Bonus Round 6

[hso_mods]

Bonus Round 6

Recs

Hey, shippers! This is the last bonus round, which we’re all very sad about. So let’s talk about some of the awesome stuff created throughout the HSO!

Rules

1. Rec at least three fanworks from the main or bonus rounds! They do not have to be connected to each other in any way.


2. You may not recommend material created by members of your own team.


3. Each recommendation must include at least three full sentences about why it’s awesome. Please use the format specified below.


4. You may recommend as many sets as you like, so long as each set has at least three recs in it.

Title & Rec Format
If you are doing a fill, use this format in your title.
FILL: TEAM [YOUR SHIP]
Replace [YOUR SHIP] with the name of the team YOU belong to; please use the characters and quadrant, not whatever portmanteau or nickname you've come up with.
If your team name is not in this format and in the title we cannot guarantee that it will be counted.

The content of the post should be in this format (extend as necessary):
<b>Rec 1:</b> (title) <b>Team:</b> (the team the creator belongs to) <b>Creator:</b> <b>Why I’m recommending it:</b> (please be as specific and descriptive as possible!) <b>Rec 2:</b> (Title) <b>Team:</b> (the team the creator belongs to) <b>Creator:</b> <b>Why I’m recommending it:</b> (please be as specific and descriptive as possible!) <b>Rec 3:</b> (Title) <b>Team:</b> (the team the creator belongs to) <b>Creator:</b> <b>Why I’m recommending it:</b> (please be as specific and descriptive as possible!)

Posts not using this format in the title will be understood to be unofficial discussion posts, no matter what they contain. They, like all comments on the comm, are subject to the Wank Policy.

Scoring
For fills (as stated here):
First 5 entries in each post: 30 (per entry)
Entries 6-10 in each post: 20 (per entry)
Entries 11-15 in each post: 10 (per entry)
Entries 16+ in each post: 5 (per entry)

If you have any questions, please ask them at the FAQ post here, or email them to us (homestuck.shipping at gmail). Otherwise, we cannot guarantee that we will see them in a timely fashion!

Comments

FILL: TEAM DAVE<3JOHN

[jamkiske]

Art Recs - Main Round 3 Edition

Rec 1: SH3'S BL1ND R3M3MB3R?!?!
Team: Dave<3Rose<3Terezi
Creator: artillie
Why I’m recommending it: Absolutely lovely piece of art that fits the theme of the round perfectly. The two branching paths show the possibilities of Terezi's relationships with only Rose and Dave while at the end all three come together well. The title is also super cute.

Rec 2: TO CATCH A THIEF
Team: Terezi<3Vriska
Creator: mishfin
Why I’m recommending it: This art is phenomenal! The comic tells a story very well, characterizing both Terezi and Vriska perfectly. the gritty comic book artstyle is really lovely and adds to the feel of the story that is told.

Rec 3: I'll Be Your Mirror
Team: John<>Vriska
Creator: msmonochrome
Why I’m recommending it: These pieces are gorgeous! They capture John and Vriska's relationship rather well on the levels of before and after death. The characterization through their expressions is perfect.

FILL: TEAM DAVE<3JOHN

[jamkiske]

Poetry Recs! (this is my last one I swear)
For some reason all the poetry was concentrated in this last round...

Rec 1: A Troll's Primer on the Human Alphabet
Team: Dirk<3Equius
Creator: cypher
Why I’m recommending it: NOTE THAT THIS IS NSFW! I was torn between putting this with my art recs or my poetry recs because both the art and the poem itself are amazing! Dirk and Equius are both perfectly in character, with Equius's well written poem and Dirk's quips on the sides of the pages. The whole thing is really brilliant, with the style of it as a book being executed in a way that's really cute.

Rec 2: rEMEM8ER?
Team: Tavros<3Vriska
Creator: davekatprincess
Why I’m recommending it: This fill is a phenomenal example of using canon really well in an entry. It's heartbreaking seeing Tavros and Vriska become the mess of Tavrisprite, and this poem captures it really well. It's very short and simple, yet it exemplifies the prompt through the usage of canon.

Rec 3: By Your Light
Team: Alpha!Dave<3Alpha!Rose
Creator: arctickayla
Why I’m recommending it: The style of this fill is incredibly unique, both in the art and in the poetry. Both styles are very sophisticated and gorgeous. The fact that this team made both a sestina and an image that can be viewed in 3D work in one fill and work well is really unique. It's all just so very cool and different from anything else.

Rec 4: There Are Lights in the Clouds
Team: John<3Rose
Creator: para_normally
Why I’m recommending it: This piece begins with a comic that establishes it all really well, managing to go from a lighthearted mood to a dark one very effectively. The style of the poem is simple, yet it conveys both points of view extremely well. Seeing what John and Rose are left with after the end of the game is heartbreaking, but seeing them support each other in what's left is great, and this poem shows that well.

FILL: TEAM JOHN<3ROSE

[threeley]

Rec 1: never kissed goodbye (the love of our lives)
Team: Dave<3Rose<3Terezi
Creator: Round 1 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: One of the things I really love about this fic is how Terezi doesn't show up except in flashbacks, but you can still kind of feel her absence between Dave and Rose in these small details. The flashback scenes that inform the story are pretty poignant too but without being too dramatic, so that's always nice. The ending is really great too, really snappy and kind of a cliffhanger in a way, but it still resolves everything.

Rec 2: Sweet, Salty, Sour
Team: Alchem Parcelpyxis
Creator: Round 2 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: I just love all the descriptions and the writing style. They work with the overall theme of the story so well, and add to this somewhat dangerous undercurrent that sneaks in. Plus the relationships in the story itself are really well-done and there are some really nice moments, and just the examination about the three is super interesting.

Rec 3: In The Middle
Team: Jade<3Kanaya<3Rose
Creator: Round 3 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: The choice of Kanaya as the POV character was excellent because the relationship's struggles get this whole new layer to it as they settle into things. The introspection was really fascinating too, and it had some really cute moments. Plus, the art is really sweet and works well with the story.

Fill: Team Rose<3Roxy

[welcometoinnsmouth]

Fic recs, Round 1 edition.


Rec 1: How to Cheat at Cards for Fun and profit
Summary: None given.
Team: Aradia<>Sollux
Creator: Main round 1 entry.
Why I’m recommending it: This fic shows an exuberant side to both Aradia and Sollux that I don't see very often in fanwork; that, along with the pitch-perfect character voices and genuinely fun art (the disguises, god) is enough to secure it a recommendation from me. A fine effort from a team that has shown itself to produce work of consistently great quality.

Rec 2: the ghost of rockschool
Summary: AU. Aradia is a psychopomp, a guide for the dead - a demographic Jade has recently joined. However, Jade isn't ready to move on for her own reasons. Bargaining ensues.
Team: Aradia<3Jade
Creator: Main round 1 entry.
Why I’m recommending it: Okay, just let me say right off that I love the idea of Aradia as a psychopomp, I really do; it just fits, in my opinion. That being said, the writing is clear and evocative, and the musical duel between the leading ladies is a great nod to a song that I'm particularly fond of.

Also Jade using a bass. She would.

Rec 3: Untitled
Summary: Roxy comes up with a slightly more palatable take on Russian roulette.
Team: Meenah<3< Roxy
Creator: thestralhugs (on Tumblr); Main round 1 entry.
Why I’m recommending it: The premise is entertaining enough, but the expressions and body language are absolutely perfect - especially their faces in the first panel. This is definitely something that I could see the both of them doing, and in this exact manner.

(That, and I'm a sucker for paw feet on trolls.)

FILL: TEAM KARKAT<3SOLLUX

[astraldeveloper]

Rec 1: Reel Lifer
Team: Gamzee♥Jane
Creator: Team Gamzee♥Jane
Why I’m recommending it: [character death, gore?] This fic is just TOO AWESOME. It was my favourite in round two, for sure. The Gamzee voice here is just amazing and totally feels like him without being overwhelming, and really gets across his way of looking at things. All the details and hints of backstory are so fascinating and perfectly doled out, and I love Gamzee and Karkat's relationship a lot. The way Gamzee and Jane's romance plays out is nice and subtle and a little weird and absolutely perfect, as far as I'm concerned. And wow, the actual plot and climax are GREAT and interesting and so perfectly written. I just love this fic so much.

Rec 2: Untitled Jane<3Roxy science fiction/detective fic
Team: Dave♥Terezi
Creator: soashamed
Why I’m recommending it: [character death?] This has such a great premise! And an awesome detective Jane, she is so serious and dedicated. And sneaky secretive Roxy. Their interactions are so good in this, and the hints shown of Dirk and Jake are excellent, too.

Rec 3: Untitled Sufferer/Disciple highschool au/death by illness fic
Team: Gamzee♥Jane
Creator: i2eve
Why I’m recommending it: [character death?] This fic is REALLY SAD and really perfect. It's a great human, au version of the Sufferer and Disciple; I like that it's different enough from canon to be its own thing, and it just feels like the two of them. The ending is perfect.

FILL: TEAM John<3Rose

[astrologicallydubious]

BR3 Recs Part Last:

Rec 1: Oregon Trail [Midnight Crew]
Team: Equius<3Gamzee
Creator: brightgray
Why I’m recommending it: Oh man, imagine the Midnight Crew on the Oregon Trail. Spades Slick would be a terror. You tell that wagon, Slick. I love the implication that the Midnight Crew carries candy for food, and a ton of bullets, and... not much else. Also Boxcars and CD, cuties.

Rec 2: Moirail Kombat
Team: Terezi<3Vriska
Creator: skaiasthelimit
Why I’m recommending it: I don't think I've ever played Mortal Kombat but I'm a sucker for puns. The cat and horse emblems are very nice, and Equius and Nepeta just look so HAPPY. Good-natured sparring does seem like something Equius and Nepeta would do as training.

Rec 3: Megaman 3 [Dave + John]
Team: Eridan <3< Vriska
Creator: mafiahahaha
Why I’m recommending it: I really like this crossover, and it's making me want to play Megaman again. You can tell who's who in terms of both Megaman and Homestuck characters (wow perfect colors). If I remember right, I feel like they'd fit those roles pretty well, too (John especially; I don't remember Protoman as well, I guess).

Rec 4: untitled [Pokemon]
Team: Nepeta<3Terezi
Creator: grannypix
Why I’m recommending it: These are some really nice sprites. They totally look like they could be in a Pokemon game; the imps could even make an evolution sequence. It makes me wonder what the consorts would evolve into, and what types they'd be, and what kind of moves they'd have, and how great it would be to have the kids with these as their starter pokemon in a crossover world...

FILL: TEAM KARKAT<3SOLLUX

[astraldeveloper]

Rec 1: Untitled Kanaya<>Karkat star-crossed lovers/lost world
Team: Roxy♥Roxy
Creator: attentionmerrymakers
Why I’m recommending it: I love the little bits of worldbuilding in this, the universe seems so interesting. The development of the relationship between Karkat and Kanaya is subtle and cute and sad, and fits them perfectly. The ending is predictable and terrible and just the right kind of ambiguous.

Rec 2: Untitled Gamzee<>Karkat daemons/urban fantasy fic
Team: Equius♥Tavros
Creator: cygna_hime
Why I’m recommending it: Ah, this fic is just so dark and interesting and romantic. It fits so perfectly with the setting and with Karkat and Gamzee. All the little hints about the other characters and Karkat's 'cases' are great, too. Just a really awesome oneshot.

Rec 3: Waking Up (AO3)
Team: Kanaya♥Vriska
Creator: memyselfandi
Why I’m recommending it: (Karkat<3Karkat) This fic is SO GREAT I can barely even handle it. The perfectly unanswered questions and the sad bits and just really good Karkat. I love the inclusion of the dreamselves being different from waking selves from canon, and this Prospit Karkat is so interesting. I would read a hundred thousand pages of this.

FILL: TEAM KARKAT<3SOLLUX

[astraldeveloper]

Rec 1: Untitled Sollux<3John mythological/time travel fic
Team: Eridan<>Rose
Creator: headlessbird
Why I’m recommending it: I love the kids being actual gods, it's such a cool premise. This definitely manages to have a mythological feel, while keeping a nice level of detail and characterization. Also, I like skeptical Sollux, and this is a great rarepair. <3

Rec 2: Untitled Araneac3<(Vriska/Meenah) medical romance/gangster fic
Team: Terezi♠Vriska
Creator: cest_what
Why I’m recommending it: An ashen romance! That is romantic! This fic is really cute and funny and in character, and this is an excellent ship. I especially like the knocking of heads together as an expression of ashen sentiment.

Rec 1: Untitled Rose<3Terezi prison au/manic pixie dream girl fic
Team: Kanaya♥Vriska
Creator: memyselfandi
Why I’m recommending it: [character death?] Terezi makes an amazing manic pixie dream girl, and her being one to Rose is awesome. The Rose voice here is excellent, in my opinion, and the setup is fantastic. I love the relationship in retrospect between Rose and her mother, and Rose's reaction to being in jail for so long. A really cool, interesting fic.

FILL: TEAM KARKAT<3SOLLUX

[astraldeveloper]

Rec 1: Untitled Dave<3Rose detective comedy pic
Team: Dave♥Tavros
Creator: tavdos
Why I’m recommending it: Rose makes an excellent Sherlock Holmes, that is undeniable. The way they’re drawn here is just so perfect, the lines and the expressions and the colouring are great! Dave’s eyebrows. <3 Plus I love Rose being taller? Basically this picture is too awesome.

Rec 2: Untitled Aradia and Tavros skydiving picture
Team: Equius♥Gamzee
Creator: brightgray
Why I’m recommending it: This picture is just too cute! These designs for human Aradia and Tavros are adorable, and I especially love Aradia's hair here. The style and colours are really nice, and the composition is great.

Rec 3: Untitled Jade<3Karkat pirates/film noir fic
Team: Terezi♠Vriska
Creator: cest_what
Why I’m recommending it: Perfect Jade<3Karkat. Absolutely perfect. Captain Jade Harley, queen of my heart, and this Karkat is adorable. This is just so CUTE and the film-noir-ness of the style with the pirate-y setting is so excellent and fits so well. (That first paragraph. <3)

FILL: Team Dave<3Karkat

[lacertae_dreamscape]

Rec 1: Untitled Grandpa Harley<>Mom (http://hs-olympics.dreamwidth.org/20726.html?thread=3501046#cmt3501046)
Team: Dirk<3Roxy
Creator: shinigamishi (bonus round 5)
Why I’m recommending it: seriously, it depicts the entirety of their relationship really well, with their quirks and their characterization spot on. it's a shame it's so short, because it's really adorable, and the way those two fit together is simply amazing. i really enjoyed it, and it's heartwarming ;A;.

Rec 2: Unspoken(http://hso2012-r3s4.dreamwidth.org/1295.html)
Team: John<3Vriska
Creator: Team Entry Round 3
Why I’m recommending it: It makes my heart ache so much. the way it cuts the situation in two similarly working halves, with a post-game setup where both universes are separated, and there's just this painful what-if that lingers in the air, with both sides clinging to something that isn't there, hoping but never saying it out loud, and it hurts because it's so beautiful. i love the art that goes with the fill, and it helps giving the entry more feels with an aided visual. it really is an awesome entry. ;_;

Rec 3: Dave: Go on a First Date (http://hso2012-r2s1.dreamwidth.org/4586.html)
Team: Alpha!Dave<3Alpha!Rose
Creator: team entry round 2
Why I’m recommending it: What is there NOT to rec for this? the plot moves along with a few bumps that make you realise something isn't exactly as it should be, but you don't really GET what the problem is. you follow the story and their dave while feeling like it's not quite the first date, but at the same time a pressing heaviness that makes you fear what's going on. and then the realisation, brought forth through feelings and images (painted vividly) and it's just hurtful, bittersweet and splendid and oh so fitting with their characters, and how everything is in the end... it's such a wonderful entry.

FILL: TEAM [ROSE<3ROXY]

[adaorardor]

THREE ROUNDS OF LADIES LOVIN' LADIES: ART EDITION

Rec 1: Sink or Swim
Team: Feferi<3Jade
Creator: Round one entry
Why I’m recommending it: This was one of my favorite entries for the first round. I love the depth of color and the girls' sweet expressions. Most of all, I love the very creative interpretation of the gambling prompt!

Rec 2: Untitled
Team: Terezi<3Vriska
Creator: Round two entry
Why I’m recommending it: Anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for fierce monster girls. A lot of R2 focused on one partner being a monster, or having a run-in with one; the fact that both Terezi and Vriska are the monsters here I think says something about their relationship! The linework and colors are so tactile and vibrant. Plus: look at those smiles. They are fierce as fuck.

Rec 3: Lament/Laud
Team: Kanaya<3Vriska
Creator: Round three entry
Why I’m recommending it: I think this really gets to the heart of a lot of problems in Kanaya and Vriska's relationship. Not only that, it is a delicious piece of art. The textures are spot-on-- you can feel the viscosity, the movement in the flow of blood. Yum.

FILL: TEAM JOHN<3ROSE

[para_normally]

Rec 1: Flames
Team: Slick♠Snowman
Creator: Round 1 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: Oh wow wow wow WHAT perfect, perfect characterization of - EVERYONE, but especially the central pairing; their conversation in this fic is too perfect and too them and too, well, downright sexy to even be legal. The author breathed so much life into Midnight City that the end only left me wanting more, jeez. If you haven't read this fic by some chance, and don't already LOVE Sn0wman... be prepared to gain a whole new appreciation for her and for this pairing.

Rec 2: The Weather in Europe
Team: Dad<3Roxy
Creator: Round 1 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: I was blown away by how lovely and delicately melancholy and emotional this entry was. It falls very, very firmly into the "I don't even ship this... or do I after all?" category. The author has an EXCELLENT handle on both Dad and Roxy, and I really felt for Dad being torn with guilt and honest confusion between his daughter's young friend and the clever, worldly lady she becomes by night and in secret.

Rec 3: Says the Dragon to the Mama Cat
Team: Team Nepeta<3Terezi
Creator: Round 1 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: This comic is FRUSTRATINGLY adorable. The art style is really vivid and expressive, the colours are vibrant and rich and varied, and the story... aaaah I cannot help but fall for a story that centres around Nepeta and Terezi LARPing together! (Especially one that has such a sweet ending!)

FILL: TEAM JOHN<3ROSE

[para_normally]

Rec 1: Slaying the Dragon
Team: Dave<3Terezi
Creator: Round 2 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: I secretly have a glaring weakness for knitted crafts - especially ones that are done so WELL! :OE This is such a creative interpretation of the prompt, and the dolls are fantastically made; if only Andrew Hussie allowed sale of homemade Homestuck merchandise, I would buy these in a flash! I'm especially impressed that the maker devised their own pattern for making TZ-dragon - that CAN'T have been easy, and she looks perfect.

Rec 2: Howl
Team: Dirk<3Jake
Creator: Round 2 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: As soon as I read that Dirk and Jake were a vampire and a werewolf respectively, I knew I was in for a treat. The way they interact in this fic is incredibly tender, protective of one another, and playful by turns and all at once. The author has a perfect touch with imagery, giving the reader a vivid (but not spelled out to the point of being stifling to the imagination) picture of what the boys are doing and feeling from start to finish, especially Jake's nervousness and ambivalence concerning his imminent transformation. ...AND the last image might be one of my favourite pieces of Dirk<3Jake fanart ever. They just look so, so very content...

Rec 3: Pedestrians Don't Save the Day
Team: Jake<3Jane
Creator: Round 2 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: You KNOW an author has an amazing handle on the characters they are writing when you can hear their voices in your head as you read. Jake<3Jane is one of my favourite ships, and Team English Muffin CERTAINLY did not disappoint here. I'm super impressed with how Jake is handled in particular; I feel as though a lot of fanworks don't give him much depth (if any), but here, we really got a sense that though Jake doesn't exactly think his actions through to their logical conclusion... he can be pretty quick-thinking, clever and resourceful - and exactly as daring as he likes to think he is - after all. (And luckily, poor sensible and pragmatic Jane is there to smack a little sense into him when he isn't all that clever... but it turns out that maybe she's a LITTLE charmed by his recklessness. Just a little.)

FILL: TEAM JADE<3KARKAT

[gregariousprotagonist]

Rec 1:And Somewhere in the Darkness the Gambler, He Broke Even
Team: Rose<3Roxy
Creator: Round 1 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: I am consistently blown away by this team but this is my favorite of their entries. The writing style is absolutely gorgeous. Each description is beautifully crafted and the scenes flow together to create a heartbreaking tale. The art is a perfect complement to the words. If you are looking for a heartbreaking story of love, longing, and betrayal, this is the perfect option.

Rec 2: Never or Later
Team: Bro<3Grandpa
Creator: Round 3 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: Romance, time shenanigans, and a bittersweet conclusion make this a beautiful story. It is split in half with Bro and Grandpa each telling their own side of the story. The writing is strong, the plot is solid, and the art is perfect. This fic will not disappoint you.

Rec 3: Unspoken
Team: John<3Vriska
Creator: Round 3 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: The poem and art work together to create a wonderful story. It follows the lives of John and Vriska while they try to fill the void in their lives. They both find love but it is not quite the way you expect. The poem is gorgeous and the art is lovely. It is a good read.

FILL: TEAM JOHN<3ROSE

[para_normally]

Rec 1: It Could Happen to You
Team: Rose<3Roxy
Creator: Round 2 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: This fic is so, SO amazingly creepy and haunting. Whereas many of the entries (including my team's own, heheh) went for humour or at least a light touch - this is horror to the core, and it is not for the faint of heart. It actually reminds me very much of the short stories that many of us had collections of when we were growing up. :OE The last line literally sent chills down my spine.

Rec 2: Lollipop Katana
Team: Bro<3Grandpa
Creator: Round 2 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: In sharp (ha ha) contrast to my immediately previous rec... this fic is utterly hilarious in a way that is dark, wry, and outright bizarre. Bro Strider! Killing zombies! In a Twilight Sparkle-themed schoolgirl outfit! With Grandpa's live, talking severed head strapped to his butt! The casual way Dave and Bro talk about the latter having severed his zombie-infected boyfriend's head is a definite high point - as is the uncanny mirroring of what eventually occurred in canon! - but everything about this fic is just flawless.

Rec 3: The Princess, the Prince, and the Beekeeper
Team: Eridan♥Feferi♥Sollux♠Eridan
Creator: Round 2 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: Oh NO, anybody with a weakness for lovely-creepy fairy tales NEEDS to get right onto reading this entry! I was immediately charmed utterly as soon as I saw that the artwork was drawn to resemble shadow puppetry, but the story itself perfectly captures the flavour of classic fairy tales that don't always end in a happy ending. Of especial note here: the way Feferi is characterized as so very graceful, beguiling, seemingly too good to be true... and a vicious and conniving monster beneath all of that. Poor, foolish Eridan and Sollux...

TEAM: ARADIA<3ROSE

[rakopandaowl]

Rec 1: I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing
Team: john<3rose
Creator: collab round
Why I’m recommending it: What can I say? It's literally watching a group of friends on tumblr, and I feel connected to them in that way. The plot was adorable, the cosplays were great, the fact a blog was made for each kid? My god I'm squealing and laughing and crying this is amazing.

Rec 2: Plush Rump Theatre
Team: bro<3john
Creator: round 3 entry
Why I’m recommending it: As small as the entry itself is, I'm a total sucker for brojohn and this takes the cake. The puppets were wonderful and extremely clever. I can't stop smiling I look ridiculous.

Rec 3: GOIN 2 MATHCLASS the journey, the saga, the hallways (bonus round 5)
Team: dave<3karkat
Creator: razzda
Why I’m recommending it: Gamzee Karkat moirails in high school I'm screaming djhjdhgkjg The art is adorable my god and their faces are the greatest

TEAM: ARADIA<3ROSE

[rakopandaowl]

Rec 1: Know When to Fold, Boys
Team: eridan<3feferi<3sollux<3<
Creator: round 1 entry
Why I'm recommending it: You will not regret clicking that link. I'm telling you, it pretty much made my day oh. Where do I ever start? The art style and coloring method it gorgeous, anyone who can watercolor like that should be my friend. Feferi's smug little face? Eridan and Sollux naked? Good god it's priceless. (Fef's a smart girl, having so much jewelry)

Rec 2: >Aradia: Make Her Pay (bonus round 3)
Team: aradia<>sollux
Creator: stellarbird
Why I’m recommending it: There's something about Vriska being chased by troll ghosts in Pacman form that is rather appealing. I dunno about you guys, but I think this is an extremely clever entry, and it was very well made uvu

Rec 3: Davie
Team: karkat<3karkat
Creator: janeybriggs
Why I'm recommending it: While scrolling through the bonus round 3 entries, this caught my eye and I cried for about 20 minutes before deciding it was one of the greatest things I have ever seen. Dave as Barbie makes it's way onto my list "Things I should probably remember for the rest of my life."

FILL: TEAM John<3Rose

[astrologicallydubious]

Appreciation for fills on my BR4 prompts <3

Rec 1: untitled Dave/Jade
Team: Davesprite<3Jade
Creator: unknownriot
Why I’m recommending it: I'll admit when I prompted all those winter songs I didn't even think about this scene, but it fits so well. It's so perfectly Dave to act chill about everything (pun unfortunately intended), and show that he's freezing, and that it's okay that he's freezing because it's worth it to see Jade, only when her back is turned. Wow cuties.

Rec 2: untitled Rose + Karkat <3< Dave
Team: Dave<3Rose
Creator: lilytooth
Why I’m recommending it: The world needs more Karkat-Rose interaction. I can totally see them ending up in this kind of relationship where they need each other's advice even though they don't want it, and Karkat is frustrated (yet secretly grateful) that Rose is right about all the relationship things he's missed. Also a good explanation of Karkat's thought process regarding Dave and his black crush. "You've seen someone else end up broken in a similar situation," ouch :c

Rec 3: untitled Vriska/Terezi
Team: Dave<3Karkat
Creator: razzda
Why I’m recommending it: (ahaha all my prompts are so transparent, these two were exactly what I was looking for.) I think this captures pretty well how Terezi and Vriska are supposed to be "ex-friends" after the Scourge Sisters split up but they can't seem to get away from each other. Vriska doesn't even look sorry, like she can fix everything with a kiss, even though she's done far too much damage to make up for it so easily.

FILL: TEAM JOHN<3VRISKA

[tehstripe]

Things That Made Me Laugh Unattractively - The Rec List

Rec 1: Roxy<3AutoResponder - Shounen anime + a cooking show
Team: Dirk<3Roxy
Creator: apollosglare
Why I’m recommending it: The image of a pair of shades with arms and legs is already enough to do me in, but the rest of it is just as funny. The use of "AR-kun," the idea that the oven needs to be "defeated," and the comic style in general is perfect. And the comment about the anime is just the perfect cherry on top of this hysterical sundae.

Rec 2: Jane <3 Eridan: political intrigue + nature documentary
Team: Gamzee<>Karkat
Creator: rex
Why I’m recommending it: This is best viewed by scrolling down slowly, so that the picture does not spoil the surprise. But either way, this is a really great concept, and I love the characterization; it's nice to see an Eridan who is enthusiastic and joyful about something! But the thing that makes me rec this above anything else is Jane's face. It is quite possibly perfection.

Rec 3: John <3 Karkat - Alpaca romance + Action
Team: Dolorosa<3Mindfang
Creator: ilony
Why I’m recommending it: The prompt alone is enough to prompt ugly laughter, but ho-boy the fill does not disappoint. John and Karkat have quite possibly been perfectly translated into alpaca form, even down to John's alpaca-glasses. And then they are holding alpaca guns. With an alpaca explosion in the background. I'm sorry but if you don't at least chuckle at this you are heartless.

Rec 4: Actual rainbow drinker, Kanaya Maryam
Team: Bonus Round 2 fill
Creator: a... lot...
Why I’m recommending it: OK so obviously this is a rip-off on actual cannibal Shia LaBeouf, which is funny enough in itself. But what I think is even better is that nearly every person managed to keep the reference rolling in all of its absurdity. All of the art is charming, even as Karkat is limping away with a gnawed off leg. Honestly I don't understand why there is no recording of this version yet.

Rec 5: Dave<3Dave Game
Team: Bonus Round 2 fill
Creator: also a lot
Why I’m recommending it: It is possible that I simply have a weakness for Homestuck heads pasted onto things. In fact that is pretty likely. But that doesn't stop this fan adventure from being absolutely ridiculous and enjoyable at the same time. This is the perfect fanadventure for this particular pair. Hands. Down.

Rec 6: Cooking Show + Vikings for John<3Karkat
Team: Dolorosa<3Mindfang
Creator: ilony
Why I’m recommending it: This is one of those pictures I feel guilty for laughing at because it has what appears to be a disemboweled lusus, and then I stop feeling guilty because it's hysterical. Both Karkat's nonchalance and John's horror and disgust are perfectly and hilariously expressed. And if that's not enough for you, they are also wearing viking hats.

FILL: TEAM JOHN<3ROSE

[para_normally]

Rec 1: A Troll's Primer on the Human Alphabet
Team: Dirk<3Equius
Creator: Round 3 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: Not only is the artwork and the design of the book well-done enough for the final product to pass for a real children's book (albeit one that is... not actually all that suitable for children...) - but WOW, what a creative take on the prompt! The poem is very funny and well written; whoever wrote it obviously worked hard on it and it really does sound very much like something Equius would write. Every piece of artwork is STUNNING, and I honestly can't decide which one I like best. Dirk's customary comments are just a final sweet touch of hilarity. This team really brought it this year!

Rec 2: Future Sight
Team: Dave<3Terezi
Creator: Round 3 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: This is another fic of the "I don't even ship it, but WOW" variety for me! I love the way the team handled the "balancing act" prompt - by giving us a snapshot of how Dave feels about Terezi, and then one of how Terezi feels about Dave. I am in love with the spot-on capturing of each of their voices; the olfactory and gustatory imagery in the half written from Terezi's viewpoint is just sumptuous and you can practically smell and taste it all for yourself. I love how they fit together here, how Terezi is both cocksure and cautious regarding the upcoming battle, and how Dave finds himself so set at ease by her presence - and they just want to be around one another, too.

Rec 3: Two Hives of the Same Whole
Team: Nepeta<3Terezi
Creator: Round 3 Team Entry
Why I’m recommending it: This entry, like the Round 1 entry I recommended in a previous comment, is just too heartwarming to be adequately put into words. I really enjoy that the team built their entry on the girls' shared habit of drawing on their walls, and... just, wow, I remember audibly sighing, "awwww...". Nepeta and Terezi are both lonely in their own ways, and I adore the idea of their thinking about one another and putting their feelings into artwork while they are apart.

FILL: TEAM JOHN<3VRISKA

[tehstripe]

Recs for Creative Media!

Rec 1: You Are the Music in Me: Suddenly Multicolor Tangle
Team: Jake<3Terezi
Creator: Round 3 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: I have never been so pleased to see "Somewhat Elaborately Arranged Suddenly Pasta Salad" as part of the media section of a title. It totally jives with the spirit of this competition, I feel, as well as being really awesome and delicious-looking. The rest of the entry is also fantastic, of course - the drabbles are powerful, and I am very fond of the playlist. But pasta salad, man.

Rec 2: Gambling: A Powerpoint
Team: AR<3PM<3WV
Creator: Round 1 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: Nobody needs to be told how adorable this entry is. Because it's really, really cute - you can tell as much just by scrolling down to see the faces of PM and WV at the end. But the powerpoint itself is brilliantly and hilariously done, taking all of the powerpoint cliches that you just KNOW AR would exploit, and tying them together with his disdain for illegality, which results in a hilarious and charming entry as a whole.

Rec 3: Facets
Team: Eridan<3Roxy
Creator: Round 1 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: I was really impressed with the idea behind this entry! Though many of the round 1 entries took on the idea of gambling on a relationship, I loved how this one used the octet in order to show all of those different possibilities. Some of the rolls are heartbreaking (roll 7 in particular!) and some of them are hysterical, but all of them represent the pair well and lead to a very enjoyable entry as a whole.

FILL: TEAM JOHN<3VRISKA

[tehstripe]

Art Appreciation Station

Rec 1: To Catch a Thief
Team: Terezi<3Vriska
Creator: Round 3 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: WOW JUST LOOK AT THOSE COLORS! I also really like the roughness around the panels, especially how the last one on the right sort of bleeds away, slightly upsetting the balance created by the other images. Plus, it tells a great story without the need for direct interaction between the characters; stellar work!

Rec 2: Surrealism and magical girls for Aradia<3Feferi
Team: Bro<3Dave
Creator: flarefyre
Why I’m recommending it: Do I even need to explain myself? Just look at the picture! The colors are lovely, and the designs are brilliant. And I keep on getting drawn in by the hair. Plus, two pretty alien girls kissing; what is not to love?

Rec 3: Time to Get Lucky
Team: Dave<3Dave
Creator: Round 1 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: Well first off the fact that this is also kind of a game is GREAT. I have spent many minutes and imaginary units of grist trying to get both images. And the images themselves are also very well done! I'm also very fond of the structure of the "slot machine," and how it looks so much like the Sburb style. Basically this whole entry is awesome, and if you can stand flashing gifs, you should definitely go take a look.

Rec 4: SH3'S BL1ND, R3M3MB3R?!?!
Team: Dave<3Rose<3Terezi
Creator: Round 3 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: Wow, so first off, the format is stellar. It's such a great interpretation to use the two sides of a coin to act as the two halves for the entry. And the art itself has so much character! I was particularly drawn in by the reactions of both Dave and Rose to being "rejected" - Dave pushing Terezi away, and Rose curling in on herself. The body language is beautiful, and speaks volumes even when the entry only consists of one written sentence. Overall, just gorgeous.

FILL: TEAM DIRK<3JAKE<3JANE<3ROXY

[veira]

Rec 1: untitled Dave♥Rose; surreal horror + slice of life
Team: Sollux♥Terezi
Creator: rieduentant
Why I’m recommending it: There's something really creepy about this. You'd think that with all the horrorterror fiction in the fandom, that it'd get old after a while, but this story twists it in the creepiest direction and makes it feel brand new. You're never quite sure if Dave's actually experiencing the things he's experiencing, and somehow it all seems so day to day at the same time.

Rec 2: The Single Glimpse – Dave♥Rose; southern gothic + lovecraftian horror
Team: Dave♥Rose♥Terezi
Creator: magnificentbastards
Why I’m recommending it: Any story where Dave is uncomfortable is cool by me. This plays it perfectly because while you can tell he cares about Rose a lot, he's also absolutely terrified of the connection to the horrorterrors that she has. She's mostly okay with them talking to her and changing her, but you get to see the whole thing through Dave's eyes, which makes you the reader uncomfortable as well. Really cool fic.

Rec 3: untitled Dave♥Rose; rule 63 + lovecraftian horror
Team: Dave♥Rose♥Terezi
Creator: herfortythieves
Why I’m recommending it: I love these character designs. Love short haired girl Dave and a suit redesign of my favorite Rose dress. Also you can really tell how uncomfortable Dave is through the straight face, with her arms crossed as the tentacles get closer. I'm sure Ross is about to show her up and then call her a wuss.

FILL: TEAM DIRK<3JAKE<3JANE<3ROXY

[veira]

Rec 1: i am your cross temporal Houdini
Team: Dave♥Dave
Creator: round 3 entry
Why I’m recommending it: There are so many quotable lines in here. It manages to show Dave's ridiculous knack for getting into bad situations while also trying to act like he's not in a bad situation. And then he bails himself out and continues to act like it ain't no thang. Wonderfully in character. I laughed a lot while reading this.

Rec 2: crank that boner time
Team: Dave♥Dave
Creator: collab round entry
Why I’m recommending it: If you haven't read this yet, you need to. There's an SBAHJ arc. That alone should sell it, but there's also a grimdark arc! Wherein Dave raps in the broodfestertongues. And the first line of the intro to Trickster Dave is spectacularly well chosen. I laughed a lot while reading this too.

Rec 3: untitled Dave♥Davesprite; yaoi + sweet bro and hella jeff
Team: Gamzee♥Karkat
Creator: sempiternalserpent
Why I’m recommending it: Yaoi plus SBAHJ combob??? Every time I look at this I laugh at how huge Dave's butt is. And his hands! No plot arcs here, just hilariously rendered pixels.

FILL: TEAM BRO<3GRANDPA

[macca44552]

Rec 1: Dullahan Dave and Leanan Sidhe Aradia
Team: Aradia<3Dave
Creator: Main Round 2 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: Just look at it. The art is gorgeous--the coloring, the details, the atmosphere, everything. I especially adore Dave's suit of armor and Aradia's flower headpiece. Oh, and the eyes are great, especially the expression within Dave's. This piece is moody, creepy, and a very, very solid entry.

Rec 2: Chronicle 1265
Team: John<3Vriska
Creator: Main Round 2 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: I was completely blown away by this fic. The historical AU setting was so fucking brilliant, and, oddly enough, it gelled with Vriska and John's characters seamlessly. The imagery was wonderful (this writer sure knows how to paint with words), and the decision to tell the story through journal entries was great. And Vriska. Her characterization was spot-on and magnetic--the best characterization I've read in awhile, actually. A lot of effort went into this piece and it shows. Well done.

Rec 3: From My Heart And From My Hand
Team: Dave <3< Gamzee
Creator: Main Round 2 Entry
Why I’m recommending it: Easily the creepiest and most chilling round 2 entry! Dave's point of view is almost torturous to read because of, well, because of what Gamzee's done to him. I was a wreck with sympathy and horror. Dave's descriptive narration was haunting, and Gamzee was characterized in his suitably psychopathic state. Kanaya made an appearance as well but, gah, everything was just so twisted. This was a powerful spin on the kismesis relationship, one that I won't be forgetting for quite some time. All I can say is that I'm so glad that Dave got that tiger.