#and i love everyone who does it. i love you artists who draw cody. you are my only hope

[kyberconfessions]

No Matter Where You Go, I Will Find You. Part 4

Hello All! Sorry for the delay! My Hubby and I have had a busy month of July and I wasn’t able to keep to my schedule like I wanted too. Sorry about that. From Baseball games to Comic-Cons to Disney trips, we’ve been stupid busy. I am working furiously on the other chapters and hope to at least have some words on Cody soon! Y’all, not going to lie, the fact that there has been ZERO mention of him on The Bad Batch is killing me.

As Always:

This will eventually be a 18+ older fic and deals with anxiety, death, sex,  PTSD, murder, loss, found family, Order 66, and coming to terms. This is not just a fluff fic. It will very much be dealing with very dark and hard themes, so please, if that is something that can be too hard for you, don’t read.

Pairings: Rex x Reader x Cody (polyamory) I should say this is NOT a Rex x Cody fic. There will be ZERO Clonecest on this blog or story. Reader is a consensual relationship with Rex and with Cody. Yes they share, yes they will eventually have sex together, but Cody and Rex are NOT in a relationship nor will they be intimate.

Rating: 18+

TW: Death, Murder, infanticide, death of the Jedi, PTSD, Loss, Anxiety, eating disorders, sleep disorders, Order 66. I will add other things as I think about them

Part 4: It’s You.

You waited with your back to the door on Hondo's ship; another one was docked right outside, carrying the crew that had something either of you wanted. You took a deep breath, adjusting your blaster in your thigh holster and checking over your clothes before putting on your helmet. The base of it was a black Ubese helmet, edged with black dyed bantha hair and painted to resemble a Kaleesh skull in white.  The edges of the white skull were rimmed in a dark red and the faux eyes were painted an electric green, almost making them glow.The breather of the helmet was pointed down, tapering at the end and etched with designs reminiscent of a certain Kel Dor. Twin points also came down from the sides,  once again resembling a Kel Dor breather, but painted to look like the fangs of the Kaleesh skull. When you wore it, you were an incredibly fearsome sight to behold. 

Hondo had stepped out of the cockpit while brushing off his clothes, but when he saw you he went on and on in a poetic manner making you snort behind your mask, "Pretty Lady must you put on that horrid thing? How am I supposed to gaze upon your beautiful Visage? How am I to write songs of your shiny eyes if you insist on covering them? How am I to chant loudly into the heavens about the glory of your smile when all I see is that ugly thing staring back at me?" 

The sound that came out of the modulator was a loud crack of static. It wasn't lost on him though, and he waggled his brow at you, knowing he made you laugh.

"Hondo, one of these days I'm going to launch you out of an airlock. Then you'll be Wild Space's problem."

He laughed loudly, but before he could give a retort, the door-lock opened and the crew from the other ship began to board.

Immediately the hair on your neck stood up and your hackles raised. It was time to go into heartless bounty hunter mode, another mask that became easier and easier for you to put on.

Hondo noticed your posture change and went to greet whoever had come aboard, stepping in front of your turned back. Whether it was to hide his best and most terrifying asset or to put space between you and them for your sake, you never knew. You liked to think it was his way of still protecting you, even after all these years. It probably was.

"My friends! My friends! So good to see you again! Ezra Bridger! It has been too long!" 

You heard the cacophony of voices greeting him in a less than enthusiastic excitement. If these people were your friends, you would have laughed again. But you didn't have friends.     From the sound of it, there were four people behind you. Nothing difficult to take down, but not something you should be careless with. There was something off about one of them though, you couldn’t put your finger on it, but they were...familiar.

"Allow me for introductions! This tall, imposing creature behind me is my associate, bodyguard, smuggler, chief pilot, chief mechanic, artistic muse, platonic soulmate, oldest friend, and beautifully deadly bounty hunter, all rolled into one.  And this band of colorful characters are the crew of the infamous Ghost!" Hondo waved his hands in a grandiose manner between the group and your back; this was a well rehearsed situation that you both had done several times, though for whatever reason, he decided to over exaggerate your titles. Normally he would do the talking and you would scare the clientele. And if you had too, if they had something that you knew belonged to them, you'd kill them. Nothing would keep you from the last remnants of the ones you loved and lost.

"Ahh, Hondo? Does your associate have a name? Or talk? Are they even awake? Are they just going to stand there?" You heard a boy's voice, a cockiness only found in the young lacing every word. 

"Ezra." A woman, probably someone important, chastised the boy.

You waited for Hondo's signal for you to turn, but the door opened once more and you heard one more set of boots and something soft, furry, stepping across the steel. A voice spoke. A Lassat. Dangerous creatures, you had seen a few when you were still a young Padawan with your old Master. Before the war. Before they died. Back when your biggest concern was the eventual Trials. You knew a fight wasn't going to be easy and you hated the idea of killing an already dying race. But you would if you had too.

The Lassat male was arguing with someone about something, but you weren't paying attention.

Hondo touched your shoulder softly, your signal to turn. He had spent the time making pleasantries and lulling them into a false sense of comfort, probably. He could have been talking about the weather on Jakku for all you cared. You were more concerned about making sure the straps on your holsters were open, giving you easy access to draw.

Slowly you moved, letting them see just how dangerous you were, how in control of your body you were, how much they should fear the creature behind the helmet. But, you halted mid spin.

All of the blood drained from your face, your mouth went dry, your throat tightened up, and you were overcome with such anger and gut wrenching sorrow you thought you would snap.

The man that walked in with the Lessat was wearing HIS armor. The armor you had spent 15 years looking for.

You blanked. 

Somewhere there was yelling and cries to stop, but you couldn't make it out. Your head was spinning and it felt like there was cotton in your ears and as tunnel vision took over, everything knocked your senses for a loop. You didn’t realize you were doing it, but you grabbed both your blasters, turned fully, and pointed them at the man. Half the crew jumped out of the way, the others pointed their weapons at you, and Hondo tried to reason with both sides, standing with his back to you while the man had his own blasters trained on your head. Hondo quickly got out of the way of the four barrels, still trying to diffuse the situation. You couldn't understand what he was saying, everything sounded so dull and muted.

No, wait. Those weren't just any blasters. You would know those DC-17s anywhere. 

"HOW DARE YOU!"

 Someone was screaming. You couldn’t tell who it was or where it was coming from. It was garbled and cracking, a mechanical sound. It hurt your head. You just wanted everything to stop, just for a moment. But the world kept spinning and you felt like you were going to pass out any moment. You just wanted everything to be quiet, you needed to think, you just wanted a moment to figure out what was going on. Why was it so loud? Why did everything hurt? You just wanted everyone to just be still. Just be still, if only for a second. 

You could feel your breathing pick up, that tightening fear in your chest, that ache that gripped your heart and threatened to pull it from your body. ‘Just be quiet, please, please, be quiet. I can’t...I need to think, I need to think..’

"HOW DARE YOU WEAR HIS HELM!” More screaming,  “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO HE WAS?! DO YOU?! HOW DARE YOU WEAR HIS ARMOR AS YOUR OWN! HOW DARE YOU STAND THERE AND KNOW NOTHING OF HIM!" Maker, the screaming was coming from you. You were yelling at him, venomous spit falling from your mouth, words meant to shame and kill. Your blasters were trained on his chest, fingers laying on the triggers. 

"TAKE IT OFF OR I WILL RIP IT FROM YOUR BROKEN CORPSE!"

You could feel something wet on your cheeks but you didn't know what it was or where it came from.  Did this man kill Rex?! Did he rip his beloved armor from his broken body? Did he leave him to rot in some cursed field? Or did he just take it from his already forgotten skeleton? Your heart beat a mile a minute, you were sweating and your whole body shook in anger, but your hands never wavered, blasters trained perfectly on the man. How dare this cretin dishonor Rex, dishonor his memory. 

"YOU WILL NEVER INSULT HIS MEMORY AGAIN! TAKE IT OFF!!"

You were panting and your modulator was straining under the volume of your voice.

No one lowered their weapons. No one spoke. No one moved a muscle. All that could be heard were your wheezing sobs through the helm.

 There was a beat. And then another. And then the man did something unexpected.

You just knew you were going to have to kill everyone. You just knew you were going to peel bloodied, beloved armor from some backwater nothing. 

But when he slowly lowered his arms, holstering the DC-17s, you faltered. Was he giving up so easily? Perhaps he didn't want bloodshed after all. Good. But it didn't make you lower yours. Nor did it make the others lower theirs.

Slowly, like he was trying to coax a scared lothcat, the man raised his open hands to the old helm covered in hatch marks with jaig eyes and pulled it off. 

First you saw weathered skin tanned from the sun, a white beard trimmed nicely, then a strong nose and finally golden eyes, eyes you had seen a million times before. Eyes that haunted you every time you went to sleep. Eyes you thought you would never see again.

When he had taken the helm completely off and tucked it under his arm, he spoke. And everything inside of you shattered.

"My name is Rex. Captain of 501st regiment in the Grand Army of the Republic. This is my armor that was issued to me almost 20 years ago. I don't know who you think I am, but I can assure you, this is my armor."

The others watched you, weapons trained. No one moved, no one spoke, no one breathed. You, on the other hand, felt everything rushing back at you full force. When he spoke, his voice was a punch to your gut, knocking the wind out of you, causing you to hyperventilate.  Your blasters, still trained on him, began to shake violently in your hands.

You were panting and your eyes blurred from all of the new tears. Panic rose high in your throat, cutting off your breathing. It can’t be. How could it be? He died. The Empire recorded him dying after Mandalore. You were there, you saw the absolute destruction. No one survived that.

Involuntarily you dropped your weapons and they clattered loudly to the durasteel ground, but your arms were still stretched out, still holding onto phantom guns. 

You inhaled sharply, your modulator cracking in a loud hiss. Slowly, trying to control the tremors that wracked your body, you moved your hands to your own helm and unlatched the buckles on the sides. There was another hiss as the airtight seals released the pressure and vented.

"What's going on..." the young boy started. "Hush, Ezra Bridger." Hondo cut him off, silencing him with a hand on his shoulder as you and Rex stared one another down.

You lifted your helm up and then let it fall to the floor, a loud clank shaking the silence between you all.

Rex sucked in a breath and released it in a harsh shudder, his mouth hanging open. "Mesh'la," he whispered; he could feel his knees giving out, causing him to stumble forward and push his way through his crew.

His eyes were as wide as saucers and glistening. Fat, heavy tears tracked down his face and fell into his beard as he reached shaking hands out to you. He paused for a moment, afraid that if he touched you, you would disappear like every dream before. But carefully his hands gripped your face, gently turning it side to side, taking in the scars and faint crows feet and wisps of grey hairs you now sported. Your age and harsh life showed, but you were still just as beautiful, just as ageless, just as perfect as he remembered. Still the same eyes that he dreamed of every night. 

You couldn’t breathe. It felt like all the air had been sucked out of your lungs and every nerve ending burned. You could hear your blood pumping in your ears, creating a painful rush like being thrown under the oceans. Every part of you felt like it was on fire. You couldn’t think, you couldn’t move. Slowly your shaking hands gripped his wrists and held him close. Your body tried to take a shuddering breath, but it only came out as a choked sob while you squeezed your eyes shut.

As the noise left you, Rex pulled you close, his mouth over taking yours in a passionate kiss, full of tongue and teeth. Your hands left his wrists and wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer as he continued to hold your face.

"Rex. I thought....I thought you were...Rex," you whispered into his lips between kisses.

"I searched for you, Cyare. I looked everywhere. I thought you died. I thought Cody.."

Your breath hitched at his name, making Rex pull you impossibly closer. You both stood there, wrapped in eachothers arms, crying, kissing, whispering love to one another, completely oblivious to the others. 

You weren't sure if your knees failed you, or if it were his, but one of you fell to the floor, taking the other with them, still wrapped in each other, crying and holding on for dear life. 

The Twi'lek woman quietly ushered the others, a man and a Mandalorian girl, along with the boy and Lessat, out. Hondo followed behind, a smug smile on his face, ridiculously proud of himself, giving you both much needed privacy.

#Rex x Reader #Rex #Cody #Cody x Reader #Rex x Reader x Cody #Hondo x Reader Platonic #Hondo x Platonic!Reader #Rebels fic #clone wars fic #Poly #Jedi!Reader #No Matter Where You Go I Will Find You #Star Wars #Reader is an Ex-Jedi #Reader is now a Bounty Hunter #Big reveal #finally meeting Rex

[phoenotopia]

2020 October Update

So... we've launched. And our launch was... actually kind of... bad...

This is a dev blog, so I'll speak on it. But before that, we do have the game's steam page up. If you're anticipating the PC release, please do visit the steam page and add it to your wish list. It would help us a lot.

VISIT STEAM LINK

...

So what didn't go so well?

1. We launched in Nintendo's Americas and Europe territory. If you've been following the release, you'd know that America got the game first. We didn't move to launch in Europe at all since I thought the EFIGS languages (English, French, Italian, German, Spanish) were pre-requisites for Europe. By the time I learned that this wasn't necessarily the case, and attempted to course correct, the damage was done. We had half the allotment of keys to do outreach, and maybe some European outlets that would've covered us, did not.

2. When the game launched, rather than a victory lap, what we experienced was more of a public lashing. We did get some reviews that praised the game highly, but just as many reviews lampooned the game for its high difficulty or other failings. I've since released two patches (or 3, depending on how you count it) to address the difficulty. A lot of overnighters. If you recall in the last blog post, I thought it'd be a good start if we got 20 or so reviews on Open Critic. But we've only 8 as of this writing, and the aggregate score isn't so hot. So that's a fail by my metric.

3. A publisher reached out to us because they were interested in physically printing the game! Yay! But... to advance our talks, they wanted to see the game's sales numbers to ensure that there's a good chance their investment could be recouped. And unfortunately, the game's sales numbers are pretty low. They backed out :(

Some hard lessons were learned. The biggest lesson for me concerns how well we playtested the game. Looking at the original playtester list, it's a short list. You may recall from a previous blog post that our ability to test was severely hampered by technical limitations. Add to that, a lot of people on this list are objectively really achieved players. We're talking power ranked in Smash Bros, regular tournament goers, and people who've played and bested every Souls game. And as the maker of the game, I am most blind to the game's challenges.

Now, I'm definitely more of the opinion that you prioritize PC development first. I still have some reservations about some stages of PC development. But if you do PC/Steam first, you have the great benefit of being able to do Early Access, which gives you access to a greater testing pool. I now view it as an invaluable part of the equation. If we had been able to do Early Access for 1 or 2 months before release, we probably could have ironed out most of the game's difficulty and balance problems. Hard lessons, indeed.

There were a lot of other notable events that occurred over the past 2 months - the travails of press outreach, realizing my own limits as a developer, feeling defeated and getting back up again, etc. There's too much stuff to chronicle or go into detail. But it wasn't all bad.

Some good things did happen...

We got a publisher to publish for Japan! It came as a huge relief, because clearly, we don't know what the heck we're doing.

The publisher has been an invaluable source of information and feedback. They've recommended some changes to the game to improve user experience. Some of these changes I was hesitant to do at first because they concerned systems I thought integral to the identity of the game. But after trying it, I have to admit, they're good changes.

So a Japanese version of the game was moving ahead. And it looked like that'd be it. I wasn't planning to move forward with any other language translations due to the game's low sales and our funds being depleted. 

But, I was approached by a translator who urged me to move ahead with translations. He told me he was willing to work for only a small price initially and then be paid the rest after from a percentage of the game's sales until the cost of the translation was paid in full.

I was surprised translators were willing to work under such a model since it's entirely likely the game's current low sales trajectory would continue and they wouldn't earn back the full cost of translation. But I was also flattered they were willing to take a risk with me. After that, I approached some others with the same hypothetical deal, and long story short, we're now moving forward with French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian translations. As for why these languages in particular, they were languages for whom I had contacts (because they reached out to me at some point in the past). And also because they were deemed more likely to be profitable based on their home country's gaming market/buying habits. I'd be personally happy to have my native language be represented, but it's not expected to be a profitable territory. But if the game does better in the future, it may justify the costs of translation. There could be a chance!

The plan right now is to get the game supporting these first round of languages and then to patch that into the Switch version as well as launch the PC version with these languages - all in December. A lot of things need to align for this to occur, so a delay isn't out of the question. It'll be busy... I'll update the blog again in latter half of December, probably near the game's PC launch date... OR to announce a delay. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

Fan Support

While the past two months have been grueling, one good thing remains constant - fan art! Thank you everyone who submitted. It means a lot to me and the team!

Big thanks to Pimez who's taken on watching over the reddit community as moderator. He also combs the other communities and makes sure I see every new art piece. Despite juggling his own life and all these tasks, he still found some time to draw.

Pimez's piece reminds us that just because the new game's out doesn't mean we can't still celebrate the original flash game. The jail dog is a dog found only in jail and only in the flash game. I imagine Gail is just tossing a stick, and they're playing fetch.

A new artist to this scene æv draws both the Phoenix logo AND a super cute picture of Gail playing the flute. So precious, you want to pinch her cheek. Even the Sand Drake is enthralled!

Another new artist, beet4ppy arrives on the scene with two pictures! One features a no-nonsense battle-hardened Gail looking stoic and tough! Kinda reminds me of Vinland Saga actually. The other, a more cheerful group composition - I must say I'm a big fan of Fran's classic anime-style eye!

A returning artist, Cody G, returns with a picture depicting the tribulations of cooking. Gotta love Gail's frantic expression! I've heard the complaints, which is why we've added an option to slow the cooking mini-game down. An improved button font is also on the way.

Gamesing with two undertale x phoenotopia crossovers. Thomas being a robot builder makes sense taking a role similar to Alphys. But why is Alex dressed like a clown? Perhaps there is a hidden meaning here... 

A new artist, Warotar, draws both a pooki wearing Gail's clothes and Gail wearing pooki clothes. Awww. The pooki is a bit scary - it kinda reminds me of a tragic event in a certain anime. But the Gail is adorable!

POL#5655 submitted this one to KM's discord which made its way to me. Here, a stylized Gail appears unnerved by the dark red eyes stalking her in the background. Are they bats or something more sinister?

A new artist, MilesCPW, arrives on the scene with three rare well-vectorized arts! Love it! One scene depicts Gail balancing a bomb on her head - that's a speedrunning trick I only learned about recently after someone emailed me a video O_O

The other drawing gives us new insight into Katash - he could actually look cute if he wasn't trying to kill you.

And the bees... Okay, this one got a chuckle from me :D

A returning artist roccy_chair draws this heart-warming scene from the beginning of the new game. Aww. Mika doesn't get much screen time for story reasons, so it's nice to see her represented.

UnrealWorld_32 returns with another drawing of Gail in Panselo, this time capturing a more idyllic time. I like the tranquil nature of this piece. And Gail does in fact play the guitar, denoted by the guitar in her room.

Returning artist shafiyahh draws a nice portrait of Prince Leo - looking regal and princely. I like the storybook art style of this piece. It made me immediately think of "the Little Prince" - one of my favorite books actually!

Negativus Core returns with a beautiful group composition of Gail and the gang - flying from a Switch shaped window - totally sensible considering the game is only Switch right now. As usual, I'm impressed by Negativus Core's use of challenging angles to frame a more dynamic shot of the characters. Great job!

And it wasn't only artists bearing the banner. I'd like to give a big shoutout to everyone in all the game's little communities (from the reddit to the discords to this tumblr). I've seen this community help newcomers with gameplay and walkthrough advice, discussions, updating the wiki, and so on. It does bring a smile to my face. Thank you everyone!

#phoenotopia

[clonesandmoans]

information about havoc squadron✨

i’m organizing each by clone {some information will be intertwined with other oc’s} :) the wolfpack will be mentioned as well :) {as this was originally for my series} remember -- some are more developed than others {and for that i am so sorry}

i did exclude some stuff out of this post. specifically, armor details and some physical attributions. i also forgot about some characteristics about them... as i forgot to screenshot or take notes every time i shared something, sorry!

but here’s the majority of it so enjoy!

BET:

he got his name from placing too high of a bet and lost everything, so his name became “bet” as a way to tease the fact that he’s awfully terrible at gambling (and that’s an understatement)

he has a huge gambling problem and definitely doesn’t calculate risks, going all in despite the fact that he loses every kriffing time

upon noticing his horrific (and rather embarrassing) gambling skills, havoc (and the wolfpack) makes him change his appearance every time he loses... which results in a lot of stupid, horribly done tattoos and bright hair colors

he changes hair colors often... but his favorite is the pastel purple and he keeps it for the most part throughout the war

his most signature tattoos is the one on his left shoulder of himself twerking and wolffe’s name on his ass

despite his tomfoolery and shenanigans, he does have one tattoo that he would fight someone if they made fun of it. just *one* sketched out by a lost batchmate that he doesn’t like to talk about

he’s carefree, goofy, and loves to make jokes. he’s considered the crackhead of the group. overall, he’s just super fun to be around. when he walks in a room, he lights it up with happiness and joy and fun. he smiles brightly and when he does, it’s hard for others to not smile around him

he’s also undeniably loyal and protective over his brothers and jedi. he’ll throw himself out in the line of fire if it meant saving his brother’s or jedi’s skin. he’ll make sure that everyone who is injured gets taken care of the way they need to be, even so much as going back and grabbing injured brothers. if he knows a brother won’t make it, he’ll be at their side holding their hand and comforting them in their last few moments so the brother doesn’t die alone

DRINK:

he got his name from trying and liking the weirdest drinks in the galaxy and no one understands how or why. plus, he spilled a drink... but that’s a story for another time

he doesn’t mind those weird drink challenges

SLY:

got his name from trying to steal bite’s candy but failed miserably

he got better throughout his cadet days

now, he’s in charge of stealing candy and smuggling illegal goods

he joins plo in his little “i’m getting candy for my son’s” adventures (from that one drawing!! idk who the artist was so... i’m sorry)

sly is casually stealing stuff and plo is trying to get him to pay

but, plo loves his children, so he trails after sly and lays credits down for the items he stole

so... the sly and bly rivalry

during the cadet days, their names often got mixed up from brothers (especially since they all look the same and there’s no individuality)

but now, their brothers do it for fun. just for the hell of it

they definitely get annoyed by it but the main rivalry comes from “who’s the best”

looking, shooter, runner, fashionista. whatever it is, it doesn’t matter -- they always try to out top each other

that’s it that’s the rivalry

also, sly has long hair like tup and wears it in french braids

him and kix argue often who’s the prettiest (spoiler: it’s wolffe lmao)

BITE:

during his cadet days, he (lightly) bit his brother (sly) because they tried to steal candy from him

he also got angry at the kamonians and bit them in their arm because of it

he’s also a soft sweet boy, but will fuck shit up if need be

CRASH:

got his name from by crashing into a woman -- one he was flirting with and trying to take back home

a few days later, when he met you, he turned the corner and crashed right into you, making you both tumble to the ground. hence the name

but, it’s mainly because he’s super clumsy

for shits and giggles wolffe asked cody to make him pilot to scare the shit out of everyone once they learn they have a pilot named crash

he’s a pilot, though actually doesn’t fly all that much. he only flies when he’s needed up in the air, otherwise stays on the ground and helps his brothers

because of his clumsiness, he actually has a scar on his left forehead and goes through his eyebrow

he got the scar when he was drunk -- sinker and boost were flailing around and crash tripped and hit his head on the toilet

(boost and sinker make sure to never let crash live that down)

he uses his clumsiness to his advantage out on the battlefield

he’s an observer -- he notices anything and everything (which is why he’d be a great spy... if he weren’t so clumsy)

he’s a shy, quiet boy and prefers to keep to himself most of the time

crash prefers to speak in mando’a or sign with sign language. he taught the rest of havoc squadron and the wolfpack sign language, including plo koon (and you for the series)

he’s sensitive and good with emotions. he’s the one you (and brothers) go to if you need comfort

he does have a specific tattoo and hairstyle, similar to kix, but @obiwankenobiness (my main bitch) came up with that and i forgot it... whoops...

OLIVER:

his nickname is oli

he’s the sweetest boy

he’s the youngest in the wolfpack -- as in he was the last one to join. plo took him under his wing in a way

because of that, he’s very close to plo

he has severe trauma

he was captured and enslaved by the zygerrians (hence why the wolfpack was there for the rescue...)

he also lost a limb (a leg) in a near death experience with a sith -- ventress to be exact

because of that experience, him and wolffe bonded because they both lost something and from the same being

he’s a prankster (not as mean as bet, of course) but he loves to prank the wolfpack (specifically in the series with you!)

oliver’s pranks are more funnier whereas bet’s are just downright mean

ACE:

he’s bet’s opposite

he has good luck (and is known to have it too) so he always wins at gambling

and he loves to rub it in bet’s face all. the. time.

he’s a sniper. he’s basically the og crosshair (for skills, not for personality or looks)

ace means he’s good with a rifle

he has a tattoo... please ask @obiwankenobiness about his tattoo because it’s too hard to explain lmao

all i know is it’s like a circle thing on his left arm and it means a lot to him

okay anyways... he has a shaved head. he has the ace symbol shaved into his head as well

he prefers short hair because long hair gets in the way of using his rifle

him and bet are batchmates, the best of friends, polar opposites. everyone thinks they’re an old married couple or genuinely hate each other, there’s no in between

RAMBLE:

he got his name because he talks... a lot. and he likes to go on rambles from time to time about stuff he loves

he is sweet and shy, especially for social situations

he smiles very brightly and his smile makes others just straight fall in love with him

he’s very giggly

he also blushes super easily -- from compliments, embarrassment; doesn’t matter, he blushes

whenever he does blush it reaches his ear and trails down his chest (the girls d i e for it)

his torso is covered in a huge tattoo which leads to his hips and curl down his ass and thighs (tattoo is still being determined)

i want to thank these people for letting me ramble to them about my oc’s and having them contribute ideas as well: @littlevodika @obiwankenobiness @casually-introverted @kaminobiwan @teaspacebar @hxldmxdxwn @morganas-pendragons @karasong

if i forgot about you i’m so sorry. please let me know and i can list you :) (i talked to a lot so i lose track)

#hi meet my babies :) #i love them a lot #havoc squadron #tay #baby™️

[rogueclonesftw]

hello! i don't know anything about your OC's, but i saw your post. could you perhaps list all of them with a short summary? 🙏🏻💕

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry this took so long to answer. I moved house and it was A Lot. My OCs are legion so for the sake of everyone else’s dashes I’m putting this under a read more

These are just for the clone wars era I’m leaving the rebels out of it

Thanks for asking!! Feel free to ask about anyone if you want to know more.

fair warning this is long af

I’m splitting it into sections to make this easier

Heretics

Jedi

Bela Rant

Togruta Jedi Master and mother Master of four Padawans children. Not a favourite of the Council due to differences in interpretation of the Code. Had an ongoing feud with Qui Gon Jinn that lasted until he died. She died in the war ten years later and Col took over her command.

Alask Racor

Grumpy Twi’lek first Padawan of Bela, had two Padawans of his own but was killed by pirates before the second was knighted.

Reya Meraska

Alask’s first Padawan. A human from Jedha and compassion incarnate. Had an uneventful apprenticeship and grew up to be comparatively quiet compared to the rest.

Ben Edo

Reya’s first and so far only Padawan. The model of a perfect Jedi except for thinking their interpretation of the Code is bullshit. Would have made one hell of a politician if he could stand the Senate. From Dantooine.

Tol Koden

Alask’s second Padawan, a very polite Zabrak. Alask died when he was 17 and Jos took over his training. He and Ben are the same age and were raised basically together.

Jos Vel

Stubborn and opinionated Kiffar. Bela’s second Padawan. Had her own (equally stubborn and opinionated) Padawan and then took over Tol’s training when Alask died.

Harlan Konshi

Jos’s Padawan. Also a Kiffar. Would also make a fine politician because being raised by Jos taught him to argue. He’s a bit of a jackass but in a charming way. Like, he’s a prick but you still like him.

Azaana Tyl

Harlan’s sweet, quiet, shy Togruta Padawan. Jos laughed so hard when she heard about that. Harlan is trying to teach her self-confidence. The baby of the family.

Col Blackmoor

Bela’s third and most disastrous Padawan. The former Temple Problem Child (now Temple Problem Adult). Not that he spends much time in the Temple. Was so far out on the Outer Rim he didn’t find out there was a war on until he had to come back and take over Bela’s legion. The worst case of ADHD the Temple has ever seen.

Lena Sola

Col took her in after an incident with her former Master almost saw her kicked out of the Order. Col intervened. She’s still uncomfortable around most Jedi, but they’re working on it. Sweet kid. Kage.

Aden Jadus

Bela’s final Padawan, knighted just before Geonosis. Yes, she’s from Tatooine. No, that does not mean she knows Skywalker. Stop asking.

Not-Jedi

Vale

The oldest of the bunch, Reya’s Commander. Has enough Big Dad Energy to build a deck at 20 paces. Meat grills in his presence and the shinies all fear his disappointed frown.

Nill

Jos’s Commander. Deeply claustrophobic. A nice, likeable guy unless you piss him off. Caffeine demon.

Jax

Clone Commander and Col Wrangler in Chief, Col regards his Commander with barely disguised awe. He considers him his closest friend. For his part, Jax thinks similarly highly of Col. He likes to draw when he gets spare time (rarely). Grew up with Sonny and Cody. Very protective of Lena.

Crater

Professional Ray of Sunshine, the exact opposite of his twin. Crater and Crash grew up with Wolffe. Crater was assigned to Ben, and he likes his General, really, but the man never sleeps. It’s starting to stress him out.

Click

Professional Salt Mine assigned to the Galaxy’s Politest Jedi because apparently the GAR runs on irony. Makes Wolffe look like a ray of happy, happy sunshine.

Pip

The perpetual optimist to Aden’s incredible pessimist. Remains stubbornly cheerful by choice, because if he doesn’t laugh he doesn’t think he’ll ever stop crying.

Dexter

Professional Grouchy Bastard. Likes Harlan well enough but will absolutely tell him he’s full of shit. If Azaana likes you, Dexter will tolerate your existence. If you make Azaana sad they will never find your body. A training accident left him with scars and a deep growl in his voice that makes him sound angrier than he is.

Stitch

Col’s CMO and the only person Jax legitimately fears. Deeply wishes his siblings and General would get injured less and look after themselves more. Is willing to enforce this with sedatives.

Zip

The Right Hand of God (Stitch’s second in command). He who wields the big needles.

Layne

Cheerful but stressed Captain of a company of reckless idiots who really should know better but apparently don’t. He should be used to it. He grew up with Rex.

Trip and Tap

Two survivors of Krell reassigned to Col. Tap has a nervous habit of tapping his fingers. Trip can trip over thin air.

Jazz, Snap and Void

A trio. Jazz likes to wander off. Void likes to hide. Snap likes to complain they’re giving him grey hair from the stress of having them disappearing all the time.

Ray and Rico

The product of an embryo that split, Ray and Rico lived in fear of being culled as defects on Kamino. They’ve since left Kamino, but the fear hasn’t left them.

Lys

A tired medic who would like Dexter to drink something that isn’t caf please.

Tyke

The medic with the most agreeable Jedi (Tol). He barely has to bully him into seeking medical attention at all. Such a shame that his Commander seems determined to make up for it by being a complete bastard. If Click wants to get tackled in the hallway, that’s his lookout.

Rill

Has a particular interest in medical research. Or he would if he ever had the time. 

Corrie

The youngest CMO in the GAR. Just barely 18, only on the field for six months and never meant to be CMO at all. But she’s the only medic Pip’s got left after that clusterfuck, so they’re all doing their best. She might be young but she will absolutely yell at a commander you see if she doesn’t.

New Dawn Crew

Not-Clones

Mira Vin 

A female Kiffar former Jedi whose Master died on Geonosis. The Council were going to knight her and make her a General, so she told Windu to stick it up his ass and ran away to the Outer Rim to harass slavers and save “defective” clones.

Kell Vekarr

An Alderaanian former Jedi who was rescued from slavers as a child. Finally took the 20 remaining members of his command and ran when the rest were killed over Ando. Jaster’s boyfriend. Autistic.

Jaster Toran

True Mandalorian bounty hunter who was betrayed by a client and sold into slavery. Joined the crew upon his rescue four years later. Kell’s boyfriend. Autistic.

Riye Toran

Jaster’s older sister who joined the crew to look for him and then stuck around because she liked it there.

Volya’tar

Twi’lek former slave who freed herself and stole a ship. Pilot, mechanic and Mira’s best friend.

Pash Colton

Dyspraxic dyslexic Corellian with more brains than sense. An engineering genius who has wisdom as his dump stat. Also sometimes a smuggler.

Jaina Bell

Tiny and terrifying. Orphaned at a young age and grew up to be a smuggler, mechanic and pilot.

Ela

Nonbinary Lorrdian. Has a long horrendous Lorrdian name they never use. Joined the crew because slavers suck and anything that makes their lives difficult is a good thing. Stuck around for the people.

Black Company

Halcyon

An ARC Captain known for his green hair and endless patience. Considers Kell a close friend but calls him Commander regardless. Used to fight Rex a lot as a kid. Please let this man rest.

Bones

Halcyon’s batchmate and Black Company’s CMO. A cranky bugger, but that’s understandable considering what he deals with daily.

Pax

The peacemaker between his idiot brothers and everyone else for as long as they can remember. A chill guy, but even chill guys have limits.

Tracyn and Carud

Two of the Nightmare Children. Their names are fire and smoke and they cause a lot of both, raising Pax’s blood pressure and driving Bones into apoplectic rage.

Isa

Jaro’s long suffering sister. Usually has to track him down to make him go to sleep. Has a weekly commiseration session with Ari (alcohol optional but recommended).

Jaro

Named for the Mando’a word for reckless and boy howdy is it accurate. The ADHD doesn’t help.

Ari

Rio’s batchmate and she loves her brother dearly but she is so done with his shit.

Rio

The last of the original Nightmare Children, ADHD disaster and source of most of Bones’s workload.

Kee and Jam

Nonbinary comms officers who bicker very cheerfully. Usually with each other. Often at high volume through the halls of the ship.

Torin

Gay artist baby.

Kol

Gay artist bastard.

Charly

Honestly he’s just here for a laugh and his brothers respect him for it. You’ve got to find your joy where you can get it these days.

Dys

Takes great delight in moving Set’s things just a couple of centimetres. Just enough to annoy him. Will deck anyone else who tries the same thing.

Set

Also known as Corporal Square Corners. Everything has to be neat and tidy. He was a godsend before inspections. Now he’s just the reason people have somewhere to sit.

Slip

Known for giving his trainers the slip and disappearing into the bowels of Kamino when they were doing training exercises he didn’t like and then getting stuck and having to be retrieved by Chase.

Chase

More like chase-ing his brother through the halls of Kamino to keep him out of trouble. There’s a running joke that he should have ended up in search and rescue.

Bright

Was he named for his bright red hair or as an ironic comment on his general outlook on life? Who knows? Not him. A pessimist if there ever was one.

Impulse

Full name Have-You-Ever-Heard-Of-Impulse-Control and no, he hasn’t.

Cuyan Squad

Sonny

A naturally blond, autistic, Force-sensitive Commander who survived Kamino by the skin of his teeth. Grew up with Cody and Jax. Hyper efficient Can, will and has broken people’s faces for saying shit about the Coruscant Guard.

Zak

Force-sensitive Captain who despises soup and has incredible claustrophobia. Good with kids though. Autistic.

Ru

Force-sensitive autistic Lieutenant. Quieter than Zak, and fully supports his vendetta against soup. Has his own vendetta against food that stabs you in the mouth.

Bang

Force-sensitive bomb-tech. Partially deafened in an explosion which also gave him some pretty intense scarring. Gets nervous when he can’t see people behind him.

Bit

Force-sensitive techie with a penchant for weapons modification and data slicing. Gives the best hugs in the squad.

Tink

If it’s broken Tink can fix it. The resident ADHD Force-sensitive techie. Has a tendency to hyperfocus on projects to the exclusion of all else.

Flow

De facto squad medic because he’s the best at Force-healing of the lot of them. He does not appreciate this, this is not what he trained for, you’re voiding his warranty, vode please. Dyed his hair purple because he could.

Edge

Thrill seeker with electric blue hair and boundless energy. The ADHD doesn’t help with the fidgeting, but he likes to go fast so Force-augmented speed is pretty great.

Ry and Cas

True twins born from the same tube, they’re the Fred and George Weasley of clones. They’ve got the red hair and everything. Judicious use of the Force makes pranks far easier.

Other

Caj, Chess and Blade

The brothers in charge of the homebrew alcohol. The taste is a work in progress, but the last batch didn’t make anyone go blind.

Rictor and Sike

Survivors of Krell who deal with their trauma in very different ways. Rictor is terrified of authority in case they turn out like Krell. Sike figures if he survived that he can survive anything and mouths off constantly.

Kano and Oly

Batchmates who were reconditioned separately (for nightmares and injury, respectively) and reunited upon Kano’s rescue. Oly had been with the crew for months by then. They both cried.

Sitrep, Conn and Sig

Three more nonbinary comms officers. A cheerful bunch who like to argue. Usually with each other. The problems started when they started arguing with their General.

Aran, Orar and Tay

Three heavy gunners who fight TJ a lot because the little twerp is asking for it (literally). Tay is relentlessly cheerful, Aran the exact opposite, and you’re lucky to get three words out of Orar in a row.

Ani, Mirdir and Dajun

Techies and mechanics who prefer wires to people. Mirdir and Dajun have known each other since birth and bicker a lot. Ani mostly ignores them.

Dane

A captain who finally snapped and told his General where he could stick his suicidal orders.

Sprint

Full name Slow-Down-There’s-No-Need-To-Sprint, a six foot ball of energy and barely contained enthusiasm. Usually found hurtling around the place at ludicrous speeds.

Crash

An anxious, autistic pilot who has never crashed his ship. He has, however, crashed himself into doors, siblings, training sergeants.

Rainer

A really chill guy who got shipped off for being too violent after a misunderstanding about a sparring match. TJ’s favourite sparring partner.

TJ

Likes to fight, does not care if his opponent could physically snap him in half. Sometimes he just has to beat his brain into submission via getting the crap beaten out of his body. Usually succeeds in provoking the heavy gunners into fighting him.

Zero

TJ’s perpetually worried brother. Really wishes TJ would chill. Dyslexic and has a recurring leg injury that won’t heal. Gets bored easily.

Brook and Storm

A pair of total nerds who get so engrossed in arguing that they don’t realise they’re about to walk into a tree. Frequently wander off and have to be returned.

Jai, Tala, Teek, Niko and Galaar

Five ARCs who got sent back to Kamino for telling their General to go kriff himself. Jai is Force-sensitive. Galaar is just a prick with a terrible sense of humour.

#zay answers #my ocs #oc masterlist #i will update the actual masterlists at some point but for now this'll di #please feel free to ask questions about my babies

[lildevyl]

Idea that will NEVER See the Light of Day!

Okay, so, I’m going through a FUNK right now!  So, I’m just going to put all my ideas that are going through my head and the ones that I actually written down here.  Feel free to use any of them! Just tag me if ya do so I can R&R!

Art Ideas:

My Creative Buddies/Multi-Fandom Fiends as Yugioh Cards:

Okay, so I’ve kinda have some inspiration! A while ago I posted that I’ve been going through somethings and needed a distraction. Someone reached out and gave me an Art Request! I’m going to do it! I just need kick myself to get going! The Art Request is Joey Wheeler from Yugioh in Prince Aldan’s Costume from Disney’s Aladdin.

The idea and inspiration is draw all of my Creative Buddies (Mutals) and my Multi-Fandom Fiends as Yugioh Cards! And have a little text about the cards. Their special Attacks/Abilities, which cards go great with them.

Don’t Draw Chase!:

This is a two parter!

Part 1:  I do the little challenge/tag reblog of my drawing Chase and then gets transported to where Chase got transported too

Part 2:  I draw my Creative Buddies/Multi-Fandom Fiends who are Artists, drawing Chase and then they get transported to where Chase gets transported too! The Plot Twist is that they call me up wanting to know if I can help them get back, only for me to find out that they somehow got transported into a story or comic that I was working on!

Animal AU:  This is based on @septic-dr-schneep​​ Animal AU.  The Egos as Animals! I want to draw JJ as a Rabbit thumping his big paw in Morse Code. Something like this, thumpthumpthump Thump Thump Thump  thumpthumpthump.  SOS

I’m planning on drawing all the Egos as the different Animals that I want to draw them as in the Animal AU that’s probably never going to see the light of day of me writing it!

JJ as a Rabbit.  Chase as a Golden Retriever.  Schneep as an Owl.  Marvin as a Cat or something in the feline family.  Jackie as Service Dog.  Anti as a Buzzer/Vulture something along those lines.

Draw this in Your Own Style:  I don’t think this is going to happen.  Mainly, b/c I don’t have my own style or I just don’t know what my style is!  I wanted to draw one of @huffletrax​ Marvin’s Drawings.  This might come around, when I get myself to stop staring at a blank screen or wasting time scrolling through Reddit or Tumblr and actually do something!

Fantasy AU:  Inspired by @rogue-of-broken-time​'s Fantasy AU.  I'm not sure if I'll ever get to draw this!

I want to draw like a mini comic or something.  You're walking along a path in the woods to find someone.  It's getting pretty dark, and you have no idea where to go or what's actually out here.  You see tiny little lights and then you see a floating eyeball?!  The green floating eyeball waves it's tail at you to follow it.  It leads down the path and then off the path to clearing.  There you see the person who you've been searching for!

"Ah, I see you found them, Sam!  Come in, come in!  Have a seat!"  The person points to one of the stones to sit on.  "So, what can I do for ya?" You hand them a scroll that King has order you, the Royal Scribe to give to them.  "Ah, so you want to know what actually happened?  You're the Royal Scribe?  The one to keep all the records?  I see.  Well, I can help you!  I know what did happen all to well."  They look off into the distance for some time.  "My name's Rogue and I'll tell you the tale."

Writing Ideas:

Animal AU:  This based on @septic-dr-schneep's Animal AU.  Thank You Rilia for the inspiration but I'm sorry that I won't be able to write anytime soon!

Summary:  Sarah needs a Service Dog a for her heart condition. If her heart rate reaches above a certain level she could pass-out and die.  Her father does everything he can to make sure that Sarah get the Service Dog that she needs! Sarah, names the dog Jackie after Septic City's Superhero Jackieboy Man. Some time passes and Sarah and Jackie are having a time of their lives!

Sarah's knows that do to her condition that she will never be able to follow in her father's footsteps to become an Officer, so she decides to become a Vet instead!  Being able to help others and their beloved pets.  However, Sarah and her friends notice that something really weird is going on in Septic City.  All the stray Animals have started to disappear and it's not do the Animal Shelters either!

Sarah accidentally stumbles upon the reason why the Stray Animals have been disappearing.  Some Mad Scientist/Vet have been pet-napping them and using them for his experiments.  Now, with Sarah in his grasp and them being out near the city limits of in one of the abandon warehouses, the Mad Scientist can finally start using her as a test subject!

Sarah's father, Septic City's Police Chief asks help of someone he never thought in a million years for help to help bring his daughter back in piece, Jackieboy Man.

Fantasy AU:  Inspired by @rogue-of-broken-time's Fantasy AU.  Thank You so much for the inspiration Rogue!  Hopefully, this might get written!

Summary:  In a far away land, a Kingdom lives in peace with Magic and Non-Magic users co-existing peacefully.  But things haven't always been, this peaceful between the two Races.  Magic was heavily feared and outlawed in a Kingdom where King Anti rules with an iron fist and a Black Heart.  One Kingdom welcomes all Magical beings and has kept the peace for years.  Until the Corrupted King declares war and secrets of the Corrupted King and the heir to the Magical Kingdom comes to the surface.

Wrestling AU:  This idea is inspired by the YouTuber Tournament Series by N60Sean!  He uses Create A Wrestlers of different YouTubers and it got me thinking!  A crossover of YouTube and Wresting!

Summary:  Felix Kjellberg aka "The King of YouTube" decides to start his own Wrestling Company with the help of his friends and Indie Wrestlers! The Wrestling Company is a huge success but it also catches the attention of another Wrestling Company, AEW (All Elite Wrestling).  Cody shows up on the biggest night of them all, offering to buy Felix's Company all out with no strings attached and to buy all of the Wrestlers too!  Felix refuses and now there is an all out War!

Yugioh AU:  A Crossover with YouTube and Yugioh!

Summary:  One of Jack's friends has been kidnapped!!!  Now, he and his friends have compete in a Duel Masters Tournament to get his friends back!  Along the way, Jack discovers more about himself, and about the spirit of his puzzle Sean.

Egopocaplse:  The Universe/World of the Egos that I've been writing about!  I'm not sure if I'll ever get to write the one-shots/multi chapter stories about the Egos that I want to write.  I have most of the Head Canons of the Egos and what I like to write about these guys and have an idea on where I want to go with it.  And with the all the Guest Stars too!  I just have no idea if I'll be able to actually not only write the stories but also finish the damn things!  I have so many WIPs it's not even funny and I want to freakin' finish them but it seems like every time I'm stuck on a story, I get an idea for another!

And no, I can't really hyper focus on one thing and though I'm super into it! My brain just work like that!  I don't know why, but I just doesn't!

Love Potion:  Inspired by @m4delin and @juju-on-that-yeet Ego Ship of Illinois and Yancy!

Summary:  Yancy and Illinois have a crush on another but neither of them know it!  It’s gotten to the point where everyone in Ego Inc. has place bets on who will confess to who first!  But when Illinois and Yancy over hear the other say something, they both think that the other has crush on someone else!

Meanwhile, Yandereplier is desperate to find their Senpi!!  After helping Marvin translate one his spell books, Yandere finds a spell that they want to try out. Reveal Your True Love.  When Illinois mistakes the potion for a flavor syrup that Yandere accidentally left out on the counter, Illinois suddenly has the urge to confess his love to a very confused Yancy.

Avatar the Last Airbender:

Summary:  Hundred years have passed since the last Avatar was reincarnated. No one knows what had happened to the last Avatar an Air Bender, but now with the Commit on its way to give the Fire Nation one last powerful push.  The new Avatar, a Water Bender has been found.  A South Pole Water Bender, named Sokka.

#personal #writing ideas #art ideas #ideas that will never see the light of day #vent #rant #lildevyl's rant #lildevyl's vent #idea dump #in a funk #and don't know how to get out of it #going to be out of commission from work for almost a week #and all i'm doing is wasting time #when i could be writing #or practicing my art! #what the hell is wrong with me? #staring at a blank screen #with so many wips that need to be updated #and probably will never be updated anytime soon #i'll go a wallow in my self pity now #sorry everyone #yugioh #avatar the last airbender #markiplier #jacksepticeye #pewdiepie #crossover #au #youtube

[maybejustmarigold]

Lalin's Curse Band AU: Introduction Post!

Hey guys! Since a good handful of you guys like my Band AU, I figured I'd start posting about it here for those who don't have the amino!

If you are on the amino, you've already seen this (but you can skim over as a refresher just saying UwU), but below is some information on each of the roles and a bit about each of the boys (and girls) in the AU!

Sadly, I don't have designs for the girls yet ;-; but if this does good I may do those. Keep in mind, I'm a very busy person, being a student and all.

Anyways I'll save my blabbering for the Ask Blog post! ^-^ Enjoy this intro to my lovely universe!

-----

Premise: The boys have just started college and notice that they are growing a bit further apart. So they decide to start a band in order to stay connected. They quickly become an internet sensation. And, of course, as you know, with these boys, shenanigans are bound to ensue!

Now let’s meet the band: Cursed!

David - 

Role: Guitarist

Age: 19

College Course : Astronomy

Conspiracy Theories: Too many to count

Fun Facts:

-Is the shortest member by less than an inch

-The sunshine child

-Obsessed with his interests

-Low-key depressed

-Leader™

---

Felix -

Role: Bassist (and piano if needed)

Age: 20

College Course: Veterinary

Favorite Food: Specifically David’s Flan

Fun Facts:

-Wants to be an exotic animal vet

-Still cares for and fosters injured crows. He’s known as the crow man

-Basically the big brother of the group

-Has the most fangirls and takes pride in it

-Chaotic Neutral

---

Eric -

Role: Drummer

Age: 20

College Course: Video Production

Subscribers: 3 million (roughly)

Fun Facts:

-Tallest. By far.

-Airhead™

-Has the second most fangirls, but is most active with fans

-Sings the background vocals

-Surprisingly isn’t failing any of his classes

-Bonus! He and Cody produce music videos for their songs

-Bonus 2: Electric Boogaloo: He manages all of their social media accounts

---

Tobias -

Role: Lead Singer

Age: 20

College Course: Law

Responsibilities: A heccin’ lot

Fun Facts:

-Cares a lot about his friends

-Juggles the finances and helps Lucia (the manager/agent) book gigs

-Co-Leader

-Has a MONSTER crush on David, but is good at hiding it (most of the time)

-Wants to be a police officer or a lawyer

-Bonus! Low-key rivals with Cody

-Bonus 2: Electric Boogaloo: Helps Cody write songs (sometimes)

---

Cody -

Role: Songwriter

Age: 19

College Course: Drawing & Writing (Double Major)

Status: Nervous

Fun Facts:

-The Glue Holding This Family Together™

-None of their fans have ever seen him (upon Cody’s request)

-Shy af and has terrible stage fright

-Plays guitar, piano, ukulele, and the kazoo (It counts fite me)

-Writes songs on own experiences or stories he hears (he has/likes the tea)

-Bonus! His heart can’t decide who he has a crush on (So it’s just everyone for now)

-Bonus 2: Electric Boogaloo! Low-key rivals with Tobias

---

Lucia -

Role: Manager

Age: 20

College Course: Law

Mom Friend: Yes

Fun Facts:

-Is everyone’s mom

-Friends with both Cody and Tobias (Surprisingly)

-Bisexual Calm

-Calm most of the time, unless you mess with her friends

-Subtle Goth

---

Noemi -

Role: Choreographer

Age: 19

College Course: Dance

Favorite Artists: billie eilish, MCR, and Evanescence

Fun Facts:

-Emo af

-Bisexual Panic (at the disco)

-Music References are life

-Very strict teacher

-Helps Lucia with management

---

Maria -

Role: Top Promoter

Age: 19

College Course: Music Production

Love For Fluffy Animals: Transcends the heavens

Fun Facts:

-#1 Fangirl/Supporter and does whatever she can to help out

-Co-Choreographer

-Takes her job very seriously

-Party Animal

-Cinnamon Roll™

And now for the designs!!

Sorry for the poor quality photos /♡\ my camera SUCKS!

Anyways! That's all for now!

Take Care! ^-^

- 💛

#lalin's curse ask blog #lalin's curse band au #lalin's curse #alternate universe #my own au #info post #character design #cody lozano blasco #david garcia martinez #felix lopez dorado #eric bermudez parejo #tobias ruiz castro #cody lalin's curse #david lalin's curse #eric lalin's curse #felix lalin's curse #tobias lalin's curse

[pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles]

Girls Talk Boys (part 1)

Camille and Cher meet their new neighbors

This started as kind of a joke. That's why there are so many guys in it. I now have like eight parts to it so what the hell. First time writing anything like this. Let me know if you like it.

Warnings: there will be mentions of drinking and smoking, lots of cursing and eventually it gets dirty.

The heat slapped her in the face as she stepped out of her truck. Ok so maybe packing up your entire life and moving across country in July wasn't her best idea, but Camille desperately needed a fresh start. Landing a new job on the west coast couldn't have come at a better time.  She readjusted her hair back into a bun and took a minute to survey their new home in the gated condominium complex Jacaranda Garden Estates. Sure it sounded like a seniors golf retreat but was known for being an eccentric community full of artistic types with a little money.  A sports blog wasn't exactly considered the arts but Camille wasn't alone in this.

Her bff/”little sister” Cher was in on the adventure. Cher was a brilliant artist and had been the one to convince Camille to go for it.   Cher’s childhood bestie Cody already lived at the Jacaranda. It was Cody and his boyfriend Nick that helped get them approved by the committee.

Wandering through the downstairs through the kitchen stepping off the back patio Camille could see several of her new neighbors enjoying the summer day. The pool area was teeming with guys with tattoos, muscles and low slung shorts and impossibly tall slim beautiful women. Several people were glancing her way making Camille wish she'd put some effort into her appearance today. Cher took that moment to appear at her side in a literal puff of smoke finishing off the last of a joint.

“ FINALLY Took you bitches long enough” Cody, as loud and dramatic as he was tall ran over to wrapping them both up in a hug. “Codyeeeeeee” Cher squealed giving him a giant smacking kiss on the cheek. Releasing them Cody lifted Camille’s hand to his lips “Greetings your grace” he murmured with a cheeky grin.  Cody hadn’t seen them in ages. The two of them made an interesting combo. Cher being the more relaxed and cheerful but at the same time a bit dreamy and ditzy. Her long dark hair, habit of favouring sundresses and going barefoot she looked much more innocent than she actually was. Also being the taller and younger Cher both looked up to and down at Camille. Camille was barbed wire wrapped in cotton candy with her signature pink hair, pink clothes and cats eye glasses she looked like a harmless ball of fluff, but in reality nothing escaped her eyes or her sharp toungue.  She could be sarcastic, funny, silly and mean. Most people adored Cher right off while Camille took some getting used to.

”“So where is this famous boyfriend we've been hearing so much about with his sexy  bod” Camille teased. Cody booped her on the nose “play nice Duchess.” Camille grinned “I always play nice, but I CAN play can't I” she questioned glancing at the pool area where now most people were watching their small group. Cody followed her line of sight and saw several guys starting to head their way. He was not surprised to see Ashton leading the pack. He’d been pestering Cody for weeks about the new girls. Luke and Calum, Ashton’s bandmates were close behind.

“You must be Cody’s friends. Would you ladies like some help?” Camille was surprised at the accent that accompanied the question. Turning she found herself face to face with a hazel eyed devilishly handsome male. “We probably could get it but if you guys would like to help that would be awesome thank you” Cher answered beaming at the sandy haired stranger.  Camille just looked at him and asked “where are you from? Australia?” He nodded “I'm Ashton, this is Calum and Luke” pointing behind him at his two taller yet equally ridiculously good looking friends

, one blonde and angelic the other dark and exotic.  “I’m Camille and this is Cher.” By this time two more very attractive guys had shown up. Harry who was lanky and covered in tattoos. Tom who was shorter and younger looking than the others but stronger than he looked.

Camille was more than happy to let the guys do most of the heavy lifting. With the guys help it took no time to unload the truck. They managed to get the living room set up and afterwards the three friends insisted on treating the guys to dinner afterwards   Camille took care of the food. Cody and Cher set up beer and shots of fireball. Once the booze started flowing so did the questions. The Aussies were in a band together. Tom was an actor/dancer/stuntman filming a top secret project hoping. Harry had turned success with a British boy band into a lucrative U.S. TV career as a judge on a top rated talent show. Both girls were a bit star struck but Camille was better at hiding it. From the kitchen she could see Cher rummaging through a bag and retrieving her sketchbook. Opening it the guys were completely taken aback as the sweet hippie girl revealed she makes a living drawing monsters  

Cher always got a kick out of showing people her creations for the first time. What began as childhood therapy had earned her a decent living. Three years ago she'd created Vexxed for a graphic novel. That got developed into a video game that had been a major success. Camille had helped her work out a contract for Vexxed related merchandise so Cher had a decent source of regular income. This allowed her to focus on her art and her hobby of being a foot model. “A foot model? Like for shoes? How does that work?” Harry spoke up and Cher melted a little at his British accent. She immediately blushed knowing this was about to get personal. “Um well not for shoes more like taking pictures for people who really like feet” she could feel her cheeks burning but she held her head up to show she was feeling nervous not ashamed.

Camille came back into the living room bringing fresh beers for Ashton, Calum and Tom with the bottle of whiskey in the other hand. She was paying attention to Cher who now had Harry and Ashton looking at her feet and peppering her with questions. She didn't see the extension cord and tripped. Just as she was about to go flying there was a sudden movement at her side. One strong arm wrapped around her waist steadying her while his free hand grabbed the beers out of her grasp. “Careful now hate to waste alcohol” he chuckled in her ear. She looked up to find Calum smiling down at her. “That would've been tragic. Thank you” she replied cursing the universe that the sexiest man she'd ever seen was the one guy in the room with a long time girlfriend. His dark eyes, his strong biceps decorated with tattoos, his lips, those HANDS, Camille tried not to stare certain he could hear the sploosh. She glanced over and saw Cody flash her an evil grin. Suddenly she realized everyone was looking at her. Ashton was asking her a question. “I'm sorry what was that” Camille came back to reality. Ashton grinned at her “So what do you do for a living are you as interesting as your friend here? Tell me you're a dominatrix….Mistress Pink Hair” Cher and Camille locked eyes and burst out laughing. “Call me Pinkstress Cammy” Camille jokes. Luke suddenly sat up straight his eyes wide as he asked “You're not really are you?”  Camille was still laughing “No definitely not but we do know one, and no Ashton I'm not nearly as interesting. I'm a freelance writer but I have a full time gig as a feature on profantasysports.com”

It took everything Cher had not to start laughing again as she watched the boys react. Tom was the first to speak “wait hold on you write for profantasysports?” He looked puzzled for a second. “About fantasy football? Hold on you're...are you Smashmouth Cam?” Camille nodded and Tom looked impressed. Luke spoke up “so you must know a lot about sports for a girl”

Calum was sitting on the arm of the chair and Cher couldn't help but noticed he rolled his eyes at Luke at the same time Camille narrowed hers. Cher knew how much Camille hated that “for a girl” nonsense, and was impressed at how light her response came out. “No sweetie” she breezed back “I know a lot about sports.”

“Maybe you could help me win some money” Harry said with a cheeky grin “is it just American football?” Camille just nodded “no premier league yet sorry.”

Ashton grabbed the bottle of whiskey from the table in front of her. “We're gonna play a game” he announced looking back at Cher before staring down at the girl in pink. Camille glanced around the room. A fourth Aussie, Michael had shown up with his lovely girlfriend.  Cody’s boyfriend Nick had arrived with a nice fat bag and the two of them were rolling two massive blunts. She was a little nervous about potentially getting wasted in front of her handsome neighbors, but she and Cher could drink with the best of them. Besides Cody and Nick wouldn't let anything bad happen. Finally she met the pair of hazel eyes challenging her. “Fine by me” Camille heard herself say “but I'm not drinking that kids stuff, I've got a bottle of Goldschlager in one of these boxes.” “It's in the freezer” Cher told her “and shot glasses are in the box with the blue tape marked emergency drinking supplies.” Camille got up and Calum did as well offering to help. The girls locked eyes for a second. “Are you sure?” Cher’s eyes seemed to ask. Camille wasn't sure at all. This could get messy.  Ripping open the box she found Cher’s Pisces shot glass and her House Targaryen one before selecting some for the guys. Handing Calum the bottle she caught his smile and thought “Fuck it I'm damned if I do, bored if I don't.”

Chapter 2 Heart To Break

#5sos #calum 5sos #luke 5sos #ashton 5sos #calum hood #calum 5 seconds of summer #ashton irwin #calum imagine #5sos imagine #girls talk boys #5sos series

[thirstinmore-blog]

Best Albums of 2018

BEST ALBUMS 2018

20. Noname: Room 25

19. Jeremih & Ty Dolla $ign: Mih-Ty

18. Tierra Whack: Whack World

17. Parks Burton: Pare

16. Oneohtrix Point Never: Age Of

15. Angelique Kidjo: Remain in Light

14. Shannon Shaw: Shannon in Nashville

13. Curren$y & Freddie Gibbs: Fetti

12. Ariana Grande: Sweetener

11. Vince Staples: FM!

10. DJ Koze: Knock Knock

9. Mariah Carey: Caution

8. Courtney Barnett: Tell Me How You Really Feel

7. The Carters: Everything is Love

6. Snail Mail: Lush

5. Shannon & the Clams: Onion

4. Teyana Taylor: K.T.S.E.

3. Kacey Musgraves: Golden Hour

2. Blood Orange: Negro Swan

1. Dirty Projectors: Lamp Lit Prose

(Spotify playlist)

(Capsule reviews of Top 10 below) 

10. DJ Koze: Knock Knock.  The music writing trope of “a sounds like b + c” is as lazy as it is played, but sometimes you hear a record and those type of comparisons spring to mind, like when I first heard Saint Pepsi’s Hit Vibes and instantly thought of J Dilla making a disco record.  That was also my response to Knock Knock, which sounds like the Avalanches making a more patient update of Since I Left You for 2018 ears.  The record is long and lush, and draws from roughly nine billion different aesthetics, but its particular mélange still manages to sound fresh.  As with SILY, the album is best experienced as a complete piece of music (though several tracks, such as “Lord Knows” and “Scratch That” would sound great in a mix or DJ set).  Knock Knock takes the listener through ambling pathways that wrap around and revisit each other, like an evening stroll through the spacious Joshua Tree National Park depicted on its cover.  It’s nearly a two-hour journey, but it’s well worth the price of admission.

9. Mariah Carey: Caution.  Mariah got a dirty mouth and I’m here for it.  As mother, a twice-divorcée, a woman nearing 50, her work and her image are all her own; if she wants to include the word “fuck” in a bunch of songs on her new album (“GTFO,” “With You,” “The Distance”), then who the fuck are we to tell her no?   It’s a refreshing twist from someone whose public persona is often so curated, but I’m burying the lede.  The real story here is that Caution is a batch of excellent R&B songs from one of the genre’s all-time greats.  It’s not overwrought – by contrast, the album’s sultry blue cover art is indicative of the moods within.  The Ty Dolla $ign-featuring “The Distance” is laid extremely deep in the cut, assisted by some subtle production from Poo Bear, Lido and—holy shit, Skrillex?  Yup, and like Mariah herself, everyone involved uses an even hand and measured patience to let each song breathe.  

A personal highlight for me is “A No No,” which flips the Lil Kim/Lil Cease classic “Crush On You” on its head.  Here, where Biggie intones “he’s a slut, he’s a hoe, he’s a freak/got a different girl every day of the week,” there is no irony intended.  She gauges her suitors’ intent and responds simply: “that’s a no-no.”  In fact, the word “no” accounts for easily half the song’s lyrics, but it’s still a blast on subsequent listens.  But don’t get it twisted – highlights abound herein, from aforementioned singles “GTFO” and “The Distance” to the thoughtful, expansive, Dev Hynes-helmed “Giving Me Life,” which begins as a downtempo club hit and morphs into a surrealist dream.  Mariah Carey is one of the artists who’s been in my life the longest – I’m so happy she’s still killing it.

8. Courtney Barnett: Tell Me How You Really Feel.  Courtney Barnett is what I was raised to believe an indie rock star should be: an unassuming, smart slacker with regular clothes and the ability to unleash earthbound poetry and atmosphere-puncturing solos with equal aplomb.  That effortless cool permeates every facet of her work, from her casual half-singing style to her loose but proficient playing, a mighty guitar god in the body of a humble 31-year-old.  (That she recorded a collaborative record with renowned cool guy Kurt Vile should surprise no-one.)  But what’s really striking about Barnett’s work is her wryly observant lyrics; whether she’s describing the banalities of urban life (“City Looks Pretty”) or eviscerating toxic masculinity (“Nameless, Faceless”), her keen eye and incisive wit pervade every line.  Tell Me is the sound of a strong artist getting stronger.

7. The Carters: Everything is Love.  I often say that as I get older, my favorite elements of songwriting are editing and restraint.  That’s why I tend to hate double albums and love EPs.  I just believe that most double albums would be better if distilled down to one really strong record.  EPs, on the other hand, leave the listener wanting more.  Such is the case with Everything is Love, which reads like a Beyonce trap record with a number of guest verses from Jay. Regardless of speculation on who did the lion’s share of the writing on the record, both are in top form.  Bey’s signature vocal virtuosity is on display as ever, but the real delight is in her capable delivery as a rapper.  She glides effortlessly through triplets like “Poppin, I’m poppin, my bitches are poppin, we go to the dealer and cop it all.”  Big Sean could never.  Meanwhile, Jay turns in a few of my favorite bars of the year (and also a very slick Drake diss) on “Boss:”

“You not a boss, you got a boss. N*ggas gettin’ jerked, that shit hurts, I take it personaly.  N*ggas’d rather work for the man than to work for me.  Just so they can pretend they on my level, that shit is irkin’ to me.  Pride always goeth before the fall, almost certainly.  It’s disturbing what I gross.  Survey says: you not even close.  Everybody’s bosses till the time to pay for the office, till them invoices separate the men from the boys. Over here we measure success by how many people successful next to you.  Here, we say you broke if everybody is broke except for you. BAWSE.”

I don’t know if they intend to release more records as The Carters, but Everything is Love is a fun, successful experiment.

6. Snail Mail: Lush.  There’s no reason for a debut LP to be this good.  The record, from solo project-turnt-band of 19-year-old Lindsay Jordan is focused, clever, and sophisticated.  Every component of these songs appears exactly as it should.  Jordan’s songwriting is clean and incisive (“I hope whoever it is holds their breath around you/’cause I know I did,” she sings on album standout “Heat Wave”).  The arrangements are smartly simple; seldom do they deviate from the four-person rock lineup, so the embellishments that are included (the French horn on “Deep Sea,” the layered keys on “Speaking Terms”) really leap out.  The playing throughout is lovely, with Jordan’s beautiful guitar technique front and center (the finger-picking on “Let’s Find an Out” is a particular delight). Everything in its right place – only where Radiohead’s inward gaze can be mopey and self-indulgent, the core strength of Lush is its efficiency.  There’s no filler here – just the exact amount of support that each piece requires.  The drumming feels especially strong in this regard – there’s an economic directness in Ray Brown’s playing that prioritizes the backbeat over everything, including his ego. The fills that he does include are modest and workmanlike.

It’s right that the record would be released by Matador, because these songs are drenched in the influences of the 90s slacker rock of Yo La Tengo, Sonic Youth, Sleater-Kinney and Sebadoh.  And as with each of those bands, Snail Mail’s songs are buoyed by excellent lyrics.  Jordan doesn’t just sound wise beyond her years, she actually seems to have lived more in her 19 years than many folks twice her age.  There’s a subtext of sobriety in some of the songs (“It just feels like the same party every weekend, doesn’t it?” on “Pristine,” or “I’m so tired of moving on/spending every weekend so far gone” on “Heat Wave”).  Perhaps the self-reflection that’s required in recovery has helped to distill her worldview.  

And look, I don’t mean to be patronizing here – this album would be a major achievement from any person of any age.  But to hear an artistic vision this crystal clear and laser-focused from a 19-year-old is something truly special.  I can’t wait to hear what she does next.

5. Shannon & the Clams: Onion.  Upon first listen, Onion struck me as the best record the Clams have released to date.  Now, admittedly, I’m a sucker for keyboards, and the inclusion of organist Will Sprott is pure Patrick-bait.  But beyond my own tastes, the organ both fills out and anchors the Clams’ garage doo-wop sound.  There’s a welcome succinctness to Onion: the songwriting is tight, the guitar playing is melodic and utilitarian, and the vocal performances from both Cody and Shannon are more technically refined than in any of their previous outings.  One wonders if Shannon’s work on her own solo album (the very good, Dan Auerbach-produced Shannon in Nashville, which also came out this year) pushed her to improve her technique.  And don’t get it fucked up – this is still a Clams record.  It’s still shaggy and loud and rambunctious – but they’ve worked hard to reign in their wildest tendencies.  Some might say that it’s layered, just like-- *an oversized cane hooks around my throat and drags me offstage* ….Well…..let’s just say it’s good.

4. Teyana Taylor: KTSE.  Of all the seven-song mini-albums Kanye produced in Wyoming this year, KTSE is both the best and the least talked-about.  She arrives seemingly out of the blue, a fully-formed artist who knows her strengths exactly.  She has bars when she feels like spitting them, a beautiful husky alto when she feels like crooning, and a profound connection to multiple styles of club music that’s borne of her history as a dancer.  It’s become a bit trendy to nod to vogue & ballroom culture in the last few years, but while Drake’s Big Freedia feature on “Nice for What” feels a little forced, Taylor can walk it like she talks it.  A dancer by trade, her comfort in the ballroom is palpable. 

Ye keeps it simple, remaining comfortably in his wheelhouse and flipping excellent soul samples such as Billy Stewart’s “I Do Love You” (which he repurposes into a nostalgic 4/4 slapper on “Hold On”) and The Stylistics’ “Because I Love You, Girl” (which he expands into a melancholy mediation on the horn section of the original).  It’s a welcome return to form.

3. Kacey Musgraves: Golden Hour.  In her SNL performance earlier this year, Kacey Musgraves appeared as a flat-ironed, longhair disco queen.  As she slayed Golden Hour’s catchy lead single “High Horse,” I was reminded of Dolly Parton.  I’ve been spending a lot of time with Dolly’s mid-70s and early-80s catalogue this past year, having purchased vinyl copies of All I Can Do, New Harvest…First Gathering, and Dolly, Dolly, Dolly.  Parton is one of those artists whose discographies are so gigantic as to seem practically impenetrable, so I’ve been trying to hear as much as I can.  Dolly, Dolly, Dolly is an especially interesting entry: released in 1980, it was her 23rd album, and it represents a pretty clear swing for crossover success.  A handful of the tracks are straight-up disco, and these are what Musgraves called to mind.  I was thrilled – Dolly’s disco experiments were widely panned, but I think there’s a lot of good there, maybe Golden Hour would be an attempt to vindicate Parton’s vision?

Unfortunately or not, I was incorrect.  In total, Golden Hour bears more resemblance to Dolly’s friend & frequent collaborator Emmylou Harris (Kacey’s hair should’ve tipped me off, SMH).  It’s a beautiful, understated, and thoughtful set of songs that could fit as well on a folk radio station as a country one.  Like Harris, Musgraves has an innate sense of how to let a great song be great, hanging back in both arrangement and vocal performance.  She’s emotive when she needs to be (“Rainbow”), and contemplative as needed (“Golden Hour”), always letting her writing breathe.  Also, she has the confidence to bury the lead single so deep on Side B that you almost forget it’s there (and are thrilled when it is).  As a person who prefers the full album experience to that of a shuffled playlist, this is one of my very favorite tricks.

Quite simply: great songs + great arrangements = a surprising list-topper for me.

2. Blood Orange: Negro Swan.  For years, the roles of sexuality and gender in black identity have been foci of Dev Hynes’ work as Blood Orange.  He spent time with drag queens and sex workers while writing his debut album Coastal Grooves, and has often cited transgender icon Octavia St. Laurent as one of his primary influences.  But while these interests have colored his previous albums, on Negro Swan they’re the bedrock.  In a press release preceding the album, Hynes described the album as “an exploration into my own and many types of black depression, an honest look at the corners of black existence, and the ongoing anxieties of queer/people of color.  A reach back into childhood and modern traumas, and the things we do to get through it all.  The underlying thread through each piece on the album is the idea of hope, and the lights we can try to turn on within ourselves with a hopefully positive outcome of helping others out of their darkness.”

These ideas are fundamental to the songwriting, and they’re reinforced by snippets of conversations with Janet Mock and Kai the Black Angel (who adorns the cover in a durag and angel wings) peppered throughout the album’s 49 minutes.  On “Family,” Mock defines community as “the spaces where you don’t have to shrink yourself, where you don’t have to pretend or to perform, you can fully show up and be vulnerable in silence, completely empty, and that’s completely enough.”  That search for community, the desire to be seen and loved and supported as your whole self informs each of these beautiful songs.  Already a competent producer, Hynes continues to grow, selecting beautiful flourishes like the jangly, perfectly out-of-tune guitar on “Charcoal Baby” or the soft, echoing snare drum on “Dagenham Dream” to characterize the thematic content of each piece.  Negro Swan is a powerful and complete work of art.  It sounds like he’s finally found some answers to the questions he’s been asking. 

1. Dirty Projectors: Lamp Lit Prose.  On Lamp Lit Prose, David Longstreth appears to be having more fun making music than he has in years, probably because almost 100% of his band has turned over (kudos to longtime bassist Nat Baldwin, whose playing tethers him to his own beginnings).  Beyond the new Projectors themselves, Longstreth spent the months during the writing of the album making new friends in the LA music scene, and bringing them around the studio to record various parts.  Members of Haim contribute to album standout “That’s a Lifestyle,” Syd (of The Internet) anchors the refrain in “Right Now,” and Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold and Vampire Weekend alumnus Rostam Batmanglij stack harmonies onto the swirling ballad “You’re The One.”

I see LLP as the second half of a diptych begun by the self-titled Dirty Projectors, released last year.  While that record wallowed in the pain of a broken relationship with former Projector Amber Coffman, LLP reveals a healed and newly in love protagonist.  Both records feature David Longstreth at his most vocally competent: he’s now able to truly execute the melismatic R&B runs he lovingly wrote and charmingly attempted in his earliest work, his diaphragm now supports his every leap and bound, and his croon is sweeter than ever before.  But furthermore, both albums expand on ideas that have popped up throughout his illustrious and impressive body of work.  Whether he’s reviving the Rise Above era blasts of noisy guitars on “Zombie Conqueror” or revisiting the orchestral ambitions of The Getty Address on the stunningly soulful “I Wanna Feel It All,” Longstreth sounds like a worker with a complete toolbox and a detailed blueprint.  He’s been working at honing his craft for years.

I saw the Projectors in June, at a time when only “Break-Thru” and “That’s a Lifestyle” had leaked.  I didn’t know what to expect, being among the seemingly small minority of fans who liked their previous record.  But their set was staggering.  Flanked by his group of mostly-new faces, Longstreth was bouncing all over the place, proudly showcasing each instrumentalist & vocalist (seemingly everyone had at least one moment in the spotlight), visibly excited about playing with this group of people.  And that makes sense: LLP is Longstreth relishing the fundamental glee of musical collaboration.  The joy is positively bubbling over in tracks like “Right Now,” “I Feel Energy,” and “I Found it in You.”  To see him play these songs live is to wonder if he’s talking about the act of musicmaking itself when he sings: “Ask now, I’m in love for the first time ever.”

[comicsbeat]

Continuing with our wide-ranging survey of creators from every end of the business on what happened and what’s coming. A lot of people who responded e this year talked about the development of a new distribution system or channel for comics as being a big story for 2019. It seem there is a lot of dissatisfaction with how comics are sold these days, no duh. What do you think?  Is there a savior on the horizon? You can check out the other parts of the survey here.

Kwanza Osajyefo, writer

2019 Projects: H1 Comics from Humanoids and WHITE, the sequel to BLACK

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? The growth of the graphic novels among titles that don’t perform as well in the direct market.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Comic distribution becoming more multi-channel along with the direct market

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Figuring out what is going on in Paper Girls

Who inspired you in 2018? Everyone, I think so many of our peers have been operating on ten this year. I think the flood of comics content into the mainstream has really gotten us fired up, not to get our work into other mediums but to imagine on a larger scale.

  Tony Shenton. Sales rep and consultant

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? The death of Stan Lee

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? The ongoing legal battle Cody Pikrodt has started vs. small presses and creators

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Not a guilty pleasure at all: RUN from Abrams.

Gary Tyrrell, Blogger

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Spike Trotman. She’s tearing up the industry with Iron Circus, and she’ll be launching a YA imprint — she’s making it so a lot of future superstars have a place to start their careers.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Raina Telgemeier’s next book will have an initial print run of one million. That’s mindbending.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Perp walks of high federal officials and Trump family members. So many perp walks.

Who inspired you in 2018? Pat Race — he and his team have put together something extraordinarily special in the Alaska Robotics Comics Camp, and it’s creating new relationships and creative networks among comics creators at all stages of their careers. The future will remember it as equivalent to the Algonquin Round Table.

Mariah McCourt, Creator

2019 Projects: STITCHED #3 and a new series for AHOY! comics

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? That comics are for everyone, stories matter, and so does representation.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Hopefully more focus on amazing creators, the diversity of content, and the continuing impact and relevancy of the medium.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? No guilty pleasures here, I’m looking forward to seeing all the new books in the works!

Joe Field, Retailer

2019 Projects: A new space to expand Flying Colors for events and sales

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? There was no one biggest story in comics. It was a thousand shards of glass rather than just one big picture window.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Cruise to the Edge, a prog rock themed cruise in February. No cell phones, no worries, just some great people having a peace party at sea.

Who inspired you in 2018? My wife Libby continues to be my inspiration. We celebrate our 40th anniversary in late February (so good then, even better now). The non-profit work she does in helping women with crisis pregnancies while also managing Flying Colors’ back office and reveling in her role as a grandmother is so inspiring to me.

Amy Chu, writer

2019 Projects: Summit (Lion Forge), Sea Sirens with Janet Lee (Viking Press), Pros & Cons (Dark Horse)

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Kid’s graphic novels are $$$ – Dave Pilkey 3 million print run for his fifth Dog Man book; Raina Telgemeier 1 million for Guts

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Kid’s graphic novels

Glenn Hauman, publisher at ComicMix, designated victim of “They Keep Killing Glenn”

2019 Projects: What 2019 projects am I working on that I can talk about? More omnibus editions for GrimJack, Soulsearchers & Company, and Deadbeats, and new… oh, dammit, I can’t talk about that yet. Arrgh.

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? The passing of Stan Lee. We all knew it was going to happen someday, and yet… we all thought we might get a pass on this one, you know?

And speaking of Marvel greats leaving: Bendis at DC.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? The All-New, All-Different Stan Lee 2.0!

And the bankruptcy of projects intended to get money from C*****gate people.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? The resolution of certain legal proceedings.

Thomas Ragon, Publisher

2019 Projects:

Roman Muradov’s next book “The Adventures of Munich in Marcel Duchamp”.

Thierry Smolderen & Alexandre Clérisse’s (whose “Atom Empire” & “Diabolik Summer” are translated or about to be by IDW) next graphic Novel : “Une année sans Cthulhu” (A year without Cthulhu).

After Glenn Gould, Sandrine Revel’s book about Canadian painter Tom Thomson Two major sets of exhibitions, in chronological order : Blutch has several exhibitions throughout 2019 in Strasbourg, and we’re working on a monograph to be released early March. Joann Sfar will be exhibited at the Basel Cartoon Museum and Lucerne festival “Fumetto”.

Ron Wimberly’s “Prince of Cats” French edition.

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Ron Wimberly’s LAAB #0 ; The French authors collective movement to obtain better social and economic conditions from both publishers and government.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Borja Gonzalez having a worldwide success with his THE BLACK HOLES.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Discovering new excellent restaurants thanks to my job. Discovering new great bookstores thanks to my job.

Who inspired you in 2018? Blutch and Joann Sfar are always inspiring me, in many ways.

Nat Gertler, writer/publisher

2019 Projects: While my 2019 writing projects are for other people to announce, my first publishing project of the new year reflects on the 90th anniversary of the Great Depression by reprinting a book of cartoons by the great Otto Soglow, done during the depression.

Preview pages below.

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? The triumph of diversity against anti-diversity forces.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Good comics. It’s always good comics, and there are always good comics for the story to be about. All the industry games mean nothing without that.

Christian Beranek, Writer

2019 projects: Kelci Crawford and I will be wrapping up Validation and then moving forward with Tiny Unicorn. (See below) Also writing loads of prose stories.

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Black Panther. I wish its box office success translated into more sales, however. We have to find a way to turn film audiences onto the source material.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? A massive wave of quality comics bringing in new readers.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Any time taken away from writing. I want to work as much as possible but know you need breaks. I plan on reading more books in the Foundation series. Looking forward to that show.

Who inspired you in 2018? Tony DiGerolamo. The guy is a writing machine and really understands the mechanics of storytelling. More companies should consider hiring him.

Sanika Phawde, Cartoonist

2019 Projects: My biggest project scheduled to be completed in 2019 is my newest graphic novel. The project is still untitled but it presents an autofiction story about the journey of learning to love myself, and learning to accept my body and sexuality, as a freshly adult immigrant in New York city .

The story communicates through mix-media drawings on location, memoir comics, sketchbook pages, illustrated poetry, and even a few instances of fold-out paper architecture.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? I am really looking forward to going back home to Mumbai after a year, and eating a Nescafe flavoured ice cream sandwich in the winter heat with my best friend, while sitting on the wall that keeps the Arabian sea out of the city.

Who inspired you in 2018? Julian Glander, Jaron Braxton, Veronica Lawlor, Nora Krug, Robert Sikoryak, Brian Rea, Alex Norris, Lizzo, Melissa Guerrero (practices activism through food), Janelle Monae

Christopher Butcher, TCAF Artistic Director & VIZ Media Editorial Consultant

2019 Projects: TCAF 2019 is gearing up and it’s going to have one of the strongest and most diverse guest lists in our history. It’s going to be a pretty amazing year to be there, whether you love kids comics, YA comics, Adult comics, North American or International Comics. We’re pretty hyped!

On the VIZ side of things, though there’s a ton still to be announced, several of the series I’ve had a hand in are starting or continuing into 2019. Look out for the YA LGBTQ series “That Blue Sky Feeling” to get its 2nd and 3rd and final volume next year, the amazing/disturbing BEASTARS will start next year (like if Zootopia were a little more food-chain accurate?), and the recently-debuted gorgeous SF title Ran and The Grey World will start to turn some heads.

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? That’s tough. The industry is so fragmented at this point, that stories that were huge in one area barely made a ripple in others. Straddling graphic novel publishing, manga publishing, and with a toe still in superhero publishing, it’s amazing the times people would pull me aside and ask “So what was that about, exactly? All I saw was the hashtag…”

So… yeah I dunno. I think the biggest ‘story’ probably wasn’t written, but it was about the continued evolution of this industry as it happened. The house-cleaning and secret-revealing that needed to happen, some of the editorial attitudes around projects looking pretty terrible when exposed to the light of day, the continued vertical integration in licensed properties, all of it points to a maturing industry, which is both good and bad. More professionalism, but less room for the sort of fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants stuff that made comics very, very exciting about 10 years ago.

I think most folks involved will take ‘professionalism’ any day of the week though!

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Pogs, baby! POGS!

No but seriously, I have no idea. There’s so much up in the air right now, 2019 is going to be bumpy for sure.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? If it’s not hurting anyone, then there’s no point in feeling guilty about pleasure. Enjoy yourselves, it’s tough out there. 🙂

Who inspired you in 2018? My husband, Andrew Woodrow-Butcher, who was enormously patient and supportive while I took risks and traveled around the world, all while working 60 hours a week making sure Canadian schools and libraries have the best comic collections in the world, re-opening the world’s first kids comic book store (Little Island Comics!), sending Canadians to comic festivals around the world, and of course, programming a big part of TCAF. He’s a constant inspiration to me, I’m lucky to have him.

Ben Towle, Cartoonist

2019 Projects: The main project I’ve been working on in 2018 is a non-fiction graphic novel for the new imprint Dead Reckoning, which specializes in comics about things historical and/or military-related.

The book’s called Four Fisted Tales and it’s a collection of real-life stories about animals used in combat.

Here’s a sample page:

And here’s an in-progress rough:

I’m also continuing to work on–albeit a lot more slowly–my book In the Weeds about cooking and playing rock music in the 1990’s. It’s my first foray into the great comics tradition of “funny animals” characters. Here’s an in-progress rough from that:

It probably seems like I’ve disappeared since Oyster War came out a few years back, but I’ve been hard at work on TWO books, I promise!

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? That’s gotta be the announcement of not one, but TWO, forthcoming books from Raina Telgemeier. When the most highly-read and most popular cartoonist in North America announces a book, it’s a big flippin’ deal. TWO books in the same year is bonkers news.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? OK…Well, it’s only a big story for ME, but I’m really excited about the upcoming D&Q Little Lulu reprint series. These are some of the best comics ever made and it’s going to be great to see them get the D&Q treatment starting in 2019.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? I’m a huge Star Trek nerd and so I’m super-excited about whatever’s brewing with this new Picard show. Supposedly starting in 2019!

The Beat's Annual Creator Survey Part 4: with art from new projects by Amy Chu, Janet Lee, Roman Muradov, Otto Soglow, Ben Towle and more Continuing with our wide-ranging survey of creators from every end of the business on what happened and what's coming.

#2019 creator survey #Amy Chu #Andrea Purcell #ben towle #Christian Beranek #Christopher Butcher #Gary Tyrrell #glenn hauman #joe field #Kwanza Osajyefo #mariah mccourt #nat gertler #Sanika Phawde #thomas ragon #tony shenton #upcoming comics

[lexienicoleambrollins]

Save Me From Myself *Finn Balor love story Pt 2. Alexandra (ofc)

Pt. 1/ Preface

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening my shining stars in the midnight sky (that's what I call my fan base as a whole) my name is Alexandra Jasmine Nicole Borden

, but you can just call me Lexie. Everyone else does...unless I'm around Alexa Bliss then they call me Alex that way nobody gets confused...which seems to happen on a daily basis. Anyway, with that being said I am a second generation superstar on my dad's side of the family and like a third or fourth on my mother's side. We're not going to talk about my mom as much and it's nothing against her. I just don't feel like it, but I will tell you this much she's the step-sister of Vince McMahon which kinda means that I have some power, but not as much as you'd think.

Moving on from that I am the daughter of Steve Borden aka The Icon Sting

 so for a while, I bled WCW through and through. I feel like every time I ever do an intro and have to tell about myself that I have to make sure that I include everything I do that has nothing to do with wrestling or WWE in general. That way nobody asks "why are you doing this if you're that or why are you doing that if you're this". So I guess I'll tell you everything that I have my hand into takes a deep breath. Please bear with me anyway I'm a former and current WWE superstar (You knew that I was current, but probably didn't know that I left...I pulled a Cm Punk, but eventually came back), a multi-platinum music artist (which means that sometimes I have a crazy schedule like Chris Jericho), a professional dancer, and current medical student working with both animals and humans...mostly animals thought because humans can be total douche bags sometimes for no reason at all.

A lot of people ask me all the time "Alexandra how are you able to do all of that and still have time for your wrestling career". My answer believe it or not is actually pretty simple. When I'm not on tour with my band or WWE for that matter I'm at school and when I am touring I do my schooling online. As far as my music career goes especially when recording new music I do that whenever I can, but sometimes I do it while touring with WWE. To me it's just like finding a place to train or practice for your next match, you find a studio and get a session or two booked (depending on how long you're in that city).

So let me tell you some stuff about me in general. For starters I was born in California, but spent most of my life in Illinois...Chicago to be exact which is where I met Cm Punk

. I actually met him years ago in high school only because my parents had two different homes. It's not that they were divorced or anything (that came years later) it's just that my mom became a stay at home Mom and moved back to where she grew up which just happened to be Chicago and lived there whenever my dad was touring with WCW. As I said earlier we're not going to talk about my mom much, but for those who are wondering she grew up Chicago because she and Vince have different moms, but the same dad.

It's kinda hard to explain why we lived there all I know is that my mom wasn't a fan of the valley of the sun...I think that's what California is. She loved the Midwest and yes that includes the crazy ever-changing weather. (A/N: I actually know about the Midwestern weather here in the United States because I live in Ohio which is Midwest and it's always crazy here. This year alone we had a really long winter till basically April and it feels like we're skipping Spring and going straight into Summer). Anywho I have four siblings, two sisters and two brothers. I'm not going to tell you who is the oldest and all that because I'm too lazy to and also it's none of your business, but I will say this much the two girls are the youngest. I will at least tell you about my sister Cassandra

 though, but only because she's a wrestler as well, but in ROH...she was in WWE for a while, but didn't like it as much so she went to the Indy scene with Cody Rhodes about a couple months ago.

I'm kinda into the arts which I'm sure you can tell because of the whole background in singing and dancing. I like to draw, but I'm not that good at it and I like to act as well, but movies aren't really my thing. I've been known to have a bit of a temper and a mouth to go with it and haven't always been liked for it...that's part of the reason why I don't always get along with my cousin Sabrina's boyfriend Seth Rollins and I don't always see eye to eye with my cousin Stephanie. I have a cat and two dogs that are my world and I will hurt someone over them. I also am a bit of a gamer and can play for hours, but am not allowed on UUDD (Up Up Down Down) a lot because I sometimes break Wood's controllers while hitting people...Seth and Kofi being my usual victims.

When Punk left in 2014 I did too, but a few months later just to see if he'd either come back or if things would change and unfortunately neither happened. I'd keep talking, but I'm pretty sure that I've wasted enough of your time. Not only that, but I'm supposed to be leaving soon with my cousin Sabrina and her boyfriend to go to some NXT promo class she wants me to meet someone there named Finn Balor according to her he's really cute, but I'll be the judge of that. Later nerds...also don't worry if I call you a nerd and The Club says something bad about it I'll smack em...Luke Gallows already knows I will.

#finn balor #finn bálor #fergal devitt #wwe fanfiction #finn balor fanfic #prince devitt #finn balor x oc #the demon king #wwe #finn balor imagine

[strangest-sensei]

2, 4, 6, 8, etc for ur ask thing >:)

TABBY THAT IS 50 QUESTIONS.

 2.  do you like the feeling of cold air on your cheeks on a wintery day?

For like 2 seconds and then I can feel the skin on my face drying and flaking. ;-;

4. how do you take your coffee/tea?

I don’t. Like I will drink both if they are sweet and creamy, but it will be a struggle.

6. do you keep plants?

I thought this said pants? I keep plants until I kill them. I am the worst.

8. what artistic medium do you use to express your feelings?

I would like to say drawing, crocheting, and sculpting, but not really. Usuay i bottle it up and get it out during drunk yelling.

10.do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach?

All of the above. I spin in my sleep.

12. what's your favorite planet?

Venus, because of libra stuff.

14. if you were to live with your best friend in an old flat in a big city, what would it look like?

Uh, that would probably be @mucheak, and I would want my witchy, vintage, cute stuff to mesh in the middle with some of her spacey, nerdy, comfy vibe~

16.what's your favorite pasta dish?

Spaghetti. My own. I am super fucking picky. I hate sweet sauce ;-;

18. tell us about something dumb/funny you did that has since gone down in history between you and your friends and is always brought up.

Um, Me and Tabby remember most stupid things I did. Right now since it’s late I’m thinking of “slurp”.

20. what's your favorite eye color?

Green yo.

22. are you a morning person?

If it’s 3 in the morning and i napped earlier.

24. is there someone out there you would trust with every single one of your secrets?

Naaaah. I like being secretive about some shit, but most shit I trust to Tabby and James yo.

26. what are the shoes you've had for forever and wear with every single outfit?

My furry boots. I got some regular boots second hand as a gift and I sewed fur on, because I’m cheap.

28. sunrise or sunset?

Both. Staying up till sunrise is fantastic and sunset is pretty and signals night time.

30. think of it: have you ever been  truly scared?

Once?  kind of.

32. tell us a story of something that happened to you after 3AM when you were with friends.

After finishing Tony Hawk and Tabby watched the sunrise.

34. tell us about the stuffed animal you kept as a kid. what is it called? what does it look like? do you still keep it?

It’s a dog that I named Cody and guess who gave me that shit yo. IT WAS TABBY. Everyone is about you bro.

36. which band's sound would fit your mood right now?

Probably something emo in lyrics and peppy in tempo.

38. tell us about your pet peeves!

I hate not being taken seriously.

40. think of a piece of jewelry you own: what's it's story? does it have any meaning to you?

I have a clear quartz necklace that I bought at the paranormal convention that I went to with tabby~

42. do you have a favorite coffee shop? describe it!

No. I hate coffee, people, and places that aren’t a comfy house.

44. when was the last time you remember feeling completely serene and at peace with everything?

...Never?

46. tell us the worst pun you can think of.

I can’t think of any? I’m to cold and tired.

48. what was your biggest fear as a kid? is it the same today?

The dark. Not the same anymore yo~

50. what's an odd thing you collect?

Nothing odd really. Normal shit like rocks and rings.

52. what are your favorite memes of the year so far?

I don’t have any yet homie~

54. who's the last person you saw with a true look of sadness on their face?

Myself I think. Mirrors.

56. what are some things you find endearing in people?

If they love other peoples genuine interest in stuff. Serious love is the best yo. I support the people I love.

58. who's the wine mom and who's the vodka aunt in your group of friends? why?

Trista is wine mom and Tabby is vodka aunt~

60. do you like poetry? what are some of your faves?

Naaaaaah. I used to read some edgy ones as a teen though. lol

62. do you drink juice in the morning? which kind?

Fuck no. I either start the day with water or pop depending on what time i wake up. (My life is a mess fam)

64. what color is the sky where you are right now?

Black. (I wanted to add some soul shit and a Zak vibe but it felt weird.)

66. what would your ideal flower crown look like?

HUGE and black and SPIKEY and unicorn horn AND FEATHERS

68. what's winter like where you live?

FUCKING COLD. TODAY I OS FEELING IN MY HANDS IN LIKE 2 MINUTES.

70. have you ever used a ouija board?

No. No one I know likes that shit. I want to fuck with stuff so bad, but i would have to trust someone enough to do it with.

72. are you a person who needs to note everything down or else you'll forget it?

No, but I make lists in my head as an anxiety thing.

74. describe a good friend of yours without using their name or gendered pronouns.

They love Tali, are cute af, and they love getting drunk and watching ghost adventures.

76. is there anything you should be doing right now but aren't?

YES. Sleep. I have to get up at 6:30 tomorrow and fly to Canada on Friday.

78. are you in the minion hateclub or fanclub?

I am indifferent.

80. what color are your bedroom walls? did you choose that color? if so, why?

Yellow and green, because I love me some late 60′s vibes.

82. are/were you good in school?

I was until 5th when my brain imploded.

84. are you planning on getting tattoos? which ones?

I WANT BESTIE TATTOOS. Also, I wish I could have 3/4 tattoo sleeves.

86. do you like concept albums? which ones?

I had to look that shit up. I don’t know that I have ever listened to one.

88. are there any artistic movements you particularly enjoy?

Nooo? I  dunno. I’m not that deep. I like anime friends. Fight me.

90. talk about your one of you favorite cities.

I don’t have one. Montreal is pretty, but eh?

92. are you a person who drowns their pasta in cheese or a person who barely sprinkles a pinch?

No cheese, unless it’s on lasagna. In which case I would use tons of cheese.

94. who was the last person you know to have a birthday?

My middle sister. I was dd for my oldest sister. Fun times.

96. do you install your computer updates really quickly or do you procrastinate on them a lot?

I almost never shut my computer down. So I never know when I have them.

98. when's the last time you went hiking? did you enjoy it?

Never and no. lol

100. if you were presented with two buttons, one that allows you to go 5 years into the past, the other 5 years into the future, which one would you press? why?

Back. I like knowing whats going on and I hate change. Plus, do overs sound fun.

I AM SO TIRED, BUT THIS WAS GREAT FUN.

[ambitrary3]

The Neurological Similarities Between Successful Writers And The Mentally Ill

By Cody Delistraty 

Source: http://thoughtcatalog.com/cody-delistraty/2014/03/the-neurological-similarities-between-successful-writers-and-the-mentally-ill/

---

[This with a pinch of salt]

---

Knowing his wife was upset with him for spending more time with his typewriter than with her, F. Scott Fitzgerald hatched a plan. He wasn’t proud of many of his short stories (he only included 46 of his 181 short stories in his published collections), but he knew that in order to win back his wife he’d have to whip up something quickly. Working from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., he churned out “The Camel’s Back” for The Saturday Evening Post for a fee of $500. That very morning, he bought Zelda a gift with the money he had made.

“I suppose that of all the stories I have ever written this one cost me the least travail and perhaps gave me the most amusement,” he commented in the first edition of Tales of the Jazz Age. “As to the labor involved, it was written during one day in the city of New Orleans, with the express purpose of buying a platinum and diamond wristwatch which cost six hundred dollars.”

This was in 1920, and Zelda’s frustrations could still be assuaged with a well-timed gift. (After all, it was only after Scott had the money and prestige from publishing This Side of Paradise that she agreed to marry him earlier that year.) It wasn’t long though until Zelda had grown so fed up with Scott’s drinking and self-isolation that she lashed out, cheating on him with a French naval aviator while Scott was working on The Great Gatsby in the South of France. From then on, their marriage devolved into arguments and a devastating cocktail of debt, drink, and manic depression.

“Zelda’s spending sprees, her ‘passionate love of life’ and intense social relationships, her melancholic response to disappointment and the relatively late onset of her illness (she was born in 1900) point toward a mood disorder, as does the alternation between frank psychosis and a sparkling, provocative personality,” noted an older article in The New York Times Magazine that asked “How Crazy Was Zelda?”

The Fitzgeralds are perhaps the best — or at least the most intriguing — example of writers whose talents, when mixed with depression and vices (like alcohol and spending sprees), burned brightly then collapsed calamitously.

But of course, it’s not just the Fitzgeralds who battled depression and led lives that eventually spun out of their control. Mark Twain, Tennessee Williams, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, Stephen King, Anne Rice, David Foster Wallace, even J.K. Rowling are just a few of the writers who have been struck by the illness that Hemingway once referred to as “The Artist’s Reward.”

The common theory for why writers are often depressed is rather basic: writers think a lot and people who think a lot tend to be unhappy. Add to that long periods of isolation and the high levels of narcissism that draws someone to a career like writing, and it seems obvious why they might not be the happiest bunch.

Dig a little deeper though, and some interesting findings reveal themselves — findings not just about the neuroscience of writerly depression, but about why Hemingway was so awful to Hadley, why Scott and Zelda drove each other mad, and why writers, by and large, are not only depressed people but also awful lovers.

A few months back, Andreas Fink at the University of Graz in Austria found a relationship between the ability to come up with an idea and the inability to suppress the precuneus while thinking. The precuneus is the area of the brain that shows the highest levels of activation during times of rest and has been linked to self-consciousness and memory retrieval. It is an indicator of how much one ruminates or ponders oneself and one’s experiences.

For most people, this area of the brain only lights up at restful times when one is not focusing on work or even daily tasks. For writers and creatives, however, it seems to be constantly activated. Fink’s hypothesis is that the most creative people are continually making associations between the external world and their internal experiences and memories. They cannot focus on one thing quite like the average person. Essentially, their stream of ideas is always running — the tap does not shut off — and, as a result, creative people show schizophrenic, borderline manic-depressive tendencies. Really, that’s no hyperbole. Fink found that this inability to suppress the precuneus is seen most dominantly in two types of people: creatives and psychosis patients.

What’s perhaps most interesting is that this flood of thoughts and introspection is apparently vital to creative success. In Touched with Fire, a touchstone book on the relationship between “madness and creativity,” Kay Redfield Jamison, a psychiatry professor at Johns Hopkins, reported that successful individuals were eight times more likely as “regular people” to suffer from a serious depressive illness.

If you think about it though, this “mad success” makes sense. Great writing requires original thinking and clever reorganization of varied experiences and thoughts. Whether it’s Adam Gopnik’s first piece for The New Yorker that related Italian Renaissance art with the Montréal Expos or Fitzgerald trailblazing the “Jazz Age” with his combination of Princeton poems and socioeconomic class sensibilities in This Side of Paradise, a writer’s job is to reshape a hodgepodge of old ideas into brand new ones. By letting in as much information as possible, the brains of writers and artists can trawl through their abundance of odd thoughts and turn them into original, cohesive products.

It’s not a surprise then that Tim Burton, Quentin Tarantino, and the most wildly creative writers of our generation have such bizarre ideas: they cannot stop thinking, and whether pleasant or macabre, their thoughts (that can turn into masterpieces like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Pulp Fiction) are constantly flowing through their minds.

Although this stream of introspection and association allows for creative ideas, the downside is that people with “ruminative tendencies” are significantly more likely to become depressed, according to the late Yale psychologist Susan Nolen-Hoeksema. Constant reflection takes a toll. Writing, editing, and revising also requires are near obsession with self-criticism, the leading quality for depressed patients.

In fact, a study conducted by Nancy Andreasen at the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop found that 80% of the residents displayed some form of depression.

“One of the most important qualities [of depression] is persistence,” said Andreasen. “Successful writers are like prizefighters who keep on getting hit but won’t go down. They’ll stick with it until it’s right.”

While Fitzgerald liked to boast of his raw talent that allowed him to come up with clever stories for the Post or The Smart Set in mere hours, biographers have noted that he spent months pouring over drafts — a perfectionist making revision after revision. For better or for worse, creativity and focus are inextricably linked. As Andreasen said, “This type of thinking is often inseparable from the suffering. If you’re at the cutting edge, then you’re going to bleed.”

This mishmash of unremitting rumination and self-criticism means that writers are always working. Even quotidian life is a writerly task. In an interview with The Paris Review, Joyce Carol Oates said, “[I] observe the qualities of people, overhearing snatches of conversations, noting people’s appearances, their clothes, and so forth. Walking and driving a car are part of my life as a writer, really.”

Now, for just a second, put aside the recent news that journalism/writing was ranked as the sixth most narcissistic job by Forbes. And don’t think about the fact that writing is not only a lonely job, but it is also one that can turn a pleasant walk or a drive into a form of work. Instead, focus on how writing is about being able to create and control a world.

For what is writing, but an amalgamation of our thoughts and experiences finished off with a wax and a shine?

This need for control often translates to real life too, and it comes at the expense of the feelings and wishes of nearly everyone around them. Writers are often such terrible lovers because they treat real people as characters, malleable and at their authorial will.

When Charles Dickens was 24 (and allegedly a virgin), he married Catherine Hogarth, then 21. Almost immediately after they married, he became infatuated with Mary, her younger sister (so much so that she would later become the basis for Little Nell in The Old Curiosity Shoppe). Mary died shortly thereafter, which proved a devastating blow for Charles, and for the rest of their marriage Catherine futility tried to live up to her sister. After 22 years and 10 children with Catherine, Charles met Nelly Ternan, a young actress, and deciding that he was quite tired of his wife, tossed her aside in favor of this new mistress.

Like so many authors, from Fyodor Dostoevsky to Ezra Pound to V.S. Naipaul, Dickens wasn’t much of a good person. In fact, he was a rather terrible person and had history not bowed at the beauty of his fiction, he would have been remembered poorly.

Writers can be rather awful people, and their blend of depression, isolation, and desire to control not only their own characters but the “characters” of their real lives has been a relationship-killer for centuries.

(As for the other relationship-destroyer — writers’ infamous penchant for alcohol — Gopnik postulates, “Writing is work in which the balance necessary to a sane life of physical and symbolic work has been wrested right out of plumb, or proportion, and alcohol is (wrongly) believed to rebalance it.”)

Trying to balance vice, borderline mental illness, and a disregard for the real world in favor of fictitious ones is perhaps a noble but Sisyphusian act for many writers. Try as they might, the greatest creatives in history have too much neuroscience working against them, too many ideas fluttering around their minds.

It would be cliché to quote Jack Kerouac in saying, “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved” — and yet it is a platitude for a reason. The most fascinating people in history, the ones who make a difference, who create, might be depressed, perhaps miserable romantics, yet they have contributed more to society than many of them ever knew.

In fact, Fitzgerald died thinking he was a failure. He was in Hollywood doing “hack work” while his wife was in a Swiss sanitarium, and he often felt as though he were holding the ashes of his life in his hands. Only 44 years old but looking weathered and much older, he sat in his armchair listening to Beethoven, scribbling in the Princeton Alumni Weekly and munching on a Hershey Bar. It was a wintery morning in 1940, and as if propelled by a ghost, he leapt from his chair, grasped at the mantle piece, and collapsed on the floor. He died from a heart attack.

Zelda was too ill to make it to her husband’s funeral, but only a few months before, she had written to Scott with surprising lucidity, “I love you anyway — even if there isn’t any me or any love or even any life — I love you.”

She knew that they were mad, that their creativity and vice and entirely unique perspective on the world would be both their greatest high and their most agonizing low. To the letter, she added, “Nothing could have survived our life.”

[comicbookhangover]

Alterna Comics Review

First:

Happy FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, everyone! I hope the day is a great one and you get as many of the books you want!

So, for a while now I’ve been looking forward to these books from Alterna Comics. It’s not a publisher I was familiar with but they are a creator owned publisher that’s been around since 2006. I was shocked when I found this out but this year seems to be the year of my discovering new publishers that are making waves by doing what they can with what they’ve got.

So what does Alterna Comic have? Well... They are releasing a series of books, all parts of miniseries, that are printed on newsprint and with cover prices UNDER $1.99! This is what brought them to my attention and after looking into it some I told my LCS I wanted at least the first issue of every one of the #BringingBackNewsprint releases because this is something I really want to support. Now, the first four have been release so here are my thoughts..

ADAM WRECK #1 (of 3) This is an all age sci-fi story about a family of explorers, well, two explorers and their son Adam who would rather be back on earth. He thinks life in space is boring but quickly changes his opinion when their ship is attacked by space pirates. With his mothers help he’s able to escape to a nearby planet where he has to keep his wits about him in order to survive. Including trying to make a deal with a rather odd looking alien. This was one of the books I was iffy on so I was happy when I actually ended up really enjoying this one.It’s a fast paced story, which I hope will slow down enough in issue two so that more emotion can be put in play, with a surprisingly interesting young man as our main character. He’s pretty easy to relate to and not as annoying as many kids in his situation tend to be. Writer and artist Michael S. Bracco puts together a rather nice package, I mean I really liked this art it reminded me of some of the indie books we used to have back in the day. I also really enjoyed the use of color in this book. It’s an unusual way of coloring a comic book but goes a long way in adding to the mood. VERDICT: I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this one. I figured it would be one I would enjoy reading but not enough to continue with but I’m sticking with it! Also: The cover price is just $1.50 and you get 40 PAGES! Top that, house of ideas!

Check out the creator on FACEBOOK and Twitter  @Spaghettikiss

AMAZING AGE #1 (of 5) So imagine your a kid who creates a comic and puts yourself and your two best friends in it as a super hero team. But something happens in your life that destroys everything... you stop drawing and you drift away from your friends. That all certainly sucks but what happens when one day your book shows up out of no where and you, along with your two friends, are somehow zapped into the world you created as a young child? That’s the foundation of Amazing Age. Written by Matthew David Smith with art and cover by Jeremy Massie and Christine Brunson this is seemingly another hit for Alterna Comics. It’s a basic old-school super hero comic with a slight twist in that the heroes are fictional but our main characters aren’t. It really is an interesting twist on a basic concept.  What makes it even more interesting, to me anyway, was reading that the heroes in this series were created by Massie when he was a kid himself. He’s finally being able to bring his creations into a brighter spotlight and, having long dropped the idea of drawing comics myself, I love this whole thing! VERDICT: This one I kind of expected I would like and, well, it delivered exactly what I wanted. It’s being added to my pull list.

Your creative team: FACEBOOK And on Twitter: MATTHEW D. SMITH CHRISTINE BRUNSON JEREMY MASSIE AMAZING AGE

CROAK #1 (of 3) This is the mature title, the horror title of the line.  Croak is about a camping trip that goes the way camping trips tend to go but the the hook here is what does their friend have to do with what’s going on in these woods? Does he have a connection or was it just dumb luck? Three friends go on a camping trip in woods that have a history. One of the friends is attacked but everyone is shocked at who the attacker is and I was curious about what we see at the end of this issue. Writer Cody Andrew Sousa was able to set up our characters and setting with ease, letting us know some of the rules of his world. There are a lot of elements here that horror fans like myself will find familiar and these make it easy to continue with the story. Add to this the art of Francesco Iaquintawho does a great job of setting the tone of the story with some truly great double page spreads, which are beautifully colored by Chris O’Halloran, and you have what could be a surprise hit of the line. VERDICT: Honesty time: Of the four this one had some of my favorite art but what my least favorite. Some parts of the story didn’t flow as well as it could have but even with a few trip ups here and there I still want to know more about what’s going on. This is where having a book under $1.99 per issue is an advantage. I’m still going to check out the remaining two issue because I really liked the art and, hell, it’ll be less than $5 to finish the story! 

On Twitter: CODY SOUSA FRANCESCO IAGUINTA

LILITH DARK #1 (of 4) I have a feeling this was the book Alterna feels will be the break thru hit. Created by Charles C. Dowd, Lilith is a little girl with a very nice imagination. She’s bored with her life so she retreats into a world where she fights all manner of nasties but has a hard time coming out of that world when it’s time to. This creates some issues with those around her but when she starts to see the creatures from her imagination in the waking world things go a little pear shaped. I really enjoyed this one. Lilith is a fun and interesting little girl and I’m eager to see how she is able to face off against real versions of her imagined monsters. The art compliments the style and tone of the story almost perfectly and makes the whole book a real joy to read. Honestly, I can’t say much more without giving away details of the story but I will say this is a book that would be perfect if you have a little girl who is interested in comics and reading. This is her gateway and it’s only $1.50! VERDICT: I know, this one was a quick one but I can only say I liked to so many different ways. I’m adding it to my pull list for sure.

On Twitter: CHARLES C. DOWD

So, four books in the initial #BringingBackNewsprint launch and there are no absolute losers. I expected to want to continue with one, MAYBE two, of these books but I find myself wanting to continue with all four. I can’t remember the last time Marvel was able to offer up four books and I was interested in all four. Plus, at $1.50 a pop it’s hard to rationalize not at least trying these books. I’d rather try a book at $1.50 and not like it than a book at $3.99 and not like it. Plus, with the exception of Croak, these are books that you can share with your kids. Croak is clearly for an older crowd so hand it to a teenager!

I also want to mention the overall quality of the books. These are on newsprint which means the paper isn’t glossy. This was a great walk down memory lane for me. The feel of the newsprint was something I didn’t realize how much I missed until I got home and cracked open the Adam Wreck. These guys also did their research because the colors are some of the best you can get on the format. They don’t bleed, the dark scenes in Croak aren’t so muddy that you can’t see what the heck is going on it’s great! I’m looking forward to seeing what the other books are like!

There are my humble opinions, I enjoyed the lot. 

Alterna Comics: On the WEB FACEBOOK TWITTER

#Alterna Comics

[comicsbeat]

Yes, it’s that time of the year where The Beat quizzes a wide swath of creators, journalists, retailers and other comics people for their upcoming projects, thoughts on the past and future of the industry, and inspirations. Huge thanks to everyone who took the time to participate, as you’ll find some very interesting takes on where we might be going below, as well as a ton of news about upcoming books. We’ll be running the survey in five parts as always, culminating in the naming of the Comics Industry Person of the Year.

Emma Vieceli, Comicker

2019 Projects: Having switched hats a bit this year, my biggest project for 2019 is a writing one: Life is Strange for Titan comics and Square Enix. I’ll of course be continuing with my co-created independent title,. Beyond that, some fun bit and bobs waiting to play out; aren’t there always? 😉

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? There have been so many sadly negative stories in 2018, from genuine losses of talented and loved people to anger, upset and fury over the fact that some people still don’t seem able to just enjoy comics and all it can encompass, but I’m going to instead focus on the fact that I personally felt an injection of enthusiasm into the industry this year. Somehow it felt that a resilience and determination was instilled, perhaps to counter some of the negative in the world, generally. I’ve seen a lot of successes and excited friends. Creators are making transitions to new mediums and fans are getting behind them. It’s not a single news story, but it’s a joy seeing the waves of unification and enthusiasm that have risen up in my internet- bubble over the last year.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? A generous billionaire shall swoop into the publishing industry and financially bolster us all. Industry-wide weekends and evenings shall be enforced and sick pay shall be introduced. The billionaire shall be loved and we’ll make a statue of them and hold an annual celebration of their greatness.

I’m pretty sure that’s what I heard, anyways.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Spending more time with my creator-owned baby, BREAKS. this year got very busy and I lost a lot of my buffer for uploading. I’m looking forward to some self-indulgent comicking 🙂

Who inspired you in 2018? Every single person who takes the time to contact me and say they’ve enjoyed what I’ve made. That is the biggest inspiration we can hope for. But I’ll also say Andrew James of Titan Comics – he was my editor for Doctor Who a couple of years back and was willing to take a chance and offer me my first monthly writing gig with Life is Strange. His confidence in me has been hugely inspiring and helped me do something I wasn’t sure I’d ever get a chance to.

  Erica Schultz, Writer/Editor

2019 projects: The trade paperback of Twelve Devils Dancing comes out the first NCBD of January with a cover by Bill Sienkiewicz. The Good Fight anthology comes out next year. I’m working on a project with Emily Pearson, another with Liana Kangas, and a third with Stelladia.

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? The passing of Stan Lee.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Captain Marvel’s film, and how Kelly Sue, Jaime McKelvie, Dave Lopez, and Dexter Soy set that story up to be amazing.

Jimmy Palmiotti, Creator-Writer

2019 Projects: Wonder Woman for DC 100 Walmart exclusive- Sex and Violence Vol. 3- Painkiller Jane mini- series and feature film- Random Acts of Violence feature film- Coney Island graphic novel and Mystery Marvel project.

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Sadly the passing of Stan Lee, one of my heroes and a friend, and on a positive note, the release of the DC 100 page exclusive comics for Walmart.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Creators once again separating themselves from the big companies to create their own characters mainly because the biggest companies out there do not involve the creators in the development, past comics, of characters they work on into film and TV and barely include them in a % of the license income they make off their images. This is a business that has no security for the talent as they get older, even though the biggest companies can easily help them and choose not to, and because of this, creators will be going elsewhere. An obvious and big reaction to this is we will see everything but the better selling titles take a huge hit and a ton of cancellations across the board. I also think this is the year where comics as a whole will be taking a hit unless things change really quickly.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? More creator owned character development and spending some more time traveling and having fun with my wife.

Who inspired you in 2018? My wife, Amanda Conner, continues to inspire me each and every day to be a better person, work through my problems, and enjoy life… and not make it about work all the time. After so many years of hustling, what is important is becoming clearer because of her. I am thankful for that.

John Green, writer/artist

2019 Projects: The second book in my KITTEN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY series, “A Bridge Too Fur,” comes out in Fall from First Second Books.

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Not so much a story, but news that the world heard (and felt) both within and outside of the comics industry was the passing of Stan Lee.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Hopefully something GOOD and not something scandalous or heartbreaking!

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Probably the next Star Wars, I guess.

Joshua Frankel, Publisher, Z2 Comics

2019 Projects: Right now Z2 Comics has 8 books or so in production for next year 5-6 of them are some of our tentpole music books. The one coming out the soonest and that has been announced is the Ghost of Ohio. The book is by Andy Biersack (lead singer of the Black Veil Brides) Scott Tuft and Eryk Donovan. It is going to tie into Andy’s same named second solo album. We’re expecting big things out of the project. Aside from that of announced books we have Run The Dungeon and D&D comedy written by Patrick Kindlon and Drawn by Goran Gliogvic. Lastly we have Tales of The Music Makers a book showcasing people the Music Maker Relief fund have helped and draw by Gary Dumm.

Some of our biggest books this year will be announcing shortly after this article runs ( and one before most likely)

  What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? I think the acquisition of of comic book companies by broader media companies is probably the biggest story. In a span of a year Millarworld got bought by Netflix, Valiant getting bought by DMG wholesale and now Darkhorse having a majority stake bought by a Chinese VC firm. As a broader story in the last couple of years there has been a flood of investment being poured into comics. That said despite all of this money being pushed in sales have shrunk at least in the direct market. It seems counterintuitive but investment in comics is actually not great for the market as a whole, though it does benefit the people working in the industry.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? I hate to say it but I think the sugar rush of investment money is going to start to wear off. Your going to see a lot of comic companies either downsizing or folding up shop. The Lion Forge layoffs are probably just the tip of the iceberg. Also it should be noted it looks like the economy is about to slow down and possibly contract next year. This will most likely accelerate these trends

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Probably some horrible new food that’s invented

Who inspired you in 2018? This is going to sound super pretentious but I read a book called On Grand Strategy by John Lewis Gaddis. His basic thesis is that to properly employ a grand strategy a certain cognitive dissonance is needed where one has to plan out details carefully but roll with the punches when those details change. He uses a few historical examples from Xerxes to FDR. Overall that idea has been very helpful in running Z2 in the last year.

Mark Newgarden. Cartoonist

2019 Projects: How To Re-Read Nancy What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Stan Lee dies What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Big boy pants

Brian Fies, Cartoonist

2019 Projects: “A Fire Story” graphic novel, to be published by Abrams in March 2019, expands the 18-page Emmy Award-winning webcomic I posted after my home was destroyed in the California wildfires of October 2017. The 160-page full-color hardcover tells more of my family’s story as well as the stories of others affected by the fire, while also touching on issues of class and climate change.

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Stan Lee’s death, and the reflection on where comics came from and where they’re going that it prompted.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Whatever movies Marvel cranks out. They’re not all great, but they’ve all been entertaining.

Who inspired you in 2018? Carol Tyler always inspires me because she makes high-quality comics with outstanding heart and craftsmanship.

Peter Kuper, cartoonist

2019 Projects: Adapting Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Too few books on climate change

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? More books on climate change

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Going back to Oaxaca, Mexico

Julia Wertz, cartoonist

2019 Projects: I’m working on an autobiographical book about my last years in NYC, as well as keeping up with daily diary comics at Patreon

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Unfortunately, Cody Pickrodt’s lawsuit.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? The resolution of that lawsuit, which I hope he loses.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? It’s not really a guilty pleasure, more just a pleasure, but I always look forward to Gabrielle Bell’s diary comics

Who inspired you in 2018? Liana Finck, who’s book Passing for Human, was released this year and was really unique and interesting, and she also continues to churn out cartoons for the New Yorker and on her instagram that somehow distill the human condition into one hilarious panel.

Sarah Glidden, cartoonist

2019 Projects: I’ve been on maternity leave for the last 7 months but he’s about to go to day care two days a week so I’m excited to get back to work.

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Cody Pickrodt suing his alleged rape victim as well as ten other cartoonists, critics and publishers who came out in support of her is one of the most despicable uses of the legal system I’ve ever seen in the comics community.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? When the 11 beat this lawsuit.

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? Paying a day care to take care of my son for a few days a week so I can work on comics, which financially makes zero sense.

Who inspired you in 2018? I could pretend its not my baby but who am I kidding? He makes me see the world differently.

Jeffrey Brown, cartoonist

2019 Projects: My new picture book, “My Teacher Is A Robot”, comes out in June

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? Stan Lee passing away. Also, side note, how old and out of touch is Bill Maher to use Lee’s death as an opportunity to declare that the comics medium has no value?!

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Barnes & Noble will experiment with a new kind of store that expands the graphic novel section, eliminates all other categories, and focuses on comics and pop culture related merchandise. The stores will work with Diamond Distributors and they’ll also sell a large selection of both new and out of print pamphlet comics.

Joe Casey, Renaissance Man

2019 Projects: March: JESUSFREAK with Benjamin Marra (Image Comics). April: SEX Vol. 6 with Piotr Kowalski (Image Comics).

What was the biggest story in comics in 2018? I don’t know how “big” a story it was, since death is an inevitable part of life, but we lost a lot of legends this year. Steve Ditko. Harlan Ellison. Jon Schnepp. Russ Heath. Gary Friedrich. Marie Severin. Norm Breyfogle. Carlos Ezquerra. Stan Lee. And that’s just a partial list.

What will be the biggest story in comics in 2019? Hopefully something that no one could’ve possibly predicted…

Jeff Trexler, Attorney

2019 Projects: TBA

What guilty pleasure (of any kind) are you looking forward to in 2019? The 50th Annual San Diego Comic-Con – guilty pleasure because every year i say I should stay in New York to work, but …

Who inspired you in 2018? Ashley Eckstein, who not only wrote the stellar inspirational memoir It’s Your Universe but justifiably made the annual Her Universe fashion show one of — and arguably the most — buzzed about events at Comic-Con. She’s also one of the best speakers I’ve ever seen; her book tour and the talk she gave to lawyers & designers from around the world at this year’s Fashion Law Bootcamp were an exemplary blend of inspirational uplift and practical strategic advice. And there are others in the fashion community who were especially inspiring for me this year: Douriean Fletcher, Allison Cimino, Tony Kim, Jaimie Cordero … getting to catch up with and learn from people like this at comic-cons is a big reason why I go.

    The Beat's Annual Creator Survey Part 1: creators speak out on the buiggest stories of 2018 and what might be coming in 2019 Yes, it's that time of the year where The Beat quizzes a wide swath of creators, journalists, retailers and other comics people for their upcoming projects, thoughts on the past and future of the industry, and inspirations.

#2018 creator survey #ashley eckstein #Brian Fies #Emma Vieceli #erica schultz #jeff trexler #Jeffrey Brown #Jimmy Palmiotti #Joe Casey #John Green #Joshua Frankel #Julia Wertz #Mark Newgarden #Peter Kuper #Sarah Glidden