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Fun Stuff => ENJOY => Topic started by: Welu on 12 Dec 2014, 12:58

Title: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 12 Dec 2014, 12:58
Ask and ye shall recieve.

This thread can also be used to talk about anything else of David Willis' work: Shortpacked!, Roomies, It's Walky, etc.

However when talking about works other than DoA, use spoilers. Same for showing preview panels from Willis' Tumblr.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 12 Dec 2014, 14:30
Re: Current strip:

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 12 Dec 2014, 14:34
Someone's going to get really sad... in... 6 and a half hours.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 12 Dec 2014, 14:42
Butts. All I'm getting is butts.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Schmee on 12 Dec 2014, 19:55
Prediction: next DoA will be 4 panels of Joyce screaming.
It's inevitable (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/03-answers-in-hennessy/inevitable/).

Edit: DAMN YOU, WILLIS
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: SubaruStephen on 12 Dec 2014, 23:38
Prediction: next DoA will be 4 panels of Joyce screaming.
It's inevitable (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/03-answers-in-hennessy/inevitable/).

I hope you didn't buy any lottery tickets, your ability to predict the future is way off.

(click to show/hide)

(This is the first DoA comic I've read, no idea what's going on, but I feel sorry for the redhead  :cry:)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 13 Dec 2014, 02:18
Ya, that's about what I expected. It only made sense, if he did anything too far off that it would ahve been forced and just bad writing overall.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 13 Dec 2014, 08:07
Its about as much as I expected would happen.  Now Joyce is going to feel bad and confused.  She will probably talk to Ethan about it since he's gay.

Becky must feel crushed and vulnerable after doing that.  Hope she doesn't do anything disastrous to herself.  She seems like she's not happy with her up bringing nor her college.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Dec 2014, 12:36
Shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 13 Dec 2014, 14:11
Oh Becky, I can relate :(
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 13 Dec 2014, 21:17
Is she going to punch Sara?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Dec 2014, 21:26
I think she's running away.

Also, a request. I've only read DoA, so could people not spoil things from other Willis comics?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 13 Dec 2014, 23:22
Is she going to punch Sara?

IS SHE GONNA SAY THE WORD "FUCK"?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 14 Dec 2014, 08:26
Also, a request. I've only read DoA, so could people not spoil things from other Willis comics?

I don't see anybody spoiling Shortpacked! Or It's Walky! for you. That being said, reading Dumbing of Age is SORT OF a spoiler in of itself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Dec 2014, 09:02
How?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 14 Dec 2014, 09:14
How?

If we told you, it would be a spoiler.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 14 Dec 2014, 09:43
Zing!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Dec 2014, 20:47
I thought DoA used the same characters but with new stories.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 14 Dec 2014, 21:07
It does, mostly. Except that the more out-there elements of the Walkyverse don't apply. Carla is a human, not Ultra-car. Monkey Master and the Head Alien is just a cartoon. Just ordinary people pretty much going to college.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Dec 2014, 13:57
Hooboy

Something tells me she got thrown out.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 15 Dec 2014, 13:58
Something tells me she got thrown out.
Probably after she came out to her parents. Thats my guess.  :oops:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 15 Dec 2014, 14:46
And/or came out at school. Didn't she go to a very small Christian university, she said? They often have morality clauses.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 15 Dec 2014, 14:47
That's a good point!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 15 Dec 2014, 14:53
And/or came out at school. Didn't she go to a very small Christian university, she said? They often have morality clauses.

I can attest to that. I had a girlfriend who went to a Christian college (one of those real strict ones, I went to a Catholic college, but all that meant was they didn't sell condoms on campus, had a chapel and I had to take 3 theology classes with only 1 of them having to be about Christianity) and those rules were goddamn ridiculous. From the top of my head: people must have their feet on the ground at all times while in a room of the opposite sex (you're not going to be transgendered and go to this college, so yes, sex), door open, of course; pregnancy out of wedlock is grounds for expulsion, a large amount of apologizing and penance is required to be accepted back in, only after the baby is born; only married couples are allowed to show any signs of a sexual relationship - and even then it's basically hand holding.

Also, people in those schools get married so fucking fast.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 15 Dec 2014, 15:22
I'm wondering if she's come out to her family though. From the description they are super controlling and ultra religious. Which is why it was wondered that she was allowed to visit Joyce unexpected and alone. So.. Was she kicked out of college and waiting for word to get back to her parents... Or have her parents kicked her out entirely? Either way... no good.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Dec 2014, 18:36
Poor Becky :(
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 15 Dec 2014, 21:20
Well that explains everything...sort of.  Too bad Becky...  :oops:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 16 Dec 2014, 14:08
DoA has become my favourite webcomic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 16 Dec 2014, 21:25
I called it a few strips ago, in one of the comment threads.  Becky ran away.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Dec 2014, 12:55
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/Kugai2/Memes/Shit_just_got_real-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 17 Dec 2014, 21:40
I don't care what anyone says, that's the cutest one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Dec 2014, 15:07
Today on DoA


Amazi-girl, a guy and a cinder block
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Jan 2015, 12:09
And Becky just doesn't come out, she explodes from the Closet
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 07 Jan 2015, 14:01
(http://hijinksensue.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2014-06-25-pantalones-en-fuego.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 11 Jan 2015, 02:22
Dina! :3
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Jan 2015, 15:30
Dina, the Yoda of DoA
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 12 Jan 2015, 17:42
Willis has captured Dina perfectly.  She's an Ace Aspie, and that's exactly what it's like.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Jan 2015, 15:18
The dreaded Hair Of Exam Terror


Looks like Walky will have to STUDY
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 16 Jan 2015, 21:08
In an entirely different universe Soggies may rule now.

I'll admit that I was slightly disappointed with the last Shortpacked! ever. But well. It's over.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Jan 2015, 22:30
Over forever? I still haven't read any of it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 17 Jan 2015, 02:11
In an entirely different universe Soggies may rule now.

I'll admit that I was slightly disappointed with the last Shortpacked! ever. But well. It's over.

Me too, to be honest.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 17 Jan 2015, 21:36
Over forever? I still haven't read any of it.

On it's ninth birthday Willis announced he would end Shortpacked! on its tenths. That was the 17th. So he posted the last strip of Shortpacked!, which was the last remaining active comic set in the now over seventeen year old Walkyverse, yesterday. Now he only writes DoA.

It all started with Roomies!, then there was It's Walky! and at the end there was Shortpacked!. And Joyce & Walky somewhere in between, parallel to the beginning of Shortpacked!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Jan 2015, 21:56
So is Walky more important in other comics? I mean he's a major character in DoA but he's hardly the main character. (If I had to consider anyone the main character I'd pick Joyce but it seems to be an ensemble)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 17 Jan 2015, 22:18
He was pretty central in It's Walky and Joyce and Walky of course. He was originally kind of the author/reader surrogate character. Not unlike Marten in QC.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Jan 2015, 22:39
I like Dumbing of Age but I don't know if I want to read any other comics with these characters.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Jan 2015, 12:03
Today on DoA


Becky zings Joyce
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 20 Jan 2015, 12:42
Joyce, if not the main character, is definitely the inspiration for Dumbing of Age.

She's also the first person to appear in the comic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 20 Jan 2015, 12:58
Does that mean Star Wars is about C-3P0?  :angel:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Jan 2015, 14:02
No, R2
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 20 Jan 2015, 14:06
we see C-3P0 first though  :-P
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 21 Jan 2015, 01:32
I said "She's also the first character", I didn't say she's the main character because she's the first one to arrive.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 21 Jan 2015, 02:21
It's just something Dave Willis wrote as a preface to the comic collection of Dumbing of Age. Joyce - and how she fares in University - was a major inspiration that fueled Dumbing of Age.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Jan 2015, 10:32
I'm confused. How could Joyce be an inspiration for Joyce?

That being said, I've read all of DoA fairly recently and I consider her the main character in a McNulty way.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 21 Jan 2015, 10:35
If anything Willis himself is the inspiration for Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 21 Jan 2015, 11:04
As far as I know, Willis has said several times, that Joyce in DoA is largely autobiographical.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 21 Jan 2015, 11:21
that is as I understand it too ChaoSera  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 21 Jan 2015, 13:02
She's also - arguably - the character that has went through the biggest changes since going to the University. I view it that way because while others seemed to find out more about themselves, Joyce's attitude and beliefs have been consistently warped. There's also a lot of one-dimensional characters in DoA, but there are 20 something characters so not all of them can have an ever changing personality I guess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 21 Jan 2015, 13:52
I wont argue that she has had some major new life experiences, though some of the other characters have gone through some changes too.  :-D  Hell even Dorothy is starting to realize that life cannot be all work and no play.  On the flip side of that Walky is starting to learn life isn't as easy as it once was and that life is not all play but also work.  Sal is becoming less bully/badass and more her own woman.  Ethan is more or less in stasis and I kind of feel the same way for Amber and Danny.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jan 2015, 14:47
Hmmmm

Being Sals Bitch might just be a good thing for Joyce.      ;D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 23 Jan 2015, 16:56
So, for us noobs, what would you recommend as a starting point for Willis's work?  Dumbing of Age, or one of the others?  I haven't read any of them yet, but I'm probably going to take a few weeks off from reading QC, and I'll need other webcomics to distract me.  And since I keep hearing things about this Willis fellow...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 23 Jan 2015, 17:19
You can just start at DoA, they're all independent of each other, but they do have some references to each other that don't really affect the story.

I read Shortpacked, but only saw some bits and pieces of the others, mostly because the artwork in the others is pretty bad -especially compared to DoA and Shortpacked. IMO DoA is the best.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 23 Jan 2015, 19:26
Read DoA. If you're interested in the Walkyverse as well, start reading here (http://www.itswalky.com/comic/and-now/). That's the first page of "Roomies!", Willis' first comic. He republished it together with some strips he drew later in what he considers "best reading order". He's currently uploading the second Walkyverse comic "It's Walky!" one strip per day on the same site.

Then you can wait for Willis' to upload the rest of It's Walky! (which might take a few years), or you can visit the old comic site, which is still online here (http://joyceandwalky.com/d/19970908.html), and read the rest of "It's Walky" there. The navigation sucks on that site though.

Well, and once you're done with "It's Walky!" you can start on "Shortpacked!". You miss out on a lot, if you read "Shortpacked!" before having read "It's Walky!".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 23 Jan 2015, 19:48
Thanks, both of you.  I'll give DoA a try.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jan 2015, 21:18
Today on DoA

Sign Language Argument
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 23 Jan 2015, 21:19
The color he's using to indicate motion makes it look like they have robot hands.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 24 Jan 2015, 05:14
It irked me as well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Jan 2015, 13:32
They were signing at Warp speed
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 24 Jan 2015, 17:54
Sorry to bother all you non-Patrons: The latest bonus strip was kinda "Damn you, Willis!"-worthy as well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Jan 2015, 09:35
Do you get to see it early or do non-Patrons not see it at all?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 25 Jan 2015, 10:10
The Bonus strips are Patron only.  There's one we get to vote for and one Willis gets to decide about per month. We get to see the regular strips one day early though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Jan 2015, 10:11
You get to vote what happens?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 25 Jan 2015, 10:13
We get to vote about the main character. Last one featured Dina.  The choices before were Becky (before we knew that Becky would appear in the regular strips), Galasso's daughter whose name I just forgot, Asma I think, and people like that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Jan 2015, 10:26
Oh. Are they canon or one-offs?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 25 Jan 2015, 10:27
They are canon, but do not contain information really relevant to anything.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 25 Jan 2015, 13:03
Like most strips that feature Dina really.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Jan 2015, 13:54
Today on DoA


Student/Teacher Ethics.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Jan 2015, 13:58
Or lack thereof.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 27 Jan 2015, 13:59
Eh, it's not as if anyone cares if you're a good teacher when you're a TA...

Banging your students, on the other hand...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 27 Jan 2015, 14:07
According to my vast internetting, students have sex with teachers all the time. Also, teachers seem to barely wear anything and have giant boobs.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 27 Jan 2015, 14:09
"And then sometimes another girl shows up and I'd have to pay $19.99 a month to find out more."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 27 Jan 2015, 15:46
*blink* where was that one from?
I know at least two people who banged teachers in their school.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 27 Jan 2015, 15:50
It turns out I misquoted it, but I think I got close enough (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=944).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 27 Jan 2015, 15:53
Hah. Well, it was close enough for me to realize it was a reference.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 29 Jan 2015, 08:16
Dammit Sarah. Self fulfilling prophecy much!?  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 Jan 2015, 10:32
It is kind of hard to find people who want to hang around with you if you drive away everyone who wants to hang around with you...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Orkboy on 02 Feb 2015, 21:17
Welp, now we know the best way to answer a phone. 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 02 Feb 2015, 21:20
Later. ..

"Hi, Joyce, I tried calling earlier and your nice Jewish boyfriend answered."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 02 Feb 2015, 22:21
"I knew public University would do this to her!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 03 Feb 2015, 09:12
Oh my god Mike.

This message is coming from Tapatalk inside my phone!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 03 Feb 2015, 09:51
Oh my goodness, Joyce's face.

(http://40.media.tumblr.com/7c40a04f98009b5a08cb4b563023a1a2/tumblr_nj7fazFsJ51qkinreo1_500.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 03 Feb 2015, 13:52
She does kinda look possessed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Feb 2015, 15:40
If her eyes turn red and she starts speaking in tongues then we'll know.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 03 Feb 2015, 15:50
If her eyes turn red and she starts speaking in tongues then we'll know.

No, it'd be more subtle, like a swear word.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 03 Feb 2015, 16:27
You mean like "poops"? (This IS Joyce after all...)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Feb 2015, 18:33
"poops"

(http://40.media.tumblr.com/7c40a04f98009b5a08cb4b563023a1a2/tumblr_nj7fazFsJ51qkinreo1_500.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Feb 2015, 21:35
Today on DoA

Real world Revelation for Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 08 Feb 2015, 22:10
As long as this isn't part of some long journey towards Joyce becoming an atheist or something. I can see Willis doing something like that and I already kind of have gripes about how he treats religious people in his comic. I just like that the comic has a religious person who isn't a complete toolbag, but it's kind of just Joyce atm and he portrays her as incredibly ignorant (which I guess can be justified).

Don't get me wrong, everyone should be accepting regardless of religious affiliation or sexuality, I just don't want the only religious character who isn't a jerk to suddenly stop believing in totality. I'm kind of making a leap aren't I...

EDIT - I realize how some of this sounded. Ahem. OF COURSE JOYCE SHOULD FEEL THIS WAY. I've just been thinking about the religion thing for awhile is all.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Feb 2015, 23:28
She's mad at organized religion, but she clearly still believes. For now, at least.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 09 Feb 2015, 02:16
It's worth noting that Joyce is autobiographical on Willis's part.

And, what about Sierra, for someone who's religious but not a jerk?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 09 Feb 2015, 06:05
Or Billie for that matter?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Feb 2015, 05:20
Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Weed Forestin on 10 Feb 2015, 06:26
Roz needs to get off Tumblr.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 10 Feb 2015, 10:11
No Roz needs to say it even louder so Joyce finally gets the bullshit out her head. I swear, she's the most unlikable character in DoA (yes, that includes Mike!!)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 10 Feb 2015, 10:35
Billie's not religious, but I did completely forget about Sierra.

And there's nothing wrong with Joyce. She's sweet and she tries. Yes, she was force fed church dogma since she was born, but you're seriously going to blame a person for that? We already know that Joyce didn't even know bisexuals existed, she's been sheltered her whole life. I don't think we should judge a person based on what they believe, but based on how they act. Which is why I was kinda peeved that Willis makes all his religious characters act like assholes all the time (except Joyce and I guess Sierra now, but she doesn't really ever do anything). Joyce doesn't act like a self-righteous, "I'm clearly better than you" type of person, but Roz certainly does.

EDIT - you know what the worst thing anyone can do for someone who's trying to better themselves? Tear them down for it because they're not at the level someone wants them to be yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 10 Feb 2015, 10:45
Billie has stated on more than one opportunity that she believes in god.

On a completely different note, I hope that Joe takes this lesson to heart and helps Danny with his outing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 10 Feb 2015, 10:46
I can't and don't blame Joyce for how she was brought up. She was very sheltered and programmed to think that way by her parents. Who were probably brought up that way by their parents and so on and so forth... She's never even thought of questioning whether or not what she is taught is right or now, because she's never been given that chance. Now she's being forced to see just how rigid control and thought policing can cause real, serious harm to people. She's having to re-evaluate everything she knows is true.

That said, I don't think Roz is wrong to a degree. Up until coming to college, Joyce was part of the problem unwittingly. Which is kinda the whole point of keeping people sheltered and training them not to question their indoctrination. So they don't think about it. I do think she is wrong in blaming Joyce for it though. She's as much a victim as anyone else. Now that she's had her eyes opened at least somewhat... if she goes back to 'What I was taught is right, everyone else is a sinner' then she would be to blame for consciously choosing her programming while knowing the harm it causes. But that doesn't seem to be where she's heading.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 10 Feb 2015, 10:53
Believing in God does not equate to religious. I believe in God and identify as Christian, but do not consider myself religious.

And Joe has been a pretty one-dimensional character so far, it'd be nice to see him not act like a frat-douche for a little bit.

Bah, extra posts! Neko, yeah I agree with that. Do I think Roz is necessarily wrong? No. But she shouldn't act like because one, it's a douchey thing to do, and two, acting like that harms whatever cause you're fighting for. Being dicks towards people who are coming around to your point of view is pretty dumb.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Feb 2015, 14:50
Dang Roz, stick the boot in why don't you?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 13 Feb 2015, 21:08
Shit's about to get heavy.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 13 Feb 2015, 21:24
Guh, this is what I get for zooming through the archives in under a week.  Why did I have to catch up now?!  Now I'm stuck waiting for one update a day like everyone else, and it's excruciating.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Feb 2015, 21:30
Yeah, that was me a few months ago.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 13 Feb 2015, 21:48
Guess I'll have to binge on Shortpacked! next.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Feb 2015, 21:53
I haven't read any of his other stuff. Maybe when DoA ends I'll go back and read everything.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Weed Forestin on 14 Feb 2015, 13:30
I don't think that'll be for a while.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Feb 2015, 13:32
Well, no rush, then.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 14 Feb 2015, 13:32
I feel like there's still years to go
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Feb 2015, 14:22
+++DRAMA ALARM+++
+++DRAMA ALARM+++
+++DRAMA ALARM+++
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 14 Feb 2015, 14:30
What sound does a drama alarm make?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Feb 2015, 14:40
I feel like there's still years to go
Hopefully.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 14 Feb 2015, 21:20
I feel like there's still years to go
Hopefully.

I think Willis said somewhere that he was only going to write about their Freshman year of college.  But considering we're only a few weeks into the first semester, this first year could last a while... (and I'm not complaining at all)

Also, I think Joyce is broken now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 14 Feb 2015, 21:46
This just in: gay people are puppies
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 14 Feb 2015, 22:04
This just in: gay people are puppies
Ethan says Sasquatch.  :-P
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Feb 2015, 22:05
What sound does a drama alarm make?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLuNy8qfK9Q
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 15 Feb 2015, 21:09
Amazi-Girl really needs to hunt down this Ryan fellow.  Really, how hard is it to find a guy with a fresh facial scar?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Feb 2015, 21:15
Does Ethan know about Ryan? Because I don't remember any point where Joyce tells him about it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 15 Feb 2015, 23:01
Amazi-Girl really needs to hunt down this Ryan fellow.  Really, how hard is it to find a guy with a fresh facial scar?

He clearly goes to the school and a lot of people saw him and know what he did. I know they didn't go to the police or anything, but I'd imagine someone would have kicked his ass by now.


And no, Ethan doesn't know. I'm pretty sure he just knows Joyce is clearly having a tough time with something at the moment.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Feb 2015, 07:14
Yesh, so having gone back and reading all the early years I missed I understand last week's comics better. Some time has passed since that party and current though, weeks or months. Sarah already did a pretty good job of kicking his ass, and Joyce didn't do so bad herself, though that was just luck and lashing out. As far as I know though, they haven't told anyone else yet about the attack other than those who knew about it that night, which didn't include Amber, or anyone who would tell Amazi-Girl. I have no doubt if she knew she'd go after him...

There's also no knowing if he even goes to the school. He was clearly and deliberately targeting Joyce and knew what to say to her. To me that means he's probably raped other girls before. The guy who threw the party said he has seen him at parties before, but not that he knew him. It's possible he doesn't even go to college, or goes somewhere else, but hunts for targets at college parties, especially ones with freshmen attending, as they're likely to be the easiest targets.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 16 Feb 2015, 07:18
Of course Amber knows. Amazi-Girl was there that night. She went after Ryan but couldn't find him, if I recall correctly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Feb 2015, 08:08
Ah yes yes, that's right...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 16 Feb 2015, 21:26
Well, Joyce is trying, at least.  Eighteen years of religious indoctrination aren't overcome in just one day.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 17 Feb 2015, 06:37
That is true. She's also finally dealing with her near-rape after all this time trying to ignore it and pretend it didn't happen. That's a double break down right there. She's going to need her friends around, I think.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Feb 2015, 14:42
Ahhh, I was wondering who scarface was.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 17 Feb 2015, 14:54
It took me a while to get who it was as well. I figure the scar is from the glass she hit him with.

(The comments helped as well)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 17 Feb 2015, 14:59
Yeah, she fucked him up. Still seems odd no one would have kicked the shit outta him then and there, but I'm not the one telling the story I guess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 17 Feb 2015, 15:54
Well, Sarah did with the bat. Amazi-Girl would have, but by the time she or anyone else knew what was going on he had already disappeared. To most everyone else, all they knew was some crazy chick showed up and started beating the crap out of some guy. Pretty much everybody else was drunk, and probably not going to be paying attention to two people chatting it up to realize something wonky was going on. That's one of the reasons serial rapists like that are able to get away with it for so long.

The fact that he hasn't shown up since (as far as I know) and we haven't heard of him getting his ass kicked by one of Joyce's friends, or friends of the guy who held the party is a main reason why I think he doesn't go to school there, or live nearby. Joyce seeing his face on everyone but Ethan right now is  a window into her thoughts and reasoning... And why she feels she's been using Ethan. Since he's gay, she thinks he's the perfect boyfriend for her.. He'll never want sex from her. So he's the one guy she doesn't see as doing what her attacker did, or try to do.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 17 Feb 2015, 21:34
I really hope they catch Ryan soon, so Joyce can stop worrying and spend all her time playing matchmaker for every gay person she meets.  Once she has Becky settled, she will find Ethan a nice boy to marry, dang it, only there can't be any pre-marital hanky-panky involved.  Unless her views on that evolve (eep!) as well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 18 Feb 2015, 11:16
I really hope they catch Ryan soon, so Joyce can stop worrying
I am afraid tha'ts not how this trauma thing works...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 18 Feb 2015, 14:31
Speaking from someone who was almost murdered, nope! It doesn't work like that at all!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 18 Feb 2015, 16:12
Yeah, my bad, I was being way too glib about Joyce's trauma in that last comment.  Sorry about that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 18 Feb 2015, 16:18
I just don't like how the guy's name is Ryan seeing as that's my brother's name. It's makin' me feel weird.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Feb 2015, 13:47
Today on DoA

Becky Remodels
Joyce Reboots
Ethan is the butt of a joke
Dorothy considers murder
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 20 Feb 2015, 14:37
With Becky's new hair comes an attitude that is pretty fackin' rude.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 21 Feb 2015, 13:15
The adorable butch girls are the cutest.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Feb 2015, 13:41
I just think Becky is overcompensating for the years she spent as a repressed individual.  Balance will come.


Especially after she bangs Joyce
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 21 Feb 2015, 21:16
Oh dear, Joyce is in for it.

And Becky, I think, has certain latent powers, she just needs to learn how to use them properly.  She needs to team up with Mike.  They could do a good cop/bad cop routine.  Ferret out people's dirty little secrets and destroy them sweetly and/or cynically.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 21 Feb 2015, 21:18
Bad things are happening for a lot of people. I'm scared.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 21 Feb 2015, 21:20
*facepalm* Someone want to get a sock for Becky's mouth?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Feb 2015, 21:32
She'd probably prefer a Ball Gag.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 21 Feb 2015, 21:33
They could use one of Joyce's socks, but she might enjoy it too much.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 21 Feb 2015, 21:34
I'm having mixed feelings about these things that were just said.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 22 Feb 2015, 09:04
I meant that Joyce might enjoy the silence too much. What did you think I meant?  :roll:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 04 Mar 2015, 17:47
Becky, come one. You saying Ethan should of forced himself on her by now?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Mar 2015, 17:49
The way I read it is that she figured out that Ethan is gay on her own (the same way Walky did) and this is her way of calling him out on it. I could be (and probably am) wrong, though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 04 Mar 2015, 17:52
I hope so.  Becky is coming off quite radical.

(http://media.giphy.com/media/EWkLSOqATlkAM/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Mar 2015, 18:26
DOUBLY SO, it would seem :clairedoge:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 04 Mar 2015, 18:49
Becky, come one. You saying Ethan should of forced himself on her by now?

Well, to be fair, her first question was "You get in each other's pants yet?"  Which is kind of a weird thing to ask.  Goshdarned glorious or not, Ethan is waayyyy too tall to wear anything of Dorothy's, and Dorothy would probably need a belt to keep Ethan's up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Mar 2015, 21:57
Ethan

Introspection R Us
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Mar 2015, 06:33
Ethan' s reaction seems to suggest that my interpretation of what Becky said was right, or at least he had the same interpretation. ..

(Off topic... I freaking hate touch screen keyboards. Loathe them.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Mar 2015, 07:00
They're fine on phones, but tablets are pointless.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 05 Mar 2015, 10:42
(Off topic... I freaking hate touch screen keyboards. Loathe them.)

What type?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Mar 2015, 10:45
The default keyboard on the LG Optimus. It's like a combination of the regular Android keyboard and the Swype keyboard (except the pattern recognition is terrible, making it useless).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 05 Mar 2015, 10:47
The Google Keyboard is a ducking agile (fucking asshole) about not wanting to swear.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Mar 2015, 11:40
I almost don't want to get a new phone because my current phone knows all my swear words. Even "fuckpants" ^_^
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 05 Mar 2015, 12:02
The Google Keyboard is a ducking agile (fucking asshole) about not wanting to swear.

You can disable that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 05 Mar 2015, 12:14
You can, and that means that it'll actually swear after about your fourth try to get it to swear.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Mar 2015, 12:18
Tucking piece of shot keyboards...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Mar 2015, 12:21
Bunch of Monday to Friday monkey fighters.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 05 Mar 2015, 12:59
But if you have to do it four times, then it will have so much more feeling in it!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Mar 2015, 13:05
But if you have to do it four times, then it will have so much more feeling in it!
That takes on a new, interesting meaning after reading this link Jeph posted on his Twitter account (http://jerkcity.com/_jerkcity737.html).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 06 Mar 2015, 02:22
So, am I the only one who doesn't really like Becky?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 06 Mar 2015, 03:09
mmm. right there with you. the shit she pulled with ethan is not okay.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 06 Mar 2015, 21:07
Okay, I've been patient, but Becky's starting to grate on me, too.  Not even a moment of vulnerability can help, since she goes right back to being mean-spirited.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Mar 2015, 12:58
I think Becky's just overcompensating for half a lifetimes worth of repression.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 07 Mar 2015, 22:17
Yeah, I recognize that, and like I said, I was being patient.  But my reaction to yesterday's strip was an uncontrollable "Ugh, Becky will NOT. SHUT. UP., will she?"  So I guess I reached my limit?

But then today's strip hit, and the mild feels overwhelmed my annoyance.  Awww, Joyce is evolving being a good friend!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 07 Mar 2015, 22:21
What? JOYCE
is evolving!

JOYCE evolved
into GOODFRIEND!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 08 Mar 2015, 00:17
Yeah, I don't really care for Becky too much either. I can't even read the comment section on days with Becky because they're always just talking about how wonderful she is. The more I feel like they're trying to make me like her, the more annoyed I am with her. But honestly, there just isn't anything in particular about her that I enjoy. For me, she's primarily annoying. I like the complexity of her back-story and such, but she's the type of person I would not get along with. She reminds me of someone I know, a person that I have referred to as Maleficent on here before. It's not just that they're aggressively assertive about "LOOK AT ME; I'M A LESBIAN." There's a lot of neediness that shows in how they want someone to be paying attention to them every moment of the day. That's something they have in common, and they also are very much about their own needs, especially in terms of "If you have a problem with me being insensitive and rude, then it's just because ~you can't handle me.~" Ugh.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 08 Mar 2015, 01:54
What? JOYCE
is evolving!

JOYCE evolved
into GOODFRIEND!


Evolution? D:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 09 Mar 2015, 07:54
Yeah, I don't really care for Becky too much either. I can't even read the comment section on days with Becky because they're always just talking about how wonderful she is. The more I feel like they're trying to make me like her, the more annoyed I am with her. But honestly, there just isn't anything in particular about her that I enjoy. For me, she's primarily annoying. I like the complexity of her back-story and such, but she's the type of person I would not get along with. She reminds me of someone I know, a person that I have referred to as Maleficent on here before. It's not just that they're aggressively assertive about "LOOK AT ME; I'M A LESBIAN." There's a lot of neediness that shows in how they want someone to be paying attention to them every moment of the day. That's something they have in common, and they also are very much about their own needs, especially in terms of "If you have a problem with me being insensitive and rude, then it's just because ~you can't handle me.~" Ugh.

Becky:
(http://www.kappit.com/img/pics/201502_1845_hfbbh_sm.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 09 Mar 2015, 07:55
Wait, I thought they weren't drinking anymore?! :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 09 Mar 2015, 07:58
Billie and Ruth fell off the wagon together.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 09 Mar 2015, 13:50
Don't you remember them getting drunk and then having all dat sex? (implied sex, I guess, I don't have slipshine).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Mar 2015, 16:18
Irony of the Comic

It's Teatotaller Night at the Club.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 10 Mar 2015, 21:17
Dear Joyce and Walky:

YOU ARE DEAD TO ME.

Love,
Gladstone
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Mar 2015, 22:31
Only the Yakusa 'Apology Method' will redeem them


And I don't like Sushi.  Nothing personal, it's just the way i feel about it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 11 Mar 2015, 00:01
Only the Yakusa 'Apology Method' will redeem them


And I don't like Sushi.  Nothing personal, it's just the way i feel about it.
I can't eat sushi.  Rice spikes my blood sugar too much.  Even brown rice.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 11 Mar 2015, 00:06
I try to stay away from seafood in general, mostly because I'm not so happy with the fishing industry, but sushi and shashimi tastes fucking wonderful. I have to guilt trip myself not to get seafood.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 11 Mar 2015, 06:57
I've never had sushi, I'd have to go to the city two hours away to get to a restaurant and I'm usually visit in the city with my Partner who hates fish.

Becky is trying real hard to prove she's Joyce's best friend.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 11 Mar 2015, 10:15
Too hard, methinks.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Mar 2015, 10:46
I suspect she's kept everything bottled up for so long, now that she's out from under her family's rules she's trying to 'catch up'. I also am guessing she feels a bit threatened by the fact that she feels all she has left is Joyce, and she has all these new friends.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 11 Mar 2015, 12:08
The becky thing annoys me, she needs to tone it down right the fuck now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Mar 2015, 12:38
I think she'll balance out in the end. 

She's on a high now that she's finally come out to both herself and others, eventually she's going to come down from it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: dr. nervioso on 11 Mar 2015, 20:47
Becky reminds of a lot of young GLB kids I have met (including myself). It's a whole new world and we tend to be so excited by the fact we can finally be open, that we don't think so much about how much we might annoying the shit out of our friends.* She just needs time to adjust to all the changes in her life and find a nice medium

*This is a condition that one of my friends lovingly refers to as "Baby Gay Syndrome."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 11 Mar 2015, 21:13
Okay, I overreacted above.  Joyce's aversion to sushi was understandable, considering her issues with food.  It's just Walky who was being unforgivably immature about it, and wasting good sushi.  At least Joyce is trying, even if her desire to make and keep Becky happy is going a bit far.  Everyone's overcompensating these days, I guess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Mar 2015, 22:49
Becky reminds of a lot of young GLB kids I have met (including myself). It's a whole new world and we tend to be so excited by the fact we can finally be open, that we don't think so much about how much we might annoying the shit out of our friends.* She just needs time to adjust to all the changes in her life and find a nice medium

*This is a condition that one of my friends lovingly refers to as "Baby Gay Syndrome."

I don't know any others here who are, but I think it's different when you 'Come Out' when you're older.

I know it was for a friend of mine when she finally came out three years ago.  She had been married and has a son, and was actually the GF of my ex-friend - I think I've mentioned him here before.


In case I haven't, that's not the reason I dropped him two or so years back.  There were other issues in regards to that matter.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 12 Mar 2015, 21:08
Becky is so jelly right now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 12 Mar 2015, 21:34
Becky is so jelly right now.
She looks so jilted and jelly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 13 Mar 2015, 06:00
Oh Becky. I know that look from myself :( Poor baby.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Mar 2015, 14:14
Wouldn't worry about it too much since Dorothy is banging Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 13 Mar 2015, 14:48
I think Becky kind of hoped Joyce was a secret lesbian too. Now we see another girl being cutsey with her BFF. I know what Becky's eating. Jelly donuts.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 13 Mar 2015, 16:37
I just realized earlier today that Joyce still hasn't called her mom back.  And her mom called her before she had her giant revelation in Gender Studies, back when she was only just worried about Becky.  Now she has Ethan to defend, too, so how is she going to tell her parents that she stands by her gay best friend and broke up with her gay boyfriend because she realized she was wrong to try to change him?  She should be making battle plans, not eating sushi. 

Maybe Ethan should give Joyce's sister a call, fill her in on the developments.  (And what happens when Joyce finds out about Jocelyne?)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 13 Mar 2015, 17:46
Simple: Walky told her mom she's in the bathroom, and Dorothy made her eat sushi, so her mom can be convinced that she's just been in the bathroom ever since then (you mean you fed her RAW FISH!?), hence why she never called back.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 13 Mar 2015, 17:56
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Mar 2015, 13:42
Today on DoA

Becky drops the F Bomb
Joyce mellows out
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 15 Mar 2015, 21:37
I'm a little puzzled that Joyce hasn't mentioned that Ethan didn't dumper her, she dumped Ethan.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 15 Mar 2015, 21:52
But then she would have to explain why she dumped him, along with why she started going out with him in the first place when she already knew he was gay.  She's probably easing into the subject.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 16 Mar 2015, 00:01
Joyce also never told the other two that are at the table that Ethan is gay. They know, of course, but Joyce never told them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Mar 2015, 15:35
Which is you know, the right thing to do. Actually, has she told Becky that Ethan is gay? Of all the people there, she's the one seemingly most likely to not know. I was more under the impression that Becky was trying to push him away from Joyce because she still hopes Joyce will like girls.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 16 Mar 2015, 15:50
I don't think Becky thinks Ethan is gay, no.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 18 Mar 2015, 13:02
So I randomly decided to click the "Dave Willis Sniffs Butts" link a few days ago.

Damn you, Willis. I have a life to attend to.

I had seen some of Shortpacked a few years ago, but it was kind of hard to break in with all the continuity baggage (plus I think it was around the time I found QC, so choices were made).

Now I have caught up with DoA, read all of Roomies (really neat to see the present-Willis commentary about past-Willis) and a bit of Walky. A bit weird to see the DoA characters in an older work (and they will be the "DoA characters" to me forever, since that's where I started), but still interesting.

And I have to say, using the same set of characters (and continuity, up to a point) in all your works is something pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Mar 2015, 14:42
So, today Jason introduced Sal to his friend Harvey.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Mar 2015, 16:04
I don't get it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Mar 2015, 20:56
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042546/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_43
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 19 Mar 2015, 21:51
I'm so happy about all the things that just happened
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Mar 2015, 22:16
Drunk Sal is funny
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 19 Mar 2015, 22:56
Yeah, I was kind of annoyed that Sal and Jason (and Billie and Ruthless, earlier) were taking time away from Joyce & friends, but tonight's comic made it all worth it. 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 20 Mar 2015, 22:03
Okay, forget Joyce & friends.  I want nothing but Jason and Sal for the next week of comics.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 21 Mar 2015, 04:57
I don't. To be honest, I tend to find their interactions rather predictable and dull.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Mar 2015, 14:30
Jason will not break the first rule
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 21 Mar 2015, 21:24
I liked them when they were arguing.  Not sure I like where this is going now.

I have a feeling Jason's about to get in trouble for being in a dorm room with a drunk student.  Stop asking annoying questions and leave, you silly git!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 21 Mar 2015, 23:09
Who would give him trouble? Ruth? For being in a dorm room with a drunk student? She is likely drunk off her ass right now. With another drunk  student in her room.

Of course, I can see her attempting to kick Jason out and falling over from bwing drunk and Jason being "am I the only one who can hold his liquor?"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 22 Mar 2015, 00:00
Mary could cause trouble.

"A TA brought an underage student home DRUNK, and our RA wasn't paying attention because she was drunk AND having sex with a student!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 22 Mar 2015, 06:56
Would it even raise an eyebrow at the university to find a TA was having relations with a student? I mean, it should for all the obvious reasons. But considering a teacher pretty much flat out told Jason nobody there cares while throwing him out of her office to boink a student would seem to indicate it's a pretty indiscreet place in that regards... Not to mention it's most likely Sal who would be in trouble if she's underage, which I think she is. "What are you doing here?" "I stopped at the pub and found this student of mine half drunk, so I got her back to her dorm." Some people might not believe him.. but considering he can get the bartenders there to back him up likely that they didn't come in together and Sal was drinking before he showed he wouldn't get in trouble over it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 22 Mar 2015, 10:26
Wait, whasshername (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-5/02-threes-a-crowd/twelvethirty/) is a teacher? I got the impression from that comic strip she was a fellow TA.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 22 Mar 2015, 10:27
Penny is a TA, like Jason is.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 22 Mar 2015, 10:57
Would it even raise an eyebrow at the university to find a TA was having relations with a student? [...] Not to mention it's most likely Sal who would be in trouble if she's underage, which I think she is. "What are you doing here?" "I stopped at the pub and found this student of mine half drunk, so I got her back to her dorm." Some people might not believe him.. but considering he can get the bartenders there to back him up likely that they didn't come in together and Sal was drinking before he showed he wouldn't get in trouble over it.

Yeah, you're probably right.  I was mostly just thinking aloud.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 24 Mar 2015, 21:17
Hooray! implied masturbation!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Mar 2015, 22:43
Mirror, mirror on the wall .......
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 26 Mar 2015, 03:03
Poor Becky indeed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Mar 2015, 00:27
Mike

In the head

At 1000 yards

With a Barrett 50
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 27 Mar 2015, 02:53
I wondered if that was the same Kugai over there.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Mar 2015, 07:02
New storyline...

I'm not too sure what that exactly means, though? I picked up DoA some months ago, right when Becky showed up at Joyce's door, and I haven't been able to really dig through the archives yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 27 Mar 2015, 08:50
The print books are divided into chapters. That's all it means. If you're a comic book reader, you'll see that most have storylines as well with rarely a plotline overarching.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Mar 2015, 12:29
I wondered if that was the same Kugai over there.

Yes, yes it is.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 02 Apr 2015, 21:51
Sexy things have been happening. I'm excited.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Apr 2015, 22:55
Carla cant be THAT naive

Can she??
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 04 Apr 2015, 21:27
There's...dude smut?

I dunno, Ethan, four-hour dude smut binge shame spirals (say that five times fast) are fun and all, but wouldn't it have been a good idea to get in touch with Joyce's sister and draw up some battle plans?  Because I have a feeling a battalion of fundy Christian parents are about to descend on ISU pretty soon, and somebody needs to start preparing...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Apr 2015, 21:59
Why doesn't he just use incognito mode?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 04 Apr 2015, 22:08
Why doesn't he just use incognito mode?

Look, some people just haven't been looking at smut on the internet for as long as we have, alright?  :wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 05 Apr 2015, 00:16
Why doesn't he just use incognito mode?
Or, as I call it, porn mode.
(Fun fact: the key combination to access it, Ctrl-Shift-P, can be accessed while using only one hand. At least in QWERTZ, QWERTY, and AZERTY.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Apr 2015, 03:45
I use it for plenty of non-porn things. If I do anything on someone else's computer, I use it, especially if I log in to anything.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 05 Apr 2015, 04:55
I do the same on other people's computers.

I'm intrigued to see Becky's possible new look.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 05 Apr 2015, 05:29
we see C-3P0 first though  :-P

Medium sure we see Vader before either, and the argument is easy that the original trilogy is about him
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 05 Apr 2015, 08:29

I'm intrigued to see Becky's possible new look.

Becky starts being as cool as Sal. Joyce becomes one very confused girl.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Apr 2015, 11:32
And ends up getting even more shocked and confused as Becky seduces Sal
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 06 Apr 2015, 00:23
To be fair, I also use porn mode mainly for testing purposes if I need to see how a page looks both when logged in and not logged in/logged in with a different account.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Apr 2015, 08:08
But you still call it porn mode?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Apr 2015, 08:13
But you still call it porn mode?

If you use a knife to open a bottle, is it still not a knife?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Apr 2015, 08:14
Right, it's a knife, not a "meat cutting thing". It does many things.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Apr 2015, 08:24
Right, it's a knife, not a "meat cutting thing". It does many things.

Precisely so with porn mode. Porn is the primary application, not the only.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 06 Apr 2015, 08:33
It's Ctrl/Cmd-Shift-Porn for a reason.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Apr 2015, 12:03
Maybe Ethan can start a Terms Wiki that Joyce can use.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 06 Apr 2015, 15:00
But you still call it porn mode?

Yes. I never claimed I was consistent, nor that I was 100% serious.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 07 Apr 2015, 10:55
Are you complete?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 10 Apr 2015, 16:20
(http://41.media.tumblr.com/307303a07528d6458aef328c5844607c/tumblr_nmkow5OoHc1qkinreo1_500.png) (http://itswalky.tumblr.com/post/116001312012/the-becky-is-over-9000)

That is just too much Becky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Apr 2015, 16:50
The hell it is.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 10 Apr 2015, 22:27
But... I don't like Becky all that much...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Apr 2015, 22:36
I'm not a huge fan either, just wanted to use that line.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Apr 2015, 23:16
Too much Sal
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 11 Apr 2015, 07:24
So is Becky caught now?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Apr 2015, 12:21
That all depends
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 11 Apr 2015, 17:35
Damn Becky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 11 Apr 2015, 18:18
That all depends

It depends on who's looking, and whether they'll tell.

I'm too new to know these characters that are watching, but I've done what Joyce is doing, sheltered someone in my dorm room against school policy, so I know that it's okay for students to know, but it can't get back to faculty. In my case, it wasn't even a big secret to anybody that knew me or my friend. Then again, we had no RA, just an old guy in charge of the entire dorm as a unit, so it was easier to keep the information out of the wrong peoples' hands.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 11 Apr 2015, 21:00
That all depends

It depends on who's looking, and whether they'll tell.

I'm too new to know these characters that are watching, but I've done what Joyce is doing, sheltered someone in my dorm room against school policy, so I know that it's okay for students to know, but it can't get back to faculty. In my case, it wasn't even a big secret to anybody that knew me or my friend. Then again, we had no RA, just an old guy in charge of the entire dorm as a unit, so it was easier to keep the information out of the wrong peoples' hands.
I never heard of a RA until Dumbing of Age.  But then, I never lived in a university dorm.  I don't think they have RAs here, I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 11 Apr 2015, 21:01
Where I went they had them in the dorms, but they were called "prefects" instead of RAs.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 11 Apr 2015, 21:04
Did you go to fancypants school!?

... I just wanted to say fancypants... I'm sorry...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 11 Apr 2015, 21:06
Nah, just some little Catholic liberal arts college.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Apr 2015, 21:09
Actually, the more I look at it, the more I think that that outfit doesn't suit Becky

Sal's style just seems ........ off on her body type.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 11 Apr 2015, 21:16
Still, better that than this (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-4/01-the-only-dope-for-me-is-you/sally/).

Sure, Sal can wear just about anything, but seriously, those, um, "shorts" just looked ridiculous.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Apr 2015, 08:20
Nah, just some little Catholic liberal arts college.
Hogwarts?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 12 Apr 2015, 08:24
According to the religious people I've heard from, Hogwarts is a heathen school. Besides, a proper Catholic college has "Saint" at the beginning of its name.  :-P
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Apr 2015, 08:46
Wait, do we know what's on that paper?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 12 Apr 2015, 08:48
Yes. (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-5/03-the-butterflies-fly-away/questioning/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 12 Apr 2015, 09:50
So basically - and I feel like I'm 90% sure of this - people are going to start assuming Joyce is/wants/is going to be porking Becky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Apr 2015, 10:01
Oh right.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 12 Apr 2015, 12:10
I am starting to like Joyce more and more, because she's being such a gigantic doofus about the whole thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Apr 2015, 15:29
I wonder if Ruthless will go.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 12 Apr 2015, 15:48
Only if she could watch Joyce squirm. :P
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Apr 2015, 21:09
That's a given.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 13 Apr 2015, 21:12
Phone call! 

Goshdangit, Joyce, I told you to prepare for this, but did you listen to me?  Noooo.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Apr 2015, 21:53
Come to the Dark Side Joyce

We have Lesbians with Cookies
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Apr 2015, 06:16
Sorry, Joyce heard "cooties" and now she's terrified again.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Apr 2015, 15:11
Dammit!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 16 Apr 2015, 14:00
I'm enough in the midst of a depressive episode that I can't tell whether I just don't enjoy this strip anymore in general or if I don't like it right now because I'm depressed enough to have lots of really negative thoughts toward things I like, including one of my favorite movies.

One of my issues right now is that I'm having a lot of angst about being the age I am and not relating very much to the people around me because they're at such a different, immature point in their lives. Just makes me feel like the odd one out, even more so than usual.

I think I'd like to take a break from DoA and all of its drama, but I compulsively check it because it's one of my only comics that actually updates every day. :S
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 18 Apr 2015, 21:35
I think I'd like to take a break from DoA and all of its drama, but I compulsively check it because it's one of my only comics that actually updates every day. :S

I've been trying to do the same recently, not for the same reasons as you (and I hope you find a way to cope with your issues--my early-mid twenties kinda sucked too, but hang in there, the mid-late twenties get slightly better, kinda, I think?), but because I spend way too much time compulsively checking updates as well.  Same with QC.  I wish I had the patience to build up a 1-2 week backlog of strips to read at my leisure, rather than watching Jeph's Twitter and checking the time every few minutes to see if it's 11:01 PM local time yet, but I haven't quite succeeded yet.  Although I did manage to take a two-week hiatus during Faye's hospitalization by binge-reading Dumbing of Age, so maybe I just need to find some other long-running webcomics to distract me...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Apr 2015, 21:55
Well!!

At least Walky's honest.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 19 Apr 2015, 02:55
maybe I just need to find some other long-running webcomics to distract me...

I've been reading Guilded Age recently, and would recommend it if you asked. Or even if you didn't.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Apr 2015, 05:44
Second on Guilded Age. Also Gunnerkrieg Court, Girl Genius, Waspi Square, El Goonish Shive, Flaky Pastry.. and many more. All excellent comics I've been reading for years and would recommend. Oh, and something called Questionable Content, if you're into that sort of thing...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 19 Apr 2015, 15:04
I think I'd like to take a break from DoA and all of its drama, but I compulsively check it because it's one of my only comics that actually updates every day. :S

I've been trying to do the same recently, not for the same reasons as you (and I hope you find a way to cope with your issues--my early-mid twenties kinda sucked too, but hang in there, the mid-late twenties get slightly better, kinda, I think?), but because I spend way too much time compulsively checking updates as well.  Same with QC.  I wish I had the patience to build up a 1-2 week backlog of strips to read at my leisure, rather than watching Jeph's Twitter and checking the time every few minutes to see if it's 11:01 PM local time yet, but I haven't quite succeeded yet.  Although I did manage to take a two-week hiatus during Faye's hospitalization by binge-reading Dumbing of Age, so maybe I just need to find some other long-running webcomics to distract me...
Thanks. :) I'm kind of treading water for the next few weeks, but there's a lot at stake. :/

I have quite a few other comics I'm hooked on, and I'm getting caught up on my GoComics, so that's nice to have a backlog of.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 19 Apr 2015, 16:38
Second on Guilded Age. Also Gunnerkrieg Court, Girl Genius, Waspi Square, El Goonish Shive, Flaky Pastry.. and many more. All excellent comics I've been reading for years and would recommend. Oh, and something called Questionable Content, if you're into that sort of thing...

Thanks for the recs!  I have Gunnerkrigg, Girl Genius, and EGS bookmarked to read, but hadn't heard of the rest.  Also Shortpacked and Girls with Slingshots, among others.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 21 Apr 2015, 21:15
WELP.

(So much for trying to take a break...)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 21 Apr 2015, 21:35
I am now ready for someone to start cuddling.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Apr 2015, 22:48
*Cue slow, dramatic music*
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 23 Apr 2015, 05:14
All aboard the feels train

(http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/2015-04/20/2/enhanced/webdr05/anigif_enhanced-buzz-2261-1429512248-16.gif)

Joyce is doing her best to try to block out the explanation with her mind and just trying not to think about it.  :cry:

I can't help but feel like this is all culminating into a confrontation with that guy.  Becky beats the shit out of him, cops come and take away Becky and the guy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Apr 2015, 05:24
This is one of those times when I don't know what's going on. I'm familiar with Roz only from Shortpacked, but the characters are different in DoA, and there's different histories for everybody. I guess we'll find out the backstory sooner or later...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Apr 2015, 08:07
Have you not read from the beginning of DoA? Why would you jump in without catching up?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Apr 2015, 08:39
Have you not read from the beginning of DoA? Why would you jump in without catching up?

Honestly? Because it was a link on the QC page, I enjoyed what was happening, but I haven't had time to rewind through the whole archive. My first strip was Becky's arrival and Joyce's reaction. It seemed interesting, and I know some of these characters from Shortpacked already. Well, their personalities, thinking specifically of Mike here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 Apr 2015, 08:59
It's kind of an important thing.. The short version of it is that some of the others convinced Joyce to go to a party at the college. Sarah protested that it was a bad idea, but they went anyway. Joyce met a guy there who pretended to be nice and religious, but was just looking to get her alone so he could rape her. He slipped her a roofie at one point, and while she was fuzzing out, she hit him with the glass she was  holding, cutting his face and her hand. That's how blood got on the orange sweater. Then Sarah showed up with a baseball bat and slugged the guy. During all the confusion, he slipped away and the girls got Joyce back to her room. Despite others urging her to report it, she just didn't want to think about it and eventually they relented. Joyce has been stewing about it ever since. The guy that Joyce kept seeing everyone as a few weeks back when she ran from gender studies to find Ethan was the attempted rapist. And probably a serial rapist because he's apparently been known to cruise college parties like that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Apr 2015, 10:14
Thanks for the run down

I had seen something about that in the comments, I think. I knew that somebody, one of the characters either had bedn, or nearly was raped in the recent past. The comment was vague, someone pointing out that dramatic storylines weren't unheard of in this strip.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Apr 2015, 11:13
Fair enough, it's just weird to me to start in the middle and keep going from where you started instead of going back and catching up, even if that takes a while.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Apr 2015, 16:21
Fair enough, it's just weird to me to start in the middle and keep going from where you started instead of going back and catching up, even if that takes a while.

It is for me, too. Never done it before. My job is finishing up tomorrow, I'll likely spend part of my unemployment reading through the rest of it
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 23 Apr 2015, 16:45
It is for me, too. Never done it before. My job is finishing up tomorrow, I'll likely spend part of my unemployment reading through the rest of it

It'll probably take you about a week, tops.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 23 Apr 2015, 20:47
Took me two days, though that was about 2 years ago.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 23 Apr 2015, 21:24
New strip made me sad and go awww, what do we call that?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Apr 2015, 23:44
One step at a time for both Joyce and Becky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 23 Apr 2015, 23:47
New strip made me sad and go awww, what do we call that?
Saaaawww?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 24 Apr 2015, 22:43
DORM PARTY.

DOOM PARTY.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Apr 2015, 07:19
That's probably something you should ask your roommate if she's ok with.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 25 Apr 2015, 07:22
DOOM PARTY.
"As the Doom Party's nominee for President, I promise that upon entering office, I will start a nuclear war with everyone."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Apr 2015, 14:01
This,,,,,,,

Will not end well
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 26 Apr 2015, 11:50
THIS WILL END GREAT, I DON'T NEED YOUR NEGATIVITY.

...

EVERYONE WILL BE GETTING A PONY
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Apr 2015, 01:14
So Danny's gonna tell her he's bi, right?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 29 Apr 2015, 04:56
Eventually.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 29 Apr 2015, 05:05
I think Dorothy is going to figure it out before Danny does, considering his jump to, "I'm not gay."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 29 Apr 2015, 15:37
Cue Dotty trying to hook him up with some guy.
If only there was a socialising opportunity nearby happening on this very evening. Something like a... what do you call a social hangout with friends and snacks and maybe music?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Apr 2015, 15:39
...has anyone actually called her Dotty?

Also, why would Dotty want to hook him up with anyone? He has a girlfriend.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 29 Apr 2015, 15:47
Hm, maybe I have only read it in the comments.

I... dunno? Exercising her people skills as a future president?
(I am just thinking of the most train wrecking scenario.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 29 Apr 2015, 15:47
The whole setting-people-up deal is really Joyce's new thing, and I imagine she'll have some trouble grasping the meaning of bisexuality.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 Apr 2015, 16:00
She's just barely coming to terms with the idea that being gay may not be the Worst Thing Ever. If you introduced her to bisexuality at this point her head may go *pop*.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 29 Apr 2015, 17:52
I'm pretty sure Becky called Dorothy Dotty.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 29 Apr 2015, 21:18
Well, took you long enough, Danny.

Honestly, I'm with Dorothy on this one.  Never understood bi-erasure, myself.  Once it dawned on me that I also liked guys I just went "Oh, I guess that means I'm bisexual?" and walked around in a daze for a bit because it all made sense.  Get with it, Danny!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 30 Apr 2015, 00:19
She's just barely coming to terms with the idea that being gay may not be the Worst Thing Ever. If you introduced her to bisexuality at this point her head may go *pop*.
Would it really?
I mean, I can kinda see her going a "oh, you can still be rescued since you may become happy with a woman like God intended" route.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 30 Apr 2015, 02:25
I'll say that when I was in high school, I participated in a hybrid of bi-erasure and slut-shaming. (Basically, the "bi people just want to expand their pool of sexual partners to get more sex" myth.)

Then again, I at least knew what bisexuality was! Dear kitteh Danny is being dense.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 30 Apr 2015, 21:03
I think this is the only time where saying, "that person is so gay" is socially acceptable. At least in math terms.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 01 May 2015, 01:43
I have a feeling Becky is gonna make this way worse.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 May 2015, 06:29
Doesn't she always?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 01 May 2015, 08:01
Becky already doubted the existence of bisexuality when talking to Billie in an echo to Danny's, "Is there even a word for that?" (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-5/02-threes-a-crowd/sneaking/) Maybe she's about to learn something, and be tactful about it, hopefully.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 01 May 2015, 13:24
It'll be funnier if she isn't
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 01 May 2015, 14:07
I don't think 'tactful' is in Becky's vocabulary.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 02 May 2015, 03:54
The "best in class" bonus comic that came out yesterday made me see Sal in a very different way than before.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 May 2015, 04:20
What happened in it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 02 May 2015, 10:11
They have sex and she only orgasms after asking him to pretend they're together.

This message is coming from Tapatalk inside my phone!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 May 2015, 11:28
Oh, wow. Is it a Patreon thing?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 02 May 2015, 11:32
No, one of the Slipshine comics. 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 May 2015, 11:34
Ahh.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 02 May 2015, 11:48
He included some (mildly nsfw) preview art (http://itswalky.tumblr.com/tagged/slipshine) on his tumblr, plus a link to a (actual nsfw) 2-page preview (http://slipshine.tumblr.com/post/117834905926/enjoy-these-two-pages-from-david-williss-new) on Slipshine's tumblr in today's comic.

I'm...mildly curious? (understatement), but haven't worked up the courage to actually subscribe and read it (along with the other DoA comics).  Yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 May 2015, 11:58
I don't know, does Slipshine let people download them? I wouldn't mind reading it but I have no desire to subscribe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 02 May 2015, 12:11
Nope, it's subscription-only.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 May 2015, 12:33
I mean can people who subscribe download the comics.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 May 2015, 20:07
Okay, so just this afternoon, I finally started reading from the start, and I am so very glad I read so much of Shortpacked before this because the way Willis included Galasso, and the (currently-only-in-Roz's-head) match between Leslie Bean and Robin make me so very, very happy.

Also, I was surprised how quickly I got to the party scene I asked about earlier in the thread. That was apparently four years ago, and it's relevant on a modern level? Wow, this strip must move slower than I thought, which sounds like a criticism, but holy crap, it's funny
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 06 May 2015, 20:24
It moves like the glacier. The comic averages about one week of in-universe time per year, though the average is only that high because of some time skips.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 May 2015, 20:49
That seems to work out, seeing as in the most recent strip I've read which is after just under a year of strips, Joyce hadn't picked a church yet, and I'd think she would if it were anything but her first Sunday on campus. That sentence got away from me and I don't know how to fix it, really. I hope it made sense.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 May 2015, 16:18
It's weird that I'm reading these strips from two years ago, and I'm cross-referencing with their futures, seeing what he was setting up way back when.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 07 May 2015, 16:33
Look closely. There's hidden references referencing Book 4 all the way back in Book 1. It's genius.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 May 2015, 16:36
Look closely. There's hidden references referencing Book 4 all the way back in Book 1. It's genius.

It's been happening the entire time I've been reading! Like, my first comic was where Becky showed up at Joyce's door, and I've been keeping up since, but now I know these characters' futures!

Also, I think Dina is the best ever. She is my fave, I think.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 07 May 2015, 16:44
Did you see the part where Walky calls his sister black, but himself beige?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2015, 16:45
What future (well, present or less past) event does that predict?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 May 2015, 16:47
Saw that, am wondering what on earth it could predict.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 07 May 2015, 16:50
What future (well, present or less past) event does that predict?
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2015, 17:02
They're twins? I forgot about that. Also...they kinda look the exact shade to me. Am I missing something?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 07 May 2015, 17:07
Time for you to re-read Dumbing of Age.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2015, 17:11
Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever reread a webcomic. Especially not one as long as DoA. Seems daunting.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 07 May 2015, 17:18
I just read it for the first time about a month ago.  Took less than a week.  The daunting part comes when you catch up and realize you have to wait for daily updates like everyone else.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2015, 17:23
Yeah, that's what I did last year. I don't know if I'm up for doing it again.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 07 May 2015, 17:39
Ah, gotcha.  I'm not usually one for binge-reading, but DoA somehow worked out that way.  On the other hand, I'm enjoying Gunnerkrigg Court at a nice leisurely pace, and will probably take a few weeks to catch up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 May 2015, 18:00
Ah, gotcha.  I'm not usually one for binge-reading, but DoA somehow worked out that way.  On the other hand, I'm enjoying Gunnerkrigg Court at a nice leisurely pace, and will probably take a few weeks to catch up.

Did that with Girls With Slingshots a xouple months ago. It was nice, but this is a fast-paced run-through
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2015, 18:12
Oh man, you had the worst timing. At least I had a year or so with GwS before it ended. (Unless you did it because it ended.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 May 2015, 18:47
No, see, I began my read-through, then three days later, Danielle announced she was finishing up
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 May 2015, 18:48
Finished my leisurely read through about a week before the series was ended
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 May 2015, 19:00
Oh shit, I suspect I now know what was hidden by Masterpiece in his spoiler. Damn. Intense.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 May 2015, 23:10
Low blow Joyce, low blow.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 May 2015, 04:05
This is just a guess but Becky has been a fixture in Joyce's life for a long time. So long a time that I thinks she's become something of an emotional life preserver. Confronted with someone advocating letting go of this, it isn't surprising that Joyce became violently defensive. Irrespective of whether Joyce is romantically interested in Becky in any way whatsoever, I think that she is strongly opposed to her not being constantly available to her as, frankly, I think she would feel lost without her presence.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 08 May 2015, 04:46
That makes me think of a possible plotline, actually - what happens if/when Becky finds a girlfriend, and has less time for Joyce?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 08 May 2015, 05:13
No, see, I began my read-through, then three days later, Danielle announced she was finishing up

Not as bad because it was announced a year in advance but when I finally read all of Shortpacked! I finished on the day Willis announced he was ending it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 May 2015, 05:26
No, see, I began my read-through, then three days later, Danielle announced she was finishing up

Not as bad because it was announced a year in advance but when I finally read all of Shortpacked! I finished on the day Willis announced he was ending it.

Okay then, no, I missed THAT. I started just before the 'one-month-until' announcement. I kinda assumed that was the first she'd said...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 May 2015, 05:28
Ok, who is Dana again?

Re: GwS, I don't remember seeing the "one year until thing" when I was reading, and I'm pretty sure I started more than a year before she finished, but maybe I started reading soon after that announcement.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 May 2015, 05:35
Ok, who is Dana again?

Sarah's freshman roommate. Drug addict. The reason Sarah's Freshman-year friends abandoned her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 08 May 2015, 06:18
No, I mean Shortpacked!, different Willis webcominc, did a one year in advance announcement of its ending, that happened to be announced the day I caught up with the archive. GWS only announced a couple months in advance.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 May 2015, 11:49
Welp, shattering all predictions, it has taken me a little less than three days of unemployed slackery to read through Dumbing of Age up to where I came in. I didn't read it daily at first, so I've got probably a dozen or so more strips before it happened that I was hooked, and then I'll probably just read through the rest anyway because why not
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 May 2015, 05:19
I've only really just started reading DoA seriously but, already, the thing that strikes me is how fundamentally nice Joyce is. She's in many ways the antithesis of the Christian fundamentalist as generally portrayed in modern popular culture. Not only does she follow the moral strictures but she also embraces the commandment to show unselfish and unconditional love to everyone.

I think that was why her snapping at Sarah caused such a huge shock in the fandom. It is massively out-of-character for Joyce to be malicious, even when angry (which is rare in its own right). I think it may be an indicator of just how seriously she's taking 'looking after' Becky until she can get back on her own two feet. Justifiable or not, I think that she misunderstood what Sarah was saying as meaning: "I want you to abandon your friend in need because I don't want here in my room". That isn't what she said, of course, but it's what Joyce heard.

I'm wondering if Becky will return to the room to find Joyce and Sarah holding on to each other and crying their eyes out. We'll never know what they said to each other, of course.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 14 May 2015, 05:31
It's also worth noting that Joyce is an autobiographical character on Willis's part, which really can explain a lot, I'd say.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 16 May 2015, 09:02
Billie, you fucking moron.

/me puts $1 in the swear jar
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 May 2015, 09:09
I thought the t-word was "tapioca". It's fun to say as a minced oath, even if it doesn't sound like any actual swear words I can think of.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 May 2015, 15:59
Tequila
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 19 May 2015, 21:07
"don't subvert what I really hope is God's will" I don't know why I find that as funny as I do.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 May 2015, 23:22
The really worrying thing about today's strip really suggests Joyce has some kind of plan in work. It's worrying because Joyce isn't typically any good at that sort of thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 May 2015, 04:33
Fuck, is it her old roommate?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 20 May 2015, 04:56
No dudes, she wants to invite Jacob.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 May 2015, 16:02
Hypergolic
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 May 2015, 23:30
Now I've got the feeling that Sarah and Roz are going to have their own 'Jacob sucks!' mini-party whilst Joyce futilely tries to cheer them up!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 May 2015, 07:47
Damn it, Jacob, even ignoring the whole Sarah thing, if you get invited to a party that's specifically only for invited people, you don't bring someone else without asking in advance.

Also is that just a random girl we've never seen before or is that a character?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 May 2015, 07:57
Also is that just a random girl we've never seen before or is that a character?

Jacob couldn't have chosen more poorly. That's Raidah - She is one of the group of students that seemed to centre around Sarah's former roommate, Dinah. Sarah, as you know, got Dinah thrown out of the college for serious drug abuse, so serious that she was in danger of killing herself from ODing. From the look Raidah is shooting at Sarah, bygones are definitely not bygones.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 21 May 2015, 08:02
When Raidah was introduced: http://www.dumbingofage.com/2010/comic/book-1/02-uphill-from-here/taken/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 May 2015, 08:09
Daaaaaaaaang, I went back and read the story and I forgot how completely and utterly blameless Sarah was. I'd forgotten what she did, I thought maybe she snitched on Dana or something, but Dana was fucked up in many ways, and Sarah just called her dad. Her friends were pretty terrible friends, really.

That being said...are we sure that's Raidah? It sort of looks like her...but not quite.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 21 May 2015, 08:16
Protip: The tags for each comic list the named characters in each comic, and Raidah has a tag in the latest.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 May 2015, 08:44
...oh. Well that's useful to know. And clicking on her name gives me all the comics in which she appears! Ok then.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Mlle Germain on 21 May 2015, 09:37
I am very unhappy about this -- I really don't understand how anyone can put blame on Sarah for what happened with Dana. In my opinion, she did what she had to, and was able to, do. Dana's friends, like Raidah, were ignoring how badly Dana was doing; and thus not really acting like friends.
I don't like Raidah because she acted so shittily towards both Sarah and, indirectly, Dana, and I wish she wasn't at the party. Kind of shitty of Jacob to bring her without asking beforehand -- at which point it would have become clear that neither Joyce nor Sarah would want Raidah there.

I guess maybe this is a setup for Raidah showing that she's changed for the better and apologising? I certainly hope so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 May 2015, 10:05
I guess maybe this is a setup for Raidah showing that she's changed for the better and apologising? I certainly hope so.

Or her being an utter [censored], ruining the party and leaving poor Joyce in tears - A drama that leads several pending matters (relationship-wise and otherwise) crystallising out under the pressure. Does Amber realise that she can be a hero without wearing the cape? Do unexpected people come to Joyce's defence? Does Jacob dump Raidah on the spot for her behaviour? Does Ruth get attracted by the noise and ban parties in the dorms for the rest of eternity?

We'll just have to wait and see.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 21 May 2015, 10:17
I assumed Becky would have explained it was invite-only because that's super important but maybe she brain-farted? Jacob doesn't seem jerky enough to invite someone after being told not to do so.

I can kind of understand from the other side that Raidah and all missed, whether through ignorance or more likely hoping their friend would snap out of their issues, that they think Sarah over-reacted. I think also likely is they just want a scapegoat to blame. I wonder if they're still in contact with Dana? Which might be why they're so hard on Sarah if Dana insists she was fine. Although that's mostly me giving a lot of benefit of the doubt.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 May 2015, 14:47
Hooo boy!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 21 May 2015, 19:40
Oh man, you had the worst timing. At least I had a year or so with GwS before it ended. (Unless you did it because it ended.)
I discovered Dar Comic 2 weeks before it ended.
http://www.darcomic.com/ (http://www.darcomic.com/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 21 May 2015, 19:49
The really worrying thing about today's strip really suggests Joyce has some kind of plan in work. It's worrying because Joyce isn't typically any good at that sort of thing.
She's truly awful at it, if truth be told.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 May 2015, 23:39
Okay awkwardness abounds in today's strip. I don't think that either Raidah or Sarah are inclined to start trouble; if anything, neither of them seem to know what to do or even think! Meanwhile, Jacob is entertainingly clueless about what he may have triggered.

Also, Dina is Dina and reminds us why we want to hug her!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 22 May 2015, 02:18
I really don't get why everyone likes Dina so much. She's such a onenote character
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 May 2015, 04:43
Comic relief can be pretty damn important.

Also wait, why would Sarah be in the same dorm room two years in a row?

Also, Raidah needs to leave now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 22 May 2015, 08:34
I personally identify with Dina a lot, she and my younger self have a lot in common. Except when I did similar things, I was read as difficult and when she does it, she's being read as naive but endearing, for the most part.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 22 May 2015, 08:37
It's the hat. You probably didn't have the hat.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 22 May 2015, 08:39
True. The closest is that I used to have a giraffe hat. (https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/485928_10200393103092974_808929037_n.jpg?oh=15dcd18f9c55ed79ccbec93bf0616535&oe=55C5DEFF)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 May 2015, 15:39
Pillows a thirty paces
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 22 May 2015, 16:48
I personally identify with Dina a lot, she and my younger self have a lot in common. Except when I did similar things, I was read as difficult and when she does it, she's being read as naive but endearing, for the most part.
Oh, I'm not the only one who identifies with Dina a lot?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 22 May 2015, 19:48
I personally identify with Dina a lot, she and my younger self have a lot in common. Except when I did similar things, I was read as difficult and when she does it, she's being read as naive but endearing, for the most part.
Oh, I'm not the only one who identifies with Dina a lot?

Trust me, you're not
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 22 May 2015, 23:20
It seems Sarah's interest is renewed!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 May 2015, 23:35
Or just her interest in Raidah not being happy. This won't end well for anyone.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 May 2015, 23:40
Well, looks like Sarah's got herself a mission. Seduction based on a revenge agenda is never a good thing. Frankly, this can't end well!

I feel very sorry for Jacob. He's very much been dumped in the middle of an avalanche of drama that is not his own. Now he's caught between two intelligent and forceful young women who both clearly intend to use him as a weapon against each other. All he wanted was a stress-free second date!

Meanwhile, poor Joyce is likely to be left trying to carry the party hostess duties alone (or at least alone with Becky, who is jealous and defensive). Nope, nothing could go wrong there!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Mlle Germain on 23 May 2015, 07:17
I know this is spiteful and not nice, but I do not want Jacob and Raidah to be happy together. Raidah behaved so meanly and has been portrayed as a pretty shallow and manipulative person, and Jacob seems like a really nice guy... Also, I'd much rather see Sarah be happy... To be fair, Sarah's 'renewed interest' really seems to be less in Jacob than in Raidah not 'getting' him either, which will probably not make her happy, no matter how this turns out.
:-(
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 May 2015, 07:32
That is true.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 May 2015, 08:26
I don't want Jacob and Raidah to be together because I want Jacob to be happy and Raidah is an absolute shit.

(I'd like Sarah to be happy too, but as long as her happiness is tied to someone else dating or not dating someone else then she never will be.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 May 2015, 20:54
To be fair I think Sarah was interested in Jacob. She's just so determined to sabotage all of her relationships that she pushes most people away.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 May 2015, 23:00
To be fair I think Sarah was interested in Jacob. She's just so determined to sabotage all of her relationships that she pushes most people away.

This.

In other news, Dann'ys expression made me laugh. He is 100% in agreement with Walky on this one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 May 2015, 23:49
It's too late for Sarah to pretend that this never happened. The whole party heard her ranting and there is no way now to claim that it never happened! Hopefully, social embarrassment will stop her from doing anything stupid ("Oh no! Everyone will know what this is about! "). Meanwhile, I've got a feeling that Raidah's 'personality' will do Sarah's dirty work for her!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Mlle Germain on 24 May 2015, 03:04
I still hope that Sarah will tell Jacob her side of the story in spite of her embarrassment and not just withdraw into her shell completely.

To be fair I think Sarah was interested in Jacob. She's just so determined to sabotage all of her relationships that she pushes most people away.
Yeah, I think so, too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 May 2015, 00:43
Joyce's niceness goes too far sometimes. I think it sometimes weirds out her peers! Poor Roz seems to be despairing of the fading chance that she'll ever offend her!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 May 2015, 23:48
Optimistically, what Raidah is saying in today's comic is that Sarah is toxic to her. Being around Sarah makes her behave in a way she doesn't like and do things that she would normally never consider doing.

Pessimistically, she's trying to slander Sarah to get Jacob's sympathy and aid.

I've got a feeling that, at the end of this, neither woman will end up looking particularly good.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 26 May 2015, 02:42
Optimistically, what Raidah is saying in today's comic is that Sarah is toxic to her. Being around Sarah makes her behave in a way she doesn't like and do things that she would normally never consider doing.

Pessimistically, she's trying to slander Sarah to get Jacob's sympathy and aid.

Realistically, both are varied levels of true. I expect she was mostly intending to make Sarah look like the guilty party, but that doesn't mean she's not aware of how hateful she's been toward and around Sarah. In the lie, there is truth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 26 May 2015, 03:14
Are you trying to up your post count by posting thrice?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: pwhodges on 26 May 2015, 04:27
Sometimes I find that CloudFlare has a glitch which means that it fails to refresh after making a post; it is easy to try again until it works, which can result in multiple posts - and not everyone has the forum set to display what they've just posted, so they don't automatically get a reality check.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 May 2015, 04:28
Interesting that she pointed out the thing Sarah did that was actually bad, instead of the thing she's actually mad at Sarah for. I wonder if that means she knows deep down Sarah was right to do that.

Also I deleted chaos's multiples.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 26 May 2015, 06:02
Optimistically, what Raidah is saying in today's comic is that Sarah is toxic to her. Being around Sarah makes her behave in a way she doesn't like and do things that she would normally never consider doing.

Pessimistically, she's trying to slander Sarah to get Jacob's sympathy and aid.

Realistically, it's both, I believe. I expect she was mostly intending to make Sarah look like the guilty party, but that doesn't mean she's not aware of how hateful she's been toward and around Sarah. In the lie, there is truth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 May 2015, 16:25
I think it's more a case of Radiah trying to justify the unjustifiable - her failure to accept that Sarah did the right thing before it was too late.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 May 2015, 23:40
Blast! Now Willis is making me want to hug Joyce too!

I think that this is the moment when Wally really comes to appreciate just how alien Joyce's belief system makes her to the broadly-accepted definition of 'normal' for a college student.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 May 2015, 10:48
Personally, that exchange is all the justification Walky needs for the party not being all bad
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 May 2015, 19:32
It is 9:30, I'm bored, and I checked back. Somehow, I had missed that Billie was adding liquor to Walky's drink in the last frame.

I stand by my initial statement, and add that the alcohol could add to the enjoyment of ridiculous justifications
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 May 2015, 23:45
Poor Dina; I'm sure Sarah wouldn't mind if she came and sat with her in the bathroom for a while, if she needs to have time to let her brain catch up! I have heard of that before - autistics saying that there are 'too many faces' or 'too many voices'. Their condition makes it difficult to process the social information humans get from voice tone and facial expression. Basically, Dina is suffering from a biological version of a buffer overflow.

As for Danny? I think that he needs to realise that Walky has a near-flawless gaydar/bidar.

[edit]
The float-text for the strip is "True stories abound". I wonder if David Willis knows a man or woman with such a condition?

[edit 2]
"Boy-fling" is going into my lexicon as a useful relationship descriptor. FWIW, I interpret Padma as having been Marten's girl-fling, if you need an example.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 May 2015, 00:04
Dinaaaa...

*Sadface emojii*

In other news, I don't know that Walky was intending his comment to bring up Danny's budding bisexuality or that he was giving his honest opinion. We haven't seen much in the way of him showing interest in anyone but Dorothy, he could be fully bi, for all I know, given my only experience with him is the few filler strips of Shortpacked he appeared in. I mean, Jacob's drawn to be an attractive dude, why couldn't Walky just be pointing out his actual attributes in a half-joking manner?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 28 May 2015, 01:56
My first thought was boyfling might be a QC reference. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1943)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 May 2015, 04:12
Welu, I thought that too.

Walky has a near-flawless gaydar/bidar.
Ha, there's no way Walky meant it like that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 May 2015, 22:54
I really don't get why everyone likes Dina so much. She's such a onenote character

Today's comic is why I like Dina so much. She's happy now. Happy Dina makes for a happy me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 May 2015, 23:33
Problem-solving the Dina way: When overwhelmed by sensory input, muffle said senses. Ethan isn't getting his hoodie back any time soon! He won't mind, though; I've got the feeling that he's one of the world's nice guys.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 29 May 2015, 09:38
What's wrong with her
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 May 2015, 09:42
What's wrong with her

Nothing? I think she is autistic. She doesn't easily understand body language or facial cues, so tends to take everything she's told at face value and doesn't give off those cues herself, so she comes off to others as 'weird'. It also explains why she gets overwhelmed by large amounts of stimulus, like all the people at a party.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 May 2015, 09:46
What's wrong with her

David Willis has never specified that she has a specific mental condition. However, those in the know believe that Dina is autistic.

If so, then, like a lot of autistics, she has difficulty dealing with crowds and specifically lots of people. Mostly this is due to her brain finding it difficult to process all the information about mood and other social cues coming from people's faces, body postures and tones of voice. Autistics tend to find this very difficult and, in a interacting crowd like this and the conflict with her own desire to interact socially, Dina is probably suffering a bit of a communications lobe overload at the moment. Covering her head so she doesn't have to deal with so much sensory information probably seems like a decent short-term fix. It also means that Ethan is going to have to deal without having his hoodie for a while but so be it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: K1dmor on 29 May 2015, 18:16
 
Quote from: David Willis
Walkyverse Dina has implied she is neurodivergent (http://www.shortpacked.com/index.php?id=2189). 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 May 2015, 20:41
Point of order, Dina qualifies under the 'non-white' clause she named, so that's not a sure thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: K1dmor on 29 May 2015, 21:31
 But what if she's two things or >gasp< three things at once?? (http://www.shortpacked.com/index.php?id=2186).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 29 May 2015, 21:36
But what if she's two things or >gasp< three things at once?? (http://www.shortpacked.com/index.php?id=2186).

Overruled: Conjecture.

Besides, the court should recognize, people who are three things are a liberal myth, with no basis in reality.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 29 May 2015, 21:41
I was gonna say she's behaving autistic but I didn't want to sound insensitive as I've never met an autistic person before
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 May 2015, 21:51
Well, autism is a general category... I guess is the best way to describe it? Not everyone who is autistic reacts to stimulus the same way. I have a friend who is autistic and when he gets overstimulated, like say being around a lot of people who are being loud like at a party, he will start to get hyperactive. I've heard of people who react like Dina is. Even Sherlock, from the series of the same name, seems to fall under that umbrella. Which would explain in part both his difficulty in relating to and interacting with people, and his habit of noticing things that slip other people's attention.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 May 2015, 00:00
So, will Walky:

a) Have a night of ecstasy with Dorothy and a purgatorial hangover in the morning or

b) Get his drunk ass benched by his disgusted GF, who prefers sober yet fun (such as Joyce, mostly unintentionally)?

Either way, I think that he will regret trying to handle the hard stuff as easily as Billie can! For him, the shift to 'mistakes were made' has already happened!

Meanwhile, Dina has shown that 'uncanny valley' is such a routine part of Joyce's life that she barely notices anymore! And still, Amber has yet to make her appearance.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 May 2015, 00:51
Aha! Caught!

Benched, maybe, but Dorothy seems more amused in that last panel than disgusted.

In other news, regarding my quest to complete Shortpacked, CLAIRE appeared in a strip! I was sure it was her on sight, but the only confirmation I could get was that he definitely namechecked Jeph in the post beneath. it wasn't to give credit, though, at least not directly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 May 2015, 06:10
Dorothy seems to very much like drunk Walky. What's this talk of "benching"?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 30 May 2015, 10:12
I dunno, that eyebrow curl in the last panel has a bit of an, "Oh dear." look to me. I'm gonna say it have a bad feeling about intoxicated Walkthrough. He's said very insensitive things in the past and booze won't improve his filter.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 30 May 2015, 10:17
Aha! Caught!

Benched, maybe, but Dorothy seems more amused in that last panel than disgusted.

In other news, regarding my quest to complete Shortpacked, CLAIRE appeared in a strip! I was sure it was her on sight, but the only confirmation I could get was that he definitely namechecked Jeph in the post beneath. it wasn't to give credit, though, at least not directly.
He occasionally used Coffee of Doom as a setting in Shortpacked. The tag links underneath those comics contain the tag "Plagiarism of Doom" or something like that. There's another one with Faye in it, that Jeph recognized by putting Amber in a QC comic saying the same line.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 May 2015, 10:29
Aha! Caught!

Benched, maybe, but Dorothy seems more amused in that last panel than disgusted.

In other news, regarding my quest to complete Shortpacked, CLAIRE appeared in a strip! I was sure it was her on sight, but the only confirmation I could get was that he definitely namechecked Jeph in the post beneath. it wasn't to give credit, though, at least not directly.

He occasionally used Coffee of Doom as a setting in Shortpacked. The tag links underneath those comics contain the tag "Plagiarism of Doom" or something like that. There's another one with Faye in it, that Jeph recognized by putting Amber in a QC comic saying the same line.

Are you suggesting I read through it again and look for these things
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 30 May 2015, 10:30
*cackles maliciously*  :evil:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 May 2015, 10:44
*Sigh*

Fiiiine. It was bound to happen anyway...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 30 May 2015, 13:38
Screw you, I cheated with Google. (http://www.shortpacked.com/2013/comic/book-15/01-about-face/bores/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 May 2015, 14:04
That IS the strip I was talking about. Didn't notice Faye the first time around, but then, she has no lines and I don't notice background characters so much. Claire would have slipped by too, most likely, if not for her connection to the punch line.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 30 May 2015, 19:02
And the tag name is "Coffeeright Theft" (http://www.shortpacked.com/searchcomic.php?search=coffeeright%20theft)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 May 2015, 22:54
It's so weird to see DoA characters in other comics...even though they were there first. Also, heh:

Quote from: today's alt-text
as the sliding timescale overcomes that date, assume it's a vacation weekend she has planned for sophomore year
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 31 May 2015, 22:05
What's wrong with her
What's wrong with her
It's assumed by many, including me, that she has Aspergers Syndrome.  Which is part of the Autism spectrum. 

This is classic Aspy behaviour:
(http://www.dumbingofage.com/comics/2012-08-28-weird.png)
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2012/comic/book-2/05-saturdays-all-right-for-slighting/weird/

I actually didn't realize that was unusual, until I read the symptoms of Aspergers.

I said to my childhood best friend that I think I might have mild Aspergers and he said he never said anything because he assumed I knew.

My dr. said if my friends thought that, then it's probably true.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 May 2015, 23:31
I'd really like to know what Sarah's glare was trying to communicate to Sal today. I suspect that the two of them were finding an unflattering reflection of their own behaviour in the other and blaming the other for it.

[Edit]
Additional thought not worth a separate post. Why is Sal wearing her gloves when in her dorm room? Two obvious options come to mind:
However, there's a third option: What if she's trying to hide something? We know that she became the person she is now essentially due to jealousy issues directed at her brother. Maybe she has some relics of those feelings that she doesn't want to make public like self-harm scars?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Jun 2015, 07:12
She wears the gloves to hide the scar from when Amber stabbed her (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/01-the-only-dope-for-me-is-you/down/).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Jun 2015, 07:26
DANNY: "Oh my GOD! Are you Amber under there?"

AMAZIGIRL: "... I don't know..."

God, that gave me chills. That's something straight out of the Frank Miller school of borderline-psychotic screwed-up anti-heroes! Every champion has their darkness in their past and I guess this is Amber's!

So... I'm thinking that Danny is Amber's White Knight?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Jun 2015, 23:40
Prediction from today's strip: Amber will walk in and freak out on seeing Sal (very much the other boogie man in her life after her father). Sal will recognise the psycho who maimed her hand in turn and the freak out will be mutual. From there on it's Willis's call. Ethan and Danny's presence will probably stop either women from running (a genuinely funny desire to protect the guys from the other gal).

There may be a fight but I hope that they will talk and, just maybe come to an understanding of just how screwed up and blameless they both were at that time in their lives. I can already see Joyce blubbering about 'the joy of the peacemaker' as Danny persuades them to make some gesture of bygones. It would be the deepest of ironies if Amber's circle are the first serious friends that Sal makes at college.

With this final demon confronted, Amazi-Girl may no longer be needed by Amber's fractured psyche. It would be an interesting twist if Sal persuades her to carry on because the world needs positive symbols and those who will stand up for the little guys.

[Edit]
I moved the rest of this post to The Writing Club (https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,29351.msg1322418.html#msg1322418) thread as it really belongs more there than in a general discussion thread about the comic itself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 02 Jun 2015, 11:42
Pacing-wise, enough time has passed between Amber announcing she'll come and her appearing as for it to be a surprise. I'm excited.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Jun 2015, 13:13
That would make an interesting turn, and I'd love to see how Willis handled it, but I'm not so sure. That the two might recognize each other is more likely than they would make a scene. Amber, at least, wouldn't do it here, not at Joyce's dorm party, right?

I see awkwardness before a confrontation.

In other news, Joyce's face when she hears Apples To Apples had a part in corrupting Sal made me giggle.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Jun 2015, 17:04
Hey!  This is Sal, whaddaya expect!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Jun 2015, 18:38
Hey!  This is Sal, whaddaya expect!

I still find it strange. Have you played Apples To Apples? It's not the most sexually charged card game out there.

I'm curious for details, but not in a kinky way. Just out of scientific curiosity. This is a bizarre phenomenon.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 02 Jun 2015, 20:16
Sal has encountered Amber before, without recognizing her (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-4/01-the-only-dope-for-me-is-you/weirdo/).  She probably didn't get a good look at her attacker when she was stabbed three-ish years ago, so Amber would have to actually identify herself...but since most of her encounters with Sal while not in uniform have triggered panic attacks, she's unlikely to get that far this time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 02 Jun 2015, 20:49
Hey!  This is Sal, whaddaya expect!

I still find it strange. Have you played Apples To Apples? It's not the most sexually charged card game out there.

I'm curious for details, but not in a kinky way. Just out of scientific curiosity. This is a bizarre phenomenon.

The first time an ex and I had sex was with a game of strip setback (it's a common card game, but it's often called something different depending on the area you're from), so anything is possible.

Though that might have been due to the fact that she wanted to have sex, but couldn't exactly express it, so we'd always have to start it in weird ways. That or I'm great at card games.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 02 Jun 2015, 21:17
...and after today's strip, I really hope Ethan has a sudden epiphany:

ETHAN: "Wait, I remember!  You're that girl who held up the convenience store three years ago!"
SAL: "How th' hell d'you know that?"
ETHAN: "I was there!  You took me hostage!"
SAL: "That was you?!"
ETHAN: "Yeah!  And then Amber stabbed you in the hand!"
SAL: "Who th' hell's Amber?"

Enter AMBER.  Drama ensues.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 02 Jun 2015, 21:21
I'm sorta thinkin' it might go like this:

*Sal, Ethan, and Danny peacefully playing Apples to Apples with everyone else*
*Amber enters, sees Sal*
*Amber is speechless*
Sal: It's YOU! Ah'd recognize you anywhere, Amazo-Girl!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Jun 2015, 22:25
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHkP88fx164
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Jun 2015, 22:45
Laughing more than the joke is worth that we got the person wrong, who recognizes Sal.

Of course it's Ethan. He, at least, is PRESENT at the moment.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Jun 2015, 23:51
I, personally think that Amber's fight/flight response to Sal will go to 'fight' this time because of her perception that she needs to 'protect' Ethan and Danny from her. I'm thinking that the story will spill out in a hysterical mess after Ethan restrains her and that is when the mutual story telling begins.

I'm thinking that Billie, afraid that Amber and Sal may seriously hurt eachother, may go to get Ruth and she'll arrive in time to hear with everyone else just how much Amber and Sal's childhoods sucked.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 03 Jun 2015, 06:38
I find it weird that Ethan doesn't recognize her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Jun 2015, 06:40
It was a long time ago. Which is why when Sal sees Amber she's more likely to recognize her as the girl who ambushed her at Walmart a couple days ago rather than the girl who stabbed her years ago.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 03 Jun 2015, 21:12
I love how Dina is wearing her hat atop the jacket
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Jun 2015, 23:13
It was a long time ago. Which is why when Sal sees Amber she's more likely to recognize her as the girl who ambushed her at Walmart a couple days ago rather than the girl who stabbed her years ago.

That depends on just how much trauma the stabbing caused for Sal. Given that she never takes off her gloves, even when sleeping, it is possibly a fairly major open wound in her psyche.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Mlle Germain on 04 Jun 2015, 01:32
Sal has already seen Amber near the elevator. Amber flipped out and Sal just stared at her in a confused way and said "weirdo" or something like that. So she clearly doesn't remember.
I'm not sure the glove-wearing is due to trauma.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Jun 2015, 02:10
Sal has already seen Amber near the elevator. Amber flipped out and Sal just stared at her in a confused way and said "weirdo" or something like that. So she clearly doesn't remember.

One of the things about all Amber-Sal interactions to date (and I believe that this is deliberate on David Willis's part) is the level of ambiguity about whether Sal actually had the chance to consciously identify the person running past her and the like. It's a nice bit of scene-setting and foundation-laying on his part that leaves us wondering just whether Sal knows the girl who stabbed her is now living just a few doors away and, if she does, how she views this.

I suspect that, whatever is about to happen between these two young women, he's been planning this in some detail for a number of years.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: plusorminus on 04 Jun 2015, 11:13
I don't want to spoil anything for other Willis comics. I read synopses for It's Walky! and Shortpacked! and wasn't really interested in either of them. If this question is spoilery, let me know and I'll drop it, but ... I'm really creeped out and grossed out by Sal and the TA Jason banging. Like to the point where I had to make a decision on whether to continue reading the comic in fear that they would do it again. It just seemed to come out of nowhere and it is so ethically gross and disgusting that I can only think that for fans of Willis's other titles, this pairing makes sense, even here, for some reason, which is why it is happening. Is this correct? Because if so, as much as I like Sara and want to see if she will ever allow herself to get past her guilt over her hand in Dana's departure, and as much as I like Amber and Danny and other odds and ends, I despise power-imbalance relationships.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Jun 2015, 11:44
DoA is at least partially autobiographical (his self-insert is Joyce). It's possible that the Sal x Jason thing is based on something that happened to one of Willis's associates at college.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Jun 2015, 11:55
How much power does a TA really have though? It was my understanding that they really just dealt with the things the teacher was to busy or to disinterested to deal with. I would think the Billie/Ruth relationship is more of a power imbalance than Sal/Jason.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jun 2015, 12:51
They grade tests, don't they?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Jun 2015, 12:53
How much power does a TA really have though? It was my understanding that they really just dealt with the things the teacher was to busy or to disinterested to deal with. I would think the Billie/Ruth relationship is more of a power imbalance than Sal/Jason.

I've heard urban legends* about women fucking the TA to get better grades, because supposedly that's something the TA can do, inputting grades and marking papers.

*urban legend might be the wrong term. I've heard it from many sources w/out citation
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 04 Jun 2015, 12:58
I am a TA and had sex with one of my students.

I am somewhat ashamed, but it's not like I have real power over grades. But there's an implication that I could, and that could lead to controversy.

I'm a bit afraid of that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jun 2015, 13:19
Wait, you're a grad student? Or do they have undergrad TAs?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Jun 2015, 13:23
What makes it questionable, I think, is that whether or not a TA could actually do something, the student might think they could. They could lie, and that's um, evil? Fucking sickening?

The power might be imagined, but it's still a TA manipulating a (presumably) younger woman.

Masterpiece, I don't know your situation, but you seem a decent-enough person that you'd have made it clear this girl wouldn't be receiving any different treatment as far as class is concerned. That's the major problem with that sort of power-imbalanced-relationship, and while the school system might not recognize the difference, a reasonable person would. If reasonable people don't see it as problematic, it's less-likely to be reported, which isn't a promise, but it's better than nothing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Mlle Germain on 04 Jun 2015, 14:02
I don't know whether Masterpiece is a grad or an undergrad, but in Germany you can be a "Tutor" as an undergrad, which is kind of like a TA in that you teach example classes and mark the example sheets that people hand in, but there is usually a boss-TA who is a post-doc or maybe PhD student, who sets the problems for the example sheets and who supervises you. You often help marking the exam, but there's several of you, so you're not guaranteed to see every student's exam, and anything questionable willl be checked by the boss-TA or the lecturer.
I was a Tutor for the first time in my second year; I liked it. It was a bit funny that at least half of my students were older than me, but I mostly didn't have authority issues.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Jun 2015, 14:10
As a TA I once had a student who tried flirting with me and even asked me out on a date right after the final. After final grades came out she never talked to me again, though.  :roll:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jun 2015, 14:14
My thoughts on a TA with grading power dating a student? It depends on the topic. If it's a topic where the answer are the answers I'd suppose it'd be less of a conflict than a topic that relies on essays where the quality is a matter of interpretation. (Still inappropriate but the former is less dangerous I guess?)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: plusorminus on 04 Jun 2015, 14:30
Thanks, all, for the clarification and the anecdotes. I don't want to pee on anyone's parade, it's just that I had an up-close and personal view to a TA/Student relationship when I was in undergrad that ended horrifically and it started very similarly to how the Sal + Jason thing started (student failing, going to TA for help, TA openly horn-dogging over her but ratcheting it down because he found her personality off-putting, open enmity, then sex several times after swearing not to do it again). It's odd because David Willis and I are exactly the same age and we both went to Big 10 universities in the same years. The situation I speak of was reported in our student newspaper so it is possible that even though he didn't attend my university, he heard of it through the grapevine. The Sal + Jason thing is almost exactly what happened at my uni, so it's more a visceral squick for me.

I was also surprised that there weren't more comments about the potential improprieties of such a relationship and more of a "Whoo hoo, that's hot!" reaction, which made me think that elsewhere in the Walkyverse, these two have crossed paths under different situations.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 04 Jun 2015, 16:05
Masterpiece, I don't know your situation, but you seem a decent-enough person that you'd have made it clear this girl wouldn't be receiving any different treatment as far as class is concerned. That's the major problem with that sort of power-imbalanced-relationship, and while the school system might not recognize the difference, a reasonable person would. If reasonable people don't see it as problematic, it's less-likely to be reported, which isn't a promise, but it's better than nothing.

Honestly it didn't even occur to her. I told her about my hesitance towards it, and she just said "but you're not going to grade me any differently, are you?" to which I replied, "of course not, but the potential exists, and that's the problem." She didn't seem to understand.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jun 2015, 16:09
Was this the girl you were talking about in the other thread?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 04 Jun 2015, 17:17
The one I ended things with? yes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 04 Jun 2015, 17:18
Honestly I just feel good that I'm learning not to be the dumpee in a relationship.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jun 2015, 17:21
Yeah, that happened to me for the first time a month or so ago.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Jun 2015, 20:26
Plusorminus, are you secretly David Willis, i suspect such.

It should be added, I am two glasses of wine, two beers, six shots into my evening, and am typing this into my phone with one eye shut. My opinion is to be disregarded, unless it is later revealed to be truth, in which case, , masterpiece, well fucking played, I mean godDAMN
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Jun 2015, 21:04
Ouch.. I don't think Becky likes this game anymore...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Jun 2015, 00:11
Becky needs a hug... but not from Joyce. Right now, Joyce is the worst person imaginable to have any interaction with Becky that has any emotional content.

Just out of interest, do we know what happened to Becky's mother?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Mlle Germain on 05 Jun 2015, 01:26
I think she is dead, but I don't know where I think that I know this from, so it might be wrong.
I wish Becky had someone else she is close to, so that she could get some distance between her and Joyce for a bit. This must be painful. (Not that I think Joyce is doing anything wrong here; it's just a shitty situation.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Jun 2015, 01:42
I wish Becky had someone else she is close to, so that she could get some distance between her and Joyce for a bit. This must be painful. (Not that I think Joyce is doing anything wrong here; it's just a shitty situation.)

I think that Joyce is doing the wrong thing but for all the best and most laudable reasons. I think that Sarah is right to say that her upbringing and her essentially positive nature make it impossible for her to really understand Becky's feelings and that she is basically torturing her sister-by-choice out of misdirected compassion.

Oddly enough, if Amber's dorm room has to be moved as a result of the near-inevitable explosion when she walks into the party and sees Sal sitting between Ethan and Danny, I'd like for Becky to stay with Dina for a while. Dina really doesn't have the right software to understand sexual desire. She'll see everything in the baldest and most black-and-white rational terms and spending time around her (and, more importantly, away from Joyce) may help Becky get distance and start to rebuild the emotional structure of her life.

That would require Becky to transfer to the college (Indiana State?) but I think that Joyce could spin it to Becky's dad if she were somehow to convince her parents to support the suggestion.

BenRG's Dorm Room Musical Chairs:
Joyce moves to Sal's room - RUTH: "I can't think of any two girls more different than you two, so you'll suffer each other's company until you learn not to turn a dorm party into a RIOT!"
Amber moves to Sarah's room - RUTH: "Maybe having a sophomore as your keeper will calm your ass down, O'Malley!"
Becky is put in Dina's room - RUTH: "Big freak and little freak in one room; that makes it easier for normal people to keep track of you!"
Billie officially moves to Carla's room - RUTH: "Listen, Skater Bitch, I have a nice dossier of all your little 'practical jokes' for the administrators' attention, just in case you get a rare attack of conscience. You bring me and Billie down and I'll make it my business to see that you go down with us!"

I'm thinking that Joyce would help Sal develop a healthier waking/sleep cycle (as well as a broad spectrum of other healthier personal habits) and Sal may help Joyce loosen up in a way that doesn't look like a deliberate self-parody. Also, I suspect that Sarah and Amber will both enjoy having room-mates who have no intent or desire whatsoever to interact with them and... well, unfortunately, I think that the way the Sarah/Jacob/Raidah triangle is escalating, having Amazi-Girl read into the situation and monitoring it may save lives.

[EDIT]
I base the prediction on a move of characters' rooms on the title page picture of Ruth looking at a schematic of the hall of residence's room layout.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 05 Jun 2015, 21:34
Billie officially moves to Carla's room

Carla occupies a single dorm, most likely because she's trans. 

Back to comic: Nooooo, don't leave, Sal!  Amber hasn't come back from patrol yet!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Jun 2015, 23:56
Back to comic: Nooooo, don't leave, Sal!  Amber hasn't come back from patrol yet!

This may just be me, but I wonder if Amber... or, rather, Amazi-Girl... is somehow the cause of the message and that's why Sal is in such a hurry.

FROM: Marcie
"Help! Caught  skating on the sidewalk by that crazy vigilante! Need bailing out!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 06 Jun 2015, 00:56
Damn, Becky comes across as so desperate. Poor thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Jun 2015, 06:35
Carla occupies a single dorm, most likely because she's trans. 
Wait, what? When was this established?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 06 Jun 2015, 07:28
IIRC, Willis stated it outside of the comic, and it's been implied in-comic a couple of times.

(It's worth noting that this is actually consistent across universes - in the Walkyverse, she was created as Ultra-Car, as an AI for a car chassis, and she was assigned male at creation. She ended up swapping to a humanoid female-body-type chassis later to reflect her gender (but still identified as a car, not a human, IIRC). That's also why she's often portrayed in skates in DoA.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Jun 2015, 07:32
When has it been implied in-comic? In-comic as in DoA.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 06 Jun 2015, 07:38
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/04-the-whiteboard-dong-bandit/permanent/ (NSFW)
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/purpleandskates/
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/introductions/ (states that she gets a single room, given the other context, it implies that it's for official reasons)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Jun 2015, 07:46
Ahhh, wow, that interpretation makes sense now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Jun 2015, 09:27
All of these things slipped by me on my first read-through. Good eye.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 06 Jun 2015, 09:41
Willis also explicitly said multiple times on his blog that she's trans: http://itswalky.tumblr.com/post/77258023970/is-carla-going-to-be-transgender-in-the

And, he spelled out her living situation: http://itswalky.tumblr.com/post/91020669312/i-was-just-wondering-if-carla-had-any-problems

So, not just an interpretation, it's word of author.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Jun 2015, 09:44
Word of author < actually in the comic, but fair enough I guess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Jun 2015, 14:14
You'll have to do better than that Becky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Jun 2015, 21:15
Am I wrong in thinking Becky doeasn't seem willing to admit why she's there? I mean, she's making like it was totally her decision to visit Joyce.

I'm sad for Becky. I've been sad for Becky this entire party.

She's as far out of the sexuality closet as is possible; she's nuked the damn thing from orbit, yet she's still hiding behind this 'crazy, irresponsible Becky' version of herself. She might be crazy and irresponsible usually, but her lack of clothes isn't related to that.

Poor Becky, jumping from one fictitous public persona to another...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 07 Jun 2015, 00:20
They are trying to hide that she's there indefintely and pretending she's only visiting so she doesn't get kicked out, meaning she'd have to go to her parents or be out on the street.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Jun 2015, 00:36
FWIW, with Sal having left without colliding with Amber, I've got a feeling that the party arc will be mostly about Becky realising that anything is better than staying with Joyce where everything makes her miserable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Jun 2015, 04:37
No, not anything. Going home would probably be worse.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Jun 2015, 05:16
No, not anything. Going home would probably be worse.

Yet that's the only other option... Sad.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Mlle Germain on 07 Jun 2015, 05:44
I really hope Becky's and Joyce's friendship will survive this. I mean, they've both changed a lot since starting college and that can lead people to question whether they are still compatible with their old friends, but I hope those two can stay friends and use their increased tolerance and broader world-view to embrace their differences and changes in each other's lives.
Actually, Joyce has already shown a strong willingness to question her previous beliefs in order to support Becky and have their friendship stay as intact as possible.

I think Joyce should take Becky to see Leslie. I'm sure she could provide some help herself and point Becky towards organisations that help young people who have broken off contact with their families.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Jun 2015, 05:46
No, not anything. Going home would probably be worse.

Yet that's the only other option... Sad.
There has to be a third option. It won't be easy, but she'll probably have to go off on her own at some point. I can't see her going home.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 07 Jun 2015, 05:50
I had honestly not even thought that about Carla, even knowing her history in the greater Walkyverse as Ultracar. It does make sense of things I never really thought that much about before though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Jun 2015, 06:37
One option for Becky that occurs to me is for Joyce to try to try to convince Becky's dad to let her transfer to the college (is it Indiana State?). Say that she would 'keep an eye' on her (which she would - no guarantees about outcomes, of course). If he cares about his daughter at all, Becky's father is probably frantic at her disappearance and, for the benefits of her not ending up homeless and worse, I think that he would be willing to leave her in Joyce's care.

That Joyce has no intention of 'curing' Becky or whatever doesn't need to be discussed. In any case I'm pretty sure that Joyce and her parents would likely be very dogmatic that any changes Becky makes to her lifestyle must be those she makes of her own free will or they would be worthless pretences.

However, thinking about it, I'm pretty sure that Becky's dad will track her down sooner rather than later (it doesn't take a genius to work out that she'd run to Joyce). At lot then depends on what nearly losing her to an uncertain fate because she was frightened of him does for his viewpoint. It is even possible that he'll let her re-enrol in her original college rather than risk a breach in what is left of his family.

At least, I hope that he tracks her down and cares enough about her future to care what happens next. The alternative is just too depressing for words. Although Becky ending up effectively a ward of the Browns would probably make decisions about her future easier, it is tragedy that I don't think any reasonable person would want to see happen.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Jun 2015, 13:20
I don't think Beckys father is capable of change - he strikes me as one of those right wing religious nutjobs that simply ignore or twist the truth no matter what you say or do.

Going to Leslie might be the best idea at this point.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Jun 2015, 13:45

Going to Leslie might be the best idea at this point.

Holy shit, yes.

She'd know what to do, how to help, in an actual way, most likely.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Jun 2015, 17:49
Ha, it wasn't until I saw the alt-text today that I realized Becky was wearing a shirt and not just underwear.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Jun 2015, 23:42
Mad idea that came to me after binging on Fallout 4 speculation and lore yesterday: Fallout: Indiana Summer; Joyce and her friends as characters in a deliberately lighthearted and parodic version of the Fallout world (although, arguably, Fallout is a deliberate self-parody).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 Jun 2015, 21:05
Goddammit, Joyce, I love you, but for the love of fuck, some things are only to be imagined
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Jun 2015, 04:08
Heh, "butt opening".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Jun 2015, 04:35
Straw Poll:
Will Billie...

1) Spill all to Ruth as soon as she sees her?
2) Spill all to Ruth during drunken pillow talk?
3) Keep Becky's secret and be consumed by the guilt of 'lying' to her GF?
4) Take pride in doing something that she feels is right, no matter the personal cost?

I'm voting '2' with Becky suffering less as a result than Joyce and Billie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Jun 2015, 16:59
Now we shall see whether Billie can keep her mouth shut

Or whether she's a Grima Wormtounge to Ruths Saruman.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 09 Jun 2015, 21:28
Aww, Dina and Becky friendship!

I approve!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 09 Jun 2015, 21:31
I know not how much of my approval is linked to growing up in a scientifically-minded family surrounded by biblical literalists who swore by a seven-day creation despite no physical evidence to support what Moses CLEARLY wasn't around to witness, but this makes me happy.

I like Dina; I have happier feelings than apathy towards Becky. This whole interaction makes my night more cheery.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Jun 2015, 23:11
I think it is nice that Becky is reaching out. I just hope that she isn't going to push anything too quickly. Any friendship with someone like Dina has to be entirely on her own terms and on her own schedule to work. I think it would be worth it because it strikes me that she is simply too emotionally unsophisticated to ever be anything but a true friend. Besides Becky desperately needs someone other than Joyce (who, bless her, can be smothering when she's worried) and Dina really needs to stretch herself socially; I can't imagine a more challenging subject who could be trusted to be nice to her.

Beyond that? Well, that would be a bit of a psychological black hole. I have no doubt that Dina knows perfectly well what sex is. Whether she would ever be able to understand social cues and emotional contexts sufficiently to interpret a come-on correctly (or even deliver one unambiguously) is questionable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Jun 2015, 17:12
This could be the beginning of a beutiful friendship
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 10 Jun 2015, 17:40
This could be the beginning of a beutiful friendship

For Becky's sake, I hope so
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 10 Jun 2015, 20:28
In either case, I'm expecting some sadness (as usual).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 10 Jun 2015, 21:06
In either case, I'm expecting some sadness (as usual).

In the future, yes. Today, no!  TODAY IS A HAPPY!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 10 Jun 2015, 21:10
All I'm saying is that someone had better start making out soon.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 10 Jun 2015, 21:27
All I'm saying is that someone had better start making out soon.

I mean, Dina's pretty damn close to second base...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 10 Jun 2015, 21:50
I dunno, I agree with Amber (fourth panel) (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-5/02-threes-a-crowd/overstepped/) regarding shipping Dina with anyone.  But she and Becky would be adorable platonic best buddies.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 10 Jun 2015, 22:46
Dina's an Ace. 

The natural ship for Becky is Daisy.  The two are practically twins.

Dina's doing better than I ever did.  The only time a woman expressed an interest in talking to me I reacted with confusion.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Jun 2015, 23:18
I'm thinking that Becky isn't really taking any of this in, rather is just enjoying looking at Dina's face whilst not worrying about the noises coming out of her mouth.

I'm also really surprised that Dina is holding such an aggressive grudge against Joyce. Nothing quite so irrational as a human, I'm thinking.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Jun 2015, 05:27
Dina's an Ace.
Do we know this for sure?

Also...I'm not sure if the anti-shipping rule counts when talking about other webcomics, but I guess be careful everyone?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Jun 2015, 05:35
It's pretty clear from the comic Gladstone posted that she is.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Jun 2015, 05:39
The final chapter of this Book of DoA is titled 'Walking With Dina'. I'm pretty sure that today's strip is in some way part of a scene-setting for this.

IIRC, David Willis has said that one of the turning points in his life was confronting the dichotomy of his childhood beliefs against what science says and finding the former wanting. I'm wondering if the next book will be Becky and Joyce going on the same journey (with a more comedic frame of reference, of course).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Jun 2015, 05:45
It's pretty clear from the comic Gladstone posted that she is.
Really? I don't think it's that clear.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Jun 2015, 06:12
The part where she says she's never experienced sexual attraction before, and is in college? That her only interest in it is in a clinical sense?

I'm not reading the current pages as her expressing any kind of sexual interest in Becky. Joyce has already said she thinks the Earth is only 6000 years old.. Something that is rather at odds with well.. everything to do with being a paleontologist. So yeah.. there's the joke about 'saving' Becky from the same sort of beliefs, since they come from the same background being the joke.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 11 Jun 2015, 06:38
I'm thinking that Becky isn't really taking any of this in, rather is just enjoying looking at Dina's face whilst not worrying about the noises coming out of her mouth.

I dunno, I mean, about half the panels they've been conversing, Dina had a jacket over her face.

My opinion is she's listening mostly as a way to distract herself from the situation with Joyce, with her suddenly being homeless, and likely other things. She just wants to talk, and to listen, and normally Joyce would be there, but Joyce has new friends.

As to shipping, I should clarify, I was joking.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Jun 2015, 16:36
Easy Dina, Joyce isn't Sauron.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 13 Jun 2015, 00:09
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/04-the-whiteboard-dong-bandit/permanent/ (NSFW)
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/purpleandskates/
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/introductions/ (states that she gets a single room, given the other context, it implies that it's for official reasons)
You know, I remember being puzzled why that first one would be a hate crime.  I never caught on about the trans thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Jun 2015, 06:28
I think that today's comic has Sal's life at a turning point. If she messes up Malaya, Marcie may dump her, not wanting such a person as her friend. I have a bad feeling that, without Marcie to help her control her impulses, Sal may go off the deep end and try to destroy her own life in a massive acting out for attention and affection.

Naturally, doing this will just ruin her life and leave her future in serious doubt; how many academic suspensions/demerits can she rack up before the college throws her out? I honestly wonder if Sal will be the first would-be suicide that Amazi-Girl talks off a ledge.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Jun 2015, 11:56
I think that today's comic has Sal's life at a turning point. If she messes up Malaya, Marcie may dump her, not wanting such a person as her friend. I have a bad feeling that, without Marcie to help her control her impulses, Sal may go off the deep end and try to destroy her own life in a massive acting out for attention and affection.

Naturally, doing this will just ruin her life and leave her future in serious doubt; how many academic suspensions/demerits can she rack up before the college throws her out? I honestly wonder if Sal will be the first would-be suicide that Amazi-Girl talks off a ledge.

I was about to type up something saying that was way too fucking dark for this.

Then I remembered what comic we were talking about.

I don't know. My feeling is more that what you're predicting, with Marcie abandoning Sal, but I don't know about the 'acting out for attention.' She has a history of that, but people don't repeat every one of their mistakes, especially when that mistake changed their life in such a drastic fashion. I don't think we'll see the Sal that robbed a convenience store, but we might see a Sal who opens up to new people more. Just Marcie's distance lately already has her coming to Joyce's dorm party, giving out details of how she lost her virginity.

It still could end the way you said, I mean, it's... it's big when your best friend in the world is suddenly not there, it must be so much worse for them to be there, pretending you aren't.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Jun 2015, 12:00
Then I remembered what comic we were talking about.
Really? You think this comic would go that far?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Jun 2015, 12:10
Then I remembered what comic we were talking about.
Really? You think this comic would go that far?

Joyce was nearly raped.
Sarah's last roommate was a drug addict.
Amber's dad abused her, essentially abducted Danny to use him as bait, and was put into the hospital by Amazi-girl's furious beating.

There's more, I'm sure, but the point is, Willis isn't afraid to go dark.
This ain't Garfield.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Jun 2015, 12:36
I dunno, Garfield's gone to some pretty dark places. Remember the one where we find out where Garfield hates Mondays? Tragic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Jun 2015, 14:58
I dunno, Garfield's gone to some pretty dark places. Remember the one where we find out where Garfield hates Mondays? Tragic.

I see the similarities now!

Wow, thank you for opening my eyes to the hellish existance that is Garfield!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Jun 2015, 15:20
And then they fucked



*Shrug*  Anything's possible.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Jun 2015, 15:55
And then they fucked



*Shrug*  Anything's possible.

We do know Sal has a thing for hate-fucking, we've seen it with Jason...

Yeah, that checks out.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 13 Jun 2015, 21:21
I just wanna point out that that punch is impossible from that position. I don't know why that bothered me so much.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Jun 2015, 21:31
Explicit, I am drunk enough to not fuckimg care, and sober enough to be very upset that we must wait 24 whole hours to know where next this leads.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Jun 2015, 21:32
that punch is impossible from that position.
You are, however 100% correct. Dammit. Now it's bothering me, too
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Jun 2015, 21:38
I just read every strip Malaya's been in and I still don't get why they hate each other.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 13 Jun 2015, 21:43
From what I understand, Sal is jealous, because she thinks Malaya is displacing her as Marcie's friend. Though considering Malaya's role in Shortpacked, I'm wondering if she is potentially a girlfriend to Marcie, not a friend-friend...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Jun 2015, 21:55
Oy, no Shortpacked spoilers.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 13 Jun 2015, 22:07
that punch is impossible from that position.
You are, however 100% correct. Dammit. Now it's bothering me, too

I'm just, as a person who's been punched in the face many times, that that action scene takes away all the enjoyment I would get from the violence.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Jun 2015, 22:34
Well, that answers explicits question

Marcie's gonna have a few things to say to these two no doubt.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Jun 2015, 00:48
I just read every strip Malaya's been in and I still don't get why they hate each other.

Because Malaya's very existence calls upon Sal to share Marcie, the only possession that is uniquely hers that she's ever had. She isn't happy with that fact. I use that word deliberately, by the way. In my view, Sal's issues tend towards possessive behaviour and she doesn't really always think of Marcie as a person with her own desires, just her one relationship anchor in the world.

I think that this is the turning point in Sal and Marcie's relationship. All Sal had to do was be neutrally civil to Malaya but she wasn't even able to do that. No matter how grating she finds Malaya's personality, it's clear to me that Sal's real issue is that she doesn't like sharing Marcie with anyone (she similarly abrasive with Carla who is more mature than Malaya and shrugs it off). I think that Marcie was watching this confrontation long enough to realise this. I'm expecting her to tell Sal that her possessiveness is poisonous and that she's cutting her loose.

Sal has a string of issues but Malaya hit the nail on the head during this confrontation. In the end, Sal wants to be liked and admired but only on her own terms. It's all take for her and very rarely does she unbend enough to contribute positively to a relationship. She can and does do so occasionally; she even can be generous and kind to people in need. However, in general, she's desperate to put across this air of independence and toughness that she seems to have based on a 1970s TV action show and it just turns people off of her.

Sal has issues that makes friendship, especially the reciprocal part of it, enormously difficult for her. Yet she manages it on occasion; she just needs to be motivated to try harder. Maybe Marcie not wanting to interact with her anymore will force her to broaden her horizons and try to address her own problems too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 14 Jun 2015, 17:56
Dave has said more than once that what happened in Shortpacked has nothing to do with this universe. 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Jun 2015, 21:03
(click to show/hide)

Dave has said more than once that what happened in Shortpacked has nothing to do with this universe. 
But he did say that the sexualities of the characters in his previous comics carries over (e.g. Ethan is still gay)...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Jun 2015, 21:14
It doesn't matter what he says, we already know about Ethan but please don't post spoilers from other comics.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 14 Jun 2015, 21:17
Cesium, I just went back, trying to find where you 'called it,' but have come up emty-handed. This is possibly because I been drinking. Care to direct me to where you called it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Jun 2015, 21:18
I'm wondering if she is potentially a girlfriend to Marcie, not a friend-friend...
There. Even if it was a Shortpacked spoiler, apparently :/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Jun 2015, 23:30
Sal wins an award for her 'the lights finally came on' expression in this strip.

Meanwhile, I really think that Marcie is getting tired of Malaya and Sal's issues and having to be the adult in the room whenever her best friend and would-be girlfriend meet!

On a personal note, I seem to have been blocked from posting comments on dumbingofage.com. The site receives and stores my posts but won't display them. It would be nice if someone told me why but I'm not holding my breath.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Jun 2015, 00:22
Lightbulb moment.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Jun 2015, 01:23
You know... I think that, if anything, Malaya is going to hate Sal very overtly and unsubtly trying to be 'nice' to her for Marcie's sake even more than she hated her being jealous and antagonistic. Worse, it is going to have a serious 'Twilight Zone' feel to it that's going to make her paranoid about who else is going to be replaced with a pod-person!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Jun 2015, 17:48
I don't think that's what Marcie meant Sal
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 16 Jun 2015, 18:51
ASL doesn't always translate I guess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 16 Jun 2015, 21:02
HUGS MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER, FUCK ALL THE REST OF EVERYTHING
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 16 Jun 2015, 21:30
HUGS MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER, FUCK ALL THE REST OF EVERYTHING

What was said here.

My hugs are well-known around town. I'm a huggy sort.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 16 Jun 2015, 21:42
Stay away, you huggy person.  Do *not* attempt to touch the hedgehog.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 16 Jun 2015, 21:44
Stay away, you huggy person.  Do *not* attempt to touch the hedgehog.

I thrive on consent. You're cool.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 16 Jun 2015, 22:17
All about the unconsensual surprise hugs.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 16 Jun 2015, 22:27
All about the unconsensual surprise hugs.

Come on. Be kind. I get the urge, believe me. Kindness, yo
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 16 Jun 2015, 22:45
But, but! Friend hugs! Frugs!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 16 Jun 2015, 22:56
But, but! Friend hugs! Frugs!

Gladly! Friend hugs! All of them.

Unfriendly hugs, that is where I draw the line.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Jun 2015, 23:31
Marcie obviously finds Malaya attractive but, IMO, she still is a confrontational jerk who is too quick to take offence or start trouble. I guess that we'll see but I have a nasty feeling that Sal's comment on bad relationship choices has the weight of prophecy. I'm hoping not; Marcie is a nice person and doesn't deserve that in her life.

I also have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised how Sal has put Marcie 's happiness in front of her hatred for Malaya. She's a better and more mature person than I thought.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 17 Jun 2015, 02:57
Just for the record, so far Marcie has not explicitly expressed interest in a relationship with Malaya. She only said she wants to have sex with her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 17 Jun 2015, 03:18
lulz
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 17 Jun 2015, 03:18
Marcie didn't SAY anything ya know
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 17 Jun 2015, 03:41
Stay away, you huggy person.  Do *not* attempt to touch the hedgehog.

I thrive on consent. You're cool.

That's good.  My OCD is getting better, but I still have problems touching strange people.  Hence my username here.  I do still get the whole "hedgehog's dilemma", in where I really want to get close to other people, but am afraid of getting "poked" by the "spines".  At least now, I have gotten to the point where I can get kissed on the cheek by someone I know without flailing about and nearly falling off a barstool.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Jun 2015, 15:08
And it ends on a cuteness note


Dawwwwww
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 17 Jun 2015, 21:08
To be fair, that'd be my response also.
In this scenario, I am both Sarah and Billie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Jun 2015, 22:54
Can't catch a break can she.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Jun 2015, 23:25
Well, at least Billie, whilst an obnoxious drunk, is still semi-willing to play along. I just wonder if this was spontaneousor if Joyce had been badgering and rehearsing them relentlessly?

Poor Sarah, though! I can't help but notice that she really despises herself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 18 Jun 2015, 21:21
I feel like this is where everything goes to hell
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Jun 2015, 21:49
I hope not.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 18 Jun 2015, 22:20
It upsets me that everyone actually IS drunk. I think Sarah should be accepted for who she is, and while I would personally like her better when I'd been drinking, it's sad that everyone feels the same.

Also, how. Fucking much vodka did Billie bring, that she, walky, AND Dorothy are all fucked up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Jun 2015, 23:16
Also, how. Fucking much vodka did Billie bring, that she, walky, AND Dorothy are all fucked up.

I don't think that Dorothy and Walky are experienced drinkers. Enough hard stuff to knock them out probably would barely make Billie's liver raise an eyebrow!

I suspect that there will be a cold period between Joyce and Dorothy. She knows Joyce's views and to spit on them in Joyce's personal space is not the act of a good friend. I just hope that the morning after is suitably horrible for her and Walky.

You'll notice that I'm not so hard on Walky; well, frankly, I kind of expect him to be thoughtless and irresponsible!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 18 Jun 2015, 23:19
New slant:

Praty for Joyce:

Everyone gets smashed. Not cool towards Joyce's beliefs.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 18 Jun 2015, 23:25
New slant:

Praty for Joyce:

Everyone gets smashed. Not cool towards Joyce's beliefs.

Considering Dorothy's state, and the response to Sarah's return, I suspect suxh has happened
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Jun 2015, 01:03
In vino veritas
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Jun 2015, 06:53
I forget what flavor of Christianity Joyce was brought up in? I was brought up Catholic, and there's no problem there with drinking. Drinking to excess is considered a flaw that can lead to sinful behavior. But having an occasional (or regular...) drink wasn't a problem. The issue more at hand probably  is one that nobody besides Becky and Sarah know about. The reason the party is being held for Joyce is to help her try to deal with her first party she went to in college, where she had her drink drugged and was nearly raped. Having a bunch of her friends getting drunk at her 'safe party' is probably not going to do her mindset any good.

That said, neither Dorothy or Walky are aware of the reason behind the party, and they are not drinkers. Plus they are on the small size. One (probably healthy) shot of whatever Billie has in her flask is probably enough to get them feeling juuuuust fiiiine.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 19 Jun 2015, 08:47
From the About page:
Quote
And like Joyce, I was raised as a nondenominational fundamentalist (nonaligned Protestant), which means she’s not Catholic.

Also, Dorothy and Walky are aware of why she would want a safe party - Dorothy was, after all, who brought Joyce to Roz's party, and Walky was present for the discussion the next morning.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Jun 2015, 09:07
They are aware of the attack, sure. But I don't remember anyone telling them why Joyce was having a party in her room, specifically because of that issue. It seems a bit far a stretch to guess someone were to have figured that out instead of you know... 'Joyce's friend is visiting, and she's throwing a party.'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Jun 2015, 21:18
Danny you fucking snitch.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Jun 2015, 21:23
Also, how. Fucking much vodka did Billie bring, that she, walky, AND Dorothy are all fucked up.

I don't think that Dorothy and Walky are experienced drinkers. Enough hard stuff to knock them out probably would barely make Billie's liver raise an eyebrow!

Apparently, ERRYBODY's a damn lightweight! I mean, I could maybe believe it took only the one mixed drink to get Walky fucked up, and the same to get Dorothy similarly plastered, but adding in Danny, and still saying that's enough to get Billie even a bit buzzed?

The fuck is that, Mary Poppin's flask? I agree, Billie's been generous as HELL
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 19 Jun 2015, 21:27
To be fair, Billie was probably pre-gaming.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Jun 2015, 21:54
Or has multiple flasks. Though that seems less likely.  She must have been pretty generous, if she's got drunk herself and four other people at least. That must be something high octane. Though I wouldn't necessarily put it past her to fill her flask with something like Everclear... I can see Dorothy and Walky getting buzzed off one drink. But Danny and Ethan are bigger.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 19 Jun 2015, 21:55
But Danny and Ethan are bigger.
And drunk, right next to each other...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Jun 2015, 21:56
It's a flask. Flasks are discreet. That you could get three people, even ones who didn't drink often, shitfaced, let alone a known alcoholic seems silly. I prefer to think of Billie as Mary Poppins with a drinking problem. Gives a whole new meaning to 'Just a spoonful of sugar'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Jun 2015, 23:50
I've got a horrible feeling that this is going to turn out to be one of those sitcom parties. Y'know, where everyone gets disastrously drunk and wakes up in bed with a random naked other character with such a scrambled memory that they have no clue whether they actually did anything. Their imagination and fears are enough to put their relationships under strain.

there are also other stereotypical 'morning after' gags:

BECKY: "According to this certificate, my name is now 'Rebecca Seigal.'

ETHAN: " Huh... I was wondering about the ring... Wait..."

BOTH: "Oh SHIIIT!!!"

Not that I consider this likely. DoA is fairly realistic, for its subject matter.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 20 Jun 2015, 05:43
I'm guessing people are more buzzed than actually drunk. None of them other than Billie drink so it wouldn't take more than a hefty shot for them to be decently tipsy.

I'm disappointed with the group though. Dorothy, in particular, I think should have known this would bother Joyce and that they were all secretive about it could hurt Joyce's trust of them. If they were following Billie and Walky's lead to drink to make the party "bearable" then Joyce could be really hurt and insulted.

Also I am wondering what Becky is thinking and doing off panel.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 20 Jun 2015, 08:56
Comic relief can be pretty damn important.

Also wait, why would Sarah be in the same dorm room two years in a row?

Also, Raidah needs to leave now.

At my school upperclassmen who choose to stay on campus get to pick their rooms before freshmen are randomly assigned to the rest. Maybe this building is in a good spot on campus or something
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 20 Jun 2015, 12:39
At my old college, "squatters" have first pick. If you want to keep your room, then you have an entire day to squat in it through the main system. If you don't squat in that time period (a little less than a full day), then you may or may not get to keep your room. Honors and disability students have first pick after that. Then seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen have periods of time (like a week, I think?) to choose their rooms. Freshmen are segmented into three groups via the alphabet (randomly ordered), so any given freshman may have to try to get a room in a different, better building a full three or more weeks after room registration starts. I kept the same room as long as possible, personally. It was like having a home away from home--there's a certain sense of comfort to have "your" room on campus.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Jun 2015, 16:37
If she's been sharing that out, I don't think anyone is going to get more than lightly buzzed.  That Flask isn't big enough to get that many people drunk.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 20 Jun 2015, 16:39
Especially since what's inside is made of apples…  well, mostly apples.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 Jun 2015, 16:48
Especially since what's inside is made of apples…  well, mostly apples.

*raises eyebrow*

Did we ever get verification of what's in the flask? I figured vodka.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Jun 2015, 16:50
Same here, or Whisky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 20 Jun 2015, 17:24
We've seen none of those people drink though, who knows what their tolerance is. Plus there's the possibility of resupply since Billie's room is right down the hall, clearly time has passed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 20 Jun 2015, 18:01
That's a good point.  I hadn't figured on that possibility.


Especially since what's inside is made of apples…  well, mostly apples.

*raises eyebrow*

Did we ever get verification of what's in the flask? I figured vodka.
It was never mentioned.  It was a reference to a fictional alcoholic drink in the Discworld 'verse, that is consumed in *very* small amounts, and would require Billie to be using a shiny plastic flask, rather than a metal one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 20 Jun 2015, 18:08
It's a Pan Galatic Gargle Blaster.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 20 Jun 2015, 18:48
EVERCLEAR.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 20 Jun 2015, 19:37
My first drink at age 17 (yeah yeah, it took me a while to come into my stride in high school, okay) was a bottle of overproof rum that I (illegally) back from Jamaica. So that party was fun for a couple hours...and then it was less so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 20 Jun 2015, 21:14
am genuinely surprised.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 Jun 2015, 21:15
Oh my god the noise I made reading today's comic holy shit I think we know something new about Dinah
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 20 Jun 2015, 21:16
I'm just sayin' chaos, first time in awhile I've been flabergasted by this comic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 Jun 2015, 21:18
I'm just sayin' chaos, first time in awhile I've been flabergasted by this comic.

It seriously surprised me as well. I did not, in any way, see that as even a possibility.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 Jun 2015, 21:36
Re-reading, I ship Becky-Dinah. I ship Binah.

Now we know Dinah ain't asexual, she deserves happiness with persons of her choice.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 20 Jun 2015, 21:45
Re-reading, I ship Becky-Dinah. I ship Binah.

Pfft, it's clearly Dinky.

Also, I, too, did not expect this. 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 Jun 2015, 21:50
Re-reading, I ship Becky-Dinah. I ship Binah.

Pfft, it's clearly Dinky.

Also, I, too, did not expect this.

You are correct.
I am less than sober, so, yeah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 20 Jun 2015, 21:56
I did not see that one coming.

Daisy - Becky was the logical ship.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 20 Jun 2015, 21:59
Well.

Let's wait and see if she did that just to prove that she doesn't always act 12, or whether she's actually attracted to Becky.

I'm leaning towards the latter, but I also wonder if the attraction is rooted in "holy shit she's actually talking to me and not really uncomfortable around me and I'm not really uncomfortable around her MAYBE SHE'S THE ONE". I could see Dina having had romantic and/or sexual urges, but suppressing them because she thought she'd never be able to act on them...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 20 Jun 2015, 22:03
When I saw this comic (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-5/03-the-butterflies-fly-away/dinosaurs/), the idea that it might be leading to this crossed my mind, but then the fight scene happened and my brain forgot. My brain is a moron sometimes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 20 Jun 2015, 22:11
Well.

Let's wait and see if she did that just to prove that she doesn't always act 12, or whether she's actually attracted to Becky.

Yeah, the kiss is pretty ambiguous at the moment.  Hard to tell if it's merely a reaction to the looks/acts 12 claim, or if there's more to it.  She did tell Amber once that she has a somewhat clinical fascination with sex, without going into further details, so I hope she has a notebook handy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Jun 2015, 22:39
I think it's a reaction to "wait, she likes me?"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Jun 2015, 00:50
Let's wait and see if she did that just to prove that she doesn't always act 12, or whether she's actually attracted to Becky.

I'm thinking that it's mostly the former. However, that won't stop the next chapter being about Becky experiencing a relationship that is at least one part a socialisation learning exercise. I also think that Becky is going to learn new ways of looking at the world whilst getting a new friend, hence: 'Walking With Dina'!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 21 Jun 2015, 02:32
I'm neither pro, nor  anti Dinky ship.  However, even if it doesn't launch (or sinks), I really hope that it isn't just Dina trying to "prove" something to the others, and that there is at least possible interest there.  Becky is in a bit of a crisis, and already has indicated at least an interest in Dina.  For it to just be "I'm not twelve, dammit!"  seems like kicking Becky when she's down.  Then again, Dina might not be socially astute enough to read that as a possible ramification.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 21 Jun 2015, 03:02
Well, that escalated quickly. For now I'm more on the side of Dinah is doing this to prove she doesn't always behave as if she were 12.

Edit: To clarify, I don't want that to be the case, but I see it as the more probable of the two possibilites.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 21 Jun 2015, 04:55
I took it as more reactionary to the group's comments as well. Dina also could be doing what she thinks is the appropriate thing to do when someone you don't dislike expresses romantic interest in you.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 21 Jun 2015, 06:03
I kind of thought this could happen after this comic (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-5/03-the-butterflies-fly-away/dinosaurs/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Jun 2015, 10:17
Wow, people are being unbelievably shitty to Dina.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 21 Jun 2015, 11:21
I don't think she's doing anything bad, not at all, really.  I'm more wondering what's her thought process right now, and her level of social awareness.  I think that no matter what, her motivations are, if not "good", then at the very least, "neutral".  But intent and effect are not always coincident.  Before I got hit with the "oh shit, what might happen?" thing, my first reaction was "Dina is being a badarse".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 21 Jun 2015, 14:22
Wow, people are being unbelievably shitty to Dina.
Yeah, I found that pretty off-putting. Everyone's been such a turd lately.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 21 Jun 2015, 14:25
What Joyce said about Dina is pretty much exactly the same as what the girl who was hanging out with Raidah said about Dina when they were at the mall...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 21 Jun 2015, 14:38
What Joyce said about Dina is pretty much exactly the same as what the girl who was hanging out with Raidah said about Dina when they were at the mall...

That's what I thought when I read it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 21 Jun 2015, 14:57
Looking at it again, Dina looked pissed in the second last frame.  I think it's more of a reaction to being called 12 than attraction.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Jun 2015, 15:08
Yeah, but look at her face in panel three. I think that means more than her anger.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jun 2015, 15:13
Somebody find Becky's 'Reset' switch

I think her brain just froze in that last panel.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 21 Jun 2015, 15:21
Yeah, but look at her face in panel three. I think that means more than her anger.
Yeah, Becky is one of the only people so far who genuinely respects Dina as a human being. I think she's flattered, especially since Becky is actually interested in talking about Dina's favorite topics. Nobody has ever (that we know of) expressed an interest in Dina.

I mean like... for a long time, nobody was straight-forward about their interest in me, and then when a few people were, it seemed ..... off. The first person who seemed sincere and straight-forward about it was my first boyfriend. It didn't work out at all. But I was interested in going out with him because his honesty was really refreshing. I took a day to think about it, though, and I figured I didn't have anything to lose. :P
(click to show/hide)

Becky is one of the first prospects Dina has had as a possible love interest--most likely in her entire life. I feel like the kiss was out of frustration, too, but it's important to note that she may have had an interest in Becky without knowing how to approach it because no one's ever liked her that way before. It can be a spite kiss AND an "I like you, too" kiss.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 21 Jun 2015, 16:01
Well-said.  I wonder if it'll end up being the opposite of what many have been speculating about, like how Becky is interested, and Dina isn't.  It'd probably be even worse if it turns out that in the long-run, Becky is the one who isn't as interested as she thought, and Dina was.  That'd be even more sad than the scenario that I thought of earlier.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Jun 2015, 16:45
Another unpleasant scenario, both of them like each other but Becky has to leave.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 21 Jun 2015, 18:02
Another unpleasant scenario that I just thought of: Joyce and/or Becky's parents come to find Becky. During the party. In which everyone but Joyce, Becky, Amber, and Dina are drunk.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 21 Jun 2015, 18:44
FOR THE LOVE OF FUCK WILL YOU PEOPLE STOP MAKING ME DREAD THE NEXT FEW DAYS' COMICS?!?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 21 Jun 2015, 20:48
At least the dinosaurs are appropriate to the situation

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 21 Jun 2015, 20:53
At least the dinosaurs are appropriate to the situation


Hedgie, dare you suggest that scene of Firefly was NOT appropriate use of dinosaurs? Are you TRYING to make me want to fight you? Because why else would you slander so much as a second of what I consider the greatest single season of television ever created, LET ALONE, the introduction of my favorite character?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 21 Jun 2015, 20:56
I say favorite character. I can't pick favorites from that group. I loved every minute with every one of them. I'm making myself sad.

Fuck you, Fox. I will never forgive, never forget.
You can't take the sky from me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 21 Jun 2015, 21:05
Shit, meet fan. Fan, meet shit. Have you two met before? Oh, okay, good.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 21 Jun 2015, 21:06
Back to the topic: And so, Ruthless enters.

Party done.

Possibility of more Dinky smooches at a later date in search of scientific analysis. Is Dinky a viable option? Sources say maybe? We shall see, more data is necessary to formulate an answer!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 21 Jun 2015, 21:36
Dina's response to Becky was pretty much perfect, and so in character.  Of course, if she *does* establish interest, hopefully she won't strive for scientific rigour.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jun 2015, 23:29
One can only hope she's here for Billy


Otherwise, this could get ugly real fast.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 21 Jun 2015, 23:41
Even if she is there for Billie, it could end really badly. Her girlfriend, who can't legally drink, is not only drinking in the dorm but is also distributing it to other people who can't legally drink. I know they kind of fell off the wagon together, but drinking and distributing is not the kind of thing she needs to find Billie doing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 22 Jun 2015, 00:04
She probably should have looked the other way then. She knew Billie was going to be there and, let's be honest, Ruth should know that Billie is going to be the one who would bring that stuff.

Ya, it's her job, but ignoring things seemed like the appropriate thing to do here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Jun 2015, 01:43
RUTH: "BROWN! Who brought alcohol to this party?"

JOYCE: "Um... I don't kn...?"

SARAH: "I think that you'll find it was Miss Billingsworth. When I went to the bathroom, everyone was sober; when I come back, there are several drunks. Wilcox says that he got it from Billingsworth and she admitted it. I want her punished."

JOYCE (hissing whisper): "Sarah! No!"

Ooh! What a dilemma for Ruth to be in! Will anyone narc Billie out? If so, will she have the courage to punish her secret girlfriend/co-dependent substance abuser? If everyone keeps the code of Dormitory Omerta and Ruth punishes all of them, will Billie be able to let everyone take lumps for her or will she 'fess up? If she does, what does Ruth do?

It's possible that Ruth will just punish everyone harshly in a flat-footed attempt to cover up her relationship with Billie (as well as an attempt to impress her girlfriend with her power over her). Not being read into the secret and in a fit of her usual civil-minded activism, Dorothy then appeals to the Board of Administrators over the unfair harshness. The resulting investigation has the potential to expose Billie and Ruth's relationship. Even if it doesn't, Ruth's harsh and excessive behaviour comes under an uncomfortable spotlight.

There is no doubt in my mind that Ruth and Billie's relationship is about to enter a serious and potentially terminal crisis. Willis has confirmed that no-one dies in DoA, so it unlikely that any crisis will reach my personal worst-case scenario - Ruth and Billie killing each other as part of their pre-exisiting 'sexy lesbian suicide pact' (their words). However, I could see Ruth losing her job over this and being put on a bus. That might lead to an interesting Billie character arc; I wonder if she might end up needing Joyce to bring her back from the brink?

I also wonder just how the Browns will react to being told by the college that Joyce has been accused of hosting a drunken Bacchanal in her dorm room! :-P

Regarding Dina and Becky, I wonder if Becky realises that she's about to become the subject of a sociology experiment. Having a relationship with Dina would take a very special mindset to get around her unique perception of humanity and social interaction. You'd never know if she really was into you or if it would be empirical experimentation. It's sort of like dating Lt Cmdr Data from Star Trek - The Next Generation!

[EDIT]
A thought that just occurred to me: Ruth either works out Becky is homeless or just throws her out on the street as it's late and the party is over. Naturally, she makes sure she doesn't have a pass-key to get back in afterwards. Sal comes back to find Joyce sitting on the steps to the hall, crying her eyes out. She asks what's going on and gets the chance to display both her soft side and her ruthless side.

Yes, I'm suggesting that Becky starts staying in Sal's room. When Ruth tells her that she can't do this, Sal points out that she wouldn't be able to if Billie wasn't 'elsewhere' every night. Would Ruth like to report this matter to the Administrators or would she let Sal do so? It might be interesting to see how Sal responds to having some blackmail to keep Ruth in her pocket. It would be interesting to see how Ruth reacts to having her position and authority so fatally and totally compromised! :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 22 Jun 2015, 03:19
Can RAs really just barge into your room without being let it? I mean, yeah they have a key, but...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Jun 2015, 03:21
Can RAs really just barge into your room without being let it? I mean, yeah they have a key, but...

This is Ruth we're talking about. Abusing her extremely limited authority and using intimidation to keep it under wraps is pretty much her character's identifying 'quirk'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 22 Jun 2015, 11:29
Can RAs really just barge into your room without being let it? I mean, yeah they have a key, but...
What I'm used to is the RA knocking a few times and saying "RA" loudly and clearly enough for the people inside to hear them. If they're ignored after a few times of that, then they either come back later or, if the situation is serious enough (such as a loud party), then they'll say, "RA, keying in" and open the door. They usually come prepared with the master key in situations like this. But if they get ignored when there are clearly people in there, they can run downstairs to go get it and come back.

If they need back-up, then they can call other RAs (whoever's on call), the hall director, and/or the police/other relevant authority figures.

If the situation is serious enough, it probably wouldn't be wrong to barge in, but it's better to knock first. Ruth is not covering her butt very well, but most of them are afraid enough of her that they most likely won't alert anyone of the protocol breach, even if they have to talk to the police or something.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 22 Jun 2015, 14:31
So I was admitted into this residential College thing my college has. Basically for my freshman and sophomore years the 90 of us were living together and taking some of our courses in small discussion based classes. We still had our major and some of our other gen ed classes in the university. But the point is we were all really tight knit and we were living in this weird sort of building that had our dorm rooms and our classrooms. The RAs were super hands off. We smoked, partied, and made noise in our room pretty much to our hearts' content. It seems like the only thing they ever took seriously was keeping the communal kitchens clean. And then junior year I moved into an apartment. So I don't really know how a normal RA behaves. But that all said, I find it incredible that there haven't been enough complaints levied against Ruth for her to be fired.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 22 Jun 2015, 15:43
The RA's I had were all fairly passive (one got fired for drinking while on duty). The male RA's never seemed to care and could only do things if you forced their hand (making a ridiculous amount of noise, trashing the bathroom). Some of the girl RA's were a bit strict and would go looking for booze through people's things, but usually not. (I should note that there were only 2 male RA's when I was a freshman and 12 girl RA's. Mostly girls college).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 22 Jun 2015, 21:11
Bubbles would indicate Ethan's been drankin' too... This is a comic that makes me want the next one already, because not a damn thing has been indicated, as of yet, to where this is headed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 22 Jun 2015, 21:12
I mean, it's not about to get better, but the degree of awful is still uncertain.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 22 Jun 2015, 21:14
RUTHLESS?

I think Willis was looking for an excuse to do a group panel.  Well, two of them.  Not that I'm complaining, though!  Nice to see the gang together.

Also, I realize everyone is hiding their drinks behind their backs (except Billie), but I choose to believe that Walky panicked and stuffed the entire cup in his mouth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Jun 2015, 21:17
God damn it, was it necessary to waste an entire comic to tell us what we already know? (That Ruth is terrible. Fuck you, Ruth.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 22 Jun 2015, 23:15
God damn it, was it necessary to waste an entire comic to tell us what we already know? (That Ruth is terrible. Fuck you, Ruth.)

What's got MY attention is that, from just today's strip, she ISN'T that terrible. She's asserted her stance as an RA, and entered the room, but I wouldn't be surprised if that open drink in Billie's hand smelled strongly of vodka, yet she hasn't said anything yet.

It's obviously being built to her busting them for the drinking. What if she didn't? I mean, Billie would be one of those affected by her cracking down on the party, but Ruth has feelings for Billie, and anyway, Billie's got dirt on Ruth, so that could be mutually-assured destruction. On the other side, Ruth is in a dark place, as we've seen with her and Billie in their comics together.

Not saying this would happen, (Let's be real, it won't) but what if Ruth hung out for a while? Not like, getting too chummy with the group, but enough to show she's a human goshdang being in need of social support. I mean, to all except Billie, she's just a hellbeast, and we all know, she loves the fuck out of that, but what if she let the veil drop just a tiny bit?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Jun 2015, 23:38
From the direction that Joyce and Dorothy are looking, I think that they are going to try to protect Billie by 'destroying the evidence'. That means one of them is going to grab Billie's cup and down the whole thing in one gulp.

I foresee an instantaneously falling-down drunk and miserably sick Joyce by the end of this arc. Maybe she'll drink, act as if she's been hit in the head with a 2 x 4 and wake up in bed with a friend and have no memory whatsoever of the intervening time! I suspect it would be Ethan who, lubricated with a little booze, lets his fratarnal affection turn (for the night at least) into full-on possessive protectiveness.

Joyce and Ethan, of course, don't know that they just slept together like innocent toddlers and Joyce is racked with guilt. Everyone makes it worse by giggling about what a show she put on before blacking out.

This let Joyce evesdrop on Jacob's 'phone conversation with Raidah about the first phase of her revenge on Sarah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 23 Jun 2015, 00:03
That sounds like an awful thing to wish upon someone who has been drugged and had issues around alcohol before that. If anyone was to be protective, it would probably be Sarah like before. Lack of memory was even a side effect of the drug, so waking up next to Ethan with no memory would probably flashback Joyce to when she was almost raped. Willis likes to be cruel to his characters but that all sounds needless when there's other less traumatic played off like sitcom ways to go with the story.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 23 Jun 2015, 01:49
Dude, Ben, this is not the first time I find your fanfictionny trails of thought downright disturbing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Jun 2015, 03:01
It's not necessarily dark; a lot would depend on how David chose to handle the characterisations. Here's what I think: I think that Joyce would trust Ethan implicitly. If she mistrusted how anyone treated anyone, she'd be more worried about how she may have treated Ethan, which could be funny or heart-warming depending on how you wrote it.

Really, though, it is just a plot device to get Joyce into Ethan and Jacob's room, hiding under Ethan's sheets and listening to Jacob plot with Raidah (or, possibly, trying to talk Raidah down from doing something self-destructive and stupid).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 23 Jun 2015, 04:46
I meant I find disturbing how... intricate your guessfiction gets. There are dozens, even thousands of paths a story could take, yet somehow you seem to elect a particular one, and go into intricate detail how it will play out, right down to who will be hiding where at what moment despite no indication remotely supporting going into that direction.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Jun 2015, 04:55
Honestly it's more fan fiction than actual prediction. Not a bad thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 23 Jun 2015, 06:14
I don't see how getting a person who was drugged unintentionally black out drunk could be appropriately played off as humourous or heart-warming and then brushed off to advance a separate plot point but, hey, maybe I just get stuck on details like thinking (or at least hoping) Willis knows better than to treat attempted rape trauma so callously.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 23 Jun 2015, 06:29
Honestly it's more fan fiction than actual prediction. Not a bad thing.
So? If someone was posting creepy stuff about Hannelore or inappropriate stuff about Claire, it wouldn't matter if it was fan fiction or prediction.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Jun 2015, 06:31
I'm really genuinely surprised that anyone thinks of what I post as 'creepy'. It isn't as if I'm inventing elaborate sado-masochistic sexual scenarios or something!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Jun 2015, 06:40
Honestly it's more fan fiction than actual prediction. Not a bad thing.
So? If someone was posting creepy stuff about Hannelore or inappropriate stuff about Claire, it wouldn't matter if it was fan fiction or prediction.
No, I'm referring to his level of detail, not the contents of his posts.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 23 Jun 2015, 06:48
It's being so cavalier with past character events that hold a lot of baggage in fiction and reality that's getting under my skin. It seems off that someone can think deeply enough about fanfiction/predictions to write paragraphs of detail but just throw aside years of characterisation and something huge and distressing as what happened in DoA.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Jun 2015, 06:53
It's obvious that this upsets you personally, so I'm not going to push this too much but I'll remind you of something: Joyce is a fictional character and she exists solely to advance the story, whatever that is (I don't pretend to be a mind-reader; I'm usually way-off when I try to predict how authors think in advance). So, if the story demands that Joyce has to confront her trauma again in a sudden and even seemingly disrespectful manner, that's what's going to happen. Maybe the character would ultimately benefit from it or maybe it will only make her problems worse; if that's what the story demands, that is what will happen.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 23 Jun 2015, 07:06
My issue is not with what the story demands. My issue is with your treatment of the events of the story, events that affect real people so don't bother with condescending, "It's just fiction." excuses for your ignorant use of hackneyed writing ideas that use trauma for cheap laughs and lazy plot advancement.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 Jun 2015, 07:46
The 'It's just fiction' excuse is something that comes up a fair bit, both here and other places. I for one do not buy it one bit. Talking about events like Joyce's near-rape may not hurt Joyce, because she is not real. But Joyce also isn't reading the comments, again because she is not real. People who have lived through that experience or worse however do read comments like that. They are real people who are affected by them. The cavalier attitude translates to "Well, it's just not important because it's not real'. But it is important, because even if that particular event happened in a work of fiction, it still does affect the reader of it.  What we see, what we read affects us, it becomes part of us. Especially those who can identify with the characters affected. So it totally is real, because even when you are talking about works of fiction because it does affect real, living people.

That is something that any kind of artist or creator should be taking into account. Whether they draw, paint, write, make video games... any kind of entertainment. It affects people. How they feel, how they think.. Not in a 'games make people violent' way, but it allows us to experience or relieve things, for good or ill. So a creator should be thinking about what they are doing, and how it may likely affect people. And decide if that is the message they want to put out. Some people may get a different message based on their own experiences that the creator did not anticipate, but that's one thing. It's another to disregard or not believe that what they create will affect people because it isn't 'real'. That's a disservice to the creator, the viewer and the art itself, by denying that it can have an effect on people when ultimately.. that is the point of art. To affect people.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 23 Jun 2015, 09:05
Honestly it's more fan fiction than actual prediction. Not a bad thing.

Disagree. I know it's not a popular view around here or most places. But I've yet to see any form of 'fan-fiction' that wasn't both uncreative and an insult to the original author. All writing is plagarism at least somewhat. But for someone to completely take one writers' characters and go around giving them scenarios and behaviors that the original creator wouldn't want for those characters, as a writer that grinds my gears.

In addition, the entire idea of 'fanfiction' seems hellbent on preventing burgeoning writers from developing actual writing skills. As in grammar, spelling, ability to write interesting characters and sensical dialogue and plot. Those things appear rarely if ever in fanfiction. But it's never treated with the right criticism.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: pwhodges on 23 Jun 2015, 09:21
I've yet to see any form of 'fan-fiction' that wasn't both uncreative and an insult to the original author.

Oh, there is some; the fact that most fanfic is beyond bad doesn't mean that it all is.  I'd claim my (https://cassland.org/words/AfterwardsBook.pdf) Evangelion fanfic would pass your test; but that's an extension of an as yet unfinished story, and so has no need to contradict any existing canon.

Quote
All writing is plagarism at least somewhat. But for someone to completely take one writers' characters and go around giving them scenarios and behaviors that the original creator wouldn't want for those characters, as a writer that grinds my gears.

Agreed on that.

Anyway, we have established that in this forum we treat Claire of QC itself with the same degree of respect that we would treat a non-fictional character.  We should apply the same standard to other fictional characters.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Jun 2015, 11:37
I agree with that last bit. But I can't agree with objecting to non-commercial fan fiction in general.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: pwhodges on 23 Jun 2015, 12:41
Like 94ssd, I dislike fanfiction which seriously tramples on canon; if other people like it, then bully for them.  But if it takes an intelligent "what if" approach, like good science fiction that changes just one or two things and then explores how the universe might work in that form, then it can be good I guess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Jun 2015, 12:55
Honestly I find fanfiction that ignores canon far less obnoxious than authors who make statements that contradict (or even add to) their own canon* and expect their spoken words to be equal to or surpass their written words.

*canon meaning their actual works
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Jun 2015, 13:08
I think fanfiction can be a starting point. It might hold some people back, but others wouldn't have started writing without it. It's largely a matter of whether a writer is willing to/looking to improve and grow as a writer.

Kinda have to respect people that keep their fics consistent with multiple seasons/books worth of canon, though, that's part of why I don't even try it. I mean, besides the fact I'd rather be able to change backstory details at the drop of a hat to add tension and irony to my stuff that I didn't originally plan. I don't read fan-fiction; I don't enjoy it myself, but I'm not against the idea.

It's not exactly new. Definitely goes back to Arthur Conan Doyle where people would rip off Sherlock Holmes and publish under ACD's name. Likely dates back earlier to King Arthur's legends, and the growth thereof. Mythology in general, you might see as fan-fiction without any kind of canon.

Bringing it back to DoA, the problem here is less that you're basically writing fan-fiction, more that your fan-fiction is problematic, more detailed than many would prefer, and placed somewhere that's meant more for commentary, shared jokes, and silly predictions.

I feel I should say that I like most of your stuff, BenRG, you don't usually go so far.

Leave it to Willis to go dark as fuck.

You know he will, sooner or later
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jun 2015, 17:34
There will be blood
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Jun 2015, 22:27
Regarding today's strip:

Dammit, Walky, you had best not screw shit up this time
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Jun 2015, 23:33
Dammit, Walky, you had best not screw shit up this time

Their only hope is for Ruth to be so used to Walky being weird and random (and seemingly having her mind elsewhere) that she doesn't notice. I wonder, does the old myth about fear sobering you up really quickly have a grain of truth? Dorothy can only hope!

Meanwhile, Dorothy has realised that she's screwed up with Joyce and needs to do some urgent bridge-rebuilding. Look at her eyebrows: they're tilted back, not forward, so she's grimacing in worry rather than snarling in anger! If she's looking to Billie for a plan for this, she's probably looking in the wrong place!

I don't know why but Ruth's behavior really makes me wonder if she's going to end up confiding in someone... Unless Sal comes back to the party and the foreseen mutual crisis with Amber occurs...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 24 Jun 2015, 02:18
Walky's face in the last panel made me snort. :lol:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Jun 2015, 04:57
So, I thought I'd try a little Kremlinology today! A couple of weeks ago, David Willis posted some preview panels from future strips of DoA on his Tumblr account. I thought that I'd share the thoughts that came into my mind when I saw these images and I'd be interested to know what you think!

(click to show/hide)

So, what does everyone else think that this week of strips might be about?

(Added spoiler tags -Method)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 24 Jun 2015, 05:57
Dude, it's not even July yet. I wouldn't call September the 'immediate future,' or pretend I know anything that might be going on in a series where so many things could happen between now and then.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Jun 2015, 16:49
Take him home Dorothy and screw his brains out


That'll help
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 24 Jun 2015, 21:07
C'mon, Ruth, let it go.

No need to play it cool.

Frozen's a pretty chill flick.

In other news, I see a point at the end of the night where Ruth wants to know where Becky is sleeping. It might not result in her being outed as homeless, but she'd definitely spend a night alone in the cold.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Jun 2015, 23:29
Oddly enough, I think that the outcome we're moving towards at the moment is Ruth realising that she doesn't really know the kids for whom she's allegedly the RA at all! She doesn't know their history, their likes and dislikes or anything! It might make her re-evaluate how she's doing her job and whether she's been letting her own problems make her ineffective.

FWIW, Ruth attempting to 'connect' with the students could be funny or horrifying, depending on how it is written.

Now... Am I the only one who was made seriously uncomfortable by the scale of the power trip engaged in by Joyce and Becky's parents? I'm all for not letting kids see >PG films until they have the maturity to deal with them but there is a point where you go too far and that's it. The prohibition didn't even work because it looks like Joyce and Becky thought that their dads were idiots to say that movie or no movie!

[edit]
Sorry, I don't know why I've been typing 'Rose' instead of 'Ruth' all day! :oops:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 24 Jun 2015, 23:49
Well, I facepalmed so hard it actually hurt a bit.
That should answer your question.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 25 Jun 2015, 00:04
Quote from: Roald Dahl, George's Marvellous Medicine
This was a silly thing to say to a small boy at any time. It immediately made him winder what sort of mischief he might get up to.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Tea For The Tillerman on 25 Jun 2015, 08:06
Oddly enough, I think that the outcome we're moving towards at the moment is Rose realising that she doesn't really know the kids for whom she's allegedly the RA at all! She doesn't know their history, their likes and dislikes or anything! It might make her re-evaluate how she's doing her job and whether she's been letting her own problems make her ineffective.

FWIW, Rose attempting to 'connect' with the students could be funny or horrifying, depending on how it is written.

Now... Am I the only one who was made seriously uncomfortable by the scale of the power trip engaged in by Joyce and Becky's parents? I'm all for not letting kids see >PG films until they have the maturity to deal with them but there is a point where you go too far and that's it. The prohibition didn't even work because it looks like Joyce and Becky thought that their dads were idiots to say that movie or no movie!

Rose?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Schmee on 25 Jun 2015, 08:21
He probably meant Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Jun 2015, 15:47
I wonder if he's been watching Titanic?



Boy, are these two in for a surprise when they watch Frozen
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 25 Jun 2015, 16:33
I wonder if he's been watching Titanic?



Boy, are these two in for a surprise when they watch Frozen

The first half of this was what I thought, but I have no clue what that second bit is trying to say. Why would they be surprised?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 25 Jun 2015, 16:43
I wonder if he's been watching Titanic?



Boy, are these two in for a surprise when they watch Frozen

The first half of this was what I thought, but I have no clue what that second bit is trying to say. Why would they be surprised?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 25 Jun 2015, 16:52


Man, Frozen is DIFFERENT than I remembered it
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 25 Jun 2015, 21:11
Well, that settles that matter.  Ruth is just lonely, since the only person she has in her life is Billie.  I guess browbeating people into watching a film with her is her idea of social interaction.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 25 Jun 2015, 21:14
Well, we know that Ruth will be watching with Billie, and Dina with Becky. Who will Danny watch with (now that he's been forced to): Amber, or Ethan?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 25 Jun 2015, 21:15
"You will watch this movie, and YOU WILL HAVE FUN."

Whoa, just had a flashback to family game night. 

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 25 Jun 2015, 21:29
Can I just say, I called it, before Ben RG, even. I want that credit, even though I buried it under things like "Billie's there, too!"
A thing that the last panel plays into, if only a little bit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 25 Jun 2015, 22:25
Very hot.

No I don't think it's weird I said that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 25 Jun 2015, 22:33
Very hot.

No I don't think it's weird I said that.

Neither do I.

I disagree, but I'm well acquainted with the concept, 'Diff'ren' strokes for diff'ren' folks,' apostrophes showing the pronunciation I'm most familiar with. I personally find it cute and heartwarming that they'd be hovering above the hands of the other since they're still uncertain of what they mean to each other. T'is cute as fuck.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Jun 2015, 23:29
All I can say is that Ruth must really like Frozen! Does this count as her and Billie's first date?

Well, we know that Ruth will be watching with Billie, and Dina with Becky. Who will Danny watch with (now that he's been forced to): Amber, or Ethan?

I think that he'll end up sitting in between them. This will symbolise the character arc for Danny: He's going to be trapped between his love for and need to help Amber and his growing attraction to Ethan. DMW is probably planning to tell us the story of Danny's dilemma and how it is resolved, if it ever is, because, IRL,not every emotional dilemma is resolved.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Jun 2015, 04:32
I just realized "got-dumped" is referring to Dorothy dumping him in the beginning of thr strip. That confused the hell out of me for a few minutes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 26 Jun 2015, 12:48
If I hadn't been looking at some of the early strips recently, I wouldn't have realized it for a bit, either!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 26 Jun 2015, 21:09
Am I the only one disappointed in the nump back to Malaya/Marcie?

 I feel like that's the kind of move you'd pull as a writer when you know you need to have SOMETHING, but you're not sure where exactly the main line is going. I'd be more accepting of this if Willis wasn't known for stockpiling months ahead of story.

This storyline is mostly interesting because of how it relates to Sal, the only one of these characters to have had more than one conversational comic with our main cast. These are people I barely know and couldn't be assed to talk about, aside from the fact they're the focus instead of what the goddamn hell is going on back at the 'safe,' 'dorm party' that's being thrown back in Joyce and Sarah's room.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 26 Jun 2015, 21:23
He often cuts to a different story when he wants to do a "cliffhanger." I'm guessing some shit is gonna go down when it returns to the main storyline.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 26 Jun 2015, 22:09
He often cuts to a different story when he wants to do a "cliffhanger." I'm guessing some shit is gonna go down when it returns to the main storyline.

This is a silly practice. I'll admit I'm new to Willis'style, but this seems designed to piss people the fuck off.

It occurs that this might be Willis' intention. If it is, I understand this thead's title more than I did before
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 26 Jun 2015, 22:16
Dammit, now I have to think beyond the moment with Billie and Ruth.

Ruth will almost undoubtedly realize what is happening with Becky, and Becky won't be in the dorms with Joyce for long. She's got a lot of stuff behind her, and I'm not even talking the lesbian drama. She's run away, she's homeless, these are things that need addressing even before her lesbian identity.

It's hard to eat pussy when stuck in non-animal friendly housing, if you understand the lesbian subtwxt.

Fuck. Willis is given to his own choices, but this is one I dislike. This is the first I've been entirely against, I might say.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Jun 2015, 00:05
Given that DMW writes and draws several months in advance, then the chance that this is random filler is very low. This is going to progress something; what remains to be seen. Several possibilities come to my mind, including meeting Sal and Amazi-Girl saving the day.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Jun 2015, 00:38
It's not that this feels like filler, it's that we're not yet at a point where Malaya/Marcie is anything but a b-level backstory. Backstory for Dumbing of Age is rich and colorful already, I feel adding a whole damn layer atop it is just absurd, and likely only something that would slow the progress of the primary arch
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Jun 2015, 02:58
It's taken him five years to get through what, a month? I'm pretty sure slowing the progress is always the point.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Jun 2015, 13:50
I dunno, though. Maybe it's a function of reading it every day now instead of powering through the archive, but it just seems like he's dodging the (currently) more difficult story arc. I was more than a bit drunk when I left that comment, and while I see what I was going for, it's too soon to say.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 27 Jun 2015, 16:09
I'm delighted to see Lucy! I've been rereading the archive and wondering when she might show up.

Willis said changing story is to make cliffhangers since switching to seven days a week. It's mentioned in one of the alt-texts around the family visiting storyline if I remember right.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Jun 2015, 16:09
I kinda feel sorry for Lucy

But sometimes there are people you just want to do that to
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Jun 2015, 21:48
In that context, I get it. I'm still waiting for the fallout of the dorm party, but in the meantime, happy snuggles with Marcie and Malaya
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 27 Jun 2015, 21:52
Malaya is involved, it's not exactly happy. It's... something?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Jun 2015, 22:51
Indifferent is the word I'd use :/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Jun 2015, 23:19
Indifferent is the word I'd use :/

Precisely. This may not work out the way Marcie hoped. Let's hope for her sake that it doesn't work out badly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 Jun 2015, 05:50
Malaya is involved, it's not exactly happy. It's... something?

I was talking more specifically about Marcie. Marcie is happy. Malay got mentioned becuse alliteration.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 28 Jun 2015, 13:51
Malaya is either really comfortable with Marcie or really ignorant and indifferent to Marcie's feelings. So far I'm suspecting the latter.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Jun 2015, 14:15
Honestly, I'd think both. She certainly doesn't seem to mind, but I don't think she realizes the significance of it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Jun 2015, 15:09
This will either end well or end in tears for Marcie


Clearing the way for Sal to unload on her
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 Jun 2015, 21:04
I like Marcie better than I did until now, but I'm itching to get back to dorm party
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Jun 2015, 23:26
I do understand Lucy's pain: Explaining fan-art to a non-fan is nearly impossible!

I also can't exactly blame Marcie for her reaction. Lucy is at least aware enough of other people to realise that she interrupted an attempted moment!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 28 Jun 2015, 23:38
I do understand Lucy's pain: Explaining fan-art to a non-fan is nearly impossible!

I also can't exactly blame Marcie for her reaction. Lucy is at least aware enough of other people to realise that she interrupted an attempted moment!
<-----Not a fan of fan art.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Jun 2015, 04:14
I don't think I've ever rolled my eyes this hard at a DoA comic before.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Jun 2015, 15:05
Thank Valen I've never been THAT bad


I hope
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 29 Jun 2015, 21:31
This is one of the stupidest, hypocritical things Amber could choose to start an argument over, but Danny went ahead and Danned everything up by going straight for the most asshole comeback in his arsenal.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Jun 2015, 21:41
I thought Danny was saying that he was sick of pretending Amber wasn't his girlfriend (because of her alter ego), but maybe I'm giving him too much credit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 29 Jun 2015, 21:44
And so, I get my wish but in the sprit of the thread title, I must say, damn you, Willis, for only giving me the ass-end of a different set of characters' interactions than the ones I had hoped for.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Jun 2015, 23:16
I wonder if Danny's pride has made this three-for-three dumpings whilst at college. I suppose, being only a late teen, it is too much to hope for to expect him to be entirely rational and mature. Still, he could at least try to be nice instead of defensive.

Ethan seems to be invested in this relationship himself. Is he just being 'the nice guy' (which is his normal role) or does he really think those two are good for each other?

I thought Danny was saying that he was sick of pretending Amber wasn't his girlfriend (because of her alter ego), but maybe I'm giving him too much credit.

Maybe he was but it was probably the wrong thing to say in an argument. Basically he was using Amber's mental and emotional issues to tell her that she has nothing to say to him about his drinking right now. That's a dick move, in my view.

[edit]
Lots of anger on DMW's comments page today. I'm not sure why but I'm wondering if some readers are feeling a disconnect between fundamentally liking and admiring Amber (she's a damaged young woman who wants to turn her injuries into a force for good) and disliking her very rigid morality and stance regarding the letter of the law, at least as far as it applies to other people (I've seen the same cognitive dissonance affecting people's reactions to Joyce).

To draw a parallel, it reminds me a little of how posters on this site and the subreddit sometimes react to Claire when she turns her acid tongue on Clinton. They basically like and admire the character but they don't like some of her attitudes and the conflicting emotions lead to outbursts sometimes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 30 Jun 2015, 02:29
Random thought: Could Blaine be an alcohol abuser who gets worse on alcohol? Or is this just Amber trying to not be a hypocrite?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 30 Jun 2015, 06:31
Lots of anger on DMW's comments page today. I'm not sure why but I'm wondering if some readers are feeling a disconnect between fundamentally liking and admiring Amber (she's a damaged young woman who wants to turn her injuries into a force for good) and disliking her very rigid morality and stance regarding the letter of the law

This is going to sound like a very blown out of proportion example considering it's a comic character who beats up campus hooligans vs. characters who regular save the world, and we're talking about underaged-drinking vs. Cold War red scare politics: But when someone is that strongly legalist, they'll end up becoming a tool of the oppressor rather than a friend of the oppressed, because not all laws are actually good. One of the reasons The Dark Knight Returns is my favorite Batman series is that it shows the difference between Batman's code vs. Superman's, with Superman have becoming just a pawn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Jun 2015, 07:03
I wonder if Danny's pride has made this three-for-three dumpings whilst at college.
Wait, what was dumping #2? I can only think of the one that started the comic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Jun 2015, 07:11
I wonder if Danny's pride has made this three-for-three dumpings whilst at college.
Wait, what was dumping #2? I can only think of the one that started the comic.

Actually, after refreshing my memory, it would actually be two-for-two; I had a slightly garbled recollection of his relationship with Billie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Jun 2015, 07:13
Wait, his relationship with Billie? I completely forgot that was a thing at all and even thinking about it...nothing comes to mind. I powered through the comic late last year.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Jun 2015, 07:21
Wait, his relationship with Billie? I completely forgot that was a thing at all and even thinking about it...nothing comes to mind. I powered through the comic late last year.

It all starts here (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2012/comic/book-2/02-choosing-my-religion/eyecontact/) and runs on for about five strips. For Joe to have thought that Danny got lucky, he and Billie must have got pretty far before Billie got the message that Danny wasn't interested.

I will say this much: I pity Danny just on the grounds that he is never going to be able to go back to normal girls after Billie and Amber. They've spoiled him for the Dorothys of this world! :wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Jun 2015, 07:29
Oh right! He made the sock a liar! A LIAR, DAN!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 30 Jun 2015, 16:57
*blink* That doesn't count as a relationship at all in my book. It's not even an ONS.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 Jun 2015, 17:11
*blink* That doesn't count as a relationship at all in my book. It's not even an ONS.

I'm with you on this one
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Jun 2015, 17:22
Geeze Danny!!!

(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/Kugai2/Memes/Putin2Medals.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Jun 2015, 23:28
Congratulations to David and Maggie! I hope that everything goes well and that their family's life is one of happiness!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Jul 2015, 14:24
Ditto

And the next Movie Night Party DEFINITELY needs to be Animal House
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Jul 2015, 23:11
Poor Joyce! Stuff like today's strip illustrates why she can never keep a good mood! :laugh:

[edit]
I've also been archive-binging on 'It's Walky' and do you know what occurred to me? DMW's plot thread for the superhero arc was very, very similar to the story that we are getting in Agents of SHIELD season 2! :-o

I love the superhero versions of the DoA crew (although you could argue, due to the age of the strips that the DoA crew are 'ordinary life' versions of the superheroes). I'm currently thinking out a fanfiction where DoA Joyce meets IW Joyce in a dream. In many ways, they are very, very different women due to the apocalyptically different circumstances of IW Joyce's young adulthood. I wonder if they would even recognise each other or if DoA Joyce would view her as an 'evil twin' (something that IW Joyce would consider ironic).

I'd also really like to bring back the Yellow Stripes as regular superheroes (X-Com having taken over the anti-alien role, the Powers That Be needed a way to usefully employ this dangerous bunch that was not a waste of potential).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Jul 2015, 11:28
Dang Joyce, chill
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Jul 2015, 11:33
Yeah, there's no pleasing her, apparently. She was perfectly right to change the subject the first time, obviously, but come on.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 02 Jul 2015, 18:50
Honestly, someone bringing up the party incident is more than enough to put her on edge. She is not ready to deal with what Dina has to say, because she doesn't know if she can believe it or not. She shut down the party convo for obvious reasons, so when science stuff gets brought up--as it's already an established touchy subject for her--it was better for her mental health just to shut that down, too. That's what happens sometimes when you get anxious. You get antsy and irritable. Her brain doesn't have room for stuff like that right now. She just needs a bit of room to talk about something that doesn't make her uncomfortable. I think that's reasonable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Jul 2015, 21:47
In other news, I feel this to be a very Dina-heavy chapter. I appreciate this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 02 Jul 2015, 21:51
If the title and preview art are any indication, the next chapter is even Dina-ier.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Jul 2015, 23:02
I think that Joyce is about to have a very painful encounter with reality. She's a good soul but she has to be made to understand that she doesn't have the answers. Maybe it will help her develop a better understanding of feelings and the wrong impression her easygoing intimacy gives some people without her intending it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Jul 2015, 17:12
This will be interesting


Maybe she can crash with Dina
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 03 Jul 2015, 21:10
This will be interesting


Maybe she can crash with Dina

Or...

Billie, I mean, that can happen also
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Jul 2015, 00:09
I'm waiting for Sal to get a weird feeling that something is amiss. Wasn't her roommate 'Billie' rather than 'Becky'? Since when was she a redhead? I'll laugh if this turns into a mini-arc in its own right!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 04 Jul 2015, 00:43
Sal and Billie have known each other since childhood so I don't think she'll confuse Billie and Becky.

I've been wondering if Becky might move into Billie's room since it was revealed Becky ran away but wasn't sure if it would actually happen.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Jul 2015, 06:44
Sal and Billie have known each other since childhood so I don't think she'll confuse Billie and Becky.

So I understand. That said, it could be done, comedy-of-errors style. It would require that Sal doesn't actually meet her new room-mate for some time due to incompatible schedules. She's trying to work out why everyone keeps calling Billie 'Becky' ("That's Becky's room!") and why there are red hairs on her pillow in the like. It could build to a comedic climax when Sal refuses Becky entrance to the room on the grounds that it isn't her room to sleep in and Billie has to be called to untangle the resulting confusion. This, in turn, gets Ruth involved. Naturally this leads to public exposure of Becky's situation and Billie's new domestic arrangements.

I mean... Maybe it's me. Maybe I watched to many Carry On... films and it has permanently stuck my humour sense on 'madcap'. If this were 'Shortpacked', it would me more likely, I guess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 04 Jul 2015, 07:27
It's Ruth, not Rose.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Jul 2015, 07:37
Or, as the girls in her dorm call her, Roseless.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Jul 2015, 21:20
What just got scrunched, exactly?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 04 Jul 2015, 21:24
Her high school banner
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Jul 2015, 22:05
Yeah.. I don't see how any of this can possibly end well...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Jul 2015, 00:35
Yeah.. I don't see how any of this can possibly end well...

Yeah, Joyce even went so far as to utter Famous Last Words, just to emphasise that the whole project is doomed to failure.

I've been waiting for Ruth/Billie to blow up in their faces more-or-less since they made what sounded horribly like a suicide pact.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 05 Jul 2015, 13:58
Sal and Billie have known each other since childhood so I don't think she'll confuse Billie and Becky.

Not physically, but recall the roommate agreement arc that went on for like 100 strips at the beginning of the comic because Sal and Billie were NEVER in the room at the same time.

Had a similar situation sophomore year actually, I'm a theatre major and he was an art major. He had studios and classes in the morning and I had all my classes in the afternoon, and then rehearsals. Between debate team and other clubs I pretty much never went back to the dorm for any purpose during the day. And he was always either already asleep or out somewhere when I got back, usually around 11 PM. I don't recall if we ever got the damn thing signed. Fortunately we had a pretty negligent RA and it didn't end up mattering.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 05 Jul 2015, 14:16
I've been waiting for Ruth/Billie to blow up in their faces more-or-less since they made what sounded horribly like a suicide pact.
Sounded like?

http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/pact/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Jul 2015, 14:36
You really are your own worst enemy, aren't you Billie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 05 Jul 2015, 14:40
Honestly, who isn't? I know I am.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 05 Jul 2015, 15:34
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/02-threes-a-crowd/takecare/

That's an even more overt statement of a suicide pact, even though the previous comic I linked outright said "sexy lesbian suicide pact".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 05 Jul 2015, 17:45
Honestly, who isn't? I know I am.

It's no surprise to me, but I think maybe I am my own worst enemy. It's just like, every now and then I kick the living shit out of me, you know?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Jul 2015, 23:51
New strip up and...

I've got to say that it's kind of sad. The implication really is that Ruth is having trouble imagining why anyone would want to hold her hand in an affectionate way.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Jul 2015, 00:22
Do i detect a minuscule hint of a smile on Ruths face?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Jul 2015, 23:08
Assuming that she survives college, I suspect that Ruth will be the lynchpin of some psychiatrist's career. She is in a mess.

Meanwhile, I wonder if having a mischievous and much younger girlfriend may help her at least get out of her emotional dysfunction. Just keeping up with Billie will doubtless stretch some hind-brain 'muscles' that she hasn't used for a while.

I'm not sure about the 'I only feel anger' thing. She could seriously hurt someone if she has a rage incident.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 07 Jul 2015, 03:37
Ow, Ruth. That hit really close to home.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Jul 2015, 04:28
much younger girlfriend
Wait, what? I thought Ruth was like...a year older.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Jul 2015, 05:41
I wouldn't say much younger. Most RA's, in my limited experience are still in their early 20's, still students. I'd estimate Ruth to be at her oldest, 22, more likely 21.

Still a significant age gap, with Billie being either 18 or 19, but 'much younger' seems an exaggeration
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 07 Jul 2015, 10:44
I thought Ruth was a sophomore (19-20), junior (20-21) at most. O_______O
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Jul 2015, 10:48
I thought Ruth was a sophomore (19-20), junior (20-21) at most. O_______O

Still possible. I don't recall whether she clarified, but I'd be surprised if her school allowed that, mostly because it means MY school allowed it, which could well mean I was older than my last RA. I figured we were about the same age.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Jul 2015, 10:58
Why would you being older than your RA be weird at all? At my school, anyone who wasn't a freshman could be an RA.

Also, I always got the vibe (if it wasn't directly said) that Ruth was drinking underage as well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Jul 2015, 11:09
Well part of it's the fact I'm 22 and I still look, and get treated like I'm 16. I got carded for buying Shaun of the Dead. I almost had the cops called for buying beer one time. It's that thing where when people treat you like you're younger, after a while, you just assume you actually ARE younger, regardless of facts. That, adding up, I assume everyone in any position of authority just be default MUST be older than me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Jul 2015, 11:24
Heh, fair enough. I look both younger and older than I am...somehow. It depends on my beard.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Jul 2015, 13:15
Heh, fair enough. I look both younger and older than I am...somehow. It depends on my beard.

I feel my facial hair works against me, but that's my opinion, it doesn't seem to match up with people's expressions/responses to me buying age-restricted items. I'd say the significant hairless patches beneath my chin would give me away, but I guess my not-impressive height and tendency to stare at my feet and hands helps me out there, because all they see is my shitty 'stache and possibly the less-shitty goatee that happens naturally after a few days.

This is off-topic, so I'm going to also say that today's comic gave me a lot of feelings. I know the feeling Rose is describing, it's the same thing I felt back in 2011, when I started giving serious thought to killing myself. I didn't have a Billie; I was isolated as hell, miles from anyone who wasn't related to me and without a car. I got saved by procrastination, but considering Ruth's tried once already to off herself, I feel like that's not a problem she has.

I don't think it's a popular opinion, but I really like Ruth. There's more to her, I think, than she lets her floor know, with the exception of Billie. She acts so tough, but I get the sense from comics like today's that it's because she feels so weak against herself. That interpretation works in sync with how aware she is of her alcoholism and tendency to give in despite that awareness, giving her self-hatred that much more fuel. She also doesn't like being told things about herself and her motivations, hence her response to Billie. She'd probably beat the shit out of me if she read this. Then, she'd go to Billie for comfort and not actually tell her exactly what upset her.

 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Jul 2015, 16:04
Billie

Ruths version of Linus' blanket.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Jul 2015, 23:10
I know that Amber has fallen for Danny in a big way but I'm starting to question just how healthy he is for her. It seems pretty clear to me that he's exacerbating the divide between the 'Amber' and 'Amazi-Girl' psyches. I'm not sure that he appreciates just how dangerously damaged that Amber is and is just treating this as a make-believe game with his girlfriend liking to dress up to play dom with him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 08 Jul 2015, 07:16
"Probation, suspension, and even expulsion."

Um, does Amber think that they go to BYU? Or maybe IU/Indiana law is different. But for a first-time underaged drinking offense here you just get a large fine that will probably make your parents very upset. Civil/criminal penalties aside, I've only ever heard once instance of a repeat marijuana offender getting a two-semester suspension.

EDIT: I decided to do some digging and Indiana vs. North Carolina law is very different. So I have to give deference to Amber a bit on this one.

North Carolina:
Misdemeanor on permanent criminal record
Up to $200 fine and court costs

Indiana:
Driver’s licenses suspended for up to one year.
May be sentenced to not more than 60 days in jail.
Fine of up to $500.
The judge may order you to participate in an alcohol treatment program.

To satisfy my curiosity and boredom further, I decided to look at campus policies as well.

"Indiana University will discipline students and employees who violate this Alcohol and Drug-Free Campus Policy up to and including expulsion...and/or referral for prosecution. Discipline may also include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program."

My university (first offense) - Written Warning
Referral to Wellness Center
Service Fee ($100.00)

So basically Amber is completely right and ignore what I said at the beginning of this post.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Jul 2015, 09:09
Holy shit, Indiana.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 08 Jul 2015, 09:24
I know that Amber has fallen for Danny in a big way but I'm starting to question just how healthy he is for her. It seems pretty clear to me that he's exacerbating the divide between the 'Amber' and 'Amazi-Girl' psyches. I'm not sure that he appreciates just how dangerously damaged that Amber is and is just treating this as a make-believe game with his girlfriend liking to dress up to play dom with him.

As someone who lives with mental illness and has dated people in the past who either exacerbated or enabled my more self- destructive tendencies, I agree. Danny seems to mean well, but  I dont think he realizes how troubled she is. He thinks it's fun and romantic dating a super hero. Amber seems to be getting worse, not better. For example, the 'voice' started out as a trick to keep him from recognizing her, but now she's using it as a hard indicator of the growing division between the two personalities. What started out as a form of conscious sublimation is getting more out of her control.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Jul 2015, 15:30
Ambers split personality is confusing to Danny I think.

Got help him if he hurts Amber though, Amazi-Girl's liable to go Postal on him like she did with her douchebag of a father if he goes too far.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 08 Jul 2015, 16:07
Holy shit, Indiana.

Also, the fact that IU will refer you for prosecution is the crazy part. You won't get referred here until your third alcohol-related offense, which is also the first time suspension even enters the picture. Hell, they won't even refer you until your second marijuana offense. It makes me wonder if IU has a super-conservative Board of Trustees or something.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Jul 2015, 00:50
It's a bit of a mixed bag. Yes, Danny is causing his own problems but there is a slip in today's strip (7/9) that suggests that Danny is also a unifying anchor between Amber's two personae; her feelings for him may enable her two parts to function together more closely.

It's still early days; I guess we'll just have to see where it goes!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Jul 2015, 17:01
Dawwww

Cuteness abounds
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 09 Jul 2015, 21:18
New chapter!  I think it's gonna be a fun one.  Unless Becky's parents show up?  You'd think someone would've happened on that front by now.  Unless Willis is saving things for Book 6, Chapter 1: To Those Who'd Ground Me...

Also, brontosaurus and brachiosaurus are the only names I recognize in that last panel.  I am not dinosaur-savvy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 09 Jul 2015, 22:15
Look at Dina's bottom right thought bubble in the last panel.

I may have squee'd audibly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Jul 2015, 23:50
From panel 3, I'm assuming that Becky and Dina smuggled last night.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Jul 2015, 04:13
Look at Dina's bottom right thought bubble in the last panel.
Didn't know she was a Beck fan :wow:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 10 Jul 2015, 10:10
From panel 3, I'm assuming that Becky and Dina smuggled last night.

Yup. Gotta sneak those dinosaurs into the country somehow.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Jul 2015, 16:43
Raptorous applause
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 10 Jul 2015, 21:49
Dina! Have I mentioned how much I love her in theory, but would be only mildly amused/often annoyed/very confused by her in real life?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 10 Jul 2015, 21:54
Grawwr!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 10 Jul 2015, 22:25
RRARRGGHGL!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Jul 2015, 16:33
RRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 11 Jul 2015, 17:11
rawr?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Jul 2015, 18:22
Snoof
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 11 Jul 2015, 21:10
I want to say something about Dinah, and the statement today's strip makes about her perceptions, but there's also how Amber's compartmentalization, and Danny's thing about rubbing his relationship in Dorothy's face. Lots of things, and a good giggle besides!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Jul 2015, 00:46
It's interesting that, without the costume, Dina can't differentiate between Amber and Amazi-Girl. That tells you a lot about who and what she is.

To quote probably the only decent line of dialogue in an otherwise dire movie (Batman and Robin): "Am I Batman or am I Bruce Wayne? I'm neither... because I'm both." For Amber, the turning point will be when she acknowledges that, maybe, she isn't as compartmentalised as she thinks. Amber chooses to play the role of Amazi-Girl but it is her pain, her love of justice and her morality that Amazi-Girl enacts.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Jul 2015, 15:27
Dina is not as confused as Dina thinks she is
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Jul 2015, 23:58
Well, it looks like Dina has guaranteed a public argument between Danny, Dorothy, Walky and possibily Amber.

I, for one, am counting down until Danny looses his patience with Amber's 'secret identity' schtick.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 14 Jul 2015, 23:28
Well, it looks like Dina has guaranteed a public argument between Danny, Dorothy, Walky and possibily Amber.

I, for one, am counting down until Danny looses his patience with Amber's 'secret identity' schtick.
(http://cdn.queenofwands.net/comics/20031003.jpg)
http://queenofwands.net/d/20031003.html (http://queenofwands.net/d/20031003.html)

(https://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/misspelling/lose.png)
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/misspelling (http://theoatmeal.com/comics/misspelling)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Jul 2015, 07:43
Sarah, you are the fucking worst sometimes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Jul 2015, 14:10
Oh for FUCKS sake Sarah, stop being an ass every three minutes!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 15 Jul 2015, 18:33
Oh for FUCKS sake Sarah, stop being an ass every three minutes!!!!!!

I feel that's something of a mantra inside Sarah's head, even as she pushes people away.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Jul 2015, 23:14
DoA, it seems, is full of characters who desperately need friends and hugs. Then there's Mike...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 16 Jul 2015, 01:03
He needs friends too. So he can destroy them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 16 Jul 2015, 04:32
I laughed, ChaoSera.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Jul 2015, 13:16
And now Steve will join them for his Cereal.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 16 Jul 2015, 23:28
Dinah: Secret Agent

Dumbing Of Age: Covert Ops
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Jul 2015, 00:40
Well, Dina does have the ability to be ignored. She could probably sit next to Raidah and Jacob and take verbatim notes of their discussion and it isn't a given that they'd even be aware of her presence!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 17 Jul 2015, 00:46
Well, Dina does have the ability to be ignored. She could probably sit next to Raidah and Jacob and take verbatim notes of their discussion and it isn't a given that they'd even be aware of her presence!

Which makes her the ultimate secret agent, duh
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Jul 2015, 16:28
Dinaninja
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 18 Jul 2015, 21:51
Prediction: Dina gets caught somehow. Raidah says something not nice, which makes Jacob like her less.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 18 Jul 2015, 23:39
This looks like a fun arc. I wonder how sneaky Dina will be when she's trying to be sneaky and not unintentionally being unnoticed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Jul 2015, 23:46
I've got the feeling that she's going to run into Becky and get sidetracked. It's just that hanging out with her GF is more interesting than listening to Raidah and Jacob being diabetes-inducingly sweet with eachother.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 19 Jul 2015, 01:33
I think once Dina has set herself on a task, she is not easily distracted (which may piss off Becky in that scenario).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Jul 2015, 12:35
One should definitely not hunt prey in a Triceratops Hoodie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Jul 2015, 17:24
One should definitely not hunt prey in a Triceratops Hoodie.

All I want to do now is buy a triceratops hoodie and a slingshot, then declare war on squirrels.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 19 Jul 2015, 20:39
Triceratops never fought squirrels, your statement is lacking credibility.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Jul 2015, 20:46
Triceratops never fought squirrels, your statement is lacking credibility.

Squirrel are MY prey. I could not prey upon now-extinct animals.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 19 Jul 2015, 21:04
This Sarah/Jacob/Raidah story is getting boring.  More Dina & Becky shenanigans, please!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Jul 2015, 21:05
This Sarah/Jacob/Raidah story is getting boring.  More Dina & Becky shenanigans, please!

Patience...

We'll get there.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 19 Jul 2015, 21:09
But but but...I want it noowwwwwwwww....
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Jul 2015, 23:39
I'm wondering if Dina has a conspiracy theorist side to her. It would be funny if she were to interpret a completely mundane conversation as some kind of highly-coded plot being discussed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Jul 2015, 23:54
Amazi-Girls new sidekick The Cocoa Pops Kid.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 20 Jul 2015, 05:42
I'm wondering if Dina has a conspiracy theorist side to her. It would be funny if she were to interpret a completely mundane conversation as some kind of highly-coded plot being discussed.
Well, she has been kidnapped before... (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2011/comic/book-2/01-pajama-jeans/kidnapped/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 20 Jul 2015, 20:00
Willis's tumblr (http://itswalky.tumblr.com/post/124604850047/how-are-you-finding-the-writing-of-a-pov-storyline) gives some hint about the direction of the current storyline:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Jul 2015, 20:03
DUDE! What the hell, I don't care if Willis said it, that's still a spoiler! Spoiler tag that shit now!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 20 Jul 2015, 20:16
Shit, my bad.  Sorry sorry.  I assumed Word Of God on something like that was safe, but apparently not.  Sorry sorry again.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Jul 2015, 20:21
I don't know, it might be me, but a spoiler's a spoiler. Kind of a dick move for Willis to spoil it, but that's his choice. Doesn't mean people should share that unless asked for. Thanks for editing it :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 20 Jul 2015, 20:55
"These characters will not appear in the current story" didn't seem very spoiler-y to me, but meh, to each their own.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 20 Jul 2015, 21:02
"... and the aptly-named Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Film."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 20 Jul 2015, 21:05
On second thought, forget Becky (for now).  I like where this is going.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 Jul 2015, 21:11
Heh. I like this turn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Jul 2015, 00:01
Personally, I like and actively seek out spoilers, mostly because I hate suspense.

I think that Dina is going to learn a bit about some different forms of love from Joyce and Ethan.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 21 Jul 2015, 01:59
I don't think Joyce is the right adress to learn about different forms of love.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Jul 2015, 02:27
I don't think Joyce is the right adress to learn about different forms of love.

It depends on your definition of 'love'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jul 2015, 16:21
THEY HAVE SEEN HER

They are immune to her invisiblilty cloak
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 21 Jul 2015, 23:33
Joyce is uncomfortable, and Dinah is unconcerned! I am a happy clam.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Jul 2015, 23:34
Poor Joyce should never lie! Those tells look positively painful to see and experience!

Meanwhile, DMW is really playing up Ethan as a Paladin, isn't he? He's got this inherent sad nobility about him that makes it quite obvious what Joyce is attracted to!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 22 Jul 2015, 21:07
Oh, Joyce.

Oh, Joyce, Joyce, Joyce.

Joyce.

Come on, girl.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Jul 2015, 21:53
Wait, wait. I know DoA moves slow, but Becky's only been there for a weekend?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 22 Jul 2015, 22:39
Long weekend.  She showed up on Thursday night, went to classes with Joyce and out for sushi with the gang on Friday, organized the party on Saturday.  Today is Sunday.  One day per chapter, each chapter three/four months our time.  More glacial pace than QC, but better plotted.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Jul 2015, 23:43
When I read today's strip, the first thing that came to my mind was: "Calm down, Joyce! Breathe and think, girl!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Jul 2015, 05:30
but better plotted.
Arguable.

That being said, I never noticed the "day per chapter" thing. Counting the chapters, it means they're on day 24.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 23 Jul 2015, 10:33
Well, there have been a few time-skips, but yeah, it's basically one day per chapter.  Someone made a helpful timeline (http://www.ci-n.com/~jcampbel/doatimeline.html).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Jul 2015, 11:44
We're on Day 29 then. So...early October, I guess?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jul 2015, 14:16
Oh dear Joyce

Time to mimic the sound of silence I think
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Jul 2015, 21:04
Walky, you are literally talking prostitution for pizza.

Come on.

At least hold out for a calzone.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jul 2015, 23:12
Sometimes I just wanna smack Walky upside the head.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Jul 2015, 23:24
WALKY!

Sometimes, I wonder if this is just play-acting on his part in a desperate attempt not to be taken seriously and thus not trusted and required to do work. The alternatives seem  to be that he is either aggressively lazy and actively seeking to be useless or that he has a huge entitlement complex that forms the center of his self identity.

One wonders what Dorothy sees in him! He must be great in the sack or something!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 24 Jul 2015, 01:15
Given the way his parents treat him, how could he NOT have a fundamental sense of entitlement? He's never had to work for anything in his life.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 24 Jul 2015, 07:01
Yeah, it's definitely the latter. I don't think Walky even knows how to be deceptive or subtle. He is the Golden Child of his family. He's never had to work for anything. Grades, success as a child actor, overly doting parents to the point where they pretty much disown his twin. He is right now an example of the entitlement addled man-child who still hasn't quite gotten that he can't just effortlessly coast though life the way he has up until now. Mostly because everyone lets him get away with his shit and thinks it's charming.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 24 Jul 2015, 22:04
I can't tell if Walky's a smart moron or a dumb genius.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Jul 2015, 00:01
Walky is very intuitive and probably has a very high potential intelligence. However, a combination of personality and bad upbringing makes him behaviourally dumb.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 25 Jul 2015, 07:28
He's good at figuring stuff out, he just doesn't do anything about it. Like Ben said, very intuitive, but he's just got a personality to make him look like an idiot, and he really doesn't care. Dumb genius would be the designation, I think
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Jul 2015, 01:38
I think I really understand what Ethan is saying here. He seems worried that he might end up being a role rather than a person, due to common perceptions as to what a gay man is and is not supposed to be.

In the end, he wants to be 'Ethan, that nice guy' who happens to be gay. He doesn't want to be 'that gay guy Ethan'. You can contrast this with Becky who has an entirely opposite viewpoint - she wants to be in everybody's face. It's basically an expression of their own personalities. Some want to shout it from the rooftops; others want it to be just their business and be as 'in the closet' as they please.

Onto a different subject; I've been thinking about this for a few weeks: If I understood Dorothy correctly, The Kinsey Scale runs from zero to six with '0' being entirely hetrosexual (with no queer leanings at all) and '6' being entirely homosexual (with no hetro leanings at all). I've taken a stab at where various DoA characters lie on that scale (where sufficient evidence exists to make a guess).

Joyce - 1 (She seems to have some very mild homoromantic feelings towards Sal and Dorothy);
Dorothy - 0 (Dorothy, on the other hand, doesn't seem to have any leanings in that direction);
Danny - 2 or 3 (I might attract flak for this; whilst he's bi enough for it to intrude into his subconscious, he seems, at the moment, more hetro-inclined);
Ethan - 5 (Again, I'm expecting this to create debate. It is difficult not to have my perceptions of Ethan corrupted by his 'Shortpacked!' counterpart; he is gay but it isn't inconceivable that he can feel a certain tender romantic feelings towards women);
Becky - 6 (Becky's personality makes it difficult to judge sometimes but she hasn't shown even the slightest hetroromantic inclination to date);
Dina - ? (Dina's strange social disorder makes it difficult to judge. I can see why some considered her an aesexual and it is entirely possible that her feelings for Becky are entirely romantic with no sexual component whatsoever)
Walky - 0 (Although his personality means we can sometimes wonder if he's a '3')
Sal - 0 (Although Sal is cryptic and emotionally damaged enough that there is some measure of uncertainty about how her feelings determine her sexual behaviour and vice-versa).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Jul 2015, 05:40
Btw, it's zero to six, not zero to seven (although you do later correctly say 0 to 6 later). But Danny being a 3 would put him exactly bi, while a 2 would make him only slightly preferring women.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 27 Jul 2015, 06:02
And, X is also a choice, for asexuals.

And, the Kinsey scale also only includes sexual attraction, not romantic attraction.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 28 Jul 2015, 15:29
And, X is also a choice, for asexuals.

And, the Kinsey scale also only includes sexual attraction, not romantic attraction.
Asexuals subdivide into romantic, and aromantic.  Romantic asexuals will desire relationships with other people, just not have any desire for sex.  Aromantic asexuals don't desire any relationships with other people.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Jul 2015, 18:31
ALL HANDS, NEW BOYFRIEND ALERT!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Jul 2015, 18:38
I'm honestly not sure what I want to happen with Danny.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 28 Jul 2015, 21:11
SEXO LOCO!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Jul 2015, 21:35
Hatsssssssssssssss
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 29 Jul 2015, 06:39
Danny, Ethan, take a second and think. Why do you THINK the other is there?

Also, Ethan, you're rocking that dino-hat.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 29 Jul 2015, 21:19
Danny's doing that thing again, make him stop.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Jul 2015, 23:36
It's cute, in a way, that Danny has never been able to  put two and two together about Amber's ex. Lack of curiousity, perhaps? I can well understand it if he doesn't really want too many details about her previous relationships but, still, he should have been able to realise that there was a chance that Ethan is gay from Amber's comments!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Jul 2015, 03:31
There's always one totally clueless idiot in the group
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 30 Jul 2015, 15:08
It seems to me that he just doesn't really understand anything about human sexuality. Other than sex = fun, of course.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 Jul 2015, 21:05
Oh my gosh, am I the only one who loves that Dinah, the (presumed) asexual in the group don't give a FUCK about the Ethan/Danny interaction, just that it interferes with her personal love affair with sausage (a very phallic topping) pizza?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 Jul 2015, 21:09
The scene: a woman, walking between two weiners in search of sausage. The weiners are not especially interested in the woman. The woman is likewise uninterested. The woman eats pizza.
The end.

I am so happy right now
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 30 Jul 2015, 22:21
Countdown until Danny understands what bisexuality is: 998,332 days.

Only slightly related: Beat writer William Burroughs was among the thousands of participants studied by Kinsey when the Institute first started, and there are some really interesting passages in Naked Lunch about what that was like.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Jul 2015, 04:44
So about a week in comic time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Jul 2015, 15:34
Never get between a Triceratops and its food.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Jul 2015, 22:36
I'm taking today's strip as a sign that Dina really is asexual. She apparently observes Danny and Amber's trysts as a n academic exercise in biology and sociology.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Jul 2015, 22:58
Perhaps. But she might not be aromantic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 01 Aug 2015, 03:06
Counterpoint:
Quote from: Hannelore
"Boy, that sure triggered a lot of MY dopamine receptors! Thanks for helping me trick my body into believing it fulfilled its genetic imperative!"
(from http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1109)

And Hanners has definitely expressed having had sexual attraction before, even if her phobias prevent her from acting on it.

So, Dina putting things into such clinical terms isn't proof that she's asexual, it could just be proof that she thinks of things in rather clinical terms. (I'm not saying that she's not asexual, but I'm not saying that she is either.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Aug 2015, 05:06
Good point! Time will tell, I suppose.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 01 Aug 2015, 07:28
More to the point the only way to tell if someone is aesexual is if they say 'I'm aesexual'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Aug 2015, 07:40
Didn't know there it was spelled aesexual. Is it one of those weird "ae" hybrids?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Aug 2015, 13:58
Wait, if Dina knows so well how much Danny and Amber were boning... was she in the room when they did it, and they just didn't notice her there?  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Aug 2015, 14:07
Wait, if Dina knows so well how much Danny and Amber were boning... was she in the room when they did it, and they just didn't notice her there?  :psyduck:

Dina is, by her nature, mostly invisible to others around her. So long as she remains quiet and mostly still, she could have been standing right next to Danny and Amber doing the deed and there is no guarantee that they would have noticed her. :-P
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 01 Aug 2015, 14:38
Wait, if Dina knows so well how much Danny and Amber were boning... was she in the room when they did it, and they just didn't notice her there?  :psyduck:

I wouldn't put it past them, concerning they basically kidnapped her for a day trip
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Aug 2015, 15:41
I would say she was there if todays comic is anything to go by
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 01 Aug 2015, 22:54
It's not that hard to tell when a freshly involved teenage couple has boned (at least in fiction, at any rate). I seem to remember from the Slipshine they are not exactly silent, plus they would be walking around with that afterglow on their face.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 01 Aug 2015, 23:48
Didn't know there it was spelled aesexual. Is it one of those weird "ae" hybrids?
Maybe in Britain it is.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asexuality (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asexuality)

http://www.asexuality.org/home/ (http://www.asexuality.org/home/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Aug 2015, 23:03
I really love it when Joyce does her 'innocent maiden' thing. Is she horrified or secretly wishing that it was her? Personally, I think that the answer is 'both'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 03 Aug 2015, 00:11
I highly approve of today's comic. Go Dina!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 03 Aug 2015, 00:29
Omigosh. Well done, Dina.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Aug 2015, 01:15
Two things occur to me, now I've had a chance to think about today's strip (8/3/15):
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Aug 2015, 16:23
Dinamyte
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 03 Aug 2015, 21:08
No no no no no no no.

I knew this would happen eventually. 

Although part of me wonders why this is such a big deal.  I mean, Becky is 18, right?  So she can do what she wants?  Granted, if her parents are paying for college, they can easily withdraw her support and pull her out, but...she's still an adult and doesn't have any legal obligation to follow Commandment #__.  But I suppose her dad won't be so easy to convince...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 03 Aug 2015, 23:07
He already did pull her out. It's a big deal if he draws attention to the fact that Becky is staying there while not a student as she currently has nowhere else to live.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Aug 2015, 23:30
Things are going to be rough for a few days but, depending on how this goes, this could end up a good thing for Becky. Nothing good could come of her being in limbo and hiding out in Sal and Billie's room indefinitely. I think that, if he talks to Joyce, the conversation will be very interesting to read.

That said, I wonder if Joyce is going to end up getting in trouble with her parents for 'hiding' Becky and maybe because she is 'letting her misbehaviour continue' as if Joyce had any way to stop it.

Although part of me wonders why this is such a big deal.  I mean, Becky is 18, right?

It isn't that simple. A lot of folk still hold a very Roman view of families and family power dynamics. Although it isn't Biblically justifiable, I know that some men see themselves as a Paterfamilias and regard the members of their household as something over which they have been divinely granted absolute tyranny. As his daughter, Becky's dad may regard her as his property to which he can do as he wants until said 'property' is transferred to some other man at her marriage. Like a Roman, such a man would regard the idea of a girl or woman ever having independent agency over herself as incomprehensible nonsense.

Granted, if her parents are paying for college, they can easily withdraw her support and pull her out, but...she's still an adult and doesn't have any legal obligation to follow Commandment #__.

No legal obligation but he may regard what he perceives as his divine mandate to trump any human law. He could easily be as much of a threat to Becky's safety as Blaine is to Amber's if he decides that Becky is 'beyond repair'. 'Honour' crimes are rare in this particular culture but not unheard of.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 04 Aug 2015, 00:00
I have a feeling that somehow, Dina is going to kick his ass.
I don't know how, but I stand by my guess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Aug 2015, 01:32
You know, it is entirely possible (although somewhat unlikely) that we are doing Becky's dad a disservice. After all, we only have Becky's word for what happened when she was withdrawn from Anderson. It is possible that Becky, upset and riding several emotional roller-coasters (including Joyce telling her that there was no chance of anything happening between them), exaggerated events somewhat.

It will be interesting to see everyone's reaction if his first reaction, upon seeing Becky, is to burst into tears, hug her and thank God that she's safe.

[edit]
More likely, this whole thing could very easily get hugely complicated. If Becky refuses to go with her father and claims that she is in peril from him, then, irrespective of her status vis the college, the Administrators would be obliged to hand the matter over to the police (possibly even the Feds if state borders have been crossed).

My guess is that Becky's father is one of those men who, no matter how morally self-righteous, has a strong aversion to making a public spectacle of himself, especially in a dispute where he is unlikely to get his way. I think that he’ll decide that he’d prefer Becky within easy reach of someone he knows and trusts (Joyce) than her missing and on the run whilst doing who knows what to support herself. He’ll transfer her to Indiana State but will sternly instruct Joyce that she must have intensive moral sermonising sessions with her at least daily to ‘cure’ her of her ‘deviancy’ and that he’ll hold her personally responsible for the outcome.

This means that we will witness occasional calls to Joyce from Ross asking for status reports, the practical upshot of which will be that Joyce will become a skilled and plausible liar. When graduation comes, it is possible that Joyce may never be able to go back to her home church because Ross will have her cast out for being party to his daughter’s behaviour.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 04 Aug 2015, 03:19
I... honestly don't see that happening.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Aug 2015, 03:28
I... honestly don't see that happening.

Which part? My previous post contains two nearly diametrically-opposed options.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 04 Aug 2015, 04:10
Pretty sure that's Becky's dad in the background of the last panel....

Dun Dun DUhhhhh!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 04 Aug 2015, 04:14
I... honestly don't see that happening.

Which part? My previous post contains two nearly diametrically-opposed options.

I posted before you edited your post, s'coooz me.

But Willis has said that he hates writing Becky's father, so option number one seems implausible.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Aug 2015, 04:17
Has Becky's dad shown up yet?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Aug 2015, 04:27
Has Becky's dad shown up yet?

Yep; he's in the last panel of today's strip (8/4/15)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Aug 2015, 04:40
Willis hates writing Becky's dad? This is an example of me not knowing things because I've only ready Shortpacked! and DoA. I could understand why it would be distasteful to write a character like Becky described, but the way that was worded suggests there's other reasons...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Aug 2015, 05:20
Has Becky's dad shown up yet?

Yep; he's in the last panel of today's strip (8/4/15)
Sorry, I meant had. As in, before today. His appearance today is why I asked.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 04 Aug 2015, 05:39
Use the tags. ;)

http://www.dumbingofage.com/tag/ross/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Aug 2015, 05:45
So no, just in a flashback.

(And thanks, I always forget about the tags)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Aug 2015, 06:48
I really don't see this as a tearful reunion. Other than I don't see this as ending in anything other than tears. I rather doubt he will be as overtly evil as Amber's father, but still harmful in his controlling ways as he tries to 'fix' his daughter. The last time he tried to do that he pulled her out of a Christian school and made her come home, because apparently the school wasn't doing a good enough job or something. I doubt this encounter is going to go any better. And being legally an adult is one thing.. Becky might be eventually allowed to go free, legally. What happens to her between now and when the law forces the issue is another matter. Not that I think things will go that far, this is Willis' writing after all. But this still has the hall marks of Becky being outed as a vagrant staying at the school, quite possibly having the to make the choice of being forced to go back home or becoming homeless and jobless in this city. Alternately someone could help her cut all dies with her family and arrange funding to enroll in Joyce's school properly.

There is another factor people haven't brought up. Joyce has been ducking her own very religious and controlling family over this issue for a while now. It will be getting back to them soon. I doubt they are going to be any happier about the situation than Becky's parents are. They might even want to do the same thing and try to pull Joyce out of the school as it is obviously a 'corrupting influence'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Aug 2015, 06:59
@Neko_Ali,

WARNING! Spoiler Picture (http://40.media.tumblr.com/d54573fc30c0ad135bcc513be7b165a0/tumblr_nnxv6ml2471qkinreo1_1280.png)

My guess is this might be Joyce's reaction when Ross informs her that he'll be telling her parents that she is "conniving in my daughter's sin" and will insist that they 'discipline' her. That might even go so far as to him to promise to raise it publicly during the next church service and turn it into a matter for their broader community.

He strikes me as that kind of a guy, especially if he can't get his own way with Becky for whatever reason.

Either that or Danny tells Joyce that he's attracted to Ethan; Joyce doesn't know whether to be morally scandalised or horribly jealous of a 'rival'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Aug 2015, 07:12
meh, I doubt Joyce would see Danny as a 'rival'. I mean she always new on some level that Ethan was gay and not attracted to her. I've said before I think that's why she started dating him. He was a guy, but he was safe because he wouldn't try to rape her like the ass at the party did. Remember when she ran out of the class, Ethan was the ONLY person she didn't see with her rapist's face. Also it was a lower level safe as it let her have the 'boyfriend experience' without engaging in  pre-marital hanky-panky.

They were a kind of co-dependent couple... Each acting as a beard for the other for different reasons. But now that Joyce is in her 'I must help the gays!' mindset I think she would be equally delighted and repulsed by the idea of Ethan and Danny smooching. (Because it's all about the sex you know....) Much the same reaction she had over Becky and Dina. That shock/horror expression seems more like she just walked out of the room and saw Becky's dad in the foyer....
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 04 Aug 2015, 15:21
At any rate, the preview art Willis posted for November 10th shows that things are about to get very real.

SPOILERS (http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/post/125868231997/bloomington-ambulances-are-x-treme-nonplayskool)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Aug 2015, 15:30
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 04 Aug 2015, 15:35
At any rate, the preview art Willis posted for November 10th shows that things are about to get very real.

SPOILERS (http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/post/125868231997/bloomington-ambulances-are-x-treme-nonplayskool)

I'm going to spoiler tag this even though it's the dumbest possible theory:

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 04 Aug 2015, 15:51
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

Back to the subject of Becky's rights vs. her dad's beliefs...I guess I've been an atheist so long I no longer understand religious fundamentalists and their ironclad patriarchal beliefs.  So even if Becky is legally an adult, Ross can still fuck things up for her.  Sigh.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Aug 2015, 15:52
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Aug 2015, 15:54
Why are so many people looking up spoilers?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 04 Aug 2015, 16:03
BECAUSE THEY'RE THERE.

Honestly, I don't mind spoilers.  Knowing what's going to happen doesn't ruin the story.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 04 Aug 2015, 16:12
I only see them because I follow Willis on Tumblr. I don't consider the image previews to be spoiler-y usually because they're close-ups and seem to be to show off big expressions. Although I also seem to be in the minority for taking them at face value and have no interest in speculating about them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Aug 2015, 16:14
I think he's about to run into Amazi-Girl
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Aug 2015, 23:53
I've got this weird feeling that there is something that we're not being told yet. Ross could have legitimately gone to the College Administrators, told them that he was looking for a missing family member and arranged a meeting with Joyce through them (Ruth would likely have passed on the message or the admins would have texted Joyce's cell with-it). Instead he seems to be trying to stay off IU's radar. I'm wondering if his actions at Anderson have led to official concerns about him and Becky's safety being raised.

Regarding the spoiler: Ross is obviously a strong man and could seriously hurt someone. However, it's far enough ahead (90+ strips) that, for example, it could be something completely unrelated like the outcome of Raidah shooting Sarah in class in a moment of drug-fuelled vengeance, as a random example.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 05 Aug 2015, 00:10
I've got this weird feeling that there is something that we're not being told yet. Ross could have legitimately gone to the College Administrators, told them that he was looking for a missing family member and arranged a meeting with Joyce through them...

I see several obstacles to this scenario, actually. One of which is that administration putting a random person in contact with a student without that student's consent is probably a FERPA violation.

I sometimes work at an information desk for a university, I know for a fact that if I get a call asking ' is [insert name here] a student here' or 'how can I contact [insert student here],' it's illegal for me to give out that information, the only exception being that if they say it's an emergency I can transfer them over to the police department. That's probably what Ross would have to do in this case, but if he tells the police his (adult) daughter is missing, he'll have to answer questions, and when she is found the police will get her side of the story, and he probably doesn't want that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Aug 2015, 01:13
The point is, why is he even having to ask 'is Joyce Brown a student here'? The Browns would have confirmed it to him if he was still on speaking terms with them. He didn't need to talk to Joyce, only ask Admin to pass to Joyce a message to call him regarding Becky and give them the Browns' telephone number to verify that he is legit. As I say, everything about this suggests that he's been burning bridges, even with those with very similar beliefs to him.

A lot of it can be explained by impatience. Instead of wanting to find Becky and spend the necessary time to persuade her to do as he asks, he clearly wants to go storming in and forcibly drag her off to what is effectively a privately-run prison camp now because he's a man and men act decisively or some other gender identity inadequacy complex delusion.

Yes, I am a male. No, I have no sympathy for my brethren whose sense of masculinity is so weak that their only way of handling it is by becoming violent, macho self-parodies incapable of higher reasoning.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 05 Aug 2015, 05:57
The point is, why is he even having to ask 'is Joyce Brown a student here'? The Browns would have confirmed it to him if he was still on speaking terms with them. He didn't need to talk to Joyce, only ask Admin to pass to Joyce a message to call him regarding Becky and give them the Browns' telephone number to verify that he is legit.

Legitimacy means very little in the eyes of FERPA. I'm telling you, it doesn't matter if a person knows their parent's phone number, home address, birthday, and eye color, if they're trying to contact a student they are either going to get transferred directly to university police or I'll eventually have to hang up on them. He could have the Browns pass a message to her, based on this (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-5/03-the-butterflies-fly-away/commandments/) phone conversation I think that already happened.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 Aug 2015, 06:09
Since he's putting up 'missing persons' pictures and questioning random students in the halls he may have already run into an administrative brick wall. Becky has been at the school for a couple of days now. Coming to see Joyce seems like the most likely thing she would do since they were best friends. And I got the feeling their circle of friends was pretty small. Joyce may have been the only one they couldn't get in contact with, so now Ross has come to see for himself. Or maybe he didn't even think to call administration at all. Either out of mistrust or a desire to handle it himself. I imagine either way a guy wandering around the campus asking where his daughter is may raise a few red flags with what recently happened with Amber's dad showing up and doing the same thing.

I am wondering where exactly they are. The checkerboard floor looks the same as when Dina was following Jacob and Radiah. They then went into the elevator so that Jacob could 'walk her home', with Joyce and Ethan coming out. So is this the ground floor of the co-ed dorms they all live in? The rest of the area seems to be lounge and meeting areas, which makes a little bit of sense to have. But the colleges I've been in the dorms are separate from the lounge and meeting room buildings. Dorms didn't have lounge floors, just entryways that led straight to the dorm halls.

It looked like Ethan and Joyce didn't go outside from the time they came out of the elevator to finding Dina outside the LGBTQ meeting room, which makes me think they're all in the same building. Her walking out and seeing Ross could blow the whole thing open. Even worse is if Ross sees her in the meeting room and jumps to conclusions.

Also, was anyone else amused that today's character tags were just Dina, Ross?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Aug 2015, 06:26
The Hall of Residence most of the main (and secondary) characters live in has a large and grand entrance hall, based on this strip (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2010/comic/book-1/01-move-in-day/lobby/). I agree that they are currently in the entrance hall of that building.

There are a lot of significant time-jumps to factor in here. The Questioning Meeting is taking place at Galasso's, a favoured watering hole for students that is either on or nearby the campus. So, for whatever reason, DMW has skipped over the journeys from and to the Hall of Residence.

Regarding the issue of Amber's dad, I strongly suspect that his actions, combined with what is going to follow in this arc, will lead to IU instituting much more stringent campus security, possibly including locks on the communal entrance doors and CCTV coverage of exterior areas and entrances. This may ultimately make it harder for Amber to operate as Amazi-Girl and may lead to her setting up an box room off-campus as her 'Amazi-Loft' from where to operate.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Aug 2015, 06:31
The questioning meeting is taking place in the residence hall, but Galasso has delivered pizza there.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 05 Aug 2015, 12:37
I'd enjoy this arc more if we hadn't just had the whole parental bad influence thing happen recently.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 05 Aug 2015, 13:56
Dina's thought bubble made me laugh.

"I must save her from herself." is a worrying phrase.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 Aug 2015, 14:05
I think we are going to see a different direction of the whole parent/child disagreement thing. Amber's dad isn't just some poorly intentioned but well meaning father. He was a vicious bastard with huge anger management issues intent on criminal kidnap, at the very least. Becky's dad is trying to do what he things, what he was taught, a good, Christian father will do and save his daughter from her wicked and evil ways... He's wrong, but he is I think working from a genuine position of love, which cannot be said of Amber's dad.

As a side thought... I don't think the hospital entrance and ambulance picture is indicative of violent action. I've got a sneaking suspicion that will we wind up a screaming match between Becky and Ross, with the other cast standing by horrified or trying to chime in and Ross winding up collapsing due to stress/heart condition whatever. It's a bit cliche but a valid way for both sides to get past the argument over who gets to control Becky's life and and to an attempted reconciliation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Aug 2015, 17:44
I'm hoping Dina says nothing before she speaks to Becky.

She's not stupid, and I'm sure she has some memory of Becky's feelings about her father.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 05 Aug 2015, 21:26
Hmm. I have a feeling Dinah is taking Becky's dad to a place that does NOT include Becky. She knows things went badly with bringing Amber's dad in, she had a flashback and everything, and Dinah doesn't seem the type to mechanically make the same mistake so soon.
I'd enjoy this arc more if we hadn't just had the whole parental bad influence thing happen recently.

Dude, I started reading about eight months ago. If I hadn't gone on a two day archive binge, I wouldn't know what you're talking about. It's recent only in comic time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Aug 2015, 23:21
I'm actually quite worried for Dina's safety. If she deliberately leads Ross on a wild goose chase, he might get angry and I've got the feeling he's one of the sort of alleged 'Christians' who think that hurting or even killing someone outside of his ridiculously narrow definition of 'person' is not morally wrong.

It will be a horrible shock for Joyce if she sees someone whom she's probably been assured by her parents is a morally good authority figure unmasked as a barely-controlled violent psychotic. I think that her parents will have a hard time explaining it to her and, if they don't have a good excuse, it could destroy their relationship with her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Aug 2015, 04:32
Would Willis really repeat the plot point of a violent parent, though?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 06 Aug 2015, 04:47
I think this will be more like Walky and Sal's parents. A much less overt "evil" and more realistic parental fuck up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Aug 2015, 06:47
I think a little more on point.. Becky and Joyce grew up together. I'm sure she's been around Ross a lot in her life time. If he was some barely suppressed rage a holic, she would be well aware of it by now. And Becky surely would have mentioned he was violent and abusive instead of just a controlling fundamentalist patriarch.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 06 Aug 2015, 12:56
Thought: I'm guessing we're supposed to read Dina as thinking, "The last time I let a father in, something bad happened." but I wonder if she might be thinking, "Amber told me about her father and he's awful. Maybe Becky hasn't mentioned her father because he's okay?"

I doubt it, especially based on her expression in the last panel, but it crossed my mind.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Aug 2015, 16:20
Hooo boy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Aug 2015, 21:41
As I suspected, Dinah's DECIEVING Becky's father! Why do I worry it'll happen that Becky chose this precise moment to go shopping? Or Joyce?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Aug 2015, 23:14
Ross's speech patterns are very strange. I noticed it really from the start; it's more like he's reading pre-written and rigorously-grammar checked policy papers rather than saying what's on his mind. Is it deception? Is he trying to appear reasonable when he is not?

I called that he wouldn't recognise a triceratops. I'm just shocked that he knows what a Pokémon is!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 07 Aug 2015, 05:41
That honestly does not surprise me. There was a bit of a kerfluffle a while back, mostly as a joke but I suspect people like Ross would take it seriously, that Pokemon was evil because it supported evolution. Not that it showed 10 year olds wandering freely around the countryside with no adult supervision capturing wild animals that were also sentient and self aware and forcing them to fight... But because they could evolve in game. Even though evolution that they argued against doesn't work like that. They were offended by the very presence of the word. Becky and Joyce's parents very much seem to fall into that stereotype. Not that it would matter. He'd still think Dina was evil for wearing a dinosaur costume because the Earth is only 6000 years old and the fossil record is a lie told by Satan. So therefore she is a servant of the evil one because you know, science.

As for why it sounds like Ross is reading from some badly written script... Because he is. One of the key things in this kind of fundamentalist, extremist brainwashing is making sure that the people do not question what they are taught. Constant repetition of the stories and lies that make up whatever the cult thinks or is supposed to think and repression of any kind of free will or independent thought. So yeah, when asked their opinion they do pretty much sound like robots just repeating back what they were told because that's exactly what is happening. That's why critical thinking and questioning ideas are the worst things for these kinds of cults.... and therefore considered some of the worst sins by them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 07 Aug 2015, 12:45
It's interesting reading two people who don't use contractions but they have very different speaking styles.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Aug 2015, 14:30
Neko-Ali, as someone who grew up in a non-fundamentalist household that regularly attends a fairly hardcore fundamental southern Baptist church, I kinda resent you calling fundamentalism a cult.

That said, there's definitely cult-like elements in how certain people adopt the religion. My parents both have rigorous science backgrounds and taught me critical thinking from a young age, and I think that's a part of why we've never quite fit in perfectly at our church. It doesn't leave us marked as horrible, unworthy sinners, it just makes us strange and creates awkward gaps in conversations where we're silent as people wait for us to agree with them.

I absolutely agree with your analysis of why he talks the way he does; I've seen it in my own life. Hell, when I was little, I definitely sounded something like that concerning certain topics. People do it, but it's definitely a trait developed by individuals, not entire churches universally.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 07 Aug 2015, 15:03
I do apologize for causing offense. To clarify I was speaking of those sorts of fundamentalist extremists of the sort that Ross seems to be a part. The ones who thing anything secular or scientific is evil and the work of the devil in a very real and literal sense. That think the earth is a few thousand years old, Pokemon and other cartoons are evil and tools of a regime that is out to get them, personally for being the only ones who really see the Real Truth. Those people are very much cult-like when they aren't a literal cult like the WBC. They rely on brainwashing techniques (even more than the average kid goes through just getting through school and less extremist churches). And leads to family situations like the Duggar household. Basically, really scary shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Aug 2015, 15:21
Ross is one of those whom the old Fremen saying rings true for

Dancing in front of the blind is an effort that goes unseen
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Aug 2015, 06:26
It takes a special sort of writer to turn a TV Tropes article name (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PutOnABus) into a genuinely funny and plausible moment in their strip.

Nice job DMW!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 08 Aug 2015, 06:44
Sadly, I'm sure Ross will return shortly, as soon as he learns he's been tricked. And probably none to happy about it. At least he's out of the way for a bit so Dina can go warn Becky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 08 Aug 2015, 07:29
Sadly, I'm sure Ross will return shortly, as soon as he learns he's been tricked. And probably none to happy about it. At least he's out of the way for a bit so Dina can go warn Becky.

Well, not too shortly, since it's a nonstop bus. But enough time for Becky to be warned.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Aug 2015, 20:21
Rarrr indeed
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 Aug 2015, 20:36
I'm happy with Dinah's solution to the Ross problem. It's not permanent, but it's fun.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Aug 2015, 21:15
At first I was kind of annoyed with Becky but that reaction more or less makes sense.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Aug 2015, 01:05
As much as it is sweet that Becky finds the 'Dino-Girl' cute, I do hope that she can look beyond it, or the whole thing will basically crash-and-burn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 09 Aug 2015, 05:15
In Becky's defense, it's a fucking triceratops hoodie.

I expect there to be actual talking in tomorrow's strip
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Aug 2015, 14:39
Yup, Becky suffering from Cuteness Overload
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Aug 2015, 23:12
Well, Dina seems to be progressing in leaps and bounds these days! Is this the first time that she used a cuss word in such a way?

DMW did a lot of good work with her body language in this section of the arc so far. She's obviously looking for understanding from Becky but isn't entirely sure that she understands herself, right now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 10 Aug 2015, 08:02
Don't know if I'd callthat a cuss word, but I love that it happened.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Aug 2015, 15:56
It's a combo word, and I think describes him well
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 10 Aug 2015, 16:36
Does that mean it's a bag filled with dicks or a bag made out of dicks?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 10 Aug 2015, 17:03
both.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 10 Aug 2015, 19:32
I've always thought more just like a bag full of mutilated penises. I've always thought it a pretty terrifying image.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 10 Aug 2015, 21:10
Comic's up.

It makes me sad, but honestly, that's probably about right. No way Joyce could stand against butthole dad's bullshit-filled interrogation. I hope a third option is discovered that isn't living under a bridge, and I have a feeling Leslie Bean, teacher lady lesbian, will feature prominently in that. I hope so, anyway.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 10 Aug 2015, 21:12
I'm not sure why it's so impossible that Joyce would stand up to Butthole Dad, considering she stood up to her own parents (about being friends with Dorothy) just a week or two earlier.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 10 Aug 2015, 21:19
It's not impossible. It's just unlikely to the extreme. Joyce wasn't lying to her parents about Dorothy. She was just straining against their religious dogma. With Ross she would have to deal with that. She would have to lie to his face, something she is absolutely horrible at and do so convincingly enough to get him to leave. My money would be her blurting out something within seconds trying to like about Becky's where abouts that lead Ross directly to her. But then again, Ross seems to rate pretty high on the Oblivious Meter. Or at the least he was carrying the Idiot Ball when talking with Dina earlier.

Plus all of that, they have to keep him from talking to any of the many other people who know Becky has been hanging around all weekend, but don't know she ran away and would have no reason to even think of lying to Ross about her being there. Cue comedic, desperate charades behind Ross' back trying to convince people to Ixnay on the Eckybay.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Aug 2015, 23:10
I'm not sure why it's so impossible that Joyce would stand up to Butthole Dad, considering she stood up to her own parents (about being friends with Dorothy) just a week or two earlier.

Becky doesn't know about that.

Besides, in very many ways it is a different thing. Joyce never had to lie to her parents, only firmly declare that she is a moral agent in her own right and that she is capable of acting in tune with her own conscience and in line with her own faith without them leaning over her shoulder and critiquing every move.

Hmm... Maybe that might be the way for Joyce to handle it. Instead of answering Ross's questions, divert and dismiss by going on a counter-attack. Tell him that she has no time for his attempts to 'cure' something that is only wrong in his own mind and that she has no intention of interacting with him until he drops the idea and tells her that he honestly only wants peace with Becky.

It isn't likely that he ever would so it generates a reason for Joyce to refuse to answer his questions or even spend time in his company.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Aug 2015, 05:23
Firstly, sorry for the double-post although they have been separated by a large enough period of time.

I've been thinking a little bit more about Joyce's current dilemma in the strip. I’ve also been thinking again about some of the preview art that DMW has been showing on the Tumblr page.

(click to show/hide)

I would say that Walky and Sal could probably tell Joyce a lot about what horrors can hide behind a supposedly-loving parent’s smile. It will be a hard lesson for her to learn but the time has come to learn it and I think that Sal would be the best to help her do so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Aug 2015, 05:27
Is the spoiler all related to the actual spoiler or is some of it related to her current dilemma? If he latter, could you split the two?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Aug 2015, 16:49
Joyce may wind up surprising Becky about this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 11 Aug 2015, 23:10
This might be the most adorable DoA ever.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Aug 2015, 05:43
This might be the most adorable DoA ever.

Very possibly. D'awww, Dinah!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 12 Aug 2015, 09:48
This whole series has been tugging at my heart, but this latest strip especially hit me in the feelings.

It feels like another lifetime, but really it wasn't that long ago that I was in a similar position as Becky, although fortunately I had friends I knew would stick up for me and it was months before I went to college, a rather liberally-oriented college with very nice financial aid people that were able to help me attend without family support. I was also fortunate that my aunt was more than willing to let me go once I had gone, rather than try to chase me down and 'fix' me.

But I know what it feels like to be rejected and threatened with punishment by your own family, and to feel like at any moment you might have nowhere left to go. And that led me into a dark place of self-harm and worse. Becky is fortunate to have Dina to give sympathy via heavy physical contact, and I hope Joyce makes the right decision and stands up for her friend. I probably wouldn't be alive today if not for my friends.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Aug 2015, 15:51
Dina Dawww moment
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Aug 2015, 23:13
*Sigh* Becky is really screwed up, isn't she? Feeling obliged to act the cheerful airhead? Feeling constrained from expressing her sadness? Not really able to tell if Dina is showing affection for her?

This isn't something recent. This isn't just homophobic abuse. Ross has made a piss-poor job of raising an emotionally healthy daughter and both seems ignorant of this and determined to keep doubling down on his mistakes. Mark my words, Becky will have a breakdown eventually and, when it happens, it's going to be a big one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 13 Aug 2015, 04:57
yeeeahhhh. Let's just say that right now I can identify with Becky so very much....
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 05:54
Poor Becky. Yay for Dinah, who looks to stand as Becky's first  (entirely) emotionally healthy relationship! I'd include Joyce as a healthy relationship, but the 'unrequitted love of Becky's life' angle messed that up for her. I mean, nothing Joyce did wrong, but it definitely adds some kinks to an otherwise solid friendship. Enough to make it less than entirely healthy, just mostly so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 13 Aug 2015, 06:46
Another factor compounding things with Becky's relationship with Joyce isn't just the unrequited love angle, but the combination of that with Joyce being who Becky came to cling to for survival.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Aug 2015, 14:43
To the Minbari, three is a sacred number




Just saying
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 19:36
Another factor compounding things with Becky's relationship with Joyce isn't just the unrequited love angle, but the combination of that with Joyce being who Becky came to cling to for survival.

Yes that also.

Is it strange that I'm always determined to stay up until 11:02 every night because that's when the comic goes up?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 19:45
Wait, two past? I thought it went up exactly at 11 (central, I'm assuming).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 13 Aug 2015, 19:47
1 past according to his server, 2 past according to my local time sources (which are synced to pool.ntp.org).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 19:51
When I check at 11 precisely, I get the same comic. I figure it's a problem with my own shit internet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 19:52
Fair enough, I always forget to check, it's the fact that I see a new post in this thread that makes me remember there's a new one every day.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 19:53
All I know is, I check up on it at 11:02, and see no comments. Not even that Jen Aside character.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 19:58
Jen Aside?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 20:27
Jen Aside?

First comment on nearly every DoA strip. To the point most of the times she ISNT first, first comment is about how crazy it is she hasn't commented yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 20:37
Oh. Does DoA have a forum or do they just have comments? I mean I don't need another forum, just curious.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 20:48
Oh. Does DoA have a forum or do they just have comments? I mean I don't need another forum, just curious.

Comments. Not on the home page, but when you're reading old strips, they're below
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 20:54
No, I know, I've seen the comments, I was just wondering if that's all they have. I've never read them though, because I don't know if someone's gonna spoil something from another Willis comic. And also because that's what this thread is for.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 21:04
Regarding the new comic, BECKY HAS A GIRLFRIEND
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 21:06
Hot dang!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 21:08
No, I know, I've seen the comments, I was just wondering if that's all they have. I've never read them though, because I don't know if someone's gonna spoil something from another Willis comic. And also because that's what this thread is for.

I don't think so. I come here with my own comments because I know and like here pretty well anyway.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 13 Aug 2015, 21:11
More forums makes things hard.

Also, manly squee
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 21:13
More forums makes things hard.

Also, manly squee

As manly a squee as has ever been squeed. Right there with you, brother.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 13 Aug 2015, 21:14
It's eating beef jerky out of cows it punched itself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 21:19
It's Ron Swanson squeeing. Which, you know, actually happens a lot.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 21:23
It's Ron Swanson squeeing. Which, you know, actually happens a lot.

Nick Offerman has the most amazing giggle. Seriously.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Aug 2015, 21:24
It's eating beef jerky out of cows it punched itself.

Squee so masculine it lives in a house it made by kicking a tree until it cooperated.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 13 Aug 2015, 21:46
The only things in the fridge are whiskey and meat (not fish, it's basically a vegetable) and all the carpets are made out of bear.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 21:47
It's Ron Swanson squeeing. Which, you know, actually happens a lot.

Nick Offerman has the most amazing giggle. Seriously.
Ha, I guess it is more of a giggle than a squee, but yeah, that's what I was referring to.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Aug 2015, 23:00
Poor Becky! I do wonder if Dina knows what she's taken on here; that last panel really does seem to have Becky thinking: "So I get to have a nice thing?" I said it yesterday and I'll say it here: She's really swimming upstream against a whole tidal bore of issues, isn't she?

Dina is quite unexpectedly fierce when she wants to be, isn't she?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 13 Aug 2015, 23:16
I'm not sure if Becky isn't getting a little ahead of herself here with the whole girlfriend thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 13 Aug 2015, 23:23
I have my own suppositions about this matter.  I just hope that if the ship sinks, it'll be pleasant enough that they can remain friends.  They have good chemistry so far.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 23:26
I'm not sure if Becky isn't getting a little ahead of herself here with the whole girlfriend thing.
I don't think so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Aug 2015, 23:27
I'm not sure if Becky isn't getting a little ahead of herself here with the whole girlfriend thing.

FWIW, I suspect that it will be a learning process for both Becky and Dina. I strongly suspect that neither of them really has the first clue how to be in an adult, intimate relationship of any kind. They're going to make a ton of mistakes, misunderstandings and betrayals all without really meaning it.

That said, I'm confident that they'll come out of the other side more ready to face adult life as a result. This strip is basically all about growing up in a world that is nothing like the way you imagine it should be, after all!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 23:48
Adult? They're freshmen, adult life is years away!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 14 Aug 2015, 00:24
You sound like adults are supposed to have any idea how to be in an intimate relationship.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 14 Aug 2015, 11:04
I'm 30, have dated several people, and have even been married. I still have no idea how to have an "adult intimate relationship". Does anyone?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Aug 2015, 11:29
I know how when I'm in one but I forgot since I'm not in one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 14 Aug 2015, 12:44
I'm still trying to figure out how to adult, and mostly failing at that. Any kind of an intimate relationship is mostly unknown to me...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Aug 2015, 16:23
Being an adult is hard work, that's why I gave up on it

Let us hope that Dina is able to assist Becky in an appropriate and helpful manner without matters descending into a chaotic situation
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 14 Aug 2015, 19:15
Bugger.  I either have to stop reading the early comics or stop reading this thread.  Every joke or theory I consider strays too close to verbotenland.

Now that it's safe to say, seems like Becky is showing Dina a few things about the world as well, such as giving Joyce a BSOD.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 14 Aug 2015, 22:36
Bsod? No clue what that means. Is it the thing where she's hilariously horrified and her eyes pop out of her head? Wait. Never mind, I got it. Blue Screen o' Death. God it's been a while since someone mentioned that around me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Aug 2015, 23:05
Just a reminder that Dina doesn't like Joyce and that the two of them cannot be considered to be in more than an armed truce. This could ultimately leave Becky caught between them and having to make difficult choices.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 14 Aug 2015, 23:22
Or, for those of us who are being more optimistic, since they both care about Becky, even if she doesn't  directly *do* anything to help the process, end up making them to stand down from Cold War levels and end up having a more peaceful existence.  Either that, or she could fund her new place by selling tickets to a Joyce/Dina death match.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 15 Aug 2015, 05:35
Whelp, the Joyce is broken. Someone find the reset switch....

I don't remember Dina saying she doesn't like Joyce, when did that happen? Dina hardly seems the sort to want to cause problems with people... The only one I've seen her say she doesn't like is Radiah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 15 Aug 2015, 06:00
Joyce is a young earth creationist.

Dina does not like young earth creationists, and outright exploded at Joyce when she tried to interrupt her educating Becky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 15 Aug 2015, 06:10
Whelp, the Joyce is broken. Someone find the reset switch....

I don't remember Dina saying she doesn't like Joyce, when did that happen? Dina hardly seems the sort to want to cause problems with people... The only one I've seen her say she doesn't like is Radiah.

I don't know if 'dislike' has ever been said, but she's the one person we've seen make Dina angry - http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/02-guess-whos-coming-to-galassos/feathers/

And there's the flu shot stuff - http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/03-answers-in-hennessy/flushots/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 15 Aug 2015, 06:28
Well, Toedad has made Dina angry, too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 15 Aug 2015, 14:19
Next strip, Dina puts Joyce on a bus.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 15 Aug 2015, 14:33
(http://www.dailyfailcenter.com/sites/default/files/fail/e437b70b6bb1.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 15 Aug 2015, 15:46
I find Joyce's face in the last panel funnier than the main one, but I'm always a fan of side-gags.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Aug 2015, 15:56
'Program is unable to continue due to an error, press 'Esc' to initiate a Restart'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 15 Aug 2015, 21:52
Oh, Joyce, don't you know, when you look at things all black and white, good and evil like you have forever, you're either a bad influence on people or you're lying to yourself. You can't match every rule, especially not when the people reading the rulebook have forgotten what the teacher listed flat out as rules one and two, 'love the lord your god and love your neighbor as yourself.' You got the first one, good for you, but Dinah's literally your neighbor. That you were raised with an unfounded belief in a young earth does not count as good enough reason to break rule #2.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 15 Aug 2015, 22:47
You know, Joyce, Becky was probably just saying that because she didn't want you dating someone who wasn't her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Aug 2015, 23:41
Yep! Becky isn't over Joyce yet and certainly isn't about to forgive her for having a friend other than her for any reason just yet!

I want to be clear that I don't think that Becky is pursuing Dina out of any childish attempt to get back at Joyce. Dina isn't just a rebound either. No, Becky is in a bad place, emotionally, and she's desperately looking for solid ground. Dina, on the other hand, has encountered someone, possibly for the first time in many years, who has treated her as a person and valued her presence rather than treating her as a slightly alarming neurological anomaly.

My concern is that both Becky and Dina are going into this with different preconceptions, different goals and different ideas about where this could lead. They could end up hurting each other quite badly and that would be sad because neither of them deserve to have their hearts broken in this manner.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Aug 2015, 06:31
Or you know, it could develop into a wonderful friendship and relationship. Who knows? Becky is certainly in need of stability and less judgemental people in her life.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Aug 2015, 07:16
Benergy I get not getting your hopes up but do you always assume the worst about everything? I'm not saying you can't or even shouldn't but it's depressing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Aug 2015, 14:33
It shall be interesting to see where this latest Joyceventure takes us
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Aug 2015, 23:32
Most people would deliver Dina's dialogue in this strip (8/17) in a teasing way. The thing to remember about Dina is she would have delivered it with 100% serious earnestness. Even the last punchline would have been a helpful friend correcting a grammar error, not a wisecrack!

It shall be interesting to see where this latest Joyceventure takes us

I suspect that Joyce is going to have a crisis of confidence in herself as a friend and, possibly, as a Christian (and a 'good person', in her own definition of the phrase). I strongly suspect that she's going to end up talking with Sal, of all people, about this. Sal isn't exactly a nice person in terms of her people skills but I think that Joyce needs to have someone to tell her with a certain degree of brutal frankness that claiming to be good and even acting good isn't the same as being good.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 17 Aug 2015, 07:22
Don't be silly, BenRg, she's making a joke. It's an established fact that Dina doesn't speak much with contractions, and seeing as 'you're,' and 'you are' are grammatically identical, the only way to read that is as a self-aware joke! Also, a joke is the only explanation for her glee-filled expression.

Also, I really want it to be a joke, because I love the idea that Dina's just a total dork
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 17 Aug 2015, 07:48
It was clearly a joke and a call back to earlier in the day when Sarah called her out on not using contractions to avoid answering her questions. Dina may have trouble understanding people's unspoken cues and body language. But she's not a humorless robot.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Aug 2015, 13:42
Keep at it Dina

Either Sarah will be worn down or will attempt some form of reactive verbal violence requiring becky to layeth the smacketh down on her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Aug 2015, 21:25
Woooooooo...except the car was on campus, so if the dad can get back to campus anyway, how does that stop him from causing trouble?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 17 Aug 2015, 22:25
He left by bus, so he'll come back by bus. And now he doesn't have a reliable way of leaving. Yay.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Aug 2015, 23:05
The whole thing is a bit of subtle psychological warfare. He'll come back to the campus, find his car is gone and go to security to report it missing. He'll likely spend the rest of the day trying to complete the necessary paperwork and pay the fine to have it returned from the pound. It's possible that Sarah hopes that the everything about being at Indiana State will be so unpleasant and inconvenient that he'll try some other means to locate Becky that doesn't involve him hanging around this ill-omened place.

[edit]
I'd really like to see Dina's "Evil List" and the reason for her rankings therein. I'm assuming that Joyce came in second after Sarah but a sample of only four is statistically useless. I'm betting Raidah is up towards the top of the comprehensive list along with Ross.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 18 Aug 2015, 04:07
The other thing is, given his single-minded pursuit of Becky, I wonder if he's going to say some things that lead someone to call the cops on him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 18 Aug 2015, 09:43
Someone on Tumblr makes reaction images out of DoA faces and they were challenged to make ones of Mike, even though he mostly looks angry. Someone responded by saying he has a normal range of expression if you remove the eyebrows.

(http://41.media.tumblr.com/571c001951a2248231e95f4488dcdb80/tumblr_inline_nta9eyyAfV1t7w7eb_250.png)
(http://40.media.tumblr.com/9acebcbb6e136f4f247a52d34bcaafe8/tumblr_inline_nta9fiMKTk1t7w7eb_250.png)
(http://41.media.tumblr.com/b0ef7e6fcc27b1f6102585a338fdc69f/tumblr_inline_nta9fuYu821t7w7eb_250.png)
(http://40.media.tumblr.com/d7bc34cc4f3586193121cdb98956dfe3/tumblr_inline_nta9gfKvrV1t7w7eb_250.png)
(http://41.media.tumblr.com/b42cfd0b79d0cc71bea8fdb3eca10ac9/tumblr_inline_nta9h2IFWW1t7w7eb_250.png)

I find it kind of unnerving.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Aug 2015, 09:48
So Mike is the human version of Grumpy Cat. He's not actually mean all the time, his eyebrows just make him look that way.

(I kid. Mike is a right bastard and proud of it)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Aug 2015, 16:38
Buwahahahahaaaaaaa


I'm sitll waiting for Ross to run into Amazi-Girl
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Aug 2015, 17:36
Would be a kind of crisis of conscious for Amber if she does run into him. Technically speaking the ones wrong as far as rules are concerned here are Becky, Joyce, Sarah and Billie, for letting Becky crash there. It could go technically illegal if the college pushes Becky for trespassing. Ross hasn't done anything wrong or illegal other than having his car towed away. Which wasn't exactly his fault. On the other hand, Amber well knows what an abusive, controlling father is like and could easily go off on Ross once she hears the story. Either way, I'm bringing the popcorn because it's going to be interesting.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 18 Aug 2015, 21:24
I feel sympathy for literally every character in today's comic, and it's confusing me. Totally get Sarah's POV, I've been in similar situations, and Joyce, I've definitely been a dick to people I care about in the heat of the moment. Dinah, I've tried to offer solutions to other peoples' problems, only to have them turn the offer down, and Becky, who hasn't felt helpless against what feels like an inevitable 'bad thing that will definitely happen eventually?'

I appreciate this, point to the thread title, and add a 'bravo,' because damn it, I actually kinda care about every fucking one of these fake people.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Aug 2015, 23:07
Sarah, how would you feel if you'd had the structure of your world-view completely undermined and found your sister-in-all-but-blood threatened by the one person she should be able to trust implicitly? Joyce never had the necessary cynicism and wisdom to confront an emotional crisis like this and she needs human contact right now. Drop your curmudgeonly attitude and just hold on to her until she finds her balance again!

[edit]
I've been thinking for a moment and, for some reason, today's strip leaves me hearing Sarah saying to Joyce: "Girl, we are getting you a boyfriend! You need to relax before you snap!" All protests will be waved aside because Sarah knows better (or at least believes she does). This opens up the chance for Willis to have a future chapter called "Joyce Brown's Blind Date" or something similar.

Another thought: Dorothy told Danny that Indiana State is basically a stepping stone to an Ivy League college of some sort. I wonder if Walky realises that a part of Dorothy is planning to run off to take her place in the Elite? It could lead to... issues if he tries to make a public show of commitment. Dorothy might not be ready for it or it might lead to a crisis between her feelings for Walky and her ambitions.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Aug 2015, 05:08
That sounds absurdly out of character for Sarah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Aug 2015, 06:19
That sounds absurdly out of character for Sarah.

I'm not sure that it is. A lot depends on what Sarah believes will help Joyce the most.

Sarah has said before to Jacob that she's basically surprised about how resilient Joyce is in the face of the slings and arrows of life but there is only so far sheer moral strength can take you. A person needs a support structure and, right now, Joyce has Ethan, Dorothy and Sarah... and that's pretty much it. She's trying to wean herself off of Ethan so turning to him would be counter-productive. There are certain viewpoint dissonances between Dorothy and Joyce that means Dottie isn't always as much help as she could be. Becky, of course, can't support anyone (she is actually worse off, emotionally, than Joyce is), it's pretty clear that Joyce feels constrained from turning to her parents and she really isn't close enough to anyone else despite her general niceness.

The time has come to integrate Joyce into some social circles before the load crushes her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 19 Aug 2015, 13:39
It's not that Sarah doesn't understand, it's just some people are just extremely uncomfortable with this kind of emotional display no matter how sympathetic they are to the person's pain.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 19 Aug 2015, 15:29
Sarah has been against Joyce getting a boyfriend (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2011/comic/book-1/03-men-are-from-beck-women-are-from-clark/penis/) (at least a certain type of one (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2011/comic/book-1/06-yesterday-was-thursday/bridges/)) because it will bring drama to her which she wants to avoid because of the year before.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Aug 2015, 16:50
Hug Warning
Hug Warning
Hug Warning
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Aug 2015, 21:11
Oh, Sarah. You don't need to keep pretending you dislike Joyce. She's growing on you and you know it
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Aug 2015, 23:19
It's somehow typical of Sarah that she makes Joyce's subtlest strengths sound like character flaws!

That said, I really don't think Sarah enjoys being basically the weaker of the two personalities in the dorm room. She especially doesn't like it when the stronger personality has such a crusader-like driven nature.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 19 Aug 2015, 23:30
Thread griping:
Ugh, I'm in a petty mood, so I'm going to come right out and say what I've been thinking: please, for the love of all that is good, spell characters' names correctly. Dina's name is literally in the title of this book. We heavily encourage people to spell Jeph's name correctly, as well as the names of QC characters. I feel like this should apply to this comic/thread too.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Aug 2015, 02:01
I read an interesting strip of Joyce and Walky!, the sequel of DMW's sci-fi epic It's Walky!, the other day. The now-married Joyce and Walky are lying on their bed and pondering the utterly surreal five to ten years of war, horror, struggle and casual violation of their minds that had led them to the point in their lives where now on the verge of 'happily ever after'. Joyce wondered if, if things had been different, would they have still ended up in the same place? Would have they been together and been happy? DMW then put an advert for Dumbing of Age at the bottom.

I'm thinking that this is exactly what this story sets out to do. Dumbing of Age starts at the same point, with the same room assignments and most of the same relationship arcs as his original strip, Roomies!

(click to show/hide)

The list of changes and consequences is enormous. I find it implausible that any of the Walkyverse relationships and end outcomes will be mirrored in DoA.

(click to show/hide)

In very many ways, it seems that Dumbing of Age is the strip DMW originally intended to write before the creative bug that led to the epic that is It's Walky! struck him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 20 Aug 2015, 03:52
How about you put some of these things in spoiler tags? That are some rather big revelations for people who haven't read It's Walky! or Joyce and Walky!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Aug 2015, 05:25
A bit late now, but seriously!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 20 Aug 2015, 15:18
I wonder if there's any chance of Toedad realizing he's being...well, a toe... and accepting Becky.

I mean, we already have ONE completely irredeemable father in Blaine.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 20 Aug 2015, 15:23
I dunno, if Joyce is partly autobiographical, maybe Toedad is based on a friend's father. Not to say that all of the characters are based on people DW knew/knows, but this seems a plausible thing to have happened in the past.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Aug 2015, 16:59
Sarah being nice to Joyce - even if it's in a roundabout way

The world is definitely coming to an end
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 Aug 2015, 19:13
this seems a plausible thing to have happened in the past.

God, that's a depressing reality, but I'm not entirely convinced. I could easily picture certain men in my childhood congregation doing exactly the same thing. They very well might not, but it's easy to imagine, with an imperfect vision of these real-life characters. No person to person interaction gives a perfect image, so it's very easily from personal experience without being literally true
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Aug 2015, 23:08
I wonder if Sal is going to try to reinvent herself after today's strip (8/21). After all, she's found our that her rebellious behaviour has become formulaic and predictable enough so that Billie can manipulate her with a high degree of confidence about the outcome! That isn't a particularly pleasant realisation! :lol:

I suspect that Sal is going to be in a fouler-than-usual mood the next day. When Joyce comes up to her and asks her to teach her to lie without a twinge of conscience and indicates that she sees Sal as a subject matter expert, it could easily turn into a major reassessment of her life! Either that or she'll just be really, really grumpy and want to beat up Malaya because she's as good a scapegoat as any.

Poor Sal!  :lol:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 21 Aug 2015, 11:14
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Aug 2015, 14:27
And now Becky will enter her surly, tough punk phase.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 21 Aug 2015, 21:04
I love how Dina words things. Totally get it, about needing time to recharge after a lot of socializing
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Aug 2015, 22:28
She recharges faster than a Sayan.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 22 Aug 2015, 01:36
I wish my cellphone would recharge that fast.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 22 Aug 2015, 07:19
I wish I could get the time to recharge. The trouble with living with people is you rarely get to be actually alone. But yeah, for someone introverted like Dina is, even just being around people can be exhausting. Having to interact with them, plus the stress of Toedad...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 22 Aug 2015, 22:38
Danny, that is the correct answer. If your answer were any form of negative, you would be an idiot.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Aug 2015, 00:42
I think that the thing Amber really likes about her relationship with Danny isn't the sex, it's the comfort. To be held by someone who loves and accepts her. To be in contact with someone who doesn't want anything but to be with her. I think that's something new for her. It was what she was looking for with Ethan but Danny is the guy who has actually made it happen for her.

As for Becky and Dina, I suspect that they will be in this high-school sweethearts 'holding hands and kissing' stage for quite a while. Neither are emotionally ready to go any further. I think that, if they do go further, it will be a huge watershed for them both.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Aug 2015, 08:23
Why should they go further?

Please don't answer that. I really don't think we should go down that road with these two.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 23 Aug 2015, 10:08
They should... cuddle and look at pictures of dinosaurs?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Aug 2015, 10:47
Everyone should!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 23 Aug 2015, 13:15
If they want to be extreme, they would probably look at pictures of birds.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 23 Aug 2015, 13:16
Birds are a type of dinosaur, so...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Aug 2015, 15:06
So they're birds of a feather then?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Aug 2015, 15:57
So they're birds of a feather then?

Well, holding hands DOES sometimes lead to flocking together, so maybe? It's yet to be seen
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 24 Aug 2015, 07:20
Ha, creationism... that's why this comic was funny, if you didn't get it I just told you why it's funny.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 24 Aug 2015, 11:29
I laughed hard at this one. Poor Becky's brain just exploded.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 24 Aug 2015, 11:31
Just the previous night, she seemed okay with dinosaurs living millions of years ago, though.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 24 Aug 2015, 11:35
I imagine she was speaking without thinking because she was more interested in talking to Dina. This time she actually processed it. It would also be easier to dismiss something huge like a million years of dinosaurs but something comparatively small like a few thousand and something familiar could be easier to comprehend.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Aug 2015, 14:16
A shocking revelation
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 26 Aug 2015, 05:23
Okay, today's comic is straight up adorable. I have a feeling Dina's got more dino hats and hoodies and this is how she will claim Becky as her own.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 26 Aug 2015, 05:51
Look at the lovely plumage! It explains why Dina made a sudden change in her usual mode of dress on this particular day.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Aug 2015, 17:22
So, Becky likes Dinas Plumage   :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 26 Aug 2015, 19:20
Figures. Everyone likes the bigger plumages.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Aug 2015, 19:27
Okay, today's comic is straight up adorable.
Right? This whole arc has made "this is the cutest comic yet" meaningless since the next day usually outdoes it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 26 Aug 2015, 21:21
D'aww. That was a funny.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 26 Aug 2015, 23:07
Hehehe YOU WILL KISS ME!

This is now my favorite DoA ever.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Aug 2015, 23:22
Now we find if Becky is able to handle being in a relationship with a strong, assertive personality.

I know that DMW wrote this to be cute and funny. However, I can't shake the fear that Dina, totally without meaning to, will end up harmfully dominating Becky just because Becky is used to submitting and suppressing her own desires to please strong personalities.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Aug 2015, 04:57
Now we find if Becky is able to handle being in a relationship with a strong, assertive personality.

I know that DMW wrote this to be cute and funny. However, I can't shake the fear that Dina, totally without meaning to, will end up harmfully dominating Becky just because Becky is used to submitting and suppressing her own desires to please strong personalities.

BenRG you will stop that this instant. Stop trying to imply Dina is entirely ignorant of others' pain. We have seen no evidence of this, and she has shown the capacity to recognize and avoid patterns that have, in the past, lead to others being hurt.Willis is trying to be cute and funny, and it's WORKING, dammit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 27 Aug 2015, 08:23
At first I didn't notice the subtle highlighting changes in Dina's eyes. Nice job, Willis.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Aug 2015, 14:14
Put a sock in it BenRG, you're starting to piss people off - even a reasonably tolerant guy like me.


This is where the fun begins


And will it be his next Slipshine Comic??
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Aug 2015, 14:32
Put a sock in it BenRG, you're starting to piss people off - even a reasonably tolerant guy like me.

Well, given that I'm not even sure what I've said was wrong...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Aug 2015, 14:41
Benergy, you always see the potential downside to everything. I do think people are being a little harsh, but it is a buzzkill. This is Willis, he doesn't need your help to bum us out in the end. So let us have this happy arc while it's still happy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Thrillho on 27 Aug 2015, 16:59
Put a sock in it BenRG, you're starting to piss people off - even a reasonably tolerant guy like me.

Well, given that I'm not even sure what I've said was wrong...

That's not your call to make on this forum, with all due respect. Especially if others are uncomfortable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 27 Aug 2015, 21:07
Because you've taken tbe nervousness that anyone experiencing a first kiss feels and made the Herculean leap that based on that she's going to hurt Becky, despite how 100% out of character that would. An assumption that from an outside perspective it seems like you made because of Dina's lack of social development.

As a writer, it would upset me if people were just constantly making up horrible futures for my characters instead of letting my story develop how I want it to.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Aug 2015, 22:03
MOVING AWAY FROM THAT BECAUSE TODAY'S COMIC IS UP AND MY OPINION IS VOICED

New comic is up,
And just like that, DMW has transported me back to my own thoughts the night of my first kiss. (Except for the 'three days' thing)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Aug 2015, 22:07
I am still counting on the belief that tomorrow morning, Becky will emerge dressed in the frills and horns of another one of Dina's (presumably numerous) dinosaur hoodies. Because oh my god, the adorable. I'm in absolute favor of a lesbian dinosaur couple being an existing thing in the modern media landscape
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 27 Aug 2015, 22:19
dinobians... lesasaurs... I like the ring to it. Maybe I just like mash-ups too much, but lesasaur sounds awesome.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Aug 2015, 22:33
Dina + Becky is Binky, yes?

I wanna see a Binkysaur.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Aug 2015, 22:35
Pair of wild Binkysaurs wandering campus... Yass, pls
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 27 Aug 2015, 22:56
I am still counting on the belief that tomorrow morning, Becky will emerge dressed in the frills and horns of another one of Dina's (presumably numerous) dinosaur hoodies. Because oh my god, the adorable. I'm in absolute favor of a lesbian dinosaur couple being an existing thing in the modern media landscape

I WANT TO SEE THAT
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Aug 2015, 23:32
Okay, technical people - I think Becky needs to know this. How do you reboot a human brain? Is there a recessed button somewhere that you have to push with a pin or something?

This is odd - Several people have mentioned this on the actual strip's comment thread. Why does Dina suddenly not know how this 'kiss' thing is done when she initiated with Becky during the party? The only explanation that I can come up with is that she was so angry with Sarah and Joyce that she acted without thinking (itself probably quite a new experience for her). Now she's acting deliberately she's feeling a bit less certain of herself.

I am still counting on the belief that tomorrow morning, Becky will emerge dressed in the frills and horns of another one of Dina's (presumably numerous) dinosaur hoodies.

FWIW, the only reason that I think that's unlikely is because... well, spoilers. I'll leave it at that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Aug 2015, 07:34
Dina is freaking out over 'how' to do kiss because that's what she does. She doesn't understand things on an instinctual level, she tries to analyze everything logically. Kissing Becky the night before was spontaneous and very out of character. She did without thinking in a spur of frustration and attraction. And besides that I think everyone's first kiss is a bit of confusion of the how and why and whens.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Aug 2015, 14:07
FWIW, the only reason that I think that's unlikely is because... well, spoilers. I'll leave it at that.
Consarn it Benergy, I'm not even sure what you spoiled, but I'm pretty sure you just spoiled something.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Aug 2015, 14:51
Of all the things to worry about ...........
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 28 Aug 2015, 15:25
FWIW, the only reason that I think that's unlikely is because... well, spoilers. I'll leave it at that.

I'm not sure what you thought to gain out of saying that other than ruining the suspense and enjoyment for other readers.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 28 Aug 2015, 16:56
I don't really feel comfortable with everyone assuming Dina's a lesbian because of this. :/ She can still be asexual and have romantic feelings for people. I'm not saying she IS asexual, but it sure seems that way, based on her own comments (including something about "disinterest" or a similar word).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 Aug 2015, 21:13
Comic.

Sorry Lolibutt, but I can't help my first response being that they're gay. I understand that homoromanticism is a thing that can exist within asexuality, but with asexuality being a fraction of the population and same-sex romanticism also being a fraction, I feel like we're talking about a fraction within a fraction. I know people like that exist, but I don't know if I think Dina's necessarily one of them.  I feel they're going to be CALLED a lesbian couple in the near future, but it remains to be seen if Dina connects to that. That's when I'll be certain. I'll call her what ever she calls herself, and in the meantime, I'm just applying Occam's razor.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 Aug 2015, 21:18
Most of Dina's thoughts that point to asexuality, at least the ones I remember, always felt like they could be situational. I say that because I've thought them myself, and I'm most definitely not asexual, just very specifically not attracted to the majority of personality-types. But, like I said, we don't have the word of god on this, or anything definitive in-comic, so we can only blabber on with our personal takes. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Lollibutt, I didn't think too much about it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 28 Aug 2015, 23:42
Thank you--I appreciate that. I definitely get where you're coming from. :) I'm on the asexual spectrum, and well... we see a lot of asexual erasure. Dina hasn't stated what she is, so assuming that she's a lesbian after her first homoromantic kiss just seems like a leap in logic. It's not an unreasonable leap, of course, but it's a leap enough that I noticed it, you know? And a LOT of people on the comment sections of the actual comic are jumping to the same conclusion, so I guess it's been becoming a bit of a sore spot for me. :/

I think she could possibly be bi as well. I haven't seen anything of her that implies she'd never be attracted to men. But that's just me!

I think she dated some dudes in the older continuities, but I know very little about them outside of Shortpacked!'s version. I'm not spoilering this because she's almost not in Shortpacked!, and I have no idea if my memory of some random strips I've seen of the other comics is correct. If someone wants to point them out, then they can spoiler them at their own discretion. :)

I agree that they'll probably be referred to as a lesbian couple, because it's a typical shorthand for two women in a relationship.

With all the bi and ace erasure, I wish it weren't that way.

I don't know. I'm tired. But today's strip is FREAKING CUTE. That is all.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 29 Aug 2015, 01:13
Too adorkable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 Aug 2015, 07:22
Well, Dina's said she is 'unsure if gender expression matters' to her. She's very much just figuring things out. I don't think she's felt any kind of attraction to anyone but Becky before. In fact she's expressed nothing but confusion and vague clinical interest until now. So best just to let Dina decide what labels, if any, feel right to her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Aug 2015, 08:57
I think it is a mistake to read too much into what the various characters did in the Walkyverse timeline. Their backgrounds tend to be different and they have also had radically different experiences (often quite traumatic ones) over a number of years. That necessarily will lead to radically different life-choices and needs.

DoA Dina is what she is in a universe where the aliens and the extra-universal humans had not started intervening in history when the main characters' parents were all still mostly teenagers.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 29 Aug 2015, 09:25
While her experiences and actions in other universes do not directly impact this iteration of her, Willis has stated that all characters retain their orientation across the multiverse.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 29 Aug 2015, 10:40
That said...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Aug 2015, 12:07
While her experiences and actions in other universes do not directly impact this iteration of her, Willis has stated that all characters retain their orientation across the multiverse.
I'll believe it when I see it. As far as I'm concerned, anything is possible if it hasn't been contradicted by in-DoA stuff.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 29 Aug 2015, 12:29
One is still of their particular orientation regardless of whether or not they have engaged in behavior that reflects it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Aug 2015, 12:31
Well, maybe. But I don't want to get into the whole Death of the Author/Word of God bullshit again.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 29 Aug 2015, 12:34
One is still of their particular orientation regardless if whether or not they have engaged in behavior that reflects it.

Amen to that.

A bi person in a heterosexual relationship, or has only been IN heterosexual relationships is no less bi. This is what Lollibutt was talking about with bi and ace erasure.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Aug 2015, 16:20
Triceracute
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Aug 2015, 16:07
Hmmmmmm

I wonder how this will play out.  Becky shoulda stayed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Aug 2015, 16:27
No, I think it was ok that she left. Dina doesn't seem to mind :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 Aug 2015, 19:54
No, I think it was ok that she left. Dina doesn't seem to mind :)

Dina is sleep. I think it's cool, though. Might be what keeps Dina from presenting her with her very own frilly-dino-hoodie, though
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Aug 2015, 01:16
This is something that I have noticed about the character of Joyce: She's actually self-destructively optimistic. I'll explain what I mean. She'll repeatedly do things that have previously gone badly for her because she honestly thinks that good intentions and a pure heart somehow make up for ignoring other people's clearly-expressed wishes or previous bad reactions.

It's sort of funny that Becky and Joyce are alike in so many ways: They're both bubbly, friendly and (as pointed out above) over-optimistic to a nearly-dangerous level. I also think that Sal has them to thank for being on time for classes this morning.

Still, it probably says a lot about how much a living hell was that boarding school Sal went to that her first instinct, upon awaking and finding someone leaning over her, is to attack.

So, anyone else who thinks that this chapter, "To Those Who'd Ground Me" is going at least in part going to be Sal focus?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 31 Aug 2015, 05:13

Still, it probably says a lot about how much a living hell was that boarding school Sal went to that her first instinct, upon awaking and finding someone leaning over her, is to attack.


Or it just says she values her sleep snd she wants the people who disturb her to pay the price. That's my theory, because I'd do about the same thing
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Aug 2015, 05:17
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/aoz8kgx8pzknypz7z38n.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Aug 2015, 07:53
I'm really thinking about the chapter title here: "To Those Who'd Ground Me".

There are basically two definitions for 'Ground' that I think are potentially relevant:
One strip in, naturally, we'd all be guessing. But I'm thinking that there are basically two directions in which this chapter could go. The first possibility is that we're going to see Sal showing how she's fought back from her parents' attempt to mould her, for good and for ill. It's going to be showing her basically standing proud and shouting: "Look at me! Despite you, this is who I am and I'm proud of it!"

Secondly, it could be Sal being left at a bit of a loose end as a result of Marcie and Malaya dating. As a consequence, she takes more interest in her brother's life and the activities of her neighbours. This is convenient for Joyce as she really, really needs the advice of a more worldly-wise person to help her confront the challenges coming in her life. Thus, the chapter is about Sal's growing awareness of the importance of her friends in helping a very lonely and very badly hurt young woman find a balance point in her life.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Aug 2015, 23:22
Today's strip (9/1) is a hilarious insight into Joyce and Becky's nature. They're so cheerful, so optimistic, so friendly and so utterly nice that it is like being around Pinkie Pie all the time! They're like two sunshine and sugar generators permanently set on 'maximum'! No wonder poor Sal hasn't even tried to open her eyes in the morning; dealing with that must be hard!

A question for fellow readers: Do you think that Sal is wearing a shirt to bed because she feels less at ease with Becky than she did with Billie (she has known Billie since childhood, after all) or is this a continuity error?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 01 Sep 2015, 00:07
Isn't there a third interpretation of "To Those Who'd Ground Me"?

Ground is also a form of "grind". So could it be "To Those Who Had Ground Me"?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 01 Sep 2015, 08:11
That's true.

But as someone who has seen Wicked three times, here's the literal interpretation of the phrase:
"To those who'd ground me" is one of the last lines in "Defying Gravity," the song where Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) accepts that she's different and is okay with being seen as evil. She raises up off the stage close to the end of the song and sings:

"So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately:
'Everyone deserves the chance to fly!'
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown!
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!
"

Read more: Wicked - Defying Gravity Lyrics | MetroLyrics
http://www.metrolyrics.com/defying-gravity-lyrics-wicked.html

Obviously, the DoA crowd can't literally fly, but if I were to go with a strict interpretation of the lyrics in context of the story, I would say it's about Becky trying to spread her wings and not letting Toe Dad bring her down. That's just me, though!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Sep 2015, 09:09
Well, we can't be certain that they can't fly :parrot:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Sep 2015, 09:11
Amazi-Squirrel can.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 01 Sep 2015, 12:07
Well, we can't be certain that they can't fly :parrot:

I think Sal is tempted to try that experiment right now. They live on the 3rd or 4th floor I think?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Sep 2015, 20:18
You have awakened the Dragon
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 01 Sep 2015, 21:06
Didn't take Becky long to grok Walky's essence, now did it
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Sep 2015, 23:15
I wonder if Sal knows that Joyce has imprinted on her as the template for female beauty?

[edit]
Maybe this is just me. Am I the only one who thinks that Joyce brushing out Sal's hair with an air of devoted focus would be a memory for Becky's "fevered fantasy" file?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Sep 2015, 05:17
Walky and I have this in common.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Sep 2015, 15:47
So, Joyce is about to become Sal's slave eh?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Sep 2015, 21:28
Come on Becky it has JUST been established that Sal can't do anything while she is in class with Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Sep 2015, 22:57
For some reason, I've got a mental image of thirteen-year-old Joyce and Becky sitting on Joyce's bed after lessons and making up not-rude rude names for Ross and giggling like the teenagers they are. What I'm saying is that the current breach between Becky and Ross has had its roots a long way back. I don't think that he ever tried to give his daughter reason to love him and the consequence is that, despite their fundamentalist upbringing, Joyce and Becky never really respected him.

Joyce, seriously? Find Dorothy and make peace; it isn't that hard. Besides, given the strength of Billie's hooch, the likelihood is that she won't even remember the party.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 03 Sep 2015, 21:09
I welcome the return of Dina Classic, though I'm surprised Becky knows it to be classic, seeing as she's only been in town a handful of days.

I also support smooches.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Sep 2015, 21:44
Joyce ultimately wants her friend to be happy :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 03 Sep 2015, 22:10
This is true. I'm surprised she is so chill about it.. she wasn't so much the idea yesterday. Now it's happening right next to her, even if she isn't looking at the smooches.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Sep 2015, 22:56
This is true. I'm surprised she is so chill about it.. she wasn't so much the idea yesterday. Now it's happening right next to her, even if she isn't looking at the smooches.

Well, the simple fact is that Becky and Dina kissing in the last panel doesn't exactly fit into anyone's definition of 'sapphic erotica'. They're more like a couple of cute high-schoolers. So, yeah, I think it's fairly easy for Joyce to pigeon-hole it as 'cute and affectionate' and not confront the sexual element of it (such as there is).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Sep 2015, 14:12
It shall be interesting to see if this leads to anything further or whether this will be the sum total of Dina and Becky's relationship for the next few comics
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 04 Sep 2015, 21:43
Holy fuck I wish I had Dina's parents.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 04 Sep 2015, 22:12
I love Joyce's expression in the last panel.   :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 04 Sep 2015, 22:14
Holy fuck I wish I had Dina's parents.

My mom gives me money to take girls out sometimes. It's pretty neat.

Though, seeing as I'm strait, I'm not sure she'd do the same if I were dating a guy.... still awesome though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Sep 2015, 05:23
I can see why her parents would be absolutely thrilled that Dina is not only interacting with people more but is dating as well. And I'm glad Joyce could see a good reaction of parents finding out their kid is happy (with their own happiness and approval, not the money itself).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 05 Sep 2015, 05:26
I like this result. I like Becky's response towards Dina's having $200 date money. I do not like Long John Silver's, I'm just amused that it's Becky's go-to 'nice' restaurant
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 05 Sep 2015, 10:46
What's a bad restaurant to her?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Sep 2015, 10:51
Arby's?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 05 Sep 2015, 13:37
Hopefully it's not Galasso's Pizza (and Subs). He would destroy her for such an insult.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Sep 2015, 15:51
Nice, understanding parents with a special fund for Dina to reward her whenever she does something 'Socially Nomal'

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 05 Sep 2015, 17:03
Holy fuck I wish I had Dina's parents.

My mom gives me money to take girls out sometimes. It's pretty neat.


My aunt might give me money to take a girl out with enough convincing, because she's squarely in the 'doesn't understand bisexuality' camp.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Sep 2015, 04:58
Today's strip (9/6) makes me shiver a little. I can't imagine what it must be like for Billie; checking every morning to see if Ruth may have contrived some way to kill herself overnight or if maybe her abused body had finally given out on her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 06 Sep 2015, 05:09
I had a quite similar reaction on Fri night..  It was even sadder when I saw the Patreon comments, which weren't mean or anything, but just highlighting the depressingness of their whole situation… and the seeming inevitability. 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Sep 2015, 09:41
Ugh can we never see Billie and Ruth again please? I know this is Willis and Willis likes to GLOOM AND DOOM but damn it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Sep 2015, 10:08
I feel like not seeing either of them again would basically confirm death by mutual lesbian suicide pact. I have mixed feelings towards their occasional reappearance.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Sep 2015, 13:04
Good news for Billie then
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 06 Sep 2015, 13:37
I really like and empathise with Ruth and Billie. They make each other happy in a twisted, unhealthy way so I want to see them both happy and improving. Although I think we're a while from any improvement yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Sep 2015, 19:36
I really like and empathise with Ruth and Billie. They make each other happy in a twisted, unhealthy way so I want to see them both happy and improving. Although I think we're a while from any improvement yet.

This is why I'm happy to see them. It means they're alive and inching towards healing.
 
I've been to the point of suicidal idealations. I came back. I want these two to come back.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Sep 2015, 23:23
The one thing I really like about the dynamic between Joyce and Walky in Dumbing of Age is the fact that the two of them have the lamest lines in taunts. I'm sure that they're trying to annoy each other but it's only the realisation that the other party is trying to be annoying that really causes annoyance. Thee is no intrinsic insult in it!

Meanwhile, the last time we saw Mike, he was being weirded out by Becky telling him that he was invited to Joyce's party so long as he wasn't mean. I wonder if he is still thinking about how strange that moment was?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Sep 2015, 16:13
DUCT TAPE!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Sep 2015, 23:17
So, Joyce is a shipfic generator? Well, it's a harmless enough pass-time so long as she keeps it to herself. If, on  the other hand, she decides that it's her 'mission' to make what her analysis indicates is the optimal ship happen for all her friends and associates? Well, that way chaos lies.

[edit]
By the way, I'm beginning to wonder if the person who is being grounded by everyone else is Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 Sep 2015, 05:23
Chaos lies.

oof, I bend the truth one time, and this is the response I get?

Anyway, I think you're right, we still have no idea who's being grounded
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Sep 2015, 15:53
New Progam Installed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 Sep 2015, 20:57
It occurs now as I wait for the new comic, that, BenRG, what you use as argument that Joyce is a 'shipfic generator' is pretty literally something Willis has had to do in creating this comic. Some pairings, he wouldn't have considered long, but writing this kind of thing, you do have to consider every possible outcome
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 Sep 2015, 21:06
My god. I have two thoughts.

One, Walky is a genius. Everything he has said here is pure, gleaming gold. I have a new life ambition.

Two, I love Joyce's panicked face. That is perfect.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Sep 2015, 21:09
If I thought Walky was capable of malice I'd kind of hate him for what he said to Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 08 Sep 2015, 21:14
Walky is demonstrably capable of "clueless", or tactless, however.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Sep 2015, 21:27
Well yeah, clearly. But not malice.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Sep 2015, 23:32
If I thought Walky was capable of malice I'd kind of hate him for what he said to Joyce.

I've mentioned before that Joyce is a romantic. I'm pretty sure that she expected to go to college, meet Mr Right pretty much immediately and not have to worry about adult life because being 'wife' and 'mother' would fill it all. Things don't seem to be working out that way. Walky (as a stand-in for Willis himself, in my view) may have done Joyce an inestimable service by telling her not to have a back-up plan for the future just in case finding said 'Mr Right' takes longer than she expected.

FWIW - I wonder if she's trying to follow her mother's example. Hank and Carol Brown seem to have met at the same college, after all...

FWIW2 - I think that Joyce would make a good kindergarten/elementary school teacher. She's got that patient and optimistic persistence needed to get through to hyperactive young minds.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 09 Sep 2015, 02:21
If I thought Walky was capable of malice I'd kind of hate him for what he said to Joyce.
In my opinion, what Joyce said in the last comic is just as tactless. Besides that, Walky is right.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2015, 05:18
If anything, Joyce was far more mean.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Sep 2015, 07:48
The Official Timeline of Dumbing of Age (to date):

As posted on Willis's Tumblr (http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/post/128708647907/rocktavian-updated-doa-timeline-ahoy-1-3-men)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Sep 2015, 14:19
So, why aren't these two married yet?    :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2015, 14:31
...Walky and Joyce? Where the hell would you get that idea? :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 09 Sep 2015, 14:54
http://www.joyceandwalky.com/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2015, 14:55
Hahahahaha what. There's a comic with them married in it? Is that a spoiler or is that the very premise?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 09 Sep 2015, 14:57
It's the very premise.

You could argue that the comic's existence is a spoiler for previous comics set in the Walkyverse, but...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2015, 15:02
I really know pretty much nothing about any non-DoA Willis comics. (Is DoA part of the "Walkyverse"? Walky's in it but he's not the main character.)

Edit: Oh wait, is that several comics with one continuity? Interesting. I went back to the beginning, I guess that's pre-Joyce and Walky?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Sep 2015, 15:19
Edit: Oh wait, is that several comics with one continuity? Interesting. I went back to the beginning, I guess that's pre-Joyce and Walky?

Yes, in essence. It starts about 12-14 years pre-"It's Pregnancy" and... Well, all I can say is be ready for a ride that is about as different, conceptually, from DoA as you can get.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2015, 15:22
Yeah, I read a few into it and...1997 Joyce is different. Very different. Also I guess "it's pregnancy" is vague enough but why would you spoil something that big.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 09 Sep 2015, 15:24
Here's why (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ForTheEvulz)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 09 Sep 2015, 15:25
It isn't one continuity. Willis has done several series that are in separate continuities, but with the same characters. Wildly different circumstances and rules. DoA doesn't have aliens or super powers in it. Monkey Master and Head Alien are just a cartoon, not the series villains. There is nothing saying that Joyce and Walky are fated to be together in DoA.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 09 Sep 2015, 15:28
Basically, there's two continuities that Willis has written.

The Walkyverse is the first continuity, consisting of Roomies!, It's Walky!, Joyce and Walky!, Shortpacked! (which is... IIRC concurrent to Joyce and Walky!?), and now It's Pregnancy!

Then, there's Dumbing of Age, with the characters from the first continuity transplanted into a new continuity.

Also, when the title is a spoiler, is there really any way to avoid spoiling?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Sep 2015, 15:35
Actually, my comment was meant to be a bit of sarcastic humour.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2015, 15:37
It isn't one continuity. Willis has done several series that are in separate continuities, but with the same characters. Wildly different circumstances and rules. DoA doesn't have aliens or super powers in it. Monkey Master and Head Alien are just a cartoon, not the series villains. There is nothing saying that Joyce and Walky are fated to be together in DoA.
Sorry, I meant are the three comics that are mentioned on joyceandwalky.com in the same continuity? I know DoA's separate.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 09 Sep 2015, 15:41
It isn't one continuity. Willis has done several series that are in separate continuities, but with the same characters. Wildly different circumstances and rules. DoA doesn't have aliens or super powers in it. Monkey Master and Head Alien are just a cartoon, not the series villains. There is nothing saying that Joyce and Walky are fated to be together in DoA.
Sorry, I meant are the three comics that are mentioned on joyceandwalky.com in the same continuity? I know DoA's separate.

It looks like, by what bhtooefr said. I knew Roomies, It's walky and Joyce and Walky were. I thought Shortpacked was different but I guess not.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2015, 15:43
Yeah, those three. It looks like I can read Roomies, It's Walky and J&W in one stretch. I have no idea when to start Shortpacked if at all. Is that also with the same characters? Yeesh.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 09 Sep 2015, 15:43
He really, really likes those characters...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 09 Sep 2015, 16:16
I want to say that Shortpacked and J&W are set simultaneously, but look at different subsets of the characters? (As in, IIRC, some characters from Roomies and It's Walky disappear from J&W, but they continue in Shortpacked.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2015, 16:56
Will I be confused if I read all of Roomies then IW then J&W and THEN Shortpacked?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2015, 18:15
So I was a few strips into Roomies and it was December in real life and apparently time actually moves. Weird.

Edit: Wait, he stopped writing for four months? Whaaaaaaaaa?

Edit: WHAT THE FUCK AM I READING. Now I know why people say "damn you, Willis" :(
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 09 Sep 2015, 19:51
So I was a few strips into Roomies and it was December in real life and apparently time actually moves. Weird.

Edit: Wait, he stopped writing for four months? Whaaaaaaaaa?

Edit: WHAT THE FUCK AM I READING. Now I know why people say "damn you, Willis" :(

I'm sorry, but I love this record of response. Good show, sir
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2015, 20:01
Message me on Facebook and I'll keep you updated as I read.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Sep 2015, 23:12
I never thought that the day would come when I actually felt sorry for Mike. However, I think that I would be a bit annoyed too if two of my classmates had been getting into ever-louder, more aggravated and personal arguments about shipping and life-goals behind me as I was walking to class.

Sal, I've got some bad news for you: That's normal behaviour for Becky and I think she's infected Dina.

Edit: WHAT THE FUCK AM I READING. Now I know why people say "damn you, Willis" :(

In my defence, I did try to warn you as best as I could without spoilers!

[edit]
Okay, just an additional thought. For the previous two strips, I have been getting a real Hermione Granger vibe from Joyce. The way she's been arguing with Walky really puts me in mind how some fan-authors portray Hermione's interminable arguments with Ron Weasley.

When you think about it, Joyce's brown hair and uptight attitude only makes the comparison stronger! Emma Watson to play Joyce in DoA the Movie? :wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Sep 2015, 15:04
Jurassic Cute
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Sep 2015, 23:27
I'm thinking that, when Joyce finally gets the courage to face Dorothy, Dorothy won't know what she's supposed to be mad at Joyce about and Joyce will have a hysterical breakdown. This will lead to... other things in terms of Joyce character development.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Sep 2015, 05:02
Wait, Walky was drunk at the party too, why is Joyce only mad at Dorothy?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Sep 2015, 05:18
Wait, Walky was drunk at the party too, why is Joyce only mad at Dorothy?

Joyce isn't mad at Dorothy; she's afraid that Dorothy is mad at her and is afraid to confront her about it. Walky revealed to Joyce that Dorothy knew Ethan was gay and that Joyce was helping him hide it. Joyce also has a huge guilt complex going about misinterpreting Ethan's desire to hide his homosexuality as a desire to have that 'fixed'. Although Joyce didn't actually do anything except pretend to be Ethan's girlfriend (in the hope that he would turn out to be her 'Mr Right' and that his love for her would lead to a fairytale ending).

Overall, she's terrified that, when she next sees Dorothy, her closest friend won't want anything to do with her anymore.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Sep 2015, 06:55
Is there any indication that this is true?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Sep 2015, 07:09
Is there any indication that this is true?

Not that I've seen. I think that it's just Joyce's guilty conscience over the whole Ethan fiasco playing with her head.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 11 Sep 2015, 08:05
Sarah outright told Joyce that she'd lose Dorothy if she ever found out about Ethan being gay, though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Sep 2015, 08:14
Sarah isn't exactly the best person to listen to when it comes to interpersonal relationships. She spends most of her time trying to push people away.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 11 Sep 2015, 08:15
Sarah outright told Joyce that she'd lose Dorothy if she ever found out about Ethan being gay, though.

Dorothy knows he's gay. She doesn't know Joyce knows, though, and that's what Joyce is afraid she'll find out.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 11 Sep 2015, 08:54
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/03-answers-in-hennessy/lose/

That's the comic, by the way.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Sep 2015, 09:30
Joyce has given up the idea of trying to 'fix' Ethan being gay though. And it's not like she's been panicking all this time about Dorothy finding out. Which makes me think that her avoiding Dorothy has to do with the party.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Sep 2015, 14:16
Somehow, that makes sense.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Sep 2015, 14:23
Bahahahaha, I forgot about the one after the linked one.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 11 Sep 2015, 22:09
Today's comments section contains some huge spoilers about the Walkyverse.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 11 Sep 2015, 22:18
The look on Joyce's face in the last panel makes me think she's going to take Mike's suggestion, and tell the truth to Tow Dad -- but in a confrontational way that makes it clear Becky isn't going with him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Sep 2015, 22:19
Today's comments section contains some huge spoilers about the Walkyverse.
Luckily I don't look at the comments (I have this thread, after all) but wow, that's super shitty of today's commenters!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Sep 2015, 06:00
So, does Mike just want to be part of the havoc or does he really want to help Joyce? Inquiring minds wonder and I will add that Joyce/Mike is a known favourite ship amongst Willis's long-term followers.

Today's comments section contains some huge spoilers about the Walkyverse.

Luckily I don't look at the comments (I have this thread, after all) but wow, that's super shitty of today's commenters!

Be a little more understanding. Most of them started with Willis way back in 2000, when Roomies first started. When you have a thriving long-term community like his who already know the story of a comic on another URL, spoiler control is nearly impossible!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 12 Sep 2015, 06:38
Basically, the statute of limitations on Walkyverse spoilers is over.

Also, Soylent Green is people, Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father, etc., etc.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 12 Sep 2015, 06:42
Yeah, it's like not expecting anyone to mention a Breaking Bad or Sopranos spoiler. Once the show's been over for a while, it's fair game.

So, Walt kills Mike*, and I never watched the Sopranos so I can't give a spoiler on that, but I don't care if someone does.

* I accidentally typed this initially as Walky kills Mike, which would be an interesting ending for DoA...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Sep 2015, 09:36
I've seen Breaking Bad, but that post, cesium? That is a shitty thing to do. It's one thing to inadvertently spoil something, but especially in our age of Netflix where people can go back and watch a show? There's no excuse to spoil something for the sake of spoiling it.

Sure, there are a few exceptions where the spoiler is simply part of cultural knowledge (bhtooefr mentioned a couple), but otherwise? Keep it the fuck to yourself unless someone asks (or if you're in an appropriate setting for it, obviously).

You could make an argument that this an appropriate setting, but we have spoiler tags, there's no reason not to use them if talking about a non-DoA comic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Sep 2015, 16:09
Hoh  Shit.

I guess I can take the last two seasons of Breaking Bad off my Netflix queue.

Dude. We're in a different world now. People like me, who don't have cable wait for Netflix to have stuff and then it can take ages to get through it all, because there's other stuff.

Honestly though, that show's been impossible to avoid spoilers. My main trick is to assume people aren't serious, and I'm  gonna just have a few drinks and hopefully forget/watch the first season of Glee until my brain melts. It might work.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 12 Sep 2015, 16:25
Cesium, that was shitty. Not everyone has the time, chance or the desire to see things when they're brand new and coming out week to week and it's shitty to spoil things just because you can do it. Even if you're not bothered, it doesn't mean someone else won't be upset by it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Sep 2015, 16:30
Even if you consider it 'fair game,' that don't mean it won't affect anyone. There's a statute of limitations, yes, but for things that have come out in the last decade, that's a MUCH longer time. If it's quality product, just leave it unspoiled, dangit

No hard feelings, though, Cesium, just recommending for not being called shifty in the future.
 Turns out Glee is very effective at wiping my mind.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Sep 2015, 16:43
Why lie when you can use the truth as a more effective sledgehammer

That's Mike
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 12 Sep 2015, 17:22
Hoh  Shit.

I guess I can take the last two seasons of Breaking Bad off my Netflix queue.
If knowledge of one event ruins two seasons of a TV show, then it's not a good TV show.

Breaking Bad was a good TV show. Watch the last two seasons and you'll enjoy them. (Or is that a spoiler too?)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 12 Sep 2015, 17:26
Are you seriously so offended by the idea that people like to be surprised by surprises?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Sep 2015, 18:33
Hoh  Shit.

I guess I can take the last two seasons of Breaking Bad off my Netflix queue.
If knowledge of one event ruins two seasons of a TV show, then it's not a good TV show.

Breaking Bad was a good TV show. Watch the last two seasons and you'll enjoy them. (Or is that a spoiler too?)

Dude, chill the fuck out. You are being a Dick right now. You're a decent person. Don't be a Dick.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Sep 2015, 21:20
REGARDING TODAY'S COMIC:

cute. Becky and Dinah are cute, and of course her teachers would say that
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Sep 2015, 00:27
I'm beginning to wonder if the whole dinosaur fixation is just a defensive behavior that Dina uses to keep those confusing, incomprehensible and, occasionally, even frightening and painful humans at arms' length. Becky is the first person likely for a long time that Dina has let past that wall.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 13 Sep 2015, 01:55
Or she's a socially awkward person who genuinely really likes dinosaurs.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 13 Sep 2015, 02:10
I'm beginning to wonder if the whole dinosaur fixation is just a defensive behavior that Dina uses to keep those confusing, incomprehensible and, occasionally, even frightening and painful humans at arms' length. Becky is the first person likely for a long time that Dina has let past that wall.
Well, she has stated before that she prefers Dinosaurs over Humans because they are extinct and thus fixed in time and not constantly changing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 13 Sep 2015, 03:46
Or she's a socially awkward person who genuinely really likes dinosaurs.

I would go with this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Sep 2015, 12:54
I second that Welu
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Sep 2015, 23:18
Huh. There is something deeply disturbing about how Joyce and Becky had allowed aspirations and life goals. Their home communities are sounding less and less like a religious group and is beginning to sound more and more like a self-perpetuating sort-of-isolationist subculture that has set social roles for all its members irrespective of their own wishes.

If I'm right about this, then Joyce has probably been programmed to want to find a husband and spend the rest of her life as a home-maker and educator of her children (of whom  there will probably be many). I can't help but shiver a little at the thought.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 13 Sep 2015, 23:46
You've probably never heard of the Duggar family or the Quiverfull movement, have you?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 14 Sep 2015, 07:10
Oh, there is no doubt that Joyce and Becky were programmed to be good little wives and mothers. Joyce is the one who took to the programming whole heartedly. If she had been the one to be sent to the christian college instead of Becky, she probably wouldn't even have questioned things. Or maybe she would have.. I mean it's still life away from her parent's control for the first time. Until recently she never even questioned her place in life or what she was taught. She still clings to a lot of those things, sometimes unconsciously. Despite coming to realize they are wrong about some things, like homosexuality.

But yes, it's pretty clear that Joyce and Becky's parents are in an almost cult-like extreme religious group that among other things sees women in only 'traditional' roles. Wife. Mother. Caretaker. Wanting to be something other than that has sent Toe Dad here to save Becky from herself... Probably by dragging her back to his house and locking her up until he can marry her off. It also bears mentioning that Joyce is taking education at college, until she gets married. The exact same path that Becky just describe. Except that's what she wants to do. For now anyway, who knows what the future holds.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Sep 2015, 09:03
Except that's what she wants to do.
Or it's what she thinks she wants because she wasn't really taught she had other options.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 14 Sep 2015, 10:35
Except that's what she wants to do.
Or it's what she thinks she wants because she wasn't really taught she had other options.

Up until now that's been true. Now she is learning there is a lot more to life than what she has been taught. Maybe that will change as she learns more. And maybe it won't. She may not be as straight as she thinks she is either. Her only boyfriend was a guy she knew was gay from the start. She's expressed both a strange fascination with women's bodies and lesbians as well as freaking out about the idea of lesbians or the thought she might 'turn into one' before Becky came out to her.  She is canonically straight I think in all the other Walkyverse settings. I'm just not sure how much I believe Willis' claim that the sexuality of characters wouldn't change in DoA. He's also said 'Everybody becomes lesbians. Everybody." before.

In the end, Joyce has very much lived her life fulfilling the path her parents set out for her. She's now just learning that there are other options, and that they are as valid as the 'one true way' she was taught. But she is very slow to let go of things the way she knows them. Only time and Willis will tell.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Sep 2015, 14:37
Well, at least Becky has realistic expectations, considering how she was raised before she broke out, as to what she is most likely to be able to do as a job at this stage of things.

Let's hope Dina and the others are able to help her move on further than that though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 15 Sep 2015, 19:26
Once again I ask what happens when Amber's boyfriend leaves her for her ex-boyfriend?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Sep 2015, 19:48
Why would that happen? It's kind of shitty to assume just because he's bi he'd leave Amber.

Edit: Whoa, I thought yesterday's comic was today, when I actually hadn't checked today...never mind!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Sep 2015, 20:12
Hoo boy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 15 Sep 2015, 21:00
Why would that happen? It's kind of shitty to assume just because he's bi he'd leave Amber.

Edit: Whoa, I thought yesterday's comic was today, when I actually hadn't checked today...never mind!

Hmmph. I checked this thread three minutes early and this made me assume you meant what is TODAY'S comic, and dangit, I've already SEEN today's comic
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Sep 2015, 23:10
Yeah, Danny is thinking that he can do something stupid. I don't know if he's just dumb when it comes to relationships or if he's falling into the mental trap (that a lot of people who betray commitments do) that they can somehow have parallel relationships for different parts of their sexual or emotional needs without the two affecting each other (this is the most common cause of bigamy, IMO)

Just consider this, Danny - You know how important Amber is to Ethan. Do you think that he would be interested in two-timing her with you? Do you  think he would hurt her in exchange for a boyfriend? No. You'd just end up losing them both and probably hurting Amber badly (someone who has already had too much pain in her life).

More generously, it is possible that Danny is going a different way and has decided to handle his crush on Ethan by taking him off the market and getting him a BF... any BF as soon as possible.

Either way, Danny is going to strain or even destroy his friendships by thinking that he can sweep this whole thing under the rug without Amber ever knowing about it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Sep 2015, 00:21
DANNY YOU FRAKIN' DUMBASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Sep 2015, 04:20
That seems harsh, Kugai.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Sep 2015, 06:49
I am seeing this in I think a different light than other people, I think. What I am getting from people here is Danny is trying to hook up with Ethan on the side. I see it more like Danny realizes that he's attracted to Ethan, but he's dating Amber and doesn't want to betray or give up that. So long as Ethan is single it's a temptation... So he wants to get Ethan a boyfriend, to remove that temptation, he thinks. Notice he said 'Amber and I should find you a boyfriend'. You don't generally include your girlfriend in the process if you plan to be sneaking around behind her back.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Sep 2015, 06:56
Yeah, that's what I thought too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 16 Sep 2015, 07:37
Is it just me, or has the dialogue seemed fairly... stilted and unrealistic lately?

And I also saw it as Danny trying to get Ethan a boyfriend to remove temptation for himself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 16 Sep 2015, 07:46
I interpreted the comic the same way as Neko and Loli. Didn't see it all as Danny trying to set himself up with Ethan.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Sep 2015, 11:45
I honestly don't see how someone could interpret it otherwise.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Sep 2015, 14:07
I'm not sure if Danny's in denial or is just trying to muddy the waters.

Joe has a point.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 17 Sep 2015, 14:39
Today's strip gave me a hearty chuckle. Absolutely love Joe's concerned eyebrow in the last panel.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Sep 2015, 23:14
I...

I'm sorry, did I follow a link to Shortpacked! by mistake? If I didn't know that it was Dumbing of Age, it would have been indistinguishable from dozens of similar interactions between them in the older strip.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 18 Sep 2015, 00:16
I...

I'm sorry, did I follow a link to Shortpacked! by mistake? If I didn't know that it was Dumbing of Age, it would have been indistinguishable from dozens of similar interactions between them in the older strip.

The same occurred to me. DoA has made small references to Amber and Ethan being into toy collecting, but not recently at all.

It was a big thing for Amber, I think, when she first appeared, though her obsession was more with that TV show based on It's Walky that I can't remember, with a monkey. Monkey Master? I dunno. I never made it through that chunk of the Walky-verse.

Ethan, though, I can't remember any specific Dumbing of Age references to him collecting toys. I mean, I maybe do, but I might be confusing DoA with Shortpacked!?

In other news, it's weird ending a question with a title that requires an exclamation point. A simple question became an interrobang, and for once, I didn't intend to do it to show outrage and disbelief.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 18 Sep 2015, 00:45
In the flashback to the shop, Ethan gets a very anxious Amber talking enthusiastically by bringing up Transformer toys.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Sep 2015, 04:20
Prediction for the next few strips:
ToeDad returns and finds Ethan, in a horrible mood, still on guard duty. All attempts to communicate with Ethan fail as he gets more and more aggravated about Amber’s new toy and the fact that he can’t easily get his ‘fix’ from the local Target. Eventually, Ethan is holding ToeDad by the front of his shirt, shaking him and screaming something about: “Why does she get Sky Lynx and I don’t, huh? HUH? Why?!? TELL ME WHY!

ToeDad, fearing for his life from the obviously-insane young man, runs back out onto the street and gets run over by a passing garbage truck. Hence the interlude at the Emergency Room.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Sep 2015, 04:40
What Emergency...god damn it, Benergy, stop referencing spoilers.

Even if that was kind of funny.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Sep 2015, 12:39
So, Amber's an Autobot and Ethan's a Decepticon

Got that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Sep 2015, 19:13
*Autobutt
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 18 Sep 2015, 22:45
Given her whole "underaged drinking is illegal YOU KNOW WHO I AM DANNY" thing from the last storyline I agree with Ethan as far as not trusting her with details about Becky. The stakes are too high to give that information to someone who's ideas of right and wrong are so rigid.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Sep 2015, 00:00
Just think of the Residuals if she had.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Sep 2015, 05:22
It would be pretty rigid alright if she would report people for letting a homeless girl on the run from an abusive household crash in their dorm rooms. Given her history Amber might even identify with Becky. That of course could open up a whole new set of problems... Of the Amazi-Girl vs Toe Dad fight scene type.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Sep 2015, 10:08
I dunno... Maybe Willis is setting up a situation where Amber has to confront the occasional dichotomy between 'legally wrong' and 'morally wrong'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 19 Sep 2015, 14:30
We already know there's some serious cognitive dissonance going on with her so-called moral code. Beating the shit out of people is also illegal and a far more serious crime than underage drinking, but she has no qualms about meting out copious amounts of violence over misdemeanor offenses. It would be interesting to see her be forced to confront and address her own hypocrisy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Sep 2015, 17:51
Any case, I realized while looking at the DoA homepage that Willis is either better at silly, crass insulting links than our benefactor, mr. Jeph Jacques, or more willing to resort to ridiculous combo-curses. The QC link to DoA is that Dave Willis sniffs butts, while DoA straight up calls Jeph Jacques a taintbraider.

As in, Willis accuses Jeph of braiding taints. I don't even know that this is an insult, it shows some strange sort of power that mortal and women only dream. Possibly have nightmares about.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Sep 2015, 12:26
Oooh, Dark Amazi-Girl just spoke
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Sep 2015, 23:21
I'm really worried about Sarah. Her anger, resentment and desire to beat Raidah could lead her to a very, very dark and dangerous place.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 20 Sep 2015, 23:54
Beating the shit out of people is also illegal and a far more serious crime than underage drinking, but she has no qualms about meting out copious amounts of violence over misdemeanor offenses.
*frowns* are you sure? I was under the impression she only dealt out violence in self-defence, or against Sal (and her gang) or her father.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Sep 2015, 00:14
Beating the shit out of people is also illegal and a far more serious crime than underage drinking, but she has no qualms about meting out copious amounts of violence over misdemeanor offenses.

*frowns* are you sure? I was under the impression she only dealt out violence in self-defence, or against Sal (and her gang) or her father.

That's almost exactly right: The only time that we've seen Amazi-Girl use violence, she's been either defending herself or defending others from violence. She actually refused to initiate a fight against a group of vandals.

I've found that some people look for a cause to condemn Amazi-Girl because they find her strict 'obey the Law' ethos offensive or subconsciously threatening, especially when it comes to alcohol.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Sep 2015, 05:10
I'm really worried about Sarah. Her anger, resentment and desire to beat Raidah could lead her to a very, very dark and dangerous place.
This is the rare occasion where I agree with your pessimistic prediction.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Sep 2015, 14:28
Let the fun commence.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 21 Sep 2015, 19:59
I've found that some people look for a cause to condemn Amazi-Girl because they find her strict 'obey the Law' ethos offensive or subconsciously threatening, especially when it comes to alcohol.

Ethan just gave an example where her extreme legalism could potentially be a threat.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 21 Sep 2015, 20:19
[quote author=BenRG
I've found that some people look for a cause to condemn Amazi-Girl because they find her strict 'obey the Law' ethos offensive or subconsciously threatening, especially when it comes to alcohol.
[/quote]

I can't speak for others, but I have no problems with her propensity toward violence. I have one myself. I do take issue with hypocrisy in general, though. The thing is her 'follow the law ethos' isn't strict and only applies to other people. It is an excuse to funnel her rage into a mental space she can justify to herself. Like all moral crusaders she is good at the mental gymnastics required to justify behavior in herself she condemns in others.

As far as your conclusion about why certain people condemn her, do you real "find" this or do you simply draw that conclusion based on your own unsupported assumptions?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Sep 2015, 23:26
Wow! Sarah is so pretty when she comes out of her 'everyone hates me and I don't care' shell! Such a pity that, as Jacob has noticed, there is a definite feel of Fatal Attraction-level crazy bouncing around in her head!

As far as your conclusion about why certain people condemn her, do you real "find" this or do you simply draw that conclusion based on your own unsupported assumptions?

Empirical evidence. No-one cared about Amazi-Girl's behaviour and, indeed idolised her for it (several were upset that she didn't murder her father). Then she took a stand against breaking Indianna's (admittedly strict) underage drinking laws and she was a vicious, violent and dangerous hypocrite to the point where they exaggerated and even made up stuff about her violent behaviour. The conclusion pointed to itself.

[edit]
Just thought I should emphasise that I'm talking about the Dumbing of Age comments thread on its own site, not here where the debate has been less... fraught.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 22 Sep 2015, 01:25
Quote from: BenRG

Empirical evidence. No-one cared about Amazi-Girl's behaviour and, indeed idolised her for it (several were upset that she didn't murder her father). Then she took a stand against breaking Indianna's (admittedly strict) underage drinking laws and she was a vicious, violent and dangerous hypocrite to the point where they exaggerated and even made up stuff about her violent behaviour. The conclusion pointed to itself.

Technically this is not empirical evidence. It is anecdotal.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Sep 2015, 16:46
Let battle commence!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Sep 2015, 18:06
Has he never seen her smile or something? (pause) Has anyone ever seen her smile?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 22 Sep 2015, 18:43
Has he never seen her smile or something? (pause) Has anyone ever seen her smile?

I think no. Not even a malicious smile, that I recall
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Sep 2015, 23:33
Today's strip gives me the feeling that Sarah has decided that she's better than this. She's right; she is better than this. Having Jacob think that she's had a nervous breakdown is a small price to pay for saving her own soul.

Has he never seen her smile or something? (pause) Has anyone ever seen her smile?

I think no. Not even a malicious smile, that I recall

He has seen her smile in a reflective way when they were discussing Joyce but this one was something else.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Sep 2015, 06:05
Dang it, Sarah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Sep 2015, 12:45
DON'T PANIC
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Sep 2015, 23:50
What will be ever lost to time is just what Sarah was planning that morning. Whatever it was, I think that it was incompatible with her self-respect.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Sep 2015, 13:59
Dang
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 24 Sep 2015, 14:31
I am so fucking confused.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 24 Sep 2015, 14:36
Daaaang (http://www.questionablecontent.net/random/1488dang.png)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 24 Sep 2015, 19:41
I am so fucking confused.
She tried to feign being cheerful because she thinks that is what Jacob wants, but realized she can't do it. She can't pretend to be someone she's not in order to win over a boy. Rightfully so. But at the same time she's sad cos she thinks she blew her chances.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Sep 2015, 23:10
I've got a feeling that this whole thing about Becky trying to stabilise her life is going to turn into a comedic learning experience for her and Dana both about the nature of real world adult life.

Meanwhile, because they're wandering around Bloomington, Becky and Dina are nicely out of Ross's field of view. He'll return to the campus, find that no-one has seen Becky recently and that she'd been telling everyone that she was only staying for the weekend.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Sep 2015, 13:33
A masterful plan there BenRG

And I love Beckys optimism here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 26 Sep 2015, 03:46
That's the Mike we all know and love
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Sep 2015, 04:00
That's the Mike we all know
Yep
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Sep 2015, 05:40
I really think that Sal should give Joyce the requested ride. One way or the other, it will shut her up. Either she'll be so scared that she'll never ask again or she'll like it so much, she'll save up to buy her own bike!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Sep 2015, 12:52
I can't hear "chopper" referring to a motorcycle without thinking of Zed.

Who's Zed?

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Sep 2015, 15:36
Awww, come on Sal, you owe her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Sep 2015, 23:13
Meanwhile, Walky has decided to address his own problems by buying a ticket for a cruise down Deriver Denial to Reality Falls. I just hope it isn't one-way!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Sep 2015, 12:46
I think both Sal AND Walky are paddling down the River Nile.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Sep 2015, 14:53
I wonder why Walky and Sal are in the same class. You'd think Walky would've taken AP classes in high school.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 27 Sep 2015, 20:44
I wonder why Walky and Sal are in the same class. You'd think Walky would've taken AP classes in high school.

I have a feeling that part if why Walky was so successful in highschool is that he never did more than he had to. Being in NHS doesn't mean you're in advanced classes, just that your GPA is high. You can do that by just taking easy classes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Sep 2015, 21:06
Dun dun dunnnnnnnnn
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Sep 2015, 23:10
I'm pretty sure that Walky is going to melt down at this point. He's clearly decided that he can hide his problems from everyone who matters (most notably his parents). However, eventually he's going to have to pass tests to advance in his classes and that isn't easy.

Meanwhile, I've got the feeling that Mike is on a "Cruel to be kind because it's fun" path. Basically, get Walky to accept help by making his life unbearable.

P.S.: Spending all his time drawing space aliens, huh? Is Walky another part of Willis's autobiographical characterisation of himself in this strip?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 Sep 2015, 06:24
Yeah, I'm (almost) alone in the echoey lobby of my community college and I audibly chuckled, catching the attention of the one other person in the room. She gave me a weird look, but I can't explain why Mike knowing things is bad news for Walky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Sep 2015, 06:38
I wonder why Walky and Sal are in the same class. You'd think Walky would've taken AP classes in high school.

I have a feeling that part if why Walky was so successful in highschool is that he never did more than he had to. Being in NHS doesn't mean you're in advanced classes, just that your GPA is high. You can do that by just taking easy classes.
Maybe my school was different but honors classes were worth more to your GPA than standard, and high honors/AP were worth even more.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Sep 2015, 07:45
Yeah, I'm (almost) alone in the echoey lobby of my community college and I audibly chuckled, catching the attention of the one other person in the room. She gave me a weird look, but I can't explain why Mike knowing things is bad news for Walky

Because Mike also knows Walky wants to keep that a secret. Which means Mike has a way to torment Walky, whenever he so chooses. And since it's Mike, he will use that. It's pointless to even ask him to keep it quiet, that will just make him want to torment Walky even more.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 Sep 2015, 11:23
Yeah, I'm (almost) alone in the echoey lobby of my community college and I audibly chuckled, catching the attention of the one other person in the room. She gave me a weird look, but I can't explain why Mike knowing things is bad news for Walky

Because Mike also knows Walky wants to keep that a secret. Which means Mike has a way to torment Walky, whenever he so chooses. And since it's Mike, he will use that. It's pointless to even ask him to keep it quiet, that will just make him want to torment Walky even more.

See. and I know that, but I'm familiar with the strip. This girl was on the far end of the room, and I don't know, but I'd be surprised if she knew DoA. I just went back to smiling at my phone and after a second or two, she went back to whatever she was doing, probably waiting on the business office to open, from where she sat
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Sep 2015, 11:44
Was Mike actually nice for a panel or two?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Sep 2015, 12:05
Nah, not really. I mean on someone else those statements could sound decent enough. But when dealing with Mike, you should always add a silent 'You idiot' to the end of each of his sentences. Plus, he knows the value of stringing someone along a bit before dropping the hammer. People are often very good at abusing themselves and freaking themselves at. Sometimes it just takes a little nudge to start them/keep them going and Mike gets to soak in that sweet, sweet anguish.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Sep 2015, 12:57
Even if it wasn't intentionally nice, Walky definitely needed to hear that first bit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 28 Sep 2015, 13:14
I think Mike's motto is to be cruel to be kind, or to be cruel to be cruel, whatever works in the moment.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Sep 2015, 23:28
You know, I really think that we're up for a big paradigm shift in the relationships surrounding Sal in the very near future. I suspect that she's going to decide that actually talking to Joyce is the only way she's going to get to have her leave her alone. The thing is... I don't think that conversation will turn out the way either of them hoped!

Actually, to save time, I'll just quote my comment on the subject from dumbingofage.com:
Quote

I do think that the time has come for Sal to actually talk to Joyce about how she’s always pestering her and her feelings about it. Joyce isn’t stupid and she isn’t socially unaware and would actually ease off if Sal asked her to do so. The problem is that Sal isn’t comfortable with interacting with people outside of her tiny circle and typically tries a strategy of avoidance and antisocial behaviour to try to drive them away. Unfortunately, Joyce simply doesn’t get it; she needs to be told.

The thing is? I have a sneaking suspicion that, if they get to actually talking, Joyce and Sal may have a lot of surprises in store for each other. Neither of them will get what they want from the conversation but they may get things that they need.

Possibility: Joyce will be hanging out with Sal in town, learning more of her real like (as opposed to the cool illusion), so ToeDad can’t find her in campus when she returns.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Sep 2015, 15:05
Sals version of Show and Tell.

Se really does need to expand her circle though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Sep 2015, 23:25
It's going to be quite a struggle for Sal during this encounter. Will her need to present an antisocial armour to the world override her simple humanity and sympathy for Joyce?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Near Lurker on 30 Sep 2015, 00:21
This strip, coming on the heels of the last one, really drives home the difference between the two verses.  In both, she's "one with triangle grin" - but in this one, she's also a rape victim.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 Sep 2015, 08:26
The chapter title makes sense to me now, though not in the Wicked lyrics fashion. Sal's needs to be brought back to Earth, she's got this elevated sense of self, like she's just better than other people, Joyce, for example. She's had a different life than everyone but possibly Marcie, but that doesn't mean she has to hold herself away from everybody else the way she is. She's gotta be grounded...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Sep 2015, 13:19
This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship











Or a complete train wreck
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Sep 2015, 13:26
This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship

...

Or a complete train wreck

Knowing Willis, most probably one leading to the other. The question remaining to be answered is: Which leading to which?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 Sep 2015, 21:05
Joyce, I actually relate to that feeling, though I've never started hyperventilating in that specific situation. I just distracted myself with other things and did my best to become the wall
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Sep 2015, 21:15
Comeon Sal, ya can see she's not doing too well there.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Sep 2015, 23:16
I've been thinking about panel 1. In many ways, both women in today's strip were afraid of something. Sal was afraid of opening up and being vulnerable to someone emotionally, so she was planning to run away from Joyce (in a self-confident, swaggering way but still effectively running away). Joyce, on the other hand, has been so messed up by her traumatic fear that she's having a full-blown flashback.

I think that Sal is about to face one of her life's greatest challenges: How does she help Joyce and what is her own personal pride and defensiveness worth?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Oct 2015, 04:32
Come on Sal, ya can see she's not doing too well there.
Well yeah, that's why she came back. Maybe she does care after all.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 01 Oct 2015, 06:16
I feel so bad for Joyce here. Panic and anxiety attacks suck, especially in public.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Oct 2015, 23:22
Something tells me that the gruff, aloof exterior is such a part of Sal's self-identity that she's even learned how to be caring without breaking character. At 18-19 years old, that's quite the achievement!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Oct 2015, 14:27
Sal, Professional Untherapist Extraordinaire
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Oct 2015, 23:51
Sal is learning an important thing today: Other people have problems and difficult lives too! Most importantly, you miss a lot of fun and/or important stuff if you are just trying to stay aloof because you are afraid of being emotionally vulnerable to people.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Oct 2015, 05:17
Wait, Joyce was the wang drawer?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 03 Oct 2015, 09:33
Yup.

http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/04-the-whiteboard-dong-bandit/thewhiteboarddingdongbandit/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Oct 2015, 09:39
Wait, Joyce was the wang drawer?
When I saw this comment I didn't realize that "drawer" was being used as "one who draws" and not "a retractable container."  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Oct 2015, 09:41
Cheers, Pilchard.

Cesium, it would've been less ambiguous out loud, they're pronounced differently.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Oct 2015, 21:46
So...why does Joyce hate Walky again?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 03 Oct 2015, 22:50
I don't understand the question.. Do you mean why does Sal hate Walky?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Oct 2015, 23:35
If Sal achieves anything, it will be to persuade Joyce that her fear/indecision loop regarding Dorothy is senseless and that she's just got to learn to take emotional risks if she wants a friendship to work. That is, of course, ironic as Sal herself almost never lets herself take any kind of emotional risk.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Oct 2015, 07:13
I fixed it. I meant why does Joyce hate Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Oct 2015, 09:05
SAL IS SMILING WITH AMUSEMENT AT JOYCE

This may mean nothing. I hope it means she's softening her distaste.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 04 Oct 2015, 10:02
I fixed it. I meant why does Joyce hate Walky.

I think Joyce might be exaggerating her feelings to try to curry favor with Sal, but during just about every other interaction between Joyce and Walky he, sometimes intentionally and sometimes not, says something that scandalizes or angers her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Oct 2015, 14:11
A shared 'Interest' - that's one way to start things off.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Oct 2015, 14:15
I fixed it. I meant why does Joyce hate Walky.

I think Joyce might be exaggerating her feelings to try to curry favor with Sal, but during just about every other interaction between Joyce and Walky he, sometimes intentionally and sometimes not, says something that scandalizes or angers her.

I think this is right. She doesn't really like Walky, he's a bit of a jerk towards her, but she's never been actively anti-Walky. Even now, she's just talking.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Oct 2015, 23:21
Okay, opinion time, DoA fans: Why do you think that Joyce was bothered by Dorothy's behaviour? I think that, on some level, it's because Dorothy found the party so boring that she needed to drink to enjoy it. That would borther me too!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 05 Oct 2015, 03:47
No, because at the last party where people got drunk she almost got raped.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 Oct 2015, 06:27
Yeah, I'm going with ChaoSera's thoughts on this. I think it especially bothered her not because Dorothy was drinking so much as that she got drunk at the party that was being thrown specifically for Joyce to get comfortable with the idea of parties again. Instead having people drunk in her room reminds her of that other night. It's something that's been on her mind a lot since the day she had her epiphany that she's been part of problem when it comes to the amount of shit LGBT people go through, and that they don't need fixing. All the fear she's been feeling since the night of her near-rape, and the guilt about how she's treated Becky and Ethan and who knows how many others is coming to a head. Sal is right.. she needs to talk to someone soon or she's going to wind up exploding. She already had kind of a mini boom already trying to get Becky to yell at her to assuage her guilt over her anti-gay statements previously. Which is sad because Joyce is genuinely a nice girl. She's just had her head filled with a lot of bad programming and is having a hard time having to de-program and learning a lot of what she was taught and thought to be true is pretty horrible, actually.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Oct 2015, 14:29
I think Sal would be good for Joyce and visa versa (or however ya spell dat)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Oct 2015, 23:15
Just another indicator of the amount of effort (some of it against at least the spirit of the law) that Ross went to in order to keep Becky under control. It's chilling, in a way, just how dependent that he seems to need her to be.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Oct 2015, 23:48
Indeed
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Oct 2015, 06:22
Ouch. That is going to be a problem. I doubt she has a copy of her birth certificate or a state-issued ID then if she doesn't even know a social security card exists. That could make getting a new one issued difficult.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Oct 2015, 21:09
D'aww, Dina, how do you keep getting more fucking adorable? THERE MUST BE A LIMIT HOW DO YOU KEEP EXCEEDING IT
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Oct 2015, 04:40
THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Oct 2015, 10:04
THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST

DINA AND BECKY ARE NOT MEAN GIRLS, METHOD, DON'T YOU PUT THAT EVIL ON THEM
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Oct 2015, 12:52
Ouch
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Oct 2015, 15:26
THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST

DINA AND BECKY ARE NOT MEAN GIRLS, METHOD, DON'T YOU PUT THAT EVIL ON THEM
They can be some of the nice characters from that movie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Oct 2015, 23:06
Poor Sal! I really feel bad that she needs to present the illusion that she's tough and independent to the point where she is socially isolated. Marcie having a girlfriend and her own life is going to be tough on her, I think. In fact, I've got the feeling that she is going to be standing around until her next class, practising being lonely and wishing that she's just decided to sit with Joyce and listen to her ramble.

So... I'm thinking that Dorothy's screen name is possibly how Walky describes her (it seems to be a 'thing' between them). I'm pretty sure Joyce already knows that and I'm wondering what she thinks about it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 08 Oct 2015, 06:28
Cinnamon roll is a Tumblr way of describing a much loved person.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 08 Oct 2015, 21:58
I wish that I had the strength to not read for the next week or so.  Things are taking a dark turn here, and it'd be nice to at least read towards some sort of resolution building.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Oct 2015, 22:56
It should be interesting to see how things play out. Ross has chosen probably the least favourable environment for him to carry out this confrontation. If Becky refuses to co-operate, he's going to have to carry out a kidnapping in the middle of a street, in broad daylight and after attracting the cops' attention with that swerve. Additionally, it depends on how close we are to the college but there could be a lot of people hanging around who aren't going to just stand by and let things happen.


[edit]
Oh, possible spoiler (http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/post/130773484652/hank):
(click to show/hide)

Maybe fallout from the arc starting today?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 09 Oct 2015, 00:20
(http://1111now.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/when-sh_t-hits-the-fan.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 09 Oct 2015, 01:50
God fucking damn you Willis, not excited to see how this plays out.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Oct 2015, 06:13
Possible outcome of the current arc (anticlimactic but not unrealistic, IMO):

We cut away for a few strips so we can follow Joyce’s traumatic reconciliation (in her mind) with Dorothy. It will be cute and bitter-sweet. Cute because Dorothy doesn’t know that there is anything wrong and bitter-sweet because it will demonstrate just how deeply Joyce’s friendship for her runs and how heartbroken she was at the thought of there being enmity between them.

After that, we cut back to Becky and her dad sitting on a bench. He’s trying to persuade her to try the ‘intensive cure’ class he’s found (“Look! They even have colour brochures!”). She keeps on refusing. He gets angry but also sad. There is a bit of semi-religious rhetoric and maybe threats to cut her off with nothing. He tells her that, if she refuses, then she’s an orphan and he’s childless. She agrees to those terms. There is a long, dead pause (one silent panel before)…

“Well, okay. Goodbye, stranger. I doubt we’ll meet again.”

“Bye.” A beat then. “I’ll need my Social Security number.”

“I’ll post the stuff to Joyce Brown. I have no doubt she’ll know where to find you.” Then Ross gets in his car and drives off as Becky breaks down on Dina’s shoulder.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 09 Oct 2015, 06:23
Yeah, given what little we've seen of his personality so far I'm kind of thinking Ross isn't going to just back off and give up after a civil conversation.  Or what we know of Becky either, for that matter. I forsee a lot of yelling and people getting involved. I don't know if any kind of campus police will show up though. So far I don't think they've made an on screen appearance. We've just heard of some of the things they've done like towing Ross's car.

Still we knew this was going to happen eventually. Becky does kind of stand out with that hair, and just walking around town and campus when her dad was looking for her meant he was either going to wind up spotting her, or find someone who recognized her but didn't knot he situation to direct him. And really, it's something that needs to happen. Even if Joyce successfully lied to Toedad and convinced him that Becky had already left for... somewhere, that would only be delaying the inevitable.

I'll be honest, the only way I was able to get away from my abusive father was to cut all my ties with the life he knew of and move to a state I'd never been before. And to be honest, I made it quite clear in my parting letter that I wanted nothing more to do with him, ever. That I was done trying to make our relationship work. He still could have tracked me down if he really wanted, even given that. He did manage to get a letter to me through the one cousin I stayed in contact with for a while. But since I didn't change my name right away there was a paper trail he could have followed if he wanted.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Oct 2015, 13:11
Fuck
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 09 Oct 2015, 13:37
Fuck

This was my response.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 09 Oct 2015, 19:54
Aye.  Too bad Dina's T-Rex hat doesn't give her the ability to bite a person in half.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 09 Oct 2015, 20:01
She needed to be wearing her triceratop. That way she could gore Toedad with the stuffed horn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 09 Oct 2015, 20:15
Ooh!  And parade the SD around as a trophy.  Like "look at what I gored".  Might make Dina feel better about the whole thing that happened with Amber's SD.

Edit: ToeSD really needs to die, in the most prolonged and painful way possible to humanity.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 09 Oct 2015, 21:08
Well then... someone's going to make the news there...  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Oct 2015, 21:55
As fucked up as things are, I still couldn't help but notice...do we usually see Becky's eye and eyebrow THROUGH her hair?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 09 Oct 2015, 22:30
I wasn't expecting that.  But in retrospect, maybe I should have been.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Oct 2015, 00:33
Okay, even in my worst scenarios, I hadn't expected him to start raving about Becky and Dina being punished "by God's hand" and then pull out a gun. Willis may say no death, but I can't see this ending without blood.

It may be interesting to see how the Browns react to this. Joyce may be surprised just how sympathetic they are to Ross's plight.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 10 Oct 2015, 04:25
Oh. Oh, shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 10 Oct 2015, 04:33
I expected this to escalate this quickly, but definitely not this far. Can't wait for the next strips.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 10 Oct 2015, 04:48
I won't spoil tomorrow's strip, but just remember, that Becky and Dina didn't see him grab the gun when they scarpered.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 10 Oct 2015, 05:58
What the fuck, Willis?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Oct 2015, 06:04
I won't spoil tomorrow's strip, but just remember, that Becky and Dina didn't see him grab the gun when they scarpered.

I have my suspicions about where this is going and how it's going to be presented. In terms of dramatic tension, it is a brilliant idea and will leave the audience glued to the page waiting for updates. In terms of emotional abuse of the audience, it will border on bloodsport.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 10 Oct 2015, 08:03
I.. really didn't expect things to go there. I think we seriously underestimated how warped Ross is.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Oct 2015, 12:08
Bloody 'ell!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Oct 2015, 12:32
I.. really didn't expect things to go there. I think we seriously underestimated how warped Ross is.
Yeah, the general consensus here seemed to be "well, at least he's not as bad as Amber's dad" and then holy shit he's worse.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Oct 2015, 23:28
Things seem to be heading towards a climactic and very public confrontation in the college quad. This reduces the likelihood of bloodshed but I do think that it is going to be stressful and traumatic. It also means that Becky's secret is firmly out.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 11 Oct 2015, 05:02
Don't forget about Dina, though. We don't know which direction she ran.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Oct 2015, 06:09
I can't help but thing Amazi-Girl is going to show up during all of this. I don't think Joyce has a way to contact her though? I'm not sure who she would be calling to help.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 11 Oct 2015, 07:08
I think she's calling Dorothy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 11 Oct 2015, 07:31
Oh, and just because there's a lot of people confused about the sequence of events in the comments over on DoA...

Word of Willis regarding the sequence of events. (http://itswalky.tumblr.com/post/130927548682/did-becky-see-toedad-pull-out-his-gun-or-did-she)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 11 Oct 2015, 10:05
A lot of people are wondering why she didn't call the police, but based on today's strip she a. doesn't know about the gun, and b. if you're a teenage runaway - even from an abusive situation - more often than not the cops will not be your friends.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Oct 2015, 12:16
I'm hoping someone in that group of people in the background has called the Cops.  It'll be interesting to see who Joyce has Texted.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Oct 2015, 13:55
I'm hoping someone in that group of people in the background has called the Cops.  It'll be interesting to see who Joyce has Texted.

To account '@PingAmaziGrrl' - "I'm by the fountain! Come help quick!" Then she screams for Sal. Sal and Amber are about to be forced to confront their respective demons to protect the innocent (something they both believe in). In her own way, so will Joyce.

A nearby bystander tells the newspapers about two girls being saved by what he describes as "Three Angels of Justice".  :wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Oct 2015, 14:19
Guy screeches to a halt, gets out and starts yelling at a couple of college students. They bolt into the woods and he pulls out a rifle and chases after them. I sure as heck hope someone calls the police... I don't see how Ross figures this is going to end well for him. Oh wait, yes I do. He 'has God on his side'.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 11 Oct 2015, 16:47
I'm hoping someone in that group of people in the background has called the Cops.  It'll be interesting to see who Joyce has Texted.

(click to show/hide)

Also, regardless of how it turns out, the police and campus authorities will be alerted to Becky's presence. Meaning no more living in Billie's room amongst other potential issues.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 11 Oct 2015, 21:05
Okay, Dina, GO FOR THE FUCKING EYES!  His arms are down, so he can't block you, and your arms are in the right place.  And a totally blinded toe-dad who has no eyeballs won't be able to shoot for shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Oct 2015, 21:27
Dinaraptor attack

This will not go well
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Oct 2015, 21:45
It's going better than I could've hoped from Saturday's comic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Oct 2015, 23:15
Oh. How silly. I sort of hoped... Well, it doesn't matter. I'll keep reading the strip but this is a step into Walkyverse-style (although not Walkyverse-level) surreality that sort of undermines the whole strip.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Oct 2015, 23:23
You didn't think this comic was surreal before today?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Oct 2015, 23:25
You didn't think this comic was surreal before today?

No. It was extreme in places (for example, I doubt that many people in Amber's position would really turn themselves into costumed vigilantes) but it was still generally believable as something that is meant to reflect the real world. This strip is just too silly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Oct 2015, 23:25
How is it sillier than Amazigirl?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Oct 2015, 23:44
How is it sillier than Amazigirl?

Maybe it's all in the eye of the beholder. To me, Amazi-Girl was at least plausible if highly unlikely. Ultimately, you can explain it by reference to her mental health issues.

However, today's strip just seems to be Willis releasing his inner Jurassic Park fanboy and it doesn't seem like anything the character would actually do. Dina might pretend to think she's a dinosaur to avoid awkward conversations but she doesn't really think she's a dinosaur! To me, he's just broken the character of Dina and wrecked the drama of the scene.

FWIW, I can see this ending in one of the following ways:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Oct 2015, 06:19
SPOILER ALERT: Preview Artwork (31/1/16) (http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/post/130982940987/january-31-2016)
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Oct 2015, 11:46
See, BenRG, you take it as ridiculous that Ross would have seen Jurassic Park, I take it as evidence he at least saw it himself before declaring it ungodly. Whether he's making the reference intentionally, that's actually up for some debate, because it's not necessarily just a reference; it's a full, logical statement, considering Dina has just outwitted him. It's probably a reference, but it might not be one he's making consciously.

Either way, it's happened, it's canonical, and it's pretty obviously a matter of pacing out the strip and giving Becky the chance of getting to the fountain. I agree with your point about Dina; I don't see her coming out of this unscathed, though I don't know if her injuries will be nearly fatal.

Any case, it appears the gun is out of his grasp, which is a good sign.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Stoon on 12 Oct 2015, 15:25
See, BenRG, you take it as ridiculous that Ross would have seen Jurassic Park, I take it as evidence he at least saw it himself before declaring it ungodly. Whether he's making the reference intentionally, that's actually up for some debate, because it's not necessarily just a reference; it's a full, logical statement, considering Dina has just outwitted him. It's probably a reference, but it might not be one he's making consciously.

Either way, it's happened, it's canonical, and it's pretty obviously a matter of pacing out the strip and giving Becky the chance of getting to the fountain. I agree with your point about Dina; I don't see her coming out of this unscathed, though I don't know if her injuries will be nearly fatal.

Any case, it appears the gun is out of his grasp, which is a good sign.
Religious people don't need to see/read things before declaring them ungodly.  You hear them talking about Harry Potter teaching witchcraft is good and that's ungodly, and you know they haven't read Harry Potter.   You hear them criticize Dogma for things that weren't in the film, and you know they haven't seen Dogma.  You hear them talking about satanic rock music, and you know they haven't listened to the music.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Oct 2015, 15:54
See, BenRG, you take it as ridiculous that Ross would have seen Jurassic Park, I take it as evidence he at least saw it himself before declaring it ungodly. Whether he's making the reference intentionally, that's actually up for some debate, because it's not necessarily just a reference; it's a full, logical statement, considering Dina has just outwitted him. It's probably a reference, but it might not be one he's making consciously.

Either way, it's happened, it's canonical, and it's pretty obviously a matter of pacing out the strip and giving Becky the chance of getting to the fountain. I agree with your point about Dina; I don't see her coming out of this unscathed, though I don't know if her injuries will be nearly fatal.

Any case, it appears the gun is out of his grasp, which is a good sign.
Religious people don't need to see/read things before declaring them ungodly.  You hear them talking about Harry Potter teaching witchcraft is good and that's ungodly, and you know they haven't read Harry Potter.   You hear them criticize Dogma for things that weren't in the film, and you know they haven't seen Dogma.  You hear them talking about satanic rock music, and you know they haven't listened to the music.

Dude, I've grown up in this environment. My parents, thank whatever heavenly body floats your boat, were fringe members who didn't buy into censorship, but I've been around the people who do agree with it for most of my life. They were my elementary school teachers, some of them even taught high school.

Some of them DO actually give something a once-over before agreeing with whoever said it was no good. They're less likely to do this if it was the pastor who was talking shit about it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Oct 2015, 21:12
Today's comic is up and noooooooooooo Becky... curse your high-vis hair color...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 12 Oct 2015, 21:15
Probably a good thing. It means Ross will probably go running after Becky instead of doing whatever he was going to do to Dina.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Oct 2015, 21:16
No, Becky's' high-vis hair color may have saved Dina. And she's in a well-populated area.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Oct 2015, 21:26
This is true, but I have grave doubts about ToeDad's capacity for giving a shit. He thinks God's on his side, people do horrible shit when that's their motivation and they have no solid scriptural evidence behind them. Sometimes they bend scripture to justify it, but Ross hasn't even done that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Oct 2015, 22:01
It's not that he'd care, but that people would be around to stop him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Oct 2015, 01:53
I'm pretty sure that he's going to take a shot at Becky to stop her so he can catch up and carry her off to 'safety'.

It's not that he'd care, but that people would be around to stop him.

I'm wondering if he's not going to understand why people are trying to stop him at first and then get enraged and start lashing out against the 'legions of the devil' (or some similar-sounding delusion). I'm pretty sure he'll try to fight the campus security team if they get in his way.

I'm genuinely wondering if, by the end of this arc, whether Becky is going to be an orphan.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 13 Oct 2015, 03:12
The other thing, if he runs after Becky without taking the gun, Dina will have the gun.

And, in Indiana, due to their stand your ground law, Dina is justified in using deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat if she reasonably believes that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to a third person (Becky) or the commission of a forcible felony. And, in Indiana law, "forcible felony" consists of felonies that involve the use or threat of force against a human being, or which there is imminent danger of bodily injury to a human being - and kidnapping is a felony in Indiana.

Basically, if Ross leaves that gun behind, it's Ross season, 100% legally, per Indiana law.

Now, I'm not saying it's a good idea to do that. It's a terrible idea to do that from a tactical perspective alone - Dina's not familiar with firearms, she'd be firing towards innocents, she'd now be the "person with a gun" - but, let's face it, Dina isn't exercising the greatest judgement here. (I also don't think Willis will go there, though, due to his personal politics, which he's expressed all over the comments section.) But, also, it could be a reason why Ross will make sure to keep the gun from Dina, as he doesn't know any of that, but he almost certainly does understand the mechanics of Indiana's stand your ground law.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Oct 2015, 04:44
Becky is going to be an orphan.
Wait, her mom is dead? When was that covered?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Oct 2015, 04:48
Becky is going to be an orphan.
Wait, her mom is dead? When was that covered?

On their way to the bus station, Ross told Dina that, in retrospect, he should have taken more of a close interest in Becky after her mother 'passed away'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 13 Oct 2015, 05:35
Wow...Becky's dad is chasing her with a gun.  Maybe we'll be surprised and its a tranq gun but I doubt it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 13 Oct 2015, 06:12
Of course, I just realized another way this could go, if Ross decides to focus on Dina, and Willis wants to make a commentary on Indiana's stand your ground law.

He could be under the belief that Dina is kidnapping Becky from him, and therefore feel justified in using lethal force against her that way.

There are probably juries in Indiana that would let Ross off for shooting Dina, with that kind of defense. :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 13 Oct 2015, 07:05
Never before has a webcomic made me so nervous to see every update. God damn you, Willis.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Oct 2015, 13:24
Never before has a webcomic made me so nervous to see every update. God damn you, Willis.

For real. I've been on the edge of my seat for straight up days now. This is not very comfortable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Oct 2015, 15:03
Hooo boy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Oct 2015, 21:13
Fuck you, Willis.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 13 Oct 2015, 21:23
And where is Dina?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Oct 2015, 21:28
And where is Dina?

Running at top speed to catch up, ready to jump in front of a bullet for her girlfriend*


*god I hope I'm wrong
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 13 Oct 2015, 22:14
Unless Willis is lying, Dina will live (he has repeatedly said that he will NOT be killing any of the main cast on Tumblr).  But that doesn't mean nothing got broken, or that she won't get seriously hurt.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Oct 2015, 22:23
Unless Willis is lying, Dina will live (he has repeatedly said that he will NOT be killing any of the main cast on Tumblr).  But that doesn't mean nothing got broken, or that she won't get seriously hurt.

Take it from me, gunshots aren't always deadly. Thanks to someone in the thread that I can't blame because they probably put it under a spoiler tag that I ignored, there is a thing that I will also put in a spoiler tag coming in the near future: 
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Oct 2015, 23:03
And where is Dina?

Probably still lying unconscious in the woods where Ross cold-cocked her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 14 Oct 2015, 00:01
And where is Dina?

Probably still lying unconscious in the woods where Ross cold-cocked her.

Oh so just this once, you're choosing to NOT be the pessimistic dickwagon who imediately assumes terrible things are about to happpen? Did I beat you to the punch? HARRUMPH

YOU ARE MAKING ME LOOK LIKE THE ASSHOLE HERE AND I RESENT YOU FOR THAT, GOOD SIR
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Oct 2015, 04:41
I mean that's still pretty bad. Also the whole "Willis said this on Tumblr" thing is kind of a spoiler, but I guess it's too late to unspoil that particular one. But please spoiler tags for anything not in the comic itself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Oct 2015, 14:02
Or Ross has her in the car.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 14 Oct 2015, 14:43
Or Ross has her in the car.

I doubt that. He wants to confront Becky, dragging her girlfriend to the car and shoving her inside would slow him down
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Oct 2015, 17:52
That would depend on just how much of an ass Ross wanted to be.  I wouldn't put it past him to threaten Dina to get Becky to come with him.


Remember, this asshole just chased after her and Dina with a fucking rifle, so I wouldn't put anything past him at this stage.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 14 Oct 2015, 20:08
It's not a matter of putting it past him, it's a matter of it slowing him down so he couldn't catch Becky. Also, I suspect him of not really planning ahead.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Oct 2015, 23:11
You know what's the most tragic part of the 15/10/15 strip? It's obvious that Becky and Joyce really do have good memories of Ross. At some point in their past, he was able to at least appear to be a good man. Now, whatever happens next, those childhood memories will forever be poisoned by the look on his robot-blank face as he pulled out a gun and pointed it at them. That's a real tragedy, in my view.

It's not a matter of putting it past him, it's a matter of it slowing him down so he couldn't catch Becky. Also, I suspect him of not really planning ahead.

I'd go one step further: Ross may be a control freak; things running out of his control is driving him crazy. He literally can't think about anything except regaining control; nothing else matters. That makes him all the more dangerous because he's basically having a psychotic episode and is capable of doing almost anything and the consequences and realisation of what he has done won't hit him until later.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Oct 2015, 23:24
OK, now I just wanna see someone take this asshole down HARD
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Oct 2015, 03:28
Times like these where I'm glad I support Willis on Patreon, cause of the preview.

Or not ?! Because it's just getting WORSE AND WORSE.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Oct 2015, 03:35
I can't see this ending except as a tragedy. The tragedy will be that Becky's last memory of her father alive will be the look of self-righteous hatred in his eyes when he decides to kill her, a split-second before the Bloomington police shoot him dead.


[edit]
Thank you for the fact-checking, cesium133, albeit presented in a sarcastic tone.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 15 Oct 2015, 03:45
I highly doubt that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Oct 2015, 05:48
I can't see this ending except as a tragedy. The tragedy will be that Becky's last memory of her father alive will be the look of self-righteous hatred in his eyes when he decides to kill her, a split-second before the Bellwood police shoot him dead.
Where is Bellwood, and why are their police in Bloomington?  :roll:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 15 Oct 2015, 05:59
So... Now Ross is pulling a gun out and threatening people in a highly public area on campus. If the Walkyverse is even slightly like the real world, I can't imagine the police are going to be thrilled by this. The SWAT team is already probably rolling. But hey, hey can explain that he wasn't planning on shooting up the school. He was just planning on kidnapping his legally adult daughter after assaulting her girlfriend. At gunpoint. In front of a lot of witnesses.

It could be argued that Dina attacked first. But considering he's been witnessed already hunting after them with a rifle, any lawyer should be able to stick a self defense and fear of her life/protecting others defense against that.

I don't see how this could possibly end well for Ross. Or how he could have expected any of this to go his way. At the best case scenario, even if Becky went along with him at this point the police are going to be talking to him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 15 Oct 2015, 08:00
Well, if Becky does end up becoming an orphan, at least she'll be able to get her personal documents, as well is inheriting any of ToeSD's assets.

Edit:  Spoiler tags used for talking about the previews that Willis posts on tumblr.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Oct 2015, 23:11
I... Okay, this is new. Does anyone else interpret the 16/10 strip as Ross being developmentally disabled? He really doesn't seem to have thought about the consequences of waving a gun around... It actually seems as a surprise to him that anyone might think it is anything threatening! He actually thinks that he's protecting Becky and that's why he brought a gun! I'm really shocked that I hadn't thought of this possibility before

This gives Becky a whole new dilemma. After all, if her father is a risk to himself and to others if left on his own, how does she take responsibility and mitigate this?

Now I'm sure that he killed Becky's mother. It might have been an accident; he may have just lost control in a moment of rage or passion and, as with this current scenario, just not been thinking stuff through to their logical conclusion. Of course, he could never have done something that horrible of his own free will (and it is quite possible that he has no real useful memories of any thought-process of decision-making on his part that led to that point), so it must be Satan's fault.

Poor Becky! What a situation to be in!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 15 Oct 2015, 23:32
Now I'm sure that he killed Becky's mother. It might have been an accident; he may have just lost control in a moment of rage or passion and, as with this current scenario, just not been thinking stuff through to their logical conclusion.

What is the evidence for any of this? Fundamentalists will use 'Satan' as the one-size-fits-all for any bad thing that happens. In someone with views as ingrained as Toedad's, to say that a loved one was taken away 'by Satan' could mean literally any type of physical or mental illness, as well as addiction. She could have died from the flu and he'd still say that Satan took her away.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Oct 2015, 23:36
I'm just drawing an inference from his personality and behaviour shown to date.


[edit]
I've finally worked out. The person who needs to be grounded is Ross. It always was. This was never about Fundamentalism, that was Willis's well-plotted red herring. This is about mental developmental delay and the dangers that can bring to bystanders if a person does not receive the proper care and help.

The clue was in Joyce's shock, not that Ross was threatening them with a gun but that he had a gun at all! However, the first clue was Ross's speech patterns. He sounded a bit odd to me and now I know why. His communications skills reflect his generally low intelligence.

Back home in La Porte, all the men of the congregation know that Ross MacIntyre is a strong, reliable, loving (in a stern way) but ultimately dull-witted and slow man. He's not the sort of man with whom you could trust a lethal weapon and, for that reason, they regularly check to make sure he hasn't bought a gun and the kids all know to tell their parents if they see him with one.

Fortunately, Becky's mother was there; she was always the brains of the operation, really. Who knows what was the basic relationship? The point is that she loved him in a certain way and ensured that he was never left confused and frightened by a world with just a bit too much nuance for him to understand. Because, when a man as strong and slow as Ross gets frightened, they become violent and that could have bad consequences.

Then Becky's mother died but the local community wasn't too worried. The Browns lived nearby and were there to keep Ross grounded; to reassure him when he got confused and stop him from getting frightened and violent. Besides, Becky was going to college soon and, once she'd moved out, more permanent arrangements could be made.

That's when disaster struck. Becky was discovered in a lip-lock with her room-mate. Instead of doing what anyone in La Porte would have known to do - to call Hank Brown and let him explain things to Ross in a way that kept him calm - the Administrators of Anderson did what they were legally required to do and called Becky's parental guardian: Ross.

Ross arrives, confused and upset. As always happened when he was confused and upset, he got aggressive. He started shouting at Becky and manhandling her. He started making promises to 'fix' her, based on a half-remembered conversation with a guy in a bar who claimed that he'd heard homosexuality could be 'cured' by some doctors.

Becky ran but it is quite likely Ross didn't understand the gravity of the situation. To him, it was like the day she smashed that window with her softball and ran away to hide under Joyce's bed. He'd just need to go and fetch her... It might take some effort but that's what is asked of a Christian father. Along the way, he stopped at a gun fair. He knew that Becky was in danger and, like a good Christian father, he wanted to be ready to defend her. To die for her, if necessary.

This is the genius of Willis choosing a Ruger 1v rifle. It looks a lot like a Winchester Plainsman lever action, the sort of weapon someone like Ross might associate with the stereotype of the heroic male defending his family (thanks to Western films and TV shows). However, it is a lot simpler. Basically, Ross was too dull to get a more combat-able weapon; he just got the one that was easiest for him to operate. It's the sort of weapon someone might select who really didn't know guns but just wanted one that fit into a stereotype of 'a good guy's gun' based on it looking like one.

What about the fight with Dina? Well, how would a five-year old boy react if a smaller girl jumped on his back and started scratching him? That's basically what we're dealing with here.

So we come to now. Ross is frightened and confused. All he knows is that he has to protect Becky, no matter the cost. He isn't able to reason effectively enough to realise that he is the threat. So, what Becky has to do is talk him down. Tell him that he doesn't have to die for her; things aren't that bad yet. What she wants from him, what she needs from him is to live for her so she isn't all alone in the world.

She needs him to put down the gun. Give it to Joyce so she can stand guard until the police arrive and take him to where Hank can come and collect him and take him home.

The future? Ross did wrong but, fortunately, it is unlikely that anyone was seriously hurt. A decent lawyer might get him remanded into the Browns' custody. They'll have to sell the MacIntyre house and Ross will probably have to move into their spare room. However, that's a good thing. Living with the Browns means that someone will always be there to keep an eye on him and keep him calm; stop him getting confused and frightened in this way ever again. I can even imagine that he'll be happier not having to live alone but be in a family again and occasionally reading letters from Becky (although they'll likely have to be censored by Joyce or Dorothy to stop her from accidentally triggering him again).

With a little bit of luck and time, Becky may find a woman to marry and a confused but happy Ross (because his little girl is happy and that's what really matters) may give her away at her wedding.

He'll always need someone to ground him but it is unfair to expect Becky to have to do that forever. It's a good thing that she's got friends and an extended surrogate family to help her do so.

As a postscript, I want to confront the charge of "ableism".

I'm not saying that Ross is doing this because he suffers from some kind of developmental delay. What I'm saying is that the combination of that with the intolerant brand of fundamentalism and an aggressive culture that insists that "a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do" along with his own immense natural strength all taken together have led to this outcome.

People rightly condemn simplistic narratives for violence like 'inspired by rock music' or 'influenced by violent video games'. The truth is always that each individual has a complex narrative of influences, mental health, triggers and environment that lead them to an outcome. I've just got the feeling that this is the specific set of circumstances that has led Ross to this place and time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 16 Oct 2015, 04:01
That's an awfully detailed account of something that may not be true, but it's a nice theory.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Oct 2015, 05:24
"Awfully detailed" is kind of Benergy's thing. I'm just glad it's positive this time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Oct 2015, 11:13
This will not end well.


Pessimistic I know, but considering how close to real life this comic can get on occasion, I have expectations of this going horribly pear shaped.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Oct 2015, 21:53
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 16 Oct 2015, 22:49
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 17 Oct 2015, 00:20
She might try slipping hints anyway. "Dad, I haven't eaten all day. Can we please drive to that KFC at the next road exit to <insert city>?"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 17 Oct 2015, 00:43
Fuck, that third panel hurts me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 17 Oct 2015, 02:00
What's love GPS got to do with it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 17 Oct 2015, 03:40
The phone's location is sent to 911, so police know where it is.

In any case, there's two valid strategies here.

The first is Becky's agreeing to get in the car - this will de-escalate the situation, and the police are still going to get involved now that this has happened.

The other is one that I've thought of from the commenters on DoA's site pointing something out, but it requires them getting the gun's model correct - apparently it's a Ruger Model 1V, which is a single shot weapon. Basically, Ross just wasted his one shot, and would take a significant time reloading the weapon - meaning, effectively, it's just a club, not a gun, right now, if someone were to charge him. And now I'm wondering if Becky knows that (note her being the only one not taking any sort of cover against the shot), and is planning on doing something by getting close to Ross.

Edit: OK, reading through the comments there, they noticed that he reloaded it in panel 3. So, nope, he's still got a gun, not a club.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 17 Oct 2015, 04:10
It's not like the police need GPS to track a phone, though. With cell tower triangulation alone they can get a pretty accurate position
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Oct 2015, 05:44
I'm puzzled why Ross has his eyes closed when he's firing his gun. One possibility is that he has just near missed his own face. The message to Becky is this - "Co-operate or the next one goes in through the bottom of my jaw and out of the top of my skull". Worse, I don't think that it is emotional blackmail. If he doesn't get what he wants...? Well, he's childish enough to 'take his ball and go home' in the most absolute terms imaginable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 17 Oct 2015, 05:50
Uh, no. He was holding the receiver end up near his face. It was quite loud, he probably closed his eyes out of reflex. He may not be used to firing guns. Joyce was genuinely surprised that he owned one. It's possible that before he started this trip to find Becky that he didn't. I'm more surprised by all the people just milling around the fountain when a guy with a gun is screaming at two girls. Or at least talking angrily. It took the gunshot to make them react instead of people starting to back the heck away once they saw the gun.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Oct 2015, 06:08
I'm more surprised by all the people just milling around the fountain when a guy with a gun is screaming at two girls. Or at least talking angrily. It took the gunshot to make them react instead of people starting to back the heck away once they saw the gun.

Typical modern people - Don't look at and don't care about anything not immediately affecting them. The first time most of them realised he had a gun... or was even there was when he fired.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 17 Oct 2015, 06:51
I'm more surprised by all the people just milling around the fountain when a guy with a gun is screaming at two girls. Or at least talking angrily. It took the gunshot to make them react instead of people starting to back the heck away once they saw the gun.

I'm not. I'm in a theatre for social change class where we recently did invisible theatre projects (think of "What Would You Do," except you don't actually tell other people it's a performance, unless you have to prevent the police being called or something). People are really, really unobservant, especially when they're walking to class.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 17 Oct 2015, 07:00
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Oct 2015, 07:26
I'm more surprised by all the people just milling around the fountain when a guy with a gun is screaming at two girls. Or at least talking angrily. It took the gunshot to make them react instead of people starting to back the heck away once they saw the gun.

I'm not. I'm in a theatre for social change class where we recently did invisible theatre projects (think of "What Would You Do," except you don't actually tell other people it's a performance, unless you have to prevent the police being called or something). People are really, really unobservant, especially when they're walking to class.
I hope you don't film those. Filming people without their permission is kinda shitty.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 17 Oct 2015, 10:13
I'm more surprised by all the people just milling around the fountain when a guy with a gun is screaming at two girls. Or at least talking angrily. It took the gunshot to make them react instead of people starting to back the heck away once they saw the gun.

I'm not. I'm in a theatre for social change class where we recently did invisible theatre projects (think of "What Would You Do," except you don't actually tell other people it's a performance, unless you have to prevent the police being called or something). People are really, really unobservant, especially when they're walking to class.
I hope you don't film those. Filming people without their permission is kinda shitty.

No. I was only using the show as an example because it's the only one people recognize. I'd encourage you to do some reading on actual invisible theatre. It's not about tricking or embarrassing people.

The point though, is that college students were extremely unresponsive to situations involving theft, depression, and even domestic abuse. Granted, this situation is a lot more extreme. But I'm just saying it's not unthinkable for people to not be very good at noticing things, especially since the people who did notice the gun in the last panel may have run away.

What I'm surprised at is, assuming people have been calling the police, the alarms and cell phone alerts haven't started going off already. Even if the police take a few minutes to catch up as Ross moves around campus, in the post-Virgina Tech era colleges, especially very large ones like IU, have alert systems that can be activated instantly as soon as a call like that comes in.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 17 Oct 2015, 11:57
Humans are notoriously bad at noticing things they are not expecting to see. We literally can't see things directly in front of us if our attention is on something else, even in line of sight.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Oct 2015, 13:50
Shit.  Bad idea I think

I think the Cops should turn up next.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 17 Oct 2015, 18:30
Pretty sure Amazi-Girl is gonna show up soon.  Joyce told Becky (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-6/01-to-those-whod-ground-me/hivis/) she was going to get some help, and she's had A-Girl's number since the Whiteboard Ding-Dong Bandit incident, and probably thinks a masked vigilante will be helpful in this situation.  Of course, that was before Ross showed up with a gun...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 17 Oct 2015, 19:38
Not sure what it's worth, but there's a reason you never point your gun to the sky in a populated area.

Gravity.

Even if we get Ross to cooperate and leave quietly, there's potential damage imminent.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Oct 2015, 20:14
Yeah, I wonder where that bullet's gonna land.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Oct 2015, 21:44
Fuck.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 17 Oct 2015, 22:31
Becky sacrificed herself for Joyce.  Otherwise, if someone is trying to force you into a car at gunpoint, even in a public place, you fight them tooth and nail, 'cos at least that way, you'll die more quickly.  She knows that whatever happens to her, it will not be good.  But at least Joyce will be safe.  I don't know if I could have done that for anyone.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Oct 2015, 22:46
Damn!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Oct 2015, 01:01
I'm pretty sure that Becky is doing this so she can get him out of the crisis zone and talk him down without him freaking out about his imminent "heroic last stand" and it impairing his already-weak reasoning skills. I just wonder how often Becky and her mother have had to do this in the past and whether others (like Joyce's parents) knew about it?

Isn't it odd that I'm the optimist today? :wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 18 Oct 2015, 05:40
Speaking of that bullet: I'm pretty sure that's a shotgun, which should mean that there's no bullet but rather pellets which slow down enough so there's no damage when they fall back down (which is why shotguns are used for hunting, a sport which involves a lot of shooting in the air!).
This post was sent from Tapatalk inside my phone!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 18 Oct 2015, 06:14
Well, that, and hitting any bird that isn't flightless with a rifle would be quite a challenge.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 18 Oct 2015, 08:42
if someone is trying to force you into a car at gunpoint, even in a public place, you fight them tooth and nail, 'cos at least that way, you'll die more quickly.

Ergh. This is dangerously ambiguous advice. A brief search for "what to do if you are taken hostage" points to this guide:
http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-an-Abduction-or-Hostage-Situation
which basically says to behave depending on the situation. (Incidentally, the advice given there matches advice handed out by official institutions).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Oct 2015, 09:07
The biggest difference between this situation and say, a random kidnapping is that it's unlikely that Ross is taking Becky away to be physically harmed. If you think someone is grabbing you to take you some place where they can do much worse or that you may never be seen again then yes, fight for everything you can. Because if you let your attacker control your environment it will become much more difficult to escape. Becky going along with her dad is best of bad choices here. Letting him stay and get more wound up was going to end up with someone getting shot. Either Ross will fire the next shot at someone, or the police will show up. And it's pretty likely that Ross is so far gone at this point that nobody was going to be talking him down. Becky going with him for now will let him calm down off his adrenaline high and maybe think a little more calmly and rationally. Also she (and we) still don't know what happened to Dina. It seems unlikely that she wouldn't have set off for the fountain as soon as Ross left, if she were able.

The situation now is bad, and will get worse if Ross can get Becky home and isolate her. I wouldn't put it past him to lock her up until she 'saw the light and returned to Jesus'. But at least right now the immediate danger of someone being shot has been stopped.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 18 Oct 2015, 09:23
A horrifying thought... we still don't know where Dina is, and as Neko_Ali said,  if Dina were able, she'd go to the fountain.  I had been wondering what Ross was going to say to Dina after "I should..." His plan may be to force her to go to gay camp along with Becky to cure them both.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Oct 2015, 09:31
He did say that he hadn't hurt anyone. I think he's a terrible person, but I didn't think he was lying about that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 18 Oct 2015, 09:32
Becky should still have Dina's phone and Ross doesn't know but unless he takes his concentration off Becky, she won't have much chance to use it. I'd also guess if Ross found it, he'd break or chuck it. As mentioned earlier, if Dina's phone has its location on, Dina can probably track it using Find My Phone functions so it won't be up to Becky alone, even if it feels like that.

Although at this point, Becky might feel leaving could be too dangerous for herself and other people even if she gets the chance.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Oct 2015, 09:36
I'd say staying is considerably more dangerous.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 18 Oct 2015, 09:38
He did say that he hadn't hurt anyone. I think he's a terrible person, but I didn't think he was lying about that.
He wouldn't necessarily be lying. He's large enough he could simply pick her up and stuff her in the trunk of the car...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 18 Oct 2015, 09:58
I'd say staying is considerably more dangerous.

True but it's a common feeling in an abusive relationship, whether it's romantic or parental or otherwise, that it becomes the Abused's responsibility to cover and protect others. (Obviously not saying this should be the case, I'm saying that being in abusive situation fucks you up, to grossly oversimplify it.) Becky's seen how far her father is willing to go and she might not want to risk putting her friends in danger again, even if it means the chance getting herself out of it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 18 Oct 2015, 11:29
SPOILER about Dina (http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/post/131265907762/january-28-2016-rest-easy) from Willis's tumblr.  Try not to click it, I dare you.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 18 Oct 2015, 11:30
SPOILER about Dina (http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/post/131265907762/january-28-2016-rest-easy) from Willis's tumblr.  Try not to click it, I dare you.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 18 Oct 2015, 11:40
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Oct 2015, 11:51
Staying strong...not easy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 18 Oct 2015, 18:20
Staying strong...not easy.

Ugh, I just increased my monthly donations on Willis's Patreon account, which means I get to see tomorrow's comic a day early, but he just posted the next comic after tomorrow's, so now I got nothing to read for the next two days.  Beginning to understand your spoiler-aversion.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 18 Oct 2015, 18:26
That's one reason (aside from me just being cheap  :roll: ) that I never bothered with Patreon. Yeah, you get to see tomorrow's comic early, but that effectively just means you get two comics in one day, and then if you cancel your Patreon account you have to wait an extra day for the next comic. I don't really consider it worth it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 18 Oct 2015, 18:33
I originally just chipped in a few bucks to see the two monthly bonus strips, and donated a few dollars to Jeph when he offered bonus comics as well, but I'm starting to like DoA more than QC (and Jeph's only posting bonus strips if his Patreon goes over ten grand a month, which it hasn't lately, so what's the point?), so I stopped supporting Jeph and upped my donations to Willis instead.  Maybe I'll lower the amount by a dollar just to avoid early comics...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Oct 2015, 18:59
How much do you need for Willis's to see a day early? If it's a dollar a month I'd consider it, otherwise...eh.

Or maybe I could just befriend someone who gets the strip a day early and have them send it to me. But even then, yeah, once I see the first "future" one, I'm still waiting a day for the next strip like usual.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 18 Oct 2015, 19:09
https://www.patreon.com/dumbingofage?ty=h

$5 a month. $1 gets you the twice monthly Patreon-only bonus strips.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Oct 2015, 19:12
See, those actually seem more valuable, the extra four just gets you stuff a day early, the first dollar gets you stuff you'd never get.

If you sign up for the dollar level, is there a way to see the bonus strips from the past?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 18 Oct 2015, 19:25
Yeah,  all the bonus strips are archived. 

I wasn't really thinking early comic = bonus when I decided to donate more.  $5 seemed like a decent amount, is all.  I'm just annoyed that I looked ahead two days.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Oct 2015, 19:52
Just became a $1 patron. I figure I'll look at all the bonus strips when I finish It's Walky/Joyce and Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 18 Oct 2015, 20:42
My "trick" is that I'll just sometimes forget about reading the comic, and then I'll just read up on the main page. That way I can have an additional day in the most crucial moments!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 18 Oct 2015, 20:57
It certainly doesn't help when it's an arc like this.  The last thing I want to see here is Becky being sent to one of those anti-gay concentration camps.  Hopefully, if he *did*, he'd have to cross state lines and have the Feds ensure that he'd never again draw a free breath.

and Jeph's only posting bonus strips if his Patreon goes over ten grand a month, which it hasn't lately, so what's the point?), so I stopped supporting Jeph and upped my donations to Willis instead.

At this point, I'm not even thinking of the "perks" that Jeph has offered.  I haven't seen that monthly music column, for one.  The main reason I'm still tossing him some dosh is that I adamantly refuse to disable my adblocker.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Oct 2015, 00:48
I think that we're about to find out just what strength is in Joyce Brown. I also think that we're going to find out if the formidable warrior that existed in the Walkyverse lives on in some small way in her.

"Sal, I need you to give me a ride on your bike. Before you say 'no' again, this time the alternative is me rendering you unconscious and stealing it."

P.S.
Having long been a fan of the character of Susan Ivanova in Babylon 5, I think that, with suitable modifications this quote (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0517633/quotes?item=qt0433687) would be ideal for Joyce to use when she catches up with Ross and, on Sal's bike, drives him off of the road.

Quote
"Who am I? I am Joyce Brown, Christian, daughter of Hank and Carol Brown. I am the right hand of vengeance and the boot that is going to kick your sorry ass all the way back to La Porte, Mr McIntyre! I am death incarnate, and the last living thing that you will ever see. God sent me."

Or maybe... Y'know, I know that some people don't like my speculative writing jaunts but this one really fits and I wonder if, no matter how much they'd deny it, some fans (especially those who came to DoA via the Walkyverse) would like to see it.

SCENE: JOYCE is standing with AMAZI-GIRL on the dorm building roof.

JOYCE: "I just... I just can't stop worrying about Becky!"

AMAZI-GIRL: "Your sister in all-but-blood has been taken. You cannot do anything to alter this for now. Set it aside."

JOYCE: "But how? How am I supposed to concentrate on anything when all I feel is this... hate?"

AMAZI-GIRL: "You hide it away from the world." ((AMAZI-GIRL holds out a dull sunset orange mask to JOYCE)) "With this."

Yeah, ripped off from The Mask of Zorro (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120746/). Brilliant film and the scene fits into Joyce's situation right now so well. I really doubt that Willis intends to go that way with this. Despite every weird thing in it, Dumbing of Age is actually quite real-world in most ways. That doesn't stop the Mystery Man fanboy in me geeking out at the thought of Amazi-Girl starting a sort of Legion of the Wronged from her classmates.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Oct 2015, 09:55
BenRG, see, that's not an evil speculative writing jaunt. That is a fun potential future. I can appreciate that.

I don't think it's likely, but when I started reading it, especially with the disclaimer, I felt certain it would end horrifically. I was pleasantly surprised. I am okay with the unlikely potential of her taking on the part of Amazigirl 2.0/Amazigirl's sidekick.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Oct 2015, 11:22
"Give in to your feelings my young apprentice and your journey to the dark side will be complete."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 19 Oct 2015, 21:05
Called it, kinda.  Just forgot that Joyce only had "Roll, Perfect Cinnamon"'s number, not Amazi-Girl's
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Oct 2015, 21:07
Who is Perfect Cinnamon Roll again?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Oct 2015, 21:09
Dorothy. And somebody is gonna get a whupping. Or shot. possibly both. On the other hand, Ross probably doesn't have the gun close at hand while driving, so there's that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Oct 2015, 21:30
Oh...why is she called Perfect Cinnamon Roll?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Oct 2015, 22:00
Oh. Oh no. Amazigirl, I hope to god you have a plan. He has a gun, yeah, but equally or possibly more important, he is in a car. The gun isn't even necessary to kill you.

I am nervous for her. I expect she should triumph, but I struggle to imagine it will be easy.

In other news, it amuses me that Joyce's best friend has so quickly become Dina's property. She is now Dina's Becky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Oct 2015, 22:31
To Amber she is, yeah. Dina is Amber's room mate and friend, so it make sense that she thinks of Becky in those terms.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 19 Oct 2015, 22:33
Oh...why is she called Perfect Cinnamon Roll?

It's an Onion article (http://www.theonion.com/article/beautiful-cinnamon-roll-too-good-for-this-world-to-35038) that later turned into a Tumblr meme to describe favorite characters.  Or something.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Oct 2015, 00:00
Well, I didn't actually think that Willis would take this route? Is this the moment when Amazi-Girl finally meets her match with a real-world villain out of her normal league... Or is this the moment when Amber finally realises just what that mask and that costume can do to help others?

One way or another... This is the day of her Destiny.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Oct 2015, 04:44
Oh...why is she called Perfect Cinnamon Roll?

It's an Onion article (http://www.theonion.com/article/beautiful-cinnamon-roll-too-good-for-this-world-to-35038) that later turned into a Tumblr meme to describe favorite characters.  Or something.
Yeah, but how would Joyce know about Tumblr? Does Joyce tumble?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 20 Oct 2015, 04:58
So, one thing that the comments over on DoA have come up with...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Schmee on 20 Oct 2015, 05:33
Yes, but they also came up with this:
(http://41.media.tumblr.com/292c8de08db79fdc4f7f5c94022dfd2f/tumblr_nwg60oD2lp1r39mnbo1_500.png)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 Oct 2015, 07:02
So, one thing that the comments over on DoA have come up with...

(click to show/hide)

This is what I was thinking will probably happen, but I didn't say it for fear I'm prescient. On the other hand, it's still a future unknown, so it's a bit soon to be screeching 'DAMN YOU, WILLIS' over a thing that might not happen at all, and probably won't play out in the most obvious manner
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Oct 2015, 15:02
Either way, this week is gonna end with a bang I think
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 20 Oct 2015, 15:22
So, one thing that the comments over on DoA have come up with...

(click to show/hide)
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Oct 2015, 17:07
Argh, so many posts I can't read :p
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 20 Oct 2015, 21:07
Yep, she got a death wish.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Oct 2015, 23:37
All I can say about  today's strip (21/10) is that this is a very bad moment for Amber to be having a Blaine flashback.

That said, the Ruger 1v is a slow-loading single-shot hunting rifle. Even assuming that Ross thinks to grab it when Amber reaches them, he's going to have, at most, one shot before this turns hand-to-hand.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 21 Oct 2015, 21:19
Oof. It would be really anticlimactic for Amazigirl's daring rescue attempt to end with her slamming into a tree thanks to an innopportune right turn
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Oct 2015, 04:54
Damn you Willis, indeed, it that happens.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 22 Oct 2015, 07:45
After the dramatic interlude, now Willis is going Looney Tunes.  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Oct 2015, 12:19
Well, I think I know who winds up in the Emergency Dept. now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Oct 2015, 12:29
God damn it, Kugai.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 22 Oct 2015, 21:18
As expected, the filth are more concerned about shots being fired than a young woman being kidnapped by an abusive piece of shite.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Oct 2015, 21:29
NOW the rozzers turn up?

*Eyeroll*

Great detective skills there guys.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 22 Oct 2015, 23:07
Considering it's been at best a few minutes since Ross shot into the air, I think that's pretty fast reaction time. If they were responding to a call about a guy running through the woods with a gun chasing a couple of girls, they started in the wrong area, and probably got diverted towards the fountain after the shot. Which is the latest information they have. And considering they think they have an active shooter to deal with, it's understandable they would give Amazi Girl a slide. More important issues and all that. They have no idea they're driving right by the shooter and his kidnapping victim.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Oct 2015, 00:11
Oh well, looks like (at least for now), it's going to be up to Amber to sort this out. The police seem to be in an unfortunate loop of racing around and only arriving at a location after the party has moved elsewhere.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Oct 2015, 04:47
As expected, the filth are more concerned about shots being fired than a young woman being kidnapped by an abusive piece of shite.

Can you blame them? I know if I were calling the police, it would be about the fucking maniac with a gun; I probably wouldn't have heard nor given a shit about his motivation or escape vehicle. I would be a bit shaken with terror at my potentially upcoming doom, you know? I doubt anyone on the phone thought to mention Becky. The police aren't ignoring the abusive situation to stop a potentially murderous one, they're driving past an especially stressed-looking father-daughter duo on their way to investigate a shooting.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Oct 2015, 21:46
GODDAMMIT THERE ARE NEARLY 24 FULL FUCKING HOURS UNTIL THE NEXT UPDATE AND I DO NOT WISH TO WAIT GODDAMMIT WILLIS WHY. WHY ARE YOU GREAT
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 23 Oct 2015, 22:19
Trust me, even those of us who are Patreon subscribers are champing at the bit for the next one.  This arc is pretty much a nail-biter.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Oct 2015, 00:21
So... Sal is responding to her concern that Amazi-Girl will dangerously escalate this situation by enabling Joyce to do so instead. Well, she wouldn't be human if she didn't apply different rules to people who she likes!

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 24 Oct 2015, 00:54
I think you are all missing the most important part. Joyce just cursed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 24 Oct 2015, 05:53
Twice, no less. Seeing your best friend in mortal danger can change a person.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 24 Oct 2015, 06:36
I think you are all missing the most important part. Joyce just cursed.

And she took the lord's name in vain.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 24 Oct 2015, 08:18
And, as the comments over there pointed out, as far as things go for Joyce, "god damned" is likely a far worse swear than "fuck", because of the way that it takes the lord's name in vain.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 24 Oct 2015, 09:36
And, as the comments over there pointed out, as far as things go for Joyce, "god damned" is likely a far worse swear than "fuck", because of the way that it takes the lord's name in vain.

Oh, it is.

I've heard it argued in church that 'fuck,' in context, isn't necessarily sinful because it's a word being used to describe a process God has signed off on, and the same for 'shit,' etc. but GD has always been untouched. 'Damn,' as a whole, is hard to defend, as it suggests that we humans have power over that realm of being.

It's not a commonly heard argument, but there's people who think that way.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Oct 2015, 14:14
A wild and wacky chase is about to ensue.  And Joyce is without a helmet.


As for her swearing, I think the floodgates on that have been opened by this whole mess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 24 Oct 2015, 15:41
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 24 Oct 2015, 21:06
Well, I think we're about to see a motorcycle crash, based on the pitch angle of that motorcycle.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Oct 2015, 00:48
Am I the only one who, considering Joyce's recent behaviour and dialogue, think that this is starting to read like the origin story of a masked adventurer/costumed heroine?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Oct 2015, 07:51
She won't bother with a mask or a costume.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Oct 2015, 13:10
Music for Sal and Joyce to ride by   :-D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge6fmIfzVug
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 25 Oct 2015, 22:04
With Becky strapped-in, I almost *hope* that there is a crash, just so ToeSD can fly right through the windscreen and Amazigirl pulls off a fancy jump over the car.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Oct 2015, 00:08
I figure that Becky is about to do something. I'm not sure what but, in the end, she's just wanted to avoid anyone getting hurt. The window to end this in a way that no-one ends up seriously injured is closing fast and I suspect that she's going to try something random and potentially dangerous.

[edit]
So, anyway, Willis has put up some preview art on Tumblr
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Oct 2015, 13:43
This is looking more and more like the DoA version of the Matrix Reloaded chase scene

I wonder if Becky's about to do something majorly crashworthy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Oct 2015, 13:45
I hope not.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 26 Oct 2015, 21:07
Uh oh. I feel as though the fecal matter might become corporeal, if you catch my drift.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Oct 2015, 21:08
And collide with a system of blades designed for moving air.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 26 Oct 2015, 23:41
We're already chest deep in and sinking steadily for some time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 26 Oct 2015, 23:54
The manure is definitely hitting the windmill. This can't end well for Amazigirl.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Oct 2015, 00:08
It's sort of sad, really. Ross has this hard-wired impression of what a 'woman' is and what she looks like and he literally can't bear Becky being anything else. It really is control freakery taken to the ultimate degree.

Meanwhile, Amazi-Girl seems to have pulled something out of one of her costume pouches.

This can't end well for Amazigirl.

It may not end well for anyone currently speeding down the road. You see... What is she looking at in such a shocked manner? It's highly unlikely that she's noticed Ross looking at her in the mirror. The possibility of an oncoming 18-wheeler that Ross missed because of his current preoccupations leaps to mind!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 27 Oct 2015, 08:10
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Oct 2015, 08:37
Is that speculation or an ACTUAL spoiler? A request for everyone to actually specify so people know which are safe to read.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 27 Oct 2015, 08:43
It's relating my speculation from earlier to events in today's comic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Oct 2015, 08:53
Is that speculation or an ACTUAL spoiler? A request for everyone to actually specify so people know which are safe to read.

I would argue that it isn't a spoiler as it is in the current strip.

Got to admit that I missed that one! My eyes tend to snap to the speech bubbles, so I miss little things like that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 27 Oct 2015, 09:08
It does make sense. Becky tapped something around waist level 3 times while distracting Ross. That could have been dialling 911, or trying to anyway. Then she loudly started talking about what just happened, essentially explaining that her father just kidnapped her at gunpoint from the school. It's a risky move doing that, because if the 911 dispatcher started talking first or Ross heard a dialtone it would be over and he'd take the phone away. But she was also trying to distract him from Amazi-girl following.

Ross needs some serious help and intervention though to see how destructive his world view is being to his family. The question being will he actually listen to anyone instead of just assuming he's right because god is on his side.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Oct 2015, 10:02
Benergy, I didn't know that since I didn't look earlier in case it was a spoiler.

Interesting though! I didn't notice either!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Oct 2015, 14:24
Missed that myself actually till you pointed it out.  I would say she has dialled 911 at this stage and Ross spying Amazi-Girl is only going to make him stop and start waving that damned gun around again I think, which is only going to escalate the situation if that's the case.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 27 Oct 2015, 21:13
AMAZI-GIRL NOOOOOOOOOOOO
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Oct 2015, 21:24
Shit
Shit
Shit
Shit
Shit



That is all.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Oct 2015, 21:27
Shit
Shit
Shit
Shit
Shit



That is all.

I would second this, and by seconding, I mean double. This is some shit that's about to be happening.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 27 Oct 2015, 21:32
Seriously, though, was that red car in the same lane?  Just...closely following a car that was merrily pulling a skateboarding costumed superhero behind it?  What the heck?  I mean, I know they're on/near a college campus, but you see what looks like some college kids pulling weird shit like that, don't fucking tailgate, all right?

RIP Amber/Amazi-Girl.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 27 Oct 2015, 23:04
Seriously, though, was that red car in the same lane?  Just...closely following a car that was merrily pulling a skateboarding costumed superhero behind it?  What the heck?  I mean, I know they're on/near a college campus, but you see what looks like some college kids pulling weird shit like that, don't fucking tailgate, all right?

RIP Amber/Amazi-Girl.

Wait, what does Amber have to do with this? *laughtrack.mp3*
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Oct 2015, 00:08
Ouch. This is going to hurt. I also suspect that the fight in between Becky and Ross will lead to a crash.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 28 Oct 2015, 02:19
I wish I could say I didn't see this coming.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Oct 2015, 05:14
What the fuck, Willis?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 28 Oct 2015, 21:04
(click to show/hide)

RIP Amazi-Girl, though.  :cry:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 Oct 2015, 21:05
Oh. Oh fuck. Oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck everything is awful and tense and goddammit Willis
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Oct 2015, 21:05
Well...maybe.

Good catch on the 911 though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 Oct 2015, 21:09
I think, at least, this is the end of Amazigirl for the simple fact that the secret's going to be out after this. Death, doubtful.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 28 Oct 2015, 21:13
I was exaggerating a bit, after all
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Oct 2015, 21:15
Ok, are those actual spoilers or are you fucking with me?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 28 Oct 2015, 21:18
Technically it is a spoiler that Willis posted in a comment in a comic, but I think it may have already been mentioned in the thread anyway, so I guess I probably didn't need to put it in a spoiler tag.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Oct 2015, 21:26
A Willis spoiler is still a spoiler, so you're right to spoiler tag it.

I looked this time though because damn it. That being said, just because Willis says something it doesn't mean anything until it's in the comic itself, I guess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 28 Oct 2015, 21:57
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Oct 2015, 00:19
Ross is clearly gone into a full psychotic episode here. The real danger now is that he may decide that Becky is 'irredeemable' and he'll try to kill her for 'betraying' him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 Oct 2015, 08:04
He has been pushed to serious crazy time rage. At least we know there are two police cars near by. The question is did anyone hang around long enough at the fountain to give a description of the car Ross was driving? Or point out that Amazi-Girl was chasing them to put two and two together. Seeing as how Joyce took off with Sal and are about the escalate the situation even further than it already is... Hopefully the gun is not somewhere he has easy access to. The police dispatcher by now certainly has enough information recorded to make an arrest on Ross. Hopefully some time in jail and seeing a therapist will help before he does something even more serious.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 29 Oct 2015, 11:39
And maybe a Haloperidol drip for a good long while in a padded room.  I don't think that just a therapist would be enough for someone who has so thoroughly lost the plot.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Oct 2015, 12:59
BOOM!!

Ross is heading for a rubber room at the least.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Oct 2015, 21:07
Alright, Amber! :wow:

(And well done driver for answering the call to heroism)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 29 Oct 2015, 21:07
Amber is officially half-Terminator.  It makes me happy to say that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 29 Oct 2015, 23:02
I was hit by a car while skateboarding recently. It's amazing what you can shrug off in the moment, and how sturdy the human frame can be. It hurt like hell later due to bruising and swelling. Didn't break anything, though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Oct 2015, 00:19
I'm really hoping that the events of today (in-universe) are the start of the healing for Amber. She needs to be able to escape her guilt and fear if she's ever going to have a hope of happiness. I also think that it says a lot about her heart that she "can't fail anybody".

Meanwhile, I'm reliably told that the driver of the red car is based on Willis's wife, Maggie!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 30 Oct 2015, 04:55
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 30 Oct 2015, 08:43
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 30 Oct 2015, 09:24
As a request, can we please avoid talking about the next day's strips? Not all of us are Patreon supporters, and can't read into the future. I'm not spoiler adverse, obviously. But it took me a moment to realize that you were talking about the advance viewing and not speculating what might happen tomorrow.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 30 Oct 2015, 09:29
I'd argue that there's different types of spoilers.

Spoiling things based on Willis's statements on Tumblr, in the DoA comments, or in Walkyverse comics is perfectly fine (in a spoiler tag I guess), IMO.

Patreon spoilers, however, are a huge dick move IMO, as they devalue Patreon for those that do pay for it to get early access. (I'm not personally a contributor to Patreon, partially because the early access is basically a one-time reward (one day ahead), and then stopping means you basically get a one-day penalty.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 30 Oct 2015, 09:39
At least make the spoiler description clearer... I clicked it thinking it was speculation about tomorrow.

(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 30 Oct 2015, 10:12
I'm a little confused. Why would I spoiler speculation? I only use the spoiler tag for real actual spoilers.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 30 Oct 2015, 10:25
If it's straight speculation, that should be grand. The issue is if it's based on Word of Willis or preview panels.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 30 Oct 2015, 10:25
Some of the speculation of late has been around teaser images that Willis has posted on his Twitter account. The information is publicly available, but it was presented without context. So people have been speculating what this future event may mean and who it's going to affect. That's spoiler-worthy speculation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Oct 2015, 12:40
Boy this is getting intense.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Oct 2015, 14:36
Some of the speculation of late has been around teaser images that Willis has posted on his Twitter account. The information is publicly available, but it was presented without context. So people have been speculating what this future event may mean and who it's going to affect. That's spoiler-worthy speculation.
Even if it's publicly available, it's still a spoiler. So talking about it without a spoiler tag is very rude. Basically keep your speculation to comics that have "aired," so to speak.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Emoroffle on 30 Oct 2015, 19:07
Hopefully Amber can keep herself and Becky safe until police and/or Sal and Joyce arrive. It's going to take some self-restraint on her part though and she's quite on edge right now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Oct 2015, 22:45
And that's when they hit the tree.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Oct 2015, 00:48
Amber's current 'plan' is to flip the car onto its roof, possibly by attaching the grappler line to the re car and getting the driver to sharply swerve away. That's why she wants Becky to brace herself. Right now, this would most likely kill Ross outright. Of course it does seem that he wants to die defending his conception of an ideal family, mostly because death is easier than facing the consequences of his actions in front of the human authorities.

However, Amber doesn't deserve a life on he conscience. This is an ideal moment for Sal and Joyce to zoom up and for Joyce to 'yoink' the gun. Ross would then either be yanked out onto the blacktop (painful but non-fatal) by the fforce of a high-speed grab or get back in the car where he would be knocked out but be far less likely to be killed by Amber's plan.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 31 Oct 2015, 04:52
Of course it does seem that he wants to die defending his conception of an ideal family, mostly because death is easier than facing the consequences of his actions in front of the human authorities.

He's thoroughly messed up, yes, but I doubt that he'd think that facing any non-human authorities that he happens to believe in is going to go much better for him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 31 Oct 2015, 05:02
They are all going to die.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 31 Oct 2015, 08:56
Of course it does seem that he wants to die defending his conception of an ideal family, mostly because death is easier than facing the consequences of his actions in front of the human authorities.

He's thoroughly messed up, yes, but I doubt that he'd think that facing any non-human authorities that he happens to believe in is going to go much better for him.

See, that's the thing... As far as my reading of this storyline goes, he does think that he's doing god's work. The fact that it's his own twisted and narrow view of it doesn't enter into his mind as far as I can tell. In the space of a few weeks he's gone from 'loving but controlling and emotionally distant father' to 'Satan has a hold of my daughter and I'll kill anybody that tries to stop me fixing her'. He's gone off religious, past extremist and deep into fanatic territory here, if not outright delusional. But to him, what he is doing is the proper and only course of action, and he likely thinks he's the only sane person in this whole situation... as he climbs halfway out of the car he was driving while it's in motion to shoot a girl in costume trying to save the daughter he just kidnapped...

He's not in his right head, and he's looking at multiple felony charges. Even if Becky doesn't pursue kidnapping charges against him, and she probably won't, I can't count the number of other crime's he's committed in the last oh, half hour or so. Right now the best case scenario we are looking at is him spending a lot of time in the near future talking to the police, a lawyer and a psychologist... But he still thinks he's going to be bringing his daughter home to 'save' her from Satan.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 31 Oct 2015, 09:47
My only thought during this comic, as well as every single one for the last few weeks has been 'Well, this can only end badly'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Oct 2015, 09:54
Even yesterday's?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 31 Oct 2015, 10:18
All of it
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Oct 2015, 10:19
For pretty much every other one I'd agree, but yesterday's seemed to be bringing things to an upswing...until the next day when it wasn't.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 31 Oct 2015, 21:05
The physics going on here make zero sense whatsoever.

A flat right front should cause the car to veer the OTHER direction. And, it won't just go sideways like that except on ice.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Oct 2015, 21:09
Clearly the physics in DoAverse work slightly different than the physics in ours.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 31 Oct 2015, 21:17
Physics is overrated anyways.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 31 Oct 2015, 21:52
Although, it was pointed out that negative scrub radius suspension geometry actually would cause that direction of travel. I just didn't think that modern cars had that much negative scrub radius.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 31 Oct 2015, 22:11
Welp, Toedad's dead.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Nov 2015, 00:27
Wow! Amber is seriously prepared for situations like this! I actually think that she's got more than a half-way chance of making this 'costumed adventurer' thing work long-term... assuming that she doesn't get killed.

Now, assuming that he doesn't fall out and get knocked unconscious, the next phase will be Ross trying to take on Amber hand-to-hand. He might be strong but she's obviously got a lot of agility and skill. Even though she's injured, it will put him at a disadvantage. Add on top of that, Amber may not bother, depending on how close the cops are. She may just jump into the trees and vanish, leaving Becky to ask: "Where did that girl in a mask go?"

The physics going on here make zero sense whatsoever.

Physics are always subordinate to story and, mostly, subordinate to the rule of cool. In summary? Don't worry about it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 01 Nov 2015, 01:02

He's not in his right head, and he's looking at multiple felony charges. Even if Becky doesn't pursue kidnapping charges against him, and she probably won't, I can't count the number of other crime's he's committed in the last oh, half hour or so.

What would those be? Right now I can only count kidnapping (under threat of lethal force), the attempted murder or maybe attempted manslaughter we are witnessing right now, as well as several traffic-related infractions.
Was bringing a gun to a campus a felony per se?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Nov 2015, 01:19
Was bringing a gun to a campus a felony per se?

I'm not sure but I believe that discharging a firearm in a public place without (legally) good reason is a felony in its own right.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 01 Nov 2015, 04:47
That might be irrelevant, since they could all still end up going *splat*.  The big version of panel 4 (http://itswalky.tumblr.com/image/132317194267) is kinda evidence of that.

Quote from: chaospersonified
link=topic=30345.msg1338112#msg1338112 date=1446292938
They are all going to die.
Well, that happens to everyone, sooner or later.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 01 Nov 2015, 06:42
Does anyone else see the Raiders of the Lost Ark reference, or am I making that up?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Nov 2015, 06:54
Ha, yeah, it was clear as day. Replace snakes with dads and you've got Amber's line.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 01 Nov 2015, 12:27
The physics going on here make zero sense whatsoever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ugebzq3juE
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Nov 2015, 14:44
Well, at least she disarmed Ross
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 01 Nov 2015, 21:04
Hoh fuck, now we got a damn 18 wheeler involved, and this is now even more fucked. Somehow. Fuck.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Nov 2015, 23:31
Amazi-Girl's 'To Do' list just keeps getting longer, doesn't it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Nov 2015, 04:28
That truck is going fast considering it just came around a turn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 02 Nov 2015, 09:39
The truck is just exiting the freeway: Google Maps link of location of today's comic (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.2317143,-86.5407601,3a,75y,357.05h,85.42t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s3q39rD6tIIei5-qt5aX29g!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3D3q39rD6tIIei5-qt5aX29g%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D131.4201%26pitch%3D0!7i13312!8i6656)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Nov 2015, 11:07
Gaaaaa!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 02 Nov 2015, 16:09
Spoilered for Walkyverse stuff that may not apply:

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Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Nov 2015, 16:45
How far into the Walkyverse? What comic? What year? (I'm in 2002 of It's Walky!, so I wanna know if it's safe for me to look. I think I know what you're talking about though.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 02 Nov 2015, 18:38
18 Mar 1999, according to the archive page.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Nov 2015, 18:43
So it was what I thought.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Nov 2015, 21:06
Well...that happened.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 02 Nov 2015, 21:27
Well...that happened.

And it was fUCKING AWESOME
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 02 Nov 2015, 21:31
I mean, it's ludicrous and implausible and totally strains credibility a little bit but I don't even care.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 02 Nov 2015, 21:41
The Rule of Cool must apply here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Nov 2015, 23:17
I said this on Willis's site but I'll repeat it here: Amber and Sal should invest in a lottery ticket when this is all over. Their luck isn't ever going to be this good again!

Oh, and I really did hear the bit of the Terminator 2 bike chase music when Arnie jumps into the trench in that last panel. Come to think of it, the entire piece was perfect for the entire scene from when Amazi-Girl first started the chase! :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 02 Nov 2015, 23:25
I don't understand how any of these scenes work. It's as if the laws of physics have been rewritten.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Nov 2015, 23:30
I don't understand how any of these scenes work. It's as if the laws of physics have been rewritten.

No, rather, it is that they do not apply except when they are convenient for the author/artist.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 03 Nov 2015, 04:31
I don't understand how any of these scenes work. It's as if the laws of physics have been rewritten.

No, rather, it is that they do not apply except when they are convenient for the author/artist.

Just like in the movies!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 03 Nov 2015, 05:32
I guess we can finally put to bed the Sal is Amazi-girl theory. But wait! "Sal" has her face completely covered. It must be Alfred in an Amazi-disguise!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Nov 2015, 05:52
Sal is Amazi-Girl. She just likes to fight herself in Wal-Mart parking lots.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 03 Nov 2015, 12:16
Holy fucking shit Willis.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 03 Nov 2015, 12:18
Seriously, whoever gave him that cool-aid after Book 2 has just given him an overdose.

HOLY FUCKING SHIT WILLIS.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 03 Nov 2015, 12:28
THIS IS IT FOLKS IT DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Nov 2015, 12:37
She actually managed to get the car out of the way of the truck though, holy shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Nov 2015, 12:39
DAMN!!!!


Trinity Sal to the rescue!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 03 Nov 2015, 21:15
Of course Becky was loving it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 03 Nov 2015, 21:17
Quoting myself from my post yesterday from when this was a preview:

I doubt the toe is going anywhere (except a the inside of a cell), but Amazigirl and (possibly) Sal will check.  Sal will almost certainly be gone as soon as she can smell bacon, and just *maybe* she'll be kind enough to get AG out of there.  I doubt that they'll ever be friends, but wanting to thwart the cops may end up being more important than getting rid of a nuisance every time Sal wants to drink with her friend.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 03 Nov 2015, 21:48
Apparently Sal and Joyce work well together. Could this be the start of a beautiful 'I don't hate you as much as the others"-ship?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Nov 2015, 23:38
I'm thinking that Sal is going to be doing her Sarah impression. Everyone is going to be lauding Amazi-Girl as a hero and Sal's complaints that she 'made things worse' will be ignored or maybe even openly sneered at by Becky. Does Sal ever visibly sulk when she doesn't get her way? I think that we're about to find out.

The irony is, of course, that Sal and Amber are a lot alike. They both know how to carry a grudge, for example. They are also a lot alike in their inflexible judgements and sometimes-hypocritical standards that they rigidly apply to others but not themselves.

SAL: "Sit down, Becky! You've been traumatised!"

BECKY: "This giddy, tingly sensation is trauma? Man! I got to get me more of this!"

SAL: "... For this, I gave up Juvie Hall?"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Nov 2015, 13:50
And thus begain Becky's stunt girl career


If Sal's still there when the cops show up, I'll be surprised.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Nov 2015, 14:01
Oh yeah, she'll be long gone.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Nov 2015, 21:07
Ok, that was cooler than all of Amber and Sal's antics combined.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 04 Nov 2015, 21:08
YES.

JOYCE JOYCE JOYCE JOYCE
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Nov 2015, 21:09
Ok, that was cooler than all of Amber and Sal's antics combined.

Damn straight. Fuck yeah, Joyce
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 04 Nov 2015, 21:22
It's a close crop, but it does look like that Sal already scarpered with AG on the back.  Especially since Joyce was the one to give that megaton punch.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Nov 2015, 23:30
Something tells me that Joyce isn't in the mood to listen to Ross's ravings at this point. She knows all about what can be done with God's strength; that's why he's the one who's a bleeding mess and his car is an insurance claim.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 05 Nov 2015, 05:18
In fact, I wonder if this will turn her away from God... oder reinforce/reshape her believes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 05 Nov 2015, 06:45
Hell Heck yeah, Joyce!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Nov 2015, 06:56
Am I the only one who finds the alternate cuss-words that Joyce and Becky use actually quite cute in a way?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Nov 2015, 11:22
Lights out Ross

Been nice knowin' ya.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 05 Nov 2015, 12:44
Am I the only one who finds the alternate cuss-words that Joyce and Becky use actually quite cute in a way?

They're friggin' adorable, and I think Ross has it right that God is giving someone the power to do something, but he's got the person wrong.

Becky is almost literally correct.

 *Holy punch!*
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 05 Nov 2015, 21:04
Holy good goddamn, Joyce is terrifying in panel 1.

I absolutely understand what she's talking about. I've got places that make me feel that way
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 05 Nov 2015, 21:06
JOYCE MAD!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 Nov 2015, 21:51
Joyce smash! She didn't just nail Ross, she laid him out cold... That's some pent up anger she's got there. Which is no surprise, really.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Nov 2015, 23:40
Right now, the one thing that Joyce needs is for Becky to hug her... for her to get hugs from all her friends.  She needs to be reassured that there really are safe places and people that love her and won't casually betray her trust in the name of their own self-interest and desire to control their families.

It's a crying shame that Joyce's memories of her happy childhood and safe home have been so contaminated by the truth of the people who were hiding behind those smiling masks. I suppose (given Willis's own past and the fact that she is somewhat-autobiographical of him) something like this was inevitable. It's still a shame, though; a part of me thinks that a happy childhood should be sacrosanct.

So! Joyce has got her first red panel. I just hope that this isn't the start of her journey down the path that Amber is walking. I also notice that Sal and Amazi-Girl are not anywhere around. I suspect that Sal evacuated Amazi-Girl and they have their own confrontation awaiting them before the end of this chapter.

I notice from the last panel that the police are finally arriving.

[edit]
I’ve got this feeling that any anonymity/urban myth status that Amazi-Girl has ever had is going to vanish in the aftermath of this.

I expect that Joyce (wanting to avoid attention aimed at herself) is going to credit everything achieved to Amazi-Girl’s efforts. The result is going to be a copy of the local news-sheet… maybe even the local TV news… running a blurry ‘phone-cam picture of Amazi-Girl riding on the top of Ross’s car and the caption: “Who is this mysterious woman in a mask?” If there are any decent journalists, stories of petty thugs and crooks in the Bloomington area turning up tied to lamp-posts and babbling about a girl in a tan-and-blue costume beating them up will doubtless emerge quickly enough after that. Will they call her a heroine or a threat?

It might be time for the nasty, opinionated talking heads from the Walkyverse to make a return and spew their reactionary, paranoid fantasies about poor Amber across the television screens of Indiana. This may lead to Sal, of all people, becoming her strongest partisan on campus: Anyone who is the target of the scorn of the Establishment is okay by her!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Nov 2015, 05:17
Well remember that the DoA-verse is basically a fictional version of the real world. I expect that Amazi-girl gets the same sort of reaction that real life superheroes get... At mildest people think they're kooks who like to dress up in costume and help out people. At worst they're dangerous and probably mentally unstable and are going to get themselves hurt or killed someday. In truth, Amber is probably closer to the latter than the former. Amazi-girl is just an excuse for her to section off her rage and apply it to people she thinks deserve it. Sometimes she does have moments of noble intent, like saving Becky. But a lot of times she just runs around the area trying to find people committing crimes so she can taunt them into taking a swing at her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Nov 2015, 11:24
Angry Joyce SMASH!!!

Hugs all round there at the end.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Nov 2015, 21:05
For real, AG, I get you got past problems with Sal, but watch the noggin
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Nov 2015, 23:13
I suspect that this is the scene where Amber and Sal confront a mutual demon or two from their shared past.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 07 Nov 2015, 07:08
Is Sal even aware that it was Amber that stabbed her all those years ago?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Nov 2015, 07:37
Is Sal even aware that it was Amber that stabbed her all those years ago?

Fair sure no. I think the recognition only went the one way
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Nov 2015, 11:01
I'm thinking the same thing. 

It's gonna be interesting to see where this goes from here with her and Sal.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Nov 2015, 12:42
Quote from: hovertext
if you're not hearing the fred flintstone skidaddle in panel four you're doin' it wrong

A. I wish there was a way to see the hovertext on a phone.
B. Holy shit I didn't know that was how you spelled "Flintstone". I made duh, it makes sense, but I've never heard that first t pronounced, I've only heard "flinstone" and that's how I thought it was spelled. (I haven't actually seen the show or I guess seen it written down in years, but still)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 07 Nov 2015, 13:07
Touch the area to the left or right of the navigation buttons, it gives you the hovertext.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Nov 2015, 13:21
Holy shit, there's no indication of that. Thank you so much!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Nov 2015, 21:07
Here it comes, I think, some sort of thing where Amazigirl makes reference to that gas station event.

I could be entirely wrong, but that whole 'I'm glad we won't be friends' line seems to me like something that Amber would then have a retort about, and that would continue the conversation. The gas station event is simply a projected possibility; my actual prediction is that there will be more words.

Also, is it just me, or is Sal maybe being sarcastic here out of fear of rejection. It's just a possible way to inflect her sentence at the end that would suggest such a thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 07 Nov 2015, 21:43
Sal seems to have moved on with her life far more than Amber/AG has.  That isn't to say that she doesn't have serious issues, including having only one friend (who is too busy much of the time these days), and Joyce is the only other person she seems to have warmed up to.  And that was *maybe* 20 minutes ago.  But Amber/AG is in many ways still living with the robbery and her own father, using the costume to cope.  Even if she *did* save Becky, a lot of it seems to have been less altruism and more her own demons.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Nov 2015, 23:28
I'm really hoping that Sal was perceptive enough to see the girl who was so terrified of her that she backed herself into a tree-trunk has just ducked behind Amazi-Girl for protection. That isn't something that you would expect of someone entirely mentally healthy.

I'm trying to work out why Amazi-Girl seems even slightly interested in the fact that Sal has a criminal record. I mean, Amber watched her being dragged away by the cops at the convenience store job. Either she's disassociating even more or this is her attempt at maintaining her secret identity by not letting Sal that she already knows her on a personal level.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 08 Nov 2015, 00:07
I suppose she didn't think about what the aftermath for Sal might be.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 08 Nov 2015, 08:19
Probably more "good, you deserve everything horrible that happensto you for trying to hurt my friend'. I think Sal does want more friends, especially with Marcy hanging out with other people and not wanting to spend 24/7 with her. Sal has trust issues so huge they wouldn't fit in a tractor trailer though, and an acidic personality to push people away. Here today though she's reached out in her own way to Joyce several times, even putting her own life on the risk to help Joyce, Becky and Amazi-Girl. After all she could have easily let AG go splat on that truck instead of a crazy stupid stunt to try and save her. Then pulled her away before the cops showed up. They would absolutely not have let AG's part in this slide. Sure some might quietly or even openly approve of what she did to save Becky. But in doing so she put so many lives on that road in danger. It was as much dumb luck as anything that nobody is laying on the road broken or dead right now. And then her first reaction when Sal says 'Hey everyone's okay. I saved you and got you away from the cops while you were knocked out' is to pull out the verbal spikes.

It's also all so hypocritical too. Sal was arrested as a kid for trying to rob a store with a knife. Amber was not arrested for stabbing Sal while she was being taken into custody, right in front of the cops. Sal has a harsh temper and rebels against authority. Amber regularly sneaks out in costume and beats people up. Sal is regarded as the mean, dangerous one. Amazi-girl is lauded as a hero. Yeah, all this seems totally fair to me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Nov 2015, 11:37
I think Amber/Amazi-girl is about to get a fast 'This is your wake-up' here in regards to her beliefs about Sal
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 08 Nov 2015, 11:58
Maybe. Depends if either of them are willing to talk or listen. Equally likely they could both ride/run off in a huff, even more angry at each other than before.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Nov 2015, 21:16
Dang, Sal.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 08 Nov 2015, 21:25
Her indifference is probably hurting Amber more than the concussion is.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Nov 2015, 22:32
Now there's an interesting insight into Sal

And Amber just got a BIG kick to the ego and somewhat of a wake-up call
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 08 Nov 2015, 22:42
When Sal mentioned the saving, I would have expected Amber to be shocked enough to drop out of AG. Instead, it looks like she got more into it :/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Nov 2015, 23:40
So, now we understand Sal's problem with Amazi-Girl. She looks at that other person and she sees herself as a young teen - a troubled personality acting out for attention. She's 100% wrong, of course, but how would she ever know that?

Right now, I'm more worried about Amber's physical health. Sal is too busy storming off in a huff to notice that Amber's injuries are catching up with her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 09 Nov 2015, 21:11
Oh look, it's that hospital panel we've been obsessing over for weeks.  How about that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Nov 2015, 21:19
The first panel is what he spoiled?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 09 Nov 2015, 21:22
Yeah.  Everyone feared the worst.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 09 Nov 2015, 21:26
Well, considering what we knew, can you blame us? Crazed religious zealot with a rifle was being followed by masked vigilante on a skateboard, ending in a trip to the hospital. Everyone got super lucky in this sequence of events.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Nov 2015, 21:38
I can't blame you for assuming the worst, I can blame Willis for posting a damn spoiler. Sure, he has the right to post what he wants on his tumblr but it's a dick thing to do. I'm glad I don't tumble.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 09 Nov 2015, 21:49
He has been using his tumblr for a *lot* of trolling the readers.  Given where we are in the arc, I shan't spoiler these couple of examples, since these issues have already resolved themselves in-comic.  Since the whole thing with the Toe started, his preview panels from next year didn't have Becky or Amber in them.  This was clearly intentional, just to stir people up.  As was the hospital, and Willis saying that "maybe Walky needed his appendix out" or something along those lines.  Honestly, I think that AG/Amber's interaction with Sal hurt more than the head injury.

Back to the comic, I'm pretty sure that we're at the actual winding-down, since all of the things brought up are, if not resolved, going to be shown in a future arc.  Given the glacial pace at which this comic runs, that may be *quite* a while.  Hell, the Toe may not even face trial for another 5-10 years at this point.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Nov 2015, 23:40
I'm actually most worried about Amber right now; she looked on the verge of collapse in the last panel of yesterday's strip.

Now, I wonder if Dorothy will quickly become insufferable because she's hanging around Joyce, fretting about her 'trauma' and wondering if swearing in a crisis is somehow a precursor of a breakdown.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 09 Nov 2015, 23:58
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Nov 2015, 13:49
I think Dorothy is overreacting


And I'd be surprised if Amber didn't turn up there at Emergency at some stage.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 10 Nov 2015, 18:13
She had better at some point. She got beat around quite a bit during that chase. If she doesn't have at least a concussion from hitting that car I'll be surprised. I'm sure she'll say 'secret identity' and such, but she can always head there some time after everyone else and say she fell off a skateboard. Which is technically true...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Nov 2015, 23:14
I think Dorothy is overreacting

I think that today's strip (11/11/15) answers this quite well. Dorothy really, really was terrified that she'd never see Joyce again and never be able to make peace with her.

It also reminds us that Joyce is as much Dorothy's best friend as Dorothy is Joyce's best friend. Jealous Becky just needs to learn to deal with it and also learn to deal with the fact that not every relationship has romantic and/or sexual underpinnings.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Nov 2015, 07:51
Well to be honestly, Dorothy doesn't have a lot of friends in general. She wasn't really planning on staying at this university long, just until she could transfer to one with a Much More Important Sounding Name. Becoming friends with Joyce and dating Walky was just kind of.. unexpected complications. As far as Becky goes, I think she's dealing with her unrequited crush with Joyce and an attraction to Dorothy.. That and her being Super Duper Out Lesbian to her seems to mean making sexual innuendos whenever she can. Contrasted to what she's actually like around Dina. She's still pretty much has that isolated, repressed upbringing mentality going on.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Nov 2015, 11:23
Get the feeling that Dorothy might just be a leeeetle OCD?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Nov 2015, 12:02
No.. Not really. She's very high strung and sometimes overthinks things to much. But that's not at all the same as OCD.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 11 Nov 2015, 12:12
Thank you!  I would have said something, but I was busy washing my hands.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 11 Nov 2015, 12:58
(http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7or5ecmr41rter4a.gif)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 11 Nov 2015, 13:56
I actually *do* have OCD, and some pretty serious contamination issues amongst the other stuff going on in my head.  Being able to joke about it is something I actually find quite therapeutic as a sort of "fuck you" to my OCD.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 11 Nov 2015, 14:31
I didn't know you personally dealt with it. I apologise for my quick reaction. The comment, without the knowledge, plus the previous term "a little OCD" bothered me. Finding ways to cope personally is valid and important but I mistook it for the common way people who don't deal with mental illness generalise and mock mental health issues.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 11 Nov 2015, 21:06
Yay, Dina's not dead!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 11 Nov 2015, 21:12
I didn't know you personally dealt with it. I apologise for my quick reaction. The comment, without the knowledge, plus the previous term "a little OCD" bothered me. Finding ways to cope personally is valid and important but I mistook it for the common way people who don't deal with mental illness generalise and mock mental health issues.

No apology needed.  We don't always have context for everything, and I probably would have done the same in your shoes.  I'm just glad that I'm in a place now where I can laugh about it, and shake hands with people and everything.  After I posted that, I actually looked at my hands and realised that they haven't been dry and peeling for a couple of weeks now.  Happy place.

Yay, Dina's not dead!
Most of that sequence, the framing is actually from Dina's perspective.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 12 Nov 2015, 00:54
Dina's line made me laugh so hard.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Nov 2015, 01:13
I'm expecting Sarah to be all stand-offish, rebuking Joyce for getting herself caught up in others' troubles and doing something crazy like chasing off after a gunman. Then, as soon as they're in private in their room she'll hug her tearfully and sternly order her to tell no-one that this had happened.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Nov 2015, 12:32
Wasn't my intention to offend.  It's just that sometimes Dorothy reminds me of Hannelore from QC with the way she acts.

Maybe Dina should work as an Infiltration Specialist when she graduates.  Good to know she's OK though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Nov 2015, 14:18
Hannelore from QC
I looked up other Hannelores, at first to give a smartass "as opposed to Dr. Hannelore von Kamprad from Hitman 2: Silent Assassin?" (the only other fictional one wiki listed). Then I got curious how common a name it was. Out of six real life Hannelores I found, five were German and one was Belgian. The most popular profession is politician.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Nov 2015, 16:09
Method, are you suggesting Hanners run for president
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Nov 2015, 16:11
Because I would vote for her. 300%

I would steal two peoples' identities for the sole purpose of getting her elected.

Hanners 2016
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 12 Nov 2015, 16:20
Hey, at least she's honest when she says she'll release the virus.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Nov 2015, 16:46
Method, are you suggesting Hanners run for president
Would she be eligible (age aside)? Was Station over the US when she was born?

(I know her parents are probably both US citizens making that irrelevant, I'm just having fun with this)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Nov 2015, 16:49
Would she be eligible (age aside)?

Please, her mother could pull strings.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Nov 2015, 16:55
Fixed your brackets.

Also, as for her mom running for President, I'll quote Lex Luthor, "do you know how much power I'd have to give up to be President?"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Nov 2015, 18:53
I wasn't suggesting Mother Chatham would run, I was suggesting she'd clear legal blockades to her daughter's campaign
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Nov 2015, 18:55
Oh, I know, but that quote applies more to her than Hanners (at least for now), and I really wanted to use that quote.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Nov 2015, 21:05
Oh, Becky, that is so fucking adorable, it is ridiculous.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 12 Nov 2015, 21:17
Oh, it *is*.

And since I can now post what I posted on Patreon yesterday:

That last bit about getting those cops back in helps deal with the worry that Becky wouldn't be pressing charges.  It very much sounds like if he ever gets out of prison, he'll be using a walker.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Nov 2015, 21:26
I guess you could post about Patreon stuff as long as it's in a clearly marked spoiler.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 12 Nov 2015, 21:36
Well, it's not a spoiler, but the comment that I made there, and that I'm only making here after the comic went "live".  It only refers to today's public strip, and the what I had said before that happened.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Nov 2015, 22:00
Oh, I know, I'm saying it would've been ok if you'd said that yesterday as long as you'd spoilered it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Nov 2015, 22:33
Oh, I know, I'm saying it would've been ok if you'd said that yesterday as long as you'd spoilered it.

I know you're not wrong and that it's far from my place to tell a mod what is and isn't okay, but please do not encourage this. I know what the spoiler thing is meant for, and it's entirely on me for clicking to read the post, but the majority on this thread are speculation built around single shots from Willis' teasers, and I'm just so curious what is being said. I can't and won't complain, but it's still nice to not have things actually, legitimately spoiled.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Nov 2015, 22:44
See, the single shots and Willis teasers are still spoilers, and I'm just making sure that people label the spoiler tag with what kind of spoiler it is. (Speculation, Willis-provided or Patreon). Although speculation that's just from already "aired" comics doesn't really need a tag.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Nov 2015, 23:26
Dina sets several bars for cuteness in today's strip. I particularly like her bashful smile in panel 5!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 13 Nov 2015, 04:28
See, I personally think posting Patreon spoilers at all, even tagged, is a dick move towards the artist.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 13 Nov 2015, 04:50
That's the reason I don't do it, and that I wait until a strip goes "live" before copy-pasting the comments that I had made on the early panels.  I still haven't posted about the dialogue changes in certain strips between versions.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Nov 2015, 08:08
Wait, he changes dialogue sometimes?

Also I disagree that you have any obligation to not show people what you get from Patreon. If you get a book and it has extra stuff in it, you'll probably show your friends. How is this any different?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 13 Nov 2015, 08:53
Aye, he does.  Sal's bit with AG changed when AG first woke up.  There are other differences, as well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 13 Nov 2015, 08:54
Because the advanced Patreon strip is a bonus you get for signing up and subscribing, basically. It's not extras in a book, it's an advanced reward for supporting the artist. If you repost it, you're letting everyone see the advance without paying to do so. It's a kind of skeezy thing to do, both in terms of spoilers and in respect for the artist.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Nov 2015, 09:01
Aye, he does.  Sal's bit with AG changed when AG first woke up.  There are other differences, as well.
Dang. Now I'm glad I don't see the advanced ones if I'd have to end up waiting for the real one.

Edit: Also good point, Neko, I guess I didn't think of it like that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Nov 2015, 13:04
Way to boost Dinas ego there Becky.

And I'm glad to hear they've talked to the cops about what happened. Hope Ross winds up in pokey for this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Nov 2015, 21:07
Oh, Walky, you fucking idiot. I relate to you so much, right now
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 13 Nov 2015, 21:12
Maybe I'm channelling a certain Big Lebowski character, but all I have to say is "Shut the fuck up, Walky!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Nov 2015, 04:10
"You're out of your element, Walky!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Nov 2015, 08:16
If Dorothy had a couch in her and Sierra's room, Walky would be in for couch-time!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Nov 2015, 09:21
I don't get that reference.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Nov 2015, 09:30
I don't get that reference.

What it means is that, to me, Dorothy looks mad enough with Walky that there will probably be a chill between them. Sex is most definitely off the menu until Dorothy gets over her anger.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Nov 2015, 09:34
She looks more mildly embarrassed than mad.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Nov 2015, 11:49
Why is it that Walky never learns to engage his brain before his mouth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 14 Nov 2015, 12:54
Because it's Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Nov 2015, 18:00
it's Walky.
Roll credits!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Nov 2015, 00:01
I think I know what's happening right now in Becky's head. It's irrational, yes; it may even be emotionally self-destructive but she'll probably never be free of a subconscious desire for Ross's approval and the desperate hope that, one day, he'll accept her. He's her father and that makes things complicated, no matter how thoroughly he defiles the role.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 15 Nov 2015, 07:46
I well know the feeling. I spent (wasted) a lot of years trying for my father's approval. Doing things I hated and trying to be someone I wasn't. But no matter what I tried, it just wasn't good enough, and I wasn't happy because I wasn't being true to myself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 15 Nov 2015, 11:17
Oh, Becky, nothing good can come from this...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Nov 2015, 13:55
This is not a good idea Becky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Nov 2015, 19:35
If he stands by what he did, then she knows he's lost to her and has closure. If he apologizes, and means it, then maybe she'll visit him in prison.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 15 Nov 2015, 21:11
fuck off, dad, you pulled this shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 15 Nov 2015, 21:20
Edited from my Patreon post on 13 Nov

Quote
I want him to get out of prison as someone too old and decrepit to even *hold* a gun, and sees Becky and Dina happily married, with Dina being a paleontologist, and Becky as an evolutionary scientist.  That'd be the best torture possible.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Nov 2015, 21:29
Since we'll never get past freshman year, as long as Willis never writes something that directly contradicts that into the comic, as far as I'm concerned that's their future.

Edit: Also I wish it wasn't so expensive to get tomorrow's comic. I'm a patron but $60 a year is just too much :/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Nov 2015, 23:27
Becky needed to say those words but, unfortunately, I don't think that there was ever a loving heart to receive them. That's the worst part of this: Her family was always a lie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Nov 2015, 23:31
Her mom may have not been so bad.

Either way, I'm just glad Joyce is the autobiographical one and not Becky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 16 Nov 2015, 08:58
Well, if it was me, Toedad just made it a whole lot easier to continue pressing charges and cutting him out forever.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Nov 2015, 11:27
I had a feeling about Ross

Some people just don't want to learn no matter how much you try to teach them. 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 16 Nov 2015, 21:03
Fuck yeah. Becky, do the science. You got this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Nov 2015, 21:15
This made me so happy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 16 Nov 2015, 21:24
It's too soon to tell if I called it completely, but my speculation seems to be still on track.  What really made it, though, was Becky's smile as she extended those fingers and backed out of the room.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Nov 2015, 23:39
Predicting it now: Becky will cry her eyes out on Dina's shoulder as soon as she's out of line-of-sight and earshot. What makes me say that? Becky's false grin; I've seen her use that one before when she's upset or suppressing her feelings.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 17 Nov 2015, 08:10
I'm with that.. This looks like Becky Bravado going on here. Ross's actions have to cut her to the quick. She just wants her family back. Unfortunately, she has this image of her family that doesn't match what the reality is. That is something she shares with Ross, really. The trouble is their visions contradict each other. In the end, Becky is doing what she has to do. She's made efforts to reach out to her dad, and he refuses unless she submits to what he wants. The exact opposite of unconditional love there. Maybe he'll come around eventually. But Becky at least has some support at the school. Now if only she can get herself established before she gets kicked out of the dorms.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Nov 2015, 13:49
I have to agree.  Yes, she's told Rosstwat to basically go fuck himself, but I get the feeling that the crash is coming for Becky after she gets outta there.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 17 Nov 2015, 14:41
As a fuckin' scientist*, I think Becky's double-birding of Ross is pretty much the perfect gesture to go along with what she said.

* (okay, fine, non-fuckin' scientist...)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Nov 2015, 23:46
So, will Carla buy Amber's lame deflection or will curiousity lead her down an unexpected rabbit-hole?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Nov 2015, 05:08
I don't know much about Carla, but would she care enough to investigate?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 18 Nov 2015, 06:18
Well, if it was me, Toedad just made it a whole lot easier to continue pressing charges and cutting him out forever.

I mean, she doesn't need to press charges. Without Becky being involved at all he has the whole discharging a weapon in public/vehicular assault rap going on. That cop was right, she doesn't ever have to talk to him again if she doesn't want to.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 18 Nov 2015, 07:01
Ah, I don't know how these matters work in the US specifically or in general.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 18 Nov 2015, 08:21
Essentially, either the victim or the government (locality, state, or federal) can press charges. For some crimes, the victim has to do it, for other crimes, the government can do it.

There's some crimes that Ross committed where the government can do it even against the victim's consent.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Nov 2015, 12:25
Attempted Kidnapping (even if it's his own daughter, she only went with him when he started waving the gun around.  I think any witnesses would attest to that.)
Illegal Discharge Of A Weapon In A Public Space
Assault and/or Assault With A Deadly Weapon
Threatening To Kill
Dangerous Driving (Possibly with additional charges relating to the crash)

I'm glad to see Amber's somewhat OK though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 18 Nov 2015, 21:39
Regarding today's comic: holy shit. That is what I would refer to as 'mothering care,' that Ruth is doing. It sure as shit ain't an RA's job, and there is nothing to make her so it, this is a fascinating bit of information on Ruth's character.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Nov 2015, 21:49
I'm pretty sure that's Carla, not Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 18 Nov 2015, 21:56
I'm pretty sure that's Carla, not Ruth.

I'm pretty sure you're right, and my surprise stands, nonetheless.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Nov 2015, 23:04
It is Carla, and it still is a surprise. She's not exactly the nice type.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 18 Nov 2015, 23:11
Aye.  I don't know whether I was more surprised to see her without her skates, or to see her being kind like to Amber.  It has been a while since I have done an archive binge, but it does seem that she and Sal seem to at least tolerate each other well enough.  But who knows if that bit is because *both* tend to be a bit abrasive most of the time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Nov 2015, 23:40
Sal and Carla tolerate eachother for Marcie's sake - Carla is Marcie's teammate. FWIW, we haven't really spent enough timewith her to see how she would react to a stranger in trouble. Considering the nature of their previous interaction, this may give Amber food for thought about the grey nature of most humans.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 18 Nov 2015, 23:51
Carla doesn't do roller derby http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/purpleandskates/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Nov 2015, 13:20
Food for thought there Amber
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Nov 2015, 21:18
Dang, was hoping for more Amber.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Nov 2015, 23:12
I, for one, am waiting for Sarah to try to hug Joyce and never stop. She's been shooting her worried looks all night! Probably the hug will start the minute the doom room door closes.

I also think that Sal will give Becky and Dina their privacy in her dorm room tonight and, as a fair exchange, Dina lets Sal sleep in her room (the one she shares with Amber) tonight.

I’m expecting this to be one of those odd coincidental moments in DoA history. Normally, Sal sleeping in Dina’s bed would mean she collides with Amber but Amber isn’t there that night. Carla, worried that Amber is concussed, insists that she stay in her room with her overnight so she can monitor her. So it is the climactic confrontation between Amber and Sal is put off again and Carla, the outcast-by-choice, starts probably the single oddest friendship that she’s ever had.

No, I don’t think that Sal would paw through the closets in Dina and Amber’s room and thus find the Amazi-Girl costume. Despite her claims to the contrary, she’s actually a very nice and polite young woman and would never abuse Dina and her room-mate’s hospitality in such a way.


[Edit:]
A new spoiler/revised character art on DMW's Tumblr (http://41.media.tumblr.com/5f33c7d47deadb4605f171ae343b31ea/tumblr_ny3q9gxt7o1sm8ur3o1_1280.png)
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Nov 2015, 13:04
(click to show/hide)

And Becky's Chat Show career will be off to a flying start.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 20 Nov 2015, 20:34
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Nov 2015, 20:46
Yeah, it is. If it's not part of the actual comic it is.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 Nov 2015, 21:58
Dina is recognizing Amber for who she truly is. This is a big moment, and it just proves my mental image of Dina as the smartest of the DoA crew
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Nov 2015, 00:01
Dina was never fooled by Amber's 'secret identity' and, indeed, innocently fails to understand Amber's claims of 'seperate personae'. What she does understand is that Amber has risked much and been hurt helping Becky. She also understands what you are supposed to do for people who are hurting. She knows few people who so continually hurt as Amber does.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Nov 2015, 04:39
Joyce is frowning pretty hard :(
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Nov 2015, 06:19
Joyce is frowning pretty hard :(

Ross's pious evil has seriously undermined her faith. I suspect that she's going to be forced to go on a long, dark journey of reflection and self-rediscovery before she's able to restore her mental and emotional balance.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 21 Nov 2015, 08:59
Joyce has been going under a crisis of faith for a while now. She was raised being told and believing that the bible is right, those that follow it are righteous, gay people and atheists are evil and going to hell. In the past few months all that's been turned upside down. She's made a good friend who is a good person and an atheist. Her best friend and boyfriend have come out as being gay, and they are good people. Meanwhile she's found that her family are very prejudiced and controlling. Her best friend's father kidnapped his daughter at gun point and threatened, then tried to kill people stopping him from doing that, all claiming to be righteous with god on his side. And that's on top of her being drugged and nearly raped a short while ago. Something she still hasn't even started to work through. Yeah.. she's under a lot of stress lately, and everything she thought was stable in her life keeps getting knocked out from under her by reality.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Nov 2015, 12:40
I think we're going to see a new 'Version' of Joyce as time goes on, but I think the ride is going to be a bumpy one to say the least.

Dina, unfoolable.  And I love the look Amber gives her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 21 Nov 2015, 18:02
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Nov 2015, 23:43
(click to show/hide)

Meanwhile, in today's strip, we're about to have Sarah become the first victim of this continuity's Anti-Joyce!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Nov 2015, 07:24
Ok, can someone link when the whole "I'll give you money for swearing" thing happened?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 22 Nov 2015, 07:45
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-4/01-the-only-dope-for-me-is-you/damnation/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Nov 2015, 07:48
So Joe needs to pay up, or at least pay Sarah back.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 22 Nov 2015, 08:06
I'm thinking Sarah was trying to break the tension... Good luck with that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Nov 2015, 11:20
Yeah, nice try Sarah. 

Don't think it went over well though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 22 Nov 2015, 23:09
*bbbzzzztt bbbzzzzttt*
"M-mom?"
"Cngratulations, Joyce, you've broken through your religious programming!  We're so proud of you!  Now, why don't you come home so we can throw you a big party and totally not lock you in the basement for re-education or anything sinister like that."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Nov 2015, 01:22
If I were Carol Brown, I'd limit my call to making sure that Joyce is physically okay and that doesn't need anything right now. I would wait until morning to talk to her about the rest of the content of her message. Right now, tempers are running too high and emotional balances too precarious to get into a deep conversation; it would too easily turn into an argument and estrangement.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Nov 2015, 04:44
She called back so soon she probably just saw the missed call and hasn't heard the message yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 23 Nov 2015, 05:18
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5b/2a/47/5b2a47122f030e0b427f7041ea5d5282.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Nov 2015, 13:40
Well

That's one way to declare your emancipation to your parents
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 23 Nov 2015, 22:35
Poor Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Nov 2015, 23:06
Sometimes I hate being right.

Willis has said that there is a lot of him in his characters sometimes (in It's Walky as well as in DoA). Based on this, I think I'm coming to understand why he has such a vinegary approach to religion and faith. If he's been through a fraction of what Joyce has been through, then the piety some people classifies as 'righteousness' has done him nothing but harm.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 23 Nov 2015, 23:24
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Nov 2015, 23:59
Okay, first up, some absolutely brilliant Amazi-Girl fanart!

(http://36.media.tumblr.com/eeb5f0db1da37038305d5e3d4f709042/tumblr_nyaxudxIwF1qbjuqko1_1280.png)

Amazi-Girl is Always Prepared by Eric Burns-White (http://demiurgent.tumblr.com)

Secondly, another spoiler/preview art from DMW (http://40.media.tumblr.com/d711a37d5718cbb9fe568386a3fdce79/tumblr_nyaot3IaqY1sm8ur3o1_500.png). It's not really a 'spoiler' spoiler as it doesn't make any significant contributions to any major plot-line that I'm aware of. I'll put my comments in a spoiler space anyway because I know some are super-sensitive to this stuff.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 24 Nov 2015, 03:25
Oh, this can't end well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Nov 2015, 14:18
Damn!!

All the wrong things to say JoyceMom, all the wrong things.  :(


Nice image too there Ben.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 24 Nov 2015, 14:21
Thanks for spoiler-tagging it, but was it really necessary to call asking you not to post unmarked spoilers "super-sensitive"?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 24 Nov 2015, 14:35
I'd like to back up Method's comment. "Super-sensitive" got me furrowing my brow, and I follow Willis on Tumblr so it's not because I'm part of the group that, reasonably so, would like preview images spoilered.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 24 Nov 2015, 21:17
Oof. 'Everything' includes Joyce, that's what I'm taking from Sarah's expression. To Sarah, everything's been broken for a long time, but seeing Joyce realize it is like having that realization a second time... I may be projecting on this one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 24 Nov 2015, 21:58
This very relevant comment was given on the Patreon about todays strip yesterday:

Quote
Welp. (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2011/comic/book-1/05-media-rumble/break/)

This comic was not long ago in-universe, I think. Makes today's comic even more tragical.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Nov 2015, 23:05
To me, this strip has emphasised how bitter the estrangement was between DMW and his parents and how totally something like that affects everything that you do, say and think from then on. Art as a kind of expression therapy? A primal scream in a comic strip? I would argue 'when is it not?'

I said this on yesterday's comments thread on the DoA site but I'll repeat it here: Joyce is in for a long, dark journey through barren and trouble-filled places before she is able to rediscover happiness and a certain balance. However, for now, she's got to confront her own past and determine just which parts of it were a lie (no matter how well-intentioned).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 25 Nov 2015, 12:13
Willis discusses the now ended storyline. (http://itswalky.tumblr.com/post/133911326532/the-storylines-over-and-now-that-it-is-i-wanted) No spoilers, to me, but maybe to be avoided for safe sake. He mentions what we've already seen and his thought process behind it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Nov 2015, 13:19
One can only hope that the network of friends around Joyce will help her through this.  Sarah's problem was, and still is in some ways, she didn't have that kind of a network around her after things went south with her. 

Joyce has, which will probably make the difference now that she's hit rock bottom.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Nov 2015, 23:55
Sometimes, I really wonder if Ruth scripts these depressive statements in advance in an attempt to impress Billie with her pathos. Billie clearly thinks so!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 26 Nov 2015, 01:23
Four days later. The way the strip's going, that's like 2 years of comics.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Nov 2015, 01:44
This time skip is interesting because it means that there has been plenty of time for the aftershocks of Ross's little psychotic episode to thoroughly penetrate the campus community and reach the various characters' families. I have no doubt that the Dean is having to placate outraged trustees and tuition fee payers and that he's also under pressure to 'do something to stop it happening again' (as if that is somehow possible). This may be filtering down to the RAs with Ruth being under pressure to keep her floor 'in line'.

Meanwhile, it also means that the Browns have had a while to consider Joyce's earlier voice mail. Similarly, Amber has had some time to consider Sal's explicit threat and how to respond to it.

Basically, Willis has made the right decision to jump over a lot of emotional filler and take us straight to the consequences starting to unfold.

Regarding this chapter's title, "That Perfect Girl", I suspect that it refers to two things: Firstly, it is either Billie or Ruth's mantra to help them deal with a major rough patch in their relationship. Secondly, it is also Joyce's mental situation; that she doesn't want to be her parents' 'perfect girl' anymore.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Nov 2015, 13:27
As deep statements go Ruth, that was fairly mid level deep

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Nov 2015, 23:28
Something tells me that Ruth likes social interaction far less when the other person isn't afraid of her and, instead, thinks of her as being their personal dress-up doll.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 27 Nov 2015, 05:34
As someone who has lived with severe depression for over half my life, I understand Ruth's feelings of "eh" far too well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Nov 2015, 05:39
What is going on? I'm so confused.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 27 Nov 2015, 10:59
Ruth is feeling the apathy brought on by severe depression, Billie is trying to pull her out of it, Ruth is not responding well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Nov 2015, 13:32
At least Billie speaks her language.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Nov 2015, 23:09
Not gonna lie, today's comic made me chuckle in a sad fashion. No true mirth was felt, just a sad sort of humor.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Nov 2015, 23:47
I foresee a major crisis coming, not only in Ruth's tenure as RA but also in her relationship with Billie. Whilst Billie is still interested in her and wants to help her, she seems to be running out of patience with her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Nov 2015, 06:39
I foresee a major crisis coming
I hope this isn't mean, but do you ever not? I get that it's Willis, but how do you enjoy a comic if you always assume things will go bad?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Nov 2015, 06:52
I foresee a major crisis coming

I hope this isn't mean, but do you ever not? I get that it's Willis, but how do you enjoy a comic if you always assume things will go bad?

I think that you hit the nail on the head when you say 'This is Willis'. His writing tends to be dark and negative with even his positive moments often overshadowed with troubling questions about what is over the horizon. I enjoy it because the characterisations and how he writes believable people going through crises is compelling and interesting. I don't need rainbows and unicorns to enjoy a tale.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Nov 2015, 10:54
I think these two have earned the nickname Crash and Burn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Nov 2015, 21:27
I hope their storyline is moved on from pretty soon.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Nov 2015, 23:49
Billie is very good at thinking on her feet and using opportunities when they arise. I'm not sure Ruth was ready for that or can adapt to that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 29 Nov 2015, 03:18
I think these two have earned the nickname Crash and Burn.

Ouch, with Billie's past, that's fucking ROUGH.

Their story makes me sad, but I do enjoy it, just in a different way. There must be some character development, if only because one or both of them will die unless they change soon.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 29 Nov 2015, 04:43
As someone who survived a mutually self destructive death spiral relationship, I can identify pretty hard with these two. I, at least, avoided the delusion that it was love. And I managed to escape relatively intact. She did not.

I hope these two find help. 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 29 Nov 2015, 12:01
Are RAs typically prevented from being in a relationship with their residents? One of my friends met her boyfriend and started dating him while she was his RA. I mean obviously if it was found out Ruth was letting Billie get away with drinking in the dorms she would be fired, and if her own drinking problems were discovered it could get even worse. But does the relationship actually need to be so hush-hush?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 Nov 2015, 13:59
That would depend on the college in question, I think. RAs are officially in a position of power over their residents. Being in a relationship with them calls into question impartiality and possible abuses of power. It's probably very likely that a lot of the 'secrecy' stems from Ruth not wanting to admit she's anything other than a hard ass who should never be crossed. Her relationship with Billie is a chink in that armor. The fact that the relationship seems to be largely based on hate sex and both of them getting drunk off their asses but not killing themselves with it... Well let's say Ruth would at least be talking with the school if they knew she and Billie were drinking in the dorms. Almost certainly she would lose her position if they knew how bad it was and how it affected her work.

That said, I don't see how people in the rooms around Ruth's can possibly be in the dark that Billie is living there. Dorms tend to be active all hours of the day. They could get away with scenes like that once in a while, but every time Billie enters or leaves Ruth's room? On a daily basis? It's stretching credibility to much to think her floor mates don't know Ruth has Billie there. They're probably to scared to say anything though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Nov 2015, 14:21
Billie thinking on her feet again and getting Ruth to actually do her job

These two work well together.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 29 Nov 2015, 14:43
s/work/drink/

Edit for today's comic:

As much as I enjoy Becky's "it's *my* head canon" moment, Dina steals the whole thing.  And I'm rather glad that Willis fixed the typo before this went live.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 29 Nov 2015, 21:11
Oh my god, Dina, you are amazing. This is fantastic, I love today's strip
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Nov 2015, 12:45
So, does this mean she's now officially at their University?

And trust Dina to use her cute to steal Becky's thunder.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 30 Nov 2015, 17:42
Not yet, most likely. It's only been a few days. Before she will be able to do anything to get student loans or apply for the college, she's going to need a residence. I don't think putting down "Crashing in one of your dorm rooms without you knowing about it" will look very good on the application.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 30 Nov 2015, 21:13
It seems as though poor Joyce finally broke.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 Nov 2015, 21:27
At first, I was all excited for Becky, because this is excellent for her. Then I was all sad, because Joyce, and Walky calling it her new default, and it being a constant for Joyce now. This is an upsetting thing to me...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Nov 2015, 23:33
Yeah, we're on a countdown to Joyce blowing up and probably catching a lot of bystanders in the blast, I think.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Dec 2015, 14:03
I'm expecting a Joyceplosion at some stage

Maybe her Dad turning up will be the trigger



Careful Becky, your face could freeze that way, then where would you be.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 01 Dec 2015, 14:15
I'm sure that Becky's façade will crack soon enough.  It's also an interesting contrast to what is going on with Joyce, who hasn't had the whole fundamentalism thing crumbling around her for *years*, and that time to process things.  It has been a couple of months for Joyce that is tearing down her entire world view, so she seems to be becoming more bitter and angry.  Since some of Joyce is autobiographical for Willis, this may in some ways echo how he became an atheist.  For Becky, despite what she has been through, god is still answering lesbian prayers, and accepting things like evolution, and budding feminism wouldn't be out of place in more liberal churches.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 01 Dec 2015, 21:22
I hate this argument. It's barely even supported by scripture. One verse in Romans, talking about sin and connecting it to death, and suddenly no one got sick prior to eating the fruit? Blind faith in anything is a bad idea, but it's worse when the faith is in human beings, which clearly is what Joyce was putting it in, if she never questioned the doctrine. I just... I see myself in this strip. In most of the strips about Joyce confronting the issues with her past, really. My parents might not be fundamentalists, but they definitely raised me surrounded by them on all sides.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Dec 2015, 02:53
Another preview panel from Willis (http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/image/134377678847)
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Dec 2015, 12:02
Well, there it is.  Joyce's horrible revelation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 02 Dec 2015, 13:37
There there Joyce, let it all out. Having your childhood destroyed and your illusions of the world as you know it shattered are just part of growing up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Dec 2015, 21:09
Dina, I'm pretty sure most people still don't expect you to talk.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Dec 2015, 21:11
Dina, I'm pretty sure most people still don't expect you to talk.

This is approximately the same thing I came here to comment. If great minds think alike, then so do slightly-above-average-but-overall-typical minds, and congratulations on having one of those.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Dec 2015, 21:17
Thanks...I suppose.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Dec 2015, 12:46
Agreed, most people are somewhat taken aback when Dina actually comments, let alone swears.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 03 Dec 2015, 18:14
Thanks...I suppose.

That's about the only possible response, but I swear, it was me being self-effacing, not trying to put you down.

I never got that 'joke,' really. It's based on the speaker claiming they've got a great mind. I am not so arrogant.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 03 Dec 2015, 18:48
So, good thing Willis has this large buffer. He's going to have his hands full from now :)

[tweet]672531398180405249[/tweet]

[tweet]672533658591436800[/tweet]
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Dec 2015, 18:57
Thanks...I suppose.

That's about the only possible response, but I swear, it was me being self-effacing, not trying to put you down.

I never got that 'joke,' really. It's based on the speaker claiming they've got a great mind. I am not so arrogant.
I suppose the alternative "worthless, horrible minds think alike" wouldn't be that flattering*.

* I don't think that about any of your minds. That's just what my mind thinks about itself.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Dec 2015, 21:20
At first I was all "who is that and what has he done with Mike" before I realized that of course he'll say this because it's still the most hurtful thing he could say at the moment, even if it is technically nice.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Dec 2015, 23:33
Oddly enough, I do think that "willful and hypocritical self-deceit" is Mike's #1 peeve.

I also think that he is just a tiny bit protective of Joyce but that may just be me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Dec 2015, 12:08
Mike actually making sense of things

Who is this and what has he done with the real Mike.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 04 Dec 2015, 12:38
Mike usually makes sense, but he likes to use it to cause the emotional distress of others.

Edit: "I find I can do more damage with the truth." (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-6/01-to-those-whod-ground-me/underhanded/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Dec 2015, 23:12
She's going home? I wonder why.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Dec 2015, 23:47
It's probably something to do with their neighbour having a psychotic episode and waving a gun in her face followed by the voicemail rant later that day. They've probably decided that she needs respite in what they honestly view as a safe space.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Dec 2015, 07:28
That phone call with her parents is why I'm surprised she is going home.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 05 Dec 2015, 08:34
I thought she was going home for Thanksgiving weekend, but I'm not sure of the timeline.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Dec 2015, 09:00
Nah, I think it's barely October.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Dec 2015, 12:01
A bit on the nose there Becky, but I think she's using that kind of 'Gallows Humour' as a sort of self depreciation after what happened to her, and I like the way Dina has sortof called her on it.  Even if Dina is unaware of that fact.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 05 Dec 2015, 21:16
Amber, that makes no sense. Windows are a viewpoint through which snaps can be taken, thereby meaning snapchat stories could include your little display, billions of snapchat stories, if I were to take Danny at his literal word, and to assume every window has a person with a phone and the snapchat app.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Dec 2015, 21:21
Snapchat is the worst and damn it, I'm old now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Dec 2015, 00:29
Panel 1 reminds us that Amber isn't just a girl in a cosplay outfit pretending to be a masked vigilante. She's got the moves too!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 06 Dec 2015, 07:14
I love Snapchat.

I wonder how bad Amber's vision is for her. She might be wearing contacts.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Dec 2015, 07:26
Maybe the glasses are fake and part of her cover. (Of course if anyone asks, she's wearing contacts)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Dec 2015, 11:54
Great way to boost his ego Amber 


And it looks like Amber is all healed up from her recent adventure now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Dec 2015, 13:34
Well, that explains the no glasses, and just why she can get away with not wearing them.  I wonder how she explained the broken glasses to her mom?

Hmmmm

Would Amber be a Daria fan if she saw it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 07 Dec 2015, 13:45
Would Amber be a Daria fan if she saw it?

She could see it, but it would give her eye strain.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Dec 2015, 15:07
La la la la la
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Dec 2015, 23:21
Oh my god, I'm laughing so hard I might sprain something.


Or maybe not.






Cucumber changes everything
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Dec 2015, 00:08
I'm pleased that Danny isn't letting Amber hide behind her mask or superhero metaphors. She nearly died. Her boyfriend has the right to be concerned and want to discuss this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Dec 2015, 04:03
Where the fuck is his nose in the first and last panels?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 Dec 2015, 21:09
Oh, that's a way to get info out of a person.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 08 Dec 2015, 21:27
I haven't posted on this thread in awhile, but is purdy excite.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Dec 2015, 22:13
That's one way to get the entire story outta Amber.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Dec 2015, 23:21
Obviously, this is Amber's secret vulnerability: Learning people's kinks.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Dec 2015, 19:32
Is "kink" the right word for bisexuality?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 09 Dec 2015, 20:10
No it wouldn't be, but Amber has no idea that he's bi, and probably *was* hoping to find out some strange fetish.  Hell, she'd probably be happier if he did, and not crushing on her ex.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Dec 2015, 21:44
Saved by the butt.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Dec 2015, 23:40
This is a watershed moment for Danny and Amber. He's finally realized just how sick his girlfriend is and, to his credit, he isn't running for the hills. A lot now depends on how he expresses himself and whether Amber is able to accept what he is offering her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Dec 2015, 11:55
This is a watershed moment for Danny and Amber. He's finally realized just how sick his girlfriend is and, to his credit, he isn't running for the hills. A lot now depends on how he expresses himself and whether Amber is able to accept what he is offering her.

It shall be interesting to see where things go from here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 10 Dec 2015, 12:29
If she does actually get a therapist (much needed, IMO), they'll probably start setting up trusts for descendants several generations down the line.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 10 Dec 2015, 21:03
Oh dear.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Dec 2015, 21:03
Damn it, Willis.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 10 Dec 2015, 21:05
Soon, her journey to the Dark Side will be complete, and she will be like her father.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Dec 2015, 21:08
Why would you say that?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 10 Dec 2015, 21:22
When I posted back there, I *hadn't* seen the preview for tomorrow.  Now I have, and I'm afraid that if I were to discuss my rationale now, that would probably leak in to whatever I had to say.  I'm going to have to brush you off for about 24h on this one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Dec 2015, 23:49
Basically, either Amber is going to run away like the devil himself were at her heels or end up a blubbering mess on Danny's shoulder.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 11 Dec 2015, 02:42
Holy what the hell happened.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Dec 2015, 02:50
Holy what the hell happened.

The one thing that Amber fears above all else - The little bit of her father's violent and aggressive behaviour that has been wired into her by long exposure came out due to the stress of having to confront Danny not differentiating between her 'Amber' and 'Amazi-Girl' personae. She's terrified of that part of her and is convinced  that it makes the 'Amber' persona inherently unlovable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 11 Dec 2015, 05:18
Wow...poor Danny...  :cry:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Dec 2015, 13:27
Shitshitshitshit.

If Danny lets her run now, this will not be good.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Dec 2015, 21:37
Why do I keep reading this :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Dec 2015, 21:40
Sometimes, I wonder that myself MoM

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 12 Dec 2015, 00:58
Curiosity and masochism.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 12 Dec 2015, 06:29
Damn you, Willis.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 12 Dec 2015, 10:16
Why do I keep reading this :psyduck:
I quit for like 2 weeks a while back, but morbid curiosity brought me back to it. I'm more or less in a quitting phase currently. Trying to wean myself off it because it's really just ... not my thing anymore, you know? I haven't enjoyed reading it in ages.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Dec 2015, 22:55
So I know I was complaining about all the sadness but even though today's thing is happy, it's just out of nowhere with a different character, which means Danny didn't go after Amber. Fuck.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Dec 2015, 00:22
Hands up everyone who has been in a similar situation to Mary's today: You're trying to concentrate or just trying to sleep and your neighbours insist on engaging in a loudly active lifestyle right outside your door... or right over your head! It happens to me far too often!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Dec 2015, 13:38
She could not, but where would be the fun in that?!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 13 Dec 2015, 14:03
Yes, but Mary is a horrible human being so any sympathies I might have had for her have long since vanished.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Dec 2015, 16:45
Who is Mary again? Also why is she horrible? (I know who she is in this comic, I just mean who is she in general)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 13 Dec 2015, 17:54
Mary makes Joyce look like Richard Dawkins, and Mike look like a human being.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Dec 2015, 18:06
...what did she do, though? I honestly don't remember.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 13 Dec 2015, 23:18
...what did she do, though? I honestly don't remember.
She's just generally judgemental and unpleasant. She hates everyone and everything that doesn't fit into her extremely narrow view of her religion. So far this has only manifested as rudeness, scowling, and glares, but primarily only because she has thus far lacked the power to do more.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 14 Dec 2015, 01:15
She also probably knows about Ruth and Billie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Dec 2015, 01:54
She also probably knows about Ruth and Billie.

"Knows"? No. She suspects that there's something up but her own personal ambition to rule the floor would have made it impossible for her to stay silent if she knew in any way that would stand up to objective scrutiny. She suspects and is trying to prove but can't do so yet.

FWIW, I suspect that the Ruth-Billie vs. Mary axis will be the centre of their part of this chapter.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 14 Dec 2015, 10:15
Who is Mary again? Also why is she horrible? (I know who she is in this comic, I just mean who is she in general)

What everyone has described was more visible in the other universes, also with a dose of giant hypocrite.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Dec 2015, 12:37
Well, that worked out well - NOT!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Dec 2015, 16:44
Honestly, that turned out a lot better for her than if Carla hadn't jumped.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Dec 2015, 14:13
OK, that's going from a bitch to a sadistic bitch

Sue her ass off for that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Dec 2015, 01:52
The ironic part of today's strip (16/12) is that Sal is interested in Joyce as a friend only when Joyce has reached the point where she is least likely to be able to tolerate Sal's attitude problems.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Dec 2015, 09:40
I don't know, I think Joyce is in a position where she and Sal could be friends now. Both have a massive disillusionment with family and people after having the supposed 'happy childhood/good parents' myth shattered. Sal just had that happen early on, while Joyce is realizing her entire life has been built on a bed of lies.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Dec 2015, 12:48
I think that Sal sees a little of herself in Joyce at this point.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Dec 2015, 12:44
I'm not sure I'd let Danny read that now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Dec 2015, 00:17
"Who cares for the carer?" That's the question people who are in Danny's position - trying to help profoundly mentally and emotionally troubled people like Amber - often ask. It isn't easy, especially when you have your own emotional problems and are vulnerable to that person because of your feelings to them. Having to handle their mood swings, irrationality and their occasional lashing out at you in frustration at their own weaknesses slowly wears you down and you need help to stop yourself running or giving up.

So, I think we've found out what Ethan's role in this little triangle will be. He's going to be the strong shoulders who'll help Danny bear the load. Not just because Danny is someone who is fast becoming his friend but because Amber is his sister whom he loves dearly and he's glad to be even a small part of helping her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Dec 2015, 11:59
I think you may be right Ben

It also depends on what direction Willis is going to take this little arc in as well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Dec 2015, 15:00
"A situation is what it is"

I don't think there's a sentence in the English language (the only one I speak fluently) I hate more than "it is what it is". I'm not saying it's always wrong, or even often. But it always sounds like saying "I give up, but don't want to admit it."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 20 Dec 2015, 15:12
I see it more as recognizing a situation for what it is rather than what you wish it was. One must accept reality as it is before one can do anything to change it. Denial never helps anything.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Dec 2015, 15:15
True, but I've never heard that said when talking about things one is willing to change, only as a way of signaling that they don't wish to bother changing it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 20 Dec 2015, 17:01
So it goes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 20 Dec 2015, 21:15
I mostly use it in regard to situations about which I am not happy, but about which either I don't have strong enough feelings to warrant  complaining, for which there's no immediate solution, or I am so tired of fighting I don't want talk about.

My mental illness is one topic that often gets this response when people ask about it. Personal tragedies that literally can not be undone often do also.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Dec 2015, 01:50
It's good to know that Joe is still Joe despite all the drama on the campus recently!

Regarding the main plot thread, whilst I understand Ethan's position, he's not giving an informed opinion. No-one knows how badly Sal has shaken up Amber's self confidence in her moral integrity. If I were Danny, I'd try to track her down; I'd keep my distance (I don't think that she wants to talk to anyone right now) but I would want to make sure she isn't self-harming or doing anything else self-destructive or stupid.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Dec 2015, 12:37
I wonder if Amber is about to finally confront Sal and tell her who she is as far as Sals past goes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Dec 2015, 14:13
Ahhh, memories.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 22 Dec 2015, 21:49
Today's comic addresses a thing I've wondered about, the number of LGBTQ individuals holding onto jobs at openly anti-LGBTQ companies. It's gotta happen, especially in this kind of economy. I have nothing more to say about the subject, but that it should be interesting to see what shenanigans Becky could pull at Chic-Fil-A
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 Dec 2015, 09:19
I never have held anything against people who work at companies who's leaders support LGBT discrimination, or other discrimination. I know that most of the people who work for these places are not going to be like that, they just want to earn a living. But I try not to support those kinds of businesses with my money all the same. Maybe they aren't contributing to hate and discrimination, but because the company leaders are, that means even a small amount of money that gets filtered up to that level that I spend there is going to discriminate against people like me. In the end of course, it's merely symbolic. But I put my support when I can with people who don't discriminate.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Dec 2015, 12:28
That's how you stick it to them Becky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Dec 2015, 15:21
Man, it still weirds me the fuck out when we see Becky's eye through her hair.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Dec 2015, 22:14
Joyce, no. It would not work. Do not bang her. This should not be the next slipshine.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Dec 2015, 23:22
It would only be a temporary solution anyway.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Dec 2015, 23:27
Joyce, no. It would not work. Do not bang her. This should not be the next slipshine.

Healing via sex is a common fanfic trope. Willis may only have been referring to it to rule it out.

FWIW, Dorothy doesn't strike me as sufficiently romantic-minded to think that it would work. If this had been going on a while and she was worried and desperate, I might be more concerned that she might do something short-sighted and ultimately harmful. As it is, I think that she was only half-listening to Walky and replying on autopilot whilst worrying about Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 24 Dec 2015, 01:36
Joyce is broken. All the people who were looking forward to it are now heartbroken.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Dec 2015, 01:46
Joyce is broken. All the people who were looking forward to it are now heartbroken.

That's basically what Mike was saying a few strips back (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-6/02-that-perfect-girl/profane/).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 24 Dec 2015, 05:15
Who was looking forward to a broken Joyce? :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 25 Dec 2015, 00:43
They were looking forward to the moment that life "broke" Joyce, but this is not what they expected
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Dec 2015, 01:27
To me, panel 4 in today's strip (25/12) is the most significant. Becky loses her snark and suddenly realises that Joyce is far more important to her than her jealousy at Dorothy being her best friend now.

Does she feel a degree of responsibility for Joyce's trauma? That would be irrational but understandable because she did have a role, no matter how unwilling. FWIW, I do agree with other readers who say that Becky is probably the only person in the regular cast who knows Joyce well enough to help her. However, I'm not sure if she has the right intellectual qualities to do so. For this, I can see Becky and Dorothy working together to try to help Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 25 Dec 2015, 12:30
Joyce, no. It would not work. Do not bang her. This should not be the next slipshine.

I am still completely befuddled as to whether Dorothy

a) is bisexual
b) has homoerotic tendencies towards Joyce
c) really believes Joyce has a crush on her
d) would really have sex with Joyce if the opportunity arose
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Dec 2015, 12:37
Open the door, get on the floor, everybody munch the Dinosaur


Yes, yes, I know I should have resisited, but whatdahey!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Dec 2015, 12:41
I wonder why Dinosaur BBQ doesn't make a bigger deal that they serve dinosaur.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Dec 2015, 13:08
I am still completely befuddled as to whether Dorothy

a) is bisexual
b) has homoerotic tendencies towards Joyce
c) really believes Joyce has a crush on her
d) would really have sex with Joyce if the opportunity arose

IMO, none of the above; she's just so concerned about Joyce that she answered Walky without really understanding or meaning what she was saying.

I wonder why Dinosaur BBQ doesn't make a bigger deal that they serve dinosaur.

Two reasons:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Dec 2015, 13:12
Well you're no fun :roll:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Dec 2015, 11:37
The Billie and Ruth Show continues

Dawwwwww
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Dec 2015, 12:22
There is still good in her Billie-wan, you've felt it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Dec 2015, 00:43
I don't think that I'm over-interpreting Ruth to say that in today's strip (12/28), she's basically asking Billie to go off and become part of Joyce's circle so that she can quietly and painlessly fade away into oblivion in peace.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Dec 2015, 09:27
Over? No. Wrongly? I fucking hope so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Dec 2015, 13:37
Don't give up on her Billie, she's almost ready to open up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 28 Dec 2015, 15:22
At least Ruth used the qualifier "near" which she reluctantly admits she's not entirely hopeless.

Ruth was right yesterday; it is a crap shoot when it comes to acute depression, showing you care doesn't always help, but it almost never hurts.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Dec 2015, 00:09
It's pretty obvious that Ruth desperately wants the 'Happily Ever After' she describes in today's strip (12/29) but just can't see herself getting it. That's genuinely sad.

What's genuinely funny is that Billie's version is still so firmly rooted in her teenage Cheer Captain persona.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 29 Dec 2015, 12:59
I definitely understand where Ruth is coming from. Part of me wants that happy ending too, and like her I just don't see it happening. Been there, done that, ended tragically. Plus the whole depression thing telling me I don't deserve it even if it was possible.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Dec 2015, 13:03
Aaand then there are times where a good solid Gibbsmack wouldn't go astray..
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 29 Dec 2015, 13:07
Right, because violence is the obvious solution to crippling depression.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Dec 2015, 12:55
She ain't falling for it Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Dec 2015, 13:34
What the fuck is that face in the last panel.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Dec 2015, 14:26
Epic-class eyeroll; sometimes, Billie's devotion just triggers Ruth's sense of the ridiculous.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 Dec 2015, 22:18
Okay, I know it's just a hold-over from Shortpacked, but I really, really, really want Roz to succeed in getting Robin to visit and then be wooed by her lesbian. I know there's all that stuff with the universes being separate, but dammit, I liked that bit, and I want it here. THERE'S THE POSSIBILITY
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Dec 2015, 23:46
Dang it, stop with the cross-universe spoilers. Also does Roz always wear a suit?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Dec 2015, 01:10
Robin always wears a neat formal business suit when she's got her 'Congresswoman DeSanto' hat on. I think that Roz is trying to emulate her.

In Shortpacked, I got the impression that, no matter how obnoxious Roz got, she idolised Robin in many ways and following her style of doing things would be a natural progression of that. Basically, she strongly admires her big sister and wants to be like her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Dec 2015, 09:36
Preview Image for March 31st Strip (http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/image/136319046777)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Dec 2015, 13:13
Haha god damn you, Willis, I thought the spoiler temptation was over.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Dec 2015, 14:52
I think Roz is going to be in for a surprise.  Joyce is ready to explode and I don't think it will take much for her to let rip at this stage.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Jan 2016, 00:07
Whoa! Joyce delivered a zinger to Joe! Joyce delivered a zinger! To Joe! Who is now complaining about Joyce harassing him! Admittedly, it was about time someone told Joe that he'd become IU's bicycle (the thing nearly everyone had ridden) and that this wasn't doing anything positive for his reputation. However, who would have ever thought it would be Joyce to deliver the slap-down?

Somewhere, Mike is feeling aroused and he doesn't know why!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 01 Jan 2016, 06:38
Actually, I'm pretty sure he's proud of being the guy with a reputation for getting around. Remember sexist double standard #23. A guy who sleeps with a lot of women is sexy and virile and studly. A woman who sleeps with a lot of men is slutty and not marriage material. Also, I really don't think Joe's using the 'slut shaming' call out right here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Jan 2016, 12:40
First rumblings of Volcano Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 01 Jan 2016, 13:39
What about a woman who sleeps with a lot of women?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 01 Jan 2016, 16:36
I believe they call those 'lesbians'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 01 Jan 2016, 21:59
I believe they call those 'lesbians'.

Not necessarily, bisexuality is a thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Jan 2016, 07:14
A guy who sleeps with a lot of women is sexy and virile and studly. A woman who sleeps with a lot of men is slutty and not marriage material.
@sit and/or spin- Of course it is, but we're talking about people who think this is solid logic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Jan 2016, 13:14
Awkwaaaaaard
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 03 Jan 2016, 21:29
Oh, Joyce, that's a little thing called 'adultery,' and the fact you're now partnered with Dorothy... Well, Becky's taught you about that, or at least introduced the concept
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Jan 2016, 02:42
I think we've seen both Joe and Joyce as vulnerable in this arc so far. I wonder how much of Joe's outrageous behaviour stems from his apparent phobia for committed relationships?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 04 Jan 2016, 05:41
I honestly think he just doesn't want to be partnered with Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jan 2016, 09:05
Joce!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Jan 2016, 09:09
Well, after today it's Jorothy and Walkoe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jan 2016, 11:08
Doyce and Woe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Jan 2016, 11:50
Doyce and Woe.

Casting my vote for this. Walky + Joe would most certainly be Woe
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Jan 2016, 17:05
Oooh, married only five minutes and already they're at a Swingers Party!!!  :-D  ;)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 05 Jan 2016, 01:59
You know, I usually enjoy DoA, but these past few Months have been so depressing that I'm starting to lose interest in reading. It doesn't have to be jolly and fun all the time, but damn. This is bumming me out.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Jan 2016, 02:07
You know, I usually enjoy DoA, but these past few Months have been so depressing that I'm starting to lose interest in reading. It doesn't have to be jolly and fun all the time, but damn. This is bumming me out.

I have to agree. The sequence with Becky and Ross was a brilliantly-written action story but, in general, the air of gloom, mental illness, self-hate and depression that many of the characters practically exude from the page is a bit of a drag sometimes. Even the occasional light strip feels forced and false. I hope that DMW is okay; it would be unfortunate if his art is reflecting his current mindset.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 05 Jan 2016, 02:18
The current strips were written months ago and logically follow the situations setup from the beginning.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Jan 2016, 13:35
So, Joyce is the submissive femme in the relationship   :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Jan 2016, 13:40
I'm kind of amused how Willis can't be arsed to change his alt-text.

Also Joyce, you're the wife too, so wouldn't that apply to you as well? :roll:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 Jan 2016, 14:01
That was actually her point... She was putting Dorothy in the role of the husband. That bible verse is about wives being subservient to their husbands, and Joyce was saying 'Do whatever you like and I'll go along with it'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Jan 2016, 14:09
Ahhhh
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Loki on 05 Jan 2016, 15:39
I read it as "well, the Bible doesn't say anything on roles in a woman-woman relationship, so I am drawing a blank. You got anything?"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 05 Jan 2016, 19:10
I kinda saw it as being dismissive, like in the sense of the activity not mattering in the long run or being otherwise pointless. After all the crap she's been through, especially with seeing people go from good to horrible in the blink of an eye, this seems pretty insignificant.

But looking back at it and thinking about Joyce's expression, it seems like she has a lot on her mind and knows that Dorothy will take care of everything since she's an overachiever-type like me.

You know, I usually enjoy DoA, but these past few Months have been so depressing that I'm starting to lose interest in reading. It doesn't have to be jolly and fun all the time, but damn. This is bumming me out.
Same. That's why I've been trying to quit. Morbid curiosity keeps bringing me back after a few days. But I don't feel like I'm getting anything of value from reading it. It's just aggressively sad without any happy endings in sight. Just about everything is going downhill. The only person in a good position is Becky, because she has a chance to start over. But that's after the horrifying Toe-Dad plot, so I'm not sure Becky's situation counts for much here.

It feels like "I had a crappy experience, so everyone needs to have a crappy experience equal to or worse than mine. Everyone must suffer. Every little bit of light must be extinguished." And I don't mean that in the "laughing maniacally sense"--I mean it in the sense of a sullen Willis curled over his drawing as he thinks about how miserable he was growing up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 06 Jan 2016, 02:31
The current strips were written months ago and logically follow the situations setup from the beginning.
I never said it wasn't logical or not believable. It absolutely is. But, honestly, that makes it worse, because I know that this is a fairly realistic situation that real people somewhere are going through right now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 06 Jan 2016, 02:40

It feels like "I had a crappy experience, so everyone needs to have a crappy experience equal to or worse than mine. Everyone must suffer. Every little bit of light must be extinguished." And I don't mean that in the "laughing maniacally sense"--I mean it in the sense of a sullen Willis curled over his drawing as he thinks about how miserable he was growing up.

Or maybe he's just telling an important story about important issues that real people go through.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 06 Jan 2016, 08:27
I kinda saw it as being dismissive, like in the sense of the activity not mattering in the long run or being otherwise pointless. After all the crap she's been through, especially with seeing people go from good to horrible in the blink of an eye, this seems pretty insignificant.

But looking back at it and thinking about Joyce's expression, it seems like she has a lot on her mind and knows that Dorothy will take care of everything since she's an overachiever-type like me.

You know, I usually enjoy DoA, but these past few Months have been so depressing that I'm starting to lose interest in reading. It doesn't have to be jolly and fun all the time, but damn. This is bumming me out.
Same. That's why I've been trying to quit. Morbid curiosity keeps bringing me back after a few days. But I don't feel like I'm getting anything of value from reading it. It's just aggressively sad without any happy endings in sight. Just about everything is going downhill. The only person in a good position is Becky, because she has a chance to start over. But that's after the horrifying Toe-Dad plot, so I'm not sure Becky's situation counts for much here.

It feels like "I had a crappy experience, so everyone needs to have a crappy experience equal to or worse than mine. Everyone must suffer. Every little bit of light must be extinguished." And I don't mean that in the "laughing maniacally sense"--I mean it in the sense of a sullen Willis curled over his drawing as he thinks about how miserable he was growing up.

One of the things about slice of life comics that go one strip a day is that, from an overall storytelling perspective, it's just been a week of shitty things happening but from our perspective it's been months. If this was a novel, these past couple months would only be a few pages in the middle somewhere. It is a bummer currently, but presumably only to develop the characters, especially Joyce, more in the overall story. And as someone who has dealt with familial rejection (although not involving violence) I'm actually really, really interested in where Becky goes from here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 06 Jan 2016, 11:05

It feels like "I had a crappy experience, so everyone needs to have a crappy experience equal to or worse than mine. Everyone must suffer. Every little bit of light must be extinguished." And I don't mean that in the "laughing maniacally sense"--I mean it in the sense of a sullen Willis curled over his drawing as he thinks about how miserable he was growing up.

Or maybe he's just telling an important story about important issues that real people go through.
That much is true! I think it could stand to be spaced out a bit more. It kinda sucks, in a general sense, that this much bad stuff is happening all at once. It's exhausting for me as a reader, and I'm not sure that this grueling awfulness is okay for me as a reader. It's not that the things can't and shouldn't happen--it's that they deserve a short break between terrible things.

Plus, Willis actively thrives on the miserableness of his readers. He's made it pretty clear that he loves it when his readers are distressed about the direction his comics are going.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 06 Jan 2016, 11:38
If it is stressing you out, I strongly recommend taking a break. You should look after your own mental health first and foremost.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Jan 2016, 12:33
It's a thought, but this could be part of Joyce's breakaway from the steriotyped roles she's been brought up to and taught to expect.  I get the feeling that with everything thats happened, Joyce is really beginning to question things and how she's expected to act. 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Jan 2016, 01:54
Joyce's fantasy in today's strip (7/1) makes me wonder what animé she secretly used to watch with Becky. Robotech/Macross maybe?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 07 Jan 2016, 01:59
I, for one, would love to have Dorthy and fighter pilot Joyce in the White House. A female president married to a female fighter pilot would be awesome, best First Couple ever.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Jan 2016, 05:34
Joyce seems a bit happier :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 07 Jan 2016, 12:12
This is an interesting happening. Joyce initially tried to rely on her religion for the assignment, then on her plan of being a traditional housewife, and now is going into new imagination terrority without foundation. It small symbolic steps further distancing her from her life before university.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Jan 2016, 13:46
But what would be her Callsign?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Jan 2016, 13:47
But what would be her Callsign?

Angel, of course!

/wingcommanderfanboy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Jan 2016, 13:29
Dammit Joyce!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 08 Jan 2016, 14:38
I found today's strip especially amusing after my post from yesterday.
I know these comics are made months in advance but sometimes it feels like Willis is directly responding to comments. He seems to be very good at anticipating people's feelings and how to proceed to catch us off.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 08 Jan 2016, 15:25
He more than likely does react to a subset of readers to some degree.  He does occasionally change comics from what he has posted on Patreon the night before (generally just bits of dialogue).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Jan 2016, 13:33
I suppose Joyce has a point about 'Facing the music' after what happened.  One hopes her parents are not as doolally as Ross was though.

Walky, I think you're getting too far into the Role Playing here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 09 Jan 2016, 20:41
Unfortunately, that doesn't seem likely. When Joyce finally did talk to her mom on the phone after the incident, her mom was all "Oh, what Mr McIntyre did was horrible. But I would have done the same thing", basically.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Jan 2016, 14:08
Yeah, but I'm hoping her father is a bit more grounded than she sounded in that call. 

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Jan 2016, 11:29
Text Therapy?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Jan 2016, 03:53
I do hope that Danny can reach Amber through her self-loathing and the shield of the Amazi-Girl persona. I'm an old romantic but I can really see this ending with Danny assuring Amazi-Girl that he won't leave her, no matter how much he is falling for Amber. "I really want us all to be together."

"All three of us?"

"All three of us."

Having Danny in common and having Amazi-Girl working with him to make Amber feel better about herself might help heal the growing schism between her two personalities.

Meanwhile, hot from Jeph's Tumblr...

Warning! Possible Ultra-Massive World-Ending Spoiler! (http://40.media.tumblr.com/a3f98e8dc862985c038b6966128d6b1e/tumblr_inline_o0tjap0T7o1qjop0x_500.png)

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Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Jan 2016, 14:00
Could this be the beginning of the merge of personalities that is needed?

And hang in there Danny, it's not easy but it's gonna be worth it when you end up with two girlfriends  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Jan 2016, 22:35
@Benergy - Wait, Jeph's posting DoA spoilers? Or are you just being obnoxious and posting non-spoilers in spoiler tags?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Jan 2016, 23:12
I'm being conscientious. It might be a spoiler, so I decided to be careful rather than reckless lest others whine about untagged spoilers.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 12 Jan 2016, 23:25
Becky and Amazi-Girl are both immune to criticism, but for different reasons. AG represses any hurt she feels and shunts it into Amber. Becky just recognizes how awesome she is.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Jan 2016, 15:11
Hmmmm

Timing of Becky and Dina showing up might have been a bit better - say if they'd not shown up for another five comics
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Jan 2016, 15:44
I'm being conscientious. It might be a spoiler, so I decided to be careful rather than reckless lest others whine about untagged spoilers.
Why do you always act like it's unreasonable to not want to be spoiled?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Jan 2016, 21:42
Finding a balance is never easy.


Way to put Ruth off the scent there Dina.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 13 Jan 2016, 22:43
Gentle reminder that Willis does commissions, and most of them end up being characters kissing each other. I feel fairly certain that this is one of those cases.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Jan 2016, 01:20
Ruth Lessick is a woman with a few simple desires that are all she needs to make her content - A job that doesn't require too much work, the morbid fear of those who are placed under her charge and nightly alcohol-fuelled oblivion. If she gets all these things, she considers the day complete.

She'd totally deny it but I'm quite sure that the presence of Billie in her life is increasingly included on that list.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Jan 2016, 12:13
Sarah WHAT HAVE YOU DONE??!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Jan 2016, 12:25
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Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 15 Jan 2016, 21:25
Aww...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Jan 2016, 21:37
Bad news that actually probably should've been said. At least Dina knows what she's in for, not like it's gonna make any heartbreak easier.

Good thing a week takes a year so that inevitability may not happen for quite some time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Jan 2016, 13:04
At least Dina is going in to this with her eyes open.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Jan 2016, 13:43
I think it should read 'Mostly Harmless'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 17 Jan 2016, 20:20
I understand Leslie would like to help but I empathize on a very personal level with Joyce's current mistrust of collegiate authority figures.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 17 Jan 2016, 21:09
Oh, shit, Mary, this is on you for destroying what might be over $100 of personal property. Yeah, the one's against the school's rules, but as a Christian, you should know that auch destruction and hatred is against your God's law. You are the problem, Mary.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Jan 2016, 21:12
The Klingons would understand this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Jan 2016, 21:12
Also yelling is against the rules, Mary.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 18 Jan 2016, 22:46
This is correct. Yesterday, too, I had to be impressed that she could repeatedly bounce with the assumed level of rhythm. I mean damn. I've done enough calf lifts to know what it takes to hop in that manner, and damn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Jan 2016, 13:05
I wonder if Mary's gone to tattle to Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Jan 2016, 20:45
Isn't Carla one of the few who Ruth has no effect on?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 19 Jan 2016, 21:02
I'm pretty sure that it's Mary who will have to start worrying about if she will continue to have femurs.  Ruth might even know where a convenient pit of quicklime is located.  The way things have been going, the "breather" strips were evidence that something horrible would be coming.

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Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Jan 2016, 23:16
Well, I understand why DMW turned off comments. The thread for today's strip (20/1) would likely have been a blast-furnace otherwise! That said, the only thing that occurs to me is this: How did Mary know? Did she know Carla pre-transition or has she got a contact in administration who passes the juciest gossip on about her peers?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 20 Jan 2016, 00:38
Fuck sake, Mary.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 20 Jan 2016, 01:58
Well, shit's going down now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Jan 2016, 04:10
So Carla's trans. I wish Willis had chosen a less horrible way to tell us*, but...yeah, that alt text is pretty accurate.

*Yeah, it's been hinted at earlier in the comic and I think he's said things outside of the comic itself but this is, as far as I know, the first solid canon confirmation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ankhtahr on 20 Jan 2016, 04:37
Well, it's been Word of God (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WordOfGod) for a while now. Willis has stated it when he introduced her as character and showed concept art on his blog.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 20 Jan 2016, 05:04
But Method of Madness treats Word of God as spoilers for this strip...

It'll be interesting to see if Mary decides to try to blackmail Ruth here. (Oh, who am I kidding, she's absolutely going to blackmail Ruth here.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Jan 2016, 05:16
I treat "word of god" in anything as either spoilers (if said before) or non-canon commentary (if said after).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 20 Jan 2016, 05:50
Well, I understand why DMW turned off comments. The thread for today's strip (20/1) would likely have been a blast-furnace otherwise! That said, the only thing that occurs to me is this: How did Mary know? Did she know Carla pre-transition or has she got a contact in administration who passes the juciest gossip on about her peers?
My guess is this (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-6/02-that-perfect-girl/allowed/) is when she found out...

I'm pretty sure that it's Mary who will have to start worrying about if she will continue to have femurs.  Ruth might even know where a convenient pit of quicklime is located.  The way things have been going, the "breather" strips were evidence that something horrible would be coming.

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Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Jan 2016, 06:02
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Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 20 Jan 2016, 06:25
Hooo shit Mary. You done stepped into an industrial sized vat of shit now and it looks like Ruth is gonna make you eat it all. I'm not convinced that Mary knows Carla is trans from this strip. Maybe it's been suggested before and it's clear some people know. But I don't know if Mary is one of them. I think this is more of a 'you act like a boy, so you belong with them and more importantly, away from me' rather than taking the dig at Carla because she knows. If nothing else, Mary would have used that insult earlier and more often if she did know.

By Ruth's expression here... she may know, or she may have other reasons to hate that insult. But it looks pretty clear she's not here to break up a fight between the two. All her angry attention is focused on Mary, with a you dun messed up BAD look on her face. Carla she's just casually dismissing with the usual 'I got this' wave.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 20 Jan 2016, 06:33
Actually, Ruth probably would know, I'd think - Carla gets her own room for privacy reasons, and Ruth has presumably seen everyone's files (including Billie's having had a DUI, which is how she knew, and why she bullied Billie).

Wouldn't be surprised if Ruth had mandatory training on transgender issues, too, purely because of situations like this. I'm quite certain that that training did not include separating the offender from their femurs and beating them to death with them, but that's just Ruth's personal style.

That said, I also wouldn't be surprised if Mary's comment was initially intended along the "you act like a boy" lines (the face she was making was disgust, not her usual "I have dirt on you" smirk), but I also suspect that she holds quite transphobic views, I wouldn't be surprised if she suspected it, and if she didn't know Carla was trans... her reaction in panel 3 confirmed it, and the "I have dirt on you" smirk appears in panel 4.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 20 Jan 2016, 06:45
That look can also be interpreted as 'I finally found something that hits the mark and will shut you up'. Same basic idea of having leverage over a person, but different reasons. Keep in mind that for many, probably most people the subject of transgender people doesn't even come up or cross their minds. That is less of a case now that we have a number of high profile transgender people in the media... Both as transgender themselves and transgender characters on shows. But many/most people don't go wandering around trying to guess who is or isn't trans, unless they have a specific reason to think it. With Carla, there has been no indication that her (probably) status as a trans woman is known beyond a few people or at all obvious.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 20 Jan 2016, 10:09
OK, based on an exchange between Jeph and Willis:

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Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 20 Jan 2016, 12:08
Ugh, I started reading it again because I like Carla, but I'm not sure if I'm prepared for this storyline. :/

I checked all of her appearances in DoA, and there are really only two clues toward it, besides her having her own room:
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/04-the-whiteboard-dong-bandit/permanent/
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/purpleandskates/

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I completely agree that it is inappropriate as a story-writer to introduce that information (or at least to imply it) in this way. It shouldn't be used for the sake of a shock factor, and honestly, it feels like it's diminishing her possible identity as a plot device rather than as a component of her character.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 20 Jan 2016, 12:30
Well, trans people in real life don't get to have a 'special coming out episode' where the subject is brought up and dealt with in a nice 22-40 minute package. Even if Carla is not in stealth, which is not something that we can assume, it's not like every time she appears she's going to point out that she's trans. Assuming that she is, but that's the most likely case at this point. Still and all it's not fair or appropriate to assume that you know what someone's gender or status is. Especially given that she's not a major character, and we've only seen a very small part of her in the comic.

So the question is... How is it supposed to be brought up in the comic? Hints have been dropped. She's clearly living as and accepted as female by the school and students, as far as we can tell. She's got no reason to be telling anyone. So the only two real ways that are likely to happen is she gets close to someone and tells them about it, 'on camera'. Amber is a possible candidate after their little bonding experience cleaning up Amber's split scalp a little while back. Or she gets accidentally or deliberately outed. Both happen, and neither are more or less appropriate experiences, both from a literary and real life sense. One is something you should never do to someone, sure. But it does still happen.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 20 Jan 2016, 12:57
Those are very good points. I guess I just figured she'd just like mention it in passing to someone she's talking to or even "Since you're trans, what do you think about this?" I wasn't expecting a "coming out" story or whatnot--just perhaps something a bit less callous and not used as shock factor, because that's what it feels like to me.

But you're right that a lot of people get outed against their will, so it's definitely not unrealistic here. It just feels like he chose to do it this way in order to treat it like he's only doing it this way to shock people.

There are plenty of ways to unpleasantly out people--I'm just not sure that this one was chosen very well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 20 Jan 2016, 13:12
Who is Mary outing her to? They are alone. The audience? I thought it was already common knowledge for the audience. It's certainly been mentioned often enough here in the boards.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 20 Jan 2016, 13:14
The audience. There have not been any actually direct statements about it in the comic so far. I checked all of Carla's appearances in the strip, and it's only been implied so far in those two strips I linked. Everything else doesn't even come close to outing her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 20 Jan 2016, 13:20
I don't think that's what Willis is doing here. He has a history in his comic of addressing issues like this bluntly, but not just of the sake of being shocking. Consider Joyce nearly being raped. Or Becky being kidnapped at gunpoint by her father for anti-gay prayer therapy. These are big, shocking things to have happen to a character. But the story wasn't played out for the shock value of it. But rather to point out that this stuff really does happen, to real people.

I do feel that Willis does a good job balancing things. I've read enough ongoing stories/web comics that were based around LGBT issues or that have primary LGBT characters that fall into the trap of either it's all good for them or it's horrible all the time. Nothing majorly bad every happens, everyone is accepting and any kind of drama related to the issues are resolved neatly. Or the characters lives are never ending misery. They stumble from one bad situation to a worse one endlessly. Neither of those is very good storytelling, or realistic. Willis strikes a realistic medium when it comes to putting his characters through the ringer. I feel the same will be done with Carla.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 20 Jan 2016, 13:21
Is there anyone on the boards who didn't already know?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 20 Jan 2016, 13:23
Willis also likes to do exposition of facts both inside and outside the story. Word of Author is definitely valid for his works.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 20 Jan 2016, 13:28
It's more a matter of vocalizing it, to get the scenario started. What I was trying to get at before is that left to her own devices, it's pretty unlikely that she would have come out and said anything, or any of her friends would have. It's been implied, but until someone says something, it won't be out in the open to write a story about. Kind of like when Claire out of the blue opened up to Marten. Both were purely methods for the writer to begin the storyline and point out clearly that the character is transgender.

It's relatively easy to express a character's sexual orientation, race, religious or political leanings. Showing a character is transgender without someone coming right out and saying it is a lot more difficult.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Jan 2016, 14:12
Word of Author is definitely valid for his works.
You are welcome to think so, and I won't say you're wrong. But that's hardly absolutely true.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Jan 2016, 15:14
Hooo boy, now the fun begins.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 20 Jan 2016, 15:29
Well, I understand why DMW turned off comments. The thread for today's strip (20/1) would likely have been a blast-furnace otherwise!

He's seen it coming. Even the relatively harmless Patreon got ruffled:

[tweet]689701895796080640[/tweet]
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Jan 2016, 01:28
Well, it seems that Mary is smarter and more cunning than for which many gave her credit. She's played this to perfection (in a certain Lawful Evil way - She'd do well as a Sith Witch). She might actually win, at least in the short term, by triggering a possibly-lethal mental break-down in Ruth.

It won't save her with Carla; Carla only has to go to Administration, point at Mary and shout 'hate speech' and it will be game over. Becky just has to vanish for a while and, surprise surprise, Joyce is going home for the weekend. If Becky goes with her, that would let her be absent during an investigation. I doubt that Becky will have left much of a 'footprint' in Sal and Billie's room and if she isn't obviously present on campus, I doubt that the administrators will bother to search too thoroughly. Becky has already been the cause of an embarrassing incident, thanks to her sociopathic father and they would be reluctant, on PR grounds, to stir things up too much.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jan 2016, 12:31
Personally, I think Mary is heading for a very large crash and burn.

Long overdue I think
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 21 Jan 2016, 12:35
As an RA Ruth cannot catch everything, as a resident Mary should have reported any illegal activity.  Also I am not sure what Ruth would get in trouble with when it comes to having Billie over.  Alcohol maybe if they caught it on her, otherwise its Mary's word against Ruth's.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 21 Jan 2016, 13:52
As an RA Ruth cannot catch everything, as a resident Mary should have reported any illegal activity.  Also I am not sure what Ruth would get in trouble with when it comes to having Billie over.  Alcohol maybe if they caught it on her, otherwise its Mary's word against Ruth's.

This. I'm not too familiar with the way these things work, but I would think the residence manager would take Ruth's word over Mary's, unless of course, Ruth and her hall has a publicly-known history of rule-breaking. It would put Ruth under a magnifying glass, which would lead to discipline unless she changes her alcoholic ways, which we know she's not likely to do.

As to Ruth 'fraternizing' with Billie, that actually could be against the rules, considering their relative positions of power. Power-imbalance in relationships can lead to favorable treatment in otherwise unrelated situations. It would be similar to the rules against professors dating students, though in a dorm it would be about the RA's significant other getting away with rule-breaking, as opposed to wrong answers.

Totally right on the RA not being able to catch everything. I've actually been in a very similar situation to what's happening in the comic with Becky, though I was playing more the parts of her friends. One of my semesters in college,  I had no roommate. Not officially, anyway, but it happened that a good friend of mine that same semester got kicked out of his room for his grades. So, in all actuality, I had a roommate. He did, eventually, have to move out, but it was because they banned him from the dorms entirely, even for social situations, not because they found out he was squatting in my room.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 21 Jan 2016, 14:45
If she wants to make a stink of it and gets the school faculty involved, Mary could find herself in really hot water over the glue stunt. Yes, skating in the halls is against the rules. But she damaged school property (the rug/floor), another students property and a case could be made for Assault on Carla since the intent was to cause her to fall. Plus, her 'dirt' is not as strong as she thinks. Yes, depending on the rules having Billie basically living in her room may or may not be against the rules and could bring disciplinary action down on Ruth. Maybe in to the extreme of losing her RA status if she already has strikes against her. But Becky living in the dorms is a non issue, since this is the first time Ruth has heard of it. Everyone else in the dorm has been working to keep that information from Ruth. It would probably result in Becky being invited to leave, immediately. And maybe some disciplinary action for Sal, Billie and/or Joyce. But I doubt the faculty will want to make a big legal issue when they find out she was the target of an armed kidnapping on their school property. Even more bad press and all.

In the end, I think this is going to wind up a lot worse off for Mary than she thinks, and her position is no where near as good as she thinks it is. If nothing else, Becky seems well liked, and once word gets around that she was the one responsible for ratting her out... I think she'll find the other students pretty cold to her. More so than they already are.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 21 Jan 2016, 18:01
Everything I could possibly say has already been said, so I'll just add this:

Ruth definitely doesn't have strikes against her! In fact, the strip where she makes us aware of this is called "Strike."

http://www.dumbingofage.com/comics/2011-03-10-strike

(http://www.dumbingofage.com/comics/2011-03-10-strike.png)

I wish I didn't remember this comic as well as I do. XD
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 21 Jan 2016, 18:11
Except she does have a strike against her now, if prank fire alarms count as strikes...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jan 2016, 18:25
That would depend on whether she wound up convincing her boss that she'd pulled a 'Snap Fire Drill'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 21 Jan 2016, 21:04
Today's comic makes me think that there are rules at Indiana University that Willis is aware of that those of us saying Ruth still had the upper hand did not know.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 21 Jan 2016, 21:08
More like Mary is the most outright malicious person in the DoAverse.  She knows how to hurt people, and she enjoys doing it just because she *can*.  The past few days on Patreon, quite a large number of people are talking how she's even worse than the Toe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 21 Jan 2016, 21:39
So Mary's plan is basically "Let me be a massive bigot or I'm taking you down."  Okay.

I hope Joyce destroys her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Jan 2016, 01:22
This may be just my mind going to strange places. However, I have noted the number of people over on the DoA comments thread who have asked why Mary didn't seem to care about Ruth's casual violence and verbal abuse of everyone on the floor when she was denouncing Ruth's perceived failings yesterday. The thought that occurs to me is that Mary didn't mention this because her background taught her that abuse (both physical, verbal and emotional) is how authority figures are supposed to exercise their authority.

Parental abuse? Maybe or maybe something that is more broadly-based in her entire home community. It might explain a lot of why she thinks certain things are acceptable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Jan 2016, 15:15
I get the feeling that this is going to backfire on Mary by a massive proportion.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 22 Jan 2016, 23:14
I feel strange about fictional characters like Mary because they're supposed to be hated, even by the people whom she represents.

It basically sets it up so there is no redemption for this character and is probably just another way for Joyce to lose a bit more of her faith. I know I'm being cynical, but I can't help but feel this is just an athiest coming of age comic at this point (which technically makes sense seeing as Willis says Joyce signified him growing up).

I'm sorry, I'll go crawl in my hole now ....
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Jan 2016, 23:26
Right now, I just want to give Carla a hug

Interesting that Willis so accurately anticipated the thoughts and reasoning of Mary's apologists amongst his readership.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 Jan 2016, 07:01
Well, hell. Funny how in one like Willis managed to sum up how trans people feel everytime they're excluded from something/legal protections because it's just easier to get it accomplished that way, or to protect people from having to deal with facts they'd rather pretend didn't. Like the fact that trans people exist and are you know... people.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jan 2016, 13:00
Bang on there Carla.  Nice way to kick Ruth where it hurts for not standing up to Mary in the first place consequences be damned.  Someone seriously needs to drop the Hammer on Mary.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 23 Jan 2016, 13:17
Does Ruth telling Mary not to talk to Carla that way (previous strip) not count toward standing up for Carla?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jan 2016, 13:21
In a minor way it does, but how she reacted after Mary effectively pulled out 'The Blackmail Hammer' after that leaves a lot to be desired.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 Jan 2016, 15:01
Yes, Ruth did stand up for Carla, when she was in a position of strength. But as soon as Mary dropped the blackmail bomb she backed off and ran away. As soon as things got hair for her personally, she stopped defending Carla and basically let Mary know she can get away with it. That's what Carla means by being used to being everyone's acceptable losses. Harsh? Sure. Ruth was pretty freaked out herself at that moment and Carla was thinking of her own problems... But it's also true. To often people are willing to stand up for trans folk... Until it becomes personally dangerous. Or inconvenient. Then it's 'whelp, you're on your own.'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Jan 2016, 15:32
So it's 100% confirmed that Carla is trans now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jan 2016, 18:55
Yes
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 23 Jan 2016, 18:58
Yep!

I'd feel grateful that she stepped in at all, personally. But now that I think about it, she chose to risk Carla's happiness rather than her job. Plus, it looks (at least at the moment) likes she's not planning on doing anything about Carla's skates.

Ruth does better once she's had time to script things. Here's hoping she steps away from this with an idea of what she can and should do.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Jan 2016, 13:54
*Gibbs Smacks Walky*
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Jan 2016, 16:37
Becky knows how to college.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: retrosteve on 26 Jan 2016, 18:55
I feel this is just an athiest coming of age comic at this point (which technically makes sense seeing as Willis says Joyce signified him growing up).

...JUST an atheist coming of age comic? Even if that were all it was (and it's not), that's a pretty darn interesting topic, worthy of a few year's worth of webcomics, no?   How would it be better if it were, say, 'just a science-fiction fantasy AI comic" or "just a slice-of-life twentysomething romance comic"?

Puzzled at your dismissal.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: explicit on 26 Jan 2016, 21:18
Same reason I hated "Divergent"*. When a point is being made in a seemingly lazy fashion, it is a turn off. Every significant Christian in this comic - besides Joyce - is shown to be overly flawed, with seemingly little objectivity (even with Joyce, shown to be aggravatingly naive at best).

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy this comic and I think Willis is a funny guy who can make some very well articulated points. I will never tell someone what to do with their art, but if it follows down the road that I feel it's taking it will become insufferable to me.

Part of liking an online comic (or any writing in general) is hoping that certain things will happen, if they don't, well, I do have the option of not reading it anymore. I would be put-off by this comic if Joyce becomes an athiest simply because everyone (in my view) is a caricature of a Christian stereotype in this universe.

*Should note that obviously Divergent is a different thing altogether, I just didn't like the "coming of age" aspect with obvious social stereotypes involved.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Jan 2016, 22:30
Oh PLEASE don't let him be a slightly saner version of Ross

Or a slightly nutter version of Jake Morgandorffer
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Jan 2016, 01:51
Hank Brown does have a point. The rate of digitisation of all walks of life so that computer access has replaced traditionally paper-based and even human-facing applications is beginning to bewilder me too.

Willis draws Joyce's emotions so well. It's so very clear that she loves her father and that he is her rock in what is an increasingly unstable and unpredictable world. I just hope that he is able to live up to what his daughter needs him to be right now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 27 Jan 2016, 08:06
Same reason I hated "Divergent"*. When a point is being made in a seemingly lazy fashion, it is a turn off. Every significant Christian in this comic - besides Joyce - is shown to be overly flawed, with seemingly little objectivity (even with Joyce, shown to be aggravatingly naive at best).

What you are seeing is what many/most other groups experience. Only the negative examples get brought up to light, while the calmer, more reasonable people who share the same trait are ignored. See also: All black people are criminals, all Mexicans are lazy, all gay men are flamboyant poofs, all lesbian women are super butch man haters. Yes, in some cases those stereotypes are true. But in the vast majority of cases, they are not. Yet they get a disproportionate amount of attention.

When  you look at the comic, how many really bad Christians are there? Ross and Mary. Joyce's mom, maybe and to a lesser degree her dad. But both Joyce's and Becky's family are part of the same very strict interpretation of Christianity, not a representative of the wider group. Mary just seems to be an unpleasant person who happens to be Christian, stridently so. But according to averages, a significant portion of the cast was probably brought up in a Christian environment and is a believer to some extent or another. The only stated non-Christian in the cast I'm familiar with is Dorothy. For the most part, the rest hasn't really talked about their religion.

So when you see just a few nasty characters who are Christian and you are assuming every Christian in the comic is like them, you are just falling into the trap so many others do, because the average Christians go un-remarked on. They are just... average, and there. That's not the comic having an anti-Christian message, that's just the way life works.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 27 Jan 2016, 08:22
And, I mean, Sierra and Becky are present as examples of good people who are Christian.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 27 Jan 2016, 09:00
I could use the same text neko_ali wrote and replace Christians in Dumbing of Age with Turkish people in Germany (the minority I'm a part of). It's always the bad examples that are remembered.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: retrosteve on 27 Jan 2016, 10:28
Every significant Christian in this comic - besides Joyce - is shown to be overly flawed, with seemingly little objectivity (even with Joyce, shown to be aggravatingly naive at best).

... everyone (in my view) is a caricature of a Christian stereotype in this universe.

Okay, Willis has warned you with the title that it's a coming of age story. He's also warned you on page one that Joyce is his avatar, and that this will be, in part, a fictionalized account of how he stopped being a fundamentalist Christian. So to the extent that this is a turnoff, you're in the wrong place.

Now as for his laziness and stereotyping, I'd disagree. First, nearly everyone in the comic (notably not Dorothy or Ethan) is a Christian of some type, and everyone is flawed to some degree. The fundamentalists are mostly the parents, but they're by no means similar to each other, either. Toedad is one-note and violent. Joyce's mom is just as fundamentalist but more nuanced. Hank is a prematurely grumpy old man and more moderate, wanting the best for his children and probably open to reason. Mary is just an asshole who happens to be a fundie as well.  Blaine is a domineering asshole with no need for religion as an excuse.

I don't think his portrayal is lazy. If he were lazy, they'd all react about the same way to atheists and gays, which they don't. I think it's likely to be quite realistic based on Willis's actual upbringing and coming of age, and his ideas about what people are like. That's authentic.

If you're looking for the reasonable, good-hearted fundamentalist with the temperament of the Dalai Lama, and you haven't found her yet, maybe Mr. Willis just hasn't met that person yet.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 27 Jan 2016, 10:39
Every significant Christian in this comic - besides Joyce - is shown to be overly flawed

Every significant character, atheist, Christian, and Jewish, is severely flawed. As are real people. It's a slice of life comic about the struggles of being a college student, not Leave it to Beaver.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Jan 2016, 14:20
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/Kugai2/Memes/indeed.gif)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 28 Jan 2016, 00:28
Oh come on Becky. How can you possibly think this was a good idea?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Jan 2016, 01:27
So here comes the challenge: Just how desperate is Joyce to ‘go home again’ and does Becky have a place in that comforting space? Additionally, just how far does Hank’s tolerance go with his daughter’s friends? Particularly one with the historical baggage that Becky brings with her?

Yes, there is a thing called ‘tact’. A mature adult might ponder whether Mr Brown would want to see her. She might consider whether her presence might be an aggravating factor in what already promises to be an emotionally-tense and fraught reunion. Of course, Becky isn’t a mature adult, is she? She’s an eighteen-year-old girl and expecting her to act with the deliberation of someone twice her age is irrational. That’s putting aside the fact that, if you bother to read the archives, ‘tact’ and ‘deliberation’ are about as far from Becky’s behavioural norms as you can imagine. What she did is, in fact, quintessential Becky.

So, those who criticise Becky here, are actually criticising Willis for not writing her OOC for the strip.

Yes, this is going to be awkward. Furthermore, it is important from a narrative perspective as it will probably set the tone for Joyce’s time at home. How willing will Joyce's family be to accept the changes Joyce has made in her life and perceptions? What pressures might they put on her? What demands might they make of her? The answer to a lot of those questions will at least be outlined by how Hank reacts here.

Oh come on Becky. How can you possibly think this was a good idea?

As I've already said, 'think' and 'Becky' are not normally concepts that go together.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Jan 2016, 11:24
Wait, wasn't it established that Becky was joining Joyce for the weekend?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 28 Jan 2016, 11:46
Becky and Joyce may have decided that, but we don't know how much it was discussed with Joyce's parents. Also maybe seeing Becky suddenly at the college might have caught Joyce's dad off guard.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Jan 2016, 12:48
*Facepalm*

Nice moves there Becky 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 28 Jan 2016, 21:21
Huh.  I thought both of Joyce's parents were unpleasant and intolerant?  Wasn't her dad the one who raised a stink over Dorothy being an atheist?  Or was it just her mom?  I guess I need to reread that Parents' Day storyline...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 28 Jan 2016, 21:25
IIRC, her mom was the one who raised a stink and her dad went along with it. Then later when Joyce stood up to them, it was her dad who accepted it while her mom just quietly looked pissed off.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 28 Jan 2016, 23:33
Well, that went better than expected.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Jan 2016, 23:41
Huh.  I thought both of Joyce's parents were unpleasant and intolerant?  Wasn't her dad the one who raised a stink over Dorothy being an atheist?  Or was it just her mom?  I guess I need to reread that Parents' Day storyline...

This is a largely-groundless gut feeling on my part but I'm wondering how much of that 'prayer' was for Carol's benefit. I think that she is the more radical of the two and Hank puts on displays like this to keep the peace and make her feel as if he is reigning in their children.

That doesn't make him any less culturally conservative and I suspect that he is only tolerating Becky for Joyce's sake and to prove to himself that he is not Ross McIntyre.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Jan 2016, 02:51
I think I like Joyce's dad. I hope Willis doesn't decide to fuck that up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Jan 2016, 11:30
Hope so too.

It's gonna be bad enough when we get to meet Joyces Mom and Becky drops the bombshell on both of them she's gay.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 29 Jan 2016, 11:34
They already know that Becky is gay. (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-6/01-to-those-whod-ground-me/honkin/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Jan 2016, 11:43
Oh.

OK, forgotten about that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Jan 2016, 06:46
Yay Joyce's dad.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: retrosteve on 30 Jan 2016, 08:18
Quoting myself, speaking to explicit:


If you're looking for the reasonable, good-hearted fundamentalist with the temperament of the Dalai Lama, and you haven't found her yet, maybe Mr. Willis just hasn't met that person yet.


... and now maybe we've met him.  http://www.dumbingofage.com/2016/comic/book-6/02-that-perfect-girl/humility/#comment
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Jan 2016, 12:14
Time shall tell, but so far he seems to be doing OK.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 30 Jan 2016, 23:28
Next comic: Amber hears a screech of tires, looks out the window just in time to see an unfamiliar car peel out of the parking lot, Becky in the passenger seat just barely hanging on for dear life.

“Fuck, AGAIN?!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Jan 2016, 00:23
So, Joyce is driving for the first time? Countdown to her first ticket...  :wink:

I can already see a disbelieving Dorothy and a grimly approving Sal watching the live News Copter footage of a convoy of about twenty Indiana State Highway Patrol cars following a fast-moving and erratically swerving Brown family car down the freeway. Inside, unaware of the fuss, Joyce and Becky are arguing over which mile-marker Joyce needs to turn off onto the local roads and Hank is sleeping the peaceful sleep of the obliviously righteous.

Next week is either going to be a skip, a POV swap or a whole week of slapstick strips.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Jan 2016, 12:11
It could be worse, it could be Becky behind the wheel
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 31 Jan 2016, 12:43
Again!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Jan 2016, 18:31
To be fair, she wasn't entirely in control in that situation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Feb 2016, 13:26
Dawwwwwwww
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ThePerilsOfDan on 01 Feb 2016, 15:30
Next comic: Amber hears a screech of tires, looks out the window just in time to see an unfamiliar car peel out of the parking lot, Becky in the passenger seat just barely hanging on for dear life.

“Fuck, AGAIN?!

Buwhahahahahaha, I never even thought about that!!  Gold, Jerry, this is gold!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 01 Feb 2016, 21:35
Oh, Walky, getting his personality simplified to a blurb that puts pressure on him to act one way. I feel you, man.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Feb 2016, 23:48
The way Dorothy defines her relationship with Walky worries me for some reason. I think that it's how she expects him to be dumb comic relief that irks me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Feb 2016, 13:24
The way Dorothy defines her relationship with Walky worries me for some reason. I think that it's how she expects him to be dumb comic relief that irks me.

Because it's damn near de-humanizing to Walky, that's why it's worrying. Now that Walky knows that's how she sees him, it's that much worse. Now he's pressured to be that 'happy, goofy boy,' which is difficult sometimes, I can tell you. He can't go to her with worries about his grades because that's not what she wants/needs him to be.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 02 Feb 2016, 13:34
It's also not exactly thrilling to hear 'Oh, you're my stress release valve' either, which is basically what she just told Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Feb 2016, 13:49
Ouch!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 02 Feb 2016, 14:16
I'm perfectly okay with being someone's stress relief. Having a relationship that is relaxing, fun, and uncomplicated is not a bad thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 02 Feb 2016, 14:59
Dorothy has reached out about having a deeper connection with Walky when he was upset before and he rejected it because the relationship is just "for fun". (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/04-the-whiteboard-dong-bandit/preposterous/) He did say that while upset but it's stuck with her that he doesn't want the two of them to act more seriously even when he's obviously bothered by something. (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-5/02-threes-a-crowd/drill/) As far as Dorothy knows, she's sticking to what Walky wants and he isn't telling her otherwise at the moment.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Feb 2016, 15:30
I think Walky would like something more than fun, but doesn't want to risk getting hurt since their relationship has an expiration date.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 02 Feb 2016, 19:42
To be fair, all relationships have an expiration date, we just usually don't know what it is ahead of time. Every relationship ends, either through breakup or death. Just because it is temporary doesn't mean it can't or shouldn't be meaningful. Everything thing is temporary. Transience is the core nature of all existence.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Feb 2016, 22:16
Calm the fuck down Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Feb 2016, 21:43
Ruth's smiling in spite of herself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Feb 2016, 22:27
Sure Ruth, we know that, but we also know there's another reason.  :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 05 Feb 2016, 01:00
I guess this is about as well as this could possibly go.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Feb 2016, 01:45
One of these days, those two will admit that they are capable of warm feelings towards each other but I think it will take an enormous emotional shock for it to happen!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Feb 2016, 09:10
I thought they just did.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Feb 2016, 11:42
It's as close as those two are ever going to come to it I think
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 05 Feb 2016, 13:09
Ruth admitted she needs Billie. That's more than I've ever done except with one person ever. That certainly counts as "warm feelings" to me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 05 Feb 2016, 21:06
Daww.  Joyce and her father are bonding.  Either this trip plot will serve to give happy breaks from the whole Mary problem, or something terrible is going to happen to Joycedad (this is Willis, after all).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Feb 2016, 21:37
God damn it, you're probably right, but still :/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 05 Feb 2016, 23:28
I am made happy by today's strip.

I hope for Joye and JoyceDad bonding time, but I'm not looking forward to JoyceMom's appearance. From what I've been able to tell, she's the real radical in the family, especially now that Joyce is doubting. If, as Hedgie is predicting, something negative will happen in the coming strips, which, let's be honest with ourselves, is most likely, I think it would most probably be as a result of Joyce's mom doing something horrible and unforgiving. I don't think Joyce's dad would be the most likely target, I'm more worried about Becky.

Joyce might get a bit of 're-educating' in response to her friendship with Dorothy, but we've seen that she knows her Bible well enough to argue back with scripture. Becky, on the other hand, is risking a whole 'pray the gay away' situation with everyone she's even known and respected looking down at her and disapproving.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Feb 2016, 23:40
I don't think Joyce is sure if that's a good thing or not


Or she may just be too busy concentrating on driving - which is always a good thing
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 06 Feb 2016, 00:15
It is entirely possible that this will serve as a (relatively) pleasant interlude from the situation happening at the university.  Hells, Mary now thinks that she owns the place, and Ruth basically threw Carla under the bus, even though she now hates herself more about herself for doing so.  There is enough painful stuff in that story arc to possibly appease The Willis.  Joycemom could certainly be a problem, but methinks it's safe to say that Becky went into this with her eyes open.  Also, there is the possibility of Dina having problems after Sarah threw the "rebound" thing in her face.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Feb 2016, 03:28
In my experience, it's always a mistake to automatically assume that Willis's preview pictures are necessarily plot significant. They're usually just portraits or landscapes of which he's particularly proud, the former because of the expressions or body language shown are particularly dramatic of funny.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 06 Feb 2016, 09:06
I hope for Joye and JoyceDad bonding time, but I'm not looking forward to JoyceMom's appearance. From what I've been able to tell, she's the real radical in the family, especially now that Joyce is doubting. If, as Hedgie is predicting, something negative will happen in the coming strips, which, let's be honest with ourselves, is most likely, I think it would most probably be as a result of Joyce's mom doing something horrible and unforgiving. I don't think Joyce's dad would be the most likely target, I'm more worried about Becky.
That's what's going to make it harder on Joyce: if both her parents were like her mom, it would be easier for her to break away from them. But what's going to happen is that she'll realize her mom is terrible, but her dad is a good person. This will be hard on her, because she can't break away from her mom without hurting her dad in the process.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Feb 2016, 13:06
I've been wondering about that.  Are we about to meet the female equivalent of Ross?

Grud, I hope not, but I'm not holding out hope.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Feb 2016, 17:39
She did say that what Ross did was horrible, but she would have done what he did in his shoes. Which seems to show a horrible lack of self awareness on her part... Hank actually makes it sound like he would have done the same as Joyce in her place. That's kind of what I interpreted today's comic as. And it makes me wonder if there was some friction between the two over scripture and how they treat their families, as they take very different viewpoints. While Hank may be struggling with Becky's coming out, he's willing to listen instead of trying to force her and Joyce to conform to expectations.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Feb 2016, 21:11
Well, here's ONE more strip to make me smile. Now I'm actually a bit more nervous, I feel like Willis is softening us up for a punch. I'm choosing not to think about that though. Happiness in the moment is almost always a good thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Feb 2016, 21:23
It is entirely possible that this will serve as a (relatively) pleasant interlude from the situation happening at the university.

REelative being the key word there. We still don't know what the drama will be just yet, but I think it may actually hit some people harder than the one concerning Carla. I, personally, can only look at that and feel sadness through empathy, but the whole situation with the uber-religious crowd, that I can directly connect to my own life. It's a difference of connecting to a character and having lived similar situations.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 06 Feb 2016, 21:40
Did...did Joyce and her father both just cuss?!  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Feb 2016, 22:20
Damn right they did.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Feb 2016, 23:30
D'awww... Father/daughter bonding through casual profanity and dislike of a mutual target...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Feb 2016, 00:37
I'm wondering if lot of this is due to Hank's realisation that Joyce is growing up. Maybe he felt that he had to present a façade of righteousness and purity in front of his under-age children but feels he can let the slip now Joyce is growing up and experiencing more of the world's shades of grey.

Hypocrisy? Perhaps, or maybe a feeling that his children needed him to be "that perfect guy" to keep their own emotional balance and confidence in the ethics that he taught them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 07 Feb 2016, 03:26
This is going pleasantly so far. I smiled for Joyce today.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 07 Feb 2016, 07:09
I think Joyce is also benefiting from realizing her dad, who she sees as a good and righteous cursing, shares her feelings about Ross, freely curses when need be and is treating her like an adult. She's suffered a lot lately in the feelings of being loss and cast adrift from her religion and betrayal from the adults in her life. And/or the feeling that she was betraying her religion and adults she respected because she accepted Becky being gay and stood with her instead of being the 'good submissive girl' she thought she was supposed to be. Basically, she's painfully growing up, and Hank is letting her know that's okay.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Feb 2016, 13:11
A nice Father/Daughter moment there.  At least Hank was able to recognise that Ross was an asshole, even though he still 'Hung Out' with him.

I think the real fun will begin when they get home and we meet Mom.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 07 Feb 2016, 18:14
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Feb 2016, 22:59
This strip (2/8) is the point when Ruth realises that occasionally prowling the halls and snapping threats does not leave one in touch and in control with the events on the floor. The problem with seeking oblivion is that it leaves you oblivious to events. Maybe this will inspire her to learn to do her job properly?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Feb 2016, 23:50
Maybe this will inspire her to learn to do her job properly?

I kind of hope not. Where's the fun in a properly-monitored hall? Given, I don't know much about the duties of an RA; I'm not sure I've ever had one who 'did his job,' but I was in a dorm for a couple of years without an RA, just an old man who never actually checked up on any residents, and that was the best dorm experience I had. I'll admit, my experience is limited to just three dorms, but still.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Feb 2016, 13:27
At least their relationship is based on something more than just hot sex and a shared love of Whiskey.

:-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Feb 2016, 14:08
And thus The Real World intrudes on Ruths life again.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: mandyk89 on 10 Feb 2016, 17:17
At least their relationship is based on something more than just hot sex and a shared love of Whiskey.

:-D

Hey, what's wrong with that???  :angel:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 10 Feb 2016, 17:25
Eventually you have to stop and get more whiskey.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Feb 2016, 21:33
God damn it, Ruth, you just said that, then clarified that you still needed each other and that you weren't ending things. Now you're ending things again.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 11 Feb 2016, 00:56
I'm pretty sure with arrangement she means the living in her room thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Feb 2016, 01:16
Given that Ruth is a suicidal depressive, that isn't guaranteed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Feb 2016, 06:29
Well the issue wasn't just that they were living together, it was that as an RA she shouldn't be involved with one of her residents. Needing each other and having to end it for other reasons is not mutually exclusive.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Feb 2016, 13:07
Goddammit!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Feb 2016, 13:53
Dogslobber attack, level 4

Nice house though
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 12 Feb 2016, 21:18
Joyce's mother is such a berk.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Feb 2016, 21:26
Right, because her father is in prison because she's a lesbian...and not for armed kidnapping, apparently.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Feb 2016, 23:59
Right, because her father is in prison because she's a lesbian...and not for armed kidnapping, apparently.

I think that Carol's assumption is that Ross wouldn't have done something like that if Becky hadn't come out. I think she's wrong about that. For such a violent personality, it was just a matter of finding an excuse to act out his violent dominance/ownership fantasies.

I've got a horrible feeling that Carol's support of Ross may lead to uncomfortable revelations. Does she consider Ross a better Christian man than Hank? Did she ever go to him for 'comfort' when her frustration with Hank's refusal to do something like beat the sin out of their kids got too great? I'm wondering if the weekend may end with divorce very much on the table because Carol cannot respect her husband's compassion or abide by his wish that she doesn't badger Joyce, Becky and Jocelyn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 13 Feb 2016, 00:12
I found myself wondering how long this whole Becky mess has been going on, so I went and checked.

Here's where she shows up at Joyce's dorm:
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/angel/

Please note that the date is October 29, 2014. No wonder it feels like Becky's been here forever!

Carry on!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Feb 2016, 02:58
I found myself wondering how long this whole Becky mess has been going on, so I went and checked.

Here's where she shows up at Joyce's dorm:
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/angel/

Please note that the date is October 29, 2014. No wonder it feels like Becky's been here forever!

Carry on!

Two things:
A) holy shit, Becky was introduced on my birthday?!
B) Holy shit, it's been that long?!

I started reading shortly after Becky's introduction. Within a day or two of it coming out that she was a lesbian and a runaway. I'm just amazed it's been that long I've been reading daily.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 13 Feb 2016, 05:05
Technically, Becky was introduced much earlier. As in the first panel of the first strip, to the left of Joyce, with the first speaking line in the comic: http://www.dumbingofage.com/2010/comic/book-1/01-move-in-day/home/

So, Becky was the first character to be introduced.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Feb 2016, 13:52
Here we go folks

*Grabs Fritz Helmet and ducks behind couch*
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Feb 2016, 13:53
Aaaand the penny drops for Becky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Feb 2016, 13:45
DAMN YOU WILLIS!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Feb 2016, 14:08
Two whole days! That's like sixteen years!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Feb 2016, 23:33
*SIGH* Carol is just going to stampede this into a full-scale family collapse, isn't she?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Feb 2016, 02:54
She's certainly gonna try!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 16 Feb 2016, 03:48
Those are some angry faces.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 16 Feb 2016, 09:31

Two things:
A) holy shit, Becky was introduced on my birthday?!

Becky has kinda been introduced on Day One (Lvl 1-1) (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2010/comic/book-1/01-move-in-day/home/)...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Feb 2016, 15:15
Oh FFS Becky!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 16 Feb 2016, 16:39
I really don't think Becky deserves the "FFS" right now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Feb 2016, 16:55
...yeah, what did Becky do? Are you sure you don't mean Joyce's mom?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 17 Feb 2016, 02:42
Mary really doesn't know when to stop. This won't end well for her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Feb 2016, 11:00
As soon as Billie's moved out, Mary has no ammo, right?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 17 Feb 2016, 11:52
Essentially. Assuming Becky finds other accommodations. Mary is going to find herself in a very bad position soon. This delights me thoroughly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 17 Feb 2016, 12:08
I am looking forward to Mary getting what's coming to her, and I say that as someone who typically dislikes the idea of vengeance. Maybe it's the many uber-religious hypocrites I know IRL that never get their comeuppance in this life, but I definitely am looking forward to that being different in my entertainment.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Feb 2016, 13:32
I have a feeling Marys downfall will be abrupt, sudden and will contain a large audience of her fellow College alumni and conclude with her being run out of town on a rail.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Feb 2016, 14:23
Honestly I'd be just as happy never seeing her in the strip again.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 17 Feb 2016, 16:12
Ideally, Ruth will make a big production right at the start of the meeting that Mary told her there is a non-student living in the dorms against the rules, and  that she (Ruth) will find out who it is. Ruth gets to maintain her 'Ruthless' reputation by making it sound like horrible things will happen to Becky, and the blame for her finding out about it will fall straight on top of Mary's head. Becky is apparently well liked by the other girls in the hall, and they've been watching out for her, those that know she's living there. So I'd be willing to bet there would be more than a few angry people looking to get some payback, or at least treat Mary with a fair bit of hostility. More than she already gets, at any rate.

This would also pull the teeth on half the threat she's holding over Ruth, that Becky was living there and Ruth isn't doing anything about it... But publicly stating now that Ruth does know about it, she'll deal with it in some non-specified by likely unpleasant way. Billie is clearing out of Ruth's room, and the booze has been removed, so even if Mary goes to the faculty about the two of them, it will pretty much come down to her word vs Ruth's. And Ruth has said that staff loves her because she runs a tight ship. She can also point out that Mary is a trouble maker, and suggest she's just trying to get back at Ruth after being caught using transphobic slurs to another student... Basically, unless Mary can provide evidence that Ruth was doing wrong, going to the staff is going to go bad for her, not for Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 17 Feb 2016, 21:06
Ideally, Ruth will make a big production right at the start of the meeting that Mary told her there is a non-student living in the dorms against the rules, and  that she (Ruth) will find out who it is. Ruth gets to maintain her 'Ruthless' reputation by making it sound like horrible things will happen to Becky, and the blame for her finding out about it will fall straight on top of Mary's head. Becky is apparently well liked by the other girls in the hall, and they've been watching out for her, those that know she's living there. So I'd be willing to bet there would be more than a few angry people looking to get some payback, or at least treat Mary with a fair bit of hostility. More than she already gets, at any rate.

This would also pull the teeth on half the threat she's holding over Ruth, that Becky was living there and Ruth isn't doing anything about it... But publicly stating now that Ruth does know about it, she'll deal with it in some non-specified by likely unpleasant way. Billie is clearing out of Ruth's room, and the booze has been removed, so even if Mary goes to the faculty about the two of them, it will pretty much come down to her word vs Ruth's. And Ruth has said that staff loves her because she runs a tight ship. She can also point out that Mary is a trouble maker, and suggest she's just trying to get back at Ruth after being caught using transphobic slurs to another student... Basically, unless Mary can provide evidence that Ruth was doing wrong, going to the staff is going to go bad for her, not for Ruth.

Welp, not happening just yet, anyways.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Feb 2016, 23:24
BOOM

And Carla's alone with her too, so murder is out.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Feb 2016, 01:28
What I found funny about 2/18's strip is the way no-one seems slightly ruffled by Ruth's total failure to deliver the safety lecture and they're all gone literally as fast as it takes you to read Mary's lines in panels 6-8. Either not many others at IU were particularly traumatised or even bothered by Ross's rampage... including those who were directly targeted (Dina was at the meeting) or they all have better things to do on a Friday night.

Overall, I can't blame Ruth for not wanting to bother under those circumstances.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Feb 2016, 21:05
Well that turned out well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Feb 2016, 15:07
The Karma begins to strike
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 19 Feb 2016, 15:37
And now I'm just waiting for Carla to strike.

Edit:
I very much approve of the overhaul Willis did of this strip before it went live.  Much funnier.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Feb 2016, 12:28
The sticks are not what they seem
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Feb 2016, 12:42
Edit: I very much approve of the overhaul Willis did of this strip before it went live.  Much funnier.
What'd he change?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Feb 2016, 13:47
The sticks are not what they seem

Whatever they are, they have clearly traumatised poor Joyce and Becky!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 20 Feb 2016, 14:34
Edit: I very much approve of the overhaul Willis did of this strip before it went live.  Much funnier.
What'd he change?
The final panel wasn't there, and he altered the dialogue across the other panels to make it flow better and make it funnier.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 20 Feb 2016, 16:09
What gets me is the Twilight poster above Joyce's bed. I mean really? Her parents let her see that movie?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 Feb 2016, 18:07
What gets me is the Twilight poster above Joyce's bed. I mean really? Her parents let her see that movie?

Well think of the moral it carries: SEX IS EVIL IF YOU HAVE IT YOU WILL HAVE TO BE KILLED AND HAVE A MONSTER BABY RIPPED OUT OF YOUR BELLY WITH TEETH
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 20 Feb 2016, 20:31
I don't think they would get past the whole 'vampires and werewolves' thing before declaring it evil, satanic and off limits...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 20 Feb 2016, 21:08
Look, I like you, Ruth, but when you do things like this you remind me of myself and that makes me not like you.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Feb 2016, 23:00
Fuck you too Ruth

And DAMN YOU WILLIS!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Feb 2016, 01:53
The problem of having any kind of relationship with an extreme depressive like Ruth who, arguably, is a suicidal depressive, is that they are always trying to hurt you to get your out of their lives. This isn't out of malice but in order to enable their own suicidal ideation. They literally have a part of them that's continually badgering them to kill themselves and they need to get anyone they care about alienated so they aren't hurt when they do it.

In a very real sense, Ruth thinks she deserves to die and is trying to prevent there from being anything to stop her from doing so.

I remain quite sure that, in the future of DoA, we might have a few strips where Billie goes to visit Ruth at the secure centre where she's being treated. It would be sad but all-too realistic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 22 Feb 2016, 02:14
Basically. I was the same way with my wife. Hell, with all my relationships. Depression is a crippling thing to live with. It's constantly gnawing on the back of your mind telling you you are worthless and don't deserve having anyone care about you. And then there are the times you resent anyone who cares about you for being an impediment to your self destruction. It's really hard to convey to neurotypical people just how much depression fucks with your thinking.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Feb 2016, 13:14
Well one of you better make a damned move soon!

[Obi-wanVoice]Use the Key Billy[/Obi-wanVoice]
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Feb 2016, 18:52
I'm holding on for more information. Lord knows, I'm aware Sitnspin isn't talking out of her ass, but at the same time, my personal experience with depression, so far linking up weirdly closely to Ruth and Billie's, hasn't gone so far, and I doubt it has in most examples. DoA is pretty good at playing the averages, so I doubt I'm abnormal in that my personal depression/bipolar experiences won't go too incredibly far from what Billie/Ruth survive. Lord knows, I've never been to a secure center.

But... Who the hell knows aside from Willis. I'm not going to think it too deeply, because I know from experience, I'll be wrong. This is his rollercoaster. Imma ride it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Feb 2016, 18:53
Hell, we don't even know if Willis knows yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Feb 2016, 19:16
Hell, we don't even know if Willis knows yet.

As I understand it, the dude draws/plans months ahead. He absolutely knows the physical events. He doesn't know the dialogue just yet, or the exact punchlines.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 23 Feb 2016, 20:45
I'm a her, BTW.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 24 Feb 2016, 09:19
I'm a her, BTW.

Sorry about that. Corrected the original post.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 24 Feb 2016, 13:06
No worries, no offense taken, just clarifying.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Feb 2016, 14:18
Well, well, well!!


Look whose missing Joyce!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 24 Feb 2016, 14:28
Is hate-missing still missing? Also I think I just invented the term "hate-missing".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Feb 2016, 14:44
Is hate-missing still missing?

Yes it is and I also think that it means two things for Sarah:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 24 Feb 2016, 14:56
You can hate something and still feel it's absence when it's gone. The two are in fact, not related. More accurately though, Sarah doesn't hate Joyce. Her life would actually be a lot easier if she did. She may be annoyed by some of her ways... But she totally has a big sister vibe going with Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 24 Feb 2016, 18:25
The title of this storyline is extremely ominous
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 24 Feb 2016, 19:02
I seriously doubt a weekend with her mother with Becky there is going to be good for Joyce's faith. I mean mums didn't even make it TO dinner without starting in on the Becky jabs...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 24 Feb 2016, 19:04
My prediction is that Becky is going to go to her dad's house to get her Social Security card, finds the doors locked, and gets in through the window.

"When God closes a door..."  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 24 Feb 2016, 20:05
When Willis put "end of storyline" in the alt-text yesterday, does that mean (based on previous times he's done that) that we won't see more Joyce's weekend at home?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 24 Feb 2016, 21:42
We won't see any more of Friday evening.  Each storyline/chapter generally covers one day in-universe, so the next 100-200 strips will deal with Saturday and Sunday.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Feb 2016, 21:56
Lessons in humanity ahead from the Zhenyuanlongsuni ahead for Sarah I think.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Feb 2016, 05:38
We won't see any more of Friday evening.  Each storyline/chapter generally covers one day in-universe, so the next 100-200 strips will deal with Saturday and Sunday.
Oh, "storyline" just means day? Interesting.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 25 Feb 2016, 22:23
We won't see any more of Friday evening.  Each storyline/chapter generally covers one day in-universe, so the next 100-200 strips will deal with Saturday and Sunday.
Oh, "storyline" just means day? Interesting.

This has been known/debated for a while, hasn't it? I feel like there might have been argument earlier as to whether it possibly meant a week, but I know I sided with the 'storyline=1 day' crowd, and haven't given it a second thought since.

I should admit, I'm a tipsy person saying this. I can say for a fact that I've known for a long while, almost since I started reading DoA, that each storyline approximated a single day's span. I might be imagining the disagreement. I'm probably imagining that. Forget I mentioned it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Feb 2016, 04:06
I'm not disagreeing, I guess I just never really thought about what a "storyline" meant.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 26 Feb 2016, 21:08
Good lord, do I relate to that desire, Sarah. I've been unable to find a solution, personally, but I relate.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Feb 2016, 23:15
I'm wondering if we're going to have an arc about Dina showing Sarah that she isn't a bad person for occasionally being selfish and not wanting to get hurt by others' problems boiling over. It is, after all, only a sign that she cares enough to feel empathy!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Feb 2016, 12:20
And to top it all off, Sarah will now find the chairs are actually bolted to the floor for safety reasons.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Feb 2016, 21:25
I think what I love best about today's comic is that I remember having that exact conversation here on the message boards.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Feb 2016, 13:31
Sorry Sarah, but for Dina this is a real conversation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Feb 2016, 02:34
Joyce's body language at the end of today's strip (29/2) sets all my alarm bells ringing. She might have a flashback to the Ross incident and there's no telling how precisely she'll react. I think it's possible that she'll grab Becky and flee to one of her siblings' houses for shelter from Carol who, with her words, has suddenly been elevated to an existential treat in her traumatised mind.

Hank may be in for a painful day trying to convince Joyce that Carol isn't about to try to shoot her and Becky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Feb 2016, 12:57
I wouldn't blame Joyce for that either.


Her Mother is sounding more and more like a female Ross.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Feb 2016, 13:10
And maybe her dad's not as great as we thought. Damn it :(
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Feb 2016, 13:19
Time will tell.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 Feb 2016, 13:26
I don't see anything negative in  Hank's part of that conversation. He's supporting Joyce and her decisions on who to be friends with, and trusting her to stay strong in her faith. He's also saying that the more they try to control her, the more likely she will be to do something to break free of that control. He's basically advocating for her freedom and right to choose. I'd call that pretty noble. And he's open minded and kind enough to welcome Becky into their home without treating her the way Carol does, and is even trying to accept her being a lesbian, despite what his church is telling him about being gay.

Carol is obviously just a massively controlling tool who wants to dominate her children and force them to be what she wants them to be, regardless of anything else. She has shown no kindness or compassion towards Becky... You know, two things that are supposed to be pretty high on the 'to do' list for her faith. I don't think she'll go all Ross on Joyce. But I would see her trying to pull her out of the school, and if that fails, trying to cut off all ties in a 'if you aren't going to be obedient, I cast you out' kind of way. Which would be emotionally devastating to Joyce, and pretty hard financially, as I am guessing she receives some sort of financial aid from them.

Basically, Joyce had every reason to dread this trip. And I think this weekend will show that she actually wasn't worried enough.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Feb 2016, 23:55
Sometimes, I hate being right. At least Joyce has Becky with her; hopefully, she'll stop Joyce from doing something stupid or even self-destructive. She's pretty much in 'fight-or-flight' mode right now; there's no telling what she may be capable of doing if life pushes her further.

Maybe this will turn into Joyce finally talking to someone about her problems and getting the help that she needs.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Mar 2016, 14:28
Road trip!

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 01 Mar 2016, 14:40
For some reason, Carol is starting to look more and more like a toe every time she says something.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Mar 2016, 14:54
For some reason, Carol is starting to look more and more like a toe every time she says something.

Which is why I'm beginning to speculate she's gonna turn into a female Ross.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Mar 2016, 01:33
Today's strip (3/2) is interesting in that it suggests that 'When God Closes the Door' (the chapter title) has a double meaning. The obvious is the heavily-trailed and very obviously oncoming break between Joyce and her family over her changing perspective of several moral issues.

However, the name 'La Porte' (Joyce and Becky's home town) literally means 'the door'. I think that today's strip strongly suggests that Joyce and Becky, having been into the wider world, find that their home town isn't as cool and exciting to be out and about in as they thought as teenagers. They've seen a more cosmopolitan life in Bloomington and that's forever altered their view of the small town where they were born and raised.

It's possible that, when they leave at the end of this weekend, they'll have little desire to return to that small and somewhat inward-looking corner of America when they are far more interested in the wider world beyond.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Mar 2016, 13:13
Indeed

I'm also wondering if we're going to see a moment where Joyce puts her foot down with her mother over this - something that I don't think she'd even have contemplated before she left for Bloomington and College.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 03 Mar 2016, 21:33
Aww. Sal. This is a sadness that I'm feeling.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Mar 2016, 22:35
Dear Sals Mother

FUCK YOU TOO!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Mar 2016, 05:38
I always forget that her name is Sally. She does not seem like a Sally.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Mar 2016, 05:42
She isn't, really; she's been 'Sal' probably since before the Convenience Store Job.

In some ways, Linda calling Walky 'David', Sal 'Sally' and Billie 'Jennifer' is a symptom of emotional distance. She doesn't really feel affection for them, at least not to the degree where she will treat them on their own terms. Any interaction has to be on her terms with the people that she wants them to be (and, in Sal's case, not at all).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 04 Mar 2016, 06:15
That's a long stretch to make. Neither me nor my parents call my sister by the nickname all her friends call her, that doesn't mean we don't feel affection for her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 04 Mar 2016, 08:45
When it's last name based, like Walky and Billie, I find family don't tend to use it. I knew two guys who were called by friends and even some teachers by a variation of their surname but parents and siblings found it weird to call them something that was also sort of their own name.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Mar 2016, 11:03
Holy fuck, didn't even notice Jennifer.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Mar 2016, 12:11
Oh!

Missed that Sally one when I first saw the Comic and thought Sals Mom hadn't sent her anything.  Still, it's kinda depressing she sent one half the size.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 05 Mar 2016, 09:23
I suppose it must be nice that someone notices your situation is bullshit. Still makes me sad.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Mar 2016, 14:29
Indeed.

Still, it's at least not as sad as Sals Mom completely ignoring and forgetting Sal. 

I hope it's something at least half way decent.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Mar 2016, 21:40
What the fuck, Billie? Panel two, I get, but panel three is him expressing concern about someone else.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 05 Mar 2016, 22:23
I get panel three. She's still pissed about panel 2, and hr mood hasn't changed. She's a bit stressed about the idea of having to figure what to do with Becky, and that, combined with a pissy attitude over panel 2 and having being recently sorta-kinda-not-really-but-fuck-you-Ruth-dumped leads to panel three expression.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Mar 2016, 00:12
Not everyone reacts well to stress. The small level of stability that Billie had been trying to build up in her life has collapsed over the past twelve hours or so. The last thing she needs is Walky reminding her how this has managed to screw up not only her and Ruth's life but Becky's life too!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Mar 2016, 12:34
Zen And The Art Of Saying Something Right While Being Wrong At The Same Time

By David 'Walky' Walkerson
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Mar 2016, 13:25
Just go for it girls, just go for it
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 07 Mar 2016, 13:49
And thus Willis ends the comic.  Joyce and Becky get swallowed by a sink hole.  (IIRC, that is the reason they closed it)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Mar 2016, 20:12
Hedgie, I dunno the fuck you're talking about, but it's okay, because I don't care enough to read It'sWalky!, or anytging beyond Shortpacked!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Mar 2016, 20:41
I think hedgie means the real Mount Baldy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Mar 2016, 20:52
I think hedgie means the real Mount Baldy.

Well, fuck if I know the difference, I'm a dude from an entirely different chunk of the country
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 07 Mar 2016, 20:55
I know bald is a geographical term meaning less than a mountain, and that Andrew's Bald (to make a joke only understood by people who've visited that specific bit of the Smokey Mountains) but that's it!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Mar 2016, 13:58
And Billy self guilt trips herself out of her Cookies.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Mar 2016, 15:06
I see Carla believes in the old Klingon proverb.

And I love how Billie still thinks of Ruth regardless of what happened.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Mar 2016, 01:57
Huh. I'm thinking that the 3/10 strip is telling us that we're about to be introduced to the opening spark of Amber's final and climactic major psychiatric crisis. She can't fight and she can't run. How will she react?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 10 Mar 2016, 02:57
Who says she can't run? Grab the clothes and get out of there. She's got a reputation as the "shut-in nerd chick" anyway, nobody will think twice about that reaction.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Mar 2016, 03:09
Who says she can't run? Grab the clothes and get out of there. She's got a reputation as the "shut-in nerd chick" anyway, nobody will think twice about that reaction.

I think that you're underestimating the power of Amber's fight-or-flight response to Sal. I don't think that she'll have enough time to collect the clothes before the crisis of being in close proximity to Sal causes a fuse to blow.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Mar 2016, 05:04
Or maybe not!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Mar 2016, 12:33
This could go either way.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 10 Mar 2016, 22:21
This could go either way.

Or NEITHER way, as seems to be Willis' way.

Ain't no-character happy via Willis' way.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Mar 2016, 23:49
Poor Amber! That was a powerful flashback! I wonder how long she'll just be sitting there, reliving that moment over and over again?

EDIT
Okay, rather than double-post, I'll put this here.

SPOILER - Updated Joyce Brown Character Model (http://40.media.tumblr.com/9a4aad42d39d27351d44902410e94baf/tumblr_o3v5ywAaTS1sm8ur3o1_540.png)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Mar 2016, 13:41
Man, Amber has some serious Chi Blocks when it comes to Sal.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Mar 2016, 13:05
Oh oh


Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Mar 2016, 21:16
I have no idea what "oh oh" means.

Also Sal, what makes you think Danny is remotely capable of doing so?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Mar 2016, 00:13
It's interesting and lots of people have noticed this. Sal and Danny's experiences of Amazi-Girl have been essentially precisely opposite. Because of this, they have very different views of her, both of which being extreme and not entirely reflecting the full reality.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Mar 2016, 13:12
I don't think he could stop her even if he wanted to Sal.

And I think Sal's a bit biased about this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Mar 2016, 14:11
I don't think he could stop her even if he wanted to Sal.

And I think Sal's a bit biased about this.

I would say they're both biased in opposite directions. Gotta agree that Danny couldn't do anything, though, Amazi-girl would wreck his face off.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 13 Mar 2016, 15:12
Considering that Sal has mostly seen Amazigirl doing some *really* dangerous shit and had to save her kinda makes Sal the rational one here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 14 Mar 2016, 13:24
Considering that Sal has mostly seen Amazigirl doing some *really* dangerous shit and had to save her kinda makes Sal the rational one here.

I was mostly remembering that old arc where Amazi-girl came after Sal & friends for having beers in a parking lot, and how she seemed to be annoyed and dismissive of her then. She's biased because her image is that Amazi-girl comes after stupid, insignificant shit for the most part and being somewhat successful at that gave her the impression she could take out a school shooter. Danny might not know exactly how far that went, and HIS experiences with Amazi-girl have been primarily positive. Danny's seen the positive and missed the negatives, while Sal's seen the negatives and missed the positives
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Mar 2016, 15:25
Amazi-Girl and Walky

THIS is going to be an interesting conversation
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Mar 2016, 15:19
Well, Cookies are better than stabbing someone for no discernibly good reason.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 15 Mar 2016, 21:28
And thus, Danny learns how over-the-top Amazi-girl's superheroine antics have gone, leading towards an awkward conversation with the wifey (Do not correct me, I'm aware they're barely gf/bf, but dammit I appreciate alliterative analogies. All alliteration, actually.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Mar 2016, 23:18
Good morning Danny, this is your wakeup call..
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Mar 2016, 00:47
The question here is this: Is Amazi-Girl selfless, taking risks out of a desire to help, or is she self-destructive and this whole thing is an attempt to punish or even destroy herself? I argue that it's the former but, as with many suffering mental anguish, it's a near-run thing sometimes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Mar 2016, 02:30
There was a question? Amber is not Amazi-girl out of a sense of altruism. She does it to have an outlet to dump her more violent urges. She has even said as much. Amazi-girl gets to beat up on 'bad guys' so Amber doesn't have to deal with those feelings. Unfortunately for her, things don't work that way. Amber still gets those urges... see running into Sal and her reaction to it. Instead of dealing with her mental health problems in a healthy manner, she is compounding them by creating an alternate identity.

I don't think she is specifically self destructive. As in, I don't think she has a conscious desire to die, probably not even a subconscious desire. But she is quite frankly been running to close to the odds already. It's only a matter of time until she runs into someone she can't intimidate or beat down. Or she'll wind up doing some insanely dangerous stunt when someone isn't around to save her life. Life isn't like super hero comics. Even those who live as real life super heroes know that, which is why they don't do the crazy stuff Amazi-girl does. If she doesn't stop, then eventually something bad is going to happen. Best case? She'll get caught playing vigilante and arrested. Worst case? Another stunt pulled like when she saved Becky will wind up with her dead. Most likely she'll wind up getting seriously injured and having her 'secret identity' revealed... with the attendant police questioning and probably arrest.

She has done some good as Amazi-girl, sure. She might even convince herself sometimes that is why she does it. But if she doesn't end it herself, sooner rather than later, something else is going to... and end it badly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 16 Mar 2016, 06:44
Even worse, she'll get someone else killed. Her stunts during the Toedad chase easily could have resulted in several fatal car crashes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Mar 2016, 15:22
Awkward Conversational Moment 1 is now complete

*Passes around Cookies*




BTW, I don't remember, but is Amber (and thus Amazi-Girl) aware that Sal is Walkys sister?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Mar 2016, 15:58
Evidently not, considering that's clearly what's projecting "danger".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 17 Mar 2016, 21:12
And thus, Walky has broken down the idea of the superhero's 'gritty reboot,' where we realize they're just folk who've had a life that lead them to their place, that there's always that contradiction between the humanity of their person and the unattainable 'perfection' of their image.

Or possibly, he said some Walky-type shit, and Amazigirl continued her Amazigirl, sorta-emo, definitely-frightening thing. I am not sure. It's St. Patrick's Day and I'm an American who occasionally falls into the stereotypes of cultural norms, do not judge me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Mar 2016, 21:23
The Deep Thoughts of David 'Walky' Walkerson
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Mar 2016, 02:34
Am I the only one who shivered in dread upon reading Amazi-Girl, the likely DID-suffering costumed adventurer of DoA, telling Walky that 'her voices' shout at her?

On a lighter note, Willis has put up on Tumblr a poster he's created commemorating what is likely Amazi-Girl's greatest moment to date:

(http://40.media.tumblr.com/73e1756dc3300ff1eda25e9cf7d6ed85/tumblr_o47u5wtcsQ1qkinreo1_r1_500.png)

Who needs Deadpool when we have Amazi-Girl around? :wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 18 Mar 2016, 07:18
Deadpool has more profanity, so he is superior.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 18 Mar 2016, 07:22
That's why Amazi-Girl needs Joyce as a sidekick.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 18 Mar 2016, 13:44
Am I the only one who shivered in dread upon reading Amazi-Girl, the likely DID-suffering costumed adventurer of DoA, telling Walky that 'her voices' shout at her?

Pretty sure she meant that figuratively. Nothing so far has suggested she has hallucinations, just flashbacks.

Although, personally I can identify with both a figurative and literal interpretation. Yay for PTSD combined with depression and psychosis.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Mar 2016, 14:15
Dannys expression says much

But I think if he tries too hard, it might have the opposite effect and drive Amber/Amazi-Girl to do something monumentally dangerous and stupid.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Mar 2016, 13:05
Amber on a Sugar high  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Mar 2016, 14:55
Wow!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Mar 2016, 04:55
Ruth is not the most pleasant or likeable of the characters in this strip. However, today's strip (3/22) really worries me. The whole way Willis portrays her is at a woman at the very end of her tether with no ability to see any way forwards where she has happiness or any other thing that makes life worth having.

If it wasn't for Willis's insistence that none of the major cast will die in DoA, I'd be genuinely afraid that the character was about to be killed off.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Mar 2016, 05:12
Willis's insistence that none of the major cast will die in DoA
A. That's kind of a spoiler, but I blame Willis, not you.
B. Ruth is a supporting character :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 22 Mar 2016, 05:50
I've seen this statement several times from fan comments and I believe it's true but I've never seen Willis say it. I've searched his Tumblr but didn't see it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 22 Mar 2016, 07:15
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Mar 2016, 13:50
I'm expecting a Ruth crash and burn soon.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Mar 2016, 13:53
Well, not much of a spoiler, but since Method took issue with it
Well I mean it's already out there so whatever at this point. Also like I said, I was objecting to Willis giving spoilers (which honestly that really isn't because who knows if a comment means anything), not Benergy's post.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 23 Mar 2016, 11:12
Someone posted a ginger snaps recipe in the comments in today's comic, and now I want to try it...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Mar 2016, 15:25
Hmmmmmm

Carla and Ruth actually talking.  There's hope yet



*Goes to fridge and pulls out some Griffins Gingernuts*
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Mar 2016, 15:28
I think Ruth wanted to go with 'Pit Of Death' but it was too much trouble destroying the Spartans to gain the Copyright.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Mar 2016, 02:21
Besides, she didn't have the patience to deal with the whining from the people in the floors below hers when she dug through the ceiling.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 25 Mar 2016, 06:52
Ruth and Carla interacting are just so darn cute... in a borderline sociopathic way. But I'm kinda worried about Ruth. Her behavior right now is very uncharacteristic of her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Mar 2016, 13:47
I think Ruth is at a crossroads.  Whichever way she goes will, I think, depend on whether she can salvage things between herself and Billie as well as being able to tell Mary to go fuck herself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Mar 2016, 20:32
There might be a Santa Claus.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Mar 2016, 13:40
Jeeze Carla
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Mar 2016, 13:38
Step into the light Carla
Step into the light.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Mar 2016, 14:42
Being a nice person is so damn inconvenient at times...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 Mar 2016, 21:57
Good Lord, I love Becky's particular form of smart-assery. Go on with that, it amuses me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 28 Mar 2016, 23:50
And, of course, she's being egged-on by Jocelyn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 30 Mar 2016, 04:41
Jocelyn's face in the final panel...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Mar 2016, 04:44
Wait, Joyce doesn't know? I'm so confused.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 30 Mar 2016, 04:49
Wait, Joyce doesn't know? I'm so confused.
Correct, Jocelyn only told Ethan in comic.  Considering how sheltered Joyce was, do you really think Jocelyn would risk telling her and letting it get back to the parents?

Something tells me John knows and there's a reason Joyce (and perhaps the family) wasn't invited to the wedding.  I am guessing its because she's of a different religion.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Mar 2016, 05:22
I've got several thoughts arising from today's strip (3/30).
Finally, I really think that the last panel is heart-breaking, both in Joyce's sad wish for a sister and Jocelyn's look at guilt at having not given her one out of fear.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 30 Mar 2016, 05:51
  • I wonder what Joyce's problem is with Indian food? Too spicy, maybe?

I'm not sure if you're being funny. We've known for a long time that Joyce is incredibly picky with her food. She deconstructed a taco so the foods wouldn't be touching (actually on the cast page one of her likes is, "keeping foods separate on her plate") and her two favourite foods seem to be mac'n'cheese and ice cream. Her idea of trying sushi was swallowing a single piece whole without chewing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 30 Mar 2016, 07:17
I've got several thoughts arising from today's strip (3/30).
  • Why has Joyce never met Christi? Is it because her parents disapprove of John having married a non-WASP? Or, worse (from their perspective) is that a pet name for Christopher?
The more I think about this, the more I wonder if you might be right... it would be an interesting parallel to Billie's "boyfriend" situation...

Quote
  • Someone with more archive-fu on DoA would have to instruct me but I'm not sure if we've ever seen Jocelyn and Becky on-screen together; I'm just wondering if Becky had confided in her. that Jocelyn has known Becky's orientation for some time and has been encouraging her, from her own bitter experience, that it is better to come out sooner rather than later;
You can use the tag links below the comic to find people (and a + sign in the URL to search for more than one). For example: http://www.dumbingofage.com/tag/jocelyne+becky/

(to save you the click, you're right, we haven't seen Jocelyn and Becky on-screen together before this)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 30 Mar 2016, 08:20
I think today could be a day of revelation for Joyce... It seems like none of the Brown kids are following their parents (or at least their mother's) plans. I'm pretty sure there's something John's not telling about his marriage. I get the feeling it's as simple as she's not white or not Christian. Josh/Jocelyn still seems to be in the closet, so I get the feeling either she hasn't come to terms with being trans yet, or is hiding it because of family. I'm not sure what Becky's reaction to the high five was at first. Surprise that one of the Brown kids was happy for her to be out of the closet? Or a realization that they shared a secret? Is it something they talked about before? Probably not I'm thinking. And then there's the situation with Jordan.. Whatever that may be. archive fu didn't help me, but seems big.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 30 Mar 2016, 08:38
It's never actually been said in the comic what Jordan did. My guess is, based on Joyce's mom's reactions to things, it's probably smaller than we think it is.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Mar 2016, 09:02
Wait, who is Jordan? I didn't realize Jordan wasn't Jocelyn until just now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Mar 2016, 09:08
Wait, who is Jordan? I didn't realize Jordan wasn't Jocelyn until just now.

Jordan is an apparent already-known 'black sheep' of the Brown family. He was close enough to Jocelyn in age that they shared a bedroom way back when but something went wrong (or right, depending on your perspective). He's now considered something of a warning example to Carol and one of the reasons she wants Joyce pulled from IU is because she's afraid of her 'becoming like Jordan'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Mar 2016, 09:24
Right, that's why I thought they were talking about Jocelyn which meant they already knew. Didn't realize there was a fourth sibling.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Mar 2016, 16:37
Family fun and games
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 31 Mar 2016, 05:08
So Christi and John do missionary work...I wonder if thats a cover...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 01 Apr 2016, 01:15
So Christi and John do missionary work...I wonder if thats a cover...
Based on today's comic, I'm gonna say no.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Apr 2016, 01:25
The interaction between John and Joyce in today's comic (4/1) can be interpreted in several ways. Knowing Willis and the semi-autobiographical story that he's trying to tell, ChaoSera is probably right.

However, a possible other interpretation is that John can't help but see his sweet baby sister and be disturbed by the thought of her engaging in an act of violence. Was it really necessary? Maybe he's rebelling against is the idea that Joyce was in a situation where violence was necessary or proportionate. I know that I'd freak if my younger sister told me that she had to cold-cock a man to protect her friend from him!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Apr 2016, 05:08
That was hardly proportional, it was well short of that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Apr 2016, 12:33
But it was totally unexpected from Joyce and mild by comparison to what Ross did.  He deserved more.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Apr 2016, 12:37
Well yeah, that's why I called it well short of proportional.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Apr 2016, 03:47
Yes, John, she's entirely aware how angry she sounds. Are you aware how YOU sound? Think before you speak, John, the word vomit coming out of your mouth is rather thoughtless.

That said, Becky, no. Go through other channels to get your SSN, do not take someone else's.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Apr 2016, 05:43
I'm pretty sure that John is in denial. This can't have happened to people he knows. This sort of systematic oppression cannot be happening in his home-town. Such a well-respected man as Ross MacIntyre cannot be a violent criminal! There must be an explanation for this! Joyce and Becky are hysterical! Reaction on emotion! They're exaggerating and trying to blame others for Becky's impulsive desire to cut herself off from her family! Joyce, the delicate soul that she is, is over-reacting and needs to be returned home until she can calm down!

Basically, like lots of people in his circumstances, he's rejecting what happened because it would require uncomfortable self-examination about his community and culture. Instead, he's looking (even if only unconsciously) for a scapegoat. Becky's 'impulsiveness' and Joyce's 'erratic emotions' are looking like they're the target of choice for him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Apr 2016, 14:06
I'd shut up at this point John, you're only digging yourself in deeper.

And shouldn't Becky be able to approach Social Security herself to gain her number?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 02 Apr 2016, 15:55
In theory she can, but her lack of documentation makes it quite difficult.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 02 Apr 2016, 16:05
And there's often a kafkaesque loop of needing documentation from A to get document B, needing documentation from B to get document A.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 02 Apr 2016, 17:54
When I had to get a new social security card, they needed me to tell them my social security number to verify it...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Apr 2016, 22:56
Dealing with an ossified, unsympathetic and apathetic government bureaucracy is never fun.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Apr 2016, 22:57
aaaand, Joyce breaks. Not a surprise. John, I get you're having difficulty with things, but you seem to lack empathy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Apr 2016, 22:58
Benergy, using all the adjectives. Dude, the word 'government' on its own implies them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Apr 2016, 14:06
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Joycesplosion has commenced.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Apr 2016, 14:11
I'm pretty sure we haven't seen anything yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 03 Apr 2016, 17:18
Oh no.. that was just the first warning hiss from the pressure tank... The explosion is a'coming.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Apr 2016, 01:31
It's sort of sad that this is probably the last time Joyce is going to have anything resembling a civil conversation with John. I have a feeling that this whole thing with her family is going to blow up on a huge scale and those who end up on the other side from her will refuse to ever speak to her again until she 'repents' and comes crawling back to them or something.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Apr 2016, 03:07
Wow, John's just as bad as their mom. Maybe worse.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Apr 2016, 06:18
I would not say John is as bad as their mother, but he is cut from the same cloth. Here he is certainly tipping over that lip between 'victim of an oppressive system meant to control the behavior of others' and 'active participate of said system using it to try and keep others in their perceived place'. Certainly he seems to be placing the actual, violent crimes that Ross committed against his daughter, and against John's own sister on a lesser level of importance than Joyce's anger at those crimes. He's suggesting that Joyce return for 'recentering' (reprogramming) since clearly she's being influenced by outside forces in thinking that a father shouldn't be kidnapping his daughter at gunpoint because she's gay... And also seems at least uncomfortable with Becky. Their mom on the other hand is planning on forcing Joyce to return home where she can dominate her... doing the same thing Ross wanted to do with Becky. Just without the kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. Yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Apr 2016, 15:11
And fuck you too John.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 04 Apr 2016, 21:05
Talk about a colossal asshole. (Talking about John, not Jocelyne. Just in case anyone thinks I'm on John's side with that statement.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Apr 2016, 21:14
John's a fucking scumbag who somehow gets considerably worse with each comic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Apr 2016, 21:31
John's a fucking scumbag who somehow gets considerably worse with each comic.

He wasn't in Shortpacked, so I don't know about past iterations, but John in this incarnation is everything wrong with uber-religious, literalist idiots. i know John personally, I feel. I know MANY 'Johns.' Too many of them. Jocelyn, keep that ish up. Set his bigoted, narrow-minded ass straight.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 04 Apr 2016, 21:35
You're right, John.  How dare college just let girls to do lesbians with each other and then get huffy when their fathers to kidnap them at gunpoint.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Apr 2016, 00:08
Notice that John keeps trying to re-frame the issue as being Becky's 'son' and her and Joyce's 'sense of entitlement' about this being 'without consequences'. He refuses to even acknowledge that they had wrong done to them to the point that he actually states that the whole incident was their fault!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Apr 2016, 15:37
And my previous statement about John still applies

Self righteous bastard.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Apr 2016, 15:47
Well!  That was a surprise!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Apr 2016, 21:07
And writers don't get given stuff? That's accurate.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Apr 2016, 23:56
Starving Writer Syndrome strikes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Apr 2016, 13:24
Say what??!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 Apr 2016, 21:03
And so now I have a new favorite face. It happens to be Becky's.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 08 Apr 2016, 21:03
I quite like Jocelyn's as well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 Apr 2016, 21:05
I quite like Jocelyn's as well.

Joyce's ain't bas. I appreciate all three final panels
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 08 Apr 2016, 21:37
Yup. Dem faces.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Apr 2016, 23:20
JOYCE: "I had no intention of becoming a felon until my big sister suggested it, your honour. I blame our upbringing!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Apr 2016, 23:34
And thus begins Jocelyn, Becky and Joyces criminal career.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Apr 2016, 15:22
Careful Joyce, your face could freeze that way
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Apr 2016, 15:05
I missed three comics!!!



Well!! That was interesting!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Apr 2016, 21:04
Good lord, Dorothy,  cursive is an anachronism. Ain't nobody can read cursive, even those few of us that can write it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Apr 2016, 23:04
This is the point where Walky realises that his destiny is to ever be surrounded by determined and assertive women with powerful personalities who fully intend to make him what they want him to be!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Apr 2016, 15:45
It would appear that Walky is eternally damned to be surrounded by strong, assertive women that can kick his ass.

It's his curse 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 15 Apr 2016, 09:21
It would appear that Walky is eternally damned to be surrounded by strong, assertive women that can kick his ass.

It's his curse

Would that I could be so cursed
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Apr 2016, 16:59
It's a curse I've never contemplated


 ;D




Go for drowned Walky, it's less painful  ;)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 15 Apr 2016, 21:08
Don't worry, he got her off his case with a tiny fraction of his giant slab o' problems! No drowning necessary! Just agonizing emotional issues!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 16 Apr 2016, 02:46
If you ask me Walky crossed a dangerous line here. Before, he was just not telling Dorothy something. Now he lied to her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Apr 2016, 06:48
If you ask me Walky crossed a dangerous line here. Before, he was just not telling Dorothy something. Now he lied to her.

Based on the experiences of his parallel universe self in the Walkyverse, learning that you cannot escape difficult things by refusing to speak about them is a harsh lesson that this Walky has yet to learn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 16 Apr 2016, 07:54
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Apr 2016, 14:12
One bite at a time Walky, one bite at a time
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Apr 2016, 03:29
It's his cursive
:claireface:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Apr 2016, 13:40
That's just ...... sad really


Nice going Method.  Knew someone would get it  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Apr 2016, 15:17
Well, that's one way to wake Sal up

Or get killed by Sal
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Apr 2016, 15:40
I've forgotten again why Sal hates Malaya.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Apr 2016, 17:33
Sal hates everyone except for Marcie. In this particular case though, she seems more irritated than most by Malaya's personality.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Apr 2016, 19:20
It always seemed to me that she is indifferent towards pretty much everyone on campus (with the exception of her soft spot for Joyce), but she actively hates Malaya.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 18 Apr 2016, 19:50
It always seemed to me that she is indifferent towards pretty much everyone on campus (with the exception of her soft spot for Joyce), but she actively hates Malaya.
A combination of Malaya's abrasive confrontational attitude and the fact that she's "stealing" Marcie away from her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Apr 2016, 07:27
While I'm sure that adds to her dislike of Malaya, Sal hated her when she had no clue that Marcie fancied her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 19 Apr 2016, 07:34
Hence the first half of the sentence.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Apr 2016, 07:51
I do seem to remember that Malaya rubs pretty much everybody the wrong way? But yeah, some times there are people you just dislike... Not for any specific reason like 'she's stealing my best friend and doesn't even know it'. Sometimes it's just that their personality or habits rub you the wrong way or any of a number of reasons. Add in the fact that they're often hanging out together because of shared friends...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Apr 2016, 07:58
Sal and Malaya are just one of the sodium and water combinations of two personalities whose individual quirks and sharp edges inevitably conflict with and antagonise the other. That's not to say that Sal doesn't have a point - Malaya does make enemies easier than she does friends. That's also not to say that Malaya doesn't have a point - Sal has the irritating delusion that she's the voice of the silent majority.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Apr 2016, 15:15
The worst part of this is it's placing Marcie in a difficult situation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Apr 2016, 15:48
Perhaps your second train of thought is the one that should leave the station Dina
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Apr 2016, 22:57
Am I the only one who is traumatized by the thought of Dina sexting? :-o
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 20 Apr 2016, 23:22
Am I the only one who is traumatized by the thought of Dina sexting? :-o
If by 'traumatized' you mean 'highly amused' then no.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 21 Apr 2016, 05:20
When you consider, as Dina pointed out in yesterday's comic, all her texts have to go through Joyce, the possibilities for amusement get even greater.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 21 Apr 2016, 06:45
When you consider, as Dina pointed out in yesterday's comic, all her texts have to go through Joyce, the possibilities for amusement get even greater.

(http://img.pandawhale.com/post-15478-Nathan-Fillion-speechless-gif-QTlX.gif)

I actually hadn't thought of that before this message...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Apr 2016, 15:28
The mind boggles!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 22 Apr 2016, 07:37
But I would have to say... watching Dina trying to sext message Becky through Joyce would be like, the most adorable train wreck ever....
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 22 Apr 2016, 09:34
I relate to Walky here. I've lost count of the number of times I got punched for the sake of a joke. Got hit with a lunchbox, once. Worth it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Apr 2016, 09:47
Not a joke, I think. On a subtle level, I suspect that Walky is trying to make Sal think about just how silly she is by trying to play the 'friendless loner' and getting upset when people care about her. Of course, this comes across as a fraternal taunt because they're siblings.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Apr 2016, 12:14
Why won't she come to her senses? :parrot:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Apr 2016, 17:18
Well, she ain't out mending fences it would seem
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Apr 2016, 14:42
Oh Sal  :(
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Apr 2016, 13:46
She really needs those made out of armored glass.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 24 Apr 2016, 21:21
Oh, Danny.  You have no idea what suffering you are in for.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Apr 2016, 00:02
*Cue The Good, The Bad & The Ugly soundbite*
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Apr 2016, 01:36
I've got a horrible feeling that, somehow, Amber is going to misinterpret Danny's words as confirmation of all her worst fears about herself - That's she's worthless and a monster. I fear that she may go on a rampage thinking that she has no reason to even try to be a good person anymore.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 25 Apr 2016, 05:29
*Cue The Good, The Bad & The Ugly soundbite*
The Good, The Not-so-bad, and the Oblivious?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Apr 2016, 14:04
The Not-so-bad
Couldn't this apply to either Sal or Amber?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 25 Apr 2016, 14:15
The Not-so-bad
Couldn't this apply to either Sal or Amber?
I left it intentional ambiguous, with the oblivious being Danny of course.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Apr 2016, 14:35
Of course.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 25 Apr 2016, 21:39
Is Danny about to get in trouble for talking to someone he has no idea Amber has a bad history with?

Nope, that doesn't feel contrived at allllll.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Apr 2016, 23:25
Oh, it's not contrived. To Amber, Sal is practically Satan incarnate. The deeply rooted paranoid terror she has for Sal is possibly a stronger trigger ffor her episodes than Blaine is! A violent rampage that may turn Amazi-Girl into a villain is not impossible if she gets it into her head that Danny has 'betrayed' her by conspiring with her 'arch-foe'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Apr 2016, 04:48
Is Danny about to get in trouble for talking to someone he has no idea Amber has a bad history with?
So Danny doesn't know? Ok, good, I was worried I'd forgotten.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Apr 2016, 16:03
No, Danny doesn't know, and what's even more interesting is the fact that Sal has not recognised Amber as the girl who stabbed her in the hand all those years ago during the robbery she was done for.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 26 Apr 2016, 18:31
To be fair, she was rather distracted  at the time. Add that to the fact that eyewitness testimony in general is highly unreliable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 26 Apr 2016, 20:02
By "distracted", do you mean "Crap, I'm getting arrested…  OH FUCKING SHIT FUCK!!!  MY HAND!  OWWW FUCK!"?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 26 Apr 2016, 21:18
Having personally experienced both arrest and being stabbed on separate occasions, I can attest that either is very distracting let alone both simultaneously.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Apr 2016, 23:07
Nice going there Danny, and a very good point.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 27 Apr 2016, 06:05
To be honest, I'm not even sure Sal would recognize Amber as her stabber anyway. We didn't see the whole thing, but from what we know... Sal tried to rob the store Amber's friend worked at? Or they were at? And then Amber's dad goaded her to the point where she suddenly stabs Sal, who was rather busy being arrested at the time. Before the stab, Sal probably wasn't paying much attention to Amber... It seemed her attempted robbery wasn't exactly a well planned heist after all. And after being stabbed... Well it was pretty chaotic and the first thing the police would have done was separate the two, and probably got Sal to a doctor. All in all, it seems plausible that Sal has no idea it was Amber that stabbed her, and won't until someone brings it up.

Amber is... well being her borderline psychotic self. It makes me wonder how long Danny will put up with her randomly raging like that at him. At least from his perspective since he doesn't know Sal and Amber have history. I am still thinking if she doesn't get help soon, Amber is going to be doing something again that really gets someone hurt, and Sal or somebody won't be around to save her that time. Also... Saving your life is the second worse thing that's been done to you? I'm guessing she won't be making that mistake again then...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Apr 2016, 06:25
You do have to wonder if, from the perspective of a certain part of Amber's turbulent and disintegrating psyche, Sal did do her a disservice there. I wonder if dying at the moment of her greatest triumph - saving Becky - somehow appeals to Amber as a grand and positive end for her story? I suppose that would have prevented her from having to confront her continual mental collapse and somehow live with it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 27 Apr 2016, 07:03
As someone who also lives with a fairly severe mental illness, I can definitely understand her sentiment. There were times in the past when I resented loved ones for saving me. If the one who had saved me had been someone I already despised, I imagine it would be exponentially worse. Dying rather than having to face ones own damaged psyche certainly has it's appeal. Living out a "heroic sacrifice" would have been all that much more appealing for someone with Amber's condition and preferred media consumption.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 27 Apr 2016, 09:02
Amber is... well being her borderline psychotic self. It makes me wonder how long Danny will put up with her randomly raging like that at him.
Sad thing is after these last couple of comics, it seems as though Amber is starting to become that apple a bit close to the tree.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 27 Apr 2016, 10:32
Amber is... well being her borderline psychotic self. It makes me wonder how long Danny will put up with her randomly raging like that at him.
Sad thing is after these last couple of comics, it seems as though Amber is starting to become that apple a bit close to the tree.
She's always been her father's daughter, that's why she created Amazi-Girl in the first place. That was a mistake, of course. Rather than confront and attempt to control her violent impulses, she just channeled them into an alternate personality that she could use to assuage her guilt. After all, it's not Amber doing these violent things, it's Amazi-Girl. What's happening is that the line between Amazi-Girl and Amber is breaking down. Ultimately this is a healthy thing, it forces her to confront the fact that it's all a lie. In the short term, though, things are going to get rough and potentially dangerous.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 27 Apr 2016, 14:33
Yeah, I had already posted on Patreon that if she's lucky, she'll probably need to be out of her head on thorazine for a while.  I don't see her getting better on her own, and she doesn't have the strongest support network right now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Apr 2016, 21:05
Holy shit, Danny might just be wiser than any of us gave him credit for.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 28 Apr 2016, 02:39
That was really fucking satisfying to read.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 28 Apr 2016, 04:34
(http://i.imgur.com/wZuxj.gif)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Apr 2016, 15:36
And in that one, simple statement, Danny proved he can be just as insightful as anyone else.   The question now it, will Amber react or overreact?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Apr 2016, 15:44
I'm betting on over react, badly. I mean, she treated the fact that Danny was talking to Sal as a personal offense to her, and thinks Sal is going to 'turn people against her'. Despite you know.. Neither of them having any reason or shown any sign of that. If anything, they are both concerned in their own ways and for their own reasons, about Amber/Amazi-Girl's mental stability and the likely hood that she is going to get someone badly hurt or killed eventually.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Apr 2016, 23:20
Yep, pretty much as I thought. Amber is running rather than be around someone who threatens the comfortable illusory world that she has created for herself. That line about 'needing Amazi-Girl more' than she needed Danny, Na matter how much she needs him is very revealing about how invested she is in this dangerous coping mechanism and the degree to which she has convinced herself that it is the only option for her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Apr 2016, 23:57
Yeah, that's pretty much what I expected her to do.

Dammit Amber, FUCKING GROW UP!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 29 Apr 2016, 00:47
This isn't about growing up, it's about coping with mental illness. Which is so much harder than growing up - and growing up is hard.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: danuis on 29 Apr 2016, 07:44
Why do I have the feeling the Am- er, Amazigirl is going to confront Sal, get her butt kicked, and as she curses her demon, Sal goes, 'What the hell are you talking about? That? Oh! That. Really? Really?' and why do I feel that the train hitting the station from that won't really soothe things over for Amber?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 May 2016, 14:57
Personally Danny, I'd see about getting that curse lifted from those stairs  :D

Someone get Ruth a Beer STAT!  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 May 2016, 20:10
So she finds small talk physically uncomfortable?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 May 2016, 00:14
No, she finds being pleasant physically uncomfortable. This is the incident that teaches Ruth that she's just a natural misanthrope!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 May 2016, 07:45
In news everyone already knew, Mary is terrible, and I hate her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 02 May 2016, 14:52
Mary is so much like my maternal grandmother that I want to strangle her. She was racist, xenophobic, and homophobic. And hardcore Catholic. Me being biracial and queer did not sit well with her. She was a miserable judgmental woman who seemed to want everyone else to be miserable too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 May 2016, 14:56
OK, why hasn't someone punched Mary in the gob by now?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 02 May 2016, 14:59
My only guess is because they haven't been around her enough, they usually get away from her unpleasantness before she goes into full on vitriolic mode.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 May 2016, 15:24
OK, why hasn't someone punched Mary in the gob by now?

I suspect its kind of a sort of disbelief that anyone can actually think and act in this manner. I suspect that most people believe it's some kind of incredibly elaborate and subtle satirical performance art and they don't want to get in trouble by showing that they don't 'get' it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 May 2016, 16:23
I think the Hammerblow for Mary will come soon and swiftly from the look of that last panel.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: danuis on 04 May 2016, 02:31
OK, why hasn't someone punched Mary in the gob by now?

It's been a month and a half of college so far, and don't most people just cut out such a person and avoid them as much as possible? Hell, mary would be a side character if she didn't have anything on Ruth-Billie, though she probably would catch onto Becky right quick....

At this point, Mary is the force of conflict in the comic. It's not a bad thing. The more we hate her, the more we'll feel when she collapses.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 May 2016, 02:57
I'm not expecting any characters to get 'comeuppances' or 'happy endings' in DoA. The feeling of the strip is wrong for that. It is more a 'slice of life' strip, as far as I've been able to determine. What Willis is trying to do is tell the story of the first year in college for these characters and outline the influences that informed their development from children to adults.

For Joyce, it looks like it is going to be a crisis of faith. For Amber, it is going to be having to confront her mental illness and accept that she can't stuff it into a fantasy life. For Ethan it is not running away from his sexuality. For Sal it is likely going to be having to admit to herself that she can't isolate herself and be this self-reliant mystery if she wants to be happy. However, I don't think that we're going to see any 'ends' (after all, it's only going to be Freshman Year). I can see a follow up 'DoA Adult Life' strip that may refer to their later experiences but I don't think we'll get any massive narrative conclusions from them; that doesn't happen to real people in most cases, so it isn't really likely to happen to these characters.

With regard to Mary, I can see her continuing to be an increasingly disruptive influence in the dorm and, eventually, her parents transferring her elsewhere because the increasing level of isolation and opposition she's facing is impacting on her education (and it's an easy way to define her move as the act of a victim rather than a defeated aggressor).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 May 2016, 16:56
Danny on Autopilot
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 May 2016, 06:12
Queue Mary being freaked out for the rest of the day. Good job, Carla.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 May 2016, 16:48
This is going to get messy, isn't it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 May 2016, 19:46
Is it ever not?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 May 2016, 01:37
I suspect that today's strip (5/6/16) is when poor Ethan gets caught in the middle. I think that he'll have an argument with Amber and tell her that she's treated Danny badly and without justification. Amber will, of course, call him a traitor and ostracise him too.

That's when things are going to go bad. Amber, feeling abandoned and with Ethan's 'condemnation' (as she will see it) playing into the "a monster am I" delusion that's at the centre of her delusions, will snap. Then Amazi-Girl will go on a rampage worthy of the worst Bat-excesses of Frank Miller's darkest and most misanthropic Batman stories.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 May 2016, 09:22
Hopefully Ethan knows better than to accuse her from the start. Unfortunately, anything he says that's pro-Danny will probably be heard as an accusation anyway :(
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 May 2016, 15:08
I'm just hoping that this leads to an Epiphany for Amber, and I mean that in a good way.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 May 2016, 22:26
Linkin Park DOES seem to have an obsession with it 'not mattering how hard you try.' I'm hardly a fan, but I swear, that linevis in every song I've heard.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2016, 06:32
Linkin Park's newest song, "This is a Deterministic Universe and all Effort is Meaningless" is climbing up the charts.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 07 May 2016, 08:02
After that song is released, Neil Degrasse-Tyson has a stroke while explaining why the rules of quantum mechanics mean that the universe is probabilistic, not deterministic. Effort, meanwhile, is still meaningless.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 May 2016, 15:26
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn3KSLBxNSQ
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 08 May 2016, 12:08
Something that's not settling well with me is his statement that Joyce is autobiographical. I highly doubt that he was almost raped and ended up in two other life-threatening situations--and especially not in the first month or so of college. Thoughts?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 May 2016, 12:16
I always took that to refer to him being extremely intolerant due to his religious upbringing and him unlearning that during college rather than any specific things that happen to Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: CrowFairy on 08 May 2016, 12:27
I get that. I guess what concerns me is that hr transformation has happened in just over a month, though, and the things that triggered it were specifically the dangerous experiences she's had.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 May 2016, 12:38
Are they entirely the cause, though? I'd say just the fact that her best friend is gay would've kickstarted the transformation to some degree no matter what. That, plus making friends outside of her religion for the first time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 May 2016, 15:02
Perfection is overrated
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 May 2016, 17:09
Dina requires more input.


And, I think, is somewhat lonely without Joyce and Becky there
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 May 2016, 17:25
They both are.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 09 May 2016, 21:24
Oh, dear God, DINA STOP IT YOU ARE SCARING ME THAT IS THREATENING
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 May 2016, 21:52
I think you're overdoing it a wee bit there Dina
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 09 May 2016, 22:13
friends Sarah? (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1585)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 10 May 2016, 02:53
Holy shit, this is terrifying.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 May 2016, 02:57
Willis does like playing up the 'an alien in a human skin' concept with Dina's social behaviour, doesn't he. The sweet thing is that she's genuinely trying to be helpful to Sarah but is pretty much flying blind through a world about which she only has the weakest observational knowledge.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 10 May 2016, 12:50
Willis does like playing up the 'an alien in a human skin' concept with Dina's social behaviour, doesn't he.
She certainly does have more teeth than the entire Osmond Family.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Endellion on 10 May 2016, 14:58
I think the Hammerblow for Mary will come soon and swiftly from the look of that last panel.

Cold, swift and absolutely ridiculous.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 10 May 2016, 21:07
Smiling definitely gives Dina crazy eyes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: dexeron on 11 May 2016, 06:14
I just need to point out that I blame you all for my discovering DoA and binging through the entire thing yesterday.

For the kindest values of blame, of course. ;)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 May 2016, 06:24
For some reason that last panel of today's strip (5/11) seems to have a subtext of Sarah thinking: "Please don't try to make me feel better, Dina. I don't want to feel better; I don't deserve it."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Endellion on 11 May 2016, 10:31
I just need to point out that I blame you all for my discovering DoA and binging through the entire thing yesterday.

For the kindest values of blame, of course. ;)

Did that last weekend. Had a little cry when the 'next' icon was greyed out as I had come up to the latest strip.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 May 2016, 17:02
Yup, Amber/Amazi-Girls on a rampage alright.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 May 2016, 21:09
Hmm...she seems kinda calm now? I wonder if she'll take the selfie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 May 2016, 14:50
Looks like she will




BTW, has anyone else had a loading issue with the comic the last few days?  I don't know if it's me or not, but for the last three or four days when I go to the Comic Site, it seems to 'hang'  on an empty screen for a minute or two, then suddenly it loads in a rush.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 14 May 2016, 02:23
Welp, pulling Dorothy on your side by not even remotely telling her you dumped him, great job Amber.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 May 2016, 16:42
At least she's gonna hold off the hurtin' until she speaks to Danny
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 14 May 2016, 22:08
Well, Danny got to Ethan first, and we'll see how this little confession-of-desire unfolds. I hope for positive, that Danny and Ethan enjoy each other very awkwardly, fumblingly, for a short time, but expect Ethan to back away quickly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 May 2016, 23:29
This is Ethan; his most likely response is to run a mile (at least in emotional terms).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 May 2016, 23:34
He's in pretty good shape, he could probably run a mile in actual terms.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 May 2016, 06:45
OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHH
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 May 2016, 06:46
DANNY YOU BAD BOY THIS IS AMAZING
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 15 May 2016, 09:38
(http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/oh_yes_creepy_loki.gif)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 May 2016, 13:52
This .... is getting complicated
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 May 2016, 15:33
Why did Willis go and make things so complicated?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 15 May 2016, 16:36
'Cause right now I'd give anything to just get my bowels evacuated...

...wait, no, that's the Weird Al version.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 15 May 2016, 21:22
"We would be the fucking worst."

More like the fucking wurst.  :clairedoge:

... sorry...

(someone has probably already made this pun in the DoA comments section, but I can't get it to load because the site's slow)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 May 2016, 23:11
Why did Willis go and make things so complicated?

I'm guessing that it is because he gets a deep and profound pleasure from watching our reaction.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: dexeron on 16 May 2016, 05:32
BTW, has anyone else had a loading issue with the comic the last few days?  I don't know if it's me or not, but for the last three or four days when I go to the Comic Site, it seems to 'hang'  on an empty screen for a minute or two, then suddenly it loads in a rush.

Not being familiar with it, I just figured that was how the site always was.  It made my binge through the entire archives last week frustrating at times until I got all caught up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 May 2016, 05:55
Why did Willis go and make things so complicated?

I'm guessing that it is because he gets a deep and profound pleasure from watching our reaction.
I know Willis probably isn't on this forum but I kinda wish he was.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 16 May 2016, 12:26
I think that he gets off on torturing his characters *and* his readers.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 May 2016, 15:51
BTW, has anyone else had a loading issue with the comic the last few days?  I don't know if it's me or not, but for the last three or four days when I go to the Comic Site, it seems to 'hang'  on an empty screen for a minute or two, then suddenly it loads in a rush.

Not being familiar with it, I just figured that was how the site always was.  It made my binge through the entire archives last week frustrating at times until I got all caught up.

It seems a lot better now, but I know what you mean


Amber would probably go all Dark Amazi-Girl on them both if they wound up dating.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 May 2016, 21:08
I don't think Jacob'll tell anyone, because why would he?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 May 2016, 23:47
Jacob's only feelings in the matter appear to be annoyance that they're interrupting his studying with their moment!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 May 2016, 17:12
It seems that Jacob has his own priorities in regards to what is going on
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 17 May 2016, 20:29
It just occurred to me that Jacob was also there for the part where they were discussing Amber AS Amazi-girl, using both names, so they also outed her. This seems the more likely thing he'd tell people about. I doubt he will, but I expect there will be more reason given for him to keep quiet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 May 2016, 23:12
Today (5/18) is the day when Mary realises that she has made very few friends and many enemies who would be only too pleased to help Carla play with her head.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 May 2016, 23:58
Karma is a bitch named Carla Mary  :D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 18 May 2016, 00:05
Mary is such a complete and total smeghead.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 18 May 2016, 00:34
I would say that Mary is too cartoonishly evil and one-dimensional if I hadn't actually met (and been related to) ppl just like her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 18 May 2016, 00:56
I have been assaulted by people like her multiple times, and the filth always said it was "free speech".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 May 2016, 06:28
And the beautiful thing about this revenge is that Carla won't even have to do anything to Mary. She's going to be a nervous wreck by the end of the week trying to anticipate what horrible thing Carla has planned...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 18 May 2016, 07:12
Your post leads me to wonder if maybe what Carla is doing is actually for something else, like a class project, but it's giving her the excuse to do these suspicious looking actions.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 May 2016, 14:49
There is that, and if that is the case, Carlas revenge is even more sweet as she reduces Mary to a complete nervous wreck  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 19 May 2016, 00:00
Mary reminds me of the Christian ultra from Orange is the New Black,  as in, I want to disembowel her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 May 2016, 11:22
Mary reminds me of the Christian ultra from Orange is the New Black,  as in, I want to disembowel her.

Mary as Pensatucky? Yeah, I can see that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 May 2016, 14:57
I think even God is fed up with Mary and may be actually on Carlas side here

Nice try though Ruth  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 May 2016, 01:04
I think even God is fed up with Mary and may be actually on Carlas side here

Nice try though Ruth  :-D

If there IS a god, and He is truly just, he fucking hates Mary, I'm sure of it, though I'm only well-versed in Judeo-Christian thelogy with a moderate speckling of islamic knowledge. Jesus spoke against judgment, but regarding Mary, my only sin is observing her judgmental shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 May 2016, 01:17
Today's strip (5/20) is very sad. It's so in-character for Ruth not to be able to see beyond surviving today.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 20 May 2016, 07:41
Honestly, for the longest time that's pretty much how I felt. Survival was a day to day thing, no guarantees. I never figured I would make it to the ripe old age of 30, much less where I am now. Truth is, I still feel that way a lot of the time. The rest of the time I just don't think about it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 May 2016, 12:02
At least it shows that Billie still cares  :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 20 May 2016, 12:04
Billie, somehow, had hope. Ruth may have crushed it. We'll see.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 May 2016, 21:25
It's nice to see Joyce channeling her rage to positive ends.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 May 2016, 23:35
Yep; come sophomore year, Joyce will be patrolling with Amazi-Girl as an anger-management strategy!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 23 May 2016, 08:31
Amazi-Girl is turning to the dark side. Joyce will be the new superheroine who will fight Amazi-Girl.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 May 2016, 15:12
Dumbing Of Age: Civil War
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 May 2016, 22:51
Um... am I the only one who's been having spotty luck with the DoA website for a week or so now? Sometimes (more often than not) it doesn't load beyond the front page, making it impossible to use the comments. This morning, I'm getting a 'server takes too long to respond' error in place of the site.


[Edit]
Well, it's up now with 160+ comments (this only about 90 minutes after the strip was posted). The only explanation I can think of is that there were so many requests being sent to the server that it was, in effect, a non-malicious DoS attack.

Congratulations, Willis! Your strip really is that popular! :D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 24 May 2016, 11:12
Today's strip makes me feel really sad.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 May 2016, 15:58
I think that that had to happen sometime for Becky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 24 May 2016, 16:32
Yeah, this strip hurt. Poor Becky, I think this has stopped being a fun adventure and suddenly got very real.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 24 May 2016, 21:02

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 24 May 2016, 21:06
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 24 May 2016, 21:26
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 May 2016, 23:59
The only thing I have to say about tonights strip is shit!

That's just as bad as what happened to Faye in QC.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 25 May 2016, 02:23
I don't want to pull attention away from the comic as such, but this particular thing irked me:

The whole trigger warning thing was way over the top.

I get that it's upsetting to people, but the full-page trigger warning stuff just draws attention to it further. It also takes all of the drama out of the storytelling because guess what? You already know what's going to happen at some point in the next five panels now.

Even though I'm glad Willis is taking into account how his comic might affect others' mental health, it always seems like patronising back-patting at best and as a self-aggrandising proclamation of 'look how much I care' at worst when people do it to this extent.

There has to be a better way of either communicating this kind of thing without ridding the story of dramatic tension in such a jarring, quite frankly grotesque way. It's something I've noticed in more and more media of late and even though it's infinitely better to address mental health issues and rid ourselves of the taboo than it is to ignore them, this seems closer to fetishising mental health issues.

I read comics like QC and dumbing of age precisely because issues like suicide, depression, alcoholism and the like are portrayed in a realistic manner. I suffered from depression for a long fucking time myself and strips like these helped me understand that there shouldn't be a taboo about it, but christ, I don't want that part of me, which caused me so much misery for so long to be brought out and pointed at like I deserve special treatment because I may feel shitty about having felt or feeling shitty. Trigger warnings and the like seem to be the same issue that causes the taboo against mental health issues taken to the logical opposite extreme. In my eyes it kind of feels like warning an epileptic person of flashing images in a TV piece with a giant flashing banner.

I know a lot of you will disagree with me on this point, but you know, felt like it needed to be said.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 25 May 2016, 02:36
Maybe the way to go is to modify the HTML standard to add a <trigger> tag around potentially triggering content, so the user can install an extension to their web browser to detect certain categories of triggers and automatically block the content?

That way, if you suffer from PTSD, you can avoid the content, without heavy-handed approaches like this. (Without such an approach, though, which would require a lot of development, publicity, and some sort of workaround for mobile browsers that don't allow extensions - it'd really take a JavaScript polyfill and some central server to track the triggers - I don't have a problem with the approach Willis used. Except for the fact that on a 2160px tall display and a browser set for full height, I could see everything without scrolling, so it wouldn't have been effective on my hardware if I needed it.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 25 May 2016, 03:00
I like your HTML tag idea, actually. interesting idea.

Quote
Except for the fact that on a 2160px tall display and a browser set for full height,

That's just bragging!

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 25 May 2016, 08:38
I don't want to pull attention away from the comic as such, but this particular thing irked me:

The whole trigger warning thing was way over the top.

I get that it's upsetting to people, but the full-page trigger warning stuff just draws attention to it further. It also takes all of the drama out of the storytelling because guess what? You already know what's going to happen at some point in the next five panels now.

A small placeholder image that linked to the actual comic would have probably been more elegant, but it's certainly appropriate here.  It's a webcomic that can be read by anyone at any time, so people who aren't familiar with Willis might just stumble upon it.

I think that there *are* times and places for TWs (as well as many that aren't).[1]  This, IMO, is one of the former cases. 

To provide some context, those of us who were on Patreon just got the comic.  He *did* have a short text warning that ended up in the subject-line of the email.  But many (self included) who just see a notification from "Patreon" at around 0400 GMT and hit refresh on that tab without reading the actual subject line or message.  It is *entirely* possible that people there saw the comic there and legitimately filtered it out.

In the discussion there, the subject did come up, and Willis mentioned that he would have something, he just wasn't sure yet.


[1]I shan't get into detailed view of my views here unless it comes up in more general terms.  Here, I believe that it was quite appropriate.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 26 May 2016, 01:22
Thanks for the explanation. If Willis was actually just listening to feedback from his readership, I think that justifies it and closes the discussion for me.

I still disagree over the need for it personally, but it's just one opinion among many regarding mental health. I'm  very much in the camp that feels that acknowledging trauma for what it is is better than avoiding the question whenever it comes up is a better method for dealing with it. Trigger warnings just smell of taboo forming to me. But yeah, discussion for another place and time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 May 2016, 03:32
I've asked this before, but why the hell do we see Becky's eye and freckle on top of her hair?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 May 2016, 04:24
Because the artist's distinctive drawing style.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 26 May 2016, 04:29
We're seeing them through her hair, because it is not just one solid mass.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 May 2016, 13:32
At least she has what she needs from there now and I think that Becky really doesn't want the kind of memories she got from coming back home.  Perhaps its been good therapy for her though. 

I wonder if she'll end up seeing the place sold up and using any money she gets from it to start a new life.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 May 2016, 14:14
That's assuming that she ever gets rights over it. It must still be technically under Ross's name. His attorney will probably end up looking after the place until he's done his Hard Time. I'll expect it to be sealed and the contents put into storage. One thing I'm fairly sure about: Ross will give his representative explicit instructions that Becky is allowed nowhere near it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 May 2016, 14:19
That's always a possibility.  Would that change if he was found mentally incompetent?



Carla Strikes
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 28 May 2016, 14:36
Hell, if Becky was appointed his conservator, that'd be just about the worst possible torture for him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 May 2016, 19:18
But justifiable Karma  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 May 2016, 21:09
Pie!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 May 2016, 21:10
Speaking of justifiable karma, Method beat me to it:
Pie!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 29 May 2016, 04:39
Fantastic strip today. Good work, Carla.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 29 May 2016, 07:26
Even better, she has it set up so that everything that has happened to Mary is a result of the latter's paranoia and mean-spiritedness.  Even if Mary were to complain about anything that happened, there is no way that a halfway reasonable person would conclude that it was anything but her own damned fault.  Go Ultracar!Carla!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 May 2016, 13:34
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9-7uLg-DZU&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 May 2016, 15:50
Anybody else getting a a Server Timeout Message today?

Just tried about three times to get the Comic to load and that's all I'm getting ATM
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 30 May 2016, 16:25
That DoA site has been DoA for me several times in the past couple weeks. Mostly around the time the comic updates.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 May 2016, 23:28
Well, the site worked for me this morning. However, most days, especially through the early to mid-morning, US time, it only loads one time in five and the comments page only loads one time in ten! Willis definitely has either bandwidth, server or DDoS problems.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: retrosteve on 31 May 2016, 14:26
I would say that Mary is too cartoonishly evil and one-dimensional if I hadn't actually met (and been related to) ppl just like her.

Yup, it's hard to tell a genuine fundie from a cartoonish parody thereof. Mary is the embodiment of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poe%27s_law (http://)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 31 May 2016, 14:30
Which is probably a bad sign when so many real people have descended to 'cartoon villain' levels of crazy hostility....
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 May 2016, 18:41
Working properly for me now as well

And nice going there Carla.  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Jun 2016, 16:08
A long day for Joyce and Becky followed by a little sneaking around 

And I hope Joyce has the gumption to stand up to her Mom or her Father has gone to bat for her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 03 Jun 2016, 06:44
I expect that tomorrow will be a stressful day in the Brown household all around. Mama Brown is already upset and wants to pull Joyce out of the college. Today she snuck out early, took the car without permission and was gone all day, and now is probably going to do the 'sneak in and pretend it never happened' thing. And if she hears about Joyce's behavior at the diner from John that will just add more fuel to the fire. I think there will be much shouting happening...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Jun 2016, 08:04
I'm pretty sure that Mrs Brown will have a collection of Adult Authority Figures that she knows/believes Joyce and Becky both respect lined up as a chorus to repeat her words verbatim in an attempt to pressure both girls into conforming to her wishes. There will be plenty of emotional blackmail too, I think. The phrase "I would die for you" and "Think of everyone you are hurting by doing this" will be used liberally.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Jun 2016, 13:19
Yup, you really are a social butterfly Sal
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Jun 2016, 17:21
I think you two have already gone over the edge there
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jun 2016, 18:59
It's kind of a shame Danny never asked Ethan about Amber's history with Sal, because at least then he'd understand why she hates her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 05 Jun 2016, 00:18
That's assuming Ethan knows Sal is the girl who tried to keep him hostage.

... does he know?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Jun 2016, 00:43
Meanwhile, back at Casa Brown, the first fractures between Hank and Carol that Joyce can see are beginning to manifest themselves with Hank openly protecting Joyce from her mother's anger by lying to her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 Jun 2016, 11:11
I have a sneaking suspicion that the only one who knows of the hatred Amber has for Sal is... Amber. And Amazi-girl. There has never been any indication that Ethan knows Sal is the same girl from the past, or that Sal recognizes either of them from the incident. Amber is seriously cracking further and further now.. I doubt it will be much longer until she does something really bad that's going to blow the lid off of everything.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Jun 2016, 14:25
I think you're right there Neko.  Amber has never been forthcoming about why she has issues with Sal, and I don't think Ethan has recognised Sal from that incident from all those years ago.

Meanwhile - Nice going there Hank, I think we have some idea of whose side and whose wishes he's going to support here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 05 Jun 2016, 15:36
Amber has said to Ethan that the girl from the robbery is at the school but didn't specify it was Sal. (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/02-i-was-a-teenage-churchmouse/sheshere/)

I'm very intrigued to see Joyce's upcoming strips.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Jun 2016, 15:56
I'm more interested in seeing what happens with Becky there at Church.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Jun 2016, 16:29
God damn it, Joycedad.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 07 Jun 2016, 04:18
Today's Strip:
(https://m.popkey.co/ea7a98/k8DQE_f-maxage-0_s-200x150.gif)

Mind Blown, I thought she was texting Dorothy the whole time....
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Jun 2016, 04:25
Yeah, it was surprising, wasn't it? Then again, it makes sense - Joe is really the only one of Joyce's close associates at college who has gone through a familial break-up. Who else would she turn to for advice from someone in the know (with the exception of Amber, who isn't really close enough that Joyce would feel comfortable asking her for advice)?

That said, it's Joe's concerned expression that makes me think. He likes to come across as the devil-may-care ladies' man who has not one serious bone in his body but I think that this is a pretence. He's actually quite worried about the places Joyce is going, emotion-wise. I suspect that Joyce is going to find herself with lots of worried and somewhat coddling attention being directed her way after she gets back!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Jun 2016, 14:57
At least he's there to listen and let Joyce vent.  And I think she's clearing her History cause she knows her Mother at least will be a nosy bitch about it.

Dina Conversation will be interesting
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 07 Jun 2016, 15:13
No, she's clearing her history before giving the phone over to Dina Becky. She doesn't want Dina to know she's talking to Joe. He represents a lot of what she feels is wrong with guys... And is proud of it. But he's also more perceptive and sensitive than he lets on... which is probably how they got on friendly enough terms to be night-texting each other.

edit: I'm a derp
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Jun 2016, 14:55
You mean Becky I think


And Congresswoman gotta be Congresswoman
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Jun 2016, 03:03
Note: Mostly cross posted from the comments section of the 6/9 strip (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2016/comic/book-6/04-it-all-returns/frieda/)

WARNING - This comment contains potential spoilers based references to how several relatively new characters to 'Dumbing of Age' behaved in the parallel-continuity Walkyverse

It's looking like the Dumbingverse version of Robin deSanto is a Republican congresswoman. The comment by the new character, Frieda (likely her Bloomington campaign organiser), about Ross’s rampage affecting Robin’s numbers is the clincher for that, IMO. I can’t see a Democrat representative being hurt politically by a gun crime incident on campus.

I can’t decide whether Frieda looking so much like Mary is a coincidence or not. Maybe she’s her big sister or even her mother?

If she is a relative and has a degree of power (maybe a GOP campaign officer or even a Bloomington town councillor) then it could… complicate the current collision between Mary and Carla. The issue could become politicised with Robin (at Frieda's recommendation) demanding Mary and that the girls of the dorm be ‘protected’ from the pervert pretending to be a woman in their midst, hoping that leading a moralistic cavalry charge against an easily-dehumanised 'other' will boost her poll numbers.

(click to show/hide)

If Willis is planning to go that way, it will be interesting to see whether Robin’s political career survives. I can’t see the right-wing segment of the GOP tolerating it but, conversely, if she’s previously been a populist rightist in rhetorical and voting terms, then the Democrats might consider her a bit toxic too. Of course, maybe she'll be happier out of D.C. and living a simpler life in Bloomington with her newfound love?

If the latter is the case, it will be interesting to see how that perspective (including possibly a bitter denunciation of the culture of D.C.) affects Dorothy's own views of her life goals.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Jun 2016, 12:22
I saw your warning, which is appreciated but also just use a spoiler tag for the spoiler parts so people don't have to jump over your post when reading tbe thread.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Jun 2016, 14:57
I see a VERY interesting storyline coming up whatever happens in the next few strips.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 09 Jun 2016, 23:17
Meh, politically too on the nose.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Jun 2016, 08:57
It's only 18 characters. The pound sign doesn't count.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Jun 2016, 16:12
............


*Sticks hands in coat pockets and walks off*
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Jun 2016, 05:52
Mary, you are the worst.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Jun 2016, 14:58
And like most of her kind, she refuses to learn to be any better
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 11 Jun 2016, 15:10
Rimmer says it best:

https://youtu.be/H_1ntrrjvxQ
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 11 Jun 2016, 21:08
Rimmer says it best:

https://youtu.be/H_1ntrrjvxQ

Today's comic agrees with this assessment, and I thank you for reminding me again that I need to watch this show
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Jun 2016, 21:57
Wait, someone's parents being divorced means their values are suspect? Even for Mary, yeesh. Also to "what monster isn't?", I raise my hand, Mary. I raise my fucking hand.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Jun 2016, 23:19
And the sad fact is there are enough idiots like Mary out there in real life to back Politicians like the current bunch running for the Republican Party in the States.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 12 Jun 2016, 06:25
I'm amazed. I've never encountered another character since Dolores Umbridge who made me hate her even more very single time she opens her mouth. That's quite an impressive feat.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 12 Jun 2016, 06:29
Welcome to my childhood. My maternal grandmother was as bad as Mary, except she was Irish Catholic. And very racist. And, hypocritically, a drunk.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Jun 2016, 14:48
So, she wanted to be his Isolde?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Jun 2016, 21:05
Wait, Joe is Jewish? Never put that together previously.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 14 Jun 2016, 02:11
Wait, Joe is Jewish? Never put that together previously.
He even stated it outright on his date with Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Jun 2016, 04:32
Yeah, I'd forgotten about that too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Jun 2016, 17:27
Ooops
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Jun 2016, 14:31
Job done Carla
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Jun 2016, 05:36
Ha, Tristan is real? Also fuck you, Marcus.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 18 Jun 2016, 06:27
My guess for what's going to happen (I'm not on Patreon so don't bite me if I'm accidentally predicting tomorrow's strip): Tristan turns out to be the only one of the kids that Joyce knew who happened to have come back that weekend, but he turns out to be a total asshole toward Becky, pissing off Joyce, and ruining yet another aspect of her childhood.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 18 Jun 2016, 07:14
Six Jennifers is too many Jennifers.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Jun 2016, 12:07
Just wait until the sermon starts and the priest goes all hellfire and brimstone about homosexuality and the importance of children being obedient to their parents. Because you know darn well Joycemom called him and let him know she was bringing Becky today.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Jun 2016, 14:41
We shall see

If the Church is a pile of rubble after that, we'll know
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 18 Jun 2016, 22:48
Looks like Becky is being shunned.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Jun 2016, 23:01
I do believe I smell the foul hand of Carol behind this.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Jun 2016, 00:16
Looks like Becky is being shunned.

If so, then it was entirely inappropriate of them to not send her word that she isn't welcome and that they politely request that she not attend. The fact that she has attended should have automatically triggered a private meeting with the pastor that he prioritised over everything else where they discuss under what terms she's attending.

I'm more interested to learn why they're treating her like a bomb ready to go off. Do they really think that she's somehow violent? Just what skewed version of the kidnapping have they heard?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 19 Jun 2016, 06:56
Looks like Becky is being shunned.

If so, then it was entirely inappropriate of them to not send her word that she isn't welcome and that they politely request that she not attend. The fact that she has attended should have automatically triggered a private meeting with the pastor that he prioritised over everything else where they discuss under what terms she's attending.

I'm more interested to learn why they're treating her like a bomb ready to go off. Do they really think that she's somehow violent? Just what skewed version of the kidnapping have they heard?
It's not because they think she might be violent. It's because telling her she isn't welcome would require acknowledging she exists.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 19 Jun 2016, 07:34
Also, it could be making a show of shunning her, too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Jun 2016, 09:25
Is shunning actually a thing?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 19 Jun 2016, 09:45
Yes, it is...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Jun 2016, 10:49
...why? What's to be gained by being passive aggressive instead of just telling the person what your problem with them is? And how the hell do you convince everyone to go along with it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 19 Jun 2016, 11:02
Welcome to the midwest.

And, when everyone shares the same beliefs, they go along with it quite easily, or even automatically without even having to tell them to.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Jun 2016, 12:38
Well, there's shunning, where you just try to pretend the person isn't there and hope they get the message they aren't welcome. In this sort of case, it allows them to try and save face when the shunned stop coming around, without having to outright say 'You are not welcome here." Then there is Shunning or casting someone out. That's a big public display where the group makes it quite clear that someone is being thrown out of the group. Usually involving a big proclamation that said person is anathema and nobody in the group is to have anything to do with them or suffer the same fate. And often involves everyone literally turning their back on the outcast. It's an old fashioned thing, but I wouldn't put it past this congregation, as they have very strong 'traditionalist' streak in them.

This sort of thing only tends to work if everyone is willing to go along with it, whether they believe it or not. Otherwise such strong actions tend to snowball against them if people start to stand up for the outcast and in turn are cat out themselves. Then more people stand up for those and have strength to voice their opinions. This sort of thing only works when the majority is willing to stay with the groupthink. Whether through belief or fear or whatever other reason. Once people start to speak out about it, then those who have their own doubts but kept them quiet out of fear or thinking they were alone tend to start standing up.

Hank may well stand up for Becky if they try to do something like that. He's already lying to his wife to cover for them and fighting with her on their behalf. Joyce mostly of course, but he has trust and faith in her and things that Ross was in the wrong. Youth Pastor Powers may be another chink in the ecclesial armor. Though he didn't mention her name, he did refer to the two of them and is bothered by something.... That could be a fear of what these 'dangerous radicals' could do. Or it could be he's more in line with Hank on the subject. Time will tell, but probably not to much time...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Jun 2016, 16:03
I'm wondering if part of this has to do with what happened with Ross as well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Jun 2016, 16:57
It absolutely does. Ross was the patriarch of the family. In their eyes, Becky disgraced him. She seems a bit of a wild child growing up. But then she turned out to be gay. And ran away. And refused to come back when Ross caught her. Then she got him arrested! I mean, black sheep is not strong enough a term for them. Pariah would be accurate. Of course, they are going to gloss over the fact that Ross broke several laws and kidnapped Becky at gunpoint. Because that doesn't fit their view that the husband/father is the lead of the family and what he says goes.

Which makes the Brown household funny, because it's Carol that's the lead of the family, apparently... But hey. Dogma has very little to do with logic or facts.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 20 Jun 2016, 06:32
:clairedoge:

Moving on:
Joyce's dad does not seem to like the comments he is hearing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Jun 2016, 06:44
No, he seems a bit annoyed, doesn't he? I wonder if he'll say something (in a quiet, tactful but firm way)?

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Jun 2016, 15:06
:clairedoge:

Moving on:
Joyce's dad does not seem to like the comments he is hearing.


Perhaps.  But I think she, like Worf, will walk away with her honor still intact

And I hope Hank gives 'em a piece of his mind as well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jun 2016, 15:52
I wonder if this will spur Billie into some form of action
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Jun 2016, 22:00
Does Rachel hate that song?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Jun 2016, 15:03
I would assume so

And why the hell didn't Billie give Carla that Key in the first frakin' place.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jun 2016, 15:23
No, I think she didn't eat them because if she did it would mean she accepts that Billie still cares about her.

Or something like that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 23 Jun 2016, 16:22
She might just be too depressed.  Or she could be in that vomity state of detox.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Jun 2016, 21:17
Wiggly speech bubble lines suggest 'fine' is code for 'not fine.'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jun 2016, 23:08
No, she's not fine
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Jun 2016, 23:16
No, but she's alive and can imagine sitting up, breathing and staying alive for another day. This may be my personal optimism at work, but I think that panel 5 today is her realising with shock that, yes, she is enduring and is at least capable of considering being alive and doing 'alive' things.

'Fine' is out of her reach right now but she is far from as bad as she thought she'd be.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 24 Jun 2016, 07:34
In my experience, being able to even fake smile can be a good, if imperfect, sign. When I am bed laden from a particularly bad down cycle, the energy and will it takes to even fake smile is often beyond me. She's in a bad place right now, but not hopeless.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 24 Jun 2016, 22:36
I know that song well. This is a dark view of it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Jun 2016, 12:11
Holy shit, that's heartbreaking.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Jun 2016, 15:16
Well, there's a downer
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 25 Jun 2016, 21:18
Regarding today's strip: I would be so conflicted. I mean, there's the privacy thing, but I hate laundry more than I value privacy, so, I'm not sure how to feel?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 25 Jun 2016, 22:13
Having had a couple stalkers over the years, trust me, you want to go with the privacy. It's much more creepy and less humorous in real life.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Jun 2016, 23:39
I've got a feeling that Amber is, consciously or unconsciously, trying to send Danny a message. At a guess, it would be: "Help me, please, they're holding me prisoner."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Jun 2016, 13:15
Or she's about to change from Amazi-Girl to her Villain Mode

THE LAUNDRY BANDIT




Or it's a desperate cry for help
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 27 Jun 2016, 21:13
GORRAMMIT, now I'm desperate to see tomorrow's. Also, I know this worship music, and it saddens me to see it so poignant and morbid.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Jun 2016, 01:12
The fact is that all this whispering and backbiting is just reminding Joyce of an unwelcome fact: Her home community isn't really all that good at doing 'Christian' where it matters - Love, peace and kindness. They're great at judgement, piety and self-righteousness but Jesus was pretty firm at condemning that sort of behaviour, especially from anyone who isn't perfect themselves.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Jun 2016, 17:23
Some things aren't meant for you to know Dina

And I feel sorry for Joyce at this point.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 29 Jun 2016, 04:10
(http://www.gifpal.com/uimages/BKre3FoPi8.gif)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Jun 2016, 15:44
Amen Becky!!!!


And up yours Carol!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 30 Jun 2016, 21:33
And so we're reminded Hank isn't the evil parent. He's a good dude
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Jun 2016, 23:11
The problem with seeking perfection is that it is impossible to find in the human world. You're better off seeking to find a place where the bullshit is at a bare minimum.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 01 Jul 2016, 00:33
It is so hard not to introduce my own religious beliefs into the conversation to keep to the politeness rule... But I think Hank has almost got it right. The important thing is to do good. Not get caught up in the details and the dogma. Unfortunately, that is rarely the comfortable or easy path, since most would rather just do whatever is least painful to them to get by.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Jul 2016, 16:10
Agreed Neko

I think Hank means well, and is more on Joyce's side in this ans will stand up to Carol for her in his own way, but I also think Joyce has to find her own balance in this as much as Hank has and not be as immovably rigid as Carol seems to be.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Jul 2016, 15:02
Hank drives the getaway car
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 02 Jul 2016, 15:10
Well, they do have to retrieve Becky before they can escape, which means this ain't over yet...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 02 Jul 2016, 22:19
Becky acquired! Break for it!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 02 Jul 2016, 22:24
So, in the context of the hint from the other day's comic that Joyce's parents' marriage may be in trouble, my speculation:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Jul 2016, 12:33
That was a ripping good yarn there  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 03 Jul 2016, 14:45
That was a ripping good yarn there  :-D

I see what you did there...

I wouldn't be especially surprised, Cesium, if your speculation was truth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Jul 2016, 15:46
Panic stations?


Perhaps she'll wind up crashing with Dina.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Jul 2016, 21:06
UltraCar! I see the connection.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 05 Jul 2016, 04:24
Dangit, Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Jul 2016, 17:09
Walky - His own worst enemy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Jul 2016, 22:33
The latest strip (7/6/16) has taught us something that we never knew about Walky and Carla: They're nerds!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Jul 2016, 00:52
This could be the beginning of an interesting relationship
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Jul 2016, 06:31
Walky introduced Joyce to Dexter. He's always been a nerd. Carla's the one we didn't know about. Any case, she has a certain interdimensional connection to Ultracar...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Jul 2016, 06:57
She built a Rube Goldberg device. Her being a nerd isn't news, either.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 06 Jul 2016, 19:02
She built a Rube Goldberg device. Her being a nerd isn't news, either.

True. I'd almost forgotten that.

Did she name it, though, I almost feel like trying to make one just means you watched Wiley Coyote/any other Looney Tune. It's the name that signifies nerd. Knowing complicated machines are funny is different from recognizing Rube's weird addition to comic history, I would think
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Jul 2016, 23:30
It's appreciated Billie, it's just that that idea is not a good one


For many, many reasons.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Jul 2016, 14:17
Walky:  "And that's when she hit me with the Baseball Bat Officer."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 08 Jul 2016, 14:24
He is certainly lucky that Carla has more self control than I do.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 Jul 2016, 21:10
I mean, cooperation being the better part of democracy, buh-bye, Dorothy, you are the Hillary Clinton* of the moment

*For the love of god, all my political posts this past weeks have been about this, accept it as a joke PLEASE
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 08 Jul 2016, 22:14
Since it's within the comic text itself, methinks you're safe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 09 Jul 2016, 06:52
Now I am trying to picture what a Baseball Bat Officer does.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Jul 2016, 06:58
Arrests modified bats.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 09 Jul 2016, 07:02
The ATF of bludgeoning weapons.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Jul 2016, 07:33
The full name is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. BATFE. BAT is in the title. COINCIDENCE?! Yes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Jul 2016, 14:19
[LostInSpaceRobotVoice]Oh har har har[/LostInSpaceRobotVoice]



And for Dorothys next impersonation, FloJo.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Jul 2016, 23:52
I'm suddenly thinking that several arguments and/or personal demons are about to be suddenly, loudly and passionately aired in the hallway. Joyce and Becky could possibly come back to a dorm where no-one is talking to anyone else!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Jul 2016, 14:18
This can't end well
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Jul 2016, 16:35
Wait...what's with Mike being nice?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 10 Jul 2016, 20:49
That isn't Mike being nice. Well okay, that's about as nice as he gets. He saw Ethan being hopeful, and had to make sure to poke a hole in that happy bubble. He also planted the seed to make Ethan wonder what guro means. WARNING: Do not google that term. I have warned you. In great big letters no less.

I suppose I could interpret it as 'Mike's being nice, he's checking up on a friend who's feeling down.' I counter with: Mike probably heard that Amber was upset and Ethan was going to cheer her up. Of course he came along. He can watch a train wreck, kick Amber while she's down and make fun of Ethan.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 10 Jul 2016, 22:09
He also planted the seed to make Ethan wonder what guro means. WARNING: Do not google that term. I have warned you. In great big letters no less.

And if I hadn't already giggled it once the comic hit Patreon, your warning would have driven me to do so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Jul 2016, 09:06
Wait, Mike's into dudes? Is that new?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Jul 2016, 09:48
Mike's into hate and being spiteful. I don't think he's into guys so much as he would do it just to hurt and aggravate someone.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 11 Jul 2016, 10:25
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Jul 2016, 16:24
(click to show/hide)


A convergence of coincidences, this can't be good - can it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Jul 2016, 23:42
I'm predicting that a woozy Ruth is going to stagger out into the hall to be confronted with a multilateral riot!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 12 Jul 2016, 05:44
Well that escalated more than I expected it to.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Jul 2016, 07:58
Danf it, Walky, that's not even what it's called!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Jul 2016, 16:25
He was in a hurry
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Jul 2016, 19:25
Danf it, Walky, that's not even what it's called!
It isn't?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 13 Jul 2016, 01:42
Danf it, Walky, that's not even what it's called!
It isn't?
Pretty sure it is.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 13 Jul 2016, 07:04
Walky is being rude, invasive, and childish. Business as usual. Seriously, if a dude had charged into my room like that, there would have been hell to pay. If he shoved me or my roommate in the process, all the more so. I do not take that kind of shit lightly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Jul 2016, 11:44
FWIW, Dorothy seems to be enjoying getting Walky riled; she's doing everything she can to rile him up even more! I could be wrong but I wonder if she likes him aggressive and rough.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Jul 2016, 18:34
But she'll wear him out now that he has to lift that heavy ladder  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 13 Jul 2016, 20:53
Danf it, Walky, that's not even what it's called!
It isn't?
Pretty sure it is.

I saw the movie a few times. It's 'indomitus' with a 't,' not an 'n.'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 14 Jul 2016, 01:06
Danf it, Walky, that's not even what it's called!
It isn't?
Pretty sure it is.

I saw the movie a few times. It's 'indomitus' with a 't,' not an 'n.'
Wikipedia disagrees. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cloned_animals_in_Jurassic_Park#Indominusrex)
So does jurrasicworld.com (http://www.jurassicworld.com/dinosaurs/indominus-rex/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Jul 2016, 14:06
And Walkys world comes crashing down around his ears
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Jul 2016, 14:20
I would suggest the answer to that question is yes Ethan
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Jul 2016, 22:31
So, now what is Amber going to ask Dina to do that she'll find unacceptable?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Jul 2016, 22:42
I hope not to find out.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Jul 2016, 23:13
I suspect that Amber's behaviour will increase Dina's ambivalence to the point where she starts to question whether what Amber 'wants' is mentally and emotionally healthy for her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 16 Jul 2016, 07:21
It most assuredly is not, but then that is true for most of us.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Jul 2016, 16:16
Just don't fall to The Dark Side there either of you
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Jul 2016, 15:34
But that's just it Carla, you may just be precisely the right person at this juncture
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Jul 2016, 22:55
Panel 4 in the 7/18 comic can be read two ways. Either Ruth thinks being dead would be nice or Ruth finds the idea of Carla discovering her corpse and being permanently scarred by the experience nice. The latter is as much in character as the former.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Jul 2016, 13:48
Time for a bucket of ice cold water I think Carla
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Jul 2016, 14:58
Buuuut I see she's gone for the alternate approach
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Jul 2016, 15:47
Yeah, I'm saying it's a good thing Billie's call got interrupted. Going by Sal's face, she was quickly heading for a Gibbs slap, or the equivalent.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Jul 2016, 16:26
I think that's the most emotion Sal's ever shown in DoA.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 19 Jul 2016, 21:31
This whole thing amuses me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Jul 2016, 23:12
I'm just wondering how this may screw up Amber's already shaky self-identity. Wait... her sworn enemy is the secret identity of Amazi-Girl?!?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Jul 2016, 00:01
Only in a Dark Knight type of universe

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jul 2016, 15:34
With those two Carla, one is definitely not mutually exclusive of the other.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Jul 2016, 04:21
You know shit's real if she ignores those delicious cookies.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Jul 2016, 16:27
Yeah, and Billie knows it.


BTW, Dang Carla, you one strong lady!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 22 Jul 2016, 16:47
That's 'cos Carla is starting to hulk-out.  Although in this case it might be due to lack of cookies and annoyance rather than serious anger.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jul 2016, 14:51
And that folks, is when Mary thought better of messing with Carla ever again

One can only hope
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 23 Jul 2016, 15:21
More importantly, it means that that Mary no longer has any blackmail material against Ruth (hence Mary's anger).  Now just get that girl some cookies.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Jul 2016, 13:42
I hope she isn't.  She's close to the edge here even with Billie coming back to her and it could be what pushes her over.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Jul 2016, 15:29
A  very good question indeed there Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 27 Jul 2016, 05:13
Well, hell. For a moment there I thought Mary was actually being a decent person and trying to protect Ruth.  Now it looks like she was just worried about getting the blame if it comes out she knew and didn't tell. And that fear only lasted until she could blame someone else for it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Jul 2016, 16:10
What do you expect from someone like Mary anyway?

Better??


And nice description of her there Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 27 Jul 2016, 16:53
It would be kind of nice to think someone isn't completely horrible, and actually try to make an effort to help someone who is clearly in dire need of all the help she can get.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 27 Jul 2016, 20:28
For someone who claims to be the greatest Christian whoever Christianed in all of Christendom, she doesn't seem to know how Jesus treated people .
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 27 Jul 2016, 23:53
An interesting thing about this came up in the comments for the latest strip... basically, because Ruth is an employee of a school, what Mary is doing is Class 6 felony intimidation in the state of Indiana.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Jul 2016, 23:57
I suspect that today's strip (7/28) is the moment the countdown clock to Mary being transferred to Anderson starts. She'll be so socially isolated and universally despised after today that it will start impacting on her mental health and academic performance.

The key moment will be whether Joyce tries to reach out to her and whether Mary takes that chance when it comes to her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Jul 2016, 17:48
The downfall begins
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 28 Jul 2016, 21:21
Oh NO, but this dramatically makes things more concerning!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 29 Jul 2016, 05:22
I like where this is going.  Very realistic.  It seemed like it could have gone into sit-com territory with Mary having a blackmail situation with the whole floor against the RA.  Honestly I think they may just give Ruth a warning and just see about moving Billie.  That would stick it to Mary and be reasonable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 Jul 2016, 07:07
I honestly don't think that would happen. People don't much like Ruth, and a little scared of her. But from what I can tell, the feelings towards Mary range from distaste to outright hatred.  About the best reaction she gets out of people is to be utterly ignored, like what the RM did here. Or to pity her, like Dorothy did. It would be quite the stretch  for anyone to want to help her.. Especially if that help could get them in trouble, like it could if people found out she was blackmailing the RA.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 29 Jul 2016, 07:15
You don't think Ruth or Billie would bring up the blackmail to the RM?  Shoot even Carla knows and she's not involved.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 Jul 2016, 07:17
I thought your statement was suggesting people would team up with Mary to blackmail Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 29 Jul 2016, 07:30
Oh no I mean I like the fact that they didn't do that as that would be too sit-comy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Jul 2016, 14:55
It remains to be seen what happens now now that the RM is involved.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Jul 2016, 23:36
From her reaction in today's strip (7/30), I suspect that she'll be hard pressed not to hug Ruth and try to make all the bad things go away. At the very least, I suspect that Ruth will be required to attend sessions with an on-campus therapist.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Jul 2016, 00:14
Oh boy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 30 Jul 2016, 01:40
As far as possible reactions go this isn't so bad so far.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Jul 2016, 14:36
She will sit there with that smile until she freezes like a statue


Or should that be a fossil?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Aug 2016, 14:44
That is NOT the kind of conversation you want to have in front of someone like Mike you two
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 01 Aug 2016, 15:00
I laughed so hard at that alt text.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Aug 2016, 21:49
Is Mike showing actual concern in the last panel?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Aug 2016, 23:19
The thing about Mike is that there is no way to dissuade him from his behaviour. He doesn't respond to any kind of reinforcement. In the Walkyverse, he carried on shooting hateful, puerile taunts even after being beaten to a bloody pulp one or two times! He literally knows and has no other way of functioning in a social context.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 02 Aug 2016, 05:44
Ethan really seems to be amazingly dim in DoA... Not only is he missing the incredibly obvious fact that Danny wants to get with him (though it could be argued he knows, just doesn't know what to do with that information). He has known Mike for some time and he's just now understanding what a horrible person he is? I mean really? It's not like Mike ever even tries to hide it, or be at all subtle.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 02 Aug 2016, 07:56
He knows that Danny wants to get with him, but he's deliberately ignoring it to avoid angering Amber (good luck with that...).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 02 Aug 2016, 10:51
Danny has outright, to Ethan's face, expressed a desire to be powdered up and put into Ethan's bathwater.

Yeah, Ethan knows.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 02 Aug 2016, 16:43
On the alt-text, I suppose Ethan's entry is better than Walky's: "Ass that won't quit farting."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 02 Aug 2016, 16:50
Mike's expression in the last panel intrigues me. It's almost disgusted.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Aug 2016, 16:53
Or fearful.

Remember,  Ethan outmasses him and could quite easily pound him flat.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 02 Aug 2016, 16:59
I'm confident Mike is not threatened by Ethan at all. He's expressed disliking Ethan's self-destructive behaviour before and his asking of Mike's file gave a chance to once again be mocked for it. Although Mike is covering the screen too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 02 Aug 2016, 21:35
No, clearly Mike does not fear Ethan. If he feared Ethan, he would take at least a second before deciding to bang him.

Oh, Mike.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Aug 2016, 23:19
Remember,  Ethan outmasses him and could quite easily pound him flat.

Mike isn't daunted by physical risk or even the possibility of injury. If he's anything like his Walkyverse counterpart, there's a nasty edge of nihilistic sado-masochism about him that makes him enjoy people hurting him and being cruel to him as validating his personal philosophy of a world without good. He can and will keep on spitting barbs even whilst someone is beating him into a pulp because there is nothing that will strip him of his disdain for the world.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 03 Aug 2016, 00:26
I'm just here to say that I love any strip involving Mike.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Aug 2016, 01:18
Is Mike showing actual concern in the last panel?

He'll deny it but, catch him unawares and he will respond in a way that indicates that there are some people who, on a subconscius level at least, he cares about. Ethan seems to be one of them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Aug 2016, 05:06
Remember,  Ethan outmasses him and could quite easily pound him flat.

Mike isn't daunted by physical risk or even the possibility of injury. If he's anything like his Walkyverse counterpart, there's a nasty edge of nihilistic sado-masochism about him that makes him enjoy people hurting him and being cruel to him as validating his personal philosophy of a world without good. He can and will keep on spitting barbs even whilst someone is beating him into a pulp because there is nothing that will strip him of his disdain for the world.
For example... (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/04-the-whiteboard-dong-bandit/interrogation/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Aug 2016, 15:02
Why does Mike think he could seduce Ethan?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Aug 2016, 16:30
Despicable little shit

He'd probably vote for Trump too just for the hell of it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Aug 2016, 21:27
Although to be fair, by the time the day after the first Monday in November* comes around, it could very well be time for the 2024 election.

*To people outside of the States, yes, that is when Election Day is every year. It's usually the first Tuesday, but once in a while it's the second Tuesday. It's whatever day between November 2-8 lands on a Tuesday. I have no fucking idea why.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Aug 2016, 23:30
Why does Mike think he could seduce Ethan?

I think that he's pretty confident in his ability to judge and manipulate human psychology. That's always been his strongest weapon.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 04 Aug 2016, 08:06
Regarding Dina:

(http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/fa/fa3e19ffd513583d5f7ae60382262d9a0505d72589cd2374af2b2a7de75e057d.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 04 Aug 2016, 13:53
Although to be fair, by the time the day after the first Monday in November* comes around, it could very well be time for the 2024 election.

*To people outside of the States, yes, that is when Election Day is every year. It's usually the first Tuesday, but once in a while it's the second Tuesday. It's whatever day between November 2-8 lands on a Tuesday. I have no fucking idea why.

Quote
Why the first Tuesday after the first Monday? Lawmakers wanted to prevent election day from falling on the first of November for two reasons. First, November 1st is All Saints Day, a Holy Day of Obligation for Roman Catholics. Second, most merchants were in the habit of doing their books from the preceding month on the 1st. Apparently, Congress was worried that the economic success or failure of the previous month might prove an undue influence on the vote!
Source: http://www.infoplease.com/askeds/election-day-first-tuesday-november.html

And, from the same source...

Quote
Why Tuesday? Since most residents of rural America had to travel a significant distance to the county seat in order to vote, Monday was not considered reasonable since many people would need to begin travel on Sunday. This would, of course, have conflicted with Church services and Sunday worship.

tl;dr: avoiding religious conflicts

That'll also be why Election Day can't really be put on a weekend, and why it really should be made a national holiday.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Aug 2016, 15:13
Dinaraptor attack
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Aug 2016, 16:30
And she's two Utah Raptors tall  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Aug 2016, 21:15
Shit, is Becky's mom's suicide about to jump from theory to canon?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Aug 2016, 21:16
I'm pretty sure it's been canon since the break-in storyline.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Aug 2016, 21:22
Wait, what? Did I miss a strip? I thought it was only implied.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 05 Aug 2016, 21:29
During the break-in, all we knew for sure of is an attempt.  Depending on the pills, internal organs could have been trashed to the point where she didn't die immediately, and had a lingering death.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Aug 2016, 06:18
As a reminder, Ross has said that 'The Devil took' Becky's mom. That particular phrase combined with his belief system certainly shouted out to me that she did something his religion didn't approve over. If she had just died to cancer, it would have been something like 'God called her home'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Aug 2016, 16:12
Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder

And the need for a shower extremely obvious
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Aug 2016, 15:34
Don't make her go all T-Rex on ya Walky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 08 Aug 2016, 20:39
Good lord, Dina, I'm sure I would be friends with you, if only for the fact I'd re-learn all the dinosaur knowledge I once had, and update what has since been found to be incorrect.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Aug 2016, 17:14
Dina would make an excellent Infiltration Agent

And I agree with her on Beckys message Ruth
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Aug 2016, 15:47
I think Dorothy's too nice a person to know the way to Hell anyway
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 10 Aug 2016, 18:41
Assuming that she's from the Midwest, I'm pretty sure that she'd have a general idea of how to get to Hell.  Michigan isn't all that far away from Indiana after all.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Aug 2016, 00:19
This is one of those nuanced characterisations that DMW can be very good at sometimes. Walky normally comes across as feckless, lazy and preferring to pretend to be stupid because that's less effort and seems to get him what he wants far more easily than using his brain would. However, if something happens that concerns someone he cares about, the better man inside starts coming out. He's clearly very bitter that someone he trusted to care for his surrogate sister failed him so totally.

Hopefully, this will teach him the importance of seeing things through to the end himself and not simply hoping that (for the first time in ever) the 'authorities' will sort everything out properly without you riding herd on them to stop them from messing up. Maybe he'll finally learn to step up and take personal responsibility.

Just to add, nuance is something that is going to take Joyce a very long time to learn. She's only just come to terms with the fact  that there may be more than one moral/ethical point of view in the world; attempting to navigate through the grey areas that lie between them is probably something that is still far out of her reach.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Aug 2016, 04:29
Interesting that Walky views Ruth as an adult. Isn't she only a year older?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Aug 2016, 05:30
I suppose it's a response to her position of authority. Authority figure = adult figure, in his mind at least. It isn't a completely unlikley mindset for a fairly-sheltered and spoiled 18-year-old to have.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Aug 2016, 16:16
Not sure if I'm reading him right, but Hank looks like he wants to belt Walky upside his head.


Oh, and Wslky,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PreAABChTyQ
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Aug 2016, 04:28
I never took Hank to be the violent type.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Aug 2016, 04:31
Not sure if I'm reading him right, but Hank looks like he wants to belt Walky upside his head.

I think that he was just a bit weirded out by the way Walky was talking and was maybe more than a little worried about this insight into the amount of drama there is constantly going down in Read Hall. That leads into today's strip when he basically begs her to run whilst she still can. :wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Aug 2016, 15:18
I never took Hank to be the violent type.

I don't think he's really violent, but there must be occasions where he wishes or wants to Gibbssmack someone.

And I like the fact that, despite everything, Joyce feels secure enough among her friends to consider it home.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 12 Aug 2016, 15:26
I don't think that he's being given enough credit here (the Patreon posts are much kinder) .  Despite Joycemum going all "drag her out and take her home", Joycedad is simply offering her an out, were things to get too crazy.   She, despite everything she went through (attempted rape, kidnappings, having a gun pointed at her, and serious shocks to her belief system) is actually home.  Hank understands that, and I think, is glad that Joyce said what she did.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Aug 2016, 14:20
That was nice of Hank

And I think she would have been too Becky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Aug 2016, 19:24
Becky was wrong. She did want that. Well done, Joyce's dad. Well done.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Aug 2016, 13:08
The freedom to study
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Aug 2016, 16:20
Aaannd

The other shoe drops
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Aug 2016, 19:16
It isn't exactly like Ruth opened about her home situation to anyone mind you. Not that it makes it any less a shit thing to do outing Ruth and Billie. Bending Billie's ear about the situation and getting her to do something would have been better than forcibly dragging her there. And there is the other hand that Billie was just a band-aid on a gaping, septic wound.  Better than nothing, but really not doing fixing the problem. And worse, having the illusion of help was still going to kill Ruth in the long run. It just might take her slightly longer to get there. Now that she's been forced to get help hopefully she can address her issues. It's one of the eternal questions. At what point do you go against someone's wishes and force help that they need on them?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Aug 2016, 15:15
Once Carla heard that Ruth wanted to die from Ruth, was doing nothing actually an option? I would say no.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Aug 2016, 15:46
I hafta agree MoM, but I think Carla was caught between a rock and a hard place and really didn't have all the information.

One hopes some good can come out of this and both Billie and Ruth can find some sort of decent closure and help.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 17 Aug 2016, 19:44
Doing nothing wasn't an option, but that doesn't mean that the option she did choose was the right one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Aug 2016, 05:19
Forcibly outing someone is never the right option. Especially when doing so gets a person fired and thrown from their home. Even without the dangerous situation of her home life Carla should have known that Ruth getting fired was going to happen. She just didn't care. She wanted to stop worrying about it, so she took the most direct method of dealing with it, without care about how it would affect others. Her intentions were good. Her method of handling it was poor. To the point of being as bad as the problem she was trying to fix. Which is pretty much in alignment of what we know about her character.

I don't think that much anyone cares that Ruth and Billie were together. Even Mary seemed less disgusted by it and more interested in how she could use their situation to her advantage. When I refer to 'outing' I'm really talking about making it public knowledge that the RA was romantically/sexually involved with one of her charges. Which is a serious rules violation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Aug 2016, 06:04
At this stage it is probably worth remembering that Carla didn't inform anyone; that was an assumption that Billie made in ignorance. Actually, this strip (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2016/comic/book-6/04-it-all-returns/chloe/) shows that it was Rachel Jackson.

Anyway, as you think that this was handled badly and that Carla is wrong to have considered this a good outcome, I'd be very interested to know how you would have handled the fact that Ruth had locked herself in her room and had become totally uncommunicative for at least a day.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 18 Aug 2016, 07:01
Not blaring Ruth's mental illness and her relationship for everyone to hear, would have been a good start. Impressing upon Billie how bad the situation had become and let her address it also would have been good. Not saying Carla should be condemned for her action, just that her chosen method was ham-fisted and potentially self-defeating. Carla not only outed Ruth's sexuality, she outed her mental illness. Both of those are huge violations.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Aug 2016, 08:43
By not picking Billie up forcibly and literally dragging the conversation out into the hallway. That's when Carla made the whole situation public knowledge and made sure it could no longer be dealt with quietly. If she has kept the conversation in Billie and Sal's room, the whole firing could have been avoided.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 18 Aug 2016, 09:10
I'm of two minds on this.

Yes, Carla's methods guaranteed that both Billie and Ruth were outed to the entire hall in at least three ways, and that's bad. And, although Carla didn't know, it potentially puts Ruth in a worse situation in the long run.

The counterpoint is that, had Carla not dragged it into the public eye... Mary's psychological torture would have still held power (and Carla was very much a target of that as well, remember), and Billie and Ruth would have continued their suicide pact without professional help. And, should that have been allowed to fester?

A third option would've been to go directly to the RM or to call 911, but that still would have risked Ruth getting fired. It at least may have kept Billie and Ruth from being outed as much as they were though...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 18 Aug 2016, 09:28
The counterpoint is not a guarantee. There are ways she could have addressed the situation quietly while still encouraging professional help. Letting Billie know how bad it was and letting her make the decision on how to deal with it would have been better. It's not an either/or situation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Aug 2016, 10:42
Even if Billie did not want or feel it was needed to help, dragging the situation into public was not the right answer. It really only made things worse. Mary is mostly a non-issue as she has been defanged by Carla and Ruth personally, and her threats to expose Billie and Ruth really won't work because they are no longer living together and it would come down to her word against Ruth's.  Mary's damage  had already been done. Events afterwards were just her trying to hold onto what little power she thought she had.

If Carla really thought Ruth was a danger to herself and Billie refused to help on her own, then the next step should have been going to the Resident Manager privately. Carla could say she stopped in to talk to Ruth, and something serious was wrong, that she said she wanted to die. No mention needed to be made at all about Billie or their relationship. Ruth would have been checked in on and likely would have still been made to get help. But she may have not lost her job. At the very least it would not have happened right away and arrangements could have been made once Ruth was out of immediate danger. Billie wouldn't have been forced to get the help she needs, but that can be dealt with separately.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Aug 2016, 14:08
Carla paniced I think, and Carla being Carla simply acted in what she thought was the best way to deal with it without thinking things through

We tend to do things like that when we're in a state of panic - it's simply human nature, and I don't think Carla could think much beyond the thought of doing SOMETHING when faced with a situation she couldn't comprehend or 'Deal' with normally.


Act in haste, repent at leasure

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Aug 2016, 16:51
One would hope thought that of all people Carla would understand the dangers of outing people.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 18 Aug 2016, 17:23
I'm sure she does but when you don't make the best choices when you panic. Once she had the lightbulb moment about how deep Ruth was into depression, Carla wanted to act and help now, but she acted faster than she thought.

Carla also seems to have been fortunate enough to have a supporting home life, so she might not have considered that Ruth's home environment wasn't like hers. Carla might have also fell into the trap of thinking homophobia isn't much of a thing anymore so didn't see the parallel with her situation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Aug 2016, 17:04
You could say she would have found coming out of the closet a lot easier  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Aug 2016, 14:55
It seems Leslie has no escape tonight
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Aug 2016, 15:00
Like the moth to the proverbial flame, she can't escape her fascination with Robin. This is Willis - Could this turn into an abusive relationship?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Aug 2016, 19:40
I...hope not?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 21 Aug 2016, 19:47
Yeah. That's out of nowhere and kind of inappropriate to flippantly throw out. At the moment, this is just a person being infatuated.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Aug 2016, 01:51
Just a random thought that occurred to me. Has anyone here seen the James Garner comedy westerns Support Your Local Sheriff and Support Your Local Gunfighter? At the end of both films, Jack Elam delivers hilarious monologues about what happens to the various characters after the end of the film. It's also been done in a few other films and TV shows too.

I just find myself wanting Willis to end Dumbing of Age at the end of Joyce's Freshman Year with some big incident (maybe Jocelyn coming out). There is something of an uproar and, as people shout to be heard, someone... maybe Mike... wanders away from the crowds, breaks the Fourth Wall and telling the readers over a few strips the destinies of the various characters. "Now how this story ends is like this..."

I have my own ideas but I'd be fascinated to learn what other forumites would like to hear him say.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 22 Aug 2016, 05:49
Dammit, Sarah. Is she just not satisfied until everyone around her is just as miserable as she is?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Aug 2016, 06:01
I think that Sarah has problems; not as serious as Ruth's or even Billie's but she has problems and this continual and near-reflexive blurting out of downbeat assessments or accusing barbs is a symptom.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Aug 2016, 13:56
What the fuck, Sarah? Even for you, that's low.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Aug 2016, 16:17
Sarah's just pushing Joyce to the dark side with this

One day, she'll tell Sarah to fumble off - then the shit will really hit the fan  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 22 Aug 2016, 16:32
Hey, she just flipped Sarah the double ring finger. Things are already turning nasty.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Aug 2016, 17:30
Everyone knows the ring finger means "fudge you". For Joyce, that's pretty hardcore.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Aug 2016, 23:11
Today we are reminded that Sarah has serious problems of her own and, right now, being mean is probably the only thing that stops her having a total breakdown.

It does seem to be Joyce fate to be the catalyst to others' realisations of this sort, doesn't it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Aug 2016, 15:40
At least she got a hug outta it
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 23 Aug 2016, 21:17
At least she got a hug outta it

Many hugs were gained from it. Not all were appreciated.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Aug 2016, 17:05
The power of the group hug - resistance is futile
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Aug 2016, 12:49
Nice going with the support there Sal
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Aug 2016, 12:59
So is Marcie not deaf? Sal is talking to her without them looking at each other and it doesn't seem to be an issue.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 25 Aug 2016, 13:11
She's mute, but not deaf. It's been mentioned a couple times in the comic (such as when Malaya made a fool of herself when she didn't realize Marcie wasn't deaf).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 25 Aug 2016, 13:12
No, Marcie isn't deaf (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/fun-2/).  It's been implied in the comic that she experienced some kind of trauma when she was younger and can't/doesn't talk.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Aug 2016, 14:12
I'd think she'd be more The White Queen
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Aug 2016, 15:31
And I thought Sal could be a lot unsubtle
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Aug 2016, 12:35
Sals Spidey Sense was tinglin'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Aug 2016, 12:58
I really hope they have an actual conversation and get shit behind them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Aug 2016, 13:19
I really hope they have an actual conversation and get shit behind them.

ummm.. You have read this comic before, right?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Aug 2016, 13:43
I said hope, not expect.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Aug 2016, 23:14
My predictions for this scene are:

1) The reinforcements Marcie summoned in panel 1 are going to arrive just as Sal and Amazi-Girl are laying into each-other (probably only verbally but it is very likely to get physical soon);

2) Because neither of them will 'keep it down' they get ejected from the venue;

3) The two end up, shellshocked and feeling both persecuted and hard-done-by, sitting on a wall or possibly the edge of the fountain. Having nothing else to do, they compare hard-luck stories, both trying to out-victim the other;

4(a) Amazi-Girl is horrified at just what a messed-up life leads to a 14-year-old being a petty criminal; she is even more horrified that the convenience store robbery was such an insignificant moment for Sal that she barely remembers it (and usually only when her wound starts aching);

4(b) Sal is horrified at just how significant the event was for Amazi-Girl and has a hard time coping with the realisation that such a minor event for her had such dire mental health consequences for someone else.

You see, Sal did the wrong thing in escalating. The cool thing to do was to suddenly include Amazi-Girl in the conversation, talking over her shoulder at her without directly looking at her to make it clear that her 'invisibility' thing isn't working. It would leave being the trouble-maker to Amazi-girl rather than, in front of dozens of people, being the one making the first violent act.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Aug 2016, 15:31
It has begun

THE FINAL CONFRONTATION


It will not be pretty
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 29 Aug 2016, 21:43
Pretty sure it's going to get physical, and not in the nice way. I'm concerned.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Aug 2016, 23:02
Today's final panel in today's strip (8/30) is... odd. Trying to guess what Amazi-Girl will do next is difficult; I'm not even sure if she knows herself. I honestly think that there is a chance that she may just walk away rather than fight Sal on her adversary's terms.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 29 Aug 2016, 23:48
My guess is that she's going to do what Sal did during their first altercation. She's going to walk away rather than give Sal the satisfaction.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Aug 2016, 16:17
The intensity is riviting
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 30 Aug 2016, 21:09
Okay, that's a twist I didn't see coming.

On a side note, white folks are scary.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Aug 2016, 23:18
In some ways it give Amazi-Girl an 'out' from handling the fact that she doesn't want to be the weapon of anyone's lynch mob and probably having to end up fighting to protect Sal from the Party Faithful.

(click to show/hide)

Either way, I can see her and Sal having to fight their way out of there side-by-side and ending up sitting on a rooftop together somewhere (after having first dangled a hog-tied Ryan from a lamp-post for the police with a note pinned to his shirt reading 'rapist') having a very, very awkward conversation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Aug 2016, 04:42
Is it really him? The tags have lied before.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Aug 2016, 04:50
The gift Joyce left streaked across his face for the rest of his life is proof positive, IMO.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Aug 2016, 05:30
I mean are we sure he's there? Maybe Amazi-Girl is just seeing her biggest failure. Joyce has imagined him before and he was tagged then.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 31 Aug 2016, 06:44
I at least find no small amount of satisfaction in seeing that the scar remains. A few more would be nice.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 31 Aug 2016, 08:46
I mean are we sure he's there? Maybe Amazi-Girl is just seeing her biggest failure. Joyce has imagined him before and he was tagged then.
No, this is actually him. When Joyce imagined him, she imagined him as she remembered him: with the cut on his face still bleeding. This one has had some time for the scar to partially heal. Just in time for some new ones.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Aug 2016, 11:30
Intriguing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Aug 2016, 16:41
This is a twist
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Sep 2016, 14:53
DAMN YOU WILLIS!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Sep 2016, 15:04
Wait, does that mean that the next strip will be at the very least tomorrow? What a strangely placed time-jump. I almost wonder if it was done by accident, if this was posted a week or two early.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Sep 2016, 15:06
It becomes "tomorrow" tomorrow, which basically just means it's midnight in-comic. Which makes sense because of what time the midnight rally is at.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Sep 2016, 21:42
Oh right. Not sure at all what to take from today's except...apparently Marcie went to high school with Walky? Also whose dream is this?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Sep 2016, 23:28
I think that this is just the first step. We're learning Sal and Marcie's shared history and why it is that, firstly, Marcie ends up speech-impaired, secondly, why Sal feels so protective towards her and, finally, why Sal hates authority so much.

If there's one thing I learned unequivocally at school it is that dealing with bullying is far too difficult a chore for most teachers to bother with. It's simpler to urge the victim to 'fight back' or 'ignore it' and, if it carries too long, refer them to a child psychologist for being a victim (you can tell that I'm still bitter about this nearly three decades later, can't you?).

I've got a feeling that this 'Leyland' creep is probably going to turn out to have a social shield too and that the Walkerton parents will support him and penalise Sal for embarrassing them by directing an accusation at a member of a socially prominent family.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 02 Sep 2016, 04:39
I'm guessing this is a Sal flashback, if anyone's specific flashback.

I think this is earlier than high school. Sal was in the boarding school for "most of her teens" (http://www.dumbingofage.com/cast/attachment/2014castsal/) and was sent after the convenience store stuff. At first glance they looked more like children than teens to me in this strip.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 02 Sep 2016, 04:50
Elementary school, judging by their appearance and sizes. And why wouldn't Marcie and Walky go to the same school? Billie is there in the shot as well, they all grew up together and Marcie and Sal have been best friends since childhood.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Sep 2016, 14:10
Leland's a fucking dick who needs a swift kick up the jacksee.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Sep 2016, 14:16
Marcie and Sal have been best friends since childhood.
I completely forgot about this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Sep 2016, 15:41
Fuck this shit!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Sep 2016, 19:39
Wow. I'm pretty sure this unseen principal may literally be the worst person we've experienced in DoA so far, and that's saying a lot.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 03 Sep 2016, 19:55
Pretty sure they aren't literally holding a gun up to their daughter's head to send her to conversion therapy, just saying.

Also, pretty sure they aren't date raping anyone.

(I'm not going to conclusively say that the principal is better than Blaine, yet, though.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Sep 2016, 20:09
Is the first Ruth's parents? If so, fair point. As to the date rape, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he's covered up rapes for kids like Leland who got a few years older and "made a mistake," as he'd probably phrase it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 03 Sep 2016, 20:38
I'm talking about Toedad (Ross MacIntyre, Becky's sperm donor ("father" or "dad" is too kind)) in the first case.

Although, possible point, on rape coverups, especially given that this is apparently a commentary on the Brock Turner case.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Sep 2016, 21:25
Unintentionally good timing considering his early release. Also it's still strange seeing Marcie talk.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: KingOfIreland on 04 Sep 2016, 01:40
If there's one thing I learned unequivocally at school it is that dealing with bullying is far too difficult a chore for most teachers to bother with. It's simpler to urge the victim to 'fight back' or 'ignore it' and, if it carries too long, refer them to a child psychologist for being a victim (you can tell that I'm still bitter about this nearly three decades later, can't you?).

I know how you feel, man. a couple of decades later than you, the same happened to me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Sep 2016, 05:21
Unintentionally good timing considering his early release. Also it's still strange seeing Marcie talk.

No, people always knew he was going to get out after three months. That was the original sentence, six months jail, early parole in three for good behavior. It's not hard to be on 'good behavior' if people are bending over backwards to excuse whatever horrible things  you've done to try to sweep it all under the rug. Which is exactly what is happening with Leland. He comes from a 'good' (rich and/or influential) family, so nothing he does is going to get him in trouble because his folks can pay off or intimidate people in authority. Sal on the other hand is going to get several books thrown at her for doing the same thing Leland did yesterday, and be forever branded as a troublemaker.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 04 Sep 2016, 07:45
In yesterday's strip, the line about Sal "claims" Leland did something hits hard for me. I definitely remember hearing that when speaking up about being bullied, specifically though my most notable situation actually involved a teacher.

It wasn't the first time I learned the system isn't fair but it was the first time I had to back down and pretend to believe that I provoked the situation and was in the wrong for, basically, survival.

In today's I both felt a bit of delight for Sal fighting back and trying to deliver karma, but also a lot of fear for what might result from it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Sep 2016, 10:05
The past few strips bring to mind the first time i was raped. It was by a "good boy" with "lots of promise", i.e. the star quarterback in a year our school expected to go to state. Long story short, no charges were filed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Sep 2016, 12:39
I don't think that this is a good idea Sal.

Satisfying maybe, but not a good idea.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Sep 2016, 13:20
Often the satisfaction is worth any ramifications.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Sep 2016, 14:39
Those are famous last words and rank with "Victory will be mine", "Nothing can go wrong now" and "What does this button do?"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Sep 2016, 16:27
For a moment of satisfaction of hurting Leland, Sal is going to have to deal with trouble at school and home, and probably in the larger community in the likely case Leland or his family decides to make her life hell over this. Because that's the world we live in. If you stand up against rich bullies, you are the one who pays the price, not them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Sep 2016, 16:37
Best case scenario, he learns something from this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Sep 2016, 20:50
You just have to make sure your method of dealing with the situation is a permanent one, and one whose consequences you are prepared to face.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Sep 2016, 23:01
She just needs time to process the Before picture 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Sep 2016, 23:19
I strongly suspect that, after getting herself all riled up and ready to go, poor Sal is feeling let down by Amazi-Girl's sudden realisation that there are things that are far more important to her than any desire to fight her.

If Amazi-Girl is sufficiently loud and clear about why she wants to add a few scars to Ryan, I strongly suspect that Sal is going to realise that her view of her adversary might not be as correct as she imagined.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 05 Sep 2016, 22:33
"Punch her in her thug face!"
"Kick this thug's ass!"

Yup, they're definitely at a Republican rally.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Sep 2016, 05:30
I strongly suspect that, after getting herself all riled up and ready to go, poor Sal is feeling let down by Amazi-Girl's sudden realisation that there are things that are far more important to her than any desire to fight her.

If Amazi-Girl is sufficiently loud and clear about why she wants to add a few scars to Ryan, I strongly suspect that Sal is going to realise that her view of her adversary might not be as correct as she imagined.

And so we have seen with today's comic. They pretty much went from 'let's beat each other up' to 'let's go get the guy who hurt Joyce' in a couple of sentences. ah, Super hero team ups.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 06 Sep 2016, 06:10
Let's just hope that the film version isn't DCU.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Sep 2016, 09:06
Rapist: Martha?
Amazi-Girl: Wrong movie (punch)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Sep 2016, 16:13
Hope they catch him this time
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Sep 2016, 21:04
Not very subtle, today's strip. Nor should it be.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Sep 2016, 01:23
Sal and Amber are more alike than either of them have ever realised (or, I suspect, are willing to admit). They have both lost all hope; Sal for the world in general and Amber for herself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Sep 2016, 01:50
You see, I know what you are, Ryan. You’re a filthy predator that uses whatever means he wants to get the satisfaction he wants from naive, good girls. You hide your true nature under the shadow of your father’s position and you use it as a lure.

Understand that you’re not dealing with the College administration; you’re not dealing with the cops; you’re not even dealing with an angry family member. You’re dealing with me. It’s amazing how persistent things can be, Ryan. If someone knows their way around websites, things from your past just keep coming back. On blogs, news sites, recruitment sites and even the email inboxes of college administrators and HR directors.

If I ever see your face again, Ryan… If I even hear of you being around… Then I will dedicate the rest of my life to making the rest of your life… a living hell.

Now… Get out of my town!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 08 Sep 2016, 01:57
Ah yes. Passing the problem off to some other unsuspecting community without addressing the core problem and giving him access to an entirely new pool of targets who don't know what he's about. That will go over well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Sep 2016, 01:59
With luck, he'd be so terrified that Amazi-Girl will be stalking him, he would suddenly find a new interest in imitating a church mouse.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Sep 2016, 15:00
[BatfleckVoice]"No matter where you go, no matter what you do, I will be watching - and waiting."[/BatfleckVoice]
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Sep 2016, 15:05
I will be watching - and waiting.
And commiserating? Say it ain't so!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: dexeron on 09 Sep 2016, 09:55
Ha, Amazigirl is doing the "Negasonic Teenage Warhead" thing from Deadpool.

Dunno if that was a deliberate homage, but it's still funny.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2016, 11:00
She's about to have tons of witnesses who can say the beating she'll give him is in self defense.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Sep 2016, 11:29
Over on the comic's website, some readers are speculating that Willis may be about to play a wildcard and have Ryan seriously escalate because he simply has never been defied like this ever before and his brain can't handle it.

What if he's armed, after all? A fight that involves some kind of firearm in the crowded atrium of the lecture hall could get ugly very quickly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Sep 2016, 13:17
You raise a valid point.  But I can see if that were the case where the Senators own Security would get involed - Secret Service maybe - which could make things worse.


Or maybe it's just time for Ryan to be iin for that beat down he avoided last time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 09 Sep 2016, 14:09
No matter how it falls, it looks like Ryan is about to serious get it. If he follows through with that attack he's posturing he'll have to deal with Amber, the security, maybe even Sal. Though she seems unlikely unless the rest can't stop him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Sep 2016, 21:07
Even if there's punctuation in between, Dawson still called Ryan "dudebro".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Sep 2016, 23:42
Which, when you think of it, is in many ways punishment enough!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 10 Sep 2016, 05:02
He probably thinks it is a compliment.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Sep 2016, 06:20
I still don't know when "bro" became an insult. Or how "dude" before it makes it worse somehow, since "dude" on its own is neutral.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 10 Sep 2016, 06:48
It's mostly an insult due to the type of guys who refer to each other as bro.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 10 Sep 2016, 08:35
Let's put it this way, Walky is a (much much much milder form of) dudebro, too. "Dudebro" boils down to... a man who has internalized toxic masculinity, and does things to prove that they are sufficiently masculine. Which, that in turn leads to misogyny and homophobia.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Sep 2016, 15:59
*Cue Dark Knight Music*

This should prove interesting
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Sep 2016, 00:29
Actually, based on today's strip (9/11), more likely the fight music from the 1960s live-action Batman TV show, complete with loud trumpet blast to emphasise every blow. :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Sep 2016, 07:04
POW!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Sep 2016, 14:52
KA-RUNCH!!!!


And now Ryan will try and imitate Usain Bolt
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Sep 2016, 21:14
POW!
Called it!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 11 Sep 2016, 21:39
In my experience, there are few things more satisfying than punching a violent, misogynist douchebag.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Sep 2016, 14:33
Sal to the rescue!

Hows that gonna affect Amazi-Girl/Ambers opinion of her



Or it just may be Sal needed to get out the frustration of missing out on her fight with her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 12 Sep 2016, 22:10
Well, Kugai, it apparently doesn't, and that ANGERS ME.

 Come ON, Amber, ACCEPT THE HELP, ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PEOPLE CHANGE
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 13 Sep 2016, 06:44
Actually, today's conversation/fight.... Fightversation? Has probably been more open communication between the two of them than ever before. And I'm wondering where this will take them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Sep 2016, 06:50
I'm thinking a rooftop to hide out whilst the cops (and possibly the US Secret Service) are looking for them. Having not much else to do, they end up talking. Neither of them want to talk but their own emotional states and self-images just mean tha they can't keep silent. They have to have the last word and be the one who is right.

Of course, what they find out is that both of them are right and yet both of them are also wrong... depending on your point of view.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Sep 2016, 16:25
Revelation Station - here they come!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Sep 2016, 18:28
I'm really curious what "Not you. Never you." is supposed to mean. Because I'm pretty sure she hates Sal...or maybe Sal just reminds her of her own fear.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 13 Sep 2016, 19:09
I think she's starting to realize it isn't Sal she hates, it's herself. I think having the crowd turn so vicious made her see what she was doing. Sal was, at most, a trigger. All the damage inside Amber was already done before Sal came into her life. Sal is just an easy target, she gives Amber a "safe" place to focus all her rage and pain externally.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Sep 2016, 00:10
I do hope that, as the two dudebros are counting their bruises, contusions and cuts, they remember how their ‘good friend’ Ryan ran away and left them to be pounded into a pulp by two women.

Meanwhile, I suspect that Ryan is about to learn why the most hated phrase in the modern English language is “Login Failed – User Name or Password Incorrect”.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 14 Sep 2016, 06:57
Three dudebros. Everyone always forgets Tyler.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Sep 2016, 07:37
To be fair, Tyler deserves to be forgotten.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 14 Sep 2016, 07:50
To be fair, Tyler, all you dudebros look the same. It's easy to overlook one of you.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Sep 2016, 07:55
Fucking Willis. Of course the rapist got away.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 14 Sep 2016, 07:58
Fucking Willis. Of course the rapist got away.
Just like in real life. At least in the comic there is a chance he'll get beaten by a superhero. That never happens in real life.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Sep 2016, 08:05
That we know of!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 14 Sep 2016, 08:08
I know what I'd be doing if I ever ran into any of my attackers. I would gladly accept the assault and battery charges.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 14 Sep 2016, 12:10
Well I mean there are real life superheroes. They tend to take a... less energetic stance against crime than Amber does. Mostly helping out people and calling the police if they see crime taking place. Mostly. I'm sure some have stopped attempted/rape in progress. It's all to sadly common after all.

I'm not sure yet this qualifies as Ryan 'getting away'. At the very least there are going to be questions and accusations leveled against him. Without Joyce stepping forward it's unlikely anything will be done about the roofie incident. But he did just publicly threaten and attack Amazi-Girl, then steal her phone. And the picture of him has probably already been sent, so getting the phone won't do him much good.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 14 Sep 2016, 13:37
I'm very worried about him having Amber's phone.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Sep 2016, 13:51
And the picture of him has probably already been sent, so getting the phone won't do him much good.
Unless he figures out whose phone it is. Hopefully she has a separate account for Amazi-Girl and she didn't post that as Amber.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Sep 2016, 14:01
So am I Welu.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 14 Sep 2016, 14:37
Amber is a tech genius, I highly doubt she'd leave her phone unsecured.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Gladstone on 15 Sep 2016, 15:31
Exclusive preview of tomorrow/tonight's strip, shared on Willis' tumblr (http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/post/150462884782/inauguralpoops-exclusive-preview-of-tomorrows):

(http://67.media.tumblr.com/c80b7bda50ddb9c16f50a8806e4f5f51/tumblr_odjgwlG39M1ut62xxo1_1280.png)

Probably should've hidden it under a spoiler tag.  Sorry, Method.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Sep 2016, 15:47
Me: (sees the picture, wonders if I should be annoyed, but too amused to care)
Me: (sees the apology directed at me, is even more amused)
Yeah...I guess I should probably make less of a thing about things like this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Sep 2016, 15:52
So the phone's secure.  Figured Amber would have done that

So is Leslie Leslie  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Sep 2016, 16:23
Amber says the phone is secure. The look on her face suggests she's not so sure...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Sep 2016, 23:32
Today's strip (9/16) honestly makes me wonder if Amazi-Girl has some weird kind of anger-crush thing going on Sal. If she is, then their relationship and interactions are even weirder than I thought.

Is Marcie upset at Sal leaving her high and dry? Is it that she doesn't appreciate being left on clean-up duty whilst Sal vanishes into the night? Is she jealous at being treated the way she's been treating Sal over Malaya? Or, is she afraid that Sal is about to go tumbling back onto the path of vengeance and violence that it has taken all the time since elementary school to get her to step off?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 16 Sep 2016, 00:27
I'm guessing she's pissed for having a row at the event she's supposed to be keeping secure. Sal is putting Marcie's job in jeopardy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Sep 2016, 01:38
One of the posters on dumbingofage.com posted something like this, inspired by today's strip:

One is an Emotionally-Damaged
Abuse Survivor
With Anger-Management Issues and a
Secret Identity!

The other is a Too-Cool-For-School
Biker-Chick Rebel

With an ingrained distrust for
Authority!

Together, they
FIGHT CRIME!

I don't know about anyone else, but I'd read a strip with that premise!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Sep 2016, 15:38
I have a feeling Sal is gonna be grateful that Marcie doesn't have Scott Summers power with the death glare coming from her in those Ruby Glasses.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 17 Sep 2016, 12:08
Apparently I've been banned from posting on the comic threads there. No clue why, but whatever...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Sep 2016, 15:36
Whomever she's gonna call, I bet it ain't Ghostbusters  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Sep 2016, 22:49
KRABOOF!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Sep 2016, 23:41
Strip on 9/18:

“Hi, can I have my phone back please…? Oh! You were on a call? Who to? Let’s see… caller ID… Sir? Sir, I’ll be over to see you in a few minutes. Please remain where you are to save yourself unnecessary fear and pain.”
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Sep 2016, 06:25
Shouldn't that sound effect be 'KABOOT'?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Sep 2016, 12:21
Tried to run but he didn't get far.

And he ain't in the ghetto either.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Sep 2016, 00:18
New Strip - 9/19

Oh, really? Whoever that is was planning to run over Ryan as well as Amazi-Girl and Sal! I’m wondering if he is low man in a much larger and much more unpleasant pile upon which Amazi-Girl and Sal have just stumbled! Y'know, a 'brotherhood' of roofie-happy freshman rapists, one of whom has decided to silence another of their number who has been caught so as to prevent them all being exposed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 19 Sep 2016, 00:51
I'm guessing it is more incompetence than malice.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Sep 2016, 01:45
Driving directly at them at speed? I find that unlikely. The most generous interpretation is that he was trying to 'scare them' into letting Ryan go and chose the single most stupidly dangerous way of doing so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Sep 2016, 16:25
Plot twist

It's Mike
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Sep 2016, 16:44
Well, I was wrong.


And Car Chase II is underway

I wonder if Sal has her Bike handy?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Sep 2016, 21:34
This made me so ridiculously happy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Sep 2016, 23:26
Calling it: Sal's black-and-red bike jacket is going to morph into her super-suit, if only because that's how the eyewitnesses at the rally are going to remember it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Sep 2016, 16:12
Sidekick Sal  :-D


And a name and an employer - it's a start as well as the fact they have the Photo that Amazi-Girl sent to Dorothy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Sep 2016, 16:00
I'm wondering how it's gonna go down with her and Marcie now. 

Remember the 'Death Glare' look she gave Sal?  She wasn't a happy camper over what happened at the Rally.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Sep 2016, 14:39
More than meets the eye
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Sep 2016, 14:52
And the Question Of The Day is .....

What does Dorothy want?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 24 Sep 2016, 15:29
Loud aeroplane noises!

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Sep 2016, 16:32
A dilemma indeed

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 25 Sep 2016, 16:48
I know all about dilemmas!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Sep 2016, 13:56
Awwwwwww

Our widdle Walky is awwl gwoding up 


:-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Sep 2016, 14:40
I wouldn't be surprised if at some stage she will wind up talking to Sal
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Sep 2016, 23:09
Today's strip (9/29) is a little... weird. Are we seeing proof that Dorothy is actually an alien pod-person?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Sep 2016, 14:59
Either that or Prot isn't the only K-Paxian to Light Travel  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Sep 2016, 16:02
The Joy of waking up.

And I like the way she makes friends - even difficult cases like Sarah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 30 Sep 2016, 16:33
Don't you mean the Joyce of waking up?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Oct 2016, 14:04
Indeed





Now there's and innuendo for ya
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Oct 2016, 11:19
Hat Porn
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Oct 2016, 14:32
It's gonna be interesting to see what goes on between Becky and Dina.  I'm wondering if either of them is really ready to 'Take it further' and/or if they really know how to, if you get my meaning.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Oct 2016, 14:41
Mike's absolute indifference towards Walky's death glare is so Mike.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Oct 2016, 05:09
I've been annoyed with her in the past, but this is easily the worst she's ever been. Fuck you, Sarah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Oct 2016, 07:58
I don't blame her for feeling snarky. This is exactly the kind of drama she tries to avoid. Joyce drags her out to a social situation and she immediately ends up in this mess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Oct 2016, 12:41
That looks less like snark and more like pure joy at Billie's misery. Then again, even if it is sarcastic, have we ever seen her smile?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Oct 2016, 13:30
I'd say you're seeing what you want to see. Sarah may not like people much, but she's never taken joy in their suffering.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Oct 2016, 14:41
Right, which is why I was so surprised that she appeared to today. Why would I want to see that?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Oct 2016, 15:04
Because you stated she annoyed you in the past. Presuming that you don't like her, you are taking the worst interpretation of her expression and sentence. I see her just snarking since she didn't want to come along in the first place because she doesn't like people or drama. And the first thing she runs into is people drama. Sarcastic, stand offish she is. But not mean spirited or vicious.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Oct 2016, 15:17
I think it's just Sarah being glad she's not the only Grumpling in the group now
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Oct 2016, 15:49
Fair point. I meant to say at worst she's annoyed me, but she's never made me mad. But you're right, I should have looked for a more generous interpretation. I just...don't see any way to do so with her expression.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Oct 2016, 20:10
Look at her eyes. She has the same eyes that Joyce had in panels 4 and 5. The eyes that say 'I regret everything I just did and don't want to be in this situation'. That and the rictus-like awkward grin is not humor. Honestly, I don't see how you got 'I'm being a hateful bitch' smile of joy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Oct 2016, 20:21
Because I see a smile as a smile and a smile as happiness. Apparently you're better at interpreting drawn smiles than I am. That's not sarcasm.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Oct 2016, 20:43
Have you never used it seen a fake smile before?

It's all about context. I am familiar with the character and I read the circumstances leading to this scene.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Oct 2016, 20:48
I guess I just thought Sarah meant it when she said she wanted things to be better, and that she was convinced by Joyce this morning. I guess I was overly hopeful.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Oct 2016, 20:51
Wanting something doesn't make it so. She wants things to be better, but they are not. Not yet at least.

You were "overly hopeful" and yet still automatically accepted the worst interpretation of the scene?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Oct 2016, 20:54
Being overly hopeful is what made me disappointed when I realized I was wrong, I guess it swung me in the other direction. I was wrong on both counts.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Oct 2016, 21:02
It happens to the best of us.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Oct 2016, 21:08
Indeed. Also, I like Beverly. I also hope Ruth pulls through. I like to think that's a more reasonable hope.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 Oct 2016, 05:20
Well, the fact that Ruth has not made any direct attempts at suicide suggest that it's not so much that she wants to die as she sees no reason to keep on living. I know that level of depression far to well. I spent a couple of years just not leaving my house unless I was required to do so. Which given that I work from home was usually once every week or two. I remember many times during that... as in nearly constantly, wishing I just didn't exist. My biggest concern with dying alone in that house was whatever poor person would find my body after being dead for weeks.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Oct 2016, 15:30
Pudding Cup

Gotta start somewhere, and that's as good a place as any
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Oct 2016, 23:24
Calling it now: Mike will ask Joyce out on a date simply because he enjoys the way she grapples with him and uses physical force to restrain him. Remember that, in the Walkyverse,
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 06 Oct 2016, 03:57
 It's been said many times before: Spoiler tags when talking about other Willis' continuities.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Oct 2016, 22:58
She's been taking grappling lessons from Amazi-Girl

And WTF Billie??!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Oct 2016, 13:08
Fleeing the dreaded Math Monster are we Walky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Oct 2016, 16:20
Definitely getting better at that Sarah

And whether you like it or not Billie, what happened WAS the best thing that could have happened for Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Oct 2016, 23:15
And whether you like it or not Billie, what happened WAS the best thing that could have happened for Ruth.

That's arguable, given how profoundly dependent Ruth was on the RA position to maintain her fragile sense of self-worth. In any case, Billie isn't thinking rationally; all she knows is that she somehow failed her girlfriend by letting her secret be discovered.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Oct 2016, 14:25
Undoubtedly she does.  But give her and Ruth time and I'm sure they'll sort things out both for themselves and between themselves.

I really feel sorry for Chloe, she's kinda caught between a rock and a hard place over this.  It might be better in the long run if she does do it quickly rather than leaving Ruth hanging and hoping she can come back to the job.  I somehow doubt she will be back at the College for a fair while.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Oct 2016, 15:35
She really is on a self destructive streak, isn't she.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Oct 2016, 20:07
Welcome to crippling depression.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Oct 2016, 05:56
I like Chloe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Oct 2016, 13:42
But she doesn't have the Krikket Ball.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Oct 2016, 12:54
At least she's asking the questions now.  That's a start Dina.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Oct 2016, 13:51
Wait, that's what a firmament is? :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 13 Oct 2016, 18:40
Yup.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Oct 2016, 21:30
According to the hovertext, it won't last, but...http://www.dumbingofage.com/tag/reginald-duke-of-thingley/ (http://www.dumbingofage.com/tag/reginald-duke-of-thingley/)

Also, having been skydiving, I can say that the sky isn't as different from the sea as I thought. It really did feel almost like swimming.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Oct 2016, 13:41
Hmmmm

I wonder if he's related to Kenny?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Oct 2016, 21:36
It's still progress, Sarah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Oct 2016, 13:54
Indeed.

Slow steps forward there Sarah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Oct 2016, 21:32
Very slow steps.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Oct 2016, 12:54
At least she's making the attempt
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Oct 2016, 14:23
DOWN GIRL!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Oct 2016, 14:18
So, Pokemon Go is now the perfect cover for Ambers nightly hijinks as Amazi-Girl.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 20 Oct 2016, 14:19
"Why were you parkouring off the library roof?"
"Dragonite."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Oct 2016, 13:58
This discussion has more than meets the eye going on.  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 22 Oct 2016, 03:04
(https://media.giphy.com/media/qeA0jZAlsCHAI/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Oct 2016, 05:16
AFAIK, Ethan and Amber don't have any blood siblings. However, you can't watch their interaction and not immediately realise that they are brother and sister in heart.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 22 Oct 2016, 09:10
AFAIK, Ethan and Amber don't have any blood siblings. However, you can't watch their interaction and not immediately realise that they are brother and sister in heart.
Except for that whole used to date each other thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Oct 2016, 10:24
Failure to make any romantic connection could be argued as proof that they're happier and fit together better as siblings.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Oct 2016, 10:27
I briefly dated someone who ended up being one of my closest friends, if not sibling level than pretty close.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 22 Oct 2016, 10:33
Fair enough, narrowly averted sibling banging it is.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Oct 2016, 15:48
It would appear that Walky has been taking Invisibility Classes from Dina.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Oct 2016, 21:57
The eye through the hair was annoying enough, but now her teeth and freckles, too? Damn it, Willis.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Oct 2016, 23:27
IMO, Willis's older 'default' art style for characters doesn't really lend itself to close-ups.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Oct 2016, 14:48
Wow!  Becky got to First Base!  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Oct 2016, 11:40
So, Billie's in Terminator Mode and Sal's in deep shit with Marci


Situation normal in DoA land  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Oct 2016, 15:21
Careful Sarah, your face might permanently freeze that way  :-D

Trust Walky to be an ass in this situation.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Oct 2016, 13:24
Damn!   That didn't work.


I'm beginning to wonder if Dina is actually aware of what Becky is trying to get her to do and is teasing her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Masterpiece on 30 Oct 2016, 06:01
Fuck you, Mary. Fuck you.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Oct 2016, 12:43
Agreed

Way to go Billie!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 30 Oct 2016, 13:27
It is unsurprising to me that Mary doesn't understand why Billie cares, Mary is incapable of caring about anyone other than herself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Oct 2016, 13:47
That's been coming for a wee while

Billie's been building towards some sort of explosion ever since Ruth was taken in to Hospital.  Mary just happens to be the person that pushed the right buttons to cause Billie to finally explode.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 31 Oct 2016, 21:19
Oof. Mary. Today, you learn that being a shit consistently, is more damning than being a shit on the rare occasion that requires an RA.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 31 Oct 2016, 21:27
Ruth may have been a terrible RA. But you are a terrible human being, Mary. I find it shocking that she thinks she has any support from anyone in the hall. But then I've known so many people convinced of their rightness (and righteousness) that they just can't conceive anyone thinks they are less than absolutely correct. Even when doing horrible things. So... realistic portrayal?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Nov 2016, 15:22
This was a comeuppance that was long overdue for Mary.  She's just had it forcibly impressed upon that she's alienated everyone in the Dorm.

Whether she takes this lesson to heart is another thing though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Nov 2016, 14:57
I'm beginning to wonder if Dina actually has a phobia about going hatless in public.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 02 Nov 2016, 15:23
I'm starting to get a little skeeved by Becky doing this. It seems cute and harmless because it's just Dina's hat and top of head but it'd be nice if Becky could simply say, "If it's okay, I'd like to see you without your hat because I haven't seen that." instead of repeatedly trying to trick the situation into happening.* It might be a little weird but... It's Becky and Dina? They can handle a little bit of weird.

*I accept that might probably be where this is going anyway and only feels like it's going on a while because of the pacing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 02 Nov 2016, 15:55
She doesn't have a phobia. Becky just hasn't said 'Hey, can you take off your hat a second'. Remember that Dina doesn't understand social clues. She wouldn't understand that Becky is doing all of this to try and trick her into taking off her hat. She just likes her dino hat and hasn't been given a reason to take it off yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 02 Nov 2016, 17:16
I know Dina doesn't have a phobia or concern about taking off her hat, which is part of why it bothers me that Becky hasn't directly asked. Now they're in a class but they were alone earlier. The only thing making it weird, in a bad way, to me is that Becky feels like she needs to use other ways when she has the ulterior motive of "taking the next physical step in the relationship" (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2016/comic/book-7/01-glower-vacuum/physical/). The next comic Becky is straight up talking about it being sexual to her. In those terms, seems like the kind of thing the people in the relationship should openly talk about instead of forcing it to happen out of context for one of the persons.
Makes me think of situations where Person A has a foot fetish and asks Person B, who doesn't know A has that fetish, for images or contact with Person B's feet. Person A might even say, "What? It's just feet. It's not like I want nudes." Although that's a bit more extreme and there's the benefit of this being two people in a relationship.

I'm not that squicked but I do also hope this resolves soon.

Edit: I realise Neko-Ali's might have been meant for Kugai afterwards. Whoops.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 02 Nov 2016, 18:22
The phobia bit was in answer to Kugai yes. The rest is general unease at the direction Becky is taking this. It's understandable since it's not like either of them have a lot of experience in this area to draw on. And Becky has had some pretty poor samples to draw on.. Which is how this whole thing started.. The idea that you cover up things that are sexual or 'naughty' in nature. Since Dina always wears a hat, the top of her head must be a 'naughty' zone.. The logic is laughable, but what she is doing about it is not though. It's awkward, troubling and bit disturbing. It would be a lot more disturbing if she was trying to catch peeps of some of Dina's other body parts. But the same intent is there.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Nov 2016, 00:45
This is probably just neurotic me in action but my concern is that Dina has some good reason for always covering her head and, if Becky just snatches her hat or something, it's going to end up humiliating and hurting Dina.


P.S.:
Some Forumites who have been around for over a year will remember that the Questionable Content board briefly came under attack by neo-Nazi cartoonist Ben Garrison, who continued to post obscene and violent images under a series of spoof user names until he was finally IP banned. Willis has now also been 'blessed' with this vile creature's attention. I am a little concerned that he made specific reference in his obscene hatepost to Maggie; these people tend to view families as legitimate targets too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 03 Nov 2016, 09:59
We already know the hat is a sort of security blanket for her. She told Ethan it helps her deal with anxiety, she let him borrow it to help with his.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Nov 2016, 11:08
What's Joe's deal?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 03 Nov 2016, 11:18
I think he's feeling weird after giving Joyce advice while she was at home.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Nov 2016, 11:44
Wait, why? I thought him giving her advice was indication they were better friends than we thought.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 03 Nov 2016, 11:49
Maybe he's not comfortable showing he gives a shit in public. You know, like a dude. Joe is big on living up to prototypical male ideals and roles. Perhaps he's okay letting that guard down when it's in private just between the two of them where no one else can see him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 03 Nov 2016, 11:54
They seemed to be talking in secret so maybe Joe wants their friendliness to stay secret. I don't know if they're necessarily friends or only have a shared understanding about shitty family situations. It seemed to be Joyce who reached out first (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2016/comic/book-6/02-that-perfect-girl/sorry-3/) so Joe mightn't be as comfortable talking to her as she is with him.

Edit: Also yeah, what sitnspin said.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Nov 2016, 14:17
Indeed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Nov 2016, 14:36
Ahh, it seemed to me that they talked often before that offscreen.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Nov 2016, 14:42
I think that Leslie now has everyones attention
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Nov 2016, 20:48
I'm pretty sure "cleavaging cats and dogs" is the best non-butt-related thing Willis has ever written.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Nov 2016, 00:45
Today's comic (11/5) gives me the mental image of Joe and Joyce in a knock-down, drag-out wrestling match whilst everyone else is listening to Robin speak and acting as if they don't exist.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Nov 2016, 14:13
At least they're talking to each other  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Nov 2016, 17:11
Is "bounce your eyes" something the kids say? Also am I the only one who finds the clap emoji really annoying? #getoffmylawn
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 05 Nov 2016, 18:56
"Bounce your eyes" is something Joyce has said before (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-4/01-the-only-dope-for-me-is-you/chaps/) and based on the comments seems to be existing "fundie slang" as Willis described it.

I like the claps. In my head it sounds like a fullstop and I've also heard people doing the claps in person, which came first, and it's a very effective way of doing emphasis. 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Nov 2016, 12:56
Howabout 'The Real You' - Oh wait, she a Tea Party Republican Politician
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Nov 2016, 13:01
This will not end well
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Nov 2016, 13:21
Perhaps but, in the long terms, it may have beneficial consequences by curing Leslie's unsuspected (at least to me) attraction to abusive potential romantic partners.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Nov 2016, 19:40
I get the feeling that this one has no clue how to talk to College age teens
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Nov 2016, 20:08
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Nov 2016, 12:35
Next time READ THE MEMO!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 09 Nov 2016, 14:51
Having a hard time finding Robin amusing right now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Nov 2016, 22:52
BOOM!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Nov 2016, 23:11
I honestly believe that Robin never, ever expected to meet one of the faceless 'others' whom that legislation would effect (or someone who knows them personally, as in this case).

I suspect that it has never occurred to her before that things she says or votes for has any effect beyond herself. It is to her credit that she's clearly embarrassed by this experience. I would have lost all hope for her if she'd doubled down (like some of the people Zoe has met over the years) and said something to Joyce like: "When you grow up, you'll realise that she brought it on herself."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Nov 2016, 05:19
You're amazing, Joyce. I won't say never change, because you have. So keep changing for the better.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Nov 2016, 12:16
This is turning into a nightmare for both Lesley and Robin
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Nov 2016, 21:10
God damn it, Leslie, your timing couldn't have been worse.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Nov 2016, 18:18
Agreed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Nov 2016, 04:57
Way to double down on the shittiness, Leslie. Dorothy, you're in college, asking to be excused is a courtesy at most, GO NOW.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Nov 2016, 05:08
Something to keep in mind is that Leslie was there at the rally and saw the whole incident between Amazi-Girl, Sal, and the creeps. For example, she saw this (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2016/comic/book-7/01-glower-vacuum/huff/), where one of DeSanto's people blames Amazi-Girl for the whole thing. So Leslie may think that Dorothy asking this question would make things worse rather than better.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Nov 2016, 14:21
Ahhhh Internet arguments

Even when you're right, you're wrong
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Nov 2016, 11:30
The Kryptonite to Billies threats of violence

Bureaucratic indifference
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Nov 2016, 14:15
Well, Ruth looks a lot better.

Don't be chickenshit Billie, go and share pudding with her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Nov 2016, 15:05
Is she offering Billie pudding, calling her pudding, or both?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Nov 2016, 23:33
Ruth doesn't seem like one for pet names so, yes, I think that she's offering Billie to share her pudding with her. Which is cute and possibly the first time I've seen a sweet 8-year-old looking out of Ruth's eyes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Nov 2016, 11:28
Reality check inbound?

I hope I'm wrong, but maybe Billie shouldn't be there at this stage of her treatment.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Nov 2016, 14:01
It's more like Billie needs to get some help on her own issues. Right now she's just going out of her way trying to start fights with people. And while Mary may have been deserving a smack down, the one Billie is really trying to hurt is herself. She's just trying to drag everyone around her down to do it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 18 Nov 2016, 15:14
My prediction is that Billie isn't going to be interested in a non-miserable Ruth. Billie wants someone to validate and commiserate in her misery and self-destruction. A healthy Ruth is anathema to what Billie wants in a relationship.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Nov 2016, 22:57
Or she could be a catalyst for Billie finally seeking help with her own issues.  I hope that that's the case and she doesn't run in terror from the new Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 20 Nov 2016, 03:54
I've been where Ruth is. Recovery can be scary. When all you've ever known is pain and sadness, experiencing anything else is off-putting. When i first started recovery I was afraid to leave behind my misery cos I was afraid I wouldn't know who I was without it. I've always had trouble trusting positive emotions/situations cos I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Nov 2016, 11:31
Ladies and gentlemen

I believe we have a breakthrough.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 20 Nov 2016, 12:10
I've been where Ruth is. Recovery can be scary. When all you've ever known is pain and sadness, experiencing anything else is off-putting. When i first started recovery I was afraid to leave behind my misery cos I was afraid I wouldn't know who I was without it. I've always had trouble trusting positive emotions/situations cos I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I empathise with this a lot.  Ruth's emotional state right now hits close.

Misery can be weirdly comforting, especially when it's all you've known for a long time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Nov 2016, 13:07
Who is this Jennifer person that you speak of?



Billie worries me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Nov 2016, 13:48
So maybe Carla did the right thing after all?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Nov 2016, 14:21
It was hardly an ideal outcome in terms of its consequences for Ruth but, yes, IMO it did more good than bad. I'm pretty sure that Carla's... mindset was probably more a source of Billie's anger than anything else.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 21 Nov 2016, 14:43
We have seen positive aspects so far. Though I expect this is going to send Billie into a downward spiral of feeling Ruth doesn't need her anymore, and in fact she was the one holding her back. But we still have not seen the other shoe drop, where Ruth loses her RA job. Possibly has to leave school and returns to the situation that caused her depression to begin with.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Nov 2016, 19:07
where Ruth loses her RA job
She might not. Considering the pace of this comic, she may very well have both lost it and not lost it for all of 2017.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 21 Nov 2016, 19:13
I'm pretty sure she lost her job when it came out that she was in a relationship with one of her charges. The RM was just delaying telling her while she was still in the hospital. Or it's possible that they are waiting to hear Ruth's defense... but I think it's pretty clear there is no defense. I suppose it's theoretically possible she could be kept on, but moved to a different building. But that would only be because someone went to bat for her and probably called in favors. And even then it's a good thing nobody reported on their drinking. If that comes out, I don't even think the RM vouching for her would stop them from giving Ruth the boot.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Nov 2016, 12:32
Wishful thinking Leslie?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Nov 2016, 21:56
Well, at least she knows she fucked up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Nov 2016, 23:33
You know, I really feel bad for Leslie here. She's pretty obviously quite lonely (probably baggage from her non-marriage) and things like that can make someone get desperate and think things that aren't likely or healthy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Nov 2016, 15:12
I really feel sorry for Leslie here.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Nov 2016, 11:39
Sydney is in for a rude awakening when she gets her Diploma


Dina is getting suspicious.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Nov 2016, 23:46
I don't think Becky could have come up with a 'reassuring statement' better planned to send Dina running away from her screaming if she'd tried to achieve that end deliberately!


[edit]
Willis has put up a preview sketch (undated as yet). I think I know the right caption:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Nov 2016, 15:06
Well, that was unexpected.

It's gonna be interesting to see where Dina and Becky go from here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Nov 2016, 11:00
Well, at least Becky got her wish
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Nov 2016, 15:37
Definitely an acceptable substitute to a hat

That woman seriously needs a chill pill

And the inevitible result of being a dick to customers.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Nov 2016, 15:49
Not gonna lie, my first thought was "wait, when did Ethan start working there?" And then I thought "why is she calling him Ken?" Oops.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Nov 2016, 21:42
Yay, Becky is employed!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Nov 2016, 23:35
What is more, she now has her very own delusional paranoid narcissistic nemesis who will doubtless go to endless lengths to persecute the woman who set her up to be fired so she could 'steal' her job. Not that Sydney needs much motivation to stalk someone and put together a scratch gang to try to destroy them (including physical violence) but this particular chain of events won't help much.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Nov 2016, 12:16
And I think we now know who Amazi-Girls next Supervillain opponent is going to be

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 30 Nov 2016, 13:12
Dina getting hired sounds like we'll get more Galasso and I'm so much in favor of this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 30 Nov 2016, 13:35
Dina getting hired? Do you mean Becky?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 01 Dec 2016, 01:37
Woops, yeah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Dec 2016, 03:51
"For your first assignment, serve yourself pizza."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Dec 2016, 03:53
A completely new concept in the food service sector - self-service eating out! We'll even pay you (minus the value of your purchase, of course)!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Dec 2016, 11:53
Galasso is Irkan
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Dec 2016, 12:28
Seems I've missed a few Comics

And this is turning out to be an interesting Storyline.

So, who would you prefer as Ruths replacement as R.A. - Roz or Dorothy?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Dec 2016, 14:14
Ehhhhh, still too early.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 05 Dec 2016, 15:51
First impression is for Dorothy but I'm biased towards her because I like her a lot. We've seen a lot more of her and she seems like she'd take the job more seriously than Roz, even if Dorothy is being admittedly self-interested and bureaucratic about it. Roz might be easier to talk to but she doesn't seem as ready for the responsibility and accountability. The idea of being the person involved and hearing all the gossip venting and to be the settler of arguments is fun till everyone is coming to you and the argument is more substantial and greyer than, "They're playing their music too loud!" That said Ruth's solution to that situation wasn't very involved either. (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/03-up-all-night-to-get-vengeance/orbiting/)

Just noticed there's an interesting poll on the site though, but since Willis has the buffer up to February, it won't have any bearing on the plot.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Dec 2016, 13:14
PLOT TWIST!  Dina winds up as R.A.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 06 Dec 2016, 13:15
COUNTER TWIST! Batman becomes the R.A.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Dec 2016, 13:21
Leading to a face off with Amazi-Girl
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Dec 2016, 14:19
Crazy Twist! Becky becomes the new RA!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Dec 2016, 14:40
COUNTER TWIST! Batman becomes the R.A.

How would you know? I mean, this is the goddamn Batman we're talking about here! You wouldn't know he was there until he wanted you to know he was there!

Personally, I think that they've already had enough superheroes as RAs, what with Ruth who, IMO, could be mistaken for Jessica Jones with a henna rinse job.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 06 Dec 2016, 14:55
Crazy Twist! Becky becomes the new RA!
"Sorry, Dorothy and Roz. The university charter specifically states that the RA here must have red hair... Wait, who are you and do you even live here? Who cares, you got the job."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Dec 2016, 12:21
A bored Sal is a danger seeking Sal.


And yes Sal, Marcie really is pissed at you at the moment.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Dec 2016, 02:14
Regarding today's strip (8/12/2016), it would be entirely in character for Robin (as she was in Shortpacked!) for her to have come running to Leslie for advice or help about something she thinks a liberal academic could help her with (outreach to minorities?) and remain blissfully unaware and largely-uncaring of the undercurrent of Leslie's emotions towards her. Robin being Robin, it is unlikely that she'll think of anything beyond her wants and needs. She might even be offended if Leslie declines to help someone who supports minority-disempowering legislation on the grounds that she doesn't see why she should be penalised for something that she doesn't care about.

Deeper thoughts aside, I really thought it was Roz at first; the DeSanto sisters really show their kinship when Robin is 'out of uniform', as it were.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Dec 2016, 05:59
To first paragraph: I really gotta finish his other comics. I just couldn't get into them, although I never tried Shortpacked.
To second paragraphs: Glad it wasn't just me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Dec 2016, 12:01
A slip of the tongue there Leslie?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Dec 2016, 09:47
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


Is our conservative, Republican, somewhat uptight Congresswoman actually attempting to hit on Leslie??!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Dec 2016, 09:56
Oh, Robin wants something from Leslie. What it is remains to be seen.

(click to show/hide)

FWIW, my guess is that Roz has told her about her desire to be RA and Robin has decided to lobby Leslie to support her campaign. Robin is the sort of woman who would, if she realised it was an option, indulge Leslie's romantic fantasies and even make a pretence of being a closet progressive hemmed in by her party's orthodoxy to get her support.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Dec 2016, 21:55
Re: yesterday's, weird phrasing there. "College teache"? Why not just say professor? To people outside the US, if you teach at a college, you're considered a professor here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Dec 2016, 12:02
Or she could be entirely different from her Shortpacked character ans actually is 'In The Closet' in this one.


Time will tell.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 10 Dec 2016, 13:26
Re: yesterday's, weird phrasing there. "College teache"? Why not just say professor? To people outside the US, if you teach at a college, you're considered a professor here.
Not necessarily - at Central Ohio Technical College, it was always "instructor", never "professor".

(If you wanted a professor, you went to Ohio State instead. Which had a satellite campus shared with COTC's main campus.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Dec 2016, 13:38
I think Joyce has Walky perfectly summed up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Dec 2016, 14:42
Joyce is simply the nicest person in that college, bar none. Even when she's nasty, she somehow comes across as this shining innocent!

That said, there is some comfort to be found in the familiar and, let's face it, Walky's salty attitude towards her is familiar.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Dec 2016, 12:05
The Church of Mike
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Dec 2016, 15:45
Ethan!!!

In Valens name man, what have you unleashed!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Dec 2016, 23:36
I really think that Mike seriously underestimated how high-maintenance Ethan is and just how much personal stress and inconvenience would be involved in trying to start a sexual relationship with him. This may be a prank that doesn't just backfire, it ends up exploding in his face.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Dec 2016, 04:00
Wait, you got potential sexual relationship out of that comic?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Dec 2016, 04:38
Wait, you got potential sexual relationship out of that comic?

No, based on this strip (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2016/comic/book-6/04-it-all-returns/percent/), where Mike stated his intention to seduce Ethan to upset Danny. With Mike, 'seduce' is very likely a synonym for 'have sex with and then dump in as traumatically and embarrassing manner as possible, including explaining how he planned this whole thing just to hurt his victim'.

I'm just thinking that Mike may have seriously underestimated just what an intellectual and emotional toll that this plan may exert on him, let alone on Ethan and Danny.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Dec 2016, 12:15
And Leslie and Robin drown their sorrows in moroseness and cheap Beer
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Dec 2016, 10:22
Hmmmm

Drunk Robin is interesting
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Dec 2016, 11:38
I don't think Robin is drunk; it's just that Frieda is her brain-to-mouth filter. Without her around, there's nothing to stop her saying what she really thinks!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Dec 2016, 13:22
In Vino veritas
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Dec 2016, 11:35
Gotchya Robin
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Dec 2016, 13:48
I think she's a 'One Drink Drunk' kinda girl.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 19 Dec 2016, 12:15
I sometimes wish I had a lower alcohol tolerance. It would save me money.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Dec 2016, 13:54
A romantic evening watchting Steven Universe
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Dec 2016, 15:03
Poor Leslie

And yes, Robin is that dense.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Dec 2016, 14:59
I hope she gets at least some free Pizza out of it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Dec 2016, 23:49
If Galasso's is like any other restaurant, there is a good possibility that anything left over at the end of the day is 'disposed of' by feeding it to the Minions.

Meanwhile in today's strip (12/22) -- I'm really not sure what's happening here. Sal can't let go of her burgeoning friendship-esque relationship with Amazi-Girl but clearly wants it to be on her own terms. There may be spandex in Sal's immediate future, at least for one or two capers before her good sense catches up with her and overrides her memories of reading superhero comic books under the bed-covers with Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Dec 2016, 14:21
This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship

If they ever get past the angst
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Dec 2016, 23:47
I can't help but wonder whether Willis will show us more of this rooftop or if we're going to have to fill in the blanks of what Sal and Amazi-Girl get to talking about based on their actions the next day.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Dec 2016, 12:19
We shall see.

Interesting conversation in any case.  It's the first time we've seen Amber/Amazi-Girl interact with Sal without going into 'Hyperventilation Mode' at some point.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Dec 2016, 11:18
"The light, it burns us it does!"

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Dec 2016, 14:14
So. it would take a Labor of Hercules to clean out the Girls Dorm Showers by the sound of it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Dec 2016, 00:30
Either that or a rigidly enforced 'wash out your cubicle' rule.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Dec 2016, 13:30
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/Kugai2/Memes/TheHorror.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Dec 2016, 00:34
WHOOPS!

Oh well; for Leslie's sake, here's hoping that what happens in Bloomington stays in Bloomington!

It won't of course; at some point, we're going to have Sal asking Leslie if 'your drunk friend' got home safely (she saw Leslie supporting her back onto campus whilst on rooftop watch with Amazi-Girl). Sal wouldn't blab but it only takes a few night owls to have noticed her for it to be basically common knowledge on campus within a few days that "... Representative DeSanto is Professor Bean's girlfriend but they have to keep it secret for the sake of their careers! Don't tell anyone!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Dec 2016, 05:13
Wait, when do we see any indication that Sal saw them? Also, what makes you think Leslie lives on campus?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Dec 2016, 05:34
Wait, when do we see any indication that Sal saw them? Also, what makes you think Leslie lives on campus?

Sal spent the night on the watch on the rooftops with Amazi-Girl, making sure Ryan doesn't come prowling around looking for revenge on the girls who evidently (in his own mind) ratted him out.

I've just got a feeling that Leslie is still pretty much in the income bracket (as well as the social pigeon-hole) where it would be easier and possibly safer, at least in her own mind, for her to sleep on campus in a seniors/junior staff dorm rather than try to find housing elsewhere.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Dec 2016, 14:22
0_p


The mind boggles.  And Leslie is going 'WTF??'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Dec 2016, 21:10
Well, they're still clothed. The Congresswoman, at least.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Dec 2016, 02:03
I think that Willis is departing along a very challenging and controversial arc right now. It's going to test everyone who believes that Leslie is basically a decent and kind personality; it's even going to test the character's own self-image. It will be difficult to write for him, difficult for us to read and will remind us that, on the personal level, there are rarely 'white hats' or 'black hats', only victims of others' determination to control your life.

There have already been dark rumblings on the comic's comments page; I think that he may lose some readers over this. I doubt he'll care - Willis has always struck me as a man who wishes to write a story for the story's sake rather than a being commercial author who writes to sell Patreon subscriptions and I generally admire his artistic integrity in this matter. However, that doesn't mean that the fallout will be any less heated.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Dec 2016, 07:16
Is Leslie a bigger deal in the non-DoA strips? Because honestly, has she ever been a major DoA character? And even if she is more of one in other strips, isn't everyone different in DoA than they are in the other ones? Basically I'm asking why it's a big deal if Leslie isn't perfect.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Dec 2016, 07:31
Leslie and Robin's relationship was a primary character arc in Shortpacked.

(click to show/hide)

FWIW, I think the problem is that DoA!Leslie has, to date, been presented as this secular saint of LGBT advocacy and activism. The fact that she has flaws and, frankly, is lonely and isolated enough emotionally that she could make hugely bad relationship choices to lessen that pain shocks some readers. Personally, I think it's a nice nuance and gives the character depth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Dec 2016, 08:11
But she's appeared so few times in DoA that going just on that, I can't really claim to be surprised by this development (although she has appeared enough for me to be disappointed in her for telling Dorothy effectively to sit down and shut up instead of asking Robin her question).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Dec 2016, 08:17
That's the thing: A huge part of Willis's fanbase was acquired during the long run of It's Walky and its parallel sequels, Joyce and Walky and Shortpacked!. Most of the fans assumptions for the characters come from the Walkyverse, so they will expect them to behave as they did towards the end of J&W and S! and it surprises and even dismays them when this doesn't happen.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Dec 2016, 08:33
DoA's been around for what, six years, though? How do people not realize that this is a completely different comic with completely different characters that just happen to be named after and sorta look like those ones?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 28 Dec 2016, 08:58
Willis has said that they're the same characters IIRC, but raised in an environment where there aren't
(click to show/hide)
.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Dec 2016, 09:02
Interesting. I honestly couldn't get into the Walkyverse (I read a few years into It's Walky and the one that came before it but whose name I forgot).

Also, if they were raised in a different environment, then they aren't really the same characters.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 28 Dec 2016, 09:13
Think of DoA as a "what if these characters didn't have those things in their world" reboot of the Walkyverse.

There's still a lot of innate nature shared between the Walkyverse and DoAverse incarnations of the characters. And, as they've still got the same parents IIRC, there's still going to be a lot of shared nurture between them, too.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Dec 2016, 09:15
They aren't completely different people though either. They are not carbon copies though, but they do share a majority of personality traits and interests across the settings.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Dec 2016, 10:38
Maybe they're less similar than Willis has let on. It's not likely, but it's apparently possible if this arc is any indication.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Dec 2016, 11:33
So far I'm not seeing anything that is too far away from characterization of other versions of these characters. At this point Leslie has taken a picture, that's it. Obviously it's not 'souvenir of a good time' material here. But we haven't seen what she plans or will do with it yet.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Dec 2016, 12:32
Just how similar or how much of a divergence from the previous comics this will wind up being will be interesting to see.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 28 Dec 2016, 22:54
I am proud of Leslie. That was a hard choice, but it was the right one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Dec 2016, 23:49
Yeah, I kind of thought that Leslie wouldn’t be able to do it; it’s just not in her nature to do something like that.

You know what else is entirely in-character? Robin’s whole story from beginning to end as well as her attitude towards Leslie and the whole situation. Sometimes, I don’t know if she’s charmingly and innocently simple or if she’s just a complete sociopath. She literally seems to have no clue and little interest in how her whims affect anyone else.

That said, I can't help but think that it’s kind of sweet that she sort of followed Leslie home like a lost puppy that had been shown affection for the first time in its life and curled up on her bed because it looked 'comfy' (read: reassuring and safe). I wonder what the ‘thing’ was? Is Leslie’s landlord a DeSanto voter? I kid you not; I can actually hear him saying something like: "It was a direct order from a congresswoman! I mean, aren't you supposed to do what they say? Isn't that in the Constitution somewhere?"

That said, I think it's more likely that Robin just told a direct lie like: "I'm Leslie's new girlfriend and I forgot my key." It seems that this Robin, like her DoA counterpart, doesn’t respect or even fully comprehend anyone’s boundaries. I really am starting to wonder if Robin has some kind of sociopathic behaviour disorder. In essence, if she wants something, she will do whatever it takes to get it and basically view the other party as being defective in some way for wanting to deny it to her because she cannot see any reason why they should do so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Dec 2016, 05:06
Does Leslie's door not have a chain? Holy shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 Dec 2016, 07:21
You know what else is entirely in-character? Robin’s whole story from beginning to end as well as her attitude towards Leslie and the whole situation. Sometimes, I don’t know if she’s charmingly and innocently simple or if she’s just a complete sociopath. She literally seems to have no clue and little interest in how her whims affect anyone else.

Why can't it be both? Though honestly I don't find her charming at all. And I really have to wonder how she became a congresswoman if she's as simple minded as she seems to be. Her behavior goes on to long and at all the wrong times for me to think it's just an act. She really doesn't understand people or what motivates them. And she only cares about what she wants. She can barely muster enough effort to put on an act when it's in her best interest, and drops the act as soon as it's not immediately effective.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Dec 2016, 07:50
Most democracies have the concept of a 'safe seat' where the party machine will install a reliable person so that a completely mindless and loyal vote in the House for that constituency can be guaranteed (knowing that their majority is so great and loyal that a cabbage would probably win the election). Maybe that is how it was for Robin. Recognising a woman so determined to have a position of ease at the top of the pile, lacking the intelligence to get it on merit but quite willing to be a mindless drone for whoever can guarantee her the things she wants, the party machine parachuted Ms DeSanto into what was previously a safe red seat.

I say 'was' because Robin's performance has been so uninspiring and her record in office so empty of achievement (to the point where the size of her breasts are practically the only positive that she can come up with to campaign with) that it looks like the people of Bloomington are willing to vote Democrat to eject her. I suspect that they want to have someone representing them in Congress who will represent them or at least do something other than parrot whatever her political handlers tell her to say and vote whatever way the party leadership tells her to vote.

Naturally, poor Robin doesn't get what she's done wrong... again.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Dec 2016, 13:56
I think it's safe to say that Leslie deleted that Selfie at the right moment.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 30 Dec 2016, 22:34
Once again I want to punch Mary in the face. Not only is she a cruel, spiteful hypocrite, she's also full of crap. "I knew". What a load of bollocks.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Dec 2016, 22:51
Ahhh, but it would appear that there is someone in the Dorm that has her number and doesn't even have to speak to shut her down.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 31 Dec 2016, 02:34
Once again I want to punch Mary in the face. Not only is she a cruel, spiteful hypocrite, she's also full of crap. "I knew". What a load of bollocks.
To be fair, that actually is a callback to speculation she made earlier in the comic (based purely on Robin being 30 and unmarried, so the speculation was made using incredibly sexist American "Christian" logic, but...)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Jan 2017, 12:27
And most likly why it'll actually be Dorothy who winds up as R.A. rather than her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Jan 2017, 14:25
And thus the argument comes full circle.

Nice Kitchen though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 02 Jan 2017, 18:37
The thing about Dorothy or Roz becoming RA is it's not an election or popularity contest. Being liked is one of the least important qualifications. After all, Ruth had the job before them. But going to the residents and getting them on your side is going to mean something between very little and nothing. It's the Resident Manager they need to talk to.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Jan 2017, 18:46
For someone who doesn't make tenured professor money, she tosses an expensive phone pretty casually. (It's not hers, but still)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Jan 2017, 23:25
Robin, for someone not interested in having a lesbian relationship, you're reacting pretty strongly to your own double-entendres! Seriously though, I think that we're going to all be surprised to see Leslie[ restraining Robin and telling her to go slow rather than react to her desires and regret later.

You see, as funny as it was watching Becky running around shouting out "Hey! Guess what? I'm a lesbian!", I don't think that it would work so well for Robin.

That aside, I'm really worried about the occupants of those cars. Whoever they are, they're likely trouble for this two. How to deal with it? I'd recommend 'phoning for someone to see off the Paparazzo.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Jan 2017, 14:05
I wonder if Leslie has Amazi-Girls number?


And  Hoooooooo boy!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Jan 2017, 12:46
And that's the frustrating part.   
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Jan 2017, 13:43
Well, at least she found a way to get her to talk
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Jan 2017, 13:07
I'm sorry Billie, but for Dorothy that's nigh impossible - and would be completely out of character

And does it surprise anyone that Billie has a hidden stash?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Jan 2017, 15:18
So Danny joins the long line of DoA characters that I desperately want to hug until it is gets better for them. :cry:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Jan 2017, 15:24
And now he'll have to pay attention in class too
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Jan 2017, 04:30
Okay, it took me a while to work out what today's strip (1/9/17) is all about. Maybe I'm not as good at getting Willis's subtle humour and story-telling as I thought.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 09 Jan 2017, 04:53
Look at the tags - he'd have used "other alex" if this was a new character, instead he reused the "alex" tag. (He actually went back and updated all of Jocelyn's tags to match, when he revealed that Jocelyn is a trans woman, too.)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Jan 2017, 06:54
O...k then? I figured reusing Alex as a tag was continuing the joke that one Alex was as good as any other to the indifferent class. Benergy's speculation seemed like a stretch, but apparently Willis actually intended that interpretation. I'm confused but also intrigued.

Edit: Clicked on the tag and...ok, I guess they could be the same person. You guys have a much better memory for background characters than I do.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Jan 2017, 14:31
And don't we already have a well established Trans character in the form of Carla in the Strip?  Not saying there isn't room for another similar character in order to expand the diversity and add a different and fresh perspective on things, which is always a good thing.

Or is Willis going to move to having them two either be best buds or antagonists/protagonists?

Will beintereting to see where this storyline goes.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Jan 2017, 14:33
If Alex is trans, she doesn't seem to be out. To the class at least.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Jan 2017, 14:40
Others can answer better than I, but isn't that something that is not uncommon?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Jan 2017, 15:19
Oh, that's not at all a criticism, I was just saying that in response to her and Carla being friends/foes specifically because they're trans, which is what I got from your post.

But yeah, if Willis says that Alex is trans...is that a spoiler? I mean already out of the bag here, I just never really know anymore what is and isn't a spoiler.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 09 Jan 2017, 15:49
So this is ultra-spoileriffic: http://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/post/155637225372/im-just-going-to-go-ahead-and-assume-that-the-new
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Jan 2017, 15:50
Tempting. I'll resist, though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Jan 2017, 15:02
So what's she gonna catch next?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Jan 2017, 23:20
The Gyarados doing a Dragon Dance behind Alex is on her list...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Jan 2017, 13:40
Sound advice from Dorothy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Jan 2017, 13:23
You DID ask Billie
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Jan 2017, 13:02
Joyce rushes in where even Sarah fears to tread

And Joe is nwo THE DANNY
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Jan 2017, 15:08
YOU THE DAN NOW DOG

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Jan 2017, 13:41
It would seem that Joyce has firm views on the apocalypse.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Jan 2017, 13:37
Damn, Becky is good.


Or Joyce is overpredictable
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 15 Jan 2017, 13:55
Yes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Jan 2017, 13:06
Love is letting Amber capture the Magikarp.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Jan 2017, 16:47
This is going well
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Jan 2017, 23:35
You do sometimes need a stranger and their distance to see what's really happening and tell you what's good and bad about it. Maybe that's what Joyce (and, to a certain extent, Joe) have needed for a while - a kindly stranger to tell them what's what.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 18 Jan 2017, 05:25
I just wanna say that Jacob is awesome.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Jan 2017, 06:11
I'm pretty sure Jacob just became my favorite character.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Jan 2017, 13:31
Indeed, the voice from outside that is sometimes necessary
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Jan 2017, 13:23
Joe's mind cannot process the data that conflicts with his mindset
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 19 Jan 2017, 13:40
I'm very impressed by Jacob. I don't agree with okaying what Joyce and Ethan did because they were both in heavy denial and suppressing themselves and it could have been very harmful for both of them in the long run. However with this kind of introspection and self-awareness Jacob is showing, a lot of people could make steps to dealing with painful issues and minimise the risk of going into their hard emotional areas. I think Ethan and Joyce were more skirting into avoidance with the illusion of dipping their toe into their issues, Joyce especially. Hearing another person acknowledge sex can be scary must be very validating for her.

I'm curious to learn more about Jacob and what lead him to thinking this much about his relationship with sex. Also how it affects Sarah's view and thoughts of him and herself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jan 2017, 15:28
I'd call it extraordinary exceptional customer service.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Jan 2017, 13:39
Lois Lane she ain't
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jan 2017, 13:58
Well, I suppose it's better than having Melissa Etheridge blaring out of the Stereo - that would give the Press outside some real ideas.  ;D    ;)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Jan 2017, 01:26
Well, it looks like Willis has decided to have a new ship set sail!

"Anchors aweigh my friends! Anchors aweeeiiigh!!!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Jan 2017, 04:25
I see it as more of a friendship*. I think the upside is that Sarah probably isn't interested anymore.

* :claireface:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Jan 2017, 12:38
Awkwaaaard
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Jan 2017, 13:16
I shudder to think
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Jan 2017, 15:03
(S)He who laughs last laughs loudest
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Jan 2017, 12:06
Conversations you have with yourself after having conversations with the people you should have had the conversation with yourself with but were too chickenshit to have the conversation your having with yourself with.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Jan 2017, 15:45
Or knows that having the conversation is a very bad idea.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Jan 2017, 13:15
But as Becky said, she'g gotta tell her.  The longer she leaves it, the more awkward the situation becomes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Jan 2017, 15:37
That will be when Grace 'Flips' you I think Dorothy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Jan 2017, 20:22
Grace is fucking rude.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 30 Jan 2017, 21:44
I have to admit that on reading yesterday's comic my first thought was that my reaction in Dorothy's situation would have been "Well, fuck you too." I will never be elected to public office.

Then I realized I have been in that situation and my reaction was to badger the person ignoring me until they snapped.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Jan 2017, 04:28
Well the person ignoring you was fucking rude, too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 31 Jan 2017, 04:47
Don't be so sure, we have conclusive proof that being openly assholish can get you the highest public office.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Jan 2017, 13:36
A challenge makes Dorothy smile
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Jan 2017, 18:43
I'd say it's the opposite. I think she's glad she can always rely on Walky being Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Feb 2017, 13:51
There is that.

That, and shared Milkshakes 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Feb 2017, 15:24
Walky flunks a test
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Feb 2017, 15:49
Several! Also, if it's only October, he can probably just drop the math class. He's a first-semester freshman and he's Walky, I'd be shocked if he already has a major.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Feb 2017, 23:34
Unfortunately, it isn't that easy. Dorothy is perfect in his eyes so he has to be perfect too in order to be worthy of her. I'm not sure if this will flatter her or make her feel even more incredibly guilty than she already feels about not being able to help Joyce conquer her demons and not helping Billie feel better!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 03 Feb 2017, 02:30
Several! Also, if it's only October, he can probably just drop the math class. He's a first-semester freshman and he's Walky, I'd be shocked if he already has a major.
Pretty sure his major is Telecommunications but I can't find the comic where it's mentioned right now. It's one of the early ones, where he's walking to class with Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Feb 2017, 05:06
Here's one that mentions it, though I don't think it's the one you're referring to. (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/04-just-hangin-out-with-my-family/footforward/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Feb 2017, 11:44
"And that's when she hit me with a baseball bat."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Feb 2017, 11:13
Maye not Walky, but she's gonna give it a damned good try
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Feb 2017, 15:52
Dawwwwwww
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Feb 2017, 14:06
Well, that's SOME progress
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Feb 2017, 14:44
Really? She barely remembers a word of what Leslie's been saying since yesterday! I know that Robin is a bit slow but, if she wants to hang out on Leslie's couch, she's going to have to start listening or she's going to end up being ejected in front of the press corps with Leslie making a comment about 'home invasion' and 'attempted seduction' that would ruin her for good.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Feb 2017, 23:15
So, regarding the 2/7/2017 strip:

Well, that was pretty much inevitable! I'm not going to hold my breath that Robin will learn anything from this. Nonetheless, I can't help but wonder if this is the first time her selfishness has led to public humiliation of this sort and whether this will make her at least wonder what she did wrong.

The news cycle today will be... well... quite frankly it's going to be career-destroying for Robin. Which, frankly, is a good thing because it's clear that the Washington Bubble has been toxic for her on many levels.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Feb 2017, 15:43
Robin, someone really, really needs to explain to you about pushing your luck too far
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 08 Feb 2017, 02:41
What is wrong with that woman?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Feb 2017, 03:00
What is wrong with that woman?

A complete inability and/or unwillingness to understand anything other than 'I want...' and a complete inability and/or unwillingness to accept any state of affairs other than the one she wants.

I sense an embarrassing (and career-destroying) afternoon in jail for Robin followed by a scripted public statement in which she 'stands aside' for her former campaign manager to fight the seat in her place. Meanwhile, she'll will 'go into seclusion to consider my future' (actually go to her parents' house to sulk in her old room and obsess about ways she can win 'my lesbian's' heart and get her seat back).

Basically, Robin is going to ruin her life and become Leslie's weird and vaguely comical pseudo-Stalker; comical because she utterly fails at being threatening, only tragicomically sad to the point where Leslie starts wondering if she has a responsibility to protect Robin from herself as no-one else seems to care to do so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 08 Feb 2017, 06:27
The DeSanto family is pretty well off financially aren't they? I seem to remember Roz talking about something like that.. Multi-generational politician line I think, not unlike the Kennedys.  Robin clearly doesn't know how to deal with or interact with people and relies heavily on her aides. She has no real idea what she's doing or why, which leads me to think she got her position basically by being a legacy and a 'safe bet'. Someone the party can trust to vote as she's told. She also seems pretty spoiled and used to getting what she wants just because she wants it... Basically she's acting like a rich 11 year old who doesn't understand personal boundaries or responsibility.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Feb 2017, 09:23
"Professor Bean had troubles of her own!
She had a yellow-shirted girl who wouldn't leave her home!
Steps were needed with deception as the key,
Just little Robin D! How hard could it be?
(How hard? How hard could it be?)
How card could it be?


"But Robin came back the very next day!
Robin came back, we thought she was a gonner
But Robin came back, she just wouldn't stay away-y-y!
(Wouldn't stay, wouldn't stay away)
Wouldn't stay away-y-y!
(Wouldn't stay, wouldn't stay away)
Wouldn't stay away!
"

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Feb 2017, 11:06
I inexplicably hope things work out between these two.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Feb 2017, 15:02
At least she proved inadvertantly good at gardening


And I unacountedly agree with Method
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Feb 2017, 13:33
Well said Joyce, well said.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Feb 2017, 13:38
Joyce, you are amazing <3
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Feb 2017, 14:23
Whoda thunk it, Amazi-Girl and Sal make a great team.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Feb 2017, 15:24
At this point, who's still surprised at that?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Feb 2017, 14:12
It may also be that his Message Box is full Joyce    ;D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Feb 2017, 23:37
Okay, today's strip (2/13) is probably one of the most subtly frightening that I've ever seen.

(click to show/hide)

A lot falls on Danny's shoulders this night. Depending on how he handles this will probably have a very large impact on whether Amber begins to heal or whether she ends up in a straitjacket.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Feb 2017, 14:30
Oh the conflicted Superhero moment.

I hope Danny is helpful here, the last thing we need it Amazi-Girl/Amber going Two Face on us.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 14 Feb 2017, 04:52
I think Danny deserves a bit of a break...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 14 Feb 2017, 07:53
It looks like the wall between Amber and Amazi-Girl is starting to crack.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Feb 2017, 14:49
The dividing line between the two is definitely becoming thinner and thinner.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Feb 2017, 23:37
It's more that Amber wants there to be a dividing line between the two and that it's never been as thick or as clear-cut as she's wanted.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Feb 2017, 13:04
And I think that the point is fast approaching where she can't run from it anymore
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Feb 2017, 12:46
Nice going Sarah.  See, you can do nice things.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 17 Feb 2017, 01:19
Wow, Carla really is an asshole.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Feb 2017, 01:24
Not really; just poorly-socialised, defensive (to the point where she's afraid of letting anyone get close to her to maybe hurt her) and abrupt. Yeah, she can be rude and selfish but she has her good qualities too. You just need to either make her feel safe enough to show them or be in a situation so immediately demanding of action that she feels no choice but to act on them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Feb 2017, 05:49
Why was she wearing them on top of her actual shoes?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 17 Feb 2017, 05:57
She doesn't want to contaminate her actual shoes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 17 Feb 2017, 13:03
Carla's line in the last panel makes me wonder if she's going to attempt to salvage the Jug Shoes or otherwise improve upon the design.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Feb 2017, 13:35
I think, knowing Carla, it was a bit of both.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Feb 2017, 21:55
She doesn't want to contaminate her actual shoes.
I mean why doesn't she wear them instead of her actual shoes?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Feb 2017, 23:42
It's a test run, not an operational deployment; Joyce doesn't want to risk the actual skin of the soles of her feet until she's sure of her creation!

Just a guess: I'm wondering if Carol had an issue about her kids running around barefoot at home; some parents do.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Feb 2017, 14:37
I wonder if Carla is from a small planet somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse and knows Ix.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Feb 2017, 09:25
Sorry if I've asked this before, but what does "storyline over" mean? Does it mean he's not going to address anything about this anymore?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 19 Feb 2017, 10:23
He breaks each day of the story into a separate "storyline", and when he publishes the comics in book form there are four "storylines" per book. "Storyline over" just means it's the end of the day, and tomorrow's comic will be tomorrow-in-universe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Feb 2017, 11:01
Oh right! Wait, didn't this day just start? That is, in the middle of the political rally thing?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 19 Feb 2017, 11:03
Yeah, I think this one was shorter than usual.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Feb 2017, 11:12
Ahh, ok. I'll try not to forget what "storyline over" means, because I'm like 99% sure I asked this last time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Feb 2017, 12:51
The question remains whether Ruth feels ready to leave the Hospital and where she'll go when she does.  I know she has no desire to go back home, that place is toxic, and is partially responsible for creating the Ruthless Ruth we all know and love and led to this mess in the first place.

Will she go back to College?  I'm not sure if she can  What about her and Billie?  Where''s that gonna go?  Ifshee does go back how are the others going to react?  She won't be R.A. anymore,that's a given, and if she's able to, will she want to go back?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Feb 2017, 13:37
Well, if you're into spoilers...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Feb 2017, 14:53
Oh FFS Robin!!!

*Headdesk*

You're trying too hard.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Feb 2017, 15:34
Twizzlers in the morning, Twizzlers in the evening, Twizzlers at suppertime. Wait, no, that doesn't work. Those Twizzlers aren't on a bagel.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Feb 2017, 15:33
Twizzlers in the morning, Twizzlers in the evening, Twizzlers at suppertime. Wait, no, that doesn't work. Those Twizzlers aren't on a bagel.

Do NOT let Robin see that idea.

She's gonna have to leave that house and face the music eventually.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 22 Feb 2017, 02:38
So Mike's into dudes. I know he implied that before but I thought he was joking. Neat.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Feb 2017, 02:45
Willis has said that the characters' alignment hasn't changed from the Walkyverse and this strip confirms it, IMO.

Personally, I've always assumed that Mike is an aromantic pansexual: Sex to him is a tool and something that he so subborns to his intellect that he couldn't really be said to be a 'preference'; sex doesn't really have an emotional content for him. So long as it furthers his goals, he'll do it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Feb 2017, 14:35
His evil plan is now eposeed

Along with his chest.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Feb 2017, 15:52
Face it Carla, you did something nice and got appreciated for it.  That's not a bad thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Feb 2017, 16:31
Whoa, there's finally an Eric! And he's a terrible person who cheats on his girlfriend. Damn you, Willis!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 24 Feb 2017, 02:26
Poor Joyce. She just got her head wrapped about the concept that being gay isn't a bad thing after all and now the thought of monogamy being the only way to have a relationship is next.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Feb 2017, 13:09
At least her head hasn't exploded

And take it easy Joyce, just because your Dorm is a a hotbed of lesbian action doesn't mean the world's about to end.  :D ;)   (/sarcasm)

Becky's gonna love hearing about this, and knowing Joyce, she's gonna learn about ti.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Feb 2017, 07:15
Am I the only one who thought "who the hell is that guy?" before realizing it was Walky?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Feb 2017, 13:18
Honestly Walky, I'dve thought you would have learned by now to recognise when Mike is pushing your buttons just to get a reaction outta you.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Feb 2017, 06:34
Walky learning something? I think you have the wrong comic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Feb 2017, 14:24
RUTH  RETURNS
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Feb 2017, 14:45
Ruth, I know that you won't believe me; I know that you can't believe me but please try: They're not laughing at you; they're not looking down at you; they're not marginalising you. They want to be there for you - Don't be afraid to ask.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Feb 2017, 15:16
That last comment Ruth makes has me thinking - is she going to stay on and continue at the College or not?

It's good to see Billie is there for her, and Typhoid Mary aside, I have a sneaking suspicion that the others are going to surprise both Ruth and Billie,
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Feb 2017, 19:33
It's so easy to remember that Ruth's a year older, but she's still pretty much a kid.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Feb 2017, 23:39
That last comment Ruth makes has me thinking - is she going to stay on and continue at the College or not?

I think that Ruth thinks that she's going to be laughed out of the dorm and thrown out by the college for 'abusing' Billie. I suspect that this arc will mostly be about her being surprised by none of these things happening and, in the end, her rejecting the part of her that wants them to happen.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Feb 2017, 14:52
Wellllllllll........

At least Joyce meant well
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Mar 2017, 12:13
I certainly hope Ruth isn't going to leave/get kicked out.   One can understand her pessimism at this point though.

And I think you should have whispered in Billies other ear Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Mar 2017, 13:53
Let there be light

And sarcasm with a smile
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Mar 2017, 14:01
I really don't think Chloe wants to let Ruth go as R.A., but I don't think she has any real choice in this.

On the other hand, Ruth seems more relaxed about things.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Mar 2017, 13:17
Uhoh, busted!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Mar 2017, 13:55
Only 'busted' in the sense of 'I haven't seen her before'. Oh, Becky's going to be busted eventually if she doesn't find an alternate place of abode but, just for today, I'm pretty sure that Chloe is going to be too focussed on Ruth to think too much about a new face in the corridors.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Mar 2017, 14:30
The lure of the hat is strong and Becky finds it impossible to resist.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Mar 2017, 19:16
Why are they remaining chaste again?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Mar 2017, 23:35
My guess:
Oddly enough, she had no such problem with Joyce. This is probably a testament to how easy it is to confuse interpersonal familiarity with something deeper.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ryangoslink on 06 Mar 2017, 01:45
My guess:
  • Dina may not be ready for (or even fully understanding of, on an emotional level) sexual intimacy;
  • Becky is definitely not mentally or emotionally ready for sexual intimacy.
Oddly enough, she had no such problem with Joyce. This is probably a testament to how easy it is to confuse interpersonal familiarity with something deeper.
I think it's the first one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 06 Mar 2017, 12:53
Despite everything's that happened, her problems with her church and openness to learning new things (like Dina teaching about dinosaurs and fossils) Becky still believes in God and identifies as Christian. Nervousness and not bring ready is a big thing but Becky is still influenced by ideas like not having sex before marriage or "living in sin". Although I wonder based on their upbringing what Joyce and Becky think counts as sex between two women.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Mar 2017, 13:47
Becky is very innocent and doesn't really understand much when it comes to sex. Like Joyce she had an extremely sheltered, even oppressive upbringing. I'm pretty sure she and the girl at the school she was at didn't get any further than a bit of kissing before they were caught. But she has a lot of emotional baggage about relationships to sort through yet and no experience. Sadly, Dina isn't going to be any help there at all. Sleeping with Joyce wasn't that big a deal. She may have been attracted to Joyce, but she also knew nothing was going to happen there and they've had a long history that includes sleep overs. Dina is different. They are dating, and have no prior history. So sleeping with her, even if nothing happens, has more going on than sleeping with Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Mar 2017, 14:26
I think Dina may have a far better understanding of sexual intimacy than Becky who, lets face it, was raised in a bubble as far as that goes, but I don't think either of them is at the stage where they're ready to go that 'Next Step' - Becky more than Dina at this point.

Nice try Walky, but I think the only place you're going today is to class.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Mar 2017, 16:12
Subtle Amber, very subtle.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: SubaruStephen on 07 Mar 2017, 20:35
That's a weird looking chair.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 07 Mar 2017, 20:58
They're a thing at universities nowadays, because they give some privacy for studying.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Mar 2017, 09:50
"Studying"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Mar 2017, 16:14
At least she fits in with everyone everywhere.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Mar 2017, 11:56
Excuse the pun, but it'd be a fucking disaster for you in particular Ethan.  Mike's the kind of  guy who just doesn'tbive a toss about anyone else but Mike.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Mar 2017, 21:31
Well, it'd be a disaster for him after, not necessarily during. Also I didn't notice that Walky didn't have pants on until I looked back after the flashback panel.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Mar 2017, 23:10
Speaking of disasters, I wonder if Walky is ready to be dragged through the halls in his underwear by Mike whilst Joyce and Becky lecture him about taking sacred things in vain?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Mar 2017, 13:16
Walky's heading for a disaster here, I don't think he can keep cutting classes the way he is without it having consequences in the long run.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 10 Mar 2017, 13:19
Of course  he can't. He was already having trouble with that class. Not showing up for instruction and possibly missing the test means he'll definitely fail it. But this is Walky we're talking about here. He barely thinks of the consequences of what he does in the next few minutes. Much less what happens when it's grading time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Mar 2017, 13:28
True enough unfortunately.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Mar 2017, 06:07
Good job, Walky. Also, I apparently will never cease to forget that Walky is based on his last name. What's his first name again?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 11 Mar 2017, 06:11
David. David Walkerton.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Mar 2017, 06:30
And the very next page he proves me wrong. He can surprisingly do the right thing occasionally.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Mar 2017, 13:41
Indeed


And I get the impression that Dina is a leetle pissed at Walky at this point.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Mar 2017, 16:06
Why would she be? She has no reason to be friendly or unfriendly to Walky. She's just using his full name because she's Dina.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Mar 2017, 17:54
I get the impression that Dina is one of those people that only uses a persons full first name like that when she's annoyed or upset at them.  Remember, she's used to calling him Walky by now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Mar 2017, 14:26
Becky, the Peter Griffin of the DoA set......

:-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Mar 2017, 15:23
And now we have to send for Dr. Jones to get into her Tomb.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Mar 2017, 17:43
David.
He does not strike me as a David. But then again, I guess that's why he goes by Walky.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Mar 2017, 00:19
David.

He does not strike me as a David. But then again, I guess that's why he goes by Walky.

He actually doesn't like being called David.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Mar 2017, 17:39
I wonder how hard he's biting his tongue

Or is it fear of getting a pounding from Dorothy?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 15 Mar 2017, 01:51
This can't be good. God damn you, Willis.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 15 Mar 2017, 02:24
No, it probably won't be good but it might be better. I'm pretty sure it's Ruth's grandfather with whom she has a problematic relationship (the causes of which are only speculative at the moment, even on Ruth's part). I find myself wondering if we're going to have a considerable clearing of the air.

Just because Ruth is sure that her emotionally-distant grandfather hates her doesn't mean that he hates her. Depression can put ugly masks on the faces of people who love you.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Mar 2017, 15:41
Has she mentioned her grandfather? What makes you think that?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Mar 2017, 15:51
This will either be good



Or a complete fucking disaster on top of the disaster that has already occured.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Mar 2017, 13:39
@$^$#@!!!



DAMN YOU WILLIS!! DAMN YOU STRAIGHT TO HELL!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 17 Mar 2017, 00:47
Well... fuck. I knew this could only go badly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 17 Mar 2017, 02:33
Oh. That hurts. Ruth's expressions are hard to look at.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Mar 2017, 14:14
Ruthsplosion in  5 ..... 4 ..... 3 ...... 2 .....
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Mar 2017, 00:42
The more I see of Chloe, the more I get the impression that she was glad that Clint Lessik was there because he's taking away from her what would otherwise be the intolerable burden of doing her job by choosing a new RA.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Mar 2017, 13:45
Don't cave Ruth
Don't cave Ruth

In Valen's name, DON'T CAVE!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Mar 2017, 13:46
THIS

CANNOT

STAND!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Mar 2017, 03:44
I know that lots of people don't like me doing this as they think of them as spoilers but I just had to share the latest preview panel that Willis put on his Tumblr:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Mar 2017, 05:27
You're more than welcome to share your spoilers in spoiler tags like you're doing. I don't think anyone objects to that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Mar 2017, 14:54
Veteran or not, this guy is right up there with Ross

Or 'Mad Dog' Morgandorffer
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Mar 2017, 16:36
I am really beginning to despise this asshole.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: brightwings00 on 21 Mar 2017, 19:44
This was mentioned before on DoA's comments page, but somebody needs to turn Clint over on his back like a giant tortoise so he's flailing around with his arms and legs in the air and he can't get up.

I nominate Billie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Mar 2017, 08:36
Damn, Ruth. I get it, but...damn.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 22 Mar 2017, 11:11
Yelling at the wrong person, here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Mar 2017, 15:48
Agreed

Dammit Ruth, stop yelling at the wrong people, get some gumption and  start yelling at the RIGHT people

Starting with that prick of a Grandfather of  yours.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Mar 2017, 18:12
Yelling at the wrong person, here.
The last panel shows she's well aware of this.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Mar 2017, 00:34
You know, occasionally, Willis writes a strip in which we remember just how long Joyce and Becky have been best friends and sisters-in-all-but-blood and today's strip (3/23) really is one of them. I don't think that Walky was aware of what he had unleashed upon himself when he randomly used religious language to try to skip class but he's going to.

On what was certainly intended to be the main subject of the strip: Yeah, that's the rub, isn't it? False accusations do happen and Internet doxxing and the like does happen and it is so very easy to get cynical about it. However, at the same time, what if the accusation isn't false and it is a genuine warning? So, what to do about it? I've got to admit that if I was the guy in the hoodie, I would have at least asked the random freshman girl (Sal) why she was so certain it was for real rather than brushing her off as he clearly does.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Mar 2017, 10:01
I'm pretty sure the best thing to say would be nothing at all if you were the guy in the hoodie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Mar 2017, 16:37
Buuuuut considering it's Walky, don't expect him to follow that rule
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Mar 2017, 14:09
Well, at least he's honest for a change.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Mar 2017, 16:13
I think you may be overstating your case there Walky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Mar 2017, 00:24
Was Jason this much of a condescending and borderline-abusive bastard in the Walkyverse? I might be wrong but I always read him as being more the straight man to Walky's comedic hero in the earlier universe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Mar 2017, 14:42
Ahhh, bribery and corruption - that's one way to get a passing grade

Or get kicked out.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Mar 2017, 14:48
So, Ruth will be remaining.  But what does that mean for Billie?

And Howard has ......... interesting priorities
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Mar 2017, 18:32
Well done Billie.

Now watch Gramps come along and fuck things up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Mar 2017, 10:15
So if Billie is in a different dorm, is there any reason they can't keep dating?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Mar 2017, 17:23
If Douchepa has anything to do with it,  I'd say no.

Chloe you idiot, you may just have pulled the Safety Rod on an unstable explosive Pile.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 29 Mar 2017, 22:10
And the shoe has dropped. I can't say that I'm surprised. Ruth putting up with Grandjerk to protect her brother.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Mar 2017, 07:56
I forget, did they explain why her brother lives with their grandfather?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Mar 2017, 08:10
I forget, did they explain why her brother lives with their grandfather?

Ruth's parents are dead and Clint is their only close kin. He was given guardianship over them both.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Mar 2017, 08:11
Ahhh, dang.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Mar 2017, 14:06
Suminabeatch asshole dasttich

Ross ain't got nothin' on this asshat.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Mar 2017, 16:03
I wouldn't go that far. I'd say they're comparable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Mar 2017, 14:42
So, Howard is a WMD
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Apr 2017, 06:19
Joyce, you know you can delete a text, right? :parrot:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Apr 2017, 15:18
Of course she does


But where's the fun in that??  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Apr 2017, 15:58
"What is this being friendly thing you speak of??"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Apr 2017, 23:33
I get the feeling that Sarah is increasingly wondering if Joyce is transferring what she wants to do with Jacob onto her. Specifically the 'stalk' bit. I think that Sarah needs to sit Joyce down and explain acceptable boundaries of behaviour.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Apr 2017, 16:57
I have to agree with you on that

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 04 Apr 2017, 04:26

...and so Joyce willingly, and wittingly, took her first steps towards the Dark Side...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Apr 2017, 04:36
I think that is underestimating Joyce's naivete. She's working towards the 'fairy tale ending' that she's sure is the right shape of the universe; she's also doing so with incomplete information and in the completely erroneous assumption that Sarah wouldn't steer her wrong.

I suspect that Sarah will pull her back in a day or so after spending all that time angsting about what she's done. There will then follow a talk about boundaries that will shake the foundations of Joyce's world-view when it comes to romance. What remains to be seen is if Joyce first makes a fool of herself by marching up to Raidah and essentially explaining what she's doing and why (either directly or indirectly).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 04 Apr 2017, 05:43
I think that is underestimating Joyce's naivete. She's working towards the 'fairy tale ending' that she's sure is the right shape of the universe; she's also doing so with incomplete information and in the completely erroneous assumption that Sarah wouldn't steer her wrong.

I suspect that Sarah will pull her back in a day or so after spending all that time angsting about what she's done. There will then follow a talk about boundaries that will shake the foundations of Joyce's world-view when it comes to romance. What remains to be seen is if Joyce first makes a fool of herself by marching up to Raidah and essentially explaining what she's doing and why (either directly or indirectly).

Sorry, don't agree.
(Unless you mean her naivety is in believing Sarah want's Jacob for herself... And thus feeling those means justify the ends she is choosing to work?)

But...
Joyce has already stated that she does not WANT Raidha and Jacob together. (In fact, this strip starts with her re-asserting that.)
All Sarah is doing, is giving Joyce the go-ahead to try to enforce what she already thinks should be the status quo, regardless of Sarah's motives...

Joyce, being the Christian and all, is forgetting (or ignoring) the "Judge not..." tenet.
Who is *she* to decide who should be with whom?
And all of it based on nothing more than Sarah disliking Raidha and liking Jacob?

That's... why.. that's 'sinful', isn't it??

Either way..
This is gonna end up in an all-out s**tfest,

OR Jacob and Dorothy find ultimate peace in their shared beliefs, and her innocence and desire to become a 'good wife', and an outlet/support for Jacob to curb his sex addiction...

Or an all-out s**tfest...   
:wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Apr 2017, 06:02
Joyce, being the Christian and all, is forgetting (or ignoring) the "Judge not..." tenet.
Who is *she* to decide who should be with whom?
And all of it based on nothing more than Sarah disliking Raidha and liking Jacob?

The thing is that Joyce can only go on what she's seen. Raidah has been catty and cruel to Sarah whilst Sarah is Joyce's big sister surrogate (in her own mind at least); Raidah and Sarah's roles in Joyce's world-view were set by their behaviour, not her choice. So, she'd not judging; she's acting in harmony what all that nice Mr Walt Disney's movies has told her is the natural order of things: The princess (Sarah) lives happily ever after with the Prince (Jacob) and the Wicked Witch (Raidah) ends up defeated and with nothing.

You can't be said to be 'judging' if all of the influences on your social development have already done the judging for you on a subconscious level.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 04 Apr 2017, 06:09
Joyce, being the Christian and all, is forgetting (or ignoring) the "Judge not..." tenet.
Who is *she* to decide who should be with whom?
And all of it based on nothing more than Sarah disliking Raidha and liking Jacob?

The thing is that Joyce can only go on what she's seen. Raidah has been catty and cruel to Sarah whilst Sarah is Joyce's big sister surrogate (in her own mind at least); Raidah and Sarah's roles in Joyce's world-view were set by their behaviour, not her choice. So, she'd not judging; she's acting in harmony what all that nice Mr Walt Disney's movies has told her is the natural order of things: The princess (Sarah) lives happily ever after with the Prince (Jacob) and the Wicked Witch (Raidah) ends up defeated and with nothing.

You can't be said to be 'judging' if all of the influences on your social development have already done the judging for you on a subconscious level.

I think only something like 3 months have passed in *real time*?
(And Joyce has seen Sarah be just as Catty... what she is *not* seeing is Raidha's reaction to Sarah's actions.

And Joyce is not a child. I totally get the 'Fairy Tale' she may be labouring under, but it doesn't alter the fact that to do so she has to give places to those characters...
And to put someone in the role of the Wicked Witch, means having to judge the Witch as Wicked in the first place.
But even on a basic level, she wants to break Jacob and Raidha up because she judges that Sarah is a better person than Raidha...
NOT a Christian value...

(although that's a WHOLE other story... one which would lead to me showing how it is ENTIRELY a Christian value, despite the holy handbook's instructions)  :wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Apr 2017, 07:39
"Joyce is not a child"

Ehhh, she's only what, 18-19? She's a college freshman. Not quite a child, but not really an adult, either.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 04 Apr 2017, 09:23
"Joyce is not a child"

Ehhh, she's only what, 18-19? She's a college freshman. Not quite a child, but not really an adult, either.

Old enough that she should know when she's being judgemental - Naïve enough to not know she's being used?
:)

That said... I hate to admit it, but I'm finding there's a little bit of hypocrisy going on over at the DoA forum, mainly down to how this exact issue is being given a *pass* because it's two 'better liked' characters!  :)  I mean, Sarah is getting a little bit of stick, but how much of an arse would *Mike* be getting called if he had been in Sarah's place?


Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Apr 2017, 09:37
It probably helps that most people don't like Raidah at all. They'd probably be fine with Mike doing it too taking that into consideration.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 04 Apr 2017, 09:48
It probably helps that most people don't like Raidah at all. They'd probably be fine with Mike doing it too taking that into consideration.

True, although I'm totally ambivalent towards her.
Mainly because I'm on the fence about "What Sarah Did!"
I get her reasoning. But I also understand the other friends' reacted the way they did... no-one likes a clipe!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Apr 2017, 17:56
Joyce is the eternal optimist of the group.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Apr 2017, 05:10
Why did Dorothy skip lunch? (zoom in on her grade) Ahh, now I C :clairedoge:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Apr 2017, 16:40
Oh dear
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Apr 2017, 14:47
Methinks thou doth protest too much there Leslie.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 07 Apr 2017, 02:35
Methinks thou doth protest too much there Leslie.

So who's gonna link to the Office Space clip?   :laugh:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Apr 2017, 14:17
That poor Printer/Copier Machine.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Apr 2017, 22:22
Yesterday's:
Today's: Welp!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Apr 2017, 16:31
I think she's  someone who wants a chair to SIT on Amber.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 08 Apr 2017, 21:51
Use a pinap berry! You could get twice as many Sal candies!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Apr 2017, 14:36
Pokeballs don't work on Sal's Amber.

They just piss them off.



Truth be told though, i get the feeling it wasn't Amber who tossed it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 09 Apr 2017, 21:23
Hopefully Amber doesn't get too scared.

"How the hell's it rainin' in here!?"  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Apr 2017, 23:12
Kill Bill moment

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Apr 2017, 23:33
FWIW, it will be interesting to see if it occurs to Sal to look up. This doesn't seem to be something that asymptomatically occur to people, in my experience.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Apr 2017, 07:09
Laundry girl?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Apr 2017, 07:42
Laundry girl?

The last time Sal had any interaction with the Amber persona, she was having a panic attack in the laundry room at the very sight of her most feared person - Sal Walkerton. Sal hadn't noticed; indeed she's remained oblivious of  the fact that Amber freezes or runs away whenever she shees her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Apr 2017, 18:48
Master Yods would have a field day with this lot.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Apr 2017, 16:26
Readyyyyyyyyyy!

FIGHT!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Apr 2017, 16:25
Denial

Ia a river in Africa Billie.



And Howard is a Lannister..
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 13 Apr 2017, 16:27
It's also possible to be attracted to someone when you don't find anyone else of the same gender attractive.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Apr 2017, 16:47
I'm not sure if Howard is growing on me

Or whether I want to run him over with a Steamroller.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Apr 2017, 16:20
Trust Walky to get to the heart of the matter.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 15 Apr 2017, 22:27
"Sea of Paul Ryan weightlifting photos'. I can't say I am surprised. Nauseous, but not surprised.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Apr 2017, 00:35
Surely 'Paul Ryan' and 'weightlifting' is an oxymoron?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Apr 2017, 08:12
(click to show/hide)

Also I just caught up from a few days ago. I can't say I'm surprised there are bi people who don't know being bi is a thing, but still...yeesh.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Apr 2017, 16:25
Somedays, you  just can't win
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Apr 2017, 16:31
Happy Leslie. Happy Teacher.


Grumpy Dorothy  Grumpy Student


Hypergolic mix?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Apr 2017, 23:28
Now I'm looking forward to When Becky Met Robin. I've got a feeling that this will be a bizarre and surreal moment that may leave Leslie wondering just what had just happened in her life.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 18 Apr 2017, 01:45
Aw, Leslie and Becky are cute together. This feels good and I'm not going to get worried. Maybe a little.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Apr 2017, 18:34
They're gonna double team Robin with adorable cuteness overload
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Apr 2017, 23:44
Either that or Joyce will end up punching out Robin's lights. Yeah, hitting a Congresscritter is a Federal crime but does she really want to have a long string of witnesses up on the stand in court telling the world about how she was in the middle of a home invasion when she was assaulted?

Seriously, I love Joyce in today's strip. Both how she's drawn and her dialogue makes her come across as really heroic and true in spirit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Apr 2017, 18:15
Whatever happens with Robin, it's gonna prove interesting.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Apr 2017, 23:27
Meanwhile, Leslie is continuing to work to bring my prediction of an in-class nervous breakdown to pass.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Apr 2017, 16:24
SHADDUP WALKY
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Apr 2017, 19:55
I wonder if he's doing different voices or not even bothering.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 20 Apr 2017, 21:16
Well played.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Apr 2017, 23:29
Not only did Leslie plan a whole class about slapping down Roz for her earlier behaviour, she's manoeuvred her into leading it! That's cold!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Apr 2017, 17:16
Ahhh Leslie, I see you are familiar with the old Klingon saying 'Revenge is a dish best served cold'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Apr 2017, 15:29
Fortress Amber
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Apr 2017, 06:25
I didn't know she could do that. Interesting.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Apr 2017, 15:16
Shes Amazi-Girl,she can do anything!

Pretty neat trick though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 23 Apr 2017, 17:31
Well, be anything except sane.  Amber is cracking more and more as this strip goes on.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 Apr 2017, 18:35
Well, both of those things are pretty true for comic book heroes... They're always pulling unknown powers out of various bodily orifices, and have at best dubious sanity.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 23 Apr 2017, 21:57
I'd argue anyone who decides to put in a Halloween costume and run around punching people can't be of too solid of a state of mind to begin with.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 Apr 2017, 22:43
Especially when the people they are punching are armed or capable of snapping steel girders with their hands. And Amber has faced off against the former, balanced on the hood of a speeding car.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Apr 2017, 23:34
So, as of today's strip (4/24), Amber having something like Dissociative Identity Disorder is as confirmed as it likely is going to get, given Willis's general dislike for labelling his characters' mental states. This is a big revelation for poor Danny who, I suspect, had previously thought that dating Amazi-Girl, not Amber, was either a kind of kinky costume thing or even a secret identity thing.

Here's the weird part: Both of the alters living in that body like him a lot. This could lead to one weird romantic triangle. It will be a test of his feelings for both Amber and Amazi-Girl whether he's willing to take on that complex relationship.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 23 Apr 2017, 23:45
Nothing like having a polyamorous relationship with one person.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 24 Apr 2017, 02:22
"KISS her, you blockhead!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Apr 2017, 19:27
Which one?


:-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 24 Apr 2017, 19:58
Amber should kiss, AG, obviously.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Apr 2017, 23:06
The thing is that Amber is more comfortable hiding and she has no incentive to change that at the moment. She's also proud enough not to want to go back on her decisions, no matter how ill-considered. I think that the time has come for Danny to move on... again.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 25 Apr 2017, 02:24
The thing is that Amber is more comfortable hiding and she has no incentive to change that at the moment. She's also proud enough not to want to go back on her decisions, no matter how ill-considered. I think that the time has come for Danny to move on... again.

Sad, but true.
Personally, I'd like to see Danny and Sal get *back* together...

( I know - different universe, but the Danny/Sal thing always smacked as cruel (to both of them) to me...)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Apr 2017, 07:58
Danny and Sal? I read far enough in the other 'verse to get that, but...good god, why?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 25 Apr 2017, 09:40
Danny and Sal? I read far enough in the other 'verse to get that, but...good god, why?

Mainly because they started off together, and in their heart of hearts certainly seemed to *want* to be together.
Danny loved Sal. Sal loved Danny. But ...stuff.  (Nooo, not 'Butt stuff'!!)

I think it would be a nice tip o' the hat to allow them *both* to be happy (together) in this particular corner of the walkyverse.
(Old romantic that I am!)  :-)


ETA:
I think this (below) is from the redux, which is what I read.
I dunno if you read 'It's Walky' from its conception, or if you saw this *new* intro...

They seem to be a great couple... And Danny isn't really the weak 'Charlie Brown-ish' figure he eventually became.

http://www.itswalky.com/comic/college-ho-page-5/ (http://www.itswalky.com/comic/college-ho-page-5/)

Just read it again... Still think it's a damn shame...   :cry:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Apr 2017, 17:46
As much as you want to Amber, you cannot hide forever.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 26 Apr 2017, 02:27
As much as you want to Amber, you cannot hide forever.

"AMAZI GIRL DOESN'T HIDE... SHE EVADES!!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 26 Apr 2017, 06:44
True, but Amber totally hides.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Apr 2017, 16:48
And fuck you too Rachel
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Apr 2017, 16:39
The Coup will take place five  minutes after Carla gets there.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Apr 2017, 15:47
Carla is multifaceted as well as being capable of multitasking.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Apr 2017, 23:21
Throwing out Robin now is going to be difficult: She made cupcakes!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Apr 2017, 19:11
Indeed

It is too late now
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 30 Apr 2017, 10:02
I wouldn't make that bet Leslie. Robin at least lacks the empathy to try and convince Becky to give up the couch. Also... at what point was Leslie going to ask if Becky wanted to stay there? Seems kind of a big presumption. I'm mean, I'm sure she will, it's better than risking being caught sleeping on campus. But that seems kind of the thing you should ask before informing people she's staying there. In short, it doesn't seem like anyone in this house can see or think past their own desires.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Apr 2017, 10:29
I'm a few days behind, just caught up, but yes, Carla can indeed be both.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Apr 2017, 18:21
The great mystery  - How  did Robin make Muffins without Eggs or Flou?

Maybe that's a question best left unanswered - or handed to CSi.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 May 2017, 00:09
Of all the people in the world to call Leslie out on how manipulative she's been by using Becky as a tool to try to eject Robin, naturally it had to be Robin herself.

The great mystery  - How  did Robin make Muffins without Eggs or Flour?

That's what makes them so dangerous to eat. They may have been made of things that 'looked like' the right ingredients like Weetabix ("I mean... it's from the same plant as flour, right?") and the centres of Creme Eggs.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 May 2017, 15:36
As long as she doesn't fall to The Dark Side, I think Leslie is safe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 May 2017, 18:49
Chillin' with the Rep.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 May 2017, 23:40
I've got this strange feeling that Robin has met her new Press Secretary and Special Adviser.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 May 2017, 16:47
It's a mooving meeting whatever happens,but will Becky milk it for all it's worth or willthe hole thing just wind up being an udder disaster.


*Drops six  Centauri Ducats into the Pun Jar*
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 May 2017, 16:50
And thusly, the modern Amazon Nation is born



:-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 May 2017, 16:14
And now you know how Brian Cohen felt Roz
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 05 May 2017, 20:20
Random thought - I wonder what Mary would think of President Trump. I feel like she'd be extreme enough to dislike him for all his 'ungodly' behavior, but maybe she's also extreme enough to support him just for the hope of ruining the lives of LGBT people. She's already shown she's willing to be hypocritical when it comes to her love of Reagan (he was a divorcee and she's supposed to opposed to that).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 May 2017, 23:54
Mary strikes me as a dyed-in-the-wool Ted Cruz fan and felt that he was the divine choice to rule God's Own Country.

Whilst she's come to terms with having yet another East Coast Liberal as President, she's still upset that he hasn't done things that are important to her like put all the perverts in re-education camps, drive all non-Dominionist non-whites out of government jobs and set all benefit entitlements to zero. She also prays many times a day that he will see the 'light' and publicly adopt Dominionism.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 06 May 2017, 06:50
So, the question is, why is Ryan there? My guess: he's an intern for the de Santo campaign. What's-her-name (Robin's campaign manager) may have sent him to do... something... to Leslie as she leaves her class. Fortunately for her (and for Joyce), he's too late.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 May 2017, 07:01
Man, this comic is a reminder of that weird "always takes place in the year it was published despite 2010 only being a couple months ago" thing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 06 May 2017, 07:03
Yeah, I was wondering how long it would take for Trump references to start showing up after the election (I think his buffer at the time went to March).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 May 2017, 07:32
Oh hell, Ryan. This can't be good. I seriously doubt a random intern would be sent to do something about Leslie. More likely he's here for Dorothy, Joyce or someone else. Remember that his face has been plastered on social media about his attempted rape of Joyce. The fact that he's wandering around inside with his hoodie up makes me think he's hiding.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 May 2017, 18:23
Hopefully, he's back for his final fall and trip to jail
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 May 2017, 21:31
I'm glad Dorothy can talk to Walky, and I'm glad he asked.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 07 May 2017, 06:10
Reading the latest (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2017/comic/book-7/03-the-thing-i-was-before/tearin/) has made a sad thought occur to me. It's great Dorothy and Walky are talking more but before they got together Dorothy thought she didn't have time for a relationship. (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2012/comic/book-2/02-choosing-my-religion/forward/) Even when they got together she made it clear that it'd be temporary (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2012/comic/book-2/03-the-first-step-towards-recovery/planning/) and school was to take precedence.

Now it's cutting into her time and grades significantly. This timed relationship might be coming to its end.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 May 2017, 08:07
Are we sure the relationship's to blame?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 07 May 2017, 08:50
Not sure it's to solely to blame but it obviously takes up a lot of time. Dorothy puts a lot of pressure on herself (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/04-just-hangin-out-with-my-family/missed/) and Walky is definitely something she could consider a distraction (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/02-i-was-a-teenage-churchmouse/muster/). He doesn't do it intentionally, in fact he recognises how much she does.  (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2017/comic/book-7/02-everything-youve-ever-wanted/cracking/) So I'd hope Dorothy can rebalance things to keep herself happy and on top of things but that still involves looking at everything she's doing and figuring out her priorities and how that means reorganising her time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 May 2017, 10:06
Are we sure the relationship's to blame?

I think that the point is that Dorothy is possibly going to think her relationships and social contacts are to blame and might start isolating herself.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 May 2017, 22:19
Re Joes suggestion to Walky and Dorothy


























BURN THE HERETIC!!!! BURN HIM I SAY!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: 94ssd on 07 May 2017, 23:07
I had a very similar issue to Dorothy my Freshman year of college. I mean, I never was a perfect student like her. But I came to college with way too many interests and this can-do "try anything once" spirit.

My first semester I was writing for the newspaper as an opinion writer. But a couple weeks into my 2nd semester the opinion editor got bumped up to managing editor and the new opinion editor was a massive prick, so I quit. My grades improved rather quickly after that, even with me still doing debate team, volunteering, and a few other clubs. I hadn't realized how much of my time and attention it took up.

Which got me to thinking why Dorothy, a pre-law major who wants to go into politics, is spending her time writing for the paper. That seems like a droppable interest.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 May 2017, 23:37
Which got me to thinking why Dorothy, a pre-law major who wants to go into politics, is spending her time writing for the paper. That seems like a droppable interest.

I think that Willis wanted to create a Chloe Sullivan/Clark Kent dynamic between Dorothy and Amber with Dorothy becoming Amber's 'true believer' supporter to counter-balance Sal's opposition. However, I'm getting the feeling that he dumped this arc after a while.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 08 May 2017, 04:25
Yeah, I was wondering how long it would take for Trump references to start showing up after the election (I think his buffer at the time went to March).

But Willis has stated in his blog that Trump is dead in this Universe...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 May 2017, 07:43
It's times like these I wish blog posts counted as comic canon (for me). Also, it's rather comforting that Dorothy doesn't seem to think that her relationship is expendable and is instead looking for other solutions.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 08 May 2017, 09:41
Except he said in the comments that
(click to show/hide)

Also, what's interesting is that Walky sees himself as expendable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 May 2017, 10:53
If you view comments as part of the comic, then sure. It makes sense. And I hooe Walky can be convinced that he's not. Then again, I often have difficulty being convinced that I'm not.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 09 May 2017, 02:18
Except he said in the comments that
(click to show/hide)

Also, what's interesting is that Walky sees himself as expendable.

Now that's interesting....

I admit to only skip reading the DoA comments section...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 May 2017, 07:51
I don't really see the point of the comments, that's what this thread is for!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 May 2017, 17:45
Not everyone who comments there comments here.

And is Joe in practice for a job as a spy?

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 May 2017, 18:39
Not everyone who comments there comments here.
Yeah, but I'd rather discuss it with friends. Btw, my earlier post meant I don't see the point of the comments for me, sorry if that wasn't clear.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 10 May 2017, 06:45
Not everyone who comments there comments here.


 :psyduck:  ... I can't help but see that as a good thing...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 10 May 2017, 10:11
I read the other comments sometimes. Especially on the big deal strips to see as many other reactions and interpretations. When I've got here too though I'd rather comment here
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 10 May 2017, 13:38
I'll admit that when I load the strip, I do a Ctrl-F Cerberus on the comments - her analysis adds quite a bit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 May 2017, 16:25
OOOOOHHHH!!!

Robin and Leslie havin'  their first 'Fight'  :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 May 2017, 21:39
Dang. That being said...obviously.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 May 2017, 23:40
Given the nature of Indiana and of the Republican Party, today's events (5/11) were entirely predictable and foreseeable. By everyone except Robin, of course.

[edit]
Now I find myself musing on the consequences of this for Robin. I have got the impression that Robin has been basically groomed to be a Republican politician all her life by her political family (IIRC, her father was a GOP politician too).

I think I can see it in my head: Studied Politics, Philosophy & Economics in college; first job was an intern in her dad's political back-office team where she kept her head down until she was parachuted into a safe seat as a 'reliable' (i.e. entirely controllable) candidate. Basically it is quite possible that her only work skill is being a politician. She has no other experience and no other skills. I bet she lives in apartments that come with the job and relies on her political expense account and the largesse of lobbyists for her lifestyle. Now that is all gone. No, I don't think that Robin has much in the way of savings; that really doesn't seem in-character for her.

It is quite possible that Robin's parents will disown her for 'dishonouring the family name' or something similar. It is quite possible that Robin is going to learn what it is to have Becky's life from a first-person perspective: to be a disowned and homeless bisexual woman who suddenly is finding just survival a challenge.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 11 May 2017, 02:39
I'll admit that when I load the strip, I do a Ctrl-F Cerberus on the comments - her analysis adds quite a bit.

Each to their own, I suppose...   :wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 May 2017, 15:47
The cold, cruel hand of Republican Party politics strikes home.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 May 2017, 17:07
Dang!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 May 2017, 17:09
A solid enough reason I suppose Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 May 2017, 16:33
I never thought I'd say something like this considering just what a douche Ross turned out to be, but I hate Ruths Grandfather more than Ross.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 May 2017, 23:44
I really want to know how Clint (for such is his name) manages to wangle so much information about Ruth's personal life out of people. I can't shake the feeling that he's a trustee or something. I've heard that having financial control or influence is a very easy way to persuade people to forget their duty of care and confidentiality.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 15 May 2017, 05:55
He is also her legal guardian and she recently had an episode where they believed her to be suicidal. Yes, they are going to turn over information they feel is pertinent under the idea that he will be able to help her. Since Ruth doesn't talk about her home life, the medical professionals have had no reason to understand that he is the source of her problems, not the solution.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 15 May 2017, 06:42
However, she's over 18, so he's no longer her legal guardian unless a court's declared her to be sufficiently impaired that she requires a legal guardian.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 15 May 2017, 08:03
I do imagine that he is her emergency contact, however, and also probably co-signer on her student loans. I suspect that he was rather insistent that she grant the school permission to inform him of things.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 May 2017, 18:14
He's still a feckin' gobshite regardless.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 May 2017, 17:39
Add sanctimonious bastard to my previous comment, and that's him
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 May 2017, 19:04
PUNT FORMATION!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 May 2017, 17:14
An' then they bring out those 'Special Remastered Editions' on  ya!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 May 2017, 20:05
Is yesterday the first time Asma was given a name in the comic?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 18 May 2017, 20:09
She had a name before - the tags are canon - but I think this is the first time that she's been named in the strip itself in a main comic.

(There's also talk in the comments of Patreon exclusives where she's apparently played a part, though, so maybe she was named before in-comic.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 May 2017, 20:24
the tags are canon
Ehhhhhhhhhh...sure. Maybe. I specifically said "in the comic" rather than "canon" because I didn't want to go down this road, so...yeah.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 May 2017, 21:22
Well this is an obnoxious cliffhanger (even if it is just for a day).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 19 May 2017, 02:46
She had a name before - the tags are canon -

... Unless, (as seems to be the case from today), they are not...

(And the whole Jocelyn thing was also Ret-conned when that came out in the arc.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 19 May 2017, 03:23
True - more correctly, the tags reflect canon as of the publication of the latest strip.

What's interesting is, Willis was using "amazi-girl" and "amber" tags separately for a couple years at least, before all but outright stating Amber's dissociative identity disorder in-comic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 19 May 2017, 03:41
True - more correctly, the tags reflect canon as of the publication of the latest strip.

What's interesting is, Willis was using "amazi-girl" and "amber" tags separately for a couple years at least, before all but outright stating Amber's dissociative identity disorder in-comic.

Either way, (re: Today's strip) "Ryan" may well still be his name... but he lied to the 'party' reps.
(I somehow doubt this though...)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 May 2017, 16:20
Plot twist - he's related to her
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 May 2017, 16:29
Well!!!!


That was unexpected!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 May 2017, 00:18
Calling it now: Robin's new campaign manager is going to be one Becky McIntyre and the whole thing will be run out of the staff break room at Galasso's. It will crash and burn, of course, but will be spectacular and glorious in how it does so.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 May 2017, 15:55
Maybe,  but dang I feel sorry for her now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 May 2017, 21:21
She had a name before - the tags are canon -

... Unless, (as seems to be the case from today), they are not...
What hilarious timing. I'm not sure I would consider the tags canon, because they're not in the comic. Either way, I wish she'd asked what his name was before she fired them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 May 2017, 19:33
So you can stop the funk


With a good shower and a nice smelling soap
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 22 May 2017, 21:09
You know what I could have done without today?  Joe.  Did I say "today"? I meant "ever again".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 23 May 2017, 02:06
You know what I could have done without today?  Joe.  Did I say "today"? I meant "ever again".

HEY!!!

(Checks thread...)

"oh."


(E.T.A. What are the odds she becomes "Mrs Joe" ??)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 May 2017, 02:15
(E.T.A. What are the odds she becomes "Mrs Joe" ??)

From my experience, Willis doesn't really do 'romcom' cliches in Dumbing of Age but, who knows?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 23 May 2017, 02:23
(E.T.A. What are the odds she becomes "Mrs Joe" ??)

From my experience, Willis doesn't really do 'romcom' cliches in Dumbing of Age but, who knows?

You think?

The very first 'relationship', with Dorothy's shift to Walky, seems as rom-com as it gets.
Similarly the apparent "tension" between Danny and Ethan.
The collision of Becky and Dina...

Abusive Fathers/Parents aside... The whole thing is a rom-com!  :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 May 2017, 21:54
I love Robin's optimism

Too bad it's misplaced
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 May 2017, 23:10
It might not be!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 May 2017, 23:24
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm convinced that Becky and Galasso's will have a role to play here. I'm thinking that Robin is going to be standing out there until morning and, when Galasso and his wife come to open up, Mrs G will take pity on her and insist that she's given a job. She'll become one of Galasso's weirder minions - the table-waiting woman who will tell everyone that she's waiting to be re-elected to Congress with "My Lesbian" at her side. Becky becomes her close friend in approximately the same vein as the friends she had Shortpacked!. One of the roles Becky will have is to keep Robin slightly connected to reality.

Sometimes, the path to redemption requires a long journey through the wilderness to discover wisdom. For a personality like Robin's that journey naturally takes on the characteristics of farce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 May 2017, 17:49
That's it Joyce, get it down accurately
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 May 2017, 16:28
Yup, Mary ain't learned a dang thing

Sounds about right.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 May 2017, 14:36
Rachel has a point, even though Billie  punching her would probably make Ruth feel good
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 May 2017, 21:38
Oh, fuck off, Rachel.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 May 2017, 23:15
In Rachael's defence, she's probably been holding in her hatred for Ruth for a very long time, aware of Ruth's position of power and the trouble that it could cause for her if she spoke up. However, I don't think that in any way takes away her moral obligation to give Ruth precisely one chance to prove she isn't telling the lies that she must to keep her position.

Besides, I've got a feeling that this tirade is hurting Amber too.

P.S.:
I've got to share this picture; Willis has put up a new character model for Joyce.

(https://68.media.tumblr.com/ee64f1a93f0ea3fce61202643bd23ae1/tumblr_oqn8f4H8dj1sm8ur3o1_1280.png)

I think someone is going to a party!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 28 May 2017, 03:17
It sounds like Rachel has dealt with something before.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 May 2017, 13:02
And fuck you too Rachel

You've just proven your as big a bitch at Mary with no hear and no soul
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 May 2017, 16:08
And once again, Mary completely misreads the situation and shows she only undertands what she WANTS to understand

And once again, she'll find out she's on the road to an asskicking..
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 30 May 2017, 06:47

Seems to be a lot of hatred towards Rachel 'over there' (and a modicum over here too!)

And whereas I *get* the ire, I don't get the (what seems to be) double standard re: Ruth/Robin and Rachel/Robin haters.

Seems to me the same people who Decry Robin as abusive and hate her for it don't mind that Ruth did similar things (more openly and violently) - Whereas Robin is just blind to her own wishy-washiness.

And When Robin at least *tried* to redeem herself (no matter how clumsily) those same people decried her for being irredeemable!

Can't have it both ways, surely?

A LOT of the comments seem to hinge on the fact that Rachel is *abusing* (I totally disagree with that BTW) someone who has just been released from Hospital etc etc...

To me, that ignores the fact that if this is how Ruth has *been* (up until, what, last week/fortnight 'comic time'?) then would those same people have supported Ruth had she NOT "attempted suicide"? I have no doubt that many victims of bullying and abuse, which Ruth herself committed, would often wish someone like that *were* dead.

So why the sudden outpouring of hatred for Rachel for calling her on her shit?
Does the fact that she attempted (apparently) to kill herself make the historic abuse go away?
Should it alter the anger and hatred those abused BY her should feel?

Rachel is simply voicing what (I would imagine MOST) suffers of abuse, victimisation, bullying etc feel... That the people who "Promise they'll never do it again" -  ALWAYS do it again.

Does this mean bullies and abusers are beyond redemption? Well... I suppose not.
But try telling that to someone who has heard that same "I'll Change!" promise over and over again.

Were Rachels words out of hand? Maybe. Byt should she be roundly "Fuck You!"'d for daring to rail against her abuser because, for once, her (and other's) abuser has had it the same way she has given it to others? HELL no.

And, as we are still discussing a 'cartoon strip'...

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 May 2017, 17:13
Wait, how is Robin irredeemable?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 May 2017, 18:21
That's the point, Robin isn't given the right concurrences.   Rachel's just being a big a bitch as Mary at this point



And NEVER mess with Dinogirls there Joyce, they can quite easily go Velociraptor on ya in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 May 2017, 23:35
Wait, how is Robin irredeemable?

From the comments thread on the comic page, the consensus is because it's she's GOP congresswoman. I think that some people are treating her as a Trump surrogate for their anger.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 31 May 2017, 04:27
Wait, how is Robin irredeemable?

Exactly my point!

(And I can't help but like her!)  :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 May 2017, 16:34
Yeah right Dorothy,  I bet Amber's heard that before
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 May 2017, 23:34
Big fight scene in the offing. I suspect that we're about to have a massive (and almost certainly traumatic) watershed in Amber's mental condition and self-image.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 01 Jun 2017, 04:32
Big fight scene in the offing. I suspect that we're about to have a massive (and almost certainly traumatic) watershed in Amber's mental condition and self-image.

Either that, or a fusion of Amber and AG...?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 01 Jun 2017, 11:18
:o
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Jun 2017, 16:32
And in the process, Ryan is going to get his ass handed to him before being led away in cuffs


IF he's lucky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Jun 2017, 20:38
What's he holding?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 01 Jun 2017, 21:17
Tonight's comic makes it pretty clear...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Jun 2017, 21:40
Oh, shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Jun 2017, 23:26
It's pretty clear that Amber is close to a melt-down. Sal and Blaine could tell 'Ryan' that when Amber has a melt-down, bad things happen to the people who are the source of her fear.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 02 Jun 2017, 04:08
It's pretty clear that Amber is close to a melt-down. Sal and Blaine could tell 'Ryan' that when Amber has a melt-down, bad things happen to the people who are the source of her fear.

Hence, the Dreaded Red Background!

(And now.. for a scene change, and a three month long arc where Danny and Ethan discuss the new Transformers movie, with Mike adding the occasional punnage/act of carefully planned 'random' violence)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 02 Jun 2017, 05:07
I'm concerned if Amber is near the same kind of meltdowns as before. Rachel's words indirectly got to her as well and she was in the middle of processing that and Dorothy "breaking up" with Amazigirl.

Although the knife could be a direct reminder of the time with Sal. I'm not entirely sure how she'll react to that but I also admire the amount of composure she has to try and give instructions and reassurance to Dorothy when they're both scared.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 02 Jun 2017, 06:41
I also admire the amount of composure she has to try and give instructions and reassurance to Dorothy when they're both scared.

She has had considerable self-defense training. One of the main things a good self-defense course teaches you is situational awareness and maintaining a clear head in a crises. Dorothy, on the other hand, has lead a fairly sheltered life as far as I can tell.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Jun 2017, 18:33
So long 'Ryan',  been nice knowin' ya

NOT
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Jun 2017, 23:32
The amount of damage to Ryan... and, most importantly, the amount of damage to Amber, psychologically... now depends on how quickly Dorothy or someone else (Sal, maybe?) can reach Amber through her panic-induced psychosis. Amber's sense of self worth is already so weak that beating Ryan into a coma or worse will leave her crushed for the rest of her life under the weight of self-hate and guilt of the kind that's already crippling her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 02 Jun 2017, 23:50
oh.
shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 03 Jun 2017, 02:36
Seconded.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 03 Jun 2017, 09:21
As someone with my own rage issues, violent impulses, and impulse control problems, I feel for Amber here. I've been there.  I hope someone manages to stop her before she goes too far. Otherwise she likely won't stop until it's too late.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Jun 2017, 16:07
Ryan

Is

Toast
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Jun 2017, 06:40
I wonder how Amber will enjoy jail...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 04 Jun 2017, 08:23
She's in Indiana, which has a robust stand your ground law, and it's against someone who has threatened bodily harm to both her and two third persons, in a manner that is a forcible felony, and on her literal doorstep, satisfying basically every condition of deadly force being justified under the SYG law (and only one is required). She is female, which is a disadvantage, against a politically connected presumed cis white man, but she's conventionally attractive and white herself.

She might be OK here, depending on how good the campus/city police and prosecutor are. (I wouldn't have hope for them being good enough if it were, say, Sal or Asma, though, doing this.)

And, not only that, but I suspect she's better off legally if he dies from the injuries she inflicted, as people in the comments have suggested. Otherwise, it becomes a he-said-she-said scenario. (Mentally is another story...)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jun 2017, 09:15
If he's not dead, I'll be shocked. That seemed like a punch to assist the disarm, then a very efficient slitting of his throat. I could be wrong, but...bye, whatever the fuck your name was.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Jun 2017, 09:29
Don't get me wrong, I'd totally want "Ryan" dead even if he was a real person, more so, even. If I had Amber's training when I was sexually assaulted, the guy would not have lived to hurt more girls after me like he did. Hell, I am mostly recovered from the trauma of it now, after years of therapy, but I still can't say with confidence that I wouldn't hurt him if I saw him again now that I have the skills to do so.

However, I like Amber and I don't want her to do something that she'll have to suffer unrecoverable consequences for. Amber has a moral code that I do not and I think killing this douchebag would break that and, as a result, break her. She already hates herself too much as it is, which I also can totally identify with.

That said, the world would be a better place with out Rapey McScarface and I only wish there really was a hell for him to burn in.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Jun 2017, 11:20
I don't condemn her for what she's done. But she disarmed him, started beating him, then stabbing him. That goes beyond self defense. And this is not the first time she's stabbed someone as an act of aggression. I'm sure if she had a good lawyer she could argue the case for Stand Your Ground. Who's going to be paying for that though? Certainly not her father. Not the school who just had another violent attack on campus that could have turned deadly. One that Amazi-girl was involved in, by the way. If it comes out that Amber is Amazi-girl here, I could very well see a DA deciding to throw a book at her to remove a dangerous vigilante from the streets.

Note there were no 'air quotes' there. Amber is not some random person who got caught up in the moment out of fear. This is someone with serious untreated mental health issues going around looking for excuses to beat people up. Something like this happening was inevitable. She wasn't going to stop or get help unless she or someone else gets seriously hurt and the whole Amazi-Girl thing exploded. Also, now Dorothy sees who she's been protecting. The growing horror as she continues to attack Ryan shows that she's horrified at what Amber is capable of. Up until now it was sunshine and stopping purse snatchers.

Also, look Amber's face in the final panel of yesterday's comic. She's been waiting for something like this to happen. She's been waiting for someone to give her the excuse to cut loose and unleash all her anger and frustration on. That was a complete 'I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with ME!' moment. I know that feeling. Way more times than I've been comfortable with I've been in that place, where I wanted more than anything else for someone to pull a weapon on me so I could unleash all of my anger and frustration on someone who 'deserved it'. So that I could murder someone with my bare hands without concern for my own safety or future. Fortunately, I have had the self control and wisdom to get away from people when I feel like that until I calm down. Amber puts on a costume and goes looking for someone to attack her. She is not well, and if she doesn't suffer the consequences of this, she's only going to get worse.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Jun 2017, 12:29
I agree she needs some consequences, I don't want those consequences to be catastrophic and irreparable. Which is why I don't want her to kill him, even though I'd like him to be dead. She needs help. If her father hadn't been a complete piece of shit she would have gotten it sooner, before all the trauma and rage had grown and metastasized to its current state. My only hope for this is that she doesn't do something she can't come back from.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Jun 2017, 12:57
If he's not dead, I'll be shocked. That seemed like a punch to assist the disarm, then a very efficient slitting of his throat. I could be wrong, but...bye, whatever the fuck your name was.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 04 Jun 2017, 14:08
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jun 2017, 16:32
Willis can change his mind. Time will tell.
That goes beyond self defense.
...does it, though? We see one punch and one stab. If she got the knife for him and he still seemed like a threat and stabbed him once, I don't see how that's not cut and dry self-defense.

Of course, an overzealous DA combined with the (from what I can tell) super rich dad means that might not matter, so she'd probably still get arrested, and the trial would last far beyond the length of the comic. So...who knows?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Jun 2017, 16:57
It's a combat situation and it's Amber, NOT Amazi-Girl cutting loose here. If she's not either seriously injured during the melee or, as I suspect, she unloads completely on Ryan, I'd damned surprised if he survives this.

"Twenty years of crawlin' were bottled up inside him(her). He(she) didn't hold nothin' back, he(she) let 'im have it all..."
Paraphrased  from Kenny Rogers Coward Of The County
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Jun 2017, 21:35
Whoa. Hell of a jump forward.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 05 Jun 2017, 04:07
Whoa. Hell of a jump forward.

That's a helluva carefree Danny - Considering the traumatic events his two most (very) recent 'exes' have just been involved in...?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Jun 2017, 04:18
Amber made it very clear (to his mind) that she didn't have the time to interact with him anymore. Dorothy did the same. If they want his help, they know where he is but I can't help but empathise with him thinking that it just hurts too much to want to go rushing to their sides anymore.

Whoa. Hell of a jump forward.

In terms of writing, this is a skilful move on Willis's part. We will find out what happened to Ryan and the consequences to Amber, Dorothy (and their friendship) but not immediately. This will keep readers coming back for more. For now, we are left to wonder just what did happen and what the consequences are on the cast.

FWIW, I'm hoping that Sal intervened; she is probably the only person to whom Amber would have listened to in those circumstances. We know that she tends to stand on the roof to think. Jumping down to ground level to intervene would be difficult but not impossible.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 05 Jun 2017, 04:23
Amber made it very clear (to his mind) that she didn't have the time to interact with him anymore. Dorothy did the same. If they want his help, they know where he is but I can't help but empathise with him thinking that it just hurts too much to want to go rushing to their sides anymore.

??

Nothing to do with rushing to their sides.
Nor thinking they are "wanting his help".

Merely that such an event happening, only three days previously, is unlikely to see anyone even remotely involved with those people yapping away quite happily about relationships and ukuleles.

If there's one thing we know about Danny, it's that he's a 'dweller'.
I don't know why this jump occurred, nor why Danny and Joe are acting so 'normal' for something so violent to have happened to two of Danny's exes (including one 'good friend' apparently), but it seems off-kilter to me.

YMMV, of course.

I can only think that the events of three days previous are (for whatever reason) not yet known by the general populace.
Although, with the amount of shouting going on at the time, it's hard to imagine how that could be the case.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 05 Jun 2017, 07:37
Well, at least it isn't "Fifteen years (ten with good behavior) later."  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 Jun 2017, 10:32
There wasn't a time jump. Willis said on the last comic that it was the 'end of the (day's) story'. This is what he does all the time. What we are seeing are Danny and Joe waking up the next morning. They have no idea what happened yet. I'm sure once they leave the room they'll start hearing about some guy who jumped Dorothy and Amber, and Amber slashed him. Then the Danny Freak Out can begin.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Jun 2017, 10:34
Neko, top left of panel one. It's three days later. That's a fairly considerable jump for this comic.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 Jun 2017, 13:46
I missed that. That is extremely peculiar then.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Jun 2017, 19:08
DAMN YOU WILLIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 06 Jun 2017, 03:11

Well... From thinking that people were "...yapping away quite happily about relationships and ukuleles..."

Today's strip has flipped that initial reaction purely by a now awake Joe and his facial expression and what he is saying to Danny.
("I'm Sorry...", "Only then can the healing begin...")

It now appears that they ARE aware of what happened, and Danny has lost it a little bit after hearting about it and is burying himself in denial.

Nice switch there, Mr Willis... but this doesn't bode too well...

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Jun 2017, 03:15
It now appears that they ARE aware of what happened, and Danny has lost it a little bit after hearting about it and is burying himself in denial.

Yeah, I have to admit that I'm now wondering if Danny has gone a little crazy after Amber was dragged away by campus security and Ryan was carted off to the Emergency Room. Could have he prevented this? I'm sure that this is tormenting him and it looks like he's trying to avoid confronting that question (no matter how unjustified it is, in my view at least) by doing something slightly random and crazy.

I'm most worried about Dorothy though. She pretty much worshipped the ground Amazi-Girl walked on and to see the beast that Amber is continually fighting against so clearly has probably shaken her to the core.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 06 Jun 2017, 03:25
It now appears that they ARE aware of what happened, and Danny has lost it a little bit after hearting about it and is burying himself in denial.

Yeah, I have to admit that I'm now wondering if Danny has gone a little crazy after Amber was dragged away by campus security and Ryan was carted off to the Emergency Room. Could have he prevented this? I'm sure that this is tormenting him and it looks like he's trying to avoid confronting that question (no matter how unjustified it is, in my view at least) by doing something slightly random and crazy.

I'm most worried about Dorothy though. She pretty much worshipped the ground Amazi-Girl walked on and to see the beast that Amber is continually fighting against so clearly has probably shaken her to the core.

Isn't it that Amber is fighting against herself...?
And Amazi-Girl is a way to placate the beast in a *positive* fashion?

(Her comment to Ryan that Amazi-Girl isn't there seemed very telling to me.)

I suppose it's possible that we're looking at a more Sybil-ene Multiple Personality in Amber's case?
There's Amber, there's "The Beast"™, and there's Amazi-Girl walking the line between the extremes...??
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Jun 2017, 06:22
To my knowledge, it's not common for those with multiple personality disorder for their personalities to be aware of each other, outside of what other people tell them. Amber has huge anger management issues, and has created Amazi-Girl as a pressure release valve. She's fully aware of what she's doing.. she tries to 'Batman' her psychological problems by pushing everything onto her costumed identity, so that Amber can be the happy go lucky college student. This doesn't work of course, and is only worsening her mental trauma. Making cracks appear in her personality and making her more desperate to separate the two. People have long been saying it's only a matter of time before she breaks down and well...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 06 Jun 2017, 06:45
So with amber fighting off a "knife wielding attacker trying to hurt her friend" instead of allowing them to be in danger, is this some sort of catharsis for what happened with Ethan?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Jun 2017, 06:56
Actually, I think that, if anything, she'll feel worse. Remember, she's convinced that she's a dangerous, violent monster from whom Amazi-Girl is needed to protect the world. If she seriously injured Ryan, this will only reinforce her self-loathing.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Jun 2017, 17:48
Honestly, the other day, I took "unfortunately for you...I am not Amazi-Girl" as an "Amazi-Girl has limits, I don't" deal. After all, Amber is the one who stabbed Sal.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Jun 2017, 19:03
Oh ...............




DANG!


Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 06 Jun 2017, 23:24
I have a feeling that whatever was the fallout of the Amber situation 3 days before lead Danny to some sort of breakdown, hence the Ukulele.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Jun 2017, 23:45
I'm sort of hoping that Amber sees Danny's new 'aesthetic', simply because, firstly, her reaction would be comedy gold and, secondly, I really want to find out if she decides that she needs to 'save' him.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 07 Jun 2017, 07:12
I'm sort of hoping that Amber sees Danny's new 'aesthetic', simply because, firstly, her reaction would be comedy gold and, secondly, I really want to find out if she decides that she needs to 'save' him.
Or if she decides to kill again.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Jun 2017, 22:26
Hats are cool


Like the Daria Morgandoorffer look Carla's swinging there
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 08 Jun 2017, 00:13
Damn you, Willis, I want to know what happened. He'll probably drag the suspense out for weeks. :|
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 08 Jun 2017, 02:40
I've decided to stop trying to figure out what the hell is going on based on *other people's* lack of/ reactions.
Because again we're seeing a strip which (initially) almost screams "nothing has happened" by it's simple normality.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 08 Jun 2017, 02:43
It wouldn't surprise me at all if the entire college community is in something approaching shock and everyone is having their own version of denial about it:
I'm sure that we'll encounter other examples as this chapter progresses.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Jun 2017, 16:12
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Jun 2017, 17:16
Carla is pushing her 'I don't care about anything' public face harder than usual.
I'm pretty sure she's just continuing not to care.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Jun 2017, 21:55
Lesbian Toast
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Jun 2017, 23:37
Becky is cutely perky in many ways but I suspect that she is going to wear out Leslie (and possibly her welcome) fairly quickly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Jun 2017, 17:55
Becky, the Lesbian Dolly Levi??
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Jun 2017, 22:02
sigh... Becky needs a nice, grounding dose of reality I think. She's getting annoying.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Jun 2017, 23:33
FWIW, the scenario Becky spins about finding a hook-up in church in the 6/12 strip is definitely a version of the story of her feelings for Joyce. She isn't over Joyce and I don't think that she ever will be.

Frankly, that's both sad and sweet at the same time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Jun 2017, 16:12
Becky;s already had one nasty dose of reality with her dad, but she's bounced back from that.  Perhaps she's now reached the other end of he pendulum?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Jun 2017, 17:18
the story of her feelings for Joyce
Well yeah, I don't think Willis was trying to be subtle there.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 12 Jun 2017, 18:50
Becky;s already had one nasty dose of reality with her dad, but she's bounced back from that.  Perhaps she's now reached the other end of he pendulum?

I mean more along the line of 'this is not how gay people normally act'. Years of living with repressing herself can only go so far.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Jun 2017, 19:27
Well, that was inevitable.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Jun 2017, 18:15
Obviously quite a few I'd say Ruth
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Jun 2017, 23:17
With today's strip (6/15) we confront the inherent weakness of the Ruth/Billie relationship: For both of them, it's about themselves first. Whilst I have no doubt that they care for each other, both young women tend to view the relationship through the prism of their own wants, needs and self-image.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 15 Jun 2017, 04:06
If next week's strips don't address the events of three days ago...

...I may have to buy a DeLorean!

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Jun 2017, 18:33
And I'm considering unlocking the shed with the Pitchforks, Torches. Tar and Feathers are stored
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Jun 2017, 17:25
Well, at lest she's honest about herself,  that has to be a start.


If Joe hasn't El Kabonged Danny with that Uke by this time next week it'll be  a miracle of biblical proportions.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Jun 2017, 16:09
Joe's in for a bumpy ride here I think
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Jun 2017, 23:56
It doesn't help that he has the same sort of mindset as bosses all over the world who think that issues are something that his underlings deal with... and then give them neither the mandate nor the budget to do anything.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Jun 2017, 16:24
ELLLLLLLLLL KABONG!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 19 Jun 2017, 04:06
Oooookay...

My hand has been forced...

 Here it is! (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C874210)

(http://www.agcarsandclassics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/20170204_150619-e1486227440512-1024x918.jpg)


(weeellll... I can dream, can't I?)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Jun 2017, 17:09
*Unlocks Shed*


OK folks, Pitchforks on the left, Torches on the right.  Use the Brazier by the door to light them and a few of you grab the Tar and Feathers from the back.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 19 Jun 2017, 17:19
I could swear Joe had mentioned his "Do List" had a public RSS feed before...

Oh well, he's not getting laid anytime soon now, might as well help poor Danny out of whatever mental breakdown he's having
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 19 Jun 2017, 17:56
Not public but he did willingly offer out the password. (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2017/comic/book-7/02-everything-youve-ever-wanted/boyspizzaretreat/)

I'm guessing it's more likely to have been shared by someone who was given the password, possibly even by Joe, than outright hacked. The most ridiculous thing to me about this storyline is that Joe's Do List is literally a real list that he updates and he either has great recall or has memorised ranks to names and faces? Willis did a great job of casually establishing the existence of the list and I treated it as a recurring but still mostly throwaway gag.

Joe treats the list so seriously I'm surprised he's never reacted like this:

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 19 Jun 2017, 19:18
Apparently, although I can't confirm, Joe's list is actually available on Patreon.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Jun 2017, 23:36
Oh well, he's not getting laid anytime soon now, might as well help poor Danny out of whatever mental breakdown he's having.

One scenario that I've thought of is that Joe may end up dating Joyce for a while and it will be an odd thing for him because he'll be in a relationship with a girl that, whilst he finds her attractive, he doesn't really desire. It will be a really weird relationship for him that will slowly just metamorphose into a serious platonic friendship and force him to re-evaluate how he sees women in general.

As for Danny? Well, I think he's going to be okay. He's trying to re-invent himself as part of growing up. Okay, the path he chose is quite eccentric but that's part of going through that part of life, isn't it? I'm sort of hoping Danny runs into Amber. I think that they both need to talk to each other right now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 20 Jun 2017, 04:39
Really, that's a hell of a long time to keep that storyline hanging...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 20 Jun 2017, 06:00
Really, that's a hell of a long time to keep that storyline hanging...

Especially with NO apparent impact on the other major players in the strip.
(That said... we've only seen Joe, Danny and Becky so far - But even so...)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Jun 2017, 06:03
It occurs to me that maybe (just maybe) Dorothy helped hush it up. She dragged Amber away and had Dina and maybe Joyce guard her until she came out of her psychotic episode. She then simply told the campus authorities that she found Ryan beaten to a pulp and cut to pieces with no idea who had done it. So, beyond Dorothy, Amber and Ryan, no-one knows what really happened on the steps that night.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 20 Jun 2017, 06:40
Even still, there should be some mention that a student was found slashed up in front of one of the dorms. That's kind of the sort of thing that travels fast and isn't forgotten about after a few days.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 20 Jun 2017, 08:20
Even still, there should be some mention that a student was found slashed up in front of one of the dorms. That's kind of the sort of thing that travels fast and isn't forgotten about after a few days.

  ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Whereas, I understand BenRG looking for explanations for this... personally, I can't see anything that smacks as realistically explaining the utter lack of reaction whatsoever.

I really hope I'm not disappointed with another "with one leap, spiderman was free!" resolution.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 20 Jun 2017, 08:40
Or, we could reach the logical conclusion that Amber didn't kill him or leave him unable to extricate himself from the area.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 20 Jun 2017, 14:49

One scenario that I've thought of is that Joe may end up dating Joyce for a while and it will be an odd thing for him because he'll be in a relationship with a girl that, whilst he finds her attractive, he doesn't really desire. It will be a really weird relationship for him that will slowly just metamorphose into a serious platonic friendship and force him to re-evaluate how he sees women in general.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Jun 2017, 16:00
So, full or half Windsor ya think?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 21 Jun 2017, 01:57
Or, we could reach the logical conclusion that Amber didn't kill him or leave him unable to extricate himself from the area.

I can't say I've really thought she *has* killed him.

But she wouldn't need to have done so for it to be MASSIVE, impacting news on campus, surely?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 21 Jun 2017, 02:43
Refer to the section after the "or".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 21 Jun 2017, 02:47
Refer to the section after the "or".

Hey! There's TWO 'or's there! Don't confuse an already confused bloke!!  :)

But either way, the outcome for Ryan is not the main issue.
The main issue is the psycho they've all been looking for for (however long) has shown up and attacked Amber and Dorothy.
And something BAD has happened.

But no-one seems to give a monkey's.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 21 Jun 2017, 02:52
As I implied, that would require other people to know about it. There are any number of scenarios where that does happen. One example being Dorothy manages to stop Amber, thus allowing Douche MsScarface to get away.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 21 Jun 2017, 08:04
Given the blood we've seen and the fact she was holding his arm, I don't see him running away in any capacity.

That and Dorothy was mortified at what was happening, I don't think she would be able to react in time.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 21 Jun 2017, 08:06
As I implied, that would require other people to know about it. There are any number of scenarios where that does happen. One example being Dorothy manages to stop Amber, thus allowing Douche MsScarface to get away.

Then who's blood was spraying into the air while Dorothy watched on horrified??


E.T.A: Auugh Ninja'd by A Duck!  :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 21 Jun 2017, 09:15
A little blood spray doesn't mean he can't walk away. I've walked away from plenty of fights where bleeding was involved.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 21 Jun 2017, 09:26
It probably wasn't just a bit of blood, he was being held by an almost supernaturally strong girl with severe PTSD, years worth of repressed anger AND a knife.

Oh well, we shall see eventually. If Willis allows us.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jun 2017, 17:07
As much as I'm enjoying this little storyline, especially with Becky and Leslie (Becky looks neat in a tie) Willis is really starting to frak me off
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Jun 2017, 21:37
Or, we could reach the logical conclusion that Amber didn't kill him or leave him unable to extricate himself from the area.
Or that she quickly and effectively hid the body.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Jun 2017, 23:28
Joe's defensive anger is quite instructive. Remember that he more or less likes Joyce as a person yet he can't help but objectify her and react as if it is her wrongdoing to feel aggrieved. He either literally does not understand what he has done wrong or he thinks that the real wrong is to say that he has done wrong.

That said: If Joe has angered Joyce, then he's on thin ice indeed. She's a lot more forgiving than most. If she is angry with him then most other women probably want his head mounted on a pike in the middle of the reception hall!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 22 Jun 2017, 02:47
A little blood spray doesn't mean he can't walk away. I've walked away from plenty of fights where bleeding was involved.

Still doesn't alter the fact that this is a major deal...
And of course, that's not even including the fact that there was a lot of distressed shouting going on...

The lack of reaction in any form to these apparent events simply makes my suspension of disbelief a little harder to keep to the fore.

In other words... it seems like a *building of tension* which has backfired.
People aren't being held in suspense here. They're getting miffed at the utter lack of relation in the current strips to the well paced arc immediately before it.

But nah.. lets just have more Ukeleles and flat caps humour...
Or what about some "Joe likes to have sex" humour.. that'll keep the forum busy... (Oh boy, doesn't it just!)

As a reader... I think Willis has misjudged the timing of this, and indeed even the content of strips, detailing what happened "three days later" after the event which (it seems) the entire strip has spent time leading up to.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 22 Jun 2017, 07:50
I just noticed Joyce's current outfit seems to be her original "It's Walky" outfit. Neat!

It's nice to see Joe's crap finally hitting the fan, but this whole thing would be much better if we didn't have that gigantic cliffhanger. I mean, not even hinting at what happened? Really?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 22 Jun 2017, 08:53
Speculation: what if it was Amber/Amazi-Girl that released the list?  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 22 Jun 2017, 08:55
A little blood spray doesn't mean he can't walk away. I've walked away from plenty of fights where bleeding was involved.
Still doesn't alter the fact that this is a major deal...
Again, it's only a "major deal" if anyone other than the three of them even know it happened. No one can react to events they don't know occurred.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Jun 2017, 19:27
Joe, you really can be an utter prick sometimes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 22 Jun 2017, 20:50
Out there no sleep speculation: Maybe Dorothy leaked the list to give everyone a distraction. If the knife is known about, the list would be a distraction from the trauma. More likely if it's not known about, the distraction could buy some time and space to deal with the situation.

I doubt this is it but it popped into my brain.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Jun 2017, 23:21
Okay, I'm taking today's strip as meaning that Joe has real feelings for Joyce. Not necessarily romantic feelings but feelings; likely growing friendship. Joe realised that he is growing closer emotionally with a woman whom he once found sexually desirable enough to date (he rarely goes to such lengths to trap his prey). Given his aversion to romantic relationships, I can imagine that lead to a very strong fear reaction.

As always seems to happen, fear led to anger and resentment. Lacking emotional maturity, Joe's reaction was to lash out at Joyce in a passive-aggressive way by editing his 'review' of her into a flaming put-down.

However, Joyce has ripped off his mask just by way of asking the right question. Joe once again proves just how young he is emotionally by running away from something that he desperately does not want to confront.

To further elaborate: I suspect that Joe’s laptop has a three- or four-page draft ‘in-depth review’ of Joyce that he wrote but never posted on the feed because it horrified him. It began to lapse into sappy poetry about her beauty (inner and outer) and rated her as "10+ Snap this up and keep it before someone else does!"

When he realised what he’d done, he had a panic attack and responded by publishing a flame about her instead. He’s still got the review, though. He’s been elaborating on it by adding photos of her in candid moments and even a sound-track of some sort. It’s become his guilty addiction to just sit there at night and once again read through the review.

Yes, I’m saying that the ‘Zero-minus’ thing represents a fear reaction and a wall of denial.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 23 Jun 2017, 04:21
Joe, you really can be an utter prick sometimes.

HEY!!!!!!!!!

... Oh... Wait...

 :angel:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 23 Jun 2017, 04:27
Okay, I'm taking today's strip as meaning that Joe has real feelings for Joyce. Not necessarily romantic feelings but feelings; likely growing friendship. Joe realised that he is growing closer emotionally with a woman whom he once found sexually desirable enough to date (he rarely goes to such lengths to trap his prey). Given his aversion to romantic relationships, I can imagine that lead to a very strong fear reaction.

As always seems to happen, fear led to anger and resentment. Lacking emotional maturity, Joe's reaction was to lash out at Joyce in a passive-aggressive way by editing his 'review' of her into a flaming put-down.

However, Joyce has ripped off his mask just by way of asking the right question. Joe once again proves just how young he is emotionally by running away from something that he desperately does not want to confront.

To further elaborate: I suspect that Joe’s laptop has a three- or four-page draft ‘in-depth review’ of Joyce that he wrote but never posted on the feed because it horrified him. It began to lapse into sappy poetry about her beauty (inner and outer) and rated her as "10+ Snap this up and keep it before someone else does!"

When he realised what he’d done, he had a panic attack and responded by publishing a flame about her instead. He’s still got the review, though. He’s been elaborating on it by adding photos of her in candid moments and even a sound-track of some sort. It’s become his guilty addiction to just sit there at night and once again read through the review.

Yes, I’m saying that the ‘Zero-minus’ thing represents a fear reaction and a wall of denial.

I've thought this for a while.
Posted as such on the DoA boards, but few seem to go with it.

Joe *likes* Dorothy. Like... he *really* likes her.
And it's possible he may have Zero minus'ed her to shift the focus of all the horn dogs, whom he apparently keeps this list for, away from her.
("Yeah... sure... Zero minus... don't even THINK about this one... pointless... move along... "swipe right" (or whatever you young 'uns say these days!)

At heart, he's an immature horn-dog himself... but I think Joyce has made him see girls (or - at least HER), maybe for the first time, as something else other than receptacles.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 23 Jun 2017, 04:32
A little blood spray doesn't mean he can't walk away. I've walked away from plenty of fights where bleeding was involved.
Still doesn't alter the fact that this is a major deal...
Again, it's only a "major deal" if anyone other than the three of them even know it happened. No one can react to events they don't know occurred.

Yes... precisely.

And it's *that* that I find unbelievable - given where it happened.
And if it proves that this *is* the case...well... that'll be another "Damn you , Willis!" moment... but for different reasons than usual.
(One similar to the "Deus Ex Machina of Spookybot" arc, here... an easy 'out' for an otherwise very dramatic scenario.)

Although none of this explains Joyce's sudden "out on her own"-ness. Which again, if no-one knows what's happened, is a bit too synchronicitous for comfort.  (That's a word, yeah??  :)  )
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 23 Jun 2017, 05:14
"It's Walky" spoilers

(click to show/hide)

Joyce seems to be acting strangely...calm about the whole thing? I wonder if something happened. Regardless, I'm sure Joyce was the only "10" in Joe's list before he caught feelings for her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 23 Jun 2017, 05:17
Regardless, I'm sure Joyce was the only "10" in Joe's list before he caught feelings for her.
Canonically, she was a four, but Joe "breaking her in" would upgrade her to a ten: http://www.dumbingofage.com/2010/comic/book-1/03-men-are-from-beck-women-are-from-clark/corrupt/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 23 Jun 2017, 05:18
A little blood spray doesn't mean he can't walk away. I've walked away from plenty of fights where bleeding was involved.
Still doesn't alter the fact that this is a major deal...
Again, it's only a "major deal" if anyone other than the three of them even know it happened. No one can react to events they don't know occurred.

Yes... precisely.

And it's *that* that I find unbelievable - given where it happened.
And if it proves that this *is* the case...well... that'll be another "Damn you , Willis!" moment... but for different reasons than usual.
(One similar to the "Deus Ex Machina of Spookybot" arc, here... an easy 'out' for an otherwise very dramatic scenario.)

Although none of this explains Joyce's sudden "out on her own"-ness. Which again, if no-one knows what's happened, is a bit too synchronicitous for comfort.  (That's a word, yeah??  :)  )
It does seem to be a hint at what happened. It's the first time that Joyce has been outside by herself without a panic attack since the incident with Ryan. It suggests she knows what happened, and that whatever happened put Ryan out of commission for good (not necessarily dead, but at least bad enough that he's not coming back for revenge).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 23 Jun 2017, 05:23
It does seem to be a hint at what happened. It's the first time that Joyce has been outside by herself without a panic attack since the incident with Ryan. It suggests she knows what happened, and that whatever happened put Ryan out of commission for good (not necessarily dead, but at least bad enough that he's not coming back for revenge).

Holy crap, I hadn't thought of that. Considering how she was before, I think you might be right and Ryan might be out for good.

Dunno,something about how Joyce is carrying herself seems very different.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Jun 2017, 05:48
Yeah, Joyce's behaviour is subtly different from her normal character, isn't it? Maybe because Joe is her friend, she feels that it is her responsibility to find out what is going on, what he thinks he's doing and what he really thinks of her. I've noticed that she can switch to 'mature adult', someone jarringly different from the usual happy-go-lucky triangular-smiled Joyce we usually see, when she thinks that the chips are really down.

I just want to add that I love the dramatic way Willis draws the wind catching Joyce's hair in panels 3 & 4. She's very much the romantic and heroic protagonist in that moment, isn't she?

Completely Out-of-the-Park Mock-Speculation:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 23 Jun 2017, 06:59
A little blood spray doesn't mean he can't walk away. I've walked away from plenty of fights where bleeding was involved.
Still doesn't alter the fact that this is a major deal...
Again, it's only a "major deal" if anyone other than the three of them even know it happened. No one can react to events they don't know occurred.

Yes... precisely.

And it's *that* that I find unbelievable - given where it happened.
And if it proves that this *is* the case...well... that'll be another "Damn you , Willis!" moment... but for different reasons than usual.
(One similar to the "Deus Ex Machina of Spookybot" arc, here... an easy 'out' for an otherwise very dramatic scenario.)

Although none of this explains Joyce's sudden "out on her own"-ness. Which again, if no-one knows what's happened, is a bit too synchronicitous for comfort.  (That's a word, yeah??  :)  )
It does seem to be a hint at what happened. It's the first time that Joyce has been outside by herself without a panic attack since the incident with Ryan. It suggests she knows what happened, and that whatever happened put Ryan out of commission for good (not necessarily dead, but at least bad enough that he's not coming back for revenge).

I knew I wasn't alone in this !!!  :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Jun 2017, 17:28
*Sings*   South  of the boarder, down Mexico way .........
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Jun 2017, 17:18
Our first hint of the aftermath

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 24 Jun 2017, 20:37
Well, now we know something happened.

From what Joyce said, I'm betting Amber was taken in by the police. I'm gonna guess she's in care for her trauma by now. This also explains why Danny is acting off.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Jun 2017, 16:17
Becky, the youngest Congresswoman in history??!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Jun 2017, 23:18
Becky, the youngest Congresswoman in history??!

Only through deception and largely by accident... Which, when you think about it is more-or-less how any politician gets their start.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Jun 2017, 23:37
So, the big question is  is whose Mindy

And is she destined to be important to Becky




Or not
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 26 Jun 2017, 03:00
So, the big question is  is whose Mindy
And is she destined to be important to Becky
Or not

I'm gonna take a stab in the dark and say Becky will suddenly realise this woman might actually be being a little flirty... and then remember her *quest* to get a date for Leslie...

(Lesbians seem to be coming out of the woodwork in DoA recently!)   :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 26 Jun 2017, 11:57
After Shortpacked and this far into DoA, I'm pretty sure everything Willis does is Lesbians. Even the male characters.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Jun 2017, 17:14
Especially the male characters. No, that wasn't supposed to make sense.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Jun 2017, 20:28
So,  Willis is a Closet Lesbian???!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Jun 2017, 21:21
Booo, the nice one is dating the terrible one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 26 Jun 2017, 23:07
Oh god, that pun.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Jun 2017, 23:28
Booo, the nice one is dating the terrible one.

I've got the feeling that Anna and Mindy's role in the strip will be to give Becky a lesson in how hetrosexual and homosexual relationships can both turn out to be bad in very similar ways (something that I bet she hadn't realised yet).

At this point, I'm thinking that there's about a 20% chance of Mindy having a brief and ill-advised affair with Leslie (for which Becky would have at least some responsibility). It just feels like Willis is going in that direction to me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 27 Jun 2017, 16:20
What did I say? Everything is lesbians.

Every. Thing.

Also, is this "Anna" Renee's cross dimensional counterpart? They look similar and seem to have similar attitudes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Jun 2017, 17:23
Three strips in and I already wanna shove Anna out the nearest Airlock without a suit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Jun 2017, 23:18
Also, is this "Anna" Renee's cross dimensional counterpart? They look similar and seem to have similar attitudes.

Willis and Jeph are friends; they may have collaborated on character design. I'm serious.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 28 Jun 2017, 02:19

I actually think "Anna" is how "Tai" would look if Willis was to do a "guest artist" slot....

Oh and.... CALLED IT !!!   :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Jun 2017, 05:11
Yay at them not dating anymore, boo at Mindy apparently still pining for her a decade later.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Jun 2017, 05:13
I suspect that this is one reason that Leslie and Mindy need Becky to set them up - It's the only way they'll shake off their abusive exes (Robin and Anne respectively).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Jun 2017, 05:18
I wouldn’t call Robin abusive and I certainly wouldn’t call her an ex.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 28 Jun 2017, 05:28
I disagree, MoM, Robin's behavior is totally abusive.

Not an ex gf, but definitely an ex crush, someone she was, until recently, quite hung up on
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 28 Jun 2017, 12:31
I disagree, MoM, Robin's behavior is totally abusive.

Not an ex gf, but definitely an ex crush, someone she was, until recently, quite hung up on
Robin is just, well, Robin. She is basically the only character that has kept the insanity of the Walkyverse in the more realistic Dumbingverse.

Willis and Jeph are friends; they may have collaborated on character design. I'm serious.
If not collaborated, at the very least subconciously influenced each other.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 28 Jun 2017, 14:28
Robin is just, well, Robin. She is basically the only character that has kept the insanity of the Walkyverse in the more realistic Dumbingverse.
That doesn't make her behavior any less abusive. I know nothing of her previous incarnation, but her behavior in this universe is clearly abusive.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 28 Jun 2017, 14:57
Agreed. I just can't seem to frame her actions in a more realistic world.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Jun 2017, 17:05
Becky's Dolly Levi side is showing again
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Jun 2017, 18:32
a more realistic world.
I read the first few years of the Walkyverse, so I know this is true from a relative standpoint, but...come on, are we really calling DoA realistic? Or saying that Robin's anywhere close to the wackiest?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 28 Jun 2017, 21:16
Does Joe have a thing for religious girls that he doesn't want to admit?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 28 Jun 2017, 21:37
I don't see why Carla wouldn't be on the list.

a more realistic world.
I read the first few years of the Walkyverse, so I know this is true from a relative standpoint, but...come on, are we really calling DoA realistic? Or saying that Robin's anywhere close to the wackiest?
Well, more realistic than the Walkyverse, at the very least. Way more. And I don't think anyone acts as "wacky" as her in DoA either. Specially considering she's not one of the teenage characters.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Jun 2017, 22:44
Why is Mary so happy? This worries me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Jun 2017, 23:15
Mary is human, despite her behaviour. I'm wondering if she's in love (or at least is telling herself that she's in love). It wouldn't surprise me if she came to IU with the same implicit parental objective that Joyce did - To find a husband. She may have recently succeeded in finding a boyfriend and is suddenly learning that the whole world can be all sweetness and light.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 29 Jun 2017, 03:23
I don't see why Carla wouldn't be on the list.
If she's not, then it'd likely be for transphobic reasons.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Jun 2017, 14:17
Does Joe know she’s trans? And even if he did, would it keep her off the list entirely?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 29 Jun 2017, 14:23
Mary is human, despite her behaviour. I'm wondering if she's in love (or at least is telling herself that she's in love). It wouldn't surprise me if she came to IU with the same implicit parental objective that Joyce did - To find a husband. She may have recently succeeded in finding a boyfriend and is suddenly learning that the whole world can be all sweetness and light.
Wasn't it stabilished that Mary is happy because whatever leverage she though she lost against Billy is now back thanks to Ruth being kept as R.A?

I don't see why Carla wouldn't be on the list.
If she's not, then it'd likely be for transphobic reasons.
As immature as Joe is, he doesn't really strike me as transphobic. Dunno why.
Well, it's not like Carla would be into him, anyway. At least not sexually.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Jun 2017, 16:39
Plot twist: Carla is Joe's ideal 10

And I'm not liking this mood Mary's in.   She's too much like Cersei Lannister for it to bode well.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 29 Jun 2017, 22:37
Damnit, Becky!

Damnit, Leslie!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Jun 2017, 23:03
As I suspected, Leslie has the unerring talent of being attracted to the abusive one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 30 Jun 2017, 02:50
As I suspected, Leslie has the unerring talent of being attracted to the abusive one.

Aye, it's almost comforting to know that it's not only in the "straight world" that women you like seem to be attracted to erses.
Poor Mindy...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 30 Jun 2017, 05:58
Yup. Leslie and her poor choices in romance continues...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Jun 2017, 18:33
I'm with you on this one  Becky



Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Jun 2017, 18:37
Was the double entendre intentional on Becky's part? :parrot:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Jul 2017, 14:58
Mindy seems to be the assertive type
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 01 Jul 2017, 15:37
Is that Mindy not wanting Anna to take Leslie from her, or Mindy not wanting Leslie to take Anna from her?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 01 Jul 2017, 17:10
(http://sites.psu.edu/asrpassion/wp-content/uploads/sites/39150/2016/02/taco.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Jul 2017, 17:25
Oooookay


Now things are interesting.   Obviously whatever happened with Amber and Ratbag Ryan has required Dorothy to need therapy.   That still leaves one unanswered question though


WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO AMBER????!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: ChaoSera on 02 Jul 2017, 23:06
As for what happened to Amber, my money is on either jail or a mental health institution.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 03 Jul 2017, 05:14
I think whatever she did could be considered self defense, so my money is mental health institution.

The problem is that with the speed the time advances in this comic, we might not see her for a while.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Jul 2017, 13:56
YELLING!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Jul 2017, 14:43
So, Ryan got his ticket punched.  Not too concerned about that douchebag,  but what happened to  Amber is going to prove interesting

As  for Walky's thoughts on Dorothy's  question ........



(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/Kugai2/Memes/TheHorror.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 03 Jul 2017, 14:52
I still doubt he's dead. Walky's phrasing could easily as mean he was only hurt.

Also I've had people say to me what Walky's saying in the first panel and ooh, that hits close to home.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Jul 2017, 23:39
Today's strip (7/4) reminds us that Walky is one of those special guys who doesn't know anything about some subjects beyond some misremembered trivia but treats this nonsense as the be-all and end-all of knowledge on the subject. They pursue this delusion to the point where they spend time idiotsplaining to people who really know something about the subject why they're wrong.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 Jul 2017, 08:43
That, or it's one of the characters in the cartoons that he's obsessed about and doesn't realize it was a rip-off of Doctor Who.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 04 Jul 2017, 09:33
Of course he's Mr. Who, not Doctor Who. He's a graduate student, not a postdoc.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Jul 2017, 17:34
I don't think even the Cvbermen would want Walkv
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 05 Jul 2017, 11:19
It's nice how Walky is so supportive of Dorothy, but I can't help but think their relationship is as doomed as Danny/Amber/Amazi-Girl was.

I've met a lot of people like Walky back in college, who simply can't deal with the fact they have to actually put in some effort to get good grades. Most of them dropped out like flies after the first year was up.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 05 Jul 2017, 14:00
To be fair most relationships are doomed and they all end, even the successful ones. Every relationship ends either through breakup or death.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Jul 2017, 18:38
Quote from: Some douchey TV host from Justice League (the show, not the upcoming movie)
Or maybe you'd care to explain why, on your watch, 50 percent of marriages now end in divorce...and the other 50 percent in death!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Jul 2017, 18:53
I seriously want to give Walky this  (Gp from 2:02)


Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Jul 2017, 16:13
She is so going to be disappointed in Walky when she finally finds out the truth
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 06 Jul 2017, 20:17
To be fair most relationships are doomed and they all end, even the successful ones. Every relationship ends either through breakup or death.
Fair enough, but this one seems to be doomed in a short-term basis.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 06 Jul 2017, 23:00
It was always meant to be short term. Dorothy stated that from the beginning.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Jul 2017, 23:22
Maybe but something tells me that Dorothy is starting to forget that and starting to want it to be more.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 07 Jul 2017, 09:32
I think they both are, which is gonna make the end result horribly painful for them.

About today's comic... Goddamnit, Joe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Jul 2017, 17:33
And the Plot Twist here.........


85% of the members of the Computer  Science Lab willl turn out to be Female
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Jul 2017, 23:31
Actually, there only has to be one: Amber O'Malley. I suspect that Joe being a completely insensitive misogynist towards her will be the catalyst by which Willis chooses to explain what happened to Ryan, its consequences to Amber and how it is affecting her relationships with others.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Jul 2017, 13:30
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Jul 2017, 06:29
In hindsight, it’s not surprising that Joe is a good person to come out to. “Ok, but that’s a terrible hat” seems like a fairly reassuring response.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Jul 2017, 16:41
He'd be better off in a Fedora.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 09 Jul 2017, 19:53
Joe is apparently just like Dora's father (https://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2258)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Jul 2017, 14:53
It is sacrilegious to miss out on Pizza Day
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Jul 2017, 18:06
Billie has a point
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Jul 2017, 16:58
The true measure of love and devotion
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 12 Jul 2017, 21:17
Joe continues to ensure he won't get laid anytime soon, I see. And so much for Joyce being the only 10+ on his list.

Walkyverse stuff
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Jul 2017, 17:44
For Joe, life's just one statement away from permanent castration moment to another
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Jul 2017, 00:21
I'd be a lot more sympathetic to Rachael's plight if she wasn't suddenly throwing judgement at complete strangers.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 14 Jul 2017, 07:23
Rachael's asking the important questions though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Jul 2017, 15:25
Danny, the invisible man

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Jul 2017, 16:22
And we have the Dumb and Dumber moment
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 15 Jul 2017, 17:10

Yeah.. because who hacked Joe's website is *the* criminal act we're all waiting to hear about...

sigh.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Jul 2017, 21:07
Welp.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Jul 2017, 16:26
Joe is definitely crusin' for a brusin'

And we finally get another teaser about what went down three days ago.


That still does not answer the questions I have though
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Jul 2017, 21:59
someone who had the password leaked it
It's The pasword was probably "guest".
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 16 Jul 2017, 22:59
Nah, this is Joe. It's either 'babelicious' or 'sexmachine'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Jul 2017, 23:20
Well, we now know what it takes to get Danny angry at Joe - He needs to disrespect Danny's personal crushes in some way.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Jul 2017, 16:21
"And that's when he hit me with the Ukulele Officer."
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 17 Jul 2017, 21:10
This leaves open the question: who's "Beanbag with Glasses"?  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Jul 2017, 21:12
Joe never learned her name, and doesn't realize that's because someone just left a pair of glasses on a beanbag...which was given a 7.5.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Jul 2017, 23:11
There are few interpersonal problems that cannot be solved with free baked goods.

More interesting, Joe is finally telling us what happened to Ryan. It must be pretty bad that Joe is using the term 'eviscerated' and it must have been quite a public incident if it is this rather than Ross running around with a rifle that has inspired the college authorities to beef up security!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 18 Jul 2017, 03:01

Well...

That was a bit of a jarring 'info-dump', huh?

Wonder if eviscerated is to be taken literally??

(Seriously? I'm bored of the teasing.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Jul 2017, 05:54
I seriously doubt what Joe has said can be taken literally, at any time. He's an expert at overstatement.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Jul 2017, 19:14
(Seriously? I'm bored of the teasing.)

So say we all!!


Well, it's a start Joe
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 18 Jul 2017, 21:05
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Jul 2017, 21:15
SHE RETURNS!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 18 Jul 2017, 22:23
So, it looks like 'self defense' was what was told the police. Which in fairness, it was.. to a point. Ryan did come after them with a knife. How Amber reacted to that is what makes it questionable. I'm still getting sick of this dancing around the subject though.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 19 Jul 2017, 02:41

FINALLY!

Now... let's just hope we get a decent run at the backstory and explanations...


Tomorrow's Strip:
Walky: "Does my butt look fat in this shirt?"
...

(Joe's head asplodes!)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Jul 2017, 02:58
This is fascinating; I'm honestly wondering if (with the likely exception of Dorothy), no-one is judging Amber more harshly than Amber herself. She's always feared that she is a monster but this is one of the few times she's let it off the leash (nearly beating her father to death was the previous time). I think that what she needs is to be assured that she isn't a freak and that people are not scared of her.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Jul 2017, 17:38
Amber can, at times. be her own worst self critic.  I think she may wind up being preasenly surprised by her greeting


Except  of course from Mary,  who will undoubtedly go into her First Class Bitch Mode as usual
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 19 Jul 2017, 20:08
I only get worried when Mary is happy or being nice to people.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 19 Jul 2017, 23:28
Trust Mike to get Amber to take action! There is nothing worse than having someone standing next to you and advocating the worst parts of your internal self-image as positives to get you to leave an indecision loop.

Given that this is Mike, this is almost certainly intentional. With Mike, of course, it is impossible to tell if this is from a genuinely-positive intent or if he believes that getting Amber moving would spread chaos and unhappiness. Perhaps, like the Walkyverse!Mike, he likes the idea of a dangerously violent and abusive woman and he's trying to get one?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 20 Jul 2017, 06:37
With Mike, of course, it is impossible to tell if this is from a genuinely-positive intent or if he believes that getting Amber moving would spread chaos and unhappiness.

Why not both? He helps out someone he actually kind of likes, and spreads discord to everyone else.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Jul 2017, 15:39
Intentional or not, I'm glad to see he got her to finally move.  Nothing like  a bit of (un)intentional reverse psychology to get Amber moving.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 20 Jul 2017, 23:20
I'm quite looking forward to Amber's reaction to Joe's Free Apology Donut Stall. She's probably missed the whole list leaking thing for understandable reasons. Her sense of logic is pretty strong and something tells me that these events will violate all of those rules!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Jul 2017, 17:14
SQUIRREL!!!! :claireface:


Way to go Mom 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Jul 2017, 15:35
Lie is full of coincidences

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Jul 2017, 19:37
Have we met Joe's dad?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 23 Jul 2017, 19:40
Yes, in this comic (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/04-just-hangin-out-with-my-family/mister/) that also features Faye's dad.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Jul 2017, 23:27
The more time we spend with Stacy the more I'm thinking that she's kindly, well-intentioned but oblivious to her daughter's real issues.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Jul 2017, 16:27
Indeed
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 24 Jul 2017, 16:46
Yes, in this comic (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/04-just-hangin-out-with-my-family/mister/) that also features Faye's dad.
I read a few after that and was reminded that Ethan's parents (albeit possibly just his mom) are shit, and Dorothy's parents seem alright.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 25 Jul 2017, 08:39
Yes, in this comic (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/04-just-hangin-out-with-my-family/mister/) that also features Faye's dad.
I read a few after that and was reminded that Ethan's parents (albeit possibly just his mom) are shit, and Dorothy's parents seem alright.

It seems the vast majority of parents in DOA are awful people...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Jul 2017, 18:30
Damn Amber!!

A wee bit harsh there - especially on yourself
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Jul 2017, 23:32
This is Amber we're talking about here. Self-condemnation is in her character, as is treating anyone liking her or caring for her as proof of a character flaw on their part.

Poor kid; I really hope that she gets some kind of help!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 26 Jul 2017, 09:04

I'm liking this more mature Danny.
I think Dorothy would too...

Tough Luck, Dotty!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Jul 2017, 01:31
Well done Ethan

It was well meant.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Jul 2017, 01:34
What Amber desperately needs right now is for her friends to refuse to let her isolate herself. By all means, give her distance and privacy (she probably needs to think about stuff) but don't let her just shut herself away. Have a relay of visitors to ensure she is okay and have people march her down to the canteen for meals with the most supportive group you can put together (recommended: Dorothy, Danny, Ethan and maybe Joyce; Becky would likely put her foot in her mouth and Sal would just trigger a flashback). Make sure that Amber realises she isn't being rejected and, if she asks why, make sure that you explain it to her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Jul 2017, 15:49
It's going to be interesting to see what happens when she runs into Dorothy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 28 Jul 2017, 04:58

So...
Mary has been unusually happy since the little time skip.

Almost as if what occurred prior o that time skip has CAUSED her new-found happiness and general 'bongoness' towards others.
Almost as if she may have gone through similar, if not worse, an incident as Joyce... at scarface's hands...

Almost as if... Willis is setting up all the, "Mary is a horrible, terrible, irredeemable person!!" people, with a huge, "Well, FU - This is how victims can react when living with it!"

Might not be the case... but *I* think it would be a very interesting twist!

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 28 Jul 2017, 05:17
I found myself wondering if Mary will do a complete heel-face turn; there will be a running joke for a couple of hundred strips about her being a 'pod person' before we find out she was sat down by her pastor (after exulting to him about Billie being 'vulnerable' again) and told that her behaviour was entirely unjustifiable in its sustained malice.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Jul 2017, 23:32
I expect the other shoe to drop with Mary in about three weeks from  now


Nicely put Dina.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 29 Jul 2017, 13:37
I like Dina.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Jul 2017, 16:19
I wondered about that

Explains Amber's self-hate right now though
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 31 Jul 2017, 06:55

"I hope he never..."

There's a hanging sentence to leave us all wondering...
A few ways that one can end.

(I hate that literally, dramatic cliché. How often do people actually STOP in the middle of a sentence when interrupted by someone else? Never rings true... ESPECAILLY when it's something dramatically laden... I often find myself shouting at the TV when it's used in movies/series' etc)




Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Jul 2017, 15:33
Hoo boy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Jul 2017, 16:05
"I hope he never..."
"...wakes up" or something to that degree. I mean, I can't be 100%, but it seems likely enough.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 01 Aug 2017, 03:03
"I hope he never..."
"...wakes up" or something to that degree. I mean, I can't be 100%, but it seems likely enough.

Of course...

But it's a lazy tactic.
And doesn't actually give any real resolution.

("...out of Hospital." ? "...out of Jail!" ?  "...finds the part of him that you cut off and threw into the bushes!!" ?)

Just seems to be dragging the denouement of this out a bit too long...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Aug 2017, 18:33
Well, at least Ruth was being honest here.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Aug 2017, 21:55
"I hope he never..."
"...wakes up" or something to that degree. I mean, I can't be 100%, but it seems likely enough.

Of course...

But it's a lazy tactic.
And doesn't actually give any real resolution.

("...out of Hospital." ? "...out of Jail!" ?  "...finds the part of him that you cut off and threw into the bushes!!" ?)

Just seems to be dragging the denouement of this out a bit too long...
I mean, she already explicitly said she wished Amber'd killed him. I think the interruption was less to cut her off and more to show Ruth barging in.

Also, huh...blowjob cat.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Aug 2017, 00:02
A sign of the times
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 02 Aug 2017, 08:23

Also, huh...blowjob cat.


As in most things, Art reflects Life... :)


(http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/files/2014/01/fairview1.jpg)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Aug 2017, 17:21
Gibbsmacks Walky

With a steel chair
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Aug 2017, 15:48
Frak you Mary
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 04 Aug 2017, 18:09
I have to wonder if Willis isn't actually slowly preparing to make Mary a little less... pure freaking evil, I guess.

I mean, all the non-phycho-dad-non-rapist characters in the comic are complex and multidimensional...Save basically for Mary.
She's always been an irredeemably terrible person altogether in every universe she's appeared in.

 I do think what JoeCovenant said might very well be on the spot, too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Aug 2017, 14:17
So, we know Mary is definitely straight

But she may be attracted to Carla??




Hooo boy

Fasten your Seatbelts folks, it's gonna be a bumpy ride if THAT'S a truism!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Aug 2017, 14:44
We don’t know that Mary is definitely straight.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 05 Aug 2017, 18:59
We've seen Mary doesn't fully respect Carla's gender so to Mary, attraction to a trans person might not affect her concept of her sexuality if she identifies as straight. I can't remember if we've seen if Mary has an issue with homosexuality but it's possible to assume based on her strict Christianity.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Aug 2017, 19:25
She could have issues with non-straight people because of her religion and still not be straight.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 05 Aug 2017, 19:38
True but the point I was making is if she doesn't see Carla as a woman then Mary could still comfortably ID as straight. I don't think she'd be so gleeful if she was dealing with the internal conflict of religious ideals Vs personal identity. Unless it's overcompensating?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Aug 2017, 00:44
Today's strip (8/6) is the one in which Carla learns that Ruth and Billie's circumstances mean that they have a slightly skewed idea of the signs of 'normal and healthy' romantic attraction. I guess when your life is like something out of a romcom, you expect everyone else's to be too!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Aug 2017, 13:25
Mary has shown a great deal of hatred toward Carla in the past, of the clearly not "I secretly love you so I pick on you" kinda. And vice versa. To have Mary suddenly flip on that is unlikely in the extreme. What is more likely is she has taken to the trick of acting super sweet and kind towards your enemy and drive them insane as they try to figure out what you are up to.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Aug 2017, 15:48
Time will tell
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Aug 2017, 23:28
Joyce as a Love Detective...? Horribly, horribly, this could actually work as her role in the strip!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 07 Aug 2017, 02:51
We don’t know that Mary is definitely straight.

She was straight in "It's Walky!" wasn't she? (I don't remember... only that she did get knocked-up after a drunken tangle)

And Willis has said that no-one changes snuggle-buddy preferences in DoA from that universe...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 07 Aug 2017, 04:10
We know that she was sexually attracted to men in that universe. We don't know whether or not she was straight, although AFAIK she wasn't shown to be attracted to women.

AFAIK there is a Walkyverse character (I think Danny?) who was never shown to be attracted to the same sex in the Walkyverse, but is bi in DoA. Basically, while Willis can't make a presumed straight character from the Walkyverse gay while following that rule, he can make a presumed straight character bi and it still work, especially if they're attracted to a character that they never met in the Walkyverse (and Mary never met Ultra Car in the Walkyverse, AFAIK).

Edit: Added "presumed" in places.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Aug 2017, 04:39
This ........

Oh Grud!!

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 07 Aug 2017, 06:17
Remember that not everyone who reads DOA has read other Willis' material, and we request spoilers when getting into the details of those.

Mary has shown a great deal of hatred toward Carla in the past, of the clearly not "I secretly love you so I pick on you" kinda. And vice versa. To have Mary suddenly flip on that is unlikely in the extreme. What is more likely is she has taken to the trick of acting super sweet and kind towards your enemy and drive them insane as they try to figure out what you are up to.

This actually sounds very plausible after this interaction (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2016/comic/book-6/03-when-god-closes-the-door/box-2/). If Mary didn't grab the box off Carla, she wouldn't have got pie'd and the big obvious thing was a red herring. Although Carla was intentionally baiting Mary into getting nervous and paranoid but with shenanigans instead of sweetness.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 08 Aug 2017, 08:02
Today's strip (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2017/comic/book-7/04-the-do-list/exchange/) has had me laughing every time I look at it. The dialogue and expressions and all of Joyce hits my funny bone just right.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 08 Aug 2017, 09:37
I misread “boy” as “toy” and was very confused indeed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Aug 2017, 19:45
Awkward Zone - ENGAGED!!!!!


Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Aug 2017, 08:01
What the fuck, Willis, we didn’t need another one.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 09 Aug 2017, 08:41

Is stand-up, dry-humping a particularly 'righteous' thing to do??

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Aug 2017, 09:38
My theory, this guy is just telling her what she wants to hear and doesn’t particularly care about religion one way or the other. I’m not saying that to defend the guy, he’s shitty no matter what.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Aug 2017, 09:41
My theory, this guy is just telling her what she wants to hear and doesn’t particularly care about religion one way or the other. I’m not saying that to defend the guy, he’s shitty no matter what.

Indeed, I too think he's trying to seduce Mary and, when he gets what he wants (the virginity of a 'chaste' Christian girl), he'll dump her in the cruellest of ways and no doubt boast about his 'achievement' to his friends.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Aug 2017, 18:54
I would say he's definitely trying to get into her pants

Or already has
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 10 Aug 2017, 02:56

So we're thinking she's been *chosen* from "Joe's List"...?
Quite possibly. Although this guy would have to have been a fast mover?
It's still only "Three days after", isn't it?

BUt... after one anti-climactic 'potential rapist' story... we're going to get another similar themed one for Mary?
I don't know if I can see that happening.

I know in the past Willis said he wished he hadn't made Mary pregnant in Walky universe.
I guess an, "I got mine, beeyatch!", deflowering would be of similar *punishment* status...?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Aug 2017, 03:04
FWIW, I don't think that this is 'similar themed' to the Ryan arc. If you're right that Peter has selected Mary from Joe's list, then this is more specifically about the consequences of Joe's thoughtless actions.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 10 Aug 2017, 03:07
FWIW, I don't think that this is 'similar themed' to the Ryan arc. If you're right that Peter has selected Mary from Joe's list, then this is more specifically about the consequences of Joe's thoughtless actions.

I think, in Mary's mind, she'd see them as similar... except worse, as she'd actually have been 'violated'...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Aug 2017, 15:12
So, we have a New Person Alert for Sal

Maybe Danny can learn this

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Aug 2017, 15:36
They are going to move Mary in with her! (the horror, the horror...)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Aug 2017, 22:53
Justifiable Homicide??
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Aug 2017, 14:44
Not everybody hates the fuckin' Eagles, dude.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Aug 2017, 16:38
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Aug 2017, 05:41
I think I've said this before but I suspect that, the more Joyce and Joe get to know each other, the more the two of them seem to be developing a true filial love for each other, being the close sibling that the other never really had (I get the impression that Joyce had an issue of being the 'only girl' that was something of a barrier with her siblings; I think that this is one reason why she became so close to Becky).

I love Joyce's growing pout towards the end of the 8/13 strip. She doesn't want to be "that weird girl who has to pick apart her food"; it's embarrassing in lots of ways and she's increasingly finding that it's impacting on her life. She's a bit resentful that Joe has noticed and has brought it up. However, things are what they are and it's nice of Joe to think of that in keeping a donut aside for her.

It's going to be just another stick for her mother to use to beat her, though, isn't it? Her closest female friend is an atheist and her closest male friend is Jewish. She just can't win with Carol.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 13 Aug 2017, 07:30
With some parents, you really just can't. Or becoming who they expect you to be will destroy everything that makes you, you. In the end, you have to choose to sacrifice yourself or leave.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 13 Aug 2017, 08:56
It's worth noting that Joyce is autobiographical for Willis.

(This spoiler actually does spoil where that whole arc is going.)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Aug 2017, 15:43
But ..... but ...... but .......


THE BLUE ONES ARE SMURFBERRIES!!!!   :claireface:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Aug 2017, 23:35
The key lesson from the 8/14 strip, at least for me, is that kind words said without mean intent, can cut far deeper than any angry reproof.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 14 Aug 2017, 05:01

This is not a ship.

Since day one (more or less) I've firmly believed that Joe does actually feel *love* for joyce.

I think he just has a problem with understanding what that means.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 15 Aug 2017, 04:53

Jebus H Christos!

Talk about splitting your fan base down the middle.
(Nice to see our very own BenRG in the same kinda comment thread as I was posting.)

I honestly don't know why I read the comments page. If there is an extreme to be had, it seems to be LEAPED upon by the vocal majority, and any other dissenting voice hauled over the coals. (People already being called "That guy" for daring to say "Umm... hang on...")

So... here's my rant, cos I feel this is a far safer place to make it.


JOE IS NOT A FECKING RAPIST!!!

He's not an ENABLER. He's not an APOLOGIST. He's not a "Toxic Male" (I bloody hate that ridiculous phrase).
He's an immature, basically lonely guy, looking for solace in meaningless sexual encounters, with girls/women who are perfectly happy to indulge IN those sexual encounters.
He's an eighteen year old *bloke*, who hasn't yet passed beyond the maturity stage of 'rating girls out of ten' to the nth degree, and being especially silly to put that online.

He's also a comic character whose sole purpose is to be the BUTT OF JOKES AGAINST HIM!

But no... let's post essays as to why and how and what this comic character does, is offensive/dangerous/insensitive/your-favourite-trigger-here.
Let's describe his childish and frankly laughable webpage as a "Rapists playground" and "Information for abusers."

I mean, Glob knows, some (A LOT) of people on that page have had a HARD TIME in life, and I sympathise and empathise with them for that, but... man...
There's just 'a point' where you have to step back and say, "Maybe it's just ME putting all of these connotations onto comic characters? Maybe I'm feeding my own problems and looking for justification among the safety of the groupthink which has formed?  Maybe this comic is... just... a bit of fun, which deals with relationships in a comedic fashion-which means using certain tropes and magnifications of actual human traits for comedic effect and... just maybe... it's not real that important in the real world..."

... y'know?


(there, i said it)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 15 Aug 2017, 06:29
Joe is emotionally immature and trying hard not to grow out of that. Unfortunately for him he's being forced to recognize that his actions do indeed matter and have real consequence. Both to himself and to others. I'm sure he figured that giving out donuts and giving an insincere 'sorry' to every woman on his list would have gotten him off the hook, but he's realizing it doesn't. Like Walky, he wants to be an adult for the good stuff (sex, mostly) but still be a kid when it comes to not having responsibility, not having to worry about anyone but himself and just being forgiven when he screws up. Also like Walky he's finding the adult world doesn't work like that and is getting squeezed out of that realm of privilege whether he likes it or not.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 15 Aug 2017, 08:18
The point that those people are trying to make is that, even if Joe isn't a rapist, he's immersed in a culture of toxic masculinity (which is a particular sub-type of masculinity), that very much tries to trivialize rape.

He's part of the culture that attacks rape victims for "ruining their rapist's life", because it wasn't really rape, because she didn't say no (because she was so drunk that she couldn't say no). He's part of the culture that trivializes women, reducing their role to sex objects, and declaring them worthless if they're not having sex with people like him (this especially includes Joyce - see his rating her "zero minus" - even if he doesn't actually think she's worthless).

The people who are calling him out for being on the same path as Ryan and who are calling him out for being immersed in the culture of toxic masculinity aren't saying that he's a toxic male, they're pointing out that he's also a victim of toxic masculinity... but that he has a lot of victims as a result. Sure, it's nowhere near as bad as Ryan, but it is still a thing. And, they're even pointing out that he could grow out of this. In the mean time, though, he's still a threat to women on campus.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 15 Aug 2017, 08:58
I'll add to bhtooefr's post that Joe doesn't have to consciously believe or say some of the things said for those toxic aspects to be an understandable interpretation of Joe's character. The stuff Joe does say and do is enough to further perpetuate a harmful environment. It's at least more than able to be criticised because it reflects a lot of real world attitudes that plenty of people have encountered. Especially early Joe being as overt to say having sex with a virgin is "breaking them in" and he could "upgrade" them by doing so.  (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2010/comic/book-1/03-men-are-from-beck-women-are-from-clark/corrupt/) Joe is an entertaining fictional character and I can see sometimes that he has a good heart, but if I knew someone like him in real life (and I have) then I would not want to be around them.


Plus let's not trivialise triggers. Let's not push the idea that people who've gone through traumas are looking for reasons to be upset and rant. This "bit of fun" comic deals with heavy topics like abuse, suicide and sexual assault. An attempted rape was the first big story event. It makes sense that people talk about those topics a lot in relation to the comic and their own experience.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 15 Aug 2017, 09:24
The point that those people are trying to make is that, even if Joe isn't a rapist, he's immersed in a culture of toxic masculinity (which is a particular sub-type of masculinity), that very much tries to trivialize rape.

He's part of the culture that attacks rape victims for "ruining their rapist's life", because it wasn't really rape, because she didn't say no (because she was so drunk that she couldn't say no). He's part of the culture that trivializes women, reducing their role to sex objects, and declaring them worthless if they're not having sex with people like him (this especially includes Joyce - see his rating her "zero minus" - even if he doesn't actually think she's worthless).

The people who are calling him out for being on the same path as Ryan and who are calling him out for being immersed in the culture of toxic masculinity aren't saying that he's a toxic male, they're pointing out that he's also a victim of toxic masculinity... but that he has a lot of victims as a result. Sure, it's nowhere near as bad as Ryan, but it is still a thing. And, they're even pointing out that he could grow out of this. In the mean time, though, he's still a threat to women on campus.

And clearly I disagree with that.

Exactly where have we seen him "immersed in rape culture"?
I have never seen him remotely 'blame victims for being raped'.
Neither have I seen him attempt to (for want of a better word) 'seduce' anyone under the influence of drink or drugs.

And the last point is the one that really gets me, and that people are refusing to take into account...
Maybe the women who slept with him did actually want him to!
Maybe, just maybe, "casual sex" is actually a thing!
(No, surely not!)

He has NEVER classed any woman as "worthless" if they will not sleep with him.
As you say above, he certainly doesn't view Joyce as worthless, so that point is moot.
And if he did view woman as worthless, then why would he even consider his actions and (impotently-ironically) look to in some way 'make up' for his childish list? (A list, which it must be acknowledged, HE did not make public.)

He has, in fact, made no attempt to hide his availability for women to have sex with him.

Now... you may believe his list is part of this so called "Rape-Culture".
If you do, then there's little else can be said, as IMO, a fantasy "marks-out-of-ten, to-do" PRIVATE list, made by an immature, sexually maturing, young man boy, is so far removed from rape as to be laughable to attempt to link them.

And, Joe has victims?
I think that' straining the English language a little too far...
As is the whole viewpoint hat Joe is in some way dangerous and "toxic" and even (lord help us) a THREAT.
And calling him one, and claiming he has *victims* actively belittles the plight and trauma of women who have been sexually assaulted.

TL/DR: Pick your battles.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 15 Aug 2017, 09:26
It makes sense that people talk about those topics a lot in relation to the comic and their own experience.

Does it make sense for them to attempt to belittle people who disagree with them?

All I see (when it comes to this particular subject) is people looking to force the issue where the issue does not exist.
We've seen it above.
Joe is "toxic" and "dangerous" and "A threat" and has "victims"...? really?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 15 Aug 2017, 09:38

In other news...

Just revisited the comments page and discovered (much to my amazement and some relief) that a great deal of people are indeed now calling out the more rabid "RAPIST" shouters... and even the suggest-ers.

Who'da thunk it!?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 15 Aug 2017, 09:54
Moderator Comment Keep discussion to the comic and its characters, not about the commenters. There's a Rape Culture thread in Discuss (https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,29834.0.html) where that topic can be continued or to do some reading on what has been said before.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 16 Aug 2017, 02:56
Keep discussion to the comic and its characters, not about the commenters. There's a Rape Culture thread in Discuss (https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,29834.0.html) where that topic can be continued or to do some reading on what has been said before.

Mea maxima culpa.

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 16 Aug 2017, 11:12
Global Moderator Comment I just had to delete a post altogether here. Everyone please bring your best selves to the discussion.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Aug 2017, 16:02
And that Joyce, is better than a slap in the face to Joe.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 17 Aug 2017, 15:31
Class dismissed

Let's hope Joe does learn from this
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 18 Aug 2017, 08:39

Ooo!!! Shrodinger's Door!  8-)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 18 Aug 2017, 15:43
More like Dinas Ninja abilities
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Aug 2017, 21:07
Come on, Jeeves, don't be a snitch.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Aug 2017, 17:14
Walky, Master of Disguise
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Aug 2017, 15:40
SQUIRREL!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 21 Aug 2017, 17:10
The awkward opening moments
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: zisraelsen on 21 Aug 2017, 21:23
Oof . Today's strip hit me in the heart. Poor Mindy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Aug 2017, 15:43
Oh dear

Guilt Attack in 3 ..... 2 ..... 1
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 23 Aug 2017, 06:14

Did anyone else notice that Stacy is sitting right beside her in the bar...?
Check that little quiff of hair off right panel...

(And then check the tags!)  :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Aug 2017, 06:49
I suspect that Leslie and Stacy are going to get into a drunken mutual commiseration about how their romantic taste sucks (abusive and sometimes even monsters). A drunken one-night stand might then happen but I hope not as it's something neither of them want or need.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: zisraelsen on 23 Aug 2017, 12:44
I'm a little worried Becky is going to see some parallels between the Joyce-Becky/ Leslie-Mindy rejections and be bitter towards Leslie. Hope I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Aug 2017, 15:20
Well, THAT went well 
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Aug 2017, 07:23
Prediction
Spoilered as it is inspired by recent preview/character art reveals on Willis's Tumblr (https://dumbingofage.tumblr.com).

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 24 Aug 2017, 12:33
BTW, you got the Tumblr link wrong: https://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Aug 2017, 15:10
I need a shower

I think Joe and Rachel probably feel the same way
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Aug 2017, 16:26
Well, at least Amber tried
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Aug 2017, 15:04
Cliff Notes exposition and an interesting conversation ahead
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 26 Aug 2017, 21:27
So Amber is finally going to fully open up to someone. This could get interesting.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 27 Aug 2017, 06:30
So Amber is finally going to fully open up to someone. This could get interesting.

Actually, I think that Amber is going to spend the next few strips ranting about what a broken monster she is and then get very surprised by Dorothy telling her that she's talking bullshit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Aug 2017, 15:30
"You want answers??"
"I want the truth!!!'
"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!!!!!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 27 Aug 2017, 16:16
Actually, I think that Amber is going to spend the next few strips ranting about what a broken monster she is and then get very surprised by Dorothy telling her that she's talking bullshit.

Crap, you have a point.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 28 Aug 2017, 13:48
Well .......


Ummmm ..........


Yeah


Wow
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Aug 2017, 16:29
Dang
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Aug 2017, 23:27
Today's strip has me with this funny mental image of Ruth sitting down with Chloe (the Residence Manager) and asking her how to persuade someone to do what she wants without threatening to tear out their long bones.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Aug 2017, 18:08
GO FORTH AND PARTY!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Aug 2017, 23:29
What do various characters do this Saturday night? Well the 8/31 strip tells us! I particularly like the bunk party that Joyce, Dorothy and Walky are holding and Sarah's reaction to it. She loves those kids, really and it does her heart good to be around their happiness.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 31 Aug 2017, 06:39
Why is Becky so unsatisfied?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Aug 2017, 07:20
Becky is good at putting on a cheerful face but she's still an effective exiled orphan who has far too many problems awaiting her in life and far too many uncertainties. She'd be less than human if she didn't have sad or reflective moments on occasion.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 31 Aug 2017, 10:18
She's woefully unprepared for life on her own, yet she was forced into that situation when her school outed her and her father tried to force her into conversion therapy at gunpoint. She is fortunate that she's got people who are able to put her up, give her a place to stay and food to eat while she tries to assemble a new future out of her shattered life. And she's said before that she's afraid to show anything other than her happy side to anyone for fear they'll reject her and not want her around. The happy Becky is a mask hiding deep insecurities and fears that alone Becky can show.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 31 Aug 2017, 15:44
Silence speaks volumes
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Sep 2017, 16:06
Only on rare occasions Joyce
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 01 Sep 2017, 23:40
So, the 9/2 strip is up and...

Dotty-Joyce-Walky Threesome?!?

Nah, not really but that's how poor Joyce is going to interpret it for a whlie. The freak-out will probably be both painful and funny to watch. This is a pity because, in a way, it's such a heart-warming moment, a reminder that Joyce has such an open heart that she has no problem being in these innocently intimate settings with her friends because she trusts them so much!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Sep 2017, 16:59
Surprise, surprise!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 03 Sep 2017, 08:10
Alert! Alert! Full stop! The tracks are out ahead! This is going to be a huge train wreck!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Sep 2017, 14:01
Black Slacks

Black goes with everything
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 04 Sep 2017, 04:23

Predictions (for which I am WELL KNOWN).... (for not being close!)

1) Sarah tries to get Joyce to impress Jacob (because she just wants to split he and Raihaiahai up) but says it's so SHE can get him.
2) Joyce impresses Jacob so much that (surprise) he falls for HER!
3) Sarah's task is complete.
4) Joyce meanwhile is a WRECK because Jacob wasn't SUPPOSED to fall for her, he was supposed to like Sarah!
5) And Joyce may start feeling things for Jacob... "Which makes me a TERRIBLE FRIEND! -" (In her eyes) "-because I was doing this for Sarah!"
6) DRAMA
7)...
8 ) PROFIT!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Sep 2017, 04:43
I've got a feeling that it's never going to get as far as what will happen between Jacob and Joyce. I have a nasty suspicion that things are going to get into a mess at the Church when someone *coughMaryandPetercough* objects to Joyce being there with an AA man for reasons that should head back to the 1930s when they still were considered vaguely scientific. It downgrades to 'ugly confrontation' when the pastor starts temporising and avoiding telling Mary and Peter that their views are not welcome in the congregation.

There follows something of a crisis of faith and the following (warning, spoiler) new aesthetic for Joyce:

https://dumbingofage.tumblr.com/image/164566132332

FWIW, I think that Jacob will always see Joyce as a cute and dippy younger sister, although he respects her faith.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Sep 2017, 16:01
Careful  Sarah, people will start thinking you like them
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 05 Sep 2017, 16:44
Teamwork!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 06 Sep 2017, 05:08

SAL !!!

 SAL !!!

Oh...
Malaya...
 :? :? :?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 06 Sep 2017, 07:17
Ohh, this is gonna be interesting.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 06 Sep 2017, 07:57
On the plus side, Sal, you might get to see Marcie more now.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Sep 2017, 17:12
They'll either work things  out


Or kill each other
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Sep 2017, 23:33
Actually, if nothing much changes, I think that Sal will find it fairly easy to stay out of Malaya's way. She'll just use her room even less than she did before.

I'm just wondering if Sal will need to protect Malaya from Red Amber. She is the sort of personality who would find the angle to set off the worst aspects of Amber's psyche pretty quickly!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Sep 2017, 16:32
Interesting thought.


Mine is just how long it will take Billie to cause serious physical harm to Lucy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: zisraelsen on 07 Sep 2017, 21:56
Joyce. Joyce, look.

That's badass as fuck.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Sep 2017, 23:21
Joyce can be amazingly random sometimes. You can never be sure what is going to come out of her mouth from moment to moment! Today's strip (9/8) is a good example. She goes from all out MLP 'The Magic of Friendship' in panel 2 to pseudo-Klingon wearing trophy anatomy in panel 6!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Sep 2017, 15:59
Joyce The Barbarian
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Sep 2017, 16:09
Hooooo boy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Sep 2017, 00:57
And for Willis's 20th Webiversary, we have the first Roomies! strip in... I think about sixteen or seventeen years! He even put Joyce in her old Roomies! costume!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Sep 2017, 16:17
Episcopalian!!!!

Oh the shame of it.  Her Parents will weep and wail and call in an Exorcist.



Kinky Mario
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 11 Sep 2017, 04:31
Episcopalian!!!!

Oh the shame of it.  Her Parents will weep and wail and call in an Exorcist.


*Now playing 'Tubular Bells' on the hacked muzak*   :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 11 Sep 2017, 07:21
It's about time that someone told Joyce to lay off the intrusive match making with Jacob, Raidah and Sarah. Though I'm a bit surprised it was Joe was the one who spoke up first.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 11 Sep 2017, 07:52
The way I read today's comic is that the reason Joyce is trying to break up Jacob and Raidah isn't because of Sarah, but because Joyce has a crush on Jacob.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 11 Sep 2017, 07:54
The interesting part of it is that Joyce is unwilling to admit that fact to herself because Jacob "is Sarah's". I'm wondering if Joe's role will be to expose to Joyce that her behaviour is based at least as much on her own desires as her fixation on giving her friends their due 'happily ever after'.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 11 Sep 2017, 08:57

Although I don't, like the idea, I'm almost hoping it happens solely because I called this one a week ago! :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Sep 2017, 11:22
Wait, how is Joe the voice of reason?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 11 Sep 2017, 11:23
Episcopalian is the most common religious affiliation for USA presidents.  That is all I know about the organization. Christianity is not my field of expertise, by far.

Also, Joyce, knock it off. Your intrusive meddling in other people's relationships is rude, controlling, and invasive.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 12 Sep 2017, 01:30
Panel 3 in today's strip (12/9/17) is curious and I can't help but think about it. Is Malaya... lonely? She seems to expect rejection and has long since given up hope of anything else. Is that why she's so adversarial? Is she so used to failing to make connections with people that she sets out to sabotage them in advance so that she saves herself the pain of shattered hopes?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 12 Sep 2017, 17:34
Oh for goodness sake Joyce,  DON'T turn into a female Joe


For goodness sake you too, just kiss already!!!    :claireface:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Sep 2017, 17:10
It's a big box of hugs   :-D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 13 Sep 2017, 23:27
I don't know how close friends Joyce and Billie are really but one think I do know is this: The high school cheerleader in Billie is not about to let anyone she knows go out on a date with a 'smoking hot' nice guy without looking as beautiful as she can get. It's a matter of professional pride.

Now, is it me or does no-one in Read Hall actually think that Raidah deserves Jacob?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 14 Sep 2017, 02:21
What is worse...

Having a creepozoid try to drug you and date rape you , but have that plot foiled and the pleasure jamming a glass into his face...

or

Having a list of women you would want to sleep with, and how you rank them physically...

or

An (apparent) entire MOB of people actively looking to separate you from your boyfriend, (with whom, as far as they know) you are engaged in a firm loving relationship with) because one of the mob's friends feel "you don't deserve him".

Discuss...
(or... you know... don't... But personally I think a lot of Joyce/Jason shippers are being a tad hypocritical)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: zisraelsen on 14 Sep 2017, 10:28
I've never had any of these three things happen to me, but I'd argue that having to defend yourself against a violent crime before passing out from being roofied is probably more harrowing than even the most undeserved or petty relationship drama.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Sep 2017, 10:58
Do we know that much about Raidah?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 14 Sep 2017, 11:36
I've never had any of these three things happen to me, but I'd argue that having to defend yourself against a violent crime before passing out from being roofied is probably more harrowing than even the most undeserved or petty relationship drama.

Agreed.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Sep 2017, 12:23
Try to remember just who you're supposed to be doing this for Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Sep 2017, 12:36
I mean, arguably she's not supposed to be doing this at all.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Sep 2017, 23:36
Try to remember just who you're supposed to be doing this for Joyce.

It's curious because, in a way, I think that Sarah and Billie are doing it for Joyce (the revenge on Raidah being a bitterly pleasant side-benefit).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 15 Sep 2017, 02:22
Try to remember just who you're supposed to be doing this for Joyce.

It's curious because, in a way, I think that Sarah and Billie are doing it for Joyce (the revenge on Raidah being a bitterly pleasant side-benefit).

Nah.
This is revenge.
Totally manipulating someone they say is their friend to hurt another girl.
(Today's strip lays that bare)

So... Let's manipulate the naïve, almost-rape victim, by using her as an unknowing sexual lure, pretending it's for the benefit of someone she views as a friend...

Classy.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Sep 2017, 11:36
Wait, when was she pretending it was for Joyce's benefit? Joyce knows she's doing this for Sarah, even if she doesn't exactly know why.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 15 Sep 2017, 11:42
No, Sarah's pretending to go along with Joyce's plan to get Jacob with Sarah, but she's actually wanting to get Jacob with Joyce. Sarah has accepted that she and Jacob are not a good fit, but she doesn't want Raidah to have him so she's trying to get him to fall for Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Sep 2017, 12:12
...interesting. I'm not sure how I missed that.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Sep 2017, 14:33
I only hope that Joyce doesn't wind up running screaming in terror and horror from the Church
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 15 Sep 2017, 14:44
Whatever happens to her, unlike me, she won't combust setting foot on consecrated ground.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 15 Sep 2017, 14:46
I have no fear of holy ground, it is holy ground that fears me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 16 Sep 2017, 13:57
Some people are gonna get the wrong end of the stick on this Ethan.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 16 Sep 2017, 23:30
Some people are gonna get the wrong end of the stick on this Ethan.

I... don't think that it would be the 'wrong' end of any stick. The only question we need to address here is whether Ethan is willing or able to interpret his own reactions correctly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Sep 2017, 06:15
After that last panel, am I the only one who wants Becky and Jacob to become a crime fighting duo? Or barring that, really good friends? (And yes, Becky could absolutely rock a smaller version of that suit)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Sep 2017, 06:18
After that last panel, am I the only one who wants Becky and Jacob to become a crime fighting duo? Or barring that, really good friends? (And yes, Becky could absolutely rock a smaller version of that suit)

No, the crime-fighting trio will be Sal, Amber and Dorothy. Jacob will be the well-meaning ADA trying to find a way to maintain conventional law and order in a city where costumed vigilantes will be the single most effective law-enforcement organisation. Joyce will be the good-natured wife or housemate who doesn't realise that her significant other is, in fact, the Mysterious [[$Mask_Name]]. As for Becky? She's going to be too busy making sure Carla's dad doesn't misuse the viable dinosaurid DNA she's been digging up for him.

What? A guy can dream, can't he? :wink:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Sep 2017, 07:03
I mean, Dorothy would be part of the crime-fighting trio as the girl behind several monitors hacking into the mainframe and reversing the polarities so Sal and Amber can get in and defeat the spice dealers, sure.

That was surprisingly fun to write.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 19 Sep 2017, 17:56
Well, no disasterss

YET
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 20 Sep 2017, 02:46

I love that last panel of Billie...

Just... yeah...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 20 Sep 2017, 18:23
Reset/Restart

One hopes
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 22 Sep 2017, 17:33
Place seems a step up


I like Nash  :D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Sep 2017, 23:39
I'm getting the feeling that Billie could be in a bad situation here. Nash and Beatrice are talking a lot by ASL behind Billie's back and they do seem to be going to some effort to bring out the worst in her personality. This is either newbie hazing or they're just trying to manipulate Billie to make her easily controllable.

Like Billie, I'm curious about the 'no pets' rule for Forest Hall. I'd definitely want to talk to Lucy about how that came about.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Sep 2017, 15:08
It'd be nice if he had translations when he had characters sign.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 23 Sep 2017, 16:22
I'd watch these two Billie
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 23 Sep 2017, 23:55
It'd be nice if he had translations when he had characters sign.

Do I *really* need to post a tvtropes link here?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Sep 2017, 01:10
I've got a bad feeling that Billie is going to get too much of a positive response and that her worst characteristics will be enabled and encouraged by her new friends. This will either get her in trouble or it will strain her relationship with Ruth and the others at Read Hall, leaving her with the need to make a choice about what she wants more: External validation or meaningful relationships.

Oh, and I now desperately want Joyce to run into Lucy at Jacob's church and the two to become best friends. The amount of pure joyful positive sugar will be astonishing and will probably start crystallising out as a thin layer of frosting on the walls and floors!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 24 Sep 2017, 08:37
It'd be nice if he had translations when he had characters sign.

Do I *really* need to post a tvtropes link here?
You could just tell me what link it would be instead of being kind of unhelpful?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 24 Sep 2017, 11:49
Oh sorry.  Here it is: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BilingualBonus
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 24 Sep 2017, 17:10
So far so good.  But remember Billie, pride goeth before a fall.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Sep 2017, 05:45
Oh sorry.  Here it is: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BilingualBonus
Ahh. Do they really show enough in the panels for people who know ASL to be able to get the gist of what they're saying?

Also Joyce, Episcopalians are Protestants, but Justine (my Catholic girlfriend) has referred to them as "Catholicism light". (This is not meant as an insult)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Sep 2017, 05:57
Also Joyce, Episcopalians are Protestants, but Justine (my Catholic girlfriend) has referred to them as "Catholicism light". (This is not meant as an insult)

They are either identical to or very similar to what we here in the UK call the 'High Church', which was basically the post-Henry VIII Catholic church  that no longer recognised the Pope's authority. There was a flirtation with puritanism during the brief reign of Edward VI that led to the disappearance of icons but, mostly, it remains a Catholic-esque sect with many of the same rituals and observances, just exclusively carried out in English.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: pwhodges on 25 Sep 2017, 06:51
They are either identical to or very similar to what we here in the UK call the 'High Church', which was basically the post-Henry VIII Catholic church  that no longer recognised the Pope's authority. There was a flirtation with puritanism during the brief reign of Edward VI that led to the disappearance of icons

It's worth noting that the Church of England - the origin of the worldwide Anglican communion - encompasses to this day a huge variety of viewpoints and rituals, from the Laudian (http://www.open.edu/openlearn/history-the-arts/history/world-history/laudians-and-puritans) "Anglo-Catholics" at the high-church end to pretty fundamentalist evangelical puritans at the low-church end.  It is amazing that some of these can co-exist, but this is the reason for the indecisiveness of the C of E in general.  It is one of the great British compromises!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 25 Sep 2017, 16:22
Don't Geek Joyce
Don't Geek Joyce
Don't Geek Joyce


DON'T GEEK!!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 25 Sep 2017, 16:44
That's not a face of someone who's geeking out. That's a face of someone facing horror beyond imagining... They're doing God wrong!!!!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Sep 2017, 18:43
Exactly. Plus...why would geeking out be bad?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Sep 2017, 07:55
Wow, Joyce, you're being super shitty. It's kinda funny that electric guitars are the biggest deal, though. Also can someone explain the occupied vs. empty cross thing? An empty cross is still showing what killed him, wouldn't celebrating his resurrection be an empty cave?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Sep 2017, 08:14
Wow, Joyce, you're being super shitty. It's kinda funny that electric guitars are the biggest deal, though. Also can someone explain the occupied vs. empty cross thing? An empty cross is still showing what killed him, wouldn't celebrating his resurrection be an empty cave?

I have no certain knowledge but I think that some groups feel that a model of a bloodied and broken man nailed to a cross as a symbol of veneration is, at the very least, in highly poor taste, compared to a completely abstract shape. I think that I understand that; there is a touch of sadistic voyeurism about it at least in my view.

Then again, my particular group rejects all forms of religious imagery of all kinds as objects of veneration so I might not be the best person to ask.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Sep 2017, 08:47
The cross isn't a "completely abstract shape," though, it's explicitly a method of execution. Yeah, it's less unpleasant without Jesus on it, but it still is a symbol of his death, is it not?

Also, if you don't mind me asking, what is your particular group? I'm merely curious, you should not feel compelled to answer if that is private.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 26 Sep 2017, 09:26

It's actually a really simple strategy by the Catholic church..

"LOOK! LOOK WHAT YOUR SIN DID TO HIM!! LOOK WHAT HE HAD TO SUFFER AND HOW HE HAD TO DIE FOR YOU !!! VENERATE HIM!!!!"

/nutshell
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 26 Sep 2017, 09:28

It's actually a really simple strategy by the Catholic church..

"LOOK! LOOK WHAT YOUR SIN DID TO HIM!! LOOK WHAT HE HAD TO SUFFER AND HOW HE HAD TO DIE FOR YOU !!! VENERATE HIM!!!!"

/nutshell

(Holy Trinity / Three in One / One in Substance with the Father... hence... "Worship of God, not of Idolatry"... Emotional use of ICONS (important distinction)).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 26 Sep 2017, 10:32
As someone who was raised as Catholic, I never understood the obsession with the crucifixion myself. It's not just the image of Jesus on the cross, or talk about how he was killed then resurrected... They go into great detail about it. Most Catholic churches have some area devoted to painting or murals of the stations of the cross, basically a picture book of Jesus' torture and public execution... I suppose it's to feed into the guilt and persecution complexes the church tries to instill on it's followers.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Sep 2017, 11:03
Ok, but I mean...how is the empty cross any better? How is it any different than a religion where the prophet who was executed by electric chair and using that as the religion's symbol?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 26 Sep 2017, 14:58
The actual graphic representation of an injured, bloody, suffering and dying Christ figure atop it. It's a lot more in your face when there's a body and face able to stare back at you than empty.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 26 Sep 2017, 15:43
Next


Running in terror
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 26 Sep 2017, 16:24
Joyce is most certainly not High Church.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 26 Sep 2017, 23:15
What Joyce definitely is appears to be 'crushing on Jacob', which, from his smile, I think he finds kind of cute.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 26 Sep 2017, 23:18
Religion continues to completely baffle me.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 27 Sep 2017, 02:26
Religion continues to completely baffle me.

For about a dozen years I studied and searched for a religion.

After those dozen years it seemed incontrovertibly apparent that the problem with religion... is people.
Every one I studied held the populace to the highest ideals.
And EVERY ONE, at all levels, was rife with hypocrisy and elite-ism.

My basic conclusion was,
"If you wanna believe in any god, do so. Just don't try and include anyone else in that relationship. Keep it between YOU and whoever your god may be,"

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Sep 2017, 05:17
Jacob's a good dude. Also, have we ever seen the back of his head? I'm really curious if the really thin bit of hair that's separated from the rest of his hair goes all the way around. I guess I'll go back and check.

Edit: This (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2017/comic/book-7/02-everything-youve-ever-wanted/approachable/) seems to indicate that it does. Honestly, that might be the most baffling hairstyle I've ever seen. I'm not asking why, I'm asking how. Does he shave the bald bit really often? That seems so inconvenient.

Further Edit: And this (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-6/01-to-those-whod-ground-me/nooooope/) one confirms it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 27 Sep 2017, 07:16
He goes to a barber regularly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 27 Sep 2017, 15:37
He definitely is acting the way she needs at this point.

Calming Influence - ENGAGED!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Sep 2017, 07:24
I find myself suddenly warming up to Malaya...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: zisraelsen on 28 Sep 2017, 07:52
Plus she brought us my favorite DoA sound effect so far. *Kick scootch*
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Sep 2017, 13:38
Ok, I'm probably forgetting something, but...why do we dislike Malaya again?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 28 Sep 2017, 14:38
eeeeh... Not so much *dislike* as given little reason to like her. She's kind of like Carla. Rough, abrasive, standoffish, prickly. Sal doesn't like her because she's in roller derby too, but was always harsh to Sal. And then Marcie got the hots for Malaya and spending all her time with her instead of Sal.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 29 Sep 2017, 16:52
Winter has come
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 29 Sep 2017, 23:36
In a lot of ways, Carla is just a little kid at heart. She is capable of malicious action but mostly she just doesn't think about the effect on others because she's having too much fun right now! I also think that she'll find some completely offbeat and deniable way to apologise to Ruth without being seen as soft.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Sep 2017, 14:47
True

Carla can be a bit self-centered, but she is capable of learning.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 01 Oct 2017, 13:53
And his name is Iggy
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Oct 2017, 11:27
Or Iguana Pop.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 02 Oct 2017, 15:31
That'll work


Heh Fuckface the Iguana
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Oct 2017, 16:53
Marcie's carrying that upside down :parrot:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 02 Oct 2017, 23:07
Marcie's carrying that upside down :parrot:

Carrying boxes with the 'this way up' symbol pointing in the wrong direction seems to be some sort of tradition at IU. maybe it's symbolic of something? Or maybe it's just a cheap joke?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 03 Oct 2017, 14:07
Hey, at least Marcie was in the same room as Sal

It's a start   :D
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 04 Oct 2017, 02:34
Hey, at least Marcie was in the same room as Sal

It's a start   :D

It is a start...

And the look drawn on Marcie's face 'did' look a little sad...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Oct 2017, 06:12
Joyce, would it have been that much trouble to do a little bit of research?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Oct 2017, 06:22
It's kind of in-character for Joyce to just blanket assume that all 'Christian' denominations are basically the same and do exactly the same things in exactly the same way (Note: It is also culturally correct that she would consider the traditional churches to be 'not real Christians' and therefore automatically different).

Here's where the real mental trick about Joyce Brown comes in: Jacob is a nice guy whom she likes and is a self-professed Christian. To Joyce, 'nice guys' who are 'Christian' are automatically of a similar denomination to her. She's learning now not to let her fantasies about the shape of the world affect her assumptions.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 04 Oct 2017, 09:39
This is where the sheltered naive thing is not on the cute side of the spectrum.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 04 Oct 2017, 16:26
Indeed
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 Oct 2017, 21:42
This isn't sheltered naivety, this is selfish immaturity.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 05 Oct 2017, 03:04
This isn't sheltered naivety, this is selfish immaturity.

Kinda have to agree with this one.

It's almost a dangerous thing Willis is doing here.
"You know that ultra-cute, loveable, everyone's friend, character you all ADORE!
Well, look... she's being a total douche!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 05 Oct 2017, 03:10
Whenever you're dealing with Willis's art, you have to be aware of his background: The strong reserve of self-loathing he feels for the person he was as a teenager and college student and the enormous resentment he feels for his parents and their religion. Given that Joyce is his SI and is, in many ways, the person he was back then, you can expect Willis to occasionally throw muck at her simply because she has elements of himself in her that he now despises.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 05 Oct 2017, 06:26
Whenever you're dealing with Willis's art, you have to be aware of his background: The strong reserve of self-loathing he feels for the person he was as a teenager and college student and the enormous resentment he feels for his parents and their religion. Given that Joyce is his SI and is, in many ways, the person he was back then, you can expect Willis to occasionally throw muck at her simply because she has elements of himself in her that he now despises.

I doubt there are many who *are* unaware of his background / Joyce being his previous self's alter-ego.

I would however be very surprised if anyone over the age of five would react the way Joyce is reacting (particularly the "Hey Buddy!" and frankly, screaming that she's doing).

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Oct 2017, 07:42
Honestly, I'm only aware of his background because of this thread. Also...not defending how she's doing it, but is sharing a cup not a valid concern? Wine isn't high enough in alcohol to kill germs, is it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 Oct 2017, 08:01
Places that I've been to that offer wine wipe the rim with a cloth in between offering sips. I mean it's not really sanitizing but better than nothing. And it's never required so if you have some aversion to drinking after other people, have a cold or something you can always skip that part at take the wafer for communion. The idea is to make the ritual offering, not force people to bathe in germs.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: pwhodges on 05 Oct 2017, 09:56
The Orthodox churches use bread, not wafer, and dunk it in the wine so that you take both together rather more hygienically.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 05 Oct 2017, 11:11
I'm Catholic. When I was young we went to my aunt's Episcopal church once.  It was pretty much the same deal with minor differences here and there like using actual bread instead of the wafer.  It always confused me, in my younger years, that there were different kinds of Christianity.  Its all dedicated to the same person/deity.  It wasn't until I learned about Martin Luther and the schisms in school that it came down to, essentially, different philosophies and politics.

My wife is eastern orthodox (yay 2 Christmases and new years and occasionally Easter!).  We went to midnight easter mass at a local orthodox church (I forget if it was serbian or croatian, but my wife was able to keep up with the words).  There was a lot more rules and procedures than I am used to.  I also found it strange that they dipped a cube of bread in wine and then put it on your tongue.  Not to say its bad, just different from the wafer I am used to.

I remember when we were going to start going to Catholic church, so we can be in good standing to have a priest marry us.  A couple of nights before going, I showed her the Dane Cook comedy central stand up about going to church.  To this day whenever we go to catholic mass and the priest starts with the peace lines we snicker and elbow each other.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Oct 2017, 06:43
God damn it, Willis, don't make me start missing that Joyce being obnoxious at church story by making Leslie do something stupid.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 06 Oct 2017, 06:58
God damn it, Willis, don't make me start missing that Joyce being obnoxious at church story by making Leslie do something stupid.

Glutton for punishment.   :cry:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Oct 2017, 07:06
Her, or me for continuing to read over the years? (I'm not even complaining, I like the comic...I think?)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Oct 2017, 07:14
Yes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Oct 2017, 07:19
(https://frinkiac.com/meme/S05E04/1108673.jpg?b64lines=eWVzCgoKCg==)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 06 Oct 2017, 08:20
Her, or me for continuing to read over the years? (I'm not even complaining, I like the comic...I think?)

:)

Her...
I binge read all of Willis' output over a matter of weeks.
Really like it overall.. just get a bit miffed with the way his story flows sometimes...  :)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Oct 2017, 08:24
I read all of DoA a while back so I could take part in this thread, then I tried reading the other stuff and got a couple years in and...just didn't really wanna read anymore. I still read DoA more or less every day (sometimes I forget and have to catch up but rarely more than a week, mostly because I'll see someone posted here and that reminds me).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 06 Oct 2017, 08:31
I read all of DoA a while back so I could take part in this thread, then I tried reading the other stuff and got a couple years in and...just didn't really wanna read anymore. I still read DoA more or less every day (sometimes I forget and have to catch up but rarely more than a week, mostly because I'll see someone posted here and that reminds me).

I must admit I do question the (almost constant) recycling of stories and characters.
And what seems to be a need to utterly change what has become familiar.
(Case in point, "Shortpacked". I really liked Shortpacked, but then he went and changed the *main cast* while keeping the venue the same, and Supercar, and I must admit I wanted it to end.
The varying versions of It's Walky (or Joyce and Walky... (I don't even know if I've seen all of them due to the way they are presented online)) were alright, but just got a bit ridiculous.

He does seem to like sticking with a theme.
Either people come back from the dead with annoying regularity
or
Everyone's a superhero,
or
Everyone is Gay/Bisexual.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 06 Oct 2017, 09:06
Hey, something has just occurred to me that might explain why Joyce is being so difficult at Jacob's church.

We know that Joyce has a very mild compulsive disorder. She doesn't like foods that contain mixtures of components that she can't easily separate into their constituent parts. She doesn't like them to the point where her family have known her to go without food rather than confront something like that.

Now, add on top of that the indoctrination she has had since childhood and just try to imagine how badly it would impact upon her being forced to confront forms of worship that are so different up close and personal, especially things that might also impinge on phobias she might have about germs and the like. It would be bad, I think. Maybe even meltdown bad.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Oct 2017, 09:32
It's just interesting that she can look past the hateful shit about LGBT people and come to her own conclusion, but that she's so stuck on grape juice.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 06 Oct 2017, 10:35
She only confronted her feelings about LGBT people after Becky came out to her. Her life long friend and sister in everything but blood. And that wasn't exactly smooth and easy. But she has embraced it now. Joyce doesn't deal all that well with change in general. The way she was brought up prized doing things a certain way. She's being forced to deal with many of her preconceived notions being wrong. And in this case she's understood worship to be done a certain way and embraces that entirely. She genuinely enjoys going to church and participating in services as we've seen time and again. And now here's Jacob, a man she admires and maybe even likes and he's doing it all wrong in her eyes. Just one more case of 'everything I'd understood up till now is being challenged'. And she's not really been able to take the time to process all the changes in between, so yeah.. She's more than a little freaked out.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Oct 2017, 11:30
Thanks. That makes it easier to understand.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 06 Oct 2017, 15:01
Well, at least she remembered who Lessie was.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: zisraelsen on 06 Oct 2017, 21:46
This is the start of an arc heavily involving Anna, isn't it.

I do not like Anna.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Oct 2017, 06:27
Nobody likes Anna, except Mindy, and Mindy is a worse judge of character than Leslie. I hope.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 07 Oct 2017, 08:15
I'm thinking that Leslie is going to have the shock of her life: Maybe Anna is going to tell her that she was originally thinking of having a random night of meaningless sex with her before tossing her out in the morning like yesterday's garbage. However, after upsetting Mindy as badly as she did, she just want her to go and not bother her. She has some standards and someone who makes Mindy cry falls below them!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 07 Oct 2017, 14:32
Mindy neds a kickin'
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 08 Oct 2017, 14:25
Oh come on Anna live a little.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Oct 2017, 00:31
Today's strip (10/9) is the one in which Amber learns that Joyce isn't some weird anomaly. She is not hated and feared at all!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 09 Oct 2017, 13:56
And the sooner Amber realises that, the better for her I think

Shr really needs  to accept that she isn't as deep in the Doghouse as she's trying to make herself feel
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 09 Oct 2017, 14:48
Life long self hatred really isn't that easy to shake off...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Oct 2017, 20:06
Who are Mandy and Grace again? I don't get this reference.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 09 Oct 2017, 23:46
Who are Mandy and Grace again? I don't get this reference.
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2017/comic/book-7/03-the-thing-i-was-before/unraveling/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Oct 2017, 06:59
Ahh, right. Thanks! Also Joe, I wonder if you realize that a week is like...a few years if there's not another time jump. (I figure if anyone could see past the fourth wall, it's Joe. I have no reason for this assumption.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 10 Oct 2017, 07:04
I would think it's Mike (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-5/03-the-butterflies-fly-away/nice-2/) who could tap on the fourth wall.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 10 Oct 2017, 15:46
Strength and Honor Joe

Strength and Honor
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 10 Oct 2017, 23:57
Oddly enough, if there were ever two characters in Dumbing of Age who could beneficially go on a journey of self-improvement together, I think it would be Joe and Sarah. Sarah is better at empathising than Joe but Joe is the sort of guy who would probably help her not always look for the bad in everyone and everything around her.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 11 Oct 2017, 15:38
Or Sarah could just go find The Button
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 13 Oct 2017, 10:28
She did already, the universe just looped back.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 13 Oct 2017, 14:13
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 14 Oct 2017, 14:53
Trust Carla not to really give a damn and not know who Stabby was
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Kugai on 15 Oct 2017, 14:12
Well said Becky
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 25 Oct 2017, 16:14
Oof, Joyce. This is what happens when you don't really know one of the people you are shipping.
Learn.
Adapt.
Overcome.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Oct 2017, 04:20
Well, Jacob and Joyce are being very flirty in today's strip (10/31), aren't they?

At the risk of jumping the gun so high that I land on the Moon, I can't help but wonder how Carol Brown might react to Joyce having a black, Episcopalian boyfriend? I mean, which one would she be most offended by?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 31 Oct 2017, 07:48

Is it me? Or is Joyce *way* off-model in those last two panels?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 13 Nov 2017, 08:18

I see Mr Willis has another Kickstarter on the go...

This time for  "It's Walky!"  (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/326540223/its-walky-a-first-book-collection)

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: chaospersonified on 18 Nov 2017, 21:30
Hmm. Dang. So today’s strip re-contextualizes Jacob to me. Just a li’l bit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 18 Nov 2017, 23:52
I, for one, never imagined that I'd be shipping Jacob with Joyce as strongly as I am after 11/19's strip. There are huge issues standing in the way of course, most of them under the heading of 'Raidah' and I don't think that they can be trivialised. Not least of the reasons is that, whilst I can see Joyce shoving Jacob towards Sarah, I can't see her having the mindset to think "I am better for Jacob than Raidah" and then actively seeking to subvert the relationship.

That said, I do like Becky in today's strip. She's over the 'Joyce' hump in many ways, seeing that Joyce's 'type', gender issues aside, is a very different person from her. She still feels the ache but she's more focussed on her shock at just what is Joyce's type. Maybe she's wondering if she really understood her sister's romatic preferences at all! :laugh:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Nov 2017, 00:16
I love 11/23's strip for two distinct reasons: Firstly, it reminds us just how screwed up are Joe's self-esteem and his perception of what 'healthy' relationships with women are supposed to be like. Secondly because I find the prospect of Joyce spending a morning window-shopping in the Boy Mall funny for some reason. :-D

I wonder she'll subconsciously put on a show of her own? After all, she is down there for a date with a treadmill!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 23 Nov 2017, 02:39

What will be interesting is if she starts 'subconsciously' flirting with Jacob again...

One would imagine that Joe will SO call her on it!
THAT will be fun...
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Nov 2017, 02:05
I'm expecting Joyce to get extra jumpy around Jacob and maybe Joe, now that a part of her mind seems to have recognised that:
Something tells me that Sarah is going to have to deal with being a mentor for a girl going through the mental end of puberty for the next while!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 24 Nov 2017, 02:15

Now... as you all probably already know...
 I *hate* shipping (I even dislike the term...)

But if I were forced to choose... of the two of them...?
Joyce and Joe would be a better fit.
I don't see much growth in Joyce/Jacob, other than Joyce (Eek!) learning a different way to church.
(Or Jacob vice versa)

Whereas Joe /Joyce would have FAR more scope for lots of character development and a ton more comedic possibilities.

And, you know, s'still a comic!

(Unless, of course, Willis is going all out with the Drama Tag in the near future...?)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Jan 2018, 04:40
So wait, what is Sarah trying to do?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 03 Jan 2018, 04:52
So wait, what is Sarah trying to do?

I'm glad someone else picked up on that...
The way Joe says he "...know what (Sarah is) REALLY trying to do..."

I think it's gotten to the point where even Sarah doesn't know her own motives anymore.

It seems to me that all she is trying to do (ultimately) is HURT Raidah.
The debate as to whether she is being equally as manipulative/terrible as the person she claims to be *saving* Jacob from is doubtless a big discussion one could have.

But I think today's strip is one of the best DoAs I've seen for a while...
(And I get SICK to DEATH of all the Joe hating that goes on in their forum)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Jan 2018, 05:03
So wait, what is Sarah trying to do?
She's trying to hook up Jacob with Joyce.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 03 Jan 2018, 05:10
So wait, what is Sarah trying to do?

She's trying to hook up Jacob with Joyce.

A dangerously simple answer that fails to fully communicate several layers of motive, self-deceit and manipulation. One of the things that I suspect that we will learn from this scene is whether that is the entirety of Sarah's motivations or if she's using Joyce to hurt Raidah and trying to excuse herself by telling herself: "Hey, Joyce will get a great BF out of this so it isn't as if I'm hurting her by doing this!"
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 03 Jan 2018, 05:12

(Unless, of course, Willis is going all out with the Drama Tag in the near future...?)

I think... for once... I'm kinda justified in claiming this as "called it!" 

:)

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 03 Jan 2018, 10:32
Is "Hallelujah, chairs at last" the first time that Joyce has casually said anything that could be construed as taking the Lord's name in vain? It's certainly the first I remember, though I'm sure that someone will be a long to correct me shortly.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 03 Jan 2018, 13:09
Joyce swore a lot, for her, during and immediately after the Toedad event. I don't know if this strip (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-6/01-to-those-whod-ground-me/damn/) is the first instance of Joyce saying "god damn" but it's the most intense and significant so far.

Edit: I think this is Joyce's first "god damn". (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-6/01-to-those-whod-ground-me/escalate/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 04 Jan 2018, 02:36
When Joe Rosenthal calls you out on your lack of ethics in your behaviour towards others, you should sit up and take notice. I wonder if Sarah has enough self-respect to do so or will she be more like Amber, believing herself to be a monster and content to be viewed as such?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 13 Jan 2018, 11:55
I don't like Mike. In a comic full of multi-dimensional and well developed characters, Mike is consistently so... flat.

He's just there to do something to create chaos and drama, and that's pretty much it. And he's had plenty of screentime to get more development, but he never really got it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Jan 2018, 14:31
Is this the first time Walky's said that?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Jan 2018, 14:37
The first time he's said it and meant it, yes.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Jan 2018, 14:42
Wait, he's said it and not meant it?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Jan 2018, 15:11
Back around the time that Becky arrived. (http://dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/01-when-somebody-loved-me/thirdactclimax/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Jan 2018, 15:45
Ahhh, cheers. So yeah, definitely the first time he meant it.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 14 Jan 2018, 18:54
Well, break up incoming, I guess.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Jan 2018, 23:12
Well, maybe. Willis's characters tend to have too complex interactions to make such a clean and simple outcome likely.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 15 Jan 2018, 02:36

Me, I was more intrigued by the "throw-away" gag between Joe and Joyce...

Joe's carrying Joyce's books...
Isn't that "American Teen-Speak" for flirting??

:)

Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 15 Jan 2018, 03:46
Well, I was close.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 15 Jan 2018, 13:49
Poor Dorothy and Walky. That was very hard on both of them.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 16 Jan 2018, 02:23
Poor Dorothy and Walky. That was very hard on both of them.

I dunno if *hard* is an appropriate word to use...

... given Walky's current situation....
 :parrot:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Jan 2018, 04:36
This might seem like a strange question, but...is this the first time Ethan's kissed a guy? I don't mean in comic, I mean ever.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Jan 2018, 09:46
This might seem like a strange question, but...is this the first time Ethan's kissed a guy? I don't mean in comic, I mean ever.

First time for Dumbingverse Ethan but Walkyverse Ethan had at least two boyfriends, one of whom I'm pretty sure was shown in a lip-lock with him towards the run of Shortpacked!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 17 Jan 2018, 11:02
Wait, are we 100% sure Ethan never kissed any other dudes offscreen? Even before the comic's time?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 17 Jan 2018, 14:31
Especially before the comic's time. From what he said to Joyce, he was rather trying to avoid being gay in any way.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 22 Jan 2018, 16:15
I wish I could eat that many McNugs without getting heartburn.  Damn you, youths!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Jan 2018, 04:30
Wait, Billie still doesn't think she's bi?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Jan 2018, 06:02
Wait, Billie still doesn't think she's bi?

I've said this on the DoA site's comments too but I think it bears repeating here: In High School, Billie was probably the type of alpha girl who bullied anyone 'different', be they homosexual, bisexual, members of a non-mainstream religious group or whatever. I'm sure that this has raised enormous barriers in her subconsciousness to allow her to admit to herself what she has turned out to be for fear it will reduce her social standing even further than it currently is.

Now, you and I know her fears are mostly groundless but I've got a feeling that a combination of her upbringing and the extra-familial social conformance pressures during her upbringing will make it very difficult for her to too easily accept being 'non-mainstream' in any way.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 25 Jan 2018, 09:24
Billie has said before that she thinks everyone (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/03-answers-in-hennessy/inevitable/), including normal straight people, experiences some amount of attraction to multiple genders at some point, even to the point of sex and relationships.

Billie's expressed that she doesn't think bisexuality is a real thing. (http://www.dumbingofage.com/2017/comic/book-7/03-the-thing-i-was-before/borderline/)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 26 Jan 2018, 02:12
....In High School, Billie was probably the type of alpha girl who bullied anyone 'different', be they homosexual, bisexual, members of a non-mainstream religious group or whatever.

That's a hella projection there, Ben...?  :-\
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Jan 2018, 03:05
Well, Billie has opened the Pandora's Box of alcohol during her date with Ruth today (1/30). I'm strongly suspecting that Billie and Ruth will both be so nervous that they'll finish a bottle between them and then have a blackout. Depending on how nice Willis is feeling, what they hear about their overnight behaviour from others in the dorm will be either cutely positive or catastrophically negative.

Best case scenario is Joyce gushing: "Amazi-Girl and her two sidekicks saved you!" (Amber finds them weaving drunkenly across the quad whilst trying to make-out. She, Sal and Danny escort them back to Ruth's room and leave them on Ruth's bed, quite unconscious.)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: LeeC on 30 Jan 2018, 09:02
Danny and Sal have fun chemistry.  Not the shipping kind necessarily, just fun to read/watch.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 31 Jan 2018, 02:37
I'm not familiar with the oeuvre of Johnny Cash. Consequently, when reading today's strip (31/1), I can only hear Sal singing REM's Everybody Hurts.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 31 Jan 2018, 02:37
Danny and Sal have fun chemistry.  Not the shipping kind necessarily, just fun to read/watch.

Every since I first read any of Willis' work, I thought Danny and Sal were a great couple.

I hated the way they were never able to be in the right place at the right time for each other.

I'd love to see that resolved in *this* particular iteration of the *MultiWalkyVerse*...

(... but I know that I'll doubtless end up shouting "Damn You, Willis!" fairly soon... after all, the annual "Valentine's Day Massacre" is approaching...)
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: hedgie on 31 Jan 2018, 08:53
I'm not familiar with the oeuvre of Johnny Cash. Consequently, when reading today's strip (31/1), I can only hear Sal singing REM's Everybody Hurts.

Even though the Cash version is better, it was originally a Nine Inch Nails song.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 31 Jan 2018, 09:04
And by "the Cash version is better", Trent Reznor agrees. To the point that he said it's no longer his song, it's Cash's.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 31 Jan 2018, 11:05
I disagree with Trent on the subject, but art is subjective.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: A Duck on 31 Jan 2018, 21:25
Damn. The one-two punch of Danny wanting to be a "multidisciplinar Dork" and Sal singing "Hurt" hit me hard.

Damn you, Willis!!
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Feb 2018, 04:02
Amber, if you have to ask, the answer is always both.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Feb 2018, 04:18
Me: Who the fuck is Faz?
(clicks tag)
Me: Oh, shit.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 09 Feb 2018, 09:11
Me: Who the fuck is Faz?



....oh.    :psyduck:
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 09 Feb 2018, 09:14
Semi apropos of nothing, I had a dream/semi-waking imagination burst a few months ago when IU got a new mechanical engineering tutor, a USMC veteran named Frank Castle (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punisher). Blaine, Ross and Faz had chosen an... unhealthy moment to make their return as they quickly (and briefly) learned.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Feb 2018, 04:12
Why did I think that Amber's dad was in jail? I know Becky's dad is, but I thought Amber's dad was, too. Was he just beat up really badly and then sent away?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Mar 2018, 06:19
Ok, is nobody reading this anymore? Also I'm wondering why they just took Joe's list at face value and why Penny didn't say something like "um...he wishes". Then again, they also took Penny's word about Jason, so...I don't know.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: BenRG on 14 Mar 2018, 06:29
I'm still reading this but I don't think that anyone is really all that enthused to the degree needed to discuss it at this point.

Willis has put all the existing arcs on hold whilst he goes off on a tangent and addresses Dorothy's incipient stress-induced breakdown and Walky's academic issues. Whilst valid storylines, they're... not as interesting to the majority of readers as the Amber DID question, Sarah's apparent use of Joyce as a weapon to attack Raidah and the ever-weirder Sal-Danny-Amber/Amazi-Girl triangle. I've noticed significantly reduced activity on the comic's comment board too.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Mar 2018, 06:30
Ok, is nobody reading this anymore? Also I'm wondering why they just took Joe's list at face value and why Penny didn't say something like "um...he wishes". Then again, they also took Penny's word about Jason, so...I don't know.

It's easier for the administration to just fire a couple grad students than deal with a potential sex scandal breaking out, and as has been shown before (e.g. with Ruth's bosses), the administration is lazy.

Why did I think that Amber's dad was in jail? I know Becky's dad is, but I thought Amber's dad was, too. Was he just beat up really badly and then sent away?
He was beaten up badly enough to end up in the hospital, and we haven't heard from him since. I suspect, with Faz hanging around, that we'll hear from him in this storyline.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 14 Mar 2018, 09:28
Why did I think that Amber's dad was in jail? I know Becky's dad is, but I thought Amber's dad was, too. Was he just beat up really badly and then sent away?
Blaine is an asshole, but didn't do anything illegal in that story arc. As far as the police are concerned, he's the victim.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 14 Mar 2018, 12:00
He may have been trespassing, actually: http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/04-just-hangin-out-with-my-family/approved/
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: sitnspin on 14 Mar 2018, 12:58
Fair, but no one pressed charges on that. The only school official who knew about it was Ruth.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Theta9 on 02 Mar 2019, 16:29
I just realized we're not in the latest DoA thread (https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,34103.100.html).
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Mar 2019, 21:01
Wait, what the fuck? I didn't even know there was a new one!

Edit: Wait, no, I did, I was thinking this was that one and there was yet another one. My bad.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: bhtooefr on 03 Mar 2019, 10:20
...time to move the relevant posts from this thread into the new thread, then lock this one?
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Theta9 on 03 Mar 2019, 12:44
...time to move the relevant posts from this thread into the new thread, then lock this one?
Not a bad idea.
Title: Re: Damn you, Willis! (Dumbing of Age)
Post by: Welu on 03 Mar 2019, 13:56
Done. New thread: https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,34103.0.html