Tai: Given recent developments, and the fact that both Marten and I know some of you more than others, it has been decided that your evaluations will be conducted by Gus. During that time Marten and I will be "on holiday". In fact we've been given strict orders not to be anywhere near the library during that period.
kerky, Given what he says a little later (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2788) and what he's worried about (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2789), I don't see him leaving his job any time soon.Something in 2789 strikes me as a Chekhov's gun.
The way I read it: He wants to do something else but he's too worried about bills to make that move just yet.
And when someone does figure that out, they'll give it to someone who does.Why do I suddenly think Marten's fears are very right... and it's Claire that they'll give it to? That would create hella relationship drama, without it being at all about Claire's gender.
Continuing my reread. Got to 2203 (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2203), and saw that they're described as "summer interns". Given the contents of this thread (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,30197.0.html), even the whole intern dynamic issue may wind up evaporating soon. Just a thought.
One thing I'm wondering, too... If Claire is studying library science at a post graduate level... I'm wondering just how high she's aiming. Library of Congress, maybe?
It just occurred to me that Jeph could do a complete time jump, about two-three years into the future, with people who aren't even in the cast right now being treated as if they're familiar friends, and key cast members (Dora, Claire, Tai, Faye, Angus - HANNELORE!) not even mentioned.
It just occurred to me that Jeph could do a complete time jump, about two-three years into the future, with people who aren't even in the cast right now being treated as if they're familiar friends, and key cast members (Dora, Claire, Tai, Faye, Angus - HANNELORE!) not even mentioned.
It just occurred to me that Jeph could do a complete time jump, about two-three years into the future, with people who aren't even in the cast right now being treated as if they're familiar friends, and key cast members (Dora, Claire, Tai, Faye, Angus - HANNELORE!) not even mentioned.
"There have been so many implausible marriages in the past few years!" (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=674)
It just occurred to me that Jeph could do a complete time jump, about two-three years into the future, with people who aren't even in the cast right now being treated as if they're familiar friends, and key cast members (Dora, Claire, Tai, Faye, Angus - HANNELORE!) not even mentioned.
"There have been so many implausible marriages in the past few years!" (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=674)
This is why alcohol and story writing are a bad combination. :D
Tell that to Jimbo…
Actually, whatever did happen to his latest oeuvre? The one about the werewolf gadgeteer princess…
So about 5 weeks since the wedding and ss clairemarten sailing out of port. Guess that kinda lays to rest the coming out of nowhere arguement
And so it begins. Feels like everything is kinda coming to a head here.
I just really hope that whoever said that Faye might drunkenly cheat on Angus with Sven is wrong. :/
Pure speculation but... if Faye moves out to follow Angus, Claire can move in.... interesting possibilities.This is a squee at a horrible host!
And so it begins. Feels like everything is kinda coming to a head here.
I just really hope that whoever said that Faye might drunkenly cheat on Angus with Sven is wrong. :/
Is it just me or does the speech bubble in panel two look like Faye is the one talking?
Is it just me or does the speech bubble in panel two look like Faye is the one talking?
It tails towards angus right at the end
Is it just me or does the speech bubble in panel two look like Faye is the one talking?
It tails towards angus right at the end
I disagree haha it is very clearly pointed to the right
So please tell me I'm not the only one who took far too long to get the joke of the last panel....
The curved part of the bottom part of the speech bubble is pointing towards faye and the straight part, which usually indicated who is talking, is pointed towards angus.
The curved part of the bottom part of the speech bubble is pointing towards faye and the straight part, which usually indicated who is talking, is pointed towards angus.
Haha is my browser like showing an old cached copy of this strip that Jeph promptly fixed after? Both the curved and straight part appear to be pointed at Faye in this to me
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v415/sk8brder40/panel2qccopy_zps404136c6.png)
And so it begins. Feels like everything is kinda coming to a head here.
I just really hope that whoever said that Faye might drunkenly cheat on Angus with Sven is wrong. :/
I don't think it'll go that way. I could see Angus, now that he has the gig, trying a full-court press to get Faye to move with him. She freaks out, ties one on, and blurts out to him that her FWB has confessed his love for her and that she's now not sure how she feels and does not want to move with him. Voila, breakup and ... possible messiness with Dora, Marten, et. al.
I also owe some forumites an apology. I'm not sure how we go from this Dora (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2191) to one who wants to cut Sven completely off. Unless something majorly fucked-up happened off screen, I'm now sort of side-eyeing why Dora freaked out that way.
(Fixed the link -Method)
Yeah, the default front page has the speech bubble wrong; if you navigate to comic 2811, it's correct.
Edited to add: Nobody's wondering what poor Mar-bear's gonna do when half the rent moves to New York?
I don't think it'll go that way. I could see Angus, now that he has the gig, trying a full-court press to get Faye to move with him. She freaks out, ties one on, and blurts out to him that her FWB has confessed his love for her and that she's now not sure how she feels and does not want to move with him. Voila, breakup and ... possible messiness with Dora, Marten, et. al.
I also owe some forumites an apology. I'm not sure how we go from this Dora (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2191) to one who wants to cut Sven completely off. Unless something majorly fucked-up happened off screen, I'm now sort of side-eyeing why Dora freaked out that way.
(Fixed the link -Method)
Edited to add: Nobody's wondering what poor Mar-bear's gonna do when half the rent moves to New York?
Hmmm. All I'm wondering is if Jeph's going to do a whole week of Faye/Angus drama, or switch off with Claire/Marten, alternating every day or two, with occasional forays into the rest of the cast...
Easy, Dale moves in... although they may need to upgrade their internet bandwidth to handle all the gamingI consider this unlikely: their relationship is less than a month old in-comic. (edited for timeline consistency)
Hmmm. All I'm wondering is if Jeph's going to do a whole week of Faye/Angus drama, or switch off with Claire/Marten, alternating every day or two, with occasional forays into the rest of the cast...
Nah, he'll now switch to several totally new characters, and we won't see any of the standard cast for the next two weeks.
Yeah, the default front page has the speech bubble wrong; if you navigate to comic 2811, it's correct.
Edited to add: Nobody's wondering what poor Mar-bear's gonna do when half the rent moves to New York?
Hmmm. All I'm wondering is if Jeph's going to do a whole week of Faye/Angus drama, or switch off with Claire/Marten, alternating every day or two, with occasional forays into the rest of the cast...
Yeah, the default front page has the speech bubble wrong; if you navigate to comic 2811, it's correct.
Edited to add: Nobody's wondering what poor Mar-bear's gonna do when half the rent moves to New York?
Ooh, Marigold can move in with Marten in Faye's old room! Hijinks ensue! Perfect!
Or we'll get yet another subplot with further complications. The anthroboyfriend that Hannerdad sent to Hannelore (that Hannelore returned) will be commandeered by Station, who drops in to visit/declare his love for Hannelore.
(I typed that with tongue firmly in cheek, but now that I think about it, I could nearly see this happening)
I suspect that we're going to have another day or two (that is to say, another comic or two) of Fave/Angus drama, followed by Faye meeting Marten to gripe about her issues, but all he wants to talk about is Claire.
Hmmm. All I'm wondering is if Jeph's going to do a whole week of Faye/Angus drama, or switch off with Claire/Marten, alternating every day or two, with occasional forays into the rest of the cast...
She's willing to be hugged by May, maybe an AI boyfriend would be just the thing for her.
Hmmm. All I'm wondering is if Jeph's going to do a whole week of Faye/Angus drama, or switch off with Claire/Marten, alternating every day or two, with occasional forays into the rest of the cast...
Hmmm. All I'm wondering is if Jeph's going to do a whole week of Faye/Angus drama, or switch off with Claire/Marten, alternating every day or two, with occasional forays into the rest of the cast...
That would be interesting and a good juxtaposition between claire/marten and faye/angus. One new and full of hope the other full of doubt and possible trouble
I just really hope that whoever said that Faye might drunkenly cheat on Angus with Sven is wrong. :/
I think Marten and Claire are done for the day. Maybe a bit more uneventful snuggling on the porch, but they've said all the important stuff that needs said so they can snuggle offpanel.
Two ships enter, one ship leaves...two ships enter, one ship leaves...
Sven's done some shitty things, but do you really think "take advantage of a drunk person" is a low he'd sink to?
One thing I'm wondering, too... If Claire is studying library science at a post graduate level... I'm wondering just how high she's aiming. Librarian of Congress, maybe?They don't hire women like her. In this universe, anyway. It is not a safe space, something that only time will change.
When she interviewed for a job as a terrorism research analyst at the Library of Congress, she thought she'd found the perfect fit, given her background and 16,000-volume home library collection on military history, the art of war, international relations and political philosophy. Schroer accepted the position, but when she told her future supervisor that she was in the process of gender transition, they rescinded the job offer.
Edited to add: Nobody's wondering what poor Mar-bear's gonna do when half the rent moves to New York?
So I do, yes. Thank you.
You mean Momo yes?
She's willing to be hugged by May, maybe an AI boyfriend would be just the thing for her.
You mean Momo yes?
Dammit, y'all are making me look bad. :oops:
Actually, this happened before Momo for about a week worth of strips. (http://questionablecontent.net./view.php?comic=1010) Pretty much Hanners rejected the idea, but not before giving Winslow a whirl and surviving an AnthroPC inquisition.
One thing I'm wondering, too... If Claire is studying library science at a post graduate level... I'm wondering just how high she's aiming. Library of Congress, maybe?
IMHO, she'd be happy running a library in a small town; what matters is that it would be her library. :wink:
Sure, but I'd think that given a bachelor's in English, she could have a good shot at running any library sooner.
Dammit, y'all are making me look bad. :oops:
Ahhhh. There's the drama.
Is there a place in this forum to track the current plots happening in the Q.C. world? Since the previous three weeks' worth of comics dealt, largely, with the squees over the beginning of Claire and Marten's relationship, I think it's important that we should remember everything else happening. With permission, I've made a list:Thanks for that list! Don't forget Emily's possible attraction to Marten, though.
- Claire and Marten are in the beginning stages of their relationship (last visit: comic #2808 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2808))
- Angus's callback in NYC and possibly having to make his relationship with Faye long distance (last visit: #2781 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2781))
- Dora wanting to cut Sven out of her life as much as possible (last visit: #2779 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2779))
- Sven's unrequited pining for Faye (last visit: #2770 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2770))
- Veronica (Marten's mom) moving to Northampton to be with Jim (last visit: #2718 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2718))
Then, there are the usual goings-on with all of the characters that, while part of the story, aren't their own story (if that makes sense).
Hope this list helps...as we consider the next few weeks of Q.C., it's probably a good thing to keep track of everything so we're not too blindsided when something new happens.
(Edit / addition: AprilArcus's timeline of Q.C. over in the "Passage of time in QC" thread is an invaluable resource! http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,30197.msg1274454.html#msg1274454 (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,30197.msg1274454.html#msg1274454))
Cheers.
And so it begins. Feels like everything is kinda coming to a head here.
I just really hope that whoever said that Faye might drunkenly cheat on Angus with Sven is wrong. :/
I don't think it'll go that way. I could see Angus, now that he has the gig, trying a full-court press to get Faye to move with him. She freaks out, ties one on, and blurts out to him that her FWB has confessed his love for her and that she's now not sure how she feels and does not want to move with him. Voila, breakup and ... possible messiness with Dora, Marten, et. al.
I also owe some forumites an apology. I'm not sure how we go from this Dora (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2191) to one who wants to cut Sven completely off. Unless something majorly fucked-up happened off screen, I'm now sort of side-eyeing why Dora freaked out that way.
(Fixed the link -Method)
Another possibility!
As for the Dora thing......I think she is just protective of her friends. And this is the 2nd time that Sven has messed up/with Faye. Hence the extreme reaction.
Given Faye's issues with abandonment I don't think she could handle a long-distance relationship., this leaves the door open for Sven to walk right back in.
Faye is going to want a shoulder to cry on; will Claire be willing to share?
Then again, maybe it's a case of parking herself in academia to allow time to make transphobia be a bit less of a problem for her, as well as give herself a more direct shot at, say, Gus's job.I think by now any episode of Transphobia would be completely out of canon and character, at least from our fellow "permanent" cast. Also, as of now, only Emily, Marten, possibly Tai and Claire´s family seem to know, and nobody else has made any sort of remark that makes me think they even suspect or know she is trans, even if that does not completely rule out some character making an unaproppriate comment, as stated before on the forum, This, and the way she is depicted in the comic makes me believe her "passing" is next to perfect. Now, I remember there was a post somewhere in the forum about the change of gender markers and names in ID in the different states, but I can´t seem to find it right now and I don´t remember what the situation is in Massachusets. Maybe she has already obtained said change in her ID and birth certificate, maybe not, so the issue may only come up if / when applying for a new job and/or dealing with the administration, or not at all.
Faye might or might not break up with Angus. Either way, she is going to meet the Tequila Monster soon. Dora boss might fire her for being drunk at work, while Dora friend must try to help her. She might seek comfort with Sven. She will cry a lot. There will be dark times ahead.
Marten, Dora, and Hanners have a tough job ahead of them to help Faye through this.
Holy nutballs! It's an eruption! Fire and brimstone in Faye's pants!You haven't come down with the Butts Disease, have you? :mrgreen:
It's quite an eruption in general in the comics, these last days. When you think the explosions are over another one rocks your world.
Or we'll get yet another subplot with further complications. The anthroboyfriend that Hannerdad sent to Hannelore (that Hannelore returned) will be commandeered by Station, who drops in to visit/declare his love for Hannelore.
(I typed that with tongue firmly in cheek, but now that I think about it, I could nearly see this happening)
She's willing to be hugged by May, maybe an AI boyfriend would be just the thing for her.
Perhaps Station scores a chassis and some vacation time on Earth...
Sven's done some shitty things, but do you really think "take advantage of a drunk person" is a low he'd sink to?
Perhaps Station scores a chassis and some vacation time on Earth...
author=SubaruStephen link=topic=30209.msg1274983#msg1274983 date=1413184535]
Perhaps Station scores a chassis and some vacation time on Earth...
One is available if it hasn't been scrapped or jettisoned out of an airlock already..... (http://questionablecontent.net./view.php?comic=1010)
One thing I'm wondering, too... If Claire is studying library science at a post graduate level... I'm wondering just how high she's aiming. Librarian of Congress, maybe?They don't hire women like her. In this universe, anyway. It is not a safe space, something that only time will change.
https://www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights_hiv-aids/schroer-v-library-congress-case-profile
One thing I'm wondering, too... If Claire is studying library science at a post graduate level... I'm wondering just how high she's aiming. Librarian of Congress, maybe?They don't hire women like her. In this universe, anyway. It is not a safe space, something that only time will change.
https://www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights_hiv-aids/schroer-v-library-congress-case-profile
Clearly this is a case of naked male privilege with a single job. They found someone who preformed gender:man for half a century and did it so perfectly that they were able to thrive in the hyper-masculine environment of the green berets as evidenced by a lofty rank and then withdrew the offer when the gender performance was no longer part of the package. And shame on them for caring about such a minor thing.
Sven's done some shitty things, but do you really think "take advantage of a drunk person" is a low he'd sink to?
Yes. (http://www.questionablecontent.net/1334)Perhaps Station scores a chassis and some vacation time on Earth...
One is available if it hasn't been scrapped or jettisoned out of an airlock already..... (http://questionablecontent.net./view.php?comic=1010)
It should be noted that the Librarian of Congress is an 85-year-old Reagan appointee. The environment at the Library of Congress will change when the management changes.
While there are (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=682) certainly instances (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1334) of Sven being shitty (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2744), Dora cutting Sven out of her life has never really made sense to me. He has counseled her (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=335) and helped her feel better (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2194). Sven let Dora live with him after she and Marten broke up (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1814). He seems like a pretty good brother who supports his sister.
Additionally, Sven is not the bad guy he's made out to be around these parts. He tried to offer Marten insight so Marten and Dora could become a better couple (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1747). He also took Hannelore on a pretend date (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1769). Faye even started being nice to him (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1782).
To get back to Dora, there has been at least one instance where Dora assumed the worst about Sven without being right (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2191) ("Dora, it's been MONTHS since I hooked up with ANYBODY. That's not who I am anymore. Which you'd know, if you ever bothered to ask.") Dora hasn't seen Sven in the comic, on screen, since 2194. I don't think it would be a reach to guess that Dora hasn't talked to Sven in a while and has never bothered to consider his feelings.
While there are (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=682) certainly instances (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1334) of Sven being shitty (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2744), Dora cutting Sven out of her life has never really made sense to me. He has counseled her (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=335) and helped her feel better (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2194). Sven let Dora live with him after she and Marten broke up (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1814). He seems like a pretty good brother who supports his sister.
Additionally, Sven is not the bad guy he's made out to be around these parts. He tried to offer Marten insight so Marten and Dora could become a better couple (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1747). He also took Hannelore on a pretend date (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1769). Faye even started being nice to him (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1782).
To get back to Dora, there has been at least one instance where Dora assumed the worst about Sven without being right (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2191) ("Dora, it's been MONTHS since I hooked up with ANYBODY. That's not who I am anymore. Which you'd know, if you ever bothered to ask.") Dora hasn't seen Sven in the comic, on screen, since 2194. I don't think it would be a reach to guess that Dora hasn't talked to Sven in a while and has never bothered to consider his feelings.
You hit the nail right on the head - Sven's not perfect and the 'I love you Faye'-Arc makes him a lot more immature than he has before, but he's a good brother. It's Dora who'll forbid him to have romantic relations with her employees (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=522) (even though it's none of her business who Raven, Faye or Sven sleep with), will physically assault (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1347)him when he hurt Faye and he still puts up with her.
Don't forget how he helped Wil and Penelope - perhaps the longest-standing couple in QC - get together. I agree, Sven has done a few shitty things, but cheating on Faye is the only one that's even remotely the business of the main cast. And even that is a bit of a gray area, since they were technically FWB. Yes, Faye had made it clear that she'd bail if he fucked anyone else, but that doesn't make them a couple; that's just setting terms for the FWB arrangement.
I wonder if Faye is recalling the words of (I think) John Lennon: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans," and realising that it happens while you're carefully not making other plans too. She's been drifting as much as Marten has.
I wonder if Faye is recalling the words of (I think) John Lennon: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans," and realising that it happens while you're carefully not making other plans too. She's been drifting as much as Marten has.
I love your avatar! I miss that show.
To your Faye point, I'm not sure that it's fair to say she's drifting. She's a person who saw her dad blow his brains out in front of her and spent much of the immediate time after that and school bailing when things threatened to get too real for her. CoD, Marten and their group of friends represents the first time she felt safe in putting down roots, and since Jeph has said that as of strip 1400, anywhere from six months to two years has passed. She had just started undergoing therapy and hadn't even been seeing Angus at that point. And 1400 was after the Sven situation self-destructed, which may have shaken her confidence. In comic age, she's in her early 20s. Being assistant manager at a coffeeshop where she has made great friends is not the worst thing in the world for her right now. I'm sure she'll have ambitions to branch out at some point, but I don't think she's been drifting at all.
And I'm a little perplexed at those who are trying to make Sven out as some sort of saint. No, he's not a completely reprehensible human being, but lest we forget, he tried to use Marten as a shield to get away from an ex, more or less told Penny he would bang her IF she weren't with Wil, not IF he weren't already with Faye, broke their agreement and had to be shamed by his intern into telling her, and was an ass to Faye at the sledding party when she was there with Angus minding her own business. No, that doesn't give Dora permission to be self-righteous, but this isn't Gandhi we're talking about.
It deserves repeating: Sven isn't bad, he's just self-absorbed almost to the point of parody.
It deserves repeating: Sven isn't bad, he's just self-absorbed almost to the point of parody. He literally doesn't care about anyone's feelings except his own. He and he alone matters; he'd be shocked if he was told that he hurt someone (and even offended at the implication that he acted in bad faith towards them) but he wouldn't change his ways because... hey... he wants something, why shouldn't he get it?
In other words, both Dora and Sven have serious emotional/behavioural issues. Their parents really have a lot to answer for.
It deserves repeating: Sven isn't bad, he's just self-absorbed almost to the point of parody.
That drunk fucking linked earlier in the thread suggests otherwise.
No, he's certainly not a saint. No one in the cast is. I think what he said to Penny about what he'd want to do if Wil didn't "have dibs" was kind of in good fun, and to be fair, Sven and Faye didn't HAVE an agreement. I realize it's a technicality, and I'm not trying to defend him, but I assume he's telling the truth when he says "I never said I wouldn't fuck anyone else."
Sledding party, sure, douchey.
Rereading the Marten-as-shield arc is strange. It's like a completely different comic. That storyline just wouldn't happen now, I don't think. At any rate, I think Faye comes out looking the worst in that one.
Anyway, I'm not saying Sven is an awesome, blameless guy or anything, but I think his whole Alpha Indie Manwhore identity brings him more scorn than he really deserves.
Which makes me think that something happened off-screen. We see Cosette telling Dora about what happened, and the next is Dora striding into CoD "brother-free," which suggests that in the intervening time, she confronted Sven and they argued and possibly Sven said some stuff that Dora can't forgive or forget. This could impact directly on Faye-Angus, because the "I don't have a brother" thing is a bomb yet to be exploded and I can't imagine Faye, having to deal with all she has to deal with right now, taking too kindly to that.
It deserves repeating: Sven isn't bad, he's just self-absorbed almost to the point of parody.
That drunk fucking linked earlier in the thread suggests otherwise.
Because of the Faye issue or because he's, as others have suggested, taking advantage of a drunk woman?
I agree that Sven isn't bad, but what you go on to describe him as is basically the standard definition of a sociopath...And I think he's spot on. The other characters are no angels either, and all have issues of some kind, but noone will ever get close to the level of selfishness and pricklyness (is there such a term anyways?) Sven has exhibited.
I agree that Sven isn't bad, but what you go on to describe him as is basically the standard definition of a sociopath...And I think he's spot on. The other characters are no angels either, and all have issues of some kind, but noone will ever get close to the level of selfishness and pricklyness (is there such a term anyways?) Sven has exhibited.
I think as of now he is in QC to be hated by the audience. (Now playing: Behind Blue Eyes by The Who)
It deserves repeating: Sven isn't bad, he's just self-absorbed almost to the point of parody.
That drunk fucking linked earlier in the thread suggests otherwise.
Because of the Faye issue or because he's, as others have suggested, taking advantage of a drunk woman?
The latter. If he was equally drunk which still isn't necessarily acceptable, he certain had a remarkably lucid thought pattern for a drunk man.
Not necessarily so. Jeph doesn't do static characters. Faye already developed past the worst of her social anxieties, an honest try at a long distance relationship might even be what she needs to get past her abandonment issues.
Okay, a little bit more from my last prediction (and this time a happy/melancholy one). At the end of their discussion (Thursday's strip), Angus pulls out a promise ring and tells Faye that he knows the months ahead are going to be tough but that he wants them to be together. Faye is flabbergasted and, after Angus slips on the promise ring, the two kiss in the middle of CoD. Dora is looking past them with a shocked expression. Last panel is Sven watching the Angus/Faye PDA looking like someone's cut out his heart with an apple corer.
And I'm a little perplexed at those who are trying to make Sven out as some sort of saint. No, he's not a completely reprehensible human being, but lest we forget, he tried to use Marten as a shield to get away from an ex, more or less told Penny he would bang her IF she weren't with Wil, not IF he weren't already with Faye, broke their agreement and had to be shamed by his intern into telling her, and was an ass to Faye at the sledding party when she was there with Angus minding her own business. No, that doesn't give Dora permission to be self-righteous, but this isn't Gandhi we're talking about.
The latter. If he was equally drunk which still isn't necessarily acceptable, he certain had a remarkably lucid thought pattern for a drunk man.
It deserves repeating: Sven isn't bad, he's just self-absorbed almost to the point of parody.
That drunk fucking linked earlier in the thread suggests otherwise.
Because of the Faye issue or because he's, as others have suggested, taking advantage of a drunk woman?
The latter. If he was equally drunk which still isn't necessarily acceptable, he certain had a remarkably lucid thought pattern for a drunk man.
I don't think there's any indication that they're anything more than buzzed, and there's certainly no indication that Sven is taking advantage or being pushy. In fact, I don't see any way to read Gina's expression in the first panel as anything other than "I am SO gonna fuck this guy."
I fully understand the discourse about consent and the muddling role that alcohol plays in it, but are we realistically going to say that two adults can't meet in a bar, have a few drinks, and then go have sex, without it being considered sexual assault? That seems hysterical to me.
It deserves repeating: Sven isn't bad, he's just self-absorbed almost to the point of parody.
That drunk fucking linked earlier in the thread suggests otherwise.
Because of the Faye issue or because he's, as others have suggested, taking advantage of a drunk woman?
The latter. If he was equally drunk which still isn't necessarily acceptable, he certain had a remarkably lucid thought pattern for a drunk man.
I don't think there's any indication that they're anything more than buzzed, and there's certainly no indication that Sven is taking advantage or being pushy. In fact, I don't see any way to read Gina's expression in the first panel as anything other than "I am SO gonna fuck this guy."
I fully understand the discourse about consent and the muddling role that alcohol plays in it, but are we realistically going to say that two adults can't meet in a bar, have a few drinks, and then go have sex, without it being considered sexual assault? That seems hysterical to me.
I'm with aphanisis81 on that one - look at how they interact. She takes the initiative, and his thoughts/body language indicate that he's more passive than usual, because he's thinking of Faye. Not saying that his behaviour is great, on the contrary, but sexual assault? Really? :psyduck:
May has opinions (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2754) about pedants. :laugh:
Sometimes you do have to cut family for your life. It's not always a bad thing. I had to walk away from my family and the toxic relationship with my father, and it still deeply affects me 17 years later. It probably always will. Sven is no angel, and neither is Dora. This is something they are both aware of and trying to help themselves with their mental problems, but that won't make them perfect. They are in fact, both flawed human beings trying to make their own way in the world, just like everyone else. Sven is self absorbed to the point where he's hurtful to others around him without meaning to be. Dora is controlling and passes the blame for her faults onto other people. Sven happens to be one of the ones she's spent a life time both stressing over and blaming for things. To her own mind, what Dora is doing is making sense. She sees Sven as a source of stress in her life, so she's trying to eliminate it. I think she'll find that it won't work though, and eventually there will be a reconciliation. Saying how horrible either Sven or Dora are isn't fair. Neither are mustache twirling villains out to ruin the lives of other people. Just confused, messed up people dealing with their own issues. Sometimes in bad ways.
I am not sure about the off-screen talk between Dora and Sven. Dora does have a habit of making rash, irrational decisions in anger - harsh ones, too. No matter how incomplete her information is. Remember when she 'broke up' with Marten when she saw him hugging Faye? What she does in her own time and with her boyfriend is nobody's business, but firing somebody because of that? (Yes, I know, Faye talked some sense into her, but 'Don't come into work tomorrow' is pretty unambiguous).
I am not sure about the off-screen talk between Dora and Sven. Dora does have a habit of making rash, irrational decisions in anger - harsh ones, too. No matter how incomplete her information is. Remember when she 'broke up' with Marten when she saw him hugging Faye? What she does in her own time and with her boyfriend is nobody's business, but firing somebody because of that? (Yes, I know, Faye talked some sense into her, but 'Don't come into work tomorrow' is pretty unambiguous).
That was not one of Dora's finest moments. I've gone on record here saying that the very item you brought up nearly had me swear her off for good. There was no excuse for that sort of overreaction.
Still, I just can't see her doing something permanent with a family member based on third-hand info. *shrugs* That's just my opinion. Like, I can't see her having reacted that way to Faye or Marten if someone had just told her that they saw them hugging rather than her seeing it herself.
At any rate, I have a feeling we'll find out soon enough what actually happened there - if anything at all.
Dora might also have left a therapy appointment shaken and destabilized.
I just can't go with the "maybe it happened offscreen". This isn't a reality show, Jeph chooses what to show us.
If he doesn't show us an interaction between characters (and doesn't even HINT at the interaction) I think it is reasonable to assume that those "offscreen" interactions are irrelevant to the plot.
Next week would be back to Marten and Claire. I've already put up my ideas for the first two strips (Claire coming out in a pretty dress and going to CoD with Marten). In this version, there would be no library party as it's the weekend. Instead, after spending some time walking around town together, they go to The Secret Bakery for lunch where, much to Martin's shock, Veronica is behind the counter. The rest of the week will basically be Jim and Veronica teasing Marten and Claire.
Long distance can work in the short term, but from experience anything long term doesn't (if I'm wrong, please correct me :) ).
I can't wrap my head around Dora being caring-sister one moment and then the next it's all "Welp! Guess I don't have a brother anymore!" Dora can be irrational at times, but that's on another level. Not that it means much, but she is in therapy and has a girlfriend who is crazy about her and whose motives Dora does not have to doubt. If anything, she should be more mellow, not all "RAWR!"
I can't wrap my head around Dora being caring-sister one moment and then the next it's all "Welp! Guess I don't have a brother anymore!" Dora can be irrational at times, but that's on another level. Not that it means much, but she is in therapy and has a girlfriend who is crazy about her and whose motives Dora does not have to doubt. If anything, she should be more mellow, not all "RAWR!"
In the very strip (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2770) where Dora hears about Sven's declaration, the previous frame to the reveal has her two closest friends agreeing that she'd go nuclear if she found out.
I agree, Sven has done a few shitty things, but cheating on Faye is the only one that's even remotely the business of the main cast. And even that is a bit of a gray area, since they were technically FWB. Yes, Faye had made it clear that she'd bail if he fucked anyone else, but that doesn't make them a couple; that's just setting terms for the FWB arrangement.Much worse than cheating on Faye was failing to get over his feelings, and getting all up in Faye's face about them, long after she'd clearly and explicitly chucked him and moved on. If you're going to say his cheating was only "grey" because it was FWB, then he's not entitled to dump his feelings on her; the casual nature of FWB cuts both ways, surely. Either both parties have emotional obligations, or neither does.
Sven's done some shitty things, but do you really think "take advantage of a drunk person" is a low he'd sink to?
It depends. I have a friend who's been in a long-distance relationship (North Carolina and Vermont) for several years now, and they seem to be making it work. So it can be done.
My one long-distance relationship probably lasted longer than it would have if we'd lived closer together - the distance made it easier to ignore some of the problems.
Sven's done some shitty things, but do you really think "take advantage of a drunk person" is a low he'd sink to?
Yes.
To be fair, I don't know if Gareth is equating "taking advantage" with "sexual assault." But it does seem like splitting hairs to say, in this case, that there's a big difference. If the issue is that booze interfered with the legitimacy of her consent, then there's really no difference at all.
To be fair, I don't know if Gareth is equating "taking advantage" with "sexual assault." But it does seem like splitting hairs to say, in this case, that there's a big difference. If the issue is that booze interfered with the legitimacy of her consent, then there's really no difference at all.
What a load of crap.
Can I turn this around and say that since he was drunk as well, was she not taking advantage of HIM and reducing his capacity for consent?
What this world is turning into, with the lack of personal responsibility and anti-male diatribe, makes me sick :-(
That couch might be fine for spooning, but they're lousy if you want to fork. :claireface:
I'm certainly no expert but this certainly does not bode well. I guess you could say Angus is really tempting fayte. :claireface:
Nice skull placement as well. Not sure if its quite heavy handed enough, maybe there should be some dark clouds overhead as well?
Are you saying that Angus will be cowed? :claireface:
Nice skull placement as well. Not sure if its quite heavy handed enough, maybe there should be some dark clouds overhead as well?
Are you saying that Angus will be cowed? :claireface:I call bull on that.
Looks like Faye is playing second fiddle to Angus's career. Distant second.
Faye and Angus are boring now. Let's sensationalize the race to be Marigold's new roomate!
Will it be May? Steve? Jimbo? Claire? Clinton? Hanners? Lydia? Maridad? Amanda? Spaceship? Dave? That former boss of Marten's whose name I cannot remember right now? Wil?
Smart money is probably on Clinton. They can talk nerd to each other.
As far as Marigold's new room mate... For the sake of Teh Dramaz... I suggest Padma. :)Jeph, as Emperor Palpatine himself once said.... DO IT.
Looks like Faye is playing second fiddle to Angus's career. Distant second.
Honestly, I think that is the way it should be. Faye and Angus have been dating for, what 6 months? A year at the most. They don't live together. I don't see why either of them should prioritize the relationship over a fantastic career opportunity.
Momo might be making enough at the library that she can be the other roommate for Marigold. She has said that she would like more space.
As far as Marigold's new room mate... For the sake of Teh Dramaz... I suggest Padma. :)
Faye and Angus are boring now. Let's sensationalize the race to be Marigold's new roomate!
Will it be May? Steve? Jimbo? Claire? Clinton? Hanners? Lydia? Maridad? Amanda? Spaceship? Dave? That former boss of Marten's whose name I cannot remember right now? Wil?
Smart money is probably on Clinton. They can talk nerd to each other.
Shouldn't Angus be responsible for finding the new roommate (not Marigold)? Obviously, it's important that Marigold like this new roommate. Regardless, Angus should be paying rent until he finds someone to take over the lease, or the lease terminates.
Shouldn't Angus be responsible for finding the new roommate (not Marigold)? Obviously, it's important that Marigold like this new roommate. Regardless, Angus should be paying rent until he finds someone to take over the lease, or the lease terminates.
Also: c'mon, Angus. Suggesting that you will spoon on your friend's couch as your answer to "what about me?" Setting aside the fact that you should try to show sympathy towards your girlfriend with abandonment issues, and reassure her that you two will be ok, you should at least say that you'll be snuggling in the bed at your new apartment! It does not take THAT long to find a place in NYC if you're motivated to find something.
Let's sensationalize the race to be Marigold's new roomate!
Also: c'mon, Angus. Suggesting that you will spoon on your friend's couch as your answer to "what about me?" Setting aside the fact that you should try to show sympathy towards your girlfriend with abandonment issues, and reassure her that you two will be ok, you should at least say that you'll be snuggling in the bed at your new apartment! It does not take THAT long to find a place in NYC if you're motivated to find something.
I'm pretty sure he's joking. Whether Faye appreciates the humor at the moment remains to be seen.
Shouldn't Angus be responsible for finding the new roommate (not Marigold)? Obviously, it's important that Marigold like this new roommate. Regardless, Angus should be paying rent until he finds someone to take over the lease, or the lease terminates.
As someone who was in that position.. that's garbage. I had to leave an apartment before because of a bad situation with my then room mate. They tried to stick me with paying half the rent for an apartment I wasn't living in (and had the police report to back up) until my ex room mate found someone else. Funny how she really didn't go looking until I refused to pay it. I seriously doubt that Angus could afford to pay half the rent there and rent on a place in The City anyway. Though if he could it would be a way to reassure Faye and a place for him to come back and visit her in. But that seems unlikely, and he could just as easily visit and stay with Faye for a weekend. If he's a nice guy (he is) then sure helping Marigold find a new room mate would be good. Besides he is her friend not just some random person he roomed with. I don't think he would leave her in the lurch. But to expect him to pay half rent on a place he isn't living in is just to far beyond nice or reasonable.
...hmm.
About time Claire left the nest, isn't it?
It's just a shame Veronica already found a place.Marigold already had to lay down the law with Angus about too much sex talk....
...hmm.
About time Claire left the nest, isn't it?
Good point!
...hmm.
About time Claire left the nest, isn't it?
Maybe Dale will move in with Marigold.
Kinda like the symbolism of the skull picture between the two. Not that i'm reading anything further into it now......
That picture's been there for years (in real time -- a.k.a., since at least six months ago, comic time :P ), though.
That picture's been there for years (in real time -- a.k.a., since at least six months ago, comic time :P ), though.
You and your logic ruin all the fun.... but anyway to whoever thought Claire would be a roommate choice, are you trying to sink the ship already before it even gets out of the harbor? She would certainly do/make some comment, or find out about Claire being trans and just blurt it out one day in front of everyone, unintentionally but still.
Does Dale live with his mom? I thought he had his own place, in which case sharing with Marigold would save money.
Oh i didn't mean you azira, i just was too lazy to scroll back up and find the quotes... and you're right, no one makes a lick of sense to move in. You know what that means? New cast member, just what we always need right?
Not wise. They watch anime in the evenings and make the gamer with two backs at night and that's it. Honeymoon phase. Moving in is soooooo premature.Hey, I didn't mean that it would be good for their relationship. It'd be a terrible idea. But that doesn't mean they wouldn't do it. Those two aren't exactly renowned for their good sense about relationships. "Hey, if we live together, we can save money AND bone more" might sound totally awesome to them.
Amir's been staying in the practice space. If he lived with Marigold then Hanners and martin might spend more time thinking about band practice.
Maybe Dale will move in with Marigold.How many relationships do you want to see implode over the next few weeks?
Momo might be making enough at the library that she can be the other roommate for Marigold. She has said that she would like more space.
to whoever thought Claire would be a roommate choice, are you trying to sink the ship already before it even gets out of the harbor? She would certainly do/make some comment, or find out about Claire being trans and just blurt it out one day in front of everyone, unintentionally but still.
Smart money is probably on Clinton. They can talk nerd to each other.
Faye moves in! This prompted not so much by Marigold but by Claire, who wants Marten for herself and decides to move in with him.
Shouldn't Angus be responsible for finding the new roommate (not Marigold)? Obviously, it's important that Marigold like this new roommate. Regardless, Angus should be paying rent until he finds someone to take over the lease, or the lease terminates.
Smart money is probably on Clinton. They can talk nerd to each other.
I don't know what you lot are on about. It was the last panel, it's the best time to make a joke. :-DShouldn't Angus be responsible for finding the new roommate (not Marigold)? Obviously, it's important that Marigold like this new roommate. Regardless, Angus should be paying rent until he finds someone to take over the lease, or the lease terminates.
It's fair to expect Angus to give one month's notice, at least in rent. Apart from that, I don't see how there is any further obligation on him; legal, moral, or otherwise.
Both of them had questionable ability to consent
I honestly don't know how it works in other parts of the country or the world, even, but when I was in college in Pennsylvania, if someone on the lease was breaking the lease, that person was responsible for vetting a new roommate as far as ability to pay and pass a credit check, otherwise that person forfeit their deposit and racked up additional fees. This was also in a college town, as well. Who knows. It may be very simple for Marigold to find a replacement.
Bad time to make a joke Angus.Agreed, Faye is going to explode tomorrow. Let us hope she just kicks him out instead of brandishing the sword (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1773). Decapitations are not fun anymore.
Maybe Dale will move in with Marigold.Well, that is the obvious solution, yes. I don't see either objecting.
(Cue drama about whether May gets to move in too.)Of course she will. Which means certain adjustments for Momo, which have already been foreshadowed (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2802).
Shouldn't Angus be responsible for finding the new roommate (not Marigold)? Obviously, it's important that Marigold like this new roommate. Regardless, Angus should be paying rent until he finds someone to take over the lease, or the lease terminates.
As someone who was in that position.. that's garbage. I had to leave an apartment before because of a bad situation with my then room mate. They tried to stick me with paying half the rent for an apartment I wasn't living in (and had the police report to back up) until my ex room mate found someone else. Funny how she really didn't go looking until I refused to pay it. I seriously doubt that Angus could afford to pay half the rent there and rent on a place in The City anyway. Though if he could it would be a way to reassure Faye and a place for him to come back and visit her in. But that seems unlikely, and he could just as easily visit and stay with Faye for a weekend. If he's a nice guy (he is) then sure helping Marigold find a new room mate would be good. Besides he is her friend not just some random person he roomed with. I don't think he would leave her in the lurch. But to expect him to pay half rent on a place he isn't living in is just to far beyond nice or reasonable.
Realistically though, given the state of Massachusetts housing, especially in a hip college town like Northampton, all it would take is a Craigslist ad and they'd have a their pick of new roommates within a day.
Another good story-telling reason to have Clinton move in with Marigold. We know he has a creepy sort-of-man crush on Hannelore. Who is Marigold's best girl friend? Hannelore! We know that he can't come to see her at Coffee of Doom anymore because Dora has him hosed down when he starts getting creepy. So, it would be an interesting way to see how his feelings and behaviour has developed.
IMO, it will be a case of Hannelore coming over to see Marigold and, whist they're doing girl things together, Clinton will simply sit on the couch and creepily worship Hanners from afar until Momo tasers him.Realistically though, given the state of Massachusetts housing, especially in a hip college town like Northampton, all it would take is a Craigslist ad and they'd have a their pick of new roommates within a day.
Suddenly, I have a mental image of Marigold, Momo and Angus as an interview panel, vetting each applicant as if they had applied for a job with a blue chip finance house.
Another good story-telling reason to have Clinton move in with Marigold. We know he has a creepy sort-of-man crush on Hannelore. Who is Marigold's best girl friend? Hannelore! We know that he can't come to see her at Coffee of Doom anymore because Dora has him hosed down when he starts getting creepy. So, it would be an interesting way to see how his feelings and behaviour has developed.I've been thinking a bit more, and I don't see any male character moving in with Marigold except Dale. I think Marigold is much more aware now about who she will allow into her life/apartment than when she started living with Angus (when she probably only cared about him not disturbing her gaming). There was a moment of jealousy from Marigold when May returned/appeared in person which could indicate that she wants her man for herself and that she'll insist on having Dale move in with her.
I mostly agree. Though I think that some of the demons that haunted Dora may appear in Claire as well, namely the thoughts about whether Marten have feelings for Faye or not. It's probably easier for Claire to accept them sharing an apartment when Faye is in a relationship, but if that ends then there could be all sorts of trouble sending waves through many relations in the comic.Faye moves in! This prompted not so much by Marigold but by Claire, who wants Marten for herself and decides to move in with him.I don't see it. Claire is pretty conservative and cautious. She's probably super relieved that Marten accepts her for who she is, but she's also inexperienced with relationships and doesn't want to rock the boat just yet. It also doesn't make sense financially: grad school is bloody expensive, and living at your folk's place makes things so much easier. Claire also has good emotional support at home with her Mom, and Clinton if he lives there, too.
Another unrelated thought: What has Claire & Marten been doing all day? Eating pancakes should have happened in the morning (or at least not much later than lunchtime). Faye was going to start work at 5pm (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2798) but she may have decided to go early in order togossipspread the news to Dora.
It'd make more sense for Faye to have that epiphany and go to the city to be with Angus and pursue an art career, but I don't think Jeph will want to write Faye out of CoD.
I've been thinking a bit more, and I don't see any male character moving in with Marigold except Dale.
For me, the Skull picture in the background of the current comic pretty much set the tone for the eventual outcome of their conversation.
Suddenly, I have a mental image of Marigold, Momo and Angus as an interview panel, vetting each applicant as if they had applied for a job with a blue chip finance house.
Amir's been staying in the practice space. If he lived with Marigold then Hanners and martin might spend more time thinking about band practice.
Also: c'mon, Angus. Suggesting that you will spoon on your friend's couch as your answer to "what about me?" Setting aside the fact that you should try to show sympathy towards your girlfriend with abandonment issues, and reassure her that you two will be ok, you should at least say that you'll be snuggling in the bed at your new apartment! It does not take THAT long to find a place in NYC if you're motivated to find something.
Unless Faye and Angus were to marry and have children, all interesting aspects of this relationship have been dealt with. Time to move on.
2. Clinton. He's a character we don't see much, and with the SS Clairten setting sail, his traffic across our monitors is sure to increase, and this would be a nice setup for it. Additionally, he clearly has a job at the company that produces AnthroPCs, so his finances are steady. This could set up some return jealousy from Dale towards Marigold, allowing more drama and friction.
I do not find it inconceivable that Faye could end up being put on the bus by moving to New York to live with Angus. Something similar has happened already with Hannelore, who has arguably retreated to being a secondary character whom you only usually see behind the counter at Coffee of Doom. The key to make that a satisfying end to her story would be to write her realistically responding to the effective wrap-up of her life in Northampton and the inevitable weakening of her ties to the people there.
I do not find it inconceivable that Faye could end up being put on the bus by moving to New York to live with Angus. Something similar has happened already with Hannelore, who has arguably retreated to being a secondary character whom you only usually see behind the counter at Coffee of Doom. The key to make that a satisfying end to her story would be to write her realistically responding to the effective wrap-up of her life in Northampton and the inevitable weakening of her ties to the people there.
Hanners becoming more of a secondary character is totally different from writing Faye out of the strip. Martin and Faye are the core of the comic - it won't be Questionable Content without all the plot lines weaving back to them eventually. Without Faye, Jeph may as well call it quits on the comic and concentrate on the new one.
As for why Hanners isn't around like she used to be, there's a few reasons. One is I think her character has been explored as much as she reasonably can be, but sort of stalled out. For example, having her suddenly get over germ issues enough to date would totally break her character, but without getting over said issues she's missing out on a lot of character development/exposition that the rest of the cast has. I also think Jeph dialed her back a bit because there were too many creepy obsessive fans of her back in the day, and it freaked him out. Regardless, she's still here, she's just boring to use as anything other than joke strips at this point.
It'd make more sense for Faye to have that epiphany and go to the city to be with Angus and pursue an art career, but I don't think Jeph will want to write Faye out of CoD.
As for Marigold's new room-mate, in descending order of likelihood (from my perspective, and without the idea of brand-new characters):
(snip)
2. Clinton. He's a character we don't see much, and with the SS Clairten setting sail, his traffic across our monitors is sure to increase, and this would be a nice setup for it. Additionally, he clearly has a job at the company that produces AnthroPCs, so his finances are steady. This could set up some return jealousy from Dale towards Marigold, allowing more drama and friction.
3. Claire. Assuming she DOES make money at the library, and that the Angus/Marigold residence is clearly not too far a jaunt from CoD or the Marten/Faye apartment, so it would allow for faster commutes to see Marten.
(snip)
5. Padma. Again, stretching, REAL far this time. Padma left at almost exactly strip 2100. And while some people say she's been gone about 6 months, people ALSO say that's how long Faye and Angus have been together, so it could be longer. The time between her leaving and Marten hooking up with Delilah was about 525 strips, and Marten seemed to be going through serious intimacy withdrawal, so it had probably been around six months by THEN. If we extrapolate that it's around late August right now in QC, then her grandma may have passed away 2-3 months ago and she decided to return to Northampton, because she liked her life there. Also, that would set up HUGE drama for the SS Clairten. Could you imagine Claire's insecurities if a previous lover of Marten's rolls back into town and starts hanging around him? Also, if she gets her job back, then Marten would hear about it through Jim, seeing as Jim is now dating Marten's mom, and probably knows that Marten was close with Padma before she left.
Personally, I'm hoping for 2 or 4, just to give them more "screen"-time, but yeah. I think 5 would have the biggest "splash", but is the least likely.
Maybe Dale will move in with Marigold.How many relationships do you want to see implode over the next few weeks?
I know you're asking rhetorically, but I'm really ready for the all-consuming Dora/Tai NRE to wear off. They've both got some corners and hard edges that I would enjoy seeing bounce off each other.Momo might be making enough at the library that she can be the other roommate for Marigold. She has said that she would like more space.I don't think Momo has that kind of cash flow, since she's still paying off the debt Marigold took on for her new Chassis.
As for why Hanners isn't around like she used to be, there's a few reasons. One is I think her character has been explored as much as she reasonably can be, but sort of stalled out. For example, having her suddenly get over germ issues enough to date would totally break her character, but without getting over said issues she's missing out on a lot of character development/exposition that the rest of the cast has. I also think Jeph dialed her back a bit because there were too many creepy obsessive fans of her back in the day, and it freaked him out. Regardless, she's still here, she's just boring to use as anything other than joke strips at this point.
Yo guys, why not Hannelore as Marigold's new roommate? I feel it would be a positive step for both of them. I certainly feel this is more likely than Amir or Padma.
Also, as much as it would suck, I think it would be interesting to see how current Faye would deal with a break up over not shitty reasons. The only time we've seen her deal with something like that was with Sven, and she had a perfectly justifiable reason for rage. This would be much less so.
Either of these would leave the obvious possibility of Claire making the move out from home to the safest possible first house share - one that, given the example of Faye's history there, could even continue to be viable if Claire and Marten decide not to develop their relationship at some point in the future.
Faye and Angus are boring now. Let's sensationalize the race to be Marigold's new roomate!
Will it be May? Steve? Jimbo? Claire? Clinton? Hanners? Lydia? Maridad? Amanda? Spaceship? Dave? That former boss of Marten's whose name I cannot remember right now? Wil?
Smart money is probably on Clinton. They can talk nerd to each other.
I'm sort of looking forward to the first time Claire duct-tapes Pintsize upside-down to the wall for giving loads of obscene or pornographic auto-corrects the first time she uses him to type up her course-work. Naturally, no-one will be even slightly sympathetic to his plight.You're assuming that Claire wouldn't know better than to try to get real work done using Pintsize. Most likely, she was already at Smif by 303 (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=303), where there were AnthroPCs in the library (presumably as a pilot program)? Actually, given that bad experience, it's surprising that they hired Momo...
PINTSIZE: "I was wrong! You're as bad as the other one!!!"
I'm beginning to wonder if Jeph is starting to wrap this comic up. After reading through the posts in this thread, I could certainly see that as being very possible. The primary and most secondary characters are shipped. Yeah, there are a few issues (LDR for Fayngus, the trans situation for MartenClaire) that could be explored, but those could honestly be wrapped up pretty tidily and then we'd be left to imagine our own ultimate endings without feeling hung out to dry. Hanners (who I definitely miss seeing) has, as has been mentioned, made terrific progress with her issues, and there's no reason to indicate she'd continue. Dora and Tai seem pretty happy, so outside of introducing a new twist for them, they could be left alone.
Jeph's been drawing QC for how long? I'm a relative late-comer, having been introduced to the comic with "Get Out of My Shop (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2644)." (I really wish the date was on these comics...) With the introduction of the new comic, and since QC has been drawn for so long, I might be able to see how Jeph might start to wrap QC up to dedicate more time to AG or explore other projects. Just like any of the rest of us that work on something *forever*, every once in a while you feel the need for a change of scenery.
Just postulation. I certainly hope this is not the case, as I'd love to see QC keep going. Just pointing out the possibility that we're actually reaching a point where the comic could potentially be resolved, or at the very least, left in a good place. Maybe even around comic #3000... which will probably be just a gigantic, zoomed in image of a certain cloaca.
You're assuming that Claire wouldn't know better than to try to get real work done using Pintsize. Most likely, she was already at Smif by 303 (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=303), where there were AnthroPCs in the library (presumably as a pilot program)? Actually, given that bad experience, it's surprising that they hired Momo...
I'm beginning to wonder if Jeph is starting to wrap this comic up. After reading through the posts in this thread, I could certainly see that as being very possible. The primary and most secondary characters are shipped. Yeah, there are a few issues (LDR for Fayngus, the trans situation for MartenClaire) that could be explored, but those could honestly be wrapped up pretty tidily and then we'd be left to imagine our own ultimate endings without feeling hung out to dry.
Not necessarily. How long does he have to keep working on QC for it to be considered long enough to count as continuing to work on it? Is the artist's view on when something should end not more important than the outside observer's? The second you start catering to your audience rather than being true to your art, you become a brand, not an artist. It's what killed Heroes, for one.
However, if she's 24... wouldn't that mean she's about to go into her third year of post-grad studies?
Considering the whole pateron campaign was directed at QC readers so that he could start new projects and keep working on QC, that'd be a kinda shitty thing to do.
However, if she's 24... wouldn't that mean she's about to go into her third year of post-grad studies?
The internship is actually part of the MLS course, from the brief Wikipedia entry that I've seen. I'm not sure at what point in the course it is required but it could indicate Claire is a very senior student.
As I understand American higher education, you start in college when you're 18 or 19, so Claire would have got her BLS when she was about 22. That makes her second or third year in this Masters' course.
I'm not saying "will happen", I'm saying "plausible".
I see a real possibility of Faye moving with Angus (after sufficient relationship and CoD drama). Another possibility is that she takes over Angus's room in the house with Marigold, which gives him a familiar base for visiting and could help facilitate the LDR.
Either of these would leave the obvious possibility of Claire making the move out from home to the safest possible first house share - one that, given the example of Faye's history there, could even continue to be viable if Claire and Marten decide not to develop their relationship at some point in the future.
I'm beginning to wonder if Jeph is starting to wrap this comic up. After reading through the posts in this thread, I could certainly see that as being very possible. The primary and most secondary characters are shipped. Yeah, there are a few issues (LDR for Fayngus, the trans situation for MartenClaire) that could be explored, but those could honestly be wrapped up pretty tidily and then we'd be left to imagine our own ultimate endings without feeling hung out to dry. Hanners (who I definitely miss seeing) has, as has been mentioned, made terrific progress with her issues, and there's no reason to indicate she'd continue. Dora and Tai seem pretty happy, so outside of introducing a new twist for them, they could be left alone.
Jeph's been drawing QC for how long? I'm a relative late-comer, having been introduced to the comic with "Get Out of My Shop (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2644)." (I really wish the date was on these comics...) With the introduction of the new comic, and since QC has been drawn for so long, I might be able to see how Jeph might start to wrap QC up to dedicate more time to AG or explore other projects. Just like any of the rest of us that work on something *forever*, every once in a while you feel the need for a change of scenery.
Just postulation. I certainly hope this is not the case, as I'd love to see QC keep going. Just pointing out the possibility that we're actually reaching a point where the comic could potentially be resolved, or at the very least, left in a good place. Maybe even around comic #3000... which will probably be just a gigantic, zoomed in image of a certain cloaca.
As I understand American higher education, you start in college when you're 18 or 19, so Claire would have got her BLS when she was about 22. That makes her second or third year in this Masters' course.
As I understand American higher education, you start in college when you're 18 or 19, so Claire would have got her BLS when she was about 22. That makes her second or third year in this Masters' course.
Unless you stayed back a year when in school, you're going to be 18 when you start college, and 22 (barring a summer birthday) when you graduate. And most masters degrees are typically two years long - basically universally for MLS programs. You could easily graduate at 24 if you have no time off. That Claire is 24 and is (presumably) only finishing up her first year means she either stayed back a year at some point in school, took longer to finish undergraduate (perhaps due to changing majors) or took off a year between college and graduate school.
It is worth noting that Claire told Marten that she started hormone treatments when she was 21. It's possible that she took a year or two's break in between her bachelor and master studies due to that or because she had reconstructive surgery of some sort from which she wanted a low-stress time in order to recover.
I think Jeph may have finished the comic years ago and moved onto another project, except it's become his main source of income. So while a good story would be working towards some sense of climax, or at least closure, he needs to be mindful of his audience's desire for continued developments with established characters. It's the same conundrum that great TV series eventually reach - sooner or later the well runs dry for character development, and if there isn't a planned arc of closure, the last season or two kinda peter out.
As I said, I would prefer at this point if he pushed QC up another 5-10 years to allow for some big changes to happen in the lives of everyone. Realistically, this would mean half the characters would be gone, but it would give him a chance to introduce some new ones, and to show us the remaining cast in a more mature light.
It is worth noting that Claire told Marten that she started hormone treatments when she was 21. It's possible that she took a year or two's break in between her bachelor and master studies due to that or because she had reconstructive surgery of some sort from which she wanted a low-stress time in order to recover.
Claire said started transitioning her first year in college, and has been on HRT since then. Her first year would have meant 18-19.
http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2324 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2324)
Wait, where was it said that she started HRT when she was 21? 2324 says it was during her first year of college, so when she was 18 (or possibly 19) assuming she wasn't on an accelerated educational cycle...
It's also worth noting that a Master's program isn't necessarily 2 years...
Considering the whole pateron campaign was directed at QC readers so that he could start new projects and keep working on QC, that'd be a kinda shitty thing to do.Well, fellow patrons who do so just because of QC could just opt-out, or just like Jeph's new comic just as much. and carry on supporting him. When and if to end QC is solely his decision, though I hope this will not happen anytime soon.
As I said, I would prefer at this point if he pushed QC up another 5-10 years to allow for some big changes to happen in the lives of everyone. Realistically, this would mean half the characters would be gone, but it would give him a chance to introduce some new ones, and to show us the remaining cast in a more mature light. Either that or do a total reboot - start from the beginning with the same characters, but have the interactions turn out differently this time.
It is worth noting that Claire told Marten that she started hormone treatments when she was 21. It's possible that she took a year or two's break in between her bachelor and master studies due to that or because she had reconstructive surgery of some sort from which she wanted a low-stress time in order to recover.
Claire said started transitioning her first year in college, and has been on HRT since then. Her first year would have meant 18-19.
http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2324 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2324)
As I said, I would prefer at this point if he pushed QC up another 5-10 years to allow for some big changes to happen in the lives of everyone. Realistically, this would mean half the characters would be gone, but it would give him a chance to introduce some new ones, and to show us the remaining cast in a more mature light. Either that or do a total reboot - start from the beginning with the same characters, but have the interactions turn out differently this time.
QC- The Next Generation? :-D
I'm not saying "will happen", I'm saying "plausible".
If Faye is written out of the strip through a move to NYC, then Jeph is clearly wrapping the comic up. This might be a slice-of-life comic, but writing out one of the main characters is a jump the shark moment you often see in a flailing final season of a TV show. No thank you.
Claire and Marten moving in together is 100% certifiably nuts, even if it takes a few months comic time to happen. Nuttier than even Marigold and Dale moving in together, given at least have a few months of experience in a relationship, and don't have anything resembling good sense.
So while a good story would be working towards some sense of climax, or at least closure, he needs to be mindful of his audience's desire for continued developments with established characters. It's the same conundrum that great TV series eventually reach - sooner or later the well runs dry for character development, and if there isn't a planned arc of closure, the last season or two kinda peter out.
So while a good story would be working towards some sense of climax, or at least closure, he needs to be mindful of his audience's desire for continued developments with established characters. It's the same conundrum that great TV series eventually reach - sooner or later the well runs dry for character development, and if there isn't a planned arc of closure, the last season or two kinda peter out.
Well, there are TV shows that go on, an on , (and so are many european-style comics, like Asterix) who do close a story line in every episode or book, or every season, and then go on to the next book or episode with the same characters, or some new ones, appearing only for one episode introduced. Could that be one of the possible future "formulas" for QC so Jeph can devote mre time to AG? Now that I think of... Could Marten and Claire getting together be one of those climax moments that closes sort of an "episode" for QC?
I think she started when she was 20, based on http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2361
Is it really a jump-the-shark when it's a normal stage of progression in a serious relationship, though?
Again, why is it "nuts" that they might choose to move in together after a few months' span in-comic? I'm not clear on your reasoning. I've moved in with SOs after four months, and I've waited for over a year with others. It depends on how the relationship progresses and it's not really something you can predict.
There are also a lot of characters whose back stories haven't really been explored, or have only been briefly alluded to. We know Faye's "origin story," but we've only gotten bits and pieces for Marten, Hannelore, Claire, and Dora/Sven, each of which have plenty more room for development (as long as it fits an ongoing/upcoming storyline). Having occasional storylines outside the confines of Northampton could also open up some new possibilities. In other words, there's a lot of different ways to keep this going while still keeping it fresh, but that'd also depend on whether Jeph A: wants to keep it going, and B: has the will, and the chops, to do so.
It's also worth noting that a Master's program isn't necessarily 2 years...This cuts both ways: I, myself, am in a 1-year program.
There are also a lot of characters whose back stories haven't really been explored, or have only been briefly alluded to. We know Faye's "origin story," but we've only gotten bits and pieces for Marten, Hannelore, Claire, and Dora/Sven, each of which have plenty more room for development.
Even if I already know she just looked like Clinton with twice the hands.
Gratuitous post so this will show up in my "new replies" buttonYou know you can just go to the top of the page and hit the "notify" label in the tab on the right, right?
There are also a lot of characters whose back stories haven't really been explored, or have only been briefly alluded to. We know Faye's "origin story," but we've only gotten bits and pieces for Marten, Hannelore, Claire, and Dora/Sven, each of which have plenty more room for development.
Part of me thinks Claire backstory could be a really interesting look into the character.
And another part of me doesn't want to see her as anyone except who she's worked hard to be.
Even if I already know she just looked like Clinton with twice the hands.
What would we gain from it? Our flash back to young Hanners locked up in her room during the station arc was disturbing, but was a great counterpoint to her breakthrough birthday hug. The graphic flashback to Faye's dad's death was the right choice to visualize an otherwise abstract trauma that shaped her personality for hundreds of strips. Claire's transition arc is over and done years before we meet her. What value would we get out of seeing her as an awkward and miserable not-a-boy besides scratching a voyeuristic itch? The visual scars of her transition are all over her (brilliant) character design and there to appreciate in every panel she's in.
I can't help but think that "stalker" and "harassment" tags - quite serious ones - get thrown around here very lightly.
Just because a thing is said does not mean it is a true thing, or even a credible thing. And you support Tova's point more than you counter it. Personally, I think a lot of terms -- mostly in the name of do-it-yourself psychiatry -- get tossed around here with more enthusiasm than precision.
Just because a thing is said does not mean it is a true thing, or even a credible thing. And you support Tova's point more than you counter it. Personally, I think a lot of terms -- mostly in the name of do-it-yourself psychiatry -- get tossed around here with more enthusiasm than precision.Except pancakes. Those are thrown around here with enthusiasm AND precision!
Unfortunately, Faye hasn't been helpful in the building up to this situation. She's been outwardly the supportive girlfriend while not vocalizing her own desires and concerns. This has enabled Angus to being self-centred and not concerning himself with others in his life. "If Faye says nothing is wrong and this is good, why I shouldn't believe her?"
Angus pushed the envelope. Faye wasn't into it and he was being a tiny bit of a creeper. Dale, likewise was being a tiny bit of a creeper to Marigold and they are boning every five seconds. Yet the women who exhibited behavior similar to this were not afforded that same luxury.
Angus pushed the envelope. Faye wasn't into it and he was being a tiny bit of a creeper. Dale, likewise was being a tiny bit of a creeper to Marigold and they are boning every five seconds. Yet the women who exhibited behavior similar to this were not afforded that same luxury.
Yeah it's really impossible to imagine Jeph doing something like, I don't know, portraying (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=13) a female character (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=69) engaged in domestic abuse (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=108) against a physically weaker (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=123) target for 500 strips (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=186) and playing it off (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=305) as a slapstick (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=363), odd-couple (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=378) gag because (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=411) haha gender reversal (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=617) is funny (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1818). That would basically be a different comic!
It's funny seeing Winslow using a videocamera. But then again, he's based on an early-model Ipod - which of course doesn't have a camera.On the other hand he is a machine with vision. This means that he already have a camera.
Shows how long he's been a minor character. Heh.
So, we're done with the Faye/Angus scene already? :lol:
So, we're done with the Faye/Angus scene already? :lol:
Yep. They resolved all their issues and lived happily ever after.
(Uh, this might not be canon.)
Is it just me or has the art style is really taken a turn for the SMBC lately?
Number 2813: Backer Rewards (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2813)
Is it just me or has the art style is really taken a turn for the SMBC lately?
Are those the flames of hell, or is Pintsize visualizing Dora's tattoo?
Der Trollmaster General lives! Blood for the blood god and skulls for his throne!
One could argue that he's insensitively blind to the needs of his significant other, but he just landed a near dream job, with potential to take him farther than he may have ever believed he could go. He's stoked and it is pretty normal to want your lover to share that feeling in a moment like that.
I am beginning to think that the big problem here is less about how difficult Faye's options--LDR or break up--are for her and more how she hasn't been honest with him. Not that it is all on Faye. He hasn't been making it easy for her to feel safe about it. He's tried but, like I said at the start, he probably doesn't understand what he is dealing with.
E: All of the above.
For all the dialogue between the two of them, they've left a lot more unsaid than said. Angus doesn't know what -- or more precisely, who -- he's dealing with. And for all her progress, Faye still hasn't even quite got herself ironed out. The options aren't ideal, but neither one of them, at this point, is making it any easier for the other. Angus is happy and wants Faye to share that happiness, but I don't think he even gets how unhappy she is, and I think that's part of the source of his boneheaded remarks. Faye, on the other hand, wants Angus to be happy, but I think it's finally starting to dawn on her that she's allowed a situation where his happiness trumps hers.
The situation is still salvageable, but it's going to take a much deeper and more difficult conversation than either of them has had with the other up to this point.
Natasha coming back might be a good idea honestly.
Necro-post bump: Jeph has completely written out Natasha from the strip. (http://jephjacques.com/post/11265563239/qa-dump-09)
They call me BenRG...
But I don't know why!
I can't help but think that "stalker" and "harassment" tags - quite serious ones - get thrown around here very lightly.
Angus pushed the envelope. Faye wasn't into it and he was being a tiny bit of a creeper. Dale, likewise was being a tiny bit of a creeper to Marigold and they are boning every five seconds. Yet the women who exhibited behavior similar to this were not afforded that same luxury.
Yeah it's really impossible to imagine Jeph doing something like, I don't know, portraying (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=13) a female character (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=69) engaged in domestic abuse (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=108) against a physically weaker (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=123) target for 500 strips (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=186) and playing it off (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=305) as a slapstick (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=363), odd-couple (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=378) gag because (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=411) haha gender reversal (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=617) is funny (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1818). That would basically be a different comic!
Perhaps Jeph could start publishing Alice Grove on Saturdays and Sundays, so the waiting time gets less agonizing?
True. QC progress is slow, but AG progress is glacial at best. Besides less episodes per week, AG has no daily punchline, it is more epic. I guess the best way to read AG is to catch up a couple of times a year.Yay! It's been only 7 comics so far. Give Jeph some time to develop the storyline, it looks to me it will become a worthwhile read. He seems to be using plot elements I've come to like a lot in QC, a world very similar at a similar time than the one we live in, yet clearly distinct in some aspects, like Alice being able to fly instead of falling, being referred to as "The witch", and blue boys with tails. I like the idea, and I am keen to see how the story develops.
domestic abuse (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=108)Heh.
I am pretty certain this is the most risque QC is ever going to get.
The next two strips
Steve eating Cereal
Cereal eating Steve.
Heh.Quote from: JephI am pretty certain this is the most risque QC is ever going to get.
domestic abuse (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=108)Heh.Quote from: JephI am pretty certain this is the most risque QC is ever going to get.
(http://tjandamal.com/skull.gif)
New comic is theoretically up (I can't see it yet) and the text under it is "oh nooooo". This doesn't bode well for Faye and Angus...
Jeez, Jeph, can't you let us stay in shiny happy land for a little while longer? Must you always bring us back down with a thud?
Looks like Faye's going to end things with a whimper and not a bang. Good for her if she does. It shows how much she's grown as a person.
Looks like Faye's going to end things with a whimper and not a bang. Good for her if she does. It shows how much she's grown as a person.
Looks like Faye's going to end things with a whimper and not a bang. Good for her if she does. It shows how much she's grown as a person.
I agree. I really hope they have a calm conversation about their feelings, and Faye is honest with Angus, for the first time in weeks (in-comic-time). Sven doesn't even have to be a topic, just those two and their relationship, no matter what they want to do with it.
Two 'ships enter, one 'ship leaves! :cry:
Poor Faye, her post breakup misery is going to be compounded when she finds Marten floating around on Cloud 9 with his new girlfriend.
Two ships enter! One ship leaves!
Please please please please please no mistakes with Sven. Pleeeeeeeeeeeease.
Breaking News Alert!
A paddle steamer has been spotted at the edge of Niagara Falls. The question that remains is how many Youtube views it will get.
Well, shit. Are we going to get more strips with the therapist?
Well, shit. Are we going to get more strips with the therapist?
Has Faye, or especially Dora even been going?, i just ask since Dora is back to making totally irrational decisions again (the brother thing)
I'm confused. Does Angus not know about Faye's history? He's being somewhat cavalier here, and my other issues with him aside, I think he does love Faye. I can't understand why he would be so nonchalant if he knew about what Faye's gone through and her abandonment issues.
I'm confused. Does Angus not know about Faye's history? He's being somewhat cavalier here, and my other issues with him aside, I think he does love Faye. I can't understand why he would be so nonchalant if he knew about what Faye's gone through and her abandonment issues.
Because he's kinda a self-absorbed tool. Seriously. (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1560)
Whoa, they haven't broken up yet. It's probably coming, but I wouldn't say it's happened.
Because he's kinda a self-absorbed tool. Seriously. (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1560)
Well no, because in 1799, we actually see the break up. This may lead up to the breakup and soon, but like I said, I wouldn't say they're officially broken up yet.Whoa, they haven't broken up yet. It's probably coming, but I wouldn't say it's happened.
I think it's happening. Sudden realizations lead right into sudden decisions in the QCverse. Like this one (Warning: Strip #1799). (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1799)
Eh, sorry but during the whole lead up to that, Faye was totally being the boy who cried wolf, constantly fucking with him, what did she expect him to do when she was being serious.
It seems we were at the maximum relationships/character ratio, so we had to make room for the Clairten pair.
Look at that face in the last panel. If Angus doesn't give her a hug, like, immediately, he simply has no soul.
I mean, he doesn't have a soul, he works in television, but I always figured it took longer for all those vestigial impulses to die off.
(Also, this is way off-topic, but am I the only one who can't see the number 2814 without thinking of Green Lantern?)
This is fucked, isn't it?
(Also, this is way off-topic, but am I the only one who can't see the number 2814 without thinking of Green Lantern?)
But a witty person is fundamentally a deeply flawed person - to develop that capacity, you need to be absurdly self-centered. No one is naturally witty, it's something that must be developed, and that development is done through a nearly constant internal monologue.
This is fucked, isn't it?
If by "fucked" you mean "the long delayed realization of a dream", then yes.
Faye's whole character has been off since Angus McBoring swooped in from nowhere as a viable boink partner, and if he gets put on the allosaurus bus, then everything gets a shake-up and a fresh new coat of paint. And dare I hope for it, the return of Sven as regular supporting character?
Whew. Take a deep breath. No raising expectations until Toto-boy is out the door.
No. Just... no, she's not going back to Sven. I don't even think as a fuckbuddy, that's just too unhealthy a move for both of them.
On different note, I like Angus. I know I'm pretty much alone in this, but I think I know why.
I like wit. I like witty people, I like to hang with them, I've developed a pretty sharp one myself over the years. But a witty person is fundamentally a deeply flawed person - to develop that capacity, you need to be absurdly self-centered. No one is naturally witty, it's something that must be developed, and that development is done through a nearly constant internal monologue. Keeping that going, and fresh, is time and energy consuming, and you have to care about it an awful lot. Which means you value your own cleverness above others. It doesn't preclude close relations with others, but it can certainly be a stumbling block.
Oh, and most people who don't appreciate a wit view one as an insufferable ass. :psyduck:
(strip #872, idk how to do the fancy weird links you people do. I'm technologically handicapped)
[URL=http://questionablecontent.net/872]Sven characterization[/URL]
Not sure if it was on this thread or one of the others, but AprilArcus said something of Clinton to the effect that his self-confidence was way out of his proportion to any reason for self-confidence. You could say pretty much the same for Angus. The only way in which he's above-average is his almost painful averageness. If he were a size, he'd be extra-medium. I mean, think about it; he's average looking, seems to be of more-or-less average intelligence, his wit (supposedly his meal ticket) ain't anything to set the world on fire, his emotional intelligence kicks in from time to time but is offset by an assholeish lack of awareness, whether about his own actions or their consequences on others.
Nobody's perfect, either IRL or in fiction, so it'd be silly to expect perfection from him or anybody else. But compare him to pretty much everybody else in-comic besides, say, Penelope. Each one of them is a hot mess in some respect, but they also have something -- a skill or talent that sets them apart, or at least makes them bearable. Marten's indecisive as hell, but is a good friend and confidant, and could probably do something with his music if he had the confidence to pull it off. Faye's slowly getting the confidence back to get into her sculpture. Raven, bless her ditzy self, has intellectual gifts that are at odds with her image. Sven's a lothario that you wouldn't want within a country mile of your daughter, but writes mega hits practically without trying, in much the same way that even Jimbo manages to crank out bestsellers even though we only ever seem to see him on the verge of weeping into his yellow beer in dive bars. Try as I might, I can't see anything similar for Angus. Sure, we're told he's witty, but we haven't seen it.
Maybe it's just me, but if this is a signal that we'll be seeing less of him, I don't particularly mind. He's like that person you're secretly not happy with your friend dating; they're marginally okay as long as they keep your friend happy, but once they stop doing that, you don't have much use for them. Given that he's been as much of an ass as he's being to Faye (barring some unforeseen development or otherwise out-of-character epiphany), he can tell his story walking.
I guess Jeph couldn't have Marten and Faye single at the same time. Gotta save something for the end of the comic.
I guess Jeph couldn't have Marten and Faye single at the same time. Gotta save something for the end of the comic.
But Marten and Claire are going to get married and be together for the rest of their liv...oh god How I Met Your Mother end!
I think most would consider the early days of the comic to be from a time when Jeph might have been less aware of the implications of this violence being used for comedy.Well d'oh!
Ooh, the feels! Seriously, you can actually see Faye's heart breaking in the last two panels.Yes... Sad Faye is tragic. Jeph's drawing in the second-last panel said it all with no words.
oof. painful bit o' self honesty there for faye. do i see a bottle of emergency bourbon in her near future? and possibly a drunken booty-call at sven's?
If Faye does have an angry upset bang with Sven I might actually stop reading out of sheer rage.really? (http://cdn.hark.com/swfs/player_bar.swf?pid=tkxphjdndb)
If Faye does have an angry upset bang with Sven I might actually stop reading out of sheer rage. Not at Jeph, mind you, because it's a completely realistic narrative. It would just depress me and I'd be furious with the Faye character.A brilliant excuse to make a binge-catch-up reading when the rage is gone, isn't it ? :-D (I have to confess, I've had QC breaks of a couple of months when I have been busy or the story was moving slowly, oh what joy it is when you come back to be able to read 30 or more comics in a row...)
Is Dora still in the shop? Is she seeing/overhearing any of this?
The Breakup v2: Fayngus Edition
You know... Dora's reaction to her jealousy was to push both Marten and Faye away.
I wonder if Claire's will be the opposite - to keep her friends close, her enemies closer... and end up making Faye not an enemy. (Not that she's exactly an enemy per se, but in this context...)
do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?
I have such a man crush
I have such a man crush
How is a "man crush" different from any other "crush"? Or is the answer inappropriate for this forum (if it directly implies the assumed inferiority of certain kinds of sexual attraction, then yes).
I have such a man crush
How is a "man crush" different from any other "crush"? Or is the answer inappropriate for this forum (if it directly implies the assumed inferiority of certain kinds of sexual attraction, then yes).
You know... Dora's reaction to her jealousy was to push both Marten and Faye away.
I wonder if Claire's will be the opposite - to keep her friends close, her enemies closer... and end up making Faye not an enemy. (Not that she's exactly an enemy per se, but in this context...)
I don't think Claire will think to be jealous of Faye unless she starts hitting on Marten or something, which is unlikely.It is possible we could end up seeing an inversion of this (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1818) (except without the violence of course...)
I wouldn't even know why Claire would be jealous of Faye in the first place.
I wouldn't even know why Claire would be jealous of Faye in the first place. By the time she met Marten and Faye they had been living together as best friends and nothing more for a long time. She knows about their history, and Marten's relationship with Dora. Plus it was Faye that pushed her towards Marten with an all but stated "hey, I like you, you'll be good for my friend, so go for it." The only reason at all she might be jealous is the dumbness of thinking a guy and a girl can't be friends/live together without either sleeping or lusting after each other. Obviously that's not the case. Faye never felt that way, and Marten got over that a long time ago.
And what I'm saying is that Claire may decide that the best course of action is to actually be that shoulder to cry on for Faye, specifically to reduce the risk that she runs to Marten and does something.
And what I'm saying is that Claire may decide that the best course of action is to actually be that shoulder to cry on for Faye, specifically to reduce the risk that she runs to Marten and does something.
I feel like Faye's gotten better about controlling her anger. Angus is probably the more angry one in this situation. I know it's his dream job and everything, but he's not being very empathetic. LTRs require more conversation than 'I'm moving, but you can totally come crash on my friend's couch!' and I can understand Faye's alarm at how little Angus seems to care about that.
They had already discussed it http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2451 and http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2452
Faye agreed, grudgingly perhaps but whenever she's had a chance to voice reservations she chose being supportive over being honest.
Naturally, Sven will re-enter the picture during her coping, but in what capacity? There was at least one instance (strip #872, idk how to do the fancy weird links you people do. I'm technologically handicapped) where Sven seemed to show concern for Faye getting too drunk, and he doesn't strike me as the type to take advantage of someone who's been drinking. YES he's self-centred, YES he's egotistical, YES he had a spoiled childhood, but he has shown GENUINE remorse for how things went between him and Faye. I can't make myself believe that, if he came across a newly-single and drunk Faye alone in a bar, even IF she made a pass at him, that he would take advantage of her while she's drunk. He has been shown to give genuinely good advice in the past, to Dora, Faye, Marten, and Wil. Perhaps he'd take up that role again.
He's not a great guy. But he's trying to get better, even if he's not sure how to do that.
This is just a vague fear at this point but I wouldn't leave Faye on her own around booze or blades if Angus breaks up with her. I worry that she may decide that she wants to see her father.
I just thought of this... but in that whole list of things that Angus has "taken care of " Faye was dead last to be mentioned...
I also don't think that it would be a realistic narrative, the svenectomy looks irreversible to me... UNLESS Faye decides out of pure spite or in an uncontrollable fit of rage to turn EVERYBODY against her. Remember, Dora svenectomized because she heard that he confessed his love for Faye completely out of context and situation. Now, this would bring Faye into a situation I would't want to happen. It would alienate and isolate a main character
While the phrase "living well is the best revenge" pops to mind, that's not really what's going on, but I think this can lead to some serious development of Faye as a person in her own right, not necessarily dependent on a boy to make her happy. She may even eventually find someone through her art, or not, but she'll be able to look back at how her time with Angus helped her overcome her crippling issues by providing a level of emotional normalcy that she'd been missing for a long time.
Then, the very last strip next Friday being Angus stepping onto the bus, waving to Faye and then disappearing within. Then the bus drives off and Faye breaks down on Hanners' shoulder.
FAYE: "I... I'm sorry, I'm getting your coat dirty!"
HANNERS: "My coat I can wash. My friend's heart needs more attention right now."
Breaking News Alert!Ooh, nice one. (At least 1,000,000. At least.)
A paddle steamer has been spotted at the edge of Niagara Falls. The question that remains is how many Youtube views it will get.
Nobody's perfect, either IRL or in fiction, so it'd be silly to expect perfection from him or anybody else. But compare him to pretty much everybody else in-comic besides, say, Penelope. Each one of them is a hot mess in some respect, but they also have something -- a skill or talent that sets them apart, or at least makes them bearable. Marten's indecisive as hell, but is a good friend and confidant, and could probably do something with his music if he had the confidence to pull it off. Faye's slowly getting the confidence back to get into her sculpture. Raven, bless her ditzy self, has intellectual gifts that are at odds with her image. Sven's a lothario that you wouldn't want within a country mile of your daughter, but writes mega hits practically without trying, in much the same way that even Jimbo manages to crank out bestsellers even though we only ever seem to see him on the verge of weeping into his yellow beer in dive bars. Try as I might, I can't see anything similar for Angus. Sure, we're told he's witty, but we haven't seen it.
The amount of people who seem to assume a breakup is inevitable is rather disturbing to me. Even more disturbing is the few who positively seem to want it
I'd have commented, but I called it before this comic went up. Faye hasn't been trying to resolve her abandonment issues. She's moved to a new comfort level and stopped there.
This does not look good. I expect a breakup statement from Faye tomorrow. As for the future, I am really afraid Sven's confession of love may have consequences. My best hope is that Marten and Dora team up to keep Sven away from Faye (and Faye away from booze) at all costs. This will no doubt be a strain for Claire, who has insecurities to deal with.
The problem is that Claire doesn't really have much of a relationship with Faye except as a friend of a friend, so she'll have no basis for approaching her. If Faye goes to anyone, it will be Dora, Marten or possibly Hannelore.
Unless they both happen to be at Merten's apartmentThe problem is that Claire doesn't really have much of a relationship with Faye except as a friend of a friend, so she'll have no basis for approaching her. If Faye goes to anyone, it will be Dora, Marten or possibly Hannelore.
This.
Unless they both happen to be at Merten's apartment
I don't know where this is from, but this is amazing and it scared me a little.If Faye does have an angry upset bang with Sven I might actually stop reading out of sheer rage.really? (http://cdn.hark.com/swfs/player_bar.swf?pid=tkxphjdndb)
Claire's 24 years of pent-up sexual frustration notwithstanding, I suspect they are closer to the "stroll through a park holding hands" point of their relationship than the "alone at his place tuning his guitar" phase.
I did not know that. And while I agree that very often Comic Sans is way overused (it should never ever be used for a serious text), in the is particular case, I thought it would be the best choice (of those available) to mark the title of a Comic Arc.The Breakup v2: Fayngus Edition
You specified Comic Sans in Jeph's forum! I guess that means you aren't aware of this site (http://bancomicsans.com/main/), and Jeph's involvement (http://bancomicsans.com/main/pdf/bunnypunch.pdf) with it!
When I first saw it this morning I was a bit confused because I was reading it on a Linux computer that doesn't have Comic Sans MS installed and it instead displayed it as Times New Roman.I did not know that. And while I agree that very often Comic Sans is way overused (it should never ever be used for a serious text), in the is particular case, I thought it would be the best choice (of those available) to mark the title of a Comic Arc.The Breakup v2: Fayngus Edition
You specified Comic Sans in Jeph's forum! I guess that means you aren't aware of this site (http://bancomicsans.com/main/), and Jeph's involvement (http://bancomicsans.com/main/pdf/bunnypunch.pdf) with it!
This does not look good. I expect a breakup statement from Faye tomorrow. As for the future, I am really afraid Sven's confession of love may have consequences. My best hope is that Marten and Dora team up to keep Sven away from Faye (and Faye away from booze) at all costs. This will no doubt be a strain for Claire, who has insecurities to deal with.Or a week of relationship talk that is obviously ending as a breakup for us all to be frustrated at, rather than the bandaid rip Dora and Marten had.
I have such a man crush
How is a "man crush" different from any other "crush"? Or is the answer inappropriate for this forum (if it directly implies the assumed inferiority of certain kinds of sexual attraction, then yes).
Nobody's perfect, either IRL or in fiction, so it'd be silly to expect perfection from him or anybody else. But compare him to pretty much everybody else in-comic besides, say, Penelope. Each one of them is a hot mess in some respect, but they also have something -- a skill or talent that sets them apart, or at least makes them bearable. Marten's indecisive as hell, but is a good friend and confidant, and could probably do something with his music if he had the confidence to pull it off. Faye's slowly getting the confidence back to get into her sculpture. Raven, bless her ditzy self, has intellectual gifts that are at odds with her image. Sven's a lothario that you wouldn't want within a country mile of your daughter, but writes mega hits practically without trying, in much the same way that even Jimbo manages to crank out bestsellers even though we only ever seem to see him on the verge of weeping into his yellow beer in dive bars. Try as I might, I can't see anything similar for Angus. Sure, we're told he's witty, but we haven't seen it.
Goes on to list every characters' artistic talents. Conveniently ignores Angus' considerable ACTING TALENT, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shxhCpznMtQ) which is the reason he's leaving in the first place.
I don't know where this is from, but this is amazing and it scared me a little.If Faye does have an angry upset bang with Sven I might actually stop reading out of sheer rage.really? (http://cdn.hark.com/swfs/player_bar.swf?pid=tkxphjdndb)
Quick reminder that when Sven initially reappeared, it was with Jeph's note that he'd had plans for him for quite some time.
I think we're underestimating the role Sven is going to play in this arc. I'm not so sure it's going to be as black and white as "Angus and Faye break up, or take on a long distance relationship, and Sven makes a move in the meanwhile." It wouldn't really make sense, Sven's immaturity aside, to have him exhibit no growth at all. Coupled with Dora cutting him out altogether, I think we might be jumping the gun on the version of Sven we're going to be getting moving forward.
And what I'm saying is that Claire may decide that the best course of action is to actually be that shoulder to cry on for Faye, specifically to reduce the risk that she runs to Marten and does something.
I don't know why, but if they break up, I don't see an alcohol-inspired crash-and-burn for Faye. Maybe one pouty drunken night of it, some general sadness, and a trip to see her therapist (which would be interesting - haven't seen her in a while!).
I feel like Faye's gotten better about controlling her anger. Angus is probably the more angry one in this situation. I know it's his dream job and everything, but he's not being very empathetic. LTRs require more conversation than 'I'm moving, but you can totally come crash on my friend's couch!' and I can understand Faye's alarm at how little Angus seems to care about that.
Quick reminder that when Sven initially reappeared, it was with Jeph's note that he'd had plans for him for quite some time.
I think we're underestimating the role Sven is going to play in this arc. I'm not so sure it's going to be as black and white as "Angus and Faye break up, or take on a long distance relationship, and Sven makes a move in the meanwhile." It wouldn't really make sense, Sven's immaturity aside, to have him exhibit no growth at all. Coupled with Dora cutting him out altogether, I think we might be jumping the gun on the version of Sven we're going to be getting moving forward.
Sven has been stuck in the same growth spot since he really cottoned to the fact that Faye meant something to him. Believe me. I just powered through everything from Faye finally comes clean with Marten to Tai gives Marten interns. Sven pops up now and again, and he basically doesn't change at all after a certain point.
Admittedly, he's not the same person he was before Faye. But post Faye he grows disillusioned with hookups and introspective about his fitness for relationships. If anything, this single minded focus on his own feelings could be a sign of regression. (I don't claim it is.) There's no reason (yet) to assume he's grown. Changed? Yes. He thinks he's in love now. But that doesn't mean he's actually expanded his self.
What would Sven have to do in order to overcome the general perception that he's bad for Faye?
What, if anything, would redeem him?
And what I'm saying is that Claire may decide that the best course of action is to actually be that shoulder to cry on for Faye, specifically to reduce the risk that she runs to Marten and does something.
I know Claire's got trust issues, but this situation's a bit different. For one thing, she already knows the Faye/Marten dynamic; for another, she's placed her trust in Marten over something very significant to her, and he's validated that trust repeatedly in the time since. I think she's still a bit on the fence about Faye, but that relationship's still under development.I don't know why, but if they break up, I don't see an alcohol-inspired crash-and-burn for Faye. Maybe one pouty drunken night of it, some general sadness, and a trip to see her therapist (which would be interesting - haven't seen her in a while!).
I feel like Faye's gotten better about controlling her anger. Angus is probably the more angry one in this situation. I know it's his dream job and everything, but he's not being very empathetic. LTRs require more conversation than 'I'm moving, but you can totally come crash on my friend's couch!' and I can understand Faye's alarm at how little Angus seems to care about that.
Could that be the last straw for the breakup, I wonder? Faye's gotten much better with the drinking, but we've seen a few times in-strip where Angus has gotten angry at her for drinking. If their current conversation doesn't come to a resolution, I could see Faye hitting the crisis wine, and then a drunken encounter (not even as drunk as she's been in the past, mind you) between her and Angus leading to him saying something he shouldn't and that precipitating the breakup.Quick reminder that when Sven initially reappeared, it was with Jeph's note that he'd had plans for him for quite some time.
I think we're underestimating the role Sven is going to play in this arc. I'm not so sure it's going to be as black and white as "Angus and Faye break up, or take on a long distance relationship, and Sven makes a move in the meanwhile." It wouldn't really make sense, Sven's immaturity aside, to have him exhibit no growth at all. Coupled with Dora cutting him out altogether, I think we might be jumping the gun on the version of Sven we're going to be getting moving forward.
Sven has been stuck in the same growth spot since he really cottoned to the fact that Faye meant something to him. Believe me. I just powered through everything from Faye finally comes clean with Marten to Tai gives Marten interns. Sven pops up now and again, and he basically doesn't change at all after a certain point.
Admittedly, he's not the same person he was before Faye. But post Faye he grows disillusioned with hookups and introspective about his fitness for relationships. If anything, this single minded focus on his own feelings could be a sign of regression. (I don't claim it is.) There's no reason (yet) to assume he's grown. Changed? Yes. He thinks he's in love now. But that doesn't mean he's actually expanded his self.
Sven will be back, no doubt. As for a way forward -- a redemption, if you will -- I wouldn't be surprised at all if he stopped by to apologize for being an ass, saw that Faye had been drinking, or crying, or both, and tried to comfort her, sans any sexual intent (maybe implausible, but not impossible). Dora decides to check up on Faye, sees her brother there (cue, "This isn't what it looks like"), flips her wig, and goes off on one or both of them. That could take all three characters off on an interesting new trajectory.
I would like to see Sven figure out that he's poly, start working on his communication skills around ethical non-monogamy, and stop chasing after monogamous people. Sven x Delilah, basically. It would be a huge, weird digression. Faye in particular has nothing to gain from patching things up with him.I don't necessarily think he's poly but otherwise, what you said. If he is, definitely that. If he's just lacking in self-reflection and ethics then actually learn to communicate what you want. I didn't personally see him sleeping with the other woman as cheating when he was seeing Faye, but I did think that when she was being all "MY RULES" he should have had a real discussion and not just pretty much told her to get stuffed. That and his lack of caring when she wanted to spend more-than-just-sex time with him made me judge him far more than sleeping with someone else when they weren't monogamous (he didn't owe her anything, but I think everyone should make an effort to show caring to a friend who is clearly in pain).
OK, I didn't necessarily think it was awful for Angus to be all tongue-in-cheek last comic, but I am unimpressed by his lack of empathy here. I think he should go for it! He should also have some idea that this will be very bloody hard on Faye, who was trying to be supportive until you called her out on it then guilt-tripped her for not being ecstatic you're moving away. Hurrumph.
OK, I didn't necessarily think it was awful for Angus to be all tongue-in-cheek last comic, but I am unimpressed by his lack of empathy here. I think he should go for it! He should also have some idea that this will be very bloody hard on Faye, who was trying to be supportive until you called her out on it then guilt-tripped her for not being ecstatic you're moving away. Hurrumph.
This. In a lot of ways, I feel like Faye might have reacted better if he had simply said, "Hey, let's sit down and talk about what we want to do here," instead of basically laying out all the plans right there in front of her...including the ones involving her. Like, okay, you're excited - of course you are - but let's take a moment and remember that while this is your life dream and you have every right to pursue it with vigor, someone else's life is still going to be impacted by this decision. At least let her have a moment to have a say, to talk it out, instead of just making all of the decisions without even saying anything to her.
I actually DO want Sven to come back into Faye's life in a positive way. Maybe not as a partner or even FWB, but even just as a friend. Their friendship, while it remained just a platonic friendship, was actually really nice. I enjoyed watching it and, while I DID see their eventual hook-up coming, I liked seeing them interact as just friends. They complement each other's issues in odd ways. Faye has abandonment issues, Sven has commitment issues. Faye is confrontational, Sven is uncontentious. Faye's weapon is her fists, Sven's is his words. Maybe they're not at a place right now where anything beyond or even approaching friendship is possible, but I think that's definitely something the future holds. Now, be that in 10 strips, 20, or another thousand, I don't know.
I actually DO want Sven to come back into Faye's life in a positive way. Maybe not as a partner or even FWB, but even just as a friend. Their friendship, while it remained just a platonic friendship, was actually really nice. I enjoyed watching it and, while I DID see their eventual hook-up coming, I liked seeing them interact as just friends. They complement each other's issues in odd ways. Faye has abandonment issues, Sven has commitment issues. Faye is confrontational, Sven is uncontentious. Faye's weapon is her fists, Sven's is his words. Maybe they're not at a place right now where anything beyond or even approaching friendship is possible, but I think that's definitely something the future holds. Now, be that in 10 strips, 20, or another thousand, I don't know.
Yeah, I don't ship them, but the character growth is always a good thing IMHO.
What would Sven have to do in order to overcome the general perception that he's bad for Faye?
What, if anything, would redeem him?
Makes you wonder if he's already mentally checked out of the relationship. Tone deafness is one thing. It's something else entirely to just lay everything out for your significant other as a fait accompli versus sounding them out. IIRC, he was doing the same thing earlier, before the callback... telling her that they (she) could just carry on long distance, but never really asking what she felt, or what felt right for her. And it's all the more glaring when someone's put as much energy into "getting the girl" but won't put the same kind of energy into maintaining the relationship or considering her thoughts and feelings.
I would like to see Sven figure out that he's poly, start working on his communication skills around ethical non-monogamy, and stop chasing after monogamous people. Sven x Delilah, basically. It would be a huge, weird digression. Faye in particular has nothing to gain from patching things up with him.
I read this as coming from your avatar. It was a bit disturbing.
Anyway, I couldn't handle being the fourth girl in this forum with a Claire avatar.
I read this as coming from your avatar. It was a bit disturbing.
Well I mean Hanners is channeling IRL me pretty hard there:
(http://i.imgur.com/AxIAQOU.png)
*looks at avatars*
The three Musket-Claires!
Can we carry Muskets? This sounds promising.
As I posted a while back there's at least one Canadian model who could be mistaken for Hannelore.
https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,28543.msg1118378.html#msg1118378 (https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,28543.msg1118378.html#msg1118378)
Hannelore could also be mistaken for Caitlin Cooke, one of the main characters from the Canadian cartoon series 6teen. They're both blondes with short hair and green eyes.
It's not just Hannelore...I do believe Yelling Bird had a photoshoot for a 2013 calendar...I saw this while walking through Staples:
Not good enough. Here (http://www.birdsofoklahoma.net/Dickcissel01.htm).
(http://www.birdsofoklahoma.net/images/Dickcissel04.jpg)
It's not just you... I saw Claire's Pun/gotcha Face, and realized I did the same thing... (Okay, not as close, but still.. too many similarities not to be strange)
(http://i.imgur.com/XXTZUb5.png)
I read this as coming from your avatar. It was a bit disturbing.
Well I mean Hanners is channeling IRL me pretty hard there:
(http://i.imgur.com/AxIAQOU.png)
Anyway, I couldn't handle being the fourth girl in this forum with a Claire avatar.
What would Sven have to do in order to overcome the general perception that he's bad for Faye?
What, if anything, would redeem him?
This brings up an interesting thought: what if that is essentially Angus's personality? "The Pursuit." Get his diploma, get his degree, get the girl, get the dream job...
Kind of surprised at some of the flak Angus is copping here. Granted, he has his faults like everyone else, and he's being a bit insensitive here, but I think the way Faye has handled the situation to date does play a significant role in that.
She's been outwardly supportive and enthusiastic, while keeping all her concerns and disappointment with the situation to herself. You could say that it's because she loves Angus and didn't want to bring him down, and I'd agree that's definitely part of it. However, I think it's also quite likely that she just didn't want to confront a challenging issue in their relationship, or have a difficult conversation.
From Angus' perspective, she's been cheering him on as he's pursued a dream job, a dream job that he told Faye about on their first proper date. He goes to New York, he gets the job, and wants to share his excitement and happiness with his significant other upon his return. However, now she's letting her true feelings out and kind of raining on his parade; she has a point, of course, but because Faye never brought this stuff up before, Angus is understandably taken aback.
I guess if you don't particularly like Angus, then this development lends itself well to demonising him to some extent, and seeing him as a self-centred jerk who only cares about himself, the "chase", and whatnot. And to be fair, he does have some jerkish tendencies, so that's not completely off the mark. I can definitely see where you're coming from.
Still, I think Faye shares some responsibility here, because she wanted to avoid a painful discussion and a tough situation... but neither are the "bad guy" here, and I can understand where they're both coming from. A break-up seems inevitable, and if that is the case, I think Jeph has written it quite well, in a way that's very realistic. Sometimes, these things happens. You love the other person, the relationship works, but as you each move forward with your lives and pursue new goals, you may grow apart or you may be unwilling to make sacrifices, or make the best of a tough situation. Seems that's what we're seeing here.
Dibs on Porthos!! :) Or would that be Portha?
Mouseket.... no. Stop that!
And what I'm saying is that Claire may decide that the best course of action is to actually be that shoulder to cry on for Faye, specifically to reduce the risk that she runs to Marten and does something.
I think that's a little too much strategizing to expect from a person in their first relationship.You'd be surprised.
That one deserves a spray with the hose. Anyone have one handy?
Bad puns are best left alone. In the void.
so then you a-void them?
so then you a-void them?
I see I have much work to do here.
so then you a-void them?
I see I have much work to do here.
A null statement.
A null statement.Not every comment is meant to be profound, just as not every ejaculate deserves a name. :-P
A null statement.Not every comment is meant to be profound, just as not every ejaculate deserves a name. :-P
Not every comment is meant to be profound, just as not every ejaculate deserves a name. :-P
Not every comment is meant to be profound, just as not every ejaculate deserves a name. :-P
*spittake*
The less said about that, the better.I tried but someone turned the void inside out and now all we have is bad word play. :'(
*spittake*Work on that gag reflex dear.. it'll pass. ;)
Not every comment is meant to be profound, just as not every ejaculate deserves a name. :-P
*spittake*
I see what you did there.
A null statement.Not every comment is meant to be profound, just as not every ejaculate deserves a name. :-P
Alright, I'll say it: Name it? I usually just reach for a tissue. Or a sock, if I'm particularly lazy. :angel:And you wonder why your mom stopped doing laundry one day....
ETA: Where's the comic, before this thread goes totally to hell? :)You mean it hasn't yet?
Okay, I get that a tissue might not be handy :claireface:, but how would a sock be more convenient, unless you, like, took it directly off your foot?
And ew.
A clean sock, thankyouverymuch. The thought of off-label use for sneaker spray gives me the willies. :claireface:
A clean sock, thankyouverymuch. The thought of off-label use for sneaker spray gives me the willies. :claireface:
Willie..... uh you know what? Not going there.
A clean sock, thankyouverymuch. The thought of off-label use for sneaker spray gives me the willies. :claireface:
Willie..... uh you know what? Not going there.
Hey, it could have been worse
It could have been Mister Socko
I half expected you to say, "Willie...I'm not touching that."
Well can't say I am surprised. Also looked like angus gave it a half hearted try and just gave up.
I am now firmly in the "WTF, Angus? Why so douchey?" camp.
She won't talk to him, she won't even look at him. What's the guy supposed to do?
Whimper and not a bang, indeed.
I am now firmly in the "WTF, Angus? Why so douchey?" camp.
She won't talk to him, she won't even look at him. What's the guy supposed to do?
Realize she's freaking out and give the girl a damn hug.
I don't think either of them are "bad" people. Here's what I do take issue with: Life takes us to difficult places sometimes, whether alone or as part of a couple or other relationship. And if/when you love someone, part of what comes with the territory is giving somebody a safe space to talk about things they need to talk about even if/when they're not comfortable with talking about them. Sometimes that also means being a bit insistent about it, not for yourself, but for them. While it's possible that Angus had absolutely no clue what was going on with Faye, let's give the guy some credit and say that he's in tune with her enough to know if something's a bit off. When that happens, you can wait for someone to bring their problems up, or you can be a bit more proactive and let them know that it's important to you that they talk about it because THEY are important to you. And again, sometimes just letting someone know that you know something's wrong and are there to listen can help them open up to you where they might not have done so otherwise.
In a perfect world, we'd all be safe to say what we needed, when we needed, to whom we needed. In this imperfect world we're stuck with, sometimes it's up to us to be that still point to someone else so they have that safety where they may not have felt or known they had it before.
She won't talk to him, she won't even look at him. What's the guy supposed to do?
Realize she's freaking out and give the girl a damn hug.
Look at the arm across her chest. That's don't-touch-me body language.
I don't think it's a breakup. Yet. They're both hurt and scared.
She won't talk to him, she won't even look at him. What's the guy supposed to do?
Realize she's freaking out and give the girl a damn hug.
Look at the arm across her chest. That's don't-touch-me body language.
She won't talk to him, she won't even look at him. What's the guy supposed to do?
Realize she's freaking out and give the girl a damn hug.
Look at the arm across her chest. That's don't-touch-me body language.
If it were arms crossed, I would buy it. One arm grabbing the other elbow is "I'm feeling really uncomfortable right now" (at least that's my go-to move when I'm uncomfortable *shrug*) and that is "I could use a hug" land.
Holy shit. I.... I think that's it. The Fayngus has been sunk :(
Crossed arms would read as a position of strength. Don't touch me!
The one arm and the turned body are defensive. D-Don't touch me.
I don't think it's a breakup. Yet. They're both hurt and scared.
I'd feel better about this reading of this strip if Angus had said something like "OK, you know what? Can we talk about this more later please? Maybe we both just need a minute." Even before the Dora/Marten breakup, Marten said "Look, I just want to talk about things" before Dora dropped the bombshell. When Marten confessed to being hurt that Faye was so forthcoming about her issues with Angus but hadn't been with him, they had a TALK. Marten could have stormed off. He didn't.
I think Faye is hurt and scared. I think Angus is somewhat annoyed. Possibly - just possibly - with reason. He beat out a ton of people for a plum job. These sort of correspondent roles can lead to having your own show, something I'm sure he's aware of. And they chose him. He wants plaudits and his girlfriend is basically retreating from him. We all know why that is, but I agree that Angus is half-assing it.
Oh I am not saying he's not being obtuse in regards to her or her feelings. But I do think he's hurt that she isn't being supportive.
Consider that most everything he's said has been on a level that is decisive and mature in regards to what he wants. I am certain he feels like he has been open and honest about his goals and I would think anyone would want their significant other to be supportive in that role. So the fear and disappointment he has right now is also understandable.
She won't talk to him, she won't even look at him. What's the guy supposed to do?
Realize she's freaking out and give the girl a damn hug.
Look at the arm across her chest. That's don't-touch-me body language.
If it were arms crossed, I would buy it. One arm grabbing the other elbow is "I'm feeling really uncomfortable right now" (at least that's my go-to move when I'm uncomfortable *shrug*) and that is "I could use a hug" land.
Crossed arms would read as a position of strength. Don't touch me!
The one arm and the turned body are defensive. D-Don't touch me.
Right, I agree with that. And I'm not anti-Angus. I've been rather meh on him but I wonder if he is replaying his and Faye's talks about this and her supportive words and wondering if she was humoring him under the assumption that he wouldn't get the gig and so she really wouldn't have to worry about things. To think that your partner doesn't believe in you like that is ... rough. And I'm not saying Faye didn't believe in him, I'm just thinking that Angus's present behavior might be due to "Wait, you were okay with this before ... oh. You were all supportive because you didn't think I'd actually get this. Cool. Great."
I do think a breakup is on the horizons, if only because Angus might feel like he and Faye aren't suited anymore. Remember the "zit on her ass" that shocked and dismayed him when they first had sex? This seems like the emotional version of that. He was under the impression that Faye's support was genuine and now he's wondering if he was wrong about that, and it's pissing him off.
Poor Faye, though. She's trying really hard to hold it together. I can't help but think that this (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2755) was foreshadowing of a Sven reentry. Possibly in all the ways that can be parsed.
...aaaand just to take the edge off the pain for a sec, this is happening on Faye's shift which started at 5PM, which means Marten and Claire have probably been spending all day together, liberally dosing each other with smooches.Which means tomorrow's installment should be awesome!! :D
Sucks to be Faye right now, dangit.
...aaaand just to take the edge off the pain for a sec, this is happening on Faye's shift which started at 5PM, which means Marten and Claire have probably been spending all day together, liberally dosing each other with smooches.
Sucks to be Faye right now, dangit.
Which means tomorrow's installment should be awesome!! :D
Oh man I just realised something - of course Angus doesn't get it. All the time he pursued Faye and while they were dating, she never was afraid to speak her mind. That was probably one the things that was attractive to him. She doesn't hold back with opinions or insults or when she's pissed off, but this time she did.
I don't think it's a breakup. Yet. They're both hurt and scared.That's what I think...although a very strong emphasis on the "yet" is needed :(
*wonders whether to tell snarkyone the next comic isn't until Monday*...aaaand just to take the edge off the pain for a sec, this is happening on Faye's shift which started at 5PM, which means Marten and Claire have probably been spending all day together, liberally dosing each other with smooches.Which means tomorrow's installment should be awesome!! :D
Sucks to be Faye right now, dangit.
*wonders whether to tell snarkyone the next comic isn't until Monday*
Right, I agree with that. And I'm not anti-Angus. I've been rather meh on him but I wonder if he is replaying his and Faye's talks about this and her supportive words and wondering if she was humoring him under the assumption that he wouldn't get the gig and so she really wouldn't have to worry about things. To think that your partner doesn't believe in you like that is ... rough. And I'm not saying Faye didn't believe in him, I'm just thinking that Angus's present behavior might be due to "Wait, you were okay with this before ... oh. You were all supportive because you didn't think I'd actually get this. Cool. Great."
I do think a breakup is on the horizons, if only because Angus might feel like he and Faye aren't suited anymore. Remember the "zit on her ass" that shocked and dismayed him when they first had sex? This seems like the emotional version of that. He was under the impression that Faye's support was genuine and now he's wondering if he was wrong about that, and it's pissing him off.
Poor Faye, though. She's trying really hard to hold it together. I can't help but think that this (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2755) was foreshadowing of a Sven reentry. Possibly in all the ways that can be parsed.
And does anybody want to place bets on who she runs into at a bar?
I dunno, if i remember right he wasn't even all that sure he would get it, joking about it ect. Also of course she would support him, since realistically they were long, long odds that he would get the job, and if she wasn't supportive you might as well torpedo the ship right then and there what did he expect?
Cut to Dora trying and failing to console Faye. Then to Faye going to the apartment and Marten's either not there, or Claire's with him. That's 2 of her 3 crisis crutches unavailable, so she falls back on her 3rd: booze. And does anybody want to place bets on who she runs into at a bar?
Pintsize? And them in a moment of vulnerability she fall for his charm?Cut to Dora trying and failing to console Faye. Then to Faye going to the apartment and Marten's either not there, or Claire's with him. That's 2 of her 3 crisis crutches unavailable, so she falls back on her 3rd: booze. And does anybody want to place bets on who she runs into at a bar?
Jimbo?
Pintsize? And then in a moment of vulnerability she fall for his charm?
Anyone is feeling the urge to comfort Faye and tell her that everything will be alright?
I disagree, respecting her space and giving her time to let it soak in seems way more reasonable.This. Like I said before, I really hope they talk after she gets off work.
as all romantic relationships eventually, inevitably do.
Cut to Dora trying and failing to console Faye. Then to Faye going to the apartment and Marten's either not there, or Claire's with him. That's 2 of her 3 crisis crutches unavailable, so she falls back on her 3rd: booze. And does anybody want to place bets on who she runs into at a bar?
as all romantic relationships eventually, inevitably do.This reminds me of the talk show host Gordon Godfrey on Justice League where he was mentioning how the Justice League was ruining America or whatever by saying something like "under the Justice League, half of all marriages end in divorce...and the other half end IN DEATH!"
Sounds like Glenn Beck :-P
Sounds like Glenn Beck :-PYeah, it wasn't a subtle parody :roll:
Not mean, just... 8-) ...snakrySounds like Glenn Beck :-P
Hey now... there's no need to be mean.. ;)
If Angus walks out and doesn't look back, good riddance.
However, I don't think even he is so incredibly dumb. Hopefully, when he breaks the news to Marigold and Momo, Momo will hit him with the clue-by-four.
Oh, really? I'd think if you're going to parodize someone, you go for the most over-the-top one you can get away with (and that's Beck).Sounds like Glenn Beck :-PYeah, it wasn't a subtle parody :roll:
(Although honestly I got more of an O'Reilly vibe)
Sounds like Glenn Beck :-P
Not mean, just... 8-) ...snakry
clue-by-four.
as all romantic relationships eventually, inevitably do.This reminds me of the talk show host Gordon Godfrey on Justice League where he was mentioning how the Justice League was ruining America or whatever by saying something like "under the Justice League, half of all marriages end in divorce...and the other half end IN DEATH!"
Exactly my point. One way or another, by breakup or by death, all romantic relationships eventually, inevitably, end.If only the Highlander had a romantic relationship with another immortal and their couples fights didn't end with a sword battle.
Honestly, it was meant to be a terrible joke. :-P
Cut to Dora trying and failing to console Faye. Then to Faye going to the apartment and Marten's either not there, or Claire's with him. That's 2 of her 3 crisis crutches unavailable, so she falls back on her 3rd: booze. And does anybody want to place bets on who she runs into at a bar?I assume you expect it to be Sven.
Angus finally gets his big break.
Faye, who until now has given the impression that she at least might be OK with it.... finds out she's not.
What is Angus to do?
I know my heart goes out to Faye, but you know what, expecting guys to always be the strong ones is pretty darned unfair to them.
Angus might well have assumed, or at least pinned all his hopes on, Faye being able to cope. As Faye did.
Faye's self-discovery is devastating for her. But maybe it's equally devastating for Angus too, and Faye's rejectionist body language means he can neither offer, nor request, a hug.
It wouldn't surprise me if it was Angus, not Faye, who fell apart. Alone. With a bottle. Not a good place.
He had two dreams. Thought he could get both. Now must choose. The sensible one is to go to New York of course - avoids laying a guilt trip on Faye, establishes a foundation for the rest of his life. Faye won't feel guilty, Angus won't forever be reminded of mighta-beens, either of which would very likely be fatal to any relationship.
He might not be sensible. "NY just called - their finance fell through, so ... Faye, I desperately need a hug." Lying through his teeth, about the first part anyway, though not the second.
Not that that's likely to work. But who said people are sensible in such matters? Faye's a major character, but Angus is no mere red-shirt spear-carrier.
I think the best Hanners is this one I found in an older thread:
(http://cassland.org/images/Hanners.jpg)
*looks at avatars*I know I'm late (d**n timezones), but noone made the obvious Muskrat (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2302) joke yet? OK, I'll do it: The three MuskratClaires.
The three Musket-Claires!
Anyone is feeling the urge to comfort Faye and tell her that everything will be alright?
Well can't say I am surprised. Also looked like angus gave it a half hearted try and just gave up.Why are so many people so insistent on vilifying Angus?
Anyone is feeling the urge to comfort Faye and tell her that everything will be alright?
I also agree that you could say Angus is half-assing his efforts, but if we're going to say that, we might as well call it like it is with Faye: she's not putting in any effort at all. Not just in the latest strip, but throughout the whole arc. Sure, she's been outwardly supportive, but has she really given any thought to how the situation could work, or how she could come to terms with a less than desirable scenario?
I think the fact that both parties have accepted this is proof that this was inevitable. If their emotional investment in each other was stronger, they would have worked things out. As they didn't have that investment they were going to break up at the first sign of tension.
I don't see Faye not telling Angus about Sven as a hint that she would get back with Sven, I see it as a pulling away from Angus. She was not willing to let him in her life. She was trying to fulfill a role rather than give Angus herself. At the same time that conversation showed just how far apart they were. Angus did pick up on the fact that she was not herself and that something was probably wrong. However, when she asked him about the callback he forgot all that. That's a sign that he, subconsciously, was pulling away from the relationship.
Thinking about it, I think that this is a positive development for Faye. Her emotional life went into reverse when her father committed suicide. I think that she, like Marten was, is finding out what she wants in a relationship. For her, Angus filled the role of a high school romance -- nice but likely to end as both parties figure out what they want and grow up. I get the impression that Angus was looking for something more.
Given both Angus's jobs and the type of woman he's attracted to, I get the impression that Angus lives the life he projects. His career isn't just a good career but it's what derives meaning from and it's his guiding light. It might take him a while to work out but I suspect that the woman he settles down with would come from the media world and would be able to keep up with him.
Also, the pace and tone of Angus's speech about having everything worked out to me seemed like he was expecting a response right then and there, after hitting her with what is a massive life changing decision out of nowhere.
Poor Angus.
and the f--- is wrong with Faye?
There is nothing holding her back from actually following Angus. She had done that before... moving to different city, different state that is.
or at least see how it works out. not give up just because in next few months angus is going to be away from home often.
no pity for Faye!
Well can't say I am surprised. Also looked like angus gave it a half hearted try and just gave up.Why are so many people so insistent on vilifying Angus?
As pointed out, Faye was the one not being open about her fears to him; this basically comes as a thunderclap from a clear sky to him.
I wouldn't like to hug Faye. I'd like to slap some sense in her: "Why didn't you talk about this? Now it may be too late!".
This talk about casual violence against a woman is disturbingFYI, adding the qualifier "against a woman" makes you a sexist. As if violence was acceptable as long as it was only against men.
Slapping is not a substitute for talking. Don't do it; not in this forum, and preferably not anywhere!Let's also pretend that it has never been done in (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2034) comic (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1347).
I wouldn't like to hug Faye. I'd like to slap some sense in her: "Why didn't you talk about this? Now it may be too late!".
Let's also pretend that it has never been done in (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2034) comic (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1347).
I wouldn't like to hug Faye. I'd like to slap some sense in her: "Why didn't you talk about this? Now it may be too late!".
I'm willing to assume it's a metaphorical "slap in the face" based on using the words "Why didn't you talk about this? Now it may be too late!". Not an actual, physical slap.
Rather like what Faye did to Dora (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1744).
@FilliamHMuffman,
The point to remember is that, in a very real sense, Faye is not an adult. She's a sixteen year old girl in a twenty-six year old woman's body who's just watched her father blow his brains out in front of her. She's made progress over the past 18 or so in-universe months but not that much; certainly not enough to be willing to give up her surrogate family and hometown (or at least that is what she is being asked to do in her darker subconscious) for what is emotionally on a par with a schoolyard love affair.
@FilliamHMuffman,
The point to remember is that, in a very real sense, Faye is not an adult. She's a sixteen year old girl in a twenty-six year old woman's body who's just watched her father blow his brains out in front of her. She's made progress over the past 18 or so in-universe months but not that much; certainly not enough to be willing to give up her surrogate family and hometown (or at least that is what she is being asked to do in her darker subconscious) for what is emotionally on a par with a schoolyard love affair.
Okay, first and foremost, mental trauma doesn't forever "lock" you in one stage of maturity. It scars you, it causes you to have certain kinds of trust issues, but you're not forever "locked" at a specific mental or emotional age. Faye is an adult. With that said...
I think that, if Faye already knows she's not going to be able to handle a long-distance relationship with Angus - and that really is, absolutely, a perfectly valid decision for her to make, guys - then this really is the best way for her to handle it. Again, keep in mind that Angus has already made it clear that he expects a LDR with Faye coming to visit periodically. He made it clear without even asking her - and it's understandable that he'd think that, and I don't think he was trying to be insensitive or anything; he's just excited. Nevertheless, if Faye already knows it isn't going to work, then she should absolutely be telling him sooner rather than later. Dragging it out and letting him make all these plans for them both, even just in his own head, only to have her shatter them later is infinitely worse. Why get his hopes up by humoring him? Yeah, it sucks that it brought him down from his high, but he also deserves to know where her head is at very clearly and as soon as possible, especially as fast as things are moving.
It's totally a valid decision. It's just unfortunate that she let him believe they'd work it out if he got the gig, and is now basically breaking up with him via stony passivity and silence rather than actively doing it. I understand the position she's in and I sympathize. But I also think it's more on Faye than Angus.
That's why I have to reject the idea that Faye basically telling him she can't do it is in any way "shitty." She's giving him the one thing that's the hardest to give but is crucial in all relationships - honesty.
Ok points raised, Conzy. I agree what you say about Angus, but I think you are a bit too critical about Faye. "... after so many years", you say? In our time, yes, but in QC time? Not necessarily very many! I have (luckily) no idea how long it would take to heal from that kind of a traumatic experience. Probably the speed of progress varies greatly from one patient to another, so I refuse to be judgemental about her rate of recovery. She's been a supportive friend to Marten and Dora when they needed one.
This is the first time I've ever looked on these forums and at first I was pretty surprised by the amount of Angus hate on here, I'd always just read the comics myself and to me he seemed a pretty chill guy, one of the few people in the QCverse that I'd probably enjoy having a pint with.
This is the first time I've ever looked on these forums and at first I was pretty surprised by the amount of Angus hate on here, I'd always just read the comics myself and to me he seemed a pretty chill guy, one of the few people in the QCverse that I'd probably enjoy having a pint with.
I think a lot of the hate is redirected Faye-love. In some people's eyes she can do no wrong, she is their avatar and so Angus must be at fault.
clue-by-four.
I like that.
I'm making a prediction now:
Angus seriously considers turning down the job
Faye ends up telling him that, no, he really needs to go do this
They part.... not necessarily irrevocably, because they do love each other.... but love isn't always enough by itself(click to show/hide)
The core of Faye's story for a while is her thinking on and exploring whether or not she really *is* content with where her life is now.
Ultimately ambivalent, which in and of itself is rather an answer in the negative
Quietly works on a serious sculpture
Visits Angus one evening
And it doesn't change that maybe this isn't a wall she can climb, that this might not be a hurdle they can jump
But maybe right this moment they can just hold each other against the darkness, for a little bit more at least
Again with the slapping.
This talk about casual violence against a woman is disturbing
From what she said to Marten, Faye was borderline-disabled by her father's suicide for a couple of years, including debatably-effective medicinal regimes, being institutionalised to prevent violent self-harm or suicide attempts and also periods of what she described as being "disassociative". So, I suspect Faye suffered pretty extreme trauma to the point where I think she deserves a little leeway. When you take that into consideration, the fact that she can function in adult life, live with Marten as a bratty sister and actually kept up her end of a relationship with Angus for several in-universe months is nothing short of astounding progress.
I'm not saying that she did nothing wrong or that Angus is solely to blame. What I'm saying is that Faye's failings are excusable and comprehensible. Frankly, so are Angus's. Sometimes, both sides just screw up and get it wrong. It's just a shame that it doesn't look like they're going to be granted enough time to fix it.
I just realised, Jeph very often puts the large reveals around Thanksgiving (US). That's still about a month away, and there has already been two major developments in the last weeks (Claire/Marten hookup and Faye/Angus breakup). There may be more to this than we can imagine right now.
If it helps, I, personally, treat all the strips before The Talk as being only semi-canonical. Jeph changed direction quite significantly at that point to the level where the earliest characterisations now come across as vaguely OOC and parodaic.
No.
First its not casual violence, its directed violence.
Second its not against a woman its against a person who is acting in a way that a quick hard shock could be a good thing for the thinking process.
Angus needs a slap too.
So maybe someone could slap both of them. Or poke them with a charged cattle prod.
I agree there, but at the same time the characteristics didn't change entirely, the beatings became less frequent but Faye was still borderline abusive and generally mean to most of the cast for a good long while. All I'm saying is it's good she had a doormat in Marten because I think most people wouldn't have put up with her for so long.
What am I supposed to do with this (http://trackemtigers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Pitchfork.jpg) now?
I agree there, but at the same time the characteristics didn't change entirely, the beatings became less frequent but Faye was still borderline abusive and generally mean to most of the cast for a good long while. All I'm saying is it's good she had a doormat in Marten because I think most people wouldn't have put up with her for so long.
I do think that the idea of a man being an aggressive asshole to a woman is still the third rail of most things, comic included. So you're probably right that if the situations had been reversed and Henry had blown his brains out in front of Marten or Marten suffered some other trauma like being abused by one of his mother's "fans," and had the same issues Faye had and acted in the same manner, there would not be as much embracing of him. When things looked ... dicey between Marigold and Angus, a lot of people rapped Angus for being insensitive to a girl who clearly had a thing for him. And Angus was, generally, nice to Marigold. I don't think Marten would have many fans if he were a shit to Faye in the way that she was to him initially.
Gosh dang it, Jeph! You've once again created a quandary that I can't resolve by vilifying any one person! Blasted complex and multi-layered relationships!
What am I supposed to do with this (http://trackemtigers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Pitchfork.jpg) now?
Gosh dang it, Jeph! You've once again created a quandary that I can't resolve by vilifying any one person! Blasted complex and multi-layered relationships!
What am I supposed to do with this (http://trackemtigers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Pitchfork.jpg) now?
Note that we're a kinder, gentler board here.
We don't use pitchforks.
We use "The Useless Broom Made Entirely of Dicks"
For me the main thing is that it seemed Angus had already left the relationship behind, subconsciously.
He's got the new job, he's spent time thinking where he's moving his stuff, he's got a couch at a buddy to sleep on, he has even thought about Marigold and that he should pay an extra month of rent before leaving. And then after all that, all that he's got to offer Faye is sharing his buddy's couch when she comes to visit... Faye's literally a complete afterthought.
LDR's can maybe sometimes work, but clearly not in this case. Working out a plan for how it could work, together, would have been step 1, right?
The relationship just wasn't that serious, apparently.
I agree there, but at the same time the characteristics didn't change entirely, the beatings became less frequent but Faye was still borderline abusive and generally mean to most of the cast for a good long while. All I'm saying is it's good she had a doormat in Marten because I think most people wouldn't have put up with her for so long.
I do think that the idea of a man being an aggressive asshole to a woman is still the third rail of most things, comic included. So you're probably right that if the situations had been reversed and Henry had blown his brains out in front of Marten or Marten suffered some other trauma like being abused by one of his mother's "fans," and had the same issues Faye had and acted in the same manner, there would not be as much embracing of him. When things looked ... dicey between Marigold and Angus, a lot of people rapped Angus for being insensitive to a girl who clearly had a thing for him. And Angus was, generally, nice to Marigold. I don't think Marten would have many fans if he were a shit to Faye in the way that she was to him initially.
That's exactly what I was trying to get across. Fwiw, I also agree that Angus was nice to Marigold through everything. That's why she ended up having a thing for him, he was the ONLY person who had been nice to her in her adult life. And he wasn't deliberately unkind to her though her crush phase, he was just oblivious because of his attraction to Faye, when he found out what was going on he felt pretty terrible about it, but he still did the right thing by not taking advantage of her, and even tried to tell her why she shouldn't let anyone take advantage of her in that way. He's honestly a really good guy in my opinion, which is why I hope he can get out of this situation as painlessly as possible and move on to his dream job.
Gosh dang it, Jeph! You've once again created a quandary that I can't resolve by vilifying any one person! Blasted complex and multi-layered relationships!
What am I supposed to do with this (http://trackemtigers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Pitchfork.jpg) now?
Note that we're a kinder, gentler board here.
We don't use pitchforks.
We use "The Useless Broom Made Entirely of Dicks"
In other words, get to 'shopping a load of dicks onto the end of that handle, and you're golden.
So many dicks.
So, so many.
So many dicks.
So, so many.
I find it worrying when the response to 'maybe not talk about slapping women around' isn't so much 'sorry to offend anyone, I obviously would never encourage such violence in a real situation, I was just being flippant' and is more like 'SMACK THEM BOTH AROUND'.
[...]
Hitting people is generally bad form, unless your hitting them with the following list of approved items:
[...]
4) The sweet fragrance of bacon.
grumpycat.jpg[...]
Hitting people is generally bad form, unless your hitting them with the following list of approved items:
[...]
4) The sweet fragrance of bacon.
I hate the smell of bacon!
[...]
Hitting people is generally bad form, unless your hitting them with the following list of approved items:
[...]
4) The sweet fragrance of bacon.
I hate the smell of bacon!
Cut to Dora trying and failing to console Faye. Then to Faye going to the apartment and Marten's either not there, or Claire's with him. That's 2 of her 3 crisis crutches unavailable, so she falls back on her 3rd: booze. And does anybody want to place bets on who she runs into at a bar?
I'm really hoping Angus and Faye talk after she gets off work.
yeah, this is definitely a 'lets talk about this tomorrow' situation. a bit of time to cool down, think, & sleep can do wonders for a person's ability to deal with shit.
Poor Angus.
and the f--- is wrong with Faye?
There is nothing holding her back from actually following Angus. She had done that before... moving to different city, different state that is.
or at least see how it works out. not give up just because in next few months angus is going to be away from home often.
no pity for Faye!
So many dicks.
So, so many.
It's posts like this that convince me that this forum needs Coffee of Doom's anti-Clinton hose.
[Faye]'s not mad at him at all, she's hating herself.
I find it worrying when the response to 'maybe not talk about slapping women around' isn't so much 'sorry to offend anyone, I obviously would never encourage such violence in a real situation, I was just being flippant' and is more like 'SMACK THEM BOTH AROUND'.
Hitting people is generally bad form, unless your hitting them with the following list of approved items:
1) A care bare stare.
2) You're Best Shot (but only if you are Pat Benetar)
3) A snowball (an actual snowball, not the snack food) during a snowball fight
4) The sweet fragrance of bacon.
[Faye]'s not mad at him at all, she's hating herself.
Frankly, that's what I'm worried about. I've been told off for saying this but I think that Faye is going to be as low as she's ever been in the comic for the next few in-universe weeks and, if I were her friend, I'd try to avoid leaving her alone for too long.
Again with the slapping.
This talk about casual violence against a woman is disturbing
The problem is that those common expressions reinforce ideas that are really quite bad...
Wielding the accusation of sexism, homo- or transphobia at fellow forum users for using common expressions that are in use everyday is worse than any censorship and has always been the typical behaviour of those who don't get along well in this world or don't have a life so I suggest you get one, and in case you already do, stop jumping to the neck of everyone that writes something here that does not suit your view of the world (which, oh, go figure, can be as right or as wrong as anyone else's view)
Well, as much as my own internal biases tend to make me side with Faye against Angus, I guess the best clue to what's going on comes from the storyteller, who titled the thing 'You idiots.'
They're both pretty caught up in their own issues at the moment, and their relationship might die of each waiting for the other to notice.
"Hey, what you're saying is pretty insensitive and dickish, please don't do that,"Hm, I thought I read:
Again with the slapping.but well... Double standards seem to be OK in his case. :-\
This talk about casual violence against a woman is disturbing
Because there's a hell of a lot of difference between dissent and being a dick.Can´t but agree with you on this one.
Again with the slapping.
This talk about casual violence against a woman is disturbing
I understand if you think this is insufficient apology.
all that he's got to offer Faye is sharing his buddy's couch when she comes to visit... Faye's literally a complete afterthought.
Again with the slapping.
This talk about casual violence against a woman is disturbing
But this (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1347) is all right?
I am sure the original poster would certainly not harm anyone physically. The behaviour of some political correctness nazis and police in this forum is even more irritating than the behaviour of german wikipedia admins (and, oh, boy, they are annoying!) and harms all discussion on controverse matters.
I understand if you think this is insufficient apology.
I don´t see why you should apologize for using a common expression, like I already pointed out elswhere.
all that he's got to offer Faye is sharing his buddy's couch when she comes to visit... Faye's literally a complete afterthought.
See, this is what I mean by needless vilification of Angus.
It was a joke. Sure it wasn't in good taste, but we know that Angus' snarky sense of humour often runs away with him before he thinks. It's a bad habit, and in this case it hurt Faye a lot, but it is, given the characterisation we've seen so far, not a reliable indicator that Faye is a mere afterthought.
all that he's got to offer Faye is sharing his buddy's couch when she comes to visit... Faye's literally a complete afterthought.
See, this is what I mean by needless vilification of Angus.
It was a joke. Sure it wasn't in good taste, but we know that Angus' snarky sense of humour often runs away with him before he thinks. It's a bad habit, and in this case it hurt Faye a lot, but it is, given the characterisation we've seen so far, not a reliable indicator that Faye is a mere afterthought.
Yeah, conversation starts to take a screaming left hand turn into non-productive land when the name calling starts. What you perceive as hypersensitivity may actually be hyper-vigilance of the sort that is necessary for people with different life experiences and burdens to just get through their day.I´ve lived and been through my share of violence (not always physical, violence has many faces) against myself and people close to me throughout my life. Guess what, the ones who made the impression that they could not harm a fly and would never use such "fixed expressions" in conversation turned out to most abusive, reckless, cheating, wife-beating and psycho-abusing lowlife scumbags I have ever met. And I am not talking about people who may react in a violent (yet equally unappropriate manner, which I equally despise) when under stress, I am talking about continued abuse and violence.
Are you really, really convinced that this forum is not a part of "life" but an abstract "better place" where farts smell of roses and poop has the colours of the rainbow?
The people reacting so full of anger to some expressions on the forum are very similar in this reaction to this early Faye, so I am sssuming they have issues to resolve themselves, not the ones that are posting these expressions.
Discussion - a word well present anywhere in the forum - does assume the participants of such discussion, including myself, seriously considering this possibility (the other one being right), yes. 8-)The people reacting so full of anger to some expressions on the forum are very similar in this reaction to this early Faye, so I am sssuming they have issues to resolve themselves, not the ones that are posting these expressions.
I understand that no one is ever the bad guy in their own movie, but it's entirely possible that a person you disagree with is not the person who's wrong.
We may get to see Dr Corinne again...
I just realised that I mistakenly took the response of another and miscredited it to you, albeit without using names. Apologies.I understand if you think this is insufficient apology.
I don´t see why you should apologize for using a common expression, like I already pointed out elswhere.
How about you leave decisions on what I think is the right thing to do to me?
It's what we make it. Calling a person who is more sensitive to certain aspects of misogynist culture the 'PC Police' is not helpful.Except that there was nothing misogynist in there. It was directed at Faye in particular, not at women in general. It was in response to a behaviour of Faye that had nothing to do with her gender.
Perceiving anything bad that happens to members of a certain group as a direct result of belonging to that group is a very dangerous form of confirmation bias.
It's what we make it. Calling a person who is more sensitive to certain aspects of misogynist culture the 'PC Police' is not helpful.Except that there was nothing misogynist in there. It was directed at Faye in particular, not at women in general.
That leaves Hanners, who is always a fifth wheel and won't help Faye much in the single world.
Could we please get back to discussing the comic?
I tried to think of everyone who is currently single in strip to see who Faye could, theoretically speaking, hang with.
Discarding the ridiculous first, as far as I know, Faye has never met Gabby or Amir. She doesn't seem to like Clinton or Emily much, and I don't think she could really have much in-depth interaction with either. She might get drunk with Jimbo, but that's about the extent of her interactions with him.
That leaves Hanners, who is always a fifth wheel and won't help Faye much in the single world. Or maybe Raven coming back into the comic - she was one of my favorite old characters, and the two characters not only worked well together, but Raven also came up with some good advice for Faye from time to time. Probably the closest she could get to a "gal pal."
And of course Sven. it all comes back to Sven.
And of course Sven. it all comes back to Sven.
And noone - including valkyrgrrl herself - seems to mind that the accusation of misogyny was phrased in a misandrist way. Yay for double standards. Because male victims of violence are not allowed to have sensitivities, they must "man up" or be laughed at. Right?Hooray for common sense! My most sincere thanks and admiration!
Could we please get back to discussing the comic?
I tried to think of everyone who is currently single in strip to see who Faye could, theoretically speaking, hang with.
Discarding the ridiculous first, as far as I know, Faye has never met Gabby or Amir. She doesn't seem to like Clinton or Emily much, and I don't think she could really have much in-depth interaction with either. She might get drunk with Jimbo, but that's about the extent of her interactions with him.
That leaves Hanners, who is always a fifth wheel and won't help Faye much in the single world. Or maybe Raven coming back into the comic - she was one of my favorite old characters, and the two characters not only worked well together, but Raven also came up with some good advice for Faye from time to time. Probably the closest she could get to a "gal pal."
And of course Sven. it all comes back to Sven.
I find it worrying when the response to 'maybe not talk about slapping women around' isn't so much 'sorry to offend anyone, I obviously would never encourage such violence in a real situation, I was just being flippant' and is more like 'SMACK THEM BOTH AROUND'.
Hitting people is generally bad form, unless your hitting them with the following list of approved items:
1) A care bare stare.
2) You're Best Shot (but only if you are Pat Benetar)
3) A snowball (an actual snowball, not the snack food) during a snowball fight
4) The sweet fragrance of bacon.
3. She's dated Angus maybe something like six months in QC time. She's known her friends up there for years now. Why would she ditch her friends for Angus, when, as noted, there's always a chance your S/O will dump you, but your friends have stuck with you through thick and thin?
The problem is that those common expressions reinforce ideas that are really quite bad...
Show me a single case in your social circle (of common, down-to earth people, which I assume you have, since I don't know any better) where the use of one of these common expressions has led to actual violence.
I suggest one of the admins move this discussion and the relevant messages, starting with walkygrrls to a better place than WCDT, since it is definitely out of place here.
Also, it helps to recognize that a person who lives with being rained on every. fucking. day. might be forgiven for assuming water coming from a cloudless sky is yet more rain.
Well, as much as my own internal biases tend to make me side with Faye against Angus, I guess the best clue to what's going on comes from the storyteller, who titled the thing 'You idiots.'
They're both pretty caught up in their own issues at the moment, and their relationship might die of each waiting for the other to notice.
Fortunately, they have a rather observant circle of friends who are willing to sort them out.
Oh, wait... Marten? Dora? Marigold?
Forget I said anything.
I am a bit disappointed by Angus. I had expected him to hug her and say something lie "We will make it work. We will make it work."
But he obviously knows her better than I. Maybe it reaqlly is hopeless.
@FilliamHMuffman,That's actually demeaning to people with trauma. Faye is in her mid twenties and since the suicide has lived in a stable lifestyle with supportive friends and has even gone to a therapist. To suggest that at this stage Faye should be looked at as a child denies her agency as an individual. Fact of the matter is that Faye has agency and is responsible for mistreating Angus and generally being a jerk.
The point to remember is that, in a very real sense, Faye is not an adult. She's a sixteen year old girl in a twenty-six year old woman's body who's just watched her father blow his brains out in front of her. She's made progress over the past 18 or so in-universe months but not that much; certainly not enough to be willing to give up her surrogate family and hometown (or at least that is what she is being asked to do in her darker subconscious) for what is emotionally on a par with a schoolyard love affair.
I am a bit disappointed by Angus. I had expected him to hug her and say something lie "We will make it work. We will make it work."
The thing that those complaining about the alleged 'misandry' of the initial complaint, and furthermore defending their choice of words, are missing/ignoring, is that 1) violence by men against women has considerable institutional and cultural support in the U.S. and elsewhere in a way that is not the case for violence by women against men (she deserved it/she's crazy), and 2) the specific phrase 'to slap some sense into [someone]' carries with it considerable baggage of exactly that type. Specifically, the context in which that phrase formed is that of the 'hysterical woman carrying on until a man smacks her around to shut her up', a cultural meme which has lost a moderate degree of currency of late, but is still present, and was ubiquitous as recently as a generation ago. In cases where a man has sense 'slapped into him', there are clear overtones of effeminacy, and implications that he is 'less of a man' to have reacted in such a way, i.e. like a woman. The misogyny here should be pretty clear at this point, but I'm betting we're going to get at least five more pages of whiny disingenuous garbage still.
5) Music. When it hits you, you feel no pain.
5) Music. When it hits you, you feel no pain.
I wouldn't like to hug Faye. I'd like to slap some sense in her: "Why didn't you talk about this? Now it may be too late!".
Slapping is not a substitute for talking. Don't do it; not in this forum, and preferably not anywhere!
Instead, the offended party took the shrill route, referring to the phrase's usage as advocating casual violence against women. I'm sorry, but such a reaction is, in fact, hysterical and reactionary.
5) Music. When it hits you, you feel no pain.
Not so. Listen to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpkI7GW2V34), and if you don't feel pain, you're already dead.
I wouldn't like to hug Faye. I'd like to slap some sense in her: "Why didn't you talk about this? Now it may be too late!".Slapping is not a substitute for talking. Don't do it; not in this forum, and preferably not anywhere!Instead, the offended party took the shrill route, referring to the phrase's usage as advocating casual violence against women. I'm sorry, but such a reaction is, in fact, hysterical and reactionary.
Hi! Did you know that you are using tone policing (http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Tone_argument) to derail (http://www.derailingfordummies.com) someone else's conversation? Maybe don't do that.
I wouldn't like to hug Faye. I'd like to slap some sense in her: "Why didn't you talk about this? Now it may be too late!".Slapping is not a substitute for talking. Don't do it; not in this forum, and preferably not anywhere!Instead, the offended party took the shrill route, referring to the phrase's usage as advocating casual violence against women. I'm sorry, but such a reaction is, in fact, hysterical and reactionary.
Hi! Did you know that you are using tone policing (http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Tone_argument) to derail (http://www.derailingfordummies.com) someone else's conversation? Maybe don't do that.
The "slapping is not a substitute for talking" line isn't what I was referring to in the first place, so spare me your condescending links. I read Jezebel too.
Of course, participating in an ongoing conversation is derailment! I just kinda took offense at the idea that someone is advocating casual violence by using an old, common phrase, but obviously I'm just "derailing" and "marginalizing" people, because you, person who knows nothing about me, have decided I have "privilege."
seems like there are 2 topics in this thread. those about the comic, and those about using a turn of phrase and framing it as sexism. The former is fun and on topic, the latter gives me a headache and seems misplaced here. :psyduck:
Honestly I hope this isn't over for them. Communication is key to any relationship and Faye seems to be lacking that in this arc...like all of it.
Better watch out the tumblr-ites will have your privilege checked
Better watch out the tumblr-ites will have your privilege checked
God forbid.
Better watch out the tumblr-ites will have your privilege checked
God forbid.
yeah god forbid that its said every second by condescending hive mind people who are making everything worse than actually better
Better watch out the tumblr-ites will have your privilege checked
God forbid.
Better watch out the tumblr-ites will have your privilege checked
God forbid.
yeah god forbid that its said every second by condescending hive mind people who are making everything worse than actually better
I can only assume your irony was unintentional.
it drives me up the wall when people try to shut down a halfway-interesting conversation via tut-tutting, as though having links to some online forum tactics wiki makes them an expert in argument and rhetoric. "But privilege!" is not a compelling argument, no matter how many times people try to make it into one.
Kiiiinda surprised a mod hasn't jumped in here yet.
What ever happened to Wil and Penelope?
Kiiiinda surprised a mod hasn't jumped in here yet.
What ever happened to Wil and Penelope?
5) Music. When it hits you, you feel no pain.
Not so. Listen to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpkI7GW2V34), and if you don't feel pain, you're already dead.
WHY? :cry:
it drives me up the wall when people try to shut down a halfway-interesting conversation via tut-tutting, as though having links to some online forum tactics wiki makes them an expert in argument and rhetoric. "But privilege!" is not a compelling argument, no matter how many times people try to make it into one.
I see it differently. You were trying to turn an interesting conversation about domestic violence and how it is talked about idiomatically and portrayed in comics into a one-sided conversation about other forumgoers "shrill (http://www.cjr.org/campaign_desk/shrillary.php?page=all)", "hysterical (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_hysteria)" tone, vocabulary whose misogyny is thinly concealed indeed.
Don't do that. It's an ad-hom attack that shuts down the dialogue and punches down at people who are making an effort to engage with you on emotionally difficult topics. If you really have a problem with someone's tone, you always have the option to engage them personally by private message.
What ever happened to Wil and Penelope?
5) Music. When it hits you, you feel no pain.
Not so. Listen to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpkI7GW2V34), and if you don't feel pain, you're already dead.
Kiiiinda surprised a mod hasn't jumped in here yet.
Kiiiinda surprised a mod hasn't jumped in here yet.
I was in at the beginning, as has been quoted. I also made no reference to gender in my remark (though someone else did). There is nothing new being said now, so everyone please just stop, NOW - whatever you want to say has almost certainly already been said.
I am currently equally angry at both of them, perhaps a little more at Angus than at Faye. I hope they don't fuck it up. I hope Dora gently blows some sense into their ears.
Mycurrentmost recent one decided today was a good day to end it, the day that Faye and Angus end it.
Your icon is hypnotizing. I can't stop watching...
Not so. Listen to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpkI7GW2V34), and if you don't feel pain, you're already dead.
Okay Jeph, WTF? I was in a relationship. I was in love, had a proposal written and everything. The day after the breakup, you post a certain comic... Dora and Marten breakup. This could be coincidence, yet at this point I am getting a little disturbed. Mycurrentmost recent one decided today was a good day to end it, the day that Faye and Angus end it. Do me a favor, do not have any more breakups in your comic.
Hitting people is generally bad form, unless your hitting them with the following list of approved items:
1) A care bare stare.
...
Penelope gets trotted out whenever Jeph wants to make a joke about the fact that we never see the rest of the CoD people any more. They're furniture more than characters at this point.
Hitting people is generally bad form, unless your hitting them with the following list of approved items:
1) A care bare stare.
...
What about a Claire-Bear Stare? :claireface:
No.
First its not casual violence, its directed violence.
Second its not against a woman its against a person who is acting in a way that a quick hard shock could be a good thing for the thinking process.
Angus needs a slap too.
So maybe someone could slap both of them. Or poke them with a charged cattle prod.
So very aggressive. *head shake* We've got our quota of musket-Claires you'll have to be Claire De Rochefort though if you learn to use your words instead of slapping you can be promoted to Claire-dinal Richelieu
So.............................
In ([not-so]lighter?) news, we had a theme song for their beginning, do we have one for their end?
What ever happened to Wil and Penelope?
I think they were last seen at Marten and Faye's place when the whole Angus and Faye have the hots for each other drama went down with Marigold. They were talking about how Tai was committing a sucker rule violation (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1688).
So.............................
In ([not-so]lighter?) news, we had a theme song for their beginning, do we have one for their end?
Pen2 was last seen in 2525 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2525), last mentioned in 2527 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2527).
So.............................I'm a sucker for the classics:
In ([not-so]lighter?) news, we had a theme song for their beginning, do we have one for their end?
So.............................I'm a sucker for the classics:
In ([not-so]lighter?) news, we had a theme song for their beginning, do we have one for their end?
So earfucking is off the table. Unless you're referring to other hurdles?Pen2 was last seen in 2525 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2525), last mentioned in 2527 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2527).
Uh oh, just reading a few strips ahead of those and I'm seeing hurdles (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2531) for the SS Claireten.
Well, no aural sex might turn off some people. But at least it's only for only a few weeks, and they are taking it slow.So earfucking is off the table. Unless you're referring to other hurdles?Pen2 was last seen in 2525 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2525), last mentioned in 2527 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2527).
Uh oh, just reading a few strips ahead of those and I'm seeing hurdles (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2531) for the SS Claireten.
So.............................I'm a sucker for the classics:
In ([not-so]lighter?) news, we had a theme song for their beginning, do we have one for their end?
Pen2 was last seen in 2525 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2525), last mentioned in 2527 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2527).
Uh oh, just reading a few strips ahead of those and I'm seeing hurdles (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2531) for the SS Claireten.
I'm wondering whether now that Faye is single, Claire will start getting jealous of her, as Dora did back in the day. It could be worse for Claire, since unlike Dora, she only knows Faye through Marten.I'm tempted to say "unlikely" since we've already gone there.
Pen2 was last seen in 2525 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2525), last mentioned in 2527 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2527).
Uh oh, just reading a few strips ahead of those and I'm seeing hurdles (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2531) for the SS Claireten.
So.............................I can't find the studio version since the album was only released in September but here's an excellent live version of it
In ([not-so]lighter?) news, we had a theme song for their beginning, do we have one for their end?
So.............................
In ([not-so]lighter?) news, we had a theme song for their beginning, do we have one for their end?
Great all-purpose breakup song.
<snip youtube link>Harry Nilsson - You're breaking my heart</snip>
Pen2 was last seen in 2525 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2525), last mentioned in 2527 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2527).
Uh oh, just reading a few strips ahead of those and I'm seeing hurdles (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2531) for the SS Claireten.
I'm not sure how serious that is meant to be. However, it is a fact that Marten is sexually quite experienced (in practice due to at least three different long-rerm partners and in theory thanks to Veronica's profession) whilst it's a good bet that Claire is a virgin. He'll have to go slow and gentle to avoid overwhelming her. He's already come close to that with the head-scratching that turned to a sort of erotic massage.
Yeah, add to that the fact that Claire does have anxiety issues; she needs as much gentle handling as Dora did!
That's very much where I see things heading, although I hope that it is not the case.So.............................I'm a sucker for the classics:
In ([not-so]lighter?) news, we had a theme song for their beginning, do we have one for their end?
Snip Youtube Link for Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart"
As long as it doesn't go into this territory...
Snip Youtube Link for Joy Division's "She's Lost Control"
Well, different scope of ambitions. Nobody studies Library Science to become an astronaut, and Marten seems largely content to follow the path of least-resistance (although not at a destructive level like Sven). Of course, if Deathmøle does become a touring band, Claire might not be content to be a "Rock and Roll Widow". I agree with you that the things already mentioned as to *why* this ship might sink are increasingly seeming like a lower and lower probability, but with any two people, there are bound to be icebergs.
I'm not saying there won't be problems. Claire has goals. Marten doesn't. Sure, both of them are fairly happy to see where things go, but one could say the same about Angus and Faye. When he said his goal was to be a late night host, Faye didn't bat an eye. Look where that ended up.
Not so. Listen to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpkI7GW2V34), and if you don't feel pain, you're already dead.
Child's play. I'll see your song and raise you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ2sa3tyvkI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ2sa3tyvkI)
Well, different scope of ambitions. Nobody studies Library Science to become an astronaut, and Marten seems largely content to follow the path of least-resistance (although not at a destructive level like Sven). Of course, if Deathmøle does become a touring band, Claire might not be content to be a "Rock and Roll Widow". I agree with you that the things already mentioned as to *why* this ship might sink are increasingly seeming like a lower and lower probability, but with any two people, there are bound to be icebergs.
Before you get angry (and you will) take a look at Angus, and his appearances. What can you tell me about him? I don't feel like I can tell you anything of substance about him. Nothing that makes him a character. Nothing that lets me know him the same way I know Marten, Hannelore, Marigold or even Claire.
Yeah. The reason is partly that Angus' work is always out of town, so we have only seen him at parties and/or with Faye (or Marigold). He seems to get along fine with Marten. Apparently him and Steve helping a drunken Marten home from the bar is too little too late to make him likable to some forumites. May be the dislike comes from him being less dependent (for socializing and such needs) on the rest of the gang?It isn't too little to make him likeable. I don't dislike Angus. I don't make a habit of disliking people I don't know anything about. I just don't feel like we the audience have been given the chance to get to know him as a character. Since he has been dating a main character, that bothers me a little.
So.............................
In ([not-so]lighter?) news, we had a theme song for their beginning, do we have one for their end?
Four formal warnings, two PMs of thanks to the level-headed debaters, one long informative PM in the works, and a partridge in a pear tree. Please always take a minute to stop and think if you think something is an attack on you. Yes, tone policing is a thing here and it's deliberate. Insults are not welcome here.
I wish I had more to say with my first post, but I am completely impressed with Jeph's ability to create completely un-likeable characters. It given the strip an entirely new charm for me. I realized its why I've eagerly tuned in for a new cartoon since I discovered the cartoon over 4 years ago: how can Jeph make me hate them today
I didnt think it was possible to top the ending (beginning/) of the Marten/Claire saga, which reeked of terrible fanfiction but Faye managing to set the bar for being a terrible person even higher (lower) impressed me
I'm surprised nobody's commented yet on what Faye said in panel 2.
"you're dropping your whole life in a heartbeat. Can't you see why that freaks me out?" (Jeph's emphasis)
Is she doing an action replay in her mind of what happened to he father?
Odd, because Angus isn't dropping his whole life - I guess he sees it as the best bit of his life starting - but from Faye's point of view he's being taken away suddenly, and by his own action, like her father's suicide.
I think Dora will get in 1.3 seconds what's happening. That's all I can surmise. Whether she sends Faye home or keeps her around to keep an eye on her (and maybe make her do light duties in the back so her red watery eyes don't scare customers) is up to her.
I'm not sure how serious that is meant to be. However, it is a fact that Marten is sexually quite experienced (in practice due to at least three different long-rerm partners and in theory thanks to Veronica's profession) whilst it's a good bet that Claire is a virgin. He'll have to go slow and gentle to avoid overwhelming her. He's already come close to that with the head-scratching that turned to a sort of erotic massage.
Well, different scope of ambitions. Nobody studies Library Science to become an astronaut, and Marten seems largely content to follow the path of least-resistance (although not at a destructive level like Sven). Of course, if Deathmøle does become a touring band, Claire might not be content to be a "Rock and Roll Widow".
All I'm here to say is that I am not at all unhappy that Faye and Angus broke up. Worst couple in QC history. Angus just doesn't have a character.
well, if anyone's going to be overwhelmed, my money is on Marten.
I think one thing Marten could learn from Claire is that there is nothing wrong with the target of his ambition, he just needs to attack it with more fervor. How far could Marten's music career go if he worked as hard at it as Claire does at what she cares about? Of course, Dora's hyper-motivated go-getter personality totally failed to rub off on him in his last relationship, so maybe that's a false hope.
Yeah, add to that the fact that Claire does have anxiety issues; she needs as much gentle handling as Dora did!Possibly even more than Dora, who has normally been quite outspoken about sexuality. I think Marten may go back to his usual relatively passive self and adjust to Claire's comfort zone, letting her taking the lead here...
How is Fay a terrible person?She is no angel either, but the current situation is tailored-to-fit to bring out her anxiety and abandonment issues again. The fact that someone who has been through what Faye has been is able to function in society for a more or less extended span of time does not mean they are healed, and Angus is really not helping and understanding here.
I can see her locking Faye in the back, calling Angus back and locking him in the same room after telling them that, staying together or breaking up, they need to make sure that there is no bitterness going forwards. She was lucky that, after her issues killed her relationship with Marten, he was willing to continue as friends and she wants Faye and Angus to have that too.Ah, Dora and Marten continuing as friends was not instantaneous... He avoided Coffee of Doom for while, finding the Secret Bakery (and meeting Padma in the process) and it took Dora the sort of failed date with Jim and both a college party to be able to talk to each other again...
Then, on the other hand, Claire seems quite the ambitious type when it comes to her career. The proverbial and figurative "kick in the butt" for Marten to focus more on his goals in life and get his act together might well come from her, hopefully to some success. It´ll do him some good, and would possibly at the same time solve the issue with both working at the library.
Even in the best case scenario, Marten's music would not generate significant income until long after Claire's summer internship is over.
To whoever said Faye and Angus were the worse couple I think you mean Tai and Dora. So many things wrong, then again I might be blinded by my complete dislike of Tai.
Even in the best case scenario, Marten's music would not generate significant income until long after Claire's summer internship is over.
To whoever said Faye and Angus were the worse couple I think you mean Tai and Dora. So many things wrong, then again I might be blinded by my complete dislike of Tai.
I don't like the relationship either, but mostly because it is so free of conflict as to be utterly boring. What do you dislike about Tai? I confess I have a big soft spot for her - of the main cast, she feels the most like a person I might be friends with IRL.
Northampton's main local newspaper?
Even in the best case scenario, Marten's music would not generate significant income until long after Claire's summer internship is over.
Once you set aside her self-advertised (and, I suspect, massively self-exaggerated) 'wild and crazy' past
I'd love to see Claire walk up to Emily on Monday, smile, and say "One," then walk off grinning. Chances are something close to zero, but... yeah.I´m not getting the meaning of this "One", sorry, I'm not a native English speaker. Does anyone volunteer to enlighten me? (I hope it´s not in the line of "One down, soandso many to go...")
Earlier, Emily asked her how many boys she had kissed, and the answer was zero. It's now one.I'd love to see Claire walk up to Emily on Monday, smile, and say "One," then walk off grinning. Chances are something close to zero, but... yeah.I´m not getting the meaning of this "One", sorry, I'm not a native English speaker. Does anyone volunteer to enlighten me? (I hope it´s not in the line of "One down, soandso many to go...")
Once you set aside her self-advertised (and, I suspect, massively self-exaggerated) 'wild and crazy' past, Tai is probably one of the nicer and more mature characters. She has, on several occasions, forced Marten to confront his sometimes infantalised approach to life and his future. She is capable of a certain degree of cunning (I, for one, doubt that she 'forgot' to mention her graduation). However, I do think that she has some very real human fears and uncertainties, such as her doubts over her relationship with Dora and Dora's feelings for her.
Earlier, Emily asked her how many boys she had kissed, and the answer was zero. It's now one.I'd love to see Claire walk up to Emily on Monday, smile, and say "One," then walk off grinning. Chances are something close to zero, but... yeah.I´m not getting the meaning of this "One", sorry, I'm not a native English speaker. Does anyone volunteer to enlighten me? (I hope it´s not in the line of "One down, soandso many to go...")
Northampton's main local newspaper?
Well I was with you until there. There's no year you could pick between 2003 and 2014 where working for a print publication would be an upwardly mobile career move. Maybe a job with whatever the QCverse's versions of the A.V. Club or Pitchfork, though, especially since he wouldn't have to move to write for an Internet publication.
Gotta be careful injecting reality into QC. It's a place where Claire is batting a thousand on people being beyond comfortable finding out she's trans, AI is here, people have been living full time in space for at least 23 years, Smif is a fairly permissive institution when it comes to the definition of woman, and Thom Yorke is a good idea. This is not our world.
Dibs on Porthos!! :) Or would that be Portha?In "The Man in the Iron Mask" Gerard Depardieu at times looks rather like too much Port Wine to me...
Earlier, Emily asked her how many boys she had kissed, and the answer was zero. It's now one.Aaaaaaaahw (relief!) Thanks a lot. (Facepalm)
In "The Man in the Iron Mask" Gerard Depardieu at times looks rather like too much Port Wine to me...
Gotta be careful injecting reality into QC. It's a place where Claire is batting a thousand on people being beyond comfortable finding out she's trans, AI is here, people have been living full time in space for at least 23 years, Smif is a fairly permissive institution when it comes to the definition of woman, and Thom Yorke is a good idea. This is not our world.
Well Claire's only batting 1000 that we know of, with a sample size of two very carefully selected friends, and she and Clinton sure act like it's been a problem in the past. Also, Smith's grad program is co-ed, so Smif's probably is too.
Anyway I stand by my statement that Marten working for a print newspaper would be way silly.
Anyway I stand by my statement that Marten working for a print newspaper would be way silly.
I'm not arguing that said job is at all likely. I'm just saying: realism isn't a good yardstick for judging possibilities. Only "what makes sense for the character" and "what would drive the story."
I'll see your "virgin" and raise you "24 years of pent-up sexual frustration". Claire has kept herself (kind of adorably ineptly) buttoned down because of the trans thing, but now that that seems to be increasingly less of an issue... well, if anyone's going to be overwhelmed, my money is on Marten.
Forget the images you've learned to attach
To words like cock and clit,
Chest and breasts.
Break those words open
Like a paramedic cracking ribs
To pump blood through a failing heart.
Push your hands inside.
Get them messy.
Scratch new definitions on the bones.
Get rid of the old words altogether.
Make up new words.
Call it a click or a ditto.
Call it the sound he makes
When you brush your hand against it through his jeans,
When you can hear his heart knocking on the back of his teeth
And every cell in his body is breathing.
Make the arch of her back a language
Name the hollows of each of her vertebrae
When they catch pools of sweat
Like rainwater in a row of paper cups
Align your teeth with this alphabet of her spine
So every word is weighted with the salt of her.
When you peel layers of clothing from his skin
Do not act as though you are changing dressings on a trauma patient
Even though it's highly likely that you are.
Do not ask if she's "had the surgery."
Do not tell him that the needlepoint bruises on his thighs look like they hurt
If you are being offered a body
That has already been laid upon an altar of surgical steel
A sacrifice to whatever gods govern bodies
That come with some assembly required
Whatever you do,
Do not say that the carefully sculpted landscape
Bordered by rocky ridges of scar tissue
Looks almost natural.
If she offers you breastbone
Aching to carve soft fruit from its branches
Though there may be more tissue in the lining of her bra
Than the flesh that rises to meet itLet her ripen in your hands.
Imagine if she'd lost those swells to cancer,
Diabetes,
A car accident instead of an accident of genetics
Would you think of her as less a woman then?
Then think of her as no less one now.
If he offers you a thumb-sized sprout of muscle
Reaching toward you when you kiss him
Like it wants to go deep enough inside you
To scratch his name on the bottom of your heart
Hold it as if it can-
In your hand, in your mouth
Inside the nest of your pelvic bones.
Though his skin may hardly do more than brush yours,
You will feel him deeper than you think.
Realize that bodies are only a fraction of who we are
They're just oddly-shaped vessels for hearts
And honestly, they can barely contain us
We strain at their seams with every breath we take
We are all pulse and sweat,
Tissue and nerve ending
We are programmed to grope and fumble until we get it right.
Bodies have been learning each other forever.
It's what bodies do.
They are grab bags of parts
And half the fun is figuring out
All the different ways we can fit them together;
All the different uses for hipbones and hands,
Tongues and teeth;
All the ways to car-crash our bodies beautiful.
But we could never forget how to use our hearts
Even if we tried.
That's the important part.
Don't worry about the bodies.
They've got this.
I've been saying that since I think Faye helped get them together that she wouldn't get jealous, BUT realizing that could be what resolves the jealousy rather than something that prevents it altogether.
I'm not sure how serious that is meant to be. However, it is a fact that Marten is sexually quite experienced (in practice due to at least three different long-rerm partners and in theory thanks to Veronica's profession) whilst it's a good bet that Claire is a virgin. He'll have to go slow and gentle to avoid overwhelming her. He's already come close to that with the head-scratching that turned to a sort of erotic massage.
I'll see your "virgin" and raise you "24 years of pent-up sexual frustration". Claire has kept herself (kind of adorably ineptly) buttoned down because of the trans thing, but now that that seems to be increasingly less of an issue... well, if anyone's going to be overwhelmed, my money is on Marten.
To whoever said Faye and Angus were the worse couple I think you mean Tai and Dora. So many things wrong, then again I might be blinded by my complete dislike of Tai.
I don't like the relationship either, but mostly because it is so free of conflict as to be utterly boring. What do you dislike about Tai? I confess I have a big soft spot for her - of the main cast, she feels the most like a person I might be friends with IRL.
Yeah, add to that the fact that Claire does have anxiety issues; she needs as much gentle handling as Dora did!Possibly even more than Dora, who has normally been quite outspoken about sexuality. I think Marten may go back to his usual relatively passive self and adjust to Claire's comfort zone, letting her taking the lead here...
I'm with April on this. As long as Marten can still give unearthly headscratches and backrubs, they'll be juuuuust fine. An orgasm is a fleeting thing. Short, acute, it doesn't linger. It's nice, but I don't consider it fulfilling. Rub elsewhere and let the feeling persist. If you care about having a full experience: let your partner know the feeling well enough that the complete memory of it can be called up on its own and very nearly felt anew, the way I can do for a kiss.
I think Angus has some character, but we haven't seen much of it in a long time. Everything's been building up to this probably-breakup so we haven't seen much else. Little to no Marigold interaction, slap fights with Marten or games of duck duck boobs. Just impending doom.What you say is probably more accurate than what I said. I just see Angus as a missed opportunity. He seems like a guy I'd be easily able to like as a character if he was only given any development. I really feel like he hasn't had any in a long while. I guess maybe that will just happen when you have such a large cast of characters, but he's dating one of the first two main characters. Admittedly Steve did appear before Faye did, but he has never been more than a supporting character, IMO.
To whoever said Faye and Angus were the worse couple I think you mean Tai and Dora. So many things wrong, then again I might be blinded by my complete dislike of Tai.That was me. I don't dislike Tai, so I can't agree with you. I was starting to dislike Dora a little at one point, but she's settled comfortably into the role of "character I don't really care about" just lately.
I'm wondering whether now that Faye is single, Claire will start getting jealous of her, as Dora did back in the day. It could be worse for Claire, since unlike Dora, she only knows Faye through Marten.If you're expecting Faye to be jealous of Claire, or to otherwise express romantic interest in Marten then I think you're probably going to be disappointed. That 'ship' sailed a couple thousand strips ago, and it shows no signs of returning to these waters.
Am I the only one who thought it would've been perfect if this (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2799) is when the break-up strip was?Delivering pizzas. The second job keeps her busy.
Side note I just thought of after hitting "random comic." Where the hell is Penelope? I know Steve is super-busy eating cereal, but what's Penny been up to?
Am I the only one who thought it would've been perfect if this (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2799) is when the break-up strip was?Delivering pizzas. The second job keeps her busy.
Side note I just thought of after hitting "random comic." Where the hell is Penelope? I know Steve is super-busy eating cereal, but what's Penny been up to?
Mind you, Jeph's done the whole "virgin getting with someone and overwhelming her partner" thing, with Ellen and Steve, too: http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=296
Wow! This strip is certainly the most risque thing I have done so far. That is not necessarily saying much, mind you, but still. Rawr!
I wish I had more to say with my first post, but I am completely impressed with Jeph's ability to create completely un-likeable characters. It given the strip an entirely new charm for me. I realized its why I've eagerly tuned in for a new cartoon since I discovered the cartoon over 4 years ago: how can Jeph make me hate them today
I didnt think it was possible to top the ending (beginning/) of the Marten/Claire saga, which reeked of terrible fanfiction but Faye managing to set the bar for being a terrible person even higher (lower) impressed me
How is Fay a terrible person?
I wish I had more to say with my first post, but I am completely impressed with Jeph's ability to create completely un-likeable characters. It given the strip an entirely new charm for me. I realized its why I've eagerly tuned in for a new cartoon since I discovered the cartoon over 4 years ago: how can Jeph make me hate them today
I didnt think it was possible to top the ending (beginning/) of the Marten/Claire saga, which reeked of terrible fanfiction but Faye managing to set the bar for being a terrible person even higher (lower) impressed me
How is Fay a terrible person?
She's a bully and a hypocrite. Did she not chastise Marten for not even trying to make it work with Padma in a similar circumstance?
To whoever said Faye and Angus were the worse couple I think you mean Tai and Dora. So many things wrong, then again I might be blinded by my complete dislike of Tai.
I wish I had more to say with my first post, but I am completely impressed with Jeph's ability to create completely un-likeable characters. It given the strip an entirely new charm for me. I realized its why I've eagerly tuned in for a new cartoon since I discovered the cartoon over 4 years ago: how can Jeph make me hate them today
I didnt think it was possible to top the ending (beginning/) of the Marten/Claire saga, which reeked of terrible fanfiction but Faye managing to set the bar for being a terrible person even higher (lower) impressed me
How is Fay a terrible person?
She's a bully and a hypocrite. Did she not chastise Marten for not even trying to make it work with Padma in a similar circumstance?
Except that it wasn't a similar circumstance; Padma was leaving to take care of her grandmother, for one thing; for another, far from chastising him, Faye freaked out at the possibility that Marten would pull up stakes and go with Padma. Calling her hypocritical for that is a stretch. And the bullying behavior has been dialed back significantly since strip 500, which took the strip (and, needless to say, its characters, especially Faye) in a totally different direction. I get that you don't like her, but you're kinda grasping at straws here.
I wish I had more to say with my first post, but I am completely impressed with Jeph's ability to create completely un-likeable characters. It given the strip an entirely new charm for me. I realized its why I've eagerly tuned in for a new cartoon since I discovered the cartoon over 4 years ago: how can Jeph make me hate them today
I didnt think it was possible to top the ending (beginning/) of the Marten/Claire saga, which reeked of terrible fanfiction but Faye managing to set the bar for being a terrible person even higher (lower) impressed me
How is Fay a terrible person?
She's a bully and a hypocrite. Did she not chastise Marten for not even trying to make it work with Padma in a similar circumstance?
Except that it wasn't a similar circumstance; Padma was leaving to take care of her grandmother, for one thing; for another, far from chastising him, Faye freaked out at the possibility that Marten would pull up stakes and go with Padma. Calling her hypocritical for that is a stretch. And the bullying behavior has been dialed back significantly since strip 500, which took the strip (and, needless to say, its characters, especially Faye) in a totally different direction. I get that you don't like her, but you're kinda grasping at straws here.
To whoever said Faye and Angus were the worse couple I think you mean Tai and Dora. So many things wrong, then again I might be blinded by my complete dislike of Tai.
I wish I had more to say with my first post, but I am completely impressed with Jeph's ability to create completely un-likeable characters. It given the strip an entirely new charm for me. I realized its why I've eagerly tuned in for a new cartoon since I discovered the cartoon over 4 years ago: how can Jeph make me hate them today
I didnt think it was possible to top the ending (beginning/) of the Marten/Claire saga, which reeked of terrible fanfiction but Faye managing to set the bar for being a terrible person even higher (lower) impressed me
How is Fay a terrible person?
She's a bully and a hypocrite. Did she not chastise Marten for not even trying to make it work with Padma in a similar circumstance?
Except that it wasn't a similar circumstance; Padma was leaving to take care of her grandmother, for one thing; for another, far from chastising him, Faye freaked out at the possibility that Marten would pull up stakes and go with Padma. Calling her hypocritical for that is a stretch. And the bullying behavior has been dialed back significantly since strip 500, which took the strip (and, needless to say, its characters, especially Faye) in a totally different direction. I get that you don't like her, but you're kinda grasping at straws here.
I'm guessing that Staff_Inflection was referring to this:
http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2098
http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2099
http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2100
http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2101
http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2102
Now, Faye isn't off-base there, but she doesn't seem to be following her own advice about being too passive and not making an effort, which is somewhat applicable to her current situation with Angus. While I don't dislike Faye as Staff_Inflection appears to, I'm inclined to agree that there's a bit of a double-standard with her. She'll bluntly call out other characters on their BS - and granted, she'll have a point in doing so - but she's to be handled with kid gloves herself. Granted, she has some very serious issues, but I don't think being coddled is necessarily helpful to her growth as a person. It kind of allows her to continue justifying some of the more abrasive aspects of her personality, rather than dealing with her problems and breaking some bad habits.
In fairness to her though, it's a lot easier to spot mistakes when other people are making them.To whoever said Faye and Angus were the worse couple I think you mean Tai and Dora. So many things wrong, then again I might be blinded by my complete dislike of Tai.
I don't completely dislike Tai, but I'm kind of with you there. I'm not a huge fan of that pairing, for the same reason I'm a bit iffy about Marten and Claire...
So we have one vote Faye is bad, bad, bad for being a source of conflict and one vote Tai/Dora are bad for not being sources of conflict.
These characters can't win for losing.
So we have one vote Faye is bad, bad, bad for being a source of conflict and one vote Tai/Dora are bad for not being sources of conflict.
These characters can't win for losing.
I don't expect to see Tai and Dora as "sources" of conflict, per se; I do think, though, that a relationship with no conflict (and we really haven't seen any between them, whereas pretty much every relationship in the comic, romantic or not, has had some kind of conflict baked in pretty much from the start) isn't particularly realistic.
Anyway, I don't put the entirety of the anti Faye vote on you. Its a combination thing, as much about how it's impossible to please everyone as how your post seems to go both ways.
It reeks of bad fanfiction because its such a sharp departure of character for Marten. I could buy it was a little set-up. Maybe a panel devoted to Marten playing out the "big speech in his head" and deciding to go ehh screw it, perhaps on the advice of Pintsize....who has actually given decent advice in the past.
So yeah, its pretty terrible. But that's why I like it. It has something of an endearing charm in its badness
Its pretty obvious that some degree of pandering was done with the S.S. ClairTen. Or am I expected to believe that the choice of the term "OMG I SHIP IT" was totally coincidental? It reeks of bad fanfiction because its such a sharp departure of character for Marten. I could buy it was a little set-up. Maybe a panel devoted to Marten playing out the "big speech in his head" and deciding to go ehh screw it, perhaps on the advice of Pintsize....who has actually given decent advice in the past.
So yeah, its pretty terrible. But that's why I like it. It has something of an endearing charm in its badness
Someone upthread mentioned something about disliking how Angus is, as well as the relationship between him and Faye. And they didn't like that.I don't dislike Angus. I just want for him to be developed more. If you're not addressing me, I apologize for my presumption. I can't understand what makes you feel like Angus has fine characterization though. He had some, once upon a while. It all dried up lately though, and I feel bad about that. We simply disagree on your last point, and as such I don't think it appropriate to try to argue with you.
I'd argue that it's not a big deal. For one I'd say that no, Angus has fine characterization.
But more importantly to the overall structure of the comic, I'd say the role that Angus and his part of the story has played so far does not necessitate more time spent with the characters.
Its pretty obvious that some degree of pandering was done with the S.S. ClairTen. Or am I expected to believe that the choice of the term "OMG I SHIP IT" was totally coincidental? It reeks of bad fanfiction
Faye got on Marten for just letting her go. Now it seems she's doing the exact same thing. Compare the last couple of strips in both arcs. Faye does essentially the same thing Marten does
Its pretty obvious that some degree of pandering was done with the S.S. ClairTen. Or am I expected to believe that the choice of the term "OMG I SHIP IT" was totally coincidental? It reeks of bad fanfiction
Keep in mind we're talking about an avid fanfiction writer who was writing slashfic about Marten and the interns the day they met and whose primary reason for setting up Veronica and Jim was "it'd be just like a romantic comedy". Do you really think "I SHIP IT" is at all out of character for her?
I haven't been around the forums long enough to have the institutional memory to research this, but I'm betting that at every major plot shift, there have been people who thought the change was a bad idea, who thought it was a good idea, and those who thought it was pandering, and each of them had a laundry list of reasons why their opinion was correct, and how their perspective might even represent the end/a new beginning for QC.
Pan-da pan-da pan-da pan-da pan-da pan...PAN-DA! (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=56)
Pan-da pan-da pan-da pan-da pan-da pan...PAN-DA! (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=56)
God damn it! :x
I can honestly see Faye kicking down Angus and Marigold's door (much to Momo's shock and May cheering "Now she's doing what we're all thinkin'!") and announce to him: "I'm not letting you get away that easy, buster!"Either that or she has decided that she agrees with her original idea. Which was that she doesn't quite love him enough, she just loves having someone. I agree with Faye that this is not enough. Maybe the idea that this thing should end is one that has been eating away at her, and now that it could happen she won't do anything to stop it ending. Of course I expect that her abandonment issues are also making her feel awful right now, but even so she may on some level welcome this.
To whoever said Faye and Angus were the worse couple I think you mean Tai and Dora. So many things wrong, then again I might be blinded by my complete dislike of Tai.
I don't dislike Tai and I love Dora, but I have to agree with the boringness. I think Dora likes that Tai is so head over heels for her, but I don't get the sense she's in love. Which sort of sucks for Tai. :/ I think that Tai will eventually move out of town and the relationship will just peter out that way.
I don't think Faye and Angus were a bad couple. It started off a little weird, but I think Angus genuinely loves her and vice versa. The timing was just brutal. Just as Padma wished she'd met Marten a year earlier. Possibly if Marten hadn't dated Dora, they would have met a year earlier and who knows? I could see Marten giving serious consideration to moving back to California. Timing is everything sometimes.
Pan-da pan-da pan-da pan-da pan-da pan...PAN-DA! (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=56)
God damn it! :x
Marten's counter-point (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2084) is good and I hope that Faye remembers this in the difficult conversations that are going to come either this week or next week.
Come to think of it, maybe it will be Marten who remembers it and reminds her of it.
I can honestly see Faye kicking down Angus and Marigold's door (much to Momo's shock and May cheering "Now she's doing what we're all thinkin'!") and announce to him: "I'm not letting you get away that easy, buster!"
I'm not a huge fan of [Dora/Tai], for the same reason I'm a bit iffy about Marten and Claire. I guess it's probably because I'm not one for shipping, but in both cases, I feel like the foreshadowing of both relationships could just as easily been nothing. I've seen other posters who aren't necessarily thrilled with those relationships describe them as pandering to shippers, and I sort of agree with that.
Given that Marten's [porn] collection was a bone of contention (pun only partly intended), and the guilt (even if it was played for laughs), plus leaving Tai in the dark about the Svenectomy, it ain't all sunshine and roses.
I think Dora likes that Tai is so head over heels for her, but I don't get the sense she's in love. Which sort of sucks for Tai. :/ I think that Tai will eventually move out of town and the relationship will just peter out that way.
[Tai and Dora] have conflicts. So far those conflicts have only been resolved to the extent that the early Martora conflicts were. Any one could come roaring back.
Dora failing to be upfront about the Sven-ectomy could be a trigger. Dora wasn't holding in a fart.
I also hope that Claire can bring it as a secondary/semi-main character, because she's going to be featured even more prominently now. Some characters aren't cut out for bigger roles, and only time will tell whether that applies to Claire or not. For example, I'm a sucker for puns, so I like that about her, but will that become too over-used and grating now that she'll be probably be as prominent as Dora once was? Will we be introduced to other aspects of her character, and will they be interesting? To use a sporting analogy, it's like the fourth or fifth best player on a good team signing a big new deal to be the star of another club. Are they really that good, or were their abilities overestimated because the players around them were making them look good? Just something I've wondered about since they've gotten together.
[Faye is] a bully and a hypocrite. Did she not chastise Marten for not even trying to make it work with Padma in a similar circumstance?
Faye is a bully. She hasn't, materially changed her acceptance of violence as a solution to social interaction problems. The author has simply moved on from that as a goto gag.
Faye spent a long part of the strip being kind of awful. Not *always* awful, and she had motivations that more-or-less made sense, but awful nonetheless.
[...]
I'd say the role that Angus and his part of the story has played so far does not necessitate more time spent with the characters.
[...]
I think it may be apt to compare the Faye-Angus thing somewhat to Odysseus-Circe in Homer's The Odyssey. A portion of the story is devoted to the challenges faced by Odysseus and his crew on her island (what with being piggified and captured), then most of the troubles are conquered and our cast get to spend a much-needed and glossed-over year of recuperation before moving on to the next struggles.
In what context are you thinking she might do that? As in making an effort to make the LDR thing work?
I haven't seen people complain because Wil and Penny's relationship is boring.
Nobody bats an eye at Steve and Cosette having very little drama.
The only difference between Dora and Tai and the other stable couples is that they are the same sex, and both have a more prominent role in the comic since they are linked strongly with Marten and Faye.
Tai moving on from the library (to be replaced by Claire?) would be more interesting than her remaining completely static, but where will she go next?
I mean, what is Claire made of? "driven", "obstreperous", "sexually frustrated", "punny". I feel like she needs one more thing to feel like main character material: her relationship to her art. We get to see Faye welding, Dora roasting and balancing books, Marten guitaring, Marigold and Dale gaming... I want to see Claire doing library science with the passion she talks about having. Holding forth in a classroom full of undergrads with unfeigned authority, wireframing a new digital humanities website with Emily, curating her personal library at home.
The other thing I desperately want to see more of (but don't think I'll get) is Claire's politics. Does she identify with the broader trans community at all, or has she put up a wall between her history and her present self in the interest of stealth? How does she feel about Smif's trans policies, whatever they may be? How does her experience (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2427) of everyday transphobia and transmisogyny make her feel, and what does she want to do with those feelings?
What role do you imagine Tai playing in the svenectomy?Little-to-none. That's why I used it as an example of a way of growing a character (Dora's, specifically), without necessitating that it be part of relationship troubles.
Or am I expected to believe that the choice of the term "OMG I SHIP IT" was totally coincidental?
The other thing I desperately want to see more of (but don't think I'll get) is Claire's politics. Does she identify with the broader trans community at all, or has she put up a wall between her history and her present self in the interest of stealth? How does she feel about Smif's trans policies, whatever they may be? How does her experience (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2427) of everyday transphobia and transmisogyny make her feel, and what does she want to do with those feelings?
Someone -- I suspect it may have been you -- took issue rather strongly when I suggested this recently (though I'll also admit that I didn't phrase it quite as well as you did when I first brought it up).
What role do you imagine Tai playing in the svenectomy?Little-to-none. That's why I used it as an example of a way of growing a character (Dora's, specifically), without necessitating that it be part of relationship troubles.
I can't understand what makes you feel like Angus has fine characterization though. He had some, once upon a while. It all dried up lately though,
The other thing I desperately want to see more of (but don't think I'll get) is Claire's politics. Does she identify with the broader trans community at all, or has she put up a wall between her history and her present self in the interest of stealth? How does she feel about Smif's trans policies, whatever they may be? How does her experience (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2427) of everyday transphobia and transmisogyny make her feel, and what does she want to do with those feelings?
Someone -- I suspect it may have been you -- took issue rather strongly when I suggested this recently (though I'll also admit that I didn't phrase it quite as well as you did when I first brought it up).
To recap, it seemed like (https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,30209.msg1275415.html#msg1275415) you were saying Claire's characterization would benefit from a flashback to her childhood and transition (à la #504 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=504), #1828 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1828) and #2134 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2134)), which I felt would be voyeuristic (https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,30209.msg1275454.html#msg1275454) if it weren't serving a real story purpose. You posted a thoughtful reply (https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,30209.msg1275456.html#msg1275456) about what such a story purpose might be, which I regret not acknowledging in the moment.
You're right — this is the sort of thing that could go some way toward justifying a look back to a time when she had less passing privilege. But that said, "trans" isn't a thing Claire did, it's a thing that she is, and that she experiences "EVERY DAY (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2426)". Jeph can talk about her trans experience in the present tense too, and I think that it would ring louder if he did.
But, as I said, I don't think we're at all likely to go down this route. Jeph doesn't enjoy showing us bad things happening to people, and QC has never had an overtly political streak.
I've got a feeling that Mrs A's photo album will make an appearance in due time, possibly in a one-on-one exchange with Veronica's "baby Marten" home movies.
I've got a feeling that Mrs A's photo album will make an appearance in due time, possibly in a one-on-one exchange with Veronica's "baby Marten" home movies.
Clairemom seems a lot more in tune with that, and cool about it. She has had at least what, 6 years to deal with Claire's transition?
I think that you're all looking at it the wrong way. Transsexual, transition or no, that's still her first baby whom she loves unconditionally; all those photos are memories that she treasures and it would be an instinct to want to share that with others.
Clairemom seems a lot more in tune with that, and cool about it. She has had at least what, 6 years to deal with Claire's transition?
We live in hope, and we know Jeph would never write it, but you can totally see it happening, can't you? Here is the complete list of things we know about Mrs. A:
- divorced
- makes good pancakes
- absolutely crap boundaries
I think that you're all looking at it the wrong way. Transsexual, transition or no, that's still her first baby whom she loves unconditionally; all those photos are memories that she treasures and it would be an instinct to want to share that with others.
I understand that you're talking whether this would be in-character for Mrs. A or not, but can you please check in to let us know that you also understand why such a thing would be wildly inappropriate?
I've got a feeling that Mrs A's photo album will make an appearance in due time, possibly in a one-on-one exchange with Veronica's "baby Marten" home movies.
Holy shit, poor Claire would be mortified, and not even in a remotely cute way. I would hope that she has more sense than that.
April: As I was typing that, had a lightbulb moment regarding what you'd said earlier regarding how/when Claire's past might be portrayed, and I think I understand a bit better where you were coming from in the first place. Thanks. (I do get this stuff eventually... :) )
April: As I was typing that, had a lightbulb moment regarding what you'd said earlier regarding how/when Claire's past might be portrayed, and I think I understand a bit better where you were coming from in the first place. Thanks. (I do get this stuff eventually... :) )
That's awesome. Is there a better way I could have phrased it initially?
Leaving aside the boundary issue briefly, Ms. A might also have been coming to this from the same place Clinton does: simply being protective. If a conversation took place between Claire and her mom the night before (or even if she just picked up on Marten's interest upon picking up the phone), she might've simply been acting out of an abundance of caution.
Of course, taking the boundary issue back up, it's a lousy idea for a number of reasons, not least of them being simple respect (Claire is, after all, a grown woman) and knowing that it'd probably cause more anxiety for her daughter than it might've eased for her personally.
But yeah, if you disagree with the basic argument over what he should have been, that would certainly mean we're working with different assumptions here. What did you want him to be, if you don't mind me asking?I wanted him to be a guy who would continue to have scenes with Marigold that didn't involve Faye. I wanted him to maybe make a friend in the rest of the group so that he could be more thoroughly fleshed out. I wanted to know things about him in the same way I do about most of the other main characters. They all feel like people because I know about their interests, their opinions and the way they go about a typical day.
The other thing I desperately want to see more of (but don't think I'll get) is Claire's politics.
I don't understand the critique about "pandering to shippers". QC is only really interested in three things: indie music, artificial intelligence, and relationship drama. Only one of those things can drive a narrative forward. Subtract the relationship drama, and there isn't much of a comic left.
I'm especially astonished to see this accusation leveled at Marten/Claire, since Claire's whole character seems to have been designed to lure Marten out of the corner of passivity that he's been stuck in since strip #1. She's someone whose in-your-face temperament would catch Marten's attention, but whose sexual reticence would force him into decisive action. Her character traits (motivated, anxious) fill the negative space of his (unambitious, reassuring) like puzzle pieces. Maybe we could productively accuse Jeph of MPDG-ism vis a vis Claire, but she is too obviously purpose-built for a relationship with Marten for me to imagine that she was introduced on a lark and then paired with him due to fan pressure.
It's interesting to me that only Dora/Tai and Claire/Marten fall into the bullseye of "pandering to shippers". It makes me wonder if you (or the people whose opinions you are citing) might have a particular type of shipper (or ship) in mind. The fact is that it's still really rare to see LGBT relationships portrayed in a way that feels both casual and authentic (especially BT relationships, which often constitute the invisible back half of the acronym). So yeah, there's a lot of excitement for these couples in certain circles, because the people in them are unused to having their experiences reflected back at them positively through pop-culture.
My problem with Tai and Dora is how creepy Tai acted with that relationship and how she gets what she wants.
All of which is a longish way of saying, while I don't expect Jeph to go all Brecht on us, I don't think a more "political," or even just realistic, slant of sorts would be unwarranted.I think Jeph is already telling an explicitly political story. It mean seem obvious to those of us that agree (which is most of Jephs fandom, I guess), but a work of art where the characters and plotlines showcase a level of inclusiveness that some of us in the real world are merely striving for, but miles away from reaching, is a political position.
The other thing I desperately want to see more of (but don't think I'll get) is Claire's politics. Does she identify with the broader trans community at all, or has she put up a wall between her history and her present self in the interest of stealth? How does she feel about Smif's trans policies, whatever they may be? How does her experience (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2427) of everyday transphobia and transmisogyny make her feel, and what does she want to do with those feelings?
Faye got on Marten for just letting her go. Now it seems she's doing the exact same thing. Compare the last couple of strips in both arcs. Faye does essentially the same thing Marten does
I believe you're completely misremembering Marten's actions. He didn't just let her go, he actively and permanently sabotaged his last chance with her, for a bad reason, in an unnecessarily immature fashion. I can sympathise with him and understand/accept what he did, but I think he was being dumb. This is a different situation, although I'll admit they're both making things difficult for themselves (however! it's not over yet). Regardless, it's not an example of Faye being a "terrible person". It's just her being "a person". If not, then I can't think of a single character in this comic who's perfect enough to not be terrible :o
I think you've hit the nail on the head about those relationships appealing to some people more than others because of what they represent: positive portrayals of LGBT couples. I'll admit, I've been a bit hesitant to mention that I'm not a huge fan of either pairing, lest it come across as transphobic or homophobic, because those aren't my beliefs or politics at all. The fact that LGBT couples are being portrayed positively in a work of fiction absolutely is a good thing, a point that needs to be made, and I think Jeph does it in a way that doesn't shoot the message. I completely support that.[I picked the paragraphs above as being relevant to my comment... if you feel you were cherry-picked then apologies in advance and please let me know what I left out that was relevant]
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A long-standing crush on a friend's significant other, half making a move on them not long after the relationship ends, Dora reciprocating interest simply because someone pursued her and is obviously more infatuated with her than she is with them...that stuff just feels a bit uncomfortable to me.
I'd argue that it's only political if Jeph is writing it for that specific purpose
"Even 'Happiness is a Warm Gun'?" "Especially 'Happiness is a Warm Gun'."