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vikingqueer · 3 years

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music recommendations because i have some thoughts™

i don't wanna be that person who's like "my music taste is so weird lol" but i find that very often most of my friends don't really care for the music i like so i thought i'd just make a long ass post about it on tumblr instead. Fair warning, I'm very passionate about MIKA and The Mechanisms and so this very quickly got VERY long because it is part of my ongoing campaign to convince people to listen to mika and the mechs.

1) MIKA in general, but especially My Name Is Michael Holbrook (2019) and No Place In Heaven (2015) (especially the Deluxe version!!)

MIKA is a kind of British singer (half Lebanese, grew up in France blabla), and you probably know him for Grace Kelly and Relax, Take It Easy from his first album Life In Cartoon Motion from 2007. He writes a lot of FUN music, interspersed with the occasional slightly sadder song, especially when looking at an album like No Place In Heaven, which contains a lot of songs with gay themes, resulting in some songs that are just a little bit ouch. He's originally classically trained and has a frankly RIDICULOUS range and idk he just writes very good pop music. Also I have so much respect for that time he talked about how a lot of pop is very fake, with like expensive cars and stilettos and mini skirts in the snow and said "Because I walk down the street, and I don't see any of that. I see fat women and gay men. I don't know... That's real". He's written 5 albums; My Name Is Michael Holbrook (2019), No Place In Heaven (2015), The Origin Of Love (2012), The Boy Who Knew Too Much (2009), and Life In Cartoon Motion (2007).

For starters, I recommend listening to Last Party, Origin Of Love, Grace Kelly, Blame It On The Girls, Blue, Happy Ending, Pick Up Off The Floor, Last Party, Underwater, Tomorrow and Tiny Love (yes this is a long list but i REALLY love MIKA). If you want a slightly broader palette that's not just my favourites, I recommend the Mika starter pack on spotify.

2) The Mechanisms. I warn you. I am making this a thing. I have been obsessed with the mechs since last march.

Boy, where to start? The Mechanisms were a British 9 member space pirate story-telling cabaret that "died" in January 2020. They rewrite songs to fit retellings of various stories. I don't even know what genre I'd describe them as, but probably folk but steam-punk?? Their 4 "main" albums are concept albums, and I honestly just recommend listening to the from beginning to end in chronological order. A good way to get into the mechs is also to listen to UDAD and then watching the live show on youtube or alternately try giving Death To The Mechanisms a listen, to get good quality live show audio of TBI and various other stuff. Also, it was streamed on YouTube and someone combined the footage with the album audio and it rocks. Really, I think the mechs' best selling points are honestly just their concept albums:

Once Upon a Time (In Space) Their first album from 2012. I'd say this is the most "easily digestible" for the general public, since it's a retelling of various fairytales. So, what if Old King Cole was in fact not merry, but rather a cold-blooded dictator, intent on colonising as much of the galaxy as possible. What if Snow White was a general, looking to avenge what King Cole did to her sister, Rose. What if Cinderella was to be wedded to Rose the day that King Cole attacked in order to kidnap Rose? But y'know, In Space and also like every other mechs album it's a beautiful tragedy. Fave songs are Old King Cole, Pump Shanty, and No Happy Ending.

Ulysses Dies at Dawn You guessed it, it's a story about Odysseus, or Ulysses because I guess Ulysses is easier to rhyme or fit in the meter or something, idk. Ulysses is a war hero of unknown gender who is said to keep something that could take down the corrupt Olympians, meanest families in the City, in a vault to which only they know the passcode. Oedipus, Heracles, Orpheus, and Ariadne have been hired by Hades, who happens to be The Mechs' quartermaster Ashes O'Reilly, to get into Ulysses' vault. I didn't care much for udad at first, but honestly it's got some real bangers and the story is really good. UDAD weirdly stands out as the only of the concept albums to not feature any gay relationships, per se. Fave songs are Riddle of the Sphinx, Favoured Son, and Underworld Blues.

High Noon over Camelot This is my favourite mehcs album. So basically, this is Arthurian legend, but it's a space western and Jonny D'Ville does a bad southern accent. This is the story of the cowboy lovers Arther, Lancelot, and Guinevere searching for the Galfridian Restricted Acces Interface Login, or GRAIL, in order to stop their world from falling into the sun. Meanwhile, Mordred and Gawaine are ruling Camelot, and Mordred has convinced Gawaine to try to establish peace with the Saxons by whom Mordred was raised, but Gawaine hates viciously. If you love getting your heart broken and songs by a fucking off the rails batshit preacher I HIGHLY recommend hnoc. Fave songs are Gunfight at the Dolorous Guard, Blood and Whiskey, and Once and Future King. Honorary mention for Hellfire because it awakens something animalistic in me.

The Bifrost Incident TBI is the frankly only good adaptation of norse mythology I've ever known of, and I say that as Dane who was literally forced to learn things about norse mythology in school because it's my heritage or whatever. I've been listening to TBI a lot lately because it's VERY good. It's definitely the most refined of the mechs' albums (because it's the newest) but also I just love a little bit of cosmic horror. 80 years ago, Odin, the All-Mother, ruler of Asgaard, launched a train through the wormhole Bifrost that would reduce the travel between Asgaard and Midgaard from 3 months to 3 days, but things didn't go quite as planned. Lyfrassir Edda of the New Midgaard Transport Police is trying to solve the case of why suddenly the train has arrived 80 years late; to figure out whether it was accident or maybe it was sabotaged by Loki, who was allegedly sentence to death her murder of Baldur, by the Midgaardian resistance led by Loki's wife Sigyn, or maybe by Thor, who was to take over after Odin, and who holds quite the grudge because he used to be a friend of Loki's. You might've heard the song Thor from this album, it's apparently quite popular. Fave songs are Loki, Ragnarok III: Strange Meeting, and Ragnarok V: End of The Line. Yet again an honorary mention: Red Signal because while Lovecraft was a bitch, his invocations are fucking RAW.

Basically, the Mechanisms do all of their performances in character as captain first mate Jonny D'Ville, quartermaster Ashes O'Reilly, pilot DrumBot Brian, master-at-arms Gunpowder Tim, science officer Raphaella la Cognizi, doctor Baron Marius Von Raum (neither a baron, nor a doctor), archivist Ivy Alexandria, engineer Nastya Rasputina, and The Toy Soldier, who is, as usual, present. You can find very obscure lore about the crew of the Aurora here, tidbits on Tales To Be Told and TTBT Vol. 2, such as One Eyed Jacks, The Ignominious Demise of Dr. Pilchard, Gunpowder Tim vs. The Moon Kaiser, Lucky Sevens, and Lost in the Cosmos.

If you feel like listening to a full 40-50 minute album to find out if you like a band is a bit much, I recommend listening to one of the mini stories Alice, Swan Song, or Frankenstein, which are about 12, 5 and 9:30 minutes respectively.

3) The Amazing Devil You know that guy who played Jaskier in the Witcher? I got into The Amazing Devil from spotify recommending them because I listened to the mechs, and apparently Joey Batey from The Amazing Devil is the same Joey Batey who was in the Witcher. Both him and Madeleine Hyland are VERY talented singers and songwriters and their second album The Horror and the Wild makes me go out into the forest and SCREAM. I listened to it on repeat for like a month straight. I guess they'd also be considered folk, but like. New Folk. Also yes, this is another British artist, I don't know why I'm like this. I've never really gotten that into their first album, Love Run, but King slaps. As I understand there's this whole lore about the Blue Furious Boy and Scarlet Scarlet, Joey and Madeleine respectively, but unlike the Mechanisms it's actually possible to find out things about the actual real people and harder to find the obscure lore? I'm open for people to please help me. Fave songs are The Horror and the Wild, Farewell Wanderlust, and That Unwanted Animal, which is literally a third of their second album, but again. I haven't really listened to Love Run that much, and I just LOVE the harmonies on THATW. (also im gay and dramatic leave me alone)

4) dodie I have so much love for this woman. Like many others, I first knew dodie as doddleoddle on youtube. I think I first stumbled across her in probably 2015, because I distinctly already knew her before she released her first EP Sick of Losing Soulmates in 2016. I think I watched probably every video she's ever made in the span of a few weeks. I just loved her quiet sound and was absolutely HOOKED. Also she's actually the reason I got into MIKA originally, so thanks for that. Dodie just realeased her first album Build A Problem (in addition to her three EP's; the one mentioned above, You, and Human) and it slaps. Yes dodie is also British Fave songs are probably Monster, Rainbow, and In The Middle.

5) Cladia Boleyn Unfortunately, Claudia Boleyn only has three singles and that's it. She's been making content on youtube for quite a while, and that's how I first discovered her. I don't know what genre her music is, but I like it. The songs are Celesta, George, and Mother Maiden Crone, of which the latter is my favourite. I'm not saying Claudia Boleyn invented women in 2017 when she released Mother Maiden Crone, but she did. Also you guessed it, Claudia Boleyn is British.

6) Hozier I'm not about to tell you about Hozier. You know who he is. Listen to Nina Cried Power, Angel Of Small Death & The Codeine Scene, and Shrike. Also Hozier isn't stricly British in that he is definitely from A British Isle, but Ireland is not part of the UK. Give me a break.

7) Oh Land Oh Land IS DANISH. I like her early music best, because I'm not that into the electronic sound. I guess Oh Land is just you regular old pop, but with the occasional weird vibe? Oddly enough, I like her first album Fauna best. Unfortunately I haven't really listened to her newest album Family Tree much, but it seems good? Fave songs are Frostbite, Love You Better and Family Tree. I cried on the bus, first time I listened to the Danish version of Love You Better, Elsker Dig Mer because my mother tongue always just hits harder. Also Frostbite is Oh Land doing a duet with herself which is pretty cool.

8) Oysterband This is a live recommendation. I mean they're a decent folk band and all, but they're a fucking experience live. If you like folk and you ever get the opportunity to see Oysterband live, do it. Unfortunately, yes. They are British. Either way, they are incredible on a scene and I think they deserve a mention for that.

9) Ben Platt Honestly don't know much about this guy, but he's not British and he was in Dear Evan Hansen. He released an album in 2019, Sing To Me Instead, and I just think it's a good album, there isn't really not much more to it. Fave songs are Grow As We Go, Bad Habit, and In Case You Don't Live Forever.

and thats all for now. this has been a ramble. shout out to you if you actually read all of this, especially the mechs part.

#music stuff #amalie.txt #music recommendations #mika #the mechanisms #the amazing devil #dodie #claudia boleyn #hozier #oh land #oysterband #ben platt

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kirbylord · 4 years

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Now that I (finally) finished watching the newest season of Doctor Who, I want to give my thoughts. This review includes spoilers, by the way.

Spyfall Part 1: 8/10. I had low expectations going into season 12, but this episode was great compared to all of last season. I loved the mystery and the monster and, of course, the big reveal. I was shocked! I absolutely adore the Master, he’s so goddamn childish. and did you know that O sent the doctor a pic of a catfish, bc he was one??

Spyfall Part 2: 9/10. After the first episode, I was excited going into this. (Since I watched this season after it all came out, I didn’t have to wait a week, fortunately.) I loved it, especially the reference to the four knocks/drums and the Master’s tissue compressor from classic Who. I think Dhawan’s Master has now become my favourite incarnation, although to be fair, I’ve only seen two other incarnations on screen. The only thing is they dropped Ryan, Yaz and Graham being fugitives of the law immediately by the end of the episode, and everyone who was present for Bartman’s presentation I guess just forgot that he has/had control over all their phones?

Orphan 55: 5/10. It started off strong. I got Midnight vibes at first, but the monster really wasn’t that good. The fact that they were all humans affected by global warming made me feel kind of pessimistic about the future, and most of the side character’s arcs ended poorly. I like the girl (I forget her name) who Ryan got a crush on, I wish she was around for more than one episode. I also like the furry girl with the tail... don’t judge pls.

Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror: 9.5/10. I love this episode so much and I’m not even sure why. The guy who played Nikola Tesla was such an amazing actor and after the episode I just wanted to know more about the real person behind him. And the Doctor’s chemistry with Tesla was so nice to watch. It really made me like Whittaker’s Doctor more, since I felt pretty iffy about her after season 11. Also the monster was good, reminded me of the spider woman from season 4.

Fugitive of the Judoon: 7/10. I thought bringing back the judoon was a weird decision, since I didn’t enjoy them during Tennant’s era very much. However, I surprisingly enjoyed their presence. Jack definitely brought the rating up for me, he’s just an extremely likeable character, but why didn’t he get to meet the Doctor? I would have loved to see her reaction (or disappointment) to seeing him again. Overall, this episode was very confusing. I liked Ruth as the forgotten doctor, but I don’t know how to feel about the Doctor having other incarnations than the ones we already know. It almost feels like Chibnall tried to create as much mystery as possible since people didn’t enjoy the lack of a storyline last season. Basically, idk.

Praxeus: 4.5/10. I kind of liked it, I guess. The mystery was intriguing, but I think there was too much here. And the girl whose friend died should definitely had more of a reaction to her FRIEND DYING IN FRONT OF HER. But, I thought the ex-officer and the astronaut (sorry, I forget their names) relationship was sad and cute. I’m so glad they didn’t kill off the astronaut, I’m tired of people dying.

Can You Hear Me?: 5/10. I would have put this at a 4, but I actually liked the story of the two gods. I would say they’re trying to fit too much story in a single episode, but I think DW is just like that in general. I’m glad the companions are finally getting some character development, that was probably the highlight of the episode.

The Haunting of Villa Diodati: 6/10. The idea of ghosts in DW is pretty cool, but I found most of the episode boring? I guess? I didn’t pay very close attention until the cyberman came on screen. It was an interesting concept, but I’ve never been super invested in ghost stories. I thought they would incorporate Mary Shelly into the story a bit more, too.

Ascension of the Cybermen: 7/10. It wasn’t bad. I’m glad they brought the cybermen back, but now I’m just confused about where they fit into the timelime? Why does the head cyberman feel emotion? Maybe it was explained in the episode but... I didn’t care much for the side characters, though I was interested in how Brendan fit into the storyline. Of course, my favourite part was the Master showing up at the end.

The Timeless Children: 8/10. This finale is leagues better than the season 11 finale, even if it retconned all of the Doctor’s past. I love seeing the Doctor and the Master together, you can just tell they had a deep connection with each other when they were children from the way they act. I thought the whole Timeless Child storyline would ruin my experience as a DW fan, but it really hasn’t changed all that much, besides making the Doctor even more of a Mary Sue/Gary Stu character than she already is. I just have one question: if the Doctor was Brendan in the past, then why was he on Earth? Maybe it will be answered next season. I guess the Master is dead now, but he’s like a cockroach, you can never kill him, so I expect he’ll be back at some point.

Overall: Maybe it’s because I haven’t watched old seasons of DW in years, but I would say this is one of the better seasons. I know I’m probably in the minority here, though. I always try to go into new seasons with an open mind because DW changes all the time and most people are not open to big changes. Whittaker is a good Doctor (and actor in general) and I feel bad that she has to deal with a lot of hate because she’s the first female Doctor. Also, all the diversity is a good thing, shut up. There literally cannot be too much diversity, that’s literally how the world is in real life. I’m looking forward for season 13. I heard Graham and Ryan might not be in the next season, sadly. And I have a strong suspicion the Captain Jack will be back (lol) to meet Thirteen.

#doctor who #dw #13 doctor #dw season 12 #doctor who season 12 #doctor who review

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philcmenabadadink · 5 years

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cisfemale — ever hear people say PHILOMENA CARMICHAEL looks a lot like NATALIA DYER? I think SHE is about 19, so it doesn’t really work. The FREELANCER is here because THEIR VAN BROKE DOWN and they are from WOODSIDE, CA. They can be WHIMSICAL, but they can also be APATHETIC. I think PHILLY might be N/A. ( snot goblin. 20. est. she/they. )

hi hello friends ,,, i bring to u my third character and the Newest Muse i have created ... which means i’m still working on her ! so pleathe bare w/ me as i have no idea how she’ll rly truly turn out. but !! as always, give this a LIKE and i’ll come bother u !!!

TW: CANCER, IMPLIED TRAUMA, DEPERSONALIZATION / DEREALIZATION DISORDER ( ALT. MENTAL HEALTH )

a e s t h e t i c s

wildflowers in your hair and bare feet against moss, binoculars and maps, madonna beating out of half-dead speakers in a half-dead van, whipping wind, jumping off cliffs and rolling down hills, a bandaid wrapped around each finger, cryptic bumper stickers and cryptids in the woods, facing the sun and letting the rays hit you, counting stars late into the night, mismatched socks and lucky ribbons, hoarding a box of special treasures, shoplifting and diner-dashing, bleach against roots, pink sweaters paired with ripped fishnets and slip dresses with knock off uggs, willingly wearing crocs, glitter stickers.

general info !!

full name: philomena brontë carmichael

nickname(s): philly, phil, mena, etc.

b.o.d. - april 20th lmao !!

label(s): the amaranth, the halycon, the neophyte, the wanderer, etc. etc.

height: 5′4″

hometown: woodside, ca

sexuality: ??? $500 ebay mystery box. pansexual if you had to label it.

stats

biography !!

a middle child belonging to christopher and imogen carmichael - two stanford professors. christopher specialized in british literature whilst imogen specialized in the classics. hence the name.

the order of siblings goes as such: lysander, elektra, juno, philomena, and twins orion & valora. the deal was that everybody had a greek (or in juno’s case, roman) first name and a middle name inspired by a piece of british literature circa 1800s and under. a family of nerds, if you will.

so, clearly - right off the bat, their parents are ... eccentric. they’re both in love with their respected topic, and with each other, and with their kids. the carmichael family is a happy family.

they each have their own quirks and whatnot - though philly’s always been particularly dreamy - even as a child, she’d spend hours watching clouds or caterpillars or the leaves blow in the wind rather than play with other kids. she wasn’t a shy kid - she just had her own interests.

hardship doesn’t hit the family until philomena is five and starts having splitting headaches. they’re slow at first - but as soon as she’s seeing spots and unable to walk in a straight line, doctor appointments are made.

it doesn’t take long for them to discover the tumor, though the official diagnosis of malignant ependymoma comes a month later.

it’s grade ii but slow-moving, small enough to not be as much of a threat as worried, but big enough where removal is necessary. philomena earns a scar and brings it in for show-and-tell. for two months afterwards, philly’s at radiotherapy monday through friday.

they’re lucky - philomena’s considered cancer-free by the next year. she’s babied at first - handled delicately, as if she could break if touched - but with five other children ... it doesn’t last for too long.

and life continues as normal.

her personality doesn’t shift much over the next few years - she’s awfully independent for a kid, and awfully quiet - when she speaks it’s about faeries and bigfoot, about how the sky is so blue and if you listen quietly, you can hear the leaves whisper their secrets to each other. this is not odd.

she’s close to all her siblings, but she idolizes her older sister - elektra. elektra’s six years older and dyes her hair whatever colors she wants. elektra bought a knife off a seedy guy downtown. elektra threw away all of her heels and renounced god. elektra is god. her music is loud but it’s not heavy - it’s florence and the machine.

they’re opposites - elektra’s boisterous and feels loudly, philomena’s softer and feels...less. when elektra sneaks out, philomena keeps watch. they are a duo.

philomena is smart - but she’s fifteen and hates school. hates sitting inside all day. hates the same routine - day after day - it’s all the same. her parents’ routine is the same, philly feels contained and she wants to live.

elektra’s twenty-one and just bought a brand new spanking (used but not falling apart) 19-something volkswagen ... van - using her entire savings account. she says she’s tired of routine, she’s leaving the next day.

naturally, philomena stows away in the back and isn’t discovered until they’re two states away and she’s got to pee. elektra nearly crashes the van in shock.

it’s an argument - philomena vs. elektra, then them vs. their parents, then their parents vs. the school, the state - it’s an ordeal. philomena switches to an online program in the end.

it hurts christopher and imogen - lysander’s not having any of their nonsense, juno’s betrayed and alone - the twins are twins. in the end, it’s alright. the carmichael family is a happy family.

philomena and elektra take their time - it’s not a road trip, it’s their new life, permanently on the road. they stop and explore often - they do odd jobs in whatever town they settle in. they dine-n-dash, they shoplift. they survive in their own way.

she drops out of high school officially when she’s seventeen - they have to drive all the way back to california to deal with the wrath of their parents and to deal with paperwork, but it’s done. philomena doesn’t know what path she wants in life - but it’s not that.

it’s during this time that the episodes occur - philomena’s outside her body, philomena’s wrapped in cotton, her memories are not her own. she’s looking in the mirror and she doesn’t recognize herself. they take shelter in a city for six months, long enough for her brand spankin’ new therapist to figure out what’s wrong with her. she’s diagnosed with depersonalization / derealization disorder - they think it’s stress. philomena doesn’t get stressed. they think it’s trauma. she laughs - she never laughs.

she gets medication, and life is normal.

it’s four years later and they’re in vermont when their good ol’ trusty van - affectionately named florence - breaks down in a town called livingstone. the cost is more than they have at the moment, and they’re stuck. philomena thinks she likes the town - but she doesn’t know about the watershed.

personality !!

she’s quiet but she’s confident - her voice sounds like rustling leaves, if leaves smoked a pack of cigarettes a day.

often underestimated - philly’s petite and looks like she’d fall over if a plastic bag blew too close to her. she’s independent - for the most part. elektra is the only person philly takes orders from.

has always been considered odd - weird, strange. still talks about the trees as if they’re listening, as if they’re old friends. she’s vague and doesn’t elaborate on the things she says.

believes in pretty much any superstition you throw her way. luck is very important to her. if you ask her if the earth is flat, she’ll say probably. believes strongly in bigfoot and the lochness monster. has personally seen aliens, and loves ghosts almost more than herself.

she can be amusing - whether you ‘get’ her or not, her outlook is often bright - she talks about the negatives the same way she talks about the positives. can be seen as naive or gullible, but she’s plenty smart. even if half of her education has come directly from google.

philly doesn’t laugh. a smile, yes - often, in fact - not always reaching her ears, or bearing teeth - but these are not indicators of her happiness. philly is consistently content. she thinks many things are funny - she still will not laugh.

her voice is often monotonous - she doesn’t sound dreary, she sounds far-away. her voice carries. her emotions are often unknown to others.

is apathetic in most situations. she’s hard to bother - she’s incredibly patient and enjoys the company of most - tolerates them at the very least. it’s hard for her to express her emotions, because she feels them so little that it’s very nearly not worth it. her affection is not verbal - it’s small touches and gestures of kindness, love in her own way.

is a fan of knock-knock jokes and bad puns. she won’t crack a smile while telling you them, nor does she expect you to laugh. she just enjoys them.

she owns a motorola razr covered in puffy stickers - hasn’t ever had a smartphone. she’s a fan of emoticons. her favorite is :o)

has a lot of bruises and scratches and scars - she’s often getting herself into pickles. there are always, at the very minimum, three bandaids on each hand.

she has insomnia, so she’s awake often. is often seen wandering town - even when she shouldn’t be, even when it might be dangerous. her intuition is delayed. when she does sleep - her dreams are vivid and fantastical.

keeps a box of memories - sentimental bits and pieces she’s picked up over the last few years. there are a lot of buttons and postcards, but any teeny tiny object will do.

her style changes every week - most, if not all, of her clothes are thrifted. one week she’s baby spice and the next she’s lydia deetz. she combines pieces from different styles often - she looks like a barbie clothed by a child. she feels most comfortable like this.

will either patch-up the clothes that get too worn or reuse them in some way. sometimes donates the clothes she gets tired off - isn’t minimalistic, but she’s learned to keep only a small amount of possessions.

the only consistency is her lucky ribbon - it’s pastel yellow and silky and as thin as a shoelace. she ties it onto her outfit of the day, everyday. if she loses it, she’s lost. elektra has a matching ribbon.

has no problem with minor theft - she only takes bare minimum, puts herself and elektra first and that’s how it’s always been. she tries to be good while in livingstone - would hate to make enemies whilst florence is getting repaired.

they’re staying in a motel, currently, in the cheapest room they could get. philly will still visit florence. will sometimes go home with strangers purely to take advantage of a comfortable bed and a shower with better pressure.

it’s a common occurrence - she doesn’t sleep with them - but somehow, she weasels her way into their homes anyway. has come out mostly unscathed, on most occasions. this has been a practice ever since they’ve been on the road.

really, truly - has not slept with anybody, had her first and only kiss at thirteen with a frog. this doesn’t bother her.

will consume a n y t h i n g you put in front of her - isn’t picky.

listens to whatever they’ve picked up along the way but she likes instrumentals the best. her second favorite genre is 1990′s and 2000′s top hits. they’re nostalgic for her.

loves storms - will go out in the rain and will risk her life for it.

owns a pair of roller-skates and is often skating rather than walking. unless she’s on grass - then she’s walking barefoot.

has many hobbies, and gets bored of them often. her favorite hobby is welding. she’s not certified.

also, juggles.

the kind of girl who’ll do any job you give her. odd jobs are her favorite jobs. babysitting is her least favorite - but she does it anyway. has lost children before. have they ever been found? not by philly.

dyes her hair blonde often and cuts her own hair - bangs included - finds it cathartic, likes the itchiness of bleach.

everything she does is often in pursuit of feeling free, alive, and meaningful.

wanted connections !!

random encounters - she’s new in town and doesn’t know many people - if anybody at all, so :-)

alternately, people she’s run into with elektra during their journey. whether they’ve stolen from them or stayed with them somewhere or just, ate dinner with them. anything.

someone whose couch she’s crashed on after a night of whatever - a party, adventure, etc.

people she does jobs for !! people who commission her to make stuff for them. people who need a babysitter.

people who think she’s weird - and those who like it. or those who hate it. people who don’t understand her - people who do, in their own way.

someone trying to get closer to her but she keeps slipping out from between their fingers.

a parental / older sibling figure !! they take one look at philomena and instantly want to swaddle and protect her.

people who take an immediate liking to her. people who introduce her to the music scene. people who show her around town.

someone who catches her stealing or about to dine-n-dash.

late-night walking pals.

a dealer b/c weed ? a thing.

someone who gets into a debate with her about conspiracies or superstitions or anything !! someone who gets frustrated at her apathy.

somebody who just immediately distrusts her for whatever reason.

??? you don’t have a smartphone ??? cue someone trying to teach her how they work - and philly hating it !!

thrifting pals.

m a y b e a hook-up, eventually, but it’s questionable.

something unrequited, likely on their end b/c philly is ... a hard egg to crack.

maybe something returned !! eventually. slowly. slow.

god ... someone she just tells her entire life story to. like this meme.

i’m rly down to brainstorm and think of anything !!! dnt forget 2 leave a like :)

#livingintro #gd this took too long but i enjoyed it #cancer tw #mental health tw #implied trauma #lmk if theres anything else i should tag !

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comixconnection · 5 years

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CHOOSE YOUR THREE FREE COMICS!

The following titles will be available at Comix Connection on May 4th (while supplies last!). Everybody gets to pick three! For every food donation* you bring in for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank you may select an additional free comic book!

*food donations must be at least two months in date to allow for food bank processing time! expired or soon-to-expire items will not be accepted. please check your labels!

We know the line for the FCBD comics can get long (if you want to come in and shop first, you can skip the line and head straight inside!) so in an effort to both entertain you while you’re in that long line and to help it go a little faster by giving you a preview of the various titles so you can decide ahead of time what looks good, the Comix Connection Counter Monkeys have read and reviewed all of the available FCBD books! Take a peek!

CHOOSE YOUR FREE COMICS:

This preview of the Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale graphic novel introduces us to a young, pre-Catwoman Selina Kyle and the difficult adolescence that led her to become everyone’s favorite feline fatale. Plus, get a sneak-peek at the upcoming Teen Titans: Raven graphic novel coming from DC Ink later this summer for $16.99. Want more? Pre-order Raven now or grab a copy of Under the Moon off the shelves today!

CONTENT NOTE: while this sample has been rated ALL AGES it does deal with some heavy subjects, including animal death, and the books themselves are intended for TEEN READERS.

Shiver your way into a galaxy far, far away in this spooky one-shot starring Han Solo and Chewbacca on a galactic treasure hunt during their pre-Rebellion scoundrel days! Want more? Discover the whole era-spanning adventure in the Tales from Vader’s Castle graphic novel, on the shelves now! [ALL AGES]

Marjorie is not excited to go visit her grandmother in the country for Mother’s Day, even though her best friend is coming along for the ride -- secretly of course, because Wendell is a ghost! This down-to-earth haunting pits Majorie against the pressures of growing-up and finding herself, but it’s Wendell who gets the star make-over in this issue! As in the graphic novel, this one-shot deals with the topics of grief and loss in a way that is both approachable and touching for all ages. Want more? Pick up the Sheets graphic novel where the two friends first met, on the shelves now! [ALL AGES]

This two-for-one issues gives you the first ever comic book venture for the beloved video game Minecraft, a teaser for the upcoming graphic novel. in the first story, a cheerful “Griefer” gets some grief of her own when real life consequences collide with her digital destruction. Plus, everyone’s favorite super-siblings decide to give mom and dad the gift of a “Date Night” that gives them more than they bargained for in a short story set after Incredibles 2. Want more? Pre-order the $9.99 Minecraft graphic novel now, or picks up the latest issue of Incredible: Secret Identities on the racks now! [ALL AGES]

A hilarious, lighthearted romp through the world of the Justice League as the world’s greatest heroes answer their fans’ most pressing questions -- such as Superman’s biggest mistakes and Hawkgirl’s dietary preferences. This two chapter preview of the upcoming graphic novel, Dear Justice League exposes the funny side of ordinary super life. Want more? Have us pre-order your copy of the $9.99 graphic novel out later this summer! [ALL AGES]

In this special preview of the upcoming graphic novel Ghost Hog, new ghost Truff the hog gets some lessons in how to haunt -- and the dangers when things go wrong! -- from her friends. Plus, catch a preview of Pilu of the Woods, a sweet graphic novel about family and woodlore as a lost little girl meets a lost little dryad and both have to fight their own dark sides to find their way home. Want more? Have us set aside the first Ghost Hog book for you at $12.99 when it comes in next week, or grab a copy of Pilu of the Woods off the shelves now! [ALL AGES]

It can be hard being a Villain Kid in Auradon and even harder when you’re coming from the Isle of the Lost. Dizzy Tremaine is worried about her first day of school so she seeks out some fortune telling from Celia Facilier, but can she trust what the cards tell her...or Celia? Sneak a peek at this preview of the upcoming Disney Descendants: Dizzy’s New Fortune graphic novel coming out later this month. Pre-order your copy now for $12.99 or grab a previous Descendants story off the shelf now! [ALL AGES]

Discover the beginning of Ash Katchum’s partnership with Pikachu in this preview of the Pokémon The Movie: I Choose You graphic novel -- and if you think it was all smooth sailing for these two famous pair, you’re in for a rough surprise...just like Pikachu! Then, follow Red as he captures his first Pokémon and begins his journey to being a great trainer in the preview of Pokémon Adventures Volume One. Want more? Order the full story of each volume today! [ALL AGES]

A long, long, long time ago -- 40,000 years in fact -- neanderthal siblings Lucy and Andy founded an Adventure Club with their human neighbors to explore their prehistoric world. When they go chasing a meteorite that fell from the sky, they might have found more than they bargained for! But don’t worry: every Lucy & Andy story comes with a back-up feature where modern scientists fill-in the details that Lucy and Andy haven’t figured out yet! Find out more in this one-shot adventure, and then check out their ongoing hi-jinks in the collection of Lucy & Andy Neanderthal graphic novels. Grab one off the shelf or order yourself a copy today! [ALL AGES]

The Lumberjanes are a sensation of adventurous scouts who best magical monsters through the power of friendship, and this issue spotlights two of their stories: first, get a preview of the first part of the upcoming Lumberjanes: Shape of Friendship original graphic novel when a visit to the boys’ camp gets a little knottier than expected and second, enjoy a short story of one time Ripley had to use her wits to save Jen from certain doom! Want more? Pre-order the Shape of Friendship OGN today, or pick up a previous volume of the intrepid scouts’ many adventures from the shelves today! [ALL AGES]

In this collection of short, spooky tales, Casper the Friendly Ghost struggles to stop his friends from pulling mean pranks on one another and goes out of his way (and out of orbit...sort of) to make new friends. Enjoy a haunting from the world’s kindest ghost while you alternate groans and giggles over the antics of his less-than-kindly friends and neighbors. Want more? Grab a Casper issue off the racks today! [ALL AGES]

This underwater one-shot introduces us to Alex the Parrotfish, who is eager to head to the big city of Coralton and find a job! Unfortunately for Alex, his quest runs into a few hiccoughs (some with big, pointy teeth!) that threaten to leave his plans high-and-dry, not least of which is that on the reef everybody has a very specific role in the ecosystem...which you can learn more about in the backup Guide to the Bahamas which identifies all the different fish Alex met along the way, and more! [ALL AGES]

Meet Gillbert, a small sea creature, and his underwater friends. Gillbert is the son of the king and queen of all the oceans, but today he just wants to sleep in! Too bad for Gillbert that today is Everything Day, when you can do Anything...except sleep, at least if you have friends like his! Read the first chapter of Gillbert’s newest adventure by Art Baltazar, creator of Tiny Titans and one of the greatest cartoonists of kids’ comics working today! Want more? Check out the first volume of Gillbert’s adventures, Gillbert the Little Merman vol 1, on shelves now, or grab some of Art Baltazar’s earlier work and see where all that AW, YEAH! got started! [ALL AGES]

One of the classics of comic book history, in this FCBD special Little Lulu is as bold, troublesome, and adventurous as ever! Despite being created in the 1930s, Lulu remains an empowering little girl: assertive, independent, and imbued with expert comedic timing, Lulu was a defining comic of post-war America today this protofeminist icon is ready to bring her gags and giggles to a new audience with a collection of reprints starting later this year. Get in on this not-so-lost treasure early. Want more? Sign-up for the upcoming first volume now, or begin with the John Stanley: Giving His Life to Little Lulu HC and learn about her seminal creator and the history he and Lulu influenced. [ALL AGES]

In this one-shot issue, the Thirteenth Doctor and her friends find themselves in an interstellar amusement park for some rest and recreation (and don’t forget the snacks!) until a rigged game of chance exposes a darker underside to all the shiny, happy fun. Can Yaz, Ryan, Graham, and the newest incarnation of the BBC’s famous Time Lord save the day? Find out here! Want more? Grab an issue of the new Thirteenth Doctor series off the rack, or explore the exploits of the previous twelve incarnations in some of our collected adventures off the shelf or by special order! [ALL AGES]

Written, drawn, and colored by legally blind (no, really!) New Zealander Richard Fairgray, Blastosaurus is the story of the titular mutant triceratops with fists of fury and a heart of gold and the two young kids who become his best friends. Overcoming his beastly nature, good ol' Blasto fights monsters, vampires, and mad scientists who use farts as a weapon. The result is a fun comic with a goofy sense of humor where anything is possible. Think Hellboy running through a MAD Magazine, with a little bit of the bizarreness of Creepy or Eerie thrown in. If you like dinosaurs, punching evil, and think flatulence is funny, this is the book for you (and your kids)! Want more? Grab a collection, or dig into the recent back issue bins for some single issues! [ALL AGES]

This treasury of British comics stacks-up a monstrous plethora of humorous hi-jinks, from sharks to soccer to super heroes and back again! In the grand tradition of classic comic strip funnies, this packed-to-the-brim collection of short tales is ready to tickle your funny bone from dawn to dusk to full moon! [ALL AGES]

Co-created by football star (or “soccer” for we uncultured Americans) Cristiano Ronaldo, this new secret super team stars a fictional version of the famed kicker turning his sports skills toward world-protecting. It’s bright, silly, and kids-centric, fleshed-out with sidekicks like the super-baseball bat-weilding Sita Shaolin and the hammerhead shark-headed hockey stick-swinging Kaiju King, but the key of the team is the power-borrowing sphere that Ronaldo has to deliver to the bad guys via his super soccer kicking skills! Think Teen Titans Go, but with football (soccer). Want more? Keep your eyes peeled for more Striker Force 7 comics in the near future! [ALL AGES]

Brought to you by the producers and animators of the hit TV show and features all your favorite characters; Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene & Louise, this issue reprints three impossible Bob’s Burgers stories: one featuring a carnival ride that does a lot more than just spin, one that involves a magic wish melting with regret, and one of Tina’s fanfiction extravaganzas! Want more? Order one of the earlier Bob’s Burgers collections and relive watching the show all over again! [ALL AGES]

The world of Marvel’s movies might have reached an end point for the moment, but things for the comic book Avengers are dicier than ever! Preview upcoming adventures for two series in this issue. First, Tony Stark finds himself facing eerily familiar faces in a time he never wanted to see, while Namor and the Squadron Supreme heat up the oceans and Captain America and Captain Marvel lead a team of heroes deep into Shi’ar space! Then, read the first chapter of the new Savage Avengers series staring such “classic” Avengers characters as Wolverine, Elektra, Punisher, Venom, Blade, and...Conan!? There’s no slowing these heroes down, True Believers! Want more? Grab the first issue of Savage Avengers off the shelves today, or dive into the ongoing Avengers title for adventures both near and far! [TEEN]

Read the full first issue of Hope, a brand-new ongoing superhero comic. The “Ultras” first showed up five years ago, changing the world with their powers. Some people love them, some people fear them, but for unassuming mom Julie Lavelle they were a carefully-guarded secret...until the car accident that changed everything. Where will the ultra named Hope go from here, and with so much loss will she be able to find her namesake within herself ever again? Find out here, than come back later this summer for Issue #2 where things, somehow, get worse! [TEEN]

Two of television’s most beloved series (one long-running and one far, far too short) return to comics! First, preview the new Firefly series set before the tragic events of the Serenity movie that reveals some ugly skeletons from Mal and Zoe’s wartime closets and strains the crew’s bonds like never before. Then, go back to Sunnydale where everything old is new again with a modern reboot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy is back in high school again for the first time, surrounded by familiar faces...but how different will things be when she’s slaying in 2019 instead of 1997? Enjoy a modern twist with a classic taste (of blood!) and grab your stakes...and browncoats! Want more? Find the first issues of either series on the shelf today, or delve into the classic collections of the previous Dark Horse stories. [TEEN]

This two-for-one issue explores both the darker and lighter sides of the Spider-Man mythos! In the first story, prepare yourself for danger as Eddie Brock introduces us to the brutal beginning of Absolute Carnage, a Venom-event starting this August. Then enjoy the lighter side of super-heroics as Miles Morales and Peter Parker face-off over an epic conflict of their own...who really has the best pizza in NYC? Want more? Check out the latest issues of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Miles Morales Spider-Man, Venom, or Amazing Spider-Man on the shelves today -- or read-up on previous events in our extensive collection of various spider-rific comics! [TEEN]

What if experiencing a school shooting was so traumatic that it, and other natural and human-produced horrors of the 21st century, actually triggered superpowers to manifest in the survivors? That is the brainstorm behind Humanoid’s first ongoing comics initiative, H1. This FCBD “Ignition” preview gives us a story about these brand-new superheroes (and villains!) trying to find their place in the world...and they aren’t content to stand by and watch the status quo! Also take a behind-the-scenes peek into the creative process and characters of this blisteringly topical political premise: Spearheaded by comic book legend Mark Waid, Humanoids looks ready to break into the superhero market with a set of relevant and wholly original stories. Want more? Sign-up for the first issue next month’s debut of Ignited now. [TEEN]

It’s School Picture Day in Riverdale, and that of course means drama -- but there might be more at work today than Cheryl Blossom’s demands for more flattering lighting! When nasty notes turn up anonymously dropped in the yearbook suggestion box, will our small town friends be able to stick together and solve the case, or will someone do something that everyone will regret? The new Riverdale: Season Three comic series features adventures set between the episodes of the hit show, and as always in the town of Riverdale the moment you start digging for answers the more secrets you expose! Also enjoy some behind-the-scenes sneak peeks as well as an excerpt from the prequel novel Riverdale: The Day Before. Want more? Grab the latest issue of the new Riverdale series off the rack, or explore our variety of collected editions from the traditional Archie Digests to the modern re-vamp of the Archie and Sabrina series and, of course, the show-inspired Riverdale comic itself! [TEEN]

Canada's perennial titular superhero has seen sporadic publication since its creation in 1975, but has been appearing more consistently since 2015 as part of Chapterhouse Comics. This preview of the newest Captain Canuck series starts with a "top secret" dossier to catch you up on recent in-world history, as well as background on some of his allies and enemies. We also receive a small hint of the action to come as the Captain and his French Canadian partner, Kebec, fly into an underground lair for some robot-bashing action! [TEEN]

The beloved Robotech series continues with a revolutionary new revisioning! Jump on board for the next big event right here with this mind-blowing first chapter of Robotech: Event Horizon, beginning this summer with Issue #21! Plus a Curtain Call backup featuring...Minmei!? Check it all out here, then grab a collected edition of the previous issues or sign-up for the start of Event Horizon this summer! [TEEN]

Time-displaced warrior-queen Malika struggles under the burden of the Dragon’s Doom in this preview of her newest adventure, Malika: Fire & Frost. An enchanted sleep sent Malika 500 years into the future but ancient curses do not give up their hold that easily...and neither do her adversaries! The quest for the Dragon Stones is a dangerous one, but what happens when someone new gets caught-up in the fight? Read the first chapter here, then check out the previous two volumes in her epic chronicles: Malika: Warrior Queen on shelves now! [TEEN]

What if one day, all the animals all over the world woke up and started talking? That is the story of Animosity, an epic adventure following human girl Jesse and dog Sandor across the resulting cataclysm. But Jesse and Sandor are not the only ones with a story to tell. In this one-shot, bio major Meredith and Neon, the beta fish who loves her, have to face the terror of life outside the tank. Want more? Grab the first volume of Animosity off the shelves today! [TEEN]

Mel has a secret: she thinks she’s dying. She’s also a clandestine superhero tasked with protecting all of mankind. A chance meeting in a cemetery between the bleeding woman and a kid hiding-out with her sketchbook changes everything...except the fact that being a superhero isn’t easy. Is Jessie up for the challenge? Find out in this FCBD reprint of the first issue of Punchline, the new super-powered super-star from Antarctic Press! Want more? Order the first volume of the sold-out series, Punchline: Blood Sisters, today! [TEEN]

In this adorably meta story, witness the epic throw-down between Sakura and Karin -- both in and out of the game! Can Sakura’s hard-earned skills perfected through after-hours practice at the arcade where she works compete with Karin’s meticulous, expensive training? Who will be the world champion of Super Chibi Puzzle Gem Fighter Ultra Turbo Arcade Edition? Fine out here! Want more? Raid the back issue bins for previous issues of Street Fighter, or grab a collected edition today! [TEEN]

This manga-style two-for-one issue features a story from the world of My Hero Academia and one from The Promised Neverland. In the first, enter a world where 80% of all people are born with “quirks” that give them super-powers! It’s an exciting, hyper-active world full of heroes and villains...but what about the 20% of people who aren’t born “super”? Jump straight into the action with a fight scene that’s more than meets the eye, and find out! Then in the second story, visit the orphanage where eleven-year-old Emma lives with her thirty-seven beloved siblings, enjoying an ordinary life of family, games, and companionship...along with the strange Daily Test, numbers tattooed on their necks, and a fence to keep them from ever going outside! Want more? There are multiple volumes of both manga available now, so grab one today! [TEEN]

Worlds collide in this special FCBD one-shot! When Tala and Eddie, estranged father-daughter duo on the run from good guys and bad guys alike, finally get their hands on an “escape hatch” to another world it seems like all their troubles are solved -- but the world where the Goon lives is never trouble free! When one pair contains a man trapped in the body of a pug and the other contains a newly-minted dogcatcher with a love of violence, is there any way things can end well? Plus, a back-up featuring Eric Powell’s appalachian horror comic, Hillbilly! Want more? Collections of all three series are available now, or grab the first issue of the new Goon today! [TEEN]

Red 5 Comics brings out a two-for-one sampler of high-concept post-apocalyptic stories. In The Dark Age, a mysterious mist destroys all the metal on Earth, immediately plunging society back into a medieval kingdom of wood, brick, and glass. In Afterburn, the world is scorched by a super-powerful solar flare and the story follows a group of thieves and mercenaries breaking into the most dangerous areas of the old world, attempting to recover lost artifacts for the remaining aristocracy. For readers looking for dark, mature stories of a dismal future, this comic is a perfect choice! [TEEN]

In this two-parter from Dark Horse, enjoy a one-shot set in the aftermath of Stranger Things where Nancy struggles to reconnect to her brother and find a way for both of them to return to normal life. Then preview the new series Black Hammer ‘45: Tales From the World of Black Hammer with a foray to the werewolf-riddled battlefields of World War II and a glimpse of the future of the ghostly Jack Sabbath. Want more? Pick up the first volume of Black Hammer, a series that takes the traditional tropes of the super hero world and twists them into new, marvelous, and weird new shapes, or grab the first volume of the Stranger Things tie-in comic exploring Will’s time in the Upside Down off the shelves. You can also sign up for the prequel series, Stranger Things: Six due out later this month! [TEEN]

In the sci-fi/horror world of Midnight Sky, things are always dark. But things are not always what they seem. In this unexpected dystopian tale, we enter a world where light reveals the people who have been replaced...but by what, and why? And how far will one mother go to protect her children when one of them is no longer human, and the other has a strange power that might save -- or doom -- them all? Plus, a preview of Long Live Pro Wrestling, when a fed-up announcer gets a little too honest for his boss and becomes a social media sensation, a short haunting by Gutt Ghost, and previews of several upcoming titles from Scout Comics! Want more? Sign-up for your favorites today! [TEEN]

Discover the strange, steampunk world of Lady Mechanika in this special issue which reprints her original 2010 debut one-shot as well as excerpts from two of her neweer adventures: The Clockwork Assassin and La Belle Dame Sans Merci. The mysterious mechanical woman stalks the streets in search of answers to her own origins -- but could she be a murderer herself? And how will she protect her friend Mr. Lewis from the dangers posed by an even more mysterious woman than herself? Gawk at the breadth of Lady Mechanika’s world, then grab a collection of her adventures off the shelves today! [TEEN]

In 1992, Todd McFarlane’s Spawn burst onto the comics scene. Today you can relive that moment with this reprint of that very first issue, complete with an exclusive new cover by Francesco Mattina. Enjoy a look back at the moment that started it all...or if you’ve never read Spawn before, now is the perfect time to jump on board before the movie! Want more? There are almost 300 issues of Spawn out there today, available in back issue singles and collections! Grab some today! [TEEN]

This two-part issue from Valiant Universe begins the newest saga in the life of nanite-infused ultimate soldier, Bloodshot, as well as setting the stage for the events of the Fallen World event due later this year which will pit the aforementioned Bloodshot against Rai, a haunted cyber-samurai. First witness Bloodshot at his most unstoppable as he seeks to save a doctor from those who would use her talents to make more beings like him; then explore the strain between truth and faith when “heaven” falls out of the sky in the opening salvo of Fallen World. Want more? Pick up a collection of Bloodshot or Rai or sign-up today for their new adventures in either the solo series or the Fallen World mini-series! [TEEN]

Return to the classics with this excerpt from Zagor: The Alien Saga. Originally created in 1961, the story of Zagor combines science fiction, horror, and westerns in one adventurous whole. Here, discover how the titular Zagor and his friend Chico first encountered beings from another world...and the darker, more familiar face beside them! Want more? Order a collection of this classic comic book today. [TEEN]

The main story of this one-shot features Dragonfly and Dragonflyman -- the same hero, but in two different worlds: one colorful and campy, the other gritty and dark! Juxtapose the biff, bam, pow! aesthetics of old school heroism with the grimdark hyper-violence of the nineties and today, and see how familiar faces can turn strange. But what will happen when cheerful Dragonflyman and grizzled Dragonfly change places in The Wrong Earth? Lay the groundwork of their worlds here, and then check out the back-up features introducing Captain Ginger, the feline captain of a ship full of interstellar cats, and a quick trip through the unfriendly world of Edgar Allen Poe’s A Snifter of Terror. Want more? All three series have collections available now! [TEEN]

When humanity left planet Earth behind, fleeing a dying world for a new start in the stars, they nuked it behind them in an attempt to wipe-out the vampires left behind. Unfortunately, in the shadow of that nuclear winter, those vampires evolved. Now with the bloodsucks on the brink of achieving space flight and coming after their wayward food source, humanity has one last chance to save itself: the Interceptor program. One surgically-modified, heavily-trained, even more heavily-armed warrior to wipe-out the vampire threat for good. But when she gets to Earth, she finds something she never expected... This kinetic, fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek comic sets up a battle for Earth the likes of which you’ve never seen! Want more? Pre-order the $17.99 graphic novel due out later this summer that reprints the original series, or jump straight to the sequel with the new four-issue Reactor mini-series, available now! [TEEN]

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the first appearance of the Vampirella character in Vampirella #1, a Warren Publishing horror magazine and sister publication to the company's Creepy and Eerie magazines. As is befitting such an anniversary, Dynamite Comics is bringing out a new series with a new creative team to craft stories for the wry badgirl vampire. In this preview, we see our favorite scantily-clad bloodsucker endure assaults on social media, determined to discover her whereabouts and her secrets. The real treat in this FCBD exclusive is a bonus story, originally published in 1993, written and illustrated by comic book legends Kurt Busiek and Arthur Adams. Want more? Sign-up now for the new ongoing Vampirella series beginning later this summer! [TEEN+]

Jump in mid-action to the latest adventure of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as they race through the city to save their friend and survive multiple ambushes! Then, discover the history of the saga back to the very beginning a long, long time ago in the back-up feature. Want more? Check out the reading order in the back of this issue for where to get started and then grab one of the TMNT’s collected editions off the shelf, or just keep going from here with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turltes #94, out later this month! [MATURE READERS!]

Jump feet first into the frenetic world of Deadly Class, ongoing comic and hit television show! What do kids going to assassin school do to blow off steam? Hit a concert, of course...but sometimes the work comes with them. Does making art actually change the world? What about revenge? And can you hold onto who you are when the world is trying to shape you into something else? If all that can be packed into just one issue, imagine how much goes on in the entire series...or stop imagining it, and pick up the first volume today! [MATURE READERS!]

In 2017, Emil Ferris published her first graphic novel, the unprecedented and brilliant My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, an exploration of everything from the trauma of a lonely childhood, the Holocaust, and totally awesome horror comics, all drawn with ballpoint pen and a perspective never seen before in comics. This only came about after Ferris experienced severe brain damage from a severe case of West Nile Virus and used drawing with a ballpoint pen as a form of physical therapy. This FCBD-exclusive provides an inside look into how My Favorite Thing Is Monsters emerged from that tragedy and includes Ferris's own guide to drawing monsters. Want more? Find the original graphic novel on our shelves today! [MATURE READERS!]

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED AND ALL FCBD TITLES ARE FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED! WE SUGGEST YOU HAVE IDEAS IN MIND FOR BACK-UP BOOKS IN CASE YOUR FIRST CHOICE IS GONE!

Many of these books tie-in with comic series or graphic novels currently available in our stores, while others are previews for books that are soon to be released! If you enjoyed your free comics, or if you saw an interesting one in the list that you didn’t have the chance to grab that you’d like to read, ask one of your friendly neighborhood Comix Connection Counter Monkeys for help! We’ll be glad to give you more information -- or even order you some goodies!

#fcbd #fcbd 2019 #central pennsylvania food bank #free comic book day #food drive #free comic book day 2019 #comixmech #comixyork #comixsale #comixevent

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happytobecambridge · 7 years

Text

Fatherly Adventures with the Captain Chapter 9: Come Home

The one thing she notices about their home is that boy, do they have a lot of books. However, when your husband is the most inquisitive man whose lived for like three hundred years and your son is the author, not just an author, but THE author- it’s to be expected.

Their house, she would say, perfectly describes their little family. Henry’s scarf and coat hangs on their coat rack, right by their front door. Killian’s leather jacket on the hook next to it, followed by her red leather jacket, tying up the whole ensemble.

Killian’s shoes are always neatly placed on their shoe rack, and let’s just say hers and Henry’s are usually haphazardly strewn across the entrance to their home.

Their living room has an open feel to it- in fact, it’s probably where you’ll find them every night after dinner. Their coffee table, handcrafted by Marco and specifically designed per her and Henry’s requests to look like a treasure chest (much to Killian’s surprise and delight), often holds cups of hot chocolate, bowls of popcorn and milk duds, as the family settles in for their movie nights. This is where Henry’s love for Star Wars, Emma’s love for the classics like Back to the Future, Breakfast Club, 16 candles, are introduced and shared with Killian. She’s worried that as Henry gets older that these movie nights might seem lame to him, but she’s already missed out on so much. But she finds that she’s got nothing to worry about- she’s got a great kid- one that gets just as pumped for movie nights as them.

She remembers when she was the Dark One wanting to incorporate little aspects of Killian into their home, but to be honest, home decorating was definitely not her focus or priority at the time. Now that they’ve settled into a more peaceful routine devoid of monsters, villains, and fairies, Killian’s added upon her choices during her stint as the Dark One Decorator. Their library with all the books has many of the maps he’s drawn as Captain proudly framed and hung. His sextant is displayed, along with the compass from his and Emma’s journey. He’s got a dart board in their library, where he’ll swear by his aim and precision. Her favorite though is when he’ll make that dopey face at her when he hits a bulls eye as she’s curled up on the lounge chair, enjoying the quiet moment and more often than not, catching up with her mom on the phone. His silly face makes her fall in love with him all over again.

The first couple of weeks since they found out that she’s pregnant, it’s only her, Killian, and Henry that know. It’s kind of exciting that this is something only the three of them know and can share, but also something that she needs. The last time she was pregnant she was in a far different situation- there was no excitement, there were no hugs or kisses. Instead there was fear- there was coldness- and those are feelings that stick with you. So while they wait for the all clear from the doctor before announcing it, she’s also working through these feelings- letting herself not feel guilty that this pregnancy is and will be different from the last, allowing herself to feel excitement over this child and being able to share this experience with Henry, even though she didn’t have it when she was pregnant with him. It’s also an eye opening experience for Killian- he’s had to confront his past demons himself- coming to terms with his father’s abandonment for his children and then Killian’s actions in retaliation.

The night before their 10 week check up with the doctor, she finds herself sandwiched in between her two boys, after finishing Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Tomorrow once they get the clear from the doctor, they’ll be telling her parents that they’ll get to be grandparents again- the youngest second time grandparents this world has ever seen. She can already hear the high pitched noises and squeals her mother will make and she already knows her father’s not gonna be able to calm her down, ever.

Vaguely listening to the two men in her life talk about their favorite heists/pranks from the movie, she starts to imagine how soon there’ll be a high chair added to their dining room, one of those sleeper chairs that rocks the baby in their living room. She can see it now- there’ll be baby books chosen by Henry all throughout the house- their little shoes will soon find their own place with Killian’s, Henry’s and hers by their front door. It’s something she never had, something she could never give Henry, but now she gets her second chance.

“Mom, are you okay?”

She’s startled out of her own thoughts by Henry’s worried tone. Quickly placating him, she throws her arm over his shoulder and ruffles his hair- just like she’s always done from the first time he brought her to Storybrooke. “Don’t worry kid, just got lost in my own thoughts. Pretty soon our house is gonna have baby stuff and I was just imagining how that’s gonna look like.”

“It’s gonna be awesome! I was thinking- what kind of mobile should the baby have in their room? I mean, I know Grandpa and Grandma planned for unicorns in yours, but I feel like we’ve got to find a way to combine Savior and Pirate for my brother or sister.” Henry’s excitement for his new sibling was something she’s eternally grateful for each and every day. She remembers the disappointment and the sinking feeling she had when she learned her parents were having another baby. But trust Henry to not only have the heart of the truest believer, but to literally be the most excited big brother. He wanted to know everything- how big’s the baby now, what can the baby do now- can it hear? can it see? is it sucking its thumb? He made it his and Killian’s mission to make sure that she wasn’t overdoing it- they’ve called it Operation Nesting Swan- they tell her it’s a working title. “Don’t forget author, lad.” Her heart melts hearing Killian chime in. From day one, he’s stepped into the shoes of fatherhood for Henry, never treating him any differently or distantly because he wasn’t biologically Henry’s father. And since they found out news of the baby, he’s made it abundantly clear to their son that his relationship with Henry wouldn’t change and that Henry was just as much a part of this happy beginning and addition to the family.

Henry’s smile at Killian’s suggestion brought the same to both Emma and Killian. She knew that keeping a secret from his other mom and grandparents, hell the whole town, was really tough on Henry, so she knew that once they got the okay from the doctor, he was going to be unstoppable then- he already was practically bursting at the seams. And speaking of which, she knew that there was no way she would be able to reign in Killian. Every time they’ve visited the doctor, he’s requested for a copy of the sonogram- she wouldn’t be surprised that once news spread, she would find her husband showing the whole town each and every picture.

She couldn’t believe it- how far she had come, everything she’d faced- there were definitely times where her happy ending seemed impossible, where the picket fence life seemed so unattainable. But now here she was sitting in their home- a home she made with her husband, once a lost boy, who was on the verge of becoming a father, and what a wonderful father he would be. A home she made with her son, the boy she had to give up so he could have his best chance, who now found it with her, was growing up to be everything and more than what she wanted and dreamed for him, and she would get to witness it. A home where this newest duckling, who decided at that moment to move around her belly and make their presence known, would be joining them in just a couple of months.

As she rested her hand on her growing bump to soothe her duckling, she thought, oh baby, we love you so much already and we can’t for you to come home.

#cs ff #cs fluff #daddy killian #mommy emma #cs parents #lauren writes

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mj-spooks · 4 years

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oh hey, I can go hard on this one. The Doctor, by regeneration, as monsters and myths? later 10 makes me feel Prometheus?

So, I do not know Classic Who well enough to do the OG docs. It is on my list. My list is long. I will get to it.

As far as New Who goes, honestly they all kinda have that Tragic Greek Hero Figure vibe going???? But that might just be because they all share the I Had To Destroy My Own People backstory. As far as the newest developments in canon go, I am only on the fringes of awareness bc I was streaming it on Prime and Did Not Get That Far (I had barely started Twelve sobs) but what I do know is that other than Jack being back it all sounds Really Bad And Dumb. So. All that in mind...

Nine is like... Classic Cursed Monster, werewolf or some flavor, that is aware of his curse and wants to protect others by staying away from them. Of course, he’s not an introvert, no matter how bad he wants to be one, so he’s very bad at actually doing this. So obviously enter Rose, who is the plucky best friend that refuses to let him drown in his own misery and isolate himself. Am I writing an AU? Maybe, just now, because you gave me the idea. They fuck.

Ten has hella Prometheus vibes. Is losing each of his companions his equivalent of the liver getting pecked out? Ouch.

Eleven... okay, I’ll level with you, this is hard because I don’t... really... like Eleven. I don’t think I’ve made a secret of this, but in case you missed it. Uh, I think Eleven is a Trickster figure? Fae or something? Some kind of creature that Fucks Shit Up For The Lulz, and doesn’t worry too much about who he’s hurting. I know every version of the Doctor has their own angst, but man, he spends an awful lot of time doing shitty things and smiling his way through it. It’s like that Late Ten “Time Bows To Me” trait got dialed up to 11 (hah!) when he regenerated. Don’t get me wrong, he’s there to do the hero schtick when he needs to be. But... something’s gonna explode. Possibly lots of somethings. And he will not feel particularly bad about it.

Twelve is... hm. After having consulted my roommate, because I was a little stuck, we came to the conclusion that Twelve is Hephaestus. Cranky, underappreciated, likes to have a good time but still manages to be grumpy while doing it. Extremely competent and kinda rude. Poor social skills. That one applies to all the doctors though honestly.

Thirteen... so this devolved into a conversation with the roomie over the Born Sexy Yesterday trope and sexism and now all I can see in my head is Jodie Whitaker singing Part of Your World. Pick literally any story about a person or creature who is created as an adult or otherwise fully grown and has that whole... wide-eyed wonder thing going. She’s basically Wonder Woman, okay. Superhero comics are kinda like myths, right?

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expelliarmus · 1 year

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Hey Nicole! I love reading your tags abt the latest DW books and audio dramas you’ve started. Curious. What are your favorite DW audio drama series? Do you listen to all of it? I often find out Big Finish news by reading your tags lol

YES!!! Hi!!! No, I haven't listened to every single thing Big Finish has released (is that what you meant??? lol). I mean, I think I've barely scratched the surface, and I really only started once they got the OK to start making audios with New Who. It's honestly very overwhelming when I look at everything they've ever made and I almost never know where I want to start, and then they're just constantly releasing new stuff! But anyway some of my faves from the last few years are:

Gallifrey - I think the Gallifrey series is my number one favourite Big Finish series, I love it sooo much I love Romana and Leela and Narvin and I am so invested in Time Lord politics and I cannot wait for Gallifrey: War Room 2 to be out!!!!!!

Tenth Doctor Adventures - especially the two series with Ten and Donna, of course :')

UNIT (the new series) - I LOVE UNIT SO MUCH! Kate and Osgood MY BELOVEDS! I could listen to UNIT stories all day every day, they're so much fun. I think the newest one will be out in the summer!!

Doom Coalition - this series is an Eighth Doctor adventure and I LOVE the villain, a Time Lord called the Eleven. And I also love the Doctor's companions, Liv Chenka and Helen Sinclair. I've been jumping around with Eight's stories but I really do need to listen to more. Gotta listen to Ravenous next. I did start on some of his Time War stories but I've fallen behind on that...

The Diary of River Song - I honestly didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I do! But I love that River gets to meet so many incarnations of the Doctor :')) And special mention to the Tenth Doctor and River Song audios - I really hope they do more!!!!

Classic Doctors New Monsters - exactly what it says on the tin :D

Ninth Doctor Adventures - I'm honestly just so happy to hear Chris Eccleston as the Doctor again :')))

#thedenimofrose #ask

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ftmthor · 5 years

Text

DC’s Swamp Thing roundup: Trailer, Premier Review, next Episodes, Public reactions and so much more

DC Universe has been killing it lately with the likes of amazing shows such as Titans and Doom Patrol. The newest addition in the comic book franchise based TV series is DC’s Swamp Thing. It looks like the makers are not afraid of taking any risks and have adopted one of the darkest comic characters.

[This post contains video, click to play]

Swamp Thing is a scientist who turns into a monster due to some experiment gone wrong. While other superheroes are either good or bad, swamp thing operates in a gray area with horror elements. Here is everything we know about DC’s Swamp Thing TV series.

Swamp Thing Trailer

youtube

DC first released a teaser announcement for Swamp Thing a few months back as a DC universe original series. The first official trailer for Swamp Thing was released on May 28, 2019, as DC was asking users to subscribe to their streaming service.

DC’s Swamp Thing stars Abby Arcane as a doctor and an investigator, who goes for a case in Louisiana about a deadly swamp residing virus. Soon, it is discovered that the swamp is now what it seems; it holds supernatural and terrifying secrets. New horrors and deadly chills start emerging from the dark marsh water, and no one is safe in the small town.

Cast and Characters

Even though the swamp thing is the titular character of the show, his POV is rarely shown to maintain the horror elements. Most of the characters are residents of the small town, where the swamp thing resides. Everyone’s life is affected when a mysterious swamp shows up connected with a series of murders. Here are the main cast members of DC’s Swamp Thing, along with their character names.

Crystal Reed as Abby Arcane

Virginia Madsen as Maria Sunderland

Andy Bean and Derek Mears as Alec Holland / Swamp Thing

Henderson Wade as Matt Cable

Maria Sten as Liz Tremayne

Jeryl Prescott as Madame Xanadu

Will Patton as Avery Sunderland

Swamp Thing Premier

The first episode of DC’s Swamp Thing was premiered on May 31 at the Dc universe streaming service. Swamp Thing starts as a typical horror show, with men rowing boat in unknown dark water. It starts getting violent soon when a strange plant kills two of them, and the remaining succumbs to a mysterious illness.

Rest of the episode deals with solving the murder mystery and the origin of the Swamp Thing at the end. Critics have liked the horror element of the show and given it a 90% RT score.

Total Episodes

Earlier it was stated that DC’s Swamp Thing would have a total of 13 episodes as the usual like Titans. But after the production started, the main producers and WB studios were not happy with and decided to cut it short. Since James Wan is the executive producer of the show, he managed to save the show from cancellation. There will be a total of 10 episodes now in the DC’s Swamp Thing original series.

Plot Details

The story starts, when Dr. Abby Arcane of CDC comes to the town to treat the disease. She, along with the help of another scientist Alec Holland, begins to investigate the virus. Things start getting messy when an unknown creature murders more people.

In the end, Alec is shown by an assailant, and his body succumbs to the green vines. Alec turns into the Swamp Thing, with a tall mossy body and red eyes. It is reported that the remaining episodes will deal with Alec and the Swamp Thing coming to terms and have a mutual existence. Along with that, the people responsible for cutting the swamp forest will be targeted by the green monster Swamp Thing.

Public Review and Reactions

The comic accuracy is strong with this one! #SwampThing pic.twitter.com/XuWgEKgU1m

— Walt (@UberKryptonian) May 27, 2019

Episode 1 of #SwampThing is perfect horror comic book love. The score, atmosphere and cast is great. The horror element is 100% all in. It’s got a TV-MA rating that has scenes reminiscent of John Carpenter’s “THE THING”. I’m in love with this show so far. Can’t wait for Ep. 2 pic.twitter.com/beAO5sKqop

— Ricardo Segarra (@RicardoESegarra) June 1, 2019

Really dug the first episode of #SwampThing. One incredible sequence of practical effects body horror and some quality character work. Love the chemistry between Abby and Alec, which bodes well for what’s coming next. Only wish I didn’t have to wait for more!

— John Squires (@FreddyInSpace) June 2, 2019

i know yall aint ready for #SwampThing pic.twitter.com/JY5bZHSklp

— battinson crumbs (@abbyarcaene) May 28, 2019

If you’re a @DCComics fan, but you haven’t downloaded @TheDCUniverse app…

Just finished ep 1 of @DCUSwampThing 🔥🔥🔥#SwampThing pic.twitter.com/FIH49uRWfG

— LaMonica Garrett (@lamonicagarrett) May 31, 2019

Fans all over the world are liking DC’s Swamp Thing show for his horror vibes and practical effects. Swamp Thing reminds us of the classic 70’s horror movie. Also, the cast has fantastic chemistry, the future of Swamp Thing looks good, and future episodes will make it more popular.

The post DC’s Swamp Thing roundup: Trailer, Premier Review, next Episodes, Public reactions and so much more appeared first on Hiptoro.

source https://www.hiptoro.com/p/dcs-swamp-thing-roundup-trailer-premier-review-next-episodes-public-reactions-and-so-much-more/ source https://emmaleebruce.tumblr.com/post/185366618420

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claytoncoughlan · 5 years

Text

DC’s Swamp Thing roundup: Trailer, Premier Review, next Episodes, Public reactions and so much more

[This post contains video, click to play]

Swamp Thing Trailer

youtube

Cast and Characters

Crystal Reed as Abby Arcane

Virginia Madsen as Maria Sunderland

Andy Bean and Derek Mears as Alec Holland / Swamp Thing

Henderson Wade as Matt Cable

Maria Sten as Liz Tremayne

Jeryl Prescott as Madame Xanadu

Will Patton as Avery Sunderland

Swamp Thing Premier

Rest of the episode deals with solving the murder mystery and the origin of the Swamp Thing at the end. Critics have liked the horror element of the show and given it a 90% RT score.

Total Episodes

Plot Details

Public Review and Reactions

The comic accuracy is strong with this one! #SwampThing pic.twitter.com/XuWgEKgU1m

— Walt (@UberKryptonian) May 27, 2019

— Ricardo Segarra (@RicardoESegarra) June 1, 2019

— John Squires (@FreddyInSpace) June 2, 2019

i know yall aint ready for #SwampThing pic.twitter.com/JY5bZHSklp

— battinson crumbs (@abbyarcaene) May 28, 2019

If you’re a @DCComics fan, but you haven’t downloaded @TheDCUniverse app…

Just finished ep 1 of @DCUSwampThing 🔥🔥🔥#SwampThing pic.twitter.com/FIH49uRWfG

— LaMonica Garrett (@lamonicagarrett) May 31, 2019

The post DC’s Swamp Thing roundup: Trailer, Premier Review, next Episodes, Public reactions and so much more appeared first on Hiptoro.

DC’s Swamp Thing roundup: Trailer, Premier Review, next Episodes, Public reactions and so much more published first on http://www.hiptoro.com/ DC’s Swamp Thing roundup: Trailer, Premier Review, next Episodes, Public reactions and so much more published first on http://www.hiptoro.com/

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anawiliams · 5 years

Text

DC’s Swamp Thing roundup: Trailer, Premier Review, next Episodes, Public reactions and so much more

[This post contains video, click to play]

Swamp Thing Trailer

youtube

Cast and Characters

Crystal Reed as Abby Arcane

Virginia Madsen as Maria Sunderland

Andy Bean and Derek Mears as Alec Holland / Swamp Thing

Henderson Wade as Matt Cable

Maria Sten as Liz Tremayne

Jeryl Prescott as Madame Xanadu

Will Patton as Avery Sunderland

Swamp Thing Premier

Rest of the episode deals with solving the murder mystery and the origin of the Swamp Thing at the end. Critics have liked the horror element of the show and given it a 90% RT score.

Total Episodes

Plot Details

Public Review and Reactions

The comic accuracy is strong with this one! #SwampThing pic.twitter.com/XuWgEKgU1m

— Walt (@UberKryptonian) May 27, 2019

— Ricardo Segarra (@RicardoESegarra) June 1, 2019

— John Squires (@FreddyInSpace) June 2, 2019

i know yall aint ready for #SwampThing pic.twitter.com/JY5bZHSklp

— battinson crumbs (@abbyarcaene) May 28, 2019

If you’re a @DCComics fan, but you haven’t downloaded @TheDCUniverse app…

Just finished ep 1 of @DCUSwampThing 🔥🔥🔥#SwampThing pic.twitter.com/FIH49uRWfG

— LaMonica Garrett (@lamonicagarrett) May 31, 2019

The post DC’s Swamp Thing roundup: Trailer, Premier Review, next Episodes, Public reactions and so much more appeared first on Hiptoro.

DC’s Swamp Thing roundup: Trailer, Premier Review, next Episodes, Public reactions and so much more published first on http://www.hiptoro.com/

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theconservativebrief · 6 years

Link

The question raised by every new iteration of the Doctor — the central character of the long-running, 55-year-old British sci-fi franchise Doctor Who — seems simple, but offers endless variations on a single theme: Will the latest version of the show focus on the alien Doctor? Or will it pay more attention to the humans who join the newest Time Lord on the TARDIS?

Prior to now, Doctor Who has had two showrunners in its modern era, which began in 2005 with the relaunch of the series by the first of those two showrunners, Russell T. Davies. And during their respective tenures, Davies and his eventual replacement, Steven Moffat, took the show in opposite directions.

Davies’s Doctor was a whimsical madman, to be sure, but Davies was far more interested in the humans who became entangled in the Doctor’s orbit over the four seasons he ran the series.

Moffat, who took over the show in season five, was far more interested in the Doctor’s ability to solve any puzzle; while the humans on the TARDIS were frequently fascinating, it was clear his sympathies were always with the Doctor. And over the course of Moffat’s six seasons as showrunner, that approach became exhausting, at least to me.

Thus, the most welcome element of “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” — the first episode of Doctor Who under its new showrunner Chris Chibnall and the first to star a woman in the role of the Doctor — was how both Chibnall and new Doctor Jodie Whittaker pushed the focus just a little bit more back toward the people who are pulled into the Doctor’s orbit.

The Doctor meets some new friends. BBC Studios 2018

In watching “The Woman Who Fell to Earth,” I kept thinking back to two different debuts of new Doctors — 2005’s “The Christmas Invasion” (the first with David Tennant as the Doctor) and 2010’s “The Eleventh Hour” (the first with Matt Smith as the Doctor).

In the case of the former, the story similarities were obvious; both that episode and this one involve the Doctor struggling to stop an alien menace while in the process of regenerating into a new form. But I was also struck by how Whittaker’s gleefully altruistic spin on the Doctor immediately felt more akin to Tennant’s version than that of her immediate predecessor, Peter Capaldi (who imagined the character as a sort of gruff but good-natured building superintendent for the entire universe).

“The Eleventh Hour,” however, came to mind in terms of its contrast. That episode started with a human being — Amy Pond, a woman who first met the Doctor as a young girl — but it barely left the Doctor’s side as he tried to work out a mystery that kept drawing him back to Amy over the years. It was a sign that Moffat, who took over as showrunner with that episode just as Chibnall did with this one, was making a break from Davies’s sometimes cheesy but always humanistic approach to Doctor Who, in favor of elaborate structural games and puzzle-solving.

I haven’t seen any episodes of season 11 beyond “The Woman Who Fell to Earth,” but based on Chibnall’s approach to it, I’d wager that he’s going to write the show as a kind of workplace ensemble drama that just happens to be set across all of time and space. It takes the Doctor around 15 minutes to show up, and when she does, she’s discombobulated, dropping from the sky into a train where humans are being threatened by an alien. Before that, his focus is squarely on those humans.

Throughout the episode, he fully develops four different human characters, in addition to Whittaker’s new Doctor, then gives all of them their own storylines to pursue, which dovetail in the group’s final confrontation with the alien. It’s closer to Davies’s approach than Moffat’s, but it’s also not quite like either man’s spin on the material. I’m surprised Chibnall found a way to thread the needle.

Some of the episode’s human characters get a bit less shading than others — Yasmin (Mandeep Gill), the cop called to the scene of an alien spacecraft landing, is defined largely through what other characters say about her — but that’s likely because the hour is more focused on the familial bonds between a young man named Ryan (Tosin Cole), his grandmother Grace (Sharon D. Clarke), and her new husband Graham (Bradley Walsh), whom Ryan has a strained relationship with. It’s not as if future episodes won’t bring more shading to the others as well, and Chibnall’s strength building out an ensemble cast on his earlier series Broadchurch promises dividends for this approach.

Ultimately, “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” is more of a statement of purpose than anything else. Yes, there will be aliens and monsters and classic Doctor Who adventures. But this latest iteration of the show is also going to be a story that positions the humans who board the TARDIS (presuming they eventually board the TARDIS — it’s missing as of episode’s end) as an ad hoc family, with the Doctor as the matriarch.

So, then, how is the new Doctor? Quite wonderful, I’d say.

The very pointed makeup of Doctor Who’s new cast — a white woman, an older white guy, an older black woman, then two younger actors of color — is perhaps easy to read in light of the Brexit vote, which was driven, in part, by anxieties over the cultural shift that immigration brought to the United Kingdom (and, okay, also a healthy dose of outright racism).

Indeed, the Doctor all but makes this explicit in the closing moments of the episode, when she says that her own regeneration is a symbol of what human beings have to do to keep their nations and institutions fresh. You can honor the past while still evolving into something new in the present, she says; it’s not hard to imagine her unfurling a banner reading, “REMAIN” and cavorting it around the set.

But at the same time, there’s a much more immediately obvious reason for her to give this speech: Whittaker is the first woman to play this part, after 12 men got the chance. There are still concerns over just how much ground is being broken by giving a role that was previously held by a bunch of white men to a white woman, a tactic that many shows have used to appear diverse without even beginning to deal with all of the other systems of oppression built into society (as outlined in this article for TV Guide by Mo Ryan). But the fact remains that some people are hopping mad to see Whittaker play the Doctor, and yet if they want to keep watching Doctor Who, they’re going to have to keep watching Jodie Whittaker.

It’s impossible to conclude much of anything about a given Doctor from one episode — I dearly missed Christopher Eccleston for Tennant’s first few hours, but Tennant eventually became my favorite modern Doctor — but Whittaker’s first outing as the character is a promising start. She’s hampered a bit by the curious decision to have her regeneration result in at least partial amnesia for much of the episode, but that makes her ultimate statement of purpose near the end, when she reclaims the mantle of Doctor and vows to help, heal, and fix the universe, all the more powerful, so I’ll allow the initial confusion.

And that initial confusion mirrors what I’ll imagine certain portions of the audience are feeling too, especially viewers who might be missing Moffat’s Doctor or a male Doctor or [insert descriptor of choice] Doctor, or who might long for some earlier era of the show. (Maybe they hope it will once again become the children’s educational program it was initially meant to be.) Chibnall knows he can’t simply treat this change as business as usual, even if his storytelling instincts keep guiding him back to the Doctor Who tried and true.

He still does the bit where the new Doctor expresses surprise and excitement at her new form, where she chooses her new costume (after running around in Capaldi’s for almost the entire episode), where she rediscovers her sense of purpose. These are all hallmarks of the “first episode with a new Doctor” subgenre of the show.

However, both Chibnall and his star intuitively understand how these tropes shift, ever so slightly, when there’s a woman at their center. There is not, for instance, a montage of Whittaker trying on new outfits. Instead, she just emerges in her new, slightly geeky get-up. (She’s wearing suspenders??)

But the biggest change from Moffat’s Doctor is something much harder to spot, something ingrained in the storytelling from the very first scene, on Earth, with a young man trying to understand the course of his life so far, instead of out in the cosmos with a superhero trying to save the world. It signals that Chibnall is intent on making this story instantly understandable to you, even if all you know about Doctor Who is that the Doctor’s name isn’t literally Who. Season 11, all involved realize, is a great chance for the Who-curious to hop on board, to discover why this franchise is so beloved across the entire planet.

The cynic in me says it is simply a chance to put new packaging on very old stories. But the part of me that loves Doctor Who but always got a little bogged down by the sheer weight of trying to follow Moffat’s many convolutions felt a simple happy gratitude at a clean story, well-told. Moffat’s Doctor Who was for the hardcore. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there’s a whole universe of people who’ve never seen the show but who might also want to plunge headlong into the cosmos alongside a geeky, empathetic hero who always, always saves the day.

Maybe I’ll go watch “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” again.

Doctor Who’s 11th season premiere continues to air throughout the week on BBC America, including repeat airings on Sunday, October 7, at 3:30 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm, and 10 pm Eastern.

Original Source -> Doctor Who’s season 11 premiere introduced the show’s first woman Doctor. It was terrific.

via The Conservative Brief

#IFTTT #The Conservative Brief

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