Topic: WCDT 2927-2931 (30 March to 3 April 2015) (Read 73814 times)

St.Clair · « **Reply #50 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 02:54 »

Quote from: mustang6172 on 29 Mar 2015, 21:13

Be this our dance of booty?

Wouldn't that require either Claire or Marten to actually have some?
("Booty", that is.)

bhtooefr · « **Reply #51 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 02:58 »

It's not like Dora has all that much either, and she and Marten had booty dances in comic.

Zebediah · « **Reply #52 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 04:08 »

Quote from: BenRG on 30 Mar 2015, 01:20

What I Want for Tomorrow:
Hannelore sticks her head into the apartment (as is her wont), sees Claire dancing and joins in. We then have five panels of Claire and Hanners dancing in perfect synch before they stop and stare 'out' of the panel. In the last panel we see what they're staring at: a happy Marten and a freaked out Faye.

No, last panel is all of them staring in confusion and horror at Marten's attempt to dance.

cabbagehut · « **Reply #53 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 04:55 »

I have to admit that I'm not a Claire fan. I tend not to like (not dislike or hate, just not actively like) whichever character is an author's favorite, because I feel like it shows in the writing, and it feels like when you're watching a friend's favorite movie with them and they're sitting there, waiting for you to love it, too.

I also am not big on "cute" in characters, because it usually doesn't work for me. I'm not really sure why.

SubaruStephen · « **Reply #54 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 04:56 »

Quote from: snubnose on 30 Mar 2015, 01:25

Dork girlfriends are awesome and highly searched for !

Quote from: rfrank dodelijk on 30 Mar 2015, 01:33

yeah that's what dork girls want you to think.

That's because it's true!

Bologna · « **Reply #55 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 06:10 »

So I hate to be that one person, but am I the only one to find Claire's reaction insensitive? Self-centered? Immature?

I mean, it's not the rudest thing in the world, but it's far from what I'd call cute.

bhtooefr · « **Reply #56 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 06:12 »

Self-centered is really a good way to put that reaction of hers, to be honest, and it did rub me a bit the wrong way. Claire, this is Faye's problem, not yours.

Marten really is quite happy with Claire, though.

BenRG · « **Reply #57 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 06:15 »

I don't think that "self-centred" is quite correct. The real issue here is "insecure" and uncertain of her own worth. The fact that she's actually helped someone, that she's impacted positively upon someone's life, is a huge thing for Claire. It really says volumes about her hopes, dreams and aspirations that helping someone is a cause for joy.

So, yeah, Claire is reacting more about what this moment means for her than what it means for Faye and that is a bit selfish but, if I'm right about her self-esteem issues, understandable.

Just another nail in the coffin of the arguments of those who insist that the character is a one-dimensional Mary Sue.

K1dmor · « **Reply #58 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 06:44 »

swapna · « **Reply #59 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 07:05 »

I like Marten's proud, absolutely pleased with himself and the world-face. It kinda makes the comic!
Although... Marten feels a lot older than her in this comic (he's probably 2-3 years older, but it seems like way more)

Neko_Ali · « **Reply #60 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 07:28 »

Quote from: rfrank dodelijk on 30 Mar 2015, 01:33

yeah that's what dork girls want you to think.

Yes, yes we do. Why do you think we invented the word 'Adorkable'

osaka · « **Reply #61 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 07:35 »

Marten's expression and tee remind me a lot of Mr. Perfect AKA Dave.

~~rfrank dodelijk~~ · « **Reply #62 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 08:50 »

Quote from: Bologna on 30 Mar 2015, 06:10

So I hate to be that one person, but am I the only one to find Claire's reaction insensitive? Self-centered? Immature?

I mean, it's not the rudest thing in the world, but it's far from what I'd call cute.

the character claire is always those things, it's the way she's written. today those character traits have provided a laugh.
more insensitive, self-centered, immature and funny claire please.
also I want strips with claire but no marten.

Bologna · « **Reply #63 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 09:40 »

Agree to disagree. I have some embarrassment-by-association cringe reaction to all this.

Rghfrgl · « **Reply #64 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 11:51 »

Definitely self centered, but she means well. She was the punchline of the strip and I'd say she deserved that, but I don't think any more than that. My pitchfork remains in the barn.

And that was still adorable.

Is it cold in here? · « **Reply #65 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 11:53 »

Quote from: Bologna on 30 Mar 2015, 06:10

So I hate to be that one person, but am I the only one to find Claire's reaction insensitive? Self-centered? Immature?

I mean, it's not the rudest thing in the world, but it's far from what I'd call cute.

Insensitive, self-centered, immature, and cute can go together. Think of puppies or kittens.

wlewisiii · « **Reply #66 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 12:18 »

Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 30 Mar 2015, 11:53

Quote from: Bologna on 30 Mar 2015, 06:10
So I hate to be that one person, but am I the only one to find Claire's reaction insensitive? Self-centered? Immature?

I mean, it's not the rudest thing in the world, but it's far from what I'd call cute.

Insensitive, self-centered, immature, and cute can go together. Think of puppies or kittens.

You can't grow if you don't go through your moments like this. She's equal parts of 2891 & this strip on her way to becoming what she can be.

HiFranc · « **Reply #67 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 13:50 »

Having read the discussion here I examined how I felt about today's strip and came to the conclusion that it was cute:

Faye's not taken offence at Claire's response.
The fact that Claire "zipped" up shows how anxious she was about the advice she gave.
Marten's reply shows that he knows what he's getting in to. That bodes well for their relationship.

{edit} Thinking about it, the discussion reminded me of something that happened to me IRL:

I was the second in a queue. The person in front of me was being rude to the person behind the counter. I started getting angry on the employee's behalf. When it was my turn to be served the first thing the person behind the counter said was, "Don't worry, he's a co-worker and a friend."

Similarly, on deciding whether what she did was rude or cute, I'll follow Faye and Marten's lead.

Kugai · « **Reply #68 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 15:14 »

Quote from: K1dmor on 30 Mar 2015, 06:44

There should be music with that.

Rghfrgl · « **Reply #69 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 15:36 »

A song about vikings farming?

SubaruStephen · « **Reply #70 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 16:27 »

Quote from: Kugai on 30 Mar 2015, 15:14

Quote from: K1dmor on 30 Mar 2015, 06:44

There should be music with that.

HOLY s{bleep}, I have my headphones on, listening to Wolfmothers "Woman" when I scrolled down to that gif

Sometimes, life is instantly awesome.

TRVA123 · « **Reply #71 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 17:42 »

THIS This is the Claire that I was introduced to so long ago. It's good to have her back!

Natswash · « **Reply #72 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 19:59 »

Quote from: Kugai on 30 Mar 2015, 15:14

Quote from: K1dmor on 30 Mar 2015, 06:44

There should be music with that.

Something light in 2/4 time?

Gladstone · « **Reply #73 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 20:26 »

Quote from: BenRG on 29 Mar 2015, 23:28

Fitting into the group and interacting positively is something that she really wants to do but made her nervous and insecure. Tai's party is an obvious next learning step.

Are we sure this party is actually happening, though? Seemed like the "Carnal Playground" flyer was just Tai teasing Claire for being so serious about the library.

Consilium · « **Reply #74 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 21:35 »

follow up comic to yesterdays joke. laughed a bit for many reasons, not least of which is the genital humor

MrNumbers · « **Reply #75 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 21:38 »

To be fair, she does pose a very good question.

Why would you start with the dick? Isn't it typically good form to start with something load-bearing?

... Ooooooooooooh

Gladstone · « **Reply #76 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 21:40 »

Old Punning Claire would've (well, might've) made a "penetrating question" joke; New Punless Claire lets Jeph do it in the title.

You could say she pun-ted on it.

SubaruStephen · « **Reply #77 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 21:40 »

Even though Marten is off screen, I can tell he's got the same expression as he did in yesterday's comic.

Aziraphale · « **Reply #78 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 21:40 »

Meantime, Pintsize is off-frame humming "Stainless Steel Providers."

Wildroses · « **Reply #79 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 21:45 »

Honestly, if no characters in QC ever engaged in behaviour which could potentially be considered intentionally or unintentionally offensive by some, nobody would read this comic because there would be no drama or comedy.

Dark Matter · « **Reply #80 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 21:54 »

My question is, what installation is Faye planning that requires a metal dick? And will we ever get to see it in its full glory?

Rghfrgl · « **Reply #81 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 21:58 »

I bet nobody gave Michelangelo shit for this.

The sculptor that is. I bet the turtles were all about the dick jokes off panel.

~~valkygrrl~~ · « **Reply #82 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 21:59 »

Quote from: Rghfrgl on 30 Mar 2015, 21:58

I bet nobody gave Michelangelo shit for this.

The sculptor that is. I bet the turtles were all about the dick jokes off panel.

No, the sculptor was also all about dick off panel.

ZoeB · « **Reply #83 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 21:59 »

Quote from: BenRG on 30 Mar 2015, 06:15

I don't think that "self-centred" is quite correct. The real issue here is "insecure" and uncertain of her own worth. The fact that she's actually helped someone, that she's impacted positively upon someone's life, is a huge thing for Claire. It really says volumes about her hopes, dreams and aspirations that helping someone is a cause for joy.

So, yeah, Claire is reacting more about what this moment means for her than what it means for Faye and that is a bit selfish but, if I'm right about her self-esteem issues, understandable.

+1 Insightful. Not so much "selfish" as "self-centred", "egotistical". A defence mechanism. Claire needs to think well of Claire, even if no-one else does.

That means she has to be the kind of gal who helps others, who gets real joy from it. It's her ambition in life to be that kind of person, so when she gets proof that she's made a difference - real proof, it can't just be superficial - of course she does the happy dance. Of course she seeks that evidence too, thirsts for it in a way few could understand. And of course she tries to help even more next time.

She knows she's doing it not for Altruistic reasons, but "selfish" ones if you like. But she figures that as long as others are helped, what does that matter? They're more important than she is (see self-worth issues). She may even realise that about herself, and see it as making what would usually be a liability into an asset.

As do I. Yes, I'm a dork too.

Incredible Kudos to Jeph for people watching and psychological insight.

Kugai · « **Reply #84 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 22:28 »

Just what Faye needs

Someone taking her outside her Comfort Zone

And I 'Saw' the grin on Martens comment as well.

jheartney · « **Reply #85 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 22:36 »

Probably not the way to get on Faye's good side. In the old days Claire might have bought herself a fist in the face with these remarks. Seriously, she's being a dick about this.

Rghfrgl · « **Reply #86 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 22:52 »

Claire's kinda setting herself up for a comeback that'd probably crush her. She's probably got some shit from people in the past so maybe she's tougher than I'm giving her credit for, but she seems like the type of person who'd be devastated if Faye said something crude right now.

I don't think Jeph actually writes that of course. Just aggressive dick jokes seem like a really bad idea unless she's got a thicker skin than she lets on.

BenRG · « **Reply #87 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 23:20 »

*Reads strip title* Groan. Yes, very funny, Jeph!

It is a good question, one that, from panel 3, I think that Faye doesn't want to answer or, possibly, had never asked herself. I'm guessing that either Faye has always been a little lonely or she has a perfect male figure in mind and the phallic dimensions were the first part she perfected.

So, yeah, lonely.

Yes, we've all known that Claire is a smartass with a slight but noticeable mean streak. I'm guessing that Faye forgot the beer can incident or maybe she didn't realise that it wasn't a one-off. It will be interesting to see how the Claire-Faye dynamic now evolves as they become more aware of eachother's quirks. I, personally, think that Faye will be pleased with the challenge.

Meanwhile, Pintsize is still in his happy place. This really is his fondest dream come true, isn't it?

"Dude! Your girlfriend is a smartass!"

"I know!"

Somehow, that exchange says so much! I could spend paragraphs on it! Suffice to say that Marten wants a dorky smartass for a girlfriend!

osaka · « **Reply #88 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 23:41 »

Last I knew, Faye was building a Bonercat espresso machine. That could also explain the dick.

Or maybe something I said not too long ago about bronze replicas.

jheartney · « **Reply #89 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 23:45 »

Having been through art school, I can tell you it's trivially easy to infer embarrassing things from artistic choices, particularly the early ones before the piece takes shape. It's not particularly clever or funny or insightful, though. WRT Claire, I'll just say glass houses, kid. You might not like where this goes if you keep pushing it.

anahata · « **Reply #90 on:** 30 Mar 2015, 23:56 »

Maybe the sculpture installation is going to be lots of dicks and this is the first, or a prototype. I'm having a flashback to the "arms race" visual gag in a much earlier comic.

Also, it doesn't matter what Claire says - as long as she's taking an interest in something worthwhile that Faye is doing and not asking her about her drink problem, this is taking the conversation (and Faye's self-image) in a good direction.

Tova · « **Reply #91 on:** 31 Mar 2015, 00:03 »

Heaven forbid that anyone hand Faye of all people a bit of light-hearted snark.

Quote from: jheartney on 30 Mar 2015, 23:45

WRT Claire, I'll just say glass houses, kid. You might not like where this goes if you keep pushing it.

I would love to hear you spell out what you mean by this. I suspect that not everyone else would, though.

BenRG · « **Reply #92 on:** 31 Mar 2015, 00:15 »

Quote from: Tova on 31 Mar 2015, 00:03

Heaven forbid that anyone hand Faye of all people a bit of light-hearted snark.

It's long been a characteristic of Faye that she can't take as well as she dishes out. I suspect that Claire is going to be a vector for Jeph to address more Faye character growth.

EDIT
Okay, I've been thinking about this and I know how I think this week into next week is going to progress. Mods, if I've overstepped the mark, PM me and I'll remove this edit. I'll be on-line off-and-on all day.

PANEL 1: Claire is leaning back, looking smug whilst Faye is looking a bit defensive.
CLAIRE: "Seriously, though. Why dicks? Is this sculpture gonna be an erotic nude or something?"
PANEL 2 (half-height): Close up on FAYE's face, looking serious and a bit like she's giving a lecture.
FAYE: "It's one of several that I'm casting. They'll be mounted around a throne to symbolise how, in the modern patriarchal society, male privilege is inextricably linked to sexual identity."
PANEL 3 (half-height): FAYE still in exposition mode, maybe touching her chest or gesturing for emphasis.
FAYE: "It's going to be a challenging piece. I call it: 'Game of Boners'."
PANEL 4 (half-height): CLAIRE'S face, staring, wide-eyed.
PANEL 5 (half-height): CLAIRE is now talking with a big smile.
CLAIRE: "So, it's basically a chair with hundreds of cast metal dicks welded all around it like an ornamental frame and backdrop?"
FAYE: (off panel) "YES...! NO!"
PANEL 6: CLAIRE is leaning forwards making a Claireface (tm), whilst FAYE is leaning back defensively, shouting over her shoulder and looking very angry.
CLAIRE: "'Cause if it is, I'd pay to see it... and the faces of everyone else in the gallery!"
FAYE: "DUDE! Your girlfriend has a sick sense of humour!"
MARTEN: (off panel) "I know!"

Basically, Thursday is an only-semi angry argument with Claire and Faye exchanging biting quips but ends with Claire basically outing herself to Faye. It ends with Faye bursting into the kitchen whilst Marten is trying to detach Pintsize's 'attachment'. "Dude, your girlfriend is a trans!"

The last panel is Faye's shocked expression as Marten replies "I know!" from off panel.

Friday would be either a filler or an inconclusive conversation between Marten and Faye whilst Claire, looking frightened and defensive, is cuddled up by Marten, knees drawn to her chest and sort of hiding behind him.

Next week would then be actually more Faye-based in which we learn something about her childhood (her mother's family is rather bigoted and she's always tried to escape that). Suggested quote: "Every objection I can think of to you being with Marty I hear in my Aunt's voice. If that bigoted witch is the best I can come up with, then I don't have any objections that I respect.". She and Claire would end up declaring a cease-fire but it is clear that the two of them are going to be needling each other from now on (they enjoy it too much).

~~rfrank dodelijk~~ · « **Reply #93 on:** 31 Mar 2015, 02:49 »

Quote from: BenRG on 31 Mar 2015, 00:15

Quote from: Tova on 31 Mar 2015, 00:03
Heaven forbid that anyone hand Faye of all people a bit of light-hearted snark.

It's long been a characteristic of Faye that she can't take as well as she dishes out. I suspect that Claire is going to be a vector for Jeph to address more Faye character growth.

EDIT
Okay, I've been thinking about this and I know how I think this week into next week is going to progress. Mods, if I've overstepped the mark, PM me and I'll remove this edit. I'll be on-line off-and-on all day.

PANEL 1: Claire is leaning back, looking smug whilst Faye is looking a bit defensive.
CLAIRE: "Seriously, though. Why dicks? Is this sculpture gonna be an erotic nude or something?"
PANEL 2 (half-height): Close up on FAYE's face, looking serious and a bit like she's giving a lecture.
FAYE: "It's one of several that I'm casting. They'll be mounted around a throne to symbolise how, in the modern patriarchal society, male privilege is inextricably linked to sexual identity."
PANEL 3 (half-height): FAYE still in exposition mode, maybe touching her chest or gesturing for emphasis.
FAYE: "It's going to be a challenging piece. I call it: 'Game of Boners'."
PANEL 4 (half-height): CLAIRE'S face, staring, wide-eyed.
PANEL 5 (half-height): CLAIRE is now talking with a big smile.
CLAIRE: "So, it's basically a chair with hundreds of cast metal dicks welded all around it like an ornamental frame and backdrop?"
FAYE: (off panel) "YES...! NO!"
PANEL 6: CLAIRE is leaning forwards making a Claireface (tm), whilst FAYE is leaning back defensively, shouting over her shoulder and looking very angry.
CLAIRE: "'Cause if it is, I'd pay to see it... and the faces of everyone else in the gallery!"
FAYE: "DUDE! Your girlfriend has a sick sense of humour!"
MARTEN: (off panel) "I know!"

Basically, Thursday is an only-semi angry argument with Claire and Faye exchanging biting quips but ends with Claire basically outing herself to Faye. It ends with Faye bursting into the kitchen whilst Marten is trying to detach Pintsize's 'attachment'. "Dude, your girlfriend is a trans!"

The last panel is Faye's shocked expression as Marten replies "I know!" from off panel.

Friday would be either a filler or an inconclusive conversation between Marten and Faye whilst Claire, looking frightened and defensive, is cuddled up by Marten, knees drawn to her chest and sort of hiding behind him.

Next week would then be actually more Faye-based in which we learn something about her childhood (her mother's family is rather bigoted and she's always tried to escape that). Suggested quote: "Every objection I can think of to you being with Marty I hear in my Aunt's voice. If that bigoted witch is the best I can come up with, then I don't have any objections that I respect.". She and Claire would end up declaring a cease-fire but it is clear that the two of them are going to be needling each other from now on (they enjoy it too much).

nah.
today's strip is a belter though.

bhtooefr · « **Reply #94 on:** 31 Mar 2015, 02:51 »

Quote from: BenRG on 31 Mar 2015, 00:15

It's long been a characteristic of Faye that she can't take as well as she dishes out. I suspect that Claire is going to be a vector for Jeph to address more Faye character growth.

On the flip side, Claire can't either.

This might actually be good for both Claire and Faye, they'll both learn to not dish as much out, or they'll both learn to take it.

TRVA123 · « **Reply #95 on:** 31 Mar 2015, 04:58 »

Yay snarky Claire! oh, this is going from snarky to mean... ah well, at least it is in character!

However, Is it just me, or are we still being hammered into the point that CLAIRE IS MARTENS GIRLFRIEND!! Did you hear? Marten has a girlfriend and her name is Claire! Marten's girlfriend is a dork! Marten's girlfriend is a smartass! Marten is dating a dorky smartass named Claire!

BenRG · « **Reply #96 on:** 31 Mar 2015, 05:05 »

Quote from: TRVA123 on 31 Mar 2015, 04:58

However, Is it just me, or are we still being hammered into the point that CLAIRE IS MARTENS GIRLFRIEND!! Did you hear? Marten has a girlfriend and her name is Claire! Marten's girlfriend is a dork! Marten's girlfriend is a smartass! Marten is dating a dorky smartass named Claire!

Yeah... it's just you. It's a pattern joke, that's all: "Dude your girlfriend is..." with Marten answering (in his usual easy-going way) "I know!" and the thing Claire 'is', according to Faye, likely escalating every day.

TieDyeKat · « **Reply #97 on:** 31 Mar 2015, 05:08 »

Okay, this may be a bit of a derail, but how much does Pintsize weigh? Marten appears to be one-handing him here. If he has a metal phallus on his head, he probably weighs more (unless that's aircraft aluminum).

Gladstone · « **Reply #98 on:** 31 Mar 2015, 05:13 »

Quote from: BenRG on 31 Mar 2015, 00:15

Basically, Thursday is an only-semi angry argument with Claire and Faye exchanging biting quips but ends with Claire basically outing herself to Faye. It ends with Faye bursting into the kitchen whilst Marten is trying to detach Pintsize's 'attachment'. "Dude, your girlfriend is a trans!"

The last panel is Faye's shocked expression as Marten replies "I know!" from off panel.

Can't see Jeph going there. And I really can't see Faye reacting to the news about Claire (if she ever finds out) with anything more than a casual shrug. Hey, as long as Marty's cool with it, that's fine by her.

bhtooefr · « **Reply #99 on:** 31 Mar 2015, 05:22 »

Pintsize probably weighs somewhere in the ballpark of 10 lbs, I'd guess. Think heavy laptop.

As far as Faye's modifications, depends if they're hollow or not, and I'd guess that they are. I'd guess that Faye's metal sculpture skills are more oriented towards forming sheet metal and welding it together, than machining something down to shape.

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Poll

In the aftermath of the meeting...

Author Topic: WCDT 2927-2931 (30 March to 3 April 2015) (Read 73814 times)