Sometimes the greatest battles aren’t fought with superpowers. They’re fought inside ourselves.
If you're reading this, you've got a community here with The Companion.
Whether you’ve been with us for years or just found your way here, you're part of a space built on connection, creativity, and care. No matter what you're carrying, you don't have to carry it alone. We're glad you're here.
In this week’s feature, our very own Lawrence Kao explores how Marvel’s Thunderbolts shines a light on loneliness, connection, and the fight to hold onto hope in the darkest moments. It’s not just another superhero story — it’s a reminder that healing begins not with strength, but with reaching out.
Embracing the Void: How Thunderbolts* Became Marvel’s Most Important Mental Health Story [Excerpt]
There has been so much online anticipation for this final instalment of Phase 5 of the MCU particularly after the trailers brought exciting fight sequences, returning characters, and that signature witty MCU dialogue, and early reviews reflected fan expectation.
The Rotten Tomatoes’ Critics Consensus: “Thunderbolts* refreshingly returns to the tried-and-true blueprint of the MCU’s best adventures.”
This brought in the numerous videos and articles discussing fun theories: Why is there an asterisk * at the end of the film’s title? How significant is Baron Zemo’s major role in Falcon and Winter Soldier? How do the members of the Thunderbolts fit into Fantastic 4 or Avengers: Doomsday films?
While I loved seeing these positive reviews (in general, I’m a pretty staunch defender of all MCU films and shows, “Hey dude, maybe Ms. Marvel isn’t made for you?”), my life has significantly changed earlier this year with the unexpected pre-mature birth of my daughter.
Without a doubt I was anticipating Thunderbolts* just as much as every other fan, but I’ve also made the decision to relegate any entertainment to Disney+, Apple TV, and Amazon.
So when the reviews confirmed Marvel Studios was back to its old form, these very same reviews became the reason why I almost didn’t see the Thunderbolts* this opening weekend.
And yet, as Saturday rolled around and under unforeseen fortuitous circumstances, I found myself with 2 hours free, a random free ticket (thanks past Lawrence), and my wife’s encouragement to watch the Thunderbolts* matinee solo, and I’m so glad I did, because this might be the most significant Marvel film made over the last decade.
To read the full article, click below.
Lawrence Kao
Take it Further
In the process of editing submissions for Amanda Tapping's Embracing Mental Health as a Fandom book, I revisited several videos from last year, including our vlog of Basingstoke Comic Con. I was struck by our community, by how we helped each other out, celebrated every meet and greet, autograph, and photo, and created our joy in a chaotic convention. Whether you can meet up with us in person or online, you're an important part of everything we do here. Thank you for connecting with us. We make each other stronger.
Journal Reflection
Get the most out of your journal reflection with these steps:
1. Read the question(s) completely and allow yourself to think about them for 1-2 minutes.
2. Take 10 minutes to write your response down in a journal. I'm a big fan of Field Notes, but any paper or even notes app will do!
3. If you're comfortable, share your response, in part or in full, on Bluesky (you can find us here, so make sure to tag us) or in our Discord. It's totally ok if you want to keep your thoughts to yourself, and some weeks that may be more true than others. Do what you're comfortable doing.
This Week's Prompt
This week’s theme from Thunderbolts reminds us:
Healing doesn’t always come from fighting harder — it comes from connection.
Take a few moments to reflect:
- When have you felt like you were facing the "Void" alone? What helped you — or could have helped you — reconnect with yourself or others?
- Think of a time when someone reached out to you, even in a small way. How did that moment change your path, even slightly?
✨ Companion HQ Updates
- Book Project: Editing is officially underway! We’re shaping something truly beautiful with your stories and can’t wait to share more.
- Lunar New Year Pins: Pins are packed and hitting the post offices! If you ordered one, keep on the lookout!
- Ascension and Fedcon: We have a group attending both Ascension in the UK and Fedcon in Germany! If you're going to either, come find us. We'll be wandering about and causing some good healthy Companion Shenanigans!
Companion Tool of the Week
Did you miss out on our Lunar New Year pin campaign? You can now order them on our shop! Each pin comes with a blessing for you to carry with you this year and beyond. My personal favorite is Ovo, with their blessing of march forward courageously, and may your wishes come true!
As always, take care, Companions, and we'll see you soon!
Best,
Welles
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