#stay tuned to my ao3 for subtle magnusson redemption arc part II

[angels-heap]

12, 17, and/or 21 for the ask game 🔥

12. the unpopular character that you actually like and why more people should like them

I feel like almost every HL character except Gordon and Barney could be considered "unpopular" in some sections of fandom and that is fucking tragic. That said, I know I've been guilty of some one-dimensional Dr. Magnusson characterization in the past, but he's really starting to grow on me. He's kind of an ass in canon, but he's also hilarious, and I like to think he's a good guy underneath his prickly exterior. The vortigaunts (or at least Uriah) seem to think he's okay, so that should count for something. Perhaps he's Like That because petty workplace bickering reminds him of simpler times? Or he's just very goal-driven and understandably stressed when we meet him? He's interesting, and there's so much room to flesh out his backstory in a way that could still mesh with canon.

17. there should be more of this type of fic/art

Every day, I hunger for gen pre-rescas content. There's nothing wrong with shippy fan content. I've certainly produced my fair share of it. But I go fucking crazy for well-written slice-of-life stuff that delves into how fucked up Black Mesa was, or how non-protagonist characters interacted with each other before everything went to shit. If you also like this kind of content, check out Sionnan's HL fics. I'm sure there are other authors and artists doing the Lord's work, but their name is the first that comes to mind.

21. part of canon you think is overhyped

Barney and Gordon's reunion at the beginning of Half Life 2. It ain't that deep, y'all. Stop trying to find subtext. Stop trying to add subtext. Accept that it's a mundane but relatively realistic scene and find something else to write about.