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Comic Discussion => QUESTIONABLE CONTENT => Topic started by: BenRG on 30 Apr 2017, 15:06

Title: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 30 Apr 2017, 15:06
Okay, let's see what everyone thinks about our favourite infiltrator-chassis pervert! What exactly is Pintsize's deal? Why does he do what he does when he knows it will cause him harm? If there even a reason? Because of the nature of this debate, I have allowed in the poll in the possibility of a out-of-universe reason being the only one that actually matters.

Personally, I honestly wonder if this is all some kind of weird behavioural psychology trick and he is somehow trying to direct Marten and Faye down a certain path of personal development by certain finely-calculated actions. He just has worked out how to disguise this as a series of pranks and perverted acts to limit the push-back from them. In this scenario, Pintsize is a genius and a precision calculator who can finely judge the outcome of his actions with a startling level of accuracy.

Of course, I might be taking this too seriously and he might just be a one-note joke character that Jeph uses to lighten the tone occasionally.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Kugai on 30 Apr 2017, 17:59
He is The One
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Case on 30 Apr 2017, 19:04
Comic's up!

Cute Overload ...

(http://www.becauseimacat.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Kitty-Cuteness-Overload-cute-little-kitten-cat-fur-ball-jpg.jpg)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Mehre on 30 Apr 2017, 19:06
There was that comic, where pintsize and momo were discussing companionship. So i would say that at least for a part its his way of "doing the job". Probably for a larger part its just his idea of fun. Few years back i was casually lying to people for fun, just to see how crazy thing it will take  to stupefy them(record probably is that my family has kind of zoo and this week we had baby hippos from Denmark). So i can relate.

By the way, have you noticed contrast between this strip and  this one (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3192)?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Method of Madness on 30 Apr 2017, 19:16
The little girl is very nice, but I don't think the Bubbles of that strip would have been confident responding (and certainly not making a joke). Faye has been very good for Bubbles.

Also, I love that hat. DOGS. And I like to think the mom is more worried that Bubbles would take offense, and not actually scared of Bubbles.

This strip (with the extra joke at the end) is probably my favorite in quite some time.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: ANeM on 30 Apr 2017, 19:24
Something about the moms face in the last panel makes me worry that she'll show up at Martin's doorstep in week, accompanied by a mob with torches and pitchforks, hunting the Bubs.  I don't think she is certain about whether or not that was a joke.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Renadt on 30 Apr 2017, 21:33
I see someone's been playing Persona 5. Those two look like deadringers for Sadayo Kawakami and Shinya Oda.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Case on 30 Apr 2017, 21:36
Something about the moms face in the last panel makes me worry that she'll show up at Martin's doorstep in week, accompanied by a mob with torches and pitchforks, hunting the Bubs.  I don't think she is certain about whether or not that was a joke.

T'is OK - as long as she doesn't find out where Marten lives ...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Storel on 30 Apr 2017, 21:41
High schools are usually much larger buildings than grade schools, too, with a lot more students per school. At least, that seemed to be the pattern when I was growing up here in San Francisco, that there were at least 4 elementary schools for every high school in the city.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 30 Apr 2017, 21:45
At least both are legal. Lifting a shop would make her a shoplifter.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 30 Apr 2017, 21:47
Okay, but if Bubbles were able to carry, say a music school, would that mean that she could carry a tune?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Storel on 30 Apr 2017, 22:22
Okay, but if Bubbles were able to carry, say a music school, would that mean that she could carry a tune?

That would depend on how advanced the students were. My junior high school band had a lot of enthusiasm, but...  :-P
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: oddtail on 30 Apr 2017, 23:16
High schools are usually much larger buildings than grade schools, too, with a lot more students per school. At least, that seemed to be the pattern when I was growing up here in San Francisco, that there were at least 4 elementary schools for every high school in the city.

"Why is this school so much lighter, Holmes?"
"Elementary, my dear Watson".

This joke is stupid and beneath me, but I had to.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: shanejayell on 30 Apr 2017, 23:24
That was cute.

I think Pintsize is more a troll than he lets on. Mind you he likes what he's doing or he'd stop, but it's not just him being a little perv.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 01 May 2017, 00:00
What is the best part of this strip? It's the way it tracks Bubbles' feelings. At first, she's nervous at everyone staring at her unique method of moving friend and furniture. When she realises that the little girl is genuinely excited to see her, it's a huge boost for her because it reminds her that, even outside her circle of friends, she isn't automatically seen as some kind of freak and she's suddenly in the slyly cheerful mode she normally only uses with Faye.

I also think that she genuinely wanted to reassure the mother, who did look scared at first whilst, in panel 4, she's very clearly thinking: "Wait, did that huge robot crack a joke at my kid's expense?"
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Tova on 01 May 2017, 00:18
Philosophy schools are pretty heavy.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: brasca on 01 May 2017, 01:36
There was that comic, where pintsize and momo were discussing companionship. So i would say that at least for a part its his way of "doing the job". Probably for a larger part its just his idea of fun. Few years back i was casually lying to people for fun, just to see how crazy thing it will take  to stupefy them(record probably is that my family has kind of zoo and this week we had baby hippos from Denmark). So i can relate.

By the way, have you noticed contrast between this strip and  this one (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3192)?

It helps that instead of 3 surly teenagers you have a girl who likes robots.  Additionally, Bubbles is accompanied by people so even if she ran into the same punks as before she's got back up, but not the kind that would likely leave one of those kids bleeding.  Faye is a good friend to have, but in that situation she'd make things worse. 

And I must commend Bubbles on her humor.  It's better than the one with the truck making back up noises and thankfully not a pun.   
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 01 May 2017, 02:10
What is Bubbles looking at in the 3rd panel?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Zebediah on 01 May 2017, 03:32
I can't help but think that even in RL Northampton, a big red robot carrying a woman on a chest of drawers through the middle of town wouldn't attract too many stares.

This friggin' town.  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Case on 01 May 2017, 05:21
Philosophy schools are pretty heavy.

Schools of fish, on the other hand ...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 01 May 2017, 06:00
Philosophy schools are pretty heavy.

Schools of fish, on the other hand ...

School of whales...
Shoal of fish...
...
University of Wales...
 :-D
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: CasAttack on 01 May 2017, 07:28
I see someone's been playing Persona 5. Those two look like deadringers for Sadayo Kawakami and Shinya Oda.


This is the only reason I popped in haha. Beat me to it! Finished the game a week ago, it was incredible.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Thrudd on 01 May 2017, 10:14
Philosophy schools are pretty heavy.
Schools of fish, on the other hand ...
So are you saying she could or could not carry a Tuna?

My guess would be from that islandy region of Florida.
Maybe plays the piano.
Then it would be a ..... ..... ..... ..... Piano Tuna from the Keys.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: sarahel on 01 May 2017, 10:16
DOGS



 :clairedoge:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Kugai on 01 May 2017, 15:27
If it were a Flight School,then she'd get some lift     :claireface:


Love Clares face in the first Panel, she's having FUN!!!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 May 2017, 16:37
"Wait, did that huge robot crack a joke at my kid's expense?"
I hardly think it was at the kid's expense.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 01 May 2017, 17:28
In panel 4 the mother looks like she's uncertain as to whether or not she should laugh and is having trouble telling if Bubbles was in fact joking.
It's an expression I'm all too familiar with.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: blt on 01 May 2017, 17:48
And I must commend Bubbles on her humor.  It's better than the one with the truck making back up noises and thankfully not a pun.

The backing up sound joke is by far my favourite Bubbles moment.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 May 2017, 17:52
thankfully not a pun.
"Thankfully" and "not a pun" do not belong together.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Perfectly Reasonable on 01 May 2017, 19:42
"And a middle school?'
"Well, some yes and some no."
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: HeavyP on 01 May 2017, 19:46
New comic is up! 

I have been *waiting* for this - I'm almost as excited here as when Marten and Claire first made smoochies.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 01 May 2017, 19:47
Bubbles has the most expressive face I've ever seen on a robot.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: MrNumbers on 01 May 2017, 19:53
L-lewd
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 01 May 2017, 20:13
Bubbles has the most expressive face I've ever seen on a robot.

I would imagine that a combat chassis would have to be pretty emotive, especially if they have to deal with people in a tense situation. I mean, would you want the seven foot combat ready AI have a nice smile or one hell of a scary-ass game face doing the talking with people?

Regarding the comic, this is Bubbles beginning to take those first steps to her personal recovery. This is her stepping out from the role of the soldier, the follower and taking down the walls she's built up since she's lost her squad. This is Bubbles realising she doesn't need the armour anymore, that she isn't a monster in humanoid form.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Isyrion on 01 May 2017, 20:15
Ok Bubbles is cute as all hell, but I have to admit I'm now a bit concerned about where the relationship is going.  I have a bad feeling Bubbles is on the way to getting hurt.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: shanejayell on 01 May 2017, 20:39
Oh wow. Huge step.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 01 May 2017, 20:40
eeeee.. The moment we've been waiting for for months. This is going to be a long 24 hours to wait for the next page.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: jheartney on 01 May 2017, 21:04
Paging May. Bring your cell phone.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 01 May 2017, 21:19
Scrap! I never got around to drawing either speculation!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 01 May 2017, 21:57
Ok Bubbles is cute as all hell, but I have to admit I'm now a bit concerned about where the relationship is going.  I have a bad feeling Bubbles is on the way to getting hurt.

The price of never getting hurt is exorbitant.

Quote
I have no need for friendship
Friendship causes pain
Its laughter and its loving I disdain

This time around Bubbles will have kick-ass friends to back her up when she does get hurt. Put Marten's steadiness and Faye's loyalty and Hannelore's insight together ...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: St.Clair on 01 May 2017, 21:57
I inhaled sharply at that last panel.

And now my eyes are distinctly wet.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Mad Cat on 01 May 2017, 22:08
I think there's about to be some major Fayubbles shipping up in dis hizzouse!

First, Faye vertiably falls asleep in Bubbles' arms. Now, Bubbles essentially wants to get naked with Faye.

Tell me there isn't a deeply emotional and intimate relationship brewing here.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: SubaruStephen on 01 May 2017, 22:21
Don't get too excited guys, she's a combat chassis, she might have a second layer of armor underneath.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: jwhouk on 01 May 2017, 22:30
Or maybe she'll need a bigger crowbar.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Skewbrow on 01 May 2017, 23:32
So Bubbles is coming out of her shell. Aww...

I guess she will appreciate Faye's help in washing her clothes. Massive amounts of dust and whatnot must be collecting underneath.  :-)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Rincewind on 01 May 2017, 23:39
I wonder if the armor is of the strength-amplifying type (like, say, Iron Man's).  Once out of it, Bubbles would be reduced to the (not inconsiderable) strength of an average AI.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Nycticoraci on 01 May 2017, 23:48
Insert 60's porno riff.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 01 May 2017, 23:49
The thing is, in a very real way, Bubbles has already taken her armour off. We've seen it a lot in the last hundred strips or so. We see it in how she is at ease around her friends, trusts and even forgives after being hurt; every step has been a bit of plating coming off. It's been a hard journey for her but, at this stage, taking off her physical armour only symbolises something that has happened to her anyway in fact.

That aside, it's interesting that she's asked Faye to help her take it off. This has two possible explanations in my mind:
I have to say that I think that it's the latter. It is in many ways an intimate act and she wants to share it with Faye as an act of absolute trust.

That said, yeah, if she hasn't taken it off in a while then the release points might need a little elbow grease, lube and someone attacking the bolts from an advantageous leverage angle! :-D
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Nycticoraci on 01 May 2017, 23:52
That aside, it's interesting that she's asked may to help her take it off.

She asked Faye :P

If she asked May there'd really be a porno riff going on, knowing May.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: oeoek on 01 May 2017, 23:53
eeeee.. The moment we've been waiting for for months. This is going to be a long 24 hours to wait for the next page.

A long 24 hours? This is Questionable Content! (https://youtu.be/eZeYVIWz99I)

Be prepared for the slowest strip tease ever! 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 02 May 2017, 00:00
A long 24 hours? This is Questionable Content! (https://youtu.be/eZeYVIWz99I)

Be prepared for the slowest strip tease ever!

IMO, Jeph could get away with cutting away from Faye and Bubbles to someone else for a few days. Then come back on Friday to Bubbles walking out of Faye's room wearing hastily-modified ordinary clothes that, even with strategic seam cuts only barely fit her.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: St.Clair on 02 May 2017, 00:51
That said, yeah, if she hasn't taken it off in a while then the release points might need a little elbow grease, lube and someone attacking the bolts from an advantageous leverage angle! :-D

"Be gentle, it's my first time.  I designed this to come off, so -- ow, hey!"
"What's going on here?"
"... let's face it, this is not the worst thing you've caught me doing."
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: blt on 02 May 2017, 00:56
Okay this would be schmaltzy as hell but hear me out:

Bubbles takes off her armour and finds a old, folded up picture of herself and her squad under one of the panels.  They'd always been with her, she just had to open back up to see it.

Normally I'd hate on a twist like that, but I'm not gonna lie, I'd find it pretty satisfying here.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Carl-E on 02 May 2017, 02:12
Friend inside.

Some disassembly required.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 02 May 2017, 02:46
Okay this would be schmaltzy as hell but hear me out:

Bubbles takes off her armour and finds a old, folded up picture of herself and her squad under one of the panels.  They'd always been with her, she just had to open back up to see it.

Normally I'd hate on a twist like that, but I'm not gonna lie, I'd find it pretty satisfying here.

That *would* be sweet!

On a separate subject...
Am I just noticing Bubbles' eye-line is all wrong?
It seemed glaring yesterday, and in panel one today it's just as bad.
The last panel shows the tilt etc of Bubbles' head to be looking at the person she is speaking to... and it's nothing like that in the first panel.

I don't remember her staring over people's heads when talking to them before...?
(Or maybe I just haven't noticed...?)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: ZoeB on 02 May 2017, 03:22
The thing is, in a very real way, Bubbles has already taken her armour off. We've seen it a lot in the last hundred strips or so. We see it in how she is at ease around her friends, trusts and even forgives after being hurt; every step has been a bit of plating coming off. It's been a hard journey for her but, at this stage, taking off her physical armour only symbolises something that has happened to her anyway in fact.

+1 insightful. I was going to say the same. I like Bubbles BTW. My kind of people.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Case on 02 May 2017, 04:02
I mean, would you want the seven foot combat ready AI have a nice smile or one hell of a scary-ass game face doing the talking with people?

Regarding the comic, this is Bubbles beginning to take those first steps to her personal recovery. This is her stepping out from the role of the soldier, the follower and taking down the walls she's built up since she's lost her squad. This is Bubbles realising she doesn't need the armour anymore, that she isn't a monster in humanoid form.

I'd never expected to see the words "seven foot combat AI" and "taking down the walls around her" mentioned together in quite that context  ...


eeeee.. The moment we've been waiting for for months. This is going to be a long 24 hours to wait for the next page.

:popcorn:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Thrillho on 02 May 2017, 04:33
This got real quickly. Looking forward to seeing how it develops.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Welu on 02 May 2017, 04:58
This is so sweet and exciting!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 02 May 2017, 05:01
This time around Bubbles will have kick-ass friends to back her up when she does get hurt. Put Marten's steadiness and Faye's loyalty and Hannelore's insight together ...

THE CHIMERA OF FRIENDSHIP!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Atherea on 02 May 2017, 05:33
I inhaled sharply at that last panel.

And now my eyes are distinctly wet.

This is the first time a comic strip has made me gasp and made my jaw drop. I'm unreasonably excited for this -- and not for all the crude reasons many people seem to be. :P

In retrospect, I think all of us knew this moment was coming at some point, so I really don't know why it came as such a shock. But it did, and in a very heartwarming way.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: shanejayell on 02 May 2017, 07:11
And I'm not interested in this in a perverted way, darn it.  :roll:

This, literally, is Bubbles finally trusting someone enough to let her walls down, so to speak... 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: OldGoat on 02 May 2017, 07:32
Jeph's setting us up.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: ChipNoir on 02 May 2017, 07:56


Also, does anyone else really want a print of Claire sitting on that dresser, as like a wall scroll or something? It just radiates happiness and whimsy.






Steven Universe spoilers
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How interesting would it be if they pull a Peridot, where Bubbles isn't just wearing armor, but she's actually considerably smaller without it? Like, possibly smaller than Faye? Androids after all come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Zebediah on 02 May 2017, 08:40
I speculated months ago that Bubbles needs assistance to remove her armor. Like the assistance of somebody with a power wrench. I doubt removing it or donning it is anywhere near as trivial as changing clothes - more like taking the body panels off of a car.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 02 May 2017, 08:42


Also, does anyone else really want a print of Claire sitting on that dresser, as like a wall scroll or something? It just radiates happiness and whimsy.






Steven Universe spoilers
******
****
***
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(click to show/hide)

Hi Chip!

Just FYI...

There's a function on the forum that can give actual buttons to unhide spoilers...

(click to show/hide)

All you need to do is enclose the text you want to hide with the command
spoiler (in [ ] brackets) TEXTTEXTTEXT and end with  /spoiler (in [ ] brackets)

OR

Type your spoiler up... highlight the text,  and then press the icon below the Font Size drop-down which looks like a screen with a 'x' on it

Cheers!






Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Sinxer on 02 May 2017, 08:43
((((O.O)))) so excited to see what she looks like under her armor since it was noted that there were abbs under that exterior.

That aside, it's interesting that she's asked Faye to help her take it off. This has two possible explanations in my mind:
  • It's a complicated bit of kit and really needs someone to help the wearer (preferably equipped with a socket wrench);
  • This isn't something Bubbles wants to do alone.
I have to say that I think that it's the latter. It is in many ways an intimate act and she wants to share it with Faye as an act of absolute trust.

That said, yeah, if she hasn't taken it off in a while then the release points might need a little elbow grease, lube and someone attacking the bolts from an advantageous leverage angle! :-D

Personally I'd say both as it being combat armor and being military grade secretie stuff(and preventing access to the AI in case of say capture.), removing it herself would have to be extremely difficult or she would need some else help her to do it for her. Either way she wouldn't of asked anyone other than Faye to help her do it <3

 
Okay this would be schmaltzy as hell but hear me out:

Bubbles takes off her armour and finds a old, folded up picture of herself and her squad under one of the panels.  They'd always been with her, she just had to open back up to see it.

Normally I'd hate on a twist like that, but I'm not gonna lie, I'd find it pretty satisfying here.

photo would be cool but I kinda half expect/hope some kind of insignia like tattoo on her actual body in the same way soldiers get a tattoo to represent their squad.         
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 02 May 2017, 09:35
Quote from: Mad Cat
Tell me there isn't a deeply emotional and intimate relationship brewing here.

Not just brewing, it's already happening.

I dearly wish more people understood that they don't have to imagine sex as part of deeply emotional and intimate relationships. "Just friends" doesn't mean "merely friends".
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 02 May 2017, 09:56
Quote from: Mad Cat
Tell me there isn't a deeply emotional and intimate relationship brewing here.

Not just brewing, it's already happening.

I dearly wish more people understood that they don't have to imagine sex as part of deeply emotional and intimate relationships. "Just friends" doesn't mean "merely friends".


If they were both *Male* I suppose the moniker would be "Ro-Bros!"

Female equivalent...??
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Mehre on 02 May 2017, 09:57
I dearly wish more people understood that they don't have to imagine sex as part of deeply emotional and intimate relationships. "Just friends" doesn't mean "merely friends".

At this point im actually really curious what form will their relationship be. That is deep friendship or lovers.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Endellion on 02 May 2017, 10:04
If May doesn't get any pictures she'd be PISSED.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Tremayne on 02 May 2017, 10:26
Insert 60's porno riff.

I was thinking either this:



or this:

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Thrudd on 02 May 2017, 11:28
A long 24 hours? This is Questionable Content! (https://youtu.be/eZeYVIWz99I)
Be prepared for the slowest strip tease ever!
Wasn't there a comic strip by that title at one point in time?
For the life of me I can't remember what it was about  :psyduck:

Also Girl Abs  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: brasca on 02 May 2017, 15:07
This might answer a question as to how much a part of her chassis is Bubbles' armor.  I think it makes more sense for her to keep the current chassis she has since something heavy duty would be beneficial for the business she wants to start with Faye, but maybe her chassis can still do all that and it's just a matter of plating

If this strip was done by David Willis I imagine something would be available on slipshine.  That may or may not be a bad thing depending on who you are. :wink:   
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: DonInKansas on 02 May 2017, 15:15
I speculated months ago that Bubbles needs assistance to remove her armor. Like the assistance of somebody with a power wrench. I doubt removing it or donning it is anywhere near as trivial as changing clothes - more like taking the body panels off of a car.

Does this mean Bubbles has chosen Faye to be her squire?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Perfectly Reasonable on 02 May 2017, 16:00
Step one: Confine Pintsize.
Step two: Lots of WD-40.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Zebediah on 02 May 2017, 16:00
Does this mean Bubbles has chosen Faye to be her squire?

Hm. Well, maybe, sort of, I guess. But in the modern military if you need help getting into or out of your gear you ask one of your squadmates, who are your equals. So it's not a master/servant relationship, which is not a place I ever want to see Faye & Bubbles go no matter how intense their relationship gets.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: DonInKansas on 02 May 2017, 16:10
Of course.  That was just the first thing that came to mind. :P 

Then again, Bubbles can give off a Brienne of Tarth vibe to me at times.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Storel on 02 May 2017, 17:11
Ok Bubbles is cute as all hell, but I have to admit I'm now a bit concerned about where the relationship is going.  I have a bad feeling Bubbles is on the way to getting hurt.

The price of never getting hurt is exorbitant.

Quote
I have no need for friendship
Friendship causes pain
Its laughter and its loving I disdain

This time around Bubbles will have kick-ass friends to back her up when she does get hurt. Put Marten's steadiness and Faye's loyalty and Hannelore's insight together ...

I wish I could give extra likes just for the Simon & Garfunkel quotation. "I Am a Rock" was absolutely the perfect song to illustrate your point.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: brasca on 02 May 2017, 17:22
Of course.  That was just the first thing that came to mind. :P 

Then again, Bubbles can give off a Brienne of Tarth vibe to me at times.

Agreed although sometimes I imagine her having a voice like R Dorothy Wayneright. 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Stoutfellow on 02 May 2017, 17:48
A few things occur to me, looking at Bubbles' face in the last panel.

1) She's not blushing, something she's quite capable of. That eliminates certain possibilities.

2) Her eyebrows, to me, suggest that she's uncertain how Faye is going to react, and that reaction is important to her.

3) I don't think she's smiling, but there's the potential of a smile there. She's hopeful of a positive reaction - more than hopeful, I'd guess, but still not quite certain.

Jeph has really come a long way in depicting complex emotional states.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: blt on 02 May 2017, 17:52
Of course.  That was just the first thing that came to mind. :P 

Then again, Bubbles can give off a Brienne of Tarth vibe to me at times.

Agreed although sometimes I imagine her having a voice like R Dorothy Wayneright.

"You're a louse, Faye Whitaker"
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 02 May 2017, 18:01
Can one of the archive masters point me to the strip where Bubbles angrily insisted that she was going to stay in her armor?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Kugai on 02 May 2017, 18:15
I wondered just how long before this  moment came along.  It's going to be interesting  seeing where this  goes from here.  The fact that Bubbles is ready and willing to finally remove her armor in anyone elses presence is a huge step for her.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: shanejayell on 02 May 2017, 18:25

Agreed although sometimes I imagine her having a voice like R Dorothy Wayneright.

"You're a louse, Faye Whitaker"

I was JUST thinking of that. *rotfl*  :-D :laugh:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: brasca on 02 May 2017, 18:57
Of course.  That was just the first thing that came to mind. :P 

Then again, Bubbles can give off a Brienne of Tarth vibe to me at times.

Agreed although sometimes I imagine her having a voice like R Dorothy Wayneright.

"You're a louse, Faye Whitaker"

Then what does that make Pintsize?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 02 May 2017, 19:20
Can one of the archive masters point me to the strip where Bubbles angrily insisted that she was going to stay in her armor?

I could try and find it, but its late and I got bored after five minutes, so here's Bubbles' armour in action against Emily. Berf. (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3150)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Tova on 02 May 2017, 19:45
Can one of the archive masters point me to the strip where Bubbles angrily insisted that she was going to stay in her armor?

Not sure if this is the one you're thinking of?

http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3032

I have a feeling there was another.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: SubaruStephen on 02 May 2017, 20:08
Or maybe she'll need a bigger crowbar.

You're right, fortunately she has one handy.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: shanejayell on 02 May 2017, 20:19
New strip up.

AWWWWW. Loved Bubble's speech.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 May 2017, 20:59
Can one of the archive masters point me to the strip where Bubbles angrily insisted that she was going to stay in her armor?

Not sure if this is the one you're thinking of?

http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3032

I have a feeling there was another.
Wow, didn't realize the massive improvement in art from just two years ago until I looked at this.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: fayelovesbubbles on 02 May 2017, 21:14
Look, I know we're not supposed to ship the characters. I get that. But Bubbles blushes--when she's touching Faye, asking Faye to remove her armor...I'd love it if someone could link back to the times Bubbles blushed--a lot of those times were around Faye.

I'm not saying they're lovers. But I'm saying, Bubbles has some type of feelings there. Whether or not Faye reciprocates is another matter. It's actually less clear to me how Faye feels than how Bubbles feels. It seems to me that Bubbles has gotten butterflies around Faye a handful of times. That look in the second to last panel...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 02 May 2017, 21:26
Can one of the archive masters point me to the strip where Bubbles angrily insisted that she was going to stay in her armor?

Not sure if this is the one you're thinking of?

http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3032

I have a feeling there was another.

I'm not sure either and have the feeling there was another. Something with teeth-gritting repetition.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Tova on 02 May 2017, 21:28
I think that the reasons Bubbles has been getting flustered is that she is unaccustomed to leaving herself so emotionally vulnerable.

I don't think that it has anything to do with some kind of blooming romantic relationship.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: fayelovesbubbles on 02 May 2017, 21:32
I think that the reasons Bubbles has been getting flustered is that she is unaccustomed to leaving herself so emotionally vulnerable.

I don't think that it has anything to do with some kind of blooming romantic relationship.

Fair enough, and I know many people will insist this point to the end.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 02 May 2017, 21:39
Of course.  That was just the first thing that came to mind. :P 

Then again, Bubbles can give off a Brienne of Tarth vibe to me at times.

Agreed although sometimes I imagine her having a voice like R Dorothy Wayneright.

"You're a louse, Faye Whitaker"

Then what does that make Pintsize?

Pintsize would be the giant robot of course. Big P. Seems appropriate....
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Mad Cat on 02 May 2017, 21:39
I keep a .45ACP next to my bed. More versatile than a prybar in many respects.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 02 May 2017, 22:02
Despite getting many opportunities from Dora, Faye has never shown sexual interest in women. Bubbles has not demonstrated sexual attraction to anyone. Until and unless we get evidence otherwise, pairing Faye and Bubbles is the bad kind of shipping.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Skewbrow on 02 May 2017, 23:15
Can one of the archive masters point me to the strip where Bubbles angrily insisted that she was going to stay in her armor?

Not sure if this is the one you're thinking of?

http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3032

I have a feeling there was another.

I'm not sure either and have the feeling there was another. Something with teeth-gritting repetition.

This? (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3181)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: anahata on 02 May 2017, 23:17
I keep a .45ACP next to my bed. More versatile than a prybar in many respects.

May be useful for some things, but Bubbles won't be asking you to help her off with her armour.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 02 May 2017, 23:24
Good to know I'm not the only one that thinks having a crowbar under one's bed is a good idea.


"You're a louse, FayeWhitaker"

Then what does that make Pintsize?
A copepod (water cyclops).
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 02 May 2017, 23:37
Well! There was a lot in this strip really, when you think about it.

Firstly, there's Bubbles' body language in panel 1. Any remaining doubts about the level of the emotional stake she's invested in her relationship with Faye can be set to rest. She's very obviously nervous and defensive; she's probably worried that she's offended Faye and scared her off. Her relief in panel 4 is very obvious.

It's Faye that made me think. Her reaction pretty much established that she has no problems with AIs whatsoever. In fact, her reaction indicates that her best friend has just asked her to help her get undressed, which strongly explains that "Oh my God, what do I say? What do I do?" moment in panel 3.

Yesterday, I drafted a post about Faye's end of this particular interpersonal dynamic. Whilst I think it is very obvious that Bubbles is attracted to Faye in many ways (to the point where Faye's easygoing intimate teasing embarrasses her quite deeply), I've never seen any any indication that Faye has anything other than feelings of friendship in return. However, that changed today with just one line in panel 1:

Quote from: An Embarrassed Pugnacious Peach
"It's pretty... uh... sudden!"

This may be me over-thinking it but calling it 'sudden' is strange way to put it unless Faye had been thinking of this for a while. I think that she's been thinking of Bubbles being 'naked' for a while and what might happen then. That said, Faye is a good friend and she knows how delicate Bubbles's emotional balance is and she doesn't want to let her rush into something for which she isn't ready.

Yes, my interpretation of it is that Faye actually also finds Bubbles desirable but, like the fundamentally good person that she is, she doesn't want Bubbles rushing into intimacy in a moment of emotional release for fear it may hurt her.

P.S.: I can get the crossbow; Faye has the spirit of a woman who wants to be an armourer for a medieval re-enactment society and she lives with Pintsize. However, why does she need a pry bar under her bed? I suspect that they may still be having problems with their front door or something!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Zog on 03 May 2017, 00:03
P.S.: I can get the crossbow; Faye has the spirit of a woman who wants to be an armourer for a medieval re-enactment society and she lives with Pintsize. However, why does she need a pry bar under her bed? I suspect that they may still be having problems with their front door or something!

A crowbar (a type of pry bar) is my mothers weapon of choice. She once embedded on in a telephone pole from about 20 ft to encourage a would be thief to abandon her bicycle. She also keeps hers under the bed.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: dsvella on 03 May 2017, 00:15
Dear Jeph:

I am really enjoying this weeks comics, please keep it up!

Signed
Me.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: hitmiccs on 03 May 2017, 00:31
I've been waiting for that moment for a long time. I just felt, that Bubbles wants to come out of her "shell" as soon as her emotional situation allows it and the moment has finally come.
I think it will be a lot easier, on a social basis, for her to live with her new friends without that bulky armor she's carrying around - not that she can't re-apply it again, if there is the need. But also, after her memories are gone and a lot of her past with it, it's finally time to leave the shell she only has for a purpose that is long gone, too.

I'm really happy now, can't wait to see Bubs in her "civilian" outfit :)

€: oh, I forgot: great development for Bubs! She openend up a lot (and will even more ;)), lately and I hope (personally) that she's going to stay a main character for a while, so that we are allowed to witness how things are going for her ^^ I also hope, she does not get hit by a bus as soon as she dropped her armor, it would crack me up.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Storel on 03 May 2017, 00:42
Of course Faye keeps a prybar under her bed. A proper Southern belle always keeps one handy to discourage unwanted suitors. It's a hold-over from the days when the best thing she could think of to say about Marten was "he probably won't molest you in your sleep" -- that it, she didn't think he would, but she still wasn't certain.

Of course, by the time she felt certain Marty was safe, she was equally certain that Pintsize wasn't, so the prybar still remains handy...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 03 May 2017, 00:58
She no longer needs a prybar for fighting intruders. Bubbles would come to her defense and it would be over in a blink.

"Sudden" is a word that makes sense. The Pugnacious Peach could logically have expected that Bubbles would take a long time, lots of thought, and maybe multiple false starts before doing anything this drastic.

Faye also knows what it means to step out of armor. Hers was emotional and not metal-ceramic but it took her years to be able to take it off. She knows that what follows will be intense. There's more than one kind of intensity in life.

If Bubbles doesn't wear anything under the armor this could be awkward.

Even if Faye discovers an orientation toward women and toward robots I hope she and Bubbles never take their relationship in that direction.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 03 May 2017, 02:58
Despite getting many opportunities from Dora, Faye has never shown sexual interest in women. Bubbles has not demonstrated sexual attraction to anyone. Until and unless we get evidence otherwise, pairing Faye and Bubbles is the bad kind of shipping.

My apologies if I sound like a troll (as it isn't my intention), but I don't believe I've ever really come across a list of guidelines for good and bad shipping. Would you happen to have a list handy?

The only guideline I know for 'bad shipping' is "never ship real people." I always assumed there was a caveat for people who were already an 'official' couple.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: pwhodges on 03 May 2017, 03:28
My guideline is "reasonable for the characters and situations as described by Jeph".  While we may express an interest in where Jeph might be taking it, we should also take care not to get too far ahead of him.

It's discussed at some length in this sticky thread (https://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,25614.msg992636.html).
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: blt on 03 May 2017, 04:29
Oh man I forgot about the cardigan.  Maybe she'll put it on outside of her armour.  :-) I assume if it fits in the hypercube it'll shrink to fit...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Akima on 03 May 2017, 05:29
If Bubbles doesn't wear anything under the armor this could be awkward.
Presumably Bubbles will need a whole new wardrobe once she sheds her armour. Considering her size, her clothes will presumably have to be tailor-made for her.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: oeoek on 03 May 2017, 05:56
Important lessons Bubbles probably needs to learn in a near future without armour:
Swearing 101, advanced swearing and compound curses (for when the hammer misses the nail but hits the thumb, the steel pipe drops on foot or the little pinky toe meets the table leg). We'll need a couple of weeks for those I guess...

And probably the use of gloves and other work place protection she never needed when in armour.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 03 May 2017, 06:14
And probably the use of gloves and other work place protection she never needed when in armour.

Faye seemed to think that Bubbles structure underlying her armour was already tough enough to stop most impacts up to rifle-calibre weapon-energy. That said, I do wonder if Bubbles' exosheath has contact sensors - pressure and temperature. If so, she will probably need to use a certain amount of care when dealing with cutting edges and objects that are a lot hotter or colder than average.

If Bubbles doesn't wear anything under the armor this could be awkward.

Presumably Bubbles will need a whole new wardrobe once she sheds her armour. Considering her size, her clothes will presumably have to be tailor-made for her.

My guess is that Bubbles probably is 'naked' under the inner dark maroon-coloured flexible armoured sheath but only 'naked' in the terms a Barbie doll is ever 'naked'. Anything more elaborate than that would be of questionable design benefit. That said, I believe that she has a myomer pseudo-musculature that probably means she looks pretty human when she moves, right up to the movement of muscles under her derma exosheath 'skin'.

Regarding clothes; it is just possible that she can fit into Faye's most baggy clothes if they are loosened along a few seam lines. However, a loose nightshirt would probably look like a skin-tight tank-top on her!

FWIW, I can see that Bubbles will probably want to clean her 'skin' after so long under the armour. I am predicting a cute moment when Claire walks into the bathroom to be confronted by a fresh-out-of-the-shower Bubbles wearing a towel that barely preserves her modesty and another over her hair.

BUBBLES: "I... um... needed to clean my skin."

CLAIRE: "You... you... You're using Faye's towels!"

BUBBLES: "Yes... Er... Is there any reason I shouldn't?"

CLAIRE: "And those are Faye's old clothes!"

BUBBLES: "Yes, once again, is that a problem?"

CLAIRE: "... squee...! So togther! So cute!"
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: DSL on 03 May 2017, 06:28
I did this a few weeks ago and forgot about it. EDIT: Can't seem to make an image post work, even by copying from others' posts that do, so here's a LINK. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/84624968@N06/34385712776/in/dateposted-public/)

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: brasca on 03 May 2017, 07:24
Of course.  That was just the first thing that came to mind. :P 

Then again, Bubbles can give off a Brienne of Tarth vibe to me at times.

Agreed although sometimes I imagine her having a voice like R Dorothy Wayneright.

"You're a louse, Faye Whitaker"

Then what does that make Pintsize?

Pintsize would be the giant robot of course. Big P. Seems appropriate....

Since it's Pintsize I would think crab lice would be most apropos. 

A lot has been said about what Bubbles will look like underneath her armor, but it might be anticlimactic.  I think she'll probably look like Number 7 only red. 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 03 May 2017, 09:05
I'm still thinking she's going to pull a Peridot on us... Once out of her armor she's going to be skinny and shorter than Momo.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 03 May 2017, 09:20
It's a comic about relationships. Extrapolation is OK. For example, "Dale and Marigold are fighting like an old married couple already! I wonder if Jeph is foreshadowing something."

The worst kind of thing would be explicit and unrealistic. Slash fiction involving incompatible characters would be the other end of the scale.

In between, well, a good guideline is to remember they are Jeph's characters and not ours.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 03 May 2017, 09:33
When in doubt, remember these simple rules:
- Do be considerate. Its fine if you ship X & Y, but remember that others might not feel the same. If they disagree with you, don't bite their head off.
- Don't jump the gun. A + B have a conversation, that does not automatically mean they are going to bang.
- Do be reasonable. As IICIH said, these are Jeph's characters, not ours. So don't ship them as being out of character.
- Don't be creepy. You know who I'm talking about, so stop it.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Kugai on 03 May 2017, 16:27
It's gratifying t see that Bubbles has enough trust  and enough growth to be willing to remove her armor and want Faye to be the one to ad her in finally remove what, to her, has been a 'Security Blanket' for her for  years.

Whether anything else can be read into this is up to wherever Jeph is taking the Bubbles/Faye storylone.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 03 May 2017, 17:18
If Bubbles doesn't wear anything under the armor this could be awkward.
Presumably Bubbles will need a whole new wardrobe once she sheds her armour. Considering her size, her clothes will presumably have to be tailor-made for her.
Well, we did find out that she had some level of sewing ability when it came time to put May's hair back on when she got her first face replacement. I guess we'll find out what her skill level is.
That said, a simple shirt and skirt aren't difficult to make. Though, Bubbles will have to acclimate to wearing clothes that can be damaged.

EDIT: tired brain is tired and trying to spell.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 03 May 2017, 17:21
It's a comic about relationships. Extrapolation is OK. For example, "Dale and Marigold are fighting like an old married couple already! I wonder if Jeph is foreshadowing something."

The worst kind of thing would be explicit and unrealistic. Slash fiction involving incompatible characters would be the other end of the scale.

In between, well, a good guideline is to remember they are Jeph's characters and not ours.
Isn't slash fic involving incompatible characters usually "explicit and unrealistic"?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: OldGoat on 03 May 2017, 17:56
Faye has the spirit of a woman who wants to be an armourer for a medieval re-enactment society and she lives with Pintsize. However, why does she need a pry bar under her bed? I suspect that they may still be having problems with their front door or something!
You answered your own question.  She lives with Pintsize.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Mattexian on 03 May 2017, 19:06
Important lessons Bubbles probably needs to learn in a near future without armour:
Swearing 101, advanced swearing and compound curses
<snippage>
And probably the use of gloves and other work place protection she never needed when in armour.

I think she already has plenty of exposure to all the forms of swearing, being a combat veteran (which probably counts as a 400-level course), tho it is curious, that I cant recall hearing her curse, even when she was angry or stressed.  The only vets who curse as little as Bubbles (that is, never), in my experience, are typically the chaplains.

I'm not sure how much she would worry about workplace injuries to herself (certainly she'd be protective of Faye and other humans working alongside), as AIs don't seem to have pain receptors per se. (We saw May rip her own arm off in frustration!)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Penquin47 on 03 May 2017, 19:27
Hahahahaha!  Dead now!  Bubbles made me laugh.  That was perfect!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: snufflebottoms on 03 May 2017, 20:13
I really want this to be the beginning of a romantic arc. Firstly, because I don't think it's out of character or not foreshadowed at all. I think there are lots of hints that Bubbles feels romantically attracted to Faye. All the blushing, the unique closeness and tenderness. I guess it could be platonic but I'm never like that with platonic friends. Faye may not be gay but there is a first time for everything (some people are more fluid about that) plus Bubbles is an AI so even if Faye isn't attracted to women physically, I don't think that Bubbles would automatically be ruled out. It'd be all about the personality and I think the way Faye admires her is veering romantic.

 Secondly, I want to stick it to everybody who insists that friendship is deeper than romance can be and that intimacy is not sexual tension, etc. etc. Like yes that's all true but sometimes when it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck.... it's a freaking duck and not a goose being mistaken for a duck by a duck crazed society.  And yeah it's a little petty but so is the insistence that we all be "above shipping" even when the story-line heavily hints at it.  The Faye/Bubbles shipping is even done by Claire and Dora. I think those are supposed to be clues that there is at least that kind of chemistry, even if it won't be acted on.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 03 May 2017, 20:15
It's a comic about relationships. Extrapolation is OK. For example, "Dale and Marigold are fighting like an old married couple already! I wonder if Jeph is foreshadowing something."

The worst kind of thing would be explicit and unrealistic. Slash fiction involving incompatible characters would be the other end of the scale.

In between, well, a good guideline is to remember they are Jeph's characters and not ours.
Isn't slash fic involving incompatible characters usually "explicit and unrealistic"?

I would say its more about being reasonable and not getting ahead of ourselves.

No one is going to bat an eyelid at a discussion about, say, Marten and Claire, or Dora and Tai, or even the prospect of Emily and Clinton before it crashed and burned like the Hindenburg. That's fine. Hell, they'll welcome a discussion about other prospects showing up in the comic, or even some romances that have faded into the background.

I vaguely remember a brief period just after I joined the forum where someone tried to start shipping Hanners. Which if I remember correctly, got shot down pretty quickly, simply because within the confines of the QC-verse, Hanners herself has said that while she'd like to be in a romantic relationship of some kind, she acknowledges that her own myriad of issues probably precludes that from happening. But then you'll get someone who might suddenly think something like "Yeees, Hanners and Marigold spend the night together." or "Steve kissed Marten at a party so zomg they must be in love", except everyone else sees those events as what they are meant to be, punchlines to brief jokes Jeph has set up.

At the end of the day, Jeph has said on a couple of occasions that he has never liked people unhealthily shipping his characters, so that alone should be the point we all start with with regards to shipping - if its creepy, stop.

And with regards to tonight's comic, I guess that's put paid to the idea that under her armour, Bubbles had a stick-like build. Especially because it looks like she's got tree trunks for arms!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Case on 03 May 2017, 20:34
Bubbles looks like Jeph's homage to Gunny Bobby Draper from the Expanse cycle - loving it!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: shanejayell on 03 May 2017, 20:51
"Fighting Corpse Witch by Daylight
Fixing mechs by moonlight
Take her on, it's a real fight
She's the one called Bubbles Moon!"

Also, considering that's Faye's imagination... was she a Sailor Moon fan?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: snufflebottoms on 03 May 2017, 20:57

Also, considering that's Faye's imagination... was she a Sailor Moon fan?

I hope so!

Also does the title mean Bubbles is a Sagittarius? 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Kugai on 03 May 2017, 21:03
I'm beginning to wonder if this QCverse has WD40.

So,, her under armor AI  Body is not all that different from her armored form by the looks of it.  I was wondering  about that and whether she'd loose a  fair bit in height and/or mass once her armor was removed.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: jheartney on 03 May 2017, 21:06
So, it's a maroon Brienne of Tarth.

I was expecting something more robotic looking under the armor; like Punchbot or Seven. Guess I should have taken a clue from the head; Bubbles really is pretty organic looking. To the point that she'll need an actual wardrobe once all this stuff is off. That or go live in Cap d'Agde.

It also seems that once the armor is off, it's not going back on anytime soon. On the plus side, that long coat should still fit. Of course, if Bubbles goes out wearing just the coat, she'll look like a flasher. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK7Bh1RMu5Y)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: fayelovesbubbles on 03 May 2017, 21:07
Well, do we remember when Faye blushed when Dora was cuddling her? Maybe it wasn't attraction, but maybe it was something else. I don't know.

Yes, Bubbles is attracted to Faye. It's my username that's less clear. I'm sure she loves Bubbles as a friend, but whether there's anything more there remains to be seen.

Faye IS fantasizing about Bubbles' armor coming off though, so...hmm.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 03 May 2017, 21:12
I'm beginning to wonder if this QCverse has WD40.

So,, her under armor AI  Body is not all that different from her armored form by the looks of it.  I was wondering  about that and whether she'd loose a  fair bit in height and/or mass once her armor was removed.
Ditto.
Considering how strong her armor was, I figured the plating would be thicker for the most part. Add to that some padding to help absorb impact, and I thought she'd be a little lankier.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Morituri on 03 May 2017, 21:36
I have friends whom I'm not attracted to at all, but I recognize that there are issues standing between them and happiness, and sometimes trying to let go of those issues is a big risk.

There's a friend whose name isn't Fred, but whom I'll call Fred here.  Fred came back from a double tour in Afghanistan and Iraq and, he was doing his best, but he was not, strictly speaking, okay.  Among numerous other symptoms, he was pathologically unable to sleep without a loaded gun within reach.  He knew that wasn't a good way to be, and he'd tried before, but when four days had gone and he was hallucinating from lack of sleep, then taking sleeping pills and having horrible nightmares, it was always easier for him to go back to having the damn gun in reach.
When he  told me he was getting rid of the gun, definitely, on that day, and screw the hallucinations and nightmares but he wasn't going to be the guy with the loaded gun under his pillow....  My reaction was kind of like Faye's.  I think my exact words were "are you sure you're ready?"  The same way Faye said  "This seems ... sudden."  It does not follow that I felt any kind of physical attraction for Fred.

See, I thought that it would be some good progress for him to make - but that it was going to be hard for him, and that unless he were certain of his resolve probably unsuccessful.  Asking whether he was sure - whether he'd really thought about what it would mean and accepted it - was a legitimate concern, no matter how much I thought he'd have a happier life in the long run if he gave up that particular symbol of security.

Anyway, I'm inclined to read Faye the same way - concern for the well-being of a friend taking a big step that she might or might not be emotionally ready to take.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: SubaruStephen on 03 May 2017, 21:38
If Bubbles doesn't wear anything under the armor this could be awkward.
Presumably Bubbles will need a whole new wardrobe once she sheds her armour. Considering her size, her clothes will presumably have to be tailor-made for her.

She could ask Elliot if there's a ladies section at the Big And Tall store he buys his clothes from.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: MrNumbers on 03 May 2017, 21:39
... interesting thought, if the armor wasn't actually that thick, and Bubbles is already using a strong military chassis, is the point of it purely ablative?

Ooof. I wonder if it's actually reactive armor, which would probably make the prybar a really bad idea.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 03 May 2017, 22:46
It's a comic about relationships. Extrapolation is OK. For example, "Dale and Marigold are fighting like an old married couple already! I wonder if Jeph is foreshadowing something."

The worst kind of thing would be explicit and unrealistic. Slash fiction involving incompatible characters would be the other end of the scale.

In between, well, a good guideline is to remember they are Jeph's characters and not ours.
Isn't slash fic involving incompatible characters usually "explicit and unrealistic"?

I wrote that badly. Apologies.

Slash fic is the "Other end of the scale" from reasonable extrapolation.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: oeoek on 03 May 2017, 22:55
"When, in your experience, have I ever been magical?"

Well, uhm... this (http://www.questionablecontent.net/comics/3147.png) and this (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3179) springs to mind...

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: swapna on 03 May 2017, 23:25
Despite getting many opportunities from Dora, Faye has never shown sexual interest in women. Bubbles has not demonstrated sexual attraction to anyone. Until and unless we get evidence otherwise, pairing Faye and Bubbles is the bad kind of shipping.

Despite being harassed several times, big difference. Dora clearly thinks Faye is attractive,  but just because Faye doesn't return the sentiment doesn't mean she doesn't like women at all.

Concerning Bubbles/Faye as a romantic couple:
I think their relationship might be headed there, and I like how it's set up. It feels a lot more organic and real than the whole Marten Claire storyline; it's stumbling and making mistakes and trusting each other all the way through. Just lovely.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 03 May 2017, 23:37
I have a feeling that Claire and Marten are wondering at the grunts and periodical metallic 'pop-clank' noises that they're hearing coming from Bubbles's and Faye's room. I'm expecting tomorrow to bring a strange lack of eye-contact and possibly an uncomfortable Marten saying something about "I'm cool with whatever you do in your own time but be careful, yeah?"

The opening panels of this comic are great. I don't know if this is Faye's fantasy image of how Bubbles would change with her armour coming off or if it's just Jeph's way of being ironic over the matter but it really does emphasise just how radically different fantasy and reality can be!

Bubbles, dear? You want me to be honest? You've always been magical but I think it's reasonable to separate the real magic of a good person from the fantasy magic that very rarely happens in this world.

It also seems that once the armor is off, it's not going back on anytime soon.

Agreed; I wouldn't be surprised if several panels were damaged or buckled and will need repairs before they can be used again.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: hitmiccs on 04 May 2017, 00:07
You are all aware of the fact, that a lot of stuff which we talked about here made it into the latest comic? :D

Jeph is listening :)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Akima on 04 May 2017, 01:58
Military gear, judging from my father's stories, seems always to be the opposite of magical.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Killspree on 04 May 2017, 02:48
So now we get to find out about Bubble's heart shaped bar code tattoo that she had forgotten all about?

Or perhaps May receiving a  pic of Bubbles clad in a pair of Daisy Duke shorts?

Or Pintsize walking in on her nude and unarmored and begins worshiping her as the new Robogoddess?

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 04 May 2017, 03:43
I'm predicting for tomorrow that Bubbles and Faye will both have a laugh about how silly this whole thing has turned out to be: More like a cutting someone out of a wrecked car than some mysterious and semi-erotic disrobing. Bubbles will then announce that she wants to make sure that her derma is clean after so long covered up and go to the shower. Her exit line will be something self-deprecating about being 'not exactly a sight to wait for anyway'. How Faye responds to this, even if only to herself, will signal where Jeph intends to take this in future.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Zebediah on 04 May 2017, 03:58
Tomorrow: The outer shell is all off. Bubbles is preparing to pull off her under-layer, when Faye speaks up: "Hey, shouldn't we have some, like, clothes for you before you do that?" Bubbles then experiences a level-3 blush while admitting that she hadn't thought that part through.

Next time May sees Bubbles, May is going to completely melt.  :-D
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: snufflebottoms on 04 May 2017, 05:21
I'm beginning to wonder if this QCverse has WD40.

So,, her under armor AI  Body is not all that different from her armored form by the looks of it.  I was wondering  about that and whether she'd loose a  fair bit in height and/or mass once her armor was removed.

It does.
http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3178 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3178)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: brasca on 04 May 2017, 06:31
Faye imagined this: 
But the reality is probably more like this: 
I must admit I didn't think there would be actual skin similar to Momo's chassis underneath the armor.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: St.Clair on 04 May 2017, 07:32
Secondly, I want to stick it to everybody who insists that friendship is deeper than romance can be and that intimacy is not sexual tension, etc. etc. Like yes that's all true but sometimes when it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck.... it's a freaking duck and not a goose being mistaken for a duck by a duck crazed society.  And yeah it's a little petty but so is the insistence that we all be "above shipping" even when the story-line heavily hints at it.  The Faye/Bubbles shipping is even done by Claire and Dora. I think those are supposed to be clues that there is at least that kind of chemistry, even if it won't be acted on.

First, I don't think you're going to make friends by announcing that you want to "stick it to" people.  But since I'm one of those you're probably addressing, I want to clarify my own position.

I don't claim that "friendship is deeper than romance can be".  Rather, I'm tired of fandom's first impulse being to jump to assuming that any and all intimate relationships must be, or become/progress to, romantic and/or sexual ones; that platonic friendship is something lesser, something that one settles for, or a stage that characters move through on their way to the inevitable snogging.  Frankly, it makes me think that a good portion of fandom - any and all fandom(s) - is only interested in the characters and their relationships for how they can figure in the fans' own (literally) masturbatory fantasies.

And I repeat, I am tired of this, because I see it everywhere in fandom.  It is the default assumption, the "background hum."  (In that respect, I suppose, it mirrors general society's fucked-up (ha) obsession with sex:  "it's so dirty, it's so naughty, why aren't you having some right now?  What's wrong with you???")  And so, I welcome this rare respite, a tiny corner where there are topics of discussion other than who is, will be, should be, or wants to be "hooking up."
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: OldGoat on 04 May 2017, 07:42
... interesting thought, if the armor wasn't actually that thick, and Bubbles is already using a strong military chassis, is the point of it purely ablative?

Ooof. I wonder if it's actually reactive armor, which would probably make the prybar a really bad idea.
Either way, Bubbles maintains her strength.  The armor has, no doubt, been overkill all along - she's able to withstand anything she's apt to encounter outside of a combat zone without it.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Ghanima Atreides on 04 May 2017, 07:54
Long time member/reader, frequent lurker here to chime in on the potential Bubbles/Faye romantic development.

Regarding Faye having never shown interest in women before - as someone who acknowledged her bisexuality at 28 (a combination of traditional upbringing in a homophobic society and having been in a long-term relationship from a young age that closed my options early), I can say it's not impossible for Faye to discover an interest in women later in life. In a way that would be quite validating for someone like me, who has felt insecure and somehow inadequate because of it, in the eyes of both straight and LGBT people. That's another story, however.

Despite this, I cannot help but agree with St.Clair as well: intimacy is almost always portrayed as a precursor to romance in fiction, to the point where close platonic relationships are seen as inferior and fans simply do not believe two people can be close without some sexual tension bubbling beneath the surface. It's nice to see one storyteller doing something different for once and QC is known for its strong portrayals of very diverse characters and relationships, where a deep friendship could exist among all the various couples.

Of course, they are Jeph's characters and we're just along for the ride. :)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 04 May 2017, 08:05
@St.Clair,

Speaking entirely personally, I don't think that it's fair to characterise my views as jumping to "assuming that any or all intimate relationships must be, or become/progress to, romantic and/or sexual ones;". Whilst I agree that some shippers can be quite fanatical, it is my view that, with a few exceptions (who are newcomers and, IMO, ought to be excused their excitement), the majority of Faye/Bubbles relationship advocates on this board have come to their conclusion by watching the development of the interactions between the two characters.

In my case, I only started thinking that Jeph may be hinting towards romantic attraction (at least on the part of Bubbles) at the time Bubbles had a breakdown after hearing some local roughs call her a 'freak' and the way Faye went to her at once and comforted her (this is after Bubbles nearly punched a hole in a wall next to Faye's head). It is after that point that we see Bubbles starting to make aesthetic changes to her hair and getting extremely defensive when Faye notices. It isn't exactly subtle writing but I feel confident in my interpretation of it.

Now, I fully understand and acknowledge others' right to not accept this interpretation. Until such time as Jeph gives a clear yes/no indicator (and he tends to be very clear about these sorts of things), we can only make extrapolations and interpretations on the strip. I am certainly not going to be shoving it down anyone's throats. However, I think that I can justifiably say that, so long as I remain polite and do not stray too far into fan-fiction or outright weirdness, I am not doing wrong by my fellow forum members.

... interesting thought, if the armor wasn't actually that thick, and Bubbles is already using a strong military chassis, is the point of it purely ablative?

Even though Bubbles' armour is heavy, it is still only infantry armour. I suspect it's a thin laminate made out of compressed layers of carbon composite and titanium. The underlying maroon-brown sheath is probably a combination of composite mail overlaid by a thin layer of Kevlar and some flame-retardant material.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: blt on 04 May 2017, 08:58
I was honestly expecting her armour to take up a lot more of her body mass than it apparently actually does.  I guess they were only just plates. 

I was sort of expecting the whole red shell to come off and have sort of a smaller gangly body underneath, based on this (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3004).  Good luck stopping an AT round with applique plates, but I mean this universe has combat AI and orbital rail guns so I guess it doesn't matter... sure was nice of the army to match her skin tone so complimentarily though :psyduck:

It's surprising how human her chassis really is too.  Check out those triceps.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Morituri on 04 May 2017, 10:12
I don't know what her derma layer is actually made of, but if it is any kind of flexible material that has been under rigid, jointed armor for literally years of active nonstop wear - even armor that's well-fitted and designed to minimise abrasion -it's pretty damned astonishing if there aren't some fairly large worn-through areas.  'Minimise' is not the same as 'eliminate'. Human skin under those circumstances would be absolutely trashed, even if it had been kept clean enough not to develop infections/etc.

Up until she said different, I had assumed that aside from her face/head, the armor WAS her skin.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: ronbo on 04 May 2017, 12:36
@St.Clair,

Speaking entirely personally, I don't think that it's fair to characterise my views as jumping to "assuming that any or all intimate relationships must be, or become/progress to, romantic and/or sexual ones;". Whilst I agree that some shippers can be quite fanatical, it is my view that, with a few exceptions (who are newcomers and, IMO, ought to be excused their excitement), the majority of Faye/Bubbles relationship advocates on this board have come to their conclusion by watching the development of the interactions between the two characters.

In my case, I only started thinking that Jeph may be hinting towards romantic attraction (at least on the part of Bubbles) at the time Bubbles had a breakdown after hearing some local roughs call her a 'freak' and the way Faye went to her at once and comforted her (this is after Bubbles nearly punched a hole in a wall next to Faye's head). It is after that point that we see Bubbles starting to make aesthetic changes to her hair and getting extremely defensive when Faye notices. It isn't exactly subtle writing but I feel confident in my interpretation of it.

Now, I fully understand and acknowledge others' right to not accept this interpretation. Until such time as Jeph gives a clear yes/no indicator (and he tends to be very clear about these sorts of things), we can only make extrapolations and interpretations on the strip. I am certainly not going to be shoving it down anyone's throats. However, I think that I can justifiably say that, so long as I remain polite and do not stray too far into fan-fiction or outright weirdness, I am not doing wrong by my fellow forum members.

... interesting thought, if the armor wasn't actually that thick, and Bubbles is already using a strong military chassis, is the point of it purely ablative?

Even though Bubbles' armour is heavy, it is still only infantry armour. I suspect it's a thin laminate made out of compressed layers of carbon composite and titanium. The underlying maroon-brown sheath is probably a combination of composite mail overlaid by a thin layer of Kevlar and some flame-retardant material.

As someone who has grown into a Faye/Bubbles shipper, I fully recognize that not every relationship needs to have a romantic component and this one very well may not have one.  I've come to my belief that there eventually will be some sort of non-platonic goings on between the two based on how Jeph has developed their emotional bond and how the pair have reacted to it.  Faye's emotions during the whole attempt to unlock Bubbles memories struck me as something more than worry for a friend.  Bubbles behavior toward Faye has clearly evolved during their relationship.  She is quite often flustered in her presence.  What started out as snarkiness and exasperation has transitioned into smiles and blushes.

So I think that Jeph is taking us in the direction of the two becoming romantically involved.  I could be completely wrong and I don't expect anyone else to agree with my interpretation of events.   
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Thrudd on 04 May 2017, 12:48
Just piping in but the transformation sequence looks more like something out of this classic series that deals with the Question: what is intelligence? What makes us human?

Speculation on her dermal layer.
She is, as far as we can reasonably posit, a first generation or even a prototype AI combat infantry unit.
I can see the brass specifying something a bit more durable with self repair a necessary feature for deployments where there are extended supply chains and logistics issues with field service and repair. Sand, dust and small bugs gets into everything. E V E R Y T H I N G !
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Kugai on 04 May 2017, 16:22
Well,she wasn't going  to remove it the way Guao'ld do

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: jwhouk on 04 May 2017, 17:16
You are all aware of the fact, that a lot of stuff which we talked about here made it into the latest comic? :D

Jeph is listening :)

Or, it's entirely possible that some of us are Patreon supporters?  :-D :angel:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: HeavyP on 04 May 2017, 17:31
Man, I love the comic, but the thought that keeps occupying my mind is that the last panel today *feels* like the first time I tried to take off a girl's bra.  I was all "Do I need to go get my dad's cutting torch?  Good lord!"
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: War Sparrow on 04 May 2017, 17:41
Post about Fred.

And..what happened? Is Fred better, or working to a place where he is better? I am worried about your friend Fred.

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Case on 04 May 2017, 19:00
...
I'm just really sick of this idea that shippers are some how dirty people masturbating to everything.
...

Just my 2cents:
I think there's some forum history you might not be aware of - if you are, skip right to where it says HERE! - it's a few months before my time, so take it with a grain of salt. Jeph has a spectacular case of dislike for shipping his characters in ways he considers unlikely, or untastefull. Apparently, the forum didn't always share that POV, most egregiously in the case of shipping Hanners, which lead to the forum's version of the Biblical Flood; with an enraged Jeph empowered with admin-rights trolling his own forum in a rather memorable fashion and publicly musing that he'd "never come so close to destroying one of my own creations".

(Mods? Does anyone remember were that "Please don't be bearhat-guy"-pic is? It's hilarious!)

The immediate results were a) Jeph rarely visits the forum any more b) The glorious dawn of the "Era PWhodges", named after the eponymous mod. That era is marked by us largely making up our own rules - or rather, our benevolent overlords encouraging that pleasant illusion - except for Jeph's First Commandment:

Though shalt not ship (distastefully and/or improbably)

There's no discussing this, goes right up his nose, like calling the Librarian of Unseen University (https://wiki.lspace.org/mediawiki/Librarian) a monkey - you comply OR.ELSE. And since this is Jeph's forum, running on Jeph's server, there's also no debate over this: We agree to his rules, or we go, simple as that - Jeph has made it abundantly clear that he doesn't loose sleep about people finding that unfair. You stick to the rules, or you go.

And since we don't want Jeph to go all Biblical God on the forums again, the mods will make you stick to the rules, or ... well, truth be told, I've somehow always missed what happens next, except that shipping is amazingly subtle here, if it happens at all. It's nothing personal, it's not even a judgement on your likes or dislikes, it's simply a fact of life. It doesn't even matter whether Jeph sometimes appears to be teasing us (that debate has evolved into something akin to kabbala by now) - this is not one of the places where "one rule for all" applies. It's his house, and his rules.

---> HERE! <----
Not that I'm suggesting you have crossed any lines (I don't think so) but this peculiarity has, over time, led to a natural selection process - Many of those who did enjoy shipping quite a lot have left, and those who staid can live without it, or get their fix elsewhere.

It's not a matter of finding shipping bad, or yuck, or whatever (personally, I can't be arsed one way or the other) - it's simply a matter of accepting that one is moving in a certain culture shaped by certain boundaries, and deciding whether one is OK with that or not. If you find shipping terribly enjoyable, knock yourself out, but I think you'll feel better if you're aware that yours being a minority opinion is not a judgement on you. Rather something like natural selection.  :-D

And this is an unpopular opinion but I feel that platonic relationships are lesser.
Sounds better that way, methinks?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: jheartney on 04 May 2017, 20:30
Interesting that Bubbles' designers went for the two-tone myomer. I still think she's probably better off not walking down the street without at least a pair of pants. Good thing she has the coat, or she might be stuck indoors waiting on getting an outfit delivered.

What could be fun would be if Bubbles decides to go for a more soft and feminine look; imagine her in a bright print dress, or something lacey and white. Or even just jeans and a slightly frilly blouse. It'd be much less expected than putting her in a plaid flannel top.

ETA: Here, this is what Bubbles' darker myomer looks like! An early 20th century men's swimsuit.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/08/06/20/2B216D9C00000578-3186421-1915_In_the_early_20th_century_men_were_prohibited_from_baring_t-a-20_1438887648741.jpg)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: fayelovesbubbles on 04 May 2017, 20:36
You put everything on the line for your spouse or partner. You don't do that for just a friend. So yes, romantic relationships do trump others.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 04 May 2017, 20:42
You put everything on the line for your spouse or partner. You don't do that for just a friend. So yes, romantic relationships do trump others.

Obviously, you haven't been directed to TvTropes yet. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TrueCompanions)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 04 May 2017, 20:44
Look at Bubbles, getting all smug at the end there. Good on her. Of course, you realize Faye complimenting Bubble's booty is going to send up the May signal...
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: fayelovesbubbles on 04 May 2017, 20:45
Folks--Bubbles blushed when Faye said "you look great."

Come on. I think we can acknowledge that Bubbles likes Faye a whole lot, yes, romantically.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 04 May 2017, 21:14
Huh. Leotard.

I guess that temporarily addresses the matter of clothing.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: SubaruStephen on 04 May 2017, 21:55
Look at Bubbles, getting all smug at the end there. Good on her. Of course, you realize Faye complimenting Bubble's booty is going to send up the May signal...

If Faye is slightly envious of Bubbles butt, May is going to go full 'green-eyed monster' with pure, refined jealousy.

Interesting that Bubbles' designers went for the two-tone myomer. I still think she's probably better off not walking down the street without at least a pair of pants. Good thing she has the coat, or she might be stuck indoors waiting on getting an outfit delivered.

I hope she brought that coat with her, 'cause if Bubbles steps out of Fayes room looking like that and Claire sees her, she'll ship those two so hard they'll instantly find themselves in the back of a FedEx truck.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: pwhodges on 04 May 2017, 22:03
You put everything on the line for your spouse or partner. You don't do that for just a friend.

I think perhaps you don't know a lot about the military.  And where is Bubbles from?

Actually, aside from that your perspective is limited.  There are more options than you consider.  For instance, a parent can easily put everything on the line for their child - I agree that's more than simple friendship, but that doesn't mean it's the same as romantic love.  A brand of love, sure, but like friendship, that love is not defined by being sexual.    Another example: Captain Oates (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Oates); friendship, taken to the limit - not sex, though one may read the story and say "how romantic".

So that's several examples now of how relationships closer and more intimate than "mere" friendship are not necessarily sexual, as indeed romance isn't either, nor love (https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/John-15-13/). Commonly shipping fails to acknowledge this richness of human experience, producing a crudely monochrome parody of it.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: learn2run on 04 May 2017, 22:21
Oh, sweet Lord, don't cut away now... 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Welu on 04 May 2017, 22:31
I'm really looking forward to seeing if Bubbles wears the cardigan Emily made for her. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3180)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: brasca on 04 May 2017, 22:44
I was honestly expecting her armour to take up a lot more of her body mass than it apparently actually does.  I guess they were only just plates. 

I was sort of expecting the whole red shell to come off and have sort of a smaller gangly body underneath, based on this (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3004).  Good luck stopping an AT round with applique plates, but I mean this universe has combat AI and orbital rail guns so I guess it doesn't matter... sure was nice of the army to match her skin tone so complimentarily though :psyduck:

It's surprising how human her chassis really is too.  Check out those triceps.

The note indicates that she has storage compartments in her thighs, but I don't see any lines where these should be on her derma or unitard she's wearing.  If it's just as deep as the armor then it doesn't have much space for ammo or demolition charges, but it might fit a micro Nintendo DS. 

She's definitely Elliot size without the armor which might be a nice way to tie this story in with the one going on with the Secret Bakery. 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 04 May 2017, 23:35
It's going to take a while for me to get used to Bubbles' look sans armour. She's so buff that her proportions look a bit wrong to me but I guess I'll get used to it.

What is really blowing my mind is how sassy Bubbles has been getting recently! She's almost as bad as Faye is! However, I think it's genuinely good that she feels that she can be that free around Faye and doesn't need to watch where she's 'stepping'.

Oh... Panel 3 got my mind whirling. Faye definitely doesn't want to come across as overstepping Bubbles's boundaries herself which, given how free and easy she is normally, indicates a near-unprecedented level of concern for her friend. I think that Bubbles is pretty pleased that Faye is impressed though. Jeph seems determined to continue to tease and offer equivocal hints!

Purely out of curiosity, I'm wondering how much research of female body-builders and the like Jeph had to do to get Bubbles's body shape and proportions correct.

Oh, sweet Lord, don't cut away now... 

Actually, IMO at least, this is the ideal point to do so unless he has something specific planned as a next step.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 04 May 2017, 23:35
Global Moderator Comment The moderators have huddled about Faye-Bubbles speculation.There is indeed long-ago forum history involving creepy shippers that left scars.What's going on today is thoughtful people civilly extrapolating from evidence in the comic.We're OK with that even when we're arguing with the conclusion.Of course if Jeph comes along and says it drives him up the wall then it'll be different.

Back in regular user mode, here's another speculation. What if romantic feelings develop but only on one side?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: sitnspin on 04 May 2017, 23:37
You put everything on the line for your spouse or partner. You don't do that for just a friend. So yes, romantic relationships do trump others.
I don't envy your friends.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 04 May 2017, 23:38
Back in regular user mode, here's another speculation. What if romantic feelings develop but only on one side?

That could actually be quite an interesting story. Can friendship survive a one-sided romantic attraction? That's a question more than a few people IRL have had to confront.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: hitmiccs on 04 May 2017, 23:50
Can friendship survive a one-sided romantic attraction?
Regarding what Faye and Marten went through, I would say yes.

@jwhouk: I always forget, that supporters get those comics early :/
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: sitnspin on 05 May 2017, 00:01
Back in regular user mode, here's another speculation. What if romantic feelings develop but only on one side?

That could actually be quite an interesting story. Can friendship survive a one-sided romantic attraction? That's a question more than a few people IRL have had to confront.
In my experience... sometimes. I've had friendships fall apart because the other person developed feelings I didn't reciprocate, I've had others that survived without a bump, and others that were bruised and drifted apart for a while but came back just as strong. It depends on the individual and the dynamics of the particular relationship.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 05 May 2017, 01:47
Can friendship survive a one-sided romantic attraction?

Regarding what Faye and Marten went through, I would say yes.

I don't think that that's a good example. I'm pretty sure that Faye/Marten was mutual but that she consciously chose not to pursue it because she felt that she wasn't mentally or emotionally ready for a relationship of that nature. Faye's happiness was so important to Marten that he was able to step back and not push. Having Dora practically jump his bones within a few weeks probably made that easier.

When you think about it, that tells us quite a bit about Faye and her ability to control her desires and emotions.

It also tells us a bit about Mk1 Marten and his inability to take the initiative in relationships but that is neither here nor there.

What is really interesting is that Faye recognised where things were going and took the initiative to spike it before it went too far and her rejection would hurt. This is something that we should look out for in the current relationship arc as Faye seems very perspicuous about how people feel about her and proactive in her responses.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: TinPenguin on 05 May 2017, 05:21
As someone currently going out with an asexual, one thing I've learned is that the common perceptions of 'friendships' and 'relationships' are not as fixed and immutable as we assume them to be. There is a lot of inbetween, and a lot of "I don't know what this is but it's good".
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: HeavyP on 05 May 2017, 05:32
Interesting that Bubbles' designers went for the two-tone myomer. I still think she's probably better off not walking down the street without at least a pair of pants. Good thing she has the coat, or she might be stuck indoors waiting on getting an outfit delivered.

What could be fun would be if Bubbles decides to go for a more soft and feminine look; imagine her in a bright print dress, or something lacey and white. Or even just jeans and a slightly frilly blouse. It'd be much less expected than putting her in a plaid flannel top.

I don't think it's a two-tone myomer, I think it's an actual leotard-like final layer.  It may just be Jeph's drawing style, but you can see a line of shadow under where the legs and sleeves end, indicating a transition line where light is being blocked by a thicker material.  If it was all her "skin," albeit two-toned, there would be no difference in thickness and thus no shadow.  It's the same as the way he draws shadows on clothed characters.  I could be wrong, though, as the lines on the hips would seem to indicate uncovered articulation points.  I'll be curious as to whether the question is answered later.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: fayelovesbubbles on 05 May 2017, 06:23
So you put your friends before your spouse? I don't envy your spouse!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 05 May 2017, 06:25
So you put your friends before your spouse? I don't envy your spouse!

Or maybe it's not about raising one above the other. There are different kinds of love, not just romantic.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: pwhodges on 05 May 2017, 06:33
And there are different reasons to put everything on the line for different people.  Life is not so designed that you can fix all the answers in advance.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Quantum Glass on 05 May 2017, 06:39
Honestly it's really nice of the military and US Government to let her keep her chassis, despite how expensive the thing must be. I'm sure they could find some use for it.

I mean they've certainly made some mistakes in regards to her, and if they're anything like the RL!US Military they have more budget than they know what to do with, but it's a nice gesture. It's little touches of kindness like that that make certain authority figures in fiction really compelling.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Tova on 05 May 2017, 06:41
I think that this debate over romantic versus platonic relationships is generating more heat than light. In any case, I am confident that no-one is advocating the idea that Faye ought to abandon friendships, nor that she should never enter into a romantic relationship again.

Look, obviously Faye and Bubbles have developed a strong and valuable bond. Regardless of what label you want to paste onto it, that is a great thing. What interests me at this point is how the bedrock of their support for each other will translate into confidence and progress for both of them, both emotionally as well as towards their life goals.

The emotional progress for Bubbles so far is manifest. The confidence and trust they now have ought also to carry into the business they are about to embark upon, which will hopefully yield fruit for them. Both this new friendship and business success will help Faye emotionally, and in particular in her fight with alcoholism.

These are all positive developments that we ought to be happy about rather than squabbling over.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: ronbo on 05 May 2017, 06:41
So you put your friends before your spouse? I don't envy your spouse!

This back and forth has me a little confused.  In a healthy relationship your spouse is your closest friend.  They are the person most important to you.  There are certainly times where you do things with your other friends apart from your spouse and those friends fill something in your life that your spouse doesn't.  That's healthy.  Ranking your friends and spouse isn't healthy.  Competition between your friends and spouse isn't healthy.  Friends and spouses that don't understand and respect your need for both aren't healthy.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: sitnspin on 05 May 2017, 06:59
So you put your friends before your spouse? I don't envy your spouse!

My wife was my best friend. There is no distinction for me. I'd give up everything for any of my friends, her included. Love is not a hierarchy.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: shanejayell on 05 May 2017, 07:02
Possibly getting back to the strip... I was actually a bit disappointed that the armor wasn't more mecha-ish. But admittedly that's me.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 05 May 2017, 07:05
Man, I love the comic, but the thought that keeps occupying my mind is that the last panel today *feels* like the first time I tried to take off a girl's bra.  I was all "Do I need to go get my dad's cutting torch?  Good lord!"

I hear/see that complaint a lot. Did I just luck out and happen to have girlfriends with less complicated bras? It was super easy.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: sitnspin on 05 May 2017, 07:12
As someone currently going out with an asexual, one thing I've learned is that the common perceptions of 'friendships' and 'relationships' are not as fixed and immutable as we assume them to be. There is a lot of inbetween, and a lot of "I don't know what this is but it's good".

As a relationship anarchist, I don't feel the need to draw a distinction at all. I think hierarchies in general, be they inter-personal, political, whatever, are problematic and unhealthy.  Which isn't to say I love everyone I know equally, but I don't rank types of relationships or even create arbitrary discreet categories for them at all.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 May 2017, 07:17
I think that it is pretty clear that Bubbles has some romantic attraction to Faye. She frequently blushes and does the shy looking away thing when talking about personal subjects and especially when Faye compliments her. Specifically when Faye does it. She's pleased when the others treat her like a friend, but not flustered. Faye is more concerned than usual about Bubbles' well being and about being good to her, but she's always been loyal to her friends. Nothing she's done or said to Bubbles has been beyond the 'we're close friends' stage. I think that right there sinks the potential USS Faybles. I don't think that romance with Bubbles is something that has even crossed her mind. More likely I think she considers her the same way she thinks of Dora, platonic besties or like Marten. Family even if they don't share blood.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 05 May 2017, 07:22
For the folks getting a bit close to bickering, please say the following alloud: "You are you, and I am me. We all see things a bit differently."
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Case on 05 May 2017, 08:09
For the folks getting a bit close to bickering, please say the following alloud: "You are you, and I am me. We all see things a bit differently."

[tweet]860146090389254144[/tweet]

:angel:

(Yes, I know my angel is 'pining for the fjords'. It can pine for anything it bloody wants to!)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: jheartney on 05 May 2017, 10:45
I don't think it's a two-tone myomer, I think it's an actual leotard-like final layer.  It may just be Jeph's drawing style, but you can see a line of shadow under where the legs and sleeves end, indicating a transition line where light is being blocked by a thicker material.  If it was all her "skin," albeit two-toned, there would be no difference in thickness and thus no shadow.  It's the same as the way he draws shadows on clothed characters.  I could be wrong, though, as the lines on the hips would seem to indicate uncovered articulation points.  I'll be curious as to whether the question is answered later.

Right, I was taking my cue from the lines on the hips. It also seemed to me that if she'd been years since she took off the armor, a thin cloth garment layer between armor and myomer would have long since shredded. But you're right there's a small shadow suggesting the darker stuff is another layer.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Glaedren on 05 May 2017, 10:56
Dang, was Bubbles' chassis made in a Naval yard?

Girl's got hips like battleships!


...

Read QC for years, lurked the forums on occasion, finally made an account just for an atrocious pun.

Maybe Jeph finally rubbed off on me.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Morituri on 05 May 2017, 11:09

And..what happened? Is Fred better, or working to a place where he is better? I am worried about your friend Fred.

Fred is doing a bit better these days, but still has problems.  He and his wife are still separated because she didn't feel safe after a late night incident involving a PTSD response when he came out of a nightmare to the sound of her clicking a pen.  I found out about *that* bit later, but that was the reason why he finally resolved to get rid of the gun.  (Yes, he was sure.  He was VERY sure he was ready to let it go.) He has relocated to the east coast for therapy at a VA center and I hear from him in email from time to time.   They miss each other and they (and I) hope they will be back together one day.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: blt on 05 May 2017, 13:47
Why does an AI need to stretch...?

Smug Bubbles is great though.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: TheEvilDog on 05 May 2017, 13:56
Why does an AI need to stretch...?

Humans stretch as a means of waking up their body, to help remove waste build-up in the muscles and to rejuvenate the ligaments and the mind. So presumably, a chassis does so for the same reason, removal of waste build-up in what passes for muscle and ligaments in their bodies and to alleviate stress build-up.

It could also be an instinctive response, to make an chassis and the AI inhabiting it to seem more human and to get out of the uncanny valley.

Although the former seems to be the more likely.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 05 May 2017, 14:31
I don't think it's a two-tone myomer, I think it's an actual leotard-like final layer.  It may just be Jeph's drawing style, but you can see a line of shadow under where the legs and sleeves end, indicating a transition line where light is being blocked by a thicker material.  If it was all her "skin," albeit two-toned, there would be no difference in thickness and thus no shadow.  It's the same as the way he draws shadows on clothed characters.  I could be wrong, though, as the lines on the hips would seem to indicate uncovered articulation points.  I'll be curious as to whether the question is answered later.
I was guessing the lines to be hems in the fabric.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 May 2017, 14:51
We've been thinking of Bubbles as an adult. How old is she, really?

The blushes could be childlike.

She hasn't had any relationship experience since leaving the service and we've not heard of any from before that.

She could be honestly confused about what her feelings are toward Faye.

Someone new to romantic relationships should start with someone easier than Faye.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: blt on 05 May 2017, 15:02
We've been thinking of Bubbles as an adult. How old is she, really?

The blushes could be childlike.

The strips with May looking for a job make mention of some sort of AI Maturity Index and it being equivalent to human age with respect to applying for jobs.  I imagine the QC universe army isn't in the business of employing AI child soldiers.

Edit: Found it (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2726)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: pwhodges on 05 May 2017, 15:03
Why does an AI need to stretch...?

In this case to recalibrate their chassis' motion and position sensors for the not-recently-used no-armour setup.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Kugai on 05 May 2017, 16:00
Jealous Faye    :D

Love Bubbles blushing at Fayes comment.

Of course, you realise  what this means now ........

SHOPPING TRIP!!!


 ;D
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Mr. Skawronska on 05 May 2017, 17:28
Someone new to romantic relationships should start with someone easier than Faye.

Like a hungry Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake/Porcupine crossbreed with a flaming wedgie.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: brasca on 05 May 2017, 18:36
Jealous Faye    :D

Love Bubbles blushing at Fayes comment.

Of course, you realise  what this means now ........

SHOPPING TRIP!!!


 ;D

Coming this fall.  Queer Eye for the AI. 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 05 May 2017, 20:10
That... I think is actually probably a thing. Or it should be. A lot of AIs do seem to want to fit into human society, and do so to varying success. A show or program to help them out and explain some of the points of culture and fashion would probably help.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 05 May 2017, 21:08
"I understand and appreciate your intent" sounds more like "I know you meant no offense" than like flirting.

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: snufflebottoms on 05 May 2017, 22:54
I hope we get a montage of Bubbles trying to find clothes that can contain her awesomeness.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: anahata on 05 May 2017, 23:01
SHOPPING TRIP!!!
...is better than shipping trope!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 05 May 2017, 23:50
Someone new to romantic relationships should start with someone easier than Faye.

Unfortunately, we don't get to make choices like that.

"I understand and appreciate your intent" sounds more like "I know you meant no offense" than like flirting.

It sounds to me what it is: Bubbles being pleased that Faye doesn't think she looks hideous (which, somehow, I suspect a part of her feared would happen). Bubbles, or so I've noticed, does tend to use very cumbersome phrasing. What it doesn't address is why Faye should have worried at Bubbles reaction to something that should have been completely natural and unremarkable for her to say. It might be me but there's a subtext to that.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 May 2017, 00:52
Quote
What it doesn't address is why Faye should have worried at Bubbles reaction to something that should have been completely natural and unremarkable for her to say

Bubbles has been known to be prickly. It may not even have been worry, though, but instead just a courteous inquiry about an unfamiliar situation.

I might be unsure what was appropriate to say if a seven-foot combat robot with PTSD stripped in front of me.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: blt on 06 May 2017, 07:58
I might be unsure what was appropriate to say if a seven-foot combat robot with PTSD stripped in front of me.

Thank you?  :claireface:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: hedgie on 06 May 2017, 08:52
Bubbles has been known to be prickly. It may not even have been worry, though, but instead just a courteous inquiry about an unfamiliar situation.

What's wrong with being prickly? 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 May 2017, 09:14
I didn't say it was wrong, just that it was an adequate explanation of why Faye asked whether the compliment was OK.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Morituri on 06 May 2017, 09:29
I might be unsure what was appropriate to say if a seven-foot combat robot with PTSD stripped in front of me.
Thank you?  :claireface:

Damned right.  PTSD in a soldier, however unfortunate, means they've made a hell of an effort and gone through a lot of hardship to protect you. 
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Gyrre on 06 May 2017, 15:02
I hope we get a montage of Bubbles trying to find clothes that can contain her awesomeness.

She'll probably have about as much "fun" as I do finding clothes that fit. I'm 5'5" with broad shoulders and a barrel chest to boot. Medium for length but XL for width. Shoe shopping is the worse having a men's 9.5 with a 6E width.

But it's a comic, so she'll probably have better luck than I do.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 May 2017, 15:16
She has the option of getting a smaller chassis.

She also has some friends who make clothes.

She presumably had a source for clothing in the days before she enlisted.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Undrneath on 06 May 2017, 17:23
She may not have been in this chassis before enlisting.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 06 May 2017, 23:55
Personally, I  think that Bubbles' first post-armour clothes will be one of Faye's baggy night tee-shirts (repurposed into a tank-top by happy necessity) and a sarong that's a repurposed bed sheet. After that it will be time to go to Big and Beefy People, the specialist XXXL clothier that dresses Elliott.

In the long term, I can see Bubbles wearing denim overalls at work.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: shanejayell on 07 May 2017, 07:39
Faye should lend Bubbles the 'Tsundere' t-shirt.

 :lol: :laugh:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: hedgie on 07 May 2017, 10:00
I didn't say it was wrong, just that it was an adequate explanation of why Faye asked whether the compliment was OK.

And you totally ignored the hedgehog joke.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Tova on 07 May 2017, 22:37
I admit that one flew over my head.  :roll:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Zebediah on 08 May 2017, 17:24
Maybe you were just hedging your bets.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: HeavyP on 08 May 2017, 20:48
Awww!  And bonus - hugs with no skull-bruising "Donk!" this time, just a pleasant "Smoosh."
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 08 May 2017, 21:48
I got the point.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 09 May 2017, 02:16
Awww!  And bonus - hugs with no skull-bruising "Donk!" this time, just a pleasant "Smoosh."

And also, no awkward blush.
And not a hint of anything sexual...


Good.  :-P
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 09 May 2017, 02:19
FWIW, Faye isn't a blusher. She rarely if ever blushed during her relationship with Angus, even when they were both stark naked and discussing their respective experiences of sex.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: anahata on 09 May 2017, 02:47
Awww!  And bonus - hugs with no skull-bruising "Donk!" this time, just a pleasant "Smoosh."

The main significance to me was that for the first time (as I recall) it was Bubbles hugging Faye instead of the other way round.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 09 May 2017, 03:03
FWIW, Faye isn't a blusher. She rarely if ever blushed during her relationship with Angus, even when they were both stark naked and discussing their respective experiences of sex.

Yeah, I was thinking more from Bubbles' POV... :)
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: TinPenguin on 09 May 2017, 03:55
Cute, but that is not a cardigan.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Zebediah on 09 May 2017, 03:56
This is last week's thread, by the way.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: JoeCovenant on 09 May 2017, 04:14
This is last week's thread, by the way.

Damn You and your Temporal Fascism!!!   :laugh:
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Kugai on 09 May 2017, 17:33
TIME
MARCHES
ON!

Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Morituri on 10 May 2017, 16:40
What?  No, March was two months ago.  Try to keep up, okay?
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: cesium133 on 10 May 2017, 16:48
Time flies like an arrow.
Fruit flies like a banana.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 10 May 2017, 19:53
From Pearls Before Swine:
Q. What kind of jeans do you have on?
A. Guess.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: BenRG on 13 May 2017, 11:16
Official Poll Results Post
Just what is Pintsize's deal?

1. He's a sort of troll who likes freaking out people by pretending to be transgressive - 14 (21.9%)
2. He is actually one of the world's greatest behavioural psychologists trying to help Marten and Faye with a carefully-planned series of fake actions - 13 (20.3%)
3. He has impulse control problems, does stupid things on a whim and doesn't think about possible consequences - 11 (17.2%)
4. He actually thinks that this is tremendously funny and doesn't get everyone's reaction - 9 (14.1%)
5. He's just a pervert but with more metal than most - 6 (9.4%)
6. At first it was just curiosity and a one-off practical joke but it's become a bit of a habit he's never bothered to shake - 5 (7.8%)
=7. He's a weird kind of abstract archetype that Jeph created of the whole concept of an AI having any sexuality at all - 3 (4.7%)
=7. Other reason (real world) - 3 (4.7%)
x. Other reason (in-universe) - 0 (0%)

A surprisingly close result this time! It seems odd that one of the oldest characters in the strip should generate such divided opinions as to his motives. I genuinely would have expected more people to have selected one of the "He's just an asshole" options or for the views of the character to be more settled!
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Tova on 13 May 2017, 22:17
The motivations of Pintsuze have been debated for some time afaik so I'm as little surprised at your surprise.

We've only ever really known him on a superficial level, so while he's outwardly the simple prankster, there have been a small number of hints that there's more going on, so of course there will be diverse opinions.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: cesium133 on 14 May 2017, 08:40
Thinking of Pintsize, does anyone remember when "the day" from Zach Weiner's guest comics is? I vaguely seem to remember it being in 2017, but I'm not sure.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: jwhouk on 14 May 2017, 09:49
Thinking of Pintsize, does anyone remember when "the day" from Zach Weiner's guest comics is? I vaguely seem to remember it being in 2017, but I'm not sure.

July 22, 2017.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: cesium133 on 14 May 2017, 10:09
Okay, so it's coming up pretty soon. I think the AIs will be good overlords.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 May 2017, 12:57
I mean, they'd probably do better than we do.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Tova on 14 May 2017, 22:08
I really really hope Jeph writes at least a nod towards that guest comic when that day arrives.
Title: Re: WCDT Strips 3471 to 3475 (1st to 5th May 2017)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 06 Apr 2018, 13:40
Ok Bubbles is cute as all hell, but I have to admit I'm now a bit concerned about where the relationship is going.  I have a bad feeling Bubbles is on the way to getting hurt.

The price of never getting hurt is exorbitant.

Quote
I have no need for friendship
Friendship causes pain
Its laughter and its loving I disdain

This time around Bubbles will have kick-ass friends to back her up when she does get hurt. Put Marten's steadiness and Faye's loyalty and Hannelore's insight together ...

I wish I could give extra likes just for the Simon & Garfunkel quotation. "I Am a Rock" was absolutely the perfect song to illustrate your point.

For some reason it took me this long to remember the lines of the song that really resonate with Bubbles. Imagine her living by herself at the fight club, clinging to her metalloceramic outer skin. Then remember

I am shielded in my armor
Hiding in my room
Safe within my womb
I touch no one and no one touches me