#legendary comis

[poppetsisters]

Now that my rage over the Doomcasting has simmered down, I just wanna gush over the Fantastic Four comi con stuff.

I'm not joking, when I heard that Michael Giacchino was doing the score, I SCREAMED. Not only is he famous for scoring The Incredibles, but he also did Speed Racer from 2008 which, if you haven't heard that score, it is one of the best scores for any film I've seen.

The period accurate footage is such a treat. I figured Matt Shakman's work on Wandavision was going to be indicative of what the Fantastic Four was gonna look like and yet it looks even better. I was nervous that Shakman's lack of feature film experience was gonna be a detriment, but his decades of work on TV gives him amazing instincts for character dynamics, which is one of the most important assets when making a Fantastic Four movie.

A lot of what we saw is pre-vis and may not actually be in the movie, but the retro-future vibe of the movie is perfect. The fact that MCU Fantastic Four is taking place in its own separate pocket away from all the bullshit really helps me feel excited for this movie. For once, the disconnectedness is something I'm EXCITED about, go figure.

Again, because it's pre-vis, not a whole lot of glimpses at The Thing's rocky form, in fact none of the powers were shown off for understandable reasons. I have no worries that The Thing is going to look good. As bad as Fant4stic was, The Thing looked pretty good in that film. Korg also never looked outright bad to me either, and they're probably gonna put more effort into how he looks anyway. Sue's powers are probably gonna be represented well seeing as invisibility is a really easy power to do VFX for. Fire graphics have come a long way as well, and that concept art makes me thing they may take a very stylised approach to his flame effects. Reed however is the one I'm really worried about. The only time stretch powers looked good was The Incredibles 1 and 2, but those were both stylised 3D animated filma. Live action has a much higher bar to clear with a heavy risk of uncanny valley Pedro Pascal. If you can make that man look bad, then you know you fucked up.

The Fantasticar is nice. We had the Dodge in Rise of Silver Surfer and the Bathtub in Deadpool and Wolverine, and though I like the Silver Surfer one (despite the shameless product placement) I get that they wanted a car that looked like a mid-century man's idea of what a flying car looks like. The only think is that I wish it could split apart into four sections, it doesn't look like it can do that. Oh well.

The spacesuits look good, the colours are exactly what I imagined they'd be on the concept art, but I'm waiting for the proper super suits to be shown off. Hopefully they have less interlocking parts and resemble the slightly thick and comfy spandex we saw in the concept art.

It looks like Pedro is keeping the moustache, which normally I'm not a fan of Reed with facial hair, but I also think it gives Reed a sorta Howard Hughes look that helps him blend in with the aesthetics of the world. The grey around the temples is good though, and it seems like he's also doing a transatlantic accent which frankly is very surprising.

I thought that Ebon wasn't doing an accent until I rewatched him during an interview. He appears to be toning down his natural tendency to draw out his A's and E's. It was only two lines of dialogue so I don't know, but what is very apparent is that he's not going for the outrageous brooklyn accent The Thing is legendary for in the comics, but something a little more subtle and believable.

Vanessa Kirby and Joseph Quinn are both different flavors of British, and though Joseph only says one word, it's pretty clear both are foregoing their natural accents. That said, Vanessa's choice of, what I can only guess is a slight mid-western accent, is very interesting. I was not expecting that choice.

They added a subtitle to the movie. Fantastic 4: First Steps. I think they didn't need to add a subtitle, but since they did. I'll just give it a cursory analysis. I think you can derive FOUR meanings from the title: First Steps calls to mind humanity's first steps on the Moon, fitting for a space age tale. First Steps also feels like a good title for their first adventure. First Steps works metatextually as their first steps into the MCU (which isn't technically true with those two cameos in MoM and D&W), but the most important theory I have for First Steps is in relation to a baby's first steps. I think that Franklin is going to be in this movie as a major plot point. Serving what purpose, I'm not sure.

To finish things off, we only get a look at Galactus through a window, so not much I can comment on in terms of appearance, but I'm very happy that it's an actual dude and not shadows within a cosmic cloud. He looks very imposing and I hope we get more perspective shots like that to sell how big this guy is.

[dubai-calendar]

3 Most Spectacular Events Happening this April in Dubai

Dubai, UAE, is known for its dynamic events scene, which provides residents and visitors with a diverse range of activities and entertainment. There is always something going on in this vibrant city. And there are many events and festivals happening in Dubai, which you can check on the events calendar of UAE. But for now, let us brief you about some amazing events in Dubai in April- 

Sicilian Musical Evening in the Studio Dubai Opera on 23rd April

On April 23, at the Dubai Opera, there will be a special performance called the Sicilian Musical Evening. Epifanio Comis, an award-winning Italian pianist and conductor who serves as the artistic director of the ConcertFest Academia Pianistica Siciliana festival will perform. 

Comis will begin the program with the complicated Polonaise-fantaisie in A-flat major, one of Frédéric Chopin's most well-known compositions, before performing Muzio Clementi's Sonata in G minor. The following two compositions on the program, including the well-known Tarantella in G minor, are from Franz Liszt's Années de pèlerinage. 

After the break, Liszt's Sonata in B minor, widely regarded as one of the best compositions of his career, will serve as the concert's capstone.

Grand Piano Classic Energy Music on 24th April

The Grand Piano Classic Energy Music event on April 24th promises to be an evening of magnificent piano music with compositions by some of the world's most famous composers. The event will be more than simply a musical performance; it will create an environment that will take you to another reality through an extraordinary interplay of light and music. 

The event will include compositions by renowned composer Hans Zimmer, including music from films like "Interstellar," "Inception," and "The Lion King." Furthermore, the audience will be exposed to the amazing works of Yann Tiersen, which promise to sink into the souls of those in attendance. 

Don't miss the chance to experience the magnificent sound of the piano and the surrounding ambiance, which will leave you with warm impressions and living emotions.

Jason Byrne’s Massive Game Show on 28th April

With comedy, music, games, and prizes, Jason Byrne's Massive Gameshow promises to be the ideal night out. Jason Byrne, known as the "Outright King of Live Comedy," will emcee the event, which will be a part game show, half dance-off, and part mind-bending experience. 

The concert, which will be accompanied by legendary DJ Jono from Dubai 92, promises to be the ultimate interactive night out. The audience will be able to participate in the program, as impromptu participants will join Jason on stage to win prizes, meet new friends, and have a good time. 

Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind comedic event, which has been praised by critics as "unmissable" and "consistently fantastic." Expect a night of laughing, entertainment, and surprises.

So these are the most amazing events happening in Dubai this April. You should not miss these out if you are in Dubai or planning to visit. And for more details of all events. You can check out the events calendar of UAE on our website.

[graphicpolicy]

RCCC 2019: Legendary Comics Announces New Original Graphic Novel The Heart Hunter

RCCC 2019: Legendary Comics Announces New Original Graphic Novel The Heart Hunter #comics #comicbooks #RCCC

Legendary Comics has announced new graphic novel The Heart Hunter, exploring immortality, love, and greed, from novelist McKelle George and artist V. Gagnon. Set for release in late 2020, The Heart Hunter is set on the cursed island of Envecor where everyone is doomed to wear their heart outside their bodies and are immortal—unable to die, to change, to have children—until they find their…

[thelovelysinner]

DOES TAKASHI SHIROGANE IS GAY?!

[satoshi-mochida]

A website opened on Tuesday to announce that Tomohito Oda's Komi Can't Communicate (Comi-san wa Comyushō desu.) manga is inspiring a television anime adaptation that will premiere this October on TV Tokyo.

The anime's cast includes:

-Aoi Koga as Shōko Komi

-Gakuto Kajiwara as Hitohito Tadano

-Rie Murakawa as Najimi Osana

Ayumu Watanabe (Mysterious Girlfriend X, After the Rain, Children of the Sea) is the chief director for the anime, while Kazuki Kawagoe (Beyblade Burst God storyboarder and episode director) is directing the anime at OLM. Deko Akao (Snow White with the Red Hair, Noragami, Flying Witch) is in charge of series composition. Atsuko Nakajima (Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom, Ranma ½, Tokyo Ghoul:re) is designing the characters.

Viz Media is releasing the manga in English, and it describes the story:

Timid Tadano is a total wallflower, and that's just the way he likes it. But all that changes when he finds himself alone in a classroom on the first day of high school with the legendary Komi. He quickly realizes she isn't aloof—she's just super awkward. Now he's made it his mission to help her on her quest to make 100 friends!

Oda launched the manga in Weekly Shonen Sunday in May 2016, after first publishing a one-shot version of the manga in September 2015. Shogakukan published the manga's 20th compiled book volume on February 18. Viz Media published the manga's 12th volume on April 13.

[ariel-seagull-wings]

@superkingofpriderock

Since you are in a Spiderman kick lately, and November will be Giant Monster Theme, the good news is that the japanese tokusatsu encarnation of the character is up at Archive.org

[oshuns-ambience]

So Grant Morrison, a legendary comic book writer, occultist and self proclaimed practitioner of chaos magick has been using his knowledge of mysticism for years to try to bring the DC Universe and its heroes into this reality

Below, you’ll find a link of an article explaining the concept of Hypercrisis, which, fundamentally, is the name given to various comic book storylines written by Grant Morrison since the ‘90s, usually having an existential or esoteric theme or vibe about them and most likely saturated w occult symbolism.

Some comic book readers, including those who also happen to be occultists, mystics or witches, believe that Hypercrisis and Grant Morrison’s seemingly fictional concept of Hypertime are in fact real and he is using occult symbolism and real life practice of magic to open the doors of the Multiverse of parallel worlds of which the DC universe is one

It is also known that Grant Morrison has had a years long rivalry with fellow legendary comic book writer Alan Moore, the Thelemic occultist who wrote Watchmen and openly practices magic. The rivalry between the writers seems to go beyond the creative level and is possibly connected to their differing beliefs about their magical practices.

Here is an article entitled “Magic and the Participation of Comics by Grant Morrison”

[psalloacappella]

tempo rubato

Day 7 Prompt: free prompt // “From now on . . .”

@sasusakublankperiodweek

Ao3 | FFN | ↓

It is a divine and breathtaking thing, to be untethered from their earthly expectations.

The rhythm of the world is a universal hum, an unbroken orbit consisting only of two.

(we write a story)

Hewn halves of the same whole, shadow and light.

They tell themselves to keep it simple, take it slow. This, whatever this is.

The dynamic shift between them is not sudden nor gradual, but something permanent, piquant, and passionate.

Arcs of exploration, personal and entwined: They roam the edges of the world they know and the enclaves they don’t, hoping that their bonding will reveal the hidden map — time reigning at the helm, the pilgrim cartographer. 

But they’ve never been blithe or unfocused, not in their goals or in the shaping of their destinies. Certainly, nothing between them has ever been anything other than a dramatic affair, enduring, and a love that every other eye can see.

“How many days has it been?” she asks him across an inn table, watching him in the dim light. 

Sasuke knows damn well she’s aware of the hours and seconds that have elapsed together; she’s far too precise for sly questions of time. Does it matter?

He pauses before answering, already so taken with the way she levels her gaze at him, unadorned, and knows bringing her along will be the ultimate undoing of his penance journey, the taking apart of his hard heart. Sunrise cleaving through his endless dusk.

“Months, now.” Gathering up the last shreds of meat from his bowl, he places it in hers and meets her eyes in the manner of setting dry kindling alight. 

And so it works, this restrained and sentimental pace, for a while.

.

(we speed up)

Whispers in firelight will be their foundation, the tales that will shape their future. They speak of mundanities (flowers), practicalities (weather) and dreams, some past, lost, and others transforming into hesitant, potential plans. They speak of scars, this one that one, from the one they called Sasori she breathes, his fingertips tracing a swift cleaving crescent, from him, he mutters, and he knows she’ll know which man simply by the smolder in his sloe and violet eyes.

Some damage gossamer, passing marks on the skin, and others rugged as mountain ranges, raised in affront. Shapes distorting and flickering in the flames. A reminder of the world they hold up, the home they must decide to recommit to, if they can.

They travel and retrace their own history, craving and dreading the point at which they meet the end if only to know the epilogue. 

But this love is unbridled, moves at breakneck speeds — years piled up with unsaid things, so it’s easy to melt, crumble, learn and map every single vulnerable inch of one another. Hearts, minds, skin. Whispering one another’s names in constant refrain.

It is a divine and breathtaking thing, to be untethered from their earthly expectations.

The rhythm of the world is a universal hum, an unbroken orbit consisting only of two.

.

(we slow down)

Swimming in a lazy river, circling as fish in palty ponds consisting only of their dual halves, they speak of coulds:  Could we settle somewhere new? Is the place that birthed us a sort of destiny? Is that home, or is this, you and I, enough of an identity? 

Could our future thrive in the same place of our trauma?

Could this system, somehow, become better? 

Balancing a brush between idle fingers, Sakura drips dry in the parched heat and nibbles the end of it in thought.

“Anything to add?” she asks. 

Sasuke swats at an insect, squinting in the high noon.

“For Kakashi?” Thinks a moment, then glances sidelong at her; at the way she holds things aloft so delicate in hands that break the earth. Heal men, and kill them on occasion. At the way she imbues such seriousness into her letters to their ex-sensei, frown rivets dashing across her forehead. At the fading water evaporating from her skin. “Ah, just to share it with the idiot.”

Lips drawn in moue, Sakura struggles not to laugh. “I can write separate letters; Kaka-sensei is busy now. Hokage things, you know?”

She watches him throw his arm against his eyes to shield them from a dazzling sun, and his quiet snicker contains multitudes, echos in a song. The expression just in that reminds her how little friction remains between them, that they’ve caught fire. 

“He can dictate to Naruto — you’ll burn out here if I let you write two,” he chides, noting the red dusting on her cheeks, suffused with glow. “I’m not quite sure how well he reads on his own anyway.”

Erupting into giggles, she shades her own eyes to stare at him with bewitching and stripped abandon. “Be nice. You know he’s next in line to lead, and no matter what he says, he’ll need you.”

Duty. It sits between them occasionally, considered and sometimes unwanted. 

“You as well.”

Before she’s laughed it off, brushed it away to avoid its grip, but he’s correct. They are fever-bound in fire to the village that will shape the future. A daunting prospect. 

“And I’ll need you too.”

Sakura’s so sure she’s misheard, but he’s closer now than a moment ago, sweeping into her orbit with his infuriating and silent speed, thumb resting gently on her blazing bottom lip.

Bringing the question into being, a fruitless thing he’d never deliberate but she never has qualms about speaking into being. 

“Do we have to go back?”

In answer he kisses her on a simmering, sunny riverbank in a way that would make their mothers blush, an apology, a wish, and this day becomes an axis even if they won’t know it for many cycles of the moon.

A pin is pressed into a shared soul map, becomes a burgeoning accompaniment, another rising phrase in their endless song.

From now on, they are in harmony, particularly with something much larger than themselves. 

.

.

Somehow it seems the village feels them coming, whispers paving the way.

Beginning with the far-flung ranging scouts and flying fast to the spry perimeter lookouts, on to the first inner circle defensive squads and, once the shinobi are identified, the hostile caution drops from their voices in a game of telephone to be replaced with a slightly manic curiosity. 

“Two,” one of them says, yanking a sweaty flak collar from his neck. 

“No,” the other says in a strident tone, waving his answer away. “There’s another with them. Three.”

Details drip in Ino’s ears, and she leaves her post in a whirlwind, a tornado of emotion whose  witnessed story springboards from house to training ground to alcove to inn. 

It’s fitting that the first encounter, or reunion, occurs in the middle of a main road beginning as ringing, if loving insults but dwindling to potshots from gritted teeth and smoothing into cooing whispers as the two women, these best friends, encircle one another with shaking arms and a bundle pressed between them; the accompanying men linger at awkward edges, Sasuke betraying so little with his usual impassive expression and Shikamaru, who was tripped up in Ino’s anger along the way, keeping his hands in his pockets. 

“Oh, how could you?” Ino sniffles, wiping away tears with the heel of her hand. “Can’t do anything by half-measures, no subtlety, you never could! No letter, no warning.” Here she glares at Sasuke for a moment, enough for him to cast his eyes away in at least a modest show of humility. 

The moments pile upon, become stranger and more surprising, as Ino presses her lips to the bundle in Sakura’s arms and Shikamaru sighs in not-unhappy resignation, ah, so it is, and extends his hand to an unusually startled Sasuke and for a fleeting sliver-second, the corners of his mouth aren’t quite so dour.

“Who’s next?” Ino asks, tenderly flicking away a lock of Sakura’s hair. “Though by now, the whole damn town knows.”

The men shake clumsily, wary, bereft of custom.

“I’m sure you had nothing to do with that. The honorary uncle, it's only fair.”

“We have to report regardless,” Sasuke supplies quietly. Bending over the bundle and his new wife (which, Ino will rant in retrospect, seems obvious now — his unusual tenderness, his glow, men don’t glow like that for just anyone, any reason!), he whispers, begins to lead her away. They walk with high heads and radiant faces.

Her jade eyes behold their new bundle, but his eyes stay, mostly, on her. 

.

By now the gossip’s reached his stuffy office, and though he’s never been one to put on airs or prepare for visitors, he does try to clear a free spot to be able to see over the mess of his desk, before an aide takes pity on him and handles the rest.

He will have to get a full, unadorned look at this.

She leads, of course she does — this is the love at twelve she forcibly took into her own hands, even when it pricked and bruised. Wrestled it until she won. The newlywed glow is obvious. As a shadow Sasuke sweeps in behind, but the tiny uplift of his lips is still evident.

True, then. Differences all around.

“The kids do things differently these days,” Kakashi jokes. “Have you at least considered getting married?”

“Have you?” Sasuke snarks.

Sakura shushes him gently, thumbing away some errant speck from their bundle’s chubby face. Eyes bright, they seem to dim the rest of the room as she raises them to Kakashi and asks, breathless, “Do you want to—?”

And despite his aide’s effort to clear his desk he gets up and comes around it, to them, closing the loop around a future he hopes is halcyon and new, shepherds of peacetime. 

He wonders if they’ve had their real homecoming yet, the true test — but no, he’d be able to tell. Not that the joy in Sakura’s face could possibly be more evident, and by the careful way Sasuke presses his mouth to her temple, nudges her with his nose (and there’s the glow, the one that paints great men often only because of exceptional women they love). Naruto, busy and climbing for his Hokage position but with his own recent arrival, his own legacy coming in the form of something tiny, blond, and confusing. 

The third point of their legendary triumvirate, no doubt unaware of what’s coming to his doorstep and in tow, the new member of his full life he’ll meet anew. 

“Isn’t she beautiful?” Sakura whispers, eyes shining.

A gloved hand on each head, as if they’re genin again:  He’s gentle with Sakura, ruffles Sasuke’s hair with a roguish twinkle if only to provoke his trademark scowl. 

Subdued, but their sensei’s happiness sings through in the crinkles in the corners of his eyes. 

.

Perhaps they don’t expect Naruto to be the one they see as the door swings open; after all the last letter he sent in his untidy scrawl is still in Sasuke’s cloak pocket, unread in the wake of their universe shifting to this perennial birth that’s brought them across the world and then to their best friend’s doorstep, clutching this thing that did not exist and now does, borne of them and their love; he stands there, blond hair in chaos and a strange smattering of dirt on his cheek and a rag over his shoulder covered in fluids that his friends now know will be constant, streaming, the aftermath of infants; Hinata behind him, carrying her own bundle, with the same look of frenzied-excited exhaustion but now her mouth falls into a small, round ‘o’ as she sizes up the scene faster than her darling, ditzy husband, who’s bereft of speech and straightens up from his sagging position against the door frame, stunned.

“S-Sakura-chan!” Bright ocean eyes ping from her face — beaming, because she’s already understood this wonderful coincidence and can deduce now what his message contained, she begins to weep a little, overwhelmed — to Sasuke’s, hesitant but with its own subtle change, a fleeting expression of love and pride. 

Hinata makes a comforting noise behind them, a reassuring response to Sakura’s tears, the language of women a bit quieter, something less decipherable.

“‘Ay, Sasuke you total bastard, showing up like this! Didn’t respond to my letter—”

“You ass,” Sasuke hisses, tugging fabric over one tiny ear belonging to his daughter. “She can hear that.”

“She’s in trouble anyway, with my mouth,” Sakura sighs, brushing away a tear.

Naruto’s eyes grow so wide they push the earthly bounds of his sockets. His head whips ‘round to look at his wife, their son, and snaps back just as fast to stare at his best friends.

“She?” The word comes out croaky, and Naruto’s already sniffling.

Sasuke and Sakura exchange a glance, the ghost of a knowing smile:  His sentiment has always been equal parts maddening and endearing, his adoration broadcast to the entire world.

Sasuke assents with a nod, but his own voiced response emerges with surprising vibrato emotion. Perhaps to hide it, he drops his chin onto Sakura’s head, resting it there. “Yeah. A little girl.”

They should expect it, but it’s still a scuffle like old times, Naruto tackling them both, gathering them close in his way, welcoming them home from the outside world and back into his magnetism, his heart. 

“Can’t believe you — didn’t even — you just come home like this—”

Their greetings and scoldings and expressions of love mesh together, can’t believe Sasuke managed it, Don’t squish her, Naruto! You idiot, It's you who’s managed it, how old, how long, where did you travel, what have you seen, how old is your son?

“How did you know?” Naruto asks, finally allowing them to breathe. He stares at Sakura, quizzical. “Betcha missed my letter. So how’d you know it’s a boy?”

“I’m a medic, remember?” Readjusting her daughter, she extends her other hand to Hinata, gesturing so she comes closer, anticipating a deeper appreciation of a friendship they’ve already begun, a new language they’ll learn together. “Had a feeling. I just know.”

But Naruto’s tugging on them again, drawing them close and tight, rooting them to the earth and the place they sprung from, flourished and fought in, and now, where they’ve returned. 

Time slackening and quickening though never lost or stolen, occasionally rhythm-robbed but always arriving expectantly, weaving their life legends into knots.

The codetta they’ve always managed to sing together in the end. 

[scottbcrowley2]

Legendary folk singer Judy Collins keeps the noteworthy projects coming - Thu, 01 Feb 2018 PST

Judy Collins will join the Spokane Symphony, conducted by Jorge Luis Uzcátegui, on Saturday. Legendary folk singer Judy Collins keeps the noteworthy projects coming - Thu, 01 Feb 2018 PST

[downthetubes]

Creating Comics: A Classic Interview with Jack Kirby and Carmine Infantino

Creating Comics: A Classic Interview with Jack Kirby and Carmine Infantino

Continuing his much appreciated digital archiving of British comics fandom, David Hathaway-Price has added Fantasy Advertiser #48 to his invaluable ClassicUKComicsZines site, which includes an interview with with legendary American artists Jack Kirby and Carmine Infantino.

First published in 1965, Fantasy Advertiser is one of British comic fandom’s best-known zines, continued online today at comi…

[sciatu]

MATRIMONIO IN SICILIA 

Pictures from = 1) by Antonio Fenga ; 2) by Gianni mania 3) by Marco Ficili, 4) , 5)  by Wedding in Sicily; 6) by Yanik Zufur ; 7) by Marco Ficili ; 8) by operaweddingitaly 9) by matrimonio.com; 10) by Maria Martius

Se ti risposerai ancora, sarò io il tuo maestro di cerimonie! Nei paesi nascosti tra i monti farò tessere alle vecchie nonne, trini e merletti delicati come la rugiada o i petali delle margherite con cui cucirti un vestito dal colore della luna, amica degli amanti e raccoglierò per te nei grandi giardini di limoni un bouquet di zagara profumata che arricchirò con gelsomini appena fioriti alle prime luci del sole. Sceglierò un luogo che nessuno ha mai visto per portarvi a promettervi amore, un luogo eterno come la vostra promessa come i grandi antichi templi, un luogo festoso come il vostro amore  come un antico teatro, un luogo forte ed invincibile come un castello perché così sarà la vostra fedeltà, un luogo ricco e lussuoso come un leggendario albergo perché così saranno i vostri domani, oppure una splendida isola circondata dal mare, ricca e feconda perché così saranno i vostri giorni futuri dove amore chiamerà amore, ed ogni giorni raccoglierai un sorriso; oppure sceglierò una grande caotica città che ai tuoi piedi aspetterà il vostro “Si” anche se voi non vi perderete mai nel suo caos, non lascerete mai che le vostre anime si sleghino sciogliendosi tra i vicoli rumorosi, non permetterete mai che i vostri cuori si dimentichino l’uno dell’altro nella confusione del giorno, resterete insieme per sempre, legati d’amore, con le vostre anime innestate una nell’altra a dare i fiori della vostra gioia e i frutti della vostra bellezza. Mentre ve ne andrete tra nuvole oscurate dal tramonto, vi donerò delle grandi ali, così lui ti porterà in alto, vicino alla luna e guardandoti negli occhi, ti darà il bacio di una vita. Chiuderai gli occhi per sentire il suo sapore di miele e di fuoco, di fiori e di tuono e ti sentirai cadere dentro la lava di porpora del vulcano. Scoprirai però che quella lava è in realtà solo petali di rosa perché in quel fuoco tra le sue braccia morirai mille volte e mille volte lui ti donerà la vita fino a quando non aprirai gli occhi e ti specchierai nei suoi occhi generosi come uva nera, luminosi comi ossidiana, indimenticabili come una notte d’amore vero ed allora, tra brindisi e dolci, inizieremo la festa che durerà una vita così che tutti ricorderanno il tuo secondo matrimonio, come il più bello mai visto, dove solo la tua felicità era più grande del suo sfarzo e grandezza.

If you still remarry, I will be your master of ceremonies! In the villages hidden in the mountains I will weave old grandmothers, trini and delicate lace like the dew or the petals of daisies with which to sew a moon-colored dress, lovers’ friend and I will gather for you in the large lemon gardens a bouquet of scented orange blossom which I will enrich with freshly planted jasmine in the first light of the sun. I will choose a place that no one has ever seen to bring you to promise you love, an eternal place like your promise like the great ancient temples, a festive place like your love as an ancient theater, a strong and invincible place like a castle because it will be your loyalty, a rich and luxurious place like a legendary hotel because this will be your tomorrow, or a beautiful island surrounded by the sea, rich and fertile because this will be your future days where love will call love, and every day you will gather a smile; or I will choose a big chaotic city that at your feet will wait for your “Yes” even if you will never lose in its chaos, you will never let your souls melt away melting into the noisy lanes, you will never allow your hearts to forget one another in the confusion of the day, you will remain together forever, bound with love, with your souls grafted into each other to give the flowers of your joy and the fruits of your beauty. As you go through clouds obscured by the sunset, I will give you big wings, so he will take you up, near the moon and looking into your eyes, he will give you the kiss of a lifetime. You will close your eyes to feel its taste of honey and fire, flowers and thunder and you will feel yourself falling into the purple lava of the volcano. You will find out, however, that that lava is actually only rose petals because in that fire in his arms you will die a thousand times and a thousand times he will give you life until you open your eyes and you will mirror in his eyes generous as black grapes, bright like obsidian, unforgettable as a night of true love and then, between toast and sweets, we will start the party that will last a lifetime so that everyone will remember your second marriage, as the most beautiful ever seen, where only your happiness was greater of its splendor and grandeur.

[omgselinabeckendorf]

I’ll Love You ‘Till the End

Warnings: Mentions of death/blood, character death.

The ending is where it gets really angsty...

@shima-draws

________________________________________________________________

The rock trapped the final member. A young boy, around 15 or so, stood a few feet away from the structure, looking around the clearing. He and his friends bad been traveling for months to find the secrets of the black rocks and, it was hoped, to find a solution to free the boys father, who has been trapped in a crystal he created for a year. (Long story, don't ask.)

Their adventure was a success to the highest degree. Rapunzel had found the way to destroy the black rocks that had been plaguing the Kingdom of Corona in times of late, and Varian found a way to free his father (It was a very happy reunion with plenty of tears), and actually found something he wasn't looking for: Love.

Yes, he had to admit, he had fallen for the young noble who had run away from home to join them on their quest. When he fell in love with Altair, he wasn't certain. All he knew was that he was head-over-heels for this boy.

Once his father was freed, life was good. He and his dad catched up, thankfully he forgave him for all the horrible stuff he did (I said it was a long story), his friends were reunited with their families and they came to visit a lot. And then the Order came.

The Order of the Moon had been looking for Varian specifically for years, all because he held the powers of the Moondrop, sister of the legendary Sundrop, their lives purpose. Quirin insisted they run, not wanting to lose his son to them as he lost his wife, but Varian stood form. He couldn't just run forever, especially if his friends were in danger.

Relenting, Quirin allowed them to stay. When they finally found them, Varian, Altair, Quirin, Rapunzel, Cassandra, Eugene, Lance, Ruddiger, Pascal and Max all fought valiantly. Rapunzel and Varian had to put their power of controlling the rocks to the test, but they pulled through. Or, so they thought.

Varian looked around the clearing where the battle took place. Seeing all of his friends and family unharmed, he let his guard down. This proved to be a big mistake.

A monster had crept up behind him, it's hideous face hidden by shadows, not making a sound, it's claws sharp as an eagle's talons. By the time his friends saw the danger he was in, they were too far away to help. Except Altair.

As the creature raised its class, preparing to slash Varian into pieces, Altair rushed forward and shoved him away, getting hit himself. With a cry of pain, Altair fell on his back onto the soft grass, three claw marks across his torso, beginning to bleed.

Varian had rolled from the force for the push, coming to a stop on in his stomach. He looked up to the creature lumbering toward Altair, going in for the kill.

“No!” He cried, reaching a hand out. At his silent command, a black spike shot from the ground. Faster than lightning, the spike impaled the creature in the heart. The spike retracting, the monster fell over, dead. It's corpse turned to dust and flew away in the nonexistent wind.

The rest of the group had rushed over to help only to stop dead in their tracks, horror in their eyes and on their faces. Varian didn't have time to dwell on the fact he just took a life, Altair needed help. Now.

He rushed up and ran to Altair’s side. His eyes were closed, his face pale. His white shirt was soaked with blood, fastly approaching death. “No, no no no.” Varian muttered, trying to think of what could save him. Rapunzel’s healing powers were still broken, so she couldn't help even if she wanted to. A drop of rain landed on his hair, but he didn't notice. He was too focused on his crush, his friend, who was dying.

“Altair, come on. Come on, Al, stay with me. Please.” He begged, his mind comi up with nothing except one thing. It didn't work before, it had to now. He did have any other choice.

“Flower, gleam and glow. Lead me through the night.” He sang, his hair flowing a pale blue. He had taken off his glove and had put his hand on one of the claw marks, quickly making his hand red.

“Guide those who needs route. Tell what's wrong, what's right.” He continued to sing, his voice shaky with sobs. It didn't work. That was the thing about his healing ability. He could only heal himself, which was helpful when he hurt himself doing alchemy with his Dad, but it was utterly useless now.

Tears started to pour out of his pale blue eyes as the song was interrupted by the boys sobs, the blue glow slowly disappearing from his hair, returning ebony black with that strange blue streak in his bangs. “Son?” His dad asked behind him. He walked up to child and put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“No!” Varian yelled out, shaking the hand off of him. “What's the point of having powers of you can't use them to protect the ones you love?!” He demanded, breaking down. The gang bowed their heads, the rain starting to pour harder.

Varian cried into Altair's chest. It didn't move up and down to indicate that he was breathing. His skin was cold and pale, his heart had stopped beating. He was gone.

The rain has made it difficult to tell the difference between the raindrops and the tears. The only thing that could be heard was the heartbroken sobs of the boy who cried over the loss of the love of his life, of the boy who had already suffered enough.

That night, it was as if the rain cried with them.  

[tokupedia]

SPECIAL SAIKOU!: Superhero Showcase: Gatchaman Pt.2 : Ken Washio

Ken Washio is the young leader of the Ninja Team and has a strong sense of justice. In his civilian life, he is a test pilot, but when duty calls he becomes G-1 aka Ken the Eagle! While he started out as a basic hero, Ken eventually evolved into a more rash character who constantly put his own life in danger and sometimes let his righteousness and desire to defeat evil bring out a darker side to him. Though he always had his friends such as Joe to keep him from going too far.

He battled the forces of Galactor and both he and his teammates nobly sacrificed themselves to end the leader of Galactor and destroy the anti-matter asteroid Poison Apple (Comic book logic, just go with it). Ken then died from the exhaustion of the long battle against Galactor and his own ailments at the hands of Delta Energy radiation exposure as the asteroid exploded, saving billions of humans on Earth. Though the final scene leaves this ambiguous, as the G-Mechas activated automatically on their own and form the Firebird, heading back towards Earth.

Ken Dies. (Ya know, FOR KIDS!)

Costume Evolution:

Classic ‘72 suit

As stated in the main Gatchaman file, Tatsuo Yoshida was influenced by his  interest in American superheroes. One must simply look at Classic Ken’s outfit to see elements of it: The cape, boomerang and belt are influenced by Adam West and Neal Adams-era Batman in brighter colors and a chest emblem is right in the center of the eye’s view like Superman’s “S” shield.

Classic Ken’s suit is a fan favorite among superhero lovers, otaku and the comics community, including Alex Ross.

1994 OVA suit

Sleeker, sharper and representing the more reserved style of 1990s superhero costumes rather than the Miller/Liefeld era guns n’ muscles variety. While Tatsuo was long gone by this point, Tasunoko kept to the American style in which their founder intended Gatchaman to be. Influence in theory alludes a bit more to Superman, as the emblem is on the cape like Superman’s “S” shield was on his costume’s cape back in the day. Design is missing the utility belt, which looks a little weird as the holster for the Birdrang just latches to the waist of the costume.

NTT Ken

The dawn of the new millennium saw another new look for Ken, albeit a brief one. Given the evolution of American superheroes from page to movie screen, it theoretically draws influence from late 90s DC Comics as well as the late 90s Batman movies.

Cape is shorter and reaches only to above the ankles or calves. Utility belt has a bronze and red “G” buckle and metallic silver pouches, midnight blue collar  on the neck and neckline of the costume. Gloves are now white and the G-Brace is on the right hand. Suit has less white coloring and more dark blues on the legs and boots. Chest is more armored to protect Ken from high caliber gun fire.

2013 live action suit

This design has no counterpart other than theoretically the Dark Knight films, as it is heavily armored and removes the superhero aesthetics for a military inspired combat suit. The recognizable bird motif has also been removed in addition to the utility belt (again). Small Gatchaman bird emblem is on the right shoulder pad as is the team unit designation G-1. Cape is a very basic and generic superhero style (and retractable) and the costume is heavier in blue and silver colors on the body.

Powers and Abilities:

Skilled in ninjitsu, boomerang throwing, sword combat and piloting aircraft. Special “Bird Style” suit enhances his strength and allows him to glide in the air to fly or move with enhanced speed.

The live action movie version had gained super powers using the power of a crystal McGuffin stone and mutant genes activated by it to make him superhuman. Flight with a supersonic top speed, gravity manipulation, super strength. (The main draw of the series was that Gatchaman had no super powers per se and used advanced tech gear and their various skills to save the day, so this misses the point.)

Signature Attacks/weapons:

Birdrang (sometimes referred to as the Bird Run): A crescent boomerang which resembles a bird, used to KO Galactor grunts or disarm them Batman-style. (Speaking of Batman: Robin from the Teen Titans Cartoon and Ame-Comi Batgirl use batarangs that resemble Ken’s legendary weapon!)

Bird Saucer: An upgrade from the Birdrang, the Bird Saucer was a collapsible bladed discus that could slice a target or kill Galactor goons.

Shock Gun: Modular gun weapon with multiple attachments/settings for different tasks. Could be equipped with explosive charge rounds or a stun function

Gatchaman Fencer: A collapsible sword that can be energized into a energy charged blade for hacking, cleaving and slashing up mechanical menaces.

Science Ninja Art: Tornado Fighter: The Bird Style suit releases a powerful energy burst from the belt buckle that creates a huge gust of wind. Usually a team attack due to the tremendous strain and danger of only one single person using it. Despite this, the technique would later be used by Ken alone in the Infni-T Force manga.

Science Ninja Art: Kage No Bunshin: The OVA version of the suit could project ninja clones via hard light hologram projections emitted from the suit.

Science Ninja Art: Bird Flash: OVA only. The suit emits a blinding light to disorient foes.

Science Ninja Art: Hypershoot: Ken activates the Delta Power generators on the Gatchaspartan and brings them to full power. Once fully charged, his ship the Gatcha 1 separates from the main ship and Ken surfs on top of Gatcha 1 with an energized Gatchaman Fencer. Ken then uses the sword’s 2,000,000 kW of Delta Energy it has channeled to cleave giant mecha like a hot knife though butter and finishes them off by ramming it with the Gatchaspartan and using his blade to tear the evil robots apart from the inside.

The Hypershoot was upgraded twice, once to use the whole ship as a rainbow enveloped wedge battering ram surrounded in Delta Energy and the Ultra Hypershoot which engulfs the ship in a white hot aura that can shatter enemy shields and gives Ken an invincibility aura for a few minutes, which allows him to battle even in the vacuum of space. Downside to this attack is it leaves Ken in a weakened state and Delta Energy is a form of radiation that will slowly kill him if continuously used.

Infini-T Force

The modern Ken in civilian mode.

The new modern look for the Eagle. Overall, it looks to be made of Kevlar armor with cloth fabric and metal plating. Keeps a lot of the classic look of the ‘72 suit but with a few tweaks like the lines on the chest and legs. Utility Belt now has heptagonal pouches and a black band.

Ken is the first hero to materialize in the “real world” thanks to Kyoko’s Probability Pen and her wish for someone to save her during a robbery.

[hotspotsmagazine]

What’s Hot South Florida Aug. 30– Sep. 2

Thursday, August 30

The Stonewall Museum and Archives presents Bent – MOVIE NIGHT at 6pm at Hagen Park Community Center – Wilton Manors (2020 Wilton Dr). Free to attend with a suggested donation of $5. This program is presented as part of the exhibition Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933 – 1945, in partnership with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Renowned British stage director Sean Mathias directs Martin Sherman’s “powerful and provocative” (The New York Times) screenplay about one man’s struggle to maintain his dignity while imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. Featuring exceptional performances by Lothaire Bluteau (Black Robe), Clive Owen (Gosford Park), Brian Webber, Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring) and Mick Jagger, Bent will “grab filmgoers by the heart” (Rex Reed)! Refreshments provided courtesy of Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.

Friday, August 31

My good friend, Marco Perez is hosting a new night on South Beach at Club Vibes (1429 Washington Avenue). If Marco is there, you know he will be bringing his sexy Go-Go dancers. There is no cover and they are open until 4am!

The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA….770 NE 125th Street) is pleased to welcome two-time Grammy nominated artist Elsten Torres, more widely known as “Fulano,” for a special performance as part of its monthly “Jazz at MOCA” series at 8pm. Fulano, Cuban-born singer and songwriter, was raised in New York City, and currently resides in Miami. His multicultural upbringing paired with his talents in singing, songwriting, and guitar, result in a unique rhythmic kaleidoscope of sound. Gather your friends and family to enjoy the jazz rhythms of Elsten “Fulano” Torres under the stars, free to the public, rain or shine!  For more info, go to: mocanomi.org.

From today until September 9, the Club Fort Lauderdale is featuring their annual “Coupon Sale” where for $84 you can get 9 visits (normally this would be 7 visits).

“Business Storytelling Workshop” Networking Breakfast by Dale Carnegie Training takes place from 9-11am at Atton Brickell Miami (1500 SW 1st Avenue). Humans have been using stories as a form of communication in every culture throughout our history. Our brains are programmed to pay special attention to them, as evidenced by the surge in neural activity that takes place when we hear a story. They are used to share experiences, promote values, build community, or simply to entertain. Regardless of the story’s purpose, choosing to communicate in the form of a story will make you more interesting and memorable.  This event will be part of the MDGLCC-U and thier YPN (Young Professional Network – a joint initiative with the GVSC (Gay Vista Social Club)) series of events. Admission: Members ($30)/Others ($40). Price includes breakfast and workshop.

Electra returns home from her summer tour and performs tonight at 9:30pm at the Pub.

Twist presents “Brazilian Heat” with a special appearance by sexy Brazilian DJ Binho Uckermann.

Saturday, September 1

Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar salutes “The Working Man” starring DJ Mike James and sexy dancers.

The Ramrod presents Pig Dance #121 (first Saturday of every month) from 10pm to 3am with this month’s guest DJ Bryan Hukill.

The Club Fort Lauderdale features their bi-monthly (1st and 3rd Saturday of the month) Res-Erection Naked Blackout event at 10p.m. This is always a sold-out event, so get there early!  Also, today, Sunday and Monday (Labor Day Weekend) they feature a poolside luncheon at 1 pm.

The Manor Complex presents DJ/Producer/, the legendary Tony Moran spinning in the ballroom along with novelty acts, beautiful dances and productions. In the Ivy Dance Room and Patio, Noche Latina Saturdays presents, back by popular demand, special guest DJ Ricardo Torres. The night will be hosted by Sasha Lords along with special guests and Sexy Latin Go-Go Papi’s! Saturdays at the Manor is from 11pm to 4 am and feature NO COVER before midnight (FL Res) and only $7 for members after midnight and $10 for non-members (18-20 – $12 all night).

Sunday, September 2

The Boardwalk presents a “Glow Party” with the grand opening of the Patio and featuring Adult male video stars the “Stax Twins” live on stage. They will also feature a free BBQ from 6-8pm.

Flip Flops Dockside Eatery presents their monthly T Dance (first Sunday of the month) from 4 to 7p.m., hosted by Amanda Austin with DJ Robert Lavalle spinning and this month’s special guests: Dee Dee Van Carter, Carmen Adore, and Kitty Meow. 

The Pub presents “BrutBears” Bear Necessi-T Dance from 4 to 10pm with DJ Alex Ferbeyre, and sexy Go-Go bear Dancers.

Hot Stuff

Silk Laser + Aesthetics Centre (924 Federal Highway) has some incredible specials to take advantage of. They are: Get Your Energy On with a B12 Shot for only $20; laser hair removal nose and ears $35; and Dare to be Bare, Smooth by Silk- laser hair removal of buttocks with perianal $175 reg. $260. For more information call them at 954-462-7455.

This is HOT

Grammy Award-nominated, multiplatinum, record-breaking superstar Ariana Grande recently released the highly anticipated fourth studio album, Sweetener, via Republic Records.  The album debuted at #1 in over 90 countries on the iTunes Album Chart.  Sweetener includes three previously released tracks, “No Tears Left To Cry” now officially certified RIAA PLATINUM, “The Light Is Coming”, and current second single “God Is A Woman”. 

“God Is A Woman” was released alongside the female empowered music video directed by Grammy Award-winning director Dave Meyer.  Meyers also directed the music videos for “The Light Is Coming” and “No Tears Left to Cry”, and all three videos combined have now been streamed on VEVO over 600 million times.

Also available, fans have the chance to purchase limited edition Sweetener merchandise and music at https://shop.arianagrande.com/.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/08/29/whats-hot-south-florida-aug-30-sep-2/