For this month's recs, I've picked mostly oldies but goodies, and they are all J2. Next month I am planning to do all spn to make up for it. Here are the goodies I've particularly enjoyed this month.

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Charlie was the standout winner of last month's post about your favorite 'new' character, but we had a good spread of names mentioned including Dick, Linda, Benny and Abaddon.

We're returning to incredibly shallow waters this month with that ever pressing question:
Which is your favorite of Sam's hair styles?

I know, I know, I promise we'll have a more sensible topic next month but since fandom often has a lot of feelings about Sam's hair, let's give it some attention. We've had season 1 bangs through to season 8 volume, with a whole host of different lengths/amounts of gel/accompanying sideburns in between, not to mention the LARPing ponytail.

You can be as specific as a particular season or as broad as a whole season in your choices when you pick your favorite. Supporting pictorial evidence would also not be discouraged. :)

This is an Abaddon appreciation post, full of delicious art and graphics recs from Tumblr.

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Not a whole bunch of news this time around! I’ve been mostly away from the internet for the past week, so let me know if I’ve missed anything of interest! (I always say that, but this time it double-extra-super applies. :P)

amplificathon wrapped up its 2013 Amplificathon challenge! reena_jenkins was the overall winner, with 3171 points. You can check out a list of all participants’ final point tallies here!

Following on the tail of Amplificathon, you can probably expect Amplirecathon to happen sometime this summer. Amplirecathon is a podfic recommendations fest; participants can sign up to rec podfics on certain days if they want, and many people organize their recs around a certain theme! You can check out 2012’s masterlist of rec posts to get an idea of what to expect this year.

pod_together is a yearly challenge where authors and podficcers collaborate to create a new podficced fanwork, and then release the new fic and podfic at the same time! Authors and podficcers can sign up individually, as a pre-arranged group, or both! Last year, pod_together signups began in June and the final products were revealed in August. No word yet on 2013’s official timeline, but keep an eye open for updates!

welovepodfic is running their second annual Podfic Appreciation Challenge from May 11th to the 25th. Podfics aren't usually a fanwork that garner a lot of feedback comments, and this challenge encourages people to leave feedback for the podfics they've enjoyed--whether recent or not! Points are awarded based on the type of feedback, and there are additional mini-challenges (based on different feedback scenarios) for extra points throughout the two-week duration.

Podficcer sign-ups for the spn_gen_bigbang are still going on and last until the first draft is due on May 31st! Podficcers can do a “mini bang” between 5 and 14k words, or a “big bang” of over 15k words.

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Roundup Note: Last month, I asked if it might be more helpful for me to organize the podfics in a different way than I had been doing (that is, by order of appearance). So this time, as per the suggestions, I have organized everything by pairing/category; within the category, I listed the podfics by length, from shortest to longest. If you have any more suggestions about how to better organize this list, please don’t hesitate to let me know!


Roundup of SPN & SPNRPF podfics posted April 9, 2013 to May 8, 2013
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Hello artists!


1) Sign-ups

If you aren't already knee deep in illustration work for a challenge, don't forget to sign up for the casestory (sign-ups HERE, end May 1st), the spn_j2_bigbang (sign-ups HERE, summary claim on May 4th), the dchappyendings (no sign-up needed, everyone can now just join the comm and post on May 15), the superwho_bang (sign-ups HERE, summary claim on June 1st), the crossbigbang (sign-ups HERE, summary claim on June 8th), the debriel_mini (artist sign-ups will open on June 12th and close on July 3rd), the abo_bigbang (sign-ups HERE, end July 31st), the queer_bigbang (sign-ups HERE, summary claim on August 3rd), and finally the deancasbigbang (sign-ups HERE, end August 16th).

Also be prepared for spnspringfling that will start a new round this spring and the j2_afterclass that is due for this fall. More info soon!

A new comm devoted to Our Beloved Queen has opened: spn_charlieb. Art is allowed so feel free to art-spam. ^^

spnartistswap is holding its 3rd round (already!). Check out the community info to play and create a movie poster inspired by the world of Spn. Also worth checking, 66_journals, a community inspired by the 1000 journals project created by Someguy aka Brian Singer.


2) The Little Big Art Gallery

The End (of the show) is Nigh but as usual, the Spn fandom was extremely inspired this month (we are fantastic, sue us...).

Don't miss in the Sam and Dean category, this heartbreaking B&W artwork by Pineprecipice, this nostalgic watercolor painting by Lamapan, this intriguing art called Bones by Quickreaver, this hurt/comfort art by Andlatitude, this super hot and NSFW art by Badbastion, this ALSO super hot art of Dean licking Sam's torso by Egoworna, this passionate kiss by Weekendship, this very bloody art of Sam by Anobviousaside, and Dean wearing a uniform like in 8x20 by Onlywincest.

Some eyecandy for the Dean/Cas shippers now! You'll definitely fall in love with Oh Cas, I knew you were good! by Bananasandguavas, It won't hurt, Dean by octopifer, The world may be in pieces but you complete me (2014!Verse) by chromehearts, Carry On My Wayward son (warning: character!death) by Jasric, Good morning angel (NSFW) by edgebug and this untitled art by Liketheoceaninwinter. Some more awesomeness: Lettie had the great idea to create an Instagram for Sam's "photos" where you can see some cute cuddling between Dean and Cas but also TFW enjoying itself at Disney Land surrounded by Ariel, Cinderella and Tiana! Lovely!

The Castiel lovers won't be disapointed either. Don't forget to have a look at this sad yet beautiful art of Cas wrapped in his wings by Suchacat, this dark and concerptual art by Skadizzleross, this very Art Nouveau art by Kalun52 and funnier, this Castiel wearing a various series of outfits by Overachievious. However, Cas isn't the only angel loved by this fandom. Some, like Valiantparadox didn't forget about Gabriel and same with Green-feline who graced us with this portrait. And last but not least, still in the angel section, this family portrait of Cas, Gab and Balthazar by Kaiser-mony and these two extremely well done watercolor portraits of Lucifer and Crowley by moon-lit-lace.

If you ever wondered what the Impala would look like in its human form, Castiels-fluffy-feathers brings you the answer in this adorable art that also includes some chibie!Dean, Cas and Sam. And talking about funny "big heads", you can also check out this Supernatural x Gravity Falls crossover by Mashimero.

I always tend to rec' hand drawn art but let's not forget about gifs. I fell in love this months with this very interesting Sam Winchester Time Line but also with its Dean equivalent by mishawinsexste.

3) Tutorials and resources corner


If you want to know more about CG art and how to draw a piece of art from A to Z, Qinni unveils some of their tricks in this interesting step by step tutorial for SAI and Photoshop. The result is stunning and there is a lot to learn when it comes to shadows and highlights. Beautiful! On the other hand, if you consider that CG art is too easy for you and want to try your hand at animation, this tutorial will show you the way. Now, we are all waiting for your Supernatural anime. :)

A tutorial that should be a GREAT help when you are into Supernatural: how to draw sweat, cuts and bruises!

Finally, here is a lifesaver, a trick that every Photoshop user will be happy to learn: How to never run out of undos in PS. YAH!!! Bring out some champagne guys, it's time to celebrate!

See you next month!

A big thank you to lazy_daze for the English beta ♥

Wow! It's been a busy month for vids. YAY!

Let's start with this A-MAZING fan film from counteragent - The Other Side.

This "episode" picks up the Dean's deal story line from Season 3. It's a wonderful twist on events and I can promise you'll LOVE this alternate version. Part One was released today, with The Road So Far released last week.

Lots of people have helped to bring this to the screen. There's been an incredible amount of work put into this project. There's the script, acting, camera work, lighting, sound, costumes, props, editing, directing and promotional artworks. It's written by Naomi Novak and produced and directed by the fantabulous counteragent. For all the information visit the official website. Go watch, comment and share the efforts of brilliant Supernatural Fans.

Speaking of brilliant fan contributions, check out these vids:

secretlytodream continues to produce stunning videos. Loki seems to be always pushing the boundaries of what you can do with visuals, effects and audio. These two are no exception:

Closer is a creepy and dark look at he lives of the Winchesters.

Four Letter Words is an inspired idea, looking at four letter words that are the essence of the brothers and the show. The use of the words, footage and audio is brilliant.

If you enjoy crossover vids Who is Your Alpha by rumrouz is definitely worth checking out. It's a Teen Wolf/SPN cross over and if I didn't know better I'd think the footage was all from the one show. I love watching Sam and Dean inhabit the Team Wolf universe. Or..um..visa versa I suppose. :)

gnev_ishtar has produced a frenetic, AU vid - A Midsummer Night's Dream I loved the energy and idea of this.

ashdoode's Loving Him was Red is a gorgeous study of the epic love story of Sam and Dean.

Other stuff:

Misha, Vicky and West have put together another hilarious Cooking Fast and Fresh With West video. I love Misha's deadpan humour. And what a treat to be let into his home and private life (and brave of him I think!).

Did you see the CW on Xbox 360 ad featuring Supernatural? It's very cool. It's taken a dedicated editor to find all that footage and put it together for this ad. Hmmmm...reminds me of fan vidders...;)

If I missed any awesome vids let me know! :)

Full disclosure: when I started putting together caps for this post, I was totally intending for it to be a strangled!Sam post. because he gets strangled a lot! that is his thing! I figured I'd include some Dean strangulations too, just for fairness, but I was fully expecting Sam to come out on top. And he did, just about, but the results were surprisingly close -- of the 66 pictures in this post, 31 are Dean and 35 are Sam, which kind of baffles me.

Did I miss out a bunch of Sam choking incidents? Or is Sam just a more memorable stranglee than Dean? Discuss. (and/or enjoy a ton of pictures of the Winchesters getting strangled. Poor Winchesters.)

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I love a good crossover fic, so I thought I'd bring some of my favorites here for a change. All the stories I've listed below are either direct crossovers that feature characters from two 'verses, or the boys have been substituted for characters in another 'verse. I hope you get as much of a kick out of them as I do.

1: Defect, by kikkimax

kikkimax has written several SPN/Criminal Minds crossovers, and this one is my favourite. It's also the one that begins the series, and I heartily recommend the entire trio. It's set after Season 2. Dean's made his deal and he's going to Hell, so what does he have to lose?


2: Hollow Years, by jeyhawk

J2/Buffy Crossover. There's a prophesy that needs to be fulfilled. It needs the two halves of one whole to make it work. One half is a heartbroken young man, and the other half is a monster...


3: We're Not in Kansas Any More, by lotrabc

J2 crossover with 'Oz'. Featuring a suitably insane, charmingly deadly Jared and a rather innocent Jensen who present as a pair of characters that fit right into the Ozverse.


4: Gunshy, by setissma

J2 fic based on 'Bones' with Jensen as the forensic Anthropologist who really isn't good with people, and Jared as his FBI sidekick.


5: Fanning the Flames, by mandraco

Another Sam and Dean crossover with Criminal Minds. Mandraco really gets the characters, and this is both amusing and intriguing. Who is killing the readers of Carver Edlund's books?


6: Not Quite Model Behavior, by indigo_blind

This is a take on 'America's Top Model'. Jared has entered "America's Top Male', and Jensen is a judge. This story cracks me up whenever I read it.


7: The Symbol of a Song, by hopefulwriter27

Excellent, rather unusual Sam and Dean AU. Sam persuaded his brother to enter American Idol. The brothers both do. The way that the story is structured is very well done, and the characterizations are great within the premise.


8: The Time Has Come to be Gone , by jujuberry136

Sam and Dean in the Criminal Minds verse again. This time, the BAU have Dean in their clutches, but there's something out there killing people. Is Sam the real murderer, or is there something else happening?

9: Project Runway: J2 Fashion, by epicallytired

Jared is the unknown, redneck designer who apparently will do anything to win the contest. Jensen is the well-established but jaded host who has to keep the show together. Vampphile, aka epicallytired, fleshes out her characters perfectly and her secondary characters are always just as good as the stars of the story.

10:Awakening, by anansispidergod

This one is a Sam and Dean crossover with X-Men. Dean's a mutant, but he's never really noticed. it's just that he can fix things somehow. Sam is telekinetic, and John Winchester is having a hard time accepting it. This is a WIP, although each part is separate. I love it and can't wait for the next part.

11:Old Country, by astolat

Sam and Dean inherit a British title. This is a crossover with the Harry Potter 'verse, and it's one of the funniest I've ever read. Enjoy.

A lot of you put your vote in last time for your favorite episode from season 2. The number of episodes listed was impressive but the winner by a hair was In My Time of Dying, with What Is and What Should Never Be, All Hell Breaks Loose, and Nightshifter close behind.

From old seasons to newer ones now, with this month's question:

Who is your favorite new* character?

*For the purposes of this post, 'new' means first introduced in season 7 or season 8.

We've had lots of new characters over the last couple of seasons, from bad guys like Dick Roman and Abaddon to less bad ones like Eliot Ness and Benny. Some of them have stuck around for a while, such as Naomi, Garth, and Charlie, and some have been interesting but have only shown up once (so far!), such as Annie, Prometheus and Ellie. We've been introduced to Kevin and his mom, Krissy Chambers and her dad, Sam's teenage crush, Dean's daughter, and John's father among others, but who's been your favorite?

As always, the Superwiki is always there to jog your memory if needed! :)

I've been thinking a lot lately about those in-between spaces that aren't exactly transformations of canon through fanworks but also aren't strictly interpretations of the canonical text. Individual fans and fan communities tend to be very conscious of what they bring to the show as well as what the show brings to them, and we have the terminology to prove it: fanwanking, the process by which we iron out inconsistencies in canon; fanon, elements of characterization or world-building that are widely shared in parts of the fan community even though they are not verifiable from canon; headcanon, details or takes that are personal to a particular fan, that are consistent with canon but have no direct canon evidence.

Or maybe other definitions! Give your input on that liminal zone between creation and interpretation. Do you have other ways of defining the above terms? Other similar things that fans do that fans have names for that I didn't include? Favorite examples? Bits of headcanon that Carver will have to pry from your cold, dead fingers if he tries to Joss them? Have you ever been Kripked? If you engage the show this way, do you think of fanwanking or headcanoning as enriching your experience as audience, or a first step towards transformation of canon into fanwork? If you do meta, do you separate the strictly interpretive from the creatively supplemental?

Offer your thoughts, converse with one another, enjoy, just remember to be courteous. And if you have any ideas for future Chat topics, feel free to propose in comments or PM me.