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brawltogethernow · 7 months

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Who is your least favorite spider-man writer and artist and your most favorite artist and writer of spider-man?

Picking favorites feels surprisingly tricky, not because I can't but because Buscema edges out Romita on art but Conway edges out DeMatteis on writing (by dint of spending thirty straight years + 20 more off and on kicking my ass and how when he falls on his ass it remains fun for me), and these names next to each other are nothing. This is a stupid combination. Really highlights how superhero comics are made by teams and a single dude cannot guarantee quality if they're not vibing with the rest of the carpool. But if I'm picking a team the seventies beats the nineties, and it's sooo disingenuous to try to narrow down one pair of names when that era was Lee/Romita bleeding into Lee/Conway/Romita into Conway/Romita/Kane, also every few issues Mooney dips in to push the Peter having pretty eyelashes agenda and then leaves. Like some of the best art in this era had Kane doing pencils and Romita inking, and I like their combined style more than Romita penciling his own work if we're talking the period where he was still a full time illustrator, but I midkey dislike Kane's pencils inked by everybody else. I looked up who was illustrating 90's Web with Conway on scripts and it turns out the art I like best is a penciler and inker team and the quality takes a dive whenever either of them takes a month off and leaves the other one in a substitute's hands. You know! Team efforts! Anyway here are some iconic combinations in no order cherry picked to cut out overlap and sneak more people in.

Yes Please:

DeMatteis/Buscema

SSM #180

There's a rhythm to this team's work I've full stop never seen anywhere else.

Lee/Romita

ASM #83

The Vibe.

Conway/Andru

ASM #145

The number of times Gerry Conway has kicked my ass. u_u With Romita Sr. and Andru the most distinctive art trait is the faces - Andru's were never as doll-perfect as Romita's, and that's kind of the best thing about them?

Now guys I hate on the other hand. Way less complex. Debated whether to answer this because I try not to go on about who in the industry sucks at their job but this is not because I couldn't.

Please No:

Spencer/Otley

ASM (2018) #30

It should have been difficult to outdo the preceding run, but writing that was simultaneously nonsensical and insulting, deflated pacing where each issue achieved about as much as a single newspaper strip, a teeth-first art style where every face sports a pained grimace and the meandering composition always scores a D-, and the finishing touch of colors that I can only describe as Averaging Out to Oatmeal...combined to create some of the worst comics I've ever seen. Spencer and I appreciate so many of the same comics and his understanding of what makes them good is so poor that it's almost like receiving a personalized hate letter.

Slott/anybody

ASM #546

He can write well which just makes it worse. I don't even know where to start enumerating his crimes. Like do I just pick one anecdote? When there are so many?

Land (the porn trace guy)

Symbiote Spider-Man: Alien Reality #2 but I could have opened anything and found a bad traced yelling face

You know. The guy. Who traces from porn. That guy. He remains gainfully employed despite being known for this. Does he have dirt on an important executive?

Campbell (yes he watermarked the one on the left two separate times AFTER signing it)

ASM (2018) #2 variant, Renew Your Vows #11 variant

If you're distant from the recent comics scene it's hard to convey how omnipresent this guy is. He's like the comic sans of artists. After having the way he draws women ripped to shreds by social media over a decade ago, Campbell doubled down and has since then drawn hundreds of pinups of identical women in invisible high heels making the exact same face. Singlehandedly a huge factor in how people visualize MJ becoming "skinny carrot top with a pointy chin and freckles". He's proud of this.

#letting the negative explanations get longer because with the good ones i want people to go see what the hype is for themselves!#not with the bad ones lol. lmao. i'll take that bullet for you.#asks answered #anonymous #spiderman #marvel #spidey

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soft-for-them · 11 months

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I don't know a thing about love - Daryl Dixon x plus size non-binary reader

Summary: A Daryl x plus size non-binary reader based off the song 'I don't know a thing about love' by the White Buffalo.

Comments and reblogs are much appreciated and help more people read my works.

A/N: This is both a non-binary reader and a plus size reader, so cis people this isn't for you. The reader has been left vague because this is a short fic and not all plus size non-binary people are afab (really, it's real problem with authors, non-binary people aren't women!) This is coming from your very own non-binary/queer op. 👍

Everyone knows that you and Daryl Dixon are partners but everyone also knows that your relationship, or lack thereof, is complicated.

It’s clear you love each other, Rick or Carl could tell you (with various amounts of excitement) about the first time the two of you met, how Daryl’s eye widened, how you smiled like you had be given the sun and moon.

From the very start of joining Rick’s group you had it hard. Having to explain to people that you’re non-binary and not a man or woman was hard, both for yourself because you were coming out again to complete strangers and for them for most of the group aren’t queer.

Carl got it straight away, he happily used your preferred pronouns and asked you many questions most of which weren’t about being trans but where about random this like comic books and how your survived.

Rick, Carol, Glenn and Maggie learnt quickly too whilst the rest took their time getting used to someone so different to their heteronormative life.

Maybe it was because living people are hard to come by, maybe it’s because most of the bigots of the group had met their grizzly end but somehow you feel safer with Rick’s little rag tag group of survivors then the people you house shared with before the apocalypse arose.

Then there’s Daryl.

Now don’t get me wrong, the first few weeks of you joining Rick’s crew he didn’t talk to you, he just stared at you. He was raised by bigoted people and he was trying to be better, before the end of times even began he was trying to be better. He wasn’t racist or homophobic like his dad or brother nor did he go out his way to antagonise anyone (for he isn’t Merle after all) but still he was learning.

He was drawn to you, it made him panic just a bit but he has long realised that he isn’t so straight, that he identifies with both Bisexual, Pansexual and Queer, that he didn’t need a label for one he loves you and two who fucking cares.

But still it took a long time to come to terms with, thankfully you were there with him to help.

He remembers one day when you still were new and everyone was still stuck in the prison out the blue he asked about your jacket, an oversized black denim jacket sparsely covered in handmade patches.

You told him about the small amount of patches that you had; a non-binary flag on the breast pocket, an anti-Nazi patch on your arm, two ridged band patches that really should have been ironed on instead of sew on dotted around, tin badges decorating the collar like a jewelled necklace.

Over the years the jacket has evolved like he has, both have become more outward and full of love.

Daryl still cracks a smile at the back patch adorning your jacket made out of an old t-shirt of Carl’s that depicted a superhero dog.

You and Daryl talk, sleep close, sneak kisses when people aren’t looking, go hunting together, laugh at each other’s silly jokes. You’re out going and talkative whilst he stands back quiet and stoic his eyes always filled with love for you. You share clothes like it’s nothing, he loves holding you close at night the feeling of your plush body against his better than any bed or pillow, he knows you in and out, as do you for him.

But somehow still the two of you have never breached the subject of how much you love each other, you’ve neither had the conversation trying to figure out what to call one another.

Well not until today.

Sitting idly on the front porch of a nice enough house in Alexandria you work away under the watchful eye of your lover.

It was no surprise that you and Daryl were put together in the same home, neither is it a surprise that you both sit so close as the sky starts to turn orange, the sun slowly setting and the moon rising into the sky.

Knees touching, you carefully try to stick on a new patch onto your jacket next to one of many pride flags you’ve acclimated over the years.

Daryl leans over watching you quietly sew wonky stitches, his face almost pressed to the side of your round cheek.

“You know what Daryl?” you whisper, eyes flickering up to look up at him.

He just hums out a yes.

“When I first met you I didn’t know anything about love, I don’t think I fully know a thing about love now but with you I- I well-“ you face goes warm, your fingers stop sewing as he looks up at you with sparkling eyes, “-I think I’m learning because of you.”

He just stares at you for a moment, shock and what you assume is love morphing his face into a sweet smile.

That moment disappears as he leans down and kisses you, his chapped lips gentle on yours, your hands dropping your handiwork on your lap to hold his face in place.

You pull away first but still hold onto him with pin pricked hands, eye still connected staring like a fool at him, happiness flooding through your bodies.

“For years I was told I’d never find love because of who I am-“ you begin again still in a whisper, the thoughts of the long dead people who said such cruel things being pushed away by the many memories of your and Daryl.

You push a piece of his long brown hair back from his face, you smile growing big and proud.

“- but I had been looking for love below and above despite all the dead roaming around and then there you were.”

He lets out a small chuckle, one that isn’t filled with malice like old lovers did but one filled with a joy you’ve only seen for yourself.

“Do you?” he asks covering your wondering hands with his, “Because I do, I love you.”

“So many eyes in the world are searching for love and somehow I find you, of course I love you Daryl.”

The two of you laugh together as you kiss again, the set of wings you were stitching onto your jacket fully discarded as the kiss deepens.

#daryl dixon #daryl dixon x plus size reader #daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixon x nonbinary reader #x nonbinary reader #nonbinary #x plus size reader #the walking dead #the walking dead x reader

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thepermanentrainpress · 10 months

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THE PERMANENT RAIN PRESS INTERVIEW WITH KAILEEN CHANG

Kaileen Chang wants to be a role model – to be creative in her work, compassionate to herself and others, and representative of her mixed (Latinx and Taiwanese) heritage. The young artist from Los Angeles, California is certainly on her way, currently starring as the half-human, half-vampire lead Carmie Henley in the aptly titled, I Woke Up a Vampire. The series, airing now on Family Channel, is expected to be released on Netflix later this year.

What can you share about your background in the arts, and what inspired you to pursue film as a career?

I started off performing when I was young, specifically in dance and ice skating. Then I explored theater and later started acting. What inspired me the most was the ability to be creative and show the media and young kids a role model who is relatable and responsible.

Who and/or what were some early inspirations for you - such as actors you admired, favourite TV shows or films, and instructors or teachers in your own classes? What impact did they have on you?

I get inspired by a variety of women actors such as Florence Pugh, Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, and many others. Their ability to be so creative and embody characters really is incredible. I also love 80's/90's films or inspired films because they are the right combination of serious drama and comedy.

How has your family supported you in your career?

My family has been more than just supportive, I would say they are my number one fans and the building blocks to this all. Without their encouragement and dedication, I would have not been where I am today.

Congratulations on I Woke Up a Vampire! As your first series lead, what can you tell us about your audition and casting process?

I did an audition like normal, but I never got called back until like almost a month later. Then I got told I was on hold, but I never did a callback. I waited for a solid two weeks before getting the call that I booked it, which I was surprised because I hadn't had any callbacks or contact. Next thing I know I was on a plane to Toronto.

Carmie Henley is a dynamic character with a unique life! What drew you to her, and how are you similar and different from Carmie (aside from the supernatural and superhuman powers)?

I think that the little aspects of Carmie are so similar to many teenage girls, and there are some little parts to her that are a part of me. Carmie is such a relatable character and she is inspiring for young girls. I am really drawn to the fact that she wasn't planned out or written specifically as a character but her story was, and they let Carmie grow and be built by her experiences and some of mine too.

youtube

Who are your favourite superheroes from the comics or screen, and why?

I really like Scarlet Witch, because she is just so misunderstood and I loved the WandaVision series lol.

Creator and showrunner Thomas (Tommy) Lynch has a great resume, including producer credits on recent teen, coming-of-age series Make It Pop and The Other Kingdom. What was it like working with Tommy and did you have conversations about your character and the story?

Working With Tommy was amazing, he and Ryan Lynch (his son) are just amazing collaborators. It's tough starting off on a big show and being really fresh and new to the business but they helped me along the way and were so incredibly supportive and protective. They also valued my opinions and creative decisions. We had a lot of fun shaping Carmie and making her a character with a lot of depth. Tommy is actually amazing and so great to work with. He really made it a lot of fun and we became close with the whole cast too, just one big family.

How did you prepare for this role? Is there anything special you did to get into character before your scenes?

I wanted Carmie to be as authentic as possible. I didn't want her personality to seem cheesy or unrealistic. I made sure that I had a lot of fun when doing scenes and just went with the flow. Music helped a lot and not thinking about the scene too much made it natural.

Carmie and Kev share a close and supportive friendship. Did you and Niko Ceci have a lot of fun together, and how was he as a scene partner?

Carmie and Kev are like Kaileen and Niko. It's really funny because me and Niko joke that we don't even have to act most of the time because we are just so close. I love doing scenes with him because they just come so naturally and flow well. We definitely have a very close relationship off-screen, we are best friends. We love Tommy because he basically united two halves into one, I and Niko are like the same person and we love that.

The show has a talented young cast, also including Aaliyah Cinello (Madison), Zebastin Borjeau (Dylan) and Ana Araujo (Leanna). Did it feel like summer camp, and was it nice to share this experience with cast members similar in age to yourself?

I had so much fun being able to share the experience with young actors like me. It definitely felt like work but in the best way possible. We made sure to keep it professional and not goof around too much but had our fair share of giggles and fun off-screen. I loved working with each and every one of them and also developing close relationships as friends off set as well.

Actor and comedian Kris Siddiqi stars as The Collector. How was Kris to work with, and was it hard to stay in character without laughing? What did he teach you about performing?

Kris was THE FUNNIEST person ever. We all loved working with him because he was just so warm and welcoming every time we did a scene. It was definitely very funny when he started to improv at the end of a scene but we managed to keep it together. He was an amazing mentor and I loved being able to work with him.

Take us behind the scenes! What is your favourite memory from Season 1?

I had a blast filming this show. It's hard to pick just one memory. Also most of the things me and the cast find funny might not make sense to you guys. But I do remember filming episode five - we had to jump off the rooftop set onto a mat, me and Niko would fall onto the mat into a splat position on purpose so that whoever had to jump next would just start laughing and we would just fall onto the mat because we were laughing so much we lost our balance.

Why would you encourage viewers to tune in to I Woke Up a Vampire? What can they expect to see and take away from the show?

I would love for young kids to watch this show because as the episodes go on we explore real topics, but it's still fun to watch because of the supernatural side to it. Carmie faces the hard reality of school and feels like she needs to fit in which is very relatable to many kids and it is comforting to know that other people are going through the same thing.

We know it’s early on, as the show hasn’t even premiered on Netflix yet, but are you aware of plans for future seasons? Would you like to explore Carmie’s story further?

I am actually not sure what the plans are for further seasons, Tommy loves to keep his ideas very very secret. I remember filming the early episodes and as we got closer to the later ones we would bombard him with questions and he would never tell us anything until the script came out. But I would love to explore Carmie's adventure and exploration towards more serious topics and her journey with self-love and acceptance.

You are an advocate for those with down syndrome, which is personal and meaningful to you and your family. Tell us about the importance of this work for you, and how you stay involved and informed.

My little sister has Down Syndrome, and I think it is very important for people to stay aware and understand that she may be different but she is just as capable. I am an advocate because she deserves equality and to be treated just how everyone else is. I love to bring awareness to the kids with Down Syndrome and their amazing talents.

You have multiple cultures, with both Latinx and Taiwanese heritage. Have you always been in touch with your identity and where you came from? Why are you proud to be Latinx and Taiwanese?

I am very proud of my mix, I think it makes me very unique and who I am. I have always embraced the different features I hold and love to spread my culture to those around me.

Has your ethnicity impacted your career so far? Are you hopeful for more diversity in film (ethnic and minority creatives) in the near future, and being a part of that positive change?

I think one thing that really had me drawn to acting was the little diversity and awareness. I wanted to be able to be a role model for young girls because I remember watching TV when I was younger and the main character was always a pretty white girl who was a cheerleader, always looked perfect, and was a popular girl.

With Carmie, I wanted to show the viewers that they can have some comfort in this show knowing that some people can relate to Carmie in the sense that she isn't perfect, popular, and she's mixed. I was also really attracted to the fact that I could be a responsible and inspiring person to young people so that when they grow up, they can see someone who they can follow and look up to.

What inspired you to learn and become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)?

I love inclusivity, and I think that it was important for me to learn ASL so that I could practice my beliefs of inclusivity. I grew up in a school that prioritized being inclusive and I want to carry that on with me as I go in the real world so learning ASL was a big accomplishment and milestone for me becoming a step further into the person I want to be.

Who are you listening to on your playlist?

I love music, I personally get really shy when it comes to asking about my music taste. It's hard to narrow down my favorites when I have such a range of music tastes.

Our signature question: If you could be any ice cream flavour, which would you be and why?

I would be cotton candy because it's like two different colors and I have two very different sides to me that are completely opposite.

Thank you to Kaileen Chang for answering our questions!

Follow her on Instagram to stay updated with what’s next for the rising star. New episodes of I Woke Up a Vampire air Fridays at 6:30 pm ET/PT on Family Channel.

Photo credit to: Tommy Flanagan (portraits)

#entertainment #interview #Kaileen Chang #The Brand Partners #I Woke Up a Vampire #Family Channel #Netflix #actor #actress #Carmie Henley #Niko Ceci #Kris Siddiqi #Thomas Lynch #Tommy Lynch #WildBrain #Thomas W. Lynch #young entertainment

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randomfoggytiger · 1 year

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BILL SCULLY, Junior and Senior (and Charlie?)

Bill Scully, Jr. and Sr., were interesting to dig into. Usually in meta conversations, Captain Scully is exacting, harsh, or insensitively exacting of his children while Bill Jr. is groomed to become "the man of the house" and becomes an arrogant bully instead. Both of them are a little more nuanced than that. More interesting than that, though, is how different the two of them are from each other: while father and son do share characteristics, they both have more in common with Dana Scully (post here) than each other.

Furthermore, Bill Scully the Younger One shocked the socks off of me by being an ISFJ-- the "motherly" Type rooted in tradition, faith, and servitude-style support. Which really shouldn't have, because all Types can be a pain; but it also explains why Scully had SO MUCH PATIENCE with him that she didn't have with Melissa.

(Spoiler: Charlie also pops in at the end, though I don't have enough data to type him.)

**Note**: This was written late, quick, and dirty-- there will be typos; but I'll drop in and edit them out later.

Bill Scully, Jr., the ISFJ

(**Disclaimers**: Bill is an unpleasant man; and there are plenty of ISFJs who are loving and adorable and don't, I don't know, pick fights with other people. I tried to paint him accurately here~.)

All Types have 8 main functions in their stack that explain in what orders their brain operate and process information.

The Hero Function: This function is the most effortless of the stack of eight, the “superhero” if you will. Introverted Sensing (Si for short) is focused on duty, responsibility, security, and tradition, meaning ISFJs uphold the values of the generations before them more comfortably than they do conforming to the new standards of the modern generation. They are drawn to military or service jobs, working in their communities and abroad to keep everyone safe.

ISFJs can become annoying if they constantly harp on doing things "the old way" or try to enforce their rules with authoritarian dictatorship (ex. turning off the wifi if others don't go to church.) BUT what's fascinating is that Bill's "overbearing" tendencies work perfectly for Maggie and Melissa-- both are SP types (see here and here), which are very "live in the moment" and less "think of the consequences that will have on our traditions." Both are important to have in mind; and Bill seems to get along great with his mother and has a picture of his sister that not even Scully had, so it would seem both women were on great terms with Bill the Second.

The Parent Function: The Parent Function serves as the pessimistic guide to checkmate the enthusiastic, optimistic Hero. Extroverted Feeling (Fe for short) is about ethics, reinforcing bonds, and accepting, including, and supporting others-- and it's Bill's salvation from himself. ISFJs use Fe to care for their families, going out of their way to meet their emotional needs and anticipate their wants or desires.

The problem begins with immaturity-- if these Types have not grown or developed as people, they expects others to conform to their rules in gratitude for their efforts. Unfortunately, Bill falls into this category: for as much as he tried to support his sister during her cancer and infertility, his mind would always loop back to her responsibilities to the family and to him.

THIS is the primary difference between ISTJ Scully and her ISFJ brother: he carefully walks through life with the responsibilities of his family on his back, willingly shouldering them and providing for others but expects them to pitch in as well. Scully is not emotionally vulnerable; and she spends her life sorting and solving systems rather than personal or familial problems. Bill interprets this distance as neglect and scolds her about duty and responsibility (especially to Mulder over her family.)

Another difference between Scully and Bill is how they communicate: ISTJ Scully communicates directly-- saying what she means and meaning what she says-- whereas ISFJ Bill would rather hem and haw and throw looks or hints rather than get into a head-on fight... unless thoroughly provoked. During the Gethsemane dinner, he let her go to Mulder while only telegraphing his frustration with his body language;

and in A Christmas Carol he kept nudging his sister to participate in family activities until he was finally fed up and asked her why she was avoiding them. Even when he was chastising her about Emily and Melissa, Bill's anger is intense but never aggressive while Scully is confrontational and ready to stand her ground and fight.

The Child Function: The most idealistic of the functions is also the function that is the most vulnerable to "abuse." Introverted Thinking (Ti for short) is deductive logic independent of others' output. ISFJs have a "miracle" for truth-- everything is simple for them, with a childlike ability to see past everyone's walls and lies to themselves and others and tell it like it is. When Bill confronted Scully about her cancer in Gethsemane, he saw through her facade and down into the core of why she avoided discussing her cancer: "You think you can cure yourself." Scully, discomfited that her brother had correctly stripped away her defenses and exposed her last, pitiful hope, turned the conversation into another avenue; but Bill was correct--

he'd only spent a handful of hours in her company and had seen into her soul in a way that not even Mulder had (because he cannot see past her walls, needing clear communication from her-- post here.) It's a powerful tool Bill used again during the Emily arc-- understanding that Scully was, indeed, afraid she was projecting her infertility griefs onto this little girl; and providing her "proof" that Melissa wasn't Emily's mother. (However, the situation fell apart rapidly after that; and Bill removed himself from the fight entirely when Mulder appeared and tried to set everything right-- though not without resentment at her partner.)

The Inferior Function: The 4th function where vanity, insecurity, and powerful, short-term excellence lies. Extroverted Intuition (Ne for short) deals with metaphysics and the future of humanity as a whole. ISFJs are afraid of the "what ifs", needing someone to stand with them shoulder-to-shoulder and take on the world. They want life to have concrete, identifiable boundaries; and, when life inevitably doesn't, ISFJs grow fearful and, without maturity, fall into toxic patterns (see Demon function section below.) ISTJ Scully shares this same Inferior Function; but while she has learned that their fear needs to be turned into faith to be conquered, Bill has yet to embrace that lesson. Instead, he views Mulder as the embodiment of change and unpredictability and takes his emotions and reactions out on him.

With mature reflection, perhaps he will think over his actions and realize the root cause of his issues isn't with others or how they've "ruined everything"-- it's with himself.

The Nemesis Function: The 5th function is where an ISFJ's worry lies. Extroverted Sensing (Se for short) is a hyper-focus on the "now", driving a Type to achieve their goals and give others good experiences. ISFJs worry constantly that they are offending someone with their behavior, appearance, or demeanor-- believe it or not-- and work hard to be well-groomed and inoffensive.

At the heart of their worry is rejection, which they fear; but as they mature, they realize their self-discipline has already garnered them quality relationships and the rest aren't worth the worry.

The Critical Function: The 6th function is the "grandfather"-- either a cynical old crank or a wiseman beyond his years. Introverted Feeling (Fi for short) is one's personal morals and values. ISFJs have INSANELY high standards-- for others and themselves-- that are impossible to uphold, resulting in them feeling like the absolute scum of the earth most of their life. They can checkmate this insanity by helping others recognize their own self-worth, which proves to themselves that they are valuable in at least ONE way.

It's an aspect of themselves that ISFJs will never shake, taking it with them like an albatross the rest of their lives. It's probably why Bill married Tara: her perkiness and constant emotional assurance in their love and relationship relaxed this inner nagging, giving him clear-headed reassurance that he was, at least, a good man to her.

It's probably why he also advocates so much for Maggie to Scully, as Scully's reticence often hurts Maggie; and Maggie's Fe Child goes out of its way to cater to and comfort her loved ones, including Bill.

The Trickster Function: The 7th function is the weakest of a Type’s eight functions. Thinking Extroverted (Te for short) is concerned about reputation, metrics, and rational, outside input. ISFJs don't care about the belief systems of others. More often than not, ISFJs don't realize they are coming across arrogantly, unaware that their Ti Child's honest comments sound like criticisms rather than just their thoughts and opinions. They are then hurt that others assumed the worst of them; and this reinforces their fear that they're a terrible person deep down.

However, if they are given incorrect data or incorrectly interpret their own anecdotal experiences, ISFJs will be spouting nonsense like it's the "gospel truth", wearing the Emperor's clothes without realizing it.

If Bill were to mature, he would realize that others have valuable and necessary information and lived experiences as well; and that life isn't just "one answer" that everyone should live by. Fortunately, he seems to let go of an issue when all of his methods have proven incorrect; so he's at least on the right track.

The Demon Function: The 8th function is the last and strongest of them all-- a Type's nuclear option, if you will. Introverted Intuition (Ni for short) is focused on personal destiny, willpower, and the path they choose to carve forward. ISFJs become high-chair tyrants if their needs aren't met or their comfort is disturbed, throwing toddler tantrums and focusing on outrageous and grandiose displays of displeasure (the prime example is a child kicking and screaming on the ground in a store because they couldn't get the toy they wanted.)

Ni Demon also becomes de-motivated to help others if their friends or loved ones don't take the time to appreciate or thank them for their efforts. ISFJs are in large part one of the backbones of society; and they work tirelessly to help others. Their focus and priorities are turned away when they realize their diehard loyalty either isn't reciprocated or is always expected of them; and they will become engrossed in their own wants and needs to the exclusion of others, torpedoing their efforts to become a beloved member of society. It's probably why he and Scully never seemed to talk as they aged-- he viewed his sister as ungrateful for his and Maggie's efforts, and stopped wasting energy trying to "help" her.

And now--

Bill Scully, Sr., The ESTJ

**Note**: Since I already went in depth above, I'm going to chop everything down and save myself some time! Each function's definitions from above (Ni is about willpower, for example) apply below; but I don't want to get bogged down repeating myself~.

ESTJs are traditionalists, which Bill Sr. shares in common with his children (ISFJ Bill and ISTJ Scully); but he communicates directly and wants to achieve status and reputation through academia and accolades, like his daughter.

The Hero Function: ESTJs' Te Hero exist to "oversee" how others are operating systems, pinpointing a malfunctioning problem and keeping a tight ship. They take great pride in their achievements, accolades, and personal appearance, thinking these degrees or personal representation showcases their intelligence, since it takes "smarts" to identify that how one "brands" oneself is what opens him up to opportunities and a more prosperous future.

ESTJs are excellent at following behind the heels of a powerful motivator and tearing down the walls that would stop their progress, simultaneously delegating tasks and effortlessly filling in their shoes if the need arose. They rise to the top quickly (like Skinner, post here); and believe they've arrived in life when they've accomplished everything there is to do in their field. If they haven't matured enough to learn work-life balance, they then sit back, discontented, and realize how much of life they passed by to work for something insubstantial. As we hear in Captain Scully's speech in One Breath, he didn't realize how short life was in achieving pursuits until it was too late to start fresh.

The Parent Function: Si Parent is simultaneously responsibly loyal and hard to motivate. ESTJs have to trust you to give their loyalty, a trait Captain Scully does not share with either Bill or Dana.

He also needs to feel comfortable with all facets of a decision before implementing changes or moving forward with a plan (which is why he fits perfectly with Maggie, who is naturally inclined to give comfortable but boundary-pushing experiences.)

The Child Function: Ne Child needs to be told what others want, which allows them to get to work fulfilling those requests. ESTJs can "make" miracles happen, affecting all outcomes and bringing together tangible and intangible tools in wholly unique ways. We have a mundane example in canon-- Captain Scully needed to be nudged by Maggie to ask their daughter about her job; and he fulfilled his obligation and felt good about it (although never completely addressed the issue)-- and one that is possibly a reach (but not so great a reach in the X-Files universe)-- visiting his baby girl twice after death.

The Inferior Function: Fi Inferior makes ESTJ's afraid they are not moral enough (a trait he shares with A.D. Skinner, post here.) However, if they conquer this fear by exercising their personal morals and helping along others who are struggling with theirs, these Types' fears are relieved.

The Nemesis Function: Ti Nemesis constantly nitpicks at what an ESTJ knows to be true. They strive to be taken seriously academically; and this worry drives them to research-- not for knowledge's sake, but because it is a powerful tool in the climb to the top of the ladder. Once they have their facts in place, this worry vanishes into the wind.

The Critic Function: Se Critic are elitist hypocrites: in all of their striving to be the best, they then turn around and judge others while having a shoe lace untied that they haven't noticed. With wisdom comes tempered reason: they can't foresee their own mistakes-- we're all human, after all-- so how can they nitpick others? ESTJs also love to be told if they have food in their tooth or a hair out of place, as they take great pride in their appearance and won't mind a correction in their favor.

The Trickster Function: Ni Trickster dupes ESTJs into thinking they know what they want-- THEY DON'T. Often they spend their lives in pursuit of goals or vanities they think will satisfy, only to find themselves empty at the end.

They do best with someone who will tell them what they want or need, knowing the ESTJ better than they know themselves (ex. Maggie nudging her husband to ask their daughter about work rather than letting him walk off without having said a word. This interaction proved even more meaningful after his sudden death that night, making it the last words he'd ever said to Scully.)

The Demon Function: If ESTJs are told they are selfish, greedy, or terrible people, their Fe Demon will retaliate by inhibiting others' happiness: "If others won't let me be happy, no one will be." These types can transform this trait into a more profitable one by letting others embrace how they feel without taking that criticism, rejection, or pain too personally themselves.

An Interesting Note on the Scully Family

Maggie was Bill Scully, Sr.'s perfect fit: as an ESTP (see here), she is a shaker and a mover-- a windstorm of independence tempered by love and a desire to help people grow. As she enters a new space in life, she will immediately see its flaws and how to make it better; and this motivates her ESTJ husband to improve it as well, since he knows the value of polished appearances.

ESTP Maggie is all about assisting others one on one with logical advice (Ti Parent) and unbeatable, incredible experiences (Se Hero.) Her Fe Child and Fi Critic seek reassurance that she is valued and wanted; and she combines these four functions to provide Bill Scully Sr. with comfortable surprises, which are imperative for his Si Parent. Because he wants to experience everything once, Bill will try whatever his wife brings his way; and the more fun he has, the more trust he gives until Maggie is soon Master and Commander of the family trips, outings, or other activities. The two of them are incredibly well-matched: she gets him out of his ruts and blows his mind with how much life she lives; and he picks up the mantle of responsibility while pursuing status and prosperity for the family. Together, they are powerhouses-- his wife shaking the kids' routines up and her husband coming behind and training their four children on how to be "presentable." Their dynamic provided the family with two important values: personal independence and responsibilities to family duty, which explains how each of their children turned into very different people while still being unified by an obligatory bond.

Speculations on Charlie Scully

This raises a speculation: the whole family are Sensing Types-- which is rare-- and makes blending so many personalities under one roof exponentially easier... and yet, Charlie is nowhere to be found. If Bill and Maggie Scully disagreed with their children but still maintained relationships with them-- that we know of-- why is Charlie gone? My guess is Charlie was an Intuitive Type (NJ or NP) like Mulder. Maggie's Type is wired to think that intuitive metaphysics are a waste of time because they serve no concrete purpose in the now (with her dreams being as open as she wants to be to more metaphysical ideas and theories); and Captain Scully is wired to dabble into intuition only as an intellectual additive rather than a way of life. Scully is a scientist and Bill would be too wrapped up in his own life to want to chat about an area he doesn't have any interest in. And Melissa seems the most open; but her thoughts are always filtered through her beliefs, so any discussion would come down to how she perceived an incident rather than a thorough exploration of the subject.

Perhaps Charlie felt like he was the odd one out-- perhaps there were fights, perhaps not; but at any rate, he's only woven into Scully's life three times (during the original run): as a guest at his father's funeral (see here), as a mention in S1 during a case, and as a mention in S4 when she babysat his son. Another speculation: did Charlie wander back in twice because Scully was more receptive to those kinds of questions or thoughts now that she had been working with Mulder almost a year? Again: perhaps or perhaps not.

At any rate, it seems that Charlie was truly isolated from the Scully family, possibly feeling like he spoke a language entirely separate from the one that they did.

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy~

Disclaimers: This is a self-assessed analysis. This information is not based on the abominable MBTI system (which has been butchered from its original Jungian typology since ~WWII); instead, it’s a combination between the works of Jung’s type psychology, Dr. Linda Berens’ Communication styles, Dr. Dario Nardi’s EEG brain scan compiled research, and others’ data and practices as compiled and simplified by CSJoseph. This system is based only on the Nature side of Nature/Nurture; and each “type” is not a “box” to fit everyone into– simply a tool to help understand the basics of the human mind that science has only begun to fathom in its limited scope.

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lizlives · 4 months

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I'm honestly upset that I'm not the one who came up with this, it was my brother who truly made the connection randomly in conversation with me once (assuming that I had already made it no less 😭) but I think a lot about how the comic version of The Boys seemingly number 1 rhetorical strategy for demonizing it's superhero expies was to specifically cast them as sex criminals in some fashion, or at the very least use sexual deviancy as a crutch for its demonization of them.

I can't get over how fascinating that is, there are probably examples you could give of supers the author wrote that weren't sex criminals, but that was seemingly what he did for around 90% of them. Why? I can't see inside the author's mind so I don't know for certain, but it does remind me a lot of the discussion surrounding drag queens right now, which itself is informed by a generalized wave of queerphobia and specifically transphobia now.

Something about the way the stories are portrayed. It doesn't just feel cynical because of how it writes the superheroes to be, the story is reflexively cynical towards the idea of them, the way that they're drawn the way they move and gesticulate, and writes in a backstory that usually paints them as being sexually deviant at least, and sexual criminals at worst, and it seems to view both of those as almost equally deserving of violence.

Idk, I think about how obsessed conservatives are with writing stories and making movies about them protecting good upstanding people (usually women and children) from evil sex criminals. It should go without saying hating pedophiles is perfectly justified, but republicans are super extra about it. This is most likely connected to how they want to arbitrarily draw a connection between queer people and pedophilia, and I get that same vibe from the Boys comic.

The comic seems to pride itself on setting up horrific sex criminals wearing colorful outfits and with flamboyant styles, often arguably queer-coded, followed by some grim white dude mercilessly killing them in almost pornographic fashion, which feels almost verbatim like a lot of the stuff conservatives write. And in both cases, they don't need to explicitly be homophobic, it's all in how it's written.

Idk exactly where I'm going with this, this is more just me putting my thoughts down. And like I said, I don't know what the author was thinking when he wrote the comic, but the patterns seemed extremely similar, enough for me to notice at least. But yeah, I know most people just take it for granted this comic sucks, but I have yet to see anyone bring up in any great detail these kinda points.

#queerphobia #transphobia #the boys comics #the boys #superhero writing #cw queerphobia

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mk-wizard · 2 years

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The New “Justice League” Film is looking worse and worse...

Ok, I really hate being the girl who shoots down ideas before they come off the ground...

But for far too long, I have been hearing professional creators with decades worth of professional experience, certifications and diplomas in art throwing around their favourite excuse which is “it’s not for you” when they come up with ideas like this;

I can see they went for the same style as the Netflix He-Man cartoon which is ok because it is fun and great for kids. Also, I am all for a fun whimsical take on the Justice League that is kid friendly with comic relief. After all, this isn’t the first time a cartoon like that was made and I am open to weird ideas like a cartoon film that focuses on the DC super pets. However, I see so many things wrong here to the point where the designs aren’t just ugly, some of them are offensive racially and culturally.

There is no kind way to say this; with the exception of Wonder Woman and the Flash, everyone else was drawn in such a way that they either look like a boob or an offensive caricature especially poor Cyborg. And the pets do not look any better with the exception of the two dogs and Batman’s looks like he doesn’t even want to be there (not that I blame him). The rest of the pets look hideous and as a Greek woman, I am offended that out of all the pets they chose Wonder Woman, they went with a pig. A PIG whose super power is to become bigger and fatter. Wonder Woman is an Amazon from the island of Themyscira meaning she has encountered and tamed some of the most majestic creatures in Greek mythology and considering that she comes from a society of warrior women, I would have been pleased if they even chose a common animal that was dignified like a hawk or a horse. Instead, they chose a pig and gave it embarrassing power that speaks volumes about the level of respect the creator must have for Wonder Woman or women superheroes in general.

Pardon me if I sound like I am roasting, but like I said, this is not the first time DC has created whimsical and kid friendly superhero cartoons. The difference between them and this is that they did so with an obvious respect and love for the media.

Like the Adam West Batman (you can see how much fun the creators had making it and because of that, we had fun watching it):

Batman the Brave and the Bold;

The Batman (cartoon);

The classic Teen Titans (now THIS is a badass Cyborg);

And just recently, Justice League Action;

All of these cartoons were aimed for kids, are wholesome and clean, but not at the cost of giving kids high quality entertainment and well written stories that they could take from them. Also, these cartoons graciously accept what the DC heroes are: superheroes which means action, fighting and dealing with some serious issues is a part of the package no matter how tame and friendly the setting. Also, the art was always held to a high standard making it attractive, fun and ready for action.

Then I look at this which not only displays none of those qualities, it feels like the creators either didn’t want to do this or this entire idea is actually one big joke;

And it is NOT because they want to make a DC movie about the iconic pets. Pet and animals movies have always been a staple in children’s media. It is because we have let creators get away with the “it’s not for you” excuse for so long that now, they’re standards have gotten lost in the woods. If anything, the fact that this is aimed for our children is all the more reason to expect and demand better.

We took so much away from the cartoons we grew up with. What the heck are our children supposed to take away from this? Are we so afraid of being just a little bit serious around them that our standards have gotten lost in the woods? As a parent who is a huge comic fan, I’m ashamed of what should be the DC and Marvel cartoons for kids of tomorrow have become.

And I think I’m sticking to my original plan which is to introduce him to Batman, Superman and the other DC characters when he is older and introduce the best version of them not this trash.

I’ll say this much, the creators are right. It isn’t for me.

The trailer for the DC Superpets. Some information on it.

EDIT: I decided to add the Adam West Batman series because as campy as it was, it was still a high quality and clever show. Yes, it makes us laugh, but the difference between that and Superpets is that it is obvious the creators loved making this series and had fun doing it. Superpets looks like a loveless cash cow project.

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thebibliomancer · 2 years

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Essential Avengers: West Coast Avengers #17: OUTTA TIME!

February, 1987

How many new super-villains can you spot?

What a fun idea for a cover.

And the answer may surprise you.

But we’ll get there late.

For now it is time for the West Coast Avengers to start an eight issue arc, probably specifically to piss me off.

An eight issue arc is ridiculous in the year 1987!

But we’re embarking on one anyway.

Last relevant times on West Coast Avengers: There was a time when Hawkeye was really trying to get the Thing to join the West Coast Avengers. Credit where its due, it coulda been fun. But he was ignoring (somewhat intentionally) Firebird who was also hanging around wanting to be an Avenger.

By the time the Thing got drawn back to the Fantastic Four book, Firebird decided to take some time away from the team. But its been some time so Hawkeye figures its time to go bug her into joining.

Also, Tigra had been too horny and started dating Hank Pym (and other people simultaneously). But after a quest to hell and demon cat hell, her cat and human souls were more harmoniously merged and now she’s not horny. So she dumped Hank Pym.

Hank Pym was - unhealthily - pinning his entire emotional well-being after his robot son died on dating Tigra. So after she dumped him, he tried organizing a capture of his old enemy Whirlwind to prove that he was still a cool guy even if he wasn’t an action guy.

The plan went without a hitch except Hank falling off a building a little but Whirlwind also viciously mocked him for quitting being a superhero for mental health reasons. Now Hank is contemplating suicide.

And will attempt it. So this is a content warning.

The opening splash kind of sets the tone, I’m afraid.

The West Coast Avengers are living their best superhero lives, about to go off on a rollicking adventure.

Completely unaware of Hank’s dark mood as he chooses to isolate himself at the West Coast Avengers Compound.

Half of this issue is going to be a downer (although as I said last time the downer is going to get interrupted). The other half is going to be a bizarre random encounter with a quirky miniboss squad.

Since the Hank half of the plot is mostly quick one page checking in on how he’s doing, I’m going to do all the Hank plot together, after the West Coast Avengers stuff.

By the way: even with Tigra’s cat instincts not going haywire and making her hate all strange women, she still kind of hates Firebird.

She thinks she has a “holier-than-thou” attitude. Which is amazing, considering Firebird spent most of her panel time with Tigra confused why Tigra hated her so much.

Anyway.

Hawkeye isn’t taking Tigra’s opinion on Firebird into consideration (although how a group clicks interpersonally really should be his concern as leader of the team), he just finally wants a sixth team member dammit!

Off they go, living their best superhero lives!

Flying way too low, Hawkeye holy shit!

And to pass the time and for dramatic irony, Iron Man starts talking about how cool Hank Pym was in the old days, when he was Ant-Man. When the Avengers first formed. When he used his ants in cool ways and proposed that the team become a team.

Yeah, good ol’ Hank Pym.

Mockingbird wonders if Hank will ever come back to being a superhero which Tigra thinks probably not because of how comfortable he was at just organizing the fight against Whirlwind.

Wonder Man: “Well, anybody who’d choose an identity of ‘Ant-Man’ -- what can you expect? I mean, Hank’s a good guy, but not everybody in the old guard was cut out for life in the fast lane!”

Hawkeye: ‘So you’ve chosen death.’

No, but seriously, shit talking Hank pisses off Hawkeye, who tells him to knock it off, and Iron Man, who is starting to get irritated with Wonder Simon’s newfound confidence.

Like a lot of places Albuquerque just isn’t familiar with superheroes walking around the place. More familiar than some, since the Defenders used to headquarter in the Rockies.

But the Defenders left the area and its been back to normal for a time.

So the Avengers attract a lot of attention when they just start walking around town.

The West Coast Avengers don’t want to mess up Firebird’s secret identity (if she has a secret identity?) by having a bunch of superheroes show up on a Completely Normal Civilian’s doorstep.

So Tigra decides they should go in plainclothes.

Which she makes Hawkeye pay for.

I think she just wanted a new outfit but you know what, that’s fair. Extort Hawkeye for money. He’s the boss, that’s part of being boss.

The comic also does what comics sometimes do. Spend time thinking about how something mundane would work.

The other West Coast Avengers can just take off their costumes and look like Completely Normal Civilians. Tony Stark is a millionaire but I guess people don’t really know his face? Wonder Man is the only one who gets singled out as maybe recognizable but he can turn his glowy eyes off and sure he’s a movie star now but the movie isn’t out and he has glowy eyes in it.

(Its a nice touch that apparently everyone knows everyone’s identity so they’re comfortable doing this)

Anyway. Tigra is covered in fur and has bestial facial features like teefs and also a tail. So she gets long sleeves blouse and long skirt to cover her up as much as possible. And a shawl to cover her face. And she wraps the tail around her leg because I guess she can’t stop it from doing what it wants? Alas, she didn’t think of the Saiyan tail belt maneuver.

WAIT

DOESN’T SHE HAVE THAT AMULET THAT TURNS HER HUMAN FORM? MAKING THIS ENTIRELY UNNECESSARY?

Or does it not work at all now that her souls have been merged better?

Either is plausible.

Funny exchange happens where Wonder Simon mentions that covering his orange body by bundling up is what the Thing would do.

Tigra: “Thanks for the comparison, Simon! I’ll be sure and invite Sylvester Stallone to our next party!”

Tigra: ‘You two are basically the same, right?’

The West Coast Avengers head off to find Firebird’s place, her address being something that Tony or Clint learned off-panel at some point. Can’t tell, the panel where they’re discussing this is silhouetted but I guess since this trip was Clint’s idea, it makes more sense that he did the research.

Except when the team knocks on Bonita Juarez’s (Firebird) door, there’s no answer. And the landlord says she hasn’t been seen in about forty days.

Alllllso. He wants the rent she owes or he’s going to repossess all her stuff.

Tigra, who has claimed in this issue that she doesn’t really like Firebird, decides that they need to stay in Albuquerque until they find her, to make sure she’s alright.

Also (her tail twitching in annoyance with landlord man), she gets Hawkeye to pay Firebird’s rent.

Hawkeye grumbles about being treated like a piggybank but does it.

You’re a cool person sometimes, Tigra and also Hawkeye.

Next, the West Coast Avengers go to the Office of Social Services where Bonita Juarez works.

Huh, she did mention being a social worker!

Except she doesn’t work there anymore. She was fired a month ago because she missed a week of work. Or rather, she is fired if anyone manages to tell her she is because they also haven’t seen her for probably around the same forty days.

Playing off anything else they know about Firebird, they ask her coworkers about her priest, Father Ramirez and they direct the team to Sister Teresa’s church in Buena Vista.

Which is a very churchy looking church, with the huge buff Jesus on a crucifix hanging on the pulpit.

Father Ramirez also hasn’t seen her for a while, which is weird because she WAS one of his most devout parishioners but she stopped coming to confession.

But she saw someone who MIGHT have been her about forty days ago.

Gasp, the dates match!

He saw someone strange in the chapel late at night praying. And then there was a bright flare from the praying candles and she was gone. And he hasn’t seen Bonita since, if that was Bonita.

Having exhausted their leads, Tony suggests they check with the police. Maybe file a missing person report?

Tigra: “Much as I hate to admit it, guys, Tony’s right! Firebird may be a religious fanatic, but the Avengers have to protect everybody!”

Mockingbird: “I don’t know that I’d call her a ‘fanatic’, Tigra -- but I’m glad to see some signs of the maturity the integration of your two souls brought you!”

What??

Tigra is the one who insisted they stay and investigate the disappearance in the first place!

What is going on with the writing that everybody forgot what happened a couple pages ago?

Anyway, the group of villains teased on the cover show up and gloat that the Avengers won’t have to worry about Firebird’s well-being for long because they’re about to get beaten up by a dumb group of goofy idiots with silly names.

Editorializing a little but come on. One is named Butte.

But yeah, speaking of the cover, here’s the answer.

The rock woman is 1. The lizard was 2. The man hiding in the sun was 3. And for the trick answer, that innocuous cactus was actually a cactus man 4.

Four, four new vilains ah ah.

Despite it being me who was making fun of the names and not any of the in-universe characters, Sunstroke reacts like Wonder Man personally slapped Cactus in the face for having a stupid name.

Sunstroke: “I didn’t name him, Wonder Man -- but why don’t you laugh at him after you’ve fought him?”

Wonder Man: “Look out! He can throw his spines -- hard!”

And Cactus just machine guns them at Wonder Man, who has to defend his squishier teammates by blocking the spines with his invulnerable ass.

... Is Cactus just a cactuar from Final Fantasy? Yes or yes?

C’mon, he even looks like one.

HE PREDATES THEM THOUGH which leads me to the horrifying possibility that Cactuars from Final Fantasy might have been inspired by this... this supervillain de jour who only has five appearances.

Anyway, Gila starts tail whipping Iron Man.

Tigra jumps on Butte but is surprised to learn that the woman made of stone is hard to cut.

And Wonder Man tries punching off Cactus’ arm but the guy just grows it back.

Wonder Man is more than happy to test how often Cactus can regrow his arms (the one and only time that Simon has ever reminded me of Abridged Freeza) but Mockingbird calls for a CHANGE PLACES!

And steals Cactus from Wonder Man.

As she points out, she can.... she can bat his thorns aside with her battle-staves.

Really?

Even though he’s machine gunning them??

Okay, sure.

She tells Wonder Man to help the others.

Tigra says she doesn’t need help fighting Butte but she ditches the rock girl soon enough anyway.

Hawkeye remembers a fun science fact that Gila Monsters rely more on scent than vision. So he shoots a stink arrow at Gila.

Yes, Hawkeye has a stink arrow. Why wouldn’t he have a stink arrow? You sound like a fool.

And while Gila is disoriented by the sudden stink, Tigra ditches Butte and leaps on Gila.

Cat fighting a lizard. Hah.

Sunstroke starts narrating how Butte, Gila, and Cactus weren’t humans before “Dominus” created them “but Sunstroke was -- and Sunstroke created himself!”

So the West Coast Avengers know now that a “Dominus” is maybe behind this possibly.

But the fight is still going on so Iron Man doesn’t have time for 20 questions.

Sunstroke also brags about how he has “a man’s sense of strategy, melded with the molten power of the daystar -- !” and blasts Iron Man with waves of heat, trying to melt his armor off of him.

Except Tony has been fighting jokers like the Melter for years and Master Pandemonium recently, so he’s upgraded his suit’s coating to reflect excess heat and light, right back at its source.

Doesn’t help here because Sunstroke can absorb heat and light to get stronger. Which... wouldn’t that just bring him back to how strong he was before he blasted that energy at Iron Man? Whatever.

It doesn't matter.

Wonder Man has been impatiently trying to decide who needs help and he decided to just do what Mockingbird did and steal someone’s fight. So now he’s fighting Sunstroke.

Deal with it, Iron Man.

Iron Man deals with it by fighting Butte to prevent her from ganging up on Tigra with Gila. But he’s not happy.

Iron Man: I liked it when we started clicking as a team, but this is getting out of hand! Who does Simon think he is anyway? His ionic energy may make him stronger than I am, but we’ve never found that out for sure! It’s almost as if he lumps me in with the “old guard” he dismissed when talking about Hank -- !

Everyone just stealing everyone’s opponents here.

Sunstroke praises that the West Coast Avengers are impressive but claims to be more impressive still.

Sunstroke: “You people are impressive, Wonder Man -- but my veins are filled with fire! My very flesh sizzles and sears!

Wonder Man: “That’s only heat and light Sunstroke -- and I’m -- well, you know -- !

Wonder Man tanks that heat like its nothing. His clothing and jetpack also tank that heat like its nothing. Best not to think about it.

Then he shreds the wings on Sunstroke’s costume. Which he apparently needed to catch thermals and fly.

Sunstroke: “Impossible! You should be charred ashes!”

Wonder Man: “No way, lightning bug! You’re only a sun -- and I’m a star!”

Hah!

Now I’m pretty convinced Wonder Man is going to have a humbling pretty soon. They’re really playing up his ego in this issue.

Anyway, with Sunstroke grounded, Cactus caught in a net by Hawkeye off-panel, and Butte and Gila bonked together... well, look, I never bought these goobers as a threat to the West Coast Avengers.

Some very careful choreography had to be used to downplay the fact that the West Coast Avengers had these doofs outnumbered.

So they’re done. They’re so done that they get suddenly yoinked off the battlefield.

As the fastest on the team, Iron Man jets after them but finds that even at his full speed, the force yoinking them is slowly widening the gap.

But he’s not just a pretty face under a pretty helmet. Iron Man tracks the infrared of Sunstroke and tells the Avengers to get in the Quinjet and follow his signal.

While still tracking the villains, Iron Man finds himself flying into the middle of nowhere, Arizona. Three hundred and eleven miles southwest of where he started, I guess, and only twenty-one miles from the Mexican border.

These villains expeditiously retreating have taken him on a merry flight.

But Iron Man tracks Sunstroke to a hill that looks like a hundred other hills but is in fact a special hill because it’s a hidden base. Iron Man’s Iron Sensors can detect the hum of electricity and a magnetic field from the hill.

The other West Coast Avengers arrive and join Iron Man in storming the cave, expecting the villain group’s boss Dominus to be there to make it a five on five fight.

Dominus is there, yup.

And he’s apparently the successor to the alien Lucifer who Iron Man and I think Professor Xavier have dealt with before.

He’s here to enslave the planet and set up shop in Arizona.

He was worried that Firebird or the Rangers would discover his plan but he’s perfectly happy to eliminate the Avengers if they’re the ones who stumble on him instead.

So as soon as the West Coast Avengers cluelessly walk onto Doctor Doom’s time platform, Dominus just sends them BACK IN TIIIIIIME!

Dominus: “Gone! As simple as that -- gone! I spent months seeking the Latverian’s device in this endless desert -- and then, when I’d succeeded, I found it damaged beyond repair -- so that it only goes BACKWARD IN TIME! Those meddlers can never return to the present! They’re gone -- forever! HA HA HA HA HA”

Y’know what? Sure. I’ll give it to him.

Good job, Dominus.

Tricking the Avengers into walking on a specific spot and then sending them into the past forever? A good scheme.

I’m sure the West Coast Avengers will neverrrrrr be back to punch you.

But that’s the team’s subplot. Now what has Hank been up to?

So the reason why Hank decided to skip out on the Fun Arizona Adventure to put his affairs in order and kill himself.

Because Tigra broke up with him and because Whirlwind sassed him and because of other things. I guess recent events were more final straws.

But he’s going to leave everything perfect for when the West Coast Avengers come back so nobody can say he failed as manager of the compound.

One of the things we see him dealing with is the landscaping.

Yes, it’s been mentioned a few times and I think appeared once, yes there’s a landscaping team. And Hank had BIG PLANS for his vision of the West Coast Avengers Compound. A long-term plan. To make the place look as GRAND as it did as a silent movie star’s palace.

The landscaping crew is a little confused why he’s telling them this because there’s so much ground to cover on these grounds that any BIG PLAN is going to take six months to a year of work. They’re taking it one job at a time, the big picture is not really going to help them.

Which is fine! Hank Pym wrote down everything he wanted done and the order he wants them done in!

Just in case!

So if they ever need to know what to do when and he’s not available for some reason, he put the list in an envelope and put it in the desk in his bungalow! Just in case!

The landscaping crew is kinda weirded out by this conversation but also he’s the boss so they don’t really want to engage with it? Not their place to get involved and such.

With the grand landscaping plan scene serving to illustrate Hank putting all his majordomo duties in order, he next sits down to write letters to everyone.

Everyone except Janet van Dyne.

He can’t bring himself to just leave her with a letter and decides to call her and leave her with a cryptic, slightly ominous conversation.

She assumes he’s calling about Avengers business -- maybe the business with Tiger Shark and Whirlwind? Because the East Coast Avengers have just finished up with the Masters of Evil arc so those two were loose ends.

Hank mentions that Tigra and Hellcat beat the two villains, sending Jan asking about whether Hellcat is on the team now and how she’s doing. Hank just answering that Hellcat’s doing fine, she’s married. Annoying Jan because that’s not much detail!

Wasp: “Honestly! You never tell me anything!”

Hank Pym: “No -- I guess I don’t, do I? We never could communicate as well as we’d have liked! I was serious -- I saw the consequences of everything! You were flighty, and saw no consequences at all! Over time, we each grew to be like the other, so I lost sight of consequences and ruined myself -- while you because a chairman! -- chairperson!”

Wasp: ““Hank? Are you all right?”

Hank Pym: “Oh, sure! It’s just -- even when we’d each become the other, we were still in two different places!”

Wasp: “It happens to some couples, Hank! Divorce gets more common every year... I’m sorry to say!”

Hank Pym: “Yeah -- me, too! It was all my fault -- I’ve never denied that. And I want you to know I don’t blame you in the slightest -- for anything, honey!”

Wasp: “Well -- if I’d been a different sort of wife... I wish we could have made it work, Hank!”

Hank Pym: “That’s... that’s what I wanted to hear now! That’s a good way to end it -- !”

Wasp: “Hank? Hank, would you mind if I spoke with Hawkeye for a moment -- ?”

Hank Pym: “Clint’s not here right now, honey! None of them are. Goodbye! I love you!”

Not going to be surprised if Wasp and/or the East Coast Avengers show up at some point to check on Hank.

She was picking up on the vibe by the end of the conversation.

I looked ahead in the East Coast Avengers book and she definitely doesn’t do that there. In that book, she’s going to step down as chairperson to take some personal time after all that Masters of Evil stuff.

Coulda happened off-panel though.

Anyway.

Hank sits down with a gun, screws up his nerve, gets ready to shoot himself, and then gets interrupted by Firebird.

Or La Espirita now, I guess.

Nice new costume, Bonita.

It’s almost funny that if the West Coast Avengers had stayed home instead of going looking for her, they would have had a much easier time and still met her anyway.

Or maybe she wouldn’t have popped out unless Hank gave her the opportunity to play Clarence Odbody and maybe it wouldn’t have happened when it did if the Avengers were hanging around.

Anyway, of the ways I thought this subplot would go, I didn’t expect it to lead to someone sharing the good news about Jesus.

Follow @essential-avengers because I hit 20 followers and now I need to do that thing I promised to do at 20 and also I need to remember what it was. Also like and reblog.

#avengers #essential avengers #West Coast Avengers #cw suicide ideation #desert dwellers #yes thats their group name #feat. Butte and others #Hawkeye #Iron Man #Mockingbird #Wonder Man #Tigra #Firebird #La Espirita #Dominus #Hank Pym #essential marvel liveblogging

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duskkodesh · 2 years

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Top ten worst artist’s versions of Morbius

Okay, one disclaimer first, obviously this is my opinion and my opinion only. I’m sorry if an artist you like makes it on the list but they deserved it *Coughs*. Also this is just the comics. Not including other media here, so don’t worry that stupid Spider-Man run game app version won’t be in this list to give you nightmares. Also because this is comics this will ONLY be 616 appearances that I find horrendous. So without further ado...

10: This is Peter Parker Spider-Man 78, art credited as by John Romita Jr. Yes, I’m already going to get hate. He’s a good artist but Jesus Christ on a cracker look at this.

THIS is the version of Morb I hated because he looks like a WWE wrestler. He’s huge! He’s a bloody boulder! His clothes are always too shiny and they are ripped all over. Look, I just hate it. The man can draw great superheroes just never draw Morbius like this again. This is a oil tanker in human form with fangs.

9: Jackson Guice. AKA the artist for Doctor Strange #10.

Look, I LIKE ugly. I really do but Morb isn’t supposed to look like a general plague victim. This guy looks more like a zombie than zombie Morbius does. Desiccated inbreed dog version Morbius, I hate it. He needs to be put down.

8: Paul Gulacy, Adventures into Fear #20. I said in my AIF review that Paul was not my fave artist. What I really mean is the art... it’s terrible.

That speech bubble is my reaction entirely. Look, I can deal with the face but again, too buff and this man cannot foreshorten limbs to save his life. Morb looks mangled and wrong on like every page of this comic. My least liked classic Morbius.

7: Look, I hate to do this but... Jackson Guice is on here twice because he amended his style from Doctor Strange# 10 to Doctor Strange #14 but uhhhh...

I like this LESS. Goth dandelion looking MFer. This Morb listens to the Cure and cries. Entomological damn eyes. I hate it. I promise this is the only artist on this list twice and it is ONLY because his style changed so much in four issues.

6: AKA Marvel Comics Presents 144 AKA M.C. Wyman *Dodges a brick* I’m sorry okay!? But this is freaking terrible! LOOK AT HIM!

I LOATHE it. The over shading, the warped features. This is demon Morb most of this issue so he gets a slight pass. That’s the only reason this art isn’t higher up this list of dread.

5: Morbius #16 Isaac Cordova. This pains me but this deserves this slot.

I hate it. This is demon Morb here and yes, at the end of the issue it gets just a little better but holy hell do I hate looking at this. There’s no detail in this art, too much shading, crappy backgrounds. It’s only saving grace is there exists worse art.

4: Now we’re getting into the REALLY bad art and it breaks my heart to put Morbius #25 in here because it also houses a short story at the back that is one of my favorite story/art combos ever, but THIS, This Craig Gilmore art...

THIS Craig Gilmore art... I am seething. This is objectively bad. The art loses all fine detail. The backgrounds suck, the way he draws women is a joke. Fabric with no folds, crappy shading. I could go on for houuurs. I hate it. I think it’s a big contributing factor to the comic getting axed so fast after this change though they did shuffle around the artists the last few issues which sadly brings me to...

3: Morbius #31, art by Fabio Laguna.

Look, other artists wound up here for making Morb incomprehensibly ugly. THIS artist is here for making him Clark Kent. He’s super buff, all the women in this issue are drawn super-sexy and all T+A. Proportion is lost on this guy he just makes shit up. This is so bad I have to post a second sample. This one is from the next issue.

I’d show you how he draws women but ya’ll can just look up any porn magazine and there you go.

2: TODD MCFARLANE YOU HAD THIS COMING TO YOU.

I despise his art. I hate how his capes take on sentience. His webbing looks like barbed wire, every damn guy he draws looks contagious! Jawbones don’t work like that!!! Gritty grimdark pig nosed Morbius. Tiny eyed untrustable armhair covered sewer urchin. Old mop haired snub-nosed pitbull. UGGGGH.

For years Mcfarlane was the absolute top of my most hated list because of Spider-Man #13-14. Because of this art. There’s only one worse artist on here.

1! Spectacular Spider-Man vol 2 #14 Paolo Rivera. No. No no no. I don’t know how such a good artists did this to our boi.

The writing is even completely OOC for this. For the longest time I assured myself this had to be someone POSING as Morbius. This cannot be him. Didn’t act like him, didn’t speak like him, and CERTAINLY did NOT look like him. Hairless grubby tights-clad nosferatu twink. THAT is slenderman. It’s like the artist was just told “LOL draw a vampire but poorly.”

Also not forgiving Spidey for that really offensive wise-crack there. So it goes that I would not trust one of the best artists, Paolo Rivera, with drawing Morbius EVER again!!! AGH I’m enraged now. I need to go look at good art and calm down. Hope you guys enjoyed the list!

#Morbius #Morbius The Living Vampire #Marvel comics #Michael Morbius #Bad comic book art #The last three in particular are terrible #The urge to burn these comics

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juliensorelapologist · 2 years

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I really, really dislike Jim Lee's artwork, and I can't, for the life of me, get why he is so popular. Not only does he draw women in the most dehumanizing way possible ( that fucking Vicki Vale illustration) but his art just feels really. Soulless?

I'm not attacking the technical aspect, it'd pretty shameless from someone who barely knows how to use a drawing tablet. But somehow, his artwork embodies the worst parts of superheroes comic books. The far too muscled men, who reads more as power fantasies than as complex, complete characters. The women with ridiculous costumes and worst proportions, standing in extremely uncomfortable positions.

The fact that even though all the characters get god-like bodies, they are profoundly unsexy. Jim Lee's Selina Kyle is so bland in front of Joelle Jones's. His big-breasts thin-waist Wonder Woman doesn't have an ounce of the charm of any female character drawn by Otto Schmidt.

#dc comics #for context #I just finished Arkham Asylum : A serious house on a serious earth #and I was blown away by Dave McKean's art #I get that this style isn't really adapted to lighter comics #but like. Fanartists on here have such lovely expressive styles #and they're so young sometimes. But #one of the most famous comic books artist ever still suffer from same face syndrome at 57 years old?

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nyomkitten · 2 years

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small gushing over The Sandman #1-16

alternating between The Sandman’s comics and audiobooks to get me through the workday. (yes, finally got around to them, please clap.) i am not sure whether the chills are entirely due to the sleep-deprived, overcaffeinated body, or whether some of the writing/art is also to blame (affectionate).

to take a completely random example, which is not at all the one i'm currently fascinated by. "Lost Hearts", comic issue #16/audiobook Act I Episode 16. (spoilers forthcoming.)

it is Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane which is also somehow the Garden of Eden. also, you look me and the eye and tell me this isn't Death and the Maiden. o shit. it's Dream temporarily taking his sister's place in the execution of his function. o shiiiiit.

[ID: two panels from Sandman 16: "Lost Hearts". The first shows Death, arms outstretched, apologising to Rose Walker for having to kill her. in the second, he takes her in his arms. Written by Neil Gaiman, drawn by Mike Dringenberg and Malcolm Jones III.]

[ID: a photo of Elna Borch's sculpture, Death and the Maiden. Photograph by Daderot in the public domain.]

also i am obsessed with the characterisation of Dream. i am very new to the comic medium in general, but from my limited framework he is such a unique lead. (i don't even know whether to call him a hero or an antihero.) he functions by his own rules (cough cough Aslan), which (as they're defined) do not overlap with any familiar framework of morality; indeed, his domain is itself amoral. yet the story's moral arc relies on him. it almost makes me wonder at the Justice League cameo appearances in #5 "Passengers", because the thinness of the quintessential superhero character is caricatured very well in #12 "Playing House" (episode 13 in the Act I audiobook).

i just.

of course, Death is such a comforting character (i love #8 "The Sound of Her Wings" so much for its vibes), andbutalso Dream is such a rich concept to anthropomorphizedly personify. i love Gaiman for (a lot of the things he's written, including) doing this. just,, the concept of dreams—nebulous, unpredictable, quite scary—inherently rule-abiding and honourable and loving of humanity in ways humanity cannot really understand most of the time. also, i am reluctant to examine how much of my liking for Dream is because he's voiced by James McAvoy who is doing an excellent job. (however, when abolition of RP and encouragement of natural accents pls.)

PS. i adore the genderfuckery in the stories. i'm sure you've seen that post that Gaiman reblogged. it is so there in the source material lol. (aside from women written as three-dimensional characters,) Justin Vivian Bond as Desire is the BEST decision ever.

i'm only just starting #17, so i'm sure there will be Certain Bits (like #15 “Collectors”; holy fuck what was that), but i trust Gaiman enough to proceed in good faith.

i am so excited for the rest of the series and then eventually getting on to the Netflix adaptation. WHEN WILL I GET SHELF SPACE AND MONEY FOR ALL THE COMICS. and a final note on the multiplicity of formats: when the audiobook came out, there were a lot of people appreciating how the audiobook made the story accessible in the way that the comics weren’t; and i am not sure if i have a neurodivergent brain or i’m just a hyperactive idiot, but this is definitely the case for me. i appreciate Dirk Maggs’ adaptation so much and the love Gaiman brings to everything he touches.

(PPS. yesterday i read Fahrenheit 451. Please make me write about that, too.)

#neil gaiman #dirk maggs #the sandman #mike dringenberg #malcom jones III #nk:txt #nk:reviews #nk

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megashadowdragon · 2 months

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https://archive . fo/pNCE2#selection-4251 . 0-4266 . 0

There have been swings back and forth in how muscle bound and/or sexualized male heroes are, but it's interesting to think about and in my mind, unclear whether a ludicrous level of muscle is a big draw for men or women. It depends on the franchise, but I'd say that many reached their peak around the 90s, where it seemed everyone was juicing hard.Sexualized women are a big draw for many men and some women. The Victoria's secret catalog wouldn't be what it is if 99% of women hated seeing it

And the proper word to call out is "fantasy"...Its a fantasy and there isnt such a need to force SJW views into what is essentially an UberMensch tale. Of course all the men and women look like the model of perfection and all the bad guys look like monsters/odd/evil. Who wants to read about a 400+ Lbs slob that gains superpowers and see him fight against a toothless Walmart shopper? I dont need a comic book to see that...I can go to Walmart and see it in person. When I want fantasy, I want what I cant have...Thats sorta the whole point. Muscles in males are also a sexual signal of fitness. Most males would love to have that kind of rippling secondary sexual characteristic going. Similarly most females want access to sexual attractiveness. Of course there is a great deal of absurdity in that this is often the male vision of female power and sexuality, but sexy isn't a bad thing for male superheroes or female ones. All of these heroes are our idealized versions of humanity, and why neuter the sexy aspect for either? Because there are idiots out there who believe that anything remotely sexual is sexism.

to the male power fantasy claim which is used to justify hypocrisy ( here is another conversation I saw on the reddit thread above

women drawn with big tits in provocative poses are a sex fantasy for men. men drawn with big muscles and square jaws are a power fantasy for men.

You can say the reverse as well.Men with big muscles and square jaws are a sex fantasy for women. Women drawn with perfect bodies, that have super powers and strength are a power fantasy for women.Not saying it's true - I'm saying you're pulling shit out of your ass. it's not my shit, it's well-established shit that i'm spinning you up on. unfortunately, i don't think that the reverse, like you stated here, is as easy/accurate as we'd all like to pretend it is.

It's not "well-established shit," it's a repeated argument that doesn't have a response only because the responses (and the responder) are accused of misogyny. The oft-repeated "if that's true why is mommy porn filled with buff men and beautiful women" question doesn't get a response (other than "internalized misogyny," which is way too much like "God did it" in terms of unfalsifiability for me to ever take seriously).

Eh, my sister had a job where she did a lot of lifting (delivery) and would pop out to show her muscles, and the time she was at a party and got sucker punched by someone (got a concussion, no less! Ouch!) All she could talk about for the next month was what she'd do if she met that person again. It involved kicking their ass.As the younger sibling, if I had trouble in the schoolyard she'd come running, able to deal out what needed to deal out to protect a sibling.I think the idea women don't want to be able to beat their opponents is sexist in it's own way. -Who- wants to be weak enough to get mugged? Who wants to be weak enough to be unable to help a family member getting attacked?I think "being able to beat up bad people" is an attractive and viable power fantasy for all genders.

#sexualization

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toughgirlchallenges · 6 months

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Mari Funabashi – Film Composer, Endurance Cyclist, and Triathlete, Bringing Together Her Passion for Music and Outdoor Adventure to Create a New Film - “Beyond Words” - to Amplify the Voices of Underrepresented Folks and Inspire Change.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona and raised by immigrant parents from China and Japan, Mari has always been drawn to stories that celebrate and examine identity, multiculturalism, and diversity.

After completing her Masters at the Royal College of Music in 2019, Funabashi continued to work in London, working closely with production houses Far Away Films and 84 East.

Since then she has composed for many award-winning films, particularly enjoying providing thoughtful and nuanced underscores for films that center around the human condition, although she would never say no to bombastic superhero themes with french horn solos.

Curious and creative by nature, Funabashi often mixes sound design with her musical underscores in order to create truly unique pieces of work that are inseparable from the films they were created for.

Beyond music, Mari is a dedicated outdoors enthusiast, and can be found participating in ultra-endurance cycling trips as well as competing in triathlons. Having found outdoor movement after the difficult passing of her father in 2015, introverted Mari finds the long and solo hours of ultra-endurance sports comforting—a quiet and safe space to check-in with herself.

Her most recent events include a solo bike packing trip from London to Scotland in 2020 (430 miles), the half-ironman distance Castle to Coast Triathlon in 2021 (totalling 81.2 miles) and her 24-hour Manchester to London attempt in 2022 (she made it to 177 miles).

***

Don't miss out on new episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast! Tune in every Tuesday at 7am UK time by hitting the subscribe button. By subscribing, you'll be supporting our mission to increase the number of female role models in the media especially in relation to adventure and physical challenge. If you would like to contribute even further, please visit our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Thank you for your support!

***

Show notes

Who is Mari?

Growing up in Arizona in the USA

Working as a film composer

Living in the South of England, for the past 6 years

Getting into the outdoors in 2016 after the death of her father

Her childhood was very focused on music

Learning music and playing; piano, guitar, pipe organ, flute, french horn and clarinet

Feeling lucky to have connected with the outdoors when she was older

Living in New York City as an introverted person

Starting to go on long walks which turned into running

Wanting to physically move her body forward

Starting to run with friends and finding it enjoyable

Finding triathlon and signing up to race in 2016

Preferring the longer distances

Moving to the UK in 2017

Use a bike to commute on

Getting into ultra distance cycling during covid

Using running to process thoughts

Feeling calm while moving her body and being able to connect with herself on a deep level

Starting to do a few solo bike-packing trips

Not thinking about distance, but rather time on the time

Deciding to cycle from London to Scotland

Using Strava to plan the route

Having trust in herself to take on this challenge

How the challenge helped to boost her confidence

“I could probably do it and if I can’t that’s fine, I’ll figure it out someway or another”

24hr Manchester to London attempt in 2022

Making it to 177 miles

The lessons learned from the experience and trying again

Wanting to break the 200 mile mark

Working on a film called - Beyond Words

Working with Play Outdoors Productions - Diversity-focused film collective

Combining art music and the outdoors

Composing music while outdoors

The goal with creating the film

Running a crowd funder and raising the £3K needed to cover the film costs

How to connect with Mari

Final words of advice for women who want to get into bike packing

Struggling to get back on the bike after going through a breakup

Women supporting women

Being supposed and encouraged by women only Facebook Groups

Social Media

Website: www.marifunabashi.com

Instagram: @marifunabashi

Crowdfunded: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/beyond-words-combining-film-music-bikepacking#/

Check out this episode!

#podcast #women #sports #health #motivation #challenges #change #adventure #active #wellness #explore #grow #support #encourage #running #swimming #triathlon #exercise #weights

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donotalwaysbebatman · 9 months

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Nightwing #105

This whole issue is really gimmick and there isn't a point to it. I know this idiot thought he was really smart for coming up with a concept that was really weird! And no one does that! Yeah, there's a reason no one does this except in porn. What, were you watching porn and you were like, whoo, someone should do a comic of this. Honestly, a porn comic might've been better, because this one had, again, no point.

Here's the thing, Tom. You are a terrible writer and I only read Nightwing to look at him drawn by a very talented artist. You literally made an issue where it was impossible for me to stare at his ass. And if you had a reason for it, if you were using it as a storytelling element, sure, okay, I like experimental stories. This wasn't that. This was just you thinking you were a supergenius for no reason.

Also. The apartment window thing? This is the most parodied thing in all of not only Batfandom, but all of superhero satire. You can't just have people jump out their own window in costume. Have some fucking opsec. At least have a secret elevator up to the roof or something, god fucking damn.

Then he gets a call from his sister. And I'm like Cass! (Or maybe Steph, because Babs is obv already sleeping over.) But it was not Cass. It was the character I thought had been written out of the story and never needs to be mentioned again. Who literally never needed to exist in the first place and legitimately could be replaced with like three sticky notes with one sentence each on them. Because this asshole hates Cass, and doesn't want to acknowledge her existence. For fuck's sake, Dick, at least ask which sister.

Okay, and then he fucking Mansplains trains to Babs??? Like, oh, Barbara, did you know that, in fact, trains move? And she's like, oh, teehee, I didn't, I can't jump, I'm not a trained vigilante like you Nightwing, I need you to teach me how to do basic tricks!!! I almost died teehee teehee! No. Babs is so much better at timing and trajectories than Dick is. She can literally calculate them in her head while she's moving. She doesn't miss. Also what did it add for her to miss? Other than another chance for Tom to show off how much better he thinks men are than women? I swear to fuck this is the most sexist writer at DC.

Unrelated, why the fuck are all the train seats the same weird hot pink color? Usually they're several different colors or uniform gray. What choices is the colorist making here.

Then we have even more sexism. Hurhur a cheating joke! How funny! Literally what is the point of including that? It's funny that Babs doesn't trust Dick or something? Like what exactly is even supposed to be the underlying humor there, that they don't have a healthy relationship and he constantly makes her feel self-conscious and inadequate? That he threatens her in order to coerce her into doing things he wants? Or else that she's asserting that she has control over his body and is trying to curtail his autonomy? Or is it just supposed to be relatable because like. Of course women constantly test their men! That's just what the female species is like! Only misogynists think like that. No, Tom. Skill issue.

Then this thing about reverse engineering vaccines out of someone's bloodstream because they injected themselves. Which I know is this really common trope but it's so stupid and not at all how vaccines work. What's going to be in someone's blood is antibodies. Vaccines aren't made of antibodies. They're made to mimic the original disease in shape. So it's like this: did they inject her with the vaccine, in which case why the fuck don't they remember she has short hair, or did she just get her hands on it, in which case why didn't she just fucking carry it like a reasonable person.

Anyway then it's like 'oh let's switch bodies' and the lady is like. I don't get it. Where will we get a body double who is also athletic and also has red hair. Well, newsflash, lady, 50% of women in DC have red hair. And 98% of them are in the top 2% of athletes worldwide. So. But literally Babs is sitting directly next to her and how stupid does Tom think women are that she wouldn't get that immediately? Or, worse, how stupid does he think the reader is that they need that explained? (I mean, I guess his fans might need that explained.) I hope it's just included because he thinks his fans want to laugh at how stupid women are that they need obvious things explained, because that's honestly less depressing.

So here's my question, why would changing on a giant empty train be awkward? They can go to a different car if they want to. And there are still bathrooms, even if they don't. Or they can just move behind the seats further away. Plus, they're both women, so it's not really awkward for them to change in front of each other; Dick doesn't need to be changing and can just turn around or close his eyes. (The only funny use of the gimmick possible, which they just skipped.) And Dick has already seen Babs naked lots, so why would either of them care? They're all capes. They change en masse all the time. And also there was a whole third outfit that appeared out of fucking nowhere, so they didn't even have to be naked at the same time or do a naked handoff. (Which wouldn't really be naked, because underwear.)

And, really, where did that uniform come from? Did she strip the conductor naked when she threw them off the train? Or does Tom think that people just keep spare clothes on the train like they live there? They change at home like everyone else does for their job. They're not storing spare uniforms in the train closet and, what, sharing them with each other? That's even more annoying than Babs trying to relationship test him again for no fucking reason, what would that even mean? Like, oh, you think the villain outfit is hot, therefore you're basically cheating on me. What fucking logic.

This story is really boring and has no point and wouldn't have been good anyway, but the gimmick is super annoying all the way through, and in parts just makes it hard to read. Also it includes way more mirrors than would actually come up in telling this story in a normal way, just so the artist was allowed to actually draw Nightwing sometimes. This is just a failed attempt at cool artistic choices.

Here's the other question: why would Dick try to go rescue Babs? She can take care of herself. She can take care of their victims, too. His priority should be getting the vaccine to the people who need it (and, also, how can they pay her if the point is they don't have money to pay for the vaccine?) and then sending her sister after her, later, after they do the rescue. Without her. Because why the fuck are they taking her near where the kidnappers who want to kill her are??? Why didn't they just let her get captured and put a tracker on her then? Why bother with deception if not to buy time to get her out of there? Just because Dick needs to prove he's a man, who women of course always need to rescue them?

Or else he could just let her go off and sell her vaccine or whatever she's doing. Instead of having the most fail emotional dialogue ever written. Completely scrubbed of any personality or purpose. Giving no catharsis to either character or the audience. And also I don't care about her or what she's doing, but her motivations would've been a lot more interesting than the conversation they actually had.

Meanwhile, Babs frees herself, of course she does, that's only reasonable, and then Dick is surprised? Why, is he as much of a misogynist as you, Tom? These kidnappers are clearly super incompetent, you really think a trained vigilante with the element of surprise is not going to get the upper hand? She needs you to rescue her because she has an F on her driver's license? And then what was with the bizarre sex banter. That was unnecessary, especially since Dick apparently doesn't even like sex, according to the line he said.

Now the villain - who the editor explained the situation in full to us, on the assumption no one remembers or gives a fuck, which, good on her - is presented as if he's obviously a bad dude because he's a rich guy. Like those are the markers of why you're supposed to distrust him. Only the thing is Dick is also a rich guy. He grew up rich, and now he's a multibillionaire. And that is actually very important to his story, because, if anyone's paying attention, the entire Batman story is about how a) money or power alone is not enough to fix things without enough popular support, and b) even if everyone around you is terrible you can choose to be good, because people are not predestined based on their fucking genetics or whatever. So just relying on stereotypes is so fucking disrespectful to that entire tradition, a tradition where Dick picks up those lessons from his father and applies them to his own life.

There's also an issue where Tom is confusing sociopaths and sadists. Sociopaths are low empathy people who are often willing to hurt people incidentally to achieve their goals, although it is important to note that many people regardless of empathy are willing to dick people over. They hurt animals as children out of curiosity without regard for the harm, not because they seek the harm specifically; they want to perform dissections and learn biology. Sadists, on the other hand, are extremely high empathy, and have an easy time making friends and getting to know people intimately, and don't have the problem of feeling lonely or misunderstood. They manipulate the people around them intuitively, often without even knowing they're doing it, and slowly become abusive. If they're that type, of course; both sadists and sociopaths are almost always very normative people, just like everyone else, and don't do anything notably out of the ordinary. This is such a common error in fiction and it's boring and annoying. Do better. It just makes him the stupidest villain in all of DC, and that's compared to stuff like Packrat and Killer Moth.

"It was 25 minutes." What does that even mean, Dick? How long do you think it takes to legitimately fire someone once you watch the news? Especially if they weren't legally hired in the first place? And you already know they're lying and not being legitimate, so what are you trying to prove? That they're lying? To whom? This literally wouldn't mean they were lying, and also everyone knows they're lying so what exactly is the point. And then he takes the drugged water!

Don't drink that, Dick! Why would you take supervillain water from a supervillain? Why would you take any food or drink you didn't have to, ever, but especially in costume while dealing with ethically sketchy people you know are totally comfortable with murder? He's definitely got tiny nanites in him that are tracking him or trying to rewrite his brain or something now. Or they put LSD in there so they can fuck with him later.

What's with the defense that she's a thief, too - does Tom think if someone's a thief, you're allowed to kidnap them? Thieves have rights and are still protected, so unless it was a citizen's arrest, in which case they would have to say that and wouldn't be allowed to deal with her personally (and would yell that as a defense anyway, not just be like, it's okay she steals stuff)... why would anyone think that was a defense to taking hostages. What does that mean. Shouldn't that tell Dick that they're supervillains and not just asshole CEOs.

Hoho, Dick made a funny, he almost said a bad word! But he didn't! Because he's a pure specimen of ideal manhood, right. First of all, Mr. Wing is a super cute nickname, second, how is Jason Little Wing if Wing is not their shared surname, and third, at least pick a funny insult if you're going to make that joke. Assclown, maybe? That has genre implications. Or canoe, maybe, because it has clear implications but it's also a funny word, even without the Oh No Words in it. Or just call him Mr. Fucker! We'd get it even censored!

Also this is the stupidest ending. Oh look, they resolved stuff, let us inform you of the resolution. I didn't even care while it was happening, Tom, you don't need to spell out all the things that were implied by the fact that the story ended. Why is it interesting they left? Or took a motorcycle? Why is Babs waiting? Doesn't she have better things to do? I did. But I read this comic anyway.

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