Is Laurel Lightfoot Based On A Real Person In Onward?

I still light up a bit hearing the opening bars of 'Onward, Christian Soldiers' — that march-like energy is impossible to ignore. The words were written by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1865. He was a prolific English clergyman and writer, and he penned the lyrics as a processional hymn for a children's procession in his parish; the militant imagery was meant to be metaphorical, drawing on the image of Christians marching forward in spiritual unity rather than literal combat. The tune most people associate with the hymn, called 'St. Gertrude', was composed later by Sir Arthur Sullivan in 1871. Before Sullivan provided that distinctive march melody, the words had been sung to other tunes. Sullivan’s music locked the hymn into the martial, forward-driving feel that made it both popular and, eventually, controversial. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries it had become a staple in many churches, processions, and youth groups, and it also found its way into patriotic and cultural occasions. I've always been fascinated by how a hymn born out of a small parish procession became such a global, contested piece of music. The combination of Baring-Gould’s vivid, rallying language and Sullivan’s rousing tune created something that’s historically significant and emotionally powerful, even if modern sensibilities sometimes squirm at the militaristic phrasing. Still, I can’t help but admire the craftsmanship in both words and melody.

I always prefer buying directly from publishers when possible. For 'Onward' books, it depends on the publisher. Some publishers, like Disney or Pixar, have official online stores where you can purchase their books directly. Others might distribute through third-party retailers. I recommend checking the publisher's official website first. If they don't sell directly, sites like Amazon or Barnes & Noble usually have them. Buying directly often gives you access to special editions or signed copies, which is a huge plus for collectors like me.

Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!'s ending is such a warm, satisfying conclusion to Nick Seluk's comic series. It wraps up the journey of these two iconic characters—Heart, the impulsive optimist, and Brain, the logical worrier—with a theme of balance and growth. After all their hilarious conflicts, they finally learn to appreciate each other's strengths. Brain realizes that spontaneity isn't always bad, and Heart accepts that planning isn't the enemy of fun. The final strips show them collaborating on projects, like throwing a surprisingly well-organized party or taking a road trip without overpacking. It's not some grand dramatic finale, just a quiet acknowledgment that they're better together. Seluk’s art style stays charmingly simple, but you can feel the emotional weight in tiny details, like Heart’s brighter smile or Brain’s less frenetic scribbles. What really got me was the subtle nod to their earlier struggles—like a callback to Brain’s infamous 'but what if we die?' panic moments, now replaced with a hesitant but genuine 'okay, let’s try it.' It’s a celebration of progress, not perfection. The book also introduces a few new characters (like Gut, who hilariously mediates their debates) but keeps the focus on Heart and Brain’s dynamic. The ending doesn’t tie everything up in a bow—because life doesn’t work that way—but it leaves you feeling hopeful. I closed the book with this weirdly proud grin, like I’d watched two friends finally figure things out.

I've stumbled upon quite a few Denise Laurel son father fanfics where the dad's redemption arc hits hard, especially when sacrifices are involved. One that stuck with me is 'Broken Bonds, Mended Hearts'—this guy starts as a deadbeat, but when his kid gets sick, he sells everything to cover medical bills, even his pride. The way he slowly rebuilds trust through late-night hospital stays and missed job opportunities feels raw. Another gem is 'Letters to Nowhere,' where the father writes daily apologies to his son while deployed, only to return and find the kid kept every single one. The physical distance mirrors their emotional gap, but his quiet acts—like learning to cook the boy’s favorite dish despite hating kitchens—speak louder than words. Then there’s 'The Weight of Shadows,' where the dad takes the blame for a crime the son committed. The courtroom scene where he whispers 'I’d do it a thousand times over' wrecks me. These stories thrive on understated moments—a dad working triple shifts to pay for college, or giving up alcohol cold turkey after seeing his son flinch at the smell. The best arcs don’t just redeem; they show love as action, not dialogue. 'Forgiven, Not Forgotten' does this brilliantly—the father donates a kidney silently, never mentioning it until the scar catches the son’s eye years later. That hesitation to claim credit? That’s the gut punch.

I always come back to the ones that make me feel like I’m part of the adventure. 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas is a powerhouse—raw, real, and impossible to put down. It tackles heavy themes with grace and keeps you hooked from page one. For fantasy lovers, 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo is a masterclass in heist storytelling with a diverse cast you’ll root for. And if you want something lighter but equally gripping, 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli is a heartwarming rom-com with depth. These books aren’t just entertaining; they stick with you long after the last page.

Laurel's letters in 'Love Letters to the Dead' are her way of grappling with grief and guilt after her sister May's death. Writing to dead celebrities like Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse lets her voice things she can't say to living people—it's safer, like talking to ghosts who won't judge or abandon her. The letters start as a school assignment but morph into a lifeline, a diary where she unpacks traumatic memories bit by bit. What’s heartbreaking is how she uses these one-sided conversations to avoid confronting her family’s pain. She idolizes the dead (especially May) while punishing herself for surviving. The letters slowly reveal her sister’s struggles with mental health and Laurel’s own role in May’s downward spiral. By the end, the act of writing becomes less about escaping and more about healing—she finally writes to May directly, facing the truth instead of hiding behind famous names.

Laurel Lightfoot is such an underrated character in 'Onward'—she’s the heart of the story in so many ways. At first glance, she seems like just a supportive mom, but her role goes way beyond that. When Ian and Barley set off on their quest to bring their dad back for a day, Laurel doesn’t stand in their way. Instead, she quietly trusts them, even though she’s clearly worried. That’s huge, because she could’ve easily stopped them or called the cops, but she respects their need to connect with their father. What really gets me is how she subtly prepares them for the journey. Before they even leave, she’s the one who gives Ian the confidence to believe in himself. Later, when things get dangerous, she doesn’t panic; she steps up in her own way, like when she distracts the cops to buy the boys time. Her love isn’t loud or flashy—it’s steady, practical, and full of faith in them. By the end, you realize she’s been their rock all along, even when they didn’t see it.

I can confidently say there's a pretty active fan community out there. I stumbled upon a few Facebook groups dedicated to discussing the series, where fans share theories, fan art, and even organize virtual book clubs. There's also a subreddit that's growing steadily, with threads analyzing character arcs and plot twists. Tumblr has some niche blogs that post deep dives into the lore, which I find fascinating. Discord servers are another great spot for real-time chats with fellow fans. The community might not be as massive as some mainstream series, but it's passionate and welcoming.