What is real, really?
Can we trust our senses that what information they are giving us is objective? There are many thinkers and philosophers that posit we cannot. That as long as the messages get to our brains, it feels real even if it isn't.
If we can't ...
The Struggle for Reality
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Nov. 21, 2020"Just practice" - Giving better advice
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, Nov. 20, 2020
I remember when I was younger and looking to improve my skills, I was often met with “Just practice,”. Although the intentions behind the adage were well meaning, that did not help me improve. As I’ve gotten older, I found myself at times, usually when I was tired myself ...
Character Design Brainstorming: The Holy Man (or Woman)
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Sept. 12, 2020
The Holy Man or Woman may be within the clergy, but that isn't necessarily the case.
They are simply the person that has found enlightenment, or self actualization, depending on how secular your story (and your approach) is.
They are the character that doesn't have all the answers ...
A Binary Approach to Motivation
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, July 11, 2020
I've talked a lot about motivations in my articles. And how could I not? My scientific field aside, what makes us behave in certain manners or way is a question that has occupied entire schools of thought in psychology, philosophy, political science, even AI and (bio)chemistry.
There are ...
The Boys Shows a Refreshing Perspective on the Superhero Genre
kawaiidaigakusei at 12:00AM, March 30, 2020
Imagine a city where a group of seven high-powered “superheroes” (think the Avengers or Justice League) are corrupt and it is up to a lone-wolf vigilante and an audio/visual salesman to be the ones with a lawful moral compass.
At first, the plot twist is refreshing, it answers the ...
The Challenge of Writing Genius
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, March 7, 2020
Everyone loves a genius! The character that has the answers, or makes the deductions, or solves the puzzles for the team. The guy (or gal) that will have a gift for noticing what nobody else does, sees the connections that elude everyone else. Even in stories that aren't of ...
Gender Bending
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Oct. 12, 2019
So on occasion, there's a lot of controversy over gender bending characters- that is, to change the character's sex from male to female or vice versa.
I'm not going to talk about my take on this controversy. At least not in this article.
What I want to ...
Working with Political Agendas
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, June 15, 2019
Lately more and more comics and animated features seem to consciously, and more importantly loudly, incorporate political messages in their stories. From feminism to social stratification and discrimination, to racism and xenophobia or even depression and psychological trauma.
This is by no means a new thing, to incorporate themes and ...
Unanswered
Banes at 12:00AM, May 9, 2019
What's in the Box?
An iconic part of the movie Pulp Fiction is the McGuffin that Jules and Vincent deliver to their boss, Marcallus Wallace. It's a briefcase that, when you open it, glows on the face of the person looking at it and absolutely astonishes them. Is ...