Last time I'd written about gender toxicity and what a trap it can be for creators seeking to write powerful characters. It is not something that only plagues the “strong female character” attempt, but also the “strong male character” and definitely the “strong LGBTQ+ character”.
Too many of these ...
Writing Strong Characters of Any Gender
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Aug. 26, 2023AI-EEEEE!
Banes at 12:00AM, July 20, 2023
Many of us have been talking about AI increasingly over the last little while, and it's a discussion point in the WGA writer's strike that's been going on right now. Actually, as of this Newspost, the actors have just gone on strike as well, joining the writers ...
Likability Part 2
Banes at 12:00AM, June 22, 2023
As You Like It
Character likability part 2
The great actor Jack Lemmon said about his character in Glengarry Glen Ross that he didn't want the guy to be likable. He thought Shelley Levine “isn't a nice man” and was not someone people should feel sorry for. Lemmon ...
Character Analysis: Levana from Vampire Girl
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, May 27, 2023
It’s been quite a bit since I last made a character deep dive, but since I got a bit more time on my hands, here we are! Today’s Character Analysis is about Levana from Vampire Girl by Marie Kerns and J_Scarbrough!
So, first things first! Vampire Girl is ...
Wrapping Up
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, May 13, 2023
So as some might know, my 12+ year-old webcomic Without Moonlight is about to end!
Ok well its first volume is about to end. I have probably something like 3 more volumes to go.
If I live long enough
Still though, it is basically one book done, and it does ...
Writing Overpowered Characters
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, April 22, 2023
One of the most frequent ways to make characters stand out in fiction or myth is to give them a staggering, amazingly powerful ability. Something that mere talent doesn't give you. Something miraculous, larger than the largest life, unique and insurmountable:
Like a dude that can part an entire ...
Creator Feuds and Hidden Messages
Banes at 12:00AM, April 20, 2023
Jon Favreau played Maz Kanada. Or Pablo Hidalgo. Or something like that
There are Easter Eggs hidden in media that might be spottable by viewers/readers, and others that the audience would never know unless they got the inside scoop from somewhere.
It's one reason I like commentaries and ...
Character Analysis: TK from Typical Strange
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, March 25, 2023
Ok so here we are! Let’s get down into the weeds with Typical Strange’s TK!
…did that come out wrong? I’m sure TK would have a thing or two to say.
So, first things first. Typical Strange is the lovely creation of Banes. It’s a comedy ...
Another Approach to Story Structure
Banes at 12:00AM, March 16, 2023
I'm a big fan of story structure. It can be a big help to figuring out how to put a story together in a way that works. Not that structure needs to be followed in a slavish way, or that one structure applies to every story.
But it can ...
Tough Love vs. Abuse
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Feb. 18, 2023
Tough love is so cool, eh? It's going to magic the “whining” right out of you, won't it? You just need to stick out through the harshness, and then when you reap the benefits, you'll realize your tough loving benefactor had the right idea. You'll be ...