darkie's trashcan

im not saying that these creators are above criticism or anything so callous but you all have to know on some level that getting really personal about these people isn't healthy, right? and that multiple people work on these properties, not just one person? you just Cannot analyze character arcs anymore without people butting into the conversation to explain their weird freaky headcanons about "actually the only thing here worth analyzing is the fact the writer is bitter and lonely and jaded and—" what the FUCK are you talking about???? HOW did you think this contributes to the conversation???? how did an attempt at media analysis for fun turn into some shitty bitter elementary school gossip???

and i know people will assume the fandom this post is about based on my blog (and it IS about that) but this goes for SO MUCH media nowadays. this is everywhere. i'll take a peek into a fandom for a new cartoon that came out and be met with hellfire beyond my wildest comprehension because some fan-favorite character didn't get enough attention or something equally vapid. "is [x cartoon] the worst fandom of all time?", everyone asks, as if it's not Most of Them. its inescapable. i cannot express enough how hostile the mere idea of being a professional creator is nowadays because of this culture. meanwhile everyone just perpetuates it like it's acceptable to speak violent fantasies of, or just generally constantly whine about, someone who worked on an episode of a cartoon you didn't like.

no, you don't actually know any of the things you are saying about these people's personal lives or beliefs. you don't know any of what you're saying. "but i heard—" i don't care. this is gossip. and i don't care if there's some tweet that vaguely supports your theory, either. these are real people and not characters. you cannot just form 'headcanons' about them based on implication. have you never had your words misunderstood? have you never worded a thought poorly? this is not interesting gossip. it's not thoughtful. it just makes you look bitter and vaguely creepy, and it's ruining fandom spaces. media analysis isn't fun when all the replies and comments are more interested in childish gossip than actually engaging in art. writing stories or comics isn't fun when the comments use your work as a vessel to complain about all the writers they have parasocial thoughts on, either.

I've been obsessed with fics in this part of the timeline and have been hoarding them in my bookmarks. Here's some of my faves listed in no particular order.

That Sweet Temptation (E) by @bakudekublogblog

Izuku rejected Katsuki's offer to become a sidekick, but now one of his students needs help only a pro-hero can provide. Cue Izuku & Katsuki thrown into close proximity while they solve the case.

The tension here is firing on all cylinders. This manages to be a fun ride, with lots of plot, and lots of heat. The sexual (and romantic) tension is off the charts, and resolves deliciously.

Multi-chapter

Never See You Cry (M) by magsworld

Do y'all remember that amazing comic by @polonium-snap where Deku sensei gets hit by a quirk that makes him forget the one person he loves the most? This isn't a one-to-one novelization. The stories diverge. And both are fucking worth the read!

Multi-chapter

Follow the Sparks, I'll Drive (T) by nikkiRA

Time for some angst with this perfect little 5+1 introspective on Katsuki's pining and Izuku's healing. I only rec HEA's though, so know that the payoff on the angst here is lovely.

One-shot

Target Acquired (M) by spiceycely

Even mechanical Black Whip is in love with Katsuki, lol! It forces them to finally really talk.

Fantastic little comedy!

One-shot

After & Onward (E) by Maxine

This one. This one right here. My goodness. This is for those who really like Deku sensei. It takes a chance to explain how Izuku could have arrived at his decision to teach and turn Katsuki's offer down without negative judgement.

It also challenges Katsuki to find his big boy words -- does he just want Izuku at his agency or does he want something more?

This is such a sweet story, and so understanding and soft (without mischaracterizing anyone). I love it a lot.

Multi-chapter

Apparitions of a Heartfelt Nature (E) by aashimar

Lol. Lmbo. The vestiges have somehow returned from the beyond to roast Izuku into some sense!

This is a fun time!

One-shot

For the Rest of Your Burnout Days (E) by aashimar & yuckbarracuda

I love when a plot heavy fic is able to seamlessly intertwine the plot with the introspection. Like there's propulsive action on the page that IS the introspection.

This is a mission fic where Izuku's got to sort himself out or fail those who are depending on him

Multi-chapter

Love of My Life (Don't Leave Me) (E)by shaggyherbals

Holy shit! I want 10 more versions of this! Katsuki's recently been rejected when a quirk accident lands him ten years in the future.

I shit you not, I re-read this fic everytime it pops up when I'm digging through someone's bookmarks!

Simp!Katsuki, sweetheart-older!Izuku

Inject it in my veins!

One-shot

Our Fourth Finger (E) by surveycorpsjean

Okay, this one doesn't deal with the angst of 431, but does imagine the future post-canon.

It's a double mission fic, Katsuki's on a mission to propose, but these villains of the week won't respect that he and Izuku are fucking retired!

Multi-chapter

Believe in Me (Because I Don't Believe In Anything) (E) by Fitrovia

This is tagged "crack treated seriously" and it IS, but it's also --- it's also so damn good. It strikes at the heart of something true in Katsuki's heartbreak and Izuku's uncertainty that had me genuinely in tears by the end. It's a real fucking ride that will have you laughing out loud.

Hi guys uwu i had to draw this for my fujoshi ass demon sister sitting on my shoulder because i made her mad with my incompetence