By Joshua Westbrook

So, for Pride Month, Crystal Dynamics put out a short story that takes place in the world of the Marvel's Avengers video game. I've read the prequel novel and tie-in comics, so of course I was going to read this. I downloaded it and at first was disappointed to find that it was not a comic book, but rather an actual short story. That disappointment quickly faded.

True Believers, I am telling you that this story is the most beautiful thing I've ever read. I'm not going to spoil it because I want you all to read it for yourselves! But the basic premise is that Kamala is trying to help Ayo, a member of the Dora Milaje, express her true feelings for her captain, Aneka. The story primarily follows Ayo and her plan to confess her feelings, and I was truly touched at the dedication of this woman.

Everyone's had a crush. Everyone has made a convoluted plan to tell that crush how they feel. And everyone has watched that plan burn down in fire. But as a member of the Dora Milaje, Ayo's determination remained unmatched! I was rooting for her the entire time, and I'm sure you will be too!

Since this is an official tie-in, it's canon to the Avengers universe! I'll take any expansion of the story I can get while they try to hammer out more updates for the actual game. Expanding the world in this medium was a nice little surprise, and allowed for a slower, more emotional story that maybe you don't have time for in a AAA action-adventure video game. I actually, honestly hope they do more of these. I'd love to write one my dang self! (Contact me Crystal Dynamics!)

The story was written by Leyla K., and features several variant covers (also why I thought it was a comic book) from Paulina Ganucheau, Kris Anka, and Derek Charm. Please, please, please read this story! Click Here to download the PDF and Click Here for more information on the story and comments from the artists! The webpage also has downloadable versions of the art for your backgrounds (Although the 16:9 version of the Paulina Ganucheau piece leads to a 404 error! Fix it Crystal Dynamics!)

One more thing True Believers! Make sure to put in the code SUNSETORCHID on your Marvel's Avengers account to get a Pride-themed outfit bundle! The code is at the end of the story, and it has a lot more meaning if you read it. Please, for the love of Bast, read this story! You will not regret it! If you play the game, if you're a fan of the characters, and if you enjoy Marvel stories, I promise you you'll love this.

If you've read it, what did you think? Let me know below, and as always, Face Front True Believers, and I'll see you in the Multiverse!