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wickedpact · 3 years

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A ranking of all the TTT stories in order of how much I liked them.

(Oh god this is so long)

1 My Mother's Axe

BABY ANDYYYYYYYYYYYY. Honestly this one had the trifecta of developing a character's motivations, developing a character's backstory, & developing their personality. The story starting out with Andy teaching Nile to use the axe was so charming and fun, and you could feel that chemistry they had in Opening Fire, the way they teased and bickered with each other so naturally. I loved the wedge between them on the subject of the axe, how Nile was perhaps a little too young to understand Andy's feelings about whether or not its the 'same' axe. I also love how the axe is obviously the symbol of the franchise and hugely important, but you never get a sense of exactly how important it is to Andy until you read the story.

I love the entire Ship of Theseus theme, and how it feels so natural that for Andy she has to get attached to the idea of things rather than the things themselves because she'll always outlive the things themselves-- the axe is symbolically her mom's axe, even if physically it isn't. And I love how she clearly clings to that concept so tightly. "This is the labrys she held in her hands...." IT GETS ME.

And the fact that this sense of BELONGING, of FAMILY, of CULTURE is so important to Andy that she clings to it (figuratively and literally) with both hands. And of course it's important to her, she spent so long alone that the woman doesn't even remember her birth name. That axe (or the idea of that axe) is all she has left of her mother and that family/culture she was born into.

PLUS on that note I love how Andy doesn't remember if her mom was her actual biological mother, but it doesn't matter to her. This woman was her mother in all the ways that counted. And how her mom BETRAYED AND KILLED Andy but Andy loved her so much that she avenged her and carried her axe for thousands of years. THOUSANDS OF YEARS!!!!!!

I also loved how the story transcends the timeline of the whole franchise and seeing Andy through the years. Loved seeing her with the varying squads and with varying axes. Also baby Andy was so cute. It was cool seeing her so young. like holy fuck. Andromache The Scythian, Immortal Warrior (but smol). Love that.

Also I think this one is one of the few ttt stories that doesn't suffer from length problems.

tldr: goddammit greg you've done it again.

2 Zanzibar and Other Harbors

Zanzibar my beloved. I've said before, but it's downright comedic how little regard there was for Joe and Nicky's character designs in this story. The same person who does the colors for the regular comic did the colors for this one too, and you can tell, every panel of this story was Beautiful.

Ik there was A Lot of criticism of this one (lmao @ how the fandom had no idea what was to come) but I thought a lot of The Discourse was a bit dramatic. I did think Nicky came off as a little oblivious to Joe's feelings in this story, but I've said before, I honestly think that was a 'tone not translating' thing. It felt like Nicky was nagging Joe for [checks notes] saving innocent people, but Joe was so amused by Nicky's complaints I really do think it was supposed to come off as teasing.

Plus I know the 'Joe running off into danger and Nicky reluctantly following' dynamic wasn't popular (I'm a pretty meh on it meself) but I did love how Joe's impulsiveness (if you want to call it that) was interpreted as heroism and not hot-hotheadedness. All of the examples Nicky and Joe talked about included Joe explicitly saving people. (and it also took A Lot for the nazi to actually provoke Joe).

I also feel like their characterization here was closest to the movie canon-- the bit where they hear the woman scream and Joe goes running in to save her while Nicky swoops in on Joe's heels to comfort her while Joe and the nazi were fighting reminds me of the train car scene. Joe had suggested First that they go find Nile because she needed to be protected, and Nicky later added that Nile probably also needed emotional support. Similar reactions.

But it was So Good, the themes of queer community and the enduring nature of queer culture are Not themes you see in media that often and it was such a delight how it was done. Also it's one of the few more modern TTT stories that has a completely valid excuse for taking place when it did. Chef's kiss.

3 Passchendaele

I love the Duality between seeing baby Andy and then seeing Mama Andy in the very next issue. This story doesn't have a ton of meat to it, but the entire concept of Andy adopting a war orphan straight off the battlefield PLUCKS MY TENDER LITTLE HEARTSTRINGS, and I think it's especially poignant for comic!Andy. I think most people wouldn't think twice about movie!Andy doing something like that but comic Andy is so hardened and almost cruel sometimes, and seeing that even for her the world hasn't beaten all of the compassion from her yet is SO!!!!!!! this woman contains MULTITUDES okay, she's violent and angry and tired and Done but she's also so kind and compassionate and THE STRENGTH OF HER!!!!! Also the idea of her and Yitzhak co-raising a kid together is so damn cute. It was #mysterious pre-Yitzhak-story but now it's cute. holy fuck. It's cute.

& the headbonk panel of her and Zeus lives in my heart. anyways.

4 Many Happy Returns

I Know people weren't thrilled about Booker being in this one, but I've developed a pet-peeve about that: this story was *not* booker-centric. Booker only exists in this story to the extent required to explain the importance of the gesture Nile makes towards him. If there was a story about Booker making some grand gesture of kindness to Nile no one would be saying it was Nile-centric. bc it wouldn't be! Booker exists in this story to explore Nile's kindness, its not about him. I saw that a couple times and it bothered me. anyways.

AAAAAAAAAA I loved this one, the art was beautiful, I loved how Andy Nile and Booker were drawn (like their comic selves but.. more looking like actual people). I loved Andy and Nile's Bants, how Andy wanted to jump right in and Do Violence but Nile was basically telling her to hold her horses.

I feel like I'm just repeating the post I made on this story a few days ago, but I LOVED how Nile's plan revolves not around violence or Cool Mercenary Skills but on Nile's own life skills (as she canonly did a lot of minimum wage job-hopping before the marines in comics canon). Her plan used her skills, not the skills of an immortal warrior, and HER SKILLS were in fact more useful for the situation! lov to see Nile's resourcefulness and planning skills.

AND HOW NILE WAS PROBABLY WATCHING BOOKER??? it's so Much bc 1.) nile knew booker A SINGLE DAY and yet he made such an impression on her emotionally that she had to keep an eye on him and 2.) she said in the movie she wanted Booker to get off free with an apology. Yes she's a member of the team but that doesn't mean she's necessarily going to follow orders like a good little soldier. I also love how she convinced Andy to go along with it. her HEART, her KINDNESS, her THOUGHTFULNESS, UGH.

5 The Bear

Honestly I have like no negative things to say about this one other than a.) character design issues which is less about the story itself and is more of a 'tog comic in general' criticism and b.) too short, but it was supposed to be a tease, so.

But I loved Yitzhak, I wasn't expecting to really like him at all but like I said in my other post, he tickled me. I love characters who are Kind™, especially if they have little reason to be so given their backgrounds. Chef's kiss. Lov him.

6 Bonsai Shokunin

I know this one was a little controversial bc of the outsider POV but whenever I see people upset about that they never point out that the Outsider Guy (the samurai) existed as a reflection on Noriko. His ideas are explained in the text to develop hers. The whole story follows how she gave mercy to a scared young man and in response he murdered Noriko, repeatedly! Who gave him the right to inflict such pain and suffering on the world? In his opinion, the lack of response from the gods was his permission. And for Noriko-- over and over again she dies and suffers because she gave mercy, which lines up with her ideas in FM about how it's their fate to rule mortals and if they don't align with that plan/fate/whatever then they suffer. It shows some background to those ideas and how they developed in her mind outside of Ocean Madness™. Additionally, his idea of 'the Gods have done nothing to strike me down so it's fine if I do these things' kind of explains how Noriko may justify her own morally corrupt actions-- she's died so many times and it's never stuck. Maybe if she did die any of those times, or while she was in the water, maybe that would've been a sign she was doing something right, or at least doing something normal. But she hasn't died. Fate isn't done with Noriko yet. And maybe there's a reason for that. In her mind, it's just not a very pleasant reason, is all.

There were things I was kind of meh about tho. I did kind of wish we saw something of Noriko and the team, or smth explaining the way she was before her dip in the pool-- personality, likes dislikes, etc. but it wasn't bad or anything. It was super vague tho, I had to read it a few times before I got what it was going for. Liked the art. Liked the bonsai metaphor. And of course I Respect the decision to use the 1300s (1200s? I don't remember off the top of my head) rather than using the last 200 years.

7 Strong Medicine

Honestly looking back, this one made me kind of sad because both this one and Bonsai Shokunin explored character's ideas on Fate and The Divine and how that intersects with immortality and I totally thought that theme would be continued, especially with Love Letters. But Then It Wasn't™.

Admittedly.... I had to re-read this one to remember most of it. I liked Booker's ideas on God, 'The conductor of the symphony just may not be very good at his trade' but the plot itself was kind of forgettable. Some fuckin cowboys try to kill a doctor (their second) because he couldn't save their sickly brother. Book tries to stop them, gets killed, and then comes back and kills them all before they get the doctor. Alright. I liked the artstyle because the characters were ugly in a similar way that leandro's are, but way more bearable.

I love the Irony of Booker concluding that there is no such thing as fate or destiny and nothing has meaning, AS HE UNKNOWINGLY SAVES MERRICK'S GRANDFATHER FROM BEING KILLED. Booker getting fucked over by life/god/destiny yet again. It also kind of explains about where the fuck hell Merrick's interest in immortal mercenaries even came from.

I originally had this one a lot higher and then I thought about it and moved it down like two spots.

8 Never Gets Old

I liked seeing Booker interact with his kid. And we got a name for the kid! Philippe was a little bitch though, he was a little obnoxious. I liked how Booker was so thrilled to experience a restaurant with his kid (and since we know he was there before, it can be assumed he went with all of his kids and yet he was so charmed each time). It fits with his line to Nicky in the moon landing story about how you don't appreciate beautiful things 'unless you have someone to share them with'. It was charming to see Booker interact with his kid, and to see him so happy. Also lmao @ Booker's big fat Ye Olde Crush on Andy.

However at the same time it was like.. of all the things to write about,,, I guess? Booker's Night Out...... alright. Especially since Book had so many stories.

I don't know, it was alright. The old man killing him really came out of nowhere, (but the 'Salut, asshole!' panel was funny tho).

9 How To Make a Ghost Town

I've hit a point where talking about these stories has gotten less fun. I liked this one but I felt like Achilles getting lynched was not really necessary for a story that was already tragic (a story that already involved Achilles doing a lot of suffering at the hand of bigots). When we first got the blurb for this story I thought it would be about Andy returning to the squad and making friends with Booker after losing Achilles and them butting heads on the idea of family and when to cut off ties. So a little bit of my underwhelmedness about this one might be just my expectations being different.

Honestly I was pretty interested in Andy and Achilles' relationship and I would've liked to see more of them-- like, what was their dynamic like? What did they love about each other?

But anyways Andy leaving and Achilles getting killed anyways feels so pointlessly tragic (which I suppose is the point..... I don't like tragedies) she left to save him and yet people killed him anyway. Meh.

I did love the bits about Andy wanting to have a domestic life (Andy and her multitudes again) and the little detail about how she buried her axe near the road but he buried his guns under his bed-- he was an escaped slave, he never had the luxury of assuredness like Andy did. It was a sad story.

10 Lacus Solitudinis

'You put this one above love letters crim??? how could you???' easy, lmao.

There was stuff in this one I liked. But to talk about stuff I didn't like: (I'll keep it brief, I know ragging on this story has been done time and time again)

UH, setting aside the 6 year cold shoulder between Joe and Nicky, I thought their chosen method of conflict resolution was... bad at best. Nicky's inability to talk about his feelings was also annoying, especially since the entire point of this story is a fight Joe and Nicky had, and yet we don't get both sides to the story, which is...... important? That fact is especially annoying bc in the absence of Nicky explaining his side of the story, it's absolutely a possible (and admittedly probably unintentional) interpretation of the text that we do get that Joe routinely resolves conflict between him and Nicky by simply cutting Nicky out of his life entirely until Nicky just. caves? Even if it takes years?

WHICH i could get into that interpretation and how fucked up i find it. but im not going to. out of restraint.

I don't know, I think there are a lot of interesting ways to go about this conflict but 'Nicky wants to kill a guy and Joe refuses to acknowledge his existence until he stops because he thinks Nicky is too much of a Good Boy to get his hands dirty like that' ('I wont watch as the world turns his (...) compassion into something ugly'. ) wasn't.. how I would've done it. (I mean you know Joe doesn't give a shit about what Nicky is doing in a moral way, because Joe doesn't even care or mention that Booker is killing those cops too. Joe only cares because he doesn't like the idea of Nicky changing in a way he finds undesirable.)

admittedly I've said before, I do like the emphasis Joe's reaction puts on Nicky's kindness. Joe has a complete inability to cope with Nicky simply Not Being Kind. It speaks to the steadiness of Nicky's compassion all those years. but still that fact doesn't make it the conflict feel worth it

hm. I said I would be brief and I wasn't.

oh well. basically I thought there was interesting conflict potential there but it wasn't done the way I would've liked, and the way it was done leaves a lot of disturbing (and again probably unintended) interpretations to lie.

What I did like? Andy and Joe having that pessimist/optimist dynamic. Joe nerding out about science. Andy not being impressed by The Achievements Of Man. I loved Booker needling at Nicky about his outdated slang and also trying to give him Older Brother advice practically in the same breath. I loved Booker giving The Worst relationship advice ever and Nicky being like 'I Will Not Do That, Ever, Thanks.' the family vibes were so good. The Joenicky vibes left a lot to be desired tho.

11 Love Letters

I talked about my problems with Nicky in this story (and Lacus Solitudinis). I don't know, the story isn't bad but I do hold a little bit of a grudge towards it because its very existence begs the existence of a solo Joe story and we didn't get one. If we never got this story, then we could happily count Lacus Solitudinis and Zanzibar as The Joenicky Stories™ and move on with our lives. sigh.

I remember when we first got the blurb for this story I was really curious about why Nicky specifically + the setting, and the answer kind of feels like 'the author had an idea for a story like this and saw ttt as a good enough place to utilize that idea'. Plus I was really underwhelmed by the Romantic Sentiment in the letter. If you look at it line-by-line, the majority of the letter is actually Nicky talking about how lonely and disturbed he is, rather than actual,, yknow,,, Romantic Sentiment. I mean, compare the van speech and this letter and this letter is just kind of meh in comparison. I liked nicky calling joe wise! and I liked the brief sun/moon metaphor! and otherwise it was eh. It didn't even have cute squad banter, which is why Lacus Solitudinis is above this one.

12 An Old Soul

Nun orgy. Nun orgy?????? Nun orgy.......

The whole story felt like a setup to have a nun orgy. Why did Booker have abs? Why did they do that to Andy's nose? ?????? the art was good at least.

nun orgy.

#tales through time spoilers #obviously #long post #seriously dont open that read more unless youre committed to scrolling past all these Words

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brw · 3 years

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Thoughts on Dan Slott :)

truly. my behated. i never liked his writing but ever since he had. like 16-18 y/o aboro propose to val who again is 12 AT BEST but is probably more like 8 i just... why this is man employed!!! he doesn't understand the characters he's writing he literally said that writing a character with powers as strong as franklin's was difficult and that's part of why he's depowered and it's like motherfucker if you can't write the team you're hired to do than give it up!!!! let someone else do it jfc!!

and like his writing of sue is SO bad. her only personality traits are "bitchy" and "overbearing" i am genuinely so fucking tired. why would she fucking stalk her adult brother??? she has TWO fucking kids to look after! she canonically is in charge of the ff's financial situation???? she ran their companies for them???? she's a secret agent sometimes for nick fury!! literally WHERE THE FUCK would she have the time to spy on her GROWN brother!!! sue genuinely just feels less like a character and more like a weird shape-shifting sexy blob that he changes to fit whatever stupid conflict he wants that issue which will never get brought up again.

not 2 mention the gross racism of some of his characters... like cindy when she was introduced was a glorified fetish character. no personality trait beyond "boobs" and "semi naked". and YES he apologised but that doesn't change that he'd thought that'd be okay, and considering how AWFULLY written skye is... like it just doesn't feel coincidence that a brown woman is the one that sue is shown to constantly judge and think negatively of and repeatedly insult her "backwards wrong" culture. it just feels so :/

and more on his weird shit, anyone remember his she-hulk mini where he???? had someone read out a list of all the people jen'd slept with in as she-hulk front of a court????? like WHAT the fuck was that. and he slutshamed johnny in EXACTLY the same way in his ff...

also. and this is something less to do w/ his bad writing and more with the fact that he haunts me. but when i was reading the 90s wonder man story. no mention of him at all! until i got to the final issue where it was finally cancelled. the guy who'd been answering the letters? dan fucking slott. i KNOW its not a big deal but it was so fucking creepy i feel like he's following me via the medium of comic books. it was insane. dan slott???? explains how fuckin rude some of the replies were tbh... jrjdnfn

there's also his ableism... like in the wedding buildup they called reed stupid & talked abt him behind his back when he was displaying some Symptoms Of Neurodiversity™ (hyperfixating) and was doing stuff in his lab and thought he wouldn't show up to the wedding like... this is his FAMILY they're supposed to know him and love him i'm 😩 can u. at least not use characteristics heavily associated w/ autism if you want to have his family insult him & whatnot it rlly is just. upsetting. and that STUPID "it's on bitch" panel everyone loves is just 😑 like hank was very obviously Not Well in that, not feeling great and you're telling me reed richards who shows sympathy and understanding to multiple supervillains who have tried to kill him and his family who once talked down someone from committing s*icide, would just belittle hank like that??? hank who he respects enough to ask for his expertise in robotics???? like just... in WHAT fucking world...

and that's not even getting into the crimes he committed in tony stark: iron man because dear fucking god they are numerous. he's been dead for 6 years dan. leave hank pym alone we have been through enough!!!!

ANYWAY. tldr he sucks i hate him wishing bad things for him ONLY. my beloathed.

ask “thoughts on ______”

#dhehhehe tysm for asking!#aylaranz #ask games} answers #dan slott hell #ask to tag

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dudeandduchess · 5 years

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Peach(es) and Cream [Tomioka Giyuu x F!Reader] Chapter 4

Rating: E! NSFW Characters: Tomioka Giyuu x F!Reader Chapters: 5/5 Summary: Wherein Giyuu is betrothed to a noble woman, and visits her with a present. Tags: Smut, Fluff, Short Series, Fingering, Creampie, Established Relationship, Arranged Marriage, Quiet Sex, Mild Manga Spoiler (Very mild, I promise), Jealousy

***NSFW***

“I sent a letter to your father,” Giyuu began flatly, as his hand reached out to take a piece of konpeito from the jar that (Y/n) had brought them in. He popped the candy in his mouth, all while gauging his lover’s reaction to his intervention.

She had planned on staying for another night, which would have not been a problem had she actually packed for it. But no, her decision to stay another night at her lover’s home was made at the last minute, and spouted as soon as Giyuu opened his eyes.

And so, instead of making her pack and forcefully taking her back to her father’s estate, the raven haired Slayer found himself giving in. Even he would admit that he wanted another night with his betrothed.

Just the thought of all the things they would do later on made shivers run down his spine. It wasn’t like him to take immense pleasure on such lewd thoughts, but (Y/n) made his mind dwell on such things. He had tried to suppress the steamy imaginings before, but found that it was futile.

His resistance was futile.

“Oh? Have you received a reply yet?” (Y/n) asked, as she looked up from where she was preparing their lunch. Having cooked for more than four people proved to be a challenge for the (L/n) heiress, but she considered it rude to not cook for the other Slayers staying training under Giyuu for Hashira training.

So she ultimately decided to make an easy but hearty vegetable curry for all of them. It wasn’t anything too fancy, but Giyuu reassured her that it was fine; that the Slayers under his charge at the moment would appreciate an actual meal, instead of just grilling something over a fire.

Of course, that was said in not so many words; which had (Y/n) sighing. She liked to hear Giyuu’s voice, since she had not been afforded the pleasure of the soft cadence of his tone very much.

His words were often concise and awkward at best, but she didn’t mind. It was part of his charm— which she would never admit aloud, because he might actually melt if she did that.

As evidenced by the awkward recoil that he had done when she told him that she loved him.

She wanted to laugh at how comical that had been, but held herself back. Instead of asking her what she found so funny, her betrothed might actually just jump to conclusions and think that she was starting to go crazy.

“Yes. He said to take you back before the day after tomorrow.” The raven-haired Slayer popped another piece of konpeito in his mouth, and proceeded to roll it around over his tongue. “He also invited me to stay for the gathering you’re hosting.”

One of (Y/n)’s slender eyebrows lifted at that, and she chanced a glance at her lover. He sat by his place at the table— after having set it up— and was snacking on the candy she brought for him. “Are you attending, though? And you’re going to spoil your appetite if you keep eating those, Giyuu.”

Wordlessly, the aforementioned man placed the lid back on the candy container, before sliding it to the center of the table. He then looked up at (Y/n), and had to resist the urge to sigh in pleasure.

She just looked so… beautiful in his home. She looked like she was meant to be there. The dreary walls and melancholy ambiance were things of the past the moment she had started leaving traces of herself around the house. It had been only a day, but it seemed that she had lived there forever.

He was so happy about that fact that he actually considered just keeping (Y/n) with him. They could further live in sin until they got married; he didn’t mind what the Shinto priests were going to say. But he was sure that (Y/n) cared about what a couple of old men would say, so he immediately nixed the idea.

“I don’t know yet.” Giyuu answered simply.

“Oh.” Try as she might, the young woman couldn’t keep the disappointment from coloring her tone. She knew how finicky the Demon Slayers’ schedules were, so she understood why Giyuu answered the way he did.

Still, a tiny part of her was hoping that he would have said yes. His presence would have made the gathering more bearable.

“But I’ll try to go,” Giyuu remedied after he sensed the crestfallen aura from his lover. It wasn’t his intention to disappoint her; it never had been.

(Y/n), visibly more cheerful, was just about to answer when the shoji panel slammed open.

Immediately, Giyuu got up and moved to shield (Y/n) from whomever it was. Only, it wasn’t just one single person; but it was the other Hashira.

Wide-eyed and at a genuine loss for words, Giyuu straightened up but didn’t leave his spot. While, from behind him, (Y/n) set down the spoon that she was using to stir the pot of curry over the hearth.

She turned around to get a good look at what the commotion was all about, and was surprised to see such imposing people hovering by the front door.

If (Y/n)’s hunch was right, those people were the other Hashira that she had heard very little about. All that she knew about them was the fact that they were extremely strong, based on what she had seen from Giyuu’s skillset years ago.

“Tomioka-san,” A petite girl with black and purple hair spoke up with a smile. “Excuse us for intruding, but we were told that your betrothed was here. We wanted to meet her.”

“I’m very disappointed in you, Tomioka-san. You’ve never mentioned having such a beautiful lady as your betrothed!” A flamingly blond man with iridescent eyes practically hollered. His voice thundered through the house, despite being at a conversational tone, and that simultaneously amazed and confused (Y/n).

Just looking at him made her feel tired, because he had too much energy buzzing around him.

However, his words weren’t lost on her, and she found herself covering her lips with her fingers as she looked away from the group. All to hide the warm blush that had settled on her cheeks.

Unbeknownst to her, Giyuu had chanced a glance back at her and noticed her reaction. With any other person, it wouldn’t have mattered, but with her… the Mizu Hashira felt the warm and unsavory vestiges of jealousy bubbling up inside him.

***

(Y/n) didn’t know how they had managed it, but all of them had managed to get their fill of the vegetable curry and rice she had made. There was enough to go around for everyone, which also made Giyuu bring out all of the bowls and utensils he owned.

She had tried to urge the lower ranking Slayers to join them at the table, but they opted to eat outside; a good distance away from all the daunting personalities in the house.

At the moment, they sat gathered around the low table, but were snacking on the sweets that (Y/n) had brought for Giyuu.

“So, how did the two of you meet?” The Love Hashira— Kanroji Mitsuri— asked curiously. Her eyes darted excitedly between Giyuu and (Y/n), which made the latter bite her bottom lip in contemplation.

(Y/n) knew that her lover wasn’t particularly blessed in the verbal department, so she composed herself and quickly phrased her answer in her mind; because the last thing that she wanted was to make a mistake in front of such intimidating people.

“Tomioka-sansaved my family from a demon attack. The demon took another family a few days prior to his arrival at the town, and we were about to be its next meal, had he not killed it in time,” The (L/n) heiress explained softly, just as a hint of a sad smile lifted the corners of her lips.

When before she would tamp down all her feelings for Giyuu, such wasn’t the case at that moment. She had succumbed to her emotions months ago— after she had verbalized her love for him— and she had evidently mellowed out in that time frame.

Gone was the stoic expression when she talked about how they came to be, and in its place were light blushes and gentle smiles that conveyed her true feelings.

“Did you put up a valiant fight, beautiful flower? I can teach you the ways of the sword, should you wish to learn.” Rengoku— the Flame Hashira— exclaimed jovially.

His compliment surprised (Y/n); not because she was unused to hearing such words directed at her, but because he sounded so genuine when he said them. And to have called her a beautiful flower, of all things. That wasn’t just a regular compliment.

So, she found herself ducking her head to hide her flaming cheeks. Though, she was sure that the whole table knew of her reaction, if the heat at the tips of her ears were anything to go by.

From beside her, she heard a quiet huff, which had her chancing a glance at Giyuu. His face looked impassive, but it was the quiet anger in his eyes that took her aback.

***

The itch that Giyuu felt in his chest was too overwhelming, even for him who was so used to keeping his emotions in check. Every time he looked at (Y/n), he couldn’t help but remember the way that she had blushed at the Flame Hashira’s flowery words.

He knew he could never be that forward with her, and that served to harp at his own insecurities. He wasn’t energetic like Rengoku, nor was he suave like Uzui; he was quiet, and was very inept with verbal conversations.

He couldn’t make his betrothed blush or laugh like they had done during their visit, and that stung. It was a blow to his already-battered ego, which caused his jealousy to rear its ugly head.

“Are you alright, Giyuu?” (Y/n) asked as she settled beneath the covers. Giyuu’s yukata was large on her, but it was comfortable and smelled like him— which prompted her to devise a plan to steal it away with her when she left for her own home.

Silence answered the young woman’s query and, in response, she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. And she was about to turn and face her silent lover, when he rose up and caged her in his arms. He hovered above her, but his face was close enough to hers that she could feel his warm breath fanning across her lips.

Unconsciously, she licked her lips, as she lost herself in his dark blue irises.

The candle light flickered, which sent the room into a brief bout of blackness. But it wasn’t the threat of darkness that made (Y/n)’s heart race; it was the intense look that Giyuu was pinning her under.

“No,” The young man grunted out, before giving in to his baser instincts and laying claim to his lover’s lips. His lips upon hers were rough and demanding; as if striving to prove something, and it deeply unsettled (Y/n).

Enough for her to gently push Giyuu away from her.

Both of them were breathing heavily, as (Y/n) moved her hands to cup her lover’s face. His gaze flickered away from her own, and that was when understanding dawned upon her. “Are you jealous?”

Another bout of silence answered her question, which was prolonged even more by the (L/n) heiress’ decisive way of weighing the pros and cons of her future actions. She could approach it seriously, which had the probability of agitating her lover even further; or she could try and see things from his point of view, and approach the topic in a soft and reassuring manner.

She went with the lesser of two evils, and went with the latter.

“I love you, Giyuu,” (Y/n) murmured softly, as she caressed the Hashira’s cheeks with the pads of her thumbs. “Only you. No other man makes me feel like you do, and there will never be any other man for me but you. Always remember that, okay?”

In the most adorable manner that she had ever had the pleasure of seeing, she saw the typically apathetic man close his eyes and melt into her touch.

“I’m yours. Only yours.” And with that statement, (Y/n) proved her point by brushing her lips against her lover’s. It was the faintest of touches, but it was much more significant compared to all of their other kisses.

Slowly, their light kisses evolved into languid, open-mouthed ones that made (Y/n)’s toes curl in pleasure. Every swipe of his tongue against her own made her moan, while her hands trailed up the sides of his face and up to his hair.

It didn’t take long for both of them to progress further, and before both of them knew it, Giyuu was already inside (Y/n). Her legs were wrapped tightly around his waist, and her ankles dug into his ass in an attempt to pull him further inside her.

Every thrust felt heavenly for the Hashira, and while a tiny part of him wanted to pick up the pace to make (Y/n) scream in pleasure, the more sentimental and rational side of him urged him to stick with their languid pace.

“I love you,” (Y/n) murmured against his skin every once in a while; and damn if it didn’t turn him on more. His heart was so heavy with all the emotion he felt and, even though he felt that he was about to burst at the seams, he knew that (Y/n)’s touch was enough to hold him together.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Note: Hello, everyone! Thank you for reading!Comments and suggestions are highly appreciated!!!! Oof, the next one will be the last one already. But fear not, there will be more. Who should I write about next? My flame boi Kyōjurō or my secretly soft boi 'Nemi?

#giyuu tomioka x reader #kimetsu no yaiba tomioka #tomioka giyuu x reader #tomioka giyū #tomioka giyuu #kimetsu no yaiba fanfic #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer fanfic #demon slayer #x reader fanfic #kny x reader #peach(es) and cream

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oosteven-universe · 4 years

Text

10th Muse: Justice #2

10th Muse: Justice #2 Tidalwave Productions 2019 Written by Darren G. Davis & Ryan Burton Illustrated by Carlos Silva Coloured by Flavio Silva Lettered by Ben Gilbert There is a line of evil creatures with a vendetta against the 10th Muse. Cronus, Circe and Sonnet have conjured a new villainess to the mix. Meet Justice and she is after the Muse and her friends. All this to try to bring back 10th Muse's classic foe Medusa as well as a the frightening Charybdis. There are times when a revival is more than welcome and this happens to be one of those times. I believe that there is something about this franchise that screamed to come back and I am really glad Darren listened to that. We need books, characters and stories like this one because they are what comics are all about. This for me is what a classic superhero story should be, you've got 10th Muse who has daddy issues, when he's Zeus though that comes with the territory I suppose, and yet she does her best to defend humanity from any and all threats. So basically it's the epitome of a superhero book. The way that this is being told is fantastic. The story & plot development we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is laid down perfectly. I am a fan of learning as we go, this way we are kept in the dark until the characters learn something. For me anyway this heightens how we see and react to what is presented and that kind of tension is instilled beautifully. The character development that we see here is great. I like how what we see in the characters and reacting to those encounters help to continue to shape who they are. I like how we are introduced to characters and through villainous monologuing we really get to know what motivates and drives them. The pacing is great and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way it helps to create this marvellous ebb & flow to the story. So what really appeals to me is the creativity and imagination that we see throughout the book. To put a different spin on the gods and their demi-god children isn't easy and it's easy to see why 10th Muse has been able to make her mark and it's also why I feel her return is long, long overdue. I do very much like what I am seeing in the interiors here. Carlos is darn fine artist and illustrator and the way can utilise the linework through it's varying weights to bring out the attention to detail is utterly marvellous. I am a huge fan of the way we see the linework in the faces and how they bring out the facial expressions or how scaling is done as they have this beautiful impact upon what we see. The way that we see backgrounds being utilised and then within the composition inside the panels show the great depth perception, scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the book. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show an impressive eye for storytelling. The colour work here is so gorgeous as we see that the various hues and tones within the colours are utilised to create the musculature, hair (without linework) as well as the woods or oceans. There is a beautiful understanding on how colour works and how to utilise it effectively to make it be more than you thought it could. This is fun, it's reminiscent of the 80's where comics were supposed to be bright, light and full of action/adventure stories, yes even with a little humour thrown in for good measure. So if you are tired of constant reboots, crossovers and the dark angsty stuff that permeates stands today and want to read a series that makes us remember what comics should be, well this is it.

#comic books #comics reviews #tidalwave comics #darren g davis #ryan burton #carlos silva #flavio silva #ben gilbert

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spnfanficpond · 5 years

Text

March 2019 Pond LiveChat Recap

We had a great time chatting today with @bamby0304! Thank you so much, Amber, for joining us!!

We talked about Planners (writers who outline and plan out their stories) vs. Pantsers (writers who fly by the seat of their pants), and had some great questions and answers from everyone who joined! A rundown of the chat, as well as the usual general Pond news, is below the cut.

Michelle: I love attending writing panels at comic cons, and at one, the presenter said there are two kinds of writers, and that each type has their strong points. Planners have tighter storylines, but pansters tend to have stronger characters because they start with the characters and the story writes itself. (This is a broad generalization, so there are always exceptions to this rule.) As a pantser, it made me feel better about my writing, because I felt like CRAP because I can't outline for shit. Before hearing this, I thought, “My writing is crap and it’s always gonna be crap because I don’t outline and plan,” even though readers told me they liked my writing. Hearing that how I write is a valid process and there are successful writers like me really helped me to embrace it and feel better. We can always learn from each other, though, which is why we’re here!

Amber: I do find that sometimes diving in head first, with no thought, can result in a more interesting story. While most of my fics are planned, I do sometimes just get an idea and run with it. Having an outline can be a little restricting at times...

Q: Amber, how do you keep track of all your work in progress?

Amber: I have a doc that lists all my past, present and future fics which is very detailed. Everything is color-coded and alphabetized!

Q: For the pantsers, how do you end a story? I started writing my story as a series of one-shots that accidentally connected, and now I have a 15-chapter story that needs an ending....

Michelle: When I write, I always have an end goal in mind, like a road trip. I know where I want to go, but not necessarily which roads I’ll take to get there. Only once did I not do that, and it was just crack, with me just trying to stuff a lot of ridiculous crack into it, and it doesn’t have much of an ending, really. My advice for where you are, though, would be to sit down, close your eyes, and put yourself in every character's shoes. Think about how they feel about what's been happening, and disregard all of the other characters. Think about what they want and what they might do next. When you find the characters with the most interesting motivations and potential actions, there's the rest of your story.

Q: Amber, are you a planner in other aspects of your life, too?

Amber: I'm a planner with everything. My dad has a saying that's been drilled into me since birth: Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. He also says: Better safe than sorry. So I guess I've just always felt the need to be organised and prepared. I'm at least half an hour early to everything. My books and DVDs are in alphabetical order, my wardrobe is colour coordinated... I'm all about organisation

Q: Michelle, do you find that your end goal gets lost in the middle? Like, if you don’t plan the small stuff, do you take a left turn instead of right and end up losing your original plan?

Michelle: Oddly enough, I don’t. There have been times when the story made a left turn, and after a short while, I got blocked. Every time I get blocked, it's a sign I made a wrong turn. If I go back to the turn and start fresh, it always works out. In my recent NaNoWriMo fic, I was on day 3, and suddenly, I lost all urge to write it. Nothing was coming to me. It was all crap. I went back, threw out almost an entire day's worth of writing, and then forged ahead. It was nerve-wracking, because it put me behind on my daily word count for the month, but it worked.

Q: Amber, did you learn how to outline from someone, or are you self-taught?

Amber: At first I was a full time pantser. I was a shipper who just wanted Elena and Damon together, and I didn't care how they got there. Now, though, I think about pretty much every step I take... well, almost every step I take.

Q: Are your outlines in complete sentences or just points you want to make in each chapter?

Amber: Depends on the story. With Wolves just had dot points for chapters, but The Hart has a full doc of details. I would jot a few words down for With Wolves, because I also try to stick to a word count for each chapter so sometimes the idea would spread into multiple chapters

Q: Is sticking to a word count per chapter a thing that you do for yourself for pacing, or for your readers so they don't have long chapters?

Amber: Mostly for pacing. Most of my reader insert fics are 1.5k-2.5k words long. Except Her Saviours... that's 3.5-5k long. I like things to be uniform.

Q: I can't get past 1k would outlining help with that?

Amber: Outlining could help, sure. But you need ideas to outline, first.

Q: Do you have a writing schedule that you stick to, where it's your priority for that time to write, or do you just write when you can?

Amber: I started uni this week, so now it's more of a do-it-when-you-can kinda thing... but I like to write in the evenings. I make a cup of tea and sit myself down, and make myself write. Often I don't wanna... but I have a posting schedule to keep up with, so I don't have much of a choice.... I also put on SPN when writing that fandom. I specifically stick to the season that might go along with the plot of that fic. I can't write in silence.

Michelle: I can't write if there's anything AT ALL happening anywhere in the world that I might find remotely interesting. Silence, no music, no TV, nothing good on my dash, it's terrible. Literally, anything is more interesting than writing for me, until I get going.

Q: Do your stories ever break from your outline?

Amber: All the time! For instance, in Her Saviours (sorry about name dropping my fics, but I just like using examples) Sam is misbehaving big time. He keeps on doing things I don't want him to do, which moves the plot along faster that I'd like.

Q: How do you even start an outlining process?

Amber: it might be a slight OCD thing... because I'm organised with everything... but a lot of my planning is motivated by the fact that if I don't plan I'll lose interest in my stories and give up.

Followup Q: I want to try, but you made it sound a bit overwhelming.

Amber: It's really not overwhelming. You get the idea for a story and then you want to write... so jot that idea down. Then jot down other ideas that go with it. Set up a timeline. Dean wants pie Dean goes to get pie Dean meets girl at bakery They laugh, have fun He buys her pie Turns out it's magical pie that people get addicted to Dean has to decide whether he ganks witch (pie girl) or not. Just write simple stuff like that.

Q: Do Pantsers lose motivation easily?

Michelle: Sometimes. If I don’t know what I want to write next, it’s really easy to get distracted and not write. I need a writing schedule that I stick to. I used to have one, but I've filled it up with being tired from having a life.

@manawhaat: Yes and no. if I lose the motivation, it's because the story isn't there or i'm not having the right thoughts to help that story along. Like if I generally know what the fuck is going on in a story, I'm probably not writing it because I already know it. It's the ones that are a mystery or Mr. Toads Wild Ride that I end up writing bc I'm actively motivated to figure it out.

Q: Do you have a posting schedule? And if you do lose motivation, does that affect said schedule?

Michelle: I do not have a schedule. I have an order in my head of what I want to write next, but unless it's for a challenge, no due date to write it by.

Mana: I have never had a posting schedule because I am not the schedule type person and will 100% abort from the plan and not stick to it at all. Even signing up for challenges, I'm wary of time frames because I'm more likely to drop out if I can't figure my shit out within that time. I'd rather drop out of a challenge than pump out something that isn't really what I want to write or doesn't tell the story I need to tell.

Amber: I pace myself with posting. I give fics certain days (like today is Spanner in the Works day) and I post them weekly on said day. I choose the days by title most of the time... I like alliteration, so Spanner in the Works is posted on Sunday S + S.

Q: Are you really a pantser, or a planner in denial? Do you just not realize somethings you do are baby steps into becoming a full time planner?

Michelle: When it comes to writing, I've tried to plan, and I just can't. If I plan too thoroughly, then I feel like I've already written the story, and I lose motivation to write it out. But I'm more of a planner in life. I have a calendar and a routine that I follow, simply because there are days when I'm not cognitively aware enough to make actual decisions. If everything is muscle memory, I can run on auto pilot and not crash. To use the road trip analogy, when I go on an actual road trip, I figure out the route and all the bathroom breaks ahead of time. Completely different than when I’m writing.

Tips gleaned from writers at writing panels at comic cons:

As you're writing, keep an "outline" of your chapters with only a sentence or two describing each chapter. This helps you if you need to go back and reference something later, and helps you see the overall story arc.

Naming characters - Try to avoid naming characters with the same first initial. A reader's eyes will sometimes only hit the first letter of a name, so keeping track of character names helps. Write the alphabet on a piece of paper, and write down every name as you go along.

If you're stuck, or feel like your story is meandering, try to picture in your mind what the movie trailer for your story would look like. What makes this movie more interesting than similar movies? What is driving your story?

If you've got a good flow going, and then it suddenly dries up, go back to when you last felt confident, and move on from there. Something you did since then wasn't right, and you'll see it when you start again.

Thanks to everyone who was there! It was a great chat!

General Pond Updates and Reminders

Angel Fish Award nominations are accepted all month long! No need to wait to tell us how much you liked a fellow Fish’s work! If you have sent in a nomination, but have not received a private message confirming we received it, we didn’t get it. Be sure to use Submit instead of Ask!

Don’t forget to submit your stories to be posted to the blog! When your stories are on the blog, then they are easier to nominate for Angel Fish Awards!

SPNFanFicPond Season 14 Weekly Episode Writing Challenge - New prompts go up after every new episode, and there’s no deadline! Check out the prompts and rules at the link!

Say hi to February’s New Members!

Check the Pond CALENDAR to see when Big Fish will be in the chat room and other Pond and SPN events are happening! Know of something that’s not on the calendar, send us an ask or submission with the deets info details! The calendar offers a lot of features, such as showing you when things are in your own timezone! Since we’re an international group, that’s a definite plus!!

In April, we’re going to chat with one of our Big Fish, @deanscarlett about writing in English when it’s not your first language! Hope to see you there!

#spnfanficpond live chat #chat room #let's chat #THE CHAT ROOM #pond chat

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comicteaparty · 6 years

Text

September 13th, 2018 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on September 13th, 2018, from 5PM - 7PM PDT. The chat focused on Gemini Journey by Tracy MacLauchlan & Yesenia Carrero.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB START!

Good evening, everyone~! This week’s Thursday Book Club is officially beginning! Today we are discussing Gemini Journey by Tracy MacLauchlan & Yesenia Carrero~! (http://geminijourney.com/) Remember that Thursday discussions are completely freeform! However, every 30 minutes I will drop in OPTIONAL discussion questions in case you’d like a bit of a prompt. If you miss out on one of these prompts, you can find them pinned for the chat’s duration. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is fun and respectfully appreciating the comic. All that said, let’s begin!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

Shen

i liked when she was getting ready for interviews and she messed up her makeup and her buttons popped 100% relatable

Tenor | Shinavar

Hi Hi! Q1: TOO MANY. But specifically I really enjoyed Veil's anger he morning after Gemini went missing. I just really appreciated getting to see someone actually care someone just wandered off, and him still having lingering emotions about the whole incident of her returning home.

aliceapproved

Oh gosh, that one was such a BIG MOOD!!!

saetje

whoo-hoo! Thanks @RebelVampire for putting on CTP. And hey all, thanks for coming :)!

Kabocha

Oh, boy, this is a hard one to answer, to be honest! I really liked the first chapter, where Gemini and Veil were going up against the Dragon-Roach... I was like "WAIT HOW CAN YOU HATE DRA--- Oh." Also, this scene: http://geminijourney.com/index.php?c=69 Veil. You are the best.

It was fantastic handling of that... Creeper Kappa? Is the flasher a Kappa?

Shen

i just give 100% of my heart to Veil he works so hard hes so tired let him rest

Tenor | Shinavar

Flasher, I'd say

aliceapproved

Gosh, yeah, the dragon cockroach was really creative and I'm SO HAPPY there's a Kappa and they had to do the "bow" move to "defeat him"

Tenor | Shinavar

But yeah I love how 'street smart' he is about like, everything going on.

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

a book nerd with street smarts

Kabocha

Veil has no time for any of these Shenanigans

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

he's amazing

aliceapproved

I really love Gemini's "guilt" expression in one of the interviews

Superjustinbros

Hello!

RebelVampire

yeah i think veil is also a great character balance to gemini. cause when you have someone who is into the shenanigans, you need someone to be a grounding influence

Tenor | Shinavar

I also really like that though because he shows a level of attentiveness and perception to the world around him. <3

saetje

yess! It's a flasher Kappa! Glad you liked that scene.

Shen

yeah sometimes the "straight man" character can come off as a wet blanket but he genuinely cares for Gemini. i'd like to see more of that, like how they mnet or something one day in the future

aliceapproved

Yeah! Veil and Gemini are such a dynamic complimentary duo, from personality, body shapes, and orange and blue colors!

Shen

EXCELLENt design

Superjustinbros

Oh yea, huge props for how polar opposites Gemini and Veil are

aliceapproved

OH!!! One of my favorite scenes is when Gemini firsts visits the creepy circus and the scene transitions to her perfectly waking up in bed. That was such a cool transition!

Kabocha

Yesssss!

mathtans

Yes, I agree, the two play off each other well.

Kabocha

It was!

Superjustinbros

http://geminijourney.com/index.php?c=198 Also, I like this scene, in part cause it reminds me very well of what happens to me some days

aliceapproved

I'm really eager to see how the circus devolves and how Veil and Gemini will handle it. Also those rad fox twins!

mathtans

(I may have to leave at a moment's notice when the baby awakens, if I suddenly go silent.)

Jess

You guys are so nice. I don’t know if I can add smilies fast enough haha

Kabocha

http://geminijourney.com/index.php?c=55 Also, the lighting on this page was woooonderful. I wasn't sure how to read Veil's expression though. It was kind of like... "wait. Do you not want her to move out? Or... Are you just... ....caught off guard by dog fire?" ....Then the next panel is like "Back to reality."

Jess

Yeah the scene where it transitions from her as a circus performer to her in the bed was one of my favorites. @saetje really owned that scene

Tenor | Shinavar

I read it as he's a bit hurt at the "You can finally be alone!" more than her moving out

Superjustinbros

wow that is some really good lgithing

Jess

I think that was the first time that I didn’t second guess the panel format

RebelVampire

to repeat something already said, i loved the dragon bug. that was such an immensely creative idea, and i think it was a great way to open the comic. we get a great way to get not only the impression of what the world is like, but we get to get a great feel for the personalities of the characters.

mathtans

I gotta say though, my favourite was apparently Death owning a flower shop that has the slogan "You Don't Gno-me". Gotta love those little details.

http://geminijourney.com/index.php?c=44

Tenor | Shinavar

GASP I MISSED THAT

OMG I LOVE IT

Jess

Yaaaaay!!

RebelVampire

yeah i give death's appearance an A+. that and gemini's confusion about why death asked about her immortal soul

aliceapproved

I looove all the mythology monsters at play in the background!

saetje

A lot of those details are thanks to @Jess who does final rendering/lettering. Flower-shop Wraith/Death will actually be showing up again I think next update, haha.

RebelVampire

http://geminijourney.com/index.php?c=45 although i was also distracted by the page right after. this feels so true for getting a job.

mathtans

It's the Wraith of Khan.

Shen

LOL Gemini's entire job ordeal is so relatable. "i workeds hard on this one application im gonna go get a treat" girl, same

Superjustinbros

hehee

Kabocha

http://geminijourney.com/index.php?c=157 Veil's distress :<

Tenor | Shinavar

Gemini sets off my inner Veil tho bc I know so many friends who do like

1 app a week

Shen

UGH hes so cute when hes sad XD

Tenor | Shinavar

and it's like: HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-

mathtans

Back to what Rebel said though, I agree the dragon as a bug was hugely creative, and a good way to see the main characters play off each other.

Tenor | Shinavar

istg I relate to Veil the entire job process lmao

Kabocha

I love the expressiveness of both Veil and Gemini, but yeah, I really really feel for Veil

aliceapproved

I love how much Veil cares! He cares SO MUCH!!!

Tenor | Shinavar

Did anyone else notice in he dragon roach scene Veil has Gemini's shoe the whole time as the weapon?

RebelVampire

i love that page, @Kabocha like the lighting plus that expression made my heart weep

mathtans

I like that Gemini did start to take it more seriously for Veil, or at least seems to have been at interviews.

RebelVampire

weep so dang much

mathtans

Tenor: I don't think I picked up on that.

Kabocha

Although, how much is Gemini caring vs the Circus influence infecting her with confidence?

Tenor | Shinavar

I realized it after I noticed Gemini running around without a shoe and had to go back to see where I missed it lmao

saetje

@Tenor | Shinavar AH! Someone noticed that!

Superjustinbros

(I'm gonna go AFK for a bit, got some things I have to do but I'll hopefully be back later!)(edited)

Tenor | Shinavar

IT'S CUTE BUT MAKES ME WONDER HOW WE GOT TO THAT POINT LOL

saetje

Yes, Veil took Gemini's shoe despite having larger feet than her. I could jsut imagine the behind-the-scenes squabbling about it

aliceapproved

OOOH Good point about the influence! I'm really intrigued by the hypnotic circus

Tenor | Shinavar

Kabo: Caring about what, specifically? Like, about the circus, trying to get a job...?

(Sorry if I'm slow on the draw, got kids here )

Jess

On our world dragons: Yeah. It came from a conversation that dragons are the pests of the magical/mythical world. To the roach/dragon thing just kinda took form from that Ahahaha

RebelVampire

yes i noticed the shoe and thought that was a great art touch of continuity

Jess

Ahaha yeah!!! I mean. My boi got nice shoes. He can’t be using them for that

aliceapproved

I'm really glad dragons have the roach aesthetic, too! As someone who loves all dragons, I draw the lines at cockroaches XD

Shen

yeah that poster at the end threw me for a loop i thought it was a legit magic look-alike so when i saw the poster i was like "whoaaa no way" haha makes me VERY interested to read more

aliceapproved

Veil is so clean haha!

Kabocha

@Tenor | Shinavar -- Just in general honestly. Gemini started putting more effort into things, but it didn't feel like she actually really gave a damn more than she had gained some level of confidence.

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

i really liked gemini's haunted mascara

saetje

I'm glad you all like the Dragon Roach opening/idea too. It's also the idea...trying to imagine how mythical things might have 'evolved' along with our modern world, and yeah. Dragons are pretty much pests you always have to exterminate, yeah?(edited)

Kabocha

Although maybe that's the magic of the circus

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

or maSCAREa

mathtans

I grinned at it being one of the flying types.

Tenor | Shinavar

Ooooh that's fair, and a good point.

mathtans

Made me think of ants. I hate the flying ones.

saetje

@mathtans directly related to past experience with real life 'flying ones'. Nothing makes a roach worse than realizing it's one of those

omg ants too

Tenor | Shinavar

Saetje: So would this modern world have those 'fortune cat' memes but with the dragons instead? Reblog for good fortune?

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

god i related to that line so much bcus of how often i had to deal with flying roaches as a young childe

saetje

hmm, fortune cat memes? Like on tumblr when someone reblogs a picture of a cat with money on its head? XD

Tenor | Shinavar

Yeah~

aliceapproved

OMG

Kabocha

I could do without the flying insects aaaaaaaa

aliceapproved

gEmini and Veil on social media haha!

Shen

i bet Gemini is a memelord

Jess

Yeah!! For the circus - we’re at the point not where we can start unraveling some of the mystery. Throughout the story so far we wanted it to be sorta ambiguous about if that Gemini in the circus was the same one. In the next oncoming scenes you’ll see what’s real and what’s not. But hopefully the way it’s being read is that the readers (y’all) are realizing it might actually be Gem

Tenor | Shinavar

I'd collect flying insects if they were smol dragons justsayin

Oooou~!

Jess

She is definitely a memelord Hahahah I love that

saetje

I doubt about dragons being seen as fortune memes since dragons are seen as pests and they tend to keep you from your money (ala sitting on the horde and breathing fire) or take loose items into their hidey holes-- so they're not seen the same as lucky. But that might just be for Gem and Veil's part of their world

aliceapproved

I'm so excited for the Circus to "unravel"

Shen

i bet she texts memes to Veil from across the room and then just waits for him to look at her in disapproval =3

Tenor | Shinavar

I've been under the impression the circus might not be entirely real and the performers there are stuck against their will - kinda fae-style. <_< So either she's performing against her will and is not yet fully bound or it's been an illusion to GET her there

RebelVampire

is veil thus the type to post all the old timey book quotes then? XD

in regards to the social media thing

mathtans

Yeah, at first I thought maybe Gemini was just seeing herself in place of who was actually up there, but with the poster it seemed likely that they were actually making her do the things.

aliceapproved

Oooh, I think it could go either way with trapped souls and she's not bound yet, or it's all an illusion to trap her.

Also, Veil posts moody aesthetic boards

Shen

aliceapproved

"Juggling is not a garbage job" :V

saetje

yeah we're getting into I guess the third act and I hope it comes together and makes sense. as we unravel some mystery. There's more stories we want to tell after "Barley & Bay-Lily" that all follow continuity, so I want to wrap Barley & Bay-Lily where you all know what's going on but there's more overarching questions than answered in some ways.

I'm loving these thoughts on it!

mathtans

Clever play on Barnum & Bailey, by the way.

Jess

Thanks!!

RebelVampire

i want to say i loved the juggler. that was a great design and gemini's reaction to it made me laugh. although i do wonder now if the juggler is part of the circus conspiracy

mathtans

I wonder if it's significant that they seem to be foxes.

Kabocha

Foxes are tricksters, so I mean

aliceapproved

Kitsunes!

Tenor | Shinavar

My fear about the poster though, and why I hink it's a trap, is it said her "final act"

mathtans

'Tis true.

Jess

Also I don’t know if anyone noticed but the juggler was only juggling 2 balls with 4 arms

aliceapproved

Very fitting to make them foxes! Cute and mischevious and devllish

Tenor | Shinavar

so it's like; HHHHHHHHHHHHH GEMINI BBY NO RUN AWAY

aliceapproved

YEAH!! GEMINI GET OUTTA THERE

Jess

So lots of talent going on in the streets of New Olympia hahaha

mathtans

Jess: I caught the four arms. Guess I didn't count the balls. Seems like less of a challenge there.

Shen

"mysterious circus ive never heard of down a dark alley? sounds like a great time and not at all suspicious!"

Jess

Right!?

saetje

yes, what @Kabocha said. The idea for GJ is this is HER story/myth/hero's journey. Foxes are pretty archetypal to suspect characters in folklore and fairy tale. WHAT they are exactly, well. More to be revealed :' D you guys have some awesome theories.

mathtans

Maybe there was a chainsaw off panel.

saetje

hahahaha

Kabocha

This'll be really cool to see as it approaches the end

(of the chapter, anyway)

Tenor | Shinavar

yeeees

Jess

That’s true! Whether she was a good juggler or not is the true mystery

mathtans

The foxes are actually out of work actors.

saetje

oh god.

Mathtan you figured it out

noooo

Jess

Yesssss

aliceapproved

I misread that as "work out" actors LOL

Tenor | Shinavar

choke

saetje

oh even better

Tenor | Shinavar

Explains why they are trying to start their own circus

aliceapproved

LOL "Get BUFF with JUGGLING"

Shen

LOL

mathtans

Appearing next in the Big Top - Jazzercize.

Tenor | Shinavar

WHEEZE

saetje

Possessed Scary Circus Zumba

Shen

Crossfit but its clowns

Jess

That’s terrifying

Tenor | Shinavar

I h8 u all bc I can't draw this right now

RebelVampire

i would pay to see clowns doing crossfit

saetje

now tHAT'S a million dollar comic idea, Shen

or idea in general, yes

aliceapproved

I know it's probably way off in the future, but I'm curious about plans for Veil-focused arc in the future

Shen

yeah same, im sure its planned but im interested

RebelVampire

QUESTION 2. While searching for a job, Gemini clearly has gotten wrapped up in a dangerous situation involving a circus. What do you think the circus’ goal is in general for the people it entraps? Who exactly are the fox ringmasters running the show? Why was Gemini in particular targeted as opposed to other people in the audience? Why did Gemini seemingly come home in a trance, and what do you think it means for whatever is happening to Gemini? How do you feel the performer who represents Gemini’s ideals fits into all of this? Do Gemini’s anxieties have something to do with all this do you think? Lastly, how do you think Gemini will get out of this mess (or is she just doomed)?

Shen

i wanna know why he puts up with her tbh ^^; seems like she can be a bit self interested

aliceapproved

Also that it's confirmed he has friends cuz of that phone call. I'm sorry, I keep assuming he's a Sad Books lonely boy

Shen

no friends its just his mom

saetje

yeah you guys don't know if he's just sadly talking to a dial tone

Kabocha

The circus' goal is to... Basically steal her life energy! Somehow. But we'll see. Or enchant her and spirit her away~ Once she becomes part of the spirit world she won't really be albe to retuuuuuurn~

Shen

SAETJE THATS SO SAD XD

RebelVampire

well now you made it sad. XD

Kabocha

@saetje oh noooooooooooooooooooooo

aliceapproved

LOL! As for Question 2: Like most shifty magic things, steal her soul! Trap her in the circus

Kabocha

What about Gemini's mom? I'm sure he's probably got her on speed dial

RebelVampire

i assume soul stealing. i mean thats pretty standard evil fair. and who doesn't need a good soul

Shen

i dont think they targetted Gemini specifically as much as they laid out a trap and waited to see who stumbled in, and she did so they ensnared her

mathtans

Veil seems too organized to talk to a dial tone. It'd at least be the official time signal.

aliceapproved

I think the Circus targets ppl who are down on their luck or confidence or don't have a quote "real job" atm? Like job hunting is really stressful and feels hopeless a ton of times

so it looks for vulnerable ppl imo

mathtans

Gemini came home in a trance because the cab was too expensive.

Jess

That’s how I do too

saetje

BRB faking trance to get out of cab faire

aliceapproved

To heck with fantasy Uber and Lyft!

Kabocha

It shows them something akin to their best selves, maybe?

saetje

hahaha

RebelVampire

what if this is a known phenomenon in their world so when someone says "they ran away to the circus" they mean that whoops, got that soul life energy sucked out

aliceapproved

Yeah! The play of "UGH I should just run away and join the circus" it's so cool!

Shen

i once saw a video of a woman pretending to be a ghost to get out of paying a toll

Tenor | Shinavar

Q2: The specific part I havenb't already kinda answered is: I feel she is part of Gemini's subconciousness in the sense of having her "act" together. Her life wouldn't be too chaotic, she's able to balance all that is expected of her without being a 'clutz' or anything she seems to think at least minimally negatively on. (seen by her admiring the grace and such)

Kabocha

She's a representation of everything Gemini wants to be?

aliceapproved

^^^^

Tenor | Shinavar

Not exactly but def a bait, in some way

Kabocha

Except moving more toward that ideal means that Gemini gets trapped...

Well, representations don't have to be literal >_>

<_< I figured it was all pretty figurative

Tenor | Shinavar

True true

RebelVampire

the thing i cant figure out is why the trance thing. like gemini was in the circus, just suck out her soul. why give her the chance to escape?

aliceapproved

Since we see Gemini specifically, I'm assuming the audience members are just an illusion

Maybe these foxes like playing with their "prey" and make it a slow burn

mathtans

It could be through the music that the circus gets you. That alley cat seemed real scared of it, while Gemini was drawn in.

Alice: Oh, I like that.

Tenor | Shinavar

Rebel: If i works like fae magic, you gota get them to agree to it

aliceapproved

Yeah, why play if there's no risk involved?

mathtans

Rebel: To recharge?

Tenor | Shinavar

You also can avoid like - all legal repercussions if it's "willing" >_>

aliceapproved

^^^

Jess

Ahahaha consensual death is the best ... death?

aliceapproved

For lawyers, yES!

mathtans

Now waiting for the scene where Veil rules-lawyers the foxes.

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

thats how it be sometimes

aliceapproved

Law & Order with VEIL

Tenor | Shinavar

Also it hurt a lil bit I couldnt resist. Crossfit clown from geminis world lol

Shen

JKRFJGJHMHG LMAO!!!

saetje

omg @tenor hahaha

mathtans

That's a garbage job. ^.-(edited)

Tenor | Shinavar

BUT I WOULD LOVE TO SEE VEIL THROW DOWN VERBAL LOOP HOLES IN CONTRACTS

saetje

IT'S NOT A GARBAGE JOB, VEIL. I mean MATH.

Tenor | Shinavar

Just like, pops on some glasses and busts out a book from no where

Kabocha

That's Veil's magic power -- BOOK LEARNIN'

Tenor | Shinavar

YES

Jess

Yessss

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

magic is a thing, he probably just pulls out outta his pocket dimension- which is in his pocket

Tenor | Shinavar

He has a pocket just for his books

aliceapproved

I love all the art you guys do of Veil with his book beasts! They're the best!

Tenor | Shinavar

all 2k of them

saetje

haha,t hat's actually a joke we've been wanting to use somewhere-- "I love your dress" "Thanks it has pocket dimensions"

Jess

Omg I love it. All pockets are pocket dimensions from now on

Tenor | Shinavar

OMG YES PLZ

DO IT

aliceapproved

OMG PLS DO THAT

Tenor | Shinavar

AS A PARENT IT'S A NECESSITY wheeeeeeeeeze

aliceapproved

pockets are THE BEST

imagine a pocket dimension!

This world gets better and better! Minus the creepy circuses

Jess

Right

Hehehe

mathtans

"My pocket dimension is full of clowns...."

Jess

Nooooo worst dimension

Kabocha

I saw a few other people ask it, but... Why is Veil so tolerant of Gemini's shenanigannery? I mean, I am a far less patient roommate than he is...

saetje

I figure a pocket dimension dress would have to be some kind of plot device though for a future arc. i mean, HAVE to be.

Tenor | Shinavar

New def to clown car

Kabocha

matth whyyy

Tenor | Shinavar

Kabo: My shipping side if he finds it endearing

Exhausting but endearing

saetje

wellp, clowns ruined it

RebelVampire

i do applaud veil's sheer patience

Kabocha

I WAS LEANING THAT WAY BUT I DON'T KNOW IF HE'S JUST ENTERTAINED OR WHAT

RebelVampire

but i do assume the blushing is more than just blushing

Tenor | Shinavar

CON GRATS REBEL

YOU DID IT

Jess

Ah. Well be answering that soon. I think so far we’ve been focusing on Gem and some of her worst traits - her selfishness, but

Shen

nice~

mathtans

Kabocha: Because I can. As to why Veil's tolerant, maybe he knows someone like Gemini in his family or his past.

Kabocha

I figured Veil was kind of perpetually blushing unless otherwise upset.

Shen

i am absolute ship trash and i am waiting for this to sail but i am patient

Jess

And we’ve focused on veils best - his smarts and his loyalty

Tenor | Shinavar

I keep getting little hints Veil at least Likes her.

Kabocha

Hm. So he knows Gemini could be Amazing if she'd try?

RebelVampire

i think there is some of that yes

Tenor | Shinavar

But doesn't push it

RebelVampire

wait veil has bad traits?

i dont accept this

Tenor | Shinavar

No he doesn't

don't listen to them

shh

Shen

no, veil is perfect

Kabocha

Veil's afraid of bugs....

mathtans

Veil just likes Gemini for her shoes. Much shoe blushing, wants to wear them.

Tenor | Shinavar

aliceapproved

I'm sure Veil totally finds Gemini charming and really.. pr-pretty BLUSH

RebelVampire

being afraid of bugs is a good trait

Jess

It’s true. And he won’t dirty his own shoes

RebelVampire

bugs carry disease

Tenor | Shinavar

But is he afraid of bugs

or the fact they can catch shit on fire

aliceapproved

Veil is very much a neat freak which is a double-edged sword

Tenor | Shinavar

like his books

aliceapproved

and not very impulsive, so Gemini helps liven things up for him

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

tenor raises a good point

Shen

thats more "quirky" than a character flaw lol

like "clumsy" girls XD

Kabocha

They're foils for one another, you say? That's how these sorts of friendships balance each other? NEVAAAAAAR! ....I ship them unless there is a reason I should not.

Shen

these ship goggles dont come off

Kabocha

Several people are typing...

aliceapproved

Yeah, this arc is very Gemini focused and how she needs to grow as a character

I'm excited to see how Veil needs to grow as a character in the future

Kabocha

Yesh!

Shen

aye

aliceapproved

Gotta take turns!

RebelVampire

admittedly i do think veil kind of needs to learn to have fun probably

as a character arc

Tenor | Shinavar

But books are fun

Work is fun

saetje

well but organization is fun

RebelVampire

although i do wanna know now who veil is calling

and what he does with his not gemini friends

Tenor | Shinavar

RESPONSIBILITY

aliceapproved

Yeah, that's definitely something I see with Veil

Tenor | Shinavar

Just what the dr ordered

RebelVampire

i agree with organization and books but i meant more in how he carries himself

Jess

Oh! It’s a dial tone

RebelVampire

gotta learn to tweet those memes back

saetje

hahaha

Tenor | Shinavar

lmaaao

Shen

thats fair he could stand to lighten up lol they both need to learn a bit from each other. hes not got time for fun if he has to always be the "responsible" one because someone else took up all the "fun" XD

aliceapproved

Yeah! Guy needs to party and have an impulsive time for once rather than strictly schedule

They need to work together

Tenor | Shinavar

I do agree tho, with how in the know he seems to be, I'd like to know who all he's got, esp depending how they'll influence stuff in the future.

bc it seems he's from here whereas Gemini isn't soooo <_<;

mathtans

Veil can be fun. Veil can't be impulsive.

RebelVampire

yeah i do hope this circus experience teaches gemini more responsibility. in that maybe she should fill out more than a few apps XD

aliceapproved

Does Veil have a hard time making decisions?

Shen

"look how impulsively i filled out your applications for you isnt that fun?"

mathtans

Alice: Not if blueberries are involved.

aliceapproved

And yeah, Gemini certainly learning more responsibility and also, to trust in herself if she applies herself and focuses

Jess

Ahahaha

Tenor | Shinavar

I think Gemini jus needs to get to the point she doesn't need a child leash

Jess

Well and for me - I think when people are going through hardships, like Gem not being able to land a job, sometimes the worst parts of themselves show up. And while I love the character - (and hopefully) she’s shown to be kinda funny and not overly mean - I thought it was important to show her bad side early on

mathtans

I don't see her as mean, just easily distracted.

Tenor | Shinavar

^Same

She's irresponsible but not in a malicious way

Like if she hurt someone I'd be dead up surprised if it was intentional

aliceapproved

Yeah, that's definitely it ^^

mathtans

Tenor: She killed a dragon.

aliceapproved

I never thought of her as "mean"

Tenor | Shinavar

she is a sweet widdle cinnimon bun who needs protected from circuses and flashers

I said someone

Not thing

Kabocha

Gemini is Dovahkiin now lol

aliceapproved

I'm sorry, Mat, but they're pests in this universe. Cockroaches uugh

Tenor | Shinavar

Difference ;)

RebelVampire

oh yeah gemini is still super likeable. its more shes that adult who hasnt quite grown up yet. and youre kind of hand waving her to make stop being a kid 100% of the time.

mathtans

Fair.

aliceapproved

Yeah! She's like a kid fresh out of college

Jess

Oh good! Was kinda worried. But she’s definite selfish and flighty and I’m happy to see that it’s coming through

Without making her irredeemable

Draco Plato

yeah she's definitely still likeable

aliceapproved

Open to the free adult world, but still needs to learn how to adult cuz lord knows school prepares us for THAT

Tenor | Shinavar

Yeah nah there's not a mean bone in that child's body

Free spirit, I think is a good desc?

mathtans

The foxes are also spirits, but they're not free.

saetje

I'm glad! That's what we're going for- she's not intentionally harmful but has a lot of growing up to do. I don't think she realizes when her actions can hurt someone else.

aliceapproved

She's selfish and irresponsible, but there's still potential to be redeemed. She's a well-rounded character that's set up to evolve from this story and that's what makes sticking with this story so worth it!

saetje

no one's free when they teach Clown Jazzercise

RebelVampire

those poor foxes. gemini is actually doing them a service

mathtans

I wonder if this world has the Zodiac? Is Gemini's name at all related to that?

Kabocha

Pffff

Tenor | Shinavar

Oooh. <.< Good q

aliceapproved

Like, Veil is obviously responsible and an adult, so Gemini doesn't seem to think she has to think about Veil's feelings or words on some matters? He's got it all figured out! Me though? I need help. Veil, veil help me! What applications?! Not boring help ;; That's how I see Gemini

Kabocha

Gemini's the twins, yeah? Does Gemini have a sister, or a hidden second side where she's actually really competent?

mathtans

Maybe she's the good twin, and the evil one is in the circus.

aliceapproved

OOH, I'm curious about that, too, Math. I'm a Scorpio!

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

that means you have a scorpion in the circus

Shen

"the twins" the foxes...

Jess

Ahahaha yesssss

saetje

Can't really reveal the Gemini connection yeeet buuut, duality and twins have some play in the overarching story yes!

aliceapproved

DUN DUN DUUUN

Shen

PS im a Gemini~

Jess

Me tooooo!! Yesssss

Are you also plagued by fox clowns out of work

Kabocha

Gemini probably hasn't really taken time to consider other people's feelings long-term. I don't think she's quite there emotionally, but when she actually like.... really has it sink in that she worried Veil, that'll be interesting. Although she did acknolwedge she scared him, so I mean

aliceapproved

Secret revealed, Gemini is called Gemini cuz Jess is a Gemini

Tenor | Shinavar

Naaaice ~ Also omg the fox twins ffft- Makes me think

Kabo: Yeah, I don't think she fully got how bad the scare was?

Shen

sweet im gonna name my next character Sagittarius

Kabocha

Yeah, it's the depth that I think she lacks

Tenor | Shinavar

Like "I'm sorry for scaring you but not sorry I did the action to cause it :D" levels of immaturity

aliceapproved

@saetje What's your zodiac sign if you don't mind sharing?

mathtans

Plot twist, Gemini sells her soul to the Flower Wraith Shop, and the foxes have to buy it back to keep their shenanigans going.

Tenor | Shinavar

kjdhaskj

Kabocha

When she gets more insight it'll be awesome as she grows

Shen

LOL

Tenor | Shinavar

Kabo: Yeeeeees

Jess

She’s two fishes

saetje

Pisces

aliceapproved

Yeah, Gemini maturing as an adult is really exciting to wait for

My sister's two fish, too XD

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

twins............. two fish..............................

i see a theme here

Tenor | Shinavar

I really wanna see Gemini work for Death now hhh-

aliceapproved

OMG

Yes haha!

Maybe a temp job that doesn't work out somehow

Kabocha

Twist: Death only claims dead plants

Tenor | Shinavar

Mostly bc I'm stuck with Death having the VA as the Death from Conker's bad fur day and I just. Can't.

mathtans

"You should probably hold the scythe the other way."

Kabocha

"You're going to hurt yourself if you trim the shrubberies this way."

Tenor | Shinavar

"Why are you wearing all black it's hot af out go change, child"

RebelVampire

i hope death only claims dead plants cause otherwise gemini is basically going from one soul threatening adventure to another

saetje

haha so true

XDD

Tenor | Shinavar

WELL I MEAN

she just have to give death her soul

it's never said when

mathtans

Does it have to be her soul, or just a soul? Or maybe soul music?

Tenor | Shinavar

oh god

Just a soul can be how we find out Death accepts plants

RebelVampire

death better be a fan of soul music

saetje

you've split this concept wide open Maths

Shen

the sole of this shoe

Tenor | Shinavar

Shen NO

Shen

saetje

SHEN YES

Jess

Yessss

aliceapproved

Another note about this story, is that I think it's a really good Young Adult story, cuz I feel myself and a bunch of other adults or kids coming out of college can relate to Gemini's story of trying to find work after moving out to live on their own

Tenor | Shinavar

That's Death's brother, Reaper.

mathtans

Veil: "Your spell checker has done you in. Gemini only has to give you her shoe sole."

Jess

Awwww!! Thanks so much

Tenor | Shinavar

Alice: Yeees. Tho I think this first big arc is good for younger children too

RebelVampire

the shoe in the dragon part was foreshadowing

aliceapproved

Yeah!

Tenor | Shinavar

Like my kiddo would love the art and atm if it goes where I suspect it might, it's a great lesson to learn young

saetje

Thanks @aliceapproved !! that makes me happy to hear because that's also what we're going for

Jess

Yeah actually when whenever we show Gem getting rejected I get real sad. Since some of it draws from our experiences

aliceapproved

You guys nailed it

Yeah, it was a big mood for me this year, so this story has been helping

Tenor | Shinavar

Rejeced? D:

Jess

Younger out of college Jess applied to be the new death - and I got turned down

RebelVampire

QUESTION 3. Though we certainly know Gemini and Veil a bit, much of their past history has yet to have been discussed. Why do you think Gemini has struck out on her own? Do you think it’s just to embrace adulthood, or is there something specific she’s seeking? Was there anything about Gemini’s journey into adulthood that you connected with? What about Veil? What do you think Veil’s backstory is? How do you think Veil and Gemini even know each other? Do you think Veil’s overprotectiveness of Gemini exists for a reason, or do you think it’s just part of Veil’s personality? In regards to their future, do you think that the two will be able to remain friends, or will their differing personalities get in the way of peaceful cohabitation? Do you think Gemini will be able to successfully get a job? Finally, will Gemini move out once she gets a job, or will Veil potentially actively sabotage it?

saetje

I guess now that we're getting more shows like "Aggretsuko" I'd say we'd like to hit around that target. Like, we're sort-of 'mature' only because of some of the (not-NSFW) themes resonates more with older folks. But hopefully there's still more to be enjoyed from a slightly younger YA/teen audience.

mathtans

Interesting last question there - I don't think Veil would actively sabotage, but might passively, without really thinking about it. "You can't move out next week, it's supposed to rain."

Shen

i think Gemini's irresponsibility combined with the double life (???????) shes got going on now is leading to a big fight with Veil. I dread it though

aliceapproved

SAME SHEN!!!

A big confrontation scene!

I can feel it coming

Veil finally calling out Gemini

I can only imagine the emotions!

Kabocha

...Can Veil handle confrontation where he gets pushback?

like, he can handle snark, but, an actual argument?

RebelVampire

yeah. veil might be the type who cant really deal with confrontation like that

Tenor | Shinavar

3: Gemini is homeschooled. If she's trying to branch out there's a chance she might either feel shackled a bit, or she's been encouraged by her parents to stretch her wings. Gemini ran into Veil lost puppy style, trufax. Brought her in from the rain and cold Veil's personality is probably tied to sorta trying to guide Gemini in the sense of law and order. Everything has a place, so you gotta do it- where you going coME BACK OMG I AM TRYING TO HELP YOU. I do believe here is going to be some strife at some point because Gemini has shown a lack of communication and emotional skill and Veil has shown a lack of willingness to bend. BUT I do believe this will clear up after some resolution from some juicy content So yes I believe they'll stay friends.

RebelVampire

although i think the confrontation is coming

saetje

That's a really great question, Kabocha. We haven't shown that yet :)c

Tenor | Shinavar

Maybe at worse a temporary not friends moment to crush our hopes and dreams

aliceapproved

Or maybe "not speaking" terms atm

RebelVampire

actually ya know what i could see as veil's big character arc is addressing change. cause the moving out thing may be more than veil just doesnt want gemini to go. it may be that veil is the sort that completely shuts down when there is change

saetje

y'all you guys have such insight, I'm loving your thoughts here. It's a relief to know you guys are getting a lot of what we're trying to put out and I love hearing your concepts, and concerns, for the characters!

Kabocha

I dunno that Veil realizes how overbearing he can be, to be honest. So.. Gemini's gonna get pushed to the edge and push back against him.

Tenor | Shinavar

Rbeel: Oooooh, that can be true too

aliceapproved

I think Gemini might resolve to move back in with her mom (which is LEAST wanted thing for her cuz I think she loves being out on her own), but Veil offers that she could still say with him, granted now that she has a proper not circus cursed job

Tenor | Shinavar

SOME chaos is good but what is his limit.

aliceapproved

RebelVampire, that's a really good note on Veil!

Tenor | Shinavar

Kabo: Yeah I get that. He seems so happy to 'help' but because he knows what you NEED to do to get done, he doesn't seem to fully 'get' that it's a lot for Gemini

aliceapproved

Veil's very much overprotective

Tenor | Shinavar

A bit of lack of empathy for the situation in the face of necessity?

aliceapproved

Yeah, like filling out applications is FuN???

Kabocha

He also doesn't understand how to break things down into smaller more completable tasks

mathtans

Gemini needs a source of income, maybe Veil's letting her stay for cheap?

Kabocha

he can handle a long list, but.... honestly, Gemini needs to feel accomplished at each step of the way and realize how much progress she's made

aliceapproved

Yeah, Gemini is a person that needs to be eased and break down steps, not all dumped at once

saetje

@Kabocha exactly- one of the flaws we've hopefully seen in Veil is that he can be pushy (literally physically pushing her around town int he beginning arc) and then tends to put too much on Gemini than what she's ready for at times.

Tenor | Shinavar

I got pushy though I didn' know the physical part was part of it

aliceapproved

Yeah! That page with her smushed with all his word bubbles was a great representation of that!

Tenor | Shinavar

I figured him grabbing her was because it was liTERALLY UNSAFE LOL

mathtans

Veil isn't as observant as Gemini, maybe because she's so distractible. He didn't realize she knew his fave berries and such.

saetje

Well I might've misspoke- it was more of a visual analogy for being emotionally pushy than, like, physically harmful or abusive.

Kabocha

He's basically trying to herd her lol

saetje

yes like a little sheep dog lol

aliceapproved

Yeah!

Tenor | Shinavar

OOOH OKAY

I getcha now lol

aliceapproved

Veil is honestly a toothpick and I bet a small breeze could push him over

Tenor | Shinavar

laskdjKLSDFJ

Jess

Lmao

saetje

omg

Tenor | Shinavar

Don't insult my son like that

just bc he can takje flight with those ears don't mean nuttin

Shen

LOL

aliceapproved

He's a GOOD SON!

saetje

oommg haha

aliceapproved

I love him!

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

veil is a good boi

aliceapproved

Boy ain't gonna win a bar fight is all haha!

Bless this sensitive boy!

Kabocha

http://geminijourney.com/index.php?c=178 "You are in my personal space"

Tenor | Shinavar

Nah legit tho being the tiny I'm surprised he CAN push her, or at least shows she's willing somewhat to be guided

Jess

Guys. It’s the nose isn’t it

Tenor | Shinavar

omg someone draw me Veil getting carried off by gemini plz

Jess

He can do no wrong with a face so right

mathtans

Veil has a large picture of Spock in his room. Big fan.

Tenor | Shinavar

That's exactly it Jess

saetje

Honestly Gem could just pick him up and swing him around like a baseball bat if she wanted, I think.

Tenor | Shinavar

kaisdjfKHJDSF

I mean he is such a stiff

saetje

@mathtans definitely a huge Spock influence!

aliceapproved

OMG BASEBALL BAT

RebelVampire

veil's number one advice to gemini is to just think of what would spock do

Shen

PFFFFF

RebelVampire

then gemini asks who spock is

aliceapproved

http://geminijourney.com/index.php?c=186 < a M O O D

mathtans

Gemini to Wraith: "Dammit Bones!"

RebelVampire

oh i loved that page with the giant to-do list

it was a great visual gag

aliceapproved

I definitely "treat myself" for small tasks when there are still more or bigger tasks to do haha!

Jess

Lol me too

saetje

I was REALLY into Star Trek a while back and almost did some 4-panel Star Trek Gemini Journey AU comics...I don't know if I have the sketches anymore though. Kind of psyched myself out of them

I think everyone works differently. You gotta treat yourself once in a while though!

Tenor | Shinavar

Jess

But going back to the characters - we hope to focus on their dynamic more and more. We love all y’all insight tho!

Tenor | Shinavar

reating yourself is importaaant

I LOVE THEIR DYNAMIC AND AM HYPED FOR MORE

mathtans

Their dynamic is mezzoforte.

saetje

yeah I'm loving hearing all your thoughts and getting some insight into how you all are reading the comic. It can be tough when you're so close to something to really 'see' it anymore

I appreciate your thoughts!

aliceapproved

Yes! They're a great duo!

I'm always excited when there's an update and Veil and Gemini are interacting

And yeah! Ofc dude! Lots of pairs of eyes help

mathtans

Just want to say the style of the comic is really interesting... I don't think I've ever really seen it before, just having the one panel. Most trend to pages or 4-panel or whatever. But one panel can really speak volumes, even if it's just a reaction shot, done in this way.

Jess

That means so much to hear!

Tenor | Shinavar

As someone with a messed up wrist I appreciate it too bc scrolling hurts so this worked great

aliceapproved

I think the webtoons layout for it works really well for scrolling! I love reading updates before bed It fits so well!

saetje

Thanks! Honestly it's how I've always 'seen' it and I'm glad you all like that-- It's been a bit of a point of uncertainty for us. I'm hoping in the future we can get some sort of swiping option for mobile devices to swipe between panels on full-screen instead of always clicking

and yes! Webtoons has done well for us too

Kabocha

Yeah, I'll agree - carpal tunnel makes scrolling format hard, but your website is perfectly suited

thank you for having both options!

Jess

I gotta be honest when we made the decision to do it this way - we were so conflicted. We wanted to do this format becuase we envisioned it with simple panels and @saetje really works hard to make things look cinematic

Tenor | Shinavar

omg if you get swipe in I'd be so happy bc I do like 90% of my reading on my phone ;u;

aliceapproved

Yeah, I would definitely love that as a feature in the future. Clicking is fine, but it can be difficult going back and forth and waiting for a website to load

Oh yeah! This story really reads well as a show or film! The storyboard format

RebelVampire

yeah i was skeptical of the one panel thing at first but once i got used to it i thought it was really nice. especially for how much it allows to be fit on any one "page"

saetje

yeah! Tenor, we always wanted it to be REALLY mobile friendly. Like my ideal is to just let the panels fill a mobile screen and swipe to read. We just....aren't really programmers so we haven't figured that out so much yet XD BUT- I'm really happy to hear the one-panel tapping is easy on wrists! I've heard other people call us 'accessible' for that and that was an uninentional side effect but I'm happy to hear it.

aliceapproved

Yeah! Plus, you get cool scenes like the circus sequence back to Gem waking up in bed in the same pose as the juggler

Tenor | Shinavar

It's muchly appreciated too <33

RebelVampire

on a different note, im really intrigued by the fact that gemini's savings are in the form of like actual treasure. and im really curious if thats literally their hard currency, and if not, where did gemini get all that treasure.

Tenor | Shinavar

I think it is bc she says the coffee was a gold coin + a virgin's tear

Superjustinbros

I'm back!

Shen

"a gold coin AND a virgin tear what a rip off"

mathtans

They're paste gems.

aliceapproved

I think it's Mom's allowance to her before she moved

Superjustinbros

And glad you're aiming for a smooth mobile experience with the comic.

Tenor | Shinavar

So I'm curious, if you two are willing to answer this (and it's cool if not!) But what's inspired you guys to tackle this story? :D

Superjustinbros

I have to admit, sticking to one panel per page helps a lot

mathtans

Yeah, maybe Gemini should store up her tears and sell them on the street?

Tenor | Shinavar

omg math

saetje

omg

Superjustinbros

@mathtans

mathtans

Tear-able idea, I know.

Jess

It’s probably a bit different for both of us: We’re huge myth nerds but we felt like there wasn’t a story that really talked about what ppl just starting their journey was like.(edited)

Superjustinbros

oooo

saetje

@Tenor | Shinavar no problem at all! Honestly GJ has been through many iterations including an animated series pitch in 20...12?? It was my and @Jess 's senior project! It was always very heavily myth-inspired because we're really into that. It's a modern hero's journey

Tenor | Shinavar

Oooh~! <3

saetje

but basically what @Jess said

Superjustinbros

Did someone say, animated series?

Jess

Like the feeling of being unprepared to adult and the lack of jobs. The scariness of being on your own. Finding love, and losing it. And the fear of letting people down.

aliceapproved

That's a really good point, a Journey!

Jess

It’s why Gemini’s full name is Gemini Journey

aliceapproved

Also mythology is SO GOSH DANG GOOD

mathtans

I thought that was a clever play on words.

aliceapproved

I love all the mythical creature references!

Jess

And plus—- all this myth jokes Hahahaha

saetje

Yeah. What can we say--- we were starry-eyed animation students once (well, @Jess was a graphic design major)

Superjustinbros

Seconding mythology

and wow, that's quite impressive!

mathtans

Wouldn't want to myth out.

saetje

yes! I'm REALLY into myth, folklore, and fairy tales. Bookshelves are lined with them, and I still don't know everything. It's a really rich topic.

Jess

I was not a animator hahah but I like them. They are awesome

aliceapproved

World Mythology class was one of my all time favorite classes in college haha!

Jess

Me too!!

aliceapproved

and your animated ad was BEAUTIFUL

saetje

same @aliceapproved !

and thank you!

aliceapproved

Seeing Gem and Veil move is gorgeous and I could see little gifs of them interacting

mathtans

As for the question of the half hour, I'm thinking Gemini answered a "want ad" from Veil, looking for a roommate, and she was the only one willing to take the place. Everyone else thought he was too strict, would get upset if they left the milk out.

RebelVampire

oh thats good to know. i did wonder what the significance was in that her name was gemini journey

aliceapproved

when time allows to work on those kinds of things haha!

Jess

I think myths in general tell important truths about people while still being entertaining. I hope our story gives them justice

aliceapproved

You guys totally do!

RebelVampire

veil does seem like the type whod make horrified faces at the milk being left out XD

Jess

Yeah. It’s a play on the Hero’s Journey

aliceapproved

I wonder if Griffins will make an appearance. I love that Teacup manticores exist haha!

saetje

Definitely lots of fights about how to load the dishwasher correctly (if they even have one)

Superjustinbros

lol

Tenor | Shinavar

I believe you guys give them great justice! I's def creative and fun for sure! :D

mathtans

"You bought the powdered soap again...."

RebelVampire

posting a bit early but i feel we are segueing into the next question already

QUESTION 4. Although the world has present-day elements, there are also a slew of magical things. What aspect of the world intrigued you the most and why? Are there tidbits mentioned that you’d love to know more about in the future? Alternatively, is there any magical related creature or being that you’re hoping to see make an appearance in the comic? In regards to actual story canon, do you feel Gemini is familiar with this magical world or that she still has a lot to learn? In what ways do you think magical elements might come into play and make trouble for Gemini? Regardless of magic, what sorts of other conflicts are you hoping to see/do you think we’ll see, especially in regards to Gemini learning to be an adult?

saetje

@aliceapproved honestly one of our downfalls is @Jess and I want to showcase TOO MANY mythological animals b/c we love so many of them and have a lot of ideas for how they'd work in our world. But, to what cost to plot, ugh.

and yeah griffins are like on that list b/c GRIFFINS

Shen

give me werewolves

ill give you a dollar

Tenor | Shinavar

brb

mathtans

Magical dishwasher.

aliceapproved

VERY GOOD

mathtans

Do they have flying cars?

RebelVampire

have we seen a minotaur yet? need some minotaurs up in this joint.

and unicorns

aliceapproved

What I'm interested is the fact that Gemini is an Antlantean and I wonder how that factors into future story elements if any

And yes, PLEASE griffins, unicorns, and minotaurs

saetje

WELL, here's something I think I can give away that hasn't exactly been pointed out a lot of times in our story yet (we are getting to it): there aren't any humans in the GJ universe (http://geminijourney.com/index.php?c=74) so a concept of a werewolf to them would really be a "werehuman", haha. But there are other wolfed-figured beings like Wulvers from Irish myth.(edited)

Superjustinbros

Unicorns, you say?

~~suddenly thinking about centaurs~

aliceapproved

YEAH THAT'S RIGHT! I remember giggling at that "HUMAN TALE"

Human tale must be so boring to them XD

It's like OUR world, but NO MAGIC

oh wait, they're horror stories

saetje

^^ yes

mathtans

Is Gemini actually a magical girl?

saetje

I MEAN, there are some strong "Princess Tutu" influences already and even more so coming up

Shen

magical girls are my jaaaaaaaaaaam

RebelVampire

did notice gemini was an antlantean, didnt realize there were no humans

i actually hope the gemini veil fight happens

Superjustinbros

What does the transformation sequence look like

RebelVampire

so we can see gemini's home

that sounds amazing

Superjustinbros

I must know

mathtans

Gemini is a duck?

saetje

how did you know?

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

a WHAT

Jess

Nooooo you figured it out

aliceapproved

I wanna meet Gemini's mom haha!

I've seen the art but gosh

or Veil interacting with them

Honestly, Veil and Gemini meet the other's parent(s)

mathtans

Waiting for the episode where Cupid accidentally shoots Veil with an arrow.

Jess

Yeah admittedly - the character designs for gems mom @saetje has done I’m really digging. I can’t wait for her appearance

mathtans

Veil falls in love with a dial tone. Very embarassing.

Jess

“Accidentally”

I love that

We need to rewrite the next episode stat

mathtans

He meant to shoot Gemini but Veil protected her.

saetje

um YEAH Math is going to be our new head writer

awww

mathtans

aliceapproved

LOL

Superjustinbros

Math, you should re-write all our comics/stories

saetje

omg agree

aliceapproved

I think you guys have a great Valentine's idea strip coming!

Superjustinbros

mind blown from the idea of a Math/SJB production

puns and jokes and visual gags everywhere

RebelVampire

i hope gemini's mom is super awesome. i feel like she must be and gemini wants to be awesome like her

mathtans

Let me try to get to 10 people reading my own comic first, maybe.

Superjustinbros

lol

I read your stuff and it's pretty rad @mathtans

mathtans

Would Gemini's dad still be in the picture, I wonder?

Superjustinbros

Gemini's uncle?

aliceapproved

Gemini's grunkle?

Shen

My dad? your dad?

saetje

hahaha, Uncle Saggitarius, Auntie Pisces...

aliceapproved

OMG

Jess

All dads

Superjustinbros

OMG

aliceapproved

HAHA!!! Great idea!

Superjustinbros

I dunno why but i always caught onto the name Saggitarius

Shen

in a shocking twist, veil isn't Gemini's love interest hes her dad

mathtans

Gemini could have two moms for all we know.

saetje

LORD

Superjustinbros

and it's totally not because I love centaurs

mathtans

(I now ship Gemini's parents, I guess...?)

aliceapproved

For Halloween, there probably should be a "Scary Human Tale" and it's filing taxes

Shen

RebelVampire

well to be fair, dont need to be blood related for him to be her dad in a way. i mean he is basically pushing for her to succeed, teaching her stuff, and generally being the responsible adult

Shen

Veil is her dad confirmed

he loves and supports her and wants the best for her even when shes at her worst

Superjustinbros

daww

Shen

ps saetje and Jess i hope you guys are in DMs with each other just screaming about all the dumb shit we're saying XD

Superjustinbros

lmao

Jess

Are... you here with us

Superjustinbros

I never thought of CTP's featured creators ever doing that

aliceapproved

Repeating what a previous comment mentioned, it'll be fun to see how Veil falls for Gemini, like the spark that ignited his feelings for her and hopefully for Gemini in turn

Shen

LMAO

mathtans

Veil is actually a magic clone of her dad that was sent by the ghost of her grandfather, Thor?

saetje

oh, @Jess is my S/O so we're just chatting in our living room together and loving everything y'all say

Jess

But honestly this has been so inspiring

Shen

oh even better!

Tenor | Shinavar

BACK. #4: THe aspect that inrigues me the most is how diverse the world is and how it just is all one big melting pot. It's colorful and you've no idea what's around the corner. :D I'm curious if something like a Wendigo might get seen! :D

Superjustinbros

Daww, that's cute! (edited)

also WB!

Tenor | Shinavar

THaaaaank

Superjustinbros

np~

brb for a sec

mathtans

Wendigos is scary stuff. O.o

Tenor | Shinavar

Yes they are

saetje

I LOVE the myth of Wendigo! No plans, esp. because they start out as human, but. I enjoy that one a lot

Tenor | Shinavar

But also like, one of my favorites so-

That's fair!

RebelVampire

can never see wendigo in a positive light. 2spooky.

mathtans

Wendigone.

Shen

that eliminates vampires, too....

RebelVampire

i hope there are phoenixes. and i hope gemini doesnt know them offhand and freaks out when one bursts into flames.

aliceapproved

Would aliens fall into the category or is that too sci-fi?

Lol a fantasy world that has stories that are sci-fi

Jess

But what if we made a chain. And it’s a reheaded wendigo that sells burgers with square patties

Tenor | Shinavar

Y R U MEAN TO THAT CHILD REBEl

omg

oMG

plz

Jess

I mean —-

mathtans

Oh, phoenixes are fun.

aliceapproved

Phoenix chicks!!!

Tenor | Shinavar

"We sell Hyumahn meat"

aliceapproved

Little baby Phoenixes pls haha!

Shen

phoenix lady dating a merman

aliceapproved

Fresh from death!

I mean Rebirth!

mathtans

Jess: I got that.

Sassy twitter extra.

saetje

We've been throwing around a phoenix story idea! They're also a personal favorite

again: too many great myth/fairy tale creatures we love, guuh.

aliceapproved

Again as said earlier, I'm really happy that Kappas made an appearance, too! I love it when mythical creatures from all over the world are in one place together

Shen

i just love how he knew how defeat the kappa lol

mathtans

"Why's that bird hanging around the Vietnamese shop?" "It's a Pho Enix."

Shen

BOOO MATH XD

saetje

IE: we thought of Veil and Gem "babysitting" a sphinx and Gem keeps feeding it puns and popsicle riddles (junk food) when it needs, like, existential riddles for nutrients, ha.

RebelVampire

yes i do think theres a great mixture of things from tons of diff cultures. it really makes the world extra super colorful.

Tenor | Shinavar

AWH

Yes plz sphinx bby

RebelVampire

i bet veil has some great existential riddles

mathtans

Aw, those are cute drawings.

aliceapproved

AAAAWW

Shen

GOSH

Tenor | Shinavar

I'll hate it because the puns will hurt so much but UGGGH IT'D BE SO CUTE I'LL DIE FROM IT

Shen

SLEEPY VEIL MELTING MY HEART

Beyonce - Don’t Hurt Yourself

OMG CUTEEEEEEE

Kabocha

Awww, Veil, that is just way too cute ^_^

aliceapproved

Your sketches are SO GOOD

mathtans

(Speaking of, when do we get the pastries that I saw on Veil's plate for the CTP today?)

aliceapproved

Your guys' ideas are SO GOOD

saetje

older concepts BUT. Again. there are SO MANY potential for fun-myth-animal stories we tend to get lost in them, haha. I don't know how much/if any will make it into the comic

I'll mail them out Math!

Jess

The pastries were there all along. In your heart

aliceapproved

Do you guys plan to do little intermission stories before doing a big arc like this one?

saetje

yes! Just like the roach comic

Jess

Yup!

aliceapproved

Like the dragon cockroach felt like a good mini-story before we got a meaty story

saetje

we plan to do little minis between bigger arcs

aliceapproved

YEAH!

Tenor | Shinavar

Sweet! :D

Jess

We want to alternate between large stories and smaller world building stuff

Tenor | Shinavar

Exciiiiiited

mathtans

Anyway, gtg, baby needs me. Best with the comic!

RebelVampire

good luck math~!

Jess

Best!! And thanks for stopping by!!

saetje

thanks for coming Math! Best wishes

aliceapproved

Bye, Math!!!

Tenor | Shinavar

Oh more queestions~ Due to how your comic is constructed, do you find you have more time to work on it, and/or you got a good healthy buffer?

BYE MATH

saetje

oh that's a really good question Tenor!

Originally, for like the last two years we've had almost a 6 mo queue, because also only update bi-weekly. But we recently ran out of that queue because LIFE and freelance hit us hard XDD so we've been trying to catch up somewhat successfully. As far as page-speed creation, I think it can vary widely but both @Jess and I have gotten a lot faster than we used to be. When we're really able to focus after-work hours (no life and freelance jams getting too much in the way) we can do about 4-6 panels in a single week, about 10-20 hours between us

The thing is though, one of the draw-backs of single panel shots is you DO have to show a lot more, I think, than just a page-layout comic.

Superjustinbros

Oooh!

That's interesting~

also bye Math

saetje

like, if we took those panels and made them into a page layout we would get away with showing less, I think, and possibly saving some time? But it's hard to gauge because also there's panel layout and flow and page composition to consider that we don;t have to worry as much about

Jess

Yeah I was gonna say the same thing. Actually the full panels largest drawback is that you have to draw sooooo much. In a comic with many panels you could cut to a talking head suddenly - in ours, because of the layout we have to be very careful not to take them out of context too quickly and too frequently

saetje

yeah good point Jess

Tenor | Shinavar

That's a good point. It's such an interesting thing o consider because - I guess the easiest way I can describe it is like the illustrations in children's books. They can be just so world building and easter-eggy so it's interesting to consider the differences!

Jess

So it’s a mixed bag. On one hand you are making only one image at a time. Sometimes even usi a lot of the same assets. But on the other - it’s a full color illustration and having to show minute changes in expression to keep the pace from seeming too quick can be a challenge too

Yeah that too!!

RebelVampire

im curious if you took printing into consideration. idk if youve printed the comic before or ever intended too. just wondering how a single panel per page comic would work in that case.

Superjustinbros

Yeah, I see what you're saying, do one-panel updates but fill them with lots and lots of detail?

saetje

or if the pacing reads too slow too- panel comics (or comics made by animators in general) can also be too slow b/c us animators LOVE showing those minute pose/expression changes, which can sometimes read slow. I'm always stressed about the pace, ha.

whitneyandcompany

Hi! Love the comic

Tenor | Shinavar

I could see, in print form, largely remaining single panel per page, or for the more fast paced ones tweak to 2-3 on the page

saetje

@Jess and I always imagined the comic a digital-first production, but if we were to go to print it'd likely be something along the lines of what Ava's Demon did. Just, single panels-per-page. But @Jess being the graphic designer who often works in print too might have some other ideas on that

Hi @whitneyandcompany thank yoouu

Jess

So when creating one of the things we did as a priority is consider the mobile screen first. Which is the opposite of what is the norm. If we were to do a book it would be handled where we put a very limited amount of images on a page. Maybe 1-2 similar to Ava’s demon

aliceapproved

Yeah, the drawback of single-paged stuff is exactly that. Focusing more on some things, like a character going through emotions can read more slowly even tho it's important to the story

Tenor | Shinavar

ugh ilu for the mobile love lol

Superjustinbros

Just thought I'd say before the CTP ends- good luck with the rest of Gemini Journey, @saetje and @Jess. It's really coming along well and you're definitely got a good story here to tell as well.

aliceapproved

But it works so well for mobile scrolling, it's so friendly!

Tenor | Shinavar

Like I can't express how frusrating it is for me bc there's SO many people who own their own sites and it's not mobile friendly

saetje

thanks @Superjustinbros have a good night!

aliceapproved

Maybe you could have 3 panels per page if printed?

Tenor | Shinavar

I live on the go I NEED THAT MOBILITY ;n;

Superjustinbros

You too, and thanks for being here, @saetje!

saetje

@Tenor | Shinavar I got to be honest with you- as a webcomic fan and reader for MANY years I feel that

Kabocha

I really look forward to reading this in the future. It's enjoyable and to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure what I was in for at first... BUT it is a pleasure to read!

Superjustinbros

And cya to you as well, @Jess.

Jess

Awwww thanks!!

Kabocha

Thank you for creating an amazing comic. :3

Superjustinbros

Anytime!

RebelVampire

yeah im glad priority was placed on mobile because it is basically the way thing are going, whether ppl want that or not.

Superjustinbros

Tenor | Shinavar

YES it was a fun surprise! (And def last minute for me bc I didn't realize it was something I could read lmao OTL)

saetje

Thank you @Kabocha for your wonderful insights and kind comments! Thanks for coming

RebelVampire

and its definitely a beautiful comic. i think the pacing works out great as well~!

whitneyandcompany

You guys are the reason I downloaded the web toon app, I look forward to every update

aliceapproved

Thank you for making such an inspirational and gorgeous comic!

Jess

Awww well it means so much to hear you guys say that

aliceapproved

I always look forward to your updates!

Superjustinbros

In that case, cya everyone!

aliceapproved

And yes, you're the reason I downloaded the web toon app, too!

saetje

oommmg @whitneyandcompany , thank you

Shen

im glad i got to read this story its so good so far and i cant wait to read more~

Jess

It’s been really humbling for us to put our work out there. But I am so incredibly touched right now

Superjustinbros

Glad to hear~

saetje

Thank you @Shen! I look forward to more of your comic as well! I'm glad you like it.

Shen

GOSH <3

saetje

Yeah everyone, thank you for coming and letting us know you thoughts It has meant the WORLD to us

aliceapproved

You guys are amazing and I love your work

Tenor | Shinavar

Thank you for signing up so we could disect it /shot

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB END!

Sadly, this wraps up this week’s Thursday Book Club chat for now. Thank you so much to everyone for reading and joining us! We want to give a special thank you to Tracy MacLauchlan & Yesenia Carrero, as well, for making Gemini Journey. If you liked the comic, make sure to support Tracy MacLauchlan & Yesenia Carrero’s efforts however you’re able to~!

Read and Comment: http://geminijourney.com/

Donate via Paypal.me: https://www.paypal.me/YeseniaCarrero

Tracy’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/saetje

Yesenia’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Demongemini6

Comic Tea Party- Thursday Book Club

Next week’s Thursday Book Club will be about The Hunter of Fenaur by CalimonGraal. For participants, you have the next week to read as much of the comic as you would like~! We hope to see you on Thursday, September 20th, from 5PM to 7PM PDT for the chat in #thursday_bookclub!

Comic’s Main Site: http://hunter.fenauriverse.moe/

Comic’s Tapas Mirror: https://tapas.io/series/the-hunter-of-fenaur

#ctparchive #comics #webcomics #indie comics #comic chat #comic discussion #book club #bookclub #comic book club #comic bookclub #webcomic book club #webcomic bookclub #comic tea party #ctp #gemini journey #tracy maclauchlan #yesenia carrero

1 note · View note

cosmosogler · 6 years

Text

hi guys. not doin too hot. and by “not doin too hot” i mean “I AM TOO HOT OH GOD WHY”

don’t worry. when i realized i would not be able to fix the ac myself (at like 8:30 pm) i put in a maintenance request. so hopefully that will be fixed tomorrow or friday. again.

i feel bad putting in so many orders but like, 58 degrees is too cold and 80 degrees is too hot. please. i’m not THAT picky but it’s so much and i’m sweating all over my papers and i can’t tell if poor snoopy is uncomfortable or not. she spends a whole lotta time by where i have the fan on by an open window.

it doesn’t cool off my desk/bed area but at least my kitchen is a nice temperature.

when my alarm went off i realized that i just... did not sleep very much. i had bad dreams but i don’t remember enough about them to say why. i ended up skipping my first class to try to get SOME sleep but unfortunately i just laid there with my eyes closed feeling hot and miserable for 40 minutes. i was so pokey getting ready for school that i was actually late for my second class despite getting up with more time to get ready than usual.

i took notes on my ipad. it was nice. i like the line sensitivity. i picked up my pen from the mail room in the afternoon so now i can write more than four words per line too.

keegan and harrison and i got spaghetti lunch and then i went to my doctor’s appointment. the doctor took a look at my throat and lungs and stuff and said everything seemed fine but i could take some allergy medication that might help it clear up faster. so i did that. also my other problem with the birth control is ok if it happens once. if it happens three times in a row there’s gonna be a problem but otherwise between missing a day (even though i caught up) and all the stress and getting sick it could be anything.

the allergy medication also serves as a sleep aid and anti anxiety medication so she said if it works i could use it for the whole month or when i start sleeping normally again and if it doesn’t work to just stop usin it and don’t worry about it.

i helped ammar and rebika and luis get set up with the printer network in our building after a lot of hassle with my computer. luis and taylor were talking so loud that i couldn’t think at all and harrison was getting annoyed because i wasn’t using any of the convenient tools that computers have like search functions.

and i took my accommodation letters to both my professors and hashed out the test plan with them. my stat mech professor invited me to sit for a while and then... blocked the door with his chair. i don’t think he did it on purpose but I NOTICED. i got antsy immediately and i couldn’t seem to find a good opportunity in the conversation to leave.

i doubled my score on the prelims! now i have a 22/120 instead of, like, a 10. all i gotta do to pass is get up to ~60 though. but it was a DEFINITE improvement. i feel conflicted about it. on the one hand, i did double my score and that’s really impressive. on the other hand, the score is still total garbage and kind of embarrassing if it wasn’t already incredibly well established that i am really bad at taking tests no matter how well i know the material.

hopefully next time i won’t have the worst and longest cold ever.

i ended up spending like 2 hours hanging out with harrison and drawing on his blackboard. he said i draw really fast when i did a blue in about 30 seconds and i said “yes i’ve always drawn abnormally fast.” i did some base shape stuff with him and he showed me one of the symbols he’d been working on.

jennica wandered in at one point to talk about the em homework and i was gonna die. “what is that?” she asked. “harrison is teaching me how to draw,” i said. i knew that she knew it was total bs because i was holding the chalk and had been drawing when she came in so i made a big deal out of saying over and over that i definitely wasn’t the one drawing. i think she understood it was a joke.

i biked home and picked up my mail and ran a quick errand (the corner store doesn’t carry the item i want any more so that’s a bummer. i’m gonna have to figure out what i want to do about that. the cashier said they might start ordering it again). i fiddled around with the ac trying to get one of the buttons to do the thing i want but it doesn’t seem interested in doing anything but blowing hot air into my apartment. i made some dinner while i did my dishes... i was out of plates.

i should be drinking more tea but hot drinks just really don’t appeal to me right now.

then i sat down and started drawing. it took like an hour and a half to do three panels out of the seven on this one page. i had made my boards too crowded because i drew too big so i had to take pictures of my pages, load them up on my computer screen, and then erase my work and redraw each panel with everything a little bit smaller. it would have been fine except IT’S SO HOT AND IT’S SO HARD NOT TO SMUDGE MY LIGHTER LINES TO HELL.

snoopy was a little more active than usual today, at least when she was “hunting” for her cookies. i put them in slightly more out of the way places than usual and it looks like she got all of them in about ten minutes. i’m going to have to bump up the difficulty for her just a bit. though earlier i noticed that if i hide her cookies in places that require using her paws to get them out she won’t do it even if they are easily visible.

maybe getting all those mats off her underside improved her mood. seeing just how much fur got shaved off her stomach, it was probably really hindering her movement.

a good thing todayyyyyy isssssss while i was waiting for the doctor i wrote a whole bunch of notes about nastasia. since my classmates’ em period starts 2 hours earlier this semester i got to the doctor’s office about 40 minutes before my appointment so i just settled into a chair and grabbed my phone and started typing. i’m working really hard to give these characters a common thread and i think it fits pretty well with the general theme of the story. i don’t know if i’m laying it on too thick or not though. it’s hard to write drafts for comics except for the individual scenes you’re currently setting up. i can’t go back and change the beginning because it’s done and uploaded. all i can do is adjust the current page.

so that’s a challenge!!!

it’s fun that having a group of characters with different manifestations of the same flaw creates such a disaster though. count bleck is such a dumpster fire.

(i am also a dumpster fire and i write characters that are almost exclusively trash man level of emotional maturify)

GAAHHHHH IT’S GONNA BE 80 DEGREES TOMORROW??? THAT’S THE EARLY JANUARY WEATHER I WANT TO SEE!!!!!!

ok anyway it’s 10:45 now so i should probably start thinking about maybe getting ready for bed sometime. i’m so tired. but i really, really don’t want to sleep. i’m so tired of nightmares.

a good thing that i like about myself maybe is, uh, i’ve been working harder at following up with people lately. i was doing it before, but now i’m trying harder to make sure i ask people how a thing went if they bring it up earlier. like suzanne’s cousins are visiting today. i dunno. suzanne seemed impressed that i remembered, last time i did it with her. but now i don’t remember what it was i had asked her about!! i’m trying to find more ways to show people i care, i guess. as i get more and more sleep deprived though i am getting less good at remembering things to bring up in my conversations.

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necromancindancin · 6 years

Text

Gamers Comic Script

So many years ago I came up with this concept about an online video game where you died in the game = you died in real life. The actual story revolved around several players, a murder mystery, and video game themes (THEMED BOSSES). Then fast forward a few years later in college I’m in a graphic novels course. yes, I did in fact take a class about the history and cultural significance of comic books. I couldn’t have pressed that enroll button faster.

One of the big projects for this class was to write an issue of a comic book and a pitch. So I took the above idea and wrote a “first issue”- And after the project was graded the comic script has been collecting dust. The formatting got a bit fucked by tumblr but I’m tired. Thought at best it might be interesting to read a script vs. a traditional story. Under a cut, here ya go folks:

Panel 1

Shot of a man sitting cleaning a table in a cafe. There are a few people in the place, but not many. The style here is to be more realistic, the colors drab and mixes of whites, greys, blacks and maybe some browns. This man stands out with his apron slung around his waist that is blood red and says, in white letters, "Lucky's Cafe". The font doesn't matter much, just make sure it's not especially interesting. You can't see the mans face, only below his neck. It also can't be seen here, but he is very, very tall, allowing for it to be easier to miss his face.

Caption

Today is the day.

Panel 2

Now we are in a locker room, the man is putting away his apron, his back facing the audience. We can see that he has dark scruffy hair, but still we cannot see his face. I do not want the audience to see his face until he enters the "game world" as his avatar, his "real" face to never be revealed. This can be your choice whether it's cut off by the panel, or obstructed in some way. The only thing I ask is that it's not cheesy or treated like a funny gag. I want it to be mysterious and unsettling.

Caption

I, Benjamin Ward, will buy "Adventurer's Gambit".

Panel 3

There is a game store with a huge sign in the window that says "Adventurer's Gambit". Underneath are photos of the helmet used for the cerebral connectivity to the database. The helmets are a sleek metallic black, a visor in place of the eyes. It's dark enough that if you were wearing it, you would not be able to see a thing in front of you. Silver nubs seem to stick out the bottom middle to the back of the helmet (this is a detail of the actual helmet that can be added later when seen in the sellers apartment.) It's a cheesy advertisement and you can do it however you want, just get the basic design of the helmet in there. The colors continue to be rather drab. People are lined out the door and down the sidewalk to get this game.

Caption

It was the hottest thing, with a network that supposedly took you to another world. But as fast as it arrived...

Panel 4

We see the same game store that is now empty and devoid of all life. New game posters are sitting in the windows, one small poster with a red star in the corner sitting by it's lonesome to the side.

Caption

It went away just as quickly.

Panel 5

Now there is focus on the poster, that has a picture of the helmet, crossed out by an X. In the corner is the red star, with the name "Red Star Games" written beside it. The word "Recall" sits below the picture in huge, all caps red letters. Underneath in smaller, but still all cap letters is "Dangerous for the general public". It can be implied that more details lay below.

Caption

Illegal to own and play because of supposed bullshit side-effects that they never proved existed.

Panel 6

A different person is sitting on their couch, with the helmet on. Their nose is bleeding, but they don't seem to notice, uncaring and indifferent to the outside world. There are signs of the person not taking care of their apartment.

Caption

I mean, I had lots of friends who played and were just fine!

Panel 7

Now we are focused on a third person who is lying in a hospital bed. It's implied they used the helmet and played the game. They seem to be in a coma, their hair grown out in an awkward fashion, connected to machines taking their pulse. There is a faint beeping from the heart/brain monitor. They are steady, but just that.

Caption

It's just the big game companies who pushed them out.

Panel 8

The heart rate machine has stopped. There is a long tone. The line shows no sign of life.

Caption

Yeah, yeah, that's it.

NURSE

"Doctor, we've got another one!"

Panel 9

There is a back-alley dealer with a long coat. He's very dirty and very shady. A red star badge shows bravely on his collar. He's obviously trying to be inconspicuous as he is selling helmets to customers who are also trying to be secretive. Both parties carry large gym bags for hauling the helmets around.

Panel 10

A huge wad of cash is exchanged between two chapped and thick hands.

Caption

But they never stopped selling them, not really.

Panel 11

Benjamin is now walking in the cold autumn air, wearing a deep brown coat with fake white fur trim and gloves to match. A long red striped scarf flows behind him, almost having a life of it's own. The rest of the world is practically background, brown dead leaves crunched all over the ground. The buildings are average size, implying a smaller city. The buildings are all black or grey, ugly architecture. There are lots of patios with people who seem to be wrapped up in conversation. He is slouching.

Caption

I just need to be confident. I can do this.

Panel 12

Here I would like one long panel going across the page from side to side. He is walking one strip of road, passing a larger lady in a hideous fading purple coat walking her tiny white puffball of a dog. As he moves down the road, his walk gets more confident until he is practically strutting like a peacock. His face still needs to be obscured in some way. His scarf matches his attitude as he goes along. There are quite a few leaves at the beginning, but as he moves closer to the downtown part of the city, they start to disappear.

Caption

I just have to find Troy.

Panel 13

There are fewer people around, yet he's still strutting around. He's not really paying attention to where he is going, implying that he has gone this way before. His boots are no longer crunching leaves. The buildings are getting closer together, more cramped. They seem to be apartment buildings, but everything about them is uninviting. There are no trees growing here, yet roots and grass peaks out of cracks in the sidewalk.

Panel 14

His scarf has dropped as he notices there is no longer a single soul around. He has stopped walking. He is looking to the right. He is holding himself in the cold air.

Panel 15

He looks to the left. It is getting later, as the sun starts to go down. There is a wisp of hot air leaving his lips, but everything above is cut off. A gust of air is blowing his scarf, as if trying to breathe in life. It's starting to get colder. The buildings start to look haunting, almost more menacing. This can be a slight transition, or a sudden effect, up to you. The point is that he's starting to realize he's in over his head. He looks scared.

Caption

What is this terrible feeling? Oh god...

Panel 16

All you see is his boots as he's running. They are scarred, old. The bottoms are worn from years of usage. This is not something he's been able to afford, either intentionally or because of lack of funds. A root is squished under his stomping.

Caption

Why am I running?

Panel 17

Now we see his mouth twisted in panic, most likely breathing heavily. He almost looks like he's screaming. His scarf covers part of his chin and his jacket collar is flattened from the pressure of the air pressing against it.

Caption

Why do I feel so scared?

Panel 18

He's stopped in an alley, back to the wall. He is trying to support himself, hunched over, hands on knees. A rat is scurrying on the other side in a fallen trashcan. Trash is littered everywhere as another rat chomps on what looks like moldy fruit. Sweat is dripping off his chin, the top half of his face hidden by clumps of long wet bangs. There is faint light from the street filtering into the alleyway, and only darkness any further from where he's standing.

Panel 19

A gleaming blue and white police car has now stopped besides the alleyway Benjamin is in. There is no set city name, so feel free to have any acronym on the side. A larger man sits at the wheel, sweaty and balding, a woman in the passenger, frizzy hair pulled into a large ponytail, with aviator shades and bright red lipstick. Her arm hangs out the side, surveying her surroundings. The man looks only straight ahead, as if waiting for permission to go ahead.

Caption

Shit.

Panel 20

Close up on the woman. She's pulled down her shades, staring intensely with warm brown eyes. There is not a single blemish or mark on her face. In another circumstance, she would be described as beautiful with no hesitation. She is confident, and only slightly suspicious. She is looking for a reaction with her gaze like daggers.

Caption

Shit Shit Shit.

Panel 21

We now see from her eyes, the top part of his face cut off with the panel. He has a forced, sheepish smile on his face. Sweat still drips down his face. His body is twisted to face her, and his hand positioned for what must be the most awkward wave ever. Behind him the alleyway stretches until cut off with a chainlink fence. A small door stands in the middle, a dim light giving it slight attention. Graffiti plasters the walls, crude artwork piled on top of one another.

Caption

Just smile and wave at her, you idiot.

Panel 22

We are back to the woman, and she's now looking ahead. Her lips are slightly parted as she half-commands and half-mumbles. Her shades have been pushed back up. Her arm is back in it's original position, slightly hanging out of the window.

POLICEWOMAN

"Go ahead, Jim."

Panel 23

Benjamin's scarf is askew and he is sitting down, his face in his hands. He is slowly breathing out, trying to calm himself. It's now to the point where the sun is at the horizon, the sky a dull red. While I love colorful sunsets as much as the next person, this does sadly need to be boring and uninteresting. Beautiful in it's own way, but something that as Benjamin, we are viewing everything as dull. A rat is sitting at his foot, sniffing to see if he's edible. The streetlight closest to him has blinked on.

Caption

Oh thank god.

Panel 24

Benjamin is leaning out the alleyway, his shoulders indicating he is checking for something, most likely more cops. His scarf is barely hanging on his neck now, loose from running and panic. His gloved hands are gripping the corner tightly.

Panel 25

He is now walking again, hands in pockets. His scarf has been fixed. The streetlights are a bit brighter than they were a moment before. On the wall behind him, chunks of the cement has worn away, revealing the red brick underneath. At some point this neighborhood was probably very nice and upper-class but has fallen into decay.

Caption

Where the hell is this pipsqueak?

Panel 26

Someone with a deep, baritone voice has called out to Benjamin. He is jumping out of his skin and his shoulders jolt up, his teeth clenched. His hands automatically jump up, as if defending himself from someone reaching out to hit him. I would like to add the voice is coming from behind him.

TROY

"HEEEEEEEEEEEYYY!"

Panel 27

We are now seeing through Benjamin's eyes. Troy is a short, red haired young man who never looks anything but chill and relaxed. He also has a startlingly deep voice. If there could be an indicator like special text or a special bubble, that would be lovely as I feel it adds to the character. If not, don't worry about it. He's wearing a loose hoodie and headphones around his neck. The neck of the sweatshirt is low enough you can see his collarbone jutting out. He's very skinny and covered head to toe in freckles. He does not, however, look like a child. He still looks like an adult, despite his small size.

Caption

Oh, it's Troy.

Panel 28

Now we see a size contrast between the two as they face one another. Even with Benjamin slightly hunched in, Troy reaches just below Benjamin's collar bone. Troy uses sweeping motions when he talks and Benjamin always uses as little as possible. Troy has a huge grin on his face and while you wouldn't expect it from his laid-back personality, he is very sneaky and sleazy. His business is still black market dealing, after all. Although there is still light outside, Troy stands just outside the light from the post, making him appear much darker in comparison to Benjamin.

TROY

"Benji! It's Benji, right?"

BENJAMIN

"Erm... N-no. It's Benjamin."

Panel 29

Undeterred, Troy has his hand on Benjamin's shoulder in a reassuring, too-friendly manner. It's visibly uncomfortable for Benjamin as Troy has leaned in. Troy has continued his shit-eating grin as he drags his new companion along the darkened road. This part of town has grown downright intimidating for Benjamin.

TROY

"If you're here, I'm guessing you have something for me?"

BENJAMIN

"I have the money this time."

Panel 30

Troy has kicked a door open, everything pitch black except for the door itself and the outside where Troy and Benjamin are standing. The door that is open is a deep rich red, ancient with patches of paint coming off every which way. The knob itself is covered with rust. The original wood that was underneath the paint is old, very very old. I don't know how Benjamins' face will be obstructed here, but I have faith in you, artist figure. Along with kicking the door open, Troy needs to be making some grand gesture.

TROY

"Then welcome to my parlour!"

Panel 31

A light switch is flicked on by thin, needle-like fingers that are sprinkled with freckles. The actual lightswitch is ornate with a dark cherry wood (any wood seen in this short scene should match). The wallpaper is very old-fashioned but dandy and as bright as if it had just been put up. The ultimate design is up to you, but I was thinking perhaps stripes, something you could see a barbershop quartet in. As a note, this home is the exact opposite of what we were expecting, it's gorgeous and elaborate. Where the color outside had been drab, in here it's vivid. There is a whistling noise.

Panel 32

As the lights come on, we can see a small, tight apartment with rooms that go to the left, right and straight ahead. Pictures line the wall to the right, ones that we assume are family photos although we can't see them. To the left is a dresser of sorts, decorated with a line of rich red cloth. Several clocks are hung above it. Troy is walking straight ahead towards the kitchen where the distinct whistling noise is coming from, a tea kettle.

TROY

"Want any tea, Benji?"

Panel 33

Benjamin is out of place here, his boring colors bleeding into the thriving atmosphere. He looks incredibly uncomfortable from the nose down. He is fiddling his fingers, unsure of what to do. An empty coat rack stands next to him on the left next to the light switch. A small mirror hangs to the right.

BENJAMIN

"Oh, uh, no. I just want the game."

Panel 34

Troy has stepped out of the kitchen, and went into the room to the left, which we are now seeing as he enters. He is holding a cup with some witty saying on it, filled with tea. The floor is wooden and Troy has taken off his shoes at some point. We see part of Benjamin like his arm to show he's following him into the room. A small fireplace (or heater) can be seen to the back of the room, giving a cozy safe feeling. Troy is looking towards the audience, but not directly at them.

TROY

"Suit yourself. Follow me in here and you can pick out your size."

Panel 35

As Troy sits down on a large, well used beige couch, we can see piles and piles of the black gleaming helmets from the gaming posters earlier. They are even more magnificent in person. In front of the couch is a small table that has rows of small, thick white booklets stacked on top. It's like this room was just made to house these items for sale. A lamp clings to the wall inbetween two large, barred windows.

Caption

Pick my size...?

Panel 36

Benjamin has picked up the closest one and holds it in his hands. He is looking on the inside of it. Helmets that all look the same in assorted sizes all lie at his feet. There is a silver line that comes from the top of the head and follows straight down the middle in the back. Small rectangles follow down the line, making it resemble a spinal cord. There is thick sound-cancelling headphone material embedded in the sides.

Caption

Does it come with a CD or something?

BENJAMIN

"Is this all?"

Panel 37

Troy is holding a white booklet. The tea is now on the table.

TROY

"That with one of these and you're set. Try the helmet on, make sure it fits for optimal gaming."

BENJAMIN

"Sure."

Panel 38

Now we see all of Benjamins body as he wears the helmet. All we can see of his face is his nose and mouth. His fingers seem to be searching to turn it on.

Caption

Now... Where is the start button?

TROY

"Hey! You wanna play, you have to pay!"

Panel 39

Now we see a shot of Benjamin standing there, helmet in the crook of one arm, the other digging deep into his pockets. He is sweating again, his mouth in a smile that cannot contain his excitement. Sweat is dripping in his gloves that he never even bothered to take off. Benjamin is a very sweaty man, so feel free to exaggerate this. His scarf in this setting now seems more dull than in comparison to the outside. It is disheveled.

Caption

Yeah, yeah, get the money. This is gonna be good.

Panel 40

Now we see an exchange of hands. In half the panel, Troy is handed a huge wad of money and in the other Benjamin is handed the manual. On the front it says "Adventurer's Gambit" in an almost 50's style font. Underneath it says "New computer-brain interface".

BENJAMIN

"?"

Panel 41

In this panel, I would like to mirror panel 4 of page 2 where he is slowly slouching and walking slowly and as he goes home, he starts going faster until he is in an all out run in a stretch panel. Here, as it is now dark, we only see his black silhouette when he is underneath lightposts, the only color attached to him is his scarf.

TROY

"Read the whole thing. It's important to the success of your game that you do."

BENJAMIN

"Yeah, sure, sure."

Panel 42

We are now looking into Benjamin's apartment. It is incredibly messy and disorganized, the stereotypical bachelors apartment. It is very small and the kitchen can be seen from the living room. a closed door to the side leads to the bedroom. A window shows only the back of another building, not a great view.

Caption

Home.

Panel 43

The fridge is open and Benjamin's hand is grabbing a beer. There is little to no food here, but lots of the beer, of different shapes, sizes and brands.

Caption

Let's get this party started.

Panel 44

Now he's sitting at his couch, helmet on table and instructions in hand. The beer bottle, now opened, sits next to the helmet. He has flipped to the beginning. His coat and accessories is off to reveal a flimsy undershirt.

Panel 45

In this panel we see the intro page to the game and it reads as follows "Adventurer's Gambit by RED STAR GAMES Hello, Adventurer! Are you ready for the thrill of a lifetime? To go on a quest of your wildest imagination? Then you've come to the right place! Here, at Adventurer's Gambit, you'll enter a world unlike any other video game in existence! Using a system that reads your brainwaves and creates an alternate-reality interface, experience a world that can molded with your own mind. A world where you feel everything" This should be a huge panel.

Panel 46

Benjamin flips through the booklet in frustration.

Caption

Yadda, yadda. How do I turn this thing on?

Panel 47

The next page says "Game Controls" and underneath states "To begin your adventure, simply put on the helmet and say the words "Base System Operations On" in a clear and steady tone. Do not remove the helmet as the system turns on and only do so when the system is completely turned off."

Panel 48

Helmet on, Benjamin tosses the booklet behind him. It is going to land at a trajectory behind the couch. He looks pumped and ready for action. From this angle we can see the tears and holes in his couch. From here we can see the table is actually very short in comparison to his legs. His holed socks press deep into ratty carpeting.

Caption

Okaydone.

Panel 49

He takes a huge gulping breath in. His whole chest juts out to accommodate the movement. His arms are tensing up and you can see the veins. His back arches.

Panel 50

And a huge O shape of his lips releases it. He decompresses and his back hunches forward. His hands are gripped together, to offer himself some small comfort.

Caption

It's now or never.

Panel 51

His hands now on his knees, he is laid back into the couch, nervous. He is sweating all over. His toes are twitching.

BENJAMIN

"Base System Operations On."

Panel 52

In the next 2-3 panels, I would like it to be shown that the row of squares on the inside are moving down to press against his skull bit by bit. It's the process that brings his mind into the game, so it needs to look really high tech and ominous.

Caption

Ah! What the hell is that?

Panel 53

More of the squares jump down, pressing deep into his deep brown hair. It's incredibly tight and almost hurts him.

Caption

It's... Squeezing my head.

Panel 54

The final squares press down on the nape of his neck. A little electrical shock pulses.

Caption

Fuck! That's cold!

Panel 55

Alright, here's the cool page. We start at a panel and Benjamin is now jolt upright. A strange light is being emitted from the helmet, over the eyes. His skin has an almost alien glow and his color is bleeding out of the panel. His hands are over his head like he is in immense pain

Panel 56

We are now in the Lobby, the area between the real world and the game. The number 1 rule of the Lobby is that panels do not exist. Black background for everything. Everything here is connected by thin lines of mental thrummings, a red string showing the connections. Wherever it says panel in this area, it just refers to the next major picture. If you would, smaller pictures of pixels or weird twists and curves should be shown inbetween. The Computer will speak to the player and her voice is cool and digital, godlike. Her words need to float on their own, separate from the player and an electric blue cursive, which should contrast with the red string of fate. Okay so the actual picture is Benjamin erupting into red pixels, his face contorted into a scream, his hands seemingly trying to rip the helmet off. But he can't. His legs have curled up like a wounded animal. What needs to be remembered is that this machine is reprogramming his brain to see into it's database for the first time.

Panel 56

COMPUTER

"Base System Operations Online."

Panel 57

Then it stops. His body lays curled up in fetal position, he back facing upwards to the sky. Half of him is normal, naked, the other in patches is still buffering in red pixels.

Panel 58

Benjamin has stood up, his back facing the audience, and he is buck naked. His body type is average, not fat but not particularly thin. His butt is almost not there at all. There is a thin scar on his back from an accident the audience will never know about. He is no longer wearing the helmet, brown hair floating where there is no air. He is looking up at the computer's words as she says them.

BENJAMIN

"Is this heaven or hell?"

COMPUTER

"Character Design"

Panel 59

He walks closer and a smaller monitor appears. It is almost like a clipboard, it is so tiny. It is floating and can be grabbed. His face is turned away, but we are so close to seeing it. The monitor, in smaller, old style type simply asks:

COMPUTER

"Are you a boy or girl? Or neither?"

Panel 60

Here we divide into several smaller pictures. The first shows his fingers clicking the "Boy" option. The second picture is a sword materializing at his feet. Boots blip onto his feet in the next. Gloves swirl onto his hands as they grab the sword, the magic spreading to the rest of his skin. Wind is blowing his hair up, it's now white. His eyes are closed.

Panel 61

This bleeds into a panel, the first official panel of the game. His eyes are opened and they are a bright purple. They are beautiful, his skin is like porcelain around them. He has entered the game.

Caption

This is it. Today is the day.

Panel 62

We now get a full shot of what Benjamin looks like. He has long white hair tied in the back, with the purple eyes. His face here is slim and handsome. He has decided his characters outfit is going to be the most fantasy themed outfit one could think of, not to mention pretentious. I leave the official design up to you, just realize that it needs to be like video game paladin. So lots of gaudy robes and shiny armor and all that. So here is where the style changes. Instead of realistic, everything gets a more cartoony look. Not every character is equal in this way. Benjamin, for example, has eyes slightly too big for his face. Other characters later on will look more or less cartoon-like.

Panel 63

Benjamin looks down at himself in wonder. He is amazed at the work and detail his clicking buttons created in this world. Behind him the scenery is created. All colors in this world are vibrant and beautiful, enchanting.

Panel 64

Benjamin raises his sword up and grins widely.

BENJAMIN

"Aw, hell yes!"

Panel 65

He puts his sword away in the sheath that is conveniently placed on his belt. You will notice the world in the background is very sweet. It has to be sickeningly saccharine and sugary looking. Also, very girly and feminine. This is the home of one of the main characters, her territory. A sign next to him says "Mab The Great".

Panel 66

He turns and sees the sign, interested. Another thing to be added to this is that all the main characters/bosses are themed after certain artists or styles of music. "Mab" as her username states, is influence by "Marina and the Diamonds" and "Ida Maria", both very strong and feminine "don't give a shit" girl artists. The colors here need to be very pop-y because of this, like a surreal music video. each area also has music, if that style could be somehow indicated as playing, that would be awesome.

BENJAMIN

"'Mab', huh? Sounds like a witch or something. Probably the first boss.

Panel 67

A longer panel going in an upward diagonal direction shows him walking up a path that leads to a cutesy little cot, with pink and white colors. The mailbox in front says "Mab, The Great" on the side. The whole thing is very non-threatening. Flowers grow sparsely all around.

Panel 68

A small little heart-shaped bubble has been floating Benjamin's way. It's very adorable and sweet as it lands on a flower. Benjamin smiles at the sweetness of this area. He is refraining from squeezing his hands together at how cute it is. Now that we can see his face, we can see how expressive he is, his nose, his brow.

BENJAMIN

"Okay, this is going to be the cutest boss ever!"

Panel 69

The moment the bubble popped, there was a large explosion that decimated a chunk of the land and blows Benjamin back from the blast. Yes, these bubbles are weapons. Part of his outfit catches on fire. His face is warped into one of surprise and shock. This thing just exploded. Out of nowhere.

Panel 70

Benjamin slams down on his back, releasing an ugly sputter from his lungs as he lands. It's obvious he's in pain. Smoke sizzles on the part of his outfit that had caught fire.

Panel 71

He uses his arms to hold himself up. He is shaking. His mouth is still gaping open in shock. One foot has dug itself into the gravel.

BENJAMIN

"What the fuck was that?"

Panel 72

He winces in pain and touches his ribs. They are likely cracked. A thin line of blood trickles out of his lips. Yet the sugary sweetness of the area does not disappear, this is still high energy and vivid.

Caption

Why does it hurt?

Panel 73

He is looking at the house now, along with the audience. A girl is standing there, probably sixteen or seventeen. She has long black hair that sweeps past her shoulders. She is wearing an aviator jacket, jeans, and combat boots. She is holding a sniper rifle to her piercing ice-blue eyes. Above her head are three stars, marking her rank.

MAB

"The next one won't miss. Leave while I still feel sorry for you."

Panel 74

Benjamin is standing up, leaning on his better leg that didn't get hurt in the blast. His clothes are tattered. His hand is still on his rib that got broken. In contrast to size, he is much larger than she is, so he's very confused. Above him is half a star.

BENJAMIN

"Wha-? What are you talking about?"

Panel 75

Zooming in on her a little closer, we can see hearts are messily painted onto the side of her gun and a heart is embroidered into a patch on her jacket over the left side of her chest.

MAB

"It's obvious you're new. So I'll repeat myself..."

Panel 76

She places the gun to her face and her eyes are on the scope. We are close enough to see her eyes in great detail. Her face has no emotion on it. She simply does not care for this person.

MAB

"Leave or I kill you. I don't think I can get any clearer."

Panel 77

Benjamin takes a step forward. He still doesn't understand. This is what happens when you don't read the manual, you enter into a devils contract without knowing the conditions. There is a look of despair on his face, almost as if knowing what's to follow here. Here he looks small, not in size but in demeanor. What he says next doesn't look like he believes his own words. A red dot has appeared on his forehead.

BENJAMIN

"What are you talking about, you crazy bitch? It's just a game!"

Panel 78

A heart bubble appears out of nowhere. He has no time to react.

Panel 79

We are focused on Mab as the explosion occurs, large enough to blow her hair back. The reds and oranges dance on her face. She still hasn't a single emotion. It's haunting and unsettling. It's at this point that I should add that this is not to be glorified. At this point in the story, Mab is a horrible, horrible person. She just killed someone in cold blood for no reason other than she didn't feel like talking today.

Panel 80

The "Corpse" of Benjamin is lying in the game, still twitching. We cannot see his head, as it's gone. I don't want gory details, just show from the neck down and have blood pooling and staining his clothes. There is no doubt he is very dead.

Caption

Is this it?

Panel 81

Now we are seeing Benjamin in his apartment. He is twitching and on the ground, helmet still on. His nose and mouth have trickles of blood coming down. It's not going to be stated yet, but if you die in the game, you go into a coma from the brain not being able to take the stress and rush of stimulation through the machine that comes through death in the game. His head is tilted to the side. His legs and arms are in a strange position due to have fallen off the couch. He is no longer in the story.

Panel 82

We're back in the game and Mab is looking at a green little screen that says "0" on it. Her face is one of disgust and anger. Her one hand still holds the rifle. She hasn't moved and her hair is perfect. In a video game, hair doesn't get ruffled and messed up from battle. You always look cool until you're dying.

MAB

"Not even one bit of loot? What a waste of space."

Panel 83

She rubs her eye with her open hand as her gun disappears in a faint pink glow from the other. There are lines and deep dark spots under her eyes. It looks like she hasn't slept in a while. Possibly the reason she was so testy, in fact. Her face is still soft from being a kid. She is very pretty and from appearance very cute.

MAB

"How long have I been on?"

Panel 84

She looks down a her watch. This is a special watch only useful in the game and will be seen throughout the comic. It tells her exactly how many hours have passed since she's entered the game. Currently it says "7:43:03".

MAB

"Almost 8 hours? Shit, I better get off."

Panel 85

Mabel closes her eyes. Her face is haunted despite being so young. It's as though she's seen a lot of death of countless people at her own hands. In this moment she looks a lot older. Her face is like a stone statue. Her lips are wind-chapped.

MAB

"Base System Operations Offline. Enter Lobby. Enter Real Space."

Panel 86

Her body bleeds to an inbetween space between the two panels of this page. She is also nude, but holds her legs to herself tightly, her head buried into her knees. Her hair seems to almost be hiding her. Her body is like Benjamin's was, a mix of skin and red pixels. She seems to be experiencing no pain, used to the exchange.

Panel 87

The third panel shows her sitting on her bed in her frilly pink pajamas. Her bed is a rich white and lilac colored spread. She is in the same position as before, but she is looking up towards something.

Panel 88

She's looking towards her window in this splash page of her room. Her helmet is lying besides her and we see her messed up hair as it falls over her shoulders. Her window is a large seat-window, the old fashioned one you'd see in Peter Pan. The room is covered in obnoxious "girly" colors. The bed is revealed to be a canopy bed, the sheer curtain standing between Mabel and her audience. This is the room of an incredibly wealthy girl, with a large armoire and vanity. On the floor is a small TV with lots of cords sticking out for game systems. A laptop is laying on the armoire, but hasn't been used in a while. Clothes are all over the floor. Outside it is beautiful and this picture is like a dream fantasy world, yet she just doesn't care.

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN

"Mabel! Mabel, are you coming down to eat?"

Caption

END OF VOLUME 1

#comic book script #I always thought about doing more on it #I still love the story I just get so muddled about middle and end #belle writes #long post #just for mobile since sometimes it just ignores cuts #critique always welcome

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