When a webcomic updates but you don't want to make a huge deal out of it, what you do

[tacticslion]

What the hell, that spell didn't have a saving throw at all? Power of plot, I guess.

There are a number of spells that don't have saving throws. Geas (or if your spellcasting runs divine, Quest), for instance. In every case, however, what those spells lack in saves, they have in resistible [tags], such as (in the afore-mentioned case) [mind-affecting] - which, right up there with fire, is one of the most-oft-immune-to-things of the the 3.X Era of games - or they require a roll on the caster's part of some kind (be it spell resistance, or a touch attack) or some combination of the two.

In this epic spell's case, I'd guess it's the [death] tag which one could be (in theory) immune to, however, if the spell were powerful enough, and depending what you put into it, you could even overcome immunity to certain things. An appropriately epic bestowing of the correct curse (which does allow a save... in its non-epic format) can potentially reduce an immunity to a super-high defense (or no defense, or a vulnerability, depending on what the starting "value" of their defense/immunity/none was and the number of iterative curses that apply).

Besides, epic level spells aren't made like non-epic spells in the 3.X era. There's a lot of finessing involved. And GM approval (and since Rich Berlew is effectively the GM...). Combined with enough little "fiddly bits", I could completely see Famlicide functioning as it's represented in the comic.

Also, Errant Story (http://www.errantstory.com/) is now in its Epilogue. Just thought I'd mention. :)

[Fifthfiend]

Okay guys it's March 5th, do we think Dresden Codak is going to

A. push back the "next comic updates on" date on his page, or

B. give up bothering to even do that

C. sell a book for a hundred and fifty dollars

...moved to march 9th 2012!!

[Loyal]

I really want Minmax's sword.

[Fifthfiend]

You know what I've noticed lately is Thunt's faces are looking hecks more like faces and not like horrible misshapen poo people.

Even the big scary monsters, which historically have had the pooiest of faces.

[stefan]

so I saw the new McNinja page and my first thought was this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM2sK6EyHlI)

[phil_]

See, my first thought was this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaoLU6zKaws) Not to say it's a better song as is usually the case with these me-too links, I just wanted to share what goes through my head when I see rainbows aurora and saxophone.

[tacticslion]

So, hey, looks like the webcomic No Rest for the Wicked (http://www.forthewicked.net/) might not be completely dead after all. Considering the site was updated today. I'd kind of given up hope, before following the link one more ("last"?) time from Captain SNES, and it was kind of surprising that it'd undergone a face (home page only) and was receiving other minor updates. No new comics, yet, though, so time will tell. Still. Might be nifty to get into again!

EDIT: speaking of "me too" posts that are full of one-ups-manship...
I greatly prefer this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCeSJrYy_HA) version.
(Also, the first one was... "repetitive"*, let's say, and the second guy was being kind of a jerk****.)

* If you consider a nigh-endless** loop of a guy not-actually playing the sax "repetitive". Which I do.

** By "nigh-endless", of course, I mean one minute and forty-two seconds. But at eight seconds (approximately) that's a lot of looping! Not that I was counting.***

*** That last sentence is a lie.

**** Yeah, I know it's a joke, but seriously - he was basically real-life trolling/rick-rolling with a saxophone, and specifically "played over" people who asked him to leave... nicely... with good reason.*****

***** I find it funny that this edit, which really isn't about much of anything, is much longer than my original post.

EDIT THREE:
What the Birds Know (http://fribergthorelli.com/wbk/). Absolutely nothing something agonizingly slowly mysterious happening, and I love every minute of it. It's such a difficult thing to read... but it's a well-written work, I think, and has very well made characters. Fair warning: it's really sad, so far.

[phil_]

the second guy was being kind of a jerk.He totally was. It is my curse that "sexy sax solo" brings such a thing to mind instantly.

[Amake]

Lackadaisy! Page! Extras!

[tacticslion]

So...

Antiheroes (http://www.antiheroescomic.com/comic) is still going. It's still interesting, but still sadly slow.

Errant Story (http://www.errantstory.com/) is also still going. "Only one more to go", though.

No Rest for the Wicked (http://www.forthewicked.net/) is now going again. At least with three pages. It's too early to say for sure how long it'll continue up again, but I'm glad that it's restarted, at least!

Also, Sluggy Freelance (http://sluggy.com/) has started on its next story arc.

All in all, not bad.
Oh, almost forgot: it's kind of strange but really interesting that Darths and Droids (http://darthsanddroids.net/) has introduced an entirely new player with Luke (and also changed Luke's name - I think it's the first outright name-change of the series, and possibly predicts something similar with "Han").

[Fifthfiend]

Someone call me once Torg and Zoe fuck, maybe then the months' worth of fucking twitter jokes will be worth it again.

[MuMu]

I shouldn't have smiled at today's Gunnerkrigg but it's such a well placed "Oh, fuck." face.

[Ryong]

Someone call me once Torg and Zoe fuck, maybe then the months' worth of fucking twitter jokes will be worth it again.

You still read Sluggy?

Hahahahahaha oh man.

[Gregness]

That shit right there is why Kefka is the best Final Fantasy villain.

[Donomni]

Roy, you walked right into that one. You know it.

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

How much do you want to bet the statue of Girard has the rift in its buttcheeks.

[POS Industries]

CSNES: Well, that certainly explains the summoning powers.

[walkertexasdruid]

So who do you think will reach the OOTS first, Nale and Tarquin with the rest of the Linear Guild, or Xykon and Redcloak, or will it be a three-way free for all? Only time and the sometimes fast sometimes slow updates of the webcomic will tell.

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

I'm thinking the Linear Guild will run into Xykon before either runs into the OOTS.

I'd like to see Tarkin beat the shit out of a Lich.

[Loyal]

Once again, Kefka wins every page he's on.

[POS Industries]

Once again, Kefka wins every page he's on.
And it keeps getting better!

Kefka is now Videoland's only hope for a cure.

[Jagos]

... Holy shit... That just occurred to me...

[tacticslion]

I doubt it. Unless "cure" means "hopelessly psychopathic". I suspect that Kefka's immunity is because he's completely freaking insane. He doesn't care that life is meaningless, and enjoys that fact. He loves causing misery and despair for its own sake, and that's pretty much what the Sovereign seems all about (although she seems to be affected by her own Sorrow as well).

Also, there's Terra to consider (who is, it must be pointed out. also completely insane, if with a greater veneer of normalcy).

But that's just a guess.

Also, I'm curious as to what Kin is actually going to do with the devil's name. I would have thought she would directly banish him, but she seems hesitant to do so, and also Thunt left it on a cliffhanger.

[Loyal]

I have no idea what Celes just did, but I'm reminded of the situation with Roll. It would appear that "she achieved her objectives without giving up any more than she expected to. (http://www.captainsnes.com/2009/09/08/592-closing-the-door/)" Might be too early to tell, of course, and the Shard is still, obviously, at large. But FFVI seems to be safe.

[BitVyper]

Might have sent not-Rydia into the real world.

[Arhra]

I'm not sure whether Dr McLuchador is a doctor at all!

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

I'm pretty sure Tarquin is awesome.

[Aldurin]

Is McLuchador trying to cure something, or just make a point?

[Loyal]

Is McLuchador trying to cure something, or just make a point?

Yes.

I dunno why McLuchador is bothering with doctory stuff, he's clearly overqualified to make the most amazing theme parks and thrill rides in history.

[Aldurin]

I'm shocked to see the update where someone becomes creepier than Faz.

[tacticslion]

I'm shocked to see the update where someone becomes creepier than Faz.

I. I never thought. It... it is possible. I never knew. The horror. :(

[Kim]

Cucumber Quest has a Kickstarter to release a book version! (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1003106610/the-cucumber-quest-book-project)

It's one of the best webcomics out there, in my opinion, so you should totally support it!

[Donomni]

I gave 25 bucks, not only since it's totally awesome and the bestest, but it would be, like, the best christmas gift for my little sister(She's 4 now, gonna be five around Xmas).

That I can share something I enjoy like that with my sister is pretty great. Most of the time the internet is too... not friendly for kids.

Or even remotely considerate. So yeah, this lady gets my money.

[DarkDrgon]

i don't know what tarquin is about to do... but I'm gonna enjoy it

[tacticslion]

i don't know what tarquin is about to do... but I'm gonna enjoy it

Eeeeeeeeeeyup.

[Aldurin]

I gotta say, I've missed the way the Order of the Stick fights when they're together like that.

[Amake]

Times like these, I wish there was some rule for like trauma, cause getting stabbed and shot four times inside a split second should basically run a high risk of killing you outright or at least paralyze you for a few rounds even if the sum of the wounds individually doesn't make a big dent in your HP. Saving throw vs your fear of death plus nervous shock or something. . .

[tacticslion]

I gotta say, I've missed the way the Order of the Stick fights when they're together like that.

It really is quite a beautiful thing.
Times like these, I wish there was some rule for like trauma, cause getting stabbed and shot four times inside a split second should basically run a high risk of killing you outright or at least paralyze you for a few rounds even if the sum of the wounds individually doesn't make a big dent in your HP. Saving throw vs your fear of death plus nervous shock or something. . .

Well, that's basically what this (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/injuryandDeath.htm#massiveDamage) was trying to indicate, though it's not as complete as you might like. On the other hand, the most recent Pathfinder (http://paizo.com/) Adventure Path (http://paizo.com/pathfinder/adventurePath) (Skull and Shackles (http://paizo.com/pathfinder/adventurePath/skullAndShackles)) has special rules in the free Player's Guide (http://paizo.com/products/btpy8rwc?Pathfinder-Adventure-Path-Skull-Shackles-Players-Guide) which basically talks about scarring, limb-loss (and replacement!), and similar such things and the mechanical impact they may or may not have. PF may have other info on the topic, I'm not sure.

I'm curious about Schlock Mercenary's sort-of zombie-but-not-quite stuff (and how that ties in with the metaplot). The most recent "oh no!" moment with Schlock himself seemed rather unnecessary, though... kind of drama for it's own sake, rather than building any plot or anything. It's rare (for me) to feel that a plot element is like that, but Schlock Mercenary runs so often that it really deserves to let that one slide by anyway.

Desperately wishing that What the Birds Know (http://fribergthorelli.com/wbk/) updated more often.

[BitVyper]

Dear Marvel/DC,

You can stop now. Wonderella is the best superhero. You're just going to embarass yourselves from here on out.

I mean that's what you were doing before, but maybe now you can admit it. There's really no shame in it at this point.

Sincerely,





Bit D. Vyper

[Aldurin]

Tarquin is totally rocketing up the ranks of all villains ever.

[tacticslion]

Tarquin is totally rocketing up the ranks of all villains ever.

YEP!

[Dracorion]

Except what he just pulled was a Red Hood Maneuver.

[Seil]

So Two Guys And Guy (http://www.twogag.com/) and Nedroid (http://nedroid.com/) are pretty reliably awesome.

So there's that.

[tacticslion]

Except what he just pulled was a Red Hood Maneuver.

It doesn't matter. Tarquin is still the Awesome.

[Loyal]

So uh, yeah. Latest Goblins.

Welp.

Don't you miss when Thunt drew bodies as bags of blood? I sure do.

[stefan]

HASTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNGS

[Aldurin]

Wow to McNinja, just wow. I am surprised and confused once again.

[tacticslion]

HASTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNGS

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHH!

...

Wait. I was right?!? I didn't even think I was right! WHAAAAAAAAAA?

[Malek]

Well it depends on when you suspected it. You would probably have been wrong before this page (http://drmcninja.com/archives/comic/23p40/) but right afterwards I think.

[tacticslion]

Well it depends on when you suspected it. You would probably have been wrong before this page (http://drmcninja.com/archives/comic/23p40/) but right afterwards I think.

... true. That's... curious. :)

[Malek]

Well, the latest page seems to have proven you right all along, although it does beg the question of how or why McNinja and McLuchador fought in the hospital.

Farmer/Old McNinja or some other clone could have been Masquerading as Dr McNinja to chase off McLuchador, not knowing that it was Dr McNinja.
Alternatively it could have been a convoluted plot to convince King Radical that McLuchador was not McNinja in disguise and also show off a bit in order to infiltrate Radical's gang. The latter actually seems like the more likely option at the moment.

[Dracorion]

No one's said anything about how the latest Captain SNES may just be the greatest one yet?

[Loyal]

Just extreme enough, eh Doc?

[Aldurin]

What's the joke with the new VGCats? Or is there one? It's hard to tell.

[TDK]

In League of Legends, even ridiculously large characters (like Cho'gath, who grows as he kills shit and ends up being RIDICULOUSLY large) are rendered completely invisible when standing in the bushes.

That said, its a stupid comic.

[MuMu]

And the best Gunnekrigg page ever(Which shall have no negative repercussions whatsoever!)

[DarkDrgon]

can we change oots to the tarquin super show, and just follow his wacky antics forever?

[tacticslion]

can we change oots to the tarquin super show, and just follow his wacky antics forever?

I'd read that.

[Jagos]

Ya'll do realize Tarquin is quickly becoming Too Cool to Live, right?

[tacticslion]

Ya'll do realize Tarquin is quickly becoming Too Cool to Live, right?

Hey, I've watched people in the afterlife. All I know is he'll be an amazing Pit Fiend some day. Besides. He's not too interested in the whole "living forever" thing.

[DarkDrgon]

Erfworld is back!

[Amake]

In today's Gunnerkrigg, FUUCK.

Zimmy's crazy hallucinations have a way of intersecting with reality, right. (Whatever that is.) We don't know how or in what way, but her shall we say impression of Kat is probably true on some level. Which is frightening to me.

[Art of Hilt]

What the fuck Zimmy

What

the fuck

Zimymymksdkj

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

I think you mean what the fuck Kat.

[synkr0nized]

I caught up to that again.

So much shipping.

[Art of Hilt]

Oh snap there goes the anti-lesbian headband

[stefan]

Dark Smoke Puncher you have terrible aim

[Aldurin]

Super Effective just entered the ranks of simultaneous hilarity and brilliant explanations with its latest update.

[Geminex]

Erfworld is reminding me exactly why I missed it so much. A few pages into the third book and already everything is awesome.

[Loyal]

I'm glad they kept up the text updates in the interrim. It's all very great stuff.

[DarkDrgon]

I'm hoping Rob sticks to "present" storyline stuff on wednesday, and prequel sundays, so I don't get too confused on the timeline stuff like I was all last book

[Gregness]

Gonna call it now: Future Radical was lying about Present Radical as part of some scheme the point of which will become clear at the most opportune radical moment.

[TDK]

I'm really enjoying Goblins lately. This orc is a bad motherfucker.

I'm very curious what's happening with the other goblins, or minmax and company.

[mauve]

Commander Badass' fight against the power of JRPG pretty boys in Manly Guys DOing Manly Things has been glorious. If you haven't been reading that one lately, you're missing out. Ultimate-Ultimate Final Forms complete with arbitrary angel wings and useless zippers. Plus, Mr Fish learned Hyper Beam. Glorious.

[Aldurin]

Seeing Mike in the recent Dumbing of Age makes me scared of what kind of parent he'll be like in the Shortpacked universe.

[Gregness]

Pizza joints sponsored by King Radical are hardcore.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Is that some sort of face Coyote?

[Loyal]

So XKCD is now doing a thing where it uses math and such to answer silly submitted questions.

Check it out. (http://what-if.xkcd.com/1/) It's not half bad so far.

[Amake]

Lackadaisy had four new pages four days ago which I almost want to make a huge deal out of. Viktor is such a hardass just saying his name is like punching people in the face. Rocky doesn't let a non-critical injury on something like his head get in the way of his smiling. Everything's adorable and it looks so good. So, business as usual.

[PCD]

Good god Power Nap is a good comic. Comics about dreams and dream logic and mental metaphors and stuff are already a hit for me, but it does it so weird and different and funny and interesting and god damn it I just want to know how this world works DREW WHAT ARE YOU GETTING YOURSELF INTO

[Amake]

Lackadaisy bonus page (http://lackadaisy.foxprints.com/exhibit.php?exhibitid=383) which as per usual finds one torn between wishing Tracy would make more regular strips and more irregular ones. It appears to Wick Sable, much like to some 10% of the Malkavian clan, ducks are anathema.

[greed]

So remember that line from Tom way back about there being no villains in Gunnerkrigg?

I call bullshit.

Bullllllshhhhiiiitttt:crying:

[Dracorion]

For those of you who can't get their hands on the episode of Captain N referenced in the latest CSNES update, I found a transcript of that episode. If you don't want to spoil yourself to the nature of c-waves, don't read the following: here you go. (http://cnn.captainn.net/cn_tev_eps_nov_s2_tbg.html)

You don't even have to look beyond the first few lines in that transcript, either.

[Odjn]

Coyote's a bad dog.

[Gregness]

I don't even want to think about how long that last panel took. (https://www.xkcd.com/1110/)

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

I'm starting to think King Radical is significantly less radical than advertised.

[Loyal]

Darths and Droids has done a pretty great job with Han Solo. I had no idea there were so many frames of him looking goofy and smiley.

Also, DOUBLE K is updating again. (http://captainosaka.deviantart.com/art/DOUBLE-K-133-328090534) Cheers!

[synkr0nized]

I don't even want to think about how long that last panel took. (http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/click_and_drag.png)

I know the site tells you that you can use that for embedding, but you really need to link to that particular comic's page (https://www.xkcd.com/1110/) for the full effect, as it relies on the scripts on the page to actually render and handle the interaction with the world/map he's created.



Also greed happened to link in a chat Paranatural, which is pretty rad. I hadn't heard of it before, and I am glad I was able to read all of what's there so far this morning. I really dig the style.

[Gregness]

I know the site tells you that you can use that for embedding, but you really need to link to that particular comic's page (https://www.xkcd.com/1110/) for the full effect, as it relies on the scripts on the page to actually render and handle the interaction with the world/map he's created.



Also greed happened to link in a chat Paranatural, which is pretty rad. I hadn't heard of it before, and I am glad I was able to read all of what's there so far this morning. I really dig the style.

Fixed, thanks.

[Mr.Bookworm]

There's also a full-page, zoomable version of the panel that makes browsing it a lot easier. (http://xkcd-map.rent-a-geek.de/#10/1.1006/0.2005)

It's... pretty big.

[Amake]

Hey, that is a lot easier. I had completely missed every rocket, airplane, balloon and sperm whale if not for that. I thought the air was suspiciously empty. . .

Bee tee dubbs, I can't be the only one who takes away from this (http://what-if.xkcd.com/9/) that soul mates can in fact exist? If they do you have about one chance in ten thousand to find yours which I think would explain a lot.

FURTHERMORE, the best Jones theory yet found in Gunnerkrigg's comments section:
Two robots.

[walkertexasdruid]

I recently made it all the way through today's Legostar Galactia. It is a really good webcomic. I love Marty, Belinda, Shauna, and Captain Rob. Is Marty going to be successful in his mission, or will something throw a monkey-wrench at him sometime soon?

[Arhra]

In case you haven't noticed, Double K is updating again!

Still amazing? YES.

[walkertexasdruid]

Order of the Stick has been stuck on the same episode for a while now. I wish it was updated more regularly.

[Aldurin]

Order of the Stick has been stuck on the same episode for a while now. I wish it was updated more regularly.

Rich got into a car accident that fucked up his drawing hand, so the comic is on hiatus for a while. Probably won't start back up until close to Christmas since he says physical therapy doesn't begin until November.

[walkertexasdruid]

Rich got into a car accident that fucked up his drawing hand, so the comic is on hiatus for a while. Probably won't start back up until close to Christmas since he says physical therapy doesn't begin until November.

Did not know that, I guess I should pay more attention when I am on that site. Thanks for letting me know. I hope he gets better soon.

[Aldurin]

Seems like David is going to start cleaning up some of the loose ends in Shortpacked before finally continuing the plot push at the end of Joyce and Walky (maybe this will cross over to the Dumbing of Age universe but I would be perfectly cool with one of his comics remaining perfectly mundane as far as aliens are concerned.)

[Bum Bill Bee]

In Terrorbads (at twoforonecomics.com) Mustachio has joined a new group of hoods, but they've left us hanging on Bear Arms' fate.

[Loyal]

Dude, Biscuit. Gross.

[Bum Bill Bee]

Hey, I'd accept a gross save over dying any day Loyal.

Oh and on Exterminatus Now, Eastwood's well storied hatred of MLP has finally become a subject of a comic.

[Loyal]

I have a lot of difficulty reading Randall Munroe's graph, (http://xkcd.com/1127/) but damn if it isn't pretty to look at.

[stefan]

MUMMY PUNCH

[Aldurin]

King Radical should just get amnesty from everything every now.

[Arhra]

So Jones is kinda old, I guess?

[Amake]

http://i696.photobucket.com/albums/vv324/immortalpictures/jonesface.gif
So it turns out Jones is not two robots.

[Gregness]

Anyone here read Misfile? I went on an archive binge last weekend and it's pretty excellent. (http://www.misfile.com/)

[Odjn]

I hope Derek is skull eye flamed because I hate him. (Dr. McNinja)

[Arhra]

http://i696.photobucket.com/albums/vv324/immortalpictures/jonesface.gif
So it turns out Jones is not two robots.

There's no evidence of that! Stop it with your crazy ideas!

[Gregness]

The last line had me giggling like an idiot for ten minutes. (http://xkcd.com/1133/)

[Tev]

Anyone here read Misfile? I went on an archive binge last weekend and it's pretty excellent. (http://www.misfile.com/)
I read it. At this point, I'm not entirely sure what kind of resolution to the overarching plot that I'm hoping for. Also, I think I could probably read it for years yet with no real movement to resolve things and be okay with that.

[Aldurin]

The crossover that we didn't want, but that we needed. (http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=319)

[Arlia Janet]

My Hubbie has come back from a very long stint overseas and is updating again (http://fortunasaga.com/). Also, my hubbie is back! :)

[Arhra]

Damn your wandering eyes, Jones!

Jones confirmed for troll.

[Loyal]

So QC's Claire has been revealed as transgendered.

Get ye to the fallout shelters with the popcorn.

[stefan]

So QC's Claire has been revealed as transgendered.

Get ye to the fallout shelters with the popcorn.

The fallout already happened when psychopaths on tumblr sent jeph so much hate mail it triggered a brief backslide into alcoholism and self-harm because Marigold wasn't fat enough to satisfy the fat acceptance activists.

[Amake]

Damn your wandering eyes, Jones!

Jones confirmed for troll.
New favorite theory: Jones is part of a flock of velociraptors.

[Loyal]

The fallout already happened when psychopaths on tumblr sent jeph so much hate mail it triggered a brief backslide into alcoholism and self-harm because Marigold wasn't fat enough to satisfy the fat acceptance activists.

Wait is that where his hand injury came from?

[stefan]

Wait is that where his hand injury came from?

uh huh. Basically a bunch of shitheads with too much time on their hands dogpiled him over the fact that marigold "Is too pretty to have body image problems" and Jeph (who has always been a bit off, and recently went cold turkey on cigarettes and alcohol) eventually snapped before downing a bottle of whiskey and stabbing himself in the hand.

[Bum Bill Bee]

Holy Heck, I just learned that In Wily's Defense has come back when I wasn't looking. Must investigate.

[Loyal]

uh huh. Basically a bunch of shitheads with too much time on their hands dogpiled him over the fact that marigold "Is too pretty to have body image problems" and Jeph (who has always been a bit off, and recently went cold turkey on cigarettes and alcohol) eventually snapped before downing a bottle of whiskey and stabbing himself in the hand.

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/3930/daaaaang.png

[Revising Ocelot]

I just read that CAD had ended, so I had a look at the last comic completely out of context.


Waste of a good valuable minute of boredom.

[Amake]

CAD is over? Wow, good for Buckley. (And everyone else.)

[POS Industries]

CAD is over?
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/posindustries/facepalm/1329332374948.gif

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/posindustries/facepalm/1325816986958.gif

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/posindustries/facepalm/1328314839822.gif

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/posindustries/facepalm/AMERICANDANCEPARTY.gif

[BloodyMage]

Over is the wrong word. He's rebooting it.

[POS Industries]

Just let us have this, okay?

[BloodyMage]

Ok. It's "over".

[Amake]

Well, I see he took my advice to make the comic about the Players and drop those pretensions to high drama. Okay maybe just the first part, but it might be enough to produce a readable comic. So that's good. I never wanted Buckley to quit doing everything and die in a fire or anything, just thought he should focus on the things he can do, which is absurdist and slapstick humor.

[Revising Ocelot]

Over is the wrong word. He's rebooting it.

http://i.imgur.com/uwyQs.gif

[Satan's Onion]

So this is how Ctrl+Alt+Del ends.

Not with a B^U, but with a half-assed reboot. (Or, more accurately: Tim Buckley just couldn't resist anymore (http://youtu.be/tHoSpRU1xQM?t=6m49s).)

[rpgdemon]

Yeah, I was going to make a post, but then I didn't bother.

He should have gone with the "Hit with a bus" thing that he said in the news post. Honestly, getting hit with a bus is entirely what a character like Ethan deserved in dying. He was poorly defined, shallow, and forgettable, and his death should have been the same. Heck, I don't think the final plot even involved Ethan, it involved some strange character who happened to look like him.

Or, maybe the appearance is all that marked Ethan, because of how poorly characterized he was?

[Satan's Onion]

... Heck, I don't think the final plot even involved Ethan, it involved some strange character who happened to look like him.
...

Time-travel shenanigans, actually. A butter-powered time machine (yes, I know) somehow leads to a horrible dystopian future at the hands of X-Bot (yes, I know) which Future TimEthan wants to go through because his momwife died in this timeline and he just wants to See That She's All Right, but oh no, the time machine is malfunctioning it will destroy everything and now Future Ethan can't nobly sacrifice himself to turn it off because he got shot (because our noble future-hero shot a girl in cold blood because she might have stopped him--you know, the way heroes usually act) so now Present Ethan runs in and thinks of Momwife as everything becomes a white void.

And the whole arc started with Ethan starting a Kickstarter to become Batman.

~* :smug: The End :smug: *~

[Amake]

I don't know about you guys, but that final strip puts me in the mood to reread the end of Bigger than Cheeses (http://biggercheese.com/index.php?comic=849). Man, that comic was gold at least 40% of the time.

[Loyal]

I'm of the opinion that the "What If" section of XKCD should just become the main comic of the website.

[shiney]

Yeah I find it telling that the very best arc (and this is taking into account SO's wholly accurate rendition!) of CAD is also the death of the main characters in their entirety, to be replaced by thoroughly inane gaming comics which is surely a fresh, untapped genre that Tim is competent enough to parlay into a successful comic strip.

Indeed.

I give it six months, maybe a year before Ethan et al return to the strip following decreased site visits and revenues because his comics were garbage to begin with and the only reason people still habitually checked up on it was because of some morbid curiosity as to what abortion of shenanigans he was foisting on the populous at large.

Edited for spoiler tag adding goodness.

[synkr0nized]

Does any one of you (or more) know any details about whether or not Siddell is going to continue with the books? Volume three was released a little over a year ago, but that doesn't mean more aren't in the works (especially since the comic only recently became his actual job). I'd like to start collecting them, but I also don't know that I want to jump in on purchasing the three volumes if there's no indication anywhere that he'll ever put the rest into book form.

[RickZarber]

I'm sure he'll put out a book 4 as soon as he finishes enough material for it (ie, as soon as the story reaches the end of the semester). He put out book 3 really fast after reaching that point. (Book 1 contains all of their first year at the Court; year two was divided evenly between books 2 and 3.)

[tacticslion]

So, anyone know what's wrong with Rusty and Co. (http://www.rustyandco.com/) or Twice Blessed (http://www.twiceblessedcomic.com/)? The former seems to simply not work all of a sudden, and the latter isn't updating.

[Amake]

I did read Rusty & co. like a year ago but then I forgot all about it. Maybe I'll give it another try.

Anyway here's a rarity: A somewhat funny original Garfield strip more recent than 1997.
http://i696.photobucket.com/albums/vv324/immortalpictures/i121209garfield.jpg
Looks like they're tapping into the Garfield remix mine themselves. Look at that Santa's crazy eyes. But really I'm amazed at how the strip comes to life just by the basic addition of a simple prop; something to break up the monochromatic monotony of the characters standing sedately in the featureless room.

[Aldurin]

That helps counteract the depressing realization that Garfield Minus Garfield is just as funny if not funnier in too many cases.

[tacticslion]

Aldurin? Does Rusty and Co. work for you? All I get is a "404 Not Found" error. I was kind of wondering why.

[Kim]

A lesson is learned, but the damage is irreversible. (http://alessonislearned.com/)

Just updated after being on a years long hiatus. Brilliant comic. So many moving parts to this one page that come together so brilliantly.

[Loyal]

Between Thurl getting his head twisted off messily in Schlock Mercenary, and Junior turning into some horrible blood-golem-thing in Goblins, this is becoming quite the bloody holiday season.

[Aldurin]

Ok, now I'm certain that King Radical is a far better character than McNinja.

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

So I guess it turns out King Rad invented Mountain Dew and also brought true dew to the world until somebody stole his dew plants and started selling them for profit.

[Odjn]

Goddammit thunt learn to draw and also stop making social commentary. I can't even tell what this thing's basic anatomy is.

[tacticslion]

Aldurin? Does Rusty and Co. work for you? All I get is a "404 Not Found" error. I was kind of wondering why.

So, in case anyone was wondering, I recently came across information (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127633&page=5) about Rusty and Co.

Of particular note was this post by the author (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=14341798&postcount=130).

The conversation leading up to it:

Mike, I got the email from you about the Kickstarter thing. Any news? I live in the same city as WotC, want me to go down there and make mean faces at their lawyers?

Did WotC block the plushie kickstarter?

They sent a letter, but Mike sent out an email that basically says right in the WotC website it says that a rust monster is not IP. It sounds like a scare tactic with no grounds, but I'm not lawyer enough to understand fully, nor would I comment here if I were.

Hey, maybe WotC/Hasbro will like it enough that they will buy the rights to make this little guy from Mike for millions of dollars and he can retire from any day job and write Rusty comics for a living.

/hope

I'm not really free to talk about it. All I can say is that nothing is settled yet.

... that sounds suspiciously serious.

EDIT: deleted a potentially inflamatory statement

[Aldurin]

It is now unofficial that the comic is The Adventures of King Radical, with Dr. McNinja as the villain.

[Aldurin]

And once again Awkward Zombie hits a rare point of brilliance.

[Arhra]

Heeeey, Double-K, how's it going?

Chief Genome, you have the most amazing expressions.

[Loyal]

Order of the Stick has updated. More or less.

[tacticslion]

Another OotS update!

Also... anyone have any idea what happened to Sluggy Freelance?
EDIT: whatever was wrong, it got better.

[Aldurin]

"This, Galasso, is your daughter. Take good care of her." Probably the most intense line of dialogue to come from shortpacked in forever.

[Tev]

Yeah, that was some serious drama considering that the world's drama tag hadn't been pulled yet.

[Loyal]

So, important development in Erfworld. Fourth Arkentool revealed, and we have what appears to be yet another Stupidworld native.

[Aldurin]

The new xkcd is great, and gives us another zoo to watch and study at our pleasure.

[Aldurin]

And now the ultimate Shortpacked! arc comes to closure. Since there's not much else for Willis to do since everyone is shipped and set, we may finally get to see what happens next in the Walkyverse relative to Walky (though the end of Joyce and Walky suggests that Willis is either holding out for dragging Dumbing of Age into the cross-dimensional shenanigas, so it may not be that.)

[Amake]

And today in Gunnerkrigg, the longest hearing comprehension delay ever. Not that I blame them. I had to read the line like three times before I was sure I heard it right.

[Wizardcat]

OotS update. Holy shit. Goddammit.

[tacticslion]

OotS update. Holy shit. Goddammit.

Uh. Pretty much this.

O.O

[stefan]

Nice sleight of hand there, Antimony.

[Loyal]

And so begins Dr. McNinja: DARE 2: Electric Boogaloo

[tacticslion]

He's a mad man! The comics don't stop (http://www.giantitp.com/)!

:D

[Amake]

Wow, even on a Sunday. And I just now realized Durkon's prophecy doesn't say anything about not turning undead. (I don't remember if Belkar's does.) Either way, one or both of them could die any second now. :crying:

[Aldurin]

Still more OotS updates. Whelp, now we know who, and in retrospect killing off the guy with the least development seems like the easy way out. Well, that's assuming that Belkar gets out alive, which he may not.

[Kim]

Kat and Annie are just the absolute cutest together. Remind me a bit of some of my intimate relationships.

Also, I would totally read "No Matter What, My Tomodachi Won't Become True Gaming" (http://kawaiikochan.tumblr.com/post/44150649464/dear-kawaiikochans-i-have-a-gamesoft-problem-all-of)

[phil_]

Also, I would totally read "No Matter What, My Tomodachi Won't Become True Gaming" (http://kawaiikochan.tumblr.com/post/44150649464/dear-kawaiikochans-i-have-a-gamesoft-problem-all-of)I feel like I should hate this, but I don't. I feel the opposite, in fact.

[Loyal]

Well, fuck, OotS.

[Jagos]

When things go to crap, Burlew does NOT play around...

Their wizard is gone, the second fighter is screwed and now this...

Oi vey...

[stefan]

snake kills humble dwarf

[Kim]

I feel like I should hate this, but I don't. I feel the opposite, in fact.

Kawaiikochan Gaming is basically my favorite Tumblr

[Flarecobra]

Ohhhhhh shit. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0878.html)

[Jagos]

... Well shit...

[Amake]

I don't know if everyone has read On the Origin of PCs but man, now I realize there was basically only one way the two prophecies about Durkon could match up and wow, I don't know how no one could have seen it coming until one page ago. OtOoPCs spoiler: The reason Durkon was kicked straight out of the Dwarven lands was a prophecy that said "when next he returns home, he will bring death and destruction to us all."

Which the genius high priest took to mean they should make him never come back to keep it from coming true. Cause if there's one thing everyone knows about prophecies it's they don't necessarily come true. (Sarcasm.)

[Jagos]

I'm still lost how this will pan out storywise...

You now have a lot more questions about the effectiveness of the party, including no answers in how our cleric and ranger in how they will get out of this mess.

[tacticslion]

*raises a glass of - non-alchoholic, 'cause I'm not a Thoran fighter or dwarf - red in honor of Durkon*

... ooh, wait, that's kind of a bad pun, isn't it. :(

[Menarker]

The last of Rich Burlew's promised 9 OotS strips-in-a-row (As part of his Kickstarter promise) has just been posted. Apparently he'll take the next week off to work on other things.

Still, it was a wild ride.

[tacticslion]

The last of Rich Burlew's promised 9 OotS strips-in-a-row (As part of his Kickstarter promise) has just been posted. Apparently he'll take the next week off to work on other things.

Still, it was a wild ride.

Wow.

Also, "Use your inside voice."

Gold.

[Aldurin]

I love how the worse McNinja's plan goes, the better it turns out.

[Loyal]

An in Captain SNES news, we finally get to see Samus start to do her thing.

[tacticslion]

An in Captain SNES news, we finally get to see Samus start to do her thing.

:D

[tacticslion]

I love Belker's expression change in the last panel.

Also, whoa, Roy's walking a razor wire, there.

[Amake]

Should Belkar's disapproval fill Roy with pride?

Yeah, nothing drives home someone's death more than when you have to tell their friends and family. And, it's almost funny, I don't think you can ever do it without at some point screwing up the lines of communication. I'm working on a theory of the relativity of death that would make Terry Pratchett scoff. . .but that can wait for a better time. :(

[Loyal]

Well, guys, wrap it up. No more reason to read Erfworld, anymore.

[tacticslion]

Well, guys, wrap it up. No more reason to read Erfworld, anymore.

There's absolutely no evidence for this, but I'm hoping it's some sort of foolamancy. I don't know why it'd be foolamancy, but I'm hoping it is.

Also, if this is exactly what it looks like, than Jillian is officially the only one from FAQ left, which is fascinating in its own right.

[Odjn]

There's absolutely no evidence for this, but I'm hoping it's some sort of foolamancy. I don't know why it'd be foolamancy, but I'm hoping it is.

Also, if this is exactly what it looks like, than Jillian is officially the only one from FAQ left, which is fascinating in its own right.

Marie's still alive.

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

"Jack. What are you doing here?"

"Well, I've missed our war games. Haven't you?"

"No, I mean I wasn't supposed to take any casters with me. And I thought you were out of juice, anyway?"

"Indeed. I am. So, I can only conclude that I must have used a trick of some sort."

HOLDIN OUT HOPE.

[tacticslion]

Specifically adding the title and several agreements and a new link. I don't know what is being subtracted here.

Marie's still alive.

True! I'd forgotten that.

"Jack. What are you doing here?"

"Well, I've missed our war games. Haven't you?"

"No, I mean I wasn't supposed to take any casters with me. And I thought you were out of juice, anyway?"

"Indeed. I am. So, I can only conclude that I must have used a trick of some sort."

HOLDIN OUT HOPE.

Me too... :ohdear:
(EDIT: Link to said comic (http://www.erfworld.com/page/15/), I wonder if he was able to come as a "non-caster" because he was out of Juice, or some sort of duplication trick like the king used... or something else that I don't know, yet; here's the reason he couldn't bring casters (http://www.erfworld.com/page/30/).)

Belker: bein' good at bein' bad and bein' good by bein' bad (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0881.html). At the same time.

I predict only bad things resulting from this probably-not-fake apparent change of heart.

EDIT: to be clear, I can't believe the OotS guys didn't pick up on what he's doing. Normally they're good at that kind of stuff, especially Elan, who is normally focused on those kind of tropes.

[Aldurin]

Dubstep Quartet!

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

HOLDIN OUT HOPE.

What I'm thinking right now is that Jack sent a foolamancy version of himself through the portal, while he takes off for FAQs portal to join back up with Jillian.

[Loyal]

Dubstep Quartet!

See, I was wondering how that was supposed to work, and now I know: very effectively.

[Arhra]

With Dr McNinja, hey look, they weren't kidding about that guy appearing in 2009! (http://drmcninja.com/archives/comic/15p66/)

[phil_]

With Dr McNinja, hey look, they weren't kidding about that guy appearing in 2009! (http://drmcninja.com/archives/comic/15p66/)And now I don't have to spend time looking. Thanks for that.

[tacticslion]

And now I don't have to spend time looking. Thanks for that.

Pretty much this. Thanks, Arhra!

[Loyal]

Good to see you back, Vaarsuivius old buddy.

[Gregness]

I would vote this woman into office without a second's hesitation. (http://drmcninja.com/archives/comic/25p103/)

[tacticslion]

I would vote this woman into office without a second's hesitation. (http://drmcninja.com/archives/comic/25p103/)

I want to know why she's not the president now.

Also, it's clear, Radical has worked very hard behind the scenes over the last several eons to make everything more... radical (even if it didn't always work out).

EDIT:
Good to see you back, Vaarsuivius old buddy.

Yeah, actually. I'm really pleased with V showing back up and, finally, showing a bit of poise, confidence, competence, and focus. Hopefully it won't go straight down the toilet like last time.

[tacticslion]

So... am I the only one not able to check Order of the Stick? Like, whenever I try the website (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots.html), it just nets me "Oops! Google Chrome could not connect to www.giantitp.com" instead.

[Steel Shadow]

Oh, it was doing that to me yesterday.

*Checks*

Yep, still doing it now.

[Ryanderman]

Rich sent out an update to kickstarter supporters that mentioned he got hit with a DOS attack, for some unfathomable reason. He wasn't sure when the site would be back up.

[tacticslion]

Rich sent out an update to kickstarter supporters that mentioned he got hit with a DOS attack, for some unfathomable reason. He wasn't sure when the site would be back up.

Why would someone do that to Giant in the Playground, of all places?

Anyway, thanks Ryanderman!

[Menarker]

Temporary fix for Order of the Stick is up.

ROUND 3 AGAINST TEAM EVIL!

[Amake]

Is it up on the website? Cause I still can't connect to that.

There's probably a worse way to register a protest against Belkar getting his ass handed to him, but I don't know what it could be. . .

[Menarker]

Give this a try. See if this helps like it does for me. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0606.html)

[Tev]

So I found a new comic called Unsound (http://www.casualvillain.com/Unsounded/comic+index) that's pretty great. The art is fantastic and the story so far is entertaining enough, with many likable characters to go around. It's got some pretty great world building and the pacing is fair enough.

[tacticslion]

There's probably a worse way to register a protest against Belkar getting his ass handed to him, but I don't know what it could be. . .

Are you guessing or did you see this on twitter or somewhere? Upon reflection, I might have thought it was a reaction to Durkon.

EDIT: also, thanks, Menarker, that works!

also, also, that looks pretty sweet, Tev. I'll try and check it out soon. :)

[Amake]

I'm guessing. I figured fans of Durkon should as a rule be too lawful to, well, break the law.

[tacticslion]

I'm guessing. I figured fans of Durkon should as a rule be too lawful to, well, break the law.

That makes a sort of sense, but fans can be pretty whacked out. Just as an in-comic example, Miko from the Sapphire Guard completely violated her vows by killing her liege lord, even though she should have never done such a thing. Thus, I could see fans doing so, too.

But, yeah, I'd guess that Belker's fans would tend more toward said behavior by nature of, you know, Belker. (In which case I'd hate to see their reaction to the point at which he'd take "his last breath ever" :ohdear:)

[Loyal]

Obvious bias on my part, but I feel Awkward Zombie's Fire Emblem comics are by far its strongest.

Also, the setting of Doctor McNinja is finally explained in full. Nice to have that.

[Ramary]

If it makes you feel better, I have yet to play a Fire Emblem game and her FE ones lately have been the best.

[Aldurin]

AZ's Fire Emblem comics probably line up with most others' views on the quirks of the game. This week's one reminds me of my favorite moment in Radiant Dawn, nothing like seeing the DBZ-esque crit effect come off of your healer, just for him to meekly rush an enemy who is on horse back and do no damage with a metallic clang off of the horse's skin.

[tacticslion]

So I decided to check up on The Wotch (http://www.thewotch.com/) for the first time in a while, and Google Chrome can't find it.

Oops! Google Chrome could not find www.thewotch.com
Try reloading: www.*thewotch.*com
Additional suggestions:
Access a cached copy of www.*thewotch.*com
Search on Google:

Google search (https://www.google.com/#hl=en&gs_rn=11&gs_ri=psy-ab&tok=alfBS5oTMWky-cjaBX5gfA&cp=7&gs_id=q&xhr=t&q=the+wotch&es_nrs=true&pf=p&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&oq=the+wot&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.45921128,d.eWU&fp=a7c254bb85dfe175&biw=1007&bih=631) brings it up (and, heck, McAffree even vouches that the sites are safe), but, the links just give me the above results.

The side-comic Cheer! (http://cheercomic.com/) comes up, but, as those forums seem to be the Wotch's forums, and the Wotch's forums (along with the entire website) seem gone...

Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone knows what's going on, and if it's truly dead forever now, or something. I know it was limping along for quite some time with sporadic and periodic updates after the huge and unfortunate drama they'd had several years back, but I'd be surprised if the website was just completely gone forever. So: anyone know?

EDIT: Nevermind, it seems to be working. I've no idea if it was Chrome or what, but after reading a blog called Your Webcomic is Bad (which was actually pretty funny, though not on purpose, and it got funnier as he raged against those he'd offended, and, over time, went to effective trolling, hiatus, active trolling, and a few others before apparently running out of steam a few years back), and checking the links there, it seems to be working. So I don't know.

Oh, and I don't recall if this was shared here or not, so...

Friendship is Dragons (http://friendshipisdragons.thecomicseries.com/comics/). I recommend it. Been reading it for a while. I'm not a Brony (I've never seen an episode), but I am a D&D nerd, and it works perfectly well for me.

[Menarker]

if you liked Friendship is Dragons, you might also like One Piece 3.5 (http://www.drunkduck.com/One_Piece_Grand_Line_3_point_5/). It's also DnD with the same copy-pasted images and modified script scenario as "Darth and Droids" and "DM of the Rings".

[tacticslion]

if you liked Friendship is Dragons, you might also like One Piece 3.5 (http://www.drunkduck.com/One_Piece_Grand_Line_3_point_5/). It's also DnD with the same copy-pasted images and modified script scenario as "Darth and Droids" and "DM of the Rings".

Thanks for the recommendation. Like Friendship is Magic, I've not actually seen the show, but I've heard good things. :)

I'll definitely check it out!

Of the two others you mentioned, I have to say, the former is better than the latter (to me).

DM of the Rings is excellent because, frankly, it's the first, but I feel the humor flows much better in Darths and Droids - probably because they didn't feel as shackled by the basic plot and structure... which was, I admit, one of the defining jokes of DMotR, but one that I didn't enjoy as much.

I'm guessing it's at least partially that, although I don't get most of the references in FiD, the fact that the D-and-D and Friendship-is-Dragons players and GM are all having fun (more or less) instead of constantly unhappy about what they're doing makes the comic more fun. At least that's my guess. But I still must hand it to DM of the Rings that they took on such a huge project and finished it pretty well is an amazing thing. That and they spawned an entire genre!

I suppose in some ways, it's kind of like Shakespeare for me: I know his stuff is important and I can technically tell that the writing's great, but his characters irritate me to no end with their incredibly wishy-washy-back-and-forth bemoaning of everything added to their constant making-the-wrong-decisions makes me go "ugh" whenever I read his stuff, skilled writing aside.

Anyway, enough with me rambling... for now. :)

[Tev]

I can't decide if today's Shortpacked (http://www.shortpacked.com/2013/comic/book-15/01-about-face/earworm/) brightened my day or ruined it. Only time will tell if I can get it out of my head or not.

[tacticslion]

Order of the Stick.

... so... Xykon, huh. Yeah.

It's funny how I totally predicted this (to myself and in my mind), but am still completely surprised because it wasn't how I predicted this. Well played, Mr. Burlew.

Also, nice use of coloring as the panels continue. It actually makes me wonder just how much of the events are actually illusion.

[phil_]

It actually makes me wonder just how much of the events are actually illusion.Everything from when they opened the door. They triggered a trap, hence the glowing runes in the last panel.

[Amake]

I hope it's not Roy's private illusion, although then I wonder what Belkar is seeing.

What a pity, too. Here it seemed like a perfect opportunity to talk things through with Redcloak and get that diplomatic victory I've been wishing for since I read Start of Darkness. Which at this point may only have to involve some sort of peace treaty with Gobbotopia.

[tacticslion]

Everything from when they opened the door. They triggered a trap, hence the glowing runes in the last panel.

The question is not if the trap activated... it's when and by who? See, I'm wondering if Xykon is really their just watching the Order (and/or Redcloak?) chill out under the illusion, or if it was since the OotS entered the room in general (which I suspect isn't true because they look pretty far away from the "door" that would be to their right, otherwise).

I hope it's not Roy's private illusion, although then I wonder what Belkar is seeing.

I suspect that what we just witnessed was Roy's private illusion, and that each have their own, though I can't say for sure.

What a pity, too. Here it seemed like a perfect opportunity to talk things through with Redcloak and get that diplomatic victory I've been wishing for since I read Start of Darkness. Which at this point may only have to involve some sort of peace treaty with Gobbotopia.

Eh... based off of his behavior at Gobbotopia, I'm pretty sure that Redcloak isn't ever going to get "redeemed", at least not in that way: he's too fanatical (and awesome). At most, I'd guess there's going to be some sort of truce in which he ends up killed, but Gobbotopia is recognized anyway. There will likely be some sort of official recognition of Gobbotopia at some point in the comic, but the OotS is hardly in the position to guarantee or enact that sort of thing.

[Amake]

Well, it's not like Redcloak's plan involve his personal redemption or even survival. But I figured if they got a chance to talk Roy would be pretty on board with the idea of humanoid rights for goblins, and they could work out something that doesn't involve threatening to destroying creation and killing the souls of everyone who's ever lived.

And then there wouldn't be anything for them to fight over. And then Belkar would kill Redcloak anyway. And then Roy would execute him.

[tacticslion]

Well, it's not like Redcloak's plan involve his personal redemption or even survival. But I figured if they got a chance to talk Roy would be pretty on board with the idea of humanoid rights for goblins, and they could work out something that doesn't involve threatening to destroying creation and killing the souls of everyone who's ever lived.

And then there wouldn't be anything for them to fight over. And then Belkar would kill Redcloak anyway. And then Roy would execute him.

Heh, I could see that, but I'm sot sure Roy is going to purposefully be the death of Belkar (though it's a twist I could see Burlew using). Also, given the events of the dungeon with the goblin kids, the fact that Haley fought so long against the goblins, and OotS's alliance with the Sapphire Guard, I'm hard pressed to see Gobbotopia being "okay" by them without some substantial character growth later (which, I admit, could be around the corner).

One interesting idea is that Belker himself could be the originator of the "accepting the goblins" idea within OotS. He's certainly showing signs of redemption and regret... interestingly just before his inevitable death, too. Again, I don't know about him ever fully being redeemed, but I could see him becoming chaotic neutral instead of out-and-out evil... especially with the earlier comic showing what happened with an enhanced wisdom. It was a joke, true, but that's establishment that Belker does have that character within him.

One interesting idea, though, is that Tarquin may be the ultimate source of legitimacy for Gobbotopia. I don't suspect that this will happen, but it's certainly something I could see happening as a possibility. He's already proven to be above speciesism (or whatever you'd call that) with Malak, and he'd likely be entirely fine with having a (distinctly over-seas, and thus non-rival) allied evil empire.

Personally, I'm really interested to see how far things will go before Malak destroys or betrays Nale, Durkon heads back home (alive or undead), and Belker actually dies for good. All of which are pretty solidly set up at this point.

So, prediction time:
* Durkon: now that he's dead, will he, personally, be responsible for the destruction of his people, or will it be, say, his undead spawn or some creature summoned while he is evil that will do so? I'm going to guess it's the former, and that might prevent him from accepting resurrection (or, alternatively, might force him into it to fight). I'm also curious when Thor and Hecate will notice the switch (and to whom he's dealing with right now, for his spells).
* Belker: evil when he inevitably dies, or doing something heroic? Or both? Or neither? Will he become an undead? Will he be undone by the Snarl? I... really have no call on this, at all. I can honestly see it going pretty much every direction.
* Redcloak/Xykon: when will they arrive? When will the betrayal be revealed? Given Elan's propensity to be correct, I'm going to guess for the latter question, not until the last Snarl.

[Ryanderman]

Hyperbole and a Half is back. At least for now. The newest post is tragic, and heart wrenching, and hilarious. I'm just glad she's still alive.

She's got a book coming out in October too. So that'll be neat.

[phil_]

Hyperbole and a Half is back. At least for now. The newest post is tragic, and heart wrenching, and hilarious. I'm just glad she's still alive.That last drawing is truly words to live by.

[Intern Nin]

Queen Cymbal. Just... Queen Cymbal (http://cucumber.gigidigi.com/cq/page-339/).

[Amake]

One of these years, Tracy will give in and divide Lackadaisy in plot-comics and fun-comics instead of "proper" and "mini-" comics. Because it's actually a massive comic with all the hallmark craftsmanship, research and wit of any Lackadaisy strip, except it's a story about Rocky and Mordecai having waffles and dadaism for lunch. Which while it may not happen in accordance with the overarching story is arguably a decisive and momentous moment such as to outshine even the regular moonshining shenanigans in terms of deep lasting cultural impact because, to reiterate, it's a Lackadaisy strip about Rocky and Mordecai eating waffles and talking philosophy.

[Arhra]

Oh my gooosh Kat, I don't think that letter was from a robot!

[Odjn]

I don't know how I feel about kat/paz!

[Loyal]

It's been a long, long time coming, but Elan finally has his moment completely unmitigated by outside factors.

[Aldurin]

It's been a long, long time coming, but Elan finally has his moment completely unmitigated by outside factors.

Yeah, it's great that he's the one of all people to see through the illusion. Though I wonder what Belkar was perceiving after he "died".

[Amake]

It's said the person who reads stories lives a thousand lifetimes. That's only the start for a bard, whose intimate knowledge of how stories work can give some insight in the shape of the world; an awareness of truth based on filling in the space of lies surrounding it. Elan here uses only his basic tools of perception, and that's enough to determine that his entire life has become a lie.

Bards: The most, most overpowered class.

[phil_]

I wonder what Belkar was perceiving after he "died".The Abyss. Or Tarterus. Either way he's in psycho-Hell. Might be a learning experience, might be a throw-away gag in the first panel of the next strip.

[Seil]

HELLO ALL! I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW, BUT THERE IS A FABULOUS WEB COMIC OF INTERNETS CALLED "GO GET A ROOMIE" WHERE IN THE BEGINNING THE ARTS AND STORY ARE IFFY BUT TOTALLY LGBTASTIC IN THE LATER BITS SO READ ON AND UPDATES MONDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY OH MY GOLLY! (http://www.gogetaroomie.com/index.php?id=32)

[Amake]

It has boobs too, if you need more reasons to read it. It's easily among the best ongoing comics I've read: Witty, earnest, sweet, sometimes educational, sad and yet joyful, or maybe playful is the word. The comic, its author and its characters to me seem to almost embody Hob Gadling's life philosophy - it's not a joke, but don't take it too seriously.

[Amake]

Kat and Paz sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g.

[Arhra]

Well Elan, looks like it's possible to be a bit too genre-savvy.

[Loyal]

Good to see that "wasting time" is not among whatever faults King Radical possesses.

[Arhra]

Good to see that "wasting time" is not among whatever faults King Radical possesses.

I'd vote for him!

[Loyal]

Sorry, but Kefka is no longer the best character in Captain SNES.

[Aldurin]

So hey, for those of you on Homestuck withdrawals, or are just interested in a new webcomic that doesn't set the trend for cosplaying or have a curriculum of backlog then take a look at Olympus Overdrive (http://www.olympusoverdrive.com/). I compare it to Homestuck because it does the "update whenever, but often" thing, and when the update isn't standard comic format then it's flash format with fire emblemesque dialogue stuff and whatnot. It also does the whole "game that alters reality but no one bothers to explain how" thing, but less obfuscated because it's basically a modern application of Greek mythology, so it's actually very easy to pick up on and actually pretty interesting for what has been shown so far.

[Arcanum]

Well fuck, now I'm caught up and craving more. Thanks a lot Al.

[Aldurin]

Ok, Awkward Zombie should just level up already, this slew of Fire Emblem comics has been too good.

Also today's xkcd is fantastic.

[Mr.Bookworm]

NOOTS! (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0894.html)

Well trolled, Girard.

Although I think there's some sort of double layered inception bullshit going on. Girard's super-epic boss illusion was broken waaaaaay too easily. It would make sense if there was another layer; the world just as it normally is, but without the gate.

Alternatively, the gate could still be in that room, it's just inside of the cube or whatever.

[phil_]

I came here to comment on Erfworld and how I'm going to miss Xin's art compared to the artists before and after her (not that those guys are bad, she's just really good). But that OotS,, man, wow. That's a hell of an anti-climax. I couldn't do better.

[Aldurin]

NOOTS! (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0894.html)

Well trolled, Girard.

Although I think there's some sort of double layered inception bullshit going on. Girard's super-epic boss illusion was broken waaaaaay too easily. It would make sense if there was another layer; the world just as it normally is, but without the gate.

Alternatively, the gate could still be in that room, it's just inside of the cube or whatever.

Not really, remember that Speak with Dead revealed that the gate is between Girard's buttcheeks. Once the crack open the Girard statue then it will all be clear (I've seen this solution coming for a while, just nice to see the sheer degree of rabbit-holes going on in the pyramid).

[Menarker]

Captain Snes: Samus/Golbez team-up is awesome.

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

To be technical the rift was reported to lay between Girard's buttcheeks.
Roy really should have learned to be more careful about how he asked questions.

[Loyal]

Captain Snes: Samus/Golbez team-up is awesome.

The comic's gonna be so rad when all the sane and sorrow-resistant people team up together.

[Gregness]

The comic's gonna be so rad when all the sane and sorrow-resistant people team up together.

In like 15 years.

[tacticslion]

In like 15 years.

Only? You're being optimistic, I see! (I kid, I kid. I love the heck out of that comic.)

[Amake]

Order of the Stick: The cliffhanger.

Dr McNinja: The cliffhangerier.

http://www.depressioncomix.com/: What Hard has been up to since quitting Sexy Losers, and I only found out today. I've always thought his guy's comics show a great deal of sensitivity, enlightenment, wisdom and compassion. (Maybe not the one about Spider-man failing to get to the bathroom in time.) There's a kind of stubbornly bitter faith in humanity at work, probably no one's surprised to learn he's a schoolteacher, and it makes his jokes about depression really cool. In my opinion.

[Loyal]

Two OotS comics have been released in fairly quick succession, so check out 898.