Have You Guys Noticed A Lot Of "Our Future Was Stolen And Ruined" Content Recently?

Pokémon anime characters as Warrior cats

This is something I do a lot, imagine what my favorite characters would be like if they were Warriors. So with out further ado, here is PokeClan (don’t mock me). Leader: Ashstar (warrior name Ashfire)/ -Ash Ketchum- gray tabby tom with amber eyes Deputy: Mistystream/ Misty - ginger she- cat with green eyes Medicine Cat: Rockheart/ Brock - Black and Brown tom with gray eyes Warriors: Shrewwatcher/Tracy Sketchit - Black tom with green eyes Maplewing/May - reddish brown tabby she-cat with blue eyes Dawnshine / Dawn - pale gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes Irisleap/ Iris - Dark lilac she-cat with amber eyes Chiveleaf/ Cilan- place gray tom with green eyes Lightningspark/Clemont- light golden tabby tom with blue eyes Honeyflower/ Serena - golden tabby she-cat with blue eyes Lilysnow/Lillie - white she-cat with light green eyes Mallowleaf/Mallow- gray she-cat with lighter and darker patches Lightspark/ Sophocles- ginger and white tom with yellow eyes Brookwater/ Lana - blue- gray and white she-Cat with blue eyes Smokeblaze/ Kaiwe- brown, ginger, black and gray tabby tom with amber eyes Apprentices: Marshpaw/ Max- dark gray tom with green eyes Daffodilpaw/ Bonnie - light golden tabby she-cat with blue eyes Elders: Oakfoot/ Professor Oak - gray-brown tabby tom with yellow eyes

May you fight the good fight!

(Arcane x Star Wars)

Love this!!

Debunking more myths in the GFFA: the Jedi and the clones.

I wrote a post debunking the various myths about how “the Jedi condone slavery”, a while ago. Something I had omitted (because it’s such a big topic) was the following two statements that concern the clone troopers’ relations with the Jedi:

“The clones were genetically bred to have accelerated growth, so they’re technically child soldiers.”

“The clones were slaves of the Jedi.”

Both the above statements are inaccurate, let’s explore why. 

“The clones were child soldiers”

Let’s get the easy one out of the way first, because it’s a logic that cuts both ways. If age is our only determination of the maturity of a Star Wars character, then Grogu is not a baby. He is aged 50, and is thus a middle-aged man.

Who cruelly eats the babies of a woman…

… and knowingly tortures animals for his own sadistic pleasure.

Of course, I’m kidding. Grogu’s none of the above things.

The narrative frames him as a cute baby who does innocent baby stuff. Him eating the eggs is played off as comedic, as is him lifting with the frog. To this day, some fans still call him “Baby Yoda”.

Conversely, despite the clones being 10/14-years-old, their actions, behaviors, way of thinking, sense of humor, morals etc, are all those of an adult.

Like, Ahsoka is technically older than Rex in this scene.

The scene doesn’t portray them as peers, though. This isn’t written as “a teen and a tween talking”. No, Rex looks, acts and behaves like a grown-up and is thus framed as such by the narrative.

You can make the argument “they’re child soldiers”, but (unless you’re doing so in bad faith) you’d also have to argue that “Grogu’s an adult”.

“The clones were the Jedi’s slaves”

Nope. For all intents and purposes, they’re in the same boat as the Jedi, who George Lucas stated multiple times had been drafted to fight in the war.

Again: both the Jedi (monk/diplomats untrained for fighting on a battlefield) and clones (literally bred en masse only to fight) are being forced to fight by Palpatine and the Senate.

Though, on paper, the clones were commissioned by Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas, it was actually done by the Sith (who either manipulated or assassinated Sifo-Dyas then stole his identity, depending on the continuity you choose to adhere to). The rest of the Jedi had no idea these clones were being created.

So while the clones are slaves… they’re not owned by the Jedi.

They’re the army of the Republic, they belong to the Senate. This isn’t exactly a scoop, they refer to the clones as something to purchase…

… and manufacture.

As far as the Senate’s concerned, clones are property, like droids. 

Like there’s a whole subplot in The Bad Batch about this very point: after the war, the clones are decommissioned and left out to dry because they literally have no rights, they served their purpose.

The only trooper to ever canonically blame the Jedi for the clones’ enslavement is Slick, who the narrative frames as having been bribed and manipulated by Asajj Ventress into betraying his comrades.

Also, the only canonical Jedi shown to ever be mean, dismissive or mistreating the clones in any way, is Pong Krell.

And it’s eventually revealed he’s in fact a full-on traitor, hence why the story frames him as an antagonistic dick from the moment he’s introduced. He doesn’t represent the Jedi in any way.

We know this because the other Jedi we’ve been shown are always prioritizing their clones’ lives over theirs, if given the chance.

Finally, if we wanna get even more specific… as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the clones belong to Palpatine. 

Palpatine who is a Sith Lord. 

Palpatine who arranged for the creation of the clones and had them all injected with a chip that would activate upon hearing a code-word…

… and forced them to murder their Jedi without hesitation or remorse.

When you bear all that  ⬆️  in mind and when you read this quote by George Lucas…

“The Jedi won’t lead droids. Their whole basis is connecting with the life force. They’d just say, ‘That’s not the way we operate. We don’t function with non-life-forms.” So if there is to be a Republic army, it would have to be an army of humans.”    - The Star Wars Archives: 1999-2005, 2020  

… narratively-speaking, everything falls into place.

Sidious knows that:

If he orchestrates a war designed to thin the Jedi’s numbers, corrupt their values and plunge the galaxy into chaos…

If he wants to draft the Jedi - peace-keeping diplomats who’d never willingly join the fray - to fight in his war…

… then the only way they won’t resist the draft and abstain from fighting is if they think joining the conflict will save lives.

So he creates a set of cruel, sadistic villains for them to face, opponents who will target innocent civilians at every turn…

… and instead of lifeless droids, he prepares for the Jedi an army of men… living, mortal people who, despite being well-trained, will be completely out of their league when facing the likes of Dooku…

… Ventress…

… Grievous…

… Savage Opress…

… or the defoliator, a tank that annihilates organic matter.

Thus, in order to save as many clone and civilian lives, the Jedi join the fray despite knowing that doing so will corrupt their values. 

And as the war rages on, a bond of respect is formed between the two groups.

Clearly, the Jedi don’t like the fact that the Republic is using the clones to fight a war, but for that matter, they don’t like being in a war, in fact they advocated against it.

However, it’s happening regardless of their issues with the idea or personal philosophies. Said The Clone Wars writer Henry Gilroy:

“I’d rather not get into the Jedi’s philosophical issues about an army of living beings created to fight, but the Jedi are in a tough spot themselves, being peacekeepers turned warriors trying to save the Republic.”

And bear in mind, the Jedi are basically space psychics, the clones are living beings that they can individually feel in the Force… 

… so the Jedi feel every death but need to move on, regardless, only being able to mourn the troopers at the end of every battle.

We see this in the Legends continuity too, by the way.

(that is, when the writers actually try to engage with the narrative)

Also, if you ask the clones, they’re grateful the Jedi have their backs.

When Depa Billaba voices her concerns about how the war is impacting the Jedi’s principles, troopers Grey and Styles are quick to make it clear how grateful they all are for the Jedi’s involvement:

So the clones aren’t the Jedi’s slaves. If anything, they’re both slaves of the Republic (considering how low the Jedi’s status actually is in the hierarchy).

Only I’d argue the clones have it much, much worse. 

The Senate sees the Jedi as “ugh, the holier-than-thou space-monk lapdogs who work for us”… but a Jedi has the option to give up that responsibility. They can leave the Order, no fuss or stigma. 

A clone trooper cannot leave the GAR! If they do, they’re marked for treason and execution. Again, they’re not perceived as “people”.

And it doesn’t help that the Kaminoans, the clones’ very creators, see the troopers as products/units/merchandise. A notion that the Jedi are quick to correct whenever they get the chance.

How The Clone Wars writers describe the clones’ relationship with the Jedi.

Keep reading

Voltron season 7 review

Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Paladins have finally returned to Earth, the Galra are not as big as a threat as they once were and everyone has reunited with their loved ones!!!! Well, almost everyone... I was seriously not expecting Adam to die before Shiro came back to Earth. I was expecting a confrontation between the town ex lovers but now that’s not going to happen...😥 On a happier note, the Holt, McClain and Garett families are back together and it was beautiful .💚💙❤️💛 Everything seems to be going nice and smooth, but I personally believe that Lotor and Haggar are behind that new weapon that had the Altaian.

❤️💛💚💙💜🖤🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

I know so many people are hurting right now. I know so many people are struggling with all sorts of aspects of emotional onslaught S8 left them with. I get it. I do, and I am so sorry you are struggling right now. I wish I could speak some magical words or take some magical actions that would resolve your pain, but sadly I can’t.

All I can offer you are these words. Words which I’ve taken so deeply to heart.

For my~~~

Allurance Shippers: You loved this ship and created this ship before it was canon. You can still love and create this ship. It’s OK to be devastated. It’s OK to feel slighted and betrayed, but what’s not OK is stopping your creations. Turn your pain into beauty. Keep shipping. Keep creating. Nothing stopped you before, nothing should stop you now.

Sheith Shippers: I love you all. I know you feel betrayed at the moment. So many events led you to believe that Sheith could really be canon, you were misguided and disserviced. Your anger and pain is justified, but do not stop creating. You shipped Sheith with no canon proof of its existence. You grasped onto small moments and turned them into beautiful stories and art. The lack of canon Sheith prior to S8 did not stop you from creating before, it should not stop you now.

Allura Stans: I am so sorry for your loss. We’ve all felt this so deeply, but canon does not direct your creations. Keep writing. Keep drawing. Keep Allura alive through your creations. It’s the least she deserves. Don’t give up on her.

Shiro Stans: Shiro has suffered since the beginning. If you feel his ending was stifled and dishonest, it’s ok. Shiro has always deserved better. The most wonderful thing is that you can create a better world for him. Do not stop creating him. He can live happily, in whatever way you feel he best deserves, through your work.

And to everyone else that is feeling betrayed, misguided or is hurting in any way from S8, for whatever reason. Just remember to be safe. Remember to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. Remember to not give up. Remember to keep creating. Our fandom does not need to be filled with hate and anguish right now. We may not be able to change canon, but we can create whatever we want.

And always, always remember: Patience Yields Focus.

I love you all.

Cienie's Star Wars sidenotes

While doing research and writing down the last pieces of Funeral Rites of the Clone Troopers, it became even more clear how The Clone Wars animated TV series did a great disservice to Jedi, especially in the context of medical care for clones.

TCW has clone medics, both as part of combat units (e.g. Kix from 501st Legion) and working apparently in the medcentre as sometimes was presented on the screen.

The role of doctors treating wounded troopers was given to Kaminoans (Nala Se) and droids and sure, those two groups were part of the whole GAR’s medical system in the Legends too. However Jedi Healers (doctors), as far as I remember, were seen treating mainly other Jedi like Yoda

and even then TCW barely paid attention to force healing as an important skill. 

The research about medical care for clones gives a pretty drastic idea of what was happening during and after battle which is understandable why the show destined for younger viewers didn’t go into full details about triage of wounded but considering how many dark themes were put in the same show, I dare to say not showing medical care provided by Jedi or common Republic doctors and nurses (who btw are a rare example of republic citizens conscripted into army during the war) actually is unfair. The show reduced one very important aspect of Jedi - they weren’t just generals and commanders either sending or leading troops into battle, they also provided medical help, whether they were specifically trained at healing or not. 

In Legends, we could see Jedi Healers assisting the army on various occassions, working in triage area like in Republic comics series:

The triage unit, where Jedi healers labor to save the lives of the wounded, was set up safely behind the line of battle. But as the fortunes of war shift, so do the battlelines.

and worrying first about wounded even in the face of serious danger

Master Saa! We’re cut off! There’s no way to get the wounded out!

and searching for survivors

Master Saa is hurt! She pulled the trees on top of us for protection...

and working in hospitals

Follow me Skywalker. We have much healing to do. The Jedi sickbay, where we treat the most severe injuries. And our own, of course. Master Offee has saved countless lives. She seldom leaves her post to rest. But we all work long hours.

Not to mention the whole Medstar duology dedicated to padawan Bariss Offee, doctors and nurses serving in Republic mobile hospitals close to frontine - and yes, forever I’m gonna be bitter about how TCW/New Canon treated the most iconic Jedi Healer.

(The cover art for Medstar: Jedi Healer by Dave Seeley)

When padawan Skywalker arrived at New Holstice with his troops, he was immedialy called to assist in the nearest sickbay

“Are you injured, master Jedi?”

“Not really, no.”

“Good. You can make yourself useful by heading to the nearest sickbay. We need all the Jedi healers we can get...”

and for context, this is Anakin two days after after Jabiim, one of the worst war campaigns Republic experienced so far, the solely survivor of Jedi Pack traumatized both by the loss of his comrades and what happened on the planet and forced to make a devastating choice is literally told to get at work ASAP because every Jedi in between assignment was working here hard to heal the most wounded..

Though no healer himself, Anakin even force-healed injured trooper on battlefield to stop him going into shock:

Supporting the commando trooper with his left arm, Anakin warded off blaster bolts on the run. The rest of Squad Seven supplied cover, blowing STAPs out the sky with uninterrupted fire. Cody motioned everyone into a shallow irrigation trench just short of the mound. By the time Obi-Wan arrived, the troopers were deployed in a circle, and continuing to pour fire into the sky. Anakin slid into the trench a moment later, lowering the commando gently to the muddy slope. Squad Seven’s medical specialist crawled over, removing the commando’s ravaged utility belt and deeply dented helmet.  [...]

The harvester’s pincers had crushed the armor into the commando’s abdomen. His skin was intact, but the bruising was severe. With only half the original army of 1.2 million in fighting shape, the life of every clone was vital. Blood and replacement organs - - what the regular troopers referred to as “spare parts” - - were readily available - - “easily requisitioned” - - but with the war reaching a crescendo, battlefield casualties were on the rise and treated as high priority.

“Not much I can do for him here,” the medspec told Anakin. “Maybe if we can get an FX-Seven air-dropped - - ”

“We don’t need a droid,” Anakin interrupted. Kneeling, he placed his hands on the injured commando’s abdomen and used a Jedi healing technique to keep the clone from going into deep shock. [Labyrinth Of Evil]

(and included request for evacuation of the wounded trooper when Cody called for artillery support)

In Republic comics series alone we could see Jedi showing concern for the wounded troopers at various moments, putting their well-being as priority:

or helping (healing) wounded enemies:

And I won't lie, it is frustrating how Legends, especially Republic comics series that had around 40 issues put so much pressure on Jedi Force healing and how Jedi care for wounded troopers while The Clone Wars (New Canon) that lasted for decade or so kinda ignored the issue? Which is unfair to Jedi and clones alike. The first are presented as less caring, at times indifferent? the latter deserved to have all the available medical help, not just Kaminoans and droids.

you ever just sit and realise u can’t remember 80% of your childhood? like … what happened? who am i ..?

Debating if it's funnier if Cody knows Obi-Wan has a nine-year-old (almost ten-year-old) child and doesn't tell his vode about it until Cal literally walks off the ship with Ahsoka on Christophsis. (In which case, Cody meets Cal (and Obi-Wan) for the first time on a medical transport right after Obi-Wan & Anakin's fight with count Dooku. )

Or, if Cody also had no idea the general had a child, and it's even more of a shock when a literal nine-year-old (almost ten-year-old) and a fourteen-year-old report for duty as the new Jedi commanders. And boy, does he have some words for the general about this new development of putting literal children into a war zone. (That last one happens regardless of the path I go with.)

Part of me wants to put Cody there early, just so he can take one look at Cal sitting beside Obi-Wan's bed and immediately decide; if anything happens to this child, I will kill everyone in this room.

But on the other hand, If Cody never met him before, and Cal is an absolute little shit that gets himself in so much trouble, it could be very funny to have Cody be the person who constantly has to get Cal out of trouble. And a father-son bond gradually develops between the two.

Or a mix of those two where it's either Cody likes both Kenobi's (Don't you dare badmouth either of them), but kriff him that kid gets into so much trouble. (And his parent isn't much better).

Or the other mix, Cody likes Obi-Wan, not too sure about this gremlin child that's hiding in vents, causing mayhem, but kriff he is very cute when he's asleep, or when he comes up to him with random stuff he's found.

I am in dubio on what would work better.

Incredibles 2 review (kinda spoilers)

Just saw Incredibles 2 yesterday and it was 💯 % worth the wait!!!! Every bit of it!!!! The animation was beautiful the story was awesome and the action was everywhere!!!!

Now to get into the feels of this movie. Honestly the movie itself didn’t really make me cry, but there were a lot of emotions going around in me when watching it. You feel happy and excited with Helen taking on the superhero life and saving the day and you feel like laughing at Bob when he is trying to figure out being a stay home parent. “Math is math!!”

One thing I noticed about Helen returning as Elastagirl is that she is relatively better at being a superhero than her husband. I don’t think that this means that she is a better superhero than Bob period. I think that we are seeing Elastagirl at one of her highest points, and we see Mr. Incredible at one of his lowest when we saw him in the first movie. In the first movie, Mr. Incredible felt reckless and cheated at the prospect of being forced into retirement, and because of that he he made a lot of rash decisions (such as collapse a burning building). In this movie, however, we see Helen is laser focused on her job at hand and because she thinks everything is okay at home with her family, she doesn’t feel reckless and so she feels no need to worry.

So I don’t feel like Elastagirl is better the Mr. Incredible, I feel like she she is just more focused at it because she feels like her family and situation is secure.