Here’s an interesting thing that was pointed out in a different readthrough: The chapters in this arc were loosely based on the five stages of grief. Weld’s chapter represents Denial about how bad things really are. Clockblocker’s chapter represents Anger. Kid Win’s is Bargaining, in the sense that his chapter is focused on “what could I do differently to prevent bad things from happening?” Vista’s represents Depression.
And Shadow Stalker’s is Acceptance of what happened (in her own weird, twisted way). The only one that doesn’t quite fit is Flechette, but you could interpret her chapter as being about being disconnected and looking for connection, which isn’t officially a stage of grief but still kind of fits with the theme. (This last one was pointed out by Wildbow himself in a reddit thread for that readthrough.)
Ooh, that’s a really neat point. And it’s fitting that Flechette is the odd one out, as a temporary member with no personal connection to the main two people being grieved in this Arc and the city pre-Leviathan.
Also, with that last bit about Wildbow commenting on a readthrough, I can’t help but wonder if he’s aware of my liveblog, or even reads it… That’s a somewhat… scary? thought? But I’d also be honored… I don’t know, really, how to feel about it. I do know that if I’d written a work that got liveblogs of it, I’d be reading them, though.
So, Wildbow, if you’re reading this, I hope you’re enjoying the ride. I certainly am, and that’s all thanks to you! I’m sorry for doubting you from time to time – every time I’ve done so in the past, you’ve proven me wrong.
Krixwell Liveblogs 