taro !

When I first heard the news that DashCon had been resurrected, I was thrilled. I followed the news and counted down the days. By the time tickets became available, I knew I couldn't travel to Canada due to my personal circumstance. Thankfully, there were virtual tickets for sale! I got to see live events and listen to virtual panels on Discord.

I didn't catch every single panel or thing that happened, but here's a quick rundown of my DashCon 2 experience:

Watched the Opening Ceremony featuring the con organizers.

Ball Pit.

Learned about the origins of Nico the Catboy and his rise to Tumblr fame.

DashCon 2 Intern face reveal, along with the backstory of DashCon 2's conception.

Plinko Horse.

Watched a virtual panel about how fan websites are created.

Missed the cosplay contest because I was ordering a pizza. Got to see the winners announced. According to the wizard, the spirit of DashCon is balls.

Heard Strange Aeons speak about internet archive reporting and preservation.

Witnessed Strange Aeons kill Muppet Joker (aka the Croaker) live on stream.

The Musical InterDudes sang "Man or Muppet" in memoriam. They held up letters spelling out "Kung Pow Penis" before said performance.

Attended a virtual panel discussing fanfic writing as an adult, how this affects your writing and how to juggle the hobby.

Tumblr Sexyman Shrine.

Learned all about raccoons and conservation surrounding them from the og DashCon creator in a rabiosexual themed panel.

Watched all of the Doctors go on trial for their crimes against the time lords.

Learned about the importance and intersectionality surrounding queer healthcare.

Watched "Bloody Heartss" and a discussion with the creator afterwards.

Watched the raffle giveaway. Prizes included signed ball pit balls and books. The plinko horses (Orb, Horb, and Charlie) were given away in the most popular raffle of the evening.

Two people won an extra hour in the ball pit.

There were two (three??) engagements at DashCon 2.

Today was DashMom's (organizer's mom) birthday. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to her.

Strange Aeons was knighted by Queen Ball Pit Lochlan O'Neil.

Listened in on a virtual panel discussing AO3 basics and tips.

"My Immortal" Kahoot, 60 questions. Everyone in attendance was declared goth. The winner won a physical copy of the fic.

Watched a virtual panel about how fanfiction has evolved alongside the ever-changing internet landscape.

Watched a virtual panel about media analysis and engaging with people's opinions on the internet. (This one was my favorite!)

Despite not being there in person, I had so much fun today! Everyone both online and in-person were in on the joke, respectful and encouraging. From where I stand, the event was well organized, accommodating, and a safe space for everyone there. I haven't seen many cons, but was impressed by this one. If the organizers decide to host DashCon 3, I'd for sure want to go!

a short comic i made for a class about lycanthropy, chronic pain, and escapism

image descriptions: First page. A cover page containing an illustration of a person making a shadow puppet of a wolf with their hand. The person is mirrored horizontally against a snarling wolf. Wolfsbane surrounds both of them, petals scattering lightly. Title reads, “The Venn Diagram Between Lycanthropy and Chronic Pain.” To the left and right of the illustration is “Crip Asterisk.” At the bottom of the page reads, “Keegan Thoranin, steadfastpetrel.”

Second page. A werewolf transforms, a hand peels from human to wolf, an old television mirrors an Asian person with short messy hair. Text reads, “cracking bones, peeling skin, I watched my TV transform into a mirror.”

Third page. A panel shows a figure huddled under blankets, annoyed they’re in pain. Text reads, “On days my body forces me to hibernate, I imagine, under my blankets, my pain transforms me too.” Below, the figure is revealed to have transformed into a werewolf, and they wake up confused. Pills scatter on the page.