You can argue that the first modern novel was one of these. 'Ivanhoe' has hella issues, obviously, but when I read through it in grade school you better believe my Robin Hood loving butt was psyched to see my hero show up in the middle and set things straight.
Given the proliferation of the various Herlock Sholmes style expies, that pretty much already exists.
And OCs for various fandoms are just another way of putting your own dolls in someone else's playhouse.
It all comes back around.
A recurring theme in late medieval literature is stories which are ostensibly tales of King Arthur or Robin Hood or some other popular or legendary figure, except in practice the narrative mostly concerns the tribulations of wholly original characters, with the figure the story is purportedly about appearing only briefly, often in a peripheral or supporting role, essentially as an excuse to use that figure's mythos as a framing device for original fiction.
You occasionally bump into a similar conceit in contemporary fan-media, but I have to wonder how widespread the device would be if it weren't for the warping influence of copyright on popular culture. Imagine if there was an entire body of respectable mainstream fiction, spanning a wide range of genres and mediums, unified solely by the fact that somewhere in the middle Batman shows up.
I read that appearance for appearance The Human Torch was damsel'd more than any other hero in the original Marvel Universe.
Dude is just SO snatchable.
JOHNNY AS A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS
This is adorable, I had no idea
one of the best things about Pokemon cards is that some of the illustrators have been at it so long that you can actively see their art improve and progress over time
for example, all of these cards were illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, just years apart (1999, 2005, 2017, and 2022, respectively)
I always found Molten Man amusing for how quickly he speedran his descent into villiany. Especially since he's not a criminal beforehand, just sort of a jerk. Normal Dingus to Straight-Up Supervillain in, at most, 15 seconds. Dude's face heel turn was a pirouette.
There are two kinds of people when they get superpowers... Amazing Spiderman 28
My first ask answer! And it was all I could have hoped for! :D I didn't even think of there being security footage, poor Spock XD
Hello, you said your asks were open for McSpirk prompts so how about: due to a mix up with the fire detection system, Spock is unexpectedly fire-hose'd. Which is decently dangerous for humans, probably worse for deserts species, and unfortunately would look absolutely ridiculous. McCoy must valliantly stick to his medical ethics instead of laughing at Spock's wet-cat not-misery.
This was an EXCELLENT prompt. It ended up longer than I usually make these, because I was having fun playing in the space. Thank you for sending this in!!
“Well, that’s no good.”
“Mr. Scott, the engine of the Galileo 7 is smoking.”
Scotty peeked his head out of the shuttles door to stare at Spock with tired eyes. “Aye, Mr. Spock. I am aware that the engine is smoking.”
They were in the shuttle bay, making some necessary repairs after their most recent mission.
“I suggest you remedy that immediately,” Spock said firmly.
Scotty sighed. “Your suggestion has been noted, Mr. Spock. Though some assistance may help me remedy the situation faster.”
Spock paused for a moment, a brow lightly arched. And then, with a nod, he said, “Understood. I will examine the exterior.”
He stepped around to the front of the shuttle and trailed a careful hand across its surface. Scotty retreated back into the shuttle, and within moments, Spock could hear the clanging and banging of repairs.
There was a spark, and heavy, dark smoke puffed out of the shuttle. Spock’s brow furrowed. “Mr. Scott–”
His words were interrupted by the sound of an alarm. Red lights began to spin around the shuttle bay. Spock barely had time to process what was happening before the walls opened up, and the anti-fire apparatus settled into place.
Spock’s eyes grew minutely wider with realization as the system turned on, and a wall of icy cold water smashed into him.
It was powerful enough to send him flying; his back hit the windshield of the Galileo 7.
When the water pressure finally ceased, Spock found himself drenched to the bone, with his back against the cracked windshield of the shuttle, and a soreness already seeping into his bones.
Scotty jumped out of the shuttle. “Mr. Spock! Are you alright?”
Spock took a deep breath and blinked as he tried to get his bearings. He sat up slowly and slid off the front of the shuttle. His boots hit the ground with a squelch.
When Spock offered no immediate response, Scotty frowned. “You’d best head to Sickbay, Mr. Spock. I’ll get things cleaned up here.”
–
McCoy had seen all sorts of things in his years as a doctor.
A sopping wet Vulcan was a new addition to the list.
As Spock stepped into Sickbay, McCoy had to turn quickly to stifle a laugh. Now’s not the time, he reminded himself. He was a doctor, and if Spock was here, that meant he actually needed him.
And so, he gathered his senses and turned back around as straight-faced as he could manage. “So,” he said, “what happened to you?”
“A fire system malfunctioned in the shuttle bay,” Spock responded shortly, as if that answered all his questions. “I only wish for you to check me over and confirm I am able to return to duty.”
McCoy motioned towards the nearest biobed. “Have a seat.”
He had to turn around again as Spock made his way across the room. Each step caused his boots to squeak, and there was a puddle left behind when his foot lifted again.
“Looks like the fire system really got you, huh?” McCoy pulled out his medical tricorder as Spock sat on the edge of the bed. His usually perfect hair was sticking in all sorts of directions, and there was an indignant pout on Spock’s face that brought McCoy a quiet joy. He scanned him in silence, because he didn’t trust himself to keep from making fun of him.
“You’ve got some minor bruising, but it looks like you’ve avoided any sprains or strains. Being Vulcan certainly helped.”
Spock made a quiet non-committal hum in response.
“My biggest concern,” McCoy continued, admiring the irritation on Spock’s face with a silent delight, “would be hypothermia. You’re from the desert– you’re not used to getting wet, and you’re not meant to get cold.”
“I am aware.” Even now, it was evident that Spock was trying not to shiver. “Am I allowed to return to duty or not, Doctor?”
“Go get yourself dried off and warmed up, Spock.” McCoy finally let a grin creep onto his face, just so Spock could see it. “And then I think you’ll be fine, if not a bit sore.”
Spock let out a quiet grunt of acknowledgement before sliding off the biobed and walking wetly to the door. He said nothing else before leaving the room.
Immediately, McCoy made his way to the intercom. “Sickbay to Captain Kirk.”
“Kirk here. What is it, Bones?”
“Jim,” McCoy smiled, “I’m gonna need to see the security footage from shuttle bay. Immediately.”
Juuuust when I thought I'd found all the ways the works of take-my-heart-gently-in-his-hands-Tolkien could bring me to tears youse gotta hit me with a take like this. How dare. Well played.
Once again thinking about the “Tolkien elves are physically superior to humans in every way” thing as a disability parallel
the realest part of this that Disturbed me was the implication that some part of modern airplanes is considered 'flesh'
TIL: Paper airplanes were not created to mimic real airplanes. They predate them.
via beatlyzer.com
Somehow the first time I've seen memes about this incredibly meme-able book.
it's bad image friday. when i post bad images (i know he doesn't actually say that btw)
Conscience of the King! Gimme that sweet sweet Shakespeare in Space + Let's Talk About What To Do With Those Nazis We Found + those two guys who hate each other have to team up to unlock their mutual fave's Tragic Backstory(tm)
It's BiteWing's superpower! She's just a regular dog, but she has the entire hero world backing her up XD
haley the dog getting passed around the superhero community whenever Nightwing is off on a long mission of off world or undercover. she is both beloved and a source of incredible anxiety for everyone because what if something happens to her Nightwing will kill us all and/or cry and those are both equally horrible outcomes
she was kidnapped Once and only once, some random goon ended up with the entirety of the Justice League, titains, outlaws, bats, and a good handful of villains storming his house. the riddler (said goons employer at the time) sent a written apology and fruit basket when he found out