Thread by @GailSimone

Okay, here is why I don’t understand what my life has become and why I was freaking out yesterday at @RoseCityCC.

Yesterday, towards the end of my last signing, this incredibly beautiful woman comes up, all dressed in black, and she has a huge smile and yells out my name and that she’s a big fan.

I like her immediately, but she looked familiar for some reason...

She’s just got this crackling energy and lovely personality, and it’s nagging me that I am sure I know her, but I don’t recognize the name.

And she is telling me about her podcast, and how she loves that I write strong warrior women.

Who IS this awesome lady?

And she says she has a podcast about this topic, and it’s called Culture Chat and her name is Mimi Chan.

So we’re talking, and she’s an undefeated martial arts champion in the hall of fame...

...and she says she was the model for Mulan.

And I suddenly lost the power of speech.

So, this beautiful, sparkling woman not only knows ,y name but also my work, and she...

...was the figure model for Mulan, she choreographed the action scenes and performed them, she was (before mocap) the actress doing all the movements, even miming the singing.

FOR MULAN.

I could have listened to her all day. It turns out her cousin did the same for Shang, and they personally worked out all their sequences together.

I was in heaven, I could have listened to this stuff all day.

Look her up, you can follow her at @sifumimichan.

Still freaking out

Because, you have to understand...this movie is EVERYTHING to me. She’s the best Disney Princess, but it’s just everything. I have watched that movie dozens of times and never tire of it.

There’s things about it that hit me like few other films.

Here are the big four...

One, the storytelling is impeccable. Few films of any kind have the kind of flawless storytelling of Mulan. It sets up perfectly and pays out like a slot machine. I watch it in awe of how each step is carefully chosen. As a storyteller, it’s an inspiration.

Second, there are themes in it that resonate so deeply...that glory and honor and wealth are not the only goals a complete person should have. Mulan is offered those and turns them down. She only wanted what was right and kind.

Third, when Milan’s father drops the trophies and honors she is given to hug her, ‘the greatest honor is having you for a daughter.’

Holy crap, I get misty just THINKING about it.

Who wouldn’t want a father like that?

And lastly, Mimi as Mulan.

I can’t tell you how many times I have thought of that film and her struggle to help her family and country when I was down or blue for some reason. She didn’t preach, she ACTED.

I love Mulan and I love that movie like few others.

And her is Mulan, at my table, she not only knows my work, she says she is a big fan.

Swoon.

Seriously. I couldn’t talk, I am sure I seemed like a complete goober. @rocketspouse had to talk for me because my shyness took over.

Mind is still blown.

A few years ago I got to tell one of the directors how much the movie meant to me, and he too said he was a fan of mine, and drew me a beautiful Mushu that I treasure to this day.

Mulan is the pearl that only shines brighter.

Sorry for the rant, as always, but when I think of all the kids who look to Mulan, how they cheer for her and love her, and how glad I am that she has been there for them as she has been for me...AND I GOT TO MEET HER.

What a day, what a joy.

@SifuMimiChan, thank you so, so much.

You bring honor to us all.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I love @SifuMimiChan!

There are good weekends, and then there are ‘oh my god, Mulan says she is a fan’ weekends.

Now I just want to watch Mulan fifty more times. :)