nico Robin
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