and why not post a compilation of these two being all over each other on random thursday? featuring a sequel to an older art and an illustration for a fanfic I already illustrated once.

Complex characters, solid but believable morals, a really original setting, characters with mixed motivations, characters that always stay true to themselves, a seriously morally grey heroine who nonetheless is portrayed sympathetically while the pitfalls of the morally pure male protagonist are also highlighted even while he is put on a pedestal... strong female characters, nuanced portrayal of mental illness, and all with the backdrop of a wonderful steampunk setting with tongue in cheek British Pratchett-style jokes...

This series is really good and I'm thrilled that I still have two more entries to go.

I know shrek is the closest we have, but let me introduce you to mortal engines. the female lead, hester, has a defining scar spanning half her face. she's also ruthless and violent. I know this doesn't even come close to the monster male variants (take the beast in beauty and the beast) but to my knowledge, it is the only piece of media I've encountered where the female lead is objectively described as undesirable. not in a shallow, pick-me manner, but in terms of both physical appearance and personality.