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Comic Discussion => QUESTIONABLE CONTENT => Topic started by: jwhouk on 03 Oct 2010, 05:46

Title: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010 (1766-70)
Post by: jwhouk on 03 Oct 2010, 05:46
You KNOW it's on everyone's minds. Might as well make a poll of it.

P.S. - You have only three more shopping days (two if you're in AUS).
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 03 Oct 2010, 06:19
Startin' it out early this week, aren't you?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tergon on 03 Oct 2010, 07:06
I'm in Australia and it's, like 1am Monday here.  I'm posting this less than an hour and a half after jwhouk.  Basically I'm wondering what exactly I only have two shopping days until.  Is it, like, Tuesday?  Is that what I'm waiting for?  WHY CAN'T I GO SHOPPING TOMORROW?  DAMN YOU AND YOUR RULES, JWHOUK, I'M A LOOSE CANNON AND I WILL SHOP WHEN I WANT!

(Also I am assuming you mean two days until the comic is up but seriously, it's rarely up later than about 5pm, so that's like a little more than half a day)
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 03 Oct 2010, 08:41
You missed an option. 

"In Bed." 

Although I suppose the "off stage, never to be spoken of again" option may include that. 

Mind you, I wouldn't have voted for it if it were there, but after last week's prognostications, I think it should have been an option. 

Gotta keep the shipping lanes open, after all! 
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Llewellian on 03 Oct 2010, 14:22
Hmm... it lacks: "Hannelore is firing her orbital laser" on Sven.

Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Kugai on 03 Oct 2010, 14:51
Hanners will declare herself Gay and hook up with an OCD version of Tai

Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 03 Oct 2010, 15:06
(looks at his profile) Oh. That's right. It doesn't show that.

Well.

The hint for today: Two more days and 42 becomes 43.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 03 Oct 2010, 18:51
In honor of your birthday(?), jwhouk, I hereby present you with one internet.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 03 Oct 2010, 19:16
Why, thanks. (Puts it with the others)
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 03 Oct 2010, 21:26
Well.

The hint for today: Two more days and 42 becomes 43.

Hah! 

Happy birthday, kid...
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: snubnose on 03 Oct 2010, 23:52
Hmm... it lacks: "Hannelore is firing her orbital laser" on Sven.


I like that option :D
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tergon on 04 Oct 2010, 01:03
Okay, this is a big call, but I'm making it:  The final panel of today's comic may be the single funniest image in all of QC.  I just cannot stop laughing at freaked-out Hanners in the giant Hoodie.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 04 Oct 2010, 01:09
Quote
I love it when girls say that.


That went right over her head.


Because he's so tall indeed!
when he's lyin' down maybe, amirite!
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Akima on 04 Oct 2010, 01:23
Okay, this is a big call, but I'm making it:  The final panel of today's comic may be the single funniest image in all of QC.  I just cannot stop laughing at freaked-out Hanners in the giant Hoodie.
I don't think I'd go quite that far, but it is very funny. As for Sven wearing a tee-shirt sloganed with "jejune"... I suppose that's irony?

But what is it about the QC girls? First Faye left her cardigan at the restaurant when she went out with Angus, and now Hanners has left her bag behind! Now what? Whacky hijinks with Hanners having to sleep at Sven's place because she's locked out of her own? Hmmm... Seen that before (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=874). Time for a TVTropes entry?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: pendrake on 04 Oct 2010, 01:35
For comic #1766...

1. "Jejune"...  A word somehow so very fitting for Sven im so many ways.   But as I said before, I have been liking Sven a lot more as a result of this story-arc.

2. "I love it when girls say that."  Even before I read the next panel I knew that was going to go right over Hanners' head.

3. Hannelore continues to be "D'Aww...!"-ingly cute, from the oversized hoodie to her panicked reaction at the thought of a kiss from Sven.  Sven's look of amusement is pretty good too, he resembles Dora a lot in that fashion.

4. Part of me hopes to see a large-panel full-shot of Hanners and Sven kissing, with Hannelore on her tip-toes &/or Sven having to partly pick her up off the ground.  That would be quite an ender/shocker to the story-arc.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Near Lurker on 04 Oct 2010, 01:36
Sven... the first time was stupid enough, but come on.  You know better than this.  At least cover the innuendo a bit better.

So much for Hannelore being vegan.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 04 Oct 2010, 02:49
Note that he apparently DID take her to "that Vegan cafe that wins 'Cleanest Dining in the Valley' every year."
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tergon on 04 Oct 2010, 03:03
Note that he apparently DID take her to "that Vegan cafe that wins 'Cleanest Dining in the Valley' every year."

Judging by the utensils, the edamame, and the sake bottles and cups, I'm pretty sure it's a Japanese restaurant.

It could potentially be a Vegan Japanese restaurant, but y'know.  Doubtful.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Dickbutt on 04 Oct 2010, 03:11
Ain't it true though, you can never be too cold for ice cream
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: blub on 04 Oct 2010, 03:38
So much for Hannelore being vegan.
Although I'm not sure that's what you meant, there is such a thing as vegan ice cream. Delicious vegan ice cream, too.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Antsan on 04 Oct 2010, 03:56
Hanners reminds me of Edna from Edna bricht aus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EIj-5xxK0o) with this hoodie, although Edna definitely doesn't have OCD...


Quote
2. "I love it when girls say that."  Even before I read the next panel I knew that was going to go right over Hanners' head.
Damn, I missed it, till I read it here.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tormuse on 04 Oct 2010, 07:24
Just stopping by to confirm what Hanners said:  It is *never* too cold for ice cream!
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 04 Oct 2010, 09:00
Couple of quick observations;

Hanners in another person's clothes (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1471).  Granted, it's outerwear, and recently washed, but someone else has been wearing it all day.

Yes, it's a toss off joke, and Sven probably knows it'll go right over Hanner's head, but really - he promised he'd be a gentleman, and no gentleman would make a comment like that.  It's just this side of "that's what she  said!"  And what would have happened if she had caught the reference?  More blushing, of course, but probably some running, too... I mean, did Friday's comic have no effect on Sven at all?  Or has he just recovered into DB mode? 

OK, Sven says they'd normally kiss.  Hanner's face is unbeleivably cutre with the realization and moment's contemplation of what he's said.  Sven looks like he's contemplating it himself.  AWKWARD!!  Although she may also be contemplating the height difference, too...

Ice cream.  She's not cold anymore, between the hoodie and thinking about a kiss...
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mojo on 04 Oct 2010, 09:06
Please.  Lots of gentlemen would say that.  It was meant as a joke, and gentlemen do joke.

Sven knows he can't kiss her, and I reeeeeally doubt he'd even try it.  He's amused because he knows how she'll react.  In other words, he's teasing her.  Perfectly fine behaviour on a date.  In fact, it can go a long way.

Even for a gentleman.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: tomart on 04 Oct 2010, 09:19
Your poll missed an obvious outcome, in fact the most likely at this point (i'm guessin'):  
It ends fine. She thanks him for the master-level instruction (and experience points!) and everyone's happy (except the doomsayers.)

Please.  Lots of gentlemen would say that.  It was meant as a joke, and gentlemen do joke.

Sven knows he can't kiss her, and I reeeeeally doubt he'd even try it.  He's amused because he knows how she'll react.  In other words, he's teasing her.  Perfectly fine behaviour on a date.  
This!

Hanners continues to out-cute everyone in adorability!  Her in that oversized hoodie - and missing the obvious innuendo at the same time!  Gush!  And her face in panel 7 - priceless!      More kudos to Jeph!
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Heliphyneau on 04 Oct 2010, 10:45
But what is it about the QC girls? First Faye left her cardigan at the restaurant when she went out with Angus, and now Hanners has left her bag behind!

Man, there have got to be some sweet pickin's at the QC Lost & Found.

Note that he apparently DID take her to "that Vegan cafe that wins 'Cleanest Dining in the Valley' every year."

Judging by the utensils, the edamame, and the sake bottles and cups, I'm pretty sure it's a Japanese restaurant.

In the box on the sign on the wall behind Sven's head where the restaurant is proclaimed "Best in the Valley," it says "SUSHI."  Though there are some vegetable options, most sushi is not vegan.

Yes, it's a toss off joke, and Sven probably knows it'll go right over Hanner's head, but really - he promised he'd be a gentleman, and no gentleman would make a comment like that.  It's just this side of "that's what she  said!" 

And where was his top hat and monocle?  Gentleman indeed, harrumph.   :-P  He probably just couldn't help but make that joke.  I detected no malice in it, though.  Much like when Angus was conversing with Hanners after she stayed the night with Marigold, there is an undercurrent of wonder ("Wow, that really did go right over her head") and affection ("D'aww, her uncorrupted view of the world makes her adorable") there.  I think at this point Sven knows that any joke like that is gonna sail over Hanners' head and that to make the extra effort to make sure she got the joke would either result in her embarassment (which would be less nice) or be completely futile, essentially showing that he is equipped with a Useless Sledgehammer Made Entirely of Boobs.

OK, Sven says they'd normally kiss.  Hanner's face is unbeleivably cutre with the realization and moment's contemplation of what he's said. 

I love Hanners' face in the next-to-last panel (numbar 7).  That can totally go in the gallery of expressions Jeph has drawn that make me giggle every time I see them.   :-D

And everyone knows that cold weather is the perfect time to get a hot fudge sundae -- because c'mon, it's both hot and cold!  Also mmmm . . .
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Near Lurker on 04 Oct 2010, 11:27
Sven knows he can't kiss her, and I reeeeeally doubt he'd even try it.  He's amused because he knows how she'll react.  In other words, he's teasing her.  Perfectly fine behaviour on a date.  In fact, it can go a long way.

Normally, yes.  But you have to keep in mind whom he's dealing with right now; he is on thin ice.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: bhtooefr on 04 Oct 2010, 12:14
Keep in mind... Hanners is nothing if not assertive when she needs to be.

And she hasn't ended the date. Therefore, the experience hasn't been that bad, apparently...
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mr_Rose on 04 Oct 2010, 12:45
Yeah, you piss off Hannelore at your peril; quite apart from the unconfirmed years-later-serial-killer-vengeance vibe she emits from time to time, she can apparently channel her mother at-will...
Plus, she's friends with some of the orbital death-rays.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mad Cat on 04 Oct 2010, 13:07
Hanners will declare herself Gay and hook up with an OCD version of Tai
Get. Out. Of. My. Head!
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Border Reiver on 04 Oct 2010, 15:42
Hanners is just too cute in this arc, not just this strip but the entire flippin' arc.

And with the exception of some foot in mouth condition Sven is so far being a decent date for Hanners, which will simply confuse Dora when she finds out.  And in confusion will be humour, I hope.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mr_Rose on 04 Oct 2010, 16:28
Quote from: freakin' everybody
Hanners is cute.
Can we pack this in please?
Really guys, this is like being continually reminded that the sky is blue. Without having to look up. :-P

Not that I'm disagreeing here, but I think we're at the point where it would be much more informative to announce when she isn't being cute/adorable/improbably huggable.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: raoullefere on 04 Oct 2010, 19:07
Actually, to me Hanners in the sweater is a little over the top. If she were food, that food would run my sugar up so much I'd be sittin' in the emergency room, or drunk*, or both.

And the poll is missing the obvious conclusion—both of them end up tasered. I am very much looking forward to this. Don't disappoint, Jacques—you'll day the rue.

Meanwhile, I just now checked out last week's forum, only to discover Heliphyneau's Useless Sledgehammer Made Entirely of Boobs sitting there. I think it has me unsettled, possibly because while the hammer part makes a sort of sense, the handle will not work itself out in my mind. Such as it is.

*Yes, I've done this before after consuming some sort of over-the top lemon pie concoction when I knew better. I found myself babbling inane observations about the temperature of women's ass cheeks at four in the morning. I've since avoided that stuff like the plague.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mojo on 04 Oct 2010, 19:14
I've seen lots of sushi that are all veggie.  There are lots of various rolls that use little more than seaweed, rice, carrot, ginger and so forth.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 04 Oct 2010, 19:20
Useless Sledgehammer made of Boobs. 

Just ... doesn't have the same ring to it, realy. 

Nice imagery, though. 

Especially on he downswing...

And for everyone responding to my post about Sven being a gentleman, the point was that he promised Dora  that he'd be one.  Well, that he'd be harmless.  Anything he says on this date may well get back to his sister, after all.  And I just thought he was skating on thin ice.  You can't be sure with Hanners whether she'll get a reference or not! 

But yes, he handled it well.  After Friday's comic, it could've beem much  worse! 
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tergon on 04 Oct 2010, 19:38
I've seen lots of sushi that are all veggie.  There are lots of various rolls that use little more than seaweed, rice, carrot, ginger and so forth.

Oh, that's definitely true.  But if the place were a Vegan restaurant, it'd only serve that stuff.  And a restaurant that sells nothing but Vegan Sushi is one with... limited range.  Like, that award it won?  It'd most likely be because it was the only restaurant in its own category, regardless of how clean it is.  But mostly for me it's just that Faye describes it as "That vegan cafe that wins 'Cleanest Dining In The Valley' every year."  If a place has a distinct Japanese theme, and advertises itself with big signs by the door that talk only about the Sushi, then when I was referring to that place the first descriptive point that would spring to mind would be, y'know, something to do with Japan.  It'd certainly at least rate a mention.  And besides, if Sven actually did mirror Faye's date prediction, don't you think Hanners would have said something by now?
I guess my point is that it's almost definitely not the same place, though this seems an oddly pointless thing to be arguing about, even for here.

*brandishes the Useless Broom Made Entirely Out Of Dicks*

While your Boob-Hammer is indeed impressive, it cannot match my Dick-Broom-Fu.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Sorflakne on 04 Oct 2010, 20:29
Gotta give Sven credit; he's at least trying.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 04 Oct 2010, 20:35
So how will the "Practice Date" end?

Badly.    - 6 (8.6%)
Hannelore running away blushing.    - 9 (12.9%)
Sven on fire.    - 3 (4.3%)
Dora screaming.    - 1 (1.4%)
Two words: Yelling Bird.    - 10 (14.3%)
It won't - that's how bad it'll be.    - 5 (7.1%)
Sven will accidentally fall upon the "Toto" gambit.    - 7 (10%)
Off-stage. Neither will speak of it in public.    - 12 (17.1%)
In bed.    - 10 (14.3%)
Hannermom intervening.    - 1 (1.4%)
Elssa intervening - CATFIGHT!    - 0 (0%)
Oh come on, Joe, it's gonna end FINE.    - 6 (8.6%)

Total Voters: 70
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Prince of Space on 04 Oct 2010, 20:39
I really like the current dynamic between these two.   The fact that Sven just laughed after Hannelore mentioned 'It must happen a lot.' just made me all gooey inside.    Actually, it's *her* that made me gooey inside with her naiveté, but the way he handled it was the cherry on top.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 04 Oct 2010, 20:44
UBMEOD.
USHMEOB.
Whats next, a Useless Screw-Driver Made Entirely Of Assholes?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 04 Oct 2010, 21:44
One item buried inconspicuously in the list of things in Hannelore's purse was her keys.

Who was it who just speculated on whether she'd get locked out of her apartment? EDIT: It was Akima.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: matachin on 04 Oct 2010, 21:57
I fixated a bit too much on the multitool.  Hanners is almost too cute to carry a pocketknife, but I'd bet that her multitool is one of those really nice ones with jeweler's screwdriver bits, as well as having single hand opening blades.  Yum.

One of those plus a Swiss Army knife is redundancy overkill, but with both Hanners is crazy prepared.

Scratch that.  On top of mace and a taser, I can see her with a rescue personnel utility folder that has a nice window breaker on the end.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Heliphyneau on 04 Oct 2010, 22:35
Meanwhile, I just now checked out last week's forum, only to discover Heliphyneau's Useless Sledgehammer Made Entirely of Boobs sitting there. I think it has me unsettled, possibly because while the hammer part makes a sort of sense, the handle will not work itself out in my mind. Such as it is.

Hmm, calcified/petrified implants lending structure to the handle?  Although really, the point is that it's useless, after all.  Boobs, while nice for other things, simply cannot hammer anything home (no matter what that dude who got boob-walloped by a stripper says), so there's no need for the handle to be functional either.

While your Boob-Hammer is indeed impressive, it cannot match my Dick-Broom-Fu.

'Tis not a competition!  Just another part of the toolset.  Though I am having trouble discerning if you're saying that your (ahem) tool is more useless than mine, or more effective.  The Useless Sledgehammer Made Entirely of Boobs has no Fu -- it only has a sort of squish-wubba-splat.

UBMEOD.
USHMEOB.
Whats next, a Useless Screw-Driver Made Entirely Of Assholes?

Why not?  That does sound completely useless.   :wink:

I like that Hanners had both a multitool and a Swiss Army knife in her purse.  Her keys being inaccessible could cause some issues, but surely Sven is savvy enough not to take her back to his apartment since even if nothing happens between them he will still be thought to have made a play for her.

The thought of Sven and Hanners in a duel still has me giggling at the possibilities.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Kugai on 04 Oct 2010, 22:56
Yes it's true

It's never  too cold for Ice Cream.



Sven wouldn't dream of it Hanners, he knows his life would be forfeit if he did.

Faye and Dora would kill him.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: fifthfiend on 04 Oct 2010, 23:18
Awwwwwwwwwwwwww, Hanners.

Dawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: no one special on 04 Oct 2010, 23:39
re: today's (Tuesday's) comic -

Hanners has no keys.  Hanners has to stay at Sven's for the night.  (Yes, she could easily stay at Marten/Faye/Dora's place, but that's too easily wrapped up).  She can stay on the couch, she's slept there before.  Hanners returns the next day in the same clothing (..but then how would she DEAL with being in dirty clothes??) and ASSUMPTIONS FOLLOW. 

Oh dear. 
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: raoullefere on 04 Oct 2010, 23:49
I picked tasers, only they can't go wrong now, because Hanners' is locked up in the damned restaurant!* How in the hell are these two supposed to get tasered now? Unless, of course, the Tasinja just happens by.

My heritage makes me point out that the Useless Broom Made Entirely Out of Dicks, the Useless Sledge Hammer Made Entirely Out of Boods, and the Useless Screwdriver Made Entirely Out of Assholes all pale in utter uselessness compared to the Useless Sander Made Entirely Out of Taints.




*(Drat you, Jacques, foiled again—or is it the first time. Anyway, well-played, since there is the faint possibility—but I'll not tip my hand)
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mojo on 05 Oct 2010, 00:29
My first thought was also, "OMG, she doesn't have her keys!  Guess she's not sleeping at home tonight!" but then I remembered, she's spent the night at Sven's before.

The hard part will be explaining to Dora how Hanners spent the night at Sven's place (while dodging either the broadsword or the Malaysian battle spatula).
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Radien on 05 Oct 2010, 00:57
Quote
I love it when girls say that.

That went right over her head.


Because he's so tall indeed!

It took me a whole day for me to "get" that caption from yesterday's comic, and I had to come in here to the forums solely so I have a place to groooooooaaaaaan. Bad Jeph.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: pendrake on 05 Oct 2010, 01:06
For comic #1767...

1. I regularly carry a (leatherman) multi-tool &/or Swiss Army Knife, though rarely both at the same time except when I travel.  But it is unsurprising to see Hanners carrying both, nor is having a taser and mace spray (not the cheap-ass "pepper" spray).  Too bad she had to get rid of the collapsable riot baton back in comic #1576.  And what, no (Benchmade) folding knife &/or brass knuckles...? :wink:

2. I thought it a bit disappointing to read Hannelore's recoil and "Please don't murder me!" towards Sven, it being very undeserved.  Even given her psychoses, Sven has has been a gentleman during this pretend-date (for the most part), he is a part of Hanners' overall friends circle, and Dora's brother whom she (Hannelore) already knows fairly well and spent time with.

3. On the other hand, I found Sven's punch-line counter of, "I promise not to impugn your honor, milady," both smooth and hilarious so I guess the overall gag works out.

4. While it would probably be very easy for Hanners to get back into her building and apartment, I think it will be more interesting if the pair do head back to Sven's place... :evil:
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: snubnose on 05 Oct 2010, 02:16
So how will the "Practice Date" end?

Badly.    - 6 (8.6%)
Hannelore running away blushing.    - 9 (12.9%)
Sven on fire.    - 3 (4.3%)
Dora screaming.    - 1 (1.4%)
Two words: Yelling Bird.    - 10 (14.3%)
It won't - that's how bad it'll be.    - 5 (7.1%)
Sven will accidentally fall upon the "Toto" gambit.    - 7 (10%)
Off-stage. Neither will speak of it in public.    - 12 (17.1%)
In bed.    - 10 (14.3%)
Hannermom intervening.    - 1 (1.4%)
Elssa intervening - CATFIGHT!    - 0 (0%)
Oh come on, Joe, it's gonna end FINE.    - 6 (8.6%)

Total Voters: 70
Finally I "won" a poll again :D

Bad chances to win the "it lasts 3 panels" bet now, though.


Faye and Dora would kill him.
Meh. If that would be the only issue, that would be totally worth it. :D Anything for Hanners ! :) Unfortunately Hanners wont enjoy it, so its no option anyway.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Odin on 05 Oct 2010, 03:50
Calling it now: Hanners ends up having to sleep on Sven's couch, they both spend copious amounts of time arguing with the rest of the cast asserting nothing happened, then something ends up happening anyway later.

Because why take being punished for something unless you actually do it, right?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Ravenswing on 05 Oct 2010, 04:19
Damn, you beat me to it, Odin.  That's exactly what came to my mind: she doesn't have her purse, so she doesn't have her keys, so she crashes on Sven's couch (with him saying "What the heck, don't you sleep a third of your life on our couches anyway?), so she comes in to work late the next morning saying that she had to go home to change first, so Dora and Faye screech in unison "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU STAYED WITH HIM OVERNIGHT?????" ...
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Akima on 05 Oct 2010, 04:20
In the box on the sign on the wall behind Sven's head where the restaurant is proclaimed "Best in the Valley," it says "SUSHI."  Though there are some vegetable options, most sushi is not vegan.
Might be a different place though. According to Faye, the vegan place regularly wins "Cleanest dining in the valley", not "Best in the valley"*. Though there are lots of vegan sushi options (http://www.google.com.au/images?hl=en&q=vegan+sushi), and there is vegetarian food in Japanese cuisine generally.

I totally called the forgotten bag thing! In my shoulder bag, apart from wallet, keys, phone, and the usual girl stuff, you'll find a multi-tool, an LED pen-light (http://www.ledlenser.com.au/2009/ENG/products/html_highperformance/html_Pserie/p4.php), and a 3m retractable tape-measure, but no weapons. And how did Hanners miss out on the conditioning that keeps a girl attached to her bag no matter what? I suppose on the space-station they just wore jumpsuits with lots of pockets.

*Which valley is this anyway? The Miskatonic Valley?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 05 Oct 2010, 04:34
<snip>
*Which valley is this anyway? The Miskatonic Valley?

The Connecticut River Valley.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Border Reiver on 05 Oct 2010, 04:37
*Which valley is this anyway? The Miskatonic Valley?

Innsmouth is just down the road, and Arkham is a little ways over. 
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Oct 2010, 08:52
Unfortunately for the lockout hypothesis, Winslow could let her in (941).
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: monkeyangst on 05 Oct 2010, 09:31
For me, the most amusing part of today's strip is imagining that the sign on the wall in panel 2 reads "Best in the Alley, '05."
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Radien on 05 Oct 2010, 10:22
2. I thought it a bit disappointing to read Hannelore's recoil and "Please don't murder me!" towards Sven, it being very undeserved.  Even given her psychoses, Sven has has been a gentleman during this pretend-date (for the most part), he is a part of Hanners' overall friends circle, and Dora's brother whom she (Hannelore) already knows fairly well and spent time with.

I think Hanners is fighting between two images: the polite Sven in front of her, and the hypothetical murderous male she imagined encountering when she stocked her purse.

Plus, despite the panic on her face, I can't really take her statement all too seriously. :)  Have to like a girl who can be cute about her neuroses rather than scary.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tormuse on 05 Oct 2010, 10:32
Quote from: Sven
I'm not gonna murder you.  That wouldn't exactly be gentlemanly of me.

Naw, Sven just does gentlemanly things like talking about another girl's boobs and ass and saying he wants to "do" his date.  :)
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mad Cat on 05 Oct 2010, 12:32
Minus the cellphone, Hannerpurse and my purse are the same.

Except my taser has a caliber associated with it.

And my mace is really FDS.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 05 Oct 2010, 15:45
Just as bad in the face. 

No, not from personal knowledge. 
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Somebody on 05 Oct 2010, 18:28
But it is unsurprising to see Hanners carrying both, nor is having a taser and mace spray (not the cheap-ass "pepper" spray).
What makes you think it's a mace spray?

She's a QC girl. It'll be heavy metal :)

Unfortunately for the lockout hypothesis, Winslow could let her in (941).
When was the last time we saw Winslow anyway? IIRC, he hasn't even been mentioned since the YouTube party, and hasn't been seen since a while before that.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 05 Oct 2010, 19:54
Knowing Hanners, it's probably a whole canister of OC spray. About the size of a small-to-medium fire extinguisher, roughly 12" tall and about 4" in diameter. Enough to incapacitate a football team.

Unfortunately for the lockout hypothesis, Winslow could let her in (941).
When was the last time we saw Winslow anyway? IIRC, he hasn't even been mentioned since the YouTube party, and hasn't been seen since a while before that.
Last time he appeared was when the Roombas came back to Roost. I don't think he was actually seen during the YouTube party.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: TheHappyBerry on 05 Oct 2010, 20:06
The scene I'm picturing next is Hanners going to CoD, and being asked how her date went.  "Oh, we had dinner then went out for ice cream and then I stayed the night at his place beca-" But before she can finish that it it was because she left her keys behind and she slept on the couch hilarious Dora and Faye freak-outs will ensue. 
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 05 Oct 2010, 21:12
...But not before Jeph mindfucks us all by having Sven and Hannelore look deep into each others eyes and...ljkodkkkkkkdkkkkkdkkk.........................

.
.
.
.
...signal terminated...
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 05 Oct 2010, 21:15
Do I want to know what those last two panels are all about?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: MrDorman on 05 Oct 2010, 21:26
Do I want to know what those last two panels are all about?

They totally herped each others derps.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Promethean Sky on 05 Oct 2010, 21:37
UBMEOD.
USHMEOB.
Whats next, a Useless Screw-Driver Made Entirely Of Assholes?

I can easily visualize the broom (make it stop) and sorta see how the sledgehammer would work, but someone please tell me how the screwdriver would be constructed! I'll give you a cookie.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Heliphyneau on 05 Oct 2010, 21:43
Do I want to know what those last two panels are all about?

They totally herped each others derps.

That was Jeph totally pulling a Nelson on us.  "HA ha!"  Nicely done.  ^_^

I liked the way the eye reflections were done, and their goofy expressions were great.  Both of them cracking up at the end is awesome.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Oct 2010, 21:50
OK, I've checked The Urban Dictionary, they have "herp derp", but how does it apply? Is it Hannelore herping over leaving her purse behind, and Sven derping over spending date time talking about Faye's assets and breastets?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 05 Oct 2010, 22:05
No, no, no, they're just silly face noises.  They happen to have used similar ones, which, along with the fact that they both thought to pull a face at such a moment, made them break out laughing. 

As a thick glasses wearer, I really appreciated Jeph's eye for detail in respect to the inner reflections of Sven's specs.  Hanner's eyes shining in the starlight are one thing; catching the tricks that lenses play on light is a whole 'nother ball o' wax (made of assholes). 

Back to my original avatar, I think.  I'm guessing no one remembers this one, I had ZombieHanners for soooo long...

Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 05 Oct 2010, 22:21
Ohhhhh. It's a South Park-based meme. That's why I'm clueless about it.

Hey, what happened to my age counter?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 05 Oct 2010, 22:23
What could POSSIBLY go wrong happen next?

Tasers.    - 4 (8%)
The Return of Vespa Avenger.    - 7 (14%)
They wake up in bed. Together.    - 6 (12%)
The Robot Revolution.    - 1 (2%)
Dora goes berserk.    - 1 (2%)
Faye goes berserk.    - 1 (2%)
Cosette burns down CoD.    - 6 (12%)
Butts! LOL    - 4 (8%)
UBMEOD.    - 1 (2%)
USHMEOB.    - 2 (4%)
Asps. Very dangerous.    - 7 (14%)
Joe, c'mon, nothing is gonna happen.    - 10 (20%)

Total Voters: 50
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Oct 2010, 22:30
Quote from: Moxie
Seems kind of like Sven and Hanners might get a decent friendship out of this date. Which could be really good for both of them. Yay!

It's still a serious limitation of Sven's that he can only be friends with a woman if sex is off the table. The incipient friendship with Faye aborted when they started boinking.

Sven does need a Just a Friend to replace Faye's lost friendship. Hannelore's flashes of insight might be exactly what he needs.

The benefit to Hanners is less clear. In Marten, she's already got a good male friend who will give her straight answers to awkward questions.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Steve the Pocket on 05 Oct 2010, 22:36
It's still a serious limitation of Sven's that he can only be friends with a woman if sex is off the table. The incipient friendship with Faye aborted when they started boinking.
More like when he started boinking someone else. HEYO!

Re: the newspost: Yeah, Photoshop's way of doing layer masks is a bitch. It took me forever to discover there was actually a way to paste into them like you can in GIMP and PSP.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Shok Xone Studios on 05 Oct 2010, 22:47
"Looooovin' yooooou...is easy 'cause you're--" *fart noise*
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: kiss-o-kill on 05 Oct 2010, 23:17
Hannelore likes it in that restaurant.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: snubnose on 05 Oct 2010, 23:40
Hmm if its over with this comic, I would have guessed correctly.

But I guess Hanners has still to crash in Svens appartment.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: tinkerbell on 05 Oct 2010, 23:51
The benefit to Hanners is less clear. In Marten, she's already got a good male friend who will give her straight answers to awkward questions.

It is nice to have more than one male friend, provides a better perspective on the male mind. Besides, with problems like Hanners I doubt she has had the opportunity to have many friends in life, so the more of either gender the better.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Nightson on 05 Oct 2010, 23:55
Quote from: Moxie
Seems kind of like Sven and Hanners might get a decent friendship out of this date. Which could be really good for both of them. Yay!
The incipient friendship with Faye aborted when they started boinking.

How did they stop being friends?  (Pre Gina hookup obviously)
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Llewellian on 06 Oct 2010, 00:14
I would have laughed so hard if the Space Station would have answered with "one Ping" ... ;o) "Hi Daddy... Blink ". "See? He does that all the time for me. Always wiggling with the Solar Panels" ;o).

Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: raoullefere on 06 Oct 2010, 00:18
Another year older, and Deeper in debt, you mean. Saint Peter don't you call me, 'cause I can't go…

Meanwhile, I think I need an insulin shot, maybe 25 units or so.

Tasinja, where are you when we need you?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Dliessmgg on 06 Oct 2010, 01:12
DERP

I demand those faces desktop-sized.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: SJCrew on 06 Oct 2010, 01:24
I was almost convinced that Sven had Hanners for a while, but looking at that last comic, I think a platonic relationship between the two of them is perfectly reasonable. Either that or Hanners starts to have a boy crush on Sven after that and Sven kind of doesn't reciprocate because of her borderline insanity. This could go anywhere, really.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mr_Rose on 06 Oct 2010, 01:36
By borderline you mean she's on the other side of the border, smiling and waving back at the "sane" people, don't you? Not that some of the other regular cast don't have one foot on either side of the border of course...
I mean she's a lovely person and all, and infinitely adorable of course, but she is quite clearly bonkers.
Which I guess is an issue if you think that's necessarily a bad thing?
Me, I've kept kittens before, so this is neither new nor bad.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: pendrake on 06 Oct 2010, 02:00
For comic #1768...

1. A good ending to the pretend-date.  The aftermath/epilogue with Dora and the rest of the QC cast should be interesting as well.

2. I think most of us expected something like this (platonic ending) for the end of the pretend-date, even with all the speculation.  After all, it was stated already by both Hannelore and Sven they intended this pretend-date would be just a friendly experience.

3. But the person I think who benefitted the most from this pretend-date?  Sven.  He got a lot of things off his chest, had a date (even if only pretend) in quite a long time, and shared a special moment with Hanners.  Of course Hannelore benefitted much from this experience as well, though I still not recommend her trying Taco Bell yet :roll: .

4. Panel #5 was really well done, really shows the pair sharing that kind of special moment you will never forget, even with the "herp derp" gag that followed.

5. Will we see another Hanners + Sven outing?  Well, every Coffee of Doom barista has eventually shed their single status, perhaps Sven can put his name on the waiting list... 8-)
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Akima on 06 Oct 2010, 02:10
I would have laughed so hard if the Space Station would have answered with "one Ping" ... ;o) "Hi Daddy... Blink ". "See? He does that all the time for me. Always wiggling with the Solar Panels" ;o).
But it was so embarrassing when he used an orbital laser to burn "Happy Birthday Hannelore!" into the north face of the Eiger* on her sixteenth...

*I don't know if it's been covered in-strip, but Hanners seems the exclusive school in the Swiss Alps type. She's probably fluent in five languages, but it's never come up because the rest of cast is monoglot.  :lol:
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Dliessmgg on 06 Oct 2010, 03:06
Didn't she grow up on the space station? Not that this would stop Hannerdad from burning something into somewhere (the back fo the moon?).
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mr_Rose on 06 Oct 2010, 04:03
Well yes, that's why he'd burn it into something on Earth. Letters big enough to read from space (even just LEO) are way too big to read from the ground. Simple geometry.

Also, why would he burn anything into the far side of the moon? No-one gets to see that...
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Border Reiver on 06 Oct 2010, 04:30
Another year older, and Deeper in debt, you mean. Saint Peter don't you call me, 'cause I can't go…

Meanwhile, I think I need an insulin shot, maybe 25 units or so.

Tasinja, where are you when we need you?

I prefer "O Death" for the birthday song, much more appropriate.

And to deal with the sweetness I recommend a fairly hoppy beer - Wytchcraft should do it.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tergon on 06 Oct 2010, 04:36
Good character development, interesting plot points, and general funniness aside, I would just like to comment that these last couple of comics have really been some of Jeph's best artwork, in my opinion.  I don't know if he's doing much differently, or if it's just been a run of strips that played to his strengths as an artist, but the entire date has been some truly excellent drawing work.  Today's was just the pick of the bunch, even more so than Hanners being engulfed in The World's Most Giant Hoodie.

Bravo, sir.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Random832 on 06 Oct 2010, 04:40
It's still a serious limitation of Sven's that he can only be friends with a woman if sex is off the table. The incipient friendship with Faye aborted when they started boinking.
More like when he started boinking someone else. HEYO!

IICIH's point, which you missed, was that it ceased to become a friendship before that.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Heranje on 06 Oct 2010, 05:21
The benefit to Hanners is less clear. In Marten, she's already got a good male friend who will give her straight answers to awkward questions.

"Sorry, we can't be friends - I already have an asian friend who I can go dancing with, so that slot is full."

That mindset makes no sense. Of course you can have more friends who play similar roles in your life.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 06 Oct 2010, 05:26
G: Elaine, take me with you.

E: I'm sorry, we already have a George.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Dliessmgg on 06 Oct 2010, 05:28
Also, why would he burn anything into the far side of the moon? No-one gets to see that...
I don't think he'd be satisfied with something that looks this small from earth when it's nearer than the moon. There's also a significantly smaller possibility of crashing into satellites, especially your own.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tanman on 06 Oct 2010, 05:54
So Jeph said he had to do two versions of the stars, one for print quality....

There's a print quality version of all strips? Where are those?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Border Reiver on 06 Oct 2010, 05:59
Note on today's poll - those of you selecting "Nothing" have no soul - or if you insist on waiting for quanitifiable data - imagination and sensitivity
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Odin on 06 Oct 2010, 08:09
Anyone else find it odd that the hoodie is no longer huge?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Blyss on 06 Oct 2010, 08:14
Quote
TL;DR- DIGITAL ART IS COMPLICATED

Yes.  Yes it is.

Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: tomart on 06 Oct 2010, 10:42
So Jeph said he had to do two versions of the stars, one for print quality....

There's a print quality version of all strips? Where are those?

((Pssst: - he's saving those for the books, of course!))
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 Oct 2010, 10:57
How did they stop being friends?  (Pre Gina hookup obviously)
The movies together stopped. We never saw the hanging out together after the affair started. Faye actively refused to bring Sven to social events.

@Dliessmgg,

Hannelore went to school with other children from at least the eighth grade on. She's been in therapy since she was 11 and there apparently weren't any useful therapists in orbit, so she must have been planetside. I'm too lazy to look up links, but they're on her wiki page.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: JackFaerie on 06 Oct 2010, 15:32

The movies together stopped. We never saw the hanging out together after the affair started. Faye actively refused to bring Sven to social events.

That wasn't Sven's doing, it was Faye's. Sven invited her out to the movies and to do something else a few times, she always shot him down. That wasn't his inability to be friendly with a woman he was having sex with, that was Faye's discomfort with the possibility of Sven being anything but a warmblooded sexbot for her use. I still feel her behavior was extremely dehumanizing and belittling there.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 06 Oct 2010, 15:59
I think both Sven and Faye share the blame for how their whatever-it-was turned out.

Remember, Faye called Sven that one time for dinner and hanging out and he blew her off except for the sex, so neither of them are innocent when it comes to ruining the friendship.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 06 Oct 2010, 16:02
Back when I was younger, I believe it was called a "relationship".
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: amandathehunter on 06 Oct 2010, 16:02
That wasn't Sven's doing, it was Faye's. Sven invited her out to the movies and to do something else a few times, she always shot him down. That wasn't his inability to be friendly with a woman he was having sex with, that was Faye's discomfort with the possibility of Sven being anything but a warmblooded sexbot for her use. I still feel her behavior was extremely dehumanizing and belittling there.

What's dehumanizing and belittling is assuming that she wouldn't be hurt by the situation, and should act like nothing's wrong. For someone who is traumatized like Faye, trusting men is a big deal. She opened up, and got hurt. BADLY. Expecting her to continue to hang out with him and act like nothing is wrong is pouring salt in the wound she feels, and acting like her feelings don't matter.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Technetium on 06 Oct 2010, 17:01
The benefit to Hanners is less clear. In Marten, she's already got a good male friend who will give her straight answers to awkward questions.
The difference is that Marten would probably tend to act protective toward Hannelore (if only by him channeling the protective nature of Faye and Dora toward her), whereas I can see Sven encouraging Hannelore to make bold moves in advancing her personal interactions and potentially seeking real dates.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 06 Oct 2010, 17:41
Back when I was younger, I believe it was called a "relationship".

Yeah, but when you were young, it was more like "Ye Olde Re-lationnshippe!"

 :evil: :mrgreen: :evil: :mrgreen: :evil:





 :angel:
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 06 Oct 2010, 19:02
That wasn't Sven's doing, it was Faye's. Sven invited her out to the movies and to do something else a few times, she always shot him down. That wasn't his inability to be friendly with a woman he was having sex with, that was Faye's discomfort with the possibility of Sven being anything but a warmblooded sexbot for her use. I still feel her behavior was extremely dehumanizing and belittling there.

What's dehumanizing and belittling is assuming that she wouldn't be hurt by the situation, and should act like nothing's wrong. For someone who is traumatized like Faye, trusting men is a big deal. She opened up, and got hurt. BADLY. Expecting her to continue to hang out with him and act like nothing is wrong is pouring salt in the wound she feels, and acting like her feelings don't matter.

Personally, I think a relationship with Angus will help her get over that. Of course, if she knew of how much Sven was suffering, it'd be even more helpful... ;)

Back when I was younger, I believe it was called a "relationship".

Yeah, but when you were young, it was more like "Ye Olde Re-lationnshippe!"

 :evil: :mrgreen: :evil: :mrgreen: :evil:

 :angel:

Better watch it, you whippersnapper. You're not too old for me to take you over my knee.  :-P 8-)
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tergon on 06 Oct 2010, 19:59
Better watch it, you whippersnapper. You're not too old for me to take you over my knee.  :-P 8-)

Rule 34 lives on!
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Wiregeek on 06 Oct 2010, 20:36
that is the best Hanners Jeph has ever drawn right there in the second-to-last panel.

Almost makes up for the WTF in yesterdays comic.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Ravenswing on 06 Oct 2010, 21:10
What's dehumanizing and belittling is assuming that she wouldn't be hurt by the situation, and should act like nothing's wrong. For someone who is traumatized like Faye, trusting men is a big deal. She opened up, and got hurt. BADLY. Expecting her to continue to hang out with him and act like nothing is wrong is pouring salt in the wound she feels, and acting like her feelings don't matter.
What's REALLY belittling is the constant premise that Sven Did Faye Wrong.

Just once, I'd like Sven to be in earshot for one of her ZOMG He's Going To SEDUCE YOU!!!!! rants and be just POed enough to spill out what really happened - that SHE was the aggressor, that he made it clear the level their relationship was on, that he didn't make her a single promise he didn't keep, and that he never once conned her.

The degree to which Faye was "hurt" is 100% self-inflicted.  She claimed to want nothing more of him but to be fuckbuddies.  She didn't even demand that he be monogamous; she just simply stated that she wasn't going to be sexually involved with him if he wasn't, and stuck to her guns.  She had opportunity to change the deal, and didn't.  Regardless of the reasons she kept her mouth shut, none of that is on Sven, and to revile him now because her pride's been stung is manipulative, petty, revisionist and childish.

Sven isn't the guarantor of her feelings.  What he has done, though, is keep his mouth shut and take all the heat from the social circle on himself.  I wouldn't have been a tenth as noble as all of that; I would have asked her, loudly and in front of Marten, Dora and her friends, "Did I ever make a pass at you before we started sleeping together, yes or no?" "Who made the first move, you or me?" "Who said explicitly we had a no-strings attached, sexual relationship, you or me?"

And THAT being said, I'd purely love for some gal to respond to the ZOMG He's Going To SEDUCE YOU!!!!! rant with "So what if he does?  He's cute, I like sex, and I'm a big girl who can decide these things for myself, thank you ever so.  What are you, stuck in a 19th century romance novel?"
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 06 Oct 2010, 21:13
"Looks pretty chaste, yeah."

FTW. :)
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 06 Oct 2010, 21:14
When you wish upon a star, you get:

To see your father's space station falling to earth.    - 5 (8.9%)
Your OCD magically disappears!    - 3 (5.4%)
Your Sex Addiction magically disappears!    - 4 (7.1%)
Nothing. It's just a meteorite burning up in the atmosphere.    - 16 (28.6%)
Another year older.    - 4 (7.1%; You guys DID NOT GET THE HINT.)
Herp.    - 13 (23.2%)
Derp.    - 5 (8.9%)
UBMEOD.    - 3 (5.4%)
USHMEOB.    - 3 (5.4%)

Total Voters: 56
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: foolsguinea on 06 Oct 2010, 21:25
Wow, strip is up early. I see there is cause.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Steve the Pocket on 06 Oct 2010, 22:51
Why is that Dora's first reaction? Hannelore hugging anyone ought to be the first sign of the Apocalypse to anyone who knows her...
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Kugai on 06 Oct 2010, 22:57
It's the end of the world - Hanners hugged someone!!!!!!!

Mind you, with the kind of surveillance that Sven is under, if he tries anything it'll just be the end of Sven.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: pendrake on 07 Oct 2010, 00:11
For comic #1769...

1. Another good ender for the Hannelore + Sven pretend-date, if Wednesday's #1768 was not the ender.  Panel #4 definitely was another "D'Aww...!" moment. Guess Friday's #1770 will be the epilogue end-comic for the week to cap this story-arc?

2. Panel #2, I was also not surprised that Sven's line went right over Hanners' head (again), which of course makes it funny (again) :wink: .

3. Kugai & Steve the Pocket: Hannelore not just hugged, but hugged in a socially appropriate manner! (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1709 (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1709))  Next up, the Taco Bell Apocalypse!

4. As I said before, the one who has benefited most from this pretend-date is Sven.  I think Hanners has managed to put a few surprises on him, just as he has provided a positive social experience for her :-) .

5. Heh, the two people most concerned over this pretend-date, probably for different reasons.   Should be interesting to see their reactions to both Hannelore and Sven, respectively.

6. I think it would have been funnier if Pintsize had said "Grab his ass!  GRAB HIS ASS!"  But either gag works.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Oct 2010, 00:18
It's the end of the world - Hanners hugged someone!!!!!!!

Look again - the only contact surface is the hoodie that she was just wearing (a miracle in and of itself), but it's a "safe" hug for Hanners.  Probably more cleanly than the handshake he was offering.  

Then again, she's also genuinely thanking someone for an actual good time.  Though not without it's awkward moments, the date was probably as close to a normal social experiance as she's ever had (one-on-one, at least - not counting parties, work or get-togethers).  We're talking sledding-down-the-hill quality.  It's an emotional moment for her, and she succumbs.  Chastely and safely.  

Beats jumping into his arms (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1224)... OR grabbing his ass. 

But lord, her face in that hug has me tearing up.  Tergon's right, Jeph's really outdoing himself.  
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: steveh11 on 07 Oct 2010, 01:02
Today's strip was wonderful, but to my mind the funniest thing was Christi's newspost:
Quote
Jeph is off in Canada participating in a bachelor party, and hopefully not getting arrested. Enjoy the comic!

allied with Jeph's current Twitter post: (http://twitter.com/jephjacques/status/26626305236)
Quote
I got the "pity lapdance" #obviouslymarried #orjustrepellent
- which had me giggling and offering explanations 'cos I'm at work...
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Arancaytar on 07 Oct 2010, 01:27
Hanners hugs without heftily hyperventilating? Character development.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: snubnose on 07 Oct 2010, 02:00
Guys, she hugged before.

Too lazy to look it up, but it was Marten.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Akima on 07 Oct 2010, 02:18
Sven isn't the guarantor of her feelings.  What he has done, though, is keep his mouth shut and take all the heat from the social circle on himself.  I wouldn't have been a tenth as noble as all of that; I would have asked her, loudly and in front of Marten, Dora and her friends, "Did I ever make a pass at you before we started sleeping together, yes or no?" "Who made the first move, you or me?" "Who said explicitly we had a no-strings attached, sexual relationship, you or me?"
Hmmm... Except that Sven knew that sleeping with Gina Riversmith was a bad move even as he did it (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1334), and then planned to conceal what he'd done from Faye (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1338), because he knew it would hurt her to know (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1339). So Sven plainly didn't buy the idea that his relationship with Faye was no-strings-attached. He knew his behaviour would hurt her, but did it anyway. Pretty douchey in my book. HOWEVER, the fact that he does accept that he stepped over the line, and does cop the shit he's earned without complaining much, might suggest there is after all a mensch buried somewhere in Sven trying to get out. Hanners sees it.

The facial expressions in the last panel of today's strip are marvellous. Especially Dora's "Shit! Is it a chaste hug?" face.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Binary on 07 Oct 2010, 02:21
I presume that's the American use of "pants" (meaning trousers) in panel 2.

Because here in the UK, pants are underwear, and it would be unusually forward of Hanners to have told Sven she went commando on the date.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 07 Oct 2010, 04:24
Yes, it is the "American" use of the word pants. Despite the current status of the author, this comic IS based in the USA.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Border Reiver on 07 Oct 2010, 04:39
Because the Americans like the Canadians on top.

I wonder if Jeph's going to try and pull a Jimbo?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Ravenswing on 07 Oct 2010, 04:40
Hmmm... Except that Sven knew that sleeping with Gina Riversmith was a bad move even as he did it, and then planned to conceal what he'd done from Faye, because he knew it would hurt her to know. So Sven plainly didn't buy the idea that his relationship with Faye was no-strings-attached. He knew his behaviour would hurt her, but did it anyway. Pretty douchey in my book.
He knew that it'd mean the fling with Faye would be over if he blabbed, sure.  Inferring from there that he was aware her feelings for him went deeper is a stretch.  What he did do was be honest with Faye, which is more than he's had from her.

That aside, I know that "OMG Faye has issues" seems to get her a free pass for all manner of behavior, but leaving aside that it's high time to stop blaming her father for her own actions - which, to her credit, she's been doing over the course of the strip - who's to say that Sven doesn't have his own issues?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tergon on 07 Oct 2010, 04:47
Sven isn't the guarantor of her feelings.  What he has done, though, is keep his mouth shut and take all the heat from the social circle on himself.  I wouldn't have been a tenth as noble as all of that; I would have asked her, loudly and in front of Marten, Dora and her friends, "Did I ever make a pass at you before we started sleeping together, yes or no?" "Who made the first move, you or me?" "Who said explicitly we had a no-strings attached, sexual relationship, you or me?"
Hmmm... Except that Sven knew that sleeping with Gina Riversmith was a bad move even as he did it (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1334), and then planned to conceal what he'd done from Faye (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1338), because he knew it would hurt her to know (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1339). So Sven plainly didn't buy the idea that his relationship with Faye was no-strings-attached. He knew his behaviour would hurt her, but did it anyway. Pretty douchey in my book. HOWEVER, the fact that he does accept that he stepped over the line, and does cop the shit he's earned without complaining much, might suggest there is after all a mensch buried somewhere in Sven trying to get out. Hanners sees it.

Good points, but still, I do agree with Ravenswing in one important aspect:  all characters in the comic basically responded to this with "Faye is an innocent victim, Sven is a seducing assbutt who broke her heart."  And that's just not the case.  Faye did shoot down anything she interpreted as flirting from Sven early on, Faye did seek out his company later when it seemed he wasn't too bothered either way, Faye did initiate the sexual relationship after they went out for karaoke, Faye did make it only a "Friends with benefits" scenario afterwards, Faye did refuse to make any effort to develop an emotional attachment with Sven, and at the end, Faye did develop an emotional attachment and walked off in tears because of it.
Sven, on the other hand, got drunk and made a stupid mistake that he obviously deeply regrets.  He acted exactly how he said he was wont to act, and exactly as everyone clearly expected him to act.  Even Faye herself, in the midst of the post-breakup depression, noticed that.

Is Sven an arsehole who did something he knew would hurt Faye?  Yes.
Did he make it worse by not planning to tell her?  Yes.
So is Faye therefore completely innocent and well-meaning here?  Very, very no.

Sven does not deserve all the blame for what happened between him and Faye.  Hell, I'd say he doesn't even deserve the majority of it.  He did a shitty thing, after a long list of shitty things that Faye did to him first.  And, in complete agreement with others above me, I would deeply enjoy seeing Sven finally snap and tell Faye as much the next time that the CoD gang (inevitably) start their next "Sven Is An Assbutt" lecture.  Much as I love Faye, she deserves it.  A little wake-up on that score would be healthy for Sven and might even help her get past her Bitch Persona she's been shedding over the last few hundred comics.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Akima on 07 Oct 2010, 06:34
He knew that it'd mean the fling with Faye would be over if he blabbed, sure.  Inferring from there that he was aware her feelings for him went deeper is a stretch.  What he did do was be honest with Faye, which is more than he's had from her.
Sven specifically says that Faye would be happier not knowing he'd slept with Riversmith. Why, if he really believed her feelings were not involved? He also said he was OK with being a liar, and only came clean because his intern threatened to dob him in if he didn't. That's not really honesty, at least in my book, merely damage control. I'm not saying Faye's an innocent victim here mind you, and she was warned that Sven was a douchey player before she ever hooked up with him. Play with fire, get burned.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Oct 2010, 07:16
Play with a lion, get burned.

FYP
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Shok Xone Studios on 07 Oct 2010, 07:23
Hannelore giving someone a hug? Quick, someone take a picture, they'll never prove it happened otherwise!
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Blyss on 07 Oct 2010, 07:45
Pintsize = Awesome.  I forget how much sometimes.
 :evil:
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: tomart on 07 Oct 2010, 08:19
...This should probably be in a separate 'Defending Sven' thread...   and I apologize for the strident tone; (I should probably delete it as an unnecessary rant.)

What's REALLY belittling is the constant premise that Sven Did Faye Wrong.

The degree to which Faye was "hurt" is 100% self-inflicted.  

and to revile him now because her pride's been stung is manipulative, petty, revisionist and childish.
Articulate!

Quote from: Akima
Sven specifically says that Faye would be happier not knowing he'd slept with Riversmith. Why, if he really believed her feelings were not involved? He also said he was OK with being a liar,

She WOULD have been happier not knowing, and I can see his 'lying by omission' as partly a desire to protect her feelings.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Border Reiver on 07 Oct 2010, 09:23
As most people have pointed out there's plenty of blame to go round in the Faye/Sven relationship implosion - both sides are to blame for the situation as it developed, and how it ended.  Neither is blameless, and neither is innocent.

The argument over who is more to blame than the other is pointless.  Especially since Sven's apologized to Faye and Faye's accepted.  

Faye's reaction to the "pretend date" is understandable as a friend not wanting to see her friend have to deal with more than she may be ready for, given Sven's "pre-Faye" behaviour and the lack of visible change in Sven "post-Faye".

It is hard to forgive what we percieve as a harm done to us - or to accept that an actual change has occurred.  As two large scale examples, the first deployments of Japanese and German soldiers outside their national borders on military missions were accompanied by lots of hand wringing and fears that these two countries' actions during WWII might recur - then though both countries have had massive cultural shifts post-WWII and the soldiers deployed are 2 generations removed from any atrocities.  I'm prediciting that Sven would probably need to get married and be perfectly faithful til his silver anniversary before people would stop commenting on his former philandering ways.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 Oct 2010, 10:38
Jeph said here once, I'm too lazy to look up the reference, that he's never written an argument where one character was totally right and the other totally wrong.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: amandathehunter on 07 Oct 2010, 10:46
What's dehumanizing and belittling is assuming that she wouldn't be hurt by the situation, and should act like nothing's wrong. For someone who is traumatized like Faye, trusting men is a big deal. She opened up, and got hurt. BADLY. Expecting her to continue to hang out with him and act like nothing is wrong is pouring salt in the wound she feels, and acting like her feelings don't matter.
What's REALLY belittling is the constant premise that Sven Did Faye Wrong.

Go back over my response, you'll notice that i didn't say ANYWHERE that it was sven's fault. All I said was that she trusted him and got hurt.

Quote
Just once, I'd like Sven to be in earshot for one of her ZOMG He's Going To SEDUCE YOU!!!!! rants and be just POed enough to spill out what really happened - that SHE was the aggressor, that he made it clear the level their relationship was on, that he didn't make her a single promise he didn't keep, and that he never once conned her.

Well, before they began their little sex escapade, he was the type who tried to seduce anything with a pulse and a vagina. She hasn't spent a lot of time around him since.

Quote
The degree to which Faye was "hurt" is 100% self-inflicted.  She claimed to want nothing more of him but to be fuckbuddies.  She didn't even demand that he be monogamous; she just simply stated that she wasn't going to be sexually involved with him if he wasn't, and stuck to her guns.  She had opportunity to change the deal, and didn't.  Regardless of the reasons she kept her mouth shut, none of that is on Sven, and to revile him now because her pride's been stung is manipulative, petty, revisionist and childish.

I am aware that her hurt is self inflicted, and I didn't say that I 'reviled' Sven. I am aware that the situation is of her own making, that doesn't change her feelings in regards to it.

Quote
Sven isn't the guarantor of her feelings.  What he has done, though, is keep his mouth shut and take all the heat from the social circle on himself.  I wouldn't have been a tenth as noble as all of that; I would have asked her, loudly and in front of Marten, Dora and her friends, "Did I ever make a pass at you before we started sleeping together, yes or no?" "Who made the first move, you or me?" "Who said explicitly we had a no-strings attached, sexual relationship, you or me?"

And this is a large part of WHY I like sven as a character. He is being compassionate and adult. The way you say you would behave in that situation is extremely juvenile, and reminiscent of middle-school 'he said she said' idiocy.

Quote
And THAT being said, I'd purely love for some gal to respond to the ZOMG He's Going To SEDUCE YOU!!!!! rant with "So what if he does?  He's cute, I like sex, and I'm a big girl who can decide these things for myself, thank you ever so.  What are you, stuck in a 19th century romance novel?"

And if one of the female characters felt that way, she'd get a high five and a thumbs up from me.

You're arguements repeatedly assume that I mean things I'm not saying. What I said is "Faye is hurt." I am not talking about HOW she got hurt, I am talking about the fact that she IS HURT. You throw around accusations, as if implying that Faye should pretend not to be hurt, because she made the bed she's lying in. That is insane. I'm not saying that everyone should have a big pity-party for Faye, I'm not saying that Sven did anything wrong. What I'm saying is that Faye is hurt, and acting in an understandable manner for someone who is in emotional pain.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Binary on 07 Oct 2010, 13:41
Despite the current status of the author, this comic IS based in the USA.

Well, yes, I was aware of that. OK, let me re-phrase my post.

When I first read today's comic I was "OMG Hanners went on a date with no knickers!?!?!" It was only later that I remembered that after you fled our shores, you Yanks thought it would be a good idea to fuck up the language.  :angel:
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: The Duke on 07 Oct 2010, 13:52
<snip> sex escapade, </snip>

Instead: sexcapade.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: pwhodges on 07 Oct 2010, 13:57
It was only later that I remembered that after you fled our shores, you Yanks thought it would be a good idea to fuck up the language.

Actually, they stuck with the old-fashioned words when we got all modern and European!  Fall/Autumn is a good example, but there are many others - indeed, Pants itself is one (short for Pantaloons, originally women's baggy trousers, then men's breeches).
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Akima on 07 Oct 2010, 14:45
When I first read today's comic I was "OMG Hanners went on a date with no knickers!?!?!" It was only later that I remembered that after you fled our shores, you Yanks thought it would be a good idea to fuck up the language.  :angel:
Speaking as an ESL outsider :angel:, I can't tell whose version of English is more fucked up: Aussie, Pommie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pommie), Canajun eh, or USAnian. They all seem pretty wacky to me. I too had a momentary mental hiccup (hiccough? See what I mean?) on reading Hanners' comment/joke, but only for a moment because girl's trousers are commonly called pants even in Commonwealth English, and our underwear panties (does anyone apart from Benny Hill still talk about knickers, unless they're in a twist?). The nice thing about English-speakers in general (the occasional xenophobic arsehole* notwithstanding) is that they're pretty good-humoured about variant forms and slightly dodgy grammar.

*And believe me, the Chinese-speaking world is riddled with regional and linguistic snobbery too.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Binary on 07 Oct 2010, 15:21
(does anyone apart from Benny Hill still talk about knickers, unless they're in a twist?).
Since Google shows "About 112,000 results" for "knickers" in the last 24 hours alone, I guess that yes, they do!

Getting ridiculously off-topic now, but Noah Webster deliberately made extensive changes to the English language for political and philosophical reasons.
He complained that the English language had been corrupted by the British aristocracy, which set its own standard for proper spelling and pronunciation. ... The appropriate standard for the American language, argued Webster, was, "the same republican principles as American civil and ecclesiastical constitutions", which meant that the people-at-large must control the language; popular sovereignty in government must be accompanied by popular usage in language.

Not blaming Webster for these, but an ass is a donkey, not a bum. A bum is not a tramp. And tramps can be found sleeping on the pavement, not the sidewalk. "Separated by a common language", indeed.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mr_Rose on 07 Oct 2010, 15:28
Yeah, Webster was a hypocrite. If he really wanted the people to dictate the use of the language, he would have just stopped there and not fucking told people they needed to change the way they used their own bloody language.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 07 Oct 2010, 16:28
[snip]
...It was only later that I remembered that after you fled our shores, you Yanks thought it would be a good idea to reform the language so that it actually makes sense and so certain words would be spelled correctly .  :angel:

 :evil: FTFY  :evil:

"Why can't the English teach their children how to speak?"
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 07 Oct 2010, 18:22
Is this Reductio Ad Anglosaxonum?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Oct 2010, 18:56
No, I think it's a plain ol' argument. 

("No, it isn't!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teMlv3ripSM))
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 07 Oct 2010, 20:26
Quote
todays poll

We find a use for the UBMEOD!


NEVER!!! That would completely negate the entire purpose of the UBMEOD!!!

And anyone (else) who points out the absurdity of a Useless dick-broom having a purpose gets sprayed with the Useless Fire Extinguisher Made Entirely Of Kidneys!
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 07 Oct 2010, 23:03
Chaste Hugs? What Next?

Faye is polite to a customer!    - 4 (7.5%)
Cosette actually goes a day without destroying anything!    - 5 (9.4%)
Marigold goes out on a date!    - 5 (9.4%)
Pintsize acts civil!    - 2 (3.8%)
Dora doesn't have a crazy bitch moment!    - 19 (35.8%)
Hannelore goes to Taco Bell!    - 6 (11.3%)
We find a use for the UBMEOD!    - 2 (3.8%)
Roy Halladay throws a no hitter!    - 4 (7.5%)
Deathmole hits #1 on the pop charts!    - 6 (11.3%)

Total Voters: 53
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: dsvella on 07 Oct 2010, 23:52
From seeing today's comic about chaste hugs i couldn't help but remember this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Oj0-splZw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Oj0-splZw)
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 Oct 2010, 01:01
Hannelore: assertive without going into Beatrice mode. Healthy.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Promethean Sky on 08 Oct 2010, 01:01
Marten is a man who is comfortable with his sexuality. We should all live by his example.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: snubnose on 08 Oct 2010, 01:01
Dang ! Week is over !

Hafta wait until monday for the next comic ...

*wait* *wait* *wait* Are we there yet ? *wait* *wait* *wait* ...
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: akronnick on 08 Oct 2010, 01:23
In the mean time, if anyone is hungry, you can probably fry an egg on Dora's head right now!  :-o
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Dliessmgg on 08 Oct 2010, 01:29
Sven is totally gonna steal Marten away from Dora!!!111
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: pendrake on 08 Oct 2010, 02:03
For comic #1770...

1. Good epilogue to finally end the Hanners + Sven pretend-date story-arc.  Jeph really out-did himself with this story and artwork, particularly in Hannelore's case.  Looking forward to a new week and story.

2. Love how Hanners shuts down both Dora's and Faye's jumped conclusions.

3. Hannelore may not be "into" Sven, but she definitely has something "with" him.  And that is a good thing :-) .

4. Poor Dora, once again trying so hard not to have another emotional blow-up, she has been under so much stress of late.  Hopefully next story-arc or two will have Dora on the happy-side of the things.  [P.S. Edit ADD: Also, it is NOT healthy to try to suppress such things like she is doing, speaking from experience.]

5. Murlocs do make that sound, yes.  Perhaps because they have such stressful lives, having to bottle their frustrations and insecurites, run their independent businesses in the face of mega-corporate franchises, and keep a mentor's watch over their many friends is they wind up attacking all the player races.  In any case, keep murloc-Dora away from tauren-Marigold!  [Wonder what Dora would be as a player-character in World of Warcraft...?]

6. "...'Cause daaang, dude has a great butt."  Great punch-line, and only Marten could have delivered it, I think.  Of course he still needs to work upon his timing (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1748 (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1748)) if Dora is making her frustrated murloc noise because of Marten's punch-line, it is hard to tell with all the other lines in the panel (or could be from the combination of all their lines).  [And is he coming in carrying groceries...?  Also hard to tell]

7. And as I said it before, I will probably never get tired of seeing a blushing Hanners.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mr_Rose on 08 Oct 2010, 04:09
Huh. Faye's reaction is the most interesting, I think; she seems genuinely surprised the Sven manage to make it through a whole 3-4 hours with a cute girl without trying to get into her panties, even by accident. More importantly she just accepts this based on Hanners' word, whereas Dora continues the silly inquisition. I think she might genuinely be over him, which is only going to depress Sven even more when he finds out.

Someone still needs to tell Hanners that being grilled about your date by your bestest girlfriends is perfectly normal behaviour, though usually with less of an accusatory tone. Usually.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Random832 on 08 Oct 2010, 04:27
Someone still needs to tell Hanners that being grilled about your date by your bestest girlfriends is perfectly normal behaviour, though usually with less of an accusatory tone. Usually.

Except they have a conflict of interest that disqualifies them from this role (i.e. both of them have a grudge against Sven personally), so they should have brought in an outside consultant to provide a more neutral perspective.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Border Reiver on 08 Oct 2010, 04:56
don't think they ned an outside consultant - Faye seems to be handling this best and will probably be the fastest to congradulate Hanners after Marten (Marigold would probably do so faster, but she's not in the apartment[or is she?]). 

This has been a fun arc -  excellent story writing, good artwork, etc.

And I will confirm at this point that my earlier call was off the mark, Jeph has done the better thing and went for decent character development for two characters instead of the cheap laughs and drama.  I can stand to be wrong like this more often.

and if anyone's interested - it never is too cold for ice cream.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: snubnose on 08 Oct 2010, 05:42
Sven is totally gonna steal Marten away from Dora!!!111
Marten has a homosexual dad and a stripper mom, thats why he has no issues with admitting some other dude has a "cute ass".

I dont think he's any homosexual himself, though.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: someone1074 on 08 Oct 2010, 06:05

Very pleased that things went as well as I expected. Especially happy to see Jeph's art and writing has never been better.

Looking forward to the next arc.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Blackjoker on 08 Oct 2010, 06:42
And Dora does a murlock impersonation
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Mr_Rose on 08 Oct 2010, 07:10
Marten has a homosexual dad and a stripper mom, thats why he has no issues with admitting some other dude has a "cute ass".
Ms. Reed is not a stripper; she's a top drawer fetish model and possibly a burlesque artiste. Merely stripping is about five pay grades down from there.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Tobimaro on 08 Oct 2010, 07:16
Yep, Hanners is definitely on the right path to becoming a better person.  She handled herself well on this "pretend" date, and she even showed Dora and Faye that she could be the better person.  And it is healthy to admit that one is attracted to another person.  Of course she may be remembering her stash of fireman pics.   :wink:
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: snubnose on 08 Oct 2010, 07:16
Marten has a homosexual dad and a stripper mom, thats why he has no issues with admitting some other dude has a "cute ass".
Ms. Reed is not a stripper; she's a top drawer fetish model and possibly a burlesque artiste. Merely stripping is about five pay grades down from there.
Err ok no idea about such things so you're probably right. Whatever you're right about. But you are. Maybe. :-D
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Heliphyneau on 08 Oct 2010, 09:44
Ha!  And Marten grabs (heh) the best line of the week, awesome.   :mrgreen:  This was a fun arc, and it will be interesting to see how this affects the way the characters interact.  I'm looking forward to Hanners telling Marigold about all this for some reason.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Border Reiver on 08 Oct 2010, 09:47
Cue a jealous Marigold.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 Oct 2010, 10:06
More importantly she just accepts this based on Hanners' word, whereas Dora continues the silly inquisition.
Nobody expects the silly inquisition!
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: tomart on 08 Oct 2010, 11:08
Hannelore: assertive without going into Beatrice mode. Healthy.


Yay Hanners!  So glad her date turned out well.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 08 Oct 2010, 13:24
Cue a jealous Marigold.

So, next week Marigold asks for a "practice" date from Sven?  I'm sure she's been wondering about him ever since the warnings Faye was spouting when they "bumped" into each other. 

Although she may want to practice something a little different...

But on the date, they find out they're in the same guild (!), hijinks ensue, and they wind up playing WoW instead of any of the activities Marigold had in mind. 

Never mind, I like whatever Jeph's going to do better. 
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Kugai on 08 Oct 2010, 13:45
More importantly she just accepts this based on Hanners' word, whereas Dora continues the silly inquisition.
Nobody expects the silly inquisition!

Fear and stupidity are their chief weapons

 :-D



Heh, I like how Hanners shuts the two of them down, and how she admits she almost grabbed his butt.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Karilyn on 08 Oct 2010, 14:00
Marten has a homosexual dad and a stripper mom, thats why he has no issues with admitting some other dude has a "cute ass".

I dont think he's any homosexual himself, though.
I dunno.  I think Marten is pretty much a stereotypical bisexual.  That being said, I do not seriously see Jeph ever having Marten tested on that angle.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: iconoclast on 08 Oct 2010, 17:13
For comic #1770...

6. "...'Cause daaang, dude has a great butt."  Great punch-line, and only Marten could have delivered it, I think.  Of course he still needs to work upon his timing (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1748 (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1748)) if Dora is making her frustrated murloc noise because of Marten's punch-line, it is hard to tell with all the other lines in the panel (or could be from the combination of all their lines).  [And is he coming in carrying groceries...?  Also hard to tell]

Marten's the only one who could ever pull off this line; he's the Predator drone of jokes.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 08 Oct 2010, 18:26
Cue a jealous Marigold.

No fair, you watched the Ustream feed, didn't you?
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Border Reiver on 08 Oct 2010, 21:18
Can't do that at work.....
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Blackjoker on 08 Oct 2010, 23:05
For comic #1770...

6. "...'Cause daaang, dude has a great butt."  Great punch-line, and only Marten could have delivered it, I think.  Of course he still needs to work upon his timing (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1748 (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1748)) if Dora is making her frustrated murloc noise because of Marten's punch-line, it is hard to tell with all the other lines in the panel (or could be from the combination of all their lines).  [And is he coming in carrying groceries...?  Also hard to tell]

Marten's the only one who could ever pull off this line; he's the Predator drone of jokes.

Predator Drone of Jokes...that would be a great T-shirt
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: helloandgoodbye on 08 Oct 2010, 23:13
Marten has a homosexual dad and a stripper mom, thats why he has no issues with admitting some other dude has a "cute ass".

I dont think he's any homosexual himself, though.
I dunno.  I think Marten is pretty much a stereotypical bisexual.  That being said, I do not seriously see Jeph ever having Marten tested on that angle.

  No.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: ecstaticjoy on 09 Oct 2010, 00:22
I thought the Murloc noise would have more rs and ls...like, auuuuuurrrrrrgrrllgrlgrlgrlgrluh
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: jwhouk on 09 Oct 2010, 19:14
Moment of the Week:

Sven's Foot In Mouth Disease    - 4 (8%)
The Oversized Hoodie!    - 7 (14%)
NEVER TOO COLD FOR ICE CREAM    - 1 (2%)
I'M TOTALLY DEFENSELESS!    - 2 (4%)
That wouldn't be Gentlemanly of me.    - 2 (4%)
Hanners waves hi to Dad!    - 3 (6%)
HERP. DERP. HAAAHAAHAHAHAHAAAA    - 14 (28%)
Hee hee! I'm not even WEARING pants!    - 6 (12%)
Chaste Hugs!    - 2 (4%)
Can't you just be happy for me?    - 1 (2%)
She DID consider grabbing his butt one time.    - 8 (16%)

Total Voters: 50
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Schmorgluck on 10 Oct 2010, 23:33
A late note on last comic: I like how Hanners states that Sven's been a "perfect gentleman". He's been quite gentlemanly, but his initial blunders makes the use of the word "perfect" a bit of a stretch. I think Hannelore deliberately avoids the matter of what amounts to minor lapses because she knows she's speaking to two persons who are most likely to accentuate the negative out of proportion when Sven is concerned.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 11 Oct 2010, 09:17
Hannelore may be naive, but that doesn't mean she doesn't understand how people think!  You're right, perfect is a stretch for the beginning of the date - discussing Faye's "assetts" and then blurting out that he'd "do" Hanners - but I think the rest of the date made up for that.  Ice cream and stargazing can make up for all sorts of things!

I also think that she doesn't want to burden Faye with the knowledge that Sven's pining for... parts of her.  Regardless of whether Faye would rejoice in making Sven miserable or feel bad about it, Hanners knows that it's not going to help anyone either way. 

She's remarkably tactful.  A perfect lady, really. 
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: raoullefere on 11 Oct 2010, 11:37
*Sigh* Headaches and what-not kept me off the forums for most of this—plus, after 'herp-derp' I really didn't have much to say, beyond various sounds from the nausea it induced*. I will say this—looks like Sven's having it easy. Again. Goes on a date with Hanners, freaks her out in the restaurant, then gets to 'redeem' himself by the astounding act of not killing her and knowing a meme she's fond of, and, of course, using the charm.

Hanners may be doing what you way, Carl, but she also strikes me as giving the answer to Dora that most parents have heard after their girl-child goes on a date with a guy who has an iffy reputation. Yeah, whoever said something about girlfriends picking Hanners brains after the date is far aff the mark. Dora and Faye are acting as Hanners in situ parents; nor can I say I blame them. Everyone wanting to fry Dora for being 'bitchy' needs to take a step back. She's been mothering Hanners for a while now, and seeing her 'little girl' going out with her brother the masher took some sitting on herself.

Plus, of course, Dora has to feel like everyone's turning on her. It's not true, sure, but she clearly feels that way, and I, for one, can't really blame her. One (non) fucking herpderp goddam date does not mean Sven's discarded his behavior with women (not particularly with Faye; that was mostly par for the course with him, save at the very end). For Hanners to turn up her nose at Dora tells me she knows that, and simply doesn't want to admit it, and perhaps not just to spare anyone's feelings.

Somebody on this thread quoted Jeph as saying none of his characters are ever completely right in an argument. I'd say that applies to Hannelore, too.

*or possibly disappointment. I expected Hanners to call Sven on his comments about his relationship with Faye, which might have started the real growth he needs to become the mensch someone said he could be. I agree that's possible (as I've said repeatedly, he showed ever sign of being so capable with Faye before their affair), but it's not going to be as easy as this. Being a mensch means being responsible—Sven's just started on that road.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: peterh on 13 Oct 2010, 03:30
Quote
Somebody on this thread quoted Jeph as saying none of his characters are ever completely right in an argument. I'd say that applies to Hannelore, too.

And to you, too. And therefore, by definition to me, too. Ideally, debates and arguments aren't about "being right", rather they are (or should be) about furthering understanding for all parties involved. While Hannelore may not be completely right about Sven, she IS helping Faye and Dora to take another look. Or at least she's trying to. Apparently, Faye takes that better than Doray does.

I appreciate your evaluation of the reason why Dora 'mothers' Hanners... but I don't agree with it. I think that her resentment stems mainly from her distrust of Sven. I can see where that comes from. In Dutch, there's a proverb that loosely translates as "trust comes on foot, but departs on horseback". In the relationship between Dora and Sven, this is painfully obvious.

We also need to consider that Hanners may have disabling quirks, but her track record when it comes to correctly reading people and situations between people is second to none. Dora still has a ways to go to get where Hanners has been comfortable for a long time.

And no, being a Mensch doesn't mean being responsible. Being a Mensch INCLUDES being responsible. It also includes being empathic.

Funny how the main cast characters being so multi-layered brings out individual likes and dislikes among the readers!

Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: tomart on 13 Oct 2010, 11:31
So, next week Marigold asks for a "practice" date from Sven?  I'm sure she's been wondering about him ever since the warnings Faye was spouting when they "bumped" into each other.  

Although she may want to practice something a little   different   more advanced...

"quoted Jeph as saying none of his characters are ever completely right" (or thus wrong)

i think this is a key to the veracity & reality of the strip; real life is usually like this, and then, too, there's no real villain...

Raoulle, you're still harsh on Sven? ...i guess i'm the fickle one, almost identifying with him now...
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: raoullefere on 13 Oct 2010, 14:29
And no, being a Mensch doesn't mean being responsible. Being a Mensch INCLUDES being responsible. It also includes being empathic.
Sure, but Sven very clearly is empathic. Not only does he use it to make money (the songs) and get sex (that's more or less what he was talking about when he explained his 'powers') but he was empathic to Faye before sex entered the equation—afterwards, not so much.

And Tomart, I guess that's why I'm harsh on Sven. He seemed to stop being Faye's friend when he became her lover. I'd hoped that he would combine the two—that's what she needed, after all, even if, as I say, I'm sure Faye didn't know that, and told herself she was using Sven for gratiofication only.

I'll also remind anyone complaining about Faye not inviting Sven to social events with the group about his oh-so mature reaction to his sister. If he'd been responsible, no matter who had 'started' the sex between himself and Faye, he'd have gone to his sister and told her what was going on rather than go through the same old pattern.

Sven has empathy, intelligence and a host of other gifts. The thing I see missing is responsibility. I will grant he's on the right track with the Hanners 'date,' but I also wonder if he won't decide 'behaving' on it makes everything A-OK.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: peterh on 13 Oct 2010, 14:51
And no, being a Mensch doesn't mean being responsible. Being a Mensch INCLUDES being responsible. It also includes being empathic.
Sure, but Sven very clearly is empathic. Not only does he use it to make money (the songs) and get sex (that's more or less what he was talking about when he explained his 'powers') but he was empathic to Faye before sex entered the equation—afterwards, not so much.

Could this possibly be because he was never ever granted the chance to be empathic afterwards?

Quote
And Tomart, I guess that's why I'm harsh on Sven. He seemed to stop being Faye's friend when he became her lover. I'd hoped that he would combine the two—that's what she needed, after all, even if, as I say, I'm sure Faye didn't know that, and told herself she was using Sven for gratiofication only.
The last sentence reinforces my question.
The question is: did he stop being Faye's friend when he became her lover? Or did he stop being her friend after he STOPPED being her lover (for the want of a spine)? Even when he and Faye were antagonists with benefits, he was still ready to be Faye's reality check whenever needed. And let's be honest, it was Faye who decided that she didn't need it. It wasn't Sven's fault  that it turned out that Faye was wrong about that.

Quote
Sven has empathy, intelligence and a host of other gifts. The thing I see missing is responsibility. I will grant he's on the right track with the Hanners 'date,' but I also wonder if he won't decide 'behaving' on it makes everything A-OK.

OK, I think we're on to something here. I, as a parent, am ready to recognize virtue as well as vice, and encourage Sven to pursue his virtues rather than criticize him on what he did wrong in the past. I  will not prevent him, or anyone, from falling flat on the face... but if he were my son, I'd be there to help him get up afterwards.

Jeez, Raoul, give the guy a break. We may differ on whether he deserves it, but I am telling you (and I AM rite, trust me on this) that he needs it. He's not going to develop a spine if he's not encouraged to do so.
Title: Re: Weekly Comic Thread 4-8 October 2010
Post by: Carl-E on 13 Oct 2010, 19:09
Could this possibly be because he was never ever granted the chance to be empathic afterwards?

OK, he made an attempt once.   (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1136)

But then he shut it down.   (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1264)

Faye didn't help things.   (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1291)

And after a while, he didn't even care enough to try.   (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1307)


And on another note, more Dora insecurities (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1300). 

Well, that was fun!