Zeno's Redeeming features?

[Scardy G.]

I personally like Kavonn, but I'm weird.
I also don't despise Zeno, I'mjust trying to figure him out.
I think there's something utterly sad about him. He's like that kid in high school who didn't show up one day, and then you find out he killed himself, and everyone is kinda numb because they ignored him. Some don't care, some blame themselves, but eventually they forget about him, because they never really liked him because he was so moody all the time.

(Err... yeah... I'm gonna stop now. Because any more info at this point would be really personal, and you guys don't really need me telling you about exactly why I feel for Zeno...)

[Awakened]

Kavonn, Zerlocke, Azelea, Blaine, and Victor are my favorite characters in this story. Blaine and Victor are possibly my most favorites because I used to be a Hunter the Reckoning nut. And Kavonn is pretty awesome in a laid back, self assured kind of way. Zeno I guess I have mostly just felt sorry for (because he hasn't actually done anything through out the whole story to like him for after all). Whenever I meet someone who has emotional problems I generally try help them or at least be friendly to them(do unto others...). Once there was a guy I worked with called BJ who used to constantly talk to himself when working and he talked in this jerky voice like he was sobbing. He had so many problems I felt like sobbing when I heard a couple of them, his father just having died of cancer just being one of them. I tried to make friends with him in hopes that it would give him some confidence to have a friend that his depressing nature wouldn't turn off. Sadly, he was fired just as I thought I was making some real progress with him. Don't ask. I still remember to say a prayer for him from time to time. Believe me, he needs it.

As for Tonius, for some reason I just never have been able to get into him. Forgive me, but the accent has always sounded cheesy to me and though it was amusing in the beggining I am kind of tired of it by now. Lately I'm reading this comic mostly for Victor, Charby, Kavonn, and maybe Darey because the whole love triangle thing has been done to death as far as I am concerned. Unless I am the one who is writing it of course. ;D

[Milky the Man]

How dare youse insults mine Tony? My favorites are:

Tony, Charby, Hex, Kavonn, Menu, Crispo, Claire, Rosemary, Zerlocke, Samrick, Vic, Grandma, Hector, Nicodemus, Floaty Bear, and Vita.

Heh, that's a LONG LIST.

[Awakened]

Yeah, pretty long. I probably should have added Azelea to my list and I also forgot to add Zerlocke and his siblings (or at least Rosemary).

[Milky the Man]

Claire rocks, though!

I hate Azelea with the strengh of SEVEN SUNS AND MOONS!

[Shippo_no_Neko]

I love Kavonn, Zerlocke, Mannick, Foomy, and yes, I like Azelea's character. I know how it feels to have unrequitted love! I feel sorry for her! I mean, all she wants is love!

[Awakened]

shippononeko said:

I love Kavonn, Zerlocke, Mannick, Foomy, and yes, I like Azelea's character. I know how it feels to have unrequitted love! I feel sorry for her! I mean, all she wants is love!

Yeah, you got to feel it for her on that score. She is psycho, but then so is everyone else. What I like about her is that she has the same love as Zerlocke but she doesn't sink into the same pity party that he does, she simply gets more and more determined. Very admirable that. And the chibi plans she draws are cute if somewhat horrifying. I think she is a cool character and hope to see more of her in future strips. Hopefully she will have healed the hole in her hand by the time we get back to her in the future strips. I will be writing more of her in my fanfic and try to flesh her out some more too.

[Milky the Man]

I dislike both Azzy and Foomy.

[magicklorelai]

Zeno has some redeeming qualities. The problem is, we haven't seen much of him beside his insecurities and jealousy of anyone who comes near Mye(both tightly connected to one another!).

He's a sensitive person. He feels things, and he internalizes everything. He feels everything really is his fault, or that the world hates him, and feels helpless that everything good is going to be taken away from him. He clings to Mye because she is the first thing to come into his life that has been really, REALLY good, and I think that if he were to just have some more confidence in himself, he'd be a lot more likeable.

He IS a loyal friend(when he isn't being all possessed or possessive). For instance: I think it was in one of the crossovers, when (I think Hex) had the shield up, and he ran off to find Charby, knowing that he was putting himself in danger to do so, but that it would save everyone else. Is this not a redeeming moment for him?

[Deme]

good point. I forgot all about that. I suppose he is redeemable, truly, and I hope to see that. is there a part of my brain that wants to see that only because then Tony wouldn't have kept so much inside for a worthless friend? yeah. I suppose I never took much to Zeno because I have a best friend who is the female version of him- possesive, internalized, dramatic, never happy, all of it. I never took to him(this is mostly in retrospect) because I get enough of him from her.

[Deme]

and I like disliking Azzy. I would be sad if she suddenly died, not because her death would be sad, but because she wouldn't be there to stir up ^$%^ anymore. She's very good at distracting feelings, too- you don't feel like there's something serious or important going on because of her excellent skill as a mood-stealer. and the fact that she made Tony go all butterfly-that-looks-like-a-fuzzy-moth to talk to her. That was so cute looking... and because she thinks in chibis. thinking in chibis is so much fun- it really does feel more like the thought process sometimes, especially what I could imagine the inside of her head as like.

[Flagg]

In my mind (which is always a dangerous place), it's not so much that there's nothing redeeming about Zeno, it's just that dear Tonius is so dern cool. It's kinda like saying "What're the redeeming features of Pizza Hut's deep dish pizza?" after eating the "real thing" from Chicago. It's not that Pizza Hut is really that bad (well, OK, maybe it is... But this is an analogy, so stick with me, we're almost done), but the stuff from Chicago is just on a whole other level. Zeno has a good side, but compared to his, in my mind, only real current rival (at least as far as Mye goes), there just isn't much comparison.

[magicklorelai]

Okay, now, wait a minute. This thread was asking what Zeno's redeeming features were, not if he were better than Tony. Either way, who is to say who is better than which? We've only really seen a small part of who Zeno is because of how introverted he is, and we don't know what GOOD or COOL things he is capable of.

Tony IS cool, yes. Would we feel that way if not for his valiant attempt to save both Mye AND his friend, Zeno? Probably. Still, one shouldn't compare the two without considering that each one was created for different reasons, and Zeno contributes his part as the shy, jealous, insecure character.

[Dundee]

Ooh, good point, VERY good point!!! Yes, as I've been rereading through the archives, I've noticed that we hardly ever see Zeno unless he's cuddling with Mye or with his Scythe, and we can't really trust what kind of a person he is then.

[Flagg]

Goodness, sorry for sharing my opinion. ; D
I would like to say that 1, the OPer did compare Zeno and Tony in their original message, and 2, I firmly see comparison and contrast as a legitimate form of argument, a word used here in the more traditional sense, not in the "Let's fight with words", of course. All I wished to say was that it may be difficult to see the good that is in Zeno in light of the "better" (as it may currently appear to some) in other characters, especially Tony (at the moment).

[cockatrice]

Redeeming Features? Well, for good things he's done, I can remember: helping Menu find food, saving charby and menu from the floating bear, picking flowers for mye (twice), not cheating on mye with Azelea when he thought mye was cheating on him, fighting off vampire hordes to save mye (this may have been partialy the sythe though), fighting a 2 headed monster he never would have fought otherwise to save mye (once again, possibly part sythe).
He has tried to "protect" mye on many occasions. If he percieved them as real threats, then this is noble, even if it causes mayhem, as he is doing what would be right if his delusions were acurate. He also apparently gave up his body to the witch doctor so that mye wouldn't be killed (once again, delusional, but not purposefully destructive).
I would say most of his problems are in his judgement, not his motivation. He trys to be helpful, loyal, and to protect mye (who also seems to be the centerpiece of his problems). He causes more harm then good, but accidentally (and because of the sythe's influence).

[Wolfy]

Technically, he did kiss Azelea. Or she kissed him and he enjoyed it. Or...you know what, i'll just shut up now...

[cockatrice]

Actually, I never really liked Tony until the recent fight. However, he is now up on list cool charactors (It was really turning into the snake that was just too cool).

[Scardy G.]

Well, if it comes to compaing Tony and Zeno, I think Tony, to us seems cooler because really, he's older.
I don't think Amy's ever said anything about their ages, but Tony certainly seems more mature. he has his demons, but mainly, he's faced them. He's powerful, self-confident, and has learned to take care of himself.
Zeno, on the otherhand, has only just gotten any kind of significant power through the Scythe, but otherwise he's that litte kid who was always getting beaten up by the bigger kids. He doesn't feel powerful, so he strikes out at others, or hides. Which is part of his reactions with all of Mye's suitors, because he feels inferior to them, and doesn't beleive in his own ability to keep Mye, because in his mind, she's the only thing he's got going for him.

As for the hug he gave Tony... I just laughed so hard at that, because it's so cute. It's too early to fully understand the motivation beind it, but I'm gonna take a stab at it. Amy, tell me if I'm totally off-kilter.
I don't think Zeno understands why Tony did it. He may or may not realize Tony's motivation, all he knows is that Tony came and stopped the master.
If Zeno realized that Tony has a crush n Mye, he also realized the great sacrifice Tony has made throughout, in letting Zeno be with Mye, and supporting that relationship. Plus the risk Tony took in coming to save both Zeno and Mye from the Master.
If not, it's because for seemingly no reason at all, Tony jumped in and essentially exorcised The Master from Zeno.

As time goes by, hopefully we'll better understand Zeno, but for now, he's just a like a kid, really. And in a way, doesn't Tony come in like a big brother who swoops in to make everything all right?

(Tell me if I'm totally off-kilter, folks.. and no, I haven't been up all night thinking about this, it's as it came out of my head... which is why it may be a little confusing.)

[Awakened]

I don't think you are off kilter at all, and I think you have been very insightful. You make many good points, especially in regards to Zeno just being a kid. One of the things that has wierded me out is how he is the only one in this comic (besides Menu) who really is just a kid and he pursues mature relationships with people who are centuries older than he. I think that Tony and Mye might really be best for each other not because Zeno is a loser (he is simply an abused boy who is only gradually learning to cope with what he has gone through and is still reeling in bad luck to make the process even more grueling for him) but because both Mye and Tonius have the whole 'stunted centuries old adult' thing going for them. Zeno needs a chance to grow a little more and to recover.

[Deme]

actually, Menu's 20-something by now...Phinneaus is a kid, though...

[Scardy G.]

I agree that maybe Tony and Mye are more suited for one another, but again, I think Zeno needs the support and attention Mye gives him.
And I think Mye understands that. She's a very caring individual, who is concerned for all the guys she's met, even though they drive her up the wall. I think, however, only Tony and Hex truly pay attention to Mye's needs.

[Awakened]

I agree Tony is better suited to Mye than he is to anyone else but have you noticed that both Mye and Zeno have in common the whole 'helpful healer' personality type going for them? No one else in the comic is really the bleeding heart compasionate sort but those two. I should note that Amy mentioned that in earlier comics that she never got around to posting that Zeno went around helping forest animals and lesser demons and even a human once but always got the short end of the stick in the end.

But really, Tony just isn't compatible with anyone else in the comic. If Amy tries to pair him off with Azelea or Faye it would feel forced and just really wouldn't look right. Besides, as it is now, Zeno is so traumitized by his past that he finds it almost impossible to be happy. How can Mye ever be truly happy around him when he is like that? Granted he is just a little kid and stands to out grow of that someday but still...

And also I like Azelea as she is hilarious as a character. What can I say, Wiley Coyote was my personal hero growing up. ;D He kept on trying no matter how many times his plans backfired, you gotta admire that! Besides, even evil fairys need luvin.

One other reason why I am hoping for Zeno and Mye to be permanently split is because of Zeno's character development. Though we don't get to see much of Zeno's true character as his head is constantly being jerked around by one force or another one thing that has always stood out is his inferiority complex. He thinks that his entire value is wrapped up in having Mye as his girlfriend. If he loses her he stands a chance of growing out of that mentality, and I always enjoy seeing character development.

[Scardy G.]

There's another thing to be broached, Zeno is going to grow up. He will physically grow up. And Mye is stuck with the body(ies) she has now.

[Awakened]

Mye has that adult rabbit form, but then again she also said that she hated the rabbit form and wished she could get rid of it. Infact she is actively trying to. Perhaps the dead simply belong with the dead and the living the living. Mye and Tonius are both adults who are going to remain in little kids bodies forever where as Zeno is a little kid but is going to grow up. Eh, poor Zeno.

What is coming next I sense is not going to be gentle for him. We are reaching the point where the past is going to repeat itself. Mye really is going to cheat on Zeno with his best friend this time rather than just look like it, and while I suspect we will get the chance to see how he has grown up since the last time, probably forgiving her right away rather than repeatedly trying to kill himself and then having a talk with Azelea, I also suspect that this time he will lose her for good regardless as she will find herself in love with Tonius.

I just wonder how this going to effect the dynamics of Zeno's and Tony's relationship. Tony is Zeno's best friend and this isn't exactly the kind of thing that friends do to each other if they intend to stay friends. I suspect there will likely be some sort of fight. Or perhaps Zeno will leave for good for a little while and we will simply see him in the same the way we see that wolf chick and K'ale and Bojo, as a sort of side story that will get woven back into the whole later on.

[Scardy G.]

Actually, I don't think that Mye and Zeno are going to break up just now. She's very much still in love with Zeno, andno way is Tony goingto tryto break them up.
But I doubt the Mye/Zeno thing will last.

[Awakened]

Actually, I think that Tony probably wont have to. Once confronted with the fact that Tony risked his life to save her, and then recieves a touching speeh told in sobs from the depths of his heart about his love for her, I think Mye will fall in love with Tony enough to make what she will consider shortly after a big mistake. That last line where Zeno called Tonius his 'best friend' just sort of sounded off a bell in my head, leaving me fairly sure I see where this part of the story his heading to now as all of the pieces seem to be falling into place. Anyways, once Mye cheats on Zeno she probably will come back to him for a little while after Zeno forgives her this time unlike the way he did last time and perhaps Tonius will apologize as well and Zeno will forgive him too. But as time draws on Zeno will realize that Mye may care about him but her heart is with Tonius. In the end he will probably free her.

Which leaves me kind of curious now about Azelea's redeeming features. If Zeno gets all noble and sacrifices his happiness for Mye's it will probably be just a little sad to pair him off with that psycho fairy no matter how cutely evil she and her plans are. Amy said IIRC that she represented the part of her that likes cute things, the part of her that makes evil plots (but doesn't go through with them), and the part of her that is misunderstood. Will we see another side of her other than what we have been shown? It would be sad if Mye and Tonius got some super deep relationship after Tonius kept praying that Zeno's and Mye's would fall apart and all Zeno, who loved Mye and gave her up so she could be happy, got out of this was a girlfriend who is likely to be shallow and has only a passing infatuation for him which could easily die out sooner or later whenever she gets bored. *shrugs* Thats just my impression of her of course. And this is just me taking wild shots in the dark. I could be totally off on how this story will go.

[Scardy G.]

Dude, Azelea isn't misunderstood. She's a grade-A b*****. Remember when she tried to kill Mye with that blade thing and hit Clair instead?

And really, Zeno and Mye have just gotten into the flow of this relationship. She isn't going to go running off into the arms of Tony right now. I just can't see it happening any time soon, and Tony isn't going to be making any big, heartfelt announcement. he may tell her how he feels, but he's not gonna beg her, or try to make her feel guilty. I think he's got a bit more control then that.

[Awakened]

About the control thing: your probably right. I had just gotten through reading that bit where he was dying on the steps and moaning about how he should have told her when I got the idea. And as far as the relationship thing just getting in the flow... how much time has passed anyways? Months? Weeks? Days? The timeline is kind of hard to follow. But Amelius can't keep dragging Tonius through this forever. This part of the story has been going on for a while now and it seemed to nearly come to a head for a second. We may have to wait three more months or so in real time but Amy can only build on this for so long before something has to actually happen. It will get boring soon if she doesn't. Besides, this party is somethng that Amy has been drumming on for sometime, and I get the impression something climatic is going to happen so it seems like it might be a good place for Amy to do something dramatic with those three. And I didn't mean to imply Tonius would ever beg, though I can see how you could have gotten that impression.

As for Azelea, like I said I have a rather negative impression of her but maybe I should have expounded on that more. Yeah, she is the real queen of B!^&H~$, though they are all crazy to some degree. Still, I thought Amy implied that there was something that was misunderstood about her a while back, though I'll be deviled if I know what. Oh, well, this story is clearly going to get more interesting as time goes on at least, and that is all that really matters.

Any thoughts on what might happen at the party? We will find out something big on what the Chosen are for, Charby's mission will be told, although it will probably be a lie, Menu and Claire will have a great time, I can only guess at Hexavier and Faye (though that's all I have been doing), and of course something huge and unforseen will occur that will make it a milestone for everyone there and well worth the wait. Personally I just wanna see if Vic meets any cute Elite chicks.

[Scardy G.]

I'm figuring that there's gonna be bloodshed at the party, personally. I mean, a big party like that, no way Amy's not gonna greet us with some major bloodshed. I do think that something willgo downwith the elites, and a major plotpointwill be revealed.. I'm just at a loss for what that will be.

I guess what I meant about Tony is that he's actually a pretty nice guy. He doesn't want to steal Mye from Zeno, he wants her to decide to come to him. It's very much the story of unrequited love, you want them to see you, and understand how you feel, but you're terrified that they'll turn you down. I think Tony is holding back how he feels, because if he tells her when she's wrapped around Zeno, then he's pretty sure to get turned down, or be rewarded with the "just friends" speech. That, and I really beleive he doesn't want to hurt Zeno, either.
That and he doesn't want things to get awkward between him and Mye.