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Comic Discussion => QUESTIONABLE CONTENT => Topic started by: jwhouk on 03 Feb 2013, 05:57

Title: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 03 Feb 2013, 05:57
Okay, y'all know the drill.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Skewbrow on 03 Feb 2013, 06:01
Hmm. Wonder whether Hannelore could arrange that stealthcraft to give Marten a ride?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Pilchard123 on 03 Feb 2013, 06:42
Gordon?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 03 Feb 2013, 07:18
I think going with Tai will initially elicit some comments about him "finally having a nice, artsy girl"...heh.

Gordon?

He'd be shellshocked by the time they got there. Also, Spiders can't drive. They can't reach the pedals.

...Unless he was giving driving instructions to Marten, while riding atop his cranium.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Feb 2013, 08:21
Hmm. Wonder whether Hannelore could arrange that stealthcraft to give Marten a ride?
I was wondering that myself, actually. Hanners wasn't allowed to talk about it at the party, but she might convince her mom to allow Marten to use it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 03 Feb 2013, 08:55
Her mom? I thought it was one of her space-dads devices.

Anyway, I still think Marten is going to use the Rumba as a hoverboard.

Edit: Roomba.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sidhekin on 03 Feb 2013, 08:57
He's going to be the hoverboard.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 03 Feb 2013, 08:59
In Marten's case, it would probably be a hover-doormat  :roll:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Feb 2013, 09:09
Her mom? I thought it was one of her space-dads devices.
Nope. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2297)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Pilchard123 on 03 Feb 2013, 09:12
A group of us at college spent about six months discussing how to make a working hoverboard. Mind you, this is the same group of people that spent a day arguing about which building on the campus would be best to capture in a zombie apocalypse. We got it down to either languages/economics because it was tall and had balconies for watching from or the sciences/computing block because of the potential for improvised weaponry.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 03 Feb 2013, 09:44
Her mom? I thought it was one of her space-dads devices.
Nope. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2297)

Good catch!  I'd missed that detail.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Madmartigan on 03 Feb 2013, 11:14
Oh god, Emily at a same sex marriage ceremony would be righteous! :-o

I can just imagine the pranks/weird shit she'd pull on Marten.  Oh man, she'd be a treat to take anywhere to introduce to people.  Would be like talking to a living breather alien.

Please let it be Emily!

(Wish Hanners had gone.  Can get enough of her and poor ole' Marty chillin).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DSL on 03 Feb 2013, 11:30
Wishful prediction: Hannerdad has by now gotten the first working model of the Star Trek human fax machine matter transporter. Hanners will persuade him to use it to get Marten to the church on time and there will be a mishap of the type that split Capt. Horatio Horndog into his two aspects -- the wolf and the doormat.

Except in Marten's case, no one will notice anything different.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Near Lurker on 03 Feb 2013, 14:18
Also, Marten drinks milk from a glass?  I thought that fad died out a decade ago... how the hell is he so skinny?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Soulsynger on 03 Feb 2013, 14:27
Voted waffles. Those suckers are WAY more aerodynamic than any of the listed persons and also can be used as a floatation device.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Feb 2013, 15:09
Also, Marten drinks milk from a glass?  I thought that fad died out a decade ago
Drinking milk is a fad?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 03 Feb 2013, 15:39
Also, Marten drinks milk from a glass?  I thought that fad died out a decade ago
Drinking milk is a fad?

Milk is my favourite bourbon.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: FunkyTuba on 03 Feb 2013, 15:57
Waffles, because he could probably find truckers to hitch with from waffle house to waffle house all the way to Vermont
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Feb 2013, 16:11
Waffles, because he could probably find truckers to hitch with from waffle house to waffle house all the way to Vermont
Do they have Waffle Houses in New England? I thought it was mostly a southern thing.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Kugai on 03 Feb 2013, 18:15
Wishful prediction: Hannerdad has by now gotten the first working model of the Star Trek human fax machine matter transporter. Hanners will persuade him to use it to get Marten to the church on time and there will be a mishap of the type that split Capt. Horatio Horndog into his two aspects -- the wolf and the doormat.

Except in Marten's case, no one will notice anything different.


"Alright Scotty, Energise."
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: FunkyTuba on 03 Feb 2013, 18:41
Waffles, because he could probably find truckers to hitch with from waffle house to waffle house all the way to Vermont
Do they have Waffle Houses in New England? I thought it was mostly a southern thing.

Teach me to make a waffle joke without checking first.

Looks like they go as far north as Pennsylvania.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Feb 2013, 18:48
IHOP serves waffles.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: K1dmor on 03 Feb 2013, 20:17
 New Comic Strip! 

 And......guess who's gonna be his date?   :-D

 Yay!
 
Quote from: Jeph
It is a good thing that I had this planned from the start because it was also the #1 most requested thing I got about this story!

 Marigold had a chance too, but i guess that's not how it's gonna be.

 And, since i couldn't see Claire in the clothes of "Awkward Zone", the fancy dress is something that i really want to see  :-) .
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Near Lurker on 03 Feb 2013, 20:39
So, who didn't call this?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ysth on 03 Feb 2013, 20:42
I was rooting for Hanners and Station still, but resigned to it.

I tripped the Flattr popup 3 times trying to click the forum link; is that intentional, you think?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: mustang6172 on 03 Feb 2013, 20:57
Looks like somebody's getting shipped.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Feb 2013, 21:00
Shipped as in delivered, yes.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: tdm88 on 03 Feb 2013, 21:23
Claire is very cute in this. Sometimes you just want an excuse to buy a fancy dress  :lol:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Oglokoog on 03 Feb 2013, 21:24
Claire is very cute in this. Sometimes you just want an excuse to buy a fancy dress  :lol:

Yeah, pretty sure she's been looking for one for a while.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ElvisRevenge on 03 Feb 2013, 21:25
Looks like somebody's getting shipped.

(http://i.imgur.com/yPyn1qH.jpg)
Claire seems into it.

AND SO AM I RAISE THE ANCHOR LOWER THE SAILS SET A COURSE FOR LOOOOOOOVE
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: MillionDollar Belt Sander on 03 Feb 2013, 21:29
Wait,  Jeph bowed to pressure from his fans?    :?

He's going to kill her off in some horrible way, isn't he?   :-D


She gets run over by a bus on the way back from COD, and everyone is beside themselves with grief... except for Emily who is pissed because her banana-smoothy was destroyed by a careless EMT.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 03 Feb 2013, 21:59
There is a special kind of awkwardness that comes from being dressed up when everyone else is casual.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: foolsguinea on 03 Feb 2013, 22:16
Blah. I'm sick of Claire already. I wanted Marten to go with Hanners. (Or Dora, so we can throw in some ex-drama.)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: HiFranc on 03 Feb 2013, 22:19
I get the impression that Claire would get along with Dora (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1518).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 03 Feb 2013, 23:02
Oh god yes, I can see it now, both of them jumping up and down, holding hands and squee-ing 'cause they're going to a wedding...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 03 Feb 2013, 23:06
Wait,  Jeph bowed to pressure from his fans?    :?

Where did you get that from - the fact that he told us the opposite?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesariojpn on 03 Feb 2013, 23:13
Wait,  Jeph bowed to pressure from his fans?    :?

Where did you get that from - the fact that he told us the opposite?

Quote
It is a good thing that I had this planned from the start because it was also the #1 most requested thing I got about this story!

Dunno if trolling or lying or......?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Soulsynger on 03 Feb 2013, 23:16
[ ... ]
He's going to kill her off in some horrible way, isn't he?   :-D
[ ... ]

Nah. She's gonna meet someone at the wedding and run off with him. I'll miss her. :(

@Comic:
Wow... first time my expectations and the story matched. oO


[ ... ]
Dunno if trolling or lying or......?
Guys. Give it a rest. Some people just don't see the author comment between all the advertising.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Tova on 03 Feb 2013, 23:24
Wait,  Jeph bowed to pressure from his fans?    :?

Where did you get that from - the fact that he told us the opposite?

Quote
It is a good thing that I had this planned from the start because it was also the #1 most requested thing I got about this story!

Dunno if trolling or lying or......?

In case that's levelled at pwhodges...
The opposite of "bowed to pressure from fans" would be "had it planned from the start"... So, none of the above.

Either way...
You're very quick to level nasty accusations...

Edited for clarity
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesariojpn on 04 Feb 2013, 00:09
Either way...
You're very quick to level nasty accusations...


Pot calling the kettle black.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: MillionDollar Belt Sander on 04 Feb 2013, 00:17
Wait,  Jeph bowed to pressure from his fans?    :?

Where did you get that from - the fact that he told us the opposite?

Perhaps I was being silly, yes?  I can read just fine.  :)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 04 Feb 2013, 00:39
I think we all know from experience how little weight Jeph gives to fan input when making creative decisions.

What better way to develop a character than to throw her into an unfamiliar situation?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesariojpn on 04 Feb 2013, 00:52
I think we all know from experience how little weight Jeph gives to fan input when making creative decisions.

A Fandom Nod is at best debatable.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 04 Feb 2013, 00:52
He's going to kill her off in some horrible way, isn't he?   :-D

Please no. Please. I've lost too many trans friends that way. Yes, it would be plausible, realistic even, but not really in QC's style - any more than Momo getting set on by Fanatics and put in a crusher, then melted to slag.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Soulsynger on 04 Feb 2013, 00:57
He's going to kill her off in some horrible way, isn't he?   :-D

Please no. Please. I've lost too many trans friends that way. Yes, it would be plausible, realistic even, but not really in QC's style - any more than Momo getting set on by Fanatics and put in a crusher, then melted to slag.

Man, I hope we're not steering for Cerebus syndrome (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CerebusSyndrome).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 04 Feb 2013, 01:01
Claire is very cute in this. Sometimes you just want an excuse to buy a fancy dress  :lol:

Yeah, pretty sure she's been looking for one for a while.

She strikes me as the kind of gal who might like to wear a wedding dress one day too. Not everyone's like that, but in her heart of hearts, maybe.

In the meantime, yes, formal attending-wedding attire! She has the figure for it too. Probably wants a hairdo, maybe a makeover... you see she probably didn't get to attend a prom, or do any of the other teenage girl stuff. She's got some making-up to do.

Marigold probably didn't either, but she might not miss it. Not too much. Or wouldn't admit it to herself.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 04 Feb 2013, 01:31
He's going to kill her off in some horrible way, isn't he?   :-D

Please no. Please. I've lost too many trans friends that way. Yes, it would be plausible, realistic even, but not really in QC's style - any more than Momo getting set on by Fanatics and put in a crusher, then melted to slag.

Man, I hope we're not steering for Cerebus syndrome (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CerebusSyndrome).
Bury Your Gays (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BuryYourGays) is probably more relevant, though substitute 'trans' for 'gays' of course.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: PixelMoose on 04 Feb 2013, 02:20
Am I the only one that wanted Padma to miraculously return and go as his date?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Spriteling on 04 Feb 2013, 02:39
Aw man, I really wanted him to go with Hanners. :(
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 04 Feb 2013, 02:42
Y'know, this isn't really what I'd call a "date" - going to his father's wedding has a rather different focus.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Tova on 04 Feb 2013, 02:54
Pot calling the kettle black.

Touché.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: techkid on 04 Feb 2013, 03:21
Fancy dresses notwithstanding, this would make for some good character development for Claire. Coming out as being trans* has helped define who she is, but goes no way to defining who she is (if you understand what I mean). To those (and those considering) outside of that reference, she's just a bookish-type, introverted young lady with a pretty good, reliable, but small social circle.

It'd be cool to see her outside her comfort zone (and not having her brother around to torment), and going all fancy while doing so.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: J on 04 Feb 2013, 03:30
i'd bet 100quatloos he's gonna bring claire
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Arancaytar on 04 Feb 2013, 03:51
Quote
Y'know, this isn't really what I'd call a "date" - going to his father's wedding has a rather different focus.

Correct, but it is still the kind of not-date that can segue to dating. Shipping rules be damned.

(Also, the subtext appears to imply she has a crush on Marten.)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesariojpn on 04 Feb 2013, 04:10
Am I the only one that wanted Padma to miraculously return and go as his date?

Isn't she like on the other coast?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: PixelMoose on 04 Feb 2013, 04:28
Am I the only one that wanted Padma to miraculously return and go as his date?

Isn't she like on the other coast?

I did say miraculously return :P I liked their relationship as short as it was, and would have liked to have seen it a bit longer
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Somebody on 04 Feb 2013, 05:59
Wasn't it a bit selfish of Marten to refuse to use the plane ticket after his dad spent the money?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Mr. Doctor on 04 Feb 2013, 06:03
Maybe he can get the money back somehow? I dunno how it works...

Aw man, I really wanted him to go with Hanners. :(
Same here...  :-\
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Mr_Rose on 04 Feb 2013, 06:04
Am I the only one that wanted Padma to miraculously return and go as his date?
She will already be there, as Veronica's date. :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: judemorrigan on 04 Feb 2013, 06:11
Meh, I like Claire.  There have been more than a few "Oh, Claire.  Don't ever change." moments over the last few weeks, and today's was yet another one.  And this development was completely unsurprising.  But I still wish he had gone with Hanners.  I just find myself missing the older-school characters a bit.

Also ... he is going to get his dad a refund on those plane tickets, right?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sidhekin on 04 Feb 2013, 06:12
Am I the only one that wanted Padma to miraculously return and go as his date?
She will already be there, as Veronica's date. :psyduck:
"Let's swap!"
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: HiFranc on 04 Feb 2013, 06:32
Fancy dresses notwithstanding, this would make for some good character development for Claire. Coming out as being trans* has helped define who she is, but goes no way to defining who she is (if you understand what I mean). To those (and those considering) outside of that reference, she's just a bookish-type, introverted young lady with a pretty good, reliable, but small social circle.

I, personally, would add "ambitious", "hard-working" and/or "determined" to that description (as that/those character trait(s) is/are likelyl to be the reason(s) that she's got such a small social circle).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 04 Feb 2013, 06:36
Anyone else read "Looks like someone's getting shipped" in the same tone as they read "Did someone say Weeaboo"? :x
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 04 Feb 2013, 06:37
[...]reason(s) that she's got such a small social circle).

OTOH being willing to drive people is a good way to expand the circle.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Madmartigan on 04 Feb 2013, 06:56
Blah. I'm sick of Claire already. I wanted Marten to go with Hanners. (Or Dora, so we can throw in some ex-drama.)

Me too.  She's a fine enough character with a good enough personality, but I kinda think she's getting a wee over exposed.

I really wanted Hanners and Marten, but then I selfishly love their dynamic the most.  And after Marten helped out Hanners (in a wayish) of going with her to space for a big trip, I figured it'd be awesome for Hanners to return that sentiment and go on a wedding trip with Marty.

What was the requested thing Jeph got though?  Marty going to a wedding?  So confused.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Madmartigan on 04 Feb 2013, 07:01
Y'know, this isn't really what I'd call a "date" - going to his father's wedding has a rather different focus.

It really can't be a date when she's literally the last resort and was option #5, the first option being him going alone, then Faye, then Dora, then Hanners, and then Claire.  Sides, not like he even thought of asking her until she offered.

Don't know why people keep trying to force ship these two.  Thought we couldn't do that.  Lord knows had my very first post here not been eloquently done regarding Hanners/Marten just as a dynamic I'd have gotten run off with pitchforks. 

I think going to your father's same sex marriage is about just going with a good friend for support.  Any romance, ugh, will be forced and awkward.

Quote
Also ... he is going to get his dad a refund on those plane tickets, right?

I hope so.  No idea what plane tickets are like in QC verse, but they're still damned expensive here.  Seems kinda callous not to use them if they're non-refundable though.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 04 Feb 2013, 07:06
What was the requested thing Jeph got though?

Claire to go with Marten, of course; the world is unhappy that Marten has no love, and blatantly wishes to push him into the company of any character that has not already been ruled out (and often some that have).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Aquaisces on 04 Feb 2013, 07:12
Can't believe it hasn't been mentioned yet, but I just *love* Claire's hair. And the book she tossed into the air. And the way skinny jeans actually flatter her figure. Her whole reaction in this comic is awesome <3
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 04 Feb 2013, 07:15
Fancy dress! Fancy dress! Fancy dress! Wheeee!!!!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Aquaisces on 04 Feb 2013, 07:20
I wonder if we'll get to see Claire in the dressing room, rejecting all sorts of pretty dresses, or if she'll just show up with one?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 04 Feb 2013, 07:25
Also, Marten drinks milk from a glass?  I thought that fad died out a decade ago
Drinking milk is a fad?

God I hope not. If it was, Wisconsin would have an even worse job loss rate than there already is in this state.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Just Karen on 04 Feb 2013, 08:08
He's going to kill her off in some horrible way, isn't he?   :-D

Please no. Please. I've lost too many trans friends that way. Yes, it would be plausible, realistic even, but not really in QC's style - any more than Momo getting set on by Fanatics and put in a crusher, then melted to slag.

Agreed.  Keep the realism to the realistic comics, please.  QC is only slightly more realistic than most anime.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Just Karen on 04 Feb 2013, 08:19
Claire is very cute in this. Sometimes you just want an excuse to buy a fancy dress  :lol:

Yeah, pretty sure she's been looking for one for a while.

She strikes me as the kind of gal who might like to wear a wedding dress one day too. Not everyone's like that, but in her heart of hearts, maybe.

In the meantime, yes, formal attending-wedding attire! She has the figure for it too. Probably wants a hairdo, maybe a makeover... you see she probably didn't get to attend a prom, or do any of the other teenage girl stuff. She's got some making-up to do.

Marigold probably didn't either, but she might not miss it. Not too much. Or wouldn't admit it to herself.

THIS.  I never went to Prom, I'm already married (and my wife refuses to have another wedding after the disaster that was the first), I never went to any formal dances...  and I spent years obsessing over that fact.

[...]reason(s) that she's got such a small social circle).

OTOH being willing to drive people is a good way to expand the circle.

Not that I've ever noticed.  Oh, unless you count the people that only hang out with you for rides.  Seriously, I had "friends" I tried to get together with for lunch/dinner/etc a few times, and they kept refusing - so the only time I would see them was when I drove them across town to a monthly event.  That got fairly old fairly fast.

Fancy dresses notwithstanding, this would make for some good character development for Claire. Coming out as being trans* has helped define who she is, but goes no way to defining who she is (if you understand what I mean). To those (and those considering) outside of that reference, she's just a bookish-type, introverted young lady with a pretty good, reliable, but small social circle.

I, personally, would add "ambitious", "hard-working" and/or "determined" to that description (as that/those character trait(s) is/are likelyl to be the reason(s) that she's got such a small social circle).

Probably accurate.  I have yet to meet a T* person that isn't determined and ambitious, and that rarely leads to them not being hard-working.  The ambition might not be the traditional one, but...

Y'know, this isn't really what I'd call a "date" - going to his father's wedding has a rather different focus.

It really can't be a date when she's literally the last resort and was option #5, the first option being him going alone, then Faye, then Dora, then Hanners, and then Claire.  Sides, not like he even thought of asking her until she offered.

Don't know why people keep trying to force ship these two.  Thought we couldn't do that.  Lord knows had my very first post here not been eloquently done regarding Hanners/Marten just as a dynamic I'd have gotten run off with pitchforks. 

I think going to your father's same sex marriage is about just going with a good friend for support.  Any romance, ugh, will be forced and awkward.


I disagree about the romance.  Being around people that love each other very much and have been kept from each other by legal issues for years?  It's one of the more romantic ways to see a wedding.  Seeing the pictures from the Seattle courthouse made me cry, and I wasn't even there in person.

Am I the only one that wanted Padma to miraculously return and go as his date?

I'd be willing to guess she'll be another guest, and awkwardness will ensue.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesariojpn on 04 Feb 2013, 09:40
Am I the only one that wanted Padma to miraculously return and go as his date?
She will already be there, as Veronica's date. :psyduck:

Speaking of Veronica.....is she gonna be at the wedding? I mentioned it before that is she is, she'll be a major awkward zone period.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 09:44
I think it's unfair to call Claire a "last resort", Marten may have not asked any of the interns because he thought it'd be inappropriate to ask them to drive him that far. But as soon as Claire volunteered to drive him, he invited her without hesitation. (By which I only mean that he's not a bad friend for not asking her earlier)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 04 Feb 2013, 10:25
I think it's unfair to call Claire a "last resort".
Yeah, she's lasted more than 13 episodes so she'll probably be on for the duration.

Wait, Last Resort had a sub, which sank in the final episode. Perhaps a harbinger of a ship sinking during this outing?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 04 Feb 2013, 10:26
Don't know why people keep trying to force ship these two.  Thought we couldn't do that.  Lord knows had my very first post here not been eloquently done regarding Hanners/Marten just as a dynamic I'd have gotten run off with pitchforks. 

You're entirely correct and the rule hasn't changed. The moderators are trying to react proportionally but if it gets worse ...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 10:27
Wait, Last Resort had a sub, which sank in the final episode.
Dude, not cool! I was going to watch that eventually!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 04 Feb 2013, 10:31
Wait, Last Resort had a sub, which sank in the final episode.
Dude, not cool! I was going to watch that eventually!
Sorry, I have a hard time remembering that some people are concerned with spoilers; I stopped worrying a long time ago and learned to love the information. Plus it's hard to swing a cat in a roomful of media without hitting something someone doesn't know.

Not sure that was the best metaphor, and now I can't get the image of libraries and blockbusters full of swinging cats out of my head.

Don't know why people keep trying to force ship these two.  Thought we couldn't do that.  Lord knows had my very first post here not been eloquently done regarding Hanners/Marten just as a dynamic I'd have gotten run off with pitchforks. 
You're entirely correct and the rule hasn't changed. The moderators are trying to react proportionally but if it gets worse ...
I don't know, I'm finding the references to rules about shipping more frequent, less subtle, and more annoying than the actual shipping. Regular users can use the PM system too if they want to tell someone to knock it off instead of calling them out in-thread. I may be a bit of a black pot on this, though.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: celticgeek on 04 Feb 2013, 10:38
As I was waiting in the Lab for someone to take my blood for testing, I saw a woman who looked pretty much like Claire in today's comic.

Her T-shirt was red, and her hair was not quite as "frizzy?", but she was wearing the same slim jeans and the same blue shoes. 

Interesting. 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Barmymoo on 04 Feb 2013, 10:42
I don't want Claire to be killed off either, and I don't think it would happen (has anyone died in the comic? I don't count the already-dead people at the morgue) but if Claire were to die, it wouldn't have to be connected with her trans* status. People die in horrible accidents all the time.

But it's just not what QC is like, so not going to happen in my view.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 04 Feb 2013, 10:44

I think going to your father's same sex marriage is about just going with a good friend for support.  Any romance, ugh, will be forced and awkward.


I disagree about the romance.  Being around people that love each other very much and have been kept from each other by legal issues for years?  It's one of the more romantic ways to see a wedding.  Seeing the pictures from the Seattle courthouse made me cry, and I wasn't even there in person.

Just Karen, I think you're confusing Mad Martigan's romance between two people with a more general notion of romance.  Yes, weddings are romantic, but that doesn't automatically ignite a non-existant spark between two people...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Swedish Chef on 04 Feb 2013, 11:18

OTOH being willing to drive people is a good way to expand the circle.

Given the social event, double entendre duly noted.

Yes, my mind is in the gutter. It's mine all mine. My own, my precious
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 04 Feb 2013, 11:37
Can't say I really feel where the mentions of Marten-Claire shipping mentions are coming from, even if I certainly understand silly crushes when subordinated to someone. *Ahem*

Would probably be a pretty sad arc, though, since I expect Marten to stand by what principles he has and turn things like that down. Also not really feeling sparks there at the moment, so would probably be one-sided anyway.

He's going to kill her off in some horrible way, isn't he?   :-D
Please no. Please. I've lost too many trans friends that way. Yes, it would be plausible, realistic even, but not really in QC's style - any more than Momo getting set on by Fanatics and put in a crusher, then melted to slag.
you see she probably didn't get to attend a prom, or do any of the other teenage girl stuff. She's got some making-up to do.

(http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/2204/whywouldyoudothat.gif)

I wonder if we'll get to see Claire in the dressing room, rejecting all sorts of pretty dresses, or if she'll just show up with one?

That sentence could've ended so much worse than it did.  :laugh:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 04 Feb 2013, 11:46
I don't want Claire to be killed off either, and I don't think it would happen (has anyone died in the comic? I don't count the already-dead people at the morgue) but if Claire were to die, it wouldn't have to be connected with her trans* status. People die in horrible accidents all the time.

But it's just not what QC is like, so not going to happen in my view.

Wasn't someone eaten by an Allosaurus?

I'm honestly glad that Clair is getting to go, she seems like she really needs good friends.  Though I do always love seeing Hanners in strips!

Also I wouldn't doubt that Marten would forget to refund the plane tickets, this is Marten we're talking about  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 04 Feb 2013, 11:54
She strikes me as the kind of gal who might like to wear a wedding dress one day too. Not everyone's like that, but in her heart of hearts, maybe.

In the meantime, yes, formal attending-wedding attire! She has the figure for it too. Probably wants a hairdo, maybe a makeover... you see she probably didn't get to attend a prom, or do any of the other teenage girl stuff. She's got some making-up to do.

Was thinking this too, she may have missed out on a lot of the things that she would've loved to do as a child but would be looked down upon by many in our society (Honestly seems silly to talk down about a boy wearing a dress when men wear kilts!  :-P) so I'm glad she has the perfect excuse now!  :-)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: FunkyTuba on 04 Feb 2013, 11:54
Looks like somebody's getting shipped.

(http://i.imgur.com/yPyn1qH.jpg)
Claire seems into it.

AND SO AM I RAISE THE ANCHOR LOWER THE SAILS SET A COURSE FOR LOOOOOOOVE


Of course she's getting shipped...


... TO VERMONT
(http://carabiner.peeron.com/~funkytuba/clairejoke.png)
IN HER OWN CAR.


Get it?

(http://carabiner.peeron.com/~funkytuba/claireaftermath.png)
I love Claire so much
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: bhtooefr on 04 Feb 2013, 12:01
Personally, I could see Claire being romantically attracted to Marten at some level, and potentially even acting on it.

I couldn't see Marten reciprocating for various reasons - I think his ethics would keep him from acting on it even if he were attracted to Claire, and I suspect that he's not quite open-minded enough to want to be in a sexual relationship with Claire anyway (that's the most tactful way I can put it).

I could see Jeph doing an arc about that, though. He's just enough of a sadist to his characters...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 12:08
Wasn't someone eaten by an Allosaurus?
I don't think that was ever made canon. ::)

The only person who was said to have died was Faye's dad, I think :(
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 04 Feb 2013, 12:12
Wasn't someone eaten by an Allosaurus?
I don't think that was ever made canon. ::)

Stranger things have happened...  :laugh:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Pilchard123 on 04 Feb 2013, 12:14
Wasn't someone eaten by an Allosaurus?
I don't think that was ever made canon. ::)

Does the cast page count? It's somewhat out of date, yes, but...
Quote from: Cast page
Former employee at Coffee of Doom. Eaten by an allosaurus. RIP.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 12:17
It's arguable. I don't consider it canon.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Pilchard123 on 04 Feb 2013, 12:18
Yea, some comics treat cast pages as canon, others just as a place to write weird stuff
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 04 Feb 2013, 12:20
"Well, that's a weird cannon". 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 04 Feb 2013, 12:21
Yea, some comics treat cast pages as canon, others just as a place to write weird stuff

And others, who see no reason to not to have their cake and eat it too, use their cast pages to place weird canon material!  :lol:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DSL on 04 Feb 2013, 12:25
"Well, that's a weird cannon".

<---------------<<
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: FunkyTuba on 04 Feb 2013, 12:38
Re: Plane tickets:

I'm going to guess that Marten's dad hedged his bet by buying fully-refundable fares. Or bought "flaky son" travel insurance.

Otherwise it'll be a jumping off point for tense Marten<->Henry interactions once they get to Vermont.

Jeph has left himself lots of options.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ChaosWolf on 04 Feb 2013, 12:40
I tried to brush it off before, but it's getting harder to dismiss the idea that Jeph's trying to pair-up Marten and Claire as a couple...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Feb 2013, 12:43
I tried to brush it off before, but it's getting harder to dismiss the idea that Jeph's trying to pair-up Marten and Claire as a couple...
Or he's taunting the readers who want Marten and Claire to be a couple. He's been known to do that from time to time.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 04 Feb 2013, 12:47
Yea, some comics treat cast pages as canon, others just as a place to write weird stuff

And others, who see no reason to not to have their cake and eat it too, use their cast pages to place weird canon material!  :lol:

Someone has read Order of the Stick, I see!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Pilchard123 on 04 Feb 2013, 12:48
Or he's taunting the readers who want Marten and Claire to be a couple. He's been known to do that from time to time.

If I may quote Yelling Bird:

Jump for it, primate!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 04 Feb 2013, 12:52
Sara has been considered "eaten by an allosaurus" for quite some time now.

Ellen wasn't killed off, but she's essentially not returning, nor is Padma.

As trite as this may seem as a "pairing", I doubt it has legs.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 04 Feb 2013, 13:01
I tried to brush it off before, but it's getting harder to dismiss the idea that Jeph's trying to pair-up Marten and Claire as a couple...

It could also just be for the purposes of character development.  Life does involve so very many crushes that never work out or feelings that are not reciprocated.  Though it seems to me that Claire has taken a liking to Marten, though I wouldn't be surprised if it's simply that she feels that he's a good friend that she can trust and feel open with.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 04 Feb 2013, 13:06
I tried to brush it off before, but it's getting harder to dismiss the idea that Jeph's trying to pair-up Marten and Claire as a couple...

I don't really see it like that. Not being lonely doesn't instantly mean it'll be romantic.  :-)

"You have nice friends.."

"You're one of 'em now!"

"I'm-" (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2322)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Barmymoo on 04 Feb 2013, 13:10
So many of my friends have offered me lifts to places that I've lost track. Does that mean that I have been ignoring/not noticing people trying to start relationships with me? Oops. I have a lot of people to apologise to, starting with at least five members of this forum!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Near Lurker on 04 Feb 2013, 13:15
I'm not sure the ethical issue will really occur to Marten; I think he sees himself as her equal, or at most her senior, rather than her overseer.  I'm not totally sure he's wrong, either...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 04 Feb 2013, 13:20
I'm not sure the ethical issue will really occur to Marten; I think he sees himself as her equal, or at most her senior, rather than her overseer.  I'm not totally sure he's wrong, either...

I don't oppose workplace-romance either, of course, but he did say he wouldn't date an intern before, right? :)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: bhtooefr on 04 Feb 2013, 13:25
I'm definitely in the "don't dip your pen in company ink" camp, myself.

And, the reason for the shipping isn't just that Claire's offered him a ride, it's based on Claire and Marten's interactions as of late having a lot of focus in the comic.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 13:30
Ellen wasn't killed off, but she's essentially not returning, nor is Padma.
We really have no way of knowing, but you're probably right.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: HeavyP on 04 Feb 2013, 13:31
"Well, that's a weird cannon".

All I can think of now is that I want an Allosaurus cannon.  Whether that is a cannon shaped like an Allosaurus, an Allosaurus armed with a cannon (Dino Riders!), or a cannon that shoots Allosauruses (Allosauri?) doesn't matter, I think I'd be happy with any of them!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Akima on 04 Feb 2013, 14:26
I'm not sure the ethical issue will really occur to Marten; I think he sees himself as her equal, or at most her senior, rather than her overseer.
Well, in the Real World® Marten would need to wake up and smell the coffee. He is in a supervisory role, whether he realises it or or likes it or not. Librarian > Tai > Marten the full-time employee > interns is how  HR (http://images.ados.fr/divers/photo/4505309450/lovecraft/cthulhu-rises-chrislazzer-2714881c95.jpg) (Horrible Relations) or an employment-tribunal (http://troglopundit.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/sarlacc.jpg) would see it. I don't think Jeph is going for a romance here, but in Real Life® it would be a Really Bad Idea®.

Back to the comic... I think Claire's gait in the last panel (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2377) looks really unnatural. Nobody runs like that:

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmzYJb3zmDw/Tr0bD2-0eqI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/m4UAlXZXaks/s640/Muybridge_Run_Cycle_by_Cacodaemonia.jpg)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 04 Feb 2013, 14:30
Back to the comic... I think Claire's gait in the last panel (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2377) looks really unnatural. Nobody runs like that:

Well.. given what's behind her: Maybe she's on her way down after leaping over the counter? Quite the athlete! ;)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 04 Feb 2013, 14:39
So many of my friends have offered me lifts to places that I've lost track. Does that mean that I have been ignoring/not noticing people trying to start relationships with me? Oops. I have a lot of people to apologise to, starting with at least five members of this forum!

That's not what I meant, of course - but it gives at least some opportunity to get to know people, and perhaps become friends in some way.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 15:49
That's very true. I wouldn't give someone a ride if I didn't want to talk to them for several hours, because otherwise that would be rather uncomfortable.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 04 Feb 2013, 16:14
That's very true. I wouldn't give someone a ride if I didn't want to talk to them for several hours, because otherwise that would be rather uncomfortable.

Not doing the greatest thing ever in the middle of long, trapped journeys with people you don't know well?

"So.. Oskar.. Have you heard the Good Word of the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as your personal saviour? *Stone-face*"
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: henri bemis on 04 Feb 2013, 16:39
Oh god, I've been on the uncomfortable road trip.  There are only so many hours you can pretend to be asleep.

(I don't think that will happen with Marten and Claire, though.  Fancy dress!)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: SJCrew on 04 Feb 2013, 16:52
There won't be any uncomfortable road trip; these two have chemistry. They've already hung out plenty between the party, the library interning, and lately, just going on walks and seeing each other at Coffee of Doom.

I also forgot to mention from last week that we finally got to see Henry's fiance...and only now in the middle of typing this do I realize that he's Marten's former boss. But more importantly than that, Marten's dad is robbing the cradle. :o
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Mr_Rose on 04 Feb 2013, 16:57
Um, no? We saw Dad 2: Dad Harder in the arc that ended with Faye's Patented Pregnancy Psych-out and I'm pretty sure Marten would have commented if he was his ex boss… :?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 04 Feb 2013, 16:59
Different names.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: celticgeek on 04 Feb 2013, 17:04
In addition, Marten's boss was still in town when his mother said that her ex-husband was dating in Miami. (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=434)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 04 Feb 2013, 18:04
"Well, that's a weird cannon".
Must have been in Portland, Oregon then.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 04 Feb 2013, 18:11
Claire is very cute in this. Sometimes you just want an excuse to buy a fancy dress  :lol:

Yeah, pretty sure she's been looking for one for a while.

She strikes me as the kind of gal who might like to wear a wedding dress one day too. Not everyone's like that, but in her heart of hearts, maybe.

In the meantime, yes, formal attending-wedding attire! She has the figure for it too. Probably wants a hairdo, maybe a makeover... you see she probably didn't get to attend a prom, or do any of the other teenage girl stuff. She's got some making-up to do.

Marigold probably didn't either, but she might not miss it. Not too much. Or wouldn't admit it to herself.

THIS.  I never went to Prom, I'm already married (and my wife refuses to have another wedding after the disaster that was the first), I never went to any formal dances...  and I spent years obsessing over that fact.
Takes one to know one I guess.... but even if my life history had been more usual, I'd be like Marigold. Though possibly even closer to Momo in personality.

You know, QC's pretty darned insightful at times. There must have been a lot of people-watching behind it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: SJCrew on 04 Feb 2013, 18:15
My memory must be off then. I recall Marten's boss having a similar hair color and thought his name might have been Maurice (but then again, I also thought that was Marten's dad's name before I looked it up).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: riccostar on 04 Feb 2013, 18:17
Damn :/
 
I was hoping for some time with the older characters again.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 04 Feb 2013, 18:33
So many of my friends have offered me lifts to places that I've lost track. Does that mean that I have been ignoring/not noticing people trying to start relationships with me? Oops. I have a lot of people to apologise to, starting with at least five members of this forum!
Don't have to apologize here. ;)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 04 Feb 2013, 18:51
Get Me To The Church On Time...

...Marigold!    9 (15%)
...Claire!    25 (41.7%) <== Foregone Conclusion?
...Emily!    5 (8.3%)
...Tai?    1 (1.7%)
...PINTSIZE?!?!?    2 (3.3%)
...Harriet?!?!??!?!??!?!?    2 (3.3%)
...Someone Else?    4 (6.7%)
WAFFLES!    12 (20%)

Total Members Voted: 60
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 19:29
What's confusing is that the first time his mom mentions Maurice, she calls him Marcel.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sassafras on 04 Feb 2013, 21:27
Back to the comic... I think Claire's gait in the last panel (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2377) looks really unnatural. Nobody runs like that: (running image)

I think she's just doing the pose on the bottom row, second from the left, her leg is just a little exaggerated because cartoon.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Kugai on 04 Feb 2013, 21:51
And Claire springs into action.


Hmmmmm


Maybe she could be Pizza Girls Sidekick
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 04 Feb 2013, 21:55
And Claire springs into action.
Hmmmmm
Maybe she could be Pizza Girls Sidekick
She hasn't met Penny yet, has she?

According to Jeph's Twitter, he actually planned to have Hannelore fly them over in her mom's ship as some hypothesized, but then decided to get her sick instead.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 21:55
She has if she's Pizza Girl's sidekick.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Mr_Rose on 04 Feb 2013, 22:07
What's confusing is that the first time his mom mentions Maurice, she calls him Marcel.
He could have been with a Marcel before Maurice and either got engaged to both or dumped one, engaged the other and forgot to mention the change in boyfriend. Or Veronica simply misheard or misremembered the boy's name.
Or Jeph forgot what name he used the first time. But that would never happen!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sullivan on 04 Feb 2013, 22:47
Oh god, I've been on the uncomfortable road trip.  There are only so many hours you can pretend to be asleep.

(I don't think that will happen with Marten and Claire, though.  Fancy dress!)

And, really, it's only 90 minutes each way. Marten's from California. That's just San Diego to Disneyland!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 22:50
When I mentioned the uncomfortable road trip, I was saying it to point out that this would not be one of those. The two are friends, and will certainly find things to talk about.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 04 Feb 2013, 23:07
She has if she's Pizza Girl's sidekick.

Then she's only heard of Penny...I maintain that they are two distinct people, perhapsibly twin sisters separated at birth. One raised by normal parents, the other trained by culinary assassins until her time was nigh...

Or Veronica simply misheard or misremembered the boy's name.

Seconded.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 23:11
I'm pretty sure that Penny was Pizza Girl, but was never aware of it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 04 Feb 2013, 23:25
Marten's old boss was named Scott (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=86).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 04 Feb 2013, 23:38
Will Scott be at the wedding? Will Scott's dick be at the wedding? Because apparently it's self-aware. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=87)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2013, 23:40
Marten's old boss was named Scott (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=86).
Is that ever said in the comic itself or just underneath? Either way, there's enough of a resemblance when you take into account the vastly different art styles. But surely Marten would've recognized his old boss.

Also, now we know that his mom's going. That's good.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 04 Feb 2013, 23:42
Somehow I think it would be bad form, amongst many other things, if Veronica dressed up as Veronica Vance and brought actual clients to the wedding. :psyduck:

Also, that car blends in with the trees very nicely.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 04 Feb 2013, 23:42
Is that ever said in the comic itself or just underneath?
Underneath.


YAY COMIC!!!

Bad form indeed...I imagine Marten's mom being carried around by an entourage of guys wearing nothing but thongs and collars, while she holds their leashes.

Very classy.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Near Lurker on 04 Feb 2013, 23:43
I do sort of miss Scott, but he seems to have gone the way of Sara.  (Also, I kind of forgot Marten chasing after Faye was ever a theme... speaking as someone who started reading before strip 100, the first five hundred strips were weird.)

I can't wait to see Veronica's "dates."
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Feb 2013, 00:04
So when and why did Maurice quit environmental engineering? I suppose jobs in wetlands preservation are not the easiest thing to find.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: slydon on 05 Feb 2013, 00:11
Racist Uncle, like Racist Grandma, is just another space drink.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 05 Feb 2013, 00:15
Hmm, I wonder if there's a way for civilians to look up plate numbers.

That car sure is green, and clashes pretty wildly with her hair.

Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: St.Clair on 05 Feb 2013, 00:21
When I mentioned the uncomfortable road trip, I was saying it to point out that this would not be one of those. The two are friends, and will certainly find things to talk about.
And so they have!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Akima on 05 Feb 2013, 00:45
That car sure is green, and clashes pretty wildly with her hair.
Judging by the tailgate badge it's a Mazda (http://www.cartype.com/pics/1607/small/mazda_emblem1.jpg), and I think a Mazda 2, probably the Neo:
(http://www.carshowroom.com.au/carphoto/167/photoset/300/20100510111035652.jpg)(http://www.carshowroom.com.au/carphoto/167/photoset/300/20100922115830284.jpg)
It does come in a rather nasty shade of green, as you can see.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 05 Feb 2013, 01:29
That looks like a reaaally big steering wheel.

Also, I cannot help but wonder whether the pink bag is Marten's.

He probably has his Hello Kitty belt (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1751) in it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 05 Feb 2013, 01:56
Then she's only heard of Penny...I maintain that they are two distinct people, perhapsibly twin sisters separated at birth. One raised by normal parents, the other trained by culinary assassins until her time was nigh...

Yes! And she's been in a long-standing blood feud with Hannelore's theoretical clone-sister, meeting on bloody clandestine battlefield after clandestine battlefield again and again.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 05 Feb 2013, 02:25
That looks like a reaaally big steering wheel.

Also, I cannot help but wonder whether the pink bag is Marten's.

He probably has his Hello Kitty belt (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1751) in it.

Some comics ago I believe Marten made a comment about Claire's pink bag while walking to the library.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: bhtooefr on 05 Feb 2013, 02:37
Neo

We don't get that trim level, we just get boring trim level names. (And, everyone just buys Ford Fiestas instead, because they're the same car with a nicer interior and more fuel efficient engines.)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 05 Feb 2013, 02:56
Some comics ago I believe Marten made a comment about Claire's pink bag while walking to the library.

To the coffee-shop, before they ran into her brother again, methinks. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2272)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 05 Feb 2013, 02:58
Some comics ago I believe Marten made a comment about Claire's pink bag while walking to the library.

To the coffee-shop, before they ran into her brother again, methinks. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2272)

That's not the same bag. The one in the car is larger and a different colour.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Moanerette on 05 Feb 2013, 03:00
Keep your eyes on the road Claire! Lordy.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: mabhatter on 05 Feb 2013, 03:58
Claire is very cute in this. Sometimes you just want an excuse to buy a fancy dress  :lol:

Normal girls almost always have a fancy dress on standby if something like this comes up. 

Marten and Clair aren't quite a "date" yet. Just friends. The interesting thing will be how that plays out. But Claire will fit right into his crazy family!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Barmymoo on 05 Feb 2013, 05:28
I don't have any dresses suitable to wear for a wedding. I have a few things which just about suffice for a formal dinner, but not really, and then I have floor length gowns for white tie balls. I need to remedy this really.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: lepetitfromage on 05 Feb 2013, 06:15
Normal girls almost always have a fancy dress on standby if something like this comes up. 

Even if this is true.....if you enjoy dresses, fancy events are always the best reason to go out and buy another one. I have at least 5 wedding appropriate dresses but still can't resist the urge to see if there is anything better out there  :-P



Also- every time I see Claire she gets more and more adorable. The kitty purse, the dress sprint....her car! Personally, I think it is REALLY cute. I would drive a car that looked like that in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: bhtooefr on 05 Feb 2013, 06:23
Also, did Maurice change jobs?

http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1516
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Thrudd on 05 Feb 2013, 06:42
Also, did Maurice change jobs?
If it is in Florida then Wetlands and golf courses pretty much go hand in hand, well the really nice ones anyways.
I don't play and the closest I ever did was slicing a ball into the St-Laurence as a kid. Got some good loft though *hee hee* :laugh:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 05 Feb 2013, 06:44
I believe Jeph relies on memory and maybe a quick poke at the archive for previously defined character details, rather than having anything along the lines of a card index with information on each character.  The size of QC now means that occasional failures of continuity are inevitable (and in Maurice's case, after all, even his name's got mixed up before - so I guess he's a very flexible chap!).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 05 Feb 2013, 07:21
Wetlands restoration may involve some golf course maintenance, as it would require someone to keep a protected species habitat from being used.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: K1dmor on 05 Feb 2013, 07:47
 So Marten told Claire about Veronica's job. I think that the only people who know that are Faye and Dora.

 Also, it would be awkward if someone else in the wedding would be wearing the same fancy dress that Claire.
 
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DSL on 05 Feb 2013, 07:48
Or Maurice changed jobs.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: calmcalamity on 05 Feb 2013, 08:11
So Marten told Claire about Veronica's job. I think that the only people who know that are Faye and Dora.

 Also, it would be awkward if someone else in the wedding would be wearing the same fancy dress that Claire.
 
(click to show/hide)

Others who for sure know:
Pintsize
Steve
Hannelore
Tai
Dora's Dad, Peter

Others who probably know:
Sven
Angus
Pennelope
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: StevenC on 05 Feb 2013, 08:58
That car sure is green, and clashes pretty wildly with her hair.
Judging by the tailgate badge it's a Mazda (http://www.cartype.com/pics/1607/small/mazda_emblem1.jpg), and I think a Mazda 2, probably the Neo:
(http://www.carshowroom.com.au/carphoto/167/photoset/300/20100510111035652.jpg)(http://www.carshowroom.com.au/carphoto/167/photoset/300/20100922115830284.jpg)
It does come in a rather nasty shade of green, as you can see.
Nasty? What are you talking about? That's my favourite colour.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 05 Feb 2013, 09:24
Nasty? What are you talking about? That's my favourite colour.
The appeal of a color has little to do with whether it's a good house or car color.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: StevenC on 05 Feb 2013, 09:32
Since when does being a good house or car colour have to do with anything more than the personal preference of the owner?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 05 Feb 2013, 09:56
Hear, hear! 

[misses his bright lavender Chevy Beretta with the Hello Kitty pinstriping]
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shteevie on 05 Feb 2013, 10:14
Keep your eyes on the road Claire! Lordy.
EXACTLY!

Next strip better not involve screeching tires.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 05 Feb 2013, 10:19
Next strip will involve burning tire marks on the street like in Back to the Future.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Pilchard123 on 05 Feb 2013, 11:04
The great thing about this forum? Jeph could probably do anything he liked and we'd retcon it in for him.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Roborat on 05 Feb 2013, 12:54
What impressed me with this page is how well Jeph did drawing the car.  That is one thing I have noticed that a lot of webcomic artists seem to have troubles with, and yet he did a good enough job that the make and model is identifiable, and the interior views also look good.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Kugai on 05 Feb 2013, 12:55
Next strip will involve burning tire marks on the street like in Back to the Future.  :psyduck:

Great Scott!!!!

 :-D





More likely we'll find out the Mazda's a Transformer.



Hmmmmm.

I think Claire's gonna fit right in with Martens family.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Feb 2013, 13:11
Maybe a bit high strung for that.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 05 Feb 2013, 13:27
Since when does being a good house or car colour have to do with anything more than the personal preference of the owner?
Psychology (yours and that of those around you), cost (initial, maintenance, repair), theft, heat, and a couple other factors not jumping to mind (they'd likely have more to do with houses anyway). Choosing a color only because it's your favorite is superficial.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 05 Feb 2013, 15:02
What impressed me with this page is how well Jeph did drawing the car.

He did complain before starting how hard he finds drawing cars, though.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 05 Feb 2013, 19:24
Some comics ago I believe Marten made a comment about Claire's pink bag while walking to the library.

To the coffee-shop, before they ran into her brother again, methinks. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2272)

That's not the same bag. The one in the car is larger and a different colour.

Crap you're right!  :oops:

Next strip will involve burning tire marks on the street like in Back to the Future.  :psyduck:

Great Scott!!!!

 :-D





More likely we'll find out the Mazda's a Transformer.



Hmmmmm.

I think Claire's gonna fit right in with Martens family.

As long as Michael Bay is not involved...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 05 Feb 2013, 19:51
he's a very flexible chap!
...in bed. :mrgreen:

Sorry, I had to.

Maybe he does golf and wetlands management? Or maybe he was just BS-ing Dora for the hell of it. :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: riccostar on 05 Feb 2013, 20:16
My uncle is in Amsterdam, I'm pretty sure he gives out weed for free.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 05 Feb 2013, 20:57
How much does it cost up there? Serious question, because in a place where it seems to be non-chalantly legal, yet neither jacked up by cartels nor taxed by the government, I wonder about its monetary value.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 05 Feb 2013, 21:17
Maybe he does golf and wetlands management? Or maybe he was just BS-ing Dora for the hell of it. :psyduck:
Maybe he instructs people on managing the conversion of wetlands into golf courses, but that would be a rather dark turn.  :evil:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesariojpn on 05 Feb 2013, 21:43
The great thing about this forum? Jeph could probably do anything he liked and we'd retcon it in for him.

Better cease that line of thinking, think of the consequences.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 05 Feb 2013, 22:33
Comic is up!

Seems like Marten's mom is a major shipper...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Near Lurker on 05 Feb 2013, 22:40
Cocaine and whiskey, a time-honored combination.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ukrayf on 05 Feb 2013, 22:40
haha omg. traumatising.

I hope this trip doesn't become an exercise in torturing Claire.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ElvisRevenge on 05 Feb 2013, 22:46
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA LOOKS LIKE VERONICA IS A CAPTAIN ON THE CLARTEN/MAIRE SHIP!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Feb 2013, 22:47
What?! Are you suggesting that Jeph might mistreat a character?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 05 Feb 2013, 22:47
Sadly, I can relate to this comic.

And Veronica just echoed Jim's "perfect age to start breeding" line. :psyduck:

Note: Next time Claire gets nervous or embarrassed, check if she clutches at her hair like she is in panel 4. It'd be interesting, both for reference and for appreciating Jeph's hard work, to try and work out all the characters' particular mannerisms when they get nervous. So far, the only other one I can think of is Hanners clenching her hands in her lap (which I'm pretty sure I've also seen Dora do once or twice).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Epic on 05 Feb 2013, 22:53
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA LOOKS LIKE VERONICA IS A CAPTAIN ON THE CLARTEN/MAIRE SHIP!
ALLLLLL ABOARRRRRD!!!  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 05 Feb 2013, 23:01
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA LOOKS LIKE VERONICA IS A CAPTAIN ON THE CLARTEN/MAIRE SHIP!
ALLLLLL ABOARRRRRD!!!  :-D
Be careful of the canon fire as you run up the gangplank.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: mustang6172 on 05 Feb 2013, 23:05
WE ARE WORKING ON THAT TECHNOLOGY!



Does anyone else find it unethical to apply technology to procreation while there are still orphans in the world?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 05 Feb 2013, 23:16
haha omg. traumatising.

I hope this trip doesn't become an exercise in torturing Claire.

If it is, it could hardly have a more appropriate start.

I'll try not to universalise my own experience - many women of 20-something aren't interested in ever having kids (then) - and after all, I did cheat and had a son anyway, even though I could never give birth... but ouchies. Seriously ouchies. Some of us, be we trans, intersex, or just plain "barren women" have an instinct as strong as breathing to carry our children. Given the historical risks of pregnancy, everything from swollen ankles and morning sickness,  to the bone-breaking agony of childbirth, it has to be pretty strong in some.

This is currently not possible for trans women (except a very few who are intersex in a particular way - not me, worse luck).

Still... given QC is in a universe with true AIs and permanent space research facilties, things we're 50 years away from at least... maybe the biotech is, say, 30 years ahead, even 25. Half that of spacetech and computertech. It would be enough.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 05 Feb 2013, 23:16
Does anyone else find it unethical to apply technology to procreation while there are still orphans in the world?
Supply and demand, man. Some people want an infant of their very own, fresh from the surrogates/ their heavily-tinkered-with womb. I myself have a hard time suspending disbelief when people come to blows over lack of baby making ability in media (unless it's historical "gotta be my blood descendant" stuff).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 05 Feb 2013, 23:17
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA LOOKS LIKE VERONICA IS A CAPTAIN ON THE CLARTEN/MAIRE SHIP!

I'll go with Maire, even if I don't ship 'em, since I can read it as the Norse word for "Maiden (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/m%C3%A6r#Icelandic)". :3

Does anyone else find it unethical to apply technology to procreation while there are still orphans in the world?

Nope. To spread your own genes is about as base of an urge as you'll get with living things. One can hardly claim it to be immoral to not instead raise the progeny of another and voluntarily end your line. That's mostly just a thing because we're such a nice social animal thinking about the group as a whole. :)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Vurogj on 05 Feb 2013, 23:25
Note: Next time Claire gets nervous or embarrassed, check if she clutches at her hair like she is in panel 4. It'd be interesting, both for reference and for appreciating Jeph's hard work, to try and work out all the characters' particular mannerisms when they get nervous. So far, the only other one I can think of is Hanners clenching her hands in her lap (which I'm pretty sure I've also seen Dora do once or twice).
Marten's hand on the back of his neck seems to happen heck of a lot.
I think Marigold bites her bottom lip (although that might always be Dale's fault).

Hmm, no others spring to mind instantly, but there are probably some.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ElvisRevenge on 05 Feb 2013, 23:28
Ok, for real though, I'm excited for Claire, Marten, Ms Reed having good times at the bar, if true, and for everybody to assume that Marten and Claire are together.

Also, if they do hook up, oh holy cow, I'll split in twain from excitement, even if it's only one of them instigating in drunken behavior.

THERE'S NO WAY WE CAN LOSE!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 Feb 2013, 23:35
It's not just getting Marten laid: she is getting grandbaby urges.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ElvisRevenge on 05 Feb 2013, 23:44
Good for Jeph for rewriting the comic when he didn't feel comfortable with it. Creator's got a right to change their story however they see fit, IMO.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Wagimawr on 05 Feb 2013, 23:49
Creator's got a right to change their story however they see fit, IMO.
Of course!

So did anybody capture the original?  :evil:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ukrayf on 05 Feb 2013, 23:52
Nope. To spread your own genes is about as base of an urge as you'll get with living things.

This doesn't really have anything to do with ethics.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 05 Feb 2013, 23:52
It's not just getting Marten laid: she is getting grandbaby urges.

She's kind of missing her mark with Claire, then...  :evil:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: HiFranc on 06 Feb 2013, 00:03
She also missed the mark when she assumed that Claire was calm.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 06 Feb 2013, 00:08
This doesn't really have anything to do with ethics.

Sure it does. I'm saying it isn't immoral to fulfill such a desire.

Just because it's more complicated for me to eventually have a kid doesn't automatically mean I'd be a bad person for not adopting.

(Even if you believe the debunked overpopulation stuff: We're below replacement levels here; we're not the problem if there was one.)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 Feb 2013, 00:08
You'd think someone in her business would be a good psychologist.

Even with our world's technology, Ms. Reed could still have another child of her own without depending on Marten to produce a grandchild.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: themacnut on 06 Feb 2013, 00:13
If Marten can't keep his mom in check, he may end up having to find another ride home when Claire flees in embarrassment and terror. She looks about ready to do so now...

Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 06 Feb 2013, 00:16
WE ARE WORKING ON THAT TECHNOLOGY!



Does anyone else find it unethical to apply technology to procreation while there are still orphans in the world?

I doubt that the money that gets spent on that research would go to helping orphans get homes, it'd likely just go to something else along research lines.  I think its good helping those who are unable to have a child of their own to have that option, the more variety in the gene pool the better.  What we really need people to do is stop having so many kids per family.  Earth needs a couple billion fewer humans.  :-\ 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 06 Feb 2013, 00:18
Earth needs a couple billion fewer humans.  :-\

I would only ever agree with this sentiment if it meant we'd have a couple billion on off-world colonies.  :wink:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 06 Feb 2013, 00:22
Even if you believe the debunked overpopulation stuff: We're below replacement levels here; we're not the problem if there was one.
That's because even with for place near the top of almost every measure of good places to live, you're still cold and dark for half the year. Elsewhere, people are cranking out kids at up to 3 times replacement level.

We'll probably reach a balance worldwide sometime in the next couple decades. Currently it's about 20 births/1000 population and 8 deaths/ 1000 population for the world, still double replacement level.

The real problem is there will be lots of old people around and cluttering up space until they finally die off. Western nation will clear out the deadwood (pun slightly intended) in about 30 years, and China in 50 thanks to their one child policy, but many countries won't get over their bubbles for 60-80 years depending on when their peak was.

But to directly address your beliefs, overpopulation is hardly debunked, there are just lots of variables, some of them unknown and some of them estimates, and different estimates naturally give different results. Overpopulation is a matter of how many resources each person uses, not how many people there are, ultimately. It's simply not possible on water resources level for everyone to live like Americans, or even Swedes, in the places everyone is now, for example.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ukrayf on 06 Feb 2013, 00:23
This doesn't really have anything to do with ethics.

Sure it does. I'm saying it isn't immoral to fulfill such a desire.

Just because it's more complicated for me to eventually have a kid doesn't automatically mean I'd be a bad person for not adopting.

(Even if you believe the debunked overpopulation stuff: We're below replacement levels here; we're not the problem if there was one.)

I'd basically agree with the sentiment, but base biological urges do not moral argument make.

Not even gonna touch that last sentence, sheesh.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 06 Feb 2013, 00:24
Earth needs a couple billion fewer humans.  :-\

I would only ever agree with this sentiment if it meant we'd have a couple billion on off-world colonies.  :wink:

Well I certainly didn't mean killing them off, simply for humanity to reduce our population by having fewer children until we get to a healthy population level that isn't consuming more than Earth can handle. 

I grew up with ST:TNG and the idea of humans colonizing other worlds was an incredible dream of mine.  Now I'm not certain we'll make it another few centuries...  :cry:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Arancaytar on 06 Feb 2013, 00:25
I guess Marten's mom is being what we call a Shipper On Deck.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Wagimawr on 06 Feb 2013, 00:26
Now I'm not certain we'll make it another few centuries...  :cry:

I suppose it depends on what's more easily accomplished: humans not procreating like, well, animals, or humans not trashing the only home we've got so far.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 06 Feb 2013, 00:29
I guess Marten's mom is being what we call a Shipper On Deck.
Does that mean Marten just told her to SOD off?  :-P

I suppose it depends on what's more easily accomplished: humans not procreating like, well, animals, or humans not trashing the only home we've got so far.
It's fine for us to procreate like animals so long as we die like animals, but people had a problem with that.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 06 Feb 2013, 00:31
I guess Marten's mom is being what we call a Shipper On Deck.
Does that mean Marten just told her to SOD off?  :-P

I suppose it depends on what's more easily accomplished: humans not procreating like, well, animals, or humans not trashing the only home we've got so far.
It's fine for us to procreate like animals so long as we die like animals, but people had a problem with that.

Good thing he's her son, otherwise that might come with insubordination charges...  :police:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 06 Feb 2013, 00:31
I'd basically agree with the sentiment, but base biological urges do not moral argument make.

Not even gonna touch that last sentence, sheesh.

Neither does not making arguments and calling breeders immoral. Also I think you'll find that disregarding human nature when setting up your systems of what is "immoral" never ends well.

"Sheesh"? It's not my fault that people still believe Malthusian nonsense from the early 1800s. Also even if it was correct that doesn't change the fact that we have nothing to do with it. Below replacement levels, among the cleanest countries in the world, recycle our materials to the point of needing to ship in more trash from our neighbours.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Feb 2013, 00:34
Jeph was probably right to change it if that's what he was worried people would think (re: his tumblr post). My first thought when she was talking about kids was "well, shit, this is awkward, because it's just reminding Claire that she can't have them.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: HiFranc on 06 Feb 2013, 00:36
I guess Marten's mom is being what we call a Shipper On Deck.

I did consider that possibility earlier on but the TV Tropes page (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ShipperOnDeck) makes it clear that it only applies if there's something to be shipped.  I doubt that's the case with Marten and Claire so I don't think the term applies.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 06 Feb 2013, 00:38
Jeph was probably right to change it if that's what he was worried people would think (re: his tumblr post). My first thought when she was talking about kids was "well, shit, this is awkward, because it's just reminding Claire that she can't have them.

Yeah, it's what was going through my head too. At least not with her partner, given that she's straight (or at least from what we've seen). I'd still be interested in seeing the alternative one, though.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ukrayf on 06 Feb 2013, 01:05
Well, that was my exact first thought too, and I'm sure it was for most readers, so he was probably right to change it. While I wasn't really offended by it, I thought it was an insane joke, really, just with all the levels of subtext and Claire's poor expression. I had a brief moment of uneasiness when I felt that he might spend the whole arc making Claire's gender identity the butt of every joke. That would be awful.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 06 Feb 2013, 01:07
"Sheesh"? It's not my fault that people still believe Malthusian nonsense from the early 1800s. Also even if it was correct that doesn't change the fact that we have nothing to do with it. Below replacement levels, among the cleanest countries in the world, recycle our materials to the point of needing to ship in more trash from our neighbours.
It absolutely is your fault when you extrapolate from a nation of 9 1/2 million to a world of 7 billion, which had about 110 less Swedens 12 years ago.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 06 Feb 2013, 01:11
But to directly address your beliefs, overpopulation is hardly debunked, there are just lots of variables /.../ Overpopulation is a matter of how many resources each person uses, not how many people there are, ultimately.

Variables which show.. that it was completely wrong. The predictions back then were wrong in almost every regard and efficiency+production more than outpace the population growth on a consistent basis. It simply isn't the world-ending problem people like to pretend it is. Plenty of the 'limited resources' we use today didn't even exist back then (and the ones he predicted catastrophe for actually got better), just as we'll move on to better alternatives in the future.

It absolutely is your fault when you extrapolate from a nation of 9 1/2 million to a world of 7 billion, which had about 110 less Swedens 12 years ago.

So your point is "Ban Valdís from having kids to worry less about the undeveloped world having too many"? Why should I "Extrapolate" at all to places which have nothing in common? Especially when all such extrapolations are inevitably wrong and always have been in the past.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 06 Feb 2013, 01:37
So your point is "Ban Valdís from having kids to worry less about the undeveloped world having too many"? Why should I "Extrapolate" at all to places which have nothing in common? Especially when all such extrapolations are inevitably wrong and always have been in the past.
..I'm sorry, at what point did I say "you shouldn't have kids?" I only rebutted your views on world overpopulation and their apparent connection your own nation's lack of that issue (since you kept saying "it's not happening, and my country has the opposite issue").

And you're as wrong as someone can be from a hindsight perspective. We managed to avert the worst case scenarios, but that in no way means they weren't possibilities, it just means we actually managed to work to avoid them, be it by tens of billions funneled into the green revolution or tens of thousands of volunteers doing family planning. Right now we're shooting for the lower end of the UN projections from the late 90s, but a lot of work went into making that happen.

I want to say a lot more, but I really should cut it short for sleep and not clogging up the thread with non-comic discussion reasons.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 06 Feb 2013, 01:49
..I'm sorry, at what point did I say "you shouldn't have kids?" I only rebutted your views on world overpopulation and their apparent basis in your own nation's lack of that issue.

The thing I was responding to originally specifically singled out people who need technology to do so, as if they have less of a right to it than others. I also based nothing in my own nation, I specifically said that "This is wrong, and even if it was right it isn't an issue for us.".

We managed to avert the worst case scenarios, but that in no way means they weren't possibilities, it just means we actually managed to work to avoid them, be it by tens of billions funneled into the green revolution or tens of thousands of volunteers doing family planning. Right now we're shooting for the lower end of the UN projections from the late 90s, but a lot of work went into making that happen.

Which has nothing to do with Malthusian overpopulation catastrophes. What, you think that I think that the efficiency+production more than keeping up with growth just happened magically? Of course we wouldn't be able to support the current population if we still had the agriculture of the year 1800, but that's an insane assertion to start with. You can't presume it'll stay exactly the same as when he wrote it. His assertion was that population will grow exponentially, where as efficiency+production would grow arithmetically. He was objectively wrong in every regard.

But yeah, quite off-topic. I stand by it not being immoral to use technology relating to having kids, though.  :-P
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 06 Feb 2013, 02:00
Good for Jeph for rewriting the comic when he didn't feel comfortable with it. Creator's got a right to change their story however they see fit, IMO.

Who... Wha.... GRONK.

Ah. That was... a random act of kindness. It wasn't necessary, but it was compassionate.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Akima on 06 Feb 2013, 02:05
There is a thread on the subject of "Global limits for population and economic growth" (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,28083.0.html) in the Discuss section of the forum.

I suspect Marten's Mum was just winding him up. She's seemed to make a habit of it in her last couple of appearances.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 06 Feb 2013, 02:12
So, uhm, for the latecomers, what exactly did Jeph change? Did he just remove a "perfect breeding age" line that was there before?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 06 Feb 2013, 02:14
But yeah, quite off-topic. I stand by it not being immoral to use technology relating to having kids, though.  :-P
Thank you.

FWIW... we required significant technical assistance to have our son. Both his parents are biologically female after all.

Had we known in 2000 that I wasn't a moderately Intersex male, but a severely Intersex female, I don't think we would have made the attempt. My male glands were only partially functional rather than completely nonfunctional for a few years of my life anyway. I'd been told at age 20 that the odds of me ever having children were at best 1 in 100. In fact, we now know that it was rather more remote than that.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ukrayf on 06 Feb 2013, 02:14
Yeah, I mean, it was kind for Claire. I'm kind of split on whether it's offensive generally.

It's just maybe slightly uncomfortable on several levels that Marten's mom would be made broody at a gay wedding and would unload this on Maten's trans friend. I mean, wat.

Also, Claire apparently passes extremely well.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 06 Feb 2013, 02:17
Yeah, I mean, it was kind for Claire.
Kind for a lot of clucky Trans women - some of whom are Marten's Mom's age, others in their teens.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 06 Feb 2013, 02:35
Thank you.

FWIW... we required significant technical assistance to have our son.

Well, it isn't necessarily all that altruistic given that odds are I'll be infertile when it's an issue for me. :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Mr. Doctor on 06 Feb 2013, 02:40
So, uhm, for the latecomers, what exactly did Jeph change?

*asks the same thing*
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 06 Feb 2013, 02:41
Sorry I didn't mean to derail the thread...   :oops:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 06 Feb 2013, 03:16
Uh, as far as I can tell, he changed the punchline because he felt that Claire being trans* could be interpreted as being the joke. Which was not his intention, but there you go.

Also, for what it's worth, Mrs. Reed was really kinda depressed in the original, which did NOT match up well with her facial expression (which remains unchanged).
I kinda like this version better anyway.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: K1dmor on 06 Feb 2013, 03:37
 Claire looks so cute in this strip (and like a defenseless puppy in the first panel).

 Also...
 (http://i.imgur.com/MsY2JUR.jpg)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 06 Feb 2013, 03:38
Uh, as far as I can tell, he changed the punchline because he felt that Claire being trans* could be interpreted as being the joke. Which was not his intention, but there you go.

Also, for what it's worth, Mrs. Reed was really kinda depressed in the original, which did NOT match up well with her facial expression (which remains unchanged).
I kinda like this version better anyway.

I agree, but I'm still glad I read the original version as well. Even if it's no longer "canon", it says quite a bit about Marten's mother.

One thing that got to me today was that Marten always seems unprepared for his mother's explosive ways of embarassing him. Does that mean it is a fairly recent thing? As in, before the timeline of the comic, I mean.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 06 Feb 2013, 03:44
*cough* I still feel out of the loop   :oops: What did it say before Jeph changed it?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Mr. Doctor on 06 Feb 2013, 03:49
Uh, as far as I can tell, he changed the punchline because he felt that Claire being trans* could be interpreted as being the joke. Which was not his intention, but there you go.
Uuuuh, yeah. This was basically what I read a few posts ago.  :roll:
I wanted to know exactly what happened in the original version...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Adjamemnon on 06 Feb 2013, 04:11
*cough* I still feel out of the loop   :oops: What did it say before Jeph changed it?

I can't tell you exactly, but it went something like:

First replaced panel: My son is ready for some stability in his life.  I think he's ready for grandchildren.
Next replaced panel:  And with his beautiful eyes and your gorgeous hair, your children would be...

And the last panel was pretty much the same, iirc.

I'm afraid that will have to do until someone finds a cached copy.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: techkid on 06 Feb 2013, 04:13
There being no alt strip for the comic, but having read the blog post, I'm going to guess thusly:

Mrs Reid, having just met Claire, starts talking about pairing them together for some baby-making. With Claire having only telling Marten about being trans*, I can see where the gag would have gone sour fast (and possibly exploding here, and on his Twitter and Tumblr pages).

It's like what I emailed to him when he did do the big reveal with Claire. Particularly:

Quote from: the email
I love that you're giving these issues* some serious light, not just bit parts, and taking some serious pains over not stuffing it up. It really shows that you're a decent human being who truly believes in equal human rights. It'd be nice if there were more people like that...

I don't think you'll be one to stuff it up, at least not intentionally. Your characters have a pretty great dynamic together, even with their problems, flaws and mannerisms, but I also know that your characters are only human (metaphorically speaking), and there often is no accounting for human error. I'm sure you'll do your best, though.
* as a note, I'm referring to the whole LGBT deal

I guess in his position, with what I interpret to be Jephs' beliefs (approximated from his comic and his blog), he's got to find a way to have fun with (and make fun of) his characters, without coming across as being bigoted or at least showing ill intentions towards serious issues. And for that, I applaud him.

On comic: Mothers really know how to embarrass their offspring (at least she didn't bring out the the pictures (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1828)... yet  :evil:)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Daphnaie on 06 Feb 2013, 04:25
*cough* I still feel out of the loop   :oops: What did it say before Jeph changed it?

I can't tell you exactly, but it went something like:

First replaced panel: My son is ready for some stability in his life.  I think he's ready for grandchildren.
Next replaced panel:  And with his beautiful eyes and your gorgeous hair, your children would be...

And the last panel was pretty much the same, iirc.

I'm afraid that will have to do until someone finds a cached copy.

Every panel but the first was changed. Most notably perhaps was the last, because the original made it much more obvious Marten's mother is NOT particularly happy about the wedding. It wouldn't have fit as well with the rest of the rewritten comic, however, hence why it was changed too. I don't think it was Jeph also changing his mind about Marten's mother's thoughts.

The original middle two had Marten's mother not to subtlety hinting that Marten and Claire should get together and have children, and that with "your colour hair and his eyes" the babies would be adorable.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 06 Feb 2013, 04:28
I guess in his position, with what I interpret to be Jephs' beliefs (approximated from his comic and his blog), he's got to find a way to have fun with (and make fun of) his characters, without coming across as being bigoted or at least showing ill intentions towards serious issues.

Oh, certainly wasn't thinking that at all. Just that if it's a punchline then it's more of a depressing strip for some, not an indictment of Jeph. It's just a fact of life that certainly has its place, too. Especially if it was setting it up as a poor experience for Claire.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Adjamemnon on 06 Feb 2013, 04:43
By the by, I was hoping Marten would have to catch a ride with Pizza Girl.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Nepiophage on 06 Feb 2013, 05:03
On comic: Mothers really know how to embarrass their offspring (at least she didn't bring out the the pictures (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1828)... yet  :evil:)

They do it deliberately. It's revenge for all times the kid embarrassed them by having a tantrum at the supermaket checkout.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 06 Feb 2013, 05:22
HEY GUYS. I JUST REALIZED.
The original stream is still available on Twitch.tv.

Original text preserved here for preservation's sake:

(click to show/hide)

Once again, I say good decision changing it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 06 Feb 2013, 06:11
I can't wait for tomorrow's awkward "You're really nice but I'm not your type" speech. I'm just not sure whose mouth it will come out of. Heeheehee...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZBixby on 06 Feb 2013, 06:43
I honestly have a feeling nothing is going to happen between Claire and Marten. Claire's nice and all but Marten has already made it quite clear finding out someone's used to be a dude would shatter his mind if he slept with them.  (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=615)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: K1dmor on 06 Feb 2013, 06:47
 It was discussed already. Is the shock(?) of finding out AFTER he slept with him (whoever it was).
That's about that strip, i won't say anything about Claire that could be considered as shipping.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DSL on 06 Feb 2013, 06:55
Jeph's grown a bit, and Marten has developed as a character, since that strip.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 06 Feb 2013, 06:59
Yeah, I don't think Marten's comment from that strip is very relevant to his (eventual) feelings for Claire. Not that I think anything will happen with those two.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesium133 on 06 Feb 2013, 07:11
I can't wait for tomorrow's awkward "You're really nice but I'm not your type" speech. I'm just not sure whose mouth it will come out of. Heeheehee...
I'm thinking it has to be Claire that says it... Marten rejecting Claire would probably be too easy for people to take the wrong way. Besides, we know that Steve is more Claire's type.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Delator on 06 Feb 2013, 07:14
Oh that's right, I forgot...somewhere between #461 and #1820 Marten's mom morphed into the most annoying bitch EVER.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 06 Feb 2013, 07:17
Besides, we know that Steve is more Claire's type.

Not really, all we know is that she likes Steve's BODY.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Asterus on 06 Feb 2013, 07:18
On a somewhat different point:
Although this is a webcomic and we never really see characters blinking, I got the impression Ms. Reed spent that entire conversation with her eyes wide open, unblinking. Did anyone else?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 06 Feb 2013, 07:31
Sadly, I can relate to this comic.

And Veronica just echoed Jim's "perfect age to start breeding" line. :psyduck:

Note: Next time Claire gets nervous or embarrassed, check if she clutches at her hair like she is in panel 4. It'd be interesting, both for reference and for appreciating Jeph's hard work, to try and work out all the characters' particular mannerisms when they get nervous. So far, the only other one I can think of is Hanners clenching her hands in her lap (which I'm pretty sure I've also seen Dora do once or twice).

Marten's hand to the back of his head. C'mon, do you have to go re-read the entire archive?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 06 Feb 2013, 07:46
And it's strange, but when I read that dialogue (and the alternate version posted above), I thought, "Wow, Veronica is three sheets to the wind right now."
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: StevenC on 06 Feb 2013, 07:49
How much does it cost up there? Serious question, because in a place where it seems to be non-chalantly legal, yet neither jacked up by cartels nor taxed by the government, I wonder about its monetary value.
We went on a school trip to the netherlands once. And of course some of us bought stuff. I think it was ~5 Euro for one joint in Amsterdam. Or maybe he got more than one I can't remember.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Madmartigan on 06 Feb 2013, 08:56
Nothing worse than a drunk dominatrix mother trying to set you up with your friends.

Awkward level 1000.

Man, having her as a mom would suck.  Yea, I said it.  The dominatrix persona has probably bled into her entire being.  Absolute creepy nightmare to introduce ANY girl to her. 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sidhekin on 06 Feb 2013, 09:07
Don't get me wrong – it's Jeph's comic, I'm just along for the ride and the occasional commentary  – but I preferred the first version.  Veronica concerned about grandbabies, I can see.  Veronica concerned about calm and books, not so much.  There was more depth – more layers – to the first version.  And, um, (oh boy) I've rather come to enjoy webcomickers being cruel to their characters.   But if Jeph decides to pull his punches, that may be my regret, but his decision to make.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: xAmilli0n on 06 Feb 2013, 09:12
It's funny, as soon as I saw on twitter Marten's mom was going to be in this strip, I just had a feeling it was going to go something like what we got. 

I actually got a chance to see the original before it was edited.  I didn't see anything wrong with it, but I get why Jeph decided to edit it.

On a somewhat different point:
Although this is a webcomic and we never really see characters blinking, I got the impression Ms. Reed spent that entire conversation with her eyes wide open, unblinking. Did anyone else?

You too, huh?  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesium133 on 06 Feb 2013, 09:16
Oh that's right, I forgot...somewhere between #461 and #1820 Marten's mom morphed into the most annoying bitch EVER.
Oh, go easy on her. For as much embarrassment as kids provide their parents, it's only natural that as the kids age, the parents will try to embarrass their kids... My dad liked to try to embarrass me by trying to hook me up with girls similarly to what Marten's mom is trying to do in the current comic and in comic 1821.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: blacksinow on 06 Feb 2013, 11:04
Honestly speaking, it isn't so much that she is being a bitch. Marten's mom is no different then any other. He's single right now, and c'mon... Every parent gets grand baby urges... As a dominatrix, she's naturally inclined to be a bit more aggressive then other women, to boot.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 Feb 2013, 11:08
She seems to have been a bit of a paradox as a mother. She was considerate and nurturing enough to invent and knit the Worry Hat, for example.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Redball on 06 Feb 2013, 11:09
As the child approaches adolescence, it's the parent's role to mortify the kid thoroughly and often. Years later, I offer my 40-year-old daughter raspberry mer-lot, just out of habit. I don't think she bothers to roll her eyes.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: rmo on 06 Feb 2013, 11:59
I have nothing against Claire's whole 'special circumstances,' its interesting to see writers go to new locales and experiment with different types of characters. However I have 2 problems.

1. (personal) I disliked Claire's character from the start. She's really annoying and ditzy. So much so all comedic value is drained out of her. This is a personal beef, and it's jephs artistic judgement, but I have the feeling she's the karmic balance for the awesome that is tai.
2. Hannelore getting sick was weak. Hanners is a great character who keeps getting phased out, now that she's coming out of her shell I want to see the fun kept can have with her stumbling into normality.

I personally can see where Martin mom can be wierd and annoying at times, but I feel like Clair being in that comic is nowhere near as funny if it was Hanners. I'm still going to read this comic like its made of meth, but I think that Claire is a blunder.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Feb 2013, 12:10
Marten's mom has already met Hanners. Also, if anyone did that to Hanners, I don't think she'd handle it very well. Also, regarding the change...is Marten anywhere close to being ready to having kids (assuming he ever wants them)?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: bhtooefr on 06 Feb 2013, 12:41
But, this is a classic trope (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/IWantGrandkids) (it's a link discussing a trope, you don't get to complain if it leads to somewhere you don't want it to lead), and you'll notice that it's in the "Older Than Feudalism" category.

And, in many applications of that trope (including how it manifests in real life), the parents don't have any respect for their child's opinion on having children.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 Feb 2013, 12:56
Welcome, new person!

I think I see your point, but is "ditzy" really the right word? She's got a problem with assuming the worst too quickly, but she's focused and ambitious, and a good enough judge of character to realize that Marten was a safe person to tell about her trans history.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 06 Feb 2013, 13:02
Oh that's right, I forgot...somewhere between #461 and #1820 Marten's mom morphed into the most annoying bitch EVER.
Oh, go easy on her. For as much embarrassment as kids provide their parents, it's only natural that as the kids age, the parents will try to embarrass their kids... My dad liked to try to embarrass me by trying to hook me up with girls similarly to what Marten's mom is trying to do in the current comic and in comic 1821.
I mostly agree with Delator. There is embarrassment, and then there is callousness. What she did less than a week after a painful breakup was callous. If she did it before or a few months later, what she did would be amusing embarrassment, but it was directly after a painful and divisive experience. We've only seen this one strip, so I'll reserve judgment for now. Also, grandbaby yearning is funny.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: celticgeek on 06 Feb 2013, 14:11
Do you suppose Veronica wants grandchildren for the same reason Auntie Mame wanted them?

Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ScoutX on 06 Feb 2013, 14:25
I can't wait for tomorrow's awkward "You're really nice but I'm not your type" speech. I'm just not sure whose mouth it will come out of. Heeheehee...

Haha, yeah. My money is on Martin trying to apologize for his mom, Claire interrupting him and awkwardly letting him down gently even though she doesn't have to, then probably something about Steve's butt.

Though, I didn't think Claire could possibly go on the trip, so what do I know.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Barmymoo on 06 Feb 2013, 14:31
Ah, the fact that the strip was changed explains the confusing title. Did the artwork change too? It seemed like it was maybe a little rushed - still good, but not the usual style.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: xAmilli0n on 06 Feb 2013, 14:34
Oh that's right, I forgot...somewhere between #461 and #1820 Marten's mom morphed into the most annoying bitch EVER.
Oh, go easy on her. For as much embarrassment as kids provide their parents, it's only natural that as the kids age, the parents will try to embarrass their kids... My dad liked to try to embarrass me by trying to hook me up with girls similarly to what Marten's mom is trying to do in the current comic and in comic 1821.
I mostly agree with Delator. There is embarrassment, and then there is callousness. What she did less than a week after a painful breakup was callous. If she did it before or a few months later, what she did would be amusing embarrassment, but it was directly after a painful and divisive experience. We've only seen this one strip, so I'll reserve judgment for now. Also, grandbaby yearning is funny.

I disagree.  I always saw it as her having fun embarrassing her kid, even after the breakup.  Maybe Marten wasn't in the mood for it, but I don't think it was done out of malice.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 06 Feb 2013, 14:41
Ah, the fact that the strip was changed explains the confusing title. Did the artwork change too? It seemed like it was maybe a little rushed - still good, but not the usual style.

The art is the same, Jeph only changed some of the text.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: calmcalamity on 06 Feb 2013, 14:55
I saw the original last night, and while I understand why Jacques felt like he needed to edit rewrite, I frankly don't feel it was necessary and has taken away from some of the context for whatever follows and was a better joke.

1. The title "Yougenics" no longer makes sense.

2. While the "Claire can't have kids" thing did cross my mind, it was a side thought, and in no way did I believe it to be the punchline. My first and primary thought was, "Wow, what is Marten's mom doing? What the...She's a bit off her nut, isn't she. The wedding must be getting to her, bad." It sets up that Veronica is going a bit loopy at the moment.

3. The reason I don't feel the current rewrite version is as good is because it's essentially a retelling of the same joke from the break-up arc. More importantly because it's was pre-established that Veronica is like that in general, it gives us a baseline. When comparing the original version, where she's coming out swing'n for grandchildren, to the "boyfriend material" thing it seems pretty tame and not at all out there. It's that she's essentially saying "I want you and my son to have children, tonight!" that is far enough from the norm that it's comedic and give's us an idea for just how off base Veronica's feeling right now.

I realize that this is essentially me telling Jeph how to do his art, and their's been enough of that going around that I don't wanna pile on, but I mean this only as constructive criticism, nothing more. For the most part I highly respect everything Mr. Jacques has done and how far he's come, and that he has every right to tell me and every other "fan" to kindly fuck off if we don't appreciate it, but I felt that because the re-edit was made because he was afraid of offending or hurting others I needed to speak my piece.

P.S.
WARNING, SHIPPING ACCIDENT AHEAD
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Econoclast on 06 Feb 2013, 14:56
That was weak. I much preferred the original strip. Not only did it pave the way for some really awesome development for Claire (an otherwise ditzy and irritating ancillary character), but it would've led to some truly compelling conflict between Marten, his mother, and Claire over a very real issue that transgendered women face. I thought the original had the potential to break new ground in the comic and really demonstrate the humanity of people in these situations. Instead, Jeph opted for the easy way out rather than being ballsy and taking risks. Sure, we've progressed enough that we can have a transgendered character, but god forbid we highlight the issues that transgendered people face -- somebody might get offended.

I can't say I blame Jeph for not wanting to take the risk. After all, this comic is his bread and butter and offending people means reduced readership, which means less money in his pocket. So while I disagree with the change as an artist, I understand the change as a professional. Instead, I blame the easily offended, politically-correct thugs who take a big, steamy dump all over artistic integrity.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: K1dmor on 06 Feb 2013, 15:07
 Why people have so much hate? And why does Jeph have to face that shit?

 (http://i.imgur.com/WZPBqNR.jpg)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: idontunderstand on 06 Feb 2013, 15:14
I guess because they feel they own the comic, and that Jeph owes them something. I really dunno though, I don't even want to understand it because fuck those people.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Overkillengine on 06 Feb 2013, 15:29
People can be strange. It's a webcomic. Scads of them abound upon the interwebz. If you don't like something in it, either handle it or move the fuck on to another one.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 06 Feb 2013, 15:47
I can't say I blame Jeph for not wanting to take the risk. After all, this comic is his bread and butter and offending people means reduced readership, which means less money in his pocket. So while I disagree with the change as an artist, I understand the change as a professional.

Remember also that Jeph must be aware of his own psychological fragility, and may be consciously trying to avoid triggering the kind of comment that got to him so badly in the autumn.  I doubt that the readership count was his first thought when he made the change.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 06 Feb 2013, 15:50
Everyone seems to be either neutral or for "Maire", but where's the Clen/Svaire's?

Remember, we don't allow this kind of shipping here (apart from that, those are the most unsatisfactory portmanteaus I've seen in a while).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 06 Feb 2013, 16:09
After seeing those posts, I wouldn't blame Jeph for writing Claire out of the strip completely. Easier on his sanity.

And I wouldn't blame Cristi for hiding any and all sharp objects for a few days.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 06 Feb 2013, 16:31
Marten's hand to the back of his head. C'mon, do you have to go re-read the entire archive?

Oh damnit, I knew I was forgetting a really obvious one. :P

And yes, let's all tell Jeph how he should and shouldn't write the comic. Because we all ~KNOW~ whether Claire and Marten should or shouldn't get together.

In a way, I think that sort of mirrors real life. You know what? If Marten and Claire really existed, they would do what they wanted regardless of what we want, because what we want doesn't matter.
Personally I don't mind, because it's not my relationship, and it's not my comic. If they do, fine. If they don't, fine.

Though I'm starting to suspect that the hateful emails Jeph receives are all coming from the same person...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Arancaytar on 06 Feb 2013, 16:38
Why people have so much hate? And why does Jeph have to face that shit?

[image]

Now I kind of wish Jeph would do this (ie. the pairing) to spite those people.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 Feb 2013, 16:52
If Marten and Claire really existed, they would do what they wanted regardless of what we want, because what we want doesn't matter.

Lots of authors report that their characters act independently of authorial desires. Marten and Claire may well do whatever they want regardless of what Jeph wants.

Marten is unlikely to want to do something unethical. We could get some interesting character development out of awkward conversations, though.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: calmcalamity on 06 Feb 2013, 17:18
Everyone seems to be either neutral or for "Maire", but where's the
(click to show/hide)

Remember, we don't allow this kind of shipping here (apart from that, those are the most unsatisfactory portmanteaus I've seen in a while).

My apologies (for the ship, not the portmanteau), it's been a while since I read the basic conduct and rules post and I don't often post, as is obvious. Also I kinda just skimmed past several of the earlier posts where people had been commenting on Veronica captaining the "Maire" ship and had taken them to be endorsements of said ship, but upon review have seen my mistake. It was really more a comment on that ship and reiterating my previously held position on
(click to show/hide)
and brought back into the comic than meant as a serious ship. I rarely ever pull that kinda shit, regardless of medium or topic.
Also I've been following Chloé C. (Batlesbo) alot, so it's hard not having it rub off a bit.

Once again, my apologies.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 06 Feb 2013, 17:21
After seeing those posts, I wouldn't blame Jeph for writing Claire out of the strip completely. Easier on his sanity.

Okay, that thought has legitimately upset me. That reactions to trans* people would be bad enough on someone non-trans to bully them out of continuing a fictional character.

Gods damnit..
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Kugai on 06 Feb 2013, 17:30
Nice to see some things haven't changed.

Ahhh Veronica, what would we do without ye.
















Sometimes I think Marten would like to find out.   :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: St.Clair on 06 Feb 2013, 17:58
She seems to have been a bit of a paradox as a mother. She was considerate and nurturing enough to invent and knit the Worry Hat, for example.

There's nothing contradictory between loving your child, and wanting what's best for them, and thinking that what would be best is for you to make all of the decisions for them.  (Because you know what's best, of course, and they're clearly not capable of it, the poor fragile indecisive dear(s).)

My opinion from the previous visit - including the moment when Marten finally got fed up with it, managed to find something resembling a spine, and was promptly smacked down in front of all his friends - stands.   Veronica, whether it was entirely conscious or not, has done an excellent job of breaking Marten's spirit and ensuring that he will remain her obedient, pliable little boy forever.  Someone who will drift through life with no real goals or agency of his own, waiting for someone to tell him what to do.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: rmo on 06 Feb 2013, 18:12
' :evil:

My opinion from the previous visit - including the moment when Marten finally got fed up with it, managed to find something resembling a spine, and was promptly smacked down in front of all his friends - stands.   Veronica, whether it was entirely conscious or not, has done an excellent job of breaking Marten's spirit and ensuring that he will remain her obedient, pliable little boy forever.  Someone who will drift through life with no real goals or agency of his own, waiting for someone to tell him what to do.

And there is the reason why marten is so passive.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 06 Feb 2013, 18:24
An interesting idea. I hadn't considered it in those terms, probably because, if we're thinking of and remembering the same scene, I rather did think he needed pulled out of it, even though he was wanting to curl up into himself. I should look at it again, and consider it again.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: mustang6172 on 06 Feb 2013, 18:26
1. How is threatening to stop reading QC the same as dictating how Jeph must write his comic?

2. Why is everone so in favor of changing art retroactively?


Never forget!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: henri bemis on 06 Feb 2013, 18:47
As I understand it, no one is in favor of changing art retroactively just for the fuck of it, but they are in favor of acknowledging that other people can be obnoxious, demanding assholes, and that Jeph may very understandably not want to deal with that shit right now.  If someone wants to stop reading QC, then they should stop reading QC.  No nasty emails required!  It's quite simple, really.

Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Daphnaie on 06 Feb 2013, 18:59
As I understand it, no one is in favor of changing art retroactively just for the fuck of it, but they are in favor of acknowledging that other people can be obnoxious, demanding assholes, and that Jeph may very understandably not want to deal with that shit right now.  If someone wants to stop reading QC, then they should stop reading QC.  No nasty emails required!  It's quite simple, really.

Are you saying you think Jeph changed the strip because he didn't want to deal with people being obnoxious, demanding assholes about the original content?

Because that's not what happened at all. Go back and read Jeph's tumblr post.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 06 Feb 2013, 19:04
' :evil:

My opinion from the previous visit - including the moment when Marten finally got fed up with it, managed to find something resembling a spine, and was promptly smacked down in front of all his friends - stands.   Veronica, whether it was entirely conscious or not, has done an excellent job of breaking Marten's spirit and ensuring that he will remain her obedient, pliable little boy forever.  Someone who will drift through life with no real goals or agency of his own, waiting for someone to tell him what to do.

And there is the reason why marten is so passive.

I think we've been here before... (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,25554.msg987115.html#msg987115)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: henri bemis on 06 Feb 2013, 19:33
Are you saying you think Jeph changed the strip because he didn't want to deal with people being obnoxious, demanding assholes about the original content?

Because that's not what happened at all. Go back and read Jeph's tumblr post.

No, I read the tumblr, and that's not what I meant at all (though rereading I know I wasn't entirely clear).  The 'obnoxious demanding assholes' bit was really more about the person who emailed him about refusing to read any more if Marten and Claire got together, and how even after revising the comic for the reasons he stated, he still gets shit for it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: blacksinow on 06 Feb 2013, 20:05
I've to be honest about this, I kind've like Claire. She may be ditzy, but to be fair... she doesn't seem the type to allow her "situation" to control her like Dora, Faye, Marigold, and Hannelore. She is understandably normal, which is wierd if you consider this webcomic. And I just want to say... I totally knew Claire and Martin would end up in something like this at /some/ point.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 06 Feb 2013, 20:16
OK, that's the third person on this page who's called Claire "ditzy".  Either you're all just jumping on the bandwagon, or, as Inigo Montoya once said...



Quote from: Merriam Webster
dit·zy
adjective \ˈdit-sē\
ditz·i·er or dits·i·er,dits·i·est
Definition:
eccentrically silly, giddy, or inane : dizzy


That describes Emily.  NOT Claire! 


Now, stop that! 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cpflux on 06 Feb 2013, 20:49
Aww... but I liked the sly little double entendre of broody possibly meaning either Marten's mom thinking of the possible children or being unhappy about her ex-husband getting remarried.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Feb 2013, 20:56
Re: changing the comic...if he'd changed it after the next comic had gone up, then I'd have a much bigger problem. That he did it as early as he did, it could be argued that the one he put up was an early draft that wasn't supposed to go up (even if it took him a few extra minutes to realize it).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: rmo on 06 Feb 2013, 21:14
Thanks for the link to the further discussion of martens relationship with his mom, I'm a long time reader but I haven't visited the forums before today.

I distinctly remember using Ditzy without reference to anyone else's description, but on further consideration 'inane' is a much better word than ditzy to describe Claire. Furthermore, you stop it, I'll say what I please.

I think the strip would have been way better with the original, but I can empathize with jeph on the flak he's getting by testing new characters with thier own unique qualities. I personally might dislike a character or 2, but I can see where he's coming from.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 06 Feb 2013, 21:15
Remember also that Jeph must be aware of his own psychological fragility, and may be consciously trying to avoid triggering the kind of comment that got to him so badly in the autumn.  I doubt that the readership count was his first thought when he made the change.
There was an actual comment that got to him? I thought it was just a relapse related to stress or something.

On an unrelated note, where is my pitchfork?

My opinion from the previous visit - including the moment when Marten finally got fed up with it, managed to find something resembling a spine, and was promptly smacked down in front of all his friends - stands. Veronica, whether it was entirely conscious or not, has done an excellent job of breaking Marten's spirit and ensuring that he will remain her obedient, pliable little boy forever. Someone who will drift through life with no real goals or agency of his own, waiting for someone to tell him what to do.
That's a bit different sentiment than I've expressed, but you expressed it far better and I mostly agree.

OK, that's the third person on this page who's called Claire "ditzy".  Either you're all just jumping on the bandwagon, or, as Inigo Montoya once said...
I keep seeing (and using) him recently. If you hadn't posted that, I was going to soon.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: blacksinow on 06 Feb 2013, 21:23
You all are reading too much into Veronica, don't you think? I really don't think she's as callous and evil as some make her out to be. The simple truth is, sex does alter your personality when it becomes your profession. As far as someone whose been in that kind of profession, she's done a fairly good job at raising Martin. And he's not nearly as bad as the others in the comic with Steve being the exception.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: MillionDollar Belt Sander on 06 Feb 2013, 21:23
Ok after reading Jeph's tumblr it all makes sense now.   +1 Internet for being proactive.

As for the asshole who messaged him about Clair,  LBGT agenda and transphobia...  Hopefully he dies as a result of a series horrific yet UTTERLY HILARIOUS events.   Ok I don't actually hope for that,  but come on.  If you don't like the comic stop reading.   Jeph has been clear on his stance with LBGT... if you don't know that by now you've missed a memo or two.

Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cpflux on 06 Feb 2013, 21:37
You all are reading too much into Veronica, don't you think? I really don't think she's as callous and evil as some make her out to be. The simple truth is, sex does alter your personality when it becomes your profession. As far as someone whose been in that kind of profession, she's done a fairly good job at raising Martin. And he's not nearly as bad as the others in the comic with Steve being the exception.

Seriously. She's Marten's mom, this stuff is part of her unwritten job description.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: St.Clair on 06 Feb 2013, 21:50
You all are reading too much into Veronica, don't you think? I really don't think she's as callous and evil as some make her out to be.
Again, I don't think she's either.  I think she loves her son very much and wants him to be happy.  I theorize that she may think that the best way to do this is to run his life for him.  Mother always knows best for her precious boy.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 06 Feb 2013, 21:53
You all are reading too much into Veronica, don't you think? I really don't think she's as callous and evil as some make her out to be. The simple truth is, sex does alter your personality when it becomes your profession. As far as someone whose been in that kind of profession, she's done a fairly good job at raising Martin. And he's not nearly as bad as the others in the comic with Steve being the exception.
Why do you think anyone thinks she's evil? That would require intent to harm him- I, possibly we, think she's just doing what she thinks is best, without consideration (the callous part) of his feelings or the fact that she's meddling in HIS life. No evil part.

Also, Steve is well adjusted? The same Steve that keeps hooking up with unavailable women and once drank himself into a weeks long bender?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: TheBiscuit on 06 Feb 2013, 21:54
I really hope Marten and Claire don't get together. Nothing to do with her being trans, I just don't like her as a character at all. I think the fact that she is trans is the most interesting aspect to an otherwise boring and forgettable character. That said, I havent really enjoyed any of the "Marten and the Interns" stuff. Emily is marginally more fun than Claire, but I'd be just as happy if the entire library group of characters (including Tai) were written out to allow more focus on Hannelore and Marigold, as well as the original "coffee shop crew"

Not that I dislike the new characters, I'm just not entirely won over by them.  To not like is not to dislike.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Oglokoog on 06 Feb 2013, 22:31
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

It's embarassing enough when your mother talks about you in front of your (or even her) friends, this is like another level beyond that.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 06 Feb 2013, 22:33
Also, Steve is well adjusted? The same Steve that keeps hooking up with unavailable women and once drank himself into a weeks long bender?

kept hooking up.  Past tense.  He's been happily attached to Cosette for an indeterminate amount of time that's well over six months (they met in winter, it's getting past summer). 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Arancaytar on 06 Feb 2013, 22:43
Marten is unlikely to want to do something unethical. We could get some interesting character development out of awkward conversations, though.

She's not going to be an intern forever, mind...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: cesariojpn on 06 Feb 2013, 23:07
The simple truth is, sex does alter your personality when it becomes your profession.

Okay, calling puritanical bullshit on this. Source?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 Feb 2013, 23:33
Marten says he moved to the opposite side of the country to follow Vicky.

Conscious or not, some corner of him may have decided it was important to find the nearest continent and put it between him and his mother.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 07 Feb 2013, 00:16
...chest of hair. You would not believe how bushy he is.

Boy, Claire sure does blush easily and strongly. Attractiveness in particular seems to be a trigger, but she's found a lot of people attractive so far.

Marten and his dad have the same shut up NOW eyes.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 07 Feb 2013, 00:16
Comic's up!

Looks like it's Claire's turn to say inappropriate things. Let's see how THIS little outburst ignites this forum!  :evil:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Soulsynger on 07 Feb 2013, 00:18
Sudden decrease and increase of pupil size like that really CAN'T be good for Claire's eyesight. No wonder she wears a toupée glasses.
And I wonder. If she finds Marten's father attractive does that mean she finds his son attractive as well?

adendum:
Warning - while you were typing 2 new replies have been posted. You may wish to review your post.
Wow... haven't had that in a while. You swift bastards nice people.

edit:
... a big ... heart?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Near Lurker on 07 Feb 2013, 00:19
What was that about Marten not being Claire's type?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 07 Feb 2013, 00:25
Why does every female find Marten's dad so irresistible, but not Marten himself - even though they are PRACTICALLY IDENTICAL?  :?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 Feb 2013, 00:26
That could have been more awkward.

How it could have been more awkward eludes me at the moment, but there must be some way.

EDIT: Because gray hair is "distinguished looking". Moreover it's a safe bet that Henry Reed carries himself with more confidence than Marten does.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 07 Feb 2013, 00:34
Why does every female find Marten's dad so irresistible, but not Marten himself - even though they are PRACTICALLY IDENTICAL?  :?
He is gay, and thus inaccessible. Plus, Anderson Cooper hair.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Wagimawr on 07 Feb 2013, 00:39
laughed until I coughed.

poor Claire, or poor Marten?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Akima on 07 Feb 2013, 00:46
... stamp collection.

Will all the Reeds wind up at the bar?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Shogouki on 07 Feb 2013, 01:40
OK, that's the third person on this page who's called Claire "ditzy".  Either you're all just jumping on the bandwagon, or, as Inigo Montoya once said...



Quote from: Merriam Webster
dit·zy
adjective \ˈdit-sē\
ditz·i·er or dits·i·er,dits·i·est
Definition:
eccentrically silly, giddy, or inane : dizzy


That describes Emily.  NOT Claire! 


Now, stop that! 

I'm not seeing the ditzy thing for Claire either... :?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Soulsynger on 07 Feb 2013, 01:44
That could have been more awkward.
How it could have been more awkward eludes me at the moment, but there must be some way.
[ ... ]
The  sentence could've been finished.


Will all the Reeds wind up at the bar?
PARTEH! (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1521)
If so then I hope this time Claire can do the pregnancy-blackmail-scare (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1522). The hilarity!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sidhekin on 07 Feb 2013, 02:04
I hope this time Claire can do the pregnancy-blackmail-scare (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1522). The hilarity!
Oh man.  That would be bad-ass.  She'd be tough as a diamond to pull that.

And it would all fall flat, because Faye already did it.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 07 Feb 2013, 02:36
I think the fact that she is trans is the most interesting aspect to an otherwise boring and forgettable character.
Boring is good.
Forgettable is good,
Both are safe.

Personally I find her neither - just not as... outstanding? questionable? Yes, that's the word. Not as questionable as those she's currently with - Marten included.

Let's see...Marten has a pro Dominatrix model for a mother.
Hanners has had issues few overcome. Heroic? Yes, I'd say that word applies.
A father who shoots himself in front of his daughter...

Many of the main characters have had incidents in their lives that would be good excuses for them to be severely F**ked up. Only Hanners has real issues there, and she's healing.

Claire just being Claire is pretty good. It's what many gals in similar circumstances aim for. Real insight from the author there, I don't know how much research he did, but he's been spot-on so far.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 07 Feb 2013, 02:39
Confession time, since someone sort of brought it up earlier: I like Faye, but I'm happy to see her fade into the background for a while. Until Jeph is up to finding a different facet to dive into, stick a fork in her cuz' she's done. For the moment, the conflicts and motivations that have driven her and us have been resolved. They won't *stay* that way by any means, but it's true.

Dora's similar, though Tai's confrontation strip with her was just as kick-ass as the Faye/Angus Africa strip (and both ended similarly! I'm a sucker for this pattern apparently).

Hannelore's father's birthday party was also a great conclusion for her. Steve and Cosette are happy. Momo is getting used to a more direct role in the world-at-large in her new body. Pintsize is chillaxin'. Marigold is social (comparatively)

Getting to the point: Most of these characters have managed some major personal accomplishments lately and in the last six months, and I feel like part of the reason for introducing the interns (and to a lesser extent Dale and Henry+Maurice) is because Jeph's casting his nets and seeing what compels his attention.

So far it's Claire and Emily (poor Gabby is a lamp right now). And hell, I'm going to guess that fan reaction certainly plays a role in that, God knows my own writing (when I used to do a lot more of it) was influenced by audience feedback. Few entertainers and artists like to create in a vacuum, I'd imagine.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 07 Feb 2013, 02:47
And yeah, after having looked over ZoeB's comment...it's probably selfish as all get out for me to feel this way, but it's been nice to see her life be pretty calm.

It can't last, and shouldn't; life itself is too chaotic for that, even comic book life. But you don't know how much I've wished for, in some ways, just have a quiet, boring life, without such ridiculous upheaval and occasionally alien strangeness.

But Claire's a character, and not my character. She'll go through terrible and wondrous things, as long as Jeph and the audience keep her around. I'm not going to say that Jeph Jacques is a modern master of the art form, but I am going to say he's pretty bloody good at what he does, and generally you can trust him to get a good story banged out after a while. Certainly it's kept most of us around for 2k-something strips.

Though on a sidenote I swear he did manage to write a whole lot more apparently accidental chemistry between Hannelore and Marigold than he meant to. I mean I didn't even glance at these forums and was all "Man I wonder if he's meaning to set this up like this?"

Edit: WHERE IS FANCY DRESS! :o
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Arancaytar on 07 Feb 2013, 03:42
Edit: WHERE IS FANCY DRESS! :o

Two theories:
a) It's Friday evening and the wedding's on Saturday, so all the fancy clothing is scheduled for tomorrow. (If Veronica came all the way from California, an overnight stay would make sense.) Supported by nobody else being in formal wear either, even the grooms.
b) Claire chickened out of wearing it (or buying it in the first place, or she didn't find one she liked).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 07 Feb 2013, 03:45
That first one makes a lot more sense. They are probably at a hotel with an attached bar/restaurant, especially looking at Marten and Claire's bags in the previous comic.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ukrayf on 07 Feb 2013, 03:47
Faye's probably still my favorite character so I always wish for more of her. I don't think she's ever really had a dull strip.

And yeah, I mean, Marten and Claire brought overnight bags, it seems.

Who's prepared for the ~LOL double-bed hotel room mixup XD~?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: LordVaughn on 07 Feb 2013, 04:20
I don't know who I feel more sorry for in terms of embarassment: Claire, or Marten. Well, at least his mother didn't show Claire the baby photos.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 07 Feb 2013, 04:28
Yet.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: bhtooefr on 07 Feb 2013, 04:30
Who's prepared for the ~LOL double-bed hotel room mixup XD~?
I was just thinking about that, actually, especially if Henry reserved the room for Marten.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sorflakne on 07 Feb 2013, 04:38
Panel 4...LOL!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Border Reiver on 07 Feb 2013, 04:41
Who's prepared for the ~LOL double-bed hotel room mixup XD~?
I was just thinking about that, actually, especially if Henry reserved the room for Marten.

Ready, and hoping for it.

Why, because it will end this week off nicely, and would make a nice birthday present.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Feb 2013, 04:43
Yet.
Loaded the thread, took a shower, came back, read it, saw the post before this and typed "Yet." Hit "post" and this was already there. Well played, boss.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Throg on 07 Feb 2013, 05:08
If the overall arc isn't towards Claire getting or confessing a crush on Marten, and the ensuing complications, I'll eat my hat.

And no this doesn't count as shipping, I could care less. I'm basing this on that doodle Jeph did of Claire, months and months ago, when he was trying to figure out "who she was", and he put in this caption "I have PLAAAAANS for her" and she was looking up and saying "I don't like the sound of that."

Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Madmartigan on 07 Feb 2013, 05:33
Why does every female find Marten's dad so irresistible, but not Marten himself - even though they are PRACTICALLY IDENTICAL?  :?
He is gay, and thus inaccessible. Plus, Anderson Cooper hair.

Anderson Cooper hair.  Can't tell you how many females I've met who think Anderson is like some greek god. Ridiculous.

And yea..Martendad does have insanely more confidence than his hapless son.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 07 Feb 2013, 05:53
Now she knows what Marten is going to look like when he's older... and approves... who knows?
Of course Marten, poor guy, gets a say in this.

I have to keep telling myself "it's only a comic strip!"

Quote
I'm not going to say that Jeph Jacques is a modern master of the art form, but I am going to say he's pretty bloody good at what he does,
I'll certainly agree with the second part. But I think I might say the first too.

I can see Claire committing a few faux pas as well. You see, hormones, well, puberty comes a little late for us, and like 15 years olds, we may not be very adept at handling it and concealing initial reactions.
If you think that's funny in a gal in her early 20s, it can be even more so in a gal in her late 40s. Maybe not so much for others (who may not notice it), but certainly for her.

The day I found out I'd acquired a sexual orientation, my reaction to one of my students (a member of the Uni athletics team, freshly showered, in singlet and jeans) in with his project team for some after-hours tuition in front of a whiteboard was, well, yes, like Claire to Marten's dad. And even more inappropriate. I think I hid it better though. I hope I did!!!! Concentrating on the system model took supreme willpower, all I wanted to do was stare and repeat "OMG...OMG.." Seriously yummy... but I was 47, old enough to be his mother, and worse, he was a student. So I did my job, rather than appreciating the sight and smell of him.

I doubt he or the other members of his team noticed though - he must be used to gals reacting to him like that.

Anyway, I can totally believe Claire could be caught off balance by her hormones like that.

Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 07 Feb 2013, 05:55
Who's prepared for the ~LOL double-bed hotel room mixup XD~?
I was just thinking about that, actually, especially if Henry reserved the room for Marten.

Ready, and hoping for it.

Why, because it will end this week off nicely, and would make a nice birthday present.
What, Marten sleeping on the couch, the day his dad got married?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: RedWolf4 on 07 Feb 2013, 05:59
I vote taunting. It's what I'd do. I do hope she sticks around though, girl's being a most entertaining addition.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Uelrindru on 07 Feb 2013, 08:43
I personally like Claire, she's just the right mix of outcast, shy and trying too hard. I also hope the Marten Claire pairing happens because there's such a rich amount of ideas to explore there and the stories about them would be intriguing. I'll accept whatever happens and I hope this doesn't come across as shipping I just see SO much potential for interesting stories there and I want to see those stories and those issues brought up.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 07 Feb 2013, 08:51
Welcome, new person! ;D


Why does every female find Marten's dad so irresistible, but not Marten himself - even though they are PRACTICALLY IDENTICAL?  :?

He's got that hypnotic look...Marten hasn't gotten enough action to graduate to The Look yet.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 07 Feb 2013, 09:00
He's got that hypnotic look...Marten hasn't gotten enough action to graduate to The Look yet.

Are you implying that Sven was Henry's padawan?  :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: mabhatter on 07 Feb 2013, 09:41
Personally, I could see Claire being romantically attracted to Marten at some level, and potentially even acting on it.

I couldn't see Marten reciprocating for various reasons - I think his ethics would keep him from acting on it even if he were attracted to Claire, and I suspect that he's not quite open-minded enough to want to be in a sexual relationship with Claire anyway (that's the most tactful way I can put it).

I could see Jeph doing an arc about that, though. He's just enough of a sadist to his characters...

And this argument is the BEST reason to do such shipping. Marten doesn't have anything else going on, and Claire is really nice... If he didn't know she was robot hand guy's sister he might have already considered it.

Weddings are the best time for such forced relationships anyway... Mom and dads will drop those subtle "grand baby" hints... Like with anything warm and breathing... Wedding have pressure, loneliness, and alochol and inconvienent sleeping arrangements (more art opportunities) to push things along.

ID think to have Claire hook up with somebody else might get Marten interested too.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 07 Feb 2013, 09:44
He's got that hypnotic look...Marten hasn't gotten enough action to graduate to The Look yet.

Are you implying that Sven was Henry's padawan?  :psyduck:
No. Henry uses his powers for good. Sven is more of a sex-sith.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 07 Feb 2013, 09:58
No. Henry uses his powers for good. Sven is more of a sex-sith.
Now you have me thinking about the color of their lightsabers. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 Feb 2013, 09:58
Edit: WHERE IS FANCY DRESS! :o

Where is fancy bread?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 07 Feb 2013, 10:07
Now you have me thinking about the color of their lightsabers. :mrgreen:

Not in an.. inflamed manner, I hope? (http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/serezniy/serezniy1202/serezniy120201922/12216673-red-condom-isolated-on-white.jpg)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: celticgeek on 07 Feb 2013, 10:49
Actually, it's more of a puce.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Feb 2013, 10:52
That doesn't explain the low humming...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 07 Feb 2013, 10:58
That doesn't explain the low humming...
That's just for some extra stimulation during oral.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: xAmilli0n on 07 Feb 2013, 11:19
I love how Claire's reaction to meeting Marten's dad was pretty similar to Dora's reaction way back when.

Also, Marten, your face is gonna stay that way if you keep making that face.   :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Feb 2013, 11:51
I think we can count on that expression for most of the weekend. 



At least during "family time"! 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 Feb 2013, 12:19
"They drive me crazy" (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=48)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 07 Feb 2013, 12:32
"They drive me crazy" (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=48)

Some deep archive diving there, I see! Good find!  :laugh:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 07 Feb 2013, 13:05
Now you've all got me thinking of that scene from Spaceballs where Dark Helmet says "I see your Schwartz is as big as mine! Now let's see how well you handle it..."

By the way, fancy dress is in suitcase. We've only just met the parents, there hasn't been enough time for Marten himself to make an awkward comment about something. When there is an opportunity for Marten to say something awkward, the dress will come out, and Marten will say something awkward. And Claire will probably blush, again.
I stand by my prediction. :P
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Akima on 07 Feb 2013, 14:03
Why does every female find Marten's dad so irresistible, but not Marten himself - even though they are PRACTICALLY IDENTICAL?  :?
Money dear boy (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MoneyDearBoy).  :wink: :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: slydon on 07 Feb 2013, 15:00
His dad has more confidence. Swagger goes a long way.
Also some people age into their features, and look better in their 40s than in their 20s, "Jamie Lee Curtis syndrome".
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 07 Feb 2013, 15:14
I would probably *still* be down for some Jamie Lee Curtis lovins.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Feb 2013, 15:27
Also some people age into their features, and look better in their 40s (http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTc2ODc3NDcwN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzI2MjY4Mg@@._V1._SY314_CR7,0,214,314_.jpg) than in their 20s (http://i2.listal.com/image/1934864/936full-jamie-lee-curtis.jpg), "Jamie Lee Curtis syndrome".
Links added by me, and...really? Jamie Lee Curtis is who you went with?  :psyduck:

To be fair, it's not just that I don't find her attractive (eye of the beholder and such) but also that when she was in her 20s she didn't do commercials for yogurt that makes you poop.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: slydon on 07 Feb 2013, 16:10
JLC in her 60s is a different story.
Compare her in True Lies to Halloween 1.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sassafras on 07 Feb 2013, 16:15
Don't many of the ladies in the comic openly consider Marten to be quite attractive? Dora and Faye were none too shy about it, he's gotten hit on several times, and he got a huge lineup (with guys too!) when he was dressed as the Magical Love Gentleman.

Marten's Dad probably just seems to get such extreme reactions because the only times we've seen it have been with completely-not-reserved Dora and socially-awkward Claire.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Feb 2013, 16:29
JLC in her 60s is a different story. Compare her in True Lies to Halloween 1.
Just google imaged and...fair enough, I guess. She has a good body, but her face is unpleasant enough to counteract that. Although apparently she's only 54 and I'm pretty sure she's been doing those commercials for years now.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: mustang6172 on 07 Feb 2013, 18:12
Does throwing Claire to the wolves make Marten assertive?

Will "wolves" catch on as a term for gay May-December relationships?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 07 Feb 2013, 18:41
Sounds better than "Flamboyant Cougars"...and it makes sense, what with the salt&pepper hair...or in Henry's case, just salt hair.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Feb 2013, 19:01
I think the term you're looking for is silver fox (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=silver%20fox). 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Blackjoker on 07 Feb 2013, 20:31
Ah, poor Marten. The shut up stare amuses the hell out of me...and oddly makes me think of the staring luigi picture.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Feb 2013, 21:02
Quote from: Robin Scherbatsky
I love a scotch that's old enough to order its own scotch.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 Feb 2013, 21:03
I wonder if there's going to be some kind of family blowup. Tension seems to be building.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Feb 2013, 21:07
Yessssss.... the little scotchhhh.....
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: celticgeek on 07 Feb 2013, 21:10
Ah, yes.  Antique single malts. 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sorflakne on 07 Feb 2013, 21:15
YES!  Tequila monster returns!

But will we ever see the fabled tequila pterodactyl?  Time will tell...


On another note, Marten's mom seems...edgy.  Further speculations kept to myself.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 Feb 2013, 21:17
Her career seems to be winding down and she's not really retirement age. She may be wondering what to do with herself.

Speaking of people not knowing what to do with themselves, Marten has left Claire by herself with people she doesn't know in an embarrassing situation. I don't approve.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Feb 2013, 21:18
Especially since, by the time she catches up to him, he'll be three scotches to the wind...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ElvisRevenge on 07 Feb 2013, 21:46
Tequila monster equals drama! Even if he's not directly involved, he's a harbinger of DRAMA DOOOOOOOM!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 Feb 2013, 21:58
Claire catching up to him at the bar ...

Anyone have the impression she's not used to alcohol?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 07 Feb 2013, 22:22
"Or what, mom? Watcha gonna do, spank me?"
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Akima on 07 Feb 2013, 22:35
Tequila monster returns!
At only a peaty sniff too... Talk about flashbacks!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 07 Feb 2013, 22:40
Yyyeah, I have sudden forebodings.

FOREBODE FOREBODE FOREBODE (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2093).

As someone who doesn't drink alcohol I find Veronica saying "Do as your mother says and drink it" somewhat rude and slightly irresponsible.
Her expression in panel 4 says volumes.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 07 Feb 2013, 22:53
Even though she is aware Marten drinks, it's still a pretty serious boundary infringement by my standards too.

Metaphorical oily rags are being piled up. There needs to be a short cute name to use for a looming cloud of "What could possibly go wrong?".
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 08 Feb 2013, 00:05
Man I searched for recent images of Ms. Curtis' more recent pictures and can only assume you all are crazy and I am absolutely right. It's okay though, more unrequited lustings for me~!

Also this strip certainly brings the Forebodes home to pasture.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: MillionDollar Belt Sander on 08 Feb 2013, 00:29
Hm.  Character development time.   We're about to learn something about Martin.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Ohf on 08 Feb 2013, 00:42
Uh oh. Nowhere in the world a civilised person would drink auld single malt scotch from a tumbler ... except in the U.S., of course :roll:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: no one special on 08 Feb 2013, 00:50
I think Jeph meant "purview". 

#vocabnazi  #ifeelterribleforbringingitup
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 08 Feb 2013, 01:03
Uh oh. Nowhere in the world a civilised person would drink auld single malt scotch from a tumbler ... except in the U.S., of course :roll:

In my limited experience I've not found any unanimity in how whisky is served to me in Scotland, and these (http://www.laphroaig.com/shop/product.aspx?ShopItemID=47) ones (http://www.whiskyglass.com/story.html) seem to be a modern invention.  I've been served it in a tumbler by a Scottish Lord in his castle (a school friend (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Torphichen) of mine...) and in a tall shot glass in pubs near Aberdeen.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: de_la_Nae on 08 Feb 2013, 01:04
Uh oh. Nowhere in the world a civilised person would drink auld single malt scotch from a tumbler ... except in the U.S., of course :roll:

Why not? I don't have enough context to know what you'd rather use for a small amount of liquid than a small glass. Then again I'll admit I'm pretty bad at drinking. Elaborate please?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Near Lurker on 08 Feb 2013, 01:21
I'm guessing a stickler for snifters.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Arancaytar on 08 Feb 2013, 01:45
Hope he doesn't either come on to Claire or accidentally out her to his family while drunk.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Near Lurker on 08 Feb 2013, 02:01
If he does (out her, not hit on her), she'd be perfectly justified to drive him up to Labrador and leave him there.  Naked.  But what, was he sober at the party?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Border Reiver on 08 Feb 2013, 04:29
Yessssss.... the little scotchhhh.....

I want this scotch - unless it's an Islay. 

Also I see this ending badly for Marten - it seems that if he's in a bad mood when he starts drinking that the depressant effect doesn't magically turn him happy.  So, all in all, I do not see him dealing with a bad hangover at the wedding.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Skaltura on 08 Feb 2013, 04:42
Ms. Reed? A quick word if I may?

Fuck you and your poisonous, overbearing "Do as your mother says and never talk back" attitude.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 08 Feb 2013, 05:09
Yessssss.... the little scotchhhh.....
I want this scotch - unless it's an Islay. 

That's OK, I'll take it off your hands if it's an Islay. My three top destilleries are Islay: Bruichladdich, Lagavulin and Laphroaig, in that order.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Throg on 08 Feb 2013, 05:11
"Or what, mom? Watcha gonna do, spank me?"

...the whole reason for Marten's mom's attitude.

Is Marten, then, fundamentally submissive? Is that the reason for his whole take-it-as-it-comes, doormat attitude?

Ah screw it. Heck if I was in my mid-20's and someone said "that scotch is older than you" I'd be jumping in to try a sip.
otoh, never had purple tequila monsters manifesting over my shoulder either. 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Y on 08 Feb 2013, 05:17
Well, If you just give someone an expensive drink, you'd be angry if they don't drink it even if they might not explicitly asked for it. Also aren't drinks usually free on weddings?(maybe not the expensive ones).

It's possible Marten would hit on Claire, but Claire might not want to take advantage of his inebriated state, unless she was drunk too. But we don't know Claire that much to know that for sure.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 08 Feb 2013, 05:22
I doubt Marten is going to get drunk on 30 year old whisky, even he's not that foolish, is he?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 08 Feb 2013, 05:27
Also aren't drinks usually free on weddings?
But what, was he sober at the party?

We haven't yet got to the wedding or following party - we are assembling at the hotel the night before, which is why Marten and Claire are still in their travelling clothes.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 08 Feb 2013, 05:56
Is Marten, then, fundamentally submissive? Is that the reason for his whole take-it-as-it-comes, doormat attitude?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's at least part of it.

But I think his mother also knows he needs a drink to get over his father's and her shenanigans.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Feb 2013, 05:57
I think the second question was referring to the lake party, to which I answer "mostly".
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Black Sword on 08 Feb 2013, 06:11
I doubt Marten is going to get drunk on 30 year old whisky, even he's not that foolish, is he?

It may not be a matter of being so foolish as it is having the proper resistance to it? He's a skinny lad and his drinking career is much shorter than his mother's.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sidhekin on 08 Feb 2013, 06:23
Has he even eaten since the car trip?

On an empty stomach, even a decidedly-not-skinny guy like yours truly gets a little dizzy after a glass of fine spirits.  Marten may well get drunk on the double.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 08 Feb 2013, 07:11
What I'm suspecting is that her relationship with Henry was somewhat akin to Marten's relationship with Dora - in the reverse:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: celticgeek on 08 Feb 2013, 07:13
At home, I drink my Laphroaig out of a Glencairn glass.

In bars, it mostly comes in a rocks glass or a small tumbler.

I have had it served in a plastic tumbler at some large gatherings. 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: FunkyTuba on 08 Feb 2013, 08:26
I wonder what Veronica's Tequila monster looks like
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: TimO on 08 Feb 2013, 09:09
I doubt Marten is going to get drunk on 30 year old whisky, even he's not that foolish, is he?
I dunno, I've got hammered on whisky only barely younger than me, when I was that age. :oops: :-o

My preferred tipple is Talisker, generally from a shot glass.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DSL on 08 Feb 2013, 09:12
I wonder what Veronica's Tequila monster looks like

Nobody knows. She won't let it take off the gimp suit.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Border Reiver on 08 Feb 2013, 09:41
Yessssss.... the little scotchhhh.....
I want this scotch - unless it's an Islay. 

That's OK, I'll take it off your hands if it's an Islay. My three top destilleries are Islay: Bruichladdich, Lagavulin and Laphroaig, in that order.

I prefer Highland Park myself, but to each their own. 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Madmartigan on 08 Feb 2013, 09:44
I doubt Marten is going to get drunk on 30 year old whisky, even he's not that foolish, is he?
I dunno, I've got hammered on whisky only barely younger than me, when I was that age. :oops: :-o

My preferred tipple is Talisker, generally from a shot glass.

Last time I had 3 whiskey shots in 5 minutes, my coordination was shot immediately.  Can't imagine what aged whiskey will do to him on an empty stomach.  And I'm a skinny dude like Marten.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Blood-Tree on 08 Feb 2013, 10:18
So, assuming that #2378 is foreshadowing, I think Marten will get heinously drunk and then meet up with his Uncle. Together they will summon the weed monster.

Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Storel on 08 Feb 2013, 10:39
Waitwaitwait, so Marten's father is Henry Reed?? Haha, I know what books Jeph used to read (http://www.amazon.com/Keith-Robertson/e/B001HNBYCM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1) as a kid!

(I never caught it before because Henry never said his full name before, and I can never remember Marten's last name.)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 Feb 2013, 11:18
Welcome, new person!

You're the first to notice this.

The timing is about right for Jeph to have read them.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: FunkyTuba on 08 Feb 2013, 12:04
I wonder what Veronica's Tequila monster looks like

Nobody knows. She won't let it take off the gimp suit.

I was thinking this was the other way around, where her tequila monster is the only being that she subs for.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Majicou83 on 08 Feb 2013, 13:21
There should be a tequila monster stuffed animal. I'd keep it on my desk at work.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: themacnut on 08 Feb 2013, 13:28
"Or what, mom? Watcha gonna do, spank me?"

It would shock the hell outta me and represent some MAJOR character development for Marten to ever say anything like that to his mother. He is too much the stereotypical Momma's Boy.

Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 Feb 2013, 14:03
There has been a flash of assertiveness (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1835).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 08 Feb 2013, 14:14
Which was quickly stomped out by Veronica.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: themacnut on 08 Feb 2013, 14:52
There has been a flash of assertiveness (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1835).

Sorry but no, worst example you could have come up with. Marten gets a little snarky in the first panel, second panel Marten's Mom utterly SMASHES him down like he's an upstart child. And Marten goes along with it like he really is still that child. No, he'd have to go much farther than that to assert his adulthood, and be willing to risk Momma's Wrath,or possibly even worse, Momma Not Speaking To Him For Awhile. Though he might not consider that last part to be so bad...I'm starting to agree with the posters who think that following Vicki was a convenient excuse for Marten to get out from under his mother's thumb by putting a continent between them. It even makes visits difficult and expensive.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 08 Feb 2013, 15:27
It even makes visits difficult and expensive.

Not when she's got her clients' money to spend. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 08 Feb 2013, 15:27
Of course, you are talking about a woman who knows a thing or two about whips and such.

Veronica probably only needs to use that certain tone with Marten before he gets the mental image of mom breaking out her riding crop.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Feb 2013, 17:14
Yeah, the only off thing Henry's really so far in the comic is slapping Faye's ass.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Halloween Jack on 08 Feb 2013, 17:33
Tequila monster.

Kilt.

Pretty please.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Kugai on 08 Feb 2013, 18:30
Aye laddie
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 Feb 2013, 19:27
There has been a flash of assertiveness (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1835).

Sorry but no, worst example you could have come up with. Marten gets a little snarky in the first panel, second panel Marten's Mom utterly SMASHES him down like he's an upstart child. And Marten goes along with it like he really is still that child.

I think "flash" is just the right word for something that appears for an instant and is immediately snuffed.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 08 Feb 2013, 19:39
Fair point, IICIH. And you just made me think of something.

What would happen if Veronica was rude, condescending, invasive or otherwise mean towards Hannelore (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1902)?

(Apart from there being no redeeming her in the forum's collective eyes?)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Feb 2013, 19:47
I wouldn't say no redeeming, Clinton's been at least moderately redeemed by being an apparently awesome brother.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 08 Feb 2013, 19:55
True, but being creepy towards Hannelore was the ONLY thing that Clinton ever really did to make him unlikable. I think.

My point is, would Marten be the doormat, or would he be the fierce protector of his friends (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=697)?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 Feb 2013, 20:46
He might very well stand up for a friend when he wouldn't stand up for himself.

Has Ms. Reed ever been seen treating a non-customer as badly as she does Marten?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Bluesummers on 08 Feb 2013, 20:53
Has Ms. Reed ever been seen treating a non-customer as badly as she does Marten?

Absolutely not. She even hugged Dora after she dumped Marten.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 08 Feb 2013, 20:53
True, but being creepy towards Hannelore was the ONLY thing that Clinton ever really did to make him unlikable. I think.

My point is, would Marten be the doormat, or would he be the fierce protector of his friends (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=697)?

Let us hope it never reaches that point.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Throg on 08 Feb 2013, 21:50
I wonder what Veronica's Tequila monster looks like

Ia, ia, Chthulu f'tagn
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 08 Feb 2013, 21:51
"Or what, mom? Watcha gonna do, spank me?"

It would shock the hell outta me and represent some MAJOR character development for Marten to ever say anything like that to his mother. He is too much the stereotypical Momma's Boy.
Yeah, but I can hope. Besides, it has a "hee hee, she's a dominatrix!" feel.

What would happen if Veronica was rude, condescending, invasive or otherwise mean towards Hannelore (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1902)?
Veronica and Hannermom would have an Alpha Bitch throwdown.

I wouldn't say no redeeming, Clinton's been at least moderately redeemed by being an apparently awesome brother.
He was the opposite of mean, he just had boundary issues. A bit like Hannelore in the beginning, come to think (yes, stalking= boundary issues).


Mistreating Hannelore just might be what spurs Marten to action against her, kind of like the Emperor insinuating he'd go after Lukes sister. He's always been a (very weak) white knight.

Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Throg on 08 Feb 2013, 21:56
True, but being creepy towards Hannelore was the ONLY thing that Clinton ever really did to make him unlikable. I think.

My point is, would Marten be the doormat, or would he be the fierce protector of his friends (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=697)?

Let us hope it never reaches that point.

No, Marten's been downright valiant several times -- always, always in defense of his friends. Even if he was taking a swing at someone with a street sign, or gamely going up against a transforming Vespa, or wielding a broadsword to defend Hannelore from CreepyClinton -- even if he doesn't stand up for himself, he will stand up for his friends.

Not always that successfully, but it's the thought that counts!
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 08 Feb 2013, 23:08
It's possible Marten would hit on Claire, but Claire might not want to take advantage of his inebriated state, unless she was drunk too. But we don't know Claire that much to know that for sure.
She seems to have her head attached firmly to her shoulders.
She might have... issues...though. It's unlikely she treats sex with a healthy degree of casualness. If unusual anatomy is a thing of the past, maybe. It may not be, and no it's not polite to ask, or to speculate. Even here. Even of a comic strip character.

Intersex people face the same kind of issues. Many are fine having unusual anatomy there, but we realise others may not be so blase.

As a member of the Uni's ALLY program, I've had to help Intersex students as best I can. It gets complicated in those situations because they often don't know they're Intersex until their late teens. When a gal of 18 gets told the reason she hasn't started her periods yet is not because she's a "late bloomer", but she has CAIS and XY chromosomes, or Swyer syndrome, or some such, it can be a real shock. If some (long string of sulpherous and unladylike expletives capable of stripping paint at 20 metres) "doctor" tells her she's "genetically male" then I'm really, seriously tempted to commit homicide. With refinements. There's no such thing - one in 300 men aren't XY, some women are. Even those who have given birth. Such (long string of scatalogical and malefic expletives again) crass insensitivity can be psychologically devastating for those unprepared for it.

Anyway, I have to help such young women decide what to tell their boyfriends. Or girlfriends.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 08 Feb 2013, 23:08
Tequila monster.

Kilt.

Pretty please.
Seconded
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 Feb 2013, 23:25
Our relationship with the characters is already "not polite", but you're on solid ground if you want to posit that publicly speculating about the extent of Claire's reassignment is creepy.

Jumping several moves ahead in a potential debate about fictional characters, I imagine you saying that by not speculating about Claire we are getting critically important practice in how to treat real trans* people. Would you say that in reality?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 09 Feb 2013, 00:43
True, but being creepy towards Hannelore was the ONLY thing that Clinton ever really did to make him unlikable. I think.

My point is, would Marten be the doormat, or would he be the fierce protector of his friends (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=697)?

Let us hope it never reaches that point.

I, for one, DO hope it reaches that point eventually. Marten needs opportunities to grow some spine (although I agree that smashing his mother with a pan might be a bit over the top).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: westrim on 09 Feb 2013, 00:57
I, for one, DO hope it reaches that point eventually. Marten needs opportunities to grow some spine (although I agree that smashing his mother with a pan might be a bit over the top).
I agree. It would likely cause pandemonium!  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 09 Feb 2013, 01:14
Oh, come on, let's not turn this into a pan thread.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DrBear on 09 Feb 2013, 01:30
Is it OK if we do it with panache?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 09 Feb 2013, 01:47
No, pandemonium is what you get in exchange when you sell pandas.

If you hit a monk with a pan, is that a religious act? Is Marten a pantheist?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 09 Feb 2013, 02:31
I don't think Marten's motivations were necessarily religious... I think he just panicked.

(And thanks Westrim, now I really want to see Veronica and Beatrice fight it out.)
(Who would win in a fight between Veronica Reed and Beatrice Chatham?)
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 09 Feb 2013, 02:37
All these things pale in significance alongside the fact that next Tuesday is pancake day.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 09 Feb 2013, 02:51
(And thanks Westrim, now I really want to see Veronica and Beatrice fight it out.)
(Who would win in a fight between Veronica Reed and Beatrice Chatham?)

Well, Veronica could presumably blackmail politicians into shutting Beatrice's business down. Then again, Beatrice is not above using shark tanks to get rid of people, so...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: RedWolf4 on 09 Feb 2013, 03:05
Veronica would probably hand Beatrice quite the whuppin, I think, having been into BDSM for so long.Higher pain thresholds and such. But that isn't to say CHatham wouldn't give a good account of herself, but I just don't think she's used to winning her battles physically.

At least not without sharks anyway.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: WAYF on 09 Feb 2013, 03:07
Who's to say she couldn't smuggle a shark tank into the fighting arena?
Also, does Veronica necessarily need to have the higher pain threshold if she's the one dishing out the pain?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Floorman on 09 Feb 2013, 03:13
Beatrice gets rid of subordinates by firing them into volcanoes. She would probably settle a one-on-one fight by making a phone call. Then a satellite powers up, there's a flash of light, and a scorch mark where her opponent stood.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Pilchard123 on 09 Feb 2013, 03:21
Gotta get the call off first. Come on, everyone knows that finishing moves require you to be completely vulnerable for a ludicrous length of time. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Floorman on 09 Feb 2013, 03:41
Finishing? This is before they even get face to face.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: RedWolf4 on 09 Feb 2013, 05:40
@ WAYF: You gotta know it to dish it, holmes.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Sassafras on 09 Feb 2013, 06:36
I can't really blame Veronica for being mean to Marten. He's kind of like this guy (http://youtu.be/9uaicm78Zt8).
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 09 Feb 2013, 07:16
I can't really blame Veronica for being mean to Marten. He's kind of like this guy (http://youtu.be/9uaicm78Zt8).

Not quite, but I see your point.  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DSL on 09 Feb 2013, 07:23
@ WAYF: You gotta know it to dish it, holmes.

Nah. We all know plenty of people who can dish but not take.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 09 Feb 2013, 08:27
Like said doofus on tumblr who initiated "The Dark Time" last year.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: celticgeek on 09 Feb 2013, 09:08
Tequila monster.

Kilt.

Pretty please.

I think we need a special Scotch monster, wearing a kilt.  A Clan McDonald kilt. 
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Feb 2013, 11:12
All these things pale in significance alongside the fact that next Tuesday is pancake day.
Wasn't that earlier this week?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Lubricus on 09 Feb 2013, 11:19
All these things pale in significance alongside the fact that next Tuesday is pancake day.
Wasn't that earlier this week?

EVERY day is Pancake Day!  :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 09 Feb 2013, 11:41
Ms. Reed may be inhibited by a professional lifetime of carefully controlling herself so that her customers still perceive it as erotic and not injurious. Ms. Chatham seems to have no inhibitions whatever.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: pwhodges on 09 Feb 2013, 12:34
All these things pale in significance alongside the fact that next Tuesday is pancake day.
Wasn't that earlier this week?

No; Shrove Tuesday is 12 Feb this year.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 09 Feb 2013, 16:34
Our relationship with the characters is already "not polite", but you're on solid ground if you want to posit that publicly speculating about the extent of Claire's reassignment is creepy.

Jumping several moves ahead in a potential debate about fictional characters, I imagine you saying that by not speculating about Claire we are getting critically important practice in how to treat real trans* people. Would you say that in reality?
You got it in one.

It's the kind of thing you only discuss with trusted friends. And only if there's a good reason.

Example - a G/F of mine had "female issues" - prolapse after a difficult birth. I gave info regarding surgical reconstruction options based on my own experience. She needed OB/Gyn work that most doctors are clueless about, but which would be a doddle for the kind of surgeons I'm used to. She'd been advised that nothing could be done, or there were very significant risks etc etc - all horse pucky.

In the middle of transition, everyone seemed to assume that I'd already had "the op". I did look female by then after all. At that time, things were a mess (I'm Intersex remember, stuff had atrophied) and surgery was still a year away. There was no guarantee I'd ever get permission to have it. That's another thing, the hoops one must jump through, the checks of one's sanity, the verification of a social support mechanism... it seems crazy that in order to have a surgical procedure, one must prove one has a job or be in fulltime study, but it's a requirement. Heaven help you if you get assigned the wrong therapist. Some have very idiosyncratic ideas about gender, but you better conform to their views of what is appropriate for your sex, or you'll be refused treatment. They have absolute power over you.

One woman's experience...
Quote
In early 2009 I was finally given my assessment for suitability to go on the waiting list for sex reassignment surgery. Yes, that’s right, I would be assessed as to whether or not I was suitable to wait in line for further assessment.
...
I wear black. I like wearing black. I was told that women do not wear black....The woman doing the assessment was wearing black. Nothing but black. She told me that women wear bright colours. Pink was the only colour she could name.

The psychologist actually assumed I had short hair – either she was blind, or stupid – and said that women have long hair. On having it pointed out to her that I have long hair, and was wearing it tied back due to the wind, she said that women never wear their hair like that. She certainly didn’t, since her hair was about an inch long...

I was wearing a skirt. It’s hard to miss this on anyone, more so when someone is sitting cross-legged. She assumed I was wearing trousers. In her strange view of the world, women never wear trousers: they only wear skirts – and not long skirts, not even when it’s cold out. They wear short skirts. Knee length is still a long skirt. Mid-thigh is apparently the universal dress code for women. Unless they wear dresses, of course. No woman ever wears trousers. I’m sure the astute reader will see where this is going… Yes, she was wearing trousers.

The ever more ridiculous and outdated stereotypes continued: Women all wear make-up. But not subtle make-up. They trowel it on, so that it is clearly visible. It must be noticeable, or they’re not wearing make-up. No, she wasn’t wearing make-up either. I personally don’t. I’m very poor and could not afford any make-up if I wanted to wear it. Since I was raised by parents who were both feminist enough to think that make-up is something that women are not required or expected to do, I certainly don’t feel any pressure to bother. But the notion that maybe it’s sexist to require women to wear make-up was flatly disavowed by the psychologist. She said that all women wear the stuff, all the time. Except her, of course.

Then there was my lack of high heels. You see, all women wear high heels (except for certain psychologists)....I was told I should wear high heels. Even though I often cannot find any that actually fit.

On hearing that I’m attracted exclusively to women (there was a flat demand to know my sexual orientation) she said that only men are attracted to women. I asked her if she had not heard the term lesbian. She repeated what she said, so I think the answer was “no”. I guess lesbians are just too cutting edge.

Most Transsexual (and Intersex) women don't feel the need to have surgery. There are risks after all. It's expensive - as much as a new car. The SPL in the brain may not be set up for female genitalia, in which case surgery is the LAST thing they should have. There may also be medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes that effectively preclude it.

For others, like myself, while I could have lived without it, I could also have lived with both legs cut off. If there was any possibility of having surgery without doing something morally repugnant, I'd take it. To give you an idea, due to some transphobia in high places, at one stage I was unable to get a passport, only a travel document good to leave the country, but not re-enter. The only surgeons qualified to work on my condition were overseas. I was seriously working out how to re-enter the country illegally (probably by going as supercargo on a freighter from Singapore, jumping ship on arrival). Once in, as a citizen I'd be OK.

"Desperation" describes it pretty well.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DrBear on 09 Feb 2013, 17:25
writes down the word "doddle" for my next game of Words With Friends.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 09 Feb 2013, 18:18
It would be impossibly rude to ask about some of the things we already know about the characters. TMI is a theme of the strip.

When I try to synthesize that with the caution that more than one trans person has (emphatically) given us, I come up with "If Jeph publishes details of Claire's anatomy, then it's the equivalent of her telling us of her own 'free will'. If he doesn't, then wondering out loud is the equivalent in imagination of undressing someone without her consent".

The goal here is hypothesize-and-test, not to put words in your mouth. Is the above how you would answer "Why shouldn't we try to figure out background information in a piece of fiction?"?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 09 Feb 2013, 18:34
or you'll be refused treatment. They have absolute power over you.

I've talked to a German girl who was scared of self-medding; not at all for the health-reasons one would expect if it isn't done with care, but rather that if her shrink found out that she'd self-medded in the past then that'd be grounds for arbitrarily rejecting her from care and not eventually getting legitimate prescriptions in the future, even if actually Gender Dysphoric.

As if doctors would react to someone taking blood-pressure medication before prescriptions with "Well fuck you then, have a stroke" instead of "Let's check if the dosages are right for your problem, at least, so you aren't hurting yourself".

Especially awesome if combined with a Real-Life Test (http://transgirldiaries.com/comics/2010-04-10-09.jpg). Things like that don't incentivise self-medding at all. [/Sarcasm]

It would be impossibly rude to ask about some of the things we already know about the characters. TMI is a theme of the strip.

Solution: Pintsize?

It can carry uncomfortable implications when asked, though, even beyond the TMI of just suddenly asking someone about their genitals.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 09 Feb 2013, 18:37
She's already given us two pieces of information:

1. She's trans, obviously male to female;
2. She started transitioning a few years prior.

Other than that, we have nothing to add that would be relevant or useful.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 09 Feb 2013, 22:24
Pintsize, as pwhodges has pointed out, would be banned here almost immediately.

Here's the thing. I'd like to be able to speculate about personal things in the lives of the characters, like why Faye's father killed himself. This is largely a comic about relationships: it's natural to wonder whether Claire is limited to partners who are open-minded about private parts.

Is it possible to do that with Claire, without hurting the real people here on the forum who may well have had a gang block the sidewalk and yell at them "Hey, freak! What have you got in those pants?"

If not, then that ends the practical discussion, though it would still be fun to discuss the philosophy of the ethics of conduct toward fictional people.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 10 Feb 2013, 00:41
I come up with "If Jeph publishes details of Claire's anatomy, then it's the equivalent of her telling us of her own 'free will'. If he doesn't, then wondering out loud is the equivalent in imagination of undressing someone without her consent".

The goal here is hypothesize-and-test, not to put words in your mouth. Is the above how you would answer "Why shouldn't we try to figure out background information in a piece of fiction?"?
You got it. The comparison is apt.
You know, with goodwill and intelligence, as shown here, there'd be no problem. Thanks. Extra points for Geekiness, along with the kindness.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 10 Feb 2013, 01:25
Here's the thing. I'd like to be able to speculate about personal things in the lives of the characters, like why Faye's father killed himself. This is largely a comic about relationships: it's natural to wonder whether Claire is limited to partners who are open-minded about private parts.

Is it possible to do that with Claire, without hurting the real people here on the forum who may well have had a gang block the sidewalk and yell at them "Hey, freak! What have you got in those pants?"

If not, then that ends the practical discussion, though it would still be fun to discuss the philosophy of the ethics of conduct toward fictional people.
There's been enough goodwill shown so that you can test the boundaries a bit. Treading on eggshells isn't required, nor wanted. Being treated like fellow human beings is. Look, imagine if it was your younger sister on this forum.

In my own case... I try to educate. I'm also a scientist. Also geeky by nature. Very much like Marigold... and just as shy. But unlike most Trans people, I don't mind being asked personal questions out of natural curiosity. I'm far more open than most, and as long as I'm volunteering, I don't mind being treated as an experimental animal. On a scale of 1..10, where anything above 6 would be insensitive, nothing on this forum has risen above 4, and mostly it's less than 2.

Please don't think I'm typical, I'm not. I am open to questions regarding myself and generalities that others might get upset about.

Here's pretty much the limit on TMI. Call this an 8, where 6+ is no go. I'll wrap it with SPOILER tags. It shows the kind of medical photos taken of Intersex people, often without their consent. Two of guys - male gender identity - plus one of me, SFW in my natural habitat.

(click to show/hide)

As you can see, I have "passing privilege". I don't look out of place, I don't attract attention. Also never going to win a beauty contest, but I knew that before age 10. I don't look like what the great unwashed public expects when they think of the word "transsexual", either a man-in-a-dress-in-pancake-makeup, or a RuPaul type glamorous Drag Queen.

Just another frumpy female academic... I've come home. (tears). Looking male was... bad. Imagine if that had happened to Marigold. Understand that, you understand me, and Claire too.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 10 Feb 2013, 05:12
Pintsize, as pwhodges has pointed out, would be banned here almost immediately.

I meant more like in the comic, since I can't really picture any of the cast she's open with being that crass about it. If it'll be brought up at all, I mean. :)

But hey, if Jeph's going in a Maire direction then obviously we'll likely find out from her, so.

Here's the thing. I'd like to be able to speculate about personal things in the lives of the characters, like why Faye's father killed himself. This is largely a comic about relationships: it's natural to wonder whether Claire is limited to partners who are open-minded about private parts.

Is it possible to do that with Claire, without hurting the real people here on the forum who may well have had a gang block the sidewalk and yell at them "Hey, freak! What have you got in those pants?"

Oh, sure. I mean I'd personally wager she hasn't had it done, just given how close it is to starting to transition.

I wasn't really talking about bad memories, though. More like often implying "Not really a girl until you've had major surgery down there", as if the person is radically different before getting to that point.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Loki on 10 Feb 2013, 05:19
Not defending anything, but that might be because we are taught that "penis <=> male" and "vagina <=> female" from a young age. Hell, two of the languages I know don't even have different words for sexus and gender.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Valdís on 10 Feb 2013, 05:44
Not defending anything, but that might be because we are taught that "penis <=> male" and "vagina <=> female" from a young age. Hell, two of the languages I know don't even have different words for sexus and gender.

That's the case in Swedish as well and academically terms like "Social sex" get used to cover for the English 'gender'. Even if not ideal at least it saves on the confusion between transgender/transsexual.  :lol:

But yeah, it has to do with fitting into their categories of what it means, which generally don't involve actual gender identity since that's taken for granted. On the "all models are wrong, but some are useful" note, I'd say it falls decidedly on the 'not useful' side.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: DSL on 10 Feb 2013, 09:43
Without jumping into the trans* discussion, about which my knowledge is worse than useless, I want to point out that Claire's accompanying Marten to the wedding allows for some very useful story tension by what I consider, for story purposes, her key contrast with Marten.
She's identified a change she wanted to make (or complete) in her life -- a fundamental change that has caused and will cause her much soul searching and pain -- and she's gone ahead and done it.
Marten, faced with the prospect of (comparatively) infinitesimal change -- hasn't.

One will learn from the other. Any bets on which one?
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 10 Feb 2013, 10:08
Wow. That is a great point.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: jwhouk on 10 Feb 2013, 10:33
+2 to that post.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 10 Feb 2013, 11:33
Quote from: the transcript of Hannelore's very first appearance
Smoking Girl: I'm a woman, and I've seen plenty of guys do just what you've done to yourself. Part of you likes the impossibility of the situation. You like not being able to do anything to change things for the better, because you're afraid.
Marten: 'Fraid? 'Fraid of what?
Smoking Girl: Change.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Carl-E on 10 Feb 2013, 15:54
People have hypothesized that, in the early days of the comic, Marten was a stand-in for Jeph.  And I think that was true, to a certain extent.  Jeph, as Marten, was scared of change.  But after a few years, he did - quit the office job and went full time into comicking.  Reading the old newsposts, it was probably one of the scariest changes he's made in his life. 

But Marten hasn't changed, and as we've all noted, he suffers for it.  It bothers him, and occasionally, the ones around him.  He's a good friend to his friends, but not so much to himself. 

The problem is, as I see it, he's also the steady-state center of the comic.  Everything/everyone else revolves around Marten, greatly from Marten's point of view.  He's the protagonist, and in a novel (with an ending), a protagonist goes through a change, reaches a new plateau.  But this webcomic isn't a closed-ended story.  Marten going through a change, reaching a new state, may well shift  the foundations of the whole comic.  As all of us who have gone through changes can attest, old friends are lost, new friends are made (with luck), family relationships change...

I don't think Jeph's ready to take it there.  Marten's reluctance to change may well be Jeph's version of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".  And for him, the comic's working fine...
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 10 Feb 2013, 16:02
Quote from: Faye
This is why I don't like change. It changes things.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: ZoeB on 10 Feb 2013, 16:34
+2 to that post.
Concur.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 10 Feb 2013, 17:28
Even if it weren't for Claire's big personal adventure, her career focus alone could be an inspiration to Marten.
Title: Re: WCDT: 2377-2381 (4-8 February, 2013) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread
Post by: TimO on 18 Feb 2013, 02:31
There should be a tequila monster stuffed animal. I'd keep it on my desk at work.
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/smilies/thumb_up.gif)

... with or without a kilt.