The other wayfarers were eyeing Gwin, all of them shameless about it. Not just because he was the only Avian waiting in the mayor's antechamber, but because he was a Red Markison. There were over a hundred races of Avian across the world, with far more visual distinctions than human races. Dramatic differences in crests,... Continue Reading →
The Latin Bechdels – Part 3: The DAGGER Test
Disclaimer: I've taken way, way longer than intended to get this post out. Why? Because I wanted to figure out the perfect way to talk about the DAGGER without offending anyone. I'm not sure that's possible; the DAGGER Test is designed specifically to call certain elements of fantasy--some of them beloved--into question. I took pains... Continue Reading →
The Latin Bechdels – Part 1: The CAR Test
It's been almost two years since I first talked about Earth-Modern race in fantasy on this site. Two whole years and the world has changed a lot. At least, lately, America is coming along. Same sex marriage has been legalized. The confederate flag has finally been thrown into question. And I've lost at least two... Continue Reading →
Earth-Modern Race in Fantasy: The Balance No One Talks About and the Quest for “Nobody Cares”
After my last article, it’s become essential to talk about something I’ve considered for a long time. My last article, of course, was all about the uncanny in fantasy—the strange balance there has to be between elements that are familiar and unfamiliar (on a scale skewed by theme and tone). However, there’s a particular topic... Continue Reading →