Snowflake Challenge: Day Six

[tangeriner]

Challenge #6

In your own space, make a list — anything between one and ten things is a sweet spot, but don't feel constrained by that! - of things that you wish existed in fandom or elsewhere, or that you'd like someone to make for you. Are you dying for podfic of your writing? Do you need icons for a character that doesn't get much fanart? Is there a story you want to read? Are you looking for new canons to get into? Would you like a collaborator for a project?

Maybe you want more people to talk about a certain fandom with, or you'd love to trade ficlets with somebody over email. Maybe you're new to a fandom and would like some recs to start reading, or communities to join. This is the time to ask!

1. More tropey first time/getting together X-Men Comics fic to exist.
2. A comment on any of my fic.
3. More people to talk X-Men Comics (any era) with, either on DW or Discord.
4. Recs or links to rec lists for any of the following: Bodie/Doyle (The Professionals), Brienne/Jaime or Brienne/Tormund (Game of Thrones) or Cullen/Dorian (Dragon Age). Tropey first times/getting togethers appreciated.
5. Non-fannish icons to use when talking about books/reading or movies/watching.
6. More people to participate in marvel_bang.

Comments

[everchangingmuse]

People to talk about X-Men comics of any era, you say?

Hi there! I've been into X-Men comics since high school (late 90s), and Excalibur was my absolute favorite. Something about the lineup and the stories (especially when Alan Davis was doing the art) grabbed me.

I've read (and have access to reread) a lot of the early Claremont X-Men, Whedon's Astonishing, Morrison's run on X-Men, all of original Excalibur, most of original New Mutants, Academy-X, part of Fraction's run, Utopia/Jean Grey school era, X-Men Red, Age of X-Man, and HoXPox. I'm not up to date with all the new comics - the pile of unread new issues is getting bigger each week, sadly - but I'd love to talk any X-Men-related comics.

On a related note, have you heard the podcast Jay and Miles X-Plain the X-Men? Deep dives into the comics, starting from the silver age. I think this week's episode begins the Age of Apocalypse.

[tangeriner]

Hello! I started reading mid-90s, but hard same on Excalibur. I also loved X-Force, but for wildly different reasons. Excalibur was just such a fun romp, and that Alan Davis art ♥.♥, perfect.

I, too, suffer from a pile of unread new issues. I've been keeping up with Excalibur and New Mutants, but falling behind on everything else. What did you think of HoxPox?

And I've heard of it! I tried to listen to one episode, but got distracted by other things. It seems pretty popular, so I'm willing to give it another go, especially if they're talking about Age of Apocalypse. I just finished a reread for a fic I wrote, and I still love it after all these years.

[everchangingmuse]

Alan Davis is one of my favorite artists.

HoxPox was interesting to say the least. I'm curious as to what Rahne is going to think when the *giant spoiler* gets revealed to Krakoa's inhabitants - they can't keep that secret forever. I don't think Rahne's going to be pleased, given events in the Excalibur run, and later. Though a lot more of the then-disparate choices made in the 80s and 90s have been retconned into making sense beautifully. And the art was gorgeous throughout.

I had to double-check at my comics shop that they hadn't accidentally removed Excalibur from my box - I had to pluck new issues off the shelves twice - because I am down for anything related to the Braddocks. I've developed a greater appreciation for Brian and his flaws (his many flaws) over the years, since I've gone back and read the original Captain Britain comics (they're kind of standard till you get to Alan Moore's writing tenure - Jasper's Warp STILL has consequences). I am glad that Betsy is back to being Betsy, and Kwannon is back to being Kwannon. This new Excalibur is fun - and I love that they brought back the Amulet of Right! Betsy gets to be Captain Britain for real this time.

It's really good, and it's helped me to keep track of continuity, and given me lots of recs for story arcs and issues that I've missed. Their last episode was a holiday special, and they covered the first few issues of Generation X, as well as the Generation X TV movie from 1996 (oh, that special....). I haven't read AoA yet. I found a set of the thin special graphic novels with the gold covers at a used book store a little while back for a reasonable price and snagged them, but haven't had a chance to read them yet (story of my life right now).

I am kind of sad that so far the character growth from Age of X-Man hasn't seemed to stick. I would love to see Fred Dukes remember his time in AoX, and Kurt as well! That whole run of books was really well done, and the X-Men story that was playing outside of AoX was interesting in counterpoint. I would love to see more of that come out in the new comics.

[thissugarcane]

These are all v good asks! Bring back #kjcornerrrrrrr 😸 no but really, hmm, marvel bigbang.... it’d have to be specific niche era issues that I actually own, or AU...

this is as close to a Gambit icon as I’ve got.

[muccamukk]

I did a Pros Rec List a bit ago: https://muccamukk.dreamwidth.org/741473.html

[enemytosleep]

I can't help fulfill any of these, unfortunately, but I hope some fun stuff comes your way!

[tarlanx]

I hope you like these:

    
 

[tangeriner]

He is so good. I got to meet him at SDCC in 2011, and I brought my Captain Britain trade for him to sign, which he was kind enough to do so.

Very interesting! Rahne is a particular fav, so I'm very curious as well. Her resurrection moment was very her. (I was SOOOO happy to see her get it and have her back). I think one of the things I loved most about all the retcons were the AHA I KNOW THAT REFERENCES moments for the long-time readers. It had been a tough slog for a few years, so that was nice. And yes! the art!

BRADDOCKS. YES. Brian is a long-time favourite, and I lovelovelove whenever he and Betsy get to spend some time together. And Betsy as Captain Britain is amazing, and I love her. I love all the old school Excalibur flavour in the new title.

I was worried AoA wouldn't live up to my fond memories of it, but it did, and I'm so happy that it did. I hope you're able to find the time! (I say this as I stare at a pile of Gambit trades I got from the library and have yet to touch lol).

Did you see the solicit for the new X-Factor title? Leah Thompson is writing it, and evidently, there will be some Fred Dukes in there!

[tangeriner]

I feel like I must have stuck my head on #kjcorner at some point, but I'm sad I missed out on it. I finally (more or less lol) learned how to converse! And yessss. I feel like niche era issues are under-used in X-Men Comicverse fic. I managed to squeeze out 20k on a one-shot, so I 100% support all niche fic!

[tangeriner]

Weee! Thank you so much! Most of these stories are new to me, and I'm super excited! (And so sad Public Duty, Private Mischief appears to have been deleted, because who doesn't love the undercover in a gay bar trope? :D)

[tangeriner]

The kind thought is definitely appreciated! Thanks!

[tangeriner]

OMG. ♥♥ They are gorgeous! Thank you so so so much! BOOKS.

[muccamukk]

Oh, that's too bad. I really liked Maddalia's stuff. The sequel to that was something I reread often. She must have deleted recently (I wish people would orphan :( )

[tangeriner]

It is a very sad thing! So much awesome fic gets lost to time. I will enjoy the rest of the recs. :)

[tarlanx]

Glad you like them :)

[everchangingmuse]

That is awesome! Glad to know he's a kind person as well as an amazing artist/writer.

I first met Rahne in Excalibur, and then went back to New Mutants, and I adore Rahne. I am glad she's back, too. And, YES for all the reference moments. It's nice to have the "easter eggs" and actually recognize them.

I'm glad that the writers are remembering Brian again. He gets left out sometimes, since he isn't a mutant, but he was a founding member of Excalibur, and his relationship with Betsy is amazing and complicated, and his relationship with Jamie is.... well, Jamie is involved, so it's naturally messed up. I find it interesting that Brian seems to be the only member of his family not to have mutant powers.

That is the best feeling, when things you loved at an earlier time hold up when you revisit them. I'm glad AoA was one of those things. Speaking of Gambit, did you read Mr. and Mrs. X? I LOVED that. Gambit and Rogue were pitch-perfect. I'm a little sad that the newer comics aren't following along with the progress Rogue made during the run in regard to her powers.

I have not, but Leah Thompson writing means that I'm going to enjoy it. I wasn't a fan of Fred until AoX, but his characterization, and his relationship with Betsy, were fascinating. I liked the more thoughtful version of Fred there, and I'd love to see that continued back in the main universe. Same with Glob Herman. I was not a fan of the character when Morrison introduced him, but he's gotten a lot more complex, and a lot more sympathetic, as the stories have continued, and AoX served him really well.

[tangeriner]

Seriously, my heart is so big with love for the Braddocks. (And Rahne!). Thank you for this. I have a lot of Brian thoughts right now, because it is interesting that he's the only non-mutant, and I would like the books to deal with that a little more. I need a full Braddock family reunion.

YES! I READ IT! My Rogue and Gambit feels had been pretty dormant for basically decades, and then that Rogue and Gambit mini came out, and I can't resist a good fake marriage trope. And then it continued into an ongoing, and I was so happy for them (and me, to read it haha). Basically my only grip with the new books is how much recent stuff was ignored.

The X-Tremists was definitely my fav title of the AoX books, and I did like the development of their relationship (and him, who I also wasn't much of a fan of). And hard same with Glob Herman. I love what they've done with him.

[thissugarcane]

That's so funny because I totally thought you, after that first dexcon, were the one that said hey come hang out in IRC! [insert shrug emoji] Niche era X-men... one of my faves was the weird Revolution ones in, oh. *checks* 2000? Where Gambit and Rogue are both leading a team, and Gambit's is weirdly full of telepaths that either hate him or lost a husband, and Rogue's is... Logan and Betsy and that's it? IIRC. It was a weird and wonderful time of terrible actual plot but pretty intriguing not-superhero-ness. Claremont's return, that kind of sank. but. I think Gambit's team was supposedly doing sort of spy things, and Rogue was holding down the fort in Westchester. Also they weren't angsty and weird, just together.

--oh hey, that's Ellis's short run on X-Force too (which was bizarre but had Pete Wisdom ALSO leading a team who sort of hated him, and then he--died? I think? IDEK). it was an interesting concept done very poorly.

ETA: I have remembered why I think fondly on this weird six month period: Alestar's Pete Wisdom fanfiction. nevermind. carry on.

[tangeriner]

Entirely possible tbh. My memory about life events is not great (but hey, I can tell you the heights and weights of all my favourite mutants and hockey players, thanks brain). And holy smokes! I don't even remember that niche era (I was in university and not buying comics), but it sounds amazing!

And I'm not even sure I ever read that X-Force run, because I was still extremely salty about Rictor and Shatterstar not being in the title (I hold a grudge and hate lineup changes lol), but now I'm tempted! Or maybe I'll just go see if I can find any of Al's Pete Widsom fic, because I do remember reading that and loving it. :D

[thissugarcane]

My memory for life is exactly the same, so who knows. And the x-force run... I don’t know if you’d like it, I don’t even know if I’d call it good, but it was interesting watching Pete Wisdom burn things down and everyone else be all “welp Cable left so *shrug* sure?” It’s also only, what, seven issues before Ellis got the boot iirc. Revolution weren’t good comics by any stretch but they were interesting in a few ways.

[tangeriner]

I have this vague, long-term plan to actually read every X-comic, so I know I will get to it eventually, and I have some sort of strange Pavlovian response to Pete Wisdom where, wherever he shows up, my day is instantly better for it.

[thissugarcane]

He’s kind of a complete twat IIRC in this, but.... that’s pretty in character so. After he dies or quits or— honestly I can’t remember? Domino take some over and it gets less stylized and a little less like spider Jerusalem is running an x-team.

He might have been sleeping with Tabitha? No, wait, no— maybe? They were weird issues.

[tangeriner]

How I know I have read too many X-Men comics: I am nodding along with everything, because yes, from a comics perspective, all of these things are entirely possible. lol

[thissugarcane]

I think....... the actual plot was "stop some blowing-things-up-terrorists"? or. uh. Like, the idea was X-Force was doing "normal crime fighting" with powers, because the mutants on the team weren't as powerful but did mostly have black-ops training. or. something. [insert shrug emoji]

[tangeriner]

Hmm. That actually explains something. Marvel's always been, with latter X-Force, they're all edgy and serious, and I would look at the 90s team and be all, "... sure, if you squint, I guess."

[thissugarcane]

Yep, that’s probably all from Ellis. Or a chunk of it anyway.

[honigfrosch]

Uh, hi! I'm a total stranger who searched Dreamwidth for the latest entries on Dorian Pavus and that's how I found your post. I hope it's okay to barge in for your wish #4? Yesterday I found this amazing Cullen/Dorian fic. I almost supect you're already aware of it because I got it from Pinboard's "Popular Bookmarks: Fandom" feature so I assume that everyone and their dog has read it...

This Song Is About You, by susiecarter
Choice quote:
"He tried not to look, at first. He did. It was—they were friends, almost. Or at least Cullen hoped so. Dorian seemed to enjoy board games very much, well enough to have agreed to play every single time Cullen managed to work round to asking him; but he employed that mild drawling charm of his right and left, with everyone from Chantry sisters to kitchen boys. It was almost impossible for Cullen to tell whether he liked anyone, or disliked them, except on the rare occasions he'd been pushed far enough to get that particular way he got—glittering, disdainful, words as smooth as ever but wickedly sharpened at the edges."

[tangeriner]

Oh, wow, thank you so much for the rec! It is definitely okay! I have not read this one, and just reading the summary, it looks like it's right up my alley. I'm a sporadic reader that relies heavily on recs, so you just made my day! Thanks again!

[honigfrosch]

Yay, that's great! I'm kind of like you, I don't read that much... but sometimes a piece of media or a specific pairing catches my eye and I go looking. In fact, yesterday I decided it's time to create a comm to collect and properly tag my fannish bookmarks, because in addition to the new ones I also managed to log into my old-as-balls Pinboard account with fic recs from around 2007-2009, and I hate cluttering up my regular journal with too many tags. But I digress! Guess what...

...I found another one! And it's SO GOOD. It's long, it's the slow burn to end all slow burns, written from Cullen's perspective. He's still his sullen, not-good-with-words self in this, but also a romantic (not in the kitschy or cute modern sense of the word, but the propensity for tragic love, feelings that are bigger than the person, that sort of thing.) There's also a moment where Dorian gifts him with a book that's basically a scholarly fanfiction anthology. And the aftermath of Dorian's confrontation with his father is included! And the characterisation is EXCELLENT! Gah, I love it so much, and I had difficulties deciding on a quote because the dialogue is ALSO EXCELLENT.

Cold Hands, Warm Heart, written by spicyshimmy and stonelions

"Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath. I couldn’t believe my ears when they announced you. Is that all of it?"

"Yes, that's quite all."

Dorian swallows the last gulp in his glass and signals for a refill. "Cullen. Stanton. Rutherford. It's a mouthful. Very blond, somehow. Does that make sense?"

"You only say that because I'm blond," Cullen replies.

"No, no," Dorian waves his hand, as if tossing away the notion literally. "It's the mouth feel. Starts off with a bite, smooths over in the middle, and leaves with a rounded finish. Pleasing. Like a fine beer."

"Pleasing, hm." Cullen stares at the dregs of his drink. "I fear I'm anything but."

"Ah, see? Bitterness! A fine beer indeed."

~*~

In a nutshell, turns out I a) love Dorian and b) really like Cullen/Dorian! (Opposites attract, and all that.) So if it's alright by you, I might stop by occasionally and share my discoveries.

[tangeriner]

Ahhh, sorry so much for the late reply! I got really sick during January and am just finally getting my shit back together again. I loved the first rec you gave me, so I'm looking forward to this one as well! Thanks! Please feel free to stop by with Cullen/Dorian recs any time. I love those guys. ♥.♥

[honigfrosch]

Oh man, I am so happy I found you again! Ages ago I made the mistake of closing this tab and couldn't remember your username, and I also couldn't find anything from our comments in my email folder, because - and I swear this is the sad truth - for MONTHS I didn't even notice that my email search function was set to exclude the email's actual BODY OF TEXT. Lo and behold, as soon as I changed that setting and searched for "warm heart", this thread showed up.

(I am so going to friend you after hitting "post comment".)

So! Unless you have fallen out of love with those guys, feel ready to rejoice, because I have a lot of recommendations lined up like little ducklings. And considering we started out with slow-burns and romantic pining, how about a change of pace: Porn With Feelings?

Checkmate, by Kauri.

Not only is this hot and so vividly written, describing orgasms and cocks in ways that I only wish I could ever aspire to... it's also full of insight into both Dorian's and Cullen's psychologies, and has a wicked sense of humour. Dorian's point of view is sharp, playful, but always wounded underneath, daring to hope even while he chastises himself for it, and the sex they are having is the armor he wears although he feels increasingly that the battle is already lost.

And it's one of two fics that are teasing me so very, very cruelly with some throwaway sentences that need, NEED their own story.

“I’ve never done this before.” Cullen admits, almost apologetically.

That omission sends bolts of arousal riding up the insides of Dorian’s thighs. His cock throbs heavily. “Have you ever been with a man?” he asks.

“Once,” Cullen says hoarsely. “But, we didn’t… He was, um… at a… at a brothel in Kirkwall, just before everything went sideways. I had his arse.”

What a lovely idea.

“And has anyone ever had yours?”

Cullen shakes his head, swallowing hard.

[tangeriner]

Many apologies for my late reply! I kinda got super quiet fannish-wise! Thank you for searching me out! I friended/followed back!

And still totally into Dorian/Cullen. Porn with Feelings is a particular fave of me, so this is an extra welcome rec. Also, may they play games of chess with each other forever. Thanks for the rec! I quite enjoyed the story!