C.M. Selbrede's Blog, page 5
August 26, 2019
ACC 20/20!
It’s that time of year when I announce my upcoming projects and the central messages inspiring and linking them. Unfortunately, the unexpected cancellation of two renders this year’s offerings a little smaller in scale. That’s okay. We work with what we’ve got. So, without further ado…
[image error]Logo made with Logomakr back when I thought it would be a bigger thing and not like two things
ACC 20/20 is about truth- truths we know, truths we don’t, truths we hide from ourselves and those around us. This theme is going to be explored in a variety of projects, including new items and continuations of ongoing projects.
New items include:
The Outsiders Club- The long-teased YA series finally makes its debut this year! A small-town murder mystery has big stakes for Marina, Ashley, Lilianna, and Sally, who face a menace from their complicated pasts.Squirrel Academy makes its triumphant return featuring a brand new origin story and the bright and bold colors of Lexxi Skochinski! It’s currently projected for September but it will probably be delayed to October or November.
Continuing projects include:
Anna, Farmer- The monthly serial continues as we explore Anna McDermott, her furry friends, and the menace of the man who refers to himself as “Uncle Sam”! Upon its completion, look for this utterly unique children’s tale to be published as a novel.Starlight- My “comic book” will continue to publish back issues on this blog as Team Starlight faces a number of mysteries and struggles to uncover the secret of Cadmus’ lost memory.Electric/Eccentric will also return for a new season of original content, and will wrap up its current season in September!
AC3 in general will be dialing back content during the new year. Don’t expect to see much new there besides the occasional updates related to my books- I need a break from YouTube. It’s not a medium I’ve had a ton of success in and I think I’ll do better refocusing on literature. So no Self-Shame. Sorry.
So there you go! A smaller scale, focused initiative of new content for my 20th year of life!
August 22, 2019
Uncle Sam, Extended (Anna, Farmer #4.5)
The room went very quiet, and all the men were very still. Uncle Sam broke out into a short, nervous laugh.
“What do you mean, no?” he asked the little girl.
“I shan’t sign your papers and you will not be purchasing the Acres,” Anna explained as if it was the simplest thing in the world.
“Anna,” Mr. McDermott spoke to his daughter, voice soft but furious. “This is a wonderful opportunity. I’ve run the numbers, and–“
“I don’t care about the numbers,” Anna crossed her arms, quite fed up with her father’s odd obsession with money. “I’m sure they’re very large. I care about the Acres.”
“Still, Anna, I am your father, and I must insist you sign the papers,” Mr. McDermott grit his teeth.
“I must insist I do not,” Anna parroted her father, certain using grown-up words couldn’t hurt in pleading her case.
“She’s just a kid,” one of the men in suits pointed out. “Just force her to–“
“What would you suggest I do?” Mr. McDermott whirled towards the man, looking quite unhappy. “Forge her signature? Force the pen into her hand?”
The man hesitated “Well–“
“Of course not,” Uncle Sam cut in, his tone soothing. Slowly, he bent down to face Anna once more. “Never. Anna, be reasonable.”
“I don’t think I’ll be reasonable today,” Anna lifted her chin in a gesture of quiet defiance. “Sorry.”
“…I see.” Uncle Sam sounded disappointed, but not angry. He stood back up. “I’ll be on my way, Mr. McDermott. But rest assured, we will stay in touch.”
“Of course, thank you,” Anna tightened her jaw as her father practically fell over himself to appease Uncle Sam. “I’m so sorry for the inconvenience.”
“Inconveniences happen,” Uncle Sam’s smile was cold yet bemused. “I am accustomed to dealing with them.”
Anna felt that this was a particularly ominous thing to say, but her father was not in the mood to notice this. Instead, he walked the men out, chattering and stuttering, casting a single, disappointed look at his daughter as he left her behind in his study.
After the men left, Anna’s father pulled her aside.
“Now, Anna, I recognize I am not the best father in the world,” he adjusted his spectacles, somewhat timid. “But I’ve done my best for you, and I’ve always expected you would do the same for me.”
“I do my best all the time,” Anna frowned, irked by this accusation.
“Sweetheart, you were suspended from school and embarrassed me in front of the future owners of the Acres,” Mr. McDermott sniffed. “You’ve become a… destructive, selfish force.”
“I’m not selfish,” Anna crossed her arms. She wasn’t sure if she knew what destructive meant but it didn’t seem like a wholly bad thing so she let it slide. “I just want everyone to be happy, and succesful, and achieve their dreams.”
“My dream has always been to do what’s best for you,” Mr. McDermott explained, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “With this money, we could move to a higher testing school district! We could live anywhere besides this miserable, crumbling town. Don’t you want that, Anna?”
“No,” Anna almost laughed at her father’s misguided intentions. “I don’t want to take more tests or live somewhere shiny and new. I’m happy here.”
“You won’t be forever,” Mr. McDermott frowned.
“Well, certainly not with that attitude,” Anna frowned back.
“Stop frowning like that,” Mr. McDermott’s frown deepened.
“Yes, father,” Anna sighed, leaning back. “But I still think you’re wrong. This is a wonderful place! If only you could see it.”
“I see things, Anna, far more clearly than you,” Mr. McDermott explained. “It comes with being an adult.”
“If you can see so clearly, why do you need glasses?” Anna asked.
Mr. McDermott’s face darkened, and it finally occurred to Anna that she was in trouble.
Next: Baby Lion! (Finally!)
August 19, 2019
Poem: Persephone
Alone within the quiet cavern you crawl
The choices you made make less sense here.
Around the waves the foam frees you.
Light cannot be found without fear.
I dreamed of dreary days and needless nights
They sheathe me as I stagger onward
Skies sit sadly where they cannot be seen.
August 12, 2019
25 Favorite Shows of All-Time (+DC Universe)
Though books hold a special place in my heart, over the past few years I’ve come to realize that my absolute favorite storytelling medium has to be television. Because of this, I decided to share the 25 TV shows which hold special places in my heart, and why!
I have updated these ranks to include shows which I had either forgotten to include or not seen yet! See the Last Update for more!
Honorable Mentions
The following shows were pushed out of the Top 25 by new entries:
Degrassi: Season 12Don’t Trust the B– in Apartment 23Parks & RecreationSabrina the Teenage WitchOnce Upon a Time in WonderlandSense8Scream Queens
#25 – 20
For detailed explanations on the preexisting entries, see the original list.
#25. The GiftedMoved up after a lackluster second season.#24. Daredevil#23. EastSiders#22. Skam#21. The Man in the High Castle#20. Future Man
19. Swamp Thing (2019)
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Favorite Episode: Pending
At the time of writing, Swamp Thing is still in the midst of its enthralling first and only season, seeing as it was cancelled prematurely by DC Universe for very mysterious reasons. Whatever the case, Swamp Thing is impossibly intriguing, a mystery wrapped in a horror story wrapped in a character study. The town of Marais feels fascinating and real, the scares are very real, and Abby Arcane, the lead character, is powerful, flawed, and thoroughly fun to follow.
#18- 6
For detailed explanations on the preexisting entries, see the original list.
#18. The 100Moved down due to an amazing sixth season.#17. The Good Place#16. Jessica Jones#15. Legion#14. Buffy the Vampire Slayer #13. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Moved up due to a lackluster second part.#12. RunawaysSwapped with The Defenders #11. The Defenders Swapped with Runaways
#10. Doctor Who / Class#9. Angel#8. Cloak & Dagger #7. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend#6. iZombie
5. Doom Patrol (2019-Present)
Favorite Episode: 1×11 “Frances Patrol”
Besides a very disappointing season finale, Doom Patrol is superhero TV at its finest- thoughtful, hilarious, odd, and a whole lot of fun. Following a bunch of diverse, vaguely heroic misfits, the series plays a lot with the idea of normalcy and found family, and every episode aside from the finale did wonders with the premise. One of the best-looking and best-overall shows I’ve ever seen, Doom Patrol is only kept from being even higher due to its flawed finish.
#4-1
#4. Agents of SHIELD#3. Legends of Tomorrow#2. A Series of Unfortunate Events#1. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
August 8, 2019
Starlight #6: Touch & Go
Starlight is a series I started writing for fun in 2016, written in the “style” of a comic book. As such, this is not my best writing, but it’s something I had fun doing.
[image error]
We open on a rainy day, outside a shambling house by the marsh. Inside, a girl is sobbing, clutching herself.
Girl: I’m s-so sorry…
She glances at a picture of herself and a blonde-haired boy in a varsity jacket. Her face cracks.
Girl: I can’t, anymore.
She picks up a knife, quivering. We cut to outside, as thunder cracks. Briefly, we return to the interior, the picture stained with blood.
Cad: This isn’t what I wanted, not by a long shot.
We cut to the exterior of the high school, another day. School is letting out, and Cad is nervously heading towards the locker room.
Cad: After everything I’ve been through? Football sounds like the worst idea ever.
He glances behind him towards Parker, who is chatting while moving towards the same destination. He is beside a blonde haired boy- the same guy from the picure.
Cad: But I sort of owe Parker one.
Cad reaches the locker room, where a bunch of guys are changing. One of them pats Cad on the back as he passes, and the Captain, Andrew, grins at him.
Andrew: Cad, hey!
Cad gives Andrew a nervous thumbs up.
Cad: We’ll see how this pans out.
Cad nervously begins changing into the unfamiliar gear.
Cad: I can’t even remember how half this stuff works.
Unfamiliar Voice: Little lost, there?
Cad looks up to see two guys we don’t recognize- A freckled ginger dude with long, messy hair, and a hispanic dude with short, clipped hair.
Cad:…Is it that obvious?
Short Hair: Unfortunately, dude.
Ginger: Not a big deal. Just flip those around and put those on before you bother with the gloves.
Cad:…Thanks.
There’s a brief silence.
Ginger: …You don’t remember us, do you? Damn, sorry.
Short Hair: I’m Ernie. This is my brother Ewan.
Cad:…Brother?
Ewan: Er, I’m adopted.
Cad: …Cool.
Another awkward silence.
Cad: This is a strong start!
We cut to the school library, where Hunter is finishing up at a computer. As he rises, he is distracted by something nearby: Eliza is cleaning up her things, listening to ranting from the girl who accused Cad in issue… um… I want to say 2 or 3?
Girl: Come on, Eliza. I can’t believe you’re falling for this.
Eliza: He’s different now.
Girl: The Hell he is. He’s just trying to get back in your head because he knows people were starting to realize what he did.
Eliza: We don’t know he did anything.
Girl: He got Abby killed!
Eliza pauses. She takes a deep breathe and turns toward the girl.
Eliza: Meg. You know I miss Abby too. She was my best friend. But… God, this is such a weird world we live in these days. What’s crazier- my teacher getting murdered right in here, a star-powered vigilante literally descending from the sky to stop the murderer, or Cad getting a bad concussion?
Meg scoffs.
Meg: Whatever, Ellie. Don’t come running back to me when he screws you over.
A distraught Eliza watches Meg stalk away as Hunter watches, fascinated.
We return to the football field, where the team is running drills. Parker is sticking by Cad.
Parker: You okay?
Cad: I’m fine.
Cad: The superpowers are helping, at least. Is that cheating? Maybe. Whatever. I’m not doing this for me.
Parker: Nice. The team treating you alright?
Cad: Did you suddenly become my Mom?
Parker: Just concerned, dude. Andrew is chill, but some of these guys can be douchebags.
Voice, Off-Screen: You run like a girl, Ortega!
Parker: Ah, there’s Kenny, proving my point.
We glance over to see the blonde boy running past Ewan, slapping his butt.
Cad: What’s his deal?
Parker: He’s a good dude. Just a bit of a blowhard. You feel?
Cad: I mean, so was I, apparently, so I can’t judge.
The whistle blows. The team clusters around the coach.
Coach: Alright boys, today we’ll be running…
His dialogue devolves into meaningless formulas. Cad blinks.
Cad: I understand none of this.
Coach: …and then we’ll cool down. Everyone good? Good.
Everyone starts to drift apart, leaving a confused Cad standing there.
Kenny: Yo, sleeping beauty, come on! Offense is this way!
Cad: I should’ve stayed in that scary ass lab.
We take a momentary break to cut to FlyCo, where Dr. Evelyn Shropp is watching footage on some monitors of Starlight taking down the Stardust Killer.
Dr. Shropp: Unbelievable. He really thinks this will stop us.
Unknown Voice: Dr. Shropp?
Dr. Shropp turns, surprised, to see a suited man in shades.
Dr. Shropp: Can I help you?
Unknown Man: Yes, actually. I’ve been assigned to your current project.
Dr. Shropp: *frowns* This project is heavily classified.
Unknown Man: So am I.
He takes a seat on a stool, looking relaxed.
Unknown Man: Tell me, Dr. Shropp… what do you know about this Starlight kid?
Dr. Shropp: He’s not a kid.
Unknown Man: So nothing.
Doctor Shropp grimaces.
Unknown Man: Well, here’s what I know, Evelyn… All of this. It was predicted.
Dr. Shropp: By who?
Unknown Man: Have you ever heard of the organization “Twilight”?
Cad: I’m screwed.
We return to football practice, which let’s just say, is not going well. Cad fumbles balls, screws up drills, etc. in a series of awkward panels.
Player: No, Cad! That way!
Cad: Me, Way?
Player: No, you’re going the wrong–
That player is tackled, and Cad winces.
Cut to:
Other player: Wait, you don’t remember how to throw a football?
Cad: It’s not exactly intuitive.
Other player: It’s a ball! You throw it!
Cad: If it’s a ball, why isn’t it round!
Cad: They’re going to kill me.
The coach blows his whistle, and the kids reconvene.
Coach: Great practice, everyone. Now, as for the next few games, we need to talk about–
Kenny: Is nobody else going to say it?
Andrew: Ken–
Coach: Excuse me, Queens? Say what?
Kenny: Way is a joke. No way you’re leaving him on the roster. We’re playing Glendale this weekend. You need your best out there.
There’s a chorus of agreement.
Cad: I don’t know why this stings. He’s right. I don’t belong–
Andrew: Shut it, Queeny!
Andrew suddenly strides to the center of the group, shoving Kenny aggressively.
Andrew: I’m so sorry Way got a little concussed covering our asses during our last game! Is that inconvenient for you? Does that make you scared? Well, tough. Cad is one of us.
Ewan: Yeah, ***face. Why don’t you ever to help instead of whining like a baby?
Cad: Guys, I–?
Andrew: No, Cad. It’s okay.
Andrew places a hand on his shoulder.
Andrew: I don’t care if you need a few weeks, a few months, or a few lifetimes to get back on your feet. You’ll always have a home with the Hawkeyes. We’re brothers.
We cut to Cad getting out of the shower.
Cad:…I didn’t expect that. I didn’t expect Andrew to rally for me, let alone Ewan and Ernie. Maybe this team won’t be so bad after all.
The doorbell rings.
Cad: Hm?
Still toweling off from his shower, Scout opens the door to reveal Nala.
Nala: Caddie. We need to talk.
Cadmus: Um, can it wait? I actually have a lot of homework.
Nala: I don’t really think so.
She steps closer.
Nala: See, sweetie, I’m curious… when did you plan to tell me about this?
She pulls out a newspaper clipping of Starlight.
We return to the house on the marsh, even worse off than the last time we saw it.
Unknown (Narration): I am
Unknown: worn weary broken
Unknown: I am
Unknown: dead
Unknown: I am
A cold, gray hand appears on a window.
Unknown: angry.
August 5, 2019
Ranking Every Movie & Show in the MCU (#5-1)
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of Marvel, and obviously, that includes the Marvel Cinematic Universe films and TV shows! In the following series, I’ve ranked all forty-some entries in order of my enjoyment (not necessarily in quality) from worst to best.
#5. Thor: RAGNAROK
Though a little over the top for my tastes, Thor: Ragnorak does the best and brightest magic in the MCU, leaning deep into absurdity and drama for a rollicking, feel-good trip across the universe. Home to one of the best reimaginings in the MCU (Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie) and the best use of the Hulk on film, Ragnorak defied expectations to go high on my list. (I didn’t even see it in theaters!)
#4. ant-man & the wasp
I love Ant-Man. I love the Wasp. Despite the many creative liberties taken with their characters, Ant-Man & the Wasp was a pitch perfect adaptation of the source material, creating a fun and colorful science fiction world that felt like it’d stepped right out of a comic book. Far from formulaic, and hilarious to boot, Ant-Man & the Wasp is possibly my favorite film, though it falls a bit short in this specific list and cannot hope to match my #1.
#3. Captain Marvel
Though I didn’t enjoy it or have as much of a connection to it as I did with #4, Captain Marvel pushes through by being an instance of Marvel at its best. Utilizing the tried and true “origin story” formula while somehow making it unique, Captain Marvel utilizes the talented Brie Larson to great effect, giving us one of the MCU’s most powerful and relatable heroes, a complex conflict, and a timely statement on the pressures faced by women in today’s society (both in the film and in the public reaction to it).
#2. Avengers: Infinity War / Avengers: Endgame
I actually forgot to add Infinity War to this list until the last second. If I hadn’t, Infinity War would’ve been farther up- though the attempts to do WandaVision, the sweeping scope, and the gutsy ending were appreciated, the horrific treatment of Vision and the decision to tell the story from Thanos’ perspective (not to mention the Russo’s seeming ignorance of the character arcs of Thor and Peter Parker) prevent that movie from fully clicking with me.
Endgame, meanwhile, has its fair share of issues, (including the OOC final act of Steve Rogers and its questionable treatment of the female characters) but is a much more cohesive movie, leaning into a few heroes and giving us a powerful story from their perspective, utilizing real stakes, sparing humor, and epic battles to forge what is for good reason seen as the pinnacle of the MCU. And yet, it can’t compare to…
#1. Agents of SHIELD (Season 4)
The best live-action comic book adaptation ever in my opinion, AoS Season 4 took two disparate comic book creations they obtained the rights to- Ghost Rider and Life Model Decoys- and created a breathtaking, mindblowing, heartbreaking, perfect season of television.
Though the Ghost Rider section dragged a bit at the start, the season handled him with a grace and violence that made me certain the season would be much less interesting upon the jump to the second “pod” (the season was divided into three: Ghost Rider, LMD, and Agents of HYDRA).
However, instead, LMD upped the stakes, delivering the unbeatable hour of television that is “Self Control” which kept me on my seat in a way television never had. AIDA was the best villain the show, and maybe the entire cinematic universe has ever had, and the twists and turns that define these 20-some episodes were effective and powerful.
To me, Agents of SHIELD Season 4 was everything the MCU could’ve been- eclectic, reflective, character-motivated.
July 31, 2019
ACC in 2019: August
ACC in 2019 nears its end as Summer reaches its conclusion. Enjoy more peeks at the future, including looks at ACC 20/20, and continuations of the content you’ve come to love: Anna Farmer, Self-Shame, Starlight, and more!
Monday, August 5th- “Ranking the MCU” (Opinion)Thursday, August 8th- “Issue #6: Starlight” (Starlight)Monday, August 12th- “My Favorite TV Shows – Updated” (Opinion)Monday, August 19th- “Persephone” (Poem)Thursday, August 22nd- “Chapter V: Baby Lion” (Anna, Farmer)Monday, August 26th- “ACC 20/20 Reveals” (ACC 20/20)Saturday, August 31st- “ACC in 2019: September” (ACC in 2019 Inventory)
July 29, 2019
Starlight Annual #1: Starlight
Starlight is a series I started writing for fun in 2016, written in the “style” of a comic book. As such, this is not my best writing, but it’s something I had fun doing.
Stargazing
Doctor Shropp (Narration): I remember when I was little, I thought that the starlight was beautiful.
The issue opens with a young Doctor Shropp sitting on her father’s knee as they stargaze from the porch of a small cabin.
Doctor Shropp: They gleamed when nothing else did, they lit up the darkness. They were like little miracles. Of course, by the time I graduated high school, I knew better.
Cut to an older Dr. Shropp gazing at the stars from her bedroom window.
Doctor Shropp: There is nothing miraculous about stars. By the time their light reaches your eyes, they are already dead.
We return to the facility where Cadmus is held once more in a glass cube, this time crisscrossed with strange lights. His nose is bleeding, and he is clutching his ears. Dr. Shropp watches, smirking slightly from the viewing window.
Doctor Shropp: This boy is dead. He thinks he isn’t, but he is. He’s not human anymore. He’s something else. And its my duty to find out what.
A security guard approaches Dr. Shropp. He looks nervous.
Guard: Dr. Shropp, we have an intruder.
Shropp: *looking perplexed* Intruder?
Guard: A boy, from the nearby town. He thinks he has an internship here.
Shropp: We don’t have interns here.
Guard: I told him that, m’am. But the weird thing was, the system let him in after he sh.
Shropp: What’s the boy’s name?
Guard: Hunter Keyes.
Shropp hesitates momentarily.
Shropp: Bring him in.
As the guard leaves, Shropp walks over to one of the technicians at a computer monitor.
Shropp: Willis, I need you to do a background check on a Hunter Keyes.
Willis: Absolutely, m’am.
The technician next to Willis, looking worried, calls over.
Other Tech: Doctor Shropp, our system is getting some weird readings.
Shropp: Document it and I’ll look at it once I deal with the kid.
Other Tech: Yes, m’am.
Willis: Hold on… it looks like there is a Hunter Keyes in our system. He applied for an internship over the summer. We were planning to accept him, but it looks like we hadn;t notified him yet.
Shropp stands up, looking disturbed. As she does so, the other tech calls over.
Other Tech: Dr. Shropp, something is interfering with our–
Shropp: Not now, Dr. Evangeline.
The guard steps in, dragging “Hunter Keyes”, who is in fact Parker wearing a pair of glasses.
Parker: Oh hey, you must be Dr. Shropp.
Shropp: I am indeed, young man. Are you aware–
Parker: Dope. Look, clearly there’s been some sort of misunderstanding here. I was told to drive over some binary diffusion equipment–
Cut to Hunter, who is sitting at his computer at home, feeding Parker his lines.
Hunter: –from the Weston office, which should be instrumental–
Cut back to Parker.
Parker: –In analyzing the properties of this human– humanoid–
Guard: *Interrupting* We confiscated the device he brought with him. We’re looking it over in security right now.
Dr. Shropp suspiciously walks around Hunter/Parker, taking him in suspiciously. As she does so, she notices out of the corner of her eye something strange.
Dr. Shropp: This… this child is absolutely nonsensical– No.
We see what Dr. Shropp sees, which is a confused Cadmus gazing up at the viewing window. He has sighted Parker. Dr. Shropp goes into a panicked rush, barking orders.
Dr. Shropp: He is in league with the creature lock him up right now before–
Parker grins.
Parker: Woops.
There is the sound of an explosion and the lights go off.
The Plan
We cut over to Parker and Hunter back in Hunter’s house. They have just discarded several sheets of paper with complicated looking flowcharts on them.
Parker: Aight, I think we have our play.
Hunter: I’m going to call the lady I’m interning for and request my pass early.
Parker: You sure you can trust her?
Hunter: Doctor Loes thinks I’m just trying to scope out the equipment early. She clearly trusts me, or she wouldn’t have told me about my acceptance early.
Parker: *shrugs* You sure about losing that lame nerd internship?
Hunter: If we play this right, I won’t. Because I won’t be breaking in, you will.
Parker: Yeah, I say I’m you, act all nerdy, sell it enough so they let me in.
(At this moment we start cutting to us actually seeing the plan in action, as a disguised Parker approaches the security guards).
Parker: I borrowed some of your glasses so I could really sell it.
Hunter: You don’t need… *shakes head* Anyway, after that, they’re going to confiscate your EMP.
(Parker watches amiably as security takes his EMP, and walks away.)
Hunter: They’ll bring it to the security room.
(We see the guards place the EMP in the room. It ticks down to zero)
Hunter: Keep them occupied, I’ll get into their systems,
(We are reminded of the one tech exclaiming that something was weird with the systems).
Parker: Then, bam! We save the freaking day.
Hunter: Or something like that.
Something like that
Cadmus staggers to his feet, having unconsciously fallen to the ground to avoid the explosion. The blue netting around his cell is gone, and as his hands glow starry, he walks right through the glass.
Cadmus (Narration): Parker did all this?
Parker emerges from the smoke, sprinting towards Cadmus. He used the distraction of the malfunctioning equipment to escape.
Cadmus: Parker?
Parker: Cad, my boy! Less talking, more running.
Cadmus sees a bunch of men stumbling after them, and takes off running after Parker. Hunter buzzes into Parker’s earpiece.
Hunter: I’m keeping their backup generator offline and their comms scrambled, but there’s only so much I can do against this huge team of scientists. You need to hurry.
Parker: Got it.
Parker pulls Cadmus into another corridor, as bullets start ringing out through the smoking room.
Parker: Exit’s this way. They won’t risk damaging their equipment by using their heavy artillery.
Cadmus: Who are you talking to?
Parker: Nerd.
Hunter: This nerd has a name!
Parker: Humphrie.
Hunter: This nerd’s name is not Humphrie!
Cadmus: We can introduce ourselves later. How are we getting out of here?
Parker: There.
Parker points to a room they are approaching, some sort of lobby. It is large, with huge, beautiful windows overlooking the surrounding empty farmland.
But there are no doors.
Cadmus: *frowning* I don’t see this exit.
Parker: Yeah you do. The windows.
Cadmus: The win– you want us to jump out a window?
Parker: Yeah. You can fly.
Cadmus: Not on demand!
Parker: Then this is going to be a problem.
The two running guys get closer to the window, as some men approach them from the hallways.
Men: You! Stop!
They start firing their guns, and Parker cries out as he is hit in the shoulder.
Cadmus: Parker!
Cadmus: It’s at this point I jumped out the building.
Cadmus grabs Parker, and jumps through the glass windows. They break as he turns starry, and begins to fall towards the ground.
Cadmus: Come on come on
Suddenly, Cadmus swoops upward, arcing towards the sky.
Cadmus: Yes!
Parker: Knew… you could do it… bro…
Cadmus looks down, concerned, at his bleeding friend as he gets farther away from the facility.
Cadmus: I need to get Parker to the hospital.
As Cadmus and Parker fly away, a terrifyingly cold Dr. Shropp watches them leave.
Dr. Shropp: Clear the facility. No trace of what we’ve done here should be left. Whoever was involved in the security here, you’re fired.
Dr. Willis approaches Shropp, looking scared.
Willis: Doctor Shropp… what do we do now?
Shropp: We find the boy, and this time we kill everyone who tries to protect him.
An End
Cadmus is waiting in a hospital waiting room, looking terrified. Next to him sits Hunter, who has fallen asleep in his chair.
Cadmus: It’s been about three hours since I’ve escaped. I haven’t really absorbed all that’s happened.
Cadmus gets up and walks away from the waiting room.
Cadmus: We told the doctors that we snuck on a hunting range, and Parker accidentally got shot. They bought it. We got a bit of scolding, but not much. They say the bullet only grazed Parker. They say he’s going to be okay.
Cadmus watches, a small smile on his face, as he sees a bandaged up Parker sleeping in a hospital bed.
Cadmus: Even with what I am… Parker and Hunter risked everything for me. What did I do to deserve that?
Hunter approaches Cadmus from behind, having woken.
Cadmus: Hey.
Hunter: Hey.
Cadmus: I wanted to say, thank you so much–
Hunter: Hey, it was the right thing.
Cadmus: You saved my life.
Hunter: *shrugs* You’re not saved yet. Those people, they aren’t going to give up.
Cadmus: I know.
Cadmus: I’ll grab my folks’ truck, start running. They’ll keep chasing me, but they won’t hurt anyone else.
Hunter: I have a better idea.
Cadmus: Hunter, we’re out of options.
Hunter: There’s one option left. You can’t be outed without being studied, but you can’t reveal what FlyCo does without being outed.
Cadmus: So?
Hunter: You need to make your powers known, but not that you have them. People will be busy chasing after you, true, but it won’t be you, and if FlyCo tries something…
Cadmus: People will notice.
Hunter: What do you think?
Cadmus briefly considers this.
Cadmus: I think I know where to start.
Cut to a gas station, where the man who killed the police officers and Mr. Lyzman is stabbing a man to death.
Man: Its okay, sir. You don’t have to be afraid. Not anymore. *he keeps stabbing as a strangled scream is heard*
Just then, a shadow falls over the man, as he looks up, confused, an offscreen voice speaks.
Voice: You’re under arrest.
Man: *giggling* See?
We end as the newly costumed Starlight descends upon the shocked police station, with an incapacitated old man in his arms. As the police watches, shocked, we hear the final part of the old man’s words.
Man: Night has arrived.
July 25, 2019
Uncle Sam (Anna, Farmer #4)
Upon her return to Steppe Hills, Anna was brought to the assistant principal who informed her in a very severe tone that she was suspended. At this, Anna raised her hand and very politely asked what being suspended entailed, and was subsequently informed it meant she would not be allowed at school for a few days. A puzzled Anna questioned whether this was a particularly effective punishment- after all, she didn’t want to be at school anyway- but the assistant principal, an older, big-boned man who seemed to sweat profusely at any given moment, was adamant that she return home immediately.
Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Anna thanked the assistant principal profusely and wished him a good day. The assistant principal merely grunted and returned to his work, and Anna began the long, relaxing walk home.
As Anna strode through the grimy streets of Weary Winds, she attempted to picture it in its heyday as a glistening, bustling city of tomorrow. However, strolling past the sea of shuttered storefronts, Anna found this to be beyond even her imaginative capabilities. Shrugging off the brief sadness her hometown sometimes elicited, Anna turned her thoughts to the Acres instead- to Oinky, and her father, and the rolling hills she called home- and amused herself by imagining all the fun she would have during her suspension.
Anna took a shortcut through the grounds of the Acres and found herself taking a brief detour to the barn. Inside, Ben was just finishing up some chores, flanked by his two golden retrievers, Scruffy and Daisy, both of whom were graciously allowed on the Acres by Thomas McDermott after Anna had taken a liking to them.
“Anna!” Ben blinked, looking thoroughly confused, and somewhat concerned. “What are you doing back?”
“I was suspended from school for skipping school,” Anna explained simply, approaching Daisy and scratching the young dog behind her ears. Daisy’s long tail began to wag profusely, even as the easy-going Scruffy watched without a hint of jealousy.
“You were what?” Ben gasped, nearly dropping the load of grain in his hands.
“I agree, it makes no sense,” Anna sniffed. “But I’ve found punishments rarely do.”
Honey padded aside patiently as the snorting, small form of Oinky emerged from the shadows, excitedly waddling up to Anna and booping her ankle gently. Anna laughed, picking up the pig and stroking her gently. Oinky gave a contented sigh, and melted into her friend’s arms.
“Well, I doubt your dad will be pleased to hear about this,” Ben muttered, regaining his bearings as best he could. “Maybe after his meeting, we can break the news.”
“Meeting?” Anna frowned. She paid very close attention to her father’s itinerary, feeling it was her duty to ensure he didn’t overwork himself. During long meetings, she brought him and his colleagues glasses of cold water, which seemed to amuse his partners and embarrass him slightly. Anna did not embarrass easily. She didn’t see much of a point in it.
“Yes, a very important visitor stopped by,” Ben sounded excited. Despite herself, Anna narrowed her eyes. “If he goes into business with us… well, let’s just say it would be a great opportunity.”
“A Very Important Visitor?” Anna repeated. The words sounded wrong on her lips. There was something very sketchy about all this, and Anna did not like this one bit. “I think I’d like to meet this Very Important Visitor.”
Ben opened his mouth and closed it again, for Anna and Oinky were already off, striding dutifully towards the farmhouse. Ben sighed and shook his head, knowing there was nothing anyone could do to stop Anna now.
“That girl is something else,” he murmured, and Ruffy gave a bark of agreement.
Anna found her father and the Very Important Visitor inside his study, flanked by two men in identical grey suits which seemed to go perfectly with the black SUV parked outside. They were chattering urgently, staring at some rather dull-looking pieces of paper as Anna entered, straightened her overalls slightly, and cleared her throat.
Abruptly, the room went silent, and Thomas, the Visitor, and the two Grey Men turned, surprised, to the little girl.
“Good morning,” Anna spoke slowly and clearly. “My name is Anna.”
“Anna,” Thomas’ face flushed the way it always did when his daughter did something outlandish or he was faced with a particularly exciting piece of paperwork. “What are you doing here?”
“I have been suspended from school,” Anna informed him coolly. “I assure you that it was completely my fault.”
The two grey man exchanged looks of distaste, which was unpleasant enough, but not nearly as unsettling as the wide smile on the face of the Visitor. Wordlessly, he strode over to the little girl, extending a hand.
“Anna,” she took his hand, and he shook it. “I’m Mr. Emmett Samuels, but everyone calls me Sam, or Uncle Sam.”
“Why?” Anna asked.
“Well, many people find themselves extraordinarily comfortable around me due to my open and down-to-earth nature,” Mr. Samuels explained, very proud. “I’m known for being very approachable”
Anna did not find Mr. Samuels approachable and was exceedingly uncomfortable around him. There was a smug air to him which unsettled the young girl, and made her wish she hadn’t left Oinky in the hall outside. She could use the piglet’s fearlessness when faced with this peculiar man.
“Uncle Sam is one of the most successful men in America, Anna,” Anna’s father stood up, a warning in his voice. “And guess what? He was born and raised in Weary Winds!”
Anna remained silent, frowning. She found it hard to reconcile this polished man with her hometown.
“Indeed I was,” Mr. Samuels smiled. “I was privileged to grow up here, and now I hope to return the favor.”
He paused, as if expecting Anna to ask him what he meant. Anna said nothing, merely regarding the older man carefully. She took in his receding hairline and neat salt-and-pepper hair, the crisp red, white, and blue suit which seemed to shimmer in the afternoon light, and the extraordinarily patronizing look in his eyes.
“It’s actually a stroke of fortune that you showed up,” one of the grey-suited men spoke up, causing Anna to jump slightly where she stood. Part of her had forgotten the men were there, they’d been so still the past few minutes.
“Indeed it is,” Anna’s father laughed nervously, strolling excitedly over to the table and retrieving the papers they’d been looking at. “Anna, sweetie, could you sign something for me, please?”
Anna crossed her arms. “What am I signing?”
“You don’t need to worry about that,” Mr. Samuels cooed. “It’s grown up business.”
Anna’s father flinched at this, and for good reason. Anna drew herself up, as tall as she could, and regarded Mr. Samuels with visible distaste.
“I find that while grown up business is often quite tedious,” she declared. “It is nevertheless important to understand. Father,” she turned to Thomas McDermott. “What do the papers say?”
“Well…” Mr. McDermott hesitated, unwilling to meet his daughter’s eyes. “It’s the deed to the Acres, you see. Mr. Samuels has offered us a more than generous portion of money for the farm. When your mother… passed, she left the land to you. I can’t do anything without your permission.”
Anna stood very still for a moment, taking this in. “What does he want a farm for?”
“We don’t want the farm,” One of the Grey-Men clasped their hands together, a patronizing look in their eyes. “We want the land.”
Once more, Anna’s father flinched. Anna’s jaw tightened, and she made a mental note to have a long conversation with her father about this later. But, for the moment, she had more pressing issues.
“I’m going to build a resort, Anna,” Mr. Samuels stepped towards the little girl, a sparkle in his eyes. “Weary Winds was home for me, and now others can see its beauty. Once we lay down the–“
“No,” Anna said simply.
July 22, 2019
Ranking Every Movie & Show in the MCU (#15-6)
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of Marvel, and obviously, that includes the Marvel Cinematic Universe films and TV shows! In the following series, I’ve ranked all forty-some entries in order of my enjoyment (not necessarily in quality) from worst to best.
#15. iron Fist (Season 2)
While nowhere near perfect, the second season of Iron Fist was a massive improvement over the first. Doubling down on Jessica Henwick’s Colleen Wing was a brilliant choice that elevated this season to a whole new level, even as the complicated Typhoid Mary improved things on the villain front. Iron Fist’s final episodes completely overturned its status quo in the best way possible, destroying cliches and gender roles while it was at it, making the series’ subsequent cancellation that much more tragic.
#14. agents of shield (Season 5)
Though admittedly convoluted, dreary, and occasionally frustrating, Agents of SHIELD’s fifth season was nevertheless incredibly creative and undeniably riveting. Featuring a satisfying 100th episode, a cast of characters new and old, and twists and turns galore, Season 5 didn’t quite reach the heights of some of the previous seasons but nevertheless was a worthy entry in this smart and complex series.
#13. Defenders (Season 1)
Defenders is unfairly criticized in my opinion… while admittedly scattered, the series did an incredible job of bringing together four very different heroes and atmospheres. This single season miniseries did some undeniably awesome things with cinematography and featured some winning character dynamics, not to mention a final battle well worth the somewhat slow initial episodes. Defenders is one of my favorite things to come out of the MCU, and I desperately wish it had been given a second season.
#12. Daredevil (Season 1)
The gothic, moody first season of Daredevil is well-loved and for good reason- there was a beautiful simplicity and grace to this season, a pitch-perfect origin story with just the right mixture of heart, humor, action, and darkness. There isn’t much to say about this season besides the fact that it absolutely deserves all the praise it has received, even if it isn’t my favorite thing to come out of the MCU.
#11. Agents of SHIELD (Season 2)
Agents of SHIELD’s second season did a sharp 180 from its just-okay freshman outing, fully embracing its comic book roots and diving deep into Marvel mythos all the while putting a fresh spin on the MCU. The origin of Quake was well worth the wait, and the introduction of Mockingbird was immensely satisfying. The two-part finale was one of the best on TV and the further-complicated relationship between Fitz and Simmons rounded out this high quality experience.
#10. Daredevil (Season 3)
Daredevil deserved a fourth season but if it had to go out, this was the way to go. A fascinating exploration of friendship, family, and faith, Daredevil’s third season was phenomenal in every sense of the word. Though the omnipotence of Kingpin could be a bit frustratingly convenient on occasion, the action, character work, and introduction of Bullseye cemented this entry as a classic.
#9. Cloak & Dagger (Season 1)
Surprisingly thoughtful, gorgeous, and unique, Cloak & Dagger is a superhero show unlike any other. Intimate and timely, Cloak & Dagger mixes action with politics, teen drama, and the rich lore of New Orleans. If not for a disappointing season finale, Cloak & Dagger might’ve been one of my favorite things in the MCU. There’s nothing else quite like it.
#8. Ant-Man
Though the fridging of Janet Van Dyne and the aging of Hank Pym irked me, Ant-Man was a special experience to me seeing as Pym is my favorite comics character. I’d been following the production of the movie for years before it finally hit the big screens, and it was such a special experience to see my favorite hero in action. Admittedly. the somewhat generic treatment of Hope and the forgettable villainy of Darren Cross limited the experience somewhat. Nevertheless, Ant-Man was a highly enjoyable experience for me.
#7. Jessica Jones (Season 1)
An unbelievably tense, shocking, and graphic neo-noir, Jessica Jones’ first season introduced the surprisingly likable Jessica Jones and her nemesis, the horrifying Kilgrave. Engrossing and dark, Jessica Jones’ first season was the pinnacle of Marvel Netflix, a powerful exploration of trauma and heroism that set the standard for the rest of the Marvel Netflix shows.
#6. Black Panther
Groundbreaking, colorful, and thought-provoking, Black Panther is well-loved and for good reason. It’s hard to describe just how powerful and immersive this film was, a beautiful marriage of action, humor, and politics set in the vivid world of Wakanda. Though the protagonist was somewhat bland, the supporting cast and villain were so rich and unique that its easy to see why this film was nominated for an Oscar.
