You know, I feel like whatever route CRWBY takes with the BB/Blacksun ship, we can't deny that it's pretty shitty stringing shippers along. If Blacksun ends up canon, which I know it will, that's so shitty to the Bb shippers and they can claim queerbaiting because it is. And if Bb ends up canon, yikes, that's so fucked up for Blacksun shippers. There is no win-win scenario here.
i agree with everything here except one thing you said, which is
they can claim queerbaiting because it is
at the end of the day, when you look at the show itself, queerbaiting is nowhere to be found. but allow me to explain.
so far everything we’ve been shown concerning b/lake and y/ang has been platonic at best. think about it. blushing? none. kissing? none. almost kissing? none. they’ve danced for literally one second on-screen before y/ang allowed sun to step in and spend the entire evening/night with b/lake.
so my question is: if you didn’t actually ever get into the fandom, if you watched the show without knowing about the b/b vs bs controversy, would you honestly say that rt has queerbaited anyone, specifically with b/b?
all the stress that our blacksun fandom is currently going through is only caused by the rabid shippers and the rabid shippers only. not the show. we are all here now saying that “we most likely lost, next week we better turn our anons off and stay away from social media” only because y/ang and b/lake might team up against a/dam.
like, that was going to happen. sooner or later, it just had to happen. b/lake and y/ang need to get back to be on good terms for the sake of the whole team. they might not be as close as they used to be, but they have to AT LEAST be able to stand each other. y/ang is finally starting to appreciate b/lake’s efforts, she realized that b/lake wasn’t a selfish asshole who left only for her own good. seeing that a member of her family (albeit not related by blood) came back to her, unlike her mom did, obviously made her happy. her own team, her family, came back to her, and that’s all that matters to her.
plus, i also don’t find it realistic to think that she could be ready to face a/dam yet, but that’s another story. the point is, that people are romanticizing two girls working to fix their broken friendship. even cas/ey said that sometimes friendships that end badly can be even worse than romantic relationships ending badly, specifically referring to b/b.
so the only reason we get scared is because we are so influenced by the fandom that we too tend to view many moments as romantic when they actually are not. i do however think that rt has done some pretty questionable things so far, but they’ve always tried to fix them… somehow. so do they really count as queerbaiting? like
- b/mblb? not canon
- the manga? not canon
- the anthologies? not canon
- chibi? not canon, also stopped having b/b skits after the first season
- the vas can’t really be blamed since they are people and can do whatever they want. although they should sometimes refrain from saying certain things, they are just shippers that behave like some. hell the vol/tron fandom got it even worse - some storyboard artist actually drew k/lance pics once! lol
so all this to say that at the end of the day, only rabid shippers would actually go after rt. those who are so blinded by their own hypocrisy and shipping goggles that they deny the evidence. now the writers are people too and because of that they might switch from one idea to the other at any moment, but so far i still don’t feel like giving up yet.
sorry this came out so long! i just try to reassure my fellow blacksun shippers as best as i can!
In Journey to the West, nearly every time Sanzang gets captured by demons, it is due to him wholeheartedly believing the half-baked sob stories disguised demons give him while simultaneously ignoring Wukong’s warnings on what these demons really are. (Despite the fact it’s been proven time and again over the course of nearly two decades that Wukong has Sanzang’s back and no reason to lie about demons-in-disguise).
I think (and correct me if I’m wrong here) that it can generally be agreed that even the most gullible and stubborn amongst us would quickly grow to trust Wukong’s judgement on these things by the third or fourth could’ve-easily-been-avoided encounters with bloodthirsty demons.
Now, keeping this in mind, we must also remember that, in order to attain Buddhahood, Sanzang had to undergo 81 tribulations. In fact, many of the group’s misadventures were the direct results of celestial interference in order to ensure Sanzang faced the neccessary number of trials.
Taking both of these facts into account, I would now like to submit before the jury that a conversation along these lines likely occured between Sanzang and the Bodhisattva Guanyin either before or very early on in the journey:
(Guanyin)G: What’s that you’re packing?
(Sanzang)S: This? It’s my long staff. My elders have trained me in the art of self defense so I will be sufficiently prepared for any dangers I may encounter on the long journey ahead of me.
G: Oh, you won’t be needing that. I have arranged it so that you’ll be getting four powerful disciples who will protect you on your journey.
S: That’s very kind of you Bodhisattva, but shouldn’t I be able to defend myself in case I get captured by demons or rogues? I don’t want to be helpless after all.
G: Yeah, about that...You remember that the journey to enlightenment involves overcoming obstacles?
S: ...Yes...?
G: Well, in your case it’s going to take 81 life-or-death type trials, so it’ll make things easier if you just let things happen y’know? So no weapons or self defense for you mister.
S: That...that seems a tad...excessive...must I really undergo 81 trials involving such danger? Is that a prerequisite for all monks looking to become Buddhas?
G: Well no, typically you just have to relinquish all worldly attachments and strive to do good in all things to become a Buddha, but see, I’m looking to redeem a few spirits- your future disciples fyi- and one of them in particular is going to have to save you A LOT in order to redeem himself for his past crimes. :)
S: ??! And who have you chosen to be my disciples exactly??
And, in no particular order, a few more similar conversations/events throughout the journey west:
S: There’s no way in heck I’m eating this chick’s food. She’s clearly a demon and that rice is definitely poison. I better yell for Wukong before Wuneng chokes on his own saliva or Wujing and Bailong try her food-
G: (Speaking directly into his mind) No wait! This is a perfect opportunity!
S: For what??
G: For one of your trials! We have to squeeze a lot of them in, so might as well start early. And this one wasn’t even planned!
S: But Bodhisattva, I’m pretty sure she’s trying to eat me.
G: That’s the idea.
S: ...Are you really trying to help me or were we enemies in a past life?
G: Great just like that. Okay now tell him you want him gone and to never both you or your disciples again.
S: But he’s only trying to protect me!
G: Oh don’t worry, he’ll ‘convince’ you to let him stay. It’ll take at least two more times before he actually leaves.
S: Don’t we need him to stay on the journey??
G: Well of course we do silly! We’ll just give him a few days to realize how he misses you lot and once you, Wujing, and Bailong get captured or immobolized by a demon we’ll send Wuneng back to get him. Wukong learns the power of friendship and Wuneng gets knocked down a peg. Win-win!
S: Is this demon really powerful enough to capture the three of us and make Wuneng desperate enough to beg Wukong for help?
G: Oh not a chance. I’m talking about the other one up the road.
S: WHAT-
S: Oh yeah, random child tied to a tree, supposedly for days yet showing no sign of dehydration or bodily damage. That’s not suspicious or anything.
G: Now Sanzang-
S: I know, I know. 81 tribulations yadda yadda yadda.
G: Atta’ boy! Oh, before I forget, it might be hard tied up and stuff, but could you try to make sure Wukong doesn’t do too much damage to this one? I’m liking the looks of him and think I might want to make him my disciple.
S: ...why- I don’t- WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?
(Wukong)W: Master they’re demons! If you go with them they’ll eat you!
S: (Cringing internally) Now Wukong, how could you say this slander about such honest, hard-working souls?
(Wuneng/Pigsy)P: Yes yes, such kind souls! You should listen to Master, eldest brother. Never could such fine-featured ladies harbor any sinister intentions!
W: But Master they’re tricking you!
S: (Internal pained sigh) Enough Wukong. I won’t listen to such stories. Go, get us fruit or rice before we leave for today’s travel.
W: But-
P: You heard Master! Go get some food for him!
S: Why do you do this Wuneng? I am THIS CLOSE to whacking you upside the head. This is difficult enough without you antagonizing him, so get your head out of your OH FOR THE LOVE OF BUDDHA QUIT DROOLING! JOURNEY OR NO JOURNEY I WILL SMACK YOU.
S: (Fighting the urge to bang his head into the nearest wall) Wukong how could this elderly woman possibly be a demon?
W: SHE HAS FANGS MASTER! FANGS!
S: She’s already explained about her family’s curse-
W: WHY DO YOU NEVER BELIEVE ME?!
S: Trust me Wukong, this hurts me WAY more than it hurts you.
S: They didn’t even tie the bonds properly. If I wiggle my wrists in a certain way I can probably get them off with no trouble-
G: No Sanzang stay where you are. Wukong’s going to be there soon.
S: They are debating whether to bake or boil me and escape is literally RIGHT THERE-
G: But I have a thing planned! It’s going to be awesome!
S: (Screams in frustration)
S: (Tied up and hanging from the ceiling with his disciples in similar positions) (Deadpan) Oh wow. They turned out to be demons. Who could’ve possibly seen this coming?
G: Stop it! Do you want your disciples to catch on?
S: OH WELL NOW THAT YOU MENTION IT-
And such is our favorite monk’s life throughout the journey west. :)
BONUS:
(Wujing, Bailong, and Wuneng are currently captured by demons while Sanzang and Wukong are figuring out a plan to rescue them)
W: Master, my brothers’ lives are in danger. I know that you don’t trust me, but-
S: Alright you know what? No. That is it. I’m done with this.
W: Wh-
S: GUANYIN GET DOWN HERE!
W: ...Master, Guanyin is a holy Bodhisattva, you can’t just-
G: (Appears) Sanzang-
S: Oh no, don’t you ‘Sanzang’ me! I’ve been doing this for 13 Buddha-forsaken years! No more!
G: You know how much planning I’ve put into this?
S: I don’t care! I’m sick of playing the idiot!
G: But this was going to produce the perfect amount of angst and character development!
S: Angst?! CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT?! Are you serious?!
G: This story is going to become legend and be passed down for hundreds of generations, we might as well throw in some drama for the younger demographic!
S: YOU’RE PUTTING MY DISCIPLES THROUGH THIS FOR ENTERTAINMENT VALUE??
W: What are you-
S&G, in unison: NOT NOW WUKONG!
(Wukong sits quietly and watches the continuing argument in a mixture of growing confusion, amusement, and anger)
S: I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS MY DISCIPLES ARE IN DANGER!
G: Is that any different than usual?
S: YES because my first disciple THINKS I DON’T TRUST HIM!!
W: Wait, you trust me?
S: Of course I do! I trust you with my life!
W: (With a gobsmacked expression) ...Oh.
S: (Distressed noises) (Gestures frantically at Wukong) Do you see Guanyin?! Do you see what I’ve done to him?!
G: (Relunctantly) Yes but, be that as it may-
S: No! We’re telling him! If you don’t want me to tell the others fine, but he at least deserves to know!
G: Sanzang we can’t just-
W: (Now a little less shell-shock at all the plot twists suddenly developing) Actually...(casually twirling staff with a sharp-toothed grin)...I think you’ll find you can tell me whatever it is you’re hiding. Wouldn’t want me to get bored of this argument and go looking for entertainment elsewhere- (significant glance heavensward) -would we?
G: (Nervous sweat) Well y-yes but your crown-
S: Which can now only be controlled by me. (Raises eyebrow and gives Guanyin a deadpan look) Correct?
G: ...
W: Wait, so you’ve really known right from the start when we’re dealing with a demon? Every single time?
S: It’s not as if any of them even TRIED to be halfway convincing. At least you’ll get into character; most of the demons we’ve encountered don’t even prepare their cover stories before they try fooling us! Quite frankly it’s insulting, even when I’m playing the idiot.
W: So when you take the pig’s word over mine...?
S: DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THAT TROUBLEMAKING LECHER-
When several days later (after Wukong has rescued the other disciples of course) they come across a beautiful young woman who’s been robbed by a group of bandits, Sanzang is at least able to take comfort in the quick look he shares with Wukong before they listen to her flimsy rambling tale. (And quietly laugh together in the moments they go unnoticed by the others over her very obvious tail).
This sounds pretty awesome! It’s been about three years since the movie came out and I am going through severe !15Wukong withdrawals. Honestly, I don’t mind if it gets pretty dark, because I am really digging “EmoWukong.” The game is also coming out this summer, isn’t it? Wow, a game, a comic and then a movie? Damnnn. Honestly, as much as I want more Wukong adaptations, I think I would rather have the movie now, but it’s okay, I ain’t complaining - good things come to those who wait. Seeing the game trailer has definitely got me hyped up because it seems that the animation has improved! I’m ready for more husbando Wukong in all his glory and fabulous armor when 2018 rolls around.
Haha, when the manhua comes out, I’d probably only look at the pictures. My Chinese skills are not developed enough for me to read Chinese manhua :(
On another note, I also hope that the manhua Wukong is more in-model with the movie Wukong. I LOVED his movie design, just like 90% of China did HAHA.
LOL, your tag? (#I’m sure literally nobody would complain if !15Wukong gets all bloodied up) - that sounds a little kinky lmfao
It does, doesn’t it? :’) Also lmao same, sometimes I think I’m over 15!Wukong, then his creators throw shit like this at us and I fall down the furry drain again. The EmoWukong trend is hilarious and I’m all for it as long as it doesn’t go overboard- he’s a drama queen anyway XD
October Media basically said nothing through all of 2016, then they throw all this material at us in summer of ‘17- they’ve got zero chill. I’d like the movie now too, but I get why they’re saving it for next summer haha. Good things do come to those who wait- look at all the material we’re getting now! The game trailer was awesome and I’m sure by 2018, Wukong will probably become a husbando to thousands more movieogers XD
I don’t think the manhua will be too complicated so you should be fine :) haha, yeah, Wukong being on-model would automatically erase any and all of the comic’s potential flaws! (Also, excuse u, I only speak the truth in my tags!! He’ll look good and everyone knows it.)
@sunwukong99 I’m pretty sure if he does get a new outfit (which I’m hoping!) it’ll be revealed as concept art or in any clips or screenshots they leak at the actual panel. My guess is if he does get a new outfit, and if he might make a cameo in Blake’s new trailer (bc if my theories are right Blake’s new trailer will parallel her original) we’ll see a new outfit there.
@luruar see that was what I thought too but Sun is literally known for his abs in canon. He’s known for his body in canon and purposefully shows it off for a reason. So it brings the question - is sage actually more muscular than Sun? Does Sage just look more muscular than Sun because he’s a bit taller? Are Sun and Sage just straight up the same level of bara? Do they have ab offs? I need to know.
@sunwukong99 said: Ehh, I don’t really read it. I personally don’t like much about it except for the fact that Wukong randomly shows up and badasses his way out of everything. LOL, yes, the Wukong/Hell King ship is also quite prominent in this comic’s fandom because she has a crush on him. So, not only is Wukong the Hell King’s master, he’s also her 男神.
The things we put up with for Wukong XD Thanks for the rundown! I might check it out just to see Wukong haha, and of course, I have to see the Hell King’s crush with my own eyes LOL What’s the comic’s name?
@earl-of-221b said: no offence but this is definitely the writer's self-insert oc - I can't believe real Wukong had to be the 6 eared macaque what the heck. Wukong Chuan was just somber (the movie was very different and had good points - i.e Erlang Shen) but honestly this sounds like a train wreck of a train speeding 80 over the limit while on fire and is heading towards a town doused in gasoline
Anyways thanks for this fantastic review, you always make it to the point and very informative :) (Also how could they do that to Sanseng Mu hahahaha probably one of the worst pairing ideas I've ever encountered A+ horror )
LMAO “self-insert oc” tbh, I think you’re right XD He wanted the OC to have all of Wukong’s powers and backstory without actually being him. So Wukong became the antagonist of his own story whle the self-insert uses his body to get in love triangles LOL. Yeah, Wukong Chuan was sad, but it wasn’t this self-indulgent haha. (the trainwreck analogy got me omg; I lost it at “town doused in gasoline”- that’s exactly what this is XD)
Aww, thanks! Glad you enjoyed the jttw reviews :D (poor Sanseng Mu never saw it coming lmao)
@sunwukong99 said: What the heck? And I thought that “The Tales of Wukong” seemed pretty crazy… until I heard about this adaptation today. A lot of Wukong things are coming out next year? This television adaptation, the new “Hero Comes Back” prequel, and the Netflix/ABC Australia version of JTTW, not that I would ever complain about too many JTTW adaptations (though, I do wish that filmmakers would spend more time on developing a truly amazing plot instead of milking the story) XDSanseng Mu/Sun Wukong is a pairing I never thought would ever exist… doesn’t make sense either since Wukong never once interacted with her, but okay, sure whatever. Is not!Wukong’s personality similar to real!Wukong’s though?
Oh, there are a lot of wild JTTWs’ out there and this isn’t even the worst one XD And yeah, there’s non-stop JTTW media coming out and LOL I’m not complaining, but like you said, it’d be nice if quantity = quality haha. But for every 3 subpar adaptations, we’re bound to get at least 1 good one! And the lineup for 2018 isn’t so bad (Hero is Back prequel, video game, comic, LXLT’s movie, etc.). Yes, the Sansengmu/Wukong pairing is the highlight of this book.
Eh, I don’t think not!Wukong’s personality resembles real!Wukong’s very much from what I’ve read. He was kinda... generic protagonist-ish (the “loser gains powers and doesn’t know what to do” type). But maybe he’ll be more likable in the show haha.
Is "The Tales of Wukong" good and can you give a short summary? From what I've read so far, it seems to be pretty different from canon JTTW.
What a question XD I’d personally say it’s good enough, like I think it’s overrated to be honest but it’s not a bad book. It is one of those things you have to read to the end for full impact though!
And it’s a coincidence you sent me this ask because I’m actually doing an in-depth review of it rn! Will probably post it tomorrow or something- it’ll come with spoilers and more detailed thoughts.
For now: yes, it’s very different from canon JTTW and really takes liberties with it. It’s pretty much a completely different continuity. Hmm, it’s a bit hard to summarize without spoiling the whole thing so I’ll do my best to give you a quick one here.
Long story short - Son Goku is Kaneki Ken.
Wukong’s “evil” double returns from the dead (for lack of better of word lol) and kills Sanzang, so Wukong re-visits places in his past (the underworld, heaven, etc.) to revive Sanzang + figure out who’s impersonating him. But Wukong has amnesia and a bunch of other mental issues this whole time and doesn’t remember who he really is/what he did to end up in so much misery until the very end. The pilgrims are all very sad, the universe is basically against them, and nobody gets a happy ending.
@sunwukong99 said: Wow thanks for replying! Haha, what about the girl/his lover?
You’re welcome! As for the girl (IDK how far you are in the book, but there are 2 girls! One is a servant fairy- she’s just a friend, the other is a celestial- she tried to pursue a romance with him so I’m just going to talk about her), she lives and that’s the best thing that happens to her LOL.
MAJOR MAJOR SPOILER UNDER THE CUT STOP READING IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE SPOILED
