#the entire multimedia fan experience

[thesoulshyperrealaslacreatura]

ACCORD APPEARANCE DRAKENGARD 3 ACKNOWLEDGED LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOO

with that said the more referential the series has gotten towards its more obscure parts the funnier it gets because it used to be like "hey, if you want to find out more about these characters or maybe get an extended look at the history of this organization the side materials and previous games flesh a lot of these out" but now it's "oh yeah, the main story right now seems to be merging the out of service gacha game referencing the remastered edition of a previous game in conjunction with a character that was first introduced in a short story released for another of them as well as the concert readings which have built off of each other progressively by creating their own epilogues and the stage plays as well as the third game in a series with a different name (but it's the same series) which basically introduced the character that shows up at the end of the anime that also kind of acknowledged some of the lore around the most popular game in the series which, ironically, is actually the least understood part of the history in these games and yet is for now mostly relevant in the sense that it seems to be what holds up the entire timeline in place"

I'm not against it in any way in fact I encourage it and want to see just how much further it can be pushed... it has, at the very least, already been a very interesting multimedia experience, even if I was to find out it was just the fans hallucinating the whole time

[nijigasakilove]

Girls band Cry and this back to back is such a generational Yuri run man I can’t believe this my life. These girls have quickly become my reason for living. Every episode just surpasses the previous one and leaves me wanting more.

I really hope this becomes a multimedia project because I can’t say goodbye to this after one season. No regrets at all for putting this in my top 10 already.

Sigh, yet again another weird ass stalker who can’t stand to see an idol happy and living her life. We had something very similar with seiyuu radio a few weeks ago so I was prepared for how ugly this could get, luckily it didn’t go that far.

They’re giving us just enough Yuri stuff to keep us satisfied while not distracting from the overall story which I love. They’ve struck a perfect balance. Kano calling Yoru just to hear her voice is so cute 😭

Using a love hotel as a staging ground for the virtual event is definitely an idea lol, I love how everyone is checking out the room’s amenities and Kiui is just worried about the WiFi speed. I’m the same way when travelling

When you see how much Kano cares about her fans and the experience they have at her concerts it’s no wonder people like Mei fell so in love with her. She knows the joy she brings to them and wants to make things as fun as possible at lives. Her talking about details like the glow sticks being waved at shows was so sweet set.

Fairs the girls dancing in the rain gave me the motivation to continue living 😭 fuck I love them sm

So annoyed that the creepy ass YT stalker messed up the entire vibe of the episode by ruining their first live concert… and he deduced this from MOLES. Holy shit go outside.

I’m so glad Kiui was able to improvise and still give the fans a great show virtually while bringing them to Kano as well in the form of the blue jellyfish. The Key animators for the performance SNAPPED too, the character acting and motion is just brilliant there. Can’t wait for the next one!

Yoru’s lockscreen being she and Kano is so CUTE OH MY GOD. They’re so gay 😭 but wtfffff Kano mom is now coming back into the mix?? Ofc, this is gonna be a crazy next few eps

[woodaba]

We Wouldn't Have Alan Wake II Without Quantum Break

Remember Quantum Break? The first game announced for the Xbox One? The link between cult classic Alan Wake and surprising studio-saving hit Control? That prominently features Lance Reddick, the much-missed actor who was frequently one of the most electric screen presences of our time?

Don't worry, I barely do either, and I played the game yesterday.

So, a refresher. Quantum Break, announced in 2013 alongside the Xbox One and released three years later, is a third-person shooter starring Shawn Ashmore aka Iceman from the X-Men movies as Jack Joyce (and not Jake Joyce as I constantly remembered him as. In my defense, it's a better name, if only because then his superhero name could be Quantum Jake...), who, after being turned into A Remedy Entertainment Protagonist after a time-travel experiment gone wrong, battles against fellow Remedy Entertainment Protagonist Aidan Gillen aka Doctor Pavel I'm CIA as Paul Serene, over what to do about an imminent apocalypse after Time starts Breaking because of the aforementioned time-travel experiment.

As a rehabilitating former Doctor Who obsessive, I'm particularly open to this kind of time-travel nonsense, but Quantum Break is frustratingly unwilling to capitalize on its own premise. Interesting things happen, sure: people get stuck in causality loops, confront and become acausal time monsters, and live entire second lives in the past after time-traveling, but almost none of it occurs to Jack Joyce: he just spends his time just shooting guys in a series of warehouses and offices. Quantum Break is a potentially interesting story that we don't really get to see anything of, instead anything compelling in the narrative is relayed to us second-hand, by the myriad emails and documents scattered throughout the gunfights, or over the radio, and, of course, Remedy's now-signature multimedia ambitions.

In between acts of the video game Quantum Break, you'll be treated to episodes of the TV show Quantum Break, a live-action c-tier circa-2009 network TV production starring some of the big(ish) names that headline the game Quantum Break, but mostly follows a cast of extras who navigate around the events of the game while working for baddie Paul Serene's Evil Corporation, Monarch.

It's in the TV show that what Quantum Break actually is begins to take shape. Remedy, as a studio, has always been interested - and unusually adept at - pastiche, whether it's the noir comic stylings of their still-astonishing Max Payne duology or the rickety but deeply charming Stephen King love-in that is Alan Wake. And here, they do a genuinely stellar job at replicating the look, feel, and sensibilities of a 2008-2013 network TV Lost/Fringe rip-off that gets canceled after one season.

That may sound backhanded, but I assure you it isn't. I've long been a fan of Remedy, in spite of, or perhaps because I don't think they've made a truly great game since Max Payne 2. In a medium that often pillages relentlessly from Film and TV, Remedy set themselves apart from their competition with the depth of their understanding of the production of film, bringing into games a deftness of set construction and filmic pacing that blows their contemporaries out of the water. Even more-lauded names like Naughty Dog and Rockstar come up short against Alan Wake's hauntingly gorgeous misty woods, best illustrated with Rockstar's Max Payne 3, which matched Remedy's cinematographical flair in the cutscenes, but fell far short of their level design chops and breadth of influences.

Quantum Break is, in aesthetics and production, a genuinely extremely well-considered pastiche of this period of sci-fi television that is now comfortably in the rear-view mirror, the time since its release having given it a real nostalgic charm that would have been dulled at the time of release. It really reminded me of the years I spent watching shows like Heroes, or Flash/Forward, shows that may not have been very good, but are intoxicatingly emblematic of their time and place, hiding just beneath the floorboards of the shows that would actually get to be remembered.

It's a shame, then, that it just fails to really compel on any level beyond appreciation for the pastiche.

Much like the gameplay, the TV episodes of Quantum Break feel almost ancillary to another, better story that we never get to see. The stars of the game feel wasted here - particularly Lance Reddick, one of my favorite actors, who steals the show every time he appears, but is given vanishingly little to do in comparison with a group of wafer-thin characters that struggle to manifest a single dimension, with relational at best connection to the concerns of the narrative. It looks like a particularly budget-strapped episode of Warehouse 13, sure, but it doesn't really feel like one, as the episodes - until the last one, which is a noticeable improvement - are shockingly paceless and devoid of the arcs that would make a singular episode of television compelling. They are, ultimately, primarily dreary, overlong, and constantly highlighting the fact that they are largely interstitial filler.

It would be wrong to accuse Remedy of not having their heart in Quantum Break, as there is too much evident passion to discount, but I do feel like they struggle to find a core to this idea, something that they truly want to explore. Whether I'm playing the game or watching the show, QB leaves everything on the surface, with nothing to really find beneath the surface. It's notable that the game is absolutely filled with constant allusions to Alan Wake - including a full-blown trailer found on a TV moments after starting the game that bears startling resemblance to the eventual plot of this year's Alan Wake II - and that the game started life as a pitch to Microsoft for Alan Wake II: one suspects that they would much rather be making that game at this moment in time than Quantum Break, or that the game is a test-bed of ideas for the studio's future, the act of throwing a thousand darts at a quantum dartboard, and seeing which ones find their mark. It's just that for this effort, precious few of them do.

And yet, the surprise is that by the end, I truly felt like Remedy was genuinely onto something with the spirit of Quantum Break's ideas, if not the execution of them. The television show is the thing that makes Quantum Break live, that marks it out as something worth remembering in a sea of slick third-person shooters with cinematic ambitions. It is the icon of the foundational belief of the Xbox One, that the future of games lay in a synthesis with television, a dead-end future that had already worn out by the time the game was actually released. What remains is little more than a gimmick, sure, but it is one that, by the end, is oddly compelling, even if most of it is terrifically boring to actually experience.

There is a genuine thrill to seeing characters in both video game graphics and live-action forms, shifting between the two seamlessly thanks to some genuinely well-realized digitized actors that still look good today, a shift that blends well with the time-space bending of the plot. Do I care about Jack Joyce, as a person? Not even slightly. Did I still grin when I saw Actual Shawn Ashmore briefly appear in the TV episodes after controlling Virtual Shawn Ashmore? Absolutely. It's the same kind of shallow thrill you get from Cheers allumni showing up for a visit in Frasier, or when the Torchwood crew talk around the presence of Mr. Doctor Who, Esq, but as something that works with what the game is doing rather than distracting your attention elsewhere.

The gameplay portions represent time breaking down with (genuinely cool, if shallow) shards of space and glass and stuttering loops of physical time, but the collision of the Real and the Virtual feels so much more effective in communicating the idea of time and space shattering and colliding into one another. I just wish it played in this space more, focusing on Ashmore, Reddick, Monaghan, and Hope, rather than the cast of goons and extras who feel wholly separated from the game until the final mission.

I'd like to say that I'd love Remedy to take another crack at this idea, with the lessons they've learned from Control and Alan Wake II, but that already feels like a fool's hope. The ballooning costs of video game development make the idea of filming an entire TV mini-series alongside it feel laughable. Sure, Control's live-action segments were plentiful and superbly produced, but they were also far more restrained than Quantum Break, focusing on short segments with one non-big-name actor each in a couple of highly reusable sets. With both this and its open-world, side-questing structure with plenty of loot and upgrades to collect, Control is something largely in line with the realities and productions of modern game development

Quantum Break isn't rooted in reality for even a second. It's a time-locked instant, the most 2015 game ever made, which makes it all the better that it came out in 2016. There's no future in what Quantum Break envisions. It's a failed experiment, something to shrug at and move on. And yet, it compels me regardless, despite the fact that I don't really like it.

We need games like this, I feel. Historical curios like this show that the shifting landscape of the medium isn't a straight line, it splits off into splintered fraying timelines, some leading to nothing, but others spilling back in unexpected ways. After all, Courtney Hope, who played Beth Wilder here, returned for the starring role in Control, and that game feels so keenly like the product of lessons learned from QB, with everything from the live-action segments, the document-reading, and the combat feeling like a progression from Remedy's previous work. In particular, my complaints about QB's narrative taking place almost entirely off-screen evolves into a hugely compelling aspect of Control, with the genuine highlight of that game being reading the endless documents detailing the horrors and nightmares of America transcribed into corporate mundanity.

And while I've only played a taster of Alan Wake II, there's no doubt in my mind that that game, a bona-fide critical darling the likes of which Remedy hasn't had since Max Payne 2, owes a great debt to QB. Not least because its engine provides the framework for the game, but also because, well, it's been in there, this whole time.

Waiting for The Return.

[steppedladder]

will AMR become a full comic of is it like. a “”multimedia”” style thing where u can only get the full whole story by looking at all the posts in this blog? or smth else entirely?? no matter what i love it!! big fan of u since like 2020:33

Wow, 2020? Thanks so much for sticking around despite my posting schedule!

I've been thinking on this question. As much as I would love for AMR to become a full comic, the scale of the story makes that pretty implausible unless I dedicated a literal decade of my time to it. It may end up becoming the AMR multimedia experience, but we'll see...!

[bonesandpoemsandflowers]

Tbh I just wanna say that I'm going absolutely feral for the story, omfg. Also, re: that post u shared about Rust liking music, I was re-watching, noticed Rust had a boombox in the storage shed, and was thinking about what he would listen to. Definitely strikes me as a Leonard Cohen, Townes Van Zandt, Johnny Cash guy, but might also like Swans, Suicide, Nick Cave and Rowland S. Howard. I could also see him being a classical music fan (heavy on the Bach, Schubert, Hildegarde Von Bingen, 20th Century minimalism).

omg you're RIGHT--he does have a boombox even in his weirdo 3D murder board multimedia experience storage shed. And none of his evidence is on tape--just the video on VHS--so it's there purely because he wants it there. Perfect. We have in story justification for going wild with the playlists.

(palm's playlist from that post is full of bangers in particular, though)

Fucking imagine the vibe for the other customers, though. It's late and you're tired and you just gotta pick up this one thing more left over from your recent move, and somewhere in the storage shed complex some motherfucker is listening to the angstiest parts of the Leonard Cohen catalog. His door is closed. You smell cigarette smoke. You don't KNOW he's in there looking at weird serial killer shit but somehow. you do know. you decide that granny's good silverware can stay in storage for a little longer, actually.

But anyway, THANK YOU, anon. I feel like an anon dropping your inbox to compliment your fic writing is definitely what counts as Making It on tumblr dot com. And I am truly thrilled that people are enjoying my little id lead contribution. I expected no comments on chapter 3 in particular but instead everyone's been so nice! I haven't actually ENJOYED writing in such a long time and this experience is like. Genuinely healing for me. lol. lol because I mean that sincerely and being sincere is gross and embarrassing. but we do it anyway!

I think all your suggestions are solid except that I really need to check out Rowland S. Howard.

and oh man.

The Rust of the zombieboyband continuity is DEFINITELY blasting Nick Cave out of his truck speakers while being miserable in someone's parking lot. Red Right Hand is very Rust, actually, now that you mention, and there's also that entire album that's specifically the "hey I was doing so much heroin" Nick Cave album.

and of course, for the zbb Rust in particular: Loverman.

letters V and E because he's fundamentally still kind of a hater. but R and M

(omg HAHAHA--their initials)

because he's a freak.

[202314297caic2425]

Celebrations at the Friends 30th Birthday Party

Last week, on September 22nd, the landmark sitcom Friends celebrated a major anniversary of its airing, with it being three decades since the pilot episode was first shown on NBC. Despite the show itself only running for ten years, with its final episode airing in May 2004, the show’s importance and legacy has continued long after it ended, as proved by the several 30th anniversary celebrations that will be shown on television.

The entire show will be released as an upscaled 4K box set as part of the celebrations, along with a brand new game show starring the original cast of characters airing on Max titled Fast Friends. As popular as these two new products will be remains to be seen, but the fact that they will be made is proof that the show’s legacy carries on long after the audience left Central Perk.

These efforts, along with various other multimedia products that have come about since the ending of Friends, such as “The Friends Experience” which recreates the film sets in various cities around the world, the love for this spritely little sitcom has never truly died down. It has comfortably remained relevant as one of the most important sitcoms of our time, with new fans joining every year, and the internet creating new memes based on the source material of the show. Luckily for fans, the industry continues this hype for the 30th anniversary, allowing Friends to be there for us.

[triflesandparsnips]

When something is definitely not a game, but most definitely a gift

or, after sufficient thought and also some really very clever meta coming out of Good Omens fandom: What Javid Denkins means to me (and what I probably don't mean to "Javid Denkins")

Recap time!

In December of 2022-- wait, no, I already wrote that post, go read that. To summarize, though:

The (real) show Our Flag Means Death has a showrunner named David Jenkins. He started posting on tumblr in mid-July 2023.

The (fictional) show Blow the Man Down has a showrunner named Javid Denkins. He started posting on tumblr in early December 2022.

There was a period of time where OFMD fandom was uncertain whether these two people were one and the same, which led to a great deal of interest in the "season 2" puzzles, hints, breadcrumbs, and other fascinating bits of interactive, cross-media engagement coming out of the Javid Denkins account.

I was one of those people having A Good Time with the interaction -- I constructed puzzles for whoever was on the other end of the line, with no real belief that they would be engaged with. It was fun to do, though, and-- what if? (Bookmark this, I'm going to come back to it.)

Eventually it shook out that BTMD was a fictional show in an OFMD alternate universe fic, and from there the interactive multimedia elements expanded beyond just tumblr-- and beyond the edges of my first linked essay above.

And then, in June 2023, with the end of the story and a final post to the Javid account, it came to an end.

A brief rundown of the areas of play

There are multiple elements to the Javid Experience (tm) -- so far as I can tell and/or has been recorded by better fans than me (i.e., @eefaevie) [EDIT 9/27/23: twitter has shat the bed entirely, so here's a link to the threadreader collection]:

1. The Javid Denkins tumblr account: starts the experience, introduces the concept of games/puzzles, slowly introduces the show Blow the Man Down

2. The AU fic Blow the Man Down: makes clear the connection between the real Our Flag Means Death with the fictional BTMD, makes clear the use of games/puzzles, introduces the use of social media as an important driver of the plot and the characterization, and introduces the inciting incident for the story: Javid Denkins, showrunner of BTMD, saying that he would start a Twitter account (thus making him not the same as tumblr-Javid -- and also, unlike the other characters in the AU, not a one-to-one alt of the real David Jenkins -- which will become important later)

3. The BTMD fic collection: an open, unmoderated collection of fic that references only BTMD, treating it as a fandom in its own right while providing elements (and themes) for the main AU fic to reference

4. Several twitter accounts and group chats: these comprise, I would say, four groups/entities acting in real time and in concurrence with or directly affecting the plot of the AU. @turq8 put together a spreadsheet with the handles (as well as the assumed BTMD canon), but in short, these groups were:

the main characters of the AU (Ed and Stede, from OFMD, who in this story are fans of BTMD);

"fan" accounts for BTMD, some of whom are tied to fic authorship within the BTMD collection, and who served here as a mirror of fandom dynamics;

real accounts of fans of OFMD who were following the AU and were engaged in the Javid Experience;

Javid Denkins-- not the same Javid as tumblr-Javid or the fic-Javid, but rather one who was sockpuppeted by the Ed character

(For those keeping track, we are now up to... three different Javids: tumblr-Javid, fic-Javid, and Ed-Javid. Bookmark that.)

5. Several ancillary sites and social media accounts to add to the reality/unreality of the alternate universe, including but not limited to:

tumblr-Javid's site and its sub-pages, providing more clues/games than could necessarily be supported in tumblr's interface;

Stede's Pinterest board, providing real-time meta-narrative to support the story and the interactions the Stede twitter account was having with the OFMD fan accounts;

the instagram account and website for an in-universe animal rescue (with an event advertisement that became Relevant);

a fanzine and accompanying Mad Magazine-style fold-in (which led to a mirrored fanzine by the OFMD fans playing along);

a photograph of the alternate-universe's TV Guide with synopses of all 10 episodes of the first season of BTMD

a fake interview with the actors of BTMD ("fake interview" you say, BOOKMARK THAT);

and a youtube account ostensibly owned by one of the Javids that concluded the twitter aspects of the narrative by posting the "trailer" for season 2 of BTMD

These five areas are, I would say, the publicly accessible and still (to a degree) trackable elements of the experience, though their ephemerality is being tested with the changes to twitter and the general nature of digital-heavy works.

Now, with all that... I want to talk about two elements that aren't particularly public, and the one that finishes off the whole thing.

Three is a magic number (to triangulate a Theme)

1. The Letter

In the penultimate chapter of the AU, the author, Javid Denkins (which one?) describes a real life location, with a fictional hidden treasure, but with a real life pair of photos attached at the end.

What isn't clear, and what won't be clear to outside readers, is that there was, in fact, a real life treasure in that real life place.

I know this, because I went there. And I found it.

I describe the whole thing here, along with my Feelings about it, but in short, there was a letter that read:

In looking for the story, you became a part of it. Thank you for playing. Thank you for letting me believe it can be real. Javid

(Which Javid?)

2. The (First) Interview

The next thing that I imagine few outside readers would know about is the results of that Fic Club discord server interview I couldn't attend from the beginning-- but, thank all the little fishes, I was able to crash partway through and back-read.

Here's what you need to know:

There were not one, not two, but three Javids answering questions, demarcated by different colored icons.

Over the course of the hour, it became clear that one of the Javids was Ed-as-Javid (unaware that he exists in an AU, assumes he's dreaming up this interview); another was tumblr-Javid (aware of the AU, aware of the puzzles and games on tumblr, but unaware of The Letter); and then there was a third unknown Javid (who asked questions, cut off questions, and, in the end, was revealed to definitely know about The Letter).

The Javids answered a limited number of pre-defined questions, though there seemed to be some cross-talk and allowances for fan interaction -- thus making this, if it wasn't already obvious, a performance piece. A piece of the whole story.

The questions chosen can be found on the previously linked spreadsheet, under the "Q's for J.A.V.I.D." tab-- they mostly matched up with A3, A2, A4, A7/B2, B7, A7, C2, D4, F8, and C6, for those who want to dive in. (@clairegregoryau, who moderated, is working on releasing the transcript for public consumption, so you could also wait for that ETA: nope, just a summary/analysis -- though with the scripted nature of the Q&A, maybe someday Javid'll release that end of it? Whatever comes, I'll update here when it goes live).

But in the shortest possible sum up: the questions chosen/answered were about audience participation, unreality, and the nature of "Javid(s)" anonymity.

tumblr-Javid gave the most concrete answers to things; Ed-Javid provided a sort of meta-narrative similar to Stede's Pinterest in terms of inner-thoughts and whatnot, providing a "real person's" perspective to the fictional drama of the AU; and mystery-Javid... was a sharp-edged mystery. Until--

3. The (Second) Interview

On June 25th (the date listed on the pet rescue instagram), at 9:30 AM (the time listed within the post itself, making this a "real time" event), the tumblr account made its last post: an interview with Javid Denkins.

It's not the transcript of the first Fic Club interview. Rather, it's more of an essay, written in the style of a GQ or Esquire piece, with a first-person interviewer describing their sit-down with the showrunner of BTMD. It starts with the sentence:

Javid Denkins is not interested in answering questions. 

From there, it's slowly revealed that the second interview is, in itself, just a figment of Javid Denkins's imagination. And so is tumblr-Javid. And so is Ed-Javid. And more than that: This Javid imagined our entire universe -- OFMD, David Jenkins, the creation of the Javid tumblr and character, the BTMD augmented reality game, everything...

...as a thought experiment.

To see if, in some reality, somewhere, it was possible for him to be authentic and open as an artist-- and not be punished for it by an ouroborosing fandom.

It's an astonishing (and complicated to work out, because hooboy, did I need to sit down and diagram some stuff) piece. I have the barest edges of Feelings about it in this reblog, but as I say there: this second interview is about art, and celebrity, and fear, and humanity.

...but it is also about audience participation, unreality, and the nature of anonymity, as in the first interview. Because that's who this ultimate-Javid is -- he's the third Javid from Fic Club, still testing. He's the Javid from the AU (the one that doesn't match up with our universe's David Jenkins), self-inserting to try and explain again and again, to an audience that can't seem to hear him, why he's so angry.

Why he's so afraid.

(Anger, they say, is a secondary emotion.)

This second interview explains why this entire Javid Experience exists-- but even then, it's not entirely truthful, because it's still a story. It's a story that tells the truth through fiction. It tells the truth without revealing the magic behind it.

And it also makes me... look into the mirror, perhaps. Look deeper than I have until now, and question what I see.

Who am I (to Javid Denkins)

Here's the thing: Javid has never, ever spoken to me.

There was, for a long time, a pleasant fuzzy feeling when there appeared to be coincidences (such as the use of book codes, when I had referenced them earlier, etc). In my heart, though, and in my Very Reasonable brain, I knew that that's what they were: coincidences.

And then, when the chapters for the AU started to drop, I started noticing... more coincidences. More things that seemed to line up with someone, on the other side of the enclosure, talking back to me. I talk about this a little (a lot) in my original summary post. But it still wasn't anything direct, not really. I could play with the idea of being referenced, of being connected to, but that's all it could really be unless I was contacted directly: just a playful notion, a fun idea. Positive parasociality, I suppose.

Then, The Letter happened. And I was the one to find it. Things I knew to be coincidence -- because it literally could have been anyone! I didn't really have the time that day to go, but got swept up in the adventure! -- took on the weight of Significance. It felt real, in ways I can't even describe without going into personal details beyond the reach of a silly tumblr post.

Who was I to Javid Denkins? What did he want from me? It was exciting. It was thrilling. It was frightening, in a way, but to be perceived-- to be known by someone I admired-- felt like a kind of vindication.

Every good intention I had ever had regarding keeping a cool head and a distant interest: gone. I was all-in. I reveled in what I felt was attention.

...and then I read the first interview. I read the second interview.

I looked in the mirror. And what I saw:

1. There was someone on the other side of it. (There always had been.)

2. And that person was so angry (so afraid) of people finding meaning where none existed. Of people tearing down the walls of the enclosure, fists raised, to get that meaning whether it was freely given or not.

Here's the thing (again): There were things said in the essay that could apply to me. There are things that could apply to @eefaevie, and @turq8, and @clairegregoryau, and every other fan who participated in Javid's experiment.

But.

There are things that could apply to someone who has never heard of Our Flag Means Death. There are things that could apply to a musician, taking a smoke outside their venue and hoping no one bothers her. There are things that could apply to a puppeteer, glad he can go to the store without being bothered but upset, too, that he will never be known enough to be bothered.

There are things that could apply to a writer on the picket line, striking well after this story was written. There are things that could apply to an actor, decades dead, worried about coming out of the closet. There are things a painter, not yet born, will be scared to let drop from their brush.

Here's the thing (one last time, because three is a magic number): Javid has never, ever, ever spoken to me. Not directly, and not-- I believe now-- even indirectly. Because it's not about me. To assume it is, is... to find false positives in patterns that repeat across all public and private faces; across art, and the painful arithmetic of artist and audience. To take something universal and true, and make it small and mean and about just one thing: believing myself the main character.

What hubris. To make myself the main character of someone else's self-reflection. And to lose the world entire because of it.

Who am I to Javid Denkins? Nobody. Everybody.

The beauty of the Experience in its totality is that it is so deeply, painfully personal, so wrenching in its honesty, that it seems to speak directly to you. To reach out a hand, offering a gift that only exists if you don't demand its existence.

Each of us can accept this gift. None of us can claim it as our own, because it's not our gift to give. We can only hold out our own hands, give our own gifts, and hope that so many people find joy and comfort in it, as we did in our turn.

It's a gift that feels heavy in my hand, and I know now that I will give it over and over. For those who stumble close unseeing, until: a gleam.

[dynared]

Well, it looks like certain sections of the Transformers fandom aren't too keen on the idea of a Transformers/GI Joe crossover, citing the usual talking points (military propaganda, the Joes not being successful) in not wanting it to happen in any medium, film, animation, or otherwise, while also going after the perceived new direction for the franchise via Skybound. It's worth poking some holes in it just because I happen to be a fan albeit one who acknowledges that the franchise has made a LOT of errors, just like Transformers has. To wit -

Yes, Snake-Eyes: Origin bombed at the box office. I blame bad direction (It was the same guy behind RIPD liberally using shaky cam when he had actors like Andrew Koji, a guy who crushed a role originally written by Bruce Lee for himself in Warrior, Iko Uwais from the Raid films, a series that was so awesome Netflix regularly recruits the director and crew to make new films every year or so, and the fight coordinator behind the Rurouni Kenshin movies) but Rise of the Beasts was also considered something of a failure at the box office. In fact, the Q4 2023 report from Hasbro listed GI Joe toy sales as a bright spot when everything else save Legacy and Studio Series Transformers toys was tanking. https://investor.hasbro.com/financial-information/quarterly-results

The franchise is well aware of its stereotype as military propaganda, which is admittedly something every military comic, show or the like has to struggle with, the duality that war is hell (and it is) but tanks and jets are cool. Larry Hama, himself a Vietnam War veteran (specifically an EOD technician) took the original writing job of Joe partially so he could have a main writing credit, and partially because he didn't want the franchise to be an overly jingoistic mess. Numerous issues go over problems with the government and its handling of veterans, and "A Letter from Snake-Eyes", the final issue of the original Marvel run is a very candid and somber reflection on what being a veteran entails, where Hama is very quick to dispel the romanticism behind it, even if he, through Snake-Eyes, ultimately concludes he had no regrets about serving.

There's definitely a greater feeling from a lot of the people who were happy with the direction of IDW1 and even Earthspark that the Skybound comics and now the movies is going away from dialog-heavy, reference-heavy materials in the fandom in favor of something more casual friendly, or something that will entirely appeal to as some have dismissively called it, a "dudebro" audience. That they're going to cancel Earthspark and replace it with the equivalent of GI Joe Extreme (which existed, and was terrible), or be entirely focused on the humans. And considering how much time the human characters have had in other Transformers movies, why not have them be humans the audience might care about, instead of generic archetypes?

There's definitely this fear of an undesirable element "taking over" the franchises it seems like. That because this appeals to people outside of the IDW bubble, you're going to get this shallow 90s experience full of guns and military propaganda, when it's Transformers through Michael Bay, not GI Joe, that's arguably guilty of that. Or that if Earthspark got canceled, it's going to be replaced by a male-targeted show that eschews any form of representation in favor of action and stereotypes, probably with an ending sequence like this that replaces the main girl with the Baroness.

I think there's a happy medium here, especially as both franchises are keeping Hasbro afloat at this point, even if they are facing setbacks in multimedia outside of comic books.

[jjflooringorlando]

Unleash Your Imagination: Why Universal Studios Orlando is a Must-Visit Destination

Have you ever dreamed of stepping into the fantastical worlds of your favorite movies and TV shows? At Universal Studios Orlando, those dreams become reality. This world-renowned theme park brings the magic of Hollywood to life, immersing visitors in the glamour, excitement, and creativity of the entertainment industry. Whether you're a movie buff, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for an unforgettable family vacation, Universal Studios offers something for everyone.

Thrilling Rides and Attractions for All Ages

One of the biggest draws of Universal Studios is its incredible selection of rides and attractions based on beloved films and TV series. Soar through the air with Harry Potter on the "Flight of the Hippogriff" roller coaster. Join the MIB as an agent trainee on the interactive "Men in Black: Alien Attack." Plummet 85 feet on the "Jurassic World VelociCoaster" as you're chased by velociraptors. And of course, no visit is complete without experiencing "Despicable Me Minion Mayhem," a hilarious 3D adventure alongside Gru and his mischievous Minions.

These are just a few examples of the exhilarating attractions that await you. With rides and experiences spanning a wide range of intensity levels and themes, Universal Studios ensures that there's something to delight visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you're a hardcore adrenaline junkie or prefer more mild thrills, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained.

Immersive Themed Lands Transport You to Another World

Beyond individual rides, one of the most impressive aspects of Universal Studios is how it crafts entire immersive lands that make you feel like you've stepped into the world of a movie. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a prime example. This expansive area is meticulously designed down to the finest details to recreate the magic of the beloved book and film series.

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade village, where you can shop for wands at Ollivanders, sip Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks tavern, and mail letters from the Owl Post. The towering replica of Hogwarts Castle looms over it all, housing the groundbreaking "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" attraction that takes you soaring through iconic scenes. It's an enchanting experience that will delight Potterheads and muggles alike.

Other immersive lands include the comic strip inspired city of Toon Lagoon, the vibrant Universal Music Plaza celebrating music legends, and the Simpsons' hometown of Springfield. Each transports you to a different world and is packed with details that will impress even the most avid fans.

Spectacular Live Entertainment and Character Encounters

In addition to rides, Universal Studios puts on an array of spectacular live shows and entertainment throughout the day and night. Watch death-defying stunts at the "Bourne Stuntacular." Sing and dance along at the "Shrek 4D" film with special effects. Marvel at the talented performers in the "Blues Brothers Show." And don't miss the nightly Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration, a stunning multimedia experience with thundering music, dazzling lights, water fountains and pyrotechnics that brings the movies to life.

Meeting your favorite characters is another highlight. Snap a selfie with Optimus Prime, get a hug from SpongeBob, or watch the Minions goof off. Seeing these icons in-person is a surreal experience that instantly transports you to your childhood. Both kids and kids-at-heart will be starstruck by these larger-than-life figures.

Fuel Up at Themed Dining Experiences

When it's time to refuel, Universal Studios offers a wide array of imaginative dining options. Many of the restaurants are attractions in themselves, with stunning themed decor and menus inspired by movies and TV shows.

Feast on Krusty Burgers and Lard Lad donuts in Springfield USA. Dine in a classic car at Richter's Burger Co. in Marvel Superhero Island. Enjoy a sweet treat at Seuss Landing's Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop. And don't miss the chance to eat at Mythos Restaurant, consistently voted best theme park restaurant, which features spectacular carved rock formations and waterfalls.

With over 50 places to eat, ranging from quick and casual to full-service, sit-down restaurants, you certainly won't go hungry. The only trouble is choosing which of the many delicious and creative options to try!

Create Unforgettable Memories at Universal Studios Orlando

At its core, a visit to Universal Studios Orlando is about making memories that will last a lifetime. It's a chance to bond with loved ones while experiencing the wonder and excitement of your favorite movies and TV shows brought to life. To scream with glee on pulse-pounding rides. To smile ear-to-ear while meeting your heroes. To be awestruck by the creativity and magic of movie-making.

As John Williams, the Academy Award-winning composer of classic film scores like Star Wars, E.T., Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park said, "I think music has the ability to inspire and transport us. A great movie does that." At Universal Studios, you don't just watch that movie magic - you live it. You're transported to a world where anything is possible.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to unleash your imagination and experience the thrills, laughter, and unforgettable memories that await you at Universal Studios Orlando. Whether you're a long-time local or first-time visitor to Orlando, this world-class theme park is a destination you don't want to miss. Start planning your visit today at universalorlando.com and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget. See you at the movies!

[total-drama-brainrot]

oh i'm not talking about the classic milgram experiment i am talking about milgram the multimedia project created by deco*27 famed vocaloid producer in which a certain amnesiac guard "es" wakes up in a prison facility where they are told to judge innocent or guilty ten ordinary people who despite looking innocent are all considered murderers. (some only by technicality, like a guy whose doxxing accidentally went too far or a girl who accidentally drove her bf to you know what through relationship toxicity) through looking at their Brain Music Videos and it is awesome. i want to talk so much more about this but it will not at all be coherent so i am asking you to read this instead

Es, the prison guard and Audience Surrogate, is the protagonist of the story. Memory hazy, they awake in a prison facility called MILGRAM, where they are greeted by Jackalope. Jackalope explains that MILGRAM houses 10 prisoners, who, despite appearing fairly average at first glance, are all murderers. It is Es's job to determine whether the prisoners should be ruled guilty (not forgiven) or innocent (forgiven) for their crimes.

There is a catch, though—Es, as well as the audience, are initially clueless as to what each of the prisoners' crimes are. Jackalope explains that those sins aren't revealed through interrogation or anything conventional, but rather through extracting the prisoner's mental images and displaying them as a song accompanied by a symbolic music video. These music videos are uploaded to MILGRAM's official YouTube page for viewers to examine and make theories and conclusions regarding what the prisoners' sins are.

After these music videos are released, viewers are encouraged to visit the MILGRAM official site and vote for whether or not they forgive the prisoner for their sins. The first music videos do not reveal all there is to know about the prisoner and their crimes, so this process of releasing videos and voting repeats three times, the audience growing more and more informed with the release of new videos. This is referred to as the three trial system.

anyway sierra 006 and. maybe alejandro 001? - lindsanon

Oh, dang. Oops! I saw 'Milgram' and immediately associated it with the Milgram Experiment because I'll always be a psych student at heart.

I'm super interested in the whole MILGRAM concept though! I'm... not exactly familiar with it. Like, at all. So I can't really offer my thoughts on an AU until I actually engage with the content itself (I'll be sure to check it out... at some point. 😅)

I'm surprised I've never heard of this before though; I'm a fairly casual Vocaloid fan, so you'd think I'd at least be aware that DECO*27 was making a whole series. 🤷‍♀️

Thanks for clearing that up for me though! I'm a little embarrassed that I went on such a tangent over something entirely unrelated to what the anon was asking for. 😳

[charlottestone101]

The Evolution of Short Horror Stories: From Paperbacks to Online Platforms

Horror has always been a beloved genre for those seeking thrills and chills. Whether it’s ghostly tales told around a campfire or spine-tingling stories printed on crisp paper, horror has evolved alongside humanity's storytelling traditions. In today’s digital age, short horror stories have made a monumental leap from classic paperbacks to diverse online platforms, offering more accessibility and variety than ever before. 

Let’s explore this fascinating journey and uncover what makes these bite-sized terrors so popular today.

The Early Days of Short Horror Stories

Origins of the Genre

The roots of short horror stories trace back to the 19th century, with early masters like Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne crafting chilling tales that captured readers’ imaginations. These stories were often published in literary magazines and anthologies, catering to readers who craved compact, suspenseful narratives.

The Rise of Paperbacks

By the mid-20th century, the genre found its home in paperback anthologies, which brought these macabre tales to a wider audience. Collections like Tales of Terror or Alfred Hitchcock Presents became staples for horror enthusiasts. These paperbacks were affordable and portable, making them perfect companions for those seeking a quick thrill.

The Digital Revolution: Short Horror Stories Go Online

Early Online Horror Communities

As the internet emerged, horror stories found new life on digital platforms. Websites like Creepypasta and Reddit’s r/NoSleep allowed users to share eerie narratives with global audiences. These platforms democratized storytelling, giving aspiring writers a chance to showcase their creativity.

Digital Publishing Platforms

The rise of e-books and apps like Wattpad revolutionized how short horror stories were shared. Now, you could carry an entire library of hair-raising tales in your pocket. Specialized horror apps like Hooked added another layer, offering suspenseful, text-message-style stories that felt intensely personal.

Paperbacks vs. Online Platforms: A Comparison

Accessibility

While paperbacks require trips to the bookstore, online platforms provide instant access to countless stories with a few taps on your device. This convenience has made horror more accessible to modern readers.

Interactivity

Unlike traditional paperbacks, online horror platforms allow for real-time interaction. Readers can comment on stories, share their reactions, or even contribute to collaborative tales, creating a more immersive experience.

Formats and Trends

From long, descriptive paperbacks to concise, multimedia-enhanced online tales, the evolution of short horror reflects shifting reader preferences. Online platforms cater to our shorter attention spans, delivering scares quickly and efficiently.

Why Online Short Horror Stories Are Gaining Popularity?

Convenience for Busy ReadersWith the hustle and bustle of modern life, many readers prefer shorter, easily digestible content. Online horror stories fit perfectly into small windows of time, like during commutes or coffee breaks.

Diverse OptionsOnline platforms offer a vast array of genres and styles, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you enjoy supernatural hauntings or psychological thrillers, you’ll find a story tailored to your taste.

Community EngagementPlatforms like Reddit and Wattpad encourage community interaction. Sharing your thoughts or discussing your favorite twists with fellow horror fans adds a social element to the reading experience.

Challenges in the Digital Era

While online platforms have broadened the reach of great horror short stories, they’ve also introduced challenges:

Oversaturation of Content: With so many stories available, it can be hard to separate high-quality tales from mediocre ones.

Copyright Issues: Digital stories are often shared widely, leading to concerns about plagiarism and unauthorized use.

Impact on Print Media: The rise of online horror has contributed to a decline in traditional book sales, posing challenges for publishers.

The Future of Short Horror Stories

The future of horror storytelling looks exciting, blending creativity with technology:

Interactive Horror Experiences: Apps and websites are incorporating visuals, sound effects, and even gamified elements to create more immersive stories.

AI-Generated Horror: Tools powered by artificial intelligence are helping writers craft chilling narratives faster and with greater complexity.

Hybrid Formats: Innovations like augmented reality (AR) are merging physical books with digital enhancements, offering unique experiences for readers.

Conclusion

The evolution of short horror stories—from paperbacks to online platforms—illustrates how the genre has adapted to meet the needs of modern readers. Today, anyone with a smartphone can access a world of spine-chilling tales, making it easier than ever to enjoy this timeless genre.

If you’re a fan of short horror stories, now is the perfect time to explore the vast online options. Whether you prefer classic chills or modern twists, there’s something out there to send shivers down your spine.

[govindhtech]

CORSAIR XENEON 34WQHD240-C QD-OLED Gaming Monitor

CORSAIR XENEON 34WQHD240-C

The XENEON 34WQHD240-C QD-OLED Gaming Monitor, from CORSAIR , has brilliant colors, genuine deep blacks, and increased brightness for breathtaking images. Its release was announced today. Content creators need accurate color, and gamers and multimedia fans seek an immersive experience. This WQHD display meets their needs. A modern white panel is slender and streamlined.

The XENEON 34WQHD240-C enhances the popular 34-inch monitor size with a visually engaging experience by utilizing the most recent 2024 Samsung QD-OLED panel. The curved 1800R display and 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio provide a wide viewing angle for productivity, multimedia, and gaming. DisplayHDR True Black 400 and a contrast ratio of up to 1,500,000:1 reveal incredible detail in every image, from bright highlights to black shadows, with up to 1000-nit peak brightness and 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.

For high-speed gaming, such as racing, first-person shooter, or action games, the XENEON 34WQHD240-C is the perfect partner because QD-OLED improves response times and refresh rates. With a remarkable response time of up to 0.03 ms (GtG) and a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz, the image on the screen responds to stimuli faster than your eyes can perceive. In scenarios with high frame rates, support for AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC prevents tearing while preserving fluid motion clarity.

With the XENEON 34WQHD240-C, interacting with your monitor is now simpler than ever thanks to an on-screen display (OSD) proximity sensor that activates merely by putting your palm near its bottom edge. The back I/O design offers access to a high-performance range of sophisticated connectivity choices while managing cords and clutter.

With its 100 x 100mm VESA compatibility, the ergonomic stand design optimizes your desk space for a versatile setup by enabling you to tilt (-7° to +15°) and rotate (+/- 30°) the XENEON 34 QD-OLED to your desired height (up to 100mm).

A number of burn-in avoidance features are included with the XENEON 34 QD-OLED, including an image retention refresh after eight hours of operation and an orbit feature that reduces the chance of burn-in by shifting the entire image by one pixel every three minutes. A thorough three-year Zero Dead Pixel and Zero Burn In warranty supports everything.

The XENEON 34 QD-OLED exhibits the remarkable advantages of QD-OLED technology, including brilliant colors, real deep blacks, excellent color accuracy, and unmatched contrast. It can display all your PC is capable of doing at its best.

SPORTS MONITOR QD-OLED GET AHEAD OF THE CURVE

REDEFINING IMMERSION

The XENEON 34WQHD240-C QD-OLED display creates amazing graphics with vivid colors, ideal for immersive gaming, multimedia experiences, and content production. It does this by combining the genuine, deep blacks and vibrant colors of OLED with greater brightness and color accuracy.

OSD PROXIMITY SENSOR

Three well-positioned buttons govern the monitor’s operations. You could assume that the 4-way joystick, change input, and on/off buttons are a little difficult to discover because they are on the bottom of the monitor. For this reason, they incorporated a proximity sensor on the bottom, which activates useful buttons-positioning guides on the display itself.

The Picture by Picture (PbP) and Picture in Picture (PiP) modes are two excellent features of the display. When you need to know what’s happening on two devices at once, the ability to examine multiple input sources at once can be useful.

SIMPLE MANAGEMENT

It’s now easier than ever to interact with your monitor thanks to On-Screen Display (OSD), which activates merely by bringing your palm close to its bottom side via proximity sensor.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR INPUT AND OUTPUT ON THE XENEON 34WQHD240-C

We think a monitor should have all the necessary input and output choices, just like other monitors. Since a monitor is the focal point of your workstation, it is an excellent choice to act as a hub for other devices or peripherals. Devices can be plugged in to charge their batteries or transfer data.

To connect four devices at once, there are two HDMI 2.1 connectors, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, and one USB Type-C DP port. For instance, you can simultaneously connect your PC, gaming console, and suitable business laptop to the Gaming Monitor. The dedicated Input Switch button on the control panel of the display makes switching between devices simple and convenient.

Should that prove insufficient, the monitor features an integrated USB hub that can be linked directly to your PC using the supplied cable. To connect your peripherals or other USB-compatible devices to the display, there are four USB Type-A 3.1 connections available. The USB hub is shared by the USB Type-C DP-A port and the device that is connected via the USB Type-C to USB Type-A connection. This implies that when you switch between the USB-C DP-alt device and the device to which the hub is connected. Every hub-connected device will transition to one of the two active input modes. When you wish to use the USB hub’s peripherals and rapidly connect your laptop to the monitor, this is useful.

Contemporary Links

Manage cords and clutter while getting access to a powerful range of cutting-edge connectivity choices.

Right

PD 15 and USB-C 3.1 DP Upstream

KVM and four USB-A 3.1 ports

A 3.5mm headphone jack

Left

Two HDMI ports.

DisplayPort 1.4

PD 65W USB-C 3.1 DP ALT

WORLD-CLASS ASSISTANCE

The elite CORSAIR customer care team provides lifetime technical assistance for the XENEON 34WQHD240-C QD-OLED.

XENEON 34WQHD240-C SPECS

Screen Dimensions (width x height): 812.04mm x 359.86mm

Screen size (Measured diagonally): 34″

Resolution: 3440×1440

Panel type: QD-OLED

Max refresh rate: 240Hz

Adaptive sync: Nvidia G-Sync Compatible Certified, AMD FreeSync™ Certified

Color Space: 1.07 Billion (10bit data)

HDR: True Black HDR400

Display inputs: HDMI 2.1 x2, DP1.4 x1, USB-C DP ALT with PD 65W x1

Additional Ports: USB-C Upstream with PD 15W x1, USB-A 5Gbps with KVM x4, 3.5mm Audio output x1

VESA Compatibility: 100 x 100

Weight without stand: 7.2kg/15.8lbs

Warranty: 3 years

Read more on govindhtech.com

[onenettvchannel]

#OneNETnewsEXCLUSIVE: Former Yes! FM Dumaguete DJ, Digital Veteran Multimedia Journalist and SCMP Editor 'Raffy Cabristante' meets American rock band 'Lifehouse' at the Playback Music Festival in QC

(Written by Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong / Freelanced News Writer, Online Media Reporter and News Presenter of OneNETnews)

QUEZON, MANILA -- The iconic American alternative rock band 'Lifehouse' made an acoustic surprise appearance during 'Playback Music Festival' in Quezon City, Metro Manila at the New Frontier Theater. The band, known for their chart-topping hits and soulful sound, took time to meet fans backstage, including local media personalities outside Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; and the entire National Capital Region (NCR).

Former 'Yes! FM: Dumaguete' Radio DJ & Negros Oriental correspondent of ABS-CBN News, Digital Multimedia Journalist and current Production Editor of South China Morning Post named Raffy Iphraim T. Cabristante, was among the lucky few who got up close and personal with the band.

Mr. Cabristante shared his excitement right at the spot on social media, posting a selfie photo with lead vocalist 'Mr. Jason Michael Wade' and the rest of the band. He was lauding their classic music and grateful for the up-close concert experience back in the days from his former high school in Dumaguete City into a reality of acoustic concert. Not only as that, he creates music in the new local musician production for the Negrosanon people. This needs no introduction, before the technologic era of internet here in this said province of Negros Oriental and around the Philippine archipelago.

Founded in 1999 by singer-songwriter-guitarist 'Jason Michael Wade', Lifehouse hails from suburban Los Angeles, California, United States of America (U.S.A.). What started in the form of the band 'Blyss' was actually Mr. Wade using his songwriting as therapy to help him get through his parents' divorce. The year 2000, saw them adopting the name 'Lifehouse' and saw the release of their first major label album, which they titled 'No Name Face'. The album's breakout single "Hanging by a Moment", catapulted them to mainstream prominence. Although this single did not hit #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, it was still the best single of 2001; spent 4 and half months in the top 10.

The style of Lifehouse really defied definitions between alternative rock, post-grunge and pop rock. Their succeeding albums, which included 'Stanley Climbfall', 'Who We Are', and 'Smoke and Mirrors', never failed to become worldwide hits. Hits like "You and Me", "First Time" and "Whatever It Takes" sealed their adult contemporary genre style and basically made them one of the staples in family-oriented venues.

Playback Music Festival is the country's first throwback music festival, celebrating timeless hits that never go out of style. It features artists like David James Archuleta and Lifehouse, who perform live in an acoustic concert at the New Frontier Theater. The term "playback" in concerts refers to using pre-recorded audio tracks synchronized with the artist's onstage performance, adding vocals, instrumentals, backing vocals or entire song sections.

Reality came true as a former DJ name of 'Frankie Labot' becomes now, an annual tradition as a holy week radio announcer in Dumaguete City, following previously the local Siete Palabras simulcast at the Dumaguete Cathedral. As alt-rock fans eagerly await more from Lifehouse, their Manila concert remains a memorable chapter in their storied career.

The New Frontier Theater echoed with their soulful melodies, leaving an indelible mark on Filipino music enthusiasts, especially still from ka-Beshie into Yespren. Except if you're an Overseas Filipino Workers in China as a news reader in traditional press paper, read a newspaper at South China Morning Post, all are made and edited by 'Frankie Labot' himself.

PHOTO COURTESY: Raffy Cabristante via FB PHOTO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://www.facebook.com/100044331164675/posts/1002119234609106 [Referenced FB Captioned Post via PMF] *https://www.facebook.com/1037420454/posts/10227780319066921 [Referenced FB Captioned Post via Raffy Cabristante] *https://audiolover.com/events-info/playback/what-is-playback-in-concerts/ and *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifehouse_%28band%29

-- OneNETnews Online Publication Team

[emersoncotter]

Multimedia Journal: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, follows Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), a Brooklyn teenager who gains powers after being bitten by a radioactive spider. Soon after being bitten, Miles meets another Spider-Man, Peter Parker, and quickly realizes that many others share his special powers. Throughout the movie, Miles learns the power of being strong together and what it means to be a Spider-Man. This movie takes the traditional Spider-Man story, which follows a white Peter Parker who loses his uncle and flips it on its head. Instead of a film filled with classic superhero tropes like dying family members or tragic backstories, Into the Spider-Verse is full of diversity, identity finding, and the message that “Anyone can wear the mask.” Through many lessons, Miles learns to become his own Spider-Man and embrace his Black and Latino heritage.

The many faces of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

This film draws many connections to our discussions in class on multiculturalism in America and is the epitome of “digital muralism as artivism.” From its very first scene, Into the Spiderverse sets the tone with strong visual language and bright colors that represent its Latinx ties. Every color, hue, and object is placed purposefully and precisely to convey emotion, mood, and character. The visual fidelity of this movie – that which brings the comic book to life – draws immense parallels to the work of Latinx artists like Judy Baca. Miles is stressed out and overwhelmed in the movie, as teenagers often are. He uses graffiti art to convey his emotions and visualize the “Great Expectations” placed upon him by his parents, teachers, and society. His expression of emotion here, and throughout the movie within his journal, parallels the work of Judy Baca and the movement of digital artivism as a whole. Through art, Miles can express his feelings and identity. Through the digital creation of this movie, the creators were able to move beyond traditional limits and create a truly spectacular visual experience that conveys meaning and defies traditional racial roles.

No Expectations | Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse

Beyond its spectacular and unique visuals, Into the Spider-Verse also presented a unique message to viewers: “Anyone can wear the mask.” Traditionally, Spider-Man was a young, white teenager who lost his parents and uncle. Miles, however, has both his parents and is of Afro-Latino descent. Throughout the movie, he speaks Spanish, English, and a “Spanglish” mix, creating a genuinely relatable mix of dialogue that relates to an entirely different audience than traditional Spider-Man movies. Additionally, the film's producer left it intentionally void of subtitles for these scenes, showing that it was truly catered to a different audience. Overall, Into the Spider-Verse is a unique, culturally diverse, and inspiring movie that uses every outlet to tell a story and inspire a new generation of Spider-Man fans.

The Cast of Into the Spider-Verse | From Left: John Mulaney (Spider-Ham), Liev Schreiber (Kingpin), Jake Johnson (Peter Parker), Shameik Moore (Miles Morales), Hailee Steinfeld (Spider-Gwen), Nicolas Cage (Spider-Man Noir) and Kimiko Glenn (Peni Parker)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Official Trailer

References

Crow, Barbara. “Learning Race and Ethnicity: Youth and Digital Media.” Information, Communication & Society, vol. 12, no. 2, Mar. 2009, pp. 290–91. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691180802552908.

Robinson, Joanna. “Exclusive Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Photo Honors Stan Lee’s Legacy.” Vanity Fair, 10 Dec. 2018, www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/12/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-cast-photo-stan-lee-legacy.

Scott, A. O. “‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ Review: A Fresh Take on a Venerable Hero.” New York Times, 12 Dec. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/movies/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review.html.

Sony Pictures Entertainment. “SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE - Official Trailer (HD).” YouTube, 6 June 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4Hbz2jLxvQ.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Marvel Studios, 2018.

“x.com.” X (Formerly Twitter), x.com/okeefe_artist/status/1077991710024761346.

[starfriday]

The makers of Yodha and Pratilipi Comics lift the curtain on the Yodha Universe with

‘Adventures of Yodha: The Case of the Missing Ship’

~ Ahead of Yodha’s theatrical release, the makers unveil the Yodha Universe with the

launch of ‘Adventures of Yodha: The Case of the Missing Ship’ in collaboration with Pratilipi

Comics ~

The high-octane world of Yodha, a Sidharth Malhotra starrer, presented by Amazon Prime

and Dharma Productions, in association with Mentor Disciple Entertainment, just

expanded its horizons. In the run-up to the film’s highly anticipated theatrical release on March

15, Dharma Productions unveils the Yodha Universe with the launch of an adventure-thriller

comic book, ‘Adventures of Yodha: The Case of the Missing Ship’, in collaboration with

Pratilipi Comics. Written by Akash Pathak and visualized by Ayantika Roy, the pulse-raising

comic book spans eight episodes. Avid readers can immerse themselves in the adventures of

Yodha by getting their hands on the limited-edition, featuring all eight episodes of the comic.

Following its grand launch, the first three episodes are now available to read in both Hindi and

English languages on the Pratilipi Comics App, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly

on the platform.

Adventures of Yodha: The Case of the Missing Ship takes protagonist Arun Katyal on a

life-altering mission to a phantom island. He embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery

behind the disappearance of a ship in the expansive waters of the Arabian Sea. But how will

Arun navigate through the challenges to get to the bottom of the mystery? To find out the

answer to this question, plunge into the pages of Adventures of Yodha: The Case of the

Missing Ship on the Pratilipi Comics App.

Speaking about building the Yodha franchise, Karan Johar, producer and owner of Dharma

Productions, shared, "Yodha has been a passion project from the word go for everyone

associated with it. Right from the beginning, we’ve been driven by our ambition to build a

universe that hits home for people of the Indian subcontinent, and Adventures of Yodha: The

Case of the Missing Ship is the first step towards achieving that goal. With Yodha, we strived

to create an Indian counterpart for some of the globally renowned multimedia franchises. The

comic, much like the film, follows our hero, Arun Katyal, on an adventurous mission – though

this one is entirely different from the film’s plot. It's incredibly engaging, full of suspense, and

maintains an ongoing theme of mystery that keeps you hooked until the end of the eighth

episode."

Apoorva Mehta, Producer and CEO of Dharma Productions, added, "We aim to break new

ground with the launch of Adventures of Yodha: The Case of the Missing Ship, and we’re

certain that it will prove to be a game-changer for the film as well as the franchise at large.

Pratilipi team have totally nailed it in keeping the excitement going throughout all eight

episodes. The comic serves as the perfect introduction to the world of Yodha. It will also pique

audiences’ curiosity to watch the film unfold on the big screen."

Ranjeet Pratap Singh, Founder and CEO of Pratilipi highlighted, "We are ecstatic to team

up with Dharma Productions to bring Adventures of Yodha: The Case of the Missing Ship to

Pratilipi Comics. We wanted to make sure the comic reaches the lengths and breadths of the

country, so we decided to release it in both English and Hindi languages. Right now, three

episodes are already live on our app, and we’ll be dropping the rest of them weekly until the

grand finale.”

Dr Rajeev Tamhankar, Head - Pratilipi Comics added, “We take immense pride in

fostering a loyal community of comic fans, and we’re grateful for their support, to say the

least. Together with Dharma Productions, we’ve worked hard to deliver an immersive

reading experience with Adventures of Yodha."

Circling back to one of the biggest action thrillers of 2024, Yodha stars Sidharth Malhotra,

Disha Patani, and Raashii Khanna in the lead roles. Directed by the debutant duo of Sagar

Ambre and Pushkar Ojha, the film follows Arun Katyal, the commanding officer of an elite

unit, Yodha Task Force, on a thrilling rescue operation. Produced by Hiroo Yash Johar,

Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Shashank Khaitan, Yodha is slated to release in theatres

worldwide on March 15.

Pratilipi Comics, one of India’s largest online comic platforms, offers comics in the popular

vertical webcomics format. With more than a whopping 13.6 million downloads on Play Store,

it boasts best-selling comics like Shaitani Rasmein, Mera Khadus Pati, and Pret Bandh. In

fact, Shaitani Rasmein has also been adapted into a television series. After building a large

community of fervent comic fans, Pratilipi now becomes home to Adventures of Yodha: The

Case of the Missing Ship. The platform’s ethos aligns with Dharma Productions' ambitious

roadmap for the Yodha franchise. At the heart of this endeavour is a vision to craft timeless

stories that transcend different mediums, engaging audiences across demographics both on

paper and on screen.

So, don’t miss this opportunity to catch Arun Katyal in action on paper and on the