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Whatever happened to Pintsize?

41 (37.6%)

Faye's story v.2.0.?

21 (19.3%)

Student, Girlfriend, Librarian or some combination of all three? Claire's Dilemma?

11 (10.1%)

How do you come back from firing your best friend?

20 (18.3%)

Something completely new (give your idea in a comment, plz)?

0 (0%)

"Marten, how would you feel about having three dads?"

16 (14.7%)

Total Members Voted: 99

Voting closed: 04 Feb 2015, 06:23

[Emperor Norton]

Can we just not discuss comics that aren't technically up yet and some of us have not had a chance, or ability, to read.

[hedgie]

I've seen it, but yeah, it make sense to at least spoiler it.  Once can always edit it back after the comic goes live properly.

[wlewisiii]

I have nothing against subtext when it's used carefully. I don't want everything to be spelled out! But Claire's first sexual relationship should be a pivotal moment in her life and I think these moments should be at least as much about her as they are about Marten and Faye.

While trying to avoid playing spoiler,

(click to show/hide)

I got a vibe reminiscent of my high school days. That they'd be fumbling and awkward and just blissfully unaware of the greater world for an all too short a time.  From the look on Claire's face, I had the feeling that it was about her as much as it was anyone else in the strip.

But what do I know? I graduated HS n 1982.  Post sexual liberation & pre-AIDS it was probably as close to a teen's golden age as has ever existed and I was a good CIS boy. Understanding more about myself wouldn't come till much later.

[MooskiNet]

I think there's a difference between spelling everything out and leaving the reader to wonder how something happened (or if).  One of the hardest things about using subtext is knowing when it's coming across - I agree that the subtlety of Claire falling for Marten was pretty well done, but even though I have a pet theory that works for me, there's nothing at all before Marten puts his hands in Claire's hair that indicates he thinks of her as anything more than a friend.  Hell, even as he was doing it, he appeared to be surprised that Faye was leaving the room. 

(click to show/hide)

I agree that Claire should be getting more focus here, maybe following her from home to Marten's or something - 2890 feels more like a Friday strip to me, anyway.  It may end up being done in retrospect, much the same as the explanation for Marten showing up at her house.

[Omega Entity]

I have nothing against subtext when it's used carefully. I don't want everything to be spelled out! But Claire's first sexual relationship should be a pivotal moment in her life and I think these moments should be at least as much about her as they are about Marten and Faye.

Wasn't this her first relationship, period? I mean, she had to ask when asking for a second date was appropriate. This all is going waaaay too fast if that's true, especially considering Claire's, shall we say, unique circumstances.

[Aziraphale]

2890 feels awkward, because while I can totally buy that passionate makeouts are Marten's place of comfort right now, it's harder for me to imagine what's going through the profoundly libidinous-inexperienced-maybe-dysphoric Claire's mind. The fact that we aren't given a lot of insight makes her makes her seem more like Marten's stress-ball than an independent person here.

I'm not sure if it's intentional or simply a symptom of so many concurrent plot lines, but I've noticed these sorts of holes appearing more and more often in the narrative.  Maybe holes is too strong a word, but the best I can come up with besides that is 'places where the reader is forced to draw their own conclusions, because it's not addressed in the story.'

It's also worth noting that there was a shift in the storytelling that accompanied the last change in the art; Jeph moved from less "telling" and more "showing." In the same way that the art has taken some time to settle in each time it's changed, I think that a stylistic shift in the storytelling would take a similar period of adjustment, especially when you're going from a very talky style to one that's a bit more minimalist. The number of dangling plot threads -- they're getting to be more like a fringe, or maybe tassels at this point -- likely isn't helping things any.

April, I understand your concerns, but I may be reading this a bit differently; for one thing, we might be jumping the gun a bit assuming sexytimes at this point; for another, we haven't seen anything either explicit or implied that suggests that Claire's giving up any of her agency in this situation. She's there of her own volition, but more to the point, Marten's kept the focus very much on her by taking his cues from her comfort level and needs.

[AprilArcus]

we haven't seen anything either explicit or implied that suggests that Claire's giving up any of her agency in this situation.

I don't think she's being exploited, I'm just saying that I know exactly what is going through Marten's head in that scene and I can barely guess what Claire is thinking or feeling. That feels off.

[eschaton]

Okay, today's comic is finally up.

I have to say I'm surprised people squeed, because there's nothing cute in it besides Claire's puppy-dog face in the first frame.  It might be steamy, but it isn't endearing.  Frankly, the hint of tongue in the kiss is kinda nauseating.  Just IMHO, but semi or entirely open mouth kissing is one of those things which may be fun to do, but is pretty gross to see. 

[AprilArcus]

An inevitability of their character designs, since neither Claire nor Marten have lips to lock.

[eschaton]

An inevitability of their character designs, since neither Claire nor Marten have lips to lock.

True enough.  Every time they kiss I also think about their sharp, jutting chins jabbing into each other.

[cesium133]

Okay, today's comic is finally up.

I have to say I'm surprised people squeed, because there's nothing cute in it besides Claire's puppy-dog face in the first frame.  It might be steamy, but it isn't endearing.  Frankly, the hint of tongue in the kiss is kinda nauseating.  Just IMHO, but semi or entirely open mouth kissing is one of those things which may be fun to do, but is pretty gross to see.

Just going by avatars, I'd expect AprilArcus to be the one saying this.

[jwhouk]

There's more to the whole thing than what we see. Kinda like that blackout comic from last week.

Three things I'm assuming happened between 2887 and 2890:

1. Marten called Claire and told her about Faye, and that he had to get the booze out of the apartment.
2. He then likely called her once Faye got home, and the apartment was de-boozed.
3. She asked if he still wanted her to come over "for some comforting." He responded with a yes.

Then - things just went from there.

Kids: sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

[AprilArcus]

Just going by avatars, I'd expect AprilArcus to be the one saying this.

Don't let it fool you. Hannelore in the streets, Sven in the sheets.

[HeavyP]

Don't let it fool you. Hannelore in the streets, Sven in the sheets.

I came here to make a suggestive comment about hearing saxophones playing faintly, but this stopped me cold. 

I feel like Steve Harvey talking to the Tran family - "I can't top that joke!"

[mustang6172]

Where is this room with pink walls?  I don't think we've been in there before.

[Kugai]

Dang


And YES!!!!!

[Zalder]

I wanna high five them both. 

[Emoroffle]

One of these days my head is going to explode from all the squeeing.

[Penquin47]

Where is this room with pink walls?  I don't think we've been in there before.

Pretty sure it's just that the kiss was so Important and Meaningful that it completely eliminated the background and replaced it with a pink haze.

[hedgie]

I would like to point out, that this looks like the front door, not the bedroom door.  And most places I have lived, the doors are self-locking.  Things may not actually be going "too fast" here.  Also, there are a few ways that I have looked at Claire's expression in panel 1. 

[MooskiNet]

I would like to point out, that this looks like the front door, not the bedroom door.  And most places I have lived, the doors are self-locking.  Things may not actually be going "too fast" here.  Also, there are a few ways that I have looked at Claire's expression in panel 1.

If that's the case, the doorknob jumped from one side to the other in a single panel.  I'm thinking that's his bedroom. 

My personal head canon is whatever they're doing, there's no WAY Marten's doing it on the couch.

[hedgie]

I'm surprised that he hasn't tried scavangening a faux-leather one around moving day.  Much easier to clean for the drunken antics of the cast.

[Aziraphale]

we haven't seen anything either explicit or implied that suggests that Claire's giving up any of her agency in this situation.

I don't think she's being exploited, I'm just saying that I know exactly what is going through Marten's head in that scene and I can barely guess what Claire is thinking or feeling. That feels off.

As I mentioned earlier, I don't think Marten's slept in a couple of days. I think if we see anything, it's going to be a callback to the post-wedding cuddle and snooze, 'cause Marten's likely so tired that he'll be asleep in no time. I could be wrong, but I get a feeling that's where that's going.

[Aziraphale]

I'm surprised that he hasn't tried scavangening a faux-leather one around moving day.  Much easier to clean for the drunken antics of the cast.

Either that, or those old-school plastic slipcovers (if you have Italian relatives, you know what I'm talking about).

[Carl-E]

I think Marten probably informed Claire (briefly) what was going on when he called her and told her he couldn't make it.  I think JWHouk's right, though, that either Marten called to let Claire know he was back, or Claire called to see if he was back yet. 

I get the feeling the conversation was more along the lines of,

CLaire: "That must have been difficult for you." 
Marten: "Yeah, it was pretty rough." 
Claire "I can come over if you want to talk?" 

Or maybe she just decided to come over to comfort him.  But he needs that now. 



And why would he need it now?  A good friend is on the edge, was almost over the edge, in fact.  But you'll notice that he never gave Faye a hug to comfort her...

Faye established a no-touchy rule early on in their relationship.  The one time we've seen them hug was the flower-pits comic.  Maybe in their undies, I don't remember (and I'm not up to an archive trawl).  But at this point in time, Marten just doesn't feel comfortable comforting Faye physically.  Perhaps simply because of the loss of Angus, he thinks it would feel like a "move" to her. 

But after the night he just went through, he needs a hug.  I'm not suggesting Claire is any kind of substitute for Faye or anything, far from it.  And, as another forumite mentioned, after the day (days?) he's just had in the hospital, I imagine he'll be passing out holding onto Claire in pretty short order. 

Which, I think, is more what he needs than anything else from her.  Just... comfort. 

The comic made me weep a bit, by the way.  Not squee, just - just tear up a bunch. 


But I get emotional easily these days, so take that as you will. 

Warning - while you were typing Arizaphale made the same point, only much more succinctly.  You may wish to review your post.

Nah, thanks.  I'm good. 

[grez]

I'm glad Claire's not mad at Marten, but I was rather more curious about her reaction to the "Big Story" as a relative outsider. Maybe next time.

[Mr. Black Licorice]

Is it just me or does this feel too soon after the drama with Faye?

[CasAttack]

While it isn't exactly clear how Claire feels about everything, she clearly isn't afraid to stay away and I love that. She's present, comforting Marten who also has had a long night and that to me is a great indicator of a mature relationship. Hope things stay this way, especially when Marten is probably gonna have to navigate some Tough Moments between Dora and Faye (probably Tai involvement, too as I could see Tai not taking Dora's side on this).

[SubaruStephen]

Did that click mean they locked the door?

Ooohhhhhh

PREPARE THE ARBOR DAY BANNER!!!

[Carl-E]

Is it just me or does this feel too soon after the drama with Faye?

Depends on what's going on behind the door. 


But whatever that may be, clearly the participants don't think so. 

[explicit]

PREPARE THE ARBOR DAY BANNER!!!

Are we going to celebrate the wood? Ha boner joke, I'm so funny.

[Mr. Black Licorice]

Is it just me or does this feel too soon after the drama with Faye?

Depends on what's going on behind the door. 


But whatever that may be, clearly the participants don't think so.

I'm thinking more from a story telling perspective: there wasn't a lot of lead up. I kinda found it jarring.

[vodyanoi]

It's pretty obvious from the comic what is happening.  Marten is obviously eating Claire's face.  My representation of what is happening in the room: http://imgur.com/IKp0Apr

[Carl-E]

I'm thinking more from a story telling perspective: there wasn't a lot of lead up. I kinda found it jarring.

Yes, thank you.  Jarring.  Couldn't quite put my finger on it. 


Of course, real life is rarely smooth...

[jwhouk]

I'm thinking more from a story telling perspective: there wasn't a lot of lead up. I kinda found it jarring.

...You have read through the archives, right? Like, the first 511 strips?

"Lead up" may appear to be jarring, but it's actually because it tends to be glacial. When one of the icebergs finally fall off the ice shelf, that's when we notice it.

But this - this has kinda been building for a while. We just haven't seen it since the two of them were off holding hands.

[AprilArcus]

Marten probably hasn't slept a wink since finding Faye on the couch; he'll be out before his head hits the pillow.

Is it just me or does this feel too soon after the drama with Faye?

Did Faye spend a whole night in the hospital, or just a few hours? When are we right now?

[Is it cold in here?]

Hannelore: "Do you have any IDEA how much work I put into cleaning that disgusting couch?! How could you have the nerve to cover it with squeee?"

[Sullivan]

I would like to point out, that this looks like the front door, not the bedroom door.  And most places I have lived, the doors are self-locking.  Things may not actually be going "too fast" here.  Also, there are a few ways that I have looked at Claire's expression in panel 1.

If that's the case, the doorknob jumped from one side to the other in a single panel.  I'm thinking that's his bedroom. 

Hmmm.... I think it's the front door, and by panel 3 they've rotated 180 around each other and the POV is now from the hallway.

[explicit]

Did Faye spend a whole night in the hospital, or just a few hours? When are we right now?

The day after she got hammered.

[Natswash]

Did Faye spend a whole night in the hospital, or just a few hours? When are we right now?

Well it was early morning to afternoon when she was fired and daylight when Hanners came out and talked to Dora.
In between Marten got off work and came home (but apparently didn't stop at the coffee shop in between Faye being fired and going home) so my guess is that it is the same day as he might have been stopping at home during his lunch break or only working a half day.

But we just don't know

[jheartney]

You all may recall what Marten said when Claire asked if he was OK with her being trans: he mentioned how natural it felt to snuggle her. Yes, cuddles with Claire are just what a tired Marten needs at the moment, and it doesn't have to lead to immediate carnality (though it might). Whichever it is, it's not going to be nervous fumbling, I'm guessing.

I'm wondering if ClaireMom is OK with daughter having a sleepover.

Warning - while you were dawdling on the keyboard three other things got posted. You may wish to review your post. Of course if you do, your post may fall victim to a variant of Zeno's paradox.

[jheartney]

my guess is that it is the same day as he might have been stopping at home during his lunch break or only working a half day.

If that were so then why would Marten have bags under his eyes? I'm thinking Faye did a full overnight at the hospital, and was probably not released until the following afternoon. (I've been in hospital; they are not that swift at releasing you once you've been admitted.) Assuming the schism happened on a Friday morning, then this is Saturday evening.

[Natswash]

my guess is that it is the same day as he might have been stopping at home during his lunch break or only working a half day.

If that were so then why would Marten have bags under his eyes? I'm thinking Faye did a full overnight at the hospital, and was probably not released until the following afternoon. (I've been in hospital; they are not that swift at releasing you once you've been admitted.) Assuming the schism happened on a Friday morning, then this is Saturday evening.

Stress? Although that's a very good point you raise and I'm just offering a token reason. I think you're probably right

[hedgie]

Given how far out she was, that makes the most sense.  Could even be days later if she had to go through medically supervised detox.

[Carl-E]

Sounds about right.  She's need a good bit of both time and IV fluids to be out of the woods from alcohol poisoning. 

[AprilArcus]

I'm wondering if ClaireMom is OK with daughter having a sleepover.

She's twenty-four! ClaireMom probably can't push her out the door fast enough.

[Omega Entity]

I would like to point out, that this looks like the front door, not the bedroom door.  And most places I have lived, the doors are self-locking.  Things may not actually be going "too fast" here.  Also, there are a few ways that I have looked at Claire's expression in panel 1.

If that's the case, the doorknob jumped from one side to the other in a single panel.  I'm thinking that's his bedroom. 

Hmmm.... I think it's the front door, and by panel 3 they've rotated 180 around each other and the POV is now from the hallway.

That doesn't really make sense, though. That would involve Marten stepping out of the apartment, kissing Claire while simultaneously turning her around, then backing her back -into- the apartment, if we look at the doors themselves and whether they open in or out respective to the couple.. Doable, but extremely awkward, especially since Jeph is usually decent at depicting movement.

It makes far more sense, flow-wise, that Claire stepped in, the kiss happens, and they then migrated their way into (presumably) a bedroom.

[Aziraphale]

It makes far more sense, flow-wise, that Claire stepped in, the kiss happens, and they then migrated their way into (presumably) a bedroom.

Plot twist: it's the broom closet.

[hedgie]

Isn't that where he'd lock Pintsize up (assuming he's working again) before she came over?

[Aziraphale]

Isn't that where he'd lock Pintsize up (assuming he's working again) before she came over?

Further plot twist: Faye hears moaning from the closet, which turns out to be Pintsize's cooling fan, muffled by a down jacket.