Commentary - Blog Posts
Power Outage #85 Hey I'm Just Super Saiyan~ (Anime Version)
Inspired by something Lanipator said in his and KaiserNeko's DBZA Commentaries (Specifically 'Dragonball Z Abridged Creator Commentary I Episode 30' at 12:02 - 12:04 on YouTube)
Extras:
Power Outage #84 Hey I’m Just Super Saiyan~
Inspired by something Lanipator said in his and KaiserNeko’s DBZA Commentaries (Specifically ‘Dragonball Z Abridged Creator Commentary | Episode 30’ at 12:02 -12:04 on YouTube)
Extras:
i think im just not worth getting close to
Just some sky cotl gameplay- Dis I mention I like this game a lot?
Watching Transformers Prime
I love how Soundwave makes no noise or movement to imply he said something, yet Starscream's like"yes Soundwave, you are quite right!" in response to,what we're assuming are, these fantastic plans and suggestions Soundwave is coming up with.
Tags: This is my Black licorice and Balsamic vinegar Egg Tart I call it the You're contractually Obligated to Taste This Tart
Go on Bake off. Make sure everything I make is flavours Paul hates. Smash the actual bake though.
When he says I don’t like those flavours, stare him in those souless eyes and say “I know.”
Into The Spiderverse took 100% of its critically acclaimed visuals from comic books and street art and while there are obvious in-universe reasons for this it can’t be ignored that BOTH of these are traditionally seen as “lowbrow” populist art forms, here celebrated for their inherent beauty, complexity and sociopolitical importance. In this essay I will-
“ In August, 1968, the country was still reeling from the assassination of Martin Luther King four months earlier, and the race riots that followed on its heels. Nightly news showed burning cities, white flight, radicals and reactionaries snarling at each other across the cultural divide.
“A brand new children’s show out of Pittsburgh, which had gone national the previous year, took a different approach. Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood introduced Officer Clemmons, a black police officer who was a kindly, responsible authority figure, kept his neighborhood safe, and was Mr. Roger’s equal, colleague and neighbor.
“Around the first anniversary of Martin Luther King’s death, Mr. Rogers invited Officer Clemmons to join him in soaking their tired feet in a plastic wading pool. And there they were, brown feet and pasty white feet, side by side in the water. Silently, contemplatively, without comment.
“25 years later, when the actor playing Officer Clemmons retired, his last scene on the show revisited that same wading pool, this time reminiscing. Officer Clemmons asked Mr. Rogers what he’d been thinking during their silent interlude a quarter century before. Fred Rogers’ answer was that he’d been thinking of the many ways people say “I love you.”
- Carl Aveni’s FB page
For International Women’s Day, several feminist book recommendations! By feminist, I mean both books about feminism, and books about strong, complex, nuanced female characters created by female authors. (This is a pretty long list. Took a while to put together.)
Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie can find her way right to the heart of the issues that confront women every day. This advice can apply to women in all cultural contexts, and in my opinion is a must-read for all feminists. There Are Girls Like Lions: Poems About Being a Woman by Cole Swensen A short poetry anthology about the moments of growing up as a girl and a woman. Circe by Madeline Miller Madeline Miller’s Circe is a triumph of storytelling and a triumph for feminism. In the Odyssey, Circe is treated as the selfish witch that Odysseus subdues. Here, she is given agency, life. She feels real and her desires and her courage and her fears will become your own. Madeline Miller has a true talent for epic prose. The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish An aging historian in London growing close to retiring as her body begins to betray her is given a chance to discover significant truths when papers come to light that tell an unusual tale. That of a young Jewish woman far in the past who longs to study and learn, to question philosophy and faith, and does so in secret while dreading the prospect of marriage. This book takes an unerring view of courage, personal truth, faith, philosophy, and what it means to be a woman. Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon Emilie is not what she seems. And on the Hindenburg, it seems that everyone has something to hide. Suspenseful and enthralling, Ariel Lawhon’s imagining of the tale of the doomed airship flight is nothing less than a masterpiece.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi Tomi Adeyemi has created a high fantasy book that draws its inspiration from African cultures and legends. Her characters and setting are refreshing and compelling, and the words will settle in your heart and blood. The people love fiercely and deeply, and the losses are wounding. The parallels drawn to racial violence in America are at once heart-breaking and enraging. A necessary read.
The Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian Her home was invaded. Her family murdered, and her paraded about as a trophy. Princess Theodosia struggles to reclaim who she is and what she stands for in a world that has beaten her and her people to the ground. If she is to free herself and her people, she must remember what she truly is. A queen. The Chosen Maiden by Eva Stachniak In the early 20th century, the world of ballet experiences a revolution. Vaslav Njinsky, hailed as a prodigy, provokes confusion and outrage with choreography that is strange, halting, jarring – to many, ugly. This is the tale of his sister, Bronia, also an extraordinary ballet dancer. As revolution sparks in Russia and war begins in Europe, she learns to chart her own path and defy expectations. Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris Kate Harris loved to read. She wanted to explore. To see the frontiers of everything. So, she decided to become an astronaut. But exploration can come in many forms, and she chooses to bike the Silk Road on her own journey of exploration. Told with candor, wit, and sweeping prose, this is my favorite travel book. Sold by Patricia McCormick A young girl in Nepal believes she has the chance to have a job, to help provide for her family. But when she arrives, she finds that the ‘work’ is not what she expected. Trapped in a brothel, she is forced into sex slavery. This is a difficult and emotional read, but an important one. The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley A retelling of the Arthurian legends from the point of view of Morgan Le Fey, Ygraine of Cornwall, Guinevere, Viviane, Morgause, and others. It’s a very good read with very human characters and a heart of tragedy. The women in this book are wholly women and wholly human, with flaws and love and fear and difficult choices. Though I have one important note: I discovered this after I read the book, but later in life the author was revealed to have sexually abused her daughter and other children. Because of this, I wasn’t sure whether to include this one. I decided to because of the book’s merits and its influence on feminism in the nineties. I leave it to your judgement. Women & Power: A Manifesto by Mary Beard Mary Beard is a historian with penetrating understanding of the place women occupy in society. Her manifesto addresses the power imbalances women have faced throughout history and in the present. My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg A collection of the writings of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman ever to be appointed to the Supreme Court. Accessible, logical, and wryly amusing, she provides insight into the workings of the Supreme Court, law, women’s rights, and many other topics. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah During World War II, two sisters are separated in occupied France. They find their own ways to survive and rebel against the German presence in their land. A well-written tale of sisterly and familial love, loss, courage, and endurance. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson A fantasy story about a princess chosen by a prophecy. Her journey to find, understand, and accept the power within herself is as poetic as the book’s title. The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro Two women, separated by a generation, bonded by memory. This book is captivating – and makes you wish you had some perfume of your own! Memory and scent, love and resentment, mystery, and fearless choices twine together in this story. A Bound Woman Is a Dangerous Thing: The Incarceration of African American Women from Harriet Tubman to Sandra Bland Poems honoring black women who have been held back and trapped and chained throughout America’s history. This is not a comfortable read. But it is a worthwhile one. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai This one doesn’t really need any explanation. It’s definitely a must-read though. Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II The meticulously researched story of the girls who broke codes in World War II. While their husbands and brothers and sons went off to fight, they went to Washington and learned to do work that greatly impacted the course of the war. Since they were all sworn to secrecy, their stories were almost lost. But not anymore. The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict Mileva Maric was a brilliant physicist and mathematician from Serbia. She attended the University of Zurich and was the only woman in her classes. After university, she married her former classmate: Albert Einstein. Her husband’s shadow is very long, but this woman deserves to step into the light. This is a rich portrait of a woman who was far more than merely Albert Einstein’s wife. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky This one’s pretty self-explanatory too. It’s an awesome book with gorgeous illustrations and many awesome and brilliantly smart women. Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo Well, Wonder Woman, obviously. In this novel, Diana is finding her place as an Amazon, a warrior, and a teenage girl. Her confidence, courage, and loyalty is extraordinarily compelling. The book tackles the difficult issues she must face, involving war, peace, and the true meaning of strength. A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan I always pay attention when I see the word “witch” on the cover of a book. In history, witches have been the women who were feared for their differences – for their knowledge, their beauty, their independence, etc. It’s a powerful word with a powerful meaning. In this book, witchcraft is real, and the women are too. It follows five generations of the same family of witches, examining and celebrating the bonds between mothers and daughters while telling a tale fraught with tension and courage. Face Value: The Hidden Ways Beauty Shapes Women’s Lives by Autumn Whitefield-Madrano An examination of the perception of beauty and its effects in women’s lives today, touching upon insecurity, image, idealization, and numerous other things. The Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar Another tale about two girls in different time periods (I love these). Here’s the blurb: “- a modern day Syrian refugee seeking safety and a medieval adventurer apprenticed to a legendary mapmaker – places today’s headlines in the sweep of history, where the pain of exile and the triumph of courage echo again and again.” The prose is lyrically beautiful and the story is richly crafted. An incredible read. Double Bind: Women on Ambition edited by Robin Romm Ambition can be a complicated thing for women. What we want to do can be altered by how we want to see ourselves – or more accurately, how we are socialized to see ourselves. An ambitious woman may seem aggressive and overconfident to others – while an ambitious man may seem dominant and just the right amount of confident. This book is worth a look. Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin by Jill Lepore A collection of her own writings tied together by the biographical work of Jill Lepore. In this portrait of Benjamin Franklin’s younger sister, Jane Franklin emerges as a shrewd, resilient, and confident woman. Pirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas by Laura Sook Duncombe This book is so awesome. It just is. Badass women from all over the world who wanted their freedom and took it. Need I say more? Geisha, A Life by Mineko Iwasaki ‘"Many say I was the best geisha of my generation," writes Mineko Iwasaki. "And yet, it was a life that I found too constricting to continue. And one that I ultimately had to leave." Trained to become a geisha from the age of five, Iwasaki would live among the other "women of art" in Kyoto's Gion Kobu district and practice the ancient customs of Japanese entertainment. She was loved by kings, princes, military heroes, and wealthy statesmen alike. But even though she became one of the most prized geishas in Japan's history, Iwasaki wanted more: her own life. And by the time she retired at age twenty-nine, Iwasaki was finally on her way toward a new beginning.” A tale of courage. the princess saves herself in this one by Amanda Lovelace A story told in four collections of poetry. The story of the princess in the tower, and the story of you. The Diplomat’s Daughter by Karin Tanabe After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Emi Kato is imprisoned in an American internment camp. Later, she and her family are sent home to Japan, where war threatens everything. This is a tale of love, sacrifice, resilience and hope in the middle of a war told in elegant and touching prose. The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker A retelling of the Iliad (The Trojan War) from the point of view of the women – primarily Briseis. The wars of ancient times are often thought of as glorious. The picture this book paints of the siege on Troy shows the other side of war. It’s illuminating, intricately detailed and bluntly told. Everything Here Is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee A difficult story of family, mental illness, sisterhood, immigration, and fulfillment in life. Every word rings true, sometimes painfully. Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo This one was a really difficult read for me. It’s heart-rending. The love, jealousy, commitment to family, completely different cultural context… A difficult read, but worth it in the end, for the exact reasons that made it hard. The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff Another World War II spy story! But this one is less about code-breaking and more about the feet on the ground in Paris. A fictionalized version of a true story. Daughters of the Winter Queen: Four Remarkable Sisters, the Crown of Bohemia, and the Enduring Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots by Nancy Bazelon Goldstone “Brilliantly researched and captivatingly written, filled with danger, treachery, and adventure but also love, courage, and humor, Daughters of the Winter Queen follows the lives of five remarkable women who, by refusing to surrender to adversity, changed the course of history.” Pretty self-explanatory. An awesome and engaging book. Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird Based loosely on a true story. Cathy Williams is a slave. But she is also the daughter of a daughter of a queen, and her mother never lets her forget it. In this daring tale, Cathy rebels against her constraints as a black person and a woman and joins the army disguised as a man during the Civil War. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly I’m sure a lot of you have seen the movie based on this book. The untold story of three of NASA’s brilliant black female scientists during the Space Race. The book came before the movie and is just as satisfying in print as on the big screen. There’s also more exposition and nuance to the story. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King Sherlock Holmes has retired to keep bees in Sussex. Then, he meets Mary Russell, a young woman with a mind to rival his own. What adventures shall they encounter? It stays true to the tone and spirit of the original Sherlock Holmes stories, but Mary provides a fresh perspective. Wonderfully done. She Explores by Gale Straub These stories are so inspiring. I want to go out there and travel the world and explore the wild and live on the road every time I read them. All Hail the Queen: Twenty Women Who Ruled by Jennifer Orkin Lewis Ruling throughout history has not been only the domain of men. There have been multiple women that have ruled with strength, cleverness, and sheer daring. These are the stories of twenty of them from all over the world.
“On no level is magic metaphorical in this show.”
“It’s funny because I don’t actually feel like you’re being sincere.”
-Julien Murphy and Katie McGrath, Merlin 5x13 Audio Commentary
My pencil just arrived and I was watching Ted nivision and Kurtis Conner (I hardly know her) and drew them 😋 ( god I hate how different they're quality is) and this probs my first trad sketch post ever dk if I'm gonna do more though
Daredevil vol. 4 #13 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Matthew Wilson, and Joe Caramagna
I've talked before about the degree to which Kirsten, as a character, is in conversation with the tradition of women in Daredevil comics—and, in fact, with the history of superhero love interests as a whole, which is a theme Mark Waid tends to enjoy examining (for my Flash readers: Kirsten shares many traits with Waid's rendition of Linda Park). She is independent, she is strong-willed, and she takes up space within the story beyond the boundaries of her relationship with the hero. She even says aloud, directly on-panel, that she does not want to be relegated to the role of "Daredevil's girlfriend"—meaning, of course, within her life and world, but it's also a statement of intent from the creative team. Here, we get possibly my favorite story element highlighting this autonomy: the fact that Kirsten has her own enemies from her life as a successful lawyer, long before she met Matt.
This particular issue is all about the echoes of Matt's bloody dating history and how he is choosing to deal with that now that he is in a relationship again, particularly now that he has a public identity. Another theme of this run is Matt healing and trying to move on from past traumas, and one way it does this is through light-hearted, jokey elements being overlaid onto very serious topics: Matt's famous "I'm Not Daredevil" shirt from volume 3 is one example, and this scene is another. I've also talked before about the particular parallels between Kirsten and Milla (another character who was, at least initially, created to engage with and subvert DD love interest tropes). Kirsten is doing something here that we saw Milla do as well: downplaying the seriousness of Matt's fears for her safety. There are two levels to this: an understanding of why Matt is so afraid (Kirsten wasn't there, but we, having read those issues, know exactly what he is scared of), but also a joy, at least for me, in something Kirsten always does so well, which is to undermine Matt's self-important posturing, drag him down off his Angsting Perch (you know the one), and force him to genuinely engage with life and the people around him. Kirsten is not supposed to be thrilled to have had her life threatened, that is not in the established script, and it upsets Matt, but the fact of the matter is that she's fine (in a way Milla was not allowed to be), and even better, she's had the chance to get one up on Matt by being attacked by someone whose interest is in her, not him! I love Kirsten having her own arch-foe. I love how smug she is about it. I want her to have a whole rogues gallery.
No, definitivamente no es bueno decir constantemente "mi arte no es bueno". Aunque pueda parecer una forma honesta de expresar tus inseguridades, esta práctica puede tener consecuencias negativas tanto para tu autoestima como para la percepción que otros tienen de tu trabajo. ¿Por qué es perjudicial? Auto-sabotaje: Al repetir constantemente que tu arte no es bueno, estás creando una narrativa negativa alrededor de tu trabajo y limitando tus posibilidades de crecimiento. Impacto en la confianza: Esta actitud puede erosionar tu confianza en tus habilidades y hacer que dudes de ti mismo como artista. Atraer críticas negativas: A veces, las personas pueden aprovechar estas expresiones de inseguridad para hacer comentarios negativos o desmotivadores.
Limitar tus oportunidades: Si constantemente subvaloras tu trabajo, es menos probable que otros lo tomen en serio y te ofrezcan oportunidades.
Ok,ok lo que entendí es que es solo una forma de auto sabotearse,al repetirte tanto esto solo haces que tu mismo te lo creas,haciendo de menos tu trabajo y haces que los demás tengan en un punto una percepción negativa de ti mismo? Para los que creen que su arte es malo…. Concentrate en los puntos positivos,no es malo equivocarse,nadie es perfecto ni los más grandes artistas,deja de compararte a la larga te va hacer mal. El hacer esto solo te va a limitar. el arte es todo un proceso,un proceso lleno de errores. Ya lo he dicho antes,no te compares,cada artista tiene su estilo y camino propio,está bien admirar otros trabajos pero no el compararte. Pues el arte es un modo de expresión,plasmar ideas,sentimientos,vivencias,etc. El arte digamos que es algo personal,porque como dije plasmas sentimientos,ideas,vivencias,creaciones,etc. Al igual que los sentimientos son únicos y subjetivos para cada persona, cada obra de arte es una expresión única del artista.
Sé que es difícil pero estoy segura de que haya fuera hay gente que te apoya. Si bien hay gente que puede hacer comentarios negativos,lamentablemente no lo podemos evitar,lo único es evitar esos comentarios hirientes y no dejarnos caer porque entonces al hacer caso de eso…solo nos estamos auto dañando.
En vivencias personales,y también decía esto y cometía el error de compararme sin que me diera cuenta. pero!empece a cuestionarme si esto era lo correcto,si el auto destruirme era bueno?poco a poco me aprendí de que no tengo que compararme ni despreciar mi arte,que debía salir adelante y seguir aprendiendo,puesto que el arte es un proceso de aprendizaje en el que cometería errores y aciertos pero está bien. Nadie es perfecto.
Así que vamos!sigue creando,no dejes que nadie te limite ni tu mismo. Si crees que tu arte no es bueno,mentiras!!tu estilo es único y encantador a su manera.
Tu estilo es único puesto que es tu forma de auto expresión. El arte sigue evolucionando puesto que si es una forma de expresión,los sentimientos,ideas,gustos,creaciones,etc. Estos siguen evolucionando,esto da a entender del porque seguimos aprendiendo,puesto que seguimos auto descubriéndonos y evolucionando como seres humanos. El arte es un espejo.
No te limites,no te dejes llevar por malos comentarios o por las comparaciones. Tú eres único y tu arte también lo es,puesto que es tu manera personal de plasmar lo que sientes,lo que vives o recuerdas.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- No, it is definitely not good to constantly say "my art is not good." Although it may seem like an honest way to express your insecurities, this practice can have negative consequences for both your self-esteem and the perception that others have of your work. Why is it harmful? Self-sabotage: By constantly repeating that your art is not good, you are creating a negative narrative around your work and limiting your possibilities for growth. Impact on confidence: This attitude can erode your confidence in your abilities and make you doubt yourself as an artist. Attract negative criticism: Sometimes, people can take advantage of these expressions of insecurity to make negative or demotivating comments.
Limit your opportunities: If you constantly undervalue your work, others are less likely to take it seriously and offer you opportunities.
Ok, ok, what I understood is that it is just a form of self-sabotage, by repeating this to yourself so much you only make yourself believe it, belittling your work and making others have a negative perception of you at some point? For those who believe that their art is bad…. Focus on the positive points, it is not bad to make mistakes, nobody is perfect not even the greatest artists, stop comparing yourself in the long run it will hurt you. Doing this will only limit you. art is a whole process, a process full of mistakes. I've said it before, don't compare yourself, every artist has their own style and path, it's okay to admire others.
Art is a way of expression, expressing ideas, feelings, experiences, etc.
Art is something personal, let's say, because as I said, you express feelings, ideas, experiences, creations, etc. Just as feelings are unique and subjective for each person, each work of art is a unique expression of the artist.
I know it's difficult, but I'm sure that there are people out there who support you. Although there are people who can make negative comments, unfortunately we can't avoid it. The only thing is to avoid those hurtful comments and not let ourselves fall because then by paying attention to them…we are only harming ourselves.
In personal experiences, and I also said this and made the mistake of comparing myself without realizing it. But! I began to question myself if this was the right thing to do, if self-destruction was good? Little by little I learned that I don't have to compare myself or despise my art, that I should move forward and continue learning, since art is a learning process in which I would make mistakes and successes but that's okay. Nobody is perfect.
So go on! Keep creating, don't let anyone limit you, not even yourself. If you think your art is not good, you're lying! Your style is unique and charming in its own way.
Your style is unique since it is your form of self-expression. Art continues to evolve since if it is a form of expression, feelings, ideas, tastes, creations, etc. These continue to evolve, this gives an idea of why we continue to learn, since we continue to discover ourselves and evolve as human beings. Art is a mirror.
Do not limit yourself, do not get carried away by bad comments or by comparisons. You are unique and so is your art, since it is your personal way of expressing what you feel, what you live or what you remember.
Facism is a blade we carry, we are born with it in our hands. We are all capable of using it, rallying behind it, bleeding our brothers and sisters with its tip. It is up to us to drop it, to refuse violence against our fellow man, and to instead offer an open palm. An opportunity for peace, and prosperity without the boot of a dictator on the neck of a people.
So I started watching Wandavision tonight, and I do already know some spoilers just from being around on tumblr when it first came out, but we just got through episode 3 and it's hitting me. Basically, this is Storybrooke and Wanda is Regina.
Except instead of taking away everyone else's happy endings, she's just trying to give herself her own. But really, that was what Regina was trying to do too, and it's definitely seeming like Wanda has also taken away the happy endings of others, intentionally or not. So in its essence, this is like Once Upon a Time for comic book characters (but without everyone turning up being related somehow ;) lol).
indigogrim replied to your post: Stuff like this is pretty livejournal ...
The more you practice performing and sharing your art with people the easier it gets.
Thiiiiissss is what I'm talkinbout tho? One would assume 10+ years of trying would be enough to tell if such a thing is gonna work out or not D: I'm reeeaally reaching right now trying to decide if it ever got any easier during that decade of effort and fffffnnnnghmaybe? BUT worth it? That I am even less sure about. Cos when I draw something and I finish I'm good. It's like welp, got a thing out of my head, done, satisfied. Might show a friend or two if they're online at the time. Its a little easier with fanart because fangirling and FEEEELS. But meeeehhh? WHY should I continue to push for it, is what I want to ask. I never got much reason other than because people wanna see? And that's not motivational enough?... sorry...? The inspiration to others thing is but again only sometimes because that's not whyyyyy I do this, so when I struggle to share and can't, then I just feel ashamed and as I said, I'm done with that.
adrhaze replied to your post:
You can always become a secret artist with a pseudonym and just keep yourself in the shadows while letting your work speak for you. The masked artist! Or maybe an agent? It works for banksy and a lot of writers.
I have totally considered a pseudonym! At least for writing, if I ever actually finished anything fff. For visual art I don't think Banksy is a good example, being mysterious brings EXTRA attention... (besides doesn't he have an entire crew helping him out...?) Musically I sure love Daft Punk's thing but man how much harder would it be to start doing something like that nowadays? Anonymity is kind of impossible. I'm already probably as secret as I could even be :C
Thing is though, I love musical theater best. Like I LIVE for Cirque du Soleil shows (only time something has ever made me cry just because it was so beautiful), and I did a lot of that stuff when I was a kid. But you really have to put yourself out there for it. Collaborating with a bunch of people to create something thats so many kinds of art all at the same time that no single person could pull off is just the greatest feeling. SO its easier when its a group thing too, a cast and crew can be a really supportive kind of artist family. I made costumes and props and magic tricks, I danced at festivals, I played in band etc. Stopped doing all that stuff publicly when I was 15ish for mostly angsty teenager reasons, though one year I did audition for a musical and that was the last damn time I sang outside of the shower or alone in the car and let me tell you I was ASTRONOMICALLY outside of my comfort zone there, woosh. (but I admit I wasn't satisfied doing ONLY crew cos I gotta daaaaance) After that I would say... a lot of things happened that made life a little bit tougher and I had to lean on my art for emotional support. I don't feel like sharing stupid life story stuff but I mean, maybe some people can at least relate to the idea that you might need oh I dunno, a stable life (one where you don't use up all your energy just trying to survive, for whatever reason. I mean this very broadly cos everyone has struggles) before you can do extra stuff like art. And art is usually in the category of extra stuff. When I had enough spoons left in the day to draw I still wouldn't have enough to deal with the kind of ridiculousness artists online tend to have to deal with. I hope I make sense.
Things are better for me now though which is a big reason this nonsense is on my mind actually.
Love Never Dies ACT 2 Commentary (First Watch)
2012 Recording with Ben Lewis & Anna O'Bryne
**I know the general plot already**
!!Spoilers ahead!!
“Beneath this mask I wear / There’s nothing of me.” Hmm Raoul & Erik parallels
WE MUST PROTECT MEG <3 darling don’t cry
I prefer the dialogue of the original “Why Does She Love Me?” to this one simply because the old one was much more unsettling. But I’m not bothered.
“He’s just another circus freak!” LND Raoul is collecting douchebag traits like Pokémon
Idk why Erik thinks the musical talent is such a big connection between him and Gustave. Christine is a singer and her father was a violinist.
If a rivalry lasts longer than 7 years then you’re no longer rivals. You’re GAY. (but seriously, the chemistry between Erik & Raoul)
Raoul instantly regrets making the deal? The ONE decent thing he has done so far (would’ve better to not make the deal but I’ll take what I can get).
JAW DROPPED. Meg’s dance performance was fantastic. That dress had wayyy more layers than I thought. Lmao
If Phantom won’t love Meg I WILL.
Dang it Christine, don’t make future plans. I know how this ends, my dear. I’m cryingggg.
The set and Raoulstine’s outfits really do look like the POTO “Little Lotte” scene
Wait isn’t this a double deal? Christine has to sing for Phantom or he’ll hurt her family. But then he makes a deal with Raoul that if she DOESN’T sing then they get to go home? So is it a lose-lose either way? Is the first ultimatum void?
Wonder how the logistics of some scenes work from audience pov (not camera)
Christine: Singing like an Angel / The background: 🦚🦚🦚🦚 (shock to my eyes)
It would’ve been easier if all the love died low key
REPRISING “LITTLE LOTTE”???? EVIL EVIL writing decision. My heartttt.
Simon Gleeson (Raoul) sounds so much like Hadley Fraser when he sings that melody. I’m actually gobsmacked
The sequence to find Gustave looks SO fun
GASP- I knew Meg was gonna try to drown Gustave but I never connected it to her swims. Clever foreshadowing.
POOR MEG. Oh- my darling Meg
“We can't all be like Christine” WHAT THE HECK??? BROOO! HUH?
The ending is sweet. Phantom handing Christine off to Raoul. Phantom crying alone and Gustave comforting him.
Despite all my critiques of this show, I still had fun. The music was great, the choreography, sets, and costumes were perfect. The cast were phenomenal, although I talked more about plot in my commentary than performances. Apologies.
If this show weren’t a Phantom of the Opera sequel and I didn’t have to worry about mischaracterization and message continuity, I think I’d like it much better.
Thanks for reading <3
Love Never Dies ACT 1 Commentary (First Watch)
2012 Recording with Ben Lewis & Anna O’Bryne
**I know the general plot already**
!!Spoilers ahead!!
**All commentary is written IN THE MOMENT**
Just causally namedropping Oscar Hammerstein? lol
16 mins in and they’re already missing the whole point of POTO. Christine did NOT shun or despise Phantom (not including him committing murder and kidnapping). She showed him kindness.
Awww Meg being excited about Christine coming to Coney Island.
Meg is so darling. WE MUST PROTECT MEG <3 (I know where the story goes lol, but let me dream)
The stage smoke and sparks are freaking me out a bit lol. I feel so close to them
Amazing sets, costumes, and lighting.
“I want to go to Coney Island. And learn how to swim.” Big gulp. Chekov’s gun. Sorry Gustave.
That pretty carriage NEEDS to be in Elisabeth das Musical lmao. Aura 1000%
Idk if it’s foresight talking but HUH- I’d be asking for ID if I was getting in some random carriage
LND Raoul is classist, too? Sheesh. Pick a struggle.
I want to deck Raoul in the face already.
Simon Gleeson‘s (Raoul’s) talking voice low key sounds like Hadley Fraser. Or maybe I’m hallucinating.
“Father never plays with me. Doesn’t he love me?” SCREAMS. I’m so sorry dear. I’m your new dad now.
WE MUST PROTECT GUSTAVE <3
Phantom’s entrance into Christine’s room is so dramatic lmao
“Beneath a Moonless Sky”is so good
I love a little blue light and balcony (Rebecca das Musical)
Some one threatening to “take away everything you love” is a sign to RUN, not fall in love with them (hasn’t happened yet, but I know dang well)
Meg: “You look sublime!” Christine: “You look the same.” GIRL WHY DID YOU SAY THAT???😭 LIE IF YOU HAVE TO
Musical abilities are NOT a paternity test.
Gustave’s (Jack Lyall’s) voice is amazing
Why would the Phantom of all people think it’s okay to put others on display simply because they’re born different? (Although the plastic crystal boxes might just be metaphorical?)
“The Beauty Underneath” is a BANGER.
Will be back with Act 2 commentary soon. Pls feel free to to discuss your thoughts with me :)
I’m not trying to be a hater, just telling my honest opinion. I’m here for a good time. <3