THE END?

[Ludge]

Could we maybe get a "The End" screen up after the last comic? I mean, even the two fake endings had "the end". The way it stops just seems so abrupt right now. I know Brian might do an epilogue at an unspecified point in time, but maybe we could get one up there until that time? (The epilogue could come after the end screen anyways.).

[Neni]

This is eight bit theater. Aka the "Screw the reader"-Show.
It was only natural that the real ending had no The End, while the fake endings had.

[mikenvp]

As someone who started reading 8-bit Theatre years ago, then stopped because it got boring, then returned to it when it seemed like it got a little better, I am hugely disappointed in this ending. I could sense the end was near in the last few comics, but honestly this wasn't the ending I imagined. I imagined there would be more of a joke at the end. I understand Clevinger is quite busy with Marvel and Atomic Robo, but this is a lame way to treat the readers.

Thanks for another disappointing comic.

[Donelloth]

Honestly this wasn't an ending. It feels like the start of another chapter. The light warriors are still around and doing stuff. The dark warriors are still failing to be evil. White mage is still in a position where she is still both a thorn and blessing to the light warriors. And king steeve and his daughter are still in power. Nothing changed. Even stuff that was loosely touched on like everyone having a part to play in the big over never really seemed to get fulfilled.

[Melfice]

As someone who started reading 8-bit Theatre years ago, then stopped because it got boring, then returned to it when it seemed like it got a little better, I am hugely disappointed in this ending. I could sense the end was near in the last few comics, but honestly this wasn't the ending I imagined. I imagined there would be more of a joke at the end. I understand Clevinger is quite busy with Marvel and Atomic Robo, but this is a lame way to treat the readers.

Thanks for another disappointing comic.

... read Neni's post.
Apply to yours.

You just got trolled in a comic that was all about trolling the reader.

Honestly this wasn't an ending. It feels like the start of another chapter. The light warriors are still around and doing stuff. The dark warriors are still failing to be evil. White mage is still in a position where she is still both a thorn and blessing to the light warriors. And king steeve and his daughter are still in power. Nothing changed. Even stuff that was loosely touched on like everyone having a part to play in the big over never really seemed to get fulfilled.

Same deal. Read Neni's post.
This is the best ending that could happen.

[doctorbishop]

I died a little when I read this was the end.

[Melfice]

I died a little when I read this was the end.

Awh, don't worry. From all ends come good things.
Like more Atomic Robo! And Brian's Marvel gigs!

[Ludge]

Honestly this wasn't an ending. It feels like the start of another chapter. The light warriors are still around and doing stuff. The dark warriors are still failing to be evil. White mage is still in a position where she is still both a thorn and blessing to the light warriors. And king steeve and his daughter are still in power. Nothing changed. Even stuff that was loosely touched on like everyone having a part to play in the big over never really seemed to get fulfilled.

Actually, I don't mind the ending at all, it just doesn't really feel like the end, especially because Brian told us for about a month that there were still a few more comics, and then finally got bored and told us that that was the end.

Also, to everyone who is saying that "Brian's a jerk", and "He just wants to screw us over"; that doesn't mean that the comic doesn't deserve a proper ending. I mean, if he had told us that it was the end as soon as he posted it, that would have been fine, but since he left us hanging for a month, it seems kind of unfair. (Yeah, I know you guys are going to reply with the exact same things, but seriously?)

[Melfice]

Actually, I don't mind the ending at all, it just doesn't really feel like the end, especially because Brian told us for about a month that there were still a few more comics, and then finally got bored and told us that that was the end.

Also, to everyone who is saying that "Brian's a jerk", and "He just wants to screw us over"; that doesn't mean that the comic doesn't deserve a proper ending. I mean, if he had told us that it was the end as soon as he posted it, that would have been fine, but since he left us hanging for a month, it seems kind of unfair. (Yeah, I know you guys are going to reply with the exact same things, but seriously?)

No, no.
See, what Brian meant was, maybe a few epilogue comics, but it's not like was going to drag it out for a few dozen comics.
Also, Brian's not a jerk as such. He just likes to make fun of his readers. (In 8-bit, at least.)

And why doesn't this feel like the end?
This is totally the end, as you could tell if you'd actually read the comic properly. The ENTIRE comic has been nothing but a giant build-up towards battles, only for it to completely fall apart in chaos, or just... not happen at all.

Which is totally what happened here.

What ending are you all proposing?
A happy ending? HAH!
Two dozen more comics? About what? What King Steve did? He's still selling Stubes, or fighting with his right hand, or the gods know what!

EDIT: Also, why am I getting worked up over this?
Y'all have fun hating on a totally awesome ending. I'll be over here enjoying the ending and reading my Atomic Robo.

[CDRW]

While I do think this is a perfect ending for the comic,

Two dozen more comics? About what? What King Steve did? He's still selling Stubes, or fighting with his right hand, or the gods know what!

I would totally read King Steve the epilogue.

[Melfice]

I would totally read King Steve the epilogue.

Okay, yeah, more King Steve Theatre would be pretty cool, which made it a bad example, but STILL!

[32bit-RedMage]

This is the end ?? :(

The ending isn't really bad ... but I was hoping to see something else happen.
Something like the dark warriors celebrating and the light warriors receiving some sort of reward for everything, and by reward I mean something crappy that brings doom and suffering to black mage.

dude .....This really needs an epilogue...... or at least a "the end" page.

[Daimo Mac, The Blue Light of Hope]

The ending is fine. It is a spoof on Soprano's if anything else. Plus it allows us to imagine what happened to the Warriors. Specifically I hope Thief is killed alot of times over and over and over again.

I hate Thief that stupid God Mode Sue.

[Meister]

The only epilogue I'll accept has everyone gathered at a banquet and Bard hanging from a tree tied up and gagged.

[Kurosen]

What Bard? You must be thinking of some other comic.

[Dr. Casey]

I honestly have no idea where this "8-Bit Theater's all about trolling the reader!" thing that's become popular the last couple of years came from. It's a perfectly normal story for the most part with a rare few troll moments sprinkled here and there (Mainly in the form of some amusing anticlimaxes). I don't know why you people act like there's some practical joke played on the audience every other comic.

[Bard The 5th LW]

"8-Bit Theater's all about trolling the reader!"

I think Brian has been quoted saying that his favorite stories are ones where the joke is on the reader. Maybe I'm incorrect though.

What Bard? You must be thinking of some other comic.

Yes, there is totally not a Bard anywhere in 8-bit, or even near this site. Fictional or otherwise.

[wx4caster]

again, i still think that it is only fitting to see our original... um... heroes, or rather... anyway see THEM one last time in the final screen.

but then again i dont write the damn thing

[venuspriestess]

As a LONG time reader of 8 Bit Theater, I am very upset at this "ending". And no, I don't think this is a subtle joke or trolling the reader. It seems that Brian has his Marvel gig and Atomic Robo gig and everything else, so 8 Bit became just a hassle that needed to end. You can tell he was just phoning it in over the last several episodes. I just can't believe he doesn't think enough of his readers to give us a proper ending. :mad:

[venuspriestess]

I'm sad to see that this is the end of 8 Bit, and very sad that it wasn't a better end. I really thought this comic was a labor of love, but it seems other projects are more important (read: more money) than 8 Bit. There is no reason to visit this site anymore. Well, it was a good 5+ years, a shame it couldn't have ended as good as it started.

[mad2physicist]

I thought that the ending was quite appropriate to the comic, honestly. And having enjoyed 9 years (10 years? 8 years? I have no idea anymore) of high quality free entertainment is hardly something to complain about.
But seriously, the ending was good! Of course one of the problems about the genre is that it isn't about climaxes or accomplishments, its about hilarious side-jokes. The plot is largely a device to allow there to be side-jokes, although it is also a plot about how hugely incompetent people can consistently screw everything up. It's what Family Guy tries to do, except taken to its pure essence. In any case, this ending nicely wraps up the 'incompetent people screw things up.'

But I do still say that people would have bought the idea of the white mages as the true heroes. WM needs a better PR agent.

However I also have to admit I misunderstood Brian, when he said that there would be a few more (or might be a few more, whatever it was exactly) comics. I thought he meant this was not the 'official story end,' and hence expected more. Which I think largely explains the number of emails he apparently got.

I'm also a bit anxious about this Marvel business. Frankly I don't read mainstream comics normally but I'd consider it with Brian on board. On the other hand I fear that Marvel will attempt to tone down his particular brand of wackiness which he was totally free with in 8bit and is largely free (with less cursing) in AR.

[venuspriestess]

I'm sorry, but people who are saying the ending is good are just in denial. They don't want to believe Brian would screw us over with such a rushed and uninspired ending.
And free entertainment--I'm sure that each of us has supported this site in some way, either through buying merchandise, or his book, etc.

[Kalbelgarion]

If only Brian didn't have to eat...then he wouldn't be forced to sell us content like Warbot and HIKYM for outrageous prices.

Too bad he's not working on an 8BT epilogue (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showthread.php?t=37682), that he's going to give to us for free. That would be awesome, but Brian's been cooped up in his solid gold house counting his fortune, ever since his webcomic gravy train came in.

Damn him!

For what it's worth, the first few dozen comics of 8BT were pretty dull. It didn't get good until Red Mage was introduced.

[venuspriestess]

Come on, with Atomic Robo and now a Marvel gig, are you telling me he is dirt poor?

[synkr0nized]

Wait.

How is ending a ridiculous comic by referring to one of its original strips a bad ending? What is it you guys are expecting? It seems pretty appropriate to me.

[synkr0nized]

He should make even more! And when the fighters are finally done with Namek, they can go on to fight new, ridiculous enemies!

[Dracorion]

Come on, with Atomic Robo and now a Marvel gig, are you telling me he is dirt poor?

He ain't exactly filthy rich either, or rich at all. I'd put him in the upper echelons of middle class, and that's pushing it.

And he worked his ass off for that money, you're really going to hold it against him, demand that he stop getting paid so you can get your free entertainment?

[Geminex]

Ah, venuspriestess?

[Gamer8585]

It dose seem that there needs to be a capper comic or small epilogue arc for 8BT. However the main story has pretty much been wrapped up. There is no more Final Fantasy I left to parody.

Lets look at whats been happening, Brian took the general narrative arc of Final Fantasy I and filled its character roles with morons, shysters, sociopaths, and a few well meaning heroic individuals (for contrast).

What happened in FFI after Chaos was killed? You go to a ending narration explaining that the Light Warriors closed the time loop are back at the beginning of their adventure and nobody remembered what happened.

What happened in 8BT after Chaos was killed? You see the Light Warrior's taking credit for the death of Chaos, and nobody will ever know what really happened. And a newspaper article that may just be White Mage's fantasy about giving the credit to the Dark Warriors, just to screw over the Light Warriors.

In short the comic is FULLY done in plot. Right now all it could use is one more strip to show what happens to each of the characters just to close them out.

However, Brian is now busy with Atomic Robo (which he is making real $$$$ from), and writing for Marvel comics (which he is making $$$$ from and building a good resume on). He'll get to finishing out 8BT when he has the time and drive to.

So, just enjoy the rest of the stuff on nuklearpower and let any final strips of 8BT come when they're ready to.

[Seil]

Uh, Miss Priestess? I think the point that everyone is trying to get across is that Mr. Brian has worked hard to put out over a thousand comics for the enjoyment of all internet cave-dwellers. He's been doing this thing for years, y'see, and over the course of time, things have changed.

Web comics change in art or plot as a creator gets more comfortable with their work, and Brian's work has certainly changed over the years for better or for worse. Some people like the direction the comic took, some don't. It's all opinion.

The thing is that Brian has to pay for many things, just like the rest of us. More even, as I'd wager you're not paying for your own website or traveling fees to go to and from cons or veterinarian bills for your cat. I'd wager on him not being destitute, but I'm pretty sure he's not blowing mad cash on phat bling. The guy catching a break was pretty much guaranteed through karmic retribution. He's been puttin' out stuff that makes us laugh.

What he doesn't need is to be back-backhandedly insulted by his "fans." You might not like the ending, but you may have enjoyed the ride, and that's what counts, right?

Brian has been making an internet comic, and has the chance to reach a wider audience and work on established characters he probably likes with artists and writers he probably admires. It's not all about money, y'see? Good on Brian for having fun, making new free comics for us, his fans, and good luck to him on the new stage of his career.

That being said, I think you're just being an arse.

[Bells]

Also, these sorts of threads are starting to get common, so, i think it's only fair to try and state a point here.... Brian doesn't really have to justify his work. 8Bit was based on Final Fantasy 1. And Plot-Wise, all the ties were tied.

Sure, there is a TON of things that could be expose for another mile and a half, but closure doesn't necessarily means that the author needs to explain every little thing.

The final fantasy 1 parody has run it's course, and anything beyond that is simply a bonus that we would all happily accept, but Brian's other works are also very much fun and entertaining, so it's silly to feel like we lost something huge when i fact we got it completed.

[Deborah]

All I can say is that if 8-bit DID end in the way most people expected, it would probably mean Brian had failed.

[Meister]

I'm sorry, but people who are saying the ending is good are just in denial. They don't want to believe Brian would screw us over with such a rushed and uninspired ending.
Shit, all the time I thought I enjoyed the ending because it was both funny and completely in tune with the rest of the comic. Turns out I suffer from a mental condition that just made me believe I liked it! Thank you for opening my eyes to the horrible reality.

Brian I demand another 1000 comics and Black Mage and White Mage should become a couple and Chaos should return in his ultimate form and be defeated only when the Light Warriors realize the power of friendship but then they and Black Belt's ghost should fight against the Dark God who has been both Chaos and Black Mage all along.

[synkr0nized]

Why is any of this even about whether or not it makes him any money? This goes for those complaining as well as those defending.

[Meister]

I really thought this comic was a labor of love
Gotta say the thought of anyone making three comics a week for nine years grumbling "FUCK I HATE THIS" all the time is equally amusing as the comic itself.

[Panthera]

Secretly he was bribed by Square Enix to not finish the comic the way he originally intended because they plan on remaking FFI for the PS3 and incorporating many elements that coincidentally are exactly the same as his story, and thus they don't want him giving away their brand new ending. He's sitting at home counting his millions and debating whether it was right to keep the truth hidden in exchange for money. And probably deciding it was right.

[Panthera]

The ending itself I actually quite like (I don't see how anyone could deny that the whole "Dark Warriors save the world" newspaper cover isn't an excellent closing image), it just feels like there could have been another strip or two prior to it to say what exactly the Light Warriors would do from here and so on. But whatever, I'll get over it, it's not like I've never had a story I love not be exactly what I thought would be perfect (in fact, it's not like it's ever happened, ever)

[venuspriestess]

First of all, I am DIRT POOR. My mother is very sick so that is about 10x more than caring for a cat.
Second, Brian didn't do all this for free. Are you telling me that no one bought 8 Bit shirts or other items, or bought his book, or comic, etc?
Third, I just think it is an insult to readers to end the comic this way. I've said the same thing about professional works as well. For example, I think the way the show "OZ" ended was half assed and that the creator just no longer cared. I don't see why someone can't complain about the ending just because it was put online for free.

[venuspriestess]

Wow everyone, go kiss up to Brian some more. As for me, I won't be coming back, none of his other projects interest me at all.

[Meister]

I bought his book and I bought every issue of Atomic Robo, but I didn't buy them so Brian would make more 8-Bit Theater, I bought them so I'd have his book and every issue of Atomic Robo.

You have every right to complain but you're far from the first to ever bring forward these exact complaints and they are poorly observed and reasoned.

e: So you wouldn't have come back if you'd liked 8BT's ending either.

e^2: merged these two threads since they're basically about the same thing now. All double posts and minor irregularities are a result of that.

[Kurosen]

I love how the same people who tried to say I was dragging out the ending for personal benefit now get to say I rushed the ending for personal benefit. It's especially hilarious given that I'm putting off FOUR very good gigs, all on tight schedules, for as long as it takes to finish writing the 8-bit Epilogue which will benefit me EXACTLY ZERO. It's a microcosm of my working life for the last five years, really, all it needs is some asshole coming in here whining about how it's not enough and it'll be perfect. Venuspriestess/SR, I'm sure you won't let me down.

Boy, will I miss the shitty self-entitled attitudes so many webcomic readers develop. I know it's naive of me after all these years, but I can't believe there are people out there who consider their feelings over a sprite comic to be more important than the fate of a human being's life. That's just...that's some amazing shit right there.

[meo]

Yeah we all care about human lives and whatever, but we all want to see Black Mage bone White Mage.

I know if I had to make a choice between saving 100 webcomic artist lives and seeing Black Mage bone White Mage, there would be a whole lotta bonin' between some mages in my future.

Edit: Also some maybe some funerals. I don't know. Are webcomic artists actually people or do we just flush them down the toilet like when our goldfish goes belly-up?

[Meister]

They're like vending machines but you never have to put in any money.

Anyway I say we now abandon this thread by the roadside and wait for the epilogue.