01/21/2026
Over the last month and a half, I completed a challenge. Not one that was set by anyone else, but one I gave myself: to read every single Animorphs book. Once I had access to the digital copies, I could get through two and a half-ish books a day.
I read all of the main series, the Megamorphs series, the Chronicles books, and even Alternamorphs. It took dedication. It took focus. There were times where I got frustrated, because as an editor, mistakes in a published book drive me nuts. But I laughed, I cried (once, during the last book), I got mad, I was worried and scared and elated and hopeful right alongside characters that felt like coming home. So here's some things, written as if the characters were flesh and blood.
Jake, you're the leader that everyone needed and it cost you. Thank you for being strong when young me needed to see that someone could hurt deeply and still do what's needed. During this reread, you've reminded me that when theres a hard decision to be made, you have to face it head on, and unflinching, and absolutely terrified inside. Strength doesn't have to be big muscles and lifting heavy things. It can look like love, or making a decision so that someone else doesn't have to.
Cassie.... your gentleness with animals stuck with me from the first time I read these books. You showed me that even when the world is burning down around you, compassion should come first. There's a part in the first book, where you morph from horse to human- and I remembered that scene vividly for 28 years. But you reminded me of something, something that's especially important right now: hatred can be met with kindness, but there's times where you have no choice except to fight. You also showed me that the kind ones, the gentle ones, and the soft ones can still be warriors.
Marco, you showed me that sometimes, when a monster has ahold of someone you love that theres always some shred of hope that they'll get better and you'll get them back in some way. That their personal Yeerk (whatever metaphor that means- drugs, alcohol, untreated mental illness, etc) can be defeated, but only if they fight for themselves too. You got me to remember that jokes are more than just making someone laugh or groan. They bring lighters dark and awful situations. They let a bit of tension out of tenseness. And that a smile and a joke are an effective shield.
Rachel. Oh Rachel. You taught me that anger is like fire. Controlled, it can be useful- for light, for warmth, and even as a weapon. But uncontrolled it will burn you to the ground and take everything with it. You've taught me that true sacrifice isn't loud or flashy. Its a quiet shape, growing from a flea on a alien ship, and a look that says 'I choose this. You have to live. Just... live.'. You also reminded me that love doesnt have to look a certain a way to be valid. Love can be quiet, and look like soaring the thermals or sitting in a tree watching the sunset.
Tobias. My friend since I first touched these books when I was 9. My companion in the foster system, making me feel better because you knew what it was like. You knew what it was like to feel unwanted, stuck in the wrong body, not sure of what your future looks like, or if you'll even have one. You reminded me that under no circumstances am I allowed to give up. Under no circumstances am I allowed to quit. I can scream. I can cry. I can punch pillows. I can cuss a blue streak. But I absolutely cannot give up. Thank you for that reminder, Bird-boy.
Aximilli, my delightfully strange friend. You rekindled my love of cinnamon buns (bun-ZUH), and got me back into wondering about what's out there, other than just us on our little rock. I look closer at what im walking on outside (well, rolling), take time to look at flowers. You brought me joy, laughter, and a reminder that new things don't have to feel scary every time. I now try to approach the world with a sense of curiosity and wonder, taking in details, and enjoying all the quiet but big things that happen around me every day. You also reminded me not to be stuck up, not to be arrogant, and to learn as much as I can about other cultures and lifestyles (which I already do, but now more).
Animorphs, thank you.
- Loki
