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Wil and Penelope.

4 (6.3%)

Pizza Girl!

11 (17.5%)

Dora and Tai.

13 (20.6%)

Dora and Tai bring along Raven (as a chaperone).

14 (22.2%)

Sven crashes the party.

2 (3.2%)

Gabby's older brother... DALE.

12 (19%)

Cosette's roommate Luna.

1 (1.6%)

Emily's AnthroPC.

0 (0%)

Some yet-unknown character.

2 (3.2%)

Space Station makes a holo-visit!

2 (3.2%)

Enough partygoers! GIT 'ER ON!

2 (3.2%)

Total Members Voted: 61

[Kugai]

Just make sure to get the regular shots and health checks.

[Tova]

I'll take "inexplicable non sequiturs" for $20 Alex.

[Vurogj]

Judging from previous depictions of Faye's scar, I'm pretty sure those are just dots, and not lines across - it simply looks like lines due to the size of the image.

I zoomed in for research purposes, and they appear to be lines across in that strip. Offhand I can't think of any archive strips with as good a view (of the scar, obviously). As far as dots vs lines go, I would expect to see dots. The scar on my mum's wrist (she missed a door handle and put her arm through the door window while drunk in her 20's) still has visible dots decades later.

[TheoGB]

Women who complain are ostracised in all cultures.

There is a very strong tendency to assume that marriage means the same thing, and "works" the same way in all cultures. This is not true. The assumption in IDUHG's posting is that how the couple feels is the most important factor. In many cultures, this is given a much lower priority than in the Western world. In Chinese culture, for example, family stability, continuity, prosperity, and the raising of children, have traditionally been a far higher priority than romantic love, or personal fulfilment, and to a large extent this remains true now.

As a member of an ethnic and cultural minority which has significantly different priorities in, and attitudes to, marriage from those generally held in Australia, I have observed that this is yet another area where we just can't win, and the narrow limits of cultural acceptance are demonstrated all too clearly. If you're a member of a minority group that exhibits what are generally regarded as "social pathologies", such as family breakdown, high levels of divorce and abandonment, children performing poorly at school and dropping out early etc. then the mainstream is thoroughly censorious, but if your group has lower incidences of these bad outcomes than average in your society, you can't expect to receive any credit. Instead, the goalposts will be shifted, and your courtships, marriages, and families will be condescendingly stigmatised as somehow really being miserable and bad, despite producing results that are generally regarded as positive when achieved by members of the majority population.

Not that particularly disagree with your main thrust, the idea that romance is important has only become a 'Western' thing within the last 100 years maybe. Although class has a lot to do with this so maybe it's that disparity in European culture that caused the change. Certainly in the upper and middle classs it would be common for people to be forced to marry someone their parents approved of because it was their parents' money they were expected to inherit and use. I'd say much of this move toward marrying out of love comes from the middle classes who tend to force the revolution side of things.

[Soulsynger]

edit: Wooooh, comic!

Clinton without glasses looks oddly delicious. °O

And also... perspective is really hard. (last two panels)

[Akima]

There is nothing wrong with a tight pair of Budgie Smugglers! It's unAustralian for a guy to wear baggy trunks, unless he's surfing.

[AngryCallCenterAgent]

Jeph? Methinks you forgot to color Clinton's cyborg hand. And I suppose it's only me because I just realized (I'm slow) that Claire and Clinton must be suffering from a very mild case of that anti-aging disorder (not sure what it's named at the moment, again I'm slow).

[Rockman]

Jeph? Methinks you forgot to color Clinton's cyborg hand.

It's mostly obscured but still there - you can see his right wrist, sort of gray-white with a seam separating it from the rest of his body, tucked under his left arm.

...and I'm imagining Dan Aykroyd pointing this out on a zoomed image on a paranormal mysteries TV show.  My brain's pretty weird this early in the morning.  Weirder.

[pwhodges]

There is nothing wrong with a tight pair of Budgie Smugglers! It's unAustralian for a guy to wear baggy trunks, unless he's surfing.

Quite; brief-style swimming trunks have always been the norm in my mind, with baggy shorts being more of a style item.  I have been bemused by the occasional disparaging remarks in the comic and this forum (and PJ) about wearing "Speedos".  Speedo is just a brand, of course, and I wouldn't use the word to indicate the style of trunks (though I guess it's no different from my use of Hoover for vacuum cleaner), nor would I think it odd for Marten (or Clinton) to have a pair.

[Schmorgluck]

Not that particularly disagree with your main thrust, the idea that romance is important has only become a 'Western' thing within the last 100 years maybe.

It's a bit older than that, I think: the conflict between arranged marriages and romance (with the latter presented in a positive light against the former) has been a key plot point in many European plays as far back as the 17th century.


Anyway, about today's comic, there's something that puzzles me: Who the hell brought Clinton?

Only Claire makes sense as an answer, but given what we've seen of their relationship, it doesn't make much sense. Unless their relationship is much more complex than we've been shown yet?

[pwhodges]

I can imagine them coming together, and shouting at each other continuously during the journey.  But maybe Clinton has his own moped and came on that.

[Border Reiver]

There is nothing wrong with a tight pair of Budgie Smugglers! It's unAustralian for a guy to wear baggy trunks, unless he's surfing.

Clinton's not an Aussie though is he? 

Also, certain swimsuit styles are not complementary to certain body types - and the banana hammock doesn't for those not built like Namor.

[Is it cold in here?]

It would have been a magnificent non sequitur for The Bros to have appeared.

Does this mean Marten doesn't consider Sven and Wil to be his friends? Or are they coming later?

[Toe]

Why wouldn't Emily have any friends? She doesn't withdraw from human contact (like Marigold) or use hedonism as a substitute (like Tai). She's pleasant and she's quirky, a combination many people enjoy.

Gabby doesn't seem to have any friends, either, or at least doesn't seem to have invited any.

Also, I'd almost be surprised if Steve doesn't have a ideally hydrodynamic swimsuit of his own.

[iduguphergrave]

Why is Clinton there? It doesn't seem natural that Claire would invite him when it's clear they don't like each other.

[Renewman]

I'm seriously hoping that Marten gets together with Gabby. They've already shown they are on good terms with each other and I can see something more sprouting from it. Also, the exchanges between her, Faye, Hanners, Mari, and Dora would be hilarious. 

[Madmartigan]

I'm seriously hoping that Marten gets together with Gabby. They've already shown they are on good terms with each other and I can see something more sprouting from it. Also, the exchanges between her, Faye, Hanners, Mari, and Dora would be hilarious. 

You're not the first to have brought that one up, but that relationship makes no sense to me.  He's interacted with her even less than Claire.

At any rate, I really wanna see what, I'm guessing weird suite Emily comes out in.  I just imagine it'll end up being normal though.....but maybe an incredibly skimpy bikini that draws eyes.  C'mon Marty.  You know you want an Asian bud.

[VonKleist]

What would be more shocking though.. normal swimsuit or fancy nineteenhundreds gear!?

[Barmymoo]

I think Emily will wear a perfectly normal one-piece, and you will all be disappointed. Also it feels a bit as though things are verging back on the edge of creepy here - "You know you want an Asian bud"? Can you hear how that sounds?

That is what I would consider to be a normal swimming costume for men, although possibly more common for children and professional swimmers I guess.

[VonKleist]

Bud as in Buddy or as in undeveloped plant shoot? 

[JRDelirio]

Emily may have directly, though innocently, said to Claire "and make sure you bring your brother, too".   

And yes, I attribute the high popularity of the men's board shorts and the scorn for the banana-hammock in America to self-consciousness about our somewhat suboptimal physiques (= we're fat), so if you don't look like Greg Louganis or Michael Phelps, why wear a style that further draws attention to how badly you don't.  (OK, I could have said we feel we don't want a style that exposes how we come up short, but that could be interpreted other ways...)

[DSL]

Speaking as someone who prefers to wear baggy shorts AND a shirt to the beach ... yeah. However, my friends who've vacationed across the pond report that suboptimal physiques are no barrier to budgie smuggling. Or maybe there are fewer hangups (edit: heh) about it east of the Atlantic.

And I do love the contributions to wordplay found on this forum.

[pwhodges]

Bud as in Buddy or as in undeveloped plant shoot? 

After a moment's thought I took it as short for buddy, rather than the other (and its implications) - otherwise I would have commented, for sure.

[jwhouk]

Let's get the party STARTED! What's next?

Swimming and food and games and... uhm, yeah.    6 (7.8%)
Didn't you guys hear? It was supposed to be a costume party!    0 (0%)
Gabby openly wonders why Tai and Dora aren't there yet.    8 (10.4%)
Claire shows up - with her stupid brother in tow. ("I thought Hannelore would be here!")    5 (6.5%)
Meanwhile, Tai and Dora are stuck on the side of the road. Literally. (Tai wasn't paying attention...)    7 (9.1%)
Sven shows up.    3 (3.9%)
DALE shows up.    12 (15.6%)
Sven and Dale fight over Marigold!    3 (3.9%)
Marigold fights over the vintage copy of Super Mario World 2!    6 (7.8%)
Emily doesn't mention what she added to the punch.    7 (9.1%)
Elephants! Dragons! Hee eheeheheheheeeee!    1 (1.3%)
The snacks include Waffles, Spathe Ham - and BANANA SMOOTHIES!    2 (2.6%)
Someone give Jeph another piece of Nicorette or something.    4 (5.2%)
Seriously - if he has to draw 1,000 bonercats to stop smoking, DO EEEETTT!!!!    13 (16.9%)

Total Members Voted: 77

[Madmartigan]

I think Emily will wear a perfectly normal one-piece, and you will all be disappointed. Also it feels a bit as though things are verging back on the edge of creepy here - "You know you want an Asian bud"? Can you hear how that sounds?

That is what I would consider to be a normal swimming costume for men, although possibly more common for children and professional swimmers I guess.

Jeez.  Can we not joke here anymore?  Just a little joke, though in poor taste, of how Marten has dated a wide array and very different women, personality wise and ethnic group wise and a strange Asian could be next on his list.  And the fact that I love asians in general anyway.


As for the swim choice of Clinton.  Never understood the appeal of those types of swimsuits outside of competitive swim.  Can't stand the design.  Pretty much the sam reason I don't wear tighty whitties. Waaaayyy to confining and uncomfortable. 

As for Emily bikini hopes, I think her suit will turn out to be what Hanners will if its a bikini at all.  One of those conservative tops that doesn't flash much and the short short boyshort style of bottoms with the skirt thing design over the top. 

[Soulsynger]

Maybe the reason Claire, Gabby and Emily don't seem to have many friends is because, as freshmen, they're relatively new in town and these are the closest friendships they've developed so far... just a though.

[ ... ] (OK, I could have said we feel we don't want a style that exposes how we come up short, but that could be interpreted other ways...)

For most of us Europeans it seems to be a question of fashion.
For me it's one of comfort.
You know... I've never over-analyzed this before. Maybe I will later today. °O


Also my swimsuit bet money for Emily is on bikini. Simply because it would be oddly normal for her and therefore right up her "weird" alley.

[Madmartigan]

Emily may have directly, though innocently, said to Claire "and make sure you bring your brother, too".   

And yes, I attribute the high popularity of the men's board shorts and the scorn for the banana-hammock in America to self-consciousness about our somewhat suboptimal physiques (= we're fat), so if you don't look like Greg Louganis or Michael Phelps, why wear a style that further draws attention to how badly you don't.  (OK, I could have said we feel we don't want a style that exposes how we come up short, but that could be interpreted other ways...)

Well...I must say I'd rather not see another dude in essentially panty style swimming attire.  Particularly those who are incredibly...portly.  That's horrifying.  I don't know wanna see that at all.

Claire, Gabby, and Emily aren't freshman though.  Gabby certainly isn't at least.  She's a TA.  And freshman are never TAs.  Gabby is at least a junior.  Not sure on Claire and Emily though.  I'd bet they're at least sophomores.

[Method of Madness]

Re: Speedos - yes, it's a brand, but it's pretty much been generecized (like Band-Aid, Kleenex or Frisbee). As for the item of clothing itself, I suppose the scorn for Speedos can be attributed to the scorn for briefs rather than boxers. Someone who wears boxers wouldn't want to wear a bathing suit that's more revealing than their underwear unless they had a good reason.

Re: Martigan, they're all grad students.

[Barmymoo]

Madmartigan, joke away! It was just that particular joke sounded pretty racist to me - "an Asian"? Defining someone by their ethnicity is a bit demeaning.

Perhaps I am being over-sensitive though, that's up to the mods to consider.

[Madmartigan]

Re: Speedos - yes, it's a brand, but it's pretty much been generecized (like Band-Aid, Kleenex or Frisbee). As for the item of clothing itself, I suppose the scorn for Speedos can be attributed to the scorn for briefs rather than boxers. Someone who wears boxers wouldn't want to wear a bathing suit that's more revealing than their underwear unless they had a good reason.

Re: Martigan, they're all grad students.

Thanks for backing that up.  Couldn't remember for sure, but knew Gabby was up there in the college levels.  Emily just looks so young I imagine she could be confused as a freshman and Claire...welll.

Madmartigan, joke away! It was just that particular joke sounded pretty racist to me - "an Asian"? Defining someone by their ethnicity is a bit demeaning.

Perhaps I am being over-sensitive though, that's up to the mods to consider.

Pretty hard for me to be racist against Asians when I love them..  Studied Japanese a semester in college and picked up a minor in East Asian Studies in general.  I meant it more as, you know you want the Asian because god knows a cute Asian is pretty much my dream girl.   Half asians are even more attractive.  You may not have seen my posts when Emily was first introduced, but I was fairly giddy an asian was introduced.  It's only the small reason why she's a close second to Hanners for favorite character.

[Carl-E]

Claire stated they're all grad students (and that she's 24) - and generally, in the US, TA's are grad students as well. 

Also, I've only heard the term banana hammock in reference to something a little skimpier than a speedo type swimsuit - more along the lines of the male thong preferred by bodybuilders. 

Edit:  I see others remembered they were grad students.  I'm leaving this for the link, though. 

[Rockman]

Well...I must say I'd rather not see another dude in essentially panty style swimming attire.  Particularly those who are incredibly...portly.  That's horrifying.  I don't know wanna see that at all.

I think that's called tempting fate.

Both of the TA's at my archaeology field school were undergrads, though both upperclassmen (junior and senior I think?).  Same thing in a few of my lab classes.  But my university's grad school was on a separate campus and has more of a career focus, so that might've had something to do with it - I don't think it's normal for most universities.

[techkid]

There is nothing wrong with a tight pair of Budgie Smugglers! It's unAustralian for a guy to wear baggy trunks, unless he's surfing.

I'd probably be one of the few exceptions to the rule. I'd rather not expose too much of my hairy monkey legs upon the public ...

Clinton might not have the physique to wear 'em, but he does have the attitude. I'd say he's a bodybuilder that's still under construction ...

[pwhodges]

Madmartigan, joke away! It was just that particular joke sounded pretty racist to me - "an Asian"? Defining someone by their ethnicity is a bit demeaning.

I let "Asian" pass as meaning "someone with a background I am not familiar with" in this case rather than anything pejorative.  "Bud" I was less certain about, as my first thought was "ripe for the picking", which I would have considered unacceptable - but I decided (correctly, I hope) that it was simply short for "buddy". 

However, this does remind us of the need on an international forum like this not merely to consider the bounds of ones own taste, but also that those bounds might well be different from those of other people.  Even when joking.

[Carl-E]

Re: the robotic hand.  Though I'm sure it's properly waterproofed, he probably removes it (as he does his glasses) for swimming.  I think you're seeing the attachment site, because with the other hand hidden, you should see that hand above the arms (in a normal folding). 

I'm sure at one point it fell off in a pool, and he'd rather not dredge the lake - although it could crawl out by itself in autonomous mode, I suppose. 


After assaulting several of the girls...

[Madmartigan]

Madmartigan, joke away! It was just that particular joke sounded pretty racist to me - "an Asian"? Defining someone by their ethnicity is a bit demeaning.

I let "Asian" pass as meaning "someone with a background I am not familiar with" in this case rather than anything pejorative.  "Bud" I was less certain about, as my first thought was "ripe for the picking", which I would have considered unacceptable - but I decided (correctly, I hope) that it was simply short for "buddy". 

However, this does remind us of the need on an international forum like this not merely to consider the bounds of ones own taste, but also that those bounds might well be different from those of other people.  Even when joking.

Ugh.  This is the problem at internet forums and society at large.  The confusion of what "bud" means confuses the heck out of me.  I guess it must be strictly American lingo as it generally means 2 things, 95% of the time.  You wanna "bud" as in nasty watered down beer or "bud" as in buddy/dude/bro.  I guess the confusion stemmed from forgetting the comma before "bud". 

And Asian was referencing Emily and I find it offensive that it'd be construed as being even tiny bit racist.  Poor phrasing, but racist?  Really?


I meant it in a good way.  As in, Marten would be stupid not going for the cute asian.  Much like one would be stupid not going for a Brazilian. 

Sorry.  Just a sore spot for me when people think even the smallest something in an insult to an entire ethnic race.  It causes more problems in the world than actual insults with intent to demean.  PC has a purpose, but it's often taken to the extreme in my experience...

I'll leave it there as the comment was essentially supposed to be a throw away and an offhanded compliment to Emily and one reason why I like her.  Her being asian that is.

[Emperor Norton]

Emily may have directly, though innocently, said to Claire "and make sure you bring your brother, too".   

And yes, I attribute the high popularity of the men's board shorts and the scorn for the banana-hammock in America to self-consciousness about our somewhat suboptimal physiques (= we're fat), so if you don't look like Greg Louganis or Michael Phelps, why wear a style that further draws attention to how badly you don't.  (OK, I could have said we feel we don't want a style that exposes how we come up short, but that could be interpreted other ways...)

This would make sense if Australia, previously mentioned in the thread as being heavily into the speedo style swimsuit, wasn't right behind us with the obesity problems.

Also, I'm in good shape, American, and have no interest in wearing anything like that. Its just cultural, no reason to make it into a "US IS FAT" indicator.

[Carl-E]

Maybe it's just a matter of attitude. 

"I'm round, and proud" ?

[Soulsynger]

[ ... ]
"I'm round, and proud" ?

"Just more of me to love, baby."

edit:
Sorry about the freshmen misunderstanding, I had some semantic wires criss-crossed. °O

[TinPenguin]

Jeez.  Can we not joke here anymore?  Just a little joke, though in poor taste, of how Marten has dated a wide array and very different women, personality wise and ethnic group wise and a strange Asian could be next on his list.

Padma was a strange Asian.

[Madmartigan]

Jeez.  Can we not joke here anymore?  Just a little joke, though in poor taste, of how Marten has dated a wide array and very different women, personality wise and ethnic group wise and a strange Asian could be next on his list.

Padma was a strange Asian.

That depends if you associate those of Indian descent to be Asian, which is a sticky situation as I think they're, and I could be incredibly wrong, closer to Aryan descent than Asiatic ethnic groups.

Padma was again one of my favorites.  I have no problem saying I tend to like an exotic look.  Also liked her as I have a bunch of Indian friends and they're awesome people.

[Somebody]

[ ... ]
"I'm round, and proud" ?

"Just more of me to love, baby."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl6TWGRcs6E

[Schmorgluck]

It could be worse: given Emily's Japanese descent, we're lucky some creep didn't crack a joke about her cherry.

[pwhodges]

...thus slipping it in behind a mask of concern!

Tsk, tsk.

[Redball]

I can't imagine a funny joke about a Japanese girl and her cherry: Japan is noted for its cherry trees and cherry blossoms, not the cherries themselves.

[Mr_Rose]

I can't imagine a funny joke about a Japanese girl and her cherry: Japan is noted for its cherry trees and cherry blossoms, not the cherries themselves.

Hm. I, too, apparently lack the context in which Schmorgluck's allusion makes sense. Personally, I think I'm actually happier for that.

[dreed]

regarding speedos.

in europe 'speedos' are just regular swimwear.  so its always hilarious (and a bit sad) how americans make a big deal out of them.  especially how people say they are horrified that they can see other men bulge.


of course swimwear on Mediterranean is optional.  so you scaredy cats... dont go there

[Wintercode]

So if Jeph starts drawing at 7 - 9 am CET and if it takes him four hours to complete the strip that would make it anywhere from 11 am to 1 pm CET. That means tough luck for me since I can't possibly be online at those hours, responsibilities and all. Oh, well, guess I'll wait for January or something.

Anyways, this strip raises both the question of who else will come and who are potential dates for Marten. This being a major arc and Marten being close to main character etc. it is likely for his romance to be part of the arc. Today's strip certainly teases or at least plays with that possiblity. As for available "candidates" (though that makes it sound like late night dating show) or in other words, every single named female character that has appeared recently. Which would be

-Gabby
-Claire
-Emily
-Hannelore
-Marigold

Dora and Tai are in relationship, Faye's with Angus and Penelope's with Will. Raven is still in Texas or wherever, though I do hope she makes reappearance, her ditzy-ness (I doubt that is a word) is always welcome. Padma is permanently in LA and everyone else is either (currently) gone from the comic or dating someone.

As for the available ones

Gabby seems the least likely candidate, at least for me, simply because she has had the least amount of interaction, on camera at least, with Marten. Other then the time when all three interns were introduced and with few scenes on the street (if I'm not mistaken, when Marten asked her how old was she) she hasn't had any significant contact with him. The only way I can see relationship between the two of them would be if they get  closer as friends on the party, start interacting more and then, sometime down the line, get together. Or, alternatively, get into physical relationship similiar to Faye and Sven, but I can't see Marten date someone just for sex, he seems like romantic type.

Claire, well, basically, much the same as Gabby. She has had more interaction with Marten than Gabby but not to a level where I would really consider them friends, not to mention lovers. Also, she doesn't seem to particulary care about dating or boys in general, or at least not from what we have seen so far.

Emily is the likeliest of the interns to make the leap but then, that seems like common shipping. Two characters are friendly to each other and are both single equals they both must be madly in love and finish together? However, having said that she would be interesting pairing for Marten and, in my opinion at least, the likeliest one. Not that means that they will end up together. She is funny and quirky and, unlike Hannelore and her anxieties and OCD or Marigold and her issues, her biggest issue seems to be that she lives with her head up in the clouds. Also, the way she invited Marten (and Tai and presumably others but that's not the point) would coincide with the love letter concept. At least according to animes/mangas (I have no idea about real world Japan) love letters are a common way of proclaiming love for someone. Then again, according to animes/mangas mechas are common and high-schoolers make the best pilots of said mechas.

As for Hannelore and Marigold, well,
Hannelore's biggest issue with dating are her neuroses, mysophobia and OCD and the fact that Marten in the past has taken big brother sort of parental role with him generally helping her with her issues and being her pillar of strenght (which made it all the more awesome to see Hannelore as Marigold's pillar) but Hannelore has progressed great deal since her introduction into the comic and even more so since her childhood (where she couldn't bear to be in physical presence of people) and especially in the strip where she arrivies via the invisible vehicle, she looked really confident and strong/brave. Is all that enough to start dating Marten and does she even want to date Marten (in her own words before her date with Sven "...I'm not interested in anybody romantically,..." Has her opinion changed significantly since then?
And Marigold, I just don't see it. I could write why but I'm tired. And this comment is already too long and dry of a read.

[Sidhekin]

Does this mean Marten doesn't consider Sven and Wil to be his friends? Or are they coming later?

Wil probably wouldn't go (or even be invited by Marten) without Penelope.  And we already figured Penelope and Raven should be minding the business.  Wil might even be minding his, at the Horrible Revelation.

Sven?  He'd be yet another single dude, so Marten probably would have mentioned him along with Clinton.  So he's not coming.  Whether because Marten doesn't consider him a friend, or because he had other plans ...

Amir, now.  No love for the band mate, huh?  Or is he, somehow, busy?

[Sidhekin]

Padma was a strange Asian.

That depends if you associate those of Indian descent to be Asian, which is a sticky situation as I think they're, and I could be incredibly wrong, closer to Aryan descent than Asiatic ethnic groups.

Wow.  I'm impressed.

First, Aryan?  That's already a pretty racist word, further spoiled by the Nazis.  For a modern audience, the least you could do is call us Indo-European.

Second, Asiatic?  "Asian" would be better (and, I'm told, less offensive), unless you're referring specifically to the Middle East (or even to the Asiatici orators of the classic) – and here you're obviously not.

Third, "those of Indian descent" (more than a billion) come in many wildly different ethnicities, some closer to this, and some to others – but all of them Asian, unless you consider the subcontinent of India separate from Asia ...

Fourth, while the word "Asian" may mean (be short for) "Far East Asian" in many contexts, as was demonstrated in recent discussions on this forum, TinPenguin obviously did not use it in this sense.

Mix semantics and racial theory, and you have a minefield.  Still, it's impressive to hit four in 35 words.