"Follow your heart, not the crowd."

How do you feel about Leosagi?

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 22:33:13 -0400

TL;DR - It's not for me. I tend to not like romance/shipping. There is very little case for it in canon, and in fandom I don't like it when a character is utilized only for romantic/shipping purposes, which Usagi often is.

Read below the page break for details:

[[MORE]]

I tend to not be involved in shipping discourse, and most of the time I do not enjoy romance, whether it be in fandoms or in general media. I especially do not like it when there seems to be no evidence for the romance involved other than the creator wanting the characters to be romantic and deciding from the get-go who winds up with whom without the proper set-up or chemistry.

When it comes to fan ships, the greater the ratio between the amount of a certain ship that I see in a fandom and the amount of actual romantic moments shown in the source media there is, the greater the annoyance I have for seeing said ship.

Usagi doesn't appear a whole heck of a lot in TMNT as a whole. He's there in maybe a handful of episodes at most. Whenever he does appear he is either a much older adult and/or has rather equal screentime with all the turtles. The most Leo-Usagi interactions that can be seen in the franchise is in 2003. Usagi's age in that version is also dubious (but it can be argued either way, and I'm not gonna police a gray area like that). Regardless, their interactions are very obviously not romantic. So, for the canon, there doesn't seem much going for them there.

So this very much is a case of the fandom largely pushing the two swordsmen together. And that's where my initial problem with romance is - I don't like it when a character is created/utilized purely for romantic purposes. This is essentially what Leosagi is (and it's also why I tend to dislike a lot of OCs created purposefully to ship with a canon character). To me that's just bad writing, because you are deciding on the result of the relationship before actually putting the work in to create the romantic dynamic. It feels like the equivalent of a kid smacking their dolls together and saying "kiss". But I digress.

Usagi has his own backstory, his own character, and his own comic. It is a disservice to his character and to the comic that he comes from to essentially ignore that just for romance. Sometimes I get the feeling that folks don't even know that the comic Usagi Yojimbo exists, nor the fact that it is as old as TMNT and has its own separate storyline. I highly doubt most of those shipping Leosagi have actually read them.

Truth be told, I have been getting more and more annoyed at the ship the more and more I see it, because of the above reasons. To be clear, if you want to ship them, that's not my call; do whatever you want. It's just really not for me.

I honestly feel similarly as the author of this post when it comes to the LeoUsagi fan ship. I had the opportunity to meet Stan Sakai, the creator of Usagi Yojimbo once, and I’m actually pretty protective of his creation because of that.

I feel like the only reason fans even bother to draw a Rise interpretation of Usagi is to fuel what frankly feels kinda like a bit of a fetishistic pairing based on absolutely no canon interaction.

To me, a pairing like Sunita and April makes more sense because they have multiple interactions and a lot of chemistry, at least as friends if not more.

It really bothers me when I get people accusing me of being homophobic because I’m not a LeoUsagi fan. I’m queer and I enjoy pairings like Warren Stone/Hypno and April/Sunita because they’ve got decent evidence in the show and good interactions. My OC is bisexual and her sister is a trans woman.

I do understand also why the author of this post isn’t a fan of OCs made for the purposes of shipping. For me, making my OC Michan wasn’t just for shipping (although I do enjoy it). It was because I genuinely wanted to write a character for the Rise universe, and a good deal of my fanfiction explores friendship, angst, found family, comedy, discrimination and personal growth.

The romance I do put in my story takes place over time, has proper development, and while it’s definitely part of the story, it’s not sole focus.

But yeah, not a LeoUsagi fan, sorry.

Aw, thank you! I’m glad you like it! I had a lot of fun drawing Siren. I hope your day is getting…

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 23:42:56 -0400

acutiewithagun:

michan-starweaver:
Hey @acutiewithagun! I heard you’ve been having a rough time and I wanted to start working on digital art again! I whipped up a quick doodle of Siren from the Tactical AU for ya. Sorry if it’s kinda simple.
I just saw this now.
Holy fucking shit! This is incredible, the talent.
I’m gonna go combust for an hour, don’t mind me.

Aw, thank you! I’m glad you like it! I had a lot of fun drawing Siren. I hope your day is getting better. ^ ^

Hey @acutiewithagun! I heard you’ve been having a rough time and I wanted to start working on…

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 16:55:20 -0400

Hey @acutiewithagun! I heard you’ve been having a rough time and I wanted to start working on digital art again! I whipped up a quick doodle of Siren from the Tactical AU for ya. Sorry if it’s kinda simple.

Bad Guys DUN DUN DUN

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 00:03:02 -0400

I finally came up with the main antagonist in my Rise TMNT fic. The main canon antagonist is Big Mama, but I created a villain to help with later issues in the plot.

I won’t spoil everything in case someone wants to actually read my silly story, but a few tidbits:

He’s an owl yokai and a former disciple of Baron Draxum
He’s continuing Draxum’s research and creating new mutants
He’s not actually evil, but his methods are absolutely unethical
His reason for creating new mutants is not inherently evil either.
Lots of Greek/Athenian themes

I see no problems here.

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:43:11 -0400

acutiewithagun:

Friends with benefits.
The benefit is I also act as a maternal figure.
Providing snacks, while also having jackets ready if you’re cold.
Lots of physical affection when needed and praise.
I also am happily willing to listen to your thoughts and feelings.
I’m one of the best types of friend with benefits, it’s purely platonic.

I see no problems here.

I’m also good at being a big-sister figure. Let’s draw up a contract.

That’s awesome! I’m so glad you got some good self-care in and are feeling refreshed. I’m genuinely…

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:40:35 -0400

serious update:
im feeling goodd!
i cleaned my room, treated myself with fancy shampoo n a scented candle n even got some new clothes from a friend of mine!
i still need to get my summer homework done B4 school starts n a few other chores ive been neglecting
but my head is clear n im gonna start working on more chapters n drawings
thanks so much to everyone for the support, lovvveee you!! <33

That’s awesome! I’m so glad you got some good self-care in and are feeling refreshed. I’m genuinely happy for you, and I can’t wait to see what you work on! <3

I just sent out a bunch of RP asks with my brand-spanking new RP blog @ragamuffin-michan. I’m really...

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 20:11:35 -0400

I just sent out a bunch of RP asks with my brand-spanking new RP blog @ragamuffin-michan. I’m really hoping I’ll get some takers. So far I haven’t heard anything.

If anyone is up for roleplaying PLEASE let me know! It can be platonic, romantic, canon or AU, I just want to throw my blorbo at someone. I will HAPPILY rp with other OCs too!

Oh buddy. I am 100% in your boat right now and I know how much it stinks. I have all these plush…

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 20:00:19 -0400

lykaios2:

I have now made a habit out of going to my room and cuddling with my blankets in the middle of the day with no explanation other than I constantly crave cuddles and snuggles for literally no apparent reason

Oh buddy. I am 100% in your boat right now and I know how much it stinks. I have all these plush toys and soft pillows and blankets because I don’t have a cuddle partner.

RP TIME!

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 18:27:54 -0400

Hey folks! I created an RP blog for Michan! I have no idea if anyone is going to actually interact with her, but you’re welcome to check it out! If you wanna RP with my blorbo PLEASE hit me up! I have her standard verse, college AU verse, Future!Verse and Tactical Verse information available. <3

Check her out heeeere!

I’m having a bit of a rough day folks. The good news is that they should be reinstating my food...

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:58:00 -0400

I’m having a bit of a rough day folks. The good news is that they should be reinstating my food stamps so my sister and I should be okay for meals this month. Still gonna try and work towards getting commissions set up to earn a little extra cash.

I kind of want to get into RP with my little Rise OC blorbo, but I’m not sure how to go about it? I struggled for a long time with trying to find RP partners for the other fandoms I was in and I’m not sure I have the heart to get rejected over and over again.

Also, Twitter absolutely sucks. I have no luck on it and no one notices my art no matter how properly I tag it.

acutiewithagun:michan-starweaver: I think the huge issue I have with the yandere turtles is how...

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:21:41 -0400

acutiewithagun:

michan-starweaver:

I think the huge issue I have with the yandere turtles is how easily someone like me could get sucked in by them. I’m anxious, have PTSD and depression, I’m touch-starved and desperately looking to be loved and accepted.
The idea of a good-looking brave turtle dude suddenly wanting to spoil and protect me from the dangers of the harsh world sounds dangerously appealing. Even more so if they declare their love for me and desire for me to be theirs.
So yeah, I think I could be stuck in a stockholm situation with one of them and it’s a bit terrifying. And yet some twisted part of me likes the idea.
I also admittedly have a weird thing for the Feral!Turtles AU, especially Leo. I love when fics and comics write him as being almost nonverbal but super affectionate to those he likes.
I imagine him falling for me and nuzzling me like a puppy and trying to relearn words for me. Almost a Tarzan and Jane situation. It’s problematic but I can’t help but like it a little. : A ;
Is it bad that I either want to roleplay some of this or send some asks some people’s way about both AUs?

But yes about the yandere thing.
I also would suffer a similar fate, minus the Stockholm syndrome. Acearo, so I highly doubt I’ll fall under that.
But at least I’m confident I could escape with no issues, until they convince me to go back with fucking gaslighting and good old guilt tripping.
I can undo most common locks, I know how to drive a plethora of vehicles (never actually done it), and I’m an idiot that has created like five fake identities I could use at my disposal.

Yeaaah I don’t think I’d be able to escape easily honestly. I can’t drive, can’t undo locks, I suck at computers and have way too big an internet presence. Guilt tripping and gaslighting works way too well on me. I’d be in serious trouble.

All I could do at that point is hope I get treated well and that I can somehow convince them not to off my family.

Honestly I think I might end up being the same way? Except I’d be very concerned about being…

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:09:33 -0400

warning: rant abt turtles, im a narcissistic asshole
Keep reading

Honestly I think I might end up being the same way? Except I’d be very concerned about being isolated and possibly losing friends and family members.

Affection and attention tho? Heck yes.

when that day comes and you rise to the streets, you are going to be responsible for amazing things

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:07:14 -0400

noirleo:

when that day comes and you rise to the streets, you are going to be responsible for amazing things

taniadiaz:tiny-wooden-robot: kindnessinink: The only real...

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:04:54 -0400

taniadiaz:

tiny-wooden-robot:

kindnessinink:

The only real OTP

@kippin-art Someday I’ll write that full fic 😅

OMG I want this relationship😔👌🏼❤️. Please adopt meeee

I think the huge issue I have with the yandere turtles is how easily someone like me could get...

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 02:09:07 -0400

I think the huge issue I have with the yandere turtles is how easily someone like me could get sucked in by them. I’m anxious, have PTSD and depression, I’m touch-starved and desperately looking to be loved and accepted.

The idea of a good-looking brave turtle dude suddenly wanting to spoil and protect me from the dangers of the harsh world sounds dangerously appealing. Even more so if they declare their love for me and desire for me to be theirs.

So yeah, I think I could be stuck in a stockholm situation with one of them and it’s a bit terrifying. And yet some twisted part of me likes the idea.

I also admittedly have a weird thing for the Feral!Turtles AU, especially Leo. I love when fics and comics write him as being almost nonverbal but super affectionate to those he likes.

I imagine him falling for me and nuzzling me like a puppy and trying to relearn words for me. Almost a Tarzan and Jane situation. It’s problematic but I can’t help but like it a little. : A ;

Is it bad that I either want to roleplay some of this or send some asks some people’s way about both AUs?

Having some serious anxiety because I found out I lost my food stamps today, and my sister and I are...

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 23:18:33 -0400

Having some serious anxiety because I found out I lost my food stamps today, and my sister and I are really struggling financially.

I may end up opening up for simple commissions soon. I don’t have a business PayPal yet so I’m not sure what to do. I’ll see if I can set something up tomorrow.

Oh my goodness, thank you. I tried hard to make her fluffy and squishable. ; w ;

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 23:11:31 -0400

acutiewithagun:

michan-starweaver:
Finally got around to making a reference sheet for Michan! I don’t have a scanner so unfortunately I had to use my phone camera for this and the quality isn’t great? But I’m so glad I got around to doing this.
If anyone is curious about her colors and such or wants to make fanart, I made a color chart for her in SAI.
I love it so much, she’s so pretty. Little blorbo

Oh my goodness, thank you. I tried hard to make her fluffy and squishable. ; w ;

Thank you for liking my dorky little blorbo. <3

Ooh! Hypno Potomas. Hypno is my absolute favorite.

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 23:06:46 -0400

itsyagurlchip-deactivated-692425:

give me a villain, any villain. or your fav villain from rise. guve. me. oneee.

Ooh! Hypno Potomas. Hypno is my absolute favorite.

Finally got around to making a reference sheet for Michan! I don’t have a scanner so unfortunately I…

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 17:38:00 -0400

Finally got around to making a reference sheet for Michan! I don’t have a scanner so unfortunately I had to use my phone camera for this and the quality isn’t great? But I’m so glad I got around to doing this.

If anyone is curious about her colors and such or wants to make fanart, I made a color chart for her in SAI.

The best ship dynamic is actually just. “I love you and it terrifies me. I’m terrified how much I…

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 17:29:50 -0400

partywithponies:

The best ship dynamic is actually just. “I love you and it terrifies me. I’m terrified how much I need you and how much I want you to need me. I’m terrified I’m no good for you and I’m going to hurt you and ruin you and I’m terrified of how I feel when you’re around me but I can’t bear to push you away completely because I’m terrified to be without you so now we’re stuck in limbo and that’s terrifying too. I’m terrified that if I lost you now it’d destroy me and I’m terrified that it’s too late to do anything about it. I love you. And it’s terrifying.”