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Sunday, January 12, 2014

Harley Quinn Month - Mad Love & Why Do We Make Art?

 Why do we make art? You could say we make because we must. I, though, make it hoping that someday it will be the loan means to my survival. ----A Love Letter to Myself

We have finally come to a piece of art that has a deep, personal connection with me on so many levels. I admire the story of Mad Love not only for its introspection on the character Harley Quinn, but for the tragic, cautionary tale it spins about falling in and out of love. Mad Love is the graphic novel and episode of Batman: The Animated Series that recalls the past history of Harley Quinn, how she became who she is, and what her actions did to influence her current Gotham status.

In short, (You can watch the episode for all the details) Harley Quinn reflects on how she ended up with the Joker despite having a successful career as a psycholgist.  Amongst her flashbacks she is trying to find a way to both impress Mr. J and finally take care of her bat problem after many botched attempts to get Batman.  We see the tragic tale of how Ms. Quinn worked as the Joker's dedicated psychologist whose compassion turned to obsession until she finally freed the Joker from Arkham Asylum and began her life of crime.  At the end of the episode, Harley successfully captures Batman and plans to take care of him so her and Mr. J can finally live happily ever after.  For a moment we think she is going to finally rid Gotham of the caped crusader until through some batty tricks the Joker arrives and would rather frown for all eternity than see his girlfriend get his kill.  We proceed to Batman getting free, the Joker escaping, and poor Harley being pushed out of a window by the man she thought she loved.

The episode closes with a badly injured Harley reflected on her mistakes with the Joker.  She vows to herself that she will never fall for his tricks again.  Just as she is about to rest she looks over to her nightstand.  On top it is a is a rose with a message: Feel Better Soon. - J.

Since this is the internet,  I'm not to afraid of getting personal.  I sort of see throwing any sort of thought into the internet much the same as throwing it into space.  There are so many other stars out there, burning so brightly. What chance do you even have of your own light being seen?  With that said, I have struggled with my self-esteem for a handful of years now.  I identify with Harley because she is a strong, confident girl that lets the opinions of others nearly cripple her to the point of destruction.  Her actions in this episode come from trying to get someone's attention, instead of to push herself forward.  That reminds me of why I even bother to write or make videos on the internet. Do I do it to propel my own self worth?  Or do I do it in the hopes that someone in this troll filled void will hear me, find my work inspiring, and remind me that this isn't just for nothing.

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a writer.  There were no other careers I thought about because I was going to be a writer. Nothing was going to stand in my way.  Now here I am, 23 years of age, working a job I absolutely hate and writing nearly nothing.  Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by this lack of success that I freeze up.  Half the time my blog posts are late because I stare at the computer screen, realizing that nothing I write is going to be anywhere near as good as other bloggers and writers out there.  What is the point in writing if it is not going to be the best? 

And then I slap myself upside the head (as I often have to do).

Rereading my own words provides the most beautiful of wake up calls.  My words will never be the best.  Any and all of my art will never be the best, but that does not make it unworthy of the creation.  Creating is done out of the sheer need to do so.  We must not make in the name of becoming note worthy or to satisfy some need for attention.  No, we must create because we must. Of course it is necessary to want to please an audience.  There would be no point to posting my writing if I stopped caring what all of you think.  I must not expect the worst for it though.  When I see that my post has only reach a handful of people, I cant let that get me down.  When you put a painting on the wall and only a few people stop to look at it, don't assume it is ugly.  Do what you love in the hope that others will love it too, but do not do it to make others love you.  Harley is a clear example of that.

Now I just remember the cautionary tale of darling Harley Quinn and not let my epiphany be cast aside for repeating a dangerous cycle.

Next week, more Harley!  Two blogs a week coming soon.

Please leave me your thoughts.

Toodles <3

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Harley Quinn Month - Joker's Favor

Here we are!  It is 2014 and with a new year comes new goals for this site!  Not only do I plan to make more youtube videos on my channel, but I also am going to be more faithful to my writing schedule.  I know I have struggled to remain consistent in the past (due to work and life and such) but I feel that this is going to be the greatest year yet for all of my rambles, babbles, and content creation.  So what better way to start this year off than by keeping a promise I made in my Harley Quinn article I did a few months ago.  Ladies and gents, in honor of my favorite Gotham Siren, this is Harley Quinn Month!
Do us a favor?  More Harley, please!

Our first stop is going to begin at the beginning (that some mighty fine English, I say ya'll!) combined with the slickest history report you ever did saw (there goes that college edu-ma-cation of mine again).

Once upon a time there was a scene in Batman: The Animated Series in an episode titles "Joker's Favor" where the writers decided that the Joker was going to pop out of a cake and cause his usual havoc.  Along the way someone declared it might be too odd for the Joker to pop out of said cake (even though this is the JOKER we are talking about) and thought a female companion might be a better fit for the duty.  The female character was added, but inevitable the Joker was not to be upstaged and he was put back in his rightful place of popping from out the cake.  The lovely lady still stuck around for the entire duration of the episode and her place in the world of Gotham City was forever planted.  She put on her gleeful jester costume and snuggled close to her puddin', ready to take on the world! Yes, that is how our darling, Harley Quinn, was born.

It is fair to say that Paul Dini (writer, producer, and editor of Batman: The Animated Series) is the father of this beloved lady.  Although she was only planned to be a one time character, Harley left such an impression that she was permanently placed in the rogues gallery as not only the Joker's on and off girlfriend, but as her own leading lady.  Her voice was originally done by Arleen Sorkin and has since been voiced by Tara Strong in Batman: Arkham City.  Throughout all of her adaptations she has been able to hold her own amongst the many memorable characters in the Batman universe.  There were even several episodes of the cartoon in which she was the featured character.  Additionally, fans have developed such a strong love for her, that there are many creations to show off her back story and give her time in the spotlight.

Next week we will dive in the story that really brought Harley into the light, her back story as seen in the comic and television episode by the same name, "Mad Love".

Monday, December 23, 2013

UPDATE! My Youtube Channel

Hello Everyone!

I wanted to let you all know that the reason why I've been distant from my blog lately is because I'm in the works of developing more content for my youtube channel!  You can see my introduction to my new series here:  The Vlogging Dead 

I've also got more projects in the work, but those will all take time.  Meanwhile, I will do my best to put out my weekly (sort of) articles but they might be shorter than my normal content.  I really appreciate everyones support, patience, and input.  Please let me know what you would like to see more of and I will do my best to to make content that everyone will love!

Take care and tootles!


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Babbles of a Fangirl - Disney's Frozen

My favorite Disney film is Tangled.  There, I said it.  If you would like to judge me get in line behind the people who don't understand why I like ponies.  To me Tangled encompassed everything that the Disney films from my childhood had while still remaining aware of how its audience has changed.  When I heard about Disney's newest crack of the animated whip "Frozen" I was optimistic but not jumping out of my seat to witness any footage released early.  Instead I waited idly by, until on a snuggly Sunday afternoon I decided to go see the icy concoction myself.

I was not disappointed.

Frozen, in short, delivers two things extremely well.  It has that catchy music that makes it irresistible for both children and children at heart alike.  Second, it doesn't try to hard.  When I saw Princess and the Frog I felt the entire time like the movie was trying so hard to be that nostalgic Disney film that I couldn't focus.  On top of that it was also trying to break that glass ceiling many Disney films are under.  The problem was that Princess and the Frog was trying to break that ceiling with a Miley Cyrus mounted wrecking balls and that's just no fun for anyone (especially the wrecking ball). Frozen, on the other hand, also takes a crack at that glass ceiling, only this time they are slowly melting the glass down as they warm our hearts.  The characters are sweet and memorable, the plot and villain are not what you would expect, and the songs are to die for!

Case and point here:



I feel that this is a great example for young girls, showing them that even if you are awkward or shy you have something great inside of you worth showing.  As for adult audiences, not only will it kick up those warm and fuzzies from the good old days, but it will entertain you with a fun story and great comedy mixed with action.

Plus there is a Rapunzel and Flynn cameo....what more could you ask for?

Just let it go, darlings.  Let it go!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Babbles of a Fangirl - Equestria Girls

I am going to be really honest right now.  I have been avoiding anything to do with Equestria Girls.

"Oh look!  They released a picture of their god awful toys! LOOK LOOK!"

I exit the room (or internet).

"HEY EVERYONE!  I saw Equestria Girls, come listen to my stories!"

I hide under some sort of desk or in my puppy's kennel (yeah I fit in there....barely).

As you can see, I am in denial.  As soon as I heard rumor of Equestria Girls I hid from the internet, shaking it off as a sick rumor made from the minds of fan fiction fondling bronies (god bless them). When I saw the animation from this so called "movie" I figured it was just animation leaked from some mega fan's deviant art page being passed off as the handy work of Hasbro.  But then the trailer came.


Where do I start with how this trailer made me feel?  I guess my first words (though the memory is hazy) were something along the lines of, "Wait...they're SERIOUS?!" Followed by, "WHY?" and finally wrapped up with "Well...at least MLP is getting a movie release."  But then I realized my final reaction was something akin to saying, "Hey, an acid spitting falcon melted my eyes....but at least I don't need glasses anymore!"

I watched the trailer over and over, always teetering with each viewing between excitement that it was something MLP related and giving up on the franchise all together.  I was already very disappointed with the third season (we'll get to that more later) and this seemed to be the cherry bomb on a shit sundae.  Finally I gave up and decided to just wait and see what happened.  It never played anywhere close to where I live, so I  would just have to patiently wait to get my viewing and put my two cents into the internet review bank (Net worth 86 Kazillion-poptart-lolz-dollars)

Then sexy little Netflix came waltzing up.  Oh sure, it's flashy red colors promise big block busters like The Hunger Games and endless How I Met Your Mother.....but under that facade lies Sharknado's, Troll 2's and endless Uwe Boll "movies". While doing my usual scroll through I found it....Equestria Girls....just waiting for me.  I sighed and thought to myself, "It's time." And so my viewing of Equestria Girls began.

You want to know the thing that I really have been wrestling with, the thing that has made me keep putting this review off?  I, after watching Equestria Girls came to one conclusion.

It wasn't that bad!

HOLD UP!  Before everyone on the pony side of the mirror has me outcasted from the pony community, let me explain myself.  I'm going to divide this according to my nitpicks and the things I genuinely liked about this film.  Once I'm done, then you can attack me with pitchforks.  Deal?

1. Hoofs Up ---- The Message it sent to girls
With out going too far down the "girl power" rabbit hole I have to give this movie some credit.  It took what could have easily been a shallow popularity contest plot and turned into a great example for girls or where hard work an kindness can get you.  Twilight must win a fall formal queen competition for reasons that are too long winded to explain and she does so not with a make over or lies (though they do jam in a make over very abruptly towards the end).  Twilight wins the respect of her peers by bringing the different cliches together and reminding everyone that they aren't so different.  She also works hard to get the dance ready and encourages others to pitch in with her.  This shows young girls that determination and some elbow grease will get you a lot farther than bullying.  I have to respect the movie for this point because this was a movie made mainly for little girls and what this movie can do for them is a strong point to way.  They almost avoid many cliches this scenario often has...well....almost....until....

2. Hoofs Down ---- Flash Century 
Twilight gets a love interest.  He isn't fleshed out.  He isn't funny.  I didn't care about him the whole time because he was never developed.  I felt like he was something thrown in at the end because some producer said "Hey....uh....girls like boys....give that purple chick a boy to like."  BOOM....dumb guy with an even dumber name comes strutting into our lives.  Thanks for nothing Flash.

3.  Hoofs Up ---- The Main Six 
I really liked how everyone maintained their personalities without getting pushed too over the top like in season 3.  Fluttershy was the right balance of pathetic and warm.  Pinkie Pie didn't annoy me.  Apple Jack was loyal....I mean honest.  It was all there!  What more can I say then our characters were introduced as still being themselves!

4. Hoofs Down ---- Spike Being a DOG
I don't like alternative Spike being a dog because I feel it sends a strange message.  Are you saying dragons in Equestria are the equivalent of talking pets?  If anything I think Spike should have been a really little kid that doesn't belong in High School (after all he is a baby dragon!) and that's why Twilight has to hide him.  Dragons need respect.  After all, they can cover your whole world in smoke.

5. Hoofs Down ---- EVERYONE WEARS A SKIRT AND BOOTS! 
WHY?!?!  Just....why?  Sure, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity I can all see wearing skirts or dresses, but why are Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash, the most active people in this universe wearing skirts and boots?  Sure, Rainbow has those little, black spanks underneath, but the skirt is so dumb for someone who is needing to move a lot.  I really didn't understand why Twilight had a skirt either.  Maybe it's just because I'm also bookish and understand that skirts aren't the greatest for curling up.  You could argue that it alternative universe's Twilight that opted for a skirt but even then, why would she?  She loves sitting down and studying as much as pony Twilight.  As for everyone wearing the boots, I'm from a cold state, I wear boots all the time.  I love boots.  Still, why is everyone wearing them?  Was it just easiest to draw?

6.  Hoofs Down ----The Songs and Names
I really didn't enjoy any of the songs in this movie.  I can't remember any of them.  Well, I do remember the song the main six sing in the cafeteria but only because I laughed so hard during that song I could barely breath.  It felt so forced and seeing the girls dance like cheerleaders only brought out my inner assembly skipping self from high school.

I also feel there was a missed opportunity to make this universe a little more original.  Everyone has the same name as they do in Equestria which I guess I could understand if only their names didn't feels so far from being human.  It would have been interesting to have Twilight Sparkle introduce herself only to get odd looks from her names.  She quickly readjusts and says "Twyla" or something.  Then you could have Apple Jack as "Jackie" or "A.J.", Rainbow Dash as "Raina", Rarity as "Ari", Pinkie Pie as "Mina", and Fluttershy as.....hmmm....I guess I'm stuck on that one.  You get the idea!

So there you go.  I hope you don't hate me too much....

Now excuse me....we need a pony break and I have some zombies to kill.

Tootles!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Babbles of a Fan Girl - Harley Quinn

If you would have asked me who my favorite Batman villain was when I was a little girl I would have answered in a heart beat "POISON IVY!" in my best girly squeak.  I was first introduced to the green goddess in the movie 'Batman and Robin' which I will admit, I loved.  Before you attack me with tar and feathers understand I was in first or second grade when I first watched that movie.  I didn't notice how mellow dramatic the acting was or all of the cheesy puns.  No, I was entranced by a villain who not only stood for what she believed in but was a literal force of nature the whole time she did it.  I admired her tenacity so much so that I would play Batman games always as a villain, though one of my own creation.

Later on I caught glimpses of the Batman animated television show.  I distinctly recall thinking it was rather dark and even somewhat scary, so I didn't let myself watch it.  Yes, I was that weird little kid who gave themselves rules and limits.  Despite my personal restriction from the show I remembered one part distinctly where a jester type of girl is being brought to Arkham Asylum.  I remember thinking she looked cool even though I knew absolutely nothing about her.  It wasn't until much later that that character fell back within my life, only a few years ago in fact.  Her name is Harley Quinn and she is my favorite Batman villain.
Cat Woman, eat your heart out


For those of you unfamiliar with the Gotham Siren, she is a former psychologist turned mad woman when she attempts to treat the Joker.  This only results in her falling in love with the Joker to the point of not only obsession, but the point where she abandons her straight life and career to take up the mask of crime.  Her relationship with the Joker is ALWAYS rocky, bouncing between passionate lust and abusive destruction.  In her signature episode of the Batman animate series 'Mad Love' her transformation from doctor to deviant revealed along side her current relationship with the Joker where cruelty is overshadowed by the Joker pushing her out the window.  Even after such an act she is still enamored with the Clown Prince of Crime, much to many's shock.

Now I know what you are probably thinking.  Patchwork?!  How could you like or even admire such a poor example for woman?  Not only is she obsessed with her abuser, but she is living a life of crime!  How could you?  Well first off, you should know something.  Many of Harley's characteristics were borrowed from Lucille Ball of the famed 'I Love Lucy' television show.  The creators of Harley even said that the only person they could see playing Harley is Lucille Ball herself.  I grew up watching Lucy and she helped me develop the type of comedic acting I fall so naturally into today.  I would love the chance to play some as menacing yet hilarious as Harley in an attempt to reach my comedy roots.

Secondly, Harley may be obsessed with the Joker but she knows how to hold her own.  Her personality shines through and dominates any episode she's in.  She has that upbeat, silly attitude that makes her hard not to love.  Several episodes of Batman show her performing her own schemes, minus her lover.  She even teams up with Poison Ivy to embark upon her own heists!

Thirdly, as much as I love Poison Ivy, I identify with Harley Quinn more.  Poison Ivy is the lady I wish I could be.  She is confident, knows her desires, and will stop at nothing to follow her passion.  Harley is a wondering soul.  She never really knows what she wants and is usually seeking someones validation to help her know she's doing the right thing.  She goes off and succeeds but often reaches out to Ivy or the Joker to help her see that what she did was a job well done.  You're always rooting for her to break free and be her own person because anyone watching can see that she is more than smart enough to be her own person, not just a sidekick.  I've never been great at picking men or having confidence, so when I see Harley's struggle, I can relate.  Her optimism the whole way through makes a gal feel like with a bit of humor and some classic wit, she can get through anything.

There are many versions of Harley that have popped up over the years in both video games and television alike.  I had greatly hoped that the Batman movies of recent years would finally put her to the big screen, but alas that is still just a dream.  Consider this and introduction to the lady I love, but not our final visit.  Perhaps I will take a closer look at all of her forms in the future.  For now, puddin' please enjoy this look at her adorably dark sense of humor!