Multiple Verses

To me, the Daria Multiverse is an incredible indicator of the creativity of Daria Fandom. Over one hundred different fictional universes are already recorded in the DariaWiki entry and more are added on a regular basis, covering everything from ficlets to long series.

Closely associated with the multiverse idea are the shared-universe stories, such as the Ringbearers and Daylight. Less formally, guest authorships in long-running series, such as Brother Grimace's "A Path of Roses and Thorns" or the shared use of fan-developed characters, like Doggieboy's Robert Nelson point to more of the shared creativity within the fan community.

Seven years beyond the broadcast of the final television movie, it is reasonable to wonder about how long fans will remain interested. In my opinion, the creativity expressed in these stories has gone a long way to sustain interest in Our Heroine and will continue to do so for some time to come. Even though the stories and background may diverge greatly from canon, the ones that fans will read over and over are those that still capture the core feeling and character of Daria and company. The scenery may change, but it is Daria, Jane and all the others that continue to hold our attention.

Not Quite the Easter Bunny

In "Groped by an Angel," Daria recalled the time that the Trix Rabbit stayed with her family and left the milk out. She was joking, of course.

Maybe.

Anyway, if you want a lot of Easter-themed Daria stories, here they are. Here's an Easter egg, too. Enjoy. And if you want to write or draw something awful involving Daria and the Trix Rabbit, be my guest. Remember: it's canon.

PPMB

• Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe... oops! sorry! by Doggieboy (Part 9): Martin Peters stood at attention as the Marine lieutenant colonel looked him over coldly. “If you were one of my men,” the officer said coldly, “I’d bust your ass back down to recruit so fast, your head would spin.”

Easter Eggs Once Again

A little Easter fun for everyone, from the Sick Sad Life Planner CD.
More evidence that the Morgendorffers are some flavor of Christian, not Jewish, etc.

For the audio, click here. Did Daria and Quinn search for Easter eggs in Lawndale?
They're kind of old for that, aren't they? Figures Jake was behind it.

Redheads and Trouble Go Together Like...

Today is the 103rd anniversary of the birth of Dale Messick, who created the comic strip and character Brenda Starr. Was the Daria of Beavis and Butt-head inspired to become an "inquiring reporter" by Brenda Starr's adventures? (The B&B episode with Daria the Reporter, "Sporting Goods," is here.)

As of this moment, I can find only one Daria fanfic that references Brenda Starr. Congratulations, BG. You win again.

More soon.

Okay, here we go:

Someone went to Horrorhound, a media convention, and complained about the lack of Daria on DVD. Interesting read.

An editorial on the "Save SFMB" movement has appeared at Fortress Cincgreen. More mental food for thought there.


FF.net

• Lambda, by SigDiff (Part 13): Outside, Jane caught a glimpse of a giant mushroom cloud rising above her. The ground shock hit an instant later, knocking her to the floor. Before she could recover the air shock reached the bunker, blasting dirt and debris past the door at hundreds of miles an hour. Inside, the bunker's window shields held, but the vacuum created by the wind threatened to suck them out of the open door. Each soldier grabbed on to anything they could find; weapon controls, computer consoles – and in one case, a foot. [Now includes Part 14, in which Daria gets very drunk.]
  

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• Falling into College 67: How Did We Get All This Stuff? by Richard Lobinske (COMPLETE!): Karen sniffed the air and said, "This sounds odd, but something's missing, some smell." "Like what?" "Like... like fish." "Fish?"

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• Daria Race War, by Bliss Ticks (Part 1): Ms. Li called the assembly for two pm, an hour before school let out. Daria and Jane filed into the auditorium with the rest of the Lawndale sheep, and saw both their principal and Stacy Rowe on stage along with two (apparently new) students. When everyone had settled in, Ms. Li began her announcement. [Not sure what to think about this one yet.]

SFMB: The Director's Cut

A serious debate is in progress on SFMB in two threads about the future of the forum. Deref has kicked off the discussions, and everyone with any interest in SFMB is invited to read and respond.

Trooble at t'mill is one thread, covering readers' views on SFMB and what distinguishes it from PPMB or other message boards.

SFMB Changes is more direct, going over ways to restructure the MB. Get your $.02 and get going.

Off to the Weekend

The weekend is upon us. What joys and wonders will we experience? Who cares. It's time for fanfic!

NEWLY UPDATED!


FF.net

• Just Friends, by Pinkminx (Part 6): Daria rolled in her bed and took her pillow from beneath her and put it over her head in a bid to reduce the severity of the noise, however the plan was foiled with the additional noise of the stereo. "Jesus, Addison, do you know what freaking time it is, Shut the hell up!" Daria's muffled voice shouted beneath her pillow, still positioned over her face.
• Our Time Now, by Charliefox2012 (Part 1): At six o’clock, the Payday finally got its power restored, and the doors opened to freedom. Daria was thankful to be free and out of the warehouse, however, she wasn’t sure of what she thought of her friend at the moment. This day was all her fault. If only she and Tom hadn’t fought, for the millionth time, Tom would have had to have suffered today, and not she. Daria felt bad at this thought and decided it was not as if Jane planned it.

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• Once Upon a Time in Lawndale, by Disco316 (Part 8): Tiffany appraised the man who stood before her. Hmm, he's not cute, he's not much of a brain if he came here, and he's way too fat to be a hired gun. I guess he must have money. Otherwise, he wouldn't be Stacy's, would he?
  
• Something Is Rotten in the State of Lawndale, by Kristen Bealer (Part 3): As they entered the Lane house that afternoon, Daria and Janatio heard what had to be either the thunderous final chords of a Mystik Spiral original or the band members beating each other to death with their instruments. The end result was the same, though: merciful silence followed.
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part II), by jtranser (continued): "Daria, have you completely thought this through?" "I've tried to cover all the bases, Jane. Certainly, we'll have to deal with both Magda and Moctxezanti at the critical moment. That's a given. And, until then, we'll have to keep them busy until the other part of the plan kicks in. But we also have to face their zombie henchman, Beria."
  
• Turnabout Confusion Part II: All The King's Horses, by Dennis (continued): Helen was the first to face the results of her actions. A late-night beep from Eric told her to be in at 7 AM, so she was up and out long before the girls or Jake woke. On arrival, she expected a mound of paperwork and the standard Schrecter excuses. if that slimy sonofabitch ever puts a move on me... In fact, what she found was Eric, almost cowering in his office. "Riordan wants to talk to you," he said, a quiver in his voice. "Don't make the man wait, Helen."

It's TGIF All Over Again!

Friday at last. Let's give a little cheer for that.

More as soon as I figure out what to post.

L8r: Now 2,316 pages at DariaWiki, thanks to the Herculean efforts of Disco316, Doggieboy, Brother Grimace, and João Paulo Costa. You rule! The latest page is right here.

Fanfic Wonderland

Imagine if Daria had opened Trent's lyrics book in "Speedtrapped" and discovered he wrote fanfic. Oh, boy. Just a random thought.

MOAR UPDATE!

FF.net

• Just Friends, by Pinkminx (Part 5): "Why didn't you tell me you were coming to Boston early?" Daria paused from looking through the box on her lap and directed her attention Jane's open wardrobe.
• Lambda, by SigDiff (up to Part 12): SigDiff is posting so quickly, I can barely keep up! Go go GO! Some story: I'll give Freeman credit for one thing. He's damn easy to follow. Daria sat in the passenger seat of the truck as DeMartino drove down the beach. Highway 17 had taken a considerable amount of damage as the Combine had gone after Freeman. They'd nearly driven off of a destroyed bridge early on.

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• Antiestablishmentarian Hikers, by Lawndale Lurker/Stalker (continued): It turned out that she, Charles, Andrea, and Jennifer had brought knives. Jennifer's was a butterfly knife, which drew a few raised eyebrows. Charles's was a Leatherman Tool, with a mostly outdoors-ish blade/tool selection. Daria had brought her Champion model Swiss Army Knife. Andrea's knife surprised Daria the most. It had been hand made from a broken power hacksaw blade, Andrea said, and given to her by a guy she used to date.
• Daylight: Fallen from Grace: I Should Have Been Home Yesterday, by Disco316 (Part 5): The town of Sutton proved to be a ghost town, like so many of the others the girls had passed. Burned out buildings dominated, with a few brick structures still standing. The girls had decided to take shelter in an abandoned Catholic church across from a wall reading “Chew Mail Pouch: Treat Yourself to the Best.”
• Expecting Trouble, by Legendeld (Part 2): Quinn quickly dressed behind the curtain while her mother waited in the exam room for the doctor to return. It was a formality really; they already knew that she was pregnant. Her mother had tried to be supportive but it hadn’t gone well.
• Falling into College 67: How Did We Get All This Stuff? by Richard Lobinske (Part 3): "The place can't smell that bad," Michael said. "It's not like my old dorm room."
• Hell on Wheels, by Roxanne M (Part 5): Tom was feeling the effects of being awake all night and mused to himself that he must have been up for over 24 hours now and wondered how long you can live with out sleep. He tapped the driver on the shoulder and dispatched him to one more stop before they headed home. In short order the address came into view. He thought, It’s been awhile since I've been here; I hope they don’t keep guns in the house.
• Lame Enough at Last, by Ajar (COMPLETE!): Daria went through her standard morning routine and then came downstairs. It seemed weird not having to deal with sharing bathroom time and not having vacuous chitter-chatter around the dinner table. “Oh darn,” said Daria, “I guess I miss my Mom's scrumptious pancakes.” The realization then came that she made this sarcastic remark out loud with nobody around to hear it was a little disconcerting at first, but Daria quickly dismissed it.
• Lawndale's Finest: The Dark Knight, by NightGoblyn (Chapter 2, Part 6): “Honestly,” Helen said in her best no-nonsense voice. “What do you think you’re accomplishing, Daria? Traipsing around all hours of the night in that outlandish getup. I raised you better than this.” “I have to stop the criminals,” Daria said meekly. “A little late for that, isn’t it kiddo? I mean, if this is supposed to be about your mother and I. We’re dead, you know.”
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes 13.5: Points of Authority, by Brother Grimace and NightGoblyn (COMPLETE!): “Let me be blunt, Mister Sloane. If you were wearing a U.S. military uniform, right now I’d be telling you that at this moment, this is your time to come to Jesus.” Tom Sloane managed not to look away from the death’s-head glare Colonel Kyle Armalin gave him, and considered that he’d rather be standing up or sitting on a block of ice – anything so that he could focus past the waves of anger pouring from the man who sat at the desk before him.
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Gold Team: Closed Covers, by Roentgen (Part 2): The door to Gabrielle Suarez’s room opened by itself. And, likewise, it closed by itself. A conversation was being held downstairs between the mother of Gabrielle Suarez and Sandi Griffin. The conversation was being conducted in English, as Gabi’s whole family was bilingual. As it turned out, Gabi had gone missing. She hadn’t been seen in over three weeks. She was one of the few students at UTEP that had a dorm room, and she had simply disappeared. Her roommates hadn’t seen her since her disappearance. Sandi concluded that Gabi must have disappeared one week after the time she had last contacted her. Clearly, a change in priorities was in order. From revenge to recovery.
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Special: Tokusatsu Team Up! by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Parts 5 and 6): When the Planeswalker Daria materialized herself in the sentai’s HQ, she had a look on her face that had a striking similarity to that of a cat that had eaten the canary. She looked around, none of the Planesrangers or the Legionaries appeared to be in the meeting room. “Oh well, there goes my thunder.” “You’re late,” said a voice from the shadows. [Continued here.]
• More Apocalyptic Daria (a.k.a. Fimbul), by NightGoblyn (continued): There’s a light snow coming down as we walk towards the center of town. People smile and nod to me, but give Veronica and Daria funny looks . . . it takes a while for people to get used to newcomers around here. We turn the corner and they get their first sight of City Hall. It always throws people for a loop; the whole town is made of wood and stone, and here we’ve got this huge steel building smack in the middle. It is unusual.... Only the very old places look like that, Jane.
• Omnicides, by Lorenzo Sauchelli, a.k.a. Daisuke (Part 1): Rorschach's Journal: Friday, June 13, 1997. It has been twelve years since the lie my fellow masked 'heroes' enforced upon the world came to become a reality. The cry for help from humanity to me never came, I never got to tell them 'no'. I may as well died in vain if not for this Journal. [A Daria/Watchmen crossover] (FF.net)
  
• On the Clock, by Legendeld (Part 3): Okay, this isn’t going exactly according to plan. Ton is probably dead or close enough. Starburst and HellCat are out of the fight now that their electronics are fried. Athena is trying to keep Monk and Shadow from dying and Glitter is dragging me out of the line of fire. Crusader and Colorbomb are the only two still slugging it out. I haven’t seen WindDevil since the first attack. I can’t blame them to much seeing as I’ve spent more time on my back during this fight then I did while dating in high school. I’ve got to get back into the fight or this is going to end in a world of hurting. Now if I can just get my leg to start working again.
• Shadows and Silence, by Solaris (Part 1): "Upon you who have thought yourself so wise, so strong, so powerful, we have called a judgment. The Dark Judge has come. May the gods have mercy on you, and forgive us for what we have done."
• Something Is Rotten in the State of Lawndale, by Kristen Bealer (Part 2): "Gawd," Quinphelia said, reclined on a living room chair. "Can you believe those guys actually believe there's a ghost outside? Some people are just so, so...superficial!" "I think you mean superstitious," Janatio suggested. Daria watched her sister examine her nails for even the most minuscule imperfection, then rolled her eyes. "Who says they can't be both?"
• Things Fall Apart, by Doggieboy (Part 8): The female soldier looked down briefly and then said, "We've had to shoot every bite victim we've had after they die. After totally ruining one mattress, it was decided to place them on wooden doors that can be washed off and quickly sanitized." She looked down at the student, whose skin had a gray pallor to it. Even his eyes were drained of color. "The captain said to let you know before he goes."
• Turnabout Confusion Part II: All The King's Horses, by Dennis (continued): Sandi dialed the phone. As she listened /to the dial tone, she thought about what she'd heard. Sandi was quite willing to believe the worst of others around her—the number of raging incompetents at Lawndale High was simply staggering—so seeing someone's plans fail was no surprise. But seeing several people's plans fail at once made even her suspicious of outside influences. And she knew one person who was always a thorn in her side. Finally the phone connected. "Hello," an uncertain voice said. [Continued here. And here.]

Whoa, What's the Parade All About?

Seem to have slept through some things here, sorry about that. (Because I'm posting late, those of you playing the Daria Fandom Drinking Game are required to take a drink right now.) What's been going on, hmmm....

Thanks to Brother Grimace for jump-starting me with the post about dogs. I like dogs. Thanks, man!

"This Year's Model" and "I Loathe a Parade" both premiered on MTV two days ago, on the 7th. Missed it. Still gives me shivers, the penguin snuff porn in the latter. TYM appeared 12 years ago, and ILAP 9 years ago. I think.

Two Beavis and Butt-head episodes featuring Daria premiered this week as well: "Water Safety" on Tuesday (15 years ago) and "Candy Sale" on Wednesday (14 years ago). Daria doesn't say anything in the latter, but she apparently sells some boxes of candy (complaining about it all the while, no doubt).

MDetector5 has begun posting seriously interesting fan art of Brittany and Quinn in bikinis. They are worth examining, purely in the name of science of course.

Oh, yeah, zombies. Here is more data for those writing Ringbearer stories about zombies. BRAAAIIINS!

Roxanne M has another Iron Chef: The Sloanes Are Broke! Think about it, and write.

There is a lot of fanfic to catch up with, so stay tuned.

Helen Morgendorffer's boobs - because we're all dogs...

Nothing more need be said.

Well, one more thing. Why does Helen seem surprised? She was a teen hottie during the Summer of Love - and with those bad boys attracting attention, of course she knew that any male who isn't gay or Timothy O'Neill would lose thirty I.Q. points the moment she walks into the room, right? I'm reminded of that episode of the ABC comedy Spin City when the Mayor was dating Marla Maples Trump. As she leaves from a talk with Michael J. Fox, Carter (MJF's co-worker who is gay) openly ogles the woman and comments (after MJP says that a woman who looks as MMT does hanging out with the Mayor is trouble) that, yeah, if HE'S looking at her, they they're all in trouble!

A running gag on the show is how, even with whatever problems the Parents Morgendorffer have, in the bedroom, they have a five-alarm sex life. More to the point, though, they still love one another very much - even if they may not like one another from time to time.

It's a reasonably honest and healthy relationship - even with that Bastard Eric sniffing around Helen every time he gets a chance. (Just once - I'd have liked to have seen Jake punch that bastard out, or at least just walk up to him with a world-shattering glare that clearly says, "Touch my wife, and I'll kick your ass so hard that the donkey that Mary rode on will bray in pain." (Obligatory Easter reference, BG-style, there.)

Still waiting for that essay on TAG on the Holy Grail of Daria lore - Helen's bra size. Personally, I'm going with 36C. I'm also thinking that there's a reason why, in "The Daria Hunter," Helen and Brittany both wore fatigues. (Well, besides the whole 'Jim's Paintballing Jungle' thing.) Can you imagine the mental distress our resident teenage nymphet with plus-sized breasts would have to endure if she and Helen were to be in the same area and wearing skimpy shirts?

More later. Say - when's S.C. going to do that artwork of Helen in her sheer pink nightie and house robe? You know the one I'm talking about...

Helen Morgendorffer's "Breifcase"

In keeping with yesterday's theme of me not having enough time to post anything, we present Helen Morgendorffer's "breifcase" (spelled as it appeared on an old MTV Daria website).

Deep. Really deep. For a briefcase, I mean.

That's about all I have time for now, more to come, I swear it, just as soon as, um, you know, as soon as I can. Keep it real, yo, what up and peace out, my home g-dawgs.

Bread Machine

It's Tuesday night, I haven't had time to write up a half-decent post, so here is Helen Morgendorffer's bread machine from "That Was Then, This Is Dumb" by way of an old MTV Daria site. Ponder it if you will.




More later. Really, I mean it this time.

Spread Your Wings and Fly

Here's an interesting fanfic from the archives of Outpost Daria: "Daria: The Hunted," by Love Gordon. It takes place now (today).

Just for fun I looked up wingfic, a type of fanfic in which, well, characters get wings. Sorta obvious. Wingfic has a weird history. It's been known to appear in Daria fanfiction, but it is rare.

I might write up a short thinger on DariaWiki about it. Does anyone remember which superhero-crossover stories had Daria characters with wings? I remember seeing some mutant original characters, though few or no main Daria characters with wings. Moar later.

The Morgendorffer Bunch

The Morgendorffers parody the opening scene of the TV show The Brady Bunch in the image at right. Daria, of course, refuses to play along. The image appeared on an old version of MTV's Daria website.

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• Complications, by Legendeld (Part 7): Daria dialed the number and waited for her best friend to pick up. When she finally did, Daria only spoke one word. “Pizza.”
• Expecting Trouble, by Legendeld (Part 1): Daria shook her head in mock disappointment. “You try to order one missile attack submarine and no one trusts you anymore.” Helen was about to gave Daria a dressing down when Quinn walked into the kitchen before taking up a position in front of the counter then clearing her voice loudly. “I have an announcement.”
• Lawndale's Finest: The Dark Knight, by NightGoblyn (Chapter 2, Parts 4 and 5): “How dare you abandon me?” Margaret shouted into her phone. “You don’t realize how close I am to another breakthrough . . . don’t you hang up on me!” With a scream of frustration she threw the handset against the wall, shattering it into chunks of plastic and silicon. She stomped back into the kitchen, the phone shards crunching under her shoes. (New part here.)
  
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Special: Tokusatsu Team Up! by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Part 4): Charles massaged his eyes as he sped away from the Blue Walker’s room. He really didn’t need another demonstration of Daria going all Mind-Banshee on him, and from the screams of the Planesranger back in the room, she really didn’t appreciate being compared to Britney Spears.
  
• Spirit Stick, by Brother Grimace (Part 1): Sheriff Quincy Phillips looked at the name tag on the soldier’s uniform, and then studied the woman’s ID. “Chief Wright,” he said. “Special Agent Henry. You still haven’t told me what the heck you’re doing here, or how you knew something weird was happening here at Great Plains State. Our SWAT guys just went in a couple of minutes ago, and—"
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part 2), by jtranser (continued): "You will have to sacrifice at least a thousand individuals, and it will be very expensive to get that many people who've been sentenced to death. Or so I'm told by the representatives of the Human Sacrifice League, who act as wholesalers and control the supply."
• Things Fall Apart, by Doggieboy (Part 7): She blinked and swallowed. “Are they...are they still in the hallway?” she asked. The boy hesitated, then nodded. “I think they know that we’re somewhere in the building. I hear them in the hallway every so often. They shuffle around, try to open some of the doors, and move on.” Then he shuddered. “A couple of times, they moaned. It’s a horrible sound.”
• Unnamed story (Daria/Watchmen), by Lorenzo Sauchelli (continued): Li was about to open the door to leave but was stopped by a wire around her neck that she hadn't noticed before. "What the-?" "Do you know who I am?" came a muffled voice of a girl from the backseat.

Saturday.....

...and the debate over a possible partner for Sandi Griffin rages on at PPMB. Meanwhile, we could have a debate over Sandi's college job choices here, starting with the image at left.

Moar as soon as I wake up again.

Oh! Here we go. Richard Lobinske has posted an exceptionally good idea for rude stories: Quinn's Kegger. It spins off from "Gifted." Try it! You'll like it!


LATE NEWZ: 1,216 fans at the Daria Fan Club. Boy, that thing grew quick.

Now 2,288 pages in DariaWiki. Go go GO!

Roxanne wants to find 50 ways to kill Tom Sloane (per a similar song by Paul Simon). Moar l8r.

Feelin' Blue? I Am, Too.

World-famous blues man Muddy Waters was born 96 years ago tomorrow. I'm jumping the gun, but I love Muddy Waters, so we'll celebrate a day early and make it last. Man, I had a lot of eight tracks by him when I was in college.


NEWZ!

Moar Brittany sketches have been posted by MDetector5. They rock.

Latest DariaWiki page: Christine Blum, by Brother Grimace.

Up for a debate? Go to this thread and argue about what kind of guy would Sandi Griffin do best with. Yeah, sure, you wanna argue for girls for her, that's fine, too. Just argue. That's the main point.

Does Stacy Rowe deserve to be tormented? Who cares! Go to this Iron Chef and be your meanest.


PPMB

• Apocalyptic Daria: Scarlett's Tale, by Doggieboy (Part 8): He was still alive, and looked at the girl weakly. “You’re just going to let me lay here and bleed to death?” he asked and coughed. The cough sounded as if he had congestion. [FF.net] [SFMB]
  
• Daylight: Fallen from Grace: I Should Have Been Home Yesterday, by Disco316 (Part 4): The three girls stood at the dispensary; their mood was certainly different from at breakfast. “Are you sure that’s all you can spare?” asked Quinn. The man behind the desk frowned along with the three girls before him. “I’m sorry, girls, but even the two days of meals you have now is more than I should be offering. If you hadn’t helped us last night preparing the fields, I couldn’t offer anything other than breakfast today. I’m afraid the stable food supply will run short fairly soon. Are you sure you can’t stay and help us rebuild?”
• Turnabout Confusion Part II: All The King's Horses, by Dennis (continued): Zoe rang the doorbell of Taylor's house with more than a little trepidation. In happier days, she'd been here fairly often. She and Taylor had never dated, but they'd been thick as thieves through Middle School, and still friends through most of high school. Until two months ago.

Caption Contest!

An angry Jake said....

Now, for this update...

Just a quickie before the contest pops up.

Newest addition to DariaWiki: The Nova Valdris Accords, from Brother Grimace.


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• Fade, This Is Not Hell, and Dark Siren, by thatLONERchick (COMPLETE!): Three short stories in one post, and they are good!
• Iron Chef: No Tom, by several authors (continued): Lots of new ideas (and old) here, worth a look for some fun.
• Lawndale's Finest: The Dark Knight, by NightGoblyn (Chapter 2, Part 3): Angela Li’s eyes opened in the darkness and she knew that she was not alone. The bedroom window was open, its screen missing. She sat up in bed and something moved in the darkness, a shape that was a little darker than the unlight of the room. The shape was vaguely human. “Who are you? What do you want?”
• The Night Series: Curtain Call, by thatLONERchick: "Next," she called without preamble and the girl, right in the middle of belting out Tonight, fell silent as abruptly as though someone had switched off a radio. Mr. Doug, English teacher and Director of the play frowned briefly before consulting his clipboard. He crossed out a name before going down to the next line. "Jane Lane reading for Anita." (FF.net)
• Size Does Matter, by BlackHole (Part 39): “Got ’em cheaper. Half of ’em are from yesterday.” Trent said before Jane could launch a complaint about him spending money on doughnuts. Jane gladly accepted, her sugar level running low. “Trent, they don’t sell stuff from the day before.” “They do, if you know people.”(SFMB)
• Straight, Not Narrow, continued by Angelboy: Michael 'Mack' Mackenzie leaned against his locker, watching the new girl talking with Jane Lane. True she wasn't much to look at, but there was something about her to that really drew his attention. Jane was no slouch in getting his attention either. Unfortunately, he was too scared to stand out as a straight black man in a homosexual white school.
• Things Fall Apart, by Doggieboy (Part 6): By the time Bradley Buzzcut reached Highland High School with Beavis and Butt-Head in tow, he had a following of five zombies. The gym teacher was slowed somewhat by the extra weight he carried, but he still kept ahead of his undead pursuers. As they moved, even more dead from both sides and behind moved to intercept them. “Dammit, Butt-Head,” he said to the wounded boy, “those things must smell your blood!”

Art Toast

Eight years ago tonight, "Art Burn" premiered on MTV. It was nice to have a Jane-centric episode again. Too bad Stacy didn't die and make the show perfect, but you can't have everything. That's why we have fanfic, I suppose.

It was also two years ago yesterday that the world was taken over by inanimate objects, per this episode. How have we coped with this disaster? What have we learned?

More shortly. Or longly. Darn thunderstorm is coming, have to log off. But first this message:

Are you concerned about angst in 'shipper stories? Stop by the PPMB thread from Undefinedlust and discuss this topic to your heart's content. Remember, there can never be too much ketchup or angst.

That Brother Grimace is such a wacky guy!

That ol' rascal Brother Grimace, you know what he did? He played an April Fool joke on everyone at PPMB by telling us he was leaving the fandom. Brother Grimace, a really and truly superstar fanfic writer, he was giving up and going away. I ####ing near had a ####ing heart attack when I ####ing read that. Then he said ha ha ha, April Fool. What a guy! He had me going, I admit. Whew, good thing it was a joke.



Goodness, what's this? I forgot I had a baby picture of him that I could post on the Internet for everyone on the planet to see. Isn't he cute? Don't you just want to put him in your pocket and take him home? Next time you see Droopy Drawers at a DariaCon, tell him I said hi, no hard feelings about the April Fool. It was great. He's such a booger, I swear. Shame about that excess nose hair problem, but he's done his best to overcome it. You're the best, Bro! (Click on his pic for a special message!)

A Few Late-in-the-Day Notes

Some last new fanfic bits....

FF.net

• John Lane 39: Leaving Summer, by Richard Lobinske (COMPLETE!): Daria and John finish up their time at camp, and Quinn finishes up at hers.

PPMB

• Daylight: Falling From Grace: I Should Have Been Home Yesterday, by Disco316 (Part 3): Just then, a man on a horse appeared in the distance. [Damn it! Damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it, DAMN it!]
• Turnabout Confusion Part II: All The King's Horses, by Dennis (continued): It took Jen a couple of minutes to get her slice, and she spent them wondering how she found herself here, waiting to have a heart to heart with Quinn Morgendorffer of all people. Eavesdropped on one monologue... Who knew there was a brain and a wicked sense of humor under all that bouncy hair? But is she still the same old Quinn? Did I even know the same old Quinn? She sighed, took her slice, and went to sit down.

April First Rolls On

This page is reserved for fandom updates after I get home. Assuming I get home on time. You know how it goes. Here is Daria in a blue jacket. Looks weird. Stay tuned.

L8R: Okay, I'm home. Oy, what a day. Moar shortly.

MDetector5 has posted a page of sketches of Brittany Taylor, about which only one thing can be said.

Roxanne M has put forth a challenge to create a Daria/The Graduate crossover. Go forth and sin abundantly.

SURPRISE!!!

Daria.
Jane.
Quinn.
Kevin.
Brittany.
Upchuck.

Thanks, SRA. u R0ol, dude!

Artwork ©2009 SRA

DARIA GOES TOPLESS AT NOON!

Yes, Daria has agreed to let famed fan artist SRA paint her portrait TOPLESS, and it will be revealed to the world here at noontime. Stay tuned for the bare truth!




Nothing else to see here until later. Srsly.


Artwork (C)2009 SRA.

Give Me an F!

"Malled" premiered 12 years ago today, and "The F Word" 9 years ago. Interesting that Jane tried out a number of roles in the course of the show, but Daria tried out only one. Jane went for cute girl (at right), track runner, retro girl, cheerleader, all sorts of stuff. She even tried out as a tattoo.

I think Daria will still be working on that one lone role when she turns 30. Not Jane, though. "Daria, don't you think you have enough cats in this apartment?"

Big surprise coming soon. Get ready for it.

MOAR GNUZ: The Daria Fandom Drinking Game has gone into overdrive. Bottoms up!

Brother Grimace is searching for information on zombies. I am sure he has a perfectly valid reason for doing so. If you can help him out, click the link.

Some interesting, newly expanded webpages on DariaWiki:

• Dennis
• Great Zack Walkabout
• Mack Mackenzie
• Paperpusher's Message Board
• Ringbearers

FF.net

• Apocalyptic Daria: Brave New World, by Doggieboy80, a.k.a. Doggieboy (Part 7): Everyone gathered in the driveway at a little before ten. Trent shook everyone’s hand, except Daria, who he hugged briefly. “Take care of Martin,” he whispered in her left ear. “I think he likes you.” The auburn-haired teen felt a tear well up in her right eye and smiled. “I think so, too,” she whispered back. “I hope you and Pam stay happy together.”
• Apocalyptic Daria: Scarlett's Tale, by Doggieboy80 (Part 7): Scarlett learns a lot about proper meat preparation, but she still forgets to get enough barbecue sauce beforehand.
• Lambda, by SigDiff (Part 7): "Get up, you vile, bastard male!" Anthony DeMartino was fairly certain he had woken up in hell, until his vision cleared...
• A Twisted Little Corkscrew, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): "I hate this place," Daria grumbled as she handed over her shawl to the tuxedoed coat check boy. The youth—probably in his twenties, and already on the make, Daria thought—gave her an odd look, but said nothing. She took her claim ticket and gave him a sneer before heading into the main hall.
• Unnamed Crossover Fanfic 1, by Pinkminx (Part 3): Daria poked the reheated lasagne that sat in a sloppy wet mess on her plate and glanced up watching the mirrored movements of her sister "Ugh this is disgusting, Mom promised she'd be home tonight for dinner, she made me cancel my date for this." She whined as she pushed her plate across the table.

PPMB

• Rings and Things That Cannot Go Together, by Ranger Thorne (continued): As a figure crashed through the wall of the training room they almost hit Jane. Jumping back as she yelled in surprise, she raised her ring toward the man pulling himself off of the floor. “Robert?” she asked the familiar figure. “Busy now,” he said, diving back into the room.
  
• Something Is Rotten in the State of Lawndale, by Kristen Bealer (Part 1): Daria does Hamlet? You ain't never read great Shakespeare till you've read this! SAMPLE: Daria Hamletdorffer trudged down the stairs, feeling melancholy. Part of her unhappy mood came from the dreariness of the evening. Part of her unhappy mood came from being saddled with a last name like "Hamletdorffer."
• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): Daria meets Bill O'Reilly on FOX News. Ouch. At least it was balanced and fair.
  

Yaaay, Pencils!

On this great day, 151 years ago, Hymen Lipman invented the pencil with an eraser on top. Let's give him a big hand.














Okay, forget it. We'll pick this up later on.


PPMB

• Falling into College 67: How Did We Get All This Stuff? by Richard Lobinske (Part 2): Arriving home after their long drive, Daria and Jane were surprised to find a pile of boxes and luggage in the apartment. "What the hell?" Daria asked.
• Iron Chef: No Tom: Got some good ones in here!
  
• Lawndale's Finest: The Dark Knight, by NightGoblyn (continued): “Tiffany?” Stacy called out, tapping on her friend’s bedroom door. “Your mom said I should come on up, are you awake?” Stacy heard some unintelligible muttering from inside the room and pushed the door open.
• Love Is a Series of Burning Sensations, by Undefinedlust (continued): Dragging herself from bed, Jane laughed at how appropriate the song seemed that morning. Last night, like all the nights since the previous Sunday had been a tough one. Her emotions swirled violently around feelings of despair that she would never have the woman she wanted, and a counter stream of desire that she could not push away, no matter how hard she tried.
  
• Things Fall Apart, by Doggieboy (Part 5): Martin Peters streaked into the skies as fast as he could; he neither looked behind him nor tried to defend himself. When the lightning bolt struck him, however, it still came as a surprise.
• Turnabout Confusion Part II: All The King's Horses, by Dennis (continued): "You should thank me," Kelly said. "After Thursday's fiasco, you're lucky I don't go Brooke on you." "But you're still in the Fashion Club," said Quinn. "Because Sandi hasn't seen fit to dispose of me yet," Kelly said and took a defiant bite of her pizza.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Drunk as a Skunk and Twice as Stunk), by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE!): A bit of one-upmanship between Daria and the nemesis of the free world.
  

That New Kid

Eleven years ago, Ted DeWitt-Clinton appeared as Daria's potential new, first-ever boyfriend in "The New Kid." The episode stirred up a storm of controversy at the time, as not many people wanted her to hook up with him. They need not have worried. I still think Ted was gay.

Robert, however, was Daria's first real date. Not likely he'd show up on her date planner in the future, either.

Ted and Robert, however, came to be great friends. Maybe we'll see a Ted/Robert 'shipper one of these days. It could happen.

Moar l8r, stay tooned.

L8R: There's more fanfiction, but it will have to wait, got to go out for a while.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: A well-known fan artist has generously allowed DFB2 to premiere a brand-new artwork this coming week. You MUST stay tuned for more. It is AWESOME.

Jazz.com has a note that there is a new jazz singer in the D.C. area who, if I understand the blog post correctly, looks like Daria. Here's a pic of her with The Bad Plus, the jazz group she's with. Hmmm, I dunno, we have people in the fandom who look more like Daria than she does [COUGHKristenCOUGH], but I understand the resemblance.


PPMB

• Complications, by Legendeld (Part 6): “She shows up at my house and wants to make out, then she freaks out and starts screaming for me not to touch her. I’m done with her.” He turned back to the driveway. “And I’m sending a bill for the water damage to my car.”
• Lawndale's Finest: The Dark Knight, by NightGoblyn (Chapter 2, Part 2): “You think you could dial the pep down a little?” Jane asked with a smirk. “Nope,” Stacy said, smiling broadly. “I got some good news this morning, and I’ve been up all day. Not even Mr. DeMartino could get me down.”
• Things Fall Apart, by Doggieboy (Part 4): “We have an emergency on D-159. A very bad one, I’m afraid.” “Oh?” “A class-3 zombie outbreak. One of their DELPHI operatives is waiting for us at the office.”
  

March Madness (in Fanfiction)

March Madness is upon us, and while Louisville kicks everyone's behind we will look over the new fanfics that have appeared in just the last 24 hours. I can't even get my own stories restarted because I'm typing here all evening long trying to catch up. Jeez, people, c'mon. But first, some Newz.

LET'S PLAY A GAME! Derek has suggested a fresh new take on the Daria Fandom Drinking Game. Click the link and get ready to play! At least add more rules. (SFMB version)

JennaUsername has created a very interesting portrait entitled, "If Tim Burton Created Daria." Darned if she didn't nail it.

In our art department, we also have assorted Fashion Club sketches by MDetector5. Inspiring, I'd say.

The Daria Fan Club now has 1,204 members. Outrageous.

João Paulo Costa, Richard Lobinske, Brother Grimace, Disco316, Doggieboy, Dennis, and Ajar have been hard at work on DariaWiki, raising the number of pages to 2,274 with lots of new material. Thank you! Anyone else with information to add is welcome to join in.

Brother Grimace has thrown down the iron gauntlet for an Iron Chef: Mack Mackenzie Has His Day. This one is too good to resist, but requires thought.

NEW! Roentgen has introduced Iron Chef: No Tom. How would the series have ended if Tom Sloane had not appeared? Add your $.02.


FF.net

• Harry Butthead, by Deep Metal (Part 3): NEW! “How did you manage to survive so long with a bunch of blood-sucking undead who could’ve taken your life?” asked Daria. “Oh, that,” Mr. Manners chuckled, revealing a wreath of garlic hung around his neck. “Well, it’s simple, you see. I brought protection.” “Huh huh huh! He brought protection!” “Heh heh heh heh heh!”
  
• Omega Omega, by Smileyfax (Part 3): "I overreacted," Daria greeted. Her voice was hoarse and her eyes were puffy. "I couldn't accept that you weren't... my Jane. I'm sorry."

PPMB

• Apocalyptic Daria: Scarlett's Tale, by Doggieboy (Part 7): As Scarlett and John walked outside the storage units to the one he used as his own motel, she looked up at the skies. Looks like snow, she thought and shuddered. (SFMB)
• Lambda, by SigDiff (Parts 1 to 5): NEW! Corporal Alan Watts was having a very bad day. It began just after sunrise when a fellow Resistance member burst through the door of his barracks and yelled; “WE'VE BEEN COMPROMISED, EVAC NOW!” As if to prove the speaker was not playing a practical joke, the outburst was punctuated with the wall beside his bed caving in from a guided missile. (FF.net)
• Lawndale's Finest: The Dark Knight, by NightGoblyn (continued): Jane sighed quietly to herself and tried not to roll her eyes. For once, she was putting some effort into making the school psychologist happy. She actually had a vested interest in not getting stuck in the self-esteem class again.
• More Apocalyptic Daria, by NightGoblyn (continued): The next morning is completely uneventful, which just goes to show that the universe is out to get me and I never get what I want. I spend the time looking for my niece and nephew, they’re old enough now to start learning the finer points of meeting and greeting all the bizarre people that show up at our gate without offending them or getting themselves shot. [NOTE: Story formerly known as "Fimbul," which was formerly known as "More Apocalyptic Daria."]
• On the Clock, by Legendeld (Part 2): NEW! It’s been two weeks and everything has been going exactly how Daria wants it too. Between catching some of the bad guys and registering some of the rogue heroes, we’ve been busy. I almost walked when I found out about that but she swears that only we have access to the records now. One of the powers that the authorities handed over to us. Personally I don’t believe it for a second.
  
• Quinn Angel, by Lawndale Lurker (COMPLETE!): “Quinn, you are looking at six counts of assault, three against police, not to mention destruction of private property and possibly inciting a riot. You could be incarcerated until you reach legal adulthood, and it could cost your father and me a huge amount of money in fines, damages, and court costs. We could lose the house. And woe be unto you if that happens." AND THEN: “Can you hear me? Quinn Angel...” sang the three Js. “Ooo...” went Quinn.
  
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part II), by jtranser (continued): "All right, by now all of you should be thoroughly acquainted with thermodynamics and Milton's Paradise Lost. O.K., if heaven's light and hell is not, explain why no work can be got out of the devil. Show your understanding of entropy. You have two hours."
• Things Fall Apart, by Doggieboy (Part 3): “Dammit, Beavis!” Butt-Head said as the two walked down the street. The blond-haired boy carried the TV set in his hands and their progress was slow. “You aren’t moving fast enough, fartknocker!” Then the zombies showed up.
  
• Turnabout Confusion, Part II: All the King's Horses, by Dennis (continued): Morning found the Morgendorffer sisters sitting across from each other at the kitchen table. Had Helen been there, she would have said they both looked emotionally drained. Had Jake been there, he would have been shoveling cereal into his face while reading the paper. As it was, both sat in silence for awhile, before Daria spoke. "You okay?" (continued here) (FF.net)
  
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Mack Mackenzie Has His Day), by Brandon League (COMPLETE!): NEW! Mayor Jodie Landon-Grimace smiled benevolently out at the crowd, some 250 strong, that had gathered in the parking lot of the home offices of Bro And QB Ice Cream.
  
• Unnamed story, by Roentgen (Part 1): A crossover, and an intriguing one. Can you guess what the secret added ingredient is?

SFMB

• Apocalyptic Daria: Brave New World, by Doggieboy (Part 7): Catching up with the other editions of this story.

Caption Contest!

Supply the dialogue between Daria and Jane in "Comments."

Sssssmokin'!

The tiny picture at left balloons up wonderfully when you click on it. This is how Quinn's class viewed having Daria as their teacher in "Lucky Strike," which premiered eight years ago today. This is the episode most famous for Daria's fur bikini. Or lack thereof.

Were you aware that the name of this episode came from a brand of cigarettes? Even cartoon characters smoke Lucky Strikes. They're less likely to get cancer than we are. Maybe.

I had an idea once about Jane drawing a comic strip for the school paper featuring a puffin (kind of like a penguin, only less erotic) named Puffy, who smokes cigarettes and does television ads promoting a given cigarette brand.... until he discovers he has cancer, which the cigarette company had assured him he would not get. The comic goes into angst overdrive, with Puffy coughing up blackened parts of his lungs & cursing his fate, yet completely unable to stop smoking, until the students who smoke get riled up and begin protesting. (Burnout Girl, by the way, is a smoker. See picture #13 at that link. Mr. DeMartino smokes too, per "The Big House.")

An Iron Chef about a drunken Daria is gathering some ficlets. Contribute yours!

Daria fan Dulcinea has a PPMB thread about Sandi Griffin, and how we view her. Why are people fascinated with her? Also a good thread for contributions.

Looking for a good debate? Try Deconstructing Mack, a critical discussion of "Saint Mack" Mackenzie and how the show depicted him.


UPDATED FANFICTION LIST

FF.net

• A Tale of Two Bungholes, by Evanilla (Part 1): Here is a very special shipper about two young boys and the girl who moved away... and then moved back. ("If only Mom knew I was spending the night at the house of the two horniest guys in Highland!”) I promise that this story will not cause permanent brain damage. I swear to God it won't. (Boinnnnng!)
  
• Unnamed Crossover Fanfic, by Pinkminx (Part 2): "Look, I'm gunna drop the act. Lawndale High is a cookie-cutter replica of every other school in America, complete with your various stereotypes. No one cares about anything, the teachers are oblivious, and the principal's sole interest is to protect the *valued* name of the school. Just don't do anything to compromise the school's reputation and you'll coast through the next few years."

PPMB

• Falling into College #67: How Did We Get All This Stuff? by Richard Lobinske (Part 1): "Daria really has him whipped now," Gina said before popping a candy into her mouth.
• Film Critic Mass, by Patrick Moore, a.k.a. Peapotmaster (Part 1): "Welcome to a special edition of Coming Attractions. Tonight, my special guest is former MTV star, Daria Morgendorffer, to co-host the show with me. Hello, Daria."
• Lambda, by SigDiff (Part 1, restarted by popular demand!): Daria Morgendorffer didn't particularly believe in the story of Gordon Freeman. She viewed him much in the same way she viewed Santa Claus. A man fitting his general description did exist at some point, and probably did some things that were seen as amazing, but he wasn't going to be the savior of humanity. Just like how Santa Claus never brought her that damned replica human skull. [A Daria/Half-Life 2 crossover. HE'S GONNA DO IT! YESSS!]
• Mike and the Spiral (with Jodie Landon) present: “Firecracker," by Ranger Thorne (COMPLETE!): When it comes to love she ain't no slacker / My little darlin' is a Firecracker!
  
• Once Upon a Time in Lawndale, by Disco316 (Parts 6 and 7): “Didn't sleep a wink last night. A group of the most unfashionable losers in black rode herd on me all night. I didn’t think you could make black look ugly until I saw them. Well, maybe leaving them out in the desert will improve their common sense as well as their fashion sense." ALSO: "Once you've killed four, it's easy to make it five."
• Rings and Things That Cannot Go Together, by Ranger Thorne (continued): “I am the Green Lantern of this sector of space,” Daria told him, trying to sound official. “You have been found worthy by my ring to become one of us.”
  
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part II), by jtranser (continued): "I've gone from attending Lawndale High to being a reporter for one of the lesser New York City newspapers and winding up as Imperial Grand Duchess of the Russian Empire. And I still find myself dealing with idiots, scoundrels, and assorted hostile maladjusted types."
• Straight, Not Narrow, by Angelboy et al. (continued): "Seems like such a waste," said Daria. "The royal men are all quite handsome men." ["The Invitation" is next!]
  
• Things Fall Apart, by Doggieboy (Parts 1 and 2): Bradley Buzzcut looked over the gymnasium of Highland High as the refugees settled into family groups. Blankets and sleeping bags were arranged, while the custodians pushed back the bleachers to make more floor space. He took mental stock as he looked around, but there was so many people it was hard to be sure that everyone was there. [Part 2 takes place in Ohio. Guess which city.]
  
• Turnabout Confusion Part II: All The King's Horses, by Dennis (continued): "Dad said you wanted to talk to me, Mack. What about?" Now that it was upon him, he couldn't summon the anger he'd felt earlier in the day. Only sadness. "You know what about."
• A Twisted Little Corkscrew, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): Thugs, liars, and bootlickers, she thought as she tossed the wine back. Should've brought my flask.
• Unnamed story, by Scissors MacGillicutty (COMPLETE!): "Those who are one thirty-second awake are expecting me to announce that my old show will soon be available, and those one sixteenth awake are salivating at the prospect of me declaring I'm an alien and then ripping off these clothes to show a...oh, I don't know, a much more revealing outfit and nipples on my elbows."
  
• Unnamed story, by SigDiff (Part 1): See if you can guess the crossover. The towel is a clue.

SFMB

• Once Bitten, Twice Shy, by Bliss Ticks: The (in)complete story, so far: "I see the snow bunnies have taken possession of your faculties again." *

* Contains adult content. Hang on.

Happy Former New Year's Day!

Today is Lady Day, which used to be the first day of the new year when the Julian calendar was being used. When everyone switched over to the Gregorian calendar, January 1 took over. I bet this caused a stir at Holiday Island High.

Anyway, here is a really interesting picture that UU sent to me. I'm not sure what to say about it, so we'll just leave it at that.

Stay tuned.

Daria and Her One True Career Goal

"Cafe Disaffecto" aired for the first time 12 years ago today. "The Lost Girls" appeared 10 years ago today. What's interesting is that in both episodes, Daria attracts attention because of her writing skills. She creates a riot in one and gives Val conniptions in the other, but it was her writing that got everything going each time. Maybe she really is destined to be "a bitter, angry hack who starts fights fistfights at cocktail parties" (The Daria Diaries). That would be wild, wouldn't it?

In fact, this idea is so interesting that I think I will start an Iron Chef thread on PPMB about it, for all you creative writers and perverts out there. Click the link and make Daria proud.