![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkatHmmm...ganked from wendahl...
Most of us here have at least one movie/book/tv series/comic book/and more that speaks to us on a special level. Here is your opportunity to wax poetic on those things!
We want to hear what new canons to investigate. Tell us why that thing is cool. Tell us why you enjoy it so much. Tell us where to start if we want to get into it too (and how to find it if it’s not something mainstream that’s easy to find everywhere). It can be difficult to find fandom friends with shared interests sometimes, but this is your chance to cultivate a shared interest!
At the moment?
1. It's the MCU movie arc ending with Avenger's Endgame. The character arcs, themes, and metaphors in this series overall speak to me in a major way.
I think the reason it speaks to me -- is the films overall arc give me hope. They are a slow progression from a toxic white male individualistic somewhat selfish militaristic societal vision to a caring, diverse, inclusive communal one, where people can be who they are, they have choices, they don't have be soliders or warriors to feel powerful or macho and have agency. It's not about "destiny" or "ruling" or "having power" or "might makes right" but about sharing power, caring for others, love, friendship, and building community.
The pattern from one way of thinking to the other...comforts me in these dark times. Iron Man is about a billionaire playboy with his fancy and deadly toys, who justifies them as helping America keep it's rightful place in the world, and has "Daddy issues" -- by the end of the film he starts to slowly question this and try to make amends. But alas, he's still an insufferable SOB. Yet, as the films progress and battles more than one villain who in reality is just a reflection of what he might become...he begins to reassess what is more important, and slowly puts fear aside. Captain America similarily starts out thinking power equals physical strength and the ability to beat up the enemy and win a war, and how might is right, and the whole American Way -- slowly over time, he begins to question these things and what he sacrificed, and what defines a man is not what he does so much as who he cares for, and how he values life. He reaches a point in which he believes that no life should be sacrificed, that he is not a killing machine, and war doesn't equal victory. Thor - the Warrior King, starts out believing that he is entitled to the throne, that it is his destiny, and the King is the best fighter, and a throne is a prize. Like Iron Man, he feels he has to live up to his father's expectations, that he is Odinson and nothing else. But bit by bit, he begins to question this, and realizes that he can be who he is, a good fighter, a good friend, but doesn't need to be the king or leader and hands the reigns over to a woman, a friend, a Queen, who isn't all about the power. He also is no longer vain, and no objectifies himself or others -- no longer sees his value in how he appears. Black Widow - goes from being an assassin, and an interrogator, with ruthless means, a spy, who has no real allegiances but to herself -- to a woman with a community she values above all else, and willing to do anything to save their lives, she goes from self-serving to selfless. And it makes her happier.
The story-arcs across the board show how we are stronger together than apart, and how everyone has their own specific role to play, no role greater than the rest in the tapestry. That no individual is more important than any other. Iron Man can't save the day alone, any more than Captain America can -- they need everyone else. Each and every life has value, even if we can't see it.
I cry at the end of Endgame -- because Tony Stark, weapons manufacturer, has given it up for a family, and sacrifices himself and the weapon he wears, to destroy the war machines, death, destruction -- the things that don't value life, or family, or community, or love, and believe that life can only exist if it is completely wiped out. With a randomness. No value to any. As if it is meaningless. He erases this with a snap of his fingers and renders it to dust.
That speaks to me. The idea that we can put others before ourselves, that we can put us before I...and be richer for it. And embrace diversity in the process.
2. The X-men - is a long running serial about a bunch of out-cast superheroes, who were born with their abilities -- and veer between superhero and villain based solely on whose point of view you happen to be in at the time. It's part soap-opera, part civil rights metaphor, part speculative science-fiction, and part action adventure tale.
At times gritty and dark, others colorful and hopeful. Exploring various socio-political issues across the spectrum, in wacky and wild ways.
The art jumps from excellent to mediocre and back again.
Right now, it's being rebooted in a wild and fascinatingly feminist manner. With the long term paramour of Professor Xavier, Scottish Scientist Moira McTaggart suddenly becoming not only a mutant, but one with an insanely powerful ability -- the ability to be reborn with all her memories of her past life intact. It's basically ground-hog day as a lifeline. Reminds me a little of Kate Atkinson's Life After Life -- and I can't help but wonder if Hickman grabbed the idea from Atkinson. Although I find Hickman's take on it far more innovative.
The exploration of how people fall into fear and the need to destroy that which they fear often to their own destruction is central to this arc, and well to the X-men stories as a whole. And how, when we don't do that -- we are gifted with wonders.
The characters range the gamut, and I challenge people not to find one they don't identify with on some bizarre level. I identify with Cyclops, which is odd I know.
And weirdly Kitty Pryde aka Shadowcat. They speak to me in different ways. Cyke because he lives in fear of hurting others...if he opens his eyes, he will kill them, cursed with optic blasts that can demolish a building with one glance. He is strategic, analytical to a fault, and can read people rather well -- but socially awkward and often says and does the wrong things. Kitty is also very analytical, smart, and she phases through things. Her power isn't massive. And she learned to be a Ninja. When I started reading the books she was the only character who was my age.
Now there are so many others...and the art and style is beautifully rendered. I tend to be visual, and reading requires work -- so I can relax with a comic, yet still get a good yarn.
What are yours?
PS: My icon is the Valkyrie from Thor:Rackroack and Avengers Endgame. She's among my favorite female characters in the MCU, and I identify with her. Other favs are Nebula and Shakira and Okyia (?), also Black Widow and Gamora.
Most of us here have at least one movie/book/tv series/comic book/and more that speaks to us on a special level. Here is your opportunity to wax poetic on those things!
We want to hear what new canons to investigate. Tell us why that thing is cool. Tell us why you enjoy it so much. Tell us where to start if we want to get into it too (and how to find it if it’s not something mainstream that’s easy to find everywhere). It can be difficult to find fandom friends with shared interests sometimes, but this is your chance to cultivate a shared interest!
At the moment?
1. It's the MCU movie arc ending with Avenger's Endgame. The character arcs, themes, and metaphors in this series overall speak to me in a major way.
I think the reason it speaks to me -- is the films overall arc give me hope. They are a slow progression from a toxic white male individualistic somewhat selfish militaristic societal vision to a caring, diverse, inclusive communal one, where people can be who they are, they have choices, they don't have be soliders or warriors to feel powerful or macho and have agency. It's not about "destiny" or "ruling" or "having power" or "might makes right" but about sharing power, caring for others, love, friendship, and building community.
The pattern from one way of thinking to the other...comforts me in these dark times. Iron Man is about a billionaire playboy with his fancy and deadly toys, who justifies them as helping America keep it's rightful place in the world, and has "Daddy issues" -- by the end of the film he starts to slowly question this and try to make amends. But alas, he's still an insufferable SOB. Yet, as the films progress and battles more than one villain who in reality is just a reflection of what he might become...he begins to reassess what is more important, and slowly puts fear aside. Captain America similarily starts out thinking power equals physical strength and the ability to beat up the enemy and win a war, and how might is right, and the whole American Way -- slowly over time, he begins to question these things and what he sacrificed, and what defines a man is not what he does so much as who he cares for, and how he values life. He reaches a point in which he believes that no life should be sacrificed, that he is not a killing machine, and war doesn't equal victory. Thor - the Warrior King, starts out believing that he is entitled to the throne, that it is his destiny, and the King is the best fighter, and a throne is a prize. Like Iron Man, he feels he has to live up to his father's expectations, that he is Odinson and nothing else. But bit by bit, he begins to question this, and realizes that he can be who he is, a good fighter, a good friend, but doesn't need to be the king or leader and hands the reigns over to a woman, a friend, a Queen, who isn't all about the power. He also is no longer vain, and no objectifies himself or others -- no longer sees his value in how he appears. Black Widow - goes from being an assassin, and an interrogator, with ruthless means, a spy, who has no real allegiances but to herself -- to a woman with a community she values above all else, and willing to do anything to save their lives, she goes from self-serving to selfless. And it makes her happier.
The story-arcs across the board show how we are stronger together than apart, and how everyone has their own specific role to play, no role greater than the rest in the tapestry. That no individual is more important than any other. Iron Man can't save the day alone, any more than Captain America can -- they need everyone else. Each and every life has value, even if we can't see it.
I cry at the end of Endgame -- because Tony Stark, weapons manufacturer, has given it up for a family, and sacrifices himself and the weapon he wears, to destroy the war machines, death, destruction -- the things that don't value life, or family, or community, or love, and believe that life can only exist if it is completely wiped out. With a randomness. No value to any. As if it is meaningless. He erases this with a snap of his fingers and renders it to dust.
That speaks to me. The idea that we can put others before ourselves, that we can put us before I...and be richer for it. And embrace diversity in the process.
2. The X-men - is a long running serial about a bunch of out-cast superheroes, who were born with their abilities -- and veer between superhero and villain based solely on whose point of view you happen to be in at the time. It's part soap-opera, part civil rights metaphor, part speculative science-fiction, and part action adventure tale.
At times gritty and dark, others colorful and hopeful. Exploring various socio-political issues across the spectrum, in wacky and wild ways.
The art jumps from excellent to mediocre and back again.
Right now, it's being rebooted in a wild and fascinatingly feminist manner. With the long term paramour of Professor Xavier, Scottish Scientist Moira McTaggart suddenly becoming not only a mutant, but one with an insanely powerful ability -- the ability to be reborn with all her memories of her past life intact. It's basically ground-hog day as a lifeline. Reminds me a little of Kate Atkinson's Life After Life -- and I can't help but wonder if Hickman grabbed the idea from Atkinson. Although I find Hickman's take on it far more innovative.
The exploration of how people fall into fear and the need to destroy that which they fear often to their own destruction is central to this arc, and well to the X-men stories as a whole. And how, when we don't do that -- we are gifted with wonders.
The characters range the gamut, and I challenge people not to find one they don't identify with on some bizarre level. I identify with Cyclops, which is odd I know.
And weirdly Kitty Pryde aka Shadowcat. They speak to me in different ways. Cyke because he lives in fear of hurting others...if he opens his eyes, he will kill them, cursed with optic blasts that can demolish a building with one glance. He is strategic, analytical to a fault, and can read people rather well -- but socially awkward and often says and does the wrong things. Kitty is also very analytical, smart, and she phases through things. Her power isn't massive. And she learned to be a Ninja. When I started reading the books she was the only character who was my age.
Now there are so many others...and the art and style is beautifully rendered. I tend to be visual, and reading requires work -- so I can relax with a comic, yet still get a good yarn.
What are yours?
PS: My icon is the Valkyrie from Thor:Rackroack and Avengers Endgame. She's among my favorite female characters in the MCU, and I identify with her. Other favs are Nebula and Shakira and Okyia (?), also Black Widow and Gamora.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-14 01:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-08-14 04:53 pm (UTC)Nothing since then?
no subject
Date: 2019-08-14 04:59 pm (UTC)Lots of other good stuff in that time -- The Wire, Deadwood, GoT, probably others I'm missing -- but nothing that reached that level.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-14 07:56 pm (UTC)Interesting.
Agree on The Wire and Buffy.
Mine run the gamut -- prior to Buffy, a whole lot of stuff, and after, a whole lot of stuff. I didn't necessarily write meta on all of it though or feel inclined to write or fanfic. The only ones I've written about at all and/or read fanfic/essays on are the Marvel X-men comics, MCU, Farscape, Buffy/Angel/Dollhouse/Firefly, Star Wars, BattleStar Galatica v. 2, Illona Andrews Kate Daniels series, Rachel Morgan series, Batman - Christopher Nolan series, Brian Lynch's Spike comics, Doctor Who, The Wire, Game of Thrones, Hunger Games, Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles, Dune.... also, General Hospital, The Good Wife, Shakespearean plays, and I'm sure I forgot something ...
Meanwhile I have a co-worker who is in love with Faulkner...sigh.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-14 08:28 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-08-15 02:23 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-08-14 08:35 pm (UTC)Gravity Falls. Unfortunately, this one finished up over a year ago, and it looks like creator Alex Hirsch has moved on to other projects. But this was a jewel, an elaborate, hilarious Twin Peaks/X-Files mashup with a fully realized sibling relationship at its heart. Hirsch's world building rivaled almost any other genre show on TV; you can see the triangular shadow of the series' ultimate Big Bad at the end of the very first episode.
Recommended: "The Incoveniencing" (first ep to explore the great group dynamic of the teen cast); "Summerween" (Miyazaki via John Carpenter); "Not What He Seems" (the big, mind-blowing this-changes-everything episode); and "Weirdmageddon" (the Mad Max-imum finale).
Steven Universe. I started late with this one, but obsessively retraced my steps until I'd seen 'em all. Yes, I was hooked. (You've read my pleas to get into this series before, so I won't repeat myself....)
Recommended: "Alone Together" (the episode where Steven and Connie fuse for the first time); "Jailbreak" (Garnet kicks ass while singing about her forbidden love in just about the most perfect 2-1/2 minutes in cartoon history; and "Sworn to the Sword" (my Pearl...my poor, heartbroken Pearl).
Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul. This is a different animal than Buffy or any other of my favorite series. Events in Vince Gilligan's universe usually proceed at a snail's pace, almost at a granular level. But this attention to even the most minor details make the big moments more impactful. Eagerly awaiting BCS season 5 and the BB movie.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-15 02:28 am (UTC)Neither are to my taste at the moment. Although that could always change.
Anime has unfortunately killed cartoons for me, well that and Pixar.
I am absurdly picky about animated art. Probably because I grew up with a few animators.
And while I agree Breaking Bad is brilliant, I can't watch anti-hero series at the moment. Too painful and they make me very angry. This could change once the Doofus has been convicted for treason or is dead and buried.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-15 04:24 am (UTC)I am looking forward to season two of Barry and Fleabag, but that's not enough to build an obsession like we had with Buffy. It's like having a full sized plate with a 1/8 ounce dab of filet mignon in the middle.
Some days, I think I get more entertainment value out of Masterchef. It's consistent and very often mouth watering....
no subject
Date: 2019-08-15 12:33 pm (UTC)That's okay, someone else may stumble upon it and like your suggestions.
I just can't watch anti-hero disenfranchised violent angry white narcisissitic ass holes any longer. Game of Thrones - pissed me off this year. Tried Deadwood, bleach. Tried Claws - bleach. Tried - Fleabag - Bleach. Barry ...took a while, but I liked the acting premise, but Kominsky Method is SO much better, and honestly, I don't like anyone in Barry. They are all narcissistic assholes. Kominsky Method is not mean or violent, and they aren't ass holes. Legion...I couldn't get into the 3rd season - yet another series about a narcissistic asshole. Saw the first two, the third is taking up space on my DVR. Killing Eve...I enjoyed for the most part, actually in some respects I liked this season better than the last one. It drug less. But loved it? No. But hey at least it was two women, and the people being slaughtered were the narcissistic assholes. Preacher - hard pass. Doctor Who? Hit and miss. Mastercheif? Eh, prefer Great British Bake Off, it's kinder and doesn't feature the white narcissistic assholes.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-15 12:35 pm (UTC)Although to be fair to Claws -- it features angry working class women, taking advantage of and killing angry white assholes. Fleabag...is a female narcissitic white asshole -- so at least it's different.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-15 03:16 pm (UTC)I guess that's why I like cartoons as a palate cleanser. Steven Universe especially is built on the idea that tolerance, empathy and kindness are remarkably powerful forces.
no subject
Date: 2019-08-15 10:58 pm (UTC)Almost need something.
My difficulty is after 2016 - I got increasingly angry. I was not exactly calm, cool and collected before then. But after 2016 -- I thought, okay, that's it the human race isn't salvageable -- aliens invade us now.
So? For my own mental health -- I stay far from the maddening crowd as much as possible. News blockout except for NY1 and NY Times Daily Briefing. No politics. No Tony Sopranoe or Breaking Bad televisions series. No dark noirish nasty people books like Gone Girl. If it makes me angry -- I'm gone.
I need superhero shows where the nasty villains are killed with a snap of the fingers. Or fluffy sitcoms about philosophy and metaphysics like The Good Place. Or nutty soap operas, and comforting medical series where the doctor save people or get really upset when they can't. Or lovely cooking shows where everyone is really nice to each other while making cakes.
Same with books -- I can't read the murder mysteries and thrillers and deep and depressing literary works that I used to read.
Fantasy and sci-fi, I can do. But I can't go too dark. I had to give up on The 100 (too frigging dark), and steer clear of some of the dystopian stuff, like Westworld on HBO. I'm not sure I'll be able to watch "Watchman", I couldn't watch "Man in the High Castle" or "Mr. Robot".