#requested starter

[compelledcurator]

Everyone had their roles and Gambit was content in his but with Rogue acting different towards him, no one else fully trusted him. He didn't blame them, Gambit himself refused to see past his time with the Thieves guild.

He'd been letting off steam at a downtown bar known as a mutant hang out spot. He'd gotten there a little later then usual and tonight was poker night, He smirks.

Ordering a Bourbon he observes the players. One caught his eye, Young guy kind of reminded Gambit of himself in his more youthful days, he was secretly routing for him to win.

Not much else was happening, the news was highlighting some anti mutant protest and the music was mostly country. While Gambit wasn't here for the entertainment he often made his way home a little lighter then when he'd first got here and for now at least, he needed that.

The casual setting also made it less likely to be called out for being an X-Man, Since no one outside of the mansion really saw Gambit. His layered hair up in a mid pony, Favourite Crop top and jean combo and it was like he was invisible. Sometimes the odd person would linger but he'd wink or smile and they'd blush and move on.

His attention was drawn to a young woman, she was attractive to say the least but out place here. Suspicion was in his blood, his gaze followed her all the way up to the bar, he strained to hear over the music and people. He thought about moving closer but he knew that was too obvious. He'd opted to observe her the same way he did with the poker player.

If she made her way any closer maybe he could subtlety join her, She was like seeing a Griffin walk into a bar, she had a powerful aura about her and this was a back alley dive bar, not the place a Griffin goes he thought to himself.

[adventures-written]

@fatedstrands

It was another late night, alone and without Jayce. He had tried to stop caring what the man was up to, but there was a feeling of discomfort. Of betrayal. He seemed so focused now on his new role with the counsel that he forgot all about their ambitions. About why they were doing this to begin with.

And now he was dying. Inching closer and closer to death with every moment. It wouldn't be long now, and it seemed no matter how hard he pushed, his life was going to come to a halt fairly quickly.

He runs a hand over his tired face, feeling the strain of lack of sleep tugging at him. Perhaps he should take a small break to get some water. Some walking might wake up and jog his mind, after all. Viktor reaches beside him and takes hold of his cane, positioning it to help leverage himself onto his feet. It took a moment to adjust to being on his feet, but he began to head towards the door when it happened.

It started with a soft crackle, which only grew louder. Turning back, he looked towards the desk with confusion. Somehow, the Hexcore was acting up on its own. It was not the first time it had done this, but he watched with tired curiosity to see what would happen. The device began to swirl and spin, the pieces seeming to open up as blue energy swirled around it.

He expected it to fizzle out, as it had before, but the core seemed to keep going, suddenly forming growing plant matter that seemed to come from within the core itself. He grips his cane, stepping back towards the desk with a fixation of curiosity as the plant matter grows and grows, but instead of dying, as it had previously done, it seemed to be holding itself. Carefully, he reaches a hand out to touch the item, but pulls his hand back quickly as a burst of energy seems to explode from the device, knocking him back. He stumbles and falls to the ground, wincing in pain.

Viktor looks towards the growing plant matter, watching as it seems to form a figure -- a whole person. In the blue glow, it almost looked as though the person had wings. He frowns, shaking his head and rubbing at his eyes. Surely he was seeing things. His gaze returned to the figure, which was now formed and whole, standing on his desk. The Hexcore seemed to calm down, slowing its circling and coming to a standstill on the desk beside the figure.

He finds himself staring in both fascination and confusion at the figure, "...Who are you?"

[helluva-hazbins]

@exorcisticlute

It had all been a long and arduos process. More than the first man had wanted to admit. But this current project was one he was excited for amd deeply invested in. It would result in another of his girls for the troop and he had a really good feeling for the outcome this time.

There she was, suspended, not yet conscious. The other angels within the department tended away, checking status, vitals, marking reports. It was all standard shit and he had, had his role in it too. Finally it was time, he went over to her pod-side as the cover released, advanced formed light shield phasing away. He leaned over, an eyebrow raised in question, golden eyes seeking out signs of achieved success.

And he catches it, subtle at first, she's stirring and beginning to blink, he smirks.

"I'ma call you Lute, perfect name for the bad bitch I know you're gonna fuckin' be! And it has a great sound to it! It fuckin' rocks!"

[timeguardians]

@mxrshaldillon saving Belle from Gaston

Belle flinches as Gaston's fingers snare about her slender wrists. His grib is painfully tight. In spite of this, she's trying to be polite. However, the employment of manners were getting her nowhere.

She digs her heels into the dustied road as he tries to drag her along. "NO! Wait!!!" She growls. Before she can save the novel she had been reading, it is ripped from her fingers and tossed down in a battered heap.

His eyes glint nastily as warns the brunette that she'll be too busy for trivial pursuits before attempting to land an unwanted kiss. Her free hand anchors against his chest and attempts to propel her form away from him. To her relief, there are footsteps approaching. And she prays that it is not Gaston's croonie LeFou.

[risenwings]

@primeguarded requested a starter!

muse roulette

Narrowed optics regard the other, white wings flaring defensively and in some small amount of irritation. "Where did you come from?" Pharma doesn't bother masking the same in his tone.

[delightindarkness]

"You know.....I was wondering if maybe you could help me?" Bucky muttered, never having been good at accepting help. He was never one to ask either.

He was quiet a long moment. Trying to find the right words.

"I still have nightmares all the time."

@hcxcd

[mcflymemes]

PROMPTS FOR FEELING SAFE / EXPRESSING COMFORT * assorted dialogue, adjust as necessary, send "reverse" for the reversal of action prompts. suggested by judgementdaysunshine

DIALOGUE PROMPTS

i haven't felt like this in a very long time.

i wanted to thank you for protecting me back there.

you stepped in when you didn't need to.

for once in my life, i feel safe.

this place gives me a good feeling.

i feel safe in your arms.

it's been a while since i slept through the night without any nightmares.

i could get used to this.

i won't let anything happen to you.

you make me feel safe.

you didn't have to step in and help me, but you did, and i appreciate that.

no one's ever stood up for me like that before.

my whole life has been filled with conflict and pain. not anymore.

maybe i'll finally know peace with you.

we deserve an easy life.

you're my port in the storm.

i can't tell you the last time i actually felt safe.

you know me. i don't let my guard down for just anyone.

something changed to make me feel this way.

you're safe here with me.

they won't come after you, and if they do? they'll have to go through me.

it feels nice, being here with you.

you make me feel like i can accomplish anything.

i can be myself with you.

we're looking out for you.

you won't judge me for the things i say.

just stay here a while, if you don't mind.

so this is what safety feels like.

i can finally breathe again.

nothing can touch you while i'm here.

you can go back to sleep. it's safe.

no one will hurt you anymore.

my life is in your hands.

promise me you won't abandon me?

i'll be right here when you wake up.

you taught me how to protect myself.

ACTION PROMPTS

[ lean ] sender slowly leans into receiver's shoulder and rests there for a while

[ sleep ] sender manages to fall asleep in receiver's presence

[ snuggle ] sender snuggles closer to receiver as they sleep

[ reach ] sender reaches for receiver in their sleep

[ shelter ] sender uses their body to shield receiver from danger

[ seek ] sender seeks out receiver for a protective hug

[ choose ] sender has plenty of options on where to sit in a crowded space, but chooses to sit directly beside receiver

[ reassurance ] in a tense moment, sender takes one of receiver's hands to hold

[ stay here ] sender guides receiver to a safe place and tells them to wait there while they deal with a problem

[ interrupt ] sender stops a confrontation between receiver and someone else, stepping between them and coming to receiver's defense

[ home ] sender shows receiver their new home

[ nightmare ] sender comforts receiver after they wake up from a nightmare

[poohsources]

🐝  *  ―  𝑺𝑨𝑪𝑹𝑰𝑭𝑰𝑪𝑬𝑺 𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺.

GENERAL ❛  run! i'll hold them off for as long as i can.  ❜ ❛  i can buy you some time. go, now!  ❜ ❛  i cause this, and i'll be the one to fix it. no matter the cost.  ❜ ❛  it's the only way!  ❜ ❛  no matter what it takes, i won't let anything happen to you.  ❜ ❛  i need to make this right. this is my only chance.  ❜ ❛  i'll go through this so we have a chance. it's a risk worth taking.  ❜ ❛  you're more important than me. so let me do this to save you.  ❜ ❛  putting your needs ahead of mine is the only way i know.  ❜ ❛  can't you see i'm trying to save you?  ❜ ❛  i'll promise to keep you safe for as long as i can.  ❜ ❛  you know i'd jump in front of a bullet for you, right?  ❜ ❛  there are some people worth dying for ...  ❜ ❛  i trusted you with everything, and this is how you repay me?  ❜ ❛  i promise, i'm gonna do everything in my power to protect you.  ❜ ❛  i'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove my worth to you.  ❜ ❛  you don't have to sacrifice yourself for me. we're in this together.  ❜ ❛  are you sure you want to give up your only chance at freedom?  ❜ ❛  go! i'm not sure how much longer i can hold on ...  ❜ ❛  forget about me and save yourself. please.  ❜

LOVE / RELATIONSHIPS ❛  i love you, but you deserve better than what i can offer.  ❜ ❛  your happiness means more to me than my own.  ❜ ❛  i have to let you go, even if it breaks my heart.  ❜ ❛  i'll support your dreams, even if it means letting go of mine.  ❜ ❛  if this is truly what you need, i'll go.  ❜ ❛  you're worth waiting for. no matter how long it takes until you come back.  ❜ ❛  this is going against everything i stand for, but i'll do it for you.  ❜ ❛  you will always have my unwavering support.  ❜ ❛  your smile is worth the sacrifices i'm willing to make.  ❜ ❛  sometimes, there are more important things than me. you, for example.  ❜ ❛  i will always love you, but we're not good for one another. so i'm letting you go.  ❜ ❛  you deserve to find happiness with someone who isn't as destructive as me.  ❜ ❛  you will always be my first choice, but i know i'll never be yours, and that's okay.  ❜ ❛  no matter what happens, you will always hold a special place in my heart.  ❜ ❛  i'm gonna do whatever it takes to make you smile again.  ❜ ❛  you make me wanna be better. you make me wanna be good.  ❜ ❛  you don't have to sacrifice your dreams just to fulfill mine.  ❜ ❛  if you don't want to be with me anymore, just say so and go.  ❜ ❛  i won't let you make any more decisions for me!  ❜ ❛  remember, i'm doing this because i love you.  ❜

[onebug]

Heyooo

Since I've seen you've been drawing some pokemon lately, could we have some of ur favorite starters...?

my go-to salad order!!

[lunaetis]

one-liner call ! most likely would be slight pre-est. pls specify who you want ( if you dont i'm defaulting to either eden or yinyue. ) you’re more than welcomed ( and encouraged ) to go wild with your response / lengthen it to your heart’s content ! multi pls let me know who it’s for !

[superfam]

THE SUPERMAN STARTER READING LIST

SO – you want to read Superman comics, but you’re intimidated by the near-century of history this character has. Or, you’ve read a few comics with him, but you want to go back to the basics to understand his character and the mythology surrounding him. There are so many continuities, origin stories, and standalones – where do you start? Well…

[Image ID: a cropped edit of the Superman ‘78 #3 variant cover by Lee Weeks, showing Lois Lane sitting on the letters of the Daily Planet globe, and Clark flying above her in his Superman costume, reaching out to take her hand. Hand-written next to them is: "THE SUPERMAN STARTER READING LIST", and hand-written in the bottom right corner is: "by MYTHIC / superfam.tumblr.com". End ID.]

This list isn’t intended to be a full, comprehensive guide to Superman’s decades of history, but a curated taster of Clark Kent in the comics medium. It aims to show you a variety of interpretations from different authors of different contexts, but with the broad goal of helping newcomers understand the heart of the character. Not every comic is able to sum up all aspects of Superman, and some could be argued to miss certain points, but each one has been selected for this list for the goal of conveying the history and breadth of his interpretations.

It’s intended to be accessible to both long-dedicated comics fans and people who are new to the DC universe, or even the medium as a whole. As such, new fans are welcome to enjoy each story as a standalone interpretation.

Please understand that this list is built from my own experience with the character, and I don’t claim it to be better or worse than any other – it’s just one way to approach his history. Essentially, I’m attempting to create the sort of list I wish I had access to when first reading Superman comics. I highly encourage the reader to form their own interpretations of each work.

With all that out of the way, please enjoy!

[Image ID: An edit of Gary Frank's artwork from Superman: Secret Origin. A slightly battered Clark in his Superman outfit embraces Jimmy with his right arm and Lois with his left. All three are smiling. The background, which depicts a disaster scene and a defeated Lex Luthor chained to a building, is covered in a translucent blue overlay. Hand-written next to Clark is: "ORIGINS". End ID.]

SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN #1-6 (2009-2010) Geoff Johns & Gary Frank

Just a couple years before the 2011 reboot of the DC Universe, a new definitive origin story was created for a Superman post-Infinite Crisis (a major event which had changed the status quo of the multiverse).

Secret Origin is only six issues long, and a great, efficient introduction to Clark Kent and Superman. It focuses on telling Clark’s origins from his own perspective, as a hero but also simply as a person. It also does a good job of setting up important supporting characters including Lois, Jimmy, Perry, and Lex.

SUPERMAN: BIRTHRIGHT #1-12 (2003-2004) Mark Waid, Leinil Francis Yu & Gerry Alanguilan

Though replaced by Secret Origin only a few years later, Birthright was written as the definitive origin story to overwrite Byrne’s 1986 reboot of the character. It was intended to bring Superman into the new century, and be more consistent with his modern interpretations. It is also influenced by the popularity of the TV series Smallville.

Birthright is longer and covers aspects of the Superman mythos in further depth, including dynamics between Clark, Lex, and the city of Metropolis, kryptonite, and Krypton in general. Due to its extended length, it also covers more on Clark’s relationship with his powers and heritage.

I highly recommend reading both modern preboot origins to experience different interpretations with different influences and intentions, even only a few years apart.

[Image ID: An edit of Tim Sale's artwork from Superman: For All Seasons. On the right, Clark lies on his bed, looking to the left with a wistful expression and with a hand on his dog curled up next to him. The background, which is his cluttered bedroom in Smallville, is overlaid with translucent grey. Hand-written to the left of Clark is: "INTROSPECTION". End ID.]

SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN #1-3 (2019) Gene Luen Yang & Gurihiru

This standalone story is set in 1946, and primarily draws upon the Golden and Silver Ages as inspiration. It’s an adaptation of an episode of The Adventures of Superman radio series, “The Clan of the Fiery Cross”, which famously dealt a major hit to the KKK’s operations in America by influencing public perceptions.

The story follows Clark as well as siblings Roberta and Tommy, two Chinese-American kids who have recently moved to the Metropolis suburbs, as they uncover and fight a local chapter of the KKK. The story explores themes of immigrant identity and self-acceptance in Clark and the kids’ narratives – it presents important concepts from Superman’s history, straight from the heart of his character, in a really effective way.

SUPERMAN: FOR ALL SEASONS #1-4 (1998) Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale

This miniseries has four issues, each corresponding to a season and narrated by an important person in Clark’s life (in order: Jonathan ‘Pa’ Kent, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, Lana Lang). Tim Sale’s beautifully detailed and expressive art captures the complex emotions drawn out by having your life touched by Clark Kent, which works really well with the personal, confessional style of the narration. It’s a very intimate work.

It’s a great insight into both the triumphs and very personal struggles of Clark through the inner voices of some of the most important people in his life, and captures what makes his character work really well.

FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING (SUPERMAN (1939) ANNUAL #11) (1985) Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons

This is a single-issue annual from right before the DC universe was rebooted, and (unsurprisingly for Moore) explores some philosophical and ideological questions regarding the Man of Steel. On his ‘birthday’, Superman falls prey to an alien organism called The Black Mercy, which feeds on its victims while keeping them complacent with vivid hallucinations of their greatest desires. Clark hallucinates a still-living Krypton, which he is a part of – but perhaps not everything is perfect.

SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC (ACTION COMICS #866-870) (2008) Geoff Johns & Gary Frank

Before retelling Superman’s beginnings in Secret Origin, Johns and Frank collaborated on this story arc which massively changes the status quo, partially by reintroducing a variety of pre-Crisis concepts including the original Brainiac and the bottled city Kandor. If you liked Secret Origin, you’ll probably like this one.

As this is our first story arc rather than self-contained story, it has more references to the ongoing continuity but is still easy enough to understand without that context. This story also prominently features Kara Zor-El as Supergirl and expands on some cosmic lore and Krypton in general.

SUPERMAN: UP IN THE SKY #1-6 (2019-2020) Tom King & Andy Kubert

This is an accessible, self-contained exploration of the extent of Superman’s moral fibre, following Clark as he attempts to save a single girl who was abducted from Earth and taken into space. It’s quite abstract at points with the questions it asks about themes of compassion and commitment, which I think is conveyed particularly well in the panelling and artwork.

[Image ID: An edit of Frank Quitely's artwork from All Star Superman. Clark in his Superman outfit is flying with his arms outstretched. The top half of his face is cut off. The background is an abstract depiction of the heart of the sun, and has been overlaid with a translucent orange. Handwritten beneath Clark is: "INTERPRETING AND RE-INTERPRETING". End ID.]

THE K-METAL FROM KRYPTON (drafted 1940, restored 2004-2011) Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster Studio

The K-Metal from Krypton is an unpublished and unfinished comic from 1940, written by Superman creator Jerry Siegel, and drafted by the studio of the other Superman creator, Joe Shuster. After being lost for decades, the story has slowly been recovered and restored by Superman fans.

Though this one is much more unconventional than the other items on the list, I think it’s extremely important to Superman’s history and generally understanding him as a character. It comes from a time when creative control of their character was being taken from Siegel and Shuster, and though it is unknown why this story was unpublished, that’s a major point of context to keep in mind.

This draft sets up the predecessor to kryptonite in the Superman comics – “K-Metal” – and also contains a scene where Clark reveals his identity to Lois, and they agree to be partners in helping others. This is a major departure from the status quo of Clark keeping his secret from Lois as she tries to uncover it, which would continue for the rest of the Golden and Silver Ages.

The restoration effort can be read online: http://theages.superman.nu/k-metal/splash.php

THE MAN OF STEEL #1-6 (1986) John Byrne & Dick Giordano

This limited series is the immediate post-Crisis origin story and reinvention of Superman. It wasn’t put in the Origins section because I think from a modern perspective it shouldn’t be an introduction to Clark, but rather something you read to understand the history of his character.

It originated major changes in the Superman mythology, some of which have become instilled in it (such as Lex Luthor and Lois Lane’s modern characterisations), and others which have been forgotten or discarded.

One major thing is the great effort this origin made to make Clark American over being Kryptonian… Byrne has expressed great distaste of portrayals of Superman which emphasise his immigrant identity, and that should be kept in mind while critically reading this work.

ALL-STAR SUPERMAN #1-12 (2005-2008) Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely

Arguably the most critically acclaimed Superman comic, this has been saved for late in the list as I believe it’s enhanced with more context of and experience with Clark. This is a series which explores the nature of storytelling and legacy, which was created with the aim of creating a timeless Superman story.

When Superman learns he will soon die, what does he reflect on? What does he change? This is heavily inspired by, and is a love letter to, Silver Age Superman.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE MAN OF TOMORROW? (SUPERMAN #423 & ACTION COMICS #583) (1986) Alan Moore, Curt Swan & George Pérez

Written in the wake of Crisis on Infinite Earths, this is another story about Superman ‘dying’, and is essentially a great mediation on and send-off to the Silver Age incarnation of the character. It refers to itself as an “imaginary” story, and can be seen as one concrete ending for this version of Clark Kent and the rest of the Superman characters, in a medium with few.

It can be found in a collection with For the Man Who Has Everything.

SUPERMAN: RED AND BLUE #1-6 (2021) Various

To finish off our starter reading list, let’s move from Superman’s end to his future. This is an anthology of short stories from various authors and artists, exploring a spread of visions of the Man of Tomorrow.

I think it’s an appropriate end for this starter exploration of Clark Kent’s many interpretations! As with all anthologies, it has its ups and downs in quality, but as a whole I truly believe it captures the heart of this character.

Thank you for reading all this way. I really hope this reading list helps you delve into the character of Superman and inspires you to read further beyond what I’ve suggested here.

Most of all, I hope it helps at least some people grow to love Clark Kent as much as I have.

A PDF version of this reading list is available here.

[compelledcurator]

Hunting trips were always different from each other, even when hunting the same monster. This one was no exception, two weeks to find, plan and kill a ghost. Dean was alone this time and that's the excuse for taking his time and not that he was unprepared.

Several mistakes later and he was done, Ghost dealt with and he was in the mood for strong whiskey and good time. He noticed a local bar wasn't too far from his motel, he'd yet to go in and tonight was his to blow off steam.

He entered to some live music, a mix of country and rock. He wasn't appalled though it was exactly his taste either. Dean sat at the end of the bar and ordered himself a top shelf whiskey. The smooth alcoholic drink warmed his throat and released a smokey after taste.

Smiling to himself he felt good. He would never get the recognition all hunters deserved but he did his job and he did it well. He turned to face to band and take in the music, a handful of people had joined the dancefloor and everyone seemed in good spirits.

Especially the curvy Bruinette that kept catching his eye and stealing his focus. While Dean was generally unbothered about women, you can't have much of a dating life in this line of work anyway and he'd made his peace with that years ago. But tonight was his night off and come morning he'd be onto the next job in another town anyway, maybe tonight he could have a little fun.

With this in mind and a charming grin planted on his face, Dean ordered two more drinks and made his way over. No plan in mind, he was going to wing it and see if she's interested. Though he hoped she would be it wasn't going to kill his night if she wasn't, plenty more fish in the sea or whatever.

" Mind if I join " his tone was soft but full of alluring charm.

[celorangeine]

Can you draw Betty? The chick who works at the final cut in new coventry

YEAHHY betty 😆

[rpmemes-galore]

working out ... sentence starters

"Your form's great!"

"Skipping leg day?"

"Just broke my PR!"

"How many sets left?"

"This machine's open!"

"Damn, bro, looking good."

"Not skipping leg day I see."

"Need someone to spot you?"

"Almost done on this machine?"

"Nothing wrong with a rest day!"

"Can I get some of your pre-workout?"

"Your workout outfit's really cute/cool!"

"Sorry, just admiring myself in the mirror…"

"Your form's off, you're gonna hurt yourself."

"Just starting my cooldown, then it's all yours."

"Want to join me for some warm-up stretches?"

"Grab a yoga mat, it's a relaxing gym day today."

"Want me to show you how to use this machine?"

"I'm really proud of you for pushing yourself today."

"Do you want to sign up for a workout group with me?"

"Damn, I couldn't do half of what you do, it's impressive."

"Had to build up a lot of confidence to work out in public..."

"One more. C'mon, you can do one more, I believe in you!"

"You're looking really good, got some amazing muscle definition."

"My trainer says I should do more burpees. I'd rather stub my toe every hour for a day."

[timeguardians]

@charmermd requested a starter from Violet Mikami.

Vi couldn't help but snare her fingers about Frost's arms. "Woah! Wait!" Her words are a nearly breathless order. "That does NOT look like just a scratch." She rumbles almost protectively.

If Lizzie's going to be his girlfriend, Mikami suspected she had a higher obligation to look after him. "Why didn't you say anything?" Her eyes flash upwards to hone in on his.

[okayto]

my boss keeps denying my purchase suggestions for kinda-understandable but dumb reasons, so this is a reminder everyone but especially faculty and other teacher/mentor-type people at educational institutions and ESPECIALLY if you're at a religious or otherwise-constrained-by-people's-potential feelings-and-beliefs place, to suggest things you'd like to see or use at the library.

The worst they can do is say no, but suggestions from faculty and others in leader/mentor positions carry a LOT more weight than suggestions from me, the staff worker.

Signed,

A person whose request to buy a cheap D&D starter kit for our game collection was denied because we currently have no justification/basis to assume it would get classroom use and we're afraid of upsetting people who believed the Satanic Panic 35 years ago will reoccur through purchasing a leisure item with their donated money, apparently.