#this time ill protect you

[thecmaly]

the eyes of a man in love

-

more windbreaker comics

[accidentallyadoptedbybatman]

"The new Supermans too bright its too colourful"

shut up SHUT UP SHUT UP HES THE SYMBOL OF HOPE AND THE SYMBOL OF HOPE ISN'T GOING TO BE SAD AND DEPRESSING THIS AIN'T A REALISTIC UNIVERSE HES FLYING FOR CRYING OUT LOUD LET MOVIES BE COLOURFUL AGAIN I'M SICK OF THE BLANDNESS AND HAVING TO SQUINT AT EVERY DARK SCENE AND LASTLY ONCE AGAIN

HE'S THE SYMBOL OF HOPE LET THE SYMBOL OF HOPE BRING LIGHT AND COLOUR TO DARK TIMES

[merimiyeh]

Battles going so poorly Xaviers crawling around just asking me to put him out of his misery

[s-aint-elmo]

the "girls seeking an impossible wish trapped in a system that twists them into hollow shells of grief and resentment used by other girls to fuel their own desperate struggle" pipeline is multiversal

(ID and additional context in alt text)

[breawycker]

Enid sniffing Wednesday repeatedly before proclaiming “you’re about to have a vision” then catching her before she hits the ground

Oooh I love this and her like growling at anyone who gets close to Wednesday when she's out. I've seen some angst-y art of Enid laying next to Wednesday worrying while Wednesday is in a vision and I just want to write something where Enid is just ready for her to wake up with some water because she knows that Wednesday's visions are often intense and having water and seeing Enid's face helps ground her. I like the idea of Enid's like inner wolf falling for Wednesday before her human self even realizes and then it hits her and she's like "oh wow 😳"

[mamawasatesttube]

i think martha kent should get to threaten rex leech with a shotgun tbh

[punkrock-confetti]

Every time someone draws or writes scarab to be a cutesy little bug guy and infantilizes a grown ass man who has canonically killed, an angel looses its wings

[merwgue]

The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) fandom is one of the most divided literary communities today. It’s not just a matter of which characters people ship, but rather a deep schism over how people interpret the characters, themes, and real-life issues embedded in the story. The arguments go far beyond typical fandom disagreements and have morphed into full-fledged debates about morality, trauma, and the human condition. At the heart of these conflicts is the tendency for fans to project their own experiences and values onto the characters, creating new "canon" versions of the story to fit their narrative. What makes this even more significant is that ACOTAR isn’t just fantasy fiction—it touches on real issues like domestic abuse, sexual coercion, trauma, and mental health. These are not fictional concepts; they are lived experiences for many people. By brushing these topics aside or simplifying them, the fandom risks doing a disservice to the people who see their own pain mirrored in the pages of these books.

"It’s Just Fiction" — A Dismissive Take on Real Issues

When people say "it’s just fiction," they’re missing the point. Fiction, especially in fantasy, is often used as a mirror to reflect real-world problems. In ACOTAR, we see characters grappling with trauma, mental illness, abuse, and recovery—things that real people face every day. It’s not simply a story of faeries and magic; it’s a story of survival and the human struggle to overcome deep-seated pain.

Take Rhysand’s actions, for instance. Under the Mountain, he subjects Feyre to what can only be described as sexual coercion, making her dress in revealing clothing and sit on his lap while drugged, all under the guise of "protecting" her. In the real world, this would be considered sexual harassment or even assault. The argument that he was forced into these actions to protect her doesn’t erase the trauma it inflicted on Feyre. Fans who brush this off as a romantic plot device are ignoring the very real dynamics of power, consent, and coercion that exist in abusive relationships.

Similarly, Gwyn’s backstory, though not heavily detailed, strongly implies that she was gang-raped by Hybern’s forces during the war. The fact that this is left as an undertone in the series, not explicitly addressed, doesn’t make it any less important. Sexual violence, like what Gwyn endured, is a topic that has far-reaching emotional and psychological consequences for survivors. Yet, in some corners of the fandom, these moments are glossed over in favor of debating which romantic pairing is better.

Tamlin: Abuser or Victim of Circumstance?

Tamlin is one of the most hotly contested characters in the series, and it’s easy to see why. His actions in A Court of Mist and Fury—where he physically confines Feyre, restricts her movements, and isolates her from the outside world—are textbook examples of domestic abuse. There’s no argument that what he did was wrong. But there’s also context that complicates his character and, in some ways, makes him more sympathetic than he’s often given credit for.

Tamlin was traumatized by the events Under the Mountain, forced to watch helplessly as his people suffered for fifty years. He was powerless, and that sense of impotence likely contributed to his need for control once Feyre returned to the Spring Court. He was terrified of losing her, and that fear manifested in controlling behavior. Does that excuse what he did? Absolutely not. But it provides a context that many readers seem to ignore. Tamlin was also suffering, and he lacked the emotional tools to cope with his trauma in a healthy way.

Feyre, too, was suffering, but neither of them communicated effectively, and their relationship deteriorated as a result. Both were deeply broken, but instead of healing together, their trauma pulled them apart. Some fans take this complexity and reduce Tamlin to a one-dimensional abuser, ignoring the fact that many abusers come from places of deep pain themselves. Others take it too far in the opposite direction, defending every action he took. The truth lies somewhere in between: Tamlin was an abuser, but he was also a victim of his own unresolved trauma.

Rhysand: Savior or Manipulator?

Rhysand, on the other hand, is often seen as Feyre’s savior, the one who rescues her from Tamlin’s abuse and shows her how to be strong. But the fandom’s lionization of Rhysand ignores many of his own toxic behaviors, particularly his emotional manipulation of Feyre.

While Tamlin physically trapped her, Rhysand’s control was far more insidious. He isolated Feyre mentally, ensuring that the only people she trusted were members of his Inner Circle—people whose loyalty ultimately lies with him. Over time, Feyre’s connections to anyone outside of Rhysand’s immediate orbit are severed. Lucien, who had been a close friend, is gradually pushed away, and Feyre is left with no one to question her relationship with Rhysand.

This emotional isolation is a form of manipulation that can be just as damaging as physical confinement. Rhysand controlled the narrative around Feyre, making sure that she only saw the world through his lens. This is most evident in A Court of Silver Flames, when he instructs his Inner Circle not to tell Feyre about the dangers of her pregnancy. He withholds vital information about her own body, taking away her agency and reducing her to a bystander in her own life. The fact that Mor, Cassian, Amren, and Azriel all follow his orders without question only reinforces the power imbalance in their relationship.

Many fans excuse Rhysand’s actions because he’s portrayed as the "good guy" in contrast to Tamlin. But when you strip away the romantic lens, Rhysand’s behavior is just as controlling and manipulative, albeit in a different way. The fact that Feyre wasn’t physically confined doesn’t make his actions any less problematic.

The Creation of a New "Canon"

Given the complexity of these characters and the morally gray areas they inhabit, it’s no wonder that parts of the fandom have taken to creating their own "canon" versions of the story. Fans rework characters’ motivations, rewrite key events, and even create alternate universes to fit their preferred narrative. In some ways, this is a normal part of any fandom; people create headcanons and fan fiction to explore different possibilities within the world. But in the ACOTAR fandom, this rewriting often feels like a necessity rather than a choice.

Pro-Rhysand fans, for instance, downplay or outright ignore his more problematic actions, painting him as the perfect mate for Feyre. On the flip side, anti-Tamlin fans erase any nuance in his character, labeling him irredeemable and unworthy of any sympathy. It’s as if the original narrative can no longer be accepted as it is because it doesn’t fit into a simple good vs. evil framework.

This rewriting of canon can be harmful because it erases the complexities that make these characters human. Tamlin is not just a villain, and Rhysand is not just a hero. Both characters have committed acts of abuse, but they also have their own traumas and struggles that inform their actions. Ignoring these complexities simplifies the narrative in a way that doesn’t do justice to the story’s deeper themes.

The Seriousness of ACOTAR’s Themes

The divisions within the ACOTAR fandom aren’t just about ships or character preferences; they’re about how seriously the themes of the series should be taken. Domestic abuse, sexual coercion, trauma—these are not just plot points to be dismissed as fiction. They are real, painful experiences that people face every day.

Feyre’s experiences with both Tamlin and Rhysand reflect different forms of abuse, and neither should be diminished. Tamlin’s physical control was overt and obvious, while Rhysand’s emotional manipulation was more subtle but no less damaging. Both forms of abuse are real, and both deserve to be addressed with the gravity they warrant.

Similarly, Gwyn’s implied assault is a reflection of the horrors that many survivors of sexual violence face. Her story is not just a subplot; it’s a reflection of the very real trauma that many women endure. Dismissing these moments as mere fiction invalidates the experiences of readers who may have lived through similar pain.

Conclusion

The ACOTAR fandom is divided because the series itself is complex, filled with morally gray characters and real-world issues that demand serious consideration. By rewriting canon to fit personal narratives, parts of the fandom are erasing the very complexities that make the story impactful. Domestic abuse, sexual coercion, trauma—these are not topics that should be brushed aside or simplified. They are reflections of real pain, and they deserve to be treated with respect and understanding. Both Tamlin and Rhysand are flawed characters, and both engage in abusive behaviors, though in different ways. Acknowledging these complexities is essential to understanding the series as a whole, and it’s something the fandom, as divided as it is, must come to terms with.

[glockmonkey]

thinking about lovelace. thinking about how hesitant she is to trust other people because of how shes been hurt in the past. despite all that she still sacrificed herself for minkowski, but pushed hilbert off when she was bleeding out because he was the one who hurt her first crew. thinking about how she blamed hera for eiffel getting jettisonned into space, and about how she got killed the third time because she was protecting him from kepler. thinking about lovelace protecting the people she loves and taking everyone else down with her.

[ninkaku]

annoying conversations happening on twitter this week about dazai and his canonical whoreness .... very ableist delivery of people treating him like a tiny 22 yr old minor who clearly doesn't know what sex is and its getting weeeeeiirrrrd ...........

[napping-sapphic]

I swear the most hated enemy in this life is your best friend’s self-loathing

[roomba-mangga]

sorry but the speed at which thistle goes from wanting to blast laios to hell dragon-style to granting him the "honor" of joining his perfect fairytale within the span of, what, an hour tops? is convincing me that he absolutely split on this guy sunshine-ways after realizing he was trying to help

don't try to tell me this was a backstabber move because this irradiated piece of clown kibble was being 100% sincere. he was planning to do the same to delgal! also is this the face of a two-timer to you?

look at him. he made a helpful new friend :) he's feeding a stray

[necromancer-snail]

Long post about Monty under the cut because I'm a defender until the end of my days

Check tags for TWs

"Monty was evil" "Monty should have known" blah blah blah blah blah!!! Tell me you've never been betrayed by a parental figure without telling me you've never been betrayed by a parental figure. She cared for him and was the first connection he ever made - yes it was toxic, but he was a crow before he was ever human. He, with only a week of human existence under his belt, didn't have the emotional intelligence, lived experience, or support system necessary to a) realize the way she treated him was abusive, b) come to terms with her being a bad person, c) break the bond he had with her, AND d) get himself safely out of the situation while protecting others. Actually, pretty much no one who grows up in an abusive household has the ability to do all of these things until after years of healing and/or therapy!

He is not at fault for wanting her approval. It is shown she cared for him as a crow, and even though she harmed him when he was human, he still recalls being a crow - remembers her affection and how it made him feel. To him, the only way to be rewarded (not even with a material thing; with kindness) is to do exactly as she says. His relationship with Edwin wasn't solid enough for him to trust that he could get support or his emotional needs met, and while Esther wasn't reliable in that either, her conditions to receive affection and kindness were clear and easy to achieve. The only time we see her say anything rude to him or physically harm him is after Monty questions her methods or shows affection for Edwin, which means all he had to do up until episode 6 was hang out with Edwin and gain his trust.

All he knew at that point was "gain Edwin's trust = Esther approves + Edwin likes me." I'm sure she hinted at bigger plans, but having only been human a short time, never having a support system, having no reference for a healthy maternal relationship, etc, he trusted her. Anyone in his position would do the same. She was the first person to show him any sort of kindness, to fulfill his basic needs. He was vulnerable around her. There's a trust built there. It's not an easy thing to break.

He was 16 and had barely been human, barely felt things on a deeper level. A 16 year old can recognize their parent is abusive. A 16 year old can attempt to defy their parent. A 16 year old can try to escape. A 16 year old with only a week of humanity? He did try. It's unrealistic, and honestly it's insulting to victims of abuse, to expect him to have been able to recognize the extent of her plans and have the strength to escape with his life. He dies when he tries to leave. That wasn't added to the show simply to have a convenient way to get rid of Monty. It's the reality of abuse victims everywhere. The moment a victim steps out of line, they risk their life.

Engage with your media critically. Analyze the roles each character plays and their relationships and bonds. Fucking research the effects of abuse. He wanted approval from the first person who ever showed him kindness, the first person he bonded with. Children in abusive situations strive for it naturally. It takes years of working on yourself and your past traumas to fully recognize the extent of the abuse and a fuck-ton of willpower to get away from it. Those who try don't always make it.

And to be clear - if you don't like him because you find him annoying, or you simply didn't connect with his character, that's fine. But I firmly believe not liking him because he helped Esther is victim blaming.

[ruporas]

hello hello! I hope you don't mind me dropping by but I just want to say I love your art so much, the way you draw vashwood is just so sweet and tender but can I just ramble about the way you draw Vash especially? More specifically, the way you draw his expressions when he's looking at Wolfwood???

I just LOVE the way you draw Vash's expression because the way you make him look at Wolfwood is so soft 😭😭😭. There's just something about it that's so tender, like whenever I look at Vash's expressions in your art I just think "that is genuinely someone who loves another person with all their heart" and it just mends and breaks my heart at once, you capture Vash's love for Wolfwood in ways I can't explain 👏

It's unbridled love mixed with the fear of hurting Wolfwood in their relationship. It's wanting to spill so much affection but holding back in fear of messing up. He looks at Wolfwood like he's longing for him so earnestly be it pre-relationship or even when they're already dating it's just so??? 💕💕💘💞💖💖💞💕

There's just something so tender and heart wrenching at the way Vash looks at Wolfwood in your art, it gets me really emotional and I hope you have a lovely day/night for real <33!!!

ouuuuu thank you so so much for your kind words and for taking the time to tell me this T_T !!! i'm glad my expressions for vash's longing gazes at wolfwood is well done enough to have this sort of response to it…

he's the kind of person that has to hold back in both words and touch when it comes to love, when it comes to wolfwood, but i think it's a difficult emotion to restrain, especially when wolfwood is kind enough to let it be.

ultimately, what they're allowed to have is the inevitable shared spaces during their travels, it's the other's physical presence, being next to wolfwood, being able to take him in through the way he simply exists. smelling smoke, seeing smoke, seeing the cigarette between his fingers, seeing the crosses littered across his person, the rosary snug around his neck, his scruff at his chin, messy bangs, messy hair, tired eyes, the canine that peeks when he speaks, and a voice carrying heavy words, but honest, and kind, and one vash could never get tired of hearing, like how he'd never be tired of just looking at wolfwood.

it's of gratitude, it's of sorrow, it's of grief, it's of love, praise, adoration, it's desperate and it's full of yearning. at first, it's a gaze he feels he has to be satisfied with until he's learned that he's allowed for more and at that point, when wolfwood has given him so much, how could he look at him in any other way?

in any case, i def like to make it known and parade around vash's deeeeeep deep deep feelings of love towards wolfwood, so i'm very happy to know i can express that clearly through his expression alone. i Also just love wolfwood so maybe the projection goes from the heart of the artist to the heart of the art.

i ended up collecting a few caps of his expressions just out of curiosity for myself :3 i have much to improve still, i'll keep on drawing vash's loving self until i can get the ultimate loving expression down!!

[ciderjacks]

my biggest fear is that Jax will do something Really bad (intentionally or unintentionally) to a beloved character bc I will probably end up defending his ass against the entire fandom. My track record with defending horrible fictional people like my life depends on it is NOT good.

[uhbasicallyjustmilex]

~ inseparable opposing images ~