What is Killjoys. I need to learns. Also Pop'n.

[gryfeathr]

I am highly lacking in Killjoys grooves and Pop'n rhythms.

Where should I be looking. What should I be listening to.

[avisis]

It's two am and I'm lazy so have a badly-typed summary of the killjoy universe in general:

2019, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Unclarified disaster (man-made or natural) has left much of the desert a wasteland; outposts of humanity are small, with several cities (BATTERY CITY being the commonly referenced one) maintaining some small form of life.

Much of the relief efforts, as well as government positions, are headed by BETTER LIFE INDUSTRIES, whose headquarters are placed squarely in Battery City. This company pursues mindless, pleasant existence without fuss or upset, and hawks, amongst other things, a drug that provides an even sensation of contentment. BL Industries (commonly referred to as "BL/ind") uses an entirely black and white scheme, providing monotone soothing advertisements and hypnotic voiceovers against colorless, flickering panels. They market peace under taglines such as "Everything Is Perfect" and "We Can Fix You"; for the traumatized, shattered citizens of California, these promises of security and happiness are lifesavers.

The KILLJOYS are a section of people who refuse to subvert themselves under BL/ind's profits. Survivalists, Killjoys are any band of survivors who strive to force the truth to the foreground, refusing to deny any of the horror or bad content of their world; BL/ind's soothing cadence is anathema to the Killjoys' blaring cry for truth and open eyes (hence 'killjoy', one who ruins a good time or happiness by presenting something depressing.) The Killjoys blaze through life filthy, fast, and fearless, preferring violence and brutal burnout rather than long-lived peace under blindness. The characterization of a Killjoy is intentionally crafted to be definable as neither good nor bad; simply fiercely-intentioned.

The Killjoys broadcast references, messages, encouragements and news to each other through pirate radio stations, one of which is broadcasted by DR. DEATH DEFYING (played by "Steve Righ?", part of Mindless Self Indulgence) who is a deep-voiced radio jockey that provides pep talk and information. He---clearly put through something during the disaster, as he gets around in a motorized wheelchair---is supported by a tights-wearing young fellow called SHOW PONY, who generally helps out, carries, pushes, pats, and looks killer in a thong.

The four initial Killjoys are the leader and show-stealing loud-child PARTY POISON (Gerard Way), the mechanic and sweet-ass FUN GHOUL (Frank Iero), the headstrong KOBRA KID (Mikey Way), and the generally last-in-line but first-in-shots JET STAR (Ray Toro.) Wanted by the law in general and BL/ind's assassin KORSE (played by Grant Morrisson, a friend of Gerard and a big name in comics!) in specific. You'll see Korse a couple times---bald head, can't miss him. He's backed up by DRACULOIDS, BL/ind's faceless, mask-wearing police force.



What makes the Killjoy universe so fun (beyond its noisy clamor, 80's primary-color blockiness, and general joie de vivre) is the emphasis the band has on encouraging fans to participate. Formerly referred to as the mcarmy, the fans of MCR have since been encouraged to fully make this universe their own; make their own killjoys, come to shows dressed up as their own characters, etc. The band wanted designs to be things fans could make by using whatever they could find around the house. There's a real "do it yourself" fist-and-hammer about being a Killjoy.

Of course, generally, people go for smart, thought-out, vicious cool-sounding Killjoy names and faces, with awesome backgrounds and sweet titles. Being us, Lauren, Laura and I have a group of failures whose titles include the impressive Butt Monkey and Dick Frisbee.

Laura can give you a much more thought-out explanation, but this will get your thinkmeats headed in the right direction, at least. Another good direction-giver: The music video that started it all.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=egG7fiE89IU

Go make some noise!




Pop'n encouragements will happen after I have some tea. : )