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Comic Discussion => QUESTIONABLE CONTENT => Topic started by: electricdude on 23 Jan 2009, 00:41

Title: Wait, what?
Post by: electricdude on 23 Jan 2009, 00:41
So wasn't it just a bit ago that Dora was laughing about Marten freaking out over seeing Hanner's boob? She said that she didn't need to worry about him cheating because he was so guilty over it. And now she's getting all uptight that he was asked out by a girl (and clearly turned her down)? Look, I've been hit on before while in a relationship. It happens- people don't know. As long as I say I'm taken/not interested, no harm, no foul, right? It's also not the first thing I'd tell my partner later. It's not like I'm hiding anything- just doesn't seem important. So why is she getting jealous over nothing? I've never really liked Dora, and I'm secretly hoping that her insecurities cause them to split up. Just the comics lately have seemed contradictory. I guess... real life can be that way too.

(Dang look at how long I spent analyzing/ranting about a comic. I need to get out more.)

Yeah that just was bothering me...
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: AnkhWL on 23 Jan 2009, 01:02
It could be because Marten completely blew it off (the girl definately did not persue Marten at all after he told her he was taken) and that made Dora pissed, but it really does seem like a 360 from her previous reactions.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Rocketman on 23 Jan 2009, 02:18
HOW DARE YOU CUT YOUR HAIR  (I DON'T NEED HIS APPROVAL TO CHANGE MY HAIR)
HOW DARE YOU HAVE HAD GIRLFRIENDS YEARS AGO ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CONTINENT
HOW DARE SOME OTHER GIRL ASK YOU OUT AND YOU SAY NO THEN NOT IMMEDIATELY TELL ME

Fits perfectly to me.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: quantum_insanity on 23 Jan 2009, 03:08
Yeah I keep seeing stuff like that in movies and in this case the comic, and I think 'hang on, that's not realistic'... but then actually, it kind of is... some women are nuts like that.




'some'.  I said 'some'.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Jimor on 23 Jan 2009, 03:23
I think Dora's doing this mostly to fluster Marten because it's still cute to do so. Throw in that small part where she really is insecure about secrets, plus some girls' natural tendency to want to keep their guys off guard and confused.... So this incident is still mostly about the fun and games, but if it becomes a pattern, then there will be real problems. [/overanalyze]
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: LovecraftsGhost on 23 Jan 2009, 03:56
It could be because Marten completely blew it off (the girl definately did not persue Marten at all after he told her he was taken) and that made Dora pissed, but it really does seem like a 360 from her previous reactions.

So what you're saying is that her reactions seem completely the same. Because 360 is how many degrees it takes to make A FULL CIRCLE.
Also, you spelled definitely and pursue wrong. There is a spellchecker on this forum. The little red lines mean you're doing it wrong.
Nitpicking aside, Dora seems to be a hypocrite with regards to her previous "Hanners' Boob" position, but it really is about par for the course on general insanity.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Rocketman on 23 Jan 2009, 03:58
but if it becomes a pattern, then there will be real problems. [/overanalyze]

It...already is a pattern.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Siibillam-Law on 23 Jan 2009, 05:02
He woulda gotten less grilled if he had said "yes" (to the date proposal) and then told Dora about it

Wrong move
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: bicostp on 23 Jan 2009, 05:45
So she's never had a similar encounter at the coffee shop, then?

Dora's a massive hypocrite.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: westrim on 23 Jan 2009, 06:06
To go over some things here, it's already clear that he turned the girl down. That was the entire reason she found out in the first place, was the girl whining about it to her. So for her to act suspicious, as if there is something going on behind her back, when she already knows that there WASN'T, is just a tad odd.

I'm sorry Jeph, but this feels like bad writing to set up a "Dora is neurotic" storyline. Every character is being weird and out of character in this strip. Marten is hiding something he would be completely forthright about as he is normally characterized, Dora is acting freaky about him and other girls when not TWO WEEKS AGO it was established that she had nothing to worry about (and, in fact, was not worrying). And although no one mentioned this, Faye would not just stand to the side and be snarky when it's clear that her two best friends are about to have some serious conflict. She didn't do that during the hair war. And good god I'm thinking about this too much.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Blank_Jebus on 23 Jan 2009, 06:13
I think Dora's doing this mostly to fluster Marten because it's still cute to do so. Throw in that small part where she really is insecure about secrets, plus some girls' natural tendency to want to keep their guys off guard and confused.... So this incident is still mostly about the fun and games, but if it becomes a pattern, then there will be real problems. [/overanalyze]

honestly, if she's doing this only to upset him and be all "hahah...jk lolz rotlol" i'm going to be thoroughly ticked off. because not only is she 1) being completely hypocritical since she made the whole hanner's boob thing, but 2) being a complete bitch in general.

honestly if my significant other got asked out and i knew they said no i personally would be like "haha this is awesome, they are swell enough that other people wanna get with them, but i'm so awesome that i have them and to myself."

and maybe martin didn't say anything right away cuz he thought it wasn't a big deal, or maybe he was just embarrassed about....dora is slightly pissed me off lately....
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: ChippyD on 23 Jan 2009, 06:23
I'm not ready to believe Jeph's gone this low. He's already acknowledged in his own comments that this sort of topic would show up.

I'm willing to see exactly where this plays out tomorow before I make any assumptions about whats going to happen. Its not unusual for an author to bate a reaction out of his or her audience, and give them a completely different outcome.

Then again, if you REALLY want to read between the lines, I'm sensing a certain amount of tension. Its been a whole season now since we started this new arch, and we haven't really run into anything major as far as story development. And if I'm reading things right, there's a certain sense of distance between Dora and Martin now. Much less lovey-duvy. Could be a cooling off period. Could be worse.

Lets wait and see.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: snowdove on 23 Jan 2009, 06:39
LAME.
If Marten had gone out of his way to tell Dora, then he would have been acting manipulative.  The only reason to tell a significant other that you have been asked out is to intentionally make them jealous, if your significant other knows the person who asked you out, or if you have conflicted feelings from it.  Since the girl was a stranger, Marten is not manipulative, and would never cheat, of course he didn't tell her.  It would have hurt her for absolutely no purpose.  Telling her would have been saying "Hey, girls want me, what do you think of THAT?"  Again, Marten is just not that kind of person. 
Yesterday with the girl, I completely thought that Dora was joking when she pulled the sword.  It is more in the vein of her character to be amused by someone asking Marten out than to actually be jealous.  I'm surprised that it continued on to today's comic.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Blank_Jebus on 23 Jan 2009, 06:40
I'm not ready to believe Jeph's gone this low. He's already acknowledged in his own comments that this sort of topic would show up.

I'm willing to see exactly where this plays out tomorow before I make any assumptions about whats going to happen. Its not unusual for an author to bate a reaction out of his or her audience, and give them a completely different outcome.

Then again, if you REALLY want to read between the lines, I'm sensing a certain amount of tension. Its been a whole season now since we started this new arch, and we haven't really run into anything major as far as story development. And if I'm reading things right, there's a certain sense of distance between Dora and Martin now. Much less lovey-duvy. Could be a cooling off period. Could be worse.

Lets wait and see.

come to think about it, it has been a while since martin and dora have been all "lovey-duvy" but really breaking up because your boyfriend got asked out and he said no, that would be kinda lame, but it could be the turning point for something interesting to happen. like i've always wanted faye and martin to get together it's just now that dora and martin have been dating, if faye and martin ever got together wouldn't faye be breaking something similar to the "bro code"? if anyone knows what i'm getting at?
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: lindsay022 on 23 Jan 2009, 07:04
If you think about it though, with Hannelore, Dora knows that there is no threat there since Hannelore would never go for any sort of thing. It was an honest mistake, and it wasn't as though Hannelore was attempting to make a move. Maybe she feels threatened by this other girl because this girl actually has the intention of trying to get with her boyfriend, and is not terrified of relationships like Hannelore. They are two different situations. Rocketman brings up good points with the previous girlfriends and all...Dora is insecure and this fits with it.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: martinh on 23 Jan 2009, 07:12
Sheesh. All Marten had to say was "I'm glad you think I'm so unattractive that a girl flirting with me is a newsworthy event" and then go and sulk.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Polonius on 23 Jan 2009, 08:26
Hello everybody, this is my first post.  I've read a few of the "how to post articles" and it seemed pretty basic, but if I've committed some sort of major faux pas please feel free to do what you have to do.

Anyway, I think focusing the analysis on this strip on Dora's reaction is counter productive.  She's a nuanced enough character, and her history is fleshed out enough, that this is a pretty understandable reaction.  The key is to remember two things: timing and her own insecurities.  Let's assume that the flirtation in question occurred in the early afternoon, or roughly 4 hours before Marten goes to Coffee of Doom.  Given Dora's reaction in yesterday's comic and her overall makeup, the news that another girl was treading on her turf is basically the most important issue of the day.  Sven could walk in and announce he'd sold a song for $50k and Dora would still fixate on Marten being hit upon.  Give that a few hours to brew, and she forgets that the same incident might not be the most important aspect of Marten's day.  So, when she asks him what happened, and he says nothing, she immediately assumes he's lying to cover it up.  Right or wrong, at that moment Dora is understandably upset and hurt.  Who wouldn't be if they thought their SO was lying to them about stuff like that?

What's more interesting to me is Marten's reaction.  Why didn't he tell her immediately about the incident?  There are many possibilities:
1) He had simply forgotten.  While it was neat when it happened, maybe him and Tai spent an hour playing strip poker after wards and he forgot all about some Coed asking him out.  Since he did nothing wrong, and didn't feel guilty about it, Dora's questioning wouldn't bring it up, it would in fact bury it deeper while he tried to think of anything actually interesting that happened.  In this case, Marten is totally innocent, and we can assume he would have mentioned it at some point when he remembered.

2) He figured there is no way Dora would know about the incident, and so doesn't tell her because he knows how insecure she is, and it'll just upset her for no good reason.  In this case he's being patronizing, but there's so little a chance of Dora finding out that it's understandable.  The downside is that this could lead to a major discussion about the relationship: namely Dora's insecurities making Marten like her less, and not more, thus pushing him more directly to look at other women.

3) Marten could honestly feel guilty about it, and maybe even entertained thoughts of saying yes to the girl.  If Marten is having serious second thoughts about his relationship with Dora, this sort of event could be enough to collapse the whole thing.  This could also just be classic Marten sputtering/being flustered.

4) I think the most interesting possibility is that the event wasn't noteworthy because it happens all the time!  Given the passage of time, his good looks, the confidence Faye has beaten into him and Dora has brought out, and working at an all girls school; it's not out of the question that Marten get's these questions a few times a week.  His comment a few days back about being more popular when in a relationship seems to lend some credence to this theory.  While this would perhaps bother Dora at first, I think in the long term she'd grow to understand that she's got a high value guy whose very loyal to her.

I have enough confidence that this isn't the beginning of sit-com style wacky misunderstandings being the basis of plot lines.  I think if anything it's going to lead to some fairly serious discussion about their relationship.  Dora has never gotten over being the silver medal, which is silly because most guys are really happy to get a participation ribbon.  While Marten probably should have been more forthcoming about this, frankly the event was more important and noteworthy to Dora (who probably thought about it all day) than it was to Marten.  I'm guessing Dora will either get over this quickly, or the two will come out stronger from it all.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: JD on 23 Jan 2009, 08:41
Quote from: Jeph's twitter
script done. my characters are behaving like idiots. Should be funny

Polonius, I bow to your superior analyzing skills.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: OnTheWind on 23 Jan 2009, 10:48
Hur hur hur. I have to admit that my first thought at the end of this strip was, "Good luck getting out of *that* one, Marty!"  Women, of whom I am one, are unreasonable creatures when it comes to our own insecurities...as Polonius points out, the fact that Marty got hit on would be THE big event of Dora's day (and the sword is a nice touch, Jeph, btw).   It happens to me all the time (and oddly DH looks a great deal like Marten...only green eyes instead of blue, LOL).  Sometimes I laugh it off because, again like Marten, he'd never cheat...but at the same time I feel sort of like I've put him on the sort of diet where he isn't even allowed to look at the menu, so to speak.

So, here's hoping that the eventual outcome of this plot development is that Dora will put one of her neuroses/insecurities to rest at last, and there will be peace in the valley.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Tybalt on 23 Jan 2009, 10:59
It is the internet.  None of it has ever fucking mattered.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Mr. Skawronska on 23 Jan 2009, 13:13
As I posted in the other thread, I really, honestly think that Dora is having a bit of cruel, evil fun with Marten because she can.

She's just doing it so convincingly, everyone is fooled.

Including many of YOU.

S
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: PlatonicPimp on 23 Jan 2009, 13:29
So here's what I think is going on here, based on my experience in a "slightly ajar" relationship with a bisexual woman.

Dora has had 2 reactions to a similar situation recently involving her man. Situation one, Marten sees boob on Hannelore, she brushes it off. Situation 2, girl at college asks him out, she freaks.

First critical difference, is a body image thing. Hannelore is a stick, and is blonde. College girl is shorter, curvier, and a brunette. Now that she's letting her blond hair show, Hannelore and Dora can fit a similar body description. College girl and Faye, on the other hand... My experience has been that it is less threatening when the person your significant other is interacting with resembles you than when they don't. In my case saying a brunette was cute would meet with approval, but blondes would get me the "Do you want to date other people" guilt trip.

Second critical difference, and this is a wild guess on my part, but would your partner go for the other person? This is really only a question in the case of a bisexual partner. If Dora wants to check out the third party, she's more likely to give Marten a pass for doing so himself. However, if she doesn't find the third party attractive, she'll give him hell over it. Does Dora harbor some sort of attraction to Hannelore that perhaps colors her responce? I'm not in a position to go thorugh the archives right now but I beleive she's made innuendo in her direction before.

Third critical difference, and this is the big one, is control. A third party is unthreatening not by their presence, but by the disruption of perceived control. In situation one, Nothing threatening happened because: A: Marten did not intentionally oogle Hanners, B: Marten was so pathetically sorry about it that it made Dora feel in control of him, and C: Dora put Hanners in her place long ago vis-a-vis Marten. In situation 2 there was no control for Dora. A girl she didn't even know approached Marten in an environment that she had no presence in and Marten could have done whatever he wanted. And even the fact that he turned her down in a self assured manner is fearful because it means he's in this relationship of his own volition, and that could change. Dora is a control freak, we all know this. This is why she's allowed to make impulsive decisions but noone else in her life is. Her reactions are simple: In a situation she's in control of, she's all flirtatiously liberated, in situations she's not in control of, she's screaming jealous.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Jack Faros on 24 Jan 2009, 01:59
Wow...I honestly feel that you guys are over analyzing this situation waaaaaaaaay too much.  Given, Jeph is a really great writer, but I don't think he's that great.  I can't imagine that he put as much intricate thought into all of this as a couple of you think he did. 

For my own part, I've felt that Jeph has been steadily building up to a major event in the comic's story over the past few months, and that it will have something to do with the relationship between Marten and Dora.  In the long run, I hope that it turns out that they break up.  It would open up so many new story lines if they do, and even open up new possibilities for ones already in place. 

For instance, if they did break up, what happens to Faye?  If she sides with Dora, she may end up having to move out of the apartment she's sharing with Marten.  But if she sides with Marten, she could lose her job, and her relationship with Sven might even suffer. 

And what of Marten?  He'd be single again.  How would that work?  Maybe Hanners (though it's unlikely) will try and capture him on the rebound.  She's the only female regular who hasn't had some kind of romantic tension with him yet, and lord knows they've been spend alot of time together away from Faye and Dora and the other regular cast members.  (Before anyone says anything, I don't consider Raven or Penny to be "regulars."  We only see them every once in a while, and they hardly ever play any major significance to the story.)  Marten's always been nothing but understanding of her many quarks, and has even tried to shield her from things that would clearly freak her out.  She's even been able to overcome her OCD a couple of times, something that she would probably never have done before meeting Marten in that bathroom.  Maybe all that will be enough to let her atleast try approaching him.  Or they could both get really drunk and end up shagging.  That could do it to.  (Probably send her into shock though.)

Or hey, maybe Jeff could go a whole other direction.  Maybe Marten and Dora get engaged?  Or maybe Dora's pregnant, and that's what's causing all these sudden mood swings?  Who knows.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: PizzaSHARK on 24 Jan 2009, 03:26
Wait, there's a plot?  I thought it was just for shits and giggles.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: MC on 24 Jan 2009, 06:03
So wasn't it just a bit ago that Dora was laughing about Marten freaking out over seeing Hanner's boob? She said that she didn't need to worry about him cheating because he was so guilty over it. And now she's getting all uptight that he was asked out by a girl (and clearly turned her down)? Look, I've been hit on before while in a relationship. It happens- people don't know. As long as I say I'm taken/not interested, no harm, no foul, right? It's also not the first thing I'd tell my partner later. It's not like I'm hiding anything- just doesn't seem important. So why is she getting jealous over nothing? I've never really liked Dora, and I'm secretly hoping that her insecurities cause them to split up. Just the comics lately have seemed contradictory. I guess... real life can be that way too.

(Dang look at how long I spent analyzing/ranting about a comic. I need to get out more.)

Yeah that just was bothering me...

Dora is a bit of a control freak. Frankly a girl like that would scare me. She seems just a little bit OVEr protective of Marten and that is NEVER good. Ladies take note of Dora and DON'T DO THIS! Unless you wanna scare off every guy you have ever been intrested in.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Cartilage Head on 24 Jan 2009, 07:20
 Who the fuck is Jeff.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Norton Quintessential on 24 Jan 2009, 08:19
Deep down, we're all Jeff, just getting by on a wing and a dream.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Siibillam-Law on 24 Jan 2009, 08:58
I'm more of a Martin, but man I feel that dream
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Jack Faros on 24 Jan 2009, 10:50
Who the fuck is Jeff.
Jeff is what I call Jeph at five in the morning after not sleeping for over twenty hours. 
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Mr. Skawronska on 24 Jan 2009, 13:00
Quote
This is why she's allowed to make impulsive decisions but noone else in her life is. Her reactions are simple: In a situation she's in control of, she's all flirtatiously liberated, in situations she's not in control of, she's screaming jealous.

That's actually a rather well-thought-out analysis.

Other than "She's having fun at everyone's expense pretending to be furious for her own giggles," your analysis seems to fit the facts.

In fact, your analysis fits the facts better than mine.

S
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: mdoyl44 on 24 Jan 2009, 14:16
Dora, badass though she is at times, is still human and insecure.  And she's not the type to try to play mind games with Marten.

Hannelore's boob is not a big deal because we're talking about the same girl who was 100% chill with Marten going with Tai to get her clit pierced.  Random images of the bodies of friends/girls that don't fall into the danger zone (whether OCD-to-the-extreme or lesbian), is not a big deal.  And like it's been pointed out, Marten was totally upfront about both events.

Now we're talking about some girl Dora doesn't know asking him out.  What's this girl like?  Is she going to try again?  Is she going to try to get between them?

And Marten's reaction IS different.  When asked not once, not twice, but THRICE... Marten stuck to 'nothing happened.'  And don't say it's not a big deal, it IS a big deal.  As a twenty-something music-concentrator alum from Hampshire College, I can tell you that not a whole lot goes on in the Valley.  That's a big deal.  And with this cast of characters?  They talk about who's crushing on who every chance they get!  Remember when Meena walked up to Steve when he was muttering about meeting girls at the morgue?  Everyone at Coffee of Doom knew the score within a day.

All that said, I can't think of a way Marten could have handled it better.  Either he did legit forget, or he didn't think he should bother worrying her about that sort of thing.  He certainly has no intentions of pursuit, because he's Marten.  Dora was right.  He WOULD never cheat on her, because he's a nice guy.

Personally I kind of hope this causes a split because it's been a while since things have been shaken up.  Who's the newest character, Sven's intern?  Not exactly rocking the boat with that addition.  What would Questionable Content be like in case of a Dora/Marten split?  Would CoD be a safe haven?  Would Faye make her move?  How would  Sven react to getting dumped?  Does Raven make a move on Sven?  How does Marten deal with a break-up?  We've seen him when he's single and used to it, we've seen him on top of the world, but we've only seen him lose everything for a brief 48 hours between the talk with Faye and kiss with Dora.

And bring back Steve, I am honest to God concerned for the webcomic character.  Weeks ago, he was a wreck, playing with empty liquor bottles.  What's Meena's deal, did she screw it up with him too?

And thus concludes my epic first post.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: maddness on 24 Jan 2009, 19:03
Quote
The only reason to tell a significant other that you have been asked out is to intentionally make them jealous, if your significant other knows the person who asked you out, or if you have conflicted feelings from it.

My man tells me when other people hit on him. He knows I get a kick out of it ... especially when it's a guy! lol Besides,he knows that with my paranoia issues, if I found out he didn't tell me I'd be all suspicious and broody regardless of the fact that I don't believe he'd cheat on me.

Dora might think that he didn't tell her about this one time because he was thinking about going for it. I think though that Dora's issue might not have been with this girl in particular, but with the possibility that it happens so often that Marten didn't think it was out of the ordinary that day. That girls might have been asking him out on a regular basis and he never thought to tell her. And if that is the case, why has he not mentioned it? Could he be hiding something?

Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: AngelofShadows on 24 Jan 2009, 19:43
Does Dora tell Martin about people who hit on her while she is working? There was a strip in the past showcasing that it happens.

She knows Martin wouldn't cheat, she said that much herself.

It just kinda seems like Dora is acting like every little thing that happens to Martin must be known to her. If it isn't, there will be hell.

But she doesn't need to tell Martin anything?

That....that really doesn't seem like it's healthy, for anyone. That could easilly lead to resentment on Martins part, and him just leaving. Which would lead to a massive ripple effect of Drama.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Siibillam-Law on 24 Jan 2009, 20:57
Insert mandatory "Who the fuck is Martin" comment
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Tybalt on 24 Jan 2009, 21:32
I hate this subforum.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Zingoleb on 24 Jan 2009, 23:06
Marten breaks up with Dora

Dora and Faye get together

Marten and Steve get together

All gay orgies, all the time
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Siibillam-Law on 24 Jan 2009, 23:33
about time
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Zingoleb on 24 Jan 2009, 23:48
Jimbo records it all and makes it into a big hit in San Francisco

Hannelore shacks up with the Tequila Monster

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: RovingSoul on 25 Jan 2009, 00:19
Wow. I don't even remember "the hair incident". You guys are impressive. I didn't really analyze this comic at all, except to think that Dora's being bitchy, but something did come to mind. There was one comic, awhile ago, where Marten and Faye are talking, and he says that things with him and Dora are not doing so well. And then the comic stopped, and nothing ever came of it. And it's been bugging the hell out of me. So, as long as this comic actually exists (I dream a lot) I could definetly see the relationship going through difficulties. And I was going to say something else, but I was trying to find a spell checker (one allegedly exists) and forgot. Oh yeah! A couple people have mentioned that they are just going to wait and see what happens on Monday. Guys, really? Jeph (in my opinion) is notorious for leaving us with cliff hangers and then giving us a couple Pintsize comics or something. Don't get me wrong, I love Pintsize, but I also think that Jeph loves tormenting us.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Jace on 25 Jan 2009, 00:22
And then The QC screenplay is put into action.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Zingoleb on 25 Jan 2009, 00:28
. There was one comic, awhile ago, where Marten and Faye are talking, and he says that things with him and Dora are not doing so well. And then the comic stopped, and nothing ever came of it.

Paraphrasing the comic you refer to:

Fai/Mardun

"How are things with Sphen?"
"Oh, god, he's such an ASSHOLE, you have no idea. How are things with Dorrah?"
"Er...not so well."
"Really?"
"No, not really, but I feel kind of bad after what you just said."
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: RovingSoul on 25 Jan 2009, 02:02
...Is there a reason you completely distorted the spelling of their names? Just wondering. It sounds... Nordic or something now. I dunno why Nordic, I just look at the names and think of Vikings. Or the French...
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: JonSnow on 25 Jan 2009, 02:11
Wow. I don't even remember "the hair incident". You guys are impressive. I didn't really analyze this comic at all, except to think that Dora's being bitchy, but something did come to mind. There was one comic, awhile ago, where Marten and Faye are talking, and he says that things with him and Dora are not doing so well. And then the comic stopped, and nothing ever came of it. And it's been bugging the hell out of me. So, as long as this comic actually exists (I dream a lot) I could definetly see the relationship going through difficulties. And I was going to say something else, but I was trying to find a spell checker (one allegedly exists) and forgot. Oh yeah! A couple people have mentioned that they are just going to wait and see what happens on Monday. Guys, really? Jeph (in my opinion) is notorious for leaving us with cliff hangers and then giving us a couple Pintsize comics or something. Don't get me wrong, I love Pintsize, but I also think that Jeph loves tormenting us.

One simple answer, dora has PMS (in this comic), she's edgy irrational and quick to anger, notice how she has been holding a broadsword for the last few days. So my biggest bed is still that the communist are invading nation dora, and she will remain this edgy until Stalin and the soviet flag have been removed.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: RovingSoul on 25 Jan 2009, 02:15
Oh sure, blame the Commies. That is lazing hate-mongering in my opinion. The Commies are just too easy.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Zingoleb on 25 Jan 2009, 02:19
...Is there a reason you completely distorted the spelling of their names? Just wondering. It sounds... Nordic or something now. I dunno why Nordic, I just look at the names and think of Vikings. Or the French...

I'm poking fun at people who talk about Fay and Martin - you know, the characters that Jeff draws.  :roll:
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: RovingSoul on 25 Jan 2009, 02:25
...Is there a reason you completely distorted the spelling of their names? Just wondering. It sounds... Nordic or something now. I dunno why Nordic, I just look at the names and think of Vikings. Or the French...

I'm poking fun at people who talk about Fay and Martin - you know, the characters that Jeff draws.  :roll:
Ah yes. Admittedly, I usually have to go back and change 'Martin' to 'Marten'. I wouldn't bother, only I saw what happened to people who didn't. I don't have problem with Jeph though, cause that's such a cooler spelling than Jeff.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: JonSnow on 25 Jan 2009, 02:28
Oh sure, blame the Commies. That is lazing hate-mongering in my opinion. The Commies are just too easy.

the commies are in this case a referral to the PMS, having a red flag usually indicates menstrual bleeding.
I have nothing against communism except that it's a a form of government that can never work, simply because of human nature
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: RovingSoul on 25 Jan 2009, 02:31
Oh sure, blame the Commies. That is lazing hate-mongering in my opinion. The Commies are just too easy.

the commies are in this case a referral to the PMS, having a red flag usually indicates menstrual bleeding.
I have nothing against communism except that it's a a form of government that can never work, simply because of human nature
And anytime a woman is angry, of course she has to be on the rag. You know, I don't really want to talk to you any more. You seem to be a very presumptuous person.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Zingoleb on 25 Jan 2009, 02:33
Anytime a woman is angry, it's my fault.

Damn...
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: JonSnow on 25 Jan 2009, 02:35
I made this presumption as Dora has been acting out of character all week. (Did you notice the broadsword at all this week?)
She is edgy, and quick to anger, even at marten the one person she usually only toys with, but never gets really angry at.

And not everytime a woman is angry she's on the rag. Every time a woman gets angry for no reason whatsoever (and if she was in a clear mindset evn dora would see there is no reason for her to get angry at marten), I'd give it a 70%+ chance that she is on the rag. Be happy this just indicates woman behave like asses because of their hormones, men dont have that explanation when they behave like asses. And if you are going to say hormones have no effect on your emotional state. You're either naïeve, void of emotion or a liar. You pick :)
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: RovingSoul on 25 Jan 2009, 02:40
They don't. I'm always pissed off, so one more inconveniece doesn't make much of a difference.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: JonSnow on 25 Jan 2009, 02:46
but you're not dora,
dora has never been this snappy to marten.
Even though she is a little insecure, she seems one of the most emotional and mentally stable persons in the comic.

So she is acting out of character, indicating something has changed, and I dont see her drinking like crazy, popping anti depressants, or sniffing cocaïne.
a sudden change of personality (even for a short while) needs a reason. (Maybe she was molested the day before and we never saw, and now her resentment towards men is growing)
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Norton Quintessential on 25 Jan 2009, 07:25
Dora's been this snappy to Marten plenty of times. See: The Sven Incident, the Haircutting incident.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Bob_Mozark on 25 Jan 2009, 15:51
I think that we have to be careful whenever we attempt to apply deeper meaning to the funny situations that occur in QC.  It is true that Jeph often foreshadows plot developments weeks or even months in advance (in real time).  However, many times, his slice-of-life jokes have no deeper meaning.  Seeing Dora about to lower the boom on Marten is funny in and of itself.  It does not have to have a deeper meaning on either of their parts, or be a reflection on the current state of the relationship or portend that their good times together are nearing their end.

I think that subconciously, many of us feel that Marten and Faye are "meant" to be a couple.  But Faye is no where near ready to be in a "serious" relationship.  An arm's length "frenemy with benefits" relationship with Sven is the best that she is capable of handling for the foreseeable future.

I do believe that there have been several significant clues from the very beginning that Hanners has a unrequited crush on Marten.  But because of her OCD, I do not believe that she is capable of acting on her attraction to her (and Dora and Faye know this).  In the meantime, she is more than content to be just friends with Marten, Faye & Dora.  I believe that thier friendship is more important to her than she lets them know.  More importantly, she will not do anything that will jeopardize these friendships.  So, I do not see Hanners as waiting in the wings to snatch up Marten, even if his relationship with Dora should end.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Xenophon Hendrix on 25 Jan 2009, 16:25
His proper response was, "There's nothing unusual about that."
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Zingoleb on 25 Jan 2009, 16:39
I don't think Jeph knows a damn thing about why his characters do things. He just writes the script as to how they'll react accordingly to different situations he puts them in.

"HAY GUISE LETS GO JOIN TEH CIRCUS"
"Circuses are dirty!"
"I hope there's bunnies!"

blah blah blah blah
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Shmee on 25 Jan 2009, 20:00
Wow. I don't even remember "the hair incident". You guys are impressive.

I don't remember the Dora-gets-mad-about-Marten's-hair incident either.  Could anyone point to where that is in the archives?  I'm curious now and I'd like to revisit it.

It would be much appreciated!
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Superkid11 on 25 Jan 2009, 20:36
Personally I kind of hope this causes a split because it's been a while since things have been shaken up.  Who's the newest character, Sven's intern?  Not exactly rocking the boat with that addition.  What would Questionable Content be like in case of a Dora/Marten split?  Would CoD be a safe haven?  Would Faye make her move?  How would  Sven react to getting dumped?  Does Raven make a move on Sven?  How does Marten deal with a break-up?  We've seen him when he's single and used to it, we've seen him on top of the world, but we've only seen him lose everything for a brief 48 hours between the talk with Faye and kiss with Dora.

And bring back Steve, I am honest to God concerned for the webcomic character.  Weeks ago, he was a wreck, playing with empty liquor bottles.  What's Meena's deal, did she screw it up with him too?

And thus concludes my epic first post.
If this gets that big, I'm going to be desperately coming back to QC every 5 minutes even though I know it won't be updating til the next day. Damn.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Rocketman on 25 Jan 2009, 23:33
Seeing Dora about to lower the boom on Marten is funny in and of itself.

No, it's not.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Zingoleb on 26 Jan 2009, 00:39
Yes, it is.

Argument strip was blah. Not really all that funny nor dramatic.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Jace on 26 Jan 2009, 02:05
They don't. I'm always pissed off, so one more inconveniece doesn't make much of a difference.

Really? What a horrible way to live.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Zingoleb on 26 Jan 2009, 02:32
They don't. I'm always pissed off, so one more inconveniece doesn't make much of a difference.

Really? What a horrible way to live.

My mother seems to manage it. I'm not kidding. She believes that the Beatles were all burnt out hippies that didn't know what they were doing and also thinks that god is talking to her and is telling her that I'm evil. She'll randomly start bashing on anything and everything from Stevie Ray Vaughan to homosexuality, but she still seems happy despite hating everyone and everything...
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Jace on 26 Jan 2009, 02:38
Damn, I knew I should have just said "well RovingSoul, you must just be on the rag a lot then." That would have probably had a better reaction.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Zingoleb on 26 Jan 2009, 02:56
Actually, you should see my mother. I avoid her, but when I am around her it's really strange. Last time I saw her she just randomly started ranting in mid-sentence about "GAY PEOPLE ARE OBSESSED WITH SHIT!" and I was completely taken off guard.

Wait, shit, isn't there a topic we're supposed to be on?
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Anachletus on 26 Jan 2009, 15:44
Well, in an attempt to actually stay on topic... :roll:

In my opinion, Marten hasn't done anything even remotely wrong. Yes, some random chick hit on him. So what? Doras accusations, that he would've tried to hide it, are completley unfounded. He was completley honest about it when she asked him straight out "Did someone hit on you", after all. And I'm sure he's asked her how her day was without her going on about every guy that's been hitting on her. Basically, all she's done is tell him that their entire relationship is a lie, since she can't find it in herself to trust him and apparenly never has. The only way for him to show her how wrong she is, is not only to take a camera with him wherever he is and upload it so she can wiew it wheenever he wants to, but to make her do the same. The bulkier the camera, the better, to really make it an inconvenience. Why not add sound, too, in order to make sure they can yell at the people hitting on their partner? The more of a buden it is (especially for Dora), the better. Well, I suppose the easier way to do this would be if Marten just kept on nagging on her about every thing that dosen't get his approval first. If she can't take it and still dosen't shut up about her sily ways, he should seriously break up with her. The only thing I'm afraid of is her breaking up with him first. For some reason, it's always the the assholes that get to break up.
No, I don't dislike Dora in any particular way. She's just beeing really stupid right now, for no apparent reason. I really hope for her sake she's got PMS or something along those lines, since it would offer an explanation (but not really an exceuse) for acting this selfish. And since there was a discussion about this earlier, yes, women do act irregularly during PMS. My current girlfriend, whith whom I've had the luck of beeing with for a year, tends to blow up about any little detail. ("Do you need any help with that?" "I CAN DO THIS ON MY OWN!" "Ok...."
 - True  and regular story)
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Steve on 26 Jan 2009, 16:58
Run, Marten, run! Run away from the crazy lady! (Yes, I know I said run toward her. Sometimes I'm wrong?)

I was looking through the reactions of both Dora and Marten in all the panels:

1) Dora's furious. Marten's some sort of mix of terrified and befuddled.
2) Dora's accusative, and Marten's getting annoyed.
3) Dora's still cranky. Marten can't believe he has to deal with this crap again.
4) Dora's sulking. Marten... I'm not sure what this is, but it looks like he's trying to take her BS seriously.
5) Dora is almost over it, but perplexed... Marten doesn't want to have this conversation (cf his reaction in panel 3!)
6) Dora's pissy again. Marten is apologetic, even though he really didn't do anything wrong.

I almost think Marten is going to need to break up with her over her constantly freaking out about this stuff. The guy needs to stand up for himself a little more. He's the most loyal guy there is, but if this keeps up, I'm not so sure that's going to stay true forever...

I'm of the opinion that if something significant happened to him that day, it would have been that he hooked up with the library chick in the stacks. Now that would qualify as "significant!" ;)  But getting asked out in a completely unmemorable way, turning someone down, having it be completely clear that nothing even remotely happened... man, I'm the biggest change-hating OCD control freak I know, and even I'm not going to let something like that bother me.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Superkid11 on 26 Jan 2009, 17:17
Marten wasn't getting all apologetic because he thought he did something wrong, he was just recognizing that he made a bad guess when he tried to avoid freaking Dora out, and explaining his actions. (A "Can you really blame me?!" would have made that more apparent) Plus he may consider it an easy way of ending the conversation... where he may be right but easy doesn't mean healthiest.

I don't think they're going to break up over this though. ... well, they're either going to do that or they're both going to learn to cope with it. Dora's going to mellow out as time goes on, and Marten will learn to fortify his backbone when necessary or generally how better to deal with her when she gets like that.
Learning how to deal with each other's flaws is a pretty important step in any relationship.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Surgoshan on 26 Jan 2009, 21:38
Yeah... fuck Dora.

He didn't mention it because it wasn't important to him.  She's getting upset because he should have recognized that it would be important to her...  Why is he not allowed to get upset that she isn't realizing that it wasn't important to him?

Yeah.  Double standard.  Fuck Dora.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Siibillam-Law on 26 Jan 2009, 21:51
FUTURE EVENTS SPOILER WARNINGS OMG

Dora and Marten (or "Martin" as people have gotten to know him as) split up, in a brilliant story twist by Jeph
Load of QC are all like "Omg they split! The world will never be the same again!" and everyone sends Jeph angry emails
Jeph can't handle it, and shoots himself
QC is taken over by Jim Davis and gradually becomes less and less funny
Then QC readers shoot themselves and no one wants to clean up the mess so they shoot themselves
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Surgoshan on 26 Jan 2009, 22:00
QC is taken over by Jim Davis and gradually becomes less and less funny
"Gradually"?
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Siibillam-Law on 26 Jan 2009, 22:02
Garfield, at some point, was actually good
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Surgoshan on 26 Jan 2009, 22:11
yeah, but at this point, do you think Davis is capable of a gradual slide to suck?  The man is steeped in failure.  His soul is a cup of failtea.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Siibillam-Law on 26 Jan 2009, 22:17
Poor man. So talented, once
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: songblade on 26 Jan 2009, 22:52
Yeah... fuck Dora.
Yeah.  Double standard.  Fuck Dora.
I would.

*ahem*  yeah.  Setting up Martin to fail isn't fair.  QC isn't funny when it's telling my life story.  lol

Stupid insecure women.  Bah.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: thallie on 27 Jan 2009, 07:06
And since there was a discussion about this earlier, yes, women do act irregularly during PMS. My current girlfriend, whith whom I've had the luck of beeing with for a year, tends to blow up about any little detail. ("Do you need any help with that?" "I CAN DO THIS ON MY OWN!"

Not to start up a new argument, but I'm just gonna throw this out there. When PMSing and menstruating, the female hormone is, in fact, at its lowest. So isn't it fair to say that men act like that all month long? Just saying.


As for Dora... she really is blowing up about this, and I'm thinking that she might be having some sort of underlying issue with Marten and is using this as an outlet. Maybe the Hannelore thing really did bother her and she tried to play it off. It's the only reason I can see for having the two twists so close together. I'm not defending Dora; she's definitely being a bitch. But she might not just be being a bitch to be a bitch. She might genuinely be nervous about her relationship's stability and, though that's no excuse for her current behavior, this whole incident might have lit the fuse and set the whole thing off.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Random832 on 27 Jan 2009, 08:17
One problem that stands out to me - in yesterday's... "I don't expect you to tell me every time one of your customers flirts with you" "Yeah, but if you ASKED" - when did Dora ASK [at least, at any point before she started in with the accusatory tone] if such a thing had happened? Her words were "Anything interesting happen?"

the most annoying thing is Marten is now accepting as a fait accompli the idea that he was dishonest when he never was. This says either: He is an idiot and actually believes it, or he is being dishonest NOW in just saying whatever he thinks she wants to hear
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: wargrafix on 27 Jan 2009, 09:00
he has the spine of a jellyfish.

She wants a "yes" man.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: ChippyD on 27 Jan 2009, 09:16
This really does look a a LOT like the relationship with me and my guy. Anyone who thinks a relationship should be 100% fluffy and peaceful has never survived a relationship for more than a few months then. It doesn't happen. People fight, in and out of relationship. And if anything, love intensifies that fact.

Me and my guy get along wonderfully, usually. As does Dora and Martin. We share the same tastes to an extent, though we have our differences. But I can be extremely combative, and sometimes my guy just doesn't want any shit. When the wrong stars align, our fights are epic. But once we get some cooldown time and our hate-mon levels go down, we realize that its not an issue worth staying mad at each other over. Very often this is how most relationships work. And its perfectly survivable as long as people make the effort to meet halfway, and solve the issue.

I have confidense in Martin and Dora. Dora is hot headed and insecure, but she's also capable of being fairly rational and understanding. And lucky for her Martin seems to have all the patience and good will in the world to let people meet him half way. The latest comic just solidifes that.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Jace on 27 Jan 2009, 10:24
Whenever my girlfriend tried to give me shit about having lied I just beat her until she realized that I was right all along. Its true that not all relationships are all peaceful and fluffy, sometimes you just gotta smack the bitch.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Random832 on 27 Jan 2009, 10:25
a sudden change of personality (even for a short while) needs a reason. (Maybe she was molested the day before and we never saw, and now her resentment towards men is growing)

A story focused on a single main character can get away with "a secondary character has a sudden change and the main character later finds out why". A story with an ensemble cast cannot. And Jeph's newspost the other day implies he believes the characters are acting as they always do.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Rocketman on 27 Jan 2009, 10:30
Whenever my girlfriend tried to give me shit about having lied I just beat her until she realized that I was right all along. Its true that not all relationships are all peaceful and fluffy, sometimes you just gotta smack the bitch.

That, sirrah, is not funny in the slightest.

Whenever my boyfriend tried to give me shit about having lied I just beat him until he realized that I was right all along. Its true that not all relationships are all peaceful and fluffy, sometimes you just gotta smack the bastard.

Now it's hilarious. Put it on the 'net and you'll have defenders in no time.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: snowdove on 27 Jan 2009, 10:56
Whenever my girlfriend tried to give me shit about having lied I just beat her until she realized that I was right all along. Its true that not all relationships are all peaceful and fluffy, sometimes you just gotta smack the bitch.

Please don't say things like that.  You wouldn't want to be personally identified as a rapist or an abuser of women, (I assume) so don't make those who are think that talking about women like that is acceptable.  You are just facilitating abuse by normalizing it, and your little joke isn't funny.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: wargrafix on 27 Jan 2009, 11:18
I think he was just joking.


don't go off a handle just for a joke.

Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: pwhodges on 27 Jan 2009, 12:04
Some jokes are not a good idea...
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Jace on 27 Jan 2009, 12:12
Don't worry ladies, I totally promote non-violence. Except when someone really deserves an asskicking. See: people who actually factually beat their spouses. People who have hit me first. People who hit my friends.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Siibillam-Law on 27 Jan 2009, 12:17
But Sean Connery says it's OK
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3FgMLROTqJ0
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: wargrafix on 27 Jan 2009, 12:18
a bit tasteless, but thats life.

Martin needs to set ground rules. In any case, her manner of tone was disrespectful.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: jedraft on 27 Jan 2009, 14:13
They're children - that's the only way to rationalize it.  I suppose it's funny to watch hurtful, thoughtless things done and said for absolutely no purpose at all, good or bad.   Like "Much Ado About Nothing," except maybe not quite as poetic.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Lost Coastlines on 27 Jan 2009, 17:29
The haircut incident, flipping out when Marten said he still cared about Faye & other girls in his past, the Sven incident . . . Dora has serious control issues.  Being insecure is one thing, but this is beyond that.  As far as we know, Dora never revealed to Marten how she knew another girl asked him on a date.  Aside from one panel where he was a little confused, he never pressed the issue.  I would be seriously creeped out, but the poor guy just took this in stride.  Dora's had several of these insecurity/control episodes and she's never taken it upon herself to deal with her issues.  Marten and Faye have talked her down, but always with kid gloves, hoping she'd realize how psycho she can be.  She hasn't.  She expects self-improvement from others, but never herself.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: carvin on 27 Jan 2009, 17:43
I actually joined this forum because of this.

I don't know if this is really out of character for Dora... but if it is, I'm glad I don't date her. It just comes down to the fact that Marten did NOT lie (it's not noteworthy). There hasn't been a thing she has said with any reason to it. And I get some emotional response, but no one should be stuck on that so long when they are so completely wrong. Marten should not stand for this and shouldn't be compromising on who is wrong. It's unhealthy to be a door mat.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: wargrafix on 27 Jan 2009, 19:06
perhaps they are destined to be a couple which only fights?

Dora is completely wrong, and interestingly, there isn't a single redeeming point for her in this entire arc.

However her subconscious said in all, in her dreams where Martin and the other chick were making out. she is constantly in worry over that. and now its coming through.

Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Gammagooey on 27 Jan 2009, 19:59
Meh, i can tolerate the ocassional bout of stupidity from a character if it leads to amusing things.  Like today's comic for instance, once i realized that not just the waitress, but ALL of them dropped what they were holding, i laughed a lot more, even if i don't see Dora dropping her menu to be something she would do in the situation.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Surgoshan on 27 Jan 2009, 20:06
Okay, if I were dating a girl who were to try and pull this passive-aggressive, testing/control bullshit, I'd blow up on her, tell her I don't like her dishonesty, and tell her I'd be willing to spend time with her when she was willing to apologize for not yet being ready for an adult relationship.

Seriously, she and Marten have been dating for at least 6 months now and she's still pulling this insecure high school horse shit.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Superkid11 on 27 Jan 2009, 20:48
As satisfying as it may be to see, blowing up just isn't Marty's style. I think at his most pissed off he would just shoot a death glare, walk out, flip the bird, and slam the door. Without saying a thing.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Zingoleb on 27 Jan 2009, 21:47
Heheh, Marten would lose a middle finger.

This mini-arc is starting to really piss me off. It just seems a bit contrived and forced, in my opinion...I have an extremely slow connection, so as I'm waiting for the third panel to load ,I'm thinking, "I bet the waitress is the chick," and BAM! there it is. So blatantly obvious. I was anticipating an argument solely for some drama, but this is getting really disappointing. This entire thing seems a little forced to me. An argument over what's going on is just a little bump, nothing real to argue about, and certainly not attention grabbing (at least to me). I want some real drama already.

And, and @ whoever made the 'beat the bitch' comment, I laughed. I sensed your sarcasm.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: wargrafix on 28 Jan 2009, 07:53
what would have been classic would be a "raise the pimp hand" statement.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 03 Feb 2009, 00:52
OK, found it. The thread with Dora complaining about Marten's haircut starts with number 857. Dora did apologize and show some self-awareness.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Shmee on 04 Feb 2009, 09:31
OK, found it. The thread with Dora complaining about Marten's haircut starts with number 857. Dora did apologize and show some self-awareness.

Thanks!  I was having a devil of a time trying to find it.

Yeah, that was just weeeird.  Dora is all about the double standards, it seems, but at least in this past event she realized she was being crazy.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: TheDozarian on 04 Feb 2009, 11:26
I think that we have to be careful whenever we attempt to apply deeper meaning to the funny situations that occur in QC.  It is true that Jeph often foreshadows plot developments weeks or even months in advance (in real time).  However, many times, his slice-of-life jokes have no deeper meaning.  Seeing Dora about to lower the boom on Marten is funny in and of itself.  It does not have to have a deeper meaning on either of their parts, or be a reflection on the current state of the relationship or portend that their good times together are nearing their end.

This is an excellent point Bob.  I think we are obviously seeing more subtle foreshadowing that may eventually lead to a Marten/Faye relationship or relationship fiasco.  I'm guessing that both may eventually be down and require comforting or consoling and then "it just happens".  Hard to say and I don't think it'll be for awhile, but the comic the other day seems to strengthen the idea that they are either meant to be together or that they are meant to totally languish apart.

Quote
I think that subconciously, many of us feel that Marten and Faye are "meant" to be a couple.  But Faye is no where near ready to be in a "serious" relationship.  An arm's length "frenemy with benefits" relationship with Sven is the best that she is capable of handling for the foreseeable future.

While I tend to agree with you on this one, I'm not sure that it would completely stop her if the opportunity as I mentioned above were to arise.  But who knows...

Quote
I do believe that there have been several significant clues from the very beginning that Hanners has a unrequited crush on Marten.  But because of her OCD, I do not believe that she is capable of acting on her attraction to her (and Dora and Faye know this).  In the meantime, she is more than content to be just friends with Marten, Faye & Dora.  I believe that thier friendship is more important to her than she lets them know.  More importantly, she will not do anything that will jeopardize these friendships.  So, I do not see Hanners as waiting in the wings to snatch up Marten, even if his relationship with Dora should end.

Not touching this one... Although I will say that I can totally see the point you're making...  Excellent post overall man...
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Lost Coastlines on 04 Feb 2009, 13:19
"This is an excellent point Bob.  I think we are obviously seeing more subtle foreshadowing that may eventually lead to a Marten/Faye relationship or relationship fiasco.  I'm guessing that both may eventually be down and require comforting or consoling and then "it just happens".  Hard to say and I don't think it'll be for awhile, but the comic the other day seems to strengthen the idea that they are either meant to be together or that they are meant to totally languish apart."

Sorry, but I don't see a Marten/Faye relationship happening anytime soon, if ever.  The few times we've seen them alone together lately they just seem awkward together.  I don't think post-"The Talk" ended up the way either of them wanted or expected.  Sure, Faye knew that Dora would snatch Marten up, but she did ask Dora to promise "not to steal Marty away completely."  She obviously expected to continue a significant friendship with him, more than 3rd wheel or roommates who barely see each other.  From some conversations with Faye shortly after "The Talk," it would seem Marten also expected something more than what they have now.  But aside from working at the library and band practice (what has Deathmole been up to?), Dora has monopolized Marten's time.  This obviously bothers Faye a lot, and is probably what drove her to jump Sven.  But she's witnessed Dora's overreaction on a few occasions so she's decided to just deal with the situation as is for fear of upsetting the apple cart.  I don't think Faye is over Marten.  However, losing Marten was a big step in self-improvement for her, so I don't see her acting on any feelings.  Plus she has feelings for Sven at the moment as well.  Marten probably misses hanging out with Faye, but he's over her.  So sorry, but I think the Marten/Faye ship has sailed.

That being said, Marten isn't the right guy for Dora.  The girl obviously has some issues and they keep coming up.  She's either unwilling or unable to work on them.  When she said her insecurities came from being overshadowed by Sven and having girls use her to get to him, I think she was only telling half the truth.  In a really early strip, Sven took Dora out to lunch and Dora talked about how she liked Marten but he and Faye had mutual feelings.  Sven said something to the extent of "that hasn't stopped you before."  Dora has probably hooked up with or tried to hook up with a guy who was in another courtship/relationship at least once before, and she probably had it blow up in her face.  She expected she had a boyfriend, but he went back to the other girl or got upset with her for ruining what he had with someone else.  Or she learned that if he cheats on someone else with you, he'll probably cheat on you, too.  This kept her from acting on her feelings for Marten until "The Talk," but she's still carried her preconceptions over to her relationship with Marten.  Dora needs a guy who is into her from the get-go, and that's not Marten.  If Jeph ever introduces such a guy, that might be the catalyst needed to break them up.  I don't think Dora would dump Marten and pick up with someone else right away, but meeting someone like that might make her realize that the situation she's in with Marten isn't good for her.  Then we might actually get some Dora character development, hoorah!
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Masterbainter on 04 Feb 2009, 13:51
Whenever my girlfriend tried to give me shit about having lied I just beat her until she realized that I was right all along. Its true that not all relationships are all peaceful and fluffy, sometimes you just gotta smack the bitch.

That, sirrah, is not funny in the slightest.

Whenever my boyfriend tried to give me shit about having lied I just beat him until he realized that I was right all along. Its true that not all relationships are all peaceful and fluffy, sometimes you just gotta smack the bastard.

Now it's hilarious. Put it on the 'net and you'll have defenders in no time.

It's only funny because it's true.
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: TheDozarian on 05 Feb 2009, 05:38
Sorry, but I don't see a Marten/Faye relationship happening anytime soon, if ever.  The few times we've seen them alone together lately they just seem awkward together.  I don't think post-"The Talk" ended up the way either of them wanted or expected.  Sure, Faye knew that Dora would snatch Marten up, but she did ask Dora to promise "not to steal Marty away completely."  She obviously expected to continue a significant friendship with him, more than 3rd wheel or roommates who barely see each other.  From some conversations with Faye shortly after "The Talk," it would seem Marten also expected something more than what they have now.  But aside from working at the library and band practice (what has Deathmole been up to?), Dora has monopolized Marten's time.  This obviously bothers Faye a lot, and is probably what drove her to jump Sven.  But she's witnessed Dora's overreaction on a few occasions so she's decided to just deal with the situation as is for fear of upsetting the apple cart.  I don't think Faye is over Marten.  However, losing Marten was a big step in self-improvement for her, so I don't see her acting on any feelings.  Plus she has feelings for Sven at the moment as well.  Marten probably misses hanging out with Faye, but he's over her.  So sorry, but I think the Marten/Faye ship has sailed.

Well, like I said, I'm not saying it's going to happen, only that I wouldn't be surprised to see it at some point.  And if it happened, that's how I could conceivably see it happening.  I tend to agree with you that it wouldn't likely be good for anyone, hence the 'fiasco' comment.  Also, I think almost everything you said about Dora is pretty spot on.  The only thing I'd see differently is if Dora could figure out some of her issues, her and Marten could be great together...  If Marten stays interested and I'm just not sure he will...
Title: Re: Wait, what?
Post by: Siibillam-Law on 05 Feb 2009, 07:45
Maybe at the beginning of the strip, but now they have a brother-sister relationship, almost. They've been living with each other for at least a year (but that's the debatable QC-time). Nothing's going to happen between them