WCT Nov 2-6, 2009

[sitnspin]

LTK, glad to know I am not the only one who thought it was Marten at first. I had to go back when Dora called for Marten, I was a bit confused at first.




As a side point, the Death Note fan is cute.

[syrupykeyboard]

Marigold should get contacts.  Not that her priorities involve fashion in any way, but she really does look better without those glasses.

Or at least glasses with round frames.

[Heliphyneau]

OK, this whole Nrrd Con arc has been made of win.    About Hanners' blood-fear, I think it was her going "AUGH!" in the final panel, though we don't see her.  Her concern for Marigold distracted her at first -- now she may need another distraction (cue Dora telling Hanners to stare at Marten instead).

So Faye must be working at CoD during all this, but I'm wondering if Angus will show up at the con . . . perhaps cosplaying as Sousuke-kun, since he liked Magical Love Gentleman so much?  And awkwardness re-ensues . . .

[Moxie]

^Re: Hanners' blood-fear
In the last panel, I took it as Dora making the comment about the clot, Marigold going "augh!" and Hanners offering to go get the paper towels.
A healthy and helpful way for her to remove herself from the blood scene.

[LeeC]

Im not a big fan of anime or manga but I do know what the symbolism of nose bleeding is  and marigold must have been at maximum to have thrown a cloth.

[Heliphyneau]

^Re: Hanners' blood-fear
In the last panel, I took it as Dora making the comment about the clot, Marigold going "augh!" and Hanners offering to go get the paper towels.
A healthy and helpful way for her to remove herself from the blood scene.

That could well be, yes.  One thing is certain, though: Marigold's hoodie is ruined.

[Is it cold in here?]

I hope someone gets a picture of Marigold like she is in panel 3. It might help her believe that she's pretty.

[snubnose]

Err so whats with all the "I know what nose-bleeding is" ?

*goes check Wikipedia*

[snubnose]

Wikipedia knew nothing.

But Google had no issue clearing things up !

[LeeC]

hurray for internet!  I kinda wish dora used that spray paint stuff on marten but it looks more like a wig.

[AnkhWL]

I kind of want that "ANIMES!" shirt from the chick in the background. Hmm.

[The Duke]

me too Duke, but the thought of paparazzi makes me not want to be famous at the same time.

being a webcomic artist, no matter how famous, usually doesnt draw papparazzi. at most, you'll get a few interviews.

I don't think being a webcomic artist counts as being "famous".

you just COMPLETELY missed my point, didn't you?

...apparently.

*stands up and raises hands*

My bad.

[Akima]

I kind of want that "ANIMES!" shirt from the chick in the background. Hmm.

Oh god, don't start with the plurals thing again! 

[Dliessmgg]

We can't because Wiki says there is no plural to start with. 

[Tuitsuro]

'Anime' is a bastardization of a bastardization (Of Japanimation, and of Japanese Animation respectively) and I'm pretty sure there's a linguistic rule stating that double bastards in the English language can use whatever plurals they damn well please, since they're already sticking their middle finger up at the language as a whole anyway. 

[Kugai]

Marten's gonna have to wear a disguise around the place for at least the next 12 Comics now.   

Marigold does look a lot cuter without her glasses though.






And now for something completely different
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIAdHEwiAy8&feature=fvst

[Near Lurker]

'Anime' is a bastardization of a bastardization (Of Japanimation, and of Japanese Animation respectively) and I'm pretty sure there's a linguistic rule stating that double bastards in the English language can use whatever plurals they damn well please, since they're already sticking their middle finger up at the language as a whole anyway.  

That's not really true.  "Anime" has nothing to do with "Japanimation"; that's just a term the marketing execs came up when no one would have known what "anime" was.  It's a shortening of "Animeeshon," a loanword form English meaning - oh, guess.  If you watch subbed anime, you'll hear it when they're talking about animation, from any country; for example, in the opening rant of Haruhi, Kyon says "anime" and "manga," which is kept in the dub, but translated as "cartoons" and "comic books" on the subtitles since they wouldn't necessarily be Japanese.  We just use the Japanese word for Japanese cartoons.

[Heranje]

I'm now trying to figure out what "Double Bastards" would be a good name for.

[ndperfesser]

So if more than one louse is lice
And more than one mouse is mice
Is more than one spouse, spice?
 

[epoch]

I guess I'm the only one who thinks Marigold is cuter with her glasses on...

[Akima]

I guess I'm the only one who thinks Marigold is cuter with her glasses on...

The frames do nothing for her... 

[akronnick]

So if more than one louse is lice
And more than one mouse is mice
Is more than one spouse, spice?
 

Nice!


DISAPPROVING ALTERNATE QUIP!!!!!11!!1!!!!!!!1!!!ONE!!

So if more than one louse is lice
And more than one mouse is mice
Is more than one spouse, spice?
 

No. That's polygamy. 

[skine]

I'm now trying to figure out what "Double Bastards" would be a good name for.

Beer.

[Miakaru]

Am I the only one that noticed the tuft of pubic hair peeking from Marten's pants? I've heard of low rider jeans, but that's ridiculous. Also, I have to now go scrub my brain at the thought of encountering a guy in public doing that    And why are his nipples circles?

Also, Deathnote shirt, Haruhi Jacket, Nrrd Con shirt, and a porcupine something shirt with domo-kun on it. Looking to increase your variety of merchandise, Jeph?

I bet 2 internets the take will be 500-750

The "porcupine something shirt" is a Porcupine Tree shirt. They're a Prog Rock/Metal band. The domo thing is just his wallet.

[Carl-E]

The domo thing is just his wallet.

Actually, I think it might be an autograph book.  Do people still use those? 

[the_shankmaster]

I'm wondering if Angus will show up at the con . . . perhaps cosplaying as Sousuke-kun, since he liked Magical Love Gentleman so much?  And awkwardness re-ensues . . .

This.

I guess I'm the only one who thinks Marigold is cuter with her glasses on...

No, I'm with you.

[raoullefere]

Rotate your vowels ...

UK, of yua sey su. O'm nut sari whet thos os sappusid tu eccumplosh, thuagh.

Ot's pruvodid mi woth thi Fynnoist thong O've ried ell wiik.

That's not pubes, that's his happy trail.

God as my witness, I didn't notice the lack of shirt until I saw Jeph's stab at the Magical Love Gentleman. Pink shirt, white collar, my brain said.

[Is it cold in here?]

Oh, Marigold is certainly cute, but it's easier to see how pretty she is without the glasses. I say this as someone who likes glasses on attractive women.

[snubnose]

I'm kinda disappointed now.

Whats happening to Marten next ?

[ysth]

Since this, I've been waiting for the official apology to Oscar Wilde.  I suspect it'll be a bit of a wait.

[Carl-E]

Oh, Wil...

One's first real job is always a shock, I guess.  But his view on what his life should be had me giggling.  It's hard to tell if his tongue's in his cheek, or if his foot's in his mouth.  A little of both, I hope, but a self-aware ass is a rare thing.  Penny doesn't seem too happy about being called "normal"...

It must have been Henry and Maurice's party the night before that left him so wiped out.  Is he the one responsible for the umbrella in Faye's drink?  Are patrons allowed to punch the server if he screws up their order?  

[Mr_Rose]

I'm kinda disappointed now.

Whats happening to Marten next ?

He tries to bleach the blue dye out of his hair and ends up looking like blonde!Dora took to wearing chest bindings.

[Is it cold in here?]

With an opening to call him "abnormal", Faye relented and made a quip about liberal arts colleges instead. (She studied art, I wonder if she went to one herself.)

Faye is mellowing or is having an off day.

Wil is sticking with his job even though it's hard. Good for him.

It was unlike Pennelope to say "YOU kind" instead of "YOUR kind". Probably just a typo, but jarring.

[Blackjoker]

I wonder if Wils comment is part of a personal self defense, be as self effacing as he can to make snark assaults less likely, any knowledge about Faye might have caused him to go for this.

Then again, Faye might just not be going to hard on him since she figures if he's trying to improve himself mocking him while he does it probably won't do any good.

[Binary]

The frames do nothing for her... 

"My eyes! The goggles do nothing!"

(oh, Akima - have you checked your messages lately?)

It's hard to tell if his tongue's in his cheek, or if his foot's in his mouth.  A little of both, I hope,

And his cock's in an arse, apparently...

[Border Reiver]

Yesterday's poll results.

What's next?

Marten staring at his cut going "Damn"  6 (10.2%)
Marten standing there looking really uncomfortable going, "Do you realize how many creepy guys gave me a hug?"  29 (49.2%)
Beer  15 (25.4%)
Marten taking off to nuke the site from orbit - it's the only way to be sure.  9 (15.3%)
   
Total Voters: 59

I do feel for Wil, in a sucks to have a job you don't care for sort of way, but man, his preferred means of making a living makes me alternately envious (save the sodomy and opium part) and angry (you expect to be paid for that?)

[mdclxvis]

i am liking the slightly new art style. Penelope and Faye look really good in todays strip. Penelope really looks like she has evolved a lot in Jeph's latest style modification, anyone agree?

keep up the great work Jeph! I hope we all make up for the "massive amounts of self-loathing" somewhat!

[Random832]

'Anime' is a bastardization of a bastardization (Of Japanimation, and of Japanese Animation respectively)

Um, what? No. "Japanimation" was a made-up term that had some currency for a while early on, but "Anime" is not in fact derived from it. It's derived from the actual Japanese word for animated stuff.

I'm now trying to figure out what "Double Bastards" would be a good name for.

A band; what else?

[Delirium]

now what does Jeph have to loath himself over

[raoullefere]

Somehow, I think trying to serve a horde of alcohol-crazed partiers is a bit more demanding than a horde of caffeine-suckers. Or do people barf more in coffee shops than I am aware of?

Speaking of which (hurling), it's also my general experience that those who have little for which to loathe themselves  are those who are best at it, while people who should projectile-vomit at the sight of themselves tend to preen in the mirror.

[Border Reiver]

I'm now trying to figure out what "Double Bastards" would be a good name for.

Beer.

Where can I find this beer?  Who brews it? and Is it any good?

[Shteevie]

'Anime' is a bastardization of a bastardization (Of Japanimation, and of Japanese Animation respectively)

Um, what? No. "Japanimation" was a made-up term that had some currency for a while early on, but "Anime" is not in fact derived from it. It's derived from the actual Japanese word for animated stuff.

Except that "anime" is an abbreviation of the word "animation" as used in the Japanese language. Dissimilarly, "manga" is an not abbreviation/bastardization of "magazine" as I have heard stated by otaku or other enthusiasts before.

Languages steal words from others all the time. Examples in English include "robot," "forte," or "booze." The term for this is simply "borrowing," or "loanwords."

Because I have shown an ability to use wikipedia to my nefarious fact-checking ends, you should be able to as well.

And all I really wanted to say when I came here was that I am happy to see the comic return to the cafe [another loanword!]. It feels like it's been a while since we've been there, even if that impression is not really accurate.

[Darke]

I like that even when Wil is stressed and tired and in a foul mood he still finds time to be polite.

[Random832]

'Anime' is a bastardization of a bastardization (Of Japanimation, and of Japanese Animation respectively)

Um, what? No. "Japanimation" was a made-up term that had some currency for a while early on, but "Anime" is not in fact derived from it. It's derived from the actual Japanese word for animated stuff.

Except that "anime" is an abbreviation of the word "animation" as used in the Japanese language.

Exactly. Tuitsuro was saying it was an english abbreviation of the english word "Japanimation".

[Mr_Rose]

Sorry to stray off topic for a moment, but Penne-lope is looking great today (esp. panel two - don't see many shots from that angle), when I remember to look at her.

P.S. Does that happen to anyone else? I know she's there, I can read her dialogue, but I don't process her appearance unless I remember to specifically.

[Kugai]

Ahhhh, poor Wil - Born too late (and in the wrong country) to be one of Wilde's 'Muses' 

Knowing Pen-Pen, she'll make him stick it out - Until he runs away again on his Motorcycle.

[Tuitsuro]

Um, what? No. "Japanimation" was a made-up term that had some currency for a while early on, but "Anime" is not in fact derived from it. It's derived from the actual Japanese word for animated stuff.

Except that "anime" is an abbreviation of the word "animation" as used in the Japanese language.

Exactly. Tuitsuro was saying it was an english abbreviation of the english word "Japanimation".

It's not as though there's any real way to know for sure.  However, the term manga in Japanese originally referred to both comics and animations from Japan; and it wasn't until Japanese animation began to be exported abroad in the `70s, and the term Japanimation was picked up in the states, that the term anime began to see use over in Japan.  And in fact, neither the US nor Japan saw much use of the term until the 90s; thanks partly due to the internet making anime more mainstream. 

[TheHappyBerry]

'Anime' is a bastardization of a bastardization (Of Japanimation, and of Japanese Animation respectively)

Um, what? No. "Japanimation" was a made-up term that had some currency for a while early on, but "Anime" is not in fact derived from it. It's derived from the actual Japanese word for animated stuff.

Except that "anime" is an abbreviation of the word "animation" as used in the Japanese language. Dissimilarly, "manga" is an not abbreviation/bastardization of "magazine" as I have heard stated by otaku or other enthusiasts before.

Languages steal words from others all the time. Examples in English include "robot," "forte," or "booze." The term for this is simply "borrowing," or "loanwords."

Because I have shown an ability to use wikipedia to my nefarious fact-checking ends, you should be able to as well.

And all I really wanted to say when I came here was that I am happy to see the comic return to the cafe [another loanword!]. It feels like it's been a while since we've been there, even if that impression is not really accurate.

Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes.

"The problem with defending the purity of the English language is that English is about as pure as a cribhouse whore. We don’t just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary."
--James D. Nicoll

[snubnose]

So whats so specifically english-y about this statement ?

German also borrows words all the time.

Our Walkmen are called Walkman too. There is no more german word for this.

I just recently learned that the correct german term for deficit spending is .. guess what, deficit spending. Or alternatively "schuldenfinanziertes Konjunkturprogramm" which is way too long.



Anyway, where is the Comic ?? Waaaah !

[Dliessmgg]

The difference is that Germans sometimes glue words together to avoid borrowed words. Sometimes they do it because there's no word to borrow. And sometimes they do it for giggles.