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Now departing the USS MartenClaire *bell rings*

122 (56.7%)

Jephizba trolls us all, hallowed be the trollmaster's name.

32 (14.9%)

Spatheham and Clairemom Pancakes

7 (3.3%)

A solid week of Steve eating cereal

9 (4.2%)

Martenmom and Clairemom team up and fight crime/meddle in their children's personal lives

45 (20.9%)

Total Members Voted: 195

Voting closed: 09 Oct 2014, 22:04

[techkid]

Whatever pace and direction he decides to proceed, it's nice to see Marten to take the initiative. Whether they go all wuvvy-duvvy or it's just a case of "I like what we have and want it to continue", it's going to be a positive step in their development.

Nevertheless:

(click to show/hide)

[Detachable Felix]

Nevertheless:

(click to show/hide)

I just assumed there was an unspoken rule about 'no memes' on the forum.

[pwhodges]

Marten is comfortable, and has a pretty good idea of what direction he'd like to take this.  But Claire is confused, and has been caught on the hop, not only by Marten, perhaps, but also by her own emotions.  I think that by now we can be confident enough that Marten will handle himself tolerably well, however this proceeds - so the more significant parts of the story that is now developing will be those about Claire, and how she will be able to recognise and cope with her feelings.

I just assumed there was an unspoken rule about 'no memes' on the forum.

Not a strict rule, but a sense of disapproval - which is written.  See here: point 6.

[NilsO]

Please note the similarity in holding hands to #1191. But Jeph's hand drawing technique has deteriorated, he forgot to draw nails this time.

Again, if the universe is deterministic, I would assume Marten and Claire hook up for a short while, until Marten meets Gina Riversmith or someone similar.

[T]

Since when are you supposed to kiss HARD ? 

Yeah, kissing hard would be awkward at this stage.

[Lubricus]

Maybe the kisses will be hard because of the lack of lips? 

[NilsO]

Maybe the kisses will be hard because of the lack of lips? 

Also, Marten should stay clear of Claire's dangerously sharp nose and chin.

[techkid]

I just assumed there was an unspoken rule about 'no memes' on the forum.

Not a strict rule, but a sense of disapproval - which is written.  See here: point 6.

Sorry, but nothing else seemed to be able to convey my thoughts, and squeeing just didn't cut it.

Warning - while you were typing a new meme has been created. You may wish to intercept and destroy it before it catches on.

[Gnomeybum]

Hi there, long time lurker, first time poster.

I finally got an account to share my cynical projections about what is going to happen. I wanna preface this by saying that I am 100% invested in Claire and Marten happening, and have been so excited about it that on numerous occasions I have been woken up at five in the morning by my own enthusiasm to check for the next update. Admittedly, I wish I hadn't admitted that because now I sound like a huge nerd.

That being said, I don't think that this is where it is going. At least, not right now. My projection for tomorrow is that Marten will squeeze Claire's hand tightly, look deeply into her eyes and say, 'Hey, I'm sorry about yesterday, it wasn't your fault, I was drunk and overly handsy, it won't happen again, we still chill bro?', or something to that effect.

The reason I think that is because Marten is a total doof, god bless him. All these women have dug him in the past and he has been totally oblivious to every single one of them. I'm not so sure that Marten's big, beatific smile is because he is so super ready to make a commitment and say what he wants. I think he just has no idea what he has walked into. I think he went over to apologise to her because he knows that she is delicate and inexperienced and so, because he is a gorgeous darling, he didn't want to cause her anxiety or stress because of his actions. So he has gone over there to make sure she is okay and unharmed by his actions, when in fact he might be doing all the more damage by doing so. So he has gone over there, all cool and confident, because he is just gonna smooth things out and set his lovely friend's mind at ease, easy peasy.

That's what I think will happen. What I want to happen is the most epic and life changing kiss of all time, followed by a big wedding and thousands of babies. But I refuse to get my hopes up yet. [/pessimism]

[Lubricus]

From this comic, lt looks like what Marten is recalling is Claire looking soulfully into his eyes, and that tells me that there is more to his morning visit than just an apology. But i fear you might be right, Gnomeybum. Also, welcome!

[TieDyeKat]

*Cue swelling music*

Right, boss.

[bryntheskits]

This was Clairemum's plan aaaallllll along mwahahaaa

[anahata]

Hi there, long time lurker, first time poster.

Welcome to the madhouse!

My projection for tomorrow is that Marten will squeeze Claire's hand tightly, look deeply into her eyes and say, 'Hey, I'm sorry about yesterday, it wasn't your fault, I was drunk and overly handsy, it won't happen again, we still chill bro?', or something to that effect.

If I wanted to say that, I don't think I've have grabbed her hand like he did. That would convey a mixed message.

What I want to happen is the most epic and life changing kiss of all time, followed by a big wedding and thousands of babies.[/pessimism]

It won't be as easy as that. "The course of true love never did run smooth." quoth The Bard...

[DSL]

But Jeph's hand drawing technique has deteriorated, he forgot to draw nails this time.

Eh, "forgetting a detail" isn't "has deteriorated" until it's a trend. For now I'm going with: "Claire is using the proper waterproof covering for Clinton's hand because: A) He's her little brother and she likes to prank him; B) It leaves no fingerprints and C) she intends to crack the safe in which the Smif library's Victorian Porn (TM) is kept, because that was HER evil plan all along.

[Cochise]

Well, Marten is smart enough to know Claire is attracted, he can be passive but not dumb.
And he is a nice guy, I can't see he going to Claire house only to say "Is better we be just friends". This would be very cruel, and if this are their plans he should be freaking out with fear of hurting Claire.
But, the situation is very complex. Some weeks ago he was overthinking if Emily was attracted for him, because she is a intern, as Claire. I can see he freaking out as the breakfast ends.

[ZoeB]

Claire's blush indicates that she's smitten with Marten. An idea that has been germinating for some time.
Marten's gentle smile shows he really cares for Claire. Also an idea that has been germinating for some time. He's grown up. Husband material now.

If that's not falling in love, it will suffice.

As for Clairemom - accent is on the "mom". That's what she is. A mother. Yes, corny, old-fashioned, but the kind who would do anything for her kids, including going well outside her personal comfort zone. What she's doing now is more traditional and comforting, her unusual daughter has got a boyfriend, and from first impressions, he's rather sweet. A nice boy.

I expect the first kiss to be a tender one, Marten gently kissing Claire on the forehead, then looking deeply into her eyes. The second kiss.. perhaps better offscreen, give them some privacy.

squee

[Cochise]

And if 2806 not have nails, the overall art is just way better than 1191.
Really, en 1191 the anatomy is just wrong and the clothes have no weight.
But we not read this comic because the draw, right? Well, take a look in 150 or 200. No way I read this comic because of the art.

[BenRG]

I'm still hoping that they decide to date formally before making any formal decisions vis a long-term relationship. This is mostly because I'm enough of an old romantic that the idea of Martin taking Claire out on the town and treating her like a woman whose happiness he values would be a wonderful thing to see and I think it is something that would do her the greatest good.

[RaineThing]

My SQUEE cannot be contained!
I made the nose out-loud and am embarrassed now.

[snubnose]

But Jeph's hand drawing technique has deteriorated, he forgot to draw nails this time.

  Uh-hu. "deteriorated" ? Its called artstyle.

I'm fairly sure Jeph still knows about fingernails, and I'm fairly sure they arent that hard to draw if he wanted to draw them.

[GarandMarine]

MFW ClaireXMarten ship teases are going down.

[BenRG]

Besides, imagine what would happen at the library if they hook up? Fast forward about 30 years, and we have a repeat of this scene.

They'd probably become notorious with the students at Smif College. "Oh, It's Mr Reed and Ms Augustus! Yeah, thirty years and they're still acting like teens in love! Just take your insulin shots if you encounter them in a 'honeymoon' mood!"

[mystere9]

BUT GAIZ. WHAT IS STEVE UP TO? THIS IS IMPORTANT GAIZ.

[BenRG]

BUT GAIZ. WHAT IS STEVE UP TO? THIS IS IMPORTANT GAIZ.

I would love to see Cosette's reaction to an army of leprechaun-bots marching in to deliver Steve's reward for saving that marketing bot from a packet of cereal!

[Somnus Eternus]

BUT GAIZ. WHAT IS STEVE UP TO? THIS IS IMPORTANT GAIZ.

Well, it's October, so probably BooBerry.  I hope this helped.

[Border Reiver]

Blushing Claire is going to be my new phone wallpaper... HOW CAN THIS END IN ANYTHING BUT HAPPIES?!?!

I refer you to real life, where there are no guarantees, and to the archives of this and other fine webcomics.

I would like some happies for these characters, but my wishes are no guarantee there will be a happy ending.

[iandanger]

Right, but this isn't real life, it's a quaint alternate reality with talking robots. I stand by my SQUEE

[BenRG]

Right, but this isn't real life, it's a quaint alternate reality with talking robots. I stand by my SQUEE

In fairness, we have no idea what Jeph's long-term plan may be. For all we know, Marten and Claire may choose to remain friends, Dora and Tai may have a bad break-up, leading Dora to go back to Marten; Claire may then resume her underground guerilla war to persuade Hannelore to overcome her fears and date her brother!

Crazy? I'm just pointing out that we have no idea whatsoever where any of this is ultimately going!

FWIW, I have spent a little time puzzling over the sketch of Jeph's poster on his Tumblr account. Basically, it looks like Claire and Marten are standing far too close to be just friends and, no matter how closely I squint, I can't tell if Martin is gesturing or if Claire has hooked her arm through the crook of his elbow. This leads me to conclude that, at least in the medium-term, Marten and Claire are going to be a thing. The fact that Hannelore is apart from the rest of the cast and talking to them indicates to me that she will have a role too, possibly as their crazy neighbour, shades of Phoebe in Friends.

We really need a Questionable Content Kremlinology thread as a home for minute close analysis of art as well as Jeph's Tumblr and Twitter posts for clues as to the future direction of the strip!

[MooskiNet]

On one hand, the analytical side of me recognizes the silliness of trying to extrapolate how the story is going to go based on nuances as small as whether Marten looks particularly relaxed in Claire's presence today. 

On the other hand, I'm looking at my wall, where a print of the 2014 cast hangs (you can buy that here, btw; it's awesome), and there are only two pairs of people that are standing in each other's 'personal space:'  Tai and Dora, and Marten and Claire.  Also (and this is REALLY GOING INTO BLOODY TINFOIL HAT TERRITORY), when I look at that print, I find myself wondering what Claire's other arm is up to.

More than anything else, that print is what makes me think this will (eventually) go well for Marten and Claire.  Mind you, I know how silly that is, but it gets me through to the next strip. 

[MooskiNet]

Holy shit dude.  Jinx.

[valkygrrl]

I find myself wondering what Claire's other arm is up to.

This is Questionable Content, can her hand really be anywhere but on his butt?

[Leveton]

I fall into the camp that if Marten was going to say let's just be friends, 1: he wouldn't have called her right away; 2: he wouldn't have accepted Clairemom's invitation for pancakes; and 3: he would be a lot more awkward than he is right now. I fully expect at least an "I like you and am willing to give it a try if you are" from Marten.

And I hardly care if we get a kiss, as long as there is more playing with Claire's hair and snuggling.

[BenRG]

And I hardly care if we get a kiss, as long as there is more playing with Claire's hair and snuggling.

I, on the other hand, can see a parallel to Marigold walking in on Angus and Faye snuggling on the couch (without the 'staring at the roomie's butt' element). Clinton walks past a snuggling/making out Marten and Claire and, basically, doesn't respond. Into the breakfast nook. "Morning, Mom!" "Morning dear!" First sip of coffee followed by...

SPIT TAKE!!!

[DrBear]

OK, I was fine with what was going on in the comic but now that I'm in the forum I'm confused.

Marten and Claire are going to hold hands and go to a 7-11 in Germany? Wast is dos?

[ankhtahr]

I'm still hoping that they decide to date formally before making any formal decisions vis a long-term relationship. This is mostly because I'm enough of an old romantic that the idea of Martin taking Claire out on the town and treating her like a woman whose happiness he values would be a wonderful thing to see and I think it is something that would do her the greatest good.

I would love a week of them just spending time around town, being adorable.

[iandanger]

OK, I was fine with what was going on in the comic but now that I'm in the forum I'm confused.

Marten and Claire are going to hold hands and go to a 7-11 in Germany? Wast is dos?

But not after 9 and not on Sunday, because of a combo of worker protection laws and religious traditions

[ankhtahr]

OK, I was fine with what was going on in the comic but now that I'm in the forum I'm confused.

Marten and Claire are going to hold hands and go to a 7-11 in Germany? Wast is dos?

But not after 9 and not on Sunday, because of a combo of worker protection laws and religious traditions

Nonono, you got that wrong. The religious tradition is that they aren't allowed to dance on Good Friday.

[Method of Madness]

So if someone is walking down the street on Good Friday and gets a tune in their head and starts dancing a little, do they get a fine or something?

[Honkytonk]

This needs Kevin Bacon.

[Carl-E]

OK, I was fine with what was going on in the comic but now that I'm in the forum I'm confused.

Marten and Claire are going to hold hands and go to a 7-11 in Germany? Wast is dos?

But not after 9 and not on Sunday, because of a combo of worker protection laws and religious traditions

Ok, most threads just get derailed.  This one split into two parallel tracks tht have merged back together with this post. 

Firs sighting of a thread siding, y'all. 

[Aquaisces]

Also I'm not saying this as a mod because it's not against policy, but holy shit I hate that small text gag so much. Just use a spoiler tag, the joke still works and is much less obnoxious.

Can we make it aginst policy?  Pretty please?

[pwhodges]

More effective would be to simply force a minimum text size.  There's currently no facility to do this, but I'm already investigating this possibility of creating one.

[jwhouk]

Marten may be a cool, collected customer for once in his life (and frankly his extreme zen is starting to damage my own calm), but I can see Claire possibly pulling away and/or freakin' out.  Stupid anxiety.

In re: "Cool, calm, collected Marten", I submit the following: The Talk, Part 10

Marten was incredibly cool about the whole thing. And, by the way, this was where the comic completely turned.

[ankhtahr]

So if someone is walking down the street on Good Friday and gets a tune in their head and starts dancing a little, do they get a fine or something?

Well, from what I know it's only applicable to events, which also includes clubs, bars, etc. But then you can be fined with up to 1500€. It's probably only given to the person who organised it though.

[Zebediah]

We really need a Questionable Content Kremlinology thread as a home for minute close analysis of art as well as Jeph's Tumblr and Twitter posts for clues as to the future direction of the strip!

Dude, we have one of those literally every single week. We call it the "Weekly Comic Discussion Thread". 

[hedgie]

So if someone is walking down the street on Good Friday and gets a tune in their head and starts dancing a little, do they get a fine or something?

Well, from what I know it's only applicable to events, which also includes clubs, bars, etc. But then you can be fined with up to 1500€. It's probably only given to the person who organised it though.

Is that country-wide, or only in some states?  And I must say, gawds, I wouldn't want someone else's religion to *EVER* dictate what I can or cannot do unless it harmed another.

[FunkyTuba]

Attention: The following Anti Squee Statement has been spoilered for your protection.

Do not look at if you don't want your squee mellow harshed.
You Have Been Warned.

(click to show/hide)

He has taken her hand in what looks like a handshake.

You know who you shake hands with?

A friend.

[Method of Madness]

Hedgie - Seriously. I can understand the Sunday thing, because even if it's based in religion, it has other reasons for existing (well, not the choice of day, but one day a week where nobody can/has to work). Of course that only makes sense if living wages are standard, which isn't the case in the States.

The Good Friday thing is inexcusable, though.

Tuba - That's not a handshake. Also...who handshakes a friend?

[FunkyTuba]

Duderino! you spoiled my spoiler!

[iandanger]

Marten may be a cool, collected customer for once in his life (and frankly his extreme zen is starting to damage my own calm), but I can see Claire possibly pulling away and/or freakin' out.  Stupid anxiety.

In re: "Cool, calm, collected Marten", I submit the following: The Talk, Part 10

Marten was incredibly cool about the whole thing. And, by the way, this was where the comic completely turned.

http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=511

Weirdly the next strip features post big moment reheated frozen breakfast food.  THE CONVERGENCE HAS BEGUN.