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I’m gonna start this review with a hot-take: I don’t think Episode II: Attack Of The Clones is a bad Star Wars movie. In fact, out of all three prequels, it’s actually my favorite of the three films. Yes, some parts do drag but they weren’t enough to soil my enjoyment of the movie. I loved how it expanded on Coruscant in the beginning (Yes, I liked the diner scene and, yes, I’m OK with something like that existing in Star Wars) and the entire Geonosis battle sequence is a visual spectacle of sheer beauty. However, I never played any of the games based on Episode II growing up as they were on systems I didn’t own, like the Gamecube and Xbox as I still had a N64. Thankfully, thanks to the folks over at Aspyr, one of the games I missed out on has got a second chance at life with the remastering of 2002’s ‘Star Wars Bounty Hunter’ and, I gotta say, this game is a mixed bag.

2024 FurMIT台灣金毛影展於7/13、14兩日於宜蘭村却國際溫泉酒店進行，除了是首次於宜蘭進行的大型獸聚活動外，同時也是FurMIT團隊所進行最後一屆活動。本次活動共有1804人報名參加，相較上一屆活動參加人數有大幅成長。

本屆活動參加人數眾多。圖/藍風攝

本次活動為了讓參加者能有印象深刻的沉浸式體驗，官方在舞台、周邊及活動上皆做出精心設計，讓整場活動宛如影展頒獎典禮，更將主舞台設計成T字舞台讓參加者可以在指定時段能上台進行走秀，感受如同巨星般沉浸於鎂光燈下的體驗。在周六下午也有由官方舉辦的毛毛陽台大合照，讓毛毛們可以在房間陽台被空拍機拍攝，與飯店一同入鏡。

星光紅毯活動，讓毛毛或人類在舞台上走秀展現自我。圖/藍風攝

官方更邀請日本的プロダクション体育館全員，到活動現場擔任開場表演嘉賓與舞台大對決表演者，與台灣在地舞蹈團隊WANNABEAST在舞台上表演，吸引台下眾人目光。舞台大對決活動也有不少參加者或團隊報名參加，在舞台上盡情表演，展現出自己的才華並發光發熱。

開幕表演由プロダクション体育館(上圖)和WANNABEAST(下圖)分別演出。圖/藍風攝 第二屆舞台大對決上，聚集眾多表演者或團隊上台展現才藝。圖/藍風攝

今年的FurMIT也同樣有提供場地供參加者自行舉辦Panel，今年在眾多獸迷的共襄盛舉中舉辦了26場主題各異的Panel，講題涵蓋攝影、舞蹈、法律常識普及、音樂、TRPG等多樣化題材，讓參加者可以自由前往參與。官方活動除了廣受參加者好評的氣球派對、DJ party外，本次活動的官方攝影棚更是設置多種主題供參加者選擇，除了有影展主題以及360度環景拍攝外，更有接下來10月獸無限Infurnity的主題攝影棚，吸引不少毛毛到場拍攝。

各式主題panel吸引參加者到場聆聽。圖/藍風攝 氣球派對吸引毛毛到現場合影互動。圖/藍風攝

本次活動也準備多樣公益抽獎禮品，最終在眾多參加者的支持下，募得506950元打破去年紀錄，並將全數捐款給台灣石虎保育協會。

閉幕式活動上，官方對有獲選的影片進行頒獎。圖/藍風攝

今年的FurMIT也在閉幕式後舉辦晚宴活動，提供獸迷們一個充滿美酒、餐點與音樂的社交場合，讓台下觀眾除了享用美食外，也可以欣賞舞台上國內外表演者的演出。

金毛晚宴有國內外唱歌好手們上台輪番演出。圖/藍風攝

與過往活動時安排的展售會時段不同，今年FurMIT首次將展售會MIT MALL的時間定在第一天的晚上進行，雖然與DJ Party以及部分Panel有所重疊，但仍吸引大量獸迷前往選購商品。

MIT MALL仍有許多參加者到現場以購買支持創作者。圖/藍風攝

閉幕式活動上，主辦人框框和季雪表示，本屆活動為最後一屆，並且以影片表示未來將會有全新團隊進行新的獸聚活動－學園祭。雖然活動時間跟地點都尚未公布，但表示未來活動請各位獸迷多加支持。

本次活動落幕後，將由全新團隊帶來新活動UTFG學園祭，時間地點尚未公布。圖/藍風攝

(以上報導照片經由FurMIT官方同意拍攝)

FurMIT 2024: 台湾东部的毛兽主题电影庆典

Wow I sure have a lot of hours on survival games, I also really like creature collecting games. Wouldn’t it be awesome if I enslaved a ton of creatures and forced them to work in the mines and fight with you to capture and enslave even more creatures could find a bunch of cool pals to hang out with while playing a survival game? Seriously though, Palworld takes the best from both survival and creature capture games, plus GUNS, you almost never get guns in creature capture games. In Palworld, you can turn your pals into guns! 

Metroidvanias can be a dime a dozen in the gaming world. Similar to roguelikes, they’re a popular genre amongst indie developers. When looking at these types of games, there needs to be a creative “hook” or new spin in setting or design that grabs your attention and shows you, “Hey, this is something worth checking out!” BioGun manages to do this right at the forefront with a game completely played from inside of your best friend. You explore the many body organs as a gun-wielding vaccine injected into your dog to fight the catastrophic “dooper” virus that has duped scientists around the globe as it wreaks havoc on pets. Along the way you’ll meet up and be helped (or hunted) by a vast array of cute, cool, and corrupted characters, most of which have an anthro spin on them, if they’re not viruses or enemies plaguing your dog. All of this in pursuit of eradicating the Dooper virus once and for all.

The forests of this realm were quiet, and an unsettling chill always lingered in the air. Though we channeled the Tome of Glades to camouflage our race with fur and our uncanny ability to traverse the woods gracefully, the land was hostile with an unrelenting sense of wrongness. Our magic changed barren spaces to something livable, but death wasn’t just an intangible thing here, it claimed this world and the beasts in them.

FurAffinity 创始人 Dragoneer 去世了，享年 44 岁

I remember first hearing about this game when it went under the title of Project Downfall and thought it looked like a fun first-person shooter, but that’s as far as I got with the game as it was, at the time, a PC exclusive. Now, with it getting a console release under the new name of Neckbreak (or, as I called it by accident, Neckbrake), I’m happy to say that, outside of a few small issues I had, the game was worth the wait.

It's been too long since we’ve had a good Fur Sale article. Lets fix that and I have the perfect sale to report for it. Currently until August 11th, Nintendo Switch is having a multiplayer sale! Enjoy playing games with others? You came to the right place!

Games of furry interest include:

• Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble, bring up to 16 friends in various multiplayer modes and compete to become the top banana! Or try out the new adventure mode. $37.49($49.99)
• Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition, slash, stomp and blast your way through hordes of foes in this Legend of Zelda/Warriors crossover! Pick from several characters including the wolf riding Midna, the Zora princess Ruto, the Rito Medli and many more. Includes co-op support. $41.99($59.99)
• Monster Hunter Rise + Suunbreak Delxue Edition, hunt giant monsters and work alongside palicos, palimutes and your friends to take them down! Craft your own armor and weapons from various monster materials. $24.99($69.99) Standalone Rise Deluxe available for $15.99($49.99)
• Fae Farm, build and manage your own homestead in this Animal Crossing alike. Care for an assortment of magical creatures or visit friends homesteads! Customize your character and master the arts of crafting. $41.99($59.99)
• Disney Illusion Island, team up with Mickey and friends to find three magical books and save the mysterious island of Monoth. Embark on adventures solo or in couch co-op with up to 3 other people. $27.99($39.99)
• Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, rev your engines with Crash Bandicoot and co in this kart racing game! Play various characters, various modes and various tracks in this racing game and compete against your friends! Nitros Oxide edition with additional characters and exclusive rewards available for $20.99($39.99). Normal version available for $13.99($39.99)
• Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2, play as Garfield, SpongeBob, Ninja Turtles and more in this Nickelodeon themed fighting game. Stop Danny Phantom's arch-nemesis Vlad Plasmius from taking over the Nickelodeon universe in story mode! Or just brawl across various stages with friends. $14.99($49.99)
• SONIC SUPERSTARS Digital Deluxe Edition, play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy across 2D side scrolling levels with beautiful 3D graphics! Unleash new powers in order to stop Dr Eggmans latest scheme. Experience local co-op with up to 3 other people for the first time in Sonics history. $34.99($69.99)
• TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, join the TMNT of the 80’s as they fight across a timeless range of locations in order to stop Shredder and Kangs latest scheme. Dimension Shellshock DLC features new characters and stages from across the Turtleverse! $20.77($29.98). Regular Shredder’s Revenge available for $16.64($24.99)

And so much more! Happy shopping gamers!

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Need for Cooling Vests
3. How Overheating Can Affect The Experience
4. Types Of Cooling Vests
5. Choosing The Right Cooling Vest
6. Popular Brands and Models
7. How To Use And Maintain Your Cooling Vest
8. Conclusion

Article Content

• What Is A Fursuit?
• What Are Fursuit Accessories?
• Furry Badge
• Ring
• Collar
• Piercings
• Props
• Name Tag
• Cooling Vest
• Where Can I Buy Fursuit Accessories?
• How Expensive Are Fursuit Accessories?

Introduction

Fursuiting is a beloved activity within the furry community, offering a unique way to express creativity and identity. However, the joy of donning a fursuit comes with a significant challenge: managing the heat. These costumes, often made from synthetic fur and other insulating materials, can quickly become uncomfortably warm, especially during long events or in hot climates. This heat can not only lead to discomfort but also pose serious health risks like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

 

Apart from looking awesome, for most fursuiters, maintaining comfort and safety while in costume is essential. This is where cooling vests come into play. These innovative garments are designed to help regulate body temperature, providing a much-needed respite from the heat. In this article, we will explore the various types of cooling vests available, how they work, and why they are an invaluable addition to any fursuiter’s wardrobe. Whether you’re a seasoned fursuiter or new to the scene, understanding the benefits and options of cooling vests can make your experience more enjoyable and safe.

1. Understanding the Need for Cooling Vests The Heat Challenge: How Fursuits Can Cause Overheating

Fursuits, while visually stunning and expressive, can trap heat due to their construction. Made from thick materials like synthetic fur, foam padding, and underlayers, these costumes are akin to wearing a heavy winter coat in the middle of summer. The lack of breathability in these materials, combined with physical activity, can cause body temperatures to rise rapidly. This is especially true in crowded convention halls or outdoor events where ambient temperatures can already be high.

Fursuit Cooling Vest

Image via Twitter

Health Risks: Heat Exhaustion and Other Potential Health Issues

The risk of overheating is not just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous. When the body’s core temperature rises too high, it can lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms include excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. In severe cases, this can escalate to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, loss of consciousness, and potential organ failure. Given these risks, it’s crucial to have effective strategies to manage your body temperature.

Performance and Comfort: How Overheating Can Affect the Experience

Beyond the health risks, overheating can significantly impact your performance and enjoyment. When too hot, it becomes challenging to maintain the energy and enthusiasm needed to engage with others and perform in character. The discomfort can also lead to shorter time spent in a suit, limiting your ability to participate in events. By contrast, a comfortable temperature allows for more extended and more enjoyable interactions, whether you’re performing on stage, participating in parades, or mingling with fellow fans.

 

Cooling vests offer a practical solution to these challenges, helping to regulate body temperature and mitigate the risks associated with fursuit wear. In the next section, we will delve into the different types of cooling vests available and how they can cater to the specific needs of fursuiters.

Example of a Fursuit and How Hot They Can Be

Image via DeviantArt

Commissioning a fursuit has never been so easy!

"They where extremely understanding and patient. They provided fast response times and amazing communication"

Edward

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Ice pack vests are a popular choice among fursuiters looking for a straightforward and effective cooling solution. These vests contain pockets designed to hold ice packs, which can be frozen beforehand. The cold packs provide immediate and significant cooling, helping to lower the body temperature quickly. The primary advantage of ice pack vests is their simplicity and the intensity of the cooling effect. However, they come with some drawbacks. The cooling duration is relatively short, typically lasting around 1-2 hours, depending on the ambient temperature and the physical activity of the wearer. Additionally, the ice packs can be heavy, and as they warm up, they need to be replaced or refrozen, requiring access to a freezer.

Another Example Of A Fursuit That Will Most Likely Be Hot Without A Cooling Vest

Image via DeviantArt

Phase Change Cooling Vests

Phase change cooling vests utilize a special material that maintains a constant temperature while transitioning between solid and liquid states. Unlike ice packs, which can become uncomfortably cold, phase change materials are designed to stay at a more moderate temperature, typically around 58-64°F (14-18°C). This makes them more comfortable for extended wear. These vests provide a longer cooling duration, usually around 2-4 hours, as they absorb and release heat over time. They are lighter than ice-pack vests and don’t require the extreme cold of a freezer—often, they can be recharged in a refrigerator or cool water. While they tend to be more expensive, the balance between comfort and cooling efficiency makes them a favorite for many fursuiters.

Evaporative Cooling Vests

Evaporative cooling vests work by harnessing the natural cooling process of evaporation. These vests are soaked in water and then worn damp. As the water evaporates, it draws heat away from the body, providing a cooling effect. This type of vest is lightweight and easy to recharge—just add water. They are particularly useful in dry, hot climates where evaporation occurs quickly. However, their effectiveness decreases in high humidity conditions, as the air’s moisture saturation limits evaporation. The cooling effect also diminishes over time as the vest dries out, and the user may need to re-wet it periodically. Despite these limitations, evaporative cooling vests are a cost-effective and low-maintenance option for those looking to stay cool in a fursuit.

Each type of cooling vest offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, catering to different preferences and needs. In the following section, we will discuss how to choose the right cooling vest based on your specific circumstances and requirements.

3. Choosing the Right Cooling Vest

Selecting the right cooling vest involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs as a fursuiter. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations to help you make an informed choice.

Considerations for Selection

Duration of Cooling Needed

• The expected duration of your fursuiting activities significantly impacts the type of cooling vest you should choose. If you plan to be in costume for extended periods, a phase change cooling vest might be ideal due to its longer cooling duration. For shorter sessions, an ice pack vest may suffice, offering intense cooling for a brief time.

Weight and Mobility

• The weight of the vest is a crucial factor, especially for fursuiters who are already carrying the weight of their costumes. Ice pack vests can be heavier due to the ice packs, while phase change vests are generally lighter. Evaporative vests are the lightest option but require water for activation. Consider how much additional weight you are comfortable managing while in character.

Performers PCM Cooling Vest

Image via EZCooldown

Ease of Use and Maintenance

• The ease with which a cooling vest can be prepared and maintained is another essential consideration. Ice pack vests require freezing and replacement of ice packs, which can be cumbersome if you lack easy access to a freezer. Phase change vests are more user-friendly, often only needing refrigeration. Evaporative vests require the least maintenance, just needing water to recharge, making them convenient for travel and conventions.

Cost Considerations

• Budget constraints can also influence your choice. Evaporative vests are generally the most affordable, followed by ice pack vests. Phase change vests are typically the most expensive due to the specialized materials they use. It’s important to balance cost with the features and benefits you prioritize.

Popular Brands and Models

There are several reputable brands in the market known for producing quality cooling vests for fursuiters. Here are a few popular options:

• TechKewl: Known for their phase change cooling vests, TechKewl offers a range of sizes and styles. Their vests are praised for comfort and long-lasting cooling.
• Glacier Tek: Another leader in phase change vests, Glacier Tek provides durable and reliable options that maintain a safe, cool temperature without becoming too cold.
• FlexiFreeze: Specializes in ice pack vests, offering a variety of designs with different numbers of ice packs for customizable cooling.
• HyperKewl: Focuses on evaporative cooling technology, providing lightweight and easy-to-use vests that are popular for their affordability and convenience.

Each brand and model has its unique features and benefits, so it’s worth researching and possibly trying different options to see what works best for your specific needs.

In the next section, we’ll cover how to properly use and maintain your cooling vest, ensuring it provides maximum comfort and effectiveness during your fursuiting activities.

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Looking for a place to meet other furries like yourself?

Click the button below and join the Fursonafy discord today! Join our Discord 4. How to Use and Maintain Your Cooling Vest Proper Usage Tips Preparing the Vest for Use

• Ice Pack Vests: Before using an ice pack vest, ensure the ice packs are fully frozen. This typically requires placing them in a freezer for several hours. Once frozen, insert the packs into the vest’s designated pockets. Be mindful of arranging them evenly to distribute the weight and cooling effect.
• Phase Change Cooling Vests: For phase change vests, you need to activate the cooling material by placing the vest in a refrigerator or a cool environment until the contents solidify. Some models may require a few hours, while others can be ready in less than an hour. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
• Evaporative Cooling Vests: To activate an evaporative cooling vest, simply soak it in water until fully saturated. After soaking, gently wring out excess water to prevent dripping. The vest will begin to cool as the water evaporates.

Wearing the Vest Correctly Under a Fursuit

• Wear the cooling vest over a base layer, such as a moisture-wicking shirt. This helps protect your skin and allows for better temperature regulation. Ensure that the vest fits snugly but comfortably, allowing for a full range of motion. Check that all fastenings are secure and that the cooling packs or materials are evenly distributed. It’s important to test the vest’s fit with your fursuit to ensure it doesn’t restrict movement or create discomfort.

Difference Between a Fursuit With and Without a Cooling Vest

Image via Fur Affinity

Maintenance and Care

Cleaning Instructions

• Ice Pack Vests: Remove the ice packs before cleaning the vest. The vest can usually be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle using mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can degrade the materials. Allow the vest to air dry completely before reinserting the ice packs.
• Phase Change Cooling Vests: Similar to ice pack vests, phase change vests should be cleaned with care. Remove the cooling elements before washing. Hand wash the vest in cold water with a mild detergent, then lay flat to dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the materials.
• Evaporative Cooling Vests: These vests are generally easy to clean. Rinse thoroughly after use, especially if you’ve used them in chlorinated water or seawater, to remove any residues. Hand wash with mild soap as needed and air dry. Ensure the vest is completely dry before storing to prevent mold or mildew.

Storage Recommendations

• Store your cooling vest in a cool, dry place when not in use. For ice pack and phase change vests, avoid leaving the packs in the freezer indefinitely, as this can lead to deterioration. Instead, store them at room temperature and freeze or cool them as needed. For evaporative vests, ensure they are fully dry before storing to prevent mold growth. It’s also a good idea to store the vest flat or hung up to maintain its shape.

By following these usage and maintenance guidelines, you can extend the life of your cooling vest and ensure it provides optimal comfort and cooling whenever you wear your fursuit. In the next section, we’ll explore real-life experiences and testimonials from fursuiters who have found cooling vests indispensable in their fursuiting adventures.

Conclusion

Staying cool and comfortable in a fursuit is essential for enjoying the full experience without compromising safety or performance. Cooling vests offer a practical solution to the challenges posed by the heat, providing different levels of cooling depending on the type and duration of use. Whether you prefer the intense cold of an ice pack vest, the steady cooling of a phase change vest, or the lightweight convenience of an evaporative vest, there is an option to suit every fursuiter’s needs.

It’s important to consider factors like the duration of cooling required, the vest’s weight, ease of use, and cost when choosing the right cooling vest. Proper usage and maintenance will ensure the vest’s longevity and effectiveness, making it a reliable companion for fursuiting adventures.

The testimonials from fursuiters highlight the real-world benefits of these vests, underscoring their role in enhancing comfort and safety. By incorporating a cooling vest into your fursuiting gear, you can extend your time in costume, perform better, and enjoy interacting with others without the worry of overheating.

As the furry community continues to grow and evolve, innovations like cooling vests make it easier and safer to participate in events and express oneself creatively. We encourage you to explore the different options available and find the cooling solution that best fits your needs. Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the magic of fursuiting to the fullest!

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Author

Xege Kheiru

Jennifer is an ex-costume designer turned fursuit maker, better known by her fursona's name Xege Kheiru. Under this alias she has written extensively for the Fursonafy blog and many others on the topic of fursuit making and general information about the furry fandom.

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中国贵州首届兽展以 200 参会者成功落幕

印尼兽迷首次亮相印尼设计师艺术玩具展

Steve Lafler is a renowned underground cartoonist who has made appearances here before. Now thanks to Cat-Head Comics we have a chance to see where he started with Dog Boy: Choice Cuts & Happy Endings. From Previews: “The 328-page oversize volume collects the best of Lafler’s pioneering 1980’s alternative comics title Dog Boy, known for its undulating psychedelic twists, coupled with low-brow tropes that border on slapstick. The date is 1982, the early dawn in the alternative comics movement. Steve Lafler, bohemian cartoonist, taps into his unconscious mind and finds his inner Dog Boy: An unruly man-child equipped with a Golden Retriever head!” It’s available now in trade paperback.

image c. 2024 Cat-Head Comics

Bloomburrow: A Furtastic Adventure 

Anyone who plays any sort of TCG has undoubtedly heard of Magic: The Gathering. Having been around for more than 30 years, it’s been one of the most popular card games to ever exist and has constantly evolved and expanded over the years. This year however, they released a new set that is especially exciting: Bloomburrow!

What happens if you take Animal Crossing and inject Disney into it? Well, outside of a modded Animal Crossing, you get Dreamlight Valley. A fun, though a bit tedious, game from Gameloft that sees you traveling to the titular valley in order to restore it and reverse a curse that caused the villagers to lose their memories living there.

印尼兽迷夏日盛典：IWAG 2024 再创佳绩

July in Disability Pride month, and for this, we discussed disability in furry fiction with Anastasia Spinet, who was happy to answer some questions about how her disability has affected her life and her writing, including her debut novel Quicksilver.

For those who don’t know you, can you introduce yourself and your work?

Hi! I typically go by “Emp” in online and fandom spaces, but my penname is Anastasia Spinet. I’ve always loved anthropomorphic characters, but I officially started labelling myself as a “furry” around 2002 when I discovered the term on Neopets. I’m a vet tech by trade, and when I’m not writing or wrangling saucy cats, I can be found hanging in the woods, talking to crows, reading books, or gaming. I’m pretty much the stereotypical “woodsy, witchy introvert” type. I’m here for disability month because I have a super rare disability called Holt-Oram Syndrome (AKA, “hand-heart syndrome”) that impacts pretty much every facet of my life. It’s a chromosomal mutation that impedes the development of the limbs and heart in utero. For me, that means a deformed left hand, a pacemaker, and severe chronic fatigue. I often joke that X-Men lied to me as a kid, because being a mutant cyborg in the real world is rather tedious lol.

I published my first official paid piece when I was 17, where a short I wrote appeared as an in-game readable book item for a super obscure (and dearly missed) online pet sim called NeuroGalaxy. As an adult, I’ve been published in a handful of anthologies since 2019, and this year I published my first novel, an anthropomorphic cyberpunk adventure called Quicksilver. Usually my work has a supernatural or folkloric slant to it, but Quicksilver is unique among my pieces in that it’s cyberpunk, and I drew on my own real-world experiences with technology, disability, and my fears over loss of bodily autonomy as a means of flavoring the narrative and its themes.

How do you believe your disability has shaped your work?

It is absolutely a major reason why I enjoy furry fiction, in addition to other forms of SF/F that feature non-human (ie: alien, monster, robot, etc) protagonists. My bread and butter is protagonists who aren’t physically human. I was very isolated in my formative years due to my hand deformity. Starting around 6 years old, when I began attending public school, I had to deal with a lot of “don’t be her friend! If you touch her, your hands will look like that too!” I was not old enough to correctly articulate the negative emotions I felt from dealing with that five days a week for several hours every day, so I fell into a world of vivid escapism and started creating my own stories – typically involving cats — from a very early age. I also loved animals, largely because they would still interact with me and love me with all their hearts no matter how I looked. A lot of my dissatisfaction with my body and the fears I felt from emergency medical intervention (which I am super grateful for it, but as a kid you don’t fully understand why they are sticking needles in you or busting open your sternum, and that terror stays forever) was poured into the character Jet, who I created when I was still in grade school to help me deal with these emotions.

Additionally, there are certain clusters of tropes that I strongly enjoy writing (and reading) because they have parallels to my own experiences, but are removed enough that I can enjoy the escapism aspect of the story. A lot of furry novels and series that I’m quick to recommend to others also utilise a lot of these tropes. I especially love a protagonist who is born with a trait they never would have chosen to posses, and I enjoy seeing protagonists like that learn to grow, change, and navigate their own unique reality. Both Tammy and Jet from Quicksilver fall under this trope, and I used my own emotions towards my body and my life to color certain aspects of their experiences, especially in regards to medical experimentation, self-hatred, and a sense of isolation from their own communities. I’m very focused on emotions when it comes to writing, because I feel that emotions are what connects us and makes us human. You might not be able to understand how it feels to have a deformity or a hunk of metal powering your heart, but I think we have all felt isolated or persecuted at some point in our lives, and I think exploring those feelings through entertaining fiction can help open discussions and build bridges with people who we might otherwise see ourselves as having little in common with.

How do you feel the wider furry community is handling people with a disability? What do you think needs to be done to improve things?

I’d argue it’s a mixed bag, but, a lot of that has to do with just how vastly diverse disabilities as a whole are. Like, even though we are both ‘disabled’, I have a very different set of needs than my friend with cerebral palsy. Even within the Holt-Oram community, the severity of the disability occurs on a wide spectrum, and “accessibility” for us is not a one size fits all by any means. Overall, however, I find most “geek” communities are somewhat better than average concerning things like accessibility, at least in terms of my experience. For example, because of my HOS, I have a very bad heart. I currently have a pacemaker, but it looks like I may need even more “borg parts” or possibly a transplant in the near future. Currently, if I’m left standing up for too long (for me that’s 30 minutes+) I can become very ill from a lack of blood flow to my brain, so being able to sit for a bit is something I legitimately need. I can say that within the sphere of “geekdom” is the one place where I have never received any direct flack for this, and I’m super grateful for that.

The biggest thing that does bother me in geek spaces, however, is getting treated a bit like a zoo animal, or like I’m part of some special club. I’m not “special” – I’m sick, and it sucks, but I’m a survivor and I want to live and engage in my hobbies for as long as I can. I ultimately just want to be treated with respect as a human being. It’s a tough thing to describe to people who haven’t been on the receiving end of the behaviour, but sometimes you will get this specific tone or attitude where you can tell they are trying to be “inclusive” but they’re trying so hard that they’re actually coming across as condescending and rude. I think the solution for this is for group leaders (be it a con, meet, etc) to learn to actively listen to those of us who request disability accommodation. If someone makes a request for accommodation and you feel that’s something you can provide, don’t make a big deal over it; just do it. I can only speak for myself, but, for me, when weird groveling behaviour gets involved after I disclose I’m disabled, it feels a lot like mockery and often leaves me feeling ashamed for asking for something as simple as a chair. I asked for a chair, not a circle of worshippers. White it’s definitely preferable to naked bigotry, I do feel like it’s still an inappropriate way to treat people, especially if you want us to feel comfortable at an event. It’s good to recognise when someone is disabled, but it’s not so good to treat them like that disability is the only thing that defines them.

What does the inclusion of disability in fiction mean to you?

When it specifically comes to fictional characters, this is probably a bit of a spicy take but, to me personally, I’m fairly indifferent. I’m very happy that disabled folks who are into that kind of thing can more easily find the type of narratives they are looking for in this day and age but, for me, I engage in sci-fi and fantasy as a means to escape the painful reality of my life. I used to be a very athletic person in my youth, and losing those abilities in my late 20’s and 30’s has been hard for me, especially knowing that it’s only going to get worse as I age. I use fiction to live vicariously through the characters. This is why Tammy and Jet have cool animal and cyborg powers rather than deformed limbs and catastrophic cardiovascular failure. When it comes to SF/F specifically, I’m more engaged with metaphorical and allegorical explorations of the emotions that surround disability, rather than the disability itself. That’s not to say I don’t like seeing disabled characters in fiction (I do) but you’ll rarely see me picking up a book solely because the protagonist is disabled, as I can find a way to project onto pretty much any character if they are well developed enough.

Where inclusion in fiction does strongly matter to me is the publication of fiction by talented authors who have a disability. I like supporting and reading the perspectives from other authors who are disabled, regardless of whether or not they include their specific disability in their work. That gives me a tangible sense of community, and gives me a means to support others who have also struggled due to physical characteristics that they can not change and did not choose. Talented disabled voices can be brushed under the rug due to our unique struggles with physical health, and I want to hear and support those voices by purchasing, reading, and/or discussing their work. At the end of the day, fictional characters are not real, and, when it comes to disability, I’m more concerned with the work and life experiences of the real disabled human beings behind the words than I am with directly “seeing myself” through a figment.

Do you see a difference between stories written by authors with a disability and authors without, when it comes to writing characters with disabilities?

Generally I do find “own voices” narratives often have a certain undercurrent of authenticity that narratives simply written by allies often lack. This is something I’ve noticed across the board for a large swath of fiction centered on minority characters, by minority writers. There are some experiences that you can’t fully understand unless you have lived them, even if you can find deep empathy for the situation. For example, I found the character AO from Nnedi Okorafor’s novel Noor relatable to a degree that I can only describe as haunting.

This isn’t always the rule though, as, talented writers can (and frequently do!) create wonderful characters whose struggles are outside the scope of the author’s own experiences. For example, a disabled character I adore is Samson Harker from David Marusek’s cyberpunk-esque novel, Counting Heads. As far as I know, Marusek does not have any sort of degenerative disease (nanite-induced or otherwise) but the character of Simon, his struggles with a failing body, his musings about death, etc strongly resonated with me. Likewise, Anne McCaffrey Brainship series feels like the ultimate wish-fulfilment fantasy for me because, oh, what I would do to trade my failing human husk vessel for a badass spaceship body lmao. This veers out of written fiction and into film territory but, Toph from Avatar the Last Airbender is also an excellent example of a well-written character whose creators lack her specific disability.

What do you think is the most important thing for a writer to do when considering how to write characters with a disability?

My best advice is is to always remember the humanity of your character. Their personhood should always come first before their disability status. What do they do, what do they like? Hobbies? What were they like as a kid? What are their core values? There are a myriad of questions to ask, but what I mean by all this is that their only defining trait should never be “they are disabled”. When I think of Toph, the first words I think of to describe her are “disabled” or “blind”, I think of how tough and pragmatic she is, and how I deeply related to her because of those traits. Her disability is important to her character and adds incredible nuance to her as a person, but it’s not her defining trait. If the most interesting thing about your character is their disability, then you may want to rethink how you are writing them. Characters like that, who often exist purely to signal the creator’s inclusive politics, are often how you accidentally fall into dehumanisation and offensive tropes, even if you mean well. There is a certain level of condescending preachiness that comes with stories created for the sole purpose of signalling the author’s/publisher’s politics, and it can come across as not just offensive, but downright dehumanising when you, the disabled person in the audience, are keenly aware that you are only seeing yourself included because the author wants to look like the paragon of virtue, rather than because they actually, truly desire telling an interesting story about someone with a disability. Even if I might appreciate the sentiment, the execution is often lacking, and the execution is the most important aspect of telling a story. Being disabled isn’t inherently political; it just is. I’d rather read something entertaining than something preachy, and when someone like me is specifically the subject of the preachiness, it comes back to feeling like a zoo animal or, worse, an attraction at a carnival side show.

A big tip I have on how to avoid falling into the above trap is that I highly recommend listening to people. Active listening goes a long way in building bridges. If you don’t have that disability yourself, go find people who do, and listen to how they feel about their situation. And, yes, that should include even those whose feelings towards their situation you might disagree with. I’d argue the latter is important even if you are a disabled person creating an “own voices” story, as there can often be quite a diversity of ideas and experiences from within your own little sphere. (For example, there are some disability advocates who absolutely hate McCaffrey’s Brainships. I completely disagree with them, but their perspectives are still interesting and worthy of respect, even if I, personally, see things differently.) If you don’t know anyone who has a disability similar to what you’re writing about, biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs exist and are a wealth of interesting and important information regarding the human experience.

Are there any common failings you see amongst furry fiction?

The biggest hurdle I’ve faced in furry fiction has been the structure of awards and how the biggest one (Ursas) often rewards quantity over quality, especially in terms of written fiction. My opinions on whether quantity even warrants an award aside, quantity can be a very difficult bar for disabled people to meet, but especially for those with progressive illnesses like mine. In the past four weeks, I have had a doctor’s visit of some sort almost every day, except the weekend. That’s exhausting. I do not have the time or energy to be a literature mill, so I have to pick and choose which stories I feel are strong enough to warrant completion. For this reason, I’m confident that my stories are good and worthy of recognition, but that’s a tough thing to achieve when quantity seems to be rewarded above all else. I know rewards do not make the writer, but it can leave you feeling quite sour when you know you’re work will rarely be on a ballot because you couldn’t make dozens of pieces in a year due to your physical condition. Part of the reason these rewards exist is to build community, and the latter can really leave you feeling like you’re being shut out of the community. I would love for the showrunners of the UMA to be more open to making adjustments to how nominations are run. I’ve seen many interesting discussions regarding this (hence why I wish the Ursas would be more open to discussing this matter with the community at large, because it’s clearly a discussion the community wants) but my personal quick fix would be to simply limit nominations so that a single person can only have one work nominated per category. This would open the door for a larger variety of voices to be showcased, while also maintaining a way for those who are more prolific to secure multiple nominations if they are varied in their work, which they typically are.

On the flip side, in terms of including real disabled people in anthologies or publishing their work, I think furry is often a cut above the norm, and I really appreciate that. From my experience, this rings true for most indie writing and publishing circles. I attribute a lot of that to the fact that there is a bigger focus on the artistic side of things rather than maximising mainstream marketability or, worse, appeasing the insensible sensibilities of the suits. I can think of talented furry authors with disabilities off the top of my head without much effort, and I’ve always found that super awesome. Furry writing is a very small, very niche thing, and the fact that I don’t have to wrack my brains to think of talented disabled authors, despite the relatively small size of the community, is a massive plus. I can think of way bigger, older hobby communities that should, in theory, have recognisable disabled voices in their midst, but they don’t. So, I really feel like furry, and the indie publishing world as a whole, does a really great job at including diverse voices and narratives.

What book featuring characters with a disability and/or written by an author with a disability would you most recommend to people?

For furry authors with disabilities, I recommend checking out the works by the late (and dearly missed) K.C. Alpinus (my favorites by her are “The Night the Stars Fell” from Dogs of War II: Aftermath, and the anthology she edited called SOAR) and the short stories by former Guild president, Linnea “LiteralGrill” Capps (“The Glow” from The Electric Sewer is a major favorite of mine).

For non-furry, anything by the aforementioned Nnedi Okorafor is a solid bet. Noor is my favourite, but the Binti series is also excellent.

Additionally, like I said before, while I understand the criticism of them, I personally adore the Brainship series (including the ones not written by McCaffrey) and I definitely recommend it if you’re like me and you’ve frequently entertained “brain in a jar” fantasies regarding yourself.

And, finally, where can we find your works?

You can find my shorts in SPECIES: Otters, BREEDS: Wildcats, and The Haunted Den, all of which can be purchased via Amazon. Currently, Quicksilver can only be purchased from the publisher’s website. Right now I’m editing my very first anthology for Armoured Fox Press themed around lesbian romance, and I’m super excited to show off the authors and stories I’ve selected. (It is still open until the end of August, if anyone reading this would be interested in submitting!)

I will be selling signed copies of all my currently published books at the New Age of Heroes convention in Springfield, MA this coming November, so if you are in the New England area then, please do drop by and say hello!

Missed this one before, so it’s time to get caught up! Monsterland meets Gangsterland in The Monster’s Clean-Up Guy, a two-issue horror comic miniseries written by Drew Lenhart and illustrated by Rowel Roque. “Terry works for the monster community. He’s their cleanup guy, covering up their misdeeds in order to keep monsters a secret. Terry operates by only two rules: Listen to the Lycan King’s orders, and don’t kill any monsters!” It’s still available at TFAW.

image c. 2024 Bloodmoon Comics

We chose our Top 3 FAVORITE Steam Games from all of the ones we played during the month of June 2024 for the Uncivil Weekly Review Parties we release every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! This Monthly awards video provides some background commentary going much deeper into the games we loved from last month. Video Edited by Dark, Staff here at GF.

Awoooo time for some interdimensional adventures! The sequel to the beloved and acclaimed Grapple Dog, Grapple Dogs Cosmic Canines aims its sights on having players jump, dash and grapple their way across various levels. The unique visuals of this game reminded me of something you might see on the Game Boy Advance, which tickled a nostalgic itch and gave me plenty of reason to try out the demo.