"where were you when horus slew the emperor?"

"shitposting about keeping a space marine as a pet, mostly"

The Death of Horus Lupercal

SPOILERS FOR THE END AND THE DEATH VOL. III since this is going into the main tags. Also adding a cut for it for that reason.

Batman: Where to start

***long post***

Getting in to comics is rather hard and finding a good starting place or a good recommended must-reads is hard and confusing and you typically get hundreds of different answers.

This is my personal list, that I'm working through and hope to collect. I've done quite a bit of research and feel like this is a adequate reading list for modern (post-crisis) Bruce Wayne

Anyways here's the list in primary chronological order:

Batman: Year One (Batman Vol 1 #404-#407)

This story line established the back story for Batman in the post-crisis timeline, along with the back stories for Commissioner Gordon and Selina Kyle. Not necessarily canon anymore, but a good story to get the feel of the characters

Batman: The Man Who Laughs

This is a one shot that was published in 2005 that tells the story of Batman's first encounter with the Joker roughly a year after the Batman's debut in Gotham. Based on the Joker's original first appearance in Batman Vol 1 #1.

Batman and the Monster Men

This is a 6 part mini series that takes place sometime after Batman: Year One and Batman: The Man Who Laughs. First half of the Dark Moon Rising series. Story revolves around Batman's first dealing with Hugo Strange

Batman and the Mad Monk

This is another 6 part mini series that is the second half of the Dark Moon Rising series. It is a retelling of a story from Detective Comics Vol 1 #31-32

Batman: The Long Halloween

This is a 13 part limited series, that serves as a re-introduction of the Calendar Man and features a wide array of Batman's rouge gallery such as Two-Face, Scarecrow, Riddler, Joker, and Poison Ivy.

Batman: Dark Victory

This is a 14 part limited series that is a sequel to The Long Halloween. The main case in the story is a turf war between Two-Face and the Falcon Mafia. It also serves as a re-telling of Dick Grayson's Robin origin.

Batman: Birth of the Demon (TPB)

This is a collection of 3 Batman one shots: Son of the Demon, Bride of the Demon, and Birth of the Demon. All stories center around Ra's al Ghul and Talia al Ghul.

Batman: Strange Apparitions (Detective Comics Vol 1 #469-479)

This collection reintroduces Golden Age villains such as Hugo Strange and Dead shot along with introducing new villains such as Doctor Phosphorus and Clayface III.

Batman: The Killing Joke

A 60 page one shot that hints at the Jokers true identity, along with pushing the Jokers madness to new extremes, and showing just how dangerous he can be.

Batman: the Cult

This is a 4 issue mini series, in which Batman gets captured, torture and brain washed by Deacon Blackfire. This is also one of the few stories written by Jim Starlin that shows Jason Todd in a favorable light, as Starlin had a dislike for the character and kid sidekicks.

Batman: Death in the Family (Batman Vol 1 #426-429)

The famous 4 issue story arc that allowed readers to vote on the fate of the then current Robin, Jason Todd.

Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying (Batman Vol 1 #440-442)

This story is the introduction of Tim Drake and his taking of the Robin Mantle. The story also involves a case with Two-Face

Batman: The Last Arkham (Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1-4)

This story shows us the inner workings of Arkham Asylum, along with introducing new villains such as Zsasz, Jeremiah Arkham, and Amygdala

Batman: Gothic (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #6-10)

In this story we get to see glimpses of Bruce Wayne childhood.

Batman: Venom (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #16-20)

This story introduces us to the strength-enhancing drug, venom

Batman: Knightfall (Batman Vol 1 #492-510, #512-515; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #16-30, 32-35; Catwoman Vol ? #6-7, #12-13; Detective Comics Vol 1 #659-677, #679-682; Justice League Task Force #5-6; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #59-63; Robin #7-9, 11-14; Showcase '93 #7-8; Showcase '94 #10)

The Knightfall collection is a trilogy consisting of Knightfall, Knightquest, and KnightsEnd. In the story, Batman is crippled by Bane leading to him enlisting help from Jean-Paul Valley, while he recovers. Jean-Paul becomes increasingly unstable and violent, ruining Batman's reputation until Bruce can finally put an end to it. The story had long term ramifications in the batcannon as Bruce had to rebuild the trust everyone had for him.

Batman: Contagion (Batman: Shadow of the Bat #48-49; Detective Comics Vol 1 #695, #696; Robin Vol 4 #27-28; Catwoman Vol #31-32; Azrael #15-16; Batman Vol 1 #529; Batman: Chronicles #4)

A cross over even where a deadly virus sweeps through Gotham. One of the story lines leading in to the No Man's Land event.

Batman: Legacy (Batman Vol 1 #533-534; Batman: Bane; Bane of the Demon #1-4; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #53-54; Catwoman Vol 2 #33-36; Detective Comics Vol 1 #700-702; Robin Vol 4 #32-33)

Another crossover, this storyline serves as a wrap up for Contagion as well as Knightfall. One of the story lines leading in to No Man's Land event.

Batman: Cataclysm (Azrael #40; Batman Vol 1 #553-559; The Batman Chronicles #12, #14; Batman: Arkham Asylum- Tales of Madness #1; Batman:Blackgate- Isle of Men #1; Batman/Huntress/Spoiler: Blunt Trauma #1; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #73-79; Catwoman Vol 2 #56-57; Detective Comics Vol 1 #719-722, #724-726; Robin Vol 4 #52-54)

The final crossover storyline leading in to No Man's Land. After a earthquake, Gotham's heros have to band together to help the citizens in the aftermath.

Batman: No Man's Land (Azrael #47-61; Batman Vol 1 #560-574; Batman: Harley Quinn; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #116-126; Batman: No Man's Land #1-0; Batman No Man's Land Secret Files and Origins; Batman: Day of Judgement; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #80-94; The Batman Chronicles #16-18; Catwoman Vol 2 #72-77; Detective Comics Vol 1 #727-741; JLA #32; Nightwing Vol 1 #35-39; Nightwing Secret Files and Origins; Robin Vol 4 #67-73; Young Justice: In No Man's Land)

After several catastrophic events in Gotham, the US government decides to cut off Gotham, destroying all bridges to the city leaving Batman and allies to keep order in the city.

JLA Tower of Babel (JLA #43-46)

This story deals with the discovery of Batman's plans and files on how to take out the members of the Justice League in the event of them going rouge.

Bruce Wayne: Murderer? (Batman: The 10-Cent Adventure #1; Batgirl #24; Batman Vol 1 #599; Batman: Gotham Knights #25-26; Birds of Prey Vol 1 #39-40; Detective Comics Vol 1 #766-767; Nightwing #65-66; Robin #98-99

Bruce Wayne is arrested for murder and the rest of the bat family are forced to solve the crime and help clear his name.

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive (Azrael #91; Batgirl #27, #29-33; Batman Vol 1 #600-601, #603, #605-607; Batman: Gotham Knights #27-28, #30-31; Birds of Prey #41-43; Nightwing #68-69; Detective Comics Vol 1 #768-775)

This story is the follow up to Bruce Wayne: Murderer. After getting out of jail, he must full solve to murder, as those around him begin to doubt his innocence.

Batman Hush (Batman Vol 1 #608-619)

This story arc share a bit about Bruce Wayne's childhood along with introducing a new billion, Hush and furthering Batman and Catwoman's romantic relationship. This story also teases the resurrection of Jason Todd, the second Robin.

Batman: Heart of Hush (Detective Comics #846-850)

A follow up to Batman Hush, once again furthering Batman and Catwoman's romantic relationship. Also serves as a prelude to Batman R. I. P.

Batman Under the Red Hood (Batman Vol 1 #635-#641, #645-650, Annual #25)

This Story focuses on Jason Todd, the second Robin's resurrection and return to Gotham

Batman R. I. P. (Batman Vol 1 #667-669, #672-686, #701-702; Detective Comics #846-853; Nightwing Vol 2 #147-153; Batman and the Outsiders Vol 1 #11-14, special #1; Robin #175-183)

This story leads up to Bruce Wayne's apparent death in the DC Final Crisis event.

What Ever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Batman Vol 1 #686; Detective Comics Vol 1 #853

These two issues deal with the aftermath of Bruce Wayne's apparent death.

Battle for the Cowl

This is a 3 issue minis series that shows the remainder of the bat family hold Gotham together in the wake of Batman's death and Nightwing ultimate decision to take up the mantle.

Batman: Hush Money (Detective Comics Vol 1 #852; Batman Vol 1 #685; Batman: Streets of Gotham #1-4)

Batman's enemy Hush alters his face to look like Bruce Wayne and begins pretending to be him.

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne

A 6 issue limited series that shows Bruce Wayne's journey through time to return to present day Gotham.

Bruce Wayne: The Road Home

A limited series that details the return and aftermath of Bruce Wayne's return. Batman Vol 1 #703 is a prelude to the series.

Batman: House of Hush (Batman: Streets of Gotham #14, #16-21)

A story arc that ties up the Hush Money story and the return of Bruce Wayne.

Batman Incorporated

This series focuses on Bruce Wayne franchising the Batman name across the globe, while Dick Grayson still serves as Batman in Gotham.

Batman: The Gates of Gotham

A limited series that features Dick Grayson as Batman, but was used as a lunching point for major Batman story lines in New 52.

Batman New 52

After the New 52 reboot, DC began Batman Vol 2, aka Batman New 52

Batman Eternal

A weekly limited series that ran for a year, reintroducing numerous villains in to the New 52 canon, along with Stephanie Brown.

Batman and Robin Eternal

A weekly limited series that ran for 6 months as a follow up to Batman Eternal. The story jumps between Dick Grayson's first year as Robin and the present. Cassandra Cain is reintroduced in to the New 52 canon in this series.

Batman Rebirth (ongoing)

Current Batman title

Batman: Where to Start

*** long post***

Getting in to comics is rather hard and finding a good starting place or a good recommended must-reads is hard and confusing and you typically get hundreds of different answers.

This is my personal list, that I'm working through and hope to collect. I've done quite a bit of research and feel like this is a adequate reading list for modern (post-crisis) Bruce Wayne

Anyway, here's my list:

Batman: Year One (Batman Vol 1 #404-#407)

This story line established the back story for Batman in the post-crisis timeline, along with the back stories for Commissioner Gordon and Selina Kyle. Not necessarily canon anymore, but a good story to get the feel of the characters

Batman: The Man Who Laughs

This is a one shot that was published in 2005 that tells the story of Batman’s first encounter with the Joker roughly a year after the Batman’s debut in Gotham. Based on the Joker’s original first appearance in Batman Vol 1 #1.

Batman and the Monster Men

This is a 6 part mini series that takes place sometime after Batman: Year One and Batman: The Man Who Laughs. First half of the Dark Moon Rising series. Story revolves around Batman’s first dealing with Hugo Strange

Batman and the Mad Monk

This is another 6 part mini series that is the second half of the Dark Moon Rising series. It is a retelling of a story from Detective Comics Vol 1 #31-32

Batman: The Long Halloween

This is a 13 part limited series, that serves as a re-introduction of the Calendar Man and features a wide array of Batman’s rouge gallery such as Two-Face, Scarecrow, Riddler, Joker, and Poison Ivy.

Batman: Dark Victory

This is a 14 part limited series that is a sequel to The Long Halloween. The main case in the story is a turf war between Two-Face and the Falcon Mafia. It also serves as a re-telling of Dick Grayson’s Robin origin.

Batman: Birth of the Demon (TPB)

This is a collection of 3 Batman one shots: Son of the Demon, Bride of the Demon, and Birth of the Demon. All stories center around Ra’s al Ghul and Talia al Ghul.

Batman: Strange Apparitions (Detective Comics Vol 1 #469-479)

This collection reintroduces Golden Age villains such as Hugo Strange and Dead shot along with introducing new villains such as Doctor Phosphorus and Clayface III.

Batman: The Killing Joke

A 60 page one shot that hints at the Jokers true identity, along with pushing the Jokers madness to new extremes, and showing just how dangerous he can be.

Batman: the Cult

This is a 4 issue mini series, in which Batman gets captured, torture and brain washed by Deacon Blackfire. This is also one of the few stories written by Jim Starlin that shows Jason Todd in a favorable light, as Starlin had a dislike for the character and kid sidekicks.

Batman: Death in the Family (Batman Vol 1 #426-429)

The famous 4 issue story arc that allowed readers to vote on the fate of the then current Robin, Jason Todd.

Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying (Batman Vol 1 #440-442)

This story is the introduction of Tim Drake and his taking of the Robin Mantle. The story also involves a case with Two-Face

Batman: The Last Arkham (Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1-4)

This story shows us the inner workings of Arkham Asylum, along with introducing new villains such as Zsasz, Jeremiah Arkham, and Amygdala

Batman: Gothic (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #6-10)

In this story we get to see glimpses of Bruce Wayne childhood.

Batman: Venom (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #16-20)

This story introduces us to the strength-enhancing drug, venom

Batman: Knightfall (Batman Vol 1 #492-510, #512-515; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #16-30, 32-35; Catwoman Vol ? #6-7, #12-13; Detective Comics Vol 1 #659-677, #679-682; Justice League Task Force #5-6; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #59-63; Robin #7-9, 11-14; Showcase ‘93 #7-8; Showcase '94 #10)

The Knightfall collection is a trilogy consisting of Knightfall, Knightquest, and KnightsEnd. In the story, Batman is crippled by Bane leading to him enlisting help from Jean-Paul Valley, while he recovers. Jean-Paul becomes increasingly unstable and violent, ruining Batman’s reputation until Bruce can finally put an end to it. The story had long term ramifications in the batcannon as Bruce had to rebuild the trust everyone had for him.

Batman: Contagion (Batman: Shadow of the Bat #48-49; Detective Comics Vol 1 #695, #696; Robin Vol 4 #27-28; Catwoman Vol #31-32; Azrael #15-16; Batman Vol 1 #529; Batman: Chronicles #4)

A cross over even where a deadly virus sweeps through Gotham. One of the story lines leading in to the No Man’s Land event.

Batman: Legacy (Batman Vol 1 #533-534; Batman: Bane; Bane of the Demon #1-4; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #53-54; Catwoman Vol 2 #33-36; Detective Comics Vol 1 #700-702; Robin Vol 4 #32-33)

Another crossover, this storyline serves as a wrap up for Contagion as well as Knightfall. One of the story lines leading in to No Man’s Land event.

Batman: Cataclysm (Azrael #40; Batman Vol 1 #553-559; The Batman Chronicles #12, #14; Batman: Arkham Asylum- Tales of Madness #1; Batman:Blackgate- Isle of Men #1; Batman/Huntress/Spoiler: Blunt Trauma #1; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #73-79; Catwoman Vol 2 #56-57; Detective Comics Vol 1 #719-722, #724-726; Robin Vol 4 #52-54)

The final crossover storyline leading in to No Man’s Land. After a earthquake, Gotham’s heros have to band together to help the citizens in the aftermath.

Batman: No Man’s Land (Azrael #47-61; Batman Vol 1 #560-574; Batman: Harley Quinn; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #116-126; Batman: No Man’s Land #1-0; Batman No Man’s Land Secret Files and Origins; Batman: Day of Judgement; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #80-94; The Batman Chronicles #16-18; Catwoman Vol 2 #72-77; Detective Comics Vol 1 #727-741; JLA #32; Nightwing Vol 1 #35-39; Nightwing Secret Files and Origins; Robin Vol 4 #67-73; Young Justice: In No Man’s Land)

After several catastrophic events in Gotham, the US government decides to cut off Gotham, destroying all bridges to the city leaving Batman and allies to keep order in the city.

JLA Tower of Babel (JLA #43-46)

This story deals with the discovery of Batman’s plans and files on how to take out the members of the Justice League in the event of them going rouge.

Bruce Wayne: Murderer? (Batman: The 10-Cent Adventure #1; Batgirl #24; Batman Vol 1 #599; Batman: Gotham Knights #25-26; Birds of Prey Vol 1 #39-40; Detective Comics Vol 1 #766-767; Nightwing #65-66; Robin #98-99

Bruce Wayne is arrested for murder and the rest of the bat family are forced to solve the crime and help clear his name.

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive (Azrael #91; Batgirl #27, #29-33; Batman Vol 1 #600-601, #603, #605-607; Batman: Gotham Knights #27-28, #30-31; Birds of Prey #41-43; Nightwing #68-69; Detective Comics Vol 1 #768-775)

This story is the follow up to Bruce Wayne: Murderer. After getting out of jail, he must solve the murder, as those around him begin to doubt his innocence.

Batman Hush (Batman Vol 1 #608-619)

This story arc share a bit about Bruce Wayne’s childhood along with introducing a new billion, Hush and furthering Batman and Catwoman’s romantic relationship. This story also teases the resurrection of Jason Todd, the second Robin.

Batman: Heart of Hush (Detective Comics #846-850)

A follow up to Batman Hush, once again furthering Batman and Catwoman’s romantic relationship. Also serves as a prelude to Batman R. I. P.

Batman Under the Red Hood (Batman Vol 1 #635-#641, #645-650, Annual #25)

This Story focuses on Jason Todd, the second Robin’s resurrection and return to Gotham

Batman R. I. P. (Batman Vol 1 #667-669, #672-686, #701-702; Detective Comics #846-853; Nightwing Vol 2 #147-153; Batman and the Outsiders Vol 1 #11-14, special #1; Robin #175-183)

This story leads up to Bruce Wayne’s apparent death in the DC Final Crisis event.

What Ever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Batman Vol 1 #686; Detective Comics Vol 1 #853

These two issues deal with the aftermath of Bruce Wayne’s apparent death.

Battle for the Cowl

This is a 3 issue minis series that shows the remainder of the bat family hold Gotham together in the wake of Batman’s death and Nightwing ultimate decision to take up the mantle.

Batman: Hush Money (Detective Comics Vol 1 #852; Batman Vol 1 #685; Batman: Streets of Gotham #1-4)

Batman’s enemy Hush alters his face to look like Bruce Wayne and begins pretending to be him.

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne

A 6 issue limited series that shows Bruce Wayne’s journey through time to return to present day Gotham.

Bruce Wayne: The Road Home

A limited series that details the return and aftermath of Bruce Wayne’s return. Batman Vol 1 #703 is a prelude to the series.

Batman: House of Hush (Batman: Streets of Gotham #14, #16-21)

A story arc that ties up the Hush Money story and the return of Bruce Wayne.

Batman Incorporated

This series focuses on Bruce Wayne franchising the Batman name across the globe, while Dick Grayson still serves as Batman in Gotham.

Batman: The Gates of Gotham

A limited series that features Dick Grayson as Batman, but was used as a lunching point for major Batman story lines in New 52.

Batman New 52

After the New 52 reboot, DC began Batman Vol 2, aka Batman New 52

Batman Eternal

A weekly limited series that ran for a year, reintroducing numerous villains in to the New 52 canon, along with Stephanie Brown.

Batman and Robin Eternal

A weekly limited series that ran for 6 months as a follow up to Batman Eternal. The story jumps between Dick Grayson’s first year as Robin and the present. Cassandra Cain is reintroduced in to the New 52 canon in this series.

Batman Rebirth (ongoing)

Current Batman title

Previously posted on @filthy-vigilantes

BakuTodo Rec List of Fics Vol. II

It’s been a while since the last time I did the other list and many new, wonderful fics appeared (the dynamics will be the same: AO3 fics that includes top!Bakugou and bottom!Todoroki for those that are NSFW), so if you wanna check out here is Part I.

This time there are 32 fics in this list, I have more and probably I will make Part III soon.

Spoiler: EVERY SINGLE one of these stories are FUCKING AWESOME.

Rating: G

→ flowers die, feelings grow by kinneyb

Summary:  When Bakugo first visits a local flower shop with Jirou, he buys some flowers in a lame attempt to piss off one of the employees - a guy named Shouto. But then he gets a little too invested in keeping his flowers alive.

→ Pretty by doop-doop.

Summary:  Like so many things that had to do with Shouto, the question took Bakugou entirely by surprise. “Do you think I’m pretty?”

→ For a Single Moment by itsclowreedsfault.

Summary:  Katsuki shakes his head with a sigh and an unbidden smile. Shouto's always been like an overexcited kid when it came to cats; Katsuki should've known he didn't stand a chance against them in Shouto's first visit to a cat cafe.

Rating: T

→ Ruin My Life by justhavesex.

Summary: He's not a vengeful person, really, he's not.

But him and Bakugou have started this little on-going war of theirs back in middle school when they were 10 years old and Todoroki had accidentally—if you got Todoroki drunk enough and fed his ego well enough he would, in fact, admit that it was very much on purpose—accidentally fed Bakugou's limited edition All Might magazine to his cat.

→ Aesthetic Distance by llyn.

Summary:  This was around the time Shouto was appearing in all the blogs and rags and instagrams wearing a hideous faux fur coat of bright, hot neon like some awful crawling creature from an acid trip had been hunted and skinned, its pelt draped over Shouto's shoulders.

→ Dance To This by justhavesex.

Summary:  Bakugou has never cared much about being an alpha, not really, not until he met the most frustrating omega in all existence: Todoroki Shouto.

→ Welcome to the Mile-High Club by minhakos.

Summary:  In which Todoroki realizes that maybe airplanes aren't the only thing that should make him nervous.

→ Boyfriend Tactics by Esselle.

Summary: 'Shouto's eyes go impossibly wide. He seems to lose all powers of communication for a moment and just stands there, frozen, staring at Katsuki and the kitten. Finally, eventually, he utters the tiniest noise Katsuki has ever heard him make.

"Ah…" '

--

Katsuki comes to the aid of a small and fluffy civilian while on patrol.

→ Line by Line by Lillabelle.

Summary:  With half his sketchbook filled with drawings of the guy, Katsuki wondered if he’s already crossed the line of being insanely creepy. They’ve never spoken, and he honestly only knew the person’s name was Todoroki Shouto because of role call in class. Shouto was just… so unique to look at with his half and half appearance. It was hard for Katsuki’s eyes not to get drawn to him. Not to mention they shared several classes, so if Katsuki ever got bored and felt like drawing something, there he was.

→ a todobaku one-shot collection by kagehinataboke.

Summary:  all of my multiple, multiple, multiple todobaku one-shots. i stan two (2) dipshit boys that are obviously in love and hate with each other.

→ amaryllis by ?

Summary:  The amaryllis has come to symbolize pride, determination and radiant beauty. Somehow this all suited Katsuki a lot more than Shouto expected.

→ tell ourselves a good lie by ElmoIsSatan. (In-Progress 12/?)

Summary: For a straight guy with anger issues, getting a “boyfriend” might just be his only escape.

Or-

Bakugo makes an impulsive decision and suddenly gains a boyfriend just to prove his parents wrong... The only problem is it’s all fake.

→ how to register for a library card (and get a boyfriend in the process) by Kaleid369.

Summary: “Friends have each other’s numbers, yeah?” Bakugou shrugs. “I don’t hate you, I guess.”

“Lucky me.”

“Lucky you,” Bakugou snorts. “I gotta go. Text me so I have your number.”

“I will.”

He's already started walking away when Shouto blurts out, “See you tomorrow?”

Bakugou shoots him a smirk over his shoulder, as if to say, Duh.

Shouto stands and stares at his retreating back, and the thought of kissing him pounds along with the beat of his heart.

→ on brand by dinosuns.

Summary: Midoriya is honestly unsure what’s worse: the tragic fact that Todoroki Shouto can make anything look objectively incredible or the fact Kacchan has six versions of the exact same photograph saved onto his camera roll.

Nobody saves a photo that many times by accident.

Kacchan set the bar, Todoroki raised it. That is not a good thing.

→ The Journey Home by dinosuns.

Summary: “Your hair looks real fucking nice.”

“I thought it was about time I grew it out,” Todoroki says, something wistful caught in his voice. “You were always saying I should.”

That’s true. And Bakugou is satisfied to know he was right about it looking good, but it’s not like he can share that with the fucking class anymore.

--

Bakugou tells himself that he's fine with how things turned out between them. He also tells himself he's not still in love.

Rating: M

→ Zephyr by yeetin. (In-Progress 4/?)

Summary: The breeze that sifted gently through a golden sea of tall, dry grass brought the tiny spike of a different scent. An inconspicuous little prickle down the spine, barely even worth paying attention to. Something no one else would even imagine being able to notice.

But Bakugou did.

→ Objection, Your Honor by Myona. (In-Progress (8/?)

Summary: Shoto Todoroki hated Katsuki Bakugou. And he had plenty of reasons to do so.

But he didn't know that how things can change for the two of them who saw nothing but trouble in each other's presence and life altogether. Katsuki was a trouble from the first time Shoto heard his name, to the first day he met the man.

Rating: E

→ On Hot Blondes and Drunken Hookups by Crossfire. (In-Progress 4/?) I love this so so much.

Summary: “I’m Bakugou. What’s your name, Pretty Boy?”

Shouto looks at the drink in his hand, then back to the beautiful blonde boy, then back to the drink and downs it in one go, ignoring the slight burn as it slides down his throat, and while it would have been more suave to appear unaffected, he gives his head a little shake. He takes a quick breath and forces the words out before he has a chance to realize what a massive mistake this all is.

“Hot blondes I want to bang can call me Shouto.”

→ Tick Tick Boom by Ajaxthegreat. (In-Progress 6/?) THIS is so good, I’m in love.

Summary: An exhausted socially awkward violin prodigy and a deaf punk rock drummer walk into a bar.

→ Better Take a Mental Picture by chibibeeee. This is HOT HOT.

Summary:  The one where Deku watches Bakugou take Todoroki and their exhibitionist kink is unlocked.

→ Cover: Blown by darkanddank. (In-Progress 1/2)

Summary: Some undercover agents got hooked on drugs. Went full Stockholm Syndrome, flipped and joined up with the other side. As Bakugou’s palm went flat over Todoroki’s navel and dove beneath his closed zipper, Todoroki started to understand just how easy it might be to go rogue.

...aka cop Todoroki gets his world rocked so hard by bad guy Bakugou that he has an existential crisis

→ Just One Bite by Crossfire.

Summary: This particular fuckup begins when he saves a cat from a demon in a sketchy alley.

Well, maybe slightly before that when his esteemed hedge-witch mentor turned out to be an incubus who coincidentally turned him and his stupid nerdy neighbor into incubi.

Or maybe when he was born to a non-magic family, but early on developed minor magical inclinations that turned out to be not-so-minor and kind-of-hugely-destructive.

Wherever this fuckup was born, it’s culminated as follows: Bakugou has been an incubus for one hundred and twenty-two days, seven hours, and thirty-six minutes, has not had a single successful feed, and is essentially slowly starving to death. His mentor is suspiciously MIA and that stupid shitty nerd has managed to secure himself a two-person harem so it’s just Bakugou, starving. To death. Slowly.

→ Gangster by Brixxen.

Summary: Bakugou is a detective trying to solve a case that's been open for months. He ends up in a town and meets a man who could be his undoing...

Todoroki wasn't expecting the blonde at the bar to leave him wanting more...

→ How to spend a Friday night by veltana.

Summary: That's how Katsuki ended up on his bed on a Friday night leaning against the headboard with his laptop between his spread legs, his hard dick in his hand, watching Shouto open himself up for him on the screen.

→ Your Turn by doop-doop.

Summary: An extra scene/epilogue/continuation of smd.

Bakugou and Todoroki housesit for Bakugou's parents and take advantage of Bakugou's large bed.

→ Comfort by hellaradholly.

Summary: Katsuki agrees to be Shouto's roommate after UA despite having an unbearable crush on him.a gift for Katie for the BakuTodo Valentine's Day Exchange!

→ Empire of Dirt by castiiron, clairesail. (In-Progress 5/?)

Summary: There was something different about being with Bakugou Katsuki. Something that Shouto had been searching for tonight, to no avail. A consistent burn in his gut, the warmth of a fire that hadn’t been stoked in many years. Katsuki had been inexcusably rough with him. Harsh in a way that had pulled him back to reality. Shouto hadn’t realized he was missing out, being so used to what he knew; going through the motions, a means to an end. His life for the last few years had revolved around mediocre sex as a way to abate constant desire, always at the forefront of his mind.

Unhealthy coping mechanisms are easier to hide when you aren't screwing your ex-classmate.

→ Be Quiet by chibibeeee.

Summary: Katsuki and Shouto stay the night at Deku's. If only they had any self control, then they wouldn't have to keep so quiet.

→ Speak Softly My Sweet Villain by Brixxen.

Summary: Ask anyone in Tokyo and they’ll tell you the same thing. That the No.1 Pro Hero Todoroki Shoto is the perfect hero. He’s kind to everyone, always the first to arrive on a crime scene, always the calm and collected hero everyone wants him to be.

It was ironic how things happened to lead Shoto to his current situation. Him moaning and shuddering like a teenager, clinging to the strong perfect body of the most wanted villain in Japan, Ground Zero.

→ Peanuts and Wolves by cashmeresho.

Summary: “Yeah, man, okay!” The guy holds up his hands in surrender and Shouto shoots him another apologetic look. “I really didn't know you guys were married! I didn't see a ring!”

“Oh,” Katsuki says. He frowns hard for a minute and then grabs Shouto by the arm to whisk him away to his table with Izuku and Kirishima to guard him or sniff him or whatever weird territorial thing he wants to do.

→ College Roommates|BakuTodo by S_Kuro.

Summary: Todoroki is the son of the famous Todoroki Enji, also known as Endeavor, his father is a famous business man that wants Todoroki to take over his business, but Todoroki wants to become a photographer. He goes against his father's wishes and goes to an art university miles away from home. There he meets a certain explosive blonde, who turns out to be his roommate. what sorts of ridiculous shenanigans will they find themselves in and what relationships will they end up in.

a BakuTodo fanfic

This is my first fanfic with these two, so don't judge me and I hope you like it.

→ Locker Room by darkqueen_25.

Summary: There are worse things to walk in on in a locker room, Inasa thinks, than your two new friends fucking against the shower walls.

There's probably nothing better than being asked to join in, though.

My Ranking of Shin’s Drama CDs

Oh boy did this get long so I’m putting it under the cut. Updated as of July 2020.

Some quick notes before I start: -I am only including main series full drama CDs so no bonus CDs or mini-dramas (which means I have not included the Operation X CD as that features different versions of the song and a mini-drama). -I am ranking these CDs as someone who is deep in Shinhell, therefore I'm only really focusing on interactions with him in these CDs -Expect mild spoilers -And lastly this is all based on my own preferences so if you have a completely different order for these CDs then that is 110% okay With that out of the way, let’s go (^^)ｂ

11) Lost Eden Vol. 3 Tsukinami

It may come as a surprise that this CD is ranked lower than CL when it features both of the Tsukinami brothers, but I had to put it here as it’s the only CD on this list that I can’t see myself relistening to very much (if at all). Unlike their DF CD, which I would recommend listening to even if you’ve played Shin and Carla’s DF routes, I would not say the same for this CD if you’ve played their LE routes. I don’t feel like we really get any new information or interactions out of it, even if it is always nice to have some scenes with Shin and Carla. I also don’t feel like the writing was terribly strong here as there were a lot of very short scenes, particularly in the beginning, which made it feel a little choppy. Additionally I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a Diabolik Lovers CD with so little bloodsucking, I think Carla and Shin each bite you once and that’s it (which means I can’t even recommend it on fanservice grounds). I would only recommend getting this CD if you’re a die-hard Tsukinami fan and you already own most of the CDs on this list as well as some of Carla’s and you don’t mind the slightly sad tone to the ending (tbh I would actually recommend getting the Operation X CD over this one).

10) Chaos Lineage Vol. 3 Orange

I think if you’re a fan of the Tsukinami brothers as a duo rather than favoring Shin, you’ll probably enjoy the LE CD more than this one, but if you want a good Shin x you/Yui scene then I think this is probably the better pick. Although there’s only one bloodsucking scene with Shin, it’s very hot because he actually likes the taste of your blood. It was also fun to see the relationship dynamics between the characters in this different set up (although this might be a bit redundant if you’ve played CL). That being said, this CD isn’t any higher on this list because none of the other guys in it are that high up on my favorites list and as the boys’ memories have been altered there’s no romance with any of them either because they have no clue who you are. The conclusion feels very unsatisfying as this CD is just a set up for the game, although at least unlike the above it doesn’t have a sad undertone. 

9) Versus III Vol. 2 Laito vs Shin

Honestly I’m sad that I had to put this CD so low down but I just like the others more. It’s interesting to see Shin interact with Laito, especially as they really don’t get on that well. There’s also a scene where Laito gets EXTREMELY distressed which really hits you the first time you listen to it, as it’s such a break from the usual facade. However like all of the versus CDs I’ve listened to, there isn’t really a conclusion and there isn’t that much plot to this one either (or least not compared to the other CDs on this list in my opinion). If you’re looking for some hot bloodsucking (or a very anguished Laito) then this is a really good CD but if you’re looking for something with a bit more feeling on Shin’s part then I’d say other CDs on this list are better for that.

8) Versus II Vol. 4 Carla vs Shin

This CD has a special place in my heart because it’s the first CD I ever heard with Shin in it and one of the first DL CDs I ever bought oh how far I have fallen. It’s also the first drama CD the Tsukinami brothers appeared in, and as a result they’re not exactly nice to you. Still, I like that it offers a slightly different version of their first meeting with you/Yui than we get in dark fate and as their opening CD I think it does a good job of introducing them. This is a really good one to get if you’re a Tsukinami bros fan and you like mean founders because there’s no romance here.

7) Versus IV Vol. 1 Ayato vs Kino vs Shin

I was very torn as to whether to put this CD higher or lower as it contains one of my favorite tracks of all time, but that’s just the problem; I only really like one track. The track in question, features a very desperate Shin and it is such a treat to listen to. My problem with this CD is that Ayato and Kino are not terribly high up on my favorites list and so tracks with them, while still enjoyable, are not ones I choose to listen to that often. My other issue is that this CD is set up as though the heroine has chosen Ayato, which is great for Ayato fans but not so much for me (T_T) As much as I like hearing Shin sound desperate, I prefer it when he knows he’s loved. 

6) More, More Blood Vol. 4 Tsukinami Shin

Okay I can’t really explain why this CD is where it is without majorly spoiling it but I’ll try my best. First off, I love the first two tracks of this CD, it’s almost pure fanservice and the scenes feel like they’re straight out of one of the scenario chapters from the games. I was super invested for the rest of it and it was interesting to see Shin deal with the plot of the CD, but then there was the twist that takes place towards the end and I just spent the rest of the CD like ( ﾟoﾟ). I do think it’s good from a writing perspective because I really didn’t see it coming (that might just be because I’m an idiot though) but it also made me feel slightly disconnected from the story. To be fair, I felt a lot better after listening to the bonus Another Story track that came with the deluxe edition, but I think if I’d just bought the regular version then I would have found the ending a bit unsatisfying.

I think how much you like this CD will be entirely dependent on how much of a fan of the twist at the end you are (but I can’t say anymore without spoiling it >_<). If you can spare the extra cash I would 100% recommend getting the deluxe edition over the regular one just so that ending feels a bit more rounded out.

5) Dark Fate Vol.1 Chapter of Eclipse

It might seem strange for me to put this CD so high up as only two of the four tracks feature the Tsukinami brothers directly interacting with the listener while the other two are flashbacks to when they were trapped in Banmaden. However it is a really good source of information on the Tsukinamis if you haven’t played Dark Fate (in fact I think it might actually go into more detail on some aspects than the game does). The flashback scenes include Giesbach’s death (although he does not have a speaking role) and how the Tsukinamis discovered that they could break the seal keeping them trapped. On top of all of the information, you do also get a very nice track with Shin which features quite a bit of bloodsucking and menacing behavior. I will say however that I would recommend this to fans of darker content as there is no fluff/romance to be found.

4) Zero Vol. 4 Tsukinami Shin

I enjoyed this CD in a very different way to how I thought I would. Originally I thought I’d like it for the bloodsucking fanservice scenes with portrait!Shin but I actually just enjoyed the tracks with the real Shin. The final fight scene between Shin and portrait!Shin sounds incredible and I like that this CD has a satisfying conclusion (unlike the versus CDs where it just ends on a bit of cliffhanger after bloodsucking with multiple boys). While the concept is refreshing and I like that Shin has to defend you from an actual villain, I guess I just prefer the CDs that focus on your relationship with Shin.

3) Born to Die Vol. 2 Tsukinami Shin

Okay if you’re a fan of soft Shin content and you haven’t got this CD yet, do yourself a favor and get it because it’s 47 minutes of pure Shin fluff. I do think that if you prefer the darker side of DL then you’d enjoy his Zero CD (or his MMB CD) more than this one but for me personally, partly due to the animosity I felt towards Shin’s portrait counterpart, I like this one more. The final two scenes are really romantic (and they actually made me cry) and the conclusion is satisfying. That being said, I also like my fluff to have a side of angst, which is why I can’t rank this CD above remaining two, but if you just want to have a romantic date with Shin then this is the CD for you.

2) Bloody Bouquet Vol.7 Tsukinami Shin

This CD makes me so emotional ;-; It distresses me a bit because Shin sounds like he’s dying for a good part of it but I like that emotional aspect of it. Some of Shin’s dialogue in the penultimate track is pretty romantic (even if you are in a terrible situation) and the final track just makes me melt (ﾉ∀`♥) Morikubo always does an exceptional job as Shin but this CD is the one that sticks out in my mind the most for the voice acting, it is sooo good. The reason this CD is not number 1 is because as much as I enjoy it, listening to Shin suffer is pretty painful (made worse by the brilliant acting).

1) Para-Selene Vol.4 Tsukinami Shin

This is honestly my favorite drama CD of all time. The main reasons for this are that I like the concept a lot and, to me, it perfectly showcases the aspects of Shin’s character. You get some hot bloodsucking in the first track, some tracks where he gets really angry (which is great if you’re a huge masochist like me) and towards the end you get to see his softer side. Overall I feel that it showcases his faults as well as his good points in an interesting way which is exactly what I want out of a drama CD with my favorite character.

So what do you think? Which of these CDs is your favorite? My askbox is always open for discussing Shin related topics

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Pass Volume 2 - New Predictions

With Byleth and the new Fighters Pass coming soon, I thought I would make a new, and revised/updated, predictions list on who might be the new upcoming 6 fighters. I’ll also be putting in reasons why that particular character might have a chance of becoming a fighter in Smash. This list will be fairly long, so I’m gonna put a cut underneath. Also, these are my predictions and personal choice of fighters. Please refrain from saying stuff like “But why didn’t you put (insert your character here) on this list?!” and other hateful things. If you don’t like what I put on this list, you can go ahead and make your own. I’d also rather have civil discussions, and it’s okay to dislike a character without being angry and hateful about it.

This list may also contain some spoilers to certain characters from their origin games. Be warned and read at your own risk.

With that said, these are the fighters (in no particular order) that I wanna see in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Let’s get started!

1. Rex and Pyra/Mythra - Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Xenoblade fans like myself were sorely upset that Rex became a Mii Swordfighter costume as compensation for being unable to join the base roster of Smash Ultimate. From a developer’s viewpoint, it makes sense as Xenoblade 2 was in production nearly the same time as Smash and announced during the Nintendo Switch reveal in 2017. Sakurai probably never got a chance to play a pre-alpha build of the game, so it would makes sense Rex would get the cut from the roster as Smash Ultimate was also nearly complete. Not only that, the lead main artist, Masatsugu Saito, didn’t finalize the designs for Rex and Pyra at the time when Xenoblade 2 started development. But with the announcement of Fighters Pass Vol. 2, the boy Driver and the Aegis Blades might have a second chance this time. - Mechanic/Gimmick: How they would work as a fighter is pretty simple. Rex would be similar to Shulk as he would have the Aegis Sword on his back if he’s not engaged in combat. When he’s attacking, Rex would pull out the Aegis Sword for swings, swipes and various attacks and put it away afterward. At his side, Pyra/Mythra would lend their power to Rex with the Affinity Link. A faint blue light line would be seen as the girls share their power & bond to Rex. The longer they stay by Rex’s side, the blue line would change to a bright gold light line, thus the stronger Rex becomes in his attacks. To make sure Pyra/Mythra stay by his side to keep the Affinity going, Rex would have slightly low mobility like Robin or Shulk using no Monado Art buffs. This can be interrupted if Rex runs too fast, or get’s hit by powerful moves like smash attacks, in turn lowering the Affinity slightly. And like Joker with his Persona, Arsene, Pyra & Mythra are invincible and cannot be harmed just like in their origin game (this does not count the DLC game, Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country, where the Blades can get hurt in battle as well). - Special Attacks: Rex’s special attacks would be based on his Driver Arts from his origin game. With the Affinity Link gimmick, these moves can become stronger unless Rex and Pyra/Mythra get interrupted or KO’d. Depending on which Aegis is out and which Aegis Sword Rex is using, Pyra and Mythra affect Rex’s attacks and moves. Pyra’s Sword acts like a single-edged longsword dealing fire elemental damage and having longer range, while Mythra’s Sword acts like a double-edged broadsword being slightly stronger and dealing light elemental attacks, but having slightly shorter range. Neutral-B - Sword Bash: Rex lunges forward slightly and thrusts the Aegis Sword into the enemy. With Pyra’s Sword, it has longer range. Like in its origin game and like Shulk’s Backslash, it deals more damage when you attack the enemy’s back. Side-B - Rolling Smash: Rex does a front somersault and strikes the ground hard causing an Ether shockwave that travels across the floor, similar to Terry’s Power Wave. Deals more damage if it connects with the enemy. If the attack doesn’t connect, the impact from Rolling Smash would cause a mini-earthquake launching foes in the air and dealing a fair amount of damage. This move only works in front of Rex. If you use this move in the air, Rolling Smash acts as a secondary recovery, akin to Little Mac’s Jolt Haymaker and Mii Swordfighter’s Airborne Assault. Up-B - Double Spinning Edge: Similar to the three Links’ Spin Attack, Rex strikes the enemy twice while he’s on the ground. If used in the air, acts similarly to Shulk’s Airslash as he’s hitting the enemy twice. This move requires no second additional input. Down-B - Blade Switch: Allows Rex to switch between either Pyra or Mythra, changing the Aegis Sword’s form, attack range, power and element. This move has no end lag, so you can freely switch between either Aegis Blade & Sword, and you can even do it mid-combo. Rex gains super armor while using this move. He’ll take damage, but won’t get cut off as he does the switch. Does not interrupt Affinity Link. Grab - Anchor Shot: Similar to Young/Toon Link’s Hookshot and Lucas & Rope Snake, Rex uses his salvager grappling anchor attached on his left arm as he shoots out an anchor cable grabbing his foes that are in range from a certain distance. And just like the Hookshot, Rope Snake, Joker’s Grappling Hook and Byleth’s Sword of the Creator, Anchor Shot also acts as a tether grab that allows you to latch onto edges. You can also use it as an aerial attack. Unfortunately, this does not cause enemies to get Toppled (tripped) or grab HP Potions (healing items). - Final Smash(es) - Chain Attack ~ Burning Sword / Sacred Arrow: Similar to how Ryu and/or Ken have a 2-in-1 Final Smash, Rex’s FS differs if Pyra or Mythra are active. After hitting the enemy with a bright light, Rex summons his fellow Drivers & Blades to join him in the Chain Attack. The following could be Nia & Dromarch, Mòrag & Brighid, or Zeke & Pandoria. The Drivers have their Blades use their Special Attacks to overwhelm the enemy. If Pyra is out, she is visibly seen using moves like Flame Nova. If Mythra is out, she is seen using moves such as Lightning Buster. Afterwards, Rex joins his Aegis Blade partners to use Burning Sword or Sacred Arrow as the finishing move. Again, this Final Smash is different if Pyra or Mythra are in play. Possible Version (SPOILER) - Infinity Blade: Pyra & Mythra fuse as one to become their true Ascended Form, Pneuma, and changing the Aegis Sword into a great diamond-like sword, similarly designed like Shulk’s Monado III. After the Drivers & Blades finish their Chain Attack, Rex joins Pneuma as she contacts the Aegis Mech, Siren, as it fires a laser cannon powering up the Aegis Sword. Rex & Pneuma then strike their opponent as they thrust the sword with its infinite power. - Stage: The new battlefield could be based on Alrest, the world of Xenoblade 2. The battle can take place on a tour across the Cloud Sea as you fight flying all over Alrest and battle on different Titans, similar to stages like Skyloft, New Donk City, etc.. - Soundtracks to Bring: There are only a few Xenoblade Chronicles 2 songs that made it into Smash Ultimate. I’ll list the ones that are currently missing: Incoming! Boss Battle Theme 2 Counterattack You Will Recall Our Names Gormott Province (Day Ver. / Night Ver.) Mor Ardain - Roaming the Wastes Death Match With Torna The Power of Jin Praetor Amalthus - The Acting God  After Despair and Hope - Alternate Costumes: Rex & Pyra/Mythra alt. costs. can be based on their special outfits they wear in their origin game. P1 - Rex’s standard blue salvager suit, Pyra’s fragmented bodysuit and Mythra’s white combat blouse-dress. P2 - Prototype Suit Rex based on Rex’s beta design, Pyra and Mythra swap their own color palettes with each other; Mythra-Style Pyra, and Pyra-Style Mythra. P3 - Cloud Sea King Rex salvager suit, based on his newly gifted armor from Pneuma. Disguised Pyra is based on her Gormotti cloak, and Massive Melee Mythra is based on Mythra’s Spirit artwork in Smash Ultimate where the gap on her dress covers up her cleavage, and is given a spandex suit under her dress covering up her legs. This is meant to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of Xenoblade Chronicles 2. P4 - Rex wears his Master Driver armor, a gift from Pneuma. Blue Sky Pyra is a reference to her Ascended Form, while Carbon Mythra is most likely a reference to Malos, the main antagonist. P5 - Rex wears a yellow salvager suit that he keeps as a spare, which he temporarily lends to his party member Nia in a Heart-to-Heart. Pyra wears a white bodysuit based on Nia’s Blade, Dromarch. Mythra is based on Nia’s true Blade form, where she has silver hair and her blouse-dress is decorated similarly to Nia’s Blade clothes. P6 - Rex’s salvager suit turns black and white which is a reference to Mòrag, a fellow party member and Special Inquisitor of Mor Ardain. Pyra’s clothes turn blue and violet referencing Mòrag’s Blade partner Brighid, while Mythra has white and black and blue clothes referencing another one of Mòrag’s Blades, Aegaeon. P7 - Rex’s salvager suit turns to a dark grey and green referencing Zeke, another party member and Tantal’s Crown Prince, Pyra’s color palette changes to reference Pandoria, Zeke’s Blade, and Mythra’s colors change to reference Poppi QTpi. P8 - Rex & Pyra/Mythra wear special swimsuits based on Xenoblade tradition, akin to Shulk as well. Rex wears Cloud Sea Shark, a pair of black & blue swim-trunks, his grappling anchor changes into a toy shark, he wears a blue bag in exchange for his salvager helmet, and a pair of sandals. Pro Swimmer Pyra is a one-piece red & black swimsuit based on Pyra’s standard armor, and Radiant Beach Mythra is another one-piece swimsuit based on Mythra’s blouse-dress. Though Pyra & Mythra’s swimsuits and their bust size may have to be toned down and altered slightly so Smash Bros. keeps the E10+ age rating.

2. Lora & Jin & Haze (Team Lora) - Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country

Team Lora are the main protagonists of Xenoblade 2’s story DLC, Torna. It follows the story of the Aegis War that occurred over 500 years ago, and reveals the tragic events that would follow in the main story that determines the fates of these three characters. Not only are they another Xenoblade rep, but they also represent the prequel adventure. Lora & Co. are possibly unlikely candidates for the list if Rex and Pyra/Mythra get in instead. Most likely, they may end up as part of a DLC Spirit Board. - Mechanic/Gimmick: Team Lora works just like Rex & Pyra/Mythra with the Affinity Link system, but with a special twist; they would function similar to the Pokémon Trainer as you can switch to fight as either Lora, Jin, and/or Haze much like their origin game. The frontline fighter is the Vanguard, while the fighter supporting them are the Rear Guard. Lora’s weapon is called a battle braid (handmade rope-whip) utilizing the fire element, Jin wields a katana called the Nodachi carrying the ice element, and Haze wields a healing staff called a Crosier carrying the wind element. When the Driver or Blades are swapped in during combat, they use a special move called a Switch Art, allowing them to attack foes as they switch in. In terms of mobility; Lora is mediumweight, Jin is a slight heavyweight, and Haze is lightweight. And of course like Pyra & Mythra, depending on who’s the Rear Guard fighter, they are invincible until they are switched in. However like Pokémon Trainer’s team, Team Lora all share the same damage they’ve taken. - Special Attacks: Like Rex, all of Team Lora’s attacks are based on their Driver & Blade Arts, Switch Arts, and Talent Arts. Lora ~ Neutral-B - Path of Thorns: A cancel attack. Similar to Terry, after attacking in certain combos, press the B button to deal a multi-hitting move. This attack deals more damage the moment you cancel a combo. The move on its own deals very little damage. Jin ~ Inexhaustible: Jin’s Talent Art., functions similarly to Shulk’s Monado Buster and Hero’s Oomph spell. Deals minor damage to self while boosting only Jin’s stats for a set period of time until the effect wears off or gets KO’d. Haze ~ Winds of Time: Haze’s Talent Art and counterattack, functions similarly to Bayonetta’s Witch Time. Haze slows down enemies giving her enough time to follow up with other moves like combos and smash attacks. The more you use it, the weaker it gets. L ~ Side-B - Spinning Wheel: Lora whips her braids out around her dealing damage to enemies from all sides. J ~ Chillstroke: Functions similarly to Shulk’s Backslash. Jin slashes upward with his Nodachi, and deals more damage on the enemy’s back. H~ Swift Gale: Haze shoots enemies with a burst of air that deals moderate damage and pushes them away. If the attack connects, reduces a small amount of damage, percentage or heals HP in Stamina Mode. L ~ Up-B - Swallow’s Flight: Lora’s Talent Art. Deals minor damage to self in exchange for an exceptional recovery. When using on the ground, boosts Lora’s attacks, smash attacks or special attacks for only one attack. J ~ Snowblast: Jin shoots a burst of snow & ice that causes him to rise in the air as a recovery, and deals damage to foes that are in range beneath him. H ~ Mighty Gust: Haze rises in the air using summoned tornadoes, and deals damage to foes in range and pushes them away. Functions similarly to Hero’s Woosh/Swoosh/Kaswoosh spell. Down-B - Switch Arts: Similar to Shulk’s newly added Monado Art Wheel, by pressing & holding the Down-B input, you can choose which Driver or Blades to switch to by moving the Left Control Stick to select either Lora, Jin or Haze then letting go of the B button to make your selection. After choosing, the selected fighter that gets swapped in will use their Rear Guard Switch Art to attack the opponent. The following are: L ~ Touch-Me-Not: When Lora switches in, her attack causes foes to get launched in the air. J ~ Thin Ice: When Jin switches in, his attack causes opponents to trip. H ~ Stormy Skies: When Haze switches in, her attack inflicts a Meteor Smash attack on foes. Best used on the ledge of a stage when opponents are off-stage. When using on the ground, causes foes to bounce off the floor. Grab - Lora’s battle braid: While Jin and Haze can only grab their opponent with their hands, Lora is the only that utilizes her braids to reach out to foes that are slightly afar. She can also use her weapon as a tether grab to latch on to ledges. This also functions as an aerial attack. - Final Smash(es) - Chain Attack ~ Midnight Sun / Starlight Strike: Like Pyra & Mythra, this FS differs and depends if Jin or Haze are out fighting or supporting Lora. Team Lora calls upon Team Addam & Team Hugo as all teams do a group attack overwhelming the opponent(s). If Jin is active, they use Midnight Sun. Lora deals a series of fiery slash attacks with the Nodachi and then Jin finishes with a powerful cleave with Lora supporting him. If Haze is active, they use Starlight Strike. Lora pummels the enemy with the Crosier staff, then Haze hits the enemy with air blasts using Wind Ether. The two girls then finish by doing a synchronized knee strike. - Stage: The battle can take place on the Tornan Titan in the Kingdom of Torna right in front of the king’s palace. - Soundtracks: These songs may be included if Rex & Pyra/Mythra get in over Team Lora. Regardless, here are the songs: Battle!! - Torna Kingdom of Torna Gormott (Torna Ver.) Malos - The Acting God - Alternate Costumes: Team Lora’s costumes can reference Teams Addam & Hugo.

3. Cross and/or Elma - Xenoblade Chronicles X / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Cross is the main protagonist and the player’s avatar, and Elma is the central main protagonist in Xenoblade X. They are part of the United Government Forces’ private military organization, BLADE (Builders of the Legacy After the Destruction of Earth) that focus on the survival of humanity on a planet they dub “Mira”. Elma is the captain of BLADE, her Division is with the Reclaimers, and her Class is Full Metal Jaguar. Cross on the other hand, the player can choose what Division and Class they can be. They initially start off as a Drifter. Elma is the more most likely candidate for another Xenoblade rep, while Cross seems unlikely. So when talking about special attacks, I’ll only refer to Elma in this case. - Mechanic/Gimmick: Because Cross is an avatar character akin to Fire Emblem’s Robin, Corrin and Byleth, the player can choose to play as either a male or female Cross. Their moves would most likely be a mix of various classes and weapons. Elma is already set to her default class, Full Metal Jaguar and wields Dual Swords & Dual Guns. For the main gimmick, either character can fill up a meter as they attack that allows them to use a tool called Overdrive. This increases the power of their special attacks, and string combos faster and more easily. Overdrive can only be activated when the meter is full, and when the player presses & holds the R button then presses the B button, much like Inkling’s ink tank. When Overdrive is activated, a song called Wir fliegen will begin playing in the background and play over the current song that’s playing on a stage, regardless if it’s Xenoblade related or not. For example, activating Overdrive while fighting on a Super Mario themed stage will cause the song to play over the randomized OST. - Special Attacks: Because Elma is a Full Metal Jaguar, I’ll list out potential moves that she could use when wielding her Dual Swords & Guns. Neutral-B - Stream Edge: Deals a series of strikes & slashes with the Dual Swords. Can be used as a follow-up combo attack. Side-B - Sliding Slinger / Executioner: Slides across the floor as Elma attacks the foe with her Dual Guns. When using this in the air, the move becomes Executioner instead, and Elma hails the opponent with bullets. Up-B - Shadowstrike: One of Elma’s Signature Arts. Elma jumps in the air, then lunges diagonally downward striking the opponent with her Dual Swords. Functions similarly to Mii Swordfighter’s Stone Scabbard, deals more damage when attacking the enemy’s back. Down-B - Ghost Factory: One of Elma’s Signature Arts and Elma’s counterattack, functioning similarly to Lucario’s Double Team. When struck by an enemy, Elma will create illusionary decoys to avoid the incoming attack and counters by striking back with her Dual Swords. - Final Smash - Skell Barrage / Skell Overdrive: Elma summons a Skell then leaps in to pilot it to deal a series of powerful attacks use the melee weapons and guns. If you have Overdrive activated, the FS becomes Skell Overdrive, increasing the power of the attacks to an eleven dealing even more damage. - Stage: The fight can take place on a tour of the city New Los Angeles (NLA for short). You’ll travel around BLADE’s Administrative District, the Commercial, Industrial and Residential Districts, and the Ma-non Ship that floats over the city. - Soundtracks: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has a lack of Xenoblade Chronicles X songs. Hopefully if Cross or Elma gets in, this fixes that. Black tar THEMEX NLA (Day Ver. / Night Ver.) Uncontrollable NO.EX1 Wir fliegen / X-BT2  Don’t worry The key we’ve lost - Alternate Costumes: P1 - Her default costume is called “Elma’s Bodywear”, red light wear armor manufactured from the Greneda Galactic Group. It is based on female version of the armor series. P2 - (SPOILERS) Elma’s true form. Seen at the end of the game, and can be used in a premium adventure playthrough. P3 - Wears light wear armor from Sakuraba Industries, referencing the 13-year old mechanic girl Lin Lee Koo. Elma also wears Lin’s Monado hair clips. P4 - Wears another version of Sakuraba Industries light wear armor, this time referencing Irina Akulov. P5 - Wears Sakuraba Industries casual wear, referencing Alexa. P6 - Wears a different version of Sakuraba Industries casual wear, this time referencing Sharon “Murderess” Effinger. P7 - Wears Celica’s Bodywear, an obvious reference to Celica that’s named after her. P8 - As per Xenoblade tradition akin to Shulk’s swim-trunks, Elma wears a red two-piece bikini swimsuit. Though Elma may be slightly toned down to make sure Smash Bros.’s age rating is still E10+.

4. Phoenix Wright - Ace Attorney series

Phoenix Wright may seem like an unlikely candidate...at first. He’s actually a “joke fighter” in the Marvel Vs. Capcom series. He has potential to be in Smash, and be the 4th Capcom rep alongside Mega Man, and Ryu & Ken. He won’t be alone as he’ll work like a semi-duo fighter. His assistant, Maya Fey, will sometimes join him in various moves, much like in Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 and in the crossover RPG Project X Zone 2. - Mechanic/Gimmick: Nick’s main gimmick is that he’ll be bring in his Turnabout Stances from UMvC3. Coincidentally because he’s a defense attorney, he has a more defensive fighting style as he prefers to fight from a slight distance using projectiles. Though this version works differently from UMvC3. As he attacks and deal damage, he builds up a meter as he goes through 3 stances: Investigation, Courtroom Trial, and Turnabout. Once Phoenix reaches Turnabout Mode, all of his moves and attacks are buffed until he gets KO’d. Investigation is his defensive mode as he gathers evidence, Trial mode is where he becomes more offensive in combat, and Turnabout mode when he collects enough decisive key evidence to pin the true culprit, allowing him to pull more combos easily and deal more damage to the suspect. - Special Attacks: Phoenix has many moves & combos from UMvC3. Command inputs like “Slip Up” will be his dash-attack as he trips into the enemy, similar to Villager and Isabelle’s dash-attack. So for his special attacks, here’s the following: Neutral-B - Questioning/Cross-Examination (HOLD IT!): Phoenix stops the witness in their tracks to gain testimony and evidence. Side-B - Paperwork Storm (TAKE THAT!): Throws trash evidence in the witness’ face. Functions similarly to Mr. Game-&-Watch’s Oil Panic, and deals more damage the more unneeded evidence Phoenix has. Up-B - Sneeze: Phoenix catches a cold and sneezes so hard he flies high in the air, and unsuspecting opponents take damage as Nick rises upward. Down-B - Present Evidence (OBJECTION!): Phoenix’s counterattack. Phoenix does a counter-argument and rebuts with decisive key evidence and even does his signature finger point while doing so. Special Command Input - Steel Samurai Maya Smelting!: Just like Ryu & Ken and Terry, Phoenix can do a command input too, but only in Turnabout Mode. By inputting the Hadoken command (↓↘→ + A or B), Phoenix can summon Maya where she’ll pummel the enemy with a series of punches akin to Luigi’s dash-attack, then the Steel Samurai comes in to deal the finishing blow with a powerful sword slash. Like Joker’s Persona, Arsene, Maya is invincible in this attack. When using this move, Phoenix will say “I need help...Maya?!” - Final Smash - Great Ace Attorney (based on name of series, and name of Japanese-only 3DS prequel game): This is based on Phoenix’s Hyper Combo from UMvC3. This finisher actually matters depending on how much evidence you’ve collected and deals more damage in doing so. Phoenix finds the true culprit and shows the key decisive evidence that points to the suspect that committed the crime. This FS can catch multiple opponents, but the first one that gets hit is the true culprit. When the opponent is over 100% damage, they are instantly KO’d. Phoenix even uses his Hyper Combo voiceline from UMvC3: “The one who actually committed the crime...is YOU! No alibi, no justice, no dream, no hope! It's time to pay for your crimes! TAKE THAT!” After Phoenix shouts “TAKE THAT!”, the speech bubble for his line deals the final blow on the enemy. - Stage: The fight takes place in a Courtroom, where Phoenix does all of his battles against the prosecution and suspects. The right bench is the defense’s side, and the left bench is the prosecutions side with the Judge residing in the middle on his bench. Like the Suzaku Castle stage, the benches can be destroyed after it takes a certain amount of damage. The jury stands on either side can be destroyed too, expanding the Courtroom for a more wider battlefield. They’ll get restored after a certain amount of time passes. - Soundtracks: All of the songs are pulled directly from the Ace Attorney games, with some having a few new possible arrangements. Also, I just want an excuse to hear “Pursuit ~ Cornered” in a Smash Bros. game. XP Objection! 2001 (English Court) Pursuit ~ Cornered (Original Ver. / Turnabout Mode / English Court) Objection! ~ 2013 A New Chapter of Trials! ~ 2013 Courtroom Revolutionairé Pursuit ~ Keep Pressing On Objection! ~ 2016 A New Chapter of Trials! ~ 2016 Courtroom Revolutionairé ~ 2016 Pursuit ~ Cornering Together - Alternate Costumes: P1 - Default costume is his current appearance in Dual Destines and Spirit of Justice. Open unbuttoned suit, untucked dress-shirt, has locket accessory in breast-pocket, and has a bang sticking out of his hair. P2 - His original design when Phoenix was slightly younger. Suit is buttoned up, hair has no bang sticking out. P3 - His bright pink sweater when he was a college student at Ivy University. His hair even gets slightly shorter. P4 - Nick’s “hobo” disbarred appearance from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney. Wears a blue beanie, gold locket around his neck, visibly slightly-shaved beard, black pants and sandals.  P5 - Wears “The Tiger” suit, a DLC pack from Spirit of Justice, a reference to one of the suspects, Furio Tigre, in Trials & Tribulations. P6 - Phoenix wears Masamune Date’s samurai armor from the Sengoku BASARA series, Japanese 3DS DLC exclusive only. P7 - Phoenix wears Apollo Justice’s monkey suit, one of the main characters in the Ace Attorney series. Nick’s hair color changes to brown. P8 - Phoenix wears his rival’s suit, Miles Edgeworth, the Chief Prosecutor. Phoenix’s hair turns silver, and has Edgeworth’s glasses in the breast-pocket just like how Edgeworth takes them off when in court.

5. Amaterasu - Okami series

If Duck Hunt can get in, why not another dog character? But this time, a sun goddess wolf. While I know some people would prefer Wolf Link & Midna, Amaterasu is still a good pick. She and Phoenix would great additional Capcom reps alongside Mega Man and Ryu & Ken. Much like Phoenix, Amaterasu would bring in all sorts of moves from both her origin game and Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. Because Amaterasu cannot speak, she is joined by her partner, Issun, to talk for her in taunts and her victory screens. - Mechanic/Gimmick: Amaterasu would share the ink tank gauge Inkling has. When she runs out of ink, Amaterasu’s design would change her into just a pure-snow white wolf. She cannot access her Celestial Brush, and her weapon becomes weak. If the player presses & holds R and then the B button, Issun would use an Ink Pot to restore Amaterasu’s power. Her main weapon is called the Divine Retribution, a Reflector. - Special Attacks: Like Phoenix, Amaterasu brings in moves from both Okami and UMvC3. Amaterasu uses the Celestial Brush for most of these moves, and will run out of ink in the process. R+B will restore her lost ink & powers when  Neutral-B - Inferno: Ignites nearby foes as if shooting Mario’s Fireball. Side-B - Power Slash: Amaterasu uses the Brush to deal a powerful attack as if it were a sword slash. Up-B - Galestorm: The Brush creates a gust of wind that lifts Amaterasu into the air, and deals damage to foes that are in range. Down-B - Veil of Mist / Divine Reflect: Amaterasu’s 2-in-1 counterattack. When struck by a physical attack, acts similarly to Bayonetta’s Witch Time causing enemies to be slowed down for a few seconds giving Amaterasu enough to strike back. When hit by projectiles, Amaterasu uses her Reflector on her back, hence the name of her weapon. The reflect move is mostly a Smash original. - Final Smash - Sunrise Divine Instruments (Based on her Hyper Combos): Amaterasu uses the Celestial Brush to paint a sun in the sky that increases her power, then summons all of her Divine Instruments to deal a barrage of attacks. They are the Solar Flare, Tundra Beads and Thunder Edge. - Stage: The battleground takes place on the fields of Nippon, what is basically a fantasy of Edo-period Japan. - Soundtracks: To be honest with you, I never played Okami, so I wouldn’t really know what songs to put in here. I’ve come up with at least 3. If there’s any songs from the game you have in mind, mention it to me! I’d appreciate it a lot. Exorcizing Evil Crimson Helm, Begone! Battle of Ninetails

6. Crash Bandicoot

Crash is one of Naughty Dog’s biggest stars and is basically one of PlayStation’s mascots back in the console wars, meant to rival Mario and Sonic. Since most PlayStation characters like Snake, Cloud, Joker and Hero are already in Smash, Crash would be one of the greatest picks. Crash is not only a Western favorite, he’s also a well-known favorite in Japan much like Banjo & Kazooie. Also, Crash had a few Game Boy Advance game, and Crash N-Sane Trilogy has been on the Nintendo Switch for quite a while now. - Mechanic/Gimmick: None - Special Attacks: Neutral-B - Spin / Death Tornado Spin: Crash’s iconic spin attack seen in every Crash Bandicoot game. A simple press of the B button has Crash do his signature spin kick. An alternate version of it is that if the player press & holds the button, it becomes the Death Tornado. It causes him to spin much longer and faster, and even functions as a recovery glide if Crash is sent flying off-stage. Though the longer you hold the button, the weaker it becomes overtime. The power of the Death Tornado will recover if you don’t use it for a while. Side-B - Fruit Bazooka: Crash pulls out his Bazooka from Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped. This allows him to shoot Wumpa Fruit from a distance and deal exceptional damage. Up-B - Jet Pack: Crash whips out the Jet Pack from Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back. Similar to R.O.B.’s Robo Burner and King K. Rool’s Propellerpack, this move allows Crash to freely recover up high in the air dealing no damage to foes. Down-B - Super Belly Flop: Crash gains super armor during this attack as he puts power into this move and slams down to the ground with full force. Functions similarly to Yoshi Bomb and Bowser Bomber because when on the ground, Crash will lift his opponent in the air with them after he hits them, then belly flop down to the ground. - Final Smash - Crash Team Racing (Based on the game of the same name): Crash summons racers onto the battlefield and jumps into his own race-kart. He is joined by various characters from the Crash series along with his girlfriend Tawna and his sister Coco. Everyone does a barrage of Missiles and Bowling Bombs, and finishes the FS by running over the trapped opponents. Similar to Captain Falcon’s Blue Falcon. - Alternate Costumes: N/A(?) - Stage: The fight will take place on one of the beaches in N. Sanity Island. - Soundtracks: There are TONS of songs to pick from the Crash series, so my best guess is to bring in the new arrangements from the N. Sane Trilogy. Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy OST playlist Title Theme / Map / N. Sanity Beach (Outer)

7. KOS-MOS - Xenosaga series / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

KOS-MOS would be one of the best inclusions for Smash. She not only would represent her home game Xenosaga, but also Xenoblade 2 as she’s a guest character in the form of a Blade. She’s the best of both worlds basically. All of her moves can come from both games, and it would potentially work. - Mechanic/Gimmick: N/A(?) - Special Attacks: Most of KOS-MOS’ moves are pulled directly from Xenosaga, with a bit of a mix of aesthetics from Xenoblade 2. Neutral-B - R-Blade: Traps enemies with Hornet-like bullets and performs an attack with a sword arm. Side-B - F-G-Shot (Xenoblade 2): Charge attack similar to Samus’ Charge Shot. After charging, input the command again to fire lasers that scatter. Up-B - T-SKYLLA: Move borrowed from T-elos in Xenoblade 2. Rises upward with a sword slash, followed up with a gun attack. Down-B - R-Hammer: Strike the enemy with a strong & powerful hammer swing. - Final Smash - X-Buster: A black box weapon that has KOS-MOS open up her abdominal region and fires powerful energy beams across the stage. Similar to other Final Smashes like Samus’ Zero Laser, R.O.B.’s Guided Robo Beam, and Mii Gunner’s Full Blast. - Stage: N/A(?) - Soundtracks: Like with Crash and Amaterasu, I don’t know what songs from Xenosaga would appear in Smash. So here are some  Xenosaga Episode I OST Episode II OST Episode III OST - Alternate Costumes: P1 - Default costume, KOS-MOS Ver. 1. P2 - Episode II appearance, KOS-MOS Ver. 2. P3 - Episode III appearance, KOS-MOS Ver. 3. P4 - KOS-MOS Ver. 4 P5 - The Archetype costume. A version of KOS-MOS that went on an accidental out-of-control mass murder rampage in an attempt to intensify the bond between KOS-MOS and Shion. ...But children don’t need to know that since Smash Bros. is for good little boys & girls! P6 - Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Blade appearance. P7 - T-elos, a battle android who is KOS-MOS’ rival of sorts using the reanimated body of Mary Magdalene. P8 - Akin to Shulk’s swim-trunks, KOS-MOS wears a swimsuit. Though it may be slightly altered to keep the age rating be E10+.

8. Sora - Kingdom Hearts series

Sora is one of THE many HIGHLY REQUESTED fighters to be put in Smash Bros., and it’s no small wonder and surprise either given his series’ popularity. Though Sora may be a bit tricky due to that fact he’s both a Disney AND Square-Enix character. While Disney may seem fine with it, trying to convince Square is the real challenge seeing as we already have both Cloud from Final Fantasy and Hero from Dragon Quest. He might be like Cloud where he’ll only get his Japanese voice actor and not his English one, Haley Joel Osment. YouTuber HMK made several videos on reasons why Sora could potentially & possibly make it in to Smash Bros. Take the time to check them out! I will also be mentioning HMK and his selected moveset for Sora in this list. All credit goes to him! WHO OWNS SORA The Dream LIVES ON! Why Sora can EASILY be Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC Sora’s COMPLETE Moveset for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate! If Sora Gets In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate! - Mechanic/Gimmick: If you’ve already watched HMK’s video on Sora’s moveset, he brings the MP Gauge much like Hero to use magic, and could bring the Situation Command mechanic that allows him to build up a meter each time he attacks to use Grand Magic. Once the SC meter is full, Sora can unleash devastating powerful magic on the battlefield based on spells like Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, etc.. Of course if Sora runs out of MP, he has to wait for it to recharge just like in both Kingdom Hearts II & III. - Special Attacks: If you’ve already watched one of the videos by HMK, you may have an understanding and idea on what Sora’s moves could potentially be. Neutral-B - Magic / Grand Magic: Sora shoots magic from his Keyblade. In the process this lowers his MP Gauge, but fills up the Situation Command meter to use Grand Magic without the cost of MP. The Grand Magic is based on the last spell Sora uses. Fire, of course, shoots fireballs and can also be used in combos. Blizzard shoots out a chunk of ice that freezes opponents. Thunder casts lightning bolts surrounding Sora while stunning foes, that stuns them longer the more damage they have. And Aero casts wind that pushes foes away and creates a mini tornado that Sora can jump off of as if he is using a Flowmotion Super Jump. Once the MP Gauge runs out, it’ll take time for it to recharge. HMK mentions this in one of his video. As Sora deals damage and uses magic in his combos, he fills up the Situation Command meter to use Grand Magic. Once it’s full, the player can then press the B button to cast the magic from the last spell he used (EX.: Fire becomes Firaza). Downside is that he loses meter if he takes damage. Side-B - Strike Raid: Sora throws his Keyblade at his opponents akin to the three Links’ Boomerang. The difference is that the player can input this command as many times as they wish allowing Sora to throw his Keyblade multiple times to closely resemble its original mechanic from the first Kingdom Hearts game. The attack gets weaker the more you use it though. Up-B - Flowmotion: HMK mentions this in his video. This can be similar to Pikachu’s Quick Attack, Lucario’s Extreme Speed and Shulk’s Airslash. This move has two different inputs. After inputting this command, Sora enters Superslide in which the player must use the control stick to guide where Sora goes. If the player inputs the command again, it turns into Super Jump allowing Sora to soar even higher, but is only used once. When Sora enters Flowmotion and Super Jump, he can use his Flowmotion Attacks if the player uses the attack button (A). Sora will remain in the Flowmotion and Super Jump state until he lands or grabs onto a ledge. Down-B - Command Magic Select: As HMK mentioned in his video and similar to Hero’s own Command Select, this allows Sora to change and swap between Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, and Aero. Though the downside is that Sora is wide open as he’s standing still choosing a spell, much like Hero. - Possible Final Smash(es) - Combined Keyblade: Sora summons his friend Riku by his side, and together by using their lights they summon the Combined Keyblade. Sora and Riku do a series of sword slashes and deal a finishing blow by imbuing the Keyblade with a beam of light slashing downward on the opponent. Union χ [Cross] (Based on a segment from the Keyblade Graveyard in Kingdom Hearts 3. SPOILER WARNING!): Sora summons the Light Of The Past and rides on a Keyblade tornado as he rushes his opponents through with hundreds of Keyblades. He then finishes the FS with Union χ Burst, launching foes away. Trinity (Based on the final boss in Kingdom Hearts 3. Timestamp at 22:30. SPOILER WARNING!): Sora summons his friends Donald and Goofy (or it could be changed to Riku and Kairi due to copyright and rule of no characters that did not originate from a video game) and by combining their powers together and lending support to him, Sora unleashes a tri-beam from his Keyblade to pierce through his opponents. - Stage: There are many worlds in the Kingdom Hearts universe on where a fight could take place. A few in mind could be Traverse Town, Twilight Town, Daybreak Town, Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden, the Keyblade Graveyard, or Scala as Caelum. - Soundtracks: Hand In Hand (DDD Ver.) Dearly Beloved (New Arrangement to fit Smash Bros.’ high-paced action) Scherzo di Notte (KH2 Ver.) Another Side -Battle Version- The 13th Struggle Working Together (KH3 Ver.) The Other Promise (KH3 Ver.) Deep Anxiety Rage Awakened Wave of Darkness (Phase 1 and Phase 2) Scala ad Caelum - Alternate Costumes: P1 - Sora’s current appearance from Kingdom Hearts III. P2 - One of Sora’s past appearances from Kingdom Hearts II, or potentially based off of Second Form. P3 - Sora’s original first appearance from Kingdom Hearts, or Limit Form Sora. P4 - Sora’s appearance from Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance. P5 - Element Form Sora P6 - Strike Form Sora P7 - Guardian Form Sora P8 - Blitz Form Sora

9. Kazuma Kiryu - Yakuza / Like A Dragon series

Much like Rex and Pyra/Mythra, Kiryu is one of my dream fighters to be in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Though one of my concerns and fears is that Kiryu may not make it into the game due to the fact the Western title of Like A Dragon is called Yakuza, which is of course based on real-life yakuza that are organized crime syndicates and his game series does involve yakuza in more ways than one. So this makes Kiryu a highly unlikely fighter in my opinion. If he doesn’t make it in, I hope a Mii Brawler Costume of him is made as compensation in some way. If they can find a workaround, they could just use the original Japanese title, Like A Dragon and leave it at that. If he does make it, this will make Kiryu the 4th Sega rep alongside Sonic, Bayonetta, and Joker. - Mechanic/Gimmick: His main fighting style is called the Dragon of Dojima, a mix of his three original styles; Brawler, Rush, and Beast which is more refined. He could bring his Heat Action Gauge as the main gimmick. Each time Kiryu deals damage, he fills up the meter which then allows him to use a powerful moves such as curb-stomping opponents. Though the downside is that meter will decrease each time he take damage. When the meter is full, he can enter Extreme Heat Mode when the player presses & holds R+B at the same time. This state dramatically buffs Kiryu for a set period of time until the meter runs out or if Kiryu gets KO’d, just like Joker’s Rebellion Gauge. He also gains super armor in the process. - Special Attacks: Some of Kiryu’s special moves can be based on a mix of his Heat Actions and his abilities. Neutral-B - Heat Actions + Extreme Heat Actions: When a portion of the Heat Gauge is filled and usable, press the B button and Kiryu will activate a random Heat Action depending on the situation. If the player activates Extreme Heat Mode, Kiryu is able to use Heat Actions exclusive to that state when he’s doing combo attacks. If the gauge is empty, this move is useless and Kiryu will just stagger in place. Side-B - Leaping Fist: Kiryu jumps and lunges forward as he strikes the opponent with a powerful punch. Up-B - Rising Tornado: Kiryu uppercuts his foe as he rises skyward. As a recovery move, has more distance than Little Mac’s Rising Uppercut and Simon/Richter’s Uppercut if you keep pressing & holding the B button. Down-B - Komaki Tiger Drop: Kiryu’s counterattack. Similar to Ryu & Ken’s Focus Attack and Little Mac’s Slip Counter, Kiryu will gut-punch his foe that attacks him which causes them to get stunned and tired out. The higher the opponent’s damage, the longer they stay stunned until they fall to the floor tired out. Kiryu also has super armor when using this move. Grab & Pummel: When grabbing opponents, pummelling them and then throwing them, this increases Kiryu’s Heat Action Gauge slightly faster. Throws: When Kiryu grabs his opponent and you input the control stick to throw them, other surrounding opponents near Kiryu take damage from the thrown enemy, making them collateral damage. Taunting: When Kiryu taunts, his Heat Gauge fills up slightly. - Final Smash - Extreme Dragon of Dojima: Kiryu strikes the first enemy he hits, then deals a series of blows and attacks of various punches and kicks, and finally finishes it by striking the enemy with his signature high kick, creating a Kiwami/Extreme (極) symbol with a bright-white backdrop and a shadowy silhouette of Kiryu at the end. This FS is a reference to the box art of the original Yakuza game, and Kiryu’s awakening to the Legend Style: Dragon of Dojima in Yakuza 0. - Stage: The fight takes place in the fictional city of Kamurocho, Kiryu’s home-turf where most of his adventures take place. Much like Isle Delfino, New Donk City and Skyloft, the stage will act as a tour as you go and fight through different corners of this tough city. - Soundtracks: Most of the Yakuza (And Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio games in general) songs have high-paced action feeling songs that gets your blood and adrenaline running, fitting for Smash Bros. Receive You (Original / Tech Trance Arrange / Kiwami ~ Reborn) Funk Goes On (Original / Project X Zone 2 / Kiwami) Receive You ~ The Mad Type Reign Turning Point Push Me Under Water Outlaw’s Lullaby Rebellious Phase Clan Battle Bruise Massive Fire Isolated Fight Kamurocho Fight Bloodstained Philosophy Random Fire Drumfire My Own Style Receive You ~ Dragon of Dojima (SPOILER WARNING!!!) - Alternate Costumes: P1 - Default costume. Grey suit & pants, and open-collared & slight unbuttoned red shirt. Kiryu’s iconic look. P2 - Kiryu’s Yakuza 0 appearance when he goes into real estate business. A white suit with a slight unbuttoned orange shirt. Has a real ‘80s vibe to it. P3 - Kiryu’s red Hawaiian-like shirt from Yakuza 3. The ideal shirt to wear while relaxing in Okinawa. P4 - Kiryu’s wrestling outfit from Yakuza: Dead Souls. P5 - A grey coat Kiryu wears in Yakuza 5 as a taxi driver. P6 - Kiryu with just his red shirt in Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. P7 - Kiryu’s cabaret club manager suit from Yakuza Kiwami 2. P8 - Kiryu becomes shirtless revealing the grey dragon tattoo on his back.

Hi! I'm really interested in reading comics/graphic novels about or featuring the Batkids, and you seem like you know about that kind of thing (or at least more than I do, although it's a low bar), so do you think you could give me some suggestions to get started with? Also, I've seen some DC stuff at the library with "Death of the Family" on it but some is Batman and some is Batgirl and I think I saw a Teen Titans one and are they all connected or something? I'm confused. Thanks!

Yes! I do know quite a bit about comicsin the BatFam area, I just unfortunately can’t recommend anythingthat came out in the last 2 years as I’ve not read it. But 1989-2015I can give LOTS of recommendations.

For the most part any title can be astandalone, but titles do unfortunately get wrapped up in companywide events at times. But if you read the GN rather than theindividual comics they try and keep events to their own combo storybooks and character titles to their own.

This is such a huge list that I’mputting it under the cut so you click to read it instead of everyonegetting spammed with a HUGE list of things…

Here is what I’d recommend:

-Jason Todd as Robin II (Later known asRed Hood): It seems as though the majority of Jason writers presentday neglected to actually read his original issues, because they basetheir knowledge and opinion of him on what readers in the 80’sTHOUGHT of him, and unfortunately at the time many people hatedJason. Much of the hate was for a Robin in general as at the timeplenty of people thought Bruce should be on his own. No Batgirl (seethe Killing Joke) and no Robin. So the hate was for the role ingeneral. And then you had Robin fans that hated him just because theydidn’t want anyone trying to replace Dick’s role even though Dick hadmoved on to Nightwing. Jason as Robin issues are Batman #408-428, andNew Teen Titans Vol2 #19-21, 24, 28-31. I’m sure there were issues ofDetective Comics, but I have no idea which. In recent years much ofthese issues are in GNs but some of the issues are not, so you mayhave to look those up individually to read online or buy them instores with older issues. These GN are- Batman: Second Chances(Batman Issues #402-403, 408-416, and Annual #11), Batman Ten NightsOf The Beast (Batman Issues #417-420), DC Comics Classics Library:Batman- A Death In The Family, Hard Cover (Batman Issues #426-429,440-442, New Teen Titans Vol2 #60-61). this edition of “A Death InThe Family” contains both the death of Jason and the introductionof Tim, which was a story focused around Jason. So it’s a 2-for-1deal. There’s also a GN called Batman: The Cult and Jason’s the Robinwith Bruce in that story as well though I’m not sure where to placethat in the chronology.

-Tim as Robin III (Later known as RedRobin): Tim had an excellent run as Robin. He had 3 mini-seriesbefore he had an entire run of his own that spanned 183 main issues,not counting team ups or annuals. All while also appearing in theother Batman, Nightwing, and Batgirl titles. Plenty of issues werecompany wide tie-in issues but the rest were all put into their ownGNs. Robin: A Hero Reborn (Batman #455-457, Robin Mini-series1 #1-5),Robin: Tragedy & Triumph (Detective Comics #618-621, RobinMini-series2 #1-4), Robin Mini-series3: Cry Of the Huntress #1-6 isnot in a GN that I know of, then the rest of his main run in FlyingSolo, Unmasked!, Fresh Blood, To Kill a Bird, Days of Fire andMadness, The Virtual Cell, Wanted, Teenage Wasteland, The BigLeagues, Violent Tendencies, and Search for a Hero.

Likewise…

-Dick as Nightwing in his solo title(Vol2): 153 issues not counting team ups or annuals. Like with Robinmany of these issues are tied in with company wide events, and therest are in their own GNs. I recommend the 2014-present editions asthey have a bit more in them, better paper/graphics, and are wayeasier to find, but they haven’t remade all of them yet. Nightwing:Blüdhaven, Nightwing: Rough Justice, Nightwing: False Starts,Nightwing: Love and Bullets, Nightwing: The Hunt For Oracle are thenew editions. Continuing from there the older editions are:Nightwing: Big Guns, Nightwing: On the Razor’s Edge, Nightwing: YearOne, Nightwing: Mobbed Up, Nightwing: Renegade, Nightwing: Brothersin Blood, Nightwing: Love and War, Nightwing: The Lost Year,Nightwing: Freefall.

-Batman Knightfall: One of the classicBatman stories, in which the main bad is the villain Bane, whoseriously injures Bruce. This story spans three GNs: Broken Bat, WhoRules The Night, and Knightsend

-Batman Cataclysm: Another classic. Amassive earthquake hits Gotham and decimates the city. This can befound in one GN, thought look for what I think is the 2012 edition ofthe book not the one one as they included a lot of previous cut storyin the newer edition.

-Batman No Man’s Land: FollowsCataclysm. Essentially Gotham is covered in rubble and a massiveterritory war breaks out between BatFam, GSPD, and several separategroups of Gotham’s baddies. It spans 4 super thick GNs in the 2012newer edition (don’t bother with the older editions) but also has areally enjoyable novelization if you would prefer to read it inwritten format!

-Batman Hush: Essentially Bruce vs Hushand sometimes Clayface, and a story that unintentionally set up JuddWinick to bring Jason back to life lol…one GN in more recenteditions but was previously 2 smaller GNs. I do not know if there isa difference but generally larger book versions have a bit extra inthem.

-Batman Under the Red Hood: Jasonreturns as the Red Hood, sending Bruce on an emotional rollercoaster, while Joker and Black Mask end up roped in. Lots of peopleinvolved. Like Hush this come in one or two book format. I have thesingle book format. This story was adapted into an animated movie,one that also takes a few moments from “A Death In The Family”,but the beginning part was highly modified to make it a stand alonefilm, so several key details are removed. I do recommend watching themovie, but after reading both “A Death In The Family” and thecomic version of “Under The Red Hood”, so you get the fullexperience.

-Batman War Crimes, War Drums, and WarGames (WG is three GNs long): this connects into both Robin and RedHood. This is unfortunately where Stephanie (Spoiler, brief Robin IV,Batgirl) “dies” and there’s a massive war against Black mask.It’s five GNs total.

I pretty much have to recommend anyBatman Titled GN that comes after that as it goes more into Hush,Damian comes in and there’s a lot of plot to cover there, Bruce“dies” and the mantle is picked up by Dick, and it was a heck ofride until the reboot happened.

Outside of main Batman titles aroundthat time I have to HIGHLY recommend the following:-Batmanand Robin: Basically Dick and Damian’s team-up book series. Itspanned three GN with Morrison, and one after him totaling four. Wealso got more Jason here, and his sorta Batgirl type sidekickSasha/Scarlet. Admittedly it was weird because Morrison thought itwould be fun to give Jason red hair (something the main version ofJason never had, but had in issues for another version of Jason thatwas scrapped before any issues I mentioned in this post) and bulk himup. But if you can gt around that the actual plot on the Jason endwasn’t too bad and had some gems. But the Dick and Damian interactionand banter is the treasure here.

-Batman Streets Of Gotham: Again moreof Dick and Damian as Batman and Robin. But here we get Thomas Elliot(Hush) who surgically had his face changed to look like Bruce, and hefill Bruce’s public role under very close watch. We also get Damian’slittle friend Colin Wilkes (Abuse) who ends up close to him. He turnsinto a giant bulky rage man good guy :)

-Red Robin: Tim’s new solo series thatstarted after Damian took up being Robin and Dick went from Nightwingto being Batman. It’s 4 GNs long and was amazing. I can’t stress thatenough. I still mourn it ending. You get Tim on his own, you get himgoing up against/working with/outsmarting/impressing Ra’s al Ghul.You get Prudence Wood, one of Ra’s assassins that ends up liking andworking with Tim. You get Tam Fox, and Stephanie, and Conner Kent.

-Batgirl Vol3 (Stephanie Brown asBatgirl): Stephanie came back from faking her death, took back upSpoiler, only for Tim to demand she stop being Spoiler. He shouldhave been more specific, and she DOES drop Spoiler but then becomesBatgirl with previous Batgirl’s (Casandra) blessing lol. Spanned 24issues in three GNs but they are hard to find. Obviously there isCasandra’s run as Batgirl but i’ve never actually read it so I findit wrong of me to suggest it before I have so it’s up to you if youwant to hunt those down as well. But Casandra’s run was 73 issuesVol-1 (7 GN) sand 6 issues Vol-2 (which is in a single GN)

-Teen Titans Vol3 (Tim, Conner, Bart,etc) spans twelve GNs and had its ups and downs, but if you’re a teamfan this is a good series to read.

-Catwoman: A few different runs, andsome stand alone books. They’re all good pre-reboot. Read them ifyou’re a Catwoman fan :)

Now as far as books NOT in the main runof pre-reboot comics I also REALLY need to recommend the following:

Batman Year One: Bruce’s first year asBatman. Also Gordon’s first year on the job. One GN. Awesome and alsoadapted into an animated movie.

-Robin Year One & Batgirl Year One:These come in separate books or both in one big book. The Robin inmention is Dick and the Batgirl is Barbara. Both are fantasticstories.

-Huntress Year One: Huntress’ originstory. This is the Huntress that is NOT Bruce’s daughter from anotherEarth, this is the Mob associated one that was also featured in theTV series Arrow.

Superboy / Robin World’s Finest Three:two tiny GNs that tell the story of Tim and Conner’s first meeting.They end up going against Metallo and Poison Ivy.

JLA: World Without Grown-ups: This is astory spanning again two tiny GNs. Where Tim (Robin), Conner(Superboy), and Bart (Impulse, later known as Kid Flash) team up whensuddenly all the adults are in one dimension and all the underagepeople are in another.

Red Hood: The Lost Days: the story ofwhat happened between Jason’s resurrection and when he came back toGotham in Under The Red Hood. It’s one GN.

There are also some alternate universe stories that came out pre-reboot called Elseworld’s stories. Here are some good ones:

Batman:Brotherhood of the Bat: Alternate Universe what-if type story. Thisstory is if Talia had joined Bruce in Gotham and abandoned her fatherRa’s and his ways. The story is centered around their son, TallantWayne. This was an AU created before Damian entered the comics andthus one of many stories where Bruce and Talia’s son had a differentname. Bruce is dead and Tallant has to face his grandfather. This wasone thin GN but did have a sequel…

Batman: League ofBatmen: takes place after the above and spans two GNs to finish thestory.

Thrillkiller Batgirl & Robin: 3 issue AU where Barbara and Dick are the first vigilantes in Gotham in the 1960′s and go up against a FEMALE Joker. Bruce is a legit Detective. Every bit of this story is PAINTED and it’s amazing. It is followed up by a sequel.

Thrillkiller ‘62: Takes place where the above left off. But now Bruce is Batman alongside ‘Batgirl’. I won’t spoil the events of the above to give goo detail here lol.

Superman: Speeding Bullets: AU where Baby Kal-El crashes into Earth, where he is discovered by Thomas and Martha Wayne. The couple decide to adopt Kal-El, and name him Bruce. Fuses the two characters together. Thomas and Martha still die. “Bruce” becomes a flying Batman and later Superman.Batman: The Dark Knight Returns: Pretty much the most popular and longest AU that DC did. Spans 1 thick GN or multiple tiny ones. Not the greatest of art/setup but still good. Think of this as an AU Future Fic taking place after Jason died and Bruce retired instead of Tim coming along. Then he comes out of retirement to be a total badass. I do NOT however recommend any of the sequels or prequels because they are just BAD. This was adapted into TWO animated films which I honestly think I recommend more than the GNs due to the art.Post Reboot we hit the New 52. It had its up and downs. Nothing BatFam was particularly terrible but very little was amazing. personally the first 4-6 volumes of GNs for any given series was worth a read but not necessarily a buy. I read all the BatFam titles and the only ones that were MEH for me were Catwoman and Teen Titans. Red Hood and the Outlaws wasn’t for everyone, but I personally enjoyed it other than some details like Jason suddenly having magic??? and Kori having some personality issues but I was glas she wasn’t ditzy if that makes sense, and I really loved her character design even if I wish she at least had a touch more clothing on (once she was in a space suit and it was amazing). Suicide Squad isn’t technically BatFam but it had Harley in it in the New 52 and it was amazing even if I hated her visual re-design. Talon was a branch off of a Batman story line, and a specific character got his own title that spanned 2 GNs and was enjoyable.

Past that any Gns involving Batman The Animated Series are great, so are the Young Justice GNs.

I also have a huge love for the Batman Beyond show and Comics, but after the reboot they messed that up too.

This is just going to be jumbled up excerpts I find interesting with a few comments from time to time.

The chapter on the Blood Angels devolving to the Black Rage was just.

This is terrifying and perfect, thank you Mr. Abnett.

My god. I love all of this. The descriptions are so crisp. The sheer horror and pure feral-ness of the rage being so all-consuming is so well executed.

Then we swap to Dorn and Actae and the feeling of "this must end" is very very palpable.

Damn. Just damn. And knowing Guilliman is right there? Excellent. Excellent framing.

And now we get to the war criminal:

Hello weird sickness that will obliterate everything that "does not accept the truth". That's gonna be fun.

I love the "would you rather be part of the genocide or doing the genocide?", it's absolutely hilarious to see in a Warhammer novel. Yeah, no, genocide has been the Imperium's M.O since the beginning, Fo is absolutely correct. I still don't like the bastard, but at least he's correct and acknowledges the abhorrent things he's doing.

He just doesn't care about them.

Flashing over to Valdor trying to kill Abbadon and get to the Emperor, we get this exchange as Erebus is standing with the soon-to-be Warmaster;

I just find it amusing. "Hey, woah, Abbadon is good, but those are Custodes." Damn right those are Custodes.

EREBUS. YOU SNAKE (affectionate).

MAN. Man. I love how this is priming Abbadon to be The Abbadon that we see in modern 40k. Control, not controlled, right, buddy?

And also how Erebus is trying to stand by him the entire time. Hmm. I seem to recall him getting ready to throw that aside at the end of the Word Bearer's trilogy. We'll see if this lasts.

Valiant Solicitations for JULY 2017 – FAITH AND THE FUTURE FORCE #1 | HARBINGER RENEGADE #5 (NEW ARC! “MASSACRE”) | SECRET WEAPONS #2 | And More!

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FAITH AND THE FUTURE FORCE #1 (of 4) Written by JODY HOUSER Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA and BARRY KITSON Cover A by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC Cover B by KANO Variant Cover by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE Variant Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA Blank Cover Also Available

A SPECTACULAR SUMMER EVENT! This summer, every second counts when acclaimed writer Jody Houser (Mother Panic, Star Wars: Rogue One), explosive artist Stephen Segovia (NINJAK, Action Comics), comics legend Barry Kitson (Fantastic Four), and special surprise guests push Faith into a centuries-spanning fight for existence alongside the greatest heroes of the Valiant Universe…past, present, and future!

Faith “Zephyr” Herbert – former member of Unity, current Harbinger Renegade, and Los Angeles’ #1 superhero – is the universe’s last, best chance at survival! Centuries from today, a devious artificial intelligence has unleashed a blistering attack on the very foundations of time…one that is unwriting history from beginning to end! Now, with her options exhausted, Neela Sethi, Timewalker – the self-appointed protector of what is and will be – has returned to the 21st century to recruit Earth’s greatest champions of today and tomorrow to oppose this existential threat…and she needs Faith to lead them! But why Faith? And why now?

This July, fly to the farthest edges of the future in a death-defying race to save time itself, as Faith leads the charge alongside Valiant’s greatest heroes…and becomes a new legend for the ages!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 26

SPOILER WARNING!

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HARBINGER RENEGADE #5 (ALL-NEW ARC! ALL-NEW JUMPING-ON POINT! “MASSACRE” – PART ONE) Written by RAFER ROBERTS Art by DARICK ROBERTSON Cover A by DARICK ROBERTSON* Cover B by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI Cover C by CLAYTON CRAIN Wraparound Variant Cover by MARC LAMING B&W Sketch Variant by DARICK ROBERTSON Gold Foil Linewide Variant by MONIKA PALOSZ

Harvey Award-nominated writer Rafer Roberts (Plastic Farm) and superstar artist Darick Robertson (The Boys, Transmetropolitan) begin THE ROAD TO HARBINGER WARS 2 – Valiant’s seismic 2018 event – right here with a bang that will reverberate throughout the entire Valiant Universe…and claim the life of a major hero!

Toyo Harada’s former protege – Alexander Solomon, a “psiot” with the ability to predict and analyze potential futures – has been waiting for this moment. With the Harbinger Renegades – Peter Stanchek, Faith, Kris Hathaway, and Torque – now reunited as a result of his covert manipulations, his ultimate gambit can now begin. But he’s not the only one who has been watching. Major Charlie Palmer has just re-assigned a new division of the militarized psiot hunters codenamed H.A.R.D. Corps to active duty…and they’re about to bring a torrent of blood and calamity roaring into the streets of a major American metropolis for an all-out firefight.

The Harbinger Renegades. Livewire. Alexander Solomon. Generation Zero. Toyo Harada. Secret Weapons. Imperium. None of them are safe…and, when the smoke clears, a pivotal Valiant hero will become the first sacrifice of the massive Harbinger War that is to come.

*All covers for HARBINGER RENEGADE #5 will ship with a special advisory overlay. 

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 12

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SECRET WEAPONS #2 (of 4) Written by ERIC HEISSERER Art by RAÚL ALLÉN with PATRICIA MARTIN Cover A by RAÚL ALLÉN Cover B by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE Variant Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE Variant Cover by BEN TEMPLESMITH

Fully charged!

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Eric Heisserer, writer of the international sensation Arrival, joins forces with Harvey Award-nominated artist Raúl Allén (WRATH OF THE ETERNAL WARRIOR) for the next electrifying chapter in Valiant’s latest prestige format epic!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PRESTIGE | On Sale JULY 19

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X-O MANOWAR (2017) #5 Written by MATT KINDT Art by DOUG BRAITHWAITE Cover A by LEWIS LAROSA Cover B by DAVE JOHNSON Interlocking Variant Cover by RYAN BODENHEIM X-O Manowar Icon Variant by NEAL ADAMS

Cosmic coup d’état!

New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (DIVINITY, Dept. H) and blockbuster artist Doug Braithwaite (BLOODSHOT U.S.A.) send X-O Manowar charging into a visceral new battle as “GENERAL” continues to transform Valiant’s master warrior!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PREMIUM | On Sale JULY 26

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BLOODSHOT’S DAY OFF #1 Written by ELIOT RAHAL Art by KHARI EVANS Cover A by KANO Cover B KHARI EVANS Variant Cover by BEN TIESMA Variant Cover by RENATO GUEDES NINJAK VS. THE VALIANT UNIVERSE Variant Also Available

Even killing machines need a day off!

For the first time in over 30 years, two nanite-enhanced soldiers once controlled by Project Rising Spirit – codenames: “Tank Man” and “Viet Man” – have finally earned their freedom and some government-sanctioned downtime, courtesy of Uncle Sam. After enduring a lifetime of war, blood, and fore, all these two semi-retired commandos want is a little vacation. But how long can this pair of highly trained tourists unwind and enjoy the sights of New York City… before they find trouble in the city that never sleeps?

Leave the selfie stick at home as rising star Eliot Rahal (DIVINITY III: ESCAPE FROM GULAG 396, The Doorman) and Harvey Award-nominated artist Khari Evans (HARBINGER, Harley Quinn) give these old soldiers the danger-filled day off they deserve…and celebrate Bloodshot’s silver anniversary with an action-packed tribute to the original BLOODSHOT #12!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | ONE-SHOT | T+ | On Sale JULY 5

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RAPTURE #3 (of 4) Written by MATT KINDT Art by CAFU Cover A by MICO SUAYAN Cover B by J.G. JONES Character Design Variant by RYAN LEE Variant Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA B&W Sketch Variant by MICO SUAYAN NINJAK VS. THE VALIANT UNIVERSE Variant Also Available

Beware the lords of the Deadside!

Ninjak and Shadowman have launched an all-out assault against Babel – the ancient being determined to breach heaven – on the dark and decaying battlefields of the Deadside. But are the combined might of sword and shadow enough to stop this biblical force of nature…or will they need the help of an ancient and weary warrior whose power transcends their understanding? And as oblivion inches ever closer to Earth, Tama the Geomancer and Punk Mambo must step out of the darkness and halt Babel’s forces from infiltrating the land of the living as Valiant’s Shadowman-driven standalone event fight on!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 19

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BRITANNIA: WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE #4 (of 4) Written by PETER MILLIGAN Art by JUAN JOSÉ RYP Cover A by DAVID MACK Cover B by JUAN JOSÉ RYP Variant Cover by LEIF JONES Variant Cover by ADAM GORHAM Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON

Death and the deity!

The horrifying truth behind Rome’s grisly string of murders has finally come to light… but will Antonius Axia and his mysterious new partner – the gladiator Achillia – be able to stomach it? It’s a race against the clock to stop a serial killer – who may very well be the vengeful spirit of Apollo himself — before it strikes again! But should Antonius and Achillia fail in their mission, they’ll condemn not only Rome…but those Antonius holds dear as well.

Visionary creators Peter Milligan (Shade, the Changing Man) and Juan José Ryp (BRITANNIA) bring the latest case for history’s first detective to a chilling close…and forever alter the history of civilization itself!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | VALIANT PRESTIGE | T+ | On Sale JULY 19

NINJAK VOL. 6: THE SEVEN BLADES OF MASTER DARQUE TPB Written by MATT KINDT with KEVIN MAURER Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA with MARC LAMING and CAFU Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA

Darque destinies!

Master Darque – the sadistic lord of death and resurrection – yearns to be free once again, but first he must fight for his life. Darque is a target, his powers are weak, and his enemies know it. Now, Darque’s own former pupil and Ninjak’s ruthless arch-nemesis – the lethal assassin known as Roku – has gathered the Shadow Seven together again for the sole purpose of putting Darque down for good. And the only thing holding their uneasy alliance together is a mysterious benefactor from the shadows… someone who also goes by the name Darque…Everything has led to this… Out of the ashes of BOOK OF DEATH, Ninjak and Master Darque will collide in a punishing circle of death, destruction and hellfire!

Join New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (DIVINITY III: STALINVERSE) and blistering artists Marc Laming (Planet Hulk) and Stephen Segovia (UNITY) here for a steel-hardened jumping-on point that will leave Valiant’s seven-time Harvey Award-nominated series forever scarred!

Collecting NINJAK #22–27.

$19.99 | 160 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 12 TRADE PAPERBACK | ISBN: 978-1-68215-211-9

GENERATION ZERO VOL. 2: HEROSCAPE TPB Written by FRED VAN LENTE Art by DIEGO BERNARD with JAVIER PULIDO Cover by JUAN JOSÉ RYP

Zeros to heroes!

Generation Zero managed to survive their first mission, and now duty has called on them to venture deep inside a perilous dimension only known as the Heroscape to see the world through a new set of eyes! They’ll discover their friends’ biggest secrets, their enemies’ darkest fears, and their town’s sinister connection to this imagination-fueled reality. But just because the Heroscape is imaginary, doesn’t mean it can’t kill you… And, from anime-inflected zombie hordes to psychedelic sci-fi warriors, all of Rook, Michigan’s most deeply buried fantasies are about to come roaring out of your daydreams!

Dream big because New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (IVAR, TIMEWALKER) and acclaimed artists Javier Pulido (Daredevil) and Diego Bernard (X-O MANOWAR) are gearing up to send Valiant’s temperamental teenage time-bombs blasting out of the suburbs and into their most grisly adventure yet!

Collecting GENERATION ZERO #6–9.

$14.99 | 112 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 19 TRADE PAPERBACK | ISBN: 978-1-68215-209-6

X-O MANOWAR DELUXE EDITION BOOK 5 HC Written by ROBERT VENDITTI with JODY HOUSER, MATT KINDT, and FRED VAN LENTE Art by JOE BENNET, ROBERTO DE LA TORRE, ROBERT GILL, and CLAYTON HENRY with TOMÁS GIORELLO, ADAM GORHAM, MIKE MCKONE, PERE PÉREZ, and JAVIER PULIDO Cover by MARCOS MARTIN

It’s here! The seismic final volume of X-O Manowar from New York Times best-selling writer and longtime scribe Robert Venditti (Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps) and extraordinary artists Robert Gill (WRATH OF THE ETERNAL WARRIOR) Joe Bennett (52) and Roberto de la Torre (Daredevil), alongside an all-star battalion of writers and artists from across X-O Manowar’s landmark run – now in deluxe, oversized hardcover!

For centuries, the sacred X-O Manowar has stood unrivaled as the universe’s most powerful weapon. Today, will it equal Earth’s doom? An unthinkable alien race known only as The Torment has come to our world in search of the armor’s secrets. Now, they stand opposed by Aric of Dacia – former slave, noble warrior, resolute king, and current master of the armor’s near-limitless capabilities. But are one man…and one weapon… enough to repel a force capable of leveling a thousand civilizations? A whole new era for X-O Manowar begins here…and you won’t believe what’s coming next!

Collecting X-O MANOWAR #43–50, X-O MANOWAR: COMMANDER TRILL #0, X-O MANOWAR 2016 ANNUAL #1, BOOK OF DEATH: THE FALL OF X-O MANOWAR #1, and 4001 A.D.: X-O MANOWAR #1, along with more than 20 pages of rarely seen art and extras!

$39.99 | 368 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 26 OVERSIZED HARDCOVER | ISBN: 978-1-68215-215-7 For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com. For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com

Valiant hits us in the feels with their July 2017 Solicitations!

Valiant Solicitations for JULY 2017 – FAITH AND THE FUTURE FORCE #1 | HARBINGER RENEGADE #5 (NEW ARC!

Valiant hits us in the feels with their July 2017 Solicitations! Valiant Solicitations for JULY 2017 – FAITH AND THE FUTURE FORCE #1 | HARBINGER RENEGADE #5 (NEW ARC!

Valiant Solicitations for JULY 2017 – FAITH AND THE FUTURE FORCE #1 | HARBINGER RENEGADE #5 (NEW ARC! “MASSACRE”) | SECRET WEAPONS #2 | And More!

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FAITH AND THE FUTURE FORCE #1 (of 4) Written by JODY HOUSER Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA and BARRY KITSON Cover A by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC Cover B by KANO Variant Cover by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE Variant Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA Blank Cover Also Available

A SPECTACULAR SUMMER EVENT! This summer, every second counts when acclaimed writer Jody Houser (Mother Panic, Star Wars: Rogue One), explosive artist Stephen Segovia (NINJAK, Action Comics), comics legend Barry Kitson (Fantastic Four), and special surprise guests push Faith into a centuries-spanning fight for existence alongside the greatest heroes of the Valiant Universe…past, present, and future!

Faith “Zephyr” Herbert – former member of Unity, current Harbinger Renegade, and Los Angeles’ #1 superhero – is the universe’s last, best chance at survival! Centuries from today, a devious artificial intelligence has unleashed a blistering attack on the very foundations of time…one that is unwriting history from beginning to end! Now, with her options exhausted, Neela Sethi, Timewalker – the self-appointed protector of what is and will be – has returned to the 21st century to recruit Earth’s greatest champions of today and tomorrow to oppose this existential threat…and she needs Faith to lead them! But why Faith? And why now?

This July, fly to the farthest edges of the future in a death-defying race to save time itself, as Faith leads the charge alongside Valiant’s greatest heroes…and becomes a new legend for the ages!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 26

SPOILER WARNING!

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HARBINGER RENEGADE #5 (ALL-NEW ARC! ALL-NEW JUMPING-ON POINT! “MASSACRE” – PART ONE) Written by RAFER ROBERTS Art by DARICK ROBERTSON Cover A by DARICK ROBERTSON* Cover B by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI Cover C by CLAYTON CRAIN Wraparound Variant Cover by MARC LAMING B&W Sketch Variant by DARICK ROBERTSON Gold Foil Linewide Variant by MONIKA PALOSZ

Harvey Award-nominated writer Rafer Roberts (Plastic Farm) and superstar artist Darick Robertson (The Boys, Transmetropolitan) begin THE ROAD TO HARBINGER WARS 2 – Valiant’s seismic 2018 event – right here with a bang that will reverberate throughout the entire Valiant Universe…and claim the life of a major hero!

Toyo Harada’s former protege – Alexander Solomon, a “psiot” with the ability to predict and analyze potential futures – has been waiting for this moment. With the Harbinger Renegades – Peter Stanchek, Faith, Kris Hathaway, and Torque – now reunited as a result of his covert manipulations, his ultimate gambit can now begin. But he’s not the only one who has been watching. Major Charlie Palmer has just re-assigned a new division of the militarized psiot hunters codenamed H.A.R.D. Corps to active duty…and they’re about to bring a torrent of blood and calamity roaring into the streets of a major American metropolis for an all-out firefight.

The Harbinger Renegades. Livewire. Alexander Solomon. Generation Zero. Toyo Harada. Secret Weapons. Imperium. None of them are safe…and, when the smoke clears, a pivotal Valiant hero will become the first sacrifice of the massive Harbinger War that is to come.

*All covers for HARBINGER RENEGADE #5 will ship with a special advisory overlay. 

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 12

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SECRET WEAPONS #2 (of 4) Written by ERIC HEISSERER Art by RAÚL ALLÉN with PATRICIA MARTIN Cover A by RAÚL ALLÉN Cover B by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE Variant Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE Variant Cover by BEN TEMPLESMITH

Fully charged!

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Eric Heisserer, writer of the international sensation Arrival, joins forces with Harvey Award-nominated artist Raúl Allén (WRATH OF THE ETERNAL WARRIOR) for the next electrifying chapter in Valiant’s latest prestige format epic!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PRESTIGE | On Sale JULY 19

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X-O MANOWAR (2017) #5 Written by MATT KINDT Art by DOUG BRAITHWAITE Cover A by LEWIS LAROSA Cover B by DAVE JOHNSON Interlocking Variant Cover by RYAN BODENHEIM X-O Manowar Icon Variant by NEAL ADAMS

Cosmic coup d’état!

New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (DIVINITY, Dept. H) and blockbuster artist Doug Braithwaite (BLOODSHOT U.S.A.) send X-O Manowar charging into a visceral new battle as “GENERAL” continues to transform Valiant’s master warrior!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PREMIUM | On Sale JULY 26

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BLOODSHOT’S DAY OFF #1 Written by ELIOT RAHAL Art by KHARI EVANS Cover A by KANO Cover B KHARI EVANS Variant Cover by BEN TIESMA Variant Cover by RENATO GUEDES NINJAK VS. THE VALIANT UNIVERSE Variant Also Available

Even killing machines need a day off!

For the first time in over 30 years, two nanite-enhanced soldiers once controlled by Project Rising Spirit – codenames: “Tank Man” and “Viet Man” – have finally earned their freedom and some government-sanctioned downtime, courtesy of Uncle Sam. After enduring a lifetime of war, blood, and fore, all these two semi-retired commandos want is a little vacation. But how long can this pair of highly trained tourists unwind and enjoy the sights of New York City… before they find trouble in the city that never sleeps?

Leave the selfie stick at home as rising star Eliot Rahal (DIVINITY III: ESCAPE FROM GULAG 396, The Doorman) and Harvey Award-nominated artist Khari Evans (HARBINGER, Harley Quinn) give these old soldiers the danger-filled day off they deserve…and celebrate Bloodshot’s silver anniversary with an action-packed tribute to the original BLOODSHOT #12!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | ONE-SHOT | T+ | On Sale JULY 5

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RAPTURE #3 (of 4) Written by MATT KINDT Art by CAFU Cover A by MICO SUAYAN Cover B by J.G. JONES Character Design Variant by RYAN LEE Variant Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA B&W Sketch Variant by MICO SUAYAN NINJAK VS. THE VALIANT UNIVERSE Variant Also Available

Beware the lords of the Deadside!

Ninjak and Shadowman have launched an all-out assault against Babel – the ancient being determined to breach heaven – on the dark and decaying battlefields of the Deadside. But are the combined might of sword and shadow enough to stop this biblical force of nature…or will they need the help of an ancient and weary warrior whose power transcends their understanding? And as oblivion inches ever closer to Earth, Tama the Geomancer and Punk Mambo must step out of the darkness and halt Babel’s forces from infiltrating the land of the living as Valiant’s Shadowman-driven standalone event fight on!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 19

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BRITANNIA: WE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE #4 (of 4) Written by PETER MILLIGAN Art by JUAN JOSÉ RYP Cover A by DAVID MACK Cover B by JUAN JOSÉ RYP Variant Cover by LEIF JONES Variant Cover by ADAM GORHAM Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON

Death and the deity!

The horrifying truth behind Rome’s grisly string of murders has finally come to light… but will Antonius Axia and his mysterious new partner – the gladiator Achillia – be able to stomach it? It’s a race against the clock to stop a serial killer – who may very well be the vengeful spirit of Apollo himself — before it strikes again! But should Antonius and Achillia fail in their mission, they’ll condemn not only Rome…but those Antonius holds dear as well.

Visionary creators Peter Milligan (Shade, the Changing Man) and Juan José Ryp (BRITANNIA) bring the latest case for history’s first detective to a chilling close…and forever alter the history of civilization itself!

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | VALIANT PRESTIGE | T+ | On Sale JULY 19

NINJAK VOL. 6: THE SEVEN BLADES OF MASTER DARQUE TPB Written by MATT KINDT with KEVIN MAURER Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA with MARC LAMING and CAFU Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA

Darque destinies!

Master Darque – the sadistic lord of death and resurrection – yearns to be free once again, but first he must fight for his life. Darque is a target, his powers are weak, and his enemies know it. Now, Darque’s own former pupil and Ninjak’s ruthless arch-nemesis – the lethal assassin known as Roku – has gathered the Shadow Seven together again for the sole purpose of putting Darque down for good. And the only thing holding their uneasy alliance together is a mysterious benefactor from the shadows… someone who also goes by the name Darque…Everything has led to this… Out of the ashes of BOOK OF DEATH, Ninjak and Master Darque will collide in a punishing circle of death, destruction and hellfire!

Join New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (DIVINITY III: STALINVERSE) and blistering artists Marc Laming (Planet Hulk) and Stephen Segovia (UNITY) here for a steel-hardened jumping-on point that will leave Valiant’s seven-time Harvey Award-nominated series forever scarred!

Collecting NINJAK #22–27.

$19.99 | 160 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 12 TRADE PAPERBACK | ISBN: 978-1-68215-211-9

GENERATION ZERO VOL. 2: HEROSCAPE TPB Written by FRED VAN LENTE Art by DIEGO BERNARD with JAVIER PULIDO Cover by JUAN JOSÉ RYP

Zeros to heroes!

Generation Zero managed to survive their first mission, and now duty has called on them to venture deep inside a perilous dimension only known as the Heroscape to see the world through a new set of eyes! They’ll discover their friends’ biggest secrets, their enemies’ darkest fears, and their town’s sinister connection to this imagination-fueled reality. But just because the Heroscape is imaginary, doesn’t mean it can’t kill you… And, from anime-inflected zombie hordes to psychedelic sci-fi warriors, all of Rook, Michigan’s most deeply buried fantasies are about to come roaring out of your daydreams!

Dream big because New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (IVAR, TIMEWALKER) and acclaimed artists Javier Pulido (Daredevil) and Diego Bernard (X-O MANOWAR) are gearing up to send Valiant’s temperamental teenage time-bombs blasting out of the suburbs and into their most grisly adventure yet!

Collecting GENERATION ZERO #6–9.

$14.99 | 112 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 19 TRADE PAPERBACK | ISBN: 978-1-68215-209-6

X-O MANOWAR DELUXE EDITION BOOK 5 HC Written by ROBERT VENDITTI with JODY HOUSER, MATT KINDT, and FRED VAN LENTE Art by JOE BENNET, ROBERTO DE LA TORRE, ROBERT GILL, and CLAYTON HENRY with TOMÁS GIORELLO, ADAM GORHAM, MIKE MCKONE, PERE PÉREZ, and JAVIER PULIDO Cover by MARCOS MARTIN

It’s here! The seismic final volume of X-O Manowar from New York Times best-selling writer and longtime scribe Robert Venditti (Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps) and extraordinary artists Robert Gill (WRATH OF THE ETERNAL WARRIOR) Joe Bennett (52) and Roberto de la Torre (Daredevil), alongside an all-star battalion of writers and artists from across X-O Manowar’s landmark run – now in deluxe, oversized hardcover!

For centuries, the sacred X-O Manowar has stood unrivaled as the universe’s most powerful weapon. Today, will it equal Earth’s doom? An unthinkable alien race known only as The Torment has come to our world in search of the armor’s secrets. Now, they stand opposed by Aric of Dacia – former slave, noble warrior, resolute king, and current master of the armor’s near-limitless capabilities. But are one man…and one weapon… enough to repel a force capable of leveling a thousand civilizations? A whole new era for X-O Manowar begins here…and you won’t believe what’s coming next!

Collecting X-O MANOWAR #43–50, X-O MANOWAR: COMMANDER TRILL #0, X-O MANOWAR 2016 ANNUAL #1, BOOK OF DEATH: THE FALL OF X-O MANOWAR #1, and 4001 A.D.: X-O MANOWAR #1, along with more than 20 pages of rarely seen art and extras!

$39.99 | 368 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JULY 26 OVERSIZED HARDCOVER | ISBN: 978-1-68215-215-7 For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com. For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com

Valiant hits us in the feels with their July 2017 Solicitations! Valiant Solicitations for JULY 2017 – FAITH AND THE FUTURE FORCE #1 | HARBINGER RENEGADE #5 (NEW ARC!

PERTURABO!

Love this. If he thinks he can get victory, he'll do it. Otherwise, absolutely the fuck not.

But also was not expecting to see him mentioned at all. That's a bit of a pleasant surprise. Hello Mr. Iron Hermit, how are you dealing with the existential horrors that is consuming the Solar System?

How very interesting. Love that.

AND THEN WE GET THIS.

Hi. I see that phrasing there.

"An embodiment of absolute obliteration." Hello obliterator.

Dear lord there's so much here. There's SO much here. Perturabo conceiving himself as a weapon, the nature of the athames, the obliterator shit and Perturabo's want for perfection. There's so much. I do not have the proper time to express my thoughts.

[. . .]

I love this so much. I love this SO much. I love how Perturabo is shown here. I love the background of him smashing everything while he's thinking this through for probably the thousandth time this hour. Or this indefinite time period.

I love the framing of him as a weapon, I love the phrasing of "unfortunately, also a son", and how it almost feels like how Caecaltus Dusk feels when the Emperor was using him.

Though the difference is that Perturabo has feelings and wants some recognition and appreciation. Damn.

I'm excited. And I just flipped to the next section and jumped out of my seat.

THIS IS GOING TO BE A TIME.

The Emperor's Installation on the Throne

Spoilers for The End and the Death Vol III, all being put under a cut.

So long, Malcador.

Some Thoughts.

This isn't going to be my comprehensive analysis on The End and the Death Vol. III, this is just going to be my rambly I-can't-sleep thoughts.

Because now that I've had a few hours to sit with everything, the weight of it is setting in.

The Horus Heresy is over. It is completed. Technically, yes, we are still missing Horus's own primarch novel -- ironically enough -- and Eidolon still doesn't have his novel out yet, but the series, as a whole, is done.

Loken is dead. Horus is dead. The Emperor is wounded.

I think the ending was handled very well. It kicks you where it hurts and in a very good way. Loken kneeling beside Horus and speaking of him being surrounded by his sons and his conversation with Abbadon is still getting me, man.

So is the Emperor telling Horus, +I wait for you and I forgive you.+ Fuck me, that hurts. But again, in the best way possible.

I do wonder what that means. It doesn't seem as though Horus got baja-blasted into infinity. "I wait for you". Where do you wait for him? On the Throne? Elsewhere? Wherever Sanguinius and Ferrus may be?

I also am ruminating on the hammering in of "the Emperor could have left the primarchs emotionless and cold, but didn't, and he did so intentionally and willingly". Perturabo wants to be cold and emotionless, but "unfortunately" he is also the Emperor's son. He's still human, somewhere.

But he doesn't have to be. Now that was fascinating. He might obliterator himself, or this might be the door to Perturabo's ascension.

I also liked the use of tarot, especially to contrast Lorgar fucking Aurelian saying that he didn't really like cartomancy. His little section has given me a lot to think over. He was going over a million million little divination techniques, and he was still wrong. And not too too far from Terra.

Taking a vacation and getting flower crowns. Wondrous.

Guilliman showing obsessive-compulsive signs due to the stress and trauma was also a great way to start off the novel. There were a lot of ways that the trauma and stress of this entire conflict were shown and I enjoyed that thoroughly.

The Black Rage was TERRIFYING. That was awesome. I enjoy how it was handled, and how Raldoron coming to his senses was handled. The description of how it infected the Legion like a nail bomb exploding was SO peak.

Oh, speaking of the descriptions, they were nailed here. I loved them immensely. I loved each carefully selected word, I loved how visceral and wonderful each battle was. I especially loved how Horus dies and all we get is,

"And in the end, it’s just a man killing his son with a stone."

Powerful stuff. Really, really powerful stuff.

There's so much in this book. I am so happy to have been able to read it, I am so happy to have been able to experience this series, and I am terribly sorry about this all being a rambling mess. I'll try to be a bit more coherent later on.

Man Loken has me fucked up. Legit tears, man. Genuinely.

AND THEN THIS HAPPENS:

EREBUS???? FIRST ARGEL TAL AND THEN GARVIEL FUCKING LOKEN??????

His body count is kind of insane. OW. Right when I was feeling good feelings, now I have THIS to contend with.

DAMN it.

The Discovery of the Emperor

Spoilers for The End and the Death Vol III. Going under a cut since I'm throwing it in the main tags.