#since they give the character a reason to be a hero that we dont judge them for

[asha-mage]

I've been thinking about this post ever since I saw it a few days ago and it made me realize that this trend is in part, a result of our society as a whole deciding that wanting power or to be special is an inherently villainous trait, or at least an unsympathetic one.

Because the thing about being born special is that it's not a choice the character made. It's something that happened to them, and it is also inescapable and immutable. A character who is born special, born to be a hero, gets to resist and be reluctant and struggle against Specialiness. They get to lament how much their kick ass powers complicate their life, and how much they wish they could just go to normal school dances instead of God-Fairy mixers. They can prove to the audience again and again that they don't really want to be Special, and given the choice they would be anything but Special. Their are other ways to get a character in this situation (usually prophecies, happenstance, or just being chosen by some organization or individual who doesn't give them a say in their Specializes), but being born Special is just easier to write, and also usually gets combined with the others anyways.

But on the flip side someone who picks up a Special Item or works to be Special is committing a grievous sin: the pursuit of power and the conscious rejection of being Normal. If they could choose not to do the thing, or to put the item down, then they are an active agent in their own pursuit of Specialness, and society has trained us to think That Is Wrong. The unspoken implication is that any character who would choose power and Specialness is throwing away a more pure, simple, better existence in the name of their own desires, which is Bad. Only Bad Guys want power. Bad guys are greedy, grasping, discontent, and arrogant enough to think they deserve power and Specialness. If power corrupts, then those who seek it out are surely already inherently corrupt in some innate fashion, and thus at best unsympathetic.

But if the character is born special the audience has permission not to judge them. Having a normal/simple life is not an option, so we don't think less of them for not choosing that. We can't. As a result the character doesn't have to feel guilty about being a mermaid king, or a mega wizard, or a half angel or whatever, and that means the audience doesn't have to feel guilty for rooting them.

rudolph the red nosed reindeer

[roseworth]

vote in my poll boy but also im gonna skew my own results by giving my opinion. here’s my personal ranking of rose writers

sean mckeever: FRESH HELL <3 literally THE rose book. also tt03 #57 slayed. he ALMOST gets knocked down on the list because a) the fucking shitshow that was terror titans and b) he backtracked on like 3 different character arcs as soon as he started writing tt and it pisses me off. but he redeemed himself with fresh hell

geoff johns: i hate johns so much. but he solidified sooo much about rose as a character that he has pretty much the definitive rose. what he did completely defined rose's relationship with her father and her attitude towards the titans/being a hero in general. whether they realize it or not, every rose writer after johns is writing his version of her. as much as i hate him he is one of the best rose writers and i will stand by that

christopher priest: i have not made it a secret that i love ds16. there are some aspects of his characterization that i dont agree with but for the most part he killed it tbh. hating her dad but still coming back to him, loving her brother but still keeping him at arms length, HOSUN!!! HER HMONG FAMILY!!!!!!! ily priest

ed brisson: SLAY. the only reason he's not higher is because i dont like the fact in general that she chose to be on stormwatch (she would not do that), and he used baby rose in ktr and didnt even mention lili (and DID mention that foster family. im still mad). other than that!!! everything about her struggle to be a good person in batb was soooo good, and so much about ktr was so good for her <3 thank u mr brisson

marv wolfman: i feel a little bad not ranking him higher given that. he created rose. but she doesnt really do much in the issues he writes. which is fair given that she was a new character that was just made to hang around on the sidelines at the time, so theres not a lot to judge in his writing. but he definitely laid the foundation that johns expanded on, and he was the one that made her so uh thnx marv

jt krul: i wish he had gotten more time :( i wish he had gotten to do whatever he was planning with lili, i wish we could've gotten to see more of his rose. his rose was def a different take than before given that she was more... mellowed out ig? it was a lot more lighthearted, just her hanging out with the team, being an older sister to damian (<3), and looking for her mom. hes not my fav just because i like it when shes a crazy bitch instead of a normal girl, but i completely understand why people like his rose. not to mention tt03 #77-78 slays so unbelievably hard

jay faerber: NANNY ROSE <33333 i love love love rose in titans 99 <3 this version of rose is DRASTICALLY different than any other rose, which is the reason hes in the bottom half, but i like it in the sense that its nice to know that she was just hanging out in between the two worst things to ever happen to her (her mom dying & slade drugging her). rose with roy and lian lives rent free in my head every single day of my life i love it so much, also that issue with rose & toni was so fun. titans 99 rose you will always be famous

adam beechen: he is going to hell for what he did to cass but for rose? he was fine. he helped with that one really good wilson family arc (tt03 #43-46), and wrote the only pre-52 rose & jason interaction (#47) so he gets points for that. and batgirl 2008 was pretty good for rose. but unfortunately he just didnt make enough of an impact on me to be ranked any higher

matthew rosenberg: unfortunately im mentally ill so i have a detailed explanation of what i think of rosenberg's rose but the short version is: i like him, he writes a good rose. its fun, shes well-written for the most part, but there are some :/ parts about it to me. i think if he continues writing her he'd be ranked higher but for now hes sitting pretty near the bottom of the list

devin grayson: i used to really like devin grayson's rose but. i have since changed my mind. it doesnt feel like rose. this is NOT the rose that stabbed her eye out because she thought slade was disappointed in her! shes too Quirky Girl here even though this is theoretically during the period where shes being drugged (honestly. i dont think grayson actually knew about the super soldier serum. and if she did it does not show) and we've seen rose in this era in tt03 and bg00, and this arc does not read as the same character at all. it was a good arc for her, and she had a lot of good moments here! but the characterization overall wasnt great

joshua williamson: i won't go on a whole tangent about the way williamson writes but. he has no sense of character voice, his characters all feel like blank slates to get the plot across, there are no character decisions being made besides what's needed for the plot. theres not a lot that i can put my finger on and say that its bad, but there are so few choices being made that its hard to say anything about his rose. to put a completely different character in rose's place in robin 2021, all you'd have to do is switch a few words around. williamson uses a vague idea of who a character is to guide what he wants them to do, and all his characters come out shallow. his rose wasnt BAD but it wasnt good at all

scott lobdell: every day i blow on a dandelion and wish for scott lobdell to kill himself

[thenixkat]

he doesn't want to suck yer blood! He's clearly telling you to get the fuck out of his sewer cave that you broke into and started fucking around with the vampire grave there

if yer acknowledging that he wants you to get the fuck out of his house why the fuck are you insisting that he wants to drink yer blood?!

I have actually seen some of the panels from this fucked up story used elsewhere by fans as some cutesy friendship shit out of context.

But the context is fucking horrifying

asshole not!ted should have gotten his ass bit. Yall broke into his house on a mission to kidnap him and sell him to a lab that plans on treating him like a specimen you fucking assholes

they are legit trying to kidnap this guy who already escaped from the fuckers who wanted to experiment on him once. I don't know Booster well but I'm going to assume he's not typically a fucking monster that doesn't give a shit about clear victims in a situation, therefore JLI!Booster is getting branded not!Booster like I'm doing not!Ted

the vampire is literally saying to their faces he hasn't been bothering anyone, humans have been harassing him since they discovered him and humans killed Caitiff's whole fucking family. The fuck is wrong with these writers?

these asshole not!heroes really fucking just selectively hear what they want to hear. Caitiff literally said if these fuckheads keep harassing and attacking him he'll hurt and kill them back. And not!Ted heard that and said 'yeah we know yer a fucking killer that's why we're gonna stop you'

motherfuckers you are the ones starting shit not the vampire

again what the fuck is wrong with these writers?? Justice for my guy Caitiff!

like literally justice for my guy Caitiff!

wow the guy you two assaulted had to go on a whole rant about how humans literally murdered his entire species and he watched humans dissect his wife and child for yall to have a shred of sympathy and stop hearing the shit you wanna year and still fucking doubt the vampire's words

yeah it's understandable that Caitiff is pissed off after he explained all the horrible shit that was done to him and his and yall went 'Doubt' to his face

and you not!heroes have done jack all till this point to even come off as semi-reasonable people

i dont know who not!Ted is but that is a selfish fucking monster who's not even remotely the same character as Ted Kord and these writers should be more ashamed of themselves like they were when Ted's og writers called them out for disrespecting the character throughout JLI. Also not!Booster why the fuck would you hear that the vampire has trauma surrounding human labs and scientists slaughtering his people and you suggest taking him against his will to a different lab than the one paying you to kidnap him?

it just doesn't cross their minds to leave Caitiff the fuck alone like he's been shouting at them to do

these shit heels have the decency to feel bad about causing Caitiff to comit suicide b/c they refused to leave him alone and kept trying to capture him to take him back to the lab that murdered his wife and child. For For a page and a half and then its back to jokes.

Between this shit and the outright racist shit a few issues back, fuck these writers. Justice League International is a shitty comic and I'm judging the people who like it

[ground-riot-jack]

Number 1 | K. Bakugou |

idk what this is man, an origin story maybe?? idk bakugou is an asshole and reader is a badass

The ratings where in, this is it, the big moment. After years of hard work and dedication, you’re finally about to find out if you made it the number Number 1 Hero Spot. You walk out on the stage with the other Top 5 heroes, one being your long term boyfriend, Bakugou. You’d been dating since highschool and worked at the same agency that he created.

“And for our number 2 Hero, we have...Ground Zero! Number 1... Angel! Thank you heroes for protecting and sacrificing your lives for us!” The announcer practically yelled at the large crowd of people.

You couldn’t believe it. You did it. You were the number 1 hero in all of Japan and your boyfriend was right behind you. The lights of the stage felt like power surging through your body. Your large white wings fluttered in excitement. You took your place at the number one podium and felt warm tears of joy stream down your face, you feel pata on your back and can hear congratulations swirling around but you can barely stand up straight.

Soon someone hands you a microphone, the crowd quieting down.

“Thank you all so much, I will work hard every single day until my body gives up to make sure this great nation is protected. I’ve worked very hard to get here so thank you all for recognizing my hard work and determination. I wanna thank Ground Zero, for being the best partner and for helping me get where I am. It won’t be easy but I will take this number 1 spot and wear it with pride. Thank you, i love you all” You spill out happily, you turn and grab onto Katsuki, hugging him and congratulating him on Number 2. You’d both climbed so high and so quickly since you’re UA days, it’s made you happy that you’ve come so far with the person you love most.

Bakugou however, didn’t look happy. It was extremely rare to see a smile on his face, but at the very least you’d expected his bored face. But now, he looked angry. He looked like he was ready to level the city withy he scowl pressed on his face.

“babe, what’s wrong? you good?” You grab his large bicep, getting him to look at you. His bright red eyes snap to yours and you feel locked in with how much animosity they hold.

“I’m ready to go home” He spits out before turning and walking back to the car you’d both arrived in.

You took a few more pictures with fans before following your grumpy boyfriend. As soon as you sat in the car, you could feel the tension thick in the air.

“Ok seriously babe, what the hell is wrong? We got the top spots, that’s amazing!” You turn towards him as the driver head back to your place.

“It’s nothing” He managed to say through his teeth with his are locked together with how tight he’s clenching his jaw.

“It’s something, you’re getting ready to blow this car up”

“I said it’s nothing, Angel” He speaks, the name oozing in malice and anger. Suddenly it clicked.

“You’re jealous that I got the number one spot while you got number two. jesus christ katsuki, could you be any more pessimistic. Why can’t you just be happy for me that i’ve reached a goal i’ve been trying to get my whole life? Number two is in no way shape or form bad.” You huff and fall back against the seat, you watch Bakugou clench and unclench his fists while staring out the window.

“I have to be number one and be better than All Might” He growls quietly, you knew it was a somewhat sensitive subject, but you couldn’t believe your ears.

“All might? Katsuki, you’re 23 years old, you can’t truly expect to be better than All Might right now? All might wasn’t even this good at this age yet, you’re way ahead of schedule. You can’t be happy for me because you wanna be better at 22 years old than All Might was in his prime? You’re delusional katsuki.”

“I HAVE TO BE NUMBER ONE”

“THATS FINE BUT WHY CANT YOU BE HAPPY THAT TOUR GIRLFRIEND IS NUMBER ONE?”

“BECAUSE IT SHOULD BE ME”

“so you think I don’t deserve this katsuki? You think what? I haven’t worked hard enough? I’m nor strong enough? I’m not good enough? WHAT IS IT KATSUKI? Why don’t I deserve to be number one? Why do you think your were unfairly judged?”

You both stared at each other in silence for a while, anger boiling into the atmosphere. You understood the only thing that drove bakugou in highschool was his need to be number one. You were both adults now, and you were in love with each other. You’d hoped that you’d made a big enough impact on bakugou that your life and love together would be enough of a motivator to be great, the way it was with you.

You felt that car pull into your large home, and immediately jumped out, racing up to your shared bedroom. You got out of your hero costume and into leggings and a tank top. You took off all your makeup and picked the confetti out of your wings. You looked up as Bakugou walked in the room.

“Im not sorry that I’m not settling for number two, I never will and you know it, but i am sorry for yelling at you and the way I acted.” Katsuki grumbled while looking at the floor. Usually, his awkward and hesitant apologies warmed your heart and made you gush at how cute your angry boyfriend was, but now you find yourself staying angry.

“That’s not an apology katsuki. You refuse to be happy for me, even though you promised you would be. You refuse to even acknowledge how much work I put into this to be number one. I am THE youngest Hero to hit number one and you can’t even say good job babe. Instead you get angry and jealous and mean because it wasn’t you. Never mind the fact that you jumped from 10 to 2 which is THE biggest jump anyone’s seen in years bakugou. You won’t even let yourself be happy at what you’ve done, because you’re too busy being jealous” You poke his chest, finally standing in front of him.

“It’s not a bad thing to want to be the best” He crosses his arms, getting defensive.

“Of course not babe, I want you to be the best too. So why don’t you want me to be the best?”

“It’s not that, it’s-“

“It’s what Katsuki?”

“I made a promise to myself-”

“YOU MADE A PROMISE TO ME KATSUKI. You gave me this fucking promise ring and told me that you you’re gonna support me no matter what. That we were gonna work hard to get to where we need to go and we were gonna do it together. You promised me you’d be by my side. That’s the difference between us babe. You need to be number one for yourself, I need to be number one for us. You’ve forgotten that” You wipe your tears and move around the tall man in your way. It hurt that Katsuki couldn’t see this was bigger than his highschool days. This was your life together. You hadn’t spoken to All Might or even Midoriya in years, so why was it so hard for him to accept you as a permanent part of his life.

“Baby, i’m sorry I just. I get one track minded and I was so hopeful that this was finally the day. I needed so bad to be number one-“

“THIS IS NO LONGER ABOUT BEING NUMBER ONE KATSUKI, THIS IS ABOUT HOW YOU CANT SEE THAT YOURE TREATING ME LIKE A SIDE CHARACTER. I AM YOUR GIRLFRIEND!! For fucks sake katsuki, we live, work, sleep, eat do and do everything together, so the fact that I’m not even one of the reasons you go out and do what you do hurts because this” You pause and gestured to everything around you. “This is the reason I wake up every morning, you are the reason I fight crime and your reason is, a childhood rivalry. You’re am adult now, you’re supposed to be friends with midoriya and all might and you’re supposed to be over this whole thing. This isn’t supposed to be the thing that drives you. I’m not saying I have to be too of the list but it would be nice to be on the list” You sigh and look at your boyfriend. You knew this wasn’t healthy to yell at each other like this, but you needed him to understand where you’re coming from.

“Baby, Of course you’re my reason for waking up and being a hero, I would do anything to protect you, it’s just I always pictured me at Number 1 with my agency and you and a family. I have a need, a primal urge to be number one and that’s never going to change. Doesn’t mean i don’t love your dumbass”

“Well I’m number one Katsuki, and I earned the hell out of it. I worked my ass off day and night for weeks and months and years so that I could have this. And to see you pout and complain and look me in my face and tell me you don’t think I deserve this spot hurts more than some cute little apology where you call me dumbass lovingly. So i’ll ask you again, why don’t you think I deserve this spot? What makes you better?” You squinted your eyes at the tall man and clench your jaw.

“Im physically stronger-“ You interrupt your boyfriend by grabbing his arm and kicking his legs out from under him, using your wings to flip him over in his back, pinning him down.

“You’re so close minded katsuki, that you don’t even know what i’ve. been doing for the past 8 months. I an the number one hero you think i didn’t train to be stronger than everyone around me?” You ask, hurt laced in your voice.

“Fine, you deserve this spot. You’re the best.”

“You dont meant that, I’m gonna make you fucking mean it Katsuki. One day you’re gonna see me and i’m gonna be the best and you’re gonna be in awe of my power and then you’ll finally see that i deserve this.” You push off of him and stand up your wings tucking close to your body.

“Just-give me a week babe. I promise I’ll make it up to you and I’ll show you I am happy for you, it’s just difficult being let down like this. I’m a sore loser and you know it.” Bakugou grabs your shoulder and pulls you close to his chest.

“You haven’t even said you’re proud of me yet. or that you love me. or even good job katsuki. You don’t believe i’m your heart that i deserve this do you?” You look at him, heart in your throat.

“I believe I should be number one. Every time.” Katsuki mutters in your hair like it was a compliment. You push him back, rage filling your body.

“You’re fucked up katsuki. I’m fucking leaving” You spit, throwing on a jacket and shoes, heading towards your front door.

“Where the hell are you going?!” Bakugou snarls as you move past him.

“Katsuki, I love you with every fiber of my soul, but right now looking at your face makes me wanna throw you across town and beat the shit out of you. I’ll be back tomorrow maybe” You mumble the last part, not really sure how long you wanna be away from your hot headed boyfriend.

“you can’t just fucking leave y/n, how do you expect to be number one of you can’t even stay and win a fight against your boyfriend.” Katsuki let’s out a dry laugh, causing you to turn away from your front door.

You lunge at Katsuki, ready to punch him until he understands you’re the number one hero. You two roll around fighting and spewing things typically reserved for villains. Bakugou pins you down on the floor, his knee on your chest and his hands holding both your wrists beside your head. You close your eyes and focus all your energy into your chest, a faint ball of white light glows from your heart. Ktsuki looks at it with realization before the energy is expelled from you and your boyfriend is sent flying across the living room.

“You did not just use Power Surge on me.” He growls. wiping the sweat from his brow.

“I did, and i’m fucking leaving and your not gonna say shit or so help me god katsuki, i will shoot a beam of light so bright and hot that you wake up blind, burnt and fucking single.” You use your wings to send you flying straight to your front door, you look back at your confused boyfriend once more before taking to the sky.

Bakugou began the cleaning process, shocked and confused. Why didn’t you understand he wants to be happy for you, he truly does, but his pride won’t let him get away with not winning. He decided to let you fly off to calm down for the night, opting to call and talk to Kirishima. The two friends ended up talking for a bit longer than expected, bakugou trying to get kiri on his side, not his girlfriends. It didn’t work however, Kirishima understood that bakugou would let his emotions cloud his mind, even when it came to you. By the end of the conversation, bakugou was almost has heated as he was while fighting you. He concluded the best option was to head to his agency and train for the night.

He arrived and decided to do some things around the office before heading to the training and workout wing of his large building. While going thru last minute files, there’s a knock on his door.

“Ground Zero, i wasn’t expecting you to be here so late.” A stranger smiles in Bakugou face as he opens his office door, his secretary smiling sheepishly.

“Who the hell are you?” He cocks his head and tries to figure it out before he’s told, one of those weird habits he’s picked up being a hero.

“My apologies. I’m Niko Takeyama, I work for the Hero Commission. How would you like to be the number one hero by this time next month.”

[papers4me]

Fruits Basket Manga Review , ch 112 & 113 (part 2)

I hate that this chapter is cut... mainly cuz it deals with the most “ horribly presented” theme in furuba anime.... grief.

-The shame of grieving: “ Rarely discussed theme in Literature”:

When a love one dies... ppl differ in how they deal with it. Some cry their hearts out, some become depressed & painfully lonely, others get angry or cynical, some might deny it, some move on quickly, others move on but years after the realization crushes them, others stay still... Above all, you feel ashamed of yourself if you didn’t move on or if you DID move on.. “ Sometimes ppl around you judge you for it... for your grief”

The later is the theme of these two chapters. Rarely discussed themes & it saddens me that it is cut. You see, Furuba anime doesn’t get grief  at all. To them, it’s a small part of the generic protagonist after she finishes her job of nurturing the real main protagonist. Mothers are strong, they help us cross the bridge between childhood & adulthood. Tohru, the show’s mom, did it so thoroughly & in slow visual & narrative details for yuki. Afterwards, the anime brushed whatever is left of her character, which the anime viewed as sheer suspenseful drama, & collected it thro 3rd person story-telling techniques in one ep “ se3, ep6″ & excessive monologue for 10 minutes in se3, ep9.

In this chapter, Kakeru, a side character, sheds light into this theme. Kakeru didn’t lose a parent by death, didn’t grieve, has no dependent familial bonds with either dead parents “ kyoko & komaki’s dad”. Yet, kakeru stood & judged tohru on how she “ should” grieve. Harshly tearing her down while she’s standing there lonely, trying to hide her shock at the loss of her only pillar in life, broken & traumatized, dealing with the pushed down traumatic feelings from her past where her mom abandoned her as a child..now her mom did it again, this time thro death.. & kakeru, rightfully not knowing all that, but wrongfully lecturing her on how to behave... kakeru isn’t a monster, but he only saw what he wanted: komaki & how the world should grieve with his lover, how he should be the hero protecting her. So self-centered, insensitive, horribly cruel & unbelievably conceited, but above all... what he did is so sadly common... it hurts.

-Judging Grieving People:

As I said many times.. grief is so personal, so unique to the person & as common as it is, so misunderstood. According to kakeru & many ppl I’ve sopken to lately, tohru should have acknowledged komaki. Komaki, the not-traumatized version of tohru, did the right “ tohru-like” thing. Not only felt sadness at the loss of her own dad, but found it in her heart to visit the other orphan, tohru, & give condolences & respect to the dead mother. Such kindness & purity. Very deserving of applaud: To not only see your pain but others’ as well. Tohru has always done the “ right, kind” thing to other ppl. When she can’t now, the author brought another “ tohru” to do the “ right, kind” thing.

Kakeru is so many ppl. During my brother’s funeral. I’ve heard so many gossip on how my mom should’ve stood tall & greeted the visitors.” Being silent , emotionless & non-responsive is not how you show visitors you value their kind words”, they said. How his widow should’ve collected herself & acted properly, respected his memory by taking proper care of herself & her kids. “Being a broken mess is not how you “ honor” loved one”, they said. Kakeru is indeed many ppl & that’s how you discuss a theme by creating characters who sin, screw up & be cruel, even if momentarily.

Kakeru is wrong. There is no “ you should have” in grief. There is no ounce of truth in his demeaning lecture to tohru & I respect komaki for her reaction to him so much. Kakeru did learn & grew from it, apologized to tohru even if he didn’t actually sought her to do so & even if she herself started the apology. But you see, these two chapters are 90% focused on kakeru as a character, his growth, thoughts, the mini focus on his relationship with komaki as an example of healthy relationship & all that is another lesson for yuki to observe & learn. He learned abt tohru’s past, kakeru’s personality & growth & got to observe another example of romantic relationship so yuki can grow as a man & approach machi healthily. But then again... nothing at all stops yuki/machi from being healthy, no past issues, no contradicting personalities “ they’re quite similar” & yuki is the only furuba character that doesn’t screw up big. He learns & teaches. He’s the personification of the author.

-Tohru.. stays a “ tohru”:

Tohru’s part is 10% of the this chapter which is fine as I think/hope it will lead into more tohru depth in the following chapters. But It is for this reason I’m glad this chapter was cut in the 13 eps season of furuba anime, cuz tohru doesnt have much depth in the anime due to the quick wrap up & the la~~~~st  thing I want is another 3rd person story-telling flashback abt tohru in the anime. Honestly, one of the most frustrating aspect to me of the anime & I’ll hold judgement abt manga- tohru till I reach its end. So far~~~ Tohru’s depth & character exploration gets better one chapter, then regress the next one, then moves on, the... it’s a fluctuating process. It has nothing to do with tohtu’s feelings.

you’ see ... kyo himself as a character with issues fluctuates a lot, he does sth good, then does sth bad, chooses right words, then makes a horrible mistake & chooses wrong! which is one of the most well-done aspects of character exploration that is rarely attempted by authors! I highly respect Takaya-san for what she’s doing with kyo in the manga so far. Other authors show us a character doing one big mistake & then he/she learns from it in a dramatic way. But Takaya-san, nope! she decided to approach it in a very human way, making us be frustrated with kyo’s repeated mistakes yet understands where he’s coming from! kudos to her!!

But I’m not yet satisfied with how tohru is portrayed in the manga & this has nothing to do with tohru’s character. Takaya-san is discussing rare themes thro tohru’s character. But what I mean is how tohru is approached thro the viewers/readers eyes. I wont judge until the last chapter. but this is the part that is frustrating to me.

Side Notes:

The flow of the 2 chapters is little off. We go back & forth between the past & the present, between yuki-machi & komaki-kakeru. Again, I’m so glad the anime cut it cuz, nope! they can’t handle such narrative. they’ll reorder it in a such heavily monologing way & insert the comedy abruptly to lighten the mood. Just look at how the comedy is inserted in momiji’s se03 ep!

Komaki is such a tohru with a sprinkle of kagura’s very softened outbursts. lol. she’s fun!

I’m liking yuki-machi interactions a lot. no drama, which is why the anime cut it -_-’, but it progresses healthily. Machi is yuki’s third-stage growth after (1) leaving tohru’s nest (baby yuki), (b) making friends with kakeru/someone who gets him (young boy yuki), (3) finding romantic love (being a man). The anime was so interested in the 2 stages above cuz that’s where the drama is & cut the third. Honestly, the anime didn’t have to include everything as there is never a space in 13 eps, but they certainly could’ve squeezed few panels or even made brand new very short yuki-machi scenes. but the anime weirdly decided after yuki “ saved” machi from her trauma by talking with her in her apartment, he should just marry her.... lol.. that’s why next scene is ep 5 momiji’s ep intro montage where yuki was abt to confess!!! making yuki-machi the least developed couple in the anime!

I love all furuba’s characters, but yuki, tohru, kyo & akito carry the big themes, therefore, I not only analyze their characters, but how the themes are presented thro them & how their presentation affects such themes. This might make it sound as I hate them or am harsh on them. not at all. It is the anime director/ manga author that I’m positively or negatively criticizing most times. Most importantly, my criticism is not the law. It’s just my perspective & my consumption of the material. Feel free to differ with me. I dont mind it. It brings interesting discussions!

When it comes to tohru’s issues... his chapter introduced nothing new. We have seen/read in canon repeatedly that tohru hides her pain behind a smile (heck! even kisa knows that & told us), that she cant stand up for herself much, that she smiles for other ppl not for herself. All this was presented thro so many characters already, which is why I understand the anime’s decision to cut it. What’s new? that yuki didn know tohru’s smile is mostly a mask & that kakleru has depth.

I love this chapter for the grieving themes it discussed that are rarely touched upon in literature, but since such themes are rarely presented, the anime’s decision to cut it, ironically proves my point! lol . They don’t get grief & so, they reduced it to se03 content & two eps worth. sad.. but expected. The anime is indeed another form of “past” kakeru: seeing one side of grieving person. The happy side.

[snkpolls]

SnK Episode 64 Poll Results (for Anime Only Watchers)

The poll closed with 60 responses. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Please note that these are the results for the Anime Only Watchers’ poll. If you wish to see the results for the Manga Readers’ poll, click here.

Anime only watchers, beware of spoilers if you venture over to the manga readers’ poll results.

---

RATE THE EPISODE 53 Responses

The poll closed with 54 responses. The overwhelmingly positive response to the season continues, with 97.9% of folks giving it a 4 or higher and not a single person giving a rating less than 3. 

10/10 acting, atmosphere and music

MAPPA couldn't have done a better job. Inhumanely impossible. 20/10.

Just pure hype

Amazing episode, one of the best in the entire series.

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING MOMENTS WAS YOUR FAVORITE? 53 Responses

The overwhelming majority of respondents enjoyed the last scene of the episode, with Eren transforming in the basement and assaulting just as Willy formally declares war on Paradis. Behind the climactic moment, the rest of the favored scenes were various moments throughout Eren and Reiner’s conversation prior.

WHICH INTERPRETATION (BY RBA) OF THE OLD MAN’S STORY DO YOU THINK IS CLOSEST TO WHAT THE MAN ACTUALLY THOUGHT? 54 Responses

The Old Man’s story and its motifs have been present all throughout this season, so it’s interesting to see how people see it. When it comes to understanding the Old Man’s thoughts specifically, the plurality (46.3%) agrees with Bertholdt’s interpretation. Others (35.2%) see more to Annie’s idea of the Old Man’s final thoughts. Only 18.5% believe that there’s little use in predicting what’ll never be known.

IN THE SAME VEIN, WHICH OF THE AFOREMENTIONED INTERPRETATION FITS REINER’S STATE OF MIND IN THE BASEMENT SCENE? 54 Responses

In that same vein, the plurality (42.6%) also believes that Reiner wanted to receive judgement, perhaps from Eren. Just a little under 26% believe that in addition to receiving judgement, Reiner also wants to receive forgiveness. Few believe Reiner solely wants forgiveness. Finally, a little under 15% simply aren’t sure what Reiner wants. 

He just cant take it anymore, he wanna die. If he stays alive he will become the reason of death of more people which he doesnt want

He wants it to be over 

He wants to be killed as an atonement because he can’t live with his contradictory feelings about what he’s done

He wants what happens after someone is judged- to be sentenced. Reiner already judged himself.

I dont care

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET A HUG FROM PIECK? 54 Responses

An incredibly serious question with a lopsided result. Just under 69% would like to receive a hug from Pieck, in contrast to 13% who’d rather not. 18.5% don’t really care about stuff like this. 

DO YOU THINK HELOS ACTUALLY EXISTED? 53 Responses

The majority (little under 53%) believe Helos was a complete fabrication, down to his very existence. Some others (18.9%) think he existed, but wasn’t anybody special or (13.2%) think he existed and was actually involved with ending the Great Titan War. A bit over 15% just don’t care.

“I’M THE SAME AS YOU.” EREN SAID THIS TO REINER A FEW TIMES IN THE EPISODE. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT? DO YOU THINK EITHER OF THEM HARBOR A GRUDGE AGAINST THE OTHER? 29 Responses

One of the episode’s focuses was the meeting between Eren and Reiner, in addition to their general relationship. Here’s what a few people thought about the central motif of the meeting: 

At this point Eren's attitude is all like "It's nothing personal." 

Eren is in the same state of mind like reiner, he wanted to become the hero, yet he became a villan in the enemy's eyes

I think Eren's right. They're the same, and S1 and S4 parallel their actions in multiple ways. I honestly don't think Eren has any kind of grudge against Reiner anymore. I think he's moved on from his hatred and is just doing what he thinks he has to. And Reiner just seems ready to die so he doesn't have any kind of grudge either.

I think Eren is definitely holding a grudge, it’s not like him not too. 

Hell no, Reiner is an irredeemable monster. Based on the preview for the next episode, whatever Eren does from here on out is justified.

If Eren kills someone dear to Reiner, maybe Reiner will hold a grudge against Eren, otherwise they understand each other reasons.

I think they recognise each other’s efforts to protect their homelands (even if it means destruction) and their determination to do so, and that they have the same motivations and values. i think they don’t have a grudge against each other because they are able to see they are similar people who have just been placed on opposing sides, and that it is nothing more than their duties to bring down the enemy, but at heart, they hold the same values and morals.

I think it mainly shows how Eren has matured over the last few years. He knows Reiner’s intentions now, and he can admit that the two of them are similar without lashing out at him immediately and labeling him as a completely evil man (like he used to). I think Eren might still have some harsh feelings towards Reiner, but it definitely doesn’t seem like it’s his priority right now. Reiner doesn’t clearly display that he has a huge grudge against Eren (though I bet he still isn’t very fond of Eren). More than anything, Reiner seems to be struggling with his thoughts about his time in Paradis. It seems like he can’t accept the fact that Paradis Eldians are not all devils; he may be struggling to suppress this new perspective, and he forces himself to commit to his “honorary Marleyan identity” instead. Thus, I don’t think Reiner hates Eren as much as he used to, as he seems to be showing slight signs of sympathy towards the Paradis Eldians.

No Eren is now a grown ass adult when je was making his decision. Reiner was a kid he was like 11? 12? He didn't know he was an indoctrinated child and he suffered all his life for that. Eren isn't at all the same as Reiner. 

I feel like that emphasizes that the people of Marley and Eldia are no different from each other, just that they are on different sides. I do not think Eren and Reiner harbor a grudge against each other.

They’re both pretty fucking broken. I don’t think Eren or Reiner hate each other because Eren said “if it’s to save the world, then you didn’t have much of a choice.” But I also think part of Reiner wants Eren to hate him because he hates himself so much.

i think the old eren would hate him but it’s been 4 years and now i think he has realized that they are in fact very similar. i feel it is very interesting what happened but i think there would still be a minor grudge against each other

They both have the same purpose but different paths, to protect their loved ones from a threat. Since it's not really a personal issue but a bigger picture I don't think they resent each other, it's just a coincidence how they both ended up against each other.

DO YOU THINK THAT EREN AND REINER ARE EFFECTIVE FOILS TO EACH OTHER? 52 Responses

The vast majority (88.4%) seem to agree with the notion of Reiner being a foil to Eren, be it a complete or partial foil. 9.6% dissent and argue that there’s no comparison.

LADY KIYOMI OF THE AZUMABITO CLAN SEEMED TO NOT STICK AROUND FOR TYBUR’S THEATER PRODUCTION. WHY? 52 Responses

An interesting development came in Episode 5 in the form of Lady Kiyomi of the Azumabito leaving Tybur’s Play before it started. The majority (just under 52%) thought it meant that she had ties to Eren and/or the SC. A large minority (34.6%) on the other believe that although she somehow found out about the attack beforehand, she has no ties to Eren. Some others were either already spoiled, believe she got lucky or think she had her own plans of assaulting Tybur during the play.

MR. LEONHART SEEMED ADAMANT THAT ANNIE IS STILL ALIVE AND WILL COME BACK HOME. WHAT DO YOU THINK? 53 Responses

When it comes to Mr. Leonhart’s appearance and his convictions, the vast majority (83%) believe that Annie is alive. The major division comes about whether Annie will be able to reunite with her father or not. Some others believe that Annie is neither dead nor alive and is more permanently stuck in her crystalline state. Only one person believes she is simply dead and that’s that.

REINER IS SHOCKED BY EREN’S PRESENCE ON THE MAINLAND. WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST WAY YOU COULD ENVISION EREN GETTING ACROSS THE SEA? 52 Responses

A bit of a less serious question came out here. How could Eren get across the sea in a less serious manner? Some thought him walking on water would be rather amusing, others believed piggy-backing on Armin’s Colossal Titan would be most humorous. Other options included free-styling across the sea or kayaking. 

A ship? Maybe one of those Marley sent to Paradis in the last four years?

bOAT

Had armin yeet him across 

He rode on David Hasselhoff

Used one of the Marleyan ships that was sent to Paradis to go to Marley

WHO IS THAT LANKY SOLDIER WHO TRAPPED PIECK AND PORCO IN THE HOLE? 53 Responses

A plurality (45.3%) believes the lanky soldier who trapped Pieck and Porco is someone we already know. Though a little under 23% think that it’s actually a new character only Pieck knows. In a similar vein, 13.2% think that it’s a new character from the SC. 17% appear to have been spoiled, however.

MAGATH ASKS, “HAS IT BEGUN?” WHEN HE LEARNS THE WARRIORS HAVE GONE MISSING. WHAT “IT” IS MAGATH TALKING ABOUT? 51 Responses

Just shy of 50% think that Magath was already aware of Eren and/or SC’s presence in Marley when noting that “it” has already begun. Others believe that he either had some other plan created in conjunction with Willy or was waiting on an attack from the nation of Hizuru. A little under 20% just aren’t sure. 

He was anticipating enemy attack

DO YOU THINK WILLY WAS TRUTHFUL WHEN REVEALING THE “TRUTH” TO THE WORLD? 51 Responses

When it comes to Willy revealing the “truth” to the world, the vast majority (72.5%) believe that Lord Tybur was largely truthful when it came to dropping bombshells, but also made sure to twist certain things to get a favorable narrative. Some others think that he was either completely or only partially truthful.

WILLY ACCUSES EREN OF WANTING TO UNLEASH THE COLOSSAL TITANS UPON THE WORLD. DO YOU THINK HE IS JUST DEMONIZING HIM TO GET THE WORLD TO ATTACK PARADIS, OR DO YOU THINK THIS IS SOMETHING EREN IS CAPABLE OF DOING? 51 Responses

A rather noted accusation from Willy rained down upon Eren in this episode. And as a result, we gained a rather colorful pie chart to boot. In it, a slight plurality (23.5%) seemed to believe Tybur’s accusation when it came to discerning Eren’s future plans. Slightly less (19.6%) thought that Tybur was making up BS about Yeagerboy. The same percentage (19.6%) took a middle group, arguing that although Tybur actually believes this is Eren’s plan, Eren actually wants something different. Some others simply note that Eren couldn’t do that dastardly act, even if he wanted to due to lack of royal blood. 21.6% were spoiled about the story’s future. 

Pretty sure Eren wants to kill every last person outside of Paradis and is going to use Zeke’s royal blood to do so, but I think Zeke will be tricked or forced into it sonehow

ON A SCALE OF 1-5, HOW BADLY DO YOU FEEL FOR FALCO ABOUT THE WHOLE LETTER FIASCO? 52 Responses

When it comes to Falco and the whole letter fiasco, there is much sympathy for the boy. More than half gave a rating of either 4 or 5 and only 13.5% gave a rating of either 2 or 1. In conclusion, Eren is a mean poopy-head!

EREN TOLD FALCO LAST EPISODE THAT HE HOPED FALCO WOULD LIVE A LONG LIFE. YET HE TRANSFORMED ON TOP OF HIM IN THIS EPISODE. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? 52 Responses

Staying on the topic of Falco, and Eren’s actions being contradictory to his words, almost 56% believe that although Eren was honest with his words in regards to Falco’s future, he had no qualms about letting that get in the way of his plans. A noted minority (28.8%) think that Eren hoped Reiner would protect the young boy. A small percentage also thought that Eren was simply lying to Falco.

DID YOU EXPECT EREN TO TRANSFORM ON TOP OF REINER AFTER HIS SPEECH ABOUT THEIR SIMILARITIES? 51 Responses

When it came to the episode’s ending, the majority seemed to expect Eren’s transformation, be it because of spoilers or own predictions (58.8%). A noted minority (41.2%) did not expect it, however, predicting either a recruitment attempt from Eren or something else entirely.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON THE EPISODE?

I loved the music. It made all so tense my heart was beating like crazy.

WILD AND AN EMOTIONAL ROLLARCOASTER

As an anime only, i think that the choice of ost in this episode was beyond good. I don't see why people are complaining about the ost. For me it was perfect because Eren's transformation was like a sudden turn and 2Volts is perfect for that just like when they reveal the owl as the Attack titan. Wayyy better that YSBG or any ost that these manga readers were hoping it to be. Mappa and the production crew doesn't deserve any of these hate. Done ranting fgs.

Grim Reminder 2.0, but with Marley and the Warriors finally getting what they deserve for what they've done? I'm DOWN for that!

I’m wondering whether Historia is still Queen and how much character development she had gone through as a monarch during war

The people who complain about the music choices of the directors are just pure titan idiots

Assuming he lives through this battle, I think Falco is going to be one of the main characters in season 4. He has been telling himself that he “does not want to fight anymore” and he was probably influenced by what Eren (Mr. Kruger) had said to him on the bench. I can see Falco maybe rebelling against Marley in the future, but for now he’s clearly still devoted to Marley. Overall, I loved this episode, and season 4 is finally picking up with the action. I was looking forward to seeing our protagonists (Eren and the Scouts) again, and I thought it was interesting how Eren seemed much more mature, yet still somewhat insane in this episode. I am very excited to see the next episode, particularly to see the rest of the Scouts and to see what happens in the “war” Eren starts. I am also curious to see if anyone from any other nations decide to side with the Eldians, or if all of them simply believe Willy and hate the Paradis Eldians too.

manga readers really need to shut up and put bigger spoiler warnings 😐 loved the episode despite getting spoiled.

It was one of the best episodes of AOT I have seen, I truly don’t understand why or how people could complain about it. I’ve seen the posts about the soundtrack not fitting the episode but I honestly do not agree. The whole episode was perfectly directed and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. 

Ost's totally fine, so is the CG. I think most are too invested in the episode to give a fuck except Manga readers. 

I wish the Paradisians would have found another way to achieve their objectives instead of killing innocent civilians, like maybe targeted attacks on key military targets, or demonstrations of strength or public information campaigns to dissuade Marleyans and other people from wanting to go to war against them.

WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES? 48 Responses

Thanks again to everyone who participated! We’ll see you again next episode!

[sometimesrosy]

There were plenty of things I liked, even loved, about season 7. I am grateful that I began watching this show, as I have met amazing friends, discovered great actors, read some top tier fanfiction, and had a mostly positive fandom experience. There were so many great storylines, characters, relationships, and messages that I got invested in. Although 7b lost me in a lot of ways, I don't regret anything.

I also liked the stories in 7a. I loved sky ring. I loved the storyline with Raven being in charge of the meltdown. I loved the clarke teams descent into the belly of the whale. I loved the hope and diyoza story. I loved Hope. 

EACH episode was good. Except for Bellamy’s etherea episode. I found it boring. And it was when I saw Bellamy’s episode that I began to wonder about the whole season not fitting together.

Because while the single episodes were good, they didn’t have the narrative throughline that it usually does. They were missing the backbone of the story. WAS it because Bellarke was missing? IDK, maybe. Since it was designed to be the center. Switching to an ensemble was WEIRD. I thought they’d pull it back, but they didn’t, they just continued to erase Clarke and Bellamy.

This is an error in storytellling and a failure of show runners.

It really doesn’t make sense for JR to just stop being able to tell a story. The concept of vengeance could be a reason. It’s an ugly reason but people are sometimes megalomaniacs. Even if he wanted to switch to the ensemble cast, there were plenty of ways to pull the story back together. That Bellamy dies is not at ALL surprising, and he and clarke we actually at the top of my list to die, but THE WAY he died was surprising. Nonsensical. Pretending that he wasn’t the hero.

WHY would JR do that? 

My new theory is that he didn’t. That it was Kim Shumway who did it, since she never accepted Bellamy as the hero in the first place. And she used her power to finally get her way. Maybe Bob resented being sidelined and so he said fine, give me those eps off. And then we got a power struggle and JR supported his new showrunner instead of his 6 season leading man. And so Kim got her way.

But what that says to me, if it was really Kim Shumway’s doing as showrunner, is that Kim Shumway sucks. Not because I don’t like her. I dont’ know her. But because she doesn’t know how to tell a story, to stay true to the narrative or characters, has no respect for the narrative, has no respect for the audience, and was unable to wrangle all the narrative threads and just let it drop.

So we get her having fun with her new badass chick, Hope, Sheidheda, the absolutely most one note villain we’ve ever had, with hot JR Bourne chewing the scenery, and the singularly most dumb plot twist in this whole show with the WORST sci fi trope of the omnipotent magic sparkly purple alien gods coming down from on high and just wiping out every single narrative choice in one “Nah you’re the bad guy, Clarke. No heaven for you!”

But JR supported her and still supports her and is sticking with it. 

WHAT A WASTE.

I don’t regret anything either. I’m pissed at them, but I’m going to ignore most of season 7 in terms of the ending. 

I don’t even regret giving JR the benefit of the doubt. I don’t regret staying positve. I prefer to wait until I have evidence to judge people and I needed to see the end of the show to make my judgments.

Now I have the evidence I need and I judge. 

[kob131]

Geez, this person really went all out with this BS rant against the show/staff. www(.)reddit( lcom/r/RWBY/comments/kiqatg/why_rwby_will_always_be_an_okay_show/

... You know I have been trying to step away from directly addressing RWBY bullshit. But...fuck it here.

If you ever talked to me about how I felt about RWBY, I would say that RWBY pre-Volume 8 has been a touchy subject for me. I felt very validated by two videos, "Why RWBY is Disappointing" and "The White Fang Problem".

Yes yes, and people with parental issues feel validated by their abusive spouse. That means nothing, especially given that one of those videos you mentioned is riddled with bullshit.

"Why RWBY is Disappointing" validated my criticism of RWBYs writing. The fact that Miles and Kerry can't and refuse to take any kind of criticism that doesn't hurt their feelings is complete [insert bad word here]. All criticism is going to hurt your feelings. Yes, you should probably ignore the long winded rants that make themselves out to be self important- why is there a mirror here? But there is truth to all criticism.

And there’s a kernel of truth in the best lies- they’re still LIES.

Not to mention the video you mentioned here (which I am assuming is Hbomberguy’s) pulls the SAME SHIT it calls out. Like say...decrying critics pesonally attacking the writers...while proclaiming Jaune and Neptune as self inserts even though Miles AND Kerry is on the record saying that at least Jaune isn’t written by his voice actor.

I'm currently learning about Branding and how important it is to know your audience. Take self.care breaks, talk with someone you trust. Someone who isn't Miles or Kerry! If your reading this. An outside perspective can help. The reason I say that is because if you two constantly talk to each other you're going to end up in an echo chamber. TALK TO FIONA! She's literally your target audience!

Because hey, a man who contradicts himself numerous times and made personal attacks on the creators that only the most malicious and self righteous do is SOOOO trustworthy right? 

Remember that tweet Hbomb brought up in his video as an example of criticism the creators should listen to? The one that demanded Miles get back to work and tried to use the catchphrase of his dead friend to manipulate him?

What a fucking target audience.

I know they mentioned ‘Fiona’ (likely the character’s voice actress) but there’s a supposed fan, one that pretty much sums up the critics, and a perfect example why it gets tossed out.

Moving on, the other video validated something I wish it didn't. "The White Fang Problem" brought to light something I knew was there but either ignored or I wasn't thinking. The White Fang has always made me a little uncomfortable. As a minority, it didn't translate well in my head. The minority are the bad guys. The Civil rights group were the bad guys. I brushed it off for a long time but after that video I couldn't.

Ah huh. So uh, the existence of Blake, Ghira, Kali, Sun, Illa, Velvet, Neon ect. is just incovienable to you huh? And don’t give me that ‘But civil rights group!’- The first episode had them break up a peaceful protest and it’s repeatedly hammered home that the current White Fang doesn’t give a SHIT about equal rights. And no, that concept is not racist- Judging from a story I read, that happened to the New Black Panthers in REAL LIFE.

It became a moral issue. Watching RWBY became a moral issue. RWBY is still pushing right wing talking points.-

Being right of you is not right wing, Especially given how you just acted.

I dont believe Miles and Kerry are racist. I do believe that Miles and Kerry both hold skewed beliefs in what right and wrong is.

Projection.

The way Miles and Kerry treat self defense and protest shows that they know nothing about being Black. They didn't do their research. They didn't talk to minorities about how they were being portrayed. They simply believed that they were right and we were wrong.

Ah huh, ah huh, ah huh-

Monty wrote the White Fang this way. You know, the ASIAN man of FOUR NATIONALITIES. So uh, congrats on saying at the absolute most- Nothing.

Now these two videos are old news. They've been posted on this very same subreddit. But you can't go around and say how much of a progressive and open minded individual you are when the fact that RWBY is a racist show and treats minorities very badly. So no one talks about them.

Or that, as I showed: these videos are bullshit.

Also its kinda homophobic too, not because of Bumblby but because despite Tera and Saphorn being a happy married couple they never kiss on screen. Have you seen happy married couples? Have you seen gay happy married couples? They literally do nothing but kiss. Its cute and adorable and deserves to be spread as far and wide. Despite the show having two straight couple kisses, granted one was in Volume but still, they couldn't get the married couple to kiss? Just saying.

... And not all gay couples are the same, even if I’m sure you’re thinking of TEENAGERS.

You know, judging people based on a preconcieved notion (AKA stereotyping) is pretty fucking bigoted itself...

Watch people be in the comments typing away that this isn't a romance show and how I shouldn't expect romance in an action adventure show despite the long list of evidence to the contrary.

Ah yes, that long list of ONE kiss by a TORPEDOED SHIP.

Such convincing rhetoric.

So you can see I was not coming into Volume 8 with my rose colored glasses. I'm sure many of you hate me because of all my comments, but I don't care. I was ready to leave RWBY. I didn't care. RWBY had taken up so much of my life but I don't care. I was not going to support a show that didn't improve.

Ah huh-

You just came in with jade-colored glass and accepted anything that validated you instead of questioning yourself. You talk about branding but that’s ALL you’ve branded yourself as.

So I watched. And something happened. Something strange. RWBY was moving in a direction I didn't expect it to. Oscar got what he deserved. The Heros were oblivious to the danger that is Salem. Things were headed in the direction that would change the characters forever. It'll be just like Beacon but better. And then they had to ruin it.

Oh we are about to get some real bullshit.

Oscar somehow convinces Hazel to betray Salem. What could have been an avenue to a multi season story arc for Oscar that included the stories villains became a shitty uninspired redemption arc. Kill me.

No he didn’t and this has been something hinted at since Volume 4.

There's still hope for the season but at this point I lost all hope. 

This is the scene that killed Volume 8 for me. Oscar should not be the one who defeats Salem. In fact he should be an avenue to learn more about the villains. He served his purpose with the heroes, now he has a new arc with the villains. Oscar doesn't turn evil, but he's like a conscious. Salem doesn't want to kill him because he can be useful in finding the last remaining relics and maidens.

Assumptions.

Oscar has a heart to heart with all the villains including Salem. Oscar learns to be his own man and accepts he's now one with Ozma but he doesn't have to be another Ozma. He doesn't have to make the same decisions.

Its a great Arc for Oscar. It also makes sense for his character. Ozma feels Salem is pure evil but Oscar can learn for himself.

Headcanon.

But they won't do that. Instead they're going to take the easy way out. Like always.

Bias getting in the way.

Miles and Kerry love wrapping up each season in a little bow. This is why RWBY is so okay.

They say as every RWBY Volumes ends in a cliffhanger.

This is Beacon but if Miles and Kerry thought that RWBY should still be in Beacon. This is Beacon but without major character death. This is Beacon but the main villain loses because the heroes can't lose. Cinder isn't threatening. None of the villains are. Salem is in a Grimm! She should know everything! Why is there no creativity? Why is she not an over powered mess in A GRIMM!? Her own domain?! Why are the writers writing her not as a powerful goddess reaffirming her as a threat but as a human being. Yes I know what that sounds like but hear me out.

‘None of the villains are threatening!’

‘WHY IS THE MAIN VILLAIN NOT BEING TREATED AS THREATENING LIKE I THINK SHE IS!’

‘Why is there no creativity?’

‘DO THE MOST UNCREATIVE THING POSSIBLE!’

How about I keep mocking you?

If Salem can be out smarted by a 10 year old boy, why did it take Ozma so long to defeat her? Oscar should fail. RWBY should fail. They should go through character arcs that help them better understand Salem. Because that's how you defeat Salem.

Pushing your own thoughts onto the show. Also assumptions AGAIN.

I always believed that Ozma and Salem are very similar to Ruby and Weiss. Yes I know how it sounds but it makes sense.-

Too bad your AU fanfic doesn’t matter.

But they won't. Miles and Kerry will use Oscar to defeat Salem. Why? Who knows at this point. I dont know why Miles and Kerry keep pushing Oscar into the spotlight. Its exactly how they treated Jaune Pre-Volume 7. Jaune had to be the focus so often we hated him. And they're doing it again with Oscar

Ah huh. You know, the whole NOTHING Jaune did in Volume 6 was SOOO spotlight stealing, along with his REMOVAL FROM THE CAST FOR SEVERAL EPISODES.

Wanna bet this is another case of ‘penis on screen, me hate’?

They refuse learn and they refuse to improve. If Volume 8 doesn't improve im leaving RWBY. It doesn't matter to any of you. I'm saying it more for myself. So I don't continue with a show that constantly disappoints me. But more so, I don't support a show that views people like me as lesser. If the writing improves it proves that they can grow and get better but if it doesn't it means they will continue to treat Faunus as misguided and horrible characters. And I refuse to support a show that uses my likeness to get brownie points from people who are unaffected by such messages.

A. No, that’s who refused to do self reflection and improve.

B. Should have done that in the first place.

C. No, once again- You blind yourself from the shit that disproves you.

D. You heard him- Treat the Fanaus like shit and make the humans in the right. You know, the opposite what the show is doing now since it’s SOOO horrible.

E. You are not the center of the universe.

[thatyanderecritic]

i really like the yandere dynamic but i dont openly post or reblog about it anymore cuz i've had people give me a hard time over it being problematic. and i get told im terrible, get called a freak... idk. do you have any advice for dealing with this...?

Hey anon, sorry for not getting to you sooner. We have a lot of questioned queued up to be answered but I decided to put you first since this is a pretty big issue. 

To be a yandere fan, we’re in a rather precarious position. Like any fandom, we are plagued with bad apples that end up painting the community’s face as a whole. You know the type of bad apples that all fandoms have: the overzealous stans that either attack those outside the community for not sharing a view or catering to our fandom. We also suffer from infighting/bullying between yandere fans because not everyone shares the same views on what a yandere is or even for something as stupid as a yandere headcanon for a character that never was a yandere, to begin with. But unlike most fandoms, the works that we support tend to go against us at times. That is to say... since we’re a bit of an under “funded” (e.g. don’t have enough yandere media. Especially for male yanderes) fandom, people tend to quickly put CrAzY characters on a pedestal without question. And this hurts our credibility, ALOT.  Having group within the fandom worshipping some non-yandere, psychotic girl as a yandere just because she’s kawaii while the more “sane” fans try to explain, “No, we swear yandere’s aren’t like that” doesn’t look good for our case. 

Is there anything we can do about people attacking us for our preference? Not exactly, I’m sorry to say. The moment humans gained self-awareness and free will, universal mental unity became a myth. There will always be a disconnect, even on concepts that all humans should be in agreement on. Would you believe me if I say that some people don’t believe that people should be allowed to have a livable wage? Of course, people will have their reasons as to why they think a certain way regardless if it sounds logical or not. Just because they have a reason doesn’t mean it’s reasonable but in a world where emotions is king, logical will never win.

People who attack you for liking yanderes most likely were victims of abuse and went through some sort of trauma that yanderes are usually identified/linked with. If they weren’t direct victims then they know someone who is a victim. And if it isn’t either of these two, then they’re most likely a bleeding heart with a “higher than thou” sense of morality. Regardless of the reasoning, they all have their hearts in the right places but rigid in their perspective of the world. Already, the decision is cemented and may never change. To most, we’re as egregious as pedophiles and incest-lovers just because we like villains. After all: “How in the world could anyone remotely ‘like’ such awful people?! Clearly, there is something wrong with THEM.” Of course, we have our reasons for liking yanderes but most people close their ears and eyes since they already judged us based on our interest. For those who were victims of abuse or know someone, I understand that they’re reaching out to attack those who seem to defend characters that may or may not be similar to their assailant/abuser. They attack, they defend invisible victims, and in a way, looking for purpose... looking at how they can turn their trauma into a positive. But most of the time, they overstep their boundaries and try to enforce their authority in something they don’t understand. 

The only way we can approach these types of people is to send an open invitation for a diplomatic talk in trying to reach a middle ground. While a change of opinion would be nice, it would be nearly impossible since a lot of people are grounded in their personal moral compass. If they are open for a conversation, then all hope is not lost. Ideally, if a conversation is open then the most important thing is to validate their emotions invested in this situation. 9 out of time 10, people are stubborn in an argument because they feel like they’re getting personally targeted either by their identity, their pride, or their emotions. Therefore, they double down and become louder in their argument, not because of their view but because they believe they are defending themselves. From there, once the other recognize that you aren’t attacking them, you shift the conversation onto yourself and point out how they were making you feel the same away but they were actively attacking you; not only that, treating you as less than human just because you prefer villainous FICTIONAL characters. Ideally, at this point, the other recognizes their hypocrisy and you both agree in staying in your own lanes. If by some miracle they’re open of a different perspective, then you’re given a platform to say why you like yanderes... typical reasons being the idea of unconditional love or coping. 

But this is all hypothetical and the most desirable outcome. But more than often, people are more than comfortable at screaming at you every time you try to open your mouth... most likely something they learned because someone shut them down in such a way. Not only that, they most likely formed their own counter-arguments already since a lot of yandere fans have the same reasons as to why they like yanderes: unconditional love or coping. The counter-argument can usually be boiled down to two reasons: unethical and risking future victims seeking a “yandere” partner. Ethicality... this is a low hanging fruit to argue. Everyone (well the majority of people, again it’s universally impossible to be on the same page) would agree that it’s bad to stalk a person. Even a yandere fan would say never to stalk a person IRL. But because of this, they think they got you in an “ethical checkmate”. It’s a cheap argument and they’re just trying to make you feel like a monster for your preferences in fictional characters. Funny enough, this is a tactic that abusers would use to shame their victim into compliance... hm...

The second counter-argument people use is “think of the youths!” Let’s be real... it’s scientifically proven that kids and teens are easily impressionable because of their underdeveloped brains and lack of experience. Not only the concerns of the younger members of society, they fear that by allowing us to enjoy our media, we are “normalizing” abusive relationships in society. Considering the state of the United State’s government, I understand where the fear is coming from. But they’re barking up the wrong tree and especially using the wrong method in preventing this dystopian future. I always see these people bring up the ‘Jaws’ case as to why there should be no yanderes and no support for them. You know, the case where there was a sudden increase in shark hunting due to public fear which pushed certain shark species into endangerment. It’s always this argument, I swear... anyways, they always toss this without never diving in deeper as to why this happened. 

Before Jaws, people didn’t know anything about sharks in general. There just wasn’t any interest in sharks because we humans just didn’t find time interesting at the time. They were there and we can’t really eat sharks. But, there were already tales about sharks being “man-eaters” from those stranded out at sea or curious citizens. The stereotype was already there. But Jaws brought sharks to the forefront of public scrutiny and shark hunting competitions came up because “what’s the harm? Sharks are man-eaters”. This dropped the shark population, but because of this there was an interest in sharks, funding to research them suddenly increased. Scientist turned their attention on sharks while later on fed to informing the public, making them educated and less scared of shark attacks. Jaws came out in 1975... Shark Week on the discovery channel came out in 1988... there’s a reason, folks. People became interested in sharks. Yes, Jaws hurt the shark population but it’s slowly been going up. Damage takes time to repair. But it also brought about awareness. While the stereotype isn’t dead (that’s just humans at this point and it’s always been a stereotype ever since man was on a boat), it opened a conversation. And that’s the key point here. (Here’s a link. But you can go even further if you research)

Abusive relationships, manipulative people, toxic actions... these are nothing new. “Getting rid” of yandere fans will not solve this issue, just like telling your kid “there are kids starving in Africa” will not end world hunger. For the Jaws example, I point to the argument that politicians make about how video games create violent people. We know that it’s nonsense, you know it’s nonsense. But there is a fear of the “unknown”. People back then thought that cartoons like Tom and Jerry would cause kids to grow up violent. And even further back, people thought that reading books created lazy people. The fear on what’s on TV is a fear people had since the beginning of time. People aren’t as soft as they believe they are but they can lack information... Instead of shutting down people and censor what goes on TV, use it as a stepping stone for the bigger conversation. It’s a lack of knowledge and fear of the unknown that killed the sharks but it is knowledge that is now protecting them. 

This is especially important for our younger peers. Raise of hands, who actually changed their minds as a teenager after someone called you stupid or told you “no” with giving a logical reason besides “because I say so.” I’m going to guess we got an empty room here. Attacking our younger peers or those who are older just because they like a character trope IS NOT HELPING THEM AND ESPECIALLY NOT MAKING THE ATTACKERS LOOK LIKE HEROES. THEY LOOK LIKE JACKASSES. Fuck man, the younger ones want acceptance and looking a supportive group by joining a fandom. Calling them toxic just pushes them to the edge these people never wanted them to be. The same applying to the older ones. We all got our issues and y’all never know what it is. That’s why I hate seeing people in our fandom gatekeep against our younger peers. They’re going to come in even though you say crap like “Lmaooo, my blog/game is 18+! Okay, byeeeee!” If you want to protect them then be their fucking guide, my dudes. You can have a mature conversation with them and explain the difference between fiction and reality and what’s wrong and right. “Yanderes are pretty cool, ay sport? But notice how that guy gaslighted the girl? That is a common tactic people do IRL. Be sure to recognize it as a red flag.” Fuck, is that so fucking hard for everyone? Some people act like they never grew on the internet during the early 2000s.Y’all were a teenager once. If what you’re doing wouldn’t help teenage you in the past, then you’re doing it wrong. Smh. 

Finally, I do want to make a point for those who use coping reasons. While I do understand where you’re coming from, you guys are our most vulnerable to these attacks but also the reason for the attacks as well. It’s the mindset of “How could you support something like this?! You must be a horrible person.” I know a lot of people aren’t like that but also, we got bad apples... people who take this for coping reasons way too far. To them, I ask them to come back from the edge and let’s look for help together. Using yanderes to embrace “yandere tendencies” or rationalizing your abuse as normal isn’t the way. Use it to help you breathe and help you feel grounded but don’t let it define you... especially don’t make it a lifeline. As for those who know the difference and can separate fiction from reality, I applaud you but you got some work in helping those who are too deep. I’ve seen some of the yandere Tumblr group chats on the app. I’ll be real... YIKES. It’s a bit of an echo chamber. I ended up having to message a user on a side since I saw red flags in the group chat when I was lurking. People were trying to give the wrong help by encouraging their actions. Just... don’t do this y’all. I get you relate but don’t get your homie in jail or a court date for a restraining order. 

Anyways, I’m sorry anon for pulling farther and farther away from you specifically since this is a big issue that everyone tackles and I’m also sorry that I can’t give you an “end all” answer. First, you can try having a civil conversation with these people. Try for the middle ground and if you feel like you can push further, then try to do a change of mind. But I know this is hard, especially when tensions build and emotions get heated. But it’s important to never explode that anger... or at least direct that anger into a logical response. The moment you explode and made an error of judgment, you will lose and suffer publically. If a conversation isn’t possible, then encourage these people to stay in their lane and unfollow you. Why the fuck are they following you if they hate the things you reblog? Sounds unhealthy... suggest some hobbies or blogs to follow instead. From there, if they try to continue the hate, just block them and delete the messages. As they say, don’t feed the trolls. Y’all may think you’ve seen all the hate anons we get but we get a lot more than what we answer. We just delete them because they’re typically incoherent or stupid. They don’t come back lol. 

From there, anon, surround yourself with people who you find agreeable and who you relate to. A lot of yandere blogs are down for a talk, I’ll be real. Just be sure you open up that you want to be friends lol. So... yeah. I’m sorry this isn’t perfect, but I hope it helps. Don’t be afraid of being yourself!

[ranger-jedi-knight]

A New Hero Chap 16

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20887313/chapters/61274620 Taglist: @bluesimani TAGLIST IS OPEN STILL

So here’s the next chap!! Man this was quicker than my newest usual update speed lol. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this newest chap. Also, so some of you might be annoyed the Steph, Cass, and Duke havent shown up. I get that, but its only cause i dont really know em. So theyre more background characters. I’ll try having them appear, but dont get mad if theyre ooc cause like i said, i dont know em the best. And as I said in the last chap, here’s the post showing what the Grayson siblings look like!

https://ranger-gothamite.tumblr.com/post/622996250510409728/the-grayson-siblings

Alya was buckled over laughing. One arm was wrapped around her as the other whacked away Xavier’s hands as he continued to try tickling her. She moved about trying to get away from his tickling fingers while he followed with a grin and laugh himself. “I give! Stop! Uncle!” she yelled from her rocky spot on the edge of the break rooms couch.

A small smile decorated Dick’s lips as he watched Xavier pulled away laughing. Alya leaned against the armrest, getting her laughs and breathing under control. “How do you feel now?” Xavier asked and Alya grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze.

“Better. Tho, I think tickling is cheating,” she said, a teasing smirk on her lips as Xavier shrugged.

“Well, you never said how to make you feel better. Besides, I know you already talked to Dick about it, so I figured, a distraction would work,” he explained and Alya had to nod.

“Ok, that’s correct......how did you know I talked to Dick?” Alya asked giving him a look and Xavier smiled cheekily at that.

“Lana. she heard you and decided to tell me. She knew we were close,” he said and a resigned type of look crossed Alya’s face.

“Of course she heard,” Alya said shaking her head fondly.

“Well, looks like you two had fun,” Dick said walking into the break room, a smile on his lips as he looked at the two.

“Beware Xavier. He’s a tickle fiend,” Alya said pushing herself upright to glare at Xavier who just smiled unabashedly. Dick smiled as he made his way over as the coffee machine started another batch.

His smile turned to a smirk and Alya gave Dick a look. “He’s not the only one!” Dick called going to and tickling Alya as well. Alya shrieked out a laugh as she started going into Xavier’s personal space to escape only for Xavier to join in. she twisted to and fro trying to escape their tickling but they surrounded her with smirks.

“I-I take-back you’re-both-fiends!” Alya shouted between laughs. The two continued tickling her for a bit longer before relenting. When they finally stopped she leaned against Xavier, panting for breath as Dick stood in front of her smiling softly. “You two.......are the worst,” she panted out, tho she had a smile on her face even tho her cheeks and sides hurt from laughing so hard.

“Nah, we’re the best,” Dick said and Alya nodded slowly at that. But then she looked closer at him, its been a few days since that frantic call and the disagreement.

“How are you and Babs? I haven’t heard you talk about her in a little while,” she asked and Dick gave a rueful smile at that. Never get anything past her, he thought with a small shake of his head.

“We’re talking some things thru,” he admitted with a shrug. Seeing Alya pat beside her, having moved a bit so there’s space between her and Xavier, he sat down and the two leaned against him. Xavier rested an arm on Dick’s shoulder while Alya had a hand on his leg, while her other let him squeeze her arm.

“I have a feeling that’s not all of it,” she whispered and Dick nodded.

“That would be correct,” Dick replied with a sigh, his smile from tickling Alya savagely with Xavier gone. “We got into a disagreement. We....maybe.....breaking up,” he said and a sorrowful look crossed Alya’s face.

“I’m so sorry,” she said, squeezing his leg reassuringly as Dick squeezed her hand. Xavier gave his shoulder a squeeze.

“It’s ok. We’ve been drifting apart for a bit now. We were just denying it,” Dick replied with a shrug.

“That may be, mate. But it still gotta hurt. You were with her for, what? A decade or more?” Xavier asked and Dick nodded.

“On and off,” he offered.

“Well, even so, it’s got to hurt still. And no one is going to judge you for hurting,” Xavier continued and Dick nodded, a small smile painting his lips as he looked between the two.

“Ya, maybe.......maybe that’s why I never felt the want to propose to her. It’s probably because I knew it wasn’t the right thing for me,” he whispered feeling their hands giving him reassuring squeezes.

“I guess there is that bright side. If you ever need someone to talk to, you have us,” Alya whispered as Xavier nodded agreement.

“I know, thank you,” Dick said looking between the two. Alya gave his hand one last squeeze before getting up. She went over to the machine and made Dick his coffee, exactly how he liked it. She sat back down next to him and hand him the mug. He hummed softly with a smile as he sipped the drink. “How did you know my drink?”

Alya scoffed with her head tilted as if she was insulted. “I’ve worked with you for how long, Dick? It’d be a surprise if I didn’t know how you take your coffee,” she said and Dick laughed softly as he nodded.

“Of course. I should have known that after all this time you’d know my at-home comfort coffee,” Dick said and Alya nodded firmly with a smirk.

“Obviously,” she agreed, leaning against him as he sipped his coffee.

“Mind telling me it?” Xavier asked and Alya laughed.

“Sure, I’ll show ya next time,” Alya said and Xavier smiled and nodded. Dick just shook his head between the two of them.

“Ganging up on me now, huh?” he asked.

“But is it ganging up if it’s giving you coffee? Cause, I feel like this is just being nice. Now, what you did just minutes ago with the tickling, now THAT was ganging up,” Alya said and Dick smiled unabashedly at that.

“You enjoyed that tickle session and you know it,” Dick said and Alya rolled her eyes since, yes she did enjoy it since it helped distract her and she had fun with it. But she didn’t have to tell him that.

“I don’t have to answer that,” Alya retorted and Dick smirked as he leaned in to mock whisper to Xavier.

“That means she did,” he said and Xavier laughed with a nod at the look that crossed Alya’s face then.

“It does,” Xavier agreed moving out of the way when Alya tried slapping his arm. But she did manage to slap Dick’s arm hard enough for him to laugh as he leaned against Xavier, trying to escape her wrath, more without dropping or spilling his coffee.

“You’re ridiculous,” Alya said standing up then and heading out. “Feel free to tell Jason that I’m telling Lana who actually got her that necklace!” she yelled out as she left the break room and went to her desk. That had Dick laughing harder just imagining how Jason would react.

“Necklace?” Xavier asked as Dick straightened finally. Dick turned to him and nodded, an easy smile on his lips.

“Ya, a while back Alya’s sister Lana got out of a.....abusive relationship,” he said after a pause, the smile dipping off his face a bit. “She had a rough go and Jason had this necklace he bought for a family friend, Marinette you were there when they visited with Xan, but instead gave it to Lana with Alya promising not to tell who gave it to her. See, Marinette believes in crystals having mystical powers and it seems Lana does too. The reason Alya didn’t say that Jason gave it was because her ex did something when she first met Jason making her be afraid. She’s now way better and knows that she’s safe from him,” Dick explained and Xavier nodded slowly as he processed all that.

“Ah, ok. I got it. I’m glad she’s doing better now,” Xavier said smiling softly to him before humming softly. “Say, does Lana go to GU?” he asked and Dick nodded.

“Yeah, why?” he asked with a tilt of his head as he finished his coffee.

“I’m pretty sure that’s the same Lana my sister is friends with,” Xavier said and Dick started laughing.

“What a small world,” Dick commented and Xavier nodded.

“Small world indeed,” he agreed as the two went out to work on their shared case.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

“We’re really going to tour Gotham University?” Lila asked excitedly and Mari nodded with a smile.

“Ya! We get to see Lana again and meet a few of her friends there!” Mari said excitedly.

“But why? I didn’t think GU was part of Wayne Enterprises?” Adrien asked confused as Nino laughed wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

“It isn’t. But Bruce does donate money to it since his sons have gone there. Dick went there for a bit to get his Criminal Science Degree, Tim did his Business Degree here, when Jason got back, he got his English Degree. As for Damian, I don’t know what he’s planning, I think I heard talk about business or law. Duke is almost done there for his Literature and Film degrees. And then Cass is going somewhere else for her medical while Steph is doing community college as she figures out what she wants. But she will transfer to GU if they have the degree she wants. But I am thinking of going here for a double major of Business and Fashion,” Mari replied and had her friends nodding understanding.

“Jon said he was going to go here to get a Journalism Degree like his parents!” Chloe said excitedly and Mari beamed at that. “Hey, maybe you guys should apply here too! We could all be here in Gotham!” Mari suggested and they nodded agreement.

“Do they got a great sports program?” Kim asked and Mari nodded.

“A really good one. A few Olympians and champions are Alumni from GU,” she explained, and that had Kim shaking with barely contained excitement.

“Do they-?”

“Yes, they visit and help the couches,” Mari said and Kim did a victory dance in his seat on the bus.

“I was thinking of checking the place out,” Lila commented and Mari smiled at that.

“Hey, even if you don’t go to GU, maybe you guys will find a college that’s close enough that we can still hang out! And Chloe, Adrien, you could ask Lana about the Journalism Program they have since she’s apart of it!” Mari said and the couple sitting to the side nodded agreement while Lila giggled from her place next to her.

“Ya! We will. I’m sure Jon will like knowing more about the program!” Adrien said and Nino grunted. Adrien moved his arm out and almost knocked Nino off the seat.

“If you wanted the seat to yourself, you could have just said, bro,” Nino joked as he slid into the seat across from Kim and Max next to Sabrina.

“I didn’t-!” Adrien started as everyone laughed and a blush dusted his cheeks as Nino reached over and patted his shoulder.

“Totally, bro,” Nino said smirking and enjoying seeing Adrien flush and cover his face.

“Didn’t Xan say he was going to GU to talk with the Dean?” Lila asked and Mari nodded.

“Yeah! Since he couldn’t apply with the others, he’s applying to come in during next year’s Spring Semester,” Mari explained happily and Lila nodded with a smile.

“If we’re lucky we’ll see him and get to wish him luck!” Lila said excitedly and the group nodded agreement.

“Oh! Did you guys hear the news? Luna uploaded a new music video!” Kim said excitedly and the group nodded.

“Ya! I listened to their new song five times!” Mari said happily.

“I can’t wait! Apparently the group is coming here to perform!” Adrien said and that had them getting more excited.

“Really?” Mari asked.

“Ya!” Adrien shouted back and Mari and Lila squealed excitedly.

“I wish I can go! I love their music!” Mari whined out and Adrien shared a smirked with Chloe.

Queenie: you got the Luna tickets right????

Demon: Of course. I bought them months ago. Including Backstage passes to personally meet the members.

Little Wing: i’m insulted you’d think that.

NERD: don’t worry. even if we hadnt, the group would still love to meet Mari cause of her business mdc

Queenie: just had to make sure ttyl

Demon: You are at GU right?

NERD: of course they are. thats part of the program for their we internship. but why? id imagine youd rather surprise them somewhere else

Demon: I don’t need to explain myself to you

Chloe just shook her head while Adrien snickered softly while the others were too busy discussing Luna. Well, Max wasn’t. Max was typing away on his phone. While he enjoyed their music, he wasn’t crazy about it like his boyfriend or the others.

“Did you see Eunjoo’s outfit? It was soo cute!” Mari said and Lila nodded agreement.

“It was! Honestly, all of the Lolita outfits she wears are adorbs!” Lila added.

“They’re cute, but look at that rockin’ outfit she wears in the newest music video!” Kim said showing a blown-up pic of Eunjoo wearing black cargo pants with a deep red-purple sports bra-like top with a black button-up tied under it, heeled combat boots were on her feet that matched her crop top. She still had her hair-wig really- up in pigtails with the princess cut bangs. It was interesting to see pastel purple hair with a dark hat on top with dark clothes.

“You may make Max jealous with how you’re talking about Eunjoo,” Mari said with a teasing smirk.

“Oh, he agrees with me,” Kim said and Mari snorted at that.

“Kim is correct. I agree with his analysis. Her outfit in the newest music video is cool. It has a Lara Croft vibe,” Max replied and everyone shook their heads as they laughed. “But also, did you hear the news? Luna is going on tour with Clara and Jagged,” he said and that had Mari and Lila looking in awe.

“Really?” Mari whispered out and Max nodded as he pushed his glasses up.

“Really. After their concert here, they’ll be heading out on tour with them, meeting up at Washington D.C.,” he explained.

“Wow,” Mari breathed. “Oh! Maybe I can get Uncle Jagged to introduce us!” Mari squealed as she pulled her phone out to rapidly text Jagged as Lila and the others maneuvered her out of the bus and onto campus.

“Marinette?” a familiar voice called out. The group turned to see Lana looking at them confused with a few people with her.

“Lana!” Mari beamed over at the redhead and went over to her giving her a tight hug. Lana tensed in Mari’s grip, squeezing her friend’s hand as she forced herself to relax. “Sorry,” she mumbled seeing Lana tense.

“It’s fine. Just....gotta push thru,” Lana replied.

“Still. I swear, if I see his stupid face again,” Mari began and Lana patted her shoulder.

“Thank you, but I doubt I’ll ever be seeing him again,” Lana assured and Mari nodded slowly.

“See who’s stupid face?” Adrien asked curiously and watched as Lana gripped her dagger necklace.

“No one,” Lana replied and Mari gestured she’d explain later which he nodded at. “What are you guys doing here by the way? And who are some of these people?” Lana asked and Mari beamed as she pointed to each person.

“That’s Kim, Adrien, Lila, Sabrina, and Max. Remember Chloe and Nino?” she asked remembering that only those two joined her when she dropped off cookies all that time ago.

“Hi,” Lana greeted giving a wave to the group.

“We match! Nice!” Kim said laughing and that had Lana cracking a small smile when she noticed they indeed matched. Just not in the normal way. Her hair was practically the same shade as Kim’s sweatshirt, just faded a bit.

“Mind introducing us to your friends?” Mari asked and Lana jerked and nodded.

“Sorry, ya, I can do that,” Lana said giving a small smile as the group laughed softly. “That’s Belle, Bee for short,” she pointed to the short young woman she squeezed her hand with who had black hair and brown eyes. She then pointed to a woman on Bee’s other side with brown hair and black glasses over her blue eyes, “This is Cahaya, but Bee and I call her Haya,” she then pointed to the Italian in the wheelchair. She had purple-dyed hair and blue glasses over her teal-green eyes. A scar ran along her cheek. “And that’s Lila,” Lila waved with a laugh.

“Oh my god! I watch your channel!” Lila said from beside Mari, causing the girl next to Lana to laugh.

“Is it because we share a name?” she asked with a giggle that Lila returned. “So there’s no confusion, you guys can just call me L or even MC for my channel name,” she offered, smiling happily at that.

“MC?” Kim asked confused and looked over Max’s shoulder as he typed rapidly on his phone before showing Kim.

“Mythical Crafter. You know, that resin and clay crafter. The girls talk about her a lot,” Max explained and Kim nodded with an ‘oh’ look.

“Oh, yea! I just never heard the name,” he said sheepishly scratching the back of his neck as the group laughed.

“Anyways, why are you guys here?” Lana asked, tilting her head curiously.

“As much as I’d like to know, I need to get to class,” Bee said softly and Lana nodded understandingly as Bee then started off toward a different building with Haya close behind. “It was nice meeting you,” she called out over her shoulder.

“We’re here for a tour of GU!” Mari said beaming and Lana smiled softly.

“That’s cool. I hope you enjoy your tour,” Lana said and Mari nodded agreement. “Speaking of wish, it looks like your teacher wants to get a move on,” she continued looking behind Mari. Mari glanced back and pouted.

“Ya, will you still be on campus at lunch?”

“Ya, I’ll be in the cafeteria,” she answered and Mari beamed.

“We can talk more then!” Mari said as she and the others rushed over to their class.

“Later!” Lana called before walking with L rolling right beside her to their next class. Ms. Bustier looked at Mari and her friends a bit annoyed.

“Marinette, you shouldn’t run off like that,” she scolded and Mari scowled at that shocking the teacher.

“I didn’t run off. I walked a few steps away from the group with my friends to talk with an old friend of mine that goes here,” she said bitterly.

“Why don’t you introduce us to her then. Maybe she’d be able to give us some pointers,” Bustier said smiling sweetly.

“No.”

“What?” Bustier had the gall to look confused.

“She said no, Madame Bustier. She doesn’t have to do anything for you,” Adrien said with a scowl as well.

“Why! That is no way to speak to me, Adrien!” Bustier said looking at the two annoyed.

“Actually, they can. Because you’re being unfair. You’re trying to get Mari to do something she doesn’t want to do, nor do we know if the person you want us to meet wants to meet more people. You actually need to get the person’s consent first if you want them to talk with our class about school-related things,” Chloe said as she inspected her nails. “Even if you didn’t, you can’t force Mari to do anything.”

Bustier fumed at that and instead started leading them to the meeting point.

Ok, so here it is!! This was actually pretty long lol! I hope you enjoyed this newest chap! Yes, I’m still a bit bitter at how stupid Bustier is. She’d be better as a kindergarten teacher really. So ya, we get some Bustier salt. Espeically next chap! Just wait! So, until next time!! -Love Willa<3<3<3

[gizkasparadise]

cdrama rec: ashes of love

Master drama rec list.

Series: ashes of love / heavy sweetness, ash-like frost Episodes: 63 (that i watched in like 5 days dont judge me) Genres: fantasy/wianxia, romance, comedy, angst Spoilers in the Rec: minor ones If You Like, You’ll Like: eternal love (both the show and also the meta concept), moon lovers, tragically coughing up blood to indicate that you’ve been betrayed, reincarnation, dramatic interruptions of weddings, mmmWhatchasay villains, idiots in love, some Romance with your romance 

Rank: 8/10

premise

thousands of years ago, the Floral Deity/Zi Fen was dying due to being literally burned by love (long story, flashback eps later). Right before she bites it, she gives birth to a baby girl named jin mi and is so capital-D Done with men and their lowercase d’s (and saw a prophecy or whatever) that she gives her baby a pill that makes her unable to feel love as well as a seal that locks down her powers. she tells her assistants not to fuck with either.

the assistants are clearly uncomfortable by this whole premise, but agree to raise jin mi without her knowing her true heritage, power, or love. this will work well in the long term, everyone thinks. everything will be great, everyone thinks. 

for 4000 years, it all seems to be going well enough as jin mi is raised ignorant but happy in her little bio-dome.

but then a fucking bird falls through it:

lol toasty

that bird is actually the true PHOENIX form of Heavenly Prince Xu Feng, who has been injured after reaching nirvana by some SCHEMERS. jin mi takes him in, nurses him to health (after attempting to cut off his penis because she thought it was a tumor yeah really Flower Realm sex ed leaves a lot to be desired), and in exchange she makes him take her to the Heaven Realm aka the EXACT place mama Flower Deity NEVER EVER wanted her to go for REASONS

from there, jin mi meets various deities, gets caught up in some intrigue, carries around a succulent, and maybe there’s a murder or ten. get ready for some Epic Shit.

main characters

jin mi

our hero! having been given an elixir that stops her from feeling or understanding love, jin mi comes across as naive, bubbly, and sometimes a lil dense. as a minor magical being (grape elf lol), she doesn’t have a lot of power but that changes because we’re on an epic, baby. she wears a hairpin that suppresses her gender and power and so she’s often mistaken for a dude 

center of a reverse harem that includes dudes and ladies. bestower of terrible nicknames. has mastered the DRAMATIC HAIR TWIRL. is amazing and knows it. watches ur dirty dreams For Science

 xu feng / god of war / prince of heaven

the Crown Prince of the Heaven Realm whose natural form is a phoenix. he’s also the god of war because why not and a bit of a himbo/bird brain (ba dum tish). he falls in love with jin mi and completely misses the signs that she is missing his signs.

only drinks natural spring water so you get the vibe that he’s a cosmic foodie. jock that goes through a pretty intense goth phase. could better check his privilege. seduction a la the art of war 

runyu / god of night

xu feng’s older half-brother via concubine, and therefore Not the Crown Prince. his natural form is a dragon, and he’s the god of night. a certified Sad Boy, he’s lonely all the time, like his only friend aside from xu feng is a lil baby deer that eats dreams and burbs them out as bubbles. 

he’s really chill and nice and yeah the illegitimate son who lives in isolation, falls in love with his bro’s girl, and has severe mom hang-ups is going to have a totally great time in a cdrama :| mmwhatchasay

some support characters selected by how much they are my favorites

yanyou / mr puchi

the actual, literal definition of a “smug snake.” yanyou is the snake deity and Up To Something No Good that we don’t know for awhile. BUT he’s been bros with jin mi since she was in the floral realm, and is pretty much the bestest of friends to her despite all his bullshit (he’s got a lot of all that bullshit). will take you to BOTH types of brothels because he supports your journey, man

liuying

demon princess and bestie of xu feng (and just friends! REFRESHING). she is five ounces of whoopass with a Thing for phantom of the opera cosplayers. whips it baby, whips it right

dan zhu / the fox fairy

xu feng and runyu’s uncle, the younger brother of the Heavenly Emperor. he’s a fox fairy as well as the god of love and marriage. grade-A meddler. diehard jin mi/xu feng shipper. lover of porn.

some support characters selected by how much they are NOT my favorites but are important to the plot or whatever

suihe 

princess/current leader of the bird tribe (natural form a peacock) and xu feng’s cousin. is super super trying to lock that shit down with him, so she can become heavenly empress and because she loves him or whatever. is STUPID gorgeous like what demon did she deal with for that face

the heavenly empress

xu feng’s mom, also a phoenix/original head of the bird tribe, and i really don’t think i need to explain this character after you’ve seen this picture. she is exactly who you think she is.  

there’s also the heavenly emperor but that bitch don’t get a photo in my recap

Drawbacks

holy hetero, batman! there’s a few lines that had me rolling my eyes 

almost all of the main cast have an EQ as deep as a teaspoon, xufeng in particular is super insensitive at times

i am probably in the minority but GOOD GOD we did not need the amount of muci that we got. at all. there was too much/i started skipping all his scenes. you’re tragic, we get it 

not a drawback so much as a warning, but jin mi is often the victim of manipulation. she breaks free/has an EPIC “reason you suck!” speech later, but it’s good to know ahead of time

Reasons to Watch.

genuinely hilarious??? which is super impressive considering how DARK this shit could get. 

jin mi is so loveable. team jin mi forever

costume porn and how. and also my Supreme Jam of the costuming reflecting the character arcs as the show goes

this series has everything: a baby deer that vomit dreams, sad dragon merman princes, a girl that becomes a grape. corpse weddings

idk you want your DRAMA you want your ROMANCE you want all the colors pulled from your eyes and put into an ORB???

Actually has a pretty happy ending which is LMAO fucking phenomenal based on my (limited) experiences w/ cdramas!

Final Thoughts.

it’s on netflix! go go go 

[fuckblizzardbearlover]

Ok so reasons why i Love Warcraft the Beginning, and why its perfect and i hope for more. Might be a little incorherant cus i'm just doing my thoughts as they come. i  dont have the time to spend hours writing articles i'm not being payed for.

Yes Warcraft is a great, i say Perfect movie. "But it has flaws". Everything does. That perfect movie you love so much? someone found it boring, someone found it pretentious , someone found it stupid. Perfect pizza? someone doesnt like your toppings, someone thought there wasnt enough for it. A movie, a show, a book, art in general cannot be judged by an arbitrary list of items it must meet to sufficient quality. "no plotholes, great acting, good effects" are not good qualifiers. Most ppl dont know the meaning of plotholes, different tons of story require different acting (Casablanca is seen as a masterpiece but i dislike movies of that era because the acting is over the top, stiff, and campy. however that does not make them bad, it just means i dont like it). Really the only way a piece of art can be judged is by judging it based on what it TRIED to do. If your character is suppose to show they are angry in this scene and they just seem constipated then you did fail and that was bad acting. But if your character is suppose to be angry and some of the audience thinks they should have acted a different way, then thats just a difference of opinion between author and audience.

So what did Warcraft the Beginning TRY to do? Pay homage to the original franchise, tell a heartfelt complex story, give a larger than life epic, and reinterpret the story into something thats better than it was and can be accepted by a general audience

-So i love how much the art, style and themes embraced the franchise. The intro was PERFECT. The little cameos and everything were well done. For some weird reason a few thought that was cringe but part of good cameos is world building. They arent putting "this way to the stoutelager inn" so fans can go "i get that refrence" they are doing it to create  a scene that involves a sign to an inn and might as well be a real one from the story, right? The franchise STARTED as Err orcs bad humans good but it has since evolved past that, and you saw that with the  theme of the H and A heroes banding together against guldan. The armor and costumes were perfect, using the major flair of warcraft without being overly done. Llane's and Lothar's armor is perfect example.

some people have a problem with what i'd say was the "family friendly epic fantasy adventure" aspect of the movie. yes pacing was quick but when you go into a weird story you just suspend disbelief and take things as you go. They never explain how the Flashy Thingies in men in black work, they just do. you accept it and move. And there was some slightly heavy handed themes and moments. but thats what we call Camp. Its a fantasy adventure, you have snark, a few cheesy lines, hope vs darkness and all that good stuff. I remember when Wonder Woman came out an interviewer asked about the....hammy? ending. i think they used  a different word. but the idea was that it seemed...bad? that the ending revolved around Wonder woman's faith in humanity, faith in goodness and trying to do good, was naieve. And Patty Jenkens said that she thinks the world needs more hope like that, not everything is doom and gloom and the point of a hero is to be hopeful.

A GOOD movie, a PERFECT movie doesnt need to be high art. Ppl talk about inception cus it was so intense but IMO if half the audience doesnt know whats happening then its not so good is it? and like i said So many "great perfect movies' in history are boring, or weird or unlikable to many people. And i think its a great detriment to the world that people got to act like only high art movies that win awards are any good.

And then there is the story and charactes. I loved Lothar and Llane, very relatable and good example of heroic men. The mirror between the father Lothar and Durotan was great. I loved how well they did the orcs, just everything about them. Like their meeting and having it so that you could only understand the side you were listening from, if you listen when its focused on the orcs and Garona is translating you can hear Llane speaking something that is NOT english. But like even with the kinder orcs they kept the furiosity. Durotan makes it clear that their world is dead and they cannot simply go back, and thats very realisitc. even were it not for guldan if he was fighting to save his people he'd willingly fight the humans if they tried to stop them. It was great seeing them touch on the idea of the fel infused orcs with Medivh's ability to create spells that specifically target them. Oh and geeze his whole arch. the actor and directing i think did a great job of showing him struggling to do as much as he could to help the alliance against the orcs. He seemed addled, like he was losing it or on drugs but you find out it is really because the fel is taking hold of him. thats what was great about the last guardian is the whole Inner monster storyline. Betrayal of one's self and all that. And it showed the variety in the orcs, yes you had dark ones who embraced the pillage too, and its a shame that the campfire scene "but you're...Green" scene didnt make it. Kadgar, did a good job with the whole "he's smart enough to notice when his 'betters' are wrong but he's young and inexperienced and doesnt know how to assert himself" was great.  Its funny cus some didnt like he didnt age, but far as i can tell nothing in warcraft even addressed that. Like he mentions once or twice in the book and in click dialogue that it sucks losing his childhood but there is no angst about it. you wouldnt know he's only in his 40s now. Even his little cinematic before legion focused on him taking up the mantle of the guardian.

And then there are the improvements it made. Rise of the Horde was good but they didnt have time to have the 'non fel orcs being around fel turn slightly green', so it was a good choice to have that dynamic visual change. Lothar's son arc i think gave him more of a personal reason to be invested in this other than "defense of our nation". And it kinda sucks in the original narrative that stormwind just kinda got its butt kicked. I'm sure it will still fall but it will be nice to see more effort put into it. And goodness we actually got to see varian's mother? and she was an important part of the story? she was an interesting character and had influence and was crucial to getting garona on their side. Speaking of , Garona by herself is the best change and alone makes this movie better than the original. She is a product of love, the first human/orc couple, presumably when Medivh was first exploring Draenor. And not a tool created by rape? Its so great that this shitty aspect of the story generated from the naive creator's idea of womens place in stories, was rewritten. Oh i'd be the first to say it wasnt malicious. but between Kerrigan and Sylvannas and Garona, heck this attitude exists today. That a man's humanity comes from his family, that he is violent emotionless and a killer but a wife brings out his peace and children his humanity . so the worst thing that can happen to him is his family is killed, thus bringing the beast back. And that for a Woman she is defined by her love of the man, does she reject him or accept him, does she play hard to get or support him? how freely does she give herself to him. And thus the worst thing that can happen to a woman is to have her body violated, and what many guys who grew up in the 70s-90s fantasy era that was the go to story. Woman is violated (in body) and gets her revenge and feels empowered by killing her rapist. while the man is violated by those he LOVES being killed, and empowered by avenging them and finding a new family (or a way to honor the dead ones)

So yea its REALLy awesome that this story rejected that whole farse and said "no, the key behind saving both peoples is a young woman who exists because 2 people from different planets loved each other"

[ruffiorocks]

Lena and Jonn should talk!

You know what I'd like to see in season 5? I want Lena to have a one on one conversation with Jonn. If Jonn can be a space dad to Kara, Alex and Winn and have bro time with Mon El then there shouldn't be any reason why he couldn't do the same for Lena.

We've seen Lena build relationships with Kara, Alex, James even Winn to a point. But she's going to be so pissed at Kara, so Kara isn't the best one for her to be around right now. By extension she will most likely feel hurt and pissed at Alex, James and Brainy, Probably Nia too, but they've barely interacted.

Now we saw Alex start to be a lot more Team Lena and sympathetic to her while she was under the mind wipe, but that may change now that she knows who Kara is again. So any chat with Lena will ultimately still be Team Kara all the way no matter what and we've seen what a short fuse Alex can have.

Brainy is kind of the same but he would probably be more sympathetic to Lena. If Lena goes off the deep end Brainy is a good one for her to talk to since he's been there himself.

James is leaving and quite frankly Lena shouldn't be discussing these issues with the ex that lied to her. No I dont mean him not telling her Kara's secret, that wasn't his to tell. I mean the whole knowing it was Kara who asked him to break into L Corp (which he did) then dropping Supergirl in it to gain points with Lena, he knew she would be pissed at Supergirl but was happy to watch her continue to be besties with Kara. It's so messed up! Oh then there was the whole 'im not investigating my girlfriend, only for him to change his tune immediately after she dumped him. The disrespect to her as his boss, making her company and her by extension look associated with the COL. I could go on but I won't. He isn't the one she should be working things through with.

I love the idea of Lena getting therapy, but Kelly isn't the one to do it. First off because she would have to be in on the secret and I swear to RAO if Kelly finds out before Kara even finds out that Lena knows I will riot! Then there's the fact that Kelly is James' sister, you do NOT go to your ex's sister for therapy. She's also going to be dating Alex so that's another awkward position and she's friends with Kara who is also Alex's sister and the one Lena has the issue with. Too many conflicts of interest there.

No , I want her to talk to Jonn! Why you ask? Because Jonn ISN'T perfect and has done bad things. If it comes out that Lena killed Lex then Jonn should be able to understand since he killed Manchester. I mean technically what Jonn did was worse in a way, Lex would have always been a threat and was an evil psychopath but Manchester was a heartbroken sane man who went off the deep end but could have been contained and should have been.

I need the characters (and the fans) to start acknowledging that the heroes have killed people/aliens in the past and aren't perfect. The characters and the fans often forget these things.

Jonn is also no stranger to being pissed at someone and feeling betrayed. Anyone remember when M'gann gave her blood to save Jonn? Even when she knew it wasn't the best plan and would expose her? She saved Jonn's life but as soon as he realized she was a White Martian he had her locked up which he had absolutely no right to do. Meghan was a refugee, she had a job, never caused any issues and saved the ungrateful sods life. But it didn't matter to Jonn, he locked her up and had to be convinced into letting this Innocent woman who saved his ass go. Jonn judged her because of what she was. Not unlike Kara when she realized Mon El was a Daxamite.

Jonn is likely to be able to have a conversation with Lena without it decended into anger or an argument like it probably would with Kara or Alex.

Jonn can relate to having a dark side, he locked up M'gann, he killed Manchester when there was no reason to and he had to be talked out of killing a White Martian by Kara and Alex.

Jonn also once kept Kryptonite at the DEO without any regard for Kara or Kal El and thats why Kal wouldn't work with him. Jonn had to be convinced into giving Kal the supply they had. (stupid idea since the last threats had been Kryptonians and the next one would be too). Jonn also had a Kryptonite knife he 'really liked' and he put Kara in Kryptonite cuffs so she couldn't stop him killing the White Martian. At least Lena's Kryptonite was never meant to be used on anyone other than Reign.

Jonn has a dark side and is a warrior, he knows this. This is why he failed to follow in his father's foot steps on the path of peace. Jonn is the perfect guy to go and talk to Lena. He's also several centuries years old so he has a lot more life experience and patience. He should have been the parental figure Lena went to, but I fear her trust will be hard to win back.

Jonn and Lena having some one on one time. Jonn is psychic to, so that could come in handy, I dont mean him reading her mind without consent, he just seems to know things sometimes. Jonn is the perfect one to understand Lena's trust issues, her dark side, her willingness to get things done even if there are going to be consequences. The fear of some aliens, Jonn fears and has prejudice against white Martians. Whether he's right or wrong doesn't matter, he has them and Lena has had and does have fears of alien powers, which is justifiable. Jonn is willing to kill the same as Lena is.

So give me Jonn and Lena having a talk. Give me Jonn being a space dad to Lena to, he knows her, has worked with her and is friends with her. No reason why he shouldn't be able to talk to her. Alex is too hot headed, Kara will just make excuses pissing Lena off more, Brainy will try and justify and probably come up with senarios to fix it, Lena probably wouldn't lose it with Brainy but she would kick him out.

So yeah Jonn and Lena time please!!

[aelincreativ]

VC #79 Curtis

I wouldn't have any problems with Shiro ending up with Curtis if there had been more development and time for Shiro to heal and move on. It's literally like they thought, oh shpot, our big gay draw is not happening, we already killed the other guy, lets add in this dude! Curtis is adorable and in the wedding shot they do seem so happy. I could accept them as canon with no problem if Shiro had been given time to mourn. If we cut out Kuron's time, cuz he wouldnt have given a shit, Shiro still had a very long amount of time missing Adam and not knowing. And if Shiro got to do any mourning at all, it was kept off camera. And that pisses me off. Adam had 3 minutes of relevant content. But he aas a big part of Shiro's and maybe even Keith's life. A few of the new Adam antis are saying that Adam is bad because he made Shiro choose. Im sorry hun but if my fiance was going to head into space, while suffering from an incurable disease, and was going to be gone for maybe a year, then I sure as hell would put up a fight. We dont see it but theyve probably talked and argued over Shiro going for a long time. And Adam probably thought they had settled the issue and had decided together that Shiro wasnt going to go. So then Shiro comes back to their room and tells Adam he's going. No discussibg it again. Shiro decided on his own that he was going to go. Adam had every right to be upset. So then Shiro's gone abd Adam may be bitter, possible planning abd preparing for the argumebt when Shiro gets back. But after the months of knowing Shiro's journeying to Kerberos, it's made news that the mission failed and the crew is called dead. Adam thought Shiro was dead. At least thats what we can assume. With so littke screen time for Adam it is hard to judge and know how in the loop Adam would have been kept. But assuming Adam wasn't told anything, he has thought Shiro was dead for a year before the show takes place. Possible a year and a half since they broke up. So by the time the show even begins, Adam has been moving on. But Shiro doesnt get that. He spends the months flying to Kerberos focused on the mission, trying to proce that his disease isnt holding him back. And then he has a year in captivity. Where he is put through torture and worse. Id bet my life that Shiro probably cried himself to sleep some nights wishing he had listened to Adam. Shiro goes on though. He fights a war. And he does it well. For all we know, the only knowledge and thought of Adam he carries for those years is one of regret and sorrow. But is any of that shown on screen? Hell no. Why? Because Adam was added and killed for baiting and nothing else. If they had been real they would have existed. We would have seen Adam before season 7, wven just a mention of his name. Adam would have had an actual presence. Hell Shiro could have sent a video back with Sam for Adam. And Shiro would have gotten to mourn him on screen. Because it's one thing to believe that you lost that chance, knowing that you were done and living with it. It is another thing to learn that someone very dear too you is dead and died a hero in a war. Because Shiro didnt move on, at least not to a new relationship, before learning Adam was dead it would have hit him very hard. But we dont see anything. And if Shiro's mourning occured in the months between 7 and 8 then why not mention or show it somehow. Shiro visiting the memorial with flowers or just standing there quietly. They could have shown that he moved on very easily. But they didnt. And it pisses me the fuck off. Curtis could have been great. But they didnt build it on screen. Curtis and Shiro had little on screen interaction and none of it was noticeable because i was blindsided as fuck when they got married. There was absolutely no development. Nothing. I only know about Curtis cheering Shiro on at Clear Day because people went back and had to find Curtis and figure out who he was. I loved these characters too much. Im like a parent with kids. I dont just let my kids get engaged without meeting the s.o. first. Shiro could have been obviously gay from the start. But he wasnt. There is a reason the shiro and allura content is everywhere and rampant in any fic pre lotor. And when Matt came along, the shiro matt shippers took yarn and went bungy jumping. It just there was so little proper development. For everyone. This post mainly focused on Curtis, Adam, and Shiro but i am going to be dissecting every aspect of what failed in voltron as it comes to my attention. I was going to do the obvious Allurance one first but Curtis is popping up everywhere and was on my mind when i opened up the new post. There is so much more that voltron could have become. But it didnt. Ezor and Zethrid were the most we got out of a lgbt+ couple. And we all thought they were dead! If voltron had just stayed ship free it would be one thing. Find a way to leave it open ended. But they didnt. By giving us supposed endgames they gave us the right to argue and critisize them on how they developed the story. A show is nothing without a fanbase. And the voltron fanbase can be very toxic but we are what made voltron big and made it happen. We all loved and adopted the characters of this show. And the endings we got are subpar and feel like a knife in our chests.

[wintersoldeer]

ok here's some totally incoherent thoughts about endgame that i just have to write down or i might explode spoilers: i loved it also actual spoilers spoilers very spoilery spoilers

1. Steve and the goddddamn mjölnir!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!! when thor, iron man and cap were like 'aw yeahhh we're gonna fight thanos' i was like what the heckie is steve even doing there, supersoldier or not he's just a human. then thor drops his hammer and i’m like oh my gods please literally crossing my fingers. then thor’s fight is not going so well and oh no he definitely needs someone to save him! i’m like ohhhhhmygooddss. and THEN IT FINALLY HAPPENS I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR YEARS HELL YEAHHHHH

2. steve & peggy dance. yes. just yes. fucking finally. i love it. it was perfect i cried

3. clint should’ve died. (finally haha) he was my fave since before the avengers and i was so sure he was going to die back then, but then he didn’t and look what’s became of him since.......... i had a violent flashback to watching age of ultron for the first time and for the first time just hoping that my fave character (that would be clint) would just die, bc they’re screwing his character over so badly........ and most definitely it. should.  not. have. been. natasha. who. died.  that was such a bullshit i mean WHAT THE FUCK????  i mean maybe clint and natasha were the only remaining avengers that actually loved each other (?¿¿????¿¿¿?¿ tho that’s just flimsy, i’m just trying to....idek) and that’s why it had to be them on that stupid fuckin death cliff, but why did natasha have to die?? just because clint had a family (still with no actual characterization, not that i even care, or maybe i would if the movies had given me any reason to...) to return to and she didn’t??that fucking sucks and what sucks even more is that not only was natasha the only character that died (i’m not even counting tony, bc that was very Different) but she’s the only original female avenger AND it’s the same stupd fucking rock that the only original female gotg gamora died in such a bullshit way just last movie??? goddddd i hated that so much like maybe if she hadn’t been the first one to die and all the original avengers would’ve died as was i kinda hoping (tho i love happy endings so i didn’t actually hope that it would happen..), maybe then i would be okay with her being dead. now i am very much not okay, and that means very much not okay in a angry way, not in a sad way

4. speaking of death: to me tony’s was perfect. i might not be the biggest fan of how he always got the most screentime and a bigger role than other characters, but i can’t deny that he definitely is the heart of the whole mcu and it had to be him who saves the day in the end and what else could it have been that a very tony-like self-sacrifice..... god i cried. i loved that he got a funeral (even tho natasha didn’t...) and i loved his funeral with all the people and fricking harley and then the kid saying how much she likes cheeseburgers and the frickin ‘proof that tony stark has a heart’ and sfghkklkghhhh

5. i gasped audibly when i noticed that natasha was wearing the arrow necklace

6. i kinda forgot that vision ever even existed..... in the end i first thought that wanda was talking about pietro and then i was like ok well maybe not maybe she’s talking about tony or something WHICH MAKES NO SENSE LOL i don’t even remember what she actually said, but as was pointed out to me, she was probably talking about vision. who was a thing that existed... whoops

7. ugh i hate brucenat, i really thought we were over that shit already. i also very much disliked that they actually decided to go with professor hulk, but idk w/e i don’t care that much. but natasha’s death sucked tho and the one thing i do not want to see is bruce’s pain or whatever when the movie didn’t even give me the time or reason to actually grieve for her goddd that whole thing was such a bullshit

8. i did not like that thor was treated as a joke most of his screentime........

9. that stevepeggy dance tho. love it. it’ll probably take me at least another seven years to get over it

10. i fricking adored the whole going back in time thing, especially the 2012. the callbacks and the humor really worked for me, the elevator scene straight from cap2 but reversed and hail hydra and steve fighting steve and loki’s expressions when things go wrong and goddhhh i loved it all aaaaaaa, that was the moment when i was like ok i need to see this movie again immediately.... also the fact that their time travel rules were that they were just creating new paths or w/e i guess, and not actually changing what happened to them specifically... good. so many aus

11. that final battle was so perfectly epic

12. tho shouldn’t valkyrie’s (who really just doesn’t have a real name, now does she..) horse have died after being shot haha

13. i loved that clint had the gauntlet for so long, like he’s definitely the Least Qualified Person to keep it safe, why would that be his job, it was amazing

14. i hated natasha’s death with burning passion, but i loved how she and clint fought each other over who gets to throw themselves off that cliff. tho i really hoped that their ‘yeahh we know what we have to do’ would’ve rather meant that they decided to just throw red skull down bc who even knows if it even actually needs love sacrifice or w/e, a soul is a soul is a soul

15. i loved the human jarvis whatever-his-first-name-was cameo and i really need to finally watch/rewatch agent carter

16. i really liked the tony howard scene even if i thought it felt a bit iffy, bc i feel like there’s so much more to unpack w/ those daddy issues.... but maybe that scene means that there is that one universe where howard was actually a good dad. i want to believe that. yeah. (maybe not but let me dream)

17. i like how they totally forgot that sharon carter ever even existed

18. damn that moment when black panther comes through that portal

19. damn that moment when gi ant-man is giant

20. damn that final battle was so epic

21. damn that steve with mjölnir

22. this movie was SO GOOD when it was good and so mehhh when it was bad, and i’m really glad that it was just good enough that i can forgive overlook all of its flaws. (tho i will not forgive what they did to natasha, even if i can mostly ignore it when thinking about how good most of the rest of the movie was) but idk if it would’ve been perfect, maybe i wouldn’t have survived like there’s this One Huge Thing (natasha) that really brings down the movie that otherwise would’ve been just Amazing

23. i don’t know if my heart has ever beaten as fast as when steve finally picks up the hammer. never while watching a movie, at least

24. i love that carol has her short haircut, bc it bothered me so much in cpn marvel that she should not have been able to see anything when her hair was just constantly on her face haha

25. i feel nothing but seething resentment towards clint’s stupid family and that stupid family man role he is stuck with

26. why was natasha’s hair so weird and ugly. why can’t it just be red??

27. clint’s hair was weird and ugly too and i think i have finally kinda given up on mcu!clint (tho he has those small Very Good moments and i cry for what could’ve been.....we could’ve have it aaaaaalllll.... i think i’m going to watch swat (2003) again and still pretend it’s the clint backstory movie i deserve haha, it’s been ages since i’ve seen it idk if it would still work for me, i’m gonna try)

28. i love nebula tho

29. i loved the trip down memory lane! frigga!!!! the way the continuation of the avengers capturing loki just felt so natural and like it probably happened just like that! nebula and rhodey judging quill’s singing and dancing haha yes! everything! just as i was hoping it would be!

30. doesn’t really have anything to do with this movie but: i still firmly believe that coulson never died. i still firmly believe that pietro never died. 

31. falcon cap helll yeah!!

32. i guess i’ll never get my strike team delta movie with clintasha best friends soulmates and with buckynat and the red room.........  goddd there really should’ve been a black widow movie after cap2. like that was The Perfect Spot for a black widow movie, it’s really a crime that there isn’t one, and even if they make a black widow movie now, it’ll definitely be too little too late.

33. like..... a for effort..... for that female heroes girl power.... ughhhh.... scene, i guess, but that. does. not. cut. it. when you have just killed natasha

34. things i really wished they would say in some perfect moments: “hail hydra” “avengers assemble!” “i am iron man”. things they did say in those moments: “hail hydra” “avengers assemble” “i am iron man”, gogssgddd that was perfect (ok i also really did wish steve would’ve said the “i could do this all day” in the fight but couldn’t say bc the movie had just made fun of that.. i’m kinda sad but haha it’s not that big of a deal, maybe if he hadnt said it in civil war which i dont like but well...)

35. haha people are already complaining about the steve going back thing and how it’s definitely not moving on and erasing character development or whatever and HA. i finally got my stevepeggy dance i don’t care about anything else i am so happy!!!!!

36. i am so glad i managed to avoid any spoilers bc i hear that there was some pretty massive ones going around??¿?¿?

37. also: ok from here on out i am not here for any of you negative nancys complaining (probably very reasonable complaints idec) about the movie, god i really wish it was 2012 again

38. in final thoughts: i absolutely loved it and i love that it turns out that i’m apparently still very much marvel trash........ if natasha hadn’t died, especially in such a bullshit way, i would’ve been able to overlook everything else that was kinda meh about the movie and just purely and blindly loved it. i still did love it, a lot, but now there’s that bitter aftertaste.....

ok now, maybe that’s enough rambling and repeating myself....... i’m going to need to see it again asap

//EDIT

39. I FORGOT TO MENTION IT BC I FORGOT ABOUT IT but goooooooooodddd i loved nebula and tony playing that game in the beginning and tony letting nebula win ääääää

[acupfullofcolors]

Random thoughts on... Endeavour - abusive father or misunderstood hero?

I was reading a fanfiction the other day and came once again into contact with the scene from the sports festival, meaning the encounter with Endeavour and Deku and Shouto as well and people often bash him in fanfictions and accuse him of being a bad person and that he’s a horrible dad. Which might be true at some points but I have a feeling that people don’t or even wont see him as a person alone. His past and how he became the person he is now.

What I mean is... Let’s focus on Todoroki Enji himself. His age and the circumstances he grew up in.

Todoroki Enji must be around fourty something, we don’t know how old his oldest child is only that Shotou is around 15/16 years old when the manga starts and that he has older siblings but I don’t think that we know how much older they are. So I am only guessing his age here.

Since we don’t know much about when the first quirk manifested (there was no real information about that) we have no idea since when people are having quirks and we also don’t know much about how society worked back then and how the people dealt with heros and so on.

What we do know is the fact that with a powerful quirk, people will see you in a better light. You are more valuable and people look up to you and respect you. Izuku himself says so when the manga starts. He even uses Katsuki as an example for how the world they are living in now is working. I will get back to this at one point, so keep this in mind while reading....

Regarding of what we know about him because of the manga, Endeavour comes off as a power hungry person, driven by his desire to become number one and even surpass All Might. He is ill tempered and anti social. He is a hard working hero and has a high number of rescues and solved crimes and so on so we can agree that despite having a shit personality he is a capable hero. In some points he kinda reminds me of Bakugou regarding their personalities and motivations. Both strive to become number one and dont want things handed to them but rather earn their spot properly.

He is also very hard and strict when it comes to training which we see in a flashback from Shoto’s childhood. I dont want to say that what he did was good. I think what he did went over regular training schedule and it could also be described as abuse and people will agree with that and this is where I am wondering if maybe he was raised in the same way?

When you get older and have children on your own you kinda raise them in a similar way to how you were raised. Maybe you share the same ideals as your parents regarding education, social manners and so on. I dont want to say that if you grew up in an abusive household that you’re going to abuse your children as well, no. But when we think about Endeavour’s personality and how he sees the term ‘hero’ and what he set as a goal for himself I wonder how he had been raised.

Coming back to what I said earlier... At the beginning of the Manga Izuku said that not all men were born equal and that he had to learn that at a young age. In the first chapter we had the world built for us which is especially shown in the relationship between Izuku and Katsuki.

What Izuku says about Katsuki is a big point here. He talks about how people praised him for having a powerful quirk, told him he was amazing and so on and so on. It is mentioned that people with powerful quirks are superior and above everyone else. The author doesn’t say it directly but it is implied in the way Izuku talks about Katsuki and his quirk, how everyone praised him and how he became full of himself due to that praising.

So if we keep that in mind, Endeavour as well was born into a world where you are above everyone if you have a great and powerful quirk. He was born into a world where it doesn’t count if you have an awesome personality no, only your quirk counts. The stronger your quirk the better you are. People will respect you and treat you better because of that. Your quirk defines your value so to speak.

And that’s exactly is the point where I think that maybe Endeavour is a victim to the society as well. Maybe he grew up in the same way Shoto did. With parents who demanded and expected to much, who only saw his powerful quirk instead of his personality. Imagine him getting this super powerful hell flame quirk. How people must have praised him and how those people would have only fed his ego? If people praise you this much you are bount to have higher expectations on yourself and feel superior to all the others.

It is harder to accept a defeat, harder to see yourself loose and harder for you in general. Because whenever you’re about to fail people will judge you and you will feel inferior as soon as you’re loosing or not giving your best.

I bet that he was kinda like Bakugou when he was younger, comparing those two characters he still is. While Bakugou is able to slowly grow because of all the failures he had to forcefully experience, Endeavour never seemed to have experienced such things. Only after his talk with All Might, after becoming number one hero (in his eyes not deserved because All Might was forced to retire and Endeavour was basically handed the title) we are able to see little changes in his personality, he even promises to become a better father for Shoto.

For his relationship with his son... I understand why Shoto doesn’t think so highly about his father. He had to live through that harsh training, his mother abadoned him and got insane because of how obsessed his father was with power and he was treated more as an object then a son. He has enough reason to hold a grudge against his father but I can’t let it go to think that maybe Shoto is exaggerting the whole thing. Please have in mind that we see a flashback from Shoto’s point of view and if we think back to how we were when we were children we know that sometimes children like to make things worse then they are in realitiy.

I am not saying that Shoto is lying or that what Endeavour did was okay because it wasn’t but I think we should consider the parametres of their relationship. We can’t properly judge them without knowing why they are like they are. Why they are doing what they are doing.

I hope that we maybe see more about the past from some of the older heros. I am really interested in All Might’s training with his mentor and with Gran Torino and Endeavour’s youth and so on. Because I want to understand him better. I want to understand his reasoning for what he is doing and how he is doing it.

Because my mom always told me not to judge people from one moment but to learn their story before you judge. There are people who had an awesome homelife and everything but still are assholes and then there are people who had an terrible homelife, grew up in an abusive household but are very kind hearted and loving towards their children.

So before I stick with saying that Endeavour is an abusive asshole who deserves to rot in hell I am more curious about his whole characterization.