Webcomics!

[dex]

While PoolMan's recent shout for podcasts didn't generate too many results, I'm optimistic this time. Have we not countless experts on sequential art here?

Does anyone else read Erfworld? What webcomics do you enjoy?

[PoolMan]

I tried Erfworld, I really did. But I just couldn't stay with it... I really didn't like the central character, and it didn't stick.

I love Sluggy Freelance and Schlock Mercenary for much the same reasons - deeply serial comic sci-fi seriously appeals to me. Penny Arcade satisfies my urge for video game related humour (and their all too infrequent podcasts are the nectar of the gods). XKCD is good for reminding me that I once went to a technical school.

[dex]

Oct 16, 2009 11:08:45 GMT -5 PoolMan said:

I tried Erfworld, I really did. But I just couldn't stay with it... I really didn't like the central character, and it didn't stick.

Really? He becomes quite complex with time, especially after Book 1, and there are other well developed POVs as well. When I first tried Erfworld, I gave up very early on, because I didn't get the style. Well, can't debate taste. How far did you read?

I love Sluggy Freelance and Schlock Mercenary for much the same reasons - deeply serial comic sci-fi seriously appeals to me.

Sounds good, I'll try it. [Edit: So far I love Schlock! 2nd Edit: Been reading it exclusively. "Loving it" is to puny an expression. Schlock. Chupaqueso. The Longshoreman Of The Apocalypse. I'm actually in love.] Since you talk about "deeply serial" and go on to very famous webcomics, let me mention Freefall as well. That touches on some fundamental, thoughtful SF topics. And pie fights with French ninja waiters.

Penny Arcade satisfies my urge for video game related humour (and their all too infrequent podcasts are the nectar of the gods). XKCD is good for reminding me that I once went to a technical school.

All true. Everyone should read (and hear) those. xkcd is essential; for every discussion anywhere online, there's a relevant strip.

[Rett Mikhal]

No love for VG Cats?

I've met the artist personally. Interesting guy... Hard to describe. Let's just say I wouldn't share a room with him.

I've also met the author of Ctrl-Alt-Delete several times and can tell you confidently he's an egotistical jerk. I'm pretty sure he thinks he's god and tributes should be made to him for his webcomic, which I honestly can't recommend because it starts off slow, the good stuff is outdated, and everything past 2005 is AWFUL. It's sad when a one-note gaming comic turns to long, stupid storylines that go nowhere.

If you're wondering; yes, Ctrl-Alt-Delete is the webcomic that lost 3/4 of its fanbase after one of the characters had a miscarriage in a storyline that went on for 6 months. Obviously the author was met with a lot of criticism, which he obviously dismissed because he's an artist and makes money and thus is amazing.

I suppose I should suggest some more.

For humor: www.sinfest.net/ Despite the name, the art is all rated G, but the dialog isn't.

For story: www.dominic-deegan.com/

I think sinfest has also descended into long winded stories. Dominic Deegan has always been about long plot arcs, but that's what it's supposed to be good for. Like all web comics, it starts slow, and some of the plots are REALLY slow. I generally don't check it every day and wait a year or two and then catch up.

[PoolMan]

I used to read VG Cats. Then the abortion gags started. No matter which side of the fence you're on with that issue, you don't really need abortion-related humour in your video game comic.

And CtrlAltDel lost me loooooong before the miscarriage thing. I wasn't offended. I was wildly bored with it. He writes like an egomaniac.

[Rett Mikhal]

I completely agree with you there, as I mentioned the storylines were LOONG. The first one started in mid-summer and didn't finish til the NEW YEAR, and it was about a housefire, so it probably took place in the space of less than 48 hours. Assuming four updates a week, for nearly thirty weeks, that's 120 comics progressing these TWO DAYS of storyline. That means each strip should have taken about 10 seconds in real time. Add to this his infamous love of too many words and those 10 seconds don't fit in. At all.

His forum also contained more drama than the comic, with several 'holocausts' of members he simply didn't like, and very, VERY arrogant moderators who took to their job in a way even a mall cop would find too extreme. Like actually put your family second over your job as a forum moderator.

Back on track:

8-Bit Theater is a classic, though extremely time consuming (1100+ strips, and all lengthy). But it's worth it, the dialog between characters is GREAT.

I've met the author of that comic, and he's an amazingly nice guy. He even helped me at the front desk of the hotel when they were refusing my ID, even though he didn't know me. My friend just mentioned he was the guy and he felt the need to help his fans.