[Report This]Date: September 11 2026 8:56 PM Title: Season 2. Episode 9 - Branding is Everything
I want to be clear that I don't believe that Zoe has been a taker in her relationship long term, nor was I being critical to her for doing so in the short term. My feedback around Zoe being a taker was meant to be more focused around season 2, where she's needed a lot of support from Jamie while going through losing her secret identity, two near death experiences, and perhaps most challenging for her as detailed further in this chapter, the loss of control that Alex's presence in Harmonia City represents. It's totally normal for there to be times in a relationship where one person needs more than the other, and Jamie has been so incredible to her. I honestly think that Zoe is so empathetic that she would know intuitively to give back more at some point. I really look forward to reading the future episode that addresses their relationship you referred to when it is ready.
Before analyzing this amazing episode, I want to go back to season 1, episode 3, Maxima's origin story, because I think it's helpful to compare to Alex's that you've been detailing in the past few episodes. Often my favorite part of superhero stories is their origin, because I think superhero stories are at their best when they combine the sensational and human aspects of the hero in a real emotional core, and a well told origin story needs to do just that. In this regard, Maxima has one of the most, if not the most, effective and impactful superhero origin story I've ever experienced. I know you said that this is the only story you've worked on where you've gotten emotional writing it, and I've already admitted that I'm a total sap, but I got emotional and cried reading it three times: when she was being tortured in the lab, when she saved the kids on the bus, and when the story flashed forward again and she received a child's drawing of it. What that episode was so incredible at communicating is that Maxima's primary superpower isn't her ability to grow or heal. It's a trait that any of us can possess: her empathy. What stood out so much to me was at a certain point in the lab, she knew she had the ability to break out, but she endures more confinement, torture and humiliation because not only does she not want to kill, but she's concerned about how others will react to her and her powers if she did. So many other superhero stories indulge of the power fantasy of the hero breaking out and hurting the bad guys when they have the ability to do so, but the fact that she didn't do so says so much about her character. It's not hard to imagine how the Siren project could have had devastating impacts for the world in the hands of someone else without Zoe's empathy (in fact, you don't have to imagine it after season 2). I also have to mention again now that I’ve read almost all of your work that after the vast majority of your work center around giantesses capable of unfathomable cruelty, it’s amazing that you then centered a story around a truly good giantess superhero and fucking hit it out of the park on your first try.
I had a fun time considering which superheroes Maxima reminded me of in their origin stories, motivations, and struggles, and I landed on a mix of Spider-Man and Wolverine. Like Peter, Zoe was a scientist with an accidental lab accident, she’s a friendly neighborhood superhero, she watches over a city that has a polarized opinion of her, the central conflict of maintaining or revealing her identity is similar, and she deals with the weight of responsibility and guilt that’s at the center of Peter’s character. But she also shares the tortured in a laboratory background of Logan and being given powers they never asked for or wanted. Logan’s central conflict is if he can use the powers that are given to him for good or let the rage he feels over what was done to him consume him. Responsibility, guilt and rage are all very present within Zoe, but her primary motivation and what sets her apart is her truly innate desire to help and protect others.
That said, when considering Alex’s character and origin story, these comparisons become more precise. I still maintain that Alex is a good person (until proven otherwise), but she’s no Zoe, and she isn’t motivated by empathy in the same way. Like Peter, she’s more motivated by guilt (over those she killed, not the ones she failed to save like Peter, but close enough), and they both belittle and wisecrack their opponents to sooth their own anxiety. And Alex, like Logan at times, let the rage of what was done to her consume her before Zoe pulled her back from the brink, yet still struggles with the rage and finds outlets to deal with it in ways that makes Zoe uncomfortable. After this chapter, I also considered throwing in a third superhero for comparison, Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four, as both of their love for using their powers in pursuit of fame and money seemed similar to me as well (perhaps Zoe would like more like The Thing than a gnome next to Alex in a swimsuit lol).
But let’s go from superheroes to a theme that’s at the center of basically every giantess story ever: control. Zoe may use her powers for good, but as a byproduct, she's used them to exert significant control over Harmonia City, perhaps more than anyone else in a 2-year span. You only need to look at the crime statistics or how the city changed when she was gone for a few weeks to see it. But Alex’s presence there changes everything. She’s more brash, violent, and reckless, she’s not motivated by the same virtuous reasons, and despite this she seems to enjoy more approval from the city than Zoe ever had. She's redefining what being a superhero in this city is after Zoe carefully curated that for years. And because Zoe took responsibility for Alex upon her arrival, she will feel responsible if something awful happens as a result of Alex’s actions. I thought it was so telling that Zoe suggested that Alex should go to a different city so that she could keep protecting Harmonia City her way and maintain that control, but Alex still desperately needs Zoe’s guidance and friendship. I hope Zoe can feel confident enough to share what she needs from this relationship and find a middle ground with Alex that she can live with.
I also wanted to say that while the arson rescue scene definitely lacked subtlety, it also felt like a wink and a nod to the false prophet plotlines of MSR, so I certainly enjoyed it in that regard. But maybe I’m reading too much into it, as that story is fresh in my mind.
Finally, I understand that this story isn’t getting the views and feedback it so richly deserves. I actually think that ironically, because of the mainstream nature of this story, it actually limits the appeal on the sites they are posted on as people here are seeking something more specific. I’m a long-time lurker on this site and I created an account because I felt I had to share how deeply this story resonated with me, and I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. I can’t wait for the next episode.
[Report This]Date: August 23 2026 7:46 PM Title: Season 2. Episode 8 - Citysitter
::Story spoilers in this review::
Nailed it! I have quite a few theories of where the story is headed, but I'm going to stop predicting plot points and stick to analysis, mainly because I should quit while I'm ahead haha.
I have been reading through all of your work as I wait for more Maxima chapters (I had been meaning to read your Incident stories for a long time but was intimidated by their length, really bad job by me). There are a lot of aspects of your stories that elevates it above 99+% of the content on this site (Maxima is a clear tier above your other work, but it's all excellent), though one I want to focus on for this review is the strength of your character work. Your characters aren't simple archetypes in service of fulfilling a fantasy, they're fully fleshed out with backgrounds, traits, ranges of emotions, they go through meaningful arcs, etc. You create characters that readers get fully invested in, whether they are good or evil (and it's never that simple either with your characters), which makes your stories so much more compelling. I thought this specifically as I worked my way through all of Grove, the women that began the story as more one dimensional by your standards today were given layers and layers of depth and complexity throughout as you clearly gained confidence in your writing and honed your craft. And all of your work has been foundation for you to create by far your most well realized character to date in Zoe.
I considered this as you explored a new and very human emotion for Zoe in this chapter, jealousy. It's only natural that she would feel jealous of Alex, a woman who sucks the air out of every room, block, neighborhood or city depending on her size at a given time, and I applaud your exploration of it here. I recall as I read the passage where Zoe decided to bottle up her feelings of jealousy instead of admitting them to Alex, and I was a ghost yelling at the page 'No, Zoe, please address it, this will only get worse if you let it fester!' Alex is a good person, and she so desperately wants to do right by Zoe for all she did for her. She probably would have either turned down the late night segment or discussed it with Zoe first if she knew Zoe was grappling with jealousy. But she's not a mind reader, and she can't act upon something if she doesn't know anything is wrong.
I also absolutely loved that you slipped in that because Zoe was dealing with her own bout of jealousy, she was then able to detect the jealousy that Lizzie felt towards her, which had likely been there all along. Again, such phenomenal character work.
I was overjoyed to get more time with Zoe's parents, but the primary purpose of this trip seemed to be developing her relationship with Jamie further. I actually find myself identifying quite a bit with Jamie. Not the trust fund kid part of course, but his love language of acts of service and words of affirmation align quite closely with my own (I'm pretty sure that you're familiar with love languages, the passage of Zoe getting Jamie trinkets from her saves across the city was a hint haha). Jamie is such a giver in their relationship, and Zoe a taker (an observation, not a criticism, Zoe deserves it all), but that imbalance has a chance to cause tension in a relationship if unaddressed long term. If I can offer a very slight criticism, I think that this season Jamie has started to straddle the line between an amazing boyfriend and too perfect a boyfriend. It's still completely working for now, but if their relationship stays static after they start living together and spending a lot more time with each other, it has a chance of being less believable. Of course, just as I was beginning to consider this in earnest as I reached the end of this chapter, you then threw out the shower oral scene, providing a bit more balance to what I described above, and I felt dumb. Like with Zoe and Alex, your readers are in safe hands with you. :)
I also really enjoyed seeing Zoe's reaction to Jamie saying she didn't have it in her to be evil. So well earned (by her and you).
Finally, I love the confidence that you had putting out a chapter at this point in the story that is almost entirely character development, without a lot of plot momentum, growth, or action, and trust that your readers will stick with it. We all certainly will. Another A+ chapter.
P.S. Have you seen Spider-Man: Brand New Day yet? I have a thought to share, but don't want to color your opinion of the movie at all if you haven't seen it yet.
P.P.S. Please let me know if you are still interested in receiving feedback on your older/completed works, and I will make sure to do so as I continue to go through them.
Author's Response:
Yeah, I would feedback on my other works! I have not seen Spider-Man yet, I will eventually though as they are one of my favorite heroes of all time.
Also, thank you for these reviews, they mean a lot to me. I absolutely don't want for Zoe to be a taker in a relationship in any way. The future chapter I have already written I think do a good job of showing tension in their relationship and Zoe's true nature of how she feels about him. I feel bad for Lizzie not being able to be involved as much as she wants to and Zoe tying to defuse it with humor.
Thank you for pointing out the character development, Grove View was my first story, but as you can see and as time went on, I really focused on trying to bring more life to characters I write. Zoe and this Maxima story is the story I have cared about the most and it's the only story that has ever made me like actually emotion writing at some parts.
Date: August 13 2026 2:32 AM Title: Season 2. Episode 7 - Alexandra
::Story spoilers in this review::
No, thank you, Panzer. It's so clearly evident how much of yourself you pour into writing for Zoe, and it's been such a joy to experience.
I didn't mention this in my last review, but I actually read Twin Diplomacy and this story back to back, and the whiplash I felt between Ava's cruelty and Zoe's kindness was pretty intense. I guess both emotions are two sides of the same coin, you depict them both so vividly...
I'm going to continue to gush about some more of the things I love about this story because I can't help myself after the release of yet another stellar chapter, honestly one of my favorites you've released thus far:
I think it was such a brilliant plot device to have Alex's execution scene, it adds such a layer of depth to everything that happens with her going forward knowing that, when push came to shove, Zoe would not have intervened to stop it. It's even more fascinating in this chapter with their blossoming friendship and Alex being such a natural at being a protector, but still with the specter of immense danger always under the surface (I have to say I was expecting them to spar and for Zoe to try to find an edge if the worst happened again, but perhaps in the beginning it was more important for her to show how much she trusts Alex). I'm fascinated to see how what ultimately comes from Alex's story impacts Zoe's decision making going forward knowing that she will be faced with more impossible choices.
It's been alluded to in past episodes, most eventfully with the attacking firefighter calling her a credit seeker, but this chapter really exposes the huge disconnect between Maxima's public persona and Zoe's inner monologue. Alex is frequently taken aback by how vulnerable Zoe is because she always saw her projecting such confidence, and Zoe in turn feels the need to check that Alex is being sincere in her compliments. It's also what makes Zoe such a fantastic mentor, as she can validate all of Alex's trepidations and dark thoughts because she's felt them all before. This chapter made me think of how much fun it could be to explore having a scene from an ordinary Harmonia citizen reacting to Maxima, or perhaps an entire episode from multiple characters perspectives of her doing her job in the city. Though I totally understand if creatively, you'd want to always keep this story close to Zoe's POV.
I know she was throwing out a series of ideas for superhero names, but I found it touching that Zoe suggested for Alex to use angel when it meant so much when the Ashkarad villagers bestowed it upon her, Sirathiel, the first time she truly allowed herself to even consider herself a protector (when of course, she was one every moment since she saved the kids on the bus). I hope Alex can live up to it.
It was said in jest, but I'm glad Alex seems on board with not eating people. For a size changing character, I'm not quite sure how that would work. I'm definitely overthinking it haha.
I got such a kick out of Zoe, the colossal titan, being completely paralyzed by the thought of trying to balance a friendship she deeply cherishes but already struggled around boundaries with and a new friendship. Superheroes, they're just like us! lol
When I reached the end of this chapter, I found myself hoping that with Alex's presence in Harmonia City, Zoe would allow herself to take a break and visit her family for a holiday. One of my absolute favorite scenes in this entire story is of Zoe talking with her parents after her identity is revealed, with her mom's concern and her dad's gentle humor and understanding as he told her how proud he is of her. In two brief conversations, you were able to so clearly display where Zoe's strong foundation of empathy and kindness stem from.
Keep up the phenomenal work!
Author's Response:
You accurately predicted something that I had written haha! Zoe gets to see her parents. Thank you so much for you reviews, they mean a lot to me, I love the in-depth take.
[Report This]Date: August 03 2026 3:44 AM Title: Season 2. Episode 3 - The Woman, The Myth
::Story spoilers in this review, please don't read if you are not up to date with the story, you deserve to read this wonderful story unspoiled as I have::
Wow, I am in awe of the work that you've done here Panzer. If you'll permit me to draw a direct parallel to an event in your story, my awe with your work is comparable to how Jamie must have felt on the yacht towards the end of Season 1. (And please let this not be the last we see of drunk Zoe! lol)
This isn't just hands down the best thing I've ever read on this site, it's honestly one of the best superhero fiction stories I've enjoyed in any medium, with Zoe/Maxima being one of my favorite and well realized superheroes that I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing their story. Perhaps the best compliment I can give is that I honestly think this story could be adapted into a mainstream graphic novel or television show and see success. I sincerely believe this is that good.
Before I started reading (and I absolutely binged it, I couldn't put it down), I recall seeing the subtitle of this story and thinking how evocative 'Heart of the Sky' is and wondering if the hero could live up to that. I never could have imagined how fitting it actually was. You've created a story about a size changing superhero who's size could never possibly outweigh the immense well of empathy that rests within her. And as she cried, I've often found myself being moved to tears with her (admittedly, I am someone who likes to cry with a fiction story, so I'm not going to pretend I never do it, but it still takes a special story to get me to, which this absolutely is).
I wanted to specifically call out this chapter because it's such an amazing example her empathy. As I was nearing the end of this chapter, I was 100% certain it would end with Zoe helping to clean the mess, it was blatantly obvious because you've done such an incredible job of fleshing out her character that of course that's the action she would take, but that didn't make the act of finally reading it any less moving to me in a way I won't forget for a long time. And to be clear, she didn't do anything wrong to deserve what she went through in this chapter, but her mere presence as a superhero in this world has impacts on people in ways that she could have never have anticipated, and she feels the weight of that so acutely. And this chapter also shows off the boundless creativity present in your writing. When you shared the very humorous and entertaining episode of Maxima performing a rescue while sick, I wouldn't have dreamed that you were at the same time setting up one of the most shocking and devastating gut punches I've ever experienced in a superhero story.
I could go on and on, I'm really just scratching the surface, but I'll end my review by saying I wish you luck in continuing to write and I hope you can fully realize your vision for Zoe's story. But even if you don't write another word, it's already an incredible achievement. Seriously, well done.
Author's Response:
This review meant a lot, I actually teared up a little bit, thank you
[Report This]Date: July 29 2026 11:36 PM Title: Season 2. Episode 6 - Grace
Yesss, you're back!!! I've missed this story, and Zoe.
Author's Response:
Thank you for the support!
[Report This]Date: June 15 2026 11:08 PM Title: Season 2. Episode 5 - Voicemail
I can't get enough of this story. May be top 3 I've ever read on this site. Seriously, awesome work.
Author's Response:
Thanks man! I appreciate the kind words, she's definitely my favorite character I've ever written.
Date: June 08 2026 8:09 AM Title: Season 1. Episode 11 - Zoe
I kinda hope maxima eats this giantess lol
Author's Response:
Maxima is the one who almost got ate lol
[Report This]Date: June 05 2026 10:39 PM Title: Season 2. Episode 4 - The Other
yesssss! Man, I can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's Response:
Thank you!
[Report This]Date: May 29 2026 9:48 PM Title: Season 2. Episode 3 - The Woman, The Myth
Damn! An axe to the neck, brutal. Love the way you described M's healing process here. Gnarly.
Author's Response:
Yeah, her healing is crazy and actually pretty brutal, I also feel like it's inconsistent, like depending on the injury, sometimes its grueling and slow, sometimes it's fast depending on how serious her injury is.
[Report This]Date: May 24 2026 1:54 AM Title: Season 2. Episode 2 - New Look
This has been quite a ride. More than once I've wanted to reach in there and give Maxima a hug. You really are great at writing the psychological aspects of characters, the details, the story flow. It really feels like this could be a book on its own. I really like size stories that are more story than smut, believe it or not. It engages me far more than just fan service and makes me keep coming back, eager to see what happens next. I also like the fact that Maxima isn't invulnerable. She's super tough and has a healing factor but she can still be hurt, and therefore might have limits. Finding out what your character can't do is pretty important when writing a good story.
Another comment I have about Maxima is her character growth. She's more confident, more open, and her friends really helped with that. The value of friendship and love, cliche as it may sound, counts for a lot. Keep up the great work!
Author's Response:
Thank you. Yeah, I often want to give Zoe a hug as well. I really appreciate you say that it could be a book, sometimes I think about writing a real one someday lol. Yeah, I really wanted to go for something opposite of smut, yeah there are some elements here and there of the giantess fetish side of the smut, but I'm trying to write it in a way that has actual consequences for Zoe. And yes, she's not invulnerable and I'm glad you brought that up because we're going to see some tougher moments for her.
[Report This]Date: May 22 2026 7:56 PM Title: Season 2. Episode 2 - New Look
I'm still a little baffled why this story doesn't have more reviews - another excellent chapter!
Author's Response:
Me too man, me too haha, it's my favorite thing I've written by far.
Date: May 21 2026 10:36 PM Title: Season 2. Episode 2 - New Look
#megamelons made me laugh
Author's Response:
Thank you lol, it made me laugh too, but you know the internet would explode if that happened for real lmao
[Report This]Date: May 17 2026 12:18 AM Title: Season 2. Episode 1 - Aftermath
Yes!!! You're back! And another amazing chapter to boot, it feels like a season opener. Love it.
Author's Response:
Thank you! I like following the season and episode formula for this story.
Date: April 24 2026 6:55 PM Title: Season 1. Episode 1 - Harmonia
Respectfully, this is far and away better than any of your other stories, imo... the dreams, fears, struggles, and humanity this time around creates a paradigm where we truly care about these characters, and the story.... I dont know if you plan for Zoe to eventually become a villain, (nor am I asking) and in many ways I hope she doesnt in this story, but the fact that I feel confident that if thats your intention, her finally being broken and beaten down and betrayed, or whatever tragic events befall her, will feel earned, and is so much more real and better than: 'Girl Grows and shes gonna Destroy Everything in Her Path!!!'
Excited to read more!
Author's Response:
I don't take this as disrespect at all, in fact, this is the story I put the more care into I feel. I really like writing Zoe as a character, more than almost anyone else I've written, which is why this story probably means the most to me out of all of the stories I've written. Thank you for the encouragement. Zoe absolutely has an excuse to be evil if she wanted to, but we will see where he journey goes!
[Report This]Date: April 23 2026 7:29 PM Title: Season 1. Episode 11 - Zoe
*chef's kiss* perfect! I look forward to any more of this story in the future! I very much want to keep following Zoe and her adventures.
Author's Response:
Thank you! She's got a lot more adventures ahead!
[Report This]Date: April 21 2026 10:03 PM Title: Season 1. Episode 10 - Trial
Another excellent chapter - I'm very eager for more and would love to see this continue for some time yet!
Author's Response:
And more you shall have
Date: April 12 2026 11:24 AM Title: Season 1. Episode 9 - Beneath the Cold
another fantastic chapter - I very much look forward to every new update.
Author's Response:
Thank you!
Date: March 26 2026 5:13 PM Title: Season 1. Episode 6 - Land of Burning Sand
Chapter description: The leaset violent US involvement with the least amount of warcrimes.
You did a great job, trying to make her use gentle means for the fight. I presume she will let her rage flod the next chapter.
Author's Response:
While I don't outright call Zoe being from the US, this story takes place in alternate world with different countries and Zoe is from what would be like an alternate reality US-like country.
Zoe's rage will come through for certain things in future chapters, I promise.
Date: March 26 2026 2:48 AM Title: Season 1. Episode 1 - Harmonia
Finally got around to reading this. I've only read chapter 1 so far but it seems interesting. A gentle story from you plus a heroine thoughts and feelings on her work, desiring a simple, inconspicuous life but not able to stop herself from helping people who really need her. Hang in there Zoe!
Author's Response:
As the author, I hope Zoe hangs on too.
[Report This]Date: February 15 2026 11:58 PM Title: Season 1. Episode 3 - A Bright Future
Intrigued by the premise and the threat of revealing her identity or forcing her to war. How would all the people in her old life react? And will she be pushed to do things she'll never be able to forgive herself for?
If she goes off the deep end, I hope Hall, McCarthy and Cynthia get what's coming to them. Regardless, it would take the most virtuous person in the world to go through the torture they subjected her to and not end up a monster.
Can't wait to read more.
Author's Response:
I wanted Zoe to be the type to overcome the bad that has been done to her, but we'll see how far she can bend before she breaks. The challenges will get more serious for her soon enough, just trying to plot and world build for now.